SENIOR STUFF DECEMBER 2010

Communities for a Lifetime Initiative Earns National Recognition as Government Innovator

Florida’s Communities for a Lifetime initiative has earned recognition from one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. The program was part of the first group of 173 innovative government programs selected for the new Bright Ideas program by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

The City of DeLand Senior Council has been affiliated with Communities for a Lifetime for more than three years.

The initiative, part of the Department of Elder Affairs, works with Florida cities, towns and counties to use existing local resources and state technical assistance to plan and implement improvements that benefit seniors. A primary goal is to help seniors remain independent and age in place within their communities throughout their lifetimes.

“The Communities for a Lifetime initiative is an exciting approach to building communities for Floridians of all ages, and it’s gratifying to see the initiative attract such prestigious national recognition,” said Elder Affairs Interim Secretary Charles T. Corley.

http://www.myflorida.com/agency/22/

December 1—National Call Congress Day

With the Deficit Commission set to release its proposals December 1 (Today!) you might want to call your favorite senators and tell them what you think about cutting or privatizing Social Security or Medicare.

You can do so by calli ng 1-866-529-7630, as part of the National Call Congress Day. Tens of thousands are participating.

When you call 1-866-529-7630, you will hear an automated voice. The voice will give you some quick suggestions on what to say during your call, and then automatically redirect you to the office of one of your United States Senators.

The Longevity Genes Project

What if you could live to be 100 and beyond? What if there were a way to age without a slow painful decline?

The Longevity Genes Project at Albert Einstein College of Medicine is studying 500 healthy folks, ages 95-112. Check it out at www.SuperAgers.com.

DeLand Police Department

☼ Flash  E-lert ☼

For immediate attention

Chief Edward J. Overman 

Attn:  Garden District neighbors

We have received complaints regarding various vandalism and trespassing.  It seems that some trespassing may have occurred when property owners were not present, or during night time hours.

We encourage you to call promptly to report suspicious activity or conspicuous crimes, including someone entering on someone’s property that is not a regular visitor.

You may call 734-1711, and that connects you with the central dispatch.  Be prepared to give a description of the person in question including race, sex, approximate age and clothing description, i.e., gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, red baseball cap.

As part of the neighborhood watch program, we want to follow-up on any action by the officers and perhaps find additional ways to address specific problems.  Please email Officer Rod Hancock at hancockr@deland.org following an incident.

Florida Intergenerational Week December 5-11

In recognition of Intergenerational Week in Florida, which runs December 5-11, the Department of Elder Affairs’ Office of Volunteer and Community Services is working with other state agencies to the importance of intergenerational activities and programs in the of children and the quality of life of elders. For the past seven years, the Florida Legislature has designated an Week in Florida. Intergenerational programs and activities provide the opportunity to bridge the experience and wisdom of elders with the unbridled curiosity and energy of youth. For more information about activities and programs celebrating intergenerational relationships, contact:

ZsaZsa Ingram-Fitzpatrick

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

850-414-2086

fitzpatrickzz@elderaffairs.org

News from the Senior Journal

Some articles in the November issue of http://seniorjournal.com of significance to seniors are highlighted below. You are urged to check these out:

11/29—Deficit reduction plans seniors

11/29—Two new Fonda workout videos sure to be hot products this Christmas

11/24—High cholesterol diet may lead to AD

11/23­—Exercising to piano music may reduce falls for seniors (not Jerry Lee Lewis!)

11/18—Powerful, “knock your socks off” anti cholesterol drug introduced

11/14—New therapy beats implanted defibrillator in tests

11/9—Seniors, among the biggest opponents of Obamacare, to get big savings and benefits from it

11/8—Too many people having heart attack symptoms wait too long to go to the hospital — scary to!

http://seniorjournal.com/

Five Times

Five times designations as having “The Best MainStreet in Florida,” the organization has these events for you in December:

3—Merchant Open House

4—Christmas Parade

18—Santa Cruisin

Enjoy MainStreet DeLand! www.mainstreetdeland.com/

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Arrives; New Law Means
Some New Options for Seniors

It’s that time of year. To change your plans, it must be done this month. Get on it.

The majority of you should see little change to your benefits in 2011. One positive change is that more drug plans will offer coverage in the “donut hole.”

In addition, most will gain access to preventive benefits with no-out-of pocket costs consistent with the new Affordable Care Act. The Act also opens new benefits, such as free wellness visits, new free health screenings and a 50% discount on brand-name drugs for seniors who fall into the “donut hole.”

If you need help in figuring out what to do, you can call a volunteer counselor with Florida’s SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). Contact the Sanborn Center and set up an appointment with a SHINE representative (740-6860)

You can also go to the Medicare Plan Finder and discover how each available plan is rated on a five-star system: www.medicare.gov This is valuable information.

_______________________

Finding Bliss During the Holidays?

Many seniors between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day find exquisite enjoyment in the preparations, cooking, buying presents, singing carols and just generally spreading good cheer.
On the other hand, there are those who are not exactly Scrooge but VERY close. Like Scrooge, find no joy in any of the things people are celebrating and just wish that it would be over! the holidays for you becomes a gargantuan effort leading to stress.

Celtic Wreath

This year can be different! You can choose to become more ‘ho-ho’ like and enjoy the holidays with a few easy tips.

