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Piedmont Healthcare Quarterly A Kings Mountain Herald, Banner News, Cherryville Eagle publication
hy Make a healt ...........page 4 resolution .... affects Mental illness ...........page 5 everyone ...... Is BHRT right .........page 14 for you? ........ .........page 16 Back to work
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December 26, 2012
Working, golfing, exercising, eating right It all keeps Sidney Dixon going strong at age 90 By Gary Stewart Sidney Dixon recently went to the VA for his regular checkup and all of his tests were excellent. A nurse asked him how old he is. “How old do you think I am?� he asked. “Sixty-five,� she replied. “I started to hug her neck,� Dixon said. Dixon, 90, would certainly pass as much younger to those who haven’t known him for a long time. He is in remarkable shape, weighing in at 175 pounds, just ten pounds heavier than when he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He credits work, golf, eating right, and exercise for keeping him going. For most of his adult life, he has been a barber or hairdresser. He currently runs his shop on Bethlehem Road all day on Wednesdays and Fridays. He plays golf at least once a week with the Cleveland County Senior Golf Association, which he joined many years ago. He says if he isn’t the oldest member “I’m pushing them.� All golfers yearn for the day when they can shoot their age. That is a big accomplishment for those in their sixties and seventies. Dixon has been shooting his age for years. In fact, he says one of the reasons he exercises so much
Sidney Dixon practices his golf swing in a big field behind his home. is that he doesn’t want to shoot his age anymore. He shoots a lot less than that. He was working 12-to-14 hours, six days a week in the early sixties when a customer told him quite frankly that he needed to get out of the barber shop. “Go play some
golf,� Dixon remembers the man saying. “So, I went out and got me a set of old clubs and it worked out real good,� he said. “I would leave the shop two or three days a week and play nine holes at either Pine Grove or Grassy Valley (now Crowders Mountain) and it got me out of the shop for about an hour and a half. It turned out to be the best exercise I ever had.� The game came easy for him. “I could play exceptionally well,� he said. After a while Dixon began playing 18 holes every Monday, a routine he has kept ever since except he now plays on Tuesdays with the seniors. In his younger days he was consistently in the 70s. Now he’s consistently in the low to mid 80s. The key to his good scores is practicing six days a week. The seventh is the Lord’s Day. He still teaches the Men’s Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, and recently received a plaque for 30 years continuous service as its teacher. In the past he has also served as a lay speaker at area churches and taught the Sunday school lesson to campers at Kings Mountain State Park. A large field behind his house has hundreds of golf balls in it. Dixon hits balls six days a week when the weather is suitable. A longtime fan of the late golf instructor Harvey Penick, Dixon strongly believes in Penick’s theory that golfers should use 75 percent of their practice time with the See DIXON, page 6
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Gout... the ‘disease of kings’ By Alan Hodge
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One of the most painful things that can afflict a senior citizen isn’t just the high cost of meds, it’s the gout. Sometimes called the “disease of kings� and associated with rich food and drink and plenty of it, gout is royal alright, as in a royally painful. In 1683, Thomas Sydenham, an English physician, described its occurrence in the early hours of the morning, and its predilection for older males: Gouty patients are, generally, either old men, or men who have so worn themselves out in youth as to have brought on a premature old age—of such dissolute habits none being more common than the premature and excessive indulgence in venery, and the like exhausting passions. The victim goes to bed and sleeps in good health. About two o’clock in the morning he is awakened by a severe pain in the great toe; more rarely in the heel, ankle or instep. The pain is like that of a dislocation, and yet parts feel as if cold water were poured over them. Then follows chills and shivers, and a little fever... The night is passed in torture, sleeplessness, turning the part affected, and perpetual change of posture; the tossing about of body being as incessant as the pain of the tortured joint, and being worse as the fit comes on. Ask anyone who has ever had the gout what it feels like. Some will say it feels like their big toe is being crushed by a red-hot steam roller, another might say it feels like the toe has been placed in the muzzle of a shotgun and the trigger pulled, yet another might describe the pain as having had one’s toe struck with a sledge hammer wielded by a circus strongman. Along with the pain, there’s the debilitating aspect of gout. When the pain is in the toe, the most often afflicted location, wearing shoes is next to impossible. Heck, gout pain can be so bad that even Photo by Alan Hodge
The joint that connects your great toe to the rest of the foot is a prime target for gout and will exhibit swelling, redness, and tremendous pain when the attack is in full swing.
