Bits from Tara: April 30, 2013

April 30, 2013

 

“Bits from Tara”

Tara Brown, Outreach/ Programs Coordinator

Delta Community Action Nutrition Program

Caregiver Respite/ Grandparent raising Grandchildren Respite

 

A good opportunity for respite is to attend a Support Group.  Contact your local Ministerial Alliance – some churches sponsor a Support Group.  You may also look in your newspaper under Organizations Calendar for meeting places, times and contact number.  Here are a couple of Support Groups, in the Lawton area, that may be of interest to Care Givers and Grandparents.

   Alzheimers/Dementia Support Groups, 10 a.m. Wednesday, chapel, Brookridge Retirement Community, 7802 Quanah Parker Trailway. Public welcome.  580-574-2919

    C.O.P.D. Support Groups, free, open to public, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Savannah House of Lawton, 2720 SW J. 580-583-1950

There are more throughout our area.  If you know of a support group, please send the information to Tara Brown, Programs Coordinator, Delta Nutrition Program, 707 S. King Place, Duncan, OK  73533.  You may also email it to brown.tara.nutrition@gmail.com

  Thank you.

Nutrition

To keep the nutrients and colors rich for vegetables, cook at a low-heat for a short time.  Steaming vegetables is another good method to keep the nutrients and rich color. 

Health

   Parish Nurse’s Corner

Yes, the allergens are back--your nose is running; your eyes are itchy and watery and your skin has a rash!  If you live long enough, you’ll develop allergies--that means that your body is overly sensitive to molds and pollens.  These substances cause irritation and inflammation resulting in those symptoms.  So, now what?  Start treatment early; stay indoors whenever possible; work out later in the day; wear a dust mask for yard chores; shower when you come in; use allergy-proof bedding; vacuum often and keep your bed dander-free.  None of this will CURE the allergy but it will make the inflammatory reaction less!

Joanne M. Flanders, MS, RN     Parish Nurse

ASCOG Advocate: April 30, 2013

Federal Hall

On this date, in 1789, on the balcony of Federal Hall, George Washington received the oath of office as the first president of the United States.  What was the name of the now famous Manhattan street on which he was inaugurated?

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt filed Medicaid fraud charges against the owner of two medical clinicsin Del City and Shawnee.

Last week, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin approved several bills, including the Oklahoma Nondiscrimination in Treatment Act, Senate Bill 755, granting access to information for treatment providers, Senate Bill 272, authorizing a feasibility study for dual eligibile recipients of Medicaid and Medicare,

The Oklahoma House amended and passed Senate Bill 587, permitting use of electronic devices in nursing homes.  The bill passed with a vote of 97-0.  The House also passed Senate Bill 235, requiring long-term care facilities run by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs comply with current laws and rules regarding long-term care facilities. 

The Better Choices - Better Health Diabetes workshop will be available online next week. 

Early detection of Alheimer's can give families and potential caregivers time to plan.

ASCOG Advocate: April 19, 2013

Before he was a general,
he was a student at
West Texas Military Academy

On this date, in 1951, this American general, who won the Medal of Honor for his services in the Philippines Campaign during World War II, retired from the military. 

What was his name?

Seven nursing home patients were unaccounted for as of 2:00 a.m. Thursday after a Texas fertilizer plant explodes.

Oklahoma Senate Bill 755, authorizing access to certain information by treatment advocates, was sent to the Governor.

House Bill 1403, creating the Nondiscrimination in Treatment Act, passed the House 85-11.

House Bill 1782, allowing first responders to administer certain medicine without prescription, passed the Senate, 43-0.

Blazing a trail for other states to follow, Arkansas' legislature approved a plan that expands Medicaid using private health insurance.

Five things caregivers must know about diabetes.

Amy Goyer shares her tips for family caregivers during tax season.

The Advocate will be taking another hiatus through the end of April.  We will be back!

ASCOG Advocate: April 18, 2013

Den Haag.

On this date, in 1946, the International Court of Justice held its inaugural meeting in Den Haag, Netherlands.

