As the children of all ages began to congregate to capture the vision of Attorney Kevin Crenshaw, Ms. Bethea immediately captured all of my attention. Questions began to immediately flood my thoughts. “What does she think about all of this?” “Is she able to process all that’s going on?” “What is her secret to living to see 104years old?” “How has she aged so well?” However my reverent state of awe would only allow me to observe her as, very aware, she gracefully followed the instructions of those directing the shoot.

“She’s 104 years old.” I whispered with a tone of disbelief to one of the mother’s who had her children there for the shoot. She nodded her head to signify “yes” as she too looked on with admiration. Ms. Bethea gave birth to 4 children and adopted two others when she was 61years old. Eleanor Eakins, one of her daughter’s who lives locally stood closely by with a protective yet courteous demeanor.

The unspoken message was clear; “I am honored that you all would honor my mother, but I am here to make sure everything goes well and to gauge when enough is enough.” Everyone around dealt with Ms. Bethea as if we were handling a fine piece of priceless china, but fragile would not be the word I would use to describe her. Ms. Bethea studies life and disciplines herself to make the necessary behavioral modifications to succeed at living. Her faith is solid, her smile is comes easily, and wisdom is clearly communicated. When asked her secret to successful aging she quickly responded, “I don’t guess I have a secret. I do what I can and I let God do the rest”.

So I offer these challenges to you, our readers, in the spirit of Ms. Julia Bethea:

1. When all else fails; let faith be your foundation.
2. Work until the sun goes down and then rest well.
3. When you know better; do better. Eat better. Plan better. Exercise better.
4. Don’t be afraid to learn something new. Ms. Bethea got a computer at 103 years old!
5. Keep Family and Friends close by. Laugh Often! Love Hard! Age Well!

You may want to consider privately hiring a Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM) if: Assistance is needed with daily tasks A significant medical change has occurred to include current or recent hospitalization You are considering a move to an Assisted Living or Nursing Home You would simply feel more comfortable having a professional assess your needs Professional Geriatric Care managers work to keep an individual in the least restrictive environment for as long as possible while also anticipating future needs.

The PGCM will also help to provide a more controlled environment in the event of a crisis. Specifically a PGCM can provide the following services:

1 . Perform care planning assessments to identify problems and the need for care services

2. Advocate on your behalf with medical, insurance, and other professionals

3. Offer short-term or ongoing assistance for long-distance caregivers by coordinating care and keeping caregivers informed of an individual’s condition and status

4. Screen, arrange for, and monitor home care and other services, to include transportation, cleaning, and meals

5. Review financial or legal issues such as Medicare/Medicaid benefits, Long Term Care Facility admissions, Long Term Care Insurance, etc.

6. Ensuring that your loved one complies with health insurance/entitlement program requirements; forms completed accurately and submitted on time, etc.

7. Assist you/your loved one in identifying and receiving all possible aid from the government and

The Alabama Department of Public Health provides some clarification and we hope this will help you make the best decisions to protect your health.

This chart gives key differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu

What about Bird Flu?

Bird flu mainly affects poultry and wild birds. But a bird flu virus called H5N1 has infected some humans in other parts of the world. Experts believe this kind of flu is likely to cause a pandemic at some point in time.

H1N1 Influenza (also: Swine Influenza or Swine Flu)

A contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs (a type of swine) caused by one of several swine influenza A. In early 2009, several cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) were reported, the first of which occurred in Mexico, followed by several other countries, including the U.S. Confirmed deaths due to the disease have also been reported. Clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza. A novel vaccine for H1N1 Influenza is currently under development and is expected to be available in the fall of 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza? What is it?

A highly contagious disease caused by various types of viruses; characterized by sudden onset of fever, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and nausea or vomiting in children. A person may be contagious before symptoms start and up to 5 days afterward. The virus is spread through: Direct Contact – Holding hands or kissing, for example

Indirect Contact – Touching something that someone with the flu has touched The Air – A flu patient’s coughs or sneezes can release the virus into the air

You Can Control Spreading The Infection!!

