Norton Accounting Services, LLC - August 2022

Norton Accounting Services, LLC - August 2022

NortonAccountingServices.com 985-640-6072 [email protected] AUGUST 2022 NORTON NEWSLETTER EASE OF MIND • AVAILABILITY • FLEXIBILITY • INDIVIDUAL APPROACH • EXPERIENCE • TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™

FROM THE DESK OF Bob Norton

A wet cat is a pitiful sight!

Recently, Penny asked me where Charlie (our blind cat) was. I said I didn’t know. Then, she asked me if I let him outside. I responded, “No.” Then I remembered him going outside with me when I was grilling, and said, “Yes!” She opened the back door to the patio and there he was dripping wet! He had apparently decided to take a swim in our pool. One of our neighbors has a new cat that sneaks into our backyard. Charlie can smell him and scouts the territory to chase him out. Apparently, Charlie’s trail led him too close to the pool and he fell in. Usually, when we let him outside, we watch him to make sure he stays away from the pool. The first time he fell into the pool, he had snuck outside and we couldn’t find him. We were looking all around the house to see where he was hiding and calling his name. Then, he comes trotting back across the street from the neighbors soaking wet.

Have you ever walked into a room and forgot why you walked in there? I know the feeling … and especially as we age, mild forgetfulness can cause a little paranoia. We might start asking ourselves frantic questions: “Is my brain faltering in ways it didn’t before? Am I getting too old to learn new skills?” It’s true that cognitive changes occur when we get older. But according to a recent study with more than 700 adults between ages 58 to 98, some brain functions may actually improve with age. Specifically, older adults have a much greater ability to focus their attention. The study suggests that compared to young adults, older adults become better at ignoring distractions while doing a task. Published last year in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, this study also reported that focusing on pertinent information is easier as people reach their mid- to late 70s. Research Shows That Seniors May Be Sharper Than Ever BRAIN FUNCTION CAN IMPROVE WITH AGE

Too bad I didn’t get a picture this time before Penny picked him up to dry him off!

Most importantly, even the oldest adults were no worse at ignoring distractions than the youngest.

What does this mean? For one, your focus is certainly better than ever! Even if you feel like you’re learning slowly, there’s no reason to give up — your brain may be more equipped now to experiment than before. Also, by research standards, your ability to learn is not

–Bob Norton

Continued on Page 2 ...

985-640-6072 • 1

... continued from Cover

necessarily at a speed disadvantage. You may even have an easier time absorbing the most essential knowledge.

puzzle? Studies suggest that novelty rewards the brain, speeds up learning, and helps rekindle romantic relationships.

Other research encourages these findings. It’s been found in the past that brain skills can reach their peak at different ages. One study with over 48,000 people aged 16 to 89 found that social- understanding skills peaked between 45 to 55, while verbal knowledge (vocabulary, ability to explain information, etc.) peaked at 65 and higher. Now you know that your cognitive functions can improve with age, it’s important to regularly challenge your brain to encourage stronger, quicker neural connections. These connections lead to better brain health overall.

Speaking of relationships, connecting with others is a great way to strengthen your brain function! Whether you’re volunteering, taking a class, or attending church, people who are more socially engaged tend to have healthier brains, according to The Brain and Social Connectedness report from the Global Council of Brain Health. Lastly, let’s not forget exercise! While it has all types of benefits for your physical health, proper exercise can maintain regular blood flow to the brain, while reducing the risk for high blood pressure. Increased blood flow means cleaner blood circulating through your body, which means less risk for conditions (such as high

blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease) that are associated with the development of dementia.

A great way to do that is by breaking out of your routine — once in a while, at least! But we’re not talking about the essential routines, such as the simple things that get you out of bed, working out, cleaning your home, and so on. What area of your routine could use an upgrade? For example, if you always do a crossword puzzle, why not try a math

It seems against conventional thinking that our brain could possibly improve with age, but it’s true. No matter how old we get, our brain doesn’t give up. Even now, reading these findings has inspired me to help my brain reach its full potential at every stage of life.

CHANGING THE SCOPE OF EXERCISE Live Longer and Stronger

Your body undergoes a variety of changes over the years, many of which are degenerative and can be debilitating to your health. But exercise can help slow these age-related issues, like heart disease or high blood pressure, and even prevent them in the long run. Here are four ways you can get moving without overexerting yourself. Walking or Jogging Taking a stroll around the neighborhood or a few laps around the park can help build stamina, strengthen lower body muscles, and help fight against bone diseases like osteoporosis. If you want to sweat it out some more, jogging might be a great alternative. But remember to be kind to your joints: Walk at a pace you’re comfortable with, wear supportive shoes, take breaks as needed, and walk on soft surfaces, like tracks or grass. Gardening While gardening doesn’t seem as vigorous as other exercises, it is a hearty physical activity. Digging around in the dirt is actually great for your immune system, and it strengthens your arms, legs/ knees, and balance. Mycobacterium vaccae, which is a bacteria commonly found in gardening soil, can alleviate symptoms of allergies, asthma, and even psoriasis. Cycling Whether it be in a class or outdoors, cycling can be very beneficial for stiff or sore joints. You’re able to get your blood flowing and

build muscles in the front and back of your legs as well as your hips. Your arms are also strengthened due to the resistance of balancing your arms and shoulders to steer. Yoga Holding a series of poses can stretch and strengthen your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It also helps lower heart rate and blood pressure and can even relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. For older adults, a well-rounded workout that consists of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility can help in many ways. Some can even be fun!

