The Whitten Center
WHISTLER
Issue No. 30 ______March, 2016_
THE CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
“A Story About Values”
Many years ago feelings and emotions gathered to spend their vacation on a coastal island. Each of them was having a very good time when an announcement came warning of an approaching storm. Everyone was advised to leave the island.
This caused a panic and the feelings and emotions rushed to their boats and only Love did not wish to be in a hurry. There was so much to do, so Love was the last to realize that it was time to leave. However, all the others has left and the boats were all taken, so, Love looked around with hope.
As Prosperity was passing by in its classy boat, Love asked: “Please take me in your boat”. But Prosperity replied: “My boat is full of gold and other precious possessions, there is no place for you”.
Then Vanity came by in a lovely boat. Love asked: “Vanity, could you take me in your boat? Please help me”. Vanity said: “No your feet are muddy, and I do not want my boat to get dirty”.
A Bit later Sorrow was passing by and love called out for help. But sorrow answered: “I am so sad I want to be by myself”.
Then Happiness came by, Love asked for help, but Happiness was too happy, it was hardly concerned with anybody but itself.
Suddenly, somebody called out: “Love, I will take you with me”. Love did not recognize who had saved it. Love was, however, very grateful and jumped on the boat.
When everyone had reached shore at a safe place, Love got off the boat and met Knowledge. Love asked; “Knowledge, do you know who helped me when everyone else turned away?” Knowledge smiled: “That was Time, because only Time knows Love’s true value and what Love is capable of. Only Love can bring peace and happiness”.
Food for thought…
Chaplain Jeff
20 Mistakes You Are Making With Your Teeth
Part 2
(#’s 11-20)
Kristi Collins, DMD
11-Smoking
You already know smoking is bad for your lungs and heart. Besides the bad breath and stained teeth, smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease (and the gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss that come with it), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Worse yet, smoking can also lower your chances for successful treatment if you've already got gum disease, since nicotine compromises your body's ability to fight infection.
12-Using Toothpicks
Wooden toothpicks are poor substitutes for dental floss. They can splinter and break, and using them too aggressively can cause damage to sensitive gum tissue.
13-Skipping Dental Appointments
The very best trick for short-circuiting anxiety about going to the dentist is—going to the dentist. If you see the Dentist every six months for your checkups, you're less likely to run into problems. Dentists are also beginning to employ everything from serene, spa-like settings to animal-assisted therapy (that is, a gentle dog who sits beside you at your appointment) to alleviate patient discomfort.
14-Going Overboard With Bleach
This one should be a no-brainer. Over bleaching teeth can lead to weakened enamel and tooth sensitivity. Ironically, enamel loss exposes the layer of dentin beneath it, making your teeth look dingy rather than pearly. Little is known about the long-term effects of whitening, but the bottom line is that you should consult your dentist—that is, the professional who knows your teeth and is best equipped to suggest an in-office treatment or over-the-counter product that's right for you—and use the whitener they recommend in moderation
.
15-Not Drinking Enough Water
If your part of the country fluoridates its water (find out by visiting the CDC's My Water's Fluoride page), you're in luck. The simple act of sipping tap water can help strengthen your teeth. Prefer bottled? Some bottled waters have fluoride, and some don't; if it's not listed as an ingredient, it's extra-important to use toothpaste with fluoride. Swishing with and drinking water is also an important way to rinse accumulated sugars and acids from your teeth.
16-Skimping on Calcium and Vitamin D
Minerals and vitamins are building blocks for bones and teeth, of course, but they're also key to maintaining their strength and density as we age—and these two are bones' strongest allies. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, adult women need 1,000-1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400-1,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day from food, sunlight (for vitamin D) and supplements.
17-Too Much Juicing
Juice might be packed with vitamins and other nutrients, fresh juices also bathe your mouth in everything from corrosive acids (in ingredients like lemon juice) to high levels of sugar (the high levels of fructose in many green juices aren't doing your teeth any favors). Do your best to minimize damage to your teeth: rinse with water after acidic juices, and be sure to brush after those fruity sugar juice beverages.
18-Using a Toothbrush with Hard Bristles
Like wooden toothpicks, hard-bristled brushes are tough-looking instruments that tend to cause more problems than they solve. Effective as they might seem, harder bristles can erode your enamel; always use soft or extra-soft toothbrushes. Research indicates that your gums will suffer from tough brushes as well: A 2011 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that while hard-bristled toothbrushes removed plaque, they were also more likely than softer brushes to cause gingivitis and tissue damage.
