Oklahoma Senior Journal

Does rounding the corner at 50 mean our health has to decline? Absolutely not!!
Can we do all the things we used to do? Maybe not, but because our health is very relative, what can we do about it?
We tend to accept our own problems as excuses for disregarding our health: I can’t do .... I am over weight, I have arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or I have no time.... we need to “stay as active as possible to the extent of what our limitations will allow”.

For those of us with arthritis, exercise keeps us mobile; the less we move the more pronounced the stiffness and pain. I can go up and down stairs with less discomfort, after riding my bike, than when I don’t ride my bike. Water exercise is also an excellent activity. It relieves the weight on our joints and will provide relief to them. A warm water pool is the #1 treatment for fibromyalgia, to relieve stiffness, fatigue, sleeplessness, and pain.

After 50, our metabolism slows way down if we are not active – our body burns fewer calories, muscle mass declines, and our fat mass increases. Diet becomes more important as body composition and chemistry changes. 7,000 studies concluded that excess body fat increases the risk for cancer of the colon, kidney, pancreas, uterus, and post-menopausal breast cancer (www.dietandcancerreport.org). Excess weight increases the risk of heart disease by 55%. We should consume less red meat, eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily and add fish with omega 3 – fatty acids, twice a week. Adding a quality vitamin and mineral supplement to our diet is a MUST, being selective on quality, and not price. All choices are not equal!

Quality of life is a function of activity. Maintaining an active lifestyle for as long as possible is what each of us desires – being inactive is a downward spiral.

What to do? – do something – don’t let restrictions keep you from doing what you want to do. If you can MOVE, you can exercise! Some level of weight and heart exercise will prolong your ability to be and stay active. Exercising with another person provides accountability for both. One can exercise at home, but home exercising allows many excuses to put-it-off. One will exercise better and more consistently by using a fitness facility on a regular basis, creating consistency.

It is never too late to start – whether your are 50 – 60 – 70 – 80 – or even 100!

To your good health – K. Dean Wertz, General Manager, Lighthouse Sports Fitness and Health Center - Your Health
Matters!

Sandy was moving her mom from the hospital to a nursing home. As she looked at her mother’s overstuffed house, she wondered what she should take.

What should someone bring when moving into a nursing home? The answer hinges upon the space available within the home and its rooms.

“First, decide what you can and cannot part with emotionally,” said Mollie Wooldridge, administrator for Grace Living Center – Del City. “Then determine what will fit. Next, with your loved ones, go through your personal belongings and decide if it is something you would rather a child or grandchild ‘keep’ or if you really want to bring it with you.”

FURNISHINGS
Grace Living Center usually allows families to bring what their elderly loved one wants, as long as the items fit in the space without interfering with the staff providing care.

Most homes provide a bed, nightstand, an over-the-bed table (for meals), a dresser and a chair. In addition, some offer built-in storage or free-standing storage space. Wooldridge said there should be ample space for a small television, stereo, VCR and other electronic equipment, as well as live plants, knick-knacks and family photos.

The goal is to help residents feel at home so family photos are important. Consider bringing a clock and a lamp if there is sufficient space.

WARDROBE
When choosing which clothes to bring to a nursing home, there is a temptation to bring too much. Six or seven sets of clothes are generally enough.

“Just bring clothes you would normally wear at home,” Wooldridge said. “Most homes suggest that you wear street clothing when leaving your room for meals, social events and therapies.”

In addition, it is important to have a good pair of sturdy, rubber-soled shoes, as well as socks for each day and a pair of non-skid slippers. A sweater or light jacket is good for year-round use and a heavy coat for the winter. Don’t forget to add underwear.

“Pack an ample supply of undergarments,” Wooldridge stressed. “If you use disposable undergarments, you should probably check with your particular facility to find out if they are provided and/or the cost of these items.”

LINENS AND LAUNDRY
Because most homes furnish linens – such as towels, washcloths and bedding – there is no need for families to provide these items.
Free laundry service is usually provided for both clothing (except for items that must be dry cleaned) and linens. Wooldridge suggests that families check with the home about its policy on laundering personal linens.

INVENTORY OF ITEMS
Finally, make a list of belongings when you or a loved one moves into a nursing home and update it frequently as you make changes in the room. If you are unsure about what to bring to a nursing home, ask the home’s administrator or admissions director.

“At Grace, our goal is to help you make the transition to your new home as easy as possible so we are always happy to help families make these decisions,” said Wooldridge.

