January 2022
‘Just Another
Senior Surprise’ 88-year-old writes witty collection of true stories
Kay Dyre
By Shannon Geisen Park Rapids Enterprise A “long-lapsed English teacher, widow of 10 years and recently retired member of the family resort business,” 88-year-old Kay Dyre says she needed a job. So she authored a book. “Just Another Senior Surprise: A Treatise on Aging” is a collection of humorous and personal tales about everything from “senior moments” to hearing loss to bucket lists. Each of the 30 chapters contains Dyre’s reflections and observations of seniorhood. “Tell it like it is – that’s my motto,” she said. Dyre, nee Karen Kludt, grew up in Detroit Lakes. An avid reader, Dyre dreamed of writing a book of her own. “When I was in high
school the teenage bible, of course, was ‘Seventeen’ magazine,” she said. Each year, “Seventeen” hosted a writing contest. “One year – I think I must’ve been 16 – I wrote a story for ‘Seventeen’ magazine. It was god-awful,” she recalled. “Mine was about a first kiss, the awkwardness of it, that sort of thing.” The short story went unpublished. To this day, Dyre never told anyone that she submitted it to the magazine. “That was the start and finish of my literary career,” she quipped. While briefly attending Bemidji State Teachers College, she was editor of the newspaper “The Northern Student.” Dyre graduated from Moorhead State Teachers College in 1955.
BOOK: Page 2
Inside this issue... 2 Resistance to hiring out fix-it projects 3 Houseplant success 4 Talking about aging and care 5 Turkey Taco Salad 6 Ways to help someone with dementia 7 Pill splitting 8 Bob Peters dies at 84
J a n u a ry 2 02 2
2
Resistance to hiring out fix-it projects is often about pride and identity Minding Our Elders BY CAROL BRADLEY BURSACK Columnist
D
ear Carol: My husband’s been one of those men who’s always refused to call in plumbers, carpenters or anyone else because he thought he could figure out the problem and he usually did. We’ve owned our house for decades and he’s kept it up well, but of course, things still go wrong. Now that he’s 83 and has terrible knees and a back that won’t bend, you’d think he’d step back, yet he still thinks that “we” should fix everything ourselves. He pushes himself or maybe worse, he tries to get me to accomplish such tasks with his “guidance.” I’m 79, have severe arthritis and am inept at working with my hands. I need to convince him that hiring people isn’t a waste of money, but how do I manage that? — SC Dear SC: It may surprise you to know that this is not an unusual problem. People
who are used to fixing everything themselves can have a hard time turning projects over to others because it’s a point of pride as well as part of their identity. That’s often the case with other tasks, as well. For instance, if being an extremely good cook has been part of a person’s identity it can be hard to cut back, particularly for holidays and times when they could really show off their skill. While continuing to try to do what we can as we age is admirable and even good for us, being realistic is important. We’ve all read about 80-year-olds falling off a ladder because they were going up to their roof to clean the gutters. Everyone ages differently, but there are some things where age needs to be considered, and climbing is one of them. Yes, there are some 90-year-olds scal-
BOOK
“I really, really miss her,” Kay said. Evelyn saved all of those letters, which became the chapters of this book. Encouraged by family, friends and longtime resort guests, Kay spent the summer of 2020 assembling the book and writing additional chapters about her experiences. “It was a good way to fill the time of my ‘house arrest’ caused by the COVID crisis. By summer’s end, my book was complete,” she said. Kay describes herself as a personal essayist. “The first thing they taught us in writing class ever was ‘write what you know,” and that’s what I’ve done.” Describing the book as
From Page 1
She taught English in Fargo before moving with her husband, Karl, to Park Rapids in 1957. “We raised two boys here and have been here ever since,” Kay said. Karl was a history teacher, but his dream was to run a resort. They purchased one on Big Sand Lake with 15 cabins and a full-service dining room, calling it Evergreen Lodge. Their son, Dan, operates the resort today. “Just Another Senior Surprise” is dedicated in memory to Evelyn. “Evelyn was a good friend of mine. She and her family worked for me 20 years, cleaning cabins,” Kay explained. During retirement, they would visit each other, and Kay wrote letters – or daily commentaries – to Evelyn for more than a decade. Evelyn died a year ago at 91.
