Inside Resonating Sounds of Gongs, Bells Help Heal Health Care Pioneer: Seniors’ Top Medicare Put Foot Care First

A publication of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

2013

October 2015 Free Inside Resonating sounds of gongs, bells help heal Health Care Pioneer: Seniors’ top Medicare Put foot care first ...... 4 questions answered

By Alicia M. Colombo Medicare’s annual open enrollment period for 2016 runs from October 15 through December 7. This is the only time people can make changes to their Medicare coverage. Insurance companies are required to send beneficiaries an “ Annual Notice of Change” for their current plans by Oc- tober 1. This notice indicates any changes in coverage, costs or service area that will be effectiv e January 1. Even if there are no major changes to Apples: your plan, it’s worthwhile to explore your op- Delicious deserts, tions. savory dishes ...... 16 Jan Butchofsky by Photo Help is available Katryn Lavanture, 59, says her use of the sounds from ancient singing bowls and large gongs If you’re confused by all the parts of Medicare enable her to help people open up and experience healing. or overwhelmed by all the plans, don’t despair. There is a free health insurance counseling pro- By Barbara Sherf solving the boundaries between mind, body gram for older Pennsylvanians, called APPRISE. and spirit, allowing you to slip into states of There are no age or income requirements. Coun- When Katryn Lavanture, a practitioner of bliss and well-being,” she said. holistic psychotherapy and energetic healing selors are specially trained to answer your ques- She has a dozen ancient singing bo wls tions about health insurance . They pro vide first experienced a sound healing session, that were handmade, created to be used in she almost quit graduate school. objective, easy-to-understand information about ceremony and meditation. Medicare, Medicaid and supplemental insur- “All I could think was ‘this feels like home’ “These bowls have been with me for some and all I wanted to do was learn sound heal- ance. Feature Topic: years now, and have been working together, “In Philadelphia, a higher percentage of peo- ing,” she said. “Luckily I came to my senses, resonating with one another in my healing Health Care and didn’t quit graduate school, but I did ple are enrolled in Medicare A dvantage plans sessions and sound meditations . When than elsewhere in country ,” said Christine eventually learn sound healing and I ha ve they are laid on or around y ou, you are been in love with it ever since.” McBennett, APPRISE program director at Health Tips...... 2 bathed in the sacred vibrations of divine Mayor’s Commission on Aging. “Because of that, Lavanture explained that sound healing is consciousness,” she said. Calendar ...... 12-13 many beneficiaries need to compare more than designed to create altered states of con- Five gongs ranging in size from 24” to 36” sciousness that open your being to your true just their prescription drug costs during the an- Don’s Column...... 23 are placed around the massage table so the nual enrollment period. nature, expanding the channels for your es- recipient is bathed in their sound along with The Milestones sential self to slip in and stay. She conducts “There isn’t a person at Medicare that con- Crossword ...... 23 the singing bowls. sumers can talk to, face-to-face,” McBennett said. sound healing sessions using Himala yan “The gong voice is powerful and envelop- singing bowls, gongs and tuning forks. “When beneficiaries call Medicare, they are read Next Month: Heat and ing, even when they are pla yed gently. “The instruments po werfully quiet the Energy; Housing Options • continued on page 8 mind, harmonizing brain wave patterns, dis- • continued on page 17 October 2015 Milestones 2

PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 Health Briefs Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse. Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging PA senior health: 25th in the nation vania has the sixth lo west short- Holly Lange, President and CEO Editor: Linda L. Riley fall, with 46.4% of the minimum 215 765-9000, ext. 5080 number needed. Board Officers and Directors Advertising: Glenn D. Bryan, Chair Other positive highlights for Joan Zaremba, 215-765-9000, ext. 5051 Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M., Vice Chair the state from the past y ear in- Distribution & Subscriptions: clude a 16% decrease in food in- Sheri C. Gifford, Treasurer LaTasha Johnson, Barbara Waynant Murphy, Secretary 215-765-9000, ext. 5050 security for adults age 60-plus; an Judee M. Bavaria increase of 12% in home health Home delivery: $12/year Jack Dembow We welcome your letters, comments and sugges- care for people age 75-plus; and a Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.F.P. tions. All submissions of letters for publication 15% decrease in hip fracture hos- must be signed and dated and include writer’ s Dick Goldberg home address and phone number. Submission pitalizations for Medicare benefi- constitutes permission to edit for clarity, length or Frederick Lewis space and to publish in an y form or medium. ciaries. Frances Miller PCA reserves the right to not publish any submission; receipt ma y not be ackno wledged and Victor M. Negron, Jr. submissions will not be returned. Pennsylvania’s Satya B. Verma, O.D., F.A.A.O. weaknesses Lenore Wasserman Scola Mail to: PCA Milestones Editor 642 N. Broad St. Among the strengths: resources helping seniors Nearly one-third of Pennsylva- John Whitman Philadelphia, PA 19130-3409 remain independent. Email: [email protected] nia adults aged 65 and older are The United Health Foundation’s “Amer- obese. Obesity predisposes older Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 800 locations throughout Philadelphia including stores, libraries, community and senior centers, and organizations and agencies serving older adults. ica’s Health Rankings Senior Report: A Call adults to chronic diseases , such as heart Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish advertising that is fraudulent or misleading. Milestones reserves to Action for Individuals and Their Com- disease, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers the right to edit, revise or reject advertising. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors in advertisements, munities” ranks Pennsylvania 25th among and joint pain. misprints, omissions and misinformation, for failure to publish an ad, or for an y damages of any kind. In this publication neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice. No part of this news- all states for senior health, a drop of three Almost 37% of older Pennsylvanians re- paper may be reproduced without the express written permission of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. spots from 2014. The report shows positive port doing no physical activity or exercise ©2015 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved. trends nationwide for senior health, espe- in the last 30 days. Physical inactivity in- cially in measures that allow older adults creases the risk of cardio vascular disease, to get the right care in their chosen setting. diabetes, obesity, falls, depression and pre- Seniors are experiencing lower hospital re- mature death. admission rates and preventable hospital- Only 35.3% of nursing home beds are ization rates compared to last y ear, while rated at 4- or 5-star levels. Quality nursing hospice care use and the number of home home practices can largely prevent hospi- health care workers have increased. talizations related to falls, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, malnutrition and Pennsylvania’s strengths dehydration. ! Many of Pennsylvania’s senior health To read the full report, go to www . strengths are in its support for programs americashealthrankings.org/Senior/PA. enabling elders to remain in independent settings, instead of long-term care facili- Solutions to the Milestones ties. Many nursing home residents do not Crossword puzzle +*)(*''*&%$*#"!*'%" &%#"!*' need the full suite of services offered b y (see page 23) -%*"('%!& nursing homes, and are capable of living (#"!% %" &% %'(%$% *(!"!% in their o wn homes with the help of home- and community-based programs &'*"'* and services, such as Meals on Wheels and %((* !% %" &*)(*''" '%(% " %% personal care. In Pennsylvania, only six " *%((* %#*&" percent of those living in nursing homes are low-care, the fifth lowest rate in the nation; this indicates that older adults who % % %)!*"'*% "% ##"%"*!!%"%*%* *(%$(% are able to remain independent have the *(#&!" % %+*)(*'' %" &%(*''%"%--%(% supports they need to do so. %*#"!%"% With an aging bab y boomer popula- tion, the number of geriatricians needed is growing dramatically. While all states have a shortfall of geriatricians , Pennsyl- It’s not just Medicare. It’s better care.

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Health Partners Plans is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health Partners Medicare depends on contract renewal. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Health Partners Medicare is available in Philadelphia County. *Cost sharing may vary in Special Needs Plan. H9207_HPM-419-13 Approved 09/2013 October 2015 Milestones 4 Health Care Dr. Arthur E. Helfand: Geriatric podiatry pioneer, followed in family footsteps Temple University’s School of Podiatric By Marcia Z. Siegal Medicine, Helfand continues to write and lecture in his field. He currently At one time he thought he would be serves as a consultant in the fields of a musician; he also considered den- aging and public health. tistry. But in the end, inspired b y his Over the course of his career, Helfand uncle, George Helfand, Arthur (Art) E. saw in excess of 80,000 patients, count- Helfand decided to go into what he ing the public health initiatives he was calls the “family business:” podiatry . involved in. “What I liked best about it Between him and his late uncle , there is that I could pro vide almost instant have been members of the family in the relief for most of them,” he sa ys of his profession for nearly 100 years. medical specialty. “I also had the opportunity to spend a longer time with patients and get to know them.” Citywide initiative As a newly-minted podiatrist in the 1960s, Helfand helped propel foot care for senior citizens into the public health sphere as a leader of the first citywide initiative to promote foot health: “Keep Them W alking.” The Philadelphia Department of Public Health was awarded a three-year grant from the United States Public Health Service; it was the first federal funding for a podiatry project. Helfand did all of the educational and informational Photo courtesy of Dr. Arthur Helfand Dr. of courtesy Photo lectures, screenings and assessments , Helfand once considered a musical career, and provided all of the podiatric care but chose medicine. for people aged 65 and older at four health centers. “We reached 16,000 An inductee to the P odiatric Hall of people,” he says. Fame, Helfand is renowned for his pio- Helfand served as the first chair of the neering contributions to “podogeri- Podiatric Health Section of the Ameri- atrics:” clinical care , teaching and can Public Health Association. He w as writing focused on older podiatry pa- also instrumental in helping to bring tients. That interest began w ell before foot health education programs to sen- geriatrics came into its o wn as a med- ior centers in Philadelphia, through a ical specialty. “I grew up in a house of collaboration between Temple’s School 11 people, and I w as always around of Podiatric Medicine and Philadelphia older people,” he says, “This included Corporation for Aging (PCA). my grandmother, who had a lot of foot Foot problems in older people are problems.” often caused by the aging process, dis- Now retired from clinical practice ease, decreased ability to walk, limited and from his position as professor and activity, multiple medications and in- chair of the Department of Community juries, he says. Wearing the right shoes

