Know Where to Go
You need to see a doctor. Willis-Knighton is the right choice – but which choice at Willis-Knighton is best for you? Selecting the right point of care will improve your experience.
—Your Doctor— Your doctor knows you best and is your first-line partner in healthcare for routine health, illnesses, accidents and preventive care. During regular hours, choose your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, call Health+Match at (318) 212-9562 for a referral or search Find a Doctor at wkhs.com. Care here is provided by appointment. Hundreds to choose from in Shreveport, Bossier City and the area. Hours vary.
—Quick Care— Quick Care is a great source for minor illnesses and accidents when your primary care doctor is not available. o Minor illness with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, cough, congestion or sore throat o Minor fall, bump, bruise, sprain o Skin rash, sunburn, minor burn o Fever or cold symptoms o Urinary tract infection o Minor cut or animal bite (when bleeding is controlled) o Eye infection Care here is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
—Emergency Room— Serious illnesses and accidents can be life-threatening. Choose a WK Emergency Room to address a serious condition as quickly as possible. o Symptoms of heart attack or stroke o Chest pain o Loss of consciousness o Difficulty breathing o Uncontrolled bleeding o Seizures o Broken bones o Severe, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea o Fever in infants 6 months old and younger
Two Locations:
o Poisoning
Shreveport 1666 East Bert Kouns Industrial Loop (318) 212-3520
o Coughing up or vomiting blood
Bossier City 2300 Hospital Drive (318) 212-7520 Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Save time, register online! wkquickcare.com
o Fainting, dizziness, weakness in limbs, confusion o Severe headache and/or change of vision o Serious neck or back accident, unable to move o Serious burn Care here is prioritized by a triage system. That means the most serious problems are treated first. All Four WK Hospitals Open 24/7
Experience Matters
January 2010
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The Best Of Times
January 2010
January 2010 Vol. 17, No. 1 TheBestOfTimesNews.com
8 Medical News & Info 10 Eat Like Your Life Depends On It 12 Is There a Doctor in the House?
28
14 Programs That May Help You Pay for Medicare Coverage 16 Medicare Q & A 18 Marci’s Medicare Answers 20 Money Matters by Jason Alderman
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22 Laws of the Land by Lee Aronson 24 Ask Doctor Marion by Marion Summers, PhD 26 From the Bench by Judge Jeff Cox 28 FEATURE: The Power of Change by David McMillian, LPC, LMFT 32 Dear Pharmacist by Suzy Cohen, RPh 34 Moving Free with Mirabai by Mirabai Holland, MFA 36 What’s Cooking? 38 Profile in Pizzazz by Amanda Newton 40 Traveltizers by Andrea Gross 44 Get Up & Go! 48 Our Famous Puzzle Pages
40 Happy New Year! Wait a minute. January, 2010? How can it be January again so quickly? When I was a young girl, my grandmother told me that time seemed to fly by faster and quicker with each passing year. Her warning did not prepare me for a professional and personal life that is speeding by at an ever dizzying pace! That doesn’t mean that I
January 2010
50 Gold Pages 52 Parting Shots
don’t have time for remembering blessings or for embracing positive change in my life. If you feel the same way, then you certainly don’t want to miss Marriage and Family Therapist David McMillian’s feature on The Power of Change. But, please don’t stop there. This issue is full of good advice to help power and motivate you to live a healthier, better life. And it doesn’t stop for me with
personal change. So too it is with this publication. We’re deeply thankful for all of your positive feedback and for the support of so many loyal readers and advertisers. But we are always looking for ways to make this magazine better. This month we’re proud to introduce a fresh, new tab design that we feel is cleaner and makes navigating the issue much easier. We are also saying goodbye to some
old columns and features, but welcoming new content that we hope you agree is informative, entertaining and fun. Please let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you. Until next month, God’s blessing for a wonderful new year to you all. ~Tina TheBestOfTimesNews.com
The Best Of Times
January 2010
Congrats!!! We knew your publication was the BEST, just like the name says. Thanks for providing the seniors of this area with an excellent source of information. Thanks for all you guys do for our community!! ~Doyle Blasingame Congrats on “Best of Times” earning 15 National Awards at your recent convention. Continued Success. ~Pat Booras Wow! Congrats to you all!! ~Lois Anderson Congratulations! This award is very well deserved. ~Robin Mayhall Congrats for a job well done. ~Lou Gehrig Burnett Congratulations on such an honor! That is fantastic! ~April DeYoung Congratulations!!! Wow and another Wow - 15 Awards. Amazing!!! We enjoyed so much your last issue. I have my hubby reading it and he said, “Stop and read the pages I turned down.” I always pick up a few extra copies to give to those who are shut in and have no way to pick them up. Keep those great ideas appearing on the written page. ~Blessings, Shirley Weaver Since I am an avid reader, I can see why you guys won the awards. Congratulations! ~Maurice H. Lamothe Congratulations! That is just wonderful! Congrats from National Homecare Services! Have the best day/weekend! ~Marti Vandagriff Congrats to the Calligas Clan from the Polizos/Corley Clan! Great work! ~Bob and Sandra Corley Congratulations Gary and Tina! This is awesome. ~Dianne Harmon Gary, Congratulations to you, Tina and your staff of great people. I am so very proud for you. Ya’ll are truly the best! ~Your Red Hat friend, Ginny Bates Congratulations on your awards! We think your publication is a good venue for targeting our senior services. ~Marilyn S. Joiner, Willis-Knighton Health System Gary, Congratulations to U, Tina & the whole staff of your great magazine! We 7H Red Hatters are very impressed and proud of you! ~Queen Mother Lynda Herzog-Pope CONGRATULATIONS!!! You all deserve it as you work so hard to get the news out to we Seniors. ~Susan Stephens You are really setting the standard for senior publications. I know you won many last year, as well. Great job! ~Vicki Ott Congratulations on your fantastic awards. My friends and I read your magazine cover to cover and can’t wait to pick up our copy at the first of each month. Thanks for your service to the 50+ community. Keep up the GREAT work!! ~Mia Michaels
January 2010
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January 2010
medical news & Info
From the Frontiers of Research
Internet Users Find Boost in Brain Function First-Time
You can teach an old dog new tricks, say UCLA scientists who found that middle-aged and older adults with little internet experience were able to trigger key centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning after just one week of surfing the web. The findings suggest that internet training can stimulate neural activation patterns and could potentially enhance brain function and cognition in older adults.
Shock Wave Therapy for Unhealed Fractured Bones as Effective as Surgery
When fractured bones fail to heal, a serious complication referred to as “nonunion” can develop. This occurs when the process of bone healing is interrupted or stalled. According to a new study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), certain cases involving nonunions respond very well to shock-wave therapy. Researchers say this non-invasive treatment is equally effective as surgery when it comes to healing the bone.
Kidney Disease Patients, Staying Active May Mean Staying Alive For
Getting off the couch could lead to a longer life for kidney disease patients, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology (CJASN). The findings indicate that active Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients were 56% less likely to die during the study than inactive CKD patients.
January 2010
Treating Cluster Headaches With High-Flow Oxygen Appears Effective Cluster headache are characterized by bouts of excruciating pain usually near the eye or temple. Attacks usually occur in bouts, or clusters, lasting for weeks or months, separated by remissions lasting months or years. According to a study in JAMA, 78% of patients who received high-flow oxygen reported being pain-free or to have adequate relief within 15 minutes of treatment, compared to 20% of patients who received a placebo treatment. There were no serious adverse events related to the treatments.
Laser Eye Surgery Safe Long-Term Laser eye surgery doesn’t appear to have long-term effects on the cells that line the inside of the cornea, a new study has found. The study included eyes of patients who had undergone either photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) procedures. (Archives of Ophthalmology)
Heartburn Drugs Can Thwart Popular Blood Thinner Combining the antacid Prilosec with the popular blood thinner Plavix can cut the effectiveness of Plavix by half, putting patients at risk for heart attack or stroke. The recommendation is to avoid the combination of the two medications, even if the two drugs are taken hours apart. Combining the two drugs is common because Plavix can upset the stomach. The FDA said patients taking Plavix can take alternatives to Prilosec, such as Mylanta, Maalox, or Zantac. Prilosec is in a class of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton-pump inhibitors similar to Prilosec - such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid and Protonix - should also be avoided when taking Plavix. Results of a study presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting also found that people taking Prilosec or Protonix in combination with blood thinners such as Plavix had a higher risk for death after angioplasty than people who didn’t take the two popular antacids.
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Things to Consider on Your First Day at a Fitness Center In early January, couch potatoes across the country will be walking into fitness centers, resolving to get fit in 2010. These newbies will have a lot more success achieving their goals if they know what to ask, look for, and do on that first visit. Adrian Shepard, assistant director of recreation-fitness for Butler University, suggests these “Top 10 Things to Consider on Your First Day at a Fitness Center” 1 . Familiarize yourself with the center’s layo u t ( e m p l oye e staffing matrix, employee stations, locker rooms, towels, restrooms, water fountains, fitness equipment). 2. Ask center employee’s what services are offered (massage therapy, group fitness, personal training). What’s free and what’s fee-based? 3. Sign-up for a fitness equipment orientation to learn how cardio, strength and other equipment works. 4. Review center guidelines re: attire, use of electronics and refreshments, time limits and/or sign-ups for equipment, etc. 5. If offered, schedule a fitness assessment. Knowing your current level of physical fitness will help you establish goals and evaluate future progress. 6. Learn your center’s traffic patterns and peak usage hours. Notice what equipment is being used when you visit. Working out during a facility’s less busy hours can save you time and stress. 7. Understand that people aren’t goW e
A r e
C o m f o rt
ing to judge you. While it’s natural to feel nervous exercising in front of others for the first time, the person next to you probably isn’t paying attention to you; they’re focused on their own exercise. Concentrate on your own form, breathing and the muscles the exercise targets. 8. Don’t overdo it. Gradually work your way into exercising, especially if you have been physically inactive for some time or are recovering from an injury. You won’t see results overnight. Being physically active and healthy is a lifelong journey. 9. Find a workout buddy to help stay motivated. Your facility might offer free trial passes for your friends or even an exercise buddy service. 10. Realize that fitness won’t make time for you. You must make time for fitness. What are your goals? How many days per week are you planning to visit the facility and for how long? “Fitness center employees are there to help you,” Shepard said, “But you’ll sometimes need to initiate the conversation and let them know that you have some questions or need some advice. (Newswise)
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• Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. • There are nearly 1.5 million heart attacks per year in the US, according to the American Heart Association. • An American will suffer a heart attack every 34 seconds. • While many people with heart disease have symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue, as many as 50 percent have no symptoms until a heart attack occurs. • Some of the specific strategies used to prevent or control heart disease include dieting, improving cholesterol, controlling homocysteine levels, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure and quitting smoking. • Coronary heart disease is also the leading cause of health care costs. More than $475 billion is spent annually on treating CHD. • Stress is thought to contribute to the development of CHD • There are nearly 500,000 coronary artery bypass grafts and 1.3 million angioplasties performed every year. MORE SHOWS... MORE FUN 2009-2010 Music & Lyrics by Roger Miller Book by William Hauptman FEBRUARY 11 - 21, 2010
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January 2010
eat like your life depends on it
Here’s To Your Good Health!
Diet Soda, Sodium Tied to Kidney Troubles
Two new studies show that a diet high in salt or artificially sweetened soda intake increases the risk of kidney function decline. The association between artificially sweetened beverages and kidney function decline persisted when other factors, such as age, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical activity, caloric intake and cardiovascular disease were accounted for.
More Fruits and Veggies, Please
In a Columbia University Medical Center study, just one extra serving of fruits or vegetables was linked with lower levels of both C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a measure of inflammation, and cholesterol. And adding another gram per day of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish as well as plant-based oils, also was associated with a drop in CRP levels.
Herbal Supplements Aren’t Always Safe
Natural doesn’t always mean safe when it comes to herbal supplements, according to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter. When used properly, many herbal supplements may be safe and possibly beneficial to health. Occasionally supplements can cause life-threatening problems or dangerous interactions with medications. For example, St. John’s wort can greatly increase or decrease the potency of many medications and cause serious side effects. Patients who take antidepressants, anti-blood-clotting drugs, certain asthma drugs, immune-suppressing medications or steroids should probably avoid St. John’s wort. It’s always best to keep health care providers informed about supplement use.
