by Greg Schwem

The art of face-to-face communication took a huge hit due to the pandemic, and it has sadly also affected my favorite solo traveling game.
I’ve titled the game, “Walk Into a Bar and Get One Person Off Their Phone.”
I often find myself alone in strange cities and, rather than ordering room service and bemoaning the fact that the hotel TV package doesn’t include Netflix, I choose to explore my surroundings; trips that culminate in solo dining at restaurant bars. Brewpubs are my favorites, but I recently eliminated gluten from my diet and now must endure strange looks from brewmasters when I belly up to their establishments and order an apple-infused seltzer.
I choose a seat immediately next to, or if the bar is empty, one stool away from another patron. I prefer solo customers like myself, as they are usually scrolling their phones. I’ll say this about the cellphone: It eliminated the scarlet letter that often comes with dining or drinking solo. Instead of projecting a sad, “I have no friends,” vibe, you can pass yourself off as an important business person, albeit one with no friends and whose “business” is watching funny cat videos.
From there, it’s “GAME ON!” As an ice breaker, I might ask my intended targets what they are drinking or seek their reviews on whatever culinary dish has been placed before them. If they respond, I might make a comment about what is on the TV, although I have my limitations. Before I enter an establishment, I look at the screen and ensure the answer is “no” to the following questions:
1. Is “Wheel of Fortune” on?
2. Are the patrons actively watching it?
Recently I dined at a Chicago-area tavern known, among locals, for having some of the best barebcue ribs in the city. I will not name the establishment, for the bar only contains 10 stools and my chances to snag one diminish if I reveal the identity. Seated next to me were two bros in their late 20s, alternating between scrolling their phones and glancing at the Buffalo Bills/Cincinnati Bengals playoff game. I pounced.
“Which one of you has a dog in this fight?” I said, gesturing at the TV.
“He does,’” said Jordan, gesturing to his friend Paul, who stopped scrolling.
“Are you from Buffalo or Cincinnati?” I asked.
“Neither,” Paul said. “Just a die-hard Bills fan.”
From there, the floodgates opened. I learned Jordan was cajoling Paul to move to Chicago; Jordan had just gotten married; Paul liked the idea of marriage but was content (like all Gen Z types) with his dog.
It was such a pleasant encounter, particularly because my last three attempts at this type of interaction resulted in the following:
1. A woman in the Houston airport thought her Instagram account was, apparently, more interesting than anything I had to say.
2. A guy in a Grand Cayman tiki bar falsely accused me of “hitting” on his male friend. His UGLY friend, I might add.
3. A 50-ish woman in Miami suddenly became a huge TikTok fan after my opening line was, “Since this is the Miami airport, let me ask you…how many days have you been delayed?”
I thought it was funny.
I so long for the days when most of society was friendly, inquisitive and curious. Now we hide behind our social media accounts and within our AirPods. We can always find somebody more intriguing on our phone than the person sitting next to us. It is both infuriating and depressing.
My favorite writer, David Sedaris, once wrote that teenage boys would never want to be seen talking to an old man. I agree with that. But teenage boys do not sit at bars. Full grown adults do; and, if you are reading this, rest assured that I want to hear your stories.
I can look at my phone whenever I want, but this will most likely be my only encounter with you and it will only last until my check arrives. So please indulge me, or other strangers who strike up conversations in public establishments. If the conversation turns uncomfortable or creepy, just put in your AirPods or FaceTime a relative. But you may begin a friendship, strike up a business deal or discover you grew up in the same town if you make a little eye contact and then take it one step further.
Hell, you may even learn where to find the best barbecue in Chicago.
(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at Amazon.com. Visit Greg on the web at www.gregschwem.com.
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at www.gregschwem.com)

New service for patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

A new outpatient infusion treatment center for people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has opened at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. The center is part of Mercy’s efforts to expand gastroenterology services in the metro area.
Dr. Hussein Bitar, a gastroenterologist who specializes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, joined Mercy last year with the opening of the Mercy Gastroenterology and IBD Center, the only dedicated IBD center in the state.
“There’s a lot of excitement in this field with new treatments regularly coming on the market, and many are delivered intravenously,” said Dr. Bitar. “Having a dedicated infusion center for patients just down the hall from where they get lab work, imaging and visit our team in the clinic is a unique care model that makes the experience for patients much easier and streamlined. We’re proud to be the only center in the state with this service.”
Patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis struggle with painful symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, anemia, weight loss and fatigue. Many of these symptoms cause patients to experience severe dehydration. In addition to having access to the latest biologic infusion treatments, they’ll be able to get IV fluids and iron infusions as needed in the new center.
“We see a lot of really complex patients in various stages of their disease process, and many come to us for second or third opinions,” said Dr. Bitar. “Our long-term goal is to create a medical home where they can receive all their care in one location, and this infusion center is another step in that direction.”
Click here for more information about Dr. Bitar and Mercy’s IBD Center in Oklahoma City, or call (405) 752-3900.

