Milestones Newspaper February 2023

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

WHAT IS PCA?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities. PCA publishes Milestones and offers:

• Care in the home

• Home-delivered meals

• Home repairs and modifications

• Protective services

• Senior centers

• Caregiver support

• Employment and volunteer programs

• Legal services

• Transportation

• Ombudsman services

• Health education

• Information and referral

Honoring Black History Month

By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA PCA president & CEO

No matter what one’s race, ethnicity, skin color, gender or creed is, we can all do our part to resist oppression by advocating for equality and denouncing racism in all its forms.

We can all take steps to educate ourselves about the achievements of African Americans throughout history and engage in conversations or other activities that deepen our understanding of Black culture.

This month’s issue of Milestones includes information about resources to support the unique needs of African and Caribbean older adults (page 4), highlights of Philadelphia’s

For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA

President and CEO

PCA Board of Directors 2022-23

Satya B. Verma, O.D., Chair

Glenn D. Bryan, Vice Chair

Angela Foreshaw-Rouse, Secretary

Louis A. Bove, Esq.

Louis Colbert

Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq.

Lynn Fields Harris

Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., FACOFP

Sandra McNally

Paul Nathanson

John Whitman

Eloise N. Young

Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D.

Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.

Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse. PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) pcaCares.org

Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia, Lower Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties.

Check us out online: pcaCares.org/Milestones

Editor: Alicia M. Colombo

215-765-9000, ext. 5081

PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130

Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org

Advertising: Teresa Heavens

215-765-9000, ext. 5053

Email: Teresa.Heavens@pcaCares.org

Subscriptions & Distributions:

215-765-9000, ext. 5081

Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org

Home delivery: $12/year

Black cultural treasures (page 7), events commemorating Black History Month (pages 8-9), and delicious heart-healthy soul food recipes (page 12).

Black History Month 2023

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The 2023 Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance,” which explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, since the nation’s earliest days.

The struggle for equality and justice for all Americans, as well as the resistance to racial oppression, are constant battles. However, these efforts need not be violent to be effective. We can make our voices heard through peaceful events, voting, advocacy, education, social media, and more. Whatever peaceful method you choose, speaking up to denounce racism in all its forms is perhaps the most effective method of “Black Resistance.”

The views expressed in Milestones are not necessarily those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish fraudulent or misleading advertising. Milestones reserves the right to edit, revise or reject ads. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors, misprints, omissions or misinformation; for failure to publish an ad; or for any damages of any kind. Neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice in this publication. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without the permission of PCA.

©2023 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s website, which selects Black History Month themes, “resistance efforts have been to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond our political jurisdiction.”

For more information about Black History Month, go to history.com/topics/black-history or BlackHistoryMonth.gov. The Free Library of Philadelphia also offers a wealth of information, events and activities on Black history at 1-833TALK FLP (825-5357) or freelibrary.org (type “Black history” in the search box and click “website”).

“Our use of passive resistance is not based on resistance to get rights for ourselves, but to achieve friendship with the men who are denying us our rights, and change them through friendship and a bond of Christian understanding before God,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in an interview for TIME magazine.

Resources support the unique needs of African, Caribbean older adults

Resources available Caribbean Community in Philadelphia (CCP) inspires and supports Caribbean community members by bridging the gap of cultural understanding with education and advocacy on immigrant/human rights and providing opportunities for civic engagement. Recently, Alexander and her team have re-imagined what wellness looks like for all members of Philadelphia’s African and Caribbean population.

area dubbed “Little Africa.” For more information, call 215-546-1232 or visit afaho.org/health-services.

The Nationalities Service Center provides legal, social and educational services to immigrants, refugees and non-English speakers. These services include refugee resettlement, economic self-sufficiency programs, English classes, legal assistance, interpretation, employment preparation and programs for older adults. For more information, call 215-893-8400 or visit nscphila.org.

By

Immigrants from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean were the fastest-growing group in Philadelphia from 2000 to 2016, according to research conducted by The PEW Charitable Trusts. Today, people who have immigrated from Africa and the Caribbean live in all parts of Philadelphia, from South Philly to the Greater Northeast. As the population grows, the needs of African and Caribbean older adults have also increased.

Pressing community needs

“Many people who migrate from the Caribbean are natural-born caretakers looking for opportunities for work,” says Miranda Alexander, founding president and strategic project director at Caribbean Community in Philadelphia. “Many of our older adults need to be taken care of and a lot of Caribbean families do not want to put their family members into a care center. Like most older adult populations, African and Caribbean older adults prefer to age at home and maintain independence as long as possible.”

