Mature Lifestyles -071113

MATURE

Lifestyles July, 2013

2 - Mature Lifestyles - July, 2013 - TheIntelligencer.com

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TheIntelligencer.com - July, 2013 - Mature Lifestyles - 3

Explore the beauty of the Emerald Isle The beauty of Ireland has been the source of artistic inspiration for centuries. Landscape photographer Ciaran McHugh often captured the sweeping vistas of the coastlines while CS Lewis attributed the creation of Narnia to the Mourne Mountains. The tranquility of its rugged mountain ranges, quiet lakes, sandy beaches together with the Emerald Isle’s famous “40 shades of green” create a fantastical island awaiting exploration.

Experience Irish Vitality The capital city of Dublin incorporates tradition with vivacious innovation. The city boasts a zoo, gardens, hiking tours, historical sites, and pubs on almost every corner.

There is something for everyone is this cosmopolitan city.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the oldest and most loved attractions in Dublin. The cathedral was built between 1220 and 1260, and it is one of the few buildings remaining from the medieval city of Dublin. St. Patrick’s is home to six Celtic grave slabs—each over 1,000 years old. Numerous monuments and brasses are also within the cathedral.

Today, the church is the National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland and an active place of worship with daily services.

Of course, a visit to Dublin would not be complete without a visit to O’Connell Street. Effectively the “center” of

Dublin, O’Connell Street boasts the tallest piece of sculpture in the world—The “Spire.” In addition to the normal shops and cafes, the street is full of famous statues. The Parnell Monument, Sacred Heart Shrine, James Joyce, Jim Larkin and the massive O’Connell Monument all line this bustling urban street.

Certainly, the Guinness Storehouse is forever linked to the city of Dublin. The storehouse was built in 1904 and brews over 3 million pints every day. A guided tour of the facility is full of interesting Guinness facts and the history of the storehouse. The best part? The tour ends with a tasty sample.

Experience Irish Tradition Away from the bustle of Dublin, awaits evidence of the true heritage of the Irish people. The small town of Cashel is home to the iconic Rock of Cashel. This is the reputed location where St. Patrick preached and converted the Aenghus, the King of Munster in the 5th century A.D. Cashel was the seat of the high kings of Munster, although most of the remaining architecture dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. The fortress contains one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in all of Europe.

Continued on Page 4

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4 - Mature Lifestyles - July, 2013 - TheIntelligencer.com

Travel Continued from Page 3 Perhaps one of the most famous Irish tradition is the Blarney Stone, found at Blarney Castle in Cork.

Legend has it that Robert the Bruce half of the Stone of Scone (now known as the Blarney Stone) to Cormac McCarthy (then King of Munster) as gratitude for McCarthy’s troop support at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Today the stone is incorporated in the battlements where each year millions of visitors lean backward, hold on to an iron rail, and pucker up. It is said that once kissed the stone gives the gift of eloquence.

Over the last 2,000 years, world statesmen, literary geniuses and Hollywood legends have all journeyed to kiss the infamous stone.

Killarney is perhaps the second most visited city in Ireland and recently celebrated the 250 anniversary of its tourism industry. Aside from traditional Irish charm, Killarney is home to numerous attractions such as Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Inisfallen Island & Monastery, and Aghadoe. With Ireland’s finest selections in accommodations, dining, entertainment, sporting activities and Blue Flag beaches, it is easy to see why millions flock to this breathtaking city every

year.

The Cliffs of Moher are a designated UNESCO Geo park towering up to 241 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. The range runs 5 miles along the coast offering miles of breathtaking views.

O’Brien’s Tower stands on a headland. On a clear day, one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara, and Loop Head to the south. The Cliffs are a truly majestic experience.

While Ireland is famous for its delightful B&Bs, a visit at the Ashford Castle Hotel is priceless.

Originally built in 1228, it was later transformed by the Guinness family.

Now a five-star luxury resort, the castle offers guests fine dining, numerous outdoor activities and a fabulous spa. The finely manicured gardens and sumptuous décor is a fairy- tale experience to enjoy.

The True Splendor of Ireland For all the beauty, majesty and wonder abiding though out Ireland, the true brilliance of this island is even more engaging. And what is the true secret of Ireland? The people.

Known for their exceedingly generous and hospital nature, the Irish people are full of life and are always happy to make a new friend. They truly are the splendor of Ireland.

This article was written by Mandy Darr for Wishes Travel Boutique. For more information, visit www.wishestravelboutique.com or call 618-409-0419.

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Tips on beating the summer’s heat Operation Weather Survival and United Way 2-1-1 remind you to take care during hot weather advisories, warnings and emergencies. For information on what to do during a hot-weather emergency, dial 21-1 or 1-800-427-4626. For senior citizens or people with disabilities worried about not being able to pay for air-conditioning related energy costs, bill payment assistance information and referrals are available by calling 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626. All calls are free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

Cooling sites are available if an Excessive Heat Advisory (if the heat index is expected to reach 105°F or air temperature reaches 100°F) or an Excessive Heat Warning (a heat index of at least 105°F for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or if the heat index is greater than 115°F for any period of time) is issued by the National Weather Service. To ensure a cooling site is operating during the time you plan to visit, please contact the site ahead of time.

