Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

SEE INTERNATIONAL 50^th ANNIVERSARY AND HUMANITARIAN AWARDS DINNER - A SENSATIONAL BLACK-TIE GALA

The 50^th Anniversary Gala of See International at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort attracted the creme de la creme of the SEE International team and guests, including a bevy of See International ophthalmologists, eye surgeons, and additional professionals who have a long history working with the organization that is renowned for its mission to end preventable blindness around the world, most in their black-tie and sparkling best.

Guest arrived decked out in the black and gold code for a memorable 50^th anniversary evening that included a fun filled formal cocktail hour on the upper rotunda, three course dinner and live entertainment, as well as a fabulous black and gold after party where guests enjoyed dancing the night away in Rodney’s to music by Andrew Manos. 50^th Gala attendees included local, national and international medical professionals, partners, and financial supporters.

Donald Bell, SEE’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed guests and commented on the value and importance of this occasion: “Our 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone, made possible by the unwavering support of our community, the dedication of our volunteers, and the generosity of our partners. This gala is a celebration of our collective achievements and a catalyst for our shared vision of the future. We invite you to join us as we continue our mission to make a positive difference,” he said. Guest speakers included Dr. Helena Ndume, Dr. Jeff Levenson & Dr. Rupert C. Chowins, Dr. Madhavi Reddy and Dr. Rajesh Saini.

Dr. Michael Paveloff, SEE International Board Member, owner of Paveloff Vision Center and event sponsor with Dr. Steven Carter, was among those honored with the 2024 Humanitarian Award, along with his long-time friend Dr. George B. Primbs, MD, FACS Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who passed away on January 7, 2024. Dr. Primbs was a Trustee Emeritus of SEE International, MD, FACS Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon who was a key figure at SEE International since its inception in 1974. Others honored included James B. Conahan, M.D., Reed Kindermann, M.D., Jeremy Joseph, M.D., Rajesh Saini, M.D., Blue Planet Echo Eyewear, and Sansum Clinic – Now Part of Sutter Health.

As an ophthalmologist and surgeon, Dr. Primbs specialized in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. He provided free eye exams for people with diabetes and worked with the minimally underserved through SEE’s Santa Barbara Care Program beginning in the early 1980s.

Dr. Primbs, the recipient of numerous awards, attended UCLA School of Medicine and interned at UCLA Hospital, served as an eye surgeon and Captain in the U.S. Airforce and was in private practice from 1962-1995. He was a clinical professor at the Jules Stein Institute UCLA Medical Center, and a researcher at the Neuroscience Institute at University of California. He was loved by so many, including my own son, who through the efforts of Dr. Primbs, SEE International and Dr. Michael Paveloff has his sight today. I’m sure we are among an endless list of people who have eternal gratitude to these brilliant and generous SEE International doctors and will keep them at the top of our prayer list forever. Within our own community, SEE’s local program, SEE Vision care has served over 75,000 people in the greater Santa Barbara area.

SEE International has provided 5 million people with 750,000 sight restoring surgeries since 1974, reaching great heights in their mission to end preventable blindness. SEE International envisions a world where preventable blindness no longer exists, and where quality eye care is accessible to all. They appreciate supporters whose efforts break the cycle of hardships caused by blindness and visual impairment, making patients, families and communities healthier and stronger.

The 2024 SEE International honorary committee included Keith Moore, Beverly Cavalieri, Caryl Crahan, Gary Simpson, George Leis, Hiroko Benko, Jody Dolan Holehouse, Katherine Murray-Morse, Mara Abboud, and Missy Chandler De Young,

Generous sponsors for the 50^th Anniversary Gala included: Alcon – Ophthalmic Ambassador, Drs. Ilene & Jeff Levenson – Eyesight Advocates, Genentech – The Julia Stearns Dockweiler Charitable Foundation – Drs. Madhavi & Sundeep Reddy – Robert Behrens – Optical Partners – The Hutton Parker Foundation – Champion of Sight: Dr. Michael Paveloff & Dr Steven Carter, Pavloff Vision Center, Support of Sight – Cen Cal Health, Sansum Clinic, now part of Sutter Health, David & Patricia Markoff, Drs’ Randall & Karen Goodman, Shepard Eye Center, Howard Lynn Hudson, and Montecito Bank & Trust.

“The joy we see on the faces of those who have regained their sight is the result of great teamwork and the generosity of all who have contributed to this cause,” said Dr. Madhavi Reddy, SEE Ophthalmologist and Board Member. For additional information or to donate please visit: http://www.seeintl.org.

Sponsor Central Coast Home Health & Hospice attracted a crowd at 33rd Senior Expo

Having covered the Senior Expo Santa Barbara for many years and watched the many challenges due to the Covid pandemic, it was so

exhilarating to be present with countless other seniors, sponsors, and media people enjoying the 33^rd annual senior event at Earl Warren Showgrounds once again.

Over 100+ exhibitors were busy talking to attendees and providing gifts and information. Santa Barbara City College students were assisting moving the seniors through the free shots line, with special senior doses for attendees 65 and over. There were also free haircuts, manicures, and caricatures provided along with free snacks and beverages from Bristol Farms and others in the Caregiver’s Café.

SEE International, who are holding their 50^th Anniversary Gala Dinner on October 24^th at the Hilton Hotel, provided free eye tests, and sun glass gifts at their sponsor table. Live music was on the patio, in the treatment area and guests were greeted by the Assistance League of Santa Barbara Ukulele Ladies Band.

