Mature Arkansas

Mature Arkansas MARCH 29, 2012

Heart Disease Survivors Page 8

ALSO in this issue

WASPS‌They Also Served page 12

Update: Antibiotics Before Dental Work page 3

Money Planning Advice pages 14-15

MATURE ARKANSAS

march 29, 2012

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E D ITORIAL

GUEST EDITORIAL n By Ron Pollack

Strong Women Prevail

By Anne Howard Wasson

T

T

his week’s Mature Arkansas highlights strong women. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have fought battles before us—whether it’s for our right to vote, for work and salary equality, family planning, even for freedom itself.

The cover feature by Erica Sweeney describes the lives of three strong women who are fighting heart disease. Heart disease or stroke is THE major killer of women—more than all cancers combined. Learn the top three tips to keep your heart healthy, starting on page 8. Also, learn heart attack symptoms that are specific to women—they’re different than men’s symptoms. One place to make your heart stronger is by joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk at Burns Park on April 21. There will be lots of fun family events.

Strong women have always opened doors and pushed down barriers for their daughters and granddaughters. Ken Forrester describes some strong women that changed his way of thinking as a young man during World War II--the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots or WASPs. Read his homage to this brave band of sisters that helped the Allies win the war, on page 12.

And while women control most of the world’s wealth, you and I may need some help getting money matters under control. Don’t miss the excellent advice on pages 14-15.Take care of money’s details with good planning and your money will take care of you.

Our calendar has a great list of events to enjoy this week. Call a friend or make a date with your grandchildren and get out there— it’s too pretty to stay inside.

As always, we want to hear from you. Let me know what you want to read about in Mature Arkansas—call me (501-375-2985) or send an email to annewasson@arktimes.com. This is YOUR magazine!

Mature Arkansas Publisher Alan Leveritt Editor Anne Wasson Art Director Mike Spain Assistant to the Editor Paige Parham Photographer Brian Chilson Director of sales Katherine Daniels Account Executive Erin Holland Production Manager Weldon Wilson Production Assistant Tracy Whitaker

Supreme Court's Healthcare Ruling Will Affect Us All

ad Coordinators Roland Gladden Kelly Schlachter Graphic Artists Bryan Moats Katie Cook Controller Weldon Wilson Office Manager Angie Fambrough IT Director Robert Curfman Billing and Collections Linda Phillips Circulation Director Anitra Hickman

Mature Arkansas is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. All materials are handled with due care, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters sent to Mature Arkansas will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to Mature Arkansas’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially. All content © 2012 Mature Arkansas

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2 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

he U. S. Supreme Court will soon begin its review of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (the 2010 healthcare law).

With all the talk on both sides of the issue, we should not lose sight of what the law does for older Americans and what might happen if those challenging the law get their way. Opponents of the law say the Court should toss out the whole thing, even sections of the law already in effect and working.

Under the law, the infamous coverage gap in the Medicare prescription drug benefit (known as the “doughnut hole”) is gradually closing. In 2011, about 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries with substantial prescription drug costs saved a total of $2.1 billion on drugs, compared to what they would have paid without the law. The average Medicare beneficiary is on track to save almost $4,200 by 2021. If the Court strikes down the law, the doughnut hole will re-open. That will increase seniors’ prescription drug costs, hitting people with high drug costs the hardest.

Medicare’s preventive benefits are also better thanks to the law.

Medicare now covers most preventive services without you having to pay a deductible or coinsurance. This is part of the broader shift to use Medicare to help keep people well, not just cover care when they get sick. Potentially life-saving services, like mammograms, prostate cancer screenings, cholesterol testing, and now obesity counseling are covered free. Without the law, Medicare’s coverage for these services would be reduced and out-of-pocket costs would go up.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare’s other out-of-pocket costs (premiums and coinsurance) are also lower than they would be otherwise. The law slows down the growth in payments to hospitals and other healthcare providers. It encourages doctors and hospitals to work together to reduce unnecessary tests and avoid unnecessary readmissions. These kinds of changes will save Medicare billions over the coming years. Those savings are passed onto seniors through smaller increases in premiums and coinsurance.

If you need long-term care through Medicaid, changes in the law make it easier to get help in your home, rather than having to move to a nursing home. The law also expands background checks for nursing home employees and makes better information about nursing home quality available to everyone. All those protections will be gone if the Court strikes down the law.

For those who don’t have Medicare coverage yet, as well as for our children and grandchildren, the law provides a host of much-needed protections, including prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions.

There’s no way to know what the Supreme Court will decide when it takes up the Affordable Care Act case. One thing is for sure, we all have a stake in the outcome.

All those

protections will be gone if the Court strikes down the law.

Mr. Pollack is executive director of Families USA.

h ealt h n By Don D eems , D D S, F A G D

New Advice on Antibiotics Before Dental Work

R

arely do I see a dental patient who is correctly informed about their need for antibiotics before dental procedures.

Both dentists and physicians are to blame for this lack of information.

Studies consistently show a lack of understanding by both physicians and dentists on the current recommendations by the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and others. Part of this confusion is certainly due to frequent changes in recommendations.

Before some dental treatments, patients who have certain heart conditions or artificial joints need to take antibiotics. These people may be at risk of developing an infection

Before some dental treatments, patients who have certain heart

conditions or artificial joints need to take antibiotics. in the heart or at the site of an artificial joint. Antibiotics reduce this risk, called antibiotic prophylaxis.

