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CAREGIVER January 2020 2020 January

FREE FREECOPY COPY

Issue Issue88

PROVIDING OPTIONS AND SUPPORT

AGAPE ROADâ€™S JULIE BROWN PROVIDING A SHINING BEACON OF HOPE

JESSIE LINGENFELTER TURNS 105 YEARS OLD! OKLAHOMA VA INTRODUCES WHOLE HEALTH PROGRAM FINDING NEW GATEWAYS OUT OF PAIN

45 YEARS OF Combined Experience

Preserving your health, wealth, and the freedom to live life the way you choose!

EUNICE KHOURY

Host of Well Preserved Radio Show on KTOK

4 Medicare Options 4 Long-Term Care 4 Retirement Options 4 Life Insurance 4 Under 65 Health Insurance Before

After

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CONTENT

?nehW rebmemeR Vicki’s Advice 08

Writing Off Caregiver Stress

ASK Lisa 10

Meaningful Conversations

Living With Purpose 12 Empowering Our Attitude

26 Save the Date

Upcoming Events

28 On The Lighter Side Banned! But Not From Facebook

30 VA Whole Health Medical Care is Evolving

B2B Company Profile 14 Oklahoma Clinical Management

Amazing Grace 16 On Agape Road

Better With Age 22 New Beginnings

36 Happy Birthday! Jessie Lingenfelter Turns 105!

38 Learn Herbal Alternatives Black Pepper — The King of Spices

40 Cannacian’s Corner

Finding New Gateways Out Of Pain

46 Remember When Winter Fun!

46 On the Cover: What a joy and a blessing to introduce the CAREGIVER Magazine family to my sweet friend Julie Brown, Agape Road’s Executive Director. Julie is a woman after God’s own heart. She is the living example of a virtuous woman - to know her is to love her and stand in absolute amazement of her. She is a visionary in Hospice Care, for Oklahoma and beyond. After years of planning, fundraising and countless hours of prayer, Julie’s passion has come to fruition as Agape Road - a social model Hospice Home - opens its doors to provide loving care to those in need. 4

WELCOME 2020! Hello Friends and Welcome 2020! I am so excited for this New Year and all its new possibilities. This January issue of CAREGIVER Magazine is about crafting and purposefully designing your best life at whatever stage of life you are in. Whether, you are young and healthy or facing incredible health struggles. I challenge you to live each day to its fullest! Make a priority list of family and friends you want to honor and find ways in 2020 to love, cherish and strengthen your relationship with them. Make lasting memories. Participate in activities that matter. Get outside, enjoy sunshine and the beauty of nature. Engage in meaningful conversation with eye contact and really communicate - without devices being a distraction. Be inspired to try new things and meet new people. Take better care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am not one for New Year’s Resolutions, but I will throw down a challenge to myself because of my competitive nature. Resolutions are meant to be broken but challenges are meant to be achieved! I will continue my healthy eating habits I implemented in 2018 and continue to be more active. It is common in our society to work on the physical aspects of aging and health but culturally we shy away from emotional and spiritual healing and growth. I shared a little last month on how emotionally difficult the 2019 Holiday season was for me. Our Scariest Things event at the end of October was such a wonderful learning event. As I thought back on all the struggles and challenges my family faced as my parents got sick, I wanted to provide information to you all to be able to be better prepared for end of life decisions. To take four years of my personal caregiving experiences and condense those memories into a five-hour window of internal review - as each of our speakers spoke on their tough topics - then to share so publicly these stories I had not thought about (much less vocalized) in years! Well, it stirred up a lot of grief and emotional pain that, in 2020, I will be working through. I chose to be transparent with this because we tend to avoid dealing with emotional health issues. To be whole and truly happy, I need to take this seriously. I have begun seeing a counselor that is helping me compartmentalize my emotions and work through them. I know I am not alone. I challenge you, if you are in an emotional place of pain or grief and you feel you need help, please seek it out. I want to be the best person I can be in 2020 and I am up to the challenge. Only you know if this is a journey you need to take for yourself but you won’t be alone. Each month through our pages of CAREGIVER Magazine, the staff and I will extend to you a big warm hug and our encouraging words that we hope continue to support you on your caregiving journey in 2020. May God forever bless you and keep you. 6

LaShanya L. Nash

P.O. Box 721673 Oklahoma City, OK 73172

EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief LASHANYA NASH Managing Editor MICHAEL E. BROWNING Art Director ANGELA BLAKE Writers MICHAEL E. BROWNING DENISE GLAVAN ROBBIE LAMBERSON VICKI MUIR JOHN SPIVEY LISA SYDNOR Photographers EMBERLEE NASH JESSIE NEWELL WYNELLE RECORD Community Outreach LISA SYDNOR Social Media Coordinator WYNELLE RECORD Layout WISE MARKETING ADVERTISING Publisher LASHANYA NASH 405.532.6057 l.nash@caregiveroklahoma.com

Business Development MICHAEL E. BROWNING 405.906.5405 m.browning@caregiveroklahoma.com

Account Executive ANGELA BLAKE 985.662.6581 a.blake@caregiveroklahoma.com

Accounting ANDREA O’HAIR

Digital Copy: CaregiverOklahoma.com

Longterm Care Options in Oklahoma

ASSISTED LIVING

— Brought to you by the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association —

ASSISTED LIVING A home or establishment that may provide assistance with personal care, medications, ambulation, nursing supervision and intermittent or unscheduled nursing care. They cannot provide 24-hour skilled nursing care. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health Mainly Private Pay, LTC Insurance may cover , VA Aid & Attendance, & Tribal Benefits Medicaid Option through DHS (Advantage Waiver)

NURSING HOME A nursing facility that provides 24-hour skilled nursing care and related services for residents who require medical or nursing care. Nursing Home Care Act - October 1, 1980. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health. Nursing homes provide the highest level of care. Options for Medicare/Medicaid

ADULT DAY CARE Provides health, recreational, social and supportive services to impaired adults for more than four hours per day. Participants do not stay in the center overnight. Adult Day Care Act - November 1, 1989 Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health VA allows respite benefits Medicaid Option through DHS (Advantage Waiver)

VETERANS CARE Created in 2013, this program is for residents who are veterans living in the state veteran’s centers. They are licensed as a nursing facility and can provide 24-hour skilled nursing care and related services for residents who require medical or nursing care . Falls under Nursing Home Care Act - May 29, 2013. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health

CONTINUUM OF CARE Combines the services of a nursing facility with an assisted living center or an adult day care center. It is licensed under the Continuum of Care and Assisted Living Act and must also meet requirements applicable to nursing facilities, assisted living centers and adult day care centers. Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health Currently inOklahoma, all Continuum of Care’s only have assisted livings. Medicaid Option through DHS (Advantage Waiver) for Assisted Living and Adult Day Care.

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES Provide residential accommodations, food service, and supportive assistance. May also provide assistance with meals, dressing, bathing, other personal needs, and medication administration. Cannot provide medical care such as skilled nursing. Residential Care Act - November 1, 1984 Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health A typical residential care resident is younger than other long term care options and only requires assistant with medication administration. NO Options for Medicare/Medicaid

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING/HOME CARE Apartments, cottages, and single-family homes for seniors 55 & over who do not require assistance with daily activities or 24/7 skilled nursing but may benefit from convenient services, senior-friendly surround-ings, and increased social opportunities. NOT Licensed by Oklahoma State Department of Health. No oversight since they are not licensed. May have “High Acuity” that is receiving Home Health and or Hospice services.

