Contents of the Spring, 2010 issue Here Comes the Sun A Day in May Healthy Living LeConte Medical Center Opens Under My Skin Mammography Guideline Recommendations Concern Both Physicians and Patients May is Stroke Prevention Month! A Firm Foundation Stop Counting Sheep Urinary Incontinence –Myths and Realities Sharing the Plan Know How to Help Protect Against DVT Seniors in the Spotlight! What is Windows XP? Ask Susie Keep it Safe This Summer Passport Calendar of Events This Spring, know your numbers at…. Spring has Sprung! Rollin’ on the Bayou Understanding Angina

Here Comes the Sun Covenant Health fitness expert advocates sun safety to prevent skin cancer As a collegiate track and field coach and an Olympic runner, Covenant Health fitness expert Missy Kane has had to successfully clear many hurdles. However, one of her biggest hurdles wasn’t in her athletic life. It was in her personal life when a melanoma was discovered on the bottom of her foot. “I’ve come to realize that it’s often the hurdles along life’s path that give us a better appreciation for good health, strong faith, family, and friends,” Kane says. “While I wouldn’t wish my phone call from Dr. Kimberly Grande on anyone, my bout with melanoma has also opened my eyes to just how fragile our lives can be.” A 10-minute screening saves a life In September 2009 Kane received a call from her dermatologist that a spot discovered during a skin examination was indeed melanoma and needed to be acted on quickly. “I was nervous, but I didn’t really get upset,” says Kane. “I just felt a little numb. I knew God had a plan, and I also knew I needed to do what my dermatologist told me to do.” The process seemed complicated for such a small spot in such a seldom-seen place. Dr. Greg Midas removed lymph nodes and Dr. Jay Lucas prepared a skin graft from her upper thigh, then the digging began on the bottom of her foot. Kane says she was overjoyed when she received the news that the cancer hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes, but was surprised the effect on her foot was so severe. While recuperating at home, she used her camera phone to take a picture of the bottom of her foot. Her first thought was that it looked like a shark bite. Her second thought was sheer amazement that something so small could do so much damage. Getting back on her feet Slowing down is not Kane’s nature, but the recovery journey has been filled with new discoveries about finding a “fit and fun” lifestyle. While she hasn’t been able to run at full speed, Kane found she was completely content coaching her marathon team with power-walking, a great encouragement to team members with medical conditions that kept them from being fast runners. “Biking had become a new love of mine and I was grateful that even after major surgery and rehab on my affected foot I could bike without much pain even a few weeks out,” Kane says. She also conducted a mall walking program in February and March. “I’ve already had another full body skin check at the Skin Wellness Center, and Dr. Grande and I have been brainstorming an event or two to get the word out about melanoma.” Kane says there’s even been some discussion about a “Run from the Sun” walking/hiking event. Sun safe Kane says although her melanoma was not sun-produced, she has also had some brushes with problems that are. She’s had some basal cells cut off and had squamous cell cancer found on her skin as a result of too much sun. “While we can be diligent to look over our skin, doctors have a much better eye and knowledge of what needs to be biopsied,” Kane says. “I’m glad I was going for my full body checks or I would have NEVER found the flat small spot on the bottom of my foot.” “Pretty days seem brighter and small joys in life richer after you have had a serious brush with cancer,” Kane says. “Those hurdles in life can be tough but getting over them is rewarding, too.” SIDEBAR: Missy’s Sun Safe Tips - Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - Wear sunscreen year-round. - Avoid tanning beds. - Be aware of medications that make you more sensitive to sun exposure. - Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor. - Have regular skin exams. Consult your doctor for a complete skin exam every year after your 40th birthday, or more often if you're at high risk of developing skin cancer. SIDEBAR # 2 Join Missy Kane and Kimberly Grande, MD, at the Frank Strang Senior Center on Wednesday, May 5, at noon for a Lunch & Learn on the ABC’s of Skin Protection. Call 541-4500 to reserve your spot. If you can’t make it to the program at Strang, join us on June 4 at 9 a.m. at the O’Connor Senior Center Beach Party. Clark Julius, MD, will provide information on summer skin care and will offer limited skin screenings.

