1. food and drink
2. desserts and baking

Senior
Scope
FREE
NEW BEDFORD’S
Serving the towns of Acushnet n Dartmouth n Fairhaven n Gosnold n Marion n Mattapoisett n Rochester
Vol. 29, No. 6
Published by the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts • Jonathan F. Mitchell, Mayor
December 2012
Vets Breakfast, p.9
n Editor’s Notes........................2
n Donations...............................2
n Medicare Premiums..............3
n SRTA Fare Increase..............3
n Menu for December..............4
n Recipe Roundup....................4
n Shopping Guide.....................5
n Update....................................6
n Trivia Quiz.............................7
n Senior Travel..........................7
n At the Senior Centers............8
n Foods Under $1......................9
n Low Levels Vitamin D...........9
n Free Vascular Screenings....10
n Cancer and the Holidays....10
n Beta Blockers and Sleep......11
n Extend Life Expectancy......11
n Secrets to Getting Along.....12
n Reader Exchange.................12
n Los Articulos en
Español.................... Página 9
n Os Artigos em
Português................. Página 9
This photo of the New Bedford Free Public Library on Pleasant Street decked out in holiday lights
was taken in December 1949, when downtown was a shopper’s Mecca.
Photo courtesy of Spinner Publications.
How to Impart Wisdom and Experience to Your Grandchildren
There are 70 million grandparents in the U.S., more than
ever before. According to the recent study Grandparents
Investing in Grandchildren: The MetLife Study on How
Grandparents Share Their Time, Values, and Money, which
found that, increasingly, grandparents are a vital source
of financial support for American families, they’re also in
the enviable position of being sought after for wisdom and
advice, even from teenagers.
How can grandparents make the best of their relationships with their grandchildren and have the most impact
possible? Based on its study, the MetLife Mature Market
Institute is offering a tip sheet, Grandparents Investing
in Grandchildren: Actions Speak Louder Than Words,
produced with Generations United.
The guide provides grandparents with advice on how
they can be influential in a positive way on topics including
values, beliefs, civic engagement, heritage and even cooking. It reports that they can also be an important influence
on finances through both words and example.
“Grandparents continue to be a positive influence on
their grandchildren. Even though some are long distance
and families seem to have less leisure time than in the
past, it’s more critical than ever for grandparents to pass
on life lessons, family history and positive values, through
strong relationships with their grandchildren,” said Sandra
Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature
Market Institute.
According to the MetLife tip sheet, grandparents should
consider the following:
Share values and beliefs. Areas that resonate the most
with grandchildren are honesty and good behavior, education, family history, self-sufficiency and good health
habits. Grandparents are also successful at teaching their
grandchildren the importance of community involvement
through philanthropy, volunteerism and voting.
Celebrate family. The guide suggests taking the time
to create family history through an audio-visual message,
a family tree, photos and/or by preparing meals together,
which creates the perfect setting for conversations about
family recipes and those from whom they originated.
Invest in your grandchildren’s financial security.
Increasingly, grandparents are helping to support their
grandchildren, especially through assistance with tuition.
Grandparents can be particularly helpful by also helping
grandchildren to acquire financial literacy skills. They help
foster early saving habits, encourage smart spending and
making investments.
Social Security Office in New Bedford Cuts Hours Again
The New Bedford Social Security office is now open to
the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a
reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. Beginning January
2, the office will close to the public at noon every Wednesday.
This is the second reduction in hours in a little over a
year. On August 15, 2011, Social Security offices nationwide began closing to the public 30 minutes early each day.
While employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to
complete face-to-face interviews and process claims work
without incurring overtime costs for the agency. The
significantly reduced funding provided by Congress under
the continuing resolution for the first six months of the
fiscal year makes it impossible for the agency to provide
the overtime needed to handle service to the public as it has
done in the past.
Most Social Security services do not require a visit to a
Social Security ...
continued on page 3
2
december 2012
Senior Scope
Remember When Photo Dated
Ricardo Alcobia responded to our request for information on the Remember When photo in our October issue. The car on the right side, facing
north, is a 1936 Chrysler product. Since this is the newest vehicle in the
“Rudolph” is not one of my favor- photo, it was taken after production of 1935 autos. The cars on the left,
ite songs now, but I still love Christ- facing south, are all box styles, probably 1932 or 1933 models.
mas music. It’s one of my favorite
things about the season.
A popular gift in 1949 was a
General Electric combination sandwich grill and waffle maker. We had
In Memory/In Honor
one in our kitchen and it got plenty
of use with our large family.
honor of my parents, Marion L. and Jack Henderson, who made every
Dickens’ “The Christmas Carol” In
Christmas memorable $10.00
narrated by Vincent Price was first
-Love, daughter Joan Beaubian
broadcast in 1949, and I remember
watching it on our black and white In memory of Terry Goulart
$15.00
-Linda Anderson
TV. As a nine year old, I found it
a little scary, especially the Ghost
of Zonia L. Christopher Raffa
$10.00
of Christmas Past dragging those In memory
-Love, Peter
heavy chains.
Our knowledge of the world was In memory of Sylvester Luce
$10.00
more limited in 1949 than it is today,
-Wife, Louise Luce and son, Stephen
and expectations were simpler. Dad
$25.00
would take us for a drive to see the In memory of my husband, Davis Balestracci
-Wife,
Mary
lights around the city and maybe
to the Taunton Green. That was an In memory of Bruce Bochman
$10.00
adventure.
-Muriel and John Green
But mostly our world centered on
$10.00
home, church and school, all located In memory of Eva Benoit, who loved Christmas
-Love,
daughters
Muriel
and
Laurette
within a few blocks of each other.
We lived in the North End and In memory of my husband, Anthony Cardullo
$25.00
some of our favorite haunts at
-Olga Cardullo
Christmastime were Hobby Town,
Kresge’s and Woolworth on Acush- In memory of Mario “Marty” Costa
$10.00
-Wife, Hedy Costa
net Avenue. We walked to all these
places and marveled at all the amazIn memory of Napoleon Santos Sr.
$5.00
ing things on display.
-Anonymous
There was no Internet, no online
shopping and no Toys ‘R Us. But In memory of Aurora Dellecese
$5.00
the toy departments at the Star Store
-Anonymous
and Hutchinson’s on Union Street
$25.00
were just as wondrous to us as any In memory of my father, Charles Almeida
-Catherine
Michaud,
Dartmouth
modern toy emporium.
Christmas Day we were dressed In honor of the members of the Wonder Bowl Seniors Mixed Bowling League in special outfits and went to Mass $10.00
at St Anthony. The church was
-Armand J. Turgeon
beautifully decorated and sparkled
In Thanksgiving
with thousands of lights. The rest of
the day was spent visiting relatives Thank you St. Jude for prayers answered
$10.00
and playing with our toys.
-M.S.
I really don’t remember what gifts
I received for Christmas in 1949. I Thankful to St.Jude for answering prayers. Publication
$10.00
-Anonymous
do remember that the holiday glow
came not from presents but from the
$5.00
love and spirit that cannot be extin- Thank You St.Jude for prayers answered
-V.B.M.
guished.
Happy Holidays to all our read- Thank you St. Jude and St. Anthony for prayers answered
$5.00
ers.
-Anonymous
Christmas in New Bedford, 1949
The picture on the front page of
the library downtown bedecked
with holiday lights took me on a trip
down Memory Lane. When Christmas came to New Bedford in 1949,
I was nine years old.
My older sister was eleven and
my younger sisters were five and
one. My grandparents also lived
with us, and friends, cousins, aunts
and uncles visited often.
As you can imagine, our household bustled with activity. All the
holidays were fun, but without
doubt Christmas was the best season
of all. The excitement and anticipation were heady.
Unlike today, the preparations were more concentrated in
the week or two leading up to the
holiday. We did not put up our tree
until the Sunday before Christmas
and it came down right after New
Year’s. Now I see people buying
live Christmas trees the day after
Thanksgiving.
In 1949 mail was delivered twice
a day, and Christmas cards arrived
mostly during the last week before
Christmas. We were allowed to open
the ones addressed “and Family” or
“and Daughters.” That made us feel
special.
Traditional foods we only
enjoyed once a year were a big part
of the holiday celebration. Mom
made French meat pies or tourtieres,
which I still make at Christmas.
For dessert Mom made raisin pie,
squash pie and maybe a few others.
I can still see her in my mind rolling
out pastry on the Formica top table
with chrome legs.
She also made a fruitcake from
a recipe that came from Columbia
Presbyterian Medical Center, where
Dad worked in the kitchen when
they lived in New York in the 1930s.
I was never a fruitcake fancier, but
most people liked this one.
Helping in the kitchen was fun
and we looked forward to it. We
peeled apples and cracked nuts,
and stuffed walnut halves in dates,
then rolled them in sugar. We also
washed a lot of dishes.
A quick Internet search revealed
that “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry was introduced in 1949 and it was a huge hit.
My sisters and I loved it and drove
our parents crazy, singing it over
and over.
Donations to SeniorScope
Thank You St. Anthony
$10.00
Thank You St. Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus for prayers answered
$10.00
Thank You St. Jude, you answered my prayer
$20.00
-Anonymous
-Anonymous
-Anonymous
Donations this month
Donations last month
Total donations year to date (FY’13)
Reminder
SeniorScope does not publish a January edition.
The next issue will be out February 5.
Senior Scope
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newbedford’s
Published by the City of New Bedford, Department of Community Services,
with a grant from Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.
Jonathan F. Mitchell, MayorDistribution: Michael Graffeo
Jeannine Wilson, Editor
Thomas Mello
Joan Beaubian, Clerk
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________________________________________________________
december 2012
2013 Medicare Premiums and
Deductibles Announced by CMS
The Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS) have
announced the 2013 Medicare
Part B premium will be $104.90
per month, up $5 from the current
$99.90 per month, and the Part B
deductible for 2013 will be $147,
up from $140 this year.
