Senior LifeStyLe
JHV | March 7, 2019 | 1B
Senior Living
A Jewish guide to later-in-life issues JEWISH HERALD-VOICE
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JHV: MICHAEL C. DUKE
David LaVine, Walter Dubov and Jack Schlossberg, members of the Jewish War Veterans’ Houston Levy Post 574, presented the colors during this year’s Kosher Chili Cookoff on March 3.
MARCH 7, 2019
Senior LifeStyLe
2B | JHV | March 7, 2019
When being catty is good for you! Coon breed influence, which In making my most recent means she’s a long-hair, a long, lifestyle change, now about full tail and hind legs configtwo-and-a-half years ago, ured to appear she’s wearing I joined a household of six leg warmers. She loves water, is humans, two cats and one fiercely playful, eats with gusto dog. (Since then, we’ve added and shares her emotions, not with four chickens.) the typical meow but a series of About a year later, I received a call from a friend, Reflections “mehs,” which mean, “I need to saying she had rescued three ALICE ADAMS be petted,” “I’m hungry,” “I’m missing my humans,” etc. She’s kittens, just hours away from being destroyed at a shelter nearby without also extremely curious and, at the same a no-kill policy. She was on her way to time, stubborn, relentless, smart and pick them up and, if I would take one, she unusually nocturnal. In watching Ron-Duh! interact with would give me the pick of this small litter. I checked with the resident humans her human and animal housemates, and felines, got the OK and, after five I’m learning some lessons I find myself weeks, baby Ron-Duh! came into our lives. applying to my own life. I wanted to share Ron-Duh! is a beautiful gray-and- some of these here: 1) When cats are in need of a slower white mixed-up with a dominant Maine
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pace or some personal quiet time, they tend to simply disappear. No apologies, they simply go to their “happy place” in the house and stay there until they’ve rested from the chaotic comings and goings of a busy household and are ready to get back into the faster rhythm. 2) There is a respectful pecking order, immediately apparent when Ron-Duh! joined the household. At mealtime, for example, the oldest cat – 11-year-old Sam – eats first. Next, the smaller, forever-kitten Naula, and lastly Ron-Duh! who, by virtue of her breed, is much larger than Naula, but who still has seniority. This example should resonate with all of us – the respect part, in particular. 3) Our labrador, Cass, is up in years, as well, and seems to sometimes exercise his place as pack leader, herding the felines away from the door when the bell rings, alerting them (and us) to the arrival of “outsiders,” and even gently grooming Sam and the two females when necessary. 4) Which brings me to the next lesson. It doesn’t matter who helps with your grooming (physical, intellectual or emotional). Even if they are outside your genus or breed, they’re just trying to help you be your better self. 5) Only eat until you are full. No further comment needed. 6) In cooler weather, which we seem to be having more of, stay close together – even cuddle. We’re all in this together, and sometimes staying close offers a needed
boost for our feelings of security. 7) Never let a day pass without taking time to play and have fun. It doesn’t require costly stuff – maybe nothing more than finding something you want to learn more about – like watching a bird build a nest or the capricious flight of a housefly. 8) Stay carefully curious. Opposing the old saw, “Curiosity killed the cat,” cats are curious, though careful about what they might find under the bed, in a dark corner or under a bush. Rarely will a cat go out on a limb without first testing its strength. 9) Love and take care of yourself. Our cats spend a lot of time during the day, cleaning themselves, preening and drinking plenty of water. They also stretch a lot, a good reminder, especially to those who lead fairly sedentary lives. 10) Let yourself be loved. Who doesn’t enjoy a good shoulder massage? Our cats make sure they are within easy reach when someone sits down and has time to scratch or rub backs, stroke egos, so to speak, and make them the singular object of their affection and attention. Watching the cats has made me fully appreciate the feline lifestyle, and if it turns out, we all come back as some type of animal, I think I’d like to come back to this house as a cat. Maybe, whoever said, “It’s a dog’s life,” should reconsider. A cat’s life doesn’t seem too tough and actually makes a lot of sense, at least to me.
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Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Program 6200 North Braeswood Blvd. • Houston, Texas 77074
713-778-5700 • www.sevenacres.org Celebrating 76 years serving the Texas Gulf Coast
We can handle all your medical supply needs
The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence is located on the Seven Acres campus providing a continuum of care that gives seniors the services they need while maintaining their dignity, quality of life and a sense of independence. • A warm, friendly residence in an intimate setting • Full personal care services • Spacious apartment styles • Access to on-site skilled care nursing services / long term care • Fine kosher dining • Active schedule of social, cultural, and recreational programs • Wellness Center and heated aqua therapy pool The Medallion and Seven Acres have 76 years of experience caring for seniors. Our staff, residents and families make The Medallion a special place to call home. Come join our family.
We invite you to visit us today.
Contact Stephanie Barrocas at 713-778-5777
[email protected] Facility ID # 102491
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JEWISH ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE 6262 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77074 www.themedallion.org
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Senior LifeStyLe Dance improvisation and balance help seniors’ overall well-being
JHV | March 7, 2019 | 3B
Love What Matters
Teresa Chapman will be teaching at the JCC.
