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There is no age limit on being a volunteer

At 96 LaVonne Askay has returned to volunteering.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.” These words by Edward Everett Hale clearly reflect the attitude of LaVonne Askay as she returns to volunteer for Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary.

Askay began working as a volunteer in 1978 after retiring from the Ventura Unified School District. She served for 40 years as a flyer, front desk receptionist, and was on the board of directors for two terms. It was not until her husband’s illness required her to spend more time at home that she had to move from active to sustaining/inactive status.

Now, several months after her husband’s passing, Askay, at 96 years young, has returned to active service in CMH’s Auxiliary. It is natural to ask the question, why? “I don’t want to waste my time, and I want to give back to my community,” was her quick response.

Askay’s favorite part about being a volunteer was meeting the wonderful people who came into the hospital and working with the other volunteers. It was the friendships with her fellow volunteers that helped sustain her during her husband’s illness. “You always get more than you give,” reflected Askay. “The Auxiliary is a wonderful group to work with and I am proud to be a volunteer,” said Askay.

LaVonne Askay is proof that there is no age limit on being a volunteer. CMH’s Auxiliary offers a variety of ways to serve our community and the hospital. As Elizabeth Andrew put it, “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.” Do you have the heart? Come join our team of volunteers as they strive to provide comfort to patients and their families while furthering the best interests of Community Memorial Hospital.

Applications are available at CMH’s front desk.

Elders and companionship

by Connie De La Rosa

After spending time speaking with many seniors at senior centers, assisted living places and elder events, many find themselves quite content in being part of a community that can relate to their present situation such as illnesses, losses, changes and challenges. Not only do they feel accepted and understood, they feel their day is fulfilled by being with their friends and acquaintances.

Many family caregivers may feel protective over their loved one and worry if they are able to attend functions or not ready to accept the fact that their loved one is interested in meeting someone their age to spend time with. Most elders really only want to be able to spend time with someone in having a cup of coffee or having a nice dinner and sharing some of their experiences good or bad. After listening to a few elders making statements such as “I don’t want to worry my kids so I talk to my neighbors, my friend, etc.” or “My kids don’t understand or respect my wishes.”

Elders have a need, like most of us, to speak to someone who can understand their situation. As long as their doctor approves and your loved one would like to join a senior center or attend a function, let them do so. This will only enhance their life to their fullest.

For more information on the nearest senior center or senior events, please call 420-9608 for free information and resources. Family Caregiver Resource Center Catholic Charities- OASIS.

Doctors need to know a lot about you

“You did an excellent job of listing all of your medications.”

by National Institute of Health

Patients and health care providers share a very personal relationship. Doctors need to know a lot about you, your family, and your lifestyle to give you the best medical care. And you need to speak up and share your concerns and questions. Clear and honest communication between you and your physician can help you both make smart choices about your health.

Begin with some preparation. Before your health exam, make a list of any concerns and questions you have. Bring this list to your appointment, so you won’t forget anything.

Do you have a new symptom? Have you noticed side effects from your medicines? Do you want to know the meaning of a certain word? Don’t wait for the doctor to bring up a certain topic, because he or she may not know what’s important to you. Speak up with your concerns.

“There’s no such thing as a dumb question in the doctor’s office,” says Dr. Matthew Memoli, an infectious disease doctor at NIH. “I try very hard to make my patients feel comfortable asking questions, no matter how dumb they think the question is.”

Even if the topic seems sensitive or embarrassing, it’s best to be honest and upfront with your health care provider. You may feel uncomfortable talking about sexual problems, memory loss, or bowel issues, but these are all important to your health. It’s better to be thorough and share a lot of information than to be quiet or shy about what you’re thinking or feeling. Remember, your doctor is used to talking about all kinds of personal matters.

Consider taking along a family member or friend when you visit the doctor. Your companion can help if there are language or cultural differences between you and your doctor. If you feel unsure about a topic, the other person can help you describe your feelings or ask questions on your behalf. It also helps to have someone else’s perspective. Your friend may think of questions or raise concerns that you hadn’t considered.

Many people search online for health information. They use Web-based tools to research symptoms and learn about different illnesses. But you can’t diagnose your own condition or someone else’s based on a Web search.

“As a physician, I personally have no problem with people looking on the Web for information, but they should use that information not as a way to self-diagnose or make decisions, but as a way to plan their visit with the doctor,” says Memoli. Ask your doctor to recommend specific websites or resources, so you know you’re getting your facts from a trusted source. Federal agencies are among the most reliable sources of online health information.

Many health care providers now use electronic health records. Ask your doctor how to access your records, so you can keep track of test results, diagnoses, treatment plans, and medicines. These records can also help you prepare for your next appointment.

After your appointment, if you’re uncertain about any instructions or have other questions, call or email your health care provider. Don’t wait until your next visit to make sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, or anything else that might affect your health.