When treating patients with heart conditions, dentists should follow recommendations developed by the AHA, with input from the ADA. For patients with total joint replacements, dentists need to refer to recommendations developed by the AAOS. Heart condition recommendations: The AHA recommendations are meant to reduce the risk of infec-

tive endocarditis, an infection of the lining inside the heart or the heart valves.

In the past, a number of heart conditions were thought to put patients at risk for infective endocarditis. When writing the

new recommendations, the AHA analyzed published research and found fewer conditions were associated with this infection. As a result, a smaller group of patients needs to premedicate before dental treatments. If you used to premedi-

cate, it may no longer be necessary, so check with your dentist or physician if you’re unsure.

The AHA revised its recommendations because it concluded: • The risks of adverse reacCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Eating Healthy Marvelous Melons

Watermelon is naturally high in Vitamins A, which is important to good eye health; B6, which is used in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine and C, which has been known to help the body fight infections.

Watermelon also contains lycopene which gives it its red color and is an antioxidant which has significant disease preventing potential.

It is also great source of potassium, which is important in regulating blood pressure and is very low in sodium and contains almost no fat.

Cantaloupes, like watermelons have significant amounts of Vitamins A and C and are a

Tropical FruiTs FanTasia Servings: 8 Prep Time: 15 Min. Cook Time: n/a What you need: * 8 oz. fat free, sugar-free orange yogurt * 5 medium strawberries, cut into halves * 3 oz. honeydew melon, cut into slices (or 1/2 c. cut into cubes) * 3 oz. cantaloupe melon, cut into slices

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good source of potassium and other minerals. In fact, a one cup serving will provide you with more than 100% of your daily requirement of Vitamins A and C. Cantaloupe is also a good source of Vitamin B6, folate, dietary fiber and niacin. The combination of the B complex vitamins along with the fiber found in cantaloupes make it a great fruit for energy production.

Both these melons are extremely sweet and juicy and are a great option when you are trying to fight off that sugar craving!

(or 1/2 c. cut into cubes) * 3 oz. watermelon, seeded and cut into slices (or 1/2 c. cut into cubes) * 2 oranges, seeded and cut into slices * 1/2 c. unsweetened orange juice

Nutritional information: Calories: 170; Calories From Fat: 5; Total Fat: 1g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Total Carbs: 41g; Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 30g; Protein: 4g; Sodium: 40mg

What to do: 1. Add yogurt and all fruits to a bowl and carefully mix together.

2. Pour orange juice over fruit mixture.

3. Mix well and serve 1/2 c. as your dessert.

nnn For more delicious recipe ideas go to www. edwardsfoodgiant.com/recipeweb/recipes. jsp and create a grocery list of everything you need using the shopping tool on the website.

If you have any questions, just ask friendly and helpful Food Giant staff who are there to make your shopping experience a pleasant one.

Exchanges: Fruit 2 3/4; Milk 1/3 Serving size is 1/2 c.

Available at these Little Rock and Bryant locations: 10320 StageCoaCh 501-455-3475

7507 Cantrell road 501-614-3477

7525 BaSeline road 501-562-6629

2203 reynoldS road, Bryant 501-847-9777

MATURE ARKANSAS

march 29, 2012

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☛

It’s all that the young can do for the old, to shock them and keep them up to date. — George Bernard Shaw

☛

Th e Would - Be Gourmet n B y bob wood

Everything Goes Better With Bacon A

friend of mine and I decided to stop by the Dogtown Coffee & Cookery for a late lunch last week. It was the second or third time I’ve been there, and it’s definitely growing on me.

Dogtown (the café) has been open since July in a building on JFK that formerly housed Java Roasting Company. It retains some of the laid-back, coffeehouse vibe, but focuses much more on food service.

The people are friendly and the menu items have been uniformly good.

Let me underscore the friendliness comment by saying that Dogtown is the only place I’ve eaten in years where I ordered a Tuna Salad sandwich ($6). And, I did that only because the guy at the counter suggested it. He also pushed the potato salad as a side item, and just like that, I had ordered two salads for lunch.

My friend then ordered-what else--a salad. This was the large Southern Revival

HEALTH • CONTINUED from PAGE 3

tions to antibiotics outweigh the benefits of prophylaxis for most patients. Adverse reactions can range from mild (rashes) to severe (breathing problems that could result in death).

• When all the study results were looked at together, it wasn’t clear that premedication prevented infective endocarditis.

• Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream during daily activities like brushing or cleaning between the teeth. Once in the bloodstream, it can travel to the heart.

People at risk of infection might be as likely to develop infective endocarditis from these 4 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Salad ($7)(below). Maybe there were sun spots that day, or, better yet, syzygy (the alignment of three celestial objects, and my late, English-teacher aunt’s favorite Scrabble

word. Put syzygy on a Triple Word Score and it’s game-over).

Everything we ate was good. My friend tasted my tuna salad sandwich and pronounced it “Northern Style,” i.e., with pickle in it.

We also decided that the potato salad had bacon in it, and the counter-guy confirmed it. “We put bacon in everything,” he said. Indeed. There was also bacon in my friend’s salad-not those foul, soy-based bacon bits. Plus, the dressing was an interesting Molasses Vinaigrette, how much more Southern can you get?

