A newly-published systematic review and meta-analysis identifies the training activities that have been shown to be effective in improving safety among older drivers. The researchers found that computerized brain exercise training found exclusively in BrainHQ from Posit Science had significant benefits to older drivers’ safety.
There are now more than 44 million drivers over age 65 in the United States. They are second only to newly-licensed drivers in crash rate, and drivers aged 75 and older have the highest death rate due to crashes. There are many different types of interventions deployed to assist older drivers.
The review, published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, evaluated the effects of a variety of interventions on driving performance and auto crash risk. Surprisingly, many of the most commonly used types of interventions were simply not effective. In particular, classroom or web-delivered lectures on road rules or driving, in-car demonstrations that teach driver and hand positioning, simulator-based training, and on-road training had no significant effect.
The reviewers found only skill-specific interventions – including cognitive training, visual-perceptual training, and physical training – had significant impact on older driver performance.
The reviewers noted that only the speed-of-processing cognitive training (now found exclusively in BrainHQ) significantly reduced at-fault crashes. Other studies of the BrainHQ training also were also cited.
The speed of processing training in BrainHQ progressively challenges users to see things more quickly and with greater accuracy. Such improvements result in more reaction time and a wider field of view (as the brain processes more information at greater speed).
“Older drivers have a lot of experience – they haven’t forgotten how to drive,” said Posit Science CEO Dr. Henry Mahncke. “Giving them drivers education classes again doesn’t help much. The science shows what’s effective is training the brain to be faster and more accurate.”
Independent studies of BrainHQ have shown many positive results for older drivers, including: 38% fewer dangerous driving maneuvers, faster reaction time (equivalent to 22 feet more stopping distance at 55 mph), greater confidence driving in difficult conditions, 48% fewer at-fault crashes, 30% lower overall crash incidence, and maintaining safe driving later in life.
Drivers insured by AAA in many states can get Drivesharp training from BrainHQ through their insurer without charge and can receive a discount on their premium.
Cold weather is here … joining the coronavirus and the flu. Such a wonderful trio of events all at the same time. We didn’t want to go outside anyway, did we? This winter especially we need to do all we can to stay healthy.
Arrange for prescriptions to be sent by mail from the pharmacy.
Stock up on batteries for flashlights, and consider getting a battery-operated radio. Remember to keep your cellphone charged at all times.
Try to stock up on heavy or large items from the grocery store, ideally from curbside pickup. A box of canned goods and extra toilet paper will keep you from having to scramble at the last minute.
Don’t try to save money by keeping the temperatures in your house too low. Seniors especially can get into trouble with hypothermia before we even know it. Aim for indoor temperatures of 68 F to 70 F, and put on a sweater!
Telehealth is a service that uses video calling and other technologies to help you see your doctor or other health care provider from home instead of at a medical facility. Telehealth may be particularly helpful for older adults with limited mobility and for those living in rural areas, as they will have the opportunity to see and talk with their doctor from their home. For older adults, talking with their doctor online, through a phone, tablet, or other electronic device, can often be easier, faster, and less expensive than making a trip to an office.
Telehealth can also help support family caregivers who are taking care of their loved ones either close by or from afar. If a caregiver needs to ask the doctor a question, they can do so through an online health portal rather than waiting for and traveling to an in-person appointment.
Telehealth and telemedicine are two different types of online health care services. Telemedicine refers specifically to online doctor visits, while telehealth also includes health-related education services like diabetes management or nutrition courses and health-related training.
The transition from in-person to online appointments can be difficult for some people, especially those who are not familiar with the technology. By taking a few minutes before your appointment to prepare, you can set yourself up for a more successful visit.
Try to use the best camera you can find. This may be attached to your phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. A clear picture can help your doctor understand and address your concerns more easily and effectively.
Test the camera in advance. Practice in advance with a family member or a friend to make sure you understand how to use your camera when you have your online visit with your doctor.
Test the sound and video on your device. Most devices have built-in microphones and speakers, but you may have to turn them on or enable the telehealth software or website to access them. Video calling a friend before your appointment can help ensure that everything is working properly. Using headphones or earbuds may make it easier for you to hear your doctor and for your doctor to hear you, but it’s good to test these out first to see what works best.
Use the best internet connection possible. If you are not using Wi-Fi, try getting the best signal by using a wired connection to your router or an Ethernet cable. If you are using Wi-Fi, being physically close to the internet router and minimizing devices connected to it can help improve your connection.
Charge your device. If you are using a wireless device, like a phone, laptop, or tablet, check to make sure your battery is charged enough to last through your appointment. Try charging it the night before your appointment.
