July 2020 Prime Time

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Printed on recycled paper Volume 30 | Issue 7

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July 2020

July 2020

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Ask A Health Care Professional What Causes Arthritis? pg 4

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July 2020

Avoiding Coronavirus Scams

By Beverly Allen

types of scams, become familiar with the red flags, and take steps toward more proactive prevention and risk mitigation.”

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dding salt to the wound of the pandemic, scammers are taking advantage of people by playing on fears during this extremely vulnerable time in our nation’s history. Fraudulent practices run the gamut, from scamming workers out of their unemployment benefits, to withholding an adopted pet for “quarantine fees,” often when no pet exists on the other end of the transaction.

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas issued a recent statement warning consumers to be aware of potential scams. His office advises the public to be on the lookout for phishing scams.

In these scams, a caller claims to represent an official coronavirus entity, such as the COVID-19 Hotline, or a government official calling with information about stimulus checks, when in fact the caller is a con artist “fishing” for your personal information. While the circumstances are new (related to the coronavirus), the tactics used by scam artists are the same as always. They will ask for your date of birth or your Social Security number to then use elsewhere to obtain other personal information, say, about virus testing results.

Stephanie Telles, director of the Government Accountability Office at the Office of State Auditor, warns that cyber security threats and other types of fraud have become elevated.

“It’s important to note that fraudsters are always looking to take advantage of any situation where attention is divided.

Natural disasters, such as a global pandemic, are often a field day for them,” Telles said. “We recommend all of [the public and private sector] be aware of these

To best protect yourself from fraudulent activity of any kind, keep in mind the following (sourced from the NM AG’s Office,

Consumer Reports and the Federal Trade Commission): • Don’t give out your Social Security number, credit card information, or other personal information to anyone who calls you or emails you requesting it.

• Beware of anyone coming to your door claiming to conduct in-home COVID-19 testing. They may falsely say they are with the government. The government does not conduct these tests.

• Anyone claiming to have a cure, treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 is conducting a scam. There is currently no FDA-approved cure for the virus.

• Ignore all emails promising free testing kits or vaccines.

• Avoid opening suspicious emails and never click on suspicious links. You may inadvertently download malicious software. Fraudulent emails can often be identified from shoddy design and mis-spellings. When in doubt, delete the email.

• Hang up on suspicious robocallers, and block the number.

• Delete text messages claiming to be from the government or from any entity or person claiming to have financial information or stimulus information for you. You may obtain legitimate information at http://www.irs.gov/coronavirus .

Remember that if you are tested for the novel coronavirus, only the clinic that conducted your test or the New Mexico Department of Health can confirm a positive swab test for COVID-19, and it will not request payment from you over the phone.

Finally, legitimate legal notices are always sent in writing and are not communicated over the phone.

Visit the Attorney General’s Charities webpage to search for legitimate charities to which you can donate during the pandemic.

Do not donate to anyone asking for cash, gift cards or for money to be sent to them via wire transfer.

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July 2020

Table of Contents FEATURES 7 Dept Of Senior Affairs Keeping

Older Adults Safe and Connected 8 Getting Out Safely During A Pandemic 12 Savvy Senior – Make The Most Of Your Telehealth Appointment

COLUMNS 6 13 14 15

Shannon Wagers Bugman Dr. Muraida Herb Doc

EVERY MONTH 10 Classifieds 11 Crossword

Engage Virtually

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ips for keeping older adults connected: Connection and a sense of community can be critical to well-being as people continue to distance and isolate. It can be challenging, especially for older adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your physical health, and consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living.

Connect • Use social media to stay in touch with friends and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.

• Take advantage of video call platforms to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them.

• Write letters to friends and reminisce about some of your favorite memories. Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories.

• Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins.

Explore • Take free courses online. With subjects ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign languages, there is something for nearly everyone.

• Explore zoos and aquariums across the country through virtual tours and lessons. Many have live webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real time.

• Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collections online through virtual tours.

• Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours and experiences you can access anytime from the comfort of home.

Unwind • Check your library’s free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book.

• Host dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtually.

• Catch free performances online.

Some opera houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences.

• Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone or over video chat. Many streaming services offer free trials and some even have a way to watch together online.

For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.

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July 2020

Ask A Health Care Professional Wei-Ann Bay, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico

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he weather is warmer, and many of us are doing more walking to enjoy the outdoors. However, there are still many who are not able to go for a walk or even complete activities of daily living without significant pain from arthritis.

Arthritis means joint disease, and it is very common, affecting millions of individuals every year in the United States. Arthritis can result in chronic pain, which can be severe and debilitating and affect mental health. Arthritis can affect all ages, even young children; however, the number of adults with arthritis is expected to rise in the coming decades. It is estimated that over a quarter of the adult population will have doctordiagnosed arthritis.

What causes arthritis?

There are many causes of arthritis, ranging from wear and tear, infections, autoimmune conditions, injuries and others.

What are the common types of arthritis?

There are two main categories of arthritis — inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Inflammatory arthritis is associated with joint stiffness at rest, and noninflammatory arthritis pain is usually related to movement and relieved by rest.

The most common form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis (OA). It is usually categorized as non-inflammatory arthritis.

OA is also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. The knees, hips and hands are frequently affected.

