by Susan Price – www.NursingHomeAbuseCenter.org

Individuals who have limited mobility or who are confined to a bed or wheelchair are at a high risk of developing bedsores. What starts as inflammation can quickly turn into a painful wound that is difficult to treat. What’s more, once bedsores are established, the patient is at risk for infection, sepsis, gangrene, and amputation. These complications can be fatal.
Bedsores most commonly develop on bony prominences, or parts of the body that come into the most contact with a bed, chair, or other surface. Common places bedsores develop include the heels, elbows, tailbone, and shoulder blades.
Fortunately, bedsores are preventable. Caregivers who follow the standards of care for repositioning, skin care, diet, and exercise can help prevent bedsores among patients.
Exercise to Prevent Bedsores
Exercise is a great way to help prevent bedsores. Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the skin. This helps prevent bedsores by keeping skin and underlying tissue healthy and well oxygenated. Exercises don’t have to be strenuous in order to be effective. Here are some examples of the type of exercises that can help prevent bedsores. · Ankle Stretches – Ankle stretches are a great way to improve circulation and range of motion. Caregivers assist with ankle stretches by holding the heel and ankle, and slowing bending and moving the foot around. · Arm Lifts – Arm lifts can be done with assistance, or solo. Raise the arm as high as possible (and comfortable), and hold it for ten seconds. Arm lifts can be easily customized depending on the patient’s needs. · Leg Lifts – Leg lifts are a great way to improve circulation and encourage flexibility and range of motion. These exercises can be done with the patient on their back or side, depending on what is most suitable. The leg is slowly raised even with the hip, and is held there for 10-20 seconds as is comfortable and appropriate. · Palm Stretches – Palm stretches are a simple way to improve circulation in the lower arm and hand. With this exercise, the patient opens his or her hand as wide as possible extending the fingers. Then, the patient touches each finger to their thumb slowly before extending the finger again.
Doing these exercises a few times each day, or even once a day, can reduce the risk of a patient developing bedsores.
Exercise as Part of a Healthcare Plan
Exercise is most effective at preventing bedsores when it is part of a comprehensive healthcare plan.
Caregivers can also help prevent bedsores by making sure patients have adequate food and hydration, access to medical care, and assistance with hygiene.
Bedsores often develop on parts of the body that are covered with clothing or linens. Caregivers should perform routine skin checks to look for signs of a developing bedsore. Once a developing bedsore is stageable, it is dangerous and needs immediate medical attention.
Of course, you should never start an exercise regimen for yourself, or for someone you are caring for, without talking to a doctor first. Exercise should be performed with the guidance of a doctor who knows about the overall health of the patient.
Sources: www.nursinghomeabusecenter.org/bedsores/
www.accessrehabequip.com.au/blog/post/21-how-to-prevent-bedsores%3A-exercises-for-pressure-care-patients/
https://advancedtissue.com/2015/06/4-effective-exercises-for-bedridden-patients/
https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.org/stages-of-bedsores/

