June 2010 “Celebrating Age and Maturity”
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vice r e S l a Soci g n Area i r d u n o Fi Y e in c n a t s i Ass
INSIDE This Issue: • Retirement Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them • Protect Your Personal Information on Vacation • Sizzling Summer Salads • Neil Johnson Tells a Story with His Photos
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
June 2010
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The Best Of Times
June 2010
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INA’s URN
June 2010 • Vol. 17, No. 6 Founded in 1993 as Senior Scene News ISSN Library of Congress #1551-4366
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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
Original content not published in this issue can be found on our website
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Account Executive Philip Maxfield philip.maxfield@gmail.com
Weight Loss and Your Health
Design & Layout Jessica Rinaudo Katherine M. Branch
Louisiana Crackdown on Medicaid Fraud Paying Off
Webmaster Jason P. Calligas
Credit Card Reform Goes Live
Writers Jessica Waldon Lizzie Lyles
Spirulina is a Supercool Superfood
Contributors Jason Alderman, Lee Aronson, Al Bolton, Suzy Cohen, Karen Collins, Judge Jeff Cox, Andrea Gross, Mirabai Holland, Ted Kooser, Teresa Micheels, Bob Moos, Marion Somers, and Terri Schlichenmeyer
Crossword & Suduko Puzzles
Council of Advisors Terri Brock, Senator Sherry SmithCheek, 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.
HealthCare Bill Timeline
ay was a whirlwind of fun and excitement. Gary and I, along with my sister Kay and brother-in-law George, celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary, and Gary's and George's respective birthdays with a long-anticipated, and much-needed, vacation. Our memorable trip to Europe was picture-book perfect! On our return we watched with pride as our son Jason graduated from medical school. He leaves in June for a 5-year residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Even with all of the excitement, we found plenty of time to put together an incredible issue. This month we feature the much-needed services available through 2-1-1. We also discuss several issues that have been in the headlines lately healthcare reform and it's implication to seniors, as well as healthcare fraud. On the lighter side we visit an Amish community, have lunch at a new restaurant, and chat with photographer Neil Johnson. You're sure to find a wealth of information on every page. Until next month, have fun! ~Tina
The Best of Times
Radio Hour
Hosted by Gary Calligas Streaming live on the internet www.KWKHonline.com
Broadcasting every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on AM 1130 KWKH, A Gap Broadcasting Radio Station in Shreveport, LA.
JUNE 5 “Sci-Port Discovery Center,” Eric Gipson, Media Specialist Broadcasting LIVE from Sci-Port Discovery Center www.sciport.org JUNE 12 “Divorce After 50: Unique Legal & Financial Challenges” Janice Green, attorney at law, www.janicelgreen.com
SPECIAL BROADCAST
JUNE 19 “Veterans Benefits,” Mike Richardson, NW Regional Manager of Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs, www.vetaffairs.la.gov JUNE 26 Photo Exhibit at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum,” Neil Johnson, professional photographer, www.njphoto.com JULY 3 “Having the Best of Times Cruising the Mediterranean,” Apostolos Bouzakis, Captain of the Celebrity Cruise ship Equinox, www.celebritycruises.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.
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June 2010
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TAKE A TRIP TO BRANSON!
Shreveport to Branson as low as
$39*
1-888-FLY-BKG1 BransonAirExpress.com
*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.
The Best Of Times
June 2010
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COLUMNS Travelizers by Andrea Gross Close Encounters of the Amish Kind
BRIEFLY
8 News & Info
10 Eat Well, Live Well 12 Medical News & Info
SPECIAL REPORTS Retirement Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
16 J oin the Fight Against Health Care Fraud
ADVICE 18 M arci’s Medicare Answers Medicare and Traveling, Respite Care, and Home Modification 20 L aws of the Land by Lee Aronson The Case of the Missing Cat
22 M oney Matters by Jason Alderman Protect Your Personal Information on Vacation 24 F rom the Bench by Judge Jeff Cox Elder Exploitation 26 H ealth Talk by Karen Collins This Summer Check Out Your Local Farmer’s Market
Dear Pharmacist by Suzy Cohen Suzy’s Safety Checklist to Use Herbal Medicines 36 M oving Free with Mirabai by Mirabai Holland The Pleasure Principle 26 A sk Dr. Marion by Dr. Marion Somers Caregiving May Be Hardest on Men
COVER STORY 31 2 -1-1: Finding Social Service Assistance in Your Area by Jessica Waldon
PHOTO FEATURES 27 2 010 NWLA Senior Olympics Photographer Neil Johnson
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61 Parting Shots
42 P rofile in Pizzazz by Jessica Waldon Photographer Neil Johnson 44 Th e Bookworm by Terri Schlichenmeyer “One Good Dog” by Susan Wilson 46 R estaurant Review by Lizzie Lyles Windrush Grill 48 Weather Facts for Thought by Al Bolton
49 A merican Life in Poetry by Ted Kooser “Old Man Throwing a Ball” by David Baker 60 Th e Best of Times & RSVP Salute Volunteer of the Month Lawrence Melrose by Teresa Micheels
IN EVERY ISSUE What’s Cooking? Sizzling Summer Salads 54 Get Up & Go! An entire month’s worth of activities 56 Our Famous Puzzle Pages Crossword, Suduko, and Word Search 58 Gold Pages Resource Directory of businesses, services, and organizations for “those of us 50+” TheBestOfTimesNews.com
age comes wisdom.
They say with
As Louisiana’s oldest health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana proudly offers Senior Solutions to our members with Medicare. Senior Solutions includes Medicare supplement plans, BlueChoice 65, as well as Medicare prescription drug coverage, RxBLUE PDP.
Consider these solutions from BlueChoice 65: • Affordable rates • Freedom of choice • Benefits that travel when you do • No waiting period on pre-existing conditions • Automatic claims filing – no time-consuming paperwork for you
Call us today at 1.800.593.9701 to find out more about Senior Solutions
RxBLUE PDP helps pay for your prescriptions and protects you from high out-of-pocket drug costs, with features including: • Low monthly premiums • Coverage for all Medicare Part D-approved drugs • Protection from catastrophic drug costs • Most major pharmacies in network • Automatic claims filing – virtually no paperwork for you
(TTY 1.800.947.5277). One of our courteous agents will contact you with more information.
BlueChoice 65 refers to contracts #40XX0420, #40XX0421, and #40XX0425 and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Please see your agent for benefit exclusions, limitations and reductions. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has contracted with the federal government to offer RxBLUE PDP, a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, but not a comprehensive description of available benefits. Additional information about benefits is available to assist you in making a decision about your coverage. This is an advertisement; for more information contact the plan. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana incorporated as Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity Company 01MK3028 3/10 The Best Of Times
S5937_032210AFU June 2010
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Health Reform: What Changes Are in Store for the Elderly? News Info
from ElderLawAnswers.com Historic legislation overhauling the nation's health insurance system has passed the Congress and been signed into law by President Obama. The legislation contains: • T h e n a t i o n ' s f i r s t publicly funded national long-term care insurance program, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. • A number of provisions aimed at ending Medicaid's "institutional bias," which forces elderly and disabled individuals in many states to move to nursing homes; • Provisions that will help protect nursing home residents and other long-term care recipients from abuses, and give families of nursing home residents more information about the facilities their loved ones are living in or considering moving to; and • The Elder Justice Act, which will establish an "Elder Justice Coordinating Council" and provide federal resources to support state and community efforts to fight elder abuse.
Help for Medicare Recipients and Early Retirees
The law will eventually close the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "doughnut hole." As most seniors know, the Medicare Part D prescription drug program covers medications up to $2,830 a year (in 2010), and then stops until the beneficiary's out-of-pocket spending reaches $4,550 in the year, when coverage begins again. Many seniors fall into this "doughnut hole" around Labor Day, at which point they have to pay for the medications out of pocket through the end of the year. The law starts the process of closing the gap by providing a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the doughnut hole in 2010. Then, beginning in 2011 there will be a 50% discount on prescription drugs in the gap, and the gap will be closed completely by 2020, with beneficiaries covering only 25% of the cost of drugs up until they have spent so much on prescriptions that Medicare's catastrophic coverage kicks in, at which point copayments drop to 5%. In addition, starting January 1, 2011, Medicare will provide free preventive care: no co-payments and no deductibles for preventive services such as glaucoma screening and diabetes self-management. Also, the legislation increases reimbursements to doctors who provide primary care, increasing access to these services for people with Medicare. The law provides help for early retirees by creating a temporary re-insurance program that will help offset the costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64. Scheduled to run from June 21, 2010 through January 1, 2014, the reinsurance program will pay 80% of eligible claim expenses incurred between $15,000 and $90,000. The law calls for an increased Medicare premium for those individuals earning more than $200,000 a year and married
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couples whose income exceeds $250,000. The law also applies the Medicare payroll tax to net investment income for couples earning more than $250,000 a year or individuals earning more than $200,000 a year. Most of the cost savings in the law are in the Medicare program, which has made many seniors fearful that their benefits will be cut. The costsaving measures do not affect the basic Medicare benefits to which all enrollees are entitled, but they may affect those enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare has been paying insurers who offer these plans more than it spends on average for Medicare beneficiaries. The original idea of Medicare Advantage was to save money by paying them less, the idea being that private insurers could be more efficient than the federal government. Health care reform will pay the private insurers less, meaning that some will choose not to continue their plans and others will curtail extra benefits they offer enrollees, such as reimbursement for gym membership or free eyeglasses. But the cuts will be gradual, with the largest not beginning until 2015. The law also offers bonuses to efficiently run Advantage plans. Another provision in the law will cut Medicare reimbursements to nursing homes by about $15 billion over the next decade. While nursing homes get only about 13% of their revenue from Medicare, the industry relies on the money to make up for low Medicaid reimbursement. A combination of the additional revenue and savings are estimated to extend the life of the Medicare Part A trust for an additional 7 to 10 years from its current insolvency date of 2017.
DSS Encourages Louisianians to Donate Food to Area Food Banks
The Louisiana Department of Social Services is encouraging Louisianians to donate canned and non-perishable food items to area food banks, who will help distribute the items to fishermen, families and others who find themselves in need along the coastline. Suggested food donations include peanut butter, soups/stews, canned fruits/vegetables, canned meats, tuna fish, chili, hot and cold cereals, juice, rice, pasta, and shelf stable milk. Additionally, Second Harvest accepts monetary donations. You can give securely on the Second Harvest website, www. no-hunger.org. [Editor's note: The Food Bank of NWLA is located at 2307 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA. 71103. 318-675-2400.] TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Scammers Vote 'Yes' on Health Reform The new healthcare law has also created opportunities for scam artists, some of whom are peddling bogus policies through 1-800 numbers and by going door to door, claiming there's a limited open-enrollment period to buy health insurance, warns secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. (ElderLawAnswers.com)
Seniors Increasingly Turning to the Internet for Health Information Older Americans are increasingly turning to the Internet for health information. In fact, over 70% of online seniors look for health and medical information when they go on the Web. NIHSeniorHealth (www.nihseniorhealth.gov), which is based on the latest research on cognition and aging, is a joint effort of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM). The site features short, easy-to-read segments of information that can be accessed in a number of formats, including various large-print type sizes, open-captioned videos and an audio version.
DNR Encourages Citizens to Take Advantage of HERO Offer Following the success of the Empower Louisiana Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has rolled out an expansion of its popular Home Energy Rebate Option (HERO) program – offering rebates for property owners meeting certain standards of energy efficiency. The expanded HERO program is open to homeowners looking to make existing homes more energy efficient, build new homes to meet energy efficiency standards, and owners retrofitting existing commercial buildings. DNR Secretary Scott Angelle said that the HERO program not only cuts the cost of making buildings more energy efficient, but will also mean lower utility costs for years to come for property owners. For homeowners, the rebates can be as high as $3,000, depending on the level of energy savings obtained from outfitting homes to a higher level of energy efficiency. Existing homes must show a minimum 30% reduction in energy usage, while new homes must meet certain federal guidelines to qualify. Specific details on the program and eligibility can be found at www.empowerlouisiana.org or call 877-319-1368.
Population Aging is Accelerating The population is aging at a rapid pace. According to the Administration on Aging, the older population - persons 65 years or older - numbered 38.9 million in 2008 (the latest year for which data is available). They represented 12.8% of the U.S. population, about one in every eight Americans. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older persons, more than twice their number in 2000. People 65+ represented 12.4% of the population in the year 2000 but are expected to grow to be 19% of the population by 2030! (www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Aging_Statistics/index.aspx). The Best Of Times
Singing Praises
At Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, we often hear praises from patients and members of the medical community alike. But rarely are those praises sung so beautifully as when Eddie Mae Montgomery bestows accolades upon us. You see, music is an important part of Eddie Mae’s life, and for more than forty years she has ministered to others through her music at St. Mary Baptist Church in Shreveport. Together she and her husband direct the church’s choirs. “I wouldn’t want to go to anybody else,” says Montgomery. “They take the time necessary to understand their patients’ needs, and work hard to exceed expectations. I always recommend Snell’s to anyone who has needs similar to mine.” When you have a special orthotic or prosthetic need, it pays to work with a team that has the experience and long-term commitment that we do. We 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 humanity rather than science. Which is precisely why compliments from those we serve are always music to our ears.
Returning independence to our patients since 1911
ORTHOTICS • PROSTHETICS
1833 Line Avenue • Shreveport • (318) 424-4167 • Toll-Free 1-800-219-5273 8730 Youree Drive, Building A • Shreveport • (318) 795-0953 211 Hall Street • Monroe • (318) 388-3126 • Toll-Free 1-800-685-2268 1404 Jackson Street • Alexandria • (318) 443-6391 • Toll-Free 1-800-289-3260
www.SnellsOandP.com Serving Shreveport (2 locations), Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, Minden, Natchitoches, Coushatta, and Mansfield.