OA slowly develops and gets worse over time. Joints have a cushion lining called cartilage, which breaks down over time and results in bone rubbing on bone.

This causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling.

Many people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common inflammatory arthritis. RA is one of the autoimmune causes of arthritis in which the body’s infection-

fighting system, called the immune system, “attacks” the joints and causes damage. It is unknown how or why this happens to some people. This type of arthritis mainly affects the small joints of the hands and feet on both sides of the body. If it remains untreated it can affect other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.

Another common form of arthritis is gout. It usually affects one joint at a time, most often the big toe, ankle or knee.

It is caused by uric acid crystals building up within the joint and causing pain. These same crystals can also cause kidney stones.

Other less common forms of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis — another form of autoimmune arthritis — and septic arthritis, caused by an infection in the joint.

Who is at risk for getting osteoarthritis?

There are many risk factors for osteoarthritis: joint injury

or overuse, increasing age, and obesity, which puts stress on joints. Women and people with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop OA. Certain races are less likely to get OA. For instance, Asians have a lower risk of OA.

SUM SPE MER CIA LS

and N e w Ho m e s wned ble o e r P a Av a i l

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Ask A Health Care Professional (cont.) (continued from previous page)

Who is at risk for getting rheumatoid arthritis?

The development of RA is caused by a complex interplay between genetics and random environmental events that lead to a cascade of changes in the person’s immune system. These changes lead to inflammation in the body, which destroys joint cartilage, tendons and bones.

Who is at risk for getting gout?

Risk factors for gout include genetics, obesity, and health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and chronic kidney disease. Having a diet rich in meat and seafood, consuming too much alcohol, and drinking sodas high in fructose increase the risk of getting gout.

What symptoms should I be looking for, and how is arthritis diagnosed?

The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. There might be swelling or redness and limited movement of one or more joints. One might also feel warmth in the skin over the joint.

Your doctor may use several approaches to diagnose and determine the type of arthritis.

You may be asked to get an X-ray or advanced imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan. Lab tests, including blood and urine tests, are frequently required. Blood tests for antibodies are used to evaluate for rheumatoid arthritis.

Occasionally, your doctor may need to remove joint fluid to look for crystals or bacteria.

Additional studies may be needed once your doctor determines the type of arthritis you have.

What kind of treatments are available?

There is a range of treatments,

July 2020

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and they depend on the type of arthritis you have. If you have OA, pain medications, joint injections and exercises are helpful. If those do not help, then joint replacement may be needed. If you have RA, there are many good medications, including disease modifying agents such as methotrexate and biologics. Surgery is for end-stage RA. Treatment for gout includes lifestyle modifications, NSAIDS, steroids or colchicine for flare ups.

If you have a health question that you would like to be considered in Ask a Health Care Professional, please email AskHealthcareProfessional@ bcsbsnm.com. BCBSNM will select questions that may appear.

Questions will not be personally answered. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of BCBSNM. This column is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.

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July 2020

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she didn’t have to and this changed At Atención every client has a team of caregivers assigned to them that ensure their continuity everything for my family.” of care. Muller purchased the company after — Jennifer Muller. experiencing Atención’s care giving services firsthand.

Muller exemplifies Atención’s compassion through her individual care for every “Our caregiver loved my father whenclient— through home visits and constant

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A large number of Indians had come in to the fort to receive their monthly allotment of rations. As was customary on such occasions, horse races were held, pitting the Navajos’ swift ponies against the best cavalry mounts. Betting was particularly heavy on the main event of the day, a match between a Navajo called Pistol Bullet and a horse belonging to the post surgeon, Finis Kavanaugh. Seconds after the race began, Pistol Bullet lost control of his horse, which left the course and tore off in another direction. It was then discovered that the horse’s bridle rein had been slashed with a knife, so

History is often not pretty.

Many things that were done in the past shock our sensibilities today. All we can do is to look objectively at such facts as we have available to us about past events and interpret them honestly, without erasure or distortion. We must keep in mind that the people who shaped those events may have had values and priorities much different from our own, and that future generations will likely judge us and the things we do today as harshly as we judge those who lived before us. The zeitgeist, the spirit of the times, constantly evolves, and generally in a positive direction, toward greater tolerance and kindness, less cruelty and injustice. That should give us hope.

ATENCIÓN

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— Jennifer Muller

On Sept. 22, 1861, after Fauntleroy had departed, but before the Army bureaucracy got around to removing his name from the fort, it became the scene of yet another tragic incident in the long, sad history of Euro-American / Native American relations.

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“MY FATHER’S CAREGIVERS CHANGED MY LIFE.”

The Fort Fauntleroy Massacre, as it came to be called, was one of several similar incidents that led to all-out war with the Navajos, culminating in their removal to a dismal reservation on the Pecos River at Fort Sumner, 300 miles from their homeland. This was a calamity on a par with Oñate’s war on Acoma Pueblo, which has brought him into such disrepute. After three years they were allowed to return home, impoverished and demoralized.

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Oddly enough, one military outpost did, for a short time, bear the name of a Confederate general. In 1860, in response

that it would snap under only a slight pull. The Indians protested, but the judges—all soldiers— refused to run the race again and declared Kavanaugh’s horse the winner. A melee ensued, during which the troops fired on the Indians, killing 12 and wounding many more, including women and children.

