Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve heard that excessive earwax can cause serious health problems in elderly seniors. What can you tell me about this? Caregiving Daughter

Dear Caregiving,
It’s true! Excessive amounts of earwax can indeed cause problems in elderly seniors including hearing loss or ringing in your ears. Some people experience vertigo, which increases the risk of falling. And there’s also a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline and depression.
Earwax – which is not really wax at all, but a substance called cerumen that binds with dirt, dust and debris – is normally produced by the body as a way to clean and protect the ears. In most people, the self-cleaning process works fine. But in others, including more than 30 percent of elderly people, the wax collects to the point where it can completely block or impact the ear canal.
Those that are most affected are elderly seniors, especially those living in nursing homes or assisted living centers that provide substandard hygiene. And those highest at risk are hearing-aid users because the devices push wax down into the canal.
Earwax Removal
Usually, earwax moves up and out on its own so the best way to control it is to leave it alone. But that advice can backfire for those who accumulate excessive amounts of earwax.
The symptoms of an earwax problem can include an earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, an ear infection, ear itchiness, or cough due to pressure from the blockage stimulating a nerve in the ear.
If you or your elderly loved one’s experience any of these symptoms, try using a softening agent to help the wax leave the ear or to remove it more easily.
If you prefer the natural route, try baby oil or mineral oil. Using an eyedropper, apply a drop or two into your ear, tilting your head so that the opening of the ear is pointing up toward the ceiling. Stay in that position for a minute or two to let the fluid flow down to the waxy buildup. Then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the fluid and wax drain.
Or try an over-the-counter earwax removal solution or kit, which are sold in most pharmacies. Solutions may contain oil or hydrogen peroxide, and some kits include a bulb syringe that you squeeze to flush your ear with warm water, if needed.
You may need to repeat this wax-softening and irrigation procedure several times before getting rid of the excess earwax. If, however, the symptoms don’t improve after a few treatments, you need to see an audiologist or ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to have the wax removed.
Earwax removal is one of the most common ENT procedures performed. They have a variety of tools that can remove hard, stubborn earwax.
It might be tempting to poke a cotton swab, bobby pin, pencil or finger into your ear to get the gunk out, but don’t go digging. Yes, it’ll remove some of the wax, but it may also push the rest deeper into the ear canal and increase your risk of injuring your eardrum and making the problem worse.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Betty Mattison

(Right) 100 years old. Betty Mattison of Tulsa, born December 27, 1924, was the oldest of eight siblings who were separated early in life, some placed in local homes. Betty later reunited them, and they now hold family reunions. Since retiring in 1987, she has delivered for Meals on Wheels and enjoys sewing, knitting, and crocheting.

Betty Edmondson

(Left) 100 years old. Betty Lou Edmondson, a resident of Bethany, has commemorated her 100th birthday, having led a fulfilling life since retiring as a jewelry clerk in 1989, with a rich blend of homemaking, church involvement, hobbies such as sewing, walking, and fishing, and exploring various travel destinations while prioritizing time with loved ones. ”Betty’s words of wisdom: “Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air…walk, walk, walk!”

Mary Thomas

(Right) 100 years old. Mary Rose (Hull) Thomas of Stillwater was born in Missouri on December 16, 1924. As a devoted Presbyterian, she worked as a secretary until her retirement at age 65. Her interests included golf, basketball, and volunteering, and she cherished time spent with loved ones. Mary Rose traveled extensively with her husband and emphasized the importance of respecting one’s parents.

Dottie Pennington

(Right) 110 years old. Lessie Benningfield Randle was born, beginning an extraordinary 110-year journey of faith, love, and service, celebrated with family and friends in Tulsa. As a dedicated caregiver, she made a difference until retiring in 1981. She delighted in cooking, reading, and singing hymns, fueled by her unwavering faith. Asked about her remarkable longevity, she credited God’s blessings and thoughtful living. Lessie’s heartfelt guidance is: ‘Follow God, honor your parents, and live with integrity.

Oklahoma County
Dr. William L. and Susie Price Haywood Estate
7100 N. Sooner Rd., Oklahoma City
The Dr. William L. and Susie Price Haywood Estate in Oklahoma City was constructed c. 1930 in the Late 19th and Early 20th Century Classical Revival style and is significant at the local level for its association with Dr. William Haywood, his wife Susie Price Haywood, and their roles associated with the Black community during segregation. Dr. Haywood was a prominent physician for the Black community as early as 1910 when he became the chief African American health officer of Oklahoma County. In the 1920s, he established the Utopia Hospital, which is believed to be the first African American hospital west of the Mississippi. In the 1950s, Haywood became director and chief-of-staff at Oklahoma University Hospital. Mrs. Haywood, a cum laude graduate of Langston University, established herself as the first principal for the summer school for Negro children and eventually as a summer faculty member at Langston as an English teacher and assistant registrar. Mrs. Haywood also published textbooks for students to use, covering topics traditional books did not. The Haywood Estate is listed in the National Register for the couple’s significant role in the African American community in Oklahoma City.
Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates and nominates properties for this special designation.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

By Marise Boehs

It was my 76th birthday and I wanted a challenge. Having never ridden a mountain bike trail, I decided to try my luck on one. l found a local Facebook riders group and asked for an easy beginner trail recommendation. Off I went to ride it.