1. Practice effective hand hygiene. It’s the single most important way to prevent and reduce infections.
• Wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty or alcohol-based hand sanitizer isn’t available. Scrub hands and wrists for at least 15 seconds.
• Use a hand sanitizer (that’s at least 60% alcohol) unless hands are visibly dirty.

2. Practice cough and sneeze etiquette. If you are about to cough or sneeze:
• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• Use your upper sleeve (not your hands) if you have no tissue
• Always wash your hands afterward

3. Disinfect shared objects and common areas. This can help kill germs on surfaces – and keep people from getting infected. For example:
• Clean counter tops and sinks with disinfectant
• Disinfect doorknobs, tables, telephones and other items people touch often.

Hospice care has become an increasingly popular choice among those dealing with terminal illnesses in this country. Since 1974, hospice care in the United States has developed into a well-established and respected philosophy in the healthcare spectrum.

Essentially, hospice care is switching from aggressive curative treatment to palliative treatment. Palliative treatment is the focus on pain and symptom management, in order to increase quality of life of patients with life-limiting diseases.

Hospice is a team-based approach to healthcare that is focused on the whole person, rather than just the disease. Services also include comprehensive support for the family and caregivers. The hospice team usually consists of a physician, nurse, medical social worker, hospice aide, chaplain, volunteers, and bereavement staff.

Hospice services are generally provided in-home, whether it is a private residence, nursing home, or assisted living facility. Eligibility requirements for hospice care are set by Medicare at a federal level and do not differ among providers. To receive hospice services, a patient’s predicted life expectancy must be six months or less and must be certified by a physician. A patient must also not be seeking curative treatment for his/her illness, instead opting for comprehensive symptom management and support services as the disease progresses. Emphasis is placed on quality of life and helping the patient and family make the most of their remaining time together.

Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurance companies provide coverage for hospice care. Specific private insurance plans may vary, but Medicare reimburses hospices on a per diem (per day) basis and the hospice pays for the following services, when related to a terminal diagnosis: physicians’ services, nursing care, medical equipment in the home (beds, oxygen, etc.), medication for symptom management and pain relief, short term acute inpatient care, hospice aide services, social services, physical therapy and/or occupational therapy when necessary, and dietary and spiritual counseling. Nonprofit hospices generally do not require out-of-pocket payments for these services, but privately-owned “for-profit” groups may. Charges may include co-payments on medication and equipment or for costlier services not fully covered by the Medicare reimbursement. To avoid unanticipated expenses, it agreements with a provider before choosing services.

Hospice services are available in Medicare-defined benefit periods. A beneficiary may elect hospice care for two 90-periods, followed by unlimited 60-day periods. Benefit periods may be used consecutively or at intervals. A patient may choose to change hospice programs once during each benefit period, if necessary. He/she may also choose to cancel hospice services at any time and return to standard Medicare coverage, then later reelect the hospice benefit during the next benefit period. (Any days for hospice coverage left in the benefit period at the time of cancellation are forfeited.)

Hospice care is a comprehensive program, but is often underutilized due to lack of understanding about services available and how they are covered by insurance. For more information regarding Medicare coverage, visit http://www.medicare. gov/publications/Pubs/pdf/02154. pdf. There are also many resources available online regarding services and differences among the many providers in each community. Please visit www.hospicefamilycare.org to find out more about nonprofit hospice care in Madison County

“My goal as a teacher is to give older adults the confidence and physical mobility needed to stay active and independent.” Unlike many forms of exercise, Tai Chi can be practiced into the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Each practitioner works with their own ability and temperament to achieve a state of gentle relaxation and therapeutic movement.

“It’s amazing to see individuals return to activities they had previously given up, such as walking, gardening, travel, and playing with family, after just a few weeks in Tai Chi class.” Once the coveted secret of few masters nearly a thousand years ago; Tai Chi has grown to a global community and is now supported by medical professionals for its numerous health benefits. Join a local class today and experience the grace and beauty that millions of people have experienced over the last millennia.

Whitnye and her husband, Jon, are currently a part of the Center for Aging Balance Studio.They offer group and private instruction in Tai Chi, Yoga, Fitness, and exercise programming for special population. She is regularly featured as a speaker for many community organizations. For more information call 256-799-2500 or visit www.centerforaging.net

Coming in September 2008

Madison County Senior School 2008. Print Registration Form

In the precarious world that we live in, many people have asked that question and decided to take decisive action in the new option called an “ethical will.” This is not a legal document in and of itself; rather it is a public record of your nonrepresentational wealth. It is a way to concretely pass on those things that may be otherwise inaccessible or even forgotten. In much the same way that parents would like to see that their children are financially provided for in their absence, some are leaving emotional and philosophical provisions as well.

Essentially, an ethical will is what you make it. There is no set format or content guidelines; however, as interest grows, counselors and attorneys are offering guidance for those who would like to prepare such a will. Ethical wills range in size from a few paragraphs to volumes long and can be in multimedia formats. The goal is to capture in the best way possible your philosophies on life, the moral to your story, or specific hopes and ideals that you would like to share with a family member or friend ¬ anything about yourself that you would like to endure.

Recently, I was introduced to this latest trend at an estate planning conference. I was a bit of a skeptic at first. Unsure of what to expect, the name stirred connotations of a document that would be a peculiar blend of law and morals. In addition to the complexity that can arise when those two concepts are combined, I thought what would be the value of such a document to anyone involved in planning for their estate. I learned, however, that there are three main purposes for ethical wills: 1) leaving an intangible legacy, 2) personal satisfaction, and 3) their utility during the estate planning process.

First, bequeathing ideals and personal messages for your loved ones as part of your legacy is not a new concept. However, applying the same kind of concern that you would to physical objects may strike some as odd. Even as it is important to ensure that your material possessions are properly taken care of, you may want to consider the value of your life lessons, beliefs, and experiences. Not only do these things apply to your own life, they can also cross generations, family lines and even cultures. Take for example a father, once a doctor, that revealed in his ethical will his regret in giving up medical research for a more lucrative position as a surgeon. In his words to his son, he left him with this revelation, “There’s no greater compensation than being happy in your work.”

Second, the process of creating an ethical will is personally beneficial, and can be comforting and encouraging to your loved ones. In recent responses to ethical wills, individuals spoke of how cathartic it was to truly reflect on their life and what they had learned or nearly forgotten. It is a time of introspection that focuses on the positive aspects of your experiences. If you are considering preparing an ethical will, there are books, websites, and even counselors to aid the process. For examples of ethical wills, visit the ethical will website at www.ethicalwill.com. Also, Jack Riemer, a rabbi and co-author of So That Your Values Live On: Ethical Wills & How to Prepare Them (Jewish Lights Publishing) offers advice on how to avoid being critical or preachy.

Finally, for all of the pragmatists in the audience, there is a legal utility for ethical wills. Increasingly, attorneys are suggesting that their clients have one made in conjunction with their Last Will and Testament and other end-of-life documents. An ethical will can assist an attorney in executing the affairs of your estate in a manner that is agreeable with your values and interests. It can also be used to support or offer basis for intent in a variety of probate matters such as a trust funding and asset distributions. When an attorney has access to your ethical will, they can better personalize your legal matters.

Ethical wills go beyond concepts of either law or morality. They are not just for the religious, nor are they simply for those with extensive estate planning. Consider it as a memory that will live forever.

Those are just a few of the many questions senior citizens often ask themselves as they approach retirement or if they’ve made good financial choices over the years.

No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s never too late to invest your money now and make sound financial decisions.

When you do retire, you can enjoy life and do the things you’ve dreamed of doing and not worry about your finances.