8600 Sheridan Rd. Kenosha, WI 53143 • 262-605-6646 or 800-472-8008To Your Health

NEED your questionansweredTODAY?CALL:KenoshaCountyAging & DisabilityResourceCenter262-605-6646 Monday –Friday,8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Send your Questions to: Kenosha County ADRC Dear Freddie 8600 Sheridan Rd. Kenosha, WI 53143 OR Email: adrc@co.kenosha.wi.us

“ L i n k i n g P e o p l e t o S e r v i c e s i s W h a t W e d o B e s t ”

INGREDIENTS10 oz. uncooked whole wheat penne pasta Olive oil cooking spray 1 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced (1 medium onion) 3 large cloves of garlic, minced 1/2 cup chicken broth 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped (2 cups) 1 (6-ounce) bag fresh baby spinach 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped or 1 tsp dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 2/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese 1/3 cup pine nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Cook pasta according to package directions, without salting water. While pasta is cooking, spray a large, non-stick frying pan with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, stir and cook until slightly transparent, approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic, stir and cook for another minute. Add broth and let simmer for 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, toss, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add spinach and basil, cook and stir for approximately 2 minutes, or until leaves wilt. Remove from heat and salt/pepper to taste. Drain pasta and add to spinach mixture. Thoroughly toss. Serve on a platter and top with gorgonzola and pine nuts. Makes 6 servings. 300 calories a serving.

Penne with Spinach & Gorgonzola January is National Glaucoma Awareness MonthM e d i c a r e patients at high risk for g l a u c o m a can receive dilated eye e x a m i n a -tions as a benefit of M e d i c a r e c o v e r a g e . C u r r e n t l y eligible ben-eficiaries are indiv iduals with diabetes mellitus, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, Hispanic-Amer-icans age 65 and over, and African-Ameri-cans age 50 and over. A Glaucoma/Diabe-tes Hotline program matches patients with participating optometrists in their area. To find an optometrist in your area, call:800-262-3947.

Dear Freddie,Over these long Wisconsin winters, it’s easy to forget how important exercise is, so I get a little lazy and don’t keep up with it. Do you have any ideas for where I can swim? It’s about all I can handle with my arthritis and sore joints. Sincerely, A Kenosha Swimmer

Dear Kenosha Swimmer,Great question and thanks for your letter! Exercise of all types, is fun and good for you, but

certain conditions can make exercising less fun. Here are some options for swimming that can be great in relieving the pain, soreness and stiffness caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia. Swimming allows for movement in the support of the water, which reduces the stress on joints overall. • The Kenosha Senior Center offers swimming to members, at Reuther High School, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Call 262-359-6260 for more details. • A morning hydrotherapy group meets at Jane Vernon School, 8518 22nd Ave., Kenosha. Call Linda Metallo at 262-654-6485 for more details.• There are pool facilities and water fitness classes offered at the LakeView RecPlex, located at 9900 Terwall Terrace, Pleasant Prairie. Call 262-947-0437 for more details.• There are pool facilities and water fitness classes at the Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. Call 262-767-7000 for more details.• Water Exercise Classes are available at Diver Dan’s Scuba and Aquatic Center, 3927 30th Ave., Kenosha, with a 90 degree warm water pool. Call 262-652-9399 for more details.• Coming Soon! Kenosha YMCA-Callahan Branch’s swimming facilities are scheduled forcompletion December 16, 2009. Call 262-654-9622 for more details.Joining a class, or group also has the added benefits of meeting new friends and in the long days of winter, friends can be very comforting. Don’t forget to check with your physician before starting any new exercise regimen.

This recipe is rich in eye healthy foods: lutein, zeax-anthin, folate, and zinc, with modest amounts of vitamin C., iron, fiber, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, and copper.

8600 Sheridan Rd. Kenosha, WI 53143 • 262-605-6646 or 800-472-8008Of Benefit To You

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU TURN 65by Janice Erickson, Benefit Specialist Program Coordinator

Turning 65 opens a new chapter of a person’s life and brings certain benefits, most notably Medicare. Medicare is the

government-sponsored program that entitles most seniors age 65 or older to medical i n s u r a n c e . The Medicare program is divided into four parts—A, B, C, and D. Private Medicare S u p p l e m e n t plans (Medigap) which may cover Medicare deductibles and co-payments are also available.

There are other benefits available at age 65, particularly if you are low income. In making decisions about retirement, you will face two primary concerns. First, what sources of income will I have, and how much will it be? Second, who will provide my medical coverage, and how much will it cost?

If you have questions about financial planning, estate planning or sheltering assets, you should contact a reputable financial planner or private attorney or use the Wisconsin Bar’s attorney referral service.

