Clearwater at Riverpark invites local community to honor Active Aging Week with Wellness Festival

Clearwater at Riverpark is hosting a community event on Saturday, September 29th from 11 to 3 pm to advocate for Active Aging Week. Festivities will embody Clearwater at Riverpark’s Empowered Living philosophy that encourages residents to pursue their passions through a wellness lifestyle.

Active Aging Week influences millions of people every year during the last week of September to spread awareness for the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA). Highlighting the benefits of active living in adults over 50 years old; this weeklong campaign puts a spotlight on all areas of life —physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. Individuals worldwide participate in various ways to experience wellness activities for older adults while creating a supportive environment.

“The Wellness Festival is intended to inspire our residents and the greater community.” said Britt Martin, lifestyle director of Clearwater at Riverpark. “I’m excited about Active Aging Week. There are many ways to live a healthy, vibrant lifestyle and offering a community wellness festival where the older active adults can explore on their own, puts the power in their hands to choose what is best for them.”
The event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Guests will appreciate the beneficial and healthful choices at Clearwater at Riverpark’s Wellness Festival, such as:

• A mindful market of local, homemade, and wellness focused product
• Community vendors
• Dogs to adopt from C.A.R.L. organization
• Healthy food trucks
• Wellness speakers
• Giveaways

In addition, throughout the week residents of Clearwater at Riverpark can engage in on-site activities aligned with Active Aging Week by dedicating each day to a dimension of wellness from their Empowered Living program. The exclusive schedule offers a beach clean-up, meditation journey nutritional class, tai chi session and more.

Space is limited. To reserve your space or learn more, please call 805.366.3446 or email [email protected] Clearwater at Riverpark is located at 750 Clyde River Place in Oxnard.

Clearwater Living® is committed to providing the most superior customer service and living experiences that celebrates individual relevance, from our residents and their families to our family of associates.  Clearwater is growing through strategic acquisitions, development and operational management of senior living communities throughout the western United States. Every Clearwater Living community includes cutting-edge technologies and care practices that improve the daily lives of residents. To learn more about Clearwater Living, visit ClearwaterLiving.com.

Also Baby’s Badass Burgers Food truck will be there on September 14th and October 12th from 11:30am-2:30pm.

Physical activity is a great way for older adults to gain substantial health benefits and maintain independence. To make physical activity a routine habit, choose activities and exercises that are fun, motivate you, and keep you interested.

Keep It Going

If you can stick with an exercise routine or physical activity for at least 6 months, it’s a good sign that you’re on your way to making physical activity a regular habit. Choose activities:

• You enjoy and believe you’ll benefit from
• You can fit into your schedule
• You can do safely and correctly
• That are affordable
• That includes friends or family
• Keep It Positive
• Set realistic goals, regularly check your progress, and celebrate your accomplishments. These will help keep you on track.
• Keep Your Eye on the Prize
• Focus on the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity:
• Greater ease doing daily tasks
• More energy to do the things you enjoy most
• Improved health
• Better outlook on life
• Find Activities You Enjoy

Some people like to walk on a treadmill at the gym. Others find that kind of activity boring. The key to sticking with exercise is to make it interesting and enjoyable.

Be creative. Do things you enjoy but pick up the pace. Do all four types of exercise—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. The variety helps keep things interesting!

Try some new activities to keep your interest alive. Let these suggestions inspire you to choose physical activities that match your interests!

• Love music?
• Take dancing lessons.
• Sign up for an aerobics or dance class.
• Walk briskly or jog and listen to your favorite tunes.
• Enjoy the outdoors?
• Play catch with your grandchildren or fetch with your dog.
• Go hiking or rock climbing.
• Grab a paddle and go canoeing.
• Like being with others?
• Join a soccer or basketball league.
• Make friends in an exercise class.
• Organize a walking group with friends or coworkers.
• Want to be on your own?
• Swim laps.
• Spend an hour at the driving range.
• Bike around your neighborhood.
• Use an exercise video at home.
• Feel the need to multitask?
• Lift weights while you watch TV.
• Do balance exercises while waiting in line.
• Walk on a treadmill while you listen to an audio book.