slipping on a pair of socks is an ordeal. Trying to walk when the gout has struck often requires a cane or even crutches. So, what the heck is the gout? Simply put, the gout is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in a joint such as the big toe. When the joint is moved, the crystals act like shards of broken glass jabbing into sensitive nerve endings. The result is excruciating pain, redness, swelling, and heat in the afflicted area. Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys and into your urine. However, sometimes your body either produces too much uric acid or your kidneys excrete too little uric acid. When that happens, uric acid can build up and form needle-like urate crystals in a joint or surrounding tissue. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines- substances found naturally in the body, as well as certain foods such as organ meats, anchovies, herring, asparagus, and mushrooms. Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can ramp up purine production as well. Once started, gout attacks have to play themselves out, but there are treatment options that help. The initial aim of treatment is to settle the symptoms of an acute attack. Repeated attacks can be prevented by different drugs used to reduce the serum uric acid levels. Ice applied for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day decreases pain. Options for acute treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, colchicine and steroids while options for prevention include allopurinol, febuxostat and probenecid. Lowering uric acid levels can cure the disease. See GOUT, page 8
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December 26, 2012
Don’t fall victim to injury Make a healthy resolution Falls are a leading cause of injury in adults over the age of 65. Every hour, there is one death and 183 emergency room department visits for falls-related injuries among older adults. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. There are several factors increasing the risk of falls among older adults and several prevention practices that can be done to reduce the risk of falling. Contributing factors to falls are health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, muscle weakness, poor balance, poor vision, foot problems, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia, medications or the combination of certain medications, the use of an assistive device, and environmental dangers such as new or unfamiliar surroundings, improper footwear, or poor lighting. To reduce the risk of falling, review your medications with your healthcare provider to see if any might increase your chance of falling and they can
review side effects and interactions with the other medications you are receiving. Also, work with your healthcare provider to identify and treat health problems that can cause falls. They can check your balance, leg strength and function, blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, how you walk, and your vision. They may make recommendations such as exercises, therapy, or using a walker. Since most falls occur in the home, complete an analysis of dangers in the home. Remove loose carpets or rugs or ensure they have nonskid backing, wear appropriate footwear, arrange furniture so that it creates plenty of space to walk freely, install railings in hallways and grab bars near the toilet and bath tub, ensure there is adequate lighting thoughout the house, and clean up clutter. If you or a loved one does have a fall and needs short term rehabilitation, please allow Peak Resources- Cherryville to provide those services to assist with the transition back home. Peak Resources- Cherryville provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, 24 hours skilled nursing services, and creates an environment where caring comes to life. Peak Resources
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The New Year is a time for new beginnings and to set goals that strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body. When making New Year’s Resolutions, the Cleveland County Family YMCA reminds families that building and maintaining family connectedness is one of the most important resolutions. “At the Y, we are committed to strengthening individuals and families to build stronger communities,� said Shannon Hovis, Director of Operations, Ruby C Hunt YMCA. “When making New Year’s Resolutions, we encourage people to begin with small changes that are easy to sustain and that lead to big benefits over time. Also, set goals as a family to learn and thrive together.� The Cleveland County Family YMCA offers a variety of programs that supports time together for all ages, such as Zumba, Zumba Gold, Yoga, Cycle, Swimming, and many more. There are also simple things families can do at home to improve their family’s health and well-being. Following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends for 2013: Eat Together: Sitting down together for a meal is a great way for parents and children to share stories, or talk about the
school day or their favorite part of the day. Set aside time for the family to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a week or every day if scheduling permits. Volunteer Together: Giving back and supporting neighbor’s benefits everyone involved. It teaches children and teens the value of helping others and is also a way to meet new people or discover a new interest. Find an opportunity in your community that the entire family may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park, distributing food at a local food bank or volunteer at the Y. Unplug from Technology: Limit screen time (television, video games, computer, etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two for activities that allow interaction and camaraderie. If weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, or have a game night at home. If you do want to watch television, maybe have a movie night with the family. Be Physically Active: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into See HEALTHY RESOLUTION, page 9
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Mental illness affects How it affects your teeth and gums! patients and families
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, is a condition in which the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of acid backing up from the stomach. The term heartburn is used interchangeably with that of GERD. 36% of otherwise healthy Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month and 7% experience heartburn as often as once a day. The incidence of GERD increases markedly after the age of 40. Not just adults are affected; even infants and children can have GERD. GERD may have extreme dental implications. It is most easily recognized by dental professionals when we see an accelerated decay rate that cannot be explained by reports of high sugar exposure. Typical cavities are caused by bacterial plaque. Cavities from GERD are caused by stomach acids. Preventive Dental Measures • Using fluoridated toothpaste, preferably a low-abrasive formula. • Reduction of dietary acids and/or careful rinsing of the mouth after acid exposure. • Salivary flow stimulation by use of
nonacidic, sugarless candy or gum. Preventing GERD Lifestyle modifications can relieve reflux symptoms. The following steps may reduce reflux significantly: • Refrain from eating three hours prior to bedtime. • Avoid lying down right after having eaten at any time of day. • Avoid the ingestion of large meals. Instead eating smaller, more frequent meals. • Avoid fatty or greasy foods, chocolate, caffeine, mints or mint-flavored foods, spicy foods, citrus, and tomato-based foods. • Avoid alcohol ingestion. • Smoking cessation. • Losing excess weight. • Standing upright or sitting up straight. • Discuss with health care providers the intake of certain medications such as overthe-counter pain relievers, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or medicines for osteoporosis. These can aggravate reflux in some people. Young & Associates Family Dentist
Abraham Lincoln. Winston Churchill. Ludwig von Beethoven. What do these three historical figures have in common? They suffered from some form of mental illness. Lincoln and Churchill suffered from bouts of depression, sometimes severe. Beethoven, it is thought, had bipolar disorder. A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). These conditions often make it more difficult to deal with the ordinary demands of life. In the Behavioral Health Center at Kings Mountain Hospital (KMH) staff, including Amy Bilmanis, LCSWA, a licensed clinical social worker associate, help patients dealing with mental illness. “We are an acute crisis unit,” said Bilmanis. “We are really the introduction to therapy and recovery for our patients. The average stay with us is 7–10 days.” Staffed with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, substance abuse counselors and other professionals, this is the only program
of its kind in the area. Part of the Carolinas HealthCare System’s behavioral health centers, the program at KMH provides inpatient psychiatric, dual diagnosis and acute medical detoxification services to adults age 18 and older. “We are trying to teach healthier ways of living,” said Bilmanis, “and better ways of managing illness or disease.” “For substance abuse patients, we can assist with medical detox,” she continued. “We also evaluate patients who arrive with a substance abuse problem for other mental disorders. You can’t just treat the substance abuse and think that other issues will simply go away. Most substance abuse patients have an underlying mental illness.” It is estimated that more than five million adults have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders, according to NAMI. Mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One in four adults–that’s See MENTAL ILLNESS, 15