For a list of OKALA Members Visit www.OKALA.org Become a member or for more information call 405-235-5000 7

Vicki's Advice

Vicki Muir, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

For information

Writing Off Caregiver Stress

contact: 405-308-6433

For many years, while caregiving myself and also working in counseling sessions with caregivers, I have come to believe that the experience of caregiving and its effect the body, mind and emotions often goes unrecognized or misunderstood in our society - even by those in the medical profession. We know that caregivers are at high risk for developing depression, anxiety, changes in mood and cognitive function as well as physical complaints and declines in health. Stress is a major culprit in this process, especially in situations of long-term caregiving for a person with one of the dementias or a chronic illness - although any caregiving situation can set off this spiral. So, they say that if we can’t take care of our self we can’t truly provide our loved ones with the care and attention that they need. This is so true when you are often overwhelmed and fatigued, isolated and sometimes without support. 8

Developing a personal self-care toolbox is so important. I would like to discuss Journaling and Caregiver Stress today. I’ve mentioned some of the health complications known to caregiving and want to suggest that if you are experiencing any of them, please consult your primary care physician. Now, for one of my practical prescriptions for health and wellbeing. Journaling has many healthful benefits such as stress reduction, relaxation, grounding, reducing body complaints such as headache, tight shoulders and others - as well as increasing the mind-body connection. It can help with anxiety and depression as well as helping to stabilize mood changes. It helps to turn off the fight or flight syndrome caused by stress. It helps to rest the brain and turn off constant thinking about problems. It also stimulates the autoimmune system.

What I like about journaling is it gives you a place to channel your thoughts and feelings, so they aren’t spinning away with you. By getting your feelings out on paper you aren’t holding on to them, which creates many of the problems above. Journaling does not require any writing or artistic experience. We ALL have a creative spirit within us. Emote, the root of the word emotion, actually means, “to get out”. So, there are a few things you need to get started. The biggest requirement is an open heart and honest desire to take care of that within you that needs care and nurturing.

Journaling practice should be done, if possible, in a quiet place comfortable to you. But if that environment’s not possible, the good thing is you can do it anywhere. Just remember to keep your journal safe and private, and only show it to those that are supportive. Be sure that you don’t expose it to your loved one - unless that feels safe for If you suspect you flu symptoms, youflucan call 1.866.FLU.CREW to you, and them. If have you suspect you have symptoms, you a team of medical professionals sent to yourto home for diagnosis and tre canDispatchHealth call 1.866.FLU.CREW have a team of Travels Try to find a time or two during your day when medical professionals sent to your home So The Doesn’t If you suspect If you you suspect have flu you symptoms, haveFlu flu symptoms, you can call you1.866.FLU.CREW can call 1.866.FLU.CREW to have t you can journal 15-20 minutes, or more if forhave diagnosis and treatment a team of amedical team ofprofessionals medical professionals sent to your home to your for diagnosis home for diagnosis and treatment. and tre If you suspect you flu symptoms, yousent can call 1.866.FLU.CREW to have possible. Sometimes getting up early or staying Who’s At Risk? a team of medical professionals sent to your home for diagnosis and treatment. up late to write is an option.

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Last year flu. alone, Last year DispatchHealth alone,treated DispatchHealth treated thousands treatedof thousands flu of with fluwith nearly cases,nearly one-fourth with nearlyofone-fourth all visits flu. Last year flu. alone, DispatchHealth thousands of flucases, cases, allflu-related visits being flu-related during the 2018 - 2019 season. one-fourth being flu-related being during the 2018 during 2019 the 2018 season. 2019 season. DispatchHealth Also- Treats: being flu-related during the 2018 2019 season. You may try picking a picture or drawing that

+ Dizziness / vertigo + IV placement + Nausea represents your feelings or experience of the day, + Strains or sprains + IV fluids + Dehydration DispatchHealth is able to provide high-quality care for complex injuries and illnesses, including the + Minor fractures + Splinting + Asthma / COPD DispatchHealth Also Treats: Also Treats: then journaling about that. Although this is often DispatchHealth flu. Last year alone, DispatchHealth treated thousands of flu cases, with nearly one-fourth of all visits + Nosebleed + Stitches + And much more being Treats: flu-related during the 2018 - 2019 season. Also about you, involving your loved one inDispatchHealth a collage or+ Dizziness + Facial injuries / vertigo + Falls +/ Dizziness vertigo + IV placement + IV placement + Nausea + Nausea drawing facilitates positive interaction, benefits + StrainsDispatchHealth or +sprains Strains or sprains + IV fluids + IV fluids + Dehydration + Dehydration can treat nearly everything an emergency room can. + Dizziness + IV +placement + Nausea DispatchHealth Also Treats: Minor fractures + Minor fractures Splinting + Splinting + Asthma / +COPD Asthma / COPD them as well and opens communication between/+vertigo + Strains or sprains + IV +fluids Dehydration + Nosebleed Nosebleed Stitches + Stitches + And+much +more And much more ++ Dizziness / vertigo + IV placement + Nausea you two. Seniors

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++ Strains or sprains + IV fluids + Falls + Dehydration Care: + Facial Request injuries Facial injuries + Splinting + Falls + Minor fractures + Asthma / COPD + Minor fractures + Splinting + Asthma / COPD Phone: 1.866.FLU.CREW (1.866.358.2739) + Nosebleed + Stitches + And much more + as Nosebleed + Stitches + And much more Another activity is to use photographs your DispatchHealth Website: DispatchHealth.com/flucrew | Available 7 Days A Week DispatchHealth can treat nearly can treat everything nearly an everything emergency room emergency can. room can. + FacialDispatchHealth injuries + Falls can treatannearly everything + Facial injuries + Falls topic or make a memory collage - with or without DispatchHealth accepts most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

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an emergency room can.

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Phone: 1.866.FLU.CREW (1.866.358.2739) (1.866.358.2739) These are my ideas to start but you may find you Phone: 1.866.FLU.CREW Phone: 1.866.FLU.CREW (1.866.358.2739) Website: DispatchHealth.com/flucrew Website: DispatchHealth.com/flucrew | |Available Available Days A Week 7 Days A Week Website: DispatchHealth.com/flucrew Available|77Days A Week get creative ideas of your own. There are no rules. DispatchHealth most insurance, including Medicare Medicare and Medicaid. The sky’s the limit. Remember to haveRequest fun! Care: DispatchHealth DispatchHealth acceptsaccepts mostaccepts insurance, mostincluding insurance, including and Medicare Medicaid. and Medicaid.

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ASK Lisa By Lisa Sydnor

The staff of CAREGIVER Magazine is committed to connecting those in need with services and programs.

If you have a question, call 405-314-7840 or email l.sydnor@caregiveroklahoma.com Include your name and phone number in the message.

The tearful, heartbroken voice of a daughter needing to find out if her mother has end-of-life arrangements broke my heart. A near-fatal heart attack brought the family face-to-face with reality: no one knew what plans were in place or what mom wanted.