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Protests elsewhere have centered around the lingering legacy of Civil War iconography in the Old South. Happily, that conflict didn’t leave much of a mark on the Land of

In recognition of the brief occupation by Southern troops, the stars and bars was formerly flown on Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza, along with the flags of other nations that have claimed sovereignty here: Spain, Mexico and the U.S. But it was removed amid protests a few years ago.

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Whether Oñate deserves a place of honor or of infamy in New Mexico history is a valid question for debate but hardly a justification for violence, nearly 400 years after his death.

to increasing tension with the Navajo Indians, Col. Thomas T. Fauntleroy, commander of the Military Department of New Mexico, established a fort on the outskirts of Navajo country and named it after himself. When the Civil War broke out less than a year later, Fauntleroy, a native of Virginia, resigned his commission and, along with a handful of other officers under his command, rode off to join the Confederacy. He was commissioned a brigadier general in the rebel army. Fort Fauntleroy, 12 miles east of present-day Gallup, was then renamed Fort Lyon, and later Fort Wingate. It remained active until 1992, a remarkably long lifespan for a frontier post.

T C AT N O C

In recent weeks, we’ve seen protests erupt over flags, statues and the naming of military installations for longdead Confederate generals. Some demonstrations have turned violent. Here in Albuquerque, a man was shot as the result of a difference of opinion about the appropriateness of a statue in Old Town purporting to be a likeness of the adelantado Juan de Oñate, founder of the first Spanish settlement in New Mexico.

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ymbols are powerful things.

Enchantment. The flag of the Confederacy fluttered only briefly over the territory, when rebel forces occupied Albuquerque and Santa Fe for a few weeks in the spring of 1862, before being defeated at the Battle of Glorieta Pass and forced to retreat back to El Paso. The Daughters of the Confederacy long ago placed a marker near the battlefield, southeast of Santa Fe, in memory of the soldiers who died there.

That simple bronze plaque still stands and is, as far as I’m aware, the only Confederate monument extant in our state.

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By Shannon Wagers

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History Gets Ugly

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July 2020

Keeping Older Adults Safe And Connected

By Anna Sanchez, Director, City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs

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ince March of this year, many activities, services and programs in our community have changed significantly. Soon after the first case of coronavirus was reported in New Mexico, our Centers, along with many other public and private buildings and facilities closed to the public. I know that this has been a challenging time for many of our members, who came to our Centers for meals, friendship, and activity. The past few months have looked very different for our department internally as well and I’d like to share a little about what we have been up to since mid-March along with some of the ways we are working to keep you engaged and ways we are planning for the future.

Even with our Centers closed, many of our staff have served as essential employees as we shifted focus to make sure we were continuing to meet basic needs. Between our five pick-up lunch locations and our Home Delivered Meal program, we have served more than 180,000 meals, as of the end of the June.

Our Care Coordinators have conducted nearly 4,000 phone check-ins on clients. We have helped sort, prep and distribute more than 3,000 senior meal kits, grocery bags and paper supply bundles that were compiled through donations by the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, Roses

Paper, Western Sky Community Care and many members of our community who wanted to help during this challenging time. In total, Senior Affairs helped sort and distribute $40,000 worth of food and supplies. In between helping sort and distribute donations, our Home Services team continued to build ramps and do jobs outside, like yard clean ups and painting. Even our Senior Corps volunteers continued to pitch in, with Senior Companions maintaining a support system with their clients through phone calls and several RSVP volunteers continuing to help out where needed.

We’ve also worked to keep people active and connected by shoring up our online resources. You can see a series of Sports & Fitness videos on our Facebook page at Facebook. com/cabqseniors or on cabq.gov/ seniors. In them, our fitness staff leads you through stretching, warm ups, and exercises for your upper and lower body that you can do with at-home equipment or items you have in your house. If you feel like your computer skills could use a boost, we are providing free training through Teeniors®, tech-savvy teens and young adults who help seniors learn technology through one-on-one, personalized coaching. Whether you have questions about your cell phone or computers, or want to learn how to text, video call, share pictures, download Netflix, order groceries online, navigate the internet, or anything else, Teeniors can help you. Check

out your preferred Center’s newsletter for more information.

Because it’s important that we continue to plan for the future, we are also using this time to gather input for our Age-Friendly Albuquerque project. The City of Albuquerque is applying for Age-Friendly designation through the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP. Age-friendly cities are livable and thriving communities that improve the lives of all. AgeFriendly designation recognizes communities for their livability standards and identifies dynamic ways communities can progress through age-friendly initiatives.

The City of Albuquerque is committed to grow as an agefriendly city and we need public input to make it happen.

Participants can take a short survey, phone interview and/or join an online focus group to share their age-friendly ideas. Visit www. cabq.gov/ agefriendly, email

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agefriendlyabq@cabq.gov or call (505)-333-9769 for more information on Age-Friendly Albuquerque.

We, like you, look forward to a time when we can re-open our Centers and welcome you back.

We are continuing to use the public health order as a guide for determining when it is best to re-open in an effort to ensure the safety of our members. In the meantime, I hope that you will stay engaged with us through our Age-Friendly Albuquerque project and through our digital resources until we can meet again in person! Information on our project, resources and phased re-opening will be available at cabq.gov/seniors, through 311 and through the Senior Information Line at 505-7646400, as it becomes available.

