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August 2009
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August 2009
Ok, it’s like this. I’ve been taking a dim view of my Tina ohhing and ahhing over the scads of pictures of PETS & THEIR PEOPLE that were sent in for this issue. She knows as
August 2009
well as I do that there is no cuter, more cuddly pet in all the world than ME. Well, perhaps except for that delightful dachshund named Hazel, which is owned by our cover kids, siblings Sarah and Ryan Wagley. Yes, Wagley. How perfect is that?! I noticed she seemed particularly pleased that this “Dog Days of Summer” issue had to add more pages to accommodate those clamoring to get in. She gives me more treats when that happens! Tina told Gary that this is one of our
best issues ever. Gary will probably mention that on his radio show. In any event, I’m glad this issue is now in your paws. I’ve been feeling neglected for ten minutes now. Where’s Tina? --Brandi
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August 2009
My husband of 12 years passed away in 2001 and I missed having someone special in my life. One night I decided to check out the singles sites on the computer. I went to singlesnet.com and found a Jerry Harmon’s profile. He was retired from the Coast Guard, liked music, dancing, fishing and Elvis. Being President of the Elvis’ Angels Fan Club, I was in hopes of finding someone who liked Elvis. I emailed Jerry and received an email back from him. He had read my profile and asked when we could meet. I thought he moved rather quickly, but then laughed thinking that at 60+, time was important if one was really looking for a partner. We agreed to meet at IHOP in the Boardwalk on June 12. We seemed to hit it off from the first hello. I liked his blue eyes and muscular build. Who knows what he liked about me? He asked when he could see me again as were leaving. I told him I would email him, and did. We saw each other pretty much every day after that and he went with me to Elvis Week in Memphis. We had a great time and he “passed that test”! After about 8 months of dating he started talking marriage. I had not really thought much about marriage, although I enjoyed being with Jerry. After he asked several times, I jokingly said “OK, on 8-8-08,” but didn’t think he took me seriously. The next thing I knew we were having rings made and planning our wedding. We couldn’t afford to go to Hawaii, so we had a Hawaiian style wedding, complete with Elvis tribute artist, Richard Cook, singing songs from “Blue Hawaii.” We decorated the church fellowship hall and everyone, including the preacher, dressed Hawaiian. We included a joining of our sand ceremony, like they do in Hawaii, and our reception food had a Hawaiian flair. The cake had a Hawaiian couple on top kissing that were magnetic salt and pepper shakers. They sit in our kitchen window to this day. As we approach out first anniversary, I feel very lucky to have found such a sweet and loving man and one who “puts up with” all my Elvis doings. So the Internet is not a bad place to look for the “right one”!
August 2009
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“This event gets bigger every year. It’s great for tourism and it’s all for charity!”
BUZZ couldn’t get much more buzzed than usual (Too. Much. Coffee.), but I’m about to burst with a real honey of a news item. Actually, a trio of ‘em! l Friday August 21 is James Burton’s Birthday Bash, with local and regional bands performing from six p.m. to midnight at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. Mr. Burton will autograph copies of the May 2009 issue at The Best of Times autograph booth for an hour starting at 7:00 p.m. BRING YOUR COPY! (Gary may have a few extra copies available.) l The Best of Times will broadcast a very special LIVE show from the festival on AM 1130 KWKH. Join us at the Hirsch Coliseum from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22nd. (FREE ADMISSION) The show is co-hosted by the legendary FRANK PAGE & sponsored by BROCK’S COLLISION CENTERS. (It will be streamed LIVE on www.KWKHonline.com) l JAMES BURTON & FRIENDS TAKE ON THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS! At 2:00 p.m., Sat., Aug. 22, at the James Burton International Guitar Festival while at the Hirsch, you and your acoustic guitar (sorry, no bass guitars) are invited to join with James and other FAMOUS guitarists to play (in unison) “That’s All Right, Mama” (in the key of A) and “Hound Dog” (in the key of E). Will our sheer numbers make the book? Buzz hopes so. We do know
the OLDEST player will get a very special “Goodie Bag” from your friends at The Best of Times and appear in our next issue! (NOTE: Participants in the Guinness attempt must preregister either online at www.JamesBurtonMusic.com or at the Hirsch Coliseum between 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! The Best Of Times
August 2009
La Sales Tax Holiday slated for august
Better Business Bureau is warning the public to be extremely wary of companies that offer “free” advice on how to get government grants. Dozens of Web sites claim that, because of the recently passed stimulus package consumers can easily get government grants to pay bills or get out of debt. Contrary to such claims, the federal government does not award grants to help consumers pay general debt and complaints to BBB show that people who sought free advice were ultimately charged as much as $69.95 every month on their credit or debit card. When complainants contacted the businesses about why they were being charged for a “free” item, they were told that they had actually signed up for a “free trial” and they needed to cancel within seven days of or they would be charged monthly.
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Money-Saving Prescription Drug Resource Launched
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this just in:
grant companies exploit confusion over stimulus bill
medicare information for caregivers now available
For those caring for an older friend or family member, questions about Medicare have probably arisen. Most know that Medicare helps pay for medical and prescription drug costs, however additional Medicare benefits and resources may be available. An easy-to-read overview, “Medicare Basics for Caregivers,” is now available at NIHSeniorHealth.gov. This brief, yet comprehensive introduction to Medicare gives caregivers the basics and helps them find answers to their questions. Caregivers and others needing an introduction to Medicare can visit http://nihseniorhealth.gov/medicare/toc.html to find out about medical and hospital benefits, enrollment, billing, prescription drug costs, home health care and much more.
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LA Attorney General Launches Operation false charity website
The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office recently joined with the Federal Trade Commission and other law enforcement to participate in Operation False Charity. This is a national effort to crack down on charities and professional solicitors who make misrepresentations in fundraising on behalf of police, firefighters and veterans’ charities. In an effort to help consumers make the most of their charitable donation, and to assist charitable organizations with their registration requirements under Louisiana law, the Attorney General’s Office has dedicated a portion of their website for this information. Visit www.agbuddycaldwell.com and click on “Charities” to access this information.
personal property for nonbusiness use. State sales tax is to be paid on that portion of the price - of any individual item - in excess of $2,500. The exemption applies only to the f our-percent state sales tax. It does not apply to sales taxes collected by parishes, towns, school boards, and other local taxing authorities. For more information, visit the 2009 Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday page at www.revenue. louisiana.gov.
The 2009 Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 7, and continues through 12:00 midnight on Saturday, August 8. By state law, the holiday takes place each year on the first consecutive Friday and Saturday in August. On these two days, most retail purchases will be exempt from the four-percent state sales tax. The sales tax exemption applies to the first $2,500 of the purchase price of most individual items of tangible
August 2009
By the end of this summer, more than one million older Americans will have fallen into the “doughnut hole”- a coverage gap in Medicare’s prescription drug program that leaves individuals on the hook for all of their own drug costs while still paying premiums. AARP is launching a new online resource to help older Americans avoid this dreaded coverage gap. The AARP Doughnut Hole Calculator, available at www.aarp. org/doughnuthole, guides visitors through their prescription drug options using localized information about their plans and prescriptions to determine if or when they will fall into the coverage gap. In about 15 minutes, visitors can view a graph of their out-of-pocket spending by month, look up lower cost drugs for their conditions, create a Personal Medication Record and print out personalized letters to their doctors to help start a conversation about safely switching prescriptions.
No Health Insurance? There is help
For a quick overview of what’s available and to help the uninsured find governmentsponsored health coverage, the Foundation for Health Coverage Education has a web site at www.coverageforall.org that summarizes the types of insurance available in all 50 states. Questions can be answered at any time, day or night, through the Foundation’s U.S. Uninsured Help Line at 800-234-1317. After taking a 5 question eligibility test, counselors help people access government-sponsored health coverage they may not know existed. These people get access to every publicly funded program in the country by state on the website. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Brock’s Collision Repair Center values their clients, their employees and the community, and feel responsibility to each. In keeping with these ideals, we are proud to announce “We’ve Gone Green”! At all three Brock’s Collision Repair Centers, we are committed to promoting a “greener” Shreveport/Bossier. Each of our stores has replaced the traditional solvent-based paints and coatings with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) waterborne basecoat. By using the more environmentally friendly products to refinish our clients’ vehicles, we are able to significantly reduce the emission of VOCs into the atmosphere. This change not only improves the quality of our air, it also contributes to a healthier working environment, and provides a safer place for us to conduct business with our clients. VOCs are chemical compounds commonly found in paint coatings and cleaning products, and when released into the atmosphere, contribute to the creation of smog and ozone pollution. By switching to a low VOC waterborne basecoat, these emissions can be reduced by up to 80%. This is a major technological advancement that creates a “win-win” situation all around. Waterborne basecoat is the latest coating system used by manufacturers to create the color on vehicles today. This is the first product to be as close to factory paint that has EVER been available to collision repair shops before. Using waterborne color toners in our centers affords us the ability to achieve more exact color matches and shorter repair completion times. We are serious about being a “green” business; so we are transcending to paperless working files, recycling parts instead of sending to a landfill, using biodegradable paper cups instead of plastic, and using environment friendly cleaning products. This is our home, and we believe in what we are doing to help make it a cleaner place in which to live. We invite all businesses to join us in this worthy endeavor.
Brock’s Collision Repair Centers Shreveport AutoMall South 8752 Business Park Dr. 740 Bert Kouns (318) 798-1353 (318) 687-5070
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Bossier City 2654 Barksdale Blvd. (318) 742-5575
August 2009
quit with us, lA be active, stay sharp
This Just In: Cholesterol lowering drugs may stroke recurrence prevent People who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins after a stroke may be less likely to have another stroke later, according to research published in Neurology.Those who take statins after a stroke may also be less likely to die within the next 10 years than those who do not take statins.
red sea coral products may fight and prevent skin cancer
Research suggests a skin cancer curative and preventative can be found in substance found in Red Sea soft coral. Researchers from South Dakota State University found that treating skin cancer cells with different concentrations of sarcophine-diol, made from a substance in Red Sea coral, impacts proliferation of cancer cells.
benefit from strength training seniors
An updated Cochrane review finds that progressive resistance muscle training improves strength in older adults, even those at the age of 80, and enhances their ability to do daily tasks such as walking, climbing steps or getting out of a chair. Those with osteoarthritis also reported reductions in pain following progressive resistance training. This form of exercise has people working against resistance that increases as the muscle gets stronger, usually using exercise machines, free weights or elastic bands. Reviewers noted that seniors should first consult a health or exercise professional.
immunotherapy linked to lower of alzheimer’s disease risk
IVIg treatments, the addition of good antibodies into the blood stream, may hold promise for lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other similar brain disorders, according to research published in Neurology. The study found that people who received IVIg for other conditions had a 42% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease over 4 years compared to those who did not receive IVIg. Additional studies are currently underway.
