ASCOG Advocate: December 20, 2013

An F-117 Nighthawk in 2002.

On this date, in 1989, the United States sent troops to this country.  It would be the first combat to include the use of stealth aircraft.

What was the name of the country invaded by the U.S.?

A medical panel recommends a higher treatment threshold for prescribing medication to seniors with high blood pressure.

Dementia is more likely in older women with heart disease.

NIH addresses reasons people with intellectual disabilities often die years earlier.

NCOA:  7 Top Trends Affecting Benefits Programs for 2013.

An HHS Inspector General report shows nursing home quality is a top priority.

Seven myths about the flu vaccine.

ASCOG Advocate: December 19, 2013

A 1989 replica of the Susan Constant.

On this date, in 1606, the Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery set sail from England.  

What was the name of their destination?

Aging in place may depend as much on technology as it does on caregivers.

Diabetes strongly linked to dementia in two minority groups.

Aging actors play aging boxers in "Grudge Match."

The FDA questions the success of antibacterial soaps in preventing infection.

ASCOG area caregivers asked to complete a survey.

ASCOG Advocate: December 18, 2013

George Halas, founder of the Bears, shakes hands
with NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle.

On this date, in 1932, the Chicago Bears defeated the Portsmouth Spartans in the first ever NFL Championship Game.  Two years later the Spartans moved from Portsmouth Ohio and took on a new name.

What was the new name given to the Spartans?

Medicare identifies the best and worst facilities for hip and knee replacement.

A new study shows that fears about Medicare doctor shortages are "largely overstated."

"Caregiving is among the pressing issues for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia."

Alcohol abuse and depression are commonly mistaken for dementia.

ASCOG Advocate: December 17, 2013

The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.

On this date, in 1777, France formally recognized the United States.  But they were not the first country to do so?

What is the name of the first country to recognize the United States of America?

HHS announces $50 million plan to expand community mental health services.

Wes Bledsoe continues his sanctimonious, baseless and hypocritical  rant against those advocating for safer nursing homes.

Before giving up your car keys, consider having your driving skills tested.

Ten early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Social Security, Medicare and being politically correct.

ASCOG Advocate: December 16, 2013

James Cameron, director and producer.

On this date, in 2009, this American movie was released internationally.  It grossed over $2 billion and is the highest grossing movie of all time.  

What is the name of the film?

As the one-year anniversary of the Newtown Massacre approaches, Congress considers new mental health legislation.

A German study ties irregular heartbeat to depression.

Opinion:  Capitalism, individual rights and Medicare.

ASCOG Advocate: December 13, 2013

The privateer in Buckland Abbey.

On this date, in 1577, this English privateer set sail from Plymouth, England, on his round-the-world voyage.

What was his name?

More than eight million Americans use long term care services.

The Michigan senate unanimously approved bills that would allow certain offenders to go to mental health courts instead of facing criminal charges.

Morphine appears to reduce the effects of clot breaking drugs in cardiac emergencies.

How to appeal a Medicare claim.

Doctors may face significant cuts in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.  

Got an hour?  Give it back to seniors.

The National Council on Aging provides an economic aid for seniors.

ASCOG Advocate: December 12, 2013

Official Flag

On this date, in 1963, this country gained its independence from the United Kingdom.  The country has been inhabited by humans since the Lower Paleolithic period.  It borders the Indian Ocean.  Its famous, snow-capped Mount Kirinyaga was mispronounced by the English leading to its current name, after the name of the country.

What is the name of this country?

Report:  Medicare beneficiaries have good access to doctors.

Better diabetes treatment has dramatically improved overall health of seniors who battle the disease.

People with a high-risk Alzheimer's gene can see changes in the brain in childhood.

As the U.S. prepares for the impact of the expected high-cost of treatment, Alzheimer's rates decline globally.

North Carolina makes plans to shift to regional Medicaid plans run by managed care companies.

Anxiety grows as Kansas shifts care for people with developmental disabilities to managed care.

ASCOG Advocate: December 11, 2013

Co-founder of A.A.

On this date, in 1934, this co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous took his last drink and entered treatment for the last time.

