The Millstone Times February 2022

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February 2022

Grant vest Financial Group By Pam Teel

As financial professionals and fiduciaries, the Wealth Management Team at Grantvest Financial Group are committed to helping people create solutions in all aspects of their lives, from financial planning to investment management. Lo- cated in Matawan, NJ, Grantvest Financial Group was founded by Anthony Caputo, a Millstone Township resident, and co-owner Gregory Guenther, of Wall, NJ. Through their professional knowledge, personal integrity, and personalized services, the goal of Anthony and his team is to become your most trusted advisory group; with services that include, retirement planning, insurance planning strategies, investment, college planning resources, Social Security analysis, pension calculations, budgeting, and cash flow strategies. Anthony was born and raised in Staten Island. Anthony lost his dad to cancer at just 48 years old. Anthony was nine- teen and in college at the time. His dad was uninsured, leaving his mother with two sons and a mortgage to pay off, and no IRA / 401K / or retirement plan. His mother, who worked as a special education para at Anthony’s high school, could not fully support her family on her salary.

An thony Caputo, ChFEBC

Anthony’s life changed in the blink of an eye. His father’s dying wish was for him to finish college. In order for Anthony to stay in school, he had to find a part time job so he could help with college expenses. When his friends were out having fun, Anthony was busy working to help pay for his schooling or studying finance. What weighed on Anthony’s mind more than anything was how his mother would turn to him and ask him for financial guidance and advice. At nineteen, what did he know? He felt helpless. He learned the hard way what it means to not have a financial plan set in place. He set out with a goal of trying to learn and understand everything he could about finance, so he could be better prepared in the future when he had his own family. With a lot of hard work, Anthony graduated with a B.A. degree fromHofstra University. He had helped to fulfill his father’s last wishes, and he was ready to start his new career. Because of his past experience, the passion that he had to help others be prepared for life’s lessons always stayed with Anthony. But he had to put that thought on hold for a while. It was about the same time that 9/11 happened, and during that period, it was tough finding a job in finance. During his finance hiatus, Anthony worked on the television show The Bachelor, for season five. He was the associate producer on the New York based season featuring then Bachelor, Charlie O'Connell. Anthony got back into finance in 2005 and began his career in the financial services industry as a Wealth Advisor for the Premiere Banking and Invest- ments division of Bank of America Investments/Merrill Lynch. In 2009, he and partner, Greg Guenther, started their own independent Planning Practice to better serve the needs of his clients. With six professional licenses/designations, Anthony is able to offer personalized investment strategies aimed at servicing, managing, and preserving the wealth of you and your family. Later on, because of Anthony’s business acumen, he was approached by two longtime friends about becoming a strategic partner in a manufacturing start-up. Anthony would help this company launch from prototype making in the garage, to the big stage of ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank, in less than 3 years. Anthony and then partners would be featured on Season 5 where they would strike a deal with their favorite Shark, Lori Greiner. their product, The Paint Brush Cover, can still be found in Home Depot’s Nationwide, amongst many other hardware stores throughout the U.S. They were a big success selling millions of Paint Brush Covers in just a few short years. In 2016, Anthony sold out of his part of the manufacturing business to continue building his Financial Planning practice. Anthony has always had a passion to help others and to be a mentor, both inside and outside of work. He and his wife Julia have been blessed with four children. Anthony is a man of values and tradition, and always makes time for his family. He is a coach for the Millstone Little League, co-head coach for the towns’ 10u tackle football team, along with his brother in law and fellow Millstoner, James Cortopassi. Anthony also sits on the Board of both leagues in town. Anthony was always involved in sports growing up, with his dad right by his side coaching him and teaching him not just how to play the sport, but how to be a team player. He also taught him how to work hard for what you want, and how to strive to be a leader. Looking back, Anthony realized that all the coaching from his dad was not just about how to play the game, but rather how to get by in life. Anthony’s goals, as coach of his children’s sports teams, is to instill in tomorrow’s leaders all the valuable lessons he carries with him today. By working closely with you, Anthony’s team, which consists of co-owner Gregory Guenther, Leo Wong, and Joseph Cammayo, get to know and under- stand your wants and needs and help you identify the personal finance strategies that may improve your lifestyle, both present, and in the future. The team consists of four fiduciary Financial Planners/ in-house institutional bond traders/ 3 operations staff, and one in-house compliance officer-An- thony’s younger brother, Michael. With trust and integrity, and decades of experience in the financial service industry, the team is there to help you to reach your goals. For more information go to: www. Grantvest.com Contact Toll-Free: (877) 651-8949 / Office: 732-970-6661| 106 Main Street, Suite D& E | Matawan, NJ 07747