by Valerie Pautsch, OU Medicine

Tara Dominguez didn’t fit the profile, if there is one. She was young, with no personal or family history of cancer, and with none of the “usual” risk factors. The diagnosis – cervical cancer – was shocking.
It was early in 2016, and a routine pap smear revealed an abnormal growth. A subsequent biopsy with Dominguez’ regular obstetrician-gynecologist determined cancer was present. “I asked where I should go for treatment – thinking I might be headed to Houston or New York. When I found out there was a cutting-edge cancer center right here in Oklahoma City, it really put my mind at ease,” Dominguez recalls.
Her doctor referred her at once to Katherine Moxley, M.D., Stephenson Cancer Center gynecologic oncologist.
As a pharmacist, Dominguez had a healthcare background and her education was science-heavy. With that perspective, she familiarized herself with treatment guidelines. She understood the drugs and what therapy entailed. She asked myriad questions and gained a thorough understanding of what she was facing.
“I got in to see Dr. Moxley right away. When I met her, she already had a plan and I was scheduled for surgery within a month,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez had what was believed to be a fairly early-stage cervical cancer. According to Moxley, the imaging studies looked normal, but did not tell the whole story. Initially, surgery was the primary treatment, and in 85 percent of cases, surgery would have been enough. Unfortunately, Dominguez defied these odds. Pathology identified high-risk characteristics requiring more aggressive treatment.
Dominguez came to Moxley and Stephenson Cancer Center hoping to participate in a clinical trial that used less-aggressive treatment approaches aimed at preserving fertility. But from the beginning, her options began to dwindle.
“We learned the tumor wasn’t confined to cervix,” Moxley said. “Chemotherapy combined with radiation became the next course of treatment, with radiation being the larger component.”
Dominguez was no longer eligible for the fertility-sparing treatments she had hoped for, but became a candidate for a different trial focused on chemo radiation with chemotherapy. Newly married, Dominguez began to see one of her dreams – motherhood – slipping away. Moxley began to work through options that would enable Dominguez and her husband to become parents on the other side of treatment and recovery. Moxley said the physician’s primary goal for patients is to keep them whole, alive and undamaged.
“So,” Moxley said, “the next question became, ‘How can we ensure your ability to have children?’ The answer took Donimguez through infertility treatments, and once they had viable embryos, she came back for surgery.”
For Moxley, it felt as if each meeting was another occasion in which she had to deliver a new and different piece of bad news. “These findings were exceedingly uncommon, and it was astounding that they all happened to Tara. Repeatedly, I had to say, ‘…..but there’s something different, something more or something else.’”
An avid runner before diagnosis, Dominguez competed in cross country events throughout high school. Later she started running 5Ks and 10Ks, then advanced to running a dozen or more half-marathons each year. Here too, Dominguez faced another significant loss in the life she had known.
“After surgery I couldn’t run of course, but more than that, I was advised that radiation treatment would probably mean the end of running altogether,” Dominguez said. Now a cancer survivor, Dominguez also has become a runner again, thanks in large part to Moxley’s steadfast encouragement. Recovering from treatment, Dominguez and Moxley both completed the 2017 Go Girl Run. “Dr. Moxley stayed after the race to cross the finish line with me,” she said. “It was a new start to this new chapter, returning to being able to run.”
Dominguez has completed five half-marathons this year. She will participate in the Outpace Cancer Race 10K event on Oct. 6, with Moxley once again as her running partner.
“We seek to cure cancer, but also, enable individuals to return to those things that inspire their passions,” Moxley said.
Though the physician/patient relationship is first defined by professionalism, cancer treatment introduces a different dynamic. For Moxley and Dominguez, appointments were frequent and spanned an entire year. “Discussions about life and health are intensely personal. During that time, I came to know Tara as a person, as well as a patient. You can’t really treat someone for a long-term condition if you don’t know their lives,” Moxley said. “Cancer is like ‘slow trauma.’ You walk through it with the patient as an advocate.”
As if experiencing a kind of mutual grace, the conversations seemed to follow a pattern with Moxley’s refrain, “I’m so sorry,” and Dominguez’ response, “Well, this is what we have before us, and I know you’re going to do the best thing for me.”
Moxley described Dominguez as incredibly stoic and strong, meeting each new challenge with courage and determination. “Tara came through therapy beautifully, and her long-term prognosis is excellent. Aggressive treatment was crucial.”
At Stephenson, Dominguez said she found one of the best treatment facilities in the nation. “I received the best care possible from amazing doctors – the best minds from across the country – and incredible staff. All that – and not having to travel for treatment, having friends, family and a complete support network right here…I already had obstacles in my mind, but these were no longer obstacles I had to cross.”
Dominguez underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment spanning nearly four months. She credits radiation oncologist Spencer Thompson, M.D., and his staff for making her feel so much at home and so confident of the care she received.
Dominguez said her experience with cancer in some ways mirrors the effort of being a runner. “There are days you’re going to have setbacks, but you’ll also experience great joy and success.”
To register for the Outpace Cancer Race 5 or 10K event on Oct. 6, go to outpacecancer.com.

