BullthistleBullthistleBulletinBulletinNorwich • New York • 13815

A Publication Of The Chenango CountyArea Agency On Aging

Vol. 6, No. 2 • March & April 2005VOL. 14, NO. 1 JAN.-FEB. 2013

When is food a whole grain?And why are wholegrains so important?

BY GRACE FULLER RD

Most consumers struggle with this question every time they goout to buy groceries. Through years of hearing about thehealth benefits of eating whole grains, the global sales of

whole grain products have sky-rocketed. In fact, many beverage and foodcompanies have adopted whole grains as their primary strategy for re-energiz-ing their brands and their products. The focus is to provide whole grain prod-ucts that offer long-term health benefits as well as help consumers transitiontoward a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Based on the Mintel Global New Products Database, launches of newwhole grain products in 2011 totaled 20 times those in 2000, a positive direc-tion, in deed! In the United States, which happens to be the largest regionalmarket for whole grain products, the most significant growth has been amongthe “Millennials”, people between the ages of 18 to 34. Even so, as a nation,we have a long way to go because whole grains only account for about 11% ofour nation’s total grain consumption as noted in 2009.

While food companies have been very busy getting on board addingwhole grains and/or replacing grains with whole grains, there has been muchconfusion among consumers in interpreting the product labels to confidentlyjudge whether their products really are whole grain or whether their productsare in fact as nutritious as the labels claim. Here are some examples of con-fusing and vague statements: More whole grains than any other ingredients!; With whole grains first ingredient! Does a product with either of the abovedescriptions, such as found in cereals, mean that it is a significant contributorof whole grain? No, not always! Often times the second ingredient that fol-lows is a refined grain. “Made with” whole grain merely means “includes”whole grains and some of these products can also be “made with” processedgrains. For those of you who are just starting to eat whole grains, a partialwhole grain product is not a bad idea during the transition to help you get usedto the nuttier, fuller taste of whole grains. Of course, those products madewith 100% whole grain will offer the most health benefits.

Why are whole grains so important? Whole grains may help reducethat belly fat that is linked to heart disease and diabetes, while refined grainslike white bread and pasta can cancel out those health benefits. It has beenobserved that people who routinely eat 3 or more servings of whole grainseach day have improved health outcomes, such as, reduced cardiovascular dis-ease, obesity, diabetes risk and some cancers. Many of us recall the first timewhen bread could be purchased at the grocery store. The bread was revolution-ary because it came factory sliced and was deliciously light and mild in flavor.The flour used to create this wonder bread had been processed (refined) toproduce these results. Unfortunately, this process removed both fiber andnutrients concentrated in the original whole grain. Little did we know that thiswas the beginning of our trend towards a very refined, low fiber, processedway of eating that has not helped our overall weight and health status.

How can we be certain we are buying the “good-for-you” wholegrains? First, it helps to understand what makes a grain “whole”. In orderfor a grain to be called “whole”, it has to contain all 3 parts of the naturalgrain seed- the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. In most refined grainproducts, such as white flour, the only part used is the endosperm, while thebran and the germ have been processed out. The Whole Grains Council hascreated two very useful stamps to certify that the product is whole grain:

The Basic Stamp identifies products made with a mix of whole and refinedgrains. Each serving of this product offers you 8g or more of whole grains.(Joanne: Put the Basic Stamp here)

The 100% Logo identifies products that are 100% whole grain in content.Each serving of this product offers you 16g or more of whole grains.

It is wise to keep track of how much whole grain you eat daily. Nutrition expertssuggest 48g as our target for each day. Unfortunately, at this time, there is no regu-lation enforcing the use of either of these stamps on packaging. If you cannot findeither of these stamps on a label, look for the phrase 100% whole grain. Often the

product will state the specific type of grain(s), such as, 100% whole wheat.

Refer to the Ingredients List for more information.

Ingredients that indicate whole grains include: Whole grain( such as- wheat, rye, oats)Whole wheat; whole rye; whole oatsStone-ground whole( such as-wheat, rye, oats)Brown rice; oats; oatmeal; wheat berries

Some ingredients fall into the maybe category:Wheat; wheat flour Semolina; durum wheatOrganic flourStone-groundMultigrain may describe several whole grains or several refined grains, or amix of both. Without the word “whole”, one can assume that there is a certainamount, if not all, of the grain is refined. What is important to remember isthat if some parts of the grain are missing (processed out), the grain may bemissing the health benefits of the whole grains.

Other terms that tell us the grain is not whole grain:Enriched flourDe-germinated (on cornmeal)BranWheat germ

Note that both bran and wheat germ are valuable components of the whole grainas they offer fiber and health benefits. They are listed here only because they arenot appearing as part of a trio( bran, germ, endosperm) that defines a whole grain.

The most recent recommendations are to eat three servings of whole grains eachday, approximately 48g in total. It is not only important to eat three servings but toreplace the servings of refined (processed) grains currently eaten daily with wholegrains instead. Half of all the grains each day should come from whole grains.

