FREE
DAUPHIN COUNTY OCT| NOV 2012
October is
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
month
Central Pennsylvania’s News Magazine For Kids Over Fifty
Laughter key to long married life By Brenda Hefner – Menno Haven Did you hear about the turtles that had been mates for 115 years until the female decided she no longer wanted anything to do with him? According to the news article, the Austrian zoo keepers tried everything to bring them back together but she kept biting a chunk out of his shell, and now they live in separate cages. I admit I laughed out loud when I heard that on the car radio. Maybe she finally got tired of picking up his dirty underwear off the bathroom floor, or gave him 20 years of the silent treatment and he still didn’t get it. I admit there are days – even weeks – when I think I’ve reached the end of my tolerance in my relatively brief marriage (just 38 years but, yes, sometimes it feels like 115!). Ah, I just heard a chuckle out there! It’s good to laugh at ourselves, isn’t it? When I meet people who have been married fewer years than I have and they ask me the secret to a long married life, I say “Keep ’em laughing!” The medical benefits of laughter have been studied and enumerated over the past several decades, most famously by Norman Cousins who wrote about building laughter into treatment plans for the seriously ill. If laughter can help cure cancer, it can surely help a marriage over a few speed bumps or even a mountain or two!
Of course there is humor that decreases tension and puts things into perspective, and humor that tears down and creates more problems. Positive humor helps a couple develop closeness. Laughing together creates “inside jokes” that can be pulled out and enjoyed for years to come. All my husband or I need to do is say two words and we crack up, while everyone around us wonders what’s so funny. A little gentle teasing can help address small issues in a non-threatening way, preventing them from becoming big issues. Negative humor does the opposite. It is rude, disdainful, and hurtful. Sarcasm is a particularly destructive form of humor, primarily because it is often less direct than other aggressive forms. Sarcasm was a high art form practiced in my family of origin, and I perfected it at the expense of my husband and son for many years until I saw it for what it was. If it nicks, dings, or wounds, it is not funny. If it creates fun and laughter while building others up, it is the right kind of humor. Maybe if Mrs. Turtle had just said “Herman! You’re slower than a herd of turtles but I love you anyway!” they’d still be living in conjugal bliss! Menno Haven nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing quality elder care and services in Franklin County.
The Renaissance at Penn Hall Community of Friends Transportation Indoor Pool & Fitness Center Housekeeping & Laundry 24-hour Security Variety of Social Opportunities The gracious Renaissance apartments are very affordable with built-in convenient services to support your independence. Residents love the cozy, secure and family-like atmosphere of this unique setting. Come See for Yourself! Menno Haven’s excellent reputation of fine services, peace of mind, and charm has been building for 48 years.
Chambersburg, PA www.mennohaven.org 800.222.6695 Menno Haven is a nonprofit retirement community providing care for the elderly in a charitable spirit and is committed to providing equal housing for all.
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
Visit our website: www.todayat50plus.com
PUBLISHER’S For Central Pennsylvania’s Kids Over Fifty web site: www.todayat50plus.com facebook: today at 50 plus Louise E. Sukle Publisher/Editor lsukle@pressandjournal.com
Terry Burger Marlene Brown Contributing Writers Maxine Etter General Manager maxineetter@pressandjournal.com Virginia Lauzon Graphic Designer Dave Brown 717.944.4628 Sales Manager davebrown@pressandjournal.com Barb Nusz 717.743.0515 Advertising Representative barbnusz@pressandjournal.com Sara Sowers 717.944.4628 Sales Assistant sarasowers@pressandjournal.com
louise sukle
The Rockwell myth It's a lovely picture—Norman Rockwell’s painting of Thanksgiving. There’s the family's matriarch holding the turkey that took most of the day for her to make. The patriarch bends over her shoulder, smiling proudly. The family has waited all year for her special turkey recipe. Everyone is ooing and awing over the spread. The eccentricities of the families most of us belong to are nowhere to be seen. Imagine Norman Rockwell trying to portray the modern American family gathered around the Thanksgiving dinner table. The kids are texting. Grandma endlessly complains about Medicare. Grandpa is wondering (loudly) when his grandson is getting a haircut. Your auntie is sneaking another drink. Your niece refuses to eat meat or dairy. Cousins are picking on each other. You would give anything to be somewhere else, but you come every year anyway. In the end, Grandma and Grandpa breathe a sigh of relief as they close the door, and you relish the return to the peace and quiet of your own house.
Lynne Gomboc Circulation lynnegomboc@pressandjournal.com
An “authentic” Thanksgiving is a far cry from Norman Rockwell. Really, the only common ground is that they all involve food and giving thanks. Well, except for your brother-in-law the athiest.
Media kits are available upon request.
Births, deaths, marriages, ageing, lifestyle choices, career successes and failures - all those typical ups and downs of life - all have the potential for challenging the myth and creating shattering scenarios if we allow it.
Today at 50+ Published bi-monthly by Press And Journal Publications Business Office: 20 S. Union St., Middletown, PA 17057 office: 717.944.4628 fax: 717.944.2083 www.pandjinc.com Today at 50+ will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which may be fraudulent or misleading in nature. Today at 50+ reserves the right to edit, revise or reject any and all advertising which, in its judgment is unwholesome or contrary to the interest of this publication.
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photo by in the moment photography by hollis
Jim Lewis Content Editor today@pressandjournal.com
note |
Family members can re-learn the art of celebration - holiday, life, and each other. However dysfunctional family get-togethers really are, Thanksgiving is the perfect day to remind us nothing ever changes the event itself. Thanks are given for the bounty of the earth. A meal is shared; a family’s fabric stitched back together for a few hours.
E-mail me: lsukle@pressandjournal.com
Never argue at the dinner table, for the one who is not hungry always gets the best of the argument. ~ Voltaire
CORRECTION:
In our Aug/Sept issue, the photo below of the Rev. Howard Dana was incorrectly identified in the story, "Homophobia among older Americans." Our sincere apologies.
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 3
SOCIAL SECURITY
HELP
By John Johnston Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Cooking
Corner with Marlene Catalano Brown
It’s hard to believe that the summer has come to an end and now the holidays are here. This is a fun, but busy time so we need quick, easy & healthy meals to prepare. This Italian meatloaf recipe can be made once and used for three meals. If you are cooking for 2, make this recipe as is & form in 2 loafs. Bake one for your evening meal with a baked potato & your favorite vegetable and freeze one for another night. The left overs make great sandwiches. Serve your sandwiches with fresh vegetables & dip or a salad.
Italian Meatloaf 1 lb. ground beef ½ lb. ground mild Italian sausage ½ cup chopped yellow onion 1 garlic clove, minced ½ cup coarse dried bread crumbs (preferably Italian) 2 Tbsp. dry red wine (optional) 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divide ¼ cup Pecorino Romano, grated 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce, divide Cooking Directions Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly oil a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine beef, sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, wine, egg, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, Romano cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and ½ cup tomato sauce. Form loaf and place in pan. Top with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 1 hr. uncovered. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before removing from pan and slicing. This is a great recipe to make 2 small loafs so that you can freeze one. It also makes great sandwiches the next day.
