Lakemont - July 2012
12
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Lakemont Living - July 2012 1 Volume 3, Issue 7 July 2012 Official Newsletter for the Residents of Lakemont Lakemont Introduction JUNE YARD OF THE MONTH Be sure to keep your yard mowed & flower beds well groomed & the next winner could be you! Lakemont Bend .............. 20923 Garden Arbor Lakemont Cove ................ 20919 Flower Croft Lakemont Court ..................19918 Middlegate Lakemont Grove ....... 21206 Maybrook Manor Lakemont Manor......... 19907 Erin Hollow Ct. Lakemont Meadows........ 7034 Ballinger Ridge Lakemont Park ...................... 20526 Coleridge Lakemont Ridge .............. 7114 Rambling Tree Lakemont Shores ............... 8015 Pacific Spring Lakemont Terrace .................. 7410 Pipe Creek Lakemont Trace ................. 7510 Shallow Bend Lakemont Bend .............. 20923 Garden Arbor FRIENDLY REMINDERS Street parking is not allowed per the deed restrictions for the community. We are seeing more and more homeowners violate this restriction. Not only is this a violation of the deed restrictions, but it is also becoming a nuisance and a safety hazard. Please be mindful of your neighbors and make every effort to avoid street parking in the community. Trees on your property must be maintained in a neat and attractive manner. Tree trimming, to include the street trees, on your property is a homeowner responsibility and it is important that all homeowners ensure that their trees are maintained at all times to avoid getting a violation notice from the Association. Trees lining the sidewalk especially need to be maintained so that public access is not impeded by overgrown limbs. ATTENTION RESIDENTS: It has been brought to the attention of the HOA board that illegal dumping of trash is occurring in front of the lake house and in other sections of Lakemont. ere have been individuals dumping trash in the Cove by the bus stop. Some residents are filling the trash cans full of their trash and some are leaving their trash on the grass. We are asking that every resident take responsibility for their own trash. Royal Disposal has trash pick-ups on Mondays and ursdays. Please do not place your personal garbage in the community trash bins or put your personal trash on the lawns. Several times trash has been left on the lawn and then it was opened by a dog/cat/or bird and the trash was blowing all over the neighborhood. Please keep your eyes open and report any illegal dumping of trash by calling AMI at 713-932-1122. We need to keep our community nice and clean. We are asking everyone to be an active participant. Violations for dumping personal trash may be subject to a fine by the HOA. LAKEMONT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Pool Rules • Lakemont residents 18 years and older are allowed two nonresident guest only. • Lakemont residents 17 years and younger are allowed one nonresident guest only. • Lakemont pool #1 hours are 10:00 a.M. To 8:00 p.M. Tuesdays through sundays - closed mondays for servicing. • Pool #2 has the same hours and closed on tuesdays for servicing • No entry to the pool is permitted after hours. Violatiors will be subject to trespass laws. • e pool gate must be closed at all times • e telephone at the pool is for emergency purposes only & does not receive incoming calls. • No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed within fenced pool area. • No bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or inline skates in pool area. • Individuals with infections or bandages are not permitted in the Pool. • Private parties by permit only(contact association management, Inc. at 713.932.1122 • Only small floating items are allowed in the pool and subject to pool manager’s discretion. • No diving, running or excessive horeseplay. Babies in diapers are not allowed in pool. • No food, drinks or gum allowed in pool. • No pets are permitted on pool premises. • No pushing or throwing of people into the pool. (Continued on Page 2)
description
July 2012 edition of Lakemont Living for Lakemont
Transcript of Lakemont - July 2012
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Lakemont Living - July 2012 1
Lakemont Living
Volume 3, Issue 7 July 2012
Official Newsletter for the Residents of
Lakemont
Lakemont IntroductionJUNE YARD OF THE MONTH
Be sure to keep your yard mowed & flower bedswell groomed & the next winner could be you!
