Friends—The Key To A Longer Life

According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, men who have lots of friends, social contacts, and relatives live longer, more satisfying lives. In a study of 28,000 men in their early 40s to late 70s, researchers found that men who were socially isolated loners were 20 percent more likely to die prematurely. The socially isolated group also was 53 percent more likely to die from heart related diseases and stroke. Unmarried men included in the study had markedly higher death rates than married men with a strong family support system did. It appears that making friends and nurturing social relationships not only will make you healthier, but it could make you a lot happier too!

How to Be More Grateful

We would all rather be happy if given the choice. In some cases, our state of happiness can be a conscious choice we make to focus on the positive things in our lives. Learning to be grateful in your daily life is a surprisingly effective way to improve your health and overall happiness. The benefits of being grateful can be huge. Studies show that people who are more grateful sleep better, feel healthier, have higher self-esteem, have more energy, and experience less stress. Staying grateful isn’t always easy, but with all these physical and mental benefits it’s absolutely worth the investment of your time. Here are some easy ways to practice gratitude on a regular basis. Try out a few of them to see which suits you best. • Keep a “gratitude journal” to jot down 1-2 things you’re grateful for daily. • Actively work on cultivating positivity by looking for a bright side to negative situations. • Pay someone an unexpected complement each day. • Talk about 2-3 positive moments from the day during nightly dinner conversation. • Offer a heartfelt – not routine – “thank you” for a mundane task, such as someone holding a door open for you at the store. • Say out loud what you’re grateful for, even if you’re talking to yourself. • Put a picture of your family, or whatever you’re most thankful for, somewhere you’ll see it multiple times a day. • Donate your time to a favorite cause. Monetary donations are great, but donating your time is even more effective at making you feel grateful.

Seattle Stairway Walks

Summer is here so it’s time to get outdoors and burn some calories. There are 650 public stairway walks in the city. When I was a kid we would hang out at “the Stairs.” Our stairs were in Cedar Park on 130th and went from the bluff down to the Burke-Gilman. It would sure be fun to check off all 650! www.seattlestairwaywalks.com

What advantages does using a REALTOR® provide me in buying a home?

A skilled REALTOR® can save you thousands of dollars by serving as your “Buyer’s Representative,” who will help you write your offer and negotiate your deal. Here are four ways I can help you save time and money: 1. Help you analyze your needs and find the home you want at the right price. Coldwell Banker has been serving our community since 1906 and has a 24 point buyer service guarantee. 2. Give you direction and contacts to get pre-approved for a home loan. I suggest calling John Porter at Mortgage Masters. 206-954-8736 or email him at john@mortgagemasterwa.com 3. Help you avoid traps and pitfalls in negotiating the best deal with the sellers. I will share the recently sold comparable properties before suggesting an offer price. 4. Coordinate inspections, appraisals, escrow and title services with the best companies, ones I know and trust. Hiring the right inspection company is so important. You want to know what you are buying so there are no hidden surprises after you move in.

Fireside Chats F.D.R.

Franklin D Roosevelt spoke with familiarity to millions of Americans between 1933 and 1944 as we dealt with the great depression, the dust bowl, the banking crisis, and the 2nd world war. On radio he was able to quell rumors and explain his policies directly. His tone and demeanor communicated self-assurance during times of despair and uncertainty. He spoke in plain forceful language about how he was tackling the job and left many Americans feeling he was taking direct and honest action to meet the difficult demands of the day. He earned the humble and sincere gratitude of most of the citizens even as many opposed his policy. He made a total of 30 addresses ranging from 11 to 44 minutes. He always began his talk with “My Friends” or “My Fellow Americans” Quotes To Live By… “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life beyond the horizon.” –Franklin D Roosevelt “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are the voters of this country.” –Franklin D Roosevelt “Remember you are just an extra in everyone else’s play.” –Franklin D Roosevelt

Yellowstone National Park

My trip to Yellowstone last month was a lifetime goal and it exceeded expectations! Theodore Roosevelt valued the great American outdoors. He established the U.S. Forest Service, 150 national forests, 51 bird preserves, 5 national parks, 18 national moments included in 230 million acres of public lands. I have always valued these parks but visiting Yellowstone makes me want to see as many of our parks as possible!! The best part about visiting Yellowstone is the variety of things to see. Yellowstone is about 8,000ft up so it’s amazing scenery, plus America’s game preserve, plus half of the world’s geothermal features all in one park!