“It’s so hard. What do I say? How can I talk to my mom?” In the past few weeks, I have received three calls from families in similar situations. While at a recent event, a woman told me her mother was not well and she needed to know so much but mom wouldn’t discuss any issues. She literally broke down, shaking with emotion.

“What do you do? Who can help? How to start the conversation?” These, and other questions, need answers from a professional. I turned to Tim and Christy Ingram, owners of Ingram, Smith & Turner Funeral Home in Yukon, for professional advice. Tim and Christy Ingram are both registered nurses with years of experience caring for others. In 2014, they began the funeral program at the University of Central Oklahoma and in 2017; they became owners of Smith & Turner Mortuary – now Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary. Here, they have shared some wisdom and ideas with us.

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Once the benefits of pre-planning are understood, the next step is how to bring up the discussion with your loved one. When some people begin to plan for retirement, it makes sense to also plan their final wishes. This is a great time to ask how they would like to celebrate their legacy, set aside funds through the retirement process to guarantee their funeral, or discuss ways that would alleviate a future burden (funeral finances and decisions) for their family and friends.

There are many articles, opinions, and personal experiences of people who say that planning a funeral in advance is helpful on many levels. There is financial benefit with the option of paying ahead a “guaranteed” rate in order to forgo paying the future cost of inflation at the time the service is needed. By discussing funeral, memorial, burial, or cremation options ahead of time, decisions will not have to be made in an overwhelming and emotional environment that many sudden or unexpected deaths create. Important vital statistics required for a death certificate, including correct name spellings, city and state of birth, and their mother’s maiden name, can be accurately recorded. And the most important benefit is including the people themselves in the process of planning to ensure their wishes and desires are met.

If the loved one’s health is in the process of decline, it may be uncomfortable to bring up the subject of end of life plans when you want to encourage and give hope to your loved one. In this instance, a conversation could be started with a meaningful discussion of special memories, looking at pictures or mementos, or visiting memorable places such as a church, old park, or childhood neighborhood. It can then be mentioned that you desire to hold on to these memories and share these same stories after they are no longer with you. From there, the importance of asking their opinion on how or in what context they would like to be remembered can be brought up - funeral or memorial, or something else. Meaningful conversations are always important during life but can also serve as a window (into the future) to shine light on memories and final wishes after death.

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Empowering Our Attitude!

LIVING WITH PURPOSE By Denise Heath I remember when I was young, probably in the 5th or 6th grade; I was sitting in church looking at the choir behind the pulpit. There were about 30 choir members up there, the minister was preaching and outside of his voice, silence permeated the church. As I looked at the choir, I noticed that most everyone had a scowl on their face, as if they were mad. Then I looked at the congregation and lo and behold, the majority of them were scowling too. I thought - why are all these people so unhappy? I didn’t like what I saw. Church was a happy place for me. As I thought about this, an idea popped into my head. It was like a revelation. With my youthful optimism, I decided right then and there that I was going to smile and enjoy life. That is, I was going to CHOOSE to smile and be happy. Put another way, I adopted this attitude.

But it got me thinking, why do we choose to let life get us down? Why do we let circumstances overwhelm us? Most of us are familiar with the expression - it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. It’s a clever way to say that we are just too involved in a situation to see the problem at hand. So let’s begin by acknowledging that life does get in our way, life does throw us lemons. The question is, what do we do about it?

“If it is to be, it’s up to me.” ~ George Raveling No outside force can influence you unless you let it, unless you want it to. Years ago, I developed an exercise that helps me. It’s simple but it works. I call it my Gratitude Journal. Every day, I write down two things for which I am thankful. Each day, it must be something different.

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It happened this way.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, In the mid ‘80s, I was a student at Phillip Seminary in Enid. I was also a student-minister in Peckham, Oklahoma, a ninety-minute to me, is more important than facts. drive away. My sons were all under the age of nine, so keeping It is more important than the past, these energetic boys entertained while driving was trying. than education, than money, than To pass the time, we would play games. On one Sunday drive, circumstances, than failures, than we played what I called the Thankful Game. It was easy, uncomplicated, but after all, they were just kids. They might successes, than what other people think, say, “I’m thankful for the birds and the songs they sing,” or, “I’m say or do. It is more important than thankful for my parents, my brother, and my sister.” appearance, giftedness or skill. It will Sometimes, it just got silly and we would say things like, “I’m make or break a company... a church... a thankful for the lines on the road and the telephone wires. home. The remarkable thing I am thankful for the grass, for the birds and the cows, for license plates, for green trucks,” and so on. My sons and their is we have a choice every imaginations! day regarding the My personal favorite came from my middle son. He said, attitude we embrace “I’m thankful for the gravity that keeps us stuck to the ground.” I laughed and thought – me too! for that day.... I am convinced that It’s a painless task to give thanks, for the more you focus on the things you are thankful for, the more you appreciate life. We have a choice. We can let life break us down or we life is 10% what can choose to rise above. We are responsible for our own happiness. happens to me and 90% how I react Fun fact – Did you know that it takes fewer muscles in your face to smile than to frown? In other words, it’s easier! I challenge you to start a Gratitude Journal. to it.” ~Charles Swindoll It just might change your life. At the very least, it might put a smile on your face. As you journal daily, you will be reminded of the many blessings you truly have.

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OCM’s questionnaire helps to drill down on specific issues that the patient might not have otherwise shared with medical personnel. This helps with overall finances between the facility, the resident and Medicare. Also as part of our service, you will receive a framed Certificate of Participation in order to show local State and Federal agencies that you and your facility have chosen to go above and beyond for the residents. No contract is required to work with OCM. However, we do require an authorization

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form to be signed from the administration, prior to work starting, for specified dates of service. Our authorization form covers our consent to records, consent for billing, no sales of DME, our privacy policy and comes at no cost to the facility. Participating in the annual wellness program helps seniors age in place, which is medically and financially beneficial, for not only the resident but the facility as well. Although it is not required for facilities, the AWV can increase the quality of life and quality of care for residents. OCM is contracted with Medicare specifically to work in conjunction with your current provider. Since most insurance companies have their own Wellness Programs, OCM focuses on original Medicare insured individuals.

