Over the last decade, the biggest driver of the high health care costs in the United States has not been the aging of the population or the large numbers of tests and treatments being prescribed.

Instead, a new analysis by Johns Hopkins suggests it has been the increasing prices of drugs, medical devices and hospital costs. Doctors, patients and insurers rarely know these prices until the money has been spent. The admin-istrative costs alone — those associated with physicians and hospitals collecting payments from health insurers and individuals — are rising by 6 percent a year.

The report appeared in the Nov. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Study leader Hamil-ton Moses III, M.D., former chief physician of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, says the paper outlines the “sobering reality” of the U.S. health care system in 2013.

Health Care and Politics“Health care has become so politicized that ratio-

nal discussions based on valid information have become impossible,” says Moses. “But we are living in a time where we spend more money on health care than other developed countries and our outcomes are worse. Yet, we fail to understand the differences or to learn the others’ lessons.”

Moses says the United States spends 18 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health care. This amount is 50 to 60 percent higher than any other developed coun-try.

Yet life expectancy is not growing as quickly in the United States as it is in the rest of the developed world. The United States now lags by three years in life expectancy for both men and women. Though many policymakers point to the elderly as the biggest consumers of health care, it is

actually those younger than 65 with chronic illnesses who account for two-thirds of expenditures.

Moses says patients are further removed than ever from the true cost of health care. The out-of-pocket costs paid by individuals declined from 23 percent of the cost of their medical care in 1980 to 11 percent of the cost in 2011. Those costs have been shifted to employers and the federal government, whose share grew from 31 percent of costs to 42 percent over those same three decades.

Major Forces Will Change Health CareMoses and his colleagues describe three major forces

that will change health and medicine in the decade to come. First is consolidation and industrialization, with a smaller number of much larger insurance companies and hospital systems. “This will result in less choice of where people get care. And they will likely be asked to shift their allegiance to an institution, rather than have a single physi-cian,” Moses says. The second is information technology, which holds great promise to coordinate care and improve quality but has not yet delivered on the promise. Third is the patient acting as an informed consumer, gaining greater influence than today.

Moses points out that the United States is also lagging behind the developed world in the proportion of prima-ry care doctors, something that takes its toll not just in preventive medicine but in coordination of care once someone becomes sick. He says this comes through when, say, a person with diabetes or depression requires a joint replacement. These patients are much more likely to suffer complications, but few specialists are on the lookout for them.

NEW BEDFORD’S FREE

Serving the towns of Acushnet n Dartmouth n Fairhaven n Gosnold n Marion n Mattapoisett n Rochester

Vol. 30, No. 6 Published by the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts • Jonathan F. Mitchell, Mayor December 2013

Thanksgiving Celebration, p.6

n Editor’s Notes .......................2

n Donations ..............................2

n Anti-Fraud Hotline ...............3

n Forgotten Savings Bonds .....3

n Menu for December .............4

n Recipe Roundup ...................4

n Shopping Guide ....................5

n Update ...................................6

n Trivia Quiz ............................7

n Senior Travel .........................7

n At the Senior Centers ...........8

n Winter Safety Tips ................9

n Holiday Eating Guide ..........9

n Prescription Drug

Addiction .............................10

n Gift of Quitting ...................10

n Statin Medications ..............11

n Bone Deterioration .............11

n Reader Exchange ................12

SeniorScope

n Los Articulos enEspañol ................... Página 9

n Os Artigos em Português ................ Página 9

U.S. Has Much Higher ... continued on page 10

U. S. Has Much Higher Medical Costs and Worse Health Outcomes than Other Developed Countries

Common Park Christmas Display 1953

Students from the New Bedford Vocational High School on Hillman Street set up a Christmas wonderland at Common Park for many years. After the school closed, students from the new Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech took over the job of erecting and maintaining the display.

Christmas Shopping in the FiftiesAt this time of year when we are

deluged with television commer-cials and newspaper inserts adver-tising Black Friday bargains, I think back to my teen years and my early retail career.

How different Christmas shop-ping was then. There was no inter-net for online shopping at all hours, not even a mall that was open seven days a week.

In the Fifties, we got dressed up and went out shopping. There were some neighborhood stores but mostly we took the bus downtown. Especially on Thursday nights -- the only night the stores were open -- downtown was the place to be.

My first job ever was at Wool-worth’s on Acushnet Avenue in the North End, an institution that has long since vanished. It was about 10 blocks from my home.

I was hired a couple of months before Christmas 1956. I had just turned 16 and I was earning 75 cents an hour. I was so thrilled when they called me, because 75 cents seemed like a fortune compared to 25 cents an hour for occasional babysitting jobs.

The North End stores opened Friday nights, so I worked after school on Friday and all day Satur-day. Stores did not open on Sunday in those days.

I began in the Christmas depart-ment at Woolworth’s, which was the pet department the rest of the year. Needless to say, it was very hectic and dealing with so many custom-ers could be a challenge for a new employee.

Our counters were heaped with colorful displays of Christmas deco-rations, tree trimmings, and colored lights, and none of them were from China or Japan. Very few items were imported, in fact, except for a few fancy glass ornaments from Europe.

Many vibrant businesses lined Acushnet Avenue in the 1950s, and Woolworth’s attracted a constant stream of holiday shoppers. Being part of the adult working world for the first time was exciting – espe-cially earning money.

The following Christmas I had “moved up” to downtown. I was working Saturdays and two school nights at Liggett’s Drug Store on Purchase Street, but I was still earn-ing 75 cents an hour.

In those days before the malls,

downtown was thronged with Christmas shoppers. Liggett’s sold candy, perfume and toiletries, as well as cigarettes – a popular gift item in those days. It was fun to be part of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in the center of the city.

I was young and restless, I guess, and later that year I applied to the big department stores. In the fall Mr. Walsh from Cherry’s called to offer me a job. This was the finest department store in the city with four floors of the latest fashions so, naturally, I accepted.

I never asked about the pay, but after I started I was thrilled to learn that I would be getting 90 cents an hour. I thought it was because of my experience, but actually the mini-mum wage had gone up.

I worked at Cherry’s until I grad-uated from college in 1962 and spent several holiday seasons there. I made friends with some of the other girls, and we took our lunch hours and breaks together. Working was fun as well as a great learning experience.

Cherry’s had a dress code. Anyone who dealt with customers had to wear dark clothes, no slacks, of course. Every day I wore a dress, or skirt and sweater, nylons and high-heeled shoes. There were no dress-down days.

For a week or two before Christ-mas when school was out, I worked from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. I am amazed now that I was able to stand on my feet for 12 hours in those uncomfort-able shoes. I could not do it today.

On Christmas Eve, before the store closed, the regular employees would receive a Christmas bonus. The last holiday season I was there, I was an assistant floorwalker on the main floor – getting cash and approving charges. I felt pretty important, but I was really only a part-timer.

So I was surprised and excited to receive an envelope with a Christ-mas bonus. I had never received one before. I opened the little envelope and in it was a $5 bill – not a grand sum -- but the memories of Christ-mas in the Fifties are priceless.

Senior ScopenewbedFord’S

Published by the City of New Bedford, Department of Community Services, with a grant from Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.

Jonathan F. Mitchell, Mayor distribution: Michael GraffeoJeannine wilson, editor Thomas MelloJoan beaubian, Clerk

SeniorScope will not accept political advertising.For further information on advertising rates, please call:

(508) 979-1510 or (508) 979-1544City of New Bedford, Council on Aging

181 Hillman, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740

2 Senior Scope deCeMber 2013

In AppreciationIn appreciation for SeniorScope $8.00

- Edward M. Macomber, Austin, TX

In remembrance/In HonorIn memory of Marilyn “Lyn” Baker $25.00

-Linda Anderson

In memory of Davis Balestracci $25.00 -Wife, Mary

In memory of a friend, Dorothy Sperling $10.00-Anonymous

In memory of my husband, Orazio Cardullo $10.00-Lucy Cardullo

In loving memory of Charles and Inese Almeida $25.00

-Robert and Catherine Michaud

In honor of Loretta Miller and Beatrice Landry: Birthday /Christmas $10.00

-The Valliere Family, Carver

In memory of Yvonne and Rose Valliere on Christmas $10.00-The Valliere Family, Carver

In memory of Leo Lapre $10.00

-Ruth Lapre, Freetown

In ThanksgivingThank you St. Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus for prayers answered $10.00

- Rita

Thank You St .Jude, St. Joseph, Virgin Mary $10.00-H.A.Faria

Thank you St. Jude for answered prayers $10.00-Misty

Thank you St. Jude for prayers answered $25.00-Gerry Bastien, W.Wareham

Thank you St. Anthony and St. Jude for prayers answered $20.00-R.N. Acushnet

Thank you St. Jude, Thaddeus, Lord Jesus and Holy Mother Mary $10.00for prayers answered

-Anonymous

Donations this month $183.00Last month $150.00Fiscal year to date $708.00

To: SeniorScope 181 Hillman Street, New Bedford MA 02740

Yes, I want to help support SeniorScope. My voluntary donation in

the amount of $ ___________ is enclosed.

You may list my name and my town/city in a future issue

(my street address will NOT be listed)

Do not list my name; I am contributing anonymously.

Please list my donation as follows:

In Memory of: ___________________________________________

Get Well Wishes for: ______________________________________

In Honor of: (Birthday or other celebration) ____________________

My Name is _____________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Letter to the Editor ... continued on page 3

donations to SeniorScope

what went wrong with obamacare? Now that we have that awful

government shut down behind us, all eyes are on The Patient Protec-tion and Affordable Care Act commonly called “Obamacare,” a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010. It is the most significant regulatory over-haul of the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid.

But along the way something went terribly wrong with Presi-dent Obama’s consummate piece of legislation leaving millions of Americans frustrated and perturbed?

An analysis reveals three major

problems that have impacted adversely the roll out of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:

1. The Obama administration acted too slowly, waited too long to begin construction on the physi-cal Web site and waited too long announce specific regulations and guidance on how the legislation would work. These delays are self-inflicted wounds that have left the administration scrambling to test the site and fix problems.

2. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) charged with creating the complex e-commerce Web site has little expertise in this area. It is more

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it ‘Christmas’ and went to church; the Jews called it ‘Hanukkah’ and went to syna-gogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say ‘Merry Christmas!’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah!’ or (to the atheists) ‘Look out for the wall!’ Dave Barry, “Christmas Shopping: A Survivor’s Guide”

december 2013 Senior Scope 3

AccordingtoaHarrisInteractivesurvey,69percentofveteransandtheir familieswhoare55or olderare not aware of the U.S. Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs Aid &Attendancebenefit,whichprovidesfinancialassistancetohelppayforassistedlivingcareforveteransandtheir spouses. The poll surveyedmore than 2000 Americans ofwhom 638 are or have a familymemberwhoisaveteran55yearsorolder.

