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THE BEST of TIMES January 2009
Ever notice how hilarious our children think it is to actually hear us get out of our La-Z-Boy? Our pained moaning, the crackling of the joints, the puffing of exertion, sends them into poorly concealed gales of laughter. Whipper-snappers! Just wait ‘til they get to be 55! Wait a minute. Fifty-five? Yes, sad to say, there are those among us, young in the category of “senior citizens,” who have let themselves go for far too many years. “Oh, what could one more donut hurt,” they ask themselves. And the cheeseburgers and the choco January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
late shakes and the lack of physical activity, and the smoking.....and the heart attacks. This issue is in response to the rising interest in our 50+ community by folks who are finally beginning to pay attention to their health and wellness, especially as “maturity” creeps up. It is to them, the ones who aren’t ready to sit down and never get up again that we dedicate this exceptional issue. We hope to motivate you, inspire you, and cheer you on as we take a long look at how we’re going to improve our health and
well-being, come hell or high water, as the saying goes. Join us on the journey. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going to stop for the news, the regular columnists, and the outright fun! We’ve got another jampacked issue we hope you will enjoy, even if you’re not going to run a marathon after reading it. Maybe you will stop smoking! Oh, and thank you all for your kind comments regarding the 15 awards we won from the North American Mature Publishers Association. Perhaps our fresh new layout will win us even more! (Please let us know what you think of it.)
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009
33 Acadian On Call 40 Aging and Disability Resource Center 30 ArkLaTex Home Health, Inc. 20 Azalea Estates Assisted Living 19 Balentine Ambulance 19 Bible Correspondence Course 7 BluePrint Louisiana 49 Boomer Summit 22 Brentwood Hospital - Senior Care 35 Carter Federal Credit Union 50 Centuries Memorial and Hillcrest 7 Certified Limb and Brace 47 Comfort Keepers 3 Community Hospices of America 19 Cruises, Inc. 47 Daniel C. Scarborough, IV, Attorney 32 Discover Limu 21 Dixie Tours 25 Dr. Bryan Vekovius 16 Dr. Gary Booker 7 Dr. David Persson 9 Dr. Laura Anissian 11 Dr. Ravish Patwardhan 33 Family Care Services 43 Fixx Medical Spa 12 Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana 5 Gamble Guest Care Group 34 Genworth Financial – T. Wayne DesLattes 7 Get a Game Plan 41 Gutter Helmet 35 Healthy Choices 23 Home Assistance Services, Inc. 43 Home Health Medical Supply 30 Home Medical Supply 56 Humana 50 Imperial Wok 21 IV Plus Pharmacy 15 Joe Gilsoul, Attorney January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
50 44 23 31 13 17 37 26 49 31 34 24 37 11 19 45 22 48 49 47 34 25 18 43 54 24 45 21 47 14 46 9 55 11 2
Judy Holland, realtor Kingsley Place –Shreveport Leslie Lakes Retirement Center Lil” Rascals Pet Care Live Oak Retirement Community Louisiana Drug Card Northwest INCS, Inc. NurseCare of Shreveport Odyssey HealthCare Pierremont Eye Institute Red River Coaches ResCare Home Care Robinson Film Center Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino Seniors Club Serio Investments ShoeBooty’s Restaurant Shreveport Little Theatre Shreveport Opera Shreve Hearing Aid Service Skin Technology Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics Spring Lake Assisted Living St. Joseph Hospice Sterling Health Plans Suzie’s Custom Monogramming Synergy Home Care TES Regional Healthcare Federal Credit Union Texas Roadhouse The Center for Families The User Friendly Phone Book The Waterford at Shreveport Total Care Medical Clinic United Home Health Care of Shreveport Willis Knighton Quick Care
Louisiana ranked least healthy state in the United States* *United Health Foundation
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It’s time to give our uninsured patients first-class access to health care. Blueprint Louisiana, with input from people like you, has developed a plan that improves access to local care and strengthens doctor training. And we need your help. Spend five minutes at www.blueprintlouisiana.org to learn how you can make a difference in improving not only health care, but ethics, education and roads, too. Together, we will make it happen. lll#WajZeg^ciadj^h^VcV#dg\ Paid for by Blueprint Louisiana
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THE BEST of TIMES January 2009
ICAA identifies active aging trends
This just in:
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Little Known law may result in a big benefit
A long-standing, but little known law allows retirees who have started receiving Social Security at the reduced benefit amount to change their minds about collecting. For example, when individuals start collecting at age 62, they will receive their benefit at the reduced amount. The law grants individuals the choice to repay all of the Social Security that they have received (plus any money withheld for Medicare premiums), and reapply when they have reached full retirement age, around age 66-67, and receive about 30% more, or wait until age 70, and receive around 60% more than they would at age 62.
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MEDICARE PAYMENT FOR OXYGEN EQUIPMENT rule changes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that changes how Medicare will pay for oxygen and oxygen equipment and capped rental items, and establishes new protections for beneficiaries who need these items. Oxygen and oxygen equipment and capped rental items are paid under the Medicare Part B durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. The final rule requires suppliers to transfer title of oxygen equipment to the beneficiary after 36 continuous months and capped rental items after 13 continuous months of rental payments.
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Free hearing and speech Equipment Available for the Deaf
Catholic Charities’ Deaf Action Center has partnered with the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf to loan hearing and speech equipment without fees to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled. The Deaf Action Center offers the following equipment: amplified telephone (designed with a volume control to be increased on both the handset and the ringer), voice carry overdevices, light signalers & receivers, TDD’s/TTY’s, telebraillers (TDD’s/TTY’s), large visual display (TDD’s/TTY’s), pocket speak and Read/VCO Compact TDD’s to connect those with hearing or speech disabilities to the hearing world. There are several requirements to receive the equipment. Please contact Michelle Simoneaux at (504) 481-0961 or msimoneaux@ archdiocese-no.org or Shari Bernius at (504) 615-7122 or sabernius@archdiocese-no.org for more information. January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
According to Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), today’s older adults are ready to take action to stay healthy and actively engaged with their friends, families and communities. Watching the trends in active aging is important because groups as diverse as government-funded social services and major real estate developers are repositioning themselves to appeal to a group of ‘new’ older adults who are not satisfied with sitting around. ICAA has identified these active aging trends: • The Internet is becoming the new link to health, social networking and travel. • Retirement communities are reinventing themselves with numerous activities and people with similar interests. • Boomers are keen on maintaining their mental and intellectual health. • Technology is inspiring activity in older adults, such as that found in console games like the Nintendo Wii. • Boomers will continue to work in retirement, but on their own terms. Flexible hours, interesting work or being their own bosses are the new parameters for working adults. • Lifelong learning opportunities keep growing, whether through formal academic programs or continuing education. • Age-friendly fitness opportunities are essential. • Health plans will pay for prevention.
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Six in ten Americans (60%) underestimate life expectancy and almost half (49%) underestimate the amount of pre-retirement income they’ll need once they retire. --MetLife Retirement Income IQ Study
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“LA Health First” Effort to Create a Sustainable System of Quality Health Care announced
Governor Bobby Jindal and DHH Secretary Alan Levine recently announced details on “Louisiana Health First.” The initiative focuses on expanding health insurance coverage for the state’s working poor and offering Medicaid consumers choices on insurance coverage rather than languishing in a government-imposed one-size-fits-all system. This initiative also works to reduce fraud and system abuse, ensure that providers are more involved in patient care, reward providers for better health outcomes, and increase transparency in the Medicaid system by making performance measures available on the Internet.
CCOA requests aid for seniors needing TV converter boxes
The Caddo Council on Aging (CCOA) and The Best of Times and are asking citizens in the Shreveport and Bossier City to help area senior citizens obtain discount coupons to purchase a television converter box so that they can continue to watch television after the “Big Switch� to digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009. Even if you do not need a TV converter box for your own use, please help others by calling toll free 1-888-388-2009 or log onto www.dtv2009.gov to request two coupons. Then simply mail the coupons to CCOA, Attention: Coupons, 4015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, LA 71109 or drop them off at the Council’s office. CCOA will give these discount coupons to area seniors for use in purchasing a TV converter box or will use the coupons to purchase TV converter boxes to distribute to needy seniors. Your assistance in this worthwhile project is greatly appreciated. If you have questions, please contact Mary Alice Rountree at 318-632-2090.
Nursing Home Quality Ratings Released
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released quality ratings for each of the nation’s nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid. Facilities are assigned star ratings based on health inspection surveys, staffing information, and quality of care measures. Ratings are available on the agency’s Nursing Home Compare website at www.medicare.gov.
“I Wanted an Affordable Retirement Lifestyle... Where I wouldn’t be bothered with responsibilities of home maintenance. I wanted a spacious apartment where I could relax in solitude. I wanted a community where I could invite my family to join me for meals and outings.� “I found everything I wanted at The Waterford. My family even celebrated my birthday in the private dining room. Best of all, my pet is welcome here.� Call today for more information
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THE BEST of TIMES ďƒź January 2009 ďƒž
This Just In:
Turning up the thermostat could lighten your mood
Loneliness and coldness are often associated in everyday language, but psychologists have found that social isolation does make people feel cold. The University of Toronto team found people feeling excluded said a room was colder than those feeling included. Researchers suggest that raising the temperature could help someone who is feeling low - in the same way that people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are helped with light therapy.
Sleep Apnea in Alzheimer’s Patients Helps Cognition Treating Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment seems to improve cognitive functioning in patients with Alzheimer’s disease who also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to the results of a randomized clinical trial conducted at the University of California, San Diego. Although it is unlikely that OSA causes dementia, the lowered oxygen levels and sleep fragmentation associated with OSA might worsen cognitive function.
The Art of Aging
A study from the National Center for Creative Aging, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, released promising preliminary results that demonstrate the positive effects of involvement of older adults in experiential cultural programs such as music, poetry, dance, conducted by professional artists. Among other findings, those who participated experienced significantly better overall health and diminished use of medications. Creative aging is the way to go!