Lakemont Bend .............. 20923 Garden ArborLakemont Cove ................ 20919 Flower CroftLakemont Court ..................19918 MiddlegateLakemont Grove ....... 21206 Maybrook ManorLakemont Manor.........19907 Erin Hollow Ct.Lakemont Meadows........ 7034 Ballinger Ridge
Lakemont Park ...................... 20526 ColeridgeLakemont Ridge .............. 7114 Rambling TreeLakemont Shores ............... 8015 Pacific SpringLakemont Terrace .................. 7410 Pipe CreekLakemont Trace .................7510 Shallow BendLakemont Bend .............. 20923 Garden Arbor
FRIENDLY REMINDERSStreet parking is not allowed per the deed restrictions for the community. We are seeing
more and more homeowners violate this restriction. Not only is this a violation of the deed restrictions, but it is also becoming a nuisance and a safety hazard. Please be mindful of your neighbors and make every effort to avoid street parking in the community.
Trees on your property must be maintained in a neat and attractive manner. Tree trimming, to include the street trees, on your property is a homeowner responsibility and it is important that all homeowners ensure that their trees are maintained at all times to avoid getting a violation notice from the Association. Trees lining the sidewalk especially need to be maintained so that public access is not impeded by overgrown limbs.
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:It has been brought to the attention of the HOA board that illegal dumping of trash is
occurring in front of the lake house and in other sections of Lakemont. There have been individuals dumping trash in the Cove by the bus stop. Some residents are filling the trash cans full of their trash and some are leaving their trash on the grass. We are asking that every resident take responsibility for their own trash. Royal Disposal has trash pick-ups on Mondays and Thursdays. Please do not place your personal garbage in the community trash bins or put your personal trash on the lawns. Several times trash has been left on the lawn and then it was opened by a dog/cat/or bird and the trash was blowing all over the neighborhood. Please keep your eyes open and report any illegal dumping of trash by calling AMI at 713-932-1122. We need to keep our community nice and clean. We are asking everyone to be an active participant. Violations for dumping personal trash may be subject to a fine by the HOA.
LAKEMONT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
Pool Rules• Lakemont residents 18 years and older are
allowed two nonresident guest only.• Lakemont residents 17 years and younger are
allowed one nonresident guest only.• Lakemont pool #1 hours are 10:00 a.M. To
8:00 p.M. Tuesdays through sundays - closed mondays for servicing.
• Pool #2 has the same hours and closed on tuesdays for servicing
• No entry to the pool is permitted after hours. Violatiors will be subject to trespass laws.
• The pool gate must be closed at all times• The telephone at the pool is for emergency
purposes only & does not receive incoming calls.
• No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed within fenced pool area.
• No bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or inline skates in pool area.
• Individuals with infections or bandages are not permitted in the Pool.
• Private parties by permit only(contact association management, Inc. at 713.932.1122
• Only small floating items are allowed in the pool and subject to pool manager’s discretion.
• No diving, running or excessive horeseplay.Babies in diapers are not allowed in pool.
• No food, drinks or gum allowed in pool.• No pets are permitted on pool premises.• No pushing or throwing of people into the
pool.
(Continued on Page 2)
2 Lakemont Living - July 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc
Lakemont LivingCOMMUNITY INFO
MISSION STATEMENTLakemont Living
The mission of the Lakemont Living newsletter is to provide the Lakemont Community with one source of local news content. Our goal is to help build the community by connecting local businesses with residents and residents with relevant neighborhood information. "Be the community."
ADVERTISING INFO Please support the advertisers that make the Lakemont Living possible. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 888-687-6444 or [email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 8th of the month prior to the issue.
ARTICLE INFO Lakemont Living is mailed monthly to all Lakemont residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, and birthday announcements are also welcome. To submit an article for consideration in Lakemont Living please email it to [email protected]. The deadline is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.