“Providing Care Close to Home” When You Need Us – 1-877-OKGrace (654-7223)

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The Benefits of ENDOTINE

What is it?
The TransBleph Brow Lift is a new approach to eyelid rejuvenation. It allows your physician to lift the eye brow and if needed remove excess upper eyelid tissue through a single incision. The incision is small and hidden in the fold of your eyelid skin.

As the upper face ages excess eyelid tissue and sagging eyebrows can give a tired or worn down effect. The TransBleph Brow Lift procedure addresses both areas at once. A more rested and youthful appearance is achieved.

How is it performed?
Dr. Tu will begin with an incision in the crease of the upper eyelid and can then remove excess skin and tissue. Then through the same incision the eyebrow will be released, lifted and secured using an absorbable implant called the ENDOTINE TransBleph fixation device. This device stays in place during healing and then is absorbed naturally by the body. Dr. Tu then will close the incision using a very fine suture. After surgery you can expect some temporary swelling and bruising around your eye. Cold compresses and pain medication may also be prescribed if needed.

What are the risks?
Every year many men and women undergo this type of procedure with no complications. Problems are rare and usually minor. Risks can be minimized by following instructions given by your physician both before and after surgery. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Benefits of ENDOTINE

TransBleph Brow Lift
• A single incision for both the upper eyelid rejuvenation and the brow lift
• Simple and quick for the doctor to perform
• Greater control over the brow elevation
• No need for anything internal to be removed–it absorbs over time

Dr. Quang Tu is available for complimentary consultations. Call for an appointment today!

Quang M. Tu, M.D. • 2801 Parklawn Drive., Ste. 207 • Midwest City, OK 73110 • 405-737-5370
Board certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery; Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Location Matters When Choosing a Care Facility

In real estate, there’s a saying – “Location, Location, Location.” Realtors know it is critical to consider where a home is located before buying. It is also an important consideration when choosing a skilled nursing facility for your loved one’s continued care after a hospital stay.

“Finding a skilled nursing facility that is near to your home or workplace can make it easier for you to visit your loved one often and check on his or her well being and progress,” said Angela York, administrator at Grace Living Center – NW 10th in Oklahoma City.
While location is important, so are the services provided. Don’t let location alone be the deciding factor. York suggested paying a visit to each facility you are considering. “You can learn a lot when you take a tour,” she explained. “Most homes are more than happy to set up a time for a tour to allow you to see the facility first hand.”

When visiting a prospective home, York said take note of the home’s overall appearance, adding that doesn’t mean you are always looking for the prettiest facility, but rather one that is clean and welcoming.

“Entrusting the care of a loved one to others is difficult and often fraught with worry and apprehension,” York said. “It’s imperative that both you and your loved one feel comfortable with the location and atmosphere, as well as the staff in a nursing home.”

Experts in the care of the elderly suggest these key questions to consider with regard to a home’s overall atmosphere:

CLEANLINESS
• Does the facility look and smell clean?
• Are the residents clean, appropriately dressed and well groomed?
• Are the hallways free of clutter?

COMFORT LEVEL
• Do the administrator and staff seem comfortable with each other and with the residents?
• Do you feel welcome?
• Does the facility maintain comfortable temperatures?
• Do the public areas and resident rooms have comfortable furniture?

SAFETY
• Are there handrails in the hallways and grab bars in the bathrooms?
• Are exits clearly marked?
• Are spills cleaned up quickly?
• Does the nursing home have smoke detectors and sprinklers?
• What policies or procedures are in place to safeguard residents’ possessions?
• Does the home run background checks on all employees?

LIFE ENRICHMENT
• Does the home provide a variety of activities in an effort to keep residents engaged?
• Does the home encourage visitors from the community?
• Does the home allow interactions with pets on a regular basis?
• Does the home have outside volunteer groups?

“Continuing the Celebration of Life” When You Need Us – 1-877-OKGrace (654-7223)

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Trust is Very Important

The difference between family owned and corporate owned is TRUST! Trust is a very important part of funeral home selection. Funeral homes must understand the trust you are placing in them and do everything to hold that trust in the highest regard. We recommend that you select a funeral home that is locally owned. You will find a deeper and more personal commitment to the families in a locally owned funeral home. A family owned business’ only goal is to serve each family with utmost care. Decisions are made concerning their families by the owners and not in an impersonal corporate headquarters. A family owned business will have the owners present ensuring that families are taken care of.

