50 Plus

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Inside...

Financial literacy

Planning for living in a retirement community Pg. 4

Physical therapy

Acute and chronic pain

Pg. 5

May 2015 • Vol. 14, Issue 2 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Seniors EXPO set for May 20 PAGE 6

50 Plus is a monthly publication of Bryan-College Station Communications Inc. 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas PUBLISHER Crystal DuPre

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CONTENTS

MARR EYE CENTER

Memory Medic: Inflammation is the real problem

4

Physical therapy: Acute and chronic pain

5

Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthamology

6

2801 East 29th at Memorial Drive • Bryan

Feature: Seniors EXPO May 20 Cover photo by Stuart Villanueva: The Rhythm Rockers at the 2014 Seniors EXPO.

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T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Who wants to linger and be a burden?

“Everything will be done to extend his life - period!” Herb’s wife Sandra said, hands on her hips.

“Surely you don’t mean this,” Herb’s son Stephen responded, waving his hands at the ventilator and wires everywhere. “He’s unresponsive with no Gary Roe reasonable hope of Hospice recovery! And if he did regain consciousness, what kind of life would he have?”

“Stop it!” Herb’s daughter Shelley cried. “Daddy wouldn’t want us at each other’s throats!”

Herb’s family was in turmoil. His life was in the balance, and there was debate about exactly what “life” was.

We all have somewhat different definitions of “life.” For the purposes of this article, I’m going to divide us into three broad groups.

For Group A, to be alive means to have a heartbeat.

These folks are typically in favor of extending life at all costs. They want everything possible done as long as possible.

For Group B, life is more than this.

It consists of the ability to be somewhat independent, functional and mentally competent.

This group expects and tolerates some declines with aging, but would rather die than be permanently incapacitated (mentally or physically).

For group C, serious physical or mental restriction is unacceptable.

Life means being an active, significantly contributing member of family and society. These folks would prefer to die younger rather than see their abilities dwindle.

Whatever our definition, one thing I’ve heard time and again is, “I don’t want to linger and be a burden.”

Linger. I found two interesting, somewhat different definitions: 1. To remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave.

Most of us would like to stay a while. We would be reluctant to leave, for various reasons. We might like to stay longer than expected, but that probably depends on our situation.

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

2. To remain alive; continue or persist, although gradually dying, ceasing, disappearing, etc.

This definition is a bit heavier.

Gradually dying and ceasing to function doesn’t sound pleasant or attractive.

Who wants to slowly disappear?

I certainly don’t want to know what the etc. after disappearing might mean. This definition has the feel of moving from substance to shadow to nothingness.

Whatever our personal definition, “linger” doesn’t have pleasant connotations. It describes that “living but less than alive” state none of us wants our loved ones or ourselves to be in. “Lingering” and “being a burden to others” seem connected in our minds.

We want to laugh, love and contribute. We want to matter, living with a sense of mission and purpose.

Aging challenges this.

A few months ago, we talked about how we can fall victim to “the incredible shrinking life.” As time, injury and general wear-andtear whittle away at our physiques and abilities, we can be tempted to discouragement. We end up thinking we are less valuable somehow.

In reality, we have much to offer, like the invaluable qualities of experience, perspective and wisdom.

Aging becomes the battleground where we must expand our hearts even as our limitations increase. This doesn’t happen naturally. We must be intentional.

In many ways, we’re not in control of whether we linger or become a burden. Yet, there are three things we can do now to make it easier on ourselves and others down the road.

1. Get our paperwork in order.

Do we have up-to-date wills? This can save a lot of pain, conflict and frustration for those we love. What about a medical and financial power-ofattorney?

Who makes decisions if we can’t?

If we don’t decide this in advance, it can create incredible stress for our families.

Do we have living wills? Does our next-of-kin know our wishes about being resuscitated, placed on life-

support, etc.? Do they know where our important documents are?

Some of us haven’t thought about this because we don’t want to.However, if we don’t contemplate our desires, get them in writing, and make them known, these daunting decisions fall on our children. I know many who are plagued with guilt, wondering if they did the right thing for their parents.

