Living 50 Plus - March 2014

LIVING50 plus

Staying

Fit YMCA offers variety of senior fitness classes

A Place

To Call Home Residential living facilities focus on the needs of aging community members

Sewing for a Cause Niles women create hats, blankets for charity

LEADER PUBLICATIONS • MARCH 2014

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Trust the care of your eyes to us So much to see and do...

From left to right: Duane A. Tolsma, O.D., John W. Marohn, O.D., Andrew M. Wang, M.D., Michael S. Seward, M.D., David L. Cooke, M.D., David N. Brown, M.D., Stanley W. Pletcher, M.D. and Ronald L. McKey, M.D.

Great Lakes Eye Care Let us help you see better: • Retinal Disorders & Treatments • Contact Lenses • Laser Vision Correction • Cataract and Advanced Lens Implants Including Toric for astigmatism • Treatment of Glaucoma & Laser Surgery • Diabetic Retinopathy • Cosmetic Reconstructive Surgery • Eye Muscle Imbalances

Both doctors are taking appointments in our Niles and St. Joseph locations.

Please welcome Dr. Nick Patel, MD

Please welcome Sarah M. Cho, OD

Southwest Michigan’s Retinal Specialist

Research Director

120 Longmeadow Village Dr., Niles • (269) 684-6400 2848 Niles Road, St. Joseph • (269) 428-3300 Clinical Research Site

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

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Reaping what they ‘sew’

Chat and stitch club benefits community, group members

By AMBROSIA NELDON ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com

T

hanks to a group of Niles women, hundreds of cancer patients, local school children and newborns were able to stay warm in 2013.

Over the past several years, the Chat and Stitch group at the Greater Niles Senior Center has been hard at work to create handmade items for those in need.

Last year, the ladies donated more than 100 lab robes to Berrien General Hospital, at least 300 chemo hats to South Bend Memorial Hospital, 200 baby bonnets and matching blankets for newborns at Lakeland Hospital and countless scarves and mittens for area school children.

“Everybody has a reason, and mine happens to be crocheting,” said Dorthea Long, who has participated in the group for at least 12 years.

The group, which ranges from anywhere between three and 1- women depending on the day, meets every Wednesday at the senior center to enjoy each others company while creating new pieces for causes that they feel drawn to help.

While the Chat and Stitch group meets just once a week, the ladies in the group say they spend much of their free time crocheting, knitting, tatting and sewing.

“When you sit down in the evening, what’s there to do if you don’t read a lot?

I crochet,” said Eleanor Parker, another member of the group.

Judy Goddard said she focuses more of her time on tatting to create embellishments for other items. She said she believes the art is dying and thinks it’s fun to keep it going.

Some members crochet baby hats while others knit baby blankets or lap blankets.

Each member gets to choose who they give their items to, and the majority of

Leader photos/AMBROSIA NELDON

TOP: Members of the Chat and Stitch club, Judy Goddard, Eleanor Parker, Sandy Klekowski, Dorthea Long and Esther Porch work on their latest pieces, which they will donate to charities of their choice. Above: Judy Goddard works on tatting while Esther Porch crochets a baby blanket.

their products end up being donated to area hospitals and service centers.

“Last winter we had a Christmas tree and we stuffed it full of hats, scarves and mittens we made. We donated them to the (Niles) Service League and the Salvation Army, and they gave them to local children,” Long said.

Members said most of the materials used to create the pieces are donated by people in the community.

“We have lots of donated yarn, so we make things to donate to other people,” said Sandy Klekowski, of Niles

Although most of the hard work by the workers benefits other people in the community, stitching has also benefitted some of the members of the group themselves.

“I was blind for seven years, and crocheting really helped my eyes adjust when they got better,” Klekowski said.

“One of the founding members is actually blind.”

Ultimately, members of the group say they stay committed because everyone benefits from their hard work.

“We like getting together to meet like

this because we can get help from others.

If there’s a pattern we need or a stitch that isn’t working, we can help each other out,” said Eleanor Parker.

“We make our hats and then we think, ‘how wonderful is it that someone is going to get to wear that? Someone will stay warm because of us,” Klekowski said.

