senior - kern valley sun · get moving! tips to enjoy your golden years it is called golden for a...

Senior Lifestyles is a publication of the Kern Valley Sun ©2016 www.KVSun.com

SeniorLifestyles

2016

Get Moving!Tips to enjoy your golden yearsIt is called golden for a reason

Dating as a Senior How do you find a date when you have gray hair

Early Detection Get regular check-ups

The Donut Hole Explanation of Medicare Part D

Kern Valley Sun ©2016 Senior Lifestyles 2016 3

Craig W. Armstrongcreativeoutlet.com

As we get older, things that we never considered dangerous can become a risk to our safety. More than half of the injuries suffered by seniors are the result of a fall and happen at or near home. The fact that they happen at or close to home is a positive. It means we can prevent them. Here’s a look at what you can do to stay safe in your senior years.

The risk of fall-ing increases with age because our bodies are changing. Things like loss of clear vision, loss of hearing, impaired balance, and the side effects of medication can all result in a

fall. First, be aware of these factors and more importantly do something to fix them. That means wearing your glasses and hearing aids, as well as compensat-ing for your balance issues.

There are many things that can be installed in your home to help prevent falls. For example, all stairways should

have handrails, no exceptions. All stairways should be brightly lit

and clear of items. Showers and bathtubs are another place where

handrails should be manda-tory. Showers and tubs are

slippery even for young and coordinated people. Keep yourself safe, install handrails. Speaking of tubs and

showers, make sure to have non-slip surfaces. These aids come in many forms, from little ducks to fish, to flow-

ers. They can brighten up your tub and keep you safe at the same time.

While we’re in the bathroom, let’s talk about the toilet. Do you have trou-ble getting on and off the commode? If so, have a handrail installed there as well.

Making sure your path is clear is a great way to avoid falls. Always watch where you are going. This includes making sure there are no electrical cords, shoes or anything that can trip you. This applies to the outdoors as well. You can’t control what’s on the ground, but you can look out for it. Take extra care on sidewalks, driveways and grass. Be extra cautious in the rain, snow or ice. Again, even the most sure-footed person can fall in those conditions.

Always wear the proper footwear.

Avoid anything with a smooth sole. Function over fashion is the key to staying safe.

If you need a walker or cane, don’t be afraid to use them. A broken hip or knee will leave you unable to walk and

that’s when you’ll wish you had used the aid of a cane. Take

your time. Take sure steps. The faster you walk, the easier it is to fall. Have a plan in case you fall and injure yourself. Consider a medical alert

device, or at the very least, always have your cell

phone with you. No one wants to admit they are slowing down or

that they need to take extra care and time, but it will happen to all of us. Taking a little extra time and using things to make us safer is nothing to be ashamed of. Consider the alternative, if you break something you will be far more helpless and dependent on others.

Avoiding Slips and Falls

Photo Courtesy humanracesc.com

The Drugstore in Kernville was established in 1979 and is proud to still be providing fast, friendly service to the residents of the Kern River Valley 34 years later. We are the only family-owned independent pharmacy in the Valley and strive to provide the highest level of service at the best price. For all your prescription needs or to get advice on medications or medical conditions, you can count on The Drugstore in Kernville.

Located in Circle Park • 760-376-2216 • www.thedrugstorerx.comPhotoKiosk

“For all yourprescription needs!”In the of Kernville

Deliveries made twice

a week...

at a low cost of

$4Each Delivery

“More than half of the injuries

happen at or near home.”


Tresa Ericksoncreativeoutlet.com

Over 50,000 of them live in the United States, many of them women. They have seen hundreds of chang-es in their lifetimes from Model Ts rolling off the assem-bly line to people commu-nicating instanta-neously at the click of a few keys. They are our nation’s centenarians, age 100 and up, and super centenarians, age 110 and up. There are over 300,000 centenarians in the world, and the reasons behind their longevity vary from good genes to healthy habits. Many experts attribute a long life to high levels of vita-mins A and E, while others attribute it to certain enzymes or B cells. For many, it’s a combination of factors, including education, health, heredity, lifestyle and personali-

ty. Most centenarians are extroverts, with loads of friends and extensive family ties, which keeps them active and stress at bay. Centenarians have many other qualities in common as well. They come from a loving fam-ily and maintain a positive outlook,

with many re-porting they don’t feel or act like their age. They eat in mod-eration and exer-

cise their body as well

as their mind. They practice clean living, drinking and smoking very little, and stay active, taking in games, hobbies, sports and whatever else catches their fancy. They are

spiritual, and many attend church faithfully. Living

to age 100 and beyond is no small feat. Many nations consider it an honor and offer cente-narians birthday greet-

ings of some sort. In the United States, for exam-

ple, centenarians receive a letter from the President congrat-

ulating them on the milestone. In Japan, they receive a certificate and a silver cup from the Prime Minister. In Ireland, they receive bounty and a letter from the President. With ad-vances in medicine and more focus on individual health, experts predict a rise in the centenarian population in the future. According to statis-

tics, one in 26 Baby Boomers will reach the age of 100. While some will continue to live at home, others will move in with relatives or reside at assisted living centers or nursing homes. Wherever they live, cente-narians can take pride in reaching 100 and experiencing so much in their lifetime.

