• Unintentional falls are the most common, with an estimated 5,598,438 incidents yearly.
• Unintentional poisoning came second, with approximately 1,712,272 incidents each year.
• Unintentional firearm incidents are the least common, accounting for only 26,830 emergency room visits.

A new study reveals the non-fatal injuries that most frequently land Americans in the emergency room, with accidental falls being the top cause.

The analysis undertaken by experienced personal injury attorneys John Foy & Associates, used the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to uncover the leading injuries prompting adults to seek emergency medical assistance.
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in America, resulting in around 5,598,438 ER visits annually across all genders and ages. This type of accident may occur due to circumstances like slippery, cluttered, or unstable walking/working surfaces.
The second most common is unintentional poisoning, with around 1,712,272 individuals affected each year. From foodborne illnesses to drug overdoses, poisoning comes in many forms and represents one the largest ER risks nationwide. This category excludes the unexpected adverse effects of correctly administered drugs and bacterial illnesses like food poisoning.
Unintentionally struck by or against takes third place and accounts for 1,591,827 visits each year. These visits typically involve incidents where individuals are struck by an object, animals or person, rather than a vehicle or machinery. They can occur in a number of circumstances, such as at a person’s workplace, while walking their dog, or rollerblading on the beach.
Occupants of motor vehicles are fourth, with an estimated 1,541,393 visits each year. These accidents affect occupants of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, heavy transport vehicles, and buses and most commonly occur as a result of traffic accidents.
Unintentionally cut or pierced is the fifth most common reason, accounting for an estimated 1,293,773 visits each year. Accidental incisions, slashes, perforations, punctures, and lacerations from household or occupational objects are common examples of this non-fatal injury.
The sixth-leading cause is overexertion, which can result from activities like heavy lifting or intense workouts, and accounts for more than 1,272,977 yearly emergency department visits.
Coming in seventh is unintentional bites and stings, causing around 427,255 emergency visits. This accounts for injuries such as snake and lizard bites, bee and wasp, scorpion stings, and even jellyfish stings. This also encompasses injuries involving penetration of the skin from plants or plant parts.
Other unintentional transportation-related injuries come in eighth, with about 350,007 cases each year. These injuries include pedestrians injured while boarding transport, accidents involving power scooters, go-karts, streetcars, and even space transport.
Presence of a foreign body is the ninth leading cause, with around 277,922 yearly incidents. Such incidents could involve accidental ingestion or insertion of foreign objects, such as toys, pebbles, or dirt, into the eye or other orifices of the body.

Rounding off the top ten is unintentional pedal cyclist injuries, with 229,312 incidents. This includes accidents involving bicycles and similar transport modes, such as losing control, colliding, or other traffic-related events on public roads.

John Foy, founder of John Foy & Associates, commented on the findings:

“The data provided further important insights, when looking at sex differences between male and female ER visits. For instance, women are more frequently victims of dog bites than men, which could be in part due to the fact that more than 70% of dog walkers are female.

“Additionally, the data suggests that occupants of larger vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or buses, are 590% more likely to sustain non-fatal injuries than motorcyclists.

“It’s also noteworthy that overexertion alone results in more emergency room trips than dog bites, pedal cycle incidents, and bites and stings combined.”

About John Foy & Associates:
John Foy & Associates helps victims of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, workplace accidents, and defective drugs. The firm has been serving the community for over 25 years, helping their clients secure the compensation they deserve.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Methodology:
The research utilized the latest data from the CDC to identify the leading causes of non-fatal injuries among American adults aged 18-85+. Child-specific injuries were excluded to prevent skewness. Injuries were categorized and ranked based on the estimated number of emergency room visits caused. The data was then cleaned to make it easily digestible, with ‘unknown’ or ‘unspecified’ injuries removed. Patterns, like gender differences in injury types, were also investigated to provide insightful conclusions.