Many times larger corporate funeral homes have decided it’s more cost effective for them to do their embalming in a central location or use a completely separate company to embalm the remains of your loved one. That is negligent of your trust. You called upon a funeral home to take care of your loved one and you should expect that they are doing so. It is important that the funeral home cares enough to take care of your loved one 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

When selecting a funeral home you should at all times feel comfortable and also have a deep feeling that the funeral home cares about your family. We believe you will find this in a family owned funeral home. You will find this at Matthews Funeral Home.

Matthews Funeral Home • 601 S Kelly Avenue • Edmond, OK 73003 • (405) 341-2787

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Easing the Burden for Loved Ones

How preplanning a funeral ensures security and peace of mind for everyone

It’s a difficult subject to bring up. No one likes to think about the time when they’ll no longer be here. But truth be told, everyone will need a funeral some day. Without planning ahead, they can be stressful, expensive and filled with disagreements. Or you can create a celebration of life where loved ones come together to reflect on a life well lived, without the pressure of quick decisions and worries about expense.

How can you accomplish this? Through preplanning, which provides you not only the opportunity to create the type of memorial and burial that fits your beliefs and preferences, but to also put your family first by taking away the anxiety caused by guessing what you might have wanted. Planning a life celebration is a priceless gift of security, compassion and care for those we love.

Under a cloud of sorrow and time constraints, family members are often overwhelmed and uncertain of the decisions that need to be made: Did Dad want a traditional funeral or did he want to be cremated and have his ashes scattered at the lake? What music would Mom want played? Who will preside at the service? Making the dozens of decisions that arise when someone passes away can be nerve-racking.

Another point to consider is that family members often have differing ideas and opinions that can escalate during such an emotional and exhausting time. And in today’s world of blended families, preplanning can save children, step-children and extended family from disagreements about which cemetery, who will read a eulogy and who pays for what.

While no one likes to contemplate their own death, it is an important topic, says Guideon Richeson, funeral director and general manager of Lake View Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Having those final arrangements taken care of is a gift to your family and yourself. It’s the best way to ensure that things are taken care of in the manner you wish.

In an effort to make the right choice, loved ones often spend far more for products and services than they normally would. When the wishes of a loved one are known, family and friends may be prevented from emotional over-spending in their rush to pick something nice. Planning ahead enables comparison shopping without time constraints, facilitates the family discussion of important final arrangement decisions and removes some of the burden from loved ones.

For more information, or to find a Dignity Memorial network provider near you, visit www.dignitymemorial.com or call 800-DIGNITY (800-344-6489)

Be informed about the choices available
Arranging a funeral or cremation service can seem complicated, but there’s always someone who can help you. Funeral directors are trained professionals who can be a vital and supportive resource for you. They can explain all the options available and help you make informed decisions and guide you though the process.

Plan ahead
At a time of loss, there are many practical decisions that need to be made. Unfortunately, this is often the time when we’re least able to approach the subject rationally. It makes sense to find a funeral director you can trust, before it becomes necessary.

Decide the final disposition
Selecting burial, mausoleum entombment or cremation is a very personal decision. Discussion of your choice with family and documentation is essential. Whatever you choose, government forms, fees and the organization of a memorial service will fall to your loved ones without preplanning. For ease and peace of mind, choose a funeral home, such as a Dignity Memorial network provider, that will walk you through all the necessary arrangements.

Find out what government benefits are available.
To find out your exact Social Security benefits, call 800-772-1213 or www.ssa.gov. Veterans may be eligible for a burial allowance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can contact them at (800) 827-1000 or online at www.cem.va.gov.

Don’t be afraid to ask about prices
The cost of arranging a funeral can vary greatly between companies. Be careful to choose a funeral home that presents its prices – the cost of the casket or urn, transportation fees, preparation charges, as well as other professional services – clearly and simply.

Funeral or cremation service arrangements need to be documented
Many people think everything is taken care of by having a will and a living trust, but those documents only cover medical treatment and financial affairs. You should make sure that your wishes are shared in writing with several people you trust: family members, friends and your funeral director.

Consider prepaying
If you decide to prepay for funeral or cremation service arrangements, be sure to let your family know. Also, keep your prearrangement documents in a safe place. Check with your bank before placing copies in a safe deposit box to ensure the box will not be sealed at the time of death.

