July 2009 Content 6 - Baptist Community Services 10 - Calendar 12- Money Matters 15- Underwood Law 16 - Heart Tips 20- Safety Tips President Gene Lara 806-231-0562
Sales Eric Muehlhausen Barbara Allen
Editor Camey Maldonado Contact Information 806-231-0562 806-231-9822 806-367-9804 You may submit any unsolicited writing, articles, or news information to our compliance department. We reserve the right to reject any material or advertisement without comment. Please include your name, and phone number for any questions we may have regarding any information you may have submitted for print. We strive to satisfy our advertising customers. We are committed to distributing our magazine on a consistent monthly basis; therefore, we will not be responsible for any material, information, or advertisement not camera ready after the deadline. To ensure quality of ad, content, or information for print, we encourage all our supporters to submit this information on or before the monthly deadline. For Errors and Omissions please contact our compliance department. Silver Magazine is published by, Blend Media. Reproduction of any material in this issue is forbidden without written consent. Anyone may pick up Sliver at any designated drop location. Removal of copies for any reason other than personal reading is subject to prosecution.
For Advertising contact Gene @ 806-231-0562
Life is wonderful! When we are able to give and take we experience the balance that comes from doing for others while we also take care of our own needs. This summer, let's focus on the ways we can give to our loved ones, our community and our world and still take the time we need for ourselves. Real happiness comes from doing the things that make us feel good deep inside the soul. Summer is the perfect time to go visit a neighbor who is not able to leave her home, or for you to take the drive to visit a relative who is ill and not able to take a trip to visit you. When we are able to move around, we can often forget that there are many people who are stuck inside most of the time, and some who cannot even leave their beds. Take a day this summer to give to those less mobile than you. And if you are not mobile, perhaps you can take the day to make phone calls to those in need or, if you have a computer, send emails to those who would love to hear from you. Look around and realize how much more fortunate you are than most people. Even those of us who have very little still have a great deal more than millions of people around the world with no place to live and little food to eat. Take whatever you can afford and give it to charities that help people in drastic need. Even if you don’t have a lot to give, every dollar, every item of food and clothing, or even a single toy that you give to help others will make a positive difference in someone's life. As we give and take we find true happiness. Summer is a time to enjoy all the beauty our wonderful world has to offer. Step outside in the evening and gaze at the moon and stars. Swim in the lakes, rivers and oceans. Hug the ones you love and be grateful for all the blessings that have been given to you in this life. And as you experience the special qualities of your life, let your love flow out to others. Give to those in need and you will be taking a huge step towards your own personal happiness this summer‌ and all yearlong.
Camey
Baptist Community Services
Helping the Panhandle for Over 40 Years There comes a time in everyone’s life when medical decisions have to be made. When that time comes, many people have trouble coping with many of the options that are available. In that time of necessity, Baptist Community Services is there to help with the requirements of those in need.
is formed to be the parent company for High Plains Baptist Hospital and its growing affiliates. Two years later, in 1989, First Baptist/Amarillo Foundation Inc. sold its ownership of Park Place Towers to High Plains Baptist Health Systems. Only two years after that, in 1991, High Plains Baptist Health Systems purchased The Baptist Community Services, or Continental BCS for short, has a long Retirement Center history of providing medical to add to its help in many medicinal areas. quickly Starting in 1968, High Plains blossoming Baptist Hospital first opened retirement with Emmett Johnson serving community as president. In 1978, Park division. In Place Towers is conceived in 1994, the the minds of several people, the new Ware principal of which is Dr. Memorial Winfred Moore, pastor of First and Baptist Church. The First Assisted Baptist/ Amarillo Foundation is Living created to help develop this Center are concept into a feasible plan. dedicated. Roughly six years later, in That same 1984, construction began on year, Park Park Place Towers and two Place Towers, years later, on May 9, 1986, The Park Place Towers and Ware Continental, Memorial are formally and the new dedicated. In that same year, Ware High Plains Baptist Hospital Memorial also purchased the Amarillo and Town Club. In 1987, High Assisted Plains Baptist Health Systems Living
Center are physically joined together to form Park Central Retirement Community. Soon after the formal creation of Park Central, Baptist Community Services (BCS, formerly High Plains Baptist Health Systems) evolves from the merger of High Plains Baptist Hospital and St. Anthony’s Hospital, into what is now BSA.