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme hot-weather conditions. One way is through weatherization programs, please call 2-1-1 for more information.

Below are tips, compiled by Operation Weather Survival to help keep you safe and cool during hot weather emergencies.

Hot weather tips: Stay cool — Stay out of the direct sun and heat.

Spend as many hours as possible in a cool place.

Minimize physical activity. Take cool baths or showers; use cool towels. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing. Use air-conditioning if available.

Keep cool — Close your curtains and windows in the morning to keep the sun and heat out of your home. Open windows and doors at night to cool inside temperatures. Keep electric lights off

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or turned down. If you don’t have air-conditioning leave your home and go to a cool safe place, senior centers, shopping malls, etc. are options. You can locate a cooling center by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211helps.org.

Drink plenty of water/natural juices — Cool drinks help to replenish fluid losses due to increased perspiration in high temperature. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of fluids every day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they cause your body to lose more water. Keep a few bottles of water in your freezer — if the power goes out, move them to your refrigerator and keep the doors shut. Eat light foods.

Know your neighbors — Develop a personal support network of people who will check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods, and plan how you will help each other in an emergency. Watch for signs of heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion. Call for help when needed. Please help to monitor seniors or people with functional needs (disabled) who are at greater risk during hot weather periods. Seniors or individuals with functional needs in the City of St. Louis may also sign up for their Functional Needs Registry by calling (314) 612-5918.

Plan ahead — Ask your doctor about any prescription medicine you keep refrigerated (most medicine will be fine to leave in a closed refrigerator for at least 3 hours). Make plans for any animals and pets.

In the event of a power loss, keep a battery-operated radio on hand to hear news reports and a flashlight handy for lighting. Remember extra batteries. Do not use candles due to fire hazards. Cordless phones may not operate during power outages so keep a corded phone handy or plugged into another jack.

Call 911 if you or anyone you know needs medical attention — Warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting.

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TheIntelligencer.com - July, 2013 - Mature Lifestyles - 7

Help elderly avoid financial abuse It’s unfortunate, but true: The elderly population may be the most vulnerable group in our society. In fact, in an effort to call attention to the problems of physical, emotional and financial abuse of the elderly, the United Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. If you have older parents, or even grandparents, can you do to anything to help prevent them from being victimized, especially with regard to their finances?

Actually, there’s a lot you can do. First and foremost, you need to maintain good communications and a trusting relationship with your older family members. As long as these elements are present, you should feel free to make the following suggestions: Increase awareness — When it comes to financial fraud and scams, many seniors think: “It can’t happen to me.” But the facts suggest otherwise: Some 20 percent of Americans over the age of 65 admit to having been victimized by financial swindles, according to a survey by the non-profit Investor Protection Trust. Let your loved ones know that no one in their age group is immune to financial predators.

Guard private information — Ask your parents or grandparents to not divulge personal information over the phone.

In fact, urge them to get caller ID, if they don’t have it already, and tell them that if they don’t recognize the number, don’t answer. Legitimate callers are more likely to leave messages than scammers.

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Don’t send money. Exhort your parents or grandparents to never wire money to a random account — no exceptions.

Ignore “limited-time offers” — Your loved ones should ignore callers, mailers or emails that demand they act immediately. These offers are often overblown at best and may be fraudulent at worst.

Don’t trust “no risk” offers — Financial offers that sound too good to be true are likely just that — untrue. Legitimate investments carry both potential risks and rewards.

Avoid “debt-settlement” claims — If your older loved ones have debt problems, they may be especially susceptible to offers that claim to “clear up” all their debts. But there’s no quick fix to this problem and any caller who claims otherwise is likely being deceitful. Encourage your parents or grandparents to discuss their debt situation with an honest, professional debt counselor or a financial advisor.

Here’s one more thing you can do to help your parents or grandparents avoid financial fraud: If they don’t already work with a trusted, qualified financial professional, introduce them to one. If your parents have a relationship with such a professional, they will be less likely to listen to any questionable, unsolicited offers than if they were trying to manage their finances on their own.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Matthew Johnson, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, 4219 State Route 159, Suite 3, Glen Carbon, 288-0074.

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8 - Mature Lifestyles - July, 2013 - TheIntelligencer.com

Associated Press

In this June, 8 photo, Sy Perlis, 91-years-old, smiles after breaking the record for the bench press in Phoenix. Perlis, a 91-year-old Arizona weightlifter didn’t just break a world record for the bench press, he powered through it by 52 pounds.

91-year-old sets age group weightlifting record PHOENIX (AP) — A 91-year-old Arizona weightlifter didn’t just break a world record for the bench press, he powered through it by 52 pounds.

Sy Perlis of Surprise set the record by benching 187.2 pounds at the National Bench Push-Pull Press and Dead Lift Championships on Saturday in Phoenix.