While I’m on the subject of bacon, Dogtown makes their own ice cream so we couldn’t leave without sampling one flavor in particular: Chocolate/ Peanut Butter/Bacon ice cream. And, yes, it was good.

I’ve also had the Turkey, Bacon and Ranch sandwich ($7), and thought it was much more satisfying than the tuna salad. But, as I’ve said before, one person’s tuna salad is

activities as from a dental treatment.

• Bacteria that cause infections can become resistant to antibiotics if those drugs are used too often. Physicians and dentists should try to limit the use of antibiotics.

Current recommendations are to use preventive antibiotics before certain dental procedures for people with: • Artificial heart valves • a history of infective endocarditis • a cardiac transplant that develops a heart valve problem • the following congenital (present from birth) heart conditions: • unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including

those with palliative shunts and conduits • a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure • any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device.

Your cardiologist can tell you if you are in one of these categories.

People who took prophylactic antibiotics in the past but NO LONGER need them include those with: • mitral valve prolapse

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Dogtown Coffee & Cookery has a laid-back coffeehouse feel

another’s Salad Nicoise, so try them both and see for yourself.

Dogtown also looks as though it does a big breakfast business, serving until 10:30 AM daily. One or more of the owners is a Brit, because nobody on this side of the Atlantic refers to a breakfast dish as a “fryup.” That particular plate also includes the tell-tale baked beans and roasted tomatoes, plus sausage, bacon, eggs and roasted potatoes ($8).

It has my name written all over it for a future meal.

As I said earlier, this place is growing on me. The restaurant itself is light, airy and clean. The folks there make many of their own breads and all of their ice cream. The people are nice. And, obviously, somebody there really likes bacon.

Dogtown Coffee & Cookery 6725 JFK Boulevard, North Little Rock, 501-833-3850 Mr. Wood, a Little Rock writer and designer, is often hungry.

• rheumatic heart disease • bicuspid valve disease • calcified aortic stenosis • congenital heart conditions such as ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Total joint replacement recommendations: Recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are meant to reduce the risk of infections in patients with an artificial joint. Patients who have pins, plates or other orthopaedic hardware are not affected.

The AAOS recommends that dentists and physicians decide which patients, who have total joint replacements, should take antibiotics before certain types of dental procedures.

Dr. Deems has practiced in Little Rock for 25 years.

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A beautiful retirement community for the elderly, disabled and handicapped Amenities • Community Area • Beauty Shop • Gardening • Library • 5 Laundromats 100 Audubon Dr. • Maumelle, AR 72113 (501) 851-1821 www.audubonpointe.com audubon@tescoproperties.com

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CALEN DAR PIC KS

Enjoy Music, Lectures, Food, Exhibits and More Mar 29 – Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: “The Young Women’s Christian Association in Arkansas,” at the Old State House Museum, 500 Pres.

Clinton Ave., Little Rock, noon. Dr. Cherisse JonesBranch will discuss the origins and activism of the Arkansas YWCA. Free; bring your lunch. For more information call 324-9685 or visit www. oldstatehouse.com Mar 29 - Central Arkansas National Wild Turkey Federation Crawfish Boil & Banquet, Fisher National Guard Armory, North Little Rock, 5:30 – 10:00 PM. Cost: $45; or $60 per couple; includes entertainment, live and silent auctions and all the crawfish you can eat. For details or tickets call

951-3073 or visit www.CentralArkansasNWTF.org Mar 30 through May 13 – Opening of “Inside Peanuts: The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz,” Argenta Branch of the Laman Library, 506 Main St., North Little Rock, reception at 6:00 PM. The exhibit features Peanuts comic strips, photos, collectibles and autographs. For more information, call 687-1061 or visit www.lamanlibrary.org Mar 30 – Eggshibition XXI at Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 2801 S. University, Little Rock. This benefit forYouth Home showcases eggs designed by artists. Includes food, drinks, a decorated egg auction and more. Tickets are $50, to purchase go to www.youthhome.org

Mar 31 – Dorey’s Catfish & Bluegrass Festival, 1915 Grant Rd #5, Leola, 1:00 – 10:00 PM. $12 for adults, children 12 and under are free. This is an outdoor bluegrass festival at Dorey’s Farm, featuring the Redmond Keisler Band, Rovin Gamblers, Rock Creek, Ouachita River Ramblers & Posey Hill. Bring lawn chairs for an all-you-can-eat buffet and entertainment.

For more information call 870-765-2434 or go to www.doreybluegrass.com Mar 31 – FrankThurmond signs copies of his book,“Before I Sleep: A Memoir of Travel and Reconciliation” at WordsWorth Books & Co., 5920 R. St., Little Rock, 1:00 PM followed by a party at 4:00 PM at By the Glass. For more information, call 663-9198 or visit www.wordsworthbooks.org Mar 31 – WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour – L i v e , R ey n o l d s Perf o rma n ce H all , University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway.