Images of the tables used in this release can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Mz2XkCoYG4RmiZYQmLEZEm8mgDzZ9ikV?usp=sharing

Story and links provided by https://www.johnfoy.com

Matthew Pierce

Owner/Innkeeper of The Monastery at Forest Lake in Oklahoma City

Story and photo by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

When Matthew Pierce purchased The Monastery at Forest Lake, located at 3500 North Coltrane Road in Oklahoma City, he knew the property had sat vacant for a decade.
What he didn’t realize was the amount of time and money it was going to take to bring the historic property, which served as the mansion home of Oil Baron and Oklahoma Governor Robert S. Kerr, back to life.
“Within the first few months of buying the house and as the hidden catastrophes kept emerging, I thought it appropriate to watch the old Tom Hanks movie, “The Money Pit,” and I began to realize what a financial and architectural challenge I had signed up for,” Pierce said. “Within 12 months I had gone through my entire life savings, almost $400,000, trying to get the 100 year old stone castle-like structure back in shape.”
The Monastery at Forest Lake features a 10,000-square-foot stone fortress on 14 acres, a swimming pool, two lakes, a wedding chapel, and starting in October, the 5-star Bed and Breakfast will transition into an Airbnb.
“We’re going to still offer The Cottage as an Airbnb, (which was Governor Kerr’s servant quarters until 1949) as our most historic suite,” Pierce said. “The Cottage also serves as one of our bridal suites for the wedding venue. And, the old bakery building from the monks’ time here, which is still on-site, that’s a big three-room stone building which is going to be restored into another big cottage so that families can come and stay. It will have a waterfront view and a deck that extends right out to Forest Lake.”
Pierce said the mansion was completed in 1926, and it has a plethora of Oklahoma history and characters. (STORY CONTINUED BELOW PHOTO)