Most beneficiaries will not realize the change because they pay
the Part B premium directly from
their Social Security check. This
increase will offset the 1.7 percent
cost of living (COLA) increase in
2013, and absorb about a quarter
of a typical retiree’s cost-of-living
raise in Social Security payments.
Part B is the voluntary medical insurance covering medically necessary doctors’ services,
preventive care, durable medical
equipment, laboratory tests, x-rays,
limited home health and ambulance
services
Beneficiaries whose income is
more than $85,000 for an individual or $170,000 for couples will see
an increase of $42 to $230.80 per
month.
Even though payment reforms
enacted over the past few years
have kept these costs lower than
expected, the announcement offers
a stark reminder to policymakers
embroiled in deficit reduction negotiations: older adults and people
with disabilities with Medicare
already pay a high amount for their
health care, states Medicare Rights
Center President Joe Baker.
Half of all people with Medicare live on annual incomes of
$22,000 or less, and health care
costs account for 15 percent of
household expenses for the average
person with Medicare compared to
5 percent for non-Medicare households.
The average Medicare beneficiary spends $4,500 on health care
per year. In the last five years of
life, beneficiaries spend an average
of $38,688 per year. For 25 percent
of beneficiaries, out-of-pocket
costs average $101,791 during this
period. “This harsh financial reality makes clear that any proposal
to find savings in the Medicare
program should not force people
with Medicare to pay more for less
health security,” said Baker.
Instead of shifting costs to beneficiaries, the Medicare Rights Center
supports cost savings solutions that
address the problem of rising health
care costs in the system overall.
SRTA Phases in Fare Increase for
Demand Response Riders
After holding two public
hearings and receiving over 70
comment cards from senior citizens
from across the region, SRTA held
a Board meeting on October 18 to
decide on a proposed fare restructuring plan.
SRTA’s original plan was to move
from charging $1.25 per zone to a
$1.50 flat fare for fixed route (regular bus) service. However, SRTA
was taking the lead from Boston in
proposing to charge disabled and
seniors who use the door to door
“demand response” van a double
fare of $3.00 each way. “This
is more than double the fare for
trips that are now one zone,” said
demand response rider Susan Goss
of New Bedford.
Bus Riders United put pressure
on SRTA to call off the disproportionate fare increase. Members
were especially concerned about
the doubling of the one zone fare.
At the October meeting, the
fixed route portion of the proposal
passed, but Fall River Mayor Will
Flanagan, SRTA Board Chair, led a
vote to postpone a decision on the
demand response fare. He asked
SRTA to meet with Bus Riders
Social Security ...
3
Senior Scope
United, Mass Senior Action, and
Coalition for Social Justice, to come
up with a new proposal to address
concerns about the fare hike.
Bus Riders United proposed two
different options to keep a low rate
for demand response, but in the
end SRTA pushed forward with a
proposal that would phase in the $3
fare for one zone rides over three
years with riders paying $1.75 in
2013, $2.25 in 2014 and $3 in 2015.
The rides of two or more zones
would start and stay at $3 each way.
The $3 fare includes an option for
savings of 50 cents per ride with
purchase of a 10 ride pass.
“We appreciate the SRTA administration listening to our concerns
and working to find a way to lessen the impact on demand response
riders,” said MSAC Chapter Vice
President Michelle Silvia. “We look
forward to working with SRTA and
the Mayors to find ways to bring
fare relief for the lowest income
demand response riders that are
facing this increase. We think it’s
important to make sure all riders
have access to affordable public
transportation.”
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Forty Years of Helping People in Need
By Delia De Mello
Social Security
The Social Security Amendments of 1972 created a new federal
benefit program. This month, that
program — the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program — celebrates its 40th anniversary. Administered by Social Security, SSI is
a needs-based program for people
65 or older, blind, or disabled who
have limited income and resources.
For income, we count things such
as wages, Social Security benefits,
and pensions. However, Social
Security does not count all of your
income when it decides whether
you qualify for SSI. For example,
we don’t count food stamps or most
home energy assistance.
For resources, we count the
things you own, such as real estate
(other than the home you live in),
bank accounts, cash, stocks, and
bonds. A person with resources
worth no more than $2,000 may be
able to get SSI. The resource limit
is $3,000 for couples.
To qualify for SSI, you also
must live in the United States or
the Northern Mariana Islands and
be a U.S. citizen or national. In
rare cases, noncitizen residents
can qualify for SSI. If you live in
certain types of institutions or live
in a shelter for the homeless, you
may qualify for SSI.
People with blindness or a
disability who apply for SSI may
be able to get free special services
to help them work. These services
may include counseling and job
training.
The monthly maximum federal
SSI payment is the same nationwide and amounts to $698 for an
individual and $1,048 for a couple.
However, the amount you receive
depends on factors such as where
you live, your living arrangements,
and your income. Some states add
money to the federal payment.
Funding for the SSI program
comes from the general revenues of
the U.S. Treasury, not from Social
Security payroll taxes. To learn
more about SSI, read the online
publication, You May Be Able To
Get Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/
pubs/11069.html or visit the SSI
page at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
Elder Law Attorneys Call on CMS to
Take Action to Protect Older Americans
The National Academy of Elder
Law Attorneys (NAELA) called
on the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS) to revise
observation status rules in order
to protect the financial security of
Medicare beneficiaries. In a letter
to CMS, NAELA requested immediate changes to ensure that older
adults are not unfairly kept from
being admitted into hospitals in
order to save Medicare dollars.
Observation status refers to the
classification of a patient in an acute
care hospital as an outpatient, even
though, just like an inpatient, the
person is placed in a bed in the hospital, stays overnight, and receives
medical care. Classification as an
outpatient negatively impacts older
Americans. Outpatient classification may make a patient ineligible
for Medicare coverage of subsequent skilled nursing facility care
because Medicare requires three
days of inpatient status to qualify
for Medicare coverage.
The use of this practice is of
great concern to NAELA members
as they often represent elderly
clients whose hospital stays have
been inappropriately classified as
observation status. More than 10
percent of Medicare beneficiaries
are placed on observation status for
more than 48 hours.
NAELA stressed that observation status is making the goal of
affordable health care unattainable
for many Medicare beneficiaries.
Many NAELA members’ clients
have either paid the cost of skilled
nursing facility care out of their own
pockets or gone without the necessary care. Not only is observation
status costly for older Americans,
classifying patients as outpatient or
inpatient is an expensive process for
the Medicare system and a waste of
the program’s resources.
Savoy Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
670 County Street, New Bedford
continued from page 1
local office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing
up for direct deposit, replacing a
Medicare card, obtaining a proof
of income letter or informing us of
a change of address or telephone
number are conveniently available at
www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-7721213. People who are deaf or hard of
hearing may call our TTY number,
1-800-325-0778. Many of our online
services also are available in Spanish
at www.segurosocial.gov.
What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a
job the next day.
Phyllis Diller
A homelike atmosphere for
short term rehabilitation, respite, hospice or long term care.
Owned and operated by a physician.
Call to schedule a tour
Tel. 508-994-2400
Fax 508-994-4746
4
DECEMBER 2012
Senior Scope
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
3
Sloppy Joe
Hashbrowns
Green beans
Hamburger Roll
Strawberry Cup
4
Chicken Chow Mein
Asian Rice
Whole Wheat Roll
Pineapple
Low- Sugar Pudding
5
Macaroni & Cheese
Escalloped Tomatoes
Multigrain Roll
Peaches
6
Roasted Turkey w/Gravy
Whipped Potato
Winter Squash
Whole Wheat Bread
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Diet:Graham Waffle
7
Swedish Meatballs
Stroganoff w/
Buttered Noodles
Winter Blend Veggies
Fruit Muffin
Fresh Fruit
Cal: 685 Na: 795 mg
CHO: 100g* Fat: 25%
Cal: 581 Na: 774 mg
CHO: 67 g* Fat: 27%
Cal: 730 Na: 890 mg
CHO: 91 g* Fat: 33%
Cal: 674 Na: 894 mg
CHO: 98 g* Fat: 24%
Cal: 785 Na: 973 mg
CHO: 94 g* Fat: 36%
10
Chicken Pot Pie
w/Veggies
Mashed Potato
Cornbread
Apricots
11
Beef & Cabbage
Casserole
Confetti Rice
Multigrain Roll
Applesauce
13
Beef Stew
w/ vegetables
Boiled Potatoes
Fruit Muffin
Strawberry Cup
Cal: 764 Na: 762 mg
CHO: 92 g* Fat: 31%
Cal: 603 Na: 697 mg
CHO: 78 g* Fat: 27%
12
Kale Soup
Pineapple Ginger Chicken
Lyonnaise Potato
Whole Wheat Roll
Cutie Pie
Diet: Cookie
Cal: 814 Na: 1161 mg
CHO: 90 g* Fat: 40%
14
Crunchy Fish Sticks
Tartar Sauce
Au Gratin Potatoes
Zucchini & Tomatoes
Whole Wheat Bread
Fresh Fruit
Cal: 715 Na: 909 mg
CHO: 82 g* Fat: 37%
17
Cheese Tortellini w/
Tomato Florentine Sauce
Italian Blend
Whole Wheat Roll
Pears
18 Cold Plate
Chicken Salad
Pasta Salad
Tossed salad
w/dressing
Pita Bread
Strawberry Cup
Cal: 813 Na: 829 mg
CHO: 100 g* Fat: 30%
19
Roast Pork
w/ applesauce gravy
Red Bliss Potato
Holiday Blend Veggies
Whole Wheat Bread
Brownie/ Diet: Cookie
Cal: 777 Na: 650 mg
CHO: 81 g* Fat: 37%
25
Holiday
Office Closed
26
Minestrone Soup
Honey Mustard Chicken
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Whole Wheat Roll
Birthday Cake
Diet: Graham Waffle
Cal: 1029 Na: 1176 mg
CHO: 112 g* Fat: 37%
Cal: 557 Na: 845 mg
CHO: 72 g* Fat: 28%
24
American Chop Suey
Wax & Green Beans
Fruit Muffin
Peaches
Cal: 557 Na: 845 mg
CHO: 72 g* Fat: 28%
Cal: 822 Na: 645 mg
CHO: 98 g* Fat: 38%
20
Turkey Divan
w/ broccoli
Buttered Noodles
Multigrain Roll
Peaches
Cal: 777 Na: 681 mg
CHO: 91 g* Fat: 28%
27
Veggie Chili
w/ vegetables
Dirty Rice
Multigrain Roll
Apricots
Cal: 659 Na: 690 mg
CHO: 107 g* Fat: 18%
21
Meatloaf
w/ brown gravy
Whipped Potatoes
Beets
Whole Wheat Bread
Fresh Fruit
Cal: 751 Na: 811 mg
CHO: 100 g* Fat: 31%
28
Salmon Boat w/
Lemon Dill Sauce
O’Brien Potato
Glazed Carrots
Whole Wheat Bread
Strawberry Cup
Cal: 645 Na: 793 mg
CHO: 101 g* Fat: 21%
31
Chicken a la King
Whipped Potatoes
Peas
Whole Wheat Bread
Cutie Pie
Diet: Cookie
Cal: 873 Na: 805 mg
CHO: 112 g* Fat: 27%
Sweet & Savory Beef Stew
Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
Ingredients:
2 1/2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
8 ounces bottom-round beef, trimmed, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
2 1/2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
1/3 cup dried cherries
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage links, casings removed, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes
1/4 cup diced onions
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 1/2 ounce) cans Italian plum tomatoes, drained, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons minced parsley
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Add
beef and cook until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium-low, add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and shallot to the
pan; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Stir in thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook
for 30 seconds. Return the beef to the pan and sprinkle with flour. Cook, stirring often, until the flour browns, about 3 minutes. Pour in broth; scrape up any
browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the liquid bubbles and thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Stir in squash.
