By Jose M. Olivero
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Oklahoma

A home run is a highlight of any baseball game. The fans cheer with excitement to see a player rocket the ball into the stands. So, what are you doing to prepare for your retirement home run? Your goal should be to get past 1st, 2nd & 3rd base and make it home with a hefty plate of savings.
Social Security has many tools to help you achieve financial security. 
Take the first step and visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. The benefit of having a my Social Security account is that it gives you access to your personal Social Security Statement, verification of correct earnings, and an estimate of your early retirement benefits at age 62, full retirement age of 66, and delayed age at 70. 
We protect your information by using security features and strict identity verification to detect fraud. In several states including the newly added Idaho, Mississippi, and North Dakota, you can request a replacement Social Security card online. Find out if your state offers the service at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
In addition to using your personal my Social Security account to prepare for a comfortable retirement, you can visit www.myra.gov. At myRA, you can access new retirement savings options from the Department of the Treasury. This service is designed for the millions of Americans who struggle with saving for retirement — it’s an easy and safe way to help you take control of your future.  
myRA is designed for people who don’t have a retirement savings plan through their employer, or are limited from other savings options. If your employer provides a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), learn more about that plan’s potential for matching contributions or other benefits.
Since myRA isn’t connected to any employer, it allows workers to hold on to it when they move to different jobs. myRA makes your money grow faster than a traditional savings account. 
Having both my Social Security and myRA accounts in place, you’re guaranteed to hit a home run in successfully planning for your future. Learn more about all of your choices at www.socialsecurity.gov.

MISSION OF THE INDEPENDENT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

A volunteer-driven transportation service providing safe, reliable, personalized and affordable rides to seniors (60+) and visually impaired adults to their destination of choice, 24/7, in private vehicles throughout OK County.
The Independent Transportation Network of Central Oklahoma, ITNCO, a newly established non-profit affiliate of ITN America, marks its’ one-year operational milestone this month. Currently ITNCO provides an average of 100 rides/month throughout the metro area. This new non-profit is guided by a strong and active board of directors with financial support from community grants and funds from local medical institutions and private donors.
In order to continue to serve an increasing number of riders, ITNCO seeks additional volunteer drivers from the greater OKC metro area.
Volunteers may choose which days and times they drive/week ranging from one afternoon or morning/week or more depending on weekly schedules and needs. Volunteers may “bank” their miles driven for their own future use or for another member of their congregation or organization. Volunteers receive a free rider membership that they can also share with a family member or friend.
Interested volunteer drivers may sign up at www.itncentraloklahoma.org and receive personal training and guidelines before giving first ride. Once confirmed, drivers receive email or text notices when rides are requested. The ITNCO friendly staff finalizes arrangements and sends a complete ride summary to volunteers in advance of each scheduled ride. Details on rider memberships and benefits to volunteers are listed on the ITN Central Oklahoma website, www.itncentraloklahoma.org.
“I enjoy getting to know my riders while driving them to the bank, dentist, beauty shop or store. I have driven a former teacher, doctor, sales manager, priest and nurse and each are so grateful and appreciative for the ride that I get a lift while giving one!” -Volunteer driver
In short, our ride service allows seniors to remain active and engaged in their community.
WAYS TO ASSIST INCLUDE:
· Schedule a presentation at your house of worship or community organization
· Volunteer as a driver online or contact Tracy, 602-1558
· Donate to ITNCO, a 501c3, or donate a Rider Membership ($50)
· Tracy Senat, Executive Director, info@itncentraloklahoma.org

