By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Chief Petty Officer Joel Hall is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its TACAMO (“Take Charge and Move Out”) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
Hall, a 1994 Corona High School graduate, joined the Navy 24 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to better myself,” said Hall. “I thought the military could provide me with some much-needed structure.”
Today, Hall’s parents and family all live close by in Edmond, Oklahoma.
“Thank you to my wife and kids for their support,” said Hall. “My parents were another reason I joined. I wanted them to be proud.”
The Navy’s presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle of America may seem like an odd location given its distance from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success of the nuclear deterrence mission.
The Navy command consists of a Wing staff, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and three Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons: The “Ironmen” of VQ 3, the “Shadows” of VQ 4 and the “Roughnecks” of VQ 7.
Hall serves as a Navy career counselor with VQ 4.
“My favorite thing about my job is getting to help other sailors,” said Hall.
STRATCOMMWING One employs more than 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707.
Their mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and now the command’s nickname, the men and women of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nation’s nuclear weapons.
The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and most-survivable communication needed for this critical mission.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Serving in the Navy means Hall is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to the National Defense Strategy through our global presence,” said Hall.
Hall and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is getting to watch my junior sailors succeed,” said Hall.
As Hall and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride,” added Hall. “I’m honored to have volunteered to do something that most people don’t have the ability to.”

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

The area is full of many live theater options, and if you don’t reserve your seat in advance you might lose out. If you schedule it, it will happen. If you don’t, it won’t.
Of course you can get in trouble as I did this summer when I bought a nonrefundable ticket to NYC’s Broadway production of Music Man, which I know would win lots of Tony’s and be in high demand in the fall. I scheduled my NYC trip complete with air and hotel reservations for mid October. With a recent physical accident I had to cancel the trip and try and pass along my $400 orchestra aisle ticket to a NYC resident. I don’t regret the buying of it or the canceling of the trip. Reality Bites.
Getting a season subscription to theater nearer your home, you can be relativity sure you can make it. Season subscriptions are the way to go – reserved seats and definite theater times for your calendar
I consider the professional reputation of theater before putting down a lump sum for future enjoyment. One such professional troop is the Prairie Sky Opera Company, who always produce excellent casts who shine with the meaningful and difficult medium of Opera. Recently I took in their Scalia / Ginsburg opera of supreme court justices in the OKC Contemporary Arts. They did not disappoint in this intellectual and ironic story of 2 supreme court justices. Outstanding was the performances of Brian Cheney, Lauren Cook, Jonathan Moots and direction by Rob Glaubitz. It concluded their regular season. Coming up is their Opera Gala at the Skirvin Hotel in OKC on Oct 14th in honor of well known Oklahoma City University voice profession and entertainer, the late Florence Birdwell. Space may be sold out but you might check it out at www.prairieskyopera.org.
I recently happened upon some home town talent at St Luke’s Methodist Church’s Broadway Revue. The local talent was good for the most part and the Broadway theater selections were exceptional. Their Poteet Theater Season (stlukesokc.org/poteet) is about to begin with: Spelling Bee. Season tickets are available.
The Professional company touring shows of OKC Broadway (www.okcbroadway.com/about) always delivers top notch talent with the material they offer in big theater productions in the OKC Music Hall downtown. Their recent tour of Pretty Woman, was week in material and the casting needed some charismatic personalities. But that’s the chance and joy you take with live theater. While the season tickets might be sold out, you can usually get a single ticket somewhere in the massive auditorium. Coming up is: Hadestown, Tootsie, Cats, Book of Morman and Hamilton.
Lyric Theater of Oklahoma never disappoints which can be proven by experiencing the upcoming shows of: Rocky Horror Picture Show, this month, and this season; The Play That Goes Wrong, Concerto, Sound of Music, Prom, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and the add on shows of Big River and A Christmas Carol. This month you can enjoy performances, food and drink at the October 13, Broadway Bash fund raiser at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
If you are a theater regular be sure and check out the offerings at OKC REP (okcrep.org), the university productions of theater and musicals at Oklahoma City University, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma, Stillwater’s Town and Gown, Canterbury, and Guthrie’s Pollard, among others. Many are looking forward to the reopening this fall in brand new location, of the longtime theater company of Carpenter Square. (www.carpentersquare.com) Oklahoma is not lacking for live entertainment.
It is said, especially with senors, that it makes life more enjoyable if you have something which to look forward. I am looking forward to the April 15 Philharmonic concert of virtuoso violinists, Joshua Bell. (www.okcphil.org) I bought my single ticket as soon as they were offered, and reserved my orchestra aisle seat. I have experience this artistic talent the last three times Bell performed in Oklahoma. It is also said that the greatest compliment you can give, is if you would do it again. Needless to say my compliments to Joshua Bell (joshuabell.com). He is scheduled to perform Mendelssohn: Violin concerto in E Minor, op 64 and Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A Major, op 92. But anything Bell performs is exceptional.
Reserve it and enjoy it.