A Day in May Spring Event Planned for May 15 Come celebrate spring with Covenant Passport at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. After the long cold winter we are ready for some sunshine, flowers and fun. The Knoxville Botanical Gardens are really our own “Secret Garden.” The history of the garden property spans over 200 years. The Howell Nurseries were founded in 1786 by land granted to David Howell for his service in the Revolutionary War. Business thrived and was passed down for five generations. The property is rich in history and beauty, featuring stone walls, garden paths, and whimsical round buildings, as well as exotic trees and woodlands. Our plans for the day include classes, lunch, walking tours, games and much more. Price for the event is $10 for Passport members and $15 for others. Call 541-4500 by May 7 to register. Don’t forget to bring your camera. Parking is available on site or ride the trolley from the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Healthy Living Quick and Easy Fruit Dip Submitted by Laurie Plachinski, RD, Parkwest Medical Center 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme 1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened 2 Tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed In a medium size bowl, mix together marshmallow creme, cream cheese, and orange juice. Refrigerate and serve chilled with pieces of fresh fruit. Makes 25 servings. Each serving contains: 50 calories, 7 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat (saturated), 1 g protein and 45 mg sodium.

LeConte Medical Center Opens “Count on LeConte” for the Health of Sevier County The new LeConte Medical Center opened its doors to the public on February 15. The 70-acre campus features LeConte Medical Center, the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Professional Building, the Dolly Parton Center for Women’s Services, and Thompson Cancer Survival Center – Sevier. The building project is a $115 million investment in the health of Sevier County made by Covenant Health. LeConte Medical Center offers a full array of medical specialties and outstanding medical technology. Every area of the hospital offers private patient rooms. The facility was designed with the patient in mind and with input from staff, physicians, volunteers and community members. The new emergency department at LeConte Medical Center is approximately three times larger than the old facility and features private exam rooms for every patient. The old emergency department at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center was built to accommodate 17,000 patients a year, and in 2009 more than 47,000 emergency patients were treated. LeConte Medical Center offers outpatient diagnostic services to meet the needs of the community, including: • Laboratory Services • Sleep Disorders Center • Diagnostic X-ray • CT • Ultrasound • Nuclear Medicine • MRI • Cardiac Cath Lab • Digital Mammography • Bone Densitometry • Core Breast Biopsies Other exciting features of LeConte Medical Center include: • Bedside computers in all patient rooms to ensure accurate and timely documentation for the safety of our patients • A step-down unit to care for patients whose illnesses require specialized care but may not require them to be in ICU • “Smart” patient beds, including Intensive Care beds offering 27 languages and 80 phrases programmed into the beds to help nurses communicate with non-English speaking patients • A pneumatic tube system to increase efficiency between departments LeConte Medical Center is located at 742 Middle Creek Road in Sevierville. The main hospital phone number is 865.446.7000, and the physician referral line can be reached by calling 865.453.WELL. More information is available at www.lecontemedicalcenter.org.

Under My Skin Program on Caring for Senior Skin It’s the time of year that we begin to hear about seasonal skin cancer prevention, but because of the beauty of aging, we can also develop other skin issues as we age. Collagen and elastin, the fatty substances that support our skin, diminish. This causes skin to begin to sag. Both men and women lose testosterone, causing skin to become thinner. Many in our generation were sun worshippers – do you remember trying to get that healthy tan? We weren’t aware of the price we would pay later -- and do we ever pay! Billions of dollars are spent every year on skin care products. When it comes to caring for skin there are both medical and cosmetic issues. You may find you are concerned about several of these: • Shingles • Psoriasis • Dry skin • Age spots • Bruising • Thinning skin • Wrinkles • Spider veins • Sagging skin (especially around the eyes, jaw line and neck) While genetics play a large role in how our skin ages, many of us have abused our skin in other ways: smoking, sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep and lack of exercise. It‘s never too late to begin caring for your skin – but you don’t have to run out and buy a lot of expensive products. Talk to your doctor about the shingles vaccine to see if it is right for you. Stay out of the sun. Keep skin moist – use lotions and avoid hot showers that can dry out skin. If you want to learn more about taking better care of your skin, Leland Smith, MD, will offer an informative program at First Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge on Wednesday, April 21, at noon. Call 483-1318 to reserve a seat.