Take a stroll through one of these VirtualTourist recommended City parks.
Central Park, New York City, N.Y.
New ork City’s Central Park is perhaps an obvious choice, but hard to beat. Central Park was the first public park built in America, and was constructed in the middle of the 19th century to create a breathing space for the 500,000 people then living in New York City. It occupies 843 acres of prime real estate between Fifth and Eighth Avenues, stretching from 59th Street south to 110th Street north. On any given day you will find New Yorkers and tourists there in numbers, making full use of this wonderful green oasis in an otherwise manic city. Whether walking, jogging, running, exercising dogs or themselves, boating on the lake, playing ball, catching up with friends on one of the many benches or simply lying in the sun — there are so many ways in which to enjoy Central Park. VirtualTourist members say one of their favorite things is to take a walk in the part of the park known as the Ramble, a protected ecosystem that feels more like the woods than a park, and then relax for a while on a bench watching the rowers on the lake. Other activities include a visit to Central Park Zoo, a ride on the carousel and a walking tour.
St. James Park, London, England
St. James Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, is surrounded by three palaces — Westminster, the oldest, and now the Houses of Parliament, St James’ and, of course, Buckingham Palace. While VirtualTourist members say that all the London parks provide a welcome green oasis, St. James has the edge. Perhaps it’s the lovely lake with so many beautiful water birds, or maybe the great views to be had from its bridge. Stand there for a while and look toward Whitehall — the domes and copulas will make you think you are somewhere far more exotic than London. Then turn to look the other way and you’ll see one of the city’s most famous buildings, Buckingham Palace, which some say looks better from this distance than close up. This is also a great park for picnics, and for people-watching. So linger a while on the benches — or why not follow a great London parks’ tradition and hire a deck chair? And if you’re looking for refreshments, the park has an excellent restaurant and several snack kiosks. VT Tip: The famous resident pelicans are fed every day at 2:30 p.m.
Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia
One of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks, Kings Park in Perth has Aboriginal and European history, wonderful views of the city and the most spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays more than 3,000 species of the state’s unique flora. There are sculptures, water gardens, a treetop walk, a gift shop, cafes and restaurants, wildlife and much more. One of the most moving experiences is the Memorial Walking Trail (1 mile). Along the war memorial path, you will pass the Flame of Remembrance whose flame never goes out. A look at it and you can see four torches, each one represents one of these forces — Navy, Air Force, Army and Women’s Services. It is a place to come and stand in silence, remembering the Western Australians who served in the wars and lost their lives. Around the walls are the names of all the major battlefields and there are plaques with the names of the Victorian Cross and the George Cross recipients from Western Australia.
Deukmejian Wilderness Park, Glendale, Calf.
Not many small- or medium-size cities can boast of three mountain ranges within its border, but Glendale, California, does. Stretching east and north from the San Fernando Valley, the city takes in substantial parts of the San Rafael Hills and the Verdugo Mountains, plus a small slice of the San Gabriel Mountains at the city’s northern extremity. At this northernmost spot in Glendale, overlooking the foothill communities of La Crescenta and Tujunga, lies Deukmejian Wilderness Park, named after former California Governor George Deukmejian. The 709-acre wilderness park features a picnic area, amphitheater, miles of hiking trails and plenty of parking. It is home to the historic Le Mesnager Barn, built in 1914, which the city is committed to turning into an interpretive center in the not-too-distant future. It is also home to the city’s robust volunteer Trails and Open Space program, which provides the community with opportunities for habitat restoration, interpretive programs, trail maintenance and trail safety patrols. The park is open from 6 a.m. until one hour after sundown and entrance is always free. VirtualTourist members say one of their favorite things here is the amazing views of Los Angeles, stretching as far as Santa Monica and Catalina Island on a clear day; as well as the animal spotting. Keep an eye out for numerous species of mammals, including coyote, mule deer, gray fox, bobcat and mountain lion, as well as a vast array of common lizards, snakes and 23 species of birds, including California quail, northern flicker, scrub jay, Nuttall’s woodpecker, American kestrel and Cooper’s, red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks. Golden eagles and California black bears have also been spotted!
Kandawgyi Park, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar
If the bustle of downtown Yangon is getting to you, you may want to go for a relaxing stroll in the Kandawgy Park, which translates as Royal Lake. There are plenty of shaded areas and it is very peaceful. The centerpiece of the park is the large Karaweik (Royal Barge). This is not an ancient monument, but a modern construction that houses a function hall amongst other things. As well as the Karaweik, there is a small children’s zoo and play area and various food outlets. The park also serves as a venue for pop concerts on the weekends. Somewhat incongruously, you may spot a fully camouflaged tank nestled amongst the bushes and there is a bevy of black swans on the lake making the entire scene quite beautiful. There is an admission charge for foreigners, about $2 USD.

