Kenosha Co. Division of Aging& Disability Services8600 Sheridan RoadKenosha, WI 53143

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NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAIDPERMIT NO. 633KENOSHA, WI 53140

FEBRUARY 2009 I ISSUE

Loving DedicationMary ann & Wally Toboyek — Page 3

What’s HappeningIn Kenosha

— Page 2

Medicare Policy Updates

Janice erickson — Page 5

Winter Momentscharles knickrehM — Page 7

Voice of a Caregiver helen kislia— Page 8

Write Yourself aLove Letter

Diana anDrekus — Page 16

The

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Caring for someone with memory loss?Daybreak now has three locations that provide activities and socialization for someone in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s disease or similar Dementia. Activities are planned around each participant’s ability to succeed in a comfortable and safe environment. To learn how DAYBREAK can help you and your loved one, call the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008, or the program directly.

KENOSHAWesley Unitied

Methodist 4600 60th Street

Kenosha — 657-8089

TWIN LAKESSt. John’s

Catholic Church(262) 877-3670

BRISTOLWestosha

CommunityCenter - Bristol(262) 857-4481

The Chronicleof Kenosha County

The Chronicle is the monthly newspaper from the Kenosha County Division of Aging & Disability Services

LaVerne Jaros, Director8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 500 • Kenosha, WI 53143

(262) 605-6646 • 1-800-472-8008For information on display advertising please call

Dennis Serpe, Kenosha News, 656-6255The Kenosha County Department of Aging assumes no responsibility for advertising contents, mistakes or omissions. No endorsement of any product or service advertised herein is made by the Kenosha County Department of Aging and none should be inferred. We wish to thank the advertisers who make this publication possible for Kenosha County seniors.

What’s Happening in Kenosha

The secret to a long and happy relation-ship, one that withstands the test of time while triumphing over life’s hurdles, is

something that all couples seek. But is it re-ally a ‘secret’ or simply pure, dedicated love, through good times and bad? There is no magic wand or crystal ball to help keep a mar-riage on track. We need not focus on knowing which path is the best one to take; it’s really committing oneself to the journey with our partner and staying the course- together.

Mary Ann and Wally Toboyek will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary this year. They don’t always find themselves on the same ‘path’, in fact they can often be found on opposite parts of the State, but they have stayed the journey together, and their love is stronger than ever.

Mary Ann may be up in Northern Wisconsin volunteering for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Wally may be working in the soup kitchen in Kenosha, but in their minds they are only a heartbeat away. They are tireless volunteers, sometimes working side by side; sometimes hundreds of miles separate the two of them. Both equally devoted to their mission- making this world a better place to live.

Mary Ann is the picture of beauty and health. She is one of those rare people who are as beautiful on the inside as the outside. However, her health is something she struggles with everyday and yet looking at her you would never know it.

Sandy Cech works for the ADRC and shared this with me, “Mary Ann is a retired nurse and has been a working as a volunteer for prevention programs for the last 4 years. She traveled with me this last year conducting Stepping On trainings as we rolled the program out around the state. She is a source of inspiration to me; her optimistic attitude and sense of humor make her a joy to be with. One would never know she is battling several chronic health conditions.”

Mary Ann suffers from a vast range of conditions that would slow most people down to a loud screeching halt. She handed

me a hand-written list of her ailments, which included fibromyalgia, osteo arthritis, plantar fasciitis, hypertension and dry eye disease. One of the most notable was breast cancer. She is a 28-year breast cancer survivor which is quite remarkable in itself, as breast cancer treatments in those days were pioneering. She talks about the day she found the lump as if it were yesterday, recalling the smallest of detail, sharing the fear that gripped her, and how she gathered her thoughts before telling Wally of her terrifying discovery. As a registered nurse, Mary Ann knew full well the dangers of breast cancer, but together with Wally, she faced it head on and won.

Mary Ann and Wally Toboyek

Loving Dedicationth

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February 2 - Why No One Chats F2F Anymore Except FFF, IYKWIM (computer-Based Communication). Adventures in Life Long Learning (ALL) 2PM, Gateway Technical College’s Madrigrano Auditorium. Call 262.595.2137 for more information and to inquire about membership fee. Laura Mason and Beth McGee, Graphic Designer and WEB coordinator-University of Wisconsin Parkside. They will help ALL members translate communicating! Working at the university they keep up with technologies students are using.

February 7, 2009, Convention of Outstanding African American Women, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Southwest Library. Kenosha Unified’s SISTAS. Sisters Involved Strategically towards Academic Success group will hold its 5th annual African American Women’s program.

February 7, 2009, Winter HarborMarket, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts. Visit HarborMarket in the vestibule and lobby of the Rhode Center for the Arts. Shop for fresh food, arts and crafts, and more.

February 8, 2009, Carthage Choir Home Concert, 3 p.m., Carthage College A.F. Siebert Chapel. Free.

February 13, 2009, Kenosha Public Museum Travelogue: Inside the Tuscan Hills with John Wilson, 7:30 p.m., doors open 6:45 p.m., Reuther High School Auditorium. Workshops, kitchens, and homes of the Tus-can people are revealed in this intimate view of the gorgeous Italian city. Become drenched in rich culture, while award winning film maker John Wilson details his documentation of this beautiful trip. Admission is free and seating is unreserved.

February 14, 2009, Lakeside Band Festival Concert, 7 p.m., Carthage Col-lege A.F. Siebert Chapel. Free.

February 16 – What’s Right and What’s Wrong with American Schools. Adventures in Life Long Learning (ALL) 2PM, Gateway Technical Col-lege’s Madrigrano Auditorium. Call 262.595.2137 for more information and to inquire about membership fee. Joseph T. Mangi, Ph.D., Superintendent of Kenosha Unified School District. Mangi’s presentation describes pro-grams in Kenosha (American Schools) that are successful and those that are facing challenges. His graduate work in education and social studies included University of Wisconsin. He received an honorary doctorate from Carthage College in 2005.

February 20, 2009, Sweetheart Dance, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Kenosha Senior Citizens Center, 2717-67th Street. A dance party for seniors, with live mu-sic and refreshments. Dances are free and open to the senior public.

February 21, 2009, Kenosha Symphony Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., Re-uther Auditorium. Russian Masterpieces featuring Andrea Schneider, Piano. $20 seniors.

February 21, 2009, Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Expo, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UW-Parkside Frank J. Petretti Fieldhouse. The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Expo is a family-friendly, fun and informative opportunity to meet the many businesses and organizations that make the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce such a strong association. $2.

February 22, 2009, Philomusica String Quartet with special guest Daniel del Pino. 3 p.m. First United Methodist Church, corner of 60th Street & Sheridan Road. Fine Arts at First Concert Series presents one of South-eastern Wisconsin’s premier string quartets joined by acclaimed Spanish pianist Daniel del Pino.

February 27, 2009, Kenosha Public Museum Travelogue: In Search of the Holy Grail with Frank Klicar, 7:30 p.m., doors open 6:45 p.m., Reuther High School Auditorium. Prepare to put the brain to use as numerous theories surrounding the secretive Holy Grail are fleshed out on screen. Follow along with Frank Klicar in this not-so-typical travelogue that seeks to understand the 2000 year-old mystery encircling the identity of the Grail. Admission is free and seating is unreserved.

February 27-28, 2009, Parkside Theatre presents “The Seagull”, 7:30 p.m., UW-Parkside Communication Arts Building, Wegner Theatre. The Seagull, written by Russia’s famed playwright Anton Chekhov, is one of the great classics of the modern theatre. $12 seniors.

February 28-30, 2009, Kenosha Public Museum Exhibit: Southport Quil-ters Guild, Open Sun. – Mon. 12 to 5 p.m., Tues. – Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum. The Southport Quilters Guild Exhibit “Quilting Takes a Holiday” will be in DaimlerChrysler hall. General admission is free. Program & group fees may apply.

The Chronicleof Kenosha County

The Chronicle is the monthly newspaper from the Kenosha County Division of Aging & Disability Services

LaVerne Jaros, Director8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 500 • Kenosha, WI 53143

(262) 605-6646 • 1-800-472-8008For information on display advertising please call

Dennis Serpe, Kenosha News, 656-6255The Kenosha County Department of Aging assumes no responsibility for advertising contents, mistakes or omissions. No endorsement of any product or service advertised herein is made by the Kenosha County Department of Aging and none should be inferred. We wish to thank the advertisers who make this publication possible for Kenosha County seniors.

The secret to a long and happy relation-ship, one that withstands the test of time while triumphing over life’s hurdles, is

something that all couples seek. But is it re-ally a ‘secret’ or simply pure, dedicated love, through good times and bad? There is no magic wand or crystal ball to help keep a mar-riage on track. We need not focus on knowing which path is the best one to take; it’s really committing oneself to the journey with our partner and staying the course- together.

Mary Ann and Wally Toboyek will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary this year. They don’t always find themselves on the same ‘path’, in fact they can often be found on opposite parts of the State, but they have stayed the journey together, and their love is stronger than ever.

Mary Ann may be up in Northern Wisconsin volunteering for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Wally may be working in the soup kitchen in Kenosha, but in their minds they are only a heartbeat away. They are tireless volunteers, sometimes working side by side; sometimes hundreds of miles separate the two of them. Both equally devoted to their mission- making this world a better place to live.

Mary Ann is the picture of beauty and health. She is one of those rare people who are as beautiful on the inside as the outside. However, her health is something she struggles with everyday and yet looking at her you would never know it.

Sandy Cech works for the ADRC and shared this with me, “Mary Ann is a retired nurse and has been a working as a volunteer for prevention programs for the last 4 years. She traveled with me this last year conducting Stepping On trainings as we rolled the program out around the state. She is a source of inspiration to me; her optimistic attitude and sense of humor make her a joy to be with. One would never know she is battling several chronic health conditions.”

Mary Ann suffers from a vast range of conditions that would slow most people down to a loud screeching halt. She handed

me a hand-written list of her ailments, which included fibromyalgia, osteo arthritis, plantar fasciitis, hypertension and dry eye disease. One of the most notable was breast cancer. She is a 28-year breast cancer survivor which is quite remarkable in itself, as breast cancer treatments in those days were pioneering. She talks about the day she found the lump as if it were yesterday, recalling the smallest of detail, sharing the fear that gripped her, and how she gathered her thoughts before telling Wally of her terrifying discovery. As a registered nurse, Mary Ann knew full well the dangers of breast cancer, but together with Wally, she faced it head on and won.

As Wally and Mary Ann shared all of the battles they have faced throughout their years together, I learned of the strong fighter she has become, and how supportive and caring they are as a couple, giving me a glimpse of the ‘secret’ they hold for their marriage and success in raising their family.

The Toboyek’s have 3 children, Mike, Mark and Sharon, 3 grandchildren and in March they will be great-grandparents. They are immensely proud and supportive of their children. This summer at a Meals on Wheels meeting I bought a jar of Mike’s honey that Wally was promoting. As Wally began to tell me about Mike, I realized we had met previously. Wally volunteers for Meals on Wheels several times a month, and when he’s not carrying food to others he’s making soup and serving it at the Shalom Center.

Wally is not without his share of health problems either. Five years ago he had by-pass surgery, and just last spring he began experiencing chest pain again. In May he had four stents put in. The couple works on staying healthy together. Mary Ann explains, “My bone densities are not good, so I walk a lot.” “Yes, she sure does,” chimed in Wally, “She wore the motor out on the treadmill and I had to replace it last summer!” She walks a remarkable 40-100 minutes a day, walking about 3.5 miles per hour.