1. Set reasonable/seasonable expectations. Organize your time and prioritize your activities. Make a list.
2. Remember the things that bring you joy. Plan activities around those enjoyable things. When planning for the entire family, give them the dates and times well in advance so that there is no confusion.
3. Do not “overfull” your calendar! Stress often comes because you’ve said ‘yes’ to too many activities. Are you joining friends for breakfast, lunch and dinner because you want to see them all? Be sure to take time for self; exercise, get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
4. This is the season for giving. Don’t forget to give as well as receive. 

Following these easy tips will ensure that you have blissful holidays. You can finally choose to celebrate the holidays in the way that is best for you. Does that sound selfish? Okay, perhaps it is a ‘tad bit’ selfish; however, you have the right to be blissful. The more bliss you experience, the easier it is to share joy with your loved ones.

Inez Bracy, BS, MS, CNLP, CGC, Lifestyle
Transitions Coach, Speaker, Author

Inez@bracy.com


Book Sale

The super monthly book sale at the Library will be held December 10 and 11, 9:30-4; 50 cents is the top price. $2 dollars a bag on Saturday afternoon! That’s a lot of Christmas!

December Calendar At The Athens

Live Entertainment: 3,4,5,9,10,11,17,18,

19—The Sands Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol

12—Holiday Pops Theater Organ Concert

Holiday Ballet:

18—The Nutcracker

26—Les Flammes De Paris

Film:

6—Breathless (In the original version, 1963, HE is French, SHE, an American. Go figure.)

9 & 30—Cairo Time (This is what you might do while waiting for your spouse in Cairo)

13 & 23—Soul Kitchen (This is what happens when you leave your brother in charge of the restaurant while you chase your girlfriend to

China)

16 & 20—Women Without Men (While the CIA is engineering a coup in 1953 Iran, four women meet in an orchard)

Opera:

5—Romeo and Juliet (Gounod)

12  19—Falstaff (Verdi)

For more information and/or reservations, call the box office at 736-1500, or go online at: www.athenstheatre.org

__________________________________

At Stetson

1-3—Juried student art exhibition, 11-4
2-4—Holiday Open House—Gillespie Museum Shop, 10-2
17—Guitar Recital—Community School of the Arts, 7 pm.
_______________________________

Events at The Sanborn

M—

Senior Tennis Clinic-8:15,

Shuffleboard- 1:30,

Monday Dance 2-4,

Square Dance-6

T—

Chorus Practice-2:30,

Pinochle- 6:30,

Ballroom Dance Lessons-6:30

W—

Tai-Chi-8:30,

It’s All About Art-9:45,

Charley Baker Bridge-12,

Chess Club-12,

Mexican Train-12:45,

Pinochle-6:30

T—

Quilters-8:30,

Canasta-11,

Ballroom Dance Lessons-2:30

F—

West Volusia Artists-9,

Shuffleboard Open Play-1:30

(For more details on any of these activities,

check out www.deland.org and click on the

Senior Services Calendar, or call 740-6860)

_____________________________________

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HABITS FOR A LONGER LIFE

BALANCE

Genes are important, but how well you live is more likely to determine how long you live. For instance: If you want to reduce your risk of stroke by 50% do the following four things

1. Physical activity 30 minutes each day 
2. Five servings of vegetables or fruit each day 
3. Quit smoking 
4. Avoid excess alcohol

You are more likely to live a long life if your parents did. Of course they may have lived longer if they followed the 4 steps above or, fortunately, escaped one of the major diseases that shorten life.

TEN MAJOR STEPS TO A LONGER LIFE

   1. Take care of your teeth and floss every day
   2. Exercise in some form every day
   3. Stay connected to family and friends
   4. Develop good habits and stick to them
   5. Eat whole foods and not processed foods, for best nutrition
   6. Add fiber to your diet
   7. Cultivate a good attitude and don’t be a diva (Drama Queen)
   8. Find a system of spirituality that you can believe in
   9. Get plenty of rest
  10. Don’t retire

HIGH FIBER DIET

Recent study shows that gum-disease and bacteria from an unattended mouth can flush harmful bacteria into your bloodstream. My dentist tells me that this can lead to heart problems and poor circulation in the arteries due to inflammation. Bad dental health can also lead to bad breath and tooth loss. Don’t take chances with your heart ... you can prevent inflammation by flossing twice a day.

EXERCISE

Walking, lifting weights, treadmilling, stretching, Pilates, and other forms of exercise will raise your immune level and lower your cholesterol. Cardio exercise can strengthen your heart and tone your skin. For a really good complexion drink plenty of water and get daily movement (excercise) outdoors in fresh air and sunshine. Should I say you need to consult with a health professional before starting an exercise program? From Yoga to resistance training the benefits are unbelievable. Start small and gradually build up your strength. Watch your weight. Childhood obesity can lead to adult diabetes and heart disease.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Stay connected with family and friends. This does not mean join Twitter or Facebook. Regular, real, social interaction has many benefits.Friends and family can form an invisible chain around you to support you when you need it most. Perhaps the loss of a loved one or family members leaves you with episodes of grief. Your friends will be near to give you comfort and advice.

Being a free spirit may serve you when you are young and eager to try new things, but as you age your will have learned almost every tried and true way to do something that is just right for you. Bedtime is 10 pm, wake-up is daylight, walk the dog at 9am, lunch is a light salad at noon and so on. You might play bridge every Wednesday or go to the comedy club on Thursday night. Don’t forget your trips to the gym or fitness club and of course those frequent beauty salon treatments are a sure pleasure. Be good to yourself.
 