The Arizona Republic reports that the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters previous record in the 90-and-over age division was 135 pounds and had stood since 2005.

Perlis took up weightlifting when he was 60 but didn’t enter his first championship competition until five years ago.

“I got a lot of satisfaction out of it, and it made me feel good, and it was good for me,” the suburban Phoenix resident said.

When he competed in the division for 85- to 89-year-olds, Perlis won the state title in 2009 and world title in 2010 and 2011 in the 181-pound weight category.

Association President Gus Rethwisch said Perlis is an inspiration.

“We’ve had a lot of lifters in their middle 80s, late 80s and occasionally we get one 90 and over, but they’ve never inspired people (like Perlis has),” Rethwisch said.

Chhanda Dutta, chief of the Clinical Gerontology Branch of the National Institute on Aging, said it’s a common misconception that exercise is unsafe for older people.

“The risk of leading a sedentary lifestyle is much greater than anything related to exercise,” Dutta said. “I think it’s important for people to realize that age alone doesn’t determine the intensity of your workout.”

Perlis said his doctor knows he participates in the sport and has told him, “If you can do it, do it.”

His five-day-a-week training routine includes cardiovascular exercise and weightlifting.

TheIntelligencer.com - July, 2013 - Mature Lifestyles - 9

Study: Wiser medication use could cut health costs

By LINDA A. JOHNSON AP Business Writer TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — If doctors and patients used prescription drugs more wisely, they could save the U.S. health care system at least $213 billion a year, by reducing medication overuse, underuse and other flaws in care that cause complications and longer, more-expensive treatments, researchers conclude.

The new findings by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics improve on numerous prior efforts to quantify the dollars wasted on health care.

Numerous experts previously have estimated that tens of billions, perhaps hundreds of billions of dollars, could be better used each year to improve patient care and outcomes and to slow down spending by government health programs, insurers and consumers.

The institute, part of data analysis and consulting firm IMS Health, used its proprietary data on prescriptions written by doctors — many of which patients never fill — plus other information to produce a current, more reliable esti-

mate of avoidable costs solely related to medication use.

IMS arrived at the $213 billion figure based on six categories in which doctors, patients or both could be making better use of medication, from getting a prompt diagnosis when new symptoms arise to taking medicines as directed by the doctor. Across the six categories, the researchers generally focused on spending on a handful of very common or very expensive diseases — from high cholesterol and blood pressure to HIV and diabetes — for which costs of care and complications are well documented. “There’s even larger avoidable costs if we were to look at all disease areas� where patients aren’t getting optimal care, Murray Aitken, the institute’s executive director, told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview. “There’s a big opportunity for improvement.�

The $213 billion equals nearly 8 percent of the more than $2.7 trillion the U.S. spent on health care last year.

Those billions could pay for the health care of more than 24 million Americans currently uninsured, according to IMS. Continued on Page 10

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10 - Mature Lifestyles - July, 2013 - TheIntelligencer.com

Drugs Continued from Page 9 And Aitken said more-appropriate use of medication — taking it exactly as prescribed, not taking antibiotics for viral illnesses, preventing medication errors and the like — could prevent 6 million hospitalizations, 4 million trips to the emergency room and 78 million visits to doctors and other outpatient care providers each year. “Those are staggering numbers,� Aitken said.

The report, titled “Avoidable Costs in Healthcare,� found the biggest area of waste is patients not taking medicines prescribed by their doctor, either at all or as directed. IMS estimates the cost of such “non-adherence� at about $105 billion a year.

Reasons for the longstanding problem include patients fearing drug side effects, not understanding complications that can occur without treatment, having mental health issues and not being able to afford their medicines. Price has become less of a factor, though, as there are now relatively inexpensive generic versions of drugs for most diseases. “I think there’s really good, solid evidence that if you adhere to medications, that keeps you out of the hospital,� said M. Christopher Roebuck, president of health policy consultants Rx Economics LLC. Roebuck, who was not involved in the study, said it’s well done. But he said the estimates of potential savings

are “quite conservative� for medication non-adherence and treatment delays.

Those delays are blamed for racking up about $39 billion a year in avoidable care costs — due to patients putting off doctor visits and not getting medications they’re prescribed, or doctors not promptly starting treatments proven to prevent expensive complications. “We’ve got a lot of people without insurance who are not routinely going to the doctor, and even some with insurance aren’t,� Aitken said.

Other areas of waste noted in the report include: • Prescribing antibiotics inappropriately, as for patients with the flu or another viral infection, costing about $35 billion annually. This can contribute to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, resulting in more expensive treatment and even hospitalization with a future infection. • Medication errors, costing about $20 billion annually.

Those include sloppy handwriting leading to the wrong drug or dose being dispensed and doctors not checking to see that the patient is getting better, meaning they’ve been getting the right medicine. Those errors are on the decline due to more doctors using electronic prescriptions and other changes. • Not using generic drugs when they are available, costing about $12 billion annually. That’s a decreasing problem, as strategies of health plans and pharmacies encourage patients to choose generics by setting copayments for brand-name drugs a few times higher than for the generics. Without insurance, generics can cost 90 percent less than brand-name drugs. Today, when a generic is available, it’s dispensed about 95 percent of the time.