ADOBE STOCK
ing mountains and likely some 80-year-olds still professionally painting houses. However, even the healthiest older adults tend to have less reliable balance and dexterity. Your husband knows that he can’t continue doing all of those challenging fix-it projects, yet it seems that he feels he’s still maintaining his identity if he instructs you how to do it instead
of hiring help. What can you do? First, remind him it’s who he is, not what he can do, that makes him valuable, and make the point that the same is true for you. You could point out that medical bills are generally far more expensive than hiring someone to fix a leaky toilet or as mentioned above, cleaning gutters. Depending on your husband’s attitude, you could also joke
that the younger generation needs the work so he should give them a chance. If he still won’t listen, enlist the help of a man he respects. That could be a good friend who is showing more flexibility than he is or a family member who can point out that you are both getting older and have health challenges. If your husband still won’t listen, tell him that he
“whimsical,” she said. “In a day when everything is a major crisis, everybody is in a major panic, it’s just kind of refreshing to forget it all and go with the flow.” Her good humor and positive attitude is evident throughout the book. Resort guest Marti Leishman read Kay’s manuscript and referred it to guests Bob and Mary Boerigter, who have self-published books. Another guest, Dave Stork, provided the photo for the book cover. “That little road is the hiking trail. People like to walk and hike. It’s nice and level. It’s
everybody’s path at Evergreen,” Kay said. In the book’s acknowledgements, Kay called it a team effort, “but the Boerigters carried the load to completion. My gratitude to all of them is indescribable and humble and well deserved.” The $10 book is available at Evergreen Lodge and at amazon.com. Sales have mostly been by word of mouth. By December 2021, she had sold 80 books. They make an easy gift, particularly appealing to seniors who can relate to the challenges of getting older. Kay, who turns 89 in February, is seriously
considering plans for a sequel. “What we need is a senior handbook,” she said. “That’s where we’re going next.”
Woodland Court offers you a home full of amenities that have been specially designed for independent living. Noon meal available through LSS meals on wheels • Conveniently located within short walking distance to downtown, banking, grocery and pharmacy • Controlled access entry system • Housing assistance available • No application fee
Affordable 1 & 2 bedroom apartment housing for persons over the age of 62, and/or handicapped or disabled
• Licensed, Bonded & Insured • New Construction • Remodeling LIC# PC669775 EA738544
18920 County Rd 11 Park Rapids, MN | 218.732.5845
needs to hire out chores or rent. Period. Best wishes with this significant challenge. Carol Bradley Bursack is a veteran caregiver and an established columnist. She is also a blogger, and the author of “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Bradley Bursack hosts a website supporting caregivers and elders at www.mindingourelders.com. She can be reached through the contact form on her website.
She calls it a “how to be a senior for dummies.” Shannon Geisen can be reached at sgeisen@ parkrapidsenterprise.com.
7% OFF ON PARTS
WEDNESDAY LADIES DAY
THURSDAY SENIOR’S DAY (60 years & older)
and Labor
(Cannot be used with any other coupons or specials)
7% OFF ON PARTS
and Labor
(Cannot be used with any other coupons or specials)
Call or stop in today to find out more about our facility. 218-732-9312 300 Court Ave., Park Rapids, MN
We are accepting applications for 1 BR, 1 BR H/C and 2 BR apartments. www.lloydmangement.com
218-732-3347 or 732-4101 Hwy. 34 E., Park Rapids
3
January 2022
POTTING SOIL can make or break houseplant success
MICHAEL VOSBURG / FORUM PHOTO EDITOR
High-quality potting mix is essential for houseplant success.
