Van Dyck Law - Q4 2021

Van Dyck Law - Q4 2021

VanDyckLaw

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QUARTER 4 2021

MISSING THE TREES FOR THE FOREST AT THE GRAND CANYON ‘It’s Just a Big Hole in the Ground!’

Did you know that October is the best time of year to visit a national park? For years, decades even, my husband and I have had it on our bucket list to travel out west and see some of our country’s most well-known national parks. That’s not easy to do, though, since I would have to take a good chunk of time off from work in order to make it work. Fortunately, I have some fond memories from visiting one of our most famous national parks already — albeit from the year 1993! That year, one of my best friends was getting married in Arizona. We had a few days before the wedding where we had nothing planned, so we decided to visit the Grand Canyon. On the way there, we passed through Monument Valley, which was amazing, and after that, we made our way farther west to the country’s largest canyon. Now, the Grand Canyon has this sort of mythical reputation, right? Anyone who sees it is just supposed to be mesmerized beyond belief. I had seen pictures of it, of course, but I was ready to exclaim to everyone after seeing the real thing that mere photos did not do it justice. Basically, I need you to understand that I had hyped up seeing “On our 8 hour hike to the river and back to the rim, I marveled at the rock formations and the plant life that made up that big hole in the ground. It took me seeing the individual elements that made up the canyon to truly consider its grandeur.”

the Grand Canyon to unsustainable levels — and it all came crashing down when we finally arrived.

I realize I’m an extreme outlier in how I reacted to seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time, but I’m not lying when I tell you I was actually disappointed. I turned to my husband (then my boyfriend) and exclaimed, “It’s just a big hole in the ground!” Crazy, right? Well, luckily the story doesn’t end there. We found a hotel room for the night (which we later learned is basically impossible right next to the canyon on such short notice), and got up early the next morning to hike down into the canyon. It was on that hike that I finally began to appreciate the Grand Canyon for what it is. On our 8 hour hike to the river and back to the rim, I marveled at the rock formations and the plant life that made up that big hole in the ground. It took me seeing the individual elements of the canyon to truly consider its grandeur. You know how sometimes you miss the forest for the trees? Well, I think that was a rare case of missing the trees for the forest. While at first glance, the Grand Canyon as a whole didn’t seem so spectacular, it became so when I took the time to look at the intricate details. Sometimes, seeing the work that goes into creating something is the only way to really appreciate the final product. I don’t know when I’ll ever get to visit another national park, but I hope next time I can remember not just to take in the big picture, but to also explore all the different parts that make our national parks such enchanting wild places. -Fiona Van Dyck

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Thought Back on Track

SELF-HELP BOOKS CAN’T DO IT ALL How Reading Fiction Can Benefit You

LESS STRESS AND BETTER SLEEP When we read fiction specifically, we tend to disengage from the world — and that’s a good thing! Our brains can’t always be functioning at their peak capacity. We need breaks, or else we’ll stress ourselves out and negatively affect other areas of our lives. Stress tends to keep us from sound sleep, but reading fiction before bed engages the imagination, taking us away from the stresses of everyday life before we drift off. MORE COMFORT WITH UNCERTAINTY Even though many stories (particularly those portrayed in popular movies) have nice happy endings, most people would agree that life sometimes leaves things a little more open-ended. While this fact might stress out some people, researchers have discovered that fiction readers don’t need “cognitive closure” as much as nonfiction readers.

Many CEOs and other successful individuals continually espouse the benefits of regular reading. Many times, leaders read self-help books to improve their leadership skills and become more successful. This is all well and good, but even the most successful people in the world could be missing out on the unique benefits that come specifically from reading fiction. But what are those benefits exactly?

GREATER EMPATHY When a psychologist analyzed 86

GREATER HAPPINESS Even if none of the benefits of fiction interest you, everyone wants to find ways to make themselves happy — and for many, that is reading fiction. According to one survey, 76% of participants said that reading makes them feel good and improves their lives. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that novel you’ve been meaning to read and crack it open!

functioning MRI (fMRI) studies, he found that the same parts of the brain that fire up when reading fictional stories also fire up when we’re seeking to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. That’s because when the characters in the book we’re reading are thinking or feeling a certain way, we tend to think or feel that way with them.

Upcoming Events at the Education Center

GET INFORMED

When the Education Center at Van Dyck Law first opened, we created a vision that this center would be the one-stop resource where people could receive materials and information about services and support related to dementia. We have some valuable, informative events coming up soon that you don’t want to miss. All programs take place at the Education Center at Van Dyck Law (located at 707 State Road, Suite 102, in Princeton) from 10–11 a.m. These events are open to all members of the community, clients, and professionals unless otherwise noted. HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION — TIME TO TAKE THE KEYS AWAY When: Wednesday, Oct. 13 Did you know that a person over the age of 70 who is involved in a car accident is more likely to be seriously injured, require hospitalization, or die than a younger person who is involved

in the same crash? This program will discuss the signs that it may be time to take the keys away from a loved one — while also sharing ways to have that conversation. HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION — MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN BEFORE THE CRISIS When: Wednesday, Nov. 10 It’s always smart to have a plan before disaster strikes. This program will take an in-depth look at how to get all of your ducks in a row before it is too late. Conversations about this are never easy, but this program will help you learn how to open the door to the conversation and proceed through the process. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA CARE SEMINAR When: Thursday, Oct. 14, Thursday, Nov. 18 This seminar is required for health care workers who want to obtain their Certified Dementia Practitioner Designation.