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Find the right help people with chronic pain may have to search for other solutions.

More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, at a cost of $600 billion a year in medical treatments and lost productivity, according to a 2011 Institute of Medicine

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,ʢLʂɓ 6ɿȵʑQGʝɠ Informational Travel Presentation

11am–1pm Wed. July 31 @ Eden Village Retirement Community Call or Email Mandy Darr at Wishes Travel Boutique for Info 618.409.0419 or mandy@wishestravelboutique.com IRELAND TRAVEL DATES: March 11–18, 2014

12 - Mature Lifestyles - July, 2013 - TheIntelligencer.com

BPT photo

When it comes to your health, make sure you have the correct information.

Facts matter when your health is at stake (BPT) - Learning that you have a disease or medical condition can be overwhelming. You need to learn more about your condition. You may get advice from all directions - from well-meaning friends and family, the Internet, magazines, newspapers and television. But in the end, you want to understand your treatment options so that you can discuss your choices with your health care provider.

But how do you know what information to trust?

Every patient is unique and has different questions about his or her treatment options. While we may learn from others’ experiences, everyone can benefit from factual, unbiased information. The Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a great place to start exploring facts about treatment options for many com-

mon health conditions.AHRQ takes the scientific facts and puts them into easy-to-read summaries that help people and their health care providers weigh the pros and cons of treatment options - such as comparing different medications for type 2 diabetes or treatments for high cholesterol.

AHRQ’s resources also suggest important questions to ask your health care team. After all, understanding the facts about your treatment options will help you make educated decisions about what is best for you or your loved ones.

Three steps can help you prepare for your next medical appointment: Explore: Explore AHRQ’s free resources to learn more about available treatment options for your condition.

AHRQ has information about a wide range of health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, mental health, men’s

and women’s health, and muscle, bone and joint conditions.

Compare: Read about the benefits, risks, and potential side effects for each treatment. Discuss with your health care provider what is most important to you and your loved ones as you explore potential treatments.

Prepare. Write down questions and concerns to share during your next medical visit. This list will help you and your health care team work together to make informed decisions about which treatments work best for your needs.

To compare your treatment options and download treatment summaries, visit AHRQ’s Treatment Options initiative at:-ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/treatmentoptions/.To order free print copies of treatment summaries on many health conditions, call 1-800-3589295 and use code C-01.

TheIntelligencer.com - July, 2013 - Mature Lifestyles - 13

Don’t let these myths rain on your retirement party (BPT) - Do you dream of the day you can retire, but aren’t sure how to get there? You’re not alone. Many people find it easier to avoid reality when it comes to planning for retirement.

“That can lead to big mistakes in their retirement income planning,” says Zachary Gipson, vice president of retirement and wealth planning at USAA. Here’s a look at five common myths that could derail your expectations for income when you retire.

Myth 1: You won’t be around long enough to go through your money The reality: Life expectancies are at record highs in the United States, so it’s important to acknowledge that you or a family member may spend as many years in retirement as you did working. According to a 2010 report by the National Academy of Social Insurance, for a 65-year-old married couple, there’s a 48 percent chance that one spouse will live to age 90.

To help stretch your money, consider incorporating immediate and deferred annuities into your planning. Created to provide guaranteed, lifelong income in retirement, they can also offer guaranteed growth while you’re saving for it, Gipson explains.

A long retirement extends your exposure to one of financial planning’s most subtle enemies: inflation. As you invest, it’s important to seek a mix of assets that guard against the declining value of the dollar and that is in line with your risk tolerance and goals.

Myth 2: You should get out of stocks when you retire The reality: Stocks can help provide the long-term growth you need to make your assets last longer since your retirement could span several decades.

You’ve probably heard you should reduce your investment risk as you age. But with traditional pensions being replaced by 401(k) plans, you’re wholly responsible for making asset allocation decisions. As Gipson puts it, “Everyone now has to be a pension fund manager with their own money, and most people just aren’t equipped to do that.”

Gipson agrees with the notion of dampening portfolio risk

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at retirement, but that doesn’t mean getting rid of stocks entirely. Rather, regularly reviewing, and if necessary, rebalancing your portfolio based on your risk tolerance can lock in gains from strong-performing asset classes and allow you to buy those that underperform at cheaper prices.

Myth 3: You can just keep working The reality: Counting on being able to work as long as you want is dangerous, Gipson says. Employers are feeling pressure to cut costs, and with high unemployment, finding work is always a challenge. A disability also could force you to stop working prematurely.

Many people think they can simply work longer if they don’t have enough money to retire. According to a recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 74percent of workers plan to work at least part time during their retirement years, and Schaffer notes working in retirement has become a necessity for many.

Good planning doesn’t rely on good fortune. Rather, your plan should both keep you from having to work the rest of your life and deal with the consequences of unexpected surprises that prevent you from earning a paycheck.