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IN THIS ISSUE: Family Matters.............................. 8 Pet Pages........................................ 11 Monroe TWP News-As We Age....... 14 Home Improvement....................... 19 Real Estate. ................................... 25 Health and Wellness. .................. 34 Food and Dining. ............................ 41

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February 2022

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A Valentine’s Day Story By Richard Mabey Jr. Loneliness in life is often disguised with a smile, a song in one’s voice, and a happy go lucky attitude. Yet, the truth of the matter is that often times, the people who seem so happy on the outside, are actually very lonely on the inside. One such person, who fit this scenario, comes to mind. Sheila worked as a counter waitress at the old Woolworth’s Five and Dime, just off of The Green in Morristown. She would often hum old hymns, while cleaning off her infamous counter. It was a world of piping hot coffee, cheeseburgers, and soda. And, there really was nothing that could be compared to the counter at Woolworth’s. It wasn’t a diner, it wasn’t a full-fledged restaurant, and it was not a fast-food place. It was the one and only, Woolworth’s counter. And, Sheila was the Queen Bee of the entire operation. Sheila was 64 years old. On the outside, she seemed tough as nails. But, as you got to know her even a little bit, it became apparent that she was a most sensitive soul. I first met Sheila in the winter of 1988. I was 34 years old and had just began working in the Public Relations Department of AT&T on Mount Kemble Avenue. I can’t remember why it was that I first went into the Woolworth’s that fateful day in early January of 1988. Something drew me there. Perhaps it was to walk down Memory Lane, one lunch hour. To go back to a simpler time, when I was a child and my mom and I would go to the Woolworth’s Five and Dime. Mom would always buy me a little toy there. I remember that I ate lunch at the counter, after walking about the store, that strange and bewildering day in early January of 1988. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and a hot cup of tea. The grilled cheese came with a handful of potato chips and a slice of pickle. I remember all so well, that the counter wasn’t all that busy that day. So, I had a chance to talk to Sheila. Small talk. She asked me where I worked. I told her at the AT&T office on Mount Kemble Avenue. When I finished my grilled cheese and took my last sip of hot tea, Sheila simply said to me, “come visit us again, sometime.” I told her I would. Well, whatever it was that first drew me to the Woolworth’s, called me back. Sheila’s kind words of “come visit us again, sometime,” haunted me. So, I found myself returning, time and again, to the infamous Woolworth’s just off The Green in Morristown.

A rare photograph of the Woolworth’s Five and Dime, just off of The Green in Morristown.

A typical counter of a Woolworth’s Five and Dime.