Your body is complicated and there’s a lot to consider, so make sure you do everything you can to get the most out of your medical visits.

Free community education classes and events

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community. They host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following:

Social Services/Bereavement Groups

Ojai Caregiver Support Group: Monday, February 5th and Tuesday, February 13th (1st & 3rd Mondays, unless it falls on a holiday) from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Continuous Care Center, Fireside Room, 1306 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai (behind Ojai Valley Community Hospital). Find encouragement and hope during your time as a caregiver. Share, listen and explore thoughts and feelings about the struggles, losses and successes of caring for your loved one. For more information call (805) 633-9056.

Ojai Adult Bereavement Support Group: Tuesdays, February 13th and 27th (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) 10:30 am-noon at Help of Ojai, West Campus 370 Baldwin Rd., Ojai. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

Oxnard Adult Bereavement Support Group: on Mondays, February 5, 12, and 26th, and Tuesday, February 20th, from 3:00-4:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Dr., Oxnard. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected]. If you have any schedule questions, please check the website calendar (http://lmvna.org/calendar/index.html) or call us.

Ventura Adult Bereavement Support Group: Wednesdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28 from 6:30-8:00 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

Newly Bereaved Support Group in Ventura: Thursday, February 8th from 6-7:30 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109. This monthly group is designed for adults who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one and is free. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected]. These groups meet every 2nd Thursday of each month.

Diabetes Classes

Ventura: Tuesday, February 6th from 1-2:30pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, 1996 Eastman Ave, Suite 109. These meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month. General information is provided about Type 2 Diabetes including prediabetes, with emphasis on meal planning, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and new developments in diabetes.

Call 642-0239 for more information.

Joint Replacement Classes

Ventura: Monday, February 12th for both English and Spanish speaking. English 4:00-5:00 pm and Spanish 5:30-6:30 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association offices, in the Community Room at 1996 Eastman Avenue, Suite 109 in Ventura. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care.

For information or to RSVP call Dinah Davis at (805) 642-0239 ext. 739.

Share your heart on Valentine’s Day

by Patty Jenkins

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ “
Martin Luther King, Jr.

This Valentine’s Day, come and share what is in your heart and how you make it through your days living with Parkinson’s Disease; you just might end up helping someone more than you can imagine by sharing your own experiences battling this more-than-challenging disease! The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is having one of our Round Table Discussion meetings on Wednesday, February 14th from 1-3pm at the Lexington Assisted Living (5440 Ralston Street, Ventura).

We meet every second Wednesday of the month to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease, the latest research for a cure and better treatments, and also to hopefully learn helpful ways to deal with PD, support each other and maybe even make some new friends! We alternate throughout the year with round table meetings where we get to know each other and share our common challenges and unique coping solutions, along with a variety of speakers and presenters with helpful topics of interest including Movement Disorder Specialists, medical professionals and other professionals who educate us in many aspects about the resources available to help us organize and improve the quality of our lives that are suddenly confronted and changed by Parkinson’s Disease. We welcome all of our members, their care-partners and new friends who find themselves in this battle with Parkinson’s Disease along with us.

Please come and join the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group for this special Valentine’s Day Round Table Discussion. We will have some really great presenters coming up in this new year, but on this Valentine’s Day meeting, you are the “presenters”!

There is a drop-off/loading and unloading driveway in the front of the. Extra parking is graciously available across the street from the Lexington in the Baptist Church parking lot. Please check in at the front desk for directions to the 3rd floor and sign-in at the meeting. For more information please call me at 766-6070 We are an independent and volunteer-organized group not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group.

Vol. 11, No. 9 – Jan 31 – Feb 13, 2018 – The Pet Page

Canine Disaster Search Teams Handler Matt Kirk and Search Dog Stella share a quiet moment during their deployment to Montecito. Photo by Camila Lemere

• After the deadly mudslides devastated Montecito 18 Canine Disaster Search Teams trained by the local Search Dog foundation returned home, exhausted but confident they completed their mission.

These incredible Search Dogs and Handlers searched tirelessly despite immense challenges with debris, rock and mud

Brent Brainard, Handler of Search Dog Decker stated “This is what we train for. This is what we are meant to do. It’s never easy when you’re dealing with a disaster of this magnitude, but Decker and I are in this together. We work as a team to be sure we give it our all. I couldn’t ask for a better partner – I’m pretty sure I needed him during this deployment more than he needed me.”

•By Monica White

A very lucky kitty kat

For some miraculous reason, our home in Skyline was spared during the Thomas Fire. As we evacuated, we were able to load up our two XL dogs and one of our cats. Azul, the outdoor cat was nowhere to be found. The next day and every day thereafter, my husband would drive back up to the house to put out food and water in hopes of finding our 11-year old Ragdoll kitty.