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January 2010
Moderate-Fat Diet May Be Better at Reducing Heart Risks Than Low-Fat A moderate-fat diet may work better than a low-fat regimen for people suffering from metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions putting them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, new research finds. This study essentially confirms the current guidelines by the American Heart Association (AHA) recommending not a low-fat diet, but one that is low in saturated fats and trans fatty acids. People with metabolic syndrome are glucoseintolerant, meaning they can’t process blood sugar well. Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets exacerbate this condition. In the study, levels of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol fell 3.4 mg/dL on the low-fat diet compared with 11.6 mg/dL on the moderate-fat plan. HDL (or “good”) cholesterol also fell, by 4.9 mg/dL on the low-fat plan and by 1.9 mg/dL on the other. Triglycerides, another measure of heart health, increased 11.1 mg/dL on the low-fat diet, but dropped 28.6 mg/dL on the other plan.
Pistachios May Reduce Lung Cancer Risk A diet that incorporates a daily dose of pistachios may help reduce the risk of lung and other cancers, according to a clinical trial conducted at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. It is known that vitamin E provides a degree of protection against certain forms of cancer. Higher intakes of gamma-tocopherol, which is a form of vitamin E, may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Pistachios are a good source of gamma-tocopherol. Other food sources that are a rich source of gamma-tocopherol include nuts such as peanuts, pecans, walnuts, soybean and corn oils. Pistachios are also known to provide a heart-healthy benefit by producing a cholesterol-lowering effect and providing the antioxidants that are typically found in food products of plant origin. HEALTHY EATING BASICS: Don’t play “food police”. Be conscious of what and how much you eat, but don’t overdo self-monitoring to the point that a healthy lifestyle shifts from being a choice to becoming overwhelming, pushing other activities away and interfering with relationships.
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(318) 212-OAKS (6257) www.oaksofla.com The Best Of Times
January 2010
11
Is there a doctor in the house?
from the Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource
The risk of cancer can be dramatically reduced through everyday choices about diet, exercise and tobacco use, according to a Special Report on Cancer Prevention in the November issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource. Evidence suggests that one-third of the more than 560,000 cancer deaths that occur in the United States annually are related to diet, exercise and weight. Another one-third of annual cancer deaths are related to tobacco exposure. The eight-page Special Report examines the science and latest findings on 10 approaches that can make a real difference in preventing cancer. Here are some highlights from the list: 1. Don’t smoke: The risk of smokingrelated cancers increases with the length of time a person has smoked and the number of cigarettes smoked. The most common
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January 2010
10 Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk cancer associated with smoking is lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death among American women and men. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of lung and other cancers -- regardless of the number of years of smoking. 2. Eat fruits and vegetables: The American Cancer Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily because they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other substances that lower the risk of cancer. In recent years, some studies have indicated that the association between eating fruits and vegetables and lower cancer risk isn’t as strong as once thought. Most experts still believe that a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to protect overall health. 3. Limit fat in the diet: Studies suggest that high-fat diets or high intakes of certain types of fat may be linked to several types of cancer, including colon, lung and postmenopausal breast cancer. The reason may be that high-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and increase the risk of obesity. More study is needed to better understand
which types of fat should be avoided and how much of each alters cancer risk. Current guidelines recommend keeping fat intake between 20 and 30 percent of total daily calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils. 4. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer as well as cancers of the colon, endometrium, esophagus and kidney. There’s evidence that obesity increases the risk of cancers of the prostate, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, ovary and cervix. Some studies estimate that excess weight is a factor in 14
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to 20 percent of all cancer-related deaths in American adults. 5. Be physically active: Evidence increasingly suggests that people who are physically active have lower risk of some cancers than those who are more sedentary. From 45 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day, on most days of the week, is considered optimal to reduce the risk of breast and colorectal cancers. 6. Curb alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption increases the risks of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon and rectum. Women should limit themselves to no more than one alcoholic beverage a day. Men should have no more than two. 7. Limit exposure to radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which comes from the sun, sunlamps or commercial tanning beds, is the primary cause of skin cancer, the most common of all cancers. 8. Protect against infection: Infections caused by viruses are recognized as risk factors for several types of cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease, is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C increase the risk of liver cancer.
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They are most often spread through contact with contaminated blood, from contaminated needles or by having unprotected sex. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, also increases the risk of several types of cancer. It’s most commonly transmitted by unprotected sex or sharing of needles. 9. Consider chemoprevention: Chemoprevention is the use of natural or synthetic compounds to reduce the risk of cancer or its recurrence. Tamoxifen, prescribed to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women, is the best known chemoprevention agent. A caution: chemoprevention drugs can have serious side effects. 10. Get recommended screening exams: Pap tests, mammograms, colonoscopies and other routine screenings can’t prevent cancer. But screenings can help find cancers early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. (Newswise) Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800876-8633, extension 9751, (toll-free) or visit www.bookstore.mayoclinic.com.
January 2010
13
special report
by the Medicare Rights Center
While Medicare is available to most Americans once they turn 65 - and to many with disabilities - it has costs like premiums, deductibles and coinsurances that can add up and become very expensive. If you have limited income, there are programs that may help with the costs of Medicare. Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurances. Another program, Extra Help, helps pay most of the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) There are three common Medicare Savings Programs - QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary), SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) and QI (Qualifying Individual). Different states have different income limits for each program and not all states have all three programs.. In 2009, you will generally qualify for an MSP if your monthly income (money you take in; for example, Social Security payments or wages that you earn) is below $1,219 and your assets (resources such as checking accounts, stocks and some property) are worth below $4,000. (For a couple, the limits are $1,640 in monthly income and $6,000 in assets.) You must also have Medicare Part A. All the MSPs pay the Medicare Part B premium ($96.40 in 2009) and premium penalty if you have one. In addition to
Programs That May Help Pay for Medicare Coverage covering the Part B premium, QMB covers the Medicare Part A premium (up to $433 in 2009) and Medicare deductibles and coinsurances or copayments for doctor visits and hospital care. To qualify for QMB, your income must generally be at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL): $903/month for an individual and $1,215/month for a couple. If you do not have Part A but meet QMB eligibility guidelines, your state will have a process to allow you to enroll in Part A and QMB. Once you have QMB, you will have no coinsurances or copayments for Medicare-covered services you get from doctors who participate in Medicare or Medicaid (you can have both QMB and Medicaid) or are in your Medicare private health plan’s network. The SLMB and QI programs pay only the Part B premium. To qualify for SLMB, your income must be between 100 percent and 120 percent FPL: $1,083/month for an individual and $1,457/month of a couple. To qualify for QI, your income must be between 120 percent and 135 percent FPL: $1,219/month for an individual and $1,640/month for a couple. Even if your income and assets are higher than the limits stated above, you should still apply. You may still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program because how your income and assets are counted varies from state to state, and some states do not have asset limits for MSPs. Some states may exclude things from your income, such as the money you use to pay health insurance premiums (like Medigap premiums). To find out exact eligibility requirements for MSPs in your state, call your State Health Insurance Assistance program (you can get the number from 800-Medicare) or your local Medicaid office.
Extra Help If you get an MSP you will also be automatically enrolled in “Extra Help,” a federal program that helps pay for most of the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Even if you don’t qualify for an MSP, you may still qualify for Extra Help. You may qualify if your 2009 monthly income is below $1,354 per month and your assets are below $12,510 ($1,822 monthly income and $25,010 in assets for a couple). And if your income or assets are above these limits, you may still qualify for Extra Help because certain types of income and assets, like your primary residence, may not be counted. If your assets are too high, and your state has an MSP with no asset limit, you can apply for the MSP; if you get it, you will automatically qualify for Extra Help. If you qualify for Extra Help, it will help pay your Medicare drug plan premiums, deductibles and significantly reduce your copayments for prescriptions covered by your plan. It will also fill the major gap in coverage in most Part D plans known as the “doughnut hole.” To learn more about programs that can lower your Medicare costs and how to apply for them, go to Medicare Interactive at www.medicareinteractive.org. Medicare Interactive is a resource provided by the Medicare Rights Center, a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives.
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January 2010
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January 2010
15
medicare Q & A
Understanding healthcare coverage can be overwhelming. And keeping up with changes in Medicare benefits is no different. For many people, that translates into doing nothing about updating their current coverage. • A majority (55 percent) of Medicare beneficiaries believe their health benefits will stay the same in 2010, according to The “Medicare Beneficiary Insights” poll by Suffolk University and Silverlink Communications. • The poll also showed that 85% of Medicare beneficiaries are not currently planning to switch plans this year, and the majority will spend only minimal time (two hours or less) researching health plan options. But experts say it isn’t wise to blindly re-enroll in existing Medicare plans. Medicare and its private sector plans typically make annual changes to: Medical benefits Prescription benefits Coverage limits Consumer premiums Out-of-pocket expenses So current users and new enrollees need to take the time to review plan options in order to
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January 2010
Illustrations by Tom McFarland
What You Need to Know To Get The Best Coverage get the best coverage possible. • Make sure you know current enrollment dates. • For 2009, the window is November 15 through December 31. Those eligible for Medicare can review and - if necessary - adjust their Medicare coverage, which consists of traditional Medicare or private sector plan options licensed to operate in Medicare; Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. • If you do not choose new coverage, you will be automatically re-enrolled in the same coverage you had. To help you evaluate your
options, Chris Hakim, the Director of eHealthMedicare.com, encourages people to answer these questions. Does my coverage match my changing healthcare needs? “If you’re managing a chronic condition, like diabetes, heart disease or cancer,” says Hakim, “make sure your coverage keeps pace with your needs for new or existing medications. You also want to be sure you can continue to see your primary care physician or specialist.” Hakim also recommends that if
you’re having elective surgery in the coming year, make sure it’s covered in your existing plan or your coverage. In many cases spouses have the same plan. But, if your health care needs changed this year, or if your spouse’s needs changed, be sure to review your coverage. “If you’re used to getting insurance from an employer, then you’re likely to think of your health insurance as a family policy where you’re all on one plan. But, Medicare allows you and your spouse to have different plans that are ‘right-sized’ for each of your individual needs,” says Hakim. Choosing the right plan for your individual needs can help you save money. Will I have my same doctor? Check with your primary care physician, specialists and your private plan to make sure you can continue to see your doctors. Medicare’s contracted networks of doctors and hospitals are subject to change, so find out if your doctor will be in the plan. “If you elect traditional Medicare, which allows you to see any doctor or visit any hospital that accepts Medicare,” says Hakim, “it’s still a good idea to confirm your
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doctors are participating in Medicare.” Will my premiums and deductibles increase? Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B), private sector plans in the Medicare Advantage program (Part C), and the Prescription Drug (Part D) program are likely to have changes in 2010. They may result in either savings or additional cost to consumers based on the coverage you select. Make sure you understand how these changes impact you. Get the Right Prescription Drug Coverage Medicare Part D provides coverage for name-brand and generic prescriptions. Review your current medications with your doctor and ask about potential medication changes for next year. Then, review Part D coverage to make sure it covers what you need. “eHealthMedicare.com has a ‘Doughnut Hole’ Calculator, powered by Destination Rx, to help calculate the money you could be required to pay out of your own pocket for prescription drugs,” says Hakim. “Medicare Part D typically covers an initial portion of your prescription drug costs, up to a pre-set limit. Once the limit is reached, you’ll pay out of pocket until you reach the ‘catastrophic coverage threshold.’ Once the threshold is reached, Part D coverage kicks back in to cover the remaining costs. “It’s important to confirm the coverage
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you have and to research other name brand or generic-equivalent medications that may be less expensive. The ‘Doughnut Hole’ Calculator is an easy-to-use tool to help you maximize your Part D benefit.” Get Knowledgeable Advice There are many resources available to you, including these: • Me d i c a re : w w w. m e d i c a re . g ov ; 800-MEDICARE • The National Council on Aging: www. ncoa.org • The Medicare Rights Center: www.medicarerights.org • e H e a l t h : w w w. eHealthMedicare.com You can also check out the State Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs), which are part of a federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs located in every state. Hakim also encourages people to try www. eHealthMedicare.com, a Web site with information about traditional Medicare and private Medicare options. “At eHealthMedicare.com we’re offering comprehensive Medicare information, in easy-to-navigate Web pages and straightforward language,” says Hakim. “We also provide access to quality Medicare carriers and phone support with trained professionals.” The difference between picking a plan that’s right for you and one that isn’t could be thousands of dollars per year. Take the time now to study your choices so you can get the coverage you need next year. (Family Features)
Changing Medicare Plans? If you’re changing Medicare plans, the Medicare Rights Center recommends enrolling in the new plan without disenrolling from your old one. Enroll by calling 800-MEDICARE - you will be automatically disenrolled from your previous Medicare private plan with your new coverage starts. Find out more at www.medicarerights.org.
