(see more issues below)
Current Issue Winter-Summer 2012
Hearing Wellness for the Greatest Generation
Funeral Preplanning Reduces Stress
The Best Is Yet To Come
Town Village Retirement Community
Stillwater "Boomers" Create a
Different Kind of Community
Revolutionary Pain and Emotional Therapy
Keith E. Gibson, D.D.S.,
Caregiver, Craftsman, & Surgeon
Quality Life Hospice:
Mission-oriented Service
LAST ISSUE: Spring-Winter 2011
Reducing Falls for Older Adults
Healthcare in Oklahoma: Are Senior Citizens
Becoming Second-Class Citizens?
A New Perspective in Alzheimer's and
Memory Support Care
Absolute Senior Care
“Dedicated to Preserving Life and Honoring Our Seniors”
Come Home to Sommerset
Where we provide so much more ...
Comfort Inn and Suites
Legendary Service Not at Legendary Prices
In the Business of Making People Happy
Foot & Ankle Surgeon is
Helping Patients Walk PAIN FREE
Moving? Don't Worry, We Can Take Care of it For You!
Court-Appointed Advocates for Vulnerable Adults
The Museum of Osteology
America's Only Skeleton Museum
End the Pet & Pill Drama
From Traditional to Innovative
Quality Life Hospice:
Mission-Oriented Service
Keith Gibson, D.D.S.
Caregiver, Craftsman, & Surgeon
On a Quest to Help Seniors Thrive:
The Fountains at Canterbury
Spring-Winter, 2010-11
to feature
Larry Engelmann, Au.D., Audiology Clinic of OKC,
in the current issue.
Communication is the essence of life, and hearing is the key to effective communication. Communication is about staying in touch, being able to laugh at good punch-lines, talking with your grandkids, hearing a sermon, and carrying on interesting conversations with friends and family. Uncorrected hearing loss can result in conversations becoming embarrassing, stressful, or frustrating. Here's the Good News: Hearing Help is available that enables you to communicate with confidence while having fun and remaining active!
HEARING CORRECTION LINKED TO IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
The key to hearing wellness is early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventative audiologic care. A normal healthy ear sends sounds clearly and undistorted from the outer ear to the brain. However, an impaired ear picks up less sound and transmits distorted sounds to the brain. Depriving the ear and the brain of proper sound stimulation can result in reduced speech clarity and a systematic decrease in auditory performance over time.
Reduced hearing can go undetected, but not unnoticed by others, for years. It is the “silent hurt” that knows no age barrier. Only 5% of hearing loss is medically or surgically treatable, but 95% of hearing loss is audiologically treatable. Without proper care, hearing impairment can become more progressive and more damaging physically, socially, and emotionally. Recent studies found that hearing impaired adults who received proper treatment for their hearing loss reported significant improvements in their mental health, self-confidence, relationships at work and with grandchildren, and lead more fulfilling social lives.
CAN ANYTHING QUIET THE NOISE IN MY EARS?
Tinnitus refers to an internal noise in your ears or head that is not coming from your environment. It may sound like a ringing, buzzing, crickets, locusts, or a variety of other annoying sounds.
You are not alone. About 50 million people have tinnitus, and most report that they “learn to live with it.” Around 20% suffer from disruption of one’s concentration, sleep, and/or ability to communicate. For some, it can lead to psychological difficulties such as depression, stress, anger, and anxiety. Tinnitus should be taken seriously.
Advances in technology have brought us new hearing aids that not only amplify speech, but are also capable of producing harmonic musical tones or white noise for patients with tinnitus and hearing loss. Some report that while using these devices their tinnitus is softer, while others are no longer aware of their tinnitus. This can provide tinnitus sufferers with relief and relaxation. Our end goal is retraining your brain to ignore or not be aware of the tinnitus.
MEDICAL MIRACLES IN A MICROCHIP
This is the best time in our history to take advantage of modern electronics with the latest and greatest breakthroughs in medical technology. Modern computerized digital hearing aids provide better sound quality and a more natural sound. The new miniaturized technology comes in a variety of colors to match your hair or skin tones – as well as being lightweight, easy to operate, and cosmetically discrete.
The new breakthrough digital signal processing operates itself, and some can even be linked to a telephone and TV. If your hearing changes, the hearing aids are reprogrammable. Multiple programs are available for use in different environments such as normal conversation, restaurants, and meetings. It can help you understand speech clearer with background noise due to dual microphones, internal and automatic volume controls, and wind noise suppression technology that is great for golfers!
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Patients are often surprised and delighted when I turn on their hearing aids for the first time or fit the new, improved technology. They often remark, “I should have done this sooner!”- “Thank you so much for all that you’ve done for me to improve my hearing and my life. My life is 120% better now,” - “Socially, these hearing aids have saved my life.”
Marcia Ledbetter: “I am absolutely thrilled to hear so clearly and to experience how easy it is to use to my hearing aids. It is so nice to be able to communicate with my 8-year-old granddaughter without difficulty. I tell others go get the help you need.”
Because of owning my own practice, I have been blessed with the freedom and liberty to spend more quality time providing better care for you. A recent survey about physicians reports that they spend about 8-12 minutes per patient. I know how important it is to have your questions and concerns answered. Please plan 1-2 hours for your initial appointment and consultation. You deserve someone taking care of you, or your loved one, who is knowledgeable, professional, and with whom you can count on to be there year after year. I have been in the same accessible location since 1982.
DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY YOU CAN TRUST
I specialize in hearing wellness care and treatment of patients 50 years of age and older. Over the past 35 years, I have successfully helped thousands of patients. Providing the best care and services possible for improved hearing and tinnitus relief remains my personal commitment to you.
I graduated from three prestigious Audiology programs: Arizona School of Health Sciences, OU Medical Center, and University of Florida. My research efforts have contributed to the widespread acceptance of cochlear implants and middle-ear implantable hearing devices, and I have authored of numerous articles in respected medical and audiology journals.
