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28 I THEPRESS.NET JULY 25, 2014

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JULY 25, 2014 LIVING 50 PLUS THEPRESS.NET I 38

Visiting Angels offer help and hugs RUTH ROBERTS

T he changes started slowly

- a missed meal here,

confusion over medications

there, and eventually, a fall. "Just

took a little flop," he joked, but for

the adult children of 85-year-old

Richard Pite, their dad's safety and

health was no laughing matter.

"I t was getting to the point where we were nervous al l t he time that someth ing would happen t o him and no one would be t here," said Doug Pit e, Richard's son. "We needed someone to f i ll in the spaces when we couldn't be t here- especially at night ."

Enter the Visit ing Angels. With more t han 400 franchises nationwide, Vis iting Angels offers in-home, non-medica l, hands-on care f or seniors,

the individually owned and operated franch ise is recogn ized as one of the lead ing homecare agencies in the area.

But the Angels are much more than the services they provide .

" From the owner to the Angels themselves, there is just a kindness that exudes f rom them all," said Marla Luckhardt, senior advocate and community services director for Visiting Angels. "They are just good people, and they go above and beyond to make a senior 's day not only easier, but more pleasant. There is a genuine communicat ion and friendship that exists between the Angels and t heir clients. What you see is what you get."

And what you get is Keith Beck, owner of the Vis iting Angels franchise serving Alameda and Cont ra Costa counties. His longtime commitment to qua lity and service comes from a very personal place .

ON THE COVER: Back row, left to right, Visiting Angels Community Services Director Marla Luckhardt, Client Care Manager Kathy Barr and owner Keith Beck, visit with seniors Howard Cavil and Olna Rae Lapum.

Photo by Brooke Sperrer

Community Services Director Marla Luckhardt, owner Keith Beck and Client Care Manager Kathy Barr of Visiting Angels meet the needs of the area's growing senior population through a variety of in-home services.

In 2004, when h is parents were suddenly faced wit h simultaneous hospital stays and surgeries, Beck - an only child- found himself responsible for managing thei r needs, "and it became one of the most challenging ti mes in my life as I t r ied to take care of my pa rents, run a business and st i ll

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48 I THEPRESS.NET LIVING 50 PLUS JULY 25, 2014

Gentle yoga offers powerful results AMY SCHRADER

Yoga classes for seniors seem to be

popping up everywhere. Local gyms,

community centers, and even churches

offer gentle yoga classes or classes specifically

designed for seniors. While seniors may start with

gentle classes, some excel to advanced levels and

even become teachers.

Senior yogis are fee ling like kids again as t he 5,000-year-old p ract ice not only improves flexibility but also reduces aches and pains.

"Yoga is good for seniors for so many reasons, but t he main reason is t hat it is doable, and you can continue to do it daily unlike some other physical activi ­t ies that are hard on our bodies," said Erica Lozano, a yoga inst ructor f rom Oakley. "As we age, gravity, poor alignment and injuries can take a t oll on our bodies. Yoga unties all of the knots we accumulat e in life."

Lozano has seen many students transform their lives through yoga pract ice. "I see the excitement in t hem when they come to class, and it is the same excite­ment I have when I teach another class or even when I attend class," Lozano said. "It's a beautiful t hing. Gentle yoga is re laxing, restorat ive and full of amazing benefi ts."

Lozano's gentle yoga classes include props to support the body into a deep re laxation . St retching, lea rning different b reathing techniques and modifica-

tions will help improve the strength and flexibility of participants.

Lozano teaches gentle yoga for seniors through the City of Oakley Recreation Division. Classes, for seniors 50 and o lder, meet every Friday morning. Pre-registration is required. For more informat ion, call the City of Oakley at 925-625-7041 or e-mail tumin@ ci.oakley.ca.us.

It's no surprise that so many seniors are embrac-ing yoga. According to the American Senior Fitness Associat ion (SFA), yoga improves the quantity and qual­ity of sleep for seniors. Regular yoga practice can also improve strength and reduce pain and infl ammat ion associat ed with arthritis. The SFA also reports t hat yoga can assist in diabetes management as well as improve lung funct ion and decrease hypertension. Other benefits include weight loss and an improved mood.

Oakley resident John Freemer started yoga when he was 54 years old. "My practice has improved my body, mind and health tremendously," he said. "I started for the physical part and stayed for t he mental."