H
ouseplants are currently the hottest topic in the world of gardening. Houseplant Facebook groups have large followings with members sharing stories and success tips. And of course, any successful houseplant is only as good as the soil in which it’s growing. The right potting soil makes the difference between a struggling plant and a healthy, thriving plant. The term “potting soil,” though, is a misnomer because there’s really no soil in the mixes used for houseplants anymore. The very finest outdoor garden soil quickly becomes hard-packed, easily waterlogged and oxygen-starved when restricted to the confines of a houseplant pot. Prior to today’s soilless potting mixes, houseplant growers blended their own, usually using one-third each of garden soil, sand and an organic component, such as peat or manure. Because the components usually contained weed seeds and disease organisms, recipes abounded for sterilizing the mixture in the oven or microwave. Having lived through the soil mixing days, I can say life is better now. Quality potting mixes are readily available at garden centers, and they’re vast improvements over homemade mixes. Today’s potting mixes are backed by science. In the 1960s, horticulturists from Cornell University studied ways to provide potted plants with a medium that provided support and nutrition, but also
aeration, oxygen exchange and good drainage, but it must also retain the proper amount of moisture and be able to hold nutrients. Because a houseplant’s roots are restricted to a pot and can’t go in search of friendlier soil, a houseplant is totally dependent on the mix we provide. BY DON KINZLER Today’s potting mixes are made of ingredients Gardening Columnist including peat moss, composted bark, coconut coir, vermiculite and perlite. Slow-release fertilizer is the necessary drainage and aeration. Their research added to many mixes because most of these soilless resulted in the peat-based potting mixes we use components provide great aeration and create a root-friendly environment, but they have no natural today. What makes a great potting mix? Such a mix holds nutrition. just the right amount of moisture while letting the excess drain away easily. It must be porous for root SOIL: Page 4
Growing Together
Life After Cataract Surgery
Jen Keller O.D.
When cataracts create enough blur that vision can no longer be corrected with glasses, it’s time to get those cataracts out. During cataract surgery, the doctors remove the old cloudy lens with a crystal clear new artificial lens. The result…much clearer and brighter vision.
100 Huntsinger Ave, Park Rapids 732-3389 107 6th St., Walker 547-3666 Murry D. Westberg, O.D. Jen Keller, O.D. R.W. Helm, O.D.
MICHAEL VOSBURG / FORUM PHOTO EDITOR
Mosquito Bits also controls the annoying fungus gnat small black flies.
Cataracts are like grey hair and bifocals... everyone gets them. So what the heck is a cataract? When the natural lens inside the eye gets yellow and cloudy, you’ve developed a cataract. The lens acts like a filter and protects us against the harmful light in our environment. Over time, this absorption of UV light turns the lens a yellowish milky color. Patients with cataracts can experience blur, halos, difficulty with glare especially during night time driving.
1-877-700-3389 www.prweyeclinic.com
That crisper and brighter vision is a plus. But here’s what we want you to know. Remember that internal lens? Remember how it’s function was to filter out UV and other harmful light? Now that the lens has been removed, you no longer have the ability to filter out those harmful rays. After cataract surgery, it is more important than ever to wear your sunglasses! Also... keep in mind our electronic devices are putting out harmful blue light, which is not being filtered out after cataract surgery. There are special lenses available to filter out this bad blue light. We have a large selection of UV-safe sunglasses available. Also, all of us at the Park Rapids and Walker Eye Clinics choose to wear the blue-light protecting lenses! You can ask any of us about our experience and relief with blue light lenses.