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July 2020

Getting Out Safely During A Pandemic

By Beverly Allen

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ummer is well underway, and the typical rites of passage we’re used to - high school graduations and parties, Isotopes baseball games, riding the rollercoaster at Cliff’s - are unavailable to us due to statewide COVID-19 health and safety precautions. Most folks would love to participate in those types of activities again, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is now considering whether to open the state for mass gatherings.

New Mexico is one of 11 states that mandates people wear masks as a means of reducing the virus’ spread. This has allowed for the “soft reopening” of many nonessential businesses and appears to be keeping New Mexico’s death and hospitalization rates lower than states with more lenient restrictions.

As the soft reopening of local restaurants, breweries and other businesses has begun, LujanGrisham has issued a $50,000

grant to the New Mexico Society of Association Executives to administer a training program to help qualified businesses operate under the safest practices in a COVID-19 world.

The NM Safe Certified Program, which began online in midJune, offers free virtual training videos designed to help create a responsible and safe environment for employees and customers.

Training modules for restaurants, retail and lodging businesses, tour operators, golf courses, spas and salons are currently available, and upon completion, businesses will be awarded special recognition and certified badges to display in their stores and websites to reassure their customers they are using the safest practices during the pandemic.

Even as the certification program was being launched, some local restaurants were already taking safety measures further than state mandates. Joe Garcia, vice president of operations for Weck’s and Le Peep restaurants in the

Albuquerque area, said, “We created a safe reopening manual, going beyond the minimum practices and following guidance from other states and countries, taking into account best policies and procedures from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), the WHO (World Health Organization), and other organizations.” “On every table we have hand sanitizer and have eliminated touch practices as much as possible, including offering a digital barcode that you can scan on your camera phone to access our menu.”

Weck’s has presented its COVID-19 plan to the New Mexico Restaurant Association and to the governor for potential use by other establishments. The plan includes having patrons enter and exit through different doors and voluntarily visit the host stand to take part in contact tracing.

“We have IT cameras monitoring every day. We’ve implemented cleaning checklists, which are done multiple times a day, and

of course gloves and masks are being worn by all of our employees,” said Garcia. “There is no congregating of employees, which managers are monitoring on the camera multiple times a day, and we’re following all social distancing guidelines of no more than six people at a table.

“Overall, we are taking wise universal precautions, which essentially means that we are under the assumption that everyone that enters our restaurants is COVID positive.”

As for optimal practices you can use when out and about, Naresha Cahoe, a clinical laboratory scientist with TriCore Reference Laboratories in Albuquerque, said, “The most beneficial thing is hand washing with soap and water.

Keep a roll of paper towels, a bar of soap and a spray bottle of water in your car, and you have a hand washing station. The temperature of the water doesn’t even matter.

Hand sanitizer should be used as a back-up plan.”

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For A Healthy Life

Barry W. Ramo, MD, FACC • Director New Heart Fitness and Health • Cardiologist, New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group

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. G. is a 64-year-old male salesman. For six months prior to my seeing him, he noted recurring episodes of discomfort in the center of his chest when he exercised like walking up hill (but not down), rushing to catch a plane but never at rest.

The discomfort was described as mild burning. It would stop in a few minutes with stopping the precipitin activity. Sometimes the patient would notice accompanying shortness of breath. Pain at rest had never happened.

The patient’s heart disease risk factors are high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity. He had been sedentary sitting at least 8 hours a day. His diet was typical for a traveling salesman with lots of fast food and sweet drinks.

He quit smoking cigarettes six year previously.

He had a stress test that he “ flunked. A noninvasive coronary angiogram that involves the injection of dye into a vein and a CT found 2 major coronary arteries with significant 80% obstruction.

SG was inclined to have either stent placed or coronary bypass to “take prevent a heart attack and live longer”. Understandably, he wanted to immediately take care of the problem with either surgery or stent placement. Although that approach seemed the logical, I explained to him that he should consider a less invasive option that is being recommended by many cardiology organizations called “conservative care”.

SB has atherosclerosis in his coronary arteries. The two blocked arteries due to plaque buildup limited the blood flow to his heart muscle producing his symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath or both. A conservative approach to his problem involves therapy based upon the national guidelines provided by American Heart Association and the American College of cardiology. In this setting patients are treated with medications to control the symptoms and

Prevention Is Still The Best Medicine counseled on an aggressive management of his risk factors to control cholesterol high blood pressure and diabetes. The more aggressive approach recommends the same preventative therapy but proceeds immediately with direct visualization of the coronary arteries with idea of that patient would receive a coronary stent or referred for coronary bypass surgery in near future.

For many years, cardiologists and heart surgeons have argued as to which is the best approach. A number of studies suggested that for most patients the conservative approach with the option of surgery or stent placement provides the same degree of safety as the immediate treatment with an invasive strategy. A recent international study of comparative health effectiveness with medical and invasive approaches (ISCHEMIA) was reported.

In this study more than 5000 patients at 320 centers in 17 countries were part of the study that randomly selected patients either in the conservative group or in the invasive group. All patients had the risk factors optimized with dietary and statin cholesterol levels. Smoking cessation, exercise, healthy Mediterranean diet, and when present were advised. The aggressively treated group were additionally treated with immediate surgery or angioplasty with stent placement.

