From Peter's Desk by Peter Laverty - UMC Health System
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UMC Health System
June 2018
From Peter’s Desk by Peter Laverty
Our West Texas summer heat has arrived and with it comes potential dangers for those over 65. Heat stroke and heat
exhaustion can be a real problem with our Seniors are Special members. A recently released study from the University of
Chicago Medical Center reported that people over 65 accounted for 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. There are
several reasons why this happens.
• As we age, our ability to notice changes in our body temperature decreases.
• Underlying health conditions often make us less able to adapt to heat.
• Many common medications prescribed to seniors can contribute to dehydration and heat stroke.
With the unforgiving heat of a West Texas summer, it is especially important to stay hydrated and safe. Here are seven
easy tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this summer. These tips come from one of my favorite websites,
www.aplaceformom.com.
Here are their seven hints for keeping you safe in hot weather:
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Dehydration is the cause of most heat-related health alerts. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty.
Try to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration.
2. Wear Appropriate Clothes
When it’s hot out, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. Be careful of the sun,
wear sunscreen and stay in the shade as much as possible.
3. Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours
The best time to run errands or be outdoors is before 10 am or after 7 pm when the temperature begins to cool down.
4. Take it Easy
Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out.
5. Watch the Heat Index
Not a huge problem in West Texas, however be aware when there’s a lot of moisture in their air (high humidity),
the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index factors humidity and temperature to
approximately how the weather really feels. The current heat index can be found on all popular weather websites and
is also usually announced on local TV and radio weather reports during periods of warm weather. In Lubbock, we
refer to it as the “Feels Like” temperature.
6. Seek Air-Conditioned Locations
Seniors whose homes aren’t air-conditioned should consider finding an air-conditioned place to spend time during
extreme heat. The mall, library, senior center or movie theater are all popular options. During heat waves, the city
of Lubbock sets up “cooling centers,” air-conditioned public places, for seniors and other vulnerable populations.
Seniors without convenient access to any air-conditioned place might consider a cool bath or shower.
7. Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing
problems are all warning signs that help need to be immediately addressed. Continued Page 4
Seniors Are Special is a service of UMC Health System and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
602 Indiana Ave • Lubbock, TX 79415 • 806-775-8760Seniors are Special News – June 2018 2
2018 Early Settlers Reunion Tickets: Now on Sale
In Lubbock, July 4th has become a day filled with marching bands, patriotic floats, food, music,
fireworks, and Lubbock’s Early Settler’s Reunion. Seniors are Special is again this year’s reunion
sponsor, we thank University Medical Center for making this possible. WOW, what a celebration
we have planned for you.
One of the best parts about the reunion is you do not have to be an early settler to attend.
The 2018 Early Settlers Reunion returns this year to Broadway Church of Christ. Your
Early Settler’s Reunion has been a highlight of Lubbock’s July 4th celebration for the past
thirty years. It has become a special time when we pay tribute to our early settlers, their
descendants, while others come to meet and reminisce about Lubbock’s early days.
The doors open at 10:30 am for your enjoyment; with entertainment beginning at 11:30
am. This year’s menu includes River Smith’s famous barbecue beef and chicken, beans, potato salad,
cobbler, tea, and water.
Be sure to be in your seats by 11:30 and let the Pride of West Texas Show Choir entertain you with their
special toe-tapping 4th of July program. Lunch follows at noon, with Monte Monroe’s special history of Lubbock at 1:00
pm.
Only 125 tickets will be available for this year’s event. A quick reminder, this event has sold out every year for the
past twenty-nine years, so please order your tickets as soon as possible.
Being located on Broadway and miles away from the parade route, there will be ample parking for all.
Seniors are Special’s will handle all ticket sales this year; no tickets will be sold at the door.
Tickets are available for $15.00 per person; ticket price includes entertainment, food, and parking. For
reservations, call the Seniors are Special at 775-8760. Please send your payment to Seniors are Special, 602
Indiana Ave, Lubbock, Texas, 79415.