It’s better to give than receive
A new study shows that elderly people who care for a disabled or dying spouse appear to live longer than those who are not saddled with such responsibilities. Researchers admit that findings seem to fly in the face of the conventional wisdom that caregiving can be extremely stressful. But it is believed that this type of work can give people a sense of purpose and meaning that may help offset some of the potentially harmful effects of stress.
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Those with positive attitudes toward aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive attitudes. --Researchers from Yale University 10 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
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ARtificial Pancreas Could Revolutionize Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
University of Virginia investigators have completed the first of several successful international artificial pancreas clinical trials to test an individually-tailored, computerized system which automatically regulates a Type 1 diabetic’s blood glucose and insulin needs. The system entirely maintained the patients’ blood glucose levels, and the algorithm achieved excellent overnight control without any incidence of hypoglycemia. Instead of a patient having to measure his or her blood sugar with a glucose meter several times a day and self-administer insulin injections, this system would continuously regulate the patient’s blood glucose, much like the way a non-diabetic’s pancreas functions.
sex is not just for the young
Despite the stereotypes surrounding sexuality and older adults, recent studies suggest that a healthy sex life is not only fulfilling for older adults, but also good for promoting physical health and self-esteem. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy sex life later in life: l Talk to your partner: Develop emotional and physical intimacy by communicating your needs, desires and concerns with your partner. l Be safe: If you’re dating, practice safe sex with a condom and consider getting tested together for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV. l Avoid being predictable. Set a romantic mood and explore new ways to connect emotionally and physically with your partner. l Be healthy: Eating right and staying active will contribute to sexuality. l Talk to your doctor: Don’t be shy about asking your doctor for advice about protecting yourself from STDs or treatments for common sexual problems.
Looking for Heart Disease? Check the Eyes The eyes may carry important early clues to heart disease, signaling damage to tiny blood vessels long before symptoms start to show elsewhere. People with retinopathy were more likely to die of heart disease over the next 12 years than those without it, according to researchers. They were nearly twice as likely to die of heart disease as people without it. Retinopathy raised the risk of heart disease as much as diabetes did, the research team found. Diabetes is a well known risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in most industrialized nations and many developing ones. People with these changes may be getting a first warning that damage is occurring in their arteries, and work to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
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THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 11
Fruits and vegetables may boost bone health
Here’s to good nutrition:
dates are a sweet reason to Smile
Dates are rich in the element fluorine - a component of fluoride, that enamel-friendly compound that can actually strengthen tooth enamel and guard against plaque. Dates also provide the body with fiber and important vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Of course, dates also contain sugar, so don’t forget regular brushing and flossing.
spice up your health with ginger
Fresh ginger’s irresistible aroma and great taste are only the beginning. It’s best known for quelling motion sickness, but fresh ginger has also been shown to help alleviate nausea due to chemotherapy, soothe a sour stomach, calm achy joints, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and may even help fend off the common cold!
bet you can’t eat just one
Just one Brazil nut completely meets the body’s need for the antioxidant mineral selenium. They also contain some complete protein (they have all the essential amino acids in one package) and zinc (for boosting immunity and for stress relief). Their one drawback: saturated fat (5 grams in 6 to 8 of nuts).
The mediterranean diet goes nuts
A traditional Mediterranean diet - characterized by a high intake of cereals, vegetables, fruits and olive oil, a moderate intake of fish and alcohol and a low intake of dairy, meats and sweets - with an additional daily serving of mixed nuts appears to be more useful that the diet alone for managing some metabolic abnormalities in older adults at high risk for heart disease, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The metabolic syndrome is a set of metabolic abnormalities that includes abdominal obesity and high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood glucose levels.
12 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
Diets high in protein and cereal grains produce excess acid in the body which may increase calcium excretion and weaken bones. A new study found that increasing the alkali content of the diet through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has the opposite effect and strengthens skeletal health. With aging, we become less able to excrete the acid. The body may counteract the acid through a process in which bones are broken down to release minerals leading to declines in bone mass and increases in fracture risk. When fruits and vegetables are metabolized they add bicarbonate, an alkaline compound, to the body resulting in a favorable effect on bone resorption and calcium excretion. This suggests that increasing the alkali content of the diet may attenuate bone loss in healthy older adults.
Fast food value meals may not be a bargain when considering potential health costs. The worst offenders are: l Jack in the Box’s junior bacon cheeseburger - 23 grams of fat (8 grams of saturated fat), 55 mg. cholesterol and 860 mg. of sodium. l Taco Bell’s cheesy double beef burrito - 460 calories, 20 grams of fat and a whopping 1,620 mg. of sodium. l The Burger King breakfast sausage biscuit - 27 grams of fat (15 grams of saturated fat) and 1,000 mg. of sodium. l Wendy’s junior bacon cheeseburger - 310 calories and 16 grams of fat. (The Cancer Project)
Eating fish at least twice a week seems to reduce the incidence of kidney disease in patients with diabetes. Although diabetics are advised to limit dietary protein to delay the progression of kidney disease, recent observations suggest that the benefit to the kidneys may have more to do with the protein source rather than the quantity.
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By The Medicare Rights Center
(www.medicarerights.org)
Glaucoma screenings, Medicare Savings Programs and Medicare Part D Enrollment Dear Marci,
Dear Marci,
I became eligible for Medicare this past summer and am going to my eye doctor for my annual checkup soon. Does Medicare cover glaucoma screenings? --Gareth Dear Gareth, Medicare will not generally pay for routine eye care, but if you are at high risk for glaucoma, Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost of an annual (once every 12 months) glaucoma screening after you pay your annual Part B deductible. The screening must be performed or supervised by a state-licensed eye doctor. You are considered at high risk for the disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, have a family history of glaucoma, are African American and 50 or older, or are Hispanic American and 65 or older. ~Marci
I didn’t apply for Medicare when I turned 65 even though I did not have health coverage from my job or my husband’s. I am now 68. I know that there is a penalty for enrolling late. Is there any way I can avoid this? --Kath Dear Kath, It is possible if you have low income. If you apply for and are accepted into one of the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) that help pay for Medicare, you will not have to pay the Part B premium penalty. The Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB or QI-1), also known as Medicare BuyIn programs, will pay your full Part B premium - including the penalty - for you. You can apply for an MSP at any time through your local Medicaid office. Your Medicare coverage will begin when your MSP takes effect. ~Marci
Dear Marci,
I have had Medicare for a few years and was going to sign up for a Medicare Part
14 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
D drug plan but I missed the enrollment period that ended in December. Is it too late to sign up for a plan now? --Mabel Dear Mabel, After you first qualify for Medicare, most people can only sign up for the Medicare drug benefit during the Annual Coordinated Election Period that runs between November 15 and December 31 every year. But in some cases you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). For example, you may qualify for an SEP if you have certain other kinds of drug coverage (such as benefits from a current or former employer, or a state pharmaceutical assistance program). However, if you are joining Part D after you were first eligible for the benefit, and have not had coverage as least as good as Part D (“creditable coverage”), you may pay a penalty when you join. If you have low income, and apply for and are approved for Extra Help, a federal program for people with low incomes and few assets, you can enroll in a Medicare private drug plan outside of standard enrollment periods. Your drug coverage
will begin the month you became eligible for the assistance. Extra Help helps pay for some or most of the costs of Medicare drug coverage. You can apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration, using either the agency’s print or online application (available at www. ssa.gov). Even if you are enrolling in Part D after you were first eligible for the benefit, if you get Extra Help, you will not have to pay a late-enrollment penalty, as long as you enroll in a Medicare private drug plan. For more information on other SEPs please go to: www. medicareinteractive.org/uploadedDocuments/sep_chart. pdf ~Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of MRC, the nation’s largest independent source of info 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, e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights. org. To learn more, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at MRC’s website at www. medicareinteractive.org.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 15
By betsy Williams, Psy.D.,
Executive Director of The Center of Families with scratched out words and question Put down marks and maybe, those even underlines. We resolutions start thinking: “Will I keep them, what and start a would be the easiest revolution to keep, etc. etc. So, let’s do something different for O k a y , f o r 2 0 0 8 , t h e 2009. Let’s start a revoluholidays are over, no more tion! Think about it, we write reading of “The First Christ- down all those things that we mas”, no more opening those “resolve” to do. Why can’t we presents, and yes, no more write down one thing that we anticipating that jolly man want to revolutionize. Now, I know that sounds big, however, it really is not that big. Let’s explore. When we resolve to do something like make a change in our life, it, basically, means we have accepted the fact that we need to make that change. This acceptance usually lasts about a week, and we begin to review and decide that we don’t need to make that change now. “Let’s wait until spring when I can get out and walk these extra pounds off.” with the white beard and red However, when we start a suit. Now, we busy ourselves revolution, we use positive with making those pesky energy to make a change. New Year’s Resolutions. Simply put, we make a comWe make lists upon lists mitment to do something to
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When we resolve to do something like make a change in our life, it, basically, means we have accepted the fact that we need to make that change.