The Chat and Stitch group meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Greater Niles Senior Center, located at 1109 Bell Rd. in Niles. The ladies said they always welcome new members.

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Fitness at any age Local YMCA programs focus on seniors

By CRAIG HAUPERT craig.haupert @leaderpub.com

A

t 74 years old, Niles couple Robert and Karen Loughin believe it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle — no matter what age you are at.

That means being active, eating right and staying involved in the community.

“If you don’t use it you lose it,” Karen siad.

About seven years ago, the Loughins found the perfect place to achieve their health goals — the Niles/Buchanan-YMCA. Robert said they attend the YMCA about four times a week and participate in about two fitness classes there per day.

The exercise has helped Karen with her balance and Robert with his overall health.

“There are so many things I can do now that I couldn’t do when I first started coming here,” Robert said.

The Loughlins aren’t alone.

Many senior citizens in the Niles area are using the N-B YMCA to stay healthy.

“We offer a wide range of things for people of all ages,” said Lacey Peters, N-B YMCA marketing coordinator. “We have a lot of activities for seniors that offer a complete range of motion so they are working all the muscles. They can push themselves to their own physical fitness level and not anyone else’s. It’s never a competition.”

The YMCA offers several different low-impact classes designed for seniors, including: • Chair Aerobics — Whether seated, supported by a chair or standing free, participants engage in strength training, flexibility and balance exercises while benefiting from a cardiovascular workout.

• Fit for Life — This class concentrates on car-

ABOVE: Lester Walls, 81, loosens up his arms and shoulders during a low-impact chair a low-impact chair aerobics class Tuesday at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. LEFT: Betty Zellers, 93, flexes her feet during chair aerobics class.

Leader photos/CRAIG HAUPERT

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Offering classes to improve older adult life (50+) through intellectual challenge, spiritual reflection and social interaction.

Leader photos/CRAIG HAUPERT

ABOVE: Nan Yob, 75, smiles while working her biceps muscles. TOP RIGHT: The YMCA’s chair aerobics class works on arm and shoulder flexibility. BOTTOM RIGHT: Robert Loughin, 74, lifts his arms during chair aerobics class

diovascular conditioning, muscle toning, power, endurance, flexibility and strength.

• Just My Exersize — A weight loss program designed for beginners in a group environment • Low-Impact Zumba — The fun and fitness of Zumba designed for beginners or active senior citizens.

• Silver Sneakers — A low-impact chair aerobics class promoting muscle toning, cardiovascular fitness and socialization.

For a more one-on-one experience, Peters said senior citizens can sign up for personal training.

“It’s great for people that don’t want to be part of that group setting,” Peters said.

There’s also a free orientation session for new members wanting to use the exercise machines or cardiovascular equipment in the fitness facility.

Aquatic classes are also a good option for those looking for a low impact exercise, Peters said.

In addition to helping seniors stay fit, the YMCA also offers an opportunity for participants to meet new people.

“Our instructors love when they are socializing and mingling with each

other. While they are doing it they are getting their exercise too,” Peters said.

There’s also a program designed for cancer survivors that is instructed by certified LIVESTRONG personal trainers.

“They work with them on their nutrition, health and fitness and overall well being of getting better and rehabbing,” she said.

The YMCA also offers fitness classes at area senior centers and assisted living facilities.

Class descriptions and schedules are available online at nb-ymca.org.

Semester Begins in March

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Cass County Council on Aging March events LOWE CENTER, CASSOPOLI • Friday, March 7 and 21 – 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. — Great Decisions meets two Fridays a month. Discussion centers on foreign policy issues.

• Monday, March 10, 1 to 3 p.m. — Movies for Grownups will feature “Amour” a PG-13 film about an older couple who find their love put to the ultimate test. Free popcorn and water.

• Wednesday, March 12, 1 to 3 p.m. — Fall Prevention and Medication Safety is an interactive workshop designed for caregivers, health professionals and people of all ages. The breakout groups will discuss balance, medication safety and other critical issues.

