September 2010 “Celebrating Age and Maturity”
CRIME
PROTECTION Fraud and Scams Self Defense Safety Tips & Tricks
INSIDE Secret Cities Fresh Fall Flavors 6 Reasons To Play Golf
Priceless Presort Standard U.S. Postage Paid Shreveport, LA 71103 Permit No. 6
Many cancer centers treat cancer. Only a small percentage of them provide the comprehensive care available at WillisKnighton Cancer Center. Cancer is among the most dreaded diagnoses. The good news is that great strides have been made in the treatment of cancer, some of them right here in Shreveport at the Willis-Knighton Cancer Center. This facility was among the first six sites to use TomoTherapy image-guided radiation therapy, and it has been named a TomoTherapy Center of Excellence. Physicians in the Radiation Oncology Department continue to be a resource for other cancer centers throughout the world. The Willis-Knighton Cancer Center offers a full range of outpatient services in a single location: Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Infusion Therapy, PET Scanner, Laboratory, Physical Therapy, Education and Social Services. This broad range of services supports a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of cancer. Physicians regularly discuss cases and collaborate to seek the best possible treatment for patients. You don’t just have a doctor to care for you, you have an experienced team.
We hope you won’t need cancer care, but if you do, choose Willis-Knighton Cancer Center. Because where you are treated matters.
www.wkhs.com 2
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September 2010
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TAKE A TRIP TO BRANSON!
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*Advertised public charter fares are one-way, do not require a round trip purchase, and include Federal Excise Tax of 7.5%. Fares are capacity controlled and some advertised airfares not be available on all seats on all flights. Airfares do not include September 11th Security Fees of $2.50 per person per enplanement, Federal Flight Segment Taxes of $3.70 per person per flight segment, Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) of up to $4.50 per person each way. Advertised fares cost $11.25 more per person each way when booked by calling 1-888-FLY-BKG1 or through BransonAirExpress.com. Tickets purchased at the airport are not subject to this increase in price. Fares are subject to availability at the time of booking, and are subject to change. A $15.00 checked baggage fee will apply for the first checked bag and $25.00 for a second checked bag per person. Each checked bag weighing over 51 pounds will be assessed a fee of $40 in addition to the checked bag fee.
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INA’s URN September 2010 • Vol. 19, No. 9 Founded in 1993 as Senior Scene News ISSN Library of Congress #1551-4366 A monthly publication from TBT Multimedia, LLC P.O. Box 19510 Shreveport, LA 71149 (318) 636-5510 TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Publisher Gary L. Calligas Gary.Calligas@gmail.com Editor Tina Miaoulis Calligas Editor.Calligas@gmail.com Advertising Account Executive Philip Maxfield philip.maxfield@gmail.com Design & Layout Jessica Rinaudo Katherine M. Branch Webmaster Jason P. Calligas Writers Kayleigh Slaughter Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Jason Alderman, Lee Aronson, Suzy Cohen, Judge Jeff Cox, Randall Franks, Andrea Gross, Mirabai Holland, M. Ernest Marshall, Chef Aida Mollenkamp, Dr. Marion Somers Council of Advisors Terri Brock, Senator Sherry Smith-Cheek, Clara Farley, Dora Miller, Raymon Owens, Mary Anne Rankin, and Mary Alice Rountree THE FINE PRINT: All original content published in THE BEST OF TIMES copyright © 2010 by TBT Multimedia, LLC, all rights reserved. Replication, in whole or in part by any means is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed are the sole responsibility of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of the publication, TBT Mulitmedia, its publishers or staff. Always consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with all matters financial, medical, legal or emotional. We cannot accept liability for omissions or errors and cannot be responsible for the claims of advertisers.
M
y dad loved September because it meant cooler temperatures and the beginning of college football season. He was an armchair coach who loved to analyze his favorite team's wins and losses. Invariably his analyses boiled down to the fact that he felt that the secret to winning was in being prepared and in having a strong defense. How true!! And so it is with life. We can cower in fear as we listen to newscasts about crime...or we can learn how to defend ourselves by being prepared. This month's centerspread feature offers valuable information, tips and resources to help us protect ourselves, as well as those we love, from a wide variety of violent crimes, scams, and fraud. Speaking of those we love, our December issue will feature Friends, Family and Fun. Dust off your camera, gather together those you care for the most, and show us your "best of times" moments. For complete details see page 9. Until next month, enjoy the cooler weather and the rest of this issue. ~Tina
WANTED Advertising Account Executive
• No Experience Necessary • Full or Part-Time • Commission Only
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Hosted by Gary Calligas Broadcasting every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on AM 1130 KWKH, A Townsquare Media Radio Station in Shreveport, LA. SEPTEMBER 4 “Medicare Changes Caused by Recent Healthcare Reform Legislation” Vicki Dufrene, Dir. of LA’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) www.ldi.louisiana.gov/Health/SHIIP/index.htm SEPTEMBER 11 “Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure” Danielle Voumard, Executive Director of the NW Louisiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure www.komenshreveportbossier.org SEPTEMBER 18 “Elderly Abuse and Neglect” Clara Farley, Regional Supervisor of Louisiana’s Elderly Protective Services. www.goea.la.gov SEPTEMBER 25 “AARP and Healthcare Reform” Jason Tudor, Associate State Director of Outreach for AARP Louisiana www.aarp.org/states/la/ OCTOBER 2 “Polycystic Kidney Disease” Jan Whitaker, Reita Rossett, and Floyd Williams www.pkdcure.org. Streaming live on the internet www.KWKHonline.com
Previously aired programs are available at www.TheBestOfTimesNews.com Do you have a question for one of our guests? Call 320-1130 during the broadcast or email Gary.Calligas@gmail.com prior to the show. September 2010
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September Table of Contents BRIEFLY 8 In the News 10 STAT! Medical News SPECIAL REPORT 12 BBB Warns Against Five Scams Targeting Seniors ADVICE 14 Marci’s Medicare Answers Prostate Cancer Screening, Ambulance Services, and Discounted Drugs 16 Ask Dr. Marion by Dr. Marion Somers Be Proactive About Your Parent’s Health 18 Money Matters by Jason Alderman Understanding Medicare 20 Dear Pharmacist by Suzy Cohen, RPh Your Tongue Tells a Story 22 From the Bench by Judge Jeff Cox Protective Orders 24 Laws of the Land by Lee Aronson The Mysterious Case of the Unwanted Auto Fleet 32 Moving Free with Mirabai® by Mirabai Holland To Weigh or Not to Weigh
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FEATURE 27 Crime Protection by Kayleigh Slaughter 30 Elderly Protective Services: A Safety Net for Seniors COLUMNS 33 Volunteer Salute by Linda Mullican Jackie Connor 34 Southern Style by Randall Franks A Fiddle and a Fireplace 36 The Bookworm by Terri Schlinchenmeyer Review of “Passages in Caregiving” by Gail Sheehy 38 Traveltizers by Andrea Gross Secret Cities: Visiting the Secret Sites of WWII 40 6 Reasons to Play Golf by M. Ernest Marshall 42 Restaurant Review by Jessica Rinaudo Athena Greek and Lebanese Grill IN EVERY ISSUE 44 What’s Cooking? 46 Answers from the Experts 48 Get Up & Go 50 Our Famous Puzzle Pages 52 Gold Pages 55 Parting Shots TheBestOfTimesNews.com
The Best Of Times
September 2010
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in the NEWS
Tips For Older Job Seekers There's good news for older adults trying to enter the workforce. There's a new brochure designed to help them get a job. Even though older applicants often bring experience, knowledge and a strong work ethic to a job, many still find it difficult to find employment. For those returning to the workforce or entering the workforce for the first time, the task can be even more challenging. The new brochure, "Employment Options: Tips for the Older Job Seeker," suggests that older applicants can relate their life experiences as a parent or volunteer or their hobbies to the skills required for a job. The brochure--prepared by the Eldercare Locator and Senior Service America, Inc.-shares tips on how to find hidden job leads, successfully submit a job application and prepare for an interview. To request the new brochure, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or www.eldercare.gov. The Eldercare Locator is a free service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). (NAPSI)
“We Provide indePendent Medicare SolutionS”
call: 318-213-6432 for More inforMation or See uS online WWW.redriverinSuranceGrouP.coM
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September 2010
2010 Social Security Board of Trustees Annual Report Released The Social Security Board of Trustees recently released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds and the long-range outlook remains unchanged. The combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2037, the same as projected last year. The Trustees also project that program costs will exceed tax revenues in 2010 and 2011, be less than tax revenues in 2012 through 2014, and then permanently exceed tax revenues beginning 2015, one year earlier than estimated in last year’s report. In the 2010 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced: • The projected point at which the combined Trust Funds will be exhausted comes in 2037 – the same as the estimate in last year’s report. At that time, there will be sufficient tax revenue coming in to pay about 78 percent of benefits. • The projected point at which tax revenues will fall below program costs comes in 2010. Tax revenues will again exceed program costs in 2012 through 2014 before permanently falling below program costs in 2015 -- one year sooner than the estimate in last year’s report. • The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year long-range period is 1.92 percent of taxable payroll -- 0.08 percentage point smaller than in last year’s report.
• Over the 75-year period, the Trust Funds would require additional revenue equivalent to $5.4 trillion in present value dollars to pay all scheduled benefits. Other highlights include: • Income including interest to the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $807 billion ($667 billion in net contributions, $22 billion from taxation of benefits and $118 billion in interest) in 2009. • Total expenditures from the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $686 billion in 2009. • The assets of the combined OASDI Trust Funds increased by about $122 billion in 2009 to a total of $2.5 trillion. • During 2009, an estimated 156 million people had earnings covered by Social Security and paid payroll taxes. • Social Security paid benefits of $675 billion in calendar year 2009. There were about 53 million beneficiaries at the end of the calendar year. • The cost of $6.2 billion to administer the program in 2009 was a very low 0.9 percent of total expenditures. • The combined Trust Fund assets earned interest at an effective annual rate of 4.9 percent in 2009. The full 2010 Trustees Report is posted at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2010/.
Website Offers Resources for Caregivers Family Caregiving 101 is a joint effort of the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), with support from ESAI, Inc., to recognize, support, and advise family caregivers. This Web-based program is designed to provide family caregivers with the basic skills needed to both care for their family members and protect their own health and well being. The Website at www.familycaregiving101.org includes the top ten questions caregivers ask, with answers and links to other resources, information on the stages of caregiving, and checklists to help manage caregiving activities. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
New Health Care Coverage for LA Residents Unveiled LA Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon and DHH Secretary Alan Levine recently unveiled the Louisiana Long-term Care Partnership Program, which will provide Louisianians with coverage for their long-term health care needs. The program will protect residents from being forced to exhaust their assets to become Medicaid eligible if they are faced with requiring long-term care, such as nursing home care or care due to a condition such as Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term care, which refers to services needed for those with long-term illness or disability, is not typically covered under health insurance policies, HMO plans, Medicare or Medicare supplemental policies. Medicaid does cover long-term care - as long as individuals meet federal and state guidelines for income and assets. Today, an individual would have to spend down all but $2,000 of their assets, with higher asset limits if a spouse is involved, before applying for Medicaid. Long-term care partnership policies pay for all costs of day-in, day-out care for those with a long-term illness or disability. These policies can cover a range of services, such as nursing home care, adult day care centers, and assisted living centers or other community facilities. They can also cover a number of in-home services, such as nursing care performed by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and occupational, speech, and/or physical therapists, as well as services provided by home health aides employed by licensed home care agencies. For most people, the benefits of their private partnership insurance policy will provide all of the care they will need.
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Slash Your Stroke Risk
STAT!
In a large study of men and women in their fifties, those who exercised regularly, maintained a healthy weight, avoided cigarette smoke, enjoyed alcohol only in moderation, and ate nutritiously were 80% less likely to have an ischemic stroke -- the most common type of stroke. Specifically, these study participants were non-smokers who exercised about 30 minutes a day and had BMIs below 25, and their diet staples were fruit, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. Also, the women had no more than one alcoholic drink a day; the men, no more than two. (RealAge)
Let’s Hear it for the B’s
A recent study of almost 30 different types of vegetables lists broccoli, beets, and red bell peppers at the top of the list. Tests measuring total antioxidant content of the veggies revealed that they were particularly high in phenols -- a category of disease-fighting plant compounds that do everything from bolstering artery function to inhibiting the kind of cell damage that might lead to cancer or Alzheimer’s. Broccoli and bell peppers are also a top source of antioxidant vitamin C. And beets are full of blood-pressure-friendly potassium. (RealAge.com)
Memory Links to 40 Winks
Not Just for Kids
Some aging experts are saying that video games might be potentially helpful for graceful aging. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests playing video games actually can improve older adults’ reflexes, processing speed, memory, attention skills and spatial abilities. Some video games might even result in faster decision making and improve hand-eye coordination. Some new video games such as the Nintendo Wii also provide the potential for in-home exercise.