Discover a new world With Columbus Day in October, now is the season to explore and discover. Hop aboard, and discover a new world of service at www.socialsecurity.gov. There is so much you can learn and so many things you can do on Social Security's website. Information on retirement, survivors, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare are easily accessible on Social Security's homepage. But the website offers much more. You can apply online for Social Security retirement benefits. Not sure whether you’re ready to retire? We can help you plan ahead and chart your course with our online benefit planners. Perhaps the most impressive of these planners is the online Retirement Estimator, which you can use to get quick and personalized estimates of your retirement benefits based on different scenarios. Set your sights on our website and discover the online Social Security Statement. Your Statement provides a list of your recorded earnings and a written estimate of your future Social Security benefits. You can get your own Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. Our publications explain all of Social Security's programs. You'll find the "Get a publication" link at the left side of the home page at www.socialsecurity.gov. There, you'll find information on all of our services. Dozens of our publications are available in 15 languages. We have a Spanish language website that people can explore too, at www.segurosocial.gov. If you have a question that you can't find answered in the publications, click on our "FAQs," or frequently asked questions. You'll find the big question mark at the right of the page. So set sail for a new world of discovery at www.socialsecurity.gov. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all you can accomplish there.
Have you heard of QR codes yet?
They look like this ➜
Marlene Catalano Brown is a Central PA freelance photographer and has written “My Way” - a collection of recipes and photos which can be purchased at Bookworm Bookstore, West Shore Farmer’s Market, Mountain Side Books & Gifts, and Hornings Linglestown. Contact Marlene at mcatbr545@aol.com or 717-545-3232 or visit her website www.marlenescreativeexposures.com.
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
Here is a quick introduction: QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a cell phone). Your cell phone needs a QR code reader. It takes literally one minute for someone with an iPhone or Android phone to find and install the reader. Your cell phone reads the code and can Scanning this QR code will take you take you directly to website links and Facebook directly to the Today pages without having to type in the address. at 50 Plus website.
Visit our website: www.todayat50plus.com
Will my children need to pay for my health care costs? By Jan L. Brown, Attorney at Law This question has been in the forefront lately because of a recent Pennsylvania Superior Court decision (Health Care & Retirement Corp. of America vs. John Pettas). The Court held that a son was financially responsible for his mother’s entire nursing home care bill ($93,000), basing its decision on an existing but rarely utilized filial responsibility law. This case has caused much confusion and alarm for children and parents who have expensive health care costs (i.e., assisted living, hospital, nursing home), as the decision upholds the right to sue adult children for their indigent parents’ care and parents can be sued by hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for their indigent adult children’s care costs. The filial responsibility law requires a spouse, adult child or parent to care for and maintain or financially
assist an indigent spouse, child or parent. The amount of financial assistance is determined by the Court. In the Pettas case, the Court held one child, John, (there were other children living outside Pennsylvania) 100% responsible for his mother’s entire $93,000 nursing home bill. Mrs. Pettas had been in an accident, had exhausted all her money (thus indigent), and the nursing home where she was living applied for Medical Assistance to cover the nursing home costs. Rather than wait for medical assistance benefits to cover the costs, the nursing home filed a lawsuit against her son for the $93,000 outstanding bill. Her husband and other children were not included in the lawsuit, although the Court noted that John could have included them, (meaning they too would have been sued). Could this entire case have been avoided? Absolutely! Steps should have been taken earlier so to avoid the lawsuit. First, the son should have understood his liability and how to avoid or minimize it, and second, the $93,000 bill should never have ac-
Nobody puts baby (boomers) in a corner Those between the ages of 48 and 66, otherwise known as the Baby Boomer generation, are often an overlooked, untapped market – and you have to wonder why. Baby Boomers number 78 million across the United States and hold 70% of its wealth. Want to know more? Call us.
crued because proper planning would have eliminated the existence of such a bill. The concept that adult children must pay for their indigent parents’ care and that parents must pay for their indigent adult children’s care is difficult to comprehend, especially in this economy, when many people are struggling themselves. It should be noted that John had his own financial problems, and there had been no transferring or gifting of Mrs. Pettas’ money, she simply used up all her money paying for the costs of her medical care. A bill to repeal the filial responsibility law was sponsored in 2011 but it has never been voted on. When anyone enters a medical facility, especially a hospital or nursing home, it is vital to understand the families’ liability or risk and to take steps to prevent any such liability. These are complex situations and require experienced and competent elder lawyer’s advice.
Jan L. Brown and Associates is a law firm founded in 1993 to help older persons and their families. The practice has over 37 years of combined experience and practices exclusively in the areas of estate planning, probate and elder law. Elder law addresses the legal issues of seniors, their families and those who care for them. Estate planning includes Wills, Powers of Attorneys, Living Wills, Trusts and Guardianships. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice as every client and situation is different and requires specific review and analysis. If you would like an appointment, please call (717) 541-5550.
The Law Office for Older Persons Their Families
&
Jan L. Brown & Associates Attorneys-at-Law
Attorney Jan L. Brown
Practice Exclusively In: • Estate Planning & Probate: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Tax Planning, Special Needs Trusts
Attorney Jacqueline Kelly
• Elder Law: Protecting Assets From Nursing Home Costs, Qualifying for Benefits, Incapacity Planning
845 Sir Thomas Court, Harrisburg 17109
(717) 541-5550 www.janbrownlaw.com
Attorney Christa Aplin
Contact Barb Nusz 717-743-0515 or barbnusz@pressandjournal.com Like us on Facebook: Today at 50 plus
Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 5
Twist Creak and
By Terry Burger
We shuffled and limped into the theater in downtown Gettysburg, men and average American workday. And only one of the group, George Harrison, could women of a certain age. Some waggishly wore hippy gear; head-bands, tie-dyed even read music. shirts and skirts, and so on. Frankly, the gear looked better on us all a few decades Back at the Majestic, theater director Jeffrey W. Gabel came out and did the back, but we knew that. Everybody looked excited and eager. usual rah-rah stuff about the theater and its funding needs. Inside the theater our youth was waiting. And then he introduced the band. Well, as much of it as remains to us. A Beatles tribute band, “1964-The TribWith the wigs and the suits they could pass, sort of, for the original Fab ute,” played at the Majestic, and I thought it would be a lark. It was much more. Four. They have been touring for 28 years, but they managed to look a lot younger When I was a kid, my dad would walk through the house at night, humming than they probably felt at the end of the two-hour show. old Glenn Miller pieces, sometimes cupping his hands over his mouth and mimBut. Oh. My. God. The music. icking a trombone solo. Not exact, mind you. The playing was close enough, but the voices, naturalInevitably, I would roll my eyes, embarrassed, and irritated, somehow. It was ly, not quite the same. Lots of Beatle-y banter in what may actually be a Livermusic from the distant past, ancient, meaning more than 20 years old. I actually pudlian accent, though the band members actually hail from places like Indiana liked Glenn Miller music, but I wasn’t about to admit it. It was of my parents’ and Ohio, for god’s sake. world, and therefore not to be trusted. But the difference between the pretenders and the real thing blurred by nosThe theater was packed. There may have been a couple of empty seats, but talgia and aging eyesight. I couldn’t see them. Even the balcony was full. A sea of geezers, me included, all It worked. They started playing and time fell away, except for the creak in chatting excitedly. It was an Event. my knees when I stood to cheer, clap, and sing. I had never heard a tribute band before; there are plenty of I surprised myself by knowing almost all the lyrics. I could Suddenly, I was them, for all sorts of defunct artists, from Mozart to, someday, tell because I was singing them along with everybody else I I suppose, Justin Bieber, if they can find a 12-year-old who can laughing and singing could see. The cheering at the end of most songs shook the rafsing. I was not prepared to be impressed. ters, or whatever is holding the Majestic up other than wealthy After all, we live in an age when there is no “Yesterday,” donors. “Twist and Shout” nearly resulted in a riot and, I suspect, along, yelling at the (sorry, Paul). Not in the sense of media, anyway. Time, I thought, a couple of coronaries. top of my lungs... was safely tucked away in millions of little electronic pockets, in Now and then I remembered that I am by profession and iPhones, computers, and compact discs, everywhere. Heck, I still inclination an observer, and took time to look around: Row after have all my original Beatles LPs. row of friends, neighbors, people I flat don’t like, and people I I got my first album of the lads from Liverpool when I was 14 and visiting just know by sight, all of us in various stages of decrepitude, all of us dancing and relatives in western Pennsylvania. It was “With the Beatles.” creaking in place, transported by a common joy, old faces lit by memory. There was a record player in my aunt’s basement, and I spent a big chunk of Suddenly, I was laughing and singing along, yelling at the top of my lungs, the Christmas visit sitting in that dark space listening to that one album, over and joyful. I didn’t even do that when I was a kid. It’s just that I had this happy energy over. in me, and there was nothing else to do with it but hurl it out into space, in joy and It must have driven the adults mad. But they let me have that. against time and all that dies. I am no musicologist, but I have read critiques of the music, especially the I have come back to Earth, now. But changed, somehow. Not sure how to tunes penned by Lennon and McCartney, extolling their talent and the impact describe it. Cleaner, I guess, or at least buffed and waxed and shinier than I was. their work had on music of many varieties from that moment on. If you weren’t It’s a good feeling. around, I can tell you that American pop music just before the so-called “British I’ve been walking through the house, humming Beatles songs for the past Invasion” was nothing if not blah. several days, now and then throwing in a Glenn Miller tune. Here’s to you, Dad. I Though there have been a number of albums, many of them were mere get it now. mashups of previous work. According to at least one source, all of the massive Terry W. Burger is a freelance writer living in Gettysburg and the author effect the Beatles had arose from the core Beatles discography recorded during of “Burger to Go,” which can be found at burger2go.wordpress.com and the 1960s roughly 10 hours of original music. Just 10 hours, a little more than an burger2goclassics@wordpress.com.