Mammography Guideline Recommendations Concern Both Physicians and Patients Recently a private sector panel composed of primary care physicians and public health experts issued new recommendations regarding the role of mammography in breast cancer detection. These recommendations have proven to be controversial among advocacy groups representing patients, cancer survivors and physicians specializing in breast health. The group – the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (a sub-group of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) – recommended that women begin routine mammograms to screen for breast cancer at age 50. For many years, groups like the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology and its sub-group, the Society of Breast Imaging, have maintained that mammography for breast cancer detection should begin at age 40. Understandably, these new recommendations are both concerning and somewhat confusing to physicians, and more importantly, the patients they serve. Gayle Roulier, MD, is a radiologist based at Thompson Cancer Survival Center in Knoxville. A breast health specialist, Dr. Roulier is fellowship trained in women’s imaging and is a member of the Society of Breast Imaging and American College of Radiology. In a recent interview, Dr. Roulier stressed that women should continue the basics of sound preventive breast health. “Women should continue to focus on the basics of good breast health, including monthly breast self-exams, screening mammography beginning at age 40, and annual physical examinations by a physician or similarly trained health care provider,” Dr. Roulier said. Dr. Roulier said her initial reaction to the panel’s recommendations was a combination of surprise, frustration and confusion. “I was upset with the recommendations. There is clear data-based evidence that mammography reduces mortality for women in their forties. Their recommendation seems to represent a random cut-off in age, since there isn’t a great deal of difference physiologically speaking between a woman in her forties and a woman in her fifties,” Dr. Roulier said. “In other words, the data clearly shows that women between the ages of 40 and 49 benefit from mammography in the same way as women age 50 or older.” The panel also made no recommendation that women continue regular breast self-exams. In fact, the report states that the practice of self-exam has not been shown to reduce breast cancer death rates. Dr. Roulier also takes issue with the panel’s report on breast self-exams. “They seem to be approaching this entire issue from an economic perspective, taking the viewpoint that breast self-exam can increase anxiety and lead to more testing, which in turn raises the possibility of more false positive results. The report seems to ignore the fact that sound, practical breast health is more than just mammography. It is self-exam as well as routine physical exams in conjunction with mammography.” In the end, Dr. Roulier suggests that women research the issue of mammography and breast health for themselves and lean on the advice of their physicians and other health care providers. “Women should learn, educate themselves, and ask questions. I encourage women to know the risk factors of breast cancer and to know their family history with the disease, for example. And don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor. Ask about the advantages of mammography and other screening and diagnostic tools available.” If you need to schedule a mammogram, call (865) 541-4500 to find a Covenant Health Breast Center.

May is Stroke Prevention Month! Are You at Risk? Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, where someone has a stroke every 45 seconds! Your brain must have adequate blood flow to function. If that flow is obstructed, the result is injury to brain tissue. Do you know the warning signs of a stroke? The earlier you begin treatment after a stroke, the better your chances of surviving and decreasing the risk of permanent brain injury. Do you know your risk factors? Some factors are outside of our control: age, heredity, and gender. But there are many things we can control, such as quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure. Nancy Noble, RN, stroke coordinator at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, will discuss ways to prevent strokes, as well as new treatment and rehabilitation options that are now available. The program will be at First Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge on Wednesday, May 19, at noon. Call 483-1318.

A Firm Foundation Our feet are the body’s foundation and support. They take us on fantastic adventures, let us dance and sometimes we even get to “put our feet up.” Yet, for all they do for us, we abuse them. We wear poorly fitted shoes, cut our toenails improperly, and cross our legs when seated, causing poor circulation. Most of us will put 115,000 miles on our feet in our lifetimes. A good set of tires might last that long, but you would need to check the air and rotate and balance the tires regularly. What have you done for your feet lately? While many people see a doctor regularly for routine healthcare, we don’t usually notice our feet until they cause a problem. The foot is actually a very intricate part of the body. Each foot is composed of 26 bones (which is nearly a quarter of all the bones in the body), 33 joints, and a system of more than 100 tendons, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves. A recent study found almost 87 percent of seniors have foot problems. These include athlete’s foot, blisters, bunions, corns and calluses, foot odor, hammertoes, heel pain, heel spurs, ingrown toenails and diabetic ulcers. Some chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes cause very serious foot problems. We all need to be a little kinder to our feet. Put your feet up while reading or watching TV. Make a foot massage a part of your everyday routine. Stretch your feet after a long walk. Buy shoes that fit. Your feet probably grow a half size every decade after the age of 40. Make sure to get them sized at least once a year at the shoe store. Check your feet on a regular basis. If you have limited mobility, ask a family member to check them for you. Your doctor can make this a regular part of your exam if you have concerns. Learn more at the Frank Strang Senior Center on Wednesday, June 2, at noon when Cindy Caplan, DPM, discusses how you can help your feet go the distance. Call 541-4500 to register.