In due time, Sheila shared her story with me. I looked to her as a kindly aunt. Something about Sheila, touched the inner chambers of my heart center. I found it fascinating that this woman who had been granted a bad hand of cards in life, was all so happy and cheerful as she served one person after another, coffee and sandwiches. Sheila lived alone in an apartment. Her husband had passed away when she was in her early forties. She had married a gentleman who was considerably older than her. Her son, her only child, was killed in a car accident when he was in his early twenties. I never asked Sheila questions, I would just simply listen to her stories. At the time, I was blessed to have my columns and articles published in a regional weekly newspaper that was circulated in my hometown of Lincoln Park and surrounding communities. After having had lunch at the Woolworth’s a few times, I felt comfortable to show Sheila my articles. Sheila was a great source of encouragement to me. Her kind words about my writings, meant a great deal to me. Weaving through the tapestry of Sheila’s life story, that she shared with me little by little, was the thread of her dream to retire at 65. Sheila’s birthday was in September, the same month as my birthday. Somewhere along the line, of our friendship that spanned across the Woolworth’s lunch counter, Sheila told me that she was 64 and would be retiring in September. I don’t know what it was. I really have no idea what inspired me. But a few days before Valentine’s Day, I bought a box of candy, with a card for Sheila. To this day, I don’t know what inspired me. It wasn’t that I was looking to date Sheila. But rather I just wanted to bring a bit of sunshine and kindness into Sheila’s life. For she often told me that I reminded her of her late son. In 1988, Valentine’s Day fell on a Sunday. So, I gave Sheila her box of candy and her card on the Friday before Valentine’s Day. It worked out kind of nice, because on Fridays my boss would always let me have a little extra time on my lunch break. However, I do need to note that I earned every minute of that privilege, for I would often eat lunch at my desk, while I was working to meet a tight deadline. Sheila almost cried when I handed her the box of candy and the Valentine’s Day card. She apologized for not getting me anything. It was truly a heart- felt moment. Sheila then told me that she hadn’t gotten a Valentine’s Day gift and card in ages. Then I ate my grilled cheese sandwich, sipped me tea, and wished Sheila a happy weekend. In September of 1988, Sheila did retire from Woolworth’s. I went into the Woolworth’s one time after she retired. It was all too sad, not to see Sheila happily bring the customers their lunches. No longer was there someone working behind the counter, singing the old hymns. A sadness echoed at that lunch counter. I was never to see Sheila again. I didn’t even know the town that she lived in. I never even knew her last name. Sometimes the loneliest person has a big smile on their face. They seem so happy go lucky. They create an illusionary aura that their life is one big bowl of roses. But the truth is that they are crying on the inside. Sometimes we need to take the time to really listen to another person’s story, to really care, to have compassion. For we may well be the only person who has shown them a bit of kindness, in a long, long time. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: A Valentine’s Day Story.

6 The Millstone Times

February 2022

Q: LEADERS IN LEAST INVASIVE PAIN & SPINE PROCEDURES How can Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment Help Shoulder and Knee Pain?

A:

Platelet Rich Plasma erapy also referred to as PRP erapy, is a progressive non-surgical treatment to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, ten- don injuries, and ligament injuries. PRP is part of a group of state-of-the-art treatments collectively referred to as Regenerative Medicine. PRP treats an injured area naturally using your body’s own growth factors to accelerate healing. It has been shown to be safe and e ec- tive for numerous joint and so tissue injuries. It has been extensively researched in numerous medical journals and publications all over the world. Some of the many uses of Platelet Rich Plasma include osteoarthritis (degenera- tive arthritis) of the spine, knee, shoulder, hip, hands, and feet, as well as menis- cus tears, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cu tears. e procedure is simple and is performed in the o ce.  e PRP process begins when a small amount of the patient’s blood is removed from the arm and placed into a special container.  e blood is then placed into a device called a centri- fuge which spins the blood to help the separate the portion of the blood which becomes concentrated with platelets, thereby giving the procedure its name. ese platelets are important because they release growth factors to recruit stem cells and to assist in healing an injured area naturally. Once the PRP is isolated, it is injected to the injured area under the guidance of an ultrasound machine to help accelerate healing and reduce pain.

is healing works on the simple principle that your body is perfectly capable of healing itself. Your blood contains all the essential components that the body produces to repair tissue damage. Each time you have an injury, the platelets in your blood along with growth factors, stem cells, cytokines, and other elements create a sca olding on the site. e damaged tissues use this framework to regenerate and repair.  e entire process takes approximately one hour, and pa- tients are sent home the same day. Patients on average report more than 50% improvement in 6 weeks and up to 100% improvement in 12 weeks. is may eliminate the need for more aggressive and expensive treatment options such as long-term medication or surgery. In a recent study, researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery gave patients with early osteoarthritis an injection of PRP and then monitored them for one year. A er one year of the PRP injection, physicians evaluated the knee cartilage with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While previous studies have shown that patients with osteoarthritis can lose roughly ve percent of knee cartilage per year, the Hospital for Special Surgery investigators found that a large majority of patients in their study had no further cartilage loss. At minimum PRP also prevented further knee deterioration.

