By Greg Schwem

Finally, and I do mean FINALLY, I have solid evidence that some things were actually better in “the old days.”
No longer do I have to stare at my kids’ skeptical, sometimes horrified, facial expressions while I wax poetically about the merits of a television that could only pick up five channels (OK, six if you knew how to manipulate a TV antenna); a phone mounted to a wall; or a high school romance that began with spoken words as opposed to written texts and TikTok videos.
Perhaps I was too hasty when I threw away my AM/FM clock radio, my Pong game and my three-piece polyester suits. At the very least, I should have kept my turntable, a major component of my hi-fi system and my youth.
The reason? Vinyl is back, baby!
Recently released data from the Recording Industry Association of America showed that, for the first time in more than 30 years, vinyl albums (Google that phrase, kids) outsold CDs. True, services like Spotify and Apple Music are still the preferred way to obtain tunes; but for those of us who like to hold our albums as opposed to streaming them, the reemergence of the black, long play record album, and the hisses and scratches that come with it, is a victory of sorts for middle-aged music aficionados like myself.
My vinyl collection is long gone, as I succumbed to the superior sound and portability of CDs in the 1980s, but the memories endure. Growing up in suburban Chicago, I was a fixture at Polk Brothers, a home appliance and electronics retail outlet. While customers in one aisle shopped for refrigerators, I was in the adjoining aisle, flipping through recently arrived albums in search of the latest Elton John release. My Christmas wish list always included half a dozen albums, some of which my mother probably purchased in horror.
“They’re called Kiss, Mom. Just look for the album cover featuring a guy wearing white makeup with blood dripping from his mouth.”
Ah, yes, the album cover! And the back cover featuring the song list! My closest encounter to a broken bone occurred when I was pedaling home with my latest purchase and neglected to see a rut in the road, so fixated was I on the song titles. If I arrived home in one piece, I promptly retreated to my bedroom, dropped the stylus on the album and read the lyrics to each song, often laughing when I realized what I had been singing up until that moment.
“Oh, so it’s ‘Rocket Man, burning out his fuse up here alone.’ I thought it was, ‘Rocket Man, burning out his shoes, the pair I loaned.’ ”
I memorized the names of every musician who played on every track, eventually realizing a select group of drummers and horn players were in high demand when it came time for my favorite rock stars to cut new albums. I was playing guitar at the time and took heart knowing that, if I never found a band to play in, I could make a great living as a studio musician.
When I became a disc jockey at my high school radio station, I learned the art of “cueing” a vinyl song by dropping the stylus on a particular groove and then spinning the album backward so, when I pressed “play” on the turntable, the song started immediately. I knew that skill didn’t improve my status with girls, but I was sure they would have been impressed were outsiders allowed in the studio. They weren’t.
I learned wooden crates from grocery stores were the perfect width to hold my album collection. I never resorted to alphabetizing my LPs, but they were sorted by genres; and the “Greatest Hits” albums occupied the front spaces, with the Eagles getting top status. And why not? In 2018 the band’s greatest hits collection surpassed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as top selling album of all time.
So, Gen Z and Internet Generation members who brag about the 10,000 songs you carry on your phones, along with the 20,000 photos, take a deep breath. Find Drake’s best seller “One Dance” on vinyl, seek out a turntable and enjoy the experience.
And read the lyrics. It’s “I had to bust up the silence,” not “I had to bust up the sirens.”
(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)