Cover the pan and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1 hour. Stir in cherries, cover
and continue baking until the meat is tender when pierced with a fork, about 30
minutes more.
Serves 2
Source: eatingwell.com
Directions:
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and crushed red pepper. Cook until sausage is no longer pink, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes.
Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until onion is tender and sausage is light
brown, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes.
Add tomatoes, cream, and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 4
minutes. (Can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and chill.).
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling water. Drain.
Bring sauce to a simmer. Add pasta to sauce and cook until pasta is heated
through and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
Divide pasta between plates. Sprinkle with parsley.
Serves 2
Source: food.com
NOW! in Greater New Bedford
Coastline Elderly Services Presents
DECEMBER
3-4-7
JANUARY
14-15-18
FEBRUARY
11-12-15
MEDICAL
TRANSPORTATION
TO BOSTON
FOR SENIORS AND
DISABLED
508- 991-6253
$40.00 RT for residents of NB, FHVN and MATT
$50.00 RT for all others in Greater NB
Pick ups
7:00am Fairhaven Council on Aging
7:30am Stop and Shop King’s Highway
CALL for schedules and reservations
508-991-6253
Funding provided by MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs
And MA Dept. of Transportation
Surprenant & Beneski, PC
“Senior Estate Planning 101”
Thursday, December 6 - 1:30-2:30pm
Wamsutta Club, New Bedford
Light refreshments will be provided
SEATS ARE LIMITED, PLEASE RSVP TODAY to
Ana Marques at 508-742-9113
Attend this great workshop and learn how to
• Protect your family’s legacy and inheritance
• Set up a living trust to avoid probate
• Protect your home and life savings
• Avoid death taxes... and much more
DECEMBER 2012
5
Senior Scope
Special Shopping and Services Guide
Linnea R. Michel
Attorney at Law
Legal Services for Elders
Wills - Power of Attorney
Home Visits Available
[email protected] • (508) 264-5996
ADULT DAY
HEALTH CARE
CENTER
Privately owned building in the North End of New Bedford. Taber Mill is now accepting applications for bright
1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Specially designed for people
62 years old and over and for handicapped and disabled
persons who are 18 years old and over. Rent based on 30%
of adjusted income. Income requirements, please call for
more info.
PROJECT INDEPENDENCE
“Serving Adults with Medical Needs
For More Than 25 Years”
Karen A. Maciulewicz, M.S. R.N.C
250 Elm Street* New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone:508-997-1441
Fax: 508-997-5594* www.piadhc.org
Caregiver Grant Funded by
Title III-E of O.A.A Sponsored by Coastline Elderly
217 Deane Street, New Bedford, MA 02746
(508) 996-3111
VOICE-TDD# 1-800-439-2370
The Car Barn
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Designed for the Elderly
HUD subsidized affordable housing specially designed for
People 62 years and older and for handicapped/disabled persons
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR 1 AND 2 BEDROOM UNITS
The Car Barn offers many amenities:
• Gated community
• Heat and central air included
• Daily activities
• Beauty salon
• Computer room
• Fitness center
• Movie theater
• Library
• Community room
• On-site laundry facility
• Manager and Residential Service Coordinator
• 24-hour maintenance available
• Handicapped accessible
Please call for more information
508-997-5484
Happy
Carriage House
Carriage House at Acushnet Heights is a development consisting of 34 apartments
made up of studio and one-bedroom units with some fully accessible units.
Rent is subsidized and based upon 30% of the resident’s annual adjusted income.
Applicant, or a member of the applicant household, must be 62 years of age or older.
Carriage House at Acushnet Heights offers many amenities:
• Affordable rent
• Beautiful living environment
• Plenty of natural light
• Community Patio/deck for outdoor enjoyment
• Examination Room
• Library
• Community Room
• Heat and hot water and electricity included with rent
• All units have air conditioning
• New appliances
• Covered parking (limited)
• On site coin-op laundry
• On site beauty salon
• 24 hour maintenance
Choose Carriage House at Acushnet Heights as your new home.
Call 508-993-0433 for an application today.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Handicap Accessible
For information
on
Senior Scope’s
ad rates,
please call
508-979-1510
or
508-979-1544
Olympia Tower
Now Accepting Applications. Overlooking New Bedford
Harbor and Buzzards Bay, Olympia Tower is now accepting
applications for 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Specially
designed for people 62 years old and over and for handicapped or disabled persons who are 18 years old and over.
Enjoy the convenient downtown location and feel secure in the
friendly atmosphere. Rent based on 30% of adjusted income.
Income requirements, please call for info.
(508) 997-1205
TDD# 800-439-2370
Holidays!
to
all our
readers
and
loyal
advertisers!
6
Update
December 2012
Senior Scope
Holiday House Tour
To herald the holiday season, residents of New Bedford’s historic neighborhoods will once again be opening their beautifully restored homes for
the New Bedford Preservation Society’s signature fundraising event, the
21st Annual Holiday House Tour. This year’s candlelight tour will be held
from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, with the December 9 afternoon tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both tours start at the Wamsutta Club, 427
County Street, where an elegant pre-tour brunch will be held on Sunday
from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a holiday raffle and silent auction of
beautiful gifts, art, antiques and handcrafted items.
Pre-tour brunch reservations ($17) can be made but are not required by
calling the club at 508-997-7431. Advance, discounted tour tickets are on
sale at various locations. For information, call the New Bedford Preservation Society office at 508-997-6425. Visit us on Facebook or at www.
nbpreservationsociety.org for a look at homes featured on previous tours.
All proceeds will benefit the work of the society in its efforts to maintain
and promote historic preservation in New Bedford. Carol of the Bells Fundraiser
The New Bedford Museum of Glass will be hosting a Carol of the Bells
Holiday Fundraiser on Saturday, December 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at
the museum located at 61 Wamsutta Street, New Bedford. The event will
include food, music, full access to the museum, and an auction featuing
one of a kind, handmade glass bells made by local and nationally known
artists such as Jack Loranger and Chris Belleau.
All proceeds from the auction will go to the funding of an educational
lecture and demonstration series beginning early next year. Tickets are
$10 in advance, available at the museum, and $15 at the door. For more
information, visit the museum’s website at http://www.nbmog.org/Carolof-the-Bell-Fundraiser.html
St. Anthony Christmas Concert
On Sunday, December 11, at 3 p.m. David Touchette’s Spirit of St.
Anthony Choir will be joined by Steven Young’s Bridgewater State University Chamber Choir and Sandy Morgan’s Occasion Singers in a Christmas
concert. The program includes a sing-along of favorite Christmas hymns
ending with a community sing of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The musical event will be followed by complimentary hot chocolate served in the
church hall.
Free parking is available at the Whale’s Tooth (ferry) lot in Downtown
New Bedford. From there, trolley transportation is provided between the
hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The church is located at 1359 Acushnet Avenue.
This is a benefit concert for St. Anthony of Padua church’s Historic 1912
Casavant Organ Renovation Fund. Although no admission is charged,
donations are collected during the concert, and participation in the “adopt
an organ part” program is encouraged. For information, call the church at
508-993-1691 or Gisele Pappas the concert coordinator at 508-264-8010.
Independent Living Expo a Success
Family Holiday Pops Concert
The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s “Hear the Cheer!” family
holiday pops concerts will be held Saturday, December 22, at 3:30 p.m.
and 7 p.m. at the Zeiterion Theatre. This one-of-a-kind holiday season
tradition on the South Coast will feature vocalist Amanda Carr and the
NBSO orchestra performing songs of the season, along with festive holiday decorations and even a photo-op with Santa.