What is the English name for this International Court?

Oklahoma House Bill 1418, the Josephine Meade Anti-Hunger Act, was passed by the Senate on Wednesday, 41-0.

Senate Bill 592, creating an informal dispute resolution panel for assisted living centers, was signed by the Governor.

Senate Bill 315, requiring training for law enforcement personnel about Alzheimer's, is headed to the Governor.

Senate Bill 27, a measure addressing Medicaid fraud, is on the Governor's desk.

Senate Bill 900, requiring certain investigations to be conducted at least once every three years in hospice facilities, passed the house on Wednesday.

Arkansas failed to pass the bill to privatize Medicaid expansion.

A California doctor who defrauded Medicare out of $3 million received a three and one-half year sentence.

According to the DHHS Inspector General, Medicare could save millions by limiting advance payments to insurers.

The National Council on Aging opened a new portal for older Americans seeking jobs.

Good support networks, financial preparation and prevention are key in reducing the costs associated with dementia.

Here are twenty ways to avoid caregiver burnout.

Here is the April 16 edition of Bits From Tara.

Bits from Tara: April 16, 2013

Caregiver Respite/ Grandparent raising Grandchildren Respite

If you know of any individual (age 18+ caring for age 60+ or Grandparent age 55 caring for grandchild up to age 18) that may be in need of Respite, contact your local Outreach worker or site manager who will visit the individual and assist in completing the Respite application.  You may also contact Tara Brown, Outreach / Programs Coordinator at (580) 467-0988 or the Delta Nutrition Program’s office (580) 255-3967 or 888-884-8865.

Respite means ‘a break’.  It is intended to help the caregiver get a break from the 24/7 primary caregiver duties.  Respite will help provide stress relief, lower blood pressure resulting in stress of care giving and a time of rest.

Nutrition

Sometimes it’s difficult for some to drink plain water.  Try adding lemon or lime juice or an orange wedge to add flavor to your water. 

Health

As the weather gets warmer, get out and enjoy walking in the sunshine.  You’ll get the benefit of fresh air, exercise and Vitamin D!  Make certain you wear a good, sturdy shoe with support to help keep the foot, particularly the heel, in place to help prevent falls.

   Parish Nurse’s Corner

Spring Cleaning???  When choosing products to use,  
 read the label & consider the following:

  - Bactericide= an agent that destroys bacteria but  
     not necessarily their spores;

  - Bacteriostatic= an agent that inhibits growth of
     bacteria;

  - Disinfect= to free from infection by physical or
     chemical means;

  - Disinfection= to apply substances to materials &
     surfaces to destroy pathogenic (disease-
     producing) microorganisms.

“Elbow grease” is generally the most effective tool!!

 

Joanne M. Flanders, MS, RN     Parish Nurse

 

Bits from Tara contributed by Tara Brown of Delta Nutrition

ASCOG Advocate: April 17, 2013

Immigration Museum in Upper New York Bay.

On this date, in 1907, this immigration center in Upper New York Bay processed 11,747 people, more than any other day. 

What was the name of the process center?

They call them "The Greatest Generation" for a reason; 78-year-old Boston marathoner was knocked over in bomb blast, got up and finished the race.  Not all of the marathoners were in the best shape, just ask this woman fighting multiple sclerosis.

Oklahoma Senate Bill 276, modifying absentee ballot procedures for physically incapacitated voters, passed the House on Monday, 93-0.

Kaiser Health News outlines how the President's budget will change Medicare.

Using cellular reprogramming, a team of scientists found a way to treat MS with stem cells.

Exercise can prevent Alzheimer's disease progression, keep patients out of nursing homes.

Brain exercises, like sudoku, can help prevent dementia.

For grandparents raising grandchildren, here is a pamphlet published by the Sesame Workshop on helping children transition.

Here are some old-fashioned ways caregivers can relieve their stress.

ASCOG is seeking volunteers.

ASCOG Advocate: April 15, 2013

Ray Croc

On this date, in 1955, Ray Croc opened a franchised restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois.  It was the first of many franchised restaurants in this chain.