Several challenges can hamper these ambitions. Accessing culturally appropriate food, transportation, banking or federal benefits is often more difficult

for immigrant elders. While there are many different food pantry resources throughout Philadelphia, not every offering comes with culturally appropriate food. Therefore, older adults with dietary restrictions or those who only eat specific foods, may have difficulties meeting nutritional needs.

“Sustainable long-term food security is always important,” says Alexander. “But when it comes to culturally appropriate food, it can be a challenge to purchase and access it.”

Transportation barriers also exist and include a lack of resources to get older adults to appointments or cultural events. Additionally, Caribbean and African older adult immigrants may face legal challenges. For example, many banks require a social security card to open an account. Immigrants with working visas and additional permits may not be able to access their wages right away due to not having a Social Security card. For older adults seeking benefits, this is a serious challenge. Nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia, such as the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), offer legal services to assist immigrants with needs such as Social Security benefits and utility assistance. For more information, contact ACANA at 215729-8225 or acanaus.org.

“When people come to the U.S., they come with their loss, grief and added immigration trauma,” Alexander says. “Some have not unpacked their pain from wars or additional traumas (from their homelands).”

To offer a safe and supportive outlet to boost mental and emotional health, CCP started Courageous Healing Conversations and Wellness Support. The program is open to individuals and groups. For more information, call 215-626-4343 or visit CaribbeanCommunityInPhiladelphia.com.

The African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) is an ethnic, community-based organization that provides health, human and educational services to African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees (ACIR) in the greater Philadelphia area. AFAHO’S health programs are built on a unique peer support model that uses shared language, cultural expertise, advocacy, lived experiences and system navigation knowledge to help individuals overcome barriers to improve their health outcomes.

The organization’s chronic disease health management programs are especially relevant to older adults. Topics include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer and nutrition education. AFAHO is located at 2420 S. 54th St., 2nd Floor in Southwest Philadelphia in an

Making connections

To enhance and coordinate resources for Caribbean and African older adults throughout the city, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) created its African and Caribbean Elders (ACE) Initiative. ACE works with community resources and agencies, such as the Emergency Fund Coalition, to connect older adults to the culturally appropriate services they need.

With a new program manager, PCA’s African and Caribbean Elders Initiative is excited to welcome new member organizations for 2023, while bridging the gap between health and human services resources and the community organizations who serve African and Caribbean older adults.

“We need to re-engage and find out what the community needs are and how we can best assist and support them,” says Wanda Mitchell, MSW, PCA’s director of community engagement.

For more information or to join the African and Caribbean Elders Initiative, call 215-765-9000, ext. 5342 or go to pcaCares.org/how-we-work/outreach. Additional resources to assist African and Caribbean older adults can be accessed by calling the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

Mary Anna Rodabaugh

Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.

Heartfelt tips for American Heart Month

we live in,” Fernandez said. “You don’t have to turn upside down each day to add value. It’s the little things that make the world go round that make our lives richer.”

Lifestyle changes

“As a person gets older the nature of their cardiovascular system changes,” said Dr. Douglas Jacoby, chair of clinical cardiology at Pennsylvania Hospital and professor of clinical medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine.

the lifestyle changes are not sufficient to avoid medicine completely but they help reduce the amount of medicine a person needs.”

Even with a healthy lifestyle, genetics can impact heart health. “For many people, a heart-healthy lifestyle isn’t sufficient,” Dr. Jacoby said. “It is very common for someone to need medicine to reduce cardiovascular risk, despite exercising and eating healthy.”

By Jay Nachman

February is American Heart Month, a time when people can focus on their cardiovascular health. While taking care of your heart medically is important, there are also emotional and spiritual dimensions to having a healthy heart.

“When we think about the heart, we think about the physical aspects,” said Nichelle Lynn-Hennigan, a psychotherapist with T.J. Walsh Counseling in Center City. “Research has shown that what happens to us emotionally can have an impact on our physical health, as well.”

If an older adult’s partner passes away and that person also dies within a year, people may say they died of a broken heart, which can actually happen, said Lynn-Hennigan.

People can take care of their mental health by staying connected socially to their partners, friends and family — with appropriate boundaries as neccessary.