The study lasted for approximately four years. The conservative group and the aggressively treated group had very similar outcomes. The mortality rate which was oleum 6.4% over the four years was low and the same in both groups. The symptoms of angina improved in both groups the aggressive bruise had more episodes of myocardial infarction but most of these were related to their procedures (surgical or stent placement). These type of heart attacks are not serious. (13.9% versus 11.7%). So on balance, it appears that a conservative approach is safe and reasonable one for most patients. Still some patients want to have those narrowed arteries treated and that approach is also acceptable, but the patient should understand their options.

The death rate of the two groups at the end of four years was quite low at 6.4%. Angina improved in both groups. If patients had ongoing chest pain despite good medical therapy, then they could proceed with a more aggressive diagnostic approach Interestingly, the invasive group had more episodes of myocardial infarction but most of these were related to the procedure (surgical or stent placement) which are often not serious. (13.9% versus 11.7%). The researchers are not yet reported whether the invasive group had less serious heart attacks than the noninvasive group Approximately one third of the patient’s in the conservative group ultimately required on the stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery.

This important study will likely never be repeated, but the criticism has been that it is only a four-year study that the benefits of stenting and coronary bypass on preventing heart attacks and death instable patients may take longer to show up.

July 2020

9

The findings in this study go along with what we know about a major factor in causing heart attacks and that is inflammation.

Arteries which are not severely blocked and would not be the subject of stenting or bypass surgery, are often the ones that cause heart attacks. One current thesis is that atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries become inflamed, swell and rupture resulting in a blood clot closing the coronary artery. These usually happen to people with little warning.

For doctors and their patients, the message is a conservative approach is acceptable and safe for the majority patients, but each patient’s needs and desires may dictate a more aggressive approach. Importantly, aggressive management of risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and smoking is optimal for all patients with SG’s problem.

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PRIME TIME

10 July 2020

Classifieds ESTATE PLANNING AFFORDABLE ESTATE PLANNING Fixed rate services for seniors.

Wills, Transfer on Death Deeds, Powers of Attorney. Fantina Becker, Esq. 505-944-6726 fbeckerlaw@gmail.com HANDYMAN/YARD/ LANDSCAPE Electrician 30 years’ experience. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Senior rates apply. LIC # 350669 Call Peter @ 505 688-8520 Visit us at: currentsecurityandelectric.com Handyman - Swamp cooler, winterized, electrical, plumbing, carpentry. Affordable door and window replacement, bath and kitchen remodels. Free estimates.

Call 463-4744

HEALTH SEMINAR NM Stem Cell: NM Stem Cell is offering a FREE Online Seminar on Thursday, July 23. Did you know that Stem Cell therapy can boost the immune system?

RSVP at www.nmstemcell.com or Call 505-404-9555 Today HELP WANTED Now hiring for all shifts.

Call Home Instead Senior Care if you are looking for meaningful work. Help us support our community seniors in staying vital and independent! Ask for Kathy or Bernadette at 884-0353 for more information and to set up an interview.

HOMES FOR SALE

HOMEOWNERS HANDYMAN SERVICES Carpentry, decks, doors, electrical, fences, painting, patios, plumbing, porches, rock, sprinklers, tile, windows.

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RESERVE TODAY! Enjoy your morning coffee on the great front deck of this brand new 3BR/2Bth, Cavco home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community.

The cathedral ceilings give the bright and open floor plan a very spacious and homey ambiance.

The gorgeous kitchen with all stainless-steel appliances, and a great island is enough to make you want to cook a five-course dinner. Accommodate your overnight company in the nice guest bedroom and enjoy using the bonus room as either a bedroom, den, office, or hobby room. Low-flow, high toilets are featured in both the master and guest bathrooms and the large master bathroom has a walk-in shower. The master bedroom has a ceiling fan and a large walk-in closet. This home comes with a manufacturer’s one-year home warranty. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991.

Rate - $1 per word, $10 minimum Box Border Additional $10 Bold First Line Additional $5 Photo - Additional $5

Call 880-0470

WALL MURALS

This well maintained 2BR/2Bth single-wide home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community has a lot to offer. The home is located on a corner lot with a double car carport and a large front deck.

Enter the bright and open living room that flows into the dining room and kitchen. The floors are covered in wood laminate flooring and carpet, and the walls are tape and textured throughout the home. Two pantries provide all the space needed for a well-organized kitchen. All the appliances, including the washer and dryer will stay along with the window coverings. This home brags of newer refrigerated air and gas forced air heating. There is a new shed for all your extras and a fenced in backyard for your pet. Priced to sell at $22,500 this home won’t last long. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991.

WALL MURALS I paint murals on empty walls that defy the weather and bring joy to you every day.

NO water, weeds or work.

Please visit www.ThingsOnTheWall.com then call me for a FREE QUOTE. Don 505 720-9019

WANTED TO BUY Old tools, Old Jewelry and hunting knives Please call 505-363-4813 WEIGHT LOSS Drop A Dress Size Now! No Gimmicks!

ABQ LIPOLIGHT treatments are non-invasive, targeted fat reduction and body sculpting.

We use the ONLY authorized and verified system in NM. AbqLipoLight.com Call Judy 505-710-5377 VOLUNTEERS

You will love the open and bright floor plan of this cute home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community. All appliances, including the washer and dryer, will stay along with most of the window coverings. The front door is a steel, insulated door, and a programmable thermostat controls the refrigerated air and heat. The master and one of the guest bedrooms are conveniently located at opposite ends of the home which makes it nice when overnight company visits. The third bedroom could also make a great office.