J a n u a ry 2 02 2
4
How to have a conversation about your aging and care By Marti DeLiema Ph.D. University of Minnesota According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70 percent chance of needing some type of long-term care services and support in their remaining years. As this demographic continues to grow – Minnesota projects that the number of older residents (age 65+) will double by 2030 – they need to consider how to communicate finance, health and lifestyle plans with loved ones. Q. When is the right time to talk with family about decisions that come with aging? It’s never too early to start having open conversations about planning for major life decisions and events that accompany aging. Ideally, these conversations should happen around retirement. That’s when many people are engaged in financial planning and are deciding where they want to live and how they can bring meaning and purpose into their lives now that work obligations are behind them. However, many people are waiting much longer to retire. That’s why I recommend that older people start to have open conversations about health, money and housing whenever
SOIL From Page 3
All-purpose potting mixes are fine for nearly all houseplants. Some plants, though, require a mix that’s tweaked to meet their special needs, such as succulents, cactuses and orchids, and can be found at locally owned garden centers. Is there a difference in potting mixes? Definitely! Houseplants can grow for years in the same mix, so this isn’t the area to scrimp. The cheapest potting mixes often feel heavy in the bag and lack the best ingredients for successful houseplant growth. Top quality mixes are light and well-aerated. Locally owned garden centers usually stock successful grower-type mixes, along with national potting mix brands. Because most high-quality mixes are very dry in the bag, moisten them the day before using by add-
they are gathered with family and have done some advance thinking about their personal goals and expectations for the future. It may feel like there is never a good time given how busy our lives are, but these are not conversations to put off. People need to have helpers lined up to assist with them when unexpected health, financial and other emergencies arise. Talking to family members about our needs and expectations will help make sure that our wishes are honored. It will also take away the guesswork for our family, giving everyone more peace of mind. Q. What kind of financial decisions should be discussed? First, older adults need to pick and appoint someone to be their surrogate financial decision maker (their financial advocate) so that they are prepared for a time when they can’t manage their money on their own. This person needs to be someone they trust, someone who acts with integrity and will put the older person’s needs above their own. After the older adult gets all their financial and insurance information in order, they can do a walk through of their finances with their future financial advocate, explaining their different accounts,
ing water and stirring to distribute. The mix becomes mellow, easier to use and will re-wet more readily than if it’s used dry. Pre-wetting is an important step. When potting a houseplant, be sure to fill the pot with enough mix, leaving only about a half inch of headspace, which is the depth from the surface of the potting mix to the rim of the pot. When I see ailing houseplants, I’ve often observed a headspace that’s too deep, which contributes to soggy soil, reduces air flow across soil surfaces and provides less soil volume for root growth. Research has also shown that potted houseplants have better drainage if the pots do not have a layer of rocks or pebbles in the interior bottom, as was frequently added in the past. The pebbles create a layer of change, creating a physical property that actually impedes the drainage they were
income streams, insurance policies, regular bills and their financial goals. If the chosen financial advocate has to take over and help someday, it’s important that they have all the information they need to do the job well. The financial advocate also needs to be appointed as an agent under durable power of attorney (POA). A durable POA is a legal document that a lawyer can draw up. It specifies what the financial advocate can and can’t do to act on behalf of the older person (the “principal”) as it pertains to managing their money and property. Financial institutions and state and federal benefit programs require that the advocate have a POA for accessing the older adults’ money to pay for care or household expenses as well as to complete forms to apply for government benefits. Q. What questions should be considered when it comes to health? Similarly, older adults (all adults in fact!) should pick a person they believe is capable of making health and medical decisions for them if they were to lose capacity. This person can be the same or different person as the financial advocate. Discussions should focus on what it means to have
meant to enhance. For the best drainage, fill the pot top-to-bottom with quality potting mix. Coffee filters, diapers or other screening materials aren’t needed to cover drainage holes when quality potting mix is used. Potting mix can easily become infested with fungus gnats, the annoying, small, black flies that flit around houseplants. The adult flies lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into larvae which in turn become adults, creating a never-ending cycle. Mosquito Bits is a product labeled for fungus gnat control. The granules are sprinkled onto the soil surface and contain beneficial bacteria that kills fungus gnat larvae, breaking the gnat’s lifecycle. Don
Kinzler,
a
lifelong
a high quality of life and their goals for medical interventions and treatments for serious illness and for endof-life care. Families should also discuss long term care plans and goals. Do I want to be cared for at home or live in an assisted-living community? Do I want my adult children to care for me or to pay professionals? This is the time to consider what care the older person can afford and what options are available in the place they want to live. Like financial conversations, discussions about long-term care, medical treatment preferences and end-of-life care need to happen early, long before the need for care arises. Q. What are examples of lifestyle choices people can make as they age? Lifestyle choices are dictated by a person’s resources. Retirees with substantial savings have more flexibility, and therefore more decisions to make. Some people may want to move to be closer to their adult children or move to a warmer climate. Other people have more limited choices. For example, they may need to sell their home to pay for the care they need. All older adults should take a look at their finances and develop a retirement-income
Andy Froelich 218-255-5080
Marti DeLiema Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.
MICHAEL VOSBURG / FORUM PHOTO EDITOR
Garden centers sell specialty mixes, such as for orchids. gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu.