(c) 2016 Virtualtourist.com, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

By Ron Hendricks

Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA) celebrates 25 years of service to Oklahomans.
HLAA is a 501(c)(3) group that exists to support those who have a hearing loss. HLAA is a support group, but is so much more. HLAA educates people with hearing loss to help them learn to live successfully in a hearing world. HLAA lobbies locally and nationally for Medicare and insurance support for hearing aids. Hearing loss is a disability protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. HLAA offers information on listening assistive devices thru the Faye Donalson Hearing Helpers Room. HLAA gives scholarships to students desiring a higher education.
Hearing Loss Association exists for the purpose of creating a safe place for those with hearing loss and those who love ‘em to gather and talk about hearing loss and many other subjects of interest. We offer a safe place for our members to learn to get along in a hearing world. Our national association, Hearing Loss Association of America is a major lobbying organization. They have worked; to get our Congress to enact legislation to include hearing aids in insurance policies; to get movies and TV to caption their products; to reach out to the military to assist returning GIs; create awareness among the general population of the needs of the hearing impaired; to the professionals in the hearing industry; to business & local governments to create hearing friendly environments for people with hearing loss and on and on and on. Our local group is an extension of all that.
An ice cream social will mark HLA’s 25th Anniversary. The social will be held on August 6th, 2-4PM, at the Lakeside Methodist Church, 2925 NW 66, OKC., Oklahoma City and is open to the public at no admission charge. At that time HLAA will also recognize the two scholarship winners, Ashton Darling attending Oklahoma State University and Shaun Bainter who will be attending Oklahoma University.
There was recently a cartoon published where a husband and wife were sitting on the couch. He said to her, “Turn on the light, please, so I can hear you.” She responded, “I know what you mean, I can’t hear you without my glasses.” It would be funny if it weren’t for the fact that something like one million Oklahomans live with a hearing loss. Many Oklahomans with hearing loss will augment what hearing they have by reading lips. So do your friends a favor by not covering your mouth when you speak, and look at them when you talk, that is only a common courtesy any way.
Summer is fast approaching and activities loom on the horizon — concerts, plays, lake and pool activities, and many more. But, imagine that you can only partially hear the music, the laughter of friends, or that you miss out on family conversations around the dinner table. Hearing loss is a major, and invisible, problem. Hearing loss is no respecter of age, race, or sex. Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA) has been working for 25 years to help those with a hearing loss live in a hearing world.
May was good hearing month so HLAA asks, “What have you done to protect your hearing?” Our hearing is assaulted daily by damaging sounds. The sound of a lawn mower is enough to cause hearing damage. Imagine what loud music introduced directly into the ear with ear buds might so. Concerts, motors, even driving with the windows down create enough noise to harm your ears. There are several ways to protect your hearing; move away from the sound, turn down the volume, or wear some hearing protection are just a few.
Many ignore the fact that they are having problems hearing. Do you find that you often ask others to repeat themselves? Do people tell you that you have the TV turned too loud? Does everyone mumble? May be it is time to admit that your hearing is getting weak. HLAA encourages you to see a hearing professional. HLAA can assist if you have questions. Yes hearing aids are expensive and in most cases health insurance is no help. HLAA is working to encourage insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing exams and hearing aids.
Hearing loss will continue to grow in the future with thousands of our finest young men and women returning from active military duty. Hearing loss the most prevalent injury among returning veterans so HLAA is very actively developing programs to assist the veteran.
The annual national HLAA convention is held each June to highlight and inform members of technical and medical advancements in the hearing industry. Nationally known speakers, workshops, and Continuing Education Units are a major part of the convention. The Central Oklahoma Chapter is proud to announce that one of our members, Wanda Evans, received an award for Spirit of HLAA at the most recent convention. HLAA offers 17 awards nationally and our local chapter regularly brings home awards.
Central Oklahoma Chapter of HLAA is extremely proud of our Faye Donalson Hearing Helper’s Room. The Hearing Helper’s Room (HHR) displays many assistive listening devices and is staffed entirely by volunteers. We think this is the only facility like it in the entire country. Yes there are other places where you can see and buy items but these ‘stores’ are normally operated as a business or governmental agency and have a paid staff. Our HHR is a demonstration room only. You cannot buy anything here. You may take an item home for a trial at your leisure. If you have questions the volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and are able to direct you to a professional for assistance. The HHR was established 18 years ago by our member, Faye Donalson and we are proud to have her name on our door.
The Mission Statement of Hearing Loss Association of America states that our goal is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy. HLAA’s primary purpose is to educate ourselves, our families, friends, coworkers, teachers, hearing health care providers, industry, government, and others about hearing loss. And we advocate for communication access in the workplace, hotels, schools, court systems, medical, and entertainment facilities. We invite you to be a part of HLAA. Visit our website at www.OKCHearingLoss.org