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It is our goal to report new info new plan of care can be established. “Cody” Turpin - Founder/Owner Brian McCollom - General Manager Javi Turp Jeanette “Jeanie” McCollom - William Founder/Owner is a lifelong Chickasha and graduated from Chickasha Brian is aHigh lifelong resident of Oklahoma City Javi is an O Jeanie was raised in historic Guthrie,Cody Oklahoma and graduated from resident Guthrie School in 1992. She has Southwestern Oklahoma Statescience for business management. at Oklahoma Community CollegeS at OSU-OKC continued her progress towards a Bachelors in Business Management atUniversity the University of City Central Oklahoma. Corporate Pharmacy Trainer atasCVS/Pharmacy. Though healoved the fro tra a marketing coordinator for large Oklaho clinician Jeanie has an extensive background in accounting, medical and pharmaceutical auditing and credentialing and manager for Quik Print of Oklahoma City. He s facilities thr Oklahoma. In 2009, he accepted a position within a local infusion pharmac as a AWV Specialist, just to name a few. Jeanie is no stranger to high level, demanding management positions such his branch in to one of the highest producing to the OCM as Sole Accountant at a top financial firm in OKC, Director of Operations at a Fortune 500 infusion pharmacy, AWV rose through the ranks and soon took over the full operations. Later, he wa ascapacity, well as delivering the highest level of custo asset. Javi’s Director for a top Edmond physician, Director of Business Development a home based primary care physician local infusion pharmacy. In thisfor he was able to display his uniq he welcomed the opportunity to join the team ethic and p office, all of which benefited from herand outstanding work ethic. Some of the projects she has implemented are: leading the group through unprecedented growth for the compan OCM was having and the great service that the numerous software conversions, training staff, streamlining policies and procedures, developing workflow heMCCOLLOM knew he could help moreJAVI people through consulting. WILLIAM TURPIN opportunity, BRIAN JEANETTE MCCOLLOM staff in June ofentire 2019TURPIN as theprograms General Manager. manuals, marketing and developing business models, originating and executing AWV for General Manager Operations Coordinator and staying in close contact with a previous colleague, his now partne “CODY” “JEANIE” and IT. His goal isisto physician practices, in the metro area. Jeanie’s goal for Oklahoma Clinical Management tohelp helpOCM buildcontinue a better to gro Founder/Owner Founder/Owner Management genuine passiontoiswork patient focused relationship between patients and physicians. Puttingbegan. all of herCody’s knowledge and expertise for you, she cancare. friends,ofCody understands importance patient and priority help extend your Quality of Life and Quality Care practices, to allthe Medicare patients.ofShe wants focus to harmonize If your business is interested in being featured in a B2BCody’s Company LaShanya Nash at 405-532-6057 goal for Oklahoma Clinical Management is toand provide preventative care with efficient processes so number thatProfile it is one acall winning situation for all involved. Her compassion Javi Turpin - Operations Coordinator Cody hopes to work with as many families in Oklahoma and beyond, an knowledge are unsurpassed. Javi is an Oklahoma City resident and15graduat kind of quality care. at OSU-OKC and obtained his LPN license. Ja

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MEET THE OCM TEAM:

clinician from 2015-2017. He has developed a

AmazingGrace

“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die.” ~Dame Cicely Saunders

on Agape Road By John Spivey

I first learned of Dame Cicely Saunders when I became involved with hospice almost 25 years ago. She is regarded as the founder of the modern hospice movement. In 1967, she established St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, essentially a home within a hospital.

As I learned about hospice, what fascinated me so much about her work was the notion of an inpatient hospice facility. This resonated with me because it seemed that this would quite naturally be a standard of care, but Oklahoma had no such facility.

It would be the first time someone combined expert pain and symptom control, compassionate care, teaching and clinical research to aid the dying. This was the culmination of over two decades of her work, resulting in palliative care techniques that changed medicine.

Why? Because we were forbidden by law to have one. Such a thing would require new legislation. That fact alone would be worthy of an article but that’s a story for another time.

Hospice Care as a service has evolved over the last 25 years, mostly for the better. Until recently, Oklahoma City had only two inpatient hospice houses (with a few more “hospice options” scattered about the state, including The Journey Home in Bartlesville). But now, OKC is blessed to have yet another alternative for those in need. It is called Agape Road. Agape Road opened its doors on December 17 and once I was able to make my way past all of the attendees at the open house, I got a chance to meet Julie Brown, Agape’s Executive Director. “I started working in hospice back in 1992 and I did that for 20 years,” she said.

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“And then I learned about Clarehouse in Tulsa. It was the first social model hospice in the state. Kelley Scott started this 16 years ago, from an apartment no less! She mentors people here, and all over the nation. It’s her model we are following.” I had never heard of a social model hospice. “After meeting Kelley, I knew immediately that God was telling me that this, Julie, is what you’re going to do next. But I wasn’t sure just how I was going to do it. After much time and prayer, I looked at my portfolio and lo and behold, I had the means to begin. The two existing hospice houses in OKC are different in that they’re paid for by Medicare. We depend on the generosity of our donors. And our services are free.” “I want to be clear, we are not a hospice. We are not a medical facility. We collaborate with hospice. The criteria for those on hospice is that they must have a place to live and a 24-hour caregiver. But there are a lot of people out there who have neither. Therefore, they either have to go to a hospital, or a nursing home, if they can afford that.” “So hospices refer to you for housing?” I concluded. “Yes, and our criteria is that they must already be on hospice care. We are designed for people who have no other place to go, who have no caregiver, who may be

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homeless. If we accept them, hospice continues to care for them. Our [residential] services are provided by paid caregivers and trained volunteers under the direction of their local hospice.”

“So is this model the future? Are we getting closer to the Dame Cicely Saunders model of care?” I asked. “I don’t know. As long as government continues to legislate how we die, where we die and how they will pay for it, I just don’t know how we’re ever going to get away from that.”

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“Take the hospice houses we have here [in OKC]. Medicare regulations have made it harder to get accepted into a hospice house like Integris. It used to be that you could just go there to die, but not anymore. You have to have a skilled need – such as IV pain meds, or a tracheotomy, etc. And most people who are dying do not have a skilled need.” “We take those with no skilled need. This is a place to live when home care has become unmanageable. We do what is known as custodial care. It’s more hands-on than hospice. We’re like family; we do just what the family would do. We are filling a need, a niche, that hospice does not provide.”

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Now, “How did you come by the name Agape Road?” “We were going to call it Agape House but that name was taken. And then it occurred to me, the death and dying experience is a road that we will all go down at some point in this life. So we are going to walk this road with them in the most gentle, loving way we can.” “In the New King James Bible, agape is defined as unconditional love, love by choice and by an act of will; it seeks only the highest good for mankind. We believe that caring for someone in their last days and hours is sacred. And we don’t call them patients, we call them guests.”

“You see, no one teaches us how to die. People simply do not entertain the idea until it’s too late. So our next mission is education.”

One final curve on the road to opening? “Finding a home was a challenge. Nobody wanted to rent a home to those where people were going to die. But when we did find a home, I saw that it was on a street named Peniel. Do you know what, “Peniel” means? It means “the Face of God.” For more information about Agape Road, you can find them on Facebook or at agaperoad.net.

“A mission statement isn’t what you do, it’s “why” you do. Agape Road endeavors that no one dies alone, in fear, or in pain.”

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I found that, for the most part, each resolution I made and then failed to carry out left me feeling like a failure. So why set myself up only to knock myself down? I sound like a big whiny baby, but I did discover a way for me to feel better.

BETTER WITH AGE

By Robbie Lamberson

And isn’t that what resolutions are all about? At least it works for me. I’m a notorious optimist! I can usually find a bit of humor in embarrassing moments and I continually believe that good overcomes evil, people get better with age, most of mankind tries to aid their fellow man or woman, and there’s a rainbow behind every thunderstorm. So here’s my advice for the New Year… Instead of writing resolutions, make a list of all your blessings. Making a conscious effort to acknowledge all we have to be grateful for changes our mindset and lifts our spirits. Try it.

NEW BEGINNINGS

At sixty-five years of age, I stopped making New Year’s resolutions!