This reorganization happened in 1996 along with the establishment of the High Plains Christian Ministries to “Make a difference for Christ in Amarillo, in Texas, and the World.” Despite a seemingly non-stop expansion for almost 10 years, BCS continued its growth in 1998 with the opening of Jackson Square Grill in Park Central as well as the purchase of the historic Talmage and Park Apartments in 1999. During these two years, Park Central received the Northwest Texas Quality Award and High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation gave its first million dollars in gifts and grants. In an effort to help those elderly residents who need financial aid, BCS established a joint development with the American Housing Foundation to provide quality low-income housing to those that qualify. To assist with low-income housing accommodations, BCS then began the groundbreaking for Plemons Court affordable housing for senior adults as well as major renovations to the historical Talmage Apartments in 2001. During that same year, BCS opened Shadow Hills affordable housing for seniors in Lubbock and the Amarillo Town Club completed its renovation project for its Grand “Reopening.” In 2003, Talmage and Plemons Court are completed and BCS purchases Wolflin Park for the new home of The Arbors and for other future development; one year later construction was started on The Arbors near the medical center in Amarillo. From 2002-2005, BCS also built Harrington Assisted Living Center and in 2005, Harrington Assisted Living and The Arbors were both officially opened. Due to high demand, BCS also opened a new branch of the Amarillo Town Club for the convenience of those located in Southwest Amarillo in the following years.
Baptist Community Services As anyone can see, Baptist Community Services has been a non-stop driving force in the expansion of senior health care since nearly day one. With its wide array of facilities and services, BCS has the capability to care for nearly 850 residents across its senior care network. To date, BCS’s campuses consist of Park Place Towers, The Continental, Dr. Winfred & Elizabeth Moore Assisted Living Center (formerly Park Central Assisted Living Center), Harrington Assisted Living Center, Ware Living Center, The Village Certified Alzheimer’s Unit at Ware Living Center (all of these make up the Park Central campus), Talmage and Plemmons Court Affordable Senior Housing, The Arbors, and Shadow Hills in Lubbock, Texas. In addition, BCS helps promote fitness and a sense of community with the two locations of the Amarillo Town Club.
cont.
continuum of care provides those in need with options for independent living, assisted living, nursing assistance, and even a Certified Alzheimer’s unit. For most residents, this broad range of services provides the comfort of knowing that as one might decline in health that further
Courtyard
senior care assistance is provided within the network of facilities of BCS. Baptist Community Services goes above and beyond the general necessities for senior care and Throughout all of its senior care provides exceptional attention facilities, BCS offers what is to all of its residents, as can be called continuum of care. This seen by a previous record of a
nine year streak of being deficiency free (deficiencies range from things as minor as one degree off on food storage temperatures to major issues like cleanliness of the facility, and the senior care industry is considered one of the most highly regulated industries in the nation). One large focus for BCS is to stay at the forefront of any programs that might aid its residents in comfort and vitality. BCS emphasizes group and individual activities for all of its residents. In addition, BCS has been the first Alzheimer’s unit in Texas to implement a new and innovative program called Namaste.
Namaste is a Hindi word meaning “to honor the spirit within.� The name is quite appropriate for the new program as it focuses on meeting the personal care needs of those with advanced dementia, typically caused by Alzheimer’s. Residents may qualify for enrollment in the Namaste program if they show signs of the following criteria: being non-ambulatory, having a lack of interaction with outside stimuli in a regular care center environment, and having advanced cognitive and memory impairment. The Namaste program is a seven day a week full time specialty unit. It focuses on individualized care with one specially trained Namaste Caregiver (usually a CNA) that handles only 10 to 12 residents per caregiver (as opposed to a
regular care environment with one CNA for 20, 30, etc. patients). The Namaste
of the program is removing the chaotic stimuli that can be present in most senior care environments to allow more focus from the recipients, as advanced dementia can cause such chaotic environments to be overwhelming to a person. By providing a soothing comfortable environment to the Namaste recipients, the ultimate goal of offering enhanced quality of life to the end of life can be met. Baptist Community Services is truly an amazing organization. Its constant expansion into every level of senior care shows a commitment to providing high quality facilities and services to the senior community.