June 2010
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eat well, Live Well
Diets High in B Vitamins May Help Lower Heart Risk in Men and Women
Peppers May Increase Energy Expenditure in Dieters Imagine enjoying your favorite Mexican food topped with thinly sliced jalepeño peppers. Does this thought conjure up a bit of sweat on the brow? Indeed, hot peppers contain a substance called capsaicin that not only adds spice to foods but can actually cause your body to heat up. In fact, there is growing evidence that the body-heat-generating power of peppers might even lend a hand in our quest to lose those extra inches accumulating around our waistline. And for those who don’t appreciate the “burn” of hot peppers, there are plants that make a non-burning version of capsaicin called dihydrocapsiate (DCT) that could offer the same benefits. Researchers found that at least for several hours after a test meal was consumed by participants, energy expenditure was significantly increased in the group consuming the highest amount of DCT. In fact, it was almost double that of the placebo group. This suggests that eating this pepper-derived substance that doesn’t burn can have the same potential benefit as hot peppers at least in part by increasing foodinduced heat production. They were also able to show that DCT significantly increased fat oxidation, pushing the body to use more fat as fuel. This may help people lose weight when they consume a low-calorie diet by increasing metabolism.
Eating foods high in dietary sources of the vitamins folate and B-6, may lower women’s risk of heart disease and stroke and men’s risk of heart failure, according to a 14-year Japanese study involving thousands of participants age 40 to 79. Great natural sources of B vitamins include vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, fish, whole grains and B-fortified cereals. Flour is also often fortified with folic acid, a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate. These are all foods the AHA recommends for a healthy heart. Researchers found that a high consumption of folate and vitamin B-6 resulted in significantly fewer deaths from heart failure in men and significantly fewer deaths from stroke, heart disease and total cardiovascular diseases in women. Vitamin B-12 did not reduce mortality risk. Researchers suggest folate and B-6 may help prevent cardiovascular disease by breaking down homocysteine -- an amino acid in the blood that, when elevated, can promote plaque buildup in blood vessels. The study's results held true when researchers accounted for other cardiovascular risk factors and when they eliminated supplement users from the study. It’s important to recognize that this data was based on dietary sources of B vitamins, not supplements - which can sometimes prove harmful. (Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association)
Vitamin and Calcium Supplements May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
There May Be Much More to Carrots than Meets the Eye
Vitamins and calcium supplements appear to reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to findings presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting. It is not an immediate effect nor mega doses, however, researchers did see a long-term effect in terms of breast cancer reduction. Findings suggest that calcium supplements act to enhance DNA repair capacity When the DNA is not repaired, it leads to mutation that leads to cancer. Vitamin supplements appeared to reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 30 percent. Calcium supplements reduced the risk of breast cancer by 40%.
Carrots are well known for their cancerfighting beta carotene. But recent research indicates that the little-known compound polyacetylenes may also deal a blow to cancer cells. These compounds are found not only in carrots but also in parsley, celery, parsnips, and fennel. When human intestinal cells were exposed to the compounds in a laboratory study, researchers found that they exhibited some pretty powerful anticarcinogenic effects. The new research supported other recent studies that showed that precancerous cells were less likely to turn cancerous when exposed to these compounds.
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louisiana-stylE luxury and grandEur A new concept in active, healthy living
ExpEriEncE living in affordablE luxury 24/7 security and staffed gatehouse Choose from 17 apartment floor plans, many with lake views Dining options including bistro, fine dining and al fresco dining on the terrace Housekeeping and linen service Concierge and private transportation services Cultural, educational and social programs Spa & Wellness Center with heated indoor saltwater pool
Call today to schedule your private appointment 600 E. Flournoy Lucas Road Shreveport, Louisiana
(318) 212-OAKS (6257) www.oaksofla.com The Best Of Times
June 2010
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MEDICAL NEWS INFO New Hope for Treating Hepatitis C A new study found telaprevir, a protease inhibitor, combined with standard hepatitis C treatment, cures a significantly higher number of difficult-to-treat patients than standard treatment alone. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs May Protect Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Overactive Bladder... Your senior years should be spent having fun...not on the run. As we age, OAB symptoms such as sudden urges to urinate and frequent wetting episodes become more common. If you are frustrated living with OAB, you may be interested in a research study we are conducting to evaluate an approved medication for overactive bladder. We are looking for male and female participants who: ✦ are age 65 or older ✦ have experienced overactive bladder symptoms for at least 3 months ✦ have strong, sudden urges to urinate ✦ experience frequent wetting episodes ✦ have health problems related to aging If qualified, you: ✦ will attend five office visits over a 14-week period ✦ will receive the study medication or a placebo (an inactive look-alike pill) and study-related care at no cost ✦ may be compensated for time and travel For more information please contact
Regional Urology, LLC 318-603-5456
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June 2010
A new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center indicates that cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins may protect stem cell transplant patients from one of the most serious complications of the life-saving cancer therapy: graft-versus-host disease, or GVHD. In a retrospective study patients who underwent stem cell transplantation from matched sibling donors, patients whose donors had been taking statins at the time of stem cell donation experienced no severe acute GVHD. About 15% of the stem cell donors in the study were taking statins at the time of transplant. Normally, between 10% and 15% of transplant patients would be expected to develop severe acute GVHD. No such protection from severe acute GVHD was observed if only the patient was taking a statin. Researchers also found that only those with statin-treated donors who received cyclosporine-based immunosuppression therapy after transplantation were protected from severe GVHD. Patients with statin-treated donors who received a similar drug, tacrolimus, did not experience the same GVHD-protection. (Blood)
Osteoporosis Drug Improves Healing After Rotator Cuff Surgery Tears in the shoulder’s rotator cuff are painful and restricting. Surgery to repair the damage is successful for pain management, but in many patients it does not result in full recovery of function due to poor healing. New research shows an approved therapy for osteoporosis, Forteo, may speed healing and improve patient outcomes. The preliminary study from Hospital for Special Surgery in New York was presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Less-Stressed People May Have Lower Dementia Risk
A new six-year study suggests that people who are easily stressed and less outgoing may be more likely to develop dementia. The study found that people who were not socially active but calm and relaxed had a 50% lower risk of developing dementia, compared with people who were isolated and prone to distress. The dementia risk was also 50% lower for people who were outgoing and calm, compared to those who were outgoing and prone to distress. (Neurology) TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Estrogen-Lowering Drugs Minimize Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients A nationwide study, to be reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncolog y by researchers from BarnesJewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has confirmed the benefit of giving estrogenlowering drugs before surgery to breast cancer patients. The treatment increased the likelihood that women could undergo breast-conservation surgery, also called lumpectomy, instead of mastectomy. Postmenopausal women with stage II or III estrogenreceptor positive (ER+) breast tumors received aromatase inhibitors (estrogen-lowering agents) for 16 weeks before surgery for breast cancer, and the extent of their tumors was monitored before and after the
drug treatment. Participants were placed in one of three groups at the study's start: • m a r g i n a l , meaning breastconservation surgery was possible but likely to be disfiguring or to require several surgical procedures; • mastectomy-only, meaning breast-conservation surgery was not possible; and • inoperable, meaning mastectomy would not completely remove the cancer. The results showed that aromatase inhibitor therapy shrank the tumors in many of these women and improved surgical outcomes - 82% of women in the marginal group, 51% in the mastectomy-only group and 75% in the inoperable group had successful breast-conservation surgery instead of mastectomy.
©2010 HARveSt mAnAgement SuB, LLc 0331
Fun, stress-free and all-inclusive. The way retirement living should be. Discover how simple and enjoyable Independent Retirement Living can be when you leave life’s daily details to us. tour today and learn about our current move-in specials! Welcome to Holiday. Welcome home.
Summerfield Estates Independent Retirement Living
9133 Baird Road, Shreveport, LA 71118 318-688-9525 | summerfieldestates.net
Sleep Apnea Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of stroke in middle-aged and older adults, especially men, according to new research. OSA is a common disorder in which the upper airway is intermittently narrowed or blocked, disrupting sleep and breathing during sleep. Researchers found that the increased risk of stroke appeared in men with mild sleep apnea and rose with the severity. Men with moderate to severe sleep apnea were nearly three times more likely to have a stroke than men without sleep apnea or with mild sleep apnea. In women, the increased risk of stroke was significant only with severe levels of sleep apnea. The increased risk of stroke from sleep apnea is independent of other risk factors. Prior research has reported that untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and death from any cause. Other studies have also linked untreated sleep apnea with overweight,obesity,diabetes, and to excessive daytime sleepiness, which lowers performance, and increases the risk of injuries and death from accidents. (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine) The Best Of Times
June 2010
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I
Family Features
f you’re concerned about your ability to retire, you’re not alone. Gallup’s 2009 annual
Economy and Personal Finance survey showed that most nonretired Americans, (52 percent), doubt they will have enough money to live comfortably once they retire. Whether your retirement is 4
or 40 years away, it’s important that you put a strategy in place so that you will be able to retire with fewer worries. To help you get started, here’s how to avoid three common retirement planning mistakes that could cost you money.
Mistake #1: Doing Nothing
Millions of people are worried about having enough for retirement, but many of them aren’t doing anything about it. Nearly 60 percent of workers don’t even know how much they need to save for retirement, according to the 19th Annual Retirement Confidence Survey, released by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The survey found that: • Only 44 percent of workers report they have tried to calculate how much money they will need to have saved by the time they retire. • An equal proportion (44 percent) simply guess at how much they will need for a comfortable retirement. What to Do: Start Now “A lot of people think that it’s too early or even too late for them to start saving for retirement,” said Jasmine Jirele, vice president of Market Management and Product Innovation for Allianz Life. “But now, more than ever, people need to take action
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June 2010
in order to have a more secure future.” A young adult who starts investing now gives their money more time to multiply. There are also ways for older workers to increase retirement earning potential. • Plan to work a little longer. According to the Social Security Administration, for those born in 1943 or later, each year beyond age 66 that you delay collecting Social Security adds eight percent to your benefit. • Increase monthly contributions to employer retirement plans. Having money invested now will help you build a larger nest egg for retirement as the markets continue to improve. In addition to participating in employer retirement plans, look into other investment options such as mutual funds, IRAs, bonds and certificates of deposit. “Some workers may also want to consider an annuity for a portion of their retirement portfolio,” said Jirele. “Annuities are contracts between you and an insura nce company. You make payments over time, and when you
retire, you receive a guaranteed income for life that can help meet your retirement needs.” Product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claimspaying ability of the issuing company. Variable product guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions. Keep in mind when you’ll need to access this money. If you’ll need to withdraw money from your annuity before age 59 1/2, the IRS may assess a 10 percent federal tax penalty, and the insurance company may assess surrender charges that are taxed as ordinary income, if funds are removed before contract terms allow. Withdrawals also reduce the value of the annuity and the value of protection benefits. Take time to research any company you’re thinking about investing with. Resources such as A.M. Best (ambest.com) and Moody’s Investors Service (moodys. com) can be of help. TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Mistake #2: Underestimating Needs
A study by McKinsey & Company in 2009 found that the average American family will fall 37 percent short of the income needed to maintain its standard of living during retirement. “One mistake people make when they try to calculate retirement needs,” said Jirele, “is that they don’t take inflation into account.” Jirele said that even small inflation rates can do damage over time. If consumer goods prices rise three percent a year over the next 30 years, for example, items that cost $100 today would cost $134 in 10 years, $181 in 20 years and $243 in 30 years. So if you’re planning to live on $60,000 a year during retirement, a three percent inflation rate means that in 10 years you would actually need $80,635 a year, and in 20 years you’d need $120,000. What to Do: Create a Realistic Plan There are plenty of tools available to help you figure out what your retirement needs will be. You can find online tools and worksheets at these Web sites: • American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): aarp.org • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): finra.org • American Savings Education Council (ASEC): choosetosave.org • The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE): smartaboutmoney. org Investing in securities can help keep up with the effects of inflation. Options
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include: • Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). TIPS pay a fixed rate of interest, but the principal is adjusted based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. That means payments rise with inflation. You can buy TIPS through a bank, broker or from the Treasury Department (treasurydirect.gov). • Stocks. Over the long term, stocks have historically proven to be a good way to stay ahead of inflation. Many financial advisors recommend having some stock investments. • Variable annuities. “Variable annuities can help keep up with the effects of inflation by offering market growth potential,” said Jirele. “You need to participate in the market if you want to grow your assets. Market participation is one way to help offset inflation and accumulate the money needed for retirement.”
