Planning to Retire in Arizona? These Are the Pros and Cons

04/05/2024 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

When retirement draws near, you may be wondering where to spend your golden years. Many people choose Arizona, as this state has plenty to offer retirees. In fact, over 17 percent of the state’s population is 65 or older today. What benefits come with retiring in the Desert State?

The Benefits of Retiring in Arizona

Warm weather year-round is the main reason many people move to Arizona when they get older. It is both hot and sunny. Smaller cities and towns come with a lower cost of living, while the big cities offer everything people love about America. Regardless of where you live, you can get out and remain active even as you age.

Winters remain warm, with temperatures remaining in the 45 to 66-degree range. You can go hiking, golf, or sit outside and relax with friends during all four seasons. In addition, you will have more money to do these things, as retirees find the state tax-friendly. The state does not tax social security benefits, although other retirement accounts are taxed. Military owners also find their retirement isn’t taxed in this state. This is a nice way to recognize those who served the country.

Finding friends in Arizona is easy. The arizona retirement communities within the state are large and vibrant, so every person will find it easy to locate those who share similar interests. Social interactions are of great importance as we age because dementia and other memory problems have been linked to isolation during the senior years.

The Drawbacks

You might find it too hot during the summer, so invest in a good HVAC system. Furthermore, extreme weather may occur at any time. Prepare for summer monsoons and haboobs. A car is necessary in most parts of the state, as public transportation remains limited outside of the major cities. Those who move into a retirement community, however, often find transportation is an amenity.

Air quality might be a concern for some individuals. Consider talking with your doctor to see if they have an opinion on whether Arizona will be good for your health. Many people will find it is, but that is not the case with all.

Florida or Arizona?

Quite a few people question whether they should retire in Arizona or Florida. The cost of living is similar in both states and housing prices don’t differ drastically. Arizona has major medical facilities, including Mayo Clinic and Chandler Regional Medical Center, much as Florida has outstanding healthcare options. However, Arizona doesn’t have hurricanes and tropical storms to worry about or humidity.

Best Luxurious Places to Retire in Arizona

· Scottsdale

· Catalina Foothills

· Sedona

· Sun City

Living on a Budget as a Retiree in Arizona

Some men and women find they cannot afford places such as Scottsdale or Sedona. However, there are plenty of other options to consider within the state that are affordable for retirees. Douglas and San Luis are two areas to check out and don’t overlook Eloy and Bullhead City when looking for your retirement home. These charming cities may be exactly where you want to spend your time when you no longer need to work and raise a family. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other places in the state you might wish to consider, as Arizona is beautiful no matter where you choose to go.

If these reasons haven’t convinced you Arizona is the place to retire, the fact that the state doesn’t observe daylight savings time might make the decision for you. Countless individuals are tired of setting their clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall. When you live in Arizona, you don’t have to. Learn more today to see if you are ready to call this state your new home.

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle

Opioid Use Disorder: How Does It Occur and Who’s at Risk?

03/27/2024 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

How dangerous is opioid use? Well, we’ve followed statistics on the opioid epidemic for decades, but instead of getting better, the numbers show it’s actually significantly worse.

The change in drug overdose fatalities from 1999 to 2021 has increased more than six times. In 2021, almost 107,000 people died from an overdose, and more than 75% of those deaths were related to opioid use.

If you or someone you love is using opioids, even if they’re prescription like Vicodin or Oxycodone, you or they are at risk of an addiction and overdose. And if you even suspect there may be a reliance on them, look for an opiate addiction treatment in Thousand Oaks or nearest you.

Even short term opioid use is dangerous. Educating yourself on how an opioid use disorder occurs and who is at risk may just save your life.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

Anyone who takes opioids can develop an addiction to them called opioid use disorder. However, just because you take a prescription painkiller after a surgery or for an occasional acute pain relief, this doesn’t mean you’re an addict.

The problem is that it’s impossible to determine whether a short course of this medication will make you dependent on it or not. There’s no hard and fast rule that says “these type of people are more likely to become addicted.” With opioids, it could be anyone.

Misusing these drugs, whether legally or illegally, accounts for nearly 100 deaths in the US every day.

Why Are Opioids So Addictive?

Some substances, like alcohol or marijuana, can be addictive, but most people who use them socially don’t become addicts. On the other hand, the odds of becoming dependent on opioids skyrockets with every use.