Freemer, who is now 59, is an advanced yoga student and even attended Wanderlust in Tahoe th is summer. Wanderlust is a yoga fest ival described as an adventure of the mind , body and soul.

"Wanderlust has been awesome," Free mer said. " It's nice to spend a weekend with like-minded people."

If you can't make the classes run by the City of Oakley, Lozano also teaches gentle yoga at Diamond Hills Sports Club and Spa in Oakley and at the Brentwood Yoga Cent er. For more informat ion about Lozano's classes visit www.yog-e.com.

To comment, visit www thepress. net.

Photo courtesy of John Freemer

Oakley resident John Freemer began practicing yoga five years ago at the age of 54. Freemer is now an advanced yoga student and recently attended the Wanderlust yoga festival in Tahoe at the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

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JULY 25, 2014 LIVING 50 PLUS THEPRESS.NET I 58

Local senior pens WWIInovel AMY SCHRADER

When Bethel Island

resident David Garcia

was a merchant marine

on a troop carrier drifting through

the Pacific during World War II, he

knew he had a story to tell. That story

started when he began writing poems

to his wife using a secret code, with

the first letter of each line of the poem

eventually spelling out his confidential

location.

When he wasn't w riting letters to his wif e, he'd jot down ideas for stories

on notepads, which he kept under his cot. After t he war, Garcia's stories remained, lingering in his back pocket as

he pursued a successful career in archi­tecture, raised a fam ily of six children and grew to love sailing on the Delta .

But it wasn't unti l Garcia was nearly 80 years old when he decided to share t he stories that had wait ed a lif et ime to be

told . Like many other authors, such as

Ernest Hemingway and Earl Stanley

Gardner, Garcia's muse was t he sea. ''I'd step my foot onto my boat, and every­t hing but the boat and t he water would

just disappear." Garcia said. During his hours on the Delta, he

w rote his f irst book "Who Killed The

Rowboat Man?" which is a murder mystery that takes place on the Delta . Garcia's second book "The Forgotten

Island" takes place during World War II. A young officer and four Navy nurses get stranded on a t ropical island locat ed

on enemy shores. Garcia's own experi­ences from the war are interwoven into a fictiona l storyline based on an ancient

sailor's myth . The story is f il led with

adventure, romance, suspense and the dangers t hat accompany a war zone.

Now 92 years young, Garcia is proud

to have both of his books available on

Amazon .com and at Barnes and Noble. Writing t hese page-turners wasn't easy,

especially for someone who had no

experience with computers. When Garcia found t hat he couldn't t ype very well and

wasn't famil iar with computers, he did what most 18 or 19 year olds would do: he enrolled in college .

" I became a college student when I was 77 years old," Garcia said. " Regist ration was a mob, and some

people were shocked to see an old man sitting on curb fi lling out reg istration papers. Learning how to use technology

has created a second life for me. It has

opened a whole new world for me and my stories."

The author is currently working on starting a blog as well as a website for his books and is already halfway through

see Writer page 1 OB

BC DG

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Music for the mind SUSANNAH MEYER

Have you met Henry? Millions

of people around the world

know him through YouTube,

but sadly, Henry has Alzheimer's

disease and he doesn't know himself.

Unfortunately, too many of us know someone like Henry, who is the subject of a documentary "Alive Inside," written and produced by filmmaker Michael Rossato­Bennett. The fi lm showcases the effects of music on the cognitive funct ion and behavior of Alzheimer's patients.

Slumped in his wheelchair, Henry appears to be disconnected from the world around him, unresponsive, depressed and uncom­municative, but through the course of the documentary, we learn that music has recently made a profound impact on his life. In fact, we see Henry transformed, singing and swaying to the music, as he is re-introduced to his favorite performer, Cab Calloway.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are currently 5 million Americans like Henry battling Alzheimer's disease, a progres­sive mental deterioration that leads to weak­ening motor skills, speech and memory.

Henry's story proves that music is power­ful. From lullabies to first dances, from wedding songs to memorials, music inspires emotion

and memories, laughter and tears, and it heals. Kristy Osborn, program director at the

Bedford Center for Adult Day Health Care in Antioch, knows that f irst-hand.