Asthesupplyofseniorhousingstruggles tomeet theneedsof theU.S.seniorpopulation, thecostofcareforseniorsissteadilyincreas-ing. Simultaneously, Americansarefindingthattheyarefinanciallyunpreparedforbothretirementandaging. Due to these factors, plan-ning and overseeing care for anelderly loved one has become asourceofstrainformanyfamilies.

“The survey results highlightwhatouradvisorshavefoundtobetruebasedonourworkwithnearly200,000veteranssince2010:thereisagapinawarenesswhenitcomesto financial resources available toveteransandtheirspousesseekingassisted living care,” said JenniferMellet, Vice President of SeniorLivingAdvising,APlaceforMom.“Veterans and their spouses areoften eligible for benefits, but theprocesstoapplyisnotwell-promot-ed,ormaybesocomplicated thatfamiliesareunsurewheretobegin.

Ourgoalistoraiseawarenessandhelp our nation’s veterans accessthesupporttheyneedastheyseekseniorcaresolutions.”

LindaColeman,aSeniorLivingAdvisorwithAPlaceforMomwhofrequently works with veterans,notes that while there are severalrequired qualifications for the VAAid&Attendancebenefit,onecanbegin determining eligibility byconsideringthreefactors:

Any Veteran with 90 days ofconsecutiveactivedutyservices;

AnyVeteranwhoservedatleastonedayduringactivewartime;

ThesurvivingspouseofaVeter-an,ifmarriedatthetimeofVeter-an’sdeath.

TheVAAid&Attendancebenefitapplies to individuals who requirethe regular attendance of anotherperson to assist in bathing, dress-ing, meal preparation, medicationmonitoring or other activities ofdailyliving.

This benefit is available toindividuals who reside in assistedliving communities, residentialcare homes, skilled nursing facili-ties and those receiving personalin-home care. Benefits for Veter-ans,couplesandasurvivingspousecanrangeanywherefrom$1000to$2600 a month in financial assis-tance.

For more information, contactyourcityortown’sVeteransAgent.

most Veterans and Their Families Unaware of Assisted Living Financial resource

ByDeliaDeMelloSocialSecurity

TheUnitedNations’ Internation-alDayofPersonswithDisabilitiesis annually held on December 3 tofocus on issues that affect peoplewith disabilities worldwide. Thisyear marks the 21st observanceand provides an opportunity tore-commit to helping persons withdisabilitiesbreakdownbarriers.

IntheUnitedStates,SocialSecu-rity often is the primary source ofincomeforpeoplewithdisabilities.Morethan9of10Americanwork-ers are covered by Social Secu-ritydisabilityinsurance,andSocialSecurityprovidesbenefitstoyoungworkers and their families if theworkershouldbecomedisabled.

Social Security has a very strictdefinition of disability — a personmust be unable to engage in anysubstantial gainful activity due toa physical or mental impairmentthat has lasted or is expected tolastatleastoneyear,ortoresultindeath. We do not provide benefitsforpartialortemporarydisabilities,soSocialSecurity beneficiaries aremost inneedof support services ifcontemplatingareturntowork.

Infact,40percentofSocialSecu-rity Disability Insurance beneficia-riesexpressinterestinworkingandSocial Security has a number ofprogramstohelpinthosereturn-to-workefforts. Ourworkincentiveprogramsfeature:

continued cash benefits for aperiod of time while a beneficiaryworks;

continued Medicare or Medicaidcoverage;and

helpwitheducation,training,andrehabilitation to start anew lineofwork.

In addition to these incentives,manybeneficiariesareinterestedintheTicket toWorkprogram,whichcan help people with disabilitiesreceive vocational rehabilitation,training, job referrals, and otheremploymentsupportservicesfreeofcharge.

Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work to learn more. Or readourpublicationsforSSIandSocialSecurityDisabilityInsurancerecipi-ents,Working While Disabled—How We Can Help and Your Ticket To Work. Theseandmanyotherhelpfulpublications are available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Special day Focuses on Helping People with disabilities Open doors

If you or someone you knowsuspectsyou’vebeenthevictimofa scam or fraud aimed at seniors,you can now call a new toll-freehotlinethattheU.S.SenateSpecialCommittee on Aging has set up.UnveiledinNovember,itisstaffedbyateamofinvestigatorswhohaveexperiencewithinvestmentscams,bogus sweepstakes and lotteryschemes, identity theft, MedicareandSocialSecurityfraud,andotherseniorexploitationissues.

Anyone with information aboutsuspected fraud can call the fraudhotline at 1-855-303-9470, or

contact the committee throughits website, at http://www.aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline. “Thecommittee’shotlineoffersadirectdefenseagainstcruelscamsaimedat seniors,” saidEdwardF.Coyle,ExecutiveDirectorof theAllianceforRetiredAmericans.

The hotline’s unveiling coin-cides with the committee’s launchof an enhanced website, featuringlarge print, simple navigation andan uncluttered layout that enablesseniors to find information moreeasily.

Senate Aging committee Launches New Anti-Fraud Hotline

According to the US TreasuryDepartment, an estimated tenmillionseniorsownsavingsbondsthat are no longer earning anyinterest. Many owners may haveforgotten about the bonds and areunaware that they could be facingthepotentialofamendedtaxreturnsandIRSpenalties.

Approximately$15billionworthofsavingsbondshavereachedfinalmaturityandarenolongerearninginterest.Additionally,approximate-lyahalfmillionmaturedbondsareaddedeverymonth,manyof themownedbyseniors.

While bonds may be easy topurchase, many individuals don’tunderstand how they work. Mostdon’trealizethatbondswillcontin-ue to earn interest after the bondreaches its initial maturity – orfacevalue–untilitreachesitsfinalmaturity,whichisusually30yearsfromtheissuedate.Thedifference

betweenthepurchasepriceandthefinalmaturityamountisconsideredtaxableinterest.

Unfortunately, simply forget-ting about the investment and notunderstandingtheIRSrulesregard-ing reporting bond interest is alltoocommon.TheInternalRevenueService requires that you reportaccrual-typesavingsbondearningsfor federal income tax purposesno later than the year in which asavingsbondreachesfinalmaturity,evenifyoudonotredeemit.

Anotherfinancialblowtosavingsbond owners is that there is nolongertheabilitytodefertheinter-est income due on savings bondsonce the bond reaches final matu-rity.AsofSeptember1,2004,bondownersarenolongerable todeferinterest income due on bonds byreinvesting Series H or HH bondsor exchange E, EE bonds for HHbonds.

Forgotten Savings bonds could be costly

attuned to issuing reimburse-ment rules and overseeing claimsprocessingoperations.

3.ItdoesnotappearthattheCMSor its contractors spentmuch timereviewing models from states—Massachusetts, California orConnecticut—that have had yearsofexperiencewithhealthinsuranceexchanges where individuals canshopforinsurance.

Howdowefixtheproblems?1.PresidentObamashouldcreate

anewposition,forexample,adirec-torof the federalhealthexchange.The person should be knowledge-ableinhealthinsuranceexchanges,can repair the process efficientlyand effectively and manage theoperationsforseveralyears.

2. Learn from states that haveup and running systems—Massa-chusetts, California, Connecticut,

Maryland and New York—andadoptandfinetuneaspectsoftheirfineprograms.

3.Focusontheshoppingexperi-ence,theeaseofworkingwiththeWebsitesoonecancomparecover-age,co-pays,subsidizedpremiumsanddeductibles.Theprocessshouldbepainless.

4. The administration needsto regain the trust of the Ameri-can people and convince them thehodgepodge served up so far isbeingaddressedandtakenserious-ly.Iftheadministrationfailsinthisendeavor,itriskslosingtheinterestoftheAmericanpeople.

If health care reform succeededat the state level, it can succeednationwide.

EileenMarum Marion

Letter to the Editor ... continued from page 2

Monday Tuesday wednesday Thursday friday

4 Senior Scope deceMber2013

2HighSodium

PotatoLeekSoupHerbBakedChicken

BeetsMultigrainRoll

MixedFruit

9AmericanChopSueyGreen&WaxBeans

WheatBreadDietPudding

16B

TeriyakiBeefwithVegetablesAsianRiceDinnerRoll

Pears

23CantoneseChicken

withVegetablesPennePastaWheatBread

Pineapple

30

CheeseLasagnaw/TomatoBasilSauceJardineireVeggiesWholeWheatRoll

Pears

healthyeggnogA lightened up, egg-free version of an all time holiday favorite.

ingredients:1cupsoy,almondorregularmilk4icecubes1banana1tspcinnamon1/2tspnutmeg1tspvanillaextract1tspalmondorpeanutbutter2cinnamonsticks

directions:Blendallingredientsinablenderuntilsmooth.Sprinklewithextracinnamon,sugarandnutmegifdesired.Addcinnamonsticksandserve.Enjoy!Serves2Source:stepintomygreenworld.com

3

MeatballSubwithMiniSubRollO’BrienPotatoes

ItalianBlendVeggiesStrawberryCup

10BeefStroganoff

RedBlissPotatoesTarragonCarrots

WholeWheatRollFreshFruit

17ChickenVeggieSoup

BreadedChickenWhippedPotatoes

MultigrainrollFreshFruit

24Sweet&Sour

MeatballsRicePilaf

Mushrooms&PeasWholeWheatRoll

StrawberryCup

31TurkeyStew

withVegetablesFluffyWhiteRice

FruitMuffinAmbrosia

4

LowSodiumHotDogHotDogRoll

MustardPacketVeggieBakedBeans

HotGermanSlawBlondeBrownie

Diet:GrahamWafer

11RoastTurkeyw/Gravy

WhippedPotatoesCranberrySauceWinterSquash

DinnerRollHolidayJelloCakeDiet:GrahamWafer

18

Macaroni&CheeseEscallopedTomato

withSpinachFruitMuffin

ArcticIce

25NOMEAL

5

ShepherdsPiewithSweetPotato

CaliforniaBlendVegWholeWheatBread

Pears

12HoneyMustardChicken

RiceFlorentineZucchini&Tomatoes

MultigrainRollMixedFruit

19HolidayCelebration!RoastPork

withAppleGravyOvenRoastedPotatoesHolidayBlendVeggies

SnowflakeRollBirthdayCake

Diet:GrahamWafer

26RoastChicken

withSupremeSauceGarlicMashedPotatoes

MixedVeggiesMultigrainRollOatmealCookie

Diet:GrahamWafer

6

SalmonFiletwithDillSauceConfettiRice

Peas&CarrotsWholeWheatRoll

FreshFruit

13KrunchyLiteFishwithTartarSauce

LyonnaisePotatoesChuckwagonVeggiesWholeWheatBread

StrawberryCup

20ItalianStyleSpaghetti

withMeatsauceTuscanyBlendVeggies

WholeWheatRollMixedFruit

27TunaSaladCold

PlatewithRotiniPastaSaladThreeBeanSalad

PitaBreadFreshFruit

cranberryballs

forreservations/cancellations,call(508)742-9191or(508)742-9192

aTLeasT24hoursinadvance.TuesdayisVoluntarydonationday,

Thankyou!

ingredients:8ouncesfreshorfrozencranberries1largeunpeeledorange,seededandcutintopieces1cupsugar1(131/2ounce)packagegrahamcrackercrumbs1-1/2cupwhiteraisins1(31/2ounce)canflakedcoconut1-1/2cupsfinelychoppedpecans

directions:Processseparatelycranberries,raisins,orangeandcoconutinfoodprocessororgrinder.Stirinsugarandgrahamcrackercrumbs.Mixwell.Shapeintosmallwalnut sizeballs.Roll infinelychoppedpecans.Place inair tightcontainer.Freezewell.Makesabout125balls

Source:nancyskitchen.com

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.