When parents are prepared and clear about their wishes, much pain can be avoided.

A lack of preparedness can cause us to become the burden we said we never wanted to be. Our loved ones deserve clear guidance. Getting and keeping our affairs in order is a practical way we can express love.

obvious: relationships.

I’ve heard this repeatedly from my hospice patients: “Life is about people and relationships.” Reflecting back on the years, their greatest joys and worst regrets involve other people.

Now is the time to love. Now is the time to say what we want and need to say. Now is the time to move toward making those strained relationships right. None of us knows what’s coming next. What we have is now.

We’re wired for relationship. We’re designed to love and be loved. This is why we get our paperwork in order and make healthy choices. It’s all part of loving others.

It’s hard to be a burden when you’re focused on loving. You’re giving away what the people around you need and long for. That makes you a blessing, even if you can’t do what you used to.

Let’s prepare well, make healthy choices, and do what we can to be that blessing today.

2. Make healthy choices now.

Many who come down with sudden, severe illnesses haven’t had regular medical check-ups. Some of these conditions aren’t sudden at all, but rather the result of not being exposed to trained eyes over time.

Gary Roe is an author, speaker, and If you’re not in the habit of medical chaplain with Hospice Brazos Valley. check-ups, do yourself and those Visit him at www.garyroe.com or you love a favor. Make the call. Go. contact him at 979-821-2266 or groe@ Prevention and detection are much hospicebrazosvalley.org easier than aggressive treatment and intervention.

Of course, basic IN-HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICES health lies in the midst of our routine. Quality ® sleep, healthy eating and appropriate exercise have always been the building blocks of fitness Interactive Caregiving® is the unique way our Comfort Keepers® and quality of life. deliver care to our clients. It centers on four interrelated aspects Don’t worry about – engagement of the mind, an active body, proper nutrition, and being perfect. Take intentional steps to live safety. A plan of Care which addresses these aspects, together, more wisely. will enhance quality of life and ultimately, independence.

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3. Focus on relationships Why don’t we want to be a burden? Other than the embarrassment factor, the answer is

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Good fat, bad fat. Inflammation is the real problem

I recently attended a lecture at A&M by a prominent British nutritional researcher, Philip Calder. His topic was on omega-3 fatty acids and how they help alleviate the whole-body inflammation caused by eating the wrong kinds of fat. Chronic inflammation makes you sick and shortens your life.

In February and March of 2012 I wrote columns about how inflammation damages the brain and how this damage can be minimized by avoiding colds and the flu, by taking anti-oxidants, and by exercising. In October 2012, I wrote a 50 Plus magazine column, “Midlife obesity may hasten mental decline.” dr. BILL KLeMM THe MeMory MeDic There the focus was on the demands that extra fat makes on the circulatory system. In June of last year I wrote a column, “Weight gain hurts memory in women.” There I reviewed the research showing that the proximate cause of memory decline in overweight women was due to inflammation. I explained that fat deposits increase the release of inflammatory chemicals from the body’s immune system cells and these chemicals can damage all sorts of cells, ranging from blood vessel lining

cells to brain cells. The studies showed that losing weight improved mental function.

Here, I expand on these ideas from Dr. Calder’s lecture, which put studies like this in the perspective of the inflammatory reactions that dietary fat can cause. The key is the kind of fat.

Some dietary fat is bad: the fat from beef, pork, chicken and dairy products.