 It did not take me long to realize the gulleys and tree roots and sharp turns where not my cup of tea. I abandoned it for Lake Stanley Draper Trail.

 It was a Tuesday, so the traffic at the lake was minimal. Only a handful of bikers and walkers were on the trail. I had an excellent 10 mile ride to the back side of the lake and back across the top of the dam.

 I would certainly recommend this trail, although, be prepared for hills. Long hills. I try to avoid the longest, hardest hills. If you start on the dam side of the trail (riding south from the marina), the hills are not that bad and you can get to the back side of the lake in about 5 miles. A nice picnic table awaits and peace and quiet. Take a break. Hydrate and have a snack. 

 Riding back across the dam is flat and has a great view of the lake on your right. I would not recommend this on the weekend though because of traffic across the dam. It’s a public road, not part of the trail.

Lake Stanley Draper Trail
Lake Draper Trail is a 14-mile loop trail located near Tinker Air Force Base. It is a car-free paved trail that offers the chance to see wildlife and some beautiful native Oklahoma wildflowers, grasses and cedars.
 And it has hills. Do not confuse this with a rail trail. The terrain can be a challenge.
 The Lake Draper Marina is located at the end of SE 104th Street and provides abundant parking and easy access to the trail. The marina also has a concession building with restroom facilities. A playground is close by as well as picnic tables and benches.

located at 200 S Academy Road. Mercy caregivers and a chaplain gathered to celebrate the program’s start and bless it with prayers of thanksgiving.
“Anxiety and depression feel isolating to anyone, but often especially to seniors. But these are very common problems and we don’t want our neighbors to suffer alone,” said hospital Administrator Bobby Stitt. “We want everyone to know they can refer themselves, and family and friends can refer their loved ones, too.”
About Senior Life Solutions
Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program for people who are typically age 65 and older with age-related health concerns, difficult life events, transitions to new phases of life and more.
Senior Life Solutions is for people who may be experiencing:
• A traumatic event
• Anxiety
• Changes in appetite
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Loss of a close family member or spouse
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
Senior Life Solutions services offered include:
• A confidential, comprehensive assessment
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Medication education and management
• Aftercare planning
While most services are offered in a group setting, each person will also receive individual counseling. Mercy engages and supports participants in the program to make sure their unique needs are being met.
Staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse and other caregivers dedicated to the mental health care of older adults in the Logan County community.
Family members, physicians or other health care professionals can make a referral to the program.
For more information, call 405-282-6700 or visit the Mercy Hospital Logan County webpage on www.mercy.net.

This winter, the Metropolitan Library System invites adults to embrace the joys of reading with the return of the beloved Book Bingo Winter Reading Challenge. Running from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, this annual program encourages participants to explore unique reading categories, connect with their community and win exciting prizes.
Winter Reading isn’t just about books-it’s a celebration of all types of reading. Whether you prefer audiobooks, e-books, magazines, bedtime stories, or physical books, all formats count toward completing the challenge. The bingo card has fun ideas like “a book with a number in the title” or “a book set in the winter” to inspire you.
“All kinds of reading count for this challenge,” said Emily Williams, Teen Services Manager. “Audiobooks provide just as much vocabulary and reading comprehension as the paper versions. E-books are a convenient way to carry dozens of books at once, plus the library’s downloadable collection is just a Wi-Fi signal away.”
Participants can look forward to the reveal of this year’s collectible campfire mug design, a coveted tradition among Winter Reading fans. Beyond the prizes, the program highlights the benefits of reading, such as reducing stress, improving sleep and making daily activities more enjoyable. “Reading can help us process our experiences, receive reinforcement for our feelings or provide a distraction from everyday stressors,” Williams added.
How to Participate in Winter Reading Book Bingo:
1. Get Your Card: Pick up a bingo card at any Metro Library location or download one at www.metrolibrary.org/winterreading.
2. Track Your Progress: Fill in your card by logging the title and author of books you’ve read in the corresponding squares. Complete any five squares for a bingo or challenge yourself to fill the entire card with 25 books. Use the Beanstack app to track your progress online.
3. Submit Your Card: Return completed cards to any library location or log your progress online by Feb. 28. Participants can submit one card to qualify for prizes.
Prizes and Rewards:
• Read 5 Books: Earn a limited-edition campfire mug (while supplies last) and be entered into a drawing for prizes like Apple AirPods.
• Read 25 Books: Enter the grand prize drawing for an iPad, VIP tickets to Literary Voices featuring Jodi Picoult, and a YMCA membership.
Need help finding your next read? Librarians are available to provide tailored recommendations through Tailored Titles, at your local branch, or by phone at (405) 231-8650.
This cherished program has become a highlight of the season for many readers, offering a chance to unwind, explore new stories and connect with others. Start your Winter Reading journey today and see if you can get a bingo! For more details, visit www.metrolibrary.org/winterreading.
The Metropolitan Library System serves Oklahoma County’s 800,000 residents across its 19 locations, welcoming over 5.4 million visits annually with more than 10 million checkouts. Explore digital resources available 24/7 at www.metrolibrary.org.