“In the summer of 1926, this mansion and the E.W. Marland mansion in Ponca City were both finishing construction,” he said. “This was all oil money. The financiers were Oklahoma oil barons of the 1920s, as well as politicians, law-enforcement, and even an occasional gentleman gangster. They formed a “Hunting Lodge” in name only, cleverly incorporated as “The Anglers Association”, which disguised the real purpose of the massive structure with 150-pound doors and 18-inch walls: an illegal speakeasy bar on 50 acres of walled and gated forest. The Twin Hills Golf and Country Club was built in 1918, so that predates it, there was a small lane that led to the Lodge from there.”
Pierce said that there is a tunnel under the speakeasy that allowed bar patrons to quickly escape to the lake, accessed by a hidden staircase.
Pierce said the membership of the lodge held a high-stakes poker game weekly, featuring high rollers of the state’s petroleum Industry. He said one night, the card game was moved to Oilman Charles Urschel’s home in Heritage Hills, and it became the scene of an infamous kidnapping involving Oklahoma gangster “Machine Gun” Kelly.
“His wife, who gave him the moniker “Machine Gun”, put him up for one last final caper, and then to retire from his life of crime,” Pierce said. “The poker game was here most Thursdays and it unknowingly presented a lucrative target for a big “score “, but on that particular night, they had moved the card game to oilman Charles Urschel’s house on NE 18th. Machine Gun Kelly kidnapped Urschel and another man, ultimately transporting Urschel to Texas in the middle of the night.”
According to Oklahoma Historical Society archives, on July 22, 1933, using his trademark machine gun, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, along with Albert L. Bates, interrupted a bridge game at Charles F. Urschel’s residence in Oklahoma City, abducting Urschel and Walter Jarrett at gunpoint while their wives helplessly watched.
The widower Urschel, oilman Tom Slick’s brother-in-law and a trustee to his estate, had married Slick’s widow, Berenice Slick, and combined their fortunes, creating one of the wealthiest couples in Oklahoma City. A criminal of relative obscurity, Kelly, born George Kelly Barnes in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1895, married Kathryn Thorne in 1930. Kathryn has been credited for creating Kelly’s underworld persona, because she bought him his first Thompson submachine gun and dubbed him “Machine Gun.”
After kidnapping Urschel, the criminals took him to a farmhouse in Paradise, Texas, and held him there for more than a week. The kidnappers released him on July 30 after a representative for the family paid $200,000 in documented bills. Kelly was convicted and sentenced to life in prison and served 21 years at Alcatraz, inmate No.117.
Pierce said the hunting lodge closed in 1933 when Prohibition ended nationally, but Oklahoma elected to continue prohibiting alcohol statewide (until 1959).
“The oil company executives freaked out, despite running an illegal bar for over a decade,” he said. “They’re like, “Nope, we’re done.” They shut the doors”.
Pierce said Kerr decided to buy the lodge sometime after it closed.
“He watched it sit for three years and said, “He said this is stupid. I’ll close the lodge. I’ll buy out my brothers. I’ll own the place. I’ll make it my home,” Pierce said.
Kerr later sold the home to Oklahoma City Children’s Hospital pioneer, Dr. John Colmore.
“Colmore bought it in 1949, and raised seven children here,” Pierce said. “We’ve been honored to have four of his now elderly children come and stay in the resort, in their old rooms from their childhood. “He was here until 1970”.
His widow, Mrs. Colmore, sold the house to 13 Russian Orthodox-leaning monks in 1971 for $38,000.
“They were a rather eccentric sect of Monks from Illinois, led by Bishop Burke and Brother John,” Pierce said. “They were here from 1971 to 1988. They raised ostriches for the OKC Zoo and were known citywide for their amazing baked bread.”