Enrolling for Medicare Most people who are 65 and older, some younger people with disabilities can get Medicare. If you aren’t sure if you can get Medicare, call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 800-772-1213. You’ll need to provide your Social Security number and date of birth when you call.
Maximizing Your Prescription Drug Coverage Use a “Doughnut Hole” Calculator to confirm the prescription drug coverage you have under Medicare Part D. Research other name brand or genericequivalent medications that may be less expensive with the calculator at eHealthMedicare.com.
January 2010
17
marci’s medicare answers
Medicare Coverage Changes, Denial of Extra Help, & Pneumonia Shots
Q
Dear Marci, How do I change my Medicare coverage for 2010, and when will the changes take effect?
A
You can change your Medicare coverage during the Annual Coordinated Election Period, which runs from November 15 through December 31 every year. During this period you can change to another private plan or to Original Medicare and add, drop or change Medicare drug coverage (Part D). You can make as many changes as you need during this period, but only your last coverage choice will take effect January 1. To avoid enrollment
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problems, it is best to make as few changes as possible. You can also switch your Medicare health coverage once during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31 every year. You cannot add or drop Part D during this time, and your new coverage starts the first of the month after you make your selection. Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to change your drug coverage and/or health plan. If you get an SEP, your new coverage will start the first of the month after you are disenrolled from your previous plan. Once you have decided on the changes you want to make,
do not call to disenroll from your old plan. Rather, you should change plans by enrolling in the new plan, and it is best to do so by calling 800-MEDICARE, rather than enrolling through the new plan. Enroll early during an enrollment period to make sure that your new coverage starts when it should. You will be automatically disenrolled from your old Medicare private health plan or Part D plan when your new coverage starts. ~Marci
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Dear Marci, I recently applied for Extra Help, but my application was denied. I still can’t afford my drugs. What can I do?
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If your application is going to be turned down, you will receive a “Pre-Decisional Notice” telling you this in advance, and you can use this opportunity to correct your application. Once SSA has reviewed your application, you may receive a “Notice of Denial” that says you do not qualify or a “Notice of Award that says you only qualify for partial Extra Help. If you disagree with the SSA’s decision, you can appeal. It is best not to reapply for Extra Help in either case. It is important to appeal, because if you win, your Extra Help will be effective from the first day of the month that you originally submitted an application. In order to appeal, you should • Request a review of your case (a hearing) within 60 days of receiving notice of SSA’s decision on your application. • Set a date for a hearing. Call your local SSA office or the national hotline (800-7721213). You can also download an online form and mail it in to request a hearing. Hearings are held by phone. You will get a notice in the mail that confirms your hearing date and tells you what number to call (the number will be toll-free). This notice will also explain how to send in evidence supporting your case (for example, bank statements that show your assets). If you have a scheduling conflict you can reschedule once or twice if you have good cause (for example, you were in the hospital). TheBestOfTimesNews.com
If you do not want a hearing, you can just ask for a “case review,” where an SSA agent will review your application and any additional information you send in. ~Marci
Period, you can apply for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, between January 1 and March 31 of each year. Your coverage will not start until the following July, and you will have to pay a Part B I recently turned 65, but missed premium penalty. The penalty will be 10 percent of the Part my window to enroll in Medicare. When will I get another chance to B premium for each 12-month period you delay enrollment in Part B. In most cases you enroll? will have to pay that penalty every month for as long as you have Medicare. If you are You can actively enroll in enrolled in Medicare because of a disability Medicare at anytime during the Initial Enrollment Period, which is and pay premium penalties, once you turn the seven-month period including the three 65, you no longer have to pay the premium months before, the month of, and the three months following your 65th birthday. If you missed the Initial Enrollment Period and have employer insurance from your or your spouse’s current job, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. With a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll in Medicare without penalty at any time while you have group health coverage and for eight months after you lose your group health coverage or you (or your spouse) stop working, whichever comes first. If you do not have insurance from a current job and missed the Initial Enrollment
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penalty. ~Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights. org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org. To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www.medicareinteractive.org.
January 2010
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money matters
by Jason Alderman
At this time of year, many people pause to reflect on what they’d like to change about their lives going forward - lose a few pounds, take a class, spend more time with the kids. Often, these goals revolve around personal finances. But if you’ve been battered by economic forces beyond your control (as many have recently), it may be tough to craft financial resolutions ambitious enough to have a real impact on your situation – especially if you fear that unforeseen obstacles may later force you to scale them back or even lose ground. That’s why I urge taking baby
Financial Resolutions You Can Live With steps - setting small, meaningful objectives that provide a sense of accomplishment and that you can ramp up when your situation improves. Here are a few examples: Scale back expenses. If you can’t make a big dent in your monthly costs, like refinancing your mortgage or selling an unneeded vehicle to eliminate a car payment, look for lots of little dents that can add up: • Save $10 a week by having one less fast food meal and to-go coffee; or rent a DVD instead of going out to the movies - that might save about $500 a year. • Lower the thermostat in the winter by 1 degree and save 3 to 5 percent on your utility bill - saving $5 a month equals $60 a year. • Drive slower. Each 5 mph
you drive over 60 mph costs about $0.24 per gallon of gas. Properly inflate your tires, keep the engine tuned and cut out aggressive driving habits and you’ll save even bigger bucks. • Shop around for better home and car insurance rates, and consider raising low deductibles. (Just make sure your coverage has kept pace with inflation.) • Balance your checkbook. Even though many banks have recently lowered fees for bounced checks and overdrafts, one a month at $25 a pop adds up to $300 a year. Build an emergency fund. Financial experts usually recommend stowing three to six months’ expenses in an emergency fund. That’s a good long-term goal, but if it’s not currently realistic, don’t simply give up without trying - stash some of the cash you’re saving above, a few dollars each month. You won’t miss it and might just be saved from having to take out an expensive short-term loan to cover emergency car repairs or an overdue electric bill. Get organized. Even if you can’t afford to pay off all bills in full each month, at least know where you stand regarding due dates, minimum payments due and credit limits so you don’t inadvertently rack up higher interest rates or damage your credit score. If you’re a chronic procrastinator, set up automatic bill payment with your bank - it’ll save on postage as well. Stick to your budget. If you don’t have a budget, make this the year you create one. Numerous online tools are available to help. For example, Practical Money Skills for Life, Visa Inc.’s free personal financial management program (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/budgeting), features budgeting worksheets and calculators, guidelines for living within your means, budgeting recommendations for back-to-school, holiday spending, travel, and much more. Jason Alderman directs Visas financial education programs. Sign up for his free e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills. com/newsletter.
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N rev Sout EW h No epor east wO tO PE ffice N!
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Reaping What You Sow Some see an empty field of dirt. Robbie Brown sees bushels of homegrown tomatoes, foot-long zucchinis and some of the sweetest peas your teeth have ever had the pleasure of meeting. When he’s not driving his tractor or guiding his tiller through the garden, you’ll find him living life to the fullest in some other way. “I do anything I want to do with the legs I get from Snell’s,” Brown says confidently. “I don’t back up for nothing.” It is that same type of commitment that Snell’s licensed practitioners and technicians make to our patients every day. Our staff members take the time to attentively listen to the patient to determine what his or her needs truly are. Then, after careful consultation with the patient’s physician, we begin the design and fabrication process. Once the prosthesis or orthosis has been fitted, we work tirelessly with the patient to make sure that it functions correctly. Our investment in new technology and in specialized training for our staff allows us to deliver prosthetic and orthotic devices of the highest quality. Because, as Mr. Brown will attest to…what you invest in today will yield abundant returns tomorrow.
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January 2010
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LAWS OF THE LAND
Credit Card and Gift Card “Gotchas” by Lee Aronson
Mr. T (not his real name) bought himself a brand new TV for nearly $2,000. And because he didn’t want to be carrying that much cash around with him, he put the TV on his charge card. But what he didn’t realize was that his credit limit had been reduced to $1,800. So when Mr. T got his credit card bill, he was surprised to find a $39 over the
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limit fee. Now if you were Mr. T, which would you prefer: you’re at the TV store and you pull out your credit card to pay. Would you prefer the charge to be denied because it would put you over your limit or would you prefer that the charge be approved and you get hit with a $39 over the limit fee? The way it works right now is the charge will go through, you will be told nothing about the fact that you are going over your limit and your next credit card bill will have an over the limit fee.
But this law will change in February 2010, making it illegal for credit card companies to charge over the limit fees in most circumstances. As a result, if the credit card company can’t charge an over the limit fee, the company will simply deny any charge that would put you over your limit. (A similar law will go into effect for ATM cards and debit cards on July 1, 2010, making banks likely to reject any ATM or debit card transaction that would overdraw your account.) But there is one special circumstance when the credit card company or debit card company could charge over the limit fees: if you give them permission and sign up for the fees. And who would be stupid enough to do that? No one. (I hope.) But I’ve heard that some credit card companies have started using a trick to take advantage of this special circumstance. Supposedly, the credit card company will call you and say something like, “due to changes in the law, we are going to have to start treating your account differently. However, if you want to have your account stay the same as it is now, you can choose to do so. And if you do choose to do so, then we will drop your over the limit fee from $39 to $29. Would you like to take advantage of this offer and keep things “as they are”? If you say yes, then you are giving the credit card company permission to charge you an over the limit fee. That’s a bad idea. Don’t fall for it. And here’s another change in the federal credit card law: gift cards, which can currently be a horrible deal, are going to become
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a little more consumer friendly starting August 21, 2010. But this new law is still going to allow for some gift card gotchas. For example, you may buy a $25 gift card for someone, but it would be perfectly legal under the federal law for the card to charge your recipient a $2 initial issuance fee, making the card good for only $23. And if the card goes unused for any 12 month period, then the federal law says charging a monthly service fee is A-OK. And if you don’t use the full amount of the gift card within 5 years, it can expire. Fortunately for Louisiana residents, a state law which is already in effect makes some of these gotchas illegal here. For example, Louisiana law limits any initial issuance fee to a maximum of $1. And dormancy fees are not allowed at all. But these Louisiana protections only apply to gift cards that are for one store only. So a gift card to Blockbuster would be subject to Louisiana law but a gift card that is accepted everywhere Visa is accepted would not be. Lee Aronson’ is an attorney with Legal Services of North Louisiana. His practice areas include consumer protection law, housing law and health care law.