Dr. Steven Brooks SAS Guest Speaker
Dr. Steven Brooks will be our guest speaker Wednesday, June 13th, at UMC’s McInturff Conference
Center. Dr. Brooks is the Trauma Medical Director of UMC’s Geriatric Trauma Center, Assistant Professor
with the Department of Surgery and Surgical Director of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Texas Tech Health
Sciences Center.
Dr. Brooks just returned from a trip to Washington DC, where he met with several senators and house
representatives in regards to healthcare policy. Knowing that many of his patients and seniors as a whole are
interested in politics, he has asked to speak on “Health Care Reform” and how it will effect your future medical needs.
SAS June’s medical program begins at 3:00 PM, with a talk about Stroke Awareness, followed by Dr. Brooks at 4:00
PM. This program is free and open to the public, for additional information contact SAS at 775-8760.
Sarah Hancock SAS Guest Speaker
Sarah Hancock from UMC’s Stroke Center will be Seniors are Special’s guest speaker on Wednesday,
June 13th at UMC’s McInturff Conference Center.
Sarah will be presenting a program regarding strokes. Sarah will discuss the warning signs, risk factors and
symptoms of a stroke. Recognizing stroke symptoms early is critical to a successful outcome. Sarah will
explain how UMC has trained its staff to quickly diagnose strokes and to take action needed to save lives.
Sarah is excited to return to our SAS meeting and to bring you her expertise regarding the importance of
stroke education. Sarah’s discussion will begin at 3:00 PM. She will be followed by Dr. Brook’s talk on Geriatric Trauma.
We hope to see you there!
UMC’s Better Breathers Club to meet at UMC Activities Center
The UMC Better Breathers Club is a support group for people with Chronic Lung disease such as COPD, Asthma,
Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Cancer. Joining is free! Learn to manage your lung disease and live better. The Better
Breathers Club meets the second Monday of every month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the UMC Activities Center at 5217
82nd Street, in Rockridge Plaza. Our next meeting will be Monday, June 11, 2018.
For additional information, contact Lori Stroud at 775-8950.Seniors are Special News – June 2018 3
*** TRIP ALERT – TRIP ALERT – TRIP ALERT ***
SAS TRAVELS TO BRANSON | Start your Christmas Season with SAS
November 29 – December 1, 2018 | Six days and Five nights
Branson is known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World” has been welcoming
guest to the Ozarks for more than 100 years. We invite you to join us for the six-day, five-night
Christmas Holiday Extravaganza tour.
Your Branson Holiday Show Extravaganza includes round-trip motorcoach transportation
from Lubbock, five nights lodging, including three nights in Branson. Lunch and tour of the College
of the Ozarks. Admission to seven great Branson Christmas Shows, Million Dollar Quartet, The
Brett Family Show, The Dutton’s Family Christmas Show, Branson Belle’s Dinner Show, Blackwood’s
Morning Show, Down Home Country Morning, and Site & Sound Theater’s production of Samson. Nine meals: five
breakfasts, one lunch, and three dinners.
Monday, Nov. 26: Today we travel by motorcoach north to Amarillo, then east to Elk City and on to Tulsa for the
night. Time to meet your fellow travelers as we explore the vast Oklahoma countryside. This evening, you’ll check into
your en route hotel for a good night’s rest.
Tuesday, Nov. 27: We arrive in Branson late this afternoon and check into our Branson hotel for a three-night stay.