What AreWhole Grains?Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential partsand naturally occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. If the grainhas been processed (e.g., cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/orcooked), the food product should deliver approximately the same richbalance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed.

The Whole Grains Council lists these examples, when consumed in aform including the bran, germ and endosperm, of generally acceptedwhole grain foods and flours:AmaranthBarleyBuckwheatCorn, including whole cornmeal and popcornMilletOats, including oatmealQuinoaRice, both brown rice and colored riceRyeSorghum (also called milo)TeffTriticaleWheat, including varieties such as spelt, emmer, farro, einkorn,Kamut, durum and forms such as bulgur, cracked wheat and wheat-berriesWild rice

(BPT) - Nearly 66 mil-lion people, or 29 per-cent of the U.S. adultpopulation, are provid-ing care to someone whois ill, disabled or aged,according to theNational Center forCaregiving. And,according to AARP, 61percent of family care-givers who are 50-plusalso work either full-time or part-time. Howcan busy caregivers gainpeace of mind that theirfamily member is happyand safe while they'reworking? There are easyhome updates to helpimprove the safety andsecurity of their livingspace.

Preparing a safe andhappy homeenvironment

Once you have deter-mined the best place foryour loved one to reside- whether they live inde-pendently, in an assistedliving facility or in your

home - you'll need tocreate a safe environ-ment. You may enlist theassistance of a CertifiedA g i n g - I n - P l a c eSpecialist (CAPS) tomake residential updatesor, follow these simpletips to help make yourfamily member's home asafe place for a lifetime.

BathroomsSince most slips and

falls occur in the bath-room - often while get-ting in and out of the tubor shower - AARP sug-gests adding grab bars,using non-skid mats onthe tub or shower floorsand installing a handheldshowerhead for easierbathing. These simpleadjustments can helpavoid injury.

Moen Home Careproducts, such as theDesigner Grab Bars withAccessories, combinethe safety benefits of agrab bar with commonbath essentials, includ-

ing a towel bar, paperholder, straight shelf anda corner shelf, makingeach item functional andfashionable. Plus, eachproduct is available inpopular finishes, includ-ing chrome, brushednickel and old worldbronze, to coordinatewith the rest of yourbath.

Next, add protectionin the shower with ashower chair or bench.Moen Home Care offersa variety of free-stand-ing, ADA-compliantseating options that pro-vide an extra level ofsafety and comfort. Or,for a more stylishupgrade to the tradition-al, neutral white finish,you may consider aFold-Down ShowerSeat. This design fromMoen Home Careinstalls directly into thewall studs and foldsdown for a comfortableand secure shower seat -yet folds up for a thin,

compact profile whennot in use. Plus, the teakwood and stylish metaltrim will accentuate thelook of even the mostupscale shower.

"We know caregivershave enough to worryabout," says LaurieBirko, brand managerfor Moen Home Care."Our products help makeevery bath a safe bath fortheir loved ones - whilestill maintaining a styl-ish look."

For the final steps ofthe shower makeover,swap the fixed shower-head with a handheldversion to allow forbathing in a seated posi-tion, and add suctionaccessories to hold theshowerhead and othernecessities at a lowerspot for easy access.

Hallways and stairsResearchers have

found that by the time aperson is 60 years old,he or she needs up to 15times more light thanthey did at the age of 10- and that is especiallytrue in darker areas, suchas hallways and stairs.Replace all hallway fix-tures with higherwattage bulbs or brighterLED lights for addedillumination. Also, addnightlights for any mid-dle-of-the-night trips to

the bathroom.Do you have hand

rails at all stairs to helpavoid falls?- For shorterstaircases, such as thegarage entry, nine-inchhand grips are an idealsolution, as they're easyto install and are avail-able in a variety of fin-ishes to complement anyroom.

Floors and furnitureTo avoid tripping or

bumping hazards - andto provide adequateroom for walkers, canesor wheelchairs - movelarger furniture againstthe wall to create moreopen walkways through-out the home. Removeloose rugs, or use dou-ble-sided tape to ensurethey are securelyanchored. Finally, besure that any wires and

cords are out of the wayto prevent tripping andfalls.

BedroomsLike other rooms in

the home, ensure there isadequate lighting, noloose rugs or trippinghazards in the bedroom.-Other helpful additionsinclude adding rails tothe bed are helpful forgetting in and out. Also,to help keep everythingwithin arms' reach, cre-ate a bedside "commandcenter" equipped with atelephone, clock, lampand other necessities.Finally, place a com-mode near the bed if abathroom is not nearby.

For a variety of care-giver resources, visit theCaregiving ResourceCenter at www.aarp.org.

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN2 January-February 2013

Chenango County Area Agency

on the Aging Services

Call the agency at 337-1770 for information and assistance.