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
Visit our website: www.todayat50plus.com
It’s all about the relationship Serving Our Communities… By Louis Vogel, Chief Operating Officer The Middletown Home A relationship with our family and friends. A relationship with our co-workers. A relationship with the stranger who we meet on the street. Every day we make a choice about our relationships. A choice to affirm and lift the spirits of another; or a choice to diminish and negate the presence of the person we meet. Have you thought about the choices you have made today? What impact have your choices had on the lives of others? Even though this question is important in every aspect of our lives, no where is it more important than in the life of a senior community. A community where we embrace life. Life of our dear residents. Life of those who provide care. In a senior community, we all join together as one…Our residents, our families, and our caregivers. In many instances, many of us live, work, and play together. We share in the joys of life…and support and lean on one another in times of sorrow and loss. As caregivers, we share our families and share our stories with those for whom we care. In turn, our residents and their families share of themselves and forever we are blessed with their presence in our lives. It is so very true. It really is all about a relationship. A relationship where we choose to make a difference in the lives of one another. So as we go about our daily lives, let us all remember the following… I’d Like to Make a Difference... God has given me a place on earth I hope I’ll never fail a child To be here for a while, If I can help somehow, I hope that as I’m passing through I want to be as generous I will make somebody smile. As my resources will allow. I want to make life easier And when my life on earth is done For all the ones I meet, It will be my final plea, I ask God for his blessings Let someone, somewhere think or say To the strangers on the street. “You made a difference to me.”
STOP! Do you have a special
promotion scheduled for every month? You should.
LOOK! Often, great
A Continuing Care Retirement Community • Independent Living Apartments • Personal Care Residence • Skilled Nursing Care Making a difference in the lives of our very dear residents, families & staff
The Middletown Home
Come visit & tour our campus
An Odd Fellows Home of Pennsylvania
Friendship Love Truth
999 West Harrisburg Pike Middletown, PA 717-944-3351 www.middletownhome.org
Need specialized healthcare? At Spring Creek, our team of dedicated professionals is committed to meeting your loved one’s skilled nursing needs. Our short-term and sub-acute rehabilitation programs deliver patient-centered care to maximize recovery. With a full array of exemplary services, we offer:
advertisements for other professions can be adapted to your business.
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Listen to your customers. Listen to the experts. Press And Journal
little
OK,
so what’s next?
♦ Secure Alzheimer’s community ♦ Wound management
Finding ideas and coming up with a plan. That’s where I come in.
Pink Pages
LGBT Pages
♦ Physical, speech and occupational therapy
Contact me, Dave Brown, Sales Manager Press And Journal Publications at 717.944.4628 or davebrown@pressandjournal.com
Come see us for yourself. Tours given daily.
717-565-7000 1205 South 28th Street ♦ Harrisburg, PA ♦ www.springcreekcares.com
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This proof• was provided for2012 your approval on 7/10/12 OCTOBER NOVEMBER | Today at 50+ The ad will publish as shown unless notification of corrections are given within 24 hours of receipt. Thanks!
7
LET’S DO THE
Numbers: 75% Percentage of unpaid or informal caregivers that are women
24,000
$
Median income for men over 65
51
1 in 13,983,816
Hours a typical boomer volunteers per year (approximately one hour a week)
The chances of winning a lottery in which six numbers are drawn from 49
36
Percent of Americans who say that they don’t contribute anything at all to retirement savings
30%
Average US home value depreciation since 2007
1 in 5
Chance that a U.S. senior citizen reports having skipped medications or not filled prescriptions because of cost
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
2.1
The number of workers for each Social Security beneficiary in 2031, when all baby boomers will be over age 65. Currently, there are 3.3 workers for each Social Security beneficiary.
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Managing your medicine Submitted By BAYADA Home Health Care Medicines can be an important part of treatment, whether it’s to relieve pain or lower your blood pressure. According to a report from the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living, one of the reasons that many older adults move to senior living communities is because they need assistance taking medications. Here are some tips to prevent errors when taking medications and receiving newly prescribed ones. At home • Create and update a list of current medications, including over-the-counter medications you take regularly • Keep medications in their original containers • Follow the directions on the label • Store out of reach from children and away from household chemicals • Find a way to remember to take your medications, such as with meals • Never take someone else’s medication • Call your physician if you experience side effects In the hospital • Bring your medication list or take your current medications with you • For a new prescription, ask about the purpose, side effects, and directions • Do not let anyone give you medications without checking your ID bracelet At the physician’s office • Bring your medication list every time • For a new prescription, ask about the purpose, side effects, and directions • If you are given samples, ask your physician to check for drug interactions • Request pamphlets and reliable websites to learn about your condition and medications Home health care can help Home health care services can assist you in handling medications in your home—anywhere from organizing a customized system to communicating with your physician regarding new medications. Contact a home health care provider for more information.
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To physically challenged persons, the aids that are available to enhance the quality of life are invaluable. What enhances your quality of life? Indeed what is quality of life? According to the dictionary, quality of life (noun) is defined as ‘your personal satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the cultural or intellectual conditions under which you live (as distinct from material comfort)… Gratification, Satisfaction…’ Thus there is no single answer; each person has individual needs. If you are unable to do something because of a disability, it is saddening, and may damage your self-esteem. However, assisting an individual in keeping function closest to normal is the master plan behind a whole range of equipment. Items that are usually available are mobility aids like walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and gait belts. Other equipment includes kitchen aids, bathing
and shower aids, eating and drinking, and writing aids. The purpose is to help every individual as much as possible to maintain regular routine activities as if they never had the condition leading to the disability. Numerous kitchen and eating aids are offered with special features designed to support weak hands. A Nose Cut-Out Cup enables drinking without tilting the head. Melaware cups help persons with limited grasp. The Spreadboard is an ideal bread holder for onehanded use. This convenient device holds bread in place when spreading jam, butter and other condiments. Also the GripWare® Round Scoop dish is curved, and tapered sides let you scoop food more easily. Adaptive silverware has comfortable, built-up handles with flexible ribbing that conforms to any grip. Find out what aids are available for you or your loved one that could enhance the quality of life. Having a certain disability should not stop someone from leading as normal a life as possible.