Stop Counting Sheep What’s keeping you up? Learn more at April Lunch & Learn. Do you dread your bed? People suffering from sleep disorders often feel anxiety around bedtime. They fear they will struggle with falling or staying asleep and wake up feeling exhausted. It’s a common misconception that we need less sleep as we age. Seniors still need about seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Older adults have more trouble falling asleep and because of certain medications and medical conditions (e.g., prostate enlargement or urinary incontinence), seniors can wake more often during the night. We may also produce less melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep. Not getting enough sleep can cause chronic fatigue, depression, and attention and memory problems. Excessive daytime sleepiness can make a person more likely to have accidents and falls. Lack of sleep can also wear down our immune systems. There are almost 100 types of sleep disorders. They include: • Insomnia • Restless Leg Syndrome • Sleep Apnea • Narcolepsy If you’ve given up hope of getting a good night’s sleep, join us for an informative program on causes and treatments of sleep disorders. Anthony Wallace, RPSGT and manager of the Parkwest Sleep Disorders Center, will lead a Lunch & Learn at the Frank Strang Senior Center on Wednesday, April 7, at noon. Call 541-4500 to reserve a seat.

Urinary Incontinence –Myths and Realities Incontinence is a topic that is rarely discussed and frequently misunderstood. MYTH “It is a natural part of the aging process.” While it may result from many different factors, incontinence is most commonly a result of pelvic floor dysfunction. MYTH “Some people have tiny bladders.” It is true that bladders vary slightly in size, but the average bladder can hold about two cups of urine. The normal frequency of voiding urine is six to eight times during a 24-hour period. MYTH “If I feel the urge, I have to go right then!” An urge is a signal that you feel as the bladder stretches to fill with urine. Urges can be felt even if the bladder is not full. Urges are not commands to go to the toilet. They are merely signals that can be controlled. MYTH “Frequent urination is unavoidable.” “Frequent” is defined as voiding urine more than once every two hours. Good bladder habits can be extremely helpful in reducing this frequency. Drinking enough water, avoiding smoking, reducing intake of caffeine and citrus foods, limiting alcohol, and avoiding straining or rushing while urinating are all part of good bladder habits. MYTH “Going all daywithout urinating is ok.” On the opposite end of the spectrum is consistently ignoring the urge and waiting more than four hours between toileting. While it may be convenient, it is just as unhealthy for your bladder as going too frequently. MYTH “It’s good to go ‘just in case’ before traveling, meetings, events, etc.” Going ‘just in case’ or more than every two hours is the most common mistake made in bladder health. An overactive bladder or incontinence are potential results of this bad habit. Urgency and frequency of urination can be improved by retraining the bladder and spacing your fluid intake throughout the day. Practice good toilet habits. Don’t let your bladder control your life. MYTH “The only solution for incontinence is surgery.” Conservative physical therapy has been extremely successful at reducing or eliminating incontinence in addition to pelvic pain and dysfunction. Specially trained physical therapists assess the causative factors and design the appropriate interventional treatment. Joy Friley, PT with Parkwest Therapy Center at Fort Sanders West, has been specially certified in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. For more information about the pelvic floor dysfunction program at Parkwest Therapy Center, call (865) 531-5710. For information about any of the other Covenant Therapy Center locations or programs, please visit covenanttherapy.com or call (865) 541-4500.

Sharing the Plan by Becca Montgomery, CEO/President Covenant Health Federal Credit Union Just a few evenings ago as I played ‘patty cake’ with my eight-month-old granddaughter, Pippa, she clapped her hands and laughed with delight. I thought, how I wish my Dad could have known her; and she, him. They would have been best friends, she with her precious smile and daredevil sense of adventure, and he with his quiet strength and gentle heart. Pippa will never know her grandfather, as we lost him over 15 years ago to what we assumed were just lingering effects of the flu. There was no time to prepare for the anguish or devastating sense of loss of this wonderful man, husband, and father. As with so many families, my parents had an unspoken plan should something happen to either one of them, but what they didn’t do was share their plan with their children. I’m sure my father considered this a burden he could spare his children, and never thought to start the conversation. What in his mind was a kindness, became a lesson learned the hard way. Our family has since taken steps to gather the information and documents needed before the unthinkable happens. Family Checklist The most loving gift a person can give to one’s family is to put affairs in order now, while you are able. Below is a list of the information and documents you should prepare and share with a trusted caregiver and/or family member. • All bank accounts, account numbers and types of accounts, and the location of banks. • Insurance companies, policy numbers, beneficiaries as stated on the policies and type of insurance (health, life, long-term care, automobile, etc). • Deed and titles to all property. • Loan/lien information, who holds them and if there are any death provisions. • Social Security and Medicare numbers. • Military history, affiliations and papers (including discharge papers). • Up-to-date Will in a safe place (inform family where the Will is located). • Living Will or other Advance Directives appropriate to your state of residence. • Durable Power of Attorney. • Instructions for funeral services and burial (if arrangements have been secured, name and location of funeral home). Find joy in each day, give your loved ones a hug every chance you get, tell them you love them more often, prepare your Family Checklist, and start the conversation today.