Caregiver designs sensory experiences that provide comfort and enhance memory through music, tactile stimulation, visual familiarity, and so on. A large focal point
For more information about BCS and its services and facilities, call 806-337-5000 or stop by their office at 701 Park Place in Amarillo or check them out online at Parkcentral.org. By Eric Muehlhausen
Silver Event Calendar MONDAY JULY 6 7:30PM HEART IN CONCERT AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ COLISEUM $37.75 per person TUESDAY JULY 7 7:00PM-9:00PM STARLIGHT THEATRE BLUE DENIM II & FRIENDS THOMPSON PARK Free to attend WEDNESDAY JULY 8 12:00PM HIGH NOON ON THE SQUARE UNKNOWN ENTRY CATERING BY MR. GATTI’S $6.00 per person THURSDAY JULY 9 7:30PM SUMMER YOUTH MUSICAL “BIG RIVER” AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS CENTER $23.00 per person FRIDAY JULY 10 7:30PM SUMMER YOUTH MUSICAL “BIG RIVER” AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS CENTER $23.00 per person 6:00PM-10:30PM VEGA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL VEGA CITY PARK $14.00 for a weekend
SATURDAY JULY 11 11:00AM, 1:30PM, &3:30PM ANIMAL PLAY DAY “KOOL KATS” AMARILLO ZOO $3.00 adult $1.00 children 7:30AM-4:00PM DOG SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ N.EXHIBIT HALL 9:00AM-6:00PM TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ S. EXHIBIT HALL
FESTIVAL VEGA CITY PARK $14.00 for a weekend pass 2:00PM SUMMER YOUTH MUSICAL “BIG RIVER” AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS CENTER $23.00 per person 7:30AM-4:00PM DOG SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ N.EXHIBIT HALL
9:00AM-6:00PM TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOW 10:00AM AMARILLO CIVIC SECOND SATURDAY CENTER/ S. EXHIBIT PLANT & HERB WALK HALL WILD CAT BLUFF NATURE CENTER TUESDAY JULY 14 $3 adults $2 children 7:00PM-9:00PM STARLIGHT THEATRE 12:00PM-10:30PM THE AVERAGE JOES VEGA BLUEGRASS THOMPSON PARK FESTIVAL Free to attend VEGA CITY PARK $14.00 for a weekend 7:00PM pass SLAMARILLO AMARILLO 7:30PM REPERTORY THEATRE SUMMER YOUTH $5.00 per person MUSICAL “BIG RIVER” WEDNESDAY JULY AMARILLO GLOBE 15 NEWS CENTER 12:00PM $23.00 per person HIGH NOON ON THE SQUARE SUNDAY JULY 12 JUST 2 GUYS 9:00AM-12:00PM CATERING BY VEGA BLUEGRASS DESPERADO’S
July 2009 $6.00 per person THURSDAY JULY 16 6:30PM-9:00PM THIRD THURSDAY MUSIC BY TENESSE TUCKNESS AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART Free to attend FRIDAY JULY 17 7:30AM-4:30PM TX WORKFORCE BUISNESS CONFERENCE AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ HERITAGE ROOM 6:30PM-9:00PM EVALUATION DAY BY THE NEAL AUCTION COMPANY AMARILLO MUESUM OF ART $35.00 per person, reservations required SATURDAY JULY 18 8:00AM 5K RUN/WALK OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE GROUNDS 8:00AM-12:00PM EVALUATION DAY BY THE NEAL AUCTION COMPANY AMARILLO MUESUM OF ART $10.00 per item
July 2009 9:00AM MEALS ON WHEELS CAR SHOW 4TH & POLK/ ANB PARKING LOT
Silver Event Calendar BLUE DENIM II & FRIENDS THOMPSON PARK Free to attend
11:00AM, 1:30PM, &3:30PM ANIMAL PLAY DAY “NO CARB” AMARILLO ZOO $3.00 adult $1.00 children