RoyL.Smith

New Bedford Council on Aging 2 Senior Centers

Free Transportation to the New Bedford Senior Centers

For more information please call the

New Bedford Council on Aging

508-991-6250

We will provide transportation from your home to the senior

center of your choice.

Downtown Senior Center- 725 Pleasant St.

Brooklawn Senior Center- 1997 Acushnet Ave.

Buttonwood Senior Center – 1 Oneida St.

Hazelwood Senior Center- 553 Brock Ave.

Holiday Party Tuesday, December 10

12 PM – 4 PM Fort Taber Community Center

950 South Rodney French Blvd

Menu

Savory Roast Beef, Oven Roasted Turkey,

Seasoned Baby Potatoes, Winter Vegetable Blend,

Coffee & Warm Apple Crisp Dessert

Entertainment by

“Billy Couto and the After Hours”

Cost $10.00 per person Please Sign up by Dec. 3

at

Any New Bedford Senior Center Special Thanks to “The Oaks” for Sponsoring the Meal

Check'Mone+ order .a+a0le to3 !e# %e&'(r& C(+,-il (, 0gi,g

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.

JaniceMaeditere

Privately owned building in the North End of New Bed-ford. Taber Mill is now accepting applications for bright 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Specially designed for people 62 years old and over and for handicapped and disabled persons who are 18 years old and over. Rent based on 30% of adjusted income. Income requirements, please call for more info.

217 Deane Street, New Bedford, MA 02746

(508) 996-3111VOICE-TDD# 1-800-439-2370

Olympia TowerNow Accepting Applications. Overlooking New Bedford

Harbor and Buzzards Bay, Olympia Tower is now accepting applications for 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Specially

designed for people 62 years old and over and for handi-capped or disabled persons who are 18 years old and over.

Enjoy the convenient downtown location and feel secure in the friendly atmosphere. Rent based on 30% of adjusted income.

Income requirements, please call for info.

(508) 997-1205TDD# 800-439-2370

Special Shopping and Services GuideDECEMBEr 2013 Senior Scope 5

Diabetic shoes are calendar year benefits and will expire at the end of December

Diabetic?? Feet Hurt?? Pain??WE CAN HELP

Diabetic Shoes • Conditioning SocksGlucometer • Pain Management

Wheel Chair • Nutrition • Chair Lift

A+ Home Medical (DME)Boston Medical Associates

(Pain Mgmt)

92 Grape St #2A (near St. Luke’s Hospital)New Bedford

Call: 800-233-9996

The Car BarnDesigned for the Elderly

HUD subsidized affordable housing specially designed forPeople 62 years and older and for handicapped/disabled persons

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOr 1 AND 2 BEDrOOM UNITS

The Car Barn offers many amenities: • Gated community • Heat and central air included • Daily activities • Beauty salon • Computer room • Fitness center • Movie theater • Library • Community room • On-site laundry facility • Manager and Residential Service Coordinator • 24-hour maintenance available • Handicapped accessible

Please call for more information

508-997-5484

Carriage HouseCarriage House at Acushnet Heights is a development consisting of 34 apartments

made up of studio and one-bedroom units with some fully accessible units.

Rent is subsidized and based upon 30% of the resident’s annual adjusted income. Applicant, or a member of the applicant household, must be 62 years of age or older.

Carriage House at Acushnet Heights offers many amenities:

• Affordable rent • Beautiful living environment • Plenty of natural light • Community Patio/deck for outdoor enjoyment • Examination Room • Library • Community Room • Heat and hot water and electricity included with rent • All units have air conditioning • New appliances • Covered parking (limited) • On site coin-op laundry • On site beauty salon • 24 hour maintenance

Choose Carriage House at Acushnet Heights as your new home.

Call 508-993-0433 for an application today.

Equal Housing OpportunityHandicap Accessible

PROJECT INDEPENDENCEADULT DAYHEALTH CARECENTER

“Serving Adults with Medical NeedsFor More Than 25 Years”

Karen A. Maciulewicz, M.S. R.N.C250 Elm Street* New Bedford, MA 02740Phone:508-997-1441Fax: 508-997-5594* www.piadhc.orgCaregiver Grant Funded byTitle III-E of O.A.A Sponsored by Coastline Elderly

Linnea R. MichelAttorney at LawLegal Services for EldersWills - Power of Attorney

Home Visits Available

Linnea.Michel@Comcast.net • (508) 264-5996

For information on

Senior Scope’s

ad rates,

please call

508-979-1510

or

508-979-1544

Or would you like to volunteer

to visit people in need of a friendly visit?

Please contact

New Bedford Council on Aging

508-991-6250

and ask for

Director Debra Lee….Thank you!

Are %ou in need

of a FRI0N2L4

5ISI78R9

Update6 Senior Scope december 2013

downtown Holiday StrollTheannualDowntownHolidayStrollissetfortheweekendofDecember

7and8.SeasonalactivitieswillincludeavisitfromSantaandMrs.Claus,musicians,craftsforthekids,antiquefireengineridesandlightingofthecity’sChristmastree.

Holiday Greens Sale and TeaAHolidayGreensSaleandTeaissetforSaturday,December7,from1

p.m.to4p.m.attheAcushnetCouncilonAging.TheeventissponsoredbytheGreaterNewBedfordGardenClubandwillfeatureboxwoodtrees,decoratedwreaths,centerpieces,ornamentsandmore.

Formoreinformationcall508-998-0280.

History of New Bedford book Signing AspartofAHANightonThursday,December12,SpinnerPublications

willhostabooksigningoftheirlatestoffering,A Picture History of New Bedford,thefirstextensivecityhistorytoappearindecades,andotherSpin-nerbooks.Theeventwillbeheldfrom6p.m.to9p.m.attheiroffices,164WilliamStreet.

Haveyourbookssignedandpersonalized,meetandchatwiththeauthors,viewadisplayofhistoricalphotographsandwatchapresentationofhistori-calNewBedfordfilms.Lightrefreshmentswillbeserved.Formoreinfor-mationcallSusanGraceat508-994-4564.

NbPS Holiday House TourNewBedfordPreservationSociety’sAnnualHolidayHouseTourwillbe

heldDecember14,from4p.m.to8p.m.,andDecember15,from1p.m.to5p.m.Thisyear’stourwillfeaturethehistoricAcushnetHeightsneigh-borhood,windingitswaythroughthecity,endinginthecity’sWestEnd.Theself-guidedtourtakesapproximatelytwohourstocomplete.Thisyearseveralresidenceswillbeshownthathaveneverbeforebeenopenforthetours,allbeautifullydecoratedfortheholidays.Visitorswillalsoenjoythecostumedhistoricportrayals,whichwilltakeplaceatoneoftheresidences.

Discounted ticketswillgoonsalemid-Novemberatvarious locations.Forfurtherinformation,pleasecalltheNewBedfordPreservationSocietyoffice,388CountyStreet,at508-997-6425.

Free 2 Hour Parking during HolidaysInanefforttoencourageeveryonetodotheirholidayshoppinginNew

Bedford,theCityisofferingaspecialHolidayParkingProgram.EffectiveThanksgivingDay,November28,throughWednesday,January1,theCityofNewBedfordwilloffer free2-hourparkingatmeteredspaces inboththeDowntownandonAcushnetAvenueand2-hourfreeparkingattheElmStreetGarage,andtheZeiterionGarage.

AnyoneparkedatameterineithertheDowntownoronAcushnetAvenuewhiledoingholidayshoppingwhoreceivesaticketasaresultofparkinginexcessofthe2-hourlimit,maymailorpresenttheirticketalongwithacopyofasalesreceiptfor$10.00ormorefromaDowntownorNorthEndBusinessDistrictrestaurantormerchanttotheCityofNewBedfordTraffic

Thanksgiving dinner

TheNewBedfordYouthBallet

is pleased to invite the

New Bedford Council on Aging to a

special performance of

Wednesday

December 11

NBB Community Theatre

2343 Purchase St. Box lunches will be served

prior to show at Buttonwood, Brooklawn and New Bedford Hotel

$2.00 Donation

Transportation provided Sponsored by the Alves

Chiropractic Center New Bedford Ballet is a non-profit organization For information contact: Council on Aging 508-991-6250 LIMITED SEATING

CommissionOffice.Theparkingticketwillbeforgivenwiththepresenta-tionofthesamedayreceipt.

For more information call the Traffic Commission Office at 508-961-3153.

christmas concert and carolingAchoirandorganconcertwillbeheldonSunday,December15, at3

p.m.atSt.AnthonyChurchonAcushnetAvenue.PerformingatthisholidayeventwillbetheSpiritofSt.AnthonyChoirdirectedbyCassandraMorgan,organistStevenG.Young,pianistIsleilaRodrigues,andMusicInMotion,alocalyouthchorusledbyCassandraFurtado.TheconcertfeaturesaChrist-masCarolingsingalong,includingHandel’sHallelujahChorus.

ComplimentaryhotchocolateofferedbytheNorthEndBusinessAsso-ciationwillbeavailablefollowingtheconcert.FreetrolleyisprovidedbySt.AnthonyFederalCreditUnion,withfreeparkingattheWhale’sToothFerryLotinDowntownNewBedford.

Frederick douglass read-a-thon The 14th annual Frederick Douglass Community Read-a-thon invites

everyonetojointheeventasreadersoftheNarrativeofLifeofFrederickDouglass,anAmericanSlave,publishedin1845.TheeventwilltakeplaceonSunday,February9,2014from2p.m.to6p.m.at theFirstUnitarianChurch,71EighthStreet,refreshmentswillbeserved.

ForinformationandtosignuptoreadcontacttheNewBedfordHistori-calSocietyat508-979-8828.

Christmas Day Dinner

2013 Thursday, December 25

Dinner Served at Noon

Holy Name of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Hall New Bedford

All area SENIORS are invited to come for holiday dinner with all the trimmings

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Call 508-991-6250

New Bedford Council on Aging

TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE (DEADLINE DEC19)

Sponsored by the Jewish Community of New Bedford

A complete Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings was served to a large group of smiling seniors at the Hazelwood Senior Center on November 14. The dinner was followed by entertainment with Ray J.