What is the name of the franchise restaurants started by Ray Croc?

California is shifting 456,000 low-income seniors to managed care.

An Enid nursing home was fined $1.3 million for failing to stop a sex offender.

Kaiser published a side-by-side comparison of the how Medicare will be impacted by the various federal budgets proposed by Congress, President Obama and the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

Cancer researcher Dr. Caesar Tin-U calls caregivers the "unsung heroes."

Daniel Bortz provides this advice for home design for those with disabilities seeking to age in place.

Seven out of ten caregivers work full or part-time, represent more than 15 percent of the American labor force.

ASCOG Advocate: April 12, 2013

Roosevelt as
Time's Man of the Year in 1933

On this date, in 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt died while in office. 

What was the name of the vice-president who was sworn in to replace him?

President Obama's budget calls for $400 billion in cuts to Medicare over the next ten years while increasing funding to mental health by $130 million.

Oklahoma House Bill 1403, the Nondiscrimination in Treatment Act, was passed by the Senate as amended.

Senate Bill 592, creating an informal dispute resolution panel for assisted living centers, was sent to the Governor on Thursday.

A New York/New Jersey cardiologist admitted to defrauding Medicare and Medicaid to the beat of $19 million.
 
"Smart stem cells" used to repair heart damage.

Salt may increase the risk for MS.

Alzheimer's gene reveals why African Americans have double the risk of developing the disease. Caregiver's poems are found on the backs of thousands of napkins.

Tara Brown, Caregiver & Outreach Coordinator for Delta Nutrition shares her "Bits from Tara."

Bits from Tara: April 8, 2013

Is it a Stroke? 

Warning signs are SUDDEN.

• Slurred speech, loss of speech or inability to understand speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis
• Severe headaches with no known cause
• Confusion, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination

If one of these symptoms occur Act FAST – (Face is uneven, one Arm drifts down, Speech coming out strangely, then it’s Time, time to call 911)

For more information and resources about stroke, go to www.integrisok.com/stroke, www. StrokeAssociation.org, www.americanheart.org, or call 405-644-6965

Nutrition

Instead of 3 slices pork bacon which has 120 calories, try a healthier choice of 3 slices turkey bacon which has 90 calories.  Instead of 1 cup sour cream which has 485 calories, try a healthier choice of 1 cup fat-free yogurt which has 140 calories.

Falls Prevention

A class of Tai chi: Movement for Better Balance will be held 10:30 a.m. Mondays for a minimum of 12 weeks at the Washington Sr. Center, Washington, OK.  No charge for this class.  Contact the Washington Sr. Center 405-288-6404 if you would like to participate and would like to stay and eat lunch!

Free Skin Cancer Screening: Saturday, April 20 at 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Leah M. Fitch Cancer Center, Lawton, OK  Call for an appointment at 580-250-6565

 

April 8, 2013

“Bits from Tara”

Tara Brown, Outreach/ Programs Coordinator

Delta Community Action Nutrition Program

*Shared with permission from Tara Brown

ASCOG Advocate: April 11, 2013

James Lovell, John Swigert
and Fred Haise

On this date, in 1970, the third American manned mission intended for the moon was launched.  Later, the moon landing was aborted due to an oxygen tank explosion. 

What was the name of the mission?

President Obama's new budget splits significant Medicare cuts between patients and providers while Medicaid remains largely untouched.

Oklahoma Senate Bill 592, creating an informal dispute resolution panel for assisted living centers, passed the House Wednesday, 79-3.  And, Senate Bill 755, authorizing access to certain information by treatment advocates, was amended and passed by the House Public Health Committee. 

With the gun control debate turning to making black lists of mental health patients rather than improving mental health care, advocates grow weary of gun legislation.  Meanwhile, President Obama's budget includes $235 million in new mental health spending.

NPR published a good article explaining the pros and cons on a recent study documenting a correlation between a baby's birth month and their risk for multiple sclerosis.

Nursing home costs continue to rise at a faster rate than in-home care.