ANIMAL PLAY DAY “CRUNCH, MUNCH, CRUNCH” AMARILLO ZOO $3.00 adults $1.00 WEDNESDAY JULY 22 children 12:00PM HIGH NOON ON THE 7:30PM SQUARE LOBSTERFEST LONE STAR BALLET SUNSET CENTER CATERING BY SPECIAL EVENTS CHICK-FIL-A ROOM $6.00 per person $55.00 per person
11:00AM LAS FIESTAS INAUGURATE PARADE BEGINS @ 15TH & CLEVELAND
THURSDAY JULY 23 11:00AM-6:00PM CHAMBER GOLF OPEN ROSS ROGERS GOLF COMPLEX
12:00PM BIKE RALLY OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE GROUNDS GATES OPEN @ NOON
FRIDAY JULY 24 7:30PM LIVING ROOM CONCERT “FOLK BY ASSOCIATION” HIGH PLAINS PUBLIC RADIO $10.00 donation
7:05PM AMARILLO DUSTERS VS. STOCKTON LIGHTING AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM SUNDAY JULY 19 12:00PM CAR SHOW OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE GROUNDS GATES OPEN @ NOON TUESDAY JULY 21 7:00PM-9:00PM STARLIGHT THEATRE
8:00PM-9:30PM “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING” PLAY DH DISCOVERY CENTER LAWN SATURDAY JULY 25 9:00AM-5:00PM PANSY’S PARADE OF SHOWS AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ N. EXHIBIT HALL 11:00AM, 1:30PM, &3:30PM
4:00PM-8:00PM HARLEY PARTY DOWNTOWN AMARILLO $80.00 admits 2 8:00PM-9:30PM “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING” PLAY DH DISCOVERY CENTER LAWN TUESDAY JULY 28 CASH FOR COLLEGE WORKSHOP FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE NORTH BRANCH PUBLIC LIBRARY Free to the public please bring 2008 tax forms & w2 forms
AMARILLO OPERA CATERING BY BIG TEXAN $6.00 per person FRIDAY JULY 31 8:00PM-9:30PM “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING” PLAY DH DISCOVERY CENTER LAWN SATURDAY AUGUST 1 8:00PM-9:30PM “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING” PLAY DH DISCOVERY CENTER LAWN SUNDAY AUGUST 2 1:00PM-5:00PM WHITE COAT CEREMONY AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ HERITAGE ROOM 12:30-4:30PM BRIDE’S WORLD 10TH ANNUAL BRIDE’S BENEFIT SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER/ GRAND PLAZA
TUESDAY AUGUST 4 7:00PM-9:00PM STARLIGHT THEATRE 7:00PM-9:00PM STARLIGHT THEATRE PALO DURO METRO CHORUS OF JUST 2 GUYS SWEET ADELINES & THOMPSON PARK GOLDEN SPREAD Free to attend CHORUS WEDNESDAY JULY 29 THOMPSON PARK Free to attend 12:00PM HIGH NOON ON THE SQUARE
So You Want to Work from Home?
So, you have decided you want to give it a go at working from home? It's a big decision in itself, but only the first step in many to becoming self-employed. We all want it for varying reasons. Perhaps you just retired or are about to retire and your retirement savings and pension are not quite enough to live on. Or maybe you are just bored and want to keep active -while earning a little extra money. Maybe you still work outside of the home, either part or full time and are too independent to work for someone else. We all get to this point one way or another.
a bit of luck. Running your own business means you are the employer and the employee. You have to handle all departments: accounting, sales, marketing, not including the work itself. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just stating the facts of being self-employed. There are pros and cons.
