ASCOG Advocate: May 31, 2013

Burning buildings from the riot.

On this date, in 1921, a race riot broke out in this city.  The official death toll from the riot was 39, but recent investigators believe the number killed to be much higher.

In what U.S. city did this riot occur?

Governor Mary Fallin signed Oklahoma House Bill 1418, the Josephine Meade Anti-Hunger Act, into law.

Governor Fallin also approved Senate Bill 629, requiring the nursing facilities run by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be subject to the same requirements of other statewide nursing facilities.

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Rep. Tom Cole toured storm damage in Newcastle.

The AARP Foundation established a relief fund for victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes, matching up to $250,000.

Immigrants' contributions to Medicare prove to be more than they take out.

Phased retirement is growing in popularity.

Jill Schlesinger responds to questions about retirement planning.

Robert McDonough, 73, walks into frame just as a television reporter is about to broadcast the story of his disappearance.

ASCOG Advocate: May 30, 2013

Frank Leslie's illustrated newspaper
depicting a view of workers
hanging from the bridge, 1883.

On this date, in 1883, a rumor that this bridge was going to collapse caused a stampede that crushed 12 people.  

What is the name of the bridge?

Families in north Texas are fighting abuse in nursing homes through technology.

 As the emergency Emergency Operations Center closes, Oklahomans are encouraged to go to the State's website for future updates.

OKDHS is providing SNAP disaster assistance for people who suffered losses due to weather.

A new study shows the Medicare cost variations were due primarily to different levels of health.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a decision against United Airlines that granted workers with disabilities better access to higher paying jobs.

A new study shows Alzheimer's patients tend to mimic the emotions of those around them.

For caregivers:  Ten things you should know about Alzheimer's disease.

ASCOG Advocate: May 29, 2013

Bing Crosby

On this date, in 1942, Bing Crosby recorded the best selling Christmas single of all time.  

What was the name of the song?

Oklahoma storm survivors urged to register for assistance.

D.C.'s Managed Care provider stops paying claims.

The Texas legislature approved a modified version of the bill that could ban Medicaid expansion.

Idahoans with disabilities are requesting class action status for their case against the state's Medicaid waiver program.

Doctor Michael Devous:  "I think we're going to cure Alzheimer's disease, and we're not far away from it."

Taxpayers are footing the bill for Medicare-funded, "functional eyelid lifts."

A modern "Gatsby" lived high on the $50 million he defrauded from Medicare.

Californian sentenced to jail, fines and restitution for his part in a Medicare fraud scheme.

When it comes to cutting-edge, heart devices, the United States is a "Third World country."

Once entrusted to their care, Roger Dean pleaded guilty to murdering eleven helpless nursing home residents.

Caregivers learn that the talk they didn't have with their parents cost them.

ASCOG Advocate: May 28, 2013

The seventh President of the
United States in his 1829
speech on the issue.

On this date, in 1830, the Indian Removal Act was signed into law, forcing the relocation of tens of thousands of Native Americans.  

Who was the President who signed the act into law?

The AARP Foundation is matching local donations up to $250,000 to help the victims of Oklahoma tornadoes.

The Josephine Meade Anti-hunger Act was enrolled by the Oklahoma Legislature and is headed to the Governor for approval.

A showdown on Medicaid expansion between the Maine Governor and Legislature reveals the partisan divide on the issue.  A GOP lawmaker in Arizona is threatened for her position on the issue.

A special grand jury has been convened to consider criminal charges against the administration of the  Governor of Louisiana in awarding a Medicaid contract to Maryland-based CNSI.

Carolyn Rosenblatt shares seven steps caregivers need to take to prevent loneliness in their aging parents.

As pharmaceutical companies struggle to find a drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer's, cheap, over-the-counter pills may have more success.

ASCOG Advocate: May 23, 2013

The end of the road for the bank robbers
on a desolate lane in the La. woods.

On this date, in 1934, these notorious bank robbers were ambushed by police and killed in Black Lake, Louisiana.  

What were their names?

As Kentucky plans to expand Medicaid to more than 600,000 new patients, the state must first deal with its ongoing shortage of physicians.

Thin, older Americans with Sleep Apnea may be at risk of Alzheimer's.

As Congress examines Medicare, Kaiser examines how Part D has impacted the pharmaceutical industry.

Doctors, nurses and dozens others are charged across the country with scamming Medicare out of over $200 million.