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16 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
make life better for all. For example, we can resolve to lose those extra pounds, however, we can start a revolution to become healthier. So, how do we get started on this revolution?! First, let’s put down that pen and decide on what is something that we want to change; not necessarily about ourselves, but collectively as a family, community, and nation. You don’t need a list of revolutions, just one can make a great impact. Second, recognize that we are not alone. We write down those resolutions, only to find that they don’t last because we feel we are doing this all by ourselves. With a revolution, we can join others in making improvements in many ways. Third, choose our revolution. There are many causes that we have a passion for; just not sure our “small” contribution would be helpful. Fourth, know we are helpful just by being a part of something. There are many revolutions going on out there such as feeding those who are hungry, reading to a person who can no longer see, and being supportive to those who are battling chronic illness. So, what is your passion for the year, 2009? Is it making life a little easier for someone you know? Or, is it, simply, giving someone something to smile about? All it takes is four easy steps: (1) Put down that pen and decide to start. (2) Recognize that you are not alone. (3) Choose your revolution. (4) Know you are helpful by being a part of what gives you passion. So, put down that list of resolutions and pick up your passionate revolution! The Center for Families is a non-profit agency providing individual and family counseling on a sliding fee scale.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 17
January is glaucoma awareness month
Glaucoma damages the eye’s optic nerve and is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It typically occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises. The increased pressure destroys the nerve cells in the eye, which leads to vision loss. Sometimes called the ‘silent thief of sight’, glaucoma can damage vision so gradually that individuals do not notice any loss of vision until the disease is at an advanced stage. Initially there are often no symptoms. Then there may be blind spots in the peripheral, or side, vision. If glaucoma is left untreated, central vision will also be affected. Half of all people with loss of vision caused by glaucoma are not aware they have the disease. By the time they notice loss of vision, the eye damage is severe and permanent. Rarely, an individual will have an acute (sudden or
short-term) attack of glaucoma. In these cases, the eye becomes red and extremely painful. Nausea, vomiting and blurred vision may also occur. There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle closure glaucoma. Glaucoma can be primary or secondary to other conditions. It’s primary when the cause is unknown and secondary when the condition can be traced to a known cause, such as eye injury, inflammation, tumor, or advanced cataract or diabetes. Because chronic forms of glaucoma can destroy vision before any signs or symptoms are apparent, be aware of these risk factors: Elevated internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure). If your intraocular pressure is higher than normal, you’re at increased risk of developing glaucoma, though not everyone with elevated intraocular pressure develops the disease. Age. Everyone older than 60 is at increased risk of glaucoma. For certain population groups such as African-Americans, however, the risk is much higher than expected and the
18 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
process is detectable at a younger age than is the case for the general population. African-Americans should begin to have their eye pressure monitored before age 30. Ethnic background. African-Americans are six to eight times more likely to get glaucoma than are Caucasians, and they are much more likely to experience permanent blindness as a result. Mexican-Americans also face an increased risk. Asian-Americans are at slightly higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma, and Japanese-Americans are at a greater risk of developing low-tension glaucoma. Family history of glaucoma. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you have a much greater risk of developing it. Glaucoma may have a genetic link, meaning there’s a defect in causing certain individuals to be unusually susceptible to the disease. A form of juvenile open-angle glaucoma has been clearly linked to genetic abnormalities. Medical conditions. Diabetes, a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or hypothyroidism can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Other eye conditions. Severe eye injuries can result in increased eye pressure. Injury can also dislocate the lens, closing the drainage angle. Other risk factors include retinal detachment, eye tumors and eye inflammations, such as chronic uveitis and iritis. Certain types of eye surgery also may trigger secondary glaucoma. Nearsightedness. Being nearsighted, which generally means that objects in the distance look fuzzy without glasses or contacts, increases the risk of developing glaucoma. Prolonged corticosteroid use. Using corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time appears to increase the risk of getting
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Glaucoma, known as the ‘silent thief of sight,’ is the leading cause of preventable blindness, and in it’s most common form, there are virtually no symptoms.
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secondary glaucoma. This is especially true with use of corticosteroid eyedrops. Tests that can establish a diagnosis of glaucoma include: Tonometry is a simple, painless procedure that measures intraocular pressure, after numbing the eyes with drops. It is usually the initial screening test for glaucoma. Test for optic nerve damage. The doctor uses an instrument that enables him or her to look directly through the pupil to the back of your eye. This can reveal slight changes that may indicate the beginnings of glaucoma. Photographs and drawings of the optic nerve document the severity of the condition. Visual field tests evaluate the peripheral (side) vision. Pachymetry determines the thickness of each cornea. Those with thick corneas, may have eye pressure readings that are artificially high. Similarly, those with thin corneas can have normal pressure readings and still have glaucoma. Other tests. To distinguish between open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, the eye doctor may use gonioscopy to inspect the drainage angle. Tonography, can measure how quickly fluid drains from your eye. Good nutrition by eating a balanced diet will ensure that individuals receive a good supply of those vitamins and minerals that are important to the eye, such as zinc and copper, antioxidant vitamins C, E, and A (as beta carotene), and selenium, an antioxidant mineral. If you are concerned about your diet, consult with your doctor about taking a mulitvitamin or multimineral nutritional supplement. New research suggests that regular exercise can reduce eye pressure on its own, and can also have a positive impact on other glaucoma risk factors including diabetes and high blood pressure. Glaucoma is not curable, and vision loss cannot be regained. Early diagnosis through regular routine screening and treatment of glaucoma is the key to preventing vision loss. If diagnosed with glaucoma, treatments usually include prescription eye drops and/or eye surgery. The purpose of treatment is to lower the pressure in the eye so that further nerve damage and vision loss are prevented. THE BEST of TIMES ďƒź January 2009 ďƒž 19
By Jason Alderman, director of
Visa’s financial education programs free-lunch financial seminars that promise Beware of to significantly boost your retirement savfinancial ings returns. While scams some are legitimate, others use high-pressure sales tactics Many people find it in- to steer seniors into risky, creasingly difficult to make fee-heavy investments or anends meet in today’s troubled nuities, or sell them products economy, whether because they don’t need or that are of mortgage woes, high impractical for their situation. fuel costs, job insecurity or Before entrusting your hardother financial problems. earned money with anyone, If that weren’t bad enough, particularly from an unsolicited predatory con artists target offer, do your homework. The these vulnerable folks with U.S. Securities and Exchange increasingly sophisticated Commission offers comprescams designed to cheat hensive advice to help seniors them just when they can least manage their investments, afford it. including key questions to ask Seniors are particularly investment advisors (www.sec. at risk because they often gov/investor/seniors.shtml) live on fixed incomes, face Other helpful sites include increased medical costs and the North American Secuare looking for ways to make rity Administrators’ Fraud their savings keep up with Center, which provides tips inflation. for spotting con artists, top Here are a few troubling investor traps and more (go frauds making the rounds: to www.nasaa.org and type Retirement investment “Fraud Center” in the search scams. If you’re over 50, engine), and AARP’s Investyour mailbox has likely been ment Fraud Center (visit www. flooded with offers to attend aarp.org/sitemap and click on
20 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
“Be a Wise Consumer” under “Money and Work”). “Foreclosure rescue” scams. The Better Business Bureau reports an alarming increase in unscrupulous companies preying on homeowners facing possible foreclosure because they can’t meet their mortgage payments. Some companies promise to negotiate with the lender on the owner’s behalf - for a sizeable upfront fee. Others use more nefarious practices such as “equity skimming,” where they convince the homeowner to add an investor’s name to the home’s title, in exchange for lowered payments while supposedly working out a payment plan
with the lender. This ruse drains equity from the home and often results in owners losing their homes and being left even further in debt. It’s far wiser to call your lender directly as soon as you think you may have trouble paying your mortgage. Also consider working with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counselor. To find one, visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call 800-569-4287. Fake check scams. The countless variations on this scheme usually involve someone offering to buy something you’re selling, provide an advance on a contest you sup-
posedly won or pay you to work at home. They’ll send an authentic-–looking check for more than the correct amount and ask you to wire them the difference. Meanwhile, the check you deposited is fraudulent. Even though your bank may initially clear it, you are responsible for making good on the money when the check ultimately bounces – you could even face legal charges. Bottom line: There’s no legitimate reason for someone giving you money to ask for funds to be wired back. For tips on spotting and avoiding these and other check scams, visit the National Consumers League’s fraud center at www. fraud.org. It’s a good idea to consult a financial professional about any decisions concerning your money. If you don’t know one, www.plannersearch.org is a good place to start your search. Bottom line, remember the old sayings: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” and “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Sign up for Jason Alderman’s free monthly e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills. com/newsletter.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 21
By Lee ARonson, an attorney with
Legal Services of North Louisiana ished from every other parish in the state except You are for one: Caddo. Sound hereby fair to you? Could New banished! Orleans do something like that to us? Well, something like this hasn’t happened Imagine if the folks in- in Louisiana, but it has hapvolved with the criminal pened recently in Georgia. justice system down in New Georgia, like Louisiana, has a Orleans got together and State Constitution. But unlike came up with a master plan Louisiana, Georgia’s Constito send all of their criminals tution is very specific about to Shreveport. Here’s how it banishment: “Neither banishwould work. Once a criminal ment beyond the limits of the is found guilty, he would be state nor whipping shall be put on probation and one of allowed as a punishment for the conditions of probation crime.” But when Greg Terry would be that he must leave was convicted of a crime in New Orleans. In fact, not Georgia, the Judge sentenced only would the criminal be Mr. Terry to be “banished banished from New Orleans, from every county in the State but he also would be ban- of Georgia except Toombs
County.” And Mr. Terry wasn’t the only one to receive such a sentence. According to one article I read, “a single prosecutor in DeKalb County has had over 200 defendants banished to Echols County.” Mr. Terry decided to challenge his sentence. He felt that banishment from all of Georgia’s 159 Counties except one was effectively “banishment beyond the limits of the state” and therefore violated the State Constitution. His case eventually made its way up to the Georgia Supreme Court. Although one of the Supreme Court Judges agreed with Mr. Terry’s argument, a majority of the Judges held that Mr. Terry’s sentence was just fine. Nothing illegal about it. One of the Judges went as far as to point out that “It would not be unreasonable for [Mr. Terry] to remain in prison for the rest of his life. With that said, the court’s decision to allow Terry the freedom to enjoy the pleasures of Toombs County is an act of grace and mercy.”