• Health Insurance Information, Counseling and AssistanceProgram (HIICAP)

• Bullthistle Bulletin Senior Newspaper• Caregiver/Respite Services• Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)• Food Stamp and Medicaid application assistance for the home-

bound• Health Education & Wellness Programs• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)• Home Delivered Meals• Housekeeper/Chore Worker• Income Tax Assistance (Schedule appointments with AARP dur-

ing season)• Legal Assistance• Long Term Care Ombudsman Program• Meals, games and other activities at all Senior Centers• Nutrition Counseling• Personal Care Services (EISEP)• Personal Emergency Response System (LIFELINE)• Real Property Tax Credit and Exemption Services (IT-214)• School Tax Relief (STAR)• Speakers on Aging Issues• Volunteer Opportunities• Weatherization/Energy Program (WRAP)

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Another vital service provided by our pharmacists is follow-ups with your medication. Our pharmacists can help you choose the most appropriate non-prescription drugs, their dosage and use. We also can assist you with the dosage and use of prescription drugs in partnership with your family doctor, for the best treatment possible.

Questions About Your Insurance?We Are Always Here To Help With Answers.

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Caregiver101: Creating a safe and

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THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN 3January-February 2013

Chenango County Area Agency on the Aging5 Court Street, Norwich NY 13815 (607) 337-1770

LAWRENCE WILCOXChairmanBoard of Supervisors

DEBRA SANDERSONDirector(607) 337-1770

BRIAN WESSELSCoordinatorServices for the Aging(607) 337-1770

HENRY J. DREXLER, ESQ.Director of Legal Services(607) 337-1770

TRUDY HARRIS-IRONSCoordinatorNutrition Services(607) 337-1770

GRACE FULLER, RDDietitian(607) 337-1770

OUTREACH STAFF

GARY BROOKINSColumbus, Earlville, New Berlin, Norwich

(Southwest of City), Sherburne

JANE MUSERILLILincklaen, Norwich (Northwest of City),

Otselic, Pharsalia, Pitcher, Plymouth, Smyrna

SANDRA LONGGerman, McDonough, Norwich (Southeast of

City), Oxford, Preston, Smithville

NICOLE ROSSAfton, Coventry, Greene, Town of Norwich

LINDA GUINNBainbridge, Guilford, North Norwich,

Norwich (Northeast of City)

SENIOR CENTER MANAGERS

BainbridgeROSEMARY THOMAS(607) 967-8960 (M-W-F)

CoventryPATRICIA DEMPSEY(607) 656-8602 (T-TH)

GreenePATRICIA DEMPSEY(607) 656-4789 (M-W-F)

McDonoughDONNA ROBB(607) 337-1770 (2 Evenings Per Month)

New BerlinGLADYS SLENTZ(607)847-7037 (T-TH)

NorwichJOHN DAVIS(607) 334-2910 (M-F)

SherburneEVA NEAL(607)674-4600 (M-W-F)

South OtselicBONNIE HILL(607) 337-1770 (2 Evenings Per Month)

The Bullthistle Bulletinis a bi-monthlypublication ofthe Chenango CountyArea Agency onAging funded byChenango Countygovernment and theNYS Office for Agingunder Title III of theFederal OlderAmericans Act.

Submitted PhotoHoly Family students sang Christmas songs to the Senior Citizens at the Westside Park Senior Center in Norwich just before Christmas.

HHaappppyy HHoo ll ii ddaayyss!!

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN4 January-February 2013

MENU January 2013

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAYTHURSDAY

27HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

26HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

20HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

19HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

13HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

12HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

6HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

5HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

1HAPPY NEW

YEAR!

HOME DELIVEREDMEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

18Roast Pork withGravyGarlic Red SkinnedMashed PotatoesCapri BlendVegetablesTossed SaladDinner RollWarmed BreadPuddingw/ Raisins andTopping (N)

17Chicken & BiscuitYukon GoldMashed PotatoesPeas and CarrotsCranPear SaladApple Crispw/Topping (N)

14Chili con CarneBrown RiceAsian BlendVegetablesCornbreadFresh Fruit

29Creamed ChippedBeefMashed PotatoesCalifornia BlendVegetablesMultigrain BreadChocolate Moussew/Topping (N)

28Cheese LasagnaRollupBrussels Sprouts Carrot CoinsItalian BreadFresh Fruit

30Chicken a l’OrangeBrown RiceOriental BlendVegetables100% Whole WheatBreadSliced Peaches

31Turkey TetrazziniWinter SquashBroccoli FloretsRye Bread(Seedless)Oatmeal RaisinCookie (N)

22Brd Fish Sandwichw/ Tartar SauceTater TotsThree-Bean SaladChicken VegetableSoupw/CrackersFresh Fruit

21Swiss SteakMashed PotatoesSpinachAssorted BreadsAssorted Desserts(N)

16Meatloaf w/GravyMashed PotatoesCalifornia BlendVegetablesOatmeal BreadButterscotchPudding (N)

15Macaroni & CheeseStewed TomatoesBroccoli FloretsRye Bread(Seedless)Brownie w/Topping(N)

9Pork BBQ on BunGarlic HerbPotatoesChateau BlendVegetablesMinestrone Soupw/CrackersBirthday Cake (N)