Myth 4: An inheritance will bail you out The reality: You may be hoping for an inheritance as a potential retirement boost. But hope is not a strategy, and counting on an inheritance can create big problems if it doesn’t come through.

Many people who expect to inherit money never do so, Gipson says. And even for those who do inherit money, it’s often too little or comes too late to make a difference in their retirement planning, he adds. The safer thing to do is to treat an inheritance as an unexpected bonus rather than relying on it.

Myth 5: Your taxes will be lower in retirement.

The reality: Big government deficits make future tax increases much more likely. Also, taking money out of retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, creates taxable income that can push you into higher tax brackets.

One suggestion Gipson offers is to consider converting part of your eligible retirement assets to a Roth IRA.

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Keep your heart healthy (BPT) - More baby boomers and older adults are taking a proactive approach to heart health. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle in your golden years and dealing with any type of diagnosis head-on is the smart way to keep your heart pumping strong for many years to come. Following these five easy steps can help you take control.

1. Exercise your heart by staying active.

Increasing your heart rate through daily exercise can help keep your heart healthy and help you live longer. Good heart-healthy activities include walking, swimming and bicycling. Stay motivated by exercising with a friend.

2. Eat heart-healthy foods.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are fantastic for heart health - make it your goal to eat a variety of colors every day.

Whole grains and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are good choices also.

3. Consult your doctor about hearthealthy supplements.

As we age, sometimes our bodies

can’t absorb vitamins and minerals as well as when we were younger. Many people take vitamin D and a low-dose aspirin daily once they hit their 50s or 60s. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

4. Schedule your annual physical.

An annual physical is the cornerstone of preventative care. At your appointment, make sure you get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Have your doctor explain what those numbers mean for you.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

No matter what, when it comes to the health of your heart, ask questions. If you are diagnosed with a slow heartbeat and need a pacemaker, talk with your doctor about your options and determine if a pacemaker that is approved for use in an MRI may be right for you.

Marilyn Rose of Richardson, Texas, ate healthy, exercised regularly and scheduled yearly physicals, but at age 80 she frequently felt tired and short of

breath. Rose was scheduled for an echocardiogram, a heart test that allows the doctor to see the movement of the heart, and it was then that she learned she had a condition called bradycardia, or a slow heartbeat. Rose needed a pacemaker to help her live a full life, but she learned that historically, pacemakers have not been approved in the U.S. for use with MRIs. She was concerned - she knew at her age the likelihood that she might need an MRI at some point was high.

After talking with her doctor and asking plenty of questions, Rose learned that the FDA had approved the first pacemaker that was fit for use in the MRI environment. Today, after getting her pacemaker, she’s feeling great and is back to her regular life, swimming, knitting and playing with her five grandkids. Her friends call her the “Energizer bunny,” and with her pacemaker she says she feels better than she did before.

For Rose, asking the right questions made a life-changing difference.

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BPT Photo

Your goal with any hospital stay is return to good health, not have a setback.

Three tips to make your hospital stay safer (BPT) - Each year, millions of Americans seek hospital care to treat a wide range of medical problems - from accidental injuries to chronic or life-threatening illnesses. While the majority of patients have positive outcomes, it is imperative to remember patient safety should be a top priority for everyone.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes patient safety is a serious global public health issue. Even in developed countries such as the United States, as many as one in 10 patients may be harmed while hospitalized.

Injury rates are even higher in developing countries, making patient safety a high priority around the world.

You can take steps to help ensure your safety whether in the hospital for a planned or unexpected circumstance. Here are three things to keep in mind to make your hospital stay as safe as possible: Reduce infection risks: Hospital infections are a top concern, especially for surgical patients. According to WHO, hand hygiene is the single most important measure to reduce health-care-related infections. Patients should keep hand sanitizer at their bedside and use it often. Additionally, the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) recommends: Continued on Page 17

TheIntelligencer.com - July, 2013 - Mature Lifestyles - 17

HospiTal Continued from Page 16 • Reminding your care team about hand-washing before any direct interaction.

• Keeping an eye on intravenous catheters and wound dressings, and notifying your health care provider right away if something looks wrong.

• Taking charge of health problems such as diabetes, excess weight and smoking, which can increase infection risk in the hospital.

• Following doctors’ directions about breathing treatments to avoid lung infections.

Understand anesthesia: Over the past century, anesthesiologists have advanced patient safety through innovative research, science and technology advancements. Whether in the operating room, procedure room, intensive care unit or pain clinic, anesthesiologists are committed to patient safety.

Today, anesthesia-related fatalities only occur in less than one in every 200,000 procedures.

To help ensure the highest quality and safest care, anesthesiologists lead Anesthesia Care Teams to supervise non-physician providers during the administration of anesthesia to make critical life decisions when there are only seconds to make them.

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), anesthesiologists have more than 10,000 hours of

related medical training and education to diagnose, treat and respond to any medical complications that may occur.