Know How to Help Protect Against DVT by Christopher Norris, Pharm. D., Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Deep vein thrombosis (also called DVT) is a blood clot that forms inside a deep vein, usually in the lower limbs. They’re often the result of recent surgeries of certain types, prolonged hospital stays, or extended periods of restricted mobility. While DVT is a fairly common condition, it is also a dangerous one. If the blood clot breaks loose and moves to the lungs, it can block a blood vessel and create a life-threatening event called a pulmonary embolism (PE). More than two million Americans suffer from DVT each year, with over half of these individuals developing their DVT complications in the hospital or in the 30 days after hospitalization. An estimated 650,000 individuals are affected by PE. This condition is responsible for close to 200,000 deaths per year and, overall, constitutes approximately 15% of all hospital deaths annually. Although a DVT can occur in almost anyone, you are at higher risk for DVT if you: • Are 40 years of age or older • Are inactive for a long period of time, such as when flying or taking a long car trip • Have had recent abdominal surgery or hip- or knee-replacement surgery • Have heart failure • Are overweight • Have cancer, even if you are being treated for it • Are receiving hormone therapy, including for postmenopausal symptoms • Are a smoker This is a partial list of risk factors. Each factor alone does not necessarily increase your risk. Learn more about your risk of developing a DVT by talking with your doctor. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of DVT: • Talk with your doctor about leg and calf exercises you can perform before and after surgery • After some types of surgery, take blood thinning medications and/or wear compression stockings or other external compression devices as directed by your doctor • Get out of bed and move around as soon as you can after having surgery or being ill • Stop smoking • Lose weight if you're overweight • Incorporate exercises and stretching into your long-distance travel routine • Stay hydrated • Lower your cholesterol If a DVT or PE develops, it may be hard to diagnose. Many people experience no symptoms at all. However, in some people, there may be noticeable signs and symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, whether in the hospital or at home, seek medical attention immediately. Warning Signs of DVT • Pain, tenderness, or swelling of the leg • Discoloration or visibly enlarged veins • Skin that is warm to the touch Warning Signs of PE • Shortness of breath • Anxiety or nervousness • Rapid pulse • Excessive sweating • Sharp chest pain • Cough that may produce a bloody discharge • Very low blood pressure • Fainting

Seniors in the Spotlight! Past winners of the Covenant Platinum Awards smile and wave to the delight of audience members at the Tennessee Theatre. Covenant Health will honor more seniors with the 2010 Covenant Platinum Awards in August. Do you know seniors who are a picture-perfect example of positive aging? Nominate them for Covenant Platinum Awards! Several past recipients of the Covenant Platinum Awards had another chance to stand in the spotlight recently. They were greeted with enthusiastic applause as they were presented at a Mighty Musical Monday concert at the Tennessee Theatre. These praiseworthy seniors were part of a public service announcement that will begin airing on local television in May. The PSA will encourage East Tennesseans to nominate more seniors for the awards program this year. The Covenant Platinum Awards program honors senior citizens who put the “plus” in 65-plus, the “gold” in golden years, and the “citizen” in senior citizen. It’s different from other awards programs for seniors in one important way: only achievements after the age of 65 are considered. Organizers say it’s not a “lifetime achievement” award, but rather a “living life to the fullest” award. Recipients have included seniors who are going back to school, involved in creative arts, physically active, and serving their communities. This year’s theme for the publicity campaign is “Picture Perfect Seniors.” Organizers say they are looking for seniors who provide a picture-perfect example of positive aging, role models for the next generation. “Being a senior isn’t what it used to be,” says event director Tonya Stoutt-Brown. “With advanced healthcare, seniors are enjoying a better quality of life than ever before.” “A person who keeps up with medical care and doctor-prescribed medications can go places and do things that were practically unheard of for seniors even 20 years ago.” To drive home the point of picture-perfect seniors, former winners were photographed holding picture frames. Stoutt-Brown says the frames symbolize that the seniors are living, breathing portraits of what it means to live life to the fullest after age 65. “We can look at them and say, ‘That’s what I want to be when I grow up!’” Stoutt-Brown says. Nominations for the 2010 awards will be accepted in May and June. Nominators are asked to write an essay about the special senior in their lives. Judges will look for achievements in four areas: physical fitness, education, the arts, and community service. In addition, an award will be given to a “senior advocate,” someone whose work or volunteer efforts make life better for seniors. Winners will be announced at a gala in September. Call (865) 541-4500 or visit covenanthealth.com/platinum to find out how to nominate your picture-perfect senior.