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Could such a ruling happen in Louisiana? Keep in mind that banishment has a long legal history. Before we signed the Declaration of Independence, Britain would often banish its criminals to America. (Ben Franklin suggested that America return this “favor” by shipping rattlesnakes to Britain.) And banishment was common in the American colonies: Salem would banish their residents for “fornication, blasphemy and refusal to attend church.” So, could New Orleans ship all of it’s criminals up to Shreveport? I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. (Anyone think we should try to beat New Orleans to the punch?) Louisiana’s Constitution, like most State Constitutions, doesn’t mention banishment at all. And the United States Supreme Court has never ruled on the issue of banishment from a part of a State or certain areas
of a State. And no Louisiana court that I know of has addressed this issue either. The only Louisiana case that I know about that comes close to addressing this issue involved a woman from Honduras named Victoria Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez was found guilty of manslaughter and the judge sentenced her to 10 years imprisonment at hard labor. However, the judge then suspended the sentence and placed Ms. Sanchez on active probation and imposed, as a special condition of probation, “that [Ms. Sanchez] leave the United States and return to Honduras, permanently.” The ruling was appealed and the Louisiana appellate court, without much of an explanation, found banishment as a special condition of probation to be unconstitutional. Lee Aronson’s practice areas include consumer protection, housing and health care law.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 23
By Judge Jeff Cox, 26th Judicial District
Court Judge for Bossier/Webster Parishes, Div. C cial decisions, and take care of their business. Health care In addition to a and wealth Financial Power considerations of Attorney, the patient needs to have a Health Care Power of This month’s magazine Attorney. The Health Care focuses around Health Care. Power of Attorney will allow Wealth and health care con- the person who has the Power siderations should be given of Attorney to make medical thought any time a person decisions on behalf of the is about to enter the hospi- critically ill patient. If a person tal or nursing home. The enters hospice and does not following items should be have a Power of Attorney, considered when a patient then persons seeking to care starts to enter a health care for the patient will have to facility. get court approval through an First, does the patient interdiction proceeding that have a Power of Attorney? will take time and a significant Persons who are terminally amount of money. ill need to consider who will The next thing to conpay their bills, make finan- sider is the patient’s Last A member of the ResCare family of companies
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Will and Testament. If the patient has a Will, that Will needs to be checked to make sure it is current and up to date. If it is not up to date and the person has the capacity to make changes, the person needs to update the Will prior to entering a health care facility. Third, the patient needs to have a Living Will, if they desire to make a declaration concerning life-sustaining procedures. The Living Will declares what care the patient wants. The Louisiana Legislature enacted a new Living Will statute in 2006 setting forth certain requirements for Living Wills done after August 15th, 2006. If the patient is entering a health care facility at this time and does not have a Living
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Wealth and health care considerations should be given thought any time a person is about to enter the hospital or a nursing home.
~
Will, considerations should be given of whether or not to execute a Living Will. Fourth, in light of the preceding article, the patient needs to consider a Do Not Resucitate Order. If the patient stops breathing or goes into cardiac arrest, this order, if signed will keep the health care personnel from doing any heroic measures to bring the patient back to life. Careful consideration should be made regarding this order and it should not be entered into lightly. Fifth, the patient needs to make sure that all persons know where important papers, titles, documents, life insurance policies, and health care policies are located. This will help family members once the patient passes away and keep them from having to search and possibly miss an important document. In addition, health
care companies will need to be contacted in order to pay for the patient’s Hospice Care. Finally, the patient needs to consider funeral arrangements. If arrangements have not been made, the patient must consider how he or she wishes to be buried. By making funeral arrangements while the patient is able to help, the patient will be able to decide how they wish to be buried. In addition, the patient can help choose the music and type of service that they wish to have conducted. The items listed above are a general list to consider before a patient enters any type of health care facility. Many more things may need to be considered. If at all possible, the patient and his or her family needs to consult an attorney who regularly practices in the area of estate and long term care planning prior to entering a health care facility.
N rev Sout EW h No epor east wO tO PE ffice N!
Sh
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26 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
By AMANDA NEWTON According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, the average life expectancy in 1920 was 54. Today, that has climbed to 78. Talk about progress! But let’s face it, although 78 is a lot better than 54, it is still not as long as many people live. Today, many people live into their 80s. And there are more and more people living into their 90s each day thanks to medical advances and a better general understanding about health. There is no reason not to shoot for reaching 100 - many people do. But suppose you want to add years to life and you want them to be quality years. There are steps you can take today to help make that happen. It doesn’t matter if you are 25 or 55, the tips below will improve the quality of life for the people who implement them. If you can implement them all immediately, great! But if not, pick just a few and work up to doing all of them. As you start seeing the benefits, you will be inspired to put them into practice.
Ditch the Tobacco Habit - Cigarettes and other tobacco products are bad for you on so many levels. They are costly, both to purchase, and to pay
for additional health care to combat the longterm effects. And, smoking cigarettes really decreases your average life span. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that adult male smokers lost approximately 13.2 years of their lives and female smokers lost 14.5 years of their lives because of smoking. Additionally, those chronic diseases that are often associated with smoking tend to greatly reduce a person’s quality of life.
Feel the Burn - A
study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that participants who had moderate to high exercise routines lived 1.3 to 3.7 years longer than their couch potato counterparts. That is pretty profound. Julie Caswell, health promotion coordinator at Christus Schumpert Wellness Center, has an even more profound favorite statistic. “My favorite new (statistic) is from the THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 27
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
American Heart Association and it says for every hour of exercise you do, you add two hours to your life,” Caswell said. Now that is a really good return on investment, which is hard to find these days. “I think (one hour) is a good starting point,” she said. “One hour gets you two back.” If you are not in shape but you want to start an exercise program, see your physician first, Caswell said. If you are just starting out, 10 minute walks are g o o d enough
for one day, and then build up incrementally two to five minutes each workout thereafter. Add strength training to your routine too. “Strength training is very important because you want to keep the muscles and the bones strong,”Caswell said. “We want the mature population to continue or even begin strength training. If they have never done a strength training program then professional assistance is recommended.”
Exercise Your Brain, Too
- According to one study by Neurology Online, people who mentally exercised their brains had a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and a risk of Alzheimer’s that was 2.6 times less than people who did not stimulate their mind. Thomas Reilly, a geriatric medicine physician in Shreveport, said just about any type of puzzle activity, games or cards can exercise the brain. “Consistently reading and anything that uses your mind (works),” he said. “If you just sit around and watch TV, that is inactive and that doesn’t help. If you are trying to puzzle out something or do artistic endeavors…anything creative requires thinking and will help preserve (cognition).”
Protect Your Skin - Many people don’t take sun protection and skin cancer seriously enough. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types, with more than one million cases
diagnosed a year in the United States. If you want to prolong your life, and have better skin too, wear sunscreen, limit your exposure to the sun during peak hours and wear sunglasses (yes, eyes can suffer the effects of too much sun, too). Always pay close attention to any new skin blemishes or moles that you notice and have them checked out by a doctor.
Check-In for Check-Ups - Any list
of tips for improving your health will tell you to visit your doctor regularly. Visiting your doctor for an annual check-up means ailments are detected before they start and treatment can be started for emerging problems. And it is never too late to begin improving your health, either. “But it is like saving for retirement, the earlier you do it the better,” Reilly said. He had a list of three things that are important to lengthening life. “The most effective thing is getting on a regular exercise program. The second thing you should do is stop smoking. The third thing, which is very important, is controlling blood pressure.” And don’t worry, roughly half and hour, three times a week, is enough to stabilize things, Reilly said, although he did have a few qualifications for that exercise. “The exercise needs to be active, where you breathe a little bit hard and your pulse goes up a little bit.”
Buy More From the Produce Section - According to the
World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, diets that contain substantial and varied amounts of fruits and vegetables may potentially prevent 20 percent or more cancer cases. Lisa Stansbury, a nutritionist and diabetes educator at Christus Schumpert diabetes and Outpatient Nutrition Center, 28 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
wants people to eat what she calls “true vegetables.” Contrary to popular belief, that does not include beans, peas and corn; those are classified as starches. “My disclaimer is that you have to understand what a healthy vegetable is,” Stansbury said. “This is why people are gaining weight; they want to eat beans and peas and corn, and they don’t want to eat green beans, broccoli and cauliflower. What is considered a vegetable is your squash, carrots, lettuces of all kinds and any kind of green. We have to reintroduce to people what is healthier so they can maintain a good weight or maybe lose a little weight. When you get your AARP card, you need to start changing your diet. At the age of 50, that is when you can lose five or 10 pounds and it really does have a positive effect on future illnesses.”
Feast on Fish
- The Harvard School of Public Health reported that eating up to two portions of fish on a weekly basis is beneficial. Eating fish could possibly cut the risk of death by heart disease by one-third. Fish have omega-3 fatty acids and those particular fatty acids are great for humans. They keep blood from clotting, lower the amount of fats in the bloodstream, reduce the risk of obesity and provide a lot of nutrients like selenium, antioxidants and protein.
Have a Drink, But Not Too Much - While moderate alcohol
consumption may lengthen your life, too much will shorten your life, so it pays to know the recommendations and stick to them. The Archives of Internal Medicine published research that showed men who drink up to four drinks on a daily basis and women who drink up to two drinks per day reduce the risk of death from any cause by roughly 18 percent. Sounds great right? Be aware, however, that men and women who drink more than this amount curtail their lifespan and increase their risk of death.
Get Plenty of Sleep - Now
there is no need to start patterning your
sleep patterns after those of cats. But adequate sleep will help lengthen your life. A study from the Sleep Health Centers in Boston reported that getting less than six hours of sleep a night increased the risk of dying. How, you ask? Well, one way is that too little sleep will increase your risk of diabetes. Sleeping reduces the levels of leptin, which is the hormone that signals us to stop eating. Excess weight increases a person’s risk of diabetes. Experts say you need to get between six to nine hours of sleep in order for you body to perform at its best.