“What I hear a lot from older adults is that they feel disconnected from their family or others,” Lynn-Hennigan said. “They feel alone. They feel abandoned. Or they have poor boundaries. They’re

doing a lot for children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and others. By doing so, older adults may be overextending themselves.”

Older adults should stay connected with those they feel supported by and listened to. They should also be careful about doing too much and overextending themselves.

The Rev. Richard Fernandez, 88, of Roxborough, is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a member of Tabernacle United Church. While people use many different religions and paths to find God, “there’s a lot of research that says that religious or spiritual people use their skills to cope with life and experience in a very positive way,” he said. “That doesn’t mean you have to be religious to cope well with life.”

To nourish the soul, Fernandez also recommended expressing gratitude. For a week or a month, write down each day things for which you are grateful. “The act of being grateful out loud or on paper is very contagious and very uplifting,” he said.

To remain young at heart, stay engaged with people of all ages, Fernandez recommended. He also urged avoiding cynicism at all costs. Each day “add some value to the world

As people age, they can build up plaque and calcification in their arteries, which become harder and lose their elasticity. This changes the way the cardiovascular system functions. As people get older, their blood pressure can rise or decline because the blood vessels are less elastic and stiffer.

“Blood pressure is a reflection of aging, genetics, lifestyle and also everything around us, including environment and stress,” Dr. Jacoby said. “High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes.”

Jacoby recommends a heart-healthy lifestyle to control blood pressure and otherwise keep, as the name suggests, the heart healthy. The main components are exercise and diet.

People should do a cardio activity for a half-hour a least five times a week, Jacoby said, adding, “I never want someone to exercise hard enough to hurt themselves.”

Ideally, everybody should have a vegetable-based diet, Dr. Jacoby recommended. Keeping fried foods to a minimum, controlling salt and avoiding too many carbohydrates are smart dietary choices people can make to stay healthy.

“Lifestyle change is hard. I’m not going to say it’s easy,” Dr. Jacoby said. “But when people do it, it works. For many people,

That’s why it’s best to take care of your emotional and physical health daily and have your heart health monitored regularly by a health care professional. ***

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a toolkit with resources to help people take control of their high blood pressure. It’s available for free download at cdc.gov/ heartdisease/american_ heart_month_patients.htm.

(See page 15 for crossword)

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

PRIMARY CARE THAT KEEPS UP WITH YOU

IT’S NOT ABOUT GETTING OLDER. It’s about living—supported by primary care that takes the time to know you. It’s about removing the inconvenience of driving, parking, waiting and then rushing through your appointment.

Patina is virtual-first, so you can access primary care wherever you are via video, chat or phone. In-person visits are in the comfort and convenience of your home. We bring everything to you.

Welcome to Patina: a bold new approach to personalized primary care, purpose-built for people 65 and older.

CALL US AT 800.476.7992 OR VISIT PATINAHEALTH.COM TO LEARN MORE.

Enjoy Philadelphia’s African American cultural treasures

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh

Philadelphia is home to people of many different backgrounds, cultures and creeds. Throughout the years, African Americans have contributed in many ways to the city’s cultural depth. For this Black History Month, Milestones spotlights some African American cultural treasures, exhibits and events that you can explore year-round.

dance performance and cultivates the skills of emerging and professional dancers and choreographers in a nurturing environment, while increasing the appreciation of dance among its many communities. PHILADANCO! is recognized nationally and worldwide for its innovation, creativity and preservation of predominantly African American traditions in dance. The Spring 2023 dance season starts April 21-23 with performances at the Kimmel Center. For more information, call 215-387-8200 or visit philadanco.org.

Museums

The Colored Girls Museum, located at 4113 Newhall St. in Germantown, is a memoir museum that honors the stories, experiences and history of ordinary women of color. According to the museum’s website, “There are many museums about many things. Colored Girls have a unique and complex history; it is a history informed by great tragedy and great triumph – a history which intersects and overlaps with other histories but remains distinct as colored women navigate their dual circumstances as ‘colored’ and ‘female.’ We must begin the documenting process somewhere. Why not now? Why not here? Our stories are as varied as our skin tones. Let us immortalize her!”

evolution, the museum has objectively interpreted and presented the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day. The museum is committed to telling the story of African Americans in all its permutations: family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law, and technology. The museum’s four galleries encompass three dominant themes: the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story and the Contemporary Narrative. Several Black History Month special events are scheduled in February.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 215-574-0380 or visit aampmuseum.org.