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In Louisiana, tobacco users have a comprehensive online cessation source www.QuitWithUsLA.org - that provides easy access to proven cessation tools and programs that can help smokers quit successfully. The Quit With Us, Louisiana website empowers tobacco users with important information and tips for quitting, and offers links to online resources and free statewide cessation programs. The Louisiana Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW offers free, confidential advice and support for Louisiana residents who are interested in or ready to quit smoking. Certified quit counseling is available in English, Spanish and other languages, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Not everyone declines in cognitive function with age. Elderly who exercise at least once a week, have at least a high school education and a ninth grade literacy level, are not smokers and are more socially active are more likely to maintain their cognitive skills through their 70s and 80s, according to research published Neurology. People who exercise moderately to vigorously at least once a week are 30% more likely to maintain their cognitive function than those who do not. Those who have at least a high school education are nearly 3 times as likely to stay sharp as those with less education. Elderly with a ninth grade literacy level or higher are nearly 5 times as likely to stay sharp than those with lower literacy levels. Non-smokers are nearly twice as likely to stay sharp. Finally, people working or volunteering and who report living with someone are 24% more likely to maintain cognitive function in late life.
Drug-releasing Contacts Deliver Medication More Effectively than Eyedrops
New drug-releasing contact lenses are being tested that will ensure glaucoma patients and others get correct and consistent dosages of medication. This could be a significant improvement on the traditional eyedrops that ophthalmologists prescribe for these patients, from which the eye absorbs as little as 1% of the dose. The problem with eyedrops is that only a minimal amount of the dose is actually absorbed by the eye. The rest either runs down the sides of the patient’s face, is washed away by reflex tearing or dispersed by blinking. By constantly “oozing out” medicine, the artificial lens is capable of delivering the proper dosage and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. The lens prototype may be fitted for any dosage of medicine and synced with a person’s current contact lens prescription. The findings have been published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
New Ways to Repair Heart Valves Without Open Heart Surgery
According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter new, less invasive ways to repair heart valves are being tested which may soon fundamentally transform how this lifesaving procedure is performed. Two main problems occur with heart valves: narrowing (stenosis) that limits blood flow; and backward leaking (regurgitation), where valve flaps don’t close tightly and blood flows in the wrong direction. The new technologies repair heart
valve disorders without open heart surgery. The new technologies include: • Artificial valve placement via catheter through small incisions without stopping the heart. • Tying and tightening valves to stop regurgitation via a device to repair this malfunction. • Clipping the mitral valve if one of the two valve leaflets is floppy and the other one remains healthy. Clips are inserted via a catheter.
An FDA-approved drug used for preventing recurrence of breast cancer shows promise in fighting life-threatening fungal infections common in immune-compromised patients. New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that tamoxifen has antifungal properties and actually kills fungus cells and stops them from causing disease.
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innovative technologies Assist Disabled An assistive technology that enables individuals to maneuver a powered wheelchair or control a mouse cursor using simple tongue movements can be operated by individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries, according to the results of a recently completed clinical trial. A unique set of specific tongue movements was tailored for each individual based on the user’s abilities, oral anatomy and personal preferences. Researchers reported results at the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) annual conference. The Best Of Times
In related news: Researchers at Toyota have developed a brain-machine interface system that allows for control of a wheelchair using thought. The system processes brain thought patterns (such as the thought of moving one’s left foot) and can turn them into left, right, and forward movements of the wheelchair with a delay as short as oneeighth of a second.
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Baking Soda: For Cooking, Cleaning..... and Kidney Health?
Here’s to good nutrition:
Vitamin E, Selenium and Soy do not prevent prostate cancer
The combination therapy of vitamin E, selenium and soy does not appear to prevent the progression from high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) to prostate cancer, according to new research presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association.
cutting salt isn’t the only way to reduce blood pressure
Most people know that too much sodium from foods can increase blood pressure. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that people trying to lower their blood pressure should also boost their intake of potassium, which has the opposite effect to sodium. Researchers found that potassium seems to be effective in lowering blood pressure and the combination of a higher intake of potassium and lower consumption of sodium seems to be more effective than either on its own in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Foods that are especially rich in potassium include potatoes and sweet potatoes, fat-free milk and yogurt, tuna, lima beans, bananas, tomato sauce and orange juice.
Get skinny faster - stop downing soda
Research shows that cutting beverage calories resulted in more weight loss than cutting food calories. People in the study who cut back on sugar-laden beverages like soda, fruit punch, and other sweetened drinks shed more pounds than the folks who kept sipping the sweet stuff during their dieting efforts. Researchers suspect that cutting back on beverage calories does even more good than cutting back on food calories because solid food does a better job of satisfying hunger than liquids do. Plus, it’s possible that the fructose in sugary drinks may boost fat storage and lead to hormone changes that increase overall food intake. (RealAge.com)
soy may help to reduce colorectal cancer
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine researchers have found that postmenopausal women who consumed at least 10 grams of soy protein daily were one-third less likely to develop colorectal cancer in comparison to women who consumed little soy.
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A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate - baking soda - slows the decline of kidney function in some patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), reports an upcoming study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The small study included patients with advanced CKD and low bicarbonate levels (metabolic acidosis). One group received a small daily dose of sodium bicarbonate in tablet form, in addition to their usual care. Rapid progression of kidney disease occurred in just 9% of patients taking sodium bicarbonate, compared to 45% of the other group. Patients taking sodium bicarbonate were also less likely to develop end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Although sodium levels went up, this didn’t lead to any problems with increased blood pressure. The results still need validation in a multicenter study.
Folic Acid may help treat allergies and asthma
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for red blood cell health, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. The research sounds pretty promising, especially considering that other studies have revealed an association between higher levels of folate and less risk of inflammation-related diseases, like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Cautioning that it’s far too soon to recommend folic acid supplements to prevent or treat people with asthma and allergies, researchers emphasize that more research needs to be done to confirm their results, and to establish safe doses and risks. Until then, eat folate-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, asparagus, avocadoes and raspberries.
Take Fish Oil Supplements for heart health - Without those Fishy Burps
According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, fish oil supplements are good for those who want the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids but don’t like to eat fish. Fish oil supplements often are prescribed for heart attack survivors and for people with high triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. But the supplements are often too...well...fishy. Tips to avoid fishy aftertaste or burps include: • Swallow the capsule frozen. • Take capsule at the beginning of a meal. • Try an “odorless” supplement. • A different brand may taste less fishy. For fish oil purists, some manufacturers make a pure omega-3 fatty acids product that doesn’t taste fishy, although it is likely to cost more than standard products. (www.mayoclinic.org) TheBestOfTimesNews.com
The Best Of Times
August 2009
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What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic digestive disease. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. When swallowing, the lower esophageal sphincter - a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus - relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach. Then it closes again. However, if this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing frequent heartburn and disrupting daily life. This constant backwash of acid can irritate the lining of the
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esophagus, causing it to become inflamed (esophagitis). Over time, the inflammation can erode the esophagus, causing complications such as bleeding or breathing problems. People will experience heartburn symptoms when excessive amounts of acid reflux into the esophagus. Many describe heartburn as a feeling of burning discomfort, localized behind the breastbone, that moves up toward the neck and throat. Some experience a bitter or sour taste of acid in the back of the throat. The burning and pressure symptoms of heartburn can last for several hours and often worsen after eating food.
Virtually everyone will have occasional heartburn. However, frequent heartburn occurring, two or more times a week, may be associated with the more severe problem of GERD. Signs and symptoms include: • a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, along with a sour taste in the mouth • chest pain • difficulty swallowing • dry cough • hoarseness or sore throat • regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux) • sensation of a lump in the throat Conditions that can increase the risk of GERD include • obesity • hiatal hernia • pregnancy • smoking • dry mouth • asthma • diabetes • delayed stomach emptying • connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma • and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Anyone, including infants
and children, can have GERD. In some cases, medicines or surgery are needed. Lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms include: • Avoid foods that trigger heartburn such as alcohol, spicy, fatty or acidic foods, chocolate, garlic and onions, coffee, and peppermint • Eat small, frequent meals • Wait at least 2 - 3 hours after eating before lying down • Raise the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches by securing wood blocks under the bedposts. Extra pillows will not help • Maintain a healthy weight • Avoid tight fitting clothes • Stop smoking as tobacco may stimulate stomach acid production and relax the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, permitting acid reflux to occur. Over time, chronic inflammation in the esophagus can lead to complications, including: • narrowing of the esophagus. • an esophageal ulcer which may bleed, cause pain and make swallowing difficult.
