Content 6 - Alzheimers Blood Test 10 - Calendar 13 - BBB Scam Alert 14 - Thanksgiving Safety 16 - Dealing with Holiday Grief 18 - Thankgiving Side Dishes 20 - Holiday Travel Tips 22 - Directory of Services President Gene Lara 806-231-0562 Editor Camey Maldonado 806-231-9822
Volume 2 Issue 8 November 2010 010
Sales Eric Muehlhausen
Contact Information 806-231-0562
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Camey Editor for Silver Magazine
As Thanksgiving approaches, I think it is important to take a gratitude inventory. There are a number of things in life that can make us unhappy in normal situations or sometimes even a little miffed. But every now and then they are gifts in disguise. With that in mind, here are my top ten things to be thankful for. Growing older. Not everyone gets this opportunity. Aging with health and grace is a rare and beautiful gift. The ability to read. It is a very sad thing that many people do not have the ability to read. Waiting in line at the supermarket. I am thankful that I can afford to eat and have a convenient place to buy my food. I am very aware of the many people waiting in line to have a meal at the local homeless shelter. I am thankful for the ability to pay my bills, even if it means that I have to give up some things that I want. Remember that having one’s basic needs met is a luxury for many people.
Getting up before dawn to get ready for work. I am thankful that I get to see another sunrise and have a job to go to. Being stuck in traffic. I am thankful I have a car to get where I need to go and money to buy gas. A screaming child. I am thankful that I have children to love and who love me. My husband acting grumpy or giving me a hard time. I am thankful for having love in my life and someone to grow old with. My parents giving me “advice� on how to run my life. I am thankful that I still have them around. Slaving away cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family. I am thankful for everyone that comes over and thankful for one more memory to share. Thanksgiving is a very special holiday. Embrace those around you and your ability to give thanks to those you love.
Happy Thanksgiving! And thanks for reading!
Camey
the Answer to Alzheimer’s
Is In Your Blood? With one prick of your finger, doctors may be able to tell whether you have Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have recently designed a blood test that will be a fast, cheap way for people to receive a diagnosis for the memory-destroying disease, according to a new study in the Archives of Neurology. The scientists, who are from the Texas Alzheimer’s Research Consortium, analyzed certain proteins in the blood of 197 patients with Alzheimer’s and then compared them to 203 people who didn’t have the disease. After a number of tests, which included a person’s risk for clotting and level of inflammatory proteins, among others, the researchers were able to correctly 80 percent of the patients with Alzheimer’s. When the scientists factored in characteristics like age, sex, and education, that number jumped to 94 percent.
taps are very accurate, they are expensive and not readily available to everyone. Additionally, given the numbers of people worldwide that are in need of or wanting screening for Alzheimer’s disease, there are not enough MRI magnets or people qualified to do spinal taps to meet this need. On the other hand, a blood screener can be implanted easily in the existing medical infrastructure without any major changes.”
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, a terminal disease that currently impacts 5.3 million Americans, predominantly senior citizens over the age of 65. In fact, the condition The team of researchers is still working on honing the has baffled scientists for decades. But O’Bryant is test, however, so it won’t be available immediately. They optimistic that a widespread blood test is the next imporplan on trying to tweak it to make it even more accurate tant step in trying to combat the disease. and doing additional tests on more people. If they succeed, it’ll be good news for everyone: This method “Early diagnosis enables treatments to be implemented as soon as possible in the course of the disease, which in has a few benefits over other methods of testing for Alzheimer’s, according to Sid O’Bryant, Ph.D., Director turn can facilitate better quality of life for longer periods of Rural Health Research at Texas Tech University of time,” he says. “This also allows people to make their own decisions about how they want their medical care Health Sciences Center, the study’s lead researcher. Currently, some of the most common ways to detect the and finances to be managed when they can no longer do so. I have yet to meet a patient who wants his or her disease are through spinal taps and neuroimaging. children to make these decisions for them. We first have “A blood test can be implemented large-scale for screen- to be able to accurately identify people with the disease, ings rather than reliance on specialty clinics or equipor at risk for the disease, so we can then try to develop ment,” O’Bryant says. “While neuroimaging and spinal treatments.”