Keep Track of Your Progress

The best way to stay motivated is to measure and celebrate your successes. You can find easy-to-use progress forms on the Go4Life website. Use these forms to:

• Set and revisit your goals
• Make an exercise and physical activity plan that works for you
• Track your daily physical activity
• Find new ways to increase your physical activity
• Update your exercise plan as you progress

by Rick Beavin, California Market President, Humana

Health benefits can be confusing to navigate, particularly as you become eligible for additional support services. While most Americans 65 and older—or those who qualify due to disability—are eligible for Medicare, some may also be eligible for MediCal, California’s Medicaid program, based primarily on financial need. Individuals who fit into both categories are known as dual eligible, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

How do I know if I’m dual eligible?

While dual eligibility does not apply to every Medicare beneficiary, 10.8 million people nationwide are fully or partially dual eligible. It’s important to note that eligibility for Medicare and Medi-Cal are determined separately.

When it comes to Medicare, according to CMS, of the more than 5.6 million Medicare beneficiaries in California, 87 percent are eligible due to age (65 and older), while the remaining 13 percent are eligible due to disability.

When it comes to Medicaid, the income qualifications for Medi-Cal assistance vary, so visit Medicaid.gov or contact your local Medi-Cal office at 1-800-541-5555 to see if you might be eligible.

Why would a Medicare Advantage plan be a good option if I am dual eligible?

If you are dual eligible, signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan can make receiving care more accessible than having traditional Medicare, alone. And, if you are dual eligible, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan once per calendar quarter between January and September, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7). Many areas offer Medicare Advantage plans with a $0 premium.

Here’s how having a Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare can help dual eligible individuals make the most of their benefits:

Access to dedicated doctor/provider network.

Having a Medicare Advantage Plan means the Medicare Advantage plan becomes your primary health plan for receiving care. These plans typically provide you with a network of doctors and health care providers. Doctors and health care providers know that working with Medicare Advantage plans means their patients will have care coordination and other benefits available through the plan.

It’s important to note that Medicare and Medi-Cal are two entirely different programs that operate under different guidelines; they were not designed to work together. Because of this, your doctor and health care providers may need to coordinate payment for services with both your Medicare Advantage plan and Medi-Cal.

The availability of additional benefits.

Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits as part of the plan such as dental, vision, and an over-the-counter drug allowance. Many times you will also have access to a fitness benefit that offers free gym membership and access to fitness classes. At the same time, these plans may have simplistic benefit designs that may minimize costs. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 copay for doctor visits and $0 or low copays for specialist visits.

Care coordination.

A Medicare Advantage plan can offer coordination of your care. This may be especially important if you have one or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes or congestive heart failure. As an example, plans may offer skilled care managers who can help you get the care or services you need at the right time and place. This can include services such as helping you understand and follow your physician’s recommended treatment plan, managing transitions between hospital visits and home, connecting you to resources for food, and helping you get access to necessary prescription drugs and medical equipment.

Receiving the care you deserve as a dual eligible individual may be challenging. Signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan is one way to potentially help you get the care coordination and additional benefits you need, all in one plan.

by National Institute on Aging

When caring for an aging friend or relative from afar, it can be hard to know when your help is needed. Sometimes, your relative will ask for help. Or, the sudden start of a severe illness will make it clear that assistance is needed. But, when you live far away, some detective work might be necessary to uncover possible signs that support or help is needed.

A phone call is not always the best way to tell whether or not an older person needs help handling daily activities. The person may not want to worry you or may be embarrassed to admit that he or she cannot handle certain daily activities.

With the person’s permission, you could contact people who see the person regularly—neighbors, friends, doctors, or local relatives, for example—and ask them to call you with any concerns. You might also ask if you can check in with them periodically. When you visit, look around for possible trouble areas—it’s easier to disguise problems during a short phone call than during a longer visit. Make a list of trouble spots you want to check on—then, if you can’t fix everything during your visit, see if you can arrange for someone else to finish up.