This fat is “saturated,” that is, the fatty acids in the fat are saturated with hydrogen and do not have many double bonds between the carbon atoms. Dietary fat gets incorporated into the membranes of cells in all body tissues. Too much saturated animal fat makes the membranes rigid, like dried paste. The important proteins that are embedded in cell membranes, like enzymes and molecular receptors, cannot float around freely and react with extracellular chemicals the way they can if the membranes were more “fluid.” This constraint on these membrane proteins triggers a cascade of chemical reactions within cells of the immune system, tricking them into responding as if the body had been attacked. These triggered immune cells release inflammatory chemicals like histamine and cytokines, which are useful as a temporary defense mechanism and manifest as heat, redness, swelling and pain — as you

might see in a local skin infection, for example. But continued release of inflammatory chemicals damages healthy cells. Sometimes the damage is obvious, as in arthritis. But there is also silent damage, as for example, damage to lining of blood vessels that promotes plaque formation in arteries. Liver cells can be damaged, which leads to excess storage of fat in the liver that obstructs normal liver function. Gene expression can be affected, and this is considered a basic cause of cancer.

Dr. Calder presented much data showing that these bad effects of saturated dietary fat can be reduced by eating “good” fat containing omega-3 fatty acid, which is largely unsaturated. These fatty acids have many double bonds between the carbon atoms, which allow fat molecules to be more liquid, more like a margarine spread than a stick of butter. Thus embedded proteins are free to act more normally and there is less triggering of immune-response chemical cascades within the cells.

He cited data from numerous animal and human experiments showing that more dietary omega-3 fatty acid reduces inflammation and its disease consequences. Benefits begin to become measurable within one week of dietary change and progressively

Planning for living in retirement community

“You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there.” Yogi Berra Last month I wrote about considerations of planning to live in your own home in late retirement. This month I will address the option of planning to live in a community environment. If you want to read in more depth than I will cover here, get the $7 book, “What’s the Deal with Retirement Communities” by Brad C. Breeding.

When considering a retirement community, the first things to TraCy STewarT consider are whether the size, FiNaNcial liTeracy location, atmosphere and health care services match your needs and desires. You want to know what the facility provides along the continuum of care. But first you have to know that continuum of care is the increasing level of health care services available as you age. The range of support levels in retirement communities are independent living, assisted living and round-theclock skilled nursing care.

• Independent Living – this is occasional

4 | May 5, 2015

assistance with daily chores.

• Assisted living – this is non-medical care to help you with the six Activities of Daily Living. Those are eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking) and continence. It often includes access to health care.

• Skilled nursing care – this is care from a registered nurse, including giving IV drugs, shots and the like, providing 24-hour care.

• Memory care – this is a growing area with facilities for those with dementia and alzheimer’s.

Keeping those support level ranges in mind, we turn to the ranges of retirement community living.

Active adult communities Members own their own homes. You would take care of the interior of your home and do your own household chores. Your exterior maintenance is taken care of by the Home Owners Association.

Independent living communities

See Stewart page 8

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increase over a few weeks.

So, healthy diets are those with less beef, pork, and dairy and more seafood and fatty fish. Taking an omega-3 supplement (about 1 gm per day) is a good practice. We also know that inflammation is caused by normal metabolism, which yields many celldamaging free radical molecules. So it is important to have a diet rich in anti-oxidants (found in descending amounts in blueberries, red and kidney beans, cranberries, artichokes, prunes, various dark-colored berries, apples, pecans, cherries, and plums).

Dietary supplements like vitamin C and resveratrol are also potent antioxidants.

Eat well to live well.

Sources: 1. Calder, Philip. 2015. Omega 3 fatty acids and cardiometabolic diseases.

Sigma Xi Symposium, The Role of Diet in Chronic Disease Prevention. Texas A&M University, March 26.

2. http://www.webmd.com/ food-recipes/20-common-foods-mostantioxidants “Memory Medic’s” latest book is “Improve Your Memory for a Healthy Brain. Memory Is the Canary in Your Brain’s Coal Mine.” It is available in inexpensive e-book form in all formats at Smashwords.com

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About acute and chronic pain

I would like to share with you some interesting news about acute and chronic pain.

I’m on a committee looking at more natural effective ways to deal with pain, including chronic pain. We will meet with likeminded individuals in Washington, D.C. in June to discuss natural pain management.