The Museum of the American Rev-

olution, located at 101 S. 3rd St., will present the special exhibit “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia” from Feb. 11 through Nov. 26.

The exhibit will feature artifacts, documents and immersive technology to introduce visitors to James Forten and his descendants as they navigated the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia to become leaders in business, and abolition and voting rights from 1776 to 1876.

When James Forten walked the streets of 1770s Philadelphia as a young man, he was surrounded by the sights and sounds of transformation. He heard the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time in 1776 before setting sail to fight for independence in 1781.

(continued on page 13)

Dance

The Philadelphia Dance Company, known as PHILADANCO!, was founded by Joan Meyers Brown in 1970 to provide performance opportunities for Black dancers, who were then systematically denied entrance into many local dance schools. PHILADANCO! has a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides, consistently performing for audiences of people from diverse communities. This nonprofit organization presents the highest quality of professional

Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. A special exhibit, titled “Sit-A-Spell,” is set to debut in March. Reservations are required to visit the museum. For information, call 267-630-4438 or visit TheColoredGirlsMuseum.com.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located at 701 Arch St., is the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. It was founded in 1976 in celebration of the nation’s bicentennial. Throughout its

Photo by Julieanne Harris

Events

February 2023

FEBRUARY 1-30

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Send your calendar items to MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org by the 25th of the month (for publication in month after next) Questions? 215-765-9000, ext. 5081

FEBRUARY 5 & 25

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CIVIC HEROES

TROLLEY TOUR

FEBRUARY 8

GAME DAY

FEBRUARY 1

CARD MAKING WORKSHOP

Design & create your own unique greeting cards. 2-3:45 p.m. Journey’s Way. 215-487-1750 | Free

FEBRUARY 4

SOUL FOOD COOKING LESSON

Celebrate Black History Month with traditional & tantalizing healthy recipes & learn something new about the history of soul food. Noon. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5322 | Free

FEBRUARY 4

WORLD CANCER DAY

Prostate screening best practices for older men. Presented by Jefferson Health. 10-11 a.m. Philadelphia Senior Center. 215-546-5879| Free

View stunning & impactful murals that represent iconic Black figures, civic heroes & insightful social justice issues. A professional tour guide will share the stories behind these works of art, the artists & the mural-making process. 10-11:30 a.m. Departs/returns from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Lenfest Plaza. Presented by Mural Arts Philadelphia. 215-925-3633 | MuralArts. org/tours | $38

FEBRUARY 6

YOGA CLASS

Vinyasa flow yoga. Bring or borrow a mat. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Richmond Library. 215-685-9992 | Free

FEBRUARY 7

TEXTILE CRAFTERS CLUB

Yarn, handwork, sewing & other textile crafters are welcome to socialize, create, learn & share ideas, techniques & community project opportunities. 1-3 p.m. Chestnut Hill Library. 215-685-9290 | Free

Fun competition among friends in Rummikub, Scrabble, Canasta, Monopoly & card games.12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215698-7300 | $1 donation

FEBRUARY 9

SEWING CLASS

Learn the basics of working a sewing machine. Space limited. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. West Oak Lane Library. 215-6852843 | Free

FEBRUARY 10

COMPUTER BASICS

The Digital Skills Learning Circle provides online courses for beginners. Bring your own device or one can be loaned to you. 2 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-8663 | Free

FEBRUARY 13

STOP THE BLEED TRAINING

First aid presentation, followed by hands-on practice of applying direct pressure, packing a wound & using a tourniquet to stop bleeding. 11:30 a.m. Walnut Street West Library. 215-6857671 | Free

Milestones 9

FEBRUARY 14

VALENTINE’S DAY

FEBRUARY 20

PRESIDENTS DAY

FEBRUARY 25

MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL

Tree-tapping demonstrations, syrup & candy making & tasting. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wissahickon Environmental Center. 215-685-9285 | Free

FEBRUARY 27

LINE DANCING LESSON

FEBRUARY 14

FAMILY FEUD

Take part in a Valentine’s-themed version of the classic game show. 10:30 a.m. St. Edmond Senior Community Center. 215-790-9530 | Free

FEBRUARY 17

NATIONAL CAREGIVERS DAY

FEBRUARY 21

TAX SUPPORT CLASS

Learn how to respond to IRS audits, mail & requests for information, as well as free tax filing resources & online IRS tools. 10-11 a.m. 1300 W. Lehigh Ave. 215-981-3800 | Free