LAKEMONTFM 1093 at Mason Roadwww.visitlakemont.com
For questions, comments or to become a volunteer contact any of the Committee Chairs listed below:
COMMITTEE CHAIR/HOA BOARDActivities & Events/Executive Chair........................ Jennifer L. ..................................................................jenpli@yahoo.comDeed Restrictions ........................................................ Gena T. .....................................................lakemontdeed@yahoo.comLakes, Parks & Playgrounds ..................................... Jason M. .........................................................jamino69@hotmail.comNewsletter .............................................................. Kristina J. ................................................. [email protected] Watch ....................................................CK N. ...................................................lakemontwatch@yahoo.comPools .............................. Diane P., [email protected] Committee ................................................. Leslye C. .........................................welcome.committee@hotmail.comSwim Team .............................Rob M., [email protected]
IMPORTANT NUMBERSALL EMERGENCY CALLS ............................................911Sheriff’s Dept./Non-Emergency ..281-341-4700/281-341-4665Poison Control.............................................. 1800-222-1222Hurricane Preparedness/Red Cross ................. 713-526-1536Community Fire Department Station 3 .......... 281-578-6444Texas Driver License Office – Katy .................. 281-391-4874Fort Bend North Annex .................................. 281-238-1400Fort Bend County Animal Control ................. 281-352-1512Fort Bend County Appraisal District .............. 281-344-8623Fort Bend Co. Tax Assessor/Collection ........... 281-341-3710Fort Bend County Vehicle Registration ........... 281-341-3709Fort Bend County Voter Registration .............. 281-341-8670Fort Bend Co. Library – Cinco Ranch ............281-395-1311McNeill Elementary School ............................832-223-2800Briscoe Junior High School ............................832-223-4000Foster High School .........................................832-223-3800CenterPoint Energy (Natural Gas) .................. 713-659-2111Royal Disposal & Recycle ............................... 713-342-0508AMI – Association Management Inc ............... 713-932-1122
NEWSLETTER PUBLISHERPeel, Inc. .............................................................512-263-9181Advertising ..........................................advertising@peelinc.com
• Proper swimming attire required(no cutoff shorts).• There will be a ten minute rest period per hour.• Cocoa butter, baby oil and other heavy oils and lotions are not• Permitted due to potential equipment damage.• Members are responsible for the actions of their guests. All• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult• No swimming after designated hours unless special• Arrangements have been made.• No excessive noise or music.• No plugin electrical appliances are allowed in pool area.• Lifeguards are employed for the safety of the members and their Guests.
They have full authority to enforce any and all pool rules and to suspend violators’ privileges.
Both the pool and the clubhouse are monitored Electronically. Please report vandalism to association management, inc. At 713-932-1122 and the fort bend county sheriff’s department
at 281-341-4700. Any questions please email dperkins at [email protected]
BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDSRAINCO IRRIGATION SPECIALIST: Commercial & Resi-dential. Backflow Testing, Drainage, Irrigation (Sprinkler) System, Design & Installation, Service & Repair, Rainbird – Hunter. Fully Insured. Lic. # 9004 & 9226. Call 713-824-5327.
PIANO LESSONS Experienced private piano teacher accept-ing new students. Beginners welcome! Lessons taught in my Lakemont home. For more info, contact [email protected] or 832.451.6233.
Pool Rules - (Continued from Cover Page)
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Lakemont Living - July 2012 3
Lakemont LivingKristina’s Korner
Have a question about the community or surrounding area? Ever wonder about new development or want opinions on good restaurants or entertainment venues in the area? Send your questions to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to find out the answers!
We all know that water parks and swimming pools are packed this time of year and with the Texas heat sometimes it’s just too hot to be outside.
Q: What summer activities are there to do indoors? A: Summer Reading Clubs at Fort Bend County Libraries will have something for everyone, even the adults! Registration for all three clubs will begin Tuesday, May 29, and will continue through July 28. Participants of all ages will find a club to join for a summer of reading fun. Children and Teens will also enjoy some exciting programs and fun activities. And everyone will be shooting for prizes! If you have questions, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677 or the library branch nearest you
Summer Camps are also a great way to keep your kids occupiedduring the dog days of summer. Here are a few I thought were interesting:
• Drama Kids Internationalhttp://www.dramakids.com/x_our_schedule.php?location=&st=tx4
• Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department Kids & Cops Programhttp://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=32314
• Fulshear Summer Puppetry Workshophttp://FulshearArtsCouncil.org
SHOW OFFYOUR SUPERHERO
Parents this is your chance to brag on your kiddos. We want pictures of your kids doing everyday
things, school events, plays, sports, etc. Send in your pictures to be featured in Lakemont Living.