GOOD FOOD

Guess I must be psychic - because I haven’t eaten processed foods for 40 years or more. I am not a fruit eater, but love every vegetable - except hominy. Certain nutrients are best consumed from eating fresh, clean, fruits and vegetables and just a small amount of lean meat. Think of anti-oxidants, flavonoids, vitamin C, selenium, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Study what foods are best, or consult a dietitian for the best meal choices for you. While you are at it, avoid: caffeine, nicotine, fats, oils, bleached flour, sugar, salt, starches and artificially sweetened drinks in excess.Some of the best foods are: blueberries, cranberries, green tea, salmon, cantaloupe, raspberries, oranges, brocolli, strawberries, tomatoes, whole grain bread and cereal, nuts, beans and lentils.

High fiber foods are extremely helpful in preventing diabetes and colon cancer. Eating a high-fiber breakfast will give you energy all day and stable blood sugar levels. Diabetes speeds the aging process.

HAPPINESS

A type”A” personality who is constantly looking for a problem to solve, or a neurotic personality who over-analyzes every situation and has a negative outlook, could age faster than a positive person. Being in charge of your responses to life’s stresses makes you stronger and steels your physiology against the heavy toll taken by stress. Develop a good attitude, control your anger and resentment. My aunt once had a huge growth on her nose. It was swollen and red and big as a pencil eraser. She tried to heal it with positive energy and eventually it went away. I asked her what the evil looking bump was, and she replied with one word, “Resentment!” Meditation and positive affirmations are very effective in building a confident and positive demeanor.

Here you are on the threshold of the most fulfilling season of our life and you are able to share it with others through your faith in a system of beliefs that serves us all in every need. Mother didn’t take you to Sunday school and church for punishment. She knew that you there would be times when you would need faith and guidance to get through some of life’s best and worst times. It is natural for the human mind to wonder about the mysteries of the universe. So many questions cannot be answered, that we need faith in an unseen benevolent force to get through the jungle of troubles. We need to be able to see with our hearts the peace and joy of a spiritual life. We need to believe that others see it too - and that the more we try to know this peace - the closer we come to joy. Whatever religion or premise you believe will give you comfort and support as you age. Most older folks develop a glow of spirituality about them. Proof that it is there if we just accept it. Remember you are a spiritual being, perfect and eternal nestled in the hands of God.

“To sleep, perchance to dream ...” Shakespeare knew that creative energy was renewed and replenished through sleep. Many of history’s greatest inventions and ideas were the result of dreams. Dreams are the seeds of all creation. Healing and renewal take place during sleep. It is theorized that without sleep, we would all go mad. I know that when I dream I am 21 years old and have no physical infirmities. Sleeping is good for you on the cellular (maybe atomic) level. Your brain works to maintain your autonomic functions while stress synapses are relaxed and creative ideas flow. Different amounts of sleep are required for each individual, but six hours is the minimum you should aim for. It is apparent to me that I need at least eight hours of sleep and if I sleep too long I feel logy.

SPIRITUALITY

People with sleep problems should work them out with professional help if necessary. Here are some good sleeping tips. Relax and stay away from stimulation before going to bed. Wear comfortable clothing to sleep in. Read or meditate to decompress before going to sleep. Avoid heavy meals after 6 pm and don’t eat foods high in sugar before bedtime. Keep fresh water near your bed for night-time re-hydration. Go to bed and arise at the same time every day.

If you have lucid dreams or vivid dreams keep a journal by your bed and write down the dreams immediately. A dream journal is a road to discovery.

Most of these tips just make good common sense. Something that mature adults have lots of. Of course we already know all of this, but we like to be reminded.

MY OWN SPECIAL LIST

PETS

I can't close without mentioning four of the most healthful things I have learned to practice. First of all, I love animals and find soothing comfort and companionship in my cats, dogs and birds. I like to surround myself with my best friends in the animal kingdom because Pets can lower and stabilize your blood pressure, give a feeling of euphoria, and serve as a confidant when needed to express concerns about life.

After all is said and done; human experience requires exposure to Beauty. Beauty we can see, feel and hear is all around us. Beauty stimulates the emotions in us that urge us to believe in ourselves. One of my favorite secret delights is looking for small pebbles, or trinkets in a thrift shop, discarded tree bark, shards of glass, or frayed satin ribbons -- all items that radiate a special beauty that tells me that life is certainly a trip that I enjoy.

BEAUTY AND NATURE

On a clear starry night you can stand in a field and listen to a million tiny sounds that were silent during the day. Immerse yourself if this beauty of life all around you.

Forgiving is a like a warm shower. Forgiveness washes away negative emotions. Forgiveness flushes your being with love for life and others. Forgiveness opens the doorway to all the blessings that are flowing into your life. Forgiveness is like touching the hand of God. It is power and glory. It is your ticket to bliss. Forgive yourself and others, experiences, circumstances, losses, and fears. All problems pale in the presence of forgiving.

LAUGHTER

When I was a child I learned to laugh at myself. Laughing seems to suspend problems and keep them away from hurting us. Maturity has erased my insecurities about my self-image, but I still express the power of laughter. Look for the funny side of life, draw the comedy and irony out of every situation to serve you. Don't take life's speed bumps so seriously. Learn to laugh and cry out loud and get lost in a fit of laughter that brings tears to your eyes and joy to your heart.

Learn to love life!