Be a Glass Half Full Person
- In 2002, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50 percent compared to those who were more pessimistic. Optimists are also less likely to suffer from depression and helplessness, and might be more likely to seek medical help for health problems that arise. There isn’t an easy way to become more optimistic, but David McMillian, a marriage and family therapist did have a tip for becoming more of a glass half-full person. “The most important step is to recognize it,” he said. “And that is an interesting word ‘recognize.’ Look at it—re-cognize. To cognize is to think so when we are recognizing something we are rethinking it. It is first and foremost a recognition thing. I think that is extremely important.” So take a minute and rethink your view on life.
touch is beneficial, too, said McMillian. “I think human beings are wired to need touch. I would not connect touch (strictly to those who are married). We are wired to need human touch. It is factory installed.” McMillian said we probably don’t have enough touch in our society today. “There are a lot of blocks, even with people who love each other. In our digital age, we are probably interacting less person-to-person.”
Go Low Fat/Low Calorie
- Most experts agree that if you want to hit that 100 year mark, you can’t do it eating fast food and TV dinners. When you cut back on fat, you also tend to cut back on calories. This makes it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It is also very important to pay attention to portion size. Even something like fruit can throw a healthy eating plan off track if you don’t adhere to proper portions. “Eating a whole bag of grapes while you are watching TV is not a serving of fruit,” said Stansbury. “Eating half a watermelon is not a serving of fruit. Fruit is good for you but you have to respect the caloric
Cuddle
Researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that couples who had physical contact, such as a brief hug and ten minutes of hand holding, actually lowered their heart rates and blood pressure by 50 percent. Touching is important, but does not have to be relegated to only couples. Platonic THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 29
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE value and the serving sizes.” Stansbury would also prefer for people to get their servings of fruit from whole fruit and not just juice. “The problem with fruit juice is it has 60 calories per half cup. Nobody uses those little juice glasses we grew up with - they use tumblers. That much juice is the caloric equivalent of a coke. The body doesn’t register that it is juice, it just registers calories.”
lead to tooth loss, heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.
yourself a cup and enjoy - your heart will thank you.
Get A Handle on Stress – Hit the Books – A recent study We all deal with stress everyday, but how a person responds to it can keep it from negatively affecting health. Stress can slow the flow of blood to the heart, raise cholesterol, negatively impact mental wellbeing and weaken the immune system. To combat the impacts of stress try massage, meditation or exercise. Or, put on your favorite music and dance, which will work, too.
at Harvard showed a correlation between a longer lifespan and people with at least one year of college when compared to those without a college education. In
Keep Your Choppers in Tip Top Shape - Regular trips Think Green (Tea) to the dentist are important for your overall health. What? You didn’t know that? Regular visits help prevent the onset of diseases like gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease that causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis and other severe gum ailments, when left untreated, can
30 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
– Here in the South we love our tea. The next time you visit the grocery store to stock up, reach for green tea. A recent study found adults who consumed the most green tea during an eleven year duration were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to the less frequent tea-drinkers. So, pour
fact, those who had at least one year of college increased their lifespan by almost 1.6 years. The great thing is it is never too late to go to school. Many universities offer free or reduced tuition to those over
50 or 55 years of age. You don’t need to go back for a degree in physics, just take a few classes that interest you.
practical to get vitamins from the food you eat. But for filling in any gaps, nothing beats a good multi-vitamin.
Make a Multi-vitamin Say “I Do”- Can wedding bells a longer life? Yes, according to Part of your Routine - The signal research reported on in the Journal of EpiJournal of the American Medical Association recommended vitamins as a way to prevent heart disease because they showed strong benefits. A trip to your
demiology and Community Health. The data showed the death rate for people who were unmarried was considerably higher compared to people who were married and living with their spouses. There was a difference in death rates between married and divorced, separated or widowed, but the largest difference was between those who were married and those who had never married.
Laugh, Laugh and Laugh Some More
local pharmacy will reveal a plethora of multi-vitamins. Just about any of them will benefit you and provide minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts, and other specialty nutrients. It is always best but not always
–-You may have heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine,” and now evidence is backing that claim up. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, average blood flow typically increases 22 percent during and after
bursts of laughter compared to a decrease in blood flow by 35 percent during mental stress. Belly laughs, giggles and guffaws increase your immune system response, lower blood sugar levels in diabetics, increase oxygen flow throughout the body, and bring about an overall state of relaxation that can mean better sleep.
Be a Cat or a Dog Person
- Research done at the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that interaction with pets reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This ability that pets have to reduce our stress levels helps add years to our lives. Want some concrete numbers to back up that claim? Pet ownership has increased the percentage of people who survived one year after being hospitalized for heart problems. Only six percent of non-pet owners survived whereas 28 percent of pet owners survived. In addition to lowering stress levels, pets can also be good for helping out with a little extra laughter. And, since exercise is one of the tips for a longer life, a dog that requires a daily walk will ensure that you and Fido get moving.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 31
BY Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.,
author of “The 24-hour Pharmacist” the wrong product, you could worsen your symptoms. Even though you see thousands of brand name products (and generic equivalents), the combinations are formed from about 15 major ingredients. Here are some medicines to beat the misery of colds: Fever: Use products containing “acetaminophen” sold under brand names like Tylenol or Feverall. There are many dosage forms to accommodate children such as drops, liquids, suppositories, chewables and ‘meltaways.’ Another fever reducer is “ibuprofen” also found in some pediatric products. Always call your doctor for fevers over 102 degrees and never give children aspirin for
Medicines to beat the misery of colds Dear Pharmacist, I’ve had a cold for several days, and I get them frequently. I often spread the germs to my family. I’m not interested in health food store potions, I want to know what you as a pharmacist recommend for the symptoms. Thanks. – N.L., San Francisco, CA Medicine is easy for me to talk about since I’ve been a pharmacist for 20 years. There are many products, in fact the colorful assortment is almost dizzying and if you pick
32 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
their fever. Body Aches: Use formulas containing “ibuprofen” or “naproxen” to relieve pain and inflammation. You’ll find these ingredients in brand names such as Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen). Careful, they tend to cause upset stomach so you should take these with food. Avoid if you have GI problems like reflux, heartburn or ulcers. Stuffy Nose: You can squirt a nasal spray like Afrin or Dristin into your nose for 3 days or less which provides immediate relief and unstuffs clogged sinuses. You can also take oral products that contain “pseudoephedrine” (brand Sudafed) to work from the inside out. These products can increase heart rate and blood pressure so they are contraindicated in people who suffer with high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Runny Nose: Most people take antihistamines. The old
standby is “diphenhydramine,” sold as Benadryl. Be warned, it makes you very sleepy. The newer antihistamine “loratadine” (Claritin or Alavert) is able to dry up sinus drainage without the drowsiness. These products are contraindicated in people with an overactive thyroid, enlarged prostate or glaucoma. Cough: Most people buy cough suppressants containing “dextromethorphan” or DM such as Robitussin DM. This is fine for a persistent dry cough. But you should ask your doctor whether or not she wants you to suppress your cough. She may prefer that you to loosen up chest congestion and spit up the phlegm, getting it up and out of you. If that’s the case you want a formula that contains “guaifenesin” not DM. For this reason, I often recommend taking either guaifenesin or DM, but not both of them together. Pick the cough medicine you need, based on your symptom or you could make yourself more miserable. 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.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 33
Caddo Council on Aging Salutes Foster Grandparents
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a part-time service program sponsored locally by the Caddo Council on Aging, Inc. and funded by the National Senior Service Corps. (Senior Corps), the Federal Agency which promotes volunteerism in those age 60 and older. The local FGP has been in existence since 1981. Foster Grandparents share a lifetime of wisdom and experiences. They give children muchneeded attention that can forever change their lives. They help children learn to read, care for children with disabilities, offer emotional support to children who have been abused and neglected and offer mentoring, tutoring, advice, and life skills. The local FGP honors one volunteer each month. Those so honored in 2008 (pictured above): Jessie Lee Rushing (December), Flory Burney (November), Marilyn Ellison (October), Gussie Grant (September), Annie Hill (August), Anna Stevenson (July), Erma Frederick (June), Ethel Bias (May), Rosa Self (April), Lula Nash (March), Anita Griffin (February), and Melvenia Ealy (January). The Foster Grandparent Program recently held their 28th annual Recognition luncheon. “The President’s Call to Service award” was presented to 54 FGP volunteers; 19 received “The President Gold Pin Award” and 8 received the Bronze award. Also announced at the Recognition luncheon was the 2008 Foster Grandparent of the Year Willie L. Kirkendoll (left above). Pictured with her are (left to right): First runner-up Sallie Jones, 2nd runner-up Mable Prim, and 3rd runner-up Dorothy Brooks.
34 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
“You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers” Opthalmology
Nursing Home Care
I have diabetes and have heard that it can make you go blind. Is this true? Diabetes is a very common cause of blindness in the United States. High blood sugar causes damage to the cells that line the small blood vessels, which causes them to leak. When leaking occurs in the back of the eye, it can lead to temporary or permanent loss of vision. If you have diabetes it is essential to have an eye exam at least once a year. Diabetic eye disease can be treated to prevent vision loss. Call today if you have diabetes and have not had an eye exam.
How can people partner with healthcare centers to make them a better place to live? Visit, visit, and visit. Choose a healthcare center and indicate your interest to the Administrator, Activities or Social Services Director. Indicate if you have any special talent or gift, or if you just want to befriend someone. They can likely find a need you can fill that will give some residents a smile and a sense of gratification for you.
Chris Shelby, MD
Pierremont Eye Institute 7843 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA 1105 318-212-3937; www.ShelbyEye.com See our ad on page 32.
Vicki Ott
NurseCare Nursing and Rehab Center 1736 Irving Place Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 221-1983 See our ad on page 26.
Neurosurgery
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.
My daughter has epilepsy. Are there new treatments? Epilepsy affects 1 out of 100. While many have seizures controlled by medications, one-third don’t. For those who still have seizures, they can’t drive, be employed in unsupervised positions, or enjoy independence (because a seizure can occur at any time). For these people, two more common procedures are options. With careful screening and a multi-disciplinary team, we have cured about 8 patients recently using temporal lobectomy, some of who have had seizures for over 30 years...none of these have any permanent problems otherwise. Another option is vagus nerve stimulation, which reduces seizures by about 30 - 60% but rarely cures them. This involves putting a pacemaker-like device around a nerve in the neck.