Enjoy an included dinner this evening before our visit to Site & Sound Theatre’s production of Samson. One of the most
captivating stories of the Bible, Samson is filled with colorful characters, extraordinary feats of strength, and amazing
special effects. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Wednesday, Nov. 28: After enjoying a Continental Breakfast, you will start your day with the incredible Blackwood’s
Morning Show. The Blackwoods known throughout gospel music circles for their pure family harmony, excellent musician
ship, and first class entertainment. They bring hand-clapping, high energy entertainment to the stage. Later, you will sit
down to a three course meal onboard the famous Showboat Branson Belle. You will be treated to a spectacular show as
you cruise on the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. Later you will take in the “Million Dollar Quartet” show. It is the
celebration of a moment in history when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry lee Lewis and Carl Perkins enjoyed a jam
session. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 29: After enjoying a continental breakfast, you’ll start your day with the DOWN HOME COUNTRY
MORNING SHOW! Step back in time to enjoy the classics of George Jones, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Gene Watson
and many more. Featuring the best of Classic Country, Western Swing, and Gospel music, this show brings to life the music
you will never forget. Next, we have arranged lunch at College of the Ozarks followed by a private tour of the college. This
afternoon you become part of one of Americas’ unique colleges. Your visit to “Hard Work University” will be what you talk
about most when you return home. After dinner, THE DUTTON FAMILY SHOW will wow you with the high-energy
musical talents that led them to an impressive top ten finish on TV’s famous “America’s Got Talent” reality show!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Friday, Nov. 30: After enjoying a Continental Breakfast, you’ll experience the incredible BRETT FAMILY SHOW.
This talented family mixes timeless classics, current chart-topping hits, and award-winning original music. Next, you will
go to Branson Landing and discover waterfront shopping, dining, and attractions on Lake Taneycomo’s waterfront. Later,
you will depart and check into your en route hotel for a good night’s rest. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Saturday, Dec. 1: After enjoying breakfast, you will depart for home, a time to chat with your friends about all the fun
things you have done, the great shows you have seen, and where your next trip with us will be. Meals: Breakfast
Cost | The price per person: Double Occupancy $775.00 Single Occupancy $925.00
Not included in the price are items of a personal nature; meals not included on the itinerary, gratuities to motorcoach
driver, step-on guides or trip insurance. Trip insurance is available for an additional $75.00 per person.
Reservations will be accepted beginning Friday, June 1, 2018.
To hold your space, please send a $100 deposit, per person to SAS, 602 Indiana Ave., Lubbock, TX 79415.
Final payment will be due September 10, 2018.
Please make your deposit check payable to “Diamond Tours.”
If you wish to take out the travel insurance, please include a separate $69.00 check made out to Travel Confident.
This trip will fill quickly; call SAS at 806-775-8760 to check if space is still available before sending in your deposit.
Cancellation may occur if your deposit has not arrived within five days.
*These shows may change due to cancellations or show schedule changes. For further information, call Peter Laverty at
806-775-8760. Mail deposits to SAS, 602 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, Texas 79415.Seniors are Special News – June 2018 4
Scammers Target Medicare Beneficiaries
A law passed in 2015 required Medicare to remove Social Security numbers
from Medicare cards. Beneficiaries will begin to receive their new cards this
month, and the rollout continues into 2019. This is a good move, since Social
Security numbers are the key to identity theft, and having them displayed on
Medicare cards has long presented a risk. Unfortunately, scammers have come up
with new ways to take advantage of this change.
HOW IT WORKS:
• Scammers claiming to be from Medicare call and ask you to verify your Social
Security number in order to receive your new card.
• Scammers call to collect a “processing fee” in order for you to receive your new Medicare card.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• Medicare will NEVER ask beneficiaries to confirm their Social Security number or ask for money to receive the new
Medicare card.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
If you receive a call like this, hang up and report it to Medicare at 1-800-633-4427.
• If your address has changed, you’ll need to report it to receive your new card. Contact the Social Security
Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourself and your loved
ones from scams. Please share this alert with friends and family.
Peter's Desk (continued)
Here are some of the reasons we are more prone to dehydration.
• Our ability to notice changes in body temperature typically decreases with age.
• As we age, our bodies water content decreases.
• Many medications we take makes us more susceptible to dehydration.