Balance Work for Seniors is a 10-week series of classes designed to improve balance through the practice of contemporary dance. This unique approach to fall prevention, led by associate professor of dance, Teresa Chapman, utilizes improvisational dance structures to improve kinesthetic awareness, promote strength and engage critical thinking. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon at the Evelyn Rubinstein Jewish Community Center, beginning March 21 and running through May 30. There will be a free trial class on March 14 at 11 a.m. at the J, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd. Each 60-minute class is packed with goal-oriented movement games that focus the mind, while the body adjusts to changes in shape, space and time. “I think of it as Sudoku for the body,” said Chapman. Each exercise can be performed in a chair or standing, with varying degrees of energy and range of motion. This allows for individuals to participate at their own level. Those enrolled in the class will be invited to take part in an exciting new study on the effects of improvisational dance on balance in aging adults. These dance structures have specific parameters that require attention control, problem solving, critical thinking, physical coordination and balance. This study aims to provide evidence that supports the practice of improvisational dance as a viable
strategy to strengthen physical awareness and balance for aging adults. This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Houston Institutional Review Board. Participants in the class are not required to be a part of the study. Chapman began teaching Balance Work for Seniors in 2015 at Fonteno Senior Education Center in Bellaire. As an associate professor of dance at the University of Houston, Chapman’s research consists of the study of dance practice and composition. She has been presenting her original choreography in Houston since 2006. In 2016, Balance Workshops for Seniors provided choreographic material for an evening-length dance performance that showcased senior citizens and professional dancers. Chapman’s love of dance and passion for working with seniors are coming together to provide a distinct approach to health and wellness for aging adults. “I believe the practice of improvisational dance can result in better physical awareness and heightened brain activity. I think this practice has the potential to counteract the decline in attention control, memory and motor behavior that occurs in the aging brain,” said Chapman, “and it’s fun!” For more information about Chapman, go to chapmandance.com. For cost and to register for classes, call 713-595-8199 or visit erjcchouston.org.
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Medical equipment and supplies are in the neighborhood Multi-Medical Equipment & Supplies, located in Sugar Land and Bellaire, specializes in providing multiple aids for patients’ mobility and respiratory care. The staff’s emphasis is on building relationships with its customers, through honesty, transparency and by giving quality one-on-one individualized care. This combination has made the company a leader in the industry, caring for its customers and their loved ones.
Multi-Medical, owned by Adam Burck and Brent Kamin, offers a full range of mobility and respiratory-care products – equipment, supplies and rentals. Their strategic insights benefit patients as they are fitted with the right product to ensure maximum comfort and wellness care. Multi-Medical is located at 5313B Bellaire Blvd., in Bellaire, 713-636-3834, and 15229 Southwest Fwy., in Sugar Land, 281-265-3156.
•nHearing tests •nHearing aids and other hearing solutions •nCustom ear molds for swimming, shooting, sleeping •nMusician in-ear monitors
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4544 Post Oak Place, #380 Houston, TX 77027 Phone: 713-255-0035
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Senior LifeStyLe
4B | JHV | March 7, 2019
Houston Jewish Funerals: Treating families like their own
Seniors: Play ball year round! The Harris County Senior Softball League has been in existence since 1981. Its mission is to promote slowpitch softball in the Greater Houston area for senior men and women, ages 50 years and older. League games are played four nights a week (Monday through Thursday). Conveniently located in Bayland Park, 6400 Bissonnet St., in Southwest Houston, the Senior Softball League boasts year-round 50-plus softball and fun that “never ends.” For information about HCSSL, contact the current president, president@hcssl. org, or go to hcssl.org.
SENIOR SOFTBALL HCSSL IS LOOKING FOR BALLPLAYERS!
If you are male or female 50-plus looking to stay active and competitive.
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Houston Jewish Funerals was established to provide the Houston Jewish community an alternative to the growing number of funeral homes owned by corporations. It is locally owned and operated, and families will never speak to an outsourcing agency. HJF staff works closely with rabbis to guide families Barbara Bejeault through a proper Jewish funeral, built on Halakha. The funeral home’s philosophy is to treat families as if they were their own. That is what happens when the caregivers are part of the community. Being a locally owned funeral home, Houston Jewish Funerals recognizes the importance of community commitment. Barbara Bejeault, funeral home director, has engrained herself into the Houston Jewish Jane Shapiro community. She sits on the board of directors of Houston Hillel and Congregation Beth Israel Sisterhood, and is active at many events around the city. Jane Shapiro, executive planning advisor, has been a part of the Houston community for 35 years. She is formerly with Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services and The Medallion Assisted Living Andy Starr Residence. She is a member of the Houston Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Andy Starr, owner and executive director, grew up in Tennessee, but married a native Houstonian (Wendy Kosberg), with whom he has three grown children, all of whom attended The Shlenker School (elementary) and The Emery/Weiner School (junior and senior high). Andy and Zane Belyea Wendy are active members at Temple Beth Israel, and Andy is a past board member of The Shlenker School, as well as a former trustee of Seven Acres. Andy’s wife also is a former board member of EWS. Zane Belyea, owner and community relations, is married to a Dallas native (Jill Liberman), and has two sons, Andrew Epstein Dylan and Zachary. They are active members of Adat Chaverim in Plano, and deeply involved in be reached 24 the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family 0257.