Health, Aging and Health P olicy at • continued on page 20 Milestones 5 October 2015

Take these steps to keep feet healthy

Foot problems are sometimes the reduce the risk of a fall. first sign of more serious medical con- The American Podiatric Medical As- ditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, and sociation (APMA) suggests the follow- nerve or circulatory disorders, according shoe-buying tips for seniors. ing to the National Institute on Aging Every time you shop for shoes, you (NIA). If people are generally healthy, should have your feet professionally they should have their feet examined measured. Natural aging and health annually from about age 5 0 on. This changes can cause the size of your feet is primarily to prev ent and identify to change. Measure both feet — late in complications from chronic condi- the day — and shop for the larger foot. tions that can occur in older adults , Bring the type of socks y ou plan to says Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M. wear with the shoes and walk around Here are some tips compiled from the store in the shoes before you pur- NIA and the U.S. National Library of chase them. Medicine, both divisions of the Na- tional Institutes of Health, to help Put shoes to the 1-2-3 test: keep your feet healthy: Step 1: Press on both sides of the • Examine your feet regularly . heel area to ensure the heel is stiff and Check for cuts, blisters and ingrown won't collapse. toenails. Step 2: Bend the shoe to check for • Use a mirror to look at the bot- toe flexibility. The shoe shouldn't tom of your feet. bend too much in the toe box area, • Wash your feet daily with soap but it shouldn't be too stiff and inflex- and lukewarm water. ible either. • Trim your toenails straight across Step 3: T ry twisting the shoe; it and not too short. shouldn't twist in the middle. • Put your feet up when sitting If you don't feel comfortable or down to help circulation in your feet steady in the store , don't buy them. • Stretching, walking, a warm foot Shoes should feel comfortable and bath or a gentle foot massage can also supportive right a way; if they don't help circulation. feel good right away, breaking them in • If you are sitting for a long time , won't improve things. stand up and move around every so If you have specific health chal- often. lenges or foot issues, talk to a podia- • Don’t smoke. trist about the best footw ear for your • Wear comfortable shoes that fit needs. If y our podiatrist has pre- well. scribed orthotics — biomechanical in- • Check with your doctor promptly serts that go into y our shoes — take if you develop foot pain, blisters, red- them with you when you shop and try ness, swelling, discoloration, abnor- them out in the shoes y ou're consid- malities of your toenail or a foot sore ering. that does not heal. For more information about foot health: Shoes that fit American Podiatric Medical Asso- The right footwear can help prevent ciation: 1-800-275-2762; foot and ankle damage . It can also www.apma.org help to improve balance, especially in American Orthopaedic Foot and older people who may struggle with Ankle Society: 1-800-235-4855; mobility and balance issues, and help www.aofas.org October 2015 Milestones 6 Health Care Teacher tailors Gentle Yoga class to students’ abilities, while still offering challenge them to continue to ies have shown. By Linda L. Riley participate and ben- “This doesn’t have to be a simplistic prac- efit from the practice; it just stays at a level of gentle challenge. Mark Nelson wants you to know that you tice. “I generally try Those muscles need to work, and there’s a can do yoga, even though you have never to avoid a lot of real sense of accomplishment, especially for been very active, and don’t feel very flexible. downward dog po- people who haven’t done a lot of ph ysical “Gentle Yoga” classes are offered at both sitions, which are activity previously.” of Nelson’s Yoga Garden locations , on hard on the shoul- Classes end with a guided meditation or South Street in Philadelphia and in Nar- ders and wrists,” he relaxation. “My philosophy is that being berth. “When a new person comes in, I says. Instead, he fo- able to let go of the sources and stress and focus on both needs and limitations – I talk cuses on poses that focus on what’s inside of you enables you them through it,” he says. His teaching style help to build core to better deal with stress,” he says. is to talk participants through the poses

Photo by Paola Nogueras Paola by Photo strength and bal- Gentle Yoga is offered at both Yoga Gar- while moving around the room, giving in- Instructor Mark Nelson helps students adapt poses to suit ance. den locations, with one of four instructors dividual attention where it’s needed. their own abilities “Some students depending on time and location. Costs for Classes generally have from 25 to 35 par- have issues with bal- individual classes range from $10 to $16; work is less repetitious, more diverse,” he ticipants who span a wide age range, from ance or mobility – I make it a point to be there is package pricing available. says. “I try and create a flow to the class so those in their 20s who, he says, “just want near them when doing balancing poses ,” Yoga Garden locations: there’s a logic to how your body is moving a mellow approach,” to others in their 80s. he says. “Sometimes I’ll have people find a 131 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth; 610-664- through things. I also like having a variety “It’s also a class where I get a lot of men spot on the wall, so they can work on align- 2705; www.yogagardennarberth.com of poses so it keeps it interesting.” coming in for the first time , because they ment, and not worry about balance.” Bal- 903 South St., Philadelphia; 2 15-238- For those who have a particular issue or feel they’re not flexible,” he says. ancing poses are a gentle form of 0989; www.yogagardenphilly.com “We deal with the same ranges of move- need, he offers alternatives to the standard weight-bearing exercise that is helpful for Contact Linda L. Riley at: ment as you do in physical therapy, but the poses adapted to their capabilities, enabling building and retaining bone density, stud- [email protected] Center City Lifestyle, Penn Medicine Peace Of Mind

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To schedule a consultation, call 800.789.PENN (7366) or visit PennHeart.org/PAH. October 2015 Milestones 8 nursing facility, hospice care and some plan coverage of specific medications for line resources, including videos,” said Medicare home health care. each person for whom you are signing up. McBennett. • continued from page 1 • Part B (Medical) – Coverage for doctor’s visits (primary care and specialists), What is the best plan? What changes can I make? their options over the phone or are re- physical therapy, outpatient care (includ- There is no “best” plan. The plan During Open Enrollment each y ear, ferred to the website to do a prescription ing urgent care centers and Emergency that’s right for y ou depends on y our Medicare beneficiaries can switch drug comparison. But many seniors don’t Rooms), radiology and lab w ork, ambu- needs. Medicare beneficiaries must Medicare Advantage Plans, change pre- have regular computer access or aren’t lance transportation, medical supplies consider a v ariety of factors when scription drug plans, or leave a Medicare savvy with w eeding through online (such as wheelchairs and canes), and pre- choosing health coverage. This includes Advantage Plan for original Medicare and menus and options. There’s a wealth of in- ventive services. cost, coverage area, networks/access to a prescription drug plan. formation available, maybe too much. We • Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) doctors, lifestyle, existing and antici- break it down for you and can explain it – These are plans offered by private com- pated health needs . “We try to help Do I have to make a change? to you in person.” panies that contract with Medicare to pro- people understand what their priorities No. Many Medicare beneficiaries keep Top Medicare questions vide Part A and B benefits, plus additional are, and the pros/cons associated with the same coverage year to year. However, coverage. Some plans include prescription their options. We help people narrow it is important to read the Annual Notice Each year, APPRISE provides group pre- drug coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans down their choices. So, instead of look- of Change that your insurance company sentations and one-on-one counseling come in a variety of forms, and coverage ing at 15 plans, they are looking at two is required to send to y ou. This notice sessions to thousands of Philadelphia sen- also varies. or three plans that are w ell-suited for highlights changes, like prescription drug iors. (See sidebar for contact informa- • Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) them,” said McBennett. formulary substitutions, co-pay changes tion.) Here are APPRISE counselors’ – When you purchase a Medigap plan, it “We meet with new beneficiaries fre- and premium increases. Plans can make answers to some of the most frequently- covers costs that are not paid for through quently to give them an o verview of minor or major changes, so it's important asked questions about Medicare. Medicare Parts A and B, such as co-pa y- Medicare and to go over how it works. to understand that your current coverage ments, co-insurance and deductibles. You If you are new to Medicare, we encour- is not guaranteed in the year to come. What is Medicare? must enroll in both Parts A and B before age you to sit down with an APPRISE Medicare is the federal health insurance signing up for a Medigap policy. The best counselor and to take advantage of on- • continued on page 9 program for people age 65 and older, and time to sign up for a Medigap policy is younger people who are certified as ha v- during your initial six-month eligibility ing a long-term disability by the Social Se- period for Medicare. At this time, you can curity Administration (SSA). buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems. After Do I have to enroll in Medicare? this initial enrollment period, y ou may Al Borden, Jr., APPRISE Yes, once you turn 65 you must enroll not be able to buy a Medigap policy; or, if counselor with the Mayor’s in Medicare Part A (hospitalization), even you can, the cost may be higher, depend- Commission on Aging, if you have health insurance through an ing on your health conditions. For people answers Ethel Archer’s employer or your spouse. The initial en- who have high medical expenses, this may questions about Medicare. rollment period for Medicare begins three offer better protection than a Medicare months before your 65th birthday and Advantage plan. “Medigap pa ys after