For more information Email [email protected] or call 508-997-5664.
More than 300 people visited the Independent Living Expo November 14 at the
Hawthorne Country Club. Top photo, Senior Whole Health Marketing Relations Specialist Juraci Capataz talks with a visitor. Bottom photo, a group enjoys the hors d’oeuvres
and live entertainment at the Expo.
Santa Run for Cardiac Program
The second annual Santa Sightings 5-kilometer Fun Run in downtown
New Bedford is expected to draw up to 3,000 running Santas, all to benefit Southcoast Health System’s Cardiac Prevention Program. The Santa
Run will take place Saturday, December 8, at 11 a.m. and will start at
New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and Pleasant Street. The
5-kilometer (3.1-mile) fun run is open to all levels of runners, walkers and
people who simply love the holiday season. All registered runners will
receive their own Santa suit to wear during the race.
To register, visit www.thesightings.com. Registration through Thursday,
December 6, is free for children seven and under (no suit provided), $20
for children ages 8 to 12, $30 for teens ages 13 to 17 and $40 for adults.
Registration closes at the end of day on Thursday, December 6.
FALL RISK INDICATOR PROJECT
IF YOU FALL...
CALL!
This program is designed for anyone over 60 years
of age who wants to learn:
“WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU”
WILL BE CONDUCTED AT:
Brooklawn Senior Center on December 10th
11:30-12:30pm.
Buttonwood Senior Center on January 17th
11:30-12:30pm
Sign up at each site for an assessment with staff.
This interactive project addresses an area that is critical
to maintaining independent living for seniors
This project is administered by Family Service
Association and is funded in part by a Title IIIB grant
from Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. through
contracts with the Massachusetts Executive Office
of Elder Affairs.
For more information, please call Tami O’Neil at 508-677-3822, ext. 3577.
CITY OF NEW BEDFORD COA & SENIOR CENTERS
TRIM
A
TREE
PARTY
Thursday, December 6
12:30 - 2:30 PM
Brooklawn Senior Center
1997 Acushnet Ave
Seasonal refreshments
for your enjoyment
And
It’s FREE
Christmas Carol
Sing - Along
With
New Horizons
December 2012
Senior Scope
George Smith Honored by Mass.
Senior Action Council
New Bedford’s George Smith
was recently honored at the Annual
Dinner of the Massachusetts Senior
Action Council (MSAC) with an
“Unsung Hero Award.” The award
is presented to a new member to
recognize their efforts and contributions to the Chapter. “George has
been very active this year doing
outreach in the senior community,”
said Eileen Marum, Bristol County
Chapter president.
An NSTAR retiree and former
president of Utility Workers Union
Local, George served on the New
Bedford City Council from 19932001 and has taken an active role
in the community since his retirement. He was chairman of the
New Bedford Planning Board and
Commission for Citizens with
Disabilities. For many years, he has
been actively involved with Coastline Elderly Services serving on the
Board of Directors as Vice-President and President.
George became involved in
MSAC after attending a rally at
the Wang Theater in Boston last
year with 3,000 people gathered to
call for protection of Social Security and Medicare. “When I heard
about proposed cuts to Social Security that got me fired up!” shared
George.
George has spoken to over a
dozen groups in the New Bedford
Area on MSAC issues, from
protecting the senior meal program
to fighting for transportation for
seniors, and especially on the topic
of protecting Medicare and Social
Security.
To find out more about how you
can get involved in Mass Senior
Action, call Daria Gere, community
organizer at 508-993-2680.
where they will have an opportunity
to present their concerns.
“The surveys provide elders with
an opportunity to tell Coastline
what they need or want for services. It is always better to listen to
the elder’s opinion rather than try
to guess what it is that they need,”
said Ann McCrillis, Area Agency
on Aging planner at Coastline.
The goal of the statewide study
is to determine which services are
most critical to enable seniors to
remain in their own homes with
high quality of life as long as possible and to empower older people to
stay active and healthy.
1) The world’s largest office building was completed in 1943. What is
it called?
Hint: it is in the United States.
2) What Argentine dance was
condemned by the Vatican in 1913 as
being too lewd and suggestive?
3) In 1988, Curtis Strange became
the first person in sport to win one
million dollars in a single season.
What was his sport?
4) Who played the male lead in the
TV series Quantum Leap?
5) Which U.S. President decided to
drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima
and Nagasaki?
6) When Columbus discovered
America in 1492, which area was he
closest to?
a) Maine
b) Massachusetts
c) Bahamas
d) Virginia
Contact the Fairhaven Council on Aging at 508-979-4029 about the
following trip:
Tues. Jan. 15 -- Foxwoods Casino
____________________________________________
Contact the Rochester Council on Aging at 508-763-8723 about the
following trips:
Mon. Dec. 10 – Dartmouth Christmas Tree Shop & Vanity Fair
Thurs. Dec. 13 – Festival of Lights -- LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro
Multi-Day Tours
Contact the City of New Bedford Senior Travel program at 508-9916171 about the following trips open to anyone 50 or older:
May 20 - 24, 2013 -- 5 Day Ottawa, Canada, including the 1000 Islands.
Estates to Plates Food Drive
The law office of Surprenant
& Beneski P.C. of New Bedford,
Hyannis and Brockton, has implemented an “Estates to Plates”
program as part of its ongoing
service to the community.
“When we learned that many of
our local food pantries are running
at an all-time shortage of supplies,
we knew we needed to help,” said
Attorney Michelle Beneski. She
added, “Here at Surprenant &
Beneski, P.C. we believe that small
actions can make a big difference
in our community.” In the current
economic climate, some of our
family members, friends and neighbors are out of work and at times
cannot afford even the basics. They
depend on the donations from food
pantries to make ends meet.
The Estates to Plates program
asks anyone who attends one of the
firm’s free seminars or consultations
to bring a non-perishable or canned
food item with them to donate. At
the end of every month all the donations will be brought to one of the
food pantries in our community.
Most of us think canned food
drives are for the holiday season.
The truth is that the need is yearround. Surprenant & Beneski, P.C.
plans on making this food drive
an on-going event throughout the
year. “We are so blessed to have a
wonderful community that comes
through when the need is so great,”
said Beneski. “I just know the
response will be tremendous.”
Donations can be dropped off at
their office at 35 Arnold Street, New
Bedford, Monday through Friday,
between 10 a.m. and 5p.m.
Do you Enjoy Dining Out?
Trivia Quiz
By Ed Camara
Day Trips
Contact the City of New Bedford Senior Travel program at 508-9916171 about the following trips open to anyone 50 or older. Sign up now
for new summer tours. Stop by the Hazelwood Senior Center to pick up a
brochure. Sat. Dec. 8 – “Memphis” – Providence Performing Arts Center
Tues. Jan. 8 – Twin Rivers Casino
Mon. Feb. 11 – Foxwoods Casino
Wed. Feb. 27 – Newport Playhouse
Tues. March 12 – Twin Rivers Casino
Wed. March 13 – Boston Flower Show
Tues. March 26 – Aqua Turf Club -- Tribute to Barry Manilow
Mon. April 8 – Foxwoods Casino
_____________________________________________
Coastline Conducting Needs
Assessment of Elders
Coastline Elderly Services is
currently conducting a study to
determine the needs of elders in the
area it serves, which includes the
city of New Bedford and the towns
of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven,
Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester
and Cuttyhunk Island.
Surveys were mailed to a
sampling of elders in these communities the week before Thanksgiving. Those who received the survey
forms are asked to return them to
Coastline by December 20.
Elders who did not receive a
survey can attend a meeting at the
Rochester Council on Aging on
Monday, December 17 at 2:30 p.m.,
Senior Travel
7
7) When the Pilgrims landed in
Plymouth, what Indian tribe met
him?
a) Iroquois
b) Seminoles
c) Nashaweenas
d) Wampanoags
Once again, Dinner for Two
Dining Books are being sold at
the Mattapoisett Council on Aging
Senior Center. As in prior years, the
books are priced at $29.95 each. If
you buy three books, for yourself
or to give as gifts, you’ll receive a
fourth book free.
Make your check payable to the
Friends of the Elderly with “Dinner
for Two” on the memo line. Cash
is acceptable as well. Reserve your
books by calling the Council on
Aging, 508-758-4110. This sale
helps the Friends of the Elderly to
support the Mattapoisett Council on
Aging.
8) Besides pulling back on the
throttle, what does a modern airplane
pilot use to slow down?
9) When the Yankees started
putting numbers on the backs of
their uniforms in 1929 what did they
represent?
a) The position the individual
played on the field
b) The years the player had been on
the team
c) The position of the individual in
the batting order
d) They were randomly picked
10) In 1937 the Redskins pro football team moved to Washington.
From what city?
a) Philadelphia PA
b) Boston MA
c) Albany NY
d) Canton OH
Center for
FACIAL PLASTIC &
HAIR RESTORATION
SURGERY
at Hawthorn Medical
8
At the Senior Centers
Acushnet Senior Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Acushnet Council on Aging
at 508-998-0280.
Cribbage players needed on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Fridays at 12:00 p.m.
The French Cultural Group now meets on Tuesdays at 9 a.m.
The Tuesday Pitch League is playing in the afternoons. Play starts promptly at 1 p.m.
so be sure to arrive a few minutes early. New players and substitutes are always welcome.
Diabetic Toe Nail Care with a professionally licensed manicurist is available every
other Friday by appointment.
A Beginners’ Exercise Class with Larry Bigos meets Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Go at
your own pace while building strength and making new friends.
Cardio-Dance-Fit is a fun, energizing one-hour workout to great music. The class
meets Thursday at 10 a.m. with Certified Instructor Ellie Higgins.
