October 2016 FREE Northwest Edition Reaching Seniors Throughout Lake And Porter Counties 26,500 Circulation
Spotlight 4 Faith 15 In God We TrustTrust www.seniorlifenewspapers.comwww.seniorlifenewspapers.com
SERVINGERVING ADULTSDULTS 50 YEARSEARS AND BETTER. Vol. 21, No. 12
MEMBERS — Joel and Lee Ebert of Crown AUTO CLUB Point stand in front of their 1941 Chevy outside Suzy’s Diner in Hebron during a recent car show and fundraiser for the Wi- namac Old Auto Club.
— Kent Widener of Hobart sits BEHIND THE WHEEL behind the wheel of his white-over-seafood-green 1954 Chevy Bel Air with hish wife, Kathy, beside him.
Text and Photos Photos had events eventss aatt churches and for church models,d l andd vehicle hi l styles t l when h one clublb hhas otherth iindoor d events, t liklike a By CARRIE STEINWEG food banks and Alzheimer’s research. goes to one of the shows or events. February valentine’s event. Pettit Feature Writer “We’re a very giving club,” he said. “We have everything from a 1908 said the club is always looking for Sometimes at the events, they accept Buick to 1970s Dodges — just any- members and invites those interested Indiana’s first car club was founded freewill donations and sometimes it’s thing classic. We have a lot of cars in to visit the website, winamacoldauto- in 1950, and it’s still going strong generous donations from members the club. One was a lead car in the club.weebly.com, where one will find with about 141 members and about that help support charitable groups. movie, ‘Public Enemy.’ A majority of newsletters and photos. One can also 300 automobiles. The Winamac Old “We’ve been to about 10 nursing the cars are over 50 years old,” said view Pettit’s videos on YouTube by Auto Club is the oldest car club in the homes this year,” said Pettit. “We take Pettit. searching Winamac Old Auto Club. northwest Indiana area. the cars there and the residents see In the winter months, when the The club was started by seven “Some of these guys have a lot of them and their minds go back to that club is unable to meet outdoors, they men, who had their first meeting in a cars,” said Paul Pettit of Hebron, era. I have an old milk truck, and get together most months (Novem- garage. Today, there are at least five president of the Winamac Old Auto we took it to a nursing home where I ber through March) at Trinity Free members who have been in the club Club. knew a guy there who worked for the Methodist Church, Merrillville. The for more than 50 years. While the warm weather days are dairy. I put him in it and, at 95 years numbered, the club members have old, I took him for a ride around the been at several recent events soaking parking lot and he was thrilled. They up that last bit of Indiana’s summer. said it was all he talked about for Although members gather to talk about three weeks.” shop and admire each other’s automo- Pettit said when he showed up with tive collections, it’s more than a social his Divco milk truck, they brought the club. Many of the events are done to man down from his third-floor room bring smiles to the faces of elderly and the staff didn’t think he would go nursing home patients or to collect outside. funds for a good cause. “But he went out and the other A car show, held last month at residents came out and he had a ball,” Suzy’s Diner in Hebron, was planned Pettit said. to take donations for a woman with Unlike some car clubs targeting a cancer. Other recent events have been specific make or a specific time period, visits to the Bonner Senior Center in Winamac Old Auto Club only requires Portage, Oak Grove Christian Retire- members to have a classic car in the ment Village in DeMotte and Avalon state of Indiana that is 25 years or Springs in Valparaiso. The club also older. So, one will find many makes, MILK TRUCK — Paul Pettit, president of the Winamac Old Auto Club, stands in front of his Divco milk truck. Winamac Old Auto Club is the oldest car club in the northwest Indiana area.