In addition to making sure a physician supervises your anesthesia care, it is important to follow all pre-operative instructions from your doctors and get plenty of rest before surgery.

Also, be sure your anesthesiologist is aware of your prior anesthesia history and any medications you take. For more information about anesthesia and preparing for surgery, please visit LifelinetoModernMedicine.com.

Be aware of setbacks: While unpredictable progress in recovery is not unusual, it’s important to minimize the risk of avoidable setbacks such as falls and readmissions.

Tumbles are a major concern for the elderly, but even younger patients are at risk of falling in the hospital. NPSF often points to research indicating more than 500,000 falls occur in U.S. hospitals each year, causing 150,000 injuries. Muscle weakness, medication-related impairment and age can increase a patient’s risk of falling. Follow your physician’s directions and the hospital’s procedures for surer footing.

Before you leave the hospital, make sure you understand the doctor’s after-care instructions to reduce your risk of readmission.

Bring any questions or suspicions of complications to followup appointments to help your physician assess your recovery.

Health care is incredibly intricate and complex, and while medical science has made great strides for patient safety, patients need to play an active role in their care.

With diligent research and advocacy for their own health, patients’ collaboration with their care team can make them informed and, most importantly, safe.

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Living independently is paramount to many seniors and we have taken great strides to accommodate active lifestyles. As a caring and growing community, Eden Village has 40 stylish, one and two bedroom Garden Homes with all the amenities you want and need.

These beautiful homes are perfect for someone whose search for joy and happiness is not diminished by age or other common measures. They are designed specifically to help residents feel comfortable and safe without the worries of lawn care, home repairs or security.

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Senior health fair planned On Tuesday, July 16, the Older Adults Health Council of Madison County and Senior Services Plus will sponsor a senior health fair with a theme of “Life’s a Walk on the Beach”.

The health fair will be held at the TriMor Bingo Center, located at 3701 Nameoki Road in Granite City from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The free event will provide information on specific services available in the area as well as a chance to learn about various health topics. Information will be available local resources such as: home health agencies, fitness centers, hospice agencies, adult day services, supportive & assisted living communities, counseling, independent and skilled nursing & rehab facilities, and community service organizations.

The Older Adults Health Council was formed in 2008, with various members of different local organizations all working together to assist Older Adults. The goal of each attendee of the Older Adult Health Council is to provide superior services to our local senior community. The purpose of the

Pain Continued from Page 11 The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) advises against receiving care from providers without training in treating chronic pain because patient safety can be seriously compromised. In addition to jeopardizing patient safety, untrained providers lower the quality of health care and can increase the risk for fraud and prescription drug abuse. Untrained providers lack the sufficient education and training needed to properly prescribe opioids, according to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Clifton Phillips, 44, of Bowie, Md., has pain throughout his body. He suffers from osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, a herniated disc and a pinched nerve in his lower back, which causes discomfort and burning in his foot. For three years Phillips worked through

council is to offer education and information for building successful referral networks regarding senior social, personal and health services. Working together we can offer complete and accurate service to our seniors we serve.

“We are very excited to be bringing our Health Fair to the Granite City area,” explained Stacey NobleLoveland, President of the Older Adults Health Council. “It is a great opportunity for us as a group to bring our services to this community. There are so many wonderful services for our seniors, it is important for the OAHC to reach out to communities and to be able to share all of our resources.”

Free health screenings will be performed by vendors, and presentations will be provided on health topics such as the options for senior living, hearing safety guidelines, Medicare protection, the hospice concept, and understanding advanced directives.

Margaret Lanier, Trips & Activities Coordinator for Senior Services Plus, believes that this health fair, the first

one ever offered in the Granite City area, will be a great success.

“With such a high concentration of seniors, the need to get these important resources to Granite City is something that Senior Services Plus has wanted to do for some time,” explained Lanier. “We are thankful that the Tri-Mor Center is allowing us to rent out their space, as there will be plenty of room for the approximately 300 people we hope to draw to our event.”

All ages are welcome to attend the Health Fair. There will be door prizes given away throughout the event. There will also be a free lunch provided from 11:00am-1:00pm.

Entertainment for the event will be Big Papa G DJ Service. All guests are invited to vote for the best booth, as each vendor will be decorating their tables to follow the “Beach-y” theme.

For additional information on the fair, please contact Senior Services Plus at 618-452-4856. You may also visit the agency’s website, seniorservicesplus. org.

the pain before he sought help from an orthopedic doctor who prescribed opioid pain medications for him. However, Phillips soon became dependent upon the medication and suffered significant side effects.

Treatment of chronic pain is complex and can be associated with significant complications. This is due to the potential for severe side effects from some of the medications used to treat pain and the anatomy and delicate structure of the spine and nerves upon which many chronic pain interventions are performed. Knowing that he couldn’t sustain a successful lifestyle while taking the highly addictive opioid meds, Phillips looked for alternative treatment options through his neurologist who referred him to a highly trained anesthesiologist pain medicine physician.