The Red Hat Society meets the first Thursday of the month at 11 a.m., to set the
schedule for the following month’s activities. New members always welcome.
Chair Yoga with Sue Ashley meets on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 10.
Cardio Fusion, a low-impact, high energy class, meets Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
On Fridays at 11:15 a.m., Strong Women, Strong Bones with Karen Corcoran helps
you stretch, flex and build core strength.
Ashley Park Center
The Ashley Park Center in New Bedford is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.
to 3 pm. For information on activities, such as cards, dominoes, and crocheting, call Lidia
at 508-991-6211.
Brooklawn Senior Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Brooklawn Senior Center at
508-961-3100.
A gala Trim-a-Tree Party is planned for Thursday, December 6, at 1 p.m.
A Fall Prevention Clinic will be held Monday, December 10, at 11:30 a.m.
Art classes are free and materials are provided. Decorative Painting meets on Monday
at 10 a.m. and Drawing What You See/Watercolor meets on Friday at 10 a.m.
Craft Classes are offered the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m., led by The
Oaks and all supplies are free.
The Discussion Group that meets on Tuesday afternoons at 1 is welcoming new
members.
Enjoy the ancient Chinese game Mah Jongg every Tuesday at 10 a.m. with instructor
Joan Blanchette. Experienced and new players are welcome. Whist players enjoy great people and prizes every Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Play Cribbage Wednesday mornings starting at 10. If you’ve never played and are
interested, join in as the players teach you this longtime favorite.
The Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. The next meeting
is Wednesday, December 12. The book to be discussed is “Three Weeks in December”
by Audrey Shulman.
Everyone of any physical ability is encouraged to participate in the Strength and
Conditioning class with Larry Bigos that meets on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Tai Chi classes are suspended for December and will resume in January.
Buttonwood Senior Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Buttonwood Senior Center
at 508-991-6170, ext. 5:
An Aerobics class meets on Mondays at 10 a.m. Gentle Yoga with Joan Davignon
meets on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Painting with Friends meets on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. with instructor Kathy
Arruda.
Tai Chi with Karen Corcoran meets every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Join this free class
and improve your health and balance.
The Swing Dancercise class with Victor Fonseca meets from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on
Fridays. Dartmouth Senior Center
DECEMBER 2012
Senior Scope
For more information on the following activities, call the Dartmouth Senior Center at
508-999-4717:
Join respiratory therapist Cornel Boudria for an overview of the Proper use of Rescue
and Long Acting Metered Dose Inhalers on Wednesday, December 5, at 10 a.m.
A Holiday Party will be held on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will
be followed by the singing entertainment of “Just Us.” Reservations are required.
On December 17, at 10 a.m., a dietician from the Southcoast Prevention Program will
discuss
Healthy Holiday Eating. Learn eating tips, how to make healthy choices, and how to
stay healthy all season.
Get into the holiday spirit with some cookie decorating on Friday, December 21, at 10
a.m. and the movie“The Edaville Railroad.” It’s free but sign up is required.
On Thursday, December 27, at 10 a.m. the children from the I’ve Got Rhythm dance
studio will be at the Center to entertain us.
A Lifeline Diabetic and Medical Supply representative will now visit the center on the
third Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. No appointment is necessary.
Stop in the Center most mornings at 9:30 for a game of pool.
We are looking for Cribbage players. If you are interested in playing or would like to
learn how, join our players on Tuesdays at 9:30.
Tai Chi class meets on Tuesdays, 9 a.m.to10 a.m. This Chinese health exercise will
improve your balance and mobility.
Dental Hygiene Services are available at the Center including Dental cleanings,
Screenings and Fluoride treatments, covered by Mass. Health or fee of $75.00. Center
has consent and medical history forms and will schedule appointments.
Computer Clinics meet on Tuesdays from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn the basics for a strong foundation and use the
computer to do what you want.
The Gentle Yoga class meets Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Play Cribbage on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Zumba Gold class meets Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to12 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Pound by Pound, a free weight loss support group, meets Mondays at 10 a.m. Walkins are welcome.
A free Walking Group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Several different walking levels are included, and a pedometer and walking log provided.
Monthly outings feature different walking locations.
The Basic Sewing Class meets Thursdays at 11 a.m. We provide a machine or you
may bring your own. No sign up is required.
Chair Massage is available Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Gentle Yoga with instructor Joan
Davignon meets on Thursday at 10 am.
Free Osteo Exercise classes are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 a.m.
Personal trainer Larry Bigos teaches an individualized Flex and Strength class on
Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. and Friday at 9:00 a.m. Beginners are welcome. This class is
offered at a reduced cost of $3.00.
A Foot Care Clinic is held on the first Thursday and last Tuesday of each month.
Appointments are required.
Downtown Senior Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Downtown Senior Center at
508-991-6255:
Bingo games are held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:00 to 2:30. Are you still a kid at heart? Come in and play games on the Wii video system available
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fairhaven Senior Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Fairhaven Council on Aging
at 508-979-4029:
Knitting for Beginners meets Monday afternoons from1to 2. Bring your needles,
yarn and a pattern or a project.
Acrylics Art Class with Vickie Frazer meets on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call
for information.
Zen class with Vickie Frazer meets Tuesday from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Fit Quest, a new healthy weight program, meets on Thursday mornings. Confidential
weight-in between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.is followed by a meeting featuring tips on
losing weight and keeping it off.
Single Seniors Supper Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month for a light
supper and companionship.
Friends of the Fairhaven Elderly meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. New Computer Classes meet on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Call for times and to
sign up.
A new Chair Yoga class meets on Monday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15. An Osteo
Exercise class meets Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:45 to 10:15.
A Wellness Clinic is held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.
On Tuesday the Wii Fit group meets from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Play Bridge on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and play Pitch on Wednesday
and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Trips to the Mall are scheduled every Wednesday. Call for details.
A Painting Class meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30. The fabulous O.T.s
entertain Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3.
The Tai Chi class meets on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Zumba meets on
Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Complete Foot Care by a licensed professional is available once a month. Call for
dates and times. Hazelwood Senior Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Hazelwood Senior Center at
508-991-6208:
Gentle Yoga with Joey Machado meets Monday at 10:15 a.m.
Strength and Conditioning with Larry Bigos meets at 11:30 a.m.
Dancercise with Big Band Music led by Victor Fonseca meets every Tuesday from
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A Knitting and Crocheting class meets on Thursday mornings at 9:30. Beginners
are welcome.
Move those feet at the Line Dancing class every Thursday from1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Instructor Nancy Cabral will help you to learn the most fun and new dances.
Marion Council on Aging
For information on activities, call the Marion COA office at 508-748-3570. If no one
answers, please leave a message and someone will get back to you.
On Wednesday, December 5, at 1 p.m. at the Marion Police Station, Michelle Rodriquez
from Inside Out Acupuncture will be discussing this ancient healing practice. She will
also discuss Chinese Herbal Medicine. The COA will host an Arts and Crafts Fair at the Music Hall on Saturday, December
8, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Groovercise has been moved to Town of Marion’s Atlantis Drive Facility. This low
impact aerobics class is held on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with 30 minutes of
cardiovascular exercise followed by upper and lower body strength training.
The grocery store transportation schedule has changed. Every Wednesday the van
goes to Market Basket. The Friday schedule remains the same, alternating between Wareham and Fairhaven.
The COA offers transportation to the Y in Wareham on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Pick up will begin at 10:30 a.m. The van will bring you to the Y in Wareham and pick you
back up at 1 p.m.
The COA has a drop off box outside the office door for used eye glasses which will be
donated to the Lion’s Club.
Mattapoisett Social Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Mattapoisett Council on
Aging at 508-758-4110:
Water Aerobics is back every Monday morning. Transportation is provided to the
New Bedford YMCA for the 9 a.m. class.
A new Prescription Exercise QiGong class meets on Fridays at 10 a.m. Another
QiGong class meets on Mondays at 10 a.m.
Play Mah Jongg every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and Scrabble every Monday at 1 p.m.
Play Beginner’s or Duplicate Bridge on Thursdays at 9 a.m. All levels of players are
welcome. Refreshments will be served. Duplicate Bridge players also meet on Tuesdays
at 9 a.m.
On Monday and Wednesday, a Strength and Balance class for all abilities meets at 12
noon. A Yoga class meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8:45.
The Cardio and Strength class, an aerobic and strength training class with low to
moderate intensity, led by a certified group exercise instructor meets on Mondays at 2
p.m. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
The Public Health Nurse is available on Thursday mornings at 9:30. On Fridays Foot
Care is available all day by appointment.
At the Senior Centers... continued on page 12
DECEMBER 2012
Nutrition News
Senior Scope
Healthy Foods Under $1
With the holidays upon us, it
can be a very expensive time for
us. Thankfully you can continue to
eat healthfully without killing your
budget.
Check out these 10 Healthy Foods
Under $1
1. Lentils (about $1.49 per pound
or $0.11 per ¼-cup dry serving):
Lentils provide 3 grams of fiber per
½-cup serving. Plus, they are rich
in folic acid and vitamin B6 and are
a great vegetarian source of iron.
Serve them with a good source of
vitamin C, like tomato, red pepper,
or a squeeze of lemon, to make the
iron more absorbable.”
2. Kiwis (about $0.50 each):
Kiwis are packed with nutrients such
as fiber, vitamins C and E, and potassium. They also contain the phytonutrient lutein, which can help protect
your eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts. Leave on the
fuzzy brown skin to increase your
intake of fiber and vitamin C.
3. Canned Salmon (about $4.89
per 14.75-oz can or $0.90 per 2-oz
serving): Salmon is a great source
of omega-3 fatty acids, which have
been found to help reduce inflammation and the risk of heart attacks.