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FAMILY MATTERS Five retirement mistakes to avoid Retirement may seem a long way off and far removed from your day-to-day concerns. And yet, this is actually the best time to start planning and saving — that is, when you still have time to accumulate the money you’ll need. Here are some common mistakes that throw people off course in their retirement planning. Knowing these pitfalls should help you steer clear and save more. Mistake #1: Failing to take full advantage of retirement saving plans If your company’s 401(k) or other qualified employer sponsored retirement plan (QRP), including 403(b) and governmental 457(b), offers a company match (meaning that your employer pledges to match your contribution up to a certain percent of your salary), you have an extra incentive. If you neglect to invest enough to receive the full company match, you’re leaving money on the table. If you get a raise, consider increasing your QRP contribution. Mistake #2: Getting out of the market after a downturn When the market takes a big hit, you may be tempted to pull out all the stocks in your retirement portfolio. If you do, you’ll miss the gains if the market turns around. You want to keep a good mix of asset classes in your portfolio: stocks, bonds, and cash. And once a year, you should rebalance to keep your asset allocation on track. Mistake #3: Buying too much of your company’s stock If your employer’s stock shares are an investment choice in your 401(k), you may want to consider keeping your allocation to no more than 10 percent. You’re not being disloyal; even the mightiest of companies — think Enron and WorldCom— can falter. With your salary already tied to your company’s fortunes, you don’t want a sizable part of your retirement savings to be similarly dependent. Mistake #4: Borrowing from your QRP Many QRPs allow you to borrow from your account. Unless you need the money for an emergency, try not to. Borrowing can be an expensive choice, in two ways: • Smaller retirement savings: When you take out a loan you are losing the potential for investment growth and that could leave you with a smaller retirement savings. How much smaller? This depends on a number of factors, including the size of the loan, the repayment period, whether you continue contributions during this period, the earnings on your account, and the loan interest rate. Also, if you stop contributing while you are paying back your loan, you won’t receive any employer matching contributions. • Repayment requirements: If you lose your job or take another one, you’ll have to repay the money quickly, usually within 30 to 60 days. However, if not repaid, the outstanding loan balance is generally subject to income tax and possibly an IRS 10% additional tax for early or pre-59 1/2 distributions. The 2020 Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes provisions providing greater repayment flexibility for certain individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. If these apply to you, you should still consider the potential effects of borrowing from your QRP on your ability to reach your retirement goals. In addition, cashing out of your 401(k) when you move to a new employer might be costly as well. Know your distribution options when changing jobs. Mistake #5: Underestimating the cost and length of retirement Some crucial factors to take into account: • Longevity: If you retire around age 65, you could spend a quarter century or more in retirement. Many advisors now urge clients to save enough to last 25 to 30 years. • Inflation and taxes: Even with relatively mild inflation over the past 25 years, the cost of living has more than doubled. Also consider what taxes you’ll be paying on the money you distribute from your retirement account. • Health care: Even with Medicare, you could have expenses for supplemental insurance, some prescription drugs, and nursing home care. • Lifestyle sticker shock: People in retirement generally need at least 80 percent of their pre-retirement income. If you are looking for a financial advisor who can help guide you through every stage of life, please contact our office for a free consultation with no pressure. A financial advisor can help you set financial goals, so you feel confident that your future plans are achievable. If you’re not on track to achieving your goals, we can help you put the right strategies in place or set more realistic goals.

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This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Ricardo G. Rivers, MBA First Vice President – Investment Officer in Princeton at 609-897-8917. Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. CAR-1221-04547 ©2021 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

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February 2022 Investment and Insurance Products: • NOT FDIC Insured • NO Bank Guarantee • MAY

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registere © 2020 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0720-03330