19-Reaching for the Wrong Mouthwash
There are so many choices of Mouthwash these days, they can often be confusing. "Cosmetic" rinses, for example, will merely control bad breath and leave you with a pleasant taste in your mouth. Therapeutic rinses with ingredients like antimicrobial agents and fluoride, on the other hand, can actually help reduce gingivitis, cavities, plaque, and bad breath. Fluoride rinses aren't recommended for children under 6, as they might swallow instead of spitting.
20-Drinking Sodas (YES, even Diet Soda)
You should know that all acidic drinks—regular sodas, diet sodas, even sports drinks, according to a 2008 study—can cause tooth erosion. Enjoy these beverages in moderation to minimize damage to tooth enamel.
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NEWS FROM YOUR BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR
Angie Cunningham
NEW INSURANCE CARDS
If you are covered under a health insurance plan, you should have received a new health card (Blue Cross and Blue Shield) and also a new prescription card (Express Scripts). If you did not receive them, please contact BCBS at 1-800-868-2520 and Express Scripts at
1-855-612-3128.
ADDRESS CHANGES
PEBA had a large number of insurance cards returned to them due to incorrect addresses. If you have a change of address or phone number, please remember to update HRM!
QUIT FOR LIFE
If you are currently a tobacco user and are interested in quitting, PEBA offers the “Quit for Life” program. Call 1-866-QUIT.4.LIFE (1-866-784-8454). You will be given a Quitting Plan customized to your needs.
MEMBER MESSAGING
PEBA has a new way to keep everyone on the same channel…member messaging! They will send general messages in three categories: health and wellness, benefits awareness and member loyalty. Eventually, they plan to offer targeted messaging that’s personalized for members. To opt in, simply call 844-282-5417.
COLONOSCOPIES AT NO CHARGE
If you’re a State Health Plan primary member, beginning at age 50, you can now get both routine and diagnostic colonoscopies at no charge at a participating network provider. For those under 50, you can get a diagnostic colonoscopy ordered by your network provider at no charge. Your plan will pay 100 percent of the cost, including the consultation, the generic prep kit, procedure and anesthesia.
NO-PAY COPAY
Once again this year, PEBA is offering the generic copay program. If you take generic drugs for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, congestive heart failure or diabetes, you may qualify for 12 months of free generic drugs. To qualify: 1) Go to StateSC.SouthCarolinaBlue.com and complete your Personal Health Assessment, 2) Complete the required lab tests for your condition, 3) Visit your doctor once a year.
PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME
The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a new concept for many State Health Plan members, but it is a way of providing health care that is becoming increasingly popular in South Carolina and across the nation. In a PCMH, a patient has a health care team that is typically led by a doctor. It may include nurses, a nutritionist, health educators, pharmacists and behavioral health specialists. The team makes referrals to other providers as needed. Communication among the team members and with the patient is an important part of the medical practice.
The focus in a PCMH is on coordinating care and preventing illnesses rather than waiting until an illness occurs and then treating it. The team helps the patient improve his health by working with him to set goals and to make a plan to meet them. This approach may be particularly beneficial to members with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Typically, a PCMH offers same-day appointments whether the patient is sick or needs routine care. It may have extended hours, and team members may communicate online with patients.
To encourage members to receive care at a BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina-affiliated PCMH, the State Health Plan, beginning January 1, 2016, will not charge Standard Plan members the $12 copayment for a physician office visit. After Savings Plan and Standard Plan subscribers meet their deductible, they will pay 10 percent coinsurance, rather than 20 percent, for care at a PCMH. PCMHs are available in many South Carolina counties. For the most recent PCMH listings by county, visit StateSC.SouthCarolinaBlues.com.
PHOTO WINNER
The winning photo, selected for The March 2016 issue of The Whistler appears on the front page and was submitted by Lisa Oxner, QIDP at Unit 110. Congratulations Lisa!
We had some very good photographs submitted. Please keep sending your pictures! We will be selecting a new picture for each issue!
Thank you to all who submitted pictures!
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
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News from the Whitten Center Parents’ Club
The Parents’ Club members would first like to express our deepest sympathy to Shelby Benson after the passing of her husband, Tony. Tony worked at Whitten for fifty years, and he loved the residents like his own family. He was definitely an integral part of the Whitten family and is deeply missed. Shelby, our love and prayers are with you each new day.