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When you step back and take a long look at your blessings you may start to feel more compassion for your friends, family, neighbors and people you work with. It’s actually refreshing to think of others and their situations instead of constantly focusing on ourselves. Five years ago my kind and generous son sent me, along

with his youngest daughter, to Europe for her eighteenth birthday. She drug me up and down cobblestone streets, inside every pub and castle we came across and - to my delight - she flirted shamelessly with every male who crossed her path. I’ve always thought she was very much like me in my younger years. We rode trains through London, across England, to Scotland, and finally arrived in Ireland. The beauty of those countries was breathtaking; the people were gracious and friendly. We were on our trip for almost two weeks. But we noticed several things that, as Americans, were shocking to us. The lovely streets of Edinburgh were filled with beggars, all sitting with their backs against the centuries-old buildings. There were so many that tourists like us were forced to walk in the streets. It is a way of life there and has been for generations. Here, at least in my town, there would have been numerous charities that would have quickly come to their rescue. Americans always want everyone to have plenty. That’s a pretty good thing. We have not yet become accustomed to walking around our fellow man in need. Back to my original point…if you feel lonely, unneeded or useless, then volunteer! Step out of your comfort zone and do something for someone else. There have always been and always will be - those in need. As long as you are able, do something for your fellow man. If you are not able physically, don’t worry, there are many organizations that need callers for many reasons. As long as we are on this earth, God has a purpose for us and we are needed. Also, let’s not forget our four legged-friends. If you are an animal lover, whether it be a dog, cat, horse, or bird (our two-legged friends) there is always a need to be met. Call your local animal sanctuary, city pound, etc. Of course, if you are computer savvy, then the internet will open up copious

opportunities and places for you to be of help. We all have individual talents. You may find talents you didn’t know you had. The satisfaction that comes from making a difference in someone’s life will drastically change your own life. Waking up in the morning with a purpose for that day gives us direction and keeps us from blowing in the wind. Getting out, visiting with people, taking a walk on one of our blessed days and enjoying nature is pure heaven - especially if you have a faithful old pug who is eternally grateful to be let out of the house and yard. See, there are blessings all around us! I haven’t traveled to third world countries. I’m not sure but that the shock of how most of our fellow human beings are forced to live would be more than I could handle. I do know that even poor Americans live a far better life than ninety nine percent of the world’s population.

The point is we were born in this blessed country through nothing but pure luck and if that doesn’t make the top of your blessings list, then you haven’t been paying attention. I’m not going to make a list of my blessings for you, I’m sure you are capable of making your own. Don’t rush it. Sometimes it takes us a while to be able to see how much we are truly blessed. There is one thing I normally do before I get out of bed in the morning, and that’s to ask the Heavenly Father to let me be a blessing to someone today. It never fails that I cross paths with someone He sends my way. Happy New Year everyone! Have a blessed and grateful year.

Chasity Burke, MS, NBCCH, LPC

Call Chasity Today at

405-592-3602 5120 N Santa Fe Ave Suite C, Oklahoma City, OK 73118

My passion and purpose is to help people heal painlessly from what has been troubling them, often in as little as 1-3 sessions by using Rapid Resolution Therapy. www.rapidresolutiontherapy.com My website is www.rapidreliefcounseling.com 23

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There are times when I believe that the enormous advancements in technology are simply tremendous! Not that I know how to tell my car what it wants to hear. And my GPS won’t listen to me when I argue with her that she’s crazy as a loon and we will never get where we’re going if I listen to her. My laptop is okay if I’m careful and quietly write another novel or one of these articles. I appreciate when it silently notifies me my spelling is so far off it’s not sure how to advise me. If something complicated is expected of me then there’s always the intelligent niece or one of the busy grandchildren to be bribed or “guilted” into coming to the rescue. I’m somewhat fond of the convenience of email. It’s cheaper too…no postage stamps.

Confession I have muttered some really ugly comments to the annoying ads that keep popping up on the computer screen as fast as I can click them off. I have to constantly remind myself I am a Christian woman and some of the names that creep into my mind do not testify to that. I’m thinking those ads are Satan’s hateful jabs at my struggle to be the woman I should be. But, back to why today I’m very fond of something you are familiar with called Facebook. I recently celebrated my 77th birthday and over 65 friends sent me well wishes for my special day! That’s pretty cool, but don’t tell them I didn’t know who most of them were. 28

Makes me wonder if my memory loss is more serious than I thought. If you sent me a birthday greeting and are reading this you are definitely one of those I remember well! I get a large number of photos and videos of precious beautiful babies, with happy cooing parents and adoring grandparents drooling over the continuation of the family tree. I am truly happy for all of them and always dutifully click either those little smiling faces or a heart that sends the message “I love” seeing their latest.

For the most part, I’m a sucker for animals. Dogs leading horses down a trail, dogs rolling down a snow covered hill, singing dogs, sleeping and snoring dogs, chasing tail dogs, etc. Please, cat lovers, do not unite against me, I love cats too, I just don’t find felines as humorous as canines. Then there’s the occasional, rare, laugh-out-loud (LOL) funny story or joke posted for sheer delight. As seniors we sometimes feel like we’ve heard it all, seen it all, experienced it all, and then the gem of a funny story awakens our senses. We re-discover the ability to thoroughly laugh out loud. Today was one of those rare postings. See what you think and if you don’t find the humor in it, feel free to “unfriend” me, whoever you are.

Banned From Tractor Supply Yesterday I was at my local TSC store buying a large bag of dog food for my loyal livestock guard dog and was in the checkout when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog? What did she think, I had an elephant? So, since I’m retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her no, I didn’t have a dog. I was starting the ‘dog food diet’ again. I added that I probably shouldn’t, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but I’d lost 10 pounds before I woke up in intensive care with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and the way it works is load your pockets with dog nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off the curb to sniff an Irish setter’s rear end and a car hit me. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. I’m now banned from Tractor Supply. Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think up things to say. ** This article is a testament to the truth of that!

29 29

VA A WHOLE HEALTH The culture of medical care is evolving and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City epitomizes this evolution. The VA is at the center of radically redesigning health care. Many veterans now participate in a new program: Whole Health for Life. The VA is shifting from a health care system primarily focused on disease management to one focused on the physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing of the whole person.

MINDFUL AWARENESS Being aware of the reason(s) you want your health allows you to make conscious, proactive choices about every aspect of your health.

This approach empowers and enables the veteran to take charge of their health and live life to the fullest. It starts with the veteran and is fueled by the power of knowing what will work in the veterans’ life.

Many find that “mindful awareness” tools such as breathing exercises and gratefulness mediation help them make it through the day.

To start the program, each veteran is asked to define what is important to him or her. What brings you joy, meaning and purpose?

Whole Health focuses on health and wellbeing and includes self-care and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, tai-chi and yoga.

Components of the eight-weeks course are: • • • • • • • •

Working your Body Surroundings Personal Development Food & Drink Recharge Family, Friends & Co-Workers Spirit & Soul Power of the Mind

The practice of Whole Health is all encompassing. The VA will assist, guide, and provide care to Vets when you create your personal health plan to practice whole health. Personal health planning is at the center of the three supporting components. The Pathway is EMPOWERING; as you explore your mission, purpose and aspirations. Wellbeing programs are EQUIPPING; as you identify proactive, integrative health approaches. Whole Health clinical care is TREATING; as your entire team will work with you to refine your program and enhance your self-management strategies.