FAMILY MATTERS

Slip and fall accidents By John Bazzurro

As the weather turns bad, many store owners and landowners begin to ask what their responsibility is with respect to clearing ice and snow from their walkways, parking lots and sidewalks. Similarly, people begin asking whether they have a viable personal injury case where they have sustained an injury after slipping and falling on an ice and snow condition. Typically, landowners (whether they be a homeowner, shopping center owner, parking lot owner, mall owner or storeowner) have a duty to make their land or premises safe for the general public and individuals that they invite on their land. Under general landowner liability principles, a landownermust take reasonable steps to protect people coming onto their property from being injured as a result of a slippery condition caused by ice or snow. This generally includes snow removal and salting or sanding to prevent slippery conditions from existing. However, the law only requires landowners to do what is reasonable under the circumstances to clear the ice and snow. With respect to the existence of ice and snow on property that causes someone to slip and fall, the reasonableness or unreasonableness of the landowner’s action or inaction will be determined, in part, by the length of time that the ice and snow existed prior to person’s fall, the location of the ice and snow, whether any actions had been previously taken by the landowner to remove the ice and snow and whether other conditions of the land contributed to the existence of the ice or snow. In addition to the landowners, other entities may also be responsible for the continued existence of ice or snow. These entities include tenants on the premises under certain circumstances, snow removal contractors and even those entities which may have designed or built the premises. Only attorneys trained in such matters will be able to properly determine the appropriate parties to investigate in that these cases are generally depend on the facts of each individual situation. In these types of cases, it is important to preserve the evidence with respect to the existence of the ice and snow if possible. This may be done in many ways including, but not limited to, taking photographs, advising the manager of the store or facility of the fall and the condition at the time it occurs, and obtaining the names of witnesses if possible. Because the existence of ice and snow can be easily and quickly corrected (by shoveling or salting and sanding), it is imperative that the evidence be preserved as soon as possible. If you or a family member have been injured as a result of a slip or fall on ice or snow on someone else’s property, it is imperative to seek advice of a competent personal injury lawyer to protect your rights as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact our office for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case.

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Here’s What Taxpayers Should Know If They Get a Notice From the IRS Certain taxpayers might get a letter from the IRS this year. It’s called an IRS No- tice CP 2000. It gives detailed information about issues the IRS identified. The IRS sends this notice when information from a third party doesn't match the information the taxpayer reported on their tax return. The notice also provides steps taxpayers should take to resolve those issues. Here is some information about these notices to help taxpayers understand why they got one and what to do when it arrives: • The IRS sends a notice to the taxpayer when a tax return’s information doesn’t match data reported to the IRS by banks and other third parties. • This notice isn’t a formal audit notification. It is simply a notice to see if the taxpayer agrees or disagrees with the proposed tax changes. • Taxpayers should respond to the Notice CP2000. The taxpayer usually has 30 days from the date printed on the notice to respond. • The IRS provides a phone number on each notice. IRS telephone assistors can explain the notice and what taxpayers need to do to resolve any issues. • The IRS will send another notice to the taxpayer if the taxpayer doesn’t respond to the initial Notice CP2000, or if the agency can’t accept the addi- tional information provided. It is called an IRS Notice CP3219A, Statutory Notice of Deficiency. • The Notice CP3219A gives detailed information about why the IRS pro- poses a tax change and how the agency determined the change. The notice tells taxpayers about their right to challenge the decision in Tax Court if they choose to do so. Even if they decide not to go to Tax Court, the IRS will continue to work with the taxpayer to help resolve the issue.

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10 The Millstone Times

February 2022

PET PAGES Best Pet Photo Contest

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www. TheMillstoneTimes.com 11

PET PAGES Pain Management in Senior Pets By: Nazli Mohideen

Like humans, pets are bound to experience more health-related issues with age. Common signs of a pet in pain include unexplained restlessness or whimpering, being antisocial from other pets, limping or slow movement, irritability, aggressiveness, and loss of appetite to name a few. However, treat- ment differs depending on whether the pain is acute or chronic. Acute pain is sudden and usually a result of an infection, injury, or surgery. Examples of this are cuts and bruises. While this pain is minor, when left untreated, it can become chronic pain. Chronic pain occurs over time but is far harder to detect and treat. Frequent examples of chronic pain are cancer and arthritis. Home Accommodations Change is most effective in the environment pets know best: home. Adding ramps to assist with easier movement and covering slippery surfaces with rugs are just some of the easy ways to better protect your pet. Having easy accessibility to food and a bed to relax is also ideal. Maintaining a healthy weight for pets is crucial in lessening bone and joint pain, leading to larger issues like arthritis. Veterinarians recommend a healthy diet and specific supplements like fish oil if necessary.