E-mail your pictures to [email protected] by the 8th of the month.
4 Lakemont Living - July 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc
Lakemont LivingAt no time will any source be allowed to use the Lakemont Living contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of the Lakemont HOA and Peel, Inc.
DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.
Bashans Painting & Home Repair
• Interior & Exterior Painting• Hardi Plank Installation• Wood Replacement• Sheetrock Repair• Interior Carpentry• Cabinet Painting• Wallpaper Removal and Texturizing• Pressure Washing• Fence Repair/Replacement
Commercial/ResidentialFree Estimates
281-347-6702
References Available • Fully InsuredNO PAYMENT UNTIL COMPLETION
281-731-3383cell
• Garage Floor Epoxy• Custom Staining• Roofing• Gutter Repair/Replacement• Faux Painting• Door Refinishing• Window Installation• Trash Removal• Ceiling Fan/Light Fixtures
Neighborhood Announcements & Events
SEEKING BLOCK CAPTAINSWould you like to become a part of the Neighborhood Watch
program as a Block Captain? We welcome residents interested in serving. If you or someone you know is interested, please send your contact information to our Neighborhood Watch Committee at [email protected] for more information. If you are a current Block Captain and have not been receiving monthly updates from our Neighborhood Watch Program please contact us.
JOIN THE QUILTING BEESIf you are interested, please contact Michelle at hudson.michelle@
att.net. The meetings are held at The Lakehouse from 1-5pm on select Tuesdays and from 2-6pm on select Sundays. Please refer to the calendar of events for specific dates.
LAKEMONT SELF-DEFENSE CLASS Come join the next Lakemont Self-Defense Class (KAJUKEMBO)
to get some great exercise and meet a few of your neighbors. The activity is held at the Lakehouse on select Saturday’s from
9am – 11am. It is free and open to all Lakemont residents 17 years and older. Please refer to the calendar of events for specific dates.
GET CONNECTED… Sign up to receive community e-mails and updates. Go to our
community website www.lakemontca.org and login (for login information contact the HOA).
HAVE AN IDEA? Interested in forming a new Lakemont club/organization? E-mail
us by the 5th of the month to include it in next month’s newsletter at [email protected]
CALENDAR OF EVENTS7/7 ................................... Self Defense7/10 .................................Quilting bee7/21 ................................. Self Defense7/22 .................................Quilting bee8/4 ................................... Self Defense8/14 .................................Quilting bee8/18 ................................. Self Defense8/19 ........................... Welcome Lunch8/26 .................................Quilting bee
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Lakemont Living - July 2012 5
Lakemont LivingJULY
Holidays & ThemesBirth Flower: TulipBirthstone: Ruby
Theme: National Ice Cream MonthHOLIDAYS
July 4 – Independence Day July 13 – Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation
Day (dress like a cow & get a free sandwich)July 15 – National Ice Cream DayJuly 21 – National Hot Dog Day
July 28 – National Dance DayPreheat oven at 325 degrees
PREPARATIONLine muffin tin with foil cupcake liners. Place 1 vanilla wafer in each liner. Mix
cream cheese, vanilla and sugar on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs and mix well. Pour over wafers, filling each one almost full. Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove from muffin pan when cool. Chill. Top with fruits, preserves, nuts or chocolate. These are quick and easy and can be cooled quickly in freezer.
• 12 vanilla wafers• 2 (I oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened• ½ cup sugar• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 eggs• Foil cupcake liners• (Optional) Fruits, preserves,
nuts, or chocolate
Mini CheesecakesSubmitted by: Jennifer Li (Lakemont Ladies Club)
INGREDIENTS
6 Lakemont Living - July 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc
Lakemont Living
YOURAVON.COM/TAMMYH04 OR [email protected]
Shop Avon At home or in your office with perSonAl delivery And guArAnteed
SAtiSfAction.