What is Windows XP? You’ve had your computer for awhile and want to use it more efficiently. Or maybe your computer is new and you don’t know where to start. Introduction to Windows XP is the class for you. Covenant Health Learning and Leadership Development will host a class just for Passport members on May 18. This class introduces the new computer user to basic computer concepts and the Windows operating system. Mouse skills are developed using interactive games. After taking the class, you’ll be able to move around Windows easily, create files, work with storage devices and use on-line help. If this is the class you’ve been waiting for, call today – space is limited. See calendar of events for details.

Ask Susie Dear Susie, My husband has been dead for two years. I have met a man while volunteering who asked me to dinner. Since then I have been avoiding him. I am nervous about dating again. While some companionship seems fun, I am scared to death about being intimate with someone. Many of my parts are “further south” than when I dated in my teens. How do I move forward when I am so freaked out? Dating Dilemma Dear Dating (or getting ready), Healing from the loss of a spouse is the greatest challenge many of us face as we age. It’s amazing how life goes on in spite of such a profound loss! I am glad to hear that you are thinking of venturing forward. Growing older has little impact on our need for affiliation and intimacy. Though physical ailments, grief, depression or stress can interfere at this stage (as in other stages), we continue to crave closeness and even passion until the end of our days. The good news: Dating isn’t the life and death character-building experience you endured in your youth. When you check out the hundreds of senior websites on the Internet, it looks like everybody’s doin’ it these days. And yet that scary feeling of vulnerability still rears its ugly head, like some Loch Ness monster on the Sea of Love! (I hope you are smiling now, and will embrace the importance of not taking yourself too seriously. Remember, dating is supposed to be pleasant and fun.) As you embark on this relationship journey, do understand that you don’t have to figure it all out beforehand. The stakes and the goals are different at this age. Consciously consider: “What am I looking for?” Then it’s time to practice social skills honed over a lifetime and apply some “If I’d known then what I know now” wisdom to this endeavor. For example, there’s the belief that the opposite sex has more power. Then come to find out, everybody’s nervous, fears rejection and wants to be loved. And some of those “gender politics” have actually changed since you first stepped out: who calls whom, who pays, and even who drives. Unless you are taking the “Cougar” approach (defined as older women preying on much younger men), the individuals you are interested in spending time with are usually more likely to share at least some similar generational values and expectations. Whether your approach includes cautious trust building, friendly reverie, or wild abandon, you get to make those choices. The best news is that you really can “reinvent” yourself, continue to grow and expand who you are by maintaining your authenticity, venturing a little outside your comfort zone to experiment with new behaviors, and taking some relatively safe emotional risks…a step at a time. However, don’t be surprised if you experience some grief in this process. Tender memories and feelings are revived at times like these and are perfectly natural. Some folks struggle with feeling that resuming dating is somehow disloyal to their deceased spouse. Think that through; surely you are mistaken…or maybe it seems easier to be loyal than to be a “chicken.” More likely, and more appropriately, you may feel again that loss of your best and oldest friend – the person you might be turning to for support and courage about now. Grief, whether in a wave or a whisper, may slow you down, but don’t allow it to stop you from moving forward. Frame your memories and feelings to empower you and give you confidence and curiosity to grow. If you have lost a loved and can’t seem to move forward, consider talking to a trained therapist or minister. If you need guidance, call Peninsula Behavioral Health for a referral at (865) 970-9800. Susie Stiles Wilson, LCSW, is on the staff of Covenant Senior Health.