story and photos by Darl Devault

Insurance leaders fear seniors are susceptible to Medicare fraud as scams are being ramped up this year. Instead of being retirement privileged, many seniors are being retirement harassed. As the Medicare open enrollment period begins, owner Ginny Curtis with MCM Insurance, LLC, explains her concern for Oklahoma seniors.
“This year more than ever we are seeing many TV commercials elude to benefits clients are not eligible for and telemarketers use high pressure fear techniques,” Curtis said. “These scammers generate repeated phone calls from local numbers asking health related questions appearing to be a customer service call. We have seen instances of insurance agents claiming of new benefits that have not been released to the public.”
Her office has seen an increase in scammers targeting older adults. They appear to target seniors with serious long-term health conditions who appear to have a higher risk for serious illness.
Curtis says she has had many of her clients calling in to tell her they have been manipulated into giving out their information. Some have even been enrolled in Medicare plans they don’t qualify for, only to be cancelled off their current insurance because of that activity.
Curtis says, other than your doctor, health care provider, or other trusted representative, never provide your Medicare number or personal information to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
MCM is a family owned local insurance agency. The main location is 2232 W Hefner Rd, found between Pennsylvania and May Avenue on Hefner Road in the Village right next to the post office. MCM’s 50 licensed agents have a combined 100 years of experience.
The agents pride themselves in providing exceptional education on Medicare and the many options its clients have. The agency is licensed with all the Medicare Advantage companies and services. It features all the Medicare supplement companies, along with all the Part D prescription plans available in Oklahoma.
More important than ever this year they teach a no-cost, hour-long Navigating Through Medicare educational seminar offered as individual sessions with their clients or in group presentations. This year the agency is also offering a virtual presentation, member meetings and phone appointments. Agency agents still offer face to face appointments at their office or in their client’s homes.
“I’ve been serving my client’s needs for 35 years,” Curtis said. “I enjoy my job helping others. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”
As 2020 begins to wind down, one of the most important times of the year for seniors begins rapidly approaching. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) occurs annually from (Oct. 15-Dec. 7). OEP is a time in which current Medicare beneficiaries can choose to change part of their coverage.
Clients can change their Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and/or Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). It is a time to reevaluate their coverage based on their benefits, health, and finances. If they find a plan is a better fit for their needs than their current plan, they can then switch to, drop or add a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
During OEP Curtis’ agency goes into overdrive to make sure everyone who needs help making the changes coming their way is reached. “It’s very important to us each person who comes through our agency chooses their plan based on their specific needs,” Curtis said.
During an appointment with the agents from MCM, they will compare plans based on the customers list of medicines and doctors to narrow down which plan will cover all their needs the best.
“The first two weeks of October is a great time for clients to shop, ask a lot of questions. Clients can find the information they need without feeling the pressure of having to make a decision,” Curtis said. “By Oct. 15 they can schedule a time to figure out what’s best for them and make a decision.”
“We are a little different than some agencies, in that we represent all the Medicare Advantage companies,” Curtis explained. “We have a great relationship with every carrier. They all pay our agents the same fees so there’s no reason for us to sway a client one way or another.”
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a MCM agent to attend a Navigating through Medicare session, or schedule a presentation, you can reach the office at 405-842-0494. Clients can view the agencies’ calendar and get more info about the one-hour seminar at:
www.navigatingthroughmedicare.info.
During the open enrollment period for Medicare, clients can find agents in their offices Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 1st through December 15th. Beginning December 16th, they returned to normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
If you would like more info, their website is:
www.mcmmedicare.com.
The firm also has offices in Tulsa and Shawnee.

Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you explain the differences between the coronavirus and seasonal flu? I’m 70-years-old, and usually get a standard flu shot, but would like to find out what else I can do to protect myself this winter.