Mistake #3: Going It Alone
While many investors feel confident about their abilities, less than half got a passing grade on a basic financial literacy assessment, according to FINRA’s Investor Education Foundation. The older the investor, the less he or she is likely to know. What to Do: Get Professional Guidance Money management is a lifelong process and there are a lot of things to consider. It might be in your best interest to find a financial professional to help you navigate through it all. Jirele recommends five steps to finding a financial professional:
1. Identify your most important financial needs. 2. Describe the type of relationship you’d like to develop. 3. Identify several financial professionals that you think may fit your needs and style. 4. Make a general inquiry by phone to further qualify. 5. Meet and interview several people to find the best match. Where can you find a financial professional? Here are some resources to get you started: • Financial Planning Association fpanet.org • Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards - cfp.net • Securities and Exchange Commission - sec.gov Retirement planning isn’t something that you should put off — at any age. Spending a little time now developing a realistic retirement strategy alongside a financial professional can help you achieve your long-term retirement goals. W e
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Join the Fight Against Health Care Fraud By Bob Moos, SW regional public affairs officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services The vast majority of those who work in the health care field are honest people who only want to help patients and follow the law. But as in any other industry, there are a few bad actors out to cheat the public. Every day, con artists bill Medicare for madeup health care services or unnecessary medical equipment. It ’s not a victimless crime. Each dollar a criminal steals from Medicare is a dollar that doesn’t pay for cancer care or kidney dialysis. Fraud drives up everyone’s health care bills. Scams now cost the health care system billions of dollars a year. With so much money on the line, the crooks have become better organized and their schemes more
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sophisticated. In one recent case, two former hospital executives used kickbacks and coercion to turn homeless people into hospital patients. Until authorities caught up with them, the fraudsters were charging Medicare for treatments the patients never got, never requested or never needed. As the con artists become more aggressive, the government is cracking down harder. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice have formed a task force, called Project HEAT, to target cities where suspicious billings suggest a high probability for fraud. Medicare Strike Forces – composed of federal, state and local agents – now operate in seven cities, including two in
this part of the country: Houston and Baton Rouge. Beyond following up on tips, the teams sift through claims data and zero in on billings that seem out of the ordinary. Investigators discovered, for example, that the Miami area had 2 percent of Medicare’s home health patients but 90 percent of the home health patients receiving more than $100,000 in care each year. The stepped-up coordination and the cutting-edge technology are paying off. The strike forces’ work has already resulted in the indictments of more than 500 defendants, more than 270 convictions and more than $240 million in fines, penalties and restitutions. But you don’t have to be in law enforcement to join the fight against fraud. If you’re fed up with crooks stealing from
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Medicare, here are four steps you can take to stop them in their tracks: • Protect yourself from identity theft. Treat your Medicare number as if it were a credit card number. Don’t give it to anyone who calls you or comes to your home uninvited and tries to sell you something. Carry your Medicare card only when you know you’ll need it, such as to doctor appointments or hospital visits. If you think someone is misusing your personal information, call Medicare at 1-800-6334227 or the Department of Health and Human Services ‘ inspector general hotline at 1-800-447-8477. • Watch for red flags. As clever as con artists may be, they sometimes give themselves away. Be wary of people who call you, claiming to be conducting a health survey and asking for your Medicare number. Or sales people who offer you a free piece of medical equipment and only need your Medicare number for their records. Or businesses that insist you use only their doctors to certify you need that power wheelchair or scooter. More than likely, they’re up to no good. • Check your Medicare Summary Notice for errors. Keep a record of your
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doctor visits, tests and procedures and compare it with the Medicare summary you receive by mail every three months. Look for any services your doctor didn’t order or you didn’t get. If you spot a discrepancy, ask the health care provider about it. It may just be an honest billing mistake. But if think otherwise, report it to Medicare or the Department of Health and Human Services’ inspector general. • Volunteer for the Senior Medicare Patrol. The program’s 5,000 volunteer watchdogs tell Medicare beneficiaries how to protect themselves against scammers and, if they suspect wrongdoing, how to report it. The volunteers sit down with seniors individually or give group presentations. By spreading the word, they’ve helped uncover more than $100 million in fraudulent billings. If you’d like to join the patrol, call 1-877-808-2468 or visit www. smpresource.org. To learn more about what’s being done to prevent scams and punish swindlers, visit www.stopmedicarefraud.gov. The goal of the fight against fraud is to make the chances of getting caught so great and the consequences so high that crooks get scared away.
June 2010
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Marci's MEdicare Answers
Medicare and Traveling, Respite Care, and Home Modification
Q:
Dear Marci, I’m taking a road trip across the United States this summer. Will Medicare cover me while I’m traveling? --Rose Dear Rose, If you have Original Medicare, you can travel anywhere in the U.S. and its territories (this includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands) and get the medical care you need from almost any doctor or hospital. If you have a Medicare private plan (such as a Medicare HMO or PPO), you will generally only be covered for care within your plan’s service area unless you need emergency or urgent
care while out of that service area. Medicare does not cover medical care you get outside the country, except in specific instances. However, some supplemental coverage policies (known as Medigap plans) and Medicare private plans offer coverage for emergency services in a foreign country. Call your plan to find out if you are covered while traveling
outside of the United States. ~Marci
Q:
Dear Marci, I am the primary caregiver for my mother, but I will be out of town for a few days next month. Will Medicare pay for my mother’s care while I am away? --Bernard Dear Bernard, Medicare will pay for respite care (a rest for caregivers) only if your loved one has a terminal illness and qualifies for the hospice benefit. Under the Medicare hospice benefit, your loved one can get respite care in a Medicare-approved hospital or skilled nursing facility for up to five days at a time. Medicare will pay 95 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for respite care. ~Marci
Q:
Dear Marci, It’s hard for me to move around the house in my wheelchair, and I want to widen some of my doors. Will Medicare pay for this? --John Dear John, No. Medicare will not pay for modifications to your home, such as those improving wheelchair access, like
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installing ramps or widening doors. Also, Medicare will not cover items such as stairway elevators, grab bars, and bathtub and toilet seats. These items improve your ability to function in the home, but Medicare does not view them as meeting a medical need. Medicare will, however, cover durable medical equipment (DME) - equipment that primarily serves a medical purpose, is able to withstand repeated use, and is appropriate for use in the home. DME includes items such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment and hospital beds. ~Marci Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org), the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare. To speak with a counselor, call (800) 333-4114. To subscribe to “Dear Marci,” the Medicare Rights Center’s free educational e-newsletter, simply e-mail dearmarci@medicarerights.org. To learn more about the services that Medicare will cover and how to change plans, log on to Medicare Interactive Counselor at the Medicare Rights Center’s website at www.medicareinteractive.org.
The Best Of Times
June 2010
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LAWS OF THE LAND
The Case of the Lost Cat I know that no one is roof replacement had they not perfect. Everyone makes hired their own expert. And of course it’s not just mistakes. But some mistakes just scare me. For example, I roofing inspectors that make saw a TV show about a cou- mistakes. I once saw an apartple who were trying to sell ment that was damaged by fire. Although the their house. They building was still were ecstatic when standing, everything they got an offer in the apartment, inat almost their full cluding the windows, asking price. But had been reduced the buyer insisted to black soot. But that the home be the fire department’s inspected before he report stated that the was willing to comLee Aronson apartment only susplete the purchase. Several days later, the buyer tained “light smoke damage.” And here’s a Louisiana case said he was no longer willing to buy the house unless the selling I recently heard about that couple replaced the roof. The involved another frightening buyer explained that when his mistake. Dr. and Ms. Huxtable roof inspector went out to the (not their real name) were home and examined the roof, about to go on vacation, so they he found it severely damaged took their cats to the vet for boarding. The Huxtables’s also by hail. The selling couple found paid for the vet to examine and this hard to believe and de- vaccinate the cats while they cided to hire their own roofing were being boarded. When the Huxtables got inspector. When their roofing inspector came out, he found back from vacation, they were that there was no hail damage horrified to learn that the vet and that there was nothing had lost one of their cats, who wrong with the roof. So the we’ll call Jell-O. Apparently, the identificouple showed their inspection report to the buyer and cation tags on Jell-O were the buyer checked with his “inadvertently switched with roofing inspector, who it turns another cat” and as a result, out went to the wrong house. Jell-O was somehow “delivered A mistake that could have cost to another client,” who we’ll the sellers thousands and thou- call Albert. Albert didn’t notice sands of dollars in a needless that the vet had given him the
wrong cat. But Jell-O sure did notice that Albert wasn’t his owner, so he ran away, never to be heard from again. The vet quickly admitted his mistake and offered to waive the $800 bill. (Because the Huxtables had 5 cats, examination, vaccinating and boarding got very expensive.) But this wasn’t good enough for the Huxtables: they missed Jell-O and decided to sue. The case went to court and the Huxtables argued that the loss of Jell-O caused them emotional damages. They pointed out that the vet’s website stated that “pets are like our children” and “the loss of any close friend can be devastating, and pets can be among our closest companions. A pet frequently provides unconditional love, emotional security, and loyalty. Routine activities with an animal companion often provide structure, fun, relaxation, and social contact in our daily lives. The death of a cherished pet can mean the loss of an entire lifestyle as well as a devoted companion.” The Huxtables told the Judge that Jell-O was like a child, their closest companion and that his loss was devastating. The Judge pointed out that emotional distress damages are rarely allowed when a contract is breached, but in this case, the vet had contracted to take care of the cats while the Huxtables were on vacation and he breached this contract by accidently delivering Jell-O to Albert. And in situations like this, where a contract involves something of a “sentimental nature,” the Huxtables could recover for emotional damages. But the Judge then went on to point out “Louisiana cases dealing with emotional damage awards for loss or injury to animals…are few and far between. However, the awards contained in those that do exist are [quite low.]” As a result, the Judge held that the vet had already waived the Huxtables’s $800 bill and that was all they are entitled to. The Huxtables didn’t have to pay the $800 bill and the vet didn’t have to pay the Huxtables another penny. What do you think? Is $800 too low? Too high? Would it make any difference to you if the Huxtables only had 1 cat instead of 5? Let us know what you think by posting to The Best of Times new Facebook page. You can find a link at www.TheBestOfTimesNews.com. Lee Aronson is an attorney with Legal Services of N. LA. His practice areas include consumer protection law, housing law & health care law.
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June 2010
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money matters
Protect Your Personal Information on Vacation This is the time of year might have no such reservawhen many people final- tions with their online friends. ize their summer vacation Consider instituting a family plans – confirming travel and rule that no vacation plans or lodging reservations, dusting photos get posted until you're off suitcases and safely home. looking for games Streamline your to occupy the kids wallet. It's never on long road trips. wise to carr y too Just be sure that much information when your brain – or cash – in your goes into vacation wallet, but that's esmode, you don't pecially true when Jason ignore the same traveling. Bring two Alderman precautions you take credit or debit cards, during everyday life to protect in case one inadvertently gets your personal information. damaged or deactivated by the Here are a few safeguards to card issuer because of suspected keep in mind: fraud, but leave the rest at Guard your itinerary. In the home. Also, never carry your old days, police warned against Social Security card or other sharing too much information sensitive papers – leave them about funerals and marriages in safely locked up. the newspaper, for fear robbers But do carry your health and would target empty homes. car insurance identification. But these days, many people Also, photocopy or make a list think nothing of sharing their of your wallet's contents (and vacation schedules on social passport, if traveling abroad) networking sites or in outgoing and keep it in a secure, locked phone or email messages. location, such as a hotel safe; Sure, you might only share and leave a copy with someone your plans with a few friends, at home you can call in the but who's to say they won't event your wallet is stolen. inadvertently pass it along Card precautions. Let the to someone you don't know? financial institution that issues Plus, no matter how carefully your credit and debit cards you shield your plans, your kids know when and where you'll be
traveling so they can be on guard for unauthorized transactions. While you're at it, make a list of their toll-free fraud hotlines in case of theft and carry it separately. I also program these phone numbers into my cell phone for quick access. Beware of card skimming, where dishonest restaurant or store employees use a portable card reader to copy information from your credit or debit card's magnetic strip. Also avoid using unusual-looking ATMs because they could have an altered card slot and hidden cameras that can be used to steal your account information and password. Computer precautions. W henever logging onto the Internet on your laptop at a WiFi hotspot, hotel business center or other public facility whose server may not be encrypted, be extra cautious before doing online banking or other password-protected services. Safeguard your home. If no one will be house-sitting while you're away, have your mail held at the post office. Also, suspend newspaper subscriptions and ask a friend to remove fliers, packages or free newspapers. For more tips on preventing identity theft while traveling, visit the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (search "vacation" at www. privacyrights.org), the FBI (search "Be Crime Smart" at www. fbi.gov) and the Federal Trade Commission (search "ID Theft" at www.ftc.gov). Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney
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June 2010
23
From the Bench
Elder Exploitation In the last few months, I make defendants who commit have been seeing more cases crimes against the elderly have coming through the court- to serve a mandatory minimum room regarding defendants time in jail. The mandatory taking advantage of elderly minimum time being proposed persons. Some of these cases is six months. This means any person who commits invol ve cr imes a crime against an where the elderly elderly person would person is finanhave to serve at least cially exploited. six months in jail. Others involve Jail time can be a crimes where the deterrent to crime. person has been However, the best physically abused. Some involve cases Judge Jeff Cox deterrent to crimes against the elderly is where children have been the defendant in the awareness. As the baby boomcase. No matter the person ers advance in age, they will involved, abuse against the become more susceptible to elderly members of our society criminal activity. Aging baby boomers may be easy targets is very serious. This morning I was reading for persons wishing to exploit the newspaper and noticed their resources. Baby boomers that a bill is making its way have typically done fairly well through the legislative pro- in financial matters. They tend cess in Baton Rouge that will to be wealthier than their
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parents before them. As such, they can be targeted by the criminal element in society. If you have an elderly parent or relative, you will want to check on them regularly. If someone you do not know starts to be in regular contact with the elderly relative and the elderly relative starts to give out money or gifts, then you may need to take action. This may include seeking advice from an attorney or reporting any activity to the police. You, as a caregiver, should also be aware if the elderly person has unexplained bruises or marks on their body. If you feel abuse is happening, you may need to consult a doctor. In addition, do not discount other relatives. Financial exploitation or abuse occurs by close relatives in numerous instances. This type of situation is especially prevalent when the close relative is an aunt or uncle or cousin and the relative does not have any children of their own. The best advice for taking care of relatives and preventing any type of exploitation is to be aware. Laws are in place to help protect the person, but the law comes into effect after the crime occurred. Awareness may prevent the crime from ever happening. Jeff Cox is the 26th Judicial Court Judge for Bossier/Webster Parishes, Division C.
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health talk
This Summer Check Out Your Local Farmer's Market Business is booming for than in grocery stores. Highly farmers' markets, with num- seasonal items are more likely bers more than doubling in to be a better deal at farmers' the last 15 years. There are markets than the staples, such numerous reasons why shop- as carrots, onions, and potatoes. pers are increasingly visiting You can also buy in bulk by going in with friends farmers' markets. or family. If you want Some people preto bargain for a betfer the qualit y, ter deal at closing flavor, and higher time, make it a winnutrient value of win for you and the freshly picked profarmer by offering duce. Others seek variety, bargains, or Karen Collins, a set amount of MS, RD money and asking organic produce. Some are also there to support the farmer what he could offer small farms and the environ- of the produce he has left. ment, to feel more connected to their food and its growers, Buy In-Season: At a and to enjoy the atmosphere. farmers' market, shoppers can If you're not accustomed to be confident the produce is shopping at farmers' markets, a fresh. The difference in freshfew simple tips can make your ness between farmers' markets trip worthwhile, whether that and grocery stores depends means a drive in the country a lot on your store and the or a stop at an urban public season. Many grocery stores market. use local farms for seasonal produce while some chains Price Check: Prices at contract with larger farms farmers' markets are almost farther away. Grocery stores certainly cheaper than those at also offer out-of-season procorner convenience stores, but duce, which clearly has spent not everything is priced lower more time in shipment. If you
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want to know what's in season before you shop, visit the Field to Plate website to look up your state's seasonal guide.
