The Best of Times March 2009

OrthOpedic SpecialiStS front (l-r) Mid SOuth OrthOpaedicS – Edward L. Morgan, MD, John J. Ferrell, MD, James. L. Zum Brunnen, MD;

BOSSier OrthOpaedicS & SpOrtS Medicine – Richard M. Harrell, MD, Aniefiok I. Uyoe, MD, Diego Miranda, MD

middle (l-r) WK nOrth OrthOpedicS – Clemens Eugene Soeller, MD; BOne & JOint clinic – William S. Bundrick, MD, John Mays, MD

back (l-r) the OrthOpedic clinic – R. Shane Barton, MD, H. Ryan Bicknell, MD, J. Scott Bicknell, MD, Karl K. Bilderback, MD,

Milan G. Mody, MD, Cambize Shahrdar, Jr., MD

W

hen it comes to bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons, the orthopedic and sports medicine experts who practice at Willis-Knighton are your health connection. Whether you have an injury, a chronic condition as the result of an accident or illness, or are dealing with the effects of aging, there’s a doctor who can help.

All are backed by the expertise of one of the nation’s top hospitals and accredited physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

Willis-Knighton salutes these fine orthopedic surgeons. We invite you to call one of these orthopedic specialists, visit our Web site (www.wkhs.com) for information on orthopedic physicians or call Health+Match physician referral service at (318)212-9562.

March 2009

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The Best Of Times

March 2009

For such a short month, February sure was busy! And now on to March, a longer month that promises an even busier schedule. Take a deep breath, ’cause here it comes: We’re introducing not one, but two new features with this issue. First up is “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!,” a column full of announcements and even KUDOS to the deserving among us. We encourage you to contribute important information to this column, as it will run in every issue from now on. Don’t let good news pass unnoticed.

Then comes “SENIOR PERQS,” a new column on saving money ~ just in the nick of time, we’d say! Every month we’ll be scouring the Shreveport area for fun and unique ways to save a little (or a lot) of your hardearned cash. If you know of any business

or service that is a heck of a deal, offers special discounts for “Those of Us 50+,” or is otherwise a great bargain, let us know!

And don’t forget that we’re still looking for the “most mature” copy of The Best of Times out there. If you alone have, for example, a complete copy of the February 2003 issue, it’s worth $150.00! Let Gary know how old your oldest copy is, he’ll calculate it by $25 a year and you may be a big winner! (See the February 2009 issue for all the important details.)

In the meantime, enjoy this big, colorful & informative issue. Your favorite magazine (this one...) continues to grow like Topsy!

March 2009

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March 2009

March 2009

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March 2009

scam couched in Wal-Mart email survey

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This just in:

louisiana launches virtual toolkit for healthcare providers

The number of physicians using E-prescribing and other forms of electronic health information technology should increase quickly with the assistance of resources that have been made available recently by the Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) in Louisiana at www.Secure4Health.org and www.Secure4HealthLA.org.

Various studies say that it should reduce medical errors and costs, saving lives and saving dollars.

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va suicide prevention hotline credited with saving lives

As the military deals with a record number of suicides among active-duty forces, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki reminded Veterans and their families that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has an extensive array of services to help Veterans in distress. The VA operates an around-the-clock suicide-prevention hotline. The number for VA’s suicide prevention hotline is 1-800-273-TALK. VA operates the largest mental health program in the country. In addition to operating the hotline, VA has given all medical workers training in suicide prevention, created suicide prevention coordinators at each medical center, and given primary care clinics responsibility for mental health screening. New requests or referrals for mental health appointments receive a preliminary evaluation within 24 hours and a comprehensive evaluation within 14 days.

Emergency cases are dealt with immediately.

Police and WalMart officials warn that an email scam is attempting to pull off a con job using the WalMart name. The email invites recipients to participate in an online customer satisfaction survey presumably being conducted by the company in return for prize money of $90 to $150.

To take the survey, users are asked to click on a link inside the email. The link takes clickers to a site that is designed to make visitors believe they are at the official site of WalMart.

After taking the survey, participants are asked to enter their credit card number and its PIN so they can credit the prize money to the participants’ accounts.

But by providing this private information, the participant

is enabling a stranger to gain access to personal financial records and accounts The email also tries to bully readers into taking the survey.

The fraudsters warn that the recipient’s IP address is being noted for security purposes and those who feed wrong information, would be ‘criminally pursued and indicted’.

Police would again remind the public that solicitations for monies or reimbursements are typically fraudulent and recommend that they never respond to these e-mail schemes.

Medicare Part D recipients cut back on medication compliance after reaching doughnut hole

Adding coverage for generic drugs during the “doughnut hole” in the Medicare prescription drug benefit could help offset a decreased use of medications during

identity fraud on the rise the period, according to a study published According to a recent survey reported in the on the Web site of the policy journal Health 2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report, an estimated 9.9 million Affairs. Under the Medicare drug plan, beneficiaries have an Americans were the victims of identity fraud in 2008, an initial $250 deductible for prescriptions, then a 25% copayment increase of 22 percent over 2007. This brings the number until they reach $2,250 in payments. At this point, the doughnut of identity fraud incidents back up to levels not seen since hole takes effect and requires that beneficiaries pay full price for 2004. A significant contributing factor cited is the economy. drugs until costs have reached $5,100, after which catastrophic coverage takes effect and about 95% of W E A R E C o M f o R T K E E P E R S® costs are covered by Medicare.

• Companionship According to the study, Medicare drug • Incidental Transportation benefit beneficiaries decrease their use of • Laundry, Cooking medications by 14% upon reaching the • Light Housekeeping Comfort Keepers® coverage gap. Those reaching the doughnut • Errands, Shopping • Recreation, Crafts provides the kind of hole were typically people with chronic • Medication Reminders trusted, in-home care that illnesses who filled an average of five • Grooming, Dressing helps people maintain full prescriptions each month. However, those Guidance and independent lives, with generic drug coverage did not reduce • Personal Care Services: right in the comfort of their use of medications after reaching – Bathing, Hygiene their own homes.

– Incontinence Care that phase. Generic drugs typically cost © 2008 CK Franchising, Inc. Over 550 independently owned and operated offices worldwide. about one-fourth as much as brand-name W W W. C o M f o R T K E E P E R S . C o M treatments.

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318-934-0090

March 2009

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March 2009

Vibrating Insoles Improve Balance in Persons with Diabetic Neuropathy

This Just In:

towards Sci-Fi, computer Chips May One Day repair nerves  heading Edinburgh University has developed a technique, which allows neurons to grow in fine, detailed patterns on the surface of tiny computer chips. Neurons are the basic cells of the human nervous system. The scientists said the development may eventually enable chips to replace damaged nerve or muscle fibres or be used in the development of prosthetics.

Deep brain stimulation may provide benefits for those with  advanced parkinson disease

Patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD) who received deep brain stimulation treatment had significant improvement in movement skills and quality of life after six months than patients who received other medical therapy, but also had a higher risk of a serious adverse events, according to a study in JAMA. Deep brain stimulation is a surgical treatment involving the implantation of electrodes that send electrical stimulation to specific parts of the brain to reduce involuntary movements and tremors. Whether patients who undergo deep brain stimulation view improvement in motor function and quality of life as outweighing adverse events, remain to be explored.

 Reviving the promise of leptin

The discovery more than a decade ago of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone secreted by fat tissue, generated great hopes for an effective treatment for obesity.

But hopes dimmed when it was found that obese people are unresponsive to leptin due to development of leptin resistance in the brain. Now, researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston report the first agents demonstrated to sensitize the brain to leptin: oral drugs that are already FDA-approved and known to be safe. Findings were published by the journal Cell Metabolism.

Peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet, affects about one-third of persons with diabetes mellitus. It may also cause balance problems and unsteadiness when walking. According to a study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, vibrating insoles improved standing in persons with peripheral neuropathy when attention was distracted and vision was occluded.

Most women with osteoporosis unaware of raised fracture risk

A new global study reveals that more than half of women who suffer from osteoporosis do not perceive themselves to be at a higher risk for experiencing a fracture. Researchers noted that this lack of concern about the potential for developing a debilitating or even life-threatening fracture flies in the face of estimates that suggest that one in two women over the age of 50 will ultimately experience an osteoporosis-related fracture.

Disease risk is highest among

older women, those with a family history of the disease, small and/or thin individuals, those with a history of broken bones, those with a sedentary lifestyle, smokers and excessive drinkers, and those with relatively low sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone).

Efforts to prevent disease onset are based on maintaining an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D; getting sufficient exercise; avoiding cigarettes and alcohol; and, in some cases, medications.

Exercise may boost lung cancer survivors’ well-being

10 March 2009

Survivors of early-stage lung cancer may enjoy a better quality of life, particularly when it comes to physical well-being if they can manage to get regular exercise, a new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggests. Regular exercisers also reported fewer depression symptoms.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Raise Shingles Risk A class of medications which suppress the immune system, known as TNF blockers (anti-tumor necrosis factor), used widely to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases might increase the risk of shingles, especially among older people and those who are also taking steroids.

But while the findings, appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, might raise awareness of the potential complication among physicians and patients, some experts say it’s unlikely to change how the drugs are used.

“We’ve changed people’s lives with use of these TNF drugs. People who were housebound are now leading relatively normal lives,” said Dr. Guy Fiocco, an assistant professor of internal medicine at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.

Know the Warning Signs of Stroke? Most Don’t.

Most people do not know the five warning signs of a stroke and what to do if they suspect one.

Older people and those who have already had a stroke were among the groups found to be least able to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and know to immediately call 911.

Some of the warning signs of stroke appeared to be better known than others.

About 93% of the survey respondents knew that sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg was a symptom, but only 59% knew that a sudden severe headache with no known cause was also one.

The other warning signs of stroke are: sudden vision problems in one or both eyes, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking and sudden dizziness, loss of balance, loss of coordination or difficulty walking.

Those experiencing any of the symptoms would need to get to the hospital as soon as possible to have a much higher chance of survival and avoid potential disabilities.

The Best Of Times

March 2009

11

Americans Fuzzy on Trans Fat Sources Here’s to good nutrition:



Multivitamins have no impact on heart or cancer risk in postmenopausal women

The largest study of its kind concludes that long-term multivitamin use has no impact on the risk of common cancers, cardiovascular disease or overall mortality in postmenopausal women. The results of the Women’s Health Initiative study were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

So what advice do researchers offer to women who want to make sure they’re getting optimal nutrition? Get nutrients from food. Whole foods are better than dietary supplements.

Getting a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is particularly important.



coffee drinking lowers healthy women’s stroke risk

Drinking coffee appears to lower the risk for stroke among healthy women, with more consumption translating into more protection. The finding stems from the tracking of both coffee habits and stroke occurrence among tens of thousands of American women across nearly a quarter century. And it adds to earlier indications that coffee might also offer some protection against diabetes, while not raising the risk for heart trouble. However, smoking seems to wipe out whatever protection long-term coffee drinking might otherwise confer. The findings were reported in the journal, Circulation.



Calcium-rich diet, exercise could cut metabolic syndrome risk

Adopting daily exercise sessions and a calcium-rich diet could reduce the risk of a group of health risk factors called the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms - large abdominal girth, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and insulin insensitivity - that together signal a significantly higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. (American Journal of Health Promotion)



spice it up with ginger

When people with stiff, osteoarthritic knees took a ginger extract for 6 weeks, they felt significantly better than those who received a placebo. Long used in Eastern medicine to treat musculoskeletal problems, ginger contains a complex mix of compounds that researchers suspect helps thwart inflammation in several ways. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may have anticancer powers, too. And the ginger ale your mom dispensed when you had an upset tummy? Ginger is widely-known to relieve nausea.

Most Americans know they should limit arteryclogging trans fats in their diets, but fewer know which specific foods to avoid, a survey in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggests.

Researchers found that 92% of U.S. adults said they had heard of trans fats and nearly threequarters of those knew that the fats may raise the risk of heart disease. Yet, when asked to name three food sources of trans fats, only 21% could do so.

Trans fats raise “bad” LDL cholesterol - like the saturated fats in meat and butter do - but also lower levels of heart-healthy HDL cholesterol.

‘‘

Trans fats are formed during food processing of vegetable oil to make it solidify; foods that list so-called partially hydrogenated vegetable oil on the label contain trans fat.