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
3110 N.W. 15 Street – Oklahoma City, OK 73107
https://realtraveladventures.com/?s=terry+zinn
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Story and photos by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

Senior citizens celebrated their free admission day at the fairgrounds in record numbers on Sept. 21 in the Modern Living Building at the Oklahoma State Fair.
Event committee member Vicki Escajeda with OU Health Edmond saw the numbers waiting to enter the building before the 10 a.m. start. “This is the largest crowd we have ever had for the first hour (of the event),” Escajeda said.
OG&E and other sponsors invited all seniors ages 55 or older to enjoy the “Fly Me to the Moon” themed event. The first hour and a half of activities, entertainment, exhibits, door prizes and health screenings designed especially for the golden ager were packed. It did not slow down until about 2 p.m. But then attendance picked right back up for the 2:30 Game Show segment.
Activities well attended that day included a robust lineup of free health screenings: Blood Pressure Screenings * Blood Sugar Screenings * Pain Management Assessment * Vein Testing * Depression and Memory Screenings, and Diabetic Foot Screenings.
Total Wellness offered Flu, Pneumonia, and B12 shots at a cost. The day also featured 24 senior health and recreation exhibitors.
Door prizes were offered all day, and many picked up a ticket for each session to win one of many donated gifts. There were multiple drawings in the morning and early afternoon and then again in the late afternoon.
“Senior News and Living” sales executive Amanda Miller passed out more than 600 copies of the magazine’s latest issue to attendees while she welcomed the crowd to the event.
Several entertaining dance groups covered the entire stage to entertain the crowd, with 10 of The Okie Stompers of Norman led by Mary Burleson providing two well-received performances in different costumes. The well-choreographed group danced at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.
The event chairs filled up again as Elvis tribute artist Mike Black drew a packed house in the late afternoon. Back from his popular performance last year, Black sang Elvis’ songs at 5:30 p.m.
“We concluded with a participation dance class because who doesn’t want to walk and dance like an astronaut? We returned to earth at 7 p.m. with a mission accomplished stamp of around 3,500 visitors dropping by the event,” said Cindy Dimit, Storey Oaks Memory Care marketing director and Senior Day committee member.

The Oklahoma Dementia Care Network at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will present a Training for Trainers for health professionals, in November. The event will be hosted by the Donald W. Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine at the OU College of Medicine and the department of Health Promotion Sciences at the OU Hudson College of Public Health.
The seminar is designed to elevate the level of care for persons living with dementia and to enhance encounters with older adults with cognitive impairment. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning that becomes more common as people grow older, affecting approximately one-third of persons over age 85.
OkDCN’s Training for Trainers is offered at no cost to participants. Topics covered will include: person-centered dementia care, infection control in dementia care, skin integrity in dementia care and end of life in dementia care. Participating educators/coordinators will receive a certificate of completion. Presenters include: Thomas Teasdale, DrPH, FGSA, FAGHE; Andrea Golden-Pogue, R.N., MSN; and the OkDCN team.
The training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 17, at MetroTech Springlake Campus Business Development Center, 199 Springlake Drive, Room 123, Oklahoma City. To register, go to: ouhealth.com/events-calendar/event-signup/?Event=24744. For more information, please email your name, email and organization to okdcn@ouhsc.edu.