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DIXON: Working, golfing, exercising, eating right kids’ hair for “a whole nickel.” When he came out of the Navy in 1948 he went to barber school in Durham. He worked in a four-chair shop in Charlotte for a while, then in Asheville for about eight months before coming home to Kings Mountain and working at the old Margrace Barber Shop which was located in the Margrace Mill clubhouse. He and Floyd Dover worked together for many years at a shop on Mountain Street. Dixon then went into hairdressing for 12 years before opening a shop in an old house on West King Street (where SunTrust Bank is now). He built his current shop in 1977, and on doctor’s orders cut back from five days to two days a week in the late 1990s. Dixon’s best advice to golfers is to “practice like you play. Don’t just swing a club in the air, set up for each shot. Whether I’m driving the ball or putting I square it up with an object within two feet of me. If you don’t you’re going to miss it. You just can’t walk up and hit a golf ball. Golf’s like any other sport. If you don’t prac-
From page 2 short game. So, in his yard he has a net to work on short irons, and in his barber shop and the basement of his home he has an area where he can practice putting, when he has no customers and at night. “I’ve never had a lesson,” Dixon said. “But I have studied Harvey Penick’s books and have his ‘Little Red Book’ and ’If You Play Golf You’re My Friend.’” Dixon also takes Penick’s advice for seniors (or as Penick called them “seasoned citizens”) to try to walk as much as they can on the golf course. He always has his partner drive the cart. “After I hit my approach shot I like to walk from there to the green,” he said. He encourages anyone over age 60 to join a senior golf association. “That’s been a good deal for me,” he said. Although he only plays on Tuesdays, the Cleveland County Golf Association plays each Tuesday and Thursday at different courses in the area. “The reason I don’t play on Thursday is because I feel like I should be doing something around the house,” Dixon noted. “I play golf on Tuesday and run the barber shop on Wednesdays and Fridays so I’m needed at home.” Dixon, who was a hero in WWII when he shot down a Japanese plane that was within a split second of bombing the ship he was on, says cutting hair was always in his blood. As a 14-year-old growing up on his father Ira Dixon’s farm in the Bethlehem community, he cut neighbor
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tice you can’t play. You can’t leave the clubs in the trunk of the car and go back out next week and score decent.” Dixon credits his good health directly to golf. “I don’t have any other activity,” he said. “I don’t swim or do any other sports. I do lift eight-pound weights every night before work. It keeps me limber. Before I go play golf I warm up in the back yard. I like to pick out a leaf, set up and swing just like I was on the course.” He also walks three days a week at the Cleveland Mall. “You make a lot of good friends at the mall,” he says. He eats regularly - but stays away from sweets - and believes in going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning. For years Dixon has joked that he intends to retire in 2027 when he’ll be 105 years old. Friends may be thinking now that he hasn’t been kidding. Then, he’ll have even more time to golf. On that recent trip to the VA, he told his doctor of his retirement plan and asked if she would be his caddy. “She said she’d give it a good thought,” he said.
Whether practicing or playing, Sidney Dixon always picks his target and sets up properly before hitting a shot. Photos by Gary Stewart
December 26, 2012
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Shirley Geter, one of Peak Resources two volunteer readers visits with resident Pearl Carpenter, who listens attentively as Geter reads one of Carpenter’s favorite Bible verses. Carpenter said she “just loves it” when the two women come by. Photo by Michael Powell
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Three local senior citizens know it’s tough getting older and that your health is one of your most important assets. For Monica Beheler, Peak Resources Activities Director, and two volunteers who frequently help out there, making another senior’s life a little happier, a little brighter, is right up their alley. “Many seniors today have someone to help them in their later years,” Beheler said. “Yet there are also many who never know who is going to be responsible for taking care of them if they fall ill, become infirm, and can no longer care for themselves.” Fortunately though, with folks being healthier today than in the past, Beheler noted many senior citizens in reasonably good health help fellow seniors struggling with various health issues, unable to do for themselves. “Some may not have family members close by to help them,” she addded. Enter Shirley Geter, 67, and Gilda Towery, 65 of Lawndale, two senior volunteers at Peak Resources. “No worries,” is the reply you will hear from the two “young at heart” seniors. Towery and Geter are on the young side of senior citizen-hood. The two women can be found most weekdays volunteering to help with their fellow seniors residing at Peak Resources in Cherryville.
Waco resident Geter said she enjoys what she does at Peak. As a volunteer reader, she comes by Tuesdays through Thursdays and reads Bible scriptures or inspirational books to many residents at Peak. They all know her and Towery by name and look forward to the ladies’ weekly “reads”. As for her being in good health to keep on doing what she loves, Geter said, “I just want to give honor to Jesus.” When she retired from her job at Clover Tech in Clover, S.C., where she worked for 10 years, Geter knew she wanted to volunteer doing something to help others. Peak Resources fit the bill for her. And reading isn’t all they do. She and Towery talk or pray with many of the Peak residents. “Sometimes I just go in their rooms and ask if they would like me to read to them,” Geter said. “Sometimes, if they ask me to, I will pray with them.” She noted that doing so puts a smile on their faces. Peak Activities Director Monica Beheler said whenever either of the two ladies misses a day, the residents ask about them. “They want to know where they’re at or if and when they’ll be in.” Geter’s church, Macedonia Missionary Baptist in Waco, comes to Peak every second Saturday to preach and sing for the See SENIORS, page 18
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GOUT: the ‘disease of kings’ From page 3 Treatment of comorbidities is also important. NSAIDs are the usual first-line treatment for gout, and no specific agent is significantly more or less effective than any other. Improvement may be seen within four hours, and treatment is recommended for one to two weeks. They are not recommended, however, in those with certain other health problems, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure, or heart failure. While indomethacin has historically been the most commonly used NSAID, an alternative, such as ibuprofen, may be preferred due to its better side effect profile in the absence of superior effectiveness. For those at risk of gastric side effects from NSAIDs, an additional proton pump inhibitor may be given. Without treatment, an acute attack of gout usually resolves in five to seven days. However, 60% of people have a second attack within one year. Those with gout are at increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and renal and cardiovascular disease, thus are at increased risk of death. This may be partly
due to its association with insulin resistance and obesity, but some of the increased risk appears to be independent. An important part of keeping gout attacks from coming as often or not at all is diet. Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic regarding a gout preventative eating and drinking routine. Limit meat, poultry and fish. Animal proteins are high in purine. Avoid or severely limit high-purine foods, such as organ meats, herring, anchovies and mackerel. Red meat (beef, pork and lamb), fatty fish and seafood (tuna, shrimp, lobster and scallops) are associated with increased risk of gout. Because all meat, poultry and fish contain purines, limit your intake to 4 to 6 ounces (113 to 170 grams) daily. Cut back on fat. Saturated fat lowers the body’s ability to eliminate uric acid. Choosing plant-based protein, such as beans and legumes, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products will help you cut down the amount of saturated fat in your diet. High-fat meals also contribute to obesity, which is linked to gout. Limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol interferes with the elimination of uric acid from your body. Drinking beer, in particular, has
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been linked to gout attacks. If you’re having an attack, avoid all alcohol. However, when you’re not having an attack, drinking one or two 5-ounce (148-milliliter) servings a day of wine is not likely to increase your risk. Limit or avoid foods sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. Fructose is the only carbohydrate known to increase uric acid. It is best to avoid beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, such as soft drinks or juice drinks. Juices that are 100 percent fruit juice do not seem to stimulate uric acid production as much. Choose complex carbohydrates. Eat more whole grains and fruits and vegetables and fewer refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, cakes and candy. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Some studies have shown that low-fat dairy products can help reduce the risk of gout. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Fluids can help remove uric acid from your body. Aim for 8 to 16 glasses a day. A glass is 8 ounces (237 milliliter). There’s also some evidence that drinking four to six cups of coffee a day lowers gout risk in men.