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• precancerous changes to the esophagus called Barrett’s esophagus. These changes are associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The doctor may be able to diagnose GERD just from the signs and symptoms. Other tests and procedures used to diagnose GERD, include: • An X-ray (sometimes called a barium swallow or upper GI series) of the upper digestive system. • Endoscopy which involves passing a flexible tube equipped with a light and camera down the throat and examining the inside of the esophagus. The doctor may also use endoscopy to collect a sample of tissue for further testing. • Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests use an acid-measuring device to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid regurgitates into your esophagus. Treatment for heartburn and other signs and symptoms of GERD usually begins with over-the-counter medications including: • Antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums which neutralize stomach acid and may provide quick relief, but they won’t heal an inflamed esophagus. Overuse of some antacids can cause diarrhea or constipation. • H-2-receptor blockers reduce acid production and include Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, Axid AR or Zantac 75. These medications do not act as quickly as antacids, but provide longer relief. Stronger versions are available in prescription form. • Proton pump inhibitors block acid production and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. These include Prevacid 24 HR and Prilosec OTC. If there is no relief within a few weeks, the doctor may recommend prescription-
The Best Of Times
strength medications, such as: • Prescription-strength H-2-re ceptor blockers. These include prescription-strength Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid and Zantac. • Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec Rx, Protonix and Aciphex. • Prokinetic agents which help the stomach empty more rapidly and help tighten the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. Side effects, such as fatigue, depression, anxiety and other neurological problems, limit the usefulness of these medications. Because drugs work in different ways, combinations of medications may help control symptoms. People who get heartburn after eating may take both antacids and H2 blockers. The antacids work first to neutralize the acid in the stomach, and then the H2 blockers act on acid production. By the time the antacid stops working, the H2 blocker will have stopped acid production. A health care provider is the best source of information about how to use medications for GERD. Most GERD can be controlled through medications. In situations where medications aren’t helpful or for those who wish to avoid long-term medication use, the doctor may recommend more invasive procedures, such as: • Surgery to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux by wrapping the very top of the stomach around the outside of the lower esophagus. • Surgery to create a barrier preventing the backup of stomach acid. • A procedure to form scar tissue in the esophagus. The scar tissue helps to strengthen the muscles. (MayoClinic.com; National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse)
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Medicare Rights Center www.medicareinteractive.org
Travel and Medicare Coverage
Will you be traveling soon? Whether traveling abroad or staying within the U.S., check your health and drug plans before you leave so you will know what they will cover when you’re not at home. If you have Original Medicare, you can travel
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anywhere in the U.S. and its territories and get the medical care you need from almost any doctor or hospital. If you are in a private health plan such as an HMO, you are usually only covered for the care you get from doctors, hospitals and other health care providers that
are in the plan’s “network.” Except in emergencies, if you use out-of-network doctors and facilities, you will pay the full cost of the care you receive. Usually, Medicare does not cover medical care you get outside the country. There are a few exceptions. Medicare will cover your care if you are on a cruise if: (1) the ship is registered to the U.S.; (2) the doctor is registered with the Coast Guard; and (3) you get the care while the ship is in U.S. territorial waters. This means the ship is in a U.S. port or within six hours of arrival at or departure from a U.S. port. Medicare will pay for emergency services in Canada if you are traveling a direct route between Alaska and another state. Medicare may also pay for non-emergency in-patient services in a foreign hospital (and connected physician and ambulance costs), if it is closer to your residence than the nearest U.S. hospital that is available and equipped to treat you medical condition. This may happen if, for example, you live near the border of Mexico or Canada. Some supplemental insurance may cover emergency care abroad. In most states, Medigap plans C through J (Medigaps are private Medicare supplemental insurance) cover 80 percent of the cost of emergency care abroad during the first two months of a trip. They have a $250 deductible and cover up to $50,000 in a lifetime. Some Medicare private health plans cover the cost of emergency care abroad, but most do not. Call your plan to find out about their rules. You may want to buy separate travel insurance if you will be away for an extended period of time. Also make sure you have enough medicine to last you through your trip. Some Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) have nationwide networks, so if you travel frequently or for long periods of time, these may be better suited for you. Most of the time, if you go out of network, you will have to pay the full cost of your drugs yourself. But if you need an emergency prescription, your Part D plan should still help cover the cost of your prescriptions if you TheBestOfTimesNews.com
cannot reasonably be expected to access an in-network pharmacy and you do not routinely use out of network pharmacies. It would be “reasonable” for you to go out of network if, for instance, you are not within reasonable driving distance of a network pharmacy because you are away on vacation. You will probably have to pay up front and then ask your plan to reimburse you. Make sure you keep your receipt. Then call your plan to find out what paperwork you need to submit to get your money back. Keep in mind that you will probably pay more for a drug at an out-of-network pharmacy than you would at a pharmacy that is in your plan’s network because the plan has not negotiated prices with that pharmacy. So, before you go out of town, always call your plan to ask if they have any network pharmacies where you are going. If your plan allows you to get prescriptions by mail-order, it may be a good idea to get a 3-month supply so that you will not run out in case an unexpected trip comes up. To learn more about Medicare coverage while traveling, go to www.medicareinteractive.org. Medicare Interactive is a resource provided by the Medicare Rights Center.
The Best Of Times
August 2009
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By The Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org)
Hearing Loss, Medicare Savings Program, and Receiving the Hepatitis B Vaccination Medicare will cover durable medical equipment (DME) - equipment that is medically necessary, able to withstand repeated use, and is generally not useful to someone in the absence of illness or injury. DME includes items like wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and hospitals beds. ~Marci
Dear Marci, My father is hard-of-hearing. I would like to install a flashing doorbell signal so that he can tell when someone is at the door. Will Medicare pay for this? --Kristin Dear Kristin, No. Medicare generally does not pay for any assistive equipment that is not strictly “medically necessary.” Medicare will never cover home modifications (like the installation of a stairlift or grab bars near the toilet or tub) or assistive devices (like large-button telephones or in your case, flashing doorbell signals for the hard-of-hearing).
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Dear Marci, I applied for a Medicare Savings Program a few months ago, and was told that I did not qualify because I had too much in my savings account. My sister applied for one recently, and was told she qualified. But she has more savings than I do. Was I given wrong information? --Kelly Dear Kelly, Does your sister live in a different state? Eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) - programs that help pay for the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare - is based on your income and assets. However, income and asset limits can vary by state. Most states deny MSP coverage to individuals with incomes above $1,219 per month ($1,640 for a couple) in 2009. But in some states, there is no asset limit eligibility requirement for some or all MSPs. For programs that have no asset test, savings will not be counted. Call your local Medicaid office or SHIP (State Health
Insurance Assistance Program) for more information about eligibility requirements. You can also see the Medicare Savings Programs income limits for each state here: http://www.medicareinteractive.org/ uploadedDocuments/mi_extra/msp_chart. html ~Marci Dear Marci, I am wondering if Medicare will cover my hepatitis B vaccination. I am going to India in the fall and would like to receive the shot before I go. --Zahava Dear Zahava, If you are at medium to high risk for hepatitis B (you have kidney failure, hemophilia or travel to countries with high rates of the disease), Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost of your hepatitis B vaccine after you pay your annual Part B deductible. ~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) 3334114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” MRC’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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August 2009
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By Lee ARonson, an attorney
with Legal Services of North Louisiana This law prohibits price discrimination and other Price forms of discrimination Gouging based on race. But it the Elderly says nothing about age discrimination. Hence the senior discount is legal but a “white people Let’s say that I decide to discount” would not be legal. quit my job and open up a Nor does this law prohibit store called Lee’s Hamburg- religious price discrimination. ers and Scented Candles. (However, according to the And let’s also say that I don’t United States Supreme Court, like old people. As a result, the Act does protect Jews every time a senior citizen because when the law was comes in and wants to buy passed, Jews were considered something, I charge more. A a separate race.) This means hamburger will cost a senior that I can’t charge Jews or Af$12 but everyone else only rican Americans more for my hamburgers, but it’s just fine to has to pay $5. Is that legal? price gouge the elderly. It sure is. Now let’s change the situaYou see, here in America, we have a law called the tion just a little bit. Wimpy, an Federal Civil Rights Act. elderly fellow who happens to
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be one of my best customers, will gladly pay me Tuesday for a hamburger today. Can I charge Wimpy more because he’s a senior? Not in this case. That’s because I’m extending credit to Wimpy by giving him a hamburger today but not require payment until next Tuesday. When credit is involved, (i.e. a purchase in which payment is deferred) a law called the Equal Credit Opportunity Act will apply. And this law does not allow creditors to discriminate based on age (or race, religion, national origin, sex or marital status.) Because Wimpy is buying on credit, I can’t age discriminate against him due to his age and charge him $12 instead of $5. Of course, I could refuse to allow any of my customers to buy on credit and demand Wimpy pay $12 up front for his burger. But I couldn’t say, “No credit for you Wimpy; you’re too old. But I have no problem with credit for young people.” That’s because the Equal Credit Opportunity Act also makes it illegal to discriminate based on age in any aspect of a credit transac-
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tion, including an application for credit or standards for creditworthiness. Oddly enough though, if I’m in the credit business, although I can’t discriminate based on age, I can give special favorable treatment to people 62 and older. For example, Popeye and Brutus are exactly the same in every way. They have the same income and the same credit history. Both want to borrow $10,000 from me in order to buy a boat. The only difference between them is that Popeye is 62 years old and Brutus is 55. Can I charge Brutus 8% interest and Popeye only 6% interest? I sure can because the Equal Credit Opportunity Act allows me to charge a lower interest rate (or give a higher line of credit) to applicants 62 or older. But I can’t do the exact opposite: 8% for the older Popeye because of his age but only 6% interest for the younger
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Brutus would be illegal credit discrimination. And finally, let’s say that instead of being in the hamburger and scented candle business, I went into the real estate business. That would subject me to the Fair Housing Act which prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing as well as other real estate related transactions. But this law only prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, familial status or national origin. Not age. So if I don’t want to rent any of my apartments to old people, I’m A-OK: the Fair Housing Act doesn’t prohibit age discrimination and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which does prohibit age discrimination, doesn’t apply to apartment leases. Lee Aronson’s practice areas include consumer protection law, housing law and health care law.
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“The Counseling Corner”
by the American Counseling Association Finding the Joy In Your Life
by Linda Fayard, M.S. What are your first feelings and thoughts when you wake up every morning? Are they about the joy and excitement that the coming day holds for you, or more of dread and anxiety for all the pressure and responsibilities you’ll have to shoulder? If finding joy in your life is difficult for you to do, it may be time to take steps to become more aware of the joy that should be a part of all our lives. The term “joy” is more than just feeling happy about something. Joy can be experienced emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is an emotion that
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includes feelings of peace and satisfaction, as well as our old friend happiness. It is a positive feeling that should encompass all your daily activities. Life is too short to spend it stressed, depressed, and so busy that you don’t experience the joy that it holds. In actuality, most of us have more joy in our lives than we realize, but often are too stressed and moving too fast to pay attention. We sometimes develop a tunnel vision that keeps us from recognizing the joy we could be experiencing. Your first step in achieving joy should be in distinguishing what joy truly means to you. It’s not the same for everyone. Think for a minute about what brings joy into your life. Close your eyes and think about pleasant people, things, places, and experiences until you discover a smile spreading across your face. These are the things that bring you joy. While being happy is a nice thing, it’s not necessarily joyful. You may feel happy
when the evening commute is quicker than usual, or when you find you’re having a favorite food for dinner. But joy is a higher level, more intense degree of happiness. That happiness over the commute probably disappears when you pull into your driveway, but a true feeling of joy stays with you, coloring the activities in your life and helping you to see all of your daily activities in a more positive light. Obviously, we all have different things that bring joy to us and we all experience various levels of joy. Our sense of joy grows from our emotional, physical and mental well-being. In line with that, there are a number of things we can do to enhance our awareness of the joy in our lives:
• Take time to relax. Take
a long hot bath, listen to favorite music, enjoy a few quiet moments with your children or pets.