by Bobby Anderson,
Staff Writer

Christine Weigel, RN, arguably has one of the best nursing jobs in Oklahoma City.
Not only is she vice president of clinical services and system chief nurse officer for Community Hospital, but she recently opened the metro’s newest hospital.
Community Hospital North opened in early June and it’s already poised to be a high-volume facility patients are eager to utilize.
“I think we wanted patients to understand they are the center here and that they’ve got a nurse that is right there at the bedside,” Weigel said, taking a break from her busy schedule to offer a tour of the new facility. “We have an all-RN staff and truly all that was for the patient to be in the center of it all. That has made a huge difference in how it was designed. Everything was a touch that was easy for nursing which makes it that much easier for the patient.”
The look and the feel of the two-story facility is not only elegant but efficient. Rich wood flooring is complimented by large amounts of natural light.
“We really went for that high-tech but soft touch,” Weigel said. “We really wanted it to look more like a five-star hotel so it’s nice and comfortable. There’s a lot of high-technology and everything is integrated.”
Technology accents along the way all the way from the information screens in the front lobby to the advanced robots in the OR.
But it all blends seamlessly to give an atmosphere of a smaller, boutique hospital.
“Patients get to the point where they are already so anxious just when they come in the building so what we were trying to do is every piece of their experience was something that should be calming for them,” Weigel said. “Nothing should be frustrating. Nothing should be more tension to a patient. We want that quality of care that makes them get comfortable and feel comfortable in the environment.”
The hospital’s concierge service takes family and visitors directly to a patient’s room when it’s time. Patients are also tracked during every step of the way to allow both physicians and families to know at what stage and location they are in their procedure and recovery.
Family consultation rooms allow physicians and families to meet and discuss how a procedure went and what the next step in a patient’s recovery will be.
The patient rooms themselves are large and feature separate nooks for family members to pull out and sleep or check emails at the built-in desk. A curtain allows easy separation so family members can get sleep at night and not be woken by staff rounding.
“The patients are thrilled with the amount of room they’ve got,” Weigel said, noting each room has bedside computers for nursing.
Community Hospital’s north campus is located on the east side of the Broadway Extension, just north of Britton Rd in north Oklahoma City.
The Community Hospital north campus features 14 inpatient beds and eight operating suites, each equipped with the latest technology for orthopedic, plastic, pain management, ENT, endoscopic and general surgical procedures.
The expectation is that orthopedic and spine surgeries will account for much of the facility’s volume as well as pain management but Weigel says there is plenty of room for more general surgery.
“It’s more of a generalist type of facility even though in the past we’ve been more ortho-spine but I think it’s growing,” Weigel said. “We’re almost out of OR space already so the growth is just incredible.”
The hospital shares a license with the original 49-bed location in south Oklahoma City and Weigel said it compliments the existing facility in every way.
“The patient experience is the same. We’re very blessed with very high patient satisfaction,” Weigel said. “We’re beating Oklahoma City and we’re beating the nation. It’s not really an offshoot (location) but a world unto itself.”
Located right off of Broadway Extension, the new hospital offers easy access from north of Edmond to down south into Norman.
Weigel said some surgeons are drawing patients from as far away as Kansas. The addition of more younger surgeons specializing in shorter hospital times (one doing a total hip with a next day discharge) is already increasing word of mouth.
“The outcomes are incredible,” Weigel said. “Low to no infection rates which is huge and low complications … they’re doing a really good job.”
The hospital has recently earned several honors including a center of leadership distinction in pain control.
Weigel notes that some of the hospital’s post-operative successes can be attributed to mandatory education courses required before the patient even comes to the hospital.
“It’s all in advance,” Weigel said. “Ninety-nine percent of the time we get someone to come with them that’s going to be their caregiver so they understand the exercises and they know what the expectations are.”
The new facility is impressive but Weigel knows buildings don’t heal people.
“I don’t have to go looking for nurses or any staff,” Weigel said. “They come looking for us. We’ve got the knowledge that if we take really good care of our employees they take great care of our patients.”

