OLDER AMERICANS MONTH, MAY 2010

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Older Americans have lived through momentous and trying
times in our history, and they have strengthened our national
character. Their experience and wisdom connect us to the past
and help us meet the challenges of the present. During Older
Americans Month, we show our support and appreciation for these
treasured individuals who have contributed so much to our
Nation.
This year's theme for Older Americans Month, "Age Strong,
Live Long," recognizes the efforts of people of all ages to
promote the well-being, community involvement, and independence
of senior citizens. As Americans live longer, healthier, and
more productive lives, many are starting second careers and
continuing to be involved in their communities. Dedicated older
Americans are also answering the call to serve through the
Corporation for National and Community Service's Senior Corps.
My Administration is committed to ensuring older Americans
can age strong and live long. By strengthening Medicare and
Medicaid, while protecting Social Security, we help ensure all
Americans can age with dignity. The recently enacted Affordable
Care Act strengthens Medicare by providing free preventive care
starting next year, enhancing care coordination, and gradually
closing the "donut hole" gap in prescription drug coverage.
In addition, this law includes provisions to help prevent and
eliminate elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Along with the
Middle Class Task Force's Caregiver Initiative, we are investing
in wellness and prevention programs to help seniors remain
healthy and close to their loved ones. The Administration
on Aging's network of State and local organizations provides
services to older Americans that help prevent unnecessary
hospitalization or institutionalization. We must also protect
seniors by expanding efforts to fight fraud, waste, and abuse
in Medicare and Medicaid through national and State efforts, as
well as community-based programs that empower retirees to detect
and defend against health care fraud.
Many of our Nation's older men and women have worked
tirelessly and sacrificed so their children could achieve
something greater. Their passion and experience inspire us
all and we are privileged to honor and care for the generations
whose legacy continues to enrich our Nation and shape our
future.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim May 2010 as Older Americans Month. I call upon
citizens of all ages to honor older Americans this month with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord
two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA

A Brother Remembered: The Dibble Senior News

Greetings to the Seniors of the Dibble Community!!!

Last week was tough with the passing of my brother, Mark. To anyone who knew him, I can say he was truly a gentle soul who died in a gentle way in an ungentle world. Thanks to all at Faith Christian Fellowship who helped with the dinner etc. Special thanks to Dale McAskill, for “preaching without preaching” at Mark’s service, as my brother had enough preaching in his life. Thanks to all of Mark’s friends and compadres, as he is on the “Big Ride” now…

Remember Tuesday, May 11th, for Regional Food Bank Pay Back Day. We will leave after lunch. Sign up for field trip to Yellow Rose Dinner Theatre in May. Be there or be square!

Our sick folks are better, with Charlotte Offholter to be back soon!!

I’ll leave you with this quote from my brother, Mark. “Don’t listen to him that says he will pull you out of the quick sand, if you will hand him your wallet!!”

All for now……………………….

Menu
Monday – Ham and Cabbage
Tuesday – Country Breakfast
Wednesday – Jambalaya
Thursday – CLOSED
Friday – Roast Beef

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Dibble Senior Citizens Center and it’s board of directors shall be to serve as both advocate for and promoters of the senior community of Dibble, Oklahoma. It shall strive to support and improve quality of life for seniors through it’s programs and activities and to enhance their general well being.

Dibble Seniors going to Yellow Rose Dinner Theatre in May!

Greetings to the Seniors of the Dibble Community!!!

Last week we were saddened by the passing of Robert Noisy in an accident at his home. Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. Robert was a mainstay around Dibble, as he played gospel music in the area, as well as Senior Citizens, until ill health became an issue. His guitar playing and gospel singing will long be remembered at the center.

Charlotte Offholter is still recovering from new knee and hopes to be back with us soon. Betty Vaughn is better, as is Lanore Walkup. Arthur Evett had surgery on Friday for gall bladder. Get well soon!! I will not pick on him for a while, as I hate to kick a man when he is down.

Lou and Don McGaha attended a conference at Regional Food Bank on Friday, gaining updated information of RFB programs and policies. We have decided to return to Yellow Rose Dinner Theatre for our next field trip in May! Sign up at the desk! Remember May 11th, Tuesday, is Pay Back Day at Regional Food Bank. We will leave after lunch and work 3 hours. Be there or be square!!

Remember a special benefit for Ginger Roath Armstrong on May 22nd at 6:30 at the Community Center. Entertainment by Burl Wooten and a buffet dinner will be provided. Please come to support Ginger and the Roath family with ongoing medical expenses. Donations will be accepted.