The Senior Expo of Santa Barbara Active Aging Fair for Seniors and Caregivers was presented by Family Service Agency and was sponsored by Central Coast Home Health & Hospice, Love & Care, Sansum Clinics, Stevens and Associates Insurance, Vista Del Monte, Wood Glen Senior Living, COX, Family Service Agency, Mission Park, and VNA Health.

Exhibitors included Caregiving & Caregivers, Health Care, Home Care + Hospice, Government & Social Services, Recreation & Fitness Activities City of SB, Harry’s House, offering insurance information, financial services and estate planning information, legal aid & fraud prevention tips and planning for advance care directives services. I enjoyed speaking with Newquist-Nolan Quittner team on the Smart & Savvy senior living educational seminars they are sponsoring at the University Club in downtown Santa Barbara.

It was wonderful to see Earl Warren Showgrounds filled with seniors and grateful to all the presenters and sponsors who made it all possible once again. For information visit www.SeniorExpoSB .com.

Hard to believe or like but watching for some of these symptoms may save your life -

There are many symptoms associated with heart attacks that we are all familiar with, but below you will find some that may come as a surprise.

You’ll feel grumpy and tired if you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, but it can raise your risk of a heart attack, too. In one study, researchers found that people who usually slept fewer than 6 hours a night were twice as likely to have a heart attack as those who slept 6 to 8. Doctors aren’t sure exactly why this is, but they do know that losing sleep can raise your blood pressure and lead to inflammation. Neither of those is good for your heart.

People who get these are more likely to have a heart attack later in life than those who don’t. And ones that include auras -- strange sights, sounds, or feelings that start before the headache hits -- seem to have a stronger link to heart problems.

It’s a shock to the system. Being outside in the winter months can cause your arteries to narrow, making it harder for blood to reach your heart. On top of that, your heart has to work harder to keep your body warm. If you're concerned about it, play it smart in cold temperatures, and limit heavy physical activity, like snow shoveling.

Heart attacks are more common when air pollution levels are high. People who breathe dirty air on a regular basis are more likely to have clogged arteries and heart disease. Sitting in traffic may be especially dangerous, because it can combine car fumes with anger or frustration.

Think twice before going back for seconds or thirds -- it may hurt more than your waistline. When you eat large amounts of food in one sitting, it leads to higher levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine in your body. That can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, and it may trigger heart attacks in some people. Very fatty meals can also cause a sudden jump in a kind of fat in your blood, and that may temporarily damage some blood vessels as well.

Anger, grief, and stress are known triggers of heart problems, but joyful events can sometimes lead to a heart attack as well. It can be triggered by the kind of emotions that go along with a surprise birthday party, a wedding, or the birth of a grandchild.

Getting in shape will protect your heart in the long run, but doing too much could be dangerous. About 6% of heart attacks are triggered by extreme physical effort. And while you’ve probably heard that exercise is a good way to relieve stress, it’s especially important not to overdo it when you’re angry or upset.

When your immune system fights off a bug, it can cause inflammation that can damage your heart and arteries. In one study, people with respiratory infections were twice as likely to have a heart attack. But their risk level went back to normal after they’d been clear of the infection a few weeks. Heart attack rates are also higher during flu outbreaks -- another good reason to get your flu shot.

Your chances of having a heart attack go up about 70% if you have this lung disease. Even if you use an inhaler to keep it under control, your risk is still higher than normal. Because of your asthma, you also may tend to ignore chest tightness, which can be an early sign of a heart attack. Doctors don’t know if breathing problems trigger heart attacks or if they simply have a common cause: inflammation.

Heart attacks are more common in the morning. Your brain floods your body with hormones to help you wake up, and that puts some extra stress on your heart. You may also be dehydrated after a long sleep, which can make your heart work harder, too.

Studies have shown that heart attack rates go up after major disasters like earthquakes or terrorist attacks. And not just immediately following them, but even up to a few years later. You may not be able to avoid these kinds of situations, but you can do things to manage your stress afterward, like make sure you get enough rest and exercise.

Like many forms of exercise, sexual activity has been linked to an increase in heart attack risk. But it’s a very small one, especially if you’re physically fit and in good health. For most people, sex can and should be an important -- and healthy -- part of life. But talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Playing sports can possibly trigger a heart attack -- and watching them can, too. In 2006, heart attacks in Germany spiked during the national team’s World Cup soccer games. And after the 1980 Super Bowl, fatal heart attacks were up in Los Angeles after the Rams lost. But they were down after the 1984 Super Bowl, when the L.A. Raiders won.

A drink a day seems to help protect your heart against disease, but heavy drinking may do just the opposite. Over time, that can raise your blood pressure, increase certain kinds of bad cholesterol, and lead to weight gain -- all of which can hurt your heart. There also can be short-term consequences: A single night of binge drinking can raise your risk of heart attack over the next week, according to one study.

Just like alcohol, coffee has its pluses and minuses. Caffeine makes your blood pressure go up for a short time, and that can trigger an attack, especially if you don’t drink it regularly or are at risk for other reasons. Overall, though, drinking one to two cups a day does not seem to be harmful.

This list really made me think!!! I’ll need to make some changes for 2023 I guess!!

The Finest in Independent Living

Without the hassles of mundane chores, you’re free to enjoy the things you really want to do. At Vista del Monte, you’ll have time to engage in what’s most meaningful to you: pick up a new skill or hobby, travel, discover an interesting sport, or make more time to socialize. Whatever it is, we can help. With our Independent Living services, we take care of all the practical tasks, including transportation, housekeeping, and maintenance. Our culinary staff prepares delicious meals, handles all the day-to-day chores, and your wellbeing needs are attended to—all in one place. For information visit: www.vistadelmonte.org. Vista Del Monte – Santa Barbara, California – 805-687-0793