In addition to safety issues and the overall condition of the home, try to determine the older person’s mood and general health status. Sometimes people confuse depression in older people with normal aging. A depressed older person might brighten up for a phone call or short visit, but it’s harder to hide serious mood problems during an extended visit.

Read more about long-distance caregiving.

For More Information About Aging and Eldercare

Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116 (toll-free)
https://eldercare.acl.gov

National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information
1-202-619-0724
[email protected]
https://longtermcare.acl.gov/

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community. As part of their services, they host free monthly education classes throughout the county, which include the following:

Diabetes Class

Ventura: Tuesday, September 4th, 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 Class

Ventura: Monday, September 10th 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.

Social Services/Bereavement Groups

Ojai Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, September 3rd and 17th (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, September 11th and 25th (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, September 3, 10, 17 and 24 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, September 5, 12, 19 and 26 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, September 13th 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.

by Patty Jenkins

Those with Parkinson’s Disease and those who live with someone who has Parkinson’s Disease know that it is not “one size fits all”. The medication that works for Allen may not work the same for Robert or Rudy. Allen might have a regular exercise routine that works well for him but it may not work for Bonnie or Bill. The good news is that our Movement Disorder Specialists can help determine what medications work best for us as we travel this road of ever changing symptoms of Parkinson’s. And just as important as medications, research has proven that exercise can increase the benefits of medications AND slow the progression of this disease. So finding the best exercise routine for us is equally important as finding the right medications! Now more than ever before we are seeing Parkinson’s Disease focused physical exercise programs that give us lots of choices. Non-contact boxing is one of the cutting edge exercise programs that is proving to be one of the most effective programs for slowing PD progression and actually improving motor and other neurological symptoms.

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is pleased to welcome Jennifer Parkinson, owner and  Co-Founder of the non-profit organization, NeuroBoxing as our special guest on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at The Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston St, Ventura.

NeuroBoxing is dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. They use a complete wellness centered approach to help those living with Parkinson’s stand a fighting chance. Through non-contact boxing, health & fitness coaching, education & support they can help people with PD and other neurological challenges fight back and live the best life possible! Come find out what makes them special on September 12th!

Jennifer Parkinson is co-founder of NeuroBoxing, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding Parkinson’s patients and their families in fighting back against Parkinson’s Disease (PD) through non-contact boxing and other wellness therapies. Jennifer is a registered nurse of 16 years, a Michael J Fox foundation panelist, advocate for the Parkinson Disease Foundation’s Women in Parkinson’s Initiative, boxing coach, and loving mother of two. In 2005, Jennifer was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease. She was 32 years old, a working registered nurse, and had just given birth to her second child. Jennifer refused to see her debilitative diagnosis as fixed and actively researched treatments that would lead her to non-contact, therapeutic boxing. In 2009, Jennifer took her first shot at boxing and in 2013, she connected with Rock Steady Boxing and became a certified Rock Steady Boxing Coach. From 2014 thru early 2016 Jennifer coached at Title Boxing in Newbury Park. She and Josh Ripley went on in to found NeuroBoxing of Agoura Fitness in September 2016. They are actively training new coaches in several locations to help spread NeuroBoxing’s programs throughout Southern California.

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group welcomes the public, our members and their care-partners, and new friends who find themselves navigating the challenges of ageing, Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. Please join us Wednesday, September 12th from 1PM to 3PM at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street in Ventura. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group, not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group. For more information, call Patty at 805-766-6070.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lexington Assisted Living, our meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month from 1 to 3PM. There is a drop-off/loading and unloading driveway in the front of the Lexington Assisted entrance. Extra parking is graciously available across the street in the Baptist Church parking lot. Reservations are not required. Attendees are invited to check in at the front desk for directions to the 3rd floor and sign-in at the meeting so we can keep in touch with you if you would like us to do so.

by Jayson Cohen American Legacy Solutions

In retirement it’s not always about the money you have, it’s about how much you are spending. As you prepare or revise your retirement plan, one of the most important steps that you can take is to ensure that your projected future budget is accurate. Any oversights or poor estimations can unfortunately lead to financial shortage in retirement. However, the flip side of this is that overestimating expenses may lead to unnecessary financial anxiety. It could cause you to scale back your lifestyle so dramatically now that you cannot maintain a comfortable lifestyle. In some cases, it could cause you to work for several additional years than you actually need to.