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“You ought not to attempt to cure the eyes without the head or the head without the body, so neither ought you attempt to cure the body without the soul ... for the part can never be well unless the whole is well.” ~ Plato

A Whole Health Perspective Tasha Hames joined the Army Reserves in 2006 and in the last few weeks of basic training injured her right shoulder. The diagnosis was a strained shoulder and because she wanted to complete basic on time, Tasha took medication prescribed and “toughed” her way through the next weeks to completing basic training. In the months and years to follow, the shoulder pain was a constant. Each patient has a health team. This team wants to know who you are, what you need, what is important to you. Setting your goals and building your personal health plan starts with conversations about you. Each member of the team listens, actually listens, to you. The goal is for the veteran to communicate; which enables others to help and guide. Two things everyone needs; hope and purpose. The very design of this program focuses on what each individual needs to have hope for the future and a true purpose in life. When you narrow in on what matters most to you, that information is used to set goals to improve your health and overall wellbeing.

Diagnosed with shredded ligaments and muscles in her shoulder, Tasha tried pain management with medication but chose to stop opiates. In 2010, a fall sustained while on duty resulted in compression fractures of the spine and exacerbated the pain in her shoulder. In 2012, three surgeries later, she was medically retired. Tasha has limited range of motion in the right shoulder and constant back and shoulder pain. Tasha’s dream of a military career and becoming a registered nurse was shattered. The lack of purpose and depression lead to boredom and a feeling of hopelessness. She enrolled in college and completed her bachelor’s degree in public health.

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Learning to manage the pain and depression is a result of the Whole Health for Life program and the team of medical professionals dedicated to guiding and assisting veterans to becoming healthy in body, mind and spirit. Healing the physical and ignoring the mental and spiritual does not “fix” the problem. The need for socialization, feeling isolated and alone, being unable to fully function physically and mentally, and a lack of self-worth are concerns in virtually every segment of society. Tasha made a decision to become a part of the program in order to be a fully functioning person. She made the commitment to attend classes and to work with the WHFL team, which focused on the healing of her body, mind and soul. Tasha has participated in the yoga classes, meditation exercises and the acupuncture therapies. Tasha stresses that the Whole Health team is key to her taking charge of her life/health/treatments, reaching her goals, and her successes. Learning to openly communicate with family, friends and her medical team has been difficult for her but

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instrumental in healing. Admitting the devastation caused by loss of purpose and establishing new life goals has helped define what she wants out of life and how to achieve it, step-by-step. This program teaches you how to set goals, take steps and identify barriers. Tasha set two goals: a family vacation and cycling in a century event. Always athletically inclined, she has returned to cycling and is looking forward to the arrival of her recumbent cycle, provided by the VA, which will enable her to once again cycle outside of the gym. The twinkle in her eye when she admitted to being “a little bit competitive,” tells one that she is looking forward to the arrival of the bike. Plans are to participate in the Texas “Hotter’N Hell Hundred” (100 miles of cycling!) in July; and, maybe another century ride in Kansas. Earlier this year her family already went to Disney World, played in the ocean and visited five – yes five – museums! In the summer of 2020, Tasha will receive Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in her shoulder. PRP therapy uses injections of a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. PRP

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injections use an individualâ€™s healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems.

She is looking forward to the PRP injections, as this is an opportunity for a non-invasive procedure and the potential for healing with less pain. This newfound freedom is another result of the VA Whole Health Program. Feeling valuable, taking charge of her health care, participating in Whole Health and knowing her medical team is there 24/7/365, being more social, purchasing a home and moving to the country have all been major steps in reclaiming her life. Everyone needs to feel valued and have a purpose; Tasha is celebrating her newfound life. Next goal: achieve a Masterâ€™s degree in Occupational Therapy, and work with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As an occupational therapist she can help clients learn greater and more practical skills he or she will need to successfully achieve independence later on. Basic tasks such as eating, toilet training, writing, and even listening can be greatly aided with the help of a skilled therapist. At 38, Tasha is adjusting to a different lifestyle, making new goals and pursuing different dreams. Essentially, she is celebrating Whole Health.

To learn more about the VA Whole Health For Life program, contact your PACT (Patient-Aligned Care Team) or other health care provider and request a referral. A referral is not necessary. In Oklahoma City, you may contact Dr. Peggy Hudson at 405-456-5489 or the PC-MHI front desk at 405-456-4106 and ask to be enrolled or for additional information. You can reach the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System at 888-397-8387. Veteran Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255; Press #1.

Happy 105th Birthday Jessie Lingenfelter They have three children, two sons and one daughter, Jerry & Latricia Lingenfelter; Tom & Judy Lingenfelter; and Carol & Carl Jones. She is the oldest living member of the First Baptist Church of Claremore has been a productive and exemplary citizen of Rogers County. She lived in the same house from 1957 until moving into the Brookfield As-

Jessie I. Lingenfelter, was born December 11, 1914, in Perkins, Oklahoma. She grew up in Pryor and has lived in Claremore since the age of 19. She served beside her beloved husband, Ralph, who passed away in 1971, as wife and homemaker before going to work for Lowrance Electronics and then J.M. Davis Gunn Museum, and with her husband operating Lingenfelterâ€™s D-X Service Station at 301 W. Will Rogers Blvd. in Claremore from 1934 until 1970.

36 36

Turning 100 or older? CALL Melissa to be part of the OKALA 100+ Birthday Salute! at (405) 235-5000 www.okala.org

sisted Living after reaching the age of 100. She was honored on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, with a special celebration in recognition of her 105th birthday, hosted by her children Jerry & Latricia Lingenfelter; Tom & Judy Lingenfelter; and Carol & Carl Jones; and her extended family & friends at the Brookfield Assisted Living. Her birthday celebration was attended by several generations of family members.

BLACK PEPPER The KING of SPICES By Michael Edward Browning Spicy. Thawed and crocked some soup bones from the quarter cow I got this summer at a farmer’s market from Cutter Family Farms in Cresent. Once the muscle relaxed it’s outer bony grip and the marrow was about to drip from the inside I added brown lentils, a chopped onion, a chopped head of garlic and ground in copious amounts of sea salt and black pepper. Salt and pepper, always there like the two most important pieces left on the chessboard. Now I know who’s who! Piper nigrum L. is the name of the vine that produces berries that dry into peppercorns, which humans have ground into a food preparation ingredient for many centuries. It’s also a seminal medicinal herb in Ayurveda and other ancient cultures. Known widely as the “King of Spices”, black pepper packs an ultra healthy immune enhancer inside that sharp bite we all find familiar. It’s the potent plant compounds; volatile alkaloids, distinctive terpenes, along with a goodly dose of fiber and other excellence, that give this king his nutritional kick.