ends three months after y our birthday M. Colombo Alicia by Photo Medicare,” said Mary Green, an APPRISE month. If you do not enroll when you are counselor with Einstein Medical Center. first eligible for Medicare, and if you do “Its purpose is to cut do wn on out-of- not have other coverage, you will have to Access health insurance counseling pocket expenses. There are 1 0 plans to pay a penalty to enroll later. Once you are choose from, each with a different level of APPRISE counselors can help y ou navigate Medicare. You should have the eligible for Medicare, you can no longer coverage.” following information handy, when you call: your Medicare card which in- purchase a plan through the Health Insur- • Part D (Prescriptions) – Anyone on cludes your Medicare number and enrollment date; a list of your current pre- ance Marketplace. Medicare (with either Part A or B) can ob- scription medications; a list of y our doctors and specialists; and the amount You can defer Medicare Part B after age tain prescription drug coverage by adding of your gross monthly income. 65, if you are still working and have insur- a Part D plan, or getting a Medicare A d- APPRISE providers are available for appointments, based on where you live. ance through your employer or spouse. vantage Plan (Part C) that offers prescrip- Contact them directly to schedule: If you are receiving Social Security, you tion drug co verage. Each Medicare Einstein Medical Center: 215-456-7600 will automatically be enrolled in both Prescription Drug Plan has its own list of Zip codes: 19111, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 2 0, 24, 26, 28, 29, 35, 36, 40, 4 1, 44, Parts A and B. But you still will have some covered drugs, called a formulary. Many 49, 50, 52 and 54. decisions to make about your coverage. plans place drugs into different "tiers" on The Mayor’s Commission on Aging: 215-686-8462 these formularies. Lower tiers generally Zip codes: 19102, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 12, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 3 0, 31, 32, 33, What are Medicare’s components? cost less. There is significant v ariation in 34, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 51 and 53. • Part A (Hospital) – Coverage for in- both the pricing and coverage, among Part Statewide APPRISE Helpline (toll-free in Pennsylvania): 1-800-783-7067 patient hospital st ays, care in a skilled D plans, so it is important to check the Milestones 9 October 2015 Nostalgia Hiding, listening from top of stairs CBS had interrupted Mercury Theater By Dorothy Stanaitis to report that Martians had landed on a farm near Grovers Mill, N.J., and w ere Well, there I was, perched in my usual incinerating state troopers with heat spot at the top of the stairs, wrapped in rays! my old quilt and hiding in the shadows. They were as large as bears and their My parents, thinking that all of their bodies glistened moistly. Their evil in- children were safely snuggled in their tentions were mimicked b y their beds, sat comfortably in the living hideous appearance. They had rimless room, listening to the radio. lips that drooled and pulsated as they I was fascinated by the exciting grown- rampaged through the Garden State. up programs like Lux Presents Hollywood Pete’s voice was shrill as he described and Mercury Theater, so I crept out of bed how Mrs. Galanaugh, his other neigh- at night to listen secretly. bor in our row of homes, had run out I was also fascinated by the mysteri- into the middle of the street where she ous adult life that took was kneeling and place after we children praying the rosary in were in bed. From m y terror. hiding place, I could I was stunned b y hear the clinking of ice the news, but not in glasses or the rattle afraid, because my fa- of cups and saucers. I ther seemed only could smell tobacco puzzled and calm. smoke and overhear He and my mother comments about had been listening to Edgar Bergen and the radio programs. Charlie McCarthy on another station. People didn’t visit during the w ork Dad said that if Martians had really will accept the plan y ou are interested in week, and there were no telephones in invaded the United States , all of the Medicare for 2016, even if it is the plan y ou have the Ogden Street row homes during the major stations would surely be report- • continued from page 8 now. Medicare or APPRISE cannot ask a late 1930s. Everyone made and received ing it, not just CBS. He turned to our calls at Doc Herman’ s Drug Store doctor to participate in a particular plan. Philco radio and began moving the dial “Open Enrollment is a good time to re- around the corner. The evening radio If your doctor doesn’t accept a plan, then from station to station. There w as no view the plan that you have and to ask any listening was never interrupted. you will either have to change doctors or mention of extraterrestrial havoc. questions that you have. Make sure it’s still After a half-hour or so, I w ould feel select a different plan. Pete seemed reassured and much working for you. What worked for you five myself growing drowsier, so I w ould calmer as he went back home, but I felt years ago might not be the best option for How can I save money? scuttle back to bed, reliev ed that I had let down and sad. I had missed the you now. Before you make a change, talk There are several cost-saving programs once more gotten a way with tasting chance of seeing a real live Martian. to an APPRISE counselor to see what your for low-income Medicare beneficiaries . forbidden fruit. We were to learn later that CBS had options are so you can make an informed Extra Help is a prescription drug assistance One chilly late October ev ening as I clearly stated that they were presenting decision,” said Green. program that is administered by Social Se- was crawling back into bed, I w as star- a radio drama based on H.G. W ells’ curity. The Medicare Savings Program as- tled by a loud banging on our front story, War of the Worlds. Even so, they How can I compare plans? sists with the Medicare P art B premium, door. What could it be? Any visitors we had to sneak Orson Wells and his Mer- In addition to consulting with an APPRISE co-pays and deductibles for those eligible. had always rang the doorbell, and no cury Theater group out of the building counselor, there are online resources . “A lot of people think that because they one had ever come so late or knocked to avoid the angry mob of panicked Medicare.gov is the official w ebsite of don’t qualify for full Medicaid co verage, so loudly before. people that had descended on the stu- Medicare. Medicaremadeclear.org and they won’t qualify for these programs . Curiosity triumphed over caution, so dio. Medicarerights.org also provide beneficiaries That’s not necessarily true. A lot of people I went back to the staircase and crept Even though I missed the with information. The toll-free number for do qualify,” said Green. APPRISE coun- down far enough to see the door . The opportunity to meet some real live ETs, Medicare is 1-800-MEDICARE. selors can help screen beneficiaries for sav- visitor was our next-door neighbor, Pete it was an exciting and special night to Devlin, but it was a Pete Devlin that I ings program eligibility. remember — Mischief Night, 1938. What if my doctor doesn’t accept a plan? had never seen before. His usual happy- You are advised to check with all of your Contact Alicia M. Colombo at: go-lucky demeanor w as gone as he Dorothy Stanaitis is a retired librarian and doctors and hospitals to confirm if they [email protected] gasped out the terrible news. a freelance writer. October 2015 Milestones 10 Health Care Walking is the closest thing to a “magic pill:” Benefits body, heart and mind another person, based on the individual’s By Marcia Z. Siegal own physical status and underlying medical problems,” she says. “It is always rea- “If I could invent a pill that has the cog- sonable to discuss a safe w alking strategy nitive and ph ysical health benefits that with your physician before you start.” walking does, with the minimal side effect Older adults may have certain medical profile of walking, and that’s free (other conditions that increase their risk of than buying a pair of w alking shoes), I'd falling, says Jang. “To minimize these risks, probably win a Nobel Prize!,” sa ys geria- they should ha ve comfortable w alking trician Ming Jang. shoes that fit well, and try to walk on even The good news is you don’t need to take surfaces in familiar areas,” she says. “Walk a pill to reap those benefits. You just have with a friend or in a group. In case of a to get up and go. medical emergency, someone will be there “Walking improves cardiovascular to provide assistance and call for help. health, physical endurance, bone and Staying properly h ydrated is important muscle strength, metabolism, balance , too, so you should bring a bottle of water. and mood b y releasing natural endor- Avoid getting o verheated. If y ou wear phins,” says Jang, clinical assistant profes- glasses or hearing aids, make sure they are sor of medicine at the Univ ersity of Nogueras Paola by Photo on when you go out. If y ou are diabetic, Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medi- Pictured above are Southwest Senior Center Walking Group members (front row, from left) consider bringing y our glucometer and cine and a physician in the school’s Divi- Patricia Postell and Louise Norton; back row (from left) Otila Jones, center fitness manager; test strips with you, along with snacks, in sion of Geriatric Medicine. “Recent data Barbara Gardner; Linda Harris; and Peggy Hodges; behind them: Lucille Taylor. case you begin to feel un well during the suggests that walking can help with pre- walk. If you have a cell phone , bring it serving cognitive function. Walking also ‘roadmap,’ sets “Active Living” as one of its in brain signaling. Furthermore, physical with you in case of emergencies.” helps shed unwanted weight in the form key priorities. Regular physical activity activity helps the brain continue to de- Jang also recommends that older adults of fat, and builds good weight in the form helps people of all ages protect and im- velop neuronal connections, or memory carry an up-to-date medications/allergies of muscle mass. In other words, walking prove their health, the report notes. It rec- circuits, that otherwise typically become list, emergency contact information and helps an older adult maintain a health y ommends at least 150 minutes a week of reduced with aging,” she says. relevant physician information with them weight,” she s ays. “Walking and other moderate intensity physical activity, which Walking regimens should be tailored to wherever they go. forms of regular exercise also decrease the can be done continuously without getting the individual, Jang says. “What may be a risk of developing diabetes, and for those short of breath. Walking, according to the good regimen for one person may be too Contact Marcia Z. Siegal at: who already have diabetes, can help con- NPS, is an excellent w ay to achieve that physically taxing, or even dangerous, for [email protected] trol blood sugars. Group walking is also a goal. Another initiative of the Surgeon great way to stay socially active.” General, “Everybody Walk!” promotes walking and walkable communities – Ways to make walking a part of daily life Active living communities that are accessible, safe and Walking is free, requires no special skills or facilities, and can be done indoors and According to the Centers for Disease have amenities to walk to – as w ays to outdoors, alone or with others . Here are some tips the Centers for Disease Control Control and Prev ention (CDC), more increase active living. and Prevention offers to help incorporate more walking into your daily life. than 145 million adults no w include • Park the car at the shopping center and walk to all your nearby errands. walking as part of a ph ysically active Build brain power • Find a convenient walking path near your home or work. lifestyle. More than 6 in 10 people walk to In addition to being good for physical • Find a walking buddy. Meet at the same time most days to go for a brisk walk. reach specific destinations; for fun, relax- health, walking can be good for y our • Host a “Walking Meeting”— walk and talk over problems with your colleagues ation and exercise; or for activities such as brain, says the University of Pennsylva- for the first 20 minutes, then hit the conference room to write down ideas and finish walking the dog. The CDC also reports nia’s Jang. Recent studies have suggested up. that walking has increased among older that people who exercise regularly ha ve • Make a “Walk-and-Talk” date with a friend or family member. Skip the latte and adults in recent years, but less so than in a lower risk of declining mental function do a loop around the neighborhood instead. other age groups. and a lo wer risk of dev eloping • Take a walking lunch break at w ork. Keep extra shoes and socks in y our filing The 2011 National Prevention Strategy Alzheimer's disease, she says. cabinet. (NPS), an initiative chaired by U.S. Sur- “This is thought to be due to im- • Walk while you wait; for instance, walk around outside the restaurant as you wait geon General Vivek Murthy and consid- proved blood flow to the brain, and also for your table to be ready. ered the nation’ s health and w ellness to increased chemicals that are involved Milestones 11 October 2015 Crusading librarian helped found nation’s only library dedicated entirely to HIV/AIDS Behind a mask sidebar for details). By Linda L. Riley “Dr. John Fryer, a psychiatrist, Earlier events included activities o ver came in a mask and costume and Fourth of July weekend, and exhibits at “Life is about volunteering,” says John spoke to his colleagues at the the National Museum of American Jew- Cunningham, 67. He knows firsthand American Psychiatric Association ish History, Taller Puertorriqueno, and that volunteers are po werful change (APA) about the harm the DSM the African-American Museum in agents; he has dedicated much of his life did,” Cunningham s ays. “The Philadelphia. “It’s been a w onderful to volunteering for causes he believes in. only way he could do it w as in a chance to get a dialogue going,” he says. This year marks the 40th anniversary of mask and wig and with voice dis- The celebration’s centerpiece exhibit, his first v olunteer experience in tortion.” When Fryer, a professor “Speaking Out for Equality: The Consti- Philadelphia, answering phones for the of psychiatry at Temple University, tution, Gay Rights and the Supreme newly-created Gay Switchboard. He re- spoke to the AP A in 1972, Court,” at the National Constitution Cen- members taking calls that ran the gamut anonymity was the only protec- ter, runs through January 3, 2016. As that — “everything from suicide prevention tion from stigma, loss of liv eli- exhibit was in the planning stages, word to gay bars. Young people would call, hood, and w orse. The came that the Supreme Court had taken and ask, ‘How do I know if I’m gay?’ or organization’s board voted to re- a case on the constitutional right of same- ‘Is there a gay doctor you can refer me move homosexuality from the sex couples to marry. An early o verview to?’” DSM the following year. of the exhibit described the final section At about the same time , his profes- This year, Cunningham was in- as “both a conclusion — and a begin- sional and personal pursuits intersected. volved with planning of the many ning…Legalizing marriage of same-sex He was a librarian with the Free Library couples is an entry point to larger de-