All for now……………………..

Menu
Monday – Goulash
Tuesday – Country Breakfast
Wednesday – Meat Loaf
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Smoked Ribs and Chicken



MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Dibble Senior Citizens Center and it’s board of directors shall be to serve as both advocate for and promoters of the senior community of Dibble, Oklahoma. It shall strive to support and improve quality of life for seniors through it’s programs and activities and to enhance their general well being.

OLDER ADULTS AT INCREASED RISK FOR POISONING

OLDER ADULTS AT INCREASED RISK FOR POISONING,
WARNS OKLAHOMA POISON CONTROL CENTER



OKLAHOMA CITY – Because seniors take the majority of medications and have the most reported reactions to drugs, they are an at-risk population for poisoning, warns the Oklahoma Poison Control Center.
“As we age, how the body handles medications can change, leaving seniors more at risk for side effects and drug interactions,” said Lee McGoodwin, managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Control Center.
On average, seniors over the age of 55 take four to five prescribed medications and three over-the-counter products. Over-the-counter medications include vitamins, calcium, aspirin, pain relievers and laxatives.
“Seniors can be three to four times more likely than younger age groups to encounter adverse drug reactions that result in harm,” said Mark A. Stratton, professor and Herbert & Dorothy Langsam Endowed Chair in Geriatric Pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.
Unintentional poisoning occurs among seniors for the following reasons:
• Failure to read the label
• Too-fine print on the label, making it difficult to read
• Poor lighting, again making labels more difficult to read
• Forgetting if a dose was taken
• Mixing products together that, when combined, are harmful
• Placing a small amount of a left-over medication in an unmarked container
• Storing medicines, cleaners and personal care products together in the pantry or medicine cabinet
• Pouring chemicals into containers that are used for drinking
• Storing multiple medications by the bedside and taking the wrong one
It also is important to remember that alcohol should be used with caution when taking medications because of the risk of drug interaction. Many over-the-counter products contain alcohol; therefore, be sure to read labels and know what ingredients are in the product.
The Oklahoma Poison Control Center recommends the following prevention tips for seniors:
• Keep a list of medications, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products. Write down the name, dose and when it is to be taken.
• Learn about the medicine being taken as well as possible reactions and side effects.
• Use one pharmacy, if possible, so the pharmacist can check for possible interactions between medications.
• Write down when medicine is given and how much. This will help decrease the chances of missing doses or taking more than needed.
• Practice proper storage and disposal of medications, cleaning products, personal care products and toxic chemicals.
• Keep all medicine, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbals, out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Post the poison control center number, 1-800-222-1222, in a visible location.
For more medication tips, visit the Oklahoma Poison Control Center Web site at www.oklahomapoison.org.
The poison center is staffed 24 hours a day by specially trained pharmacists and registered nurses. All calls are free and confidential. The Poison Control Center is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy at the OU Health Sciences Center.

Dibble receives Food Bank cuts: Dibble News

Greetings to the Seniors of the Dibble Community!!!

Last week was good, as we saw Betty Vaughn return after surgery. Get well, Betty! Charlotte Offholter continues rehab in Norman. Robert Noisy is getting better all the time. Lanora Walkup is doing better, although not strong enough to drive yet. Get well, all!!

Remember Payback Time at Regional Food Bank is Tuesday, May 11th. We will leave after lunch for OKC and work 3 hours. Be there or be square!

Due to increased demand across the state, we are sorry to say that our food pantry will only be open on Friday each week. Regional Food Bank has cut back on deliveries from 4 to 1 each month. Remember, the truck will be here each 4th Thursday of the month. We will continue to do the best we can. Sign of the times?

Our esteemed vice president, Dale McAskill, just can’t seem to make any friends. Seems last Halloween, neighbor kids got all dressed up in costumes, knocked on Dale’s door and gave him candy!! He ain’t right!

All for now……………………..
MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Dibble Senior Citizens Center and it’s board of directors shall be to serve as both advocate for and promoters of the senior community of Dibble, Oklahoma. It shall strive to support and improve quality of life for seniors through it’s programs and activities and to enhance their general well being.

Menu
Monday – Beans and Cornbread
Tuesday – Country Breakfast
Wednesday – Spaghetti
Thursday – Cook’s Choice
Friday – Roast Beef

by Eddie Cantrell