Traditionally, that has included most commercially prepared baked and fried foods - including cookies, crackers, chips, breads and french fries.

It’s important for people to read the “Nutrition Facts” panel on all products, even those labeled “trans-fat-free.”

Such products may contain significant amounts of saturated fat. In particular, some manufacturers are using tropical oils - coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil - to replace trans fats, and those oils are high in saturated fat.

Salt intake has more of an effect on blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome than in others, suggesting that cutting down on salt could be especially important for these high-risk individuals.

--The Lancet

opa! More good news for those adopting a Mediterranean diet

’’

Eating a Mediterranean diet appears to be associated with less risk of mild cognitive impairment - a stage between normal aging and dementia - or of transitioning from mild cognitive impairment into Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report in the Archives of Neurology. A Mediterranean diet is characterized by high intakes of fish, vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals and unsaturated fatty acids, low intakes of dairy products, meat and saturated fats and moderate alcohol consumption. The Mediterranean diet may improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and blood vessel health overall, or reduce inflammation, all of which have been associated with mild cognitive impairment.

12 March 2009

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13

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KUDOS

centenary college announces 2009 alumni hall of fame and distinguished alumni awards

Centenary College of Louisiana has announced the recipients of its Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Awards for 2009. The Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Awards represent the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an alumnus or friend of Centenary College. This year’s recipients are: • Alumni Hall of Fame: Judge Eugene Bryson, Jr. ’63 • Athletic Hall of Fame: J. Howard Hooper ’37 • Honorary Alumna: Dr. Ann B. Dobie H’09 • Alumni Loyalty Award: Hoyt D. Bain ’63 • Young Alumni Leadership Award: Susanna Miller ’04

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James Burton Foundation Donates guitars to benefit veterans

James Burton (left), four-time Grammy Award winner, presented 15 guitars to George M. Moore, Jr., Medical Center Director for Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. “Guitars for Healing” is a new program being launched at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. The guitars are being donated by the James Burton Foundation.

This program will allow veterans enrolled at the medical center to “check out” guitars for up to three months for basic guitar instruction.

During this three month period, the veteran can determine if he or she wants to continue this musical pursuit.

Free Tax PReparation

The IRS sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).

For more information search “Free Tax Preparation” on the IRS website. When seeking help over the Internet, the IRS cautions taxpayers to make sure to go to the authentic IRS Web site by typing www.IRS.gov into their browser. The official Web site does not end in .com, .net, .org or any other designation.

Taxpayers may also call 1-800-906-9887. For individual tax issues or tax questions, call the toll-free customer service line at 1-800-829-1040.

From February 1 through April 15th each year, the AARP Tax-Aide program offers free one-on-one counselling, as well as assistance on the telephone and internet to help individuals prepare basic tax forms AARP volunteers provide free tax preparation to low- and middle-income taxpayers, particularly those over age 60. For more information or to find a local AARP Tax-Aide site, visit www.aarp.org/money/taxaide or call 1-888-227-7669.

Imagine…waiting for a meal that never comes. That’s exactly what happens every day right here in Caddo Parish. Hundreds of senior citizens go without a hot meal and a neighborly hello.

It’s hard to imagine that this could happen in America, but it doesn’t have to. Together we can make a difference.

Let’s replace hunger pains and heartache with hope.

Meals on Wheels pro-

vide daily hot meals to our homebound seniors throughout the year.

March with us on March 11 at 12 noon.

Bring your contribution and your walking shoes to the courthouse lawn on Texas Street and march down to the Texas Street Bridge for recognition of all donors!

It’s fun. It’s free, but the biggest thing is that it makes a difference. If you can’t find your walking shoes on March 11th you can still help us makes waves for our seniors by making a donation. To feed one senior for the year costs over $1000, so any amount is welcomed.

Donations by check can be mailed to the Caddo Council on Aging at 4015 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport 71109 or donate on-line at www.caddocouncilonaging.org.

Louisiana Honor Air looking for WWII Veterans to be flown to Washington DC On April 11th, April 25th, May 9th, and May 16th, the Louisiana Honor Air will host free air flights for Louisiana World War II Veterans to travel to Washington DC to view the World War II Memorial. Each flight will have 105 veterans, plus two physicians, and one escort for every three veterans. The flights will leave from Shreveport at 8 am and return in the evening of the same day.

For Louisiana Veterans of World War II who participate and travel on one of these dates, there is no charge for the flight, ground transportation, wheelchairs, meals and other necessities. Escorts will assist the veterans with any physical, health needs, or limitations. Additional tours of other memorials will take place, if time permits.

There is a need for 35 escorts per flight to accompany and assist the veterans on each trip. However, the cost of an escort to participate in this trip is $500 per flight.

If you are a Louisiana WWII veteran or know of one who may be interested in making this trip to Washington, DC or if you are interested in being an escort, please contact Colonel Steve dePyssler at 318-456-5976 or email him at RAO@barksdale. af.mil

14 March 2009

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March 2009

15

march is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) month

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh.

A blood clot in a deep vein can break off and travel through the bloodstream.

The loose clot is called an embolus. When the clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow, the condition is called pulmonary embolism, or PE. PE is a very serious condition. It can damage the lungs and other organs in the body and cause death.

Blood clots in the thigh are more likely to break off

and cause PE than blood clots in the lower leg or other parts of the body. Blood clots also can form in the veins closer to the skin’s surface. However, these clots won’t break off and cause PE.

Risk Factors

Many factors increase the risk for DVT. They include: • A past history of DVT. • Inheriting a blood clotting disorder • Injury to a deep vein from surgery, a broken bone, or other trauma.

• Prolonged bed rest such as during a long hospital stay or illness or paralysis.

• Sitting for long periods of time such as when driving or flying.

• Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after giving birth.

• Recent or ongoing treatment for some forms of cancer.

• Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

• A central venous catheter.

• Being older than 60 (although DVT can occur in any age group).

• Being overweight or obese.

• A family history of DVT or PE. • Smoking.

Symptoms

Only about half of the people with DVT have symptoms.

These symptoms occur in the leg affected by the deep vein clot. They include: • Swelling in the affected leg, which can include swelling in the ankle and feet • Pain or tenderness in the leg, which may feel like a cramp • Redness and warmth over the affected area Some people don’t know they have DVT until they have signs or symptoms of PE. Symptoms of PE include: • Unexplained shortness of breath is the most common symptom • Chest pain or discom-

16 March 2009

fort with deep breathing or coughing • Coughing up blood • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy or fainting • Rapid breathing and a fast heart rate.

The signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis may be related to DVT itself or to pulmonary embolism. See your doctor right away if you have symptoms of either. Both DVT and PE can cause serious, possibly life-threatening complications if not treated.

Diagnosis

A doctor will diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) based on medical history, a physical exam, and the results from tests. Tests may include an ultrasound, CT or MRI scans, blood tests and venography.

He or she will identify your risk factors and rule out other causes for your symptoms.

Treatment

The main goals of treating deep vein thrombosis DVT are to: • Stop the blood clot from getting bigger • Prevent the blood clot from breaking off and moving to the lungs • Reduce the chance of having another blood clot

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Anticoagulants are the most common medicines for treating DVT. They’re also known as blood thinners. These medicines decrease the blood’s ability to clot. They also stop existing blood clots from getting bigger. However, blood thinners can’t break up blood clots that have already formed. (The body dissolves most blood clots with time.) Treatment for DVT with blood thinners usually lasts from 3 to 6 months although situations may occur that change the length of treatment.

The most common side effect of blood thinners is bleeding. This happens if the medicine thins the blood too much. This side effect can be life threatening.

Sometimes, the bleeding may occur in the digestive system or the brain. Signs and symptoms of bleeding in the digestive system include: • Bright red vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds • Bright red blood in your stools or black, tarry stools • Pain in your abdomen Signs and symptoms of bleeding in the brain include: • Severe pain in your head • Sudden changes in your vision • Sudden loss of movement in the arms or legs • Memory loss or confusion If you have any of these signs or symptoms, get treatment right away.

You also should seek treatment right away if you have a lot of bleeding after a fall or injury. People treated with blood thinners usually receive regular blood tests to measure their blood’s ability to clot.

Talk to your doctor before taking any medicines other than your DVT medicines.

This includes over-the-counter medicines.

Aspirin, for example, also can thin your blood. Taking two medicines that thin your blood may raise your risk for bleeding.

Discuss your diet with your doctor.

Foods that contain vitamin K can change how warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine used to treat DVT) works. Vitamin K is found in green, leafy vegetables and some oils, like canola and soybean oil.

Discuss with your doctor whether drinking alcohol will interfere with your medicines. Your doctor can tell you what amount of alcohol is safe for you.

Thrombin Inhibitors interfere with the blood clotting process. These medications are used to treat blood clots in those The Best Of Times

patients who can’t take heparin.

Thrombolytics are given to quickly dissolve a blood clot. They’re used to treat large blood clots that cause severe symptoms. Because thrombolytics can cause sudden bleeding, they’re used only in life-threatening situations.

Other treatment include a vena cava filter for those who can’t take blood thinners or those taking blood thinners and still developing blood clots. The filter catches blood clots that break off in a vein before they move to the lungs. However, it doesn’t stop new blood clots from forming.

Graduated Compression Stockings can reduce the swelling that may occur after a blood clot has developed in the leg. The pressure from the stockings keeps blood from pooling and clotting. These stockings should be worn for at least a year after DVT is diagnosed.

Prevention

If you’re at risk for DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE), you can help prevent the condition by: • Seeing your doctor for regular checkups.

• Taking all medicines your doctor prescribes.

• Getting out of bed and moving around as soon as possible after surgery or illness.

• Exercising your lower leg muscles during long trips.

If you’ve had DVT or PE before, you

can help prevent future blood clots by following the above steps and: • Taking all medicines your doctor prescribes to prevent or treat blood clots • Following up with your doctor for tests and treatment • Using compression stockings as your doctor directs to prevent swelling in your legs from DVT. Exercise your lower calf muscles if sitting for long periods of time. Whenever possible get up and walk around.

• Make lifestyle changes. Lose weight, quit smoking, and control blood pressure.

The risk of developing DVT while traveling is small. The risk increases if the travel time is longer than 4 hours, or if you have other risk factors for DVT. During long trips, it may help to: • Walk up and down the aisles of the bus, train, or airplane. If traveling by car, stop about every hour and walk around.

• Move your legs and flex and stretch your feet.

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.

If you’re at increased risk for DVT, your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings during travel or taking a blood-thinning medicine before traveling. (From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Health)

March 2009

17

By The Medicare Rights Center

(www.medicarerights.org)

Medical Nutrition Therapy, VA Benefits, and Employer Health Insurance Coverage

Dear Marci, I recently had a kidney transplant. My doctor said I will need diet counseling so that I can learn to eat the right foods. Does Medicare cover this counseling?

--Tonya Dear Tonya, Medical nutritional therapy, which may include diet counseling, is designed to help you learn to eat right so you can better manage your illness. With a doctor’s re-

ferral, Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost of medical nutritional therapy for people with diabetes, chronic renal disease, or who are post-kidney transplant patients, after they have met their annual Part B deductible.

Medicare will generally cover three hours of medical nutritional therapy for the first year and two hours every year thereafter, although it will cover more hours if your doctor says you need them.

In order to have Medicare cover these therapy sessions, you must get these services from a registered dietitian or other qualified nutrition professional. Talk to your doctor if you think you qualify for this benefit. ~Marci Dear Marci, Can I have both Medicare and VA (Veterans Affairs) benefits? --John

Dear John, Yes, you can have both, but Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. To receive VA benefits, you must get care at a VA facility. Medicare does not pay for any care provided at a VA facility.

Many veterans use their VA health benefits to get coverage for services not covered by Medicare. For example, some veterans use VA services to obtain prescription drugs that are excluded from Medicare drug coverage (benzodiazepines and barbiturates, for example), but rely on Medicare for their other prescriptions and medical care. ~Marci Dear Marci, I have health insurance coverage through my spouse’s current job. Which is my primary insurer: Medicare or the employer insurance?

--Mary Beth Dear Mary Beth, If you are 65 or older and you have health insurance coverage through your or your spouse’s current job with an

18 March 2009

employer that has 20 or more employees, your employer coverage is primary.