The Parents’ Club has been busy lately. We were pleased to have Emile Pandolfi provide a special Christmas concert in December. It was a wonderful concert that everyone enjoyed. Also, the Whitten Center Gospel Choir entertained residents and staff with another Christmas singing. We appreciate these entertaining performances. The season was busy with Christmas parties in the units and trips to Christmas parades, and to see lights at Connie Maxwell Home and Roper Mountain. The Parents’ Club has also helped support trips to the circus, wrestling matches, movies and restaurants. It is nice to see residents enjoy special outings. We would like to give a special thank you to the dedicated staff who take such good care of our loved ones and who go out of their way to make each day special and enjoyable for the residents they care for.
The Spring Bub Lollis Motorcycle Ride is scheduled for Sunday, April 3 in downtown Clinton beginning at 12:00. Pray for good weather and a big turnout. It is so nice to see the residents out greeting the bikers as they ride through campus at 2:00pm. It is nice to let the bikers know we appreciate all they do for us.
The Parents’ Club will be sponsoring the Annual Glen Bledsoe Golf Tournament at the Newberry Country Club on Wednesday, April 13th. Anyone wishing to play, sponsor, or donate door prizes please contact Tara Glenn (864-938-3407) or Marlene Woods (864-833-0753).
The Annual Spring Parents’ Club meeting will be on Friday, April 29th at 10:00 AM in Hallett Auditorium. I encourage all family members and interested friends to attend.
Thank you,
Linda Lee, Parent Club President
LEISURE SERVICES
LEISURE HAPPENINGS
As always, Leisure staff would like to say thank you to everyone who has assisted in all of our activities. We appreciate all of the support we are given to make these activities happen.
December 2015
We had a busy month of activities this December. We participated in several Christmas parades, including Clinton, Whitten Center, Joanna, and Whitmire. Piedmont again invited us to watch their parade and afterward served us lunch, complete with gift bags and a visit from Santa. The consumers and staff thoroughly enjoyed their gracious hospitality. On December 16th, Santa visited and gave gifts to all consumers. Everyone had their photo taken with him as well. Later that same day, we were treated to a great concert by Emile Pandolfi.
There were also several trips to view Christmas lights at Roper Mountain Science Center, Connie Maxwell Children’s Home and locally around Clinton and Laurens. Every unit was able to participate. Several residents were treated to a wrestling event, “Christmas for Kids”, by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Department. Whitten Center staff provided a Christmas concert for all residents and staff to enjoy. The end of the year was celebrated with a New Year’s Eve Party complete with refreshments, music, and fireworks.
January 2016
Residents and staff enjoyed several outings during January. There was a trip to Mr. Gatti, several outings into the community to shop, trips to the Golden Corral, Wendy’s, Ryan’s, and to the movies, to name a few. January proved to be quite cold, as it usually does, and many activities, such as arts and crafts, took place in the units.
February 2014
During February, residents began practicing for the upcoming Special Olympics Spring Games to be held in March. On February 12th, we held our annual Valentine’s Party. The residents and staff seemed to really enjoy themselves. There were quite a few trips out to shop and eat out, and even a trip to the circus.
On February 19, Special Olympics athletes travelled to Newberry College to participate in the 2st annual Area 5 Basketball tournament. Altreo won 1st Place in Advanced Basketball Skills, Jeffrey won 1st Place in Beginner Basketball Skills, and Kathy won 2nd Place in Beginner Basketball Skills.
UPCOMIMG EVENTS AND DATES
Sunday March 13 – Daylight Saving Time Begins
Thursday March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
Friday March 18 – Special Olympics Spring Games at PC
Sunday March 20 – Palm Sunday
Friday March 25 – Good Friday
Sunday March 27 – Easter Sunday
Sunday April 3 – Spring Motorcycle Ride
Wednesday April 13 – Glenn Bledsoe Memorial Golf Tournament
May TBA – Fishing Rodeo – Newberry
Saturday May 7 – Special Olympics Summer games at Fort Jackson
Sunday May 8 – Mother’s Day
Tuesday May 10 – Confederate Memorial Day Holiday
Friday May 13 – Spring Formal
Saturday May 21 – Armed Forces Day
Monday May 30 – Memorial Day Holiday
Tuesday June 14 – Flag Day
Sunday June 19 – Father’s Day
Monday July 4 – Independence Day
-Thank You! To all who submitted articles for the Whistler. Your effort and cooperation are
greatly appreciated!
-The Whistler is posted on the L-Drive for your convenience.
-The deadline for articles for the next issue of the Whistler (June 1 issue) is May 15.