Seniors April 2011

Page 1

Sunday, April 24, 2011

wa, aLe

THE EUNICE NEWS

Golfing and Dixie go hand-in-hand. See more, Page 2.

DIXIE SAUCIER

2 Sunday, April 24, 2011 The Eunice News

Senior Supplement

Dixie Saucier’s name is synonymous with golfing

basketball. She was given the American Legion Award upon graduation. Dixie Saucier’s name is syn-­ After high school graduation RQ\PRXV ZLWK JROĂ€QJ 6KH KDV Saucier enrolled at LSU in Ba-­ played the sport for most of her ton Rouge where she obtained life, racking up awards in golf a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Ă LJKWV DURXQG WKH VWDWH DQG and Physical Education. At out-­of-­state. /68 VKH OHDUQHG WR Ă \ DQG Saucier, a Senior Olympics attained a pilot’s license. On participant, will compete in campus, she was a member of JROĂ€QJ LQ WKH 1DWLRQDO 6HQLRU International Retations Club, Olympic Games in Houston Phi Sigma Iota Romance Lan-­ this summer. guage Sorority, Phi Kappa Del-­ She had recently returned ta Physical Education sorority, from the Masters in Georgia and Delta Psi Kappa sorority. and two days later played in a During her summer months tournament in Alexandria. in college Saucier worked as Saucier, born on December a life guard at LSU, Lake 2, 1926, in Abbeville to Lloyd /XUH &DPS LQ 1RUWK &DUR-­ and Martha Broussard, is in OLQD DQG &DPS 1DJDZLFND LQ excellent health for an 84-­year-­ 'HODĂ€HOG :LVF 6KH DWWHQGHG old “Knock-­on-­wood, I am hop-­ the Red Cross Aquatic School ing my health continues on LQ %UHYDUG 1 & DQG $GYDQFHG the right path. I am only hav-­ Aquatic School in Hattiesburg, ing to deal with arthritis,â€? she Miss. laughed. Saucier also played semi-­pro She graduated from Abbev-­ softball for the Illinois Railroad ille High School in 1943 where Company during her college she played varsity softball and years. By Myra Miller myra.miller@eunicetoday.com

$SUL

She met her husband Ed Saucier of Port Barre at college and they were married on Au-­ JXVW LQ 1HZ 2UOHDQV The couple moved to Eunice where they both began their teaching careers. Dixie taught Physical Edu-­ cation for 30 years at Eunice High School and 11 years at LSUE, after receiving her Mas-­ ter’s Degree in Kinesiology. Ed taught Business at Eunice High and served as principal at the high school after C.A. Ran-­ dal retired. He also coached basketball and track. Ed died in May of 1984. The couple had three chil-­ dren; Renee Saucier Pitre (RD) of Mandeville, Brian and Adele Saucier Smith of Eunice, and Steven and Candace Saucier of Florence, Ala. Saucier is the grandmother of four grandchil-­ dren and two great-­grandchil-­ dren. Since retirement Saucier

Dixie Saucier, right, pictured with the late Ching Veillon in a recent trip to Africa.

&UHDWLQJ %HDXWLIXO 6PLOHV Acadiana

See Saucier on Page 4

April Employee of the Month

*LYLQJ $FDGLDQD D 5HDVRQ WR 6PLOH

~ Family Dentistry ~

Dutchess Fontenot

O

Housekeeping Supervisor

Resident of the month

Before

Amadell Landreneau Resident Birthdays for April Mary Bordelon Alverda Pousson John Boutte Larry Richard Ernest Charles Eva Richardson Lena Cormier Louise Shuff Clarence Durosseau MauriceThibodeaux Robin Farris Lou Williams Edna Fuselier

Employee Birthdays for April Cierra Arvie Kami Lacombe-Deaville Tammy Ashford Anthony Richardson Cherrell Edwards Patsy Williams Agatha Chalane Guillory

(XQLFH 0DQRU

3859 Highway 190

457-2681

Cosmetic Dentistry InvisalignÂŽ Restorative Dentistry Tooth Whitening Smile Makeovers

Visit our website at

www.acadianasmiles.com and sign up for a chance to win a

Complimentary BLEACHING! (new winner drawn monthly) Porcelain Veneers

After

while you’re there, take a look at just a few of our “Before and After� Makeovers

Dr. Mark Broussard Dr. Stuart Taylor

Eunice

" " "

" !