If you are under 65 and have a disability or are diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and you have health insurance coverage through your or your family member’s current job with an employer that has 100 or more employees, your employer coverage is primary. ~Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center, 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,” MRC’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@ medicarerights.org. To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www. medicareinteractive.org.

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March 2009

19

By The Medicare Rights Center

(www.medicarerights.org)

Last Chance to Change Medicare Health Plans 

Most people with Medicare have one last chance to change their Medicare health coverage before they are locked into their plans for the rest of the calendar year. During the Open Enrollment Period, which began January 1 and lasts through March 31, you can change your choice of Medicare health coverage once, but you

cannot choose to add or drop the Medicare drug benefit (Part D). Your new coverage will start the first of the month after you make your selection.

For example, if you are in a Medicare private health plan (such as a HMO, PPO or Private-Fee-for-Service Plan) with drug coverage, you can change to Original Medicare - with a stand-alone drug plan, since you must continue to have drug coverage - or another Medicare private health plan with drug coverage. You cannot switch to a private health plan without drug coverage.

If you have Original Medicare and have a stand-alone drug plan, you cannot use this period to switch to another stand-alone drug plan. This would be considered as only a drug coverage change - not a health plan change. You can however, change to a Medicare private health plan with drug coverage.

Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period

20 March 2009

(SEP) to change health or drug plans. You qualify for an SEP if, for example, you move out of your plan’s service area, or if you’ve been misled into enrolling into a private Medicare health or drug plan. But you do not have the right to switch plans if your doctor leaves the plan’s network in the middle of the year, or if your plan decides to raise the price of a drug you take.

Providers can drop out of your plan at any time, but you can only change at certain times of year.

Another thing to keep in mind is your right to purchase a Medigap policy, a supplemental insurance for which you pay a monthly premium. It fills gaps in Original Medicare. It allows you to keep the flexibility of Original Medicare - which lets you see any doctor that takes Medicare without having to get permission first - and keeps costs predictable. However, you can only buy Medigaps at certain times and have the most choice when you first become eligible for Medicare if you are 65 or older (there is no similar protection under federal law for people under 65 but some states offer additional safeguards). If you are enrolled in a Medicare private health plan for longer than 12 months, you may be giving up - for life - your right to purchase a Medigap policy or to purchase one without medical underwriting (a premium that is higher if you have health problems).

If you are over 65, had the right to buy a Medigap policy to supplement Original Medicare but chose to enroll in a Medicare private health plan instead, or if you dropped a Medigap policy to join a Medicare private health plan, you have the right to purchase a Medigap policy only if you disenroll from the Medicare private health plan within 12 months. Some insurance companies may be willing to sell you a Medigap policy after that but there is no guarantee that you will be able to get one unless you live in a state that offers more protection than the federal government requires.

To learn more, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at www.medicareinteractive.org. Medicare Interactive Counselor is a resource provided by the Medicare Rights Center.

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

The Best Of Times

March 2009

21

By Jason Alderman, director of

Visa’s financial education programs can save on energy expenses while lowering your tax bill.

Here are a few highlights: Home improvements.

Tax credits are available for insulation, energy-efficient replacement windows, non-solar water heaters, and certain highefficiency heating and cooling equipment. These tax credits are not available for new home construction; however, newhousing credits are available for photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity, as well as solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells.

Energy-efficient cars. A new tax credit is now available for plug-in hybrid cars and

Save Money Using EnergyEfficiency Tax Credits One of the few bright spots in the current financial crisis is that the government has reinstated federal tax credits for a variety of energy-efficient home improvements you make in 2009. They also extended deadlines for solar energy systems and fuel cell tax credits until 2016 and established new credits for small wind-energy systems and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

This means that you can not only take advantage of many products that are good for the environment, but also

trucks, ranging from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on battery capacity. And, credits are still available for certain models of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel and fuel-cell vehicles, depending on whether their manufacturers have yet sold the eligible number of vehicles. Go to http://fueleconomy.gov for more details.

The Energy Star Website, run by the U .S . D epartment of Energy, contains a comprehensive table showing which products qualify for the tax credits and where to go for more information (www.energystar. gov/index.cfm?c=products. pr_tax_credits).

Even if you can’t afford a new roof or hybrid car, there are still plenty of ways you can significantly lower your energy bills. For example: • For every degree you lower your thermostat (or raise it in the summer) you can trim your utility bill by 3 to 5%. Bonus points for lowering it further at bedtime.

• Up to 30% of heated or cooled air can be lost through leaks, so add weather stripping around windows and doors and caulking around ducts, plumbing bypasses and other openings.

• Heating water is the thirdlargest home energy expense, so try lowering your water heater temperature to 120°F or lower (provided your dishwasher’s manual says that’s okay).

• Buy a programmable thermostat so you can lower the temperature when you’re not home and heat things up shortly before you return. (The reverse works in summer.)

• Buy Energy Star products,

22 March 2009

which consume up to 50% less energy and water than standard models. Go to www.energystar.gov for information on finding local retailers, rebates and more.

• Use compact fluorescent lamps, which consume 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, last 10 times longer

and save $30 or more over the lifetime of each bulb.

• Clean or replace furnace filters each month and dust refrigerator coils every few months to ensure more efficient operation. Also, clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use.

• Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system to your fireplace to re-circulate warmed air; and always close the damper when not in use.

• Run full washer and dryer loads and use cold or warm water whenever possible.

• Run full dishwasher loads and use the unheated drying cycle if available.

• Turn off lights, computers, televisions and other electronic equipment when not in use.

Scaling back your energy costs is a no-brainer in these penny-pinching times – not to mention being good for the environment.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

Sign up for his free monthly e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/newsletter.

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

The Best Of Times

March 2009

23

By Lee ARonson, an attorney with

Legal Services of North Louisiana In our example, your brand new credit card Be Aware charged a 3% fee on all balance transfers. Beof Credit cause you transferred Card Traps $1,000 on to your new card, the fee was 3% of $1,000 or $30. So I hope that this isn’t the even though you won’t be paycase, but let’s say that you ing any interest on the $1,000 owe $1,000 on your credit balance transfer, you will have card that is charging 30% to pay the $30 balance transfer interest. Because of the high fee.

Now let’s say that you use interest rate, you decide to transfer your $1,000 balance your new credit card to buy to a brand new credit card $500 worth of chocolate chip that is offering you a 0% cookies. (I wish I could say that this is a far-fetched thing to do, interest rate.

Then the first statement but I love cookies.) Anyway, comes in and it says that you can the credit card company charge you interest on the $500 owe $1,030. Is that legal?

Yes. Most credit card of new purchases?

Yes. The credit card comcompanies charge a fee when you do a balance transfer. pany will keep 2 running totals

for you. The first running total will be the balance owed on your $1,000 balance transfer. You won’t be charged any interest on that balance because the card offers 0% interest on all balance transfers. But the $500 worth of cookies isn’t a balance transfer - it’s a new purchase with your new credit card.

And just because the new credit card offers 0% interest on balance transfers does not mean that it offers 0% interest on new purchases.

Therefore, the second running total will be the balance owed on all of your new purchases. You will be charged interest on this balance. In our example, let’s say that the interest rate for new purchases is 20%.

24 March 2009

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So let’s say that you want to make a payment. Can you tell your credit card company to apply your payment towards your new purchase balance? (If your balance transfer is not accumulating interest charges but your new purchase balance is accumulating interest charges, then you would want to save money by paying off your new charges first and get rid of those interest charges.)

But under the current law, you are out of luck: the credit card company can apply your payment any way it wants. Since the credit card company makes more money off of you when it charges you higher interest rates, the credit card company will want to and can apply all of your payment towards the $1,000 balance transfer. So if you have a $1,000 balance transfer (at 0% interest) and $500 in new purchases (at 20% interest) and you make a $200 payment, the credit card company can apply all of the $200 payment to your $1,000 balance transfer. That would leave you with $800 owed on your balance transfer but you would still owe $500 on your new purchases. And the credit card company would continue to charge you interest on that $500.

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But all of that is about to change.

Thanks to a new law, starting on July 1, 2010, when different interest rates apply to different balances, credit card companies will have to allocate payments exceeding the minimum payment to the balance with the highest rate first or allocate the payment “among the balances in the same proportion as each balance bears to the total balance.” In other words, if you pay $200, then the credit card company has a choice. It can apply the $200 towards the $500 new purchase balance (at 20% interest) OR the credit card company can reduce your $1,000 balance transfer (at 0% interest) by $133.33 and reduce your $500 new purchase balance (at 20% interest) by $66.66. But that choice of how to allocate the money is completely up to the credit card company.

That’s an improvement over the current law, but it’s still not great. Consumers like you and me would have been better off if the new law had required credit card companies to always apply payments first to the balance with the highest rate of interest.

In Louisiana, we already have such a law: “if several unsecured debts bear

interest, payment must be imputed to the debt that, because of the rate of interest, is most burdensome to the [debtor.]” But the credit card companies routinely ignore this law. Why? Because most credit card issuers are national banks and a branch of the federal government, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, has stated that many state laws do not apply to national banks.

Lee Aronson’s practice areas include consumer protection law, housing law and health care law.

March 2009

25

By the american counseling association Keep Your Anger From Controlling You!

We live in a world of high stress and tension. Whether it’s bad economic news, local reports of growing crime rates, that traffic jam that made us late this morning, or a boss who never understands or appreciates us, we face lots of things that make our lives stressful.

Unfortunately, for many people, the stress and tension of daily life can build to the point that it only takes one small incident for them to explode, letting their anger get out of control.

Experts say anger is the most poorly-managed emotion in

our society, with as many as one in five Americans having an anger control problem. Not being able to manage one’s anger is a major cause of conflicts in both professional and personal relationships.

Is it a problem for you?

One way to judge how well you control your anger is to consider whether you’ve ever, during an argument: raised your voice; broken something; pushed, slapped or physically hurt someone; embarrassed yourself; or felt out of control.

If any of those apply, you might consider some actions to help you better manage your anger: • Accept responsibility

for your anger. Anger may be triggered by someone else, but it’s you who lets it happen and grow out of control. • Learn to recognize the beginning signs of anger.

Anger is easier to control when emotions are still at a low level. • Try to identify the cause of your anger. It isn’t someone else, but rather something within you, emotional or psychological from your past, that’s usually the real source of your anger. • Focus on the situation or behavior making you angry, rather than the other person. Criticizing or name-calling doesn’t resolve a problem but merely escalates

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it. Rather than putting the other person on the defensive and raising the conflict level, use “I” statements to talk about what you’re feeling and experiencing.

• Learn to listen and communicate more effectively. Too often situations that lead to an angry outburst are simply the result of not understanding what was said, or not expressing yourself clearly and calmly.

Anger should never control you. When it does, it can make your life miserable, lead to very real problems and even affect your health.

If your anger is sometimes out of control and causing you problems, consider an Anger Management course (your local hospital or mental health center may offer one), or consulting a counseling professional offering Anger Management help.

“The Counseling Corner” is sponsored by the ACA Foundation and provided as a public service by the American Counseling Association, the nation’s largest organization of counseling professionals.

Learn more about the counseling profession at www.counseling.org.

The Best Of Times

March 2009

27

By Judge Jeff Cox, 26th Judicial District Court Judge for Bossier/Webster Parishes, Division C Each month, I am amazed to read the paper and see how Watch Your much crime is goSurroundings ing on in our area. I listen to my parents talk about how they used to leave their I have been reading the house door unlocked and slept newspaper and watching with open windows. Unforthe news on television lately tunately, times have changed completely amazed by the and we all need to watch our amount of home break-ins surroundings. while the person is at home.

No matter what neighborJust yesterday, I watched hood you live in, make sure that the news and a person broke your doors are locked at night. into a Broadmoor home in Check each door to make sure Shreveport during the day- it is secure. It is a good idea to time. Fortunately for the have a deadbolt on the door homeowner and unfortu- and use it. Many burglars often nately for the person breaking check for unlocked doors and into the home, the person windows to gain access to a breaking into the home got a home or garage. richly deserved unwelcome Next, make sure to bring by the homeowner. your car keys in the house. If

your car keys are left in the car, it is easy for a person to steal your car. In addition, your house keys generally are kept on your key ring.

With keys in hand, it is easy to gain access to a home or business.