Oct. 1 will be a busy day for thousands of “stick-and-string” hunters in Oklahoma. That Saturday is when several archery hunting seasons will open across the state. Those seasons are:
* Deer archery, running through Jan. 15, 2023.
* Elk archery, on private lands through Jan. 15, 2023 (or until quota is met).
* Black bear archery, running through Oct. 16.
* Fall turkey archery, running through Jan. 15, 2023.
* Pronghorn antelope archery, running through Oct. 14.
The popularity of archery hunting continues to grow in Oklahoma. For the third year in a row, archery deer hunters set a record with 36,522 deer taken, which accounted for 31 percent of all deer harvested in the state last year.
The annual Game Harvest Survey (GHS), a scientific survey conducted by the Wildlife Department, has been tracking hunter metrics for decades. The GHS estimated that 117,216 archers took to the field this past season with a deer license in hand.
“Another off-season has come and gone. Big game hunters will be heading back to the woods come October 1st and have a lot to look forward to,” said Dallas Barber, Big Game Biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“Populations are in good shape even amid the drought conditions that plagued much of the state during the summer. These first few weeks can be tough due to warm conditions, so archery hunters might place more effort in that first and last hour of legal shooting light.”
Barber said the early season is an ideal time to capitalize on antlerless deer opportunities. Why not fill the freezer before focusing on bagging that big buck?
According to the 2021-22 Big Game Harvest Report published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, archery hunters took 16,097 antlerless deer compared to 20,425 antlered deer.
“Doe harvest is critical to keeping a herd healthy,” he said. “It’s again time for hunters to meet the challenge to let young bucks grow and take a doe.”
In southeastern Oklahoma, archery hunters took 66 black bears last year. Senior Wildlife Biologist Jeff Ford said the summer’s hot and dry conditions could make this year’s bear hunting more challenging.
“These conditions may affect the fall mast crop, making it harder to find some good bear sign in the woods. So concentrate on water resources to find sign. Bears will frequent watering holes when the weather is hot.
“I would say the most important thing … is to find an area with fresh bear sign and then just stay with it. Most successful bear hunters start early in the season, and you may have to sit all day.”
Ford suggests public land hunters should scout as early as possible for areas with acorns (preferably white oak), which are most preferred by bears. “The acorns will start falling around the first of October, and bears are going to be searching them out.”
Bear hunters (including lifetime license holders) must buy a bear license before the season opens, as those licenses will not be sold after Sept. 30.
For complete regulations — including required licenses, open areas, harvest quotas, and reporting requirements — consult the 2022-23 Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations online at www.wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app or Apple or Android, or in print free at license dealers statewide.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

Locally the U.S. Air Force’s 75th-Anniversary celebration took place September 8 at the Oklahoma History Center featuring America’s leading Vietnam War Ace, Edmond’s retired Col. Chuck DeBellevue, who gave a narrative of his eventful missions.
The Air and Space Forces Association Gerrity Chapter #215, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, and the Oklahoma Defense Industrial Association organized the event to celebrate America’s dominance of the skies in armed combat.
To sustain an enduring advantage in its trailblazing 75-year history, the U.S. Air Force’s place as the world’s most capable and respected source of airpower is well-established. The presentation clarified why the last time an American combatant was killed on the ground by an adversary air force was April 15, 1953.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula, dean of the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Power Studies, traveled from Washington, D.C., to moderate a discussion with DeBellevue on an educational panel wherein he recounted each of his six MiG kills in the skies of North Vietnam. The Mitchell Institute is the only aerospace power-focused think tank in the nation.
Edmond’s DeBellevue, 77, is America’s last ace to serve on active duty. In the Vietnam War he was a weapons systems officer (WSO) in the F-4 Phantom II fighter. Following his combat tour, DeBellevue attended pilot training and returned to the F-4. During the interview, he credited the real-time support of many people, from crew chiefs and maintainers to cooks and supply guys, for making the F4 effective in battle. While explaining each MiG kill, he said he was a part of an air combat crew with a real team spirit of agile thinking, persistence, and a certain disregard for the rules. DeBellevue commented, “The team that flew with us into Hanoi on a daily basis were all focused on the mission. You had to know we were going to get everyone home. If you had doubts or didn’t feel good about the mission, not only would you not go with us, but we would not take you.”
In 1972, Hanoi, the capital of North Vietnam, was the most heavily defended city in the world except Moscow, with the thickest air defense system that surface-to-air missiles (SAM), antiaircraft artillery (AAA), and interdiction MiGs could provide.
Early in the presentation, DeBellevue’s wife, Sally, was recognized in the audience. DeBellevue explained that in 1972 the communications between him and his wife were by letter, so she got a letter every day that stated, “I was alive last week,” knowing the time required for the letter to get to her.
The audience was comprised of 200 veterans and their wives and families, active duty and reserve service members, legislators, and defense and aerospace industry representatives.
The event also marked DeBellevue’s 50th year to the day he became America’s leading Vietnam War ace. In 1972, DeBellevue became one of only five Americans to achieve flying ace status and the first as a WSO, an integral part of two-person aircrews, with the emergence of air-to-air missiles as the primary weapons during aerial combat. He was credited with a total of six MiG kills, the most earned by any U.S. aviator during the Vietnam War and is a recipient of the Air Force Cross and three Silver Stars.
“A large part of the team did not fly into combat but were so vitally important to the success of the missions we flew,” DeBellevue said. “From getting the jets ready to ensuring the bombs and missiles were loaded and ready, to the electronic techs that kept the systems peaked, to the supply teams who kept the parts and fuel coming to the base, the support troops and, of course, the cook who had breakfast ready at 4:30 every morning, the team worked well together. They all put the confidence in the jet that allowed me to take it into North Vietnam every day and to know it was ready for whatever happened.”
Deptula retired in 2010 after 34 years of service, where—among other accomplishments—he was the principal attack planner for the Desert Storm air campaign in 1991, commander of no-fly zone operations over Iraq, where he flew 82 combat missions as a general officer. He planned and orchestrated air operations over Afghanistan in 2001 in response to the 911 attacks.
Deptula observed DeBellevue’s achievement in an interview, “We all know him as America’s top ace of the Vietnam War and the last ace to serve on active duty in the United States Air Force. But there’s a lot more to Chuck—excellence, teamwork, and dedication to duty are themes that resonate throughout his life. History books may celebrate him for his MiG kills, but what we are here to celebrate is a lifetime of service.”
After the one-hour presentation, AAR, Boeing, Captain Bob Ford, the Air Warrior Courage Foundation, and the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma sponsored a defense and aerospace industry reception.