Compassion as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary is “the deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.” This is what owners Mickey Key, R.N. and Mike Harvey have achieved through their life work at Compassionate Care Hospice.

For Mickey, the desire is rooted in her own life experiences battling and beating both breast and colon cancers. This personal experience has helped Mickey develop a service that supports and encourages individuals facing life-threatening diseases in the comfort of their own home.

With compassion and love for these individuals, Mickey and Mike have built Compassionate Care Hospice from the ground up based on principles of love and faith. And now their company is one of the most well known and respected hospice groups in the area. This reputation is also cultured by the staff of excellent and dedicated nurses who provide care to the patients in their residence, whether that is their home, a nursing facility or assisted living facility.

The nurses are the backbone of this company and their loving attitude is reflected in the manner in which they treat their patients. The staff of Compassionate Care Hospice is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They are only a phone call away.

Not only is Compassionate Care Hospice passionate about the highest quality patient care, they are also deeply committed to being involved in the community. Their support can be seen in a multitude of ways including patronage of several children’s sporting teams and teaching end-of-life and coping classes at local churches. Compassionate Care Hospice also provides services through a team of dedicated volunteers who have recognized Mickey and Mike’s mission as one both valued and desired by the community and have found their niche in helping to provide these services.
I

t is clear through the attitudes and actions of all those involved with Compassionate Care Hospice that their primary concern is not themselves but rather the patients and our community in which they are so involved.

Choosing a nursing home for a family member is one of the most difficult decisions in life. While every potential resident's situation is unique, the criteria listed below can give you the guidance needed to make the best possible placement and may alleviate future problems.

Location
It is important to choose a nursing home that is close and convenient to the person(s) who will be visiting the resident most often. Most studies of nursing home residents have shown that residents who are visited often recover more quickly, may be happier and healthier.

Special Needs
Special care needs of the resident should always be considered: Will the resident require a special diet, medical equipment or rehabilitation?

Services Provided
Whether the facility provides social activities, laundry, special religious or other personal services may be particularly important if the stay in the nursing home is likely to be permanent.

Quality
While quality of care should always be a primary consideration, we recommend that families do comparative shopping, taking into account the following factors:

Enforcement History
Information on a nursing home's compliance record under state and federal laws are important indicators of what the quality of care is likely to be. This information should be available in every facility, with details of the types of citations issued.

Objective Considerations
Nothing substitutes for a personal visit to the facility. Ask to see the entire facility and try to get a feel for how the residents are treated. Resident appearance, rooms, quality of food and activities are all important factors.

Subjective Feelings
How do you feel when you visit the facility? How did the administrator and staff treat you? Remember that you'll be depending on these people to take care of your family member.

Method of Payment
Unless a resident can pay privately, even if the initial stay is covered by Medicare, we recommend discussing upfront any and all costs associated with your family member's stay.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates the premiums, deductibles, and co-payments made by Medicare beneficiaries each year. These adjustments are made according to formulas set by federal statute. The law requires that the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B must be sufficient to cover 25 percent of the program's costs for aged beneficiaries, including the costs of maintaining a reserve against unexpected spending increases.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) pays for inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and certain home health care. The beneficiary when admitted as a hospital inpatient pays the $992 deductible. The Part A deductible is the beneficiary's only cost for up to 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. Beneficiaries must pay an additional $248 per day for days 61 through 90 in 2007, and $496 per day for hospital stays beyond the 90th day for lifetime reserve days. The daily coinsurance for the 21st through 100th day in a skilled nursing facility will be $124 in 2007.

Part B standard premium: $93.50
An estimated 4 percent of current Part B enrollees are expected to be subject to the higher premium amounts. The proportion of beneficiaries paying income-related premiums of $105.80, $124.40, $142.90, or $161.40 are estimated to be 1.3 percent, 1.2 percent, 0.5 percent, and 0.8 percent, respectively. In 2007, approximately 4 percent of Medicare Part B enrollees with higher incomes will pay a higher Part B premium based on their income.

Part B deductible: $131
The Part B deductible was increased to $110 in 2005 and was subsequently indexed to the increase in the average cost of Part B services for aged beneficiaries, as part of the Medicare Modernization Act. The reason for the increase in the average cost of Part B services was described above. In 2007, the Part B deductible will be $131, compared to $124 in 2006, a 5.6 percent increase.

Information on these and other programs that can help beneficiaries lower their out-of-pocket costs is available at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and for hearing and speech impaired at TTY/TTD: 1-877-486-2048.