Story and photos by Ron Hendricks, Contributing Writer

They are here now! The Over the Counter (OTC) hearing aids. They are being advertised everywhere – the newspaper, TV, even on the radio. Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA COC) does not endorse the OTC hearing aid but we don’t condemn them either. HLAA COC endorses education. Be a smart buyer.
Yes, less expensive hearing aids are now available by mail order. You can get a pair without visiting a doctor, audiologist, or even some hearing aid retailer. Think about it, you can now get a set of hearing aids at home in your underwear! But, will they work? Well, you should take a hearing test, but where? There are on line hearing tests available and even some may be taken over your smart phone. They are not in depth nor will they identify other potential health problems but they can tell if you have MILD or MODERATE hearing loss. * The OTC hearing aid may be for you but here are some points that you need to be certain you understand. There is no “free trial period.” * There is no one-size-fits-all. You may need to try several before you find one that works for you, * Understand the return policy of your seller. It is required to be printed on the box. There may be undisclosed fees so ask first. * This is not your grandma’s hearing aid. OTC aids may have various features but they are still not fully functioning ears. Be an educated buyer. * If your OTC aid does not function as advertised you can complain to the FDA at their website.
In short, if you have moderate hearing loss, you may be able to get a hearing aid that will helpful at a moderate cost but you must be an educated buyer. But, if your hearing loss is greater than mild, you should consult a professional. You are invited to attend the free HLAACOC educational seminar, on February 16, to hear a professional discuss the pros and cons of the OTC hearing aid. HLAACOC seminars are held every third Thursday, 11:30-1PM at the Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36. Come and learn about hearing loss and how to live successfully in the hearing world.

Canterbury Voices will reprise jazz legend Dave Brubeck’s To Hope! A Celebration for the first time in 15 years, with guest artists The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, culminating in a celebration of Artistic Director Dr. Randi Von Ellefson’s final performance at the Civic Center Music Hall on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 PM. To Hope! artfully combines elements of pure jazz with a setting of the Roman Catholic Mass, a sacred expression of joy and hope and possibility.
“I am excited about coming to Oklahoma City with The Brubeck Brothers Quartet to perform To Hope!, one of my father’s greatest achievements as a serious, classical composer.” says Chris Brubeck. “It is an uplifting, powerful musical and spiritual experience for the audience and performers. This piece is alive and ever-changing, along with its beautifully composed choral passages and gorgeous melodies.”
“This is one of Brubeck’s most beloved pieces for large chorus, soloists, and orchestra. I am so excited to bring the Brubeck Quartet back to OKC.” says Dr. Randi Von Ellefson. “It is filled with Brubeck’s joy of life, of music, and his fervent faith.” The concert event will also include three vocal soloists and members from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Canterbury Voices Executive Director Pam Mowry says, “I can’t believe this is Randi Von Ellefson’s last Civic Center concert! He is leaving such a lasting legacy – what a remarkable journey in Oklahoma City. His positive energy and expert musicianship has brought joy to this organization and our musicians over the past 19 years. You simply won’t want to miss it!” Canterbury will host a champagne reception for Dr. Ellefson in the Civic Center lobby immediately following the performance.
Tickets are now on sale and group discounts are available. Call the Box Office at (405) 232- SING or visit https://canterburyokc.com/ for ticket information.