Catch Some Rays
New research suggests older adults who have low vitamin D levels could be more prone to thinking, learning and memory problems, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine. An estimated 40% to 100% of older adults in the United States are deficient in vitamin D. Results showed that those with a high vitamin D deficiency had a 60% increased risk for general cognitive decline over six years and a 31% increased risk for developing problems with the ability to plan. No significant results were found when measuring the participants’ attention. This deficiency has also been linked to fractures, various chronic diseases and death. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because the most potent form of it can be found outdoors. However, it can also be found in egg yolks, cheese, fatty fishes such as tuna and salmon, and in nutritional supplements.
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September 2010
When it comes to executing items on tomorrow’s to-do list, it’s best to think it over, then “sleep on it,” say psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis. People who sleep after processing and storing a memory carry out their intentions much better than people who try to execute their plan before getting to sleep. The researchers have shown that sleep enhances our ability to remember to do something in the future, a skill known as prospective memory. Moreover, researchers studying the relationship between memory and sleep say that our ability to carry out our intentions is not so much a function of how firmly that intention has been embedded in our memories. Rather, the trigger that helps carry out our intentions is usually a place, situation or circumstance — some context encountered the next day – that sparks the recall of an intended action. Prospective memory includes such things as remembering to take a medication or bringing home the ice cream for a birthday party.
Tai Chi and Qigong Show Health Benefits
A review of the health effects of Qigong and Tai Chi finds these practices offer many physical and mental health advantages with benefits for the heart, immune system and overall quality of life. The review, which appeared in the American Journal of Health Promotion, included 77 randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals between 1993 and 2007. The authors say that the review provides strong evidence for bone health, cardio-respiratory fitness, physical function, balance, quality of life, fall prevention and psychological benefits.
Evidence Suggests that Coffee Protects Against Cancer Data on the effects of coffee on cancer risk have been mixed. However, results of a recent study add to the brewing evidence that drinking coffee protects against cancer, this time against head and neck cancer. Using information from a pooled-analysis of nine studies collected by the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium, participants who drank an estimated four or more cups of coffee a day, compared with those who were non-drinkers, had a 39% decreased risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancers combined. Data on decaffeinated coffee was too sparse for detailed analysis. (Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention) TheBestOfTimesNews.com
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September 2010
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special REPORT
BBB Warns Against Five Scams Targeting Seniors Fraud targeting senior citizens is a growing concern as millions have fallen victim to scammers. Better Business Bureau encourages families to keep the lines of communication open with their elders regarding finances and to recognize some common cons targeting senior citizens. According to a June 2010 survey by Investor Protection Trust, more than 7.3 million senior citizens - roughly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older - have “been taken advan-
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September 2010
tage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.” “Having a serious conversation with your elderly parents about how they are managing their money is not easy, but it is extremely important in order to help protect them from unscrupulous crooks,” said Andy Fisher, BBB spokesperson. “It’s extremely important to keep the lines of communication open so that you can identify suspicious spending habits, as well as educate your elder family members on recognizing the red flags of common cons.” BBB warns against the following five scams that commonly target senior citizens:
Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams - Typically, the
victim receives a letter in the mail stating they have won a lottery or sweepstakes; it might
even claim to be from Publisher’s Clearing House or Reader’s Digest. The letter instructs the victim to deposit an enclosed check and then wire a portion back to the company to cover taxes or administration fees. While the funds will initially show up in the bank account, the money will be removed when the bank determines the check is fake. The victim is out whatever they wired back to the scammers - often amounting to thousands of dollars. • BBB Advice: Never wire money to someone you don’t know. You should never have to send money to receive any winnings from a lottery or sweepstakes.
Medicare Scams – Navigating the Medicare system isn’t easy and some scammers will look for any opportunity to take advantage of the confusion. Commonly, a scammer will claim to be with Medicare and ask for personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, social security, credit card or bank account numbers.
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The victim might be given any number of excuses to provide this information including that an error needs to be fixed, that he or she is part of a survey or eligible to receive free products or can sign up for a new prescription drug plan. • BBB Advice: Remind your elderly family members that Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information. If you suspect fraud contact your local police or the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS.
Bereavement Scams – Scammers will often try to take advantage of the increased vulnerability of senior citizens who have recently lost a loved one, such as a spouse. In one recent example, a mother and daughter team in Ohio would find targets by scouring the obituaries. They would then call the widow or widower and claim that their spouse had outstanding debts that needed to be paid immediately. Victims would then provide a blank check or credit card. • BBB Advice: Offer help to elderly family members if they have recently lost a loved one and are inexperienced in managing finances. If you are uncertain about owing a debt when collectors call, ask for written confirmation. Deceptive Professionals – While many scams targeting senior citizens might not have a face, some scammers will be invited in the front door including technicians, contractors, chimney sweeps, air duct cleaners and other services. Some professionals will lie about the extent of the problem or claim safety issues and then inflate prices for unsuspecting senior customers. • BBB Advice – Find professionals you can trust by checking out BBB’s directory of Accredited Businesses. Always research a company with BBB before you hand over any money and report any deceptive services to your BBB, local law enforcement and the state Attorney General. Investment and Work at Home Opportunities Promises of easy money often target older adults because they may be looking to supplement their income. The pitch might come in the form of an investment opportunity that promises big returns, or as a way to make money at home for an upfront cost. Regardless of the specifics, the victim is offered what sounds like a great opportunity but the extra income never materializes. • BBB Advice: Always research any work at home opportunity with BBB. Beware of investment or money-making offers that seem too good to be true or use high pressure sales tactics to get you to sign up immediately.
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For more advice on avoiding scams and fraud visit: www.bbb.org/us/ consumer-tips-scams/ 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.
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medicare ANSWERS
Prostate Cancer Screening, Ambulance Services, and Discounted Drugs Dear Marci, Does Medicare cover screenings for prostate cancer? --Sven Dear Sven, Yes. Medicare covers one prostate screening per year (every 12 months) for men age 50 and older. Prostate cancer screenings can detect prostate cancer, which affects one in six men, in its early stages. The screening includes a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam. Medicare will cover these services more than once per year if your doctor says you need them for diagnostic purposes. Medicare covers 80 percent of the cost of the digital rectal exam (after you pay your annual Part B deductible), and 100 percent of the cost of the PSA
test (with no Part B deductible required). (If you are in a Medicare private health plan - HMO or PPO - you may have a copay for the PSA test or the digital rectal exam. Call your plan to find out what you will have to pay.) ~Marci Dear Marci, If I have an emergency and call an ambulance, will Medicare pay for it? --Eva Dear Eva, Yes. Medicare will generally cover ambulance services in an emergency, as long as: • An ambulance is the only safe way to transport you (medically necessary); and • You are transported to and from certain locations. An emergency is when your health is in serious danger and every second counts to prevent your health from getting worse. If the trip is scheduled as a way to transport you from one location to another when your health is not in immediate danger, it is not considered an emergency. If it is not an emergency, Medicare coverage of ambulance services is very limited, but Medicare may cover nonemergency
ambulance services in certain instances. For example, nonemergency services may be covered if you are confined to your bed or if you need vital medical services during your trip that are available only in an ambulance. Lack of access to alternative transportation alone will not justify Medicare coverage. If covered, Medicare will pay for 80 percent of its approved amount for the ambulance service. You or your supplemental insurance policy will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent. All ambulance providers must accept Medicare assignment, meaning they must accept the Medicareapproved amount as payment in full. Note: Medicare will never pay for ambulette services. ~Marci [Editor's note: Ambulette services provide non-emergency
North Louisiana’s Oldest Hospice
318-212-2170 14
September 2010
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transport for medical patients.] Dear Marci, I’ve heard that some drug companies will offer their drugs at a discount for people with low incomes. Is that true? --Patsy Dear Patsy, Yes. Some drug companies offer free or low-cost drugs through programs called Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). In most cases, your doctor must apply to the program for you. While many patient assistance programs do not allow you to apply if you are eligible for the Medicare drug benefit (Part D), some do. Generally, PAPs require your doctor to be involved in the application process. You may be required to pay a copayment. If you have Part D, your PAP copayments will count toward meeting your Part D plan’s out-of-pocket limit ($4,550 in 2010), but you will need to submit your receipts to your plan, and any other required documentation in order for what you pay to count. What your PAP pays for your prescription drugs will not count toward the $4,550 in outof-pocket costs that you must spend before catastrophic coverage begins and your drug costs go down significantly. To look up de-
The Best Of Times
tails about PAPs using an alphabetical list of drugs, go to www.medicare.gov/pap. ~Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights. org), the nation’s largest independent source of info and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, 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 www. medicareinteractive.org.
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contra-indicated. Before meeting with their doctor, be sure to do your homework and have intelligent questions ready. Write them down. Doctors will take more time if you are well informed and prepared. Financial issues can also be tough to broach, but you have to do it. Make sure your parents have a realistic understanding of their monthly income and expenses. Your parents’ generation is living longer than any before it, and I’m a working mother with many elderly are outliving their two teenagers who live at savings. After all, they didn’t expect home. My parents are relativeto live so long. Suggest ways to ly healthy, but they are getting cut back expenses where possible. older (81 and 77 respectively). Something as minor as having the What can I do to be proactive newspaper delivered instead of about their future health? purchased at a newsstand every Concerned in Colorado, 52 Dr. Marion day can make a difference. Have I’m so glad you asked. Not Somers them buy generic drugs whenever possible. nearly enough people think like Emotional issues vary from family you. If we all took care of just a few of the many issues your parents will surely face in to family and indithe next decade, caregiver stress could be vidual to individual. greatly reduced. The best thing you can do, But I have found starting today, is understand at a baseline most elderly want level exactly what issues your parents are to know they’ll be dealing with. Lay out what I call the 4 supported in their basic categories in everyone’s life – medi- quest to maintain cal, financial, emotional, and social – and their independence for as long as posmethodically determine ways to help. When it comes to medical issues, talk sible. Communicate with your parents and be sure they are that to them. Let honest with you. If there are medical issues them know you are to face, speak with their doctor (with their on their side and will permission of course). Figure out what be there when their medications they are taking, see if those time of need arrives. medications can be cut back, if there are If there are any old any side effects, and if any of the meds are family grudges or
Peace comes to those whose interests have been considered, protected, and embraced.
ask DR. MARION
Be Proactive About Your Parent's Health
Q A
hurts that haven’t been resolved, and there usually are, try to bring them into the open. Your elders will want to let go of this emotional baggage before they pass on. The sooner it is dealt with, the better. I say every generation has a 100% mortality rate. If someone’s exit from this world has been planned and lovingly guided, the process can actually be an enjoyable one. Peace comes to those whose interests have been considered, protected, and embraced. And you can really help make this happen. Over the last 40 years, Dr. Marion (Marion Somers, Ph.D.) has worked with thousands of seniors and their caregivers as a geriatric care manager and elder care expert. It is now her goal to help caregivers everywhere through her book (“Elder Care Made Easier"), iPhone apps (www.elder911. net) web site, columns, public service announcements, and more. For more information, visit www. DrMarion.org
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enrolled upon turning 65, or after receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. Part B helps cover doctor's services, outpatient care and some preventive services. It's optional and has a monthly premium. Most people are automatically enrolled at the same time as Part A. To opt ost people are someout, follow the instructions that what familiar with accompanied your Medicare Medicare, since it's card (mailed about three months likely they or a family membefore your 65th birthday). ber are already covered by the Weigh opting out carefully government-provided health because there's often a sizeable insurance program. But with its penalty if you enroll later, unless alphabet soup of options and you're currently covered by an Jason employer's plan. complex rules, Medicare can be Alderman daunting to the uninitiated. Part C (Medicare Advantage) If you're approaching 65, here are some plans are privately run HMO or PPO MediMedicare basics you'll need to know: care plans that provide coverage similar to Medicare provides benefits to people Parts A and B, but may also include adage 65 and older and those under 65 with ditional benefits such as prescription drugs, certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease. dental and vision coverage. In exchange for Most people's initial enrollment period is lower out-of-pocket costs and additional the seven months beginning three months before the month they turn 65. If you miss that window, you may enroll between January 1 and March 31 each year, with coverage beginning July 1. Medicare offers numerous plans and coverage options, including: Part A helps cover in-patient hospital, benefits, you're usually required to use the nursing facility and hospice services, and plan's provider network, which may be more home health care. Most people pay no restrictive than providers you could access monthly premium and are automatically through regular Parts A and B.
