by Bobby Anderson,
Staff Writer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for criminals looking to cash in on those just trying to spread a little holiday cheer.
In November, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Officer Corporal Kim Lopez celebrated 31 years in law enforcement.
And for the past several years she has served as the coordinator of the TRIAD program which pairs law enforcement and seniors together in an effort to reduce victimization of the elderly.
She sat down with Senior News and Living to share what criminals are looking for and how you can avoid being a target.
PARK AND RUN
Lopez says the parking lot and the cash register are the two most vulnerable spots for seniors.
“I didn’t get what I have from cop school,” Lopez said. “I went to the professionals and career criminals are very quick to brag about how they selected their victims. Seniors have this vague knowledge of why we always say parking lots are fertile ground. But they need to know which ones and why.
“What I always say is the parking lots you feel the most comfortable in – not good.”
Lopez explained that cops aren’t the only ones who watch people’s body language. When people lower their guard in places where they feel more comfortable their body language eases.
Contrary to what you might believe, parking lots that serve 24-hour businesses are hot spots.
“Career criminals tell me when the drug deal goes bad, the fight is on and the police are in pursuit they want to ditch a car by getting to a parking lot and steal a car,” Lopez said. “They understand something we don’t. Crossing many different jurisdictions in a wide variety of vehicles makes it impossible for us to catch them.”
So consider that the next time you go to a casino, gas station or big box grocery store open 24 hours.
But the No. 1 place to be on your guard, according to Lopez, is the hospital parking lot.
Someone who commits a crime in a small town wants to get to a bigger location as soon as possible.
“People at hospitals are the worst for awareness,” Lopez said. “You’ll see people zoned out of their mind. They’ve been sleeping in a chair, eating out of a vending machine and haven’t showered for two days. They’ve had it. They’re worn out, care worn, and have a laundry list of things of things they are worried about and they’re not paying a bit of attention.
“It’s easier to get someone’s car keys and steal their car in a hospital than anywhere else.”
SCENE OF THE CRIME
Wherever you checkout and pay for your purchases is another favorite spot for criminals.
Getting a shopping cart, even if you’re shopping for something small is a great way to put distance between you and someone looking to gain access to your checks or credit/debit cards.
Cell phones are able to take multiple pictures of the checking account information in seconds. Checks that are written and returned to be thrown away are favorite targets.
If you’re going to continue to write checks Lopez suggests using gel, liquid ink to write with. A criminal can use fingernail polish remover on a previously used check to “wash” it and reuse.
And criminals love to follow around senior men.
“Right there at the register, senior adult men are targeted because they carry way too much cash,” Lopez said.
Lopez has noticed an increase in criminals following senior men around and then using a razor blade to slice a hole in the bottom of the back pocket. The wallet falls, the criminal picks it up and is already several purchases down the road before anyone is the wiser.
Lopez also suggests:
· Getting your form of payment out in the “unmentionables section” of the store and not at the register is ideal.
· Carrying your purse in front of you, with your arm over.
· Use a lanyard wallet you can slip under your shirt.
· Turn your rings around at the register. Don’t advertise what you have so someone can target you.
· Use a pen when punching in your debit card number to prevent the use of criminals using clip-on, heat-sensitive cameras.
· Have your monthly Social Security check direct deposited to one account and set-up an auto transfer to an account linked to your debit card that you use to pay your bills. That way if the card and/or PIN is compromised thieves don’t have access to your entire account balance.

Story and photo by Vickie Jenkins

After 40 years of teaching, Dr. Bob E. Palmer, Ed.D retired in December, 2014. His final position as an Educator was a Professor of Art, in the Department of Art at the College of Arts, Media and Design with the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK. His plans have always been to continue his successful mural painting business with Palmer Studios, Inc.
Dr. Palmer remembers when he became interested in painting. “I was 8 years old at my aunt’s house. That is when I did my first painting,” he says with a grin. “I used food coloring to make different colors and added it to white shoe polish. I wish I had that painting today. I am sure one of my relatives has it now. Maybe one day I can find it and bring it home,” he laughed. “My painting materials have come a long way since then,” he adds.
You may not know Dr. Palmer personally but I am sure you have seen some of his art work. Dr. Palmer is best known and remembered by his over 1800 murals around the state of Oklahoma, Canada, Mexico and Eastern Europe. Being from Walters, OK, Dr. Palmer has done quite a few murals in small towns and one can hardly travel across our state without finding evidence of his works. Dr. Palmer takes pride in his public works; historically accurate and true to our western heritage. Palmer’s murals have served as back drops in TV commercials, major movies and television series that have been filmed in Oklahoma.
“What is your favorite thing about being an artist,” I ask. “I love being creative. I love working with my hands and making things. To me, painting is so relaxing and therapeutic. Most artists are risk takers and break the rules sometimes, so that makes me an artist,” he laughs. “When I was little, I was determined to paint. I did some drawings but I never had any lessons. Everything was self-taught. I always had colored pencils and sketch books to keep me busy.”
I asked Dr. Palmer to describe himself in 3 words. “I would have to say, creative, responsible and self-driven.” Looking around his studio at his art work, it was easy to see that he did possess these qualities. “What is your favorite mural that you ever painted?” I ask. “I would say the Santa Fe Railroad Wall. It’s a landmark here in Oklahoma City.” Asking Dr. Palmer what the largest mural he ever painted was, he replied, “The one I just finished in Duncan, OK. It is 30 feet high and 150 feet long. It took about 3-4 days to finish it, with my crew. Of course, we have to consider the weather too. We always try not to let it take too long.”
It was no surprise that Dr. Palmer is inspired by nature, other’s art work, photography, museums, sculptures and children. Palmer’s wife, 2 daughters, and 3 grandchildren keep the ideas going for him. “I feel like I need to be creative all the time. I even have an inspiration folder. I just go to my folder and I always have some idea of what to paint,” he says.
“What is something about yourself that most people don’t know?” I ask. “I have my MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Photography. I enjoy photography but there is nothing that I like better than being an artist and creating my art work,” he states.
Asking Dr. Palmer if he had any words of wisdom to give to someone, he said, “I remember my dad telling me, ‘Only boring people get bored.’ I am never bored and I suppose I lived up to that one. Being retired, enjoying life, every new day is an adventure. I feel like I was given a gift and I have a duty to give it back. I’m just out there, living my life.”
Dr. Palmer continues to paint, going to different art shows, conducting workshops while balancing home and family. He holds membership in several art and professional organizations, continuing to be in demand for public appearances across Oklahoma and around the globe.
Dr. Palmer is currently writing and publishing a book about his many murals, the stories behind the projects and the unique legacy of the artist and educator. You can view Dr. Palmer’s art work on his website Muralsbypalmer.com. Next time you see a mural, more than likely it has been done by one talented man, Dr. Bob E. Palmer, Ed.D.

The Fountains at Canterbury, in conjunction with Right at Home of Edmond, will host Virtual Dementia Tours Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Jan. 22 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Both events will be held in the conference room at The Inn of The Fountains at Canterbury, 1402 NW 122nd Street, in Oklahoma City.
The Virtual Dementia Tour is a simulation scientifically proven to help individuals better comprehend what life is like with an impairment such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Participants are equipped with vision disrupting goggles, headphones emitting loud, garbled sounds, latex gloves with fingers taped together and shoe inserts to hamper walking. These obstacles are designed to simulate the struggles of age-related ailments, as the participants are asked to complete a short series of everyday activities such as clearing a dining room table.
“This is such a unique opportunity, we think everyone can benefit from personally experiencing what people who have this ailment suffer through every day,” said Scott Steinmetz, executive director at The Fountains at Canterbury. “It really puts things into perspective, and helps families and caregivers better understand what’s really going on in the mind of someone living with dementia.”
As reported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, making up 60 to 80 percent of cases. With the number of individuals age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease estimated to reach 7.1 million by 2025, creating awareness of the difficulties one faces when living with dementia is critical. A better understanding fosters empathy from families and caretakers, improves communication and provides insight on how to better assist those suffering.
The Fountains at Canterbury offers a variety of affordable care options with resort-style amenities, 24-hour staffing and Watermark’s Thrive Memory Care program that cultivates personal well-being.
The Fountains at Canterbury is dedicated to being the first choice in senior living, providing a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, innovative rehabilitation therapies and skilled care. The Fountains at Canterbury is managed by Watermark Retirement Communities and is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. To learn more, please call (405) 381-8165 or go online to www.watermarkcommunities.com.