For the past week, I have been scouring drug stores searching, without success, for a greeting card I plan to mail to Erramatti Mangayamma and her husband, E. Raja Rao.
The card I’m looking for would say, “Congratulations! What the hell were you thinking?”
On Sept. 5, Mangayamma gave birth to twin girls. This event alone may not be card-worthy, as women give birth every day. But not all of them are 73 years old.
With an 80-year-old husband.
Mangayamma, who is from Andhra Pradesh, India, is believed to be the oldest woman ever to give birth. Unable to conceive since they were married in 1962, the couple approached Dr. Sanakayyala Umashankar, who reportedly agreed to administer one round of in vitro fertilization to Mangayamma.
As someone whose second child was conceived via IVF, I know the risks involved with implanting multiple eggs into a woman’s body. Before doing so, our fertility doctor wanted us to be aware we could end up with not one child, but an entire litter, and were we OK with that?
We ended up with one but, with an infant and a kindergartner to care for, we were routinely exhausted by midday. At the time, my wife was 36. I was 39. Roughly half the ages of Mangayamma and Rao.
Don’t get me wrong, having a baby is a joyous occasion. But do new parents who are well into their years of Social Security eligibility, IRA withdrawals and entry into retirement communities REALLY know what they are getting themselves into? Mrs. Mangayamma, you do know that you can’t go to bed until your new girls have drifted off, right? I’m 56 and my bedtime is approximately 9:30 p.m.
Your infants’ bedtimes should be approximately, oh wait, infants don’t have set bedtimes. Never mind.
Mr. Rao let’s discuss your duties as a first-time dad. Are you OK with assembling two cribs, two strollers and, nightly, bathing two slippery babies? The latter requires very steady hands. I’m not making any assumptions about your manual dexterity but just yesterday, my fingers unexplainably twitched, causing me to drop a full glass of water. Just saying.
Now, new parents, let’s flash forward a few years. I’m not sure how popular youth sports programs are in India, but my girls started playing soccer and softball when they were 6. Mr. Rao, how are your coaching skills? At 86, will you be up to teaching a team of giggly first-graders how to execute a corner kick? Will you be able to frantically wave your arm in a circular motion, signaling your lead runner should round third base and head for home? Are you confident you can perform both those feats without crumbling to the ground, having pulled something?
Also, be ready to argue with opposing coaches who may have different views about athletic development. Sports have changed considerably since you grew up in the good old 1950s.
Finally, let’s not forget that you sired two girls. It’s worth noting that, sometime around 2030, both will be entering those hormonally charged years that, for parents, are about as pleasant as repeatedly biting your tongue in the exact same spot. Mrs. Mangayamma, you’ll be 84 while your husband will be 91. Better pray you both suffer from hearing loss by then; it’s the only way you’ll be immune from the sounds of slamming bedroom doors, screaming arguments about who-took-whose pair of Justice shorts and shouting matches involving bathroom time.
Also, both likely will have radically different dietary restrictions by then. The only thing they will have in common is their disdain for your dinner of choice: Jell-O and soup.
Well, I’ve probably given too many opinions. I’m sure that, after more than 50 years of yearning for children, you two will make amazing parents. Enjoy the experience because it goes so fast. In the blink of an eye, they’ll be out of college and on their own.
And, at 94 and 101, you’ll be empty-nesters.

Dear Savvy Senior, How much does cremation cost and how can I find a good deal in my area? I would like to get a simple, basic cremation that doesn’t cost me, or my family, a lot of money. Frugal Senior

Dear Frugal,
Cremation costs can vary widely. Depending on your location, the provider and the services you request, cremation can range anywhere from $500 to $7,500 or more. But that’s a lot cheaper than a full-service funeral and cemetery burial that averages nearly $11,000 today. Here are some tips to help you get a good deal.
Shop Around
Because prices can vary sharply by provider, the best way to get a good price on a simple “no frills” cremation is to call several funeral homes in your area (most funeral homes provide cremation services) and compare prices.
When you call, ask them specifically how much they charge for a “direct cremation,” which is the basic option and the least expensive. With direct cremation, there’s no embalming, formal viewing or funeral. It only includes the essentials: picking up the body, completing the required paperwork, the cremation itself and providing ashes to the family.
If your family wants to have a memorial service, they can have it at home or your place of worship after the cremation, in the presence of your remains.
If you want additional services beyond what a direct cremation offers, ask the funeral home for an itemized price list that covers the other service costs, so you know exactly what you’re getting. All providers are required by law to provide this.
To locate nearby funeral homes, look in your local yellow pages, or Google “cremation” or “funeral” followed by your city and state. You can also get good information online at Parting.com, which lets you compare prices from funeral providers in your area based on what you want.
Or, if you need more help contact your nearby funeral consumer alliance program (see Funerals.org/local-fca or call 802-865-8300 for contact information). These are volunteer groups located in most regions around the country that offer a wide range of information and prices on local funeral and cremation providers.
Pricey Urns
The urn is an item you need to be aware of that can drive up cremation costs. Funeral home urns usually cost around $100 to $300, but you aren’t required to get one.
Most funeral homes initially place ashes in a plastic bag that is inserted into a thick cardboard box. The box is all you need if you intend to have your ashes scattered. But if you want something to display, you can probably find a nice urn or comparable container online. Walmart.com and Amazon.com for example, sells urns for under $50. Or, you may want to use an old cookie jar or container you have around the house instead of a traditional urn.
Free Cremation
Another option you may want to consider that provides free cremation is to donate your body to a university medical facility. After using your body for research, they will cremate your remains for free (some programs may charge a small fee to transport your body to their facility), and either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year or two.
To find a medical school near you that accepts body donations, the University of Florida maintains a directory at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/usprograms.
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.