FEBRUARY 22

BLACK HISTORY SHOW

Center members will perform roles that teach & embrace Black history. 11 a.m. St. Edmond Senior Community Center. 215790-9530 | Free

FEBRUARY 23

A DAY AT THE RACES

Wear your finest hat for a fun time with singer & pianist Gary Negbaur. 11:45 a.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-6987300 | Free

Learn from a professional ballroom dancer. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free

FEBRUARY 17

BLADDER FITNESS OVER 60

Learn how to keep your bladder healthy & how to spot potential health risks. 12-1 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center. 215-546-5879 | Free

FEBRUARY 24

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Cultural dancers & storytelling. 1-2 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center. 215-546-5879 | Free

FEBRUARY 28

CRAFTING DEMONSTRATION

Bring your latest project for an evening of crafting & conversation with fellow makers. 5-7 p.m. Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library. 215685-7431 | Free

ONGOING BLACK HISTORY EVENTS

The African American Museum in Philadelphia preserves, interprets & exhibits the history of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the present. Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 701 Arch St. | aampmuseum.org | 215-574-0380

Help yourself to health through innovative programs

just one of the many ways we have pursued this goal for the past 50 years.”

PCA has partnered with many community organizations to provide information, education, skill building, screenings and support for older adults. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including management of chronic conditions and medication, falls prevention, exercise, and nutrition. The goal is to equip older adults with the knowledge and skills to improve their own health and to reduce their risk of dependency, disability and illness.

“Often, older adults in our programs are afraid to ask questions and admit that they do not understand something and need further explanation,” said Jirinec. “Resources, like the Diabetes Self-management Program, allow older adults to gain support from others who may also be suffering from the effects of diabetes, and also learn better menu planning and sugar management tactics.”

By Bill Conallen

Older Philadelphians need to be proactive in advocating for their own health care. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) empowers older adults to take charge of their own health and well-being.

PCA has created many programs aimed at supporting the social determinants of health – economic stability, education, health care, neighborhood and environment, and social and community growth. These five sectors encompass the conditions where people are born, grow, live, work and age that affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life risks and outcomes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, social determinants of health impact as much as 50% of local variations in health outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, employment and education, have the largest impact on health outcomes.

“When it comes to health care through empowerment, PCA has always sought to provide older adults with the tools and resources to act,” said PCA President & CEO Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA. “Even making small, healthier changes can improve overall

well-being, and our programs reflect the broad issues impacting communities throughout the city. Our goals for health take a comprehensive approach and include maintaining and increasing functioning, improving self-care, and stimulating social support networks and personal relationships among older adults.”

This commitment to person-centered, evidence-based education from PCA is born out of the Older Americans Act’s stipulation that health promotion and disease prevention programs are critical elements in helping older Americans remain healthy and independent. The efforts of the aging-services organizations around the country are geared toward supporting older adults so they have access to community-based health promotion and healthy aging programs that can make noticeable differences in their health and well-being.

“Our mission is to build a strong framework of services so older adults can live as independently as possible with the dignity of knowing they are being supported by an agency that has their interests at heart,” said Orr. “Education that emphasizes independence and informational empowerment is

“Our health promotion programs play an integral role in allowing older adults to determine which questions to ask your doctor and how to approach a concern,” said Lauren Jirinec, PCA health promotion specialist. “Becoming your own advocate for healthy aging can include such steps as: prepping for your medical appointments by writing down a list of your symptoms, current medications and questions. It can also include bringing a companion to your medical appointments to assist in speaking with a medical professional, if helpful. If a medical professional mentions unfamiliar terms, ask them to be clearer in their explanations.”

PCA’s six-week series of evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMPs) help older adults better manage their own chronic health conditions, including diabetes, pain and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, insights are shared on how to address and combat fatigue, sleep disorders, shortness of breath, stress and emotional challenges related to aging. Older adults are even given falls prevention techniques through action planning, decision making and problem-solving strategies in the event of an accident.

Three virtual CDSMPs begin this month: pain and diabetes management programs start Feb. 14 and “Help Yourself to Health” starts Feb. 27.

PCA also funds and supports a number of programs through its network of senior community centers located in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. These centers offer many health programs, ranging from exercise classes to health classes or workshops.

Many programs, both remote and in-person, are led by trained volunteers who successfully manage health conditions themselves. Programs are open to Philadelphians 60 and older, offered at sites throughout the city, including senior centers, libraries and other community settings.