Service and the Jewish Federation. Next summer, Zane plans to take his entire family to Israel for Dylan’s Bar Mitzvah celebration. Andrew Epstein, provisional funeral director, moved to Houston with his family in 1971. His parents became members at Congregation Emanu El. His family was a member of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, where he remembers day camp trips. While attending Bellaire High School, he was a member of Lubel chapter of AZA, in BBYO. Liz Vargas, owner and human resources, has worked as an accounting professional for more than 25 years in different industries. She enjoys gardening and watching the Houston Astros in her free time. Denise Harmon, national preplanning director, is the daughter of a farmer who taught her that hard work doesn’t come easy and that you always work hard for your family. Denise has four children and two grandsons. She enjoys helping raise money for many organizations especially in the fight against diabetes. Ana Arias, provisional funeral director, moved to Houston with her daughter. After dedicating more than 18 years of service in the medical industry, she provides guidance, support and direction to families at Houston Jewish Funerals. Rachell Cantu, funeral assistant, grew up just outside of Houston. She worked for a funeral home in Missouri before returning to her home state in 2016. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her friends and family or just relaxing with her cat. Houston Jewish Funerals is located at 5455 Dashwood St., Suite 700, in Bellaire. Staff can hours a day at 713-666-
Seven Acres Skilled Nursing rehabilitation gets short-term residents back on their feet helps shorten hospital stays Rabbi Marcy Greene has and lays the groundwork led a number of Shabbat for a successful discharge services at The Medallion home or to a lower level of Jewish Assisted Living care. The Skilled Nursing Residence every other week Program includes rehabilitafor the past seven years. She tion care due to fractures or also has led Passover Seders joint replacements, general at The Medallion. When it wound care, interim medical came time for her to need care following a hospital a skilled-care/rehabilitastay, non-invasive respiration facility after an illness Rabbi Marcy Greene tory care, general rehabilitaand surgery, there was no question in her mind that Seven Acres was tion due to weakness or physical decline, stroke recovery, diabetic rehabilitation and the place to go. “It has been an unbelievable experi- IV therapy. Seven Acres offers physical, ence,” Rabbi Greene said on a recent visit speech and occupational therapy services to Seven Acres. “As a Jewish professional, it with a trained, licensed staff of therapists was very exciting to see a mezuzah on every and assistants. Seven Acres has served more door. The kosher food is excellent, and the than 1,500 individuals who have required skilled-nursing services. staff is amazing.” Rabbi Greene is grateful to everyone in Rabbi Greene is especially impressed with the occupational and physical therapy the community who has helped her in her staff. “The level of cooperation between recovery. “The transition home was a bit the OT and PT staff and the Seven Acres overwhelming, but I felt prepared to continue nursing staff is fabulous,” she said. “They my recovery because the lessons I learned in help each other out, without even waiting rehab helped so much, and every day I became for someone to ask. And, they take such stronger. I choose to believe that Seven Acres truly saved my life! We are so blessed to have delight in your recovery!” Through its Lou Lewis Skilled Nursing Seven Acres in our community.” For information about Seven Acres Rehabilitation Program, Seven Acres offers post-acute services for those transitioning Skilled Nursing program, call 713-778from hospital to home. This specialized care 5712 or visit sevenacres.org.
Senior LifeStyLe
JHV | March 7, 2019 | 5B
What are you forgetting? Most of us have moments when we struggle to remember. It’s not unusual to worry, or to be concerned when a family member is grappling with memory issues, but lots of things can make you forgetful. Stress and Multitasking are major culprits. Research also has shown that sheer volume of information attained over a lifetime can be a factor, and nearly everyone’s memory slows a little with aging. However, if problems are significant and have begun suddenly, it could be a sign of something more serious. You should speak with your doctor about changes, especially if they’re interfering with daily function. As a guide, Belmont what makes dementia different from age-related Village Senior Living answers Understanding memory loss is crucial when caring for your parent. frequently asked questions from it could be a sign of a more significant level of seniors and their families. Q: I keep misplacing and forgetting loss and should be checked out. Q: My loved one has started repeatroutine things – should I be worried? A: Multitasking can prevent you from ing himself – asking the same question storing and retaining memories. Focus on over and over – what is going on? A: This is a more profound level of memory being in the moment and ignoring distractions (like talking on the phone) when performing a loss. Likely, this person also is forgetting task. Indicators of a more serious issue include appointments, not paying bill, and forgetting trouble retracing steps, finding things in or refusing to perform basic activities, like unusual places – keys in the freezer, for example cooking, laundry and grooming. An assess– or trouble recognizing familiar surroundings. ment by a medical professional is necessary. Q: I think we have a problem. Q : Why can’t I remember What should we do? names anymore? A: First, don’t give up hope. Discuss A: If it’s someone you just met, you probably weren’t paying focused attention when you concerns with your physician or a specialheard their name. Try using mnemonics – say ist. There may be an underlying cause the name and think of an image that will help that’s correctable. Though there’s no cure you recall it; e.g., Debbie/debit card. Don’t for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of worry unless you have trouble recognizing memory loss, diet, exercise, regular mental fitness and social interaction can help maintain familiar people that you see regularly. Q: What does it mean when I can’t brain function. *** think of a certain word or accidently For more information on Belmont Village’s use the wrong word? A: There could be a simple explanation, programs and services, contact Belmont such as distraction or a competing memory Village Hunters Creek at 713-781-1505 or – one thing reminds you of another and you Belmont Village West University at 713-592misspeak. However, if it’s a consistent problem, 9200. See also belmontvillage.com.
Eagle’s Trace has EVERYTHING YOU NEED to enjoy a vibrant retirement
Fabulous amenities for vibrant living. Enjoy multiple restaurants, a fitness center, indoor pool, and more—plus hundreds of resident-run clubs. Stylish apartment homes. Choose from dozens of one and two bedroom designs. We handle all maintenance and repairs!
Meals on Wheels
Services to support your health and wellness. Our on-site medical center is led by a full-time physician. Advanced care is also available in our continuing care neighborhood. A smart, simple financial structure. The 90% Refundable Entrance Deposit* safeguards your investment, and the Monthly Service Package covers most of your regular bills with a single check.
Learn more! Call 1-800-981-9341 for your free brochure or visit EaglesTraceCommunity.com.
Want to Volunteer? Volunteer Drivers Needed To volunteer contact Kari Stein at
[email protected] or 832.408.3532
EaglesTraceCommunity.com 13280557
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 713.729.3200 | erjcchouston.org
14703 Eagle Vista Drive, Houston, TX 77077
*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.
