• The Newspaper for Active Seniors •

The Happy Hoofers, a Senior Citizens group of talented danc-ers has been performing in Orange County for over twenty years. Performing at senior social club or civic events, they are showcased

Happy Hoofers bring their talent to Orange County senior centers

• The Newspaper for Active Seniors •

New law makes it easier to save on prescription drug costs

Under a new law, more Medi-care beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with

their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and re-sources. The Extra Help is estimat-ed to be worth an average of $3,900 per year.

To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

To qualify for extra help, people must meet certain resource and in-come limits. The new Medicare law eases those requirements in

Boost your Social Security income

If you’re married or divorced, these little-known strategies can add thousands of dollars to your Social Security checks.

Every year, retirees pass up a whopping $10.1 billion in Social Security benefits—spousal benefits that most people don’t even know they’re entitled to.

These benefits can increase your income and solve the big riddle that confronts so many of us when we first think about Social Security: whether to get immediate monthly income at 62 or wait and get a bigger check—maybe a lot bigger.

If you hold off until you’re 66—which the government considers Full Retirement Age (FRA) for people born from 1943 through 1954—the monthly benefit will be one-third larger than if you take it at 62. Wait until age 70 and the check will be 76 percent larger.

The longer you live, the more that will matter—and chances are, you’ll live a long time. The average 65-year-old can expect roughly 20

More inside:Community North A3

Your Health A5

Senior Sports A6

Your Money A7

Community South A8

Government & You A10

Social Security A10

CONTINUED ON 9

See Income

CONTINUED ON 9

See Drugs

MARCH 2010Published by Los Cerritos Community Newspaper

How can your home help ease your financial worries?Talk to the nation’s #1 retail reverse mortgage originator to learn more

If you are 62 years of age or older and either own yourhome outright, or can pay off your existing mortgagewith the proceeds, a reverse mortgage from Wells FargoHome Mortgage can serve as a financial resource to helpyou:

• Pay off your existing mortgage • Remodel or repair your home • Reduce your credit card debt• Meet your daily and monthly expenses• Cover your health care expenses

Call today to register for a seminar or schedule acomplimentary consultation. When you call, be sure toask about our reverse mortgage program that can helpyou purchase a home.

Shawn NikmehrReverse Mortgage Specialist877-443-0443 Tel877-959-0959 Faxshawn.nikmehr@wellsfargo.com

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“Now that my wife and I are retired, we arealways looking for additional revenue. When wewere considering a reverse mortgage as apossible option for us, we talked to Shawn. Hewas very patient with us and explained theadvantages and disadvantages in such a waythat we could easily understand. At no time didhe try to pressure us to make a decision. Weappreciate the time he spent with us and wouldrecommend him to our family and friends.”

- Larry Caballero

[l-r] Dawn Marie Kotsonis, Executive Director of PIH Foundation and Commu-nity Benefit; Drew Sones, Chair of the IHC/PIH Board of Directors; Pat Bray, VP of Continuing Care; Andrea Avila, Assistant Deputy with Don Knabe’s office; Dr. Bashir Shaw, PIH and Leslie Ciletti, Program Director for A Day Away.

By Linda Bock

Nearly 100 guests came to cel-ebrate the 10th Anniversary of the S. Mark Taper Foundation A Day Away Adult Day Health Care Cen-ter in La Mirada. It was a major event for Presyterian Intercom-munity Hospital (PIH) who spon-sors the health center. The guests included PIH Foundation board members, hospital and center staff, volunteers, and caregivers. Super-visor Don Knabe’s office was rep-resented, and LaMirada Mayor Su-san Tripp and Whittier Councilman Joe Vinatieri were also on hand.

A Day Away provides a beauti-

Presbyterian Hospital’s A Day Away Adult Health Care Center celebrates 10th anniversary

CONTINUED ON 9

See A Day Away

Happy Hoofers: [l-r] Barbara-66 years young, B.J.-87, Marilyn-80, Carol-67, Nancy, Donna-65, and Lu-84 take time out to pose for the camera. The group performs at civic events and community centers too.

with glitzy, flashy costuming and provide fun and entertaining dance musicals choreographed by Nancy Isbell of Orange County Dance and Theater Arts (OCDTA).

[See Hoofers, Page 11]

2 HEALTHY LIVING • MARCH 2010 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Helen M. Brown

It was a ‘Winter Wonderland’ Thursday evening, January 28, 2010 as Tak Hamabata, Director of Social Services and his assistant Veronica Garcia, along with his wonderful staff welcomed and recognized all organizations, businesses, and indi-viduals from Tam’s Hamburgers to Sheriff Leroy Baca for their gener-osity and help with this year’s An-gel Tree.

Fifteen elementary schools, Net-tie Waite Middle School, both Nor-walk High Schools, and Joyland preschool all donated this year to this worthy project as did our two Fire Stations #20 and #115, Ameri-can legion Post #359, Moose Lodge #1739, Elks #2142, Norwalk Com-munity Coordinating Council, St. Linus and St. John of God Knights of Columbus #10623 and #3678 as well as the NLMUSD, Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center, Woman’s Club, and Old Timers.

We don’t want to overlook such generous individuals as Kurt & Melissa Anderson, Mary Jane McIntosh, Tom & Marie Jackson, Socorro Valdez, and Assemblyman

Tony Mendoza. This is just a few of the many organizations, Busi-nesses, and individuals who open their hearts and their checkbooks each year to help the less fortunate to have a Merry Christmas.

The Social Services Commis-sion and Senior Center Staff went

all out to welcome the invited guests and over 150 volunteers to this special annual event.

A special video, that would also be shown later at the Febru-ary 2 council meeting. It showed the many gaily wrapped gifts and enthusiastic children as volunteers passed them out. There was even

a quick appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus on the video.

A warm welcome was given by Tak Hamabata and commission-er Chair Aleida Alvarez. Games were played and raffle tickets were drawn. Everyone present received a 2009 Angel Tree pin, a snapshot,

a thermos mug, and other nice gifts if they were lucky enough to have their raffle ticket drawn.

Director Tak Hamabata gra-ciously introduced guests’ mayor Cheri Kelley, vice-mayor Gordon Stefenhagen, councilmember Mike Mendez, and assembly-member Tony Mendoza. Assembly member

Mendoza spoke. He congratulated the staff and volunteers on their good work. “I represent eight cities but Norwalk is the only who has an Angel Tree project such as this”.

It was a happy and joyous event with delicious canapés furnished and served by the Norwalk All City Youth Band. Music was pro-vided by the One Way Ticket band and Lightning by Star Lighting.

It was a wonderful evening filled with great music, delicious food, and wonderful friends. Thank you Tak, Veronica, Elizabeth, Aleida, and all who planned and made it possible. You are a delight to know and to work with.

The One Way Ticket Band entertained attendees at the apprecation.