All appliances, including the washer & dryer will stay. Enjoy your morning coffee on your secluded, deck and store all your extras in the 6x10 shed.

The xeriscape lot makes the upkeep easy. Don’t miss this single-wide that is priced to sell at $21,900. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991.

The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is recruiting volunteers 55 years of age and older for the following opportunities. For more information call 767-5225.

Senior Transportation Ride Coordinator Answer phones, confirm ride requests and match rider and driver. (Coordinate rides). Enter information into the data base, complete rider intakes over the phone and mail packets.

Volunteer must have good phone etiquette, patient, and be familiar with data entry. You must take an Abuse Awareness training class.

2-3 volunteers are needed 2.5 hours per day, 5 days per week.

For more information call 767-5225.

PRIME TIME

July 2020

Classifieds CASA (City of Albuquerque Senior Affairs) Kitchen Looking for volunteers to support a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen that prepares food for seniors in the community. Hours are anytime between 4:00a.m. – 12p.m, Monday through Friday.

Participate in preparation and distribution of food. Follow proper procedures in handling of food, portion control, sanitation, nutritional requirements and safety procedures. Some food handling experience is preferable; however volunteers will be trained for areas of help where are needed. Most volunteer activities will involve food prep (slicing, dicing, serving, and packaging) and kitchen sanitation (wiping, sweeping, mopping and dish washing). Call the RSVP office at 505-767-5225 for more information.

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Advisory Council Needs members to join its efforts in promoting awareness and educating the community about FGP and senior issues. Council members advocate on behalf of FGP volunteers, evaluate the Program’s effectiveness, and assist in the recognition of Foster Grandparents by raising funds and in-kind resources. The Council currently meets once a month at the Barelas Senior Center. For more information call 767-6412.

Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is looking for volunteers age 55 and older who are interested in making a difference in a child’s life.

Foster Grandparent volunteers must be willing to serve an average of 20 hours per week and must be able to pass a background check, physical, and tuberculosis test. Foster Grandparent volunteers serve one-on-one with children, working with them to build their social

and emotional development as well as help improve their literacy skills. Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement, supplemental liability insurance, meals while on duty, pre-service and monthly trainings, and recognition throughout the year. Volunteers can also receive a small stipend if they meet the income guidelines.

Call 764-6412 for more information and to apply today.

Department of Senior Affairs Home Services is looking for volunteers to assist with yard work, minor home repairs, painting, building of wheel chair ramps and modified steps.

Experience in minor home repairs and yard cleaning the use of yard tools, shovels, rakes and painting preferred but not required.

Days/hours are open depending on volunteer.

Time commitment: M-F 7:30-3:00. On the job training will be provided.

Ombudsman Program Ombudsmen are advocates and problem solvers for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Please apply if you are looking for a rewarding experience that makes a difference in the lives of the elderly.

Time commitment: 3 hours per week, any day Monday-Friday.

For more information call 767-5225.

Mileage reimbursement is available to RSVP volunteers.

RSVP is part of Senior Corps and is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

The purpose of RSVP is to recruit senior volunteers into public, government and non-profit organizations to meet community needs. For information on these and more volunteer opportunities call 767-5225.

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Environment Part of Mao’s name Student’s assignment Lower Prescribed amount Tiny crawler Bread for a Reuben Impressive displays Den Small, medium or large Poetical works Speak Sailor’s sighting Requirement Storage building Float Brilliant success __ in; wearing Schedules __ at; attack in an underhanded way Opening between mountains Pub order Ending for old or pun On one’s rocker?

Algerian seaport Blanket Rowing team Spain, Somalia or Sri Lanka Hags Make amends Tub ritual Racket-wielding Arthur Gush forth Setting for “The King and I” On Sunbathes Combine Madre’s sister Santa __, California

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Cake recipe direction 5. Character on “M*A*S*H” 10. Besides 14. Reps.

15. Black 16. Bug’s bane 17. Like a poor excuse 18. Use Louis’ method 20. Knot-tier’s words 21. Score too few points 22. Biblical weeds 23. Pitfall 25. Barnyard enclosure 26. Sermon advice 28. Thoraxes 31. Was sore 32. Less healthy looking 34. Officeholders 36. Took off 37. Place for dressing 38. Neglect 39. Avenue topper 40. Boxed 41. Crinkled cloth 42. Parts of wood joints 44. Moon’s feature 45. “__ Maria” 46. Fight site 47. Moisten poultry 50. Pack away 51. Wooden stick 54. Strong desire 57. Canadian prov.

58. Malcolm-Jamal Warner role 59. __ Keaton 60. Element in gas lasers 61. Like felled trees 62. Knights’ wives 63. Horned vipers

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12 July 2020

Can I Stop Social Security If I Go Back to Work? conditions must be met.

Here are your options.

D

ear Savvy Senior, I lost my job last month because of the coronavirus crisis. With little savings, I’ve been thinking about starting my Social Security benefits early to help me get by.

But my question is, if I find a new job can I stop my Social Security benefits and restart them at a later date so they can continue to grow?