Senior LifeStyLe
6B | JHV | March 7, 2019
The Villages: Feeling good never gets old
The Last
Act of Kindness Dignity for the boDy. Peace for the soul.
As we age, isolation can set in, especially when we are living alone. People who reside in a senior living community enjoy the company of those who are at the same stage of life. Studies have shown that seniors who live in these types of communities often enjoy a more vital, healthier life. Retirement Center Management, a Houston-based company, owned and operated by Jim Gray, understands how important it is for older adults to remain close to family, friends, religious affiliations, medical services and familiar restaurants and shopping. RCM has gained its recognition and superb reputation in the seniorhousing market by offering independent living, ass isted living and memory-care communities in desirable Houston locations, such as Tanglewood, Meyerland, The Heights, River Oaks, and a future home in Southampton/Rice Village. The Village communities provide a comfortable, active and secure lifestyle, where residents can age in place and remain in their homes as their needs change. In addition, these communities provide the peace of mind that both family and residents desire. From beautiful surroundings, excellent services, compassionate care, outstanding amenities and well-appointed apartment homes, residents can continue to live in the neighborhood they love and “Live Life Well.” Amenities and activities are designed to encourage mental engagement, wellness and social involvement. Whether residents choose The Villages’ independent or assisted living plans or its unique In Touch Memory Care program, they receive respect, personal service and compassionate care.
At RCM communities, residents decide how to spend their time, and the staff supports them with a wide range of services, dining options and Celebrating Life programs. Residents will always have help with daily tasks, and they never have to dine alone. In addition, residents can take advantage of many interesting wellness, recreational, educational, entertainment, community outreach and social opportunities. Among the RCM communities, some are independent living only, while others provide a continuum of care. Communities that offer a continuum of care make it easy to transition, if necessary, without having to move to a new home. All communities offer personal service and a caring, compassionate approach to wellness. Now this is living! No housework. No chores. And, certainly, no boredom! That’s what life is like when residents choose a home at an RCM community. To learn more about The Village communities and the lifestyle options offered, visit rcmseniorliving.com.
Chevra Kadisha of Houston Serving the Greater Houston Jewish Community and carrying carrying on on the the and tradition forfor over years. tradition 100100 years.
SENIOR SOFTBALL HCSSL IS LOOKING FOR BALLPLAYERS!
If you are male or female 50-plus looking to stay active and competitive. The HCSSL is just for you.
☞ To contact the Chevra Kadisha in your time of need, ask your rabbi or call 713-776-2438.
Our Summer Season starts April 1st and if you sign up to play your late fee of $50 will be waived if you reference this ad!
☞
All new players are placed in 1 of 4 divisions. Games played at Bayland Park, SW Houston. We are The #1 Senior Softball League in Texas. Web: hcssl.org
PLAY BALL!
Senior Lifestyle Legislation reintroduced to support seniors’ employment age-discrimination claims
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LivHOME focuses on the activities of daily living and positive social interactions that encourage older adults to live a comfortable, independent, and joyous life at home.
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$8,200 in 2017, about 40 percent lower than a Gold plan for a 60-year-old on the Obamacare exchange. This would include drug coverage. Supporters also argue that expanding Medicare access will strengthen the Obamacare exchanges since older Americans, who often are sicker and costlier, will be shifted to Medicare. This should reduce premiums for those remaining in Affordable Care Act plans. The buy-in bills would retain the private insurance system – a source of controversy within the movement to expand coverage. Many of those supporting Medicare for all want to eliminate the industry, but many Americans like their plans, leading some candidates to shy away from calling for the
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Medicare buy-in
Highlighting the divide facing Democrats in expanding health insurance coverage via Medicare, a group of lawmakers reintroduced bills that would allow Americans to buy into the program at age 50 – rather than giving everyone access. The legislation, spearheaded by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., is a more moderate approach to promoting affordable coverage – a main goal of the Democrats and a key plank in the 2018 midterm elections. The bill’s co-sponsors include 2020
Democratic hopefuls Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Kamala Harris, D-Calif.; and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; as well as Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.; and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., who are considering bids. Several of them, including Booker, Gillibrand, Harris and Merkley, backed Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2017 Medicare for all legislation. The advantage of the buy-in approach, sponsors say, is it could be enacted quickly – unlike Medicare for all, which would greatly overhaul the nation’s health care system. “It could happen now if it passed, using the current system – a trusted system – with those individuals who are most struggling right now in terms of health care costs,” Stabenow said. The Medicare buy-in bills, versions of which have been introduced previously, would let Americans, ages 50 to 64, purchase Medicare plans through the Affordable Care Act exchanges. Enrollees would cover the premiums, so it would not require federal government funding. However, lowerand moderate-income participants could qualify for Obamacare subsidies to help defray their costs. Medicare typically has much lower deductibles than exchange plans, though doesn’t offer all of the same protections. Consumers would have to buy separate Part D plans to cover prescription medications or enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by insurers and provide drug benefits. Also, enrollees may have to purchase supplemental Medigap policies to shield them against high out-of-pocket costs since, unlike Obamacare plans, Medicare doesn’t have an annual or lifetime cap. All of this additional coverage would be available to those age 50-plus on the exchanges. The bills have not been analyzed by the Congressional Budget Office, but Higgins’ office said premiums would have been around
demise of insurers. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found 77 percent of respondents favor the Medicare buy-in approach, compared to 56 percent who support Medicare for all. At least one major hospital group opposes the bill. The Federation of American Hospitals, which represents investor-owned or managed hospitals, said it would hurt consumers because Medicare’s low rates will squeeze care providers. “There is no question Medicare works for seniors and others who depend on it,” said Chip Kahn, the federation’s president. “But, expanding the program with hospitals facing the lowest Medicare margins in history will make it more difficult to provide the critical care that all Americans expect and deserve. Instead of focusing on Medicare buy-ins and other variations of single-payer proposals, Congress should work to sustain and expand affordable private coverage.”