Many insurance providers, including Medicaid and some private insurers, are beginning to cover telehealth services. However, telehealth coverage varies widely from state to state with differences in how telehealth is defined and paid for. Because insurance coverage policies differ, it’s important to check with insurance providers or your health care provider’s billing department directly for the latest information about coverage for telehealth services.
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) is again extending a call to action to local schools and the community for a Holiday Greetings Campaign aimed to reach older adults and people with disabilities who are living in Ventura County. The VCAAA is seeking greeting cards that are handmade or premade by children and adults alike with a short holiday greeting written inside. Cards will be distributed as part of the VCAAA’s COVID-19 meal service programs.
More than 30,000 older adults in Ventura County are living alone, and the isolation, loneliness, and depression many of them are experiencing during the COVID-19 has become as much of a threat to their overall health as the virus itself. With the holiday season upon us, the VCAAA recognizes that this is the most critical time to extend not only our services to these populations, but also our care and support.
The VCAAA received more than 1,000 holiday greeting cards through the month of November that were distributed throughout Ventura County with a special Thanksgiving meal delivery. The cards and meals received positive feedback, with one recipient saying, “it means a lot that somebody remembers us and cares for us.”
A second holiday meal delivery is scheduled for the end of December, and more cards are needed to include with those meals. Those interested in participating should send completed greeting cards to the VCAAA through December 21st, 2020. Greeting cards may be mailed to, or dropped off at, 646 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, Ca. 93003. Please notate VCAAA Holiday Greetings Campaign on the envelope.
The VCAAA continues to encourage family members and neighbors to safely connect with loved ones who may benefit from similar holiday greetings, and from support with grocery shopping or other errands. It is extremely important to keep open lines of communication to help minimize the isolation so many older adults are experiencing.
Those interested in participating in this program may e-mail [email protected] for more information, or call (805) 477-7306.
With most of Southern California under another lockdown, live in person music, has been put back on hold; and it turns out, both the Canyon Club at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center and Concerts in Your Car at the Fairgrounds are on hiatus until at least mid-January. You can see live performances on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, but for the most part, we just need to hunker down, be patient, and hope this new vaccine will be our saving grace.
I’m sorry to report that The Winery Ventura is shutting their doors by the end of this year. They had so many great live performances there the past couple of years. The building which holds their lease has been sold, and instead of pushing the agreement with the new owners, they decided to close. They are having a blow out sale which you are welcomed to support with great deals on not only their wine, but tables, chairs, plants, etc… They’ll be open Fridays 5-7, Saturdays noon-5, and Sundays noon – 2. Do note: The Grape jazz club is still scheduled to open this June barring anymore pandemic shenanigans.
One of the previously mentioned online performances will be coming from the Namba Performing Arts space on Sunday Dec 20 at 7 pm featuring Jayden Secor, Power2ThePeople, Joe Henry III, Delta by the Beach, Kris Simeon, Aaron Burch, Medicine Hat and Fred Kaplan & Robert Kyle. The money raised ($10 streaming donation fee) goes to benefit Namba which is a 501c-3 non-profit organization. Get the lowdown at www.NambaArts.com.
And though Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio 2020 Holiday Recital is available online. The production is a collaborative effort of her studios producing home videos to share some holiday musical cheer. You can view the recital at www.JodiFarrell.com/2020-Holiday-recital/#5.
Running into Gary Best at Grapes and Hops a few years back.
I reached out to local musician Gary Best for a little Q&A, and he was happy to oblige. It’s always a treat to run into Gary out and about supporting other bands and artists when he’s not playing. You might know Gary from the local Improv group here in Ventura, and seeing him perform in Los Dudes. I’ve been playing his original tunes (which are really good!) on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP at 104.1 FM here in Ventura.
Pam: How long did it take for you to gain confidence that you actually have skills?
Gary: I am a fearless dilettante. I never wait to have the skill to do anything. I usually dive in and learn to swim as I go. You can tell from reactions if any song works. I try to keep writing.
When did you first start writing songs?
Gary: In high school. My songwriting partner moved to my town and he played James Taylor and Cat Stevens and the Beatles. I sort of stalked him until he taught me chords and I wrote songs to impress him. Still do.
When did you start recording them?
Gary: We had a reel to reel back then and started playing with recording techniques. I started going to Nashville in the 90’s to demo songs. My first trip was with Jonathan McEuen and Jimmy Adams.
How did that evolve into playing in a band?
Gary: A dozen years ago a local group had a gig and one of their members had just dropped out. I had always done Johnny Cash at parties so I volunteered. Thus was born the legendary garage band, Los Dudes.
I always try to hang around people that know more than me.
Do you have a producer you work with?