Whether the blood test can eventually be used to predict the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, but that’s one of the areas of research O’Bryant and his colleagues are planning. As for why getting tested for the disease is so important, even when there’s no cure, O’Bryant has an easy answer. “If there had been no research in cancer, we would not have such fantastic treatments and cure rates today. People are developing Alzheimer’s on a daily basis, whether they know it or not. We must first be able to identify who these groups of people are so we can then try to identify appropriate preventative efforts. When we get involved with research, we are oftentimes not doing it to help or save ourselves, but rather we are doing it in hopes of helping our children People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete and our children’s children.” daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or Warning signs of Alzheimer's: remembering the rules of a favorite game. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Some people may experience changes in their ability to Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty else is in the room. They may not realize they are the concentrating and take much longer to do things than person in the mirror. they did before.
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock"). A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete
a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. For more information call Tracy Summers at the Amarillo office. (806) 373-5315
November 2010
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5 10:00AM-6:00PM CHRISTMAS ROUNDUP AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER SOUTH EXHIBIT HALL
Silver Calendar
7:30PM GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS GLOBE NEWS CENTER $18.00 -$38.00 PER PERSON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6 10:00AM-6:00PM CHRISTMAS ROUNDUP AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER SOUTH EXHIBIT HALL 10:00AM-5:00PM GEM & MINERAL SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER 4:00PM-9:00PM HEAD TO TOE EXPO AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER HERITAGE ROOM 6:30PM THE ANNUAL HUNT DINNER BOTANICAL GARDENS OF AMARILLO $50.00 PER PERSON 7:00PM-10:00PM FREEDOM FUND BANQUET AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER GRAND PLAZA SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7 10:00AM-5:00PM GEM & MINERAL SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER 12:00AM-5:00PM CHRISTMAS ROUNDUP AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER SOUTH EXHIBIT HALL 3:00PM-5:00PM AMARILLO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERT GLOBE NEWS CENTER
6:15PM-7:15PM COPING W/GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH AUDITORIUM FREE TO ATTEND
MULTIPLE ROOMS
MONDAY NOVEMBER 8 7:00PM-8:00PM COPING W/GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH ROOM 405 FREE TO ATTEND
7:00PM APOLLO 13 & WTAMU CENTENNIAL CONVOCATION FIRST UNITED BANK CENTER
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 9 6:30PM FRIENDS OF CETA CANYON DINNER ST STEPHENS CHURCH $50.00 PER PERSON 7:00PM ALZHEIMERS:WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WESTHEIMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FREE TO ATTEND WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10 6:00PM-10:00PM WRCA KICKOFF CELEBRATION AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER HERITAGE ROOM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11 1:00PM-8:00PM WRCA TRADE SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER MULTIPLE ROOMS 7:00PM WRCA RANCH RODEO AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM $14.00-$22.00 PER PERSON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12 9:00AM-8:00PM WRCA TRADE SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER
7:00PM WRCA RANCH RODEO AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13 9:00AM-8:00PM WRCA TRADE SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER MULTIPLE ROOMS 9:00AM-2:00PM CAMP WILDFIRE PANHANDLE PLAINS HISTORICAL MUSEUM FOR AGES 8-14 $25.00 TO ATTEND 11:00AM-1:00PM WELCOME VETERANS EVENT AMARILLO VA- FRONT LAWN FREE TO ATTEND 7:00PM WRCA RANCH RODEO AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14 11:00AM-6:00PM WRCA TRADE SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER MULTIPLE ROOMS 2:00PM WRCA RANCH RODEO AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM $18.00-$26.00 PER PERSON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16 8:00AM-3:00PM EMPOWER YOURSELF AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER HERITAGE ROOM
ARTISTRY IN WOOD AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER REGENCY ROOM
AMARILLO PUBLIC LIBRARY SOUTHEAST BRANCH FREE TO ATTEND
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19 10:00AM-2:00PM MEDICARE PART D ENROLLMENT MARIPOSA APARTMENTS FREE TO ATTEND
MONDAY NOVEMBER 22 5:30PM-9:00PM POLK STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER GRAND PLAZA
9:00AM-4:00PM FARM & RANCH SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER MULTIPLE ROOMS
7:00PM-10:00PM AMARILLO BULLS VS WICHITA FALLS AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM $10.00-$16.00 PER PERSON
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 23 6:00AM-8:30PM COMMUNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER N. EXHIBIT HALL
8:00PM BRIAN REGAN AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER AUDITORIUM $37.50 PER PERSON
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27 7:30PM OAK RIDGE BOYS CHRISTMAS SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER AUDITORIUM $38.00 OR $46.00 PER PERSON
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18 6:30PM- 9:00PM THIRD THURSDAY AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART FREE TO ATTEND
8:00PM AMARILLO SYMPHONY “BRAVO BROADWAY” GLOBE NEWS CENTER $17.00-$50.00 PER PERSON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20 10:00AM-6:00PM ARTISTRY IN WOOD AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER REGENCY ROOM 7:00PM-10:00PM AMARILLO BULLS VS WICHITA FALLS AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM $10.00-$16.00 PER PERSON 7:00PM-11:30PM NUTCRACKER BALL AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER HERITAGE ROOM 8:00PM AMARILLO SYMPHONY “BRAVO BROADWAY” GLOBE NEWS CENTER $17.00-$50.00 PER PERSON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21 10:00AM-5:00PM
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30 9:00AM-5:00PM FARM & RANCH SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER MULTIPLE ROOMS 7:00PM-8:00PM COPING W/GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS BLACKBURN SHAW FUNERAL HOME 1505 MARTIN ROAD FREE TO ATTEND WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1 9:00AM-5:00PM FARM & RANCH SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER MULTIPLE ROOMS 7:00PM-8:00PM COPING W/GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS MEMORIAL GARDENS CHAPEL FREE TO ATTEND THURSDAY DECEMBER 2 9:00AM-12:00PM MEDICARE PART D ENROLLMENT
9:30AM, 10:45, & 1:00PM AMARILLO SYMPHONY KINDERKONZERTS GLOBE NEWS CENTER 7:00PM-8:00PM COPING W/GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS BLACKBURN SHAW FUNERAL HOME 8301 COULTER FREE TO ATTEND 8:00PM “IS HE DEAD?” AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE $17.00 PER PERSON FRIDAY DECEMBER 3 6:00PM-8:00PM CENTER CITY LIGHT PARADE 10TH & POLK 8:00PM “IS HE DEAD?” AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE $19.00 PER PERSON SATURDAY DECEMBER 4 10:00AM-11:30AM CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART FOR CHILDREN 4-10 $20.00 TO ATTEND 10:00AM-9:00PM BOOK FAIR BENEFITING CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES BARNES & NOBLE ON SONCY SUNDAY DECEMBER 5 6:00PM-7:00PM COPING W/GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS WASHINGTON AVENUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH AUDITORIUM FREE TO ATTEND
Janna Kiehl (Johnna Keel) Executive Director / CEO The Better Business Bureau®
Janna Kiehl has served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau of the Texas Panhandle since 1994. She has been instrumental in tripling the Bureau's membership and establishing educational programs which help safeguard the community's buying power by directing it into legitimate channels of business.
