Renaissance. Choices Today Options Tomorrow. Choices Today...Possibilities Tomorrow. Celebrate Food - March is National Nutrition Month

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1 Renaissance Choices Today...Possibilities Tomorrow Choices Today Options Tomorrow Celebrate Food - March is National Nutrition Month If you're feeling forgetful, it could be due to lack of sleep or a number of other reasons including genetics, level of physical activity, lifestyle, and environmental factors. However, there's no doubt that diet plays a major role. The best menu for boosting memory and brain function encourages good blood flow to the brain - much like what you'd eat to nourish and protect your heart. A recent study found that the Mediterranean Diet helps in keeping aging brains sharp, and a growing body of evidence links foods like those in the Mediterranean Diet with better cognitive function, memory and alertness. Strengthen Recall by Adding These Foods to the Rotation Eat your veggies. You're not likely to forget this message. Getting adequate vegetables, especially cruciferous ones including broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens, may help improve memory. Try a raw kale salad or substitute collard greens for the tortilla in your next sandwich wrap. Broccoli stir-fry is also an excellent option for lunch or dinner. Be sweet on berries and cherries. Berries - especially dark ones such as blackberries, blueberries and cherries - are a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids that may boost memory function. Enjoy a handful of berries for a snack, mixed into cereal or baked into an antioxidant-rich dessert. You can reap these benefits from fresh, frozen or dried berries and cherries. Adequate omega-3 fatty acids Essential for good brain health, omega-3 fatty acids, docosa- hexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, may help improve memory in healthy young adults. "DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain. It makes sense that if you have higher levels of DHA in the blood, then the brain will operate more efficiently," says Andrea Giancoli, RD, registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. Seafood, algae and fatty fish - including salmon, bluefin tuna, sardines and herring - are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Substitute fish for meat a couple of times each week to get a healthy dose. Grill, bake or broil fish for ultimate flavor and health. Work in walnuts Well known for a positive impact on heart health, walnuts also may improve working memory. Snack on a handful of walnuts to satisfy midday hunger, add them to oatmeal or salad for crunch or mix them into a vegetable stir-fry for extra protein. These foods are not just good for the brain; they also sustain a healthy heart and all parts of the body. Reviewed December 2017, Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is an Atlanta-based registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Thank Yous... page 2 A Couple Notes... page 3 Difficulty with Eating... page 4 Dates to Remember... page 5 Iowa Representatives... page 6 March/April 2019 Iowa Senators... page 7 Dear Marci... page 8 Puzzle... page 9 Menus... page 10 Exercise & Physical Activity... page 11