Photo by Linda L. Riley Linda by Photo events and exhibits marking the of Philadelphia, and became inv olved A lifelong volunteer, John Cunningham says he 50th anniversary of the first LGBT bates over anti-discrimination laws and in the American Library Association’ s has witnessed ways in which people who are Reminder Day protests which took exemptions. Here visitors can weigh in: Gay Task Force. He helped pioneer the committed to a cause can change history. place at Independence Hall on July What does equality really mean?” examination of gay and lesbian themes 4 from 1965 through 1969. “Those The court ruled on June 26, just 2 1 in books for adolescents . “The first days after the exhibit opened, “that rate information could be housed for were the first sustained demonstra- thing people do when they realize same-sex couples may exercise the fun- people to access it, ask questions and tions, staged at a national s ymbol,” he they’re different is to go to the library to damental right to marry. No longer may connect with others – a library. says. The William Way LGBT Community find out about it,” Cunningham s ays. this liberty be denied to them.” With fellow volunteer activist Heshie Center gathered volunteers to organize With that in mind, he co-authored “ A “Who in this lifetime thought the Zinman, Cunningham worked to found and promote programs and exhibits re- Way of Love, a Way of Life: A Young Per- Supreme Court of the United States the AIDS Library of Philadelphia; the lated to the history, throughout this 50th son’s Introduction to What it Means to would rule on gay marriage?” Cunning- first, and, after 27 years, still the only li- anniversary year. be Gay” with Frances Hanckel. It w as ham says. “Volunteering for a cause brary in the U.S. dev oted exclusively to A two-day conference coming up on named one of the “Best Books for Young you’re passionate about can change HIV/AIDS. Located at 1233 Locust St., October 18 and 19, “Fighting Back: De- Adults” in 1979. hearts and minds . Sometimes it can not only did the AIDS Library provide in- fending the LGB T Mind and Body in help change history.” All hands on deck formation, it provided a home for addi- Pennsylvania” will consider the LGB T community’s activism around both the When the AIDS epidemic hit Philadel- tional resources and services for the Contact Linda L. Riley at: AIDS crisis and the DSM categorization phia in the mid-1980s , Cunningham community. It also serv ed as a hub [email protected] says, everything changed. He realized where people could volunteer their time, of homosexuality as a mental illness (see that providing accurate information skills and efforts in a cause that was per- would be critical — and extremely chal- sonal, emotional and clearly necessary. lenging. “There w as no Internet – the Many in the previously closeted commu- Conference Oct. 18-19: LGBT legacy community was underground. A whole nity coalesced around the crisis , among “Fighting Back: Defending the LGBT Mind and Body in Pennsylvania” is the new health service had to be dev eloped them doctors and lawyers who not only theme of a two-day conference in October co-sponsored by the Historical Soci- and targeted to a community that w as came out, they became activists. ety of Pennsylvania and the William W ay LGBT Community Center. Sessions not yet ‘out.’ In a recent interview, Cunningham re- will address topics including the rise of the AIDS epidemic in Philadelphia; the “It was not a choice – it w as life or called some of the landmark moments early AIDS experience in communities of color; the medicalization of homo- death; it was all hands on deck,” he says. of the past 50 years, including the effort sexuality in psychiatry; the historic speech b y psychiatrist John Fryer to the The challenge was “how do we stop this to have homosexuality remo ved as a American Psychiatric Association; and the personal and professional challenges in its tracks – and ho w do we help the mental illness from the Diagnostic and of the AIDS epidemic for gay physicians. people who have been diagnosed?” The Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders For information on the conference, please call 215-732-6200, ext. 227. answer was to create a place where accu- (DSM). Thursday Friday Saturday Aging & HIV Prevention. Breakfast & lectures. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Events that end with a $ require an Send your calendar items to: Poetry Reading & Discussion 1 Drexel Univ. Register: 1-888-266-2827. 2 3 entrance fee or advance ticket purchase. Attn: Calendar Editor Group. 10:45 to noon. Center in the First Friday. Artist Sheena Garcia. 10:30 a.m. Emotional Wellness Workshop. Events that are free may request a PCA Communications Dept. Park. 215-848-7722, ext. 225. (Thursdays) Lunch at noon (call to register). Spring Garden Overcome feelings of isolation, maintain posi- donation or offer items for sale. Please 642 North Broad Street Exhibit: Religious Liberty & the Founding Center. 215-787-2944. tive mental health & nurture connections to call the number listed for information Philadelphia, PA 19130-3409 October 2015 of America. Features historical documents that Health Plan Info Session. Presented by community & people. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on pricing or other questions about an Phone: 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 show how freedom of religion became a right Cigna HealthSpring & Health Partners. 9:30 United Way of Greater Phila. & Southern N.J. event. Fax: 215-765-9066 guaranteed by the first amendment. National a.m. KleinLife: NE Phila. 215-698-7300. 215-720-9415. E-mail: [email protected] Constitution Center. Hours: weekdays, 9:30 Senior Expo. Presented by Councilwoman Fall Flea Market. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hayes a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays until 6 p.m.; Sundays Blondell Reynolds Brown. 9:30 to noon. Jour- Manor Retirement Residence. 215-473-1552. Noon to 5. (Through Jan. 3, 2016) $ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday ney’s Way. Register: 215-487-1750.