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January 2010
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ask doctor marion
by Marion Summers, PhD
Q
I’m a caregiver for my 75 year- old father who retired five years ago. He’s in relatively good health, and he just won’t slow down as much as I’d like him to. He says, “Retirement isn’t what it used to be!” What should I do? --Carol in Texas
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Good for him! I often tell my clients, “Life’s an adventure and you only go around once, so you better make the most of it.” And the great news is that more and more of them are taking my advice. It used to be
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The New Retirement Paradigm that most people who retired instantly became less mentally, physically, and socially active. If someone retired at 65, there usually wasn’t much more than a decade left before life was over. But nowadays, many retirees have two or three decades ahead of them to enjoy life. Retirement used to focus on a life of leisure. Few retirees went on to learn more, to grow. But now I highly recommend this be a goal in retirement. Retirement is now about living life to the fullest and enjoying a rich experience. If your father is wise, he’ll take up a new hobby. Traveling is very exciting at first, but after awhile it gets physically hard and it’s even possible to run out of places to visit. Many elderly become less physically able to do some activities, but there are always new skills and crafts to
learn that are less taxing. It’s also good for the elderly to make new friends since many of their old friends pass away over time. Your father could consider learning the computer or volunteering his time in the hospital or as a docent in a museum. He could also teach a child about any expertise such as business, reading, cooking, drawing, math, or writing. He could buy a telescope and learn about the stars and the universe, or collect stamps and/or coins. The key is to learn and expand the horizons. Encourage your father to share his life with other people. He could give more time to family and friends now that his work pursuits are over. He could join a club where members have common interests, or join a club that’s totally foreign to him so it sparks his intellect and imagination. Over the last 35 years, Marion Somers, Ph.D., (Doctor Marion) has worked with thousands of seniors and their caregivers as a geriatric care manager. It is now her goal to help caregivers everywhere through her book, “Elder Care Made Easier,” web site, public service announcements, national bus tours, and media appearances. For more information, visit DoctorMarion.com.
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from the bench
New Phone Scam Targets Seniors by Judge Jeff Cox
Yesterday, I was reading the internet news when I ran across an article that talked about a new phone scam that is targeting senior adults. In this article, I try to keep the public informed of any new scams that may come to my attention. The way this new scam works is that the senior adult in this country receives a telephone call from another country, such as Canada or Mexico. The person on the other end of the line tells the senior adult that they are their grandchild, or a niece or nephew, and that they have
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had an accident in the country from which they are calling. The person making the call tells the senior adult that they need money wired to them in that country because they don’t have enough money to go to the hospital, get the car fixed, take care of medical needs, etc. Usually the amount asked for by the person is in the thousands of dollars. The person posing as a relative asks the senior adult to wire the money to a bank in that foreign country. If the senior adult wires the money to the other country, the person will disappear. The money is lost forever and trying to catch the foreign perpetrator is almost impossible. Police departments who are strained in resources available to devote to such scams usually have little
chance of catching the perpetrator. The money will be gone if this happens. You may think I would never be this stupid. Con artists know how to convince you. That is there job. They don’t make money unless you do what they want. Be very suspicious when receiving calls from foreign countries and do not give out any vital financial information over the phone. One other scam is going on in the local area. Contractors are buying materials for homes on one site and then moving the materials to another site. This has been especially prevalent with roofing shingles. If you have any type of building occurring at the present time, make sure to watch your building materials to ensure they do not leave the site. Jeff Cox is the 26th Judicial District Court Judge for Bossier/Webster Parishes, Division C.
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I wanna change! But where do I start? As we mature, almost all of us at some time or another say that we want to change; become a better parent or grandparent, a better mate, a better boss, more assertive or just a better human being. Some of us aspire to change our communities, our state, our nation, and even, the world. At times, most all of us mope about our current condition and the particular circumstances that we currently find in our lives. We may not be in agony, but we’re not getting what we want either. We settle for life as it is, put up with it, and hope it will all somehow improve dramatically. We lament, “I really want to change, I do, but I don’t have the foggiest idea about where to start!” This is an honest statement describing a very human predicament. And, it’s widespread. How many people don’t really live? How many of us pass from one uneventful day to the next, or jump from one hectic crisis to the next? If that’s what you want from your life, okay. That’s certainly the simplest way to live, because you don’t have to do anything differently; you don’t have to think any complicated thoughts about what to change and how to change. Alternatively, if you choose it, there’s another way to go, a power-filled way, but, it’s up to you. How about if the rest of your life were a lot more rewarding and exciting than it’s been until now? How about deciding to create your life as you desire and dream it? I’m here to tell you, it’s never too late; if you’re reading this, change is possible. If that sounds good to you, if you’re ready for the power of change in your life, read on. Mahatma Gandhi believed that we must be the change we want to see in the world. This was well demonstrated when he helped India gain its freedom. Gandhi was a revolutionary man, but he accomplished India’s emergence as a nation without starting a revolution or using force. In fact, he believed in non-violence. One of the most dominant countries in the world capitulated to the commitment of one man and the dream of millions. Now that’s power. What change can we achieve? What’s the
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difference we want to make in the world? Gandhi said, “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.” Here then, are some thoughts which may, in fact, change your world.
l Consider that all significant change throughout history has occurred not because of nations, armies, governments and certainly not committees. They happened as a result of the courage and commitment of individuals. People like Joan of Ark, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. They might not have done it alone, but they were, without question, the change makers. l B e l i e v e that you have a unique purpose and potential in the world. It’s not so much something to create as something to be discovered. And it’s up to you and only you to uncover it. Believing that you can, will make a difference.
When I was young and free an I dreamed of changing the wo I discovered the wor so I shortened m and decided to chan But it, too, seem As I grew into my twilight year I settled for changing only m but alas, they wou And now, as I lie on my d If I had only changed my I would have ch From their inspiratio I would then have been and who knows, I may ha
Inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bi
The Power “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
l Recognize that everything you do, every step you take, every sentence you write, every word you speak, or fail to speak, counts. Nothing is inconsequential. The world is indeed a big place, but there are no small things. Everything matters. l Take personal responsibility. Thinking “this is not my job” is an excuse to say, “I can’t change anything, I’m only one little person.” You don’t need everyone’s cooperation or anyone’s permission to make changes. l Don’t get caught up in the how of things. If you’re clear on what you want to change and TheBestOfTimesNews.com
nd my imagination had no limits, orld. As I grew older and wiser, rld would not change, my sights somewhat nge only my country. med immovable. rs, in one last desperate attempt, my family, those closest to me, uld have none of it. deathbed, I suddenly realize: yself first, then by example hanged my family. on and encouragement, able to better my country, ave even changed the world.
Bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D.)
why you want to change it, the how will come very naturally. Many important things have been left unaccomplished because someone let the problem solving interfere with the decision-making. The decision has to come first. l Don’t wait for things to be right in order to begin. Change is untidy. Things will never be “just right.” Teddy Roosevelt gave some timeless guidance on this when he said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” To be the change you want to see in the world, you don’t have to be loud, articulate, or be elected to some high office. You don’t even have to be particularly smart or well educated. You do, however, have to be dedicated. The birth of change is awareness. We cannot change what we don’t acknowledge and admit. Most of the time, we aren’t aware of what’s wrong or what’s not working. We don’t allow ourselves to see what could be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change. Take to heart these words from Albert Einstein, perhaps one of the smartest change masters who ever lived: “All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
r of Change
In order for things to change, YOU have to change. We can’t change others; we can only change ourselves. However, when WE change, it changes everything. And in doing so, we truly can be the change we want to see in the world.
by David McMillian, LPC, LMFT The Best Of Times
Most of us naturally resist change, sometimes consciously, but often unconsciously. We say we want to change, but either we don’t do what we need to do to make those changes or we don’t know how to change. There are countless reasons for
this. Three of the fundamental reasons why we don’t create the changes we wish to make are summed up using the letters A, C, and T. So, if we truly want change, we have to A.C.T.:
Admit Choose Track The beginning of real change, at least the kind that we desire as contrasted to the change that just happens to us, is to admit what is. We must first admit our current situation in order to do anything about it. It sounds obvious and simple, but we often overlook this step. All too often, we think things are better than they really are. We may be so familiar with the problem that we justify it by saying that it’s not really all that bad. The first step is to admit what it is that needs altering. We don’t need to make it wrong and we don’t need to defend it, we just need to say, “OK, this is what is, and I want it to be different.” Our power is in our capacity to decide. The next logical question is, HOW do we want it different? Most of the time when I ask people what they want, they can quickly tell me what they don’t want, but have a more difficult time defining it in the positive. You and I can’t change what we don’t admit, and it’s hard to change what we don’t measure. So, we have to be willing to choose what we want. Try taking a problem and reversing it. Let’s say, for example, that you think you are in a “dead-end” job. Your talent level is being wasted and you don’t feel challenged. That’s the truth and it’s important to admit this fact. But it’s also important to redirect your attention on what you WANT. You want to work in a job that challenges you and allows you to use your talents and abilities. It’s also essential to get clear on why you want this. Your reasons are powerful motivators for doing what you need to do to get the job done. As you get truly clear on what you want, ideas may naturally emerge that help you either create a better situation for (continued on next page) January 2010
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continued from previous page yourself in your current situation, or a clear path toward a new and exciting challenge. Many of us aren’t willing to acknowledge our debt, our weight, our lack of success in business, our relationship problems and more. We’re unhappy, but unwilling to define and face the problems that are often obvious to everybody else. Denial is a cunning difficulty and we all have it to one degree or another. One especially common form of denial to changing in our more mature years is some variation of the belief that “I’m just too old for all this change stuff,” or even “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I want to be very specific here: baloney. We’re never too old to change. In fact, change is our most basic human state because it happens naturally throughout our life span.
Once we admit our situation and choose our objective, we can begin to make changes. A key strategy for success is to track your progress. It’s difficult to change what you don’t measure. If you want to make meaningful change in your life, get real about what is, get clear on what you want and then track it. Record where you are and your progress in making the change. In doing so, you’ll find yourself making changes with less effort and achieving more success. This is powerful stuff; the power of change. David McMillian, LPC, LMFT has been practicing over 18 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Tune in to his weekly radio program “Strategies for Living” on Saturdays from 8 to 9 a.m. on NEWSRADIO 710 KEEL or at www.strategiesforliving.com.
The formula for instituting positive change in your life is simple. You have to
A.C.T. the things about your physical, mental and Admit: List spiritual life that you would like to change.
3 things that you can “choose” to do in Choose: List order to make positive changes in your life.
Track:
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Decide how to measure your successes against the status quo; create your own measuring system.
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January 2010
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dear pharmacist
by Suzy Cohen, RPh
Q
Dear Pharmacist, My father and brother both died of prostate cancer. I am still fine, but at age 45, I want to do everything I can now to avoid prostate cancer. Truthfully, I am terrified. I’m a faithful reader, and I value your opinion. Can you give me more information? --M.M. Phoenix, Arizona
Suzy Answers Questions About Prostate Cancer and About Arthritis measure the percentage of “free PSA” rather than absolute, total PSA. Also, evaluating levels of estrogen, androstanediol, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone or “DHT” are important. Don’t overmedicate: Prescribed medications suppress serum DHT but lowering
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Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages, and most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75. You are smart to think ahead and so I’ve researched and prepared this list to help you and other proactive men: Consider vitamin D. This antioxidant may help reduce overall cancer risk and lower PSA values by 25 to 50 percent in men with prostate cancer. Healthy amounts of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) are found in cold water seafood and in supplemental cod-liver oil. Reduce free radical damage. I’ll be blunt: stop smoking and eating greasy burgers, french fries, beer, foods with MSG and other artificial chemicals, all of which assault your cells. Test properly. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is America’s gold standard test but unfortunately it could be normal in the presence of prostate cancer, giving a man a false sense of security. A more accurate diagnostic lab test may be to
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eaters (5 times or more per week) are 2 and half times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men who eat it once a week. Consider natural supplements that support prostate health. Ask your doctor if these are right for you: Quercetin, curcumin, lycopene, beta sitosterol, melatonin and natural anti-fungals. Notice that saw palmetto is not on my list, because even though it can help, it could harm you if it’s not monitored. I don’t have the space to elaborate, or offer dosages or scientific studies here, but if you sign up to receive my free newsletter (at my website located at www.DearPharmacist.com), I will send you all of this information in my emailed newsletter.