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1PSUFS$PVOUZ0GmDF -BLF$PVOUZ0GmDF 57&-JODPMOXBZ TU'MPPS Franklin Street, Suite 203 1MVN$SFFL$FOUFS 7BMQBSBJTP *OEJBOB *OEJBOBQPMJT#MWE 4VJUF 1IPOF 4DIFSFSWJMMF *OEJBOB 'BY 1IPOF'BY $POOJF-#BVTXFMM $&-" $FSUJmFEBTBO&MEFS-BX"UUPSOFZCZUIF/BUJPOBM&MEFS-BX'PVOEBUJPO XXXDPOOJFCBVTXFMMDPN 2 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2016 www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Key Positions Ferracane oversees human resources department of CHS By CARRIE STEINWEG cago, St. Mary Medical Center through our doors.” Feature Writer in Hobart, Community Hospital He said that a huge challenge and Hartsfield Village Continu- in healthcare overall these days As vice president for Com- ing Care Retirement Community. is the need to do more with less munity Healthcare System Tony Also, a medically-based fitness resources. Ferracane oversees human re- center in Munster, as well as “Reimbursements continue sources for the group of medical several outpatient and diagnostic to go down every year and the centers and physician centers in centers, physician offices and amount of people using our northwest Indiana with close to immediate care centers in the services continues to increase,” 8,000 employees. He has held the region. he said. position for 15 years. Although the job is not without Hiring and retention is also a “I’ve been in health care all challenges, it is one that Ferra- big focus of the job. my life,” said Ferracane. “My cane enjoys and finds rewarding. “We’re continually challenged first job was as a social worker “People in healthcare are nationally by the need for expe- in the emergency room and it very special. They just go above rienced staff with increasing re- progressed from there. I went to and beyond on a regular basis. tirees in the workforce. However, school, got my master’s in human They’re really heroes,” Ferracane we’re doing well in terms of hir- resources and worked my way up said. ing for our health care system,” from there.” Showing appreciation to he said, adding that partnerships His career in the field has in- the many employees that with universities and community cluded working at other hospitals make such a different for their colleges are a critical piece in in the Chicago area, including patients is what he calls one helping to fill the positions with the University of Illinois Medical of the best parts of his job. “In skilled professionals. Center in Chicago. addition to an excellent compen- “Personally, I feel we’re the In his position in human sation and benefit program, the premier healthcare system in resources, the ultimate goal is to health care system organizes northwest Indiana and have provide the best possible patient everything from recognition much to offer to our patients care. programs to employee service throughout the region,” he said. “The way I can sum it up is award dinners to picnics to let Ferracane and wife, Diane, COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD — Brandi Adams, most of my job is to serve the employees know how much they have one son. Outside of the relationship manager for Lake Area United Way, presented the people who serve the patients of are valued. The best recognition workplace, he has a wide range Community Excellence Award to Tony Ferracane, Community our community,” he said. are the comments from our pa- of interests and diverse set of Healthcare System’s vice president of human resources. Ferracane Within the system are St. tients telling us how well they hobbies that include fishing, oversees human resources for a group of medical centers and physi- Catherine Hospital in East Chi- are cared for when they walk sports and beekeeping. cian centers in northwest Indiana. (Photo provided) S. O. S. – Medicare failed Valparaiso client By WOODROW WILCOX she was getting bills total- pany paying its share of the clients? If not, why not? insurance agency over $1 ing $629.36 and her insur- bills. That will leave a much (Note: Woodrow Wilcox is million dollars by fighting On Aug. 23, I helped a cli- ance company had not paid smaller balance for the client the senior medical bill case mistakes and fraud in the ent discover that the reason anything. to pay. If our agency had not worker at Senior Care Insur- Medicare system. He wrote her Medicare supplement In our first meeting at my helped this client, she would ance Services in Merrillville. the book, “SOLVING MEDI- insurance company was office, the client and I phoned have been hounded to pay all He has saved clients of that CARE PROBLEM$”). not paying her claims from Medicare to have copies of the bills and her insurance doctors and hospitals was Medicare’s documentation of company never would have because Medicare was not the claims sent to her. When known that there was a claim Low vision support group sending the claims to her in- she got them, she brought to pay. This problem was not surance company. The client them to our office. Together, caused by our client or her meets twice in October is from Valparaiso. we phoned her insurance insurance company. The prob- It was our second meet- company to learn why it lem was caused by Medicare. Valparaiso Low Vision Support ebration Room, first floor, Pines ing at my office. At the first had not paid on any of these All the help that I gave Group will host two upcoming Village Retirement Communities, meeting, I reviewed all the claims. It reported that it this client was free of charge. meetings in October. 