“I encourage others suffering from chronic pain to do your due diligence, research your options and don’t be afraid to ask questions about treatments,” Phillips says. “I feel safe knowing a physician who specializes in pain

not only safely administers my pain treatments, but also is able to diagnose and work with me to develop a customized and effective pain treatment plan.”

Specialized pain physicians have the education and training to accurately diagnose, evaluate and treat chronic pain patients using a comprehensive approach including medications and pain procedures. Treatments can range from medical management, physical therapy and psychological therapy, to interventional therapies and other alternative medical treatments. These therapies can be risky and require the skill of anesthesiologists or other physicians who possess the training and knowledge to provide safe, competent and appropriate care. These physicians complete a one-year multidisciplinary pain fellowship in addition to their post-doctoral training, according to ASA. A pain physician, like an anesthesiologist, is a patient’s best solution to finding a well-trained provider to treat chronic pain conditions, similar to what Phillips was experiencing.

20 - Mature Lifestyles - July, 2013 - TheIntelligencer.com

BPT photo

There are steps that can be taken to preserve your vision.

Hope emerges for macular degeneration (BPT) - Imagine what it’s like to slowly lose your vision over time - until one day you no longer can read, see the faces of loved ones or participate in your favorite hobbies. While most people accept achy joints or muscle weakness as part of the aging process, eyesight is a critical factor in maintaining a high quality of life and independence.

Severe vision loss is a reality for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease of the retina that affects more than 9.1 million people in the United States. What is it like to have AMD? The disease robs people of their central vision and leaves only what they can see in their peripheral vision, making it incredibly difficult to use vision for even the simplest activities. AMD’s most advanced form - end-stage AMD - is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and legal blindness in people age 60 and older.

For retired entrepreneur, Willis “James” Hindman, 77, of Westminster, Md., the losses he faced from end-stage AMD were both physical and emotional. Hindman’s passions are his family, friends and the horses that he raises on his farm. AMD destroyed his vision to the point where he couldn’t see people’s faces or watch his race horses cross the finish line. He felt he was a prisoner of his own limitations and quickly became depressed.

Hindman isn’t alone; as the baby boomer population continues to grow, the occurrence of AMD is likely to grow with it. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the baby boomer population will increase to 72 million by 2030, placing roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population at risk for AMD. At this time, there is no cure for AMD and no way to reverse its effects, although there are advanced treatments, including medication injections, laser surgery, and what is most recently getting attention, an FDA-approved telescope implant, that has been clinically demonstrated to improve vision and quality of life for patients living with this debilitating disease.

“The telescope implant surgical procedure removes the eye’s natural lens, and replaces it with a tiny telescope, about the size of a pea,” explains Dr. Mark Mannis, Professor and Chair at University of California, Davis Department of Ophthalmology. “It may sound like science fiction, but it is available to patients today. The telescope is implanted in one eye to improve central vision, something no other surgery can do for patients with AMD. The other eye will continue to provide peripheral vision, which is important to maintain orientation and balance.”

The telescope implant is integral to a new patient care program, CentraSight. The CentraSight treatment program has been designed to help patients see the things that are important to them, regain independence and re-engage in everyday activities. The program uses a multispecialty eye and vision care team to follow the necessary steps for proper diagnosis, surgical evaluation, and postoperative care.

While the telescope implant does not fully restore vision to its pre-AMD level, it will help the patient enjoy better sight and quality of life following an individualized rehabilitation process, where the patient learns exactly how to use the new telescope implant vision for everyday activities. Hindman had his surgery in December 2012 and today feels he has “a new lease on life.”

Working with his low-vision occupational therapist, he practices strengthening his eye with standard vision exercises, but also incorporates personalized, fun activities, like watching his fishing lure bob in the water.

Now Hindman also watches football from across the room, walks to his local office without counting steps and, most gratifyingly, sees the faces of his loved ones, including his horses.

The telescope implant is available at more than 50 CentraSight treatment centers nationwide. Of note, the telescope implant is also Medicare eligible, making it within reach of most seniors.

TheIntelligencer.com - July, 2013 - Mature Lifestyles - 21

BPT photo

As baby boomers age, they will face a variety of choices concerning their health.

Baby boomers facing healthcare choices (BPT) - Every day, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. Not everyone will sign up, but it’s important to understand the importance of early choices when enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

You can enroll in Medicare three months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 or up to three months afterward.

“Turning 65 opens the door to Medicare eligibility, but it brings with it some complex choices,” says Paula Muschler, manager of the Allsup Medicare Advisor, a personalized Medicare plan selection service.

“Choices seniors make at this time can impact their healthcare costs over the long term and their entire family.”

Muschler offers the following key steps for Medicare first-timers.

1. Take a look at your existing group health plan coverage and think about how it will coordinate with Medicare.

Many people work past age 65. As a result, Medicare-eligible individuals who have health coverage through their employer or their spouse’s employer may be able to wait to enroll in Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient medical care. This is not true in every case, however. This option depends on other factors, such as the size of the employer and how soon you expect to retire after reaching 65.

