views

for openers

Th e Trials Of Getting Older

W

tioned webMD, is “inflammation of the
ait, what? In a few days, I
thick, fibrous band of tissue ( fascia)
will turn 62?! It was hard
enough turning 60. Now I’m that reaches from the heel to the toes,
supporting the muscles and arch of the
facing the fact that, despite not being
at full retirement age, I have the option foot.”
I can’t believe how many people suf-
of applying for Social Security? Just the
fer from what is really a pain in the …
thought of it makes me want to run
heel. How do I know this? Because I’ve
out to a restaurant and steal a handful
asked everybody I’ve come
of Sweet’N Lows.
in contact with over the
At least I can take some sol-
last three months if they’ve
ace in the fact that I’m still the
ever had it. And without fail,
“baby” of my family; the young-
everybody I’ve asked said yes!
est of four siblings. And if I’m
Look, I realize this should
the “baby” of the family, I’m not
be the very worst thing
turning 62 — I’m only going to
that ever happens to me.
be 744 months! That’s how par-
However, with so many peo-
ents describe their baby’s age,
Alan Muskovitz
ple suffering from PF, I just
right? So, if you see me after
couldn’t sit on the sidelines
Feb. 11, come up to me, squeeze
and not do something about
my cheeks and say, “Ahhhhh,
it. So, that’s why I created a
what a cutie pie. How old are
501c3 charity —T.P.F.A.M., The Planter
you, little guy?” And I’ll hold up “this
Fasciitis Association of Michigan, or as
many” fingers and drool. Technically,
we members affectionately refer to it,
I’ll have to flash 10 fingers 74 times
“Tee-pee-fam.” Sadly our first fundrais-
and 4 fingers once, so be patient.
er, a 5K walk/run had to be canceled
Meanwhile, I thank God I’m in good
health ... that is on the days I don’t look because all 300 members’ feet hurt.
There are a couple of strange phe-
stuff up on webMD. Speaking of which,
nomena I’ve noticed at my advanced
for a change I’ve actually been suffer-
age that really baffle me. For one thing,
ing from a real, albeit minor, physical
why is it that as we age we tend to get
ailment. Yep, I have planter fasciitis
(PF) which, according to the aforemen- food stuck on our face? What’s that all

about? These days a meal doesn’t go by
without someone at the table saying,
“Uh, Al, you have a little something on
your cheek. Looks like a little bit of egg.
No, the other side. A little to the left.
A little more to the left. Up a little bit.
Almost. Right there. Nope, didn’t get it
all. Try again. Got it!”
And I know this is going to sound
weird, but I know if guys out there my
age or older are honest, they’ll admit
that sometimes we forget to … zip up
our pants — or as us old geezers like to
say, “You left your barn door open!” I
just don’t get it. It usually occurs when
I’m getting dressed first thing in the
morning. Most days I’m lucky; I notice
it before I leave the house.
You know what? Based on that last
confession, I can add another aging
phenomenon to my list … I’m losing
my filter. So, I better shut this column
down before I embarrass myself fur-
ther. It’s just as well, I’m behind on
binge watching reruns of Matlock and
Murder She Wrote. •

Alan Muskovitz is a writer, voice-over/acting
talent, speaker, emcee and a regular guest host
on the Mitch Albom Show on WJR AM 760.
Visit his website at laughwithbigal.com and
“Like” Al on Facebook.

letters

Perspective On
Women’s March

I participated in the Women’s March
on Washington (“Making Herstory,”
Jan. 26, page 18) with other elderly
seniors like me. I have given that won-
drous occasion two other names: “The
Make America Kind Again Movement”
and “The First Save Our Country
Movement.” On Jan. 23, 2017, the first
official work day of the Trump era,
Trump’s main news aide, reacting to
criticism from a leading television host,
tried to defend the team’s lies by using
the term “alternative fact” No! A fact is a
fact is a fact!
Citizens must remember George
Orwell’s book 1984 and the word
“doublespeak.” Often called doubletalk,
the word is used to describe words
that say one thing yet mean something
different. Doublespeak is the ability to
hold two separate and completely con-
tradictory statements in your head and

believe both are true. Be wary, vigilant,
involved, active.

Hannah Provence Donigan
Commerce

Obamacare
Replacement Still
Unknown

With regard to Perry Ohren’s essay
(“Uncertainty Over ‘Obamacare,’” Jan.
26, page 5), he states that “if the ACA is
repealed, people in our community will
be hurting.” Being the alternative has
yet to be offered, I’d like to know where
he got the crystal ball that tells him this.

Marty Wiener
West Bloomfield

The Obama Legacy

At the conclusion of Barack Obama’s
presidency, it might be useful to view
his accomplishments through the
prism of Jewish values and ethics.

Political and policy preferences aside,
his efforts have exalted Judaism’s pre-
eminent value — life.
The passage of the Affordable Care
Act (Obamacare) has resulted in
insurance coverage for 20 million pre-
viously uninsured individuals. Those
conversant with health care statistics
know that this number translates
into distinct numbers of lives that are
saved throughout the country literally
every day.
What a sublime achievement! Our
tradition teaches that to save a life is to
save an entire universe. We are all too
familiar with the destruction and havoc
that evildoers have created throughout
history. Rarely have individuals, espe-
cially politicians, been responsible for
such massive good resulting from one
political initiative.
Jews everywhere should raise their
voices to acclaim this momentous
accomplishment.

Join us to hear

Martin Belkin, DO

speak on the topic of

Coping With a
Loved One’s MS
Diagnosis

Don’t miss this
opportunity to learn
more about MS and
connect with others in
the MS community.

2/16/17 at 6:00 PM

Prime 29 Steakhouse
6545 Orchard Lake Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322

This event is accessible
to people with disabilities.
A light meal will be provided.

Please RSVP
for you
and a guest
by calling

1-866-682-7491

Isaac Lakritz
West Bloomfield

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jn

February 2 • 2017

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