The Better Business Bureau’s Vision is An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other And their Mission is To be the leader in advancing marketplace trust As CEO of the Better Business Bureau, Janna conducts Educational Seminars and Public Speaking Engagements as well as Customer Service Training workshops throughout the area. She writes for many area publications and organizations' newsletters and appears regularly on area television and radio programs. She was appointed in 2005 by the Supreme Court of Texas to a three year term on the Commission for Lawyer Discipline, a twelve member committee of the State Bar of Texas. She serves on the Postal Customer Council Advisory Committee and on the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Business Council. Janna's past community involvement includes service on the State Bar of Texas District 13A Grievance Committee, Amarillo Senior Citizens Association board of directors, YMCA board of directors, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, President, Amarillo Crime Stoppers board of directors, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee, Leadership Amarillo & Canyon Youth Coach, Texas Panhandle Mental Health Authority board of directors, Senior Ambassadors Coalition, S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Lawmen Together) Advisory Committee, and the Amarillo Committee on Credit Awareness. She has also been an Official Judge for the Miss Amarillo Pageant, Official Judge for the Miss Clarendon Pageant and Official Judge for the Miss Canyon Pageant and has served as Director of Community Relations for the Women of Virtue Conference.
Beware of Scams
Fraud targeting senior citizens is a growing concern as millions have fallen victim to scammers. Help elder relatives learn to recognize common cons targeting senior citizens. Keeping the lines of communication open will help identify suspicious spending habits, phone calls, mail or email and recognize the red flags of common cons. The following scams can target anyone, but seniors can be particularly susceptible: Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams –Typically, the victim receives a notice stating they have won a lottery or sweepstakes; it might even claim to be from Publisher’s Clearing House or Reader’s Digest and include a check. The letter instructs the victim to deposit the check and wire a portion back to the company. Sometimes the instructions ask that the victim place a call at which time they will be persuaded to deposit the funds. While the funds will initially show up in the bank account, the money will be removed when the bank determines the check is fake. The victim is out whatever they wired back to the scammers, often amounting to thousands of dollars, and any remainder they may have spent. Many times the enclosed check appears to be from a real company so that it returns a good online search. These companies are also victims in this scam. BBB Advice: You should never have to send money to receive winnings from a lottery or sweepstakes. When you win a prize, they send you money. It is illegal in the US to play foreign lotteries. Medicare Scams –Commonly, a scammer will claim to be with Medicare and ask for personal information - Medicare, Medicaid, social security, credit card or bank account numbers. Excuses to provide this information include that an error needs to be fixed, that he or she is part of a survey or eligible to receive free products or can sign up for a new prescription drug plan. BBB Advice: Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information. If you suspect fraud contact your local police or the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS.
Thanksgiving Kitchen Safety Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year and an ideal opportunity for cooks to show off their culinary expertise. However, for Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the leading product safety testing organization, Thanksgiving is considered the peak day for preventable cooking fires. Regardless of your cooking style - whether you are a multi-tasking master, first-time chef or ambitious culinary artist - UL suggests the following kitchen safety tips to keep your Thanksgiving celebration from going up in smoke.
you as a reminder that something is cooking. Keep the stove free of clutter. Don’t overload a stovetop with too many pots and pans. Trying to cook all the Thanksgiving dishes at once can cause grease to accidentally spill onto a stovetop and erupt into a fire. Only cook with as many pots and pans as there are burners.
Do not hold a child in one arm while cooking with the other. Thanksgiving safety tips for the multi-tasking master Holding a child while cooking is a terrible invitation for chef. a bad burn. It’s best, if possible, to keep kids out of the kitchen altogether while you’re cooking. Keep them Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. Most fires in occupied in another room by having them play with the kitchen occur because food is left unattended. If you relatives or offer them an allowance if they do their chores outside of the kitchen. must leave the kitchen briefly, carry an oven mitt with
Never wear loose fitting clothing when cooking. Long, open sleeves can ignite and catch fire from a gas flame or a hot burner. Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back as it, too, can catch fire (and no one wants to sit down to a turkey dinner showcasing your errant strands of hair!). Thanksgiving safety tips for the cautious chef Keep smoke alarms connected while cooking. Smoke alarms can save lives. Make sure smoke alarms are installed and working. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergency and know how to use it. Make sure the fire extinguisher is rated for grease fires and electrical fires and read the directions carefully. The acronym P.A.S.S. can help make sure you use it properly: Pull the pin. Aim the spray nozzle low at the base of the fire. Squeeze the nozzle to spray the contents. Sweep back and forth as you spray the base of the fire.