Mount Rainier National Park

The Mount Rainier National Park was established in 1899 by President William McKinley as the fifth national park in the United States preserving a whopping 369 square miles. At 14,411 with a prominence height of 13,210 it is North America’s 4th most prominent peak. The Paradise visitor center is just a couple hour drive and features the historic Paradise Inn built in 1916. From Paradise you can hike for hours and learn about the volcano, forests, glaciers, and the Native People. I am embarrassed to admit it has been nearly 20yrs since I was there but plan to make it back sometime this summer!

The Year of the Road Trip

These days no one is going to be real excited about jumping on a plane or heading to a crowded vacation paradise. The summer of 2020 will be better enjoyed in the great outdoors and in open spaces. On May 23rd 1903 a former bicycle racer and mechanic, a dog, and a retired doctor looking to collect on a $50 bet embarked on the first cross-country road trip. Previous automobile trips had ended in failure as roads were still extremely primitive. There were no road signs or gas stations, auto repair shops, or phone booths; you were basically on your own. Leaving San Francisco it took 63 days to get to New York City. The Cannonball Run record is 27 hours and 25 minutes. Dwight D. Eisenhower signed The Federal Highway Act of 1956 authorized $25 billion for construction of 41,000 miles of interstate highways. It was by far the largest public works project in American history! We now have nearly 49,000 miles of interstates. Hop on the longest interstate highway in the United States in downtown Seattle and in 3,020 miles you will reach the end of I-90 in Boston MA. The United States of America has 62 National Parks that are operated by the National Park Service. President Ulysses S. Grant signed an act of Congress creating Yellowstone as the first National park in 1872. Yellowstone was the first National Park in the world! We now have more than 52 million acres protected for future generations. We have 26 National Parks within a two day drive. If you take your week vacation you could easily pickoff 2 or 3 parks and you will have memories for a lifetime. One of my all-time favorite trips was to Yellowstone coming in from Cody and leaving thru Grand Teton to Jackson. I hope I inspired you to get out on the open road and celebrate our countries lasting love affair with the automobile. Stay safe!

Walk Your Way To Excellent Health and Long Life!

According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control the most beneficial exercise we can do on a regular basis is…walking! All you need is a good pair of shoes and few hours a week to do a simple aerobic conditioning activity that really works. The benefits are substantial – walking helps your heart, lungs, circulatory system, and controls body weight. The positive impact of walking is similar to that of running or jogging without stressful wear and tear on your joints, knees, and shins. If you don’t follow any other exercise program, just simple outdoor walking could add many healthy years to your life.  A Brisk Walk Is Best. You should be able to carry on a conversation and have your breathing slightly elevated.  It’s Easy—Just Walk 20 Minutes A Day. Start slowly, and then build up to longer, faster paced walks. Stretch your muscles (especially the calves and hamstring muscles) before and after you walk. For the best benefit, make a commitment to walk everyday. A recent study in Germany found that walking just two hours a week can cut your risk of heart disease in half!  Walking Relieves Stress And Invigorates Your Mind And Body. Walking will make your heart stronger, improve your lung capacity, and the efficiency of your breathing. Walking circulates more oxygen through your body and is very effective in lowering your blood pressure. A regular walking routine can be your best preventative medicine – greatly lowering your risk of stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and even depression.  People Who Walk Live Longer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an 11-year study of 2,896 adults in their late 50’s who had been diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers found those subjects who walked just two hours a week had a 39 percent lower death rate from all causes! They speculate that if every healthy person in the United States walked briskly just 30 minutes a day, the incidence of many chronic diseases would go down 30 to 40 percent. So grab your shoes and get walking…your body will be glad you did!

Prevent Pain While Standing

Do you stand all day in your job? That can cause low back pain. Try these tips: • Sit down when you can, but use good posture when standing: keep your back straight and don’t slouch. • Do standing stretches: put one leg behind you or reach down and touch your toes for 10 seconds to stretch your hamstrings. • Shift your weight often from one leg to the other. Or use a footstool to rest one foot, then the other. • Wear cushioned shoes. And massage your feet at the end of the day.

Celebrate Seattle Summer Solstice

Seattle is the most northern big city in the United States. This means we have dark winters but have amazing summers. On June 20th we receive 15 hours, 59 minutes and 15 seconds of daylight. On a sunny day we experience dusk until 10:00pm.