MONEY MATTERS

Web: www.healthylivingca.comWeb: www.healthylivingca.comEmail: sales@healthylivingca.comEmail: sales@healthylivingca.com

Phone 562.407.3873 Phone 562.407.3873 P.O. Box 788, Artesia, CA 90702P.O. Box 788, Artesia, CA 90702

Editor-Editor- Jerry BernsteinJerry BernsteinGeneral Manager-General Manager- Linda BockLinda BockProduction Manager- Production Manager- Chris SvenskChris SvenskStaff Writers-Staff Writers- Chris Callard Chris Callard Glen Creason Glen Creason Larry Caballero Larry CaballeroPresident/Publisher- President/Publisher- Brian HewsBrian Hews

Circulation 20,000, Healthy Living is published monthly and Circulation 20,000, Healthy Living is published monthly and delivered to over 300 active senior residences, senior centers delivered to over 300 active senior residences, senior centers and community centers in LA and Orange counties.Published and community centers in LA and Orange counties.Published and copyrighted by Eastern County Newspaper Group,Inc. and copyrighted by Eastern County Newspaper Group,Inc. Reproduction in whole or part of any material in the Healthy Reproduction in whole or part of any material in the Healthy Living without permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Living without permission of the publisher is prohibited. © 20102010

By William Lee

When my friends’ children finally grad-uated from college and moved out, their home of 30 years was suddenly just too big. The pool and spa just didn’t get used like

they did in the past; it was really the kids and their friends who mostly used them anyway, and let’s face it, they require a lot of time and mon-ey for upkeep. Most of us want our retirement to be more than staying home, mowing the lawn and paint-ing the house. Then, too, going up and down the stairs several times a day has just become too difficult for many.

For most seniors, even in today’s market, they look around their homes and wonder if it’s a wise move to just leave so much equity in a house that is mostly empty. So what should they do? While down-sizing may be on the minds of many seniors, most simply don’t know what options are available. Should I refinance? Should I sell? What about the market? Should I rent out a room? People simply don’t always know the answers. But there are op-tions for seniors and many reasons why this market may work to their

advantage. Downsizing may well a good option for you.

The most obvious benefit of downsizing to a smaller home is the ability to pocket some cash. So even though the home you live in may also have fallen in value, if you are truly going to downsize to a less expensive home, now is a golden opportunity to pick up something at true bargain prices. If you own your present home or have substantial equity, this gives you a chance to be-come mort-gage free and perhaps pull some cash out of the downsize transac-tion to save or invest for retirement. Even if you have to finance some of the purchase price of your down-sized home, it could be many years for we will see mortgage interest rates this low. In fact, as soon as the economy begins to recover and/or inflation ramps up, interest rates will likely move quickly upward. Then this window of opportunity will have closed forever.

Keep in mind that in a normal real estate environment, property values move inversely with mortgage in-

terest rates. This is because lower interest rates create more demand for home purchases, driving prices up. In this unique environment, we concurrently have low interest rates and depressed home values. If you are an empty-nester (or are about to be) and have thought about down-sizing in the past, now would be a good time to think about it again. There would be increased cash flow

by buying a smaller house that would cost less. There would be fewer rooms to clean and you would have more

free time. There would be lower utility bills and less stress. It’s cer-tainly a real estate option to be con-sidered.

Many people truly enjoy having less responsibility, a smaller work-load, increased cash flow and being a lot less stressed because they are no longer overwhelmed by the de-mands of a larger home. For many couples, that extra means the ability to take the vacation they’ve always dreamed of or may its means being about to visit the grandkids more often.

Is downsizing the right move for you?

"For most seniors, even in today’s market, they look around their homes and wonder if it’s a wise

move to just leave so much equity in a house that is mostly empty."

Angel Tree Foundation appreciation event

Currently, there is a new $6500 tax credit for current homeowners purchasing a primary residence that will be in effect until June 30, 2010. Eligible homebuyers must have lived in their current home for five consecutive years of the past eight years, and the annual income caps to qualify for the full tax credit are $135K for single filers and $225K for joint filers. Which means many of us can take advantage of this tax break.

There is also a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase. This is an FHA insured reverse mortgage that enables se-nior homebuyers age 62 or older to purchase a new primary residence and obtain a reverse mortgage in simultaneous transactions with no monthly mortgage payments.

For more information William Lee of Prudential California Real Estate in Cerritos is co- hosting a free lunch seminar for seniors 62 or older at the Panda Inn Restaurant, 2 Centerpointe Drive, LaPalma on Wednesday, March 10th from 11:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. Shawn Nikmehr, a mortgage specialist with Wells Far-go Bank will also host. William and Shawn will be available to answer any questions. RSVP today at 877-443-0443and ask for Shawn.

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Angel Tree appreciation eventBy Helen M. Brown

It was a ‘Winter Wonderland’ Thurs-day evening, January 28, 2010 as Tak Hamabata, Director of Social Services and his assistant Veronica Garcia, along with his wonderful staff welcomed and recognized all organizations, businesses, and individuals from Tam’s Hamburgers to Sheriff Leroy Baca for their generosity and help with this year’s Angel Tree.

Fifteen elementary schools, Net-tie Waite Middle School, both Norwalk High Schools, and Joyland preschool all donated this year to this worthy project as did our two Fire Stations #20 and #115, American legion Post #359, Moose Lodge

#1739, Elks #2142, Norwalk Community Coordinating Council, St. Linus and St. John of God Knights of Columbus #10623 and #3678 as well as the NLMUSD, Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center, Woman’s Club, and Old Timers.

We don’t want to overlook such gener-ous individuals as Kurt & Melissa Ander-son, Mary Jane McIntosh, Tom & Marie Jackson, Socorro Valdez, and Assembly-man Tony Mendoza. This is just a few of the many organizations, Businesses, and individuals who open their hearts and their checkbooks each year to help the less fortunate to have a Merry Christmas.

The Social Services Commission

and Senior Center Staff went all out to welcome the invited guests and over 150 volunteers to this special annual event.

A special video, that would also be shown later at the February 2 coun-cil meeting. It showed the many gaily

wrapped gifts and enthusiastic children as volunteers passed them out. There was even a quick appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus on the video.

A warm welcome was given by Tak Hamabata and commissioner Chair Aleida Alvarez. Games were played and raffle tickets were drawn. Everyone present re-ceived a 2009 Angel Tree pin, a snapshot, a thermos mug, and other nice gifts if they were lucky enough to have their raffle ticket drawn.

Director Tak Hamabata graciously introduced guests’ mayor Cheri Kelley, vice-mayor Gordon Stefenhagen, coun-cilmember Mike Mendez, and assembly-member Tony Mendoza. Assembly mem-ber Mendoza spoke. He congratulated the staff and volunteers on their good work. “I represent eight cities but Norwalk is the only who has an Angel Tree project such as this”.

It was a happy and joyous event with delicious canapés furnished and served by

the Norwalk All City Youth Band. Music was provided by the One Way Ticket band and Lightning by Star Lighting.

It was a wonderful evening filled with great music, delicious food, and wonder-ful friends. Thank you Tak, Veronica, Elizabeth, Aleida, and all who planned and made it possible. You are a delight to know and to work with.

The One Way Ticket Band entertained attendees at the Angel Tree apprecation.

job training at 10 California community colleges. It is designed to provide scholar-colleges. It is designed to provide scholar-colleges. It is designed to provide scholarships for students, each of whom will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship each year for a minimum of two years. The funding will support students with financial need who are enrolled in green job workforce preparation. This includes training programs or study of solar panel installation, water and wastewa-ter management, transportation and alterna-tive fuels, biofuels production and farming, environmental compliance or sustainable planning.