F ind the Unfamiliar: To ship
produce great distances, growers have developed varieties that can handle the rigors of travel. Farmers selling at local markets will often grow varieties of vegetables and fruits that don't stand up to long-distance travel but offer greater or different flavors. For ideas to prepare your selections, visit Web sites with healthful recipes, such as the American Institute for Cancer Research. Part of the fun of farmers' markets is to get ideas from vendors, too, especially when you see unfamiliar produce.
Support the People and Place: Without middlemen, farmers may get at least twice as much money for their products. Surveys say that without this increased profit margin, many small and medium farms would go out of business. High-volume wholesalers often refuse to deal with small farms, preferring fewer partners. Farmers' markets can be an important part of local economic development strategies. Studies find that money raised tends to circulate within the local economy longer and increase commerce at nearby businesses. Manage Your Market: You can find nearby farmers' markets on several Web sites, such as Local Harvest. If markets are held on particular days, keep one schedule on your refrigerator
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and a copy in your car or at work so you know when markets are open near your job, home or along your commute. Although farmers' markets usually have some bags or boxes, try to bring your own reusable bags with handles. Bringing cash is also smart. Many farmers' markets now participate in programs that provide vouchers or checks to low-income women, children and seniors, and some can handle Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cards. The USDA's Farmers Markets website lists markets that accept these forms of payment. Also, buy only what you realistically will use. You lose the value of freshly picked produce if you buy so much that it sits in your refrigerator too long. [Editor's Note: The Shreveport Farmer's Market will open June 5 at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. Times are Saturdays 7 a.m. - noon; Tuesdays 3 to 6 p.m.] By Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN, American Institute for Cancer Research. The AICR fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk. Visit the AICR website to find delicious, healthful recipes and information.
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June 2010
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Dear Pharmacist
Suzy’s Safety Checklist to Use Herbal Medicine and Drugs Dear Pharmacist, I take 8 different medications and 6 supplements each day. I worry constantly that they will interact. Please tell your readers what some of the most common interactions are? --K.S., Decatur, Illinois Clip this article, or for ward it to someone you care
for, because it just might save a life. I’m going to give you a ‘safety checklist’ of common drug-herb interactions, and there is a huge section devoted to this in my book, Drug Muggers.
Suzy Cohen, RPh
Alcohol - The world’s most famous liquid muscle relaxant, alcohol slows the heart rate down. If you combine it with
sleeping pills or narcotic pain-relievers, it can stop the heart! It’s also dangerous to combine it with beta blockers (blood pressure meds). Grapefruit - a delicious fruit that when juiced, provides powerful anti-cancer flavonoids and antioxidants. Like a few other fruits, it can block a biochemi- cal pathway in the liver that causes the levels of medications to rise (rather than getting broken down and cleared out of the body). Some drugs that interact with grapefruit include oxycodone (Percocet), estrogen-containing hormones, most statin cholesterol drugs, sildenafil (Viagra), diazepam and some antihistamines. The interaction may occur even if you wait several hours after your medication. Ginkgo biloba - famed for it’s ability to sharpen memory by increasing blood flow to the brain. If you are taking a blood thinner, like warfarin, aspirin or Plavix, then you may experience enhanced blood-thinning effects which may lead to easy bruising and internal bleeding. Pomegranate or grapefruit juice - Chock full of antioxidants and hearthealthy nutrients, but it might spike the level of sex pills (Cialis, Levitra or Viagra) causing headache, indigestion, flushing, heart palpitations or visual disturbances. Stinging nettle - It helps men with prostate problems and women with overactive bladder. Thing is, it has this lovely benefit of slightly lowering blood sugar. If you take stinging nettle while also taking diabetic medication, your blood sugar may drop too low so monitor carefully or avoid the herb. Iron or zinc supplements - Wonderful to help improve immunity and rev up thyroid production, but these can block the actions of many popular antibiotics including Cipro and Levaquin.
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St. John’s wort - Fantastic for boosting mood and reducing pain. It can increase levels of other drugs, causing them to spike so high that you get dangerous side effects. This doesn’t mix well with digoxin, omeprazole (Prilosec), MAO anti-depressants, oral contraceptives, alprazolam (Xanax), and drugs used for HIV/AIDS. Ginseng, ma huang or bitter orange, caffeine - Found in many diet pills, these stimulate the body so avoid if you take breathing medications such as inhalers (bronchodialators) or theophylline.
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Arginine - Very popular natural amino acid that helps erectile dysfunction and improves blood flow to the heart. It’s wonderful that arginine also reduces blood pressure, but if you take this with nitroglycerin or isosorbide drugs, it can result in dangerously low blood pressure. This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. For more information visit www.DearPharmacist. com. ©2010 Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc.
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For people with Alzheimer’s there’s no time to lose. Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial If you are age 50 or older and have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease, you may be eligible to participate in this study. Throughout the 12 week study, participants will receive the investigational drug, study related physical exams and laboratory services at no charge. All participants will be monitored by a medical team, including a physician, nurse and study coordinator. For more information call:
J. Gary Booker, MD or Keith B. Kessel, MD at
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1 1 2-
rvice e S l a i g Soc n Area i r d u n i o F Y ce in n a t s i s As a by Jessic
N
eicy (name changed for confidentiality reasons) knows too well what’s it’s like to need help and not know where to get it. In the midst of a sagging economy, Neicy lost her job and that’s when the strain on her finances started to show. As the single parent of a toddler, rent, utilities and COBRA payments mounted. Then, Neicy’s daughter needed an asthma machine and a prescription diaper cream that was $100 after her insurance co-pay. “I didn’t know where the money was going to come from,” Neicy said. Emergencies happen, she added, and “it just seemed hopeless.” Neicy said she did not want to ask her family for help because they had been so helpful in the past. She also didn’t want to have to get a payday loan but was unsure what options she had. She had called 2-1-1 to find a women’s support group but was unaware of all of the other services she could receive. “When I found out about 2-1-1, it was a breath of fresh air,” she said. Many people may have problems similar or more serious than those Neicy was facing. However, not all of those people know there is an agency that can help them get the answers to their needs. In the social service network there is a lack of marketing and people are not aware of the services available, said Terri Brock, executive director of Centerpoint Community Services/2-1-1 Connections. The Best Of Times
Waldon
About 2-1-1 2-1-1 is a three-digit number you can call from your cell phone or landline telephone and be connected to someone who can direct you to all of the social services northwest Louisiana has to offer. 2-1-1 is important because it provides centralized access to what people perceive they need. “We’ve done all the work for you but you’ve got to know about us,” Brock said. 2-1-1 is a “free, easy access number to answer any myriad crisis in your life,” Brock said. “There’s always someone that can help you in your need and crisis. Knowing who to call in that moment is what I think is important.” 2-1-1 is not an emergency number like 911 but it is a crisis intervention center. Brock says many people live to the edge of their crisis to the point where they think it is an emergency by the time they ask for help. The process for 2-1-1 is four-fold – intake, assessment, information and referral. 2-1-1’s role in the community Centerpoint’s 2-1-1 call center is one of six call centers in Louisiana. Centerpoint’s center serves 11 parishes in northwest Louisiana, which accounts for approximately 600,000 people. The services are predominately located in Shreveport because the most need is presented in the city. Brock says many people in the region come to Shreveport for other reasons, such as healthcare, so it is central for those in need. June 2010
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Top Needs Met at Centerpoint/2-1-1 for Northwest Louisiana: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Food* Rental Assistance Electricity Assistance Gas (Utility) Assistance Perscription Assistance Water (Utility) Assistance Transportation Access Clothing Identification
*Centerpoint/2-1-1 Executive Director Terri Brock said the No. 1 need in the northwest Louisiana is food.
Centerpoint/2-1-1 has a database of more than 2,500 agencies they refer people to. 2-1-1 just provides the referral and helps in any way they can, but Centerpoint is not compensated for any referrals they make. It is about networking, Brock says, but never usurping the services these agencies provide to those in need. It was after hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit Louisiana within a short amount of time that 2-1-1’s vital role in the state was realized. The Shreveport and Monroe area call centers were asked to take all of the 2-1-1 call traffic, and so they did. The information the counselors and volunteers gave the hurricane victims was a valuable resource. After this, 2-1-1 then got tariffs to put in an 800 number to direct calls to the call center and 2-1-1 was certified by the Public Service Commission. Of the top 10 needs Centerpoint/2-1-1 serves, more than $3 million is needed to provide those services to the public, Brock said. However, the organization cannot do any fundraising because that could potentially put them in direct competition with the agencies to which they refer people to. Beyond donations, Centerpoint/2-1-1 writes grants and develops contracts of service to raise funds. Next year, the organization will launch a service learning program with children in area schools to help get money for some of the top needs in the area. The top needs people inquire about to Centerpoint/2-1-1 in northwest Louisiana include food, clothing and state identification as well as help paying for rent, utilities (including electric, gas and water), prescription drugs and transportation. Coincidentally, also due to the hurricanes of 2005 came a significant need Centerpoint/2-1-1 has to find the funds to meet each year – state identification. After Hurricane Katrina, it became a requirement to have state-issued identification for anyone to be able to get emergency food or shelter throughout the United States, Brock said. However, no new agencies were set up or given the resources to provide the IDs or the funding. That has put state identification as one of the top needs
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Centerpoint/2-1-1 meets each year. Brock estimates the agency spends $30,000 per year to provide people with state IDs. Without these IDs, people couldn’t receive other services they need, particularly the No. 1 need Centerpoint has – food.
2-1-1 is About Partnerships The span of the different services needed just shows how no one agency can provide for all and stresses the importance of Centerpoint/2-1-1 to the community. “I feel like they are kind of the hub of a big wheel of agencies or services in the area,” said Janet Martin, executive director of the Northwest Louisiana Interfaith Pharmacy. Martin works closely with 2-1-1 to provide prescriptions to many in need. Since its inception in 2003, the pharmacy has received referrals from Centerpoint/2-1-1. The purpose of the Interfaith Pharmacy is to dispense medicines for free for those who qualify. They give regular medicines for those with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease who have no prescription benefits, Martin said. For senior citizens who get a maximum of $600 paid through Medicare for prescriptions, this could be beneficial. Martin says there is a great need for their service, “particularly with economy the way it is.” Last year, the pharmacy saw a 50 percent increase in screenings for drug assistance, she said. “Lot's of people who were employed were able to squeak by on unemployment but not on prescriptions,” she said. While Centerpoint has sent many people to the pharmacy, Martin says they refer people who have other needs to Centerpoint/2-1-1. She said many people in the community do not know about 2-1-1. “There are a lot of things in the community we don’t know about until we need them,” Martin said. 2-1-1 Provides Services and “Hope” Before her move to Shreveport, Neicy was the person who TheBestOfTimesNews.com
helped others. But suddenly she found herself in need. After she called 2-1-1, she was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to get exactly what she needed. Neicy was worried she couldn’t receive help. When she did get a job, she was afraid most of the programs would have a salary limit below what she was making because her salary was above poverty level and she made too much for government assistance. Not only did Centerpoint find the help she needed, but Neicy was impressed they didn’t make her miss work to go to the office to show her qualifications. Taking off work was not something she could afford to do. Instead, she says, they stayed late for her, let her fax in her documentation for services and went above and beyond. “It was just unbelievable,” Neicy said. She said they seemed like perfect strangers who acted like family. Neicy says she is grateful for the help she received and tells others about this great resource. She will never forget what they have done for her. “They gave me hope more than anything,” she said. Like Neicy, there are many people who have benefited from the service. In 2009, Centerpoint/2-1-1 served 126,000 people, including referrals. Of those people helped last year, Brock says the center provided for more than 275 categories of different needs. All one has to do when they need assistance is call 2-1-1 – it’s free and anonymous, so there is no shame attached to calling and asking for help. This was one of the main reasons Neicy found it so easy to call 2-1-1 – she knew she would remain anonymous. 2-1-1 evaluates each person who comes into the center or calls on an individual basis to see what deficiencies that person may have. The goal is not to just provide an emergency service but to make the people who have these needs self-sufficient and try to fix the cause of the problem. Brock says each individual has their own set of needs and therefore they get their own formula of services from the staff to meet those needs. “There’s never an impossible situation,” Brock said. The center provides a comprehensive individual plan per person whether that means vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, job placement or help with a disability, to name a few. “We’re not just about providing assistance but trying to change that need,” she said. Brock explains callers aren’t just handed anything, they do have to prove eligibility for the many programs and they do sometimes have to jump through some hoops.
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2-1-1 Seeks N at i o n al S t at u s
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ouisiana is just one of 18 states that provides 2-1-1 access across the entire state. However there is a nationwide initiative going before Congress this year to make 2-1-1 nationally recognized. Right now, just 81 percent of the population of the United States is serviced by 2-1-1, according to the Web site www.211us.org. Passage of the bill by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate will provide 2-1-1 with recognition as a national initiative, according to Terri Brock, executive of Centerpoint Community Services/2-1-1, which serves the 11-parish area in northwest Louisiana. 2-1-1 is a number people can dial from their telephones to be connected with people who can direct them to social services and resources in their local community. At www.211us.org, the mission of 2-1-1 US is stated as one to ensure that 2-1-1 is excellent, everywhere and always. It’s an “easy-to-remember, three-digit number that brings people and services together,” the Web site states. After the authorization passes, Brock says, the next Congress will be asked to pass an appropriation bill to help fund the initiative. The bill would provide money to states starting or enhancing current 2-1-1 systems. This appropriation will not be for federal funding forever, but just to bring the programs to the same level nationwide. Brock explains the appropriation bill will ask for funding for three years but with federal funds decreasing each year to push 2-1-1 into selfsustainability. For example, the first year, the bill would ask for 50 percent funding from the federal government with the other 50 percent coming from state and private resources. Each year, the federal allocation to 2-1-1 will decrease during the course of the three-years of appropriation. Brock says both U.S. senators from Louisiana, Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, have signed on to support the bill. On the House side of the bill, U.S. Rep. John Fleming has yet to voice his support of bill 211. June 2010
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N-1-1 Extensions 211: Connects to social services. 311: In some communities, connects callers to local government for nonemergency public safety services (not available in the Shreveport area). 411: Information/local directory assistance. 511: Gives traffic and travel updates. 611: Some phone companies use this extension to get help or repairs from your provider. 711: Telecommunications relay service; allows deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired people to communicate through a communications assistant with people who use a standard telephone. 811: Call before you dig to get information about utilities that might be buried underground.