Dr. Kristy Taylor

Senior Supplement The Eunice News Sunday, April 24, 2011

3

Class in session with Social Security webinars By Rose Fontenot Social Security District Manager You’ve probably been on the web, and it’s likely that you’ve attended a seminar. But have you ever attended a “webinar?â€? We recommend that you do. Social Security offers a se-­ lection of webinars at www. socialsecurity.gov/webinars. You’re invited to attend any of them, anytime. Class is always in session — past webinars are available for you to view at any time. The information can be valuable, but the cost is free. 7KHUH DUH ZHELQDUV RQ EHQHĂ€WV for wounded warriors, applying for retirement online, extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs, and more. The two recent webinars on the page are on timely topics.

Social Security Rose Fontenot Public Affairs Specialist

* How Some Public Employee or Teacher Pensions May Affect 6RFLDO 6HFXULW\ %HQHĂ€WV ,Q WKLV webinar, we walk you through how the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Govern-­ ment Pension Offset (GPO) may DIIHFW 6RFLDO 6HFXULW\ EHQHĂ€WV RI workers whose employers do not withhold Social Security taxes from their salary, such as some school systems and some local, State and Federal government

agencies. * Ticket to Work. Do you re-­ ceive Supplemental Security ,QFRPH 66, RU 6RFLDO 6HFXULW\ 'LVDELOLW\ ,QVXUDQFH 66', EHQHĂ€WV" 7KRXVDQGV RI 66, DQG 66', EHQHĂ€FLDULHV KDYH OHDUQHG how to stay in control of their EHQHĂ€WV ZKLOH HQULFKLQJ WKHLU lives through employment. You can join them by participating LQ D PLQXWH :RUN ,QFHQWLYH 6HPLQDU (YHQW :,6( :HELQDU to learn about available incen-­ tives, including those offered through the Ticket to Work pro-­ gram. ,I \RX YLVLW ZZZ VRFLDOVHFXUL-­ W\ JRY ZHELQDUV \RX¡OO Ă€QG DOO RI the webinars instantly accessi-­ ble. Any upcoming webinars will be at the top of the page with in-­ formation on the date, time, and how to register to participate in the webinar live. Once the we-­

binar has taken place, it will be available for anyone to revisit as a resource. Hit the virtual classroom with a Social Security webinar. Classes begin at www.socialse-­ curity.gov/webinars. Social Security Column: Scams Are No Joking Mat-­ ter; Don’t Become An April Fool: Being the butt of an April IRRO¡V MRNH LV Ă€QH ZKHQ LW¡V JRRG natured fun. But no one wants to fall victim to a scam artist or identity thief. You may think you’re safe sim-­ ply by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not providing your personal infor-­ PDWLRQ RYHU WKH ,QWHUQHW RU E\ email. But scam artists have become shrewd. Never reply to an email claiming to be from

Social Security and asking for your Social Security number or personal information. ,GHQWLW\ WKHIW LV RQH RI WKH fastest-­growing crimes in Amer-­ LFD ,I \RX WKLQN \RX¡YH EHHQ the victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Fed-­ eral Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/micro-­ sites/idtheft. Or, you can call ,'7+()7 77< Some people who receive So-­ cial Security and Supplemental 6HFXULW\ ,QFRPH 66, EHQHĂ€WV are often victimized by mislead-­ ing advertisers. Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. These services See Scams on Page 4

LONG TERM CARE YOU DESERVE...

Oak Lane Wellness & Rehab

* Full Rehabilitation Unit * Private Apartments * Alzheimer’s Unit Call for a walk through today and see how comfortable your loved one can be! We’re proud to offer a ALZHEIMER’S UNIT as well as a less invasive procedure of care.