3303 Pines Village Circle, Val- bills that were not getting never go the claims from This insurance agency dis- The first is from 6-7:30 p.m. paraiso, (building behind Aperion paid. Fifteen bills were not Medicare. tinguishes itself from others Oct. 11, at First United Method- Health Systems; formerly Whis- getting paid for services So, we made copies of the by helping our senior citizen ist Church, 103 N. Franklin, Val- pering Pines Health Care Center, on over a dozen dates. Our Medicare documents and sent clients with such problems. paraiso. Topic is an open discus- 3301 N. Calumet.) client bought a Medicare them to the client’s insurance Does your insurance agent sion of mutual vision problems. Topic is also open discussion of supplement insurance policy company. This will result in or agency give this high level The second meeting is from mutual visual problems. through our agency. But, the client’s insurance com- of service to senior citizen 10-11 a.m. Oct. 25, in the Cel- It welcomes all persons at meetings, whether or not they have low vision. Within Porter County, and during daylight LAW OFFICE OF .FFUJOH5IF-FHBM/FFET hours, call the Porter County Ag- ing and Community Services bus 0G0MEFS"EVMUT at (219) 462-4302 for a free door- BARBARA M. to-door ride for the legally blind, "UUPSOFZ+POBUIPO$PTUBTQSPWJEFTRVBMJUZMFHBM or 50 cents each way for seniors, BTTJTUBODFUPPMEFSBEVMUTJOUIFGPMMPXJOHBSFBT $1 each way for others; phone a SHAVER .FEJDBJE.FEJDBSF &TUBUF1MBOOJOH 1PXFSTPG week or two ahead. "UUPSOFZ (VBSEJBOTIJQT 1SPCBUF 3FBM&TUBUFBOE For more information about • Estate Planning /VSTJOH)PNF-BX Valparaiso Low Vision Support Group, call Verne R. Sanford at Including Wills and Trusts, .S $PTUBT JT DFSUJàFE (219) 464-1867 or email him at [email protected]. Health Care Powers of Attorney BT BO &MEFS -BX "U • Elder Law/Medicaid Planning UPSOFZ CZ UIF /BUJPOBM • Estate Administration &MEFS-BX'PVOEBUJPO )F DPNCJOFT FYQFSUJTF and Probate BOE DPNQBTTJPO UP BE • Special Needs ESFTTZPVSVOJRVFMFHBM • Guardianships DPODFSOT +0/"5)0/$045"4 9013 Indianapolis Blvd. #VSLF $PTUBO[BBOE$BSCFSSZ --1 Highland, IN 46322 156 Washington Street Valparaiso, IN 46383 219/838-9200 219.548.7300 www.attorneyshaver.com www.costaslaw.com www.seniorlifenewspapers.com October 2016 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 3 Turning 65 or Older? Get the best in Medicare Supplement Insurance! Senior Care Insurance Services
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Spotlight Retired teacher now guiding others in living classroom at zoo By STEVE EUVINO Mayner said. “But I didn’t have Feature Writer time until I retired to consider ZOO VOLUNTEER — Ken Mayner, a retired Gary it.” kindergarten teacher, is serving as a San Diego Zoo volun- After teaching for nearly half While walking through the teer. The Portage Township resident assists zoo visitors, a century in a traditional class- nearby Balboa Park, Mayner offering assistance and direction and responding to ques- room, Ken Mayner is serving inquired about volunteering at tions about the thousands of animals at the 100-year-old in a living classroom. Mayner the zoo. Mayner applied to the zoo. (Photo by Steve Euvino) has become a volunteer at the zoo in June and was contacted San Diego Zoo. two weeks later. Through an Mayner, who taught kinder- orientation process and men- garten for 45 years in the Gary torship program, he learned Community School Corp., has more about the zoo, its history, spent time in San Diego, Calif., and, perhaps most important, for the past 18 years. its layout. “I got familiar with the “You can get lost,” said volunteer program this year,” Mayner, noting one zoo exhibit
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Main Office, P.O. Box 188 206 S. Main St., Milford, Ind. 46542-0188 (574) 658-4111 1-800-733-4111 Fax 800-886-3796 St. Joseph Elkhart/Kosciusko Senior Life Senior Life Berrien Cass St. Joseph 25,000 Circulation 16,650 is actually named Lost Forest. than 2,000 San Diego Zoo vol- people who visit the zoo, which
La Grange Steuben Circulation St. Joseph Elkhart No stranger to animals, unteers, who are not engaged last year set a one-day atten- La Porte Lake Porter Mayner, 71, assembled a picto- in animal handling and have dance record with more than Noble De Kalb Marshall rial book on Grand Eclectus no direct contact with the zoo 16,000 visitors. Kosciusko Whitley parrots. Having also raised animals. Instead, they interact “You meet people from all Allen Northwest dogs, squirrels, monkeys and with visitors, greeting them, over the world,” Mayner said. Senior Life kinkajous, the retired teacher answering questions and re- “You also make friends with Wabash Huntington 26,500 Adams had horses on the 300 acres he sponding to guests’ needs. the zoo regulars.” Allen Wells Circulation Senior Life formerly owned in Merrillville. “If there are any questions When Mayner returns to 24,500 Marking its centennial this about the animals, volunteers the zoo, he plans to continue Circulation Cincinnati year, the San Diego Zoo covers should be able to answer satis- acquainting himself with the Senior Life 99 acres. The zoo is home to factorily,” Mayner said. facility’s inhabitants and its Indianapolis Madison 22,500 Senior Life Boone Hamilton more than 3,700 animals rep- Volunteers must be at least botanical collection of approxi- Circulation 32,500 resenting approximately 660 18 years old, have a positive mately 700,000 plants. Marion Circulation Hendricks Hancock Ohio species and subspecies. attitude and adhere to zoo poli- Although the San Diego’s Indianapolis Two weeks after the initial cies, attend required orienta- more famous residents include Butler Warren Morgan Johnson Shelby interview, Mayner was in the tions, and commit to a mini- a giant panda and a white