Centerpoint/2-1-1 is More Than Referrals Where this organization differs from the other 2-1-1 call centers in Louisiana is Centerpoint works on the concept that if they have the capacity, they will develop programs where they didn’t exist before, Brock said. “The mission always was to identify who does this and connect the dots then find out the holes and gaps in service,” she said. Centerpoint’s Furniture Bank is one example of a need that was being presented in the community that the center has since tried to fill. The Furniture Bank is a nonfunded program Centerpoint offers. It is not unlike a food bank. Brock said people were dropping off furniture to the agency and they didn’t really have anything they could do with it. They give Goodwill what they can use and get vouchers to give to those who need them in return. What Goodwill can’t take, Centerpoint now stores at the Food
Bank of Northwest Louisiana, which had extra storage. Centerpoint doesn’t have a truck to transport to the facility or to the people who need it but the organization does collaborate with the people to give them furniture when they need it.
Centerpoint Continues Long Tradition in Shreveport But the services Centerpoint and 2-1-1 provide have been around before they were attached to these current names. Centerpoint gets its roots in
911: Connects to emergency services.
and Pierremont Eye Institute Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Christopher L. sheLby, md AshLey WheAt sipes, md
are pleased to announce the affiliation of
and the relocation of Pierremont Eye Institute in a new and expanded office in WK Portico Center 7607 Youree Drive Shreveport
(318) 212-3937 (EYES) The doctors invite existing patients to call for an appointment and welcome new patients to the practice. The doctors accept most insurance plans.
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Senior Care at Brentwood Hospital Levels of Care • Inpatient • Partial Hospitalization (Day Treatment) • Outpatient
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Depression, extreme sadness Confused thinking, difficulty concentrating Hallucinations; hearing voices Misuse of alcohol or medications Disorientation Numerous unexplained physical ailments Difficulties coping with daily living Excessive fears, anxieties or suspiciousness TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Shreveport from the 1980s with homeless assistance transitional housing and single room occupancy housing, according to Brock. These programs were getting people into housing but they soon realized there were other services the formerly homeless people would need to become self-sufficient. Brock explains that Sister Rose McDermott, among others, in the community services ministry of Schumpert (now Christus-Schumpert) began a resource coalition to get community and social service organizations to educate on who they were and what services they could provide. The ministry began to track the services in Shreveport, which was continued through Centerpoint as it came into existence. Through rolodexes and databases, these services became catalogued. By the late 1990s, Robert
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Bowman of Bowman Systems had developed software that gave the organization a streamlined approach of indexing the services and organizations that had been catalogued for many years in Shreveport. This supportive service to connect people with their needs was at the heart of these early efforts and is still the driving force behind Centerpoint and 2-1-1 today. A quote from Mother Teresa painted on the walls at Centerpoint’s office on Fairfield Avenue helps to explain just what the organization is about – “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” So whether someone calls needing help for a loved one, information about treatment for a condition or disease or help paying bills after losing their job, Centerpoint/2-1-1 is a place to receive individualized assistance with just one phone call. l
How to Use 211 • If you are in need of any social services, you should call 2-1-1 for help. • Call from a landline phone to be directed to the northwest Louisiana call center. •If you call from a cell phone, choose option No. 3 for the northwest Louisiana regional call center. • In person: you can go to the Centerpoint/2-1-1 office located at 2121 Fairfield Avenue in Shreveport for assistance as well. Example of services provided by calling 2-1-1 • Housing/shelter • Emergency food • Healthcare/prescriptions • Crisis intervention • Utility assistance
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moving free with mirabai
The Pleasure Principle Summer is upon us and watched two distinct sets of we’re scrambling to get into bicyclists on their daily rides. Near where I live there is a shape. So I thought I would talk about one of the most road that has two bike paths important aspects of any on it. There is one for serious touring bikers and one for fitness program, pleasure. slower traffic. If you like it, The serious group is you’ll do it. If you just that, SERIOUS! don’t, you won’t. Featherweight bikes The popular with drop handle bars, trend right now in tiny seats and pedals the fitness industry that require clip-on is boot camp style shoes. They wear flamworkouts that basiMirabai ing color form fitting cally whip you into Holland, hi-tech clothes that shape. MFA slip the air, wick the This type of exercise may be some people’s idea sweat and have hidden pockets of fun, but for many of us who for keys and snacks. They stream along at high have had trouble getting or staying on an exercise program speed, and with their bodies bent over for aerodynamic poit’s just not sustainable. Exercise should be a plea- sition, helmeted heads lurched forward, they look like a flock sure not a chore. That thought played over of supersonic tropical birds. and over in my head as I There is a grimace on every
face, but this is the type of exercise they enjoy. They’re working hard and wouldn’t have it any other way. Young or old, these athletes are in top condition. However, just a few feet away, an endless parade of more leisurely exercisers ambles along, peddling merrily, sitting up right, zinging their bells, smiling and chatting. They wouldn’t have it any other way either. Are the amblers as fit as the racers? - Probably not. But is their daily moderate exercise enough to reap most of the health benefits exercise has to offer? - Probably so. Research clearly shows that you don’t have to be an athlete to be fit enough to be healthy and live longer. Then there’s burnout. If you don’t enjoy it you’ll quit. So many of us try to do too much and end up doing nothing. Pleasure is the key to success. Find a physical activity you like or at least don’t hate and pursue it with pleasure. Stay in your comfort zone and if you do, exercise will become something you look forward to instead of dread. Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness industry, and public health activist who specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for women. Her Moving Free® approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work. ©2010. www.movingfree.com
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June 2010
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ask Dr. marion
Caregiving May Be Hardest on Men
Q:
I’m a busy, single come naturally to them. The male who is the good news is, you’re not alone. only child available Studies show that 40% of the to care for my parents as caregiving population is actuthey get older. I’ve noticed ally men. Here are some of the they’re starting to rely on me common challenges that these more and more, male caregivers face, and I’m worried and how you can that I’m just not conquer them: cut out for the • D e l e g a t i o n . task of caregiving. Many men don’t like How can I be sure to ask for help; oththat I’m going to be ers don’t even know able to give my parhow to recognize ents the level of care that they need it in Marion they need? - Robert, the first place. But Somers, 50 you need to treat PhD caregiving the way
Caregiving is tough for everyone, and believe it or not, it’s sometimes even harder on men than it is on women. The fact is, society has stereotyped men as protectors, not nurturers – so they often worry that caregiving won’t
you would any job - no one (not even Superman!) can do it alone. Make a list of your duties, and assign what you can to family members and close friends. Share this list with them and set clear expectations in terms of what needs to be
accomplished. • C o m m u n i c a tion. This doesn’t always come easily, but caregiving can take a tremendous toll on the body AND the mind - so it’s important to talk openly about how you’re feeling. Whether with friends, a support group or therapist – an outlet for your frustrations is key. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t expect to be able to effectively take care of others. • Conflicts at work. Many men (and women, for that matter) avoid bringing their personal situations into the workplace, fearing loss of respect or even losing their job if they need to take time off work for their caregiving duties. But the fact is that many of today’s businesses understand that caregiving has become a major factor in their employees’ lives, and are stepping up their efforts to provide support. Some have even instituted policies such as telecommuting, flexible hours, split shifts and flex spending accounts for caregiver services. Find out what your company offers to see if it can help bring some extra piece of mind. No matter what the challenge, following your instincts and make sure to pay attention to the needs of your loved one. Good luck! 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
North Louisiana’s Oldest Hospice
318-212-2170 38
June 2010
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The NWLA District senior Olympics offers “those of us” 50+ who enjoy the trill of the game an outlet for expressing a competitive spirit in a fun atmosphere. This year’s games began on April 9 and concluded on May 22. Paul Cha, a native of South Korea, finished third in men’s tennis singles.
Mary Price presented Dorothy Depanion (left) with her Skipbo Card Game gold medal.
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Miss Port City, Becca Price, gets the Senior Olympics Opening Ceremony and Health Fair under way with a heart-felt rendition of our national anthem. Tim FitzGerald, who represented Shreveport in the cycling event at the National Senior Games, and Sandi Triplett (right) celebrate his victory in the Northwest La. District bicycle time trials.
Betty Dark is all smiles as she celebrates her father, Mac McCain’s medals in washer pitch and shuffleboard. Bowling champs Diane Smith (left) and Margie Bamburg
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y husband thinks it’s the worst idea I’ve ever had. “No electricity. No lights, no telephone, no television, no air-conditioning… Why do you want to spend a night in an Amish home?” he asks. I persist, and two months later we drive up to a farmhouse owned by Willis and Kathy Miller. There’s a black carriage in the driveway. A young girl in traditional Amish dress - a plain, lavender frock that reaches to her ankles and a white cap - runs out to greet us. She’s barefoot. I surreptitiously reach into my pocket for a tissue and wipe off my lipstick. I know the Amish, an ultra-conservative religious group that emigrated from Switzerland in the 1730s, eschew make-up and revel in simplicity. They wear clearlyidentifiable clothing as a way of separating themselves from the larger society. As the hours fly by, my husband and I help Willis milk cows, eat a wonderful meal that Kathy prepared on a generator-powered stove, take a ride in a horse and carriage,
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and watch as their daughter runs out to the backyard to answer the phone, since telephones aren’t allowed inside the house. The next morning we’re awakened by the rhythmic sound of horses’ hooves. I look out the window and see a line of buggies filled with men in black suits and tophats, women in dark dresses, aprons and caps. It’s Sunday, and the Amish are off to church. Throughout our homestay, Willis and Kathy patiently answer our questions, and gradually we come to better understand their way of life. Of course, you don’t need a sleepover to learn about Amish customs. Willis and Kathy live in Holmes County, Ohio, the center of the largest concentration of Amish in the United States. As such, a host of attractions are available to help visitors understand their religion and lifestyle. A good place to begin is at The Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin. A 10-foot tall, 265-foot long cyclorama shows the history of the Amish, from their religious beginnings in 1525 up to modern times. At Yoder’s Amish Home guides lead visitors on a 30-40 minute walk through two old homes and a barn. There’s also a schoolhouse on the property where you can learn, among other things, how Amish TheBestOfTimesNews.com
teachers make photocopies without using electricity. Or LaVonne DuBois of Amish Tours of Ohio, which offers group as well as individual tours, can arrange for you to have a meal with an Amish family. Once you know the basics of Amish beliefs and lifestyle, you can see how the Amish live just by wandering. You’ll see them riding in their horse-drawn buggies, sharing the thoroughfares with motorcycles and automobiles, or walking the streets of Millersburg and Berlin,
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where shops carry goods made by the Amish as well as for the Amish. You’ll especially see them in stores like Lehman’s, which specializes in nonelectric appliances for Amish customers as well as for those who like old-fashioned things. As one man said to us, shopping at Lehman’s takes you back to a time when “the web was where spiders lived and a browser meant a window shopper.” Finally, if you’re lucky, you’ll happen upon an auction, or even a wedding procession when guests go from one
house, where the vows are exchanged, to another, where a feast is held. Regardless of the specifics, you’re sure to come away from a visit to Amish country with a new appreciation for a unique lifestyle. I’m not ready to trade my car for a buggy or the cell phone in my pocket for a phone booth in the yard, but after visiting Holmes County, I know that the “simple life” has charms all its own. Note: Most attractions and stores, except for a few in Millersburg, are closed on Sunday.
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Neil Johnson Tells a Story With His Photos by Jessica Waldon
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Top: Carol Anglin, dancer/choreographer/ teacher, director of Louisiana Dance Theater; Bottom: Rev Herman Farr (deceased), pastor/civil rights activist; Right: Clyde Connell (deceased), sculptor. All photos by Neil Johnson are part of “People” exhibit.
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eil Johnson is a storyteller. The most recent evidence to this fact is his new exhibit to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his photography, “People,” which runs at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport from May 2 - June 27. The exhibit is very special to the Shreveport photographer in more ways than one. Not only does it express a form of photography he thoroughly enjoys but it also celebrates many people who are very dear to his heart, he says. Don’t think that means it is only full of his family and best friends because it is quite the opposite – it is just a collection of some of his favorite portraits. While his wife as well as many of his friends appear in the exhibit, that is just a product of a great collaboration between artist and subject. “I like the art of the portrait,” Johnson said. He describes the special relationship a portrait takes as it is being formed, a relationship that exists between the artist and the subject. But, Johnson takes it a step further. The photographer says he also enjoys seeing people view his work because then another relationship is formed, that between the artwork and the viewer. And this, Johnson believes, is truly magical. There are many fun, personal portraits in the show. Patrons of the exhibit may never guess the featured portrait on the poster for the exhibit was happenstance. Johnson was merely on an assignment, shooting photos of Tablescapes, a fundraiser for Spring Street Museum in 2005. Johnson was documenting the tables before the public came in to view them.