Mid South Orthopaedics 7925 Youree Drive; Suite 210 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 424-3400
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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 See our ad on page 11.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 35
Contributed by
alexis constantine
Seattle has always been a place of great interest, especially since Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks romanticized the rainy city with the opening of Sleepless in Seattle in 1993. More than a decade later, Seattle has become a tourist destination, with people not only traveling far and wide just for Seattle, but also for the allure of visiting for a mere few days prior to one of the many Alaskan cruises which depart from their ports. The Emerald City has history, diversity, entertainment
and a range of restaurants that could rival that of New York City. Hotels in the downtown area have spectacular views of the Puget Sound paired with the Olympic Mountains, while still maintaining being within arms reach of all the biggest landmarks, museums and entertainment venues. Undoubtedly, the first order of business for many after they land in the area is to see the international symbol for Seattle – the Space Needle. It was built for the World’s Fair in 1962 and stands 605 feet tall. A quick trip in one of the
36 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
elevators with floor to ceiling windows sends you to the top in style. Many tourists and Seattleites alike simply visit the observation deck where there are telescopes, historical information and even a coffee shop for enjoyment. However, if your stomach is growling, there is also the option of the Sky City Restaurant. The food is to-die-for and the menu has a variety that ranges from burgers to crab cakes. As if that isn’t enough, the restaurant rotates 360 degrees every hour so that during the course of a meal guests will see all of Seattle from a bird’s eye view. Next-door is the Experience Music Project, or EMP, which absolutely cannot be missed – literally. The exterior of EMP has, by far, the most creative, colorful and eye-catching architecture in the entire city. It was built with layers upon layers of painted metal to form an endlessly curvaceous design that depicts a guitar to honor that the museum is dedicated to the legendary Jimi Hendrix. EMP is meant to be a completely interactive experience. At the door there are headsets to grab that will describe each and every exhibit with the touch of a button. The displays are both unique and thought provoking, but the area that has earned EMP the most fame is its “hands-on” area. There, guests are able to pick up drumsticks, guitars, and mikes, among other musical instruments, to release the rock star within. And don’t worry if you can’t sing in key to save your life or don’t know how
to strum like a professional. EMP’s designers placed each hand’s-on area within individual soundproofed booths so that everyone can successfully pretend they are recording the album that will one day win a Grammy. Another area that Seattle is famous for is Pike Place Market. This area is bustling with culture. There are street artists in every nook and cranny, each with a different talent. There are guitar players, singers, artists and even entire bands that somehow manage to create surprisingly beautiful music using only empty buckets, bottles and sticks. Now that’s talent! The farmer’s market is filled with clothes, lusciously fresh fruit and vegetables, hand-made jewelry, one-of-akind artwork and the most gorgeous bouquets – all for modest prices. The most famous stand sits just behind a larger-than-life gold pig statue (an actual “piggy bank”) that helps raise money for local charities by collecting loose change in exchange for the wishes of the generous people. The aforementioned fresh seafood stand is a crowd favorite and was featured on MTV’s reality show The Real
World: Seattle back in 1992. Not only does it provide some of the freshest, most delicious seafood in the market, but it also entertains the masses by sellers throwing whole fish through the air like a game of hot potato just before each fish is wrapped and sold to their gracious fans. The nearby waterfront promenade is just as interesting with its numerous shops, restaurants, and the Seattle Aquarium. A great example
back to sea. In this area there is also the option of catching one of the day tour ferries that sails you to Tillicum Village on nearby Blake Island. The tour allows for the exploration of the traditional Northwest Native American Cultural Center. The day trip includes salmon cookouts, shows and demonstrations. Seattle is a highly cultured city that is unlike any other. In addition to these, its more famous attributes, the area is also
of the personality of this historic area is The Fisherman’s Restaurant. Fisherman’s has a prime location on Pier 57, which was built in 1902, and is known for their menu of fresh local clams, oysters, crab and fish. The rustic ambience and décor allows for guests to step back in time and feel like he or she is literally a traveling fisherman who is just coming in for a quick bite before heading
home to shopping districts, 3-D movie theaters, an Olympic Sculpture Park, art museums, a theater which houses New York’s traveling Broadway shows and so much more. It has grown to become the largest city in Washington and with so many appealing characteristics, there is no question that Seattle will continue to expand and become an even bigger tourist destination in the future. THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 37
SUDOKU
The college freshman
A self-important college freshman attending a recent football game took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation. “You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one,” the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. “The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon. We have nuclear energy, ships and electric and hydrogen cars, cell phones, computers with light-speed processing and more.” After a brief silence, the senior citizen responded, “You’re right, son. We didn’t have those things when we were young... so we invented them. Now then, what are you doing for the next generation?” The applause was amazing.......
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 50)
Happy New Year
It’s a .... phone booth?
We took the family to one of those restaurants where the walls are plastered with movie memorabilia. I went to see the hostess about reserving a table. When I returned, I found my 10year-old granddaughter staring at a poster of Superman standing in a phone booth. She looked puzzled. “She doesn’t know who Superman is?” I asked my husband. “Worse,” he replied. “She doesn’t know what a phone booth is.”
50 years from now
Three elderly gentlemen were talking about what their grandchildren would be saying about them in fifty years. “I would like my grandchildren to say, ‘He was successful in business’,” declared the first man. “Fifty years from now,” said the second, “I want them to say, ‘He was a loyal family man’.” Turning to the third gent, the first gent asked, “So what do you want them to say about you in fifty years?” “Me?” the third man replied. “I want them all to say, “He certainly looks good for his age’!” 38 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
Ball Balloons Black-eyed peas Bowl Games Calendar Celebrate
Champagne Cheer Confetti Countdown Dancing Father Time
Fireworks First Horns January Midnight Noise Makers
Parade Resolve Singing Streamers Times Square Toast
ACROSS 1 Cornered 6 Charlie Chan’s comment 10 __-wip (dessert topping) 15 Address for a lady 19 Saclike cavity between joints 20 Kid’s punishment, perhaps 21 Facilitates 22 Rounds and clips 23 Harry the magician 25 Drupe 27 Hodgepodge 28 Soaked 29 Ramble 31 Total takes 32 Camp shelter 33 Bear in Barcelona 34 John and Tyne 36 Kathryn of “Law And Order: CI” 37 Barcelona uncle 39 Glowing brightly 42 Noted chair designer 45 Picnic staple 49 Romaine, e.g. 51 Gathers greedily 52 Clearasil target 54 Japanese P.M. Fukuda 55 Gun lobby letters 56 Levin or Gershwin 57 Begins, slangily 60 Sales pro 61 Sporty car roof 62 Canvas coating 64 Mamie’s man 65 NYC arena 67 Arcturus or Antares 69 Setting sun phenomenon 72 Portable torch 77 __ number one! 78 Butter holder 80 Mentalist Geller 81 Philanthropist
82 Industrial pollutants: abbr. 85 __out of (decline) 87 Bullfighter 90 Sugary suffix 91 Rope-a-dope poet 92 Jetson’s dog 94 Nighty-night spot 95 Dispossessed tenant 97 Navigation beacon 100 Do domestic duty 102 Center of central Florida? 103 Web surfers 105 Greek letter 106 Kind of frost 108 Virgil’s shepherdess 109 Coll. student’s figure 111 One of Henry VIII’s six 115 Mimicries 118 Hindquarters 119 Cold and wet 120 Royal role for Liz 121 Tabula rasa 123 Dark color 126 Like Santa’s cheeks 127 Chinese province 128 German “a” 129 French title 130 French seasons 131 Little sticks 132 Becomes pudding 133 Tracker’s trail DOWN 1 Brothers’ keeper? 2 Very fine netting 3 Egghead 4 Fancy haberdashery item 5 Talk, talk, talk 6 Chips in 7 Night bird 8 RR stop
Black to Black
By Alan P. Olschwang, Huntington Beach, CA; Edited by Wayne Robert Williams
(Solution on page 50) 9 Went too far 10 Retail transactions 11 What I’ll do if I’m wrong 12 British mil. honor 13 __ Xiaoping 14 Grenoble’s river 15 Chocolate candy treat 16 Cause for a smile 17 Friend in Marseille 18 Witty remarks 24 Actress Kurtz 26 Precede 30 Single grain 35 Of the sun 38 Roger McGuinn song 40 Most vague 41 Eschews
neutrality 43 Eliel Saarinen’s son 44 Become unhinged 45 Odin’s wife 46 Harder to find 47 Czar’s decree 48 Opposite of an elementary particle 50 Profundity 53 Male turkey 58 Reggae’s cousin 59 Letters on a rubber check 61 Threesome 63 Puts in stitches 66 Attached with stickum 68 Early TV series, “The __ Family” 70 First-year
students 71 Crude shelter 73 Football coach Parseghian 74 Thousand bucks 75 Old Testament prophet 76 Wooden tableware 79 Go up and down 82 Washed out 83 Cut short 84 Head honcho 86 Aligned 88 Perfects by repetition 89 Blow away 92 Come by 93 One-time Jazz center Greg 96 Sound of hoofbeats 98 Cheers
99 Brennan and Heckart 101 R. E. Lee opponent 104 Pakistan ruler (1977-88) 107 City in northwestern Iran 110 Meat pastes 112 Texas shrine 113 Right-hand page 114 TV weatherman Al 115 Large lot 116 Conspiracy 117 Dilatory 122 Tropical blackbird 124 Tell whoppers 125 NCAA acronym
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 39
40 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
BY mirabai holland, M.f.a.,
a leading authority in health and fitness Exercising your fitness option is still a good investment Often the first thing to go in tough times is money spent on fitness. So, I’ve decided to dedicate my 2009 New Year’s column to suggesting a few ways to keep your exercise resolution without having to ask for a government bailout. The outdoors belong to everyone. So, getting your daily dose of aerobic exercise in the form of a ½ hour plus brisk walk is a solid zero dollars’ option. Walking to your favorite music adds Rocky-like inspiration. • Walking to work • Walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator • Walking your dog • Walking in place while you watch your favorite television show. These all count too. You don’t have to do a ½ hour all at once. Every exercise minute counts. Get a pedometer (you can get one for under 10 bucks) and count your steps throughout the day. It’s a great incentive to keep walking, and those steps really add up. On the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are exercise DVDs; not free, but affordable. I suggest you get at least one DVD for each of the major components of fitness: aerobic/cardio, strength training, and stretching/flexibility. There are literally thousands to choose from and you can buy conveniently online. Make sure your instructor is certified by a nationally recognized certifying body like ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), ACE (American Council on Exercise), or AFAA, (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) Try to find an instructor that shares your approach to fitness. Many websites offer free clips so you can get an idea of what you’re getting before you buy.