Thanksgiving safety tips for the ambitious cook Be extremely cautious if using a turkey fryer. Because turkey fryers pose a number of distinct safety concerns, including burn and fire hazards, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers. Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy while cooking. When removing lids on hot pans, tilt them away from you to protect your face and hands from steam. If there happens to be an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on a flame-resistant oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until the food has cooled. Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the fire to dangerously spread. Never put a glass casserole or lid on the stove or over a burner. If the glass gets hot and explodes, it will send shards of glass in all directions causing harm to anyone and anything in its path.
Thanksgiving is a day to visit with family and friends and Evaluate appliances wisely and look for the UL Mark. feast on great food. Follow these helpful Thanksgiving When purchasing electric cooking products such as dinner safety tips from UL and enjoy a fire- and smokeelectric knives, slow cookers and food processors, look for free holiday. the UL Mark. The UL Mark is one of the most widely recognized and trusted safety symbols among consumers, and confirms a product has been tested and certified to meet specific safety standards.
Coping With Grief During the Holidays By Danny Mize, Bereavement Coordinator Hospice Care of the Southwest, Amarillo, Texas
• Give yourself what you need. Ask for help during the potentially draining holiday times. Be willing to give up “sacred territory” to those who are ready to help. • Enjoy what you can, when you can. Be picky this holiday season. Don’t have the expectation that you will do everything that others suggest for you. • Do something for others. Small acts of kindness may bring us out of “the slump” for awhile. However, don’t go overboard with service. Know your limits.
Grieving people may have difficulty facing special occasions. The memories associated with birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays can turn memorable events of the past into moments of dread. Don’t try to handle a year’s worth of holidays all at once. Take each holiday or special event individually.
• Don’t deprive children of their holidays. Children may be in and out of their grief for a long time. Give them as much of their holidays as you can. Ask others to help you with the children. • Include whatever spiritual activities are helpful for you. Remember the value of prayer, attending spiritual or social gatherings with people you care about, and reading inspirational materials.
• Plan ahead. Surprises may evoke deeper feelings. Try • Remember the value of memories, rituals, and tradito avoid being “blind-sided.” Making plans ahead of time often defuses some of the impact that a holiday or tions. Decide how you want to keep the memory of other special milestone can have on you. your loved one alive. Honor their life by keeping some of the old traditions. Being rigid about all customs and • Be prepared to be flexible. You can’t control everytraditions, however, may add to your frustration. But, thing and everybody. Allow for schedule adjustments. also be prepared to begin some new traditions. Compromise may become the key during the holidays. • Realize that there are many holidays and anniversaries during the year. Be aware of how you are feeling • Be easy on yourself. You can’t please everyone, so don’t get bent out of shape trying! Ask, “Am I making as other special events approach. Give yourself permission for emotional self-care throughout the year. a bigger deal about this than others?” Don’t push yourself too hard. • Remember -- whatever we do after the death is for the living. Participate in activities which are meaning• Be gentle on others. Be as patient and kind with others as you would want them to be with you. Their ful to you. Life does goes on, but the impact of a loved one’s life also lives on in us. emotional reserves may be just as depleted as yours. • Evaluate your ability to cope with situations. Know your limitations and your ability to function at holiday events. Avoid circumstances you feel you can’t handle. Or, make a brief appearance in the company of a friend who can help you through it. www.hospicesouthwest.com