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

The free 2022 Second Half Expo begins at 8:30 am Saturday, October 22nd, and finishes at 2 p.m. for the second year at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Billed as Something for Everyone Above Age 50, the expo is tailored to people in the “Second Half” of their lives. This is for those looking to connect with the resources needed to live the way they have always imagined. More than 120 of Oklahoma’s senior-related businesses will be present, providing education and demonstrations of their products and services.
The day will be loaded with fun activities, including free educational seminars, drawings for prizes, live music and much more.
“We firmly believe the senior years can be lived with dignity and purpose with the right guidance and resources,” said Bob Loudermilk, event manager. “We strive to support seniors and their adult children, honoring and assisting their aging parents.”
This year’s free two-hour panel session: THE 50+ YEARS – How to Navigate the Changing Landscape, offers eight community thought leaders sharing their expertise. This timely information on wealth management, senior housing, estate planning, health & fitness above age 50, tax & insurance planning, downsizing, Second-Half entrepreneurship and more is invaluable for seniors.
The panel session will begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and continental breakfast items provided. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to reserve your seat at https://secondhalfexpo.com/the-panel/. Details of topics and bios of the eight panelists are available on this page.
An example of the quality of the panelists offering their insights into living a vibrant and productive Second Half early Saturday morning is someone familiar to many Oklahomans.
Many seniors have seen Mark Bravo, 64, help broadcast the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon live on local KFOR-Channel 4 television since its inception in 2001. With Bravo’s broadcast journalism training from the University of Oklahoma and his experience as a marathoner, he describes the events from the runners’ point of view. He offers background both on the elite and “ordinary” runners.
“I’m humbled to be a part of this race, and to offer color commentary on race day gives me a chance to provide insight into road racing,” Bravo said in a recent interview. “I describe the mindset of all levels of athletes who participate and the importance of this race to Oklahoma, not only in April but all year long. I’m fortunate to have much engagement with athletes of all abilities throughout the year. The connection to the community has made it one of my great pleasures to help document every OKC Memorial Marathon.”
He actively supports the race throughout the year and on marathon weekend. From hosting the event’s two-day Health and Fitness Expo to inviting legends of the sport to the race, Bravo has volunteered thousands of hours over the years.
He takes great pride in ensuring its national reputation as the “Run to Remember,” leaving participants with two distinct emotions. The first is to bring together runners and spectators from around the world to honor those who were killed, those who survived, and those who were changed forever in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
Another source of his pride in this race is Bravo has helped bring many extras to the runners and walkers not available at most marathons. Bravo says this makes each person feel like an “elite” participant because of the on-course support from a massive outpouring of cheering and volunteering by OKC residents.
One of these extras for participants is interaction with Hall of Famers from the sport at the Expo. Many of these famous marathoners were at the forefront of the “running boom” in America in the ’70s and ’80s. These marathon luminaries speak about their experiences in and out of the sport and share their expertise to help ease runners’ minds before the race.
Bravo is a freelance writer, broadcaster and nationally-noted road race announcer who has finished almost 50 marathons in his 40-plus years in the sport. He speaks at countless sports-focused venues on building momentum in one’s life. Bravo has coached runners for the last two decades, and his view of mental and physical wellness is detailed in his well-received book: “Momentum: 77 Observations Toward a Life Well Lived.”
Bravo’s definition of an “athlete” has less to do with physical prowess but more about a few principles. “It’s viewing the world and yourself through a ‘kinder, gentler’ lens, an always existent ‘stick-to-it-iveness,’ strong view that the glass is ‘three-quarters full, not half-empty,’ and an ever-present emphasis on gratitude,” Bravo said. “Through these principles and how we share them, each of us raises the calibration of the entire world!”
