Betty Berry’s Column

QUESTION:  All of us at sometime will be a patient.  To get well you not only need good medical care but must understand everything your doctor(s) are telling you.  Do you have any suggestions on how to help yourself be a better informed patient and healthier person because of it? [...]

QUESTION: Cypress Place usually has an expo around this time of year, have you heard if they are planning one this year?   ANSWER:  Yes I have and you won’t be disappointed – the program sounds great.   The 11th Annual Health and Wealth Expo is scheduled for Wednesday, April [...]

  QUESTION:  We have all been told to be prepared for emergencies.  I am a pet owner and wondering if there is anything special that should be included in planning for their needs and safety?   ANSWER:  Planning for your pets needs and safety during an emergency is very important [...]

QUESTION:  A friend and I were talking about keeping busy and perhaps taking some classes.  She suggested that you have written about Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, known as “OLLI” in the past.  Do you have any information on upcoming offerings?   ANSWER:  Yes I do – a Spring ll 2019 [...]

QUESTION:  I understand that the Goebel Senior Center is going to do some remodeling and will be closed for a period of time.  Can you provide details of dates and what, if any, activities will be taking place?   ANSWER:  You have heard correctly.  The Goebel Center is getting new [...]

QUESTION:  It is tax time and I usually do my own return.  However, with the new tax laws do you think it would be wise to have them done by a professional this year?   ANSWER:  Your question is a good one and the answer will depend on how complex [...]

QUESTION:  I want to take an active part in my health care but not sure who is involved in my care.  Can you identify the different players?   ANSWER:  Taking an active part in your health care involves a number of things.  First you must understand that your health care [...]

QUESTION:  We’ve all heard and probably even said the following sayings: Laugh and the world laughs with you; Laughter is good for your health; and Laughter is the best medicine.  What about laughter makes it so good for us?   ANSWER:  Laughter and a sense of humor actually play a [...]

  QUESTION:  Can you provide any information about the REAL ID Card that we are being told we need to apply for.  I’ve heard all kinds of things but don’t really know why and what I need to do.   ANSWER:  A very good question.  The information I will give [...]

  QUESTION:  I have found a number of ads for work-at-home jobs.  How can I determine if these are legitimate businesses or a scam?   ANSWER:  An excellent question.  My advice is – don’t take their word for it – you need to do your own investigation.   These ads [...]

QUESTION:  Several of my friends recently lost their spouses and have commented on some of the difficulties they are facing due to lack of information on financial matters, people who should be contacted and legal issues.  Can you provide some steps that should be taken to avoid this type of [...]

  QUESTION:  I am a senior approaching 75 and very concerned about cognitive decline.  Are there any steps a person can take to eliminate or reduce the risk?   ANSWER:  I am sure there are a number of readers who have this same concern.  We all know that exercise and [...]

  QUESTION:  I have been talking with some friends about health care coverage and the conversation turned to the cost of prescriptions.  It seems each time I pick up a prescription the cost is higher. Any suggestions on how to cut costs?   ANSWER:  There are a number of steps [...]

  QUESTION:  The holiday charity and fundraiser requests have already started to arrive in the mail and on the phone.  Do you have any advice on how to avoid scams?    ANSWER:  A timely and excellent question.  Giving to charities and supporting fundraisers is a way of American life – [...]

  QUESTION:  I am a new caregiver for a loved one with dementia and have more questions than answers.  Is there a program or guidebook to help me find my way?   ANSWER:  The answer to your question is yes.  There is a very complete detailed caregiver’s guide and an [...]

QUESTION:  With all the fires, floods and storms that have occurred during the past year I have been thinking more about planning for an emergency – but I don’t know exactly where or how to start.  Do you have any suggestions?   ANSWER:  Planning for any event takes a lot [...]

QUESTION:  If I’m not mistaken, in the past Cypress Place has offered a unique program about how to avoid senior scams.  Do you know if that program will be repeated?   ANSWER:  You remember correctly.  This program, Stop Senior Scams (SM), brings laughter and excitement to a commonly frightening and [...]

QUESTION: I have just heard about a program called CarFit. Do you have any information about that program? ANSWER: Sure do - CarFit is a program that provides a quick, yet comprehensive review of how well you and your vehicle work together. CarFit is not a driving test nor does [...]

QUESTION:  I heard that the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) was hosting a special fund raising event.  Do you have the where and when?   ANSWER:  Yes, I was given the flyer just this week and it sounds like an evening of fun while supporting our local non-profits.   CSVP [...]

QUESTION:  I read your column and have a question about an item that appears under HAPPENINGS.  Can you provide more information about the “AARP Smart Driver Course?”   ANSWER:  I certainly can.  The AARP Smart Driver Course teaches driving strategies that help keep senior drivers safe.  You might call it [...]