Gout affects around 1–2% of the Western population at some point in their lifetimes, and is becoming more common. Rates of gout have approximately doubled between 1990 and 2010. This rise is believed due to increasing life expectancy, changes in diet, and an increase in diseases associated with gout, such as metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. A number of factors have been found to influence rates of gout, including age, race, and the season of the year. In men over the age of 30 and women over the age of 50, prevalence is 2%. In the United States, gout is twice as likely in African American males as it is in European Americans. Rates are high among the peoples of the Pacific Islands and the Māori of New Zealand, but rare in Australian aborigines, despite a higher mean concentration of serum uric acid in the latter group. It has become common in China, Polynesia, and urban sub-Saharan Africa. Some studies have found attacks of gout occur more frequently in the spring. This has been attributed to seasonal changes in diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and temperature.
December 26, 2012
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Holiday season’s ups and downs There is always obvious joy throughout the holiday season. Late fall brings cooler temperatures and an anticipation unlike any other. Fires begin to roar, ovens begin to get a little extra use and folks begin to prepare for celebrations and family togetherness. These are all the obvious “ups” of a holiday season. Unfortunately, there are several “downs” as well. They might be overlooked, unrecognized or sometimes perhaps even ignored. Depression among those over 45 has skyrocketed. The CDC estimates that 1 in 10 adults show signs of depression, and this number nearly doubles during the holidays. At Gaston Eye Associates, we are committed to our patient’s overall health, well-being and quality of life. According to Better Hearing Institute’s Dr. Kochkin, a growing body of research indicates that people with untreated hearing loss may be at an increased risk of depression. When left untreated or unaddressed, hearing loss can lead to isolation and other emotional conditions that can affect both quality of life and mental health. In addition, Lighthouse International
estimates that 7-27% of older adults with vision loss had a degree of depression; that is 2-3x the average. Whether a person with vision loss becomes depressed seems more related to the impact the vision loss has on a person’s functioning rather than to the actual severity of the vision loss. One thing that is overheard all too often is, “I certainly do not want to talk about my eyesight or have anyone else talk about it either. It would be very depressing. Maybe I have not reached that stage where I am that desperate.” Unfortunately, not getting evaluations and services is all too common; experience and research demonstrate that learning skills to compensate for vision loss can have a positive effect on one’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life. One of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world is cataracts. It is now estimated by the National Institute of Health, that 20.5 million Americans have cataracts and that number is expected to increase to 30.1 million by the year 2020. As many of you know, a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This clouding can be the result of
trauma, medications and exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. By removing the eye’s natural lens that has clouded over, and by implanting an artificial lens designed and calculated for an exact prescription, the surgeon can restore much of one’s vision. With today’s technology and with Gaston Eye Associates’ expert surgeons, cataract surgery may be one of the very factors that can help improve mobility, maintain independence and keep the onset of depression out of reach. Vision loss, hearing loss and depression are well-linked. Talk with your primary care physician and with family members. Allow those around you to help. You owe it to yourself to remain healthy and vibrant. Please call today to schedule an appointment and allow the physicians at Gaston Eye Associates to evaluate your vision. For more information, visit www.gastoneye.com or find us on Facebook. May each and every one of you have a happy and healthy holiday season. Joshua T. Ziebell, OD Gaston Eye Associates
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HEALTHY RESOLUTION: for the new year From page 4 your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being. Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs. You can also get the entire family involved and demonstrate to the children the value of giving. For additional tips or to learn more about the Cleveland County Family YMCA’s programs, contact your local YMCA: Dover Foundation YMCA – 704.484.9622; Girls Club YMCA – 704.482.8431; Kings Mountain Family YMCA – 704.739.9631; Ruby C Hunt YMCA – 704.434.0441: River Bend YMCA Golf Club – 704.482.4286. Visit us online at CleveCoYMCA.org. We also have a Y app for your smart phones; just remember to look for Cleveland County Y in Shelby, NC. Cleveland County YMCA
A Care Package for the Community Carolina Care Center is a nursing center which was established in 1978. It was developed by a local family, Judy and Michael Beam, and provides a 24 hour licensed nursing care, licensed rehabilitation services and assisted living accommodations. The state licensed facility is certified by Medicare and Medicaid. The Center provides 119 beds for medical care as well as social work and recreational and religious services for the elderly and disabled. The facility has remained under the family’s private ownership and management for more than 30 years. In 1988 the owners established Carolina Care Cottages
as independent living apartments for persons desiring a secure shelter with continued access to the social activities and meals provided by Carolina Care Center. In 2011 the cottages expanded to total 27 units and a clubhouse for social events which completed a full circle of services available in one location. Judy Beam, owner and administrator states, “We are proud to offer the community and Cherryville a place near home where they can continue their life with quality care and services.” Contact Carolina Care Center for a tour or additional information at 704-435-4161.