What Does Piperine Do? Piperine is a pungent alkaloid compound from the fruit of plants in the Piperaceae family. Randy Lee, proprietor of the immensely informative Health Patch in Midwest City says that, “Piperine is often added to curcumin supplements to enhance the bioavailability of the curcumin, increasing the pain-relieving effects over longer periods. It slows down the curcumin distribution.” Piperine researchers say it, “inhibits several enzymes responsible for metabolizing nutritional substances, stimulates amino-acid transporters in the intestinal lining, inhibits removal of substances from cells so they continue to be available for use, and decreases the intestinal activity allowing more of the substances to enter the body in active form. The results of these actions are that substances reach, enter and remain within their target cells for longer periods of

time than would normally be the case.” Somewhat shockingly, “Piperine can turn a marginally effective therapeutic substance into a highly effective one by increasing its intracellular residency time.” They go on to tell us, “As an example, piperine can increase the bioavailability of the cancer, inflammation and infection fighter, curcumin, by twenty-fold.”

Why Black Pepper Deserves a Fair Shake: • Aids Weight Loss • Antioxidant Rich • Anti-inflammatory Properties • Appetite Reduction • Brain Stimulating • Blood Sugar Control • Cancer Fighting Properties • Cholesterol Levels Lowering • Cough & Cold Decongestant • Mineral Uptake • Nutrient Absorption • Pain Relief • Promotes Gut Health • Relieves Asthma Symtoms • Skin Fortifying • Stimulates Adrenal Production • Stomach Ulcer Reductions

Inside the Endocannabinoid System Along with terpenes (or terpenoids) limonene and pinene, pepper packs popular Beta-caryophylene into it’s pungency. In this 2013 European study, “The widespread plant volatile beta-caryophyllene (BCP) was recently identified as a natural selective agonist of the peripherally expressed cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). It is found in relatively high concentrations in many spices and food plants. A number of studies have shown that CB2 is critically involved in the modulation of inflammatory and neuropathic pain responses.” Concluding, “Thus, the natural plant product BCP may be highly effective in the treatment of long lasting, debilitating pain states.”

“Our results have important implications for the role of dietary factors in the development and modulation of chronic pain conditions.” So, independent of Piperine’s effect, Caryophyllene has it’s own antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, even potentially extending life - by reducing gene stress. Research has also found that caryophyllene may be able to treat anxiety and depression. That view is substantiated by another study, which looked at vaporizing black pepper extract, and, “Reported craving for cigarettes was significantly reduced in the pepper condition relative to each of the two control conditions. In addition, negative affect and somatic symptoms of anxiety were alleviated in the pepper condition relative to the unflavored placebo. The intensity of sensations in the chest was also significantly higher for the pepper condition. These results support the view that

respiratory tract sensations are important in alleviating smoking withdrawal symptoms.” So in all likelihood, the alkaloid and terpene(s) combine values, creating an entourage effect compounding the beneficial results of either one applied alone. Just like piperine enhances curcumin. There’s often a reason God packages these things together. Black pepper (Tellicherry, Brazilian or Lampong) packs a whallop when it comes to combined phyto-nutrients! I’ll let the researchers recount at the end here how King Spice is actively “anti” everything bad for us. There’s always room at my dinner table (and in my kitchen) for guests carrying these qualities, long live the king. “Piper nigrum L and its active constituent ‘’Piperine’’exhibits diverse pharmacological activities like antihypertensive, antiplatelet, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-asthmatics, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, antispasmodic, antidepressants, immunomodulatory, anticonvulsant, antithyroids, antibacterial, antifungal, hepato-protective, insecticidal and larvicidal activities etc.”

Science Contained Inside the Grinder: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8033760 www.24mantra.com/organic-lifestyle/top-6-health-benefitsof-black-pepper/ www.naturalnews.com/2019-08-04-black-pepper-is-the king-of-spices.html www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24210682 www.researchgate.net/publication/_A_Review_on_Therapeutic_ Potential_of_Piper_nigrum_L_Black_Pepper_The_King_of_Spices www.naturalnews.com/024829.html www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6559772/ botanistinthekitchen.blog/2015/03/19/taking-advantage-ofconvergent-terpene-evolution-in-the-kitchen/

annacian's o r n e r Finding New Gateways Out of Pain By Michael Edward Browning

Even in the cold days of winter, chronic pain remains a pretty hot topic. Not just around these parts, but nationwide. Landmark legal judgments aside, there is now a country full of patients trying to adjust to recent changes in the allocation of opioids – as well as their continued ability to (literally) stomach continued use of their prescribed pain meds. Last month, an international team of Internal Medicine departments suggested, ”Cannabinoids may be useful in the management of rheumatic disorders for two broad reasons: their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, and their effects on pain and associated symptoms. It is interesting to note that, although a wide range of medications are available for the treatment of inflammation, including an everlengthening list of biological medications, the same is not true of the treatment of chronic pain, a cardinal symptom of many rheumatological disorders.” Side effects are the most cited reason for seeking complimentary or ancillary therapies outside prescription pain medication. Chiropractic and acupuncture are common (outside-in) options while diet and activity (inside-out) changes can also have dramatic effects on our pain levels. Whole health takes a holistic approach with a thousand points of entry to improve overall outcomes. Engaging the body’s Endocannabinoid System has been repeatedly proven to be a safe, stabilizing approach to reducing inflammation and providing many other benefits in the body. 40 40

My friend Elen was born with a warped pelvis, which limits her mobility. Over a lifetime, this starting point has provided plenty of opportunity to cause issues, “both up and downstream” from there - with a multitude of inflammatory conditions occurring throughout her body over the years. In the spring of 2008, her long-time Osteopath prescribed 80mg OxyContin for her chronic pain. “Most studies define long term as ≥90 days of opioid use, but the threshold ranges from one week to one year.” This healthcare benchmark nearly floored me. She tells me about her decision to alter her approach in the autumn of 2014,

“Six years later, I began weaning myself off of it, with the help of a new doctor. The fairly straightforward process took eight months of gradually ramping down my dosages using the available strengths, followed by a few weeks of diminishing doses of Oxycodone (Percocet) until, on 5/19/15, I was FREE of opioids!!!”

cannacian [ka-nish-uh n] noun A phytocannabinoid caregiver having direct contact with - and responsibility for - medical patients; clinicians and counselors who are trained in the human endocannabinoid system and dispensing cannabis therapy.

An active caregiver herself during this difficult journey, “I was a regular daily cannabis smoker before, during and after the opioid saga. Getting off the Oxy wouldn’t have been possible without that.” Elen also increased her ingested cannabis during this journey, making “medibles” a regular part of her diet, especially on high humidity days.

Complimentary Tapering. Opioid freedom still wasn’t the end of the road. The following fall, “Six months after getting off Oxy I tried to wean off of the Effexor with Doctor’s help. So much harder to do! There are only two strengths on the market. I did half doses for a week before I had to go back to full doses. Sometime over the next three years I devised a way to ramp down on my own by gradually increasing the number of hours between doses.” Everyone finds their own path and combination to unlock lasting relief. It’s very often helpful to learn about herbal alternatives, as plants are pure in design, God-given.

From pepper to cannabis to willow bark to kratom to turmeric’s curcumin, nature provides a bounty of antiinflammatory analgesics. Elen’s story is not all that uncommon. After a few years following a script that fails to fully address their pain, topped with a sprinkling of uncomfortable “extras” like liver damage, immunosuppression, addiction, or inducing analgesic tolerance, many in chronic pain seek (sometimes additional rather than novel) refuge in cannabis therapy’s alternate approach. Whether well-versed or brand new to the concept and practice, it seems that cannabis therapy’s onetwo punch reduces inflammation while distracting us from our pain. This allows us to move about the day unperturbed by pain; smoked, eaten or salved, each delivery method yields effective results to the point where, it’s simply not noticed, like somebody turned the pain volume down to one.