Dorset Storage Center
Painting Service
strategy. They need to make sure they can cover their daily expenses, emergency expenses, and pursue a life filled with meaningful activities and social engagement. Q. What resources can the University of Minnesota provide as a guide to these conversations? My colleagues and I developed resources to help older adults initiate conversations with friends and family members about future money management. The Thinking Ahead Roadmap is a stepby-step planning guide that walks individuals through developing a personalized money management plan, including getting their finances in order, obtaining a POA, and knowing when to transition financial responsibilities to someone they trust. At the end of this process, older adults will feel a huge burden lifted off their shoulders. They will be much more financially protected and more likely to have their needs met down the road by the person or people they know and trust. Individuals can download the free materials at Thinkingaheadroadmap.org.
130 Self Storage Units • Boat • Pontoon • RV • Bulk • & Self Storage
Winterizing • 24 Hour Access Pontoon Trailer Rentals Downtown Dorset • 218-732-5108
Are you turning 65? Call your local licensed Humana
Louis "Joe" Courneya 701-809-8014 (TTY: 711) Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Website: humana.com/jcourneya Facebook: fb.com/JCourneyaAgent
Y0040_GHHHXDFEN20_BC_C
5
January 2022
SARAH NASELLO / THE FORUM
Ease into
healthy
Sarah's Eight-Layer Turkey Taco Salad combines savory turkey taco meat with marinated black beans, crumbled tortilla chips, bell peppers, romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, tomatoes and avocado for a comfortingly fresh and healthy dish to start the new year.
Eight-Layer Turkey Taco Salad is only 400 calories per serving Normally, my first column of the year features a super-healthy salad or soup to signal the transition from a season of decadent foods toward lighter, healthier fare in the new year. As I looked at different recipes, many with a focus on healthy grains and an abundance of fresh veggies, I heard a collective groan from my two men at home. With only about 400 calories per serving, this Eight-Layer Turkey Taco Salad hits all the right notes. For the base of this salad, I pulled a pound of turkey taco meat from my freezer. It is an easy preparation that combines lean ground turkey with onions, garlic, jalapeno and a blend of spices to create a moist and savory taco meat mix; however, if you are in a pinch for time, feel free to simplify with a packet of your favorite taco seasoning. Lean ground turkey is a great protein for a healthy food regimen
Home with the Lost Italian BY SARAH & TONY NASELLO
Columnist
and can be easily substituted in recipes that call for ground beef. You can find ground turkey in the butcher section of our local grocery stores. Black beans provide another boost of protein in this salad, and it is important to drain and rinse them well before using as this step removes a significant amount of added sodium from the beans. Before adding them to the salad, I marinate the black beans with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro and lime juice, which gives this layer of the salad a bright boost of spicy acidity. The black beans are followed by a layer of crumbled tortilla chips, and you can use any variety you prefer. Next, I add a layer of diced
orange bell peppers and then one head of romaine lettuce that has been washed, dried and cut into thin strips. A good, chunky salsa goes on top of the lettuce, followed by a layer of shredded Mexican-seasoned cheese. The eighth and final layer is a combination of diced tomato and avocado, which I toss in fresh lime juice with salt and pepper just before adding to the dish. This salad is extremely versatile, and while I have showcased its layers in a large glass serving bowl, you can also just mix everything together in whatever dish you choose. You can add other layers, like fresh corn and cucumber, and adjust the amounts of each layer according to
SARAH NASELLO / THE FORUM
Black beans are marinated with fresh lime juice, green onions and cilantro to give the salad a lively pop of flavor and protein. your personal preference and serving dish size. This Eight-Layer Turkey Taco Salad was a healthy weekend winner at our house, and I hope you enjoy it, too. My son, Gio, said that his only
complaint of this recipe is that there is too much lettuce, and I had to remind him that it is a salad, after all. Happy new year!
SALAD: Page 6
Park Rapids Office
618 1st St. E., Park Rapids Tuesdays 10 am - 3 pm, other times by appt.