Carolina Care Center & Cottages Leisure Leigh Lane, Cherryville • 704.435.4161
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December 26, 2012
Ham going strong at the young age of 79 By Beth Brock Looking at Dot Ham it’s hard to believe she has been the secretary of Boyce Memorial ARP Church for 56 years. 56 years? How could she have worked for 56 years when she doesn’t look much older than that? Well, Dot, a Kings Mountain native, is quick to admit she is a young 79. Her secret fountain of youth is staying busy! In addition to her job at Boyce Memorial, she also works at Kings Mountain Hospital. Oh, so you think she probably volunteers a couple of days a week? Wrong! Dot works six days a week in the emergency room from 3 – 9 p.m. She works in triage, registration, and also works the switchboard when needed. “My badge says communication services”, she says. In January 2013, Dot will celebrate her 49th year of working at the hospital. So what does she think about retiring? “Well, I did retire once, from the hospital in 1996”, she laughed, “but I agreed to continue to work as needed and they called
me back so much, I just decided to go back to work.” So, she gets to the church by 8:30 a.m. then goes over to the hospital at 3 p.m. “But I’m off on Thursdays”, she was quick to add. Dot has seen a lot of changes throughout the years. She started working at Boyce Memorial when the late Dr. W.L. Pressley was minister. At that time, the church was located where Mountain View Restaurant is now. She recalls having to go upstairs to print the church bulletins on the old mimeograph machine with that unique mimeograph fluid smell. In 1963–1964, construction was started on the current building located on Edgemont Drive. Members started meeting in the fellowship hall while the sanctuary was still under construction. By 1970, Dot was sending out newsletters as well as writing and printing the church bulletins and doing “just whatever needed doing.” Does Dot have a life after work? Oh yes! She has a very active life. Every Sunday, after church, she prepares lunch for all her local family members. And once a year, over July 4th, her entire
Paul and Dot Ham celebrated 61 years of marriage on December 5. Photo by Beth Brock
family goes for a week to Bonclarken, the Presbyterian retreat in Flat Rock, NC. The family used to go every other year, but after her mother, Alene McCarter, passed away in 1982, the family decided they should get
together every year, realizing how precious family is. As the family has expanded, they’ve gone from renting one house, to See HAM, page 15
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How to avoid our fiscal cliff
You have heard the phrase “Fiscal Cliff” by now but do you know what it is? “The United States fiscal cliff refers to the effect of a number of laws which, if unchanged, will result in tax increases, spending cuts, and a corresponding reduction in the budget deficit beginning in 2013. These laws include tax increases due to the expiration of the so-called Bush tax cuts and across-the-board spending cuts under the Budget Control Act of 2011.” (Source: Wikipedia) The year-over-year changes for fiscal years 2012-2013 include a 19.63% increase in taxed but only a 0.25% reduction in spending. What you are reading is accurate. The best our law makers could do is cut spending by only one half or one half of a percentage point. Somehow, their wisdom dictates that taxes be raised while essentially cutting nothing on the spending side of the equation. Now that the Presidential election is over the concept of reducing government spending has been repackaged into a choice that will stifle the economy. Today, our elected officials believe greater spending is the only choice they have. So far, spending has piled massive debt on the economy and increased tax pressure, and more spending will only serve to accelerate this reality. Our government’s policy going forward is an old familiar song. TAX and SPEND. The problem: Increased spending will far outpace tax revenue. Our government already outspends tax revenue by over 43% each year. A tax increase of 19.63% does not fill
the gap and the increased spending that is on the way will only cause the gap to enlarge. The rest of the story............... The fiscal cliff is not just about tax rates and spending. The economy, the stock market, job creation and credit all teeter on the same fiscal cliff. Some of America’s largest employers including Caterpillar have already announced employment cutbacks. Just following the election results, trillions of dollars in losses occurred in the stock market. Volatility is riding high! Taxes, government spending and volatility can threaten the quality of your retirement and savings. Surprisingly, this challenge is compounded by another phenomenon that ordinarily would be considered a good thing. American’s are living longer than ever before. Our healthy lives and quality of life have improved without question. However, this leads to another challenge. We all need to make sure our financial life expectancy matches our actual life expectancy. Taxes and volatility work together to threaten just how long your resources will last. Ideally, as a taxpayer heading into, or already in retirement, you would want three things to happen. First, you would want taxes to be reduced so you can keep more of your money. Second, you would want volatility to be tamped down so that your money lasts longer. Third, you would want to assure your income lasts as long as you do. Here’s the solution.............. One option is to take matters into your own hands. What often surprises folks is that
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there are choices and financial products that actually accomplish these three goals. There is a place to keep you money that offers............ Tax advantaged growth and/or income safety and security from market volatility. Income payments you can never outlive. So what’s this mystery financial product? A very oldfashioned annuity meets all three of these objectives. Annuities are resurging in popularity due to the values mentioned above and the fact that they are insured and guaranteed by some of the most powerful and conservative financial institutions in America. If you have not fully evaluated how an annuity may help you, consider meeting with our firm. Only a licensed insurance professional can help you properly evaluate if an annuity is right for you. The insurance advisor you choose to work with will take the time to sit down with you oneon-one to evaluate your personal situation, tax status and risk tolerance. From there, they can match your needs to annuities designed and guaranteed to accomplish specific objectives. Know the facts........ As with any financial product, you will need to understand the choice, costs and benefits prior to making your financial decision. The good new is a professional insurance advisor is trained and prepared to help you through the process! Suzanne H. Amos, Agent/Owner The Amos Agency LLC
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December 26, 2012
BHRT can help you optimize your sexual health Senior sex is not the same as it was in your 20’s, but it still can be satisfying to both partners. Contrary to the popular belief that sexual interest is only for the young, many seniors continue to enjoy their sexuality well into their 80’s and beyond. With the first wave of baby boomers entering their 60’s, older adults make up the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. While older adults are still interested in intimacy later in life, there are certain problems such as erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness that can plague older men and women. However, advances in the medical field have made it easier to address these issues and offer a successful treatment plan to improve the quality of the senior sex life. Older men usually continue some form of sexual activity well into their eighties and even beyond. However, they can experience a variety of symptoms associated with aging and low testosterone levels. Older men generally will take longer to obtain an erection, but can remain erect and make love longer before attaining an orgasm. Other symptoms can include a reduction in the volume of seminal fluid and a decrease in the pressure to ejaculate.