Wally and Mary Ann are an inspiration to many people. We can learn from their dedication to their marriage, their health and their community. They have not quit in the face of adversity, in fact they have taken on their challenges and gotten stronger —together. Mary Ann smiled and shared, “You have to make life a honeymoon. You need faith and love to survive the stuff life throws at you.” No secret there, just steadfast dedication.

Mary Ann and Wally Toboyek

Loving DedicationPaula J. ClarkCommunity Outreach Coordinator

the chronicle3

FEBRUARY 2009

February 2 - Why No One Chats F2F Anymore Except FFF, IYKWIM (computer-Based Communication). Adventures in Life Long Learning (ALL) 2PM, Gateway Technical College’s Madrigrano Auditorium. Call 262.595.2137 for more information and to inquire about membership fee. Laura Mason and Beth McGee, Graphic Designer and WEB coordinator-University of Wisconsin Parkside. They will help ALL members translate communicating! Working at the university they keep up with technologies students are using.

February 7, 2009, Convention of Outstanding African American Women, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Southwest Library. Kenosha Unified’s SISTAS. Sisters Involved Strategically towards Academic Success group will hold its 5th annual African American Women’s program.

February 7, 2009, Winter HarborMarket, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts. Visit HarborMarket in the vestibule and lobby of the Rhode Center for the Arts. Shop for fresh food, arts and crafts, and more.

February 8, 2009, Carthage Choir Home Concert, 3 p.m., Carthage College A.F. Siebert Chapel. Free.

February 13, 2009, Kenosha Public Museum Travelogue: Inside the Tuscan Hills with John Wilson, 7:30 p.m., doors open 6:45 p.m., Reuther High School Auditorium. Workshops, kitchens, and homes of the Tus-can people are revealed in this intimate view of the gorgeous Italian city. Become drenched in rich culture, while award winning film maker John Wilson details his documentation of this beautiful trip. Admission is free and seating is unreserved.

February 14, 2009, Lakeside Band Festival Concert, 7 p.m., Carthage Col-lege A.F. Siebert Chapel. Free.

February 16 – What’s Right and What’s Wrong with American Schools. Adventures in Life Long Learning (ALL) 2PM, Gateway Technical Col-lege’s Madrigrano Auditorium. Call 262.595.2137 for more information and to inquire about membership fee. Joseph T. Mangi, Ph.D., Superintendent of Kenosha Unified School District. Mangi’s presentation describes pro-grams in Kenosha (American Schools) that are successful and those that are facing challenges. His graduate work in education and social studies included University of Wisconsin. He received an honorary doctorate from Carthage College in 2005.

February 20, 2009, Sweetheart Dance, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Kenosha Senior Citizens Center, 2717-67th Street. A dance party for seniors, with live mu-sic and refreshments. Dances are free and open to the senior public.

February 21, 2009, Kenosha Symphony Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., Re-uther Auditorium. Russian Masterpieces featuring Andrea Schneider, Piano. $20 seniors.

February 21, 2009, Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Expo, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UW-Parkside Frank J. Petretti Fieldhouse. The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Expo is a family-friendly, fun and informative opportunity to meet the many businesses and organizations that make the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce such a strong association. $2.

February 22, 2009, Philomusica String Quartet with special guest Daniel del Pino. 3 p.m. First United Methodist Church, corner of 60th Street & Sheridan Road. Fine Arts at First Concert Series presents one of South-eastern Wisconsin’s premier string quartets joined by acclaimed Spanish pianist Daniel del Pino.

February 27, 2009, Kenosha Public Museum Travelogue: In Search of the Holy Grail with Frank Klicar, 7:30 p.m., doors open 6:45 p.m., Reuther High School Auditorium. Prepare to put the brain to use as numerous theories surrounding the secretive Holy Grail are fleshed out on screen. Follow along with Frank Klicar in this not-so-typical travelogue that seeks to understand the 2000 year-old mystery encircling the identity of the Grail. Admission is free and seating is unreserved.

February 27-28, 2009, Parkside Theatre presents “The Seagull”, 7:30 p.m., UW-Parkside Communication Arts Building, Wegner Theatre. The Seagull, written by Russia’s famed playwright Anton Chekhov, is one of the great classics of the modern theatre. $12 seniors.

February 28-30, 2009, Kenosha Public Museum Exhibit: Southport Quil-ters Guild, Open Sun. – Mon. 12 to 5 p.m., Tues. – Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum. The Southport Quilters Guild Exhibit “Quilting Takes a Holiday” will be in DaimlerChrysler hall. General admission is free. Program & group fees may apply.

Mary Ann and Wally Toboyek

Health Beat

By Frank Matteo H.O., MA, Health Department Director

Greetings! This month’s article was taken from the January 2009 issues of the University of California, Berkeley “Wellness Letter,” the “Mayo Clinic Health Letter,” and the February 2009 issue of the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter “Health After 50.” I hope you find it interesting.

Wellness Made EasyIf you have osteoarthritis of the knee, do

strength training, especially for your quadri-ceps, the muscles in front of the thighs, which help stabilize the knee cap and protect against cartilage loss under it. Such exercises can re-duce pain and improve mobility in people with arthritis of the knee, according to a new review of 18 studies, which used free weights, resis-tance machines, and/or elastic bands. People with knee arthritis typically have weak quadri-ceps. The muscles may weaken because arthri-tis pain discourages people from exercising, but research suggests that weak muscles around the knees may actually contribute to arthritis.

If you have – or think you have – sleep ap-nea, don’t use an off-the-shelf “boil-and-bite” device. Mandibular advancement mouth-pieces, designed to pull your jaw forward when you sleep, are often used as a first treatment for mild apnea. But prefabricated devices that you mold yourself are not an effective substitute for those custom-made at the dentist’s office, according to a recent study. When people wore a custom-made device, they had significantly fewer apnea events than when they used SomnoGuard Plus, a device available on the Internet, which is less likely to stay in place in the mouth and has other shortcomings. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be evaluated by your doctor or a sleep specialist.

House CallsQ. My doctor says I have isolated systol-

ic hypertension. Is that different from high blood pressure?

A. No. Blood pressure readings include systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic levels represent the force exerted on your blood ves-sels when the heart pumps out blood. Dia-stolic levels indicate the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart is relaxed in between heartbeats.

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 (systolic) / 80 (diastolic) mmHg. One or both of these numbers may be high in people who have high blood pressure, and the health risks and treatment strategies are the same in either instance.

Isolated systolic hypertension means your

systolic pressure is high but your diastolic pressure is normal. Isolated systolic hyperten-sion is the most common form of high blood pressure among older adults – most likely be-cause, as we age, ongoing plaque buildup and age-related arterial stiffness begin to affect the large major arteries. The result is increased ar-terial pressure as the heart tries to pump blood through the body.

Diastolic blood pressure typically decreases with age. For people over 50, systolic pressure is the more important number to watch.

Wellness FactsRegular walking may stimulate the brain,

two new studies suggest. In the first, pub-lished in the Journal of the American Medical Association, older people who had memory problems but not dementia started walking briskly and doing other moderate aerobic activities for 50 minutes three times a week for six months, and were encouraged to continue for the next year. They experienced modest improvements in memory that persisted for 18 months – remarkable because the activity level was undemanding. In another study, published in Stroke, walking on a treadmill three times a week improved not only walk-ing ability but also brain function in a group of stroke patients. The researchers theorized that the activity stimulated the brain to reprogram itself.

Men who take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may have a reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer, according to a 2008 analysis in the International Journal of Cancer, which looked at 19 studies. However, nearly all studies found no association between statin use and the overall risk of developing prostate cancer – only the more aggressive types. Cho-lesterol lowering by itself may help reduce the progression of the cancer, but statins may also help in other ways – for instance, by reducing inflammation (which has been linked to cancer and heart disease). Though it’s too early to recommend statins for this purpose, if you’re a man taking a statin to protect your heart, this may be an added benefit.

Ask the ExpertsQ. Does nonfat milk have a lot more

calcium than whole milk?A. No, just a little more. Milk averages

300 milligrams of calcium per cup, 30% of your daily needs. Whole milk usually has about 290 milligrams, nonfat about 310.

Processors do sometimes add extra milk sol-

ids to special nonfat milks to boost nutrients. Such milk typically contains 25 to 35% more calcium, and the labels usually boast about the added calcium. That means it takes about three cups of milk to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day, instead of the usual four. Such milks also taste richer.

These fortified nonfat milks often cost a lot more. You can accomplish the same thing by adding powdered nonfat milk yourself.

Second OpinionQ. I developed urinary stress inconti-

nence after therapy for prostate cancer. I’ve tried regaining bladder control with con-servative approaches. I also had a bulking agent injected into my urethra. It’s been a year without much success. Are there any other options?

A. Yes. If you’ve had urinary incontinence for a year without much improvement despite therapy, it may be time to consider implanta-tion of an artificial sphincter device.

An artificial sphincter device is an inflatable silicone cuff that’s placed around the urethra at the base of your bladder. This fluid-filled cuff keeps your urethra closed until you’re ready to urinate. To urinate, you press a valve implanted into your scrotum that causes the ring to deflate, allowing urine to be released. Once your bladder is empty, the device rein-flates over the next few minutes.

Surgery to implant the device requires an overnight hospital stay. After surgery, a six-week healing period is needed before the device can be used. Complications requiring a second operation occur at a rate of about 15 to 30 percent. Barring complications – most commonly related to a device malfunction – the device can cure or greatly improve uri-nary incontinence.

For information on these or any other health related issues, please feel free to contact the Kenosha County Division of Health at 262-605-6700 or 1-800-472-8008, or visit the Divi-sion of Health website at: www.co.kenosha.wi.us/DHS/Divisions/Health.

Traditional

Medicare Supplemental or Medigap Policies

Older adults, covered by traditional or original Medicare, often call the Benefit Spe-cialist Program for help when looking for in-surance to supplement Medicare. Under both Medicare Parts A and B, there are deductibles and co-payments that you are responsible for. Secondary insurance policies are available to cover those costs.

A private “Medigap” policy is specifically designed to cover the deductibles and co-pay-ments that Medicare does not cover. If you are in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part C plan, you do not carry a secondary insurance and are responsible for any plan deductibles or co-payments. If you are lower income and have limited assets, you may qualify for a Medicaid benefit called “Qualified Medicare Beneficiary” or QMB to supplement Medicare.

Eligibility for QMB includes monthly gross income less than $887.00 for a single and $1,187.00 for couples (including a $20.00 disregard). Also, your available cash assets or resources must be less than $4,000.00 for singles and $6,000.00 for couples. QMB covers not only the Medicare deductibles and co-pay-ments, but also the monthly Medicare pre-mium, which is $96.40 in 2009. You can apply for QMB at Kenosha County Human Services, 8600 Sheridan Rd or Hwy’s 50 & 45. Also, on-line applications for any Medicaid benefit can be made at www.access.wisconsin.gov.

If you are turning sixty-five, have been disabled for 24 months and are going on Medicare, you may wish to shop and compare Medigap policies. You have a seven month window surrounding your birth-month to apply for Medigap and not be denied. At this application stage, you can choose whichever policy you want and cannot be denied even if you have health conditions. Pre-existing con-ditions may be applied for a limited amount of time unless you had other health insurance prior to going on Medicare. Also, you will have guaranteed issuance of a Medigap policy if you apply within a limited amount of time after losing other insurance such as Retiree group or Medicare Advantage coverage. You cannot be denied and no pre-existing condi-tion waiting periods apply.