BRIAN HILLESLAND, NBC-HIS National Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist
Toll - Free 1-800-631-4946 218-631-4966
J a n u a ry 2 02 2
6
Simple, loving ways to help someone with dementia What can we do as caregivers, friends or family to help those living with dementia? This is the million-dollar question. For our family, phone calls have been the best way to reach out to Mom. This is something that she and I have done for over 40 years: talk on the phone. As time has gone on, she has adjusted to Zoom, which has sure been nice. Other things that I like to do is send bright-colored cards with just a brief note to Mom saying how much I miss her and how nice it is for me to think about all the fun we always had together. I may comment on our cookie baking days or our Saturday house cleaning and reminisce about the time I couldn’t find her. I went looking for her and peeked into her bedroom and sure enough, she was in there engrossed in a book.
SALAD
1-1/2 to 2 cups crumbled tortilla chips From Page 5 1 orange bell pepper, small-diced 1 head romaine lettuce, Eight-Layer Turkey wash, dried and cut into Taco Salad thin strips 1 can black beans, 3/4 to 1 cup prepared drained and rinsed 2 green onions, finely chunky salsa 1/2 cup finely shredchopped 1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, ded Mexican-seasoned cheese blend finely chopped 1 avocado, pitted and 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (about half a lime), small-diced 1 medium tomato, divided chopped Kosher salt 1 lime, cut into wedges Black pepper In a small bowl, com1 lb. seasoned turkey taco meat (see my past recipe, bine the black beans, or cook 1 pound 93% lean green onions, cilantro ground turkey with 1 pack- and lime juice. Add a et taco seasoning according pinch of salt and pepper and stir to combine. to directions on package)
I also let the “angel lady” from the activity department know when there is something coming that Mom could use help with. When I send the picture, I will put “Attention: activities,” and someone will assist her. BY LAUREL HED These are some ideas that may be helpful for famLSW GCM, works for Security First, ily and friends to continue to stay connected with SBC Adult Care Management Services their loved ones in care centers. We can’t always be there in person, which we I also send her pictures of the two of us. I think the found out in 2020, and the bottom line is that best gift for her would be a picture of our last selfie our loved ones still need us whether in person, together and one with all three of us “kids” with through Zoom, by phone, or in writing and pictures. However we can reach them to show that her. Simple, but will bring her joy. I think that is the key: simple and loving. When they are loved, treasured and valued is what is she opens these items she will feel loved and most important. remembered. Even if within five minutes she won’t Laurel Hed, LSW GCM, works for Security First, SBC Adult Care remember she received it, that still gives me peace. Management Services.
The Family Circle
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired; set aside. Distribute the turkey taco meat in an even layer in the bottom of a large serving bowl — a glass bowl is ideal for best presentation.
For the next layer, add the crumbled chips, followed by the black bean mixture, bell pepper, lettuce, salsa and cheese. In the empty black bean bowl, combine the avocado and tomato with
the remaining tablespoon of lime juice and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Place the mixture atop the salad and serve with fresh lime wedges for each serving. Serves 4 to 6.
“Home with the Lost Italian” is a weekly column written by Sarah Nasello featuring recipes by her husband, Tony Nasello. The couple owned Sarello’s in Moorhead and lives in Fargo with their son, Giovanni. Readers can reach them at sarahnasello@gmail.com.
Heritage Manor Service-enriched Assisted Living 218-237-8345
Heritage Cottages 619 W. 6th Street, Park Rapids, MN 56470 Managed by Ecumen
Heritage Living Center Skilled Nursing Care 218-732-3329
Individualized Memory Care 218-237-8345
Park Villa
Affordable Senior Living 218-237-7275
Visit our web site for more information www.heritageparkrapids.org
SARAH NASELLO / THE FORUM
For a mouthwatering presentation, assemble the salad in a large glass bowl so that each layer can be showcased.
Creating home for older adults where they choose to live.