Next, look at your home. Determine where persons could gain entry. If there are bushes that could allow a person to hide and gain access, trim the bushes. If you live in an apartment, notify the manager of the danger posed by high bushes. Make sure that a person cannot hide and gain access to your home or your person.

Next, make sure plenty of lighting exists around the home.

Persons wishing to gain access want to make sure it is dark

28 March 2009

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where no one can see them.

Make sure your home or area around your car is well lit.

Lights scare people wanting to commit crimes. It you can, install motion sensitive lights that come on when they detect movement. A light popping on makes would be intruders take notice.

When driving at night, make sure you watch your surroundings. If someone you don’t know approaches your car, start to blow the horn. Noise will usually frighten the person long enough for you to get away. If you can proceed without causing an accident, then proceed down the street fleeing the situation.

If you park in a business parking lot, make sure to park under or near a light. If you have a remote key access, learn how to turn the light on in your vehicle before getting in the car so you can check for persons hiding in the vehicle. In addi-

tion, have your finger on the panic button in case a stranger approaches so you can set off the car horn. The main thing is to watch your surroundings and make sure you know whom you are surrounded by at all times.

Make sure you have a number for your local police department. Carry a cell phone with you at all times. If someone starts to enter your home or car, make a call and let the police know your location and situation.

Finally, become a neighbor.

Get to know the persons living around you. Neighbors can call the police if they see suspicious activity around your home or car. The more eyes that are watching, the less a person is likely to try to break into a home or car.

Unfortunately we cannot go back to my parent’s day, but we can watch our surroundings and try to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

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Hiring a contractor to make improvements to your home is a major decision and one in which you’ll invest a great deal of your hardearned money.

Around the United States, billions are spent every year on construction and home remodeling.

Homeowners have discovered that improving their current residence (installing a new bathroom, updating a kitchen or even just installing dual-pane windows)

The Best Of Times

March 2009

31

CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE can be a wiser investment than purchasing a new residence.

We thought about it for a while. Imagined what our house would look like with a few improvements. Our 12-year-old had been asking for his own room for years and my dreams of having a formal dining room kept creeping into my daydreams with regularity.

My husband, Nick, and I discussed moving to a bigger home, with a bigger house payment, but we like our neighbors and this neighborhood. The kids love their school. And the thought of packing up all of our belongings and hauling them to a new house didn’t sound attractive. That’s when he and I finally agreed that remodeling our home was the way to go.

After many handmade sketches (including my 7-yearold’s version using a blue-colored pencil “Like blueprints, Mom!”), we met with an architect, got our plans drawn up, permits filed and we were ready to go.

But how will we find the best contractor to turn our dream plans into a reality? Hiring a contractor to make improvements to your home is a major decision and one in which you’ll invest a great deal of your hard-earned money. With some cautious planning in assessing your needs and choosing the right contractor, your remodeled house can become the home of your dreams.

What Type of Contractor Do I Need?

Once you have your plans drawn up, it’s time to secure the services of a contractor. There are numerous types of contractor licenses. They range from general building contractors to specialty licenses such as plumbing and roofing. Since most home improvements require more than one specialty contractor, it is usually best to hire a general building contractor (GBC). A GBC will oversee the projects and coordinate the subcontractors for your job. This GBC also may hold a specialty license for specific types of work, such as carpentry or electrical, and may opt to perform those tasks rather than subcontract them out.

Finding the Right Contractor

One of the best ways to find a qualified contractor is to ask around. Talk to your neighbors, co-workers and family or employees at the local home-improvement center to find out who the reliable contractors are. If you see a family in your area in the midst of a home-improvement project, casually monitor their progress to see how remodeling jobs get finished.

More than a year a go, my neighbors underwent an extensive remodeling. I learned a lot of dos and don’ts by asking them questions, and as a result found the perfect contractor to oversee our remodeling and room addition.

-- Consider only contractors who are licensed. You can check the status of their license by calling the Contractors Licensing Board, 1237 Murphy Street in Shreveport, (318) 676-7257. Also, ask for three references of past work completed

32 March 2009

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

in the area, similar to the type of project you’re planning to take on.

-- Get at least three bids. Beware of any bid that is substantially lower. It probably indicates that the contractor has made a mistake or is not including all the work quoted by his or her competitors. You may be headed for a dispute with your contractor if you accept an abnormally low bid.

For comparison, get at least three written bids. You will need to have copies of your blueprints available for each contractor to insure that the bidding process is equal.

Put It In Writing

As with any agreement, a home improvement-contract is best when everything is spelled out in writing before the project begins. A written contract protects both the homeowner and the contractor. A well-written contract includes everything you and your contractor have agreed upon and the extent of work to be done. It’s best to be as specific as possible.

When signing the contract: • Get all verbal promises in writing.

• If you intend to do some of the work or hire a subcontractor, write this into the contract.

• Don’t sign any blank or partially blank contracts.

• Verify the financial terms of the con-

tract so you understand the total price.

• Specify all materials to be used, including weight, color, size, brand name, quality or quantity.

• If you and the contractor agree to change something from the original contract, have those changes reflected in a written “change order.”

• Get a copy of the contract signed by both parties and keep it in a safe place.

Payment Schedules

After you and your contractor have agreed on a price, by law the job must be completed for the agreed-upon sum. There must be a written change order if the price is to be modified. Your contract should list a schedule of payments, showing the amount of each as a sum in dollars and cents. Each payment should correlate with a specifically referenced amount of work or services to be performed and to any materials and equipment to be supplied.

Your initial down payment must not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of your contracted price. Never let payments get ahead of the work completed.

Keep the Communication Open

With any home-improvement project, there will be delays and inconveniences.

Talking to your contractor can minimize many of these. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask when the power will be temporarily shut off or the water disconnected, so you can plan for the inconvenience. But even with the best planning and communication, conflicts are bound to occur.

Remember to keep your eye on the prize - a beautifully remodeled home.

When your home improvements are completed, you become a reference for your contractor and a resource for another family just beginning their remodeling adventure!

Claire Yezbak Fadden, a free-lance writer and mother of three, enjoys her newly remodeled formal diningroom.

To order a free copy of How to Find a Professional Remodeler, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: NAHB Remodelers Council, Dept. FT, 1201 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tipoffs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor: * solicits door-to-door; * offers you discounts for finding other customers; * just happens to have materials left over from a previous job; * only accepts cash payments; * asks you to get the required building permits; * does not list a business number in the telephone directory; * tells you your job will be a “demonstration;” * pressures you for an immediate decision; * offers exceptionally long guarantees; * asks you to pay for the entire job up-front; * suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you’re not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.

The Best Of Times

March 2009

33

Article written by the award-winning

amanda newton

Saving Money With the Grandkids

Grandparents like to spoil their grandkids. With the economy looking less than rosy, you might find yourself telling your grandkids “no” more often. If you like to take them out to eat, but don’t always like it when the bill arrives, we can help. We found several local eateries that offer specials for kids. So you can say “yes” and save a little money at the same time.

On Sundays, Tacomania, 641 E. Kings Hwy., Shreveport, offers a great deal if you have grandkids who are fans of Mexican food. Kids under 12 eat for $2. The phone number is (318) 868-4588.

If you are a family of Chick-fil-A fans, then you are in luck. Chick-fil-A at 7010 Youree Drive in Shreveport offers three nights of deals. On Tuesdays, from

5 p.m.-8 p.m., receive a free kid’s meal with the purchase of each adult combo meal. On Wednesdays, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., if you bring in a church bulletin you will get a free combo with each combo meal purchase. On Thursdays, if you show military identification, you will get a 25 percent discount. The phone number is 797-4001.

Buffalo Wild Wings, located at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City, has several specials that are sure to please all your wing lovers.

On Wednesdays, form 5 p.m.-9 p.m., kids eat for just $1.99. That deal is good all day on Sundays. Monday and Thursday nights are 50 cent boneless wing nights. The boneless wings are very popular with kids.

Tuesday night is 40 cent traditional wing night. The phone number is 752-3801.

All four local El Chico’s locations offer a great Thursday deal: kid’s meals are 99 cents all day long. That’s right, lunch and supper will be super affordable for the kids. The three Shreveport locations are 4015 Fern Ave., 865-4687; 1513 E. Bert Kouns, 798-5777; 2127 Greenwood Rd., 425-7928. The Bossier location is at 2050 Old Minden Rd., 742-4685.

If you and your grandchildren are fans

34 March 2009

of cafeterias, then make sure you catch one of the deals offered each week at the local Piccadilly locations. On Thursdays, kids eat for just 99 cents all day. Kid’s big meals are priced at just $1.99. The same deal applies on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Both meals are for kids 12 and younger. For kids with larger appetites, the kid’s big meals are a nice offering. These deals are good at the Shreveport locations at 789 Shreveport-Barksdale, 865-8861 and 1133 St. Vincent Ave.-St. Vincent Mall, 222-8057.

The Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant, 2004 Airline Dr. in Bossier, offers a great deal on Thursday nights. A kid’s dinner is just 99 cents with an adult purchase. The phone number is (318) 747-7139.

All day on Saturdays, Quiznos in Bossier Sterling Plaza, 2620 Beene Blvd., gives free kid’s meals with the purchase of any adult combo. Free really is quite a deal. The phone number is 747-5777.

Every day of the week Joe’s Crab Shack at the Louisiana Boardwalk has kids meals for just $3.99. If you are craving something a little fancier than fast food, this is a great deal on food for the kids. The phone number is 549-2332.

Finally, if you and the grandkids love fountain drinks, and who doesn’t love a cherry Coke, remember Sonic offers happy hour prices each day from 2 p.m.4 p.m. All drinks are half price and with the new $1 menu, it would make for an affordable after-school snack.

After their bellies are full, you and the grandkids might want to have a little fun. There are several no and low cost options in the area for fun kid entertainment. Some of these might seem a bit pricey, but we have found the way for you to get the most bang for your buck.

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center in Shreveport, featuring over 290 science, math and space exhibits, an IMAX Dome Theatre and an open-access, interactive, laser SPACE DOME Planetarium. Sci-Port is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway. General admission TheBestOfTimesNews.com

is $12 for the center, $8.50 for IXAX and $17 for both. Admission for children 3-12 is $9 for the center, $7.50 for IMAX and $12 for both. Seniors, those 60 and older, receive a discounted rate of $9 for the center, $7.50 for IMAX. On the first Tuesday of each month admission for everyone is just $2! That does not include IMAX, but it is a great deal. Family passes for the year start at $100 and grant unlimited access to the center for up to five family members. Call 424-3466 or visit www.sciport.org to learn more.

The Pioneer Heritage Center, located on the campus of Louisiana State University Shreveport, interprets the unique culture and social history of northwest Louisiana from the 1830’s to the end of the 19th Century. The Center comprises seven historical structures, including a doctor’s office and a blacksmith shop. Trained and period dressed guides conduct interpretive tours demonstrating the region’s early folk architecture and history. The Center is currently available by appointment. It is recommended that you call before you come. The Center is closed on all major holidays. To schedule a tour call (318) 797-5339. Tours are FREE for children 12 and younger, $1 for children 12-18, and $2 for adults.

Chimp Haven, located in Keithville, is a home for chimpanzees retired from medical research, the entertainment industry, or no longer wanted as pets.

From March to November (with a two month break where they are closed July and August) Chimp Haven opens to the public one Saturday a month. This is a great way for you and the grandkids to observe these animals in their natural habitat. There are activities for everyone and staff hosts “chimp chats” to teach the public about these amazing animals.

Chimpanzee Discovery Days are from 9 a.m.-noon and you are advised to arrive early. 2009 dates: March, 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Nov. 21. The event is FREE but donations are accepted. Chimp Haven, 13600 Chimpanzee Place, Keithville, LA 71047.

Visit the website at www.chimphaven. org or call the Chimp Haven Hotline for updates at (318) 925-5630.

Summers sure can get hot around here.

If your grandkids think nothing is better for cooling off than a pool then they would probably really enjoy a visit to WaterThe Best Of Times

Town USA. The water park, located at 7670 W. 70th in Shreveport, charges a daily admission of $20.95 for kids and adults. However, after 4 p.m. on nights when the park closes at 6 p.m., admission is $8.95; and after 4 p.m. on nights when it closes at 9 p.m. admission is $10.95.