Day TripsContact the Fairhaven Council on Aging at 508- 979-4029 about the

following trip:Tues. Dec. 10 -- Celtic Yuletide Spectacular -- Foxwoods

___________________________________

Contact the Rochester Council on Aging at 508-763-8723 about the following trips:

Mon. Dec. 9 – Kingston Mall Shopping Tues. Dec. 17 – Walmart /Dartmouth Shopping Thurs. Dec. 19 – LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro

___________________________________________

Contact the City of New Bedford Senior Travel program at 508-991-6171 about the following trips open to anyone 50 or older.

Tues. Dec. 10 – Christmas at The HukelauSat. Jan. 11 – “Wicked” at PPACMon. Jan. 13 – Mohegan Sun CasinoMon. Feb. 10 – Foxwoods CasinoFri. Feb. 21 – RI Flower ShowMon. March 10 – Mohegan SunWed. March 12 – Parker’s Maple Barn and Anheuser-Busch Brewery

_____________________________________________

Multi-Day ToursContact the City of New Bedford Senior Travel program at 508-991-

6171 about the following trips open to anyone 50 or older. Registration begins November 12.

April 4 – 6 – Penobscot High Stakes BingoMay 11 – 17 – Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC

Senior TravelDeCeMBeR 2013 Senior Scope 7

By Ed CamaraMixed Trivia1) Name any two states that have “panhandles”.2) In 1883, salt water taffy was first sold. Where?3) In 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK. Days later, Jack Ruby killed Lee Harvey Oswald. Four years later (1967), Jack Ruby died. How?4) Finish this lyric: “You’ve lost . . .”

5) What is a young beaver called?6) What color is the last stripe on the American flag?7) What words come before “Money can’t buy me love”.8) What language are the Ten Commandments written in?9) How many miles is Cuba from the U.S. mainland?10) Which sea creature has an eye the size of a basketball?

Trivia Quiz

Rochester Senior Center Reaccredited

Senior Scope Presents: San Antonio Getaway May 11 - 15, 2014

Relax Texas-style when you settle into your River Walk hotel on this 5-day San Antonio getaway. Visit the legendary Alamo. Learn about the history of the San Antonio region at the South Texas Heritage Center. Be swept up in the romance of the Old West at a dude ranch in Bandera. Visit charming Fredericksburg nestled in the hill country and rich with German

heritage. Discover the bold flavors of Texas wines and cuisine during dinner at an olive orchard. Cruise along the Paseo del Rio and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of this Texas city.

Call 508-979-1544 for more infor-mation or e-mail Jeannine.Wilson@newbedford-ma.gov

The Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly and the Dartmouth Rotary Club joined to kick off the town’s year-long 350th anni-versary celebration at the New Bedford Country Club on Thurs-day, November 21.

In addition to dinner, the gala event included the unveiling of the 2014 calendar featuring town volunteers and a special Christ-mas ornament. The sale of these items will benefit the activities of the Friends of the Elderly and

the Dartmouth Rotary Club, said Maria Connor, who is president of both organizations this year.

Calendars and ornaments can be purchased at Baker Books, Brandon Woods Homecare, La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery, Dartmouth Council on Aging, Ernie Ross Jewelers, Fabulous Foundations, Davoll’s General Store, Alderbrook Farms, Doro-thy Cox Chocolates, The Packet, Dartmouth Town Hall and Alpha Graphics.

Following a more than one year long study and review, the Rochester Senior Center has been reaccredited by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

The following strengths were identified by the NCOA Reaccredita-tion Board, according to the NCOA website:

The center has a beautiful facility that is very well maintained. There is good vision in future plans for the building.

The Board is very committed and has demonstrated high standards for the center in supporting the accredi-tation process.

The breakfast program is a wonderful addition to the center and to the town. It demonstrates a wonderful capacity for innovation and collaboration.

Impressive market penetration with almost 80 percent of the target market engaged in some form.

The center has demonstrated its critical value to the town through the efforts during the snow emergency.

The center has been quite success-ful at providing the level of service expected in a larger community to this rural setting while maintaining the character of the community.

Dartmouth Friends of the elderly Kick Off 350th Anniversary

Maureen O’Leary from the NCOA Accreditation Board presents the accreditation certificate to Jean Armstrong, Rochester COA Advi-sory Board president, and Sharon Lally, Rochester COA Director.

Ellie White, secretary of the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly and a member of the Dart-mouth Rotary Club, and Maria Connor, president of the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly and the Dartmouth Rotary Club, display the 2014 Dart-mouth Friends of the Elderly calendar featur-ing town volunteers.

City of New Bedford / COA & Senior Centers

Buttonwood Park Senior Center

1 Oneida St, New Bedford

*New Hours*

Monday – Friday

7:30am – 3:30pm

For More Information, Please Call Karen 508-991-6170

At the Senior Centers8 Senior Scope december 2013

Acushnet Senior centerFormoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,calltheAcushnetCouncilonAging

at508-998-0280.Free hand massage and manicures by students from Old Colony on Thursday,

December5,from10:00a.m.to11:30a.m.Walk-inswelcome.Lovely Ladies Learning to eat HealthywillholdtheirlastmeetinguntilFebruaryon

Friday,December6,at10a.m.Thisnutrition/weightlossgroupwillresumeinFebruary.Acushnet cOA Holiday Party,sponsoredinpartbyCoastlineElderlyServices,will

beheldonThursday,December12,from11:30a.m.withabrunchfollowedbymusicalentertainment.Ticketsare$3andmustbepurchasednolaterthanDecember6.

Free and private legal consultations withrepresentativesfromSurprenantandBenes-ki,PC.willbeavailableonTuesday,December17,from10a.m,to11a.m.Duetopopular-ity,youmusthaveanappointmenttobeseen.

NocribbagegameswillbeheldinDecember.TheywillresumeinJanuary. cribbage playersareneededforFridaygames.Starttimeis12p.m.sharp.Noleague

orlongtermcommitment.GrooverciseclassonThursdaymorningsat9:30isamixofcardio,strength,flexibility

andbalance,allset toupbeatmusicandledbyCertifiedGroupFitnessInstructorEllieHiggins.

right, Left, center isafun,newandaddictivedicegame.ComeinforanhourofplayeveryFriday from12:30p.m. to1:30p.m.Callourafternoon receptionists (LindaandLynn)fordetails.

The Lovely Ladies eating Healthy groupmeetsonFridaysat10a.m.Anewbook clubmeetseveryotherMondayfrom11a.m.to12p.m.Formoreinfor-

mation,callLindaorLynnat508-998-0280.TheFrench cultural GroupnowmeetsonTuesdaysat9a.m.TheTuesdayPitch Leagueisplayingintheafternoons.Playstartspromptlyat1p.m.

sobesuretoarriveafewminutesearly.Newplayersandsubstitutesarealwayswelcome.Toe Nail care withaprofessionallylicensedmanicuristisavailableeveryotherFriday

byappointment.Abeginners’ exercise classwithLarryBigosmeetsWednesdayat2:30p.m.Goat

yourownpacewhilebuildingstrengthandmakingnewfriends.Thered Hat SocietymeetsthefirstThursdayofthemonthat11a.m.,tosetthesched-

uleforthefollowingmonth’sactivities.Newmembersalwayswelcome.chair Yoga withSueAshleymeetsonTuesdaymorningsfrom9to10.cardio Fusion, alow-impact,highenergyclass,meetsFridaysfrom10a.m.to11a.m.Strong Women, Strong boneswithKarenCorcoranhelpsyoustretch,flexandbuild

corestrengthonMondayandWednesdayat10a.m.Thisistheperfectclassforthosewithosteoporosisorosteoarthritis.

Aerobics with Sue meetsat10a.m.onFridays.

Ashley Park centerTheAshleyParkCenterinNewBedfordisopenMondaythroughFridayfrom10a.m.

to4pm.AWellnessClinicisheldeverythirdThursdayofthemonthfrom10:30a.m.to12:00 p.m. For information on activities such as cards, dominoes, and crocheting, callLidiaat508-991-6211.

brooklawn Senior center TheBrooklawnSeniorCenterisnowopenMonday,ThursdayandFridayfrom9a.m.

to3p.m.andTuesdayandWednesdayfrom9a.m.to4p.m.Formoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,calltheBrooklawnSeniorCenterat

508-961-3100.ATrim-a-Tree PartyissetforThursday,December12,from12:30p.m.to3:30p.m.AnewTai chi classwillmeetonMondaysfrom1p.m.to2p.m.startingJanuary6.

Theclassisfreebutyoumustcalltoregister.AnewTrivia GroupwithBobBrancomeetsonMondaymorningsat10.Everyoneis

welcometojoinin.Artclassesarefreeandmaterialsareprovided.decorative PaintingmeetsonMonday

at10a.m.anddrawing What You See/Watercolor meetsonFridayat10a.m.The discussion Group that meets on Tuesday afternoons at 1 is welcoming new

members.EnjoytheancientChinesegamemah JonggeveryTuesdayat10a.m.withinstructor

JoanBlanchette.Experiencedandnewplayersarewelcome.Whist playersenjoygreatpeopleandprizeseveryWednesdayat12:30p.m.PlaycribbageWednesdaymorningsstartingat10. Ifyou’veneverplayedandare

interested,joininastheplayersteachyouthislongtimefavorite.Thebook club meetsthesecondWednesdayofeachmonthat10a.m.Everyone of any physical ability is encouraged to participate in the Strength and

conditioningclasswithLarryBigosthatmeetsonThursdaysat10a.m.TheSenior choral Group rehearses everyThursday from12:30p.m. to 2:30p.m.