ODMHSAS is helping tornado victims in Moore and training providers on mental-health, first aid.

ASCOG Advocate: May 22, 2013

President Harry S. Truman

On this date, in 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill into law that granted $400 million in military and economic aid to Turkey and Greece in an effort to fight the spread of Communism.  

What was the name later assigned to the act Truman signed into law?

Oklahoma Senate Bill 629, subjecting Oklahoma Veterans Center nursing facilities to state and federal complaint investigation standards required for other nursing facilities, survived conference and was approved by the House by a vote of 87-0.

In retaliation to Obamacare, the Texas House of Representatives approved an amendment that would ban Medicaid expansion.

Federal officials approved a Virginia plan to save money for dual eligible persons a condition required by the Governor for Medicaid expansion.

Tom Wojehowski, 62, battles dementia using yoga.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Obama budget will reduce Medicare spending by $364 billion.

Michael Garritson, 62 and an RN, was convicted of abusing an autistic man in his care after being caught by hidden camera.

A CMS report on hospital billing data brings the spotlight on Medicare payments for hospitals.

A new study shows snoring may be an early sign of Alzheimer's.

ASCOG Advocate: May 21, 2013

The fire in the 4th Ward.

On this date, in 1917, the Great Atlanta fire of 1917 caused over $5 million in damages, destroyed 300 acres, 2,000 buildings and displaced some 10,000 persons. 

How many people died in this fire?

Four employees of a Canadian nursing facility were suspended after their abuse of a patient was caught on video by a hidden camera.

Think you are too young for long-term care insurance?  Think again.

The expanded list of psychiatric disorders from the recent publication of the DSM-V, could pose problems for employers.

As caregivers struggle with Alzheimer's, hope remains through research.

How Medicare started off slow and grew to become one of the most popular government programs.

ASCOG Advocate: May 20, 2013

Patent recipient for blue jeans.

On this date, in 1863, this man, along with Jacob Davis, received a U.S. patent for blue jeans with copper rivets.

What was his name?

An Oregon study on Medicaid, that appeared to prove Medicaid does not have a significant impact on the health of poor persons, has many flaws.

New research suggests developing skin cancer can reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.

The Oklahoma House passed the Josephine Meade Anti-Hunger Act  which recently survived a conference committee.

A federal judge ruled that the entrances to Ambercrombie and Fitch's Hollister stores nationwide are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Medicare scammers continue to get more sophisticated.

Noted photographer, Phillip Toledano, captures dementia in photographs.

Local Veterans reach out to homeless peers in Lawton. 

Boomers who are caregivers are asked to avoid "winging it" when planning care for their parents.

Here's the latest "Bits from Tara."

Bits from Tara: May 14, 2013

May 14, 2013

 “Bits from Tara”

Tara Brown, Outreach/ Programs Coordinator

Delta Community Action Nutrition Program

Caregiver Respite/ Grandparent Raising Grandchildren

        Why should a caregiver consider attending a support group?

a primary caregiver providing 24 hour, 7 seven days a week care giving will,  many times, cause the caregiver to neglect care of themselves leading to the caregiver’s own health to deteriorate.  There are a number of Support Groups in our area – providing support for numerous needs including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Colostomy, Mental Illness, Cancer survivors, Grief, etc.   211 is a state-wide assistance number where you can call to get information for seniors, including where a support group is located in your area.

Efforts are underway to form a Support Group for Caregivers in McClain County in the Washington Sr. Center, Washington, Oklahoma.  More information will soon be provided through the newspapers and letters to Caregivers.

      If you are a Caregiver age 18 and older and caring for an individual age 60 and     

      older; or a Grandparent age 55 and older caring for a grandchild in your home or if

      you know of someone meeting these criteria, please contact Tara Brown,

      Outreach/Programs Coordinator (580) 467-0988 for additional information.

  

 Parish Nurse’s Corner

 Mother’s Day is a special time of the year to honor not only a person’s mom but also any other notable woman in our life.  The holiday can be customized any way a person sees fit and, most importantly, letting others know how important they are to us!

Joanne M. Flanders, MS, RN

Parish Nurse

(note from Tara:  Mother’s Day was recognized Sunday, May 12, 2013.  That does not mean that is the only day we should honor the women of our life)

Nutrition

  What are Calories?   - The energy that is supplied in food.  If it is not burned up during

                                     the day, it will be stored in the body as fat.