The three-day meeting will focus on a National Pain Strategy. Some of the topics we will Leon Bradway discuss include: Physical Therapy decreasing reliance on opioid prescriptions, pain education, new approaches to pain assessment, client self-management programs, a more multidisciplinary approach (i.e., psychologist, physical therapists, fitness instructors, etc.), effective natural treatment methods and strategies, and patient preferences for treatment. While I will not discuss each of these topics here, I will explain why the meetings are occurring and the possible outcomes.

A major identifier for acute and chronic pain is inflammation. More and more research today shows that our immune system is a key player in body inflammation. It is imperative that clinicians better understand why someone has pain, what body systems (i.e., musculo-skeletal, nervous and immune systems) are involved, how the mind-body connection fits in and what natural, effective treatments or combination of treatments lead to longterm recovery. Too often, prescription drugs are the only option given to patients.

In 2010 the National Institute of Health (NIH) looked at the use of opioid prescriptions (oxycodone, hydrocodone and vicodin) from 1999 to 2010, and found a 200 percent increase in the use of opioids for pain. Some major consequences from this rise in drug use include increases in: addictions, drug abuse, overdose and drug-related deaths. The number of opioid overdose deaths during this time period reached a high of 16,500. The NIH also found

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See Bradway page 10

Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons

Come play with someone your own age!

with an exciting calendar of events scheduled around town and around the world. If you’re 50 or better, want to meet new people, learn more about your health, travel and just have fun, then Senior Circle is for you. Dues are just $15 a year.

To join or for more information, call 979-764-5107 or visit CSMedCenter.com.

Become part of the Circle.

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

The Most Important Thing in any Relationship

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May 5, 2015 | 5

Seniors EXPO

Bryan event will feature resources for seniors and

By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle

Photo by Stuart Villanueva Glenda Goodman reads The Eagle’s Senior Resource guide while at the 2014 Seniors EXPO event at the Brazos Center in Bryan.

Photo by Stuart Villanueva The Rhythm Rockers perform at last year’s Seniors EXPO event.

6 | May 5, 2015

to senior living facilities, presented by Jared Myer with Caring Transitions, Braz Valley’s largest provider of senior relocati and estate liquidation services.

“There will be different seminars every hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. at which door prizes will be distribute drawn and a grand prize drawing will be h at 1:45 p.m.,” Von Gonten said. “Oldies 107. and Comfort Keepers are graciously donat a grand prize. The grand prize is a five-day Western Caribbean Cruise, and the winner must be present to win.”

Volunteers are still needed for the EXP “We are still needing volunteers for the event, in several different capacities,” said Raschel York, community outreach directo at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. “Mostly standing at the front door handing out tickets to participants.”

To sign up as a volunteer contact York a 774-4653.

For more information on the event call The Eagle at 979-776-4444.

The 14th annual Seniors EXPO, which offers information that impacts seniors and their caretakers, will be held May 20 in Bryan.

The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. The event is underwritten by H-E-B and the signature sponsor is The Eagle.

However, Seniors EXPO is planned each year by a committee comprised of various business representatives, primarily in the senior industry.

“Seniors EXPO is designed to showcase how businesses, organizations and activities in the Brazos Valley make our community a senior friendly place to live, as well as provide valuable resources to the seniors,” said Tricia Von Gonten, Seniors EXPO chairwoman.

During the EXPO, which will have a Stars and Stripes theme, entertainment will be provided, educational seminars will be held, door prizes will be given, free health screenings will be offered, and there will be over 95 vendor booths for seniors and their caretakers to visit.

Entertainment will include a cooking demonstration, a trombone performance

by Ray Sanders, line dancing by The Rhythm Rockers and a guitar performance by Bob French. Seminars will include a presentation

by Steve Beachy on the Veterans Memorial; a discussion on signs of senior care – Alzheimer’s/ Dementia, presented by Dr. Molly Carpenter; Dr. David Hackethorn will discuss what he has learned from his patients; and there will be a presentation on Photo by Stuart Villan rightsizing – transitioning Attendees watch a performance at last year’s Seniors EXPO.