• Enjoy your relationships. Make an effort to look for the things in the relationships with your family, your friends, even your job, that are important to you, that you are thankful for, and that you enjoy. • Look for the positive. Take the time to see what’s good and makes you feel
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good in even the little things that are part of your daily life. • Whenever possible, avoid negative things and negative people. Life is simply too short. • Seek peace in your life. Take time to watch a sunset, to appreciate the beauty of nature. Spend a few moments mediating each day on what’s good in your life. • Enjoy a hobby. Make time to discover and explore things you truly enjoy. • Take care of yourself. Healthy eating, regular exercise and plenty of rest all help you feel better and more easily find the joy in your life. • Keep a daily journal. Every evening record 3 to 5 things that you were thankful for that day. This simple activity helps you become more aware of the positive things going on around you. • Make time for you. It’s difficult to appreciate and enjoy all the positive things in your life when you are going non-stop. To find the joy in your life, you need the time to reflect on all the good things that are there. Rushing from one activity to another only builds stress and
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tension, not joy. You may have to learn that sometimes saying “no” to the many demands upon your time is sometimes necessary to reduce stress and increase your level of joy. Do some self-reflection and measure how the stress in your life balances against the joy. Finding more joy in your life means actively seeking it out, in both the big and little things. If you sit back and wait for the joy to appear, you’ll miss out on a lot of joyful opportunities. The goal is
to actively seek out joy on a daily basis. “The Counseling Corner” is provided as a public service by the American Counseling Association, the nation’s largest organization of counseling professionals. www.counseling.org. Linda Fayard is a counselor who owns her own consulting firm, specializing in advising businesses in the areas of anger/stress management and diversity issues. She can be reached at flyhighms@aol.com.
August 2009
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By Jason Alderman, director of Visa’s financial education programs
credit for 30 percent of the Stimulus Plan price Provides Energy purchase for a variety Efficiency Tax of home improvements, Credits up to the $1,500 limit. One way the government Credit for installation costs is hopes its 2009 economic also allowed in certain cases, stimulus plan will help such as for HVAC (heating, jumpstart the economy is by ventilation and air conditioninvesting billions of dollars ing) systems, biomass stoves, in industries that support en- water heaters, solar panels, ergy efficiency – everything geothermal heat pumps, wind from electric car battery energy systems and fuel cells. technology to wind turbines Tax credits for many energyto modernizing the country’s efficiency home improvements power grid. that were previously allowed Corporations aren’t the in 2006 and 2007 but then only ones receiving incen- disallowed in 2008 are once tives, however: Individual again eligible during 2009 and taxpayers can reap consider- 2010. Some common covered able tax benefits by improving expenses include: their home’s energy effi• Home shell improvements ciency – not to mention the designed to prevent heating long-term savings they’ll and cooling leaks, including incur from reducing their insulation, metal and asphalt utility and fuel bills. roofs, exterior and storm winHighlights include: dows, doors (including patio The total tax credit you can and sliding glass), skylights claim for many energy-effi- and weather stripping. ciency home improvements • HVAC systems, includmade during 2009 and 2010 ing central air conditioning, has increased from $500 to air-source and geothermal $1,500. That’s a cumulative heat pumps, and natural gas, total of $1,500, so you can propane and oil furnaces. break it up between the two • Gas, oil, propane, solar years however you choose. and electric heat pump water You may now claim a tax heaters.
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• Biomass (plant matter) stoves. • Other renewable energy technology including small wind generators and photovoltaic systems. • Hybrid, diesel, battery electric, alternative fuel, fuel cell and plug-in electric cars. Note that there are specific requirements and restrictions for each of these products, so be sure to do your research before purchasing them. For example, with vehicles, there are only a finite number of credits available per manufacturer, so verify with the dealer. A good resource for rules is the government’s Energy Star website, which has detailed information on the various tax credits available (www.energystar.gov/taxcredits). A few additional tips: • Experts agree that before making major investments like HVAC systems or solar panels, you should first improve your home’s insulation. Proper insulation can reduce your heating and cooling bills by 20 percent or more. • Save all receipts and ask contractors to separate labor and materials costs in case you are ever audited. Also keep copies of manufacturer certification statements for your records. • Even though they aren’t covered under the federal tax credit program, many other Energy Star appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers may qualify for certain state and local rebate programs. These energy-efficient appliances consume up to 50 percent less electricity and water than standard models. Ask for details where you buy the appliance. Feel good about the impact you can have on the environment – and on your wallet – by taking advantage of these energy-efficiency tax credits. Sign up forJason Alderman’s free monthly e-Newsletter at www. practicalmoneyskills.com/newsletter.
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August 2009
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By Judge Jeff Cox, 26th Judicial District Court Judge for Bossier/Webster Parishes, Division C in a small town in Webster Parish was fortunate A Story enough to have a black About a lab named Amy. Amy Boy and was a hunting dog but His Dog was allowed to play with the young boy. In fact this boy couldn’t remember a When I read that the Au- time that Amy wasn’t around. gust issue was about pets and Everywhere the boy went, their people, I thought about Amy wasn’t far behind. what I could write for this When the boy went to play issue relating to pets. Then I at neighbor’s home, Amy was thought about the following there. When the boy went fishing in the local ponds, Amy story. A young boy who lived was close behind. When the
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boy got home from school, Amy was there to greet him. Amy was a constant companion to the boy. In fact, anytime the boy’s parents needed to find him, all they had to do is look to see where Amy was sitting. One year, Amy had puppies and the boy got to see life brought in the world. The boy’s father eventually sold all but one of Amy’s puppies and the boy learned a little about losing something he loved. As time went on, the boy grew and Amy got older. She started to get grey hair in her muzzle. Amy started to walk more stiffly on frigid days and didn’t want to jump in the water as much to hunt. The boy watched as Amy aged. Eventually, Amy got so weak that she couldn’t even stand. The boy was twelve years old. The boy’s father told his son that Amy was dying. The boy couldn’t believe how weak Amy had gotten but came home one day to find that Amy had died. It felt as is if a part of the boy’s heart was gone. The boy learned about death and loss. That boy was me. Our pets teach us so much. They show unconditional love when no one else seems to care. Pets are like family members. They have personalities of their own. We laugh at them when they are puppies, love them as they grow, and cry when they are gone. Every pet leaves a memory that never leaves its owner no matter how long that owner lives. I now have a black lab named Lily. Lily has been with us since my son was four years old. Lily is getting older but she has been a constant companion to my children, especially my son. In fact, I see a lot of similarities between Lily and Amy. Hopefully my son will have some of the same memories about Lily that I have about Amy. Enjoy your pet! Each day is a gift with them. Make sure to give them plenty of water this summer and if you can, make sure they have a shady spot outside of the sun. If your pet is like ours and is spoiled, make sure they stay on their bed while they enjoy the air conditioning. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
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August 2009
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BY Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.,
author of “The 24-hour Pharmacist” of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Top 10 List don’t even realize it. to Protect For example, fatigue, Your Kidneys itchy skin, ankle swelling, puffy face, back pain, brain fog and any Dear Pharmacist, change in urination includI’ve had diabetes for 12 ing frequency, urgency, years and now I have kid- volume, or color changes ney disease. My doctor just could indicate trouble. prescribed lisinopril. I’m You could easily be misconcerned that there is more diagnosed, so see a kidney I should be doing. What else specialist (nephrologist) should I consider? at least annually, but esThe kidneys continuously pecially if you have these filter your blood to strain symptoms. out waste products. Without Here is my top 10 list functional kidneys we would to protect your precious die within minutes. Many kidneys: people, including non-dia1. Bring blood sugar down. betics, have the beginnings A reduction of “hemoglobin
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A1c” from 7% to 6.4 % reduces your risk of kidney disease, eye damage and nerve pain by up to 25%. 2. Eat a low-fat, low-protein diet rich in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables along with healthy nuts and seeds. 3. Avoid regular table salt and salt substitutes because they may cause water retention or ruin your mineral balance. Sea salt is healthier. 4. Medications such as ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril or Altace) can protect the kidneys, lower blood pressure, and reduce protein spillage. Side effects include dry cough, headache, elevated potassium levels and weird changes in taste. Newer medications such as Diovan, Cozaar, Avapro or Atacand can achieve similar benefits with fewer side effects. 5. L-carnitine is an amino acid found in all your cells. Supplements may improve symptoms of heart failure or angina
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which can occur in people with kidney failure. When your kidneys tire out, supplemental forms may become useful. Dosage varies and is based on your individual kidney function so ask your doctor. 6. Horsetail or Equisetum arvense: This ‘diuretic’ herb helps your kidneys filter the blood while providing silica to help strengthen hair, bones and organ tissue. You can drink tea or take supplements but ask your doctor first because diuretics usually enhance the side effects of medications. 7. Thiamine (vitamin B1)It’s not typically considered a kidney-loving vitamin but ‘cutting edge’ is my middle name. This natural nutrient was just shown to have dramatic effects on the body’s ability to excrete albumin and reverse early-stage kidney disease in some type 2 diabetics. 8. Antioxidants such as resveratrol, astaxanthin, ubi-
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quinol (CoQ10) and vitamin E may protect kidney cells against free-radical damage. 9. Pau D’Arco – which is an herb from the Amazon rainforest touted for its ability to boost red blood cell production and improve oxygen flow. Supplements may have a blood-thinning effect. 10. The sun- it allows you to make vitamin D, which helps diabetics improve blood sugar control, wound healing and kidney function. Reader Request: Please send me your favorite, amazing folk remedies. Email to: info@DearPharmacist.com and I’ll publish the best ones in a future column. This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. For more information visit www.DearPharmacist.com. ©2008 Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc.
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N rev Sout EW h No epor east wO tO PE ffice N!