8Swedish MeatballsEgg NoodlesCalifornia BlendVegetables100% Whole WheatBreadBirthday Cake (N)Fresh Fruit(Norwich & HDMOnly)

7Chicken a’ la KingMashed PotatoesBroccoli FloretsButtermilk BiscuitSnowman Cookie(N)

11Ham/CheeseCroissantwichBaked BeansCabbage SaladFresh Fruit

10Shepard’s PieStewed TomatoesPeasMultigrain BreadMandarin OrangeSections

4Asparagus Cheese

Stuffed Fish

Wild Rice

San FranciscoBlend Vegetables

Multigrain Bread

Lemon Delight (N)

3Meat LasagnaSpinachTossed SaladWarm Garlic BreadPineapple Upside-DownCake w/Topping(N)

2Turkey Divan

Egg NoodlesCountry BlendVegetables100% Whole WheatBreadFresh Fruit

23Vegetable LasagnaStewed TomatoesBroccoli FloretsWarmed GarlicBreadChocolate ChipCookie (N)

Thursday, Jan. 3McDonough ONLYMeat LasagnaSpinachTossed SaladWarmed Garlic BreadPineapple Upside-DownCake w/ Topping (N)

Thursday,Jan. 17

McDonough ONLYChicken and BiscuitYukon Gold MashedPotatoesPeas and CarrotsCranPear SaladApple Crisp w/Topping (N)

Friday, Jan. 18

South Otselic ONLY Roast Pork with GravyGarlic Red Skinned MashedPotatoesCapri Blend VegetablesTossed SaladDinner RollWarm Bread Puddingw/Raisins and Topping (N)

24Ham & PotatoCasseroleBrussels SproutsPickled BeetsOatmeal BreadFruit Cocktail

25Salisbury Steakw/GravyMashed PotatoesChateau BlendVegetablesMultigrain BreadApricots Halves

EVENING DINING MENU

Suggested Contribution per MealHome Delivered $3.00Congregate (Lunch) $3.00Breakfast $2.00Congregate (Evening) $3.50Any contribution you wish to make isvoluntary and will be used to support theprogram. Anyone who does not contributewill not be denied a service. For yourconvenience, we will be providing self-addressed, postage-paid envelopes eachmonth for the home delivery programparticipants.

(N) Indicates No Concentrated Sweets/Diabetic

MenusSubjecttoChangeWithoutNotice

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN 5January-February 2013

MENU February 2013

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAYTHURSDAY

17HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

16HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

10HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

9HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

3HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

2HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

8Spicy CranberryChicken PattySweet PotatoSan FranciscoBlend VegetablesMultigrain BreadChef’s Mixed Fruit

1Meatball SubTater TotsPickled BeetsFresh Fruit

7Roast Beef withGravyGarlic Red SkinnedMashed PotatoesPrince WilliamBlend VegetablesTossed SaladDinner RollCranberry Crunch w/Topping (N)

4Sweet & Sour PorkRice pilafOriental BlendVegetablesOatmeal BreadFresh Fruit

19Chicken a’ la KingYukon GoldMashed PotatoesBroccoli FloretsButtermilk BiscuitFresh Fruit

18PRESIDENT’S DAY

HOME DELIVEREDMEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

20Ham & PotatoCasserolePrince WilliamBlend VegetablesCarrot CoinsRye Bread(Seedless)Fruit Cocktail

12Ham LoafWinter SquashBahama BlendVegetablesRye Bread(Seedless)Birthday Cake (N)

11Sloppy Joe on aBunGarlic HerbPotatoesCalifornia GoldBlend VegetablesYankee Bean Soupw/CrackersApplesauce

6Vegetable QuicheStewed TomatoesPeasRye Bread(Seedless)Whipped Delight(N)

5Spaghetti w/MeatSauceCapri BlendVegetablesItalian BreadPeanut ButterCookie (N)

26Chili con CarneBrown RiceCalifornia GoldBlend VegetablesCornbreadTapioca Pudding(N)

27Honey MustardChickenSweet PotatoWinter BlendVegetables100% Whole WheatBreadSugar Cookie (N)

13Herbed Baked FishButtered NoodlesBrussels SproutsOatmeal BreadBirthday Cake (N)

Thursday, Feb. 7McDonough ONLYRoast Beef w/GravyGarlic Red SkinnedMashed PotatoesPrince William Blend VegetablesTossed SaladDinner RollCranberry Crunchw/ Topping (Also for N)

Thursday, Feb.. 21

McDonough ONLYVegetable LasagnaStewed TomatoesPeas Tossed SaladWarmed Garlic BreadCherry Pie w/ToppingCherry Crisp w/Topping (N)

Friday, Feb. 22

South Otselic ONLY Fish FlorentineWild RiceCalifornia Blend VegetablesGolden Glow Salad100% Whole Wheat BreadApple Crisp w/ Topping (N)

21Vegetable LasagnaStewed TomatoesPeasTossed SaladWarmed GarlicBreadCherry Piew/ToppingCherry Crispw/Topping (N)

