By Bob Moos

The New Year brings improvements and other changes to Medicare. Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect in 2012.
• Original Medicare covers more preventive services.
Screenings for cardiovascular disease and obesity have been added to the preventive services available at no out-of-pocket cost to people with Medicare.
The new benefit covers one doctor visit each year to determine the best way for you to ward off cardiovascular disease. Your physician may screen you for hypertension and discuss how changes in your diet can lower the risk of heart disease or a stroke.
The free screening for obesity includes regular counseling sessions at your doctor’s office if you have a body mass index of 30 or higher. Anyone who loses at least six pounds during the first six months qualifies for six more months of counseling.
• Generic drugs get a bigger price break in the “doughnut hole.”
If you have a Medicare drug plan and reach the coverage gap, you receive a bigger discount on your generic prescriptions – 14 percent in 2012, compared with 7 percent last year. And, like last year, you still get a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs in the doughnut hole.
Those price breaks are adding up. More than 2.7 million people have saved more than $1.5 billion on their prescriptions in the coverage gap – an average of $569 per person.
• Medicare premiums change slightly – sometimes for the better.
The monthly premiums for the part of Medicare that covers doctor visits and outpatient hospital services increase for most people by only $3.50, to $99.90, in 2012. If you joined Medicare in the last few years and paid up to $115.40, your premiums actually fall, to $99.90, this year.
A small proportion of people with Medicare – about 4 percent – pay extra for their Part B coverage because their annual incomes are higher than $85,000. They, too, can expect to see their monthly Medicare premiums for doctor visits and outpatient hospital services drop in 2012.
• Now’s the time to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare if you’re dissatisfied.
If you’re unhappy with your private Medicare Advantage health plan, an annual “disenrollment” period allows you to return to the traditional fee-for-service Medicare program between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14. You can also select a drug plan to go with your new coverage.
A word of caution here: There are two things you can’t do during the six-week disenrollment period. You can’t sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time. And you can’t switch from one Advantage plan to another.
• Checking out the quality of hospitals and nursing home becomes easier.
It can be difficult to find hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and other health care providers that meet your needs. You can now use Medicare’s new “Quality Care Finder” at www.Medicare.gov/QualityCareFinder to compare similar kinds of providers.
The improved online tool describes the quality of care at specific facilities – such as how well a hospital protects outpatients from surgical infections and what steps a home health agency takes to manage pain, treat wounds and keep patients safe.
• Doctors and hospitals are coordinating your care better.
Medicare has begun to work with “accountable care organizations” that will promote better coordination between health care providers so that people with chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure get the care they need to stay out of the hospital.
A lack of coordination has sometimes led to unnecessary tests and procedures. Accountable care organizations will encourage primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals to communicate more so that you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
If your doctor participates in one of the new groups, you’ll be notified. But it’s important to remember that your Medicare benefits stay the same. You can still see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
This is just a quick look at Medicare’s more noteworthy changes.  The “Medicare and You 2012” handbook you recently received in the mail will have a complete summary. If you need a book, call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a free copy, or visit www.Medicare.gov and download it.

There will be many reasons to be merry this holiday season. And making sure that your loved ones enjoy themselves responsibly is one of the most reliable ways to guarantee their safety.
That is why the Texas Department of Transportation would like everyone to embrace the spirit of driving sober this season.
“The message is simple, drinking alcohol and driving do not mix.  If you plan to consume alcohol, you should plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Irene Webster, Traffic Safety Specialist.
Unfortunately, millions of drivers on America’s highways continue to make deadly decisions by driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle while intoxicated, which jeopardizes their safety and the safety of others on our roads.
“We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to drunk driving,” said Webster “Taking a risk on having your 2011 end in an arrest or death is just not worth it.”
During December 2009, there were 753 people killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.
TxDOT recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;

Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;

f you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;

And remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

A report from a joint study by the Texas State Department of Health, Texas Cancer Registry and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas by this month’s end 1120 Smith County residents will have been diagnosed with cancer.  Of these, 431 will die.
This is a tragically high figure and so, during its 25th anniversary, Tyler’s Texas Oncology is offering a special gift for the holiday season.  Screenings raise awareness of the threat of cancer, and there is no way to overemphasize the value of early detection.
The facility is giving during the season of giving by offering discounted and free screenings. Texas Oncology, Tyler is collaborating with Trinity/Mother Frances and the Ross Breast Center in Tyler in giving patients insurance for the gift of life through discounted mammography and prostate screenings to their friends and assorted loved ones. Dr. Mark Saunders, M.D. proclaims Texas Oncology, Tyler’s commitment to combating the scourge of cancer in East Texas.
“We are focused on continuing to deliver leading-edge, community-based cancer care with advanced technology, caring and experienced physicians and promising clinical trials,” he said.
Early detection is a traditionally vital means of survival.  Texas Oncology, Tyler offers these life-saving tips:

•  Keep an eye on your flesh, and at least once per month check for changes in freckles, moles and other flesh markings.

• Women should carry out monthly breast exams and check for suspicious lumps.  Females should also submit to mammograms at least once every one to three years depending on their doctor’s recommendation.

• Men should make monthly checks on both testicles in case of telltale hard lumps, changes in size or swelling.

• Everyone should make note of family history and cancer risks because certain strains of cancer are associated with specific genetic profiles.

For more information please visit www.TexasOncology.com.

Keep Tyler Beautiful will host Tyler Recycles Day from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, November  19 at the Tyler Recycling Collection Center, 418 N. Bois D’Arc Ave.
Tyler Recycles Day is part of a national event that takes place annually to promote stewardship of the environment and recycling.
The Tyler Recycling Collection Center always accepts clear plastic bottles, plastic milk jugs, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, any type of paper, any type of cardboard, brown paper grocery bags, aluminum cans and clear, brown and green glass. The center is also accepting phone books at this time.
For Tyler Recycles Day, the following items will also be collected:
• Cell phones;
• Eyeglasses;
• Electronics; and,
• Batteries.
“We especially want to invite people who are new to recycling to take that first step and come out,” said Keep Tyler Beautiful Board Chair Cheryl Roy.  “They will see that it is fun and not that hard to do.”
Tyler residents will also be able to sign up for the City’s Curbside Recycling Program and Interstate Battery will have a collection station for all types of batteries.
Daffodils that were pre-ordered in the summer as part of Project Daffodil will be available for pickup at the same time.  Additional daffodils may also be purchased.
For more information visit www.keeptylerbeautiful.com or call Gary Lynch, City of Tyler Solid Waste special projects coordinator, at (903) 531-1348.

Got a favorite canine that loves the great outdoors? Get Fit Longview and the City of Longview will host a 1 Mile & 5K Dog Run, Walk and Wag event for dog lovers and their pets on Saturday, November 12 at Lear Park (the location of KidsView.)
Participants may register in the PARD office or online by November 2 for $10; the fee will be $15 after that date.  There will be contests for the cutest dog, best dog costume, and the most unique dog, along with other door prizes.  The first 100 people to sign up will receive a free t-shirt!  Don’t miss out!  This event promises to be a howling good time!
For registration information and rules, call the PARD office at  903-237-1270 or visit online at parks.longviewtexas.gov.

International ALERT Academy is slated to present its 2011 Family Camp. Families come from around the country for a week of family-focused speakers, activities, and events from October 8- 15.
For more information, please call 903-636-2000 ext. 2101, or contact Melanie Bogner at mbogner@alertacademy.com

As part of the FitCity Challenge, City of Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass has launched her FitWalk Challenge to encourage Tylerites to get active and lead a healthy lifestyle.
“Staying fit can be as easy as eating right and walking 30 minutes, three times per week,”  said Mayor Bass.  “This program is a fun, easy way to motivate others to commit to walking each and every week.”
The program provides incentives to walkers who track their time walking and reach certain milestones.  Prizes are given to participants when they initially register; after two weeks on the program; after four weeks and after seven weeks.  Those who fill the tracking sheet and bring it to City Hall will also be entered to win a Wii Fit system in a drawing to be held Dec. 16, 2011.