“Volunteerism has always been at the heart of any number of services offered through PCA and our health promotion efforts are no different,” said Wanda Mitchell, PCA’s director of community engagement. “One of the greatest challenges that older adults and their caregivers face is not knowing what resources are available or how to access help. We provide the tools necessary to meet their needs.”

Those interested in learning more about PCA’s commitment to healthier communities or to register for an upcoming health promotion program, can call the PCA Helpline at 215-7659040 – the number to call for resources to help older adults and their caregivers maintain a healthy lifestyle or to improve their well-being. Information is also available at pcaCares.org and health programs are included in Milestones.

Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

PCA’s Advocacy Priorities Survey results

social media. Thank you to all who took the time to respond!

Respondents were asked to rank 14 advocacy issues on a scale from Most Important to Least Important. The below advocacy priorities were consistently ranked as the most important:

• Safe neighborhoods (decreased crime, better crosswalks and curb ramps) - 67%

In 2021, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Board Advisory Committee released an Advocacy Priorities Survey to assess the issues on which the community would like PCA to focus its future advocacy efforts. PCA’s current advocacy goals, which it will continue to prioritize, include:

• Making sure the Aging Network has appropriate funding to support older adults.

• Availability of adequate and easily accessible services to ensure older adults live in their homes for as long as possible.

• Resources to strengthen Older Adult Protective Services to eliminate elder abuse.

The survey, which received 940 responses, was distributed through PCA’s Milestones newspaper and digital publications, meal deliveries to older adults, mail blasts, senior centers, and

• Health access (Access to insurance, doctors, hospitals and medication) - 67%

• Housing (Access to affordable housing and home repairs) - 61%

• Access to healthy food - 60%

• Benefits (Access to benefits and resources to combat poverty) - 56%

PCA’s Board Advocacy Committee plans to focus first on working to address the safety needs of older Philadelphians (exploring methods to reduce violence and traffic deaths, and create livable communities), immediately followed by older Philadelphians’ need for better health access. As next steps are developed, the Board Advocacy Committee will engage with community partners, assess relevant data, and call further attention to these important issues. Please be on the lookout for further opportunities to provide feedback.

WHEN A VESSEL THROWS YOU A CURVE

For expert cardiac care, your heart belongs here.

Heart-healthy soul food recipes

Peel potatoes and cut into quarters.

In a large pot, combine potatoes, tomatoes and juice from can, onion, clam juice, water, and garlic. Bring to boil, then reduce heat.

Cook, covered, over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Add cabbage. Return to boil, then reduce heat. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cut fillets into 2-inch pieces. Coat fillets with Hot ‘n’ Spicy Seasoning. Add fish to vegetables. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Catfish Stew and Rice

This soul food makeover uses moist heat cooking and salt-free seasoning, without oil or fat. Try it in place of deep-fried fish. You won’t miss the frying, and cleanup will be a snap!

Ingredients:

2 medium potatoes

1 can (14½ ozs.) reduced or low-sodium tomatoes, sliced

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup clam juice or water

1 cup water

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ head cabbage, coarsely chopped

1 lb. catfish fillets

1½ tbsp. Hot ‘n’ Spicy Seasoning (see recipe below)

2 cups hot cooked rice (brown or white)

Optional: 1 sliced green onion

Hot ‘n’ Spicy Seasoning:

¼ cup paprika

2 tbsp. dried oregano, crushed

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. cayenne pepper

½ tsp. dry mustard

Directions

Mix together all seasoning ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Makes about ⅓-cup of seasoning.

Ladle stew over hot cooked rice in bowls and garnish with green onion, if desired. ***

Smothered Greens

This makeover recipe substitutes high-sodium, high-fat meats with smoked, skinless turkey breast. This keeps the flavor while reducing the fat and sodium.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. greens (collard, mustard, turnip and/or kale)

3 cups water

¼-lb. smoked turkey breast, skinless

1 tbsp. hot pepper, freshly chopped

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. cloves, ground

2 cloves garlic, crushed

½ tsp. thyme

1 stalk scallion, chopped

1 tsp. ginger, chopped

¼ cup onion, chopped

Directions:

Wash greens thoroughly and remove stems. Tear or slice leaves into bitesized pieces.

Place all ingredients except greens into large saucepan and bring to a boil.

