Guests: David Mollenhoff, author, Madison: A History of the Formative Years and Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace: The Enduring Power of a Civic Vision Tom Linfield, VP, Grantmaking and Community Initiatives, Madison Community Foundation Madison historian, David Mollenhoff, shares the story of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" on this very special Christmas Eve edition of All About Living. And just when the story ends and yours eyes are still glistening from hearing how "Rudolph" emerges as the hero, David moves into the story behind the story. Who wrote the story? Why did he write it, and how did Gene Autrey, the Singing Cowboy, come to record the second most popular Christmas song ever? And what does "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" have to do with us today?
Tom Linfield answers that question. As coordinator of grant-making at the Madison Community Foundation, Tom seamlessly moves into how the spirit of "Rudolph" is expressing itself in so many creative ways in Dane County. Adjusting to an uncertain economic environment appears to have energized people to find ways to help our community move forward - through what some might consider an economic fog. Tom gives us an umbrella view of the amazing projects that continue to expand our vibrant community environment.
Guests: Jean Bachhuber, Director of Memory Services Jennifer Baird, Director of Sales Jasmine Rogness, Regional Director of Marketing Using lessons from The Blue Zones: Lessons from People Who Have Lived the Longest, by Dan Buettner, the National Geographic journalist, Oak Park Place, a senior living community providing a Continuum of Care, focuses on wellness as they strive to meet the individual needs of their residents. In a Continuum of Care environment, residents can "age in place" on one campus - moving from independent living to assisted living to long term care including a memory loss facility. "We are wellness focused and resident driven," says Jasmine Rogness.
This could mean a change in our perception of what senior living is like today. The Oak Park Place environment includes restaurant-style dining, featuring entrees prepared by chefs trained in the culinary arts. Residents also submit their favorite recipes which are featured on the menu. Activities center around resident interests with wellness in mind. Book clubs, knitting groups, the Oak Park Choir, yoga classes, a walk club and strengthening classes are just some of the choices available. Even a Biggest Loser Contest and an Irish Pub! Education programs also abound with regular expert speakers and discussion groups on topic of importance to residents. This is what Continuum of Care looks like today. Oak Park Place is just one example. The concept offers an environment with housekeeping, transportation, supportive care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and other levels of service to support daily living. "Be proactive," says Jennifer Baird. "Visit the options available before you need them so you can choose the environment and lifestyle in which you would like to live - long term."
This program covers how Oak Park Place has adapted the lessons from The Blue Zones, how they have structured senior living options, and the benefits to individuals and family members when people are matched with an appropriate living environment. For more information, go to oakparkplace.com
Guests: Doug Hill, Know Your Care Wisconsin Sara Finger, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health Bill Feitlinger, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Persons
The Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010. This groundbreaking legislation that is reforming our health care system has been the subject of much controversy and discussion. The Affordable Care Act does not establish government-run single payer insurance (which Medicare is), but mandates that everyone will have access to coverage that provides quality, affordable health care. While certain provisions have already been implemented, the impact of the ACA will not be felt until 2014, when Health Insurance Exchanges , a competitive marketplace of private insurance plans, are in place. On this program, Doug Hill, Sara Finger and Billy Feitlinger present an overview of the legislation, highlight the major provisions of the law, and clarify misperceptions that continue to persist. Here are some of their major points: Access to affordable health care is a major factor in achieving and maintaining health. The Affordable Care Act promotes access by prohibiting denying coverage of children based on pre-existing conditions (effective for adults beginning 2014); prohibiting insurance companies from rescinding coverage based on an unintentional error; eliminating lifetime limits on insurance coverage; providing small business and non-profit organizations health insurance tax credits; providing preventive care and annual wellness exams without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance (in effect now for Medicare recipients - becoming effective in 2014 for all health plans); closing the doughnut hole in Medicare Prescription Drug coverage; allowing young adults to stay on their parents' plan until 26; requiring 80-85% of insurance premiums to be spent on medical care, and many more provisions.
Under the ACA, being a woman is no longer considered a pre-existing condition. A full range of preventive services for women including annual well-woman visits begin on August 1, 2012. Also, Medicare benefits will continue to be strengthened including cracking down on fraud, waste and abuse. Efforts to fight fraud returned more than $2.5 billion to the Medicare Trust Fund in fiscal year 2009 alone. Health Insurance Exchanges, a competitive marketplace of private plans where individuals and small businesses can buy affordable and qualified health benefit plans will be established in each state beginning 2014. Tax credits for those in lower income levels will be available to those eligible.
For more information on health care reform and how it will impact you and your family, go to healthcare.gov
Guest: Nino Amato, President/Executive Director, CWAG - Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide membership organization that was founded in 1977. Working to develop a framework in which all generations can age well in Wisconsin is what CWAG is all about. Discussing how CWAG is focused on accomplishing this is the focus of this program. It takes leadership, advocacy, education and policy to build age-friendly communities says Nino Amato. On this program, he shares the details about the major issues currently on the top of CWAG's list and the actions being taken.
SeniorCare, the cost-effective drug program available only to Wisconsin's older adults, is one of them. Garnering support to save SeniorCare through December 2012, CWAG is now working to extend the program beyond the 2012 expiration date. Other issues include advocating to keep Alzheimer's/Dementia from being classified as a mental illness; educating people on the Voter ID legislation and obtaining identification; preventing identity theft; informing Medicare recipients on the new preventive screenings and other benefits available through the Affordable Care Act, and promoting the Wisconsin Campaign for Better Care to assure Wisconsin citizens of their Patient Rights.
For more information on any of the above or other resources and benefits available to Wisconsin citizens, go to www.cwag.org or call (608)-224-0606. Toll Free: 1-800-366-2990
Additional information on Voter ID is available from the League of Women Voters: www.lwvdanecounty.org
Guest: Katie Wirkus, Wisconsin's 64th Alice in Dairyland
Wisconsin's $59 billion agricultural industry is more than just good for our economy. It is good for us - providing us with a virtual smorgasbord of choices for healthy consumption. At this time of year, Something Special from Wisconsin offers abundant ideas for gifts and holiday entertaining. Katie Wirkus, Wisconsin's Alice in Dairyland, takes us on a tour of Wisconsin and highlights the products that come from the four corners of the state and parts within. Just what does the Something Special from Wisconsin logo mean? Why is it important to buy local? What are some holiday suggestions? Where can we find a list of Wisconsin products and local businesses where we find them? Answers to these questions and the story behind the selection of this year's White House Christmas Tree - also Something Special from Wisconsin - are in this program. For a list of Wisconsin businesses and products, go to savorwisconsin.com or somethingspecialwi.com