Private Apartments Swedish Tubs to Enjoy Full Rehabilitation Unit Home Style Dining

1400 Magnolia Street Eunice, Louisiana 70535

For Admit Information, Call (337) 550-7200

4

Sunday, April 24, 2011 The Eunice News Senior Supplement

Eunice Manor residents enjoy Easter Art Email us your Senior pictures @ myra.miller@eunicetoday.com

Photos Submitted

Eunice Manor residents enjoyed doing Easter Art recently. Above, from left, are Ellen Long, Alma Boutte, and Julia Hatchett. At right is John Thibodeaux.

Saucier

&OXE FKDUWHU PHPEHU JROĂ€QJ the greens as much as possible. She organizes the twice-­a-­year Continued from Page 2 Ladies Day event at the Coun-­ try Club for ladies to enjoy picked up many hobbies and JROĂ€QJ FDUG JDPHV DQG D OXQ-­ past-­time enjoyments, includ-­ cheon. “All proceeds collected LQJ WUDYHOLQJ UHDGLQJ JROĂ€QJ EHQHĂ€W RXU ODQGVFDSLQJ URZ RI doing stained glass, gardening azaleas) at the front entrance and raising her two boxers; of the club’s drive. Sometimes Buck Shot Broussard, a male we have 68 ladies attend. We 14-­year-­old; and Bella Brous-­ just have a great time togeth-­ sard, a female one-­and-­a-­half er,â€? said Saucier. year old rescue dog. Saucier has traveled the *ROĂ€QJ LV KHU DOO WLPH IDYRU-­ world. On many of her past ite sport as Saucier travels trips, the late Ching Veillon state-­wide to golf tournaments. of Eunice, was her traveling She has served as president, buddy. She has traveled to secretary, treasurer and course England, Ireland, Scotland, slope rating leader of the Loui-­ France, Germany, Switzerland, siana Women’s Golf Associa-­ Italy, Norway, Sweden, Den-­ tion and committee member of mark, Finland, Russia, Mexico, the United States Golf Associa-­ Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argen-­ tion. tina, Egypt, Republic of South Saucier played tennis in the Africa, Namibia, Botswana, ELTL (Eunice Ladies Tennis Zimbabwe, Crete, Greece, League) for many years. “I had Greek Islands, China, Austra-­ to give it up due to my hurting lia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Dixie Saucier pictured in a flower knees,â€? she said. bed of amaryllis. Saucier is a Eunice Country

Scams Continued from Page 3 include getting a: * corrected Social Security card showing a bride’s married name; * Social Security card to re-­ place a lost card; * Social Security Statement; and * Social Security number for

a child. Some direct scammers sug-­ gest that Social Security is in GLUH Ă€QDQFLDO VKDSH DQG WKDW people risk losing their Social 6HFXULW\ RU 0HGLFDUH EHQHĂ€WV unless they send a contribution or membership fee to the adver-­ tiser. If you receive or see what you believe is misleading advertis-­ ing for Social Security services, send the complete mailing, in-­ FOXGLQJ WKH HQYHORSH WR 2IĂ€FH

of the Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Admin-­ istration, P.O. Box 17768, Bal-­ timore, MD 21235. Also, advise your State’s attorney general or FRQVXPHU DIIDLUV RIĂ€FH DQG WKH Better Business Bureau. Learn more about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10064.html. Read about misleading advertising at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10005. html.

STOP If you read this you have just been exposed to the Dynamic Effect of advertising! Put it to work for you. Call Anissa or Melissa Today!

<285 0$5.(7,1* 3$571(5 Advertising you can hold on to...

Phone 337-457-3061 Fax 337-457-3122

Senior Supplement The Eunice News Sunday, April 24, 2011

Beard-growing contest at Oak Lane Wellness

Call The Eunice News for all your laminating needs Photos Submitted

Oak Lane Wellness is having a Beard-Growing contest for residents and employees. Left, Carl Guillory and John Pousson, residents, have joined in on the competition.

Bill likes the local sports coverage. Miranda wants to hear what’s going on around town. Keri’s all about the classifieds. They all have different interests, but they all have one thing in common:

They “sign up” to The Eunice News for news, information and fun! Home Delivery for just $48 a year!