Photo Courtesy autoevolution.com

A Century Old

HEALTH INSURANCE EXPERTNationally Recognized Medicare Authority

Medicare Supplement • Medicare AdvantageMedicare Part D Prescription

Turning 65?Questions Answered • No Charge

800-498-8425 • [email protected] • CAL Lic.# 0621106

KERN Village/The BurlingtonAssisted Living For Seniors

• Del ic ious Home-cookedmeals and snacks

• Housekeeping and laundryservices

• Transportat ion to local medical appointments

• Personal ized heal th andwel l -being services

• Profess ional ly tra ined s taf fon duty 24 hours a day

• Interest ing act iv i t ies everyday

� �

“A Happy Place Called Home” Come See Us - You’ll Love Us

32 Burlando Rd.,Kernville, CA 93238

(760) 376-6733Lic# 157200475 Lic# 155801223

13 Sycamore DriveWofford Heights, CA 93285

(760) 376-6474

KERN Village/The BurlingtonAssisted Living For Seniors

• Del ic ious Home-cookedmeals and snacks

• Housekeeping and laundryservices

• Transportat ion to local medical appointments

• Personal ized heal th andwel l -being services

• Profess ional ly tra ined s taf fon duty 24 hours a day

• Interest ing act iv i t ies everyday

� �

“A Happy Place Called Home” Come See Us - You’ll Love Us

32 Burlando Rd.,Kernville, CA 93238

(760) 376-6733Lic# 157200475 Lic# 155801223

13 Sycamore DriveWofford Heights, CA 93285

(760) 376-6474

• Delicious Home-cooked meals and snacks• Housekeeping and laundry services• Transportation to local medical appointments

“A Happy Place Called Home”

• Personalized health and well-being services• Professionally trained staff on duty 24 hours a day.• Interesting activities everyday

“Come See Us - You’ll Love Us”32 Burlando Rd. Kernville Rd., • 760-376-6733 13 Sycamore Dr. Wfrd Hts • 760-376-6474

Lic# 157200475 Lic# 155801223

“One in 26 Baby Boomers will reach the age of 100.”

MC • VISA • DISCOVERBarnes’ Credit Card O.A.C

1 Year • NO InterestNO Payment • NO Money Down

OPEN 7 DAYSwww.barnesbargains.comBARNES’BARGAINS

6408 Lake Isabella Blvd. • Lake Isabella • 760-379-4300APPLIANCES • FURNITURE • SOLARAPPLIANCES • FURNITURE • SOLAR

EBT

~ SENIOR SPECIAL ~

Good thru Dec. 31, 2016

10%OFF

10%OFF

LIFT CHAIRRECLINER

Hospital ApprovedLIFT CHAIRRECLINER

Free DeliveryFree Delivery

ALL IN STOCK



It’s no secret. People like stuff, and some have a lot of it. Perhaps you are among them. While you could leave it for your family to sort through one day when you’re gone, why not save them the hassle by tackling it now in your golden years? Sound good? Read on for some tips. The ideal time to declutter is in retirement. In fact, it’s often the first thing people do after retiring. Whether you are retired or not, you can still tackle the clutter in your home. Just under-stand the process could take a while and allow the time for it. Don’t expect to get

through years and years of stuff in one day. It won’t happen. Work on one room at a time and place like things together. Then, select an area of the room and schedule a few hours to sort through

the items there. Make three piles: keep, donate and trash. You

might also have a sell pile if you are willing to see the task through. Sell-ing things takes time. If you’ve been trying to have a yard sale for years

and have never done so, chances are you won’t do

it now and should just donate the stuff instead. Sort through things

carefully, making sure you put items where they should go. Getting rid of stuff can be hard for some people. If you have troubles, consider these questions. When did you last use the item? Would

you miss it if it were gone? Is the item in good enough condition to keep it? The answers to these questions should help you determine what to do with an item. Clean as you go, and should you come across anything broken, repair it right away or discard it. Don’t set it aside with the intent of fixing it later. Chances are it won’t happen. If you haven’t fixed it by this point and you don’t make yourself do it right away, you will probably never get around to it. Once you have worked through an area, deal with the piles right then and there. Bag up the trash and take it to the curb. Don’t leave it sitting in the middle of the room where you might be compelled to look through it again. Put away the keep items. Don’t just leave them in a pile where they might get strewn about and have to be resorted. Sort through the donate items and deliver them to all of the right parties, whether family, friends or a local donation center. Keep at it until you have the room clear, then move on to the next room. Enlist friends and family to cheer you on and help you if needed. If you are donating furniture, for example, don’t hesitate to ask the youngsters in your life to move it for

you. Don’t break your back trying to do it yourself. You do not want to suffer an injury, which could sideline you for months, or worse, cause you to abandon the task altogether. Professional help is also available. You will find a num-ber of cleaning services that will assist you in decluttering, as well as personal organizers should you have trouble de-termining what to keep and toss. Other service providers might also be help-ful. If you are dealing with a lot of tax records, for example, you might want to call your accountant for some advice. They can tell you exactly what records to retain for your files. There are many benefits to decluttering your home. You can uncover treasures thought lost and relive old memories. You can open up rooms and create a safer, nicer environ-ment. You can save your family time and trouble later and give them some beloved heirlooms now. Why hang on to your great aunt Amelia’s china when your daughter could be using it for dinners at her home? Give it to her now while you’re still around to see her use it. There is so much to gain from clearing away the clutter from your home. Don’t put it off another minute. Get started today.