Attendance will count as CE hours for social workers, certified case managers, nurses, CALA, LNHA, and ADC. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Reach out to our director of life care resources at [email protected] for more information. HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION — AGING IN PLACE AT HOME VS. LONG-TERM CARE When: Wednesday, Dec. 8 If you’ve been wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of aging in place at home versus at long-term care

facilities, this is the program for you. In addition to looking at the advantages and disadvantages, this program will also help you learn how to begin this conversation with a loved one.

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Don’t Let the Heat Beat You

5 Steps to Prepare for Alzheimer’s Disease

RESEARCH LONG-TERM CARE This is another thing that is important to do before it is too late. You need to find a facility that will provide safe treatment where you are comfortable leaving your loved one or yourself. It’s also important to try and find a facility that is close to home so your family can visit whenever they want. Don’t stop at internet research either. It’s vital to visit these facilities and get a genuine feel for them. Pay attention to the staff and how patients are treated and cared for. TALK TO YOUR FAMILY It’s important to keep your family in the know. It’s important to discuss with them your wishes and how you want things handled before it is too late. Alzheimer’s can become a family affair, and it’s important that everyone knows their role. MAKE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL DECISIONS EARLY Getting your estate in order is an important task regardless of illness. If you or a loved one begin to show signs of dementia and do not have a trust or will in place, it is urgent that you act fast. Van Dyck Law can help answer any questions you may have about estate planning or caring for the elderly.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common brain disorder in persons over the age of 85. Sometimes it begins with the simplest of missteps like forgetting a name or important date. Before long it snowballs and the person begins to forget sections of their past or simple tasks. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are a few things you can do to prepare in case you or a loved one begins showing symptoms. UNDERSTAND THE RISKS If your parent has, or had, Alzheimer’s disease, you’re at a greater risk for dementia. Age also plays a large role. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, most people with the disease are 65 or older, and the risk of developing it doubles every ensuing five years. WATCH FOR CONFUSION OR PERSONALITY CHANGES Who hasn’t lost their keys or forgotten an appointment at one time or another? If you begin to encounter difficulty with solving problems, completing familiar tasks, losing the ability to retrace steps, or have confusion with different times and places, you should get it checked out.

VAN DYCK LAW EDUCATION CENTER EVENTS IN BRIEF The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar will be held Nov. 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. This event is open to health care professionals only. COMMUNITY EDUCATION TOPICS (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

Inspired by SugarAndSoul.co Slow Cooker Squash, Kale, and Sausage Soup

This healthy, savory soup is the perfect lunch for a cool fall day.

INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 4 Italian chicken sausages, sliced to bite-size pieces • 6 cloves garlic • 1 onion, chopped • 6–7 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed • Salt and pepper, to taste • 4 cups chicken broth • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 3 cups kale, chopped • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring often, then remove from the pot and set aside. 2. Add garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add squash, salt, and pepper. Sauté 8 minutes. 3. In a slow cooker, combine sautéed vegetables, sausage, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook on low heat for 3 hours and 30 minutes. 4. Open the pot and add the kale. Cook another 20 minutes, then add the red wine vinegar and stir to combine. Cook 10 more minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Oct. 3, 10 a.m.: How to Have the Conversation — Time to Take the Keys Away

Nov. 10, 10 a.m.: How to Have the Conversation — Make Your Wishes Known Before the Crisis

Dec. 8, 10 a.m.: How to Have the Conversation — Aging in Place at Home vs. Long-Term Care

For a more detailed summary of these events, see Page 2 of this newsletter!

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707 State Road, Suite 102 Princeton, NJ 08540 VANDYCKFIRM.COM | 609-580-1044 Inside 1 2

Missing the Trees for the Forest at the Grand Canyon

The Unique Benefits of Reading Fiction Upcoming Events at the Education Center

5 Steps to Prepare for Alzheimer’s Disease Slow Cooker Squash, Kale, and Sausage Soup Education Center Events in Brief

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Is Maca Root Good for Your Health?

Why Are People Trying This Popular Supplement? The Root of the Maca Root Craze

The popularity of maca root has exploded in recent years, but many people in the U.S. are still unfamiliar with the supplement and its potential benefits. Whether you’ve heard of maca root before in passing or this is your first time, here’s what you need to know. WHAT IS MACA? Maca is grown in the Andes Mountains in Peru and is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng. Maca has an earthy or even nutty flavor and is a common ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. It’s a cruciferous vegetable — like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower — with an edible root but is most commonly dried and consumed in powder form. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND RISKS? Preliminary research shows a host of potential benefits. For starters, the plant is highly nutritious, providing high levels of vitamin C, copper, iron, and potassium. There are signs that maca can improve energy levels, mood, learning, and memory. Some reports state that maca can reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, as well as reduce blood pressure. There’s even evidence that maca root can block harmful UV rays when applied directly to the skin.

Maca root is considered safe and should not have noticeable side effects with moderate use. However, it has been shown to affect hormone levels, so it’s best to avoid maca if you have thyroid issues or are undergoing any type of hormone treatment. As with any new supplement, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctors before using. HOW DO YOU USE IT? The optimal dose for medicinal use has not been established, but most studies have tested doses ranging from 1.5–5 grams per day. If you want to incorporate maca into your diet, it’s easy to do through smoothies, oatmeals, and baked goods. You can try some today by picking up powdered maca root at health food stores, online retailers, and some supermarkets.

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