• Monday, March 17, 12 p.m. — St. Patrick’s Day Party will be for wearing the green and having a wonderful lunch with friends. Cost about $5 per person.

• Monday, March 17, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — NEW! Spring Cleaning is a wonderful day-long program that will give you hand-on experience of ways to prepare for spring cleaning in your

Leader file photo

Cass County Council on Aging’s Front Street Crossing is located at 227 S. Front St. in Dowagiac.

mind, body, spirit and in your home!

• Tuesday, March 20, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Estate Planning Basics will help you better

protect your assets and determine what steps you need to take.

• Brain Awareness Week will take place the week of March

10th. Stop by and gather free literature and other items that are geared to sharpening the gray matter.

• Friday, March 21, 1 to 2:30

p.m. — Read and Share Book Club is facilitated by Ellie Sparrow of the COA. March is “Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Leader file photo

FRONT STREET CROSSING, DOWAGIAC— • Tuesday, March 10, 1 to 2 p.m.

— Estate Planning Basics will help you better protect your assets and determine what steps you need to take.

• Tuesday, March 11, 1 to 3 p.m.

— Movies for Grownups will feature “Amour” a PG-13 film about an older couple who find their love put to the ultimate test. Free popcorn and water.

• Tuesday, March 11, 1 to 3 p.m.

— Introduction to Mixed Media Paper Art is a wonderful class that allows you to create greeting cards, sculptures, paper crafts and more from a variety of materials. Cost for materials is $5.

• Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27,

9 a.m. to noon. — NEW! Beginning Conversational Spanish, Level I is designed to help you learn the basic phrases that can get you started on this beautiful language.

• Brain Awareness Week will take place the week of March 10th.

Seniors can stop by either Cass County COA location for a copy of the March issues of The Messenger and look for the new catalog called “Enhancing Life.” The catalog presents all programming from March through May. The Lowe Center is located at 60525 Decatur Road and Hwy. 60 in Cassopolis. Front Street Crossing is located at 227 S. Front Street in Dowagiac. Call (269) 445-8110 for additional information.

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Page 8

Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Buchanan Area Senior Center calendar of events • Tuesday, March 11, 10 a.m. — Checkbook balancing sessions with Edgewater Bank.

• Wednesday, March 12, 9 a.m. — Coffee chat with Buchanan American Legion Ralph Rumbaugh Post 51, Dept. of Michigan Membership Director Larry Money.

• Wednesday, March 12, 12 p.m. — Potluck.

• Friday, March 14, 1:30 p.m. — Friday movie matinee featuring “Last Vegas” at the center’s library. Popcorn and beverage provided.

• Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m. — Traveling Euchre Tournament at Cass

County Council on Aging in Cassopolis.

• Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Chair Massage with Helen Keeler. Sign-up sheet at the center.

• Wednesdsay, March 19, 9 a.m. — Coffee chat with Buchanan Art Center President Darlene Clevenger and Executive Director Janet Flahaven-Law. • Wednesday, March 19, 9 a.m. — Brunch social sponsored by Buchanan Meadows • Thursday, March 20, 11 a.m. — Book Club in the Center’s library • Saturday, March 22, 6 p.m. — Mystery dinner theater: “You Have the

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Submitted photo

The Buchanan Senior Center is located at 810 Rynearson St. in Buchanan.

Right to Remain Dead.” Audience participation mystery-comedy by Pat Cook. Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill. Directed

by Marsha Gorbitz. Tickets are $20 and are available at the center.

• Wednesday, March 26, 9 a.m. — Board meeting the center.

• Sunday, March 30, 1 p.m. — Mystery dinner theater: “You Have the Right to Remain Dead.” Audience participation mystery-comedy by Pat Cook. Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill. Directed

by Marsha Gorbitz. Tickets are $20 and are available at the center.

Running events: • Annual bakeless bakesale As tradition has it, our Bakeless Bake Sale is back for the season. Yep, that’s right, no need to bake, no need to buy, just consider what you might have contributed in time, energy, resources and/or buying items at a traditional bake sale and enter the amount in in an envelope and send it to the center, 810 Rynearson St., Buchanan Michigan 49107.