When you read retirement planning books and articles, you will commonly see advice that tells you estimate future financial needs at 80 percent of your current monthly expenses. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that actual retirees spend approximately 25 percent less than they did in their working years. This five percent difference may not sound like much, but it can result in a significant reduction in the amount of money that you need to save for retirement. These are some of the major expenses that may decrease after you retire.

Transportation Expense

Your current transportation expense may include two-car loan payments, auto insurance on two vehicles, and gas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that fuel expenses may decrease by more than 30 percent annually after you retire. In addition, many married couples are able to downsize from a two-car household to a one-car household, leaving only one Auto Finance Online repayment. This eliminates a substantial amount of money on car loan payments and auto insurance premiums. You can save money on your auto insurance premium by getting your insurance through a company that does both home and auto insurance premiums, georgiasfinestins.com offers these types of policies and can help you save money now.

Food

Working adults may go out to eat more frequently than retired adults. For example, it may be convenient to drop by a fast food restaurant on your lunch break at work or to pick up a pre-made meal on your way home in the evening. When you are retired, you may have more time to make thoughtful grocery store purchases and to prepare affordable meals at home. In fact, you may expect to spend up to 25 percent less on food after you retire.

Housing

The primary housing expenses for older adults are a mortgage payment, property taxes and home insurance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that almost 62 percent of retirees have paid off their mortgage, and this number increases as seniors continue to get older. While property taxes and home insurance premiums remain, the elimination of a mortgage payment can result in significant savings in your budget. Some might even decide they need support from a retirement home.

Insurance

Insurance costs fluctuate in retirement. After all, as you get older, you may pay more on medications and related expenses regardless of the insurance plan that you have. However, you may qualify for auto and home insurance discounts. You also may no longer have the financial need to maintain life insurance, and you may be able to eliminate this premium from your budget. Do you need house insurance for your property? To check out some of the best home insurance deals that could save you money take a look at the link.

Entertainment

As you prepare for retirement, you may believe that your entertainment expense would increase dramatically because you seemingly will have more time to spend golfing or watching movies at the theater. However, as you get older, your energy level for participating in these types of activities can decline, and you may feel more content to simply spend time at home or in the company of family and good friends. You may expect to spend a decreasing amount of money on entertainment as you continue to advance in age.

As you can see, you could actually spend considerably less in retirement in many areas than you currently do. This information can help you to create a more realistic budget based on your projected lifestyle. Remember to review your retirement budget periodically going forward so that it remains as realistic as possible. Yes, we are here to help create your budget and plan with you.

by Shannon Holsey

Within the Native American community there is an abiding tradition of respect for the importance of family and the honoring of elders. The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians recently opened its new 7,200-square-foot, $1.7 million Elder Center and dedicated it as the “Eunice Stick Gathering Place.”

Eunice, an enrolled tribal member, was born August 31, 1919 and passed away in July 2016 at the age of 96, just short of her 97th birthday. Community, education, and cooking were her passion. She completed her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1989 at the age of 70.

The new center offers more than 300 tribal and community elders and with vital services, including home-delivered meals, transportation and recreational activities, chore assistance, and most importantly a place to gather and socially connect, which will only be enhanced more through this new facility that serves as an asset to the whole community.