Keep it Safe This Summer Take an AARP Driver Safety Course As the weather begins to warm, our desire to get out and about increases. Make sure you are prepared by taking an AARP Driver Safety Course. Many auto insurance companies will offer a discount on rates upon completion. To register or to find another time or location, call 541-4500.

Passport Calendar of Events April 23 is Garlic Breath Day. Garlic was chewed by Greek Olympic athletes. It’s good for your heart too. Enjoy and don’t feel guilty! April 5, 6 p.m. Freedom from Smoking Class LeConte Medical Center Mondays from 6-7 p.m. $50 refundable deposit and $25 materials fee Call 453-WELL to register April 7 Cholesterol Screening Fort Sanders Sevier Senior Center $20 Call 453-WELL for appointment April 7, Noon Stop Counting Sheep Lunch & Learn Anthony Wallace, RPSGT Frank Strang Senior Center April 14, Noon Understanding Angina Lunch & Learn Milan Sheth, MD Oak Ridge Senior Center April 17, 6:30 p.m. Methodist Medical Center Foundation presents Casino Night 2010, “Rollin’ on the Bayou” St. Mary's School Columbus Hall, Oak Ridge Call (865) 835-5261 April 21, Noon Skin Care and Aging Leland Smith, MD First Presbyterian Church, Oak Ridge Call 483-1318 April 28, Noon Palliative Care Lunch & Learn Mary Sowell, RN Frank Strang Senior Center May 27 is Sunscreen Day. Toss any old bottles – the products become less effective as they age. May 3 & 4, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. AARP Driver Safety Class Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church $12 for AARP members, $14 for others Call 541-4500 May 5, Noon ABC’s of Skin Protection Lunch & Learn Kimberly Grande, MD Frank Strang Senior Center May 6, 7 p.m. What You Need to Know about Hospice MyLil Ramey, RN Tellico Village Community Church Call 458-1516 May 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. A Day in May Knoxville Botanical Gardens $10 for Passport members $15 for non –members Call 541-4500 May 18, 8:30 – 3:30 Intro to Windows XP Rod Collins $30 materials fee Covenant Health Learning and Leadership Development Office Call 541-4500 May 19 Stroke Score and More Screening LeConte Medical Center $100 Call 453-WELL for appointment May 19, Noon Stroke: Prevention and Symptoms Nancy Noble, MS, RN, BC, CNRN First Presbyterian Church, Oak Ridge Call 483-1318 May 26 Stroke Score and More Screening LeConte Medical Center $100 Call 453-WELL for appointment May 26, Noon May is for Mammograms Lunch & Learn Amanda Squires, MD Frank Strang Senior Center June 12 is Red Rose Day. Buy one for a friend and one for yourself. June 2, Noon Get Off on the Right Foot Lunch & Learn Cindy Caplan, DPM Frank Strang Senior Center June 4 – 9 – 11 a.m. ‘Sun Block’ Party at O’Connor Senior Center Clark Julius, MD Call 523-1135 June 10, Noon Living with Headaches Henry Hooker, MD Sequoyah Presbyterian Church Call 522-9804 June 23, Noon Arthritis & Knees Lunch & Learn Rick Parsons, MD Frank Strang Senior Center All Lunch & Learns are $5 to attend. Lunch is included. Reservations must be made two days prior to the event. Call 541-4500 to register.

This Spring, know your numbers at…. Free Screenings: ? Blood Pressure ? Vision ? Bone Density ? Body Composition ? Carotid Artery Ultrasound ? And more! Discounted Blood Work: ? Blood Chemistry Profile - $20 ? Complete Blood Count (CBC) - $15 ? Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - $20 ? Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - $20 ? High Sensitive C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - $20 ? Hemoglobin A1C - $20 2010 Covenant Health Check Spring Schedule March 19 – Pigeon Forge Community Center, 8 – 11 a.m. April 8 – Scarboro Community Center, 9 a.m. – Noon April 9 – Roane State Community College, Harriman Campus, 9 a.m. – Noon April 16 – Tellico Village, 9 a.m. – Noon April 17 – Knoxville Expo Center, Clinton Highway, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 21 – Clinton Community Center, 9 a.m. – Noon April 24 – Cokesbury United Methodist Center, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 28 – Sevierville Community Center, 8 – 11 a.m. Call 541-4500 or visit www.covenanthealth.com for more information. Take your Passport membership card and receive $5 off the price of one lab test.