Some callers are looking for a Medigap policy to replace their current policy because they are unhappy with the premium increases.

If you voluntarily switch policies you are subject to health questions and can be denied acceptance. However, if the company decides to accept you, they cannot apply pre-existing waiting periods. Medigap policies increase each year due to cost of living. Some policies increase as you get older.

A booklet is available from the state of Wis-consin Office of the Commissioner of Insur-ance. It lists all the approved Medigap policies sold in the State of Wisconsin. The 2009 book-let should be available this spring. The booklet is a very helpful tool for comparing prices and coverage. All the policies sold in Wisconsin offer certain “basic benefits.” The basic ben-efits include coverage for all Medicare co-payments, inpatient psychiatric care beyond Medicare, the first three pints of blood, forty visits of home health care beyond Medicare and also Chiropractic care beyond Medicare’s limited coverage. Other basic benefits include thirty days of non-Medicare coverage in a skilled nursing facility. It is important to note the change in Medigap due to the introduction of Medicare Part D, drug insurance. Poli-cies sold after January 1, 2006 do not include any catastrophic drug coverage. Also, if you enroll in a Part D plan and have an old Me-digap policy, you should notify them as soon as possible. Some policies do offer a discount card for prescriptions but neither is not con-sidered “creditable”(or as good as Medicare drug plans). This type of drug coverage will not protect you from the Part D penalty if you wait to sign up for a Part D drug plan when first turning sixty-five.

The Medigap plans differ greatly in what is charged for annual premium. An example, based on 2008 rates, two separate policies offer-ing the same benefits vary in price from $969.00 to $1,515.00. After the basic benefit package, a person can then select from several “optional riders”. These choices include coverage for the Part A deductible ($1,068.00 in 2009), the Part B deductible ($135.00), additional home health care, Part B excess charges (these are incurred if a provider does not accept Medicare assign-ment) and foreign travel rider. Depending on what options you choose, you can design your coverage from the basic benefits and add any additional options. Premiums for these optional benefits also vary among insurance compa-

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Health Beat

ids to special nonfat milks to boost nutrients. Such milk typically contains 25 to 35% more calcium, and the labels usually boast about the added calcium. That means it takes about three cups of milk to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day, instead of the usual four. Such milks also taste richer.

These fortified nonfat milks often cost a lot more. You can accomplish the same thing by adding powdered nonfat milk yourself.

Second OpinionQ. I developed urinary stress inconti-

nence after therapy for prostate cancer. I’ve tried regaining bladder control with con-servative approaches. I also had a bulking agent injected into my urethra. It’s been a year without much success. Are there any other options?

A. Yes. If you’ve had urinary incontinence for a year without much improvement despite therapy, it may be time to consider implanta-tion of an artificial sphincter device.

An artificial sphincter device is an inflatable silicone cuff that’s placed around the urethra at the base of your bladder. This fluid-filled cuff keeps your urethra closed until you’re ready to urinate. To urinate, you press a valve implanted into your scrotum that causes the ring to deflate, allowing urine to be released. Once your bladder is empty, the device rein-flates over the next few minutes.

Surgery to implant the device requires an overnight hospital stay. After surgery, a six-week healing period is needed before the device can be used. Complications requiring a second operation occur at a rate of about 15 to 30 percent. Barring complications – most commonly related to a device malfunction – the device can cure or greatly improve uri-nary incontinence.

For information on these or any other health related issues, please feel free to contact the Kenosha County Division of Health at 262-605-6700 or 1-800-472-8008, or visit the Divi-sion of Health website at: www.co.kenosha.wi.us/DHS/Divisions/Health.

Traditional

Medicare Supplemental or Medigap Policies

By Janice Erickson,Benefit Specialist Program Coordinator

Older adults, covered by traditional or original Medicare, often call the Benefit Spe-cialist Program for help when looking for in-surance to supplement Medicare. Under both Medicare Parts A and B, there are deductibles and co-payments that you are responsible for. Secondary insurance policies are available to cover those costs.

A private “Medigap” policy is specifically designed to cover the deductibles and co-pay-ments that Medicare does not cover. If you are in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part C plan, you do not carry a secondary insurance and are responsible for any plan deductibles or co-payments. If you are lower income and have limited assets, you may qualify for a Medicaid benefit called “Qualified Medicare Beneficiary” or QMB to supplement Medicare.

Eligibility for QMB includes monthly gross income less than $887.00 for a single and $1,187.00 for couples (including a $20.00 disregard). Also, your available cash assets or resources must be less than $4,000.00 for singles and $6,000.00 for couples. QMB covers not only the Medicare deductibles and co-pay-ments, but also the monthly Medicare pre-mium, which is $96.40 in 2009. You can apply for QMB at Kenosha County Human Services, 8600 Sheridan Rd or Hwy’s 50 & 45. Also, on-line applications for any Medicaid benefit can be made at www.access.wisconsin.gov.

If you are turning sixty-five, have been disabled for 24 months and are going on Medicare, you may wish to shop and compare Medigap policies. You have a seven month window surrounding your birth-month to apply for Medigap and not be denied. At this application stage, you can choose whichever policy you want and cannot be denied even if you have health conditions. Pre-existing con-ditions may be applied for a limited amount of time unless you had other health insurance prior to going on Medicare. Also, you will have guaranteed issuance of a Medigap policy if you apply within a limited amount of time after losing other insurance such as Retiree group or Medicare Advantage coverage. You cannot be denied and no pre-existing condi-tion waiting periods apply.

Some callers are looking for a Medigap policy to replace their current policy because they are unhappy with the premium increases.

If you voluntarily switch policies you are subject to health questions and can be denied acceptance. However, if the company decides to accept you, they cannot apply pre-existing waiting periods. Medigap policies increase each year due to cost of living. Some policies increase as you get older.

A booklet is available from the state of Wis-consin Office of the Commissioner of Insur-ance. It lists all the approved Medigap policies sold in the State of Wisconsin. The 2009 book-let should be available this spring. The booklet is a very helpful tool for comparing prices and coverage. All the policies sold in Wisconsin offer certain “basic benefits.” The basic ben-efits include coverage for all Medicare co-payments, inpatient psychiatric care beyond Medicare, the first three pints of blood, forty visits of home health care beyond Medicare and also Chiropractic care beyond Medicare’s limited coverage. Other basic benefits include thirty days of non-Medicare coverage in a skilled nursing facility. It is important to note the change in Medigap due to the introduction of Medicare Part D, drug insurance. Poli-cies sold after January 1, 2006 do not include any catastrophic drug coverage. Also, if you enroll in a Part D plan and have an old Me-digap policy, you should notify them as soon as possible. Some policies do offer a discount card for prescriptions but neither is not con-sidered “creditable”(or as good as Medicare drug plans). This type of drug coverage will not protect you from the Part D penalty if you wait to sign up for a Part D drug plan when first turning sixty-five.

The Medigap plans differ greatly in what is charged for annual premium. An example, based on 2008 rates, two separate policies offer-ing the same benefits vary in price from $969.00 to $1,515.00. After the basic benefit package, a person can then select from several “optional riders”. These choices include coverage for the Part A deductible ($1,068.00 in 2009), the Part B deductible ($135.00), additional home health care, Part B excess charges (these are incurred if a provider does not accept Medicare assign-ment) and foreign travel rider. Depending on what options you choose, you can design your coverage from the basic benefits and add any additional options. Premiums for these optional benefits also vary among insurance compa-

nies. As an example, one plan covers the Part A deductible for $240.00 per year (at age 65) and another charges $353.23. Since the Part A deductible can be incurred more than once per year, it is suggested you chose this as the most important optional benefit you select. You will save a lot of money if you have more than one hospital stay in a year if there is 60 days be-tween admittances. Many policies charge from $83.00 to $130.00 to cover the Part B deductible of $135.00. This deductible is incurred only once per year so you may decide to pay out of pocket or add the cost to your premium. If you have both the Part A and Part B deduct-ible riders, you can have virtually full coverage between Medicare and your Medigap policy, meaning you may have no out of pocket costs for severe medical situations as long as your providers accept Medicare assignment.

A copy of the Medigap policy booklet is available by calling the Insurance Commis-sioners office at 1-800-236-8517. The state of Wisconsin’s Board on Aging and Long Term Care Medigap Helpline is an important re-source when making decisions about Medigap policies or any type of health insurance. You can speak to a counselor by calling 1-800-242-1060. Due to the high demand of callers, you may have to leave a message and wait a few days for a call back. The Benefit Specialist Program is available to answer basic ques-tions about Medigap policies and how they work with Medicare. We can help you appeal if you are denied payment on a claim from your Medigap policy. We cannot recommend one policy over another but we can help you understand coverage options. We can also give you information about how Medicaid or Medicare Buy-In may help pay your health care costs. Or, if you are denied health insur-ance due to pre-existing conditions, the State of Wisconsin High Risk Plan or HIRSP may be an option. For these and any other benefits call a Benefit Specialist at the Aging & Disability Resource Center 605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008.

the chronicle5

FEBRUARY 2009

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUPS MEET:

Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services7730 Sheridan Road, KenoshaSecond Tuesday - February 10th - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. FACILITATOR: Becky BanksPh. (262) 658-4125

Daybreak WestWestosha Community Center19200 93rd Street (Highway C) BristolThird Monday – February 16th - 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.CO-FACILITATORS: Kathy Hinks and Mike CallaghanPh. (262) 605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008

Respite care provided at no cost on site by Daybreak Staff.Reservations needed one week in advance.

For City meeting call Becky Banks at (262) 658-4125For County meeting Call Kathy Hinks at (262) 605-6646

or 1-800-472-8008

Alzheimer's Support Groups are programs of the Alzheimer's Association and offered by staff from

Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center, Kenosha Area Family & Aging Services,

Golden Living Center and Right at Home.

Winter Moments

More snow had fallen dur-ing the night, and the pine trees in our yard

were beautiful images in green and white. My interest, though, was not the scenery but the activity. Our kitchen window looked out on the treeless hill. The clock in the parlor had struck four, and I knew that a lot of fun awaited me.

My father, a clergyman, had been assigned to the church in Hanover, New Hampshire, and that post involved being the chaplain at Dartmouth college. The parsonage was on the edge of the campus. And our kitchen window looked out on the hill where the ski team had its practice jump and run. From my little chair (I was four) I could see the ski team’s practice. My vantage point didn’t give me a view of the whole run, but I had a great look at the best part – as the skiers skidded to a snowy stop in a great cloud of snow with a scraping sound audible through two windows.

I was quite an ape, I guess, and I

the

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FEB

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09Angel Food MinistriesWhat is Angel Food Ministries?

n Angel Food Ministries is a Nation Wide Non-Profit, Non-Denominational Ministry dedicated to providing households with af-fordable top quality food.

n For $30, you receive enough food to feed a family of 4 for about a week or a single adult for about a month.

n Our prices are kept low by buying in bulk from growers Nationwide.

There are no day old or damaged foods in-cluded in the box. All food is USDA quality.

n You may purchase as many units as you’d like.

n No Applications! No Income Require-ments! If you eat, you qualify!

