Area Bloggers
Age Spots - The Blue Side of the Holidays by Jackie Dover
November 07th 2017 by Dee Loflin
The Blue Side of the Holidays
I want to offer a warning at the beginning that this is not my normal upbeat article. This is something I wanted to write last year, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. It was too hard and hurt too much.
I love the Holidays. I love the music, the family and friend gatherings, the decorations even the shopping! But last year was different for me. Last year my niece passed away and it was the first holidays without her. There were times then and still are, when I am doing routine daily things and a wave of grief and pain washes over me. It hurts so much and feels like a punch in the gut. I have at times even looked around to see if something this painful had knocked the breath out of those around me. I’m always surprised when they seem unaffected.
Most people want to comfort and offer support, but they don’t know how to and dealing with grief during the holidays is extra hard. The holidays are the time we spend with families and friends. When there is an empty seat at the table, we all feel it. It doesn’t go away even when we are having fun or doing those traditional things we do each year. That’s when we notice the absence the most.
So what do you do if you are grieving during the holidays? It is ok to take a step back from all of the celebrating. Scheduling quiet time if you need it or stepping away if you feel overwhelmed by your surroundings is normal. If you get comfort from doing all the traditional celebrating, then do that. Everyone grieves in their own way and you are completely normal. You get to choose how much or how little you do. My boys all find comfort in talking about and sharing stories about those we have lost. Sharing funny stories and being able to laugh or cry or just remind ourselves that we are all missing her helps them work through some of their hardest times. Do whatever you are comfortable with. Try a new tradition if the old ones bring you more sadness than joy, only you know what you can handle. Listen to yourself.
Loss and grief are not the only things that steal the joy out of the season. Many people suffer from depression during the holidays. Sometimes it is a long term ongoing battle. Sometimes it is triggered by financial strains, loneliness or the cold dark days of winter. Whatever the reason, the holidays can be difficult for many. Just know, you are not alone, many people struggle. There are no magic words that will make things better, but experts do say there are things you can try. Volunteering at a senior center or other location will give you a chance to interact with others and have a purpose. Plan a manageable celebration if you enjoy being the host. If you need help ask for it. Talk to your doctor if this is something you just can’t “shake”. Trust me nothing you tell them will shock them, they have heard it all before. Put yourself first, plan time to do what you want to do in all the hustle and bustle of the season.
As we approach the holiday season people say it will be easier this year, it isn’t the first without her. I’m not sure if I truly believe that, but I do know that last year showed me I can make it through. I can even find some joy in the holidays, and that has to be good enough. So this holiday season, be extra kind. Smile at the cashier and be polite to the other shoppers. Be understanding of the mother or father struggling with the crying child. Take the time to check on a neighbor or friend who has suffered a loss or who may be alone. Kindness and love are welcome at any season.
Happy Holidays to you all.
Contact Jackie Dover at Aging Matters for more information, 1-800-392-8771 or jdover@agingmatters2u.com
Last Updated on November 07th 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v91e/Age-Spots--The-Blue-Side-of-the-Holidays-by-Jackie-Dover
What is 4-H? Written by Stephanie Miller
October 17th 2017 by Dee Loflin
What is 4-H?
Stephanie Milner, 4-H Youth Development Specialist
When I tell people what I do for a living I usually get one of two questions: “What is 4-H and what do you do?” or “I grew up in 4-H…is it still the same?” These are both difficult questions to answer and you may think why? It should be easy to describe your job and the program. I will tell you why this is difficult for me and others I work with in the 4-H program.
First, when people ask what I do it is hard to answer because it is a large range of things on a daily basis and each day changes. I usually start with informing others about the 4-H program. Youth members ages 5-18 can join the program and learn life skills needed all while having fun. In Stoddard County we have several clubs in the area to choose from and youth and families can be as much or as little as they would like to be involved. 4-H has over 40 projects to choose from and our youth do a lot of community service to help others in their area. I inform others that my job is to grow the program and promote positive youth development, which can be done in the clubs or in programs throughout the community such as school enrichment. All of this sometimes is so broad that people still do not grasp what the program does.
When I hear people have been in the 4-H program and they ask if it has changed it is hard to answer because the answer is both yes and no. 4-H still stands for head, heart, hands and health which are the four values of our volunteeres, members and families. 4-H started in 1914 when the Smith-Lever Act established Extension Service for the College of Agriculture. Two Superintendents in Iowa trained teachers in developing judging teams and exhibits of work with youth. From growing corn to compete with adults to the current 4-H model some things have changed over the years. 4-H still has the same values and ideas but we have just added more as the years have gone by. Now 4-H has over 40 projects ranging from agriculture to aerospace, robotics, and more. It is almost limitless in what you can do in the program.
So what does it mean to be a 4-H member, parent or volunteer? Everyone involved in the program is able gain from being involved. Youth are working with at least one caring adult and doing hands on activities. Members, parents and volunteers contribute time to the program and to grasp the full experience of 4-H you can spend countless hours. This shouldn’t be a detourance, because you can be in the program and only spend 1-2 hours per month as well. Those more involved can participate in county, state and national events. 4-H offers so much for youth to get involved in. There are camps, judging events, teen conference, state congress and always the fun events like 4-H Day with the Cardinals! 4-H is an affordable option to many since our dues are $20 a year and we provide scholarships to help youth attend programs throughout the year.