X-RAY CELEBRATES 116TH ANNIVERSARY

BIRD IN FLIGHT X-RAY

TELESCOPIC X-RAY OF THE MOON

HUMAN SKULL X-RAY

HUMAN FULL BODY AIRPORT SCAN

HOMER SIMPSON X-RAY

Accidentally discovered by German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895 during an experiment with cathode rays, an X-Ray (or X-radiation) is a form of electromagnetic radiation generated inside a high-voltage vacuum tube. Electrons from a cathode ray reach a velocity and collide, creating an electric current which made it possible to see through objects, even people, for the first time. Just a week after his accidental discovery, Roentgen took the first X-Ray photo of his wife’s hand – wedding ring, bones and all.

As with many of mankind’s monumental discoveries, X-ray technology was invented completely by accident. In 1895, a German physicist named Wilhelm Roentgen made the discovery while experimenting with electron beams in a gas discharge tube. Roentgen noticed that a fluorescent screen in his lab started to glow when the electron beam was turned on. This response in itself wasn’t so surprising -- fluorescent material normally glows in reaction to electromagnetic radiation -- but Roentgen’s tube was surrounded by heavy black cardboard. Roentgen assumed this would have blocked most of the radiation.

Roentgen placed various objects between the tube and the screen, and the screen still glowed. Finally, he put his hand in front of the tube, and saw the silhouette of his bones projected onto the fluorescent screen. Immediately after discovering X-rays themselves, he had discovered their most beneficial application.

Roentgen’s remarkable discovery precipitated one of the most important medical advancements in human history. X-ray technology lets doctors see straight through human tissue to examine broken bones, cavities and swallowed objects with extraordinary ease. Modified X-ray procedures can be used to examine softer tissue, such as the lungs, blood vessels or the intestines.

In this article, we’ll find out exactly how X-rays machines pull off this incredible trick. As it turns out, the basic process is really very simple.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE

Hi All,

I belong to an organization that benefits the Volusia County Second Harvest Food Bank. As the holidays approach, we're making a huge effort to ensure that there's food on the shelves in the bank for those who need it. Below are two ways to donate, if you'd like to do so:

1) Now - Dec. 3, Yams & Hams Drive: Drop off canned yams and/or hams at Felton Construction (302 S. Woodland Blvd) between 8-5, Mon-Fri.

2) If you plan to go to the fair:

    Date:  Monday, November 8
    Gates Open: 4pm

Two cans of food gets you half-price gate admission (that night only)
It is also the $12 ride bracelet night.

I know you're getting asked for donations from a zillion groups, right now. But, I'll bet all of us have  cans of food in our pantry that we won't miss.

Thanks a bunch,
Dorothy Dansberger

DeLand Senior Stuff Vol. III, Issue 9 November 2010

National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Every November the nation turns its attention to the disease which has no known causes and which has no cure:

Alzheimer’s.

Over 18 million people, 5.3 million Americans, are suffering from it. The nation’s sixth leading cause of death, 25,000 people die from it each year. Every 67 seconds a new case emerges. For every person with AD there is often at least one other person who directly cares for the individual and a host of healthcare and social workers, advocates, volunteers, and support workers in the background.

With so many people directly or indirectly involved with AD, it is good that a time of the year is set aside to
promote awareness. This issue of Stuff is dedicated to thosewho have Alzheimer’s and to those who strive to make the lives of people with it better. We urge everyone to read the essay in the next column. It captures the essence of National Alzheimer’s Month better than anything we could create for this issue. It provides a discussion of our status and, more importantly, it provides direction as to where we must focus our attention.

links: alz.org, pal-item.com, newmemoryhelp.com, alzresourcecenter.com, fosterfollynews.com, www.whitehouse.gov

The Single Greatest Threat to the Health Of America!

From The New York Times, October 27, 2010.
Written by SandraDay O’Connor, Stanley Prusiner and Ken Dychtwald

Alzheimer’s disease is an illness that is 100 percent incurable and 100 percent fatal. It attacks rich and poor, white-collar and blue, and women and men. A degenerative disease, it steadily robs its victims of memory, judgment and dignity, leaves them unable to care for themselves and destroys their brain and their identity — often depleting their caregivers and families both emotionally and financially.

Starting on Jan. 1, our 79-million-strong baby boom generation will be turning 65 at the rate of one every eight seconds. That means more than 10,000 people per day, or more than four million per year, for the next 19 years are facing an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that 13.5 million Americans will be stricken with Alzheimer’s by 2050 — up from five million today.

Just as President John F. Kennedy, in 1961, dedicated the United States to landing a man on the moon by the end of the decade.

We must now set a goal of stopping Alzheimer’s by 2020.

We must deploy sufficient resources, scientific talent and problem-solving technologies to save our collective future.

As things stand today, for each penny the National Institutes of Health spends on Alzheimer’s research, we spend more than $3.50 on caring for people with the condition. This explains why the financial cost of not conducting adequate research is so high.

The United States spends $172 billion a year to care for people with Alzheimer’s.

By 2020 the cumulative price tag, in current dollars, will be $2 trillion, and by 2050, $20 trillion. If we could simply postpone the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by five years, a large share of nursing home beds in the United States would empty. And­— if we could eliminate it, as Jonas Salk wiped out polio with his vaccine, we would greatly expand the potential of all Americans to live long, healthy and productive lives — and save trillions of dollars doing it.

Experience has taught us that we cannot avoid Alzheimer’s disease by having regular medical checkups, by being involved in nourishing relationships or by going to the gym or filling in crossword puzzles. What’s needed are new medicines that attack the causes of the disease directly. So far, none actually slows the underlying neurodegeneration.