Rated “Excellent” in Patient Care by His Patients – A group of Dr. Engelmann’s patients participated in a national patient satisfaction program. The director stated that, “Dr. Engelmann’s excellent patient care is a proven fact. Nearly 100% rated Dr. Engelmann as ‘Excellent’ for the following indicators of their satisfaction with their appointments: 1) Courtesy, 2) Thoroughness of instruction, 3) Listening skills, 4) Amount of time he spent with you, 5) Technical skills of the audiologist, and 6) Ease of understanding his instructions.” He also received higher satisfaction ratings from patients than most other audiologists across the nation.
Respected and Honored by His Peers – Dr. Engelmann received the following national awards and recognition:
Goldstein Outstanding Audiologist Award: “Contributions to the advancement of the autonomous practice of audiology and service to the profession.”
Wernick Award: “Recognition of outstanding educational contribution within the field of audiology.”
AAA Scholar: “Dedication to the field of audiology and commitment to continued professional excellence.”
MEET THE AUDIOLOGY CLINIC STAFF
My caring staff is dedicated to excellence and satisfaction by providing a professional environment where you will receive prompt and courteous attention. We could not ask for a better office manager, (need name). Paulette, our secretary, has been with us for 14 years! It is her charming voice that you will hear when you call. She brings warmth and kindness to everyone. In her spare time, she likes to dote on her family – especially her three grandkids.
Cheryl is my loving wife of 24 years and counting! She is a registered nurse and a licensed audiology assistant. Often you will find her keeping the books, marketing, assisting patients and organizing things faster than a blink of an eye! She loves family time, scrapbooking, and community service with P.E.O. women.
NEXT STEP: FILL OUT THE HEARING WELLNESS CHECKLIST
This simple checklist will help you understand “at risk” early signs of decreased hearing.
Yes or No?
___ Turn the TV up too loud for others?
___ Ask people to repeat themselves?
___ Can understand men’s voices better than women and children’s voices?
___ Having difficulty understanding people clearly at meetings, at church, in a car, or in restaurants?
___ Can understand people in quiet situations, but voices sound mumbled with a background noise?
___ Work or worked around loud noise such as airplanes, construction equipment, or power tools?
___ Use or used guns for hunting or while serving in the military?
___ Have trouble understanding telephone voices?
___ Accused of selective hearing?
___ Have noises in your ears like ringing, buzzing, or crickets?
___ Have dizziness or vertigo?
___ Have family history of hearing loss?
___ Have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, poor circulation, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, Alzheimer’s disease, undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer?
“Yes” responses indicate that an appointment for a hearing examination and consultation is needed.
COME SEE US SOON
You are part of the “Greatest Generation.” Join with me in the fight against hearing loss and tinnitus. No one knows how it affects you better than you. Learn about hearing wellness, proper treatment options, and receive access to the most advanced scientific hearing enhancement and tinnitus treatment technologies suited to your specific needs. You can enrich your life with better hearing, and I can provide hope, answers, and helpful treatment to prevent further hearing loss or slow down the speed of its progression.
We have great cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth and plenty of fresh coffee! I look forward to meeting you soon!
Call the Audiology Clinic at: 405-946-0364.
OUR FIRST STEP taken as children is a benchmark in childhood development that leads to our ability to walk. For most of us, our first step occurred somewhere in the last month or two of our first year of life. And to think, we have been walking ever since.
Walking has become a very popular activity among seniors and is a good way to get your daily dose of exercise. Walking is reported to have a multitude of health benefits such as improving circulation, breathing, and your immune system. It has also been reported to combat depression, prevent osteoporosis, prevent and control diabetes, control weight, reduce risk of breast cancer, and is good for your heart.
A recent Harvard study found that walking at a moderate pace of 3 mph for up to three hours per week (30 minutes per day) can cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40%, which is comparable to the benefit from aerobics. Another study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that exercise slows down the aging process. The study reported a significant difference in the cells of twins. The one who exercised regularly showed a slowing of cell changes associated with aging when compared to the cell changes of the twin who was sedentary.
If you want to live healthier longer, get up and go! Start a walking program today. It is easy to implement and best of all, it’s free. Involve your friends or neighbors. You are more likely to stick with it if you include others in your walks. Another way to get motivated is to wear a pedometer. It will keep a count of the steps you take and give you a benchmark to achieve daily. You will find yourself adding distance to your daily walking by finding excuses to add to the number of steps on your pedometer.
Take that first step toward a happier, healthier, and longer life. Clip on your pedometer and start moving.
If you are 65 years of age or over, call our office for a free pedometer, 405-752-2523 or visit our website.
Located in the heart of Edmond, Dr. Karen’s Wellness Center is dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness objectives. Dr. Karen Mahlmeister is committed to bringing you better health and quality of life by combining skill and expertise, practicing the true principles of chiropractic wellness care.
Dr. Karen practices natural, drugless, non-invasive health care and relies on the body’s ability to self-heal. Eliminating pain and discomfort are achieved though finding the pain source, instead of only treating the symptoms. “Age is not a factor and you don’t have to hurt. My patients ages range from 4 days old to 104,” says Dr. Karen. Your personalized wellness program covers relief care, corrective care, and overall wellness care. Wellness starts with your daily activities and includes nutrition, rest, correct posture, exercise, and healthy thinking.
Combining chiropractic and electronic acupuncture (painless and no piercing of the skin) are very effective alternatives to drugs and surgery. “I was hurting so bad I was desperate....I am a total believer in chiropractic care/acupuncture. I’m almost 80 years old and without pain!” – Letha L. Skin conditions and muscles respond well to electronic acupuncture as well.
Dr. Karen moved to Edmond and opened her practice in 1995. She and her husband Nick Massey, Edmond Sun’s financial columnist, have two grown daughters and five grandchildren. They also have two dogs, their current baby girls. Pinnacle Management nominated Dr. Karen as one of the Top 25 Doctors in America in 2005/2007/2008 and was also voted Edmond’s favorite chiropractor for five consecutive years. Dr. Karen provides free medical care to Boys Ranch and contributes to many local charities.