You may want to consider enrolling in Medicare Part A, which includes hospital coverage, even if you defer Part B.

2. Consider the options for first-time enrollment, keeping in mind your current health needs and financial resources. If you choose traditional Medicare, you have an average of 31 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans from which to choose. You can also choose from 10 standard Medigap policies for supplemental coverage, ranging from basic to comprehensive coverage. The price for these plans also can differ from one company to the next.

Adding to the complexity, Medigap plans are not required to accept you after your initial enrollment period.

This is one reason first-time choices are crucial.

Continued on Page 23

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You can control how your money is taxed May I ask you a question? Do you think taxes are going to go up in the future? Yes? So do I. One thing I can’t stand are uncontrollable circumstances. I can’t control the weather. I can’t control what my children hear at school. I can’t control the price of gas, milk or beef. And I can’t control TAXES. But what I CAN control is where I put my money and how I choose for it to be taxed. Notice I say HOW it will be taxed.

Let’s say for a moment you are a farmer. Would you rather buy your seed and pay the tax now or wait to pay the tax on several bushels of harvest? The seed, of course.

Is your money in tax-deferral; paying tax on the bushels of harvest? Waiting until it grows and then being taxed? That’s how most IRA’s are positioned. Taxing the harvest.

Now we are approaching retirement and what we have is money that HASN’T been taxed. When we take that money out, it’ll be taxed as ordinary income. Aren’t we trying to lower our tax bracket?

We agree we don’t want to pay those higher taxes, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? We call it moving money to the right?

TAXABLE? TAX-DEFERRED? TAX-FREE? Tax-Free – This is where it gets interesting. These investments have 2 characteristics. First, they are free from federal, state or capital gains tax. Second, they don’t cause your Social Security income to be taxed at a higher rate. The idea is this is where you’d have most of your money.

Roth IRA’s & Cash Value Life Insurance If you were to have an advisor that considers taxes when placing your investments you might also be able to take a Traditional IRA with distributions equal to your tax deductions that would make them a wash and subsequently not taxable. That, my friends, requires an advisor that isn’t the average advisor. One that looks at all aspects of retirement: taxes, income, investments, social security, and long term care. A total Advisor.

Back to Tax-Free Income. While all of these options require

Boomers Continued from Page 21

Seniors evaluating Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare also have an array of options - an average of 20 plans, depending on where you live. “We’ve been able to help Allsup customers find plans that cost less and match their specific healthcare needs,” Muschler says.

3. Follow Medicare enrollment rules to avoid costly mistakes. Penalties are

you to pay the taxes upfront, I think you’d agree that income taxes, like mortgage rates are at an all-time low. Paying taxes today is like paying tax on the seed and not the harvest.

Historically we’ve seen taxes at 90%. We could easily see 50%-60% tax in the relatively near future.

Details, PLEASE!!!

Life Insurance is very different today. We can do things now, that didn’t exist a few years back. It’s not just a death benefit anymore. It’s how savvy retirement planners are funding their retirement…tax-free!!!

(If you qualify) You can take out a policy, instead of using it for a death benefit, use it for capital accumulation. Imagine those tax-free dollars coming to you to supplement your income, while you’re alive. Imagine that non-taxable money allowing your gross income to be lower resulting in your Social Security to be under the threshold and reducing the taxes or potentially not being taxed at all.

This ALL requires attention to detail. Someone that does this type of planning all the time, even for their own retirement.

You can convert your IRA dollars to a Roth and take income that way too. The tax burden can be spread over multziple years by doing partial conversions.

I think the point to be made here is: This article is just entertainment unless you decide to do something about it.

Check it out, see if it’s right for you. If you wouldn’t qualify for life insurance a Roth conversion might be a better option.

There is no cookie cutter approach.

Investment advice is offered by Horter Investment Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through The Advisory Group, LLC. Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through Pershing Advisor Solutions, Trust Company of America, Jefferson National Monument Advisor, Fidelity, and Security Benefit Life.

in place for decisions related to Part B and Part D coverage. The late-enrollment penalty is 10 percent for each full 12-month period you could have been enrolled in Part B. Likewise, Part D imposes a penalty if you go for more than 63 days without coverage after enrolling in Part B. “Your first-time Medicare plan choices also are more complicated if you have retirement dates, COBRA coverage or dependent coverage to consider,” Muschler says. “These are good reasons to contact a Medicare specialist, who can help answer the right questions and provide guidance to seniors so they make

choices that match their situations.”

4. Understand how higher income and changes in your income affect Medicare costs. Higher-income beneficiaries pay higher premiums for Medicare Part B and prescription drug coverage. For Part B, the 2013 monthly premium is $104.90 for joint filers with income of $170,000 or below ($85,000 for single filers). However, the premium increases to between $146.90 and $335.70 for those with incomes above these thresholds. Likewise, higherincome beneficiaries can expect to pay from $11.60 to $66.40 more each month in prescription drug premiums.

24 - Mature Lifestyles - July, 2013 - TheIntelligencer.com

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