Philadelphia Chamber Music 4 Society Presents Musicians from 9 5 7 Marlboro I. Works by Kim, Faure & 6 8 Mozart. 8 p.m. American Philosophical 10 Cell & Smartphone Workshop. Sinatra: A Centennial Celebration. The Bake Sale. Free coffee with purchase. Society. 215-569-8080. $ Spooky Mini Golf. Philly-themed 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phila. Senior Center on the Bring your mobile device. 1 p.m. Center in the Enhance Fitness Exercise Class. 9 a.m. Philly POPS and Michael Andrew, acclaimed Zumba Gold. 6 p.m. Journey’s Way. 215- Senior Strut, a Health Event in the Park. singer & bandleader, perform hits from the life course transformed for the season with Avenue of the Arts. 215-546-5879. Park. 215-848-7722, ext. 225. $ Center in the Park. Register: 215-848-7722, Day of fun & fitness: walk led by mummers, fog, lights, music & surprises. 6 to 9 p.m. 487-1750. (Mondays) $ $ilver Dollars: Financial Balance for Rubber Stamping & Card Making Class. ext. 225. (Tuesdays & Thursdays) & times of Frank Sinatra, including Big Band health screenings, entertainment & snacks. music from Harry James, Tommy Dorsey & Franklin Square. 215-629-4026. (Fridays, Older Adults. Topic: understanding your 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Center in the Park. 215-848- Presented by Fairmount Park Conservancy, Saturdays & Sundays in Oct.) $ money habits. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Center in the 7722, ext. 225. (Continues Oct. 21) $ Count Basie. 3 p.m. Kimmel Center. 215-893- Phila. Corporation for Aging, & Phila. Parks & 1999. (Oct. 11) $ Park. 215-848-7722, ext. 225. Recreation. 9:30 to noon. Lloyd Hall. Register: 215-765-9000, ext. 5055. $

Harvest Health: Chronic Disease Self-Management Pro- Life Re-imagined. AARP 14 AARP Driver Safety Program: 15 16 17 11 12 gram. Healthy snack, textbook & 13 Columbus Day (observed) Community Impact Group focused Refresher Course. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cookology Class. Dietitian creates Philadelphia Chamber Music Society relaxation CD. 9 to 11:30 a.m. Center in Senior Art Show. Artists’ reception. on re-inventing & re-directing yourself, Phila. Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts. delicious, nutritious treats for participants to Presents Borodin Quartet with Cellist the Park. Register: 215-848-7722, ext. 305. Exhibit of drawings, paintings & sculptures Spiritual Journeys Class. Session for regardless of current or past situations. 10:30 Register: 215-732-6278. sample. 10 a.m. Peter Bressi NE Senior Center. David Finckel. Works by Borodin, (Continues Tuesdays through Nov. 17) made by members, whose work was featured mind, body & spirit. 10 a.m. Peter Bressi NE a.m. KleinLife: NE Phila. 215-698-7300. Afternoon Movie: “The Imitation Game.” 215-831-2926. Shostakovich & Schubert. 3 p.m. Kimmel Workshops: Indoor Gardening & Finan- in Phila. Open Studio Tours. Noon to 6. Senior Center. 215-831-2926. (Oct. 26) Nice Roots Farmers' Market. Purchase 1:30 p.m. Center on the Hill. 215-247-4654. Phila. Chamber Music Society Presents Center. 215-569-8080. $ cial Balance. Winterization & indoor care seasonal fruits & vegetables. Accepts SFMNP Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. 11 : 4 5 Center in the Park. 215-848-7722, ext. 225. for plants. Budgeting & money management. Pavel Haas Quartet. Works by Martinu, (Exhibit continues Oct. 18) $ vouchers, cash & credit. 10 a.m. KleinLife: NE a.m. KleinLife: NE Phila. 215-698-7300. Dvorak & Beethoven. 8 p.m. Kimmel Center. Both at 10 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848- Phila. 215-698-7300. $ 7722, ext. 225. 215-569-8080. $

Artz at PAFA. Interactive program AIDS Walk Philly 2015. Re- Dementia Conversations. Discus- for people with dementia & care- gion's largest annual HIV/AIDS sions about doctor visits, driving, legal Estate Planning Workshop. 22 18 givers. 11 a.m. Pa. Academy of the awareness & fundraising event. 19 & financial plans. 1:30 to 3 p.m. 20 21 Wills, trusts & asset protection. Light lunch. 2 to Phila. Chamber Music Society 23 24 Fine Arts. Register: 610-721-1606. United Nations Day 5K run begins at 7:30 a.m.; walk starts at Alzheimer's Assn. Delaware Valley 4 p.m. Center on the Hill. Register by Oct. 15: Presents Pianist Jeremy Denk. Works by Breast Cancer Awareness Month Event. 9 a.m. Phila. Museum of Art. 215-731- Chapter. Register by Oct. 13: 1-800-272-3900. 215-247-4654. Bach, Stravinsky, Ives, Haydn, Beethoven & Breast health, cancer prevention, early detec- Health Plan Information. Representatives Blood Pressure Screening. 10 to 11:30 Oktober Festivus. Pick a pumpkin from WALK or www.aidswalkphilly.org. a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722, ext. October Birthday Party. Cake & live entertain- Schubert. 8 p.m. Kimmel Center. 215-569- Philadelphia Chamber Music Society tion & support services. 1 p.m. Center in the from Cigna HealthSpring & Health Partners. ment. Wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. 8080. $ the Pumpkin Patch & decorate it to take home: Park. 215-848-7722, ext. 225. 225. Presents Guitarist Jason Vieaux. Works 10:30 a.m. KleinLife: NE Phila. 215-698-7300. 1:45 a.m. KleinLife: NE Phila. 215-698-7300. Health Plan Information. Cigna Health- Noon to 3. (Free for children under 10.) Food The Children of Guyana. Discussion by Workshop: Financially Fit for 55+. 5:30 by Giuliani, Bach, Albeniz, Sessler, Henze, $ilver Dollars: Financial Balance for Older Senior Center 31st Anniversary Banquet. Spring & Health Partners. 9:30 a.m. KleinLife: trucks, activities & seasonal beer garden: 4 to Rebecca Anwar, volunteer at South American to 7 p.m. Journey’s Way. Register by Oct. 16: Jobim & Ellington. 3 p.m. Phila. Museum Adults. Topic: protect your money. 10 to 11:30 Live entertainment. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Peter NE Phila. 215-698-7300. (Oct. 29) 10 p.m. Franklin Square. 215-629-4026. $ orphanages since 1998. Center on the Hill. 215-487-1750, ext. 1007. of Art. 215-569-8080. $ a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722, ext. 225. Bressi NE Senior Center. Register: 215-831-2926. $ 215-247-4654.

Basic Tips & Tricks for iPhone, 25 26 African-American Journeys. 27 iPad & iPod Touch. Bring Apple 31 1 p.m. Center in the Park. 28 device & password. 1:30 to 3 p.m. 29 30 215-848-7722, ext. 225. Center on the Hill. 215-247-4654. $ Halloween The Burn of Heartburn. Robert Bailey, iPad Lessons. Technology taught simply. Halloween Party. Refreshments, DJ, Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Monthly Birthday Party. Cake, ice cream, Understanding & Responding gastroenterologist, discusses potential dangers 10 a.m. Peter Bressi NE Senior Center. 215- dancing & door prizes. Costumes optional. Harry Experience – A Parody. All seven lunch & live entertainment. 11:45 a.m. Peter to Dementia Behavior. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Ger- 10 a.m. St. Anne's Senior Center. 215-426- Trick or Treat Trail. Treat bag craft & & treatment options for GERD, heartburn that 831-2926. (Wednesdays) mantown Home. Register by Oct. 20: 1-800- Harry Potter books (& a real-life game of Bressi NE Senior Center. 215-831-2926. Top Supreme Court Reporters Discuss 9799. $ scavenger hunt. Lightning Bolt Express Train occurs more than twice a week. 12:30 p.m. $ilver Dollars: Financial Balance for 272-3900. Quidditch) condensed into 70 minutes. A Toughest Cases of 2014-15. Noon. National Jazz for Seniors. Featuring Arpeggio Jazz makes the traditional fall stop. Noon to 3. Center on the Hill. 215-247-4654. Older Adults. Topic: talking about money & Welcome to Medicare. APPRISE coun- comedy for audiences of all ages. Kimmel Constitution Center. Register: 215-409-6700. Ensemble. Concert: 10:30 a.m. Lunch: noon Franklin Square. 215-629-4026. (Free for Center. 2 & 5 p.m. 215-893-1999. $ managing stress. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Center in the selors answer questions. 1 to 3 p.m. Center on (call to register). Spring Garden Center. 215- children 10 & younger) $ Park. 215-848-7722, ext. 225. the Hill. 215-247-4654. 787-2944. $ October 2015 Milestones 14 Health Care Cancer and older adults: Personal history, age and behaviors contribute to risk