If you are experiencing pain, please call Dr. Karen for a phone consultation, 405-330-8745. Visit our website for a full list of conditions commonly treated by chiropractic care.
THOUSANDS of our seniors fall in their home each year resulting in serious injury and billions of dollars in hospitalization costs. Between 20-30% of people who sustain injuries reduce their mobility, independence, and increase their risk of premature death.
Older adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized from a fall related injury than younger adults. Costs and risks associated with falls may be reduced with early intervention and an annual risk assessment.
Most falls happen at home. There are some simple ways to reduce your fall risk, such as getting rid of clutter and clearing the pathways in your home. Grab bars in your bathroom and hand rails by porch steps will also greatly reduce most falls, since most falls occur in the bathroom and on the porch.
Good lighting is important so use night lights in the bathroom and hallways. Wear shoes that fully surround the foot securely, support the ankle, and have a non-slip sole.
Keep a current list of all your medications, including the dosage and frequency, and review it with your pharmacist and physician regularly. Medication side effects or incorrect dosage can cause a fall.
Poor balance or dizziness is a factor in many falls. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends a few tests that have been found to be effective in assessing balance, mobility, and inner ear problems. An evaluation by a qualified licensed Physical Therapist can determine your fall risk, and in most cases, treatment can improve your balance, mobility, and dizziness, reducing the likelihood of a future fall.
Call Elite Home Care to provide in-home balance therapy to reduce your risk of falling.
Call 405-752-2523 or check our website.
“Funerals are not a pleasant subject to contemplate, and they are often very stressful and expensive events. Planning a funeral in advance can alleviate some stress on remaining family and friends,” states the Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York.
The death of a loved one is always stressful. Preplanning helps to answer questions like: Did she want a traditional funeral with burial or cremation? Where should we have the service, or what music would she want?
Often, family members and friends worry about making poor choices. Preplanning can help your family make better choices and reduce the difficult decisions. “Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements. It allows you to choose the specific items you want and need and compare the prices offered by several funeral providers,” advises the Federal Trade Commission.
Preplanning can also be done at your convenience, allowing you to make informed decisions. Preplanning can help to protect you from inflation by securing today’s pricing. It also allows your family time to support one another and to celebrate the life that you lived.
One of the best ways to preplan is to put your thoughts in writing. Most funeral homes provide, free of charge, a “Personal Planning Guide” to document your choices in a clear and concise manner for you and your loved ones.
Prearranging your funeral or cremation service is a decision only you can make, but affects the people you love most.
Call 405-672-5885 or visit our website
Celebrating 19 Years – the OSJ is the longest running and original “Senior” publication AND the only Oklahoma Senior magazine being distributed to the largest growing demographic in the world, the Senior Community!
In 1993, the OSJ was birthed when I personally experienced the difficulty of locating resources for my grandmother, Laura Diffee. I determined to pave the road and provide a reference & resource guide for Oklahoma “Seniors” and their families. Hearing the great reports from you, the patrons and readers, is always inspiring!
We are honored to feature Dr. Larry R. Engelmann of the Audiology Clinic in Oklahoma City, where he has been giving “HEARING WELLNESS ADVICE” for 30 years. Dr. Engelmann and his wife Cheryl, R.N., work together and believe the 50+ generation is “The Greatest Generation”! They know that you and your family deserve state of the art technology and a doctor of audiology you can count on (see page two).
It’s Back! “It’s All About Pets and The People They Own...” (pages 46a through 53) returns in this issue. These furry family members are in 83% of “Seniors” homes, including this editor, and are highlighted in their Very Own section.
At Absolute Senior Care, we are not just an agency. Absolute Senior Care was among the first to work with Oklahoma lawmakers to write laws to protect and honor our seniors. “ASC is your neighbor and right here in Oklahoma. We are here to assist with bringing the highest quality of life and independence to you and your loved ones.”
Absolute Senior Care is very similar to a pretty special lady known as “Alice”. Everyone remembers the iconic American family – “The Brady Bunch” and their special housekeeper, “Alice”. Alice took care of the entire Brady family just as ASC do for our wonderful seniors and their families. Our caregivers do the laundry, vacuuming, meal preparations, home organization, pet care, run errands and tend to the personal needs of our seniors just as Alice did for the Brady Family. At Absolute Care, the client’s needs have and always will come first.
Absolute Senior Care Operates with four priorities:
• Immediate Service – We are here when you need us – regardless of the time. ASC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year which means you will always have access to our staff – not an answering service.
• Dependability – We match our caregivers to needs of our Clients. We are able to provide consistent caregivers who are on time and prepared to handle Client needs.
• Quality – We provide peace of mind and assurance beyond our care by our thorough interviewing, screening and validation of the credentials, experience, and background of all caregivers. Each is bonded and covered through liability insurance.
• Value – We understand the need to balance quality of care with cost. Our rates are among the most competitive and have flexible options to help you provide care with the prices you can afford.
Call today for an immediate FREE in home consultation: 405-945-2220; or visit our website.
Today’s seniors, which represent the Baby Boomer generation, are more active than ever, and that has resulted in a record number of sports injuries. Boomeritis is a term used to describe recurrent sports injuries common to the Baby Boomer generation.
According to Paul R. Miller, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon, these injuries can be sustained from biking, tennis, swimming and team sports.
“Activities that involve repetitive motion with a particular muscle group, or starting activities without properly warming up, can result in injuries,” explains Dr. Miller. “These include sprains, strains, stress fractures, bursitis and arthritis.”
Often the recommended treatment for an acute injury is RICE which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This treatment will help relieve pain, reduce swelling and speed healing. “For more chronic conditions, it may be recommended to change or avoid the activity until the injury has had time to rest and heal,” says Dr. Miller.
In order to avoid Boomeritis, Dr. Miller recommends adequately warming up for three to four minutes prior to physical activity. Changing up your routine may also be helpful such as alternating days for strength training and cardiovascular fitness.
“As we age, our body has different capabilities,” says Dr. Miller. He suggests not cramming all activities into one day and most importantly, listen to your body.