"Music therapy has amazing benefi ts for individuals with Alzheimer's disease," Osborn said. "Here at the Bedford Center, we are always incorporating music into our day. It benefits our participants with Alzheimer's by decreasing their agitation levels and stimulat­ing positive interactions overall."

According to research, music connects with portions of the brain that can still respond to rhythm and auditory cues. Music cannot only decrease depression and agitation but can improve engagement and even motor skills- all without a prescription.

"It is pretty amazing when someone cannot even remember their own name or what city they live in, but can tell you the name of their favorite singer or song," Osborn said. "It makes you realize how powerful music is for the soul and how it can resonate with us even until the end."

In the treatment of Alzheimer's, music is a therapy generating positive results and feel­ings of hope and excitement.

Music can be considered a wonder drug without the side-effects. For the loved ones of Henry and others like him, those feelings are music to their ears.

To learn more about the Bedford Center, visit www.rsnc-centers.org. To view a clip from "Alive Inside," visit www.thepress.net.

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JULY 25, 2014 LIVING 50 PLUS THEPRESS.NET I 78

New senior home has a B&B feel AMY SCHRADER

G randma and Grandpa's Place,

an assisted living facility for

seniors in Brentwood, has the

appeal of a cozy bed-and-breakfast.

Through the open back door, the aroma of a freshly prepared dinner spills out onto the walking path that winds through the grounds. A petting zoo sits next to the orchards filled with avocado, peach, cherry and apricot trees.

Samea Helmandi, facility operator, thinks of Grandma and Grandpa's Place as a second home to the Helmandi family.

"This is a family-owned business," said Helmandi, who has more than 11 years of experience in the assisted living industry. "We put our heart and soul into it, and the people who live here become our family. Our number one priority is making this a home."

Grandma and Grandpa's Place, a licensed facility that opened May 16, is a breath of fresh air for families who don't want their elders living in a large-scale, sterile environment that feels more like a hotel than a home. Each boutique­styled room at Grandma and Grandpa's has a private bathroom. There are chandeliers in the hallways, paintings on the walls and fresh

Photo by Amy Schrader

Beverly Clover, left, seen here with Grandma and Grandpa's Place Facility Operator Samea Helmandi, is a recent addition to the new senior residence.

homemade meals. The entrance area features a living room

and activity center; plus, there is an open kitchen and a dining area with a large family-style table.

"When you walk through the front door, it

see Home page 88

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88 I THEPRESS.NET LIVI NG 50 PLUS JULY 25, 2014

Staying healthy after 50 Home from page 7B

feels like home," Helmandi said.

Grandma and Grandpa's Place has 18 rooms and an impressive staff-to-resident ratio of 1 to 6. All seNices are

individualized, and the facility offers both short- and long-term living arrangements. The facility provides around-the-clock care,

including assistance in completing daily activities. Amenities include recreation and exercise, freshly prepared meals and all of

the comforts one would expect to find in a bed and breakfast.

A healthy lifestyle is necessary at any age,

but for those over 50, it's especially

important. Fortunately, there are some

simple things you can do to lead a healthier and

happier life.

Eat heart healthy Establish a heart healthy diet by reducing your

sodium intake to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Enjoy nut rient-dense foods It's important to make your calories count by eating

Trying to get your health back or lose weight? Stress goes down, enjoyment of life goes up.

Our bikes have pedal assist, which assists the rider with electric power up to 40 miles.

foods packed with good nutrition, such as f ruit s, vegeta­bles and whole grains.

Get Moving Physical act ivity and regular exercise can decrease

the risk of heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, diabe­tes and high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those 65 and older t ry to complete 150 minutes of moderate­intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or yoga, each week. Seniors are also encouraged to take party in muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.

Chris DeRodeff, who recently moved in, is already enjoying

the comforts. "They're spoiling me," DeRodeff said. "I'll never be

the same if I leave here. They spoil me like I'm a kid."

Grandma and Grandpa's Place is located at 6400

Brentwood Blvd. For more information or to schedule a private tour, call 925-786-1109.

- Courtesy of Family Features To comment, visit 'N'vWV.thepress.net.