Sh
Reaping What You Sow Some see an empty field of dirt. Robbie Brown sees bushels of homegrown tomatoes, foot-long zucchinis and some of the sweetest peas your teeth have ever had the pleasure of meeting. When he’s not driving his tractor or guiding his tiller through the garden, you’ll find him living life to the fullest in some other way. “I do anything I want to do with the legs I get from Snell’s,” Brown says confidently. “I don’t back up for nothing.” It is that same type of commitment that Snell’s licensed practitioners and technicians make to our patients every day. Our staff members take the time to attentively listen to the patient to determine what his or her needs truly are. Then, after careful consultation with the patient’s physician, we begin the design and fabrication process. Once the prosthesis or orthosis has been fitted, we work tirelessly with the patient to make sure that it functions correctly. Our investment in new technology and in specialized training for our staff allows us to deliver prosthetic and orthotic devices of the highest quality. Because, as Mr. Brown will attest to…what you invest in today will yield abundant returns tomorrow.
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August 2009
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By mirabai holland, M.F.A., www.MovingFree.com
sports instead of staying in your comfort zone can do you more harm than Prehab In fact there are to Avoid good. about 28 million reported Rehab orthopedic injuries each year in the USA alone. Accidents happen and exOrthopedic problems cellent rehab is available. But are a major health issue a lot of orthopedic problems worldwide. This is a growing are preventable. problem particularly among Muscles and tendons are baby boomers. Both women connected to the brain by a and men are at risk. Job-re- complex system of sensors lated conditions like standing called proprioceptors, capable all day or performing re- of detecting the slightest difpetitive motions can lead to ference in muscle length, or overuse injuries. And being tension on a tendon. The proout of shape and overweight prioceptors exist to help your are leading contributors body avoid injury. Those little to orthopedic injuries and strains and pains you begin to chronic orthopedic problems. feel when you push too hard But active adults are not are telling you “Back off” you immune. Pushing too hard need more conditioning before when you workout or play you can perform at this level.
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Pushing through the pain is flirting with serious injury. The proprioceptors also, tell the brain just where a limb is in space at any given time. A well-trained proprioceptive sense helps a tennis player get to a ball and return it without having to think through each step. The body knows the way. Prehab is one of the best ways to avoid Rehab. Developing your proprioceptive sense-awareness of where your body is in space - is a good start. There are exercise programs that focus on proprioception like my own Moving Free ® technique, Tai Chi and certain yoga exercises. It helps you avoid awkward movements that can cause injury and perform daily tasks with ease and grace. And it improves your sense of balance to help prevent falls Here’s an example: Close your eyes. Hold out your arm in front of you. Your brain knows your arm is in front of you without you having to see it. Keep your eyes closed. Now circle your index finger. Your brain knows where your finger is
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through the full range of motion without looking. That’s your proprioceptive sense at work. Strengthening areas at risk for orthopedic injury is another component of Prehab. This kind of Prehab comes in two forms: • General Prehab for daily living as part of a personal wellness program, looks at the body as a whole, and develops it as a whole to maximize quality of life. This often includes strength training, cardio conditioning and core training, as well as some proprioceptive exercises. • Activity Specific Prehab designed to get you ready for the rigors of a particular sport or physical endeavor. Good Activity Specific exercises pay special attention to the body parts most involved in that activity without ignoring the concept of training the body as a whole. Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness industry, and public health activist who specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for people. Her Moving Free® approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn’t feel like work. www. movingfree.com. © 2009
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Kroger pharmacies offer a 30-day supply on hundreds of prescriptions for only $4, or get a 90-day supply for only $10. No membership fee is required.
The Rx Savings Card enables customers to save on over 500 common prescriptions. The program has no enrollment fee and can be used whether you have insurance or not. You pay $8.99 for a 30-day supply of select generics, and $15.99 for 90-days. For drugs not included in the generic plan and name brand dugs, you can save 20 percent. You also save 10% on Rite Aid Brand products every day.
Rite Aid Pharmacy - 7 area locations
Medic Pharmacy & Compounding Lab
Kroger (in store) Pharmacy - 3 locations
1841 Line Avenue, Shreveport. (318) 221-0691 Provides the same benefits a person’s finds at a large chain pharmacy plus the individual attention a person might not find anywhere else. The pharmacy can prepare prescription medications in a variety of forms, strengths, and flavors. For compounding prescriptions, there is a 10% discount for the purchase of 2 months & 20% discount for the purchase of 3 months of prescriptions. 10% discount for active military.
Kmart Pharmacy offers a generic plan free of charge. Sign up and receive 90-day supplies of hundreds of generic medications for $10 or $15, depending on the medication. They also offer the GoldK program, a free savings program for people 50 and over. If you do not have prescription drug coverage, GoldK will save you up to 10% on brand name drugs, up to 20% on generic drugs and up to 5% on diabetic prescription items.
The CVS/Pharmacy Health Savings Pass is $10 annually, per person. It is available whether you have limited prescription insurance or no coverage at all. The pass gives you the ability to pay only $9.99 for a 90-day supply of over 400 generic prescriptions. It also includes a 10% discount off at MinuteClinic on any regular priced health service or screening. You can also fill your prescriptions online for home mail delivery and receive the discounted rates on medication.
Kmart Pharmacy, All locations, (318) 741-1776
(now owned by Rite Aid) The Rx Savings Card enables customers to save on over 500 common prescriptions. The program has no enrollment fee and can be used whether you have insurance or not. You pay $8.99 for a 30-day supply of select generics, and $15.99 for 90-days. For drugs not included in the generic plan and name brand dugs, you can save 20%. You also save 10% on Rite Aid Brand products every day.
Eckerd Pharmacy - 5 area locations
CVS Pharmacy - 9 area locations
9 area locations Over 400 generic prescriptions are included in Brookshire’s discount drug program. Insurance is accepted. The prices of medications in the program: $3.99 for a 30-day supply; $6.99 for a 60-day supply; and $9.99 for a 90 day supply.
Brookshire’s (in store) Pharmacy
3 area locations. (318) 747-8997 Through the Rx-tra Savings Plan, customers can obtain a 30-day supply of over 500 generic medications for $4.99; $10.99 for a 90-day supply. There is a yearly $10 charge to enroll in the program. That charge covers all members of the household. Currently, when you sign up for the program, you receive a $10 gift card and a coupon to receive your first new prescription for free.
Albertsons SavOn (in store) Pharmacy
Health costs keep rising every year. The best way to save on health costs is to get regular check-ups, exercise and eat right. However, there will still be times you need prescription drugs, either long-term or short term. Many pharmacies are helping their customers save money by offering discounts or generic drug savings plans. Don’t be put off by using generics. Of course you should check with your doctor to make sure a generic would work for you or is available, but generics are just as safe as name brand drugs. The FDA says, “A generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.”
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Sam’s Club (in store) Pharmacy
(inside the supercenters) 5 area locations Wal-Mart pharmacies will fill prescriptions for up to 350 generic medications at $10 for a 90-day supply. There is no charge and no need to sign up for a pharmacy discount card. Wal-Mart Stores also offer a $4 over the-counter (OTC) program, offering customers more than 1,000 OTC items priced at $4 or less without a prescription. Almost one-third of Wal-Mart’s OTC medicines are now $4 or lower.
Wal-Mart Pharmacy
7400 Youree Dr, Shreveport. (318) 798-2043 Sam’s Club pharmacies will fill prescriptions for up to 350 generic medications at $10 for a 90-day supply. If you have a Sam’s membership, there is no need to sign-up for a discount card here.
Senior Care at Brentwood Hospital
Levels of Care
• Inpatient
• Partial Hospitalization (Day Treatment)
• Outpatient
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Brentwood
Senior Care Unit (318) 678-7500
Warning Signs
That May Indicate the Need for Treatment
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Depression, extreme sadness Confused thinking, difficulty concentrating Hallucinations; hearing voices Misuse of alcohol or medications Disorientation Numerous unexplained physical ailments Difficulties coping with daily living Excessive fears, anxieties or suspiciousness
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Walgreens Prescription Savings Club, available whether you have insurance or not, offers more than 5,000 brand name and generic medications. There are over 400 generics priced at $12 for a 90-day supply. The program also includes a 10% reward on purchases of Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services. The program includes insulin and diabetic supplies and can be used for pet prescriptions. If you are not enrolled in a publicly funded health care program, such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, you are eligible for the Prescription Savings Club. Enrollment for an individual is $20 per year or $35 for an entire family. Family enrollment includes spouse, dependents under the age of 23, and pets.
(inside the stores) 3 area locations Target offers a 30-day supply of hundreds of generics for $4 or a 90-day supply for $10. For every 10 prescriptions filled at a Target pharmacy paid for with a Target Visa Credit Card, Target Credit Card or Target Check Card earn a 10% off shopping day at Target.
Super Target / Target Pharmacy
Walgreens Pharmacy - 8 area locations
3 area locations Super 1 Pharmacy can provide you with a 90-day supply of over 400 generic medications for $9.99.
Super 1 Pharmacy (inside Super 1 Markets)
A Senior Olympics champion, Burtie also runs her own business and is an accomplished artist and author. If you want to feel a little like an underachiever, have Burtie Smith-Griffin tell you what she has been up to. Smith-Griffin, 81, doesn’t look her age and certainly doesn’t let her age slow her down. Her current career involves running her own credit union
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auditing business and her own tax business. She works out of her home and schedules her credit union work around tax season. When she is not up to her eyeballs in numbers, she might be found painting, or running, or collecting stuffed animals for donation, or maybe even
installing her life-size nativity scene in her front yard. Yes, this mother of four, grandmother to 10 and great-grandmother to 20, does stay very busy. Smith-Griffin, a resident of Haughton, grew up in Red Chute during the Depression, when paper and drawing supplies were in short supply, but that didn’t stop her from expressing herself artistically. “I used to draw in the dirt,” she said. “I would go out in the yard and draw in the dirt and then go in and get my mother to show her. I could barley talk. When I got older, every time we would go up to the store, I would ask the meat market man for a piece of paper off that roll they used to wrap meat and I would draw on it. My family would always encourage me and get me colors and left over paint when they could. I always loved drawing and painting.” Beginning in 1962, SmithGriffin studied painting for 19 years under Louis G. Sicard. During that time she also attended as many painting workshops as she could. As her skills grew, so did her love of painting and in 1982 she published the book, “Discovering the Joy of Oil Painting.” She taught children’s art lessons from 1962 into the 1980s. Then she began giving art lessons to adults. She did that up until her second husband passed away. She does still have one special adult art student of whom she is very proud. “I started teaching Mike Hilburn, from Springhill, 23 years ago,” she said. “He is in a wheelchair and paints with his toes. He has come a long way and has a lot of accomplishments. He does really nice work and some of his work is in the governor’s mansion in Baton Rouge.” She beams with pride when speaking of Hilburn. In 2002, he presented her with the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation “People Who Make a Difference Award.” It is an award she is clearly proud of, mainly because it represents all the effort Hilburn puts into his work. When Smith-Griffin met her second husband he was active in distance running. He told her if she wanted to run with him, he would keep her in his sights. “I never did get out of his sights,” she said. “I’m a fast starter and we did a lot of 5Ks and 10Ks. And this is all after I was 67.” (She was also 67 when she earned an associate degree in accounting after six years of correspondence work. Obviously, that year was a big one for her.) She laughs when she tells people that what she likes about running is not the runTheBestOfTimesNews.com
ning itself, but the feeling she has when she finishes. She is now a regular competitor and winner in Senior Olympics competitions. She has so many local medals that she keeps them put up and just displays the state and national medals - and there are about 30 of those. She has already booked the tickets to compete in the upcoming National Senior Olympics in San Francisco. “What I have found out about myself is that I am highly competitive with me,” she said. “It is like I have to do my personal best.” She bested herself at the most recent regional competitions when she ran the 100 meter in “18.something” seconds. That beat a time of 19 seconds when she ran it 14 years ago. Yes, she is faster now than she was 14 years ago and how many people can say that. “It is hard to find competition in my age group, but it thrills me when I outrun somebody 20 years younger,” Smith-Griffin said. “I shouldn’t say too much about that, but it does.” Her love of beating her personal best found her running on her wedding day a year ago.