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HEALTHY LIVING • MARCH 2010 3TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

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4 HEALTHY LIVING • MARCH 2010 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

Friends help celebrate 90th birthday of Dr. Rei Ozaki

DOWNEY-Friends, co-work-ers, former patients and colleagues gathered in Downey recently to celebrate the 90th birthday of long-time Downey p h y s i c i a n Rei H. Oza-ki, MD, who retired just a few years ago from his practice with CareMore.

The sur-prise cel-ebration was a bit over-whelming for the 90-year-old doctor, a Downey pioneer who came to the city al-most 60 years ago as a young doc-tor eager to help his patients.

Back in the 1950s, from his office on 3rd Street in the city of Downey, Dr. Ozaki delivered ba-bies, tended to the old and infirmed and dedicated his professional life to caring for hundreds of Downey families.

Each morning, he’d arrive at Downey Regional Hospital to per-form surgery and then spent up to 10 hour days in his office seeing patients and finally returned to the hospital in the evening to care for and visit patients.

He made house calls and treated countless patients who did not have the money to pay him or health in-surance.

“It was a time in healthcare when family doctors like myself did everything in medicine for our patients, from delivering their ba-bies to caring for their grandparents and doing surgery,” he recalled.

Today, at age 90, Dr. Ozaki still works, get-ting up each day to help Dr. Edelstein, a Downey eye physi-cian. His work and his love of his rose garden seem to keep

a twinkle in his eye. “I’d still be seeing my patients if I could,” he added. “I miss them terribly.”

It is not uncommon for Dr. Ozaki to be greeted by his former patients, or their children or grand children, all of whom he treated as a family physician.

“He is an amazing doctor, the kind of doctor whose spirit for car-ing for patients was contagious to all of us,” recalled Sheldon S. Zin-berg, MD, a long-time Downey physician who founded CareMore and worked along side Dr. Ozaki. He committed his life to making sure his patients were well and healthy. “

We‘re here to publish your stories!We‘re here to publish your stories!I’m Brian Hews, publisher of Healthy Living, and I want to extend an

invitation to you. I want Healthy Living to be as interesting as possible to the Senior Community of Southern California. So, I’m inviting you to send

us your photographs and stories and I’ll publish them in Healthy Living. We print 20,000 newspapers each month, so this will definitely help to get the word out about your club, event, special anniversary or birthday. You can email me or send them by mail and I’ll take care of the rest. If you have

any thoughts about the types of articles you’d like to see in Healthy Living, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

editor@healthylivingca.comor call

800-901-7211www.healthylivingca.com

St. Irenaeus Parish reaches out to care center residentsBy Edna Ethington

St. Irenaeus Youth Ministry and Health Ministry members are working together to reach out and bring

some love and care to residents of the five Care Centers which Health Ministry members visit each week. The five Care Cen-ters that are visited are the Kar- lton Care Center in Anaheim, Sunrise Assisted Living in La Palma, and the Knott Care Center, the Knott Residential Manor and Anaheim Terrace Care Center in Buena Park. Youth Ministry Peacemak-ers are making 75 Valentine Cards for the Care Center residents, and Health Ministry members will be

are working

residents of the five Care Centers which Health Ministry

visit each

Care Cen-

asking for volunteers from the par-ish to select a person to visit and to deliver the Valentines during the month of February.

Persons interested in participat-ing in this program should come to the Patio Area after each Mass on the weekend of February 6 and 7 to select a person to visit. Health

Ministry members will be taking will be taking

names of names of participants participants and will and will have more have more details details available available about the about the program at program at that time. that time. There There

will also be will also be some handy some handy hints and hints and guidelines guidelines

about visiting about visiting the

resi-

dents in

the Care Centers who have requested visits. For more information, contact Grace Walter Francis at 714-821-7776.

Pictured are St. Irenaeus Youth Ministry Peacemakers with the Valentines they created for resi-dents of Care Centers with the guidance of Youth Ministry Direc-tor Laura Benoit.

Dr. Ozaki is quite surprised at his birthday celebration.

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YOUR HEALTHDoctors who treat themselves

may have fools for patients, but they look like geniuses compared with this reporter who tried to di-agnose himself via the Internet.

It seemed so simple. I Googled "foot pain," and up came two sites with neat little pictures of feet, arrows pointing to various parts and instructions to "click where it hurts." I clicked and voila! both sites said my pain - on the top and side of the foot, around the big toe - was probably from a bunion or gout.

A podiatrist, recommended by a doctor friend, took about 37 sec-onds to figure out what was wrong. He shoved my big toe up and down, gave it a squeeze that made me shriek and said smugly, "We'll take some X-rays, and I'll show you what's causing your pain."

A few minutes later, there it was on his computer screen: a bone spur, sticking up like a tiny, evil spike where the big toe joins the rest of the foot. The cause was ar-thritis of the big toe, which sounds ridiculous even to me. But it's real, a wearing out of the cartilage that normally protects the bones from rubbing against each other. I've always walked a fair amount - at least three miles, or five kilome-ters, a day, often twice that or more in recent years - and at 56, I guess it's catching up with me. Without realizing it, I've been wearing out

my feet.The podiatrist recommended

shoes with stiff, rounded soles called rocker bottoms, to minimize bending of the joint. I figured out that I also needed lots of room in the toe, to avoid pressure on the spur. He said a cor-tisone shot into the joint might help. (It didn't.) He also suggested shoe inserts, orthotics, but I was skeptical because I had had knee surgery and feared that the inserts might throw my knees out of whack.

Finally, he said I would eventu-ally need surgery to remove the spur and shorten a bone. He said he could perform it right there in his office, and the sooner the better. At that point, if I'd been able to run, I might have. Instead, I nodded politely and said I'd think about surgery.

I retreated to the Internet. Self-diagnosis had been a lost cause, but at least it was noninvasive. And knowing the name of the ailment made a big difference. Among oth-er things, the Web cheered me up

by revealing that hallux limitus is also called winkle-picker's disease (winkles are snails, and in England,

winkle-pickers used to be a nickname for pointy

shoes, if that makes any sense).

Unfortunately, I also found out that it can sometimes be disabling. Three of the more useful links were Arthritis Prac-

titioner (www.arthritispracti-

tioner.com, search for hallux limitus),

eMedicine (www.emedicine.com/orthoped, click

on foot and ankle) and Foot Physi-cians (www.footphysicians.com, foot and ankle information).

Some of the information echoed the podiatrist's advice about shoes, and I did find one type that seems to minimize the pain - clogs with firm soles and soft uppers.

Doctor No. 2 was an orthopedic surgeon, who also wanted to oper-ate.

When I hesitated, he smirked and said, "When it hurts enough, you'll come back."

Doctor No. 3 offered to inject a joint-lubricating drug into my toe. It sounded promising, but I chick-

ened out, in part because the drug was approved for knees and not toes and in part because it would cost $2,800.

Back on the Web, I found plenty of fellow sufferers. The patient fo-rums fascinated me, especially the ones where people compared notes about surgery (www.healthboards.com, search hallux limitus; and www.foot.com, click on foot café, then message boards, and search hallux limitus). Some had good results, but others wished they had never had the operation. In addi-tion, I have not been able to find a convincing report on success rates, which are hard to sort out because there are different types of hallux limitus and different operations.

So I have been muddling along for about a year now, walking a bit less, biking a bit more, wearing frumpy shoes and hoping that even if my foot wasn't getting better, at least maybe it wouldn't get worse.