Older women usually experience few problems with their sexual drive later in life. However, certain physical problems can show up later in life such as vaginal dryness, bleeding, and pain during intercourse. Loss of steroids can also reduce the length and diameter of the vagina and may shrink the major labia. Sexually active seniors do not need to feel that they are alone or that treatment is not available to improve the quality of their sex lives. Advances in hormone replacement therapy have made the issues of low testosterone and hormonal imbalances in women more treatable than ever. Testosterone is the hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Inadequate production of testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction as
well as feelings of fatigue, loss of concentration, and loss of bone density. In women, there can be a loss of sexual drive, lubrication, and genital sensitivity due to hysterectomy and menopause. Lower levels of estrogen due to hysterectomy can cause women to lose interest as well as develop an inability to achieve orgasm. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be utilized to aid seniors in achieving their optimal level of sexual activity. BHRT is a specialized field of medicine devoted to correcting the hormone imbalances that occur naturally in the
body. Bio-Identical hormones are produced in the body and, unlike synthetic hormones, duplicate the identical structure and function of human hormones. The body recognizes these natural hormones and knows exactly how to use them. Sexual activities are strongly associated with satisfaction and this is no less so with seniors. Lack of ability to sexually express oneself is often associated with despondency and depression. Sexuality is a healthy and natural occurrence throughout a person’s life cycle. At Carolina Wellness & Cosmetic Laser Center, Dr. Deepak R. Gelot, specializes in helping his patient LIVE YOUNGER, LONGER. Through the aid of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, we can help our patients achieve their natural vitality. Through a simple blood test, we can determine the hormones in which you are deficient and begin a treatment plan to put you on the road to optimal sexual health. Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Deepak R. Gelot, M.D. Carolina Wellness & Cosmetic Laser Center
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MENTAL ILLNESS From page 5 about 57 million Americans–experience some form of mental illness every year, according to NAMI. The program uses treatment methods including coping skills, stress management training, substance abuse education and recreational therapy. “While our patients are with us we provide therapy and activities to help them, but we also let them know there is only so much we can do from this side of the fence,” said Bilmanis. “We work to set up referrals for resident therapy programs, outpatient therapy, local alcoholics anonymous (AA) meetings or narcotics anonymous (NA) meetings, and other resources that might help them once they leave our unit.” In addition, Bilmanis and the other staff ask patients about their support outside the hospital. They ask who the patient would call for help among their family and friends. Then, with the patients’ permission, they contact some of those people and invite them to participate in the patients’ treatment. “We invite family in for counseling sessions. We try to help family members think through different scenarios. They are able to ask questions about what to do in specific situations, and how they can help the patient. We also provide the family with other resources to help them deal with the situation.” Local AA and NA chapters come to the Behavioral Health Center to hold meetings every week, because the staff knows that walking into the first meeting is a tough step. “Having meetings on our unit gives patients the opportunity to meet the lead-
ers, people they may see again in meetings out in the community,” said Bilmanis. Patients meet with a physician every day, have individual therapy sessions, and participate in a variety of activities. “We try to keep patients engaged in activities, some educational and some leisure,” continued Bilmanis. “We want them to remember what it’s like to have fun. We also want to project a healthy environment.” The Behavioral Health Center at Kings Mountain Hospital accepts patients from all over North Carolina. No one is refused, as long as they are medically stable. If a patient has medical issues, they must be treated for those first. Once the patient is stable, they can be transferred to the Behavioral Health Center as long as there is a bed available. Mental illnesses can affect anyone no matter what their age, race, religion or income. It is estimated that one in four adults in the United States experiences a mental health disorder in a given year, according to NAMI. The Behavioral Health Center at Kings Mountain Hospital accepts voluntary and involuntary admissions. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach to substance abuse and psychiatric treatment. Most private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare are accepted. For more information call 980-4875470, or the Behavioral Health Call Center at 800-418-2065. The call center is available 24/7 to provide confidential screenings, referrals and information. By Paula Vess KMH Regional Marketing Group
HAM: going strong at 79 From page 12 renting “two or three, depending on how many are coming.” In addition to her husband Paul, to whom she has been married for 61 years as of Dec. 5, Dot has three brothers; two daughters, Paula Wilson who lives in Dot’s family’s home place on Gold Street in Kings Mountain, and Jody Parker who lives in Goldsboro; four grandsons, Robin and Chad Perkins, and Wesley and Ben Parker; and 3 great-granddaughters. As well as attending the annual family retreats, Dot and Paul have enjoyed traveling throughout the years with Willard Tours. They have been to Mackinac Island; Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minn.;
Vermont, and lots of other places. But Dot’s favorite vacation of all times was their cruise to Alaska. She and Paul are looking forward to more trips in the future, but will probably stay home for a while since he is recuperating from a recent knee replacement. The knee replacement has added another temporary job to Dot’s list, assisting Paul as needed, and taking him to therapy and doctor appointments. Paul is retired, but like Dot, continues to stay active. The knee replacement is just a temporary slow down! So Dot, getting back to that retirement question… What will you do if you retire? She just laughs. “I don’t know. I have to keep busy, so I guess I will just always work!”
