Integris Bass Baptist Health Center –

Volunteers at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center contribute their time and talents to help patients in a number of ways. Ruby Wilson gives her time and talent through crocheting beautiful lap blankets and baby caps. The thing about Ruby is, she will celebrate her 102nd birthday later this month.
Ruby has been a Bass volunteer since 2018, and in that time has contributed nearly 2,500 hours and crocheted dozens of items for babies and cancer patients.
“We offer the afghans to all of our patients receiving treatment,” oncology nurse Sandy Gordon said. “The patients are always excited to receive the blankets, and it’s nice that we can offer them. It’s always a feel-good moment. They often comment about the beautiful colors and how warm and comforting it is to have the handmade blanket.”
Ruby resides at Golden Oaks Village in Enid and still lives independently. While her mobility is limited, she still gets around in her little red power chair. When Ruby is not busy crocheting, she enjoys playing cards and bingo with her friends and reading.
According to Ruby’s daughter-in-law, Sherry Wilson, who is also a volunteer at Bass, Ruby finds great joy and pride in serving her community.
We are grateful for Ruby, Sherry and all of our incredible volunteers at INTEGRIS Health, and we wish Ruby a very happy birthday!

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, especially those who suffered loss due to the virus. Nothing can replace loved ones, but FEMA may be able to help ease the financial burden that comes with that loss.
Those who had funeral COVID-19 related funeral expenses can apply for FEMA Funeral Assistance by calling 844-684-6333. Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday with Multilingual services available. Applicants requiring relay services, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, must provide FEMA a specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact applicants.
There is currently no deadline to apply for aid.
The criteria to qualify for assistance includes:
* The person died of COVID-19. * The death occurred in the U.S. * The applicant paid for funeral, burial or cremation costs after Jan. 20, 2020.
* The applicant is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident or qualified refugee. The deceased does not need to meet these qualifications.
When applicants call for assistance, they need to provide the following information:
* Social security number * Date of birth * Current mailing address and phone number * The deceased date of birth * Location of deceased death * Information about any funeral or burial insurance policies * Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations or CARES Act grants
Eligibility determinations are based on the submission of all required documents. Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions about the application process can be found on FEMA’s Funeral Assistance FAQ page here: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves residents in nursing homes, assisted living centers and residential care homes. An Ombudsman helps to improve the quality of care and life for the residents. As a friendly visitor and advocate, the volunteer has many opportunities to be of service and enrich the lives of the residents.
Interested individuals must be willing to attend a two-day training to become a designated volunteer and spend a minimum of 2 hours per week in the facility for which they are assigned visiting and advocating for the residents. Additionally, volunteers must be able to attend a monthly meeting for on-going training and supervision and pass a national background check.
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of those residents in Canadian, Cleveland, Logan or Oklahoma County, the next training is scheduled for October 10 & 11 (Monday and Tuesday) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Areawide Aging Agency located at 4101 Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 310, Oklahoma City, OK. Both sessions must be completed to become a designated volunteer.
For more information or to RSVP for the upcoming training, contact Dana Crum, LTC Ombudsman Supervisor at (405) 942-8500 to RSVP. There are limited slots available, RSVP today.