OGE Energy Corp. will join forces with United Way of Central Oklahoma during its annual fundraising campaign to double new, first-time company contributions.
“United Way agencies provide such valuable services to our communities, and we’re only as strong as the communities we serve,” said Sean Trauschke, chairman, President and CEO of OGE Energy Corp. “We identified this as a way to help support and grow the missions of these agencies where we live and work.”
This opportunity comes at a critical time as United Way of Central Oklahoma begins fundraising efforts for 57 local nonprofits, serving hundreds of thousands of clients each year who need us more than ever. The gift will help Partner Agencies serve more central Oklahomans by providing life-saving services to those in need.
“OGE Energy Corp. is known for giving back in big ways, and we are truly grateful that they thought of United Way – that says a lot about the caring nature of their organization,” said Debby Hampton, United Way of Central Oklahoma president and CEO. “It takes all of us to make this a more compassionate community, and OGE’s support is one of the big puzzle pieces that makes that possible throughout central Oklahoma.”
Donations may be made online at unitedwayokc.org or by giving through your workplace campaign.
About United Way of Central Oklahoma
United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit unitedwayokc.org or call (405) 236-8441.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) recently awarded a three-year grant to the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, part of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine. ACL is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The grant will help fund implementation of a statewide program for falls prevention.
Lee Jennings, M.D., geriatric medicine specialist, will coordinate the program, which integrates complimentary components: Tai Chi Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TCQ: MBB), and Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) in an effort to decrease the likelihood of falls and improve mobility among older Oklahomans and those with disabilities.
“In addition, OHAI will train volunteer class leaders to enhance program sustainability. Our objective is to build sustainable partnerships with organizations, such as hospital systems, long-term care facilities and insurance providers,” Jennings said. She is also principle investigator on a study related to the grant-funded program.
National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, Monday, Sept. 23, is about preventing fall-related injuries. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries, posing a threat to life and quality of life.
In connection with the national emphasis, OHAI will host a Facebook live event from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The event will include healthcare professionals in a discussion of the adverse impact of falls, how to prevent them as well as practical tips for creating a more secure environment. The event will also feature video demonstrations of TCQ and SAIL classes.
Keith Kleszynski, Ph.D., associate director of OHAI, explained that the SAIL program is new to OHAI and relatively new to Oklahoma. “We selected this program for its emphasis on physical activity and its appeal to those inclined toward more rigorous exercise,” he said. “It represents a strategic move to reach more male participants.”
Currently, 79 percent of OHAI tai chi participants are female; however, the risks associated with falls and injuries are not limited by gender.
SAIL was developed to improve strength, balance and fitness – all critical components in one’s ability to remain physically active and reduce the risk of falls. It can be done seated or standing. Tai chi incorporates slow and controlled movements that also increase balance and flexibility.