Senior Box available:All ten individual meals are fully cooked and labeled complete with

heating instructions – just heat and serve. Each meal has no added sodium, is low in fat, and is nutritionally balanced for seniors with 3 protein, two vegetables or fruits and a starch. Menus change each month. Cost: $28.00

For more information or to order:n Northside residents call: Mary at Messiah Lutheran Church – 262.658.8780n Southside residents call: New Hope Ministries – 262.456.5193

For additional information visit:http://www.kenoshanewhopemissioninc.com/

FEBRUARYTo place an orderIn person: February 7, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM Fellowship Baptist ChurchOnline: Order by February 14.Pick up February 28.

Bring the thingsthat brought

him joy.

Bring the thingsthat brought

him joy.Many times it’s the items we associatewith a person that strikes a chord orpulls at our heartstrings. A familiar hat. A favorite photograph. When the individ-ual is special the funeral home should betoo. That’s why we encourage personalexpressions of remembrance.• memory tables • memory boards• unique music • special locations

Bring something that celebrates their life.Something unusual. Something unique. Your spirit will be lifted and their’sremembered.

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Winter Moments

By Charles Knickrehm

More snow had fallen dur-ing the night, and the pine trees in our yard

were beautiful images in green and white. My interest, though, was not the scenery but the activity. Our kitchen window looked out on the treeless hill. The clock in the parlor had struck four, and I knew that a lot of fun awaited me.

My father, a clergyman, had been assigned to the church in Hanover, New Hampshire, and that post involved being the chaplain at Dartmouth college. The parsonage was on the edge of the campus. And our kitchen window looked out on the hill where the ski team had its practice jump and run. From my little chair (I was four) I could see the ski team’s practice. My vantage point didn’t give me a view of the whole run, but I had a great look at the best part – as the skiers skidded to a snowy stop in a great cloud of snow with a scraping sound audible through two windows.

I was quite an ape, I guess, and I

the chronicle7

FEBRUARY 2009

very much wanted to do what those men did. Of course, that wasn’t going to happen, but one day something wonderful took place: a skier’s hat flew off as he landed!

That was something I could mimic; and mimic it I did, devising all sorts of motions and postures that would bring about the desired result.

This would be an ideal lead-up to a lecture on the value of think-ing for yourself and not copying what others are doing. But I’ll not do that; you know what works best for you. I will, though, offer this suggestion: if you want to have real fun skiing, wear a hat that comes off easily.

Survey on Medicare Part D

Please complete the following survey and tell us about your ex-perience with Medicare Part D. As you know, Medicare Part D drug coverage is offered through various private insurance companies. You may have ideas and opinions that are important to us and to the new Administration and Congress as they review health coverage in the U.S.

o I am enrolled in WI SeniorCareRX and support it continuing. STOP

o I am satisfied with my Medicare Part D plan. STOP HERE OR WRITE YOUR COMMENT BELOW:

Comments: ________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

o I am dissatisfied with my Medicare Part D plan. CONTINUE:

o I think I pay too much for my Medicare Part D plan.

o I have had problems getting coverage for certain medications

o I fell in the donut hole and had to pay 100% of my drug costs while still paying the monthly premium.

o I do not like having to change plans every year.

Comments: ________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

o I receive Extra Help paying for my Medicare Part D and am

satisfied with my coverage. STOP

o I receive Extra Help in Part D and am dissatisfied. CONTINUE:

o I am have had many problems filling my prescriptions.

o I am am frustrated with the different plans I was assigned

o I have been billed by the plan or paid a higher copayment than I thought I would owe.

Comments: ________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Please cut out and return to Aging & Disability Resource Center 8600 Sheridan Rd. Kenosha WI 53140. For questions call a benefit specialist at 605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008.

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Voice of a Caregiver

By Helen KisliaCNA, Gentiva Health Services

I have always wanted to work in the health-care field. In high school I took courses that would prepare me to continue my educa-

tion so that one day I could become a nurse. But, I got married and with a family it was difficult to pursue this goal at the time. Then, eight years ago, my husband passed away. I had been his caregiver for quite some time, and realized that I wanted to go to Gateway Technical College (GTC) and pursue my goal of working with people in the healthcare field.

I graduated seven years ago as a Certified Nursing Assistant and decided to work for Gentiva Health Services as a Home Health Aide. I have been there ever since. Gentiva is a national company that has been bring-ing great healthcare into homes for nearly 40 years. Their skilled clinicians are dedicated not only to healing but to education and empow-ering patients to take charge of their own care in order to achieve greater independence and recover more quickly. Locally, Gentiva services clients in their home in Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties.

I feel my role as a Home Health Aide at Gentiva is very important to the lives of my

patients and the Gentiva nursing team. Most of our clients’ hands-on care is provided by me. Helping them with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing and bathing are areas that many healthy people may take for granted. Besides those cares, under the supervision of the team nurse, I perform clinical tasks such as range-of-motion exercises and blood pressure readings. I may even perform light housekeeping tasks such as preparing food or changing linens.

It is very rewarding to help others with activities that make their life better. Being an aide allows me this opportunity to help others as a professional caregiver. I always take the time to listen to my patients. That’s another very important task that is often taken for granted. I am often the eyes and ears of the nursing team.

My patients depend on me. I particularly remember a patient that I cared for daily. I would help him get ready for the bus so he could get to daycare. The wife was too frail to manage this task herself, and without me, he would not have been able to get out.

While my work keeps me happy and busy on

Voice of a Caregiver articles highlight the long term care worker. In their own words, caregivers

share their dedication and satisfaction of their professional careers, with all the hopes and

challenges experienced in their everyday work.

the

chro

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FEB

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09Defining the Importance of Daily Activities

Daily activities refer to things we do such as getting dressed, cleaning the house,

playing games, or paying our bills. They can be done actively or alone. Activi-ties tell others who we are and what we are about. People who have dementia need assistance in order organize and plan their daily routine. Activities can help this person’s dignity and self-esteem by giving them a purpose and a mean-ing in their daily routine. Activities also structure time. They can make the most of a person’s gifting and unique abilities. Activities can also reduce unwanted behavior like wandering or anger. Activities can also bring more enjoyment to both the person as well as the caregiver by giving a feeling of togetherness.

Types of ActivitiesDaily Routines- Chores such as

dusting, sweeping and doing laundry. Mealtimes which include preparing food, cooking and eating. Personal care time which would include bath-ing, shaving, and getting dressed.

Other Activitiesn Creative: Painting, playing the

piano or any musical instrument, singing

n Intellectual: Reading a book, do-ing crossword puzzles

n Physical: Taking a walk, playing catch, various low impact exercises

n Social: having coffee, talking, playing cards and various games

n Spiritual: Praying, singing a hymn

n Spontaneous: Going out to din-ner, visiting friends, seeing a movie

n Work-related: Making notes, typ-ing, fixing something

Activity Planning Strategiesn Keep the person’s skills and abili-

ties in mindn Pay special attention to what the

person enjoys

n Consider if the person begins activities without direction

n Be aware of physical problemsn Focus on enjoyment, not achieve-

mentn Encourage involvement in daily lifen Relate activity to work lifen Look for favorites of the person

you are doing the activity withn Change activities as needed, try

to be flexible n Consider the time of day, and

what time works best n Adjust activities to stages of the

disease

Approachn Offer support and supervisionn Concentrate on the process not

the resultn Be flexiblen Be realistic and relaxedn Help get the activity startedn Break activities into simple, easy-

to-follow stepsn Assist with difficult parts of the

taskn Let the individual know he or she

is needed

n Stress a sense of purpose to what you are doing

n Don’t criticize or correct the person

n Encourage Self Expressionn Involve the person through the

use of conversationCreating a daily plan will help

you organize your day. Sometimes you may want variety and at other times you may want routine. It may be helpful to think about the past week and develop a daily jour-nal about which activities worked which did not, and why. Keep in mind that effective activities bring meaning, purpose and joy as well as hope into the person’s life. It also gives them a sense of being normal and it involves family and friends. Most of all enjoy doing things with the person that you love and care for and make the most out of your times together!

Information for this article was taken from the Activities at Home Brochure published by the Alzheimer’s Association. Printed 2005.

weekdays, I am able to share the weekends and holidays with my family and friends. In order for caregivers to provide good care, they must also take care of themselves. I try to do both.

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By Helen KisliaCNA, Gentiva Health Services

Voice of a Caregiver articles highlight the long term care worker. In their own words, caregivers

share their dedication and satisfaction of their professional careers, with all the hopes and

challenges experienced in their everyday work.

the chronicle9

FEBRUARY 2009Defining the Importance of Daily Activities

Daily activities refer to things we do such as getting dressed, cleaning the house,

playing games, or paying our bills. They can be done actively or alone. Activi-ties tell others who we are and what we are about. People who have dementia need assistance in order organize and plan their daily routine. Activities can help this person’s dignity and self-esteem by giving them a purpose and a mean-ing in their daily routine. Activities also structure time. They can make the most of a person’s gifting and unique abilities. Activities can also reduce unwanted behavior like wandering or anger. Activities can also bring more enjoyment to both the person as well as the caregiver by giving a feeling of togetherness.

Types of ActivitiesDaily Routines- Chores such as

dusting, sweeping and doing laundry. Mealtimes which include preparing food, cooking and eating. Personal care time which would include bath-ing, shaving, and getting dressed.

Other Activitiesn Creative: Painting, playing the

piano or any musical instrument, singing

n Intellectual: Reading a book, do-ing crossword puzzles

n Physical: Taking a walk, playing catch, various low impact exercises

n Social: having coffee, talking, playing cards and various games

n Spiritual: Praying, singing a hymn

n Spontaneous: Going out to din-ner, visiting friends, seeing a movie

n Work-related: Making notes, typ-ing, fixing something

Activity Planning Strategiesn Keep the person’s skills and abili-

ties in mindn Pay special attention to what the

person enjoys

n Consider if the person begins activities without direction

n Be aware of physical problemsn Focus on enjoyment, not achieve-

mentn Encourage involvement in daily lifen Relate activity to work lifen Look for favorites of the person

you are doing the activity withn Change activities as needed, try

to be flexible n Consider the time of day, and

what time works best n Adjust activities to stages of the

disease

Approachn Offer support and supervisionn Concentrate on the process not

the resultn Be flexiblen Be realistic and relaxedn Help get the activity startedn Break activities into simple, easy-

to-follow stepsn Assist with difficult parts of the

taskn Let the individual know he or she

is needed

n Stress a sense of purpose to what you are doing

n Don’t criticize or correct the person

n Encourage Self Expressionn Involve the person through the

use of conversationCreating a daily plan will help

you organize your day. Sometimes you may want variety and at other times you may want routine. It may be helpful to think about the past week and develop a daily jour-nal about which activities worked which did not, and why. Keep in mind that effective activities bring meaning, purpose and joy as well as hope into the person’s life. It also gives them a sense of being normal and it involves family and friends. Most of all enjoy doing things with the person that you love and care for and make the most out of your times together!

Information for this article was taken from the Activities at Home Brochure published by the Alzheimer’s Association. Printed 2005.

Michelle RiversDaybreak Coordinator

weekdays, I am able to share the weekends and holidays with my family and friends. In order for caregivers to provide good care, they must also take care of themselves. I try to do both.

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Did you know about ... these Exercise Options for Seniors?

Free or Very Low Cost Exercise Options

Sit and Be Fit www.sitandbefit.org

A senior exercise and fitness show on public television. Channel 10 Milwaukee , Monday- Friday, 10:00am Channel 20 Chicago, Monday- Friday, 2:30am

Walking indoorsLocal malls are often open earlier for walkers. Check with the mall for details. In Kenosha individuals can also walk at the Kenosha County Human Services Buildings.