Indiana zoo. “I was a little apprehen- mum of 60 volunteer hours rhino, Mayner said his favorite When You Need To Reach Adults 50 Hamilton sive,” he recalled, “but I knew I annually. A Portage Township animals include giraffes and Years And Better, We Have Clermont Campbell had the background.” resident, who spends three to elephants. Visitors can actually Kenton 6 Great Boone Mayner is now one of more six months a year in San Di- feed giraffes through a small Newspapers! ego, Mayner has already logged enclosure. As to elephants, Kentucky 25 hours and plans to return to “I’ve always been fascinated in Correction California this fall. them,” Mayner said. “They’re An email address in a Sep- Zoo volunteers must also very, very intelligent, very sen- 147,650 FREE tember article, “Join the Fun adhere to a code of dress and sitive and very protective.” Copies Monthly Available At Over with New Horizons Singles conduct, which includes no So far, Mayner has enjoyed 2,150 Convenient Locations CIRCULATION AUDIT BY Club,” was printed incorrectly. cell phones. Each volunteer volunteering at the zoo. “It The end of the article should receives a walkie-talkie – “your helps me mentally, and it’s a read: email Lonny, newsletter only lifeline,” as Mayner de- way of keeping up my social www.maturepublishers.com editor, at [email protected] scribed it. skills,” the retired teacher said. Senior Life newspapers are monthly publications dedicated to inform, serve and to receive the monthly newslet- Mayner said he looks for- “It’s just a wonderful experi- entertain the senior citizens in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan; the great- ter. ward to helping a diversity of ence.” er Indianapolis area; and Cincinnati, Ohio, and Northern Kenturcky areas. Each of the six editions focuses on local information for its area. Senior Life is privately owned and published by The Papers Incorporated. STAFF Ron Baumgartner, Publisher ...... [email protected] Collette Knepp, Business Manager ...... [email protected] Kip Schumm, Director Of Marketing ...... [email protected] Vicky Howell, Advertising Manager ...... [email protected] Account Executive Rebecca Berggren ...... [email protected] • 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2430 %RXQFHEDFN Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rich Krygowski ...... [email protected] Barb Walter ...... [email protected] Jeri Seely, Editor-In-Chief ...... [email protected] 6RPHWLPHVZHQHHGH[WUDDWWHQWLRQEHIRUHUHVXPLQJWKHDFWLYLWLHV Phoebe Muthart, Editor ...... [email protected] ZHHQMR\:HVWULYHWRUHVWRUH\RXUVWUHQJWKDQGFRQ¿GHQFHDQGSXW Jerry Straka, Circulation Manager ...... [email protected] EDITORIAL DEADLINES DOLWWOHVSULQJEDFNLQ\RXUVWHS:LWKRXUWKHUDS\VHUYLFHV\RX¶OOEH Cincinnati Edition ...... 5th Month Prior EDFNWR\RXUDFWLYHOLIHLQQRWLPH Indianapolis Edition ...... 5th Month Prior Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition ...... 15th Month Prior 7R¿QGRXWPRUHFDOOXVWRGD\ St. Joseph Edition ...... 15th Month Prior Allen Edition ...... 20th Month Prior Northwest Edition ...... 20th Month Prior SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $32 for one year; and $54 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertis- ing in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or indi- Golden LivingCenter Golden LivingCenter Golden LivingCenter viduals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. - Valparaiso - Fountainview Place - Merrillville PRODUCTION 251 Sturdy Rd. 3715 Lancer St. 8800 Virginia Place Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technol- ogy’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software. Submit ads as Valparaiso, IN 46383 Portage, IN 46368 Merrillville, IN 46410 .tif, .eps or .pdf fles. ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD. Check our website at www.the-papers.com for guidelines on preparing ads elec- 219-462-6158 219-762-9571 219-736-1310 tronically. Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF fles to adcomp@the-papers. com. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it. REPRINT RIGHTS Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without ex- 7KLVIDFLOLW\ZHOFRPHVDOOSHUVRQVLQQHHGRILWVVHUYLFHVDQGGRHVQRWGLVFULPLQDWHRQWKHEDVLVRIDJHGLVDELOLW\UDFH press written permission from Senior Life. FRORUQDWLRQDORULJLQDQFHVWU\UHOLJLRQJHQGHUVH[XDORULHQWDWLRQRUVRXUFHRISD\PHQW*/6.2 www.seniorlifenewspapers.com October 2016 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 5 How one father’s love changed the hearing aid industry Sam Thomasson describes Like other fathers, Sam first fitting. Kate’s life changed the day his daughter, Kate, was would do anything for his the moment she put them on. born as the happiest of his life. daughter, especially if it might She heard the strings of a gui- When Kate was a toddler, she improve her quality of life. tar for the first time and could lost most of her hearing due to This devotion, coupled with truly enjoy music, a very big a sudden illness and was fitted Kate’s special need, would deal to a teenager. Even better, for conventional hearing aids in forever change Kate’s life and she could now actually hear the an effort to improve her quality the course of Sam’s career. Sam sounds she had been struggling of life. As Kate grew, it became set out to completely redesign to imitate for so many years apparent that the traditional hearing aids, using Kate’s and began receiving comments devices were ineffective in experiences as his guide. As an about her speech being clearer. helping Kate hear properly. In accomplished electrical engi- Kate is now a college fact, as a toddler, Kate would neer, Sam began pouring over student, studying electrical frequently hide her hearing design specifications of leading engineering. Inspired by her aids. In what you could call a hearing aids. He installed an father, she wants to follow in bold statement, she