356-0026 or Toll Free 866-654-2941
Basic Turkey Gravy Ingredients 1 medium carrot, thickly sliced 1 medium onion, thickly sliced 1 medium celery rib, thickly sliced 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons fat from poultry drippings 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour poultry stock, warmed Directions To make the gravy, remove the cooked turkey and roasting rack from the roasting pan. Pour the poultry drippings through a sieve into a 4-cup measuring cup. Add 1 cup stock to the roasting pan and stir until crusty brown bits are loosened: pour the deglazed liquid/broth into the 4-cup measure. Let the mixture stand a few minutes until the fat rises to the top. Over medium heat, spoon 3 tablespoons fat from the poultry drippings into a 2 quart or larger saucepan. Whisk flour and salt into heated fat and continue to cook and stir until the flour turns golden. Meanwhile, skim and discard any fat that remains on top of the poultry drippings. Add remaining broth and enough water to the poultry drippings to equal 3 1/2 cups. Gradually Whisk in warm poultry drippings/broth mixture. Cook and stir until gravy boils and is slightly thick. Makes about 4 cups
Holiday travel tips Traveling as a senior citizen is different than it is when you're younger, there is no doubt about that. No matter what your mode of travel, be it air or ground, it can get very uncomfortable and there can be special needs that you have. However, there are times, especially around the holidays, that many seniors do need to travel and are willing to make the sacrifice that it really is in order to see family and friends. Or, there might be times that travel is necessary for other reasons, such as medical needs that have to be met in other locations that where you live. If you are a senior needing, or wanting, to travel, the following are some suggestions that can make your trip easier and more comfortable, possibly even safer in some instances. Travel with a Companion Traveling with a friend or family member will not only make the travel more enjoyable and seem to go by faster, but it is also safer, especially if you are arriving at a destination that you are unfamiliar with. If you have medical issues, it is also a huge safety factor. Your companion will be able to explain what is going on if anything does happen unexpectedly to you. Be Prepared, if Incontinence is an Issue As people age, incontinence becomes an issue for many. If this is you, you are far from alone and although it is uncomfortable and can be somewhat embarrassing, you can be prepared and prevent a truly humiliating experience. Depends products are very absorbent and good for long travel times. Be sure and bring extras as well as something to dispose of them in, if this becomes necessary.
Wear Support Stockings Traveling, especially if you are going to be doing so for several hours or more, can be very hard on your legs and feet. This is especially an issue if you are a diabetic and you must take precautions. Wearing support stockings during travel will help to keep your blood flowing properly and will also prevent swelling in the lower extremities.
gate and the agent can let you know if there is anything available.
Bring a Pillow and Blanket Most forms of travel are both chilly and not the most comfortable. There may be pillows and blankets that are provided, but bringing your own is better. You will be Wear a Medic Alert Bracelet, if needed If you have medical conditions, or medications that you sure that you will be comfortable with them and you will be avoiding the multitake, you should travel with a medic alert bracelet or tudes of germs that these often carry. necklace on your person. It is very important that if something were to happen Ask for a Wheelchair or to you, which constiAssist on and off the tuted a medical Travel Mode emerStaff members are there gency, to assist you and you staff should ask for assistance members when you need it. Most would be often, they are happy to aware of help. Even if they aren't, what might be remember, this a part of their job happening in order and you shouldn't feel like you're to give you the best and inconveniencing anyone to request what you proper treatment. need. Traveling as a senior citizen is not always easy, and First Class Seating rarely is it comfortable, but there are time that it is If you are traveling by air, you may want to consider necessary. Doing things that will make it safer, more upgrading to a first class seat. It is usually very worth comfortable, and as enjoyable as possible will help you the extra fee. Even if you haven't purchased first class tremendously. Follow the above suggestions and you tickets, if there are extra seats available there, the will find that it makes your travel much easier. ticketing agents will often bump you up for a very minimal fee. Ask at the counter when you arrive at your