by Greg Schwem

At last check, the time spent waiting for a chance to file past Queen Elizabeth’s coffin was estimated at 24 hours. Prior to her burial, the time spent waiting to file past Queen Elizabeth’s coffin was estimated at 24 hours, a figure made slightly higher when Piers Morgan tried cutting in line.
Note, I have no proof Morgan actually did that; but the man seems capable, doesn’t he?
It’s probably a good thing the Queen was officially laid to rest yesterday. Had the public viewing at Westminster Hall lasted any longer, King Charles III may have been lying alongside his mum by the time some reached the queue’s front.
As I watched new reports of the most publicized funeral since, well, since Elizabeth’s former daughter-in-law, Princess Diana, I wondered what would make anyone stand on their feet that long, simply to spend a few moments reflecting in front of a flag-draped casket? Knowing my bladder’s limitations, I would be forced to seek out a kindly looking British chap and ask that he hold my place while I ducked into a public loo. Sadly, I would have to repeat this process 24 times.
Then the answer came to me: The queen wasn’t a fan of selfies.
Face it, when a famous person dies, social media immediately becomes littered with posts from users recounting the time they met the dearly departed, accompanied of course by a photo as proof. This year I often felt like I was the ONLY person who didn’t meet Olivia Newton-John. Or Gilbert Gottfried. Or Vin Scully. Or Madeleine Albright. The list goes on and on.
Don’t get me wrong, I have taken my share of celebrity selfies. When Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, or, heaven forbid, Bruce Springsteen enter immortality, I will be frantically scrolling my phone, eventually finding proof of my encounter, which I will post on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook along with the obligatory affirmation that, yes, all were nice, gracious and accommodating.
But, as I write this, it’s been more than a week since Elizabeth’s death and I have yet to see one photo of her with a random individual who encountered her in a restaurant, aboard a flight or in a public park and summoned the nerve to hold up an iPhone and say, “Your Majesty, would you mind?”
For someone who ruled over 50 countries, public access to Elizabeth seemed remarkably limited. One never saw her riding a bike like Joe Biden or, like his predecessor, crashing a wedding at one of her properties and attempting to justify it with a goofy thumbs-up gesture. Then again, I’m not sure Windsor Castle is for rent. I hope not, as I have two unmarried daughters who may be eyeing it as the ultimate destination wedding site.
I have seen photos of the queen with non-family members, but most were as famous, if not more so, than she. When your name is Mick Jagger or Elton John, and you are summoned to Buckingham Palace to be knighted, then I guess there are multiple opportunities for selfies.
It’s rare, but occasionally I will see a selfie of a non-celebrity with Pope Francis, or one of his predecessors. It’s not that difficult, considering tickets to a papal audience are free and the Pope has been known to wander into the crowds following masses. One just needs a readily available phone and a little luck.
Since Elizabeth’s death, much has been made about the sheltered life she led after her coronation in 1953. I saw more photos of her with horses and corgis than I did with people. Charles, take note, you may not be the most popular monarch — you’ve already been met with shouts of, “Not my King” — but the desire to be close to your mother, even in death, shows that people still love the Royal Family.
Maybe it’s time to reciprocate. Ditch the parades. Instead, take an unannounced stroll through Hyde Park wearing jeans, sneak up behind a canoodling couple and ask how their day is going. Visit Wimbledon next summer and sit with the fans, as opposed to in the Royal Box. Cheer the loudest when phenom Carlos Alcaraz rips a backhand winner. Hell, start the wave. And yes, pose for selfies.
You will get thousands of “likes.”
(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)

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $2.1 million to an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist for the continued study of lymphatic vessels.
Experiments funded by the five-year grant to vascular biologist Pengchun Yu, Ph.D., will focus on turning on and off the mechanisms that trigger production of these vessels.
Lymphatic vessels form one of the body’s two superhighway systems. Blood vessels transport blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Lymphatic vessels collect lymph – the fluids that leak from blood vessels – and return it to the bloodstream.
While normally beneficial, lymphatic vessels sometimes sabotage healing. For instance, these vessels contribute to organ rejection after a transplant. The reason: Lymphatic vessels also transport immune cells, and these cells often recognize the donor organ as foreign.
Separately, cancer cells use lymphatic vessels to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body. “That’s why during a breast cancer surgery, surgeons remove lymph nodes to find out how far tumor cells have traveled and to help reduce metastasis by disrupting their highway,” said Yu, who joined OMRF in 2018 from Yale University.
However, removing the lymph nodes can lead to lymphedema, a chronic and potentially dangerous condition marked by painful swelling.
“In that case, when a patient is past the point of the cancer cells spreading, the surgeon would want to reconnect that highway to stop or treat lymphedema,” Yu said. “They need strategies to disrupt and promote the growth of lymphatic vessels, as the situation requires.”
With this new grant, Yu hopes to prove that a specific enzyme is key to producing lymphatic vessels. If correct, this hypothesis could lead to a therapy that inhibits the enzyme and suppresses the creation of these vessels when they might be detrimental. Another potential drug would have the opposite effect by promoting vessel production, he said.
OMRF Cardiovascular Biology Program chair Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D., said Yu’s grant represents a critical step toward manipulating the lymphatic system for human health benefits. “Lymphatic vessels influence the health of several organs, but we lack a deep understanding of how they work,” Xia said. “This research could be a major advancement in that effort.”
Yu’s grant, 1R01HL162985-01, is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a part of the NIH.