2 Page 2 Renaissance Newsletter On December 12, 2018 Alliant Energy employees Kathy Ennema, Dayle Broocks, and Rebecca Gisel presented Elderbridge with a grant award of $2,500 from the Alliant Energy Foundation. Funds will be used for our Congregate and Home Delivered Meals Program in Dickinson County. On behalf of the Elderbridge Board, staff members and the consumers we serve, thank you for your generosity. On December 18, 2018 Elderbridge Agency on Aging received $2.550 from the Wright County Charitable Foundation at their Fall Granting Ceremony in Clarion. Funding will be used towards purchasing a vehicle so that Elderbridge can continue to meet with consumers in their home or in the community. On behalf of the Board, staff members and the consumers we serve, thank you for your generous support. On January 3, 2019 Elderbridge was presented with a $5.000 grant award from Wendy Rish of First Citizens Bank. Funding will be used to support our Material Aid Program in Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Wright, and Worth Counties. Material aid is available as a last resort to help consumers with medical supplies, equipment, food and more. On behalf of the Elderbridge Board of Directors and staff members, thank you First Citizens Bank Charitable Foundation. On January 14, 2019 Elderbridge Agency on Aging received $4.000 from the Worth County Community Foundation at an awards ceremony held at the Bethlehem Church in Manly. Our Board of Directors Vice President, Lionel J. Foster, accepted these funds on behalf of Elderbridge. This grant will be used towards purchasing a vehicle so Elderbridge can continue to meet with consumers in their home or in the community. On behalf of the Board, staff members and the consumers we serve, thank you for your generous support. On January The Floyd County Community Foundation presented Elderbridge Agency on Aging with a grant of $2.500 for our North Iowa Vehicle Project at an awards ceremony in Charles City. Funding will enable Elderbridge staff members to continue to meet with consumers in their home or in the community. Lionel Foster accepted the check on behalf of the Board, staff members and the consumers we serve. Thank you for your generosity. Elderbridge Board Of Directors Beth Will Tracy Quinones Jan Sowers Paula Harms Mike Otto Mabel Mantel Lionel J. Foster Larry Pedley Jan Olson Tim Nichols Advisory Rep - Ann Leonard Elderbridge Advisory Council Audubon Brenda Bergard Humboldt Janeice Geitzenauer Buena Vista Rebecca Wolf Kossuth Linda Vaudt Calhoun Leane Bodle Lyon vacant Carroll Joene Bohlmann Mitchell - Talia Bremer Cerro Gordo Amanda Ragan O Brien Eric Erickson Clay Deb Woodcock Osceola Theresa Riley Crawford Steve Fitzgerald Palo Alto Maureen Sandberg Dickinson Kathleen Johnson Pocahontas Clint Fogde Emmet Kelly Schultz Sac Pat Rubendall Floyd Lori Hain Sioux Lori Hayungs Franklin Elaine Kelsey Webster Alison Hauser Greene Vacant Winnebago Rick Burke Guthrie Betty Knudsen Worth Nancy Rheinfels Hamilton Becky Koppen Wright Ann Leonard Hancock Marlene Gray Board Rep Tim Nichols

3 March/April 2019 Page 3 Just a Couple Notes... From the Agency... By now you probably have noticed that the Renaissance has a new look. Elderbridge has rebranded with a new logo, tagline and colors. Our new look one page one reflects these changes. From the Editor... We apologize for the delay in receiving your March/April issue of Renaissance. Because of computer software issues and changing over to bulk mail for delivery, we were not able to meet our normal deadlines. We are sorry for any inconvenience. From the Dietitian... Are you someone who started this new year wanting to lose a few pounds, start eating healthier, but not sure if you are making the right choices or maybe need some guidance? Danielle Bowlin is Elderbridge's full-time registered dietitian. If you are 60+ and at no cost, Danielle can provide individualized nutrition counseling. Healthy nutritional meal planning for weight management, digestive concerns, and even chronic disease are just a few areas that Danielle can assist you in. Give Danielle a call at to schedule an appointment. Make today the day you begin your journey to healthier choices.