for patients with at least 1 0 years of life A significant loss of weight is concerning,” By Alicia M. Colombo expectancy. she said. “When determining the need for Other troubling s ymptoms may in- Once you reach y our 65th birthda y, screening, one should ask, ‘What does clude drenching night sweats, excessive fa- your risk for cancer increases simply be- the patient want?’ It’s important for doc- tigue, a persistent cough, bleeding, and cause of age. Older women have a one in tors to ask patients if they would want to swelling in legs. “Sometimes people pres- four chance of being diagnosed with can- know if they ha ve cancer, even if they ent with Thrombosis (a blood clot) and cer, and for men, the probability rises to might not want, or wouldn't be able to are diagnosed with cancer . Many older one in three. Previous exposure to cancer- tolerate, treatment,” said MacKenzie. people have heart and lung conditions causing agents and family history both in- that may cause them to retain fluid. But if crease the odds. Treatment options something happens suddenly and with- But even with increased risk, prevention No one ever wants to be told they out explanation, don’t ignore it,” she said. strategies and screenings can greatly in- have cancer. However, medical ad- crease survival rates. “If you are 65 and vances allow for the effective treatment Ask questions

healthy, you could live another 30 years,” Vuotto Jules by Photo of many cancers while minimizing “Some physicians will take the time to said Dr. Amy MacKenzie, geriatric oncol- Dr. Amy MacKenzie, geriatric oncologist at damage to the body. So, if you are diag- discuss the risks and benefits of cancer ogist at Nazareth Hospital and assistant Nazareth Hospital, recommends taking steps nosed with cancer, it is important to talk with patients. But there is a lot of pressure professor in the Department of Medical to reduce your cancer risk and talking to your to your doctor or oncologist about your for physicians to order tests based on a Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University. doctor about your need for screenings. specific condition and severity. “I often schedule. Patients may be afraid to ask “There isn’t a food or supplement that encounter bias from traumatic personal questions, so they just follow a physician’s health conditions, whether chronic or will 100% prevent you from getting can- experiences,” MacKenzie said. “My pa- advice,” said MacKenzie. “If a doctor or- not, play a huge rule in whether the cancer,” she said. However, there are ways to tients tell me, ‘My uncle had cancer , he ders a test, the patient should ask, ‘what cer screening will provide harm or bene- improve your overall health that will also was so sick and I nev er want to be that is the benefit of this screening? Could I fit. A patient who is 75 and fit may live 25 reduce your cancer risk. “It’s never too late way.’ If you see someone go through a ter- tolerate the treatment? What are the side more years. Cancer screening for someone to quit smoking. There will be benefits no rible experience, of course you’re going to effects or complications of the test itself? who is 85 and has dementia is not always matter how long you’ve smoked. Make be hesitant. But our ability to support pa- Am I healthy enough for this?’ A little bit the most prudent thing to do. The most sure you use sunscreen. Older adults tients through chemotherap y has of shared decision making is important to important thing to consider is the pa- rarely used sunscreen when they w ere changed. There are now medications to maintaining a senior’s quality of life,” she tient’s health, life expectancy and per- young, so it’s important to prevent further prevent nausea and vomiting. We know said. sonal choice,” said MacKenzie. sun damage,” she said. Managing an y more about dosing and ho w to use the Since doctors are often pressed for time Here are some general cancer screening chronic conditions and taking steps to least amount of chemo possible. There are during regular office visits, it may be dif- recommendations for seniors: stay healthy is also important. different types of medications that can ficult to get y our questions in. “Seniors • Lung – The U.S. Preventive Services At any age, the immune system plays a offer less toxic treatment. We better un- should take advantage of the Welcome to Task Force recommends annual screening role in limiting cancer growth. But as you derstand the molecular structure of cancer Medicare visit and the annual w ellness for lung cancer with low-dose computed get older, your immune s ystem loses and are better able to treat it. Each type of visits,” she said. These visits offer the op- tomography (LDCT) for people ages 55 to some of its renewal and repair functions. cancer is different and each patient is dif- portunity to address any concerns that are 80 who currently smoke or ha ve quit So it’s more important than ev er to take ferent.” not related specifically to a s ymptom or within the past 15 y ears and have a 30- simple steps, such as eating right and medical condition, such as advance direc- year pack history (20 cigarettes every day being active, to help you remain healthy Watch for symptoms tives, end of life plans/preferences , and = one pack y ear). Medicare co vers this as time goes on. Whether or not y ou choose to be screenings. screening for people ages 55 to 75. screened for certain types of cancer , you “These are not things that most ph ysi- • Women – The American Cancer Soci- Screening’s benefits should not ignore certain s ymptoms. cians are comfortable incorporating into ety recommends yearly mammograms for The most common types of cancers in “Getting older does not mean it’s normal a regular visit. We always tell patients that women starting at 40 for as long as pa- seniors include lung, prostate, colon and to feel bad. Older adults are often stoic they should be adv ocates in their o wn tient is healthy. After age 65, a pap smear breast. MacKenzie said some tests, includ- and don’t want to talk about uncomfort- health care. That goes right up until the (cervical cancer screening) is not recom- ing mammography and colonoscop y, able signs or symptoms. But it’s important end of life . It’s really complicated. W e mended for older women who have a his- have been shown to improve outcomes. to pay attention to your body and discuss need more time to spend with seniors to tory of negative screenings and who are “Cancer screening in older adults is not any rapid, unexplained changes with your discuss these things,” said MacKenzie. black-and-white,” she said. “When rec- no longer sexually active. doctor,” said MacK enzie. “As you age, • Colonoscopy – Generally recom- ommending screenings, doctors should your appetite decreases. But it’s not nor- Contact Alicia Colombo at: mended every 10 years starting at age 5 0 consider the patient’ s health. Existing mal for older people to just lose w eight. [email protected]

October 2015 Milestones 16 In Season Apples: Delicious, nutritious, plentiful into the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the basil, oregano, allspice and black pepper into the skillet. Stir the bell peppers into the onions and sauté for 1 0 minutes. Add the zucchini and the tomatoes to the skillet. Apples are one of the most common Stir, cover and simmer for 2 0 min- fruits, and one of the most v ersatile. utes. There are more than 7,5 00 known va- Add the apples to the ratatouille , rieties of apples w orldwide, ranging cover and simmer for 15 minutes . from tart to sweet and many flavorful Serve hot. types in between. Apples not only offer a world of tastes, but are also consid- Barbara Mullin’s Apple Cobbler ered nutritional po werhouses. They Ingredients: are an excellent source of Vitamin C; B- 6 large apples (Jonathan) complex vitamins; dietary fiber; and 1 cup flour important minerals; such as calcium ½ cup brown sugar and phosphorous; sound reasons for ½ half cup granulated sugar the old saying, “An apple a day keeps 1 tsp. baking powder the doctor away.” 1 tsp. ground cinnamon While you can buy apples all y ear 1 egg 1 round, fall is an especially good time 5 - ⁄3 tbs. butter to do so, since fall apples are often Instructions: crisper and juicier than summer ap- Preheat oven to 3500 F and grease a ples. Below we tempt y ou with tw o 2-qt. baking dish. apple dishes — one savory, one sweet. Peel, core and cut the apples into ¼ -inch slices. In a medium-size bo wl, Apple Ratatouille mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated Ingredients: sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. 2 tbs. olive oil Beat the egg lightly and stir into the 1 large onion, sliced sugar mixture. 4 cloves of garlic Spoon on top of the sliced apples. 2 tsp. dried basil Melt the butter in a small pan and ½ tsp. ground allspice drizzle over the batter. ¼ tsp. black pepper Bake for 45 minutes. Makes 8 serv- 2 green bell peppers, sliced ings. 2 medium zucchini, sliced Note: If the particular apples sug- 6 ripe tomatoes, quartered gested in the recipe are not a vailable, 2 medium apples (Rome, Beauty, ask your grocer or farmers’ market Granny Smith, Northern Spy), diced vendor for recommendations.