Tammy HardingAvon Independent Sales Representative
2012 Pool ScheduleLAKEMONT #1 LAKEHOUSE POOL
May 26th, 27th, and 28th:Day(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesSaturday ..........................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PMMemorial Day .................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
June 2012 – July 2012: Full TimeDay(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesMonday ............................................................CLOSEDTuesday - Saturday ..........................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
August 2012: 1st – 26th; then weekends onlyDay(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesMonday ............................................................CLOSEDTuesday - Saturday ..........................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
September 2012: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Day(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesSaturday ..........................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PMLabor Day .......................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
2012 Pool ScheduleLAKEMONT #2 RESORT POOL
May 26th, 27th, and 28th:Day(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesSaturday ..........................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PMMemorial Day .................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
June 2012 – July 2012: Full TimeDay(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesMonday ..........................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday .............................................................CLOSEDWednesday - Saturday .....................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
August 2012: 1st – 26th; then weekends onlyDay(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesMonday ..........................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday ............................................................CLOSEDWednesday- Saturday ......................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
September 2012: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Day(s) ............................................................. Pool TimesSaturday ..........................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday ............................................12:00 PM – 8:00 PMLabor Day .......................................10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
May 30, 2012Lakemont Community
Association, Inc. Dear Homeowners,
The Lakemont Community Association, Inc., is reaching the point in the development where the community will transition from being a “developer controlled” community to a “homeowner controlled” community. What this means for your community is that the developer of Lakemont will soon have little to no involvement in the management/operations of the Association. Currently there is a five member Board of Directors. Of the five positions on the Board of Directors; three of the positions are held by the developer and two of the positions are held by homeowners in the community. Upon completion of the transition, there will be a five member Board of Directors and all five positions will be held by homeowners that are elected by the membership of the Association. This being said, Lakemont will no longer be managed under the Developer Services division through AMI, but will now be managed under the Single-Family division; therefore, the AMI management team has changed. Effective immediately, the team dedicated to the management of your community is as follows.
Kristi Miller .......................Community Manager
Roxanne Rocha .....On-Site Community Manager
Kelly Arizpe ..............................Service Specialist
In addition to the changes above and to better serve the homeowners in the community, Roxanne Rocha will be the full time on-site manager. Roxanne will be available to assist homeowners with questions/concerns Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, so feel free to stop into the clubhouse to introduce yourself and say hello! We look forward to building a continued relationship with each one of you!
Sincerely, Kristi Miller Community Manager - Association Management, Inc.
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Lakemont Living - July 2012 7
Lakemont LivingROYAL FLOORINGby Houston Floor Covering & More
ROYAL FLOORINGby Houston Floor Covering & More
ROYAL FLOORINGby Houston Floor Covering & More
ROYAL FLOORINGby Houston Floor Covering & More
ROYAL FLOORINGby Houston Floor Covering & More
ROYAL FLOORING
ROYAL FLOORINGby Houston Floor Covering & More ROYAL FLOORING
by Houston Floor Covering & More
carpet starting $ 1.49 S/Fincluding installation, padding & tax
Laminate Wood Flooring $ 0.99 S/Fcash & carry
Tile Starting $ 2.89 S/Fincluding installation
Laminate $ 2.49 S/Fincluding installation & tax
Granite Countertop $ 27.99 S/Finstalled including 1-1/2” bullnose
SUPERSALE0% financing
up to 12 months!
Tel|281.599.3181Fax|281.599.1864Email|[email protected]
5205 S. Mason Rd., #180Katy, TX 77450
www.royalflooring.us
$100 OFFof your next purchase!
Not valid with other specials or previous purchase.
Minimum purchaseof $1500 required
hard wood $ 4.49 S/Fincluding installation & tax
hand scraped hard wood $ 4.99 S/Fincluding installation & tax
8 Lakemont Living - July 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc
Lakemont Living
(yes.)
Your newsletteris provided 100% freeof charge to your hoa... and is made possible by the advertisers within.
Please frequent their businesses and let them
know where you saw their advertisement.
While there, be sure to say “Thanks!”
www.PEELinc.com
BE PREPAREDFOR HURRICANE SEASONHurricane Season is here and runs from June 1 to November
30. The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management urges Houstonians to prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms and other emergencies by following a few key steps.