Neil Johnson As he got to Chad Duggan’s table, he saw Joy sitting there, an addition to the elaborately decorated table she was occupying. With orchids framing her face and dressed all in white, Johnson was drawn to photograph this “decoration” full of life. And he did, even as people poured into the venue to look at all of the wonderfully decorated tables. He worked with Joy without saying one word. Another that stands out to Johnson is a portrait of Walter, who works at Norton Art Gallery. Johnson sees him often, he says, and just likes his look. One day he asked if he could take his photo and Walter agreed. When the show opened, Walter came with his family and he was just speechless to see his portrait hanging in the exhibit, Johnson said. These are just a few examples from the exhibit. “There are stories behind each one,” he said. Johnson, also a children’s book author, says he enjoys seeing the world through his camera lens, it is one way for him to experience the world around him. And his subject matter is just as diverse as that world, from a baby TheBestOfTimesNews.com
armadillo to a portrait of an old friend, Johnson just captures what he sees around him. “I’m excited about what the world has to offer us or me and photography is my avenue through the world,” Johnson said. “Shreveport-Bossier is what I love to shoot,” he says of the subject area that has been his most constant muse. But many in the Shreveport-Bossier area are probably familiar with Johnson’s work without even knowing it. Beyond the advertising and commercial photography he has done, there is a quite recognizable image that came straight from Johnson’s Louisiana Avenue studio. Lamar, in partnership with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, put up billboards of local artist’s work years ago and among them was Johnson photo of the baby armadillo, Purple Felton. Perhaps the most recognizable armadillo, the photos came from a baby armadillo that was found. The first photos show Felton walking around, when he was just brown. But after an experiment in Photoshop one day, Felton became purple and perhaps more iconic. “I think it’s successful because no one’s ever seen a cute armadillo,” Johnson said, obvious proud he was able to capture what he calls a “very Southern” figure. While Johnson says he enjoys making portraits and shooting a range of things in Shreveport-Bossier, his main day-to-day work is commercial photography. “I absolutely love what I do, love coming to work every day,” Johnson said. But it hasn’t always been his passion, though with 30 years of experience under his belt you would never know it. It all began when Johnson returned home from college with a degree from William and Lee in newspaper writing. He decided to take a little different track for his first job, working with Fletcher Thorne-Thomsen at Par Excellence, a color photo lab. It was just the creative, interesting, colorful and “dynamic” job Johnson had hoped it would be. After four years on the job, meeting countless photographers along the way, he realized he had an eye for the artform. So, in 1980, he went into business. Not only is he a self-taught photographer but also a selftaught businessman. “I’m still learning in both aspects,” he said. But being self-taught does not mean he doesn’t have great influences on his work. Famous photographers Jay Maisel and Joe McNally are among those he looks to and he continues to learn through workshops and simply photographing. “I am always shooting whether the client pays me to or the muse tells me to because I love it,” Johnson said. “It’s a fabulous media I find myself in.” The Best Of Times
June 2010
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the bookworm
by Terri Schlichenmeyer
There you were, at the top of your game. You thought you had it all, Midas with the magic touch, Glenda with a magic wand, Superman with a magic cape. Life was good… for awhile. Then, in what seemed like a microbyte of a nanosecond, the magic touch tarnished, the wand became a cheap sparkler, and the cape was a dishtowel. Everything was gone. Welcome to the new economy, where you’re not alone. In the new novel “One Good Dog” by Susan Wilson, a man at the top of the heap loses everything and finds what’s important. Sophie, his assistant, had no idea what she’d done when she wrote those three words, “your sister called”, on the While You Were Out slip. But the second Adam March read those words, his head pounded. He hadn’t seen Vanessa since he was five
“One Good Dog” by Susan Wilson ©2010, St. Martin’s Press l $22.99 / $27.99 Canada l 311 pages years old. Her disappearance was the beginning of the end of his childhood. It was impossible that she’d call when he was about to launch a takeover at work. Impossible. Adam snapped. It took four middle managers to wrestle him to the ground. It took ten minutes for them to throw him out of the building. Within days, his wife, Sterling, filed for divorce and Sophie filed assault charges. Six months later, Adam lived in an apartment in a row of apartments between the poor side of town and the bad side of town. And if it wasn’t enough that Sterling kept Adam from seeing their daughter, Ariel, and if it wasn’t enough that Adam lost his job, his house, his money, and his
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friends, the final outrage was that he was sentenced to work in a soup kitchen for a year, doing manual labor and serving homeless men. The sentence was the final nail in the coffin of indignity for Adam’s life. Over on the bad side of town, the dog waited in the basement, in a cage. The only life he’d ever known was in the plywood ring where he fought, but he’d heard from practice dogs that there was another life, one of friendly pats and soft beds. He wouldn’t like being submissive, but he was intrigued. Freedom would be nice. So he bided his time until he could escape… Take one lost soul, add another lost soul, mix them with average people in a downtrodden neighborhood and you’ve got one of the best books of the year, paws down. I loved how author Susan Wilson gives voice to both sides of this story, dog and man, and that she doesn’t shy away from the brutality and heartbreak of their lives. I loved the gentle way the story unfolds, too. Would you be surprised if I told you that you’ll be tear-stained by the end of this book? It’s rare for me to carry a novel everywhere until I finish it, but I did with this one and I doubt you’ll be able to put it down, either. For sure, “One Good Dog” belongs on the top of everyone’s reading list.
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Bossier Council on Aging Bearkat Site (741-8302), 706 Bearkat Dr., Bossier City. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Plain Dealing Site (326-5722), 101 E. Oak St., Plain Dealing, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Info & referrals - 741-8302 Transportation - Vans available to seniors 60+ who have no means of transportation for medical appointments, grocery store, drug store and other necessary stops. Wheelchair accessible. One week notice required. $3 round trip suggested. Also through referrals from Medicaid.
Outreach - Home visits are made to help qualify seniors for services. Homemaker - Trained employees provide light housekeeping for seniors having difficulty maintaining their homes. $3/visit suggested. Caregiver - Support services are provided for family caregivers including in-home respite care for the caregiver, education for the family, and material aid and sitter services for the patient. Legal Services - Education on elder legal issues. Counseling for individuals is accessible monthly
with a local lawyer or by referrals. Congregate (Site) Meals - Hot, nutritious meals served at 11:30 AM at the sites, Monday - Friday. $1.50 per meal is suggested. Home Delivered Meals - Meals provided 5 days per week for elderly homebound in Bossier Parish, $1.50/meal suggested. Personal Medical Response System - With a referral from BCOA, an auto dial unit is available for installation on your phone. Necklace, wristband, or pocket clip styles provided. Press the button for immediate help. $20 fee per month.
Senior Centers - Recreation, crafts, educational seminars, and health information. Also: day trips, extended trips, exercise/dance classes, bingo, cards, dominoes, health screenings, exercise equipment room, Senior Games and Thursday night dances with a live band. Medication Management - Seminars, brown bag services provided by pharmacists and programs provided by health care providers. Drug plan assistance available. Medicaid Applications - Application center and assistance filling out the forms. By appointment only.
Info & Referral - (318) 632-2090; 1-800-256-3003. 4015 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport 71109. Email: ccoa@caddocoa.org www.caddocouncilonaging.org Outreach/Individual Needs Assessment- Explanation of services and to enroll the elderly in service programs Home Delivered Meals - 5 meals/ wk delivered to homebound seniors. Suggested donation $1.25/day. Homemaker Services - Personal care and household tasks provided for homebound persons unable to perform tasks without assistance. $5/ month donation requested. Personal Care - Personal care provided to homebound person. $5/ month donation requested. Family Caregiver - Sitter and respite provided for full time caregiver of a senior. Donation requested. Telephone Reassurance - Volunteers make phone calls to seniors to offer comfort and support. Medical Alert - 632-2090 -Emer-
gency response system that protects seniors in case of accident or falls in the home. $20/month fee SenioRX Program - 632-5900 or 1-800-793-1198 - Assists seniors applying for pharmaceutical aid. Nursing Home Ombudsman Professional visits to nursing home to investigate and resolve issues made by the elderly resident or the resident’s family. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 632-2113 - Provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or older. Foster Grandparents (FGP) 632-2199 - Seniors serve as mentor, tutor and caregivers to youth with social needs. FGPs that meet special requirements may serve. 20hrs/wk and receive a stipend. Legal Services - Referrals for individual counseling. Emergency Blinking Light Flashing light installed in your porch light by the Caddo Sheriff Dept. to help guide emergency medical
personnel. No charge. SOS Program - Sheriff ’s Operational Safeguard. Helps identify and reunite lost, memory-impaired persons with families. Participants are given a bracelet engraved with the name and phone number of the Sheriff ’s Office and an ID number. Confidential Call 681.0875 to register. No charge. Senior Centers and Meal Sites - 632-2080 - Area sites that offer fun activities, recreation, wellness, exercise, safety programs, sewing, crafts, bingo, and just plain old fun. Lunch served at all sites for a $1.25 donation. Transportation is provided to sites, call 632-2080 to sign up for a meal or transport to the sites. • Myrtle B. Pickering Senior Center - 4017 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm. • Blanchard Cross Roads Church - 356 Warriner, Blanchard. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00am-12noon. • Broadmoor Methodist Church
- 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport. Open 9:30 - 12:30. • Canaan Towers Apartments 500 North Dale, Shreveport. Open Mon-Wed-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm. • Cooper Road Community Center - 1422 MLK Blvd, Shreveport. Open Mon-Friday 9:30am-12:30pm • Greenwood Library - Hwy 80, Downtown Greenwood. Open MonFri 9:30 am - 12:30pm • Mooringsport Community Center-Lattimer Street, Mooringsport across from the school. Open Tue-Wed-Thurs 9:30am to 12:30pm • Morning Star Baptist Church - 5340 Jewella, Sport Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm • New Hill CME Church - 8725 Spring-ridge Texas Line Rd, Keithville Tue & Thurs 10am-1:00pm • Oil City Community Center - Savage Street, Oil City Open MonWed-Fri 9am to noon • Vivian Community Center - in the City Park 522 E. Tennessee Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon
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 S pr inghill S enior 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
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.
The Best Of Times
Caddo Council on Aging
Webster Council on Aging
June 2010
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Windrush Grill Restaurant Review
1023 Provenance Place Boulevard Shreveport, Louisiana 71106 www.windrushgrill.com outheast Shreveport is taking on a new look as neighborhoods like Provenance are developed, bringing shops and restaurants like Windrush Grill closer to residents’ homes. Windrush Grill is nestled among a bank, a dry cleaning business and a café in a sort of central village square offering Provenance residents greater convenience and access to these amenities. Other Shreveport residents are welcome to these services and shops, but may find the neighborhood – located on the Southern Loop off I-49 or Norris Ferry Road – to be out of the way. I met The Best of Times editor Tina and The Best of Times Radio Hour host Gary for lunch at this new upscale neighborhood grill. It was mid-afternoon and Windrush hosted a crowd of business men in suits, tennis ladies lunching after a match and families and grandparents breaking for lunch. I was immediately taken with the décor of the restaurant. It was handsome and bold, yet playful and welcoming; spacious, yet cozy with a fireplace, large bar and vases of fresh flowers placed around the restaurant. Fully stocked refrigerators and shelves displayed Windrush’s international wine selection. A collection of colorful contemporary paintings gave an unexpected pop of color among the ash-colored walls and handsome black leather booths. The color will grab your eye and invite you in to sit at a booth or table dressed in crisp white linens and clean tableware. We settled into one of the large booths. We were greeted by our young, polite server April who was happy to see us and to take our drink orders. We munched on wasabi peas in a small dish that was at our table before we were seated and looked over the menu. We chose Fried Calamari ($10.99) as a starter. Not a moment later a friendly restaurant manager delivered our starter: a big plate of warm crispy calamari fried in a peppery batter with spicy Thai sauce and a wedge of fresh lemon. “That was really fast!” we said almost in unison. As it turned out, Windrush was giving free starters to
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its first lunch customers of the day paid for by Don Q rum. We were impressed. Tina “loves free stuff,” so we were eager to see what else Windrush could (and would) bring to the table. Windrush Grill’s lunch menu boasts “American classics plus other indulgences.” Among items like the Fried Shrimp Poboy, New York Strip, Rack of Ribs, Sea Bass and Pecan Chicken Salad, April suggested the Chicken Provenance, a grilled chicken breast served over pasta and topped with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and lemon wine sauce; the Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar; and Windrush’s steaks and burgers. Gary ordered a house salad with raspberry vinaigrette ($2.25) and the Chicken Provenance ($13.99). I also followed April’s recommendation and ordered the California Burger ($8.29) – an Angus beef burger with lettuce, tomato, purple onion, sprouts, avocado and aioli mayo – that came with a choice of regular fries or sweet potato fries. I chose sweet potato fries. Tina ordered Shrimp and Grits ($17.99). April checked on us often during our lunch and promptly brought our food. We were each presented with ample portions of nicely plated dishes. Tina’s grits were warm and cheesy, and were topped with several large, perfectly cooked shrimp and mixed with andouille sausage. But Windrush’s shrimp and grits lacked the cayenne kick for which this Southern classic is so well known. My California burger was cooked well with high quality Angus beef on a toasted hearty wheat bun. Unfortunately the slices of avocado were sparse and I couldn’t taste the aioli mayo making the California just that, a burger. The sweet potato fries were a delicious, crispy and savory step up from the usual fry. The Chicken Provenance was a hit and had the “kick” that we were looking for. The dish was bursting with color and flavor of fresh marinara, creamy goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and roasted peppers. It was by far the best dish from our lunch. Windrush’s famous Chocolate Sac seemed like the perfect ending to our lunch, but we were crunched for time and couldn’t wait the extra 20-or-so minutes it took to prepare the tempting dessert. We opted to share a slice of homemade Apple Pie with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce ($5.25). The pie was homemade indeed and was nicely complemented by the subtle hints of cinnamon ice cream. Windrush Grill opened its doors on December 5, 2009. It’s a young restaurant whose flavors need maturing, but whose ambiance and service are fresh and commendable. After considering atmosphere, service, quality and price, food and flavor – atmosphere and service ranking highest – the The Best of Times gives Windrush Grill 3.5 forks out of 5. Review by Lizzie Lyles
TheBestOfTimesNews.com
The Best Of Times
June 2010
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Al Bolton’s Weather Facts for Thought The hurricane season has begun. Each year the season begins on June 1st and continues for six months through November. August, September and October are the most active months for development. September is usually the most active month. If a hurricane threatens to reach golf coastal areas, you will hear these advisories. A hurricane "watch" means that hurricane conditions are possible in a designated area, usually within 36 hours. A hurricane "warning" means that hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Hurricane watch and hurricane warning areas are shown on television weather broadcasts.
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Are you curious as to what our June weather will be like? Looking back at last June, the hottest temperature was 102° on the 27th. The coolest temperature was 60° on the 5th and 6th. Rainfall measured only 1.22 inches. Our normal June rainfall is 5.05 inches. Our hottest June temperature of record was 104 °. It was recorded three times - on June 22, 1875; June 25, 1875; and June 20, 1936. Coolest of record was 52° on June 8, 1977. Wettest of record was 17.11 inches in 1980. This footnote: The summer season will begin on June 21st. Last summer we had twelve days with a temperature of 100° or higher. The hottest was 103° on June 12th and again on June 15th. Al Bolton, a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association began reporting with KSLA-TV in February, 1954 and for The Best of Times in February, 2002. June 2010
TheBestOfTimesNews.com
American Life in Poetry Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate, 2004 - 2006 This marks the fourth time we’ve published a poem by David Baker, one of my favorite writers. Baker lives in Granville, Ohio, and teaches at Denison University. He is also the poetry editor for the distinguished Kenyon Review.