Money MATTERS
Understanding Medicare
M
Part D helps cover prescription drugs. It's optional and carries a monthly premium. These privately run plans vary widely in terms of cost and medications covered. As with Part B, you may be charged a late-enrollment penalty if you don't sign up when first eligible and later decide to enroll. If you're in a Part C plan with drug coverage, you don't need Part D. Many people purchase additional Medigap (or Medicare Supplemental) insurance, which is offered by private insurers and follows strict government coverage guidelines. Medigap helps pay for many items not covered by Medicare,
With its alphabet soup of options and complex rules, Medicare can be daunting to the uninitiated.
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including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and, sometimes, coverage when traveling abroad. Medigap coverage is already included in Part C Medicare Advantage plans; plus some employers and unions offer it to their retirees. Medigap plans can vary widely in terms of cost, covered benefits and states participating so compare your options carefully. Understanding and choosing the right Medicare options for your individual situation can be a complicated process. For assistance, call 1-800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov, where you'll find: • Helpful publications, including "Medicare & You 2010" • Tools to compare prescription drug plans, hospitals, nursing homes and Medigap plans in your area • A resource to find local doctors and other health practitioners who participate in Medicare • Services covered by various Medicare plans • Enrollment instructions. Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. Sign up for his free e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/newsletter.
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BroaDWaY BelterS: A Benefit for SLT’s Phoenix Project x2 June 25 - 27, 2010 piNKaliCioUS December 4, 2010 a ChriStMaS Carol This Holiday Season!
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The tiny bumps on the tongue called “papillae” fall off, that’s why you see the patches, but they are able to grow back. Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine doctors would never dismiss your tongue. It’s the first thing they want to see because it assists them in their diagnosis. Hey, I’d rather stick out my tongue and say ahhh, than get needled for blood and Dear Pharmacist, biopsies, wouldn’t you? And yes, Sometimes my tongue gets bald, I’ve had a tongue reading myself, red patches, or thick yellowish coatjust for fun. ings on it. I can’t figure out why To find a solution, you have to this happens, or what it means. My determine the cause. tongue looks nasty. Suzy, I don’t Geographic tongue may inknow who else to ask since it’s very dicate a hormonal imbalance, embarrassing. My doctor says that Suzy low thyroid, liver disease, yeast it’s nothing to worry about. Do Cohen, RPh overgrowth or a weakened immune you agree? I agree, don’t worry because worrying is a system. Poor intestinal health, antibiotic useless emotion that may actually attract to use, liver disease, a bile disorder and digesyou the very thing you focus your attention tive disorders (like Celiac, Crohn’s, IBS) all on. Your time is better spent on finding impact the color and texture of your tongue. out why this keeps happening, and then People with methylcobalamin (B12) deficiencies, and other B vitamin deficiencies preventing episodes. You describe what is termed “geographic have tongue issues. Let me tell you, there tongue” because it looks like a map. The are hundreds of drug muggers of B vitamins. smooth, red patches are surrounded by gray- Among them are antibiotics, antifungals, ish white areas; it’s freaky that the patchy antacids, heartburn medications, certain areas can change location from day to day. blood pressure pills, female hormones and
dear PHARMACIST
Your Tongue Tells a Story
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most anti-inflammatories. Geographic tongue is not the only situation of the tongue. Read below, and if you are curious, visit my website to see actual photographs: Scalloped tongue - It’s usually thick or swollen and has a scallop design around the outer edge. This is usually related to sluggish spleen or thyroid function. Pale Tongue - This could be tied to pernicious anemia, or iron deficiency anemia.
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Vertical Crack - May signify difficulties in the stomach or heart. If the crack extends down the middle, but doesn’t reach the very tip, it’s most likely related to digestion. Black Hairy Tongue - Dark-colored bacteria/fungus build up on the papillae and instead of shedding, they grow longer creating the hairy appearance. The ‘hair’ color may be white, yellow, green or brown colors depending on the color of your invading organism. Glossopyrosis - Also called “Burning Mouth Syndrome” it may be related to Candida albicans overgrowth, B12, riboflavin or folic acid deficiency, insufficient probiotics and imbalanced hormones. You may be able to prevent episodes by supplementing with high-quality immuneboosting supplements, probiotics, activated B complex, in particular methylcobalamin and 5-MTHF and digestive enzymes. Did You Know? If you are allergic to lactose, you should avoid anything with caramel color. This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. For more info visit www.DearPharmacist.com. ©2010 Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc.
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September 2010
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In the protective order, the person seeking protection will ask that the person threatening or abusing them not be allowed within a one hundred foot radius from them. The person who is enjoined from abusing or threatening is ith recent events prohibited from going to the where several people protected person’s home or have been murdered workplace. The person seeking by persons they know, protective the protective order may seek orders have taken the spotlight the use of the home, car, their in several news stories. This personal belongings and other article will attempt to explain what a protective order is and Judge items and may seek to have any commonly owned what they do. Jeff Cox items protected Persons who are being from destruction. abused or threatened by someone related The person seekto them, living in the same home, or ing protection someone whom they are dating may file may also request for a protective order from the court. In custody of any the protective order, the person being children during threatened can tell how they are being the time that threatened or abused. The person seeka protective ing the protective order must state all order is in of the facts of why they are seeking the place. Most of protective order. The more facts that can the time, custody be shown is helpful to the judge deciding will not be granted unwhether or not to grant the protective der these types of orders order.
from the BENCH
Protective Orders
W
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unless abuse is alleged against the child. Protective orders are only pieces of paper. Protection is not guaranteed as the person whom the order is sought against may not honor the court order. If the person against whom the order is sought against violates the order, the person may be arrested and charged with Violation of a Protective Order. However, by the time the person is arrested, they may have caused harm to the protected person. The best protection for persons being threatened or abused is to leave the situation. Make sure that you notify the police of any abuse and make a report. In most cases where the police become involved, the person who has been threatening or abusing another person will stop as they fear being arrested. Judge Jeff Cox is the 26th Judicial Court Judge for Bossier/Webster Parishes, Division C.
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front of my house would be a reminder as to what I’m up to, but I just assume that if all my neighbors are buying cars, I should too. Especially as I need one.) Anyway, let’s say that someone eventually reports that something odd is going on and as a result, I end up in a mental hospital. Where I stay for one and a half months. And then I die. My heirs, as you can imagine, have no desire for 20 new cars. So they go back to the dealer and ask him to take the cars back. The heirs explain et’s say that I start having that I didn’t know what I was some senior moments. doing towards the end of my (I know many of you life; that no one in their right will ask, “What do I mean by mind buys one new car after anSTART?”) And let’s say that I other for 20 days in a row and then soon lose all of my short that the dealer must have been term memory. taking advantage of me. The But then I decide that I need Lee auto dealer, who already has my a new car. So I go to a car dealer Aronson money, is insulted that my heirs and buy a brand new car. The would even suggest that he would take next day, as I have no short term memory anymore, I don’t remember buying the car, advantage of anyone, let alone someone so I go back to the dealer and buy another with a mental health problem, and refuses to take any of the cars back. brand new car. And this goes on for 18 So my heirs sue the dealer. more days and in the end, I’m the conNow nothing like this has happened to fused owner of 20 new cars. (You would me in reality, but if it had and if you were think that having all of these new cars in
LAWS of the land
The Mysterious Case of the Unwanted Auto Fleet
L
\
the Judge in the case, what would you do? Does the dealer have to take the cars back? Or does he get to keep my money? Well, here’s what Louisiana law has to say on the matter: it is hard, but possible for a person to get out of a deal if the person lacked mental capacity at the time of the deal. But getting out of a deal after the person who lacked mental capacity has died is even harder. There are a couple of reasons for that. First of all, the general rule is that everyone is presumed to be competent to enter into a contract. And secondly, once a person dies, no matter how incompetent or mentally ill they may have been, any contract they made during their lifetime usually cannot be revoked, attacked or undone. So I may have been completely out of touch with reality when I bought those cars. And it may have been extremely obvious to everyone at the car dealership
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that I had no idea what I was doing when I bought those cars. But after I’m dead, too bad for me and my heirs. There is absolutely nothing that can be done unless one of the following four conditions exists:
1.
Perhaps something can be done if a court of law had declared that I was incompetent while I was alive or if a lawsuit to have me declared incompetent had been filed before I died.
without getting anything in return. For example, it’s possible something could be done if had donated my money to Tulane Law School (because I wouldn’t get anything in return for my donation.) But I gave my money to the car dealer and got 20 new cars in return, so no luck here.
4.
Perhaps something can be done if the contract evidences lack of understanding. For example, if I had written all over the bill of sale things like, “I am not buying this car, I am only buying this car.” Or something like “This car is not a motor vehicle, it’s a strawberry.”
2.
If any of these 4 conditions are present, then my heirs would be allowed to try to nullify the car purchases after my death. But my heirs would still need to prove that I was “deprived of reason at the time of contracting” AND the other party (i.e. the car salesman) “knew or should have known” of my incapacity.
3.
Lee Aronson is an attorney with Legal Services of North Louisiana. His practice areas include consumer protection law, housing law and health care law.