7
January 2022
PILL SPLITTING: when it’s safe, and when it isn’t D
ear Savvy Senior, When is it safe, or not safe, to split pills? I have a cousin who cuts almost all her pills in half in order to save money, but I’m wondering if she’s going overboard. What can you tell me about this? ~ Curious Cousin Dear Curious, Pill splitting – literally cutting them in half – has long been a popular way to save on medication costs, but your cousin, if she hasn’t already done so, needs to talk to her doctor or pharmacist because not all pills should be split. The reason pill splitting is such a money saver is because of the way drugs are manufactured and priced. A pill that’s twice as strong as another may not be twice the price. In fact, it’s usually
The Savvy Senior BY JIM MILLER Columnist about the same price. So, buying a double-strength dose and cutting it in half may allow you to get two months’ worth of medicine for the price of one. But is it safe? As long as your doctor agrees that splitting your pills is OK for you, you learn how to do it properly, and you split only pills that can be split, there’s really no danger.
Ask your doctor If you’re interested in splitting your pills, talk to your doctor or phar-
macist to find out if any of the medicines you use can be safely split. It’s also important to find out whether splitting them will save you enough money to justify the hassle. The pills that are easiest to split are those with a score down the middle. However, not every pill that’s scored is meant to be split. Pills that are most commonly split are cholesterol lowering drugs, antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines.
Use a pill splitter
to take your next dose. Having the right That will help keep the equipment is very drugs from deteriorating important, too. Don’t use due to exposure to heat, a knife or scissors to cut moisture or air. It will your pills in half. This also help ensure that any can cause you to split deviation in the size of them unevenly resulting one dose is compensatin two pieces with very ed in the next. It’s also different dosages, which important to know that pills are only safely split can be dangerous. Purchase a proper pill in half, and never into cutter that has a cover smaller portions such as and a V-shaped pill into thirds or quarters. grip that holds the pill securely in place. You Don’t split these can find them at most drugs pharmacies for $5 to $10. Some pills should For convenience, never be split. Drugs you might be tempted that are time-released to split the whole bot- or long-lasting and tabtle of pills at once. But lets that contain a comit’s best to do the split- bination of drugs probting on the day you take ably shouldn’t be split, the first half, and then because it’s difficult to take the other half on ensure a proper amount the second day or when- of active ingredient in ever you are scheduled each half.
Pills with a coating to protect your stomach, and pills that crumble easily or irritate your mouth shouldn’t be split either, along with chemotherapy drugs, anti-seizure medicines, birth control pills and capsules containing powders or gels. Again, your doctor or pharmacist will know which drugs can and cannot be split. If you’re taking a medicine that can be split, you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor for twice the dosage you need. Then you can start splitting and saving, safely. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070 or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Diagnosed with cancer? Social Security and Triage Cancer can help When people hear the dreaded words, “You have cancer,” many thoughts often overwhelm them. They think about their health, family, and mortality. They think about treatment options, oncologists, and cancer centers. What they typically don’t think about are the legal issues resulting from their diagnosis. However, questions around understanding their health insurance options, employment rights, and taking time off from work often come up.
Social Security BY MONICA FAWZY BRYANT
Chief operating officer, Triage Cancer The good news is that there are organizations and programs that can help. If you can’t work due to a cancer diagnosis, you may be eligible for financial support from two Social Security programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
provide financial support to people with disabilities unable to work. These benefits can help you focus your time and energy on what’s important to you. These disabilities include certain types of cancer. Some cancers qualify for expedited processing by Social
Security under its Compassionate Allowances program. These are cases where individuals have medical conditions so severe that they obviously meet Social Security’s disability standards. This allows Social Security to process the cases quickly with minimal medical information.
Not sure if you qualify? The first step is to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits. Then, you can check your application status with a personal my Social Security account.
New Tr a
nsitional Care Unit
Green Pine Acres Skilled Nursing Facility Long Term Care & Short Term Stay Rehabilitation Woodside Manor Assisted Living Assisted Living with Services Green Pine Acres Adult Day Services
You can count on Greenwood Connections to provide only the highest quality of care for yourself or your loved one
CONNECTIONS SENIOR LIVING 427 Main St NE, Menahga, Minnesota 56464 218-564-4101 Visit our website for more information:
www.greenwoodconnections.com
J a n u a ry 2 02 2
8
Bemidji State legend Bob Peters dies at 84 By Brad Elliott Schlossman Bemidji Pioneer Robert H. “Bob” Peters, one of college hockey’s all-time winningest coaches and the key architect of Bemidji State’s program, has died at age 84. He passed away at his home in Bemidji on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Peters was one of the sport’s most impactful figures — on and off the ice. He’s the only coach to lead teams to the final four at the NAIA, NCAA Division III, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I levels. He was the first to win 700 games at a single institution. He later became an athletic director who helped bring women’s hockey to BSU, as well as the commissioner of a college hockey conference, the CHA. Peters helped start three different college hockey leagues while he brought the Beavers hockey program from one that played outdoors at the NAIA level to a national championship-winning squad at the Division II and III levels to one that competed with college hockey’s most historic and prominent institutions in Division I. Only five college
CANCER From Page 7
You can create your own personal my Social Security account today.