Photo Courtesy autoevolution.com

Clean Sweep

“Keep, Donate and

Trash”



Dating at any age can be stressful, but dating in your senior years can be downright terrifying. Not many people think they will be dating at age 50, 60, or even 70, but it’s possi-ble. You may lose your spouse or become divorced. You may have been single for a long time and decide you want companionship. Whatever the rea-son, dating in your more “seasoned” years, is a real pos-sibility.

First relax; dating is the same as it’s always been. It’s two people getting to know each other and deciding if they want to spend more time together. The difference between what you remember is that you are far more mature and likely so is your date. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel 16 again, but that’s a good thing. Enjoy

that excitement. So how do you find a date when

your hair is gray or you don’t have any? The only thing that has changed since you dated as a young person is the Internet. There are many online dating websites and some devoted just to seniors. While these websites

can help you meet people, there are some pitfalls. Un-

fortunately, some people who use these sites have less than honor-able intentions. Just like when you were a teenager, some peo-

ple are just looking for sex or to be wined

and dined. Don’t let this keep you from using these

sites, just be careful and use common sense.

Aside from the Internet, people still meet the old fashion way. They meet through friends, family, at church and social functions. Another avenue is dating people from your past, who themselves find them-selves single. Social media can be

good for finding lost loves. If you want to meet someone special, dive in and get to know new people, don’t be afraid to ask them to dinner or for coffee. What do you have to lose?

Some people like to talk to their family about their plans to start dating again. If you lost your spouse or significant other, the children you shared might have mixed feeling about you finding another person. The decision is ultimately yours, but it doesn’t hurt to hear them out. Just talking to them may make them feel better about the process. In some cases, they may be all for it. In fact, they may have advice for you and they may be able to help you with online dating.

So you find someone you enjoy spending time with and you want to advance your relationship. Sex is the next logical step. Are you too old for sex? No you are not. Sex is some-thing you should enjoy no matter what your age. You may have to do it a little differently, but it can still be

enjoyed. Modern medicine has pro-vided you with what you might need for a boost. This goes for men and women. Don’t be afraid to let these medications help. However, you should consult your doctor and make sure you are cleared for sex and/or the use of any medication.

As for sex, it’s still done the same way, but there are new concerns. Sexually transmitted disease that weren’t around when you were a teen, are now prevalent. Just because someone is older, doesn’t mean they are disease free. Be aware of this and talk to your partner about it. Better to be safe than sorry.

Dating when you’re a senior should be fun and hold far less pres-sure than when you did it the first time. You are more seasoned, have seen what life has to offer and have learned from your mistakes. Take it slow, enjoy the experience and get out there.

Photo Courtesy vegabajaresort.com

Photo Courtesy seniorplanet.org

Dating as a Senior

“So how do you find a date

when your hair is gray or you don’t have

any?”



You have worked all of your adult life; you have raised children, enjoyed grand-children, all the while dealing with life’s ups and downs. Now you are retired and in your golden years. Some may read “golden years” and think they are des-tined to spend their remain-ing years watching the world go by. That’s not the case, not even close. Don’t just sit there! It’s called golden for a reason. Enjoy yourself, find a hobby or two or a bunch!

Many seniors have trouble adjusting to a life that doesn’t require going to work five days a week. Now you can

use those five days for doing things you’ve always wanted but could never fit into your schedule. What do you

like to do? For some folks, the arts might be something they

have always wanted to try and now is the time. Take a painting class, a sculpting class, a draw-ing class or maybe all three. Your community

undoubtedly offers these types of classes at low

costs and some might even be free. Have you always wanted

to be on stage? You’re not too old to give it a try. Again, your community is the place to start. Most likely they have a local community theater that are doing productions all year long.

Want to be more active? Take up golf, tennis, bowling or whatever

interests you. How about swimming, fishing, or salsa dancing? A word of caution, it’s a good idea to see your doctor before taking on new phys-ical activity. Make sure you are up to it and then get going! How about delving into cyberspace? How much do you use social media? Your kids do, your grandkids do. Maybe it’s time to spend some time online. Most seniors are a little wary of the Internet. If they didn’t use it in their career, they may not be comfortable with it. The younger generation has never known a world without technology, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch up. Again, your community may offer free classes on Facebook, Twitter or whatever the latest computer is. If not, your kids or grand kids can surely get

you started. Don’t be afraid of tech-nology, you won’t crash the Internet.

Have you ever considered going back to school? Some folks enjoy the challenge and take pride in learning something new. What interests you?

Maybe astronomy, psychology, or art history? Whatever it

is, take a class in it. You may be on fixed

income and think; all these activities are going to cost me. This isn’t always the case. If you do your

homework, you will find that many are free

of cost or cost very little. If they do cost, choose your favor-

ites. Just decide what appeals to you and go for it. When you retire, your life is far from over, in a sense it’s just beginning. Enjoy what you have earned and do what makes you happy.

Photo Courtesy humanitarium.com

Don’t Just Sit There

“It’s called golden for a

reason.”