actually electronics lab in their home his footsteps by helping oth- “hid” them in the toilet one day. and worked nights and week- ers through technology. When ends – with Kate often at his she doesn’t have her nose in side – to develop new technol- the books, Kate enjoys music, Free, monthly ogy that would solve issues, dating and has a great time like feedback and poor sound convincing new friends that she classes offered quality. really does have a severe hear- When Kate was 16 years old, ing impairment. During school for dementia she received the first prototype breaks, Kate interns at Zounds, of the Zounds power hearing working with engineers to help caregivers aid, intended for those with develop new technologies that the most severe hearing losses. she will someday benefit from If someone you love has It was an historic moment for herself. NEW TECHNOLOGY — Sam Thomasson is pictured with been diagnosed with Al- those who had worked towards Zounds Hearing is located in zheimer’s disease or a related his daughter, Kate. When Kate was 16 years old, she received the this goal, and tears were shed Crown Point, Valparaiso and first prototype of Zounds’ power hearing aid. It is intended for those dementia, you probably have by many who witnessed Kate’s Schererville. questions and concerns. with the most severe hearing loss. (Photo provided) Disease education is the first step toward becoming an ef- fective caregiver. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, the pre- miere Alzheimer’s regional organization serving northern Indiana families for over 30 years, offers two, free monthly classes for caregivers. They are at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave. (US 30) in Merrillville and will be Oct. 28. “Basic Introduction to Alzheimer’s Disease/Related Dementia” is from 10-11:30 a.m. It provides basic infor- mation about the disease, how it affects the brain, and how caregivers can better respond to changing needs. The presenter will be Barbara Dzikowski, MS, QMCP, pro- gram director for ADSNI. “Advanced Issues in De- mentia Care” is from noon to 1:30 p.m. It covers various topics (different presentation every month) in caring for persons with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. This month, Dr. Ender Akan, a neurologist, will address the topic of Al- Call Zounds and Schedule a FREE Hearing Evaluation zheimer’s and other dementia. Persons are invited to attend the advanced issues for Yourself or a Loved One Today! session monthly, as the class topic is different each month. ARE YOUR OLD HEARING AIDS COLLECTING DUST? BRING THEM TO ZOUNDS! The basic introduction class is the same each month, howev- er, it is highly recommended that the basic introduction class is taken prior to attend- $500 TRADE-IN ing advanced issues. A com- plimentary lunch, provided Trade in your old hearing aids, regardless of age or condition, and receive by Residences at Deer Creek, $500 off your purchase of a set of Zounds hearing aids. Expires 10/31/16. will be provided to attendees in-between class sessions. These classes are sponsored All trade-ins are donated to Lions Clubs International. by ADSNI, a regional not-for- profit social service agency that has been serving caregiv- Psalm 119:105 ers in northern Indiana since 1982. Although these monthly CROWN POINT MUNSTER SCHERERVILLE VALPARAISO classes are free, registrations are encouraged. To register, 113 E. 93RD Avenue 8840 Calumet Ave. 1000 Eagle Ridge Dr. 3125 Calumet Ave. call the Lake County office at (219) 961-4752 (219) 961-2231 (219) 440-0990 (219) 707-4041 (219) 789-2470. To find out more about other programs and services Take Advantage of offered, including the five monthly caregiver support 0% Interest groups that meet in Lake Financing Plans County, call toll-free, (888) 303-0180. www.NWIZoundsHearing.com 6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2016 www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Finance Understanding Social Security — Preparing for a disability interview By GEORGIANN DRAKE you can contact us at (800)772- questions about: Social Security Public 1213 or TTY (800) 325-0778 or • Your current living ar- HELP IS AVAIL- Affairs Specialist visit your local office to apply rangement, including who lives ABLE — Social Se- for disability benefits. there and household expenses curity isn’t just for re- When a person becomes dis- When applying, you should • All sources of income for tirees; it also provides abled, it can be a very stressful be prepared to answer a num- you and your spouse, if appli- benefits for people time in their life. There are ber of questions. These include: cable with severe disabili- many questions and unknowns • When your conditions • The amount of your re- ties. (Photo courtesy when you have to transition out became disabling sources, including bank account of Social Security Ad- of the workforce due to medical • Dates you last worked balances, vehicles and other ministration) issues. • The names, addresses, investments While an employer may offer phone numbers and dates of You can view our disability short or long-term disability, visits to your doctors starter kit at www.socialsecu- most people faced with a dis- • The names of medications rity.gov/disability/disability_ ability will file for benefits with you take and medical tests starter_kits.htm. Social Security. you’ve had Remember, we are there If you’re facing life with • Marital information when you might be faced with a disability and don’t know In addition, if you plan on one of the hardest obstacles of where to start, we encourage applying for Supplemental your life. you to visit our website at www. Security Income disability Social Security helps secure socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi. payments (for people with low today and tomorrow with You can apply for benefits income who haven’t paid critical benefits for people with on the website (it’s the most enough in Social Security taxes severe disabilities, not just dur- convenient way). Additionally, to be covered), we will ask you ing retirement. Learn more at www.socialse- curity.gov. Sleep on it By CECIL SCAGLIONE TINSTAAFL also applies to person, no one gives away Mature Life Features those solicitations to attend a their time, talent or product free lunch to learn how to: for free on a continuing basis. A basic financial tenet you • Build and maintain your Most of these come-ons are can post on your fridge is retirement account fraudulent. TINSTAAFL. • Avoid an incurable dis- This includes some semi- It stands for “There is no ease nars that proclaim to demon- such thing as a free lunch.” • Any other imaginable strate can’t-miss investments You have to work at making magical shortcut to questions with guaranteed returns or money. You don’t get rich, or that plague mankind how you can cut your tax bill. even comfortable, by waiting While there are reports of If you find yourself attract- for a lottery win or for a rich good Samaritans paying for ed to such a program, start by relative to list you in his or a youngster’s schooling or vetting the presenters with her will. buying lunch for a homeless the Better Business Bureau, Securities and Exchange Hammond hosts Monster Mash Commission and all online On Oct. 21, the Jean Shep- and it is from 5-9 p.m. sources you can think of. herd Community Center will A balloon twisting workshop Do not take your hands out host Hammond’s Monster Mash, will be from 6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 19. of your pockets or checkbook a Halloween dance. The event Cost is $10 per person. Children out of your purse. Avoid the includes costume contests, of all ages are invited to come sales pressure and the offers games, music, and more. The and twist the decorations for of on-the-spot discounts and cost is $5 per couple, and $2 per the Monster Mash. other enticements. additional person (concessions The center is located at 3031 Walk out. Drive home. Sleep on it, and do more checking. included); 18 and under require J.F. Mahoney Drive, Hammond. Mature Life Features, copyright 2016 that a parent or guardian be Call (219) 554-0155 with any present. All ages are allowed questions. SERVICE &REPAIR Valparaiso Transportation CARE & REHABILITATION CENTER
MOVING FORWARD REHABILITATION, AUGUSTE’S COTTAGE MEMORY CARE, SKILLED NURSING SERVICES, LONG TERM CARE, HOSPICE, RESPITE 606 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-464-4976 Experts in Long Term Care Long Term Care is a great option for those who can no longer be Medicaid Accepted! cared for at home due to illness, injury, frailty, or other limitations. Our Medicaid specialists can assist Under the guidance of an attending physician, Long Term Care is you through the application process. provided by licensed nurses, specially trained health care aides and a full interdisciplinary care team. Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies are also available to ensure our long term care residents function at the highest level of independence possible. The setting is home-like, cheerful, soothing and secure. “Where caring people make the difference!” ASCSeniorCare.com www.seniorlifenewspapers.com October 2016 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 7
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month CENTERS FOR with a higher risk of getting PEACE OF MIND — Laura DISEASE CONTROL breast cancer. Colon, RT, mammography tech- AND PREVENTION Family history of breast nician at the Women’s Diagnos- cancer. A woman’s risk for tic Center in Hobart, assists Studies have shown your breast cancer is higher if she a patient during a screening, risk for breast cancer is due to has a mother, sister, or daugh- 3D mammogram. A screen- a combination of factors. Most ter (first-degree relative) or ing mammogram can detect breast cancers are found in multiple family members on breast cancer at its earliest women who are 50 years old or either her mother’s or father’s stages, when treatments are older. side of the family who have most effective. Caring health Having a risk factor does not had breast cancer. Having a professionals at the Women’s mean you will get the disease, first-degree male relative with Diagnostic Centers of Commu- and not all risk factors have breast cancer also raises a nity Healthcare System provide the same effect. If you have woman’s risk. peace of mind by offering same breast cancer risk factors, talk Previous treatment using day appointments with same with your doctor about lower- radiation therapy. Women day results. (Photo provided) ing your risk and screening. who had radiation therapy Getting older. The risk for to the chest or breasts (like breast cancer increases with for treatment of Hodgkin’s age; most breast cancers are lymphoma) before age 30 have diagnosed after age 50. Continued on page 9 Genetic mutations. Women who have inherited genetic changes,such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Early menstrual period. Women who start their periods before age 12 are exposed to hormones longer, raising the risk for breast cancer by a small amount. Late or no pregnancy. Having the first pregnancy after age 30 and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk. Starting menopause after age 55. Like starting one’s period early, being exposed to estrogen hormones for a longer time later in life also raises the risk of breast cancer. Not being physically active. Women who are not physically