I could go on about 4-H for hours since the program is so broad and there is so much that members, parents and volunteers can do. If you have questions about 4-H youth development programs in the area contact Rachel Elder at 568-3344 or visit your local office at 314 S Prairie in Bloomfield, MO. There is so much to do in 4-H I hope you consider this an option for your family.
Last Updated on October 17th 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v8qc/What-is-4H-Written-by-Stephanie-Miller
Age Spots - Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes to Medicare Cards and Medicare Part D
September 18th 2017 by Dee Loflin
Age Spots by Jackie Dover
New Medicare cards are coming and they will have a new Medicare ID number, no longer will your Social Security Number be on the cards. Starting in April of 2018 the new cards will be mailed out to people with Medicare. The new Medicare cards will feature a new number that is unique to each individual; this number should be safeguarded as you do your current number. The cards with new numbers are a way to help stop fraud and identity theft by protecting your Social Security number.
Important things to know about the new Medicare cards:
Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security. The new cards will be mailed to the address Social Security has on file for you.
Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. Medicare will never ask you to give personal or private information to get your new Medicare number and card.
The new card does not cost you anything; no one will be calling asking for banking or credit information.
Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s. Mailings will take place between April 2018 and April 2019.
The new Medicare numbers won’t change Medicare benefits. People with Medicare may start using their new Medicare cards as soon as they get them
Protect your identity by properly disposing of your old Medicare cards.
You may not have a choice in the new Medicare cards; you do however have a choice when it comes to your Medicare Part D plans. We are coming up on Medicare Part D Open Enrollment. October 15 through December 7 is the time to evaluate your Medicare prescription drug plans for 2018. This is your chance to compare plans to see what plan covers your medicine at the best cost to you. It allows someone with Medicare to see what your out of pocket costs will be for the coming year and make changes if needed.
Starting in September people with Medicare drug plans should receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that will show the changes to their current plan for the following year. Please look this over Since Med D plans can change the premium, deductible, tier level of medicine and co-pay amounts every year. They can even change what medicines they cover.
I know change is hard for many, but the changes to the Medicare card will be a change that keeps you safer and changing your Part D plan could save you money. These changes are definitely worth the effort.
If you have questions or need assistance in reviewing your drug plan for 2018, please call Aging Matters at 1-800-392-8771, we are always happy to help.
Last Updated on September 18th 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v8hd/Age-Spots--ChChChChanges-to-Medicare-Cards-and-Medicare-Part-D
230th Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution by Glynda Bates
September 18th 2017 by Dee Loflin
230th Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution by Glynda J. Bates
Crowley’s Ridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution supports the study of the Constitution in our seven county schools and encourages all in our communities to protect and defend the Constitution.
September 17 - 23 is Constitution Week. In 1955, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress with a resolution; this week of observance for the foundation of the American form of government was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 2, 1956. George W. Bush officially declared the inception of Constitution Week in 2002. The commitment of the NSDAR is to encourage study and educate the public about the Constitution, which was adopted by the American Congress of the Confederation on September 17, 1787.
PREAMBLE
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
The Preamble is the opening statement of the Constitution that gives American citizens, not the government, the power of rule. The 55-word Preamble explains the purpose of the laws set down in the Constitution.
“In Order to Form a More Perfect Union” tells us why the Constitution was written. In “Establish Justice” we are guaranteed that we will all be treated fairly, “Insure Domestic Tranquility” promises that we can live together in peace. “Provide for the Common Defense” says that the citizens of the United States will be protected from any and all enemies. “Promote the General Welfare” states that everything will be done for the common good of the country and its citizens, and “Secure the Blessings of Liberty” simply means that we are a free people. This guarantee of freedom is the cornerstone of democracy.
Submitted September 17, 2017
by Glynda J Bates
Last Updated on September 18th 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v8h8/230th-Anniversary-of-the-Signing-of-the-Constitution-by-Glynda-Bates
Age Spots by Jackie Dover - Look Out Below
August 22nd 2017 by Dee Loflin
Look Out Below
Did you know that Missouri has the highest rate of injuries due to falls and the 4th highest prevalence of falls in the country? I didn’t and that news shocked me. This is certainly not a designation that we want here in Missouri. Luckily there is the Show Me Falls Free Missouri coalition which is dedicated to changing that statistic and educating Missourians on falls prevention. Their website is www.preventmofalls.org. Please check it for information and tips on how to avoid falls. Also, National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is September 22, this will be the 10th such day and the theme is 10 Years standing Together to Prevent Falls.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year millions of older people-those 65 and older-fall. In fact, 1 out of 4 older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chance of falling again.
Some quick facts about falls from the CDC:
One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
Each year, 2.8 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture. Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Adjusted for inflation, the direct medical costs for fall injuries are $31 billion annually. Hospital costs account for two-thirds of the total.
There are things we can do to protect ourselves.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns and have them review your medication to see if anything you take might make you dizzy.
Also ask your doctor if taking Vitamin D supplement would be helpful.
Get exercise, specifically things that improve your balance or makes you stronger, such as Tai Chi.
Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your glasses as needed.
Make your home as safe as possible. Remove rugs and other obstacles you can trip over.
Add grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower.
Add extra lighting in areas of your home that are too dark to see well.
Ask your doctor if an assistive device such as a cane, would benefit you.
Falls education is very important and prevention is key. As always if you need more information, please call Aging Matters at 1-800-392-8771.
Last Updated on August 22nd 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v87u/Age-Spots-by-Jackie-Dover--Look-Out-Below