“It’s a good idea to see your

doctor before taking on new physical

activity.”



The older you get, the more likely you are to experience changes in your health. It is not uncommon for people to see their blood pressure rise or their vi-sion change as they age. That’s why it is important for seniors to undergo routine screenings. Here is a list of screenings men and women should consider having done in their later years. Men Age 50 to 64. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screen-ing if at risk. Blood pressure check every two years. Cholesterol check every five years. Colon cancer screening as recommended by a doctor. Hepatitis C test once if born between 1945 and 1965. HIV test once or more often if at risk. Prostate screening as recommend-ed by a doctor. Women Age 50 to 64. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening if at risk. Blood pressure check every two years. Cholesterol check every five years. Colon cancer screening as rec-ommended by a doctor. Hepatitis C test once if born between 1945 and 1965. HIV test once or more often if at risk. Mammogram every one to two years.

Pap test every three to five years. Men Age 65 and Up. Abdominal aortic aneu-rysm screening if at risk. Blood pressure check every year. Cholesterol check every five years. Colon cancer screening as recommended by a doctor. Hearing and vision checks every year. Prostate screening as recommended by a doctor. Women Age 65 and Up. Abdominal aor-tic aneurysm screening if at risk. Blood pressure check every year. Bone density test as recommended by a doctor. Cho-lesterol check every five years. Colon cancer screening as recommended by a doctor. Hearing and vision checks every year. Mammogram every one to two years. Pap test every three to five years. In addition to these screenings, men and women should have wellness checks every two years between the ages of 50 and 64 and once a year after that. They can discuss their health risks further at these visits and determine if further screenings are needed. Early detection is key to catching conditions early and treating them successfully. Stay on top of your health. See your doctor regu-larly and follow the recommendations given.

Photo Courtesy jeanhailes.org

Early Detection Is Key



Some seniors turn 65 and retire. Some don’t. They may not be able to afford to retire or simply want to keep working. Either way, they stay in the workforce, perhaps in the position they have always been, perhaps in a new position altogeth-er. Some jobs, of course, are better for seniors than others. If you plan to stay in the workforce and are looking for a new opportunity, consider the following. Focus on fields that are growing, like computer science and health care, and look for positions at age-friendly com-panies. If you’re interested in part-time work, consider the job you already have and ask your employer if you can cut back your hours. Many will say yes just to keep experienced employees on staff. If that won’t work, look for part-time work in a field that appeals to you, whether as a sales associate at a store, a substitute

teacher at a school or a research assistant at a university. If you are looking for new employment, consider looking for a job that will allow you to work on your own terms and hours. You might work as a freelance designer or writer, a handyman or a babysitter or a pet sitter. You might even be able to work from home. Many companies hire people to work at home and handle tasks, like data entry, file transcription or customer service calls. You must have your own equipment, of course, but, in many cases, you will have more flexible hours. Look around and see what is available to you. You never know what opportunities you might come across. Just make sure they are legitimate. There are scams, especially regarding work-from-home jobs. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. Should you be asked for money or personal iden-tification information, like your Social Security number, look elsewhere. Legit-imate employers will ask for personal

information only after hiring you and will never ask for money. They may ask you for a lot of paperwork, including a resume and a list of references, but never any-thing monetary in nature. Don’t be fooled. Deal with companies that have a good reputation and treat their employees well.

For more information in finding a job, seek the help of recruitment services that specialize in senior employment. There are many available that help companies find the experienced employees they seek. Look for some in your area to secure the right opportunity for you.

Photo Courtesy imagenes.lainformacion.com/

Golden Opportunities


Photo Courtesy bestpalosverdeshomes.com

Feeling young at heart may help you live longer

Volunteer Senior Outreach ProgramPrevention & Early Intervention

The Volunteer Senior Out Reach program is part of theMental Health Services Act and is a 1 year program designed to provide seniors in the community ages 60years and older with support in linking to services availableto them, providing socialization and stimulation to seniorswho are isolated and alone, brief counseling in efforts tohelp seniors stay safe and independent in their homes.

What is VSOP?

Cindy Brown: Senior Outreach Regional Coordinator at College Community Services2731 Nugget Ave. Lake Isabella, CA 93240 • 760-379-3412 ext 1021 • FAX 760-379-5332

Lewis “Mac” McBratney: Aging Adult Services • 661-868-1021 • Mental Health Crisis Hotline 1-800-911-5272

Heidi Godmanhealth.harvard.edu

I just celebrated a birthday, and not the kind women like to crow about. Let’s just say I’m mid-century modern. But I feel as young and as vibrant as ever. I have energy, a zest for life, and a real sense of purpose. And it turns out that this youthful feeling may pay off big-time. A research letter in JAMA In-ternal Medicine found that older people who felt three or more years younger than their actual (chronological) age had a lower death rate compared with those who felt their age or those who felt more than one year older than their actual age.

You’re as young as you feelTwo researchers at University College

London looked at the responses of about 6,500 men and women who answered the

question, “How old do you feel you are?” The respondents were age 52 and older, with an average age of 65. Their answers:

About 70% felt three or more years young-er than their actual age

25% felt close to their actual age5% felt more than one year older than their

actual ageWhat came next was the really interesting

part: Eight years after study participants answered the age question, researchers deter-mined which ones were still alive:

75% of those who felt older than their age82% of those who felt their actual age86% of those who felt younger than their

actual age.More than just a state of mind?Did a youthful feeling keep people alive?