Recently, at my internist's urg-ing, I saw Doctor No. 4, a podia-trist who specializes in noninvasive treatments. He had some new ideas about shoes and padding to protect the spur. I told him I had always imagined that one day I'd put on a backpack and walk across con-tinents, but lately was starting to give up on the idea.

"You might still make it," he said. "Just start with a small conti-nent."

Self-diagnosis by Internet?

Tricky business

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The first annual Senior Winter games will take place at Dodge Ridge near Oakdale, in the Yosemite area March 11-14, 2010. Featuring winter sports competition for men and women 50-years-old and up in five-year groups, events will include Downhill: Giant Slalom, Slalom, Dual Slaloms; Snowboarding: Giant Slalom, Slalom, Dual Slaloms; Nordic (telemark): Giant Slalom, Slalom, Dual Slaloms; Cross Country: 5k and 10k Nordic (Classic and Skating races). The games will feature a festive, colorful, action-packed Winter Carnival atmosphere for competitors, spectators, friends and family. Dodge Ridge offers a great venue located in the newly built 16,000 sq. ft. Family Lodge. Enjoy the scenic mountain view from an elevation of 6,600 feet and take in a breath of fresh air. Call (209) 536 - 5307 for more information.

First Annual California Winter Gamesin the Sierra Nevada for seniors

Orange County Seniors fare well in Vacaville Senior Games

It is common knowledge that we live longer and are healthier today than we were only a few decades ago. Advances in medicine and technology can be a blessing and a curse. Many seniors need alter-natives, depending on health and mobility, to stay happy and healthy. Seniors don't need extreme sports -- they need activities that are geared towards them and their lifestyle. Things To Do - Getting Fit

Studies show that seniors who exercise regularly and are careful in their nutritional needs live a longer life. Look at George Burns -- at his 95th birthday party, he said that he has a regimen of diet and exercise, and plans to live to see his 100th birthday.

If we are to compete in things such as the World Senior Games, it makes sense to get into shape. Many seniors feel that they are too old, that their muscles are atrophied and will no longer be of good use to them. They worry that they might be injured in any strenuous activ-ity. Nothing can be further from the truth. A good place to begin is with water therapy, gradually build-ing up to swimming. It is one of the best activities that a senior can do to

increase fitness.Activities for seniors on the go

should include an exercise program, and a lot of community activity centers provide this. Nearly every community not only has an exercise program, but other activities that are of interest to the senior citizen. Everything from bridge to bingo to walking tours is generally included in community activities.Other Things To Do

Look to the web for your an-swers to these questions. Research your community website and find activities that might get your in-terest. A lot of communities have garden clubs. Most all seniors have some experience with gardening, and this is a good activity that can get you out of the house, meet new people, and share your knowledge with others.

Go on walking tours, or join a local bridge club. Almost every hospital has a wellness center that gives special attention to seniors and exercise. There are many vol-unteer activities in the community. Help out with Special Olympics next year. Whatever your choice, stay active and live longer.

Healthy activities for seniors on the go

Results - TennisWomen’s 65-69 Singles Marilyn Duncan 1st – Gold Womens 55-59 Doubles Sue Huskey and Barabara Moore 1stGold Women’s 65-69 Doubles Lynn Gallagher and Tamie Helm-streit 1st Gold Womens 70-74 Doubles Jean Lauderdale and Joy Grahm 1st Gold Men’s 60-64 Singles James Walker 1stGold Men’s 60-64 Doubles James Walker and Stillson Judah 1stGold Mixed 55-59 Doubles James Walker and Mari-lyn Duncan 1stGold Mixed 65-69 Doubles Art Williams and Georgina Wil-liams 1st Results - Pickleball Women's 55 -59 Singles - 1st Place - Marilyn Duncan Mens's 60-64 Singles - 1st Place - Mike Hilton, 2nd Place, Dan Bruce Men's 65-69 Doubles - 1st Place - Bill Dough-

erty & Larry Barclay Mixed Doubles 55-59 - 1st Place - Mike Hilton & Marilyn Duncan - 2nd Place - Norm Todd & Gayle Todd Mixed Doubles 60-64 - 1st Place - Bert Sebillia & Marlene SeffernResults -Men's Racquetball 60-64 Singles - 1st Place, Jack Coots 65-69 Singles - 1st Place, Tim Scott, 2nd Place, Louis McDonald 75-79 Singles - 1st Place, Jack Nordt 60-64 Doubles - 1st Place - Tim Scott & Jack Coots, 2nd Place - Gale Filter & Ray Ingle 65-69 Doubles - 1st Place - Louis Mc-Donald & Jim Phillips 75-79 Doubles - 1st Place - Jack Nordt & Jim Phillips

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• Hand delivered monthly to 5,000 La Palma homes; direct mailed to over 1,000 La Palma businesses and Chamber of Commerce members • www.lapalmanews.net •

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COMMUNITYNEWS Volume 1, Issue 1 • November 11, 2009

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The annual Vacaville Senior Games were held January 17-21, 2010 and many OC Seniors are headed out to compete. Marge and George Know-land pictured above competed in the swimming events. Other events included Men’s Basketball, Ice Hockey, Women’s Basketball, Racquetball, Pickleball, Bowling and Tennis. Got to visitvacaville.com for more information.

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Aesthetic Medicine is an emerging field of medicine in which medical science, medical procedures and medical expertise are utilized by physicians to enhance or beautify people’s outward appearance.

Dr. Kim has been a certified user of laser techniques in his practice since 1996. He has received extensive training and experience in the use of lasers in medicine.

Dr. Kim has been Board Certified in Family Medicine since 1991. He has undergone the rigorous process of Board Recertification twice; first in 1998 and the most recent in 2005. He is currently Board Certified in Family Medicine and has been awarded the distinguished position of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He currently practices with his associate, Dr. Rosemarie Melchor, who is also Board Certified in Family Medicine and is interested in Women’s Health issues.

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Any inquiries can be forwarded to our offices at 11911 Artesia Blvd. Suite 101, Cerritos, CA., 90701. Our phone numbers are (toll free: 866-402-2218 or 562-402-5672).

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Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has Celebrate life and how it has been lived to it’s fullest. been lived to it’s fullest. been lived to it’s fullest. been lived to it’s fullest. been lived to it’s fullest. been lived to it’s fullest.

Celebration of Life

It was an occasion like no other we have ever attended. It has been going on for a while, the diagnosis, the treatment, the constant reach into your soul for the fight of your life….for your life. Finally, when the sign indicated that the battle was ending, she wanted to celebrate her life! She wanted to see family and friends and tell them that she loved them, with all her heart….in person.

So, we set the date! Armed with her best of friends, she planned the party…the menu, the flowers, the music, the colors and the dé-cor. Little does she know that her friends have a ‘secret’ plan of their own. While the guest list was lim-ited, the response was overwhelm-ing.

Everyone wanted to participate in the celebration of HER life. Ah, yes, the ‘Secret’ plan…..beautifully done skits of various musicals…..featuring our guest of honor! Mind you, we had professional voice coach, choreographer and produc-er, however, the performers were anything but professionals.

They were friends who shame-lessly sang, dance and laughed right along with her. She was so proud.

Yes, the boxes of Kleenex were put to good use during the presen-tation of ‘This is your life’ put to-gether by friends and family. But,

you see, this is HER day. She lived a great life! While her profession was teaching, watching her plan this extraordinary event taught us that her love of life was greater than the loss of it.