He stays closely involved with the local running community in his position as manager of OK RUNNER OKC in downtown Oklahoma City. He and his wife, Leslie, live in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Story and photo by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Living decisions for seniors can be complicated all by themselves.
Throw in an unexpected illness or injury and the situation can quickly spiral out of control.
After seeing these situations play out over and over and the turmoil they create for families, local senior living leaders have come together to provide awareness through education.
Melissa Mahaffey, MHA, serves as the executive director of Tealridge Retirement Community and is one member of a group focused on bringing information to those needing it the most.
“We want people to know we’re in this industry together and we don’t necessarily have to be owned and operated by the same company to put on great resource events and work together for the betterment of the larger community,” Mahaffey said. “We just want to provide a resource. We partner because we feel like we have the same type of philosophy in terms of we want the community to know and what some of the options are.”
Communities like Tealridge and Legend at Jefferson’s Garden have long focused on giving residents just the right amount of personalized support to enhance independence.
But in an industry that can have an array of service levels people can quickly get lost.
“They hear one word and they automatically go down a rabbit hole. It’s educating on all levels,” said Tealridge Retirement Counselor Kristen Moss.
Finding information on those levels is the focus of a series of upcoming progressive tours and educational presentations.
“I think we want to encourage people not to start looking when there is a crisis but be educated prior because they could help their family, their neighbor or someone within their church,” Mahaffey said. “That’s why we need people to understand we are offering this.”
“During each progressive tour stop people will get to touch and feel what we do here. We want people not to be afraid to ask questions. We encourage everyone over the age of 60 to come.”
Unfortunately, decisions regarding the next level of care often occur within 24 to 48 hours prior to a loved one needing care. All too often an injury or illness has landed a loved one in the hospital and the determination has been made that further care is needed after discharge.
What shape and form that care comes in is often a mystery to those charged with making a decision on behalf of their loved one.”
Moss said the scenario plays out time and again, forcing people into crisis mode.
“Then somebody ends up in the hospital and it’s go time,” Moss said. “It’s Wednesday and the hospital is going to release on Friday and we have to go somewhere.”
And then there’s the issue of cost and where funding will come from.
Skilled nursing days are limited under Medicare.
Independent and assisted living costs are excluded altogether.
“Education is so important because they don’t know,” said Kristi Wilhelm, sales director at Legend at Jefferson’s Gardens in Edmond. “I had a family that literally walked into my building and she realized mom is exhausted from taking care of dad and mom’s fixing to go downhill if she doesn’t do something.
“She didn’t know what independent living is. She didn’t know what assisted living is. I was with them for two hours going through all the steps.
“She was so relieved I educated her and explained everything to her.”
And learning that information when not facing a deadline can make the difference between the right decision and a decision for right now.
“And a lot of times people in that emergency, the first place they go to they’ll end up moving in and it might not actually be the right fit for them,” Wilhelm said. “Eventually they start shopping again because they’re not happy because mom isn’t happy. That’s why it’s all about education so it’s not the last minute.”
Mahaffey said the program is unique to the metro but expects it to expand quickly because at the end of the day it comes down to the right fit for both the resident and the residence. “I always tell people when they come to visit our community know that if I’m not the one you chose, I’m still here as a resource to help you in any way. They appreciate it so much,” Wilhelm said.
Tealridge Retirement Community is a full-service retirement community located at 2100 NE 140th Edmond.
Legend at Jefferson’s Garden specializes in assisted living and is located at 15401 N Pennsylvania Ave in Edmond.
For more information about Tealridge Retirement Community visit http://www.tealridge.com