Folksinger Michael Johnathon brings his multi-media celebration of grassroots, Americana music to the stage. For more information go to www.woodsongs. com Tickets are $23-$40 and can be purchased at http://uca.edu. ticketforce.com/ordertickets. asp?p=152&backurl=default.asp

☛

The greatest of faults, is to be conscious of none. — Thomas Carlyle

☛

By Paige Parham

Mar 30 – John A. Powell lecture at the Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock. The internationally recognized scholar on race, poverty and regional equity will lecture as part of a summit on race and equity. Free; call 683-5239 for more information, or visit www. clintonschool.uasys.edu Apr 4 – Bids by the Bridge: A Silent Auction for Social Action at the Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock. Bid on a variety of items at this benefit for organizations that have partnered with Clinton School students this year. Call 683-5239 to RSVP; see www.clintonschool.uasys.edu for more information.

6 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Apr 1 – Dollar Day at the Museum of Discovery, 500 Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock.

First 1,000 visitors pay only $1.

Perfect for a day out with the grandkids. Hours are 1:00 – 5:00 PM on Sundays. Visit www. museumofdiscovery.org or call 396-7050 for more information.

A p r 1 – B ill Co sby at Robinson Center Music Hall, 7 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock, 3:00 PM. Enjoy one of America’s favorite comedians.

Do YoU WANT To KEEP LEARNING NEW ThINGS? Tickets are $27 - $72. Purchase at the Box Office by calling 376-4781 or by visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B0048397 EBD5235?artistid=702564&maj orcatid=10002&minorcatid=51 Apr 2 – “An Evening of Pia n o a n d C hamber M u sic ,” at H e n d rix College, 1600Washington Ave., Conway, 7:30 PM. Music by Faure, Ireland, Medtner and Schumann will be played by Christian Baker on violin, Stephen Feldman on cello, and Norman Boehm on piano. Free, for more information, call 450-4597 or visit www. hendrix.edu A p r 3 – M u sic Acro ss America, played by The Quapaw Quartet at the Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock, 6:00 PM. Free, for more information, call 758-1720 or visit lamanlibrary.org

ADVENTURES IN LEARNING

Eight Week Term Starts April 4, 2012 More than 35 different courses Unlimited attendance • $60 flat fee

Mar 31 – AMP OUT ALZ: A R o c k & R o ll E v e n t benefitting Alzheimer’s Arkansas, with opening act Geezer, at The Rev Room, 300 Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock, 7:00 PM. $25 and all proceeds go to Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Tickets available at http://ampoutalz.eventbrite.com/

Apr 3 – Michael Ondaatje lecture at Hendrix College, Staples Auditorium, 1600 Washington Ave., Conway, 7:30 PM. The poet and author of “The English Patient” will discuss his work. Free, for more information, call 450-4597 or visit www.hendrix.edu Apr 4 – “The Art of Poetry: Poetry” film presentation at the Arkansas Arts Center, 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, 6:30 PM. This South Korean film won Best Screenplay at Cannes Film Festival in 2010 and was hailed as “one of the heartening glories of the film-going year” by the Chicago Tribune. Free, call 372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com for more information.

Dogwood blossoms reach for the early spring sunlight. Photo by Lee Hiller, HikeOurPlanet.com

History • Current Events • Literature • Geography Language • Travel • Art • Fitness And More

Complete Schedule Online at www.lifequestofarkansas.org

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CELEBRATES your achievements and inspirational stories ADVOCATES for you and your concerns—social, financial, political ENTERTAINS by featuring the best in events, dining, culture, volunteering, so you can live life to the fullest EDUCATES with health and consumer news to stay healthy, independent, and ready to embrace new beginnings and opportunities If you have inspirational or informative ideas benefiting active retirees, we welcome your input.

Please email maturearkansas@arktimes.com or call 501-375-2985 for editor Anne Wasson.

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Heart Disease

More Women than Men Die of Heart Disease

By Erica Sweeney

Hits Women Hard “There is no common face to heart disease,” says Kathy Holt, a survivor. n While heart disease can affect Arkansans of any age, size or race, a majority of those are women. The impact of the disease on women is

“The world just went away; sometimes overshadowed. In fact, more women die of heart disease than everything went all forms of cancer combined; more women than men die of heart disease. black,” she says.

“I’d never known In Arkansas, heart disease and stroke that I had a heart condition.” account for more than 30% of all female Holt was normally a runner and deaths, and 13 Arkansas women die completed the Little Rock half-Marathon from heart disease or stroke each day. the year before. She had only just started Nearly 60% of female Arkansans are biking because she had broken her ankle obese or overweight and more than 20% and wasn’t able to run. are smokers, both of which contribute Going into cardiac arrest threw Holt heavily to heart disease. off of her bicycle and she hit her head Each year, as part of the “Go Red and chest. Though it will never be known for Women” campaign, the Central for sure, Holt says her doctors think that Arkansas Division of the American Heart the impact of the fall may have restarted Association selects 10 women for their Survivors Gallery. These heart disease survivors share their stories of how heart disease has affected their lives. While their stories are diverse, each survivor her heart and saved her life. However, hopes to raise awareness about the the doctors were certain that she had disease. “survived sudden cardiac death,” she Kathy Holt says she always ate right, says. exercised and got eight hours a sleep Holt was diagnosed with a night. She always had, and still has, Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy, a low blood pressure and low cholesterol. rare genetic condition, where the heart Despite all of this, she was still affected muscle in the left ventricle doesn’t by heart disease. In May 2007, she went develop correctly in utero. A cardiac into full cardiac arrest while riding her defibrillator was implanted and medicabike along the River Trail. tions were prescribed to control her heart

rhythms. She says her condition could not have been detected and there is no surgery to repair it.