Prescription Medication NSAIDs, otherwise known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, block pain pathways and reduce inflammation. These medications are prescribed by a veterinarian and aren’t as addictive as other medications. When used on an appropriate schedule, it has been shown that NSAIDs work wonders for pain management. Hydrotherapy This type of therapy is when pets are somewhat submerged underwater and swim or walk on a treadmill to relieve stress and pressure on their joints. Also known as aquatic therapy, it is generally associated in helping pets with diabetes, paralysis, ACL injuries, osteoarthritis, among other conditions. In addition to treating certain conditions and preventing further injury, there are other benefits such as strengthening of muscles, healing of tissue, less swelling and muscle spasms, and more blood circulation. Session costs vary, but the same can be done at-home using floaties and a swimming pool. Physical Therapy Canine rehabilitation or physical therapy is known to target certain areas of the body to promote better muscle and skeletal health. Besides hydrotherapy, cold therapy, heat therapy, and massages are advised. This all increases blood circulation as well as lessens pain, blood pressure, swelling, and inflamma- tion. Chiropractic Care Particularly with pets suffering from arthritis, seeking care from an animal chiropractor ideal. During these sessions, chiropractors are able to arrest spinal issues which may be contributing to inflammation and stress of the joints as well as potential injury to the vertebral discs. Similar to chiropracting, acupuncture focuses on certain points of the body and is commonly used for pets with arthritis, disc disease, anxiety, and cancer.

Sources Used: https://www.mountpleasant.com.sg/education/dog-health-and-behaviour/pain-management-for-senior-pets/ | https://www.petsafe.net/learn/senior-pet-pain-management# https://www.happytailsinc.com/pain-management-for-senior-dogs/ | https://www.vetinbrooklyn.com/veterinary-services/pet-pain-management.html https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/chronic-acute-pain-dogs | https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/pain-management/types-of-pain https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hydrotherapy-for-dogs-growing-trend-in-canine-physical-therapy/ | https://dogtime.com/dog-health/82775-hydrotherapy-for-dogs https://www.thepetbeastro.com/blogs/bits-bites-natural-pet-health-blog/chiropractic-care-for-senior-dogs/ | https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/acupuncture-senior-dogs/ https://helpemup.com/physical-therapy-for-senior-dogs/ | https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/alternative-therapy-for-senior-pets/ https://www.veazievet.com/senior-dog-health/physical-rehabilitation-for-senior-dogs/

12 The Millstone Times

February 2022

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What is Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)? Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. These are called “canine influenza viruses.” No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported. There are two different influenza A dog flu viruses: one is an H3N8 virus and the other is an H3N2 virus. Can canine influenza viruses infect humans? To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza viruses from dogs to people and there has not been a single reported case of human infection with a canine influenza virus. However, influenza viruses are constantly changing, and it is possible for a virus to change so that it could infect humans and spread easily between humans. In general, canine influenza viruses are considered to pose a low threat to humans. Where did canine influenza viruses come from and how long has it been around? Canine influenza H3N8 virus originated in horses, spread to dogs, and can now spread between dogs. The H3N8 equine influenza (horse flu) virus has been known to exist in horses for more than 40 years. It was first detected in the United States in April 2015. It is not known how canine H3N2 virus was introduced into the United States. What are signs of canine influenza infection in dogs? The signs of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death. Most dogs recover within 2 to 3 weeks. However, some dogs may develop secondary bacterial infections which may lead to more severe illness and pneumonia. Anyone with concerns about their pet’s health, or whose pet is showing signs of canine influenza, should contact their veterinarian. The percentage of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small. Some dogs have asymptomatic infections (no signs of illness), while some have severe infections. How is canine influenza spread? Almost all dogs are susceptible to canine flu infection, and illness tends to spread among dogs housed in kennels and shelters. Canine flu can spread to other dogs by aerosolized respiratory secretions (coughing and sneezing) from infected dogs, by uninfected dogs meeting contaminated objects, and by moving contaminated objects or materials between infected and uninfected dogs. Is there a test for canine influenza? Testing to confirm H3N8 and H3N2 canine influenza virus infection in dogs is available. Your veterinarian can tell you if testing is appropriate. How is canine influenza infection in dogs treated? Treatment largely consists of supportive care. This helps the dog mount an immune response. In the milder form of the disease, this care may include medication to make your dog more comfortable and fluids to ensure that your dog remains well-hydrated. Broad spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Is there a vaccine for canine influenza? Vaccines are available in the United States for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza. Your veterinarian can provide you with additional information about the vaccines and whether you should consider vaccinating your dog.

www. TheMillstoneTimes.com 13

Monroe Township News | As We Age Sense of Smell in U.S. Adults Over Age 40 The sense of smell is important!