Old Man Throwing a Ball He is tight at first, stiff, stands there atilt tossing the green fluff tennis ball down the side alley, but soon he’s limber, he’s letting it fly and the black lab lops back each time. These are the true lovers, this dog, this man, and when the dog stops to pee, the old guy hurries him back, then hurls the ball farther away. Now his mother dodders out, she’s old as the sky, wheeling her green tank with its sweet vein, breath. She tips down the path he’s made for her, grass rippling but trim, soft underfoot,
Annual Lawn Irrigation System Service Agreements Offering an annual service contract to keep your irrigation system working properly and efficiently Initial system inspection and repairs, if needed Three other periodic system inspections, and repairs if needed Startup and system check annually Fall shut down and winterizing Rapid response to irrigation problems For more information call (318) 797-6035 9045 East Kings Highway Shreveport, LA 71115
to survey the yard, every inch of it in fine blossom, set-stone, pruned miniature, split rails docked along the front walk, antique watering cans down-spread - up huffs the dog again with his mouthy ball so flowers seem to spill out, red geraniums, grand blue asters, and something I have no name for, wild elsewhere in our world but here a thing to tend. To call for, and it comes. American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright ©2009 by David Baker, whose most recent book of poems is NeverEnding Birds, W. W. Norton, 2009. Poem reprinted from Virginia Quarterly Review, Vol. 84, no. 2, Spring 2009, by permission of David Baker and the publisher. Introduction copyright ©2010 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. The Best Of Times
June 2010
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A
Family Features
sensational summer menu can be simple, yet satisfying; exotic, yet familiar. Instead of making salad a sleepy side item this summer, mix things up and add some sizzle to the table with a sumptuous entrée salad straight from the grill. Try choosing a selection of colorful fruits, flavorful meats, crisp vegetables, delicious seasonings and luscious marinades that pop. Two delectable choices that can make your grilled salads sing are beef and fresh mango. For recipes and instructions on how to select and cut a mango, visit mango.org. Visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for beef grilling guidelines and recipes.
Beef Fajita Salad with Mango-Serrano Vinaigrette
Honey Grilled Fruit with Lime-Mint Vinaigrette
Asian Beef and Wild Rice Salad
2 beef top loin (strip) steaks, ¾ inch thick 2/3 cup light Asian-style dressing, divided 1¼ cups long-grain and wild rice blend 2½ cups water 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into ¾-inch pieces 1¼ cups hothouse cucumber, cut into half-moon slices 1¼ cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed ¼ cup sliced green onions, divided 2 Tbs. chopped cilantro Place beef steaks and 1/3 cup dress ing in food-safe plastic bag; coat evenly. Close bag and refrigerate 15 minutes to 2 hours. Cook rice in water according to package directions, omitting butter and salt, if desired. Cool in large bowl. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 15 to 18 minutes (over medium heat on gas grill, covered, 11 to 15 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Add pepper, cucumber, edamame, 2 tablespoons green onion, cilantro and remaining dressing to rice; toss to combine. Season with salt. Carve steaks into slices. Place salad on plate. Arrange steak over salad; top with remaining green onion. (4 servings) Courtesy of The Beef Checkoff
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Beef Fajita Salad with Mango-Serrano Vinaigrette 3 medium mangos, peeled, 1 cup radishes, pitted, cheeks sliced off thinly sliced Olive oil 2 Tbs. chopped 2 medium poblano cilantro peppers Vinaigrette: ½ tsp. ground black 3 Tbs. lime juice pepper 3 Tbs. water 1 pound beef top sirloin 1 to 2 serrano steak, 1 inch thick peppers 1 large red onion, cut into 3 Tbs. olive oil ½-inch slices Brush mangos with oil. Place mango cheeks and poblanos on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill poblanos, uncovered, 9 to 10 minutes (gas grill times remain the same) or until skins are blackened, turning occasionally. Grill mangos 8 to 14 minutes (gas grill times remain the same) or until very tender, turning occasionally. Seal peppers in food-safe bag and let stand for 15 minutes. Cool and cut mangos into 3/4-inch cubes and reserve. Press black pepper onto beef steak. Brush onion with oil. Place steak on grid; arrange onion around steak. Grill, uncovered, 17 to 21 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 13 to 16 minutes) or until steak is medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness and onion is tender, turning occasionally. For vinaigrette, measure 1/2 cup cubed mango and combine with lime juice, water and serranos in food processor. Cover; process until smooth. With motor running, slowly add oil, processing until well blended. Season with salt, as desired. Discard skins, stems and seeds from poblanos; cut into 3/4-inch pieces. Carve steak into slices. Halve onion slices. Place beef, remaining mango, onion, poblanos and radishes on platter. Season with salt. Drizzle with vinaigrette; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cilantro. (4 servings) Courtesy of The Beef Checkoff and National Mango Board
Honey Grilled Fruit with Lime-Mint Vinaigrette
Lime-Mint Vinaigrette: 2 Tbs fresh lime juice 1 Tbs olive oil 2 tsp honey 1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint Honey Grilled Fruit: ¼ cup honey 1 Tbs fresh lime juice ½ tsp cinnamon 3 large firm but ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and cut into spears ½ fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into spears 1 large peach, pitted and cut into 8 wedges 2 plums, pitted and quartered Mascarpone cheese Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Whisk together honey, lime juice and cinnamon. Grill all fruit over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or until grill marks appear, basting with honey mixture several times. Remove from grill and place in a large bowl; let cool and chop pineapple into large chunks. Place grilled fruit back into bowl, add vinaigrette and toss lightly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, stirring several times. Transfer to salad bowls or plates and top each with a dollop of mascarpone cheese. (8 servings) Courtesy of National Mango Board TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Simple Steak Grilling Tips
n Use a medium heat setting on a gas or charcoal grill. For charcoal grills, carefully hold the palm of your hand at cooking height above the ashcovered coals. Count the number of seconds you can hold your hand in that position; approximately 4 seconds is medium heat. n Always use tongs to turn steaks. Using a fork will pierce the beef, allowing flavorful juices to escape. n For best results, cook steaks to medium rare (145°F) or medium (160°F) doneness. The most accurate way to determine temperature is with an instant-read thermometer.
Make the Most of Mangos
n Mangos contain more than 20 dif ferent vitamins and minerals, are an excellent source of vitamins C and A and a good source of dietary fiber. n Color is not the best indicator of ripeness. Simply squeeze the mango gently to determine ripeness level. A ripe mango should give slightly, but not be too soft. n To ripen mangos, store at room temperature. Once ripe, store mangos in the refrigerator for up to five days.
S h r e v e p o r t l i t t l e t h e at r e
laSt oF the reD hot loverS September 9 - 19, 2010 i love YoU, YoU’re perFeCt, NoW ChaNGe November 4 - 14, 2010 a StreetCar NaMeD DeSire January 6 -16, 2011 little Shop oF horrorS March 3 - 13, 2011 pippiN April 28 - May 8, 2011
The Best Of Times
BroaDWaY BelterS: A Benefit for SLT’s Phoenix Project x2 June 25 - 27, 2010 piNKaliCioUS December 4, 2010 a ChriStMaS Carol This Holiday Season!
leS MiSeraBleS July 22 – August 1, 2010 reNt October 14 - 24, 2010 pippiN
(a co-production with SLTAcademy & SLT’s Mainstage)
Call (318) 424-4439
or email Sportlittletheatre@gmail.com Or Visit Our Box Office - 300 OCKLEY at Youree Dr. www.shreveportlittletheatre.org June 2010
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ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS Ophthalmology
Nursing Home Care
hospice
I have heard that Glaucoma is a painless disease. How often should I get checked for Glaucoma? Glaucoma is considered the silent thief of sight. It is painless, progressive, and can cause complete blindness. Every person over the age of 40 should be checked, if they have never had a glaucoma check, and then every 2 - 3 years after that. Glaucoma is more prominent in the elderly, so persons over the age of 65 should be checked yearly, especially if you have a family member with the disease. Glaucoma can be successfully treated with medicine and/or surgery to help prevent the loss of sight.
Will Medicare cover my husband’s care in a nursing home? While Medicare does not pay room & board fees for one actually “living” in a nursing home, there are portions of nursing home care that are covered. Medicare covers 100 days of skilled nursing care when the doctor feels that either nursing or rehabilitation services for Medicare Part A insured persons are needed following a recent hospitalization of 3 or more days. Additionally, Medicare Parts B & D may pay for your husband’s medications and physical, speech or occupational therapies ordered by a physician while he is in a nursing home. Depending upon the financial situation, nursing home room & board is generally paid by the individual, Medicaid, or Long Term Care Insurance.
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
Is Osteoarthritis (OA) hereditary? OA does have a genetic predisposition. Common forms of OA of the hands has a familial component. Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for bilateral (both) knee OA and weight loss will reduce the risk of OA in the knee. Obesity, surprisingly, does not show an increased risk of hip OA, but does show increased risk of hand OA. Whether adipose tissue releases OAcausing growth factors or hormones is not known at present, but what is known is that weight loss does have an identifiable improvement in OA of the knee.
Who are candidates for balloon kyphoplasty to relieve back problems? The best candidates for balloon kyphoplasty are those who have new (within a few days or a couple of weeks) fracture. Fractures are most common in older patients with osteoporosis and the typical symptom is severe, immediate onset back pain. Kyphoplasty has to be one of the most satisfying procedures - there is practically immediate relief in most cases, and people go home with only 2 tiny needle incisions. We treat other back-related problems which affect pain down the legs of ‘fatiguing” down the legs, and not every patient needs surgery - just an honest assessment.
I have two children at home and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security checks after I retire? Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children, including a legally adopted child or a dependent stepchild, if they are: Unmarried and under age 18; Age 19 if still in high school; or Age 18 or over, who became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled. In some cases, a grandchild may potentially be eligible as well. For more information, see our electronic fact sheet, Benefits For Children, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10085.html.
Pierremont Eye Institute 7843 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA 1105 318-212-3937; www.ShelbyEye.com See our ad on page 17.
John J. Ferrell, M.D. Mid South Orthopaedics 7925 Youree Drive; Suite 210 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 424-3400
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NurseCare Nursing and Rehab Center 1736 Irving Place Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 221-1983 See our ad on page 62.
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 25.
• • •
Dora Miller
Social Security Admin. Public Affairs Specialist 318-676-3173 www.socialsecurity.gov TheBestOfTimesNews.com
Paid Advertisement
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. June 2010
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Driver Safety
Concert
Hot Jazz on the Red - Presented by Barnwell Garden & Art Center, 601 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. The Friends of the Barnwell with Eldorado Resort Casino present Hot Jazz on the Red Summer Concert Series. Every Thursday during June the Barnwell Center will host FREE jazz concerts on the back patio. The concerts are 6 pm to 8 pm and are open to the public. Call 318673-7703 for more information. • June 3 - Symphonic Jazz Summit • June 10 - Mauva Belle and Hot Water • June 17 - Crossroads Band • June 24 - AJ and the Two Tone Blues Band
Silver Screenings "Swing Time" - Starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. A matinee and luncheon for seniors. Tuesday June 15. 10:30 a.m. Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas Street in downtown Sheveport. $5.75 for the film; $14 for the film and lunch. Call 318-459-4122 for reservations.
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With The Grandkids
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. • June 17 - 12:00 Noon. Bossier Council on Aging, 706 Bearkat Dr., Bossier City. Contact: Kathy Thomas: 318-741-8302; Instructor: Ray Branton.
Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary - Open Saturdays from noon - 5 p.m. (weather permitting). Admission for adults is $5.00, Children 4 - 12 is $4.00 and children 3 and under are free. Lions, tigers, African servals, leopard, cougar and bobcat. Located on I-49 at the Stonewall exit 191. The parking lot is not paved and there are no paved walkways. No concessions available. There is a covered picnic area. There are no ATMs or credit card capability. For more info and directions call 318-286-1145 or visit www.yogieandfriends.org.
CLASSES
FUNDRAISER
Noel Community Arts Program - A variety of music and art opportunities. Scholarships available based upon need. All classes are taught at Noel United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon, Shreveport. For more info or to enroll in a class please call (318) 573-5913 or visit www.noelumc.org/NCAP • Hand Building Pottery - Saturdays. 10 a.m. - 12 noon. June 5 - July 10. $50 for the six week class. • Wheel Throwing Pottery Wednesdays. 5:30 - 8 p.m. June 2 - July 21. Must have had hand building pottery class or equivalent. $85 for the 8 week class. • Digital Photography - Saturdays. 10 a.m. - 12 noon. July 10 - 31. You must have your own camera. $45 for the 4 week class. • Creative Computing - Wednesdays. 6 - 7:30 p.m. July 7 - 28. Learn to use the Internet to take your arts & crafts to the next level. Laptops provided for in-class use. $25 for the 4 week class.
"Empty Bowls" Fundraising Event - Thursday June 10th from 6 to 9 pm. at Eldorado Casino and Resort in downtown Shreveport. Benefitting The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana. Enjoy a meal of delicious soups and bread at this family friendly event and take home a beautiful bowl hand painted by a talented friend of the Food Bank! A silent auction will feature a variety of items. Tickets are $30 for individuals, $50 per couple, and $75 for a family. The dress for the event is business casual. For ticket and other info please contact Amie Roberts at 318.675.2400 or visit their website at www.foodbanknla.org.
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THEATRE
"Sweethearts" - Two act play presented by The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Northwest Louisiana. Festival benefit production of Sir William S. Gilbert’s romantic comedy of manners "Sweethearts" – a tender story of love’s opportunity missed in youth & rediscovered years later. Special benefit performances will occur on Friday and Saturday, June 18-19 at 7:30 pm at Anderson Auditorium, Hurley School of Music at Centenary College, Shreveport. "Sweethearts" was selected for performance at The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Gettysburg in June. Proceeds from the show will pay the costs of moving the show to Gettysburg! Advance Tickets: Internet orders (www.gsnla.org) - $21.50; Phone orders (1-800-957-8667) - $23.50; At-thedoor - Sold beginning 1 hour prior to performance - $25.00.