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The bipartisan Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act bill has been re-introduced by Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa.; Patrick Leahy D-Vt.; Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; and Susan Collins, R-Maine. Passing the bipartisan POWADA would make it easier for a senior citizen to prove age discrimination in the workplace and bring back many of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protections. Recognizing the value and contributions of seniors not only in the workplace but also in society, ADEA was weakened by Gross v. FBL Financial Services case ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009. It significantly increased the employee’s burden of proof in age discrimination cases compared to other cases of discrimination involving race, sexual preferences, gender, and nation of origin or religious belief. The bpartisan supporters of the bill agreed – it is long past time to make sure people no longer endure discrimination because of their age. Nancy LeaMond, current AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy officer, voiced her support, as well. “Too many older workers have been victims of unfair age discrimination and are denied a fair shake in our justice system. The time for Congress to act is now.”
JHV | March 7, 2019 | 7B
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Senior LifeStyLe Tel Aviv University develops noninvasive blood test for finding genetic disorders
8B | JHV | March 7, 2019
Researchers have developed a new blood test for genetic disorders that may allow parents to learn about the health of their baby as early as 11 weeks into pregnancy. The simple blood test lets doctors diagnose genetic disorders in fetuses early in pregnancy by sequencing small amounts of DNA in the mother’s and the father’s blood. A computer algorithm harnessing the results of the sequencing would then produce a “map” of the fetal genome, predicting mutations with 99 percent or better accuracy, depending on the mutation type. Prof. Noam Shomron of Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine led the research, which was conducted by TAU graduate student Tom Rabinowitz with Avital Polsky, Artem Danilevsky, Guy Shapira and Chen Raff, all from Shomron’s lab. The study is in collaboration with Dr. David Golan of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, and Prof. Lina Basel-Salmon and Dr. Reut Tomashov-Matar of Rabin Medical Center. It was published on Feb. 20 in the journal Genome Research. “Noninvasive prenatal tests are already available for chromosome disorders, such as Down syndrome,” Shomron said. “Our new procedure is based on fetal DNA fragments that circulate freely in maternal blood and bear only a minimal risk for the mother and fetus, compared with such invasive techniques as the amniotic fluid test. We will now be able to identify numerous mutations and diseases in a safe and simple procedure available at the doctor’s office. “The genetic mechanism behind
Down syndrome affects a very large portion of the genome, and therefore is easier to detect,” Shomron said. “We performed upgraded noninvasive fetal genotyping, using a novel approach and an improved algorithm, to detect many other diseases that are caused by smaller parts of the genome. This is like looking at a map of the world and noticing not only a continent is missing, but also a single house is missing. “The practical applications are endless: a single blood test that would detect a wide range of genetic diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis and many others.” Shomron and colleagues tested blood samples from three families at Rabin Medical Center in the 11th week of gestation. They extracted maternal and paternal DNA from white blood cells and fetal DNA from a placental cell sample. They also extracted circulating cell-free fetal DNA from the maternal blood. “We sequenced all these DNA, samples and created a computer algorithm that utilizes the parental DNA, as well as the cell-free fetal DNA, to reconstruct the fetal genome and predict mutations,” said Shomron. “We compared our predictions to the true fetal DNA originating from the placenta. Our model is the first to predict smallinherited insertions and deletions. The method described can serve as a general framework for noninvasive prenatal diagnoses.” The researchers are working on further improving the accuracy of the method and extending it to detect even more types of mutations.
We’re elevating SENIOR LIVING! Experience the good life at Brookdale West University.
Medallion resident Maria Leon enjoyed working on an art project with one of the students from the Beren Academy “Better Together” program.
The Medallion: Assisted Living on a Continuing Care Campus “It’s like living with family,” remarked a resident of The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence, when asked about her life there. “I moved to The Medallion in 2010. We are a small group of 51 residents, and most of the staff has been with us from the very beginning. They know the names all of our family members and friends who come to visit. I can’t imagine living anywhere else!” There are so many benefits to life at The Medallion. Residents are able to stay busy with a full complement of activities and amenities that include a full-service and newly redesigned wellness center with spa services and heated aqua-therapy pool. These activities are provided under the direction of a certified therapist. Residents can enjoy a multitude of intellectual, cultural and spiritual activities by participating in classes and lectures offered by Jewish community leaders and traveling to local senior programs offered offsite. Intergenerational programs take place frequently with visits from young students from Jewish day schools for art and music. Residents of The Medallion are always welcome to attend all activities and programs that take place at Seven Acres, many of which are musical and theatrical performances taking place in the large auditorium. The Medallion stands adjacent to Seven Acre Jewish Senior Care Services, a
continuing campus of care. For residents who are in need of rehabilitation, Seven Acres has a Skilled Nursing Program that provides occupational, physical and speech therapies. Medallion residents also may take advantage of services provided by Seven Acres, which include a geriatric physician, nurse practitioners, and specialists, such as an ophthalmologist podiatrist, dentist, dermatologist, psychiatrist and psychologist. The Medallion is the only Jewish assisted living community in the greater Gulf Coast region of Texas. All meals served in an elegant dining room are certified kosher. Daily morning services take place at Seven Acres. Jewish High Holy Days services and Shabbat services are offered in The Medallion Lou Solomon Synagogue. The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian assisted living “boutique style” community, located on the beautiful Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services campus. This innovative approach to assisted living combines comfortable housing, around-the-clock personal care and an extensive choice of programs designed to meet the needs of those who require assistance with activities of daily living. For more information and to take a tour, contact Stephanie Barrocas at 713-778-5702 or email sbarrocas@ themedallion.org.