Admission for spectators who choose not to swim is $9.95 all day. Visit www. waterusa.com or call 938-5475 to find out about opening dates for 2009.

For a bit of culture and fun, visit The R.W. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell Ave., Shreveport. Admission is FREE to view the grounds, the museum’s art collec-

tion and special exhibitions. Be sure and visit the museum’s website at www.rwnaf. org before you go. Click on the kid’s page link and you will find lots of fun guides to print out for kids, including one that turns their visit to the museum into a scavenger hunt. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed to the public on Mondays and on national holidays. The gardens are open to visitors daily during daylight hours. If you visit when the azaleas are in bloom, be sure to bring your camera to get some great pictures of the kids.

March 2009

35

BY Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.,

author of “The 24-hour Pharmacist” vinced that the smelly stuff in the blue jar Medical is dangerous, even News You though ferrets have trouble with it. In a Can Use recent small study, ferrets developed respiratory distress after Vicks VapoRub, Dear Readers, which contains menthol, was The last few months of rubbed under their nose. Does medical news has provided this translate to children? some outstanding Scientists studied studies. Read on the furry critters for some interestbased on a single ing odds and ends case report of one that may impact sick child whose your health. Suzy condition seemingly worsened after Is Vicks Vaher grandmother poRub really rubbed it around da n g er ou s fo r her nose. The prodkids? uct clearly states I’m not thoroughly con- that it’s not for use in chil-

dren less than two years old.

Concerned parents who need a decongestant for their very young children should use a cool-mist humidifier and nasal suction bulbs. Salt water nasal sprays like Ayr or Ocean Saline are fine too.

Can arthritis drugs help diabetes?

It may sound strange, but it’s true. The reason arthritis drugs might help diabetes is because both conditions are caused in part by inflammatory chemicals. A study late last year found that the inexpensive, prescription anti-inflammatory called “salsalate” could lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.

Does it shock you that a study over 100 years ago concluded the very same thing?

36 March 2009

Can acne skin cream increase your risk of death?

Yes, according to a new study published in the January 2009 edition of the Archives of Dermatology. Prescription creams containing a synthetic form of vitamin A, called “tretinoin” are sometimes used for acne, wrinkles, as well as stretch marks and skin cancer.

Tretinoin creams may increase a person’s risk of death according to a recent study of mostly men aged 70 and above. Since follow up data is inconsistent, I suggest you only use tretinoin creams if absolutely necessary until we get a thumbs-up regarding safety.

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Can tumors be targeted and killed faster?

There’s a new type of radiation therapy which reduces treatment time from 20 minutes to a minute and a half! It’s called RapidArc and the treatment can be used on people with hard-to-reach tumors such as those with brain, prostate, uterine or lung cancer. There are about 10 treatment centers in the U.S. For more information call (800) 700-6882 or visit www.varianrapidarc. com.

Does losing weight relieve urinary incontinence?

A study in The New England Journal of Medicine reported that losing weight helped control these embarrassing leaks, which can occur with

sneezing, coughing, laughing or for no reason at all.

The study followed 338 overweight women with urinary incontinence over a six- month period. On average, the women shed 8 percent of their total body weight, and they reduced weekly awkward moments by almost 47 percent.

Did You Know?

Osteoporosis medications may cause severe muscle aches and joint pain.

This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. For more information visit www.

DearPharmacist.com. ©2008 Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc.

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March 2009

37

BY mirabai holland, M.f.a.,

a leading authority in health and fitness

Losing Your Belly Fat

Once upon a time, not so long ago, belly fat was a sign of prosperity.

Much to our chagrin, that little, or not so little belly, it’s actually a sign that you may be at risk for some serious health issues like Heart Disease, Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure, among others.

Men begin to see this accumulation

of belly fat as early as the mid twenties; be it diet, lack of exercise, genetics or a combination.

Women tend to catch up after menopause when hormonal changes start to alter our body shapes.

Whatever the cause, the evidence is clear. Apple shaped people are more at risk!

So, how much is too much belly fat?

It’s all about your waste size.

For men a waist bigger than 40 inches puts you at risk For women it’s a waste measurement of 33 or more.

So, okay you say, I’ve got too much

38 March 2009

belly fat. What can I do about it? I’ve heard there’s no such thing as spot reducing.

While that’s scientifically true, there’s a lot you can do to target any specific area of you body for work.

Aerobic exercise can burn calories and help you lose weight in general. Targeted ab exercises can help you develop lean muscle mass in that area and help flatten your tummy.

Full body strength training can raise your metabolism and help you return your body to its youthful shape.

Here are a couple of exercises you can do to strengthen and firm up that area.

Try using the old army exercise of sucking in your tummy during every day activities, pulling your navel back to your spine.

And you can try this exercise to help you firm up faster. It tones the center as well as the sides of your abdominals.

Lie down on your back and bend one knee up towards your chest.

At the same time, turn you torso and point your opposite elbow toward the knee.

Start with a few: work up to 20 repetitions over several weeks.

Then do 20 reps, take a short break and do another 20.

Putting weight on around your middle is easy. Taking it off is hard. Unfortunately there’s no secret formula. Take no nonsense look at your diet. Reduce your potion size and cut out empty calories.

Start exercising slowly, and progress in your comfort zone. Chances are that pretty soon you’ll be able to find your shoes simply by looking down.

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. Visit her website at www.movingfree.com.

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March 2009

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’s

Mike Jameson

40 March 2009

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March 2009

41

BY TED KOOSER,

U.S. Poet Laureate, 2004-2006 Don Welch lives in Nebraska and is one of those many talented American poets who have never received as much attention as they deserve. His poems are distinguished by the meticulous care he puts into writing them, and by their deep intelligence. Here is Welch’s picture of a 14-yearold, captured at that awkward and painfully vulnerable step on the way to adulthood.

At 14 To be shy, to lower your eyes after making a greeting. to know wherever you go you’ll be called on, to fear whoever you’re near will ask you, to wear the softer sides of the air in rooms filled with angers, your ship always docked in transparent slips whose wharves are sheerer than membranes.

American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (www.poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright (c)2008 by Don Welch. Reprinted from “When Memory Gives Dust a Face,”

by Don Welch, published by Lewis-Clark Press, 2008, by permission of Don Welch and the publisher. Introduction copyright (c) 2009 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction’s author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

42 March 2009

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Weather Facts for Thought Here are a few numbers of interest.

Daylight Saving Time will begin Sunday, March 8 th and will continue for eight months ending on Sunday, November 8th. The Spring season will begin on Friday, March 20th. The average date for our last freezing temperature of 32° or less is around March 15th. Our days are getting a little longer. Sunrise on March 1st is 6:43 a.m.; sunset is 6:13 p.m. On the last day of March, sunrise will be at 6:05 a.m.; sunset will be at 6:34 p.m.

What do you think March has planned for us? Last March the highest temperature was 86° on the 18th. The lowest temperature was 33° on the 7th, 8th and 9th. Total rainfall was 3.25 inches. Normal March rainfall is 4.2 inches. Our hottest March temperature of record was 92° on the 31st

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in 1974. The coldest March temperature of record was 15° on the 3rd in 1943. Wettest of record was 12 inches in 1945.

Looking west in the evening near the sunset, I know you have seen rays of sunshine shining through breaks in the clouds.

They are called crepuscular rays from the Latin word “crespusculum” meaning twilight or dusk. The rays are made visible due to haze or smoke in the atmosphere that reflect the rays of sunlight.

On the subject of atmosphere, have you ever been curious as to how high into the atmosphere weather can extend? The lowest layer of the atmosphere is known as the troposphere which extends upward for 40,000 feet. It is within this layer where all weather occurs.

Al Bolton, a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Assn, began reporting with KSLATV in February, 1954.

March 2009

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44 March 2009

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March 2009

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Interview conducted and article written by the award-winning

amanda newton

Pam Atchison readily admits to being an optimist. In fact, she said that a person can’t really have a career in non-profit arts administration without being an optimist.

Atchison, 55, has been executive director of Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) since 1986, although she jokes that she is not allowed to count up those years for fear she might start considering retirement.

Her initial work with SRAC began in 1982, when she moved to Shreveport and was unable to find a teaching position. Her primary love was teaching, she said, and she had previously worked as a high school theater and speech teacher in Texas and Alabama. Since she had a very young child at the time, she thought it might be a sign that she should not go to work full-time.

Atchison went to SRAC and was immediately put to work teaching theater in schools through the organizations Arts in Education program. The goal of the program is to show that through art training children can learn math, science, language arts and history.

Atchison’s “courtship” by SRAC had begun and was soon taken to a higher level when schools in the area faced major funding cuts. The schools would lose art and music instruction and field trips unless new funding could be found.

The superintendent for Caddo schools at the time, Walter Lee, told SRAC that he valued the arts and didn’t want to lose them. However, the money raised

by SRAC would have to come from a source other than the PTAs. “Well, that was sort of cutting us off at the knees,” Atchison recalled. “(Lee and the schools had) this idea that the arts and supplemental programs should not be based on a parents ability to pay. There are schools where the parents could not pay.”

At a coffee to discuss what could be done, Atchison said Cathy Sledge, who is still an art instructor at Caddo Magnet High School, made a comment that changed everything.

“She said, ‘In Louisiana, if anything is worth celebrating, it is worth creating a festival for (it).’”

46 March 2009

Atchison said everyone looked at each other and puzzled over how a festival for education would work.

“It doesn’t sound sexy, it doesn’t sound exciting or dynamic,” Atchison said of their thoughts at the time. “(Sledge) said there is nothing more dynamic than students producing their own festival.

We need a festival that is of, by, and for students to show parents that they can not cut student creativity. There is no way you can put a price tag on it. That is how the ArtBreak Festival was born.”

ArtBreak, the south’s largest student arts festival, will celebrate its 25th year this April. Helping start the very popular festival moved Atchison “into beyond full time.” It required her passion and energy and also meant long hours away from her family.

That family is her husband Bob, who she has been married to for 34 years, and her two sons, Jarrod and Justin.

Now that her son are grown and live away from home, Atchison’s husband is the only one left at home to miss her when ArtBreak or Christmas in the Sky, a major fundraiser for SRAC, takes almost all of her time.

Atchison hopes people realize the arts are very accessible to anyone. In fact, in northwest Louisiana 75 percent of all the cultural experiences are totally free. Of the 25 percent that charge an admission, half of them have a ticket price under $10.

Only 5 percent of all art experiences in the community have a ticket price that is more than $20.

“Most of our art organizations have taken to heart that we are born of the community,” Atchison said.

Those numbers were determined by a study SRAC and the Bossier Arts Council participated in two years ago, the Americans for the Arts Economic Impact Study TheBestOfTimesNews.com

of the Arts. The national study examined the arts in 159 communities.

Now, Atchison said, it is has been determined that the arts in northwest Louisiana produce a $90 million annual economic impact. That $90 million is the combined total of the expenses of the arts to produce or present an event, and ancillary spending, but does not include ticket prices.

Atchison said people often ask why tax money should be used to fund arts programs. She has not one, but three reasons why that money is well spent when used to support the arts.

“We are an economic engine that is supporting and nourishing the government coffers. Secondly, art should be for everyone. It shouldn’t be based on your ability to pay. Thirdly, the arts really do create the tapestry or landscape of why we live in a community.”

Much has been accomplished by SRAC and Atchison has certainly been a part of that. She said she is hard pressed to come up with the one accomplishment she is most proud of, but she does beam with pride when discussing the mural on the AT&T building. The mural is the nation’s largest publicly funded mural.

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“It is the most visible example of how a whole community engages in artwork.

In the year 2000, more than 2,500 people put their hand to that mural. The design covers 32,000 square feet and 75 percent of it was painted on cloth down below by rotary clubs, neighborhood groups, high school and elementary students and others.

Then the cloth was hung like wall paper on the wall.”

Everyone can be young at art and young at heart, Atchison said as an encouragement to older adults to get involved.

“I would certainly make a strong plea and invitation to come out and volunteer or come out and show us that you are an artist,” she said. “Mature artists are often discovering their own artistic talent.”

“I hope that at the end of a hard week, people will feel that investing in an art experience is investing in themselves and that they are better for it,” she said.

The local arts community is certainly better for having Atchison as a part of it.