Perhaps something can be done if the contract was made within 30 days of my death. In this case, I bought the cars more than 30 days before my death and spent the last month and a half of my life in that mental hospital, so no luck here. Perhaps something can be done if the type of deal I made was one where I agreed to do something for another person
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We are pleased to announce the association of our newest medical staff member,
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Dr. Rochester is board certified in adult psychiatry and has added qualifications in Geriatric and Addiction Medicine. She has a special interest in women’s behavioral health issues. Rochester is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
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September 2010
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few months ago, fifty-one year old Gordon, a service manager at a local hospital, received an e-mail from a relief aid organization asking for funds. Although it was not an organization he was familiar with, the heartfelt pleas to help starving children around the world tugged at Gordon’s heartstrings and he donated generously. After three months and several donations, Gordon got a call from his bank informing him that he had been defrauded by an anonymous con artist. By giving his card number to this “aid” organization, he had exposed himself to not only losing his well-intentioned donations to an unworthy cause, but also a large chunk of his bank account. Marilyn, a sixty-eight year old artist and teacher, was unloading groceries from the trunk of her car a little after six o’clock one night. As she picked up the last sack, she was struck from behind and fell to the ground unconscious. A man passing by had noticed Marilyn unloading her car and took advantage of the dusky light and her vulnerable state. He drove away in her car with her purse, house keys and phone. When Oscar moved to a nursing care facility, he entrusted his financial information and decision-making power to his son, Mike. Tempted by the new funds available to him, Mike started “borrowing” from his father’s retirement savings and within two years Mike had drained Oscar’s assets and left him barely making it on Social Security. These people don’t exist, but the stories mirror events that happen every day. These scenarios are common. In the uncertain times we live in, it can be easy to grow overwhelmed
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by the continuous reports of tragedy and crime all around us. The news can seem like a daily recitation of crimes, ranging from physical violence and abuse to negligence to identity theft. Although the media often plays up the fear factor in these situations, the emphasis should not be on living in terror but should focus instead on the importance of being aware of possible dangers and being as prepared as possible to face whatever may come our way. According to AARP studies, people over the age of fifty are most often targeted for fraudulent
September 2010
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schemes and basic theft; for example, 40 billion dollars is made every year by the highly successful industry built by telemarketing scams, and 75% of the victims from that industry are senior citizens. In fact, seniors are defrauded at twice the rate of the rest of the population. In regards to crimes of violence, while no one is completely invincible, older generations do face a higher risk due to waning physical strength, a proclivity for habit and often a more empathetic attitude towards aggressors disguised as persons in need. There is also the fact that although senior citizens may not actually be any more vulnerable than other demographics, they can be perceived as an easy target and thus picked out of the crowd for aggressors. Whether facing a physical disadvantage, unwarranted targeting or a lack of discernment when it comes to questionable characters and situations, Shreveport-Bossier offers many ways to help citizens of all ages get educated and prepared. It is important for everyone in the community to be educated about the potential threats which often lurk near everyday activities. The point is not to be frightened by this knowledge, but to be made more aware and observant as we go about our day-to-day lives. The best defense is proactive prevention; an undesirable event is more likely to be
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prevented if we are on the look-out for sure signs that something is out of the ordinary. Captain William Douglas and Lt. Frankie Morris of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office work closely with senior citizen groups and retirement facilities to educate senior citizens on the types of situations that send warning signals, and how to handle those situations. They offer practical safety tips for everyday activities such as traveling safely in your
car or public transportation, how to ensure your home’s protection when you are out and even how to stay out of trouble’s path when you go on vacation. Though these tips might seem like common sense, in the groove of our day to day habits it can be easy to forget the importance of detail – and as the saying goes, that’s where the devil is. The most important advice to take to heart is to stay near people – whether
that means sitting close to the driver on a bus, organizing a neighborhood watch system or adopting the buddy system when running errands at night. Parking in well-lit areas and keeping your valuables out of sight are great ways to be proactive in protecting yourself at night, and leaving indoor and outdoor lights on at home gives security when you return. Keeping your keys and purse separate ensures an added measure of safety, and keeping those keys in hand can provide a small, effective weapon should an occasion arise to defend yourself. In the end, however, the most important thing to protect is your life – all authorities consulted agreed that it is better to give up your valuables and walk away unharmed than try to fight back against an aggressor. Another important side to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is to take precautions with your valuables – keep checks or a debit card on hand instead of cash, stow purses or merchandise in your trunk and never carry written reminders of personal identification numbers giving access to your bank account, home alarm or other secured devices. In over one-third of ATM card frauds the cardholders wrote their access codes either directly on their cards or on a slip of paper which they kept in their wallet next to their cards. Talk about a golden ticket for a thief – that’s an opportunity few would pass up. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Captain Douglas says “The best thing you can do is to consider the what-ifs; give yourself the chance to have a plan in the back of your mind and trust your basic instincts– if it doesn’t feel right don’t do it.” Caddo Parish offers some great opportunities for people of all ages to learn the basics of self-defense and safety habits. Organized through the Shreveport Police Academy, they offer classes to groups of senior citizens who want to learn the essentials to protecting themselves and their loved ones. These classes will be helpful no matter what your ability level, teaching basic principles of awareness and prevention as well as what to do if a situation turns physical. Most often organized by church groups, clubs and retirement associations, this is a great way to not only learn but also to connect with your local law enforcement and neighbors. Aside from physical threats of violence or theft, there are the everpresent scams and cons. From telephone swindles to door to door hustlers, there has always been a thriving business created by con artists preying on The Best Of Times
unsuspecting people. The best policy to adopt, according to both Captain Douglas and Lt. Bill Rehak of the Caddo Sheriff Department, is to form steadfast policies that you adhere to no matter what – such as never giving your credit card number or personal information over the phone and reporting suspicious stop-bys to local authorities. The rise in sophistication and usage of technology has increased the potential for fraud exponentially and those who are not savvy on the computer are naturally more vulnerable. Keep track of the bills you handle online and don’t hesitate to question something that looks unfamiliar or suspicious. Make sure that the people helping in the handling of your finances are
trustworthy – 50% of identity theft cases are committed by another family member, and granting access to your financial accounts online is a responsibility no one should hand over lightly. If you or someone you know has been the victim of any kind of crime, it is imperative that the authorities are notified. Our local police forces are eager to get any details available about criminals in our area, and your information could be pivotal. This subject matter is no light fare, and it can be disturbing to anyone’s peace of mind to consider these issues. Whether intimidated by reports of violence or the mysteries of cyberspace, these heavy concerns can be debilitating. However, instead of feeling helpless, it is vital to be motivated to find practical ways to ensure the protection and privacy of ourselves and those we love. As it is important to be prepared, it is also important to not let those “what-ifs” govern your life. With the resources offered around the Shreveport-Bossier area and the attitude of being proactive and aware of the threats our world today presents, we can be confident in the measures we have taken and go on to enjoy life to fullest. Just keep your eyes open and mind alert, and you’ll be ahead of any scheme or threat that could be thrown your way. September 2010
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What is the Elderly Protective Services Program?
The purpose of Elderly Protective Services (EPS) is to protect adults aged 60 or older who cannot physically or mentally protect themselves older from acts or omissions which result in physical or emotional abuse and neglect, inflicted by caregivers and from selfneglect by an individual. Louisiana law also protects seniors from acts of financial exploitation and extortion. EPS is administered by the State of Louisiana with regional offices that respond to reports of suspected abuse or neglect against persons aged 60 and older. EPS acts to prevent, remedy, halt or hinder acts of abuse and neglect against an elder adult in the community, while promoting the maximum possible degree of personal freedom, dignity and self-determination. Only when other efforts fail will EPS recommend referral or admission to an appropriate care facility for the elder adult, or seek judicial remedy to the situation.
What is elder abuse?
Louisiana law (R.S. 14:403.2, 15:1501 et.seq.) protects adults aged 60 or older from acts or omissions which result in physical or emotional abuse and neglect, inflicted by caregivers and from selfneglect by an individual. Louisiana law also protects seniors from acts of financial exploitation and extortion.
What are some signs of elder abuse?
• Physical actions, such as pushing, hitting, restraining an elder; • Emotional and verbal intimidation, such as screaming, threatening, insulting an elder; • Withdrawal or isolation by an elder; • Sexual exploitation, involving an elder in any act or situation that is sexual in nature without their consent; • Neglect, such as withholding of medicine, medical care, food, personal care, utilities, or daily necessities, or overmedication, or self-neglect; • Financial extortion or exploitation, such as theft or misuse of money, property or the possessions of the elder.
such as: burns, bruises, black or swollen eyes, broken bones, dilated pupils, evidence of restraints, bedsores, lack of clothing or dirty clothing, body odor, dehydrated or malnourished appearance, no utilities in the home, disappearance of personal property, absence of food or medication, frequent change in doctors, discontinuation of visitor privileges, no visitors allowed, individual expressions of shame, embarrassment or fear. The persons reporting incidents of abuse or neglect are immune from civil and criminal liability if they acted in good faith. Further, a person who knowingly fails to report abuse may be liable for fines and/or imprisonment. It is everyone’s responsibility to report abuse or neglect of an elder.
What happens after a report is made?
Trained EPS staff screens all reports. If a report does not meet criteria for services or is ineligible, the case is referred to alternative community services and resources for action. Eligible cases of abuse or neglect are investigated by EPS program staff, who intervene when and where appropriate, and prepare a plan of resolution utilizing community resources. EPS staff monitors this plan at each step until the situation is stabilized. EPS program staff may call for physical, psychiatric or psychological evaluations as necessary, and will assist in obtaining alternative living arrangements for older adults when the situation requires it. When EPS staff determines a case of abuse or neglect cannot be remedied by other means, they may seek judicial action and may refer the case to the local District Attorney for civil or criminal action.
How to report suspected abuse or neglect:
Telephone the toll free EPS Statewide Hotline (from within Louisiana only) at (800) 259-4990. The Shreveport Regional office is located at 1525 Fairfield Avenue, Room 538, Shreveport, LA 71101-4388. (318) 676-5200.
Who should contact the people at EPS?
Physicians, medical interns, dentists, nurses, social workers, family counselors, police officers, licensed psychologists, coroners, registered podiatrists, occupational therapists, osteopaths, probation officers, financial directors, bank tellers, family members, friends... any one who has reasonable cause to believe an adult aged 60 or older is being abused or neglected by a caregiver or by self-inflicted acts should contact the EPS office.
What should be reported to EPS?
Simply use your eyes and ears to note any unusual occurrences,
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September 2010
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MOVING free
To Weigh or Not To Weigh: Should You Get on the Scale or Not?
you decide to use the scale or not it’s important to keep track of your percentage of body fat. Here are some general guidelines according to the American Council of Exercise:
Body Fat % Women: • Fit: 21-24% • Average: 25-31% • Obese: Over 32%
To weigh or not to weigh Body Fat % Men: that is the question. Whether • Fit: 14-17% ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer • Average: 18-24% the slings and arrows of knowing • Obese: Over 25% ones outrageous weight, or to take arms against the budge by simply So why bother weighing yourself ignore scale and trying to eat less at all? and exercise more. My personal prejudice is weigh Mirabai For some of us, the scale is a yourself at least once or twice a Holland tool. For others it’s the enemy. week. I do, and I find that facing Some health and fitness professionals my weight on a regular basis helps me stay have made a compelling case for ignor- on track. Believe me there have been times ing the scale, saying that measuring one’s when I’ve dreaded getting on the scale. But percentage of body fat is the most accurate I do it anyway because no matter what it way to track ones fitness level because says, I feel relief. I find it liberating. Why? it indicates a healthy body composition Because now I know where I am and what regardless of height and weight. Whether I need to do next. It helps me maintain a
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healthy weight. Also the scale I have, measures my body fat too so I am able to keep track of that at the same time. In my practice I have helped hundreds of people lose weight. And most of them initially fight me about getting on the scale and I understand this because I know that terror. Part of the process of losing weight is to prepare one’s self to do it. If you are not psychologically ready to lose, stepping on the scale can be a real turn off and actually deter you from losing weight. But once you’ll ready, facing that number can jumpstart your weight loss program and keep you motivated. I give my clients a baseline of their body fat percentage and get them to use the scale. Then we set up a diet and exercise plan. You can lose weight by diet alone but a larger percent of your weight loss will be taken more from lean muscle mass than from body fat. The winning combination is to reduce calorie intake, do cardio every other day and strength training at least a couple of days a week. Cardio burns calories and strength training raises your metabolism and builds lean muscle mass while you are losing. Losing about 1% body fat a month and 1-2½ pounds a week is considered safe and realistic. So I’ve made my case for using the scale as a tool, and I hope you’ll try it when you are ready. Regardless, to be or not to be at a healthy weight should not be in question. Send your questions to askmirabai@movingfree.com. Mirabai Holland M.F.A. legendary fitness pioneer is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness industry, and public health activist who specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for women. Her Moving Free approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work. www.movingfree. com. ©2010 TheBestOfTimesNews.com
The Best of Times and Caddo/Bossier RSVP Salute Volunteer of the Month Jackie Conner By Linda Mullican Caddo/Bossier RSVP volunteer Jackie Conner is the epitome of the word “Volunteer”. According to Doy l e Bl a s i n game, Director o f No r t h w e s t Louisiana Senior Olympic Games, when he looks up “Volunteer” in his dictionary, the first entry is “Jackie Conner!” Doyle said “Jackie is involved in all phases of the games, from helping planning, organizing and conducting the games by serving as secretary of the Steering Committee.” She is also the Coordinator of both the Marksmanship and Table Game events. She also serves as a scorekeeper at all of the Bean Bag Baseball events and the list goes on and on. According to Doyle “Jackie is always ready to complete any task that needs to be done.” Her volunteering is not limited to Senior Olympics, she also volunteers for her church and at Bossier Council on Aging where Nutrition Director, Carolyn Segelhorst, states “Jackie is here for whatever we need her to do. She does everything from paperwork for us to welcoming new clients to the Senior Center, to teaching bean bag baseball to newcomers.” Carolyn said they are very appreciative of everything that Jackie does for them. Jackie has been a Caddo/Bossier RSVP volunteer since October 30, 1999 and has volunteered approximately 3,786 hours. She is loved by all who come in contact with her and is asset to our volunteer program.