Newmembersarewelcome.

buttonwood Senior center Formoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,calltheButtonwoodSeniorCenterat

508-991-6170,ext.5:TheCenterisopen9a.m.to5p.m.MondaythroughFriday.Fall risk Prevention willbethetopicofapresentationbyCorinnaRogersofBayada

HomeHealthCareonThursday,December5,at11a.m.At12noononThursday,December5,JulieLivingstoneofOverlookHomeHealthwill

discussempowerment.Staying Warm willbethetopicofapresentationbyKatieRoderiquesofTheOakson

Thursday,December12,at11a.m.On Thursday, December 12, at 12 noon Claudia Parascandolo of Emeritus Senior

Livingwilldiscusshowtocelebrate the Holidays.Enjoycookies and hot chocolateonThursday,December19,at11a.m.OnThursday,January16,at11:30a.m.AmySchramwillofferapresentationonthe

better business bureau.CorinnaRohersofBayadaHomeHealthwilldiscussLaughter Is the best medicine

onThursday,January23,at12noon.OnThursday, January30, at 11 a.m.DaveLambert ofCVSwill talk aboutType 2

diabetes.AnAerobics classmeetsonMondaysat10a.m.Gentle Yogawith JoanDavignon

meetsonTuesdayat10a.m.Painting with Friends meetsonWednesdaysat12:30p.m.withinstructorKathyArruda.Tai chi withKarenCorcoranmeetseveryWednesdayat2p.m.Jointhisfreeclassand

improveyourhealthandbalance.classic Painting, withinstructorRyanSantosisasemi-independentpaintingclassthat

meetseveryFridaymorningfrom9:30a.m.to11a.m.The Swing dancercise class with Victor Fonseca meets from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on

Fridays.

caroline Street Senior centerFormoreinformationonthefollowingactivitiesattheCarolineStreetSeniorCenter,

26CarolineStreet,call508-991-6301.Lunch isservedMondaythroughFridayatnoon.exercise class meetseveryMondayat11a.m.Ice cream Social isheldeveryotherFriday.

dartmouth Senior centerFormoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,calltheDartmouthSeniorCenterat

508-999-4717:Callforinformationabout Transportation tolocaldoctorsandgroceryshoppingfor

DartmouthresidentsThe annual Holiday Party will be held on Wednesday, December 18, at 12:30.A

cateredlunchwillbefollowedbyentertainmentwithsingerLauraJames.Reservationsarerequired.

cookie decorating Party issetforFriday,December6,at12:30p.m.The Healing Power of breath will be the topic of a presentation by Dr. Richard

BrownofColumbiaUniversityandPatriciaGerbarbofHarvardUniversityonMonday,December16,at10a.m.

ring in winter withaholidaymovieandhotcocoaonFriday,December20,at10a.m.TheAlzheimer’s GroupwillmeetonTuesday,December17,at3p.m.The SHINe representative (Serving the Health Information Needs of Seniors) is

attheCenteronTuesdaysfrom9a.m.to12p.m.PleasecalltheCentertoscheduleanappointment.

everybody’s book club meetsthesecondMondayofthemonthat1p.m.Taketurnshostingorchoosingabook.BrowseourFreeBookLendingLibrary.Wewelcomedona-tionsofrecentlypublishedbooks.

dance with the OT band thefirstandthirdWednesdayofthemonthfrom12:30p.m.to3:00p.m.

chair massage isnowofferedTuesdaysandThursdaysfrom10:30a.m.to11:30a.m.Our walkers are on the move!JoinusMonday,WednesdayandFridayat8:30a.m.

It’sfree.Weofferdifferentwalkinglevelsandnoonewalksalone.Knitters and Handcrafters meetonWednesdaysfrom1p.m.to3p.m.Play bridge onMondaysfrom12p.m.to3:30p.m.AHand QuiltingclassmeetsonMondaysfrom9a.m.to11a.m.StopintheCentermostmorningsat9:30foragame of pool. Wearelookingforcribbageplayers.Ifyouareinterestedinplayingorwouldliketo

learnhow,joinourplayersonTuesdaysat9:30.Tai chi classmeetsonTuesdays,9a.m.to10a.m.ThisChinesehealthexercisewill

improveyourbalanceandmobility.computer clinics meetonTuesdaysfrom10:15a.m.to12:15p.m.andWednesdays

from11:30a.m.to1:30p.m.Learnthebasicsforastrongfoundationandusethecomput-ertodowhatyouwant.

TheGentle Yoga classmeetsThursdaysat10a.m.Zumba GoldclassmeetsTuesdaysfrom11a.m.to12p.m.andThursdaysfrom11:30

a.m.to12:30p.m.Pound by Pound, afreeweightlosssupportgroup,meetsMondaysat10a.m.Walk-

insarewelcome.Thebasic Sewing class meetsThursdaysat11a.m.Weprovideamachineoryoumay

bringyourown.Nosignupisrequired.FreeOsteo exerciseclassesareofferedMonday,WednesdayandFridayat10:15a.m.An individualized Flex and Strength classmeets onWednesday at 8:30 a.m. and

Fridayat9:00a.m.Beginnersarewelcome.Thisclassisofferedatareducedcostof$3.00.AFoot care clinic is heldon thefirstThursday and lastTuesdayof eachmonth.

Appointmentsarerequired.Enjoyagameofmah JonggonFridaysfrom11:30a.m.to3:00p.m.Experiencedand

newplayerswelcome.Line dancing classesmeetonFridayafternoonsat12:45to1:15forbeginnersand

1:15to3:00foradvanced.

downtown Senior center The Downtown Senior Center is located in the New Bedford Hotel elderly housing

complex,firstfloor.Formoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,callat508-991-6255:Abirthday SocialisheldthefirstMondayofthemonth.AWellness clinicisheldeverysecondThursdayofthemonth.TheYarn GroupmeetsonMondaysat1p.m.bingo gamesareheldTuesdayandThursdayafternoonsfrom1:00to2:30.

Fairhaven Senior centerFormoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,calltheFairhavenCouncilonAging

at508-979-4029:RosaFarizoofSouthCoastalCountiesLegal ServiceswillbeatthecenteronThurs-

day,December12,from9a.m.to11a.m.toanswerquestionsonhousing,SocialSecurity,Medicare,Medicaidandotherissues.Signupisrequired.

Knitting for beginners meetsMondayafternoonsfrom1to2.Bringyourneedles,yarnandapatternoraproject.

Fit Quest, ahealthyweightprogram,meetsonThursdaymorningsat9.Confidentialweight-inisfollowedbyameetingfeaturingtipsonlosingweightandkeepingitoff.

Single Seniors Supper club meetsthefirstandthirdTuesdayofthemonthforalightsupperandcompanionship.

Friends of the Fairhaven elderly meetsthesecondTuesdayofeachmonthat6p.m.computer classes meetonMonday,ThursdayandFriday.Callfortimesandtosignup.chair Yoga classnowmeetsonMondayandThursdaymorningsfrom10:15to11:15.An

Osteo exerciseclassmeetsMonday,TuesdayandWednesdaymorningsfrom8:30to10:00.AWellness clinicisheldonTuesdayandThursdaymorningsfrom9:30to11:30.OnTuesdaytheWii Fitgroupmeetsfrom9:00a.m.to11:30a.m.PlaybridgeonTuesdayfrom12:30p.m.to3:30p.m.,andplay Pitch onWednesday

andThursdayfrom12:30p.m.to3:30p.m.Trips to the mall callfordetails.TheTai chiclassmeetsonThursdaysfrom10a.m.to11a.m.andZumbameetson

WednesdayandFridayfrom11:30a.m.to12:30p.m.complete Foot care byalicensedprofessional isavailableonceamonth.Callfor

datesandtimes.TheO.T.’swillplayeverysecondandfourthThursday.

Hazelwood Senior center Formoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,calltheHazelwoodSeniorCenterat

508-991-6208:Gentle Yoga withJoeyMachadomeetsWednesdayat10a.m.dancercise with big band music ledbyVictorFonsecameetseveryTuesdayfrom1

p.m.to2p.m.A Knitting and crocheting classmeetsonThursdaysat9:30a.m.Beginnersarewelcome.MovethosefeetattheLine dancing classeveryThursdayfrom:1:00p.m.to2:30p.m.

InstructorNancyCabralwillhelpyoutolearnthemostfunandnewdances.Strength and conditioning withLarryBigoswillmeeteveryTuesdayfrom11:30to12:30.Play cards onWednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and

Fridaysfrom9a.m.tonoonandfrom2:30p.m.to3:30p.m.AnArts and crafts groupledbyteacherBernadetteMendesmeetsThursdaysfrom

9:30a.m.to11a.m.Visually Impaired support GroupmeetsTuesday,at9a.m.

At the Senior Centers... continued on page 12

december 2013 Senior Scope 9

Nutrition NewsSenior Safety

When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window. OgdenNash

Savoy Nursing & rehabilitation center670 county Street, New bedford

A homelike atmosphere for short term rehabilitation, respite, hospice or long term care.

Owned and operated by a physician.call to schedule a tour

Tel. 508-994-2400 Fax 508-994-4746

Seniors need to take extra safetyprecautions in cold weather. AttenicaHomeHealthoffersalistoftipsdesignedto assist seniors with staying safe andhealthyasthetemperaturedrops.

“Winterisoftenadangeroustimeforseniors. Icy roads and walkways makeslipsmorelikelyandcoldweatheractsasadeterrenttogettingexercise.We’rereleasingthesesafetytipstohelpseniorsstayhealthythrougheveryseasonoftheyear,” said Nancy Hann, Senior VP atAttenciaandAmericareInc.

Many seniors experience a declinein activity level when cold weatherimpedes exercising outdoors. Attenciarecommends joining a local class orwalk that can be done indoors, whichprovidesbothsocialandphysicalbene-fits. Seniors can also complete balanceand fitness exercises at home with the

helpofaqualifiedhomehealthaide.Bundling up properly can prevent

hypothermia or frostbite and appropri-atefootwearcanhelpseniorsmaintainagriponwetorslipperypathways.Whenindoors,keepingtheheatoncanensurethat the house stays at a comfortabletemperatureevenasitgetscoldoutside.However,heaters,heatingpads,fireplac-es,andthelikecanbecarbonmonoxideor fire hazards. Seniors and those whocare for them should install detectorsthroughouttheirresidence.

Inadditiontophysicalhealth,seniorsneed to be aware of the importance ofmaintaining emotional health through-out the winter. Depression is morecommonincoldmonths,andseniorsareencouragedtostayassocialaspossibletopreventanyemotionalissues.

Winter Safety Tips for SeniorsByJamieBuccheri,RD,LDNDietitian/Nutritionist,CoastlineElderlyServices,Inc.

A Strength and Conditioning class with Larry Bigos meets on Thursday mornings at 10 at the Brooklawn Senior Center.

Strength & conditioning

Theholidaysarehere,andfoodisa big and beautiful part of the holi-day tradition. How do you plan tohandletheabundanceofrichanddeli-ciousfoodsthatareboundtoshowupat every event? First and foremost,rememberthatyouhavecontrolovertheamountoffoodyoueat.Indulginginatastytreatisokay,buttrytakingasliverofthepieratherthanhalfthecake!

Youcanalsotakealittlebitofallthefoodsattheparty,andsavoreverybite.Othertipsforsparingyourwaist-

lineduringtheholidaysincludeleav-ingthebutteroffyourbreadorusingmargarineinstead,takingtheskinoffturkeyorchicken,andputtingsaucesontheside.

If you’re the one doing the cook-ing, swap lower calorie options forthefullfatversions.Lastly,don’tgohungry. Plan to eat something smallbefore going to the party, eliminat-ingtheurgetostuffyourselfonceyouarrive. Follow these tips and you’llhave no regrets when the holidayseasonisover.

Holiday eating Survival Guide

Los ancianos necesitan tomar másprecauciónesdeseguridadeneltiempofrio. LaAttenciaHomeHealthofreceunalistadesoplosdeseñadaparaasistirlosancianosparamantenerensesegurosysaludablescuandolatemperaturabaja.

“El invierno es un tiempo peligrosoparalosancianos.Lascarreterasconge-ladasylospaseoshacenelresbalamien-to más probable y el tiempo frio actuacomo un impedimiento para llevar acabo el ejercicio. Estamos emitiendoestos soplos de seguridad para ayudarlosancianosamantenerensesaludablesdurante todas las estaciónes del año,”dijolaNancyHann,Vice-PresidentedelaAttenciayAmericare,Inc.