4 Page 4 Renaissance Newsletter How to Handle Difficulties with the Familiar Task of Eating Nutrition is very important for overall health and vitality. Your loved one with memory loss should try to maintain their ideal body weight. When looking at nutrition and food intake, there are several things that one should consider. One area to consider is weight. This should be discussed with the physician at each office visit. Significant weight gain or loss is defined as a change in weight of five percent over one month or ten percent over six months. Try to keep a written record of the weight each month so that you are aware of any changes in weight or patterns of weight. This will also help you to understand the normal range of the person s weight. If the weight fluctuates more than five to seven pounds, it should be something that is discussed with the physician at the next visit. While weight is important, if your loved one is refusing to have their weight taken, try to get it as often as they will allow. Another area to consider with nutrition is hydration. As a general rule, most dieticians state that we do not drink enough water. Water is very important in our overall health. It hydrates our skin and organs. It helps our balance and helps to prevent infections. It also helps the medications that we take, to dissolve and get to the areas of the body that they need to get to, to do the greatest amount of good. Keeping a note pad in the kitchen, can help keep track of how many glasses of water your loved one has had in a day. Talk to your doctor about what the right amount of water should be for you. One area often overlooked in nutrition is the mouth and teeth. If your loved one is not eating well, it may be due to sores in the mouth or on the gums. It could also be due to infected teeth, if they have their natural teeth. Regular trips to a dentist are important even for people with dementia. Many times, it is difficult for people with dementia to be able to identify where it hurts. If there has been significant weight gain or loss, dentures may not be fitting properly and this can cause irritation and sores in the mouth. Sometimes medications can interfere with nutrition, as some are bitter and can leave a bitter aftertaste. Drinking extra water when taking meds can sometimes help to wash that taste away. If your loved one has difficulty swallowing pills or taking meds, this should definitely be a discussion with the doctor. Some medications come in liquid form and are much easier to take. Many people find it easier to swallow medications with applesauce. Some medications may have a side effect of suppressing appetite and some have a side effect of increasing appetite. So, if there are changes in weight, ask the doctor if it could be a side effect of one of the medications. Persons with dementia feel most comfortable and safe with routine. This extends to meal times as well. The meals should be at approximately the same time each day. The routine for the person with memory loss may help them to anticipate eating a meal and thus help them to be hungry at mealtime. Knowing that mealtime is coming soon may also help to avoid snacking between meals. Sometimes what is needed is a little more awareness on our part as the caregiver. For example, instead of offering a knife, fork and spoon at each meal, just set the table with a fork or spoon. One utensil is much simpler and they will not get stressed trying to decide which one to use. Cut up large pieces of food for them. If your loved one is embarrassed by this, cut the food up on the plate before taking the plate to the table. Try to mash up some foods that can be mashed. Be sure to add salt, pepper, and seasoning to the food before giving it to them. Some meats and other similar foods are difficult to chew at times. Be sure they are cut up in small or smaller than bite size pieces, especially if your loved one has a habit of putting too much food in their mouth. If your loved one is overwhelmed by the food, try just giving them one food at a time. If your loved one lives alone, there are home delivered meals in many areas. This may be an option for people who get so tired by the cooking and meal prep that they cannot eat after they have the meal cooked. If you have questions about nutrition and need assistance with any of the items discussed above, talk to your physician or contact Elderbridge at

5 March/April 2019 Page 5 May 2, 2019 Caregiver Event in Mason City featuring a panel of professionals in the fields of Hospice, elder law, long term care, geriatric medicine, etc. Contact John Joyner for more information at May 16, 2019 Caregiver Conference in Fort Dodge morning program offering a family caregiver discussion focusing on dementia and support after a dementia diagnosis. The afternoon program will be better suited for professional caregivers providing an out of the box training session on Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue, a secondary traumatic stress condition that is impacting the lives of professional caregivers more and more. For more information on this event, please contact Angie Perez at June 19, 2019 First Annual Fundraising Event at the iconic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Join us for a great night filled with live music, dancing, and delicious food all with the sights, sounds & flavors of a hot night in Havana. For ticket information, table reservation or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Angie Perez at June 20, 2019 Elderbridge is hosting an Elder Rights training session focused on hoarding issues. This session is slated to take place at Salvation Army located in Mason City, Iowa. For more information, please contact Sandra Jackson at

