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He Made History Interesting

There are days when my head is spinning as I read the news or see a TV broadcast about all the turmoil in the world. For that matter, right here in our own backyards. There was a time when I was a high school student that I was truly interested in the study of history. Learning about events and people who shaped our world actually kept my attention for 40 minutes a day in a classroom at Wheeling Central Catholic High.  I can’t say the topics were always very compelling but the man who stood at the front of class tried to make them understandable. His name was Charles “Chuck” ...

Flu Shots for Seniors: What’s New This Fall

Dear Savvy Senior, I always get my annual flu shot, but I never know whether I’m getting the right one. Can you explain which flu vaccine is best for seniors this fall and whether there are any other recommended vaccines I should get? – Trying to Stay Healthy Dear Trying, If you’re 65 or older, getting your annual flu shot is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself during flu season. But with new vaccines and changing recommendations, many older adults aren’t sure which shots they need. The good news is that this fall’s advice for seniors is ...

Rain, Rain … Go Away

Enough, already! I don’t know about you, but I have had just about all I can take of these late summer storms. It’s bad enough we can’t get just a gentle rain to water the lawn and gardens. The rain comes in sideways and pelts the ground with machine gun force. The middle-of-the-night thunderstorms are enough to make anyone queasy. The last few have jolted us out of bed.  I don’t mean to pick on our local weather forecasters, yet they tend to put us in panic mode more times than not. I get it. They are only trying to prepare us for what might happen. Unfortunately, there ...

Simple Ways to Soothe Bunion Pain

Dear Savvy Senior, I’m a 62-year-old woman and have had a bunion on my big toe for years, but lately it’s become more painful and is making it hard to find comfortable shoes. I’d like to avoid surgery if possible. What can I do to ease the discomfort and keep it from getting worse? – Sore Toe Susan Dear Susan, You’re not alone. Bunions are very common, especially among women, and they often become more painful with age as the joint shifts out of alignment and inflammation sets in. What may have started as a minor nuisance can turn into ongoing discomfort, making it ...

Dolly Would Be Proud 

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Those words can be found throughout the area, especially on school marquees and church message boards. It’s a simple message, one that sinks in after a while.  For a Wheeling Island family, that message was more than just a slogan. I received a card from a husband and wife who live on Wheeling Island, not far from the stadium there. They told me that the wife was unloading groceries from the trunk of her car the other day.  It was a pretty heavy load. She explained that there were two teens walking up the street who stopped and ...

A Caregiver’s Guide to Medicare

Dear Savvy Senior, I’m taking care of my elderly father who recently had a stroke and have a lot of questions about how Medicare works and what it covers. He’s enrolled in original Medicare. Can you help me? – Caregiving Connie Dear Connie, Taking care of a parent after a stroke is hard enough without having to figure out Medicare too. The good news is that understanding the program can make life a lot easier. Knowing what’s covered – and what isn't – can help you plan ahead, avoid costly surprises and make sure your father gets the care he needs. Here’s a practical ...