Retire from financial stress Eagle’s Trace boasts simplified, predictable finances
We’re proud to offer a wide range of services and amenities all within a gated independent senior living community. Don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself. Our friendly, professional staff would love to show you our distinctive floor plans today.
Now more than ever, seniors are looking to get the most for their money in retirement. At Eagle’s Trace in West Houston, the financial structure is designed especially for retired homeowners who want to protect their hard-earned nest egg. Retirement is also about enjoying more simplified, stressfree living. A straightforward, two-part financial system allows Eagle’s Trace residents to predict their bills to the penny, without the fear of surprise homeowner expenses. And, compared to the itemized costs of rental senior living communities, the difference in value is clear. Eagle’s Trace West Houston continuingcare retirement community is a smarter choice than senior rental and life-care options in the area. Why? Because it offers a sensible financial setup to help residents manage their expenses and safeguard their future.
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Rather than paying rental fees that may escalate on a whim, why not choose a simpler arrangement? At Eagle’s Trace, residents pay a single, one-time entrance deposit that secures their maintenance-free, independent living apartment home for as long as they live there. The majority of this entrance deposit – 90 percent, in fact – is returned to the resident, if they choose to leave the community, or to their heirs, should they live out the rest of their life at Eagle’s Trace. (Details of this program may be found in the Residence and Care Agreement.)
One bill, dozens of amenities, services
Budgeting couldn’t be easier at Eagle’s Trace. Almost every homeowner expense is bundled into a single monthly fee, meaning residents write just one check each month and enjoy a predictable payment all year long. Called the Monthly Service Package, this bill covers an enormous range of amenities and services – much more than at a rental community. It includes previous homeowner hassles, like repairs and maintenance, property taxes, most utilities, trash collection and lawn care. Flexible dining plans, cable television, 24-hour security, access to most on-campus amenities and more also are included.
Solid foundation
Perhaps most valuable of all, current residents and their loved ones enjoy priceless peace of mind, knowing that Eagle’s Trace has a solid financial foundation. It’s part of Erickson Living, a trademark network of retirement communities with 35 years of experience in the senior living industry. Eagle’s Trace handles the tedious tasks of maintenance, repairs and seasonal upkeep, so residents can enjoy life on their terms. Here, residents can retire homeowner worries once and for all! The Eagle’s Trace lifestyle is more affordable than you think, giving you more bang for your buck than other West Houston senior living options. Call 800-981-9341 to learn more and request a free brochure.
ILS MATTER.
Senior LifeStyLe
Waldman Funeral Care: Focusing on details, with compassion
family and answer my own At Waldman Funeral phone, 24 hours a day, 365 Care, owner and licensed days a year, if I’m not on an funeral director Syd airplane. I also wanted the Waldman knows what’s luxury of focusing on the important to Houston-area details, so families can focus families: responsive and on their families and friends attentive funeral-planning and their healing.” experiences, delivered with Approved by Chevra warmth and respect for Kadisha of Houston, families’ individual values, Waldman Funeral Care is customs and traditions, a member of Texas Funeral regardless of religious Directors Association, affiliation. Waldman is an Southeast Texas Funeral independent Jewish-owned Directors Association, funeral services company, Syd Waldman National Funeral Directors available to families 24/7. International Cremation “I meet with families where they are Association, comfortable – anytime, anywhere. It’s my Cemetery Funeral Association and Jewish Funeral Directors Association. personal promise,” said Waldman. Funeral Director “My / Owner philosophy and my approach to Committed to guiding, supervising and handling every aspect of your family’s each family I serve is simple,” Waldman wishes with an assuring combination of said. “I treat every family as if they were compassion and expert professionalism, my own … and it’s personal … it’s very Waldman Funeral Care focuses on taking personal for me.” A 31-year member of Congregation care of all the details, so you can focus on Emanu El, Waldman has served as presitaking care of each other. At the time of need, or in advance, dent of the temple’s Brotherhood and for Waldman is there with the right mix of 20 years has been a member of Emanu El’s Memorial Park committee. He has compassion and professionalism. Besides pre-planning services, Waldman been a volunteer or rider with the annual offers the following services for loved ones: MS150, from Houston to Austin, since washing/dressing and casketing your the early 1990s. He volunteers with Literacy loved one in a Chevra Kadisha of Houstonapproved facility; funeral/memorial servic- Advance of Houston. And, he held many positions within es or celebration-of-life events; burials/ interments and cremations/interments; Lions International Club and local choosing a casket or urn; obituary writing TX 2S-2 District. Waldman is married to Susan and placement; stationery packages; clergy and cemetery coordination; facilitation of Goodfriend Waldman, and they have one adult daughter. military honors. For more information, call Syd Waldman established Waldman Funeral Waldman at 713-875-4811 or go to Care, LLC, in 2013. “I wanted to provide the community WaldmanFuneralCare.com. Waldman Funeral Care is affiliated with with personalized, individual attention on every funeral,” he said. “I meet every Hardin Funeral Home.
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JHV | March 7, 2019 | 9B
and to celebrate the lives of loved ones. Bradshaw-Carter provides memorial and burial options for families of all faiths, including families who uphold Jewish tradition. The team at Bradshaw-Carter can assist individuals with pre-planning their service, and they also can provide families with the resources they need for sitting shiva, for yartzeit observance, and for Jewish memorial services that are beautiful and respectful. Additionally, Bradshaw-Carter provides services including life celebrations, military honors, memorials, headstones and beyond. What makes this funeral home unique, however, is that it is indeed a true home – a comfortable and inviting place where one family is served at a time, and where those who gather in remembrance are never rushed as they pay respects to friends and loved ones. For information, call 713-521-0066 or go to bradshawcarter.com.