                               

-       Aim for less than 600 calories from fat, or 30% of the total

Calories

      {information provided by Oklahoma Nutrition Information & Education Project}

ASCOG Advocate: May 16 2013

Flowing Hair coin worth five cents

On this date, in 1866, the U.S. Congress eliminated this coin and replaced it with the nickel.

What was the name of the coin?

CBS Moneywatch explains the Medicare basics.

Even in states expanding Medicaid, doctors are still hard to find.

Hi, my name is ____ and I'm a caregiver who has neglected my own health.

The White House scheduled a mental health conference for June 3.

Are you ready for the sticker shock of long-term care?

Sometimes, just refueling a car can be difficult for persons with disabilities.

ASCOG Advocate: May 14, 2013

Corps of Discovery meet the Chinnoks.
(Charles Marion Russel)

On this date, in 1804, this expedition departed from Camp Dubois to head up the Missouri River.
 
What was the name of the expedition?

Oklahoma Senate Bill 549, making elder exploitation a crime under the RICO act, was approved by Governor Fallin.

A Utah-based consulting firm hired by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority recommends expanding Insure Oklahoma.

Abundant all over the world, safe for the environment and "delicious,"  this source of protein is the UN's "food of the future."

Delmar Hopkins is 105 years old...and still working.

Medicare reveals large differences in hospital rates.

Ombudsman volunteers are needed in all parts of the state of Oklahoma; here is an article from the NODA area.

Godwin Nzoecha was sentenced to nine years in prison for defrauding the federal government out of $26 million.

Forbes asks the question, "Is caring for aging parents unfair to women?"

Do you know your Medicare A-B-C-Ds?

Senior housing demand exceeds supply.

Marjorie Lyons explains the benefits of Oklahoma's new nursing-home, electronic-monitoring law.

ASCOG Advocate: May 9, 2013

Baltimore Orioles logo.

On this date, in 1961, Jim Gentile of the Baltimore Orioles committed this baseball feat in consecutive innings for the first time in baseball history.

What was the feat?

The U.S. Dept. of Justice accused the nations largest hospice agency, Vitas Hospice Services, of misspending millions of dollars.

A civil rights lawsuit challenges a state rule that forbids a couple with mental disabilities from sharing a residence.

Opportunities abound as the aging population is creating market demand.

Researchers reject the new bible for psychiatric diagnosis.

By the age of 65, one in three Americans will have a vision impairing disease such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Actors with disabilities perform two, one-act plays.

A dementia care expert provides tips for caregivers on how to celebrate Mother's Day.

ASCOG Advocate: May 8, 2013

16th Century drawing of natives
of Central Mexico suffering from
this disease during the Spanish conquest.

On this date, in 1980, the World Health Organization approved the plan for eradication of this disease.

What is the name of the disease?

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed Senate Bill 587 permitting the use of electronic recording devices in nursing facilities.

African-American females are more likely to be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis than whites.

A new study shows a correlation between family longevity and delayed occurrence of dementia.

And here is the latest edition of the Delta Caregiver newsletter, "Bits from Tara."

Bits from Tara: May 7, 2013

May is National Older Americans Month. 

     The 38^th Annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging is scheduled for May 21-23, 2013, in the Embassy Suites, Norman Hotel & Conference Center.  Tuesday, May 21 is Senior Day and is Free to Oklahomans aged 60 and older.

                Contact okagingconference.com for more information

Parish Nurse’s Corner:

On Sun. May 5, Older Adult Week begins.  Research shows that the loss of brain function thought to be a normal part of aging may be avoided.  Dr. Gary Kennedy of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center says “you can improve your brain health by getting regular mental stimulation, social interaction and physical activity”.  And your “gut” instincts remain sharp as you age too--in one study older adults fared as well as those under 30 on intuitive decisions.

 

Joanne M. Flanders, MS, RN

Parish Nurse

 

Caregiver Respite/ Grandparent Raising Grandchildren

Support groups are available for many needs including Mental Illness.  Mental illness is an illness and not a weakness. It should be treated just as an illness.

         Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Southwest

        Lawton group meeting meets each Monday, 7-8 p.m. at the Lawton

          Public Library located at 110 SW 4^th Street, Lawton.  This is free and

          everyone is invited - those dealing with mental health issues, family and

          friends or those wanting to know more about mental health issues.  Call

          John Windham at 580-483-4942 or visit www.dbsa-swok.org for more

          information.