If you are age 65 or older… and experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), you may be interested in a research study that is evaluating an approved medication for OAB. For a phone screening, call toll-free:
1.800.817.4009
To refer a family member or friend to the study, call 1.800.817.4009 for more information
In order to qualify you must: • be 65 or older • have experienced overactive bladder symptoms for at least 3 months • have strong, sudden urges to urinate • have frequent urination • experience frequent wetting episodes • have health problems related to aging Qualified participants: • receive study-related care at no cost • receive study medication or placebo (inactive substance) at no cost • may be compensated for time and travel for the required 5 doctor visits over 14 weeks
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Linda Mullican at (318) 676-5187 or e-mail her at lmulliccoa@yahoo.com. The Best Of Times
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man the waters of time brought him to Catoosa County where he courted a young girl named Emily Jane Bandy. Already a talent at the fiddle, he brought the fiddle along while he courted. Although I think Grandma Emmer often thought he spent more time a fiddlin’ than he did a courtin’. He eventually won her heart and the couple settled ome say it was a into a life of farming and raising children. coal mine cave-in. The love of music was something he Others say it was shared with several of his children, teaching the fever, but whatever the fiddle to his son Tom. Henry took up the the reason my Grandpa banjo, Ethel learned the piano, Jesse played Harve found himself oralong on the harmonica and the juice harp, phaned in a time when if while another one of the boys took up guitar. children were lucky some As the sun lowered itself behind the hills, relative or caring neighbor the clan would often gather in the parlor Randall took them in. after supper and play a few tunes like “TurFranks key in the Straw,” “Leather Britches,” and I don’t know much about his childhood, although I am “Camptown Races.” told his tales of life on the Tennessee Lester and Griff would roll back the rug and, alRiver rivaled those of Mark Twain’s though she’d probably not admit it the next Sunday “Huckleberry Finn.” at the Baptist church, Emmer and Harve danced When my dad was a boy, Harve a jig or two. gathered the children around the Harve had already passed his love of music fireplace and before bed told a story along when a farming accident injured his left of an orphaned boy named A.J. (his hand, making him unable to play anymore. real initials), filled with intrigue of That was probably one thing that pained riverboat gamblers and the dangers of him deep within his soul. riding the rapids on a handmade raft. Henry’s death would eventually take By this point in his life Grandpa the strains of the frailing banjo from the Harve had become what my late group, and as the family grew and the boys cousin, Reece Franks, called demand- and girls married they took their music ing. Of course, Reece often found with them. himself out tending to his horse and As the grandchildren came buzzbuggy after he came in from a visit ing around, I know he would have to the general store where he sat and given anything to pick up his old reminisced with his friends. black fiddle and play them a tune but For some reason, as Harve became a instead Harve entertained them with
southern STYLE
A Fiddle and a Fireplace
S
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his stories of a youth making his way into adulthood in the reconstructionera South. I wish some of them had written the stories down but, alas, they are lost with time and even the memories that they ever existed are about gone. It was from my great-uncle Tom, who made his life in Gordon County’s Sugar Valley, that I first heard someone play the fiddle close-up. He played some of the same licks that his father played before him. While Grandpa Harve was not there, I could imagine him sitting at the fireplace, his old black fiddle in hand, playing with all his greatgrandchildren gathered around him. While many gather their earthly musical inspiration from the pop icons of this era that parade across the Grammy Award stage, I still draw my strength from family musical roots that run deep into the Appalachian soil. Now we gather around computers, televisions and many other means to find our entertainment. So many of us have lost something through the coming of so many choices - the ability to entertain ourselves by playing music with each other, sharing stories, telling jokes, and giving the next generation shoulders of those behind us to stand upon. Without those connections
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often given in the experience of sharing life from one generation to the next, it is easy to see how so many folks waver in with little meaning or purpose to daily activities or lifetime goals. Hundreds sweated, toiled, lived, fought, birthed, struggled, flourished, suffered, smiled and hoped so that we could walk after them and hopefully have a better life and make a difference for the family, the faith, the country or even mankind. How much of a difference each day means that we are given when put into that prospective. I encourage you to build upon the gifts you were given, make a difference in the lives of those you love and those you don’t even know.
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Our medical staffing business provides clients the companionship and assistance to live independently no matter where they call home. Caregiver services are provided from just a few hours a day to 24 hour care, any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
Randall Franks is an award-winning musician, singer and actor. He is best known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” now on WGN America. His latest CD release, “An Appalachian Musical Revival,” is by www.shareamericafoundation. org. He is a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. He is a syndicated columnist for http://randallfranks.com/ and can be reached at rfrankscatoosa@gmail.com.
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the BOOKWORM
“Passages in Caregiving” by Gail Sheehy ©2010, William Morrow, $27.99, 397 pages (includes index) Terri Schlichenmeyer
These were supposed to be the best years of your life. With the kids on their own and the mortgage paid, you were looking forward to spending time with your spouse, traveling, finding a new hobby, getting to know one another again. This sweet Second Adulthood was made for enjoyment. Then the diagnosis arrived. Suddenly, by default or by choice, carefree plans are replaced with caring for spouse or parent. Suddenly, you feel like you’ve been dropped into a foreign land with no GPS. That, says author Gail Sheehy, is when you need to reach out because you can’t do it alone. In her new book “Passages in Caregiving”, you’ll learn more. Clay Felker was already a legend when Gail Sheehy met him in 1965. He was a powerful editor and magazine creator, a “life-force”. She was a young reporter who was attracted to him instantly. After a whirlwind courtship of seventeen years, they were married. Not a decade later, Felker was diagnosed with cancer for the first time and was successfully treated.
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When the cancer returned, returned, and returned again, Sheehy, herself a journalist and author, learned that life would never go back to “normal”. In about one-third of American households, someone is acting as caregiver. The average caregiver is a forty-something woman who also holds down a full-time job. In all likelihood, she still has dependent children at home. Her role lasts an average of five years and during that time, she has a good chance of having health problems of her own due to stress. Sheehy likens the path that a caregiver walks to a labyrinth and she says that, much like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s stages of grief, there are eight “turnings” that a caregiver walks. You will be shocked, and fly into action. Once the crisis has seemingly passed, you’ll settle into a “new normal”, until the affliction or need for care “boomerangs”. Back in caregiving mode, you’ll think you can do it all alone, but you’ll realize that you can’t. You’ll be frustrated. You’ll learn to say goodbye. In between, Sheehy says, take abundant notes. Ask for help, then do it again. Find a “quarterback” and gather advocates on your medical team. Watch for depression, both in yourself and your loved one. Take advantage of local programs and agencies. Don’t even try to be a silent hero. Looking ahead for what-if? You should be. And you should read this book. “Passages in Caregiving” is a love letter and a eulogy wrapped up in bedlam and education, disguised as a useful self-help
how-to. It’s instructional, down to the nitty-grittiest of details, which pushes it beyond merely helpful. It’s going to make you spitting mad, and it’s going to make you grieve. And it’ll make you think even further into the future: who’ll take care of YOU? This is one of those books that nobody wants to read but everyone over 40 should, whether they need it now or not. For Boomers, seniors, Gens X and Y, “Passages in Caregiving” should not be passed up. The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books.
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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, watching 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. September 2010
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efore we get on the bus, we have to provide proof of United States citizenship. En route to the graphite reactor, we’re told to put away our cameras. I look out the bus window. Some buildings, some pipes, a few refuse bins. They look innocuous. Why can’t I take pictures? I ask the guide, but he just smiles. I’m in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, now a small town with a population of 28,000, 20 miles and several hills away from Knoxville. During World War II, it was home to more than 75,000 folks, yet almost no one knew it existed. It was such a well-kept secret that it never appeared on a map. In 1939 President Roosevelt learned that the Nazis were developing nuclear capabilities. Realizing that the United States had no choice but to do the same, he launched the Manhattan Project, a
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massive, top-secret, all-out effort to develop an atomic weapon. Three sites were selected to be part of the project. In Tennessee the new city of Oak Ridge sprang up almost overnight. Homes, schools, stores and dance halls were built so quickly that children went to school in the morning and got lost going home because the landscape had changed so drastically in just those few hours. Billboards based on the folkloric trio of monkeys - see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil - reminded people to mind their own business. In three short years they figured out how to produce highly enriched uranium (a necessary ingredient for an atomic bomb), but most of them didn’t realize what they’d done or why they’d done it. At the same time, 51,000 people in Hanford, Washington were racing to produce plutonium and develop a production-scale nuclear reactor. Another group of people, this one comprised of 3,000 highly educated scientists, were working in a lab at Los Alamos, New Mexico. The Los Alamos group was responsible for turning the enriched uranium and plutonium into a nuclear weapon. Their work was so secret that they couldn’t tell anyone where they lived. All mail had to be sent to one address - P.O. Box 1663, Santa Fe, NM - and was later distributed to the proper recipients. When the folks in Oak Ridge learned that Truman ordered an atomic bomb to be dropped on Hiroshima, they were astounded. “So that’s what we’ve been working on,” one man exclaimed. Three days later, when the H-bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, many of the people at Hanford were similarly surprised. Only the scientists at Los Alamos and high-level officials in Chicago and Washington, D.C. had known what the Manhattan Project was all about. Many of the Manhattan Project sites still exist. In Oak Ridge, which advertises itself as “The Secret City,” visitors can see one of the original prefab Secret City houses in the American Museum of Science and Energy, walk around Jackson Square where the people who worked on the project spent much of their free time, and tour the X-10 graphite reactor, now a National TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Historic Landmark. (www.oakridgevisitor.com) Hanford, which is filled with radioactive waste, has recently started offering a limited number of tours. (www.hanford.gov) In Los Alamos, people can tour the old Fuller Lodge that served as a mess hall and guest quarters during the Manhattan Project, see the house of J. Robert Oppenheimer (scientific director of the project) and, best of all, explore the Bradbury Science Museum which houses, among other things, Einstein’s 1939 letter to Roosevelt in which he warned the president that the Nazis were developing nuclear weapons. Also on display in
the museum: bomb casings identical to those of the two bombs detonated over Japan. (www.lanl.gov/museum/) Less than 100 miles away, in Albuquerque, an exhibit at the National Atomic Museum shows the after-effects of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. (www.nuclearmuseum.org) All of the sites explore, in one way or another, the issues surrounding the dropping of the bomb. Was it the right thing to do? Although visitors disagree over the answer to that question, they are nearly unanimous on another point: They’re glad they didn’t have to make the decision.
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6 Play Golf Reasons to
Golf is a strange game, particularly, to those who don’t understand it. One must ask why so many people want so desperately to play the game as often as possible. With a little thought, at least six reasons emerge for this:
1.
Golf is a very difficult game. If it were easy, there would be little interest in it. While every other sport has its “natural” athletes – those born to excel by virtue of their physical attributes – there are no “natural” golfers. Everything about the golf swing is “unnatural.” Thus, everyone of every shape and size must learn the game and practice constantly in order to play well. On the other hand, since no one is born knowing how to play golf, your chance of being great at the game is as good as anybody else’s chance. That’s good news for people who don’t have the physical attributes of, say, a basketball or football player.
2.
Golf is unpredictable. No matter how badly you play today, you can play better – or worse -- tomorrow. Performance is governed by so many variables. One must not ignore the fact that every course is different – demanding different golf skills and strategies. This is unlike other sports. Football, soccer, rugby, baseball, and tennis are played on flat fields of a prescribed size. Every golf hole is different – different lengths, different elevations, different hazards. The course itself adds to the challenge – and, ultimately, the fun -- of golf.
3.
In general, golf courses are beautiful, peaceful places to spend four to four and a half hours. They’re not places to bring your troubles. In fact, most people feel guilty about bringing their workplace ore relationship problems to golf courses, because they don’t want to mar the setting. Therefore, they develop a strong philosophic approach to golf and find ways to control their frustrations – or, at least, save them for another place and time.
4.
In golf, there is no perfect score. There is no score to which the golfer can aspire in order to claim that he or she has mastered the game. Lacking such a benchmark, golf is about improving. No matter how much the golfer improves his or her game – even if the golfer reaches the professional level -- there is always room for improvement. That can be appealing, and even addictive, for perfectionists.
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5.
Golf is a sport rich in history and full of tradition. The golfer who approaches the game seriously and philosophically will acquire a feeling the he or she has formed a bond with everyone who has ever played the game. Every golfer shares the same struggles, defeats and joys. Being a golfer is, in a sense, like becoming a member of a tribe and gaining a sense of belonging.
6.
In golf, how one plays the game is the responsibility of the individual. Unlike team sports, there are no substitute players. The individual golfer must play every stroke without assistance. Even something as simple as seeking advice on club selection from another player is forbidden by the rules and carries with it a penalty. No one can interfere with the golfer’s play. With every shot, the golfer has an unimpeded opportunity to make a successful play or to botch it. Ultimately, that’s a good thing, because golfers feel empowered to make (hopefully) good decisions on their own. Every golfer is alone in the game, but being alone in golf is not a matter of loneliness. Every player is alone with his or her own thoughts and actions. There is no referee in golf. Each player is responsible for playing by the rules and monitoring his or her own mistakes. Players who adhere to the rules are considered to be honorable. Players who violate the rules, even when unobserved, are considered dishonorable and not worthy of the game. For these reasons, golf is a metaphor for life. How one plays golf is likely to be a reflection of how one lives his or her life. The question, then, isn’t so much why do people play golf. The question really is: why doesn’t everybody play the game? M. Ernest Marshall is a retired medical oncologist and author of Wintering Into Wisdom (PathBinder Publisher). Visit his website at www.mernestmarshall.com.