6 Page 6 Contact your Legislators Renaissance Newsletter President Donald Trump phone: or US Senators Chuck Grassley phone: (202) Joni Ernst phone: US House of Representatives Cynthia Axne Phone: (202) David Loebsack phone: (866) Steve King Phone: (641) John Wills - District 1 Dickinson phone: (712) John.Wills@legis.iowa.gov Iowa House of Representatives Brian Best - District 12 Audubon, Carroll, Crawford Brian.Best@legis.iowa.gov Megan Jones (Hess) - District 2 Dickinson, Clay, Palo Alto megan.hess@legis.iowa.gov Daniel Huseman - District 3 O Brien, Sioux phone: (712) dan.huseman@legis.iowa.gov Skyler Wheeler - District 4 Lyon, Sioux phone: (712) skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov Tedd Gassman - District 7 Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago Phone: (515) tedd.gassman@legis.iowa.gov Terry Baxter - District 8 Hancock, Kossuth, Wright Terry.Baxter@legis.iowa.gov Ann Meyer District 9 Webster ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov Mike Sexton - District 10 Calhoun, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster phone: (712) Mike.Sexton@iowa.legis.gov Gary Worthan - District 11 Buena Vista, Sac phone: (712) gary.worthan@legis.iowa.gov Steven Holt - District 18 Crawford Steven.Holt@legis.iowa.gov Ray Sorensen- District 20 Guthrie phone: (712) ray.sorensen@legis.iowa.gov Phil Thompson - District 47 Greene phil.thompson@legis.iowa.gov Rob Bacon - District 48 Hamilton, Webster phone: (515) rob.bacon@legis.iowa.gov Jane Bloomingdale- District 51 Mitchell, Worth jane.bloomingdale@legis.iowa.gov Todd Prichard - District 52 Floyd,Cerro Gordo todd.prichard@legis.iowa.gov Sharon Steckman - District 53 Cerro Gordo (Mason City only) Phone: (641) sharon.steckman@legis.iowa.gov Linda Upmeyer - District 54 Cerro Gordo, Franklin linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov

7 March/April 2019 Page 7 Zach Whiting - District 1 Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Clay, Palo Alto phone: (712) zach.whiting@legis.iowa.gov Iowa Senators Jason Schultz -District 9 Crawford Phone: (712) jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov Randy Feenstra - District 2 Sioux, O Brien phone: (712) randy.feenstra@legis.iowa.gov Dennis Guth - District 4 Emmet, Kossuth, Hancock, Winnebago, Wright Phone: (641) dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov Tim Kraayenbrink - District 5 Calhoun, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster Phone: (515) Tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov Mark Segebart - District 6 Buena Vista, Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Sac Phone: (712) mark.segebart@legis.iowa.gov Jake Chapman -District 10 Guthrie Phone: (515) jake.chapman@legis.iowa.gov Jerry Behn - District 24 Greene, Hamilton, Webster phone: (515) jerry.behn@legis.iowa.gov Waylon Brown - District 26 Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Mitchell, Worth (641) waylon.brown@legis.iowa.gov Amanda Ragan - District 27 Cerro Gordo, Franklin phone: (641) amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov

8 Page 8 Renaissance Newsletter I am 67 years old, and I have been enrolled in Medicare Part A since I turned 65. I did not enroll in Medicare Part B then, though, because I have been covered by insurance through my wife s employer. My wife will retire this year and we will lose her insurance coverage. How can I enroll in Medicare Part B, and what other steps should I take? Alex Dear Alex, Based on what you ve said, you are likely eligible for the Part B Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare Part B without having to wait for the General Enrollment Period and without a late enrollment penalty. In order to use the Part B SEP, you must meet two criteria: 1. You must have insurance from current work (from your job or your spouse s job, or, in some cases, certain family member s job) or have had such insurance within the past eight months. 2. And, you must have been continuously covered by job-based insurance or Medicare Part B since becoming eligible for Medicare, including the first month you became eligible for Medicare. Note: You can have no more than eight consecutive months without coverage from either Medicare or insurance from current work. You are ineligible for the Part B SEP after going for more than eight month without Part B or jobbased insurance. In most cases, you should enroll in Medicare immediately after losing job-based insurance to avoid gaps in coverage. You can contact Social Security for more information on using the SEP, by calling or visiting your local Social Security office. If you use the Part B SEP, the effective date of your coverage depends on when you use the SEP: If you are still covered by insurance through current employment, or if it is the first full month after that coverage ends, you can choose whether Medicare Part B will become effective either: The month you enroll, or Any of the three months after the month you enroll If you use the Part B SEP in the second month, or later, after your coverage ends, Medicare Part B will become effective the month after the month when you enroll. Once you have enrolled in Part B, you should take steps to ensure that you have creditable drug coverage, and should consider the options of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan or purchasing a Medigap policy. If you have creditable drug coverage (coverage that is as good as or better than the Medicare prescription drug benefit) through your current insurance coverage, you will have a special enrollment period to choose a Part D plan for 63 days after you lose that coverage. You can also enroll in a drug plan or make changes to your drug coverage every year during Fall Open Enrollment, and there are several Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) you could be eligible for to make changes to your coverage. Remember that if you are without Part D or creditable drug coverage for more than 63 days while eligible for Medicare, you may face a Part D late enrollment penalty (LEP). You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan after you have enrolled in Part B and before your Part B coverage is effective. You will also have opportunities to join a Medicare Advantage Plan or change your coverage during Fall Open Enrollment every year. In some circumstances, you could be eligible for an SEP to change coverage. When you enroll in Part B, you ll enter your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, one of your protected times to buy a Medigap supplemental policy. This takes place the first six months that you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During the Medigap open enrollment period, Medigap companies must sell you a policy at the best available rate regardless of your health status, and they cannot deny you coverage. For help evaluating your options, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), by calling or visiting www. shiptacenter.org. -Marci