On the 4th day after the fire, the affected neighborhoods had been closed off with no access allowed. Officer Matt Thompson of Ventura PD was kind enough to escort us up to look one more time as we piled in the back of his police car.

Words can’t explain how thrilled we were to find Azul waiting for us in the backyard! With singed whiskers and blistered paws we immediately took him to Dr. Marianne at Ventura Veterinary Hospital. After two weeks of being loving tended and spoiled, Azul is now home, but not in the least bit interested in going outside. Thank you to Officer Thompson, Dr. Marianne and all the staff at Ventura Veterinary Hospital for making our family complete. You are our version of #VenturaStrong.

• by Victoria Usher

You have probably seen this classic of dog behavior: they tilt their head to one side while you’re talking to them. It’s such a universal behavior in dogs that you’d think science would have figured out the main cause for it a long time ago. Unfortunately, they still haven’t, there are quite a few possible causes for dogs tilting their head. In a study carried out by Stanley Coren, who has a doctorate in psychology from Stanford University, it is explained that dog’s muzzles block part of their vision and they tilt their heads to one side, so they can see our whole face. Another possible cause is that dogs tilt their heads when we’re talking in order to reposition their ears, this not only allows them to hear us better but to more precisely locate where the sound is coming from. Two-way communication is another possible cause for the head tilt, in his “Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training,” dog behavior consultant and trainer Steven R. Lindsay calls it the social head tilt and describes it as something that occurs “in situations involving anticipatory excitement and intensified interest in the significance of the owner’s vocalizations.” A final possible cause for the head tilt is that we may have inadvertently trained them to tilt their heads by responding positively to it while they were young puppies. After all, while the dog’s head tilt is a natural reaction, so is the human tendency to give affection to cute things and there’s nothing cuter than a dog looking at you with a titled head.

New Mexico legislators are proposing a special tax on pet food to raise money for spay and neutering fees for dogs and cats, a measure aimed at reducing the population of unwanted animals in the state. This specific bill, which is sponsored by Reps. Carl Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, and Debbie Rodella, D-Española, would impose an increase on commercial pet food registration fees from $2 per label to $100 per label of pet food each year.

“This is either going to increase the price of dog and cat food or manufacturers are going to want to stop supplying these foods to New Mexico,” said Laura Moore, owner of The Critters and Me pet store. Robert Likins, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Virginia-based nonprofit Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, said that the bill “is a tax that may be in search of a justification” and will “disproportionately punish smaller businesses and less wealthy pet owners that are less able to absorb the cost.” If the new bill becomes law, the state’s Animal Sheltering Subcommittee would oversee the program and create guidelines for nonprofit groups, animal shelters, veterinarians, and euthanasia agencies to help needy New Mexicans who cannot afford the cost of spaying and neutering their pets. Murad Kirdar, spokesman for the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, said the shelter supports “all avenues to help the community get the proper access and care for pets, especially when it comes to spay and neutering services.” The new bill has a five-year sunset clause designed to give state leaders time to see if the bill is successful. Several other states, including Maine and Maryland, have passed similar legislation to raise funds for spay and neutering services.

You are never too old to exercise

“ Are you sure lifting glasses is exercising?”
by National Institute of Health We’ve all heard that exercise is good for you. Did you know that it’s as true for older people as it is for any age group? You’re never too old to get moving, get stronger, and improve your health, especially with options like functional training which helps improve your strength, stability and mobility within your life. If this is the first time you’re hearing this, doing some research into companies like TRX Training could at least help you get a better understanding of what this involves. Seeing as your health should be your top priority, it makes sense to find ways of improving it.