Pierce said Dr. Andrew John bought the property from the monks when Burke moved the church to Nebraska, and he was there until 2004.
“Dr. John modernized the air conditioning, the plumbing, added 4,000 square feet of living space, put in the pool, and put in the whole north wing where the pool table is,” Pierce said. “He did all of that work, but his masterpiece was eventually sold at Sheriffs Auction in 2004. Retired World Cup soccer player from Peru, Chico Villar, and his wife Judy bought the empty mansion and enjoyed it as a weekend lake house, and I bought it from them.”
Pierce said the monks operated a bakery called Brother John’s Bread for over a decade.
“Most of us here locally, we remember that the monks were the Forest Park Volunteer Fire Department,” Pierce said. “One day I was sitting in my office and I saw an older gentleman, in full monk garb with a rope for a belt, step out of a vehicle in the parking lot. Incredibly, it was Brother John stopping by unannounced for a visit.”
Pierce said it was Brother John’s first trip back to the Monastery since 1982.
“We had a grand time visiting, and I finally got to ask Brother John a question I had wondered about since childhood: “How in the world did you guys become the Fire Department? Pierce said. “I told him I had a copy of the NBC television feature which was aired in April 1979, of him and the “Firefighting Monks”. He remembered NBC filming it but he had never seen it.”
Pierce said Brother John told him the story saying the fire department was across the street where the school is now, and one day he accidentally caught the bakery on fire.
“We waited and we waited and we’re running around with little water hoses and we’re trying to put this fire out,” Brother John told Pierce. “We could see the windshields of the fire engines just 50 feet away in the station. Finally, the volunteer firefighters, they arrived, they jumped in the trucks, drove across the street, and put the fire out.”
Pierce said the local fire chief asked Brother John if the monks would consider helping them fight fires because they were literally just steps away from the fire station.
“With Bishop Burke’s approval, we agreed that that would be a righteous community service. And so that’s how we became firefighters,” Brother John told Pierce.
Pierce said The Monastery has also been home to several businesses.
“The Colmore’s raised national award-winning AKC Dobermans until the late 60’s,” he said. “The same structure which became Brother John’s Bakery, was originally built as a kennel for Dr. and Mrs. Colmore’s show dogs.”
Pierce said there were so many unknown money pits discovered during renovations of the property. At one point they were constructing a parking lot for the bed-and-breakfast resort, and Pierce’s contractor could not figure out why the gravel base would seemingly disappear overnight.
“Every time we would pour a semi-tractor load of gravel out here in the parking lot area, within a day, it was gone. It would sink and mud would bubble up,” Pierce said. “Finally, the contractor’s like, “Dude, you’ve got a natural spring out here.”
Pierce said a University of Central Oklahoma professor did some research on the property, and found the cause of the water issue.
“Greg James starts looking at the abstract and some photos from the Oklahoma Historical Archives and says, “You know Matt, this place had a commercial fish hatchery on it in 1928.”
Pierce said there are some exciting projects beginning over the next few months, including several custom lakefront homes slated for construction by his business partner, Mike Menzel, on the east side of Forest Lake.
“It’s exciting to see my original vision take shape, at such an important place of my childhood memory. My grandmother and I would stop at the bakery here and buy bread from the Monks in the early 1970s.” he said.
For more information visit https://themonasteryatforestlake.com or call Mattew at (405) 760-9984.