Muchos ancianos sienten unadeclinación en el nível de actividadcuandoel tiempofrio impideelejerceralairelibre.LaAttenciarecomiendalaaderenciaaunaclaselocalopaseoquepuedeserhechodentrode lacasa,quepuede prover benefícios tanto socialescomobenéficos. Tambiénlosancianos

pueden hacer ejercicios de equilibrioybienestarencasacon laayudadeunasistentedesaludcalificado.

Vestirseapropiadamentepuedeevitarlahipotermiaoloscalzadosapropiadospuedenayudarlosancianosenagarrarenelpaseomojadoy resbaldizo. Cuandoestan dentro de casa, manteniendo lacalefacción prendida puede asegurarquelacasasemantieneenunatempera-turacomodamismoqueesté frioenelexterior. Sin embargo, los calientado-res,almoadasdecalefacción,chimeneaso cosas del genero pueden represen-tar peligros de monoxido carbónico oincendio.Losancianosylosquecuidandeellosdebeninstalardetectoresentodalaresidencia. Aléndelasaludfísica,losancianosnecesitandeestarenconci-entesde la importanciademantener lasaludemocionalduranteelinvierno.Ladepresión es más comun en los mesesfrios, y los ancianos son alentados enmantenerensetansocialescomoposíbleparaevitarcualquierasuntoemocional.

Soplos Sobre la Seguridad del Invierno para Ancianos

Os idosos precisam tomar maisprecauçõesdesegurançanotempofrio.A Attencia Home Health ofrece umalistadepalpitesdesenhadaparaassistiros idosos para manterem-se seguros esaudososquandoatemperaturabaixa.

“Oinvernoéumtempoperigosoparaosidosos. Asestradascongeladaseospasseios fazemo excorregamentomaisprováveleotempofrioactuacomoumimpedimento para o conseguimentode exercício. Estamos a emitir estespalpites de segurança para ajudar osidosos manterem-se saudáveis durantetodasasestaçõesdoano,”disseaNancyHann, Vice-Presidente da Attencia eAmericare,Inc.

Muitos idosos sentem um decliniononíveldeactividadequandoo tempofrio impede o exercer ao ar livre. AAttencia recomenda a aderência a umaclasse local ou passeio que pode serfeito dentro de casa, que pode proverbeneficiostantosociaiscomobenéficos.Tambémosidosospodemfazerexerci-cios de equilíbrio e bem estar em casa

comaajudadeumassistentedesaúdequalificado.

Vestir apropriadamente pode evitara hipotermia ou enregelamento e oscalçados apropriados podem ajudar osidososemagarraremospasseiosmolha-doseescorregadios.Quandoestiveremdentro de casa, manterem o aqueci-mento ligadopodeasegurarqueacasasemantenhanumatemperaturacomfor-távelmesmoqueestejafrionoexterior.Contudo,osaquecedores,almofadasdeaquecimento,lareiras,oucoisasdogéne-ropodemrepresentarperigosdemonox-idocarbónicoouincêndio.Osidososeaquelesquecuidamdelesdeveminstalardetectoresem todaa residência. Alémda saúde física, os idosos precisam deestarem concientes da importancia demanterem a saúde emocional durantetodo o inverno. A depressão é maiscomumnosmesesfrios,eosidosossãoalentados em manterem-se tão sociaiscomo possível para prevenir qualquerassuntoemocional.

Palpites de Segurança do Inverno para Idosos

Cookiesareaholidayfavorite–andthis season is a good time to remindourselvesthatready-to-cookfoodsofallkinds, including raw, packaged cookiedough, do need to be cooked. Eatingthese kinds of foods right out of thepackage, without cooking them, couldmake you sick from bacteria. Cookingthem according to the package direc-tionsbeforeyoueat themkillsbacteriathatcouldmakeyousick.

Whether it’spackagedcookiedoughorafrozenentréeorpizzaoranyoftheother ready-to-cook foods we use forconvenience,cookorbakethemaccord-ingtothedirectionsonthepackage,tohelpkeepyourholidayshappy.

Mostpeoplewhogetsickfrombacte-ria in ready-to-cook foods that aren’t

cookedproperlywillgetbetterbythem-selves,althoughfoodborneillnessisn’ta very pleasant way to spend the holi-days.Butanyone,ofanyageorhealthcondition,couldgetverysickordiefromthesebacteria.Thisisespeciallytrueforpeoplewithweakimmunesystems;forexample, the very young, the elderly,and people with diseases that weakentheimmunesystemorwhoareonmedi-cines that suppress the immunesystem(forexample, somemedicinesused forrheumatoidarthritis).

It’sagoodsafetytiptokeepinmindallyear,not just in theholidayseason:Followthedirectionsonyourready-to-cookfoodpackages tohelpkeepyour-selfandyourlovedones

ready-to-cook Foods: Follow directions to Keep Your Holidays Happy

Since many of the symptoms ofcarbon monoxide (CO) poisoning aresimilartothoseoftheflu,youmaynotthink that CO poisoning could be thecause.SymptomscouldbetheresultofCOpoisoningwhen:

You feel better when you are awayfromyourhome.

More than one person in the homegets sick at the same time. It usuallytakes several days for the flu to passfrompersontoperson.

Familymemberswhoaremostaffect-edspendthemosttimeinthehome.

Symptomsoccurorgetworseshortlyafterturningonafuel-burningdeviceorrunningavehicleinanattachedgarage.

Indoorpetsalsoappearill,exhibitingsymptomssuchasdrowsinessandleth-argy.Humanfluvirusesarenottransmit-tedtopets.

You don’t have generalized aching,low-grade fever, or swollen lymphnodes.Thesearetypicalofacoldorflu.

Is It carbon monoxide Poisoning or the Flu?

Condensed milk is wonderful. I don’t see how they can get a cow to sit down on those little cans. FredAllen

Your Health10 Senior Scope december 2013

Christmasistheseasonforkindlingthefireofhospitalityinthehall,thegenialflameofcharityintheheart. WashingtonIrving

Whattypicallystartswithavisittothedoctorformedicationtodullpainfromarthritisorotherachesandpainsisnowendingwithaddiction.Oneofthe largest-growing populations ofdrug-addicted individuals is seniorcitizens,largelyduetoprescribedpainmedicationsforcommonailments.

Novus Medical Detox , says therisingtideofdrugaddictionamongthemiddle-agedandeldersisevidenceofthe strong hold of prescription drugsonAmericansociety,butthisgripcanbeloosenedbypubliceducationontheaddictivequalitiesofdrugs.

AccordingtotheNationalInstituteonDrugAbuse(NIDA)attheNation-al InstitutesofHealth, thenumberofoldersubstanceabuserscouldcontin-uetoriseduetotheagingofthebabyboomers, who were more likely thanprevious generations to have usedillicitdrugsintheiryouth.

“A common misconception is thatsubstance abuse only affects young-er generations,” said Novus Execu-tive Director Kent Runyon. “But thereality is that many older adults arebecomingaddictedtothemedicationsthey are being prescribed, and abus-ingthesesubstancescanoftenworsenage-relatedhealthconditions.”

Tobettercombattheriseofprescrip-tion drug abuse, Runyon maintainsthateducationaboutthepotentialsideeffectsofprescriptiondrugsandtheiraddictivequalities isneeded.Runyon

alsomaintainsthatthepublicmustbeproactiveinensuringtheirownhealthandsafetywithregardtoprescriptiondrugs. Runyon suggests that patientsask their doctors the following ques-tionsbeforetakingprescriptiondrugs:

Question the diagnosis. Makingadiagnosisissomethingthatshouldnotbedonewithinafive-minuteconver-sation.Makesurethedoctorconduct-ed a thoroughevaluation, taking intoaccount medical and mental healthhistory, symptoms and relevant testresults.

Will there be side effects? Everydrug can cause side effects. But byknowing what symptoms to expect,any abnormal or unexplained symp-tomscanbeeasilyrecognized.

can a lifestyle alteration have the same effect? Manymildailmentscanoftenbetreatedsimply.Forthosewithmild depression, exercise can workjustaswellasanantidepressant;highbloodpressuremaybereducedsimplybyloweringone’ssodiumintake.Andmany of those with type 2 diabetescan reverse their condition by losingweight, increasing their activity andcleaninguptheirdiet.

Novus advises those who aredependentonanyabusivesubstancetofind safe, medically-supervised detoxprograms,andtousethosewithinte-gratedmedicinethatallowsthedetoxprocesstobeascomfortableaspossi-ble.

Prescription drug Addiction rises among elders

BRANDON WOODSof Dartmouth & New Bedford

offering:

* POST SURGICAL CARE* SHORT STAY REHABILITATION

* ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE* HOME CARE SERVICES

* SENIOR TRANSPORTATION

Your Guide to Senior Care on the SouthCoast397 County St. • New Bedford, MA

567 Dartmouth St. • So. Dartmouth, MA

For more information call Eva Jansson: 508.958.5920Family Owned & Operated • www.elderservices.com

Afamilyisgatheredbythebedsideofalovedonewhohasbeenseriouslyill, andnow is likelynear theendoflife. Each member of the family hasa different idea of what should bedoneandwhattheirlovedonewouldhave wanted. That’s the point whentheyrealizetheyshouldhaveplannedaheadandtalkedaboutwhattheyeachwouldwantinamedicalcrisis.

Heart breaking scenes like thishappen far too often. The NationalHospiceandPalliativeCareOrganiza-tion is encouraging families to spendtime when they may be gathered forthe holidays to talk about the carethey would or would not want. Thisisparticularlyimportantifafamilyiscoping with a serious or life-limitingillnessofalovedone.

Having discussions about one’shealthcarewishes ispartofadvancecare planning. “Everyone wants todiepeacefullyandwithdignity.Butittakes more than hope to achieve thisend-of-life outcome,” said Compas-sion & Choices President BarbaraCoombsLee,whowasanERandICUnurse and physician assistant for 25years. “Making and communicatingend-of-life plans is absolutely neces-sarytoensurewegetthetreatmentwewant,andtoavoidtreatmentwedon’twant.Thisstepisespeciallyimportanttoprepareforatimewemaybeunabletospeakforourselves.”

Advance care planning involves

making decisions about the care youwould want to receive in a medicalcrisisthatmightbetheresultofaseri-ousillnessoranunexpectedaccident.Advance care planning also involvesdecidingwhowillspeakforyouifyouarenotabletospeakforyourself.Anessential part of advance care plan-ning involveshaving these importantconversationswithyourlovedones.

Advance care planning alsoincludes:

Deciding what types of treatmentyouwouldorwouldnotwantshouldyoubediagnosedwitha life-limitingillnessorfacedwithaseriousmedicalcrisis.

Sharing your personal values andbeliefswithyourlovedones.

Completing an advance directivetoputintowritingwhattypesoftreat-mentyouwouldorwouldnotwant.