• Free tax service for seniors: Dedicated volunteers and staff are ready to help prepare regular taxes through April 12. Contact the center for more details 269-695-7119

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Greater Niles Senior Center March calendar of events WEEKLY EVENTS Monday • 9 a.m. — Chair exercise • 12:30 p.m. — Wii Bowling • 1 p.m. — Scrapbooking Tuesday • 9 a.m. — Oil painting • 10 a.m. — Bridge • 10:30 a.m. — Drumming • 1 p.m. — Euchre/Pinochle Wednesday • 9 a.m. — Chair exercise • 10 a.m. — Line dancing • 10 a.m. — Chat and stitch • 2 p.m. — Tai chi exercise Thursday • 10 a.m. — Pinochle • 10 a.m. — Pastels • 10:30 a.m. — Drumming • 1 p.m. — Cash BINGO Friday • 9 a.m. — Chair exercise • 10:30 a.m. — Zumba Gold • 2 p.m. — Tai chi exercise • 2:30 p.m. — Tatting OTHER EVENTS • Thursday, March 6, 6 p.m. —

Bookworms group • Friday, March 7, 9 a.m. — Let’s Go Shopping: Healthy Foods • Tuesday, March 11, 9-11 a.m. — Veterans’ service officer • Tuesday, March 11, 9-11 a.m. — Blood pressure check • Tuesday, March 11, 9 a.m. — Ceramics workshop • Tuesday, March 11, 1:30 p.m. — Cancer support group • Wednesday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.

— Ice cream social • Thursday, March 13, 5 p.m. — Woodcarvers • Friday, March 14, 10 a.m. — Volunteers • Monday, March 17, 10 a.m. — Card making • Tuesday, March 18, 1-2 p.m. — Blood pressure check • Friday, March 21, 12-3:30 p.m. — USDA/CSFP commodities • Monday, March 24, 9 a.m. — Board meeting • Tuesday, March 25, 1:30 p.m. — Cancer support group • Tuesday, March 25 — Foot care clinic (by appointment) • Thursday, March 27, 5 p.m. — Wood carvers • Friday, March 28, 10 a.m. — Volunteers

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

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Page 11

Living 50 Plus • March 2014

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SEE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL WITH US!! __Mar. 8 __Mar. 29 __Mar. 30 __Apr. 26 __May 9 __May 9 __May 12-20 __May 18 __May 20 __May 22-26 __June 3-5 __June 10 __June 18-20 __June 23 __June 25-29 __June 29 __July 13-23 __July 27

Borgess tests new heart device SUBMITTED

K

ALAMAZOO — Heart disease is still the No. 1 cause of death for American men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack every year.

Since the 1970s, doctors have treated those living with cardiovascular disease with balloon angioplasty, metallic and drug-eluting metallic stents, and other breakthroughs to help patients avoid openheart surgery. Throughout the years, the Borgess Heart Institute has remained at the forefront of these types of cardiac interventions.

ABSORB III is the first U.S. clinical trial to examine the potential benefits of the drug-eluting Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) in comparison with a traditional metallic, drug-eluting heart stent in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Manufactured by the health care company Abbott, Absorb BVS is a device designed to open a blocked heart vessel, restore blood flow and then dissolve into the blood vessel over time.

Absorb BVS dissolves except for two pairs of tiny metallic markers, which help guide placement and remain in the artery to enable a physician to see where the device was placed.

Unlike a metallic stent that stays permanently in the body, the Absorb BVS device

is referred to as a scaffold, meaning it is temporary. The scaffold provides support to the vessel until the artery can stay open on its own, and then dissolves naturally.

Absorb BVS is made of a dissolvable material commonly used in various medical implants, such as dissolving sutures.

The ABSORB III clinical trial will enroll about 2,250 patients, the majority in the U.S. The primary endpoint of the trial is the target lesion failure rate, a combined measure of safety and efficacy, at one year. A subset of patients within the trial will also be evaluated for vasomotion, a measure of how much natural motion returns to the vessel as Absorb BVS dissolves.

