by Donna Pettman
Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.
by Linda Thistle
The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank quares and use each of the nine numbers only once.
Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!
legged companions are our best friends, our confidantes. But what happens when taking care of your companion animal means you’re not taking care of yourself?
The “Changing Needs of the Aging Population” episode discusses all of this and more.
“Pets are part of the family, comforting and can even improve your health,” Gary says. “That is why there are programs like Mercy Paws and Mercy Pets.”
Mercy Paws is a program that Mercy Care has developed with PACC911 for home-based members who receive longterm care services. PACC911 is a network of animal rescue groups from around Arizona.
“If you have to go into the hospital and you have no family, friends or support system to help care for your pet, PACC911 will place your pet with a rescue or foster home until you return from the hospital. When you come home, your pet will come home,” Gary says.
Mercy Paws pet care services are offered at no cost to members while they are in the hospital.
“Mercy Pets is a bit different in that we also have a program that helps connect robo-pets with adults who are in assisted living, giving them back the feeling of a companion but without the daily need to feed it, walk it or clean up after it,” Gary says.
This episode focuses on how to identify the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and what to do if you suspect a loved one is being abused.
“At least 1 in 10 adults over 65 suffer from abuse each year, and it is our responsibility to fight this,” Gary says.
There are many kinds of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, financial and neglect.
“Certainly, we understand physical abuse, but everything from humiliation and harassment to providing unsanitary living conditions is also abuse,” Gary adds.
If you suspect someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911 immediately. If the danger is not immediate but you suspect abuse has occurred, please tell someone. Get in touch with your local Adult Protective Services, Mercy Care’s Office of Individual & Family Affairs ombudsman or the police.
Suicide in Arizona has increased among older people, and this episode of “Everyone Deserves Access to Quality Healthcare” talks all about that. Beyond the whys, it also does a deep dive into what is being done to decrease and ultimately prevent suicide.
“For example, safeTALK is available to anyone over 16 to learn to identify someone who is thinking about suicide and connect them to help,” Gary says. “It is a half-day workshop and 100% free.”
The episode also shines a light on Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two-day training program that teaches participants how to assist those at risk for suicide.
For more information or to access the entire series, visit youtube.com/mercycareaz.com.