A legacy-minded funeral home in Houston, Texas, Bradshaw-Carter provides traditional memorial and burial services to accommodate each family’s wishes and beliefs. As the family gathers to mourn and remember, they hope for an experience that is dignified, meaningful and ultimately beautiful – something worthy of their departed loved one. Bradshaw Carter provides the resources and expertise necessary for personalized funeral services that align with Jewish custom. It is the belief of Bradshaw-Carter that beauty can soften sorrow, and that it can prove inspirational and consoling to those who gather in the funeral home. As such, Bradshaw-Carter has developed an atmosphere that is rich in beauty – including fine paintings, elegant décor and graceful furnishings. The purpose is never to distract from the act of remembrance, but rather to enhance it, giving families and friends a comforting place to gather
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Affiliated with Hardin Family Living Funeral longer Home shifts spending to long-term care Chevra Kadisha of Houston Approved
of medical costs for seniors, it may help them live longer. However, it will not keep them healthy forever. They will live long enough to suffer from frailty of old age. And, that means they will need more personal care that most often is delivered by family members. To oversimplify: Instead of dying of heart attacks at 60, more of us will live to 85, when we will get dementia. That’s why we need to shift resources from medical care to long-term supports and services.
The pace of medical spending for older adults is slowing, and one highly respected health economist gives much of the credit to the increased use of medications that reduce the risk of heart disease. That is good news, and it largely ignores the growing costs of long-term care and the increasing burden on family caregivers, whose assistance is not included in this analysis. To put it simply: The increased use of drugs, such as statins is improving heart health. Not only will that slow the growth
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Senior Lifestyle
10B | JHV | March 7, 2019
Griswold Home Care: It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Ask Rusty: Medicare and Social Security enrollment
If you’re young, skipping a flu shot may be normal for you. Sometimes, a young, healthy immune system and proper hygiene is enough to keep the flu away. However, for those of us who are 65 or older, a flu shot can be lifesaving. This year’s flu has been especially resistant to treatment, so it’s important to take as many precautions as possible, especially if you’re older. The Center for Disease Control recommends that “everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October, if possible. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, even in January or later.” Seniors also have the option of a high-dose vaccine that has four times the amount of antigen as the regular shot. The vaccine causes a stronger response, but protects you better than the regular shot. There is minimal risk of side effects, but a high reward of extra protection. The CDC has said, “Mild side effects can include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle ache and malaise.” In addition to getting the vaccine, you also should continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and bathing regularly. It is also best, whenever possible, to avoid people who are sick. If you feel that you are experiencing flu symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. There is still a chance that you will get the flu if you get the vaccine, but your symptoms will be mild, compared to not having the vaccine.
Dear Rusty: I will be 64 years old in 2019 and I’m thinking about Social Security. My full retirement age is 66 and 2 months, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to get the most out of my retirement. I have a lot of questions, but just need to know the right direction to go. I’ve been told by family members that I have to sign up for Medicare by the age of 65, even though I can›t get full benefits from Social Security until I am 66 and 2 months. I don›t understand exactly how that works. Do I have to pay out of pocket for Medicare until my Social Security starts? Can my wife get benefits from me? Thanks in advance. – Confused Dear Confused: Medicare and Social Security are two independent benefit programs, even though you enroll in Medicare through Social Security. You do not need to enroll in both at the same time. You can wait until you reach your full retirement age, or up to age 70, to take your Social Security benefits, but age 65 is when you should enroll in Medicare for your health care coverage. You have a seven-month window to do that, starting three months before the month you turn 65 and ending three months after the month you turn 65. If you have other “creditable” health care coverage from your employer or your spouse’s employer, you can decline enrolling in Medicare Part B (coverage for doctors and other outpatient services) and thus avoid the Part B premium. Medicare Part A is free because you also are eligible for Social Security (but you don’t need to claim SS to get Medicare Part A). If you do not have other creditable health care coverage, you should enroll in both Medicare Part A and B at age 65
You also should make sure that you have gotten your vaccinations for pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections, as these can develop from having the flu. Griswold Home Care of Houston Southwest, Texas is committed to the safety and well-being of seniors and giving people the help they need to live in the place they love. Griswold can provide loved ones with a caregiver to help you find a place to get a flu shot and accompany you or a loved one to the appointment. Griswold provides companion, homemaker, personal, live-in, overnight and respite care, including assistance with transportation, meal preparation, housekeeping, bathing and hygiene. As a home-care pioneer, Griswold Home Care was built upon the timeless values of compassion and care. These values stem from a simple, overarching idea: Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. These ideals are at the heart of all that Griswold does. For more information, call 281-2509993 or go to griswoldhomecare.com.
Voices of Belmont Village
“It was difficult to realize that they were dealing with a resident and not with a close friend or relative.” Cami can tell you the names of all of Mary's grandchildren — in order, from youngest to oldest. As a Belmont Village caregiver, she's passionate about enriching the lives of our residents through personal, skillful and thoughtful attention to every detail. From daily care to choosing the perfect birthday gift for the littlest grandchild, we're there for our residents whenever — and however — they need us.
To us, they're family.