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OUTREACH HEALTH SERVICES 1616 S KENTUCKY STE 140A AMARILLO, TEXAS 79102 806-353-9907
AMARILLO SENIOR CARE www.outreachhealth.com CLINIC 14 MEDICAL DRIVE AMARILLO, TEXAS HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES: 806-358-8300 TRIUMPH HEALTHCARE 7501 WALLACE BLVD AMARILLO, TEXAS 79124 806-468-9185 HEALTH SERVICES: AMARILLO SPEECH, HEARING & LANGUAGE
COMPASSION HOME CARE 1301 S. COULTER STE 402 AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-351-8522 www.compassionhom ecare.us GOODCARE HEALTH SERVICES 4107 S.W. 49TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-373-7373 INTERIM HEALTHCARE 1901 MEDI PARK AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-467-1156 SHEPARD’S CROOK HOME HEALTH 2311 SOUTHWEST 7TH AVENUE AMARILLO, TX 79106-6601 (806) 358-9548 www.shepards-nursing.com
LONG TERM CARE:
ABUNDANT ACCOLADE HOME QUALITY LIVING CARE 6402 OAKHURST 6300 I-40 WEST, STE DR 210 AMARILLO, TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS 79109 79106 (806)-358-9807 806-352-3900 ODYSSEY CENTRAL LINE HEALTHCARE INFUSION 6900 I-40 WEST STE 1301 S. COULTER 150 STE 201 AMARILLO, TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-372-7696 806-352-1212
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES:
RETRIED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER SERVICES 321 SW 7TH AVENUE AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101 806-373-8389 Larue.johnson@ pcsvcs.org
MEALS ON WHEELS 219 W. 7TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101 806-374-1521 WEST TEXAS GROCERY DELIVERY AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-433-1403 PHARMACIES:
MOBILITY SERVICES: OPEN ROAD MOBILITY 6103 STAR LANE AMARILLO, TEXAS 79109 806-353-2747
HOME NURSES: NURSES UNLIMITED 4037 W 50TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 79109 806-467-0672 1-888-859-0631
AVONDALE PHARMACY 5135 PLAINS AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-352-2708 D&S PHARMACY 3324 S. GEORGIA 806-352-2711 3500 N.E. 24TH 806-383-3377 SOUTHPARK PHARMACY 5901 S. BELL AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-358-2428 REHABILITATION:
NUTRITION: FAITH CITY MISSION 401 SOUTH EAST 2ND AMARILLO, TEXAS 79105 806-373-6402
NORTHWEST TEXAS REHABILITATION HOSPITAL 7200 W. 9TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-468-2900
RESPIRATORY SERVICES: STATE AGENCIES: QUALITY RESPIRATORY SERVICES & REPAIR 6633 CANYON DRIVE AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-352-4140 SENIOR CITIZEN’S SERVICES: ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES 7132 W. I-40 # B AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-463-5114 AREA AGENCY ON AGING 415 WEST 8TH PO BOX 9257 AMARILLO, TEXAS 79105 806-331-2227 www.theprp.org PANHANDLE SUPPORT SERVICES 1502 SOUTH CLEVELAND AMARILLO, TEXAS 79102 806-373-0392 www.pcsvcs.org WIDOWED PERSONS SERVICE OF AMARILLO 2207 WEST 7TH- THE CANYONS AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-374-9772
ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-252-5400 FOOD STAMPS 1-806-376-7214 MEDICARE HOTLINE 1-800-633-4227 SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
1-800-772-1213 TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGING & DISABILITY HOTLINE 1-800-252-9240 TEXAS VETERAN COMMISSION 1-800-252-3036 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE SERVICES: AMERICAN RED CROSS 806-376-6309 SALVATION ARMY
806-373-6631 TRANSPORTATION: LE FLEUR
TRANSPORTATION
OF TEXAS 900 S. NELSON AMARILLO, TEXAS 79104 806-367-1476 www.LeFleur.net
Directory of Services
AMARILLO SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION 1220 SOUTH POLK AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101 806-372-3381
HIGH PLAINS FOOD BANK 815 ROSS STREET AMARILLO, TEXAS 79102 806-374-8562