What’s the difference between these and other drugs? Opioids trigger the reward center in your brain, releasing powerful hits of endorphins like dopamine that convince you that you feel amazing. This effect has a co-consequence of taking away your feelings of pain and depression, but the results don’t last long.

If they have to choose between taking an opioid and being in constant, life-altering pain or sadness, it’s easy to see why so many people choose the opioid.

Yet, there’s a catch. Like with any drug, your body eventually builds up a tolerance to opioids. The dosage that once put you “on top of the world” when you first started using barely makes a dent in your pain soon after. When you build up this numbing effect to the drug, you need to take more and more to get the desired results. If you don’t, you may have withdrawal symptoms like increased pain, anxiety, and fatigue.

Who is At Risk?

A huge red flag that you have opioid use disorder is that you need more to get the results you want. But there are other risk factors that you should be aware of that make you more likely to become addicted to opioids, such as:

● Taking opioids in any form other than which you were prescribed them,

● Taking too much medicine in a short time,

● Taking more than the prescribed dose,

● Using opioids for more than a few days,

● Taking opioids young, particularly as a teen or in the early 20s,

● Having a history of substance misuse,

● Having a stressful environment at home or at work,

● Taking part in other risky behaviors

● Using tobacco regularly.

Although all of these factors can apply to any gender, women tend to have more long-term pain, being prescribed opioid medications in high doses for long periods.

To prevent this disorder, if you must use opioids, limit your use to no longer than three days to manage your pain after a broken bone or surgery. Ask for the lowest possible dose, and tell your doctor not to agree with you if you ask for a higher dose or a refill. Alternatively, ask if any other medication is available that would provide similar effects without the extreme risk of addiction.

If it’s too late and you think you or someone you know has an opioid use disorder, don’t wait. Contact an opioid treatment center today to find out how you can get help.

Life, Tips

The Emotional Impact of Home Disasters on Families and How to Cope

03/26/2024 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Home disasters, whether from natural events like floods and hurricanes or unexpected accidents like fires and water damage, can have a profound emotional impact on families. Our homes are more than just physical structures; they’re the backdrop to our lives, filled with memories and the sense of safety and security we build around our loved ones.

When disaster strikes, the loss can feel overwhelming, touching every aspect of our family life.

Recognizing the Emotional Toll

The first step in coping with the aftermath of a home disaster is acknowledging the range of emotions it can stir up. It’s normal to experience a whirlwind of feelings: sadness over lost possessions that held sentimental value, anxiety about the future, or even guilt for not being able to prevent it.

For children, the disruption can be particularly disorienting, as they might not fully understand what’s happened or why their routine has suddenly changed.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Open communication is crucial during this time. Encourage family members to express their feelings and share their concerns. When it comes to children, simple, honest explanations about what happened and what it means for the family can help alleviate fears.

Be patient with each other; everyone copes differently, and it’s important to support each other’s healing process.

Finding Stability in Routine

As much as possible, try to maintain or quickly re-establish family routines. Regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and even leisure activities can provide a sense of normalcy amid chaos.

If you’re temporarily displaced, small efforts like having dinner together at the same time each day or continuing a weekend family activity can make a significant difference in how secure your family feels.

Rebuilding Together

As you begin the process of rebuilding or repairing your home, involve the whole family. Decisions about changes or repairs can be made together, giving everyone a sense of control and participation in moving forward.

Of course, some expert assistance also helps! For instance, if you’re struggling with water damage in Orlando FL, companies like DryMetrics, a tried-and-trusted restoration specialist, offer an abundance of expertise. Their quick response times and in-depth knowledge will make the rebuilding process smoother and help your family feel they’re taking positive steps toward recovery.

Seeking Professional Help

Sometimes, the emotional impact can be too much to handle alone, and that’s okay. Don’t hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals who can provide coping strategies for both adults and children. Schools can also be a resource for children, offering counseling services to help them process their emotions.

Focusing on the Positive

Despite the hardship, try to find and focus on positive outcomes. This might be the opportunity to declutter, the discovery of strength you didn’t know your family had, or the kindness of friends and community members who offer support.

Gratitude for what remains and what has been learned can be a powerful tool in overcoming the emotional challenges of a home disaster.

In A Nutshell

Home disasters can test the resilience of any family, but through open communication, support, and a focus on rebuilding together, it’s possible to navigate the emotional aftermath. Remember, it’s not just about repairing a building but healing the hearts of those who call it home.

With each other’s support, and help from professionals when necessary, families can emerge from these trials stronger and more united.