Most of the medical researchers who study Alzheimer’s agree on what they have to understand in order to create effective drugs: They must find out how the aberrant proteins associated with the disease develop in the brain. They need to model the progression of the illness so they can pinpoint drug targets. And ultimately they must learn how to get drugs to move safely from the blood into the brain.
A breakthrough is possible by 2020!

Leading Alzheimer’s scientists agree, with a well-designed and adequately financed national strategic plan. Congress has before it, legislation that would raise the annual federal investment in Alzheimer’s research to $2 billion, and require that the president designate an official whose sole job would be to develop and execute a strategy against Alzheimer’s.

If lawmakers could pass this legislation in their coming lame-duck session, they would take a serious first step toward meeting the 2020 goal. Medical science has the capacity to relegate Alzheimer’s to the list of former diseases like typhoid, polio and many childhood cancers.

But unless we get to work now, any breakthrough will come too late to benefit the baby boomers. Whether the aging of America turns out to be a triumph or a tragedy will depend on our ability to fight this horrific disease and beat it before it beats us.

Your Health
10 Signs of Alzheimer’s

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see your doctor.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty in completing tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

MainStreet DeLand Presents
November 13th Veteran’s Day Parade – 11 am
November 20-21 Deland Fall festival of the Arts
(200 national artists sell their work in downtown DeLand – nice!!)
www.delandfallfestival.com      http://fallfestivalofthearts.blogspot.com

Come join us for a 

Pre-Veteran's Day Remembrance Luncheon 

to honor all our local veterans and their families. Veterans, come and bring your family and share your military experiences and stories. Complementary Light Lunch and Refreshments will be served.
RSVP TO JENNIFER WILDER (386-740-6860
BY TUESDAY, NOV. 2ND (TOMORROW!)

From the Volunteer Office
Interested in volunteering? Call Pat at 736- 5016, visit her at the Sanborn Center or email her at: www.volunteers@deland.org
Your City Needs You!
______________________________

 At The Athens

Live:

4,5,6,7, 12,13, 14—Sweeney Todd (The mad barber runs into Sondheim)
17—Stetson University Jazz Ensemble (Always phenomenal!)
20-21—Area School Dance and Music (Lotsof different performances all day long during the Arts Festival)
22—Novelist Jonathan Franzen, (The Corrections), Lecture

Film:
1 & 11—White Ribbon
4 & 8—Genius Within
14 & 27—Last Train Home
18—Jean-Luc-Godard’s, Breathless (not to be missed)

Opera and Ballet:
7 & 14—Tchaikovsky’s, Queen of Spades
27—The Nutcracker
28—Gounod’s, Romeo and Juliet
For more information regarding these events, call the Box Office: 736-7456 or go online at:
www.athenstheatre.org/Calendar.html

Music at Stetson
2—Percussion Chamber
5—Chamber Orchestra
13—Southern Winds

14—University Symphonic Band (4pm)
17—Jazz ensemble (Athens Theatre)
19—Symphonic Orchestra
20—Youth Strings Recital (3pm)
20—Stetson Women Chorale and Men
21—Brass Ensembles (3pm)
Unless noted, events are at Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall, at 7:30 pm (822-8950)

Theatre at Stetson
11-13—Student-Directed One Act Plays
14—Student-Directed One-Act Plays (3pm)
Performances are at the Stove Theatre, (822-7526), 8 pm
____________________________________________
Events at The Sanborn

M- Shuffleboard-1:30, Monday Dance,
Square Dance-6:00
T- W V Chorus Practice-2:30, Pinochle-
6:30, Ballroom Dance Lessons-6:30
W-Tai-Chi-8:30, It’s All About Art-9:45,
Charley Baker Bridge-12, Chess Club-12
Scrabble-12. Mexican Train-12:45,
T-Quilters-8:30, Canasta-11, Ballroom
Dance Lessons-2:30
F-West Volusia Artists-9, Shuffleboard
Open Play-1:30

The City of DeLand Senior Council is responsible for producing this four-piece thing on a monthly basis. Council members include:
Deborah Tolan, Chair 

Virginia Comella
Vivien Powis, Vice Chair 

George Sherman
Jack Allen 

Nan Smith
Ron Burgher 

Jennifer Wilder
ex officio members:
Maria Becker
Michael Pleus

O30

PARKINSON DISEASE ANNOUNCEMENT

Contributed by Marie Becker of City of DeLand

We are thrilled to be able to announce the launch of our new Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).  We have been answering questions about Parkinson’s disease (PD) on the web and through our switchboard for years.  Now we’re offering that same quality better and faster.

Our new Helpline is staffed by a group of dedicated, highly-trained specialists, including social workers and nurses, with Spanish-language capabilities. They stand ready to answer your calls! Our Helpline specialists can draw on the latest research and practice guidelines to help answer your questions and also can identify doctors, therapists and patient groups in your area to help you to get the support and care you need and to get engaged to help fight Parkinson’s disease.

We welcome calls from anyone affected by Parkinson’s disease: people with PD, their families, friends and health care professionals.  Our team has helped callers to speak confidently about symptoms to doctors, understand the effects of PD, and to talk about important or sensitive decisions.  If we can’t answer your question, we know who can and we will direct you to the right place.

Call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or e-mail us today! We are here to help so that you don’t have to face Parkinson’s disease alone.