With BAYADA Home Health Care…
“I was able to recover at home after my stroke.” – José S., Client
José S. with his BAYADA Nurse Kika Garcia-Awan
With a broad range of services and a team of professionals who are committed to keeping people of all ages safe at home, BAYADA provides: • Nursing, including medication management and wound care • Clinical support 24 hours, 7 days • Thoroughly screened care professionals • Services from 2 to 24 hours Bayada Nurses is now BAYADA Home Health Care.
Call 717-652-1130 l www.bayada.com
Compassion. Excellence. Reliability.
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 9
Pro p
B
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Badminton’s heyday in the United States lasted a few decades in the middle of the 20th century. Badminton’s popularity spread across the United States in the 1930s via courts in YMCA gym clubs and colleges, according to USA Badminton. Hollywood icons such as James Cagney, Ginger Rogers and Bette Davis raised the game’s profile further through their very public enthusiasm for the game.
Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
Visit our website: www.todayat50plus.com
o perly served By Jim Lewis
You’ve finished your weightlifting at your gym when a gray-haired lady clutching a racket walks up to you and asks sweetly, “Would you play a game of badminton with me?’’ for Today at 50+ Most people would refuse to play Alma Shank. “Nah, I played that when I was a kid,’’ they would scoff. Or they’d simply dismiss her with a curt “No way – that’s for sissies.’’ But a few would charitably agree, and follow her onto the basketball court, where a net would be set up. Then that sweet, gray-haired lady would bring the hammer down. “I slaughtered them,’’ recalled Shank. For she’s much, much better at badminton than, say, knitting, having played the sport religiously since 1985 – and she’s beaten many an unsuspecting younger person who thought a two-game set to 21 would be a leisurely exchange of volleys at a backyard picnic. Most would toss their racket down and leave sullenly after defeat. A very small number would say, “I want another game.’’ “I loved those guys,’’ confided Shank. For her purpose wasn’t simply the thrill of beating some younger, beefy jock or streamlined aerobics disciple. Shank wanted to promote badminton. “It’s not for sissies,’’ she insisted. For Shank, and other 80-somethings who competed in badminton at the Pennsylvania Senior Games held this summer, the sport helps them stay active. The fast pace – for that's the way they play it – keeps their joints moving and their minds sharp. Thirty-eight players, some from as far as Bucks County, competed for medals and a spot in the National Senior Games in Cleveland next year. The top four finshers in each age bracket qualified for the national games. Despite their age, Shank and other 80-plus athletes shatter the image of older folks spending their days in comfortable chairs, watching TV or playing pinochle. Take Pat Woods, for example. The 81-year-old retired teacher and school librarian, winner of the women’s 80-84 age bracket in badminton, can squeeze you in for lunch around her long list of activities. On Monday she plays volleyball, on Tuesdays she plays pickleball, a sport similar to tennis that uses a Wiffle ball. On Wednesdays it’s badminton, on Thursdays it’s quilting and on Fridays it’s tatting. “It’s never, ‘What am I going to do today?’ – it’s ‘Which one do I do today?’ ” said Wood, of Elizabethtown. Alma Shank and her husband, Ben, 88, have been married for 63 years – longer than some of the gray-haired contestants in the Senior Games have been alive. The Shanks, retired chicken farmers from the Elizabethtown area, are credited by local badminton officials with nurturing the sport in Elizabethtown, staging games at the GEARS Community Center beginning in the 1980s. But age eventually creeps up on even the most devout badminton players: The Shanks’ appearance in the mixed doubles competition at the middle school was their last, they vowed. They have moved to a retirement home in Palmyra, and traveling is becoming more difficult. Badminton organizers honored Alma Shank with a certificate of appreciation and a touching gift: A silver shuttlecock charm. The badminton community, particularly among seniors, is small, and close-knit. “This is the end of a happy experience,’’ she said after her last game. “The 82-year-old Alma Shank and her people are so wonderful to put up with us.’’ 88-year-old husband Ben have As she left the gym, she shook hands and said her goodbyes. “If I don’t see played badminton since 1985. you again,’’ she told fellow athletes, “I’ll see you in heaven.’’ At the end of the this summer’s Senior Games, they walked away from competing, but not from their favorite game.
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Pat Wood, 81, receives the gold medal in the women’s 80-84 age bracket in the Pennsylvania Senior Games.
For 80-plus athletes, badminton’s the bomb
Today at 50+ 11
Coming in December's issue!
Over 90% of caregivers are actively seeking the resources and services they need.
caregivers guide will help educate and assist local caregivers with useful tools and information. A comprehensive guide by this region’s leading lifestyle magazines:
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N E W S PA P E RS
CAREGIVERS is a Press And Journal Inc. Publication • 20 S. Union Street, Middletown, PA • 717-944-4628
12
Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
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Cataracts: signs & symptoms Provided by Premier eye Care GrouP How do I know if I have a cataract? Some people notice changes in their vision as cataracts form, however cataracts usually develop gradually, making it difficult for most people to notice. One person may have different symptoms than another, or only notice one or two changes. If you have one or more signs from the following list, you should make an appointment with your ophthalmologist to be evaluated. • More difficulty reading the newspaper even when you are wearing your reading glasses. • Needing more light to read. • Glare and halos around lights during the day and at night. This may cause you to feel uncomfortable driving at night, in bright sun, or when it is raining. • Colors may seem dull or faded, i.e., whipping cream may seem off-white. • A reduction in your distance vision, such as frustration with reading road signs or the print on a television. • Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. What if I do have cataracts? The bad news is that the only treatment for cataracts is surgery. The good news is that cataract surgery has been successfully performed for decades and has been proven to increase overall
quality of life. The precision with the equipment for pre-operative measurements and effective surgical techniques have made great strides during the past 25 years. Geoffrey Brent, MD, an ophthalmologist at Premier Eye Care Group in Harrisburg, said, “With all of the technological advances, patients have the ability to improve their vision from their cataracts as well as reduce their dependency on eyeglasses.” Patients may find that their surgeon will offer different options when their cataracts need to be removed. Contact lens wearers who have successfully done monovision to provide a wide range of vision generally can achieve the same effect with cataract surgery. Active baby boomers welcome multifocal IOLs (Implantable Ocular Lenses) which allow them to see near, far and everywhere in between without the need for glasses. Dr. Jane Barton of Premier Eye Care Group spoke of the advancements in cataract surgery when she said, “I’m so happy to be practicing now when the technology is so great and we can get a good result for each patient.” Cataract surgery is usually covered by your medical insurance, such as Medicare, BlueShield, Blue Cross, Health America or Aetna instead of by vision insurance. Premium lenses, such as multifocal IOLs, are not completely covered by health insurance and patients are charged for this new technology. A frequent comment made by patients following cataract surgery is, “I wish I would have had the surgery sooner.”