We had the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for the inspiration and the motivation she has instilled in all of us, knowing that she will be sorely missed. As she intended, we celebrated HER life!

Freedom Village in El Toro holds Open House for visiting guests

Jane Gray and Dotty Felten welcomed guests as they arrived for the Open House.

The Children's Choir from Saddleback Church performed for the residents and guests.

Visit our websitewww.healthylivingca.com

Send us stories, anniversaries, birthdays, events!

editor@healthylivingca.com.

8 HEALTHY LIVING • MARCH 2010 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

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A fashion show for local schol-arships at Cerritos College was organized by Cerritos La Palma branch of AAUW. The money was raised thru a very successful show and lunch held this past month.

Organisers were Nancy Kawa-mura and Diane Merrick. Betty Karnette, former state representa-tive, was the guest of honor who gave a short and sweet speech full of positive messages.

It was very enjoyable to see a lot of cute grand kids of member family and friends act as models for very classy clothes from an up scale buotique named Rascals to Rebels. Members themselves modeled styl-ish clothes from another boutique called Glorym'LOU with great enthusiasm that was certainly very contagious filling the attendees with a lot of fun and frolic. Raffles and door prizes added a cherry on top. The lunch was delicious and ambiance in the El Dorado Park Events Center was beautiful balmy and relaxing. Please contact Gail Ross at 562 926 7187 for informa-tion on scholarships and member-ship in AAUW . Organization Membership

AAUW, founded in 1881, is open to all graduates who hold an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

AAUW encourages diversity and has adopted the following: In prin-ciple and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership.

There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.Our Mission

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.What We Do

The La Palma Cerritos Branch, founded in 1972, holds regular meetings with guest speakers and informational programming. There are opportunities to provide vol-unteer service at personal, local, community, regional and national levels. We do fundraising events for our national, regional and local projects, as well.

The AAUW Funds provides funds to advance education, re-search and self-development for women and to foster equity and positive societal change.

The Legal Advocacy Fund pro-vides funding and a support system for women seeking judicial redress for sex discrimination in the work-place and academia.

Our Local Scholarship Fund provides Scholarships to women at Cerritos College who plan to con-tinue studies at University level and recognition for outstanding perfor-mance.

Fun and fellowship are also vi-tal parts of Branch life as we get to know each other through our many Interest Groups, activities and net-working.

Recently the local Soroptimists gathered to plan for the upcoming 18th annual Monte Carlo Night which will be held on March 6, 2010, at 7 PM at the Cerritos Cen-ter for the Performing Arts. This year’s theme is “Paris in Spring-time.” Tickets are only $75.00 per person and include a catered din-ner, raffle prizes and gaming. The Artesia-Cerritos Soroptimists are

known for throwing a great party for an even greater cause.

“A great deal of work goes into the event,” said co-chairman Ivana Royse, “but it is truly a labor of love. We work hard so that our guests can have a special evening. With our ‘Springtime in Paris’ theme, we are trying to capture all the fun and excitement of an eve-ning in The City of Lights without the long plane ride.”

Though Soroptimists raise money all year long, Monte Carlo Night is their major fundraiser. Funds raised by the club go to sup-port many local charities includ-ing Su Casa (a shelter for battered women and children) and Family Guidance Center.

“In these difficult economic times, charities face even greater needs as local families undergo ad-ditional stresses due to economic worries,” president Pat Law added. “This means we need even greater

Soroptimists plan for“Springtime in Paris”

Front Row: Esther Chin, Pat Law, Ivana Royse Second Row: Ursula Pi-otrowski, Gloria Kappe, Amy Dominguez, Rose Reets Back Row: Gayle Reidy, Sandy Fikse, Kathy Lovell, Marcia Verkaik, Louzana Kaku.

Irvine Senior Center holds Volunteer Recognition Party

The Irvine senior center held its annual volunteer recognition party this past month honoring the many fine folks who help out at the two centers. "We could not do many events with out them", said Don McLean, direc-tor of the center, "it is the least we can do to have this party for them."

support from the community. People can support the event in numerous ways including donating raffle prizes, sponsoring a portion of the event, and buying tickets.”

“Sponsorships range from $100.00 to $5000.00 and include tickets for Monte Carlo Night as well as additional benefits such as signage at the event,” Pat ex-plained. “And the signage is a

great way for the attendees to see who supports local charities.”

“As for donations, we accept items large and small,” Ivana added. “Businesses and commu-nity members have donated gift cards, a stay in a hotel or a condo, TVs, and even barbeque tools. All items, unless they’re antiques, need to be new. This year we’re also looking for people who can donate their expertise. Perhaps a handy-man will donate a couple hours of work or someone who is an expert at Photoshop is willing to spend a few hours helping someone learn the program.

“If you think about it,” Pat said, “everyone has something they can donate to a good cause. And we hope everyone will consider join-ing us for this wonderful event.”

Tickets are now available. To donate, sponsor, or buy tickets, call Co-chairperson Ivana Royse at 562 925 1566.

The American Association of University Women hold annual scholarship fundraiser

2 HEALTHY LIVING • JANUARY 2010 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

OUR COMMUNITY

By Helen M. Brown

The Ford Motor Company in Pico Rivera closed their doors in 1980 forcing two thousand men out of work. It had opened in 1958 combining both the Long Beach and Maywood plants. When it closed in 1980 a group of salaried employ-ees spearheaded by Jack Koulek of the Trim Department and his wife, Beverly, who worked in the office, decided to band together and form the LA After Club. They decuded to meet twice a year in order to stay in touch with each other. They would meet at Christmas time and again in the summer.

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, twenty-nine years later, ap-proximately 75 of these former Ford employees and their wives met at Khroury’s in Long Beach to celebrate their annual Christmas Party. It is a wonderful group and even though some did not origi-nally know one another, due to the number of men at Ford, it wasn’t long before they were able to make lifelong friends within this smaller gathering of their former co-work-ers.

It was an honor to welcome Ms. Pauline Doolittle, a spry 91 year old. She was the first woman to be

hired at the Long Beach plant and worked on the teletype. A second woman was hired a short time later to work the switchboard.

The couple praised for traveling the farthest to attend this year was

Dan & Karen Block. They came from Ontario, Canada. They spend half the year in Ontario and the other half in Mt. Washington, KY. Last year it was Lyle and Ann Ben-ton who traveled from Arkansas. They were long time Norwalk resi-

dents, making their home on May-port Ave. until the plant closed and they had to re-locate. They bought a chicken farm outside Bentonville where they lived until a few years ago when they re-located again to

Tucson, AZ.The Ford Ladies Group, not to be

out done, meet for their own Christ-mas party each year. This year they met at Mimi’s restaurant in Corona on Thursday December 10th. About twenty ladies were present, includ-

ing Marie Carter and Helen Brown from Norwalk and Phyllis Evans from Pico Rivera.

For many years they met in this area but for the past couple of years they’ve met at Mimi’s as that seems to be more central for most of the group. Nikki Higgins of Norco and Linda Hainey of Downey were hostesses this year. Unfortunately, Linda had out-of-state company and was unable to attend.

Each guest brings a beautifully packaged unmarked gift. After a delicious lunch numbers are drawn and gifts are chosen. Then the fun begins as guests are allowed to “Steal” the already chosen gifts but no more than three times. This can get pretty loud and other restaurant patrons even joins in the fun some-times to cheer them on. This year, for the first time in 29 years, to ev-ery one’s amazement no one wanted to “Steal”, all were happy with their first gift.