Kenosha County Human Services Building 8600 Sheridan Road Kenosha, WI 53143 Hours: Monday- Friday, 6:00am - 5:00pm Kenosha County Center 19600 75th Street Bristol, WI 53104 Hours: Monday- Friday, 7:00am- 5:00pm Exercise Classes

Throughout the year offers free exercise classes geared toward older adults. The Balance and Wellness Center

3921 30th Ave Suite A Kenosha, WI 53144 (262) 925-0311 www.sptrs.com

Senior Centers Kenosha Senior Citizens Center

2717 67th St Kenosha, WI 53143 (262) 653-6260 www. Kusd.edu/seniorcenter

Offers exercise classes, dance, dance lessons, and Tai chi. Mem-bers can swim at Reuther High School Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am-10:30am for small additional fee.Costs: Annual membership fee is $12.00 for residents of Kenosha Unified School District. Non-resident membership is available for $100.00 per year. Must be age 55 and older to join.

Westosha Community Center 19200 93rd St Bristol, WI 53104 (262) 843-3828 www.kafasi.org Offers exercise classes, dance, and dance lessons Costs: Call for fees and membership information.

Exercise Programs and Health Clubs Average Joe’s Gym 7944 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53143 (262) 654-5637 • www.averagejoesgym.com

An exercise program for men consists of a total body strength training and cardio workout. Total workout in 30 minutesCost: $29 per month

Aurora Wellness Center Memorial Hospital of Burlington 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington, WI 53105 (262) 767-7000

Health and fitness center Services offered:• Aerobic and other exercise classes, including classes geared for seniors• Indoor walking/jogging track• Fitness center and weight training• Pool facilities and water fitness classes.Cost: Call for membership rates. Senior rates are available.

Curves for WomenAn exercise program for women consists of a total body strength training and cardio workout. Total workout in 30 minutesCost: $29 per month. • www.curves.com

Locations:7944 Sheridan Road 1830 27th Ave 8501 75th Street Suite A Kenosha, WI 53143 Kenosha, WI 53140 Kenosha, WI 53142(262) 657-6873 (262) 925-9628 (262) 694-2000

Fit For Life Senior Program Grande Prairie Rehab 10330 Prairie Ridge Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 (262) 612-2800

This is a strength and flexibility program designed for seniors with exercise machines geared to seniors. Special trained instructors are available. A medical clearance from your doctor is required.Cost: $30 per month for an individual and $50 per month for a couple.

Kenosha YMCA (262) 654-9622 , www.kenoshaYMCA.org Callahan Branch Downtown Branch 7101 53rd Street 720 59th Place Kenosha, WI 53140 Kenosha, WI 53140Health and fitness centers services offered:

• Aerobic and other exercise classes geared for seniors• Indoor walking/jogging track• Fitness center and weight training• Pool facilities and water fitness classes.Cost: Call for membership rates. Senior rates are available.

Lakeview Rec-plex 9900 Terwall Terrace, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 (262) 947-0437 • www.recplexonline.comHealth and fitness center services offered:

• Aerobic and other exercise classes geared for seniors• Indoor walking/jogging track• Fitness center and weight training• Pool facilities and water fitness classes.Cost: Call for membership rates. Senior rates are available.

Information and Assistance the chronicle

11 FEBRUARY 2009

Did you know about ... these Exercise Options for Seniors?

Free or Very Low Cost Exercise Options

Sit and Be Fit www.sitandbefit.org

A senior exercise and fitness show on public television. Channel 10 Milwaukee , Monday- Friday, 10:00am Channel 20 Chicago, Monday- Friday, 2:30am

Walking indoorsLocal malls are often open earlier for walkers. Check with the mall for details. In Kenosha individuals can also walk at the Kenosha County Human Services Buildings.

Kenosha County Human Services Building 8600 Sheridan Road Kenosha, WI 53143 Hours: Monday- Friday, 6:00am - 5:00pm Kenosha County Center 19600 75th Street Bristol, WI 53104 Hours: Monday- Friday, 7:00am- 5:00pm Exercise Classes

Throughout the year offers free exercise classes geared toward older adults. The Balance and Wellness Center

3921 30th Ave Suite A Kenosha, WI 53144 (262) 925-0311 www.sptrs.com

Senior Centers Kenosha Senior Citizens Center

2717 67th St Kenosha, WI 53143 (262) 653-6260 www. Kusd.edu/seniorcenter

Offers exercise classes, dance, dance lessons, and Tai chi. Mem-bers can swim at Reuther High School Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am-10:30am for small additional fee.Costs: Annual membership fee is $12.00 for residents of Kenosha Unified School District. Non-resident membership is available for $100.00 per year. Must be age 55 and older to join.

Westosha Community Center 19200 93rd St Bristol, WI 53104 (262) 843-3828 www.kafasi.org Offers exercise classes, dance, and dance lessons Costs: Call for fees and membership information.

Exercise Programs and Health Clubs Average Joe’s Gym 7944 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53143 (262) 654-5637 • www.averagejoesgym.com

An exercise program for men consists of a total body strength training and cardio workout. Total workout in 30 minutesCost: $29 per month

Aurora Wellness Center Memorial Hospital of Burlington 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington, WI 53105 (262) 767-7000

Health and fitness center Services offered:• Aerobic and other exercise classes, including classes geared for seniors• Indoor walking/jogging track• Fitness center and weight training• Pool facilities and water fitness classes.Cost: Call for membership rates. Senior rates are available.

Curves for WomenAn exercise program for women consists of a total body strength training and cardio workout. Total workout in 30 minutesCost: $29 per month. • www.curves.com

Locations:7944 Sheridan Road 1830 27th Ave 8501 75th Street Suite A Kenosha, WI 53143 Kenosha, WI 53140 Kenosha, WI 53142(262) 657-6873 (262) 925-9628 (262) 694-2000

Fit For Life Senior Program Grande Prairie Rehab 10330 Prairie Ridge Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 (262) 612-2800

This is a strength and flexibility program designed for seniors with exercise machines geared to seniors. Special trained instructors are available. A medical clearance from your doctor is required.Cost: $30 per month for an individual and $50 per month for a couple.

Kenosha YMCA (262) 654-9622 , www.kenoshaYMCA.org Callahan Branch Downtown Branch 7101 53rd Street 720 59th Place Kenosha, WI 53140 Kenosha, WI 53140Health and fitness centers services offered:

• Aerobic and other exercise classes geared for seniors• Indoor walking/jogging track• Fitness center and weight training• Pool facilities and water fitness classes.Cost: Call for membership rates. Senior rates are available.

Lakeview Rec-plex 9900 Terwall Terrace, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 (262) 947-0437 • www.recplexonline.comHealth and fitness center services offered:

• Aerobic and other exercise classes geared for seniors• Indoor walking/jogging track• Fitness center and weight training• Pool facilities and water fitness classes.Cost: Call for membership rates. Senior rates are available.

2009 Nomination FormRemarkable Older American AwardSponsored by Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center

Nominations are submitted to the Older Americans Month Planning Committee for consideration by completing the form on this page. Individuals, orga-nizations, or businesses may nominate an individual for the Award.

Nominations must be received by Thursday, April 23, 2009 and should be sent to the address below. Please make copies of this form if you would like to make more than one nomination. The Award will be pre-sented at the Older Americans Month event on May 21, 2009.

Older Americans Month Planning Committeec/o Paula Clark8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 500Kenosha, WI 53143

This nomination form is submitted by:

Name

Company

Address

City/State/Zip

Telephone Number

Date Submitted

Attach a separate sheet with more information ifnecessary. Limit comments to 100 words.

Name of Individual Nominated

AddressCity/State/ZipTelephone Number

Please review the following criteria and check all that apply. Provide additional comments as desired. We will request more information if necessary.

Community InvolvementExplain

Commitment to FamilyExplain

Personal Qualifications

Explain

Accomplishments

Explain

Additional Comments

Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center

The National Crime Prevention Council has sent out

some valuable tips on staying safe and keeping your privacy secure. Sometimes we don’t realize that

criminals can get a host of information just by driving

through a neighborhood.

Tips To Keep Criminals From Cruising Your Trash

Arlington, VA – Your trash could tell a tale of treasure that awaits a thief inside your home. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), the nonprofit best known for McGruff the Crime Dog, says you may be brag-ging to a thief if you set out your boxes of trash from expensive purchases too early. NCPC says criminals drive through neighbor-hoods looking for evidence of new

TVs, comput-ers, and other expensive items and then target your house for a break-in.

A preoc-cupied or unsuspecting individual is the perfect target for criminals. N CPC and McGruff say the important tips below can help secure your home and keep thieves from stealing the joy you found in your new purchase.

n Lock your doors and win-dows, including your garage doors. More than 60 percent of all burglaries take place without forced entry.

n Avoid displaying expensive items and other valuable in areas visible from the outside.

n Wait until trash day to set out television, computer, or other expensive boxes.

n Use automatic timers to turn on the lights, a radio, or a televi-sion when you are not home.

n Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home while you are away and be sure your mail and newspapers are picked up to keep the place looking lived in. You can also stop mail service through your local post office.

n Create an inventory of the valuable items in your home by taking photographs and making a list of serial numbers. An inven-

tory may aid in the recovery of your items and will make insur-ance claims easier to file.

n Be alert to suspicious activ-ity in your neighborhood. Report anything that seems unusual or suspicious to the police immedi-ately.

For more information on how to protect your home, please visit www.ncpc.org.

National Crime Prevention Council

Many Thanks to ...

Sgt. Gil BennPublic Information OfficerKenosha Sheriff Department

Your Trash = Treasure

From the Sergeant

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Seymour J. AdlerLarry/Karen AlbertsonAnn ArnoldEdward BaumannMelvin/Shirley BeckerHarold BehrensJoseph BellaChuck/Tina BonofiglioBob/Barbara BuftonEthel CairnsLoretta CayoBill/Nancy ChristensenM. CleggRobert ColeGenevieve CwikAlberta DagonWilliam/Mollie DarulaHarry L. DataFrank/Elaine DeGraziaIrene DellingerShirley DeMarcoJohn DemskeDick/Laurene DumkeDick/Carol FlockerReinold/Laura FreseJean FreyAngeline FunkCharles Gann Sr.

E. Trumann GarrettEugene GiantonioJacob/Virginia GombarAlice GreathouseClara HanleyLenore HindsRichard K. JohnsonM/M Roman KielRay KivistoJoseph KlotzJoseph/Winnie KopeskyRoger/Marilyn KotzHarold/Laverne KreuserMargaret KregerMargaret KubashLewis E. LarsenN. LettsomeEdward LingoJoyce LubniewskiM/M M.E. LuraDorothy MarsdenM/M Robert McGinleyMarion MiddletonGeraldine MooreMargaret NationArlene/Gene OlsonFred Osinga

Masuko OtsukaEleanor M. PasekDolores PrestayGail ProcarioneJim/Irene ProudVincent F. RuffoloJoe/Opal RuhleBill/Hazel SchendWilliam SchmitzAudrey ScottBarbara SeiberlichBetty SolumSylvia TenutaElsie TewsNancy ThayerDorothy ThomasTom/Lois Van DahmJames/Connie VanPattenFrank/Angie WaldoAudrey WalshKenneth WiedmanRuthann WiesemannAnne WitkauskisPaul/Elaine ZakHoward ZelenskiWilliam Zirbel, Sr.