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Seminars schedule The entertainment schedule: 9:30 a.m. – Possible color guard (posting of the colors) by VFW or American Legion 10:15 a.m. – Announcement of booth decorating winners 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living (cooking demonstration) 11:30 a.m. - noon - Ray Sanders (trombone) Noon -1 p.m. - The Rhythm Rockers (line dancing) 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. – Bob French (guitar) 1:45 p.m. – Announcement of grand prize winner

Photo by JimBob McKown A woman has her blood pressure taken at the 2014 Seniors EXPO.

Photo by JimBob McKown Visitors to the 2014 Seniors EXPO event check out booths.

Entertainment schedule 9:30 a.m. – Steve Beachy – Veterans Memorial 10:30 a.m. - Dr. Molly Carpenter – Signs of Senior Care – Alzheimer’s/ Dementia 11:30 a.m. - Dr. David Hackethorn – What he has learned from his patients 12:30 p.m. – Jared Myer, Caring Transitions – Rightsizing – Transitioning to Senior Living Facilities”

nueva T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Photo by JimBob McKown H-E-B representatives pose at the company’s booth at the 2014 Seniors EXPO event.

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May 5, 2015 | 7

Stewart

from page 4 These are also called rental retirement communities or supportive living communities. You are in rental housing and there are no entry fees and no requirement to buy your housing unit.

Senior living apartments These are thought of Making life less complicated as the most affordable option from Independent for families and their loved ones Living Communities.

You have fewer services provided. Specifically, 979.204.7273 these apartments do not provide meals. www.rahcentex.com Continuing Your choice for Senior Home Care! care retirement communities (CCRC) These are full service retirement communities.

Regardless of where you choose As a resident here, you would have a broad range of services along the full continuum of care See Stewart described above. Choosing a CCRC is a daunting and complex decision. page 10

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T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

CALENDAR Ongoing

Sit and Fit Chair Exercises - Workout while sitting in a chair. Seniors meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. For more details, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Line Dancing - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, holds line dancing for seniors on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact 979-764-6351, 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bluegrass Jam Session – Bluegrass Jam Session is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. All levels. Bring string instruments and a friend. For more details, contact 979764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors on Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more, contact 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Learn how to play 42 dominoes Learn the game of 42 every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov for more information.

42 dominoes - Seniors meet every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more details, contact 979-7646351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bible study – Bible study is held for seniors at 9:15 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St. in College Station. Contact 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

Dominoes - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays dominoes all day on Tuesdays and Fridays and from noon to closing Wednesdays. Sack lunch for those playing dominoes from 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. For more details: 979-8226873/ www.brazoscountyseniorcitizens. weebly.com.

Bridge – Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

plays Bridge 12:30 p.m. until closing on Tuesdays; noon to closing on Thursdays; and 12:20 p.m. to closing Fridays. Partner needed Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Games - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays board games, Scrabble and other card games on Tuesdays.

For more details: 979-822-6873/ www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Bible study - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds Bible study 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Exercise class - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, holds exercise class 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Bingo - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Bingo 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Canasta - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Canasta from 11:30 a.m. to closing on Thursdays. For more details, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Dominoes 9 - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, plays Dominoes 9 all day Fridays.

For more details: 979-822-6873 or www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Potluck luncheon - Brazos County Senior Citizens Association, 1402 Bristol St. in Bryan, has a potluck luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays. For more, call 979-822-6873 or visit www. brazoscountyseniorcitizens.weebly.com.

Learn to play Mah Jong - Seniors interested in learning the game will meet at Southwood Community Center1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 764-6371 or email mrodgers @cstx.gov.

May 6

Computer Club for Seniors: “Digital Photography and Computers - The

Computer Club is open to all seniors interested in learning more about the computer world. The meetings are held at the Carter’s Creek Facility Training Room, at 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station starting at 9:30 a.m. No preregistration needed. For more information contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

May 7

Senior Dance - Put on your dancing shoes for a night of fun. Free dance will be held at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station from 7 to 9 p.m. Music from the ‘50s to ‘70s with DJ, Tom Byer. Dress is casual and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 764-6371 or email mrodgers @cstx.gov.