This group of warm-hearted women manage to meet several times a year to celebrate the “Big” birthdays, you know, the 5 and 0 years. What a grand group this is. It is a privilege to know each and every one of them. When they have to forego a meeting, they are sorely missed.

Ford Ladies Hold Annual Christmas Party

The Ford Ladies Group met at Mimi’s restaurant in Corona this year on Thursday December 10th. About twenty ladies were present, including Marie Carter and Helen Brown from Norwalk and Phyllis Evans from Pico Rivera.

Irvine Senior Center Holds Volunteer Recognition Party

The Irvine senior center held its annual volunteer recognition party this past December honoring the many fine folks who help out at the two centers. "We could not do many events with out them", said Don McLean, director of the center, "it is the least we can do to have this party for them."

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Lakewood Regional Medical Center strives to address national nursing shortageBy Brian Hews

According to the United States Depart-ment of Health & Human Services, the number of folks 65 years or older in 2008 represented 12.8 percent of the population – or about one in every eight Americans. By 2030 that number is expected to reach 20 percent, further increasing the need for healthcare professionals across the board.

Hospitals nationwide are gearing up to recruit, train and retain registered nurses to help care for the aging popula-tion.

Locally, Lakewood Regional Medical Center is addressing the nursing shortage by offering the Versant Residency Pro-gram, an 18-week residency designed for nurses by nurses to prepare aspiring RNs for their first jobs.

“Lakewood is investing in its nursing staff to provide a higher standard of care for the community,” says Chief Nursing Officer, Jodi Hein. “This program will increase our staff numbers and better prepare our nurses for the professional and emotional aspects of their careers.”

“The residency program not only ben-efits patients, but nurses, ancillary staff, administrators and physicians,” she adds.

The rigorous training cur-riculum of the Versant Residency Program includes: instructor-led courses featur-ing current and emerging clini-cal guidelines; clinical preceptors who provide per-sonalized bedside training; debrief-ing sessions that offer a forum for exchange among participants; men-tors who provide personal support

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and career development; and an online tool to monitor participants’ progress.

“I am excited that Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Tenet Healthcare have the foresight to invest in our future

nurses,” says Assistant Chief Nursing Officer and Versant Program Coordinator, Terri Newton. “The program can only im-prove the quality of care that this hospital provides.”grant funding and is seeking to purchase

CDBG funds, which can be used for the project.

When completed the complex will house four baseball/softball diamonds, backstops, bleachers, drinking fountains, three football/soccer fields, one storage building, restroom, snack bar and a multi-purpose room building, modification of the irrigation system, parking improve-ments, sports field lighting and a multi-purpose athletic field.

Recently the local Soroptimists gath-ered to plan for the upcoming 18th annual Monte Carlo Night which will be held on March 6, 2010, at 7 PM at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s theme is “Paris in Springtime.” Tickets are only $75.00 per person and include a catered dinner, raffle prizes and gaming. The Artesia-Cerritos Sorop-timists are known for throwing a great party for an even greater cause.

“A great deal of work goes into the event,” said co-chairman Ivana Royse, “but it is truly a labor of love. We work hard so that our guests can have a special evening. With our ‘Springtime in Paris’

represented 12.8 percent of the population – or about one in every eight Americans. By 2030 that number is expected to reach 20 percent, further increasing the need for healthcare professionals across the board.

nurses to help care for the aging popula-

Locally, Lakewood Regional Medical Center is addressing the nursing shortage

gram, an 18-week residency designed for nurses by nurses to prepare aspiring RNs

“Lakewood is investing in its nursing staff to provide a higher standard of care

prepare our nurses for the professional and

“The residency program not only ben-

administrators and physicians,” she adds.

theme, we are trying to capture all the fun and excitement of an evening in The City of Lights without the long plane ride.”

Though Soroptimists raise money all year long, Monte Carlo Night is their major fundraiser. Funds raised by the club go to support many local charities including Su Casa (a shelter for battered women and children) and Family Guid-ance Center.

“In these difficult economic times, charities face even greater needs as local families undergo additional stresses due to economic worries,” president Pat Law added. “This means we need even greater

support from the community. People can support the event in numerous ways in-cluding donating raffle prizes, sponsoring a portion of the event, and buying tickets.”

“Sponsorships range from $100.00 to $5000.00 and include tickets for Monte Carlo Night as well as additional benefits such as signage at the event,” Pat ex-plained. “And the signage is a great way for the attendees to see who supports local charities.”

“As for donations, we accept items large and small,” Ivana added. “Business-es and community members have donated gift cards, a stay in a hotel or a condo, TVs, and even barbeque tools. All items, unless they’re antiques, need to be new.

This year we’re also looking for people who can donate their expertise. Perhaps a handyman will donate a couple hours of work or someone who is an expert at Photoshop is willing to spend a few hours helping someone learn the program.

“If you think about it,” Pat said, “everyone has something they can donate to a good cause. And we hope everyone will consider joining us for this wonderful event.”

Tickets are now available. To donate, sponsor, or buy tickets, call Co-chairper-son Ivana Royse at 562 925 1566.

Soroptimists plan for“Springtime in Paris”

Front Row: Esther Chin, Pat Law, Ivana Royse Second Row: Ursula Piotrowski, Glo-ria Kappe, Amy Dominguez, Rose Reets Back Row: Gayle Reidy, Sandy Fikse, Kathy Lovell, Marcia Verkaik, Louzana Kaku

HEALTHY LIVING • MARCH 2010 9TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

two ways. First, it eliminates the cash value of life insurance from counting as a resource. Second, it eliminates the assistance people re-ceive from others to pay for house-hold expenses, such as food, rent, mortgage or utilities, from count-ing as income. There also is an-other important “twist” in the law. The application for extra help can now start the application process for Medicare Savings Programs -- state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. These programs help pay Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and B deductibles and co-payments.

Who can get Extra Help?Anyone who has Medicare can

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* Your annual income must be limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21,855 for a married couple liv-ing together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help.

INCOMEContinued from page 1

more years of life. Among that same group, 41

percent of women and 28 percent of men will live to age 90—and half of those women will make it to 95, as will one-third of the men.

Fortunately, spousal benefits offer a way around the riddle. If you’re married—or if you’re divorced after ten years of marriage and haven’t remarried—you can claim a benefit not only on your own work record but also on your spouse’s. No, you can’t collect those benefits simultaneously. In some instances, however, you can get them consecutively: you can file first to get a spousal benefit, and then later to get your own benefit after it has grown as big as possible.

To see how spousal benefits work, consider these sample situations.

Two-Income CouplesThe Scenario: Bob is 66; Kathy

is 62. Based on their work records, each qualifies for a $2,000 monthly benefit at their FRA. Kathy plans to file now for her own benefit, so it’ll be reduced to $1,500 (for details on how your age affects the size of the benefit you receive, go to www.ssa.gov/retirement/1943.html). Bob intends to wait until he’s 70 so that his benefit will grow to $2,640.

The Better Way: Normally, when you apply for your own benefit, the Social Security Administration also looks at your spousal benefit and, if it’s bigger, adds the difference. But when Kathy files for Social Security, Bob should apply only for a spousal benefit, something he can do because he has reached FRA. “He must make it clear on the form that he’s restricting the application to the spousal benefit,” says Social Security Administration spokesperson Mark Lassiter. “That keeps his own benefit growing 8 percent a year for four more years.”