active have a higher Something this Small can be a risk of getting breast cancer. Being overweight or obese after menopause. Very Big Deal Older women who are over- weight or obese have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those at a normal weight. Here is another big deal – Screening Mammograms $98 Having dense breasts. Dense breasts have more con- nective tissue than fatty tissue, Centers supported During the month of October Schedule your next mammography screening which can sometimes make it by two female a limited number of discounted at a Community Healthcare System® site. radiologists hard to see tumors on a mam- screening mammograms will mogram. Women with dense breasts are more likely to get be offered to women who are Community Hospital | 219-836-4599 breast cancer. symptom-free and who meet Women’s Diagnostic Centers, Munster & St. John Using combination the American Cancer Society hormone therapy. Taking guidelines for screening. St. Catherine Hospital | 219-392-7227 hormones to replace missing Women’s Diagnostic Center, East Chicago estrogen and progesterone in menopause for more than five We offer same-day visit and (3-D mammography available) years raises the risk for breast same-day results because we cancer. The hormones that Mary Nicholson, MD know screening for breast St. Mary Medical Center | 219-947-6436 have been shown to increase cancer can be a very anxious Women’s Diagnostic Centers, risk are estrogen and progestin experience for women. Hobart & Valparaiso when taken together. Taking oral contracep- A physician order is required (3-D mammography available) tives. Certain forms of oral and payment is due at the contraceptive pills have been time of service. Discount price found to raise breast cancer includes radiologist fee. risk. Personal history of breast cancer. Women who have had breast cancer are more likely Charisa Spoo, DO to get breast cancer a second time. Personal history of cer- October is tain non-cancerous breast Breast Cancer diseases. Some non-cancerous Awareness Month breast diseases such as atypi- cal hyperplasia or lobular car- cinoma in situ are associated 8 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ October 2016 www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Sports Avid cyclist is riding for a cause By CARRIE STEINWEG uge, where sandhill cranes stop it’s a lot harder to come back Feature Writer in their fall migration. In past next spring.” years, the number of cranes According to Beyer, he felt a Jeff Beyer has been able to present during the ride have sense of accomplishment after take a form of recreation that numbered as many as 10,000 his first 50-mile ride. After he greatly enjoys, bicycling, and the Medaryville area is initial doubt, “when you finish and use it not only for fun and home to the largest concentra- like that, there’s a sense of fitness, but to help various tions of sandhill cranes east of accomplishment and it pushes causes in doing so. He’s an avid the Mississippi River. you to go farther. And with the cyclist, who spends time riding Locally, Beyer rides the charity rides, you get a feeling solo on area bike trails, but he Pennsy Greenway and Erie that you’re helping someone also participates in organized Lackawanna trails, both out.” rides that benefit charities. former railroad routes, during Being outdoors is Beyer’s fa- One ride that has a very warmer months, riding about vorite part of riding. “I’ve been personal connection is the 50 miles a week. He said he riding motorcycles for almost American Lung Association’s logged about 1,600 miles last 40 years and it just kind of “Fight for Air” ride, which is year. translates over. Other than me an annual three-day ride in “I know people, who do way being the engine, it’s the same June from Crystal Lake, Ill., to more than that, but it’s what kind of feeling leaning into the Lake Geneva, Wis., that covers I can get out and do,” he said. curves. On morning rides, I a total of 150 miles. Beyer lost “Each year, my goal is to beat see coyote, foxes and skunks. his sister in 2014 to lung can- last year’s number.” Being outside is what I like the cer and he has participated in If there are nice days in most.” the ride for the past two years. March or November, Beyer He recommends cycling as For the ride, each participant said he’ll get out and ride, but a good cardio workout, espe- raises a minimum of $800 for typically his riding season goes cially for people with hip or the cause. from April to October. When knee problems because it’s low He also participates in an the weather changes, Beyer impact. annual Easter ride for charity. mounts his bike on a trainer Beyer is an assistant master This month he will participate indoors and rides. mechanic with the Metropoli- in the Crane Cruise, which is “It does get a little boring, tan Water Reclamation District sponsored by the Medaryville and I can set it up in front of of Greater Chicago. He has Lions Club. This fundraiser the TV,” he said. been married for 21 years. He supports the local Lions club, This upcoming winter, he and his wife have five kids and REGULAR RIDER — Jeff Beyer is an avid cyclist, who rides but is a unique nature-cen- said he plans to enroll in a spin three grandchildren. He also regularly. He spends time riding solo on area bike trails, but he tered ride through the Jasper- class, as well. He said, “I’m get- enjoys motorcycling, scuba div- also participates in organized rides that benefit charities. (Photo Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Ref- ting older and I find if I lay off, ing and golfing. provided) Professional Forum EXPANDING — Interested Businesses Call Becky Berggren At 219-476-7020 or 1-866-580-1138, Ext. 2430