• Women and to a lesser extent men often experience diminished thirst; they never feel thirsty which leads to a reduced
fluid consumption.
• Our kidneys have a reduced ability to retain water during water deprivation.
• Specific conditions, such as reduced swallowing capacity, decreased mobility, comprehension and communication
disorders, decreased mobility and incontinence also can contribute to dehydration.
• Many also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adapt to heat
Things you should know and remember about dehydration:
• Dehydration has been associated with increased mortality rates among older adults.
• Dehydration can accelerate or bring about emergency hospitalization and increase the risk of hospital stays.
• Dehydration is one of the ten most frequent diagnoses responsible for hospitalization in the U.S.…. Did you ever
wonder why the ER immediately administers fluids by IV drip? Dehydration!
• Dehydration has been associated with rapid heart rate, confusion, impaired cognition, fatigue, falling, and
constipation.
• It is estimated that avoidable costs of hospitalizations resulting from dehydration are $1.14 billion, annually.
What Steps Can Be Taken To Prevent Dehydration?
Fluid intake is key.
• Drink fluids on a regular basis throughout the day, not just when you think you are thirsty.
• Encourage 8 oz. of fluid intake (not caffeinated or alcoholic) every time you take medications.
• Keep water bottles available throughout the day wherever you might use them, i.e., on your nightstand, patio table,
bathroom counter and even the kitchen counter.Seniors are Special News – June 2018 5
UMC Activities Center – Lewis Walker & Julie Dominguez
Summer is here! The back and forth change in temperature has finally subsided. No more 80 degree days then 60
degrees the next. It is warm out and only getting warmer. Soon we will be saying it is too hot and wishing for the change
back to cooler days. Changing from one temperature extreme to the other is tough. It makes our allergies act up, at least
mine did, the plants we work so hard at tending to start to bloom then die when cold hits again. Changing back and forth is
challenging.
Change can be especially challenging when we are dealing with more than the weather. A little hiccup to a life altering
event can cause us to experience more than one emotion or feeling. Sometimes we are the ones causing the hiccup or life
altering event other times the change is brought upon us. One thing that is certain, change is going to happen, whether we
like it or not, it is just a matter of time.
It is important to remember that when we encounter a hiccup or a life altering event, that you can and will make it through
to the other side. The first phase of change is the scariest, especially when we are not expecting it. At the time it might
be hard to digest, but you can do more than just go through the motions. Revel in it! Think about a butterfly and the
metamorphosis a caterpillar undergoes from a fat ugly worm to hardened cocoon to a beautiful winged butterfly.
The only part of change you can control is you. Take time to be upset, vent, and complain, whatever you need to do,
but set a cutoff time to these emotions or actions. Whether it is minutes, hours, a day, several days; have a deadline to
accept the change gracefully. If we don’t give ourselves a time limit of being upset and try to act like everything is fine we
run the risk of bottling up emotions that could explode and damage those around us.
As I write this I know it is a tough order to accept change and move on. Change brings stress, even when you accept
the change and are ready for it. There will still be many instances of stress. Sometimes there are unanswered questions
you have or your family/friends have that you just don’t have an answer to. Or the change you brought upon yourself is not
going as planned. A whole variety of circumstances can add stress.
When stress is high it is important to realize that you are not alone in this transformation. Whether the change you
are experiencing is at work, home, kids leaving the nest, divorce, physical changes or loss, there is someone else that has
experienced the same thing. Talk to friends or family that have gone through a transformation to get the reassurance and
encouragement you need to thrive through this process. If nothing else talk to your loved ones as they are going through
the change with you. There is a good chance they are affected by the change just as much as you are. They have a whole
host of emotions running through them, stress and maybe resentment. Talking through the stressful times will help you
both come out of the change together.
Exercise is another way to fend off stress. Go to your favorite exercise class at the UMC Activities Center. Physical
activity helps bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. It can also increase
self-confidence, it can relax you, and it can lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise can
also improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All of these exercise benefits can ease
your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.