Often the best deals are 3 or 4 packs. So shop around. Local health clubs and community centers are offering great specials these days. Check out monthly, seasonal and yearly memberships. Or, you might want to sign up for a class or two a week. If nothing else, exercise will lift your spirits.
Besides, your body is a good investment. It will pay you back in quality of life. Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is public health activist who specializes 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. Mirabai Holland © 2008
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 41
42 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
Weather facts for thought First, some interesting January numbers. Last January, the warmest temperature was 76° on the 6th. The coldest temperature was 21° on the 3rd. Rainfall measured 2.65 inches. Normal January rainfall is 4.6 inches. As for our January records, the warmest January temperature of record was 85° on the 25th in 1950. Coldest of record was -2° on the 18th in 1930. The wettest of record was 12.96 inches in 1999. The driest was .27 inches in 1971. We’ve has some frosty mornings, as you well know. For frost to form the sky must be clear and there must be little or no wind. Ground temperatures need to be at or below freezing. Frost consists of small, thin ice crystals. When it’s raining, have you ever wondered about the size of raindrops? The diameter can range from around 1/100 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch. They can only get so large. A raindrop larger than 1/4 of an inch in diameter will break up into several smaller drops when it encounters the resistance of the air as it falls. How fast do they fall? The very smallest almost floats at less than one mile per hour. The very largest falls at a speed of between 16 and 20 mph. On the colder end of the thermometer, snow flakes will fall at a speed between one and five miles per hour.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 43
Interview conducted and article written by the award-winning
amanda newton
We are all aware of “royalty” in the area during Mardi Gras season, but did you know we have year-round royalty here? Ginny Bates, 65, is one such royal. This active Shreveport resident is a queen - queen of the Divinely Aging Divas, a local chapter of The Red Hat Society. Court business includes having fun, having fun, and yes, having fun. Born and raised in Columbus, Ga., she married her first husband, a military man, when she was “rather young,” and they eventually ended up moving to the Shreveport area. Now remarried, she keeps so busy that her husband often asks her if she is leaving the house again. Bates has three children. Thirteen months ago, her first great-grandchild was born and then her son and his wife were recently blessed with “a miracle baby.” There is only six months difference in age between the great-grandchild and the newest grandchild. Bates seems delighted by all of it. “I am still a child at heart,” she said. “I like to get on the floor and play with the grandchildren.” Bates said she didn’t work outside the home until they moved here and she wondered what she should do after military life ended. Through her daughter, she met a young man who worked at Louisiana Downs and she thought that sounded like something she could do. She could do it and she also found that
44 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
she loved it. She would end up working there for 13 years; first as a mutual clerk, and then as a supervisor after the systems were computerized. “Before they changed over to computers, it was a lot of fun (because) we used our brains,” she said. Although she no longer works at the racetrack, Bates keeps busy with a few part-time side jobs. Through her work as a merchandiser and mystery shopper, she occasionally gets to work for Topps Trading Cards. Last year, her jobs for Topps included sitting and watching Jacob Hester and Chase Pittman sign thousands of trading cards. Following the excitement of the LSU Tiger’s National Championship year last year, this assignment would have been coveted by many area sports fans. She said the merchandising/mystery
shopping company calls her when they have a job available and she can take it or leave it. With the Topps jobs, she said she always takes them because they are so much fun, especially her experience with Pittman and Hester. “I spent a lot of time, three days, with Jacob because he had to sign his name 7,000 times. I have to swear and verify it is their signature. Chase had 2,500 and he was fast. We did a lot of talking. They and their wives were so nice.” When she is not working one of her side jobs, Bates loves to do craft projects. She used to fish a lot, but admits to being too busy to do much of that lately. She is very active in her church, serving in the women’s ministry and on the blanket committee. Despite being busy with so many projects already, Bates jumped at the chance to try something new a few years ago. She learned about the Red Hat Society two years ago through a friend. She joined a friend’s chapter of the Red Hat Society, and then joined another and soon after, she started her own chapter. She is quick to tell people about the many benefits of being in the group. “You make lasting friendships and we are always there for you.” Bates said, adding that members offer a lot of encouragement to each other. “It brings something different into your life. It is all about (you), right this minute. You know when you are raising your children, you think they need this, or I need to do
that, and you never seem to have anything for you. Now, the kids are grown and you need this.” Bates refers to Red Hatters as “a sisterhood” where the members are truly like sisters. She said they get very close to each other, help each other, and “do a lot of praying.” And, just like all families are different, all Red Hat chapters are a little different too, said Bates. “All groups are different some are partygoers. Now, we have fun, but we aren’t wild,” she explained with a laugh. So, what does it take to be a queen in the Red Hat “monarchy?” According to Bates, queens need to be very outgoing, know how to plan and organize things, get things done, and want people to come and join their chapters. It is a role Bates enjoys. Bates said she “absolutely”
plans on being a Red Hatter until she absolutely can’t. “Plus, I have so much Red Hat stuff. When my kids ask me what I want for my birthday, I ask for Red Hat stuff,” she said. Bates would love to have more members in her Divinely Aging Divas group and is always on the lookout for women who just want to have fun. When people call her looking for a Red Hat group and hers is not the right group for them, she said she is happy to help them find a group that is the right fit. Bates is one queen that really knows how to have fun and enjoy life. If you are interested in joining the Divinely Aging Divas, or finding out about available Red Hat groups in the area, contact Ginny Bates at 3090449, cell-393-9354, or e-mail at ginnybates2@comcast.net.
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 45
Shh! It’s Top Secret:
The first of 24 satellites of the Global Positioning System (GPS) is placed into orbit. One of the last unspoiled areas on earth is drenched in oil as the tanker Exxon-Valdez runs aground in Alaska.
One of the bravest men who ever lived, now called “The Unknown Rebel,” halts the progress of a column of advancing tanks for over half an hour as a prelude to the demonstrations for democracy. Later, the 33-foot high “Goddess of Democracy” statue is unveiled in Tiananmen Square by (mostly) student protesters. Televangelist Jim Bakker is sentenced to 45 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for brazenly defrauding faithful investors of more than $3,700,000. After Al Gore directed legislation that helped to launch such developments, Tim Berners-Lee invented protocols leading directly to establishment of the World Wide Web. But it would be 1992 before it caught on. On June 7th, at 01:23:45 a.m. the time and date was 01:23:45 6/7/89. Also true 12 hours later.
46 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
“Great Balls of Fire!” opens, a movie about Louisiana’s own Jerry Lee Lewis. He hates it. The Soviet Union to Afghanistan: We’re SO outta here. Purposely ignored by Washington since the CDC first became alarmed in 1981, AIDS claimed 22,082 more in 1989, adding to the nearly 100,000 deaths between 1981 and 1988. The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Texas v. Johnson that flag burning is protected speech under the Constitution. Nicolæ Ceauşescu, evil dictator of Romania, and wife Elena are condemned to death and executed on Christmas Day. Ron Brown is elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee, becoming the first African-American to lead a major American political party. (And a generation later...) President George H. W. Bush bans the importation of assault rifles into the U.S.
Inflation rate 4.83% / D J Avg.: 2753 Fed Interest 10.50% / House: $120,000 Annual income $27,450 / Avg. Rent $420 New car average $15,350 / Gas 97¢ “Batman” is #1 movie at $250 million. #1 song is Bette Midler’s beautiful “(You Are) The Wind Beneath My Wings.”
BY TED KOOSER, U.S. Poet Laureate, 2004-2006
W E A R E C o M f o R T K E E P E R S®
A child with a sense of the dramatic, well, many of us have been that child. Here’s Carrie Shipers of Missouri reminiscing about how she once wished for a dramatic rescue by screaming ambulance, only to find she was really longing for the comfort of her mother’s hands.
Medical History
I wanted it: arc of red and blue strobing my skin, sirens singing my praises, the cinching embrace of the cot as the ambulance slammed shut and steered away. More than needle-pierce or dragging blade, I wanted the swab of alcohol and cotton, the promise of gauze-covered cure. My mother saved anyone who asked, but never me, never the way I wanted: her palms skimming my limbs for injury, her fingers finding what hurt, her lips whispering, I got here just in time.
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W W W. C o M f o R T K E E P E R S . C o M
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. Poem copyright © 2007 by Carrie Shipers. Reprinted from “Mid-American Review,” Vol. 27, no. 2, 2007, by permission of the author. Introduction copyright © 2007 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. THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 47
The calendar of Events for january support groups
Workshop
movies
Exhibits
Amputee Support Group - Thursday, January 8 (normal meeting date is the 1st Thursday of each month). 6:30 p.m. Certified Limb & Brace, 3227 Portland Ave., Shreveport. Guest lecturers, questions answered. For more information call 636-9145.
“What you need to know before you apply for SSI” presented by Families Helping Families Region 7. January 7. 1 - 4 p.m. Shreve Memorial Library Broadmoor Branch, 1212 Captain Shreve Dr., Shreveport. FREE and open to all. For more info and to RSVP call Chanel Jackson at 318-226-4541 or fhfregion7@ bellsouth.net.