A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column Professional Forum . . . Rehabilitation an exclusive opportunity for you to present common ques- tions or concerns “Adults 50 Years And Better” may have Services relating to your product(s) or service. AdvertisingAdvertising withwith Q. How to prevent the seasonal fu from usus isis aa BreezeBreeze making you and Q. I sell a high priced others sick? item. Do people who make a good income A. The best way to prevent the spread of infuenza (fu) is by getting a fu vaccination every year. read your product? Other steps to help reduce the risks of the fu making Amber Janeczko, Ex. Dir. you sick are, handwashing with soap and water, and/or Life Care Centers of Valparaiso Aren’t they all older the use of an alcohol-based hand cleaner; taking care readers who buy fewer of oneself by eating a well-balanced diet and getting germs are spread through openings that lead directly plenty of rest. to our bloodstream — try not to touch your eyes, nose, things? Becky Berggren, Preventing the spread of any virus or bacteria is or mouth. Keep breaks in the skin clean and covered. everyone’s responsibility. Cover your nose and mouth If, after doing your best to remain free of the fu, you Account Executive with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the contract the virus; you still have other options. There A. The belief that readers of tissue away after you use it. If you do not have a tissue are fu antiviral drugs that can treat the fu or prevent available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not infection with fu viruses. Consult with your physician. free products are older and Our readers are more affuent your hands. *At the time of printing, the seasonal fu is have less income than daily than the market as a whole. Stay away as much as possible from people who widespread across the state of Indiana. It is not too late are sick, and if you yourself are sick, do not go near to receive the fu vaccine and become a member of the newspaper readers is a com- Nearly half of our households other people so that you don’t make them ill. Most fu prevention team. mon misconception. Accord- earn over $50,000 per year. ing to CVC*, a national sur- Nearly 30% earn more than vey company who researched $75,000. * ® ® Source CVC The our market, the reverse is true. (Circulation Verifcation Council 2013) of Valparaiso Willows Valparaiso, Indiana 3405 N. Campbell Road 1000 Elizabeth Drive Telephone (219) 254-2345 Valparaiso, IN Valparaiso, IN or 219-462-1023 219-464-4858 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2430 www.seniorlifenewspapers.com October 2016 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 9
Baseball 1939 — Hammond Optimists and the ‘Old Timers’ game By GREG LAWSON teammate Glenn Tree was be- M.Min., MSW hind the plate as catcher. On the Guest Writer “Merchants” team, Schweighart was on the mound and Earl be- (EDITOR’S NOTE: This is hind the plate. the second part of a four-part Many of the Old Timer stars series.) who would see action during the —o— game were prominent Calumet It was 2:15 p.m. at Turner region “idols;” some being Lefty Field and Hammond Mayor Sullivan, Larry Doolin, Fred- Frank R. Martin was on hand to dy Moll, Tommy Calligan and “open the festivities by throw- Frank and Babe Simon. ing the first ball to “Jimmy” Ar- One notable player on the Old cher, famous old-time catcher of Timer team was Tony Piet. Born the Chicago Cubs.” Anthony Francis Pietruszka, According to sports records, this major league baseball star Archer did not actually play af- was given the short-stop posi- ter he caught the first ball. He tion. Piet was well experienced, and “Buck” Weaver, along with having played for the “Pitts- Jerry Galik and “Swede” Camp, burgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, acted as assistants to the Old Chicago White Sox and Detroit Timers team manager Paul Tigers.” Parduhn. Baseball fans who attended On June 24, the afternoon this special charity event would FAMOUS CATCHER — before the game, Parduhn an- also see other famous players This is a later photo of “Jimmy” nounced that the old-timers that day. They would also have Archer when he was a famous were “in tip top shape” after “a a chance to win some very sur- catcher for the Chicago Cubs ‘JIMMY’ ARCHER — This is an early photo of “Jimmy” Archer brisk final work-out.” He also prising gate prizes. major league team. when he was a catcher in the Chicago National League. assured the fans that “Rheu- matism, blind staggers and old age hadn’t seemed to catch up with his charges as yet…” Additionally, Paul “expressed confidence that practically all of them would be able to pull themselves out of bed in time for the game.” Out of concern for both teams’ players, arrangements had been made “to have a staff of local physicians and chiropractors on hand for any emergency.” As if that was not enough, “A full shipment of liniment, rubbing alcohol, bandages, braces and crutches reached Hammond,” the week prior to the game. When the game officially started, Pete Henning was the opening pitcher and his old October Continued from page 7 a higher risk of getting breast cancer later in life. Women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol, which was given to some preg- nant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, have a higher risk. Women whose mothers took DES while pregnant with them are also at risk. Drinking alcohol. Studies show a woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks. Research suggests other factors such as smoking, being exposed to chemicals that can cause cancer, and night shift working also may increase breast cancer risk.
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