The Advanced Laser Center and Ocular Physician Associates are helping thousands of people look and feel younger. Dr. Belardo, the medical director of the center, has committed and prepared himself to meet visual challenges for people over 50 years of age. He has performed over 17,000 cataract surgeries as well as over 13,000 laser vision corrections. Dr. Belardo was also the first surgeon in Oklahoma to perform topical anesthesia cataract surgery (no stitch, no shot, no patch). Common visual challenges for people over 50 include cataracts, glaucoma, and sagging eyelids. The Advanced Laser Center will educate you on solutions, detailing how the puzzle of sight after 50 is being solved.

Old surgical techniques were associated with many complications, so many surgeons were advising patients to wait until the cataract was “ripe” before removing it. Today, modern cataract surgery is a quick and safe procedure with rare rates of complications. The safety of current techniques is why we recommend cataract surgery earlier rather than later.

Cataract-Leading Edge Technology
Dr. Belardo first started performing cataract surgeries in the early 90’s. Today’s technology for cataract surgery give the patient more comfort and patients do not need to wear a patch after surgery. State of the art measuring and calculations are done with the IOL Master which is the “Mercedes Benz” implant technology measurement device. This technology helps improve vision without glasses.

?New View? is the term we use for revolutionary implant technologies that restore near and distance vision. There are three new implants offer exciting results. ?These implants can give patients near and distance vision and the freedom from glasses and contact lenses,? explains Dr. Belardo. Today’s technology has been tested and improved since the early 90’s when the first multifocal lens was developed.

Dr. Belardo has implanted these lenses during his fellowship and in his private practice. Dr. Belardo states ?The new implants today allow us to offer near and distance vision to just about every patient who doesn’t have any eye disease.?

Based on your needs, your age, and your eye exam, the best of the three technologies or a combination will be recommended. “No two people are alike, nor do they have the same needs or goals. It’s great to be able to offer more than one technology.” If you feel like you are having symptoms of a cataract, all you need to do is make an appointment with your eye doctor to be evaluated. The testing is very easy and takes about an hour. Your doctor can explain in detail the procedure and how your vision can be improved. In our office, patients can have surgery within a week or two of their initial examination.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is called the “sneaky thief” of sight. It has no symptoms and no pain until it is too late. This is why anyone over 40 needs an eye exam. People at risk are those with hypertension, diabetes, near sighted, and those with family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma evaluations include taking the intra-ocular pressures, measuring the thickness of the cornea, visual field tests to measure any loss of vision, and optic nerve analysis with state of the art ultrasound and laser scanners.

Early treatment of glaucoma is critical to avoid visual loss. Today the new SLT laser treatments can help lower ocular pressures and in many cases can eliminate the need for eye drops. Another treatment option is using eye drops to reduce the pressure inside the eye. These drops are prescription and are usually a very safe alternative. The new eye drops today are also very effective in lowering the pressures and as such, fewer patients need glaucoma surgery.

Blepharoplasty
When the upper lids droop as they do in most mature individuals, a part of the vision is affected. If the drooping lids affect the vision, lid surgery will usually be covered by your insurance carrier if you want surgery to remove the excess skin and repair a sagging muscle. As we all age. not only could the upper lids sag but in some the lower lids sag as well. This can cause tearing or even dryness of the eyes. Upper and lower lid sagging can now be treated with lid surgery procedures. If you feel that your lids are obstructing your vision, Dr. Belardo has performed thousands of lid surgeries over the past eighteen years in ophthalmic surgery.

Vision problems can seem complicated, but Dr. John P. Belardo and Advanced Laser Center’s passionate team of physicians can help solve the ocular puzzle.

If you do not have a regular eye doctor, Dr. Belardo is accepting new patients and his office can be reached at 405-755-7700.

The goal of Project Woman Coalition PWC is to provide Oklahomans with improved breast health through increased awareness, screening and diagnostic services. There is an enormous need for these services especially among lowincome uninsured women who have no other way to access lifesaving screening services.

The average PWC client is a woman with few resources, perhaps a mother, often between the ages of 4049 with no means to pay for annual mammograms. These women’s life circumstances do not afford them the luxury of putting their health first, a fact that PWC is working to change. Project Woman Coalition is working to give all the men and women of Oklahoma an equal chance at health and hope for the future.

Breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. The key element in the fight is early detection. Oklahoma women are still more likely to die of breast cancer than the national average. They are also less likely to receive annual mammograms. This constitutes a deadly combination.

The PWC NoCost Mammography Program is funded through donations made by individuals, corporations and grants provided by foundations. An independently operating 501c(3) since 2000, Project Woman Coalition is a collaborative effort involving representatives from area hospitals, mammography facilities, government agencies, communitybased organizations, physicians, nurses and breast cancer survivors, all focused on the pursuit of the very best in breast healthcare for the women of Oklahoma.

Project Woman Coalition hosts many educational, awareness, and fundraising events through our surrounding community. Some events include the Ribbons & Roses Luncheon, Ribbons & Roses Run, Panera Bread Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, and the LowCost Coupon campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

In 2005, Project Woman Coalition launched its Tough ChoicesSmart Decisions care management program, which is funded by the grants from the Avon Foundation Breast Health Fund and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The program is designed to reduce the barriers to women accessing appropriate care. Utilizing a Nurse Navigator, clients will be directed to services and providers depending upon their demonstrated need. In addition, client surveys will be completed in order to collect the most accurate data possible on our client demographics and needs. With the care management program, Project Woman has a commitment to provide at least 1000 breast health screenings this year.

If you would like more information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities or corporate sponsorship, call 405-604-4642 or visit www.projectwoman.org today! 717 NW 17th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, P.O. Box 73101;

Do you:
– leak urine when you laugh, sneeze, cough or participate in physical activities?
– often feel a strong and sudden urge to urinate that may or may not result in urinary leakage?
– feel you have poor muscle tone and/or lack of support vaginally which hinders your sexual satisfaction?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, you are not alone. It is estimated that over 16 million women have some type of bladder dysfunction. Unfortunately, many women believe the symptoms that accompany bladder dysfunctions are not treatable and preventable.

The Continence and Control Program has been specifically created to offer women help and treatment options for symptoms arising from bladder dysfunctions. We treat patients with problems such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapses, frequency, nocturia and pelvic floor weakness. This innovative program combines patient education with the most current medical treatment options available to help you gain continence and control. If you would like more information about our Continence and Control Program, please contact our office at (405) 751-9955.

Specialized Physical Therapy offers comprehensive and compassionate care to their patients in the areas of:
• non-surgical alternatives to urinary incontinence/pelvic floor dysfunctions
• exercise programs to assist in the rebuilding of bone density caused by osteoporosis
• general orthopedics
• pain related to post-surgical conditions
• treatment for sports medicine injuries
• treatment for pain related to pregnancy and post partum

For information, please contact our office at (405) 751-9955.

In a world constantly changing, isn't it nice to know that some things never change?

In a time of bigger, better, faster, higher, isn't it great to count on things that are familiar, consistent and reliable? For the past 30 years, Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler has become one of life's little comforts ... quality food prepared in a timely manner, served in the relaxed environment to which you've grown accustomed. What more could anyone want?

Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler was started by Johnnie Haynes after 18 years managing the famous Split-T. His commitment to quality food and service, and a family-friendly environment, made the transition to Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler very easy for customers who just wanted a great burger and fries. You probably remember the first restaurant located at Military Avenue and Britton Road, and have enjoyed the food for many years at its current location on Britton between May and Pennsylvania Avenues.

As our families have grown and moved throughout the state, so has the Johnnie's family. Five Charcoal Broilers are located in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas. Their newest concept, Johnnie's Express, is a smaller version of Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler. Express locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and Stillwater, have all the same great menu items you've come to expect, but are even more convenient. At Johnnie's Express, you can order burgers, fries and onion rings to-go at the drive-thru, enjoy a relaxed meal at an inside table, or order from our drive-up stalls where a car-hop will deliver right to your car.

While Johnnie's continues to serve up great Theta, Caesar and other delectable burgers for lunch and dinner, they're now making mornings more enjoyable by offering breakfast items at all Express locations. After your morning walk with friends, hunker down with a steaming cup of coffee and dive into our sweet cinnamon rolls or juicy breakfast sandwiches. Johnnie's is a great place to gather, relax, and enjoy quality food.

Today is a perfect time to enjoy a great meal for a great deal at Johnnie's, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner. Visit any Johnnie's Express location, Monday thru Friday from 9:00-10:30 a.m., and enjoy any breakfast sandwich for half price. Just ask for the Senior Special.

Quality food, quality service and a great deal ... It's nice to know some things never change.