 

Nutrition

Use herbs and spices in place of salt to help reduce the amount of sodium intake daily.  Add Rosemary to meat dishes and baked potatoes to enhance flavor; Chives are a good source of vitamin A, potassium and calcium and have a mild onion flavor – use in salads, soups, sandwiches and as a garnish – chives also may be used to flavor butter or cream cheese (mix and set for 1 hour before eating).  Try mixing dried herbs together to create a rub for roasts and chicken.

 

ASCOG Advocate: May 7, 2013

Painting of the sinking ship.

On this date, in 1915, German u-boat U-20 sunk this British ship killing 1,198 people on board. 

What was the name of the ship?

Oklahoma Senate Bill 235, requiring facilities run by the Department of Veterans Affairs to comply with statutes that apply to long-term care facilities, and Senate Bill 549, adding exploitation of elderly persons to the racketeering statutes, were both sent to the Governor for approval on Monday.

Caregivers are taking on medical tasks that are more and more complex.

A Tulsa World editorial welcomes the new funding to mental health services.  Meanwhile, the Oklahoman examines a Republican plan to expand Medicaid using private insurance.

A mental health association in Tulsa was awarded a mental health grant to address chronic homelessness.

Sachin Sharma faces 10 years in prison for defrauding Medicare out of more than $27 million.

An obsessed husband remained in denial about his wife's Alzheimer's, even after she died; a story every caregiver should read.

ASCOG Advocate: May 6, 2013

German zeppelin on fire.

On this date, in 1937, a German zeppelin caught fire and was destroyed while attempting to land in New Jersey, killing 36. 

What was the name of the zeppelin?

West Virginia's governor decides to approve a plan for expansion of Medicaid with an agreement to put cost controls in place such as managed care for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Three of the victims in a Los Angeles murder-suicide were victims of Alzheimer's and chronic pain.

Hockey player Josh Harding played in a Stanley Cup playoff game despite Multiple Sclerosis and little warning.

Doctors are balking at proposed Medicare admission rules.

An almond-sized brain region could be responsible for aging.  Meanwhile, shrinkage of another brain region may signal the onset of M.S.

Caregivers can avoid burnout by following advice they might have heard from their grandmothers.

ASCOG Advocate: May 3, 2013

The Crescent Apartments in Atlanta
where Mitchell wrote her novel.

On this date, in 1937, this Margaret Mitchell novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. 

What is the name the novel?

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin announces budget deal with increases to OKDHS, OKDMH and OHCA.

Depression has been linked to dementia and Alzheimer's in older adults.

Medicaid patients are less likely than uninsured to have a catastrophic illness, but are just as likely to have poor health, according to new research.

Florida family chooses to let Alzheimer's patient "die with dignity" from a snakebite that was not treated.

A video game may help seniors maintain or even improve in cognition.

According to a recent survey, 65 percent of family caregivers lie to their loved ones on a regular basis about their personal feelings.

ASCOG Advocate: May 2, 2013

The HMS Conqueror

On this date, in 1982, a British nuclear submarine sunk an Argentine cruiser.  What was the name of the war in which they were fighting?

New York managed care companies are coming under fire for signing up older people with few health needs while rejecting people with disabilities.  Enrollment in New York' largest long-term care, managed care provider has been suspended pending fraud allegations.

Arkansas approves new division to investigate Medicaid fraud and waste.

Why we fail to report elder abuse.

A Florida man was sentenced to four years for money laundering millions in Medicare dollars.

Interventions from professionals help caregivers feel better about being a caregiver, according to a study by the University of Miami.

ASCOG Advocate: May 1, 2013

Tokyo Bay

On this date, in 1940, this major sporting event was cancelled.  It was originally scheduled to occur in Tokyo, Japan.  What was the name of the event?

Unemployment rates are 75% higher for Americans with disabilities than for those without disabilities.

Oklahoma Senate Bill 587, permitting the use of electronic recording devices in nursing homes, was sent to Governor Fallin for her signature.

Fifteen states will not expand Medicaid and ten more are leaning that direction.

Stem cell treatments may help improve circulation in legs and feet.

Aging Boomers bring in a rising tide of substance abuse.

A new iPhone app can help caregivers keep track of medications through a virtual pill box.

Aging is a dish best served with a side of laughter.

And here is the latest edition of Bits From Tara.