ArtBreak 2009 celebrates 25 years of showcasing the art programs and artistic achievements of the students in Caddo and Bossier Parish Schools. See it April 20 - 26 at the Shreveport Convention Center.

March 2009

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“You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers” Ophthalmology

Nursing Home Care

I am 70 years old and am very nearsighted. I noticed that area doctors have been promoting LASIK to correct nearsightedness. Am I a candidate at my age and does Medicare cover any part of the costs?

LASIK is usually not a first option for people over age 65 because of cataracts. There is a new Multifocal Lens available now called ReStor that allows people with cataracts to see like they did at 25! 80% of people who have the Restor lens implanted are completely free from glasses. Medicare does cover some of the cost of the new lens. To find out if you are a ReStor candidate, call our office at 212-3937 for a screening exam.

My father is taking many prescription medications and is about to be admitted to a nursing home for rehab care from hip surgery. How will he get prescriptions refilled and will Medicare cover them?

The hospital’s discharging physician will write orders for medications. Generally, the nursing home’s primary pharmacy will dispense the meds and they will be delivered to the center the same day. As to cost, if your father admits under Medicare Part A, the medications are paid for by the nursing center. If he admits as private pay, either your father or his prescription drug plan will be billed for the costs. If he is eligible for Medicaid and has been awarded benefits, the pharmacy will bill Medicaid for reimbursement.

Chris Shelby, MD

Pierremont Eye Institute 7843 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA 1105 318-212-3937; www.ShelbyEye.com See our ad on page 43.

Vicki Ott

NurseCare Nursing and Rehab Center 1736 Irving Place Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 221-1983 See our ad on page 45.

Orthopaedics

Neurosurgery

My shoulder hurts. Should I play through the pain?

Over 12 million people visit a doctor’s office for a shoulder problem annually. Athletes are particularly prone to shoulder injuries due to repetitive, cumulative stress/injuries. Injuries occur during sports, as well as every day home and work activities. Most shoulder problems involve muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments and can be treated effectively with exercises, medications, physical therapy, etc. Steady pain, limitation of motion, difficulties with work activities of daily living or difficulty with sleep should alert you to seek an orthopedic surgeon for help in diagnosing and treating your shoulder pain.

My daughter has epilepsy. Are there new treatments?

Epilepsy affects 1 out of 100. While many have seizures controlled by medications, one-third don’t. For those who still have seizures, they can’t drive, be employed in unsupervised positions, or enjoy independence (because a seizure can occur at any time). For these people, two more common procedures are options. With careful screening and a multi-disciplinary team, we have cured about 8 patients recently using temporal lobectomy, some of who have had seizures for over 30 years...none of these have any permanent problems otherwise. Another option is vagus nerve stimulation, which reduces seizures by about 30 - 60% but rarely cures them. This involves putting a pacemaker-like device around a nerve in the neck.

John J. Ferrell, M.D. Mid South Orthopaedics 7925 Youree Drive; Suite 210 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 424-3400

48 March 2009

Dr. Ravish Patwardhan The Comprehensive Neurosurgery Network 8001 Youree Dr., Ste 970 Shreveport, LA 71115 (318) 797-5543 www.neurosurgery.ws See our ad on page 39.

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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.

March 2009

49

A visit to Cariere’s Bistro at 526 Benton Road in Bossier City, next door to Pope’s, in what was formerly

a Monjuni’s, is an eye-opening and wallet-opening lunch time experience in the “appreciation” of art and cuisine.

Co-owner and local artist A.J. Cariere’s taste in decorating is ...um... “interesting,” to say the least. A unique collection of art and other things abounds, with impressionistic paintings scattered about the intensely-colored walls, and including a four-top in the center of the dining room covered in what appears to be “found objects.”

It has the curious and unmistakable tone of a home altar.

The whole place is a vaguely amusing exercise in artistic selfabsorption. I think Mr. Cariere could use a good curator. He could also use an accountant to go over his menu prices, which seem as capricious as much of the art.

Billed as a “Mediterranean Bistro” in the media but not on its modestly-presented menu, which was three computer-printed pages stapled in the corner and already looking ”used,” we were disappointed to note that no “lunch” items were offered, except, maybe, for a few sandwiches. Even at lunch time one pays the dinner prices, which, for the most part, are not modest.

Worse, there are no refreshing adult beverages offered. No wine, no ouzo, not even a beer!

What would a “Mediterranean” make of that? I suppose you could B.O.Y.B., but please.

Iced tea or co’cola, served amid the cacophony of baskets, frogs, clowns, stained glass and the rest of the kaleidoscopic, eclectic décor, would have to do. Sigh. (Since I don’t like either of those concoctions, I had tap water - yes, water! - with my Fettuccine Alfredo. I would have killed for a civilized glass of chilled white wine.)

We were greeted and served by Patti, a gracious lady who, when asked, made a carafe of unsweetened mint tea, which was served, like most of the beverages, in very heavy pressed-glass goblets. (Oddly enough, they had sweetened and unsweetened tea and sweetened mint tea on the menu, but not unsweetened mint tea.)

The four of us ordered the Dolmades appetizer to share ($15.99).

The order consisted of six stuffed grape leaves, some feta cheese, 12 olives, two little ramekins of hummus dip, two little ramekins of cucumber-yogurt tzatziki dip, and a supply of grilled pita bread. (We wondered aloud if it would have killed them to toss in a couple more of the thumb-sized dolmas so each of us could have had two...)

The rice-stuffed (nonmeat) grape leaves had a good minty flavor; the tzatziki was fresh and delicious. But the standout was the hummus,

which we all proclaimed extraordinary. Its chunkier-than-expected texture and surface slick of good olive oil was an interesting change from the usual smooth chickpea paste.

We also ordered the “Bistro Deluxe” Artichoke Dip ($6.99 for a small; large was $11.99). This is a problematical dish. The artichoke hearts were left quartered instead of the more traditional chopped, and the cheesy sauce was soupy, making for very messy dipping, with large chunks of artichokes unsuccessfully teetering atop triangles of pita bread. Had the artichokes been chopped and the dip thicker, this would have been stellar.

A companion who likes things spicy ordered the Shrimp Special, the bargain of our lunch tab. It’s an outright feast involving four different shrimp dishes for only $22. First came a fresh green salad featuring a cayenne-infused dressing and scattered with tender boiled shrimp. Next was Shrimp Scampi, which he praised as deliciously garlicky and nicely spicy. Finally Shrimp Marinara and Shrimp Fettuccine were offered up. He liked everything presented.

I went for the chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ($16.99). It was oozingly creamy, generously parmesan sprinkled, and very rich. There was enough chicken and it was excellent. I liked it a lot, even though no side salad came with it.

Your favorite editor ordered Moussaka ($18.99). Eggplant, potatoes, zucchini, ground beef, and tomatoes wed in Béchamel sauce. Greek girl Tina, who can make this dish at home with her hands tied behind her back, wasn’t very impressed and also observed that it was a too-modest serving. She wished, like I did with my Alfredo, that a small side salad had been included.

The fourth diner at our table ordered Shrimp Pilaf ($18.99) in which, amazingly, he didn’t find any rice. “Pilaf” usually denotes rice so it came as a surprise to be presented with something vermicelli-like. Pasta masquerading as a pilaf? The spice level was unexpectedly intense for such a usually mild dish, and it was decorated with, of all things, banana peppers, which gave the dish a noticeable vinegary punch, too. The spice/vinegar level was so that the well-known local radio host with an aversion to spicy cuisine, couldn’t eat it, no matter that it was so nicely plated.

You would do well to grill the wait staff carefully on exactly what you’re getting (and not getting) before ordering.

Nobody mentioned dessert but our notes show they have Baklava, Italian cream cake and something called Ooey Gooey. We could have been convinced to try that. Perhaps next time...

50 March 2009

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Louisiana ranked least healthy state in the United States* *United Health Foundation

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It’s time to give our uninsured patients first-class access to health care. Blueprint Louisiana, with input from people like you, has developed a plan that improves access to local care and strengthens doctor training. And we need your help. Spend five minutes at www.blueprintlouisiana.org to learn how you can make a difference in improving not only health care, but ethics, education and roads, too. Together, we will make it happen. lll#WajZeg^ciadj^h^VcV#dg\ Paid for by Blueprint Louisiana

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March 2009

51

Beer Blarney Blessing Celtic Charm Celebration Clover

Emerald Green Ireland Irish Legend Leprechaun Lucky

March Parade Pot of gold Rainbow Saint Patrick Shamrock Snakes

SUDOKU - Fill in the blank

squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column, and 3 x 3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.

(Solution on page 56)

52 March 2009

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ACROSS 1 Gloomy gus 9 Lacking zip 13 Device for tossing empties 20 Irrationality 21 Small and weak 22 Phil of talk shows 23 Bankruptcy reorganization 25 “Mommie __” 26 Use a whetstone 27 Bluish green 28 Handlelike parts 30 Concerning 31 Parts of bird wings 34 Speak indistinctly 36 Lubricate 37 Jemison and West 38 Radicals of the ‘60s 39 Felon’s full term 43 Conclusions 44 In force 45 Willie Wonka’s creator 46 Poet Whitman 48 South of France 51 Smack attachment?

53 PC to PC note 56 Exist 59 Position 61 Annual muscleman contest 65 Dove’s call 66 Rules 68 In an irregularly notched fashion 69 Melts metals together 71 Parts of eyes 73 So I think, online 74 Mouth moisture 76 Garland and Holliday 78 Change proportional dimensions 81 Like some insurance 84 Part of AST 85 Repeat, but not verbatim The Best Of Times

88 Arm of the Indian Ocean 89 Quilting event 90 Satellite of Jupiter 91 “Twittering Machine” artist 93 Extra-wide width 94 Beginner: var.

96 Racing org.

100 Yearns 102 Dugout stack 104 Japanese compact model 108 Cookie-selling org.

111 Calais summers 112 Soviet mil. intelligence 113 Scruff 114 Of bone 116 By way of, briefly 117 Walked in water 119 Grade sch.

122 Business letter bbr.

123 Homo sapiens 125 Product for contemporary penners 129 Spring (from) 130 Dimensions: abbr.

131 Island in the Baltic Sea 132 Linear distances 133 Comic Johnson 134 In a stupid manner

DOWN 1 For example 2 Waiting, phone in hand 3 Seventh planet 4 Force back 5 Butter portion 6 Play for a sap 7 Alphabetize 8 Macbeth’s dagger 9 Relieved 10 Jack Lemmon film 11 Anywhere

VERBATIM

By Willy A. Wiseman, New York, New York; Edited by Wayne Robert Williams

(Solution on page 56)

planetwide 12 Keenan or Ed 13 Of Icelandic tales 14 “The Joker Is Wild” subject 15 Alfonso’s queen 16 Sticky candy 17 Tim Allen movie 18 Ejected 19 Throw again 24 Highland maiden 29 Male offspring 32 Carte preceder 33 Brennan and Heckart 35 Spanish article 40 Christmas tree 41 Dead Sea kingdom 42 French student 44 Grape arbor

47 Fish for fertilizer 48 Chin. food additive 49 Skater Midori 50 NYC talk show host 52 Smelter input 54 Gibson and Tillis 55 Indo-European 57 Distance measure 58 Goddess of the dawn 60 Refrigerator compartment 62 Robert of “Vega$” 63 Slugger Garciaparra 64 Luigi’s island 67 Missionary Junipero

70 Ducks and dodges 72 Cauterize 75 “Magnificent” Medici 76 Short sharp punch 77 Shoshone 79 Crosses 80 Inuit: abbr.

82 Singer Peggy 83 __ kwon do 86 In the company of 87 First name in scat 92 Geologic span 95 Publishing 97 More accessible 98 Genetic letters 99 Malign 101 Tank filler 102 Town near Jerusalem

103 Receiving callers 105 Sultan’s decrees 106 Nord’s opposite 107 Over distance: pref.

108 DNA code 109 Of religious rites 110 Dawn-’til- dusk 115 “Love Boat” co-star 118 Actress Thompson 120 Exxon, once 121 Utah city 124 A Cole 126 Hipster 127 Blubber 128 Capote, to pals March 2009

53

places2go, people2see, things2do redTheatre hat hoot

driver Education

health fairs

Regional Hoot - All registered Red Hat Society members from the ARKLATEX are invited to attend a North Louisiana Red Hat Society “Regional HOOT” on Saturday, March 28 at the Minden Civic Center, 520 Broadway in downtown Minden from 9:30 am to 3 pm. For a registration fee of $35.00 person, the attendee will be provided lunch, entertainment, and an opportunity to win one of the many fabulous door prizes. Several area vendors will be participating at this gathering. Attendees will also have a chance to meet other red hatters from across the area. Hosted by the North Louisiana’s Queens Council.