Add greens to turkey stock. Cook 20 to 30 minutes until tender.

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Milestones 13

(continued from page 7)

Born a free person of African descent, Forten built upon his coming-ofage in a revolutionary city and his wartime experience to forge himself into a changemaker in Philadelphia and the young United States, becoming a successful businessman, philanthropist and stalwart abolitionist. The unique journey and exceptional story of this family of revolutionaries explore the legacy of the American Revolution; the history of the American experiment of liberty, equality and self-government; and the ongoing work to improve the nation’s dedication to the principle that “all men are created equal.”

For more information, contact 215253-6731 or AmRevMuseum.org.

Black-owned businesses

Amazulu Collections has sold African wares for more than 30 years from a storefront in the Reading Terminal

Market, located at 12th & Arch Sts. Owner Charita Powell, a Philadelphia silversmith, showcases handmade jewelry, folk dolls and cultural clothing.

“I eagerly look forward to making even more value-added contributions to our community as I continue to share my art, designs and vision with everyone,” Powell says on her website.

Inspired by her grandmother’s entrepreneurial spirit as a property owner in South Philadelphia, Powell started a business when she was just 9 by cleaning marble steps for her neighbors.

To learn more, visit UrbanKarmaWear.com

Harriett’s Bookshop, named for historical heroine Harriett Tubman, celebrates women authors, artists and activists. Located at 258 E. Girard Ave., Harriett’s Bookshop is open Thursdays through Sundays, from noon to 6 p.m. Bookshop owner Jeannine Cook was featured in Oprah Magazine last

year for her steadfast dedication to connecting community members with one another. For more information, call 267-241-2617 or visit bookshop. org/shop/harriettsbookshop.

Cultural dining

There are many African Americans who have and continue to contribute to Philadelphia’s diverse cuisine. Joining this distinction are beverage pioneers and brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor. The two brewers own and operate Two Locals Brewing Company, Philadelphia’s first Black-owned brewery.

“The more we got into the brewing industry, the more we realized the lack of black brewers and black-owned breweries,” the Koilor brothers said. “It is our mission to bring the first Black owned-brewery to Philadelphia and show our community the opportunities available in the brewing industry.”

Two Locals Brewing Company beer is available for purchase online and at Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Ave., Wednesdays to Fridays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2-6 p.m. For more information, visit TwoLocalsBrewing.com.

Former Germantown Cadillac Club owner and Philadelphia entrepreneur Benjamin Bynum Sr. passed away late last year. His two sons, Robert and Benjamin Bynum Jr., chose to carry on the family tradition of great food and good jazz music as operators of South, located at 600 N. Broad. The brothers are 35-year veterans of the Philadelphia hospitality community, and their restaurant features exceptional and authentic southern cooking. For more information, call 215-600-0220 or visit SouthJazzKitchen.com.

Block captains keep watch over Philadelphia’s neighborhoods

By Jay Nachman

Gloria Blair, 75, doesn’t precisely know how long she has been a block captain on Portico Street in Germantown. She began when her son was a baby. He’s 50 now.

As a block captain, one of her primary responsibilities is to keep her block clean and tidy, which brings her benefits like exercise, and encourages neighbors to work together and get to know one another.

“I care about where I stay at,” the veteran block captain said. “I was cleaning up anyway.”

Now, her neighborhood cleanup effort has been magnified. When official clean up days arrive, Blair alerts her neighbors with flyers and distributes bags, brooms and rakes supplied by the City of Philadelphia.

“It’s a gift. If God gives me the strength and everything to do this, it makes me feel good when I do it. When you can turn around and you can look at what you did and accomplished, it makes me feel real, real good,” Blair said.

She also provides information to her

neighbors, such as articles related to voting and a listing of churches that provide food banks. She makes sure her neighbors have recycling bins and provides fans when the weather in the summer is sizzling.

People know she has the answers, even if they don’t know her real name. Blair is known on her block as “Sugar” and everyone knows to call her when they need help. “They do it all the time. Anything that you want to get done around the neighborhood, they say, ‘Go ask Sugar. She’ll get it done.’”

One of the main duties of volunteer block captains is to organize block cleanups, according to Shere L. Anderson, a clean block officer for the City. Among their other duties are to bring neighbors together to set goals and share ideas for improving the block and to act as an advocate and speaker for the block.

Retired math teacher Dorothy Perrine has lived in the same home on Manton Street in Point Breeze for all of her 82 years, so she is absolutely invested in the neighborhood. When she neared retirement about 20 years ago, she volunteered to be a block

captain.