Please be aware that while we are happy to discuss any issue with you, calling our Helpline is not a substitute for going to a doctor.  When making a medical decision, always consult a physician.  We stand ready to discuss general issues related to PD and possible places to go to get care or support, but we can’t diagnose or treat PD over the phone.  When we offer names of people in your area, that does not specifically constitute an endorsement of them or the services they offer.  NPF does certify certain centers, has affiliated chapters, and offers training to providers, and the Helpline specialist can help you find one of these if you request it.

The Helpline is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information, visit: www.parkinson.org/helpline.

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DeLand Senior Stuff October 2010

National Residents’ Rights Week October 3-9

Residents’ Rights

When individuals enter a long-term care facility, they gain a special set of rights in addition to those they maintain as citizens. This special set of rights is called “Residents’ Rights.”
Below are a few highlights of the rights of people in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

In assisted living facilities, they have the right to:
—Live in a safe and decent living environment, free from abuse and neglect
—Retain and use his/her own clothes and other personal property
—Share a room with a spouse if both are residents of facility
—Reasonable opportunities to exercise and go outdoors at regular and frequent intervals
—45-day notice prior to relocation or termination of residence

In nursing homes, people have the right to:
—Civil and religious liberties
—Private and uncensored communication
—Manage his/her own financial affairs -Refuse medication and treatment and know the consequences
—Be treated courteously, fairly and with fullest measure of dignity

To see the full list of Residents Rights, please visit
http://ombudsman.myflorida.com/ResidentsRights.php

One-Week Celebration October 3 – 9
For the second year in a row, the United States, Florida, and the City of DeLand will celebrate the observance of Residents’ Rights Week, October 3-9.

The week is designated each year to highlight all residents living in long-term-care settings. It is time to reflect on the importance of the Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987 that promises quality of life and care rights for each resident.

Residents’ Rights Week provides us the opportunity to pay tribute to residents as well as support ombudsmen, citizen advocates, facility staff and family members who work to promote and support residents’ rights. 

Your city of DeLand Senior Council has as its primary objective, the improvement of the quality of life for the seniors in our community. As a result, we have urged our Mayor to offer a formal “Proclamation” recognizing Residents’ Rights Week. Mayor Apgar will, we believe, issue that proclamation Tuesday night.

Defining Dining…It’s About Me

The theme for National Residents’ Rights Week this year — Defining Dining…It’s About Me— reminds us that long-term care residents deserve the same high quality dining experience to which the rest of us have access. Residents should be given choices as to what foods they eat. It should be tasty, well prepared, varied, and visually appealing. Moreover, they should have flexible meal times. If a resident has been sleeping during the day and wants a meal at night, she should have it delivered. Snacks should be readily available.

Dining is an integral, systemic function of our lives. It is a resident right. It is just one of many rights that a resident has that must be honored. To the extent we can, we must insist these rights be granted.

Senior Journal News You Can Use

Some articles in http://seniorjournal.com of significance to seniors appear below:

• National Broadcast of U.S. Elder Abuse Film Set for International Day of Older Persons 9/28/2010
   
• Friends, Family Detect Early Alzheimer’s Disease Signs Better Than Traditional Tests 9/27/2010
   
• Affordable Care Act Grants to Help Seniors, Caregivers Meet Health, Long-Term Care Needs 9/27/2010
   
• Medicare Patients Falling Into Donut Hole in 2011 Will Get 50 Percent Off Brand Name Drugs 9/23/2010
   
• Medicare Advantage Rates to Dip 1% in 2011 9/22/2010
   
• Flu Shot Lowers Risk of Heart Attack 9/20/2010

Long Term Care Housing?
Making a long term care housing decision? Go to: www.snapforseniors.com. Outstanding!

Need Help Selecting a Nursing Home?
 We offer two suggestions when selecting a nursing home. Outstanding.!

First — go to www.medicare.gov/NHCompare You will find a listing of several nursing homes in the DeLand area, each rated and compared on a variety of factors. Very helpful.

Second — check out Ombudsman Outlook, the official newsletter of the Florida Long-term-Care Ombudsman Program. Every quarter, they publish a list of facilities that have the highest number of complaints being investigated. The Fall issue lists 15 facilities having between 12 and 24 complaints (including rough details). 

No facility in DeLand made the list during this quarter. http://ombudsman.myflorida.com

Each year, about 90% of nursing homes were cited for violations for federal health and safety standards. Moreover, 15% of the homes had deficiencies that caused “actual harm and immediate jeopardy” to residents. Clearly, checking these places out before checking in is a no brainer.

More October Stuff

It’s Autumn: Fill Your Cup
by Inez Bracy

Autumn is the perfect season to fill your cup by reflecting on your relationship with yourself.
There is no season more suitable to cozy up and give thanks and show your appreciation than this golden season. Before this season ends, be sure to take a day or a few moments to add spice to your life.

• Take a walk in the woods.
• Drink champagne or wine under a tree in a secluded area. Reminisce about the past and resolve to live in the moment and create the future you desire.
• Sit on your porch, with a good book and a glass of wine you’ve been saving for this perfect time.
• Take a bike trip along the mountains and watch the overlooking view of the beautiful colors of autumn.
• Take the time to enjoy the colors of the sunset and the autumn because they blend well together.
• Go to your porch, turn on some slow ballads and dance as if no one is watching.
• Go to county fairs and festivals. Drink some cinnamon apple cider as you wander from booth to booth.

The more you take time for yourself, the more you will enjoy the season. Preparing now empowers you and gives you the strength to get past little annoyances and enjoy the upcoming season fully.