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“Mr. Griffin and I were getting married on Saturday, May 17, and I thought I needed to run in the local Senior Olympic competition to qualify for state and the locals were scheduled for the morning of May 17. So I ran that morning, we finished up about 11 a.m. and I beat it to the church to get married at 2 p.m. They sang “Here Comes the Bride” when I finished that run.” Smith-Griffin said she is blessed to have no chronic pain and only requires a brace for her knee when running due to a little arthritis. She and her husband love to Cajun dance and jitterbug and frequently attend the dances held at the Bossier Council on Aging. “An active life has kept me young,” she said. “Exercising and eating right is important, but you also have to keep your mind challenged.” Oh, and about that nativity scene…. drive by Smith-Griffin’s house around Christmas and you will be rewarded with the most amazing life-size nativity scene set up in her front yard. She painted every character from the angels, to the donkeys and the wise men. It is just another way she stays active and a part of the community.
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BY TED KOOSER,
U.S. Poet Laureate, 2004-2006 Unlike the calculated expressions of feeling common to its human masters, there is nothing disingenuous about the way a dog praises, celebrates, frets or mourns. In this poem David Baker gives us just such an endearing mutt.
Mongrel Heart Up the dog bounds to the window, baying like a basset his doleful, tearing sounds from the belly, as if mourning a dead king, and now he’s howling like a beagle – yips, brays, gagging growls – and scratching the sill paintless, that’s how much he’s missed you, the two of you, both of you, mother and daughter, my wife and child. All week he’s curled at my feet, warming himself and me watching more TV, or wandered the lonely rooms, my dog shadow, who like a poodle now hops, amped-up windup maniac yo-yo with matted curls and snot nose smearing the panes, having heard another car like yours taking its grinding turn down our block, or a school bus, or bird-squawk, that’s how much he’s missed you, good dog, companion dog, dog-of-all-types, most excellent dog I told you once and for all we should never get. American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (www.poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Reprinted from The Southeast Review, Vol. 23, No. 2, 2005, by permission of the author, whose newest book of poetry is Midwest Eclogue, W. W. Norton (2005). Copyright © 2005 by David Baker. Introduction copyright © 2009 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction’s author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
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August is well known to be a very hot, dry month. In August, 1954, we had eleven consecutive days with the temperature reaching 100° or higher. In August, 1956 there were fifteen consecutive days with the temperature reaching 100° or higher, which was a record number for August. The highest temperature during that period was 103° on the 16th. Our hottest August temperature of record was 110° on August 18, 1909, which was also our all-time high temperature. The record low temperature was 53° on August 17, 1992. Wettest of record was 10.9 inches. Normal August rainfall is 2.71 inches. Last August our hottest temperature was 105° on the 2nd. The coolest temperature was 70° on the 16th and 17th. Rainfall last August measured 5.63 inches. Louisiana’s hottest temperature of record was 114° at Plain Dealing on August 10, 1936. There had to be a lot of sunshine during those scorching days. As you well know, we have many sunny days during the year, but not as many to rank with the cities known to be the sunniest in the United States. They are Yuma, Arizona; Tucson, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; Redding, California; Las Vegas, Nevada and El Paso, Texas. When it’s raining, have you ever wondered how large those raindrops are? The diameter can range up to 1/4 of an inch. Any drop larger than that will break up into several smaller drops when it encounters the resistance of the air as it falls. Al Bolton is a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
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Bark Bird Cat Dog Ferret Fish Gerbil Groomer
Guinea pig Hamster Horse Iguana Kitten Meow Monkey
Mouse Pet Shop Pony Puppy Rabbit Snake Turtle Veterinarian
SUDOKU - Fill in the blank
squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column, and 3 x 3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.
(Solution on page 55)
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Across 1 Mollusk shell materials 7 “Piece of cake” 14 Charts with axes 20 Maintain 21 What a stalwart won’t give? 22 Liturgy 23 Temporary solution 25 Harlem theater 26 Arnold Palmer’s Pennsylvania birthplace 27 “Lemme __!” 28 Physicist with a law 30 Fraternal org. 31 Golf iron socket 32 Do not disturb 34 W, vis-ˆ-vis E 36 Money pile?: Abbr. 37 With 81-Down, game played on a three-walled court 39 Govt. division 41 Hardly an idler 42 Title woman about whom Clapton sings “You’ve got me on my knees” 44 Year in Augustus’ reign 47 Political payoff 49 Felt contrite about 51 Goneril’s victim 54 Controversial excavation method 58 Not sing. 59 Bit of folk wisdom 60 Half of Bennifer 61 Erotic god 62 Recipe meas. 63 Pencil puzzles 64 Old Boston Garden nickname 67 Like horseshoes 70 Both: Pref. 72 Connections 73 Uto-Aztecan tongue The Best Of Times
75 Capital of Yemen 77 Not too soft 79 CCX x V + I 80 Long-necked runner 82 Nautical ladder rung 84 Court period: Abbr. 85 Israeli port city 87 Fantasy sprite 89 “Sleepy Hollow” actor 90 “Say what?” sounds 92 Piques 93 Kung __ chicken 94 Key equivalent to B-flat 99 Aware of 100 In the 60s, say 102 Chemical suffix 103 Shortsighted one 104 Snapple’s __ Madness 106 French military cap 109 Vegas contraption offering the best odds? 111 Whammy 112 USCG rank 114 Jupiter, e.g. 115 East German secret police 117 Violinist’s aid 120 Not stifling 122 109-Across charge 124 Emerald Isle 125 Woozy 128 Low-level clouds 130 It can help you organize windows and wallpaper 133 Puts on ice 134 Best 135 It’s fixed by a bank 136 Per se 137 Annual Georgia tournament, with “The”
midafternoons
By Nora Pearlstone; Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
(Solution on page 55)
138 La Scala offerings
18 Saintly rings 19 Tart fruit 24 Speaker since 2007 Down 29 One making a 1 Pelé’s org. large 2 B.C. neighbor 3 One concerned withdrawal? 33 Blow one’s with duds? stack 4 Printer’s proof 35 Giza attraction 5 Toaster waffles 37 “__ Boys”: 6 Lobster habitat Alcott novel 7 __ de plume 38 Colony resident 8 Actress Tatum 40 Whale of a guy? 9 Not off one’s 43 Yeats’s “__ and rocker? the Swan” 10 Not tricked by 45 Exquisite gem 11 Digital food 46 Rank above Pfc. additive code 48 Early Arizona used in Europe natives 12 Horiz. 13 Kojak, to friends 50 Joy Adamson 14 Family lioness 52 Bond and others nickname 53 Headlands 15 Pants problem 55 Sass, with “off” 16 Phrase indicating small 56 Stock phrase 57 Caribbean progress 17 Startling Stories, nation 64 Tangle up e.g.
65 Intravenous solution 66 Maker of Marlboro 68 Laptop power saver 69 Goes out with 71 Censor’s insert 74 Schubert vocal work 76 First in a series 78 Think piece 81 See 37-Across 83 Classic toothpaste 86 “__ girl!” 88 Parents 91 “I wonder ...” 95 Spruce up again, as a hedge 96 “Sands of Iwo Jima” costar 97 Unveil, in poems 98 T. __ 101 Can’t abide 105 Simple card game 107 “Sit!”
108 “Am I the only one?” 110 State of Grace? 112 First to stab Caesar 113 Cores 116 “__ Time”: Hemingway work 118 Wall St. “500” 119 “Do __ to eat a peach?”: Eliot 121 Korean border river 123 Ancient Dead Sea land 126 Sixth Greek letter 127 “__ Tu”: 1974 hit 129 Tot’s need, often 131 Govt. emissions watchdog 132 Times of day hidden in eight puz. answers August 2009
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places2go, people2see, things2do dance “DJ Fun Dance” - Saturday, Aug. 15. Sponsored by Cajun Footwork Dancers. Promenade Hall, 5400 Benton Road, Bossier City. Lessons by Champ & JoAnn Crossno from 6 - 7 p.m.; Dance 7 - 10 p.m. Admission $5 per person includes food & drinks. For more information: Candjfirmin@aol.com
health fair Multiple Sclerosis Health Fair - Saturday, August 15th from 9 am to 1 pm, Steen Hall Eye Institute, 2661 Greenwood Road in Shreveport. Sponsored by National Multiple Sclerosis Society at Willis Knighton Hospital. Presentations, luncheon for attendees, vendors. There is no admission fee to attend, but you must RSVP by Tuesday, August 11th by calling toll free 1-800344-4867, Option 1, or by emailing to Brenda.brown@nmss.org
seminar Ark-La-Tex Genealogical Association Seminar - All day seminar on Saturday, August 8. Guest speakers will be Buford and Lynda Suffridge, professional genealogists and lecturers. Pierce Activity Hall, Broadmoor Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport. Registration is from 8:00 a.m. - 8.45 a.m. Cost is $35.00 For further information, call 746-1851. To register for the seminar, make checks payable to Ark-La-Tex Genealogical Assn., P O Box 4463, Shreveport, LA. 71134-0463. Space is limited. You may list 4 surnames you are researching
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Krewe of Elders
festival
• Krewe Party - Sunday, August 16, from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m . Sponsored by The Krewe of Elders. American Legion Hall located at 5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport. Bobby Langston Trio. $7.00 per person. Cash bar, raffle and door prizes. Food available for purchase. Everyone is invited. Info: 635-4901, 7529175 or 518-8092. • The Krewe of Elders Coronation Bal - Saturday, August 22 from 6:00 until 11:00 p.m, at the American Legion Hall, 5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport. Louisiana Outlaws Band, theme and royalty presentation, buffet, silent auction, cash bar, raffle. Everyone is invited. Tickets are $40.00 in advance, $45.00 at the door. Info 635-4901, 752-9175 or 518-8092.
