Letter from Southport

ABOUT THE COVER

Photo by Carmen Daughtry Carmen Daughtry took this summery photo of the sunrise on Sunset Beach—you can almost feel the heat of the day star ng. In the background you may catch a glimpse of The Isles Restaurant on the west end of Ocean Isle Beach. Read more about Daughtry and her work on page 4.

BRUNSWICK SENIOR BUZZ

EDITOR Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org (910) 622-1036 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mallory Balice, Melissa Catlett, Casey Freed, Beth Klahre, Joan Leotta, Donna Ruth Morgan, Pat Naughton, Sandy Porcaro, Marilou Smith, René Tarquinio

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Carmen Daughtry, Jillian Hardin, Joan Leotta, Veronica Lett-McGee, Teresa Nelson, Holley Norris, Amy Segen

ADVERTISING SALES (910) 754-2300 Anita Langin alangin@bsrinc.org Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org

© 2020 Brunswick Senior Resources Inc. All rights reserved www.bsrinc.org

Happiness Happens

Irecently read, “Some people could be given an entire field of roses and only see the thorns in it. Others could be given a single weed and only see the wildflower in it. Perception is a key component to gratitude. And gratitude is a key component to joy.” In essence, this quote is saying that people are only as happy as they want to be. August is National Happiness Happens month. Joy can be found anywhere. Everywhere. Sometimes we must look pretty hard for it, but it is there for the taking. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

A Challenging Time

The past year and a half has had plenty of horrible times, sadness, fear, and frustration. We have lost loved ones, seen others’ conditions deteriorate, said goodbye to those who moved away. Compounded by isolation and having the center closed, happy times seemed a distant memory. It was difficult for staff to come into an empty building, devoid of the happy sounds of our beloved participants. The building itself felt sad.

Fast forward to June 7. Opening the front door at 8 a.m. was like the first day of school, knowing I would see all of our dear friends again. With the opening of the door, laughter and happiness filled our halls and our hearts again. It felt like all was right with the world, finally. Smiling faces and catching up with loved ones breathed new life into this center. My gratitude is never-ending for the ability to be able to reopen.

Melissa Catle , Director The Brunswick Center at Southport

Happiness Begets Happiness

A grateful heart will bring about happiness every time. Even in the midst of great loss, there is always something to be grateful for. Happiness begets happiness.

Oprah Winfrey said that it was not until she learned to be happy that good things started happening to her. These days, it feels more important than ever to have smiles, hugs, laughter, closeness, and yes, happiness.

If you are struggling in your pursuit of happiness, here are some self-help books you could try: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. After all, happiness is a choice, and an excellent one.

BSRI Thrift Stores

SHOP our BSRI thrift stores for the best selection! Two locations:

10001 Beach Dr. Calabash 5302 Main Street Shallotte

DONATE your extra items to help senior programs and services in Brunswick County! For free pickup, call (910) 712-6458 VOLUNTEER at our thrift stores— it’s fun! Apply online at www.bsrinc.org/volunteers.html

Does Memory Loss Affect You, Your Family, or Your Friends?

Researchers at the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest School of Medicine are conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans.

Alzheimer’s affects African Americans twice as much as other races.

Today, there is no cure

We are seeking families where two or more family members are affected with memory loss or dementia. Study participants are not required to travel and they receive monetary compensation.

Help Us Find a Cure

Contact us today if you are interested in our study or wish to refer someone.

For more information, call (336) 713-7600 or email tdstarks@wakehealth.edu.

By Marilou Smith Patient Assistance Program Coordinator

Before purchasing your dream vehicle, you compare prices to see which dealership has the best price. The same thing should apply to your medications. You do not want to be stuck with a high car payment; the same goes for your medication needs.

Prescription discount cards, like GoodRx, Walmart $4-dollar list, and ACRX card, can help you reduce prices up to 80 percent. These are free and easy to use.

Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs) support people who require medication but are unable to afford it. There are more than 300 manufacturer’s programs to assist.

Generic and brand-name drugs have the same active ingredients. That means they will have the same efficacy for treating your condition. The only difference is the cost.

Most physicians are aware that some medications are more expensive than others. It is important to ask for a similar medication that will cost you a little less. Your health care provider will be able to advise you in this.

For routine medications, you may want to consider 90-day refills. They can help reduce price and add convenience. SHIIP can assist you with this information.

Whether you are covered by insurance through your employer or with Medicare Part D, your plan dictates your deductible, what drugs are covered, and your copay at the pharmacy counter.

Do you have a critical diagnosis and your medications are sky high? SHIIP can help you lower the cost by applying for a low-income subsidy. If your income is higher than the low-income limits, then the Patient Assistance Program will be more than happy to help.

For more information, contact Marilou Smith at (910) 754-6559 or

msmith@bsrinc.org.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are part of life in Brunswick County. To help you prepare for emergencies and bad weather, the Buzz has a couple of storm-related stories this month. See our emergency preparedness info on pages 8 and 9, and get some tips on stocking your pantry (and more) on page 22.

At left is a photo of Tropical Storm Elsa sneaking in, captured by Supply Assistant Director Jillian Hardin.