There was no association between self-per-ceived age and cancer death. But research-ers did find that the relationship between

self-perceived age and cardiovascular death was strong. They speculate that feeling younger may lead to better health habits. “Feeling younger or older itself seems to have an effect on our health,” says Dr. Ronald D. Siegel, assistant professor of psychology, part time, at Harvard Medical School.

He says there are several ways that feeling younger psychologically might lead to better health. One is exercise. Good health is associated with 150 minutes of moderate-in-tensity physical activity each week. “When people see themselves as old, they’re more likely to abandon physical challenges which feel difficult, such as, ‘I don’t think I should ski any more, I’m an old man.’ When people feel younger psychologically, even if physical exercise is challenging, they’re more likely to pursue it, believing no pain no gain,” Dr. Siegel explains.

Another way that feeling younger leads to better health may be attitude about diet. “If we feel old, we’re likely to treat food with an ‘I won’t live much longer, I might as well enjoy this’ attitude which could lead us to eat unhealthfully. If we feel young, we may have more of a future-orientation that will lead us to eat with future health in mind.” Avoiding added sugars, trans fats and saturated fats, and increasing dietary fiber, good fats, whole grains, and omega 3 fatty acids is important for good health.

Grow younger each dayFeeling younger may also inspire a sense

of resilience that keeps people young. Don’t worry if you’re not feeling especially bouncy,

says Dr. Siegel, who’s also the faculty editor of Positive Psychology, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. He has plenty of suggestions for helping us reach a younger state of mind:

Challenge yourself to try new things, learn new ideas, and develop new skills. Realizing that most human abilities follow a “use it or lose it” pattern can motivate us to stay active in all realms of our lives.

Bring your attention repeatedly to the present moment, through formal mindfulness meditation or informal mindfulness practice. It can help you to appreciate this moment, rather than becoming lost in regrets about the past or imagining future deterioration.

Develop a sense of meaning in life. Focus on something larger than yourself, whether that’s connecting with people close to you or helping improve the lives of others. Or commit yourself to a hobby you love, such as gardening, attending the theater, dancing, or reading. “When our focus is just on our own immediate pleasure or pain, we’re much more likely to have difficulty with the aging process,” says Dr. Siegel.

Personally, I’m going to celebrate my new year by doing more bike riding with my hus-band and our youngest son; more lunching, shopping, and gabbing with our teenaged daughter; and more philosophizing with our oldest son, the economics guru who’s about to graduate from college. I may be a little old-er, but I don’t feel older. And I hope I can stay young at heart, no matter how many candles are on my cake!

Photo Courtesy abuseandassault.com


Harry P. ThalSpecial to the Sun

For some people on Medicare, some earlier in the year, and for many about this time of year, they have a sharp increase in their copays at the pharmacy. When they ask why, they are told they are now in the “coverage gap” or the “donut hole”.

“But, what is this hole I am suddenly into?” is a question asked at the pharmacy counter as well as here in the health insurance office.

Back in 2003, when the Medicare Part D program was first being created, to make the program fit the allocated budget, Congress was going to have to have a very large deductible before the benefits would start paying. The typical consumer wouldn’t have bought into a thousand-dollar deductible BEFORE their coverage was to start. As the principle of insurance is to have all people pay in a “little” something, so there would be monies available for the “few” who needed assistance, the idea of a deductible was shifted from the front of the policy to the middle. Hence the birth of the “donut hole”.

Further design and development went on, and the “Standard” benefit design was born. Using 2016 and (2017) dollars, which resulted is the Medicare Part D Prescription Benefit.

This benefit is actually available in three ways. If you are over 65 and have employer sponsored or union sponsored group insurance, the insurance plan is actually paid a small sum each month to the plans by the government. The government would prefer you stay on the group plan and this acts as an encouragement for the groups to keep you, versus terminating employment and sending you to Medicare.

Most people will see Part D as a benefit on either a Stand-Alone or as part of their Medicare Advantage plan. In the Kern Valley, the only Medicare Advantage type of plans we have available to us is the HMO.

People not on an HMO have what is known as a “Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)”. The PDP is available from 23 compa-nies (2016) in California. The people enrolled

in the PDP can be those who have “Original Medicare”, using their Red, White and Blue Medicare card, people on Medi-Cal and people with a Medicare Supplement. If you had not done so on your own, and have Medi-Cal, the State will randomly assign you to a PDP plan. For most, the State of California pays the monthly premium.

The “Standard” Medicare Part D plan is a basic 25%/75% plan, you pay 25% of the cost, the government is paying 75% of the monthly premium. One catch. There are no “Standard Plans” offered. The insurance companies have all “enhanced” the basic plan. If there was a standard plan, the monthly cost would be about $13. However, all companies have set up their plans to have a “Copay” for their lower tier plans. These “copays” are fixed dollar amounts. For generic drugs the cost can be a s little as $0 and very often, rarely exceed $8.00 on tier one.

To keep monthly premiums down, some plans will have a deductible before the plan starts. The law sets the maximum a plan can charge. In 2016 it is $360. In 2017 it will be $400.