Still have questions? Triage Cancer provides straightforward and accurate information, including resources to help you understand health and disability insurance options, Medicaid and Medicare, manage your finances, estate planning, and more. Though we tailor our materials to people diagnosed with cancer, our free resources are
hockey coaches have won more all-time games than Peters’ 744 — Jerry York, Ron Mason, Jack Parker, Red Berenson and Rick Comley. “To me, if he’s not the best, he’s one of the best in the history of the game,” said Jim Scanlan, who was named one of BSU’s 50 greatest players and currently serves as the women’s hockey coach. “I was a goalie, obviously, and that was the first time all of the practices were designed with the goalie in mind. It wasn’t like you were a target. You never saw something in a game that you didn’t already see in practice. He was meticulous and organized. He loved history and that was a big part of who he was.” Bemidji State’s rink in the Sanford Center is named after Peters. His name is painted on the ice there. Peters’ affiliation with college hockey began in 1957, when he came from Fort Frances, Ontario, to play goalie for UND. During his one season, the university reached the NCAA national championship game. After coaching East Grand Forks High School for one season in 196061, he returned to UND to serve as an assis-
available to everyone. We encourage you to sign up today for our free events that provide key information to help you address practical issues and minimize the financial burden of cancer. You can also check out our Educational Guides and Resources page – along with CancerFinances.org – for more information about your personal situation. For more information or to register for any of our free events, visit TriageCancer.org. Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.
tant coach under Barry Thorndycraft. He won an NCAA national championship in 1963 as an assistant and became head coach from 196466, leading UND to a Frozen Four appearance as a 28-year-old. In 1966, Bemidji State hired Peters away from UND, starting a remarkable 34-year run at the school. “His whole goal when he came here in 1966 was he had this vision of creating a hockey program that could produce hockey coaches,” said former player Bob Fitzgerald. Peters won 13 national championships, 15 conference titles and set an NCAA record in 1983-85 with a 43-game unbeaten streak. Peters won coach of the year honors in the NAIA, NCHA and WCHA. “Bob Peters was a pioneer and an ambassador for the game of hockey,” said Tom Serratore, who took over as Bemidji State’s men’s coach in 2001 for Peters. “Hockey always came first for him. The sport and the growth of the game came first. That’s how he viewed things. He was a true ambassador, a gentleman and loved the game of hockey. It was important for him to see the game grow.”
PIONEER PHOTO/ERIC STROMGREN
Former Bemidji State hockey coach R.H. "Bob" Peters pumps his fist into the air after receiving a commemorative jersey from Ian Lowe prior to dropping the ceremonial first face-off prior to the BSU-UND game at the Bemidji Regional Event Center. Peters, who lived in Bemidji with his wife Mary Lou and had two children, Steve and Barb, was inducted into UND’s Hall of Fame in 2003 and Bemidji State’s in 2007. His impact tran-
scended wins and losses. “He was the second-most influential man in my life behind my dad,” Scanlan said. “I wouldn’t be in this job today if not for him. I’m probably not in
coaching and I’m definitely not at Bemidji State. He had a tremendous impact on my life, for sure.” A celebration of Bob Peters’ life and career will be held in summer 2022.
NESS GRANITE WORKS 3 miles N. on Hwy 59, Detroit Lakes
218-847-5191 • 800-309-5191
BUY THIS MONUMENT 00 95 $8 .
Buy Factory Direct and Save!
Avoid Funeral Home & Salesmen Commission!