Designatingapersonasyourhealthcare power of attorney (sometimescalledahealthcareproxy)tospeakforyouifyoucannotspeakforyourself.

“Notonlyisitimportantforeachofustoclearlymakeourwishesknownbutitisoneofthemostimportantgiftswecangivetoourfamiliesandlovedones,” said J. Donald Schumacher,NHPCOpresidentandCEO.“Duringtheholidayseason,familiesareoftengathered together, and that’s the besttime to have these caring conversa-tionswithoneanother.”

Talk about Health care choices before a crisis

Many smokers think about quit-ting every day. As a matter of fact,70percentofsmokerspolledindicatethat is exactly what they want to do.Perhaps the holidays are the perfecttimetotryagain.Itwouldbeagifttoyourselfandthosewholoveyou.

The U.S. Surgeon General hasstated, “Smoking cessation repre-sents the single most important stepthat smokerscan take toenhance thelength and quality of their lives.”This is a great time to make a quitattemptortoprepareyourselftomakea quit attempt.With the cigarette taxin Massachusetts increased by $1 apackandtheexcisetaxonmanyothertobaccoproductsincreasedaswell,itisagoodchancetonotonlyimproveyour health, but to improve yourbottomline.

When you quit for good, yourhealth improves immediately, regard-less of your age or health status. Inaddition, family members’ health isalso greatly improved.A child livingin a smoke-free environment is lesslikely to develop asthma, allergies,

bronchitis,pneumonia,earinfections,lowerrespiratorytractinfectionsordiefrom sudden infant death syndrome.Decreased exposure to secondhandsmoke also leads to a lower risk ofheart disease and lung cancer forthe nonsmoking adults in the family.Remember, health benefits begin assoonas20minutesafterquitting.

Many free resources are availableto help you quit, and many healthinsuranceplans coverFDA-approvedmedicinesandcounselingforquitting,including MassHealth and Common-wealth Care. When you use quit-smokingmedicinesorcounselingyoucandoubleyourchancesofquittingforgood. For more information call theMA Smoker’s Helpline at 800-784-8669orvisitthemakesmokinghistory.orgwebsiteformoreinformation.

For information regarding localtobacco cessation services in yourarea, please contact Judith Coyken-dall, Seven Hills Behavioral HealthTobacco-FreeCommunityPartnershipat508-995-3026,ext.4002oremailatjcoykendall@sevenhills.org.

Give Yourself the Gift of QuittingThereitisagain:thatheelpainyou

feelwhenyoufirstgetupinthemorn-ing.Ifyouhavepersistentpainintheheelafterperiodsofrestorafterexer-cising,youmayhaveplantarfasciitis,aninflammationofthefibrousbandoftissuethatconnectsyourheelbonetothebaseofyourtoes.

Some people are more prone toplantar fasciitis, including women,peoplewhoareoverweightandwork-erswhospendalotoftimewalkingorstandingonhardsurfaces,sayortho-pedic foot and ankle MDs. People

withveryflatfeetorveryhigharchesalso are more prone to plantar fasci-itis.

The condition typically startsgradually with mild pain at the heelbone.Over time,plantarfasciitiscanbecome a chronic condition if leftuntreated. If you’ve been diagnosedwith plantar fasciitis, treatment typi-cally includeschangingyouractivitytoallowyourfoottorestandstretch-ing after the initial inflammation hasgonedown.

Tips for managing Plantar Fasciitis

“Specialists can attend to oneproblem, but few can see the total-ity,” he says. What is needed is aninvestment in people — in primarycaredoctors,ininnovationsthatcanstreamline the process of care toimproveoutcomes.Hesays4percentofhealth care spendinghasgone tobiomedical research into new drugsand devices, while only 0.1 percenthasgonetoimprovingtheprocessofcare.

“Nearly every other industry hasfound a way to invest, reduce costsand improve outcomes,” Mosessays.Theairlines,forexample,afterderegulation in the ‘70s,built infor-mationsystemsthatallowedthemto

save on fuel, streamline routes andcut the cost-per-mile in half. Thirtyyearslater,morepeoplefly,consum-erspay“rockbottom”prices,safetyisfargreater,butflyingcannowbeanunpleasantexperience,hesays.

Wouldpeopletoleratelesschoice,less freedom in their health care?Moses doubts the airline model istheanswer,butadiscussionbasedonvalidandunbiasedinformationmustbegin to truly innovate to delivergreater value and lower cost. Thusfar, he says, “the political processhasfailedusbadly.Thecurrentstateof health care is unsustainable, andtensionsareonlygrowing.”

U.S. Has Much Higher ... continuedfrompage1

Your Healthdecember 2013 Senior Scope 11

Your HealthAnewwayofusingbloodpressure-

lowering medications could preventmorethanafourthofheartattacksandstrokes–upto180,000ayear–whileusinglessmedicationoverall,accord-ingtonewresearchfromtheUniver-sity of Michigan Health System andtheVAAnnArborHealthcareSystem.

Individualizing treatment recom-mendations using patients’ risk ofheartdiseaseafterconsideringmulti-plefactors–suchasage,genderandwhetherornotthepatientsmokes–isamoreeffectivewaytotreatpatientsthancurrentmethods,accordingtothestudythatappearsinthemedicaljour-nal,Circulation.

Current medical guidelines use aone-size-fits-all treatment approachbasedontargetbloodpressurevaluesthat leads to some patients being ontoo many medications and othersbeingontoolittle,authorssay.

Blood pressure medication is ulti-mately used to prevent associatedheartdiseaseandstroke.Researchersfound that a person’s blood pressurelevel is oftennot themost importantfactorindeterminingifabloodpres-

sure medication will prevent thesediseases. But common practice is tobasetreatmentstrictlyonbloodpres-surelevels.

“Drugs that lower blood pressureare among the most effective andcommonly used medications in thecountry, but we believe they can beused dramatically more effectively,”says lead author Jeremy Sussman,M.D., of the U-M Medical SchoolandresearchscientistattheCenterforClinicalManagementResearchattheVAAnnArborHealthcareSystem.

“The purpose of these medica-tions is not actually to avoid highbloodpressureitselfbuttostopheartattacks, strokes and other cardiovas-cular diseases. We should guide useof medications by a patient’s risk ofthesediseasesandhowmuchaddinga new medication decreases thatrisk, not solely on their blood pres-surelevel.Wefoundthatpeoplewhohave mildly high blood pressure buthighcardiovascularriskreceivea lotof benefit from treatment, but thosewith low overall cardiovascular riskdonot.”

‘Smarter’ blood Pressure Guidelines could Prevent many Heart Attacks, Strokes

Thelistofcomplicationsfromtype2diabetesislong:vascularandheartdisease,eyeproblems,nervedamage,kidneydisease,hearingproblemsandAlzheimer’sdisease.Physicianshavelongthoughtofosteoporosisasanoth-eroutcome.BasedonaMayoClinicstudy,youcandefinitelyaddskeletalproblemstothatlist.

“This is thefirstdemonstration—using direct measurement of bonestrength in the body — of compro-mised bone material in patients withtype2diabetes,”saysSundeepKhos-la,M.D.,MayoClinicendocrinologistandseniorauthorofthestudy.“Clear-ly,theskeletonneedstoberecognizedasanotherimportanttargetofdiabetescomplications.”

Previousstudiesinthefieldshowed

that patients with diabetes experi-encedmorefracturesatlevelsofbonedensity than the regular population,hinting that something was differ-entaboutthe“quality”oftheirbone.The Mayo researchers validated thatassumption in a clinical study of 60postmenopausalwomen,30ofwhomhadtype2diabetes.

Compared to the control groupof women aged 50 to 80, the groupwith type 2 diabetes had significant-ly lower bone material strength.Thestudy showed that diabetic womenwith lower bone material strengthhadalsoexperiencedhigherlevelsofhyperglycemia over the previous 10years, suggesting potential detrimen-taleffectsofpoorglucosecontrolonbonequality.

Add bone deterioration to List of diabetes complications

A review of dozens of studieson the use of statin medications toprevent heart attacks shows that thecommonly prescribed drugs pose nothreattoshort-termmemory,andthattheymayevenprotectagainstdemen-tiawhentakenformorethanoneyear.The Johns Hopkins researchers whoconducted the systematic review saythe results should offer more clarityand reassurance to patients and thedoctorswhoprescribethestatinmedi-cations.

Thequestionofwhetherstatinscancausecognitionproblemshasbecomea hot topic among cardiologists andtheirpatientsfollowingchangesonthedruglabelsorderedbytheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministrationinFebruary2012, warning about memory prob-lemswithshort-termstatinuse.

However,intheirextensivereview,the JohnsHopkins researchers foundthat statins do not affect short-termmemoryorcognition.Incontrast,theysaythatwhenthedrugsaretakenformorethanoneyear,theriskofdemen-tiaisreducedby29percent.

“Allmedications,includingstatins,

may cause side effects, and manypatients take multiple medicines thatcould theoretically interactwitheachotherandcausecognitiveproblems,”says Kristopher Swiger, M.D., aprimaryauthorofthestudy.“Howev-er, our systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data found noconnection between short-term statinuseandmemorylossorothertypesofcognitivedysfunction.Infact,longer-term statin use was associated withprotectionfromdementia.”

“Because of their effect on arter-ies to reduceor stabilizeplaque,andprevent strokes, it makes sense thatstatinscouldbeprotectiveinthebrainagainstdementia,”accordingtoseniorauthorSethMartin,M.D.,oftheJohnsHopkinsCenterforthePreventionofHeart Disease and the study’s seniorauthor. “Vascular dementia is causedby blockages in small blood vesselsin the brain that prevent blood flowtocertainareas.Medications suchasstatinsthatreduceplaqueandinflam-mation in coronaryarteriesmayalsobe having the same effect on bloodvesselsinthebrain,”saysMartin.

Statin medications may Prevent dementia and memory Loss

AccordingtotheNationalInstitutesofHealth(NIH),morethanhalfofallAmericans over the age of 80 havecataracts.Whileitisacommoncondi-tionitisalsoonethatcanbereducedandavoidedthroughalternativetreat-ments.

The NIH reports that cataractsareacloudingof the lens in theeye,whichimpactsvision.Symptomsmayinclude blurry vision, faded colors,glares,halos,doublevision,notbeingable to seewell at night, andchang-es in prescription eye wear. It mayimpactoneorbotheyes.

“Surgery may be an option forthosewithcataracts,anditisonethatisoftensuggestedintraditionalmedi-cine,” explains Dr. Edward Kondrot,founder of the Healing The Eye &Wellness Center. “However, thereare safer and better ways to address

cataracts.’ Dr. Kondrot explains thatcataracts are a result of the agingprocess being accelerated by toxicstress,dehydration,andheavymetals,including cadmium. The leadingsourceofcadmiumiscigarettesmoke.