Instead of knee replacements, doctors at Emory University are testing stem cell therapy to treat severe arthritis in adults (video).

CMS published a fact sheet on the recent settlement requiring DHSS to appy an "improvement standard in making claims determiniations for Medicare coverage involving skilled care."

According to a new Alzheimer's study, "heart healthy" and "brain healthy" are a lot alike.
The University of Florida launched a new website to help caregivers screen family members who may be at risk for driving problems.

And a good Samaritan neighbor saves an 86-year-old man from a house fire in Tulsa.

ASCOG Advocate: April 10, 2013

Vincent Price in 1944.

On this date, in 1953, Warner Brothers premiered the movie House of Wax starring Vincent Price.   This movie was the first of it's kind released by a major American studio. 

What made this movie unique?

Medicare's antiquated payment system proves difficult to change, literally requiring and act of Congress. 

Increases to Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates are not expected to benefit consumers.  Meanwhile, Medicare cuts threaten non-profit hospitals.

A new CDC study shows younger Americans, in order to save money, are twice as likely to skip medications than older Americans eligible for Medicare.

Annette Funicello dies from complications due to multiple sclerosis.  Other stars who have battled the disease include Richard Pryor, Teri Garr and Montel Williams.

For more than a decade, Margaret Thatcher battled dementia.

Alabama legislators passed two bills to make it easier to prosecute elder abuse.

Denver primary care physicians are taking advantage of the benefits of having mental health professionals in their practices.

New York doctor Gustave Drivas faces 20 years in prison for defrauding Medicare out of $77 million, employing cash kickbacks to beneficiaries who received unnecessary medical procedures.

Stem cell therapy successful in treating joint pain and arthritis in aging dogs.

Caregivers can suffer from PTSD.

Cement Senior Center is on the brink of closure.

Cement Senior Center On Brink of Closure

Shepard, center, visits with participants a the
Cement Senior Center.

Linda Shepard has been serving as site manager of the Cement Senior Center for the last ten years.  With declining attendance and decreasing budgets, she is concerned whether she will have a job in the near future.

Linda met with ASCOG AAA Director Ken Jones on Tuesday to discuss possible cuts coming soon through federal sequestration.  If the cuts are large enough then sites will have to be closed.  The first sites to lose funding will be those serving fewer than 25 meals per day.

On the day of Jones' visit, Cement served only 23 seniors.

Still, Shepard has a plan to save her senior center.  First, she is using local money that has been made available through the Caddo County sales tax to support senior centers.  She will use the money to supplement the Older Americans Act funds received through ASCOG and the Delta Nutrition Program.  

Shepard also met with the seniors in attendance at the site to discuss ways to reach out to the community for support and additional participants.  She already hosts evening community events, like Bingo, to draw more attention to the site.  Soon, she will be inviting local groups to meet at the site to share in the experience and to get the word out.  Shepard wants the community to know what they will lose should the center be forced to shut their doors.

In the mean time, she awaits final word on the cuts that may not come until June.

ASCOG Advocate: April 9, 2013

Prisoners on the march.

On this date, in 1942, the death march began of Filipino and American prisoners following the largest American surrender since the Civil War. 

What was the name of this battle that resulted in the loss or capture of over 115,000 American Troops?

The Oklahoma House passed (95-0) Senate Bill 629, authorizing the Department of Health to inspect nursing facilities operated by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, however, the title was stricken causing the bill to go to a conference committee.

The GOP is likely to agree to President Obama's plan to save money in Social Security and Medicare, but are not likely to budge on raising taxes.

Proposed bill would require cameras in nursing homes, has yet to receive a "no" vote. Video was used to send a Virginia care provider to jail for elder abuse.

Florida seniors prepare for managed care.  Feds are poised to approve alternative plans for Medicaid expansion.

An Arizona caregiver was sentenced to probation for mercy killing of his MS patient wife.

Residents in Connecticut react to plan placing ex-cons into nursing homes.  Since 1981, the number of prisoners over 55 has grown from about 9,000 nationwide to 124,900 last year.