Instructions: Recipes courtesy of “APPLE Cookbook” by Heat the oil in a large skillet and add Olwen Woodier, published by Storey the onion. Crush the garlic directly Books, 2001. Milestones 17 October 2015 Healing with sound When others are grieving: How to help • continued from page 1 who will assume those roles now of carving the turkey, etc.; and use at least one of their favorite recipes for a holiday dish.” • Take time to tell stories and look through old photos. But don’t push it. “If folks find it too painful, there should be no pressure to do it,” Harris said. “There will be other times and other gatherings.” There is no “right” amount of time for a • Ask what helps and be open to what person to grieve the loss of a loved one. doesn’t. “I ask the berea ved person to tell me what the experience is like for them and I ask what helps or doesn’t help them.” By Eric Eckert • Avoid “helpful” actions that are actu- The loss of a family member or a friend ally hurtful. “When you stay away, pretend can bring tremendous grief. For those who it didn’t happen or walk the other way in a are close to a berea ved person, there are store so you don’t have to say anything – often questions: What do I do? What do I those things hurt,” Harris said. say? • Understand that there’ s no set time Lavanture places these gongs around a massage table and plays them during a sound There are ways that are more helpful and frame for someone who suffers a loss to be healing session, in an ancient form of “surround sound.” ways that are less helpful to approach a “over it” or “move on.” grieving person, said grief expert Helen Har- Harris said adjustment to loss is a long I don’t bang on the gongs; I pla y them Lavanture, 59, earned a Master of Arts ris, Ed.D., assistant professor in Baylor Uni- process and tends to get worse before it gets smoothly so they build until they almost in Transpersonal Psychology/Ecopsy- versity’s School of Social Work. better. Those not closely connected to the play themselves. I’m simply creating the chology at Naropa Univ ersity, a Bud- “There are so many things that folks say loss will move on with their busy lives while invitation for them to sing to y ou in the dhist-inspired, liberal arts university in that are not helpful, mostly when w e tell the person who has lost a spouse , child or voices that best suit y our soulful needs,” Boulder, Colo. She w ent on to study people what to do, what to believe and how parent will experience fresh loss o ver and she said. sound healing at the Kairos Institute, The not to feel,” Harris said. “Examples are: over again for the first year while facing the Upon going into a sound healing ses- Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing School, and ‘God needed another angel’ or ‘At least you first Thanksgiving, birthday, anniversary, va- sion, Lavanture asks clients to bring an in- 9 Ways Academia with world-renowned had him for x-amount of y ears’ or ‘You cation, etc. without the person with whom tention with them. “Some examples of Bowl and Gong master Mitch Nur. shouldn’t feel sad. He isn’t suffering an y- they had always shared those moments. what people come to these sessions for are Group sound healing sessions are held more.’” “There is a time when w e manage our relationship issues, health concerns or life monthly, in her Mount Airy studio, and More helpful w ays to interact with a grief more than it manages us , and a time work questions,” she said. “Those who Lavanture also offers more intensiv e in- grieving person include: when the healing becomes strength, like a are in tune with this come off the table dividual deep healing sessions and • Listen more than talk. “It is OK to say, healed broken bone is stronger at the point with clarity around an issue they are multi-day retreats. For more informa- ‘I don’t know what to say, but I want you to of healing than the bone around it. But we dealing with, whether it is a relationship, tion, go to www.katrynlavanture.com or know that I care,’“ Harris said. “It is a better are always changed, different because of or looking at their life w ork. It is ex- call 267-738-9501. both the life and the death of the person we tremely powerful to see the transition choice than saying nothing, or saying things Barbara Sherf can be reached at 215-990- loved and lost,” Harris said. take place.” that judge and marginalize.” 9317 or [email protected]. • Acknowledge the loss and express your “Continuing to miss our loved ones, and caring. “Be available; be present to sa y a more importantly, being aware at times of word about the special life that is gone, she how much we wish they were present, is, I said. “If they will be alone on a birthday, an- believe, a life-long experience – and does niversary, or holiday, invite them o ver or not mean we have failed to move on.” take a meal to their home if they are not Harris served as bereavement coordinator ready to get out and be around others.” and the first director of Hillcrest Commu- • “I recommend families find a w ay to nity Hospice in Waco, Texas. She joined the include the lost loved one in the holidays,“ Baylor social work faculty in 1997 and con- Harris said. “Light a candle on the mantel tinues to work as a hospice v olunteer and to burn through the day as a symbol of his provides volunteer training for several Cen- continued presence; make an ornament tral Texas hospice programs. with her name and place it on the tree; talk Eric Eckert is Media Communications Specialist about their roles and be intentional about at Baylor University. October 2015 Milestones 18 Master builder works in miniature

Charles Whitney uses jeweler’s tools to make these detailed scale models. Photo by Paola Nogueras Paola by Photo tiny holes,” he said. The lifelong Philadel- By Constance Garcia-Barrio phian credits high-school math and shop classes with teaching him to use a protrac- Charles Whitney uses tiny bits of wood, tor and do accurate measurements, activi- plastic and fiberglass to conjure chapters ties essential to his craft. of American history. “Mr. Charlie,” as he’s “I began building models when I w as known in North Philly’s Yorktown Apart- eight,” he said. “We didn’t have TV when ments where he liv es, builds models of I was a kid,” noting that he grew up with ships that mark epochs in the country’ s five brothers and one sister “near the old past. “It took me four months to build the trolley barn where the VA Hospital is now. Santa Maria, one of Christopher Colum- When I wasn’t making models, I sang doo bus’s ships,” he said, pointing to the -wop on the corner with my friends. The wooden vessel with billowing sails. “It’s cops would tell us that w e sounded like patient work, but worth every minute.” alley cats, but they didn’t chase us away.” Whitney sometimes builds ships from Later, Whitney became a mechanic for scratch, then again he may start with a kit; cars and trucks, an occupation he contin- but that’s no guarantee of an easy project. ued even after his feet were crushed in an “When the kit has warped parts, I make re- accident while he was serving in the K o- placements myself,” he said. rean War. “I did fine on artificial feet, but His painstaking work begins before he later the doctors had to take off more of even glues the minuscule parts together . each leg.” “Sometimes I paint the parts one by one,” Although Whitney gets around in a he said. “T ake the Robert E. Lee.” He wheelchair now, his dedication allows him pointed out his model of the stern-wheel to help others. He’s made models of en- riverboat, an ultra-luxury ship of the 1860s gines with transparent plastic so that with its many staterooms, servants’ quar- Philadelphia school students can see how ters and v elvet carpet. From the black they work. Sometimes he deliberately smokestacks to white quarter-inch grill- builds in a defect so that students can puz- work, this ship has many colors. Dubbed zle out what’s wrong. He also assembles the “Monarch of the Mississippi,” it gained furniture for family and friends. “You save fame when it beat the Natchez in an 1870 money when you do it yourself,” he said. race from New Orleans to St. Louis. Some projects he does just for fun, like Whitney’s own ships ha ve weathered a Model T Ford, stagecoaches, robots and competition. “I raced them on the a toaster that also w orks as a radio. One Schuylkill River in a contest they used to of his, and his grandchildren’s favorite cre- have every year,” he said. “My ships w on ations, is a colorful parrot. “It can say five prizes.” swear words,” he said. Jeweler’s tools help Whitney create his intricate models. “I have tweezers, small Constance Garcia-Barrio is a freelance writer high-powered lights and drills that make and author of a novel based on African-American history in Philadelphia. Milestones 19 October 2015 All aboard: “Imagination Unlimited”

By Maralyn Lois Polak My favorite T-shirt says BOOK LADY. I'm a Book Person. I prefer independent bookstores to chains. I read books co ver to cover, savoring each word. I write books. Sometimes they ev en get published. When I was 7, I started going to the library every week with my father. He’d bring along a wire bicy- cle basket for our books . My father’s books w ere often Nero Wolfe mystery novels by Rex Stout, revolving around the twin adult pleasures of sex and food, books Daddy deemed far too “grown-up” for me. As a very curious child, reading was my entrée to the Wonders of the Universe. I read about the Big Bang Theory and ho w the solar system was formed. I dev oured everything I could find on flying saucers. I HAD to know about Es- kimos. I ev en raced m y way through the Bobbsey Twins, Little Her parents taught her a love of books that Women, Nancy Drew and other transported her and enriched her life age-appropriate series. And then, after I had finished sex and food, although not necessarily my own permissible weekly literary al- in that order. lotment of “ children’s books” and Eventually, by dint of libraries, local wanted more, I’d crawl under my par- schools, newspapers, “Daddy’s books,” ents’ bed while my father was at work. and selective entries from the Funk and I’d find the corner where he’d sto wed Wagnall’s Encyclopedia my family got the bike basket with ‘his’ gro wn-up weekly for 99 cents each at ShopRite books, off-limits and alluring. Heeding supermarket, I became w ell-rounded the Siren Song of forbidden stories , I enough to be the first in m y family to hid under the bed in my parents’ room attend college, a privilege never lost on and secretly raced through his books as me. well as mine, before he’d come home My parents w ere very smart, al- each afternoon around 5 p.m., tired- though neither of them, due to eco- out from work, tin lunch pail in hand, nomic necessity, finished high school. a New York Daily News in the Thermos And yet, my father became an electron- compartment. ics engineer with the federal go vern- I’d greet him happily at the kitchen ment. My mother, a bookkeeper for a door, give him a big hug, and unpack stylish Manhattan jew elry manufac- the newspaper, which I’d take into the turer, yearned for a career either in law living room and read through quite or fashion design. She had exquisite greedily before dinner . It w as, of taste and shared her appreciation of Art course, a slightly lurid tabloid, which, in its way, also revolved around crime, • continued on page 22 October 2015 Milestones 20 tions, both nationally and internation- Dr. Helfand ally. Over the course of his career , he • continued from page 4 trained approximately 45 0 podiatry residents. In addition to writing and lecturing, he continues his career-long is vital to maintaining foot health at advocacy to expand Medicare coverage any age, he says. to more aspects of routine foot care to Helfand’s commitment to aging help prevent serious foot problems health issues led him to dedicate 2 0 from developing. years to leadership roles with PCA, first Since retiring, he’s been able to ded- on the PrimeTime Health A dvisory icate time to musical pursuits, among Council and then on the Board of Di- them playing songs from the ‘30s, ‘40s rectors, where he served terms as vice and Broadway musicals on the key- chair, chair and treasurer before retir- board. There’s also more time to in- ing this year. dulge in w orldwide travel with his In June, he received the Bright Star wife, Myra, which offers opportunities of Aging Award from the Emergency to explore another interest — photog- Fund Coalition for Older Philadelphi- raphy. ans, in honor of his dedication to In reflecting on a long and successful improving the lives of older adults. In career, Helfand says his ability to make a career replete with honors , he says an impact through his work in public this is one of the a wards which he’s health and senior foot care has been most proud. immensely fulfilling, adding “I’ve been A former president of the American a very fortunate guy.” Podiatric Medical Association, Helfand has authored or co-authored 146 book Contact Marcia Z. Siegal at: chapters and more than 400 publica- [email protected] Milestones 21 October 2015 No wrong door: “Link” provides access to both disability and aging resources