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September 2010
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Restaurant Review
ATHENA Athena Greek and Lebanese Grill 6030 Line Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71105 318-869-4260 • http://www.athenafood.com/
A
thena Grill specializes in authentic Greek and Lebanese food. Located just off of Line Avenue in Shreveport, Athena is conveniently located for a quick, satisfying lunch, or a funfilled dinner. You may be surprised at what you see when you first walk into Athena. Inside there is a shelf displaying an array of colorful hookahs, which are available for smoking on the quiet, secluded patio after 3:00 p.m ($10.99). In the back of the restaurant there is a small grocery store selling imported Greek and Lebanese food items. And although Athena does not have a liquor license, they welcome you to bring your own alcohol to drink in the evenings. Locally owned Wine Styles is right next door and can help you find the right wine to pair with your Greek or Lebanese dinner. When I first walked into Athena for lunch I was initially overwhelmed by the loud Greek music blasting through the speakers, but they soon turned it down as more customers sat down and it faded quietly into the background, fitting in nicely with the atmosphere. Tina and I sat down at one of the round tables by a window and started perusing the menu. I was impressed with the wide variety of foods offered. From vegetarian eggplant and grape leaf plates to soup and salad, to heartier lamb and beef dishes to fish and shrimp items, there was a little bit of everything for all types of diners. In order to get a feel for a variety of the dishes offered, we started with the Athena’s Sampler. Priced at $12.95, the full dish could easily have been a meal in itself. Arranged on the plate were three dips: the traditional hummus, made of chickpeas, a white tsaziki dip with at tartar/ranch flavor, and baba ghanoush, an eggplant-based dip. The complimentary pita flatbread allowed us to make quick work of the three dips. My favorite, the baba ghanoush, had a very smoky flavor, which was surprising, yet satisfying. Also included in the sampler were falafel, delicious fried balls of chickpeas and spices that reminded me of hushpuppies, and kibby, a Lebanese version of meat pie with minced beef, pine nuts and gingery seasonings. Two grape leaves, one vegetarian and one with meat, were also included with the sampler. Unfortunately our grape leaf with meat did not make it onto the plate, but the vegetarian one was fresh and flavorful.
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Satisfied with our appetizer, I was ready for the main course. I am a person of habit and have loyally eaten the delicious chicken shawarma sandwich on pervious visits ($7.49). This time though, I decided to try something new and asked the waiter what he recommended. He suggested I try the lunch Combination Plate ($9.99). A good suggestion it turned out to be! When he sat our plates in front of us, I was greeted by good-sized portions of colorful foods. Chicken and beef cooked schawarma style (slowly roasted and basted with special seasonings) filled the plate, as well as yellow rice, a small salad with feta cheese and hummus. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to eat it all separately or mix it all together. I started out trying each item individually and was impressed with the seasoning. The meat was tender, well cooked and, while sometimes salty, had a great, spiced flavor. But perhaps what I loved most about my dish was that I quickly discovered I could mix some, or all, of the food items together and it only enhanced the food’s flavor. The beef was delicious with hummus, the chicken was just right with the yellow rice, and the feta-sprinkled salad complimented all of the dish’s flavors perfectly. Tina had the Gyro sandwich, and was pleased with the combination of spiced beef, tomato, lettuce and tsaziki. The rolled sandwich came with hummus and a small side salad, which she described as “light and flavorful.” ($7.49) Even after I stuffed myself with the delicious appetizers and big lunch, I couldn’t say no to trying out one of the desserts, the Athena Dessert ($4.99) immediately caught my eye. Our waiter enthusiastically agreed that this was his favorite dessert as well. And although the dessert took a long time to prepare, it proved to be well worth the wait. The dessert was a handmade pastry filled with sweet cheese, covered in cinnamon and drizzled with honey and chocolate sauce. Reminiscent of a Mexican sopapilla, the two perfectly sized small triangles proved to be delicious. Even though there were a few small hiccups during our service, for the price, options, service and flavor, Athena is a Greek and Lebanese restaurant well worth the visit in the Shreveport area. 4 forks out of 5. Reviewed by Jessica Rinaudo
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Giving the Human Touch
The hours James Nix spends with his grandchildren are perhaps his most cherished time. After all, he almost never got the chance to even see his grandchildren. Back in 1981, while working for the electric company, James came in contact with some high voltage that left him seriously injured and burned. Both of his arms were amputated as a result, but with strong determination James has been able to overcome new challenges one day at a time. “It all just depends on you and your positive attitude about things,” explains Nix. “When somebody tells you that you can’t do something, prove them wrong!” That same kind of determination drives our practitioners and technicians to keep improving the devices we fit and fabricate. We want to make life a little easier for those we serve. But we also believe that while biomechanics, technology, and mathematical precision play a large part in the services we provide, the true heart of our work is based on the human touch rather than the scientific one.
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www.SnellsOandP.com Serving Shreveport (2 locations), Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, Minden, Natchitoches, Coushatta, and Mansfield.
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T
Family Features
his fall, create a menu to remember by incorporating fresh, seasonal flavors into the traditional, comforting dishes of the season. Chef Aida Mollenkamp, host of the popular Food Network show “Ask Aida” and Cooking Channel series “FoodCrafters,” suggests adding bright Chef Aida bursts of flavor, such as citrus zest, Mollenkamp or a unique topping like chimichurri, to give a dish an unmistakable taste of the season. For more recipe ideas from Aida, and wine pairing tips, visit www.mirassou.com.
Creamy Corn Soup with Bacon Toasts Makes 6 to 8 servings For the soup: 6 ears fresh corn 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped 4 medium garlic cloves, crushed 1 cup California Chardonnay 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1½ cups water 1 cup half-and-half 1 vanilla bean, split in half For the garnish: ½ cup fromage blanc or ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons minced chives 12 ½-inch-thick slices french bread, toasted 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled Prepare corn by cutting kernels from cob; reserve cobs. You should have approximately 5 cups of corn kernels from 6 cobs of corn. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When it foams, add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add half of the corn kernels and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add wine and scrape up any browned bits on bottom of pan. Cook until alcohol smell is gone, about 2 minutes. Add broth, water, reserved corn cobs, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. When soup is boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes. Remove soup mixture from heat, discard cobs and set aside. Place half of soup mixture in a blender and puree until very smooth, about 2 - 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining soup mixture. Return mixture to saucepan, add remaining corn kernels, half-and-half, and vanilla bean and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Meanwhile, prepare garnish. Mix cheese and chives and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide cheese mixture evenly among toasts. To serve, remove vanilla bean from soup and ladle soup into bowls. Garnish soup with bacon and float 1 - 2 cheese toasts in each bowl.
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Spiced Hanger Steak with Basil Chimichurri Makes 4 servings For the basil chimichurri: 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, trimmed of thick stems 3 medium garlic cloves 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes ¼ cup olive oil Finely chop basil and garlic (or process in a food processor several pulses). Place in a small bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let sit at least 15 minutes before using. (Serve or refrigerate until ready to use. If chilled, return to room temperature before serving. Can keep up to 2 days.) For the steak: 1½ teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground ginger 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil 1 1¼ to 1½-pound beef hanger steak or skirt steak, sliced crosswise into 4 pieces Combine spices and salt in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Lay steaks on baking sheet, drizzle all over with 1 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle on spice mixture, and rub it in until moistened. Repeat, coating steaks as evenly as you can. Let sit at room temperature at least 15 minutes before cooking. When ready to cook, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. When oil begins to smoke, place steaks in pan and cook, undisturbed, until crust has formed and blood appears on surface, about 3 - 5 minutes, flip and repeat on second side. Remove steaks to a carving board, cover loosely with foil, let rest for 10 minutes. To serve, slice against the grain and serve drizzled with basil chimichurri.
Roast Chicken with Spiced Pomegranate-Orange Glaze Makes 4 to 6 servings 1 tablespoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil 1 4 to 5-pound roasting chicken ½ medium orange ½ cup pomegranate juice ½ cup California Pinot Noir ½ cup orange juice 3 tablespoon honey 3 garlic cloves, smashed 2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cloves 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard Heat oven to 425°F and arrange rack in middle. Mix together salt and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Pat chicken dry and rub all over (under skin, too) with oil and season with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with orange half, and let sit at room temperature while oven heats up, about 20 to 30 minutes. Place, breast side up, on a roasting rack; roast until skin is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine pomegranate juice, wine, orange juice, honey, garlic, black pepper and cloves in a large pan and boil, stirring frequently, over high heat until syrupy (you should have about 3/4 cup), about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat, discard garlic and cloves, whisk in mustard, and reserve half of the glaze for serving. Continue roasting chicken, brushing with glaze every 5 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone, registers 165°F, about 30 to 45 minutes more. Let rest 10 minutes; carve and serve with reserved glaze passed on side. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Senior Care at Brentwood Hospital Levels of Care • Inpatient • Partial Hospitalization (Day Treatment) • Outpatient
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Brentwood Senior Care Unit (318) 678-7500
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Warning Signs That May Indicate the Need for Treatment
• • • • • • • •
Depression, extreme sadness Confused thinking, difficulty concentrating Hallucinations; hearing voices Misuse of alcohol or medications Disorientation Numerous unexplained physical ailments Difficulties coping with daily living Excessive fears, anxieties or suspiciousness September 2010
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ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS Ophthalmology
Nursing Home Care
hospice
How long do the positive effects of CK last? Will I ever have to wear reading glasses again? Conductive Keratoplasty, or CK, is a wonderful procedure to help reduce your dependence on reading glasses. The positive effects of CK will last a lifetime, but everyone becomes more presbyopic with advancing age. As time goes on, patients will find themselves needing to use reading glasses more often. The good news is, because CK has such a high safety profile, it can be enhanced years later. For more info on CK and its benefits, visit us online at www.ShelbyEye.com or call us at (318) 212-3937.
After a person is admitted to a nursing home, how long will they stay there and will they ever return to their home? Length of stay varies and is generally dependent on 3 things: 1) the potential for improvement to the point that the individual is able to resume caring for themselves and meet their own vital needs (this is frequently the case after health management and rehab), 2) the ability of the family to provide the care themselves in a home environment, and 3) the comfort level of the physician that the person’s needs can be met outside a medical setting.
Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first? The most frequent comment hospice agencies hear from their patient’s and families is “I wish I would have known about ‘it’ sooner.” In 2008, 35.4% of those served by hospice died or were discharged in seven days or less - a timeframe way too short to realize the full benefits of hospice care. Ideally, discussions about adding the benefits of hospice services to an individual’s care regimen should begin when it appears that a cure may not be possible for a life-limiting illness and within the context an individual’s goals for treatment. It would not only be appropriate, but also prudent to initiate the conversation with your physician about hospice services.
Chris Shelby, MD
Vicki Ott
Rick Bauer
Orthopaedics
Neurosurgery
social security
What are the symptoms and treatment of torn cartilage? Meniscus tears are the most common surgical condition involving the knee. Medial meniscus (inside) tears are 3 - 4 times more common than lateral tears (outside). The meniscus support 50% of the body weight with the knee extended and 90% with the knee flexed 90°. Because the meniscus supports body weight every attempt should be made to repair or maintain as much meniscus tissue as possible. Popping, giving way, locking, tenderness at the joint line, stiffness, and swelling are some of the signs/symptoms of cartilage tears. Arthroscopic surgery is generally done on an outpatient basis and recovery is from a few days to a weeks.
My daughter has epilepsy. Are there new treatments? Epilepsy affects 1 out of 100. While many have seizures controlled by medications, onethird 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 multidisciplinary team, we have cured 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.
What type of info will I need to complete my online application for retirement benefits? You can prepare to file your online application by accessing the Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2. Some of the info you should have on hand include Social Security number, date/place of birth, bank or other financial institution's Routing Transit Number and your account number for direct deposit, the amount you earned last year and amount you expect to earn this year (between Sept. and Dec., we may also ask how much you expect to earn next year), name and address of each employer for this year and last; and the beginning and ending dates for any U.S. military service. For more info, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Pierremont Eye Institute 7607 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA 71105 318-212-3937; www.ShelbyEye.com See our ad on page 15.
John J. Ferrell, M.D. Mid South Orthopaedics 7925 Youree Drive; Suite 210 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 424-3400
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September 2010
NurseCare Nursing and Rehab Center 1736 Irving Place Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 221-1983 See our ad on page 11.