Dr. Miller is one of a few surgeons in the Oklahoma City Metro who has been trained to use MAKO® robotic-assisted technology to resurface the affected area of your knee, while leaving healthy bone and tissue intact. This minimally invasive procedure means you experience less pain and faster recovery. Visit midwestregional.com for more information and to see if MAKOplasty is right for you.
“We have too much house, too much yard, and too much stuff where we live now. The kids are grown and it’s just us...we want to live in a community where we know all of our neighbors, and we can have a good mix of privacy and interdependence...without the hassle of yard work and house maintenance,” say Pat and Steve Tweedie, members of Oakcreek Community.
Set on seven wooded acres along Boomer Creek, Oakcreek Community is being created by a group of pro-active (not just active) adults aged 55+ who aren’t satisfied with existing housing options. They don’t want to be managed. They don’t want to live with hundreds of other seniors. Instead they envision a vibrant neighborhood that is designed for people instead of automobiles with 24 (privately owned) one-and two-bedroom homes, shared open spaces, and a 3500 square foot common house for community gatherings, cooperative activities, and guest accommodations.
Oakcreek Community members participated in the design of their neighborhood “where social interaction happens naturally” and are committed to a set of guiding principles, including active, healthy living; lifelong learning and growth; interdependence, mutual support, and compassion; community service; and environmental sustainability and stewardship. Oakcreek hired the award-winning, nationally and internationally recognized firm of McCamant & Durrett Architects to guide the community’s development. Charles Durrett and Kathryn McCamant introduced cohousing to the Americas in the 1980’s and are the authors of two books about cohousing. (www.cohousingco.com)
Eleven households are vested members of Oakcreek Community and have reserved 11 of the 24 homes. They include active singles and couples, retired and non-retired folks, none of whom are ready to retire from life. The group is actively seeking homeowners who want to embrace an active, purposeful lifestyle – and have fun doing it. Groundbreaking was October 6, 2011 with a projected move-in date of Fall 2012.
For more information, contact: Pat Darlington • 405-880-3703 or Kay Stewart • 405-747-5913 or visit our website.
After spending 12 years as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I knew that there had to be more to the healing process than just “talk therapy.” In order to help others be the best that they can be, I sought to obtain as much knowledge and as many tools as possible. The decision was easy for me to become a Hypnotherapist, so that I could help people diminish or eliminate pain in their lives. For me, there is no greater reward.
The modality of hypnotherapy is often misunderstood and is a mystery to others. As a hypnotherapist I am most often asked, “Will I be awake and know what’s going on?” The answer is, “Absolutely! You are never asleep, unconscious, or unaware. You are in control the whole time.” Through hypnosis, we are able to quiet all the busyness, stop the wheels from turning so fast, and search the depths of your mind. The “therapy” includes individualized techniques which identify the answer or direction you are seeking to help you heal.
Hypnotherapy is very helpful to control the level of pain in the body, as well as speeding up the healing process related to illness, injury, or surgery. I can show you how to use the infinite power of your mind to diminish or eliminate pain and work in conjunction with your medication. Hypnotherapy is especially beneficial for pain control for those who are in hospice care. The use of these tools to help control the pain will also improve the quality of life for those precious last days.
Other benefits of hypnotherapy include help with high emotions (such as grief, anger, shame, guilt, resentment, etc.), depression, relaxation, memory recall, insomnia, and weight loss. The question is “What can’t it help?” as opposed to “What can it help?”
You have so much potential to have a great quality of life, and I can show you how to make this a reality. Call 405-831-3963 or visit our website.
For over 25 years, Dr. Michael Loveless has provided health care to his patients through chiropractic and has taught ways to live a better and longer life. Dr. Loveless is now bringing awareness about the importance of hydration for you and your pets. His focus is to educate veterinarians and pet’s owners alike about Kangen Water®, as he is also an animal lover and has two beautiful miniature pinchers. Drinking Kangen Water® helps you and your pets to regain and maintain excellent health.
Kane, a 10-year-old German shepherd, was suffering from severe arthritis and couldn’t get up from his bed anymore. After using several medications, Beth (Kane’s owner) told her veterinarian to put Kane to sleep to stop his misery. Beth’s veterinarian gave her fresh, 8.5 Kangen Water® daily to see if it would make any difference. Only a few days later, Kane started to get up and was soon able to go out with Beth for their usual jog! Kane is again like a puppy and the only difference was Kangen Water®.
Acidity in the body can cause arthritis, acid reflux, digestive problems, cancer, etc. Kangen Water® brings the body back into an alkaline state giving it the ability to heal itself. The technology was developed in Japan 40 years ago and is being used in more than 250 hospitals and in millions of homes around the world. Now Japan is #1 in the world in overall health and longevity, and the USA is #38.
The good news is that Dr. Loveless has brought this technology to Oklahoma City, and now you and your pets can enjoy this amazing water. Join us each Monday, 6:30 p.m., at “The OKC Water Store” where Dr. Loveless and his wife Teresa will show you an eye opening demonstration about different waters and the difference that Kangen Water® can make in your family’s and your pet’s health. For more information call 918-951-0601.
Many people that Kathy Wallis encounters believe that they don’t need an estate plan. Unfortunately, they (or their families) often realize they were wrong too late. The truth is that everyone has an estate plan - “You either knowingly create an estate plan or the laws of Oklahoma create one for you,” Kathy explains.
An estate plan (small or large) designates how matters will be handled when you are unable to make decisions for yourself and what will happen to your possessions, property, and pet companions when you are no longer living. An estate plan may be as simple as having a valid will (which can include instructions for the care of your pets), proper asset titling, and beneficiary designations. For others, it may require the formation of a trust or other entity to carry out your wishes. Proper planning can also help avoid costly and time-consuming probate proceedings.
Kathy firmly believes that every estate plan should include two crucial documents - an “Advanced Directive for Health Care (Living Will)” and a “Durable Power of Attorney.” These documents prepare for unexpected events that may leave you temporarily or permanently disabled through illness or injury. They clearly define your wishes instead of leaving your family to endure the burden of struggling with medical and legal decisions in their time of uncertainty and grief.