In this blog, we will explore essential tips to help seniors lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Aging gracefully involves taking care of both physical and mental well-being. By adopting certain habits and making small changes in daily life, you can significantly improve your health and enjoy the later years of your life to the fullest. Here are some key areas to focus on, courtesy of Senior News & Living OK.

Stay Hydrated

Water is the most essential nutrient for our bodies, and proper hydration becomes even more critical as we age. It’s not uncommon for seniors to experience reduced thirst sensations, which can lead to dehydration if not carefully monitored. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain bodily functions, improve digestion, and enhance cognitive function. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle with you, and if you find it hard to remember to drink, set reminders on your phone to sip regularly.

Quit Smoking Now

Smoking can have serious health consequences at any age, but it becomes even more hazardous for seniors. If you are a smoker, quitting now can significantly improve your health and reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, lung disorders, and cancer. Understandably, quitting smoking can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from friends, family, or join a cessation program. Nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medications, or behavioral therapy can increase your chances of success.

Drink Less Alcohol and Seek Professional Help if Needed

As we age, our bodies’ ability to metabolize alcohol decreases, making it vital for seniors to moderate their alcohol intake. Limiting alcohol can lead to improved liver health, reduced risk of accidents, and better sleep. While occasional moderate drinking may be acceptable, excessive consumption can result in health problems. For those struggling to reduce alcohol intake, substance abuse treatment centers offer a range of professional help, including rehabilitation programs, counseling, and support groups, all of which can provide invaluable assistance in achieving a healthier lifestyle. If you’re concerned about affordability, you can find nonprofit and donation-based centers in your area.

Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for anyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. Quality sleep supports cognitive function, mood, and immune system health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a comfortable sleep environment with a supportive mattress and pillow, and consider using blackout curtains to block out light. Additionally, avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime, as these can interfere with your sleep.

Avoid Isolation

As we age, maintaining social connections becomes even more critical for our mental and emotional well-being. Engage in social activities that you enjoy, spend time with friends and family, or join clubs or groups that share your interests. Social interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness, enhance your mood, and even stimulate your cognitive function. Don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation or a shared laugh in enhancing your overall quality of life.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is within reach for seniors by following these essential tips. Stay hydrated, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, prioritize sleep, and nurture your social connections. Each of these points may seem simple, but their cumulative effect can significantly impact your health and overall well-being. Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes for your well-being. Your journey towards a healthier lifestyle starts with small, intentional steps and a commitment to your own health and happiness. Take charge of your health today, and enjoy the benefits of a more vibrant and fulfilling life as you age.