Almost 63 Dear Almost, Yes, there are actually two ways you can stop your Social Security retirement benefits (once you’ve started collecting them) and restart them at a later date, which would boost your benefits. But in order to do this certain rules and

Withdraw your benefits: One way to pause your Social Security benefits is to simply withdraw your Social Security application. But this must be done within 12 months of starting your benefits and you’ll also have to repay what you’ve received so far. If you choose this option, Social Security will treat your application for early benefits as if it never happened.

To withdraw your benefits, you’ll need to complete Form SSA-521 (SSA.gov/forms/ssa521.pdf) and send it to your local Social Security office. Also be aware that you can only withdraw benefits once in a lifetime.

Suspend your benefits: If you aren’t eligible for withdrawal,

Robert Benjamin

~ New Mexico Landscape Series ~ Limited Edition Giclées by Robert Benjamin www.RobertBenjamin.com RobertBenjaminLandscapes@live.com

but you’ve reached your full retirement age and have not yet reached age 70, another option is to voluntarily suspend your retirement benefits. With the suspension option you don’t have to repay the benefits you’ve received, and you can restart them anytime you wish, or they will be automatically be reinstated at age 70. (See SSA.gov/ planners/retire/ ageincrease.html to find your full retirement age.)

By suspending your benefits you’ll earn delayed retirement credits, which means your benefit amount increases for every month of the suspension.

Your payment will go up by two-thirds of 1 percent monthly or 8 percent annually. A benefit of $1,500 monthly, for example, increases by $10 for each month you have benefits suspended.

You can request a suspension by phone (800-772-1213) or in person at your local Social Security office.

Working and Collecting Benefits: If you start collecting Social Security and you do go back to work, but your income is modest, you may want to continue drawing your benefits while working at the same time. But if your earnings are higher, it makes sense to stop your benefits.

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Social Security has a “retirement earnings test” that says if you’re under your full retirement age and you earn more than $18,240 in 2020, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefits for every $2 you earn over that amount. Those who reach full retirement age in 2020 a less stringent rule applies.

In this case, $1 gets taken out for every $3 you make above $48,600 until you reach the month of your birthday.

It’s also important to know that if you were to lose some or all of your Social Security benefits because of the earning limits, they aren’t lost forever. When you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be recalculated to a higher amount to make up for what was withheld.

Also, if you do decide to work and collect Social Security benefits at the same time, you need to factor in Uncle Sam too. Because working increases your income, it might make your Social Security benefits taxable.

Here’s how this works. If your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000 as an individual or between $32,000 and $44,000 as joint filers, you will pay tax on up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits.

If you earn above the upper limit of these ranges, you will pay tax on up to 85 percent of your benefits. To help you calculate this see the IRS publication 915 at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

PRIME TIME

Ask The Bugman Email questions to AskTheBugman.com or call (505)385-2820

Y

ou don’t have to use pesticides in or around your home to control cockroaches. Pesticides can be hazardous in this time of the coronavirus as they can

Pest Tips by its dark brown color and yellowish band behind its head.

One beneficial aspect of this cockroach is that it will feed on bed bugs. Of course, most people don’t want roaches in their bed feeding on the bed bugs that are feeding on the humans. Niban Bait is a very good commercial bait that works well on controlling these insects, which can fly unlike most roaches. You can also control them by putting out pie pans filled with beer, where they will drown. You can also put down duct tape, sticky

July 2020

feed on almost anything edible and a lot of things we wouldn’t consider edible. They grow from egg to adult in as little as 45 days and, if left unchecked, can severely infest a home or business. When controlling German roaches, you should use German Roach Pheromone Traps or Niban Bait, both available online.

With mosquitos sure to come out more as monsoons hit New Mexico, here is a recipe for a very good mosquito repellent that you can make yourself in a 16-ounce bottle:

ANSWER TO #5142

15 drops lavender oil 3-4 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1/4 cup lemon juice.

Fill bottle with water. Shake.

Ready to use.

If you have any pest issues or you want to join my Earth Friendly Bug Club, you can contact me at askthebugman2013@gmail.com.

compromise your immune system and make you more vulnerable to catch a virus, including the coronavirus.

You can place a solution of 40 percent water, with 40 percent rubbing alcohol, and 20 percent liquid dish soap in problem areas to kill almost all insects, roaches included.

American cockroach One of the most common form of roaches is the American cockroach. It is among the largest of the home-infesting roaches in the country. It feeds on a wide variety of plant and animal material and it is commonly found in sewer systems. It will come up the drains at night and enter the living space of a home. It also likes the homes that have crawl spaces under them. This roach will reach a little over 1 ½ inches in length and can be identified

side up, inside your home. They are attracted to the glue on the tape and will get stuck.

Oriental cockroach Oriental cockroaches, or “waterbugs,” are found throughout the United States.

They are about an inch long. The female is all black and the male has two brown wing tips, but it cannot fly. These roaches are common in sewer systems and will come up the drains into the homes. They are also common in underground debris and love stacks of firewood. These roaches will readily take Niban Bait as well as beer in pie pans.

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13

PRIME TIME

14 July 2020

Besides primary care visits, many non-surgical and noncritical visits can be done virtually. Mental health telehealth visits can also be quite effective as social isolation

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A recent AARP bulletin referenced a U.S. survey that found that 84 percent of patients would choose a provider who offered tele-medicine over one who did not offer such access. My hope is that the public demand for virtual visits by video or telephone will result in a permanent solution to health care access for all specialties in our country.