22Fish FlorentineWild RiceCalifornia BlendVegetablesGolden Glow Salad100% Whole WheatBreadApple Crispw/Topping (N)

14Salisbury Steakwith GravyMashed PotatoesChateau BlendVegetables100% Whole WheatBreadStrawberryShortcake w/Topping (N)

15Macaroni & CheeseStewed TomatoesGreen BeansWarmed GarlicBreadMandarin OrangeSections

23HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

24HOME DELIVERED

MEALS ONLY

Pot Luck Meal

28Sausage, Peppers& OnionsWarmed BakedBeansCarrot CoinsVegetable Soup

w/CrackersFresh Fruit

25Swedish MeatballsEgg NoodlesChateau BlendVegetablesItalian BreadFresh Fruit

EVENING DINING MENU

Suggested Contribution per MealHome Delivered $3.00Congregate (Lunch) $3.00Breakfast $2.00Congregate (Evening) $3.50Any contribution you wish to make isvoluntary and will be used to support theprogram. Anyone who does not contributewill not be denied a service. For yourconvenience, we will be providing self-addressed, postage-paid envelopes eachmonth for the home delivery programparticipants.

Home Delivered Meals will be“pot luck” frozen meals forHolidays and weekends,delivered at an earlier week daydate. There is NO meal deliveryon Holidays or on weekends.Senior Centers are CLOSED onHolidays and weekends as well.

MenusSubjecttoChangeWithoutNotice

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN6 January-February 2013

EVENTS January-February 2013

PLUM VALLEY FOREVER YOUNGCENTERMethodist ChurchChurch Hill Road, South OtselicPhone: 337-1770

JANUARY18-Evening Dining

FEBRUARY22-Evening Dining

WESTSIDE PARK SENIOR CENTERFirst Baptist ChurchWest Park Place, NorwichPhone: 334-2910

JANUARYDAILY ACTIVITY: Cards

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

01-CLOSED-New Years Holiday08 & 09-Celebrate Birthdays!10-Darlene Alexander/Food StampOutreach/Catholic Charities Visit21-Martin Luther King Day!

FEBRUARYDAILY ACTIVITY: Cards

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

12 & 13-Celebrate Birthdays!14-Valentine’s Day18-CLOSED-President’s Day

GENEGANSLET ACTIVITY CENTERWest Street Methodist ChurchMcDonoughPhone: 647-5666

JANUARY03-Evening Dining17-Evening Dining

FEBRUARY07-Evening Dining 21-Evening Dining

THE WELCOME CENTERGrace Manor CenterKnapp Street, SherburnePhone: 674-4600

JANUARYSPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

04-Trivia07-Wear Purple Day!09-Celebrate Birthdays!/Bingo16-Bring A Friend To Lunch!/DarleneAlexander/Food Stamp Outreach/CatholicCharities Visit23-Bingo

FEBRUARYSPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

04-Trivia11-Wear Red Day!13-Celebrate Birthdays!/Bingo15-Valentine’s Day Celebration18-CLOSED-President’s Day

The Bullthistle Bulletinis online:

www.co.chenango.ny.us

BRIGHTMAN SENIOR CENTERBirdsall StreetGreenePhone: 656-4789

JANUARY

Daily Activities: Cards, Bingo and Puzzles

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

04-3 Rings Day07-Razzle Dazzle Word Search09-Celebrate Birthdays!16-Pajama Day18-Cards21-Martin Luther King Jr. Day!23-Car Racing Word Search

FEBRUARYDaily Activities: Card, Bingo and Puzzles

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

01-Black History Month04-Blood Pressure Clinic06-“Whatcha Saying” Word Search08-Chocolate Month13-Celebrate Birthdays! 15-Celebrate Valentine’s Day18-CLOSED-President’s Day22-Washington’s Birthday

WINDY HILL SENIOR CENTERCoventry Town HallRoute 235, CoventryPhone: 656-8602

JANUARY

Daily Activities: Bingo and Puzzles

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

01-CLOSED New Years Day!03-New Year’s Resolutions08-Celebrate Birthdays!15-Pajama Day!17-Word Search22-Martin Luther King Jr. Day31-Word Search

FEBRUARY

Daily Activities: Bingo and Puzzles

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

05-Word Search12-Celebrate Birthdays!14- Valentine’s Day Celebration

UNADILLA VALLEY SENIOR CENTERTerrace HeightsNew BerlinPhone: 847-7037

JANUARY

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES: Cards (Pitch & Golf)

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

01-Closed-New Years Day03-Thoughts On The New Year08-Darlene Alexander/Food StampOutreach/Catholics Charities Visit10-Bingo24-Bingo

FEBRUARY

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES: Cards (Pitch & Golf)

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

12-Celebrate Birthdays!14- Valentine’s Day 18-CLOSED President’s Day

WINTER WEATHER CLOSINGS

It’s that time of year when the MEAL PRO-GRAM may be closed due to the weather.Please listen to the Norwich radio stationWKXZ FM 94 /WCHN AM 970 The closingwill be announced as “The Area Agency onAging Nutrition Program” This includesSenior Centers and all Home Delivery.You may also call the Area Agency on Agingat 337-1770 after 8:30 AM if there is aquestion regarding closures.