Died During the December Attack on Pearl Harbor

Robert Thomas Stout was in El Reno, Oklahoma on Feb. 27, 1920 and enlisted at Denver, Colorado as a Seaman Apprentice.
Robert reached the rank of Fire Controlman 3rd Class (FC3c) with duties included operating, maintaining, inspecting and repairing the weapons control systems used on combat ships. He also operated range finders, optical fire control equipment, repaired electrical firing circuits and manned fire control stations in action.
Robert’s Duty Stations included the USS Oklahoma in April, 1941 until death, USS Rigel in 1940, Elementary Fire Controlman School in 1940 at San Diego, USS Oklahoma in 1939 and the Naval Training Station Great Lakes, IL in 1939.
Awards and decorations included the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal (Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (Bronze Star) and the World War II Victory Medal.
Robert Thomas Stout, Fire Controlman 3rd Class died during the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, will be buried in the Cottonwood, Cemetery, 20499 1st Street, Cottonwood, California on September 15.
Families of Sailors that died in the Pearl Harbor attack are offered a choice to either have the family member re-interred at NMCP, or choose an alternate location, such as a veterans’, private family site, or Arlington National Cemetery. Navy Mortuary, a branch within Navy Casualty, will coordinate the movement of remains, which typically arrive a couple days prior to the burial.

[email protected]

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

The free 2023 Second Half Expo connecting seniors to valuable resources begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 21st, and finishes at 1 p.m. for the third year at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in northeast Oklahoma City, which offers free parking.
In its fifth year, organizers call it the largest senior expo in Oklahoma and bill it as “Everything for the 50+ Generation.” It features more than 100 exhibits tailored to people in the “Second Half” of their lives. This is for those Oklahoma seniors looking to connect with the latest products, services, and educational resources needed to live as they have imagined. Oklahoma’s largest senior-related businesses will be present, providing education and demonstrations of their products and services.
Not just for the retired, the day will be loaded with fun and activities, including free educational seminars, food samples, drawings for prizes and music from some of Oklahoma’s best talent.
“We firmly believe the senior years can be lived with dignity and purpose with the right guidance and resources,” said founder Bob Loudermilk. “We strive to support seniors and their adult children, honoring and assisting their aging parents.”
This year’s free panel session at 10 a.m. is titled “Is Your Estate Plan Retirement-ready? – Asset Protection Strategies in an Ever-changing World.” It offers four community thought leaders sharing their expertise. This timely information for seniors approaching the Second Half of life is about securing their financial future. The panelists will explain how asset protection strategies are paramount for folks entering the Second Half of life, particularly concerning retirement, investments, asset management, Medicare, and new marriages.
Entering new marriages later in life necessitates asset protection to preserve pre-existing assets and ensure desired distribution. Older individuals relying on Medicare must protect these benefits to maintain a stable income during retirement. By proactively implementing asset protection strategies, Americans can secure their financial well-being, preserve retirement funds, and safeguard assets for themselves and their loved ones.
The panel session featuring Brian Hill, David Chaney, Tim Hast and Susie Brown will begin at 9 a.m. with coffee and pastries, allowing for networking. The discussions begin at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to reserve your Meet the Panel – Second Half Expo seat. Details of topics and bios of the four panelists are available on this page.
Hill is a partner at Ball Morse Lowe, PLLC, whose practice is focused on Estate Planning and Probate. Hill has guided clients in estate planning, probate, and trust administration for more than 18 years. He has served as an Oklahoma Bar Association Estate Planning Section officer. As a frequent speaker for various organizations, he has provided insight and practical advice to estate planning professionals.
Chief Executive Officer and founder of Legacy & Succession, LLC, Chaney, ChFC, CLU, has received numerous industry awards and accolades in his more than 35-year career. He holds multiple industry designations, including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), which he obtained in 1997.
Hast provides coaching and training in leadership, team building, and people skills and helps people in the workplace get along. He is the author of “Powerful Listening, Powerful Influence,” available on Amazon in paperback, e-book and audiobook.
Brown is the co-owner of Senior Benefits Consulting and has 24 years of experience with Medicare and employer benefits. She teaches educational events on how Medicare works and meets with groups and individuals to consult with them on their Medicare options.
The panelist will impart crucial steps to safeguard your retirement, investments, and assets while ensuring a secure future. This session will equip you with valuable insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape, from managing risks to maximizing growth potential.
Ball Morse Lowe, Attorneys and Counselors at Law, is this year’s presenting sponsor. It is also presented by “OKSenior Journal,” with “The Oklahoman” as the National Media Partner and Oklahoma’s News 4 as the media sponsor. Also a sponsor, “Senior News and Living” and “Oklahoma Nursing Times” will provide their publication at their booth all day.
Produced by Second Half Events, Inc., the expo is hosted by The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum at 1700 Northeast 63rd St. For more information visit https://secondhalfexpo.com/.