Two people were convicted in federal court in Baton Rouge for running a scheme that defrauded Medicare of $17 million.  Identity thieves pose as Medicare employees.  DHHS Inspector General says Medicare overpaid on medical equipment in the amount of $70 million.

As the VA hires new mental health workers, community health programs may see staffing shortages.  With a shortage of mental health providers, Britain turns to do-it-yourself courses.
The U.S. joined a disability lawsuit against the state of Oregon.

Over 9000 nursing homes targeted by OSHA.  A California nursing home was fined $100,000 for over-medicating 82-year-old patient.  Alarm-free nursing homes prove to be safer for patients, better for staff morale.

Here are eight strategies for preventing the problem of too much life at the end of your money.

Rosie Riveter gets chance to see her handiwork years later.

ASCOG Advocate: April 8, 2013

Auguste Deter (Aged 55)
May 16, 1850

On this date, in 1906, Auguste Deter died.  She was the first person diagnosed with this disease that is now the most costly disease in America. 

What is the name of the disease from which she died?

Obama's proposed budget draws criticism from liberal interest groups as he plans cuts to Medicare and Social Security to appease conservatives.

Last week was a mixed week for Medicare as private insurers realized gains while providers received cuts.

Mississippi seniors worry as state legislators struggle over Medicaid.

States say "no" to Medicaid expansion, but one Texan says Medicaid saved her life.

Man loses hundreds of thousands as power of attorney takes advantage of him.

New research looks for ways to make MS patients walk again and has possible implications for Alzheimer's.  Other research on Alzheimer's makes progress in identifying genetic markers.

Adult stem cell research poses new methods for addressing a variety of diseases common in older adults.

The U.S. Justice Department settles multiple ADAAA suits with healthcare providers across the country.


Fred Benjamin discusses the problems of staff shortages in nursing homes.

The EODD Area Agency on Aging held a conference for caregivers.

ASCOG Advocate: April 5, 2013

Soviet spy couple

Good Morning!  It's Friday! 

On this date, in 1951, this couple was sentenced to death for spying on behalf of the Soviet Union.


What were their names?

President Obama announced a compromise that will cut social security.

Blaming sequester cuts, cancer clinics across the country are turning away thousands of Medicare patients.

South Carolina's Medicaid director explains why he is against the Arkansas Medicaid expansion plan to move dollars to private insurance companies.  Meanwhile, Pennsylvania's governor plans to move forward with a plan to expand Medicaid using private insurance.  Oklahoma, North Dakota, Missouri and North Carolina are considering similar bills. 

Oklahoma Senate Bill 276, allowing persons with disabilities to file absentee ballot with the help of an agent, passed the House Rules Committee.

SB 235, specifying the authority of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to run veterans centers, passed the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

SB 587, permitting use of electronic recording devices in long-term care facilities, passed the House Long-term Care and Senior Services Committee.  That committee also passed SB 592, creating a dispute resolution panel for assisted living centers, SB 900, authorizing investigations in hospice facilities and SB 915, the Nondiscrimination in Treatment Act (see also HB 1403, a mirror bill which passed the Senate Health and Human Services committee).

SB 970, providing an annual update on Alzheimer's to the Oklahoma legislature, passed the House Public Health Committee.

House Bill 1552, which would have reformed Medicaid in Oklahoma, lies dormant because it did not get out of committee before the April 4 deadline.  Other bills that met the same fate include the Parole of Aging Prisoners Act (HB 1056), an act amending grandparent visitation rights (HB 1520), an act creating a task force on hospice care standards (Senate Bill 459), a bill giving treatment advocates certain access (SB 755), and a bill amending the requirements for nursing home administrators (SB 852).

Private health insurance companies lead growth in the S&P. 

A criminal investigation is ongoing in a Louisiana Medicaid contract with a private company responsible for Medicaid claims processing and bill payment.

The most costly disease in America is Alzheimer's along with other types of dementia.  The cost has to do with the time spent in caring for patients.  Dementia care costs are expected to double by 2040.

ASCOG Senior Day was held this week at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan.