Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Nearly one in seven men (and one in five African American men) will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. But if detected early, this is a disease that can have very effective treatment options. That is, if men will go get screened.
In an effort to increase awareness of the disease, the benefits of early screening, and to give guys the extra “nudge” they need to follow a good game plan for their health, the National Football League Alumni Association (NFLA), Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and LabCorp are teaming up.
The Prostate Pep Talk Partnership
The three organizations launched the Prostate Pep Talk campaign across the country with patients, oncologists and NFL legends. The goal is two-fold: to educate men about prostate cancer stats, risks and symptoms as well as to increase access to screenings.
Through Oct. 15, up to 2,000 men, ages 40 and older, who meet eligibility requirements, may sign up to receive a free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening at most LabCorp locations. After the first 2,000 spots are filled, qualifying men may still schedule a screening at the discounted price of $25 through mid-October.
Dr. Michael Payne shared why CTCA partnered in this important program during national Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, September 1-30. “The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates there will be 161,360 new prostate cancer diagnoses in 2017,” said Payne. “The ACS recommends that men who are considered high-risk get screened beginning at age 40. Risk factors for being at higher risk can include family history and race, with African-American men having a more than 20 percent higher likelihood of developing prostate cancer. The oncology community recommends the men at average risk should be screened starting at age 50. More men need to be aware and take action.” CTCA of Tulsa hosted a panel discussion on August 30 for patients, community business leaders, cancer support organization representatives, as well as legislative and chamber guests and featured a prostate cancer panel discussion. The informative session was followed by a “meet and greet” reception with former NFL players Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Steve Largent. The football greats shared stories of how their lives, and lives of players or coaches close to them, have been impacted by this specific type of cancer.
Life Lessons from Legends
The NFL Alumni Association is a nationwide group of former NFL players, coaches, staffers, cheerleaders, spouses and associate members whose mission is to serve, assist and inform former players and their families. The Association offers a variety of medical, financial and social programs to help members lead healthy, productive and connected lives. The partnership fit well in their mission and the retired football icons were more than happy to be in the Prostate Pep Talk lineup.
Former Seattle Seahawk Largent shared his memorable story of good friend, Oakland Raider Mike Haynes. “Mike had retired and was inducted into the Hall of Fame and got a job with the NFL out of New York City. While doing a promotion tour for prostate screening, he got screened himself. His test came back positive.”
“It was a shock,” said Largent. “Here was this guy with a similar career to mine and in his early 50s. He had prostate cancer. Cancer doesn’t care if you look healthy, are 6 foot 4 and weigh 250 pounds. It can impact anyone.”
Patients Given a Winning Chance
Norman resident and cancer survivor Richard Smith knows that first-hand. “I had no symptoms,” noted the Tulsa CTCA patient who shared his personal prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment journey alongside the NFL alums.
“I was at an age my doctor recommended the PSA test during a routine check-up. My numbers came back high,” explained Smith. “And I was inclined to do nothing more. But my doctor persisted in encouraging me to follow up further on the results. I finally did and those test revealed I had the cancer.”
The parting advice from all of the panel participants in Tulsa was this: be the champion of your own health. No excuses, fellas.
“We caught it early enough for me to be here to tell my story,” added Smith. “My advice: get the test. Listen to your doctor. Win at life.”
To sign up or learn more about eligibility, men can visit www.prostatepeptalk.com. Testing will be performed at most of LabCorp’s patient service center locations across the country. No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results.

Prostate Cancer PDX Models

What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year? The Veraden Senior Living at Edmond

My daughter is coming to spend a few days with me in November.  Alice Musser

I’m looking forward to the holidays but I’m really content right now. I don’t worry about what’s coming up.  Kay Dudley

Enjoying these Indian summers in the Southwest U.S. We just have fabulous days.  Charles Kramer

Football is going on. Basketball is coming up. I like sports so the winter months are good.  Jack Brubacher

By story and photo by Ron Hendricks

Central Oklahoma Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America proudly announces the program/speaker schedule for the fall of 2017. Day group will host John Vincent, Oklahoma Insurance Division, speaking on “Medicare Changes” in October. M/Sgt Robert Shalla, OKCPD will talk about “How to interact with Police Officers” for the hearing impaired in November, Dr. R. Kent Dyer, an otolarnology physician, from Hough Ear Institute will discuss “Balance Issues.” All Day group meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday, 2-3PM with a social time 30 earlier. For December, both the Day & Night groups hold Christmas parties. Everyone brings snacks and enjoys traditional Christmas games. Last Monday, the Night group’s speaker was, Katie Gallager of Physical Therapy Central. She explored the dangers of falls and how hearing loss can contribute to loss of balance. A lively group discussion followed. October we will hear Sheryl Presley, OKCPD Triad Coordinator, discussing “Senior Safety Issues” while in November COCHLA will host Gloria Evans, Hough Hearing & Speech Institute, telling us “How to Effectively Self Advocate.” Night group meetings are held on the 2nd Monday, 7-8PM beginning with a social time 30 minutes prior. All meetings are held at the Lakeside United Methodist Church, 2925 NW 66th Street.
COCHLAA is now in the 27th year of serving Oklahomans with hearing loss and is looking forward to many more years of service. You will see Central Oklahoma Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America at the State Fair & many other community outreach events such as Health Fairs, Senior events, demonstrations, and consultations as well as at the Hearing Helper’s Room, 5100 N Brookline, Suite 100. For more information visit the website, WWW.OKCHearingLoss.org

By Darlene Franklin

Tapiwa Gwenlisa “Gwen” Marange founded the International Albinism Awareness Initiative in Zimbabwe in 2015. Since then, she’s led the nation’s first International Albinism Awareness Day and organized a team to help women, teens, and children with Albinism in a country where they are misunderstood, stigmatized and mistreated. Tapiwa Gwenlisa “Gwen” Marange founded the International Albinism Awareness Initiative in Zimbabwe in 2015. Since then, she’s led the nation’s first International Albinism Awareness Day and organized a team to help women, teens, and children with Albinism in a country where they are misunderstood, stigmatized and mistreated.  I met Gwen in the nursing home where I live. She was visiting our preacher, her brother, after participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Every year, a thousand of Africa’s brightest and best young minds are chosen to learn side by side with American businesses.Only God could cause the paths of a senior citizen from New England and a young woman from Zimbabwe to cross in a nursing home in Oklahoma. Did I ever expect to write about an international difference maker? No, but God knew we would meet.  Did Gwen wonder how to spread the word about her mission in America? God arranged our meeting, although I wouldn’t consider myself the ideal messenger. As people say, it’s a God-thing. God’s ways and God’s thoughts direct the outcome. God called Gwen to making albinism awareness her life’s work through a mothers’ support group she joined after her divorce. People with albinism comprise almost three percent of Zimbabwe’s population of fourteen million. It’s is a genetic condition where a person has a congenital absence of pigment in their skin, hair, and eyes. In a country with a single racial identity (over 99% African), onlookers who misunderstand the genetic origins of albinism often wonder if the child is biracial. At its worst, witchdoctors prescribe mutilation or rape of people with albinism to cure the ailments of others. Unemployment is the norm. Regardless of their training, businesses are slow to hire someone with albinism, fearing customer backlash.God uniquely prepared Gwen for her life’s work through her warmly supportive family and a vibrant faith. In fact, she didn’t realize she was different from other children until she went to school. There she also discovered a love for learning. She completed the equivalent of an associate’s degree in business management, Divinity/Bible knowledge, and Shona (native language). It’s hard to imagine a better training for the position she eventually gained.After Gwen understood what God wanted, she went straight to work. She hopes to create an inclusive society with equal opportunity for all, regardless of skin color. She plans to begin by transforming perception of albinism and empowering albinos with economic independence.God activated Gwen at the perfect time. The United Nations proclaimed June 13, 2015 as the first International Albinism Awareness Day. Zimbabwe’s celebration was a huge success, but most of Gwen’s daily work is more mundane, mentoring individuals, children, teens and adults. They’re in constant need of eye and skin protection for their clients. In ten years, she hopes to have facilities to help people achieve economic independence.” When I face challenges, when I don’t see any good choices, I just look up at God and say, ‘You gave me this job.’”`For more information on Gwen Marange and the Albinism Awareness Initiative, got to https://www.facebook.com/alivezimbabwe/.

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

You could say that Baltimore is a city designed for Senior leisure. The hop on and off water taxi around the bay is an ideal way to see a lot of the area’s attractions with a minimum of exertion, as it stops at many attractions. The minimal fee is good for the entire day. The small boat captains are eager to answer area questions as to where to eat and museum times. Note, many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Of course it stops at historic Ft Mc Henry – famous for the inspiration of the Star Spangle Banner composition. (www.nps.gov/fomc) You have to change boats to go the extra distance, but worth the convenience, when you think of the inconvenience of getting a taxi or uber to take you to the far out bay point. The preserved and reconstructed brick fort is informative if you have never visited a fort of this generation. It’s humbling to stand in the area that inspired America’s Anthem.
Once there it’s always good to schedule your visit with a tour by a park ranger for details of the fort. If not the film is always inspiring, if not a bit nostalgic ,when at the end of the movie, a curtain opens to let you view through a large picture window the Fort in the background as the National Anthem plays.
Back in the downtown area is the Flag House where the American garrison size flag was created. Besides the history of the flag you can take a self-guided tour of a small period house, complete with furniture and staging of the time.
For pure entertainment, although you can’t help but learn something, is the national aquarium centrally located at the base of the Inner Harbor. (www.aqua.org) All levels of this multilevel aquarium is easily accessible with riding the multiple escalators, or if needed there is an elevator. Hosting over 20,000 aquatic animals with a Backtip Reef and Living Seashore, and a couple of large screen animal related movies, and a live dolphin show, make the aquarium one of the Inner Harbors best attraction. Of course they host a extensive gift shop with snack bar.
When you’ve got to eat, Baltimore with its vast seafood menus offers many venues. The off the beaten track funky Little Havana Bar and Grill offers many seafood based foods along with an extensive bar and their famous large Mojito.
Phillips Seafood (www.phillipsseafood.com) is a Baltimore tradition. They offer an upscale indoor or outdoor dining experience with reservations recommended. Their 8 ounce Crab Cake Extreme with Mac and Cheese, made with pure Jumbo Lump Crab with no fillers, is served in a skillet, and guaranteed to fill your Crab Cake desires. ($50.00)
If you plan to visit the Baltimore Museum of Art, be sure you check its times, as it is closed on Monday and Tuesdays. While it was closed the days I was in Baltimore I made sure I dined at Gertrude’s, where the Museum of Art display of culinary arts, under the expert guidance of owner, John Shields, is a must. Shields is a veteran TV host, and author and is called the “Culinary Ambassador of the Chesapeake Bay” with the restaurant’s opening in 1998. Gertrude’s is Shield’s tribute to his grandmother, Gertie. Shields is a personable entrepreneur and you may want to pickup one of his cookbooks including the 25th anniversary, “Chesapeake Bay Cooking.” Many menu options looked appealing but I chose the Irish Salmon, flown in to Gertrude’s several times a week. This is an example of the attention paid to the high standards that has made John Shield’s reputation.
An evening dining cruise aboard the Spirit of Baltimore, is a relaxing way to see more of the bay’s landscape while enjoying a buffet and beverages served by congenial staff. The cruise departs from the west wall of the harbor and cruises the Inner harbor along the Patapsco river, and includes glimpses of Fort Mc Henry. Come prepared for a casual and enjoyable evening, mixing with other tourist and those celebrating special occasions. (www.spiritcruises.com/Baltimore)
While visiting the Fells Point area of the harbor you may want to stop in to the upscale Sagamore Hotel for a respite and beverage, of if your budget allows overnight accommodations. For a budget minded traveler the Days Inn Inner Harbor (www.daysinnerhrabor.com), about 3 blocks away from the harbor, and near the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Ravens Stadium, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards, can fulfill your travel needs.
As you can guess there is much more to discover in Baltimore than I could cover in just two days, so historic and friendly Baltimore may require repeat visits. (http://baltimore.org/)

story and photos by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Dennis Johnson spent the first half of his professional life working with his hands, building things that would stand the test of time.
“It’s hard to go up and down Interstate 95 and not cross a bridge I didn’t have a hand on,” Johnson says proudly.
But a shoulder injury would bring Johnson to a crossroads.
His days working with steel were over and he had to take a hard look at what his financial options were.
At a relatively young age Johnson was forced to deal with his 401k, the loss of his primary income as well as the only profession he had ever known.
It was overwhelming. And he knew it had to be the same for others.
So instead of self pity Johnson poured himself into the only thing he ever knew: figuring out a way to build something for others.
“I’ve been 1,200 feet in the air and pushed a hundred tons of iron around and I know what a hard day’s work is,” said Johnson, who absorbed everything he could get his hands on to become a self-taught financial advisor. “I’m a blue collar guy. I’ve always told my clients I know how hard it is to make a buck. I know how hard it is to swing a beater for eight hours just to get one pin in.”
Just like swinging that hammer, Johnson approached his new career with a laser focus. Registered designations, licenses and accolades followed.
The third-generation iron worker from Baltimore built a multimillion-dollar portfolio in Arizona before selling it all and moving to Oklahoma in 2014 with the intention to retire with his love Cathy Belzer.
Retirement did not suit Johnson at all. With plenty of time to do whatever he wanted he realized he missed taking care of people.
Johnson is a veritable Swiss Army knife when it comes to financial services work. His registered investment advisor license dates back more than 20 years. Along the way he’s picked up life and health insurance licenses and registered advisor status.
“I used them when a client needed them,” ” said Johnson, now an advisor at Tree Line Capital in Edmond. “I never made a big deal about pushing any of it.”
A friend, Robert Ford at Tree Line Capital, convinced him to join his burgeoning firm.
“Why don’t you come over here with me,’’ Johnson remembers hearing his friend say. “We’ll build something.”
Those were the magic words.
“I just want to help,” Johnson said. “Everybody needs a second opinion. That’s the guy I want to be. I’m really enjoying it. I’m having fun again and enjoying the business again.”
Johnson’s not the kind of guy you’ll find behind a desk all day wearing a suit and tie. You’re more apt to find him playing a round of golf or sitting down with buddies talking football.
There’s an ease about Johnson that goes with his blue-collar roots and his genuine desire to help people.
So it’s no surprise people gravitate toward him.
Today’s financial services industry is filled with fresh-faced, college graduates begging to take a crack at people’s portfolios.
Johnson has had individual clients longer than most of those new advisors have been alive.
Some clients Johnson will never let go, or more precisely, they won’t let him go.
“I have a client who is 93 years old and it feels so good because she tells everybody ‘If it wasn’t for (Dennis) I never would have made it,’” Johnson said. “We started with a relatively small amount of money and she’s lived and lived well for 25 years now and she’s still going.
“I have so many clients like that.”
Johnson relishes the fact that his clients see hard work pay off.
“In the beginning you don’t see that,” Johnson said. “The first five six or 10 years you’re building clients. But after they’re with you and you know them and you see (everything) … it’s so satisfying to have their children come up. When every month that checks shows up in their mailbox and you know you’re the guy that put it together that’s a great feeling.”
He even helped his partner get her insurance license after 30 years working in health care.
Belzer and Johnson are gearing up for their busy season.
Enrollment for Medicare Advantage begins this month.
Medicare Advantage enrollment has increased in virtually all states over the past year. Almost one in three people on Medicare (31% or 17.6 million beneficiaries) is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2016.
Plans like these are just one piece of the puzzle that Johnson and Belzer work on for people every day.
“I’ve always had to have a plan and I’ve always had to be organized,” he says.
“You need somebody who is a team, who wants to listen to you and find out about your family and your kids.“
And, most importantly, you need someone who knows how to build something that will stand the test of time.

Many people may be unaware of the services and items covered by Medicaid for residents in long term care. Nursing care for at least 80 percent of the residents in Oklahoma Long Term Care facilities is paid for through Medicaid and includes certain services and items. Long Term Care facilities are reimbursed a standard rate per day for each resident living in the facility who qualifies for Medicaid. Nursing care in a Long Term Care facility includes routine items and services that must be provided directly or through appropriate arrangement by the facility when required by Medicaid residents. Charges for routine services may not be made to residents’ personal funds or family members, guardians or other parties who have responsibility for the resident.
Routine services include but are not limited to, a semi-private room and dietary services, which would include supplements and equipment required for preparing and dispensing tube and oral feedings. Social services including mental health counseling, should be provided to attain or maintain the highest physical, mental and psycho social well being of each resident. Personal care hygiene items should be provided like shampoo, bath soap, razor, toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary napkins. The facility must also provide the resident with incontinence supplies, which include disposable briefs and skin care supplies, when ordered by the physician. The facility is required to pay for all of a resident’s prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs as well as any equipment needed to administer these medications.
The facility should furnish or obtain any necessary equipment to meet the needs of the resident upon physician order. Such items may include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, overhead frames, commode extenders and/or bedside commodes, canes and oxygen.
Payment for the cost of dentures and related services are included in the daily rate for routine services. When the need for dentures is identified, one set of complete dentures or partial dentures. One dental examination is considered medically appropriate every three years. Dental cost also includes realignment of dentures when needed.
Routine eye examinations for the purpose of medical screening or prescribing and or changing glasses as well as the cost of glasses are also included in the daily rate for routine services. For eligible individuals there is an allowance for one routine eye examination and one pair of glasses every 12 months. When the provision of vision or denture services is medically appropriate, the Long Term Care facility must make timely arrangements for the provision of these services. It is the responsibility of the Long Term Care facility to ensure that the resident has adequate assistance in the proper care, maintenance, identification and replacement of these items.
Ombudsmen are available to assist residents and families or other concerned parties with issues such as these. Right now, the program is looking for people interested in helping Oklahoma’s most vulnerable population. If you are interested, go to the Areawide Aging Agency website at www.agingcare.com. You can also contact an Ombudsman Supervisor at (405)942-8500 or follow Areawide Aging Agency on Facebook. Be the difference!

Dear Savvy Senior,

I’m concerned that my 80-year-old mother is taking too many medications. She currently takes 10 different drugs prescribed by three different doctors, which I think is causing her some problems. She also struggles to keep up with all the drug costs. Any suggestions?  Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned,
There’s no doubt that older Americans are taking more prescription medications than ever before. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, around 40 percent of seniors, age 65 and older, take five or more medications. And the more drugs a person takes, the higher their risk for medication problems, and the more likely they are to take something they don’t need.
Brown Bag Review
To help you get a better handle on the medications your mom is taking, gather up all her pill bottles – include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements – and put them in a bag and take them to her primary doctor or pharmacist for a thorough drug checkup. This “brown-bag review’ will give you a chance to check for duplicate meds, excessive doses, and dangerous interactions, and for you to ask questions.
Medicare Part B covers free yearly medication reviews with a doctor through their annual wellness visits, and many Medicare Part D plans cover medication reviews with a pharmacist too.
You should also note that October 21, is “National Check Your Meds Day.” A number of pharmacies – Albertsons, Costco, CVS, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart and many independents – have agreed to support the effort. Some may even have extra staff on hand to help you review your meds. Ask your local pharmacy whether it is participating.
When you get your mom’s review, go over the basics for each medication or supplement, such as what it’s for, how long she should take it, what it costs, and any side effects and potential interactions. Also ask if there are any meds she can stop taking, and find out if there are any nondrug options that might be safer, and whether she can switch to a lower dose.
To help your mom avoid future medication problems, make sure her primary doctor is aware of all the medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements she takes. You should also keep an up-dated list of everything she takes and share it with every doctor she sees. And, be sure that your mom fills all her prescriptions at the same pharmacy and informs her pharmacist of any over-the counter, herbal or mail order prescriptions she’s taking so that there is complete oversight of her medications.
How To Save
To help cut your mom’s medication costs, there are a number of cost savings tips you can try. For starters, find out if there are any generic alternatives to the drugs she currently takes. Switching to generics saves anywhere between 20 and 90 percent.
You should also ask your mom’s prescribing doctors if any of the pills she takes could be cut in half. Pill splitting allows you to get two months worth of medicine for the price of one. And for the drugs she takes long-term, ask for a three-month prescription, which is usually cheaper than buying month-to-month.
Because drug prices can vary depending on where you buy them, another way to save is by shopping around (GoodRX.com will help you compare drug prices at U.S. pharmacies), and find out if your mom’s drug insurance plan offers cheaper deals through preferred pharmacies or a mail-order service.
And finally, if your mom’s income is limited, she can probably get help through drug assistance programs offered through pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and charitable organizations. To find these types of programs use BenefitsCheckUp.org.