Artsy Rose Academy offers artsy fun for everyone

Story and photo provided
Kimberly Scott has always had a creative flare. As a small child, she turned recyclable items into artwork, loose pictures into scrapbooks and sidewalks into colorful murals.
“I could never sit at home and watch a television program or movie without working on some kind of creative project,” Kimberly shared. “It drove my family crazy.”
Not much has changed since then. These days, Kimberly spends her “down time” creating lesson plans for 480 elementary school students, as well as planning classes, camps, birthday parties and special events for Artsy Rose Academy, the art enrichment studio she recently opened in northwest Oklahoma City.
Artsy Rose is a dream realized for Kimberly. She knew, at the age of 18, when working at a similar establishment in Midwest City, she would one day manage her own studio. Kimberly continued to work in various Oklahoma City metro art programs as she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Immediately following graduation, Kimberly accepted a certified teaching position at Ralph Downs Elementary School, where she has been teaching Art for nine years to children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. She was recognized as her school’s “Teacher of the Year”, 2013-2014 and the Downtown Rotary Teacher of the Month in January, 2015.
Kimberly knows art is not only fun, it is also a great catalyst to a better understanding of all school subjects and a wonderful way for people of all ages to express creativity and individuality. “Young children are natural artists; they don’t let lack of confidence keep them from trying. They get so much joy from using their creativity and imagination, and seeing a project completed”, Scott explains. “As people get older, they have a tendency to doubt their talents and they lose touch with their creative side. Artsy Rose Academy is a non-judgmental, encouraging and supportive environment. I want art to be fun, relaxing and exciting for everyone.”
Artsy Rose Academy, located at 7739 W. Hefner Rd., offers ‘artsy fun for everyone’. “You and Me” classes offer a great opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren, or parents and children, to bond through creativity and fun. “Canvas and Cupcakes” classes are another opportunity for adults and little artists to spend time together, creating masterpiece canvases while enjoying tasty cupcakes. Knowing companionship and activity are key to staying young and energetic, Kimberly would love to see more senior adults participating in classes at Artsy Rose and plans to schedule ongoing “Canvas and Cupcakes” for seniors, age 55 and older. Artsy Rose will also offer a variety of summer camps for children, ages 5 – 14. Campers can choose from photography, theatre, room and fashion design and, of course, art with various themes and mediums. Half day camps will be offered in the morning and afternoon. Fridays will be FUN DAYS, all day, with varied activities, including outside play, board games, crafts and much, much more.
Kimberly, aka Artsy Rose, loves to explain how she chose the name for her dream-come-true establishment, “My middle name is Rose, my great-grandmother’s name was Rose, my grandmother is Maureen Rose, my daughter is Ava Rose, my brand new niece is Amelia Rose … and I have always been ‘artsy’. It really couldn’t have been anything else!” She is excited and ready to share her love and passion for art, and help people of all ages discover and rediscover their creative side. For more information, visit www.artsyrose.com, or call 405.603.8550.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

An open wound that just won’t heal can be a matter of life and limb.
Traci Davis, RN, is the director of wound care and hyperbarics at Summit Wound Care in Edmond and says seniors need to know when to seek care for a problem that can quickly get out of hand.
Davis says an open wound that hasn’t gotten at least 50 percent better in four weeks is indicated for advanced wound care.
“But, if you can get in sooner rather than later that’s always the best approach,” Davis said. “That way we can do any cultures or x-rays. Especially, diabetics if they are doing their weekly checks and notice they have a small opening that would be an indication to come in … to prevent it getting into a deeper, diabetic foot ulcer.”
What to know
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14-24 percent of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer will require an amputation. Foot ulceration precedes 85 percent of diabetes-related amputations. Research has shown, however, that development of a foot ulcer is preventable.
Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and older men are more likely to develop ulcers. People who use insulin are at higher risk of developing a foot ulcer, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease. Being overweight and using alcohol and tobacco also play a role in the development of foot ulcers.
Ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes. Patients who have diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time.
Vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for an infection. Elevations in blood glucose can reduce the body’s ability to fight off a potential infection and also slow healing.
Often times, wound patients have issues with arterial or venous disease.
“We see them every week so we tend to recognize changes,” Davis said. “As a whole, Dr. (William G.) Morgan III and ourselves we look at every system in the body and make sure everything is working together because if everything isn’t working together it makes for difficult wound healing.”
The holistic approach is one Dr. Morgan adopted long ago. Where some see wounds, Dr. Morgan sees much more.
“It’s all connected,” Dr. Morgan explained. “It’s not that we’re treating a wound, we’re treating a person that has a wound. All these things we deal with are connected.
“One of the rules about about wound care is that every wound is a window to an underlying problem.”
“That’s a rule with no exceptions.”
And if left unchecked, those wounds can lead to life-altering amputations.
“It’s extremely dangerous because diabetic foot ulcers very quickly get infected and can get staph infections very easily,” Davis said.
Lower-limb amputations may be rising after decades of decline, according to new data published in Diabetes Care, the journal of the American Diabetes Association.
After years of decline, the rate of amputations jumped by 50 percent between 2009 and 2015.
Oklahoma ranks No. 8 in the country in the number of individuals living with diabetes.
Davis has worked with Summit’s patients for the last eight years. She says it’s like family.
“The patients, Dr. Morgan and the relationships we have here,” Davis said of why she stays. “We are a little bit different in that we are more family-oriented, take care of each other and try to take care of our patients holistically and try to be advocates for them in other areas of their health care and get them to the right places they need to go.”
Patients are able to self refer to the clinic.