Spring has Sprung! It’s time to get out of the house and go somewhere! Domestic Coach Trips Apr. 7, Wytheville, VA; Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater, “The Sound of Music,” The alternate date, April 1, filled up fast – so call soon! Apr. 19-20, Rising Sun, IN; Grand Victoria Casino & Resort; Overnight in beautiful resort with over 1000 slot machines and a wide variety of gaming tables. Apr. 29-May 1, Quilt Shop Rally; Stops in Roanoke, Wytheville, Martinsville, Radford, Lynchburg and Fincastle. Enjoy a fun time with other quilters and win prizes. May 15, Rugby, TN; Festival of British and Appalachian Culture. See craft demonstrations, storytellers, and period dancing. Plus a stop in Pall Mall to tour home of Sgt. Alvin York. June 17-19, East Tennessee Quilters Shop Hop; three one-day trips. Five shops each day, home each night. Select any or all three. Stops include Crossville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Maryville, Sevierville, Knoxville, Harriman, Jonesboro, Seymour. Call Katie at 865-429-2404 for details on this one. June 22, Mystery Trip; Lunch, a surprise destination, and lots of fun. July 9, Berea, KY; Art & Craft Festival. Lunch at Boone Tavern. More than 100 artists and crafters in this juried show. Live music and regional entertainment. July 29, Abingdon, VA; Barter Theater production of ‘Annie’. Lunch at the Martha Washington Inn. Exciting Trips Requiring Early Reservations Aug. 25-Sep. 7, Colorado Rockies; Travel by motor coach to Denver, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde National Parks, Vail, Durango, Silverton, Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Eisenhower Library in Kansas, two train rides, one dinner cruise. Make reservations before April 10. Nov. 3-14, Egypt; Splendors of the Nile and Egypt. Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Heliopolis, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, 4-night cruise on the Nile, ancient Memphis, Thebes, Sakkara, Valley of the Kings, Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, many temples and tombs. Reserve before April 15 and save $100 on this trip. For additional information, pricing, reservations or a full 2010 schedule; call Moe Faye Travel at 865-577-4643 or e-mail Moefayetravel@AOL.com

Rollin’ on the Bayou Join us as Methodist Medical Center heads to Creole country for Casino Night 2010, “Rollin’ on the Bayou.” Casino Night will be held on Saturday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s School in Oak Ridge. Feed your senses with the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans and the Louisiana swamplands. Enjoy a jambalaya of entertainment as you cruise the mighty Mississippi on our riverboat casino, fight the alligators at the silent and live auctions, and join the line of revelers parading through our balcony-lined streets filled with the sounds of Dixieland jazz. Indulge in the unique flavors of Creole cuisine and try not to get carried away by one of our powerful Hurricane drinks! Get your beads on and parade on down to Casino Night 2010 as we let the good times roll! Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple. Proceeds will support Methodist Medical Center’s purchase of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device for use with cardiology and surgery patients. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the MMC Foundation at (865) 835-5261 or visit www.mmcfoundation.org. SIDEBAR Casino Night is fun way to raise money for a serious cause. If you would like information on other ways you can help, contact Jeff Elliott with the Covenant Health Office of Philanthropy at Jelliott@covhlth.com or(865) 531-5197. He can provide information on making a pledge, establishing a charitable bequest or creating a charitable gift annuity.

Understanding Angina If you suffer from chest pain, you are not alone. Nearly seven million Americans suffer from angina with 400,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in the chest, feeling like a heart attack. Symptoms can include pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, as well as nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Sometimes angina can feel like indigestion. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Angina is not a disease. It is a symptom of an underlying disease, usually coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of your coronary arteries causing them to narrow and become stiff. Damage to arteries is caused by smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or uncontrolled blood sugar. Symptoms can be triggered by physical exertion, stress, exposure to extreme temperatures, eating a heavy meal or smoking. Some medications can cause the arteries to narrow and produce chest pain. You can prevent angina by having a healthy lifestyle: • eat nutritious meals, • stay active, • maintain a healthy weight • control cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes, • learn ways to deal with stress • if you smoke, find a way to quit. Although angina isn’t a heart attack, it means you are in a higher risk category to have one. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any chest pain. If in doubt, get to an emergency room. If you want to learn more, join us on Wednesday, April 14, at noon at the Oak Ridge Senior Center for an informative Lunch & Learn. Milan Sheth, DO, cardiologist with Parkway Cardiology Associates, will discuss causes, prevention and treatments of angina. Call 541-4500 to reserve a seat.