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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2483 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 A Common Cause Of “Senior Moments” (NAPSA)—When people in their 60s, 70s or 80s experience unusual feelings—lost time, suspended awareness, confusion, seizures— they may think they’re a regular part of aging. But they could be signs of epilepsy, a condition that affects 300,000 older Americans. Epilepsy is a functional disorder of the brain, a kind of occasional glitch in the electrical system that controls everything we feel and do. These brief malfunctions, called seizures, may temporarily block awareness. They can also cause uncontrollable shaking, convulsions, confusion or affect the senses. Knowing The Facts “For a long time epilepsy has been seen as a condition that affects young people, but now we know it can affect anyone at any age,” says Dr. Ilo Leppik, director of research at MINCEP Epilepsy Care Center in Minneapolis and past chairman of the Professional Advisory Board of the Epilepsy Foundation. It’s a truth that Jeanette Fisher knows all too well. She had never experienced seizures in her life when, at 76, she started blacking out, turning rigid and exhibiting signs of dementia. Her doctor assumed she needed to move to a nursing home. But he first suggested a second opinion from Dr. Leppik, who, after running tests and examining her medications, devised a regimen to help Fisher treat her epilepsy. “She had come into the hospital in a wheelchair, confused and It’s important for seniors to know the signs of epilepsy. bound for the nursing home, but left under her own power,” says Dr. Leppik. Recognizing Symptoms Seizures among seniors are often subtle—spaced out episodes alternately described as “going to a different place” or “thoughts skipping.” To recognize seizures in seniors, Dr. Leppik suggests: • Looking for whether these kinds of incidents are happening on a routine basis and if they are reasonably distinct. • Watching for alterations in a loved one’s behavior. • Comparing notes with relatives to see if they have observed the same kinds of inconsistencies. “People might think, ‘Mom is tired, she’s having a senior moment,’ ” says Dr. Leppik. “Sometimes that’s how symptoms of epilepsy are dismissed. That’s why it’s important to watch for signs.” For more information, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org. A New Twist On Tailgating Menus (NAPSA)—Every week, fans across the nation get together for tailgate parties. As the crowds gather for fun with family and friends, one of the most important components is the food. A simple ingredient that can create a new take on tailgating meals is the Hass avocado. Always in season, Hass avocados are readily available for tailgating parties year-round. Much more than just the main ingredient in guacamole, avocados can serve as a tantalizing topping for all kinds of traditional tailgating dishes, from burgers to sandwiches to salads. Tailgating chefs are quickly learning that avocados are a perfect ingredient to liven up their menus—they are quick and easy to prepare and add a great creamy texture and flavor to meals. For a twist on the traditional burger at your next tailgate gathering, try this recipe for Stuffed Hamburgers with Hass Avocado and Jarlsberg Cheese. Guests are sure to enjoy these delicious stuffed burgers bursting with Hass avocado. Stuffed Hamburgers With Hass Avocado And Jarlsberg Cheese Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 ⁄4 cup mayonnaise 1 ⁄4 cup coarse ground mustard 11⁄2 lbs. lean ground beef 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 11⁄2 tsp. prepared steak seasoning 1 ripe, fresh Hass avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and chopped into 1⁄2-inch cubes 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 head garlic, roasted Guests are sure to enjoy these delicious stuffed burgers bursting with Hass avocado. 4 slices Jarlsberg cheese 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced and toasted on the grill 24 baby arugula leaves, rinsed thoroughly and dried 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced in 1⁄4-inch thick rounds Instructions: 1. Combine mayonnaise and mustard, set aside. 2. In a bowl, combine meat, Worcestershire sauce and steak seasoning. Mix well. Divide meat mixture into equal portions per serving and form each portion into two thin patties, set aside. 3. Gently combine avocado and lemon juice, making sure all avocado is dressed. 4. Top half of the patties with the avocado mixture and squeeze the contents of two roasted garlic cloves on top of the avocado mixture on each patty. Then top each with another patty, pinching to seal, forming a smooth edge. 5. Grill over medium-hot coals for 5-6 minutes per side or until no longer pink inside. Just before removing from the grill, place a slice of cheese on each patty and allow to melt. Place ciabatta rolls cut side down on the grill to toast. Remove burgers and rolls from the grill. 6. To prepare sandwich: Spread mayonnaise mustard mixture on both sides of each roll. On the bottom slice of each roll place arugula, tomato slices and grilled meat. Finish with roll top. TIP: To make roasted garlic: Slice 1⁄4-inch off top of garlic head (opposite of root end). Place in oven-proof pan, root side down, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in a 350 F oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool. Separate cooked cloves and use as desired. Delicious as a spread on toasted bread. For more delicious recipes perfect for tailgating, visit the Hass Avocado Board Web site at avocadocentral.com.