DINNER is SERVED
Free Dinner - Everyone is invited. No Cost. No Hassle. 2nd Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. This month’s meal will be served on June 10. Love Chapel United Methodist Church, 4600 Hwy. 80, Haughton. (Across from Family Dollar). For additional information contact Love Chapel United Methodist Church at 949-0430 or lovechapelumc@bellsouth.net.
KREWE OF ELDERS
Krewe of Elders Party - Sunday, June 27 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport. Entertainment by Susie. $6.00 per person. Food available for purchase. Cash bar, door prizes, 50/50 raffle. Open to the public. For more info please call 635-4901, 7529175, 518-8092.
Sam Stroope Hair Replacement Specialist and Hair Stylist
EXHIBITS
Alex Dzigurski: Poet of Land and Sea - Through Sunday, August 1. Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm. Presented by R. W. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell Ave., Shreveport. A selection of 18 works from the artist's estate which demonstrate his masterly technique in painting scenic America from coast to coast. FREE! "PEOPLE: Portraiture by Neil Johnson" - Through Sunday, June 27. Monday - Friday 9 am - 4 pm; Saturday - Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm Louisiana State Exhibit Museum., 3015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport. FREE! Wheelchair accessible For more information call (318) 632-2020. Golden Age of Jazz Exhibition Through Sunday, June 27. Presented by Barnwell Garden & Art Center, 601 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. The exhibition features photographs by William Gottlieb. The photographs are images of the great jazz artists of the 1930's and 40's. Tuesday - Friday, 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm. FREE!
990 Quail Creek Rd. (Inside Pinnacle Fitness)
Shreveport
318-868-8708
Skin Technology Has Moved! 1958 E. 70th, Suite C Shreveport, LA Jeany Mitchell Licensed Esthetician & Make-up Artist East Kings Highway
1958 E. 70th, Suite C Shreveport, Louisiana
Skin Technology
Post Office
Salon @ 1935
CPA Cynthia Brook
Elgin Street
Rivergate Shopping Center
East 70th Street
318-347-3567 The Best Of Times
June 2010
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Across
1 __-mouth 6 Bethlehem visitors 10 Ennui 15 Piece of cake 19 Superior to 20 Like a dust bowl 21 Bug 22 Country divided in 45-Across 23 Established districts 24 Shade of blue 25 On the move 26 Ed who played Mingo on "Daniel Boone" 27 Weather unit 30 Like a good knight 32 Flat-pancake filler 33 Silents star Jannings 34 Power source 36 Puts in a bad light 37 Deposed '70s despot 38 Request to Fido 40 Fund-raising targets 42 Punxsutawney prophet 45 "I'm outa here" 49 Sunblock letters 52 Word with strip or relief 54 "Is it soup __?" 55 Tyler Perry's "Diary of __ Black Woman" 56 Country divided in 44-Down 57 Cruising locale 58 Like always 62 "Star Wars Episode II" attack force 64 More 47-Down 66 Rural room renter 67 Cattle drive need 68 Bashes 70 Colony resident 71 Strikes, e.g. 73 General nicknamed "Old Blood and Guts" 74 Start of a simple game 75 Poet Amy 76 Lets out, say 77 Makes a special
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effort 80 Fearful reverence 83 Troubles 84 Went licketysplit 85 Canadian prov. whose capital is Charlottetown 86 Cartridge contents 88 Wedding notice word 89 FleetCenter predecessor 94 Says further 95 "Growing Pains" star Alan 97 Sch. with a Lima campus 98 Three-piece suit piece 100 Country divided in 27-Across 102 Swedish import 105 West Wing adjunct 106 One not acting well 109 Cracks up over 111 Without breaking the rules 115 Rover's bowlful 116 Polite turndown 118 Bad marks in high school? 119 Racing family name 120 Dark purple fruit 121 Emcee's task 122 Country divided in 111-Across 123 Lapel attachment 124 Strokes 125 Colorado ski mecca 126 Bit of progress, figuratively 127 11-Down feature
Down
1 Publisher of Zoom-Zoom magazine 2 English horn relatives 3 Country divided in 89-Across
Divided Countries
By Harvey Estes; Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
(Solution on page 59)
4 Superior to 5 Turn in for money 6 "The Pink Panther Theme" composer 7 Disney mermaid 8 Breathing organ 9 Caesar's big date 10 Humdinger 11 Will Rogers prop 12 Communications co. 13 Nixon chief of staff 14 Bedrock, e.g. 15 Big Red 16 Donne words before "entire of itself" 17 Bond, for one 18 Newsgroup messages 28 Send out 29 He did a Moor good, then harm 31 Rich fabric
35 Taj __ 37 Ring icon 38 Cold draft 39 Brute's rebuke? 41 City served by Ben-Gurion airport 42 IBM products 43 Tilling tool 44 Words sung before placing hand to hip 46 Mike of "54" 47 Very thin 48 Country divided in 16-Down 50 Fabric fold 51 Weapons of the unarmed 53 Straight shooting, so to speak 56 Gourmet mushroom 59 Hides 60 Hanging convenience 61 "__ you asked
..." 62 Circus employee 63 Hot gossip, with "the" 65 Forks over, with "up" 68 Country divided in 77-Across 69 Berry of "Monster's Ball" 70 Pulitzer-winning poet Conrad __ 71 Flannel shirt pattern 72 Lyon king 74 Island starch source 77 Shopping aids 78 Bathroom luxuries 79 Country divided in 58-Across 81 United 82 "Grey's Anatomy" settings, briefly 84 "For shame!" 87 Granola bar bit
89 Ecolutions pens 90 "1984" setting 91 Asian expanse 92 Easy to get 93 Rorem and Beatty 96 Sci-fi series about people with special powers 99 Costume sparkler 100 Understanding 101 Actress Esther 103 Flaming 104 Composer Copland 105 Former UN leader Kofi 106 Can't help but 107 Fields of study 108 On-ramp sign 110 A whole lot 112 Fridge foray 113 Lot, maybe 114 Nullify 117 "The racer's edge" 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 59)
Assistance Clothing Economy Eligibility Food Furniture
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Grants Identification Medication Ministry Organization Phone
Rent Services Shelter Social Transportation Utilities June 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
ResCare Home Care (318) 678-1890
Shreve Hearing Aid Service (318) 797-7733
Willis Knighton Medical Center – Bossier (318) 212-7000
Home Products and Services
Willis Knighton Medical Center – South Shreveport (318) 212-5000
Senior Living Options
Wilis Knighton Medical Center – Pierremont (318) 212-3000
Azalea Estates Assisted Living (318) 797-2408
Insurance
Horizon Bay Assisted Living (318) 747-2114
Seniors Club Personal Care Services (318) 635-0010 Cemeteries/Funeral Homes
Hill Crest Memorial (318) 949-9415
Bossier Council on Aging (318) 741-8302
Casino DiamondJacks Casino & Resort (318)-678-7777 Counseling Services The Center for Families (318) 222-0759 Educational Courses
Doug Weatherton Handyman Services (318) 868-9993 Lex Plant Farm and Garden Center (318) 797-6035 Simmon’s Exterior Cleaning (318) 636-6035
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (800) 495-2583
Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner (318) 631-6655
Medical Supplies and Equipment
Home Health Care (Medicare Certified) Ark-La-Tex Home Health, Inc (318) 747-6180
Bible Correspondence Course (318) 797-6333
Medistar Home Health (318)742-4026
The Best of Times (318) 636-5510
Emergency Response Systems
Synergy Home Care (318) 550-0285
Webster Council on Aging (318) 371-3056
Acadian OnCall (800) 259-1234
Hospice Care Providers
Comfort Keepers (318) 934-0090 Elder Kare (318) 469-1711 Elite Health Solutions (318) 213-5483
Financial & Estate Planning/Legal Services Jeff Guerriero, attorney (318) 841-0055 Serio Investments Phillip Serio (318) 221-0889
Entrum Care, Inc. (318) 949-1828
The Law Practice of Joseph Gilsoul (318) 222-2100
Family Care Services (318) 671-1799
Cemetery Upkeep and Flowers
Interim HealthStyles (318) 741-3776
Flowers Forever, LLC (318) 925-2323
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Hearing Care Services
The Robinson Film Center (318) 424-9090
Care Providers
June 2010
KWKH AM 1130 Radio Station (318) 688-1130
Better Hearing Systems (318) 747-9191
BluePrint Louisiana (866) 483-3920
Shreveport Little Theatre (318) 424-4439
Radio Stations
Northwest LA INCS, LLC (318) 636-0390
Centuries Memorial (318) 686-4334
Sci-Port Louisiana’s Science Center (318) 424-3466
Hospitals Brentwood Hospital (318) 678-7500 Willis Knighton Medical Center – North Shreveport (318) 212-4000
Associations and Organizations
Caddo Council on Aging (318) 632-2090
Lex Plant Farm – Cemetery Services (318) 797-6035
Hospice Compassus (318) 524-1046 LifePath Hospice (318) 222-5711 St. Joseph Hospice (318) 222-8723 Willis Knighton Hospice of Louisiana (318) 212-4697 Home Infusion Services IV Plus (318) 683-5139
FastServ Medical (318) 741-9586 Medtronics – XSTOP Spacer (866) 580-5242 Pet Sitting Services L’ll Rascals Pet Setting (318) 573-6672
Restaurants Cupcake Gallery and Coffee Shop (318) 752-2253 Imperial Wok Chinese Restaurant (318) 687-6668
Kingsley Place of Shreveport (318) 524-2100 NurseCare of Shreveport (318) 221-1983 Southwood Gardens (318) 682-4022 Southwood Square (318) 671-1888 Summerfield Estates (318) 688-9525
Your Pet’s Nanny (318) 868-9993
The Waterford at Shreveport (318) 524-3300
Physician Services
Skin Care/Hair Care
Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600
Jeany Mitchell’s Skin Technology (318) 347-3567
Mid South Orthopaedics (318) 424-3400 Pierremont Eye Institute Dr. Chris Shelby, Dr. Ashley Sipes, Dr. David D. Bryan, Dr. J. Paul Swearingen, Jr. (318) 212-3937 Regional Urology LLC (318) 683-0411 Vision – Source Dr. Larry Chism (888) 243-2020
Sam Stroope, Hairstylist (318) 868-8708 Travel Services Cruises, Inc (318) 746-3745 Fly Branson Airlines (888)359-2541 Telephone Book User-Friendly Phone Book (318) 865-1280 TheBestOfTimesNews.com
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Centuries Memorial 8801 Mansfield Shreveport, LA 71108 (318) 686-4334
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Hill Crest Memorial 601 Hwy. 80 East Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949-9415
June 2010
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The Best of Times & Caddo/Bossier RSVP Salute Volunteer of the Month Lawrence Melrose by Teresa Micheels If you happen to wander into Westwood Manner Nursing and Rehab Center (Westwood), looking for Mr. Lawrence Melrose, you would not find him sitting in the front parlor area. Truth-be-told your hunt for our volunteer of the month, would have just gotten started. A long time resident of New Orleans Mr. Melrose found himself here in Shreveport, Louisiana after hurricane Katrina forced him and his family out of the great crescent city. Evacuated directly into Westwood Nursing Center, Lawrence soon realized he had found more than a place to live, he had found home. When his family decided to return to New Orleans, Mr.
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Melrose stayed behind here in Shreveport, at Westwood with confidence that he was already where he was meant to be. Today Mr. Melrose can be found volunteering and giving his time to those that really need an outstretched hand of help. “Lawrence helps our residents here at Westwood, by being the friendly face that rides our van when residents travel to and from appointments. He also helps deliver Caddo Council on
Aging, Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in our community.” exclaimed Debbie Brooks, Westwood Manner Nursing and R e h a b Center - Administrator. “Lawrence is so dedicated to our residents, staff and facility, you would think h e wo rk e d here,” she concluded. A l o n g with his devotion to volunteering at Westwood and Caddo Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels program, Mr. Lawrence is also
a proud member of Caddo/ Bossier RSVP. In April 2010, Mr. Melrose was presented with the Presidential Lifetime Award for giving 4,326 hours of his time to the organizations he serves in our community, at Caddo/Bossier RSVP annual volunteer recognition. To find Mr. Melrose you might have to go looking, because he never stands still for too long. But if you take the time to search, you will find him helping where needed with a smile on his face and gentle words of endearment on his lips. If you are interested in volunteering please call or email the Caddo/Bossier RSVP off ice at (318) 632-2113 or email lmulliccoa@yahoo.com.
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Share your photos with us. Email to editor.calligas@gmail.com Literacy Volunteers at Centenary College Scrabble Tournament
Above: (l to r) Barbara and George Newtown (1st place) and Diana Ely and David Greer (2ndplace) were the winners of the Experienced Level.
What’s more fun than playing Bunko? Celebrating a birthday as well.
Inset: Maurine Locke (left) was honored as a Community Gem by the Community Foundation and Clarkes Jewelers for her volunteer work. She was awarded a diamond necklace to wear during the month of April. She opted to share the necklace with special people in her life including Sue Lee, Director of Literacy Volunteers at Centenary College, who wore it during the tournament.
The Greek and More Cultural Festival at
Father Songy Honored Bishop Bruce MacPherson named Father Ben Songy (right) an Honorary Canon of the Episcopal Church for his service with the Canterbury House at Centenary College and presented him with a replica of a cannon.
Les Bon Temps Spring Party Gil and Valerie Murphy with Susan and Joe Cage
Club founding sister Dolcie Dene Cazedessus with husband Lad (left) and Tem McElroy
The Best Of Times
(seated) Meg Goorley, Helen Palmer and Debbie Oliver; (standing) Barbara Chaney, Dena Martin, birthday girl Judy Brainis, Libby Alexander, Lynn Homza, Jean Gamble, Brenda Kennon, and Julie Blewer. St. George Greek Orthodox Church celebrated the food, music, dance, and religion of Greece Pat Booras, Roy Burrell, and Maria Kirkikis (l to r) Maria Kirkikis, Magda Panos, Paula Andrews, and Sophia Booras
Lady Astor, Birthday Girl
Lady Astor, Jan Bland, boards her limo to Ernest’s Supper Club to celebrate her 80th birthday with her red hat society friends.
Caddo/ Bossier RSVP Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party Thom Butenhoff was a lucky door prize winner Lawrence Melrose and Kenneth P. Koval were awarded the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award. June 2010
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June 2010
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