Develop a plan of action to assist with dealing with the situation, especially if it is unexpected. Figure out what you
need to do to make this transformation work. It may take some time and trying different options to find what makes you
comfortable with the change but it will come. Remember to be patient, breathe and trust. Your inner strength will surprise
you.
Class Spotlight: The class under the spotlight this month is T’ai Chi Ch’uan with Larry. T’ai
Chi Ch’uan is a low impact, a slow moving activity whose movements are flowing, circular, and
weight shifting. It has been described as a soft martial art technique (mind and body) emphasizing
health, balance, and energy. T’ai Chi Ch’uan can be performed as individual movements or as a
series (a Form). Several forms of T’ai Chi Ch’uan are taught in this class; these forms may include:
WuHao, Yang Short Form (37) and others. Minimum physical requirement: the ability to stand for 20
minutes. T’ai Chi Ch’uan with Larry meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 PM.
T’ai Chi Chu’uan may be ideal for individuals who are looking to start an exercise routine but
are not looking for a “traditional style” of group fitness class that includes a form of cardiovascular
exercise and weights. T’ai Chi Ch’uan addresses the key components of fitness: muscle strength,
flexibility, and balance. Dr. Gloria Yeh, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, says
“Tai chi strengthens both the lower and upper extremities and also the core muscles of the back and
abdomen.” (www.health.harvard.edu)T’ai Chi Ch’uan might also be a good fit for individuals who
are “stiff”, suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia and need gentler movements associated with exercise.
Come give it a try!
From the Membership: This month we spoke with Justino who attends both of our T’ai Chi classes shared the
following with us: “I’ve been attending T’ai Chi classes since 2005 and enjoy both T’ai Chi classes for different reasons.
Continued Page 6Seniors are Special News – June 2018 6
UMC Activities Center – Lewis Walker & Julie Dominguez (continued)
The T’ai Chi Ch’uan is great for my balance. I come to the UMC Activities Center because the people are all nice and I
enjoy visiting with my fellow class members. I have recommended the UMC Activities Center to several others, where else
can you go in town for such a reasonable price?”
Closed for the 4th of July: The UMC Activities Center will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th for Independence Day.
Regular hours will resume on Thursday, July 5th.
Open House Winners: During the
week long Open House nonmembers,
as well as members, earned chances to
be entered into a drawing for a chance
to win a free Three Month Membership
to the UMC Activities Center.
Congratulations to our winners:
Ron Wally Rebeca Natalie
Seniors Are Special’s Monthly Seminar
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
McInturff Conference Center at UMC
Lifestyle Topic: 3:00 PM
Sarah Hancock, UMC Stroke Coordinator
“Stroke 101”
Medical Topic: 4:00 PM
Dr. Steven Brooks, Assistant Professor of Surgery;
Trauma Medical Director
“Healthcare Reform on Capitol Hill: Updates from the American
College of Surgeons Leadership and Advocacy Summit 2018”
Join us for Seniors are Special’s monthly educational seminars. These seminars meet on the second
Wednesday of each month beginning at 3:00 PM in UMC’s McInturff Conference Center. The meetings are free, open to
the public, and no reservations are necessary. Please bring a friend. For further information on these meetings, call SAS at
806-775-8760.
Shuttle transportation service is available from Tech’s
southwest parking lot for SAS’s monthly meeting
UMC’s Courtesy Shuttle vans provide free shuttle service between 2:30
PM and 3:30 PM and 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM for our seminar guests. The shuttle
picks up at the Texas Tech parking lot located SOUTH WEST of the Texas Tech
Parkway, off 10th Street. Turn west at the 10th Street & Texas Tech Parkway
light. The parking lot is located one block down on your left hand side of the
street. Follow the SAS parking signs. You are, however, free to park in any of
UMC’s parking lots.You can also read