Help Your Pet Live A Long And Healthy Life

Most pet owners would say that pets are important members of the family. We welcome them into our lives knowing we’ll most likely outlive them- but we can help them have the best possible life.  Maintain a healthy weight. Feed pets the proper type and amount of food. Avoid feeding fatty human foods to your furry friends.  Exercise regularly. Dogs need regular walks every day, and time to run around. Indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats, but they should have stimulating toys and room to play and exercise too.  Schedule regular vet visits. Regular health screenings (at least once a year for healthy adult animals) allow vets to detect and manage diseases early. Keep vaccinations updated.  Keep teeth clean. Tartar, gingivitis, plaque, and other problems with teeth and gums can lead to other health problems. Try making your own toothpaste with coconut oil and baking soda, and your dog will enjoy his brushing time. The Veterinary Oral Health Council publishes a list of accepted oral health products to help with dental care as well (http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm).  Note behavioral changes. If pets aren’t following their normal routines, this may be a sign that something isn’t right. Don’t wait too long before checking with a vet about abnormal behavior.  Chill out. Even pets need time and space on their own, so make sure they have at least a couple hours a day to relax.

How can I make my home attractive to buyers?

When selling your home, look at your home through a potential buyer’s eyes, and follow these steps to make it show well and receive a good offer: • Clean and repair. Your buyer’s first impression is from the street. Clean up the yard, the landscaping and check your exterior paint job. On the inside, shampoo the carpets, scrub the floors and clear off all the counters. Remove old wallpaper and paint the walls a neutral color. Fix things that need fixing, like squeaky doors, broken tiles etc. • De-Clutter. Get rid of all that “stuff” you’ve accumulated in the garage, the backyard and the basement. And don’t forget the closets! • “Stage” it to look like a model home. Put away your personal items and remove large pieces of furniture. Ask your REALTOR® for ways to “dress up” your home (candles, new linens etc.) to maximize your selling potential.

Investment Property Opportunity

What’s the most important thing I should do before I decide to make a real estate investment? A. Your homework! Three key areas to focus on are: • Your financial situation. Can you afford to make this investment? Learn everything you can about cash flow, appreciation, tax benefits, and loan amortization. • Your motivation. Buying real estate isn’t necessarily an easy way to make money. Do you really want to be a landlord, with the responsibilities that entails, or should you hire a property management company? • Your expertise. Add to your own knowledge by working with a REALTOR® who knows the local market. I will help you research the best buys and work with you to make sure the property will meet your investment needs. I would love to go to work for you today!

Crystal Mountain Resort in the Summer

Summer in Seattle means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. We are so fortunate to live so close to two major mountain ranges. This summer consider a trip to Crystal Mountain. Crystal is the largest ski resort in Washington and also a great summer getaway. Crystal in the summer offers extensive hiking trails, disc golf, horseback riding, interpretive walks, gift shops, inexpensive lodging options, RV parking and the Mt. Rainier Gondola. I remember summer hikes with the Boy Scouts and we had a timeshare cabin at Crystal Village so we were up in the summers when I was young. If you have out of town visitors you will get rave reviews! It is hard to find a view of Mt Rainier that is as impressive as you get from the Summit House! The drive up is absolutely beautiful once you leave Enumclaw. On a clear day view Mt. Saint Helens, Mt Adams, and Mt. Baker plus the whole Puget Sound Basin. They have two wonderful dining options; the Fireside Café at the main lodge and the Summit House at the top of the gondola. Hope you find time to make it up this summer and get a nice sunny day! Enjoy!

Help Kids Build Healthy Habits

From choosing healthy meals to creating positive relationships, there are lots of little things adults can do every day to instill good habits in kids. Physical • Exercise regularly as a family, and make it fun! Go for evening walks in the park, take advantage of open swim days at the gym, and ride bikes together. • Eat a healthy diet. Start early with introducing a rainbow of produce and minimizing sugary snacks. Mental • Maintain – and reflect – a positive outlook. Kids mirror what they hear and see, so use positive reinforcement and praise appropriately. Celebrate your successes as well as theirs. • Keep screen time to a minimum. Sedentary behavior is known to increases risks for obesity and cardiovascular disease, and it’s not conducive to positive social or mental growth either. Set a daily limit for TV viewing, video games, and smartphone usage and stick to it. • Read every day. Incorporate this habit into playtime or bedtime routines to help build self-esteem and success later in life. Social • Encourage kids to explore a myriad of activities to find one (or more!) they really enjoy. Whether singing in a choir, playing soccer, taking language lessons, or volunteering with a youth group, kids will meet others with similar interests while also developing their self-identity. • Eat dinner as a family, and use this opportunity to maintain open lines of communication with everyone around the table.