When cardiologists introduced angioplasty decades ago, their goal was to open blocked heart vessels without leaving anything behind. The Absorb BVS device could help cardiologists realize this aspiration, potentially leading to long-term benefits such as restoring natural vessel function.

To learn more about the ABSORB III clinical trial at Borgess, call the Borgess Research Institute at (269) 226.5407. The Borgess Research Institute contributes to the future of cardiac medicine by bringing together researchers, experienced research coordinators and a trusted administrative team. The cardiovascular research department’s medical director holds more than 60 patents for medical devices he invented or co-invented.

__July 30 __Jul 31-Aug 2 __Aug 5-8 __Aug 16 __Aug 20-21 __Aug 21 __Aug 26-29 __Sept 4-6 __Sept 6 __Sept 10 __Sept 12 __Sept 15-20 __Sept 22-25 __Sept 26 __Sept. 28 __Sept 28-Oct 1 __Oct 6-7 __Oct 8-10 __Oct. 15-17 __Oct. 20-27 __Nov 5 __Nov 17 __Nov 29–Dec 1 __Dec 3-4 __Dec 7 __Dec 13

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Page 12

Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Retirement homes offer independent lifestyles

By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com

W

hile there are many advantages of home ownership, even at an older age, the burdens associated with upkeep and utility payments can often exact a heavy toll on retirees.

However, giving up one’s home doesn’t necessarily mean trading one’s independence as well.

A number of local retirement communities provide many of the same benefits to residents as they had living on their own, while also providing a number of other perks as well: companionship with fellow seniors and a peace-of-mind that assistance is only a few feet away.

“You still have all the amenities you would have if you were still living independently,” said Marcia Steffens, manager of the Cedar Sands Apartments complex in Dowagiac. “But if you need help, it’s right there as well.”

Cedar Sands contains 32 onebedroom apartments, all of which have been consistently booked since Steffens took over management of the complex more than two years ago. The complex offers housing to seniors 62 years old or older, as well as people with disabilities.

“It’s kind of nice,” Steffens said. “The younger residents add to the experience. There’s more of a family atmosphere here, rather than it just being an old people’s home.”

Steffen and her staff often hold different events for residents throughout the year, including chili cook-offs, parties and bingo nights, she said.

Submitted photos

Brentwood, a 56-unit assisted living complex in Niles, offers a variety of services for seniors, including daily meals and regular community activities.

“We’re very much a community here, not just an apartment complex,” she said.

Residents also have a number of security and safety measures in place, including pull cords interspersed throughout the hallways which signal an alarm, so that neighbors can be alerted when another person needs assistance. Also, entrance to the complex is secured so that only people with a key or those buzzed in can enter.

“The security aspect is very good here,” Steffens said.

“While in their home they may

not have that. They are alone.

There’s no one across the hall to help them.”

With each room also having cooking appliances as well, residents are more than able to take care of themselves, just like they could while still living at home.

“Residents still have their independence, they are still able to have their own things,” Steffens said. “People in their 90s this day and age are much more active than most people imagine.”

At the Brentwood in Niles, the staff strives to create a similar environment of community

among their residents, said Executive Director Michael Kegley.

“People aren’t just placed here,” Kegley said. “This is a place where people come to live and age with honor.”

Like Cedar Wood, the 56room complex offers a variety of activities for residents, including live entertainment, educational talks by guest speakers and even group excursions to casinos and malls.

In addition, the facility provides three meals a day to residents, plus snacks, though each

room also has a kitchen area so that occupants can prepare their own meals as well.

“We’re a place where people can come socialize and enjoy life,” Kegley said. “It’s an improvement over living by yourself at home, waiting for visitors to come to you and visit.”

Other retirement communities in southwest Michigan include: • Riveridge Manor, Niles • Woodland Terrace, Niles • Westwood, Niles • Forest Glen Assisted Living, Dowagiac

Q&A:

Q

Public affairs specialist Vonda VanTil answers questions about Social Security

uestion: Can I use the metal or plastic versions of Social Security cards that some companies make?

Answer: We don’t recommend it.