INCOME AT AGE 65 AND OLDER

Your ability to receive Social Security income is based on age and work credits. If you have earned 40 work credits, you are entitled to your Social Security retirement benefits once you turn 62 even if you continue working. You earn work credits whenever you contribute a specified amount from your earnings into Social Security, and you can earn

up to four credits per year. There may be situations in which you will receive reduced benefits or no benefits at all, usually if you are a federal employee, worked for the railroad industry, or have never contributed to Social

Security. Those who are both low-income and elderly, blind, or disabled may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI). You can request your earnings statement by contacting the Social Security Administration.

WHEN YOU SHOULD COLLECT BENEFITS

Early Retirement Reduction: You can receive benefits as early as age 62, but doing

so will result in a permanent reduction in your monthly benefit payments. For example, if you begin collecting at 62 but are not eligible for full benefits until age 67, you will only receive approximately 70% of your full benefits each month for the rest of your life.

Delayed Collection Credits: If you begin collecting benefits between your full retirement age and age 70, your monthly benefit payments will increase. For example, if you are eligible for full benefits at age 67 and collect at 68, you would receive approximately 107.5% of your benefits; 115% if you waited another year.

Working While Collecting: If you are still earning income and are not yet at the age to collect full benefits, you can begin claiming benefits, but your monthly benefit amount will be reduced both by the early retirement reduction and by $1 for every $2 you

earn above a pre-set earnings limit. If you continue working after full retirement age, your benefits will not be reduced due to earned income. Furthermore, if you continue to work and pay Social Security tax, you may earn additional credits and further increase your monthly benefits.

When You Should Call Social Security: The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends that you request benefits two months prior to when you want to begin collecting payments. Because the full retirement age is no longer 65—the age when Medicare begins—you will need to contact Medicare prior to your 65th birthday to obtain Medicare coverage even if you do not plan to collect Social Security payments. If you are receiving Social Security disability payments, your payments will automatically change to retirement payments at full retirement age.

You can talk to your Human Resources Department, Social Security (1-800-772-1213) or Medicare (1-800-633-4227) about your options. If you have questions about public or private benefits you can contact a benefit specialist at the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008.(Reprinted with permission from CWAG)

Understanding Medicare 2010The workshop offers a basic overview of Original Medicare, and other health and prescription drug coverage options. You will learn how to read and understand a Medicare summary notice and how to file an appeal. It also covers other helpful benefits for which you may be eligible. Friday, January 22, 10:00 a.m. – NoonUnited Hospital Systems/Kenosha Campus, Community Education room. Seating is limited and offered to Kenosha County residents only. Reservations are required. Call the Kenosha ADRC at 262-605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008.

Year Born Age to receive full retirement benefits

1937 or earlier 65

1938 65 & 2 months

1939 65 & 4 months

1940 65 & 6 months

1941 65 & 8 months

1942 65 & 10 months

1943-1954 66

1955 66 & 2 months

1956 66 & 4 months

1957 66 & 6 months

1958 66 & 8 months

1959 66 & 10 months

1960 & later 67

GRANDPARENTS HELP WITH TEEN Rx ABUSE

8600 Sheridan Rd. Kenosha, WI 53143 • 262-605-6646 or 800-472-8008Above & Beyond

Grandparents may think that their pre-teen or teenage grandchildren are immune to drug abuse. After all they don’t hang out on street corners or have the kinds of friends who would sell drugs. However more teenagers abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug, except marijuana and most of them get the drugs from relatives and friends. Among 12-13 year olds, prescription drugs are their drug of choice. Because they are so readily available, teens who wouldn’t otherwise touch illegal drugs might abuse prescription drugs.

A single large dose of prescription or over-the-counter painkillers or depressants can cause breathing difficulty that can lead to death. Abuse of stimulants can lead to hostility or paranoia, or to heart system failure or seizures. Misuse of cough and cold remedies can cause blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, coma and even death.

Some teens mix over-the-counter, prescription drugs and alcohol which can cause respiratory failure or death. Teens who abuse prescription drugs before age 16 have a greater risk of drug dependence as adults.

What can grandparents do?• Safeguard all of your drugs so that they are not accessible.• Properly dispose of old or unused medicines.• Talk to your children and grandchildren about the dangers of abusing prescription and

over-the-counter drugs.

To learn more www.TheAntiDrug.com or call 1-800-788-2800 to request free information.

Tips for Older Job SeekersThirty-plus years of experience may not be enough. In today’s competitive job market older job seekers must take steps to enhance their chances of success.

• Sadly some age discrimination still exists, but there should still be many opportunities for older workers when this recession ends. Prior to the downturn in our economy there was a growing number of employers who were willing to consider older applicants, particularly engineers, scientists, and information technology experts. Job seekers should identify industries that are growing or stable. The food industry, transportation, utilities/energy, health care, and accounting do reasonably well, even in bad times.