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JULY 25, 2014 LIVING 50 PLUS THEPRESS.NET I 98

If the shoe fits H

OW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU said, "oh my aching feeP" My grandmother used to ca ll

them her tootsies and laughed when she took her shoes off and saw that her

SENIOR

CORNER

M ARLA LUCKHARDT

feet were twice the size they were when she put her shoes on in t he morning. My grandfather used to call her Toot sie, which made me laugh since I envisioned a foot as opposed to a grandma.

The fact that she could laugh

was endearing, but swollen feet due to poor shoe choices can be a hea lth hazard. After wa lking on our paws all day, elevati ng our feet in the even ing can help bring that swell ing down, but choosing the right pair of shoes is more important.

I used t o th ink noth ing of wearing a stunning pa ir of 6-inch heels as I walked the five city blocks to work every day in New York City. The hard pavement coupled with the half-mile walk didn't bother my 20-year-old puppies at all then, but now I can't balance on anything higher t han a pair of Go

Preventing falls among older Americans is a top health priority, and improved balance can help reduce the risk of a fall. Proper footwear can help improve balance, especially in older people who may struggle with mobility issues. - DR. MATTHEW

GAROUFALIS

Walks. Comfort t rumps style.

Since we are on ou r f eet f or

more than 50 percent of t he day, it is

imperative that we f ind comfortable and

safe footwear. Older people are subject

see Shoe page 11 B

You have a Choice for Surgery.

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10B I THEPRESS.NET LIVI NG 50 PLUS JULY 25, 2014

Lender in Contra Costa

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New habits for a better life

Most people prefer to

stay in their home or

apartment for as long as

possible. The best way to make this a

reality is to plan ahead and make the

amenities in your home as safe and

accessible as possible.

Home Modifications Living at home longer may requi re

renovating a home to make it more

accessible. This can include such things as

inst all ing ramps to bypass stairs, building a bedroom on the main floor, placing grab

bars in the shower, changing the height of

kitchen countertops or making a bathroom

safer and more accessible. The Nat ional Resource Cent er

on Support ive Housing and Home

Modificat ions is a good resource for those

looking to make such modifications. Go to

the cent er's website at www.homemods.

org and cl ick on the link to t he " Safety

Writer from page SB

wr iting his th ird novel, t it led " Hamakua."

"Sharing these st ories makes my life worthwhile," Garcia said . " I live w ith

t hese st ories, characters and memories

Checklist and Assessment Instrument" f or

more details.

Getting Help Keeping a house running smoothly

requires a lot of hard work . If you are no

longer able to keep up wit h the demands,

you may need to hire someone to do laun­

dry, buy groceries, run errands, clean t he

house or perform any necessary repairs.

There are a number of services that can

be brought in to assist you. You can hire

someone, such as a personal care aide or

home healt h aide, to help you out a f ew

hours a day or around t he clock.

Transportation Decl ining health often causes a

decline in independence and mobility.

Many seniors lose the ability to drive or

simply feel uncomfortable behind t he

wheel at night. Investigate transportat ion

options in your area so you can maint ain

an act ive social life, receive medical care

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- Courtesy of Family Features

that are j ust wait ing for me to bring to life ."

To order Garcia's books, visit www.

amazon.com or www.bn.com. To comment. visit www thepress.net.

Do You Need Dental Implants? by Dr. Pravin Patel

Are you missing single or multiple teeth? Are you hiding your smile due to the problem? Do you have difficulty in chewing due to missing teeth or loose den ­tures? Is your lower denture too loose and moving around while you chew or talk? If your answer is yes to any one of the above questions, dental implants may be the right choice for you.

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root that can support artificial teeth. This is an ideal option fo r people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury or some other cause. Dental implants are actually more tooth saving than traditional bridgeworks. For a dental bridge one needs to use neighboring teeth for support. Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

This advanced dentistry procedure provides natural-looking teeth that also feel natural.

Dental implants can also be used to support removable dentures. With dentures supported by dental implants, one can eat and chew food more efficiently. Dentures are more secure and comfortable, and will not move during eating, talking and laugh­ing. These can improve your confidence in both your personal and your professional life.

If you have missing teeth, you are con­tinuously loosening the jawbone. Lack of teeth can also lead to bone loss, which can affect your facial appearance and chewing

function. A fixed bridge cannot prevent bone loss. Rem ovable dentures can ac­celerate the bone loss process, but dental implants can actually stop bone loss. Dental implants will provide the stimulus required to maintain the bone.