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December 26, 2012
Balance and fall risk Back to Work... a concern as we age in a potato patch Injuries resulting from falls become a much greater concern as we age. Hip fractures are of a particular concern as this type of injury can result in the necessity for surgical interventions which include total hip replacement and potential for life threatening complications, all of which can lead to the loss of personal independence. The fear of falling in itself can become a selffulfilling prophecy. It can lead to an increase in the amount of sitting and a decrease in the amount of walking and movement in general. The more inactive someone becomes, the weaker the muscles become which leads to inflexibility and stiffness. This leads to slower reaction time as general fitness declines. This all combines to a result in a lower ability to respond to the loss of balance, therefore increasing the risk of falling and injuries. Loss of strength and flexibility in the hips and legs are often unnoticed by a person until a fall occurs. These changes are also typically undetected in a typical examination by a physician. Decreased hip flexibility, particularly in the muscles in front of the thigh (hip flexors), create a host of problems contributing to decreased balance ability. First it can cause a person to be unable to stand straight and upright, resulting in a forward lean and shifting the center of balance out of neutral. Second, it can lead to a shortened step length and a shuffling walking pattern which can increase the likelihood of tripping and falling. Third, decreased range of motion contributes to a decreased ability to respond with a rapid enough and large enough movement to correct a loss of balance and prevent a fall.
A decrease in hip strength results in a loss of stabilizing power available to someone while walking or standing. The loss of muscle tone, combined with decreased range of motion and slower reaction time greatly diminishes the ability to respond to a loss of equilibrium and enhances the chances that a person will fall and become seriously injured. At Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates, balance can be assessed by a variety of tests, including the Berg Balance Scale. This assessment helps the therapist test various components of balance including sitting, standing, stepping, bending and turning. Our therapist may then prescribe appropriate activities not only in the clinic but also for your home exercise program to enhance your experience and optimize your performance. The good news is that many people can show substantial improvement in these areas and subsequently decrease the risk for falls. At CPTA, skilled and knowledgeable physical therapists will perform a detailed physical exam, checking for hip and leg flexibility and strength. Our therapist will design a program to address the areas of specific deficit for each individual. It is better to take preventative measures to prevent a fall or injury, then to deal with the consequences after the fact. Contact Cleveland Physical Therapy - Don Miller and Associates, to see how we can help keep you independent and injury free at 704-471-0001. By Mark Miele, PT, MPT, CSCS Cleveland Physical Therapy Associates
By Lib Stewart People laughed at Doug Sharp and Bill Horn when they co-founded the Cleveland County Potato Project. The idea in 2009 grew from a small Bible study group in a menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunday school class in the height of an economic recession. Was it a divine call? Sharp and Horn, both now retired, know so. They went back to work in a potato patch. This year those potato patches in various areas of the county harvested 165,840 pounds of potatoes, up from 84,000 in 2011 and 30,000 in 2010. â&#x20AC;&#x153;God was good to us with an adequate rain supply to grow white and sweet potatoes,â&#x20AC;? said Sharp.They found Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand in every undertaking. First, the Agricultural Extension service was consulted on the feasibility of growing potatoes in Cleveland County. The agency affirmed the feasibility and an experienced
local grower agreed. Second, the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association confirmed there was a need for fresh food for a lot of needy people. The Association agreed to serve as the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal agent and Charles Reed, Director of Outreach for the Greater Cleveland Association, called on the Baptist State Convention for the first real cash to secure the program. Third, the founders became convinced that the project should be county wide and should include all interested church denominations. Fourth, the local media helped to spread the news about the project. With the mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help, the founders asked for donations of land for planting, equipment, money, volunteers, supplies. etc. Fifth, the North Carolina State Baptist Convention provided a grant to the local Association to give money for seed and See BACK TO WORK, page 17
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Assisted Living or Nursing Home? BACK TO WORK What is the difference? How do I choose? As the concept of personal care or assisted living has evolved and the number of facilities continues to increase, the public and even some healthcare professionals may have a difficult time differentiating between the two levels of care. Today’s assisted living may provide services similar to a nursing home, however, there are significant and important differences in atmosphere, levels of care and cost. Most importantly, the resident’s long-term health and happiness are affected by the choice. In simple terms, a skilled nursing facility or nursing home serves the long-term, chronically ill or severely debilitated patient. Skilled facilities provide similar services to a hospital and have a more clinical setting. In contrast, assisted living serves those who need assistance with daily activities and desire 24-hour security with a maximum level of independence. The assisted living resident is often ambulatory, perhaps with a walker or cane; however, residents with lower levels of mobility can also be accommodated. Cognitive levels can vary from normal to declining levels, including Alzheimer’s. Placement decisions are ultimately made by the residents and their families. However, a host of individuals should have important input into placement. Assessments to determine the appro-
priate level of care are done by physicians, social workers, and the professional staff of each community. Unfortunately, the inappropriate placement of seniors occurs in both types of communities and may be due to poor assessment or lack of understanding of the levels of care available in different settings. While the levels of care are clearly higher in skilled facilities, the newer and more professional assisted living residences offer 24-hour nursing assistance, preventive and chronic care, rehabilitation therapies and directed daily activities. Finally, cost is a concern to nearly everyone. A typical assisted living residence costs about $1,500 less per month than skilled care. The assisted living residence also offers as much independence as the individual wishes, opportunities to shop and socialize with peers, and the ability to maintain as much of his or her lifestyle as he or she desires. Placement of a loved one can be a difficult and confusing process. Ultimately, the goal is a move to a residence where residents and families feel comfortable and confident that the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their loved one will be met. With great availability of support and the right resources, the proper placement can be made. Summit Place, Kings Mountain
Harvesting the potatoes takes the work of many volunteers. From page 16 fertilizer to those volunteering to plant a crop. Once the word was out Sharp said Sunday school members quickly volunteered a plot and others followed. A distribution system set up to spread the harvest throughout the county included agencies such as the Salvation Army, Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry, Cleveland County Baptist Association, U-CAN, Upper Cleveland County Needy.