Taking care of yourself fills your cup so that when you are in the holiday season, you’re giving from a full cup. Giving from a full cup helps you give joyfully and fully. Having a full cup supports you in staying connected with yourself and your intentions.

Inez Bracy, BS, MS, CNLP, CGC
Lifestyle Transitions Coach, Speaker, Author www.InezBracy.com Living Smart & Well Radio Show, Tuesdays, 7 pm http://livingsmartandwell.com

Volunteer!
 

Volunteering is the surest thing in this issue that extends life. Call Pat: 736-5016. Or e-mail her at: volunteers@deland.org Today!

Meetings
(Have a meeting? Email us the details.)
Alzheimer Support Group meets October
4th at 2 pm and October 19th at 6:30 pm at Woodland Towers. 738-2700.

The regular meeting of the Rotary Club of DeLand will be held each Thursday at 12 noon at the DeLand Conference Center 310 E. International Bl vd. DeLand, FL To attend or join phone president, Al Bouie at 386-717-5590

Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc. annual fundraiser, Red White and Blue Gala will be held Oct. 2 at the Daytona 500 Experience in the Winner's Circle at Daytona Speedway. You may donate all year. If you missed the Gala, please go to their web site. www.childrenscancerfoundationinc.org 

The super monthly book sale at the Library will be held October 8  and 9. Buy ‘em buy the sack. Honest!

Regular Events at the Sanborn
M—
Shuffleboard 1:30 PM
Monday Dance 2 PM
Square Dance 6 PM
T—
Chorus Practice 2:30 PM
Pinochle 6:30 PM
Ballroom Dance Lessons 6:30 PM
W—
Tai-Chi 8:30 AM
It’s All About Art 9:45 PM
Bridge-12 noon
Chess Club 12 noon
Scrabble 12 noon
Mexican Train 12:45 PM
T— Quilters-8:30
Canasta 11 AM
Ballroom Dance Lessons 2:30 PM
F— West Volusia Artists 9 AM
Shuffleboard Open Play 1:30 PM

Almost Enough Stuff!

October Calendar

13—Nora’s Will (sometimes the best love stories are hidden in the strangest places— like under the bed)
23—Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (award-winning documentary of the great artist)
30—Phantom of the Opera, (Theater Organist, Ron Carter Joins Lon Chaney (spiritually) in a performance of this film classic)

Opera
10 & 28—L’Orfeo (Monteverdi)
17 & 31—Tosca (Puccini) (war, rape, and murder may be too vulgar for the Romans, but we love it)
Call the box office at 736-1500, W-F noon-4, or night of performance, or go online at: www.athenstheatre.org  

At Stetson

Music
6—Jazz Ensemble
8—University Opera (at The Athens)
12—Organ Musicale,
19—Chamber Music
22—University Symphonic Band
24—Wind Ensembles
26—Guitar Ensembles
29-31—Schumann Festival (Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music, Faculty and Guest Recitals

Lectures
8—The Literate Brain
18—Death Penalty in America
19—Sexual Exploitation of Women and Girls
20—A Media Ecologist’s Perspective on the News-sphere, 28—TheLucifer Effect: How Good People Turn Evil (Check local papers for details)

At The Athens
Live entertainment:
3—Amazing Illusions, magic show
8—Stetson Opera Theater Opera Gala
15 & 16—Tony Stevens, Slow Ride: Foghat Classics and Wailing Blues
16—The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Hey, it’s a legend! See it with a kid!)
23—Fab Follies: Sentimental Journey (A dancing, high kicking, smiling, singing group of seniors perform like you won’t believe) 29, 30, & 31

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Sondheim’s musical thriller (A Sands Theater Production)
A Bloody good show, for sure!

Film
1 & 22—Monty Python-Life of Brian (the operational definition of a “hoot”)
2 & 27—I Am Love (Saw this one last month; it’s a gem!)
2 & 14—Orlando (Queen Elizabeth I commands Orlando to stay young forever; he does—through the end of the 20th century!)

The City of DeLand Senior Council is responsible for producing this phenomenal document on a monthly basis. Council members include:
Deborah Tolan, Chair
Virginia Comella
Vivien Powis, Vice Chair
George Sherman
Jack Allen
Nan Smith
Ron Burgher
Jennifer Wilder
ex officio members:
Maria Becker
Michael Pleus
Pat Caccavale

Enuff Stuff! If you have questions call Ron.

CREDIT CARD AND ID THEFT PREVENTION

 CRIME UPDATE  DeLand Police Department Monday 09/27/10 10:26 AM On Friday, 09/24, a resident in the 600 Block of W. May called the Police Dept to a report a suspicious incident Involving a male subject. The resident reported that that unknown white male, no other physical description, attempted to open the front door of her residence. When confronted by the resident and her husband the subject made an excuse that he was there to see about cutting the grass. The subject ran to a 80’s white sedan and fled from the scene with a white male driving.

Please be alert to such a ploy in your area. Typical Burglary operation is for the suspect to knock on the door to see if anyone is home. If no answer the front door will be forced open or entry is made by a rear sliding glass door or master bedroom window. If you are home and a situation like this occurs, do not open your door, but tell them that you are not interested and then call the Police Department at (386) 734-1711. By communicating to the subjects at your door it alerts them that someone is home and they are being watched.