Kathy was raised in the small community of Washington, Oklahoma. Her legal practice is based on the small-town values on which she was raised. At the center of Kathy’s life are family, friends, and being Mom to Chad, a freshman at OU, and to two loveable rescue dogs. Kathy and Dennis, her husband of 27 years, are active members of Acts 2 United Methodist Church.
Kathy will personally work with you to make sure you are prepared and that your wishes regarding your family and companion pets are clearly conveyed.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment or house call 405-650-2436 or visit our website.
Our property is conveniently located near downtown historic Guthrie, I-35, shopping and restaurants. We offer rates you can afford with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, including daily activities in the clubhouse. Your pet companions will feel right at home in our pet-friendly environment. We have caring and friendly on-site management staff as well as a 24-hour emergency maintenance. Convenient transportation service, to take you to and from appointments, is available through our partnership with Logan County Aging Services.
“I really love the sense of community here at Savannah House of Guthrie. When my husband died, everyone really came together and made me feel a part of an extended family and made my loss easier on me,” shared resident Pamela Jordan. “I love how quiet it is here at the apartments. The manager really cares about all of us...we all have a lot of fun at the activities in the clubhouse.”
Our amenities include full-size washer/dryer connections, individually monitored alarms, sprinklers, elevator, laundry care facility, brand new appliances, and carpet and tile. The apartments are all electric, and we pay your water, sewer and trash. We have spacious one and two bedrooms available. We also accept Section 8. Savannah House of Guthrie is professionally managed by JRK Residential.
Call (405) 293-9606 to schedule an appointment to see your new home today and ask about our current specials!
As a dentist who performs such varied roles as caregiver/craftsman/surgeon, Dr. Keith Gibson’s knowledge and expertise translates into personalized care of the highest caliber for his patients.
In addition to having over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Gibson has traveled across the country to complete extensive training in both the areas of cosmetic and implant dentistry. This allows him to provide the most comprehensive care for each patient. His general practice can address a broad range of needs, including:
• Basic needs (such as fillings, crowns, and root canals)
• Cosmetic needs (such as teeth whitening or veneers)
• Functional needs (such as issues with the temporomandibualr joint or “TMJ”)
• Surgical needs (such as dental implants to either replace one or multiple missing teeth)
His use of 3D imaging also enables him to provide a much less invasive surgical procedure, as well as a more predictable outcome.
Hand-crafted dentures are just one more thing that sets this Oklahoma City practice apart from the rest. The use of superior quality materials combined with Dr. Gibson’s attention to artistic detail results in dentures that are more natural looking as well as comfortable.
Since prevention is such an integral part of oral health, Dr. Gibson offers these helpful tips to patients:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. While harder bristles may seem like a good idea, they are actually too abrasive and can damage your tooth structure. Choose a soft-bristled brush instead and remember to replace it every 3-4 months.
Floss. This will not only make an enormous difference in preventing gum disease in most patients, but will also help prevent bad breath, give you pretty “pink” gums, and has even been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Get professional help. Having your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 3-6 months will help maintain teeth and gums by the removal of plaque and tartar build-up in hard-to-reach areas, as well as allow your mouth to be monitored for signs of early decay and/or early gum disease.
Consider your diet. Some foods are good for your teeth and gums. The fibrous texture of raw fruits and vegetables, for example, helps to clean the teeth as you chew. Also, foods high in vitamin C (such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers) are good for the gum tissue. However, beware of the acidity of lemons, which can damage tooth enamel if consumed too often. Foods to avoid or, at least limit, are sticky foods, sugary foods, and popcorn. (Popcorn kernels can get lodged beneath the gums and can be difficult to remove.)
Dr. Gibson enjoys volunteering with Meals on Wheels, through St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. His wife, Sarinda, is devoted to her work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise both awareness and funds. Their son, Samuel, enlisted in the United States Marine Corp just two weeks after 9/11 and has proudly served his country in Iraq. Hannah, their daughter, is a freshman in college.
Dr. Gibson has gone to great lengths to provide the latest techniques and technologies to better serve each individual’s needs. Whatever your dental needs or concerns, Dr. Gibson and his friendly staff are ready to serve you.
Call 405-942-6222 or visit our website.
As a not-for-profit, faith based ministry, Quality Life Hospice has the unique opportunity to blend both end-of-life support and mission-based service to provide the highest standards of care in the industry. The services we provide benefit our patients and their families alike. We converted to our not-for-profit status last year, which has enabled us to provide additional education and support to meet the needs of families affected by life-limiting illnesses in our local community and abroad.
In May of 2011, members of the Quality Life Team spent two weeks doing mission work in the Ukraine. Ukrainian families are often left alone in the heartbreaking time of caring for their loved ones, both young and old, at the end of life. Childhood mortality is a frighteningly common reality throughout the Ukraine that devastates families. The lack of support makes the loss that much more difficult to bear. We continue to sponsor the Ukraine Hospice Movement by providing educational resources and encouragement to the Ukrainian medical professionals in their efforts to promote access to end-of-life care. It is our hope that the hospice movement will expand in the Ukraine and across Eastern Europe.
It is also the mission and ministry of Quality Life Hospice to care for Oklahoma families during the end-of-life, available to those diagnosed with a life limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less, should the condition run its normal course. We have the ability to provide comfort and support to the family when it is needed the most with an entire interdisciplinary team: RN case manager, social worker, spiritual counselor, hospice aide/homemaker, dietary counselor, bereavement and grief counselor, volunteers and a hospice physician who can work with you family doctor.
We truly believe in our “calling” and provide services in thirteen counties in the Greater Oklahoma City area. If you or a loved one needs hospice care, please call to request a hospice consultation. To learn more about employment or volunteer opportunities with Quality Life Hospice, please call our office or visit our website.
Call 405-767-9033 or visit our website.