Fitting exercise and physical activity into your day can enhance your life in so many ways. Regular physical activity can improve your balance and boost or maintain your strength and fitness. If you think that you are too old and don’t have the energy to do exercise then there are steps you can take to improve your energy levels, like taking a glucuronolactone supplement. It may also improve your mood and help you manage or lessen the impact of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. Despite these proven benefits, exercise and physical activity rates among older people are surprisingly low. Only about 30% of people ages 45 to 64 say they engage in regular leisure-time physical activity. This falls to 15% of those between the ages of 65 and 74 and 5% of people age 85 and older. Experts recommend four types of exercise for older adults: endurance, balance, strength, and flexibility. Brisk walking, dancing, and other endurance exercises improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. These exercises can make it easier for you to mow the lawn, climb stairs, and do other daily activities. Strength exercises include lifting weights or using resistance bands. They can increase muscle strength to help with activities such as carrying groceries or lifting grandchildren. Balance exercises can help prevent falls—a major health risk for older adults. Stretching, or flexibility exercises, can give you more freedom of movement for bending to tie your shoes or looking over your shoulder as you back out of the driveway. “Even if you haven’t been active previously, it’s important to get started and stay active,” says Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of NIH’s National Institute on Aging. “We know that people want to live independently for as long as they possibly can. By exercising regularly and including more physical activity in their daily routine, older people can preserve their physical function, which is key to doing the everyday things they want to do.” To help you get started and keep moving, NIH brought together some of the nation’s leading experts on aging, exercise, and motivation. They developed a guide to exercise for older adults. The guide serves as the basis for a national exercise and physical activity campaign for people ages 50 and older. It’s called Go4Life. “Older adults can exercise safely, even those who have physical limitations,” Hodes says. “Go4Life is based on studies showing the benefits of exercise and physical activity for older people, including those with chronic health conditions.” Go4Life exercises are designed to be done safely at home without special equipment or clothing. The free book Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging is the core resource for the campaign. Other free materials, such as tip sheets, are also available. Workout to Go, a mini exercise guide, shows you how you can be active anytime, anywhere. To learn more, visit the Go4Life website at go4life.nia.nih.gov. You’ll find exercises, success stories, and tips to help you stay motivated. Or call 1-800-222-2225, or e-mail [email protected] (link sends e-mail).

Vol. 11, No. 9 – Jan 31 – Feb 13, 2018 – Forever Homes Wanted

Sofia is a 54 pound, gray shadow who loves being close to people. She is calm, leash-trained and totally shameless for treats. Will sit for food.

Sofia was recently in a short term foster. Here is what foster mom had to say about her.

“Sofia was such a joy to have. Very mellow and laid-back, very affectionate we took her on a walk everyday which she enjoyed, loved being around people and was great with kids.” Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation DriveSofia A570065

 

Hi: I’m Anakin a 6 year old Labrador mix who is in need of a new home as I started not getting along with my litter mates. I have a great personality – active, affectionate playful and outgoing. I know basic commands and I’m good on leash. I’m house and crate trained, know how to use a doggie door and will let you know if I have to go outside. I’m good with older children, but have never been around younger ones. I just want to loved. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

City’s ambitious rebuilding plan

by Burris DeBenning

Boldly proposed at the City Council meeting of January 22, the Community Development Department presented a plan to rebuild Ventura’s burned communities and get residents back into new homes as quickly as possible. “The consensus here is that we want a fast, inexpensive and efficient means for people to rebuild,” said Mayor Neal Andrews.

Community Development Director Jeffrey Lambert had his game on with a crisp explanation of the specific steps his staff intend to take to push plans through a faster approval process. Displaced homeowners can expect a 14-day plan check review, instead of the usual six to eight weeks wait, for rebuilt single-family homes. “Our staff has met with homeowners and we know the stresses they’re under, so we want to help them as quickly and painlessly as possible,” said Lambert.

City Hall Room 117, which currently has plan check and permit desks staffed during normal operations, will expand with the additional staff and consultants dedicated solely to displaced homeowners. The new Thomas Fire Rebuild Permit Office, according Chief Building Official Yolanda Bundy, will provide personalized attention and prompt customer service to bypass the standard procedures that can take months or even years.

Regenerating a sense of community was another theme addressed by staff. “Some homes lost were tracts from the 60s and 70s,” Lambert told Council, “and we want to help people get back what they had but also conform to the latest building codes, build homes that represent the character of Ventura and include more sustainable materials.” Still, staff urged flexibility with this. Homes with add-ons or features that may have been inconsistent with today’s zoning ordinances will be approved as well. Of course, up to a point. Basically, homeowners can request the original footprint, plus an additional 10%. Beyond that, residents would have to go back to the regular, lengthier review gauntlet, unless, as Planning Manager Dave Ward stated, council sought to increase this percentage through a code change.

That was a sticking point with several council members who sought an expedited process for all displaced homeowners, regardless of the size of the new addition. Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann emphatically wanted the process equalized, and asked staff, “how will people even know they are being expedited?” She also said she’s hearing that “people want to build bigger and better than what they had.” Mr. Lambert and staff emphasized the 14-day review and said they’ll prioritize all displaced homeowners but return to Council if lots of permit applications are for additions more than the 10%.

Deputy Mayor Matt LaVere asked: “What if there’s no more homeowner’s insurance left to cover the 10%, or other fees.” Mr. Lambert said that his staff could track these instances so that a solution can be found, and Interim City Manager Dan Paranick added that “the City’s General Fund may have to be tapped to cover fees and such not paid by insurance.” Staff returned to the subject of community, pointing out that neighbors must live with each other, and someone who wants to put a 15% addition on their property could infringe on the folks next door. Finally, yellow tagged homeowners with partial damage will not have their debris removed by CalRecycle, the State program sent to clean up the totally destroyed properties and must pay these expenses out of pocket. Stop by Room 117 in City Hall to have your questions answered.