There is no need to have a replica of your card. In most cases, the only time you may need to produce your Social Security card is when you apply for employment. At other times, we strongly recommend that you keep anything with your Social Security number on it with your other important papers. Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Also, we strongly advise against laminating your card.

You should question anyone else other than your employer who asks for your Social Security number or your card. Not everyone you do business with needs it. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Question: How long do I need to work to become eligible for retirement benefits?

Answer: Everyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for retirement benefits.

You can earn up to four credits per year, so you will need at least 10 years of work to become eligible for retirement benefits.

During your working years, earnings covered by Social Security are posted to your Social Security record. You earn credits based on those earnings.

If you become disabled or die before age 62, the number of credits needed to qualify for Social Security benefits depends on your age at the time you die or become disabled. A minimum of six credits is required to qualify for Social Security benefits regardless of your age. You can create a my Social Security account to check and periodically monitor how many credits you have. Just go to www.socialsecurity. gov/myaccount.

Question: I have children at home, and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security payments after I retire?

Answer: Your children may get monthly Social Security payments if they are: Unmarried and under age 18; Age 19 and still in high school; or s Age 18 or over and became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled. o For more information, read “Benerfits For Children” available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs. e y Question: Is there a time limit on -how long you can get Social Security -disability benefits? s Answer: No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved, and you scannot work. We will periodically review your case to determine if you continue to be eligible.

If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach your full re,tirement age your disability benefits will automatically be converted to re-

Page 13

Living 50 Plus • March 2014

tirement benefits. The amount you receive will remain the same. Learn more about disability benefits at www. socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Question: Why is there a fivemonth waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?

Answer: Social Security provides only long-term disability, so we can only pay benefits after you have been disabled continuously for a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disability benefits begin Vonda VanTil with the sixth full Public Affairs Specialist month after the Social Security date your disability began. You are not entitled to benefits for any month during the waiting period. Learn more at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Question: My grandfather, who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will be coming to live with me. Does he have to report the move to Social Security?

Answer: Yes. An SSI beneficiary must report any change in living arrangements before the 10th day of the following month. If you do not report the change, your grandfather could receive an incorrect payment and have to pay it back, or he may not receive all the money that he is due.

Failure to report a change to us could result in the deduction of a penalty from his SSI benefits. Your grandfather also needs to report the new address to us to receive mail from us.

You can report the change by mail or in person at any Social Security office.

Call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). You can get more information by reading Understanding SSI at www.socialsecurity. gov/ssi.

Question: I want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but I don’t know whether I qualify since I own my own home. Can I still get SSI? Answer: Yes, it is possible for you to qualify for SSI even if you own your own home. To be eligible for SSI, you cannot own more than $2,000 in resources for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. However, we do not count the house you live in as a resource.

Of course, if you are disabled, you must file an application and wait for a medical decision on your claim, unless you are over the age of 65. There are other requirements you must meet as well. Learn more by reading You May Be Able To Get SSI, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: I found out that my daughter submitted incorrect information about my resources when she completed my Application for Help with Medicare Prescription

Drug Plan Costs. How can I get my application changed now to show the correct amount?

Answer: You can call 1-800-7721213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) and let us know. We will match information on your application with data from other federal agencies. If there is a discrepancy that requires verification, we will contact you. For additional information about Medicare prescription drug plans or enrollment periods visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-6334227.

Question: We adopted a baby girl overseas and brought her home with us to the United States. We need to get a Social Security number for her. What do we do?

Answer: In general, to apply for a Social Security number for your child you must: Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber; • Show us documents proving your child’s: > United States citizenship or immigration status; > Adoption; > Age; and > Identity.

• Show us a document proving your

identity; and • Show us evidence that establishes your relationship to the child if your name is not noted as the parent on the child’s evidence of age. The adoption decree or the amended U.S. birth certificate will suffice.

In most cases, you can mail or take your application and original documents to your local Social Security office. Remember, all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

You may not yet have proof of your child’s citizenship, but we can assign a Social Security number based on documentation issued by the Department of Homeland Security upon the child’s arrival in the United States.