713168

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n Use automatic timers to turn on the lights, a radio, or a televi-sion when you are not home.

n Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home while you are away and be sure your mail and newspapers are picked up to keep the place looking lived in. You can also stop mail service through your local post office.

n Create an inventory of the valuable items in your home by taking photographs and making a list of serial numbers. An inven-

tory may aid in the recovery of your items and will make insur-ance claims easier to file.

n Be alert to suspicious activ-ity in your neighborhood. Report anything that seems unusual or suspicious to the police immedi-ately.

For more information on how to protect your home, please visit www.ncpc.org.

National Crime Prevention Council

We are depending on reader donations to cover the postal costs of The Chronicle. Thank you to our many readers who have contributed so generously. Please let us add your name

to our list; it will be published for three months after we receive your donation. Contributions may be sent to the Kenosha County, Division of Aging & Disability Services, 8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 500, Kenosha, WI, 53143.

Enclosed is my Donationto support postal expenses for monthly mailing ofThe Chronicle of Kenosha County

Name _________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ________

Zip ______________

Comments ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Please do not send cash. Make checks payable to Aging & Disability Resource Center.

Many Thanks to ...

Sgt. Gil BennPublic Information OfficerKenosha Sheriff Department

the chronicle13

FEBRUARY 2009

Seymour J. AdlerLarry/Karen AlbertsonAnn ArnoldEdward BaumannMelvin/Shirley BeckerHarold BehrensJoseph BellaChuck/Tina BonofiglioBob/Barbara BuftonEthel CairnsLoretta CayoBill/Nancy ChristensenM. CleggRobert ColeGenevieve CwikAlberta DagonWilliam/Mollie DarulaHarry L. DataFrank/Elaine DeGraziaIrene DellingerShirley DeMarcoJohn DemskeDick/Laurene DumkeDick/Carol FlockerReinold/Laura FreseJean FreyAngeline FunkCharles Gann Sr.

E. Trumann GarrettEugene GiantonioJacob/Virginia GombarAlice GreathouseClara HanleyLenore HindsRichard K. JohnsonM/M Roman KielRay KivistoJoseph KlotzJoseph/Winnie KopeskyRoger/Marilyn KotzHarold/Laverne KreuserMargaret KregerMargaret KubashLewis E. LarsenN. LettsomeEdward LingoJoyce LubniewskiM/M M.E. LuraDorothy MarsdenM/M Robert McGinleyMarion MiddletonGeraldine MooreMargaret NationArlene/Gene OlsonFred Osinga

Masuko OtsukaEleanor M. PasekDolores PrestayGail ProcarioneJim/Irene ProudVincent F. RuffoloJoe/Opal RuhleBill/Hazel SchendWilliam SchmitzAudrey ScottBarbara SeiberlichBetty SolumSylvia TenutaElsie TewsNancy ThayerDorothy ThomasTom/Lois Van DahmJames/Connie VanPattenFrank/Angie WaldoAudrey WalshKenneth WiedmanRuthann WiesemannAnne WitkauskisPaul/Elaine ZakHoward ZelenskiWilliam Zirbel, Sr.

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Introducing:

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Winter really is a time for hope. The earth is frozen, the wind can be harsh,

the streets slippery, but beneath all of that we know all the beauty that awaits us in the Spring. And, you can’t have Spring without going through Winter.

That’s a bit how our country is right now. There are economic and societal pressures, but there is also great hope for change and, therefore, improvements. Challenges offer opportunity and the window of opportunity is at its widest.

A new president is in place with a new cabinet. With those changes comes the possibility for new perspectives on some perplexing national and international problems. Regardless of political affiliations, I know we all hope President Obama and his team will offer positive solutions for a stronger future.

There have also been some changes in Kenosha County Government. I’ve been in office since June 18th and I’m enjoying working

for you, the citizens of Kenosha County. I’ve heard great ideas from the public and I encourage you to contact me with your suggestions.

The most recent change has been in the County Clerk’s office. Mary Schuch Krebs was elected in the fall and started her new term in January. She succeeds Edna Highland in the office. Please welcome Mary to her new post – she has actually worked in Kenosha County Government for 30 years. The County Clerk is the recording officer for the County Board and keeps the County records. It is also the office where people purchase things like marriage and hunting licenses.

Edna Highland, who had worked for Kenosha County for 32 years, had decided to retire and not run again for the office of County Clerk. Edna has been wonderful to work with over the years and we will miss seeing her smiling face in the County Administration Building every day. But, we know Edna will remain active in Kenosha County.

Re-elected this past fall were Register of Deeds Louise Principe, Treasurer Teri Jacobson and District Attorney Robert Zapf. The Register of Deeds office maintains land records, deeds, birth and death certificates throughout the county; the Treasurer’s office maintains all tax records and collects taxes in the County; and the District Attorney is the criminal attorney for the County and processes criminal offenses before the courts.

The Clerk of Courts Rebecca Matoska-Mentink, which is also an elected office that manages and maintains Circuit Court records, and Sheriff David Beth, the elected position that serves as the chief law enforcement officer in the county, were not up for re-election this past fall.

All the elected officials serve you, Kenosha County residents. Like me, they appreciate hearing your suggestions.

We will get to our “Spring” together when we all work together,

Costs & AvailabilityOpen to anyone age 60+ and a spouse regardless of age. All meals are by confidential donation

Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Please call between 10:00a.m. and 1:00p.m., Monday-Friday

Sen

ior

Din

ing Monday Wednesday Thursday FridayTuesday

2 3 4 5 6

9 10 11 12 13

16 17 18 19 20

23 24 25 26 27

Beef StroganoffButtered NoodlesRed CabbageWheat Bread Fruit Cocktail

Baked Fish Wild Rice Blend CarrotsSour Dough BreadButterscotch Pudding

Mock Filet MignonMashed PotatoesHarvard BeetsEight Grain Bread Sliced Pears

Tomato Bisque SoupVegetable LasagnaItalian Beans / BreadPound Cake w/ Strawberries

Bratwurst on a Brat BunSauerkrautWhole Red PotatoesGerman Chocolate Cake

Cabbage RollOven Browned PotatoesGreen BeansSour Dough BreadBirthday Cupcake

Spaghetti and MeatballsMixed VegetablesItalian BreadFresh Seasonal Fruit

“Hearty” Swiss SteakBaked Potato Mixed VegetablesCranberry MuffinFresh Fruit

Pineapple Juice Baked Macaroni & CheesePeas w/Pearl OnionsRaisin Bread Cherry Pie

Hawaiian Meatball Over RiceLima Beans Sweet Roll Tropical Fruit

Italian Beef on BunPasta SaladItalian Blend Veg-etablesFresh Fruit

Breaded Baked ChickenButtered NoodlesPeas & CarrotsDinner RollLemon Meringue Pie

Chicken Chow Mein w/RiceJapanese Vegetables Wheat BreadBananaFortune Cookie

Bar-be-que Pork RibletKaiser RollAuGratin PotatoesCornLemon Pudding

MeatloafBaked Potato w/Sour CreamBroccoliMultigrain BreadFruited Jell-o

Roast Turkey in Gravy w/StuffingCarrotsMarble Rye BreadQuartered Fruit

Tuna Cakes w/ Red Pepper CreamRed Potatoes w/ JacketsBrussels SproutsRye Roll • Applesauce

Salisbury Steak OR Liver w/OnionsMashed PotatoesVegetable BlendWholegrain BreadFresh Fruit

Fish Wedge on Bun w/Tartar SaucePotato SaladButtered PeasMandarin Oranges

Baked HamYamsButtered PeasDark Rye BreadMandarin Oranges w/Pineapple

LocationsLakeside Towers5800 36rd Avenue 654-0103

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church8760 37th Avenue 694-8360

Parkside Baptist Church2620 14th Place 552-7737

Kenosha Senior Center2717 67th Street 658-9311

Western County Senior CenterHwy “C” Bristol 843-3828

American Legion - Twin LakesLegion Drive 877-3503

Nutrition Program Office 7730 Sheridan Road 658-3508

the

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09Inside Kenosha County

Understanding Medicare 2009 The Kenosha County Benefit Specialist Program’s monthly Medicare

workshop is called “Understanding Medicare 2009”. The workshop offers a basic over view of Original Medicare, as well as other health and pre-scription drug coverage options. You will learn how to read and under-

stand a Medicare summary notice and how to file an appeal. It also covers other helpful benefits you may be eligible for. The next Medicare Work-shop is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th from 9am-11am. The location is the Kenosha County Job Center 8600 Sheridan Rd. Conference room South 10. Seating is limited to 20 persons. Reservations are required for seating and handouts. Please call the Aging & Disability Resource Cen-ter at 605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008 to reserve your spot.

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Personalized Health Care Personalized Health Care for the Entire Family for the Entire Family

New Patients Welcome! New Patients Welcome! School & Sports Physicals School & Sports Physicals

BHARATHI PULLA, M.D BHARATHI PULLA, M.D Family Practice Family Practice

6125 Green Bay Rd., Suite 100 6125 Green Bay Rd., Suite 100

For Appointments Call 564-8636

Winter really is a time for hope. The earth is frozen, the wind can be harsh,

the streets slippery, but beneath all of that we know all the beauty that awaits us in the Spring. And, you can’t have Spring without going through Winter.

That’s a bit how our country is right now. There are economic and societal pressures, but there is also great hope for change and, therefore, improvements. Challenges offer opportunity and the window of opportunity is at its widest.

A new president is in place with a new cabinet. With those changes comes the possibility for new perspectives on some perplexing national and international problems. Regardless of political affiliations, I know we all hope President Obama and his team will offer positive solutions for a stronger future.

There have also been some changes in Kenosha County Government. I’ve been in office since June 18th and I’m enjoying working

for you, the citizens of Kenosha County. I’ve heard great ideas from the public and I encourage you to contact me with your suggestions.

The most recent change has been in the County Clerk’s office. Mary Schuch Krebs was elected in the fall and started her new term in January. She succeeds Edna Highland in the office. Please welcome Mary to her new post – she has actually worked in Kenosha County Government for 30 years. The County Clerk is the recording officer for the County Board and keeps the County records. It is also the office where people purchase things like marriage and hunting licenses.

Edna Highland, who had worked for Kenosha County for 32 years, had decided to retire and not run again for the office of County Clerk. Edna has been wonderful to work with over the years and we will miss seeing her smiling face in the County Administration Building every day. But, we know Edna will remain active in Kenosha County.

Re-elected this past fall were Register of Deeds Louise Principe, Treasurer Teri Jacobson and District Attorney Robert Zapf. The Register of Deeds office maintains land records, deeds, birth and death certificates throughout the county; the Treasurer’s office maintains all tax records and collects taxes in the County; and the District Attorney is the criminal attorney for the County and processes criminal offenses before the courts.

The Clerk of Courts Rebecca Matoska-Mentink, which is also an elected office that manages and maintains Circuit Court records, and Sheriff David Beth, the elected position that serves as the chief law enforcement officer in the county, were not up for re-election this past fall.

All the elected officials serve you, Kenosha County residents. Like me, they appreciate hearing your suggestions.