Multifocal lenses can now deliver near vision, distance vision and everywhere in between! “My friend and I went to see Dr. Brent about the multifocal lens implants. I was a candidate for the ReZoom lens, but was nervous right up to my surgery. After my surgery I could see right away. I was amazed. As long as I can go shopping and see the price tags – I’m happy. Now I only carry reading glasses for my husband.” Betty Lenig Dr. Brent’s multifocal lens patient.
92 Tuscarora St., Harrisburg 2745 N. Front St., Harrisburg 1524 Cedar Cliff Dr., Camp Hill
232.0843 238.6757 761.3077
www.premiereyes.com
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OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 13
Rep. Ron Marsico raises awareness on APPRISE Program One of the best kept secrets in PA State Government is the APPRISE Program, a free and confidential service, that is available through the 52 local area agencies on aging. Pennsylvania’s APPRISE Program provides free one-on-one or telephone assistance with understanding Medicare and Medicaid (Medical Assistance) eligibility and benefits, Medicare supplemental insurance, HMOs, and long-term care insurance. Trained volunteers and staff assist in filing appeals and grievances for denied services and provide information about quality of care in Medicare HMOs. Volunteer counselors can assist with comparisons and selection of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, Medicare Managed Care Programs, Medicare prescription (Part D) plans, long-term care insurance policies, and other health insurance and public benefit programs. Claim filing and other related paperwork assistance, advocacy, and referral to other federal and state agencies are also available.
Who is eligible for APPRISE assistance? Medicare beneficiaries, their families, as well as caregivers can call the APPRISE Program toll-free at 1-800-783-7067 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, APPRISE counselors are available at your local Area Agency on Aging. In addition, if you are interested in becoming an APPRISE counselor, contact your local AAA for information. APPRISE developed an annual enrollment toolkit that provides community education resources and support materials for volunteer counselors. It also includes information to prepare local AAA programs for the busy enrollment period. Pennsylvania’s APPRISE Program was one of five state programs honored for its innovative achievements. Again, for more information on the APPRISE Program and volunteer training, contact 1-800-783-7067, contact your local AAA, or visit www.aging.state.pa.us.
Searching for “home” By The Manor aT oakridge
Discover The Manor at Oakridge There’s something about life at The Manor at Oakridge that makes it unlike any other place on earth. It’s the warm, accepting community of neighbors who feel like family. It’s the devoted staff who see this as more of a call than a job and therefore provide unrivaled service and compassion. And it ’s the unique feeling of being right where you belong; it’s the feeling of being home. While at The Manor at Oakridge you will enjoy the following all-inclusive benefits: • Secure, Welcoming Environment • 24/7 Live-in Managers • Private Apartments • Weekly Housekeeping and Linen Service • 3 Chef-prepared Meals Daily • Activities, Events & Volunteer Opportunities
• Scheduled Transportation • Exclusive Travel Program • Free Cable and Utilities • Free Laundry Facilities • Free Parking • Pet Friendly Community • And Peace-of-Mind
Visit The Manor at Oakridge and experience the all-inclusive retirement lifestyle of your dreams. Call 717.540.1895 today to schedule your visit, we would love to have you join us for lunch too!
Welcome to The Manor at Oakridge. Welcome Home! 4500 Oakhurst Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17110 717.540.1895 • www.themanoratoakridge.com
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
Today, millions of Americans have one thing in common; they are all evaluating retirement living options. For many, this involves locating a facility that meets their minimum requirements. But some Communities offer more than minimum…check out your options. When residents of some communities wake up, their most difficult decision is which activity to enjoy. With no cooking, cleaning, home maintenance or yard work to contend with, they are free to enjoy life to the fullest. A complimentary shuttle service at their disposal means they can even choose to free themselves from the chore of driving if they like. Security & Peace of Mind One of the many things that sets some communities apart from other retirement communities, is on-site live-in managers, who are available all day, every day. With the live-in managers on-site, residents enjoy security and peace of mind. Perfectly-Balanced Chef-Prepared Meals Savoring leisure time begins with great cuisine – three chef-prepared meals daily, from the entrée all the way through to dessert. Check if meals are served with grace in a restaurant-style dining room. Life Enrichment Program Friendships, so they say, are frequently built upon common interests. But a broad spectrum of activities does not happen by accident, it is the result of a thoughtfully developed Life Enrichment Program that appeals to a wide range of interests. Activities and events are designed to stimulate the six dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, creative and social. The result is an extraordinary level of well-being. Pets Are Always Welcome In addition to being a friendly place, courtesy extends to furry, four-legged friends that are close to the ground. Part of maintaining a warm, nurturing environment includes benefiting from the life-affirming power of pets. Your pets are full-fledged members of the community.
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Factors that influence
breast cancer survival
.
In the toughest race of your life, it’s good to know what you're up against. Like us on Facebook: Today at 50 plus
Based on the most recent data, relative survival rates for women diagnosed with breast cancer are:
• 89% at 5 years after diagnosis • 82% after 10 years • 77% after 15 years Caution should be used when interpreting long-term survival rates since they are based on the experience of women treated using past therapies and do not reflect recent improvements in early detection or advances in treatment. Stage at diagnosis Five-year relative survival is lower among women with a more advanced stage at diagnosis. Considering all races, 5-year relative survival is 99% for localized disease, 84% for regional disease, and 23% for distant-stage disease. Larger tumor size at diagnosis is also associated with decreased sur- vival. For example, among women of all races with regional disease, the 5-year relative survival is 95% for tumors less than or equal to 2.0 cm, 82% for tumors 2.1-5.0 cm, and 63% for tumors greater than 5.0 cm. Age at diagnosis The 5-year relative survival rate is lower among women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 (84%) compared to women diagnosed at 40 years of age or older (90%). This may be due to tumors diagnosed at younger ages being more aggressive and/or less responsive to treatment. Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic factors Since 1975, the breast cancer 5-year relative survival rate has increased significantly for both African-American and white women; nevertheless there remains a substantial racial gap. In the most recent period, the 5-year relative survival rate was 77% for African-American women and 90% among white women.This survival disparity is attributed to both later stage at detection and poorer stage-specific survival among African-American women. Poverty and a lack of health insurance are also associated with lower breast cancer survival. Breast cancer patients from lower-income areas have lower 5-year survival rates than those from higher-income areas at every stage of diagnosis. The presence of additional illnesses, unequal access to medical care, and disparities in treatment likely contribute to differences in breast cancer survival. Aggressive tumor characteristics associated with poorer prognosis appear to be more common in African-American women and may also contribute to lower survival rates. Obesity, physical activity, and diet Obese breast cancer patients have about a 30% higher risk of death compared to those who maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests that exercise during and after treatment improves outcomes, but it is uncertain if dietary modifications, including a low-fat diet and increased fruit and vegetable consumption, have a similar effect. One large randomized controlled trial reported increased diseasefree survival after an average of 5 years in patients with breast cancer randomly assigned to a low-fat diet. However, another trial found no effect from a low-fat, high-vegetable/fruit diet on breast cancer prognosis. The American Cancer Society recommends that breast cancer patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight through exercise and a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat. In addition, regular physical activity should be maintained regardless of weight concerns. Tumor characteristics Increasing evidence suggests that breast cancer subtypes defined by expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) represent distinct biological entities with distinct clinical profiles. Breast cancers that are ER+ and/or PR+ are associated with the most favorable prognosis, in large part because expression of these markers is predictive of favorable response to hormonal therapy. Compared to women with tumors that are ER+ and PR+, women with tumors lacking ER and PR expression have an estimated 1.5- to 2-fold higher risk of death. Breast cancers that overexpress HER2 and triple-negative breast cancers (i.e., ER-, PR-, HER2-) are also associated with a less favorable prognosis. However, development and availability of targeted therapy for HER2+ cancers have reversed much of the adverse prognostic impact of HER2 overexpression. Source: American Cancer Society “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2011-2012