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and, at that time, make arrangements with Medicare to pay the premium directly (2019 base premium is $135.50/ month), which can be done three different ways: You can set up an automatic payment from your bank; you can complete a form requesting Medicare to automatically debit your bank account on the 20th of each month; or you can be billed directly and pay by check, money order or credit card in three-month increments, using coupons they will provide. By enrolling in Medicare at age 65, you avoid any potential late-enrollment penalty if you enroll later. You can enroll in Medicare either online at ssa.gov, or by contacting your local Social Security office directly (find it at ssa.gov/locator). Then later, after you claim your Social Security benefits, Social Security will automatically deduct your Medicare Part B premium directly from your Social Security payment. At age 65, you also should seek creditable prescription drug coverage (known as Medicare Part D), because if you don’t take a Part D plan within your initial enrollment period, you’ll be subject to a late-enrollment penalty, if you take a Part D plan later. As for your wife getting benefits from you, I’m not clear if you’re referring to Medicare benefits or Social Security benefits. If your wife isn’t eligible for Medicare on her own (doesn’t have enough Social Security credits), she can enroll on your record when she turns 65. If you are referring to your wife getting Social Security spousal benefits from you, she may be able to when you have started to collect your own benefit, if she is at least 62, and if any benefit she is due on her own is smaller than she is eligible for, as your spouse.
A funeral service should be about memories, not high prices. of immediate service or interested in planning ahead to lock in prices for tomorrow’s needs, Levy Funeral Directors can help. Call today and find out how to honor a special life, beautifully and affordably.
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Senior Lifestyle
JHV | March 7, 2019 | 11B
Medicare’s Hospital Compare website rates local hospital care By BOB MOOS
Have you wondered how your area hospitals stack up, in terms of the quality of care they provide? Emergencies obviously call for rushing to the nearest hospital. But, when you have time to plan, it is worth doing some research and finding out which hospitals do the best job of caring for their patients. Medicare’s Hospital Compare website – medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search. html – has made it easier for you to check how well hospitals care for their patients. The site has overall star ratings to help you better understand which hospitals are top performers, which are average and which need improvement. The ratings range from one to five stars, with five being the best. The Hospital Compare site already enjoys a solid reputation with the public, showing how thousands of hospitals scored on various indicators of quality care. You can compare hospitals on the basis of such factors as clinical outcomes, customer satisfaction and patient safety. The just-updated overall star ratings offer a snapshot of particular hospitals’ quality of care, by summing up individual measures of hospital performance already
posted on the website. The ratings reflect such factors as how often patients get infections after surgery, how long patients must wait in the emergency department before seeing a doctor or nurse, and how likely patients are to get readmitted to the hospital after a heart attack. Medicare assigned stars to 3,725 Medicare-certified hospitals nationwide. Another 848 couldn’t be included, mostly because they didn’t have enough data to properly evaluate them. Those hospitals may have been too new or too small and, therefore, had too few cases on which to base ratings. The ratings are updated regularly on the website, as the government continues to collect the most recent data.
At the time of this printing, nationally, 293 hospitals received five stars, 1,086 rated four stars, 1,264 scored three stars, 800 received two stars, and 282 had just one star. The 266 rated Texas hospitals scored an average of 3.2 stars for overall quality of care. Twenty-four hospitals received five stars, 84 rated four stars, 95 scored three stars, 53 received two stars, and 10 had just one star. At the time of this printing, Houstonarea hospitals that received Medicare’s top rating of five stars were Houston Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Sugar Land Surgical Center and TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital. Other Houston and Texas hospitals’ star ratings can be found at medicare. gov/hospitalcompare/search.html. By using star ratings on its Compare websites, Medicare is trying to help you make more informed decisions about your health care. The public reporting also gives low-performing providers a compelling incentive to improve their practices and procedures and, hence, their scores. Nursing Home Compare, Home Health Compare and the Medicare Plan Finder also use star ratings to help you check out
health care providers and choose one with quality in mind. Of course, as informative as these websites can be, they can’t tell the entire story about where to go for care. They’re simply a screening tool that lets you focus on a few providers that interest you. Visit with your doctor about the best hospital for you. Research shows that some hospitals do better than others at treating certain conditions. And, talk to family members and friends about what they liked or disliked about their recent hospital stays and which facilities they’d recommend. Medicare also recently updated its “Guide to Choosing a Hospital,” which includes a checklist of questions to ask your doctor. It explains how to find the hospital that’s the right fit for you. A free copy can be downloaded at medicare. gov or requested by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227. Once you’ve done your homework, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve made an informed choice about your care. Then, you can concentrate on the rest of your preparations for your hospital stay. Bob Moos is the Southwest regional public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Do you know what is going on in YOUR Houston Jewish community? JHV JHV JHV 2018 February 8, April 5, 2018 23 Shevat 5778 20 Nisan 5778 Volume CX Volume CXI Number 49Number 2
Volume CX Volume CXI Number 49 Number 35
Volume CX Volume CXI Number 49Number 3
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post-Harvey as Beth Yeshurun hosts
UH students juxtapose ‘hate’ with ‘love’ at demonstrations
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United make tears down building to way for new future
Beren basketball team loaded with athleticism, depth and versatility
Israel turns 70 Special Section B
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Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 4
Stage gives students ownership over Passover
Soup is on at Emanu El cook-off
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Israeli artists to be featured at Houston international quilt festival
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Lawmaker encouraged by Hispanic outreach at HMH Page 2
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FIDF gala pays tribute to ‘heroes and hope’ Page 3A
JHV: MICHAEL C. DUKE
on torn down, congregati Flood-damaged shul Page 2A
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Senior Lifestyle
HOUSTON METHODIST
MORE THAN A HOSPITAL
One-Stop Access for All Your Health Care Needs Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center is more than just a hospital. We offer a full spectrum of care, including:
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SPECIALTY PHYSICIAN OFFICES, IMAGING AND LABS located in Scurlock and Smith Towers and Outpatient Center (OPC)