story and photos by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

On Sundays strangers gather at New Heights Baptist Church on the city’s south side and sing their praises to the Lord.
But each Monday night, Capitol Hill alumni get together at New Heights to sing in praise of Albert “Ozzie” Ossenkop.
Randy Parsons directs Ozzie’s Capitol Hill Alumni Choir, a group composed solely of individuals taught by the local choral legend.
Members are either Ossenkop’s former students, their spouses or those he taught in church choirs.
Membership is by audition only and encompasses Capitol Hill students from 1963 to 1972.
“But we all auditioned 50 or 60 years ago,” Parsons laughed. “Ozzie was a great showman, a great choral director and taught us not only the love of music but he loved all of us.
“He made us feel special.”
The choir started after a couple of large reunions honoring their former director. Hundreds of students came out of the woodwork for those.
Ossenkop taught for 34 years and passed in 2011 at the age of 89.
During the later years, the group gathered each Christmas to serenade him at Legend at Rivendell.
“Many of the choir stayed in touch and would come to visit and still consider him like a father,” Parsons said. “As he aged our love for him probably increased because we could care for him a little bit like he cared for us.”
But when Ossenkop passed there was a void.
A couple of alumni got the idea of gathering members to sing for the lighting of the Stockyards Christmas tree.
“That’s what got us started and now we are the official choir of Stockyards City and we sing every year at the lighting,” he said. “We figured if we were going to do this let’s do this with the songs Ozzie taught us.”
The choir doesn’t just sing, it performs Ossenkop’s original arrangements he taught back in high school.
This will be the fourth season for Ozzie’s Capitol Hill Alumni Choir, which performs around 14 shows yearly.
In late August, the group performed at the Capitol Hill Alumni Association Annual Banquet.
One of Ossenkop’s students made it all the way. Tenor Chris Merritt has performed all over the world from Carnegie Hall to London’s Royal Opera House.
Ossenkop took his choirs all over as well. Disneyland, Montreal, San Antonio – Ossenkop’s choirs toured performing his annual Musical Extravaganza, a collection of show tunes he arranged.
Member Cheryl Tolsen was part of Ossenkop’s last choir. Coincidentally, her mother was in Ossenkop’s first choir.
“The alto doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Parsons joked.
On Monday nights you’ll find Kathy Perkins, Class of 1968, accompanying the choir on piano the same way she did in high school.
Following Labor Day, Parsons said the group will look to add more members. Anyone who was taught by Ossenkop is welcome to join this month to begin work on the group’s Christmas performances.
Carol Netherton (Class of 68) serves as the group’s secretary and treasurer.
“He was just full of vitality and vivaciousness,” she remembered. “I don’t know anybody who didn’t like him. He was like a father to so many.”
Alana Stephens (Class of 69) described her mentor as ‘“a big old teddy bear.” Seeing Ossenkop each morning at 7:25 a.m. was always a treat.
“He really was interested in all of us kids,” Stephens said. “He wasn’t just a teacher.”
Ossenkop’s expectations were straightforward: no smoking, no drinking, be an A+ person.
Even decades later, when Ossenkop would see one of his students he could tell them what voice part they sang and even remembered details about their families. “One teacher’s influence has been multiplied over all these years and is still being multiplied,” Parsons said. “Nobody pays these people to come. They have to put up with me but they come week after week, year after year. We enjoy each other but our main motivation is we want to honor the guy that started it all.”
Ossenkop left an indelible mark on every member of the choir.
Juanita Gasaway (Class of 1968) still has two pictures of Ossenkop on her cell phone. The first is of him holding her first son in 1970. The second was Ossenkop holding her son’s son in 2010.
“He had a heart of gold,” Gasaway said.

About one in five licensed drivers in the United States is over the age of 65. Driving is one of the last points of independence some seniors have to give up. This makes it difficult when a family has to have the conversation with an elderly loved one about whether or not it is safe for them to continue driving.
“It is a major life change,” said Faye Beam, coordinator for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Central Oklahoma’s Provide A Ride (PAR) program.
Provide-A-Ride is a free medical transportation program for seniors who are no longer able to drive to doctor’s appointments. Volunteers pick up seniors, take them to their appointments, wait with them, and return them home. Currently, volunteers take PAR clients to more than 300 physicians in the Oklahoma City metro area.
“I receive calls often from children concerned about their elderly parents driving,” Beam said. “All families face similar scenarios. Children become caregivers for their parents, and they worry about their well-being and safety.”
Some of the red flags Beam hears from family members about their elderly parents and driving include: parents getting lost, vision problems at night, easily distracted while driving, developing fear related to driving, or unable to keep up with the expenses of owning a vehicle.
Beam wants families to know that PAR can be a reliable, safe alternative form of transportation for their loved one and encourages family members to have their loved one call and talk with her about the program.
“I always try to make clients feel at ease and comfortable and in charge of scheduling their transportation to medical appointments,” she said.
As with new things, the PAR clients get used to their new form of transportation and most make friends with the volunteer drivers, Beam said.
“They have interesting conversations, and many look forward to the time spent with their Provide-A-Ride drivers,” Beam said.
Beam suggests taking gentle baby steps with elderly parents about the subject of driving.
“Give mom and dad time to think about giving up their vehicle,” she said.
Currently, the PAR program has 683 active clients and 55 volunteer drivers. Volunteer drivers choose their schedules and receive free supplemental liability insurance coverage and mileage reimbursement. If you would like more information for a loved one who can no longer drive or if you would like to sign up to be a volunteer driver, contact Faye Beam at 405.605.3110 or email her at faye.beam@rsvpokc.org.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