The Payoff: As a spouse, Bob gets 50 percent of the $2,000 Kathy would be entitled to at 66, an extra $1,000 a month for four years. At age 70 he can switch to his own $2,640 benefit. According to the Boston College Center for Retirement Research, in any given year about 700,000 couples stand to gain from using this approach.

One-Income CouplesThe Scenario: Tom, 64,

works full-time; Sandra, 60, is a homemaker. His Social Security benefit at 66 will be $2,000 a month. He’d like to wait until he’s 68 to apply, which will bump the benefit to $2,320. But he’s not sure he and Sandra can manage that long without it.

The Better Way: At 66, Tom should apply for his $2,000 monthly benefit, which allows Sandra to file for a spousal benefit. Tom can then—surprise—voluntarily suspend his benefit (at FRA, he has that option) so it will keep growing. Meantime, Sandra continues receiving her spousal benefit. (For details, go to www.ssa.gov/retire2/yourspouse.

htm.) The Payoff: Sandra gets $650

a month. Why not $1,000—half of Tom’s benefit? Because she’s only 62. No matter whose earnings record it’s based on, the amount you get depends on your age when you apply for it.

The moneymaking lesson here is to fully explore your choices. Use Social Security’s online calculator (at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/anypia/anypia.html) to play with different assumptions, or make an appointment to visit your local Social Security office. Don’t hesitate to ask agency staff to check with supervisors if they’re unfamiliar with these seldom-used strategies.

DRUGSContinued from page 1

ful, welcoming facility for caregiv-ers and participants. “We wanted families to stay together. We wanted them to preserve their assets,” said Pat Bray, VicePresident of Continu-

ing Care for PIH. “We also knew it would be safe”

Until you’ve been a caregiver to an aging parent or a spouse who may no longer remember your name, it’s truly difficult to understand the toll it takes on the entire family, but most especially, the caregiver. When the diagnosis is Alzheimers or other form of mental incapacity, there is additional stress on the fam-ily because of the need for constant monitoring of the patient.

A Day Away Adult Day Health Care Center focuses on people re-quiring continuous supervision and care and whose caregivers may need to work, care for others, or are sim-ply exhausted. A Day Away cares for those affected by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, stoke and other forms of memory loss and dementia. The average par-ticipants are about 80 years old, but some of the youngest participants are in their 20’s.

The stories are all very similar. Virginia Espejo’s mother, 86 year old Erma Mendoza, has Alzheim-er’s and has been participating in A Day Away for six years. Virginia says that she learned about the adult daycare center from their family physician. She says he could see

A DAY AWAYContinued from page 1

that she was overwhelmed and at her wits’ end and he recommended A Day Away. Says Virginia, “I felt safe. Staff is wonderful. We found answers and we were not alone.”

Irv Kornblum didn’t mind driv-ing 30 minutes from his home in Montebello to bring his wife Mar-

gie, who suffered from dementia, to A Day Away. She enjoyed being there and Irv was able to run errands and take care of household chores. “If it wasn’t for A Day Away, I don’t know what we would have done,” Kornblum said. “A Day Away was my salvation and I’m glad I found it.”

A Day Away offers a social pro-gram every day which includes tasty meals and snacks, caring su-pervision, assistance with such per-sonal activities as eating, walking, toileting, and personal care. There are support groups for participants, caregivers, and families. The pro-gram includes games, arts, crafts, and pet therapy. “Little Girl,” a greyhound who once was a racing dog, comes to visit on a regular ba-sis. There is also a medical program model for participants whose doc-tors feel it necessary. This program includes RN nursing care, medica-tion management, PT, speech ther-apy and more. There is assistance with transportation. Mostly, A Day Away offers a place for people to continue to enjoy their lives in a safe, caring environment. For more information, call 562-902-5305 or email ADayAway@pih.net.

Staff of A Day Away Adult Day Care Center

Visit our websitewww.healthylivingca.com

Send us stories, anniversaries, birthdays, events!

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Stopping Elder Abuse:Alzheimer’s Association Creates Prevention Council

A gifted artist, retired teacher and mother of four, Diane, aged 65, has Alzheimer’s disease. Diane is also a victim of abuse. Her story is not uncommon – as many as 10% of the nation’s senior adult popula-tion experience physical, psycho-logical, and financial abuses. It

robs them of their health, security, independence, dignity – even compromising home, property and savings. Elder abuse is a crime that frequently goes undetected and is severely under-reported.

In Orange County, the numbers of people affected add up quickly. With nearly 300,000 people aged 65 or older in the county (2000 United States Census data); the number of those at risk for abuse is great – and growing. The Or-

ange County Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Registry received nearly 5,500 reports of elder and dependent adult abuse in 2005, an increase of 127% since 1994. Re-search indicates that only a fraction of cases are officially reported. For every report of elder mistreatment made to Adult Protective Services, an estimated five cases go unre-ported.

Because Diane has a memory loss disorder, she is statistically at even greater risk for abuse or neglect. A 2009 study revealed that nearly 50% of people with demen-tia experience some kind of abuse and females are abused at a higher rate than males.

As elders become more physi-cally frail, they’re less able to stand up to bullying and or fight back if attacked. They may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to, leaving openings for unscrupulous people to take ad-vantage of them. Mental or physi-cal ailments may make them more trying for the people who provide their care. In 1998, the United States General Accounting Office reported that one in three Califor-nia nursing homes was cited for se-rious or potentially life-threatening care problems.

In response to these sober-ing facts – and due to the recent California state budget cuts that se-verely diminished the scope of the programs intended to monitor elder abuse and neglect, the Alzheimer’s

Association, Orange County Chap-ter created the Alzheimer’s Asso-ciation Elder Abuse Council. This timely abuse prevention program is comprised of families, administra-tors from residential care facilities and subject-matter experts from throughout the county.

“Timing is everything and, in this case, our Elder Abuse Coun-cil is debuting when it is needed most,” said Jim McAleer, Presi-dent/CEO of the Alzheimer’s As-sociation, Orange County Chapter.

Funding for local Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs has been cut due to the California state budget crisis, curtailing the inves-tigations of residential care facil-ity abuse cases. These programs, now limited, are the only advocacy services safeguarding residents of assisted living facilities from abuse and neglect. "California’s senior citizens not only bear a dispro-portionate share of reductions in health and home care services, but they are particularly vulnerable to abuse," said Assemblymember Dave Jones.

With fewer protections in place for seniors living in residential care facilities or adult day care or receiving assistance from home-based caregivers, the spectrum for potential abuse is expansive, “It is another unfortunate ramification of our struggling economy that deeply impacts families with elderly mem-bers,” said McAleer.

Preserving the CLASS Act is vital to senior careBy Larry Minnix

As the healthcare debate con-tinues to unfold, a little-known but important provision in the Demo-crats' reform package that would fill a huge gap in our nation's health insurance system is attract-ing renewed attention.

This provision -- the Commu-nity Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, or CLASS Act for short -- would create a national long-term care insurance program. It couldn't come at a better time.

Roughly 10 million Americans are currently in need of long-term services and supports. That num-ber is expected to increase by half over the next 10 years. Yet few Americans have insurance plans that cover such care.