Worried Senior

Dear Worried,
Great question! Because of the dual danger of Influenza (flu) and COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that this fall and winter could be the worst ever for public health. Understanding this, knowing the differences and similarities between the viruses, and knowing what you can do to protect yourself is the best way to stay healthy and safe through this difficult time.
Flu vs COVID
Because many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, so testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. With that said, here are some similarities and differences you should know.
For starters, seasonal flu symptoms come on pretty quickly, whereas COVID-19 develops gradually over a period of a few days and then either fades out or gets worse. Common shared symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, headache, fatigue and even chest pain. Pinkeye and a dry cough are associated with COVID-19, while it’s now thought that a fever is more likely with the flu, as are diarrhea and nausea.
Many people are having their temperatures taken these days before entering public spaces. But fever occurs in only half of COVID-19 cases. Fever does not rule out COVID-19, but the absence of fever makes flu unlikely.
You’re also unlikely to have a runny or stuffy nose with the flu, but you may with COVID-19. What sometimes happens within the nose with COVID-19 is loss of smell and, often as a consequence, loss of taste, too.
To learn more about the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19, visit the CDC website ?at CDC.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm.
How to Protect Yourself
While there is currently no vaccine available yet to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. So, stay home as much as you can. If you have to go out, wear a mask and keep at least 6 feet away from other people. And every time you come home, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
There’s also evidence that suggests that people who are deficient in vitamin D may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19, than those with sufficient levels. So, make sure you take in around 800 to 1,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D from food or supplements daily, and get outside as much as you can.
And to help guard against the flu this year, you should consider getting a flu shot that’s specifically designed for people 65 and older. The “Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent” or the “FLUAD Quadrivalent” are the two options that provide extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot offers. You only need one flu shot, and if you haven’t already gotten it, you should do it now because takes up to two weeks to build immunity after you receive it.
Pneumonia Vaccines
If you haven’t been vaccinated for pneumonia, you should also consider getting the pneumococcal vaccines. Both flu and COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, which hospitalizes around 250,000 Americans, and kills around 50,000 people each year. But these numbers could be much higher this year.
The CDC recommends that all seniors, 65 or older, get two vaccinations – Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, which are administered one year apart, protect against different strains of the bacteria to provide maximum protection.
Medicare Part B covers both flu and pneumonia shots.
To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these shots, visit VaccineFinder.org and type in your location.
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.

The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is proud to host its annual quilt show during the entire month of October. The exhibit is open during normal hours of operation and there is no charge to see the special exhibit. The beautiful works of art on display include both heirloom quilts and modern quilts. The Cimarron Valley Quilt Guild and Pawnee Bill Quilt Guild members are instrumental in putting together this yearly event.
The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is located at 1141 Pawnee Bill Road in Pawnee. Hours of operation are Monday, 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. For more information about the quilt show or other programs, please call 918-762-2513 or email pawneebill@okhistory.org. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, occupancy is limited to no more than ten visitors in the museum at one time. We ask that you practice social distancing by staying six feet away from staff and visitors who are not in your party. All visitors, staff and volunteers are required to wear face masks in public areas of all OHS facilities, including the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum.
The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

George Salem, M.D., a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist at OU Medical Center Edmond, specializing in the study, diagnosis and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease will be holding a Doc Talk on the subject from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, October 8.
The live Zoom event is open to anyone interested in learning more about IBD. The presentation will be followed by a live question and answer session.
There is no cost to participants, however, registration is required. To register, visit http://bit.ly/OUIBD