If you live with a spouse or friend, you should have a talk with them about your plans and see what they think of it. They will probably have some questions and concerns, and may even get you thinking about some things that you didn't The number of people -especially retired people, before. Your family should be fully aware of becoming self-employed is steadily growing your plans, because it will effect them as well. each year. There are great benefits for working My wife and I work together and we really enjoy for yourself. You can create your own schedule, it -but that is not right for all couples. wear what you want, work wherever you feel Now that all of that is out of the way, what will like -and best of all: YOU are the boss. However, you do? How do you decide what trade to take it is hard work and takes perseverance, up on your own? dedication, determination, careful planning, and
Here's some help to get you started: If you currently work outside the home and love your job, you could talk to your boss about doing your work from home. Suggest that you could start once a week, and eventually work your way up to your current hours over time. While this isn't starting your own business or being self-employed, you would be working from home and possibly even be able to keep all of your benefits. If you don't love your job, or are currently unemployed, you'll be starting from scratch. Here are some questions to help you brainstorm some ideas (Really think about these questions, and jot down anything that comes to mind): What do you love to do? What are your hobbies? What do you do to relax? What did you love to do as a little kid? What did you want to be when you were little? What skills do you currently have that you could use? Can you type 80 words per minute? Write stories that awe anyone who reads them?
Do you love children and work well with them? Do you make homemade gifts that everyone enjoys to receive on occasions? What do people compliment you on? What do they say that you do well? Write down everything no matter how silly it might seem. Put your notes away for a day, and go back to them tomorrow. What could you do as a business? Start crossing out ones that don't really appeal to you, and narrow down your list. Once you have it narrowed down to a few, start researching what it would take to start this type of business. Talk to others who already have and ask for their advice. Soon, you will be doing it yourself! You are already on your way!
2009- A Year of Change?
Upcoming Changes in Estate Tax Exemptions? Contributed By: Ed Morris The federal estate tax laws have changed little in the last several years except for scheduled increases in the exemption amounts, which are presently at historic highs: $3.5 million per decedent is the exempt amount in 2009, for both federal estate tax, and generation skip tax, and $1 million is the exempt amount for lifetime taxable gifts. These relatively large exemptions have caused many people to neglect tax planning in their estates, as they felt they were securely within the exemption amounts. However, that may all be about to change: not just because we have a new administration in office, but because in 2001, when the exemption increases were enacted on a multi-year phase-in, Congress set a ticking time bomb by legislating the expiration of the current estate tax exemptions at the end of 2009. Under current law, there will be no estate tax in 2010; and then in 2011, the estate tax will be back, with the per-decedent exemption reduced to $1 million. No one really believes, however, that the present law will be allowed to sunset, so we expect new legislation in this area, to become effective before the end of this year. In April, House and Senate budget resolutions were approved, which called for keeping the current ($3.5 million each) exemptions in place; however, while an encouraging sign, this is not a law, nor even a binding resolution, and Congress will still have to act by yearend to avoid the sunset provisions. Depending on what Congress does, your estate plan may need to be revised. We suggest you call your estate planner and ask to be put on his or her notification list, regarding any changes coming down. And even if exemptions remain high, you need to check with your professional
advisor from time to time; your available exemptions may have been decreased by lifetime gifting; may be partially forfeited by excessive testamentary gifts to a surviving spouse; may be partially forfeited if the spouse with less property should die first; and may also be unintentionally forfeited by excessive use of non-probate dispositions, which may result in underfunding of bypass or credit shelter trusts. So this year, the best advice is: check with your advisor before year-end!! This column is published for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.
This silent killer can be sneakier and swifter than you realize. Arm yourself with the heart disease facts below. Most heart attacks begin with only mild symptoms. While the classic "movie heart attack," marked by chest-crushing pain and collapse, does happen, it's not typical. Women experience heart attacks differently. Don't count on chest pain to signal a heart attack. While both men and women often feel pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, women are far more likely to notice shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain than men. Time is of the essence. If you think you may be having a heart attack, don't wait more than five minutes. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get the treatment that might save your life because it brings the equipment and expertise of emergency medical staff right to your door. You're you have no other options! likely to get priority treatment at the hospital when you arrive in an ambulance, too. The odds are stacked against smokers. If you don't have access to a phone, have someone According to the American Heart Association, drive you to the hospital. Don't drive yourself unless smokers have two to four times the risk of developing coronary heart disease than non-smokers. All fat is not bad fat. Dr James Carlson, author of Genocide: How Your Doctor's Dietary Ignorance Will Kill You, says conventional dietary wisdom has it all wrong. He asserts that eating fat will not make you fat, and that eating cholesterol-containing foods has never been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. What will harm you are trans fats and "interestified fatty acids" -- the products of a new manufacturing process that turns polyunsaturated fats into saturated oils that he says may be even more dangerous than trans fats.