4. Bananas (about $0.45 each):
Bananas are rich in fiber, vitamins
C and B6, and, most notably, potas-
sium, a mineral known to control
blood pressure. One medium banana
contains more than 400 milligrams
of potassium.
5. Oatmeal (about $4 per 42-oz
can or $0.18 per ½-cup dry serving):
This unassuming breakfast option
contains soluble fiber, which may
help lower cholesterol and consequently the risk of heart disease. For
a quick breakfast, cover ½ cup oats
with 1 percent milk or soymilk and
place in the fridge. In the morning,
top with your choice of grated fruit,
nuts, or ground flaxseed and drizzle
with 1 teaspoon honey.
6. Brown Rice (about $1.99 per
pound or $0.18 per ¼-cup dry serving) It has more fiber and therefore
a lower glycemic index than white
rice, so it will give you a steadier
level of energy. 7. Navel Oranges (about $0.84
each): These citrus fruits are an
excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and folate, which can help
prevent neural-tube birth defects.
Look for the best ones from mid-fall
to early summer.
8. Baby Carrots (about $1.45 per
pound or $0.27 per 3-oz serving):
These easy-to-eat vegetables are an
excellent source of beta-carotene,
which is converted into vitamin A.
This vitamin promotes eye health
Health Foods... continued on page 12
Senior Safety
9
Healthy and Safe Holidays Are in Sight
The holiday season doesn’t have
to be a difficult time for older adults,
according to Dr. Judith Black, medical director for Highmark Senior
Markets. Dr. Black says a designated health partner can help you stay
healthy and safe by following these
tips:
Designate a health partner
– Consider asking a loved one to
become your designated health partner. An older adult often needs a
little extra care and attention during
the holidays and now is a great time
to ask someone. A designated health
partner can be an advocate for your
care and help you navigate the health
care system. The goal is to connect
caregivers to older adults they care
for in order to obtain the appropriate
care so they can stay as healthy as
possible.
Think Safety First – The holidays can be a beautiful time of year,
but it may also signal more snow
and increased risks for weatherrelated incidents or slips and falls. If possible, plan to talk each day at
a designated time with a loved one
or health partner so they know that
you are safe. Avoid staying outside
for long periods of time to prevent
hypothermia. Take frequent breaks
and remember to keep exposed skin
covered at all times.
To avoid falls, don’t carry heavy
packages while walking on ice
or snow. Falls are a major reason
seniors are admitted to the hospital
and pose a threat to your independence. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t go outside. You are much
safer when you stay indoors.
Watch your diet – With the
holiday season approaching, it’s
even more important to watch your
consumption of food and alcohol
so you don’t gain weight. Try to
stay within the recommended daily
allowances for consuming calories. The Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics recommends between
1,600 to 2,800 depending on your
gender and activity level.
Stay active – Keep yourself
active by staying committed to a
fitness routine. During the holidays,
those extra helpings and sweets can
really add up and cause you to gain
weight.
Keep contacts close by – Keep
telephone numbers and email
addresses close at hand in case you
need to reach your health partner or
family members quickly.
Dartmouth Veterans Breakfast Held
Low Levels of Vitamin D Linked to
Increased Mortality in Elders
Low levels of vitamin D are
associated with increased mortality in older adults, according to a
new study accepted for publication
in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism (JCEM). The study also
indicates that the potential impact of
increasing vitamin D levels is greater in African Americans than Caucasians because vitamin D insufficiency is more common in African
Americans.
For the past several years, there
has been considerable interest in the
role vitamin D plays in improving
health and preventing disease. Low
levels of vitamin D have been directly associated with various forms of
cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Most studies regarding the health
effects of low vitamin D levels have
been conducted on persons of European origin, but the current study
examines the relationship between
vitamin D and mortality in blacks
and whites.
“We observed vitamin D insufficiency in one third of our study
participants. This was associated
with nearly a 50 percent increase in
the mortality rate in older adults,”
said Stephen B. Kritchevsky, PhD,
Professor of Internal Medicine and
Transitional Science at the Wake
Forest School of Medicine, and lead
researcher of this study. “Our findings suggest that low levels of vitamin D may be a substantial public
health concern for our nation’s older
adults.”
Niveles que Bajos de vitamina
D son asociados con la mortalidad
aumentada en adultos más viejos,
según un nuevo estudio aceptado
para la publicación en el Diario de
La Sociedad Endocrino de la Endocrinología y el Metabolismo Clínicos (JCEM). El estudio también
indica que el impacto potencial de
niveles crecientes de vitamina D es
más grande en norteamericanos africanos que Caucásicos porque insuficiencia de vitamina D es más común
en norteamericanos africanos.
Durante los últimos varios años,
ha habido interés considerable en
los juegos de vitamina D de papel a
mejorar la salud y prevenir la enfermedad. Los niveles bajos de vitamina
D han sido asociados directamente
con varias formas de cáncer y enfermedad cardiovascular. La mayoría
de los estudios con respecto a los
efectos de la salud de niveles bajos
de vitamina D han sido realizadas
en personas de origen europeo, pero
el estudio actual revisa la relación
entre vitamina D y mortalidad en
negros y vestido blanco.
“Observamos insuficiencia de
vitamina D en la tercera parte de
nuestros participantes de estudio.
Esto fue asociado con casi un aumento de 50 por ciento en la tasa de
mortalidad en adultos más viejos,”
dijo Stephen B. Kritchevsky, el
doctorado, el Profesor de Medicina
Interna y Ciencia de transición en la
Estela Forest Escuela de Medicina,
y de investigador principal de este
estudio. “Nuestras conclusiones
sugieren que niveles bajos de vitamina D puede ser una preocupación
sanitaria substancial para nuestros
adultos más viejos de la nación”.
Los Niveles bajos de Vitamina D Ligaron a
la Mortalidad Aumentada en Ancianos
It was a full house at the Veterans’ Breakfast at the Dartmouth Senior Center on
November 9. The annual event is sponsored by State Representative Chris Markey and
the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly.
Níveis baixos de Vitamina D Ligaram a
Mortalidade Aumentada em Anciãos
Que níveis Baixos de vitamina
D são associados com mortalidade
aumentada em adultos mais velhos,
de acordo com um novo estudo aceito para publicação nA Sociedade
Endócrina Diário de Endocrinologia
Clínica e Metabolismo (JCEM). O
estudo também indica que o impacte
potencial de crescentes níveis de D
de vitaminas é maior em americanos
africanos que pessoas de raça branca
porque vitamina que insufficiency
de D é mais comum em americanos
africanos.
Para os vários anos passados, havia
interesse considerável nos jogos de
D de vitamina de papel em melhorar saúde e prevenir doença. Níveis
baixos de vitamina D diretamente
foram associados com várias formas
de cancro e doença cardiovascular.
A maioria de estudos concernente os
efeitos de saúde de níveis baixos de
D de vitamina foram conduzidos em
pessoas de origem européia, mas o
estudo actual examina o relacionamento entre vitamina D e mortalidade em preto e brancos.
“Nós observamos vitamina insufficiency de D em um terceiro de
nossos participantes de estudo. Isto
foi associado com quase um 50 por
cento aumento na taxa de mortalidade em adultos mais velhos,”
disse Stephen B. Kritchevsky, PhD,
Professor de Medicina Interna e
Ciência Transitória no Desperta
Escola de Floresta de Medicina, e
pesquisador principal deste estudo.
“Nossos resultados sugerem que
níveis baixos de vitamina D podem
ser uma preocupação de saúde pública substancial para nossos adultos
mais velhos da nação.
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful.
Norman Vincent Peale
10
Senior Scope
Your Health
Free Vascular Screenings this Month
Southcoast™ Hospitals Group
announces free vascular screenings
during the month of November.
Regular vascular screenings can
detect peripheral artery disease, or
PAD, a potentially serious circulatory problem. The non-invasive
screenings are performed by a
trained nurse and take approximately 20 minutes. Patients should
arrive 15 minutes prior to screening
time.
The free vascular screenings
are open to both men and women.
Appointments are required and can
be requested by calling the numbers
listed below. Space is limited and
appointments will be scheduled
on a first come, first served basis.
No walk-ins will be accepted on
screening days.
Wednesday, December 12
Southcoast Center for Women’s
Health
300B Faunce Corner Road in
Dartmouth
Appointments will be scheduled
between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Please call 800-276-0103.
Thursday, December 13, and
Thursday, December 27
Southcoast Centers for Cancer
Care
206 Mill Road in Fairhaven
Appointments will be scheduled
between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Please call 800-276-0103.
Monday, December 17, and
Monday, December 31
Southcoast Health Systems
100 Rosebrook Way, Wareham
Appointments will be scheduled
between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Please call 800-276-0103.
People who have eye diseases
that damage their central vision can
regain the ability to read quickly
and comfortably by using digital
tablets, according to a recent study.
The research found that people with
moderate vision loss could increase
their reading speed by 15 words-perminute, on average.
Using a tablet with a back-lit
screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds for all study participants,
no matter what their level of visual
acuity. The research was presented
at the 116th Annual Meeting of the
American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Loss of central vision affects
millions of people who have eye
diseases such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, which
damage the light-sensitive cells of
the eye’s retina. When treatments
such as eyeglasses, medications,
or surgery are no longer effective,
ophthalmologists – eye medical
doctors and surgeons – help patients
maximize their remaining sight by
using low-vision aids. Before digital tablets came along, reading aids
were limited to lighted magnifiers,
which are cumbersome and inconvenient by comparison.
In the study, which was conducted at Robert Wood Johnson Medical
School in New Jersey, researchers
found that patients with the poorest
vision − defined as 20/40 or worse
in both eyes− showed the most
improvement in speed when using
an iPad or Kindle, compared with
print. The researchers believe the
iPad’s back-illuminated screen is
the key to the significantly improved
reading speed achieved by patients
with moderate vision loss. The
original Kindle, which was used in
this study, does not have a back-lit
screen.