Now on to the benefits. All medications that a plan will cover is on a list called a formulary. The higher costing drugs are classified on a higher “tier” than the lower costing drugs. In some situations, one company can have a medication on their tier three, while another company may have the same drug on their tier four. (It really pays to shop annually.) The higher the tier number, the greater your cost. There is a trend, as the cost of medications is going up, to have “coinsurance” on the higher tiers, versus “copay” for the lower tiers. Copay is a fixed dollar amount while coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of the medication.

Whether you had a deductible or not, money was spent. If the money is from your pocket or from the insurance plans’, eventually your medication consumption may reach $3,310 ($3,700 in 2017), you have entered the donut hole!

When you are in the donut hole, you have a greater share of the cost of the medication.

When the program was originally conceived in 2003, you would have plaid 100% of the cost of the drug. Today, you pay 45% (2017). 5% of that is paid by your insurance plan, and 50% is a discount provided by the brand name manufacturer. When your out of pocket and the 50% discount adds up to $4,850 (2016) or $4.950 (2017) you then come out of the donut hole, and enter the final phase, the “Cata-strophic” level.

At this point, your share is 5% of the cost of the medication or less. This will remain for the balance of the calendar year. Come January 1, the clock resets, and it starts all over again.

The prices paid for people on Medi-Cal is different, and if you have limited income and assets, but not poor enough for Medi-Cal, there is a program that eliminates the plan premium, has no deductible and no donut hole. It is under-utilized and has no red tape or recovery of assets after you die.

The cost of health care and medication is

going up. For most people who have Medi-care benefits, October 15 through December 7 will be the only time of the year to make adjustments to your PDP or HMO plan. AND, for 2017, some plans will be offering better benefits. It will be worth your while to shop around. All primary care physicians here in the Kern River Valley belong to one or more plans, and sometimes a switch in plans will give you better benefits; still with a $0 monthly premium.

Harry P Thal is the Kern Valley’s resident Medicare Authority. He is past president of the Kern Association of Health Underwriters, and teaches continuing education classes to other insurance agents, trying to educate the agent to make the sales process safer for the consumer. Harry is Certified with all of the health plans that serve the Kern River Valley and is available for a free consultation or as a guest speaker for your group function.

Photo Courtesy mngoodage.com

The Donut Hole

Kellee ScottFARMERS INSURANCE

13425 Sierra Way, Kernville760-376-8703

Established in 1996. We are your neighborhood Insurance Agency, conveniently located in Kernville. We are fast, fair, friendly, and will provide you with excellent service. Very competitive pricing. Come by and see Kellee, Marsha and/or Missy. Marsha is our personal line specialist. Missy is our new life agent, who can help you with all of your life needs. We are here from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Weekends by appointment only.

Lake IsabellaADULT DAY SERVICES PROGRAM

760-379-0848Senior Center

6405 Lake Isabella Blvd.www.ADAKC.org

HOURS OF OPERATION:Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.*If there is a need for extended hours, please discussthat possibility with the Respite Site Coordinator.

Limited Physical Exercise • Arts & CraftsFellowship & Community Involvement

Music • Reminiscing • Guest EntertainersReferral Information / Community Resources

Support Services & More

A breakfast snack and anutritional lunch will be served daily

Suggested Donation $20/dayIf you care to give a donation, it helps to provideadditional services. If you cannot, or choose not to,we will not deny participation of your loved one.



As we get older most of us need the help of prescription drugs. Whether it’s for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or even diabetes, with age come health issues and prescription drugs become a way of life. While these drugs help us, they also need to be taken with care.

Many seniors take several different medications, several times a day. This would be con-fusing for any-one. The first and probably the most complicated part is understanding the guidelines for each drug. When the drugs are prescribed, make sure you go over the instructions thoroughly with your doctor. If your doctor is not available, get your answers from a nurse or physician’s assistant. The bottom line is to make sure you understand everything be-fore you leave the office. It’s okay to take notes or have instructions writ-ten down for you. Your pharmacist is also a great resource in case you forgot something or have additional questions.

Some drugs should not be taken with others and this is factored in when they are prescribed. But what if you want to start taking herbal supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medicine? Don’t do so without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. The last thing you want is an adverse effect which can jeopardize your health. Make that call and make sure it is OK to add

anything to your regimen of drugs.

Taking your medi-cation every day and in some cases at the same time every-day can be crucial. You need to create a

system. Try schedul-ing your doses around

something you do every day like brushing your teeth

or eating breakfast. Using a “pill minder” can make things easier. These plastic wonders will provide a section for each day and mark the day of the week. Pill minders come in many forms, some even have alarms, and there should be one to fit your needs.

Speaking of breakfast, some medications need to be taken with or without food. Make sure you know which meds require a full stomach

or an empty stomach and work it into your regime.

Furthermore, some medication can make you drowsy. Know which meds will have this effect and plan accordingly.

Once you have done your home-work, make your sched-ule or regimen. At this point, it’s a good idea to have someone check your work. Have a friend or family member look over your plan and make sure it is sound. Better yet, have your doctor of pharma-cist look over it. This is your health you are dealing with and it’s import-ant to take the time to make sure you are safe.