Phyllis Lewis was diagnosed with hypertension in her early 20s, shortly after getting married in the early 1970s.

She says her doctors thought birth control pills contributed to her high blood pressure. At 27, she had a light stroke. She has taken blood pressure medication ever since.

“It’s such an invisible disease,” she says. “You can feel it but people can’t see it.”

Carolyn Owen was vacationing in Florida in 2009. She was lying in bed

In Arkansas, heart disease and stroke account for more than 30% of all female

8 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

reading when she started experiencing pain in her left arm. She says at first she didn’t want to wake up her husband, but eventually did, as the pain got worse.

Hotel staff gave her an aspirin and called 911; she later learned this was a smart move.

At the hospital, Owen found out she had a 100% blockage in the left anterior descending artery, which is sometimes referred to as the “widow maker,” and a

Carolyn Owen (left to right), Kathy Holt and Phyllis Lewis discuss plans to attend the Heart Walk to raise money to help fight heart disease. stent was put in. She says she knows of people who had less blockage and did not survive.

When she returned to Arkansas, Owen, 57, says she changed her life. She got the American Heart Association’s cookbook and started exer-

and whole grains; avoiding hydrogenated oils, added sugar and processed foods. Lewis and Owen both have incorporated more fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets, and cut out as much fat as possible. Lewis says she “lives on chicken,” and is trying to eat more fish, even though she is not a “fish eater.” She has also given up all caffeine and carbonated drinks.

deaths, and 13 women die from heart disease or stroke each day. cising, as well as taking medication. Owen’s husband, Charles, has adopted her healthy lifestyle and also enjoys cooking healthy. She says after her heart attack, many of her family members had tests to check their own heart health. Results showed that Charles had a silent aortic aneurysm.

Watch what you eat The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish PHOTO page 9 and cover photo by brian chilson

Exercise your heart Regular exercise is key to maintaining heart health. Owen walks on her treadmill every day, which she likes because she can read while she walks. “It just goes by like that,” she says, snapping her fingers. She has lost 18 pounds since making lifestyle changes.

Lewis, 60, walks 10 miles at least three times

a week. She wears a pedometer so she can go a little farther each day and plans to walk the Little Rock half-Marathon next year. High blood pressure did force Lewis to make major lifestyle changes, but she always maintained a positive attitude, she says. She changed her diet, began exercising and continues to monitor her blood pressure. She says having a good doctor, taking the right medications and getting plenty of rest are also important in staying healthy.

“It’s not bad giving up French fries and hamburgers,” says Lewis, who is focused on her healthy lifestyle so that she can “be around” for her three granddaughters. “I’m a body in motion and I’m not going to give that up. The body and mind go hand in hand. I continue to do what I want, but I know my limits and when to rest. You can be strong after 60. You just have to know how to do it.”

After her cardiac arrest, Holt says she “went MATURE ARKANSAS

march 29, 2012

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(Left to right) Kathy Holt featured in the 2011 Survivors Gallery, Phyllis Lewis and Carolyn Owen are part of the 2012 Survivors Gallery. about her business, but toned it down.” She continued to exercise but at a more moderate pace and was even trained to walk the half marathon in 2009. Holt says at mile five of the marathon, her defibrillator went off six times in three minutes. “I finished the race in an ambulance,” she says.

Holt continues to ride her bike and walk her dogs, but doesn’t go by herself and takes a much more moderate pace. She says getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night is most important to her in staying healthy.

“As long as I don’t do anything extreme, I can do anything,” says Holt, adding that she might push the limits with physical activity a

rienced is more common in men.

“The more informed we are, the better we do,” Lewis says. “It’s up to every individual woman. There are so many magazines geared toward women and women’s health to help us live longer than our great-grandmothers and grandmothers. We have to pass it on to the new generation.”

Owen says she “wonders” about people who have experienced a heart attack or other health condition and do not made any lifestyle changes: “Surely, they don’t think it’s right,” she says. Holt agrees: “seeing people making poor choices when they have everything” can be difficult.

hearing others’ stories of heart disease. “It’s wonderful getting to know the other women,” she says. “We are all connected because of heart disease.”

Holt, now 53, says her story was so personal at first: “It was my disease, my family. It’s a lot easier to tell someone else’s story, than your own.” But she often felt compelled to share her story and educate others about heart disease.

She contacted the Heart Association in Little Rock about volunteering; instead, she was asked to be part of the Survivors Gallery in 2011.

“It was a huge thing for me,” says Holt.

“The Heart Association has brought me into

Nearly 60% of female Arkansans are obese or overweight, more than 20% are smokers, both contribute heavily to heart disease. little more if it weren’t for her 13-year-old son.

“Everything I do, naturally, I think how it will affect him. I feel so much more responsibility to do right and to see him grow up.”

Learn about heart disease Being educated and well informed about heart disease is essential, says Lewis, who encourages women to research the side effects of any medications they are prescribed. Holt encourages women to ask questions of their doctors.