The enemy's not fat: It's sugar. Dr Carlson maintains that the real culprit behind heart disease arises from the conversion of sugar molecules to cholesterol -- the kind of artery-clogging stuff that's made by the body. He's not alone in his opinion. Many researchers also have documented that the liver converts excess sugar to triglycerides -- which spell danger for your heart. This may explain the strange paradox experienced by low-carb dieters who, despite eating increased fats, often show reduced LDL and triglyceride levels. Women sometimes have right-sided chest pain during a heart attack. According to Dr. Carlson, this leads many doctors to the wrong diagnosis -- with a dreadful outcome. One of the best ways to protect yourself is with knowledge: While of course you aren't privy to your doctor's vast arsenal of experience and education, mentioning something you've heard or read can't hurt and might help spark an idea or insight. 8. Gum disease is dangerous to your heart. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have coronary heart disease than those who don't -- even when the data were adjusted for smoking. Many other studies corroborate these findings. Robert H. Gregg, DDS, founder of Millennium Dental Technologies, says treatment for periodontal disease is very important; he points to a study published in Circulation that found patients with high levels of gum disease bacteria were at high risk for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which often leads to heart disease. What to do: Get regular dental checkups and cleanings, brush frequently and floss as frequently as your dentist advises. Nervous about dental work? Dr. Gregg suggests laser periodontal therapy, which is less invasive, less painful and very effective.
Summer slaw recipes Traditional coleslaw is a summer classic, but instead of just tossing together cabbage and carrots, get creative and add fresh fruit. Apples, cherries and even tropical fruit turn a typical slaw into a surprising salad that is a perfect side for grilled meats.
Crisp Apple Slaw Makes 4 servings Ingredients: 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon grainy mustard 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced, tough ribs discarded 1/2 small head red cabbage, thinly sliced, tough ribs discarded 4 medium carrots, shredded 1 small red onion, minced 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded, thinly sliced 2 large Granny Smith apples, shredded Directions: 1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. 2. In a large bowl, combine cabbages, carrots, onion, bell pepper and apples. 3. Drizzle dressing over slaw and toss to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
Pineapple Slaw Makes 4 servings Ingredients: 1/3 cup aged balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon celery seed salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced, tough ribs discarded 1/2 small head red cabbage, thinly sliced, tough ribs discarded 1 small fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, diced 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion Directions: 1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, sugar, celery salt and pepper. 2. In a large bowl, combine cabbages, pineapple, bell pepper and onion. 3. Drizzle dressing over slaw and toss to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
sensitive area but actually very hard to hit. Kicking or scraping the side of your foot along the shin will work just as well. If a robber demands your wallet and/or purse, do not hand it to him. Toss it away from you. Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. When you throw your wallet or purse, then start running in the other direction.
Safety Tips for Seniors
If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This technique has saved several lives. Also most cars built since 2000 have an internal trunk release. Just feel around for it and pull to unlatch the trunk. Just open the trunk a few inches so the driver doesn't see it in the rear view mirror and stick your hand out and wave.
If you get into a car in a parking lot and see a piece of newspaper or flyer on your window, lock your doors and drive away as best you can. What the criminals do is put a piece of newspaper on your window. You don't notice it until you get in and start your car. Then when you get out to remove it, your keys are in the ignition and the door open. A criminal can either steal your car or carjack you. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just Tips for Personal Safety sit doing their checkbook, adjusting makeup If someone grabs you, the elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS! enough to use it you can swing your elbow at When you get into a car in a parking lot, lock the door and drive away. You can always almost any part of the body and it will hurt stop down the road and do what you need to. the attacker more than you. The groin is a Don't be a victim. Ten tips that can save your life As seniors we often find ourselves the target of thieves and even worse - criminals who think just because we are older we are defenseless. There are many things we can do to protect ourselves. Here are ten tips culled from law enforcement and personal security experts:
If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF. Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead, gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your air bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location. Parking Lots and Parking Garages Be aware: Look around you. Look into your car. Look at the passenger side floor and in the back seat. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side ... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at night. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zigzag pattern.