Elen relates, “Opioids seem to dull pain, really they dull your mind without you being able to tell. Ultimately, they suck your soul. I thought they were helping with the pain, but I was still unable to get out of bed longer than to go to the bathroom. I had constant low-grade nausea, and inertia or tiredness or lack of focus; hard to describe. I’m still worried there might be damage to my brain. Sometimes it’s hard to think. Without opioids, I can at least get up in the morning and stay up until bedtime. With pot, the pain is less noticeable.”

You’ve hopefully heard my caution towards THC if you are new to cannabis therapy. It stands. Still, I will share about another friend who is entirely new, after a time getting comfortable with CBD, he is now getting remarkable results from adding a small amount of THC into the dose. One gummie, actually. That’s it! After some hiking around the lake he was commenting on his bum knee. One “full spectrum” gummie (based on the iconic German gummie bear candy, an edible

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dose of cannabinoids - including 10mg THC in this case) later, after about an hour, no more knee pain. The benefits lasted through the following day. Not too shabby of a 24-hour pain solution, he thought, in the sub $5 range. “Full Spectrum” (also labeled “Broad Spectrum”) cannabis products are made with the whole plant, which provides collaborative protection and benefit from all the various constituents (flavonoids, terpenoids, terpenes, lesser cannabinoids, etc.) rather than isolating a single component cannabinoid, like CBD. If you are curious about expanding your options for pain relief to possibly include cannabis therapy, RSVP for the Seeing Clearly 20/20 free film and discussion at New View Oklahoma in OKC on January 21st. Both Chronic Pain and Digestive Issues are topics for the Q&A that follows the OKC premiere of Illegally Alive, a movie centered on the cannabis oil capsule therapy ingested by teen Crohn’s Disease patient, Coltyn Turner. Presented by Caregiver Magazine, please join us. Call (405) 314-7840 to RSVP. Lunch will be served and all who attend will get a free copy of Time For The Talk: Talking to Your Doctor Or

Patient About Medical Cannabis (anyone can download an informative free chapter any time at TimeForTheTalk. Today). There will be door prizes. A cool hundred years ago, cannabis was widely prescribed, nationwide, for a variety of ailments. For at least a few decades here at the end of Prohibition, we’ve all heard the gateway claim made on cannabis. The new gateway claim in regard to “pot” is that it’s actually “the gateway drug” OUT of (a variety of) addictions. Could some form of cannabis therapy be a possible solution for someone you know in pain? Cannacian’s Corner Citations: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31764093 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31648042 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31764093 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31648042 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31743775 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31857206 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24210682 www.bmj.com/content/367/bmj.l6691.long www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/caryophyllene-terpene www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31790125 www.partnershiphp.org/Providers/HealthServices/ Documents/Managing%20Pain%20Safely/ TAPERING%20TOOLKIT_FINAL.pdf

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Erick Kaufman, MD was born and raised in Oklahoma City. He graduated with Honors from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine in 1992 and went on to serve three years of Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Arkansas, Jones Eye Institute in Little Rock Arkansas. Dr. Kaufman then completed an Internal Medicine residency and board certification in Portland, Oregon. He settled with his family in Springfield, Missouri and enjoyed 13 years of private practice with the prestigious, multi-specialty group of Ferrell Duncan Clinic, which is comprised of 100+ board certified specialists.

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In 2010 Dr. Kaufman returned to Oklahoma City to join the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine as Assistant Professor. During his tenure with the University he was part of a faculty practice with OU Physicians and attended on the wards, leading teams of students and residents in hospital-based care. Dr. Kaufman also worked as an Associate Program Director, recruiting and developing Internal Medicine residents. He also served as Medical Director for the Internal Medicine Residency clinic where he led and taught outpatient medicine to the next generation of students and residents. As a part of this effort, Dr. Kaufman and his team provided care for over 200 indigent patients a week. During his time with the University he gave Grand Rounds, trained and became the Chief Quality and Safety Officer for the Department of Medicine, participated in research and publications with the Sjogrens group at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and was on the Governor’s Council of the American College of Physicians. Along with his professional activities, Dr. Kaufman volunteered his time as an attending physician at Good Shepherd Clinic in downtown Oklahoma City, which serves the poor and indigent. In 2017 Dr. Kaufman left the University for the private sector. In 2018, along with an accredited group of investors, he led the creation of Doctors of Cannabis (DOC) medical practice. The primary focus and mission of Doctors of Cannabis (DOC) is to be Oklahoma’s authoritative source of clinical care for Oklahomans who wish to explore its medical use. The group also promotes education, safety and research in this relatively new field of medicinal cannabis.

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Remember When? Remember When you thought winter was FUN? When the cold didn’t hurt your bones and you had no fear of falling? In fact, falling down in the snow was part of the fun! Remember When hayrack rides, huge bonfires, singing around the fire while cooking hot dogs or toasting marshmallows were at the top of the “things to do” list? Remember When every home had gas heat and/or a wood burning stove or fireplace? Even if we lost power we stayed warm and had hot food. Remember When we hung blankets to partition off the area with heat and moving mattresses or making pallets around the fire? As kids, we thought it was party time! Remember When we would sled down the hill on whatever was available? Whether it was an old tire, inner tube, piece of tin, cardboard, or an actual sled, screams of fear, fun and joy rang through the air as we careened down the hill. Remember When building a snow fort and snowball fights; making a snowman; making angels in the snow were all FUN? It didn’t seem too cold or too wet when we were playing. Remember When house parties meant board games, popcorn, toasting marshmallows in the fireplace, making fudge, and dancing to the record player - with a penny taped to the needle arm so the record wouldn’t skip? And, maybe play Spin-the-bottle? Remember When everyone shoveled sidewalks and no one expected to get paid for helping their neighbor? Remember When those with pick-ups or tractors (half of the town in rural America) put the grader on the front of the vehicle to plow the streets along with the school, hospital and grocery store parking lots? 46

WinterFun !

by Lisa Sydnor

Remember When school was not closed due to snow? Remember When we checked on our neighbors to be sure they had heat, electricity and food? Remember When it was no big deal for neighbors to stay over in really bad weather? Remember When grandmother’s home remedies to coughs, colds or fever tasted terrible? Or just smelled terrible? Onion or mustard poultices wrapped around your chest were the worst! Remember When you were learning to drive and the first time you skidded on purpose? Oh, my gosh, I remember when my dad caught me skidding on purpose! Remember When you did chores and fed the animals, even in three to four feet of snow? Some of the more adventurous might even remember being pulled on a sled behind a car. NOT ME! But my sister, hmmmmm. Remember When we crawled under the house to retrieve fresh vegetables stored for winter? Or, going to the cellar for canned food? Thank goodness for the invention of the deep freeze! Now I admit being raised in rural America is much different than it is for city folks! And, I could be reflecting through my own rose colored glasses. But that’s okay ‘cause it’s been fun thinking back and reminiscing. All except back to when we didn’t have indoor plumbing; but that’s another story for remembering another time!

Take a tip from the kids and stay warm this winter by keeping the season FUN! 47

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