Prizes include:
• Pedometer (first 500 to register);
• Sunglasses (first 500 to walk six times in two weeks);
• Sportsbottle (first 500 to walk 12 times in four weeks);
•  Sportsbag (first 500 to walk 21 times in 7 weeks); and,
• Wii Fit (one winner; enter by walking 24 times in 8 weeks and bringing your completed card to City Hall, 212 N. Bonner) The drawing will take place on Dec. 16, 2011.
All prizes are to be picked up at City Hall, 212 N. Bonner.  No prizes will be mailed.

For those who are unable to walk, or prefer other aerobic exercise, other forms of exercise are acceptable.
“Registering is easy,” added Mayor Bass.  “Just go to the City webpage or to www.MayorsFitWalkChallenge.com and download the registration form.  You can also come by City Hall at 212 N. Bonner.  We truly hope everyone will join us as we take this step toward making Tyler a healthier city.”

On your marks get set ready go!. The weather has cooled down to where walkers, runners and their families can come out for fun-runs while supporting their favorite charities.
Bring your family and friends for the following healthy fun-filled walks and runs in the community:
Saturday, October 22
Junior League Monster Dash
5K & 10K
Entry fee $20
Courthouse Athletic Club
Before October 15th
early registration online at
www.nolimitstiming.com
Day of race 7am

Saturday, November 26
Newgate Mission Gobble Wobble 5K & 10K
No entry fee – donations welcome
Paul Boorman Trail – Loop 281 entrance across from Austin Bank
Registration 8:30 am

Saturday, December 10
Healthy Woman 5K Wreath Run/ Walk and Kids K
Proceeds benefiting Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)
LRMC Parking Garage
$20 early registration adults/ $10 kids
More information soon

To raise awareness of women’s cancer, Tyler Firefighters urge area public safety officers, businesses, schools and citizens to wear pink on Monday, Oct. 3 to show that “Tyler cares enough to wear pink”.
The entire community is invited to come to the Downtown Square in their pink shirts for the third annual TURN TYLER PINK event from 5-8 p.m.
Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 20, Turn Tyler Pink shirts can be purchased at:
Gallery Main Street
110 W. Erwin
and
Holiday Inn South Broadway
5701 S. Broadway.
Proceeds from the sale of Turn Tyler Pink shirts benefit local cancer organizations.  In 2010, the Tyler Firefighters CARE Fund donated more than $ 20,800 to organizations that support the fight against cancer.
The Tyler Firefighters’ sale of the pink shirts began in 2008 when the wife of a fellow firefighter was struck with cancer.  To raise funds to help the family, the department raised $12,000 by selling pink shirts.  In 2009, the effort grew significantly with an event held on the Downtown Square that attracted more than 500 people who wore pink in support of women who are fighting cancer.

A recent study by the American Heart Association has significantly lowered the national average on “door-to-balloon” times for angioplasty patients.
The national study, recently published in the August 2011 release of Circulation:  Journal of the American Heart Association, stated that between 2005 and 2010 average times adjusted down from 96 to 64 minutes.
Good Shepherd Medical Center is proud to announce our own record of success with lower “door-to balloon” times, with our average time being under 57 minutes during the last year (July 2010 to June 2011).
For heart attack patients, angioplasty should always be performed as fast as possible. Angioplasty is often referred to as “ballooning” due to the use of a catheter, a thin balloon-tipped tube, which is inserted into the heart vessel to restore blood flow. The “door-to-balloon” time measures the critical time spent between from hospital arrival until treatment of the blockage.
Good Shepherd has found that between July 2010 and June 2011 they have had a door-to-balloon time average of 56.58 minutes. This set of data ranged from an outstanding low of 44 minutes in May 2011 and only one outlying month reaching above 67 minutes, back in January 2011 with 76 minutes.
“Good Shepherd is extremely proud to continue to raise the standard for cardiac excellence both in East Texas and beyond,” said Ed Banos, CEO of Good Shepherd Medical Center.
There are nearly a quarter million heart attack cases requiring ballooning annually in the United States alone, for more information on Good Shepherd Cardiology or for a physician referral, please call the Good Shepherd Healthy Hotline at (903) 315-GSHS (4747) or toll free at (888) 784-GSHS (4747).