The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are pleased to announce the National Register of Historic Places designation for the following properties in Oklahoma. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.
Cleveland County
Prairie House
550 48th Ave. NE, Norman
Designed by architect Herb Greene and completed in 1961, Prairie House is located at 550 48th Avenue NE in Norman. It is significant as an exemplary work of organic architecture through Greene’s architectural vision and rooted in Bruce Goff’s organic design principles. Greene’s architectural vision sought to synthesize various arts and respond to the elements of “people, place, time, materials, and spirit.” Prairie House’s intent as “something poetic” blends form, function, and environment of a particular time, place, and circumstance and embodies the organic architecture that Goff and his followers exemplify.

By Nick Thomas

Considering its vast area, it might be surprising that Texas is home to just two National Parks. If the U.S. National Park Service ever expressed interest in adding a third, Palo Duro Canyon could be a compelling candidate – assuming the Feds could pry it away from the Texas State Park system. As the second largest canyon system in the United States, it’s no surprise this spectacular natural wonder is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Lone Star State.
About a half hour drive south from Amarillo in the Texas panhandle, the summers are predictably shadeless and brutally hot, so take the obvious precautions if hiking during those months. Winter, early spring, and late fall are the best times to hike any scorching trail, and there are plenty of them here – more than 15 spread over some 30 miles around the 30,000-acre State Park.
Our first stop was the Visitor Center just as it was closing, but the manager kindly invited us to look around, use the restrooms, and answered a few questions. It’s a great place to begin and to appreciate the canyon rim view from the car park.
Turning right on Park Road 5 from the Visitor Center, the road winds around a bit for about a mile to a small parking area on the right and the “C.C.C. Trail ¼ mile” sign. This is the entrance to the short Triassic Trail which, in about a quarter mile, intersects with the longer CCC trail at its approximate midpoint (a map of Palo Duro Canyon State Park trails can be downloaded from the park website).
CCC stands for the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal program developed during the President Franklin D. Roosevelt administration to provide jobs for the unemployed during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The CCC built a road to the canyon floor, trails, picnic areas, small foot bridges, cabins, and the Visitor Center.
The Triassic Trail is an easy half mile to the bluff and back over a few rocks and some uneven surfaces, but affords breathtaking views of the canyon. Since the trail hugs the canyon rim, hikers can watch as cars wind down the canyon basin road below where the Pioneer Amphitheater hosts popular outdoor events throughout the year.
Pets are welcome at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, but must be leashed if taken on a hike. Aside from obviously protecting the park’s resources, cactuses dot the Triassic Trail. Dogs off a leash may regret attempting to leave their scent on prickly plants! The park also has an all-terrain wheelchair for use on some trails that may be reserved by contacting the park in advance. It can also be very gusty in the region – nearby Amarillo is one of the windiest cities in the U.S.

Other easy trails include the Pioneer Nature Trail, a short 0.4-mile loop leading to the river, and the scenic 2-mile out-and-back Paseo Del Rio Trail that follows the riverbank. Many more challenging trails await the adventurous, including the CCC Trail that offers a rugged descent into the valley. This historic path, carved into the canyon nearly 90 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps, stands as a testament to the men whose efforts helped shape this less-traveled gem of the Texas State Park System.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. His hiking column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling. See
www.ItsAWonderfulHike.com.