Acclaimed singer-songwriter inspires kids with type 1 diabetes to pursue their dreams

Crystal Bowersox understands how crucial it is to find a healthy balance on and off the stage. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 6, Crystal — now 30 — reached the heights of American Idol in 2010 and maintains an ongoing musical career. Having nearly lost her spot on the show due to a short hospitalization brought on by the rigorous taping and rehearsal schedule, she vowed to make it her mission to touch others impacted by diabetes with her music and her message.

On Wednesday, July 20, Crystal will visit Camp Blue Hawk, a residential camp serving Oklahoma kids also growing up with T1D. Camp Blue Hawk is a project of Harold Hamm Diabetes Center–Children’s at the University of Oklahoma. This year’s five-day camp will serve 48 children ages 10 to 15 near Guthrie at the Central Christian Camp and Conference Center. Crystal will meet the campers, share her story, and perform briefly.

“Growing up with diabetes, I felt isolated from other kids because they didn’t understand the challenges I faced, and today I know there are many who experience the same things,” said Crystal. “However, despite the obstacles, I learned how to manage the disease, and I try to live my life to the fullest.”

Crystal’s grit and determination caught the eye of Lilly Diabetes, which today introduced her as its newest type 1 diabetes ambassador. Crystal’s visit to Camp Blue Hawk is part of the Lilly Camp Care Package program, one of the largest diabetes camp support programs in the United States.

Attending a diabetes summer camp can be a valuable experience for children learning to live with the disease, particularly those transitioning from parental care to self-care. A three-year survey by the American Diabetes Association® showed camp experience increases children’s diabetes knowledge, self-confidence, diabetes management and emotional well-being. Camps are especially valuable for newly diagnosed campers (less than one year since initial diagnosis) changed the most, with 19 percent showing improvement in their ability to manage diabetes-related issues.

Since finishing as first runner-up on Season 9 of American Idol, Crystal has released two full-length albums and two EPs, mostly featuring her own original songs. She has collaborated with Joe Cocker, B.B. King, Alanis Morissette, Jakob Dylan, John Popper of Blues Traveler, and Melissa Etheridge, among others. Originally from Northwest Ohio, Crystal now makes her home in Nashville.