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 15
DanceDad By Jim Lewis
He always stood in the back of the auditorium, watching his son dance. Proud, whether his son won or lost. Built a studio in the basement where his son could rehearse. Spared no expense to get him to Irish dance competitions. “He’d risk everything, the house and the car,’’ said his wife. “He enjoyed it that much.’’ Two weeks before his son danced in the Irish World Open Championship in Dublin, Donald Faust died. He had planned to fly to Ireland with Garrett, to watch from the back of the Wexford Opera House as his 15-year-old son danced in the biggest competition of his life. Garrett’s teacher at the McGinley School of Irish Dance in Lemoyne suggested the boy take a couple days off to mourn with his family, recalled his older sister, Loette Walker. He refused. “Dad wouldn’t want me to sit there and be sad,’’ Garrett told her. “He’d want me to go on with life.’’ That’s what Garrett Faust did. He kept training. Six days a week. “You have to be really focused and you can’t mess around - you have to be the best you can be,’’ he said. So Garrett left his home in Lower Swatara Twp. and flew to Ireland with his dance teachers. He danced, imagining his father, the 68-year-old retired business manager of the Middletown Area School District, was standing in the back of the opera house. He had been there for countless competitions, watching as Garrett and Loette, also an Irish dancer, won a multitude of ribbons and trophies. Their trophies line the shelves that fill the walls of a room in their Rosedale Avenue home, hundreds upon hundreds of awards. Donald Faust and his wife, Linda Jo, loved it. “We’re addicted,’’ said Linda Jo. “When we
started competing, it became more exhilarating as a family.’’ Loette, 18, began to dance first. She and Garrett were inspired by a video of Michael Flatley’s clogging, “Lord of the Dance,’’ that they watched together one day. “We’d get up and pretend to dance with it,’’ she recalled. For Garrett, it was exciting “because I felt like I was him,’’ he said. “When I was little, I always had a dream that I’d get big and make a living off it.’’ Eventually he won North American competitions. Then came the World Open Championship, sponsored by Cumann Rince Naisiunta, the worldwide organization that promotes Irish dance since it was founded 30 years ago by famed dancer Ita Cadwell. Garrett dedicated his performance to his father. He imagined his father was standing in the back, watching. “I felt he was with me,’’ he said. “I danced my hardest for him. That was my purpose.’’ The five judges were impressed. They announced the winner: Garrett Faust. Garrett’s first reaction: He said quietly, “That’s for you, Dad.’’ So many thoughts rushed through his mind when he grabbed the large silver trophy, when they awarded him the championship belt. For 10 years, he had danced, his father watching proudly from the back of countless auditoriums, supporting him every way he could. Now, when Garrett had reached the pinnacle of Irish dance, his father was still part of it, even though he was no longer there. “I was just proud that I did it for him,’’ said Garrett. “I felt I had accomplished what I wanted to do. I’m glad I did it. I achieved my goal.’’
“That’s for you, Dad.’’
Garrett Faust, above, celebrates a victory with his father, Donald. Top left, Garrett hoists his trophy over his head upon winning the Irish World Open Championship in Dublin on June 3. The family - Donald, Garrett, Loette, and Linda Jo - in York, attending an Irish dance competition.
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
Visit our website: www.todayat50plus.com
What is lymphedema therapy? When done properly, the management and treatment of patients with lymphedema consists of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which is composed of four parts: skin care, manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression, and decongestive exercises. Patients with lymphedema are at a greater risk for infection and wound development; therefore, education on proper skin care is very important. MLD, unlike typical massage, is a superficial manual technique meant to stimulate lymphatic drainage, as well as redirect lymphatic flow from an area of impaired circulation to an area where the lymphatic system is functioning properly. Compression is necessary to maintain any gains achieved by the manual techniques. It can initially consist of bandaging the treated area and typically progresses to a fitted garment. Compression is something the patient will require for a lifetime, because once a person develops lymphedema, they are always considered at risk. Decongestive exercises are light exercises done with bandages or compression garments to improve venous return, stimulate lymph circulation,
and enhance muscle pump. All four components are necessary to achieve the most successful lymphedema management program. Although studies on the lymphatic system began as far back as Aristotle and Hippocrates, they really have not yet found their place in the United States. Many people may be dealing with a very treatable condition, but they just have not been educated about it. “More education is definitely needed on this subject matter,” says Stephanie Miller, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). “Not all swelling is edema. Edema and true lymphedema should be treated very differently.” “Without the proper knowledge to understand the difference, someone could easily fall through the cracks and miss out on a life of improved mobility and overall improved quality of life,” Miller further clarifies. “I definitely will assess all patients with swelling differently than I have in the past with this enhanced knowledge. I am now more equipped with techniques to treat both types of swelling. I have gained an abundance of education to provide tips to patients to
enable them to take a more independent role in maintaining the gains we achieve during our therapy sessions.” When asked who will be ideal candidates for this therapy, Miller responded, “Any patient with true lymphedema. This could be someone that was born with a deficiency in the lymphatic system and the system has worn down over time, is overloaded, and lymphedema develops. It could also be someone who had an injury to the lymphatic system, such as node removal status post radical mastectomy.” It is important that a patient have a full workup prior to beginning a lymphedema program. Swelling may be caused by infection, blood clot (deep venous thrombosis or DVT), or hypoproteinemia. Common tests would include blood work, Doppler test, and urine analysis to rule out these conditions prior to safely beginning lymphedema treatment. “I’m most excited about improving quality of life for patients. Especially people that have been living with the condition for a while and were not aware that there is a treatment for this, but now know with the proper compliance, it is able to be
controlled,” states Miller. If you would like more information, please contact Celtic Healthcare at 800.355.8894. You can also learn more about lymphedema therapy certification at the Academy of Lymphatic Studies website.
Let us help keep your aging loved one in their home–longer.
877.421.0917 celtichealthcare.com Homecare
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Virtual Care
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 17
BOOK review
Berlin Childhood Around 1900 by Walter Benjamin Translated by Howard Eiland
Not an autobiography in the typical sense, Benjamin’s recollection is of his childhood in an upper-middle-class Jewish home in Berlin’s West End at the turn of the century. This is a beautiful book about the small things we remembers from our childhood. Through descriptions of furniture, rooms, buildings, parks, objects and the slight interactions between boy and world, Benjamin explores the complexity of longing, remembering and forgetting.
SHARE WHAT YOU’RE READING Read a book you think we should review? Send us an email: today@pressandjounal.com
Saturday, October 20, 2012 City Island, Harrisburg, PA 5k Walk Registration: 8:00 a.m. Welcome: 8:30 a.m. Show and Go Start: 8:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. To get involved: 1.888.227.5445, option 3 makingstrideswalk.org/harrisburg
Visit cancer.org/stridesonline today to sign up and start raising funds to end breast cancer! The official registration and financial information of the American Cancer Society, East Central Division, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Ohio residents may call 717.783.1720.
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
did you or didn’t you Oh, yes, they call him the Streak
For those too young to remember, streakers took off all their clothes and ran through streets, college campuses - wherever there was a crowd. The fad peaked in the summer of 1974 inspiring a song “The Streak” by Ray Stevens about a man who is “always making the news / wearing just his tennis shoes”.