Owen says being aware of the symptoms of a heart attack in women is also important; however, she says, the arm pain that she expe-

The psychological aspect of having the defibrillator had the greatest impact, Holt says. At first she felt self-conscious having it in her body, but says the biggest inconvenience so far is being “hand checked” in security lines. “‘You can be gone in a second’ really has a whole different meaning,” Holt says. “It made me realize we are so not in control. It absolutely affects my thought process way more than people know.”

Sharing their stories Lewis and Owen are part of this year’s Survivors Gallery. Lewis says she was “knocked out”

10 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

a world in which I’m so much more aware of the ailments people live with every day. I absolutely feel compelled to talk about heart disease. I can never let heart disease define me, but I have a responsibility to use it every day to make life better.”

Holt is also on the Logistics Committee of the Central Arkansas Heart Walk, which is April 21 at Burns Park. Lewis and Owen will also participate in the walk.

The Heart Walk is a non-competitive, familyfriendly 5K, says Heart Walk Director Lloyd Webre. This year there will also be a Cardiac Classic Bike Ride going on at the same time as

PHOTOs courtesy american heart association, central arkanasas division

the walk. Webre expects about 3,000 at this year’s event and the goal is to raise $330,000. Pre-registration for the walk is not required, but participants are asked to donate at the event, he says.

Holt, who is the agriculture, tourism and heritage liaison for Governor Mike Beebe, says her experience has made her not “sweat the small stuff,” which she tries to instill in her son, and to “never take anything for granted.”

“Every day is a gift,” says Lewis. “Enjoy every minute,” says Owen, who also says she’s still searching for an answer to why she survived her heart attack when so many others have not.

“If you’re going to have a bucket list, get to it now,” Holt reminds us.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

D

uring a heart attack, men and women can experience different symptoms. According to the American Heart Association, like men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort; however, women are more likely to experience other symptoms such as: • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest, which lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness If any of these symptoms are experienced, call 911 immediately and get to a hospital as soon as possible.

Heart Association Events

Kathy Holt gets regular exercise riding bikes with her son.

April 21 – Central Arkansas Heart Walk. 8:00 AM at Burns Park in North Little Rock. This is a 5K walk and fundraiser for the American Heart Association, Central Arkansas Division. For more information, visit www.

CentralArkansasHeartWalk.org or call 501-379-1180.

April 21 – Cardiac Classic Bike Ride. Check in begins at 6:00 AM at Burns Park. There is a 20-mile or 50-mile ride.

To register, go to www.CentralArkansasCardiacClassic. org or call 501- 379-1180.

MATURE ARKANSAS

march 29, 2012

11

the g reatest g eneration

They Also Women’s’ Airforce Service Pilots Served…

By Ken Forrester

T

heir names are largely forgotten, although I can still match faces to Velma, the matriarch of the group at age 25; Liz whom I would have trusted with my life, and did; and to B.J., who will forever be 19 years old. They were WASPS, Women Airforce Service Pilots and they flew during World War II. Their accomplishments are well documented in official records of the military.

They have also been the subject of a movie, a documentary on public television, at least two books and they’re now on web sites.

A faded newspaper clipping gives essential information: 25,000 women applied to the program, 1,830 were accepted, 1,074 graduated, 38 (including B.J.) were killed in service. They towed targets for antiaircraft and aerial gunner trainees to practice on (with live ammunition). They ferried airplanes, were instructors for male counterparts and acted as pilots for navigator and bombardier cadets. Geographically, they came from everywhere and their backgrounds cut a wide swath through American society, lifestyle and workforce.

Although they didn’t fly in combat, they flew any type of machine that was flyable, some that were only marginally flyable, and perhaps a few that were flyable only by definition. They expertly flew the lightest trainers to multi-engined bombers, including the B-29s (the biggest, at the time), and jets.

As a group, they lasted barely longer than two years. They were done in not by their flying record, which was superb by any account, but by male chauvinism that permeated the military and blanketed Congress. In short, they were dumped unceremoniously so their places could be taken by male pilots seeking to avoid combat.

Still, there was progress. Anyone who thinks advances haven’t been made in the field of women’s rights during the last 50 years has never known the WASPS. The documented discrimination against them would make even a dedicated, present-day chauvinist squirm.

I raise my glass to the shadowy forms that live just beyond where the light begins to fade and say,

until more reasonable thinking was brought to bear. They wouldn’t be declared eligible for even minimal veterans benefits for long years after the war.

I first encountered WASPS at Harlingen, Texas, where the Army Air Corps had an aerial gunner training school. To become proficient, it was necessary for the gunners-in-training to have something moving through the air to practice on. From their various positions in turrets on airborne training bombers, they shot at targets towed by other airplanes. The other airplanes, twin-engine B-26s, stripped of armor and modified for tow-target work, were piloted by both male pilots and by the WASPS.

“Thanks, WASPS, I owe you.”

The physical examinations they were required to undergo were more stringent than for men doing the same type of flying. The question of how long before and after their menstrual period they should be prohibited from flying (I give you my solemn word, I’m not making this up) was a matter of official (male) deliberation

12 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Sometimes the practicing gunners failed to make a distinction between the target and the plane towing it. This fact was not lost on the WASPS, who continued to tow the targets anyway. The bullet holes might have been from friendly fire but they were as deadly as anything to be encountered in combat.

I was an aerial engineer and tow-target operator for the WASPs and their male counterparts. It soon became apparent to me that each WASP was an excellent pilot.

