As we enter the year's final quarter, Dr. Robert J. Cerfolio, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, says it's never too early to think about self-improvement for the New Year ... and this year.

"Habitual procrastination can really hurt you in the long run because waiting to take care of something that's obviously important to you - health, money, family matters - weighs on your subconscious," says Dr. Cerfolio, known as "the Michael Jordan of lung surgery."

Understanding one's personal "line of gratification" is the foundation for sticking to self-improvement goals, he says.

"There are many kinds of lines of gratification," he says. "For some, they're the number of zeroes in their bank statement; for others, the curves of their muscles after they leave the gym. It's good and healthy to look back on your hard work and admire what you have accomplished before moving on to the next task."

Dr. Cerfolio, author of "Super Performing at Work and at Home: The Athleticism of Surgery and Life," shares tips on how to make those lines of gratification more impressive.

•  Be an early riser. The main reason operating rooms hum into action at 7 a.m. is tied to human physiology; the bodies of patients are better able to handle the stress of surgery at that time.

"People are generally better off getting work done early in the day when we're better prepared for stress and performance," he says. "And getting a job done early frees you up later in the day."

•  Love what you do. Why wouldn't you want to take ownership, responsibility and pride in what you do for a living? When you treat a job as only a means to a paycheck, you are missing the point. If your job isn't the one you'd really love to have, don't make it worse with a negative attitude. Instead, make it your own. Make it a point of personal integrity and principle to challenge yourself to achieve something every day. After all, 40 hours a week is a long time to stay anywhere.

•  Ask yourself: Did I really try my best? "I tried my best" is a common refrain from those who haven't reached their goals. An honest response you can ask yourself is, "Am I sure?" This question is not about being overly critical. It's simply about realizing that, if you had practiced or studied an extra 10 minutes each day, you would've been that much closer to your goals.

•  Set specific, measurable goals. Results define goals. Every individual should have clear goals that are objective and measurable. Goals such as "to be happy," "to do well at work" or "to get along" are too nebulous. To be successful, you have to be able to define your goals by measurable results.

•  Find the high ground. In anything you do, aspire to live up to the noblest, highest aspect of your job. Certain jobs - such as police work, firefighting, teaching or working in health care - are service oriented, so it's easier to feel good about your contributions. Look for the contributions you're making in your job and take pride in what you're doing to make the world a little better.

•  Be the go-to guy or girl. This takes time, practice and the confidence necessary to want the ball in a critical situation. Being the go-to guy or girl means being willing to take responsibility and risk failing. A go-to person is also willing to speak up about problems or changes necessary in a business or organization, and suggest solutions.

About Robert J. Cerfolio, MD, MBA

Robert J. Cerfolio, MD, MBA, is the James H. Estes Family Endowed Chair of Lung Cancer Research and Full Professor Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He received his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, surgical training at the Mayo Clinic and at Cornell-Sloan Kettering hospital, and has been in practice for more than 26 years. The author of "Super Performing at Work and at Home," Cerfolio, who was a First Team Academic All-American baseball player in college, is a world-renowned chest surgeon and recognized as one of the busiest and best thoracic surgeons in the world.

VA expert to answer frequently asked questions for senior veterans

DAVENPORT, IA (October 28, 2014) - Senior Star at Elmore Place invites all Quad City senior veterans and their families to an event with guest speaker David Woods from Veterans Affairs at 11:30 a.m., November 3 at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

The presentation will be informational and cover frequently asked questions about senior veterans' benefits and eligibility requirements.  A light lunch will be served.

An RSVP is requested no later than November 2 by calling 563.484.5114.

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.484.5114 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

About Senior Star at Elmore Place

Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.

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Local Food and Beverage Vendors Offer Support

DES MOINES, IA (October 28, 2014) - The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Iowa Chapter will hold their annual Wine Opener event on Friday, November 7, 2014 at Des Moines University to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research. The organization raises funds for critical research for cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease.

"This is not just another fundraiser. This is the community coming together to change the course of this disease. We have big goals to find a cure, and we rely on donations to help make this happen. All the proceeds will benefit research that will help find a cure for Iowans living with the disease," said Claire Scholl, executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Iowa Chapter. "Virtually every CF medication and therapy made available to patients is possible because of the amazing support from donors and events like this across the country."

The 2014 Wine Opener is a relaxed, yet lively tasting event, which offers the opportunity to sample fine wines and beers from around the Des Moines metro. Sip drinks from Ingersoll Wine & Spirit, Prairie Moon, Confluence Brewery, WineStyles Johnston, Raccoon River Brewery, Vintage Wines, Dimitri Wines, Fire Trucker Brewing Co., and more. Plus, great cuisine from 801 Chophouse, RoCA, Gateway Market & South Union Café, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Cosi Cucina, Hickory Park, Maytag Dairy Farms, and Scratch Cupcakery.

The auction will feature exciting packages, including a private dinner for eight by Chef George Formaro, a California Trip featuring Calcareous Vineyard and American Airlines, a one-week stay at a Keystone Condo, an exciting 50-person BBQ with beer and a private concert by Chad Elliott, and a Mystery Dinner package.

Cystic Fibrosis affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs, causing a buildup of mucus making it difficult to breathe. In 1955, children born with CF often died before reaching elementary school. Today, nearly half the CF population is age 18 or over.

Registration for the 2014 Wine Opener is open through November 5 at iowa.cff.org/wineopener. Tickets cost $75, of which $55 is tax deductible.

Thanks to sponsors Pivot Wealth Strategies, Keystone Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, The Foster Group, Bridgestone, Mygooi, Ernst & Young, Iowa Realty, UnityPoint at Home, Chiesi USA, Community First Credit Union, Merchants Bonding, Edge Commercial, Reinhardt Properties, European Motors, Andrea's Angels, and the Seydel Family.

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Formed in 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funds medical research, develops new drugs and therapies, provides care and, ultimately, works to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. For more information, visit www.cff.org/Chapters/iowa.