Elizabeth Von Gunten

(Right) 100 years old. Naomi Elizabeth (Oursler) Von Gunten of Stillwater is Always very active in her church & community, she regularly Facetimes & Zooms her family using her own iPad, but being the mother of wonderful children who contribute to their communities & churches is her special honor. Words of wisdom: “Go to church, be active in it & develop a strong religious faith!”

Leon Campbell

(Left) 100 years old. Leon Campbell served in the Army during World War II, had a career as an aircraft mechanic, and had many hobbies. He was a competitive dancer winning many awards. Words of wisdom to us are: Love the Live You Live and Dance Like No One is Watching!

Betty Jean Shuttee

(Right) 100 years old. Betty Jean (Field) Shuttee of Enid is a retired pediatric nurse, enjoys all music by Lawrence Welk, reading, gardening, singing, Netflix & angel food cake. Her travels have taken her to 39 countries & to every state in the US. She received a proclamation from the Mayor & a special poster made by a class of preschoolers. Words of wisdom: “Be patient, be positive and be kind to everyone!”

Phil Morgan

(Right) 102 years old. Phil Morgan is a veteran of WWII. Words of wisdom: “Put God first, go to church and develop a close walk with the Lord. Cherish your family, spend time with them, time goes fast, and kids grow up too quickly. Honor the military, respect the United States of America.”

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Please visit http://centenariansok.com/ and download and submit our form.

United States Representative Tom Cole received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contribution in the fight against cancer to increase research funding.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Representative Cole has repeatedly distinguished himself as a leader and true advocate on cancer advocacy issues, particularly through his commitment to increased biomedical research funding,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “His introduction of the Strengthen the Pediatric Research Initiative Act, to provide additional funding for childhood cancer research, is a true testament of his commitment to save lives from pediatric cancer. ACS CAN appreciates his steadfast leadership in investing in cancer research to improve public health nationwide.”
“Representative Cole is a true cancer leader”, said Howie Jackson, cancer survivor and ACS CAN Oklahoma CD-04 ACT Lead volunteer. “His commitment to providing additional funding for child cancer research is a testament to the value he sees in our next generation of Oklahomans.”
The award was presented on Sept. 19 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and address barriers that prevent diverse populations from enrolling in clinical trials.

Dear Savvy Senior, Which vaccines are recommended for Medicare seniors this flu season? Just Turned 65

Dear Just Turned, There are actually three different types of vaccines seniors should consider getting this fall to protect against a repeat of last winter’s “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses, which included flu, RSV and coronavirus. Here’s a rundown of the different vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending and how they are covered by Medicare.
Senior-Specific Flu Shots For people age 65 and older, there are three flu vaccines (you only need one) that the CDC recommends over traditional flu shots.
These FDA-approved vaccines provide extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot does, which is important for older adults who have weaker immune defenses and have a greater risk of developing dangerous flu complications compared with younger, healthy adults. The three senior-specific options include the: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, which contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot does, creating a stronger immune response for better protection. Fluad Quadrivalent vaccine, which contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response. FluBlok Quadrivalent vaccine, is a recombinant protein (egg-free) flu vaccine that contains three times the amount of antigen as compared with a regular flu shot.
There isn’t enough evidence yet to indicate whether one of these three vaccines provides superior protection over the other two for seniors.
As for side effects, you should know that the Fluzone High-Dose and Fluad vaccines can cause more of the mild side effects that can occur with a standard-dose flu shot, like pain or tenderness where you got the shot, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. While the side effects of Flublok tend to be a little less frequent.
All flu vaccines are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B as long as your doctor, health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays.
New RSV Vaccines Anyone age 60 and older, especially if you have any heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders that make you vulnerable to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) should consider getting one of the new FDA approved RSV vaccines (either Arexvy or Abrysvo).
These vaccines, recommended by the CDC, will help protect older and immunocompromised adults from respiratory illness, which is responsible for 6,000 to 10,000 deaths and at least 60,000 hospitalizations each year in seniors 65 and older.
The new RSV vaccines are covered by Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plans.
Updated Covid Booster If you haven’t had a Covid-19 booster shot lately, you should consider getting one this fall. Even though the Covid public health emergency has ended and the number of cases has gone way down, it has been surging in recent months causing an increase in hospitalizations, especially among the elderly.
The updated Covid vaccine targets the XBB omicron subvariants that are some of the most dominate coronavirus variants circulating in the U.S. It will also provide protection against the EG.5 variant (Eris), which is closely related to the XBB.
Covid booster shots are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B.
When and Where Most health officials agree that it’s safe to receive the flu and Covid booster at the same time. But because the RSV vaccines are new this year, many doctors are recommending a two-week window between an RSV shot and the flu and/or the COVID shots.
You can find all three vaccines at most pharmacies, medical clinics and health departments, or you can do a search at Vaccines.gov.
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.