James Burton International Guitar Festival - For additional information on all events or for tickets: (318) 424-5000 • Friday, August 21, 6 p.m. The James Burton Birthday Bash. Featuring local and regional bands. Festival Plaza. Admission: $5 • Saturday August 22, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Guitar Showdown (Talent Competition) hosted by Tipitina’s Shreveport Music Office Coop. Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, State Fair Grounds. Live Music 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM; Guinness World Record Attempt at 2:00 PM. Hirsch Memorial Coliseum. FREE Admission. • Saturday August 22, 7:00 p.m. James Burton & Friends Concert, Municipal Auditorium. Tickets available: $25; $75; $100.
community forum
exhibits
The Shreveport-Caddo Master Plan Forum - Saturday, August 22nd from 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m. at the Shreveport Convention Center. The Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission of Caddo Parish (MPC) is sponsoring the creation of a 20year master plan for Shreveport and parts of Caddo Parish! Everyone is invited to attend. This forum will allow residents to vote electronically on important issues. Free admission and includes continental breakfast, box lunch, parking, and childcare. Reserve your spot by registering online at www.shreveportcaddomasterplan.org or call 318-673-6468.
Albino R. Hinojosa: An American Realist - August 11 - September 20. R.W. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell Avenue, Shreveport. Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and national holidays A native of East Texas, and now residing in Ruston, Louisiana, Albino Hinojosa can easily be classified as a “photo-realist” based on his works included in this exhibition. He paints what motivates him to self-expression while his work brings to light many common everyday scenes with which we can all identify. On Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 p.m. lbino Hinojosa will lead an informal talk amongst his paintings on display in the Special Exhibition Albino Hinojosa: An American Realist. Stroll down memory lane with the artist as he chats about everything from what inspires him to his favorite painting techniques to the challenges of the photo-realistic format. FREE. • First Saturday Tour - Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. Norton Art Gallery. The frame that surrounds a painting not only adds to the experience of the work, but is often a work of art in its own right. On this tour, well explore the art of frame-making and look at some of the Gallerys most spectacular examples. FREE.
tours
• Shreve Town Ghost Walk - Through Saturday, October 24. 7 p.m. every Saturday night. Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Walks are conducted in the downtown area, covering half a mile in total length, starting and ending at the Caddo Courthouse, located at 501 Texas Street. Begin at the front steps, by the Confederate Monument. $10 per person, children 12 and under $5. • Oakland Cemetery tour, 1 p.m. Saturdays at Oakland Cemetery on Milam St., across from the Municipal Auditorium. 90 minute tour. $10 per person, children 12 and under $5.
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Centuries Memorial 8801 Mansfield Shreveport, LA 71108 (318) 686-4334
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Hill Crest Memorial 601 Hwy. 80 East Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949-9415
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Bossier Council on Aging Bearkat Site (741-8302), 706 Bearkat Dr., Bossier City 8 AM - 4:30 PM; Plain Dealing Site (3265722), 101 E. Oak St., Plain Dealing, 9 AM - 1 PM Info & referrals - 741-8302 Transportation - Vans available to seniors 60+ who have no means of transportation for medical appointments, grocery store, drug store and other necessary stops. Wheelchair accessible. 3 day notice required. $3 round trip suggested. Also through referrals from Medicaid. Outreach - Home visits are made to help qualify seniors for services.
Homemaker - Trained employees provide light housekeeping for seniors having difficulty maintaining their homes. $3/visit suggested. Caregiver - Support services are provided for family caregivers including in-home respite care for the caregiver, education for the family, and material aid and personal care for the patient. Legal Services - Education on elder legal issues. Counseling for individuals is accessible monthly with a local lawyer or by referrals. Congregate (Site) Meals - Hot, nutritious meals served at 11:30 AM
at the sites, Mon - Fri . $1.25 per meal is suggested. Home Delivered Meals - Meals provided 5 days per week for elderly homebound in Bossier Parish, $1.25/ meal suggested. Personal Medical Response System - With a referral from BCOA, an auto dial unit is available for installation on your phone. Necklace, wristband, or pocket clip styles provided. Press the button for immediate help. $20 fee per month. Senior Centers - Recreation, crafts, educational seminars, and health information. Also: day trips,
extended trips, exercise/dance classes, bingo, cards, dominoes, health screenings, exercise equipment room, Senior Games and Thursday night dances with a live band. Medication Management - Seminars, brown bag services provided by pharmacists and programs provided by health care providers. Drug plan assistance available. Medicaid Applications - Application center and assistance filling out the forms. By appointment only. (AARP) Money Management - Financial assistance to seniors: bill paying, balancing checkbooks, etc.
Caddo Council on Aging 4015 Greenwood Road, (318) 632-2090. www.caddocouncilonaging.org Email-ccoa@caddocoa.org Info & Referral - 632-2090 Outreach/Individual Needs Assessment- Explanation of services and to enroll the elderly in service programs Home Delivered Meals - 5 meals/ wk delivered to homebound seniors. Suggested donation $1.25/day. Homemaker Services - Personal care and household tasks provided for homebound persons unable to perform tasks without assistance. $5/month donation requested. Personal Care - Personal care provided to homebound person. $5/month donation requested. Family Caregiver - Sitter and respite provided for full time caregiver of a senior. Donation requested. Telephone Reassurance - Volunteers make phone calls to seniors to offer comfort and support. Medical Alert - 632-2090 -Emergency response system that protects
seniors in case of accident or falls in the home. $20/month fee SenioRX Program - 632-5900 or 1-800-793-1198 - Assists seniors applying for pharmaceutical aid. Nursing Home Ombudsman - Professional visits to nursing home to investigate and resolve issues made by the elderly resident or the resident’s family. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 632-2113 - Provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or older. Foster Grandparents (FGP) - 632-2199 - Seniors serve as mentor, tutor and caregivers to youth with social needs. FGPs that meet special requirements may serve. 20hrs/wk and receive a stipend. Legal Services - Referrals for individual counseling. Emergency Blinking Light Flashing light installed in your porch light by the Caddo Sheriff Dept. to help guide emergency medical personnel. No charge.
SOS Program - Sheriff’s Operational Safeguard. Helps identify and reunite lost, memory-impaired persons with families. Participants are given a bracelet engraved with the name and phone number of the Sheriff’s Office and an ID number. Confidential Call 681.0875 to register. No charge. Senior Centers and Meal Sites - 632-2080 - Area sites that offer fun activities, recreation, wellness, exercise, safety programs, sewing, crafts, bingo, and just plain old fun. Lunch served at all sites for a $1.25 donation. Transportation is provided to sites, call 632-2080 to sign up for a meal or transport to the sites. • Myrtle B. Pickering Senior Center - 4017 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm. • Blanchard Cross Roads Church - 356 Warriner, Blanchard. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00am-12noon. • Broadmoor Methodist Church - 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport.
Open 9:30 - 12:30. • Canaan Towers Apartments - 500 North Dale, Shreveport. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm. • Cooper Road Community Center - 1422 MLK Blvd, Shreveport. Open Mon-Friday 9:30am-12:30pm • Greenwood Library - Hwy 80, Downtown Greenwood. Open MonFri 9:30 am - 12:30pm • Mooringsport Community Center-Lattimer Street, Mooringsport across from the school. Open Tue-Wed-Thurs 9:30am to 12:30pm • Morning Star Baptist Church - 5340 Jewella, Sport Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm • New Hill CME Church - 8725 Spring-ridge Texas Line Rd, Keithville Tue & Thurs 10am-1:00pm • Oil City Community Center - Savage Street, Oil City Open MonWed-Fri 9am to noon • Vivian Community Center - in the City Park 522 E. Tennessee Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon
Webster Council on Aging Minden Senior Center (3713056 or 1-800-256-2853), 316 McIntyre St., Minden, LA 71055; 8 am to 4 pm Cotton Valley Senior Center (832-4225), Railroad Ave., Cotton Valley; 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Springhill Senior Center (539-2510), 301 West Church St., Springhill; 8 am to 4 pm Transportation – transporting older persons to and from community facilities and resources. Assisted transportation also provided and must be scheduled weekly in advance.
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Congregate Meals – nutritionally balanced meals for persons 60+ and spouses provided at senior centers, served 5 days a week. Home-Delivered Meals – Noon meal delivered to eligible homebound elderly (illness, disability or while caring for spouse who is), 5 days a week. Homemaker services – Provided to those clients meeting specific requirements. Recreation – Art, crafts, hobbies, games, and trips. Wellness – designed to support/
improve the senior’s mental/physical well-being through exercise, physical fitness, and health screening. Family Care-Giver Support – support services that provide a temporary break in the tasks of caregiving. For family caregivers who are providing care for an older individual who is determined to be functionally impaired because of inability to perform instrumental functions of daily living without substantial supervision and assistance. This service is provided to persons caring for a homebound relative 60+, for a
relative 60+ caring for a homebound child or grandchild. Information and Assistance – Provides the individual with current information on opportunities and services within the community. Legal Assistance – providing legal advice, counseling, and representation by an attorney. Lectures are scheduled on a quarterly basis. Medicaid enrollment center – take initial Medicaid applications Medical Alert – linking clients with in-home emergency response system. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
“You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers” Ophthalmology
Nursing Home Care
I have heard that glaucoma is a painless disease. How often should I get checked for glaucoma? Glaucoma is considered the silent thief of sight. It is painless, progressive, and can cause complete blindness. Every person over the age of 40 should be checked, if they have never had a glaucoma check, and then every 2 - 3 years after that. Glaucoma is more prominent in the elderly, so persons over the age of 65 should be checked yearly, especially if you have a family member with the disease. Glaucoma can be successfully treated with medicine and/or surgery to help prevent the loss of sight.