It’s also a good idea to give some extra medication to a family mem-ber or close friend to hold for you in case of emergencies. This will be valuable if you are unable to tell a doctor in an emergency situation. Getting older is no picnic and many things we took for granted can be-come a challenge. Taking your med-

ication doesn’t have to be one of those

challenges. Do your home-work, make a plan and ask for help, it’s worth it.

Photo Courtesy img.medscape.com

Prescription Drug Safety

“a pill minder can make things

easier”


Julie Corlisshealth.harvard.edu

If you’ve ever crawled under the covers worrying about a problem or a long to-do list, you know those racing thoughts may rob you of a good night’s sleep. Sleep distur-bances, like having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, affect millions of Americans.

The daytime sleep-iness that follows can leave you feeling lousy and sap your produc-tivity, and it may even harm your health. Now, a small study suggests that mindfulness meditation — a mind-calming practice that fo-cuses on breathing and awareness of the present moment — can help.

The study, which appears in this week’s JAMA Internal Medicine, includ-ed 49 middle-aged and older adults who had trouble sleeping. Half completed

a mindfulness awareness program that taught them meditation and other exercis-es designed to help them focus on “mo-ment-by-moment experiences, thoughts, and emotions.” The other half completed a sleep education class that taught them

ways to improve their sleep habits.Both groups met six times, once a week for two hours.

Compared with the people in the sleep education group, those in the mindfulness group had less insomnia, fatigue, and depression at the end of the six sessions.

The findings come as no surprise to Dr. Herbert

Benson, director emeritus of the Harvard-affiliated

Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine. “Mindfulness

meditation is just one of a smorgasbord of techniques that evoke the relaxation response,” says Dr. Benson.

The relaxation response, a term he coined in the 1970s, is a deep physiolog-ical shift in the body that’s the opposite of the stress response. The relaxation re-

sponse can help ease many stress-related ailments, including depression, pain, and high blood pressure. For many people, sleep disorders are closely tied to stress, says Dr. Benson.

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on your breathing and then bringing your mind’s attention to the present without drifting into concerns about the past or future. It helps you break the train of your everyday thoughts to evoke the relaxation response, us-ing whatever technique feels right to you.

Dr. Benson rec-ommends practicing mindfulness during the day, ideally for 20 minutes, the same amount suggested in the new study. “The idea is to create a reflex to more easily bring forth a sense of relaxation,” he says. That way, it’s easier to evoke the relaxation response at night when you can’t sleep. In fact, the relaxation response is so, well, relaxing that your daytime practice should be done sitting up or moving (as in yoga or tai chi) so as to avoid nodding

off.To elicit the relaxation response, try

these two simple steps:Step 1: Choose a calming focus.

Good examples are your breath, a sound (“Om”), a short prayer, a pos-

itive word (such as “relax” or “peace”), or a phrase

(“breathing in calm, breathing out ten-sion”; “I am re-laxed”). If you choose a sound, repeat it aloud or silently as you inhale or exhale.Step 2: Let go

and relax. Don’t worry about how you’re doing. When you notice your mind has wandered, simply take a deep breath or say

to yourself “thinking, thinking” and gently

return your attention to your chosen focus.

To learn more about mindfulness meditation, try

one of the free guided record-ings by Dr. Ronald Siegel, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and faculty editor of the Positive Psychology Special Health Report. The recordings are available at www.mindfulness-solution.com.

Photo Courtesy chuabenhvn.net

Mindfulness meditation helps fight insomnia, improves sleep

LifelinePersonal Response & Support Services

The emergency response and support service that connects seniors and/or disabled adults to 24-hour personal, medical or emergency assistance.

1600 D Street #202 • PO Box 119 • Bakersfield, CA 933021-800-566-0885 • 1-661-632-5111 • Fax: 1-661-632-5123

E-mail: [email protected]: www.lifelinesys.com

“You need to create a system.”

LAB Call 760-379-2681 ext. 269Did you know that when your physician orders blood work for you that you can bringyour script for lab work here to the Kern Valley Hospital? Here are just a few examplesof what our laboratory can do for you...

SURGERY Call 760-379-2681 ext. 254The Kern Valley Hospital’s Surgery Departmenthas provided care for our valley residents andvisitors for some 15 years. Speak to yourPhysician about the convenience of having yourprocedure done here at the Kern Valley Hospital.Here are some of the procedures we are sched-uling: General Surgery, GynocologicalSurgery and Procedures, Podiatry, Out-PatientInfusion, and Gastroenterology includingColonoscopy & EGD.

RADIOLOGY/IMAGING Call 760-379-2681 ext. 224The Radiology Department offers awide range of services to bothinpatient and outpatients: GeneralDiagnostic X-Ray, Ultrasoundprocedures including Carotid,Doppler Studies (venous & arterial)and CAT Scan procedures.

REHABILITATION THERAPY Call 760-379-6686Our Physical Therapy staff are excellent healthcare professionals working with patients to improvestrength, range of motion, and mobility. Our Occupational Therapists will assist you with basic motorfunctions and reasoning abilities, teaching you how to compensate for permanent loss of functionand restoring function for activities of daily living. We treat sports injuries, accident victims, pre &post surgery care, post stroke care, and workman’s compensation. We accept most insurances.