Harold Hamm Diabetes Center (HHDC) is an OU Medicine Center of Excellence leading the way to prevent, treat, and ultimately find a cure for diabetes. HHDC–Children’s is the center’s pediatric division, housed in the OU Children’s Physicians building in Oklahoma City. This is Camp Blue Hawk’s second year; campers are invited by medical staff at HHDC–Children’s, and every camper attends on scholarship. www.haroldhamm.org

What would be the first thing you would do when elected president?

If I was elected president I would try to meet with all the countries having problems with Al-Qaeda and figure out how to live on the planet together.  Glenda Nash

The first thing would be to make sure all the elderly had their benefits and make sure everyone had insurance. Ronald Haywood

Lower taxes for everybody.  Anthony Hudspeth

I’m going to say ensure equal rights for everybody.  Ronnie Pruiett

by Bobby Anderson
Staff Writer

With mental health services in our state disappearing at an alarming rate AllianceHealth Midwest has doubled its commitment to helping patients.
The hospital has opened a new mental health unit featuring 32 patient rooms, large community rooms, a group therapy room and occupational therapy room. The hospital now has 72 beds and has a special focus for seniors.
In behavioral health for 25 years, James Hutchison was brought in by the health system to open the new unit.
“They needed experienced leadership from the psychiatric perspective,” Hutchison said. “They needed someone to grow them through the expansion. I fix things.”
Hutchison said for the last year the hospital was forced to turn away 75 seniors and 25 adults each month due to space restrictions.
The hospital applied to the state for a certificate of need in order to begin building.
Judy Anderson, RN, has been a nurse for 37 years now. She said the new facility is a blessing for all involved.
“This is going to be really nice for seniors, it’s state of the art, it’s something for them,” Anderson said. “I think people tend to push seniors back and we’re pushing seniors forward and that’s what I think is so important. A lot of people will instead of dealing with someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia they’ll put them in a nursing home and just not deal with them.”
DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM
Anderson understands that just because someone begins to show signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean that they immediately need to be in a long-term care facility.
“If we have them here sometimes we can get them on the right medication and they can go home and live successfully there for years,” she said.
Anderson said many times when you begin seeing a change in your loved one it can be spurred by treatable medical conditions sometimes as simple as a urinary tract infection.
“If we can get them in here early enough and address their medical problems … early onset dementia can be stopped with (medication) and they can go home and lead a normal life for a long time. We just have to get the public aware there are other alternatives.”
“People don’t live it until their parents have it.”
Gloria Ceballos, RN, PhD, serves AllianceHealth Midwest as the chief nursing officer. She said the hospital has a special focus on senior adults.
“It’s a commitment because our community needs it,” Ceballos said. “This unit will never cure anybody. This unit is here to address the crisis. We do know how to treat them with medications or trying some other treatment and incorporating the family.”
Hutchison said having a facility like this in place not only helps the patients and their families but the community as a whole.
When an untreated mental health patient acts out often times law enforcement is called.
“They pick up people with mental health issues and they don’t have any place to take them,” Hutchison said. “They take them to the emergency department because that’s their only option. There emergency department holds them one to two hours or one to two days. If that person is under arrest the officer has to stay with them that whole time which takes them off the street for hours.”
Once the patient leaves the hospital, Hutchison said they will often commit a crime whether intentionally or unintentionally.
“We’ve had a lot of patients say they don’t know what else to do. They do this because they don’t have any place to live or get medicine,” Hutchison said. “It causes a huge problem for law enforcement and the community because there is no place for them to go.”
The new facility will serve as a stabilization and treatment point at a time when providers are leaving the mental health arena.
“This hospital has basically invested a huge amount of money at a time when a lot of other places are closing,” Hutchison said. “Everybody knows about the legislative issues with funding so at a time when everyone is scaling back we spent a fortune on this floor.”
Providing a safe transition point is the focus and Anderson says AllianceHealth Midwest nurses are there to serve seniors in whatever capacity they need.
“I think one of the most important things we do here is not medication it’s listening, listening to the family about the problems and listening to the patient to find out what’s really going on,” Anderson said.