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Bitner’s Computer Services Customer Focused People To Solve Your Computer Problems
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P@ssword – no one will guess that one by
Bitner ’s Computer Service
Passwords. We have all grown to hate them but in today’s Internet based world, you have to have them. And the importance of having strong passwords cannot be overemphasized. You can create strong passwords that don’t make you memorize a cryptic string of letters, numbers, and punctuation symbols. Here are a couple techniques: Use a sentence. It’s easy to remember the first letters of the words in a sentence. For example, children have used this sentence to remember the names of the nine planets: My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles. You could use the first letters of those words to generate this strong 9-character password: m*Emjsu9p, where Venus (the morning or evening star) is represented by *, the letter for Earth is capitalized, and nine is a numeral. In practice, it’s best not to use such well-known sayings Ad Name: Hardest Decision
Tips for positive communication with a loved one with dementia Linda Knecht Community Relations Director Elmcroft of Dillsburg Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. People with dementia have a difficult time remembering things, thinking clearly, making needs known and taking care of themselves. Improving your communication skills will help make caregiving less stressful and will likely improve your relationship with your loved one. Following are a few tips for you to help create a positive exchange when caring for a person with dementia: Listen with your ears, eyes and heart. Be patient in waiting for a reply. Watch for nonverbal cues and body language. Always strive to listen for meaning and feelings that underlie the words. State your message clearly. Before speaking make sure you have the person’s attention. Speak slowly and in a reassuring tone. Ask simple, answerable questions that are not open ended or provide too many choices. Break down activities into a series
of steps. You can encourage your loved one to do what he can, gently remind him of steps he may forget and assist with steps he is no longer able to accomplish individually. When the going gets tough, distract and redirect. People with dementia can feel confused, anxious and unsure of themselves. Respond with affection and reassurance. Connect on a positive feeling level and then try to change the subject or environment. For example, “I understand you’re feeling sad – I’m sorry you’re upset. Let’s go get a bite to eat.” Remember the good old days. A person with dementia may not remember what was for lunch, but can recall an event from 45 years earlier. Remembering the past is often a soothing and affirming activity. Most of all, be positive and maintain your sense of humor. Use humor whenever possible, though never at the person’s expense. People with dementia tend to retain their social skills and are usually delighted to laugh along with you.
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to generate acronyms. Use a pass phrase. Several words mixed with numbers and punctuation symbols is known as a pass phrase. For example: stitch9clock^handsapplausE. The longer the pass phrase, the more secure it is, though you’ll be limited by the maximum length the site allows. Use a combo of letters before or after your password. Trying to have a unique password for every website you go to can be a monumental task but if you add a couple letters before after your password you can add to your security and your uniqueness of passwords. Example is if your password is m*Emjsu9p you could add the letters AMA to it and make it AMAm*Emjsu9p for Amazon.com Once you come up with a system for passwords, use it but don’t share it with anyone. And always remember if you feel any passwords have been compromised at all, change them.
The hardest The hardest decision you’ll decision ever make,you’ll made evereasier. make,
made easier
Assisted Living | Memory Care
Assisted Living ❘ Memory Care
Elmcroft Senior Living wants to help you make the right Senior Care decision. We can explain in Elmcroft Senior Living wants detail how the move-in process to help you make the works and share with you allright that Seniorhas Care decision. We Elmcroft to offer. If it turns out Elmcroft thehow rightthe canthat explain in isn’t detail fitmove-in for you, we’ll help you find a process works and senior living community that is. share with you all that
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153 Logan Road ❘ Dillsburg PA 17019 ❘ elmcroft.com
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 19
I don’t understand this “Facebook” business... so I don’t like it! It’s OK. You’re not alone. But aren’t you curious about some of this Internet stuff...like Facebook for instance? Your grandchildren can’t live without it. Your children follow it. Jeez, even your friends are talking about it. But what the heck is it? In simple terms, Facebook falls under the Internet’s category of “Social Media” which lets you connect with friends, co-workers, and others who share similar interests or who have common backgrounds. You can look at your grandkid’s photos, find old high school buddies - know what’s going on in your community. Facebook users are able to search for friends and acquaintances by e-mail address, school, or just by typing in a name or location for search. When people become “friends” they are able to see each other’s profiles, including contact information. Sound scary? Facebook gives you the option to control what others see, right down to individual photos or various pieces of personal information such as your address, phone number, and screen name. You choose only what you want to share. So, if you are having thoughts about trying out Facebook, start slow. Go to Facebook and type in: Today At 50 Plus in the search window and take a look. Comment on it or link to it. Or not. It’s that simple. When you “like” Today at 50 Plus, that means you’ll be notified when new stuff shows up. You’ll also be the first to know when our new Web site for “Kids Over Fifty” is launched. It’s clear that Facebook is here to stay (at least until something new comes along). Become a part of the conversation and connect with people, news, and events in your community. Connect with Today at 50 Plus.
Join the conversation today.
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Today at 50+
| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
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Marci’s
MEDICARE
ANSWERS
● Dear Marci, I just signed up for Original Medicare and I need to get physical therapy. Does Medicare cover outpatient physical therapy? — Nick Dear Nick, Yes, Medicare will help pay for outpatient physical therapy as long as the following requirements are met: The service is medically necessary; Your doctor or therapist sets up a plan of treatment; and Your doctor periodically reviews the plan to see how long you’ll get therapy. Generally, Medicare will only cover physical therapy if your condition can improve or if your condition will get worse without therapy. You may be able to get physical therapy as an outpatient of a participating Medicare hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, outpatient rehabilitation facility, or public health agency. Also, you may be able to get physical therapy from a privately practicing, Medicareapproved physical therapist in the therapist’s office or in your home. Keep in mind that in 2012, Medicare will cover up to $1,880 for physical and speech therapy costs combined. After you pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($140 in 2012), Medicare will pay up to 80% of the approved amount for each service. You will be responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. After the $1,880 limit has been reached, you will have to pay the full cost of any physical therapy you receive. However, you may be able to get Medicare to cover additional physical therapy. If you are approaching the $1,880 limit and need more therapy, your doctor can tell Medicare that it’s medically necessary for you to get more therapy. Remember, if Medicare denies the claim, you can always appeal. — Marci
‘Can you hear me now?’ By Gable Associates Boy – do we know this title line! An advertiser line for sure. But how well do you hear? People of all ages experience hearing loss. “Our noisy world takes a toll on us,” says Frank Gable, hearing specialist. Frequent exposure to loud noise, aging, and family history are the most common contributors to hearing loss. Technology – an ever improving field in itself – has afforded us with hearing aids that are smaller than ever, self-adjusting and capable of connecting with other wireless devices. What will work for one individual depends on their hearing loss, expectations and lifestyle. Surveys show the number one reason people do not wear a hearing device is still cosmetic. But open-fit devices are practically undetectable. The ear piece is small, the tubing is thin and clear and the case, which fits behind the ear, is smaller and can be made to match skin or hair color. Also it is found to be comfortable. Persons with mild and moderate high-frequency hearing loss are good candidates for open-fit hearing aids, though some models can be used for lower-frequency and more severe loss. But even those persons that have a hearing loss
Why miss a decibel of life?
● Dear Marci, I recently signed up for Medicare and my Part B premium is being taken out of my Social Security check each month. I cannot afford to pay my premiums. Are there any programs that can help me pay for Medicare Part B? — Darrell Dear Darrell, Yes, you might qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which is an assistance program that helps people with limited income pay for the Medicare Part B premium. There are three common MSPs, and each one has different eligibility limits. The three main MSPs are: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Qualifying Individual (QI). To qualify for an MSP, you must have Medicare Part A and meet income and asset state guidelines. MSP eligibility limits vary by state, so you should contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to see if you qualify for an MSP. — Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org. To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www.medicareinteractive.org.
