Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, August 5, 2017

MVNews this week:  Page A:10

WHAT TO DO WITH CREMATED ASHES? 
Mountain Views-News Saturday, August 5, 2017 10 THE GOOD LIFE THE GOOD LIFE 
FINDING HELP FOR SENIORS ADDICTED TO OPIOIDS 


Dear Savvy Senior,
I am worried about my 72-year-old mother whohas been taking the opioid medication Vicodinfor her hip and back pain for more than a year. Ifear she’s becoming addicted to the drug but I don’tknow what to do. 

Concerned Daughter 

Dear Concerned, 
The opioid epidemic is a national problem thatis hitting people of all ages, including millions ofolder Americans. Here’s what you should know anddo to help your mother. 

The Cause 
The main reason opioid addiction has becomesuch a problem for people over age 50 is becauseover the past two decades, opioids have become acommonly prescribed (and often overprescribed)
medication by doctors for all different types of painlike arthritis, cancer, neurological diseases and 
other illnesses that become more common in later 
life. 

Nearly one-third of all Medicare patients andalmost 12 million people were prescribed opioidpainkillers by their physicians in 2015. That sameyear, 2.7 million Americans over age 50 abusedpainkillers.

Taken as directed, opioids can manage paineffectively when used for a short amount of time.
But with long-term use, people need to be screenedand monitored because around 5 percent of thosetreated will develop an addiction disorder andabuse the drugs. 

Signs of AddictionYour mother may be addicted to opioids if she can’tstop herself from taking the drug, and her tolerancecontinues to go up. She may also be addicted if shekeeps using opioids without her doctor’s consent,
even if it’s causing her problems with her health,
money, family or friends.Â

If you think your mom’s addicted, ask her tosee a doctor for an evaluation. Go to the family 
or prescribing physician, or find a specialist 


through the American Society of AddictionMedicine (see ASAM.org) or the AmericanAcademy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP.org).
It’s also important to be positive and encouraging.
Addiction is a medical matter, not a character flaw. 
Repeated use of opioids actually changes the brain. 

Treatments 
Treatment for opioid addiction is different for eachperson, but the main goal is to help your momstop using the drug and avoid using it again in thefuture. 

To help her stop using the drug, her doctor canprescribe certain medicines to help relieve herwithdrawal symptoms and control her cravings.
These medicines include methadone (often usedto treat heroin addiction), buprenorphine, andnaltrexone. 

After detox, behavioral treatments such as 
individual counseling, group or family counseling,
and cognitive therapy can help her learn how tomanage depression, avoid the drug, deal withcravings, and heal damaged relationships.

For assistance, call the Substance Abuse and 
Mental Health Services Administration confidential 
help line at 800-662-4357, or see SAMHSA.gov.
They can connect you with treatment services inyour state that can help your mom.Â

Also, if you find that your mom has a doctor whoprescribes opioids in excess or without legitimatereason, you should report him or her to your statemedical board, which licenses physicians. Forcontact information visit FSMB.org.

Send your senior questions to: SavvySenior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or 
visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor tothe NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Seniorbook. 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ….August BirthdaysBill Nelson, Karlene Englert, Juanita Fernandez, Jeanette Francis, Joseph Kiss, John 
Luke, Jacquie Pergola, Maury Whitaker, Pat Miranda, Phyllis Chapman, Jerry Burnett, 
Margaret Aroyan, Phyllis Burg, Beverly Clifton, Rosemary Morabito, Susan Poulsen, 
Dorothy Quentmeyer, Genevieve Stubbs, Miep Tulleners, Joy Barry, Ellie Baudino, 
Marcia Bent, Daryls Brechwald, Joan Spears, Ruth Torres, Jane Zamanzadeh. * To 
add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR 
of birth not required but you must be over 60. 
ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart 
Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 
Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10a.m.
to 11a.m. Join instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the art of Hula. 
Bingo Time: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00p.m. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcometo join. May be canceled if less than five people. 
Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesdays of the month from 11a.m. to 12p.m. No appt. is 
necessary. 
Brain Games - *New Activity*: Join us on Thursday July 20th, at 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m forScattergories. A creative thinking game by naming objects within a set of categories. Everyoneis welcome, no experience needed. Great way to strengthen your brain and make new friends.
Activities are facilitated by Senior Volunteers. 
Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, August 16th from 10:30a.m. to Noon. Attorney LemMakupson is available for legal consultation. Specializing in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, andInjury. Appointments are required by calling 626-355-7394. 
Senior Club: Meets every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown Bag Lunch at 
11:30a.m. 
Chair Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45a.m. with Paul Hagen. 3rd Mondays of eachmonth, a variety of balance exercises are practiced.All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed! 
*A suggested donation of $5 at one of the classes is requested, but is not required. 
Case Management: Case Management Services are provided by the YWCA and offer assistance ina variety of areas. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the Hart Park HouseOffice at 626-355-7394. 
Birthday Celebrations: Every 2nd Thursday of the month at the Hart Park House, share some freebirthday cake provided by the Sierra Madre Civic Club. 
Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:00p.m. Come join this group of Seniors in their pokergame. Other games are offered to all. 
Free Strength Training Class: Fridays from 12:45p.m. to 1:30p.m. with Lisa Brandley. This energeticclass utilizes light weights for low impact resistance and training conditioning. All class materials areprovided. 
AUGUST EXCURSION 
Gondola Getaway in Long BeachDate: Friday, August 25thTime: 9:15a.m. to 2:30p.m.
Cost: $35.00 (Not including Lunch)
Gondola Getaway brings old world charm and a thousand year old tradition toSouthern California. Authentic Venetian Gondolas gently cruise the enchanting canals and waterwaysof Naples Island, near the resort area of Belmont Shore in Long Beach. It’s a unique way to enjoy thearchitecture of Naples Canals and its beautiful homes and yachts. The cruise is approximately one hour.
Lunch is on your own around 2nd Street, Belmont Shore District with many dining options and shops.
Level of Walking: Medium; please call the Hart Park House for reservations at 626-355-7394. 
Draw from History with Kt Boyce - Free Art Class -
Monday, August 28th at 12:30p.m. – 1:30p.m. at Hart Park HouseJoin us as we use color pencils to learn color theory and value. Portraits of Sierra Madre’s heroe are ready for youto shade and bring them back to life as we enjoy learning about their history. Kt will read the bios of Geronimoand Lucky Baldwin and a few others. Participants will reflect on their legacy, how things have changed, andothers stayed the same in Sierra Madre. All art materials and supplies will be provided freely, however spaces 
are also limited. Reservations are required to save your spot! Please call the Hart Park House 626-355-7394. 
SENIOR CINEMA -
THE IRON LADY 
August 16th at 1:00p.m. 
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep) reflectson her life and career as she finally prepares to dispose of the belongings ofher later husband. Daughter of a Grantham grocer, she successfully brokethrough a double-paned glass ceiling of gender and class. Thatcher becamethe first female prime minister of the United Kingdom and remained as suchfor 11 years, until declining popularity forced her to resign. Run time: 1h45m. 
SENIOR HAPPENINGS 
ATTENTION SENIORS: 
Insurance Resource Table 
If you have any questions on your health plans, please come to the Insurance 
Resource Table at the Senior Center Hart Park House on Monday, August 7th from 
12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m. A licensed representative will be available on hand to answer 
your questions as well as gather additional information. 
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com