Gary: Locally I love working with Jesse Seibenberg. He can play anything and has a wonderful ear. He always makes my songs better than they are.
What’s the Randy Parsons connection?
Gary: When I retired, I started looking for new projects. My original songwriting partner, Bruce Scism, was building guitars in Nashville so when I saw Parsons Guitar Building School I was already primed to the idea. I picked a pretty difficult build for my first and Randy was really game to give it a go. Great guy. Lucky to have him in our community.
How has the Pandemic affected you as an artist? Personally?
Gary: It’s been a boon to me artistically. I got a lot more work done in the last 9 months writing songs and painting. I’m starting a Podcast; which is exciting.
I miss seeing and hearing music and art which is how I get inspired and steal ideas. I’m a pretty social animal so I miss seeing friends.
Are you still working with your improv group? And if so, in what capacity?
Gary: The Ventura Improv Company is certainly looking forward to doing shows again. I haven’t encouraged our people to do Zoom shows. I haven’t seen many that work real well. I’m still Artistic Director, as far as I know, but the ship is in harbor.
What goals do you have in the near future…pandemic or not?
Gary: The podcast I mentioned… it was inspired by a song of mine called, “My Daddy Never Cried.” Friends sort of spontaneously started sharing stories of and about their fathers. My sister, Brenda, suggested we might have the basis of a book or collection. We should be rolling it out early next year.
Other than that, to just keep writing and producing art in my own way. It’s what I do.
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It’s all holiday music produced locally and mostly original on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP for the next two weeks. I’ll be spinning tunes from Gary Best, Jill Martini & the Shrunken Heads, Warren Takahashi, Kelly Zirbes, Professional Americans and more. The program airs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon at 104.1 FM, online at www.CapsMedia.org/Radio or by using the MyTuner radio app for your smart device.
Happy holidays to you and yours. Here’s to putting 2020 behind us (too many jokes about 2020 vision). I’m wishing you peace, health and prosperity, along with a hefty dose of live music for 2021. Take care, be safe and rock on.
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows (online or live) you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.
Hi: I’m April a 2 .5 years old German shorthaired pointer-Lab.
Favorite thing to do: love going in car for drives and walking at the beach! I have a sister named Marley who is 2.5 years also. We love playing together.
Ventura County theaters have always spread joy through their myriad holiday stage offerings. This year, our thespians continue to entertain, although the offerings are online and viewed from the comfort of our own cozy chairs.
Here are three virtual productions to add to your viewing calendar this month.
Ojai Art Center Theater brings holiday cheer with a virtual production of It’s A Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play. Broadway on Demand and director Gai Jones are proud to present Joe Landry’s adaptation in a digital performance for all to enjoy. Check out the details at www.ojaiact.org.
Streaming began at 7 p.m. last Saturday, December 12 and will continue through Saturday, December 19. Tickets are available at ojaiact.org/iawl for $12.95 which – get this – allows viewers to see the performance as many times as they like until midnight on the 19th. So instead of binging the movie on Netflix this year, you can enjoy this version with local talent more than once for a single price.
A classic Christmas story, It’s A wonderful Life examines human foibles, renews our faith in miracles, and reinforces that good people triumph over odds, even when faced with multiple difficulties. It seems like the perfect story for the 2020 holiday season.
The American Film Institute listed the 1947 Frank Capra movie starring Jimmy Stewart as number one on its list of most inspirational American films of all time and as one of the 100 best American films ever made.
Follow along as dreamer George Bailey’s life unfolds. His guardian angel, Clarence, gets the chance to earn his wings by helping George regain what he was certain was lost. The town rejoices. George is saved. And, as everyone knows, a bell rings every time an angel gets his (or her) wings. Ring-a-ding!
Ojai’s large cast, which includes several married couples, two groups of siblings and a father and daughter, all perform from their own homes, augmented with visual effects, sound effects and costumes. It’s a family affair fit for all families. Well done, Ojai Art Center Theatre!
Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks presents a digital offering of Home for the Holidays, a Conejo Youth Theatre production featuring stories of holiday traditions, songs, dances and more. Viewing is available December 18-20. It is presented on a “pay what you can” donation request. After initial viewing, it is available to you for the next 30 days for no extra charge. www.conejoplayers.org/home-holidays-conejo-players-youth-theatreproduction.
Every Now and Then Theatre presents “A 1947 Christmas Carol”, a one-hour, award-winning, commercial free broadcast streams nationwide with celebrity guest host Miss California International 2012 Dedria Brunett and a large cast of talented actors. Go to www.kvta.com then click on Listen Live. The program will air Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve, at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., and Friday, December 25, Christmas Day, at 8 a.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Frank Doyle navy veteran is close to the heart of Alicia Doyle.
The Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is presenting the First Annual Operation Get Fit, a fundraiser that will benefit Veterans and active duty military personnel.
Veterans can benefit emotionally as well as physically from a no-contact, boxing-style fitness regimen that helps release stress, according to Alicia Doyle, a Ventura resident and Two-Time Golden Gloves Champion who trained at Kid Gloves Boxing in the late 1990s when only a few hundred women were competing in this male dominated sport.
“This cause is close to my heart,” said Doyle, whose father, Frank Doyle, was a Navy veteran who passed away on September 21 at the age of 84. Her father, who earned his Master’s Degree in engineering on the G.I. Bill, was considered a brilliant rocket scientist who reaped many accomplishments – most notably approving the launch of the Cassini Satellite that studied Saturn and its moons.
“Our main objective with this effort is to get Veterans into the gym to release stress, frustration and anger, which helps diminish Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” said Doyle, who serves on the Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation board of directors.
Veterans with PTSD are more likely than typical Americans to die of causes including suicide, according to Robert Ortiz, a Marine Veteran and founder of the Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation, which is the umbrella nonprofit organization for the Vet2Vet Veteran Education & Training Fitness Center in Simi Valley.
“Exercise in the form of a boxing workout can play an important role in helping Veterans with PTSD to recover and regain confidence,” Ortiz said. “It also has the added benefit of addressing many of the mental and physical health problems commonly associated with chronic PTSD, including cardiovascular disease and depression.”
Vet2Vet – Ortiz’s nonprofit peer networking group for Veterans, armed force members and families – also provides advocacy and support for Veterans by helping them apply for benefits they deserve.
“This helps Veterans avoid homelessness,” Ortiz said. “This fundraiser is not just about getting fit, but helping Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve because many of them don’t know the process of applying.”
In an effort to help these individuals, donations in the amount of $250 are being collected for Operation Get Fit. Each tax-deductible $250 donation will include the following:
● A gym bag filled with boxing gloves, hand wraps, towel, water bottle, and other necessities needed to work out
● Gym fees waived for the first month, with subsequent months discounted at $80 per month (reduced from $139 per month)
● Training with professional boxing coaches, including Robert Ortiz, a Marine veteran and founder of the Kid Gloves Boxing Foundation; and certified coaches with Rock Steady Boxing, which empowers people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back through a non-contact, boxing-style fitness regimen and emotional support
● Advocacy and support for Veterans who need assistance with obtaining military benefits
Donations can be made via check, Venmo or credit card. For more information, contact Robert Ortiz at 805-206-9403 or [email protected]; or Alicia Doyle at 818-817-1421; [email protected].
The Ventura Police Department (VPD) was awarded a $220,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a one-year enforcement and education program with an emphasis on safe travel. This grant will assist in VPD’s efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on Ventura roads.
“This grant funding allows us to educate and enhance the safety of residents behind the wheel, on our sidewalks, and in our bike lanes,” said Ventura Police Sergeant, Michael Brown. “Through education and behavior changes, we hope to create an environment that is safe and equitable for all road users in our community.”
The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs, including:
Patrol with an emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
Patrol with an emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
Patrol with an emphasis on education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Patrol with an emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.
Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Collaborative efforts with neighboring agencies on traffic safety priorities.
Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired
Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The one-year grant is for the 2021 federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 20201.
To learn more about the Office of Traffic Safety grant and VPD’s educational efforts, please contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist for the Ventura Police Department, at [email protected].
LUCAS is designed to deliver consistent, high-quality chest compressions.
The Ventura City Fire Department (VFD) was awarded $218,000 in grant funding to purchase 12 automatic chest compression devices through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).
The device, known as the Lund University Cardiac Arrest System (LUCAS), is designed to deliver consistent, high-quality chest compressions, even under difficult conditions, to provide life-saving support for extended periods of time.
“The Lucas chest compression system helps first responders do what they do best – save lives,” said Firefighter Paramedic Kyle Tong, lead trainer on the new devices. “As firefighters, we want to help cardiac arrest victims as quickly as possible because every second counts. With these new automated devices, we’re able to deliver consistent care, increase the chance of patient survival, and reduce injuries that can occur during transport.”
In July 2020, Ventura City Fire started using three LUCAS devices, which helped more than 32 cardiac arrest victims in less than four months. The unit is lightweight, comes in a backpack, and can be applied quickly to a patient, interrupting manual compressions for less than 10 seconds.
As a part of the federal grant, the City of Ventura is required to provide a 10 percent funding match in the amount of $22,000, which has been budgeted.
To learn more about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program or the LUCAS machine, please contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist for the Ventura Fire Department, at [email protected].