Build a Kit - Have a disaster supply kit with enough supplies to last you and your family for 5 - 7 days; the kit should include food, medications, water and other basic necessities
Make a Plan -Have an emergency plan for your family and check to make sure that your workplace, children’s school and other places you frequent have emergency plans in place; be sure to practice your family’s emergency plan before disasters happen
Be Informed - Remember, during and after a hurricane, electricity and internet connections may be unavailable, so have a way to stay informed, including access to a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Alert radio or a hand-crank or battery-powered radio
Know Your Neighbor -Neighbors can be a great source of help before and after a disaster, so get to know your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or who may not be able to prepare for disasters by themselves; Houstonians know how to work together to be ready for disasters
For more information visit www.houstonoem.net. If an evacuation is necessary, it is key to have a plan for
how to get out of harm’s way. If you are unable to evacuate by yourself or with the help of family and friends, register for the Transportation Assistance Registry by calling 2-1-1 from any phone in Texas or by visiting www.houstonoem.net.
Not Available Online
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Lakemont Living - July 2012 9
Lakemont LivingFinancial Focus - Student Loans Crushing College Grads
Submitted by Rich Keith
Today’s college grads are facing the “real world” with an extra scoop of debt. Two-thirds of students graduating from college or graduate school have student loans – about $25,000 on average. That’s a 25% increase over the past 10 years. In fact, today’s twentysomething holds an average debt of $45,000, including everything from student loans to mortgages and credit cards. Unfortunately, unemployment for those aged 18-29 is 12.4%, well above the national rate of 8.2%.
Don’t feel as if you have to be the savior. Six in 10 boomers report giving financial help (outside of college tuition) to a child or grandchild in the past five years. Of those, $59,000 was the average amount of aid. If this sounds like you, ask yourself: Do I really have the resources? Am I saving enough for retirement? Try to share more financial wisdom and less cash with your adult offspring. The more you save for your own future means less possibility that you’ll need their help later on.
Without going into too much detail, share the family financial picture with your children once they hit the mid-teen years. They need to know the family income is X and it takes Y amount to cover the mortgage and
bills. Once they see X minus Y in action they will be surprised at how much it actually costs to run a household.
This may have a side benefit of limiting how much and how often your children ask you for money and gifts.
Children who have a basic understand-ing of money, especially the corrosive effects of debt, have a better chance of becoming
financially independent later in life. They will be more resistant to the credit card offers sure to
come to them in their freshman year at college. And they will more ready to partner with their parents as the family manages their college
finances with them.
10 Lakemont Living - July 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc
Lakemont LivingSalt of the Earth: Sodium & Your Health
TIPS FOR REDUCING SODIUM FOR BETTER HEALTH
Sodium is everywhere—swirling in the oceans, stored in vast underground crystal-line deposits—and contained in just about every food and drink imaginable.
The fact is, sodium is as an essential, life-sustaining ingredient for every known plant and animal on the planet. Without sodium, our bodies would cease to function. Sodium helps our cells draw in nutrients, maintains balanced pH levels, enables nerve function and muscle contraction, helps regulate your heartbeat, and is a key component of your bones, explains Jose Mejia, M.D., a cardiolo-gist for The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC).
Yet too much of this essential element can pose serious health risks in people, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the average per-son should only consume 2,300 milligrams (mg)—about one teaspoon full—or less, per day. If you are 51 or older, are black, or already have high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, then you should limit your intake to 1,500 mg orless per day, Dr. Mejia adds.
“Unfortunately, the average American gets about 3,400 mg of sodium a day, which is far more than is recommended for good health,” Dr. Mejia says. “Keeping the amount of sodium you eat under control can be chal-lenging, but understanding the main dietary sources of sodium is one of the best ways to start lowering your intake.”
SALT BY ANY OTHER NAME
One of the most troubling parts of moni-toring your sodium intake is understanding how extensively the food industry uses so-dium as a flavor enhancer and as a preser-vative in everything from bread to canned soup. And then there’s a matter of naming conventions. Common table salt, otherwise known as sodium chloride, is just one form of sodium.There are many other compounds that contain sodium, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), baking soda, baking pow-der, disodium phosphate, sodium alginate, and sodium nitrite (sometimes just nitrite).