We will get to our “Spring” together when we all work together,

LocationsLakeside Towers5800 36rd Avenue 654-0103

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church8760 37th Avenue 694-8360

Parkside Baptist Church2620 14th Place 552-7737

Kenosha Senior Center2717 67th Street 658-9311

Western County Senior CenterHwy “C” Bristol 843-3828

American Legion - Twin LakesLegion Drive 877-3503

Nutrition Program Office 7730 Sheridan Road 658-3508

the chronicle15

FEBRUARY 2009

Jim KreuserCounty Executive

Inside Kenosha County

talk to each other and listen to each other.

So, please, contact me or any of your elected officials to discuss your ideas for change to lead us to a brighter future.

I am always interested in hearing your thoughts about how to make Kenosha County an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Please contact me directly by phone, 262-653-2600, by mail at 1010 56th St., Kenosha WI 53140, or e-mail, CoExec@co.kenosha.wi.us.

Understanding Medicare 2009 The Kenosha County Benefit Specialist Program’s monthly Medicare

workshop is called “Understanding Medicare 2009”. The workshop offers a basic over view of Original Medicare, as well as other health and pre-scription drug coverage options. You will learn how to read and under-

stand a Medicare summary notice and how to file an appeal. It also covers other helpful benefits you may be eligible for. The next Medicare Work-shop is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th from 9am-11am. The location is the Kenosha County Job Center 8600 Sheridan Rd. Conference room South 10. Seating is limited to 20 persons. Reservations are required for seating and handouts. Please call the Aging & Disability Resource Cen-ter at 605-6646 or 1-800-472-8008 to reserve your spot.

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• K ITCHEN M ODIFICATIONS

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F LOOR M ASTER S UITES

M AKING Y OUR H OUSE A H OME F OR A L IFETIME

ACROSS 1. Part of the NFL 4. Sums 8. Hits lightly12. Poetic meadows14. Scotttish hill-

side15. Sole genus of

the family Na-jadaceae

16. Freedom from difficulty

17. A cutting re-mark

18. Electronic com-munication

19. Coffee additives22. Feeling ill23. Droop24. “The _____

Show” with Jon Stewart

26. Move un-steadily

29. Scandinavian name for small herring

30. 4840 square yards

31. Gray sea eagle34. Food from

dried orchid tubers

36. An upper limb

37. _____ and Van-zetti

39. ___ Lilly, drug company

40. This (Spanish)42. American state43. Baseball cham-

pionship playoff45. Elastance unit47. Shovel earth48. Gambling town49. Notre Dame

team nickname55. Botswana mon-

etary unit57. 12th Jewish

month58. Dull sustained

pain59. _____bore:

lenton rose60. Cease to have61. Heidi Klum’s

husband62. Gomer ____,

marine63. Paul ____, Swiss

painter64. Shaft horse-

power (abbr.)

DOWN 1. One of the Bald-

win brothers

2. Fright and alarm

3. Pillow slip 4. An abbot’s

jurisdiction 5. Consumed

liquids 6. C. ____en: O.J.

prosecutor 7. Point that is one

point S of SE 8. Equipment

casualty 9. Slightly open10. ___liff: court

officer11. Software Sight

License13. Where she sold

seashells15. Contradicts20. Metric capacity

unit21. Consumer24. The face of a

clock25. European shad26. Counterweights27. Electronic coun-

termeasures28. _____ngle: 4-

sided figure29. Point midway

between S and SE

32. Canadian flyers33. Japanese classi-

cal theater35. Orbital point

where satellite is nearest to the earth

36. Consumed food38. Atmospheric

light bands41. Suspiration44. Suitable for use

as food45. Unit of a tem-

perature scale46. Black tropi-

cal American cuckoo

48. Ribonuclease49. Cut down a tree50. Use language51. Object that is

worshipped as a god

52. Frosts53. Former ruler of

Iran54. Give assistance

to55. Thrust horse

power (abbr.)56. Expression to

attract attention

February Crosswordth

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cle

16 F

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2009

FILE OF LIFE

Write Yourself a Love Letter for Valentine’s Day!

Does anyone write love letters anymore? Now, a lovely Hallmark® card

with your signature or an e-card that sings, “I love you truly,” does not count! I mean real love let-ters, just like the letters that Harry mailed Bess.

“….(I) still believe that my sweetheart is the ideal woman and that my daughter is her duplicate...I’m counting the days till I see you.”-Harry Truman to Bess Truman

(1933)

The art of letter writing is similar to that of other forms of art; an expression is conceived in your heart and it is given life on a canvas, a block of clay, or a piece of parchment paper. This art has certainly gone by the wayside with computers and card companies available to do all the work for us. For Valentine’s Day, a love letter sure sounds romantic, but chances are – you’ll get the Hallmark® card!

This Valentine’s Day write yourself a love letter! The love letter I am referring to is contained in the “File of Life.” The “letter” is a one page summary of your medical emergency information – emergency contacts, physicians, medical conditions, allergies, and medications. All this information is contained in a red, plastic pouch that attaches to your refrigerator with a magnet. In the event of a medical emergency, fire or rescue personnel look to your refrigerator for this clearly labeled red pouch to assist them in responding to your medical needs. A copy of the “File of Life” should be held in your purse or wallet and left with a friend or family member who may accompany you the hospital. The Personal Emergency Preparedness Campaign (PEP) promotes the “File of Life” as a potential life saver. The campaign also recommends including a

ADD TO YOUR PREPAREDNESS KIT

When: FebruaryWhat: The File of LifeWhy: The File of Life holds

lifesaving information in-cluding personal allergies, prescription medications, and medical conditions that will assist emergency medical personnel as they respond to your medical needs.

Where: Kenosha County Aging and Disabilities Resource Center or the Kenosha County division of Health.

Price: Free

Are You Prepared?Join Us To Learn About

Personal Emergency PreparednessDiana Andrekus from the Kenosha County Health Department

will talk about what you can do to prepare for an emergency.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 – 12:30 Lunch is served at 12:00

(reservations must be made 24 hours in advance)

Twin Lakes American Legion Senior Dining Program

989 Legion Drive, Twin Lakes

Come for Lunch! Stay for this informative discussion.

Menu - February 11, 2009Spaghetti and Meatballs

Mixed VegetablesItalian Bread

Fresh Seasonal Fruit

To signup for the meal, please call

24 hours in advance to 843-3828.

The Senior Dining Program is available for individuals 60+. The program suggests a $2.50 donation for each meal.

copy of the “File of Life” in your emergency preparedness kit. Contact the ADRC at 605-6646 or the Kenosha County Division of Health at 605-6777 to obtain your

“File of Life.” The “File of Life” may not be

a romantic letter, however it is a letter that may save your life. But don’t forget…flowers, chocolates,

and a candlelight dinner may not save your life, but they may save your relationship…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Diana AndrekusPublic Health Specialist

Answers on Page 19

ACROSS 1. Part of the NFL 4. Sums 8. Hits lightly12. Poetic meadows14. Scotttish hill-

side15. Sole genus of

the family Na-jadaceae

16. Freedom from difficulty

17. A cutting re-mark

18. Electronic com-munication

19. Coffee additives22. Feeling ill23. Droop24. “The _____

Show” with Jon Stewart

26. Move un-steadily

29. Scandinavian name for small herring

30. 4840 square yards

31. Gray sea eagle34. Food from

dried orchid tubers

36. An upper limb

37. _____ and Van-zetti

39. ___ Lilly, drug company

40. This (Spanish)42. American state43. Baseball cham-

pionship playoff45. Elastance unit47. Shovel earth48. Gambling town49. Notre Dame

team nickname55. Botswana mon-

etary unit57. 12th Jewish

month58. Dull sustained

pain59. _____bore:

lenton rose60. Cease to have61. Heidi Klum’s

husband62. Gomer ____,

marine63. Paul ____, Swiss

painter64. Shaft horse-

power (abbr.)

DOWN 1. One of the Bald-

win brothers

2. Fright and alarm

3. Pillow slip 4. An abbot’s

jurisdiction 5. Consumed

liquids 6. C. ____en: O.J.

prosecutor 7. Point that is one

point S of SE 8. Equipment

casualty 9. Slightly open10. ___liff: court

officer11. Software Sight

License13. Where she sold

seashells15. Contradicts20. Metric capacity

unit21. Consumer24. The face of a

clock25. European shad26. Counterweights27. Electronic coun-

termeasures28. _____ngle: 4-

sided figure29. Point midway

between S and SE

32. Canadian flyers33. Japanese classi-

cal theater35. Orbital point

where satellite is nearest to the earth

36. Consumed food38. Atmospheric

light bands41. Suspiration44. Suitable for use

as food45. Unit of a tem-

perature scale46. Black tropi-

cal American cuckoo

48. Ribonuclease49. Cut down a tree50. Use language51. Object that is

worshipped as a god

52. Frosts53. Former ruler of

Iran54. Give assistance

to55. Thrust horse

power (abbr.)56. Expression to

attract attention

February Crosswordthe chronicle

17 FEBRUARY 2009

Write Yourself a Love Letter for Valentine’s Day!

copy of the “File of Life” in your emergency preparedness kit. Contact the ADRC at 605-6646 or the Kenosha County Division of Health at 605-6777 to obtain your

“File of Life.” The “File of Life” may not be

a romantic letter, however it is a letter that may save your life. But don’t forget…flowers, chocolates,

and a candlelight dinner may not save your life, but they may save your relationship…

Happy Valentine’s Day! 714360

Visit Us Mon.-Fri.

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun.

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Of fering dining room, chapel, beauty salon, underground parking, laundr y on each floor,

movie room and much more.

LUXURY AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS FOR ADULTS 55 & BETTER!

SPECIAL OFFER

W/ NEW LEASES

$300 Moving Expense Credit

$250 Gift Card

Some Restrictions Apply!

Prairie Villa Senior Apartments

Located East of I-94, exit Hwy 50 to 94th Ave.

(262) 697-6335

9500 81st Street • Pleasant Prairie, WI

714859

For a Personal Tour or Application please call

551-9005 A Subsidiary of Franciscan Ministries

S AXONY M ANOR

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

A SENIOR & DISABLED COMMUNITY

P AY O NLY 30% O F Y OUR A DJUSTED G ROSS I NCOME

L IMITED A VAILABILITY

• Carpeted 1 Brm. Apts.

• Appliances & Air Conditioner Included

• Public Transportation On Site

• Small Pets Welcome

• Waiting List Available for Retirement Planning

All Utilities Include d

Westosha senior Community Center19200 93rd Street (Hwy. C, just East of Hwy 45) Bristol, WI 53104

REGULAR ACTIVITIESMonday through FridayDelicious hot lunch served at 12:00 Noon. Call 24 hours in advance to make reservations at phone (262) 843-3828 Monday 9:30 –3:30 Daybreak: A program designed to give an Alzheimer’s caregiver a days break Call 857-4481 9:00 AM TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 1:00 PM Bingo 1:00 PM Oil Painting Classes $4.00 per class Instructor: Dottie Kozak Tuesday 9:30AM Crafter’s Corner Knitting/Crochet group

Wednesday 9:30 –3:30 Daybreak: Call for information, 857-4481 8:30 AM Ceramics Class - $2.00 per class 1:00 PM Bingo Thursday 1:00 PM Scrabble Challenge (2nd & 4th) 5:00 PM Evening BINGO Come and check it out. Sandwiches available.