M

Y

... Call today to begin receiving your newspaper: 337-457-3061.

P

A

P

E

R

5

6

Sunday, April 24, 2011 The Eunice News Senior Supplement

Goodhope Place tenants birthdays

Maintaining healthy kidneys for people with diabetes Among the numerous side ef-­ fects of diabetes is damage to the kidneys. Diabetes typically damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, making it difficult for the kidneys to filter the blood as well as they can when individu-­ als are fully healthy. Such damage is often gradu-­ al, occurring over many years. But damage done to blood ves-­ sels over the years can eventu-­ ally cause the kidneys to stop working. That only highlights the emphasis people with diabe-­ tes must place on keeping their kidneys healthy. Fortunately, there are many steps diabetics can take to keep their kidneys healthy. * Get tested. According to the National Kidney Disease Edu-­ cation Program, early kidney disease has no symptoms. It’s not uncommon for people to feel completely healthy one day, only to learn the next day that their kidneys have almost stopped working entirely. While this sounds frightening, it doesn’t have to be. All it means is people

with diabetes need to get their blood and urine checked for kid-­ ney disease. People with type 2 diabetes should get tested every year, while those with type 1 diabetes should get tested every year starting five years after their initial diabetes diagnosis. * Maintain low blood pressure. High blood pressure is another contributor to kidney disease. The kidneys actually help the human body control blood pres-­ sure, and it’s important for peo-­ ple with diabetes to maintain a low blood pressure to avoid succumbing to kidney disease. Staying physically active, eat-­ ing healthy and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake are some of the many ways to maintain low blood pressure. * Monitor cholesterol levels. When diabetes is diagnosed, an individual’s doctor will discuss a number of things. A healthy cholesterol level will likely be brought up during that discus-­ sion. To maintain healthy kid-­ neys, it’s important for individu-­ als with diabetes to monitor

their cholesterol levels and keep them in their recommended tar-­ get range. An appropriate range is almost certain to be brought up by the diagnosing physician, but if it’s not don’t be afraid to bring it up. The doctor might even suggest a healthier diet that helps reduce what’s consid-­ ered “badâ€? cholesterol. * Reduce sodium intake. Cut-­ ting back on salt is a good idea for most people, but even more so for people with diabetes. Ex-­ cessive sodium intake can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney disease. * Visit the doctor. People with diabetes who have their condi-­ tion under control should still make routine visits to their physician’s office. As previously mentioned, kidney damage is of-­ ten gradual and without notice-­ able symptoms. While people with diabetes might feel they have their condition under con-­ trol, there might be lingering problems of which they are un-­ aware.

Volunteers are the Heart & Soul of our Community.

Did you know? The proverb “April showers bring May flowersâ€? can be dated back several centuries. Even those who repeat the proverb are likely unaware it dates all the way back to an English poet and farmer who made a name for himself nearly half a millen-­ nium ago. Thomas Tusser, an English poet and farmer in the 16th

century, is best known for many proverbs, many of which originated in his Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry. The poem includes the line “Sweet April showers do bring May flowers.â€? That often-­repeated proverb has since widely been shortened to “April showers bring May flowers.â€? As much as those words have

Dr. Brent Ardoin Board Certified in:

Internal Medicine Critical Care Geriatrics 20 Years Experience

Specialist In: ' ! $" $ # " ' # !" ' ! " ' !# " " ' ! $" % ! & ! " ' ! ""$!

Photo Submitted

Goodhope Place Apartments celebrated April birthdays with cake and punch. Also, tenants had the opportunity to listen to a talk given by a utility manager about electrical power safety.

' &" " ' ! & # " ' ! "" " # " % ! ' "# & " # " ' "# ' # "

held up over the years, they’re not Tusser’s only words of wis-­ dom to withstand the test of time. “A fool and his money are soon partedâ€? is also credited to Tusser, as is the holiday ad-­ vice, “At Christmas play, and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year.â€? Tusser died in 1580 at the age of 56.