Dear Savvy Senior,

I am interested in possibly donating my body to science when I pass away. What can you tell me about this, and what would I need to do to set it up?
Getting Old

Dear Getting,
If you’re looking to help advance medical research, and in the process, eliminate your funeral and burial costs, donating your body to science is a great option to consider. Here’s what you should know.
Body Donations
Each year, it’s estimated that approximately 20,000 people donate their whole body, after death, to medical facilities throughout the country to be used in medical research projects, anatomy lessons and surgical practice.
After using your body, these facilities will then provide free cremation and will either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year.
And, just in case you’re wondering, your family cannot not be paid for the use of your body. Federal and state laws prohibit it.
Here are a few other things you need to know and check into, to help you determine whether whole-body donation is right for you: * Donation denial: Most body donation programs will not accept bodies that are extremely obese, or those that have infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, H.I.V. or MRSA. Bodies that suffered extensive trauma won’t be accepted either. * Organ donation: Most medical school programs require that you donate your whole body in its entirety. So, if you want to be an organ donor (with the exception of your eyes), you probably won’t qualify to be a whole-body donor too. * Religious considerations: Most major religions permit individuals to donate both their full body and organs, and many even encourage it. If you are unsure, you should consult with your pastor or spiritual adviser. * Special requests: Most programs will not allow you to donate your body for a specific purpose. You give them the body and they decide how to use it. * Memorial options: Most programs require almost immediate transport of the body after death, so there’s no funeral. If your family wants a memorial service, they can have one without the body. Or, some programs offer memorial services at their facility at a later date without the remains. * Body transporting: Most programs will cover transporting your body to their facility within a certain distance. However, some may charge a fee.
How to Proceed
If you think you want to donate your body, it’s best to make arrangements in advance with a body donation program in your area. Most programs are offered through university-affiliated medical schools. To find one near you, the University of Florida maintains a list of U.S. programs and their contact information at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/usprograms. If you don’t have Internet access, you can get help by calling the whole-body donation referral service during business hours at 800-727-0700.
In addition to the medical schools, there are also private organizations like Science Care (ScienceCare.com) and Anatomy Gifts Registry (AnatomyGifts.org) that accept whole body donations too. Some of these organizations will even allow organ donation because they deal in body parts as well as whole cadavers.
Once you locate a program in your area, call and ask them to mail you an information/registration packet that will explain exactly how their program works.
To sign up, you’ll need to fill out a couple of forms and return them. But you can always change your mind by contacting the program and removing your name from their registration list. Some programs may ask that you make your withdrawal in writing.
After you’ve made arrangements, you’ll need to tell your family members so they will know what to do and who to call after your death. It’s also a good idea to tell your doctors, so they know your final wishes too.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Commissioner Mulready Sets the Record Straight

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has become aware of inaccurate and misleading communications affecting Oklahoma consumers. Several large employers have sent letters to their employees with erroneous information regarding changes to their CVS/Caremark prescription program.
One of the most troubling inaccuracies is the claim that the law in Oklahoma no longer allows for 90-day prescriptions. The law (HB2632, creating the Patient’s Right to Pharmacy Choice Act) in Oklahoma does allow for the filling of 90-day supply prescriptions. However, it is against the law to incentivize patients to fill prescriptions through mail order rather than their pharmacy of choice. Furthermore, some letters claimed that the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner would begin enforcing HB2632 on February 23, 2023. The Oklahoma Insurance Department has been enforcing this law since September 2020.
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready stated, “It is concerning that these misrepresentations are being spread to employees in Oklahoma. The facts are that as part of a legal settlement with CVS/Caremark, letters were supposed to be sent out to consumers explaining their options for prescriptions and instead of clarifying, the letters that were sent have only spread more misinformation to the citizens of this great state.”
The Oklahoma Insurance Department has issued $3.5 million in fines to pharmacy benefit managers and overseen $700,000 in reimbursements to local pharmacies since enforcement of this law began on September 1, 2020.
OID is committed to ensuring the people of Oklahoma have access to accurate information regarding their healthcare needs. We urge Oklahoma employers to verify the accuracy of their communications before sending them to their employees.

Herman Schmidt was born in Alexander, Kansas on Oct. 22, 1913. After growing up in Sheridan, Wyoming Schmidt was enlisted in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 15, 1937 attaining the rank of Gun (GM3c) with duties including the assembly, maintenance and repair of guns, gun mounts, and gun ports and took charge of guns and gun crews. Schmidt also handled and stowed ammunition and handled mines and depth charges before the authorization of the mineman rating.
Promotions included Apprentice Seaman upon enlistment, Seaman 2nd Class: Oct. 15, 1937, Seaman 1st Class: Oct. 16, 1939 and Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class: June 12, 1941.
Herman Schmidt was lost Dec. 7, 1941. His duty station was the USS Oklahoma (BB 37) Sept. 25, 1937 and Naval Training Station San Diego, CA June 17, 1937.
Awards and Decorations* include the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (with Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with Bronze Star), American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Herman Schmidt was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Feb. 23.