Dr. Ravish Patwardhan The Comprehensive Neurosurgery Network 8001 Youree Dr., Ste 970 Shreveport, LA 71115 (318) 797-5543 www.neurosurgery.ws
LifePath Hospice Care Service 8720 Quimper Place, Ste 100 Shreveport, LA 71105 318-222-5711; 1-866-257-5711 www.lifepathhospicecare.com See our ad on page 54.
Dora Miller
Social Security Admin. Public Affairs Specialist 1-877-319-3074 www.socialsecurity.gov TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Bossier Council on Aging Bearkat Site (741-8302), 706 Bearkat Dr., Bossier City. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Plain Dealing Site (326-5722), 101 E. Oak St., Plain Dealing, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Info & referrals - 741-8302 Transportation - Vans available to seniors 60+ who have no means of transportation for medical appointments, grocery store, drug store and other necessary stops. Wheelchair accessible. One week notice required. $3 round trip suggested. Also through referrals from Medicaid.
Outreach - Home visits are made to help qualify seniors for services. Homemaker - Trained employees provide light housekeeping for seniors having difficulty maintaining their homes. $3/visit suggested. Caregiver - Support services are provided for family caregivers including in-home respite care for the caregiver, education for the family, and material aid and sitter services for the patient. Legal Services - Education on elder legal issues. Counseling for individuals is accessible monthly with a local lawyer or by referrals.
Congregate (Site) Meals - Hot, nutritious meals served at 11:30 AM at the sites, Monday - Friday. $1.50 per meal is suggested. Home Delivered Meals - Meals provided 5 days per week for elderly homebound in Bossier Parish, $1.50/meal suggested. Personal Medical Response System - With a referral from BCOA, an auto dial unit is available for installation on your phone. Necklace, wristband, or pocket clip styles provided. Press the button for immediate help. $20 fee per month. Senior Centers - Recreation,
Caddo Council on Aging Info & Referral - (318) 676 -7900; 1-800-256-3003. 1700 Buckner Square, Ste. 240, Shreveport 71101. Email: ccoa@caddocoa.org www.caddocouncilonaging.org Outreach/Individual Needs Assessment- Explanation of services and to enroll the elderly in service programs Home Delivered Meals - 5 meals/ wk delivered to homebound seniors. Suggested donation $1.25/day. Homemaker Services - Personal care and household tasks provided for homebound persons unable to perform tasks without assistance. $5/ month donation requested. Personal Care - Personal care provided to homebound person. $5/ month donation requested. Family Caregiver - Sitter and respite provided for full time caregiver of a senior. Donation requested. Telephone Reassurance - Volunteers make phone calls to seniors to offer comfort and support. Medical Alert - Emergency response system that protects seniors in
case of accident or falls in the home. $20/month fee SenioRX Program - 632-5900 or 1-800-793-1198 - Assists seniors applying for pharmaceutical aid. Nursing Home Ombudsman Professional visits to nursing home to investigate and resolve issues made by the elderly resident or the resident’s family. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 318-676-5186 - Provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or older. Foster Grandparents (FGP) - 318676-7913 - Seniors serve as mentor, tutor and caregivers to youth with social needs. FGPs that meet special requirements may serve. 20hrs/wk and receive a stipend. Legal Services - Referrals for individual counseling. Emergency Blinking Light Flashing light installed in your porch light by the Caddo Sheriff Dept. to help guide emergency medical personnel. No charge. SOS Program - Sheriff’s Opera-
tional Safeguard. Helps identify and reunite lost, memory-impaired persons with families. Participants are given a bracelet engraved with the name and phone number of the Sheriff’s Office and an ID number. Confidential Call 681.0875 to register. No charge. Senior Centers and Meal Sites - Area sites offer fun activities, recreation, wellness, exercise, safety programs, crafts, bingo, and fun. Lunch served at all sites for a $1.25 donation. Transportation is provided to sites. • AB Palmer Park - 547 E. 79th Street, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9 am – 1 pm • Airport Park SPAR - 6500 Kennedy Dr., Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9 am – 1 pm • Broadmoor Neighborhood Center - Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr., Shreveport. Friday Only. 9:30 am – 12:30pm. • Canaan Tower Apartments - 400 North Dale, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 8 am – 12:00 pm.
Minden Senior Center (3713056 or 1-800-256-2853), 316 McIntyre St., Minden, LA 71055; 8 am to 4 pm Cotton Valley Senior Center (832-4225), Railroad Ave., Cotton Valley; 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Springhill Senior Center (539-2510), 301 West Church St., Springhill; 8 am to 4 pm Transportation – transporting older persons to and from community facilities and resources. Assisted transportation also provided and must be scheduled weekly in advance.
Congregate Meals – nutritionally balanced meals for persons 60+ and spouses provided at senior centers, served 5 days a week. Home-Delivered Meals – Noon meal delivered to eligible homebound elderly (illness, disability or while caring for spouse who is), 5 days a week. Homemaker services – Provided to those clients meeting specific requirements. Recreation – Art, crafts, hobbies, games, and trips. Wellness – designed to support/
improve the senior’s mental/physical well-being through exercise, physical fitness, and health screening. Family Care-Giver Support – support services that provide a temporary break in the tasks of caregiving. For family caregivers who are providing care for an older individual who is determined to be functionally impaired because of inability to perform instrumental functions of daily living without substantial supervision and assistance. This service is provided to persons caring for a homebound relative 60+, for a
The Best Of Times
crafts, educational seminars, and health information. Also: day trips, extended trips, exercise/dance classes, bingo, cards, dominoes, health screenings, exercise equipment room, Senior Games and Thursday night dances with a live band. Medication Management - Seminars, brown bag services provided by pharmacists and programs provided by health care providers. Drug plan assistance available. Medicaid Applications - Application center and assistance filling out the forms. By appointment only.
• Cockrell SPAR - 4109 Pines Road, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 10 am – 12:00 noon. • Cooper Road Community Cneter- 1422 Martin Luther King Blvd., Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. • Lakeside SPAR - 2200 Milam Street, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 10 am – 12 noon. • Morningstar Baptist Church - 340 Jewella Ave., Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9 am – 12 noon. • Mooringsport Community Center - 603 Latimer Street, Mooringsport. Tuesday - Thursday. 9 am – 12:30 pm • New Hill CME Church - 8725 Springridge Texas Rd, Keithville. Tuesday and Thursday. 9:00 am 12:00 pm • Oil City Community Center 310 Savage Street, Oil City. Monday and Friday. 9 am – 12:30 pm. • Southern Hills SPAR - 1002 Bert Kouns, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.
Webster Council on Aging
relative 60+ caring for a homebound child or grandchild. Information and Assistance – Provides the individual with current information on opportunities and services within the community. Legal Assistance – providing legal advice, counseling, and representation by an attorney. Lectures are scheduled on a quarterly basis. Medicaid enrollment center – take initial Medicaid applications Medical Alert – linking clients with in-home emergency response system. September 2010
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Ge t Up & Go ! Breast cancer awareness
16th Annual Race for the Cure® September 18. CenturyTel Center in Bossier City to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and local programs. Participants unable to make it on race day may register to Sleep In for the Cure®. A breast cancer survivor breakfast snack and commemorative photo opportunity will be available at the CHRISTUS Schumpert Health Systems breast cancer survivor tent prior to the race at 7:00 a.m. especially for breast cancer survivors followed by the breast cancer survivor recognition ceremony at 7:30 a.m. for all. The One-Mile Run/Walk begins
at 8:00 a.m., and the 5K Co-ed Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Online registration is available at www.komennwla.org. Participants registering online will also automatically be entered into a drawing to win one round-trip American Airlines plane ticket to anywhere in the continental United States. The registration fee is $25 through September 12th. The week prior to the race, Sept 13th - 17th the fee is $30, and on race day, September 18th the fee will be $35. The in-person registration opportunities will be September 11th and the week of September 1317th at Sportsspectrum located on the corner of East 70th Street and Fern Avenue in Shreveport.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DANCED
at a Louisiana festival?
For more information on the Northwest Louisiana Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® visit our website, www.komennwla. org, or call 318 220 7050.
Cooking School
Taste of Home Cooking School - September 18. Bossier Civic Center. Vendor show 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.; Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Townsquare Media. Games, entertainment, door prizes, complimentary goodie bag containing over $30 of coupons, samples and freebies. Seating is limited. Tickets are $10 general admission, $35 for center VIP, $30 for outer section VIP. Purchase at Gap Broadcasting, 6341 West Port Ave (off Pines Rd). Call 318688-1130 ext 119 for more info.
Driver Safety
Did you know tourism generates more than $850 million in state taxes annually? So why not invite your friends and family to Louisiana for the Festival of Lights in Natchitoches, Contraband Days in Lake Charles, the Red River Revel in Shreveport, or the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans? When you go to a festival, Louisiana starts dancing. For ideas on what to do this weekend, visit our website.
LouisianaTravel.com
© 2010 The Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism
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September 2010
AARP Driver Safety Program - A 4 hour classroom refresher course for drivers age 50+ which may qualify participants for an automobile insurance premium reduction or discount. Participants must preregister. $14 for non-AARP members; $12 for AARP members (AARP card required at registration). Correct change or checks payable to AARP accepted. • September 8 - 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Noel Memorial United Methodist Church 520 Herndon, Shreveport. Contact: Church Office – 318-221-5207; Instructor: Ray Owens • September 9 - 12:00 Noon – 4:00 p.m. Bossier Council on Aging, 706 Bearkat Dr. Bossier City. Contact: Kathy Thomas – 318-741-8302; Instructor: Ray Branton
• September 10 - 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Paradise Baptist Church, 1706 Hollywood Shreveport. Contact: Sammie Robinson 318-868-2229. • September 11 - 8:00 a.m. – noon. Trinity Heights Baptist Church, 3820 Old Mooringsport Rd., Shreveport. Contact: Betty Hatcher – 318-221-2695; Instructor: James Smith • September 30 - 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Brookwood Baptist Church, 9014 Brookwood Church Way, Shreveport. Contact: Susan Jones 318–861 – 8911, Ext. 107; Instructor: Malcolm Parker. • October 4 - 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cyprus Baptist Church, 4701 Palmetto Road Benton. Contact: Sherry Bell - 318-965-2296; Instructor: James Smith. Krewe of Elders
Krewe of Elders Party Sunday, September 12 from 1:30 until 5:30 p.m., at the American Legion Hall located at 5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport. Entertainment by Chris McCaa and the Dirty Dishes. $7.00 per person. Food available for purchase. Cash bar, door prizes, 50/50 raffle. Open to public. Info 635-4901, 7529175, 518-8092.
Mayoral Forum
The Best of Times Radio Hour will proudly host a Shreveport Mayoral Candidates Forum on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at NurseCare of Shreveport located at 1736 Irving Place in Shreveport in front of a live audience. This forum will allow the runoff candidates for Mayor of Shreveport to answer questions and concerns of "those of us 50+". In addition, NurseCare of Shreveport will host a health fair from 9:00 am to 12 noon. The public is invited to attend the forum and health fair. Light refreshments will be served. FREE. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
movie
Silver Screenings Matinee and Luncheon for Seniors - "The Philadelphia Story" starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart. Tuesday, September 21 at 10:30 a.m. Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas in downtown Shreveport. $5.75 for the film only; $14 for film and lunch. Call (318) 459-4122 to RSVP. www.RobinsonFilmCenter.org
organ Concert
Concert Organist, Tom Trenney, will present a program of organ accompaniment to great silent films of the 1920s. Films will feature Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton which always provide hilarious fun for audiences of all ages. In addition, Trenney will play popular organ music on the mighty pipe organ of First United Methodist Church. This Free concert will be held in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church at the head of Texas Street at
Common in downtown Shreveport on Sunday, September 19th at 7 p.m. The program is sponsored by the North Louisiana Chapter of the American Guild of Organists with special assistance from the Robinson Fi l m C e n t e r o f Shreveport.
Theatre
The Lion in Winter - Presented by River City Repertory Theatre. Riverview Theatre, 600 Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport across from The Barnwell Center. September 22, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m. and September 26 at 3 p.m. Keenly self-aware and motivated as much by spite as by any sense of duty, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine maneuver against each other to position one of their three sons next in line for the throne. This Tony Award winning play was the basis for the 1968 Oscar-winning film starring Katherine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole. Anne Lockhart will appear as Eleanor with Ben Tyler as Henry. Lockhart was seen as Lt. Sheba on the ABC series, Battlestar Galactica and has made frequent appearances
on Law and Order, NCIS and JAG. Patric McWilliams will direct. Tickets are $35.00. For reservations call 318-868-5888 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Last of the Red Hot Lovers Presented by the Shreveport Little Theatre. September 9, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8 p.m. and September 12, 19 at 2 p.m. at the Women's Depart-
ment Club The plot revolves around Barney, whose marriage is no longer providing him with a sense of romantic adventure. He sets out to have an extramarital fling with several wildly unsuitable candidates, while still struggling with his honesty and decency. Appearing in the comedy will be Joe Todaro, Heather Peak Hooper, Courtney Loggins and Heather Bryson. Call the SLT Box Office: 424-4439 (open Monday - Friday, noon – 4 p.m.) Tickets are $17. for adults, $15. for seniors, students and active military.