Q
it too much could backfire. It’s shocking, but very low DHT hormone will also suppress an anti-cancer hormone called androstanediol causing more aggressive tumors. Progressive physicians know this, so they routinely measure the ratio between DHT and androstanediol, which is more important than the level of either hormone alone. Consider insulin levels. Chronically elevated blood insulin levels are associated with prostate cancer, especially in men who are overweight. Exercise. When you are overweight, your fat cells hold on to estrogen. Excessive estrogen in a man may cause erectile dysfunction, not to mention a higher risk of cancer. Consider diet. Men who are heavy meat
Dear Pharmacist, I’m suffering with arthritis pain and I’ve taken more glucosamine than any human can take! I take ibuprofen and naproxen every day, plus hydrocodone for pain. Now, to make matters worse, I have glaucoma. Any fresh ideas for your biggest Illinois fan? --C.N. Decatur, Illinois
A
The first idea I have could save your life. Stop taking ibuprofen with naproxen; that kind of combination could poke a hole in your gut and make you bleed to death. Either take one drug or the other, and I don’t have a preference as they are both effective. My next idea is hyaluronic acid, I’ll shorten that to HA. You make this funnysounding substance in your body and your joints hunger for it. A lot of celebrities know HA by another name, Juvéderm used frequently as a lip filler. It gives women a big pouty pucker. Think Lisa Rinna. And then there’s Restylane, used to eliminate deep laugh lines. Picture funny lady Joan Rivers (who clearly doesn’t want to be seen grinning at her own jokes). Because oral supplements of HA help the body retain moisture, it can relieve skin conditions such as severe dryness, scaliness, eczema or psoriasis. It’s found in hundreds of moisturizers and anti-aging cosmetics. HA is not just for the rich and wrinklephobic; it could help people with painful TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Did You Know? Lipsovir, a new prescription cream to treat cold sores, is now FDA approved. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome. I think it could help with osteoarthritis and glaucoma. because when HA is made in your body, it tends to concentrate in your eyes, heart, skin, cartilage and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid works by lubricating the joint and increasing the squishiness between the joints. It is usually fine to combine with glucosamine chondroitin or MSM supplements; in fact many OTC supplements have multi-tasking formulas that combine HA with the other ingredients. I am not aware of any interactions of HA with medications (prescribed or over-the-counter) that reduce inflammation such as ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam and celecoxib. Actually, taking HA supplements may allow you to reduce your dosage of those drugs over time.
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Hyaluronic acid is found in your eye, in the ‘vitreous humor’ which is the gel-like liquid that fills most of your eye. Do you realize what that means? It could help people with vision problems of all sorts including dry eyes, glaucoma, a detached retina or diabetic retinopathy. Ask your doctor about taking HA supplements to support tissue healing after cataract surgery, or any type of surgery for that matter. Studies point to the fact that hyaluronic acid may be able to minimize scarring, boost the immune system, ease fibromyalgia pain, restore hair color and help certain
people who are losing their voice (vocal cord insufficiency). As impressive as this supplement sounds, I urge you to stick to the lowest effective dose, approximately 100 mg once or twice daily with food. Taking excessive hyaluronic acid will backfire. This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist.” For more information, visit www.DearPharmacist.com. © 2008 Suzy Cohen, RPh. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc.
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moving free with mirabai
by Mirabai Holland, MFA At this time of year when New Year Resolutions are fresh in our minds, I’d like to offer some suggestions on how to get into shape and stay there once and for all. Many of today’s fitness programs are all about the quick sell and even quicker results. Many are based on dangerous fitness myths. Here are 5 fitness myths to steer away from: Myth #1: Pain Equals Gain It is a popular misconception that only when you feel the pain are you gaining anything from your workout. “The “no pain, no gain” mentality contributes to more injuries and more burnout than any other fitness factor, especially among my age group (baby boomers). It is wiser to exercise sustainably over a longer term, than to push yourself to the breaking point. Myth #2: A Taskmaster Equals the Best Teacher Reality Exercise Shows that have recently become popu-
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Five Fitness Myths That Can Sabotage Your Goals and Make You Fail lar portray drill-sergeant-style trainers as being the most effective fitness mentors. While leveraging fear and using intimidation techniques may mean instant shortterm fitness results, they’re sending the wrong message about how to get and stay fit for a lifetime. Attainable short-term goals and positive reinforcement are more likely to create good fitness habits that are sustainable for life. Myth #3: Pumping up the Volume Equals Pumping up Your Physique It seems some fitness instructors think screaming louder and blasting the bass is motivational. It’s time to think again. While high-decibel work-
outs might be temporarily motivational, over time these techniques become draining and stressful leading to faster fitness burnout. Look instead for uplifting music and gentle coaching in your workouts. Myth #4: Fitness Equals a Fight Against Your Body Sales pitches that encourage “shaving off the pounds” and busting your abs or your butt have solidified the image of fitness as a battle against your body. Fighting is not a sustainable activity or philosophy. Instead, think of partnering with your body. Meet it where it is at right now and provide the environment and tools to reveal your
body’s best potential. When you take this approach you are setting yourself up for success every step of the way. Myth #5: Force Equals Fit Today’s popular exercise routines promote pounding your body into shape. But ancient fitness modalities, such as Yoga and Tai Chi had it right. Fitness is not about pumping the most iron or performing the most reps, it is about teaching your body how to move efficiently, using all of your muscles groups, and sustaining these movements over time. Exercise including strength training should be approached as a gradual lifetime process. This way, exercise becomes a pleasure not a chore. Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness industry, and public health activist who specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for people. Her Moving Free® approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn’t feel like work. www. easyexercisevideos.com
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East Texas Eye Doctor Helps Legally Blind to See Again
Diplomate in Low Vision Care trains Dr. Larry Chism to help those with macular degeneration to keep reading and driving. By Elena Lombardi Freelance Writer
Donald Paquette, 72, a former assessor from Anaheim, California thought that his driving days were over. “I could not read the street signs soon enough and I couldn’t pass the vision test at the DMV office.” Gonzalo Garcia, 74, Albuquerque, New Mexico, wanted to be able to read and write more easily. He wanted to see the nails and screws when he tried to use them in home repairs. He wanted see his grandchildren singing in the church choir. But he thought those days were over when he was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. California Optometrist, Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner and East Texas optometrist, Dr. Larry Chism, are using miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration or other eye conditions. “Some of my patients consider us the last stop for people who have vision loss,” said Dr. Chism, a low vision optometrist who has just completed training with Dr. Shuldiner in California. “Amazing!” says Donald. “I can read the street signs twice as far as I did before and even see the television better!” Dr. Shuldiner also provided special prismatic reading glasses to make the newspaper a little easier to read. Macular Degeneration is the most common eye disease amongst the senior population. As many as 25% of those over 65 have some degree The Best Of Times
Carole Buckels wearing bioptic telescope driving glasses. of degeneration. The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp images. When it degenerates, Macular Degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of vision making it impossible to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the drivers vision test. The experts do not know what causes macular degeneration. But major factors include UV light from the sun, smoking, aging, and improper nutrition. Vitamins can help. The results of two studies, AREDS and LAST demonstrated a lowered risk of progression by about 25% when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins. A new, proprietary supplement based on the scientific studies is available from these doctors. Nine out of ten people who have macular degeneration have the dry type. There is no medical treatment except for vitamins. The wet type involves leaky blood vessels that can sometimes be sealed with hot or cold laser. Unfortunately it’s a temporary fix. Newer treatments, such as Macugen injections try to prevent leakage. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Chism. “Whether it’s driving, reading, watch-
ing television, seeing faces, playing bridge…we work with whatever is on the persons “wish list”. Even if it’s driving. Louisiana and Texas allow the use of telescopic glasses for safer driving. Carole Buckles, 71 of Arcadia, California came on the advise of a friend. “I wanted to be able to keep driving and do the fun things in life.” One of those fun things is baseball. “I love going to baseball games and now I can see those close plays again,” she says. Bioptic Telescopic glasses were prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. As Carole puts it, “These telescope glasses not only allows me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. Definitely worth the $1975 cost. I don’t know why I waited two years to do this; I should have come sooner.” “Telescopic glasses usually cost over $2000”, says Dr. Shuldiner, “especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass”. Not all low vision devices are that expensive. Reading glasses start at $500 and hand magnifiers under $100. Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires. Dr. Chism also provides special prismatic reading glasses to make the newspaper a little easier to read. Dr. Larry Chism speaks to every patient on the telephone before scheduling the one hour low vision evaluation appointment.
Call Dr. Chism, toll free, at 1-888-243-2020 for a FREE telephone interview. January 2010
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what’s cooking?
Plum Healthy and Hearty Risotto With Dried Plums and Radicchio
Winning Dishes from Gold Medalist Natalie Coughlin Gold medalist and World Champion swimmer Natalie Coughlin is an avid cook and a passionate advocate of healthy eating and lifestyle choices. “I love the challenge of creating healthful dishes that really taste great,” says Coughlin. “I use California Dried Plums as a versatile ingredient that enhances the flavor in both sweet and savory dishes. They’re also a source of important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.” For more recipes, visit www. californiadriedplums.org or www. tummywise.com (Family Features)
2 Tbs butter 1 cup coarsely chopped 1 small onion, diced radicchio 1½ cups Arborio rice 1 cup (about 6 ounces) quartered 1 tsp minced garlic California pitted dried plums ½ cup white wine ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 6 cups hot low-sodium 1 tsp grated lemon zest chicken broth Salt and pepper 1 cup coarsely chopped arugula Shaved Parmesan cheese In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add rice and garlic; cook, stirring, about 5 minutes or until rice is hot. Increase heat to medium-high. Add wine; stir until wine is absorbed. Add chicken broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next addition. When rice is tender and creamy, stir in arugula, radicchio, dried plums, grated cheese and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Portion into 6 shallow bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings.
Pizzettas With Dried Plums & Caramelized Onions 2 Tbs olive oil 4 small onions, thinly sliced ½ teaspoon salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme 4 (6-in.) round tandoori naan 1 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese 1 cup (about 6 ounces) quartered California pitted dried plums Heat oven to 400°F. In large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions, salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until onions are soft. Add rosemary and thyme and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown. Place naan on baking sheet; spread 1/3 cup onion mixture on each naan, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup goat cheese and 1/4 cup dried plums. Bake about 5 minutes or until crust is golden and toppings are hot. Makes 4 pizzettas.
Bircher Muesli With Dried Plums
Mesclun Salad With Dried Plums, Goat Cheese & Pecans 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil ¾ cup (about 4½ ounces) 2 tsp balsamic vinegar quartered California pitted 1 tsp minced shallot dried plums Salt and black pepper ½ cup crumbled goat cheese 8 cups mesclun lettuce ½ cup candied pecans To make vinaigrette, in small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar and shallot; season with salt and pepper. In large mixing bowl, toss lettuce with enough vinaigrette to coat lightly. Divide among 4 salad plates; sprinkle each salad with 3 tablespoons dried plums, 2 tablespoons goat cheese and 2 tablespoons pecans. Makes 4 servings.
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1 cup grated unpeeled apple ½ cup rolled oats ½ cup steel-cut oats ½ cup chopped raw natural almonds ½ cup raw sunflower seeds ½ cup (about 3 ounces) quartered California pitted dried plums 1½ cups apple juice Grated zest and juice of 1 orange Sliced bananas and yogurt, for serving In large bowl, combine apple, oats, almonds, sunflower seeds and dried plums. Add apple juice, orange zest and orange juice; mix well. Refrigerate, covered, overnight or up to 3 days. To serve, top with bananas and yogurt. Makes 4 servings. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Senior Care at Brentwood Hospital Levels of Care • Inpatient • Partial Hospitalization (Day Treatment) • Outpatient
Call us, we can help!