Make a difference in the lives of the terminally ill by contributing to the services provided by our hospice program. Please call today to find out how you can enhance the comfort and quality of life for patients and their loved ones. 302 Main Street Mamou, LA 70554 337.468.0364 PROUD MEMBER OF LHC GROUP | WWW.LHCGROUP.COM

We bring you

LOCAL news

LOCAL

like nobody else.

$#%'& . " &

%' ""#(" ! "'& '( % & . #!!(" ', %&

(& " && *& . ( ' #" *& %! *& . #) %"! "' *& % ! $#%'& . % & ( & " % " - ' #"&

LOCAL like nobody else. Why advertise in The Eunice News?

Because this is where LOCAL people find LOCAL news.

Medicare, Medicaid and Most Insurances Accepted.

Phone 337-457-3061

Fax 337-457-3122

Senior Supplement The Eunice News Sunday, April 24, 2011

7

Travelers should play it safe on road trips Planning a road trip is an undertaking thousands make every year. A road trip can be the ideal way to spend a vaca-­ tion and see the country. Just as important as the route and destinations are the safety pre-­ cautions drivers should take. Family road trips have be-­ come the rage again. And even teenagers and young adults are discovering the mystique of seeing the world from the open road. Despite fuel prices, road trips can still be an economical way to travel and spend time together with friends and fam-­ ily. While historically it may have been safe and standard protocol to pull over to the side of the road just about anywhere

on a road trip, these days road-­ trippers need to be more cau-­ tious about their surroundings. To make the road trip memo-­ rable and as safe as possible, consider these tips. * Drive during the day. Do the bulk of the driving, eating, rest-­stop visits, and refueling during the day. At night, po-­ tential crooks are more likely to surface. In the daylight, it’s easier to assess if an area is safe to stop. Try to be in a mo-­ tel or rest area by sunset. * Don’t rush the trip. Follow speed limits on the roadways. Some areas have stricter laws UHJDUGLQJ VSHHGLQJ DQG WUDIÀF violations. Road-­trippers don’t want to end up in jail or with a ÀQH ZKHQ WKH\ DUH VXSSRVHG WR

be enjoying the ride. Also, why rush by scenic areas that can contribute to the enjoyment of the trip? * Share travel plans with others. If a road trip will last several days and take travelers through many different towns and on several roads, it pays to share the itinerary with some-­ one staying behind. This way if that person hasn’t heard from the road warriors for some time, he or she can check in and verify safety. This person is also available in the event of an emergency. * Keep the fuel tank full. There are a few things worse than running out of gas on a desolate road. Drivers who keep the gas tank at least half

full at all times will be sure they have enough fuel to make it to the next service station. * Make stops at well-­popu-­ lated areas. Well-­maintained, bustling areas tend to be safer than those with only a few peo-­ ple around. Avoid gas stations and restaurants that are in the middle of nowhere. * Always be aware of sur-­ roundings. Just because an area looks safe and friendly doesn’t mean a traveler should let his or her guard down. Know who is around and be cautious of money and belong-­ ings at all times. The goal is to arrive at the destination safely and happily. Source: Newspaper Metro.

Get results, call TheEunice News Classifieds 457-3061

It ’s All About Helping People.® The emergence of new medical treatments and technologies has made home health care a viable option for more patients. With home care, you’re treated at home for conditions that used to require a hospital stay. That includes strokes, cancer, even diabetes. At Eunice Community Home Health our main goal is to provide our patients with peace of mind. While under our care, you may receive Philips Lifeline® personal response service offered at no charge to all patients who qualify. The one-touch button on a pendant or wristband connects you to a certified professional who can provide assistance 24 hours, seven days a week. Putting the patient first has helped us become a leading resource for those needing home care. Our committed and highly experienced staff provides compassionate and quality care to each patient entrusted to our care. At Eunice Community Home Health our philosophy is simple... It’s All About Helping People.®