“We are totally dependent on volunteers for all labor and more volunteers are needed,” said Sharp. His vision is to spread the program to other counties and to communities all over this county. Any church or organization can duplicate the effort on a smaller scale. Giving away potatoes to people who are hungry won’t be a problem. Schools, church groups, many individuals helped plant, maintain, harvest and distribute crops. See BACK TO WORK, page 18
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LARGEST INVENTORY OF HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT • Jazzy Power Chairs • Scooters & Seat Lift Chairs • Complete Home Oxygen Services • Diabetic Supplies, Shoes & Hosiery • Hospital Beds • Bathroom Safety • FREE Home Delivery and Much More! Come visit our store or call for more details! We take most all insurances and bill Medicaid & Medicare. 108 East Grover St., Shelby, NC (one block west of hospital)
704-487-8068
Toll free 1-877-627-7627
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SENIORS: helping other seniors is just their game From page 7 residents. Geter said her primary message of hope and love is just that, coupled with a little smile to help them through when they aren’t feeling well. “I believe that helps their mental ability, their ability to cope,” she said. The irony is that as much as it helps her resident friends at Peak, Geter is being helped as well. “I don’t sit at home all the time,” she said. “Volunteering, especially here at Peak, makes you feel better. It just makes you feel better!” Towery agrees wholeheartedly. “Around Christmastime, I bring in a Christmas book and read Christmas stories to them. They love it!” Towery said. Beheler noted that Towery handles most of what she called the “bed-bound” residents at Peak, along with patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease. One of Towery’s shining memories, she
said, is of an end-stage Alzheimer’s patient, opening her eyes as she read to her. “She tried to talk to me,” Towery said, “It touched me so much!” Towery and Beheler share a common church (Eastside Baptist in Shelby) where they met and Beheler eventually convinced her to come and volunteer, helping out other seniors with health issues. Towery and Geter quickly note one thing a senior volunteer must remember, no matter their age: helping others can be addictive! “You get attached to the residents,” Geter said. “Some will tell you things that make tears come to your eyes.” Towery, who retired from a restaurant job and a position with Cleveland County Schools, said her volunteer job was the “most rewarding” job she’s had in some time. Like Geter, she said it’s “very hard” to keep some of their Peak resident friends’ stories out of their personal lives.
BACK TO WORK From page 17 In the project’s first year, and a very dry year it was, they produced and gave away 10,000 pounds of white potatoes and 20,000 pound of sweet potatoes. The second year resulted in 43,000 pound of white potatoes and 41,000 pounds of sweet potatoes. Twenty-two plots were planted across the county. The project’s goal for 2012 was 100,000 pounds. ‘We encouraged local congregations and other groups to bear the responsibility of growing a crop. Ten churches, two businesses, one high school and some individuals agreed to do this, said Sharp. He added, “generally, we provide the seed and fertilizer and the group does the rest. Some groups keep half of the crop for their food programs. Iris Frady, Director of KM Crisis Ministry, says that a pound of potatoes will produce a good sized serving for three meals and so the 84,000 pounds grown last year provided food for 252,000 meals. “It was surprising to us,” added Sharp, “that a number of students had no idea where potatoes come from and bringing people together from different backgrounds together with a common goal has proven to be very positive.” The City of Kings Mountain grew a crop last year and Patterson Grove Baptist Church has grown a crop for two years.
Melanie Smith, MD, has pulled and planted potato slips, watched the slips grow to full harvest and helped harvest and box them for delivery to soup lunch agencies, to church kitchens like Shelby Presbyterian and Central United Methodist Church in Kings Mountain and Washington Missionary Baptist Church for use in their ministries. Potatoes also go to the Life Enrichment ministries in Shelby and Kings Mountain and senior centers. “Potatoes are a hit,” says Smith, who remembers tired young mothers with little kids in tow benefiting from the meals provided by this outreach project. Potato delivery men in this area include Bill King and Bill McMurrey. King delivers on the average 10-20 boxes of potatoes, about 600 pounds, to the KM Crisis Ministry. Potatoes are a must for distribution at the commodities distribution in the county four times a year. “There is just unlimited potential for this helping hand project,” says Sharp, thanking some 400 plus volunteers who have participated and churches and others who have donated funds to the project. The potato project serves 3000-4000 families. Spring potato planting gears up in midFebruary and Sharp, of Quail Hollow Drive at Woodbridge in Kings Mountain, can give you all the details.
“There are some of them that help you relate better to their situations. It is a sort of ministry for me,” Geter added. In some instances Geter said she has to just stop for a minute, sit in her car, and pray. “Volunteering makes us both feel more thankful for God’s blessings on us, with our health and all,” Towery said. “I’m personally thankful that God has given me, given us both, really, the strength to do what we do.” Geter said she can’t think of any particular negative experience she has had since volunteering. “Most of the residents we speak with love being read to and prayed for. We don’t just start praying for them. We ask them if they would like a prayer, and in most cases, they say, ‘Yes’. If they don’t wish us to, we respect their wishes.” Peak resident Pearl Carpenter, 78, said she really enjoys being read to by the women and talking with them when they come by. “It makes my day,” she said. Both Towery and Geter would like to see more young people involved in a similar style of activity.
From left, Gilda Towery, Monica Beheler, and Shirley Geter, self-confessed “seniors on the young side,” make it their mission to help other seniors whose health has necessitated their being in a residential care center or an assisted living home. Photo by Michael Powell
Beheler said another thing that helps their residents are pet therapy. Geter, who teaches Sunday school at her church, added, “I believe a young person’s spirituality would be helped by ministering in this way to seniors in assisted living homes or residential centers. “It would brighten their day and lift that young person’s spirits too!”
Kings Mountain is a Health Mart Town! KM Pharmacy... locally owned. Faster, better. Same co-pay! Dr. Stephanie Edwards Greenwood, Pharm. D. - Wendy, CPhT - Dr. Brad King, Pharm. D. - Destiny, CPhT - Robin - Michelle, CPhT - Dr. David Dellinger, Pharm. D.
704-739-1698 • 1106 Shelby Road, Kings Mountain Beside Love’s Fish Box • Hours:Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm; Sat 9am - 2pm
December 26, 2012
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