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I would be remiss not to mention that telephone visits are quite beneficial for those patients without access to technology such as smart phones, tablets and computers. The benefits of staying in touch with a mental health provider are many and can avoid crisis escalation and possible hospitalization.

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For the frail patient who can’t go to the clinic or hospital for fear of exposure or other reasons, this technology places a provider in their home at a moment’s notice. Recently, I received a call from a patient’s family asking to see their loved one immediately.

The patient resided in a facility across town that limits access to families and health care providers during the pandemic.

But in a matter of minutes, I was able to be in the patient’s room virtually, evaluating her via the computer.

Some hospitals report a 500 percent increase in their utilization of tele-health visits since the Covid crisis erupted.

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Not that long ago, I abhorred the idea of texting, emailing or instant messaging as a way of being accessible to patients.

Phone calls and face-to-face visits were my mode of staying “in touch.” Emailing and texting

and distancing may exacerbate depression and anxiety.

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s a physician trained in the 1980s before email and the internet, I never liked the impersonal nature of the electronic medical encounter - the computer on the desk, between the patient and the physician. I perceived this as a barrier to profound interactions.

My training taught me to put the patients at ease by sitting down and speaking to them at eye level, to be patient and engage in a meaningful dialogue.

Enter the tele-health video visit. Face-to-face conversations with the patient and their caregivers can take place with this technology. I can see the patient’s response to my questions and conduct limited examinations. Just as a caterpillar entering the chrysalises and later emerging as a butterfly, I am a changed man.

Granted there are limitations to these visits. A full physical exam cannot be done virtually, but the need for such examinations may be determined via an initial telehealth visit. Video visits aren’t the best invention since sliced bread, but they are an advancement that will bring us back to communing with our patients, even if it is a “virtual community.”

This pandemic has catapulted tele-health to the forefront. Last year only 8 percent of Americans had experienced a virtual visit.

Now, more than 95 percent of medical encounters occur in this manner.

Volume 27 | Issue 9

Gerard Muraida MD is a Geriatrician and the Medical Director at InnovAge in Albuquerque.

seemed so cold and lacked the warmth of face-to-face human contact. Now, with the addition of social distancing required by the novel coronavirus, connecting with patients meaningfully would seem an even greater challenge.

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Shellie Rosen, DOM

Herb Doc

Shellie Rosen is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She can be reached via her website at Bodyvolve.com

T

he best defense against a virus or bacteria is robust immunity. The immune system isn’t a static part of biology but an ever-changing part of human health, dependent on consistent behaviors. Some basics are fundamental for an optimal environment to defend the body from external threats every day: Get enough sleep, maintain low stress, hydrate, don’t overeat (especially carbohydrates), and walk outside with skin exposed to the sun.

Direct daily exposure to the sun provides optimal circumstances for the body to create Vitamin D (amongst other things that assist health). A Northwestern University team led by Vadim

Sun Exposure For Robust Immunity Backman published research illustrating “data from hospitals and clinics across China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States.” Researchers found “a strong correlation between severe vitamin D deficiency and mortality rates” for patients diagnosed with coronavirus (or COVID-19).

Vitamin D performs a role in supporting the body’s innate immune response to a potential threat. Patients suffering from severe cases of COVID-19 often experience what is called a cytokine storm. A cytokine storm occurs when the immune system cascades out of control, no longer targeting just the external pathogen but also healthy body systems. Vitamin D may assist in harnessing immunity and preventing a reckless cytokine response to an external threat.

Higher levels of vitamin D correlate with lower risks of many

illnesses. However, the research is not straightforward in associating how vitamin D levels develop best in the body.

Cholecalciferol sulfate is the form of vitamin D naturally made in the skin after sun exposure.

Cholecalciferol is the supplement form of vitamin D. Sunshine offers a bio-available form of vitamin D along with many other healthy chemicals, like endorphins and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide assists in blood pressure regulation and prevents blood clots. It also helps to block viral replication and is being considered as blood and respiratory defense against Covid-19.

Stress affects the immune system, as well. Sun exposure increases both serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF improves memory and is necessary for preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Serotonin not only relieves depression but also

July 2020

15

protects against cancer while offering a full night of rest.

Remaining indoors away from sun exposure to protect immunity can be dangerous. A sedentary, sunless lifestyle contributes to co-morbidities leading to disease.

Every errand offers a few minutes of sunshine, giving a minimal but sufficient amount of chemicals to support health. If concerned about skin cancer, limit time in the sun each day and consider other factors, such as the role vegetable oils and polyunsaturated fats may play as dermal lipids that may be negatively affected by sun exposure.

If you must take a supplement rather than direct sunlight as a resource for Vitamin D, take D3, not synthetic D2 ergocalciferol.

Remember that nitric oxide, serotonin, and BDNF acquired from sun exposure will not be included in a supplement.

Abundant Courageous Blessings, Dear Friends! Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, DOM, L.Ac.

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16 July 2020

SERVING NEW MEXICO’S SENIORS SINCE 1999

THE NEXT BEST PLACE TO HOME.

Quality Senior Living In A Residential Setting Call to schedule your free tour today.

505-221-6401 www.beehivenm.com