Brentwood Senior Care Unit (318) 678-7500
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Warning Signs That May Indicate the Need for Treatment
• • • • • • • •
Depression, extreme sadness Confused thinking, difficulty concentrating Hallucinations; hearing voices Misuse of alcohol or medications Disorientation Numerous unexplained physical ailments Difficulties coping with daily living Excessive fears, anxieties or suspiciousness
January 2010
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Profile in Pizzazz
Krewe of Elders King Jay Prudhomme by Amanda Newton Jay Prudhomme’s family moved to Shreveport from south Louisiana when he was young boy. He grew up on a small farm in the country and suffered through the same challenges as others during WWII. “When I started school…I had to walk about two to two and a half miles to school every day. Before he went off to the war, my Daddy got me a bicycle. When I ran out of (bicycle tire) patches there were no more inner tubes to be got. I got to ride a bicycle for about a year and a half. There was also no extra leather to be found and we were wearing cardboard in our shoes.” Little did he know that he would one day see the world and go on to win a volunteer award presented by the President of the United States. Prudhomme, 74, began working in the oil field when he was 15. He later took a sales and service job in the oil industry, and through that job he saw the world. At various times he was working in Germany, Australia, Greece, Indonesia, and spent 11 years in Singapore. In all, he spent 17 years working overseas. He returned to Shreveport and then the oil industry “went down hill in 1983.” After 32 years in the oil in-
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dustry, Prudhomme decided to change careers. For the next 21 years he rose through the ranks of the telecommunications industry. “We didn’t even have faxes when I went to work there,” Prudhomme said. “The telecommunications industry moves so fast. I went through six mergers in 11 years.” Prudhomme retired in 2003. His family keeps him active. He and his wife, Sue, have 10 children, 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He also does a lot of charity and volunteer work. It is something he really enjoys and feels is important. Since 1983 he has volunteered with organizations including the Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, American Red Cross and Sharing Through Examples of Personal Sobriety (STEPS). He spent many years involved with the yearly Culinary Classic, which raised money for several local charities. It was a successful and popular event. His work with the STEPS program included raising enough money to construct a building for the program. When it came time to gather items to be auctioned, Prudhomme used his contacts overseas and an Australian airline donated tickets and even brought a koala
bear to Shreveport for the event. In 2001 Prudhomme was awarded the Jefferson Award. The award is given by the American Institute for Public Service and presented by the President of the United States. “That was really a nice award,” he said. “We were supposed to go to Washington, D.C. to receive it but I had knee surgery and couldn’t go. It is a beautiful award. I am so proud of it. I was fortunate to get it, but it wasn’t me as much as the people around me who were helping.” “I enjoy helping others,” he said. “Some people think you do it for a pat on the back. But I do it because I have an attitude of gratitude for what people did for me. If I can give back to anyone to help them, I am going to do it. The people that I have all around me feel the same way.” A lot of those people around him are also members of the Krewe of Elders. Prudhomme, 2009 captain for the group, joined about 5 years ago and loves it. He had been a member of the Krewe of Gemini for 16 years and said the Krewe of Elders really sets its self apart in many ways. Now a non-profit incorporat-
ed 501(C), the group provides those in the area 50 and older an affordable and fun way to be involved in the community and give back. During Mardi Gras and throughout the year, members visit the Veteran’s Hospital, the Veteran’s Home, Sutton’s Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital and 27 retirement homes. “When we bring the Mardi Gras season to these older people and little children, you should see their eyes light up,” Prudhomme said. “You can not stress enough how good it makes you feel just to see somebody happy for a minute or two even though they are in pain. That is where the reward comes from in our krewe. It keeps us active…and young at heart while we are doing it.” The Krewe of Elders strives to
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remain affordable for seniors. They are currently applying for grants in the hopes they can help seniors with the membership dues. Even without the grant money, the krewe is less expensive than many of the larger ones in the area. “The people on Social Security - all of them don’t have the money,” he said. “We are only $25 a year to join, or $35 after June 1. When I left Gemini, I was paying $325 a person plus about another $1000 for other stuff. Now it is about double that, I think. People on fixed incomes don’t have a lot of money, so we have fundraisers like parties, fish fries and barbeques.” Prudhomme said joining the krewe is a way for the older people in the area to go out and have a good time and enjoy life. “We have so many elderly in this area that don’t get to get out. They will live a longer life and feel younger if they get out and do something like this.” Prudhomme said he has been working to fill the void left after he retired from working 50 to 60 hours a week. He likes to use the word “grateful” to describe how he feels about his life today. “I am grateful for just being alive today and just being able to help people and do the things we do. I was very grateful to be able to travel the world with the oil industry. I am grateful that God gave me the opportunity to have the life I have had so far. I look forward to a lot longer life, I hope. I want to keep giving back. The key to success in one’s life, I think, is to be grateful that you are healthy and able to do things. Be grateful for what people do for you and for what you do for people.” This year’s theme for the Krewe of Elders is “Loving Louisiana.” If you are 50 or older and want to receive membership information, please contact them at: Krewe of Elders, Inc. Atten: Celia Frazier P.O.Box 6484 Bossier City, LA 71171 (318) 464-4275 or (318) 635-4901 The Best Of Times
January 2010
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The Country’s Best Aquariums
Traveltizers
Traveltizers: travel appetizers; stories that whet the appetite for travel Story by Andrea Gross Photos by Irv Green There’s nothing I love more than watching fish swim lazily, effortlessly, gracefully among gently swaying sea grass. But snorkeling is not my thing. Instead I frequent aquariums, where I can immerse myself in marine life without submerging myself in water. Below, four of the best, each distinctive in its own way:
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga (the largest
freshwater exhibit in the U.S.) The Tennessee Aquarium recreates the environments favored by the 40-plus percent of fish that live in rivers and lakes, and it does so in a most innovative way - by following a drop of rainwater as it journeys from mountaintop streams down to the sea. Visitors first stop at an exhibit that replicates an Appalachian forest, replete with rhododendrons and azaleas. Trout and otters swim in the stream; a copperhead snake lies on the shore and birds sing in the trees. Various galleries show the stream as it becomes a river, which finally empties into the magical enGeorgia Aquarium vironment of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Un t i l M a y 2011 the aquarium is hosting a special exhibit, “Jellies: Living Art.” Jellyfish and art by world-renowned glass artists are juxtaposed in a display that Tennessee Aquarium
pulsates with color and light. (www. tnaqua.org)
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta (the largest
aquarium in the world) While I’m charmed by delicate and beautiful in Chattanooga, I’m overwhelmed by “big” in Atlanta. This aquarium houses thousands of animals representing more than 500 sea creatures from around the world. There are white beluga whales from the arctic, manta rays from the tropics and loggerhead sea turtles from the nearby Georgia coast. There are even some cute-ascan-be African penguins. The most exciting attraction is the Ocean Voyager Exhibit, which houses the largest fish species in the world, the whale shark. These behemoths, which often weigh more than 30,000 pounds and are more than 40’ long, are housed in a massive tank that holds more than six million gallons of water. The actual viewing window is 63’ long, as high as a two-story building, and a reassuring two feet thick. All in all, this is about as impressive as it gets. (www.georgiaaquarium.org)
The Birch Aquarium in San Diego (one of the largest
oceanographic research facilities in the world) The Birch Aquarium is the public outreach center of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. As such, its 40
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Birch Aquarium mission is to “provide ocean science education, interpret oceanography research, and promote ocean conservation.” While that Sea World sounds very grand, the actual aquarium is small and intimate, focusing mostly on marine habitats of the Pacific coast. A prime attraction is the three living tide pools where visitors are encouraged to examine coastal creatures. But the best part of this aquarium is its setting on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the largest aquatic habitat of all. (www.aquarium.ucsd.edu)
SeaWorld in San Diego (tops for its combination of
entertainment and education) I would have skipped Sea World if I hadn’t been with my grandchildren, and that would have been a big mistake. Sure, it’s as much amusement park as aquarium, but it offers people of all ages an unparalleled example to see marine animals up close. In addition to dynamic shows where whales leap out of the water and dolphins somersault in the air, visitors can see hundreds of penguins enjoying their arctic landscape or walk through a glass enclosed tunnel where they’re surrounded by fish. Sea World Educators are stationed throughout the park to chat with guests and give informal lessons while for an additional fee the true fish enthusiast can don a wetsuit for a “nose-to-bottlenose” encounter with a dolphin or a watery rendezvous with a beluga. (www.seaworld.com/sandiego) TheBestOfTimesNews.com
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Bossier Council on Aging Bearkat Site (741-8302), 706 Bearkat Dr., Bossier City. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Plain Dealing Site (326-5722), 101 E. Oak St., Plain Dealing, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Info & referrals - 741-8302 Transportation - Vans available to seniors 60+ who have no means of transportation for medical appointments, grocery store, drug store and other necessary stops. Wheelchair accessible. One week notice required. $3 round trip suggested. Also through referrals from Medicaid. Outreach - Home visits are made
to help qualify seniors for services. Homemaker - Trained employees provide light housekeeping for seniors having difficulty maintaining their homes. $3/visit suggested. Caregiver - Support services are provided for family caregivers including in-home respite care for the caregiver, education for the family, and material aid and sitter services for the patient. Legal Services - Education on elder legal issues. Counseling for individuals is accessible monthly with a local lawyer or by referrals. Congregate (Site) Meals - Hot,
nutritious meals served at 11:30 AM at the sites, Monday - Friday. $1.50 per meal is suggested. Home Delivered Meals - Meals provided 5 days per week for elderly homebound in Bossier Parish, $1.50/meal suggested. Personal Medical Response System - With a referral from BCOA, an auto dial unit is available for installation on your phone. Necklace, wristband, or pocket clip styles provided. Press the button for immediate help. $20 fee per month. Senior Centers - Recreation,
crafts, educational seminars, and health information. Also: day trips, extended trips, exercise/dance classes, bingo, cards, dominoes, health screenings, exercise equipment room, Senior Games and Thursday night dances with a live band. Medication Management - Seminars, brown bag services provided by pharmacists and programs provided by health care providers. Drug plan assistance available. Medicaid Applications - Application center and assistance filling out the forms. By appointment only.
Caddo Council on Aging Info & Referral - (318) 632-2090; 1-800-256-3003. 4015 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport 71109. Email: ccoa@caddocoa.org www.caddocouncilonaging.org Outreach/Individual Needs Assessment- Explanation of services and to enroll the elderly in service programs Home Delivered Meals - 5 meals/ wk delivered to homebound seniors. Suggested donation $1.25/day. Homemaker Services - Personal care and household tasks provided for homebound persons unable to perform tasks without assistance. $5/month donation requested. Personal Care - Personal care provided to homebound person. $5/month donation requested. Family Caregiver - Sitter and respite provided for full time caregiver of a senior. Donation requested. Telephone Reassurance - Volunteers make phone calls to seniors to offer comfort and support. Medical Alert - 632-2090 -Emer-
gency response system that protects seniors in case of accident or falls in the home. $20/month fee SenioRX Program - 632-5900 or 1-800-793-1198 - Assists seniors applying for pharmaceutical aid. Nursing Home Ombudsman - Professional visits to nursing home to investigate and resolve issues made by the elderly resident or the resident’s family. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 632-2113 - Provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or older. Foster Grandparents (FGP) 632-2199 - Seniors serve as mentor, tutor and caregivers to youth with social needs. FGPs that meet special requirements may serve. 20hrs/wk and receive a stipend. Legal Services - Referrals for individual counseling. Emergency Blinking Light Flashing light installed in your porch light by the Caddo Sheriff Dept. to help guide emergency medical person-
nel. No charge. SOS Program - Sheriff ’s Operational Safeguard. Helps identify and reunite lost, memory-impaired persons with families. Participants are given a bracelet engraved with the name and phone number of the Sheriff’s Office and an ID number. Confidential Call 681.0875 to register. No charge. Senior Centers and Meal Sites - 632-2080 - Area sites that offer fun activities, recreation, wellness, exercise, safety programs, sewing, crafts, bingo, and just plain old fun. Lunch served at all sites for a $1.25 donation. Transportation is provided to sites, call 632-2080 to sign up for a meal or transport to the sites. • Myrtle B. Pickering Senior Center - 4017 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm. • Blanchard Cross Roads Church - 356 Warriner, Blanchard. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00am-12noon. • Broadmoor Methodist Church - 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport.
Open 9:30 - 12:30. • Canaan Towers Apartments - 500 North Dale, Shreveport. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm. • C o o p e r Ro a d C o m m u nity Center - 1422 MLK Blvd, Shreveport. Open Mon-Friday 9:30am-12:30pm • Greenwood Library - Hwy 80, Downtown Greenwood. Open MonFri 9:30 am - 12:30pm • Mooringsport Community Center-Lattimer Street, Mooringsport across from the school. Open Tue-Wed-Thurs 9:30am to 12:30pm • Morning Star Baptist Church - 5340 Jewella, Sport Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm • New Hill CME Church - 8725 Spring-ridge Texas Line Rd, Keithville Tue & Thurs 10am-1:00pm • Oil City Community Center - Savage Street, Oil City Open MonWed-Fri 9am to noon • Vivian Community Center - in the City Park 522 E. Tennessee Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon
Webster Council on Aging Minden Senior Center (3713056 or 1-800-256-2853), 316 McIntyre St., Minden, LA 71055; 8 am to 4 pm Cotton Valley Senior Center (832-4225), Railroad Ave., Cotton Valley; 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Sp r i n g h i l l Se n i o r C e n t e r (539-2510), 301 West Church St., Springhill; 8 am to 4 pm Transportation – transporting older persons to and from community facilities and resources. Assisted transportation also provided and must be scheduled weekly in advance.