mailto:[email protected]

Story and photos by Darl DeVault, Contributing Editor

In its second year, September 1-4, at the Renaissance Waterford Hotel in northwest Oklahoma City, WriterCon offered many seniors among the more than 200 aspiring writers a glimpse of the many facets of the book writing and publishing trade. The four-day conference was comprehensive, with four breakout sessions for each of six 45-minute periods daily featuring book industry luminaries and best-selling authors as speakers.
This year, the event offered the most attendees ever a robust educational offering, exploring ideas from authorship to representation to publishing. Discussions of trending issues like AI-generated text and social media influencers’ power occurred.
Organizer William Bernhardt, 63, of Choctaw, began his career as a nationally prominent author in a significant way in 1991. He continues positively impacting book publishing by expanding his signature largest annual writers’ conference in Oklahoma. The event added a fourth day emphasizing book sales and the reader with ReaderCon on Monday.
“Growing up locally and graduating Midwest City High School in 1978, I want to support regional authors’ writing aspirations at a level not available here when I was learning my craft,” Bernhardt said on the first day of the conference. “Oklahoma has just as many talented writers as New York or anywhere else. We must support their efforts that put them on an even footing. We have just as much talent as any other area, if not more, but historically we have not done as well at nurturing and promoting our own.”
Another expansion of WriterCon this year was the launch of the online WriterCon Magazine. It was printed in 38 full-color pages in its debut edition exclusively for the event. Executive editor Kadey Bernhardt and editor Lara Bernhardt said they look forward to the voice the online publishing provides them in support of the book industry. Powered by Substack, it is found at WriterCon Magazine | William Bernhardt | Substack.
Recent University of Oklahoma photography journalism graduate Ralph Bernhardt provided attendees with free author portraits for the event’s first two days.
Currently, literary agents and publishing houses of good size receive more than 5,000 unrequested manuscript submissions annually. The industry reports that less than one percent of all authors get their books published. Bernhardt and his wife Lara, also an author and publisher, dedicate thousands of hours to planning the event to help regional authors beat those odds. By conducting a writing conference addressing the many industry standards, they coach authors to raise their authorship to best-selling status if they have that spark of talent, originality, and, most importantly, perseverance.
To say that WriterCon is a labor of love is an understatement, as Bernhardt puts his two-book-a-year schedule, which has produced 61 well-received books, in the background while he creates WriterCon each year. He recruits speakers year-round when he attends at least five writers’ conferences nationwide to stay abreast of industry trends and his voracious need to learn.
Apart from being interested in the book publishing industry because of his imminent success, Bernhardt is quick to talk about what reading and books offer the reader. Studies show seniors who read daily see their cognitive functions improve over six months.
“Many studies have indicated that reading offers many cognitive benefits, keeping the brain active, improving vocabulary, and exposing readers to new ideas,” Bernhardt said. “But there are also emotional benefits. Studies show readers are more empathetic and understanding. Readers are better spouses or partners. Books are also a great cure for loneliness. When you enter the minds of others (even fictional characters), you gain a better understanding of how others think and what they are going through.”
The Bernhardts displayed their enthusiasm for writing and reading to the WriterCon attendees by offering a schedule that ran six pages and 112 breakout sessions. These sessions covered many topics, from writing instruction panels, genre roundtable chats, keynote address speakers, and agent interview sessions.
Becoming a No.1 New York Times bestselling author in 1991 with his “Primary Justice,” Bernhardt is fortunate that his first book delivered such a robust central character that it sparked a well-received book series.
His training as an attorney and becoming a partner in a Tulsa law firm sparked his ability to write his debut fiction novel. The first of his iconic courtroom dramas sold more than one-half million copies in its first six months. His publisher needed to reprint the literary fiction debut of his Ben Kincaid courtroom drama several times in the first year. This started a writing career that has seen a series of books, including a new series character, Daniel Pike, launched in his recent No.1 bestseller, “The Last Chance Lawyer.”
His 10-book “Red Sneakers” series on how to best write fiction has assured his place in American writing history. Bernhardt received the Oklahoma Center for the Book 2019 Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award. He had sold more than 10 million copies of his books at the time when his book count stood at 46 works. By 2019, he had written his bestselling Ben Kincaid mystery/ thriller series, three books for young readers, and the historical novels “Challengers of the Dust” and “Nemesis.” He had also penned three poetry books, “The White Bird,” “The Ocean’s Edge,” and “Traveling Salesmen’s Song,” displaying a robust career.
He says his favorite is “The Florentine Poet,” a fable published earlier this year, which critics have called ‘“The Princess Bride” for literature lovers.’
Digital media technology is reshaping the book industry. The book market now encompasses physical books, e-books, audiobooks, and other digital formats. Even though the book industry is dominated by large book publishers and one big online retailer (Amazon), there are still alternatives for publishing and selling books.
The industry is highly competitive, with players ranging from traditional publishing houses to online booksellers and self-publishing platforms to print-on-demand small publishers. These changes will likely continue as the industry embraces more technologies. One recent change is that audiobooks are the fastest-growing sector of the publishing industry.
A critical takeaway from attending these sessions over the three-day writing portion of the event is how persistent even the best authors need to be to shepherd their high-quality manuscripts through the publishing process. Many of the presenters firmly expressed that even high-quality manuscripts of good originality are still rejected, usually due to not being a correct fit, but are often later published when passed on to different agents/publishers.
“I remember what it was like,” Bernhardt said. “Being a young kid desperate to write but unable to find much instruction or professional guidance. Our goal with WriterCon is to make it easier for the next generation of Oklahoma writers. We give scholarships each year to young people who want to attend the event. I know I’ve been fortunate. This is my way of paying it forward.”
Home-schooled and Acellus Academy local eighth-grade student Scarlett Hoffman, who is writing fantasy, dystopian and sci-fi fiction, was one of two scholarship attendees this year. “It has been an awesome experience,” Hoffman said. “I have learned so much that will help me in my writing. The high points have been getting to pitch to agents because I have been looking for an agent these last three months. The other high point was talking to other writers in my genres during the roundtable discussions.”
Lisa Gardner spoke several times during the conference in well-received sessions. She is a No. 1 New York Times internationally best-selling author of more than 25 crime thriller novels, including the Frankie Elkin series. Adapted for both film and TV, her work has earned her numerous foreign awards while being published in more than 30 countries. Her Keynote address and best-attended session of more than half the attendees featured her detailing how authentically she researched every facet of her books. She shared how extensively she travels to interact with the FBI and learn from countless police officers. “It is always a huge honor to be invited to speak,” Garder said. “When William contacted me about coming to WriterCon, I was thrilled and flattered. A chance to talk to other authors, just like me, about the craft we love best. What could be better?”