May 1

Free Help for IPad Users - Bring your iPad to Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station for some free tips. Class meets from 9 to 10 a.m. Class size is limited. Register by calling 979-764-6351.

May 11

Free Help for Tablet Users - Bring your tablet to Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station for some free tips. Class meets from 10 to 11 a.m. Class size is limited. Register by calling 979-764-6351.

Beginning Line Dance Workshop - Seniors are invited to a free workshop for beginners May 11 and 18. Learn the steps and terminology. Meet at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. No registration necessary. Call 764-6371 or email mrodgers @cstx.gov for more information.

May 18

AARP Driver Safety Course - Refresh your driving skills. You will learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies and new traffic laws and rules of the road.

Class meets at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. Cost is $15 for AARP

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members and $20 for non-members. Pay at the door. To register call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

May 20

14th Annual Seniors Expo - Free admission. Visit over 100 information booths at the Brazos Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Entertainment, educational seminars, health checks and lots of door prizes. For more information, call 764-6371 or email mrodgers @cstx.gov.

Exploring History Luncheon - The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures with lunch on the history of the community. Glenn Cochran will speak on “Buffalo Soldiers.” The luncheon will be held at Aldersgate Church, at 2201 Earl Rudder Fwy S. in College Station.

A reservation is necessary for lunch by the Friday before; the cost is $5. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. The speaker will begin at noon. Make your reservations by contacting 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@ cstx.gov.

Genealogy Computer User Group: “What can DNA tell us” - The group shares an interest in computer genealogical information and meets on the third Wednesday of the month at Carter Creek Training Room, at 2200 N. Forest Parkway from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No registration required. For more information, call 7646371 or email mrodgers @cstx.gov.

May 21

Movie & Popcorn “Waking Ned Devine” - Seniors are invited to enjoy a free movie and popcorn at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Movie starts at 1 p.m.

Contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or email mrodgers@cstx. gov for more details.

May 29

BINGO & Birthday Celebration Seniors are invited to join on the last Friday of each month to celebrate birthdays for that month with cake and bingo. Held at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

For more details, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

May 5, 2015 | 9

Bradway

from page 5 that there was little if any use of a multidisciplinary approach, no development of self- management programs, poor pain skills by providers, limited and ineffective treatment approaches, poor evidencedbased care, incorrect or inconsistent diagnoses and treatment approaches (e.g, inconsistent dosing and frequency for medications and diagnoses in general). In essence, the current approach to pain management isn’t working. The outcomes are poor, but the costs continue to rise exponentially.

Yet more and more patients are in need of effective pain management programs with better outcomes at lower costs.

One of the main purposes of the meetings in June is to put into

Stewart

from page 8 to live, you still must confront your lifestyle and health care issues associated with aging. The question you have is whether to live at home or in a community. If you wish to consider a community residence, do you want one that is equipped to support your increasing needs for care when the time comes, or do you want to move to another facility? And of course, are you willing and able to pay for this existing range of services?

There are four issues to think about when deciding whether to move to a CCRC. 1. Does the residence contractually guarantee a Continuum of Care? This would include a contract between you and the community. The contract is called a “Residency and Care Contract.”

2. You will pay at least one fee, perhaps two. Fees come in two types.

The monthly service fee is pretty much assured. Virtually all CCRCs have this. The entry fee is common but not universal. Entry fees range from less than $50,000 up to $1,000,000 and above.

According to the National Investment Center (NIC) NIC Investment Guide – Investing in Seniors Housing & Care Properties, 2nd Edition, 2012, the national average entry fee for a CCRC is about $240,000. Local entry fees will probably differ. Entry fees might be tax deductible. You should check with a tax CPA before plunking down your money.

10 | May 5, 2015

place an effective multi-disciplinary, evidence-based natural treatment program. Professionals who specialize in natural approaches to pain management include: doctors of physical therapy, doctors of osteopathic medicine, psychologists, nutritionists, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists and yoga and fitness instructors. What can these professionals do that may be more lasting and effective than medication?