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Congregate Meals – nutritionally balanced meals for persons 60+ and spouses provided at senior centers, served 5 days a week. Home-Delivered Meals – Noon meal delivered to eligible homebound elderly (illness, disability or while caring for spouse who is), 5 days a week. Homemaker services – Provided to those clients meeting specific requirements. Recreation – Art, crafts, hobbies, games, and trips. Wellness – designed to support/
improve the senior’s mental/physical well-being through exercise, physical fitness, and health screening. Family Care-Giver Support – support services that provide a temporary break in the tasks of caregiving. For family caregivers who are providing care for an older individual who is determined to be functionally impaired because of inability to perform instrumental functions of daily living without substantial supervision and assistance. This service is provided to persons caring for a homebound relative 60+, for a
relative 60+ caring for a homebound child or grandchild. Information and Assistance – Provides the individual with current information on opportunities and services within the community. Legal Assistance – providing legal advice, counseling, and representation by an attorney. Lectures are scheduled on a quarterly basis. Medicaid enrollment center – take initial Medicaid applications Medical Alert – linking clients with in-home emergency response system. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
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Driving Class
Mardi Gras
Entertainment
AARP Driver Safety Program - An 8 hour classroom refresher course for drivers age 50+ which may qualify participants for an automobile insurance premium reduction or discount. Where 2 days are listed, participants must attend both days. Participants must preregister. $14 for non-AARP members; $12 for AARP members (AARP card required at registration). • January 11 - 8:30 a.m. (One day class) Pinecroft Baptist Church, 8002 Jewella Ave, Shreveport. Contact: O.J. Stevens 318-6872765; Instructor: Malcolm Parker
Springhill’s Main Street Mardi Gras on Main Parade - Saturday, January 30. 1PM with the lineup at 12 Noon. The parade begins at Don’s Glass on the South end of the South Main Mall and travels North up Main Street. Family focused fun parade for young and old. For registration and further information please call Jan Corrales at 318-539-5699.
Silver Screenings - “On the Waterfront” starring Marlon Brando. Tues., Jan. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas St. in downtown Shreveport. Senior Admission: $5.75 for the movie only; $14 for movie and lunch. For reservations call 459-4122.
Benefit Preview & Benefit Screening - Shreveport-based director Gregory Kallenberg will present a benefit and preview screening of his new documentary, Haynesville: A Nation’s Hunt for Energy. Saturday, January 16 at 6:30 pm and 6:45 pm. at the Robinson Film Center. Screenings will be followed by a reception and filmmaker’s Q & A at artspace in downtown Shreveport at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $50. All proceeds support the Robinson Film Center and artspace. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Robinson Film Center at (318) 459-4122 or by visiting the box office at 617 Texas Street in Shreveport.
Twelfth Night - Cohosted by the Krewes of Centaur and Gemini. Sat. Jan. 9. 7 p.m. - midnight at Shreveport Convention Center, 400 Caddo St., Shreveport. Party recognizing all area krewes and their respective royalty. There will be music and an open bar. Royalty Presentation at 8:00 p.m. $40. Call 741-9264 to order. Krewe of Sobek Mardi Gras Parade - Sat., January 23. 1:00 p.m. Louisiana Fairgrounds, 2901 Pershing Blvd./Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport. FREE. Krewe of Centaur’s Grand Bal – Saturday, January 23. Shreveport Convention Center, 400 Caddo St. 7:00 pm doors open, 8:00 pm presentation of royalty. Entertainment by the Harmon Drew Group. 11:00 pm breakfast served. $65.
Krewe of Elders The Krewe of Elders Grande Bal Saturday, Jan. 15 from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 5315 South Lakeshore Drive. Open to public. Cross Roads Band. Buffet, cash bar and raffle. $40.00 by January 7, $45.00 at door. Send check for tickets payable to Krewe of Elders, P.O. Box 6384, Bossier City, LA 71171. Info. 635-4901, 752-9175, 518-8092. The Krewe of Elders will have a float in the Highland Parade on Sun., Feb.14. Parade start time 2:00 p.m., float lineup 11:00 a.m. Entry fee to ride in parade $40.00 per person. $50.00 minimum bead order due by Jan. 10. Info 635-4901, 7529175, 518-8092. The Krewe of Elders Cruise to the Virgin Islands - the last week in April, 2010. Excellent pricing. Info. 635-4901.
Religion 11 annual World Religion Day - Jan 24. 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. The Highland Center, 520 Olive, Shreveport. A forum for learning about the various religions in the area from representatives of each religion through discussion, booths, cultural foods, music. th
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Exhibits
Classes
“Retrospective and New Works from Africa” - Through Jan. 24. From the collection of Louisiana Wildlife Artist Don Edwards. Includes oil paintings and prints of landscapes, deer and ducks, birds and animals. Featured in the exhibit are paintings of exotic animals observed on a recent trip to Africa. The public is invited to view the exhibit during regular museum hours: Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun., noon until 4 p.m. Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 3015 Greenwood Road, between Hearne and Jewella. Admission is free and tours are available by appointment.
SPAR Pottery Classes - Through Thursday Feb. 1. Wildwood Park located at 7401 Jewella Avenue. For morning classes call Jan at 518-7113; for afternoon classes call Sheila at 865-1099; for evening classes call Brenda at 208-2044. $25/month for day classes; $50 per month for evening classes.
For the Love of Art - Selected Works from the Collection of John Webster Keefe Through Sun., Jan. 31 at the Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd, Shreveport. Tues., Wed., and Fri. 12 - 4; Thurs. 12 - 5; Sat. & Sun. 1 - 4. Features both American and European fine art and decorative art objects from the early through the late 19th Century. FREE. 869-5169.
Symphony Shreveport Symphony - January 30 at Riverview Theatre. 7:30pm. Season sponsor for A Season to Resound! is Willis-Knighton. Tchaikovsky Spectacular featuring Grammy-nominated violinist Jennifer Frautschi performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved Violin Concerto in D. The program concludes with the composer’s intensely emotional and ever-popular Fifth Symphony. For tickets call (318) 227-8863
The Best Of Times
Music A History of America in Song - David Raines Library, 424 Texas Street, Shreveport. Thursday, Feb. 4, 10:00 a.m. Musician Bob Jordan will be performing folk music ...the program, “Hard Times and Hardworking People: Songs that Built America, is part of Triumph Over Tragedy. FREE.
Tour TNT Express - Jan. 21 (3rd Thurs. of every month). FREE trolley tour that takes visitors to downtown art, cultural and science attractions including museums, galleries and historical sites. Tours run approximately every 20 minutes from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more info, contact the Shreveport Regional Arts Council at (318) 673-6500 or artspace at (318) 673-6535.
Theatre Same Time, Next Year - Presented by the Shreveport Little Theatre. January 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m.; January 10 & 17 at 2:00 p.m. Staged at the Women’s Department Club Auditorium, 802 Margaret Place, Shreveport. The plot follows a love affair between two people, married to others, who rendezvous once a year. Twentyfive years of manners, morals and attitudes are hilariously enacted by the lovers, Doris and George. Tickets are $10 - $15. Call 424-4439 to order.
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hospice
Ophthalmology
Nursing Home Care
My loved one is having severe pain from his cancer. How will a hospice help in managing the pain? Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are real and in need of attention as physical pain, so it addresses each. Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, physical and occupational therapists assist patients to be as mobile and self sufficient as possible, and they are often joined by specialists schooled in music therapy, art therapy, massage therapy, and diet counseling. Finally, counselors of all kinds, including the clergy, are available, to assist family members as well as patients.
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.
Will Medicare cover my mother’s care in a nursing home? While Medicare does not pay room & board fees for one actually “living” in a nursing home, there are portions of nursing home care that are covered. Medicare covers 100 days of skilled nursing care when the doctor feels that either nursing or rehabilitation services for Medicare Part A insured persons are needed following a recent hospitalization of 3 or more days. Additionally, Medicare Parts B & D may pay for your mother’s medications and physical, speech or occupational therapies ordered by a physician while she is in a nursing home. Depending upon the financial situation, nursing home room & board is generally paid by the individual, Medicaid, or Long Term Care Insurance.
Rick Bauer
LifePath Hospice Care Service 8720 Quimper Place, Ste 100 Shreveport, LA 71105 318-222-5711; 1-866-257-5711 www.lifepathhospicecare.com See our ad on page 5.
Chris Shelby, MD
Pierremont Eye Institute 7843 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA 1105 318-212-3937; www.ShelbyEye.com See our ad on page 12.
Vicki Ott
NurseCare Nursing and Rehab Center 1736 Irving Place Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 221-1983 See our ad on page 55.
reverse mortgages
Orthopaedics
Neurosurgery
What are the benefits of a Reverse Mortgage for seniors age 62+? Some of the benefits of a reverse mortgage include: retain ownership of & title to your home receive tax-free funds to use however you choose receive payments instead of making them receive a lump sum, monthly installments, line of credit, or combination loan proceeds are not considered income and do not affect Social Security benefits proceeds may be used to fund long-term care needs or long term care insurance a reverse mortgage may be used to enhance your financial strategy for retirement. For a “FREE” Reverse Mortgage Guide, call toll free 1-866-910-8192.
My grandchild complains of shoulder, neck and back pain when in school. Could this be due to his heavy backpack? Yes. Backpacks are designed to distribute weight to larger muscle groups that can handle the load. Backpacks should have 2 padded wide shoulder straps, a padded back, and a waist strap (for heavier loads). Also backpacks should light and not add to the load. Rolling backpacks are an alternative, although stairs are a problem. Your grandchild should use both shoulder straps, tighten straps so the pack is 2 inches above the waist and closest to the body, not pack more than 20% of the child’s body weight in the backpack, and pack only what he needs. Pack heavier items close to the back and unpack unnecessary items in the locker.
Are there new treatments for epilepsy? 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.
• • • • • • •
Bill Burt, Reverse Mortgage Consultant Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 8835 Line Avenue, Ste 100 Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 682-5568 www.reverseguy.com
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January 2010
John J. Ferrell, M.D. Mid South Orthopaedics 7925 Youree Drive; Suite 210 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 424-3400
Dr. Ravish Patwardhan The Comprehensive Neurosurgery Network 8001 Youree Dr., Ste 970 Shreveport, LA 71115 (318) 797-5543 www.neurosurgery.ws TheBestOfTimesNews.com
The Best Of Times
January 2010
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puzzle pages
Across
1 Escher Museum site, with “The” 6 Rolls 10 Like Mr. Magoo 16 Capital of Slovakia? 19 When many return from lunch 20 Vision 21 Symphony originally dedicated to Napoleon 22 Ball support 23 Result of a battle of bighorns? 26 One of Rose’s 4,256 27 Province in northern Finland 28 It’s pitched 29 Holds on to 31 Fishing, maybe 32 Negative link 34 Apple’s G4, e.g. 37 “See ya!” 38 Fire alarm during kindergarten? 44 Search uncertainly 47 Cross shapes 48 Talked nonstop 49 Martinique, e.g. 50 Lever with a blade 51 Selling points 54 Madagascar tree climber 55 Commanded 56 Attracting outdoorsy readers, say? 60 Elided greeting 61 Car wash option 62 Roddick of tennis 63 “Baseball is 90% mental; the other half is physical” speaker 67 Hoarse 69 Ballroom that made the Lindy Hop famous 71 Brimless caps
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73 “The Avengers” guy 74 Stubborn beast 75 Many a joke involves one 76 “__ go there!” 77 Crustacean with an electric guitar? 83 Budget rival 86 Hopper of gossip 87 Colorado county or its seat 88 Psyche component 89 Top 90 Yes or no follower 91 Proceed 92 Surveyor’s units 94 Web site security expert? 99 Alleged Soviet spy Hiss 100 Approved 101 Alien’s course: Abbr. 102 Lackluster 106 Unfinished framework 109 Office note 112 “The Disrobing of Christ” painter 114 Follower’s suffix 115 Kids’ puppet show script? 119 Rejections 120 Gerald Ford, by birth 121 Players 122 Racing paths 123 Places for organ repairs, briefly 124 Apartment restriction 125 “Ta ta!” 126 Secure, as a nautical rope
Down
1 “Aqu’ se __ espa–ol” 2 Travel guide 3 Have a cow, so to speak 4 Open, as a large envelope 5 Reggae star __-
And Another Thing ...