The male pilots drank macho amounts and flew with hangovers or, at times, while the hangover was still in the making.

On occasion they flew into the Gulf of Mexico instead of over it. The WASPS flew by the book.

The men buzzed cattle on south Texas ranches and fishing boats in the Gulf. The WASPS flew by the book.

Tell a male pilot that, if flying on one engine in a B-26, he should never make a turn in the direction of the dead engine. He would do just that to show, by damn, a hot pilot could do it. The WASPS flew by the book.

Male pilots complained that the brakes on their planes heated and faded dangerously on landing. The WASPS flew better than the book and found a way to land that made brakes largely incidental.

M ARKAATNUSRAE MARCH 1,

CELEBRATES your achievements and inspirational stories

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2012

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ENTERTAINS by featuring the best in events, dining, culture, volunteering, so you can live life to the fullest EDUCATES with health and consumer news to stay healthy, independent, and ready to embrace new beginnings and opportunities

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PHOTO courtesy u.s. army

When I was transferred to another unit, I took with me, without knowing it, a bit of wisdom, an attitude, a way of thinking that was to affect my life and well-being far more than anything else I learned. Sometime, during my association with the WASPS, I dropped the phrase “for a woman” from my judgment of whether a pilot was good. It was not a conscious thing but during the months we worked together, I simply stopped making the distinction. The WASPS were excellent. Period.

The WASPS didn’t change my mind by arguing or pleading; not by screaming or with logical arguments.

Certainly not by court action or by filing charges. They did it with their flying, by persistence, by demonstrating without reservation, without qualification, that they were equal to anything in the air.

Since then, I have worked for women, over women, with women, around women. I have supervised them and have been supervised by them. I don’t really know when I dropped the qualifying phrase “for a woman” from the rest of my thinking.

There is simply no way I could think of Velma, Liz, B.J. and the others and make a gender-based appraisal. Maybe I was a slow learner but I did learn; and benefit.

Mature Arkansas

I haven’t seen any of the WASPS since WWII. Occasionally I have called and chatted with one of them when a story about her has appeared in a newspaper. Their post-war activities have been distinguished and they continue to amaze those with whom they come in contact. The last one I talked with recently had just completed a race from England to Australia.

Sometimes at night, in the time after midnight when sleep is a stranger, with no one else around ­— just me, a glass of wine and the memories of an old man — I raise my glass to the shadowy forms that live just beyond where the light begins to fade and say, “Thanks, WASPS, I owe you.”

shop local support our community MATURE ARKANSAS

march 29, 2012

13

money n By Gary Garr i son

An Audit You'll Want to Do A

recent article in Investment News reveals and contact information for your credit cards, a startling fact: Almost 80% of benefibank accounts, wills and trusts; and any funeral ciary forms on individual retirement accounts planning you’ve done. This is information you (IRAs), pension plans and insurance policies may have in your head, but if it is not in writing are outdated, improperly completed or simply or is incomplete, your beneficiaries are likely blank. It isn’t enough to have these plans in to be left high and dry. place. You must list your beneficiaries and According to estate planning attorney Kris keep them current. Otherwise, you risk leaving Boyd, “A beneficiary audit will ensure your benefits to unintended recipients--or to nobody assets won’t have to pass through probate.” at all.

Boyd says the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled A “beneficiary audit” is a review of your that retirement plans may rely on beneficiary account and policy numbers, along with designation forms in determining the proper The New York Times Syndication Corporation company names of all your investments and recipientSales of survivor benefits. In this case, after 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 real estate holdings; bankers, attorneys and a couple divorced, the man failed to update his For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Thursday, March 29, 2012 For Release March 23,forms.

2012 His retirement plan paid a accountant contact information; the locationFriday, beneficiary

survivor benefit to his ex-wife, even though he had changed his will to exclude her. The Court ruled that plan administrators may ignore wills or divorce decrees and follow the paperwork they have on file when distributing benefits.

That is a consequence of failing to update your beneficiary plans on a regular basis.

Here are five critical items to round up, review and revise: • Care of dependent children or grandchildren, in the event you die before they do • Insurance policies, including life and health insurance • Social Security information • Location of important papers • Funeral plans and wishes.

This information should Edited by Will Shortz No. 0223 0217 be reviewed and an audit done at 1 2 3 4 5 67 78 89 910 10 11 12 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 14 least every other 14 15 16 15 16 year, or when17 18 19 17 18 ever there is a 20 21 22 23 change in your 19 20 21 22 family’s status 24 25 26 23 24 or your wishes 27 28 29 30 31 32 25 26 27 28 change.

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 29 30 31 Updating 40 41 42 32 33 34 this information 43 44 45 35 36 37 goes a long way 46 47 48 toward ensuring 38 39 40 the future of 49 50 51 52 53 54 41 42 your financial 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 43 44 45 46 47 goals. If you 62 63 64 65 48 49 50 51 need help, talk 66 67 68 52 53 to a financial 69 70 71 54 55 p l a n n e r. T h e nominal cost Puzzle Chen Puzzle by

by Jeff Ian Livengood will be repaid 36 56 47 30 Hosp.

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14 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

beneficiary

forms on IRAs, pension plans

and insurance policies are

outdated, improperly completed or simply blank.