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians are a federally recognized Native American tribe located in Bowler, Wisconsin and is the largest employer in Shawano County, with just under 1,500 tribal members, a third of the tribal members being 55 and older.  The tribe’s goal is to continue to grow the elderly programs and services, expand the outreach, and participate in community development activities that are mindful of key intentions that:

Promote wellness in the community

Embrace an inclusive environment for all

Foster and continue to build upon the Native American culture and traditions

Tell and preserve our citizens and past ancestral stories

We have lived upon this land from days beyond history’s records, far past any living memory, deep into the time of legend. The story of my people and the story of this place is one single story. We are always joined together. —Pueblo elder

Building a new home for the elderly center has been a goal of our tribal community for many years. Our nation will succeed or fail to the degree that all our citizens and business alike are active participants in building strong, sustainable and enriching communities. Our Eunice Stick Gathering Place is a testament to that commitment. It came with much planning, saving, vision, and patience

Mesothelioma is rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, a mineral that was used extensively in practically anything for its heat-resistant properties. After the dangers of asbestos were known, its use has been strictly regulated. Unfortunately, plenty of damage has already done and mesothelioma has a latency period of 20-50 years, making seniors the primary demographic diagnosed.

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Doctors use several methods to test for mesothelioma, however, a biopsy is the only true way to confirm a diagnosis. This usually comes after a series of other tests and scans once symptoms arise. Since mesothelioma is a rare disease it is not uncommon for it to be misdiagnosed as the flu or pneumonia.

Anyone who believes to be or knows they were exposed to asbestos at some point in time, should immediately notify their primary care doctor about their exposure history. After seeking medical assistance, you may want to get in touch with a company similar to Prodan Construction to get your property tested for asbestos before it causes anymore of an issue. It is always best to be safe than sorry.

Speaking to a doctor will ensure mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are not ruled out as the cause of the symptoms. If you believe that your home or place work requires an asbestos check, it may be worth checking out somebody like EDP asbestos consultants as they may be able to help you carry out an asbestos survey.

Imaging Scans

Most people initially undergo a basic chest X-ray. If an abnormal growth is detected, doctors will recommend a more detailed imaging scan such as a PET scan, CT scan or MRI.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are also available, but they do not confirm the presence of mesothelioma. Research is underway to determine if blood tests can aid in early diagnosis for at-risk former asbestos workers.

Biopsies

If cancer is suspected, doctors will recommend taking a biopsy or a sample of tissue. Biopsies can confirm mesothelioma cancer cells.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

The leading treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Many specialists prefer to combine two or more of these treatments, which is an approach known as multimodal therapy. Numerous studies show this approach improves survival rates.

o Surgery

Surgery can be used for diagnostic or aggressive and potentially curative purposes. It offers the best chance of long-term survival for pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients eligible for surgery.

o Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and extend survival, but it can carry unpleasant side effects.

o Radiation

With fewer side effects than chemotherapy, radiation can help shrink tumors and relieve pain. It can be performed at all stages.

o Multimodal Treatment

A combination of two or more traditional treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Studies show multimodal therapy can improve survival.

o HIPEC

Heated or Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a multimodal treatment that involves heating chemotherapy drugs and delivering them to the abdomen after surgery.

For more information visit The Mesothelioma Center. They are a 100% free resource center for those suffering from mesothelioma and their families. They have the most up-to-date information on asbestos and mesothelioma as well as offer 1-1 consultation with their Patient Advocates who will help find local treatment centers, doctors, and support groups.

Chaplain Harold Christmann presented his newly published book of devotionals at a book signing event held at the Ventura Townehouse Active Senior Living Community located at 4900 Telegraph.

Chaplain Christmann is a retired Navy Chaplain . The book, Moments of Divine Intimacy has been released by Christian Faith Publishing and is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble on line for $12.95.

The book is written as a 31 day devotional. Each day of the month, Christmann describes a special moment when God touched his life through a new insight of truth or a demonstration of God’s supernatural power of healing.

Chaplain Christmann has suggested that these experiences will be helpful to those seeking a more intimate relationship with God or who are looking for some tangible evidence of God’s reality.

The theme of the book is that everything God has done through Jesus Christ, death and resurrection has one purpose, to make intimacy with God possible.

Chaplain Christmann has a Bachelor of Arts degree and two Masters degrees. He has been certified as a clinical prison, hospital and hospice chaplain. Chaplain Christmann retired with the rank of Commander in the Navy Reserve and is a Vietnam Veteran.

Chaplain Christmann is available for speaking engagements. He can be contacted by email gg.godsgift10 @gmail.com.