Instead of having the physician prescribe medication immediately as is done today, why not include additional professionals in the first line of treatment.For example, a physical therapist along with the physician, psychologist, nutritionist, exercise or yoga instructor could appropriately manage 85 to 95 percent of all acute and chronic pain problems. A highly skilled and credentialed physical therapist will spend the time to

define where and why one has a pain generator because they understand how the limbs and body should move and what is wrong if they are not moving properly.A skilled psychologist would be able to help the patient increase their belief that they can manage pain effectively with natural methods. A yoga or fitness instructor would be able to work with the tools given patients by the physical therapist and psychologist to extend their independence in dealing witha selfmanaged pain program. A nutritionist could suggest consuming foods that help relieve pain (i.e., pineapple, turmeric) and provide instruction on better eating habits to increase energy and mental outlook. Working together, we can help diminish a patient’s reliance on medication and the sense of helplessness in facing chronic pain.

Pain in America is a huge problem.

It is well documented and understood

that solely prescribing opioids as an all-in-one pain reliever, educator and coping strategy has led patients down a path of addiction, abuse and overdose deaths. I am looking forward to working with other professionals to give patients back the control to manage their pain naturally and effectively. Instead of the typical pain referrals too often used today, we need to help the patient take more control of their pain management in natural ways that don’t include such poor outcomes and actually work to help the patient live more independently and healthfully. While surgery or some medication may be necessary eventually, natural methods are less expensive and can be more effective for a permanent solution in the long run.

3. You must be able to live independently when you enter a CCRC and sign a continuing care contract.

These facilities are self-insured. This means that if a higher than expected percentage of residents require more care, the facility could run into financial challenges.

4. You will have to get through a financial requirement hurdle. The owners of the facility want some assurance that you will be able to pay the monthly fees plus any fees that you might incur regarding health care.

Not all CCRCs have entry fees, but those that do can have one of three types of entry fee contracts. Do not assume that the highest entry fee indicates the facility will cost the most over your lifetime. A higher entry fee may mean the monthly fees will not increase when you need to move into the facility’s health care center.

There are other important considerations when looking into a CCRC. You will want to know such things as the: • facility’s financial viability • management team’s experience • accreditation status • type of resident contract • financial ratios • occupancy level • actuarial analysis • ratio of independent to health care residents Making the decision of where to live during your late-retirement years is an important undertaking. There

are many aspects to research and consider. They all impact your lifestyle and comfort in your later years. Mr. Breeding’s book goes into suitable detail about the issues I have outlined above as well as additional factors, such as whether your long-term care insurance will be accepted at a CCRC.

If you are likely to face the decision of where to live, for yourself or for a loved one, I suggest you get his book and read it cover to cover.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® at www.

TexasDivorceCPA.com.

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Leon Bradway is a doctor of physical therapy and director of the Sports, Back and Pain Management Clinic. See www. bvphysicaltherapy.com.

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M a y 5 , 2 0 1 5 | 11

KNOW W H E R E TO GO

SHORT OF BREATH?

S O U T H C O L L E G E S TAT I O N

It’s three a.m. You’re not feeling well.

Not sure where to go?

Know that St. Joseph Emergency Center at South College Station is just minutes away.

With life-saving treatments and specialized ER doctors, St. Joseph Emergency Center is close to home and backed by the strength of St. Joseph Health System.

In a medical emergency, dial 911.

From life-saving emergencies to wellness visits…we have you covered.

ST. JOSEPH EMERGENCY CENTER – SOUTH COLLEGE STATION (Located in the Lowe’s Plaza)

4411 State Hwy 6 South College Station, TX 77845 979.731.5223 EMERGENCY EXPRESS CARE FAMILY MEDICINE PEDIATRICS LAB AND TESTING PHYSICAL THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

EXPERT CARE, CLOSER TO HOME. 12 | May 5, 2015

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