Retirement exceeds your expectations at Town Village Retirement Community. General Managers, Pam and Ron Ethier, have created a culture of community like none other, and they are breaking new ground by living onsite. “It’s not for everybody, but we love it! We experience everything the residents do:apartments, dining, activities, and daily life. Being available and in tune with the Resident’s individual needs creates a ‘family’ atmosphere.”
Our goal at Town Village is to create a lifestyle of choice for our Residents while providing the comforts of home. We have monthly events, open to the community and Residents alike, with entertainment by big bands, orchestras, or an Elvis impersonator. Ron and Pam both exclaim, “We like to have fun and our Residents do too! Its great to see everyone dancing with big smiles on their faces. Seeing this makes us realize that we really are providing a great life for our Residents.”
Additional community events include football tailgate parties with plenty of camaraderie to sock hops where you dance to your heart’s content.
Town Village Residents actively give back to the OKC community through volunteering with Whiz Kids & Mercy Hospital. Residents also make and donate items for Christmas and the holidays, including toy drives. The resident council works closely to enhance both the Town Village living experience as well as reaching out to the community.
Ron and Pam invite you to become a part of the Town Village community so you can relax and enjoy an active life, the comforts of home, and so much more. If you would like to receive a personal invitation to join the monthly events, please sign up on the website or call 297-9600.
Healthcare in Oklahoma: Are Senior Citizens Becoming Second-Class Citizens?
Drs. Edward A. Shadid and Gentian Meta of Spine and Pain Care of Oklahoma are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and service possible to their patients across the state of Oklahoma through the utilization of the most cutting edge technology available in spine care and pain management.
As physicians concerned about the health of all individuals, they encourage patients treated at their practice as well as the rest of the general public to approach their personal healthcare with the mindset that “I am the CEO of my own body.” Making positive decisions such as avoiding tobacco and maintaining a healthy diet and level of activity are vital, as is awareness of factors that may have an impact on one’s well-being. Patients are often intimidated by the medical community, proceeding as though the physician always knows best. Drs. Shadid and Meta encourage those seeking care to educate themselves about all available treatment options as well as the interests of their physicians: “The take-home message is that seniors have got to take an active role in their healthcare. They’ve got to ask questions and investigate on their own. They’ve got to get second opinions.”
Unfortunately, patients must realize that medicine is a business and that a bottom line is often a consideration in the development of treatment plans. Some doctors become involved in ancillary services wherein they have financial interests such as surgery centers, hospitals, physical therapy clinics, or medical device distribution. There may be pressure to produce at a certain level to justify their ownership. “There is now becoming a preponderance of studies that show that physicians that own surgery centers and hospitals can have increased surgical rates. They have meetings and can be publically shamed for not pulling their weight. There’s no way that at least subconsciously that meeting is not going to affect that doctor’s decision-making.” Dr. Shadid explains that “it’s not to say that the surgery that’s being proposed to you is unnecessary or that they’re going to do a bad job, or that it’s not going to help you, but it’s something that you need to have in the back of your mind. It’s something that you need to ask.”
Individuals covered by Medicare are also at risk of being given substandard medical devices because their insurance does not reimburse physician-owned facilities and community hospitals the same as other insurance plans. There are no state laws that mandate that preclude a doctor from providing patients different treatment recommendations based on the insurance they carry. Drs. Shadid and Meta are concerned that “the environment in Oklahoma has deteriorated to the state where Medicare patients are essentially treated as second class citizens.” Some physicians will restrict the number of Medicare patients that they will see, reserving the majority of their appointments for patients with higher paying insurance plans that are lucrative for the practice. Because federal Stark and anti-kickback legislation preclude referring Medicare patients to entities the physician owns, many physicians opt to exclude them from their practices.
When Medicare patients are offered surgery, they are oftentimes given substandard medical devices. Since Medicare pays a flat fee to the facility regardless of product used, many physicians will use substandard devices to increase their profit margin. For example, when spinal cord stimulators are placed to attempt to alleviate nerve pain, many senior citizens are given bulky, non-rechargeable batteries (see picture) which must be replaced every two to three years. By contrast, patients whose insurance pays “cost-plus” (the cost of the implant plus a mark-up generally in the twenty percent range) may be offered rechargeable batteries with more sophisticated software.
Dr. Meta notes that a discussion of the odds of getting better, remaining the same, or developing complications is a great place to start. Drs. Shadid and Meta recognize that patients may not feel comfortable questioning their physicians face-to-face in the exam room, but the following inquiries may be submitted in a written form to the office staff and addressed prior to the performance of surgery:
- Does my physician have an ownership interest in the facility and which I am having my surgery?
- Does my physician receive an honorarium or consulting fee from the company which is providing the medical devices to be used in my surgery?
- Does my physician own the distributorship or receive financial benefit from the utilization of the medical devices to be used in my surgery?
- Are there options in the choice of medical devices used in my surgery and does my insurance influence the choice of medical device or durable medical equipment?
If a physician is unwilling to answer such questions, it may be indicative of an issue that may affect patient care and may warrant a second opinion.
Drs. Shadid and Meta are Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Pain Management respectively and pride themselves in adhering to the highest standards in patient care. Call Drs. Shadid and Meta at 405-840-5100 and check their website for more information.
We promise to provide compassionate care, to maintain the highest level of regulatory compliance, and to perform to the highest standards of practice and quality of care.
DIABETIC MANAGEMENT: Elite can help diabetic patients have a more normal life. Our nurses teach them and their family the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and diabetes, and how to adjust their diet. Many patients with diabetes suffer from pain in their feet, and in those cases we have equipment for pain management.
CARDIOPULMONARY: Healthy heart and lung function are essential. Our nurses and therapists are well-versed in cardiopulmonary care, and carry such equipment as a Coagucheck machine and Pulse Oximeter so we can monitor our patients’ cardiopulmonary health carefully.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: At Elite, we believe pain is very real. Our clinicians talk with each patient to assess their level of pain. At Elite, we teach relaxation techniques, as some patients prefer not to take medications. We can also assist them with equipment and techniques that can help reduce their pain.