9 March/April 2019 Page 9 Think Spring! ALLERGIES APRIL BASEBALL BEES CROCUSES CYCLAMENS DAFFODILS DANDELIONS EASTER EQUINOX FLOWERS FROGS GOLF GRASS GREEN GROWTH IRISES LILIES MARCH MAY NEW LEAVES PLANTING RAIN RENEWAL ROBINS SEASON SNOWMELT SOFTBALL SPRING BREAK SPRING CLEANING TULIPS WARMER WET

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11 March/April 2019 Page 11 Exercise & Physical Activity Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging Regular exercise and physical activity are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older adults. Being physically active can help you continue to do the things you enjoy and stay independent as you age. Regular physical activity over long periods of time can produce long-term health benefits. That's why health experts say that older adults should be active very day to maintain their health. In addition, regular exercise and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and disabilities that develop as people grow older. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions. For example, studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes benefit from regular exercise. Exercise also helps people with high blood pressure, balance problems, or difficulty walking. What's the Difference Between Physical Activity and Exercise? Both terms refer to the voluntary movements you do that burn calories. Physical activities are activities that get your body moving such as gardening, walking the dog, raking leaves, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Exercise is a form of physical activity that is specifically planned, structured, and repetitive such as weight training, tai chi, or an aerobics class. (Source: The National Institute on Aging (NIA)

12 22 N. Georgia Ave., Ste 216 Mason City, Iowa It is Our Mission to Advocate for and Empower Older Adults, Caregivers and Individuals with Disabilities to Pursue Independent Healthy Lives. Returned Service Requested The Elderbridge Agency on Aging... Seeks to empower Older Iowans to live with dignity, independence. Created under the Older Americans Act, Elderbridge has been meeting the needs of Iowans age 60 years and older and their caregivers for more than 40 years. Serves older Iowans in a 29-county area in Northwest and North Central and Central Iowa with the goal of providing the necessary information and resources to empower our constituents to manage their lives and the aging process to the best of their and our abilities. To learn more about the services Elderbridge provides to older Iowans, contact an Elderbridge office or visit Mason City 22 N Georgia Avenue, Suite or Fort Dodge 308 Central Avenue or Carroll 603 North West Street or Spencer th Avenue E., Suite or Renaissance Order/Change of Address Form Mailing information: Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Send To: New address Renaissance 22 N Georgia, Ste 216, Mason City IA The Renaissance is published bimonthly by the Elderbridge Agency on Aging. It is available to persons aged 60+ living in our 29-county service area without charge. If you wish to give a voluntary donation to help defray costs, the suggested donation is $5.