Brad Benefield hasn’t tested positive for Covid-19 since April.
But as spring turned to summer, and now fall, Benefield is growing increasingly concerned about his bout with the virus known technically as SARS-CoV-2.
“One thing everyone told me to do once I was symptom-free was to donate plasma to help others recover, or donate blood for antibody studies,” said Benefield, whose wife, Beth, works for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. “I haven’t donated yet. Thing is, they said to be symptom-free.”
Although he tested positive for Covid-19, Benefield’s initial encounter with the virus was mild. After losing his father-in-law to complications from the virus, he considered himself lucky.
“No fever, no loss of taste or smell,” the 38-year-old Moore resident said. “I just felt cruddy. I had a cough and was always tired.” But months later, he said, he continues to feel fatigued. “That has me worried. It’s alarming to get winded and have to rest after moving a 5-pound glass punch bowl to the car.”
While the virus has cleared Benefield’s body, its fingerprints remain. That means he joined an unenviable club: the Covid long-haulers, as they’ve come to be known.
As the pandemic marches on, physicians around the world are reporting an increasing number of people feeling the lingering effects of the virus. In one study in Europe, researchers found that of 143 people with Covid-19, more than half reported fatigue and 43% had shortness of breath an average of two months after their symptoms started.
“A growing number of patients report dealing with a sort of ‘brain fog’ that makes it hard to concentrate. Others report breathlessness, muscle aches, lingering cough and chronic fatigue,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. As confirmed Oklahoma cases have now surged past 80,000, Prescott said, accounts like Benefield’s should serve as a warning to those who have relaxed their precautions surrounding the coronavirus. And at OMRF, researchers are part of a worldwide effort to understand the virus, including its long-term symptoms.
OMRF scientist Linda Thompson, Ph.D., is leading the foundation’s study of the body’s immune response to Covid-19. Thompson, an immunologist, attributes the long-term symptoms to the initial havoc the virus wreaks.
“It’s not that the virus is sticking around in the body,” said Thompson, who holds the Putnam City Schools Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research at OMRF. “The body’s immune response seems to go haywire, leaving lasting damage behind. In some people, we’re seeing it in the lungs. Others in the heart. Some even in the brain. Only time and more research will tell the extent.”
However, social media posts suggesting the virus might go dormant like varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox and can later rear its head as shingles, are unfounded. “Some viruses incorporate themselves inside of our genetic material. Covid-19 does not behave this way,” said Thompson.
For long-haulers like Benefield, the virus doesn’t need to reactivate to cause long-term issues. Half a year after testing positive for Covid-19, he still doesn’t feel back to normal.
“When I got sick, my biggest fear was the unknown,” said Benefield. “Almost seven months later, that remains my biggest fear. Just because you beat it doesn’t guarantee you get better, and I don’t know if or when I ever will.”

by Nick Thomas

When Halloween returns each October, so do the 50-year-old memories for actress Judith O’Dea who starred as Barbra in the 1968 horror classic “Night of the Living Dead” as one of several characters taking refuge in an isolated farmhouse under attack from flesh-eating ghouls.
O’Dea remembers watching the film on the big screen for the first time when it premiered in her hometown of Pittsburgh, where the film was also shot, although she recalls identifying more as an audience member rather than one of the cast.
“I looked at myself and began critiquing my performance,” said O’Dea from Los Angeles. “Then suddenly I found myself forgetting it was Judith O’Dea up there and became wrapped up in the storyline. That was a wonderful indication of a powerful story that could hold people’s attention.”
Over the years, O’Dea has also learned to look beyond the film’s horror scenes and appreciate director George Romero’s filmmaking skills.
“There’s a scene where I’m pressing the button on a musical box which George was shooting from the floor up,” she explained. “He was shooting right through the box and for a fraction of a second you see Barbra’s eyes which I thought was a beautiful artistic shot. Then at the end when it alternates between still shots of the bodies and live-action, that was a great effective use of the camera.”
The film, says O’Dea, broke barriers in the industry.
“As an independent movie made outside Hollywood, it raised its own money which I guess you could call one of the first Kickstarter’s for a film. It was also filmed almost like a docudrama – unusual for the 60s – and there’s no happy ending because everybody died.”
Shot on a shoestring budget of just $114,000, O’Dea says her final scene being dragged from the farmhouse still haunts her.
“In your mind it’s all pretend, but you get involved in the scene,” she said. “With all those ghoul hands grabbing at me, it was actually quite frightening and took me back to the fear I felt as a child when I saw Vincent Price’s face fall apart in the (1953) ‘House of Wax.’ That scared me so badly my folks had to take me from the theater. Whenever I’m called upon to be frightened in a role, I just think of that Vincent Price scene.”
Another memorable scene from the film produced one of the classic lines in all horror films, said to O’Dea’s character by actor Russell Streiner who plays her brother in the opening cemetery scene shot at the Evans City Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
“I don’t think a week goes by that someone doesn’t come up to me and say, ‘They’re coming to get you Barbra!’” said O’Dea, laughing. So has she grown weary of hearing the quote through all these years?
“How could I be tired of hearing something that has changed my life so considerably?” she says. “I love it when fans repeat the line to me. I feel so lucky to have been a part of something that was so different and has lasted so long.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 850 newspapers and magazines.