1. S mell interacts with taste to help you enjoy the flavor of food. 2. Smell helps you avoid spoiled food and toxic chemicals. 3. Smell alerts you to danger, such as fire and gas leaks. Did you know that not everyone has a good sense of smell? • Smell tests show that about 1 out of 8 people has some smell loss. • About 1 out of 15 people reports smelling phantom odors that aren’t really there. Some people are more likely to have problems with their sense of smell. P eople with a history of: • Smoking • Dental or nasal problems, such as head colds

• Conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease • Exposure to some medications and cancer treatments • Head injury • Also, older people are more likely to have smell loss.

14 The Millstone Times

February 2022

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www. TheMillstoneTimes.com 15

Monroe Township News | As We Age New CDC Campaign Highlights Steps to Prevent Injury in Adults Ages 65 and Over Still Going Strong reminds older adults that getting older doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching Still Going Strong, a national campaign that brings attention to ways older adults (age 65 and older) can age without injury. The campaign is raising awareness about the leading causes of unintentional injuries and deaths in older adults. Still Going Strong will encourage older adults to continue participating in their favorite hobbies and activities, while informing them and their caregivers of steps they can take to prevent injuries that disproportionately impact this population—falls, motor vehicle crashes, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). “Experiencing injuries doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging; many injuries that are common in older adults can be prevented,” said Debra Houry, MD, MPH, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “We know that injuries and deaths from falls andmotor vehicle crashes are increasing in older adults. We hope Still Going Strong will help inform our audience about simple

steps they can do to prevent injuries and their lasting effects. Everyone has a role—older adults, caregivers, loved ones, and healthcare providers. By taking proactive steps, you can prevent potentially life-changing injuries from happening and maintain your independence and mobility longer.” The prevalence of older adult injuries Older adults had over 2.4 million emergency department (ED) visits and 700,000 hospitalizations related to injuries from falls, motor vehicle crashes, opioid overdoses, and self-harm in 2018, according to a new CDC report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Unintentional falls accounted for over 90% of these ED visits and hospitalizations. Falls: Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. An older adult falls every second of the day, accounting for over 36 million falls each year. Of those falls, 1 out of every 5 causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. After an older adult falls, their chances of falling again and getting injured increases. Motor Vehicle Crashes: Older adults account for over 46 million licensed drivers in the United States—or 1 in 5 drivers. Driving helps older adults stay independent, but the risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash increases as we age. Every day, 700 older adults are injured in a motor vehicle crash and 22 die because of their injuries. TBI: Falls and motor vehicle crashes are common causes of TBI in older adults. TBI is a major cause of death and disability, and those who survive a TBI can face effects that last a few days or the rest of their lives. Aging without injury • Over 10,000 people in the United States turn 65 every day. Getting older doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite hobbies and activities. Older adults are more active and mobile than ever, but an injury from a fall or motor vehicle crash can decrease their independence. It’s important for older adults and their caregivers to understand common injuries that can happen as we age and what they can do to prevent these injuries. • Older adults and their caregivers can take simple steps to prevent injuries from falls or car crashes. One of the most important things older adults can do is to talk to their healthcare providers—including general practitioners, specialists, physical therapists, and pharmacists. • Older adults can take simple steps to maintain their independence and mobility, such as talking to their health care providers about preventing falls and car crashes, removing throw rugs to make their home safer, and always wearing a seat belt while driving or riding in a vehicle. • Friends, family, and caregivers can help loved ones live longer and healthier lives by talking with them about fall and motor vehicle crash prevention and by encouraging them to stay active and make safe choices, such as finding alternative transportation for going places at night. • Healthcare providers can ask their older patients if they have concerns about falling or driving safely. They also can review older patients’ over-the-counter and prescription medications to identify if any cause drowsiness or dizziness.

16 The Millstone Times

February 2022