For more information and to receive a registration form, please contact Sybil Kelly at 318-797-6544.

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. Fee: $14 for non-AARP members; $12 for AARP members • March 3 & 4 - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, 900 Jordan Street, Shreveport. Contact: Church - 318222-0604; Instructor: Ray Branton.

• March 13 - 8:30 a.m., Evangeline Senior Center, 3875 Line Avenue, Shreveport. Contact: Effie Moore 318-861-1177; Instructor: Malcolm Parker • March 17 & 18 - 12:00 noon to 4:00 P.M. Bossier Council on Aging, 706 Bearkat Dr, Bossier City. Host: Bossier Council on Aging. Contact: 318-7418302; Instructor: L. Ray Branton • March 23 - 8:30 A.M. Bellaire Baptist Church, 1210 Bellaire Blvd., Bossier City.

Host: Bellaire Baptist Church, Contact: Carol Thacker 318-746-3914; Instructor: Malcolm Parker

2009 Health, Beauty & Fitness Expo - Friday March 13. 2 - 7 p.m., Saturday March 14. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Road, Bossier City.

Demonstrations, entertainment, vendors, door prizes. Presented by Swank Area Mary Kay Cosmetics & Life Force Marketing. Sponsored by KLKL 95.7 FM, Guy’s Academy, The Best of Times Newsmagazine and Slice Magazine. www.

LFMHealthBeautyFitnessExpo.homestead.com. Admission: Age 12 thru adult - $3.00; Under 12 - Free. ($1 off coupon on page 7)

music

theatre

Dueling Pianos - Every Thursday - Saturday, 8 p.m. - midnight through Thursday, March 19. Presented by Boomtown Hotel & Casino, 300 Riverside Dr., Bossier City. Sing along to songs from the 60’s to today’s modern hits. You’ll be constantly entertained by the duo as they make you laugh and play your favorite songs in the Sundance Cantina. FREE. Visit the Mychoice center for more details.

Hairspray - Friday, March 6. 8 p.m.

Presented by Strand Theatre, 619 Louisiana Avenue,Shreveport. Let your hair down and dance the night away!

Broadway’s musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight 2003 Tony awards. 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad has a dream as big as her hair. Can she get the guy and still have time to change the world? Tickets are $15$65.50. Call 318-226-8555 to order.

Theatre Exhibits Zach Skelton - Out the Box - at Artspace on downtown Shreveport.

Through Saturday, March 21. Skelton’s use of media includes acrylic painting, drawing, and mixed media. His work can be classified as contemporary cubism and brings viewers a lively and fantastically imaginative view of Skleton’s world. FREE. Kaleidoscopes, an art exhibit Through Sunday, March 8. Barnwell Garden & Art Center, 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport. The group show Kaleidoscopes explores the fascinating phenomena of reflection and symmetry.

FREE. 673-7703.

Family Health & Safety Fair and Caregiver Resources Fair for Alzheimer’s Patients - Saturday April 4. 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Mall St. Vincent, 3601 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA. Hosted

by LSU Health Sciences Center and The Best of Times. Free admission and parking, Shots for Tots, entertainment, health screenings, refreshments, demonstrations, door prizes. Entertainment at the main stage at the Sears Mall entrance.

Julius Caesar - March 13, 14, 20, & 21 at 8:00 p.m. March 15 & 22 at 2:00 p.m.

Presented by the Bossier Arts Council at East Bank Theatre, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. This classic Shakespearian tragedy highlights the classic attributes of greed, envy and betrayal. Those wishing to destroy Caesar feel they must act before he can be crowned emperor of Rome.

Thus they cunningly plot his assassination. Directed by Shakespeare specialist Heather Peak Hooper and produced by The Company Repertory Theatre..

54 March 2009

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

movies

Support Groups

Silver Screenings - Citizen Kane. Tuesday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. FREE movie and FREE lunch for persons age 65+ ($14 for those younger than 65). Film sponsored by Humana, lunch sponsored by The Best of Times. Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas St. in downtown Shreveport. Seating is limited. Reservations are required. Call 459-4115

Amputee Support Group - March 5 (first Thursday of each month) at 6:30 p.m.

Certified Limb & Brace, 3227 Portland Ave. (corner of I-20 and Greenwood Rd.), Shreveport. Information and fellowship. FREE. For more info call 636-9145

opera Shreveport Opera - Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte will be sung in English. March 28. 7:30 p.m.

Riverview Theater, 600 Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport. The title, Così fan tutte, literally means “Thus do all [women]” but it is often translated as “Women are like that”. Tickets are $20 - $85. For tickets call 227-9503. www.shreveportopera.org.

Bereavement Support Group - Every Thursday, 5:30 p.m. . WK Medical Center, 3300 Albert L. Bicknell Drive, Shreveport. Suite 3, Hospice Family Room.

classes

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday March 14. 10:00 a.m. in Shreveport’s Broadmoor neighborhood, beginning and ending at the corner of Albany and Anniston. All proceeds benefit The Right to Read program. For more information visit www.4Shreveport.org.

LSUS Continuing Education Classes - One University Place, Shreveport. For more info, call (318) 798-4177 or 1800-290-2378 or email learn@ ce.lsus.edu.

• Wine Tasting 101 - A tasty introduction to unique European and domestic wines and fantastic cheeses. Tuesdays beginning March 10. 6:00-8:30 PM. Fee: $55 per student • Revitalize Yourself with Yoga - Yoga is medically proven to increase flexibility, blood circulation, relaxation as well as reduce stress and relieve tension. Wednesdays beginning March 11. 7-8 pm.

Fee: $89 per student.

Presentation

assistance

Birds of Louisiana with Mac Hardy - Thurs., April 16.

5 p.m. Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 3015 Greenwood Rd., Shrevepeort. Dr. Laurence ‘Mac’ Hardy, professor of Biology at LSUS and member of the Northwest Louisiana Bird Study Group will give a presentation on birding in Louisiana. Joined by falconer Francine Forrester, with live Harris hawks. Program in conjunction with John James Audubon Artist and Naturalist exhibit. 632-2020. FREE.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance - If you are uninsured and financially struggling, you may qualify for programs that provide free or nearly free prescription medicines. “Here it is Express!” will be in Minden on Mon., March 2, 2 -3 p.m. at the Minden Civic Center, 520 Broadway. Bring a list of medications you take with you.

LouisianaAnswers.com will be at the event to help with Part D drug assistance applications.

(504) 897-6110.

Parade

The Best Of Times

r ou ll e sha .org t ina ar ort m M vep No andShre Gr w.4 ww

presents Shreveport’s 2nd Annual

Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 A.M. in Shreveport’s Historic Broadmoor Neighborhood For more information or to enter please visit

www.4Shreveport.org D E A D L I N E T O E N T E R : F R I D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 7

All proceeds benefit The Right to Read program.

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

March 2009

55

Have you made prearrangements for your family, or do you still have that to do?

Leaving these decisions to your children on the worst day of their lives is a terrible emotional burden.

Call Today To Receive a FREE Family Planning Portfolio

Centuries Memorial 8801 Mansfield Shreveport, LA 71108 (318) 686-4334

Hill Crest Memorial 601 Hwy. 80 East Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949-9415

56 March 2009

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

Bossier Council on Aging Bearkat Site (741-8302), 706 Bearkat Drive, Bossier City 8 AM - 4:30 PM Plain Dealing Site (326-5722), 101 E. Oak Street, Plain Dealing, 9 AM - 1 PM Transportation - Vans available to seniors 60+ who have no means of transportation for medical appointments, grocery store, drug store and other necessary stops.

Wheelchair accessible. 3 day notice required. $3 round trip suggested. Also provide medical transportation through referrals from Medicaid.

Outreach - Home visits are made to help qualify seniors for services.

Homemaker - Trained employees will come to your home to provide light housekeeping for those seniors having difficulty maintaining their homes. $3/visit suggested.

Information & referrals - Call us if a senior needs assistance in any way. 741-8302

Caregiver - Support services are provided for family caregivers including in-home respite care for the caregiver, education for the family, and material aid and personal care for the patient.

Legal Services - Education on elder legal issues provided at the sites. Counseling for individuals is accessible monthly with a local lawyer or by referrals.

Congregate (Site) Meals - Hot, nutritious meals served at 11:30 AM at the sites, Mon - Fri . $1.25 per meal is suggested.

Home Delivered Meals - Meals provided 5 days per week for elderly homebound in Bossier Parish, $1.25/meal suggested.

Personal Medical Response System With a referral from BCOA, an auto dial unit is available for installation on your phone.

Necklace, wristband, or pocket clip styles provided. Just press the button for immediate help. $20 fee per month.

Senior Centers - Fun and fellowship for the active senior! Enjoy recreation, crafts, educational seminars, and health information. Also provided: day trips, extended trips, exercise and dance classes, bingo, cards, dominoes, health screenings, exercise equipment room, Senior Games and Thursday night dances with a live band.

Medication Management - Seminars, brown bag services provided by pharmacists and programs provided by health care providers so seniors know about their prescriptions and the proper way to take them. Drug plan assistance available.

Medicaid Applications - We are an application center and provide assistance to seniors in filling out the forms. By appointment only.

(AARP) Money Management - BCOA provides financial assistance to seniors: bill paying, balancing checkbooks, etc.

Caddo Council on Aging 4015 Greenwood Road, (318) 632-2090.

Website-www.caddocouncilonaging.org Email-ccoa@caddocoa.org Info & Referral - 632-2090 Outreach/Individual Needs Assessment632-2090 - Visits are made to the home to explain services available and to enroll the elderly in our various service programs Home Delivered Meals - 632-2090 - Each week 5 meals can be delivered to homebound seniors. Suggested donation $1.25/day.

Homemaker Services - 632-2090 - Personal care and household tasks provided for homebound persons unable to perform these tasks without assistance. $5/month donation requested.

Personal Care - 632-2090 - Personal care provided to homebound person by trained staff once a week. $5/month donation requested.

Family Caregiver - 632-2090 - Sitter and respite provided for full time caregiver of a senior. Donation requested.

Telephone Reassurance - 632-2090 - Volunteers make regular phone calls to seniors to offer comfort and support.

Medical Alert - 632-2090 -Emergency response system that protects sen iors in case of accident or falls in the home. $20/month fee SenioRX Program - 632-5900 or 1800-793-1198-Assists seniors applying for pharmaceutical aid programs.

Nursing Home Ombudsman - 632-2090The Best Of Times

Professional weekly visits to nursing home to investigate and resolve issues made by the elderly resident or the resident’s family.

Covering 7 parishes in NWLA. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 632-2113 - Provides volunteer opportunities in the community and nutrition sites for persons 55 years of age or older.

Foster Grandparents (FGP) - 632-2199Seniors serve as mentor, tutor and caregivers to youth with social needs. FGPs that meet special requirements may serve 20hrs/wk and receive a stipend.

Legal Services - 632-2090- Referrals for individual counseling.

Emergency Blinking Light - Flashing light installed in your porch light by the Caddo Sheriff Dept. to help guide emergency medical personnel to the house during lifethreatening emergencies. No charge.

SOS Program - Sheriff’s Operational Safeguard. Helps identify and reunite lost, memory-impaired persons with families. Participants are given a bracelet engraved with the name and phone number of the Sheriff’s Office and an ID number that corresponds to personal information. Confidential Call 681.0875 to register. No charge.

Senior Centers and Meal Sites - 6322080-Area sites located in Caddo Parish that offer fun activities, recreation, wellness, exercise, safety programs, sewing, crafts, bingo, and just plain old fun. Lunch served at all sites for a $1.25 donation. Transportation is provided to sites, call 632-2080 to sign up

for a meal or transport to the sites.

• Myrtle B. Pickering Senior Center4017 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm.

• Blanchard Cross Roads Church - 356 Warriner, Blanchard. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00am-12noon.