By: Kirsten Hubbard,
Care+Wear Community Member

A Patient’s Story That Touched My Heart
In my years working in healthcare, I’ve come across many patients and families who have profoundly touched my life. One experience stands out vividly. While working in the ICU, a patient who had suffered a terrible accident was admitted to my unit. Though he couldn’t speak during those initial moments, I did my best to care for him, keep him aware of his situation, and simply be by his side.
Over the next few days, as I continued to care for him, I met his family and found myself in frequent conversations with them. I learned his story, their story, and felt that I was truly building a bond with them. By the time I returned for my next set of shifts, the patient was able to communicate with me. He was doing much better than when I’d last seen him. Both he and his family thanked me for the care and support I had given them.
What they didn’t realize was how much they impacted me in return. Seeing him recover enough to leave the ICU and connecting with his family reminded me why I became a nurse. Moments like these fuel my passion for healthcare.
The Importance of Building Bonds with Patients
The connections we create with patients and their families are more than just meaningful-they’re vital. They form a foundation of trust, which I believe is essential for healing. When patients feel that they’re not just being “treated” but genuinely cared for, they’re more likely to open up about their concerns and challenges.
This openness allows healthcare workers to tailor support in ways that truly meet each patient’s needs. Often, it’s the human connection and empathy that give patients the courage to follow through with treatment, make lifestyle changes, and maintain a positive mindset during recovery.
How Small Gestures Make a Big Difference
Building trust with patients isn’t about grand gestures-it’s about consistency and compassion in every interaction. Personally, I focus on listening first, ensuring patients feel heard and understood. I strive to explain things in clear, simple terms and remain transparent about what they can expect.
Small actions-like maintaining eye contact, remembering details about their life, or even sitting down to be on their level-go a long way. These gestures might seem small, but they build the trust that’s critical to effective care.
Advice for New Healthcare Professionals
To those new to healthcare, I encourage you to remember that every patient is a person first. It can be easy to get caught up in tasks and outcomes, but even a few minutes spent connecting on a personal level can make a world of difference.
Patients often feel vulnerable, and showing empathy-even through a kind word or gentle tone-can help them feel cared for and reassured. These small acts of kindness are just as important to their healing journey as the treatments we provide.
Conclusion:
Why Connection Matters
Experiences like the one I shared are what keep me going in healthcare. They remind me that while medicine can treat the body, compassion and connection heal the soul. For me, these bonds are what make this work not only fulfilling but truly meaningful.
Author Bio: Kirsten is a registered nurse. Since beginning her nursing school journey, she has shared her experiences online, connecting with thousands of nurses and healthcare workers. She started her career in the neuroscience ICU, where she built a strong foundation and gained invaluable knowledge. In addition to her ICU work, Kirsten also cared for pediatric patients at a surgical center, supporting little ones immediately after their surgeries.
Driven to further her nursing education, Kirsten was accepted into a top-rated MSN program to become a family nurse practitioner. She has since transitioned to outpatient nursing, where she provides care to patients with chronic illnesses and infections. Kirsten remains committed to sharing her nursing journey with her audience, building meaningful connections, and making a positive impact throughout her career.

The Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy (OAALA) is accepting applications for 2025. For 27 years, OAALA has provided free training for individuals to be informed volunteer community leaders and advocates for Oklahoma’s aging population. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 10, 2025.
The course kicks off in February and includes coursework through Aug. 2025. Classes typically meet all day Wednesday and Thursday in Oklahoma City, but three of the sessions will be virtual in 2025. Classes are planned on the following dates. They are subject to change with as much notice to participants as possible:
• Kickoff Meeting: Feb. 13 OKC metro
• Session 1: March 12 and 13 Virtual
• Session 2: April 9 and 10 OKC metro
• Session 3: May 14 and 15 Virtual
• Session 4: June 11 and 12 OKC metro
• Session 5: July 9 and 10 Virtual
• Session 6: Aug. 6 and 7 – OKC metro
Attendance and participation are required for each full day. There is no cost to participate as tuition is covered by sponsors, including (when applicable) lunch, books, resource materials and overnight accommodations for those who qualify. Travel reimbursements may be provided under the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to use constructive advocacy techniques to effect social change and a commitment to build communities that include and value all older persons and persons with disabilities. They should also demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of people and the ability to see things from the point of view of others.
“The impact OAALA graduates make in Oklahoma communities compliments our efforts to make services and supports available to older Oklahomans,” said Jeromy Buchanan, Director of Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, a division of Oklahoma Human Services. “We cannot support all the various needs of our aging population alone and are proud to serve alongside these engaged leaders and advocates in service to older adults.”
Applications are online and must be received along with a letter of support by Jan. 10, 2025.
For more information or to request a paper application, contact Jake Stover directly at 405-714-0015 or Email OAALA@okdhs.org, or call the Community Living, Aging and Protective Services main line at (405) 521-2281.