“Silver Screenings” - Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas in downtown Shreveport. Tues., Jan. 27th at 10:30 am. The classic Charlie Chaplin film “Modern Times”. $14 per person includes film and lunch at Abbey Singer’s Bistro. To reserve tickets, please call (318) 459-4124. Seating is limited; reservations required.
Andy Warhol Photographic Legacy Project Display - Presented by Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport. Now through Saturday, January 31, 2009. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon until 4:00 p.m.; Thursday noon until 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Photographic images taken by the legendary Pop artist and American icon Andy Warhol. Examine examples of Warhol’s Polaroid portraits that provide an intimate glimpse into how the artist worked. The Polaroids also provide and interesting and unusual look at the intimate relationship between photographer and his many willing subjects. For more information about the exhibit, contact Diane Dufilho at 318.869.5169. FREE.
Caregivers Support Group - Monday, January 12, meets 12 noon in the ARK, Noel UMC, 520 Herndon St. Speaker: Dr. Christine Wright from LSUHSC on “Practical Suggestions for Everyday Issues from Occupational Therapy Perspective” Light lunch available for $3. Reservations can be made by calling 221-5207 by Friday, Jan. 9.
music The Mary Jacobs Smith Singer of the Year Competition - Sunday, Feb. 1. 1:00 p.m. Centenary College, Hurley School of Music. Presented by Shreveport Opera. Young singers from all over the country compete for the title of “Singer of the Year.” FREE! Call 227-9503 to order.
classes Waltz Lessons - Tues. Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10. 6:30 pm Beginners; 7:30 pm Intermediate. By USA Dance Shreveport. St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 275 Southfield Rd, Shreveport. Donation requested: $5 non-members, $2 students, $4 members. For info call Patricia Jones @ 573-3815
The New Reality: The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century - Through February 15. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell Ave., Shreveport. Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The first traveling museum show of this century to not only look at the state of Realism painting around the world, but also compare those artworks with their historical predecessors. The exhibit looks at such media as oil, acrylic, egg tempera, graphite and colored pencil to give viewers a snapshot of how Realism artists are approaching their art form today. For more info call 318-865-4201. FREE. 48 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 49
Have you made prearrangements for your family, or do you still have that to do? Leaving these decisions to your children on the worst day of their lives is a terrible emotional burden.
Call Today To Receive a FREE Family Planning Portfolio
Centuries Memorial 8801 Mansfield Shreveport, LA 71108 (318) 686-4334
Hill Crest Memorial 601 Hwy. 80 East Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949-9415
Photo credit: page 8 - Chronic Medical Care © Espion | Dreamstime.com; page 53 - Abstract Holiday background © Nezezon | Dreamstime.com 50 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
Bossier Council on Aging Bearkat Site (741-8302), 706 Bearkat Drive, Bossier City 8 AM - 4:30 PM Plain Dealing Site (326-5722), 101 E. Oak Street, Plain Dealing, 9 AM - 1 PM 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 provide medical transportation through referrals from Medicaid. Outreach - Home visits are made to help qualify seniors for services. Homemaker - Trained employees will come to your home to provide light housekeeping for those seniors having difficulty maintaining their homes. $3/visit suggested. Information & referrals - Call us if a senior needs assistance in any way. 741-8302
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 provided at the sites. 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. Just press the button for immediate help. $20 fee per month.
Senior Centers - Fun and fellowship for the active senior! Enjoy recreation, crafts, educational seminars, and health information. Also provided: day trips, extended trips, exercise and 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 so seniors know about their prescriptions and the proper way to take them. Drug plan assistance available. Medicaid Applications - We are an application center and provide assistance to seniors in filling out the forms. By appointment only. (AARP) Money Management - BCOA provides financial assistance to seniors: bill paying, balancing checkbooks, etc.
Caddo Council on Aging 4015 Greenwood Road, (318) 632-2090. Website-www.caddocouncilonaging.org Email-ccoa@caddocoa.org Info & Referral - 632-2090 Outreach/Individual Needs Assessment632-2090 - Visits are made to the home to explain services available and to enroll the elderly in our various service programs Home Delivered Meals - 632-2090 - Each week 5 meals can be delivered to homebound seniors. Suggested donation $1.25/day. Homemaker Services - 632-2090 - Personal care and household tasks provided for homebound persons unable to perform these tasks without assistance. $5/month donation requested. Personal Care - 632-2090 - Personal care provided to homebound person by trained staff once a week. $5/month donation requested. Family Caregiver - 632-2090 - Sitter and respite provided for full time caregiver of a senior. Donation requested. Telephone Reassurance - 632-2090 - Volunteers make regular phone calls to seniors to offer comfort and support. Medical Alert - 632-2090 -Emergency response system that protects sen iors in case of accident or falls in the home. $20/month fee SenioRX Program - 632-5900 or 1800-793-1198-Assists seniors applying for pharmaceutical aid programs. Nursing Home Ombudsman - 632-2090-
Professional weekly visits to nursing home to investigate and resolve issues made by the elderly resident or the resident’s family. Covering 7 parishes in NWLA. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 632-2113 - Provides volunteer opportunities in the community and nutrition sites for persons 55 years of age or older. Foster Grandparents (FGP) - 632-2199Seniors 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 - 632-2090- 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 to the house during lifethreatening emergencies. 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 that corresponds to personal information. Confidential Call 681.0875 to register. No charge. Senior Centers and Meal Sites - 6322080-Area sites located in Caddo Parish 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 Center4017 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 MonFriday 9:30am-12:30pm • Greenwood Library - Hwy 80, Downtown Greenwood. Open Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 12:30pm • Mooringsport Community CenterLattimer 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 Springridge Texas Line Rd, Keithville Tue & Thurs 10am-1:00pm • Oil City Community Center - Savage Street, Oil City Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9am to noon • Vivian Community Center - in the City Park 522 E. Tennessee Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 51
Happy New Year To All 1 - Kevin McCotter with Chesapeake Energy answers questions from attendees at the Haynesville Shale Expo held at the Shreveport Convention Center. 2 - The Waterford Retirement Community recently donated 120 dining chairs to the Christian Service Program. Shown are Bill Spond and James Tyler of Christian Services, along with Waterford Executive Director Pat Covington and Sales Director Jan Hinton of The Waterford of Shreveport. 3 - (a) Dr. Hosein M. Shokouh-Amiri with WK/LSUHSC Regional Transplant Center greets transplant recipient Michael Caldwell of DeRidder at the gathering of transplant recipients and their family members at a Christmas party held on December 11th at the Kerlin Conference Center. (b) Billy and Pat Eaton of Shreveport were among the attendees. 4 - Enjoying the Natchitoches Christmas Festival - Ronnie, Jacob, Michelle and Ryan Wagley, “Grams” Sheryl Little holding Sarah Wagley, “Doc” Alan Little, and Connor Dean. 5 - Irene Jackson, Program Manager of Aging and Disability Resource Center assists Catherine Bryan at the December 12th “Shop and Compare Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Event” hosted by Caddo Council on Aging and Louisiana Department of Insurance’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program. 6 - Felix Pinnix sent in this photo for our December “Family, Friends and Fun” photo feature, but due to a mixup it arrived past the deadline. Felix wrote, “Melody with Miles, Connor, and Hope. More than friends, they are my great grand kids.” 7 - Captain Tim Fischer and Virginia & Merritt Chastain hosted the Krewe of Justinian XV Holiday Royalty Mixer, Friday, December 5 at the lovely home of the Chastains. Enjoying the festivities are (a) Sheila and Tim Fischer. (b) Cindy Fortson, Justinian Duke XV Kenny Haines and Rose Weems. 8 - Les Bons Temps Dance Club held their Christmas party at Ernest’s. Enjoying the evening are: (a) Bob and JoAnna Robinson, (b) Bob and Chloe Thornton, Abby and Joe Averett, and Debbie and Robert Grand. 9 - (l to r) Audiologist Carrie McIntyre, Wayne McEachern of Shreveport and Lemonica Myers at the Grand Opening of Sears Hearing Aid Center by Astrum at Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport on December 19th. Mr. McEachern was the grand prize winner of a set of hearing aids valued at $3,500. 10 - The Boomtown Casino Employee Empowerment Committee sponsored a food drive for the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana. Employees generously donated large boxes full of non-perishable goods. The casino had an internal employee competition with the Table Games Department bringing in the most items. 11 - The Indoors Racket Club Wednesday morning tennis group’s annual Christmas luncheon. Seated: Neal Mottet, Hannah Speer, Sue Watts, Pat Laborde. Standing: Debbie Grand, Abby Averett, Jan Glasgow, Mary Lou Kizzia, Pam Parsons, Barbara Head, Judy Talley, and Debbie Blum. 12 - Celebrating Fall with a hayride and hot dogs at the home of Pam Parsons are: (seated) Van Johnson, Hannah Speer, Karen Easterling, Mary Lou Kizzia; (standing) Tina Calligas, Susan Easterling, Pam, Jean Baldwin, Diane Coffman, Harriet Martin, Sue Watts and Amy Baltz. 52 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
THE BEST of TIMES January 2009 53
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Sterling Life Insurance Company is a Medicare Advantage organization contracting with the federal government. Anyone entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B may apply. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. A Medicare Advantage Private Fee For Service plan works differently than a Medicare supplement plan. Your doctor or hospital is not required to agree to accept the plan’s terms and conditions, and thus may choose not to treat you, with the exception of emergencies. If your doctor or hospital does not agree to accept our payment terms and conditions, they may choose not to provide health care services to you, except in emergencies. Providers can find the plan’s terms and conditions on our website at: www.sterlingplans.com. All plans may not be available in all areas. Available from your Sterling Agent: Health, Life, Prescription Drug, M0010_S4802_13209(7/08) Long Term Care and Critical Condition or Cancer Plans. 54 January 2009 THE BEST of TIMES
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