• Broadmoor Methodist Church - 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport. Open 9:30 12:30.

• Canaan Towers Apartments - 500 North Dale, Shreveport. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm.

• Cooper Road Community Center - 1422 MLK Blvd, Shreveport. Open MonFriday 9:30am-12:30pm • Greenwood Library - Hwy 80, Downtown Greenwood. Open Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 12:30pm • Mooringsport Community CenterLattimer Street, Mooringsport across from the school. Open Tue-Wed-Thurs 9:30am to 12:30pm • Morning Star Baptist Church 5340 Jewella, Sport Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm • New Hill CME Church - 8725 Springridge Texas Line Rd, Keithville Tue & Thurs 10am-1:00pm • Oil City Community Center - Savage Street, Oil City Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9am to noon • Vivian Community Center - in the City Park 522 E. Tennessee Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon March 2009

57

Educational Courses Bible Correspondence Course (318) 797-6333 More info on page 42.

Ambulance Services Balentine Ambulance Service (318) 222-5358 More info on page 46.

Artificial Limbs & Braces Certified Limb and Brace (318) 636-9145 More info on page 41.

Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics (318) 424-4167 More info on page 29.

Associations and Organizations 2009 Health, Beauty, & Fitness Expo (318) 773-3935 More info on page 7.

Animal Welfare, Inc. (318) 221-0053 More info on page 29.

Care Providers Comfort Keepers (318) 934-0090 More info on page 8.

Family Care Services (318) 671-1799 More info on page 39.

Northwest INCS, Inc. (318) 636-0390 More info on page 22.

St. Joseph Hospice (318) 222-8723 More info on page 11.

ResCare Home Care (318) 678-1890 More info on page 26.

Serio Investments (318) 221-0889 More info on page 47.

Seniors Club Personal Care Services (318) 635-0010 More info on page 54.

Joseph Gilsoul, Attorney (318) 222-2100 More info on page 19.

Cemeteries/Funeral Homes

Hill Crest Memorial (318) 949-9415 More info on page 56.

The Robinson Film Center (318) 424-9090 More info on page 37.

Community Hospices of America (318) 524-1046 More info on page 3.

Genworth Financial T. Wayne DesLattes (318) 560-0299 More info on page 43.

Home Assistance Services (318) 682-8182 More info on page 41.

Bossier Council on Aging (318) 741-8302 More info on page 57.

Shreveport Opera (318) 227-9503 More info on page 52.

Financial & Estate Planning Services/Legal Services

Hospice Care Providers

Odyssey Healthcare (318) 868-8788 More info on page 41.

Centuries Memorial (318) 686-4334 More info on page 56.

Shreveport Little Theater (318) 424-4439 More info on page 17.

Acadian OnCall 1-800-259-1234 More info on page 27.

Synergy Home Care (318) 550-0285 More info on page 30.

Daniel Scarborough, Attorney (318) 673-9807 More info on page 60.

BluePrint Louisiana (866) 483-3920 More info on page 51.

Caddo Council on Aging (318) 632-2090 More info on page 57.

Emergency Response Systems

Ark-La-Tex Home Health (318) 747-6180 More info on page 24.

Counseling Services The Center for Families (318) 222-0759 More info on page 16.

Credit Unions and Banks Barksdale Federal Credit Union (800) 647-2328 More info on page 15.

TES Regional Healthcare Federal Credit Union (318) 681-4335 More info on page 36.

Flowers Flowers Forever, LLC (318) 925-2323 More info one page 48.

Hearing Care Services Shreve Hearing Aid Service (318) 797-7733 More info on page 42.

Home Maintenance Service Gutter Helmet of N. Louisiana (800) 284-9777 More info on page 35.

Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner (318)631-6655 More info on page 38.

Home Health Care Agencies (Medicare Certified) American Nursing Services (318) 425-2641 More info on page 37.

58 March 2009

Home Infusion Services IV Plus (318) 683-5139 More info on page 11.

Hospitals Brentwood Hospital (318) 678-7500 More info on page 26.

Insurance AFLAC (318) 681-9564 More info on page 20.

Humana, Inc. (800) 219-7540 More info on page 64.

Sterling Health Plans (866) 217-3666 More info on page 62.

Medical and Beauty Spas Fixx Medical Spa (318) 798-0635 More info on page 60 Jeany Mitchell’s Skin Technology (318) 347-3567 More info on page 47.

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

Moving and Storage Central – Herrin Storage and Transfer (318) 221-5135 More info on page 48.

Medical Supplies and Equipment

Total Care Medical Clinic Dr. Howard Lippton (318) 424-6363 More info on page 63.

Vision-Source Dr. Larry Chism (800) 243-2020 More info on page 49.

Home Health Medical Supply (318) 631-1466 More info on page 25.

WK North Orthopaedics (318) 212-8833 More info on page 2.

Physician Services

WK Physician Network Clinical Research (318) 212-8613 More info on page 11.

Bossier Orthopaedics (318) 212-7841 More info on page 2.

Cardiovascular Consultants Dr. Phillip Rozeman (318) 631-6400 More info on page 23.

Dr. Bryan Vekovius (318) 675-3733 More info on page 51.

Dr. David Persson (318) 798-4455 More info on page 24.

Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600 More info on page 40.

Dr. Laura Anissian (318) 798-4618 More info on page 30.

Mid South Orthopaedics (318) 424-3400 More info on page 2.

Pierremont Eye Institute Dr. Chris Shelby (318) 212-3937 More info on page 43.

The Comprehensive Neurosurgery Network Dr. Ravish Patwardhan (318) 797-5543 More info on page 39.

The Orthopedic Clinic (318) 798-6700 More info on page 2.

The Best Of Times

Radio Stations KWKH AM 1130 (318) 688-1130

Real Estate Agents Century 21 – Judy Holland (318) 349-6983 More info on page 56.

Restaurants

NurseCare of Shreveport (318) 221-1983 More info on page 45.

Pilgrim Manor Guest Care Center (318) 742-1623 More info on page 5.

Shreveport Manor Guest Care Center (318) 222-9482 More info on page 5.

Spring Lake Guest Care Center (318) 868-4126 More info on page 5.

The Bradford Guest Care Ctr. (318) 688-1010 More info on page 5.

Travel Services Cruises, Inc (318) 746-3745 More info on page 42.

Dixie Tours (318) 470-9757 More info on page 34.

Red River Coaches (318) 221-5797 More info on page 42.

Telephone Book User-Friendly Phone Book (318) 865-1280 More info on page 51.

Weight Loss Centers

The Guest House Guest Care Center (318) 686-0515 More info on page 5.

Center for Medical Weight Loss (318) 629-8746 More info on page 28.

The Waterford at Shreveport (318) 524-3300 More info on page 30.

Jenny Craig Center (318) 798-2608 More info on page 25.

Imperial Wok Chinese Rest.

(318) 687-6668 More info on page 56.

ShoeBooty’s Restaurant (318) 550-0444 More info on page 52.

Senior Living Options Azalea Estates Assisted Living (318) 797-2408 More info on page 18.

Colonial Oaks Guest Care Ctr. (318) 742-5420 More info on page 5.

Kingsley Place of Shreveport (318) 524-2100 More info on page 10.

Leslie Lakes Retirement Center (318) 263-9581 More info on page 27.

Live Oak Retirement Center (318) 212-2000 More info on page 13.

March 2009

59

1 - Krewe of Justinian King Jim Bolin with Consort Mary Bolin attend the Royalty Brunch at the Shreveport Club.

2 - Louisiana Dance Foundation, Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble and meet & greet dinner celebration. In attendance: Jada Sims, Kecia Vekovius, Bailey Anglin, Carol Anglin & Candy Welch.

3 - Enjoying lunch following the Silver Screenings of Modern Times at the Robinson Film Center are Jimmy Cowles, Mary Campbell, and Bill Joyce.

4 - The Krewe of Elders held Grand Bal X1 on February 7. (a) Royalty members include Duchess and Duke of Longevity Claire Henry and Ed Jackson, Captain Jay Prudhomme, King Chuck Lancaster, Queen Jeri Lancaster, and Duke and Duchess of Wisdom Richard Skyles and Liz Skyles. (b) “Stepping Out with the Elders” Julia Collins, Sue Wheeler, Sue Prudhomme, Liz Skyles and Celia Frazier.

5 - (l to r) Senator Lydia Jackson, Representative Henry Burns, Representative Jane Smith, and Executive Director of Centerpoint, Terri Brock, at the annual celebration of “211” telephone service for social services needs.

6 - Valentine Tea & Celebration of the 5th Red Hat Anniversary of Herzog’s Hilarious Hellyun Hairdressers & Healthcare Heifers of Haughton. (a) (l to r) Standing: VQ Claudia Beene, Bonnie Duck, Faye Meunier, Crystal Harrison, Shirley Bockstruck, Beverly Strange, Wanda Puzy, Betty Prince, Betty Wegner, Faye Coleman, Yvonne Haynes, & Carol Farley. Seated: Mary Stelton, Brenda Griffith, QM Lynda, Jan Bland, Shelby Britt & Lani Scarce. (b) State Queen, Linda Knight Theriot (TooToo), from Houma with Princess Carmen.

7 - Town Hall meeting. (l to r) (a) Shreveport Police Chief Henry Whitehorn, Congressman John Fleming, and Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover.

8 - Mike Salinas of VA in Shreveport jams with world-famous guitarist James Burton at the presentation of guitars by the James Burton Foundation to the Music Therapy Department at VA Hospital.

9 - West Shreveport Lions Club meeting (l to r) (a)Tom Bryson, Andy Loftus, and Philip Maxfield; (b) Fred Wells, Gordon Bartage, and Paul Glanville.

10 - Surprise 40th Birthday Party for Latonya Lewis. Helping her celebrate are her mother, daughter and sisters . (l to r) Opal Marshall, Latonya Marshall Lewis, Candy Marshall Welch, & Sparkle Marshall Thomas.

60 March 2009

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

The Best Of Times

March 2009

61

“I like Sterling because I get to talk to people.

Not machines.”

Sterling Customer, Calvin Douglas

We’ve been here since the beginning.

In 2000, Sterling became the first insurance company to offer a national Medicare Private Fee For Service Plan( and today we’ve got more options than ever before. Sterling has the knowledge and experience you want in your insurance company.

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Underwritten by Sterling Life Insurance Company (

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Sterling Life Insurance Company is a Medicare Advantage organization contracting with the federal government. Anyone entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B may apply. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

A Medicare Advantage Private Fee For Service plan works differently than a Medicare supplement plan. Your doctor or hospital is not required to agree to accept the plan’s terms and conditions, and thus may choose not to treat you, with the exception of emergencies. If your doctor or hospital does not agree to accept our payment terms and conditions, they may choose not to provide health care services to you, except in emergencies. Providers can find the plan’s terms and conditions on our website at: www.sterlingplans.com. All plans may not be available in all areas.

Available from your Sterling Agent: Health, Life, Prescription Drug, Long Term Care and Critical Condition or Cancer Plans.

M0010_S4802_13009(8/08) 62 March 2009

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

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The Best Of Times

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March 2009

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Attention PeoPle with MedicAre:

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0LUS YOU GET ALL THE VALUABLE COVERAGE MANY HAVE COME TO EXPECT FROM (UMANA s s s s s s s

s s s s

Prescription drug coverage Dental, vision and hearing checkups Preventive coverage Gym membership at no additional cost Quit smoking program Meals delivered to your home after you’ve been in the hospital Discounts on over the counter medication such as: cold medicine, aspirin and vitamins to name just a few 24 hour nurse hotline Emergency coverage at home or when you travel Humana Active OutlookŽ wellness program And more!

All from a company that has been serving people with Medicare for over 20 years. #ALL US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON A (UMANA 'OLD 0LUS PLAN

s 449 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Humana – the #1 Medicare Advantage plan provider in Louisiana*!

An HMO with a Medicare contract available to anyone enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Medicare through age or disability. Enrollment period restrictions apply, call Humana for details. Plans may be renewed annually. Copayment, service area, and benefit limitations may apply. You must continue to pay your Medicare applicable premiums if not otherwise paid for under Medicaid or by another third-party. Benefits described apply to Humana Gold Plus plans: H1951-005, H1951-001 and H1951-013. *According to CMS website enrollment data by state.

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LA 01/09