“Most of the sodium we eat comes from processed foods and foods prepared in res-taurants. Sodium is already part of processed foods and cannot be removed. Even fresh fruits, meats, vegetables and dairy products contain sodium,” Dr. Mejia notes. “However, food manufacturers and restaurants can pro-duce foods with far less sodium. In addition, you can select lower sodium foods when pos-sible, and you can cook more foods yourself to better control how much sodium you eat.”
SHOPPING SMARTTO REDUCE SODIUM
The most practical way to reduce your sodium is by altering what you bring home from the grocery store. Many items like baked goods, breakfast cereals, soups, and lunchmeats are very high insodium.
“Pay very close attention to food labels,” Dr. Mejia says. “It may add extra time to your shopping trip, but it’s important to understand just what the food industry means when it uses sodium-related terms. Portion size is just as important. Frankly, it’s the only way to make sure you are not eating too much sodium.”
Here are some of the most common terms used on food packaging. If it doesn’t have a label, your best option may be to avoid buying it.
• “Sodium free” or ”Salt free.” Each serv-ing of this product contains less than 5 mg of sodium.
• “Very low sodium”- Each serving contains 35 mg of sodium or less.
• “Low sodium”- Each serving contains 140 mg of sodium or less.
• “Reduced” or “Less sodium”- The prod-uct contains at least 25 percent less sodium than the regular version. Check the label to see how much sodium is in a serving.
• “Lite” or “Light in sodium”- The sodium content has been reduced by at least 50 percent from the regular version.
• “Unsalted” or “No salt added”- Not salt is added during processing of a food that normally contains salt. However, some foods with these labels may still be high in sodium because some of the ingredients may be high in sodium.A DASH OF SOMETHING ELSEThe widespread use of sodium means it
can be challenging to avoid, especially if you are traveling with limited food options at airports. In that case, bringing low sodium snacks is a good option. At home, consider using alternative seasonings that are sodium free. Eventually, your taste buds will adjust to the lower sodium options.
“It takes some effort, but a low sodium diet can have tremendous health benefits,” Dr. Mejia says. “If you are concerned or curious, it may be a good idea with check with your physician about the amount of sodium you are eating.”
Jose Mejia, M.D., CardiologistThe Austin Diagnostic Clinic,
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Lakemont Living - July 2012 11
Lakemont Living
WWW.COLINSHOPE.ORG
PREVENTABLEDROWNING IS
VISIT US ONLINE
CHECK POOLS/HOTTUBS 1ST FOR MISSING CHILDREN
CONSTANT VISUALSUPERVISION
MULTIPLE BARRIERS ONALL POOLS & HOTTUBS
LEARN CPRKEEP BACKYARDS &BATHROOMS SAFE
LEARN TO SWIM WEAR LIFEJACKETS
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
WATER GUARDIAN
PLEDGEI WILL constantly watch children around water.I WILL NOT become distracted.I WILL maintain a valid CPR certification.I WILL be on duty until relieved by an adult.
Take the Colin’s Hope Water Guardian Pledge
WATER SAFETY TIPS AT
12 Lakemont Living - July 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc
Lakemont Living
LMT
Your ER Visit Made Easy.
HealthOneHouston.com • WestHoustonMedical.com
281-232-1600
1-888-740-24ER(Some areas may need to dial a “1”.)
5510 West Grand Parkway South@ 1093/Westpark Tollway • Richmond, TX 77406
Medical emergencies are stressful enough. So imagine if there was a way to save your place in line before ever walking through the doors. Now there is.HealthOne’s new “Save Your Place” Online Check-In Service offers you theconvenience of choosing the time of your ER visit. It’s Easy. Go toHealthOneHouston.com, click the “Save Your Place” button and you are justa few clicks away from scheduling a visit in our ER.
• Available from any computer or mobile phone• Simplifies registrationSave time, save your place.
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPEEL, INC.
308 Meadowlark St.Lakeway, TX 78734-4717