What was his name?

Medicare re-hospitalization rates fell as hospitals receive penalties.

Medicare preferred pharmacy plans have lower costs and the same or better quality as plans without preferred networks.

An Alabama advocacy group is fighting against what is considers to be exploitative practices against persons with disabilities.

Exercise lowers the risk of dementia and memory loss.

AARP:  The concept of assessing a family caregiver's needs is not well understood in many Medicaid HCBS programs.

United We Ride seeks to seeks to meet the transportation needs of all older Oklahomans and persons with disabilities.

ASCOG Advocate: December 10, 2013

A 1970 photo of the band.

On this date, in 1965, a band formerly known as the Warlock's played in their first concert under a new, legendary name.

What was the new name of the band?

In the last decade, 49 Russian diplomats, or their spouses, bilked Medicaid in New York City out of $1.5 million in benefits.

OK Policy provided a report summary on Oklahoma's Food Security Safety Net.

NASUAD released a new analysis on the federal sequester.

An Urban Institute report shows what they expect you will receive in return for all of the taxes you pay to the federal government.

In the last year, 37 states have increased spending on mental health programs.

Study shows that the federal government could save hundreds of millions in Medicare reimbursements if EMS providers could provide alternative treatment.

Duncan Middle School students participated in a program to make holiday-themed aprons for local nursing homes.

ASCOG Advocate: December 6, 2013

On this date, in 1790, the U.S. Congress moved from New York City.

President's House.

To what city did the Congress move?

Deadly nursing home fire in Ohio was overshadowed by the death of a president.

Medicare to expand rehab coverage for heart patients.

How caregivers can prevent senior financial abuse.

Dementia cases are on the decline.

It's not too late to start exercising to improve your health.

ASCOG Advocate: December 5, 2013

The sixth President of the United States.

On this date, in 1831, this former U.S. President takes his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.  

What was his name?


A study out of U.C. Berkeley finds a possible 100% increase in Medi-Cal due to aging Boomers.

Staying active in later years boosts physical as well as mental health.

United Healthcare continues to cut doctors from its Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare is looking at ways to reduce costs in post hospital care.

An insurance agent was caught stealing from the policy he sold to his elderly aunt.

ASCOG Advocate: December 4, 2013

The pope asks the Frankish King for assistance.

On this date, in 771, Austrasian King Carloman died, leaving control of the now complete Frankish Kingdom to his brother.

What was the name of the brother?

Medicare keeps dialysis payments the same, avoiding 9.4 percent cut.

Fewer than 60% of those estimated to need mental health care actually receive treatment.  Depression remains untreated in the elderly.

Glenn Harry is not going to let Alzheimer's take his wife; not without a fight.

A Georgia man shot and killed an Alzheimer's patient who knocked on his door and was wandering in his yard.

ASCOG Advocate: December 3, 2013

Julie Andrews and Richard Burton.

On this date, in 1960, this musical debuted on Broadway and would forever be associated with the Kennedy administration.

What was the name of the musical?

Kansas to move care of people with developmental disabilities to Medicaid managed care.

Time is muscle, could you tell if you were having a heart attack?

More than 60 percent of elder abuse cases involve financial exploitation.

Only four states require audits of nursing home resident trust funds. Oklahoma is not one of them.

An 85-year-old resident of a California retirement community becomes the latest prisoner of war in North Korea.

Scientists continue to find connections between mental health and physical ailments.

ASCOG Area Agency on Aging has published the 2015 ASCOG AAA Area Plan Summary.

ASCOG Advocate: December 2, 2013

1947 propaganda comic book.

On this date, in 1954, the U.S. Senate voted to condemn this senator for his behavior during the "Red Scare."

What was the name of the senator?

Elderly woman with dementia in traffic-death case is released to DHS custody.

Australian who murdered octogenarians is feared still at large.

Nursing home operators breathe easier in states with tort reform.

For many Boomers, aging in place means going digital.

Medicaid enrollment expected to increase by about nine million.  More than 100,000 have already enrolled in the 25 states who denied Medicaid expansion.