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that requires custom ear molds have options that are smaller in size and vented for comfort. “Hearing instruments are a service-oriented device, it is not something that you buy, put it in and that is the end of it,” says Frank Gable. Frank warns that consumers should not purchase amplifier or other non-prescription hearing devices from online advertisements. Working with a professional is the best way to ensure that a device fits your hearing loss, needs, lifestyle and budget.
Don’t let hearing loss get in the way of your busy life! Introducing:
SIEMENS MOTION 701
• Fully automatic - no need to change programs or adjust volume • SoundLearning™ - remembers volume, bass and treble preferences • Consistent and natural hearing experience • Easy handling & simple operation • Choice of easy-to-use optional remote controls • Autophone® technology - seamless performance with the phone • Rechargeable, BTEs - no need to fiddle with batteries • Works with regular hearing instrument batteries
GA Gable Associates
Hearing Aid Services Frank E. Gable, BC-HIS
Board Certified Physician Affiliated Over 39 years experience
Hearing insturments help many people hear better, but cannot solve every hearing problem or restore normal hearing. © 2005 Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved. 04/05
3600 Trindle Rd., Suite 102, Camp Hill, PA 17011 • 737-4800 OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
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Medical identity theft on the rise
Two million Americans fall victim to medical identity theft each year, according to a study by the Ponemon Institute, commissioned by Experian’s ProtectMyID. While medical identity theft costs victims an average of $22,346, the potential impact can be far greater - medical identity theft could cost some victims their health, or even their lives. Medical identity theft involves the theft of personal information - such as your name, Social Security number or Medicare number - to obtain medical care, purchase drugs or submit false claims to Medicare. The crime can damage a victim’s credit rating and even be life-threatening if it causes incorrect information to appear in a victim’s personal medical records, warns the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG). According to the study, while more Americans now understand just what medical identity theft is, few are taking the key steps that could help prevent it. Only 57 percent of survey respondents check their medical records for accuracy, and nearly one in five (18 percent) say they don’t care about the accuracy of their medical records. “There are specific things that people can and should do to protect themselves from medical identity theft,” says Ken Chaplin, senior vice president of ProtectMyID. “People have to be vigilant with their personal information and avoid letting their guard down, even with family and friends.” The Federal Trade Commission recommends you take these steps to help prevent medical identity theft: • Before you share medical information with anyone, verify who you’re talking to. Never provide information over the phone or through the mail unless you initiated the contact and you’re confident you’re dealing with a legitimate organization. Be aware that medical identity thieves often try to scam consumers by posing as representatives of insurance companies, doctor’s offices, pharmacies and even government agencies. • Protect your information. Keep paper copies of medical or insurance records and forms in a secure, locked file or drawer. When managing your health or insurance accounts online, be wary of any site that asks you to share sensitive information like your Social Security number, insurance account number or details of your medical conditions. Look for the hallmarks that a website is
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| OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012
Steps to protect yourself
secure, including a web address (URL) that begins with “https” (the “s” stands for “secure”) and a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the page. • Picking through trash is a common ploy of identity thieves. Shred your discarded health insurance forms, bills and medical records before disposing of them. Destroy the labels on your prescription pill bottles and packages before throwing them away. The OIG also offers tips for medical identity theft protection, including: • Treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers and cards as carefully as you would your credit cards. • Be wary of anyone who asks for your Medicare number in exchange for “free” medical equipment or services. If what they’re offering is really free, they shouldn’t need your numbers. • Never let anyone use your Medicare ID card. The Ponemon survey found that a growing number of survey respondents (5 percent more in 2012 than in 2011) have allowed a family member to use their personal identification to obtain medical services, including treatment, healthcare products or pharmaceuticals. Doing so is against the law, and may afford unscrupulous individuals the chance to use that information for unauthorized purposes. According to the Ponemon survey, it takes, on average, about a year to resolve an instance of medical identity theft, and a quarter of the survey respondents said it took more than two years. As with a serious medical issue, resolution can be made more challenging depending on how long the problem is allowed to fester. Take an active role in protecting your medical information from identity thieves. Check your medical records regularly and keep an eye on all your financial and credit accounts. Products like ProtectMyID can help. A comprehensive identity theft detection, protection and resolution product, it can help you prevent the damages caused by identity theft. “Medical identity theft hits consumers both medically and financially,” says Dr. Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute. “For three years in a row, our findings have consistently shown that medical identity theft crime continues to increase in terms of prevalence and costs to the victim.”
Source: ARA
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Peppermill
family restaurant
Where Seniors Are Special RegUlaR MenU OFFeRS: • Seniors Menu Section • Daily Senior Specials • Mondays & Tuesdays - all Day Seniors 10% Discount FREE
DAILYLS IA SPECyday ever HOURS: M-F 6 am-9 pm Sat 7 am-9 pm Sun 7 am-3 pm
Fam Dinin ily its Fing at est! Homemade Food made on site
Celebrate “the kids over fifty”
Redeem for 10% Discount
Peppermill family restaurant
Wesley Plaza Off Rt. 15 • Wesley Dr. Exit 1010 Wesley Dr., Mechanicsburg 717-697-3111
Offering a fall special treat ... From Peppermill Family Restaurant
Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cheesecake lovers will applaud this addition to the holiday dessert selection. A layer of traditional cheesecake is topped with a layer of pumpkin pie flavored cheescake and baked…. INGREDIENTS: 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 pinch ground cloves 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1/2 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Blend in eggs one at a time. Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of crust; set aside. 3. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to the remaining batter and stir gently until well blended. Carefully spread over the batter in the crust. 4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Cover with whipped topping before serving. (ref. allrecipes.com)
Expires 011/30/12 • Not valid with any other offers
The sandwich generation By Visiting Angels Serving East and West Shores Of Greater Harrisburg area The catch phrase says it all Adult children who are caring for their parents while also raising their own family are known as “the sandwich generation.” These caregivers find themselves pulled in many directions caring for a parent, raising their children, keeping their marriage healthy and often holding down a job as well. It can be unsettling to find yourself in this role. There are companies with staff that understand the need. Seek and choose a company that provides nonmedical caregivers who go into clients’ homes to offer companionship, do light housekeeping, run errands, prepare meals or do shopping - all services that can provide a respite for families dealing with the care of a loved one. Select a caregiver that is qualified and has excellent references - only experienced caregivers who pass a rigorous screening process. These caregivers may also provide intangible traits such as a caring personality. They may offer one-on-one personal care. The selected company works with each family to develop an individual-
ized program to manage the daily needs of the client and then match those needs to the best possible caregiver. Caregivers are then introduced to the family who has the final say in the selection process. Once the caregiver has been placed in the home, the company continues its personalized contact through telephone check-ins and home visits to ensure the match is a good one. Rather than feeling overwhelmed and ‘squeezed in the middle’ of the caring family, select a quality company of caregivers who will offer support to you in “the sandwich generation.”
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OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2012 |
Today at 50+ 23
WE’VE LAUNCHED
our NEW web site will HAVE stories AND educational features PLUS BLOGS AND CONTESTS targeted to Dauphin and Cumberland countIEs’ Kids Over Fifty.
to learn more about our PUBLICATION’S unique educational advertising format Contact BARB NUSZ at 717.743.0515 or barbnusz@pressandjournal.com
JUMP TO IT!
Scan the QR code* on left with your smartphone. (*Don’t know what a QR code is? See page 4)