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN 7January-February 2013

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN8 January-February 2013

EMERGENCYFOOD PACKS

Emergency food packs are now available through the NutritionProgram. You may wish to order one, in advance, to keep on hand in theevent that Nutrition Sites are closed or the Home Delivered Meals are notdelivered due to inclement weather. The packs consists of canned soup,tuna fish, canned fruit, crackers, juice, and a dessert bar. The suggesteddonation for the pack is $3.00.

If you would like to receive an emergency food pack, please fill out theform at the bottom of this article and return to your Home Delivered Meal driveror Nutrition Site Manager. If you receive Home Delivered Meals, the pack willbe delivered to your home. Otherwise, the Site Manager will receive the pack atthe Senior Center for you to pick up there. You may ordermore than one food pack during the winter months , as needed.

Thank You—-Trudy Harris-Irons, Nutrition Program Coordinator

EMERGENCY FOOD PACK FORM

NAME:___________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:__________________________________________________

PHONE#:___________________________________________________

Please check appropriate line below:

Home Delivered Meal Participant __________

Senior Center Participant ___________

Center Name _________________________

32 South Broad St., Norwich

PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT

334-6278A Taste of Italy...But in America

ITALIAN & AMERICAN LUNCHAND DINNER SPECIALS DAILY

For The Best In

Italian Food.

• Pizza • Subs • Calzone • Pepperoni Rolls

• Antipastos • Specialty Pizza • Legal Beverage

Dinners

Choose from the Best Selection of Italian Dinners,

cooked the old-fashioned way.

Dr. Breslau joins UHSChenango Memorial Staff

NORWICH – Vladimir F. Breslau,MD, DO, PhD, has joined the UHSWomen’s Health Center staff at USHChenango Memorial Hospital. He hasbeen working at the practice since lateJune, so many patients there know himalready. Dr. Breslau stated, “I haveenjoyed my temporary position in theWomen’s Health Center so much that Idecided to pursue a staff position hereat UHS Chenango Memorial. I appre-ciate the dedication and teamwork ofthe staff in the Women’s Health Centerand on the maternity unit.”

Dr. Breslau is an experienced physi-cian, board certified in OB/GYN. Hecompleted his MD and residency inOB/GYN at University of KishinevMedical School, Kishinev, Moldova.He received a PhD inendocrinology/oncology from Petrov’sResearch Institute of Oncology,Leningrad, Russia, where he also prac-ticed as a surgeon and medical doctor,and Doctor of Osteopathy Degreefrom New York College of OsteopathicMedicine, Old Westbury, NY. Dr.Breslau completed an internship andresidency in OB/GYN at St. John’sEpiscopal Hospital, South Shore, NY.He is licensed to practice medicine inboth New York State and Arizona.

Dr. Breslau’s experience includespositions as Chief of Surgery/ChiefOncologist of the City of Kishinev atMoldavian Researh Institute ofOncology, Kishinev, Moldova; sur-geon and attending at UniversityHospital, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria; and

positions in Arizona, Maine and NewYork State.

Chris Kisacky, Vice PresidentOperations at UHS ChenangoMemorial Hospital, stated, “We arehappy that Dr. Breslau has joined ourstaff. We value the experience andexpertise he brings to our practice andour patients.”

For an appointment with Dr. Breslauor more information, call UHSWomen’s Health Center at 337-4218.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital,now celebrating its 100th anniversary,is a member of UHS, a locally owned,not-for-profit, 916-bed hospital andhealthcare system serving GreaterBinghamton and surrounding countiesfrom more than 60 locations aroundNew York’s Southern Tier.

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN 9January-February 2013

Focusing on diabetes in the older adult population(BPT) - In the U.S.,

there are nearly 26 mil-lion people living withdiabetes and moreseniors have diabetesthan any other age group- 10.9 million, or 26.9percent, of all people age65 and older.

"Currently, one in fourAmericans over the ageof 60 is living with dia-betes and there is a greatneed for further educa-tion among olderadults," says Dr. VanessaJones Briscoe, Chair ofthe Older AdultSubcommittee andBoard Member for theAmerican DiabetesAssociation.

In 2012 the AmericanDiabetes Associationlaunched its SeniorSignature Series. Theseries looks to expandeducation and outreachefforts to seniors acrossthe country. The seriesincludes half-day educa-tional events for individ-uals age 50 years andolder to learn more aboutdiabetes, numerousresources, helpful mate-rials and health screen-ings. Its goal is to edu-cate older adults about

how they can reducetheir risk of diabetes andits complications.Because of its great suc-cess in 2012, the serieswill be back in 2013, andwill include even moredates and locationsacross the country.

"Through continuingour Senior SignatureSeries, the AmericanDiabetes Associationwill provide the tips andresources needed to helpseniors address the chal-lenge of preventing type2 diabetes and keepingdiabetes treatment fromimpairing their lifestyle,or slowing them down,"Briscoe says. "The edu-cational resources in theseries are important notonly for those olderadults living with dia-betes, but for their fami-ly members or care-givers as well."

One way to reduceyour risk of developingdiabetes, or to bettermanage it, is physicalactivity. Benefitsinclude:

* Improving yourA1C, a test that mea-sures your average blood

glucose (sugar) control,blood pressure and cho-lesterol

* Having more energy

* Burning calories tohelp you lose or main-tain your weight

* Keeping your joint

flexible

* Improving your bal-ance to prevent falls

* Lowering your riskfor heart disease andstroke

Almost all older adultswho develop diabetes

have type 2 diabetes, andolder adults with dia-betes often have highblood pressure, highcholesterol, infectionsthat heal slowly and theyare at risk for heartattack, stroke and kidneyfailure. Seniors with dia-betes are also more like-ly to have memory prob-

lems and depression.Awareness and educa-tion is critical in helpingseniors to lead healthierlives.

For more information,or to download the"Living Healthy withDiabetes" guide foradults 55 and up, visitdiabetes.org.

(BPT) - With millionsof Americans slated togain access to healthcareunder the AffordableCare Act, many may findthemselves unknowinglyat risk for medical iden-tity theft, a crime thatcosts the country $41.3billion annually. In theUnited States, an esti-mated 1.5 million peoplehave their ID stolen eachyear.

"It is a cruel twist onthe traditional crime ofpersonal identity theft,"says Jo-Ellen AbouNader, senior director ofExpress Scripts' Fraud,Waste and Abuse pro-gram. "When a person'smedical identity isstolen, they may findthat false information isadded to their personalhealth record such as achange in blood type orinaccurate allergies."

Stolen medical identi-ties often fuel anothercrime: prescription drugfraud and abuse. Thievescan use stolen informa-tion to illegally obtainprescription drugs andsell them on the sec-ondary market. Illegaldrug diversion costs thenation $73.5 billion eachyear, and prescriptiondrug abuse is responsiblefor more deaths thanheroin and cocaine com-bined.

Abou Nader offers thefollowing tips to con-sumers to help fightagainst medical identitytheft and fraud:

* Guard your card:Protect your medicalidentification card at alltimes and keep it in asafe and secure location.Some healthcare compa-nies, like Express

Scripts, have Fraud,Waste and Abuse pro-grams in place to identi-fy fake or forged pre-scriptions and othersigns of fraudulent activ-ities. If your card is lostor stolen, immediatelyalert your insurancecompany.

* Toss with caution:When throwing awayprescription bottles andvials, remove the labelsor black out your person-al information so it isillegible. When throwingaway documents con-taining protected healthinformation, shred thedocuments instead of

discarding them in thegarbage.

* Protect your person-al information: Be alertto impersonators oremail phishing scamsasking you for your per-sonal information andnever give out your pass-words over the phone,internet, or via email. Ifyou are unsure, call thecompany directly toinquire about therequest.

* Be privy to privacypolicies: Before agree-ing to the privacy poli-cies of anyone you dobusiness with, readthrough their policies in

detail to completelyunderstand how yourpersonal informationwill be used. If you havequestions, request moreinformation.

* Lock up your bot-tles: Keep your prescrip-tion bottles hidden orlocked away, especiallyduring the holiday sea-son when you may havean increase in visitorsthat will have access toyour personal belong-ings.

* Read your EOBStatements: It is impor-tant to carefully read anyexplanation of benefits(EOB) statements you

receive from your healthplan after treatment tomake sure the serviceslisted are accurate.Review the name of theprovider, the date of ser-vice and the service pro-vided. If it includesinformation that doesnot look familiar, be sureto immediately report itto your health planprovider.

For more informationabout how to protectyourself against medicalidentification theft, visitExpress Scripts'Healthcare Insights blogat http://lab.express-scripts.com/.

Is fraud inyour future?Protectyourself frommedicalidentity theft

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN10 January-February 2013

ContributionSeniors, their families and friends, often find itrewarding to make a financial contribution to theChenango County Area Agency on Aging, inappreciation for many services that are providedto help our countyʼs seniors. Financial contribu-tions may also be made in memory of a friend orloved one and the acknowledgement will be sentto the family in your name if specified below.Thank you.

Contribution Amount:

Check one below:

Acnowledgement sent to family In Memory Of:

To Help With Agency Programs:

Contributor:

Address:

Phone:

E-mail:

Send to:Chenango County Area Agency on Aging

5 Court Street, Norwich NY 13815Phone (607) 337-1770

(Clip &return. Please do not send cash through the mail)

www.evesun.com/blogs/listing/

See whatEvening Sunwriters areup to in theBlogoshere.