The ideal candidate for dental implants is one who has good oral health. An adequate amount of bone in your jaw is needed to help support the implant. Those who have healthy gum tissue and are free from gum disease are the best candidates. Dental implants are made of titanium and metal fixtures that are placed within the jawbone with great precision. They provide a highly biocompatible surface, which enables bone to completely fi ll in and provide long-term stability.

Dental implants can last for a long time with regular maintenance and proper oral hygiene. Once the implants are in place, they require the same care you would give to natural teeth. In order to keep your implants clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing are necessary. After treatment your dentist will work closely with you to develop the best care plan for you. Periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to moni­tor your implant, teeth and gums and make sure they remain healthy.

For all of your dental questions & con­cerns please contact Pristine Dental owner, Dr Pravin Patel DDS MDS FDSRCS (UK) MICOI at (925) 679-3333, www.pristinedentalimplants.com.

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JULY 25, 2014

Shoe from page 98

to many foot disorders like arth ritis, ingrown toenails, fu ngal nails, diabetic ulcers and even corns and cal luses, so the right footwear is especially important when it comes to preserving good foot hea lth.

Look for shoes that protect and support your feet. Orthopedic walking shoes often provide a good combination of comfort and support. Avoid shoes with narrow toes or little arch support. Make sure your shoes fit you properly and can accommodate the socks you usually wear. When selecting a shoe to improve balance, you should press on both sides of the heel area to ensure the heel is stiff and won't collapse. Bend the shoe to check for toe flexibil ity. The shoe shouldn't bend too much in the toe box area, but it shouldn't be too stiff and inflexible either. Try twist ing the shoe to make sure it doesn't bend in the middle.

"Preventing fa lls among older Americans is a top health priority, and improved balance can help reduce the risk of a fall," says Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. "Proper footwear ca n help improve balance, especia lly in older people who may strugg le with mobil ity issues ."

Aging and health changes can cause the size of your feet to change, so when shopping for a new pair of shoes, have your feet measured and go w ith the size of the larger foot. If you wear socks, take the ones you are most likely to wear with you since the try-on peds offered in the store are much thinner than normal socks. Walk around the store before you purchase any shoes, and if they don't feel comfortable or steady right away, don't buy them. The old w ives tail of "breaking them in" won't improve things.

If you have specif ic health challenges or foot issues, ta lk to a podiatrist about the best footwear for your needs. Some may offer a prescription for orthopedic shoes, which may be covered by your insurance.

Walking up and down the endless aisles at a shoe store used to be a visual dilemma for me. Everythi ng looked so pretty and sparkly. Now I use my sense of touch to choose my footwear. If it hurts my feet, it stays on the shelf.

Marla Luckhardt is a Discovery Bay resident who works with several local senior care and advocacy groups. Visit her website www.marlasreferrals.com or e-mail her at marla2054@aol.com.

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LIVING 50 PLUS

Angels from page 38

dedicate time to my family," he said. It was that experience which ultimately turned Beck's career toward the senior population.

And along the way, Beck has gathered like-minded employees for the Angels. Kathy Barr, East County cl ient care manager and longtime Brentwood resident, oversees staff, schedules and client evaluations. Her seven-plus years serving the elder community has been a rewarding one, she said: ''I'm doing this because I love what I do, and I adore my sen iors."

For the Pites, who have since moved their dad into an assisted living facil it y,

the Angels were, wel l, heaven sent. "Honestly, they extended the

t ime dad was able to live alone and semi-independently, and they did it with grace, patience and genuine affection," Doug said. "We've used other agencies before, and there is just no comparison."

When it comes to senior care, there are a variety of options, but often families end up choosing their providers from an advert isement in the phone book, a Google search or a brochure at the doctor 's office. Luckhardt suggests going w ith recommendations and referrals from friends or relatives, trusted websites or senior agencies

THEPRESS.NET I 118

fami liar with the company. "Ask around," she said. " There are

plenty of bad apples in the industry, just as there are in all industries, so ask someone who has had a good experience. And make sure they (the agency) are easily accessible. You need someone who responds in a timely manner, because sometimes the need for care is immediate."

For more information on Visiting Angels, ca ll 925-240-1100 or email angelcare1 OOO@gmail.com. You can also visit the website at www. visitingangels .com .

To comment, visit www. thepress. com.

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