DeLand Police Department Monday 09/27/10 10:26 AM

13.3 IDENTITIES ARE STOLEN EVERY MINUTE 

No one is safe from credit card theft but seniors are especially vulnerable because of the trust they place in established traditions and procedures. Seniors are also less likely to report crimes because they are either embarrassed, coerced or bullied into submission by criminal elements. They are targets for roofers, handymen, insurance sales, home care providers and anyone who can get close to them to steal their retirement. (Read the police report above.)

My personal advice to seniors (and I am one) is to keep close to your relatives and friends. Ask advice at the slightest suspicion of an irregularity in dealing with service providers. Make sure several trusted friends have your back and will check on you frequently if you live alone. Most senior living is safe and happy, but criminal elements can be very disruptive if allowed to get into your home or your personal information.  Be Smart! Stay active and alert, participate in group activities and phone-a-friend once a day.

In a recent appearance at the Rotary Club of DeLand (noon) Randell Brown, CPM, Consumer Outreach Coordinator for the Central Florida Region, Division of Consumer Services revealed the seriousness of Identity/Credit Card Theft. Here are some of the important steps you can take to protect yourself.

You may feel secure with the use of credit and debit cards because of the convenience and ease of use. Like, me you are relaxed about using your cards and you are feeling confident that credit card theft won’t happen to you.

Watch your wallet!

Thirty-three percent of credit card and identity information is stolen from a lost wallet. Keep vital information out of your wallet. Another 30% is harvested from careless use of your cards at ATMs and gas stations. Mr. Brown recommends using your credit cards for payments and not your debit cards. If thieves get your debit card information they have access to your bank accounts.

The truth is that credit card theft is so prevalent that the government has established a clearing house for credit card theft and another for identity theft.

Your best course of action is to begin today to practice defensive credit card use in order to protect yourself. Begin by monitoring your bank statement for unauthorized charges. Fortunately my husband does this on a regular basis and 6 months ago he noticed I had a $20 breakfast in Idaho. Since I live in Florida and have not traveled in ten years, this was a real red flag. Then, when he saw I had visited an outlet mall on the way to Idaho he really went ballistic. He realized instantly that I was the victim of credit card theft.

Do not save your Social Security information in your cell phone. Don’t keep this information in your wallet, and don’t have it printed on your checks. When filling out forms that ask for SS get a clear understanding of who has access to the information.

Buying on the internet is so much fun. When you see a real bargain it is natural to order it by credit card. Check the address of the site with the merchandise and be sure it is a https:// address. The S in this address indicates it is a secure site.

When traveling or on vacation, remember to monitor your credit card reports. Call your bank before you leave on a trip and let them know you will be using your card while you are away. Your personal buying habits are monitored by several different companies and your bank has a good idea of where you make most of your purchases. They use this pattern of information to help protect you from misuse. Last year I made one purchase out of my usual pattern. I ordered a software program from a company in the United Kingdom. My card company called me to confirm that I made the purchase before they processed the payment.

Report theft of your credit card to police immediately. Be smart and call the identity theft clearing house if you have any suspicions. The number is 1-877-IDTHEFT.

Use free credit card reports. Write down this number for the credit card reports and keep it on your refrigerator under a magnet —1-877-322-8228.

Be careful when using an ATM machine. Be aware of what the slider feels like when you use an ATM. If you detect a slight change in the “feel” report it immediately. This is called “card skimming.” Look around to be sure no-one is watching you punch your PIN or spying on your card number. Ooops! Don’t forget to look overhead for a mirror or reflective device. That makes it so easy for thieves to collect your information.

Cross-shred all papers with personal information before discarding. Again, cross-shred all papers with personal information.

Patronize restaurants you are familiar with and don’t allow the server to leave with your card. Clever thieves know how to get your card number while it is out of your sight. This is how I believe my information was stolen.

Retail store registers can be programed with data phishing devices too. Keep your eye on your card. Actually a person in the parking lot or another location can be using an electronic device to collect card information from customers during business hours.

Never raise the flag on your mailbox when you have outgoing mail. Credit card thieves only need to drive up and empty your box. Wait for the mailperson to appear and then run out and hand over your outgoing mail. If you are sending out checks mail them from your post office.

When you receive email from an unknown address delete it immediately. Don’t open it to read no matter what the enticement is. Those emails that say they are from refugees in Uganda, or that you can share the $500 M lotto prize in Morocco are introductions to a world of trouble. Never, never put any real money in an offer to share a lotto. You will always lose!

Popups are annoying on your computer ­— but they are also dangerous. Set your browser to prevent popups and when they occur don’t click on the X to close them. Look for a “close” button and click that, or go to the top of your browser and select the tab and close it or “file — close”.

By now you are a very clever person who know how to protect yourself from larceny, but you’re not done yet!

Emails can be cleverly disguised to mimic your official bank stationary or search engines such as Google or Yahoo. If you have not requested information from, or subscribed to, a newsletter from any familiar company don’t read the email, delete it and place the address on your spam filter if you can.

Randell Brown represents the Florida Department of Financial Services. They have an office at 210 N. Palmetto Avenue Suite 210 Daytona Beach, 3114. You can mail them at 200 E. Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Phone them at 1-386-323-0914, Fax 1-386-226-7883. Email Mr. Brown at randell.brown@myfloridacfo.com or go to the website at www.myfloridacfo.com 

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Here is some supporting information gathered from www.webopedia.com for your enlightenment.

For more information about phishing Google the word on your browser or go to — www.webopedia.com/terms. You may also want to read on that website about “twishing” and additional information on protecting yourself from Identity Theft.