2 • NortonAccountingServices.com

Benefits of Powdered Green Tea — And Risks IT’S NICE TO MATCHA

Matcha is an incredibly tasty, high-quality powdered green tea that has swept the food scene across the globe. It flavors popular hot teas, lattes, bubble teas, milkshakes, and even sweet breads and desserts. But is it worth the hype? Let’s find out. What’s matcha, anyway? Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that has a strong and earthy tea flavor. For most teas, you steep the leaves in hot water. However, with matcha, you put the powder directly into water to create a hot, foamy drink. It’s processed from relatively young tea leaves and pairs well with sweet flavors. That’s why you’ll find matcha in sweetened drinks and desserts on most menus. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown. On its own, matcha has no sugar or added ingredients. Two grams of matcha contain about 5 calories, 1 gram protein, 1 gram

carbohydrates, 1 gram dietary fiber, 0.36 milligrams of iron, 1.2 milligrams vitamin C, and 200 international units of vitamin A. The most surprising numbers here are fiber and vitamin A, which are both 4% of your daily value. Importantly, matcha has a high level of antioxidants — specifically, catechins. It’s estimated that matcha may have up to 137 times more catechins than other forms of green tea.

Additionally, matcha has a concentrated amount

of caffeine — with an added bonus, if you’re caffeine wary. Matcha contains a compound called L-theanine, which alters the effects of caffeine to promote alertness and prevents an energy crash after caffeine’s effects wear off.

Avoid the risks. Unfortunately, despite matcha’s

Reap the benefits. Matcha can increase your intake of

exceptional health properties, it’s often used in not-so-healthy drinks and foods. If you consume matcha, avoid adding a lot of sweeteners. Excessive sweetener will cancel out the benefits. So, buy a bag for yourself and stir a small amount into a cup of hot water — you might be surprised how tasty a simple cup of hot matcha with very few additives can be!

antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and even lower your risk of several chronic diseases. Green tea extract is a well- researched ingredient commonly used for weight loss, and matcha may have a similar effect. Green tea’s properties are especially helpful at promoting good liver health.

Take a Break!

Tasty Bruschetta Chicken

Inspired by Delish.com

Ingredients

• 4 boneless and skinless

• 3 tomatoes, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped • Salt and pepper, to taste • 4 slices mozzarella cheese • Parmesan cheese, grated

chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

• 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions

1. Add chicken to a large resealable bag. 2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Turn a grill to medium-high heat and add the chicken. Discard the marinade. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. 4. Combine the remaining lemon juice, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. 5. Before taking the chicken off the grill, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes, then serve topped with the tomato mixture and grated Parmesan cheese.

ADVENTURE DOGS FRIENDSHIP GLADIOLUS

HEAT MARSHMALLOW MOTORCYCLE MUGGY

RELAXATION SANDWICH SWIMMING VACATION

985-640-6072 • 3

THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™

Norton Accounting Services, LLC

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

NortonAccountingServices.com 985-640-6072 [email protected]

1527 Gause Blvd. Ste. 132 Slidell, LA 70458

INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Bob PAGE 1 Your Brain Can Grow Stronger With Age PAGE 1 4 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Work Out PAGE 2 Matcha Health Benefits — And Risks PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Tasty Bruschetta Chicken PAGE 3 This Is the Most Dangerous Sport That Exists PAGE 4

When people think about racing, the first thing that comes to mind is usually NASCAR, the most popular auto racing sport today. But it’s not the first style of racing that took place. NASCAR began in 1948, but rally racing can be traced to 1894. It’s considered one of the most dangerous sports ever. What is rally racing? This motorsport takes place on public or private roads with either modified or specially built cars. Their racing style is unique because although cars are racing against each other, each driver takes turns driving the same track. They compete to have the fastest time along the narrow, curvy, and oftentimes dangerous course. Rally racing drivers are regarded as some of the best drivers in the world because they can control their vehicles at high speed, on straight and curvy roads, and on all types of terrain, pavement, gravel, mud, snow, and ice. Because the cars are going exponentially fast, they need a co-driver to give the driver directions. These co-drivers use code and abbreviations when talking to the driver. For example, the co-driver could say, “Right five over crest, one hundred, caution! Left two.” This may not make sense to us, but to the driver, they understand it as “There is an easy right turn over a crest in the road. Then in 100 yards, the road will turn into a hard left.” THE NEED FOR SPEED What Is Rally Racing?

The sport requires an abundance of trust between the driver and co-driver because they are dependent on one another to complete the race in a fast, but safe, manner. Why is rally racing considered dangerous? Because these cars are often running fast on common roads, there is always a chance of crashes and oversteering. The sport is dangerous for the participants, but the spectators could also be in danger. Most viewers are watching from the side of the road, putting them at risk if the racers make a mistake. There are no protected barriers to keep rally watchers safe from the racing circuits. Rally racing is a popular sport in Europe and is gaining popularity in the United States. If you’re ever curious about what these races look like, search them online. There are tons of videos you can watch that will show you the excitement these races produce for the participants and spectators.

4 • NortonAccountingServices.com

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com