Among the services pro- collaborative effort of the Administra- vided are information, refer- tion for Community Living, the Cen- If you’re younger than ral and a wareness; ters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, streamlined eligibility deter- and the Veterans Health Administra- 60 and have disabilities, mination for public pro- tion to streamline access to services The PA Link can help. This grams; and transition for older adults and people with dis- multi-system integrated support. “By calling the Link, abilities. “A person seeking informa- people can access across-the- tion about services or resources will program serves people board screening for pro- encounter fewer obstacles,” McNair regardless of age, physical grams and receive individual said. “It’s about breaking down barri- assistance with the entire ers. The goal is to reduce fragmenta- or developmental disability, process. People can also get tion, inconsistencies and duplication and income. Seniors and help navigating moves be- within the general social services sys- anyone with disabilities tween settings and s ystems, tems. The end result is to promote such as transitioning from better health and w ell-being,” said can now access a single nursing homes to commu- McNair. point of entry for human nity living or from the hospi- For assistance, call the PA Link (toll- services programs in tal back home,” said McNair. free, within Pa.) at 1-800-753-8827. In Philadelphia, you can also call the PCA Philadelphia County. No Wrong Door Helpline at 215-765-9040 (1-888-482- The goal of P A Link is to

Milestones file photo file Milestones 9060, toll-free outside Philadelphia) or make it easier for an yone to go to www.pcaCares.org. ted to expanding the use of commu- enter the long-term services and sup- Contact Alicia Colombo at: By Alicia M. Colombo nity-based solutions, promoting con- ports system. “No Wrong Door” is a sumer-directed decision making. [email protected] Pennsylvania now has a coordi- “The program is designed to be nated approach to providing informa- cross-age and cross-s ystem. Regard- tion and access to long-term services less of your age, physical or develop- and supports for people with disabil- mental disability, and income, you ities, regardless of their age. The Penn- can contact the P A Link for assis- sylvania Link to Aging and Disability tance,” said McNair. “Trained coun- Resources, also known as the PA Link, selors work to help consumers and is an Aging and Disability R esource caregivers understand and determine Center (ADRC) that helps connect their service and support options , people with disabilities and caregivers using a person-centered approach. with local health and human service Through counseling and assistance , entities to access information, assis- individuals explore their options and tance and resources. identify what services and supports “As a senior, aged 60 or older , in they need to live well. Counselors as- Philadelphia, PCA would be the first sist individuals in making informed place to call as the Area Agency on decisions about appropriate services Aging for Philadelphia. The Link is an based on their needs and prefer- option for a person with a disability ences,” said McNair. under age 60,” said Julie McNair, Link Partner agencies collaborate to coordinator for the Philadelphia re- serve people who need home- and gion at Philadelphia Corporation for community-based services and sup- Aging (PCA). “I hear calls ev ery day ports. “There are currently more than from people who are not y et old 60 community partners in our local enough to qualify for PCA services . service area,” said McNair. PCA is a It’s great to giv e people another re- core partner for the Link in Philadel- source to turn to for help.” ADR Cs phia County, along with JEVS Human seek to improve access to services and Services, Inglis F oundation, Home- supports through a coordinated net- maker Service of the Metropolitan work of community partners commit- Area and Liberty Resources. October 2015 Milestones 22 Books sure not human! To me, battery- • continued from page 19 powered books seem a crime against nature. "People like the feel of real books, the smell of books ," a bookstore clerk told me a few years ago. "They like to touch them. They like to carry books with them wherev er they go. Books are already portable. You can read them anywhere. Books are, in their way, comforting.” Libraries, too. Libraries are in- credibly important to people of all ages. They can be safe , quiet places to do homew ork after school. They can be places to use computers, thus helping to con- quer the Digital Divide for im- Books open doors to other worlds, real and poverished families. They can be places to do research; seek intel- imagined lectual enrichment; attend lec- Deco jewelry, especially carv ed or tures, movies and workshops; or even molded Bakelite bracelets, which are socialize. Think about it. Books are now collectible. magical. They can change lives, young I will be eternally grateful to m y and old, forever. Books are a passport mother and father for teaching me to to the “Imagination Unlimited.” The love books. Besides being a family tra- only bad thing anyone could say about dition, Jews were known as “People of libraries is that, if they are w orking the Book.” When m y own first book right, they help folks learn to think for was finally published, I dedicated it to themselves; definitely a detriment in my parents. this era of uninformed mass group- Despite my passion for books, I must think. confess I loathe those new-fangled Here’s hoping actual books — and wireless electronic book-reader- public gathering places to read them, thingees. You can even order them pre- like libraries — never go out of style. loaded with hundreds of book titles. I compare them to vibrators — y ou Screenwriter/cartoonist/novelist Maralyn might think you’re getting sex, but it’s Lois Polak lives in Philadelphia. Milestones 23 October 2015 The Milestones Crossword Don’s Column Safety first 48 Concurs 25 ___ citato ACROSS 52 USAF asset 26 Clout Both melodies and memories linger on 1 Asian nanny 56 Baseball, football, etc. 27 Karpov's forte They didn’t believe ent. This is required for all senior dis- 5 Spanish ladies 58 Bivouac element 28 Present me (how could I counts, but since nobody doubts that 10 In ___ way: troubled 59 ___ Haute, IN 29 Steak cut make up something I’m over 65, I’m seldom asked to pro ve 14 Beloved, in Eboli 60 Individuals 30 Mr. Flynn like that?) when I re- it. Besides, that card was in and out too 15 Upper crust 61 Tote board data 31 Dating from birth ferred to a song with quickly to be read. 16 Fictional canine 62 Bury 33 ___ and span these lyrics: Can it be I still resemble the tw erp 17 For 9 Down 63 Japanese zither 36 Obvious 20 Predicament By Don It must be jelly, who sat next to her in high school? If DOWN 37 Bearded, like grain Harrison 21 Plaster ___ ‘Cause jam don’t she’s there next time I go to one of m y 1 Part of USNA 38 Bank credential 22 Den shake like that. growing army of doctors, I’ll look her 2 "The ___ Love" 43 Puts in office 23 Part of ETA 3 Chemical ending So, they did what today’s young peo- up. 44 Uplifted 24 Barflies 4 Despairing 45 Marshall Wyatt ple always do to check things out: They I hope I recognize her. 27 Baptize 5Skin 47 Wilkes- ___, PA looked it up online. * * * 32 Heroic poetry 6 Church feature 48 Regarding And there it w as, presented b y the 33 Page 7 1002, to Cato 49 Hied Glenn Miller band (or part of it) — in A kind word for the VA 34 Bikini top 8 ___ time: never 50 Remit 1942. The Department of V eterans Affairs 35 Journal entry? 9 Mariner 51 Arrest It had nothing to do with jelly or jam, (VA) has been under fire , apparently 39 Uno, due, ___ 10Rose essences 53 Famed cartoonist but it had a lot to do with “shaking like with some justification, but one v et- 40 Go up 11 C l o w n 54 Let it stand that.” A scantily-clad lovely was shaking eran’s experience (mine) has been quite 41 Celebes ox 12Fictional bell town 55 It, to Luigi in the foreground, while horns w ailed positive. 42 Non-conformists 13 DeLuise, et al. 57 Sphere (so did a male singer, horn in hand). I get my medications through the VA, 44 Offer used wares 18 General Bradley Choreographically, it was hardly a tri- and considering how the list (sad to say) Solution 46 ___ Miserables 19 Wee one The solution for the cross- has grown over the y ears, it’s been a umph. Musically, it was forgettable. Art 47 Whiffenpoof words 24 Extra inning word puzzle can be found it wasn’t. But nostalgia it was. Godsend. For a small co-pay, the refills on page 2. If that erstwhile shaker is still around, come in the mail. she may well be a great grandmother . To continue to qualify , I visit the Those horns are probably being pla yed Coatesville VA Hospital’s clinic in in that Great Band in the Sky. Springfield, Delaware County, periodi- But the melody (such as it is) lingers cally. There, a nurse and a P A (physi- on — in one old man’s memory. At least cian’s assistant) check me out. the lyrics do. Everyone — receptionists, nurses, a se- * * * ries of PAs — has been efficient, courte- ous and helpful. If there’ s ever a A matter of recognition problem, they share my concern and it’s “Recognize me?” the hospital v olun- solved. Dealing with them by phone has teer asked. become a little more complicated, but I didn’t. it’s still effective. She and I had sat next to each other in It’s not just old-timers who are treated high school millennia ago. I remem- this way. From what I’ve noticed, those bered her well, but I didn’t associate that who have served since — usually with teen-age classmate with this nice old more demanding needs — are treated lady who had just scanned m y parking just as well. token for the senior discount. It w as I hope the VA is able to straighten out great seeing her, but I’ve been wonder- its problems. A lot of Americans depend ing: on it. She’s changed over the decades, which is why I didn’t recognize her, but surely, Milestones Editor Emeritus Don Harrison I’ve changed too — ho w come she rec- served as deputy editor of the Daily News ognized me? opinion pages and as assistant managing ed- Perhaps she sa w the name on the itor and city editor of the Philadelphia Bul- Medicare card she had asked me to pres- letin. Creators News Services, Charles Preston GATEWAY to BETTER MEDICARE COVERAGE

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