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Mr. Garrison, president of Asset Protection Wealth Management, specializes in assisting those approaching or now in retirement.

consumer n By Jane Purtle , D A

ost of us understand the importance of making a will, no matter how small our estate, to minimize problems for our heirs after our death. Until we face estate planning issues, we may not realize how much influence we can wield after our death.

Answer these four questions to understand the significant impact estate planning can have.

Q. How can I plan for the possibility my spouse and I may need help with long-term care?

A. Consider long-term care insurance. Private companies sell policies to cover expenses for people with prolonged illness, disability or cognitive disorders not covered

by Medicare, Medicare supplements, or private health insurance.

Karen Baim Reagler, elderlaw attorney says, “Long-term care insurance is especially appropriate for seniors who have enough money to afford the premiums comfortably but not enough money to afford long-term care for an extended period of time.

Couples especially should consider long-term care insurance, since the impact of an illness of one spouse can use a lifetime worth of savings.”

For more information on long-term care insurance, contact the Arkansas Insurance Department, Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program at 800-224-6330.

If your income and assets are limited, you may need to anticipate the issues connected to Medicaid eligibility. Medicaid pays for healthcare for low-income citizens and pays for the majority of nursing home care. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging (contact information at www.daas.ar.gov/aaa.map. html), an attorney trained in elderlaw, or other estate planning professional. They can help you sort through the issues and make informed decisions. Do not delay these deci-

sions until a crisis arises. If you need help and cannot afford an attorney, call the Legal Services helpline toll free 800-952-9243 to see if you qualify for services.

Q. How can I manage my assets to assure maximum benefit for my family and the charities I support?

A. We have already discussed the importance of a will in the December 8th issue of Mature Arkansas. If you die without a will, your estate cannot be distributed to your friends or favorite charity. In Arkansas, any property held jointly cannot be distributed by your will.

the assets, change the trust terms, revoke the trust, and still use the assets as you see fit.

You can create a trust for someone else.

They are perfect for protecting disabled children, taking care of people who cannot manage money, protecting assets from creditors and division in a divorce. Trusts can be set up as a way to encourage the recipient to reach certain goals.

Q. Should I try to avoid probate?

A. Probate is public, can take up to a year to complete and you may incur large attorney’s fees. If you want to avoid probate or shortcut it, consider a small estate affidavit. It is available for estates less than $100,000 (excluding certain assets) and have no creditors. The probate process opens and closes in one day. The problem with short-cutting probate is the great potential for abuse of the small estate affidavit; there is no judge to oversee the distribution process.

For general information about trusts and other strategies for avoiding probate, see the “Senior Citizens Handbook” of the Arkansas Bar Association. Copies are available online at the Arkansas Bar Association website www.arbar.com or from Legal Aid of Arkansas. An estate planning professional can help you understand whether avoiding probate is desirable in your particular case.

There are a variety of trusts available to provide care and financial support for minor and adult children and grandchildren.

Reducing taxes is a concern for most people. If your estate is less than $1 million, you do not have to worry about estate tax planning. If your estate is over $1 million, there are several strategies to reduce taxes-gifting, bypass trusts, life insurance trusts and charitable trusts. Consult an estate planning professional to help you decide what is best for your situation.

There are a variety of trusts available to provide care and financial support for minor and adult children and grandchildren. Trusts can be set up during your lifetime (often called living or revocable trusts) or after your death (testamentary trusts). You can control

PHOTOs.com, alexander raths

M

Q. How can I assure a legacy to the charitable causes I hold most dear?

A. Gifts or trusts created in your will and gift annuities set up before your death are the most common ways to provide these legacies. Next month, we will discuss these possibilities.

Elderlaw Attorney Karen Baim Reagler of Hot Springs provided assistance with this article.

MATURE ARKANSAS

march 29, 2012

15

☛ The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. — Albert Einstein ☛

Estate Planning: Prepare Your Legacy

B o o k s f r o m tH E A r k A n s A s ti m E s

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A compilation of stories published in the Arkansas Times during our first twenty years. Each story examines a fragment of Arkansas’s unique history – giving a fresh insight into what makes us Arkansans. Well written and illustrated. This book will entertain and enlighten time and time again.

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Full of interesting voices and colorful portraits of 17 Little Rock and North Little Rock neighborhoods, this book gives an intimate, block-by-block, native’s view of the place more than 250,000 Arkansans call home. Created from interviews with residents and largely written by writers who actually live in the neighborhoods they’re writing about, the book features over 90 full color photos by Little Rock photographer Brian Chilson.

Payment: check or credit card Order by Mail: arkansas times Books P.o. Box 34010, LittLe rock, ar 72203 Phone: 501-375-2985 Fax: 501-375-3623 Email: anitra@arktimes.com Send ______________ book(s) of The Unique Neighborhoods of Central Arkansas @ $19.95 Send ______________ book(s) of A History Of Arkansas @ $10.95 Send ______________ book(s) of Almanac Of Arkansas History @ $18.95 Shipping and handling $3 per book Name _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _______________________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________________________ Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc # ___________________________________ Exp. Date _______ 16 march 29, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

This unique book offers an offbeat view of the Natural State’s history that you haven’t seen before – with hundreds of colorful characters, pretty places, and distinctive novelties unique to Arkansas. Be informed, be entertained, amaze your friends with your new store of knowledge about the 25th state, the Wonder State, the Bear State, the Land of Opportunity.