Specimen collection, on-site testing, and send-out testing, blood transfusion services,Health Fair screenings, and more!

CBC Complete Blood CountMetabolic PanelLipid Panel

Hemoglobin Alc, PSAThyroid PanelProtime & Urinalysis

WE PROVIDE...Friendly, Caring, StaffManual Orthopedic CliniciansIndividual Gym Programs Plyometric ExercizesJoint and Soft Tissue Mobilization

Prosthetic TrainingOrthotics Fit and TrainingHot/Cold Packs • Electrical StimulationUltrasound - Traction - Parifin

Jointophresis - Phonophoresis

KERN VALLEY HOSPITAL DISTRICT

Kern Valley HospitalOUT-PATIENT SERVICES




Now that you are getting older, are you getting the itch to move? Are you tired of caring for a home you no longer need and longing to be somewhere smaller with people your own age? An independent senior community might be for you, but before you put the house up for sale, make sure you are ready. Senior communities are great for those

looking for a smaller, easier, more convenient place to live with neighbors their own age. The trick, however, is to find a place that will work for you today and tomorrow. It’s no secret. The older you get, the more health problems you may experience and likelier you are to need some assistance. Make sure you select a community that will allow for the care you might need in the future, whether a home health aide coming in once or twice a week or nurses around

the clock. Continuing care communi-ties, for example, often have assisted living and nursing home facilities on site in addition to independent living fa-cilities. Location is important. Where is the community located? In the heart of downtown? At the edge of town? Where do you prefer to live? Is the community on a bus route or within walking dis-tance of many businesses? If you plan to be active but no longer drive, you will want a community near businesses with access to public transportation. Even if you do drive, you may not be able to later and will want a community in a location that will accommodate that and serve your needs. Neighbors matter. You could be spending a lot of time with the people residing at the community, so pay attention to the population when looking. Meet some of the residents and arrange to spend some time with them one on one. Check out the communal areas and attend a few public functions. Make sure the culture works for you. Activities matter. While you might prefer to do your own thing, occasionally you might want to get out and do something with others. Check the activity calendar at the communi-ty and see how active it is. Are there

bridge tournaments or game nights? Are there classes and workshops for those who are interested? Are there bus trips for shopping, movies, concerts and other events? Food matters. Will you be responsible for making your own meals, or is there a main dining room you can go to for meals if you desire? What is the menu like? Are there items that you like? Is the food served healthy? For many, cost is the ultimate factor. Depending upon your income, you may qualify for government-subsidized low-income senior housing. Your rent will be based on your income and run about 30% of your total monthly in-come. If you don’t qualify, shop around. Get a list of the rates and find out what these include, trash, water, utilities or cable, for example. Understand that these rates very likely will increase, along with your personal expenses. You may need nursing care in the future on top of everything else. Learn as much as you can about the communities of interest. Arrange for a tour and a meal if there is a dining room. Meet with some of the residents. Drop by at different times of the day. Get a feel for the place before you sign on the dotted line.

Photo Courtesy doreenbolhuis.com

Photo Courtesy doreenbolhuis.com

On The Move?

-Notary 760-417-0320 -

[email protected] • sharonrooneyinsurance.com6416 Suite B Lake Isabella Blvd., • Box 2622 Lake Isabella, CA 93240 • 760-608-8107 (Fax)

Covered California Open Enrollment11/01/2016 thru 01/31/2017

760-549-9465Medicare Open Enrollment10/15/2016 thru 12/07/2016

Sharon Rooney Lic.#0713471Janet Lubin Lic.#0H50016

Health Insurance Licensed AgentMedicare Supplement • Medicare Part D

Individual Insurance Plans • Group Insurance Plans

Serving the Entire Kern River Valley

Kern RiverHealth Center67 Evans RoadW offord Heights760-376-2276Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Women, Infants & Children’s ProgramPlease call for an appointment 1-800-707-4401

Clinica Sierra Vista offers comprehensive primary care services, including Family Practice, InternalMedicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Additionally, Clinical Sierra Vista offers the WIC program,X-ray and Laboratory services, and the Maternal Child Outreach Program (MCOP).

Kern ValleyMedical Center

6310 Lake Isabella Blvd.Lake Isabella

760-379-2415Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Women, Infants & Children’s ProgramPlease call for an appointment 1-800-707-4401

Medi-CalMedicareKern Family Health CareHealth Net Medi-CalKern Legacy Health PlanQual Core IPAIndependence Medical Group

United Health Care CommercialHealth Net SeniorityFirst Health NetworkPrivate Health Care Systems (PHCS)AetnaAnthem Blue Cross Commercial + SeniorBlue Shield Commercial + Senior

CIGNAHealth Net Commercial + SeniorTri-Care/ChampusCounty of Kern EPO, GEI EPO

...AND Most PPO’s & Private Insurance

ACCEPTING THE FOLLOWING INSURANCE PLANS:

Dental Plans Accepted: Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal Dental plans, including Delta Dental, Access Dental, Anthem Blue Cross,Careington, DenteMax, GEHA, Guardian, Liberty Dental, Premier Access, Dental Health Alliance, and MetLife.

We also offer a sliding fee scale for the uninsured depending on your ability to pay.

senior - kern valley sun · get moving! tips to enjoy your golden years it is called golden for a...

Documents