Will Medicare cover my father’s care in a nursing home? While Medicare does not pay room & board fees for one actually “living” in a nursing home, there are portions of nursing home care that are covered. Medicare covers 100 days of skilled nursing care when the doctor feels that either nursing or rehabilitation services for Medicare Part A insured persons are needed following a recent hospitalization of 3 or more days. Additionally, Medicare Parts B & D may pay for your father’s medications and physical, speech or occupational therapies ordered by a physician while he is in a nursing home. Depending upon the financial situation, nursing home room & board is generally paid by the individual, Medicaid, or Long Term Care Insurance.
Chris Shelby, MD
Pierremont Eye Institute 7843 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA 1105 318-212-3937; www.ShelbyEye.com See our ad on page 36.
I broke a bone last year. Do I have osteoporosis? This is a question that should be asked after a fracture? In certain high risk groups the risk of a serious fracture can double after a first fracture. Those who experience an osteoporotic hip fracture have a 24% increased risk of dying within one year following the fracture. This is not only a disease of aging white women. Osteoporosis occurs in all racial groups and men have a 1:8 chance of having an osteoporotic fracture. Although there is no specific cure, you can: Get enough Vitamin D and Calcium. Get regular exercise (weight bearing and low impact). Do balance exercises to avoid falls (Tai chi decrease falls in older individuals) and if you have a broken bone talk to your doctor about a bone density test.
Who are candidates for balloon kyphoplasty to relieve back problems? The best candidates for balloon kyphoplasty are those who have new (within a few days or a couple of weeks) fracture. Fractures are most common in older patients with osteoporosis and the typical symptom is severe, immediate onset back pain. Kyphoplasty has to be one of the most satisfying procedures - there is practically immediate relief in most cases, and people go home with only 2 tiny needle incisions. We treat other backrelated problems which affect pain down the legs of ‘fatiguing” down the legs, and not every patient needs surgery - just an honest assessment.
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Neurosurgery
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Orthopaedics
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Dr. Ravish Patwardhan The Comprehensive Neurosurgery Network 8001 Youree Dr., Ste 970 Shreveport, LA 71115 (318) 797-5543 www.neurosurgery.ws August 2009
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Ambulance Services Balentine Ambulance Service (318) 222-5358 More info on page 60 Artificial Limbs and Braces Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics (318) 424-4167 More info on page 39 Associations and Organizations BluePrint Louisiana (866) 483-3920 More info on page 47 Bossier Council on Aging (318) 741-8302 More info on page 56 Caddo Council on Aging (318) 632-2090 More info on page 56 NWLA Employment Opportunity Network (318) 677-2559 More info on page 52 The Robinson Film Center (318) 459-4122 More info on page 50 The Best of Times (318) 636-5510 More info on page 4 Webster Council on Aging (318) 371-3056 More info on page 56
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Automobile Care and Repair
Educational Courses
Hearing Care Services
Bible Correspondence Course (318) 797-6333 More info on page 60
Shreve Hearing Aid Service (318) 797-7733 More info on page 23
Thru the Bus Radio Program (318) 222-2744 More info on page 57
Home Maintenance and Repair
Brock’s Collision Centers (318) 798-1353 (318) 742-5575 (318) 687-5070 More info on page 9
Emergency Response Systems
Gutter Helmet of North Louisiana (800) 284-9777 More info on page 51
VM Services (318) 820-9187 More info on page 20
Acadian OnCall 1-800-259-1234 More info on page 44
Lex Plant Farm (318) 797-6035 More info on page 37
Care Providers
Financial & Estate Planning/Legal Services
Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner (318) 631-6655 More info on page 26
Comfort Keepers (318) 934-0090 More info on page 57 Family Care Services (318) 671-1799 More info on page 36 Home Assistance Services (318) 682-8182 More info on page 52 Northwest LA INCS, LLC (318) 636-0390 More info on page 40
Serio Investments – Phillip Serio (318) 221-0889 More info on page 34 The Singleton Law Firm (318) 631-5200 More info on page 21
Ark-La-Tex Home Health (318) 747-6180 More info on page 21
The Elder Law Practice of Joseph Gilsoul (318) 222-2100 More info on page 63
Synergy Home Care (318) 550-0285 More info on page 47
Flowers
ResCare Home Care (318) 678-1890 More info on page 11
Flowers Forever, LLC (318) 925-2323 More info one page 57
Seniors Club Personal Care Services (318) 635-0010 More info on page 60
Fitness Centers
Cemeteries/Funeral Homes Centuries Memorial (318) 686-4334 More info on page 55 Hill Crest Memorial (318) 949-9415 More info on page 55
Home Health Care (Medicare Certified)
Curves ( 318) 670-2005 More info on page 15 Curves (318) 629-2222 More info on page 15 Curves (318) 752-9906 More info on page 15
Counseling Services
Curves (318)949-3131 More info on page 15
The Center for Families (318) 222-0759 More info on page 24
Fitness Lady (318) 747-1897 More info on page 29
Hospice Care Providers Hospice Compassus (318) 524-1046 More info on page 16 Odyssey Healthcare (318) 868-8788 More info on page 47 St. Joseph Hospice (318) 222-8723 More info on page 41 Home Infusion Services IV Plus (318) 683-5139 More info on page 60 Hospitals Brentwood Hospital (318) 678-7500 More info on page 43
Willis Knighton Medical Center – North Shreveport (318) 212-4000 More info on page 2 Willis Knighton Medical Center – Bossier (318) 212-7000 More info on page 2 Willis Knighton Medical Center – South Shreveport (318) 212-5000 More info on page 2 Wilis Knighton Medical Center – Pierremont (318) 212-3000 More info on page 2 Insurance Humana (800) 301-8998 More info on page 64 Insurance Agent – Bobbie Thomas (318) 344-6633 More info on page 22 Insurance Agent – Jennifer Doolittle (318) 458-7738 More info on page 22 Sterling Health Plans (866) 217-3666 More info on page 19 Medical Supplies and Equipment FastServ Medical (318) 741-9586 More info on page 17 Home Health Medical Supply (318) 631-1466 More info on page 54 Medtronics XSTOP Spacer (866) 580-5242 More info on page 3 Pet Care and Services Airline Animal Hospital (318) 747-9150 More info on page 35 TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Lil’ Rascals Pet Care (318) 573-6672 More info on page 39
ShoeBooty’s Restaurant (318) 550-0444 More info on page 40
Pharmacies
Senior Living Options
Medic Pharmacy (318) 222-8477 More info on page 43
Azalea Estates Assisted Living (318) 797-2408 More info on page 14
Physician Services Cardiovascular Consultants, LLP Dr. Phillip Rozeman (318) 631-6400 More info on page 27 Dr. Britain P. Auer (318) 798-4623 More info on page 30
Kingsley Place of Shreveport (318) 524-2100 More info on page 48 Leslie Lakes Retirement Center (318) 263-9581 More info on page 23
Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600 More info on page 18
NurseCare of Shreveport (318) 221-1983 More info on page 13
Mid South Orthopaedics (318) 424-3400 More info on page 57
Princeton Place Rehabilitation Center (318) 255-4400 More info on page 28
Pierremont Eye Institute Dr. Chris Shelby (318) 212-3937 More info on page 41
The Waterford at Shreveport (318) 524-3300 More info on page 38
Radio Stations
Spas/Skin Care
KWKH AM 1130 Radio Station (318) 688-1130
Jean y Mitchell’s Skin Technology (318) 347-3567 More info on page 45
Real Estate Agents Century 21 Judy Holland (318) 349-6983 More info on page 55 Restaurants and Catering Cupcake Gallery and Coffee Shop (318) 752-2253 More info on page 29 Imperial Wok Chinese Restaurant (318) 687-6668 More info on page 55
The Best Of Times
Mary Kay Cindy Dawson (318) 578-5965 More info on page 51 Travel Services Cruises, Inc (318) 746-3745 More info on page 41 Red River Coaches (318) 221-5797 More info on page 15 Telephone Book User-Friendly Phone Book (318) 865-1280 More info on page 17 August 2009
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1 - Elaine Adkison was recently named a 2009 School Volunteer of the Year by A+PEL She was one of 10 state Volunteers of the Year by the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. 2 - Sue Watts (seated center) celebrated her birthday at Superior Steakhouse with the Wednesday morning tennis gals. They are (seated) Pam Parsons, Sue, Jan Glasgow; (standing) Hannah Speer, Debbie Grand, Van Johnston, Pat Laborde, and Mary Lou Kizzie. 3 - Garladen Story presented Michael Jones with an appreciation award for supporting People Helping People outreach which helps women and children. 4 - The Senior Adult Ministry of Asbury United Methodist Church - J.O.Y. Club (Just Older Youth) celebrated “Our Flag” in July. (a) J.O.Y. Club Coordinator Marilyn Rech and Speaker, Pat Berry; (b) Shirley Swaty, Claudine Bond, Kathy & Barry Welch. 5 - Ken Maher and wife Diane Sino, Gloria and E. J. Nosser celebrate the 4th by watching the fireworks from the University Club. 6 - Candace Marshall and Councilwoman Joyce Bowman at the Southern University Shreveport Foundation 10 th annual Cooking Classic. 7 - Lois Jackson, Faye Crager, Gloria Leach, and Jack Huffman are some of the door prize winners at Silver Screenings at the Robinson Film Center. 8 - (a) Robert Duvall, Jr and Robert Duvall, Sr at an educational seminar on the latest treatments of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis; (b) orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Britain Auer with Ladore Leone. 9 - Pyra Calligas celebrates her 91st birthday with grandson Jason Calligas, granddog Brandi, and son Gary. 10 - Angelo Cascio and Franklin S. Adams discuss their WWII days and enjoy the Farmer’s Market in downtown Shreveport. 11 - Kay Kemp and Doreen Ginn enjoy attending each and every Silver Screenings at the Robinson Film Center. 12 - Daryl Cooper hosted a Cheeseburger in Paradise party with wife Jean and Sue and Clarence Babineaux. Enjoying the Cross Lake sunset with Daryl (left) are Debbie Davis, Claudia and Ted Lyles. 13 - Jerry Welch (left), Gwen Williams and Alonzo Williams at the Kidney Awareness Dinner Fundraiser benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of LA.
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