BALANCE REHAB: Fall prevention is very important to us at Elite. That is why we have a balance program worked into our care plans. Elite can assess the cause of balance issues. We then discuss a recommended course of treatment.
TRAVEL CLINIC: Our therapists travel with a variety of equipment so our patients achieve the best possible results. We use it all: Anodyne, assistive devices including walkers, canes, etc. BEEPS boards, BOSU balls, cervical traction, Dyna-discs, E-stim, encased restorators, high volt, interferential pedometers, pulleys, pulse oximeters, step-stools, TENS units, Thera-putty, theraband, ultrasound, vital stim, wands, and weights.
WOUND MANAGEMENT: Many people who spend long periods of time in bed or sitting, or have diabetes, can develop different types of wounds. Our nurses and physical therapists have extensive experience in wound treatment and prevention. They recommend a course of treatment that will ensure safe and rapid healing. more information, call Elite Home Care at 405-752-2523 and check our website.
Letter from the Editor
HAPPY 18th ANNIVERSARY OSJ – The first and longest running SENIOR publication in Oklahoma being distributed to the largest demographic in the world, the 50+ Community!
As the OSJ Editor, I grab every opportunity I can to get out and meet the “Heart & Soul” of this publication, from the loyal readers to the devoted patrons. Hearing your stories inspires me and makes this a career I truly love. This wonderful and rewarding journey has been positively life changing!
We are honored to feature Dr. Edward A. Shadid and Dr. Gentian Meta, the “Healthful” Power Team, of the Spine and Pain Care of Oklahoma. Please be sure to read their informative Q & A on page two explaining the “How To” of taking an active role in your healthcare.
It’s Time to Celebrate! “It’s All About Pets and The People They Own...” (pages 40a through page 47) debuts in this issue. Enjoy the spotlight on “Pets” whom 83% of “Seniors” care for and call their beloved companions, as does this Editor. Please visit us online for up-to-date events, special “Senior” announcements, and to share your comments to help us help you make this a GRAND “Guide for Living”!
A New Perspective in Alzheimer's and
Memory Support Care
It’s your loved one. A parent. A relative. A dear friend. And when it’s time to decide about your next step, you look for the best, most caring Alzheimer’s and memory support care you can find. That’s when you discover Cypress Springs. Here, we befriend all our residents, respect their needs and uphold their dignity. We help them reflect on the past, live in the moment and create new, joy-filled experiences. And we relieve and assure their loved ones. It’s the most advanced memory loss support available, and it’s all we do. Security, dignity and delight: a program built on friendship.
A good friend notices what you do. They pay attention to your feelings and moods; share the day’s bright and gray moments and when you need something, a good friend is right there to help. That’s the way it is at Cypress Springs. Our staff has highly developed skills, special training and unique personal capabilities. They’re carefully selected and uniquely qualified to be trusted caregivers and very good friends to the residents of our community.
Our painstakingly planned community puts into practice the very best ideas about what residents need for healthy, active lives. That’s why you’ll find at Cypress Springs the abundance of natural light, which eases “Sundowner’s Syndrome,” (the seasonal, late afternoon agitation some residents experience), and color coding helps residents orient themselves as they move throughout the residence. Cypress Springs is designed specifically to promote memory support.
Our wandering paths are designed to help residents stroll and relax — always within view of watchful staff. Our garden areas provide easy access to a comfortable and nurturing outdoor environment.
We invite you to visit soon. Our staff will gladly show you how Cypress Springs can make a positive difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones. For more information, call 405.286.9500 and check our website.
Absolute Senior Care
“Dedicated to Preserving Life and Honoring Our Seniors”
At Absolute Senior Care, we are not just an agency. We treat your loved ones as our loved ones. We are your neighbors, and we’re right here in Oklahoma. We are dedicated to helping maintain the highest quality of life and independence.
These are just some of the many services we offer to our loved ones:
• Companionship and Conversation
• Provide a healthy and loving environment
• Meal Preparation and Planning
• Home Organization
• Transportation to appointments and events
• Light Housekeeping and Laundry
• Facilitate with Home Healthcare, Hospice, and other services
Call today for an immediate FREE in home consultation!and check our website.
• All inclusive pricing starting at $2,120
• Offering Four Levels of Care
• Month-to-Month Leasing/NO BUY IN
• Assisted Living, Progressive & Memory Care
• Caregiver Relief (Short-Term Respite Stay)
• On-Site Beauty Shop
• On-Site Rehabilitation Services
• Years of Experienced Management
• Full-Time Licensed Nurses including RN
• Family Owned and Operated
Services Included in Monthly Rent:
• Three home-cooked meals per day
• Certified staff 24 hours per day
• Medication Administration
• Regular Monitoring of Resident’s Status
• Reminders for Meals and Activities
• Variety of Activities and Social Events
• Assistance with all daily living needs including dressing, bathing, hygiene, grooming and incontinent care
Spring time is here, No worry – Feel safe and secure in our Safe Rooms during Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather. Ask us about our 30-day money back guarantee. 1-9221 or check our website.
Comfort Inn and Suites
Legendary Service Not at Legendary Prices
There is something unusual going on at this hotel in Oklahoma City that truly makes it a hidden treasure!
My husband and I often travel to Oklahoma City for doctor appointments. We have high expectations when it comes to our hotel accommodations. We have found the Comfort Inn and Suites staff at Quail Springs to be top-notch.
You are immediately greeted by friendly front desk personnel and often with the aroma of fresh baked cookies and freshly brewed coffee, both regular and decaf.
We are greeted by name when we arrive; they even give us our preferred room on the first floor whenever possible – always pristinely clean and always with plush, pillow top comfortable beds.
On our last visit to the hotel, I met Jeannette Draper, the owner and general manager, and Donna Richardson, the assistant manager. Donna credits legendary cleanliness of the hotel to the dedication of her executive housekeeper, Nancy Rivera, who has worked with Jeannette Draper for over 15 years.