Enrollment AfterDecember 7Although the Annual Election

Period (AEP) endedDecember 7, there are many

situations where people with Medicarecan still make an enrollment choice.Here are some of the more commonexamples to be aware of.

Medigap. People with Medicare(both Part A and Part B) who live inNew York State have a continuousopen enrollment period which allowsthem to enroll into a Medigap plan orswitch Medigap plans from one insur-er to another at any time of the year.

New to Medicare. People who arenewly eligible for Medicare can enrollinto a Part D plan and (if they haveboth parts of Medicare) into aMedicare Advantage plan during theirInitial Enrollment Period, usually the 7months surrounding the month theyturn 65. They are still entitled to theentire 7 month period even if it hap-pens to overlap the Annual ElectionPeriod.

Loss of EGHP. People withMedicare who lose their employergroup health plan (EGHP) coverage(even if it is a voluntarily loss of cov-erage), are entitled to a SpecialEnrollment Period (SEP), whichallows them to enroll into a Part Dand/or Medicare Advantage plan. TheEGHP coverage could be throughactive employment, a retiree plan oreven COBRA. The SEP includes themonth coverage ends and continuesfor an additional two full months.

5-Star SEP. All people withMedicare living in New York State canenroll in a 5-star quality rated plan onetime between December 8, 2012 andNovember 30, 2013, to be effective the1st of the following month. The only5-star rated plan in 2013 will be theExcellus BlueCross BlueShield RxPDP.

Hurricane Sandy. Individualsimpacted by Hurricane Sandy whowere unable to make a plan selectionby December 7 can enroll in a Part Dand/or Medicare Advantage plan bycalling 1-800-MEDICARE.

DDeeaarr MMaarrccii ......Dear Marci,I recently moved from

California to New York.The doctors I want to seein New York tell me thatthey don't take my healthinsurance. Can I switchto a different MedicareAdvantage plan if Imove?

Gregory (Brooklyn,NY)

Dear Gregory,Yes, you can switch to

a different MedicareAdvantage (privatehealth) plan, if youchange your homeaddress. If you’vealready moved, you canswitch to anotherMedicare Advantageplan during a SpecialEnrollment Period(SEP), beginning withthe month you tell yourplan about the move,plus two full monthsafter you tell your plan.Your new coverage willbegin the first of themonth after you enroll.

A special enrollmentperiod is a period of timeoutside of standardenrollment periods (e.g.General EnrollmentPeriod, Fall OpenEnrollment Period, andInitial EnrollmentPeriod), during whichyou can make changes toyour Medicare healthand/or prescription drugcoverage.

If you notify yourMedicare Advantage or

prescription drug plan(Part D) about yourmove in advance, youcan switch to anotherMedicare Advantage orPart D plan, beginning asearly as the monthbefore your move andlasting up to two monthsafter you move. You maychoose to begin yournew coverage, startingwith the first day of themonth in which youmove (as long as youhave submitted a com-pleted application to theplan) and up to threemonths after your planreceives the completedapplication.

It’s important to thinkabout your health andprescription drug cover-age if you’re planning tomove. MedicareAdvantage and Part D

plans typically have anetwork of providers(e.g. doctors and phar-macies) that offer ser-vices to plan memberswithin a specific servicearea (a geographicregion you must live into be enrolled in yourplan). If you move out-side of that service areaand you see health careproviders outside of theplan’s network, you mayhave to pay significantlymore for the cost of theservices you receive oryou may have no cover-age at all. Keep in mindthat some plans do offernationwide coverage, soyour plan may coveryour services, even ifyou move. Check withyour plan to see whatrules apply.

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN 11January-February 2013

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What You Need To Know About the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act strengthensMedicare and helps seniors take chargeof their health. The law provides impor-

tant benefits such as free preventative services,free annual wellness visits, and a 50 percent dis-count on prescription drugs for Medicare recipi-ents in the coverage gap known as the “doughnuthole.” You can also work with your doctor tocreate a personalized prevention plan.

Top things to know for seniors under thehealth care law, your existing guaranteedMedicare covered benefits won’t be reduced ortaken away. Neither will your ability to chooseyour own doctor.

Nearly 4 million people with Medicarereceived cost relief during the law’s first year. Ifyou had Medicare prescription drug coverageand had to pay for your drugs in the coveragegap know as the “doughnut hole,” you receiveda one-time, tax free $250.00 rebate fromMedicare to help pay for your prescriptions.

If you have high prescription drug costs thatput you in the donut hole, you now get a 50 per-cent discount on covered brand-name drugswhile you are in the doughnut hole. Betweentoday and 2020, you’ll get continuous Medicarecoverage for your prescription drugs. Thedoughnut hole will be closed completely by2020.

Medicare covers certain preventive serviceswithout charging you the part B coinsurance ordeductible. You will also be offered a free annu-al wellness exam.

The life of the Medicare Trust Fund will beextended as a result of reducing waste, fraud andabuse, and slowing cost growth in Medicare,which will provide you with future cost savingson your premiums and coinsurance.

THE BULLTHISTLE BULLETIN12 January-February 2013