Many people assume that Medicare will take care of any long-term services and supports they may need down the road. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Medicaid -- the government health-insurance program for the poor -- will pay for long-term care, but seniors and the disabled would have to impoverish themselves in order to qualify.

The CLASS Act would create

[See Class, Page 11]

HEALTHY LIVING • MARCH 2010 11TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

a voluntary insurance program that would pay out cash benefits in the event a beneficiary became too disabled to perform normal daily activities, like getting dressed. Those who elected to participate would have premiums deducted from their paycheck.

By providing benefits in cash -- an estimated $50 to $75 a day -- the CLASS program would ensure that beneficiaries could go on leading productive, independent lives. And unlike some forms of insurance, CLASS benefits would continue for as long as a person's need persists -- whether that's three months or a lifetime.

It's important to note that this money is not designed to replace private insurance. CLASS benefits simply provide a financial backstop to protect against disability- or age-induced impoverishment. Benefi-ciaries would be expected to have supplemental private coverage as well.

Other countries have found that government-sponsored long-term care insurance actually stimulates the purchase of private policies. In France, sales of private "wrap around" policies have jumped 15 percent annually since lawmakers there created a long-term care pro-gram. Germany saw a similar jump in private insurance sales after it created its long-term care plan.

If these countries' experiences are any indication, the CLASS program would serve as a low-cost "foothold" that makes private coverage more affordable for those who might typically be scared away from long-term care policies by high prices.

Critics of the CLASS program claim that it will add to the federal deficit.

But that's not the case. Because people would pay premiums to par-ticipate, the CLASS Act's benefits would be funded exclusively by beneficiaries'premiums and earned interest, not general tax dollars. The reform package also mandates that the program remain solvent for 75 years. The Congressional Bud-

get Office (CBO) and other experts have found that the CLASS plan will meet this requirement.

In fact, the CBO estimates that the program would actually lead to about $72 billion in net deficit reduction over the next 10 years.

The CLASS provision would help millions of Americans af-ford vital care.Establishing this voluntary and fiscally responsible program now, under the healthcare reform umbrella, will ensure that America's most vulnerable get the care they need now and into the future.

Larry Minnix is President and CEO of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Ag-ing.

Expansion will speed benefits to thousands of Americans with dis-abilities.

Michael J. Astrue, Commis-sioner of Social Security, today announced that the agency is adding 38 more conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances. This is the first expansion since the original list of 50 conditions - 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers - was announced in October 2008. The new conditions range from adult brain disorders to rare diseases that primarily affect children. The complete list of the new Compas-sionate Allowance conditions is attached.

“The addition of these new conditions expands the scope of Compassionate Allowances to a broader subgroup of conditions like early-onset Alzheimer’s dis-ease,” Commissioner Astrue said. “The expansion we are announcing today means tens of thousands of Americans with devastating dis-abilities will now get approved for benefits in a matter of days rather than months and years.”

Compassionate Allowances are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical condi-tions that clearly qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Secu-rity Income disability benefits. It allows the agency to electronically

target and make speedy decisions for the most obviously disabled individuals. In developing the expanded list of conditions, Social Security held public hearings and worked closely with the National Institutes of Health, the Alzheim-er’s Association, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, and other groups.

"The diagnosis of Alzheimer's indicates significant cognitive impairment that interferes with daily living activities, including the ability to work," said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "Now, individuals who are dealing with the enormous challenges of Al-zheimer's won't also have to endure the financial and emotional toll of a long disability decision process."

“This truly innovative program will provide invaluable assistance and support to patients and fami-lies coping with severely disabling rare diseases,” said Peter L. Sal-tonstall, President and CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). “On behalf of those patients and families, I want to thank Commissioner Astrue and his enthusiastic team for creating and now expanding a program that will have a direct impact on the quality of life of thousands of individuals."

“The initiative not only as-sists those whose applications are quickly processed, but also assists

those whose applications need more time and attention from SSA adjudicators,” said Marty Ford, Co-Chair, Social Security Task Force, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. “We are pleased to see today's expansion and look forward to working with Commis-sioner Astrue on further expansion of this decision-making tool and other ways to expedite determina-tions and decisions for disability claims.”

“We will continue to hold hear-ings and look for other diseases and conditions that can be added to our list of Compassionate Allow-ances," Commissioner Astrue said. “There can be no higher priority than getting disability benefits quickly to those Americans with these severe and life-threatening conditions.”

Social Security will begin elec-tronically identifying these 38 new conditions March 1.

For more information about the agency’s Compassionate Allow-ances initiative, go to www.social-security.gov/compassionateallow-ances.New Compassionate Allowance Conditions

1. Alstrom Syndrome2. Amegakaryocytic Thrombo-

cytopenia3. Ataxia Spinocerebellar4. Ataxia Telangiectasia5. Batten Disease6. Bilateral Retinoblastoma7. Cri du Chat Syndrome

8. Degos Disease9. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease10. Edwards Syndrome11. Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Pro-

gressiva12. Fukuyama Congenital Muscu-

lar Dystrophy13. Glutaric Acidemia Type II14. Hemophagocytic Lymphohis-

tiocytosis (HLH), Familial Type15. Hurler Syndrome, Type IH16. Hunter Syndrome, Type II17. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis18. Junctional Epidermolysis

Bullosa, Lethal Type19. Late Infantile Neuronal

Ceroid Lipofuscinoses20. Leigh’s Disease21. Maple Syrup Urine Disease22. Merosin Deficient Congenital

Muscular Dystrophy23. Mixed Dementia24. Mucosal Malignant Melanoma25. Neonatal Adrenoleukodystrophy26. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscino-

ses, Infantile Type27. Niemann-Pick Type C28. Patau Syndrome29. Primary Progressive Aphasia30. Progressive Multifocal Leu-

koencephalopathy31. Sanfilippo Syndrome32. Subacute Sclerosis Panen-

cephalitis33. Tay Sachs Disease34. Thanatophoric Dysplasia,

Type 135. Ullrich Congenital Muscular

Dystrophy36. Walker Warburg Syndrome37. Wolman Disease38. Zellweger Syndrome

Social Security adds 38 New Compassionate Allowance Conditions

[Class, From page 10]

One of the dancers is Carol Glenn Shallin. Carol was a “Mapes Skylite” chorus girl in Reno many, many years ago and then toured with her own dance act across the country. She performed as an ac-tress and dancer in Little Theater in both San Francisco, her hometown and Hollywood. Carol has worked both sides of the camera (acting in several horror films where she was a real scream) and is a member of SAG, AGVA and NABET.

Since retiring and moving to La-guna Woods from Las Vegas 2 years ago, Carol has been active in vari-ous local shows including, “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “Celebrat-

ing the Romantics (Poets),” as Cher in “Aquarius to Woodstock,” Sybil, a con artist, in “Senior Follies,” Mavis in “The Whistler- Mavis Cameron Disappears” in Radio Show Theater, as Marilyn in “Gum-shoe Revue,” Most recently as Penelope, the lead, an American actress married to an English vicar in “See How They Run.” Gregory Sierra, (Barney Miller, Sanford and Son) had a very funny part in it as a Cockney sergeant. The OCDTA is located at 2214 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, Ca., telephone (949) 646-4234. The program director is Lorrie Collins; she can be contacted at (714) 968-7897. The troupe needs one month in advance to schedule a show.

[Hoofers, From page 1]

12 HEALTHY LIVING • MARCH 2010 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

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