“Life can either be accepted or changed. If it is not accepted, it must be changed. If it cannot be changed, then it must be accepted.” WINSTON CHURCHILL

Dominican Oaks is an independent living community. We age in place. As we age, short term memory weakens. Recently I lost one of my favorite handkerchiefs, a big brightly colored one. Two days later I found it in my pocket.

Mack and Myrtle are still living with us. They were sitting on a sofa in the lobby. Myrtle said, “Mack, why don’t you sit close to me like you used to do?” Mack moved closer. Then Myrtle said, “Mack, why don’t you hold my hand like you used to do?” Mack reached over and held her hand. Finally Myrtle asked, “Mack, why don’t you nibble on my ear like you used to do?” Mack stood up. Myrtle asked, “Where are you going?” Mack answered, “I am going to get my teeth.”

There is a pill for almost every one of life’s consequences. Prevagen for short-term memory loss, Xelganz for arthritis, Trulicity for diabetes. Often times the side effects are greater than the benefits. Taking these medications might lead to severe stomach pain, headache, diarreha and shortness of breath. As severe as the consequences might be, they are not as severe as those for taking Viagra.

The chef and dietician try to guide us to make healthy eating choices. We have a choice of two fresh fish dinners every day. During my ranch days, we ate fish once a week on Friday because it was a church doctrine not to eat meat on Friday, Fresh fish was usually not available. Instead we ate tuna casserole and salmon loaf.

At Dominican Oaks we are offered an abundance of fresh vegetables, many of them organic. Yet, we have a choice; we are independent. Often I hear folks order and say “No veggies.” As for me, I have eaten more broccoli, zucchini and turnips then I ate in my previous years. Lately I have added blueberries to my diet. Word is that they inhibit tumors from growing. Yes, it is easier to pop a pill than to make healthy food choices. It’s also easier for doctors to prescribe a pill than it is to get patients to change their diet.

For me, my blood pressure is 122/82. I take no pills, I have no known illnesses. Could my good fortune be caused by the sizzling cheeseburgers I ate at Pop’s Diner? Or could I be like Donald Trump and have strong genes?

John Wasserburger

PO Box 14

Capitola, CA 95010

831-476-1874