“Reading is a simple pleasure that
we often take for granted until vision
loss makes it difficult,” said Daniel
Roth, M.D., an associate clinical
professor at Robert Wood Johnson
School of Medicine who led of the
study. “Our findings show that at a
relatively low cost, digital tablets
can improve the lives of people with
vision loss and help them reconnect
with the larger world.”
Digital Tablets Improve Reading for
People with Moderate Vision Loss
Southcoast VNA
Your care. Your comfort.Your way.
Let our team of dedicated, highly skilled professionals
provide all your home health and hospice care needs.
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• Skilled Nursing
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• Home Health Aides
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• In-Home Telemonitoring
Hospice and Palliatitve Care
Serving all of Southeastern Massachusetts & East Bay, Rhode Island.
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800-698-6877
www.southcoastvna.org
DECEMBER 2012
Don’t Let Cancer Spoil Your Holidays
By Deborah J. Cornwall
Having cancer or caring for a
cancer patient in the family is hard,
but cancer during traditionally
happy holidays is even harder. It’s a
time when each family enjoys traditional shared activities usually characterized by good food, drink, and
company. Yet how can you carry
out these traditions when you’re
in the throes of cancer treatment or
even dealing with the aftermath?
The most important message
from cancer caregivers who have
worked through these challenges is
to seek normalcy, no matter what
the patient’s prognosis. It may
sound counter-intuitive, but it’s
profound. It all stems from the issue
of control.
Throughout the cancer care
process, both caregivers and
patients experience a fundamental
loss of control. On some days, it
may feel as though there is nothing
left of the “good old days.” Every
aspect of their lives has been turned
upside down. They may be feeling
depressed, anxious, or preoccupied.
Perhaps worst of all, their friends
and relatives often don’t know what
to say, or do, to help.
The combination of these factors
can make the holidays feel like a
particularly sad and lonely time,
and it might bring the temptation to
mourn what’s been lost. But cancer
caregivers recommend that you try
to maintain a few of your past traditions, social connections, and dayto-day activities in the interests of
being able to celebrate what you
still have.
So . . . exactly what does this
mean? Pursuing normalcy means
doing four things::
Keep It Festive
As tempting as it might be, don’t
ignore the holiday. Instead, find a
way to put a smile on your and your
patient’s faces.
Make sure you find something
every day to bring you joy. It may
be a baby’s laugh, or smelling a
rose, or telling a joke that breaks a
loved one’s sense of depression or
isolation. It may be preparing the
world’s best clear chicken broth
for a patient who’s having trouble
keeping food down, or it may be
just a few minutes holding hands
while favorite holiday music plays.
Identify a few key elements of
your traditions that you can maintain, like Christmas Eve Mass and
decorated sugar cookies, or lighting
the Chanukah Menorah and giving
the kids chocolate coins.
Keep It Simple
Caregivers are often so tired and
stressed when the holidays come
that even the idea of all of the
traditional holiday activities and
“fixings” can feel overwhelming.
This is an important time to focus
on simplicity. Only do the part of
the holiday that matters the most for
you and your patient. That means:
At home, if you decorate, bring
out only your favorite ornaments.
Keep decorations simple, and focus
on things that remind you of the
good times.
Consider postponing gift-giving
completely and focus on togetherness. For adults, time with family
and friends is usually far more
enriching than opening presents. If
you must shop for gifts, find ways
to do holiday shopping on line or
by phone, for things like a decorated tabletop tree or a basket of fruit
or cheese goodies. Also consider
developing a theme, like “laughter”
or “comfort” that can focus giftgiving and divert from the daily
stresses of treatment.
Think about playing a game (like
the New Yorker Cartoon Captions
Game, which involves writing
captions for cartoons) with family
or friends that will bring laughter
and good feelings.
Let people do things for you.
Keep a notepad handy for noting
who brought you things. You might
even want to keep some little bags
of Hershey’s Kisses or Ghirardelli
mints next to your front door as a
thank-you so you don’t have to
write thank-you notes.
Keep It Social
Remember that the real meaning of the holiday is togetherness,
whether that means gathering
together family members or getting
together with friends. Family and
friends bring normalcy. There are
two reasons for you to let others
help.
First, the patient needs friends,
now more than ever and especially during the holiday season. Too
many people are afraid of cancer
it’s not necessarily that they think
they can catch it from the patient,
but they don’t know how to talk
to either of you, so they may shy
away. Encouraging friends to stay
close reminds you of normalcy.
Second, no one knows how
long the cancer caregiving experience will last. It can last for a few
weeks or for over 20 years. You
may well need friends and their
help a lot later in your caregiving,
especially when you get caregiver
fatigue. So make sure you reach out
to friends and family. If invitations
to you both dwindle, invite others
to your house. Sometimes friends
don’t want to intrude on your privacy, so they stop inviting you out.
Make it clear to them that you’re
determined to maintain your social
connections, even if the visits are
shorter or closer to home.
Keep It Positive
Cancer disrupts your whole life,
and sometimes it’s hard to remember the good things, the things you
still have. Finally, if you’re dealing with the aftermath, following
a patient’s death, and you’re wrestling with how you’ll get through
the holidays, be willing to change
family rituals. Consider focusing
the holidays around family and
friends in a new setting.
Many cancer patients live long
and happy lives, well after their
initial diagnoses. Holiday periods
nourish their spirits and remind
them how much they have to live
for. Family caregivers can help
lengthen their lives simply by
reminding them of normalcy and
reducing anxiety. They can do that
by celebrating holidays with zest
that keeps things festive, simple,
social, and positive.
Deborah Cornwall is a cancer
survivor and has over 20 years of
experience as a leadership volunteer for the American Cancer Society at national, regional and local
levels.
DECEMBER 2012
Your Health
Caregivers to the Elderly Need to Care
for Themselves Too
One of the important lessons
caregivers to the elderly need to
learn is that they have to take care
of themselves as well—and first.
“If we learn to care for ourselves,
we have more energy for others,”
says Janet Foreman, CRNP, director of care management for the
Harrisburg law firm SkarlatosZonarich LLC. “Set aside time every day
in order to take care of yourself.”
Foreman is a nurse practitioner
and advocate for the elderly who
is part of a team that serves elderly
clients at SkarlatosZonarich. She
and her siblings acted as caregivers
for their parents. Foreman shared
her experiences at the Women
Leading Women Conference October 19 in Pennsylvania.
“My mother spent her final year
dying in a nursing home, crippled
and in pain from cancer,” she said.
“How does one get through this and
still function without feeling guilty
when we take time for ourselves?
It’s tough but necessary to keep
your priorities straight. Get outside
support for yourself if needed.”
Foreman said the stress on caregivers can be reduced by advanced
planning.
Get legal documents in order for
yourself and your loved one before
they are needed. This includes a
power of attorney and living will,
as well as documents that can
provide compensation to the caregiver child. Know where these
documents are kept.
Respect your loved one. Find out
what your loved one’s goals are as
aging begins. Does he or she want
to stay at home, go into a retirement community, save money for
the children?
Make sure your loved one is
receiving all available benefits,
including VA and Medical Assistance home-based services.
Have family meetings to make
sure children and other relatives
respect the desires of the aging or
ill family member. The aging loved
ones may have their goals and wishes and family members another. Keep in mind that staying at
home is not always the best option
if the safety and health of the older
person is at risk. Visit retirement
communities and nursing facilities
to learn about alternatives. It may
take a stay at home following an
illness for the elder to realize this is
not the best alternative.
Arrange for weekly respite care
for the caregiver even if for just a
few hours.
Beta-Blockers and Sleep Problems
Over 20 million people in the
United States take beta-blockers, a
medication commonly prescribed
for cardiovascular issues, anxiety,
hypertension and more. Many of
these same people also have trouble sleeping, a side effect possibly
related to the fact that these medications suppress night-time melatonin production.
Researchers at Brigham and
Women’s Hospital (BWH) have
found that melatonin supplementation significantly improved sleep in
hypertensive patients taking betablockers. Commonly prescribed
beta-blockers include Toprol XL.
Inderal, Lopressor, Tenormin.
“Beta-blockers have long been
associated with sleep disturbances,
yet until now, there have been no
clinical studies that tested whether
melatonin supplementation can
improve sleep in these patients,”
explained Frank Scheer, PhD, MSc,
an associate neuroscientist at BWH,
and principal investigator on this
study. “We found that melatonin
supplements significantly improved
sleep.”
“Over the course of three weeks,
none of the study participants
taking the melatonin showed any
of the adverse effects that are often
observed with other, classic sleep
aids. There were also no signs of
‘rebound insomnia’ after the participants stopped taking the drug,”
explained Scheer, who is also an
assistant professor of Medicine at
Harvard Medical School. “In fact,
melatonin had a positive carryover effect on sleep even after the
participants had stopped taking the
drug.”
The researchers caution that
while this data is promising for
hypertensive patients taking betablockers, more research is needed to determine whether patients
taking beta-blockers for causes
other than hypertension could also
benefit from melatonin supplementation.
Southcoast Hospitals Receives Accreditation from Commission on Cancer
Southcoast™ Hospitals Group
has received the highly regarded
Approval with Commendation
from the Commission on Cancer
(CoC) of the American College of
Surgeons (ACoS) for its systemwide oncology program.
The three-year Approval with
Commendation, the highest rating
awarded by the Commission on
Cancer, is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of
quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process
and review of performance.
Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer-accredited facility
11
Senior Scope
ensures that a patient has access to
comprehensive care, including a
range of state-of-the art services and
equipment, a multi-specialty team
approach, information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment
options, access to cancer-related
information, education and support,
a cancer registry that collects data
on type, stage, treatment results and
offers lifelong patient follow-up
and quality of care close to home. Certification also covers nonmedical aspects of cancer care,
including psychosocial support and
end-of-life care. It includes inpatient and outpatient services.
Exercise, Eating Fruits and
Vegetables Extend Life Expectancy
Women in their seventies who
exercise and eat healthy amounts
of fruits and vegetables have a
longer life expectancy, according
to research published in the Journal
of the American Geriatrics Society. Researchers at the University
of Michigan and Johns Hopkins
University studied 713 women
aged 70 to 79 years who took part
in the Women’s Health and Aging
Studies.
“A number of studies have
measured the positive impact of
exercise and healthy eating on life
expectancy, but what makes this
study unique is that we looked
at these two factors together,”
explains lead author, Dr. Emily J
Nicklett, from the University of
Michigan School of Social Work.
Researchers found that the women
who were most physically active
and had the highest fruit and vegetable consumption were eight times
more likely to survive the five-year
follow-up period than the women
with the lowest rates.
Key research findings included:
More than half of the 713 participants (53 percent) didn’t do any
exercise, 21 percent were moderately active, and the remaining 26
percent were in the most active
group at the study’s outset.
During the five-year follow up,
11.5 percent of the participants
died. Serum carotenoid levels (from
fruits and vegetables) were 12
percent higher in the women who
survived and total physical activity
was more than twice as high.
Women in the most active group
at the start of the study had a 71
percent lower five-year death rate
than the women in the least active
group.
Women in the highest carotenoid
group at the start of the study had
a 46 percent lower five-year death
rate than the women in the lowest
carotenoid group.
When taken together, physical
activity levels and total serum carotenoids predicted better survival.
“Given the success in smoking
cessation, it is likely that maintenance of a healthy diet and high
levels of physical activity will
become the strongest predictors
of health and longevity. Programs
and policies to promote longevity should include interventions
to improve nutrition and physical
activity in older adults,” said Dr.
Nicklett.
Botox as Effective as Medication for
Urinary Urgency Incontinence
Botox® injections to the bladder
are as effective as medication for
treating urinary urgency incontinence in women, but the injection
is twice as likely to completely
resolve symptoms. These findings
were published in the latest issue of
The New England Journal of Medicine.
Urgency incontinence is urinary
incontinence with a strong or
sudden need to urinate. Traditionally, this condition has been treated
with drugs known as anticholinergics, which reduce bladder contractions by targeting the bladder
muscle through the nervous system.
However, many women who take
anticholinergic medications experience side effects, including constipation, dry mouth and dry eyes.
“Prior to this study, we reserved
(Botox) for women who did not
respond to traditional oral medication,” said Linda Brubaker,
MD, MS, co-author of the study.
“However, this research supports
the use of either of these approaches
as appropriate first-line treatment in
women.”
An estimated 15.7 percent of U.S.
women experience urinary incontinence. Women are twice as likely
to experience urinary incontinence
as men. “These results will help
doctors weigh treatment options
for women and make recommendations based on individual patient
needs,” said Dr. Brubaker, who is
in the Division of Female Pelvic
& Reconstructive Surgery, Loyola
University Health System.
12
Secrets to Getting Along with Your
Daughter-in-Law
The holidays are coming and this
year you’re determined not to let
family drama get you down! So what
are your options? You can leave
town, hope your in-laws decide to
spend the holidays with someone
else or you can shift the situation
and, with it, shift your emotional
reaction.
Deanna Brann, Ph.D., author of
the new book Reluctantly Related:
Secrets to Getting Along with Your
Mother-in-Law or Daughter-in-Law,
says, “Let’s face it, the Mother-inLaw/Daughter-in-Law relationship
starts out artificially. You aren’t
family through blood and you didn’t
choose to be friends, so how do you
build a foundation for a happy holiday?”
Here are five tips for (nearly)
stress free festivities:
Be a team player: Regardless
of who is hosting, remember to ask
questions, compliment your motherin-law or daughter-in-law, offer help
and let her know you’re interested
in her thoughts.
Don’t take things personally:
Everyone is stressed during the holidays, so as long as you know you’re
on your best behavior, you can be
certain “it’s not all about you.”
Find the humor: No matter what
happens look at the humor in it and
tuck it away for a story about what
she did “this” time.
Find some down-time for yourself: Just a few minutes to reflect
and re-energize can be just what you
need to get your energy back.
Establish ground rules in
advance: Talk to your spouse and
agree on how long you’ll be staying.
If necessary, take two cars and don’t
forget to let your family know what
time you plan to leave.
Xifaras Wins Poetry Prize
Attorney Robert Xifaras, a
local businessman and entrepreneur, has been awarded a prize for
poetry by the Bartleby Scrivener
Poetry Group at Baker Books. An
avid reader and writer, he became
a member of the group about six
years ago. Mr. Xifaras has written more than 300 poems, a short
story, a play, and what he considers
his greatest attempt, a non-fiction
self-help book of general knowledge so others can learn from his
81 years of life experiences.
Answers to Trivia Quiz
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
December 2012
Senior Scope
The Pentagon
Tango
Golf
Scott Bakula
Harry Truman
6) C
7) D
8) Flaps
9) C
10)B
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Reader Exchange
1949 Christmas Memory
by Joan Henderson Beaubian
December 25, 1949, fell on a Sunday, so without even searching my
memory bank, I am sure we were in church, the Bethel African Memorial Church to be exact. We had a pageant every year and more than once
I was the angel, dressed in a white choir robe with wings and a halo.
My hair was probably in Shirley Temple banana curls that my mother
had styled on a pencil. (I always recall that dress clothes were the most
uncomfortable and usually topped off by patent shoes that I pretended
were tap dancing shoes, and ankle socks that kept slipping down in the
back.)
For years, I prided myself on being chosen to play the role of the angel,
who had a special place in the balcony and the spotlight would shine on
me as I professed “Behold, A child is born.” In relating this story to a
group of former neighbors, one happened to have been my Sunday school
teacher who made it clear that the role of the angel was given to me so
that I would be away from the other kids and that would keep me from
talking.
At the Senior Centers... continued from page 8
Rochester Senior Center
For more information on the following activities, call the Rochester Senior
Center at 508-763-8723:
The Annual Christmas Party Luncheon will be held on Friday, December
14, at noon. The menu includes a full Roast Beef dinner with all the fixings.
Please sign up by Wednesday of that week to reserve your spot.
The Annual New Year’s Eve Party on Monday, Dec. 31, from noon to 2
p.m. will feature great music, great food and great company. This is a free event.
Noisemakers, hats, and everything to celebrate will be provided.
Christmas Cards are here! The COA receives donations of cards with envelopes for all occasions. They are available for a mere donation of ten cents a card.
The Friends of the Senior Center are offering a day of holiday gift wrapping
on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The monthly informal gathering of Rochester Veterans of any age will be
held on Wednesday, December 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday night Bingo is canceled for the winter and will start up again in
March.
Soup & Sandwich lunches are back on Mondays at noon. Everyone is
welcome. Please call in advance to reserve your meal. There is no charge, but a
donation of $ 4.00 would be appreciated
Weekly grocery shopping trips are now being scheduled on Wednesdays. We
will shop at Market Basket in New Bedford. Any senior is welcome to ride the
van, but must sign up in advance to reserve a seat. We leave at 8:30 and return at
12:30
Weekly Blood Pressure Checks with Town Nurse Betsy Dunn have moved to
Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cardio-Fit Groovercise, an exercise class led by certified instructor Ellie
Higgins, now meets on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
New Chair Yoga Classes meet on Monday afternoons from 1 to 2 with Susan
Ashley, a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer. This modified format
offers yoga practice without having to get down on the floor. Scrabble with Judy MacGregor meets on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Friday Movies are free and we serve popcorn too. Movies start at 1:30 sharp.
The schedule for this month: Dec. 7, The Christmas Lodge; Dec.21, Christmas
Cottage; and Dec. 28, The Artist.
The newly updated Computer Lab is available every day. Volunteer Dawn
Larson is available on Fridays at 11:15 a.m. If you cannot make that time, call the
Center and we will have Dawn contact you directly.
Traditional and Country Western Line Dancing class meets Friday mornings
from 9:30 to 11:00 with instructor Nancy Cabral.
Stepping and Stretching on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., is a
fun filled hour of easy exercise to build strength and improve balance. Most exercises are done from your chair.
New Acrylics painting class with volunteer Roxy Simpson meets on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. All levels are welcome.
Ye Olde Breakfast Shoppe serves breakfast Monday through Friday from 7
a.m. to 9 a.m. This is a joint effort of the Friends of the Senior Center and the
Rochester Lions Club
Health Foods... continued from page 9
and gives the immune system a
boost.
9. Popcorn ($3.49 per 9-oz box
or $0.39 per 1-oz serving): Plain airpopped popcorn is a great wholegrain snack that adds up to only 30
calories per cup.
10.Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans
($1.19 per 15.5-oz can or $0.31
per ½-cup serving): Chickpeas
are low in fat, high in fiber, and a
great plant-based source of protein.
Chickpeas have approximately 5
grams of protein per cup, almost as
much as 1 ounce of meat. Rinse and
drain chickpeas to decrease sodium
content and add to salads for a hearty
dish. Source: http://www.foxnews.
com/leisure/2012/10/23/10-healthyfoods-under-1/#ixzz2AnpNlZNZ
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it “Christmas” and went to church; the Jews called it
“Hanukkah” and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and
drank. People passing each other on the street would say “Merry
Christmas!” or “Happy Hanukkah!” or (to the atheists) “Look out
for the wall!”
Dave Barry