• Look for “age friendly” organizations. RetirementJobs.com and AARP’s “Best Employers” awards are sources of information for such companies. Seasonal help in retail, accounting or recreation are considerations.

• Small to mid-size firms are more likely to take on aging Boomers who bring a track record of accomplishment, but they may pay less than bigger firms. Self-employment is another option.

• Job seekers must identify and articulate what specific value they can bring to an organization, at the same time recognizing that their skills must evolve. Workers should understand their strengths, passions, and values. A resume is not just about where you’ve been but where you’re going and how you can be of help.

• Personal relationships are more critical to getting in the door for an interview with the growing use of on-line job applications that reduce face to face contact. Job seekers need to connect with people who have similar interests. Networking can also be used to learn about an industry and the people currently working in it.

• Older job seekers must update their computer skills. When other factors are comparable, employers will select someone who already knows the latest computer applications over the person who must learn new skills.Source: Buddy, Can You Spare a Job? From MetLife Mature Market Institute

What’s Happening?

8600 Sheridan Rd. Kenosha, WI 53143 • 262-605-6646 or 800-472-8008For Your Information

Winter HarborMarket, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Phone: 262- 914-1252

January 4, Adventures In Lifelong Learning (All) presents “Wither Journalism” Pete Selkowe, Editor Racine Post. With the birth of his first internet news-paper, Selkowe envisioned the promise of a new technology, not its industry destroying capabilities! Adventures in journalism, past, present and future. For more information, contact the ALL Office at 262- 595-2137.

January 11, Adventures In Lifelong Learning (All) presents “What Barns Tell Us” Ruth E. Olson, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures at UW-Madison. Barns have been part of the living cultural landscape of the Upper Midwest. They represent the ethnicity and community. What a folklorist has learned from barns and the people who use them. For more information, contact the ALL Office at 262-595-2137.

January 14, Tea Cup Candles. Learn how safe and easy it is to make candles at home. Each participant will make one tea-cup candle to take home. Community Library, 110 S. Lake Avenue, Twin Lakes. Registration is required. Call 262-877-4281.

January 21, Kenosha Unified School District Theatre Arts presents: “Little Shop of Horrors” (Musical), Thurs – Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., Tremper High School. 262-359-7401.

January 21, Tea Cup Candles. Learn how safe and easy it is to make candles at home. Each participant will make one tea-cup candle to take home. Salem Community Library, 24615 89th Street. Registration is required. Please call 262-843-3348.

January 22, Kenosha Public Museum Travelogue: Italy: Tip to Toe with Stan Walsh, 7:30 p.m., doors open 6:45 p.m., Reuther High School Auditorium. 262-653-4010.

January 24, Philomusica String Quartet @ Fine Arts at First, 3 to 4 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 919-60th Street. 262-658-3213.

January 14-17, Kenosha Unified School District Theatre Arts: “Bat Boy” The Musical, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., Bradford High School 262-359-7401.

January 27, Arts Alive! presents Patrick Combs: Man 1, Bank 0, 7:30 p.m., UW-Parkside Communication Arts Theatre, 262-595-2345 or 262-595-2277. The Feds came after him; others said the money from a fake junk mail check it was his. A true story from a hilarious entertainer and best-selling author.

February 19, Alcohol & Drug Abuse: What Works, What Can We Do? Dr. Richard Brown, UW-Madison 9:30 a.m., Kenosha Public Museum. For reservations call Kenosha County ADRC at 262-605-6646.

2010 Caregiver of the Year AwardsDo you know a home care worker, nurses aide or long-term care supervisor or administrator deserving of an award? Nominate your

caregiver and tell us more about them! In 200 words or less, tell us why you believe the person you are nomi-nating qualifies for an awards.

For more information: Call 608-224-6300 or visit the following web site: www.wiworkforceal-liance.com

Power of Attorney for Finances

A Power of Attorney for Finances authorizes another person (“agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to handle your financial affairs consistent with the terms of the document. A document that is “durable” authorizes the agent to act on your behalf if you become mentally incapacitated.

It is important to include protections against abuse by the agent, such a requiring a regular accounting, and limiting or prohibiting the making of gifts.

A Guardian of the Estate may need to be appointed if you lose the mental ability to make financial decisions and a Durable Power ofAttorney has not beenexecuted, or other suitable arrangements made (e.g. a trust or the appoint-ment of a representative payee.)

The Coalition of Wis-consin Aging Groups publishes a Do-it-Yourself Consumer Packet: Wisconsin Basic Power of Attor-ney for Finances and Property Form. The packet includes educa-tional information, as well as the state Power of Attorney for Finances and Property form. It is available for a voluntary $2.00 contribution by calling 1-800-488-2596 ext. 301. For answers to frequently asked questions and other information about Powers of Attorney for Finance and other legal issues, visit CWAG’s web site at www.cwag.org.