Friday 9:30 –3:30 Daybreak: Call 857- 4481 1:00 PM Pinochle cards and Board Games

SPECIAL ONCE A MONTH ACTIVITIES

“R” FOOT CLINIC - $19.00 for feet - $7.00 for hands Every third Thursday from 9:00am - 2:00 pm By Appointment and provided by “R” Home Care

SUPPORT GROUP Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group. Third Monday, 7:00 PM. Respite Care Available. Call Kathy Hinks at 605-6667.

BENEFIT SPECIALIST Last Monday of each month, 11:00 - 1:00 PM Benefit Specialist assists older adults with Social Security/ Medicare/Medicaid and other benefit programs. Meetings are held in a private & confidential environment.

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Mark your Calendar • February 13thCome join us for Senior Dining at 12:00 Noon

at the Westosha Senior Community Centerfollowed by Sweetheart Strawberry Shortcake Desserts

and one very breath taking romantic movie 1:30 pm “The Bridges of Madison County”

Starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl StreepCall 262-843-3828 to RSVP for this special Valentines activity. Please call 24 hours in advance to make Lunch reservations.

Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Treatment of Fibro-Fog

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condi-tion, characterized by widespread muscle, tendon and connective tissue pain as well as multiple ten-der points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. Other core features of the disorder include debilitating fatigue, sleep

disturbance, and joint stiffness. In addition to these symptoms, per-sons who suffer from Fibromyalgia may also experience what is know as Fibro-Fog.

The intrusion of Alpha-waves during Delta sleep results in non-restorative sleep, which exacerbates the pain and fatigue. It is this same lack of restorative sleep, as well as life with chronic pain and fa-tigue (physical exhaustion), which very often results in a cognitive dysfunction commonly referred to as “Fibro-fog” (mental exhaus-tion). Other contributing factors to Fibro-fog may include depression, decreased oxygen flow to the brain, certain medications, poor nutrition, or changes in the central nervous system.

Fibro-fog is not a psychologi-cal condition, but rather the direct result of sleep deprivation and other

contributing factors. It is also not the result of Alzheimer’s Disease, de-mentia, or other conditions that cause deterioration of brain functions.

Symptoms of Fibro-fogThe severity of Fibro-fog fluctu-

ates from day to day, as well as from person to person. The follow-ing is a list of possible signs and symptoms:

n Mental confusion and fatigue n Loss of short-term memory n Inability to concentrate n Impaired thinking n Absentmindedness n Inability to recognize familiar surroundings n Disorientation n Inability to comprehend written or spoken words n Trouble with directions n Short attention span n Acquired dyslexia (includes

difficulty speaking known words)

Treatment of Fibro-FogAs Fibro-Fog is directly related

to non-restorative sleep, then get-ting good, quality sleep should be the first priority. This may require the use of prescribed medications designed to promote sleep.

Many people find that keeping to a regular routine, by going to bed and rising at the same time every day, is a necessary component of getting a good night sleep. Provide a relaxing atmosphere, listen to soft music, enjoy light reading, don’t eat too close to bedtime, limit caffeine and purchase a quality mattress.

Other necessary components of fighting Fibro-fog include exercise (to raise endorphin levels to help fight off depression and increase blood flow to the brain), reducing stress, and sound nutrition.

3524 7 th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140 (across from Lake Michigan)

Phone 262-654-6080 www.capricommunities.com

KENOSHA’S HIDDEN TREASURE FOR ACTIVE ADULTS 55 & BETTER

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

Ask about our Monthly Specials!

• On-site banking • Full service salon • Heated underground parking • General Store & Café • Library with internet access • On/off site activities

• Fitness Center • Maintenance-free living • Individual climate

controlled units • Weekly transportation

to shopping and more!

An Independent Living An Independent Living Apartment & Villa Community Apartment & Villa Community

& & Inviting Charming

Prices Start as Low as per month

$ 650

new choices for your lifestyle

716598

Session 1$2500

IB N OGAll Paper

1-$500 Game1- $300 Game 2- $200 Games

Session 2

ProgessiveJack Pot

Game

Free cash give away

Games start at 7 PM

3rd Monday, 3rd & 4th Thursdayof the month

Racine Labor Center • 2100 Layard Ave.637-6610 713174

Progressive Jack Pot Game

$500 plus half the take in 49 numbers or less!

$2500

Western Kenosha County His-torical Society will be hosting their 3rd Annual BlurtITout! at

the Trevor History Hall (behind the post office) at 25905 114th St Trevor, on Sunday February 22nd. Young and

old, teachers and students alike are invited to attend this very casual event. The slide show will begin at 1:00pm, so arrive about 12:30 to visit with friends of long ago. This is a perfect time for our elders to share what they know about their youthful adventure places! Come with your memories and questions and be prepared to BLURT IT OUT! We will feature Silver Lake, Camp Lake, Center Lake and Salvation Army. If, by chance, there is so

much conversation that we do not finish, we will flow into the follow-ing Sunday!

Westosha senior Community Center19200 93rd Street (Hwy. C, just East of Hwy 45) Bristol, WI 53104

REGULAR ACTIVITIESMonday through FridayDelicious hot lunch served at 12:00 Noon. Call 24 hours in advance to make reservations at phone (262) 843-3828 Monday 9:30 –3:30 Daybreak: A program designed to give an Alzheimer’s caregiver a days break Call 857-4481 9:00 AM TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 1:00 PM Bingo 1:00 PM Oil Painting Classes $4.00 per class Instructor: Dottie Kozak Tuesday 9:30AM Crafter’s Corner Knitting/Crochet group

Wednesday 9:30 –3:30 Daybreak: Call for information, 857-4481 8:30 AM Ceramics Class - $2.00 per class 1:00 PM Bingo Thursday 1:00 PM Scrabble Challenge (2nd & 4th) 5:00 PM Evening BINGO Come and check it out. Sandwiches available.

Friday 9:30 –3:30 Daybreak: Call 857- 4481 1:00 PM Pinochle cards and Board Games

SPECIAL ONCE A MONTH ACTIVITIES

“R” FOOT CLINIC - $19.00 for feet - $7.00 for hands Every third Thursday from 9:00am - 2:00 pm By Appointment and provided by “R” Home Care

SUPPORT GROUP Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group. Third Monday, 7:00 PM. Respite Care Available. Call Kathy Hinks at 605-6667.

BENEFIT SPECIALIST Last Monday of each month, 11:00 - 1:00 PM Benefit Specialist assists older adults with Social Security/ Medicare/Medicaid and other benefit programs. Meetings are held in a private & confidential environment.

the chronicle19

FEBRUARY 2009Share FoodSHARE Food is a non-profit organization that distributes high

quality affordable and nutritious groceries as a way to build com-munity and strengthen families. Whether you would like to save

money on groceries, volunteer in the community or promote health and wellness, it’s worth getting involved with SHARE!

SHARE FOOD buys all the food it distributes: none is donated or government surplus. There are no income or eligibility requirements and there is no limit on the amount of food a person may purchase.

Participants can choose either the Big Value package for $25 or mini packets for $15 or the Select Menu and choose individual food items from a list of top quality products. SPECIAL: Holiday Ham Dinner $25.

Sign – up is at the beginning of the month with pick up toward the end. The next order date is February 3, 2009. Orders can now be placed online at sharewi.org or call the SHARE site nearest you or call Ron at 694-9143.

St. John’s Lutheran Church • 595-0329Second Baptist Church • 652-1692

St. Mary’s Catholic Church • 694-9143Westosha Senior Center • 843-3828

Mark your Calendar • February 13thCome join us for Senior Dining at 12:00 Noon

at the Westosha Senior Community Centerfollowed by Sweetheart Strawberry Shortcake Desserts

and one very breath taking romantic movie 1:30 pm “The Bridges of Madison County”

Starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl StreepCall 262-843-3828 to RSVP for this special Valentines activity. Please call 24 hours in advance to make Lunch reservations.

Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Treatment of Fibro-Fog

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condi-tion, characterized by widespread muscle, tendon and connective tissue pain as well as multiple ten-der points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. Other core features of the disorder include debilitating fatigue, sleep

disturbance, and joint stiffness. In addition to these symptoms, per-sons who suffer from Fibromyalgia may also experience what is know as Fibro-Fog.

The intrusion of Alpha-waves during Delta sleep results in non-restorative sleep, which exacerbates the pain and fatigue. It is this same lack of restorative sleep, as well as life with chronic pain and fa-tigue (physical exhaustion), which very often results in a cognitive dysfunction commonly referred to as “Fibro-fog” (mental exhaus-tion). Other contributing factors to Fibro-fog may include depression, decreased oxygen flow to the brain, certain medications, poor nutrition, or changes in the central nervous system.

Fibro-fog is not a psychologi-cal condition, but rather the direct result of sleep deprivation and other

contributing factors. It is also not the result of Alzheimer’s Disease, de-mentia, or other conditions that cause deterioration of brain functions.

Symptoms of Fibro-fogThe severity of Fibro-fog fluctu-

ates from day to day, as well as from person to person. The follow-ing is a list of possible signs and symptoms:

n Mental confusion and fatigue n Loss of short-term memory n Inability to concentrate n Impaired thinking n Absentmindedness n Inability to recognize familiar surroundings n Disorientation n Inability to comprehend written or spoken words n Trouble with directions n Short attention span n Acquired dyslexia (includes

difficulty speaking known words)

Treatment of Fibro-FogAs Fibro-Fog is directly related

to non-restorative sleep, then get-ting good, quality sleep should be the first priority. This may require the use of prescribed medications designed to promote sleep.

Many people find that keeping to a regular routine, by going to bed and rising at the same time every day, is a necessary component of getting a good night sleep. Provide a relaxing atmosphere, listen to soft music, enjoy light reading, don’t eat too close to bedtime, limit caffeine and purchase a quality mattress.

Other necessary components of fighting Fibro-fog include exercise (to raise endorphin levels to help fight off depression and increase blood flow to the brain), reducing stress, and sound nutrition.

Third Annual Blurt-IT-out

SUNDAYFebruary

22nd

AnswerPuzzle on Page 17

Securities offered through Coordinated Capital Securities, Inc. A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FI NRA/SIPC 698969

Call Kristi or Greg (262) 551-8900 2315 30 TH Avenue Kenosha, WI 53144

A local tradition in financial strategies.

Call for your financial solutions to handle your

rollovers and pension needs.

713178

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6300 67th StreetKenosha, WI 53142(262) 657-7300www.crlcares.com

y mom has dementia, as did my dad. When they were living at home, my brothers and I worried a lot about what could go wrong and what did. As my dad’s dementia advanced faster than my mom’s, the decision was made to �nd somewhere that would allow them to stay together and get the care that they both needed.

A�er some searching, my brothers chose a CRL Senior Living Community that specializes in caring for those individuals who su�er from dementia and other forms of memory impairment. While my dad has since passed on, my mom loves living there. She’s built a special relationship with the sta�, she’s safe, and gets the socialization she needs.

�e caregivers are exceptional and very well trained. �eir activity director is one in a million. She really knows how to draw out everyone in whatever stage of Alzheimer’s they are in.

As a family, we couldn’t be happier, we have our mom back. It gives us peace of mind knowing that she’s being well taken care of. Instead of worrying all the time, we are now free to just love and enjoy our mom!

�ank you to the sta� at CRL, thank you for giving us our mom back.

Sincerely,Helen Gloudemans, Daughter of Millie Johnson

Call (262) 657-7300 to learn how Parkside Manor can make a di�erence in the life of your loved one who su�ers from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory impairment.

Amy Johnson, MT-BC having fun entertaining Millie

716596