Story by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

One of the state’s most family-oriented organized bicycle rides began on a clear morning after rain overnight Sunday, September 11, at Mitch Park, in Edmond. The event is one of the few in the state that allows seniors to ride with their grandkids over 12 years of age in what many term a Grand Event.
The ride offered 27, 40 and 64-mile courses starting in the 280-acre park. The Oklahoma Bicycle Society Streak has evolved into a family event using one of Edmond’s premier parks as a base. Edmond’s Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant provided all registered riders a free lunch after the ride.
The ride was moved back to its normal September date because organizers moved it forward last year to avoid conflict with the Red Bud Classic bike ride that had moved later because of COVID-19.
Organizers emphasized the Streak is not a race, and they were proud the ride was back to being later in the year when it was cooler temperatures. Riders could check their names against the posting of the lucky registered riders winning the 15 door prizes offered by local sponsors.
Again, the ride has been going on for so long that seniors have come to see it as an opportunity to help introduce their grandkids to an organized ride. Adult riders accompanied youth riders (ages 12-18).
Multiple rest stops with restrooms were open until 1 p.m. on the hilly 100K, 40- and 25-mile routes. The ride had not used the hilly courses in 15 years, taking the riders east of Edmond into the hills. The previous course, much flatter, went west around Piedmont.
“The course this year is not my idea of a family-friendly ride, which is how they market the Streak,” said longtime area rider Larry Floyd of Oklahoma City. “It was almost all uphill or downhill, and the road surface was like cobblestone in the parts of the course. The old route west toward Piedmont was much more fun and family-friendly.”
Ample fluids and snack foods were available at the rest stops. Several local bicycle shops and volunteers provided SAG (Support and Gear) support.
The first 250 riders received event T-shirts, with more than 260 people riding that morning.
Proceeds from the OBS Streak supply helmets for kids who receive bikes from the Salvation Army Buck$ 4 Bikes program for Christmas.
The OBS is a not-for-profit group dedicated to the promotion of bicycle safety. It supports bicycling in all its forms and the furtherance of the sport by defending the rights of bicyclists. The OBS is active in working with the city, county and state governments as well as other organizations to improve cyclists’ safety and rights and promote the construction of recreational trails and designated bike paths on streets and roads.
OBS organizes weekly rides all year for riders of all levels. See their website for more information about their activities: okcbike.org.
For the latest news on the club activities, upcoming rides throughout the state, and to further the enjoyment of bicycling, the club has an online monthly newsletter, The Pathfinder, available on the website. The club asks seniors to consider joining the OBS to learn more about how to help keep bicycling safe.

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.”

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any good online hearing tests? My husband has hearing loss, but I can’t get him to go in and get his hearing checked, so I thought a simple online test could help him recognize he has a problem. What can you tell me? — Loud Talking Linda

Dear Linda,
There’s actually a growing number of very good online and app-based hearing tests available that will let your husband check his hearing on his own. These tests are a quick and convenient option for the millions of Americans that have mild to moderate hearing loss but often ignore it, or don’t want to go through the hassle or expense of visiting an audiologist for a hearing exam.
Who Should Test?
Hearing loss for most people develops gradually over many years of wear and tear, which is the reason many people don’t realize they actually have a hearing problem.
Anyone who has difficulty hearing or understanding what people say, especially in noisier environments or over the phone. Or, if you need a higher volume of music or TV than other people, should take a few minutes to test their hearing.
Self-Hearing Tests
Online and app-based hearing tests can serve as a great screening tool. They are not meant to be a diagnosis, but rather to give you an idea of how bad your hearing loss is and what can be done about it.
For most do-it-yourself hearing tests, you’ll be advised to wear ear headphones or earbuds and sit in a quiet spot.
You also need to know that there are two different type of tests available. One type is known as pure-tone testing, where tones are played in decreasing volumes to determine your specific level of hearing loss. And the other type is known as speech-in-noise or digits-in-noise (DIN) where you’ll be asked to identify words, numbers, or phrases amid background noise.
Where to Test
If your husband uses a smartphone or tablet, two of my favorite app-based hearing tests are the hearWHO app created by the World Health Organization, and the Mimi Hearing Test app. Both apps are free to use and are available through the App Store and Google Play.
HearWHO allows users to check their hearing status and monitor it over time using a DIN test, while Mimi uses pure-tone and masked threshold tests to give you a detailed picture of your hearing abilities.
There are also a wide variety of online hearing tests your husband can take on a computer.
Some top online tests – all offered by hearing aid manufacturers – for speech-in-noise or DIN tests can be accessed at ReSound (resound.com/en-us/online-hearing-test) and Mircle Ear (miracle-ear.com/online-hearing-test).
And some good online hearing tests for pure-tone testing are available by Signia (signia.net/en/service/hearing-test); Ergo (eargo.com/hearing-health/hearing-check); and MD Hearing Aid (mdhearingaid.com/hearing-test).
All of these hearing tests are completely free to use and take less than five minutes to complete.
What to do with Results
If the tests indicate your husband has hearing loss, it’s best to think of that as a starting point. He should take results to his doctor or an audiologist for further evaluation.
Many insurance providers and Medicare Advantage plans cover routine hearing exams, however original Medicare does not.
If his hearing loss is mild to moderate, he should look into the new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which are available this fall online and at retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens and CVS.
OTC hearing aids don’t require a prescription or medical examination for purchase and they’re much more affordable than traditional hearing aids you buy through an audiologist or a licensed hearing instrument specialist.

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 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 [email protected].