Tips for reducing the growth ofcataractsandreversingcataracts:

change the diet.Thebestdietforfightingcataractsisonethatisorgan-ic, and avoids genetically modifiedorganism (GMO) foods, as well aspreservativesandcornfructose.

Stay hydrated. It is crucial thatpeople stay hydrated to avoid dena-tured lensprotein, aswell as tohelpreducethetoxicload.

Get tested. Haveaurinechallengeto test for heavy metal poisoning. Ifthereareelevatedheavymetalspres-ent it is important to undergo chela-tiontherapy.

Protect Your eyes from cataracts

Older people who take omega-3 fish oil supplements are probablynot reducing their chances of losingcognitivefunction,accordingtoanewCochrane systematic review. Basedon the available data from studieslasting up to 3.5 years, the research-ers concluded that the supplementsofferednobenefitsforcognitivehealthoverplacebocapsulesormargarines,butthatlongertermeffectsareworthinvestigating.

Omega-3 fatty acids are respon-sible for many important jobs in thebody. We get these fats through ourdailydietsfromsourcessuchasnutsandseedsandoilyfishsuchassalm-on and mackerel.A number of stud-ies have hinted that omega-3 fattyacids and DHA in particular may beinvolvedinkeepingnervecellsinthebrainhealthy into old age. However,there is limited evidence for the roleof these fats in preventing cognitivedeclineanddementia.

InarecentstudyfromtheLondonSchoolofHygiene&TropicalMedi-cine, researchers found no benefit oftakingtheomega-3capsulesorspread

over placebo capsules or spread.Studyparticipantsgivenomega-3didnot score better in standard mentalstateexaminationsorinmemoryandverbal fluency tests than those givenplacebo.

“From these studies, there doesn’tappear to be any benefit for cogni-tivehealthforolderpeopleof takingomega-3 supplements,” said AlanDangour,anutritionistandco-authorof the report. “However, these wererelatively short-term studies, so wesawverylittledeteriorationincogni-tivefunctionineithertheinterventiongroups or the control groups. It maytakemuchlongertoseeanyeffectofthesesupplements.”

The researchers conclude that thelonger term effects of omega-3 fattyacidsoncognitivedeclineanddemen-tia need to be explored in furtherstudies. In the meantime, they stressother potential health benefits. “Fishisan importantpartofahealthydietandwewouldstillsupporttherecom-mendationtoeattwoportionsaweek,including one portion of oily fish,”saidDangour.

Omega-3 may Not Help to Prevent cognitive decline

The Parkinson’s Support GroupwillmeetattheEndZone,218Cogge-shall Street, on Thursday, December12,at1p.m. for their annualChrist-masparty.Achoiceofmealswillbe

available.Reservations are required. For

information and reservations, callJudyMedeirosat508-997-0907.

Parkinson’s Support Group Party

12 Senior Scope december 2013

Reader Exchange

Answers to Trivia Quiz1) Texas,Florida,andOklahomaareallacceptableanswers.2) AtlanticCity,NJ3) Cancer4) “...thatlovin’feeling.”5) Akit

6) Red7) “Idon’tcaretoomuchformoney.”8) Hebrew9) 9010) Giantsquid

remembering christmases PastByJoanHendersonBeaubian

At the Senior Centers... continued from page 8

marion council on AgingForinformationonactivities,call theMarionCOAofficeat508-748-

3570.Ifnooneanswers,pleaseleaveamessageandsomeonewillgetbacktoyou.

The Marion Police Brotherhood will hold their Holiday dinner onDecember14atnoonatSippicanElementarySchool.Pleasecalltheofficetoregister.

The COA will be providing transportation to Jordon’s Furniture onWednesday, December 11to view the Enchanted JordanVillage. Call toreserveyourspot.

cardio/Strength/Flexibility, a low-impact aerobics class easy on thejoints,isnowbeingheldonMondaysandFridaysfrom9:30a.m.to10:30a.m.attheAtlantisDriveFacility.

Step & StretchclassmeetsTuesdaysandThursdaysfrom1p.m.to2p.m.attheRochesterCOA.Transportationisprovided.

SeniorStretchclassmeetsTuesdays,ThursdaysandFridaysfrom9:30a.m.to10:30a.m.attheFirstCongregationalChurchFellowshipHall.Tryonceforfree.Signupforone,twoorthreedays.

Low Impact Aerobics class meets Mondays and Fridays atAtlantisDriveFacilityfrom9a.m.to10a.m.

The Public Health Nurse is available for health consultation, bloodpressure and glucose monitoring, wound assessment and routine adultvaccinationsonMondaysatTownHallfrom9:30a.m.to11:30am.ThenurseisavailablebyappointmentTuesdaythroughFriday.

Transportation is available Monday through Friday to the Fairhaven Social day Program.

Friendship Table -- enjoyafreemealatSt.Gabriel’sChurchinMariononthefirstThurs-dayandattheCongregationalChurchCommunityCenterthethirdThursday,bothat5p.m.

TheSHINe counselor is availableby appointment to answerhealthinsurancequestions.Appointmentsareneeded.

Grocery store transportation: Every Wednesday the van goes toMarketBasket.OnFridaytheschedulealternatesbetweenWarehamandFairhaven.

TheCOAofferstransportation to the YinWarehamonTuesdaysandThursdays.Pickupwillbeginat10:30a.m.andreturnat12:30p.m.

TheCOAhasadropoffboxoutsidetheofficedoorforusedeyeglasseswhichwillbedonatedtotheLion’sClub.

mattapoisett Social centerFormoreinformationonthefollowingactivities,calltheMattapoisett

CouncilonAgingat508-758-4110:Senior belly dancing forallages,shapesandsizesmeetsMondaysat

1:30p.m.Helpsimproveposture,balanceandstrength.Learnbasicmovesofthisbeautiful,ancientartwitheasy,gracefulandslowmovements.

Water Aerobics is back every Monday morning. Transportation isprovidedtotheNewBedfordYMCAforthe9a.m.class.

AfreeQiGongclassmeetsonMondaysat10a.m.Playmah JonggeveryWednesdayat1:15p.m.andScrabble every

Mondayat1p.m.Playbeginner’s or duplicate bridge onThursdaysat9a.m.Alllevels

ofplayersarewelcome.Refreshmentswillbeserved.AKnitting groupmeetsMondaysat10a.m.On Monday and Wednesday, a Strength and balance class for all

abilitiesmeetsat12noon.AYoga classmeetsonTuesdayandFridaymorningsat8:45.

Thecardio and Strengthclass,anaerobicandstrengthtrainingclasswithlow to moderate intensity, led by a certified group exercise instructor meetsWednesdaysat9:30a.m.

ThePublic Health NurseisavailableonThursdaymorningsat9:30.OnFridaysFoot care isavailablealldaybyappointment.

Line dancing classmeetsFridaysat1p.m.Beginnerswelcome.

rochester Senior centerFormore informationon the followingactivities, call theRochester

SeniorCenterat508-763-8723:Amonthlygatheringofrochester Veterans of anyage is held the

first monday of the month at 6 p.m. christmas Luncheon will be held Friday, December 13, at noon

featuringafullbakedhammealfollowedbyspecialentertainment.SignupbyWednesday,December11.

JoinusonTuesday,December31,from12p.m.to2p.m.forourfreeannualNew Year’s eve partyattheSeniorCenter.

Play cribbageMondaysfrom9:00a.m.to11:30a.m.Anyoneofanyleveliswelcometoattend.

monday night bingoisbackfrom6p.m.to8p.m.AfewvolunteersareneededhelpwithMondaynightBingogame.Callforinformation.

ballroom dancing LessonswithinstructorNancyBarrettwillcontin-ueonWednesdaysat10a.m.Allsinglesandcouplesarewelcome.

Soup and Sandwich lunches are backeveryMondayat12:00Calltoreserveyourspot.

Weekly grocery shoppingtripstoMarketBasketinNewBedfordarescheduledonWednesdays.Any senior iswelcome to ride thevan,butmustsignupinadvance.

Weekly blood Pressure checkswithTownNurseBetsyDunnhavemovedtoMondays,11a.m.to12p.m.

cardio-Fit Groovercise,anexerciseclassledbycertifiedinstructorEllieHiggins,nowmeetsonTuesdayfrom10a.m.to11a.m.

chair Yoga classesmeetonMondayafternoonsfrom1to2withSusanAshley,acertifiedfitnessinstructorandpersonal trainer.Thismodifiedformatoffersyogapracticewithouthavingtogetonthefloor.

ScrabblewithJudyMacGregormeetsonTuesdaysat9a.m.Friday moviesarefreeandweservepopcorntoo.Moviesstartat1:30

sharp.Callthecenterforthescheduleforthismonth.computer Labisavailableforyouruseeveryday.Traditional and Country Western Line dancing class meets Friday

morningsfrom9:30to11:00withinstructorNancyCabral.ShehasagreedtoofferanadditionalweeklyLineDancingClassonTuesdayafternoonsfrom2:00to4:00.

Stepping and StretchingonTuesdaysandThursdays,1p.m.to2p.m.,isafunfilledhourofeasyexercisetobuildstrengthandimprovebalance.Mostexercisesaredonefromyourchair.

New Acrylics painting classwithvolunteerRoxySimpsonmeetsonThursdaysat2:30p.m.Alllevelsarewelcome.

Ye Olde breakfast ShoppeservesbreakfastMondaythroughFridayfrom7a.m.to9a.m.ThisisajointeffortoftheFriendsoftheSeniorCenterandtheRochesterLionsClub.

Remembering Christmasesgonebyautomaticallybringsvividimagesofmymomanddadtomymind. They embodied the 50s.My mother always wore a cottonhousedress, starched and ironedthat she covered up with a fullapron, and she wore nylons andsensibleshoeseveryday.Myfatherdressedasmostofthemendid,inawhiteshirtandatie,evenifhewasspendingthedayathome.

I have so many memoriesaround Christmas at our house.Years later, my brother and sisterwouldbringuphowspecialChrist-maswaswhenwewerekids.Backthen, kids never knew that thefamily was barely eking by. Bothof my parents worked and therewas always food on the table, sowewerecontentedkids.Christmaswasanotherthing.Idonotknowtothisdayhowtheymanagedtoget

almosteverythingweaskedSantatobring.

The Christmas breakfast wasalways thebest– it seemed tobecookedwithaspeciallove.Oneofthe treats that morning was fruitor orange juice before the baconand eggs and rolls, accompaniedby home -made baked beans. Mymother was “famous” for herbakedbeans.

After showing off our Santaloot with friends and family thenreturning home, we were treatedto Christmas dinner, always theduplicateofThanksgivingdinner.

Thank God for those days andthe parents who made ChristmasDaya familyandchurchorientedholiday. ‘Sure don’t know howtheydidit,andIcertainlyhopetheyknewhowmuchtheirkidsappreci-atedChristmasatourhouse!

SeniorScope does notpublishaJanuaryedition.Our next issue will beout February 5. Happy

newyeartoallourread-ers and advertisers. Weappreciateyoursupport.

Look for us in February