3581 Highway 190 | Eunice, LA 70535 | 337.550.0002 Proud Members of LHC Group | www.lhcgroup.com

8

Sunday, April 24, 2011 The Eunice News Senior Supplement

Learning to live as senior citizens on a fixed income Difficult financial times have forced many people young and old to alter their lifestyles in order to stay afloat financially. Though unemployment has gar-­ nered most of the headlines as the economy has struggled the last several years, it’s not just men and women of working age who have felt the pinch. In a 2010 study from the University of Michigan Law School, researchers found that people age 65 and older are the fastest-­growing segment of the U.S. population seeking bank-­ ruptcy protection. While there’s no single culprit for the rise in bankruptcy filings among se-­ niors, the state of Florida could offer valuable insight as to why the nation’s older citizens are in-­ creasingly filing for bankruptcy. Many retirees call Florida home, and in the past such re-­ tirees could tap into their home equity whenever they began

to struggle financially. How-­ ever, like most of the country, Florida’s housing market is depressed, making it less vi-­ able for seniors to tap into their home equity to solve their finan-­ cial problems. In fact, according to a study by the Administra-­ tive Office of the U.S. Courts, bankruptcy filings increased by 118 percent in states where the home price index decreased. For many seniors fearful of financial struggles, living on a fixed income can be a helpful way of ensuring their future does not involve filing for bank-­ ruptcy. Though living on a fixed income is a definite challenge and certainly offers no guar-­ antee that bankruptcy can be avoided, it does provide a frame-­ work seniors can rely on to keep their heads above water during difficult economic times. * Make an honest assessment. Living on a fixed income in-­

volves being honest with your-­ self and admitting what your resources truly are. Write down any sources of income, includ-­ ing Social Security payments, pension payouts, investments, etc. Then write down how much money you have in savings or print out a statement of all sav-­ ings accounts. Once you have an accurate fig-­ ure of both income and savings, write down all your monthly ex-­ penses, including all expenses, no matter how minute they may seem. From here you can de-­ termine just how much you can spend each month. * Prioritize spending habits. Some expenses, including medi-­ cations and monthly utility bills, will always remain a top prior-­ ity. However, men and women who must begin living on a fixed income need to prioritize how they spend their discretionary funds. For instance, a member-­

ship at the local country club can cost several thousands of dollars per year, whereas the lo-­ cal public golf course only charg-­ es players each time they play. While the country club might have a better course, it could be more prudent to choose the pub-­ lic course and save the cost of a private membership instead. * Find it for free. Men and women pay for many services each month that they could very well find for free. For example, in addition to books, many lo-­ cal libraries now allow members to check out CDs and DVDs at no cost. The same also goes for magazines. Instead of paying a monthly subscription cost, visit the local library and read the magazines there for free. If the local library does not have your favorite periodical, the content could very well be available for free online. * Expect the unexpected. One

of the worst things that can happen to a person on a fixed income is to encounter an un-­ expected cost. This can include an unforeseen hospital visit, a costly auto repair or even infla-­ tion that wasn’t factored into your initial fixed income bud-­ get. Men and women on fixed incomes should expect such emergencies and save accord-­ ingly each month. Saving money should never go out of style, and those on fixed incomes should still attempt to save money each month. Coming in under budget and making the most of it can make the difference between capably handling an emergency or being forced to consider unat-­ tractive alternatives such as fil-­ ing for bankruptcy. For more information on liv-­ ing on a fixed income, visit the AARP at www.aarp.org. (Source: Newspaper Metro)

Getting you home and functionally independent is our goal. There are times when a patient’s complex medical needs require a scope of care that falls outside the boundaries of a traditional hospital. For those patients, our long-term acute care program provides the individualized attention they need for a healthy and successful recovery.

Our program delivers a careful balance of highly specialized medical care and compassionate, personalized attention. It’s specifically designed for those individuals who are medically stable, but have conditions that will require more than 25 days of care. So call today. You’ll see that we go to great lengths to get you back home and independent.

3 8 7 9 H i g hw ay 1 9 0 | Eu n i ce, L A 7 0 5 3 5 | 3 3 7 . 5 4 6 . 0 0 2 4 Pro u d M e m b e r o f L H C G ro u p | w w w. l h c g ro u p. co m

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.