“I didn’t like the way the community looked,” Perrine said. “The area was devastated. It was terrible.”

There were empty and dilapidated homes, as well as filth in the street. “Now, we have members on the block who come out voluntarily to help clean,” she said. “We pick up, and put it out for the trash.”

A clean block also deters drug dealers, Perrine added. “If they see that you have a clean, organized block, you don’t have drug dealers standing on the corner,” she said.

Like Blair, Perrine does more than keep the block clean. She works with her neighbors to decorate it on holidays. They’ve put up a large screen on the block so everyone could watch boxing matches together. They’ve had parties with bounce houses for kids. “We have had community dinners where everybody puts out tables with a tablecloth on the sidewalk,” she said. “It was very nice.”

Every Thanksgiving, working with the Police Department’s 17th District, Perrine makes sure every older resident on the block gets a food basket, filled

with a turkey, all the holiday trimmings, vegetables and beverages. She has 10 people on her list and believes several hundred people in the district receive holiday meals.

“We make sure we take care of those people who are within our reach,” Perrine said. “I guess I’m a service person. My mother lived here. My satisfaction comes from safety for people who live around here and the beauty of the area.”

Joyce Lloyd, 73, is also a Point Breeze block captain. She started in 2018, after retiring from the federal government. Like the other block captains, the South Taylor Street resident serves as a “mini mayor” by working to beautify the block and disseminating information to her neighbors.

Lloyd is aided in her efforts by new residents in her gentrifying neighborhood.

“It makes me feel good when everyone is cooperating,” Lloyd says. “Even though we come from different backgrounds, we come together to have a nice neighborhood.”

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

Weighing the risks of major surgery: Questions older adults should ask

Older adults contemplating major surgery may be unsure of whether to proceed with an operation. In many cases, surgery can improve an older person’s quality of life or be a lifesaving procedure. But advanced age coupled with the need for major surgery sometimes increases the risk of unwanted outcomes, such as a recovery with difficulty performing daily activities, re-hospitalization, problems with mobility and the loss of one’s independence.

How does one determine if the potential benefits from major surgery are worth the risks? Kaiser Health News features several health experts with suggested questions that older adults should ask their surgeon if an invasive procedure is proposed. Here are some recommendations. It is important to discuss all options with your health care provider so you can make an informed decision and not delay treatment if recommended.

What’s the goal of this surgery?

Ask your surgeon how the procedure will make things better for you. For example, it could reduce pain, extend your life, improve your quality of life, and/or prevent you from becoming disabled.

You should also ask what impact the condition will have on your daily life if you do not have surgery. Just because an abnormality, such as a hernia or gallstones, has been found doesn’t mean it has to be addressed. If you don’t have bothersome symptoms and the procedure comes with complications, your doctor may advise against surgery unless or until the condition worsens.

What are the alternatives to surgery?

Major surgery normally involves opening the body, allowing the surgeon access to the area where the problem exists, and surgical work needs to be completed. It involves trauma to the tissues, a high risk of infection and an extended recovery period. Make sure that your physician discusses non-surgical alternatives. Older men with prostate cancer, for instance, might want to consider ongoing monitoring of their symptoms, rather than

High Finance

risk invasive surgery. Women in their 80s who develop a small breast cancer may opt to leave it alone if removing it poses a risk, given other health factors.

What is the best possible outcome?

You should find out what exactly the procedure or surgery will entail, how long you’ll be in the hospital, and if rehabilitation will be required after you are discharged.

Among other things, people might ask their surgeon: What will my daily life look like right after surgery? How long is the typical recovery period? Will I need care at home and for how long? Will tubes, drains, catheters or other medical supplies be used in the recovery process? Will they be inserted during surgery? How long does equipment used in recovery following surgery? Who takes care of post-surgical care to prevent infection or complication?

It’s important to consider your health, age and functional status when considering the most likely outcome. Research suggests that older adults who are frail; have cognitive impairment; or other serious conditions, such as heart disease, have worse experiences with major surgery. Also, people in their 80s and 90s are at higher risk of complications. That being said, the benefits of surgery may outweigh the potential risks.. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your physician.

You may want to have a family member or friend in the room for these conversations, especially if the surgery is high risk. Older adults with some level of cognitive impairment may need assistance working through complex decisions.

Source: Kaiser Health News