The delicious, complimentary, hot, full breakfast is also a highlight. The quality and variety will satisfy any palate. Maria Dulce, the breakfast attendant, is always there to greet us with a warm smile and helpful hand.
The Comfort Inn and Suites at Quail Springs is truly an outstanding hotel. The passion and heart of the staff defines their success. Treat yourself to the five-star service (but not at five-star prices). Comfort Inn and Suites at Quail Springs truly provides legendary comfort and service.6-2700 or check our website.
In the Business of Making People Happy
Dr. Kamal Sawan proudly states that he’s “in the business of making people happy.”
As Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, he performs aesthetic and reconstructive procedures to reconcile the outward appearances of his patients with their personal perceptions. As age and experience begin to reflect themselves on one’s face and body, self-image may suffer, instigating pervasive depression or a change in behavior such as avoidance of social situations. Extensive pre-surgical counseling ensures that patients have realistic expectations and his goal is to enhance one’s visage rather than producing drastic results: “If you’re seeking a look of perpetual surprise, you’re in the wrong place.” Dr. Sawan is able to restore a more youthful appearance through the performance of a few procedures; often a lift or light liposuction can correct sagging and banding that occurs naturally as musculature relaxes over time.
Oklahoma Senior Journal Editor Robin Gunn reports first-hand what a positive experience she has had as a patient of Dr. Sawan’s. A year ago, he removed the breast implants that had become a nuisance over the past twenty years and she was so pleased with the outcome that she decided to trust him with her face. “I didn’t feel as tired as I looked. Gravity and age were taking their toll. I didn’t think that there was an extreme need, but I’m in the public very frequently and didn’t feel as though my appearance accurately represented who I am.” Following her procedures, Ms. Gunn says that she feels “younger and vibrant.” Dr. Sawan walked her through each phase of the process personally, from the initial consultation to follow-up appointments, and her apprehension disbursed at the door. Constantly attended throughout her hospital stay, she reports that the luxurious facilities rivaled those of a five-star hotel. Although her mother was present (and well cared for) throughout the procedure, she feels as though one would be more than adequately tended to even without a companion. The attention to detail carried on throughout recovery when, in addition to regularly scheduled office visits, Dr. Sawan personally called Ms. Gunn on several occasions to make sure that the healing process was progressing well.
Dr. Sawan emphasizes the importance of board certification, noting that following receipt of a medical degree, a doctor may theoretically open a practice “specializing” in cosmetic medicine or surgery although the extensive training necessary for proficiency may not have been performed. Having lived in Qatar, he attended high school in Ireland and medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Sawan did his residency in General and Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins and has been Board Certified for five years. He and his wife, Nadeen, moved to Oklahoma seven years ago when he accepted his position and are enjoying raising their three sons here: “We don’t want to go anywhere else!”
Dr. Sawan remains a very busy man; however, not a day passes that he doesn’t stop to thank God for four things: “my wife, my life, my children, and my staff.” Ms. Gunn notes that his sentiment is reciprocated by his staff who expressed their views on Dr. Sawan’s ethic and workmanship both verbally and in their enthusiasm and devotion to their work.
Ms. Gunn says that the one word that remains with her in regard to the whole process is “encouragement.” From the approach of Dr. Sawan and his staff to her perception of her new look, it was truly a positive, uplifting experience. Call for a complimentary consultation & receive a FREE DVD of this procedure. Call 405-271-4864 or check our website.
Foot & Ankle Surgeon is
Helping Patients Walk PAIN FREE
Foot and ankle pain can be debilitating; even minor chores become major when they are performed while dealing with foot and ankle pain. The bones and joints that make up our feet are under tremendous stress. Unlike many parts of the body, the foot and ankle must absorb direct impact generated with each step as gravity and body weight impact the ground. This repetitive impact leads to a variety of degenerative conditions in the foot and ankle. Common conditions include bunions, hammertoes, heel pain and arthritis.
As Nathaniel Applegate, D.P.M., Foot & Ankle Surgery, explains these conditions are so common many people see them as a “right of aging.”
“Unfortunately many people do not seek treatment and are not aware that foot pain is not normal even with strenuous activity,” said Applegate.
Other foot pain sufferers may avoid treatment due to the concern that their condition may require invasive surgery.
Minimally invasive foot & ankle treatment
At Midwest Physicians Group Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Applegate and his staff specialize in many minimally invasive approaches for foot and ankle diseases. This includes non-invasive (no incision) treatments for plantar fasciitis or heel pain. They also specialize in treatments that keep patients mobile, such as implants for joints instead of traditional fusions. This is especially important when it comes to ankle arthritis. Traditionally, ankle arthritis treatment meant ankle fusion. This would relieve the patient’s pain but often altered the way the individual walked leading to pain and arthritis of other joints. Today, Dr. Applegate is proud to be one of a few specialists offering ankle replacement as an alternative to traditional fusion. Call 405-733-4441 or check our website.
Moving? Don't Worry, We Can Take Care of it For You!
Moving is listed as one of the top stressors in a person’s life. It involves more than moving just your belongings. It means moving your life and beginning again in an often times unfamiliar environment.
We pledge to you the upmost care and quality in the moving industry. We acknowledge that you have many choices. We promise to pay attention to your every concern and are determined to earn your trust.
First Choice Relocation offers a variety of services customized to your needs and budget. We offer full packing services, crating of delicate items, as well as unpacking. For local and long distance moving, whether it’s an entire home or one item, we can assist in the safe transport to ensure that your items arrive in the same condition when picked up. First Choice Relocation is fully insured and employs full-time experienced staff where superior service is standard. First Choice Relocation offers on-site estimates at no cost or obligation.
Whether it’s a move to another home, a retirement community, independent senior living, assisted living, a long-term community, or a simple transfer within your existing community, we offer a full range of moving services to assist seniors and their families in making the transition as smooth and seamless as possible.
Providing unique yet affordable services, and allowing the liberty to choose what services are needed, we can reduce the stress and anxiety related to your move. Call 405-232-MOVE (6683) or check our website.