When you do receive documentation of your child’s citizenship, you can bring it to us, and we will update your child’s record. We will mail your child’s number and card as soon as we have verified your documents with the issuing offices.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov

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Page 14

Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Senior

safety Council on Aging offers workshop about medications, preventing falling

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak @leaderpub.com

T

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Shirley Guilford (left) works on her balance with Stephanie Munson, COA fitness assistant.

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wo of the biggest concerns facing seniors are preventing falls and medication safety.

Both of those issues will be addressed by the Cass County Council on Aging Wednesday at the Lowe Center in Cassopolis.

This interactive workshop is intended for families, caregivers, medical professionals and those who do not want to take unnecessary falls.

“This is definitely not a session just for older folks,” Keryl Conkright, R.N., Care Service team leader at the COA said.

“As we enter new life stages our balance starts to diminish and it is important that we understand ways to enhance balance and other related issues.

This workshop is designed for all ages.”

The workshop will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the COA and will feature breakout sessions.

Rite Aid pharmacist Raghid Kadi will talk about medicine interaction, and there will also be a Wii Fit balance test, which will demonstrate how to get up properly fol-

lowing a fall and how to do a home safety assessment.

According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that falls cost the health care system $30 billion in direct medical costs. They also estimate that 20 to 30 percent of t h o s e who fall suffer moderate to sever injuries that keep t h e m from gett i n g Conkright around or living independently.

Older adults are not the only ones who fall. People in their 50s and 60s can also incur a fall.

“There are a variety of medications that when taken together, can create a high risk for potential falls,” Conkright said. “We are committed to doing whatever we can to address the serious nature of falls. It is important to note that the World Health Organization reports that more than 37 million falls occur each year that are severe enough to require medical attention. The critical thing to know is that most falls can be prevented.”

The workshop is open to the public, but the COA would like those planning to attend to make reservations by calling 445-8110.

The Council on Aging is located at 60525 Decatur Road.

Page 15

Living 50 Plus • March 2014

Holy Cross hosts free senior fair SUBMITTED

her@m2healthcareconsulting. com, 574-340-0110) for information or Senior Fair registration.

To learn more about Holy Cross College visit the website at www.hcc-nd.edu.

N

OTRE DAME, Ind.— The Michiana Gerontology Institute (MGI) of Holy Cross College is hard at work planning its inaugural senior fair. “‘Fun & Free’ describes the event perfectly,” said Malana Maher, co-chair of the organization. “The event, which will be held at the Century Center in South Bend on Saturday, May 3rd from 9am to 3pm, is designed for those of us who are over 50,” Maher continued, “and who want to have a great time while learning about new products and services that can make life better for us as we journey into the future.”

The “free” comes in, Maher said, “with free entrance to the Senior Fair, free parking at the Century Center during the event, free food, free health screenings, free entertainment, and free education. The ‘fun’ will be everywhere throughout the day at the Senior Fair.”

The event will host approximately 100 exhibits and will include educational seminars,

food samples from a variety of local merchants, and entertainment throughout the day. Pat Adams, chair of the MGI, said, “Our sponsors, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Memorial Health Care, Harbor Light Hospice, and Comfort Keepers, will each offer short educational seminars on topics that concern folks over the age of 50.”

“The Michiana Gerontology Institute is very pleased to host this event,” Adams added.

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“The Institute exists to support a co-operation between organizations and individuals who serve older adults through education, intergenerational outreach, service and advocacy.

MGI currently has more than 100 members, organizations and individuals who serve older adults in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.”

“There are still a few spaces at the Senior Fair open for vendors,” said Jan Kostielney, chair of the event. “Registra-

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tion packets for vendors are available on MGI’s website at www.mgi-hcc.nd. We urge you to register soon to ensure you are able to participate in this event.”

For more information about the Senior Fair—FUN & FREE or the Michiana Gerontology Institute, visit the MGI website at www.mgi-hcc.nd.

You can contact Pat Adams by phone (574-239-8364) or email (padams@hcc-nd.edu) or Malana Maher (malana.ma-

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Living 50 Plus • March 2014

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