By Barry C. Silk & Doug Peterson; Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
(Solution on page 51)
Mouse 6 Teller’s spot 7 Say “Furthermore ...,” say 8 Collector’s item? 9 Discount event 10 Tryster’s request 11 Mos. and mos. 12 “I’m impressed!” 13 Disembarking site 14 Slush Puppie maker 15 Something that may help you get the picture? 16 Kenya neighbor 17 Its 5/14/1998 final episode was seen by 76 million viewers 18 Liberates 24 Monument word 25 Army divisions 30 Band piece 33 For adults only 35 “So soon?”
36 Cold and moist 39 Spot for a band 40 D.C. ball team 41 Bookshelf buildup 42 Cozy 43 Company that acquired Lawn- Boy in 1989 44 Errand runners 45 Bawl out 46 Implicit warning 52 Cut 53 Glitch 54 “Leading With My Chin” author 55 Mixes thoroughly 57 Horses running leisurely 58 Actress Kim of “24” 59 Org. concerned with suits 64 Tear gas target 65 Weasel out 66 Minute Maid
Park team 68 Part of a mating ritual 69 Basking locale 70 “What Women Want” actor 71 Cluster of cloves 72 Organic compound 74 Got by 75 68-Down, for one 78 Pet with green fur? 79 “Ol’ Man River” composer 80 Gp. that includes Iran and Ecuador 81 Muttonhead 82 Tusked animal 83 “Ocean’s Thirteen” actor 84 Lawbreaker, e.g. 85 Acknowledge ment of a deviation, usually after
“but” 90 Attach, in a way 91 Dilate 93 PC component 95 Tokyo-based computer giant 96 24 Hours of __: annual auto race 97 Comfortable with 98 Confederate 103 Of the kidneys 104 Northeast express train 105 Everycow 107 Sport for big grapplers 108 Piece of cake 110 L x XXXIV 111 City near Santa Barbara 113 Squishy lump 116 Argentinian Marxist 117 It may be passed or tipped 118 TNT alternative
TheBestOfTimesNews.com
SUDOKU - Fill in the blank
A member of the ResCare family of companies
squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column, and 3 x 3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.
Call us today at: 318.678.1890 Shreveport, Louisiana Branch
Helping you live life on your own terms ResCare HomeCare, the nation’s largest non-franchised home care provider, is proud to offer flexible, affordable, dependable services including:
Experience the Difference!
t 1FSTPOBM $BSF 4VQQPSU t )PNFNBLJOH t $PNQBOJPO 4FSWJDFT t /PO TLJMMFE 1SJWBUF %VUZ $BSF Call for a free consultation!
"DDFQUJOH 1SJWBUF 1BZ *OTVSBODF] -POH 5FSN $BSF *OTVSBODF 7FUFSBOT #FOFmUT ] 8PSLFST $PNQFOTBUJPO (Solution on page 51)
820 Jordan Street, Suite 390 | Shreveport, LA 71101
www.ResCareHomeCare.com
Beginnings Boots Celebrate Champagne Coats Dieting Earmuffs The Best Of Times
Fireplace Freeze Frost Gloves Hat Hot cocoa New Year
Resolutions Scarf Slippery Snowflake Super Bowl Twelfth Night Winter January 2010
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Hearing Care Services Better Hearing Systems (318) 747-9191 Ambulance Services
Northwest LA INCS, LLC (318) 636-0390
Balentine Ambulance Service (318) 222-5358
ResCare Home Care (318) 678-1890
Artificial Limbs and Braces
Seniors Club Personal Care Services (318) 635-0010
Shreve Hearing Aid Service (318) 797-7733 Home Maintenance and Repair Services Gutter Helmet of North Louisiana (800) 284-9777
Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics (318) 424-4167
Cemeteries & Funeral Homes
Associations and Organizations
Centuries Memorial (318) 686-4334
BluePrint Louisiana (866) 483-3920
Hill Crest Memorial (318) 949-9415
Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner (318) 631-6655
Bossier Council on Aging (318) 741-8302
Complementary Medical Therapies
Home Health Care (Medicare Certified)
Caddo Council on Aging (318) 632-2090
The Chiropractic Health Center Dr. Diane Sino (318) 687-0881
Ark-La-Tex Home Health (318) 747-6180
Larry and Ray’s Handyman Services (318) 469-2814
Counseling Services
Medistar Home Health (318)742-4026
The Center for Families (318) 222-0759
Synergy Home Care (318) 550-0285
Shreveport Opera (318) 227-9503
Educational Courses
Hospice Care Providers
Shreveport Symphony (318) 227- 8863
Bible Correspondence Course (318) 797-6333
Hospice Compassus (318) 524-1046
Food Bank of NWLA (318) 675-2400 Shreveport Little Theatre (318) 424-4439
The Robinson Film Center (318) 424-9090 The Best of Times (318) 636-5510 Webster Council on Aging (318) 371-3056 Care Providers Comfort Keepers (318) 934-0090 Entrum Care, Inc. (318) 949-1828 (866) 949-1828 Family Care Services (318) 671-1799 Home Assistance Services (318) 682-8182
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January 2010
Emergency Response Systems Acadian OnCall 1-800-259-1234 Financial & Estate Planning/Legal Services Serio Investments Phillip Serio (318) 221-0889 The Law Practice of Joseph Gilsoul (318) 222-2100 Flowers Flowers Forever, LLC (318) 925-2323
LifePath Hospice (318) 222-5711 St. Joseph Hospice (318) 222-8723 Home Infusion Services IV Plus (318) 683-5139 Hospitals Brentwood Hospital (318) 678-7500 Willis Knighton Medical Center – North Shreveport (318) 212-4000 Willis Knighton Medical Center – Bossier (318) 212-7000
Willis Knighton Medical Center – South Shreveport (318) 212-5000 Wilis Knighton Medical Center – Pierremont (318) 212-3000 Insurance Humana (866) 836-7908
Restaurants Cupcake Gallery and Coffee Shop (318) 752-2253 Imperial Wok Chinese Restaurant (318) 687-6668 Reverse Mortgage
Blue Cross of Louisiana (800) 223-6930
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Bill Burt (318) 682-5568
Medical Supplies and Equipment
Senior Living Options
FastServ Medical (318) 741-9586
Azalea Estates Assisted Living (318) 797-2408
Home Health Medical Supply (318) 631-1466 Medtronics – XSTOP Spacer (866) 580-5242 Pet Care and Services Airline Animal Hospital (318) 747-9150 Physician Services Dr. Britain P. Auer (318) 798-4623 Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600 Mid South Orthopaedics (318) 424-3400 Pierremont Eye Institute Dr. Chris Shelby (318) 212-3937 Vision – Source Dr. Larry Chism (888) 243-2020 Radio Stations KWKH AM 1130 Radio Station (318) 688-1130 Real Estate Agents Century 21 – Judy Holland (318) 349-6983
Kingsley Place of Shreveport (318) 524-2100 Leslie Lakes Retirement Center (318) 263-9581 NurseCare of Shreveport (318) 221-1983 Princeton Place Rehabilitation Center (318) 255-4400 Southwood Gardens (318) 682-4022 Southwood Square (318) 671-1888 Tower at the Oaks (318) 212-6257 The Waterford at Shreveport (318) 524-3300 Spas/Skin Care Skin Technology (318) 347-3567 Travel Services Cruises, Inc (318) 746-3745 Telephone Book User-Friendly Phone Book (318) 865-1280 TheBestOfTimesNews.com
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
The Best Of Times
Hill Crest Memorial 601 Hwy. 80 East Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949-9415
January 2010
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1 - A Steps to Getting Published seminar was held at West Shreveport Branch Library. (left to right) Quean Ballard, Nicola Bryant, George Andrews, Phyliss Barrington, Bridgette Johnson & Candy Welch. 2 - Enjoying dinner, Bunko and a spirited Christmas pirate’s exchange are pals (seated) Helen Palmer and Tracy Pressly with Flossie, (standing) Meg Goorley, Brenda Kennon, Lynn Homza, Debbie Oliver, Barbara Chaney, Dena Martin, Libby Alexander, and Judy Brainis. 3 - The Deaf Action Center’s Las Vegas Night was held on December 12. The successful, sold-out event featured fabulous food, an open bar, casino gaming and exciting live and silent auctions. Enjoying the festivities are (l to r) (a) Andy Shehee and Jeff Henricks; (b) Dr. Ed Paul with wife Dr. Jina Miller and Dr. Lane Rosen; (c) Dr. Holly Wall and Kay Chance; (d) Marcy Everett and Linda Goldsberry; (e) Sandi Kallenberg and Bill Joyce; (f ) Dr. Jim and Alissa Cotton with Teresa and David Allen. 4 - The Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. George Greek Orthodox Church held their annual Christmas meeting and membership party at the home of Lily Mijalis. (l to r) (seated) Elizabeth Theo, Mary Skamangas holding Koukla and Lisa Skamangas; (standing) Christine Jordan, Barbara Massey, Sophia Kastanos, Patrice Gaydos, Martha Marak, Mitzi Theo, Patti Booras, Maxie Rambin, and Lily Mijalis. 5 - Gigi Janaveris wishes uncle, Louis Asimakis, a happy 90th birthday. 6 - Dressed appropriately for the Dec. 15th Silver Screening’s presentation of Meet me in St. Louis at the Robinson Film Center are Shirley & Nigel Shrivers of Karnack, Texas. 7 - Veterans Of Foreign Wars furnishes domestic calling cards for the Veterans in all the local Homes. Pictured is Ken Koval Commander of VFW Post 5951 in Bossier City with Assistant Director of the NWLVETSHHOME Jim Adams and a few of the residences. 8 - Bunko babes celebrate the holidays at the home of Melinda Kent. Pictured left to right are Melinda Hernandez, Pam Nichols, and Helen Turner. 9 - Enjoying a holiday feast and Bridge at the Women’s Department Club are (left to right) (a) Gertrude Embree, Sandra Breithaupt, Frances O’Callaghan and Dot Cook; (b) Bill Cook, Tammy Courtney, Jerry Thomas and Judy Steinfeld.
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January 2010
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The TheBest BestOf OfTimes Times
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January 2010
TheBestOfTimesNews.com
THE NURSECARE REHAB TEAM
Independent Recovery-Rehab Floor. On-Site team of Physical,
Occupational, Speech & Respiratory Therapists.
OUTSTANDING CARE ~ Nurse Practitioner complements the daily medical oversight.
NURSECARE OF SHREVEPORT (318) 221-1983 The Best Of Times
Vicki Vicki Ott, Ott, Administrator Administrator
1736 Irving Place, Shreveport, LA 71101 “Caring Like Family for All Your Needs” January 2010
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For people with Medicare…
Humana still makes house calls Yes, some people may say that’s an old-fashioned idea. But at Humana, we still appreciate some of those old-time values. And to us, it’s just the way we want to do business. That’s why our licensed representatives are always happy to come and talk with you in the privacy and convenience of your home. They will listen to what you want in your health plan, and offer guidance to help you choose a plan that’s right for you. :Xcc kf[Xp ]fi dfi\ `e]fidXk`fe fi ]fi pfli g\ijfeXc ZfejlckXk`fe1
($/''$)(0$.,+' KKP ($/..$/**$++/- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week
You still have time to switch to Humana. Don’t wait too long! March 31 is your last opportunity for this year.*
HMO, PPO, and PFFS plans with a Medicare contract. *Some exceptions may apply. M0006_GHA0720ES
12/09