Altrusa Calendar Now Available The Altrusa Club of Shreveport has begun selling it's 55th edition of the Community Information Calendar. The calendar runs from September, 2010 through August, 2011. Each page contains a listing of events, concerts, exhibits and festivals of interest to the community. It also contains a list of area clubs, organizations, and museums. Those interested in local high school, college and regional professional football will find game schedules and bowl games. Altrusa Club is an international service organization whose primary function is to promote literacy. The proceeds from the sale of the calendar go directly to providing scholarships, both academic and vocational, to deserving students. This year, the North Shreveport Lions Club has teamed with Altrusa of Shreveport to make this edition of the calendar possible. For more info or to order calendars contact members of the N. Shreveport Lions Club or call Rosemary Thompson at (318) 797-1170 or (318) 210-6409. The calendars sell for $5.00 each which is a tax deductible donation. The Best Of Times
September 2010
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ACROSS 1 Kids' game for car trips 5 River through British Columbia 11 Michael of "Juno" 15 Hebrew prophet 19 Big Apple neighborhood near Greenwich Village 20 Gun, to a hood 21 Truck 22 Actress Gershon 23 Automatic whipper? 25 Gas brand in Canada 26 Shangri-la 27 Iconic WWII riveter 28 "Rock and Roll, Hoochie __": 1974 hit 29 Early-week occasion for wearing sensible footwear? 32 Slithery Egyptian 33 Tack on 36 Colorado natives 37 __ Cup: chocolate candy 38 Language of India 40 Yard neatener 42 Sources of wisdom 43 Country with the tastiest cuisine? 47 Where the source of the Amazon is 48 Showy lily 49 Words before a kiss 50 Opposite of bien 51 Level just below the majors 54 Political surprise 56 Subway barrier 58 It's a gas 60 Home bodies? 61 Euro predecessor 63 No-goodniks 65 Business mag
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September 2010
66 Go after 67 Some food fighters? 72 Sixth Greek letter 75 Louis XIV, par exemple 76 Golf clinic subject 77 Shrubs with small, reddish fruit 81 Dietary need 82 A8 automaker 84 Amherst sch. 87 Tiny South Pacific nation 88 Jenna's "The Office" role 89 TiVo precursor 90 Polynesian paste 92 Final Four letters 94 News squib 95 Line in an admiral's pep talk? 100 Increases sharply 101 Viz. relative 102 NFL Network sportscaster Rich 103 Fowl quarters 104 Grandmotherly nickname 105 Room for brooms 108 Photo __ 111 Where legendary firefighters are honored? 114 1040EZ issuer 115 Set one's sights on 117 Maker of Karlstad living room furniture 118 Lena of Tinseltown 119 Quartet of couch potatoes? 122 Motocross surface 123 City with many pits 124 Set the dial to 125 Toni Morrison novel 126 "Only Time" singer
El week By Doug Peterson; Edited by Rich Norris & Joyce Nichols Lewis
(Solution on page 53)
127 Units of work 128 __ Fables 129 Anthem opener Down 1 Red leader? 2 Individual efforts 3 Matchmaker's supply 4 Teammate of Mickey and Whitey 5 Monastic title 6 Heaps at a quarry 7 "... who lived in __" 8 Descendant 9 Long, long time 10 Yachting hazard 11 Was unfaithful to 12 Ohio's time zone 13 Autumn colors 14 Jesus of '60s-'70s baseball 15 In olden days
16 Hussein in the White House? 17 "Paper Moon" co-stars 18 2009 Panasonic acquisition 24 Had in mind 30 Competed on a sled 31 Send with a click 34 Some 31-Down attachments 35 __ volente: God willing 39 Confident words 41 Trail mix tidbits 42 Golf clinic subjects 43 Apportion 44 Maxwell Smart's occ. 45 Mel Blanc's meal ticket 46 Together with 47 Small seal 52 Goon 53 Say "What?"
55 Ultimate 57 "Metropolis" director Fritz 59 Augsburg article 60 1898 sinker 62 Stars in the sky? 64 Like some chances 68 Squash venue 69 Poke fun at 70 "It's dandy for your teeth" toothpaste 71 Be on the ticket 72 USPS acronym 73 Time in history 74 Shenanigans 78 Self-directed 79 Rowers 80 Adder's target 83 Portable music players 85 Course with a fair: Abbr. 86 Register printout 89 Left-hand page 91 Graveyard shift
hr. 93 Lille lady friend 96 Capital of Buenos Aires Province 97 Ringing up, oldstyle 98 Consumer protection agcy. 99 Pub sign abbr. 100 Absorb deeply 103 Wag a finger at 104 Panther, Jaguar, or Lion, briefly 106 Debt securities 107 Monteverdi title character 109 Longtime "Idol" name 110 Dogcatcher's pickup 112 Duck call? 113 Blues legend James 116 In that case 120 Coloration 121 Ques. response TheBestOfTimesNews.com
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 53)
Alert Awareness Cons Crime Defense Education Fraud Identification The Best Of Times
Invincible Plan Precaution Prepare Prevention Prey Proactive Safety
Scams Swindle Target Theft Valuables Violence Vulnerable Watch September 2010
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old
Ambulance Services
Balentine Ambulance Service (318) 222-5358
Artificial Limbs and Braces Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics (318) 424-4167
Associations and Organizations BluePrint Louisiana (866) 483-3920 Bossier Council on Aging (318) 741-8302 Caddo Council on Aging (318) 676-7900
Pages
Sci-Port Louisiana’s Science Center (318) 424-3466 Shreveport Little Theatre (318) 424-4439 The Robinson Film Center (318) 424-9090
Family Care Services (318) 671-1799 Interim HealthCare (318) 741-3776 Louisiana CareTenders, LLC (318) 868-3983
DiamondJacks Casino and Resort (318) 678-7777
Brentwood Hospital (318) 678-7500
Financial & Estate Planning/Legal Services Serio Investments Phillip Serio (318) 221-0889 The Law Practice of Joseph Gilsoul (318) 222-2100
Willis Knighton Medical Center – North Shreveport (318) 212-4000 Willis Knighton Medical Center – Bossier (318) 212-7000 Willis Knighton Medical Center – South Shreveport (318) 212-5000
Cemetery Upkeep and Flowers
Cemeteries/ Funeral Homes
Flowers Forever, LLC (318) 925-2323
Care Providers
Centuries Memorial (318) 686-4334
Hearing Care Services
Comfort Keepers (318) 934-0090
Hill Crest Memorial (318) 949-9415
Better Hearing Systems (318) 747-9191
Cornerstone Financial Services (318) 861-8607
Elder Kare (318) 469-1711
Clinical Research Studies
Elite Health Solutions (318) 213-5483
Clinical Site Services (800) 817-4009
Shreve Hearing Aid Service (318) 797-7733
Red River Insurance Group (318) 213-6432
Home Health Care (Medicare Certified)
Medical Equipment
The Best of Times (318) 636-5510 Webster Council on Aging (318) 371-3056
Hair Replacement Specialist and Hair Stylist
Dr. James Patterson LSUHSC Psychopharmacology Research Clinic (318) 813-2070 Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600
Counseling HealthGuide (318) 780-4307
Synergy Home Care (318) 550-0285
The Center for Families (318) 222-0759
Hospice Care Providers
Bible Correspondence Course (318) 797-6333
990 Quail Creek Rd. (Inside Element Fitness)
Shreveport
318-868-8708
Ark-La-Tex Home Health, Inc (318) 747-6180 Medistar Home Health (318)742-4026
Educational
September 2010
Hospitals
Seniors Club Personal Care Services (318) 635-0010
Sam Stroope
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Entertainment
LifePath Hospice (318) 222-5711 St. Joseph Hospice (318) 222-8723
Emergency Response Systems
Willis Knighton Hospice of Louisiana (318) 212-4697
Acadian OnCall (800) 259-1234
Home Infusion Services IV Plus (318) 683-5139
Wilis Knighton Medical Center – Pierremont (318) 212-3000
Insurance
FastServ Medical (318) 741-9586 Medtronics XSTOP Spacer (866) 580-5242
Pet Sitting Services L’ll Rascals Pet Setting (318) 573-6672
Physician Services
Vision – Source Dr. Larry Chism (888) 243-2020
Radio Stations AM 1130 KWKH Townsquare Media Radio Station (318) 688-1130
Restaurants Cupcake Gallery and Coffee Shop (318) 752-2253 Imperial Wok Chinese Restaurant (318) 687-6668
Senior Living Options Azalea Estates Assisted Living (318) 797-2408 Horizon Bay Assisted Living (318) 747-2114 Kingsley Place of Shreveport (318) 524-2100 NurseCare of Shreveport (318) 221-1983 Summerfield Estates (318) 688-9525
Skin Care/Hair Care Jeany Mitchell’s Skin Technology (318) 347-3567 Sam Stroope, Hairstylist (318) 868-8708
Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600
Travel Services
Dr. James Patterson (318) 813-2070
Cruises, Inc (318) 746-3745
Dr. Sara Rochester (318) 222-6226
Fly Branson Airline Services (888)359-2541
Mid South Orthopaedics (318) 424-3400 Pierremont Eye Institute Dr. Chris Shelby (318) 212-3937
Telephone Book User-Friendly Phone Book (318) 865-1280
TheBestOfTimesNews.com
The Best Of Times
September 2010
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r e b m e t p Se
the Roaring 20s. The annual benefit raises funds to provide health, housing and hope to those with HIV/AIDS. John and Jane Hubbard, Calvin and Patricia Presley, and Kandra Marshall enjoy the festivities.
g n i t r a P S h ots
5. The King and Queen from Westwood Manor Nursing Home took home the Northwest Regional Beauty Pageant titles. Pictured are: Administrator Debbie Brooks, Queen Betty Sue Niette, King Fred Smith, and Director of Nursing Renee Greggs.
1. Claudia Lyles (center) celebrates her birthday at Chianti’s with gal pals Dianne Lane, Joye Gamble, Jeanie Middleton, and Roxanne Bosserman. 2. The Krewe of Justinian held their Recruitment party on Friday, August 6th at the home of Delton Harrison. King Greg Barro, Queen Rose Weems and Captain Marty Johnson are all smiles. 3. The August Silver Screenings of the classic film “Sabrina” at The Robinson Film Center was presented to a sold-out theatre. Participants enjoyed the movie, lunch, educational booths, and door prizes. Door prize winners were Jane Phipps, Ruby Kelly, James H. Murphy, and Anna McMullen. 4. Philadelphia Center Fundraiser was held on August 7 and celebrated
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Seven of the eight mayoral candidates attended Winning Tuesday at Superior Steakhouse on Aug. 18. Candidates in attendance: 6. Bryan Wooley and Hersy Jones, Jr. 7. David Cox, Cedric Glover, Dana Bruhnke, Roy Burrell, and Tim Goeders.
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WKHS Health and Fitness Fair was held on Saturday, July 31st at WKHS Pierremont Health Center. 8. Cora McCoy (right) shows off her copy of The Best of Times to Bonnie Dubin at the Tower at the Oaks exhibit booth. 9. Harriette Glazer stops by The Best of Times exhibit booth to pick up her door prize and to visit with publisher Gary Calligas.
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GREAT FOOD! GREAT FUN!
TASTE the Authentic Mexican Dishes, Burgers, Steaks, Ribs & Daily Drink Specials!
FLAVOR of
OPEN DAILY at 5PM
FUN!
Home of the $3 Blue Agave Margarita!
A RARE
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When You’re Here, You’re In Luck! 711 DiamondJacks Blvd • I-20, Exit 20A • 1-318-678-7777 • 1-866-5JAXMAX Must be 21 or older to gamble. ©2010, Louisiana Riverboat Gaming Partnership, LLC.
COMPULSIVE OR PROBLEM GAMBLING? CALL 1-877-770-STOP (7867)