The final full week in September was homecoming week for Tealridge Retirement Community in Edmond.
A traditional fall activity, homecoming meant something different for the gathered friends and residents.
Tealridge’s rich 30-year history was on display with the community touting almost $1 million in ongoing improvements to the Edmond mainstay.
Residents past and present toured, reliving memories and looking ahead to what is sure to be a future focused on meeting resident needs.
“It doesn’t really matter how much things are made ‘new’ it’s still the essence of the people and I think that’s a huge piece of this community,” Tealridge Executive Director Melissa Mahaffey said during a break in the festivities.
“And the heart and the spirit,” Tealridge Retirement Counselor Kristen Moss echoed. “Everybody has a story. This community has a story and a history. It’s 30 years old and that’s why we picked the theme of homecoming. Come tell us your story.”
“We’re all fresh eyes in the community but for them this is homecoming week.”
Jon Paden, president of Affordable Community Housing Trust, had a vision of what the community should look and feel like many months ago.
“Our goal is for Tealridge to feel like the home I grew up in. My parents created an environment that was warm, welcoming, safe and a lot of fun. That is how my wife and I tried to raise our three kids and I hope that is how our folks at Tealridge feel about their home”.
Early on, Paden’s group tabbed Mahaffey to make that vision a reality.
“I have a great team,” Mahaffey said simply. “I hire great people. The number one criteria for being on this team is having a heart and soul for people because if they don’t, it doesn’t work.
“The true measurement of a good community all relies on who you have in place.”
A legendary property, Tealridge Retirement Community celebrated its next chapter with new ownership and property improvements.
The two-day event was open to the community.
Edmond Chamber of Commerce members were on hand Wednesday for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Former University of Oklahoma quarterback and NEWS9 personality Dean Blevins entertained the crowd on Thursday.
Nestled next to the 200-acre Oklahoma Christian campus is Tealridge Retirement Community, a full-service, private and locally-owned community providing independent, assisted living and memory care services to the Community of Edmond.
Nancy and Todd Markum were sold on Tealridge from the very beginning.
“We’re excited,” Nancy said. “We were the first ones to get to move back in. It’s awesome. We love it. We always wanted to be here after living across the street.
“We wanted to be home. It’s our friends and our people.”
According to the National Institute on Aging, research studies have shown a strong correlation between social interaction and health and well-being among older adults and have suggested that social isolation may have significant adverse effects for older adults.
Moss said. “What works in New York or Los Angeles and all those cities in between doesn’t necessarily work in Oklahoma.
Jon is open to receive feedback from Melissa & the team on how we can help our retirees live their best life. The decision to move is not easy, we desire to work beside someone through their journey”.
The future is strong for the Edmond senior community, which has evolved in the last 30 years. The addition of the independent component compliments the full care campus concept.
“Who knows what independent living will look like in the next 10 years,” Mahaffey said. “But for right now we’re striving to meet the expectations of this generation. In the future, these services will evolve to a different clientele as our population continues to change.
“Nobody really knows what that’s going to be. It’s going to be wellness and nutrition but what else? Could it be additional traveling opportunities and other outlets for socialization?
One thing is for sure, “It’s about being a community with traditions in which someone feels welcome and that they are’“HOME’”.
For more information about Tealridge Retirement Community call 405-608-8020 or visit www.tealridge.com

Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn t4z@aol.com

The annual Governor’s Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota had been on my Bucket list for some time. I have always been attracted to the American Bison and am always in awe when in the presence of that intimidating, powerful symbol of America’s western frontier.
A few year’s ago I attended the September Governor’s Buffalo Roundup held in South Dakota. Next year the roundup date is September 25. The annual roundup in Custer State Park includes: an art show, pancake feed Saturday & Sunday mornings, continuous entertainment under the big top, annual buffalo chili cook-off, living history recreations, authentic chuck wagon cookout, state park tours, and of course the roundup itself, when over 1,000 bison are gathered together for inoculations and sale. The wildlife spectacle held in the hills of Custer State Park is an annual event for hundreds of bison enthusiasts. The sight of these brown beauties running into the corrals is a sampling of western lore not easily duplicated.
Custer State park, (www.custerresorts.com/index.php) is one of the largest in the nation, has four state lodges with restaurants, and is accessible to horseback riding and hiking. Seventy-one thousand acres of natural beauty and adventure await you in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Situated 25 miles south of Rapid City; Custer Resorts is within 25 miles of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Windcave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. As this was my first visit to South Dakota, I explored a few more locales, and found that South Dakota has a lot to offer in the way of diverse landscapes, man made wonders and historic western towns, caught in the 21st century yet suspended with a portion of its pioneer roots.
The splendor of Mount Rushmore is not to be underestimated. (www.mtrushmore.net) One would think that after seeing this image a hundred times in the media that its emotional impact upon viewing in person would be lessened, but it’s not. The mountain itself was originally named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer investigating mining claims in the Black Hills in 1885. Sculptor, Gutzon Borglum chose this mountain due to its height (5700’ above sea level), the soft grainy consistency of the granite, and the fact that it catches the sun for the greatest part of the day. The visitor center complete with movie theaters, gift shop, parking garage, snack bar, avenue of states, and event venues, is a boon for the visitor. If you stay for the formal evening lighting program, be forewarned that this is an over the top patriotic celebration of America. I found it enlightening, while talking with some international viewers, that this type of program, that is extolling the virtues of their native land in video and live presentations, would not be tolerated in Europe.
Deadwood South Dakota is a town steeped in history and mystery, but alive today as it ever was. (www.deadwood.org)
The entire city of Deadwood is a national historic landmark. In Deadwood you can ponder the truth at the foot of Wild Bill’s grave in Mount Moriah cemetery (along with Calamity Jane’s), tour Adams Museum and House, pan for gold at the Broken Boot Mine, choose from various guided tours, or take a self-guided walking tour into the past that puts the Wild West into perspective. You may even run into an incarnation of Will Bill himself, either at the number 10 saloon or on horseback inspecting main street. And there’s plenty of casinos for your gaming pleasure along with some fine eateries. One such is Kevin Costner’s Diamond Lil’s, where I had a pleasant Martini during sunset over main street. Costner’s Memorabilia and costumes from his films are on display throughout the dining room, and if that was not enough finery, the top floor hosts a fine dining restaurant complete with piano and beveled glass décor.
Deadwood is full of surprises such as Costner’s founded and funded Museum of the Tatanka (Buffalo) Museum right outside of town. Even with expert Lakota interpreters, displays of costumes worn in “Dances With Wolves”, and historic explanatory panels, the best part of Tatanka is the monumental 17 part sculpture of an Indian hunt near a buffalo jump. With wafts of movie theme music and the rustling of Dakota grass, this hill top venue is the pride of South Dakota, itself. Hats off and congratulations to Kevin Costner for giving back to America with the preservation and inspiration found at Tatanka: Story of the Bison interpretive Center and Sculpture. (For more information visit www.storyofthebison.com)
The badlands is another South Dakota wonder.(www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm) Roaming among the many outcroppings of natural time sculptured stone you are transported to another world. Containing the world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 37-28 million years old, the evolutionary stories of mammals such as the horse and rhinoceros arise from the 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires.
The privately funded Crazy Horse memorial, is indeed a large undertaking and one that started in 1948 and will continue for many more decades. The memorial is more than a carved mountain but also is a Native American museum and artist’s gallery, along with an institution giving scholarships to Native Americans wishing to continue their education. This is certainly a part of Americana where young children can return as adults and see its slow but steady progress. At certain times it’s possible to take tours to the arm of Crazy Horse and feel its immensity. (www.crazyhorsememorial.org)
There are many more treasures to this part of South Dakota including: the towns of Hill City with its Black Hills Bronze works, Black Hills mining museum, the Mickleson Bicycle Trail, the town of Keystone with its Big Thunder Gold Mine tour, the Rushmore Borglum story, and the most delicious meal of my trip at Powder Lodge House. So you can see, South Dakota is more than its most famous resident, Mount Rushmore. www.travelsouthdakota.com

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
http://realtraveladventures.com/author/zinn/
www.okveterannews.com – www.martinitravels.com