Get Smart About Your Heart

People often treat their cars better than they do their bodies. That’s what the president of the American Heart Association (AHA) says about the public’s awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death around the world. The key is this: If you do the right things, most heart disease is preventable. While talking with your doctor is important, here’s what you can do on your own: • Know where you stand. To get your personal heart score and learn what steps you may need to take to improve your heart health, go to MyLifeCheck.heart.org and click on “Get your assessment.” • Follow the AHA’s “Simple 7”: • Get active. 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes/week of vigorous exercise. Walking is a great way to start. • Control cholesterol. Make diet and lifestyle changes if your level is 200 mg/dl or higher. • Eat better. Follow the 2010 guidelines at www.dietaryguidelines.gov. The AHA takes these a step further by saying everyone should limit their daily sodium consumption to 1,500 mg a day. • Manage blood pressure. Know yours and keep it in a healthy range. • Lose weight. Understand the relationship between the calories you’re consuming versus the calories you’re burning off. • Reduce blood sugar. Diabetes is one of the major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. • Stop smoking. Seek out classes/support groups by contacting such organizations as the American Lung Association or Cancer Society. • Track and manage your heart health by using the interactive tool at www.heart360.org. • Learn the warning signs of heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest. Find this information at a doctor’s office, library or online sites like WebMD.com. By acting quickly (calling 9-1-1) you may save a life, including your own.

Tips For an Easy Move

Moving out of a home can be undeniably stressful. Make things as easy as possible on yourself.  Schedule a donation pickup. Don’t waste time driving to a donation center. Contact local nonprofits (or use a service like donationtown.org) for pickup so you never have to leave home.  Pick a quiet moving day. Weekends are the busiest days to move. Choosing another day of the week may save money with a moving company.  Double down with cloth items. Wrap breakables in clothing and linen. Pack glasses and stemware in clean socks.  Label the sides of boxes. That way you don’t have to move the boxes to read what’s written on them.  Use dresser drawers as boxes. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and they’re ready to go!  Photograph electronics before dismantling. It will be easier to reattach all the cords and wires in your new home.

Pets Add Years to Our Lives

What would you say if you could buy a medicine that lowered your blood pressure, improved your cardiovascular health, reduced your anxiety and stress, and made you happy...everyday. Would you buy it? We know how much love and affection pets can bring to our lives, but there’s more. Scientific studies have found that having a pet can significantly improve your health. Here are 5 ways a pet can help: 1. Heart Benefits. The American Journal of Cardiology reports pet owners are more likely to survive a heart attack than those who don’t own a pet. Another study found people who owned a dog were more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack. 2. Lower Blood Pressure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that pets help lower blood pressure (and heart rates). An American study found men who owned a cat had a lower resting heart rate and lower blood pressure than men who didn’t own a cat. And after a stressful event, their blood pressure returned to normal more quickly. 3. Mood Elevator. People, particularly seniors, who own pets are less likely to be depressed and lonely. Pets can provide companionship, humor, and add playfulness to our daily lives. 4. Kids and Health. Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction 2014 found that children who have pets have fewer sick days. They also reported that children who had pets had higher levels of self-esteem and functioned better emotionally. Research studies also found that children with pets coped better with divorce. 5. An Exercise Buddy. Dogs need regular exercise, which also gets their owners walking. This can improve their overall health. As an added benefit people improve their social network as they socialize their pet.

Purchase a home with a small down payment

Lenders have always offered government backed FHA programs which allow lower credit scores, higher income to debt ratios with 3.5% down aimed at first time buyers. More lenders are also offering a 5% down conventional product with mortgage insurance premiums. Other ways to buy a home with little down include using local or federal government programs, using a tax refund, and asking a relative or friend for a financial gift. Before you do any of the above, consult a professional REALTOR® about your options. A REALTOR® also will provide you with direction and connections to a lender and help you avoid costly traps and pitfalls in the home-buying process.