Story by Joyce Clark, Executive Director – Saint Ann Retirement Center

Senior living communities are a popular choice for people with a history of falling down because typically the building has design features to help reduce fall risk. Minimum thresholds, walk-in showers, handrails, contrasting colors, low-pile flooring, and non-glare lighting are examples of some senior living building amenities that help to lower fall incidents. You can implement these and other safety enhancements in your own home.
As people age they experience physical and lifestyle changes that can also lead to falls. Health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart arrhythmias, dehydration, inner ear problems, vertigo, and urinary tract infection can increase a person’s chance of falling. Other risk factors include: * Dizziness * Foot problems like numbness, corns, bunions, ingrown nails, or ulcerations * Cataracts, glaucoma, depth perception and vision problems * Weak muscles or poor balance * Confusion or memory loss * Drinking too much alcohol * Vitamin D deficiency
It is a good idea to show a complete list of all medications, herbs, and remedies to your physician at each visit to help maintain safety and good health. Medication side effects or taking a number of medications at the same time can also increase fall risk. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and walking steadiness. Medications that most commonly cause blurred vision, dizziness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, or difficulty thinking include: * Blood pressure lowering medications * Sleep aids and sedatives * Antidepressants and psychotropics * Anticonvulsants for epilepsy
Some other general tips to reduce fall risk are: * Have your eyes and vision examined annually. * Stay physically active. Exercise helps to prevent falls, especially activities that enhance balance and coordination. A lot of exercise and stretching can be done from or using a sturdy chair for balance. * Wear shoes with non-slip soles. Socks can be a slipping risk. * Wear pants and clothing that are properly hemmed and don’t drag on the ground. * Take your time moving from a lying or sitting position to standing. * Use the arms of sturdy furniture when you sit down, reach, or stand up. * Use a reacher to retrieve items from the floor without bending over and from high shelves without using a footstool. You can use a reacher to wipe up spills while seated or standing. * Keep a mobile telephone nearby in an easy to reach location. * Wear an emergency call pendant or have “Alexa” in different rooms programmed to call for help when requested.
FLOORS AND FURNITURE
* Clean up clutter. Move newspapers, furniture, plants, and electrical cords out of traffic areas.
* Store clothing, towels, and household items where you can safely reach them.
* Eliminate uneven floor surfaces. Replace high doorway thresholds between rooms with low, beveled ones, or remove them.
* Replace thick carpets with dense, low-pile carpet or leave the floors uncovered.
* Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk freely.
* Secure carpets to the floor and stairs. Remove throw rugs. Use non-slip rugs or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
* Put non-slip tape strips on steps, bathtub, and floors.
BATHROOM
* Use a shower chair / bench.
* Rinse all soap from tub / shower before getting out.
* Install adjustable height or hand-held showerhead.
* Mount grab bars with secure reinforcement at the toilet, bath, and shower walls.
* Secure bath mats with non-slip, double-sided rug tape.
* Install a night-light to help you get to the bathroom safely. There are also motion detector versions that automatically light up as you approach the area.
BEDROOM
* Sit in a sturdy armchair to dress and undress.
* Use a long-handled shoehorn to put on shoes without bending over.
* Use a dressing stick to pull on pants or skirts, take off socks, and reach hanging clothes.
* Place a portable commode or a plastic urinal near your bed.
KITCHEN
* Keep clean pans on the stove or in a countertop rack instead of hanging or putting them in a cabinet.
* Store plates, bowls, cups, and other frequently used items in an easily accessible drawer or shelf.
* Sit in a sturdy chair when you cut vegetables or do other kitchen tasks.
* Install slide-out shelving or a lazy susan.
* Use a wheeled cart for extra storage and to help move heavy items. For example, use it to move a dish from the refrigerator to the oven.
* Keep the floor dry. Have paper towels and a reacher handy for cleanup.
STAIRWAYS
* Make sure handrails are securely fastened.
* Install handrails on both sides of steps.
* Put non-slip tape on steps.
* Turn on lights before going up or down stairs.
* Take a pause before going up or down stairs.
LIGHTING
* Place nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and stairways.
* Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
* Place a lamp near your bed. Touch on/off lamps are easier to use.
* Add lighting to dark spaces, entrances, and walkways. Motion detector lights can be a good option when they are set to stay on for a while.
* Keep a flashlight by your bed and in other easy to find locations in case the power goes out.
* Use light bulbs that have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.
About Joyce: Joyce Clark is the Campus Director of Saint Ann Retirement Center, which offers independent and assisted living. She says watching people regain their strength, balance, and health is one of her team’s greatest rewards.
Clark encourages people to be extra careful at home getting in and out of the bathtub, where many people tend to fall. Call Lisa at Saint Ann Retirement Center, (405) 721-0747 Ext #322, if you would like more tips and helpful information.