For the second time in the past three weeks, Jim Edminson of the NC Baptist Aging Ministry was with me, accompanied by Debbie Pilson, a Regional Elder Care Director from NC BAM. We had a free ranging discussion on aging successfully, aging and dignity, Ageism and the creator of that phrase, Dr. Robert Butler. Our main theme was related to how the NC Baptist Aging Ministry works to improve the quality of life and safety of all or our senior adults through the great support of their volunteer team. I opened with a discourse on my thoughts as to how to age well and stay active and involved in life’s journey, and a comparison of the Greatest Generation to todays tsunami of Baby Boomers turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day.

Thanks for being a part of my passion- Radio 4 the Ages!

-david

Debi Lee of the Centralina Area Agency on Aging was my guest host today as I was attending my daughter Rachel’s wedding in Flat Rock, NC. I want to thank Debi for doing a bang up job with a fabulous line-up of guests and some most useful topics for our older adults, and those of all ages who love and care for them.

Wayne Goodwin, who is the NC State Commissioner of Insurance as well as the NC State Fire Marshall was kind enough to call in to the show for several segments. As Insurance Commissioner, Goodwin has been a champion for consumers through fair rate making, injury prevention efforts, and close regulation of insurance company solvency and industry practices. Since taking the oath of office, he has redoubled the department’s efforts in fighting insurance fraud and has saved approximately $1 billion for North Carolina’s consumers and businesses.

In addition to his responsibilities as Insurance Commissioner, Goodwin is the State Fire Marshal and plays a vital role in protecting lives and property in North Carolina. The Office of State Fire Marshal is responsible for training fire and rescue personnel, administering the state building code, securing property insurance for state-owned buildings, and reviewing construction plans for state building projects.

Also phoning in was Jeanie Schepisi, the Regional Manager of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program and Laurie Abounader of the Cabarus County Elder Abuse Task Force. Joining Debi in studio and on the air were Linda Miller (a big Rolling Stones fan) and Katie Kutcher from the Centralina Area Agency on Aging.

There’s lots of vital information for senior adults and their families in this edition of Radio 4 the Ages, so listen in and be prepared to take notes.  And many thanks again to my good friend Debi Lee for a great job hosting for me today!

-david

Dr. Sandy C. Gregory, NCBAM’s director, and Jim Edminson, their director of marketing and public relations were my special guests this week. NC BAM has formed a partnership with the NC Office of the State Fire Marshal to bring about NC BAM’s Priority #1 Prevention program. NC BAM’s staff members are trained and ready to present “Fall & Fire Prevention” workshops. The number to call for information and assistance is 1-877-506-2226.

Also, Debi Lee of the Centralina Area Agency on Aging was in the studio preparing for her debut show as host of Radio 4 the Ages on May 4th. And from the road somewhere in Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Daniel Gwilt, Syracuse, NY Fire Department (retired) called in with some wonderfully pertinent information about fire safety for all ages. His insights were to the point and may in fact have saved a life for a listener in the audience! Finally, Jonathan Kimble, the Wellness Director from Westminster Towers spent the final few minutes with us.

If y0u have an interest in fire and fall safety for adults of all ages, listen to this informative and interesting segment of Radio 4 the Ages!

-thnx, david

Dr. Christopher Phelps, D.M.D., owner of Carolinas Dental Center did the entire show with me today. We discussed a wide variety of topics all related to dental health. There are some very important points to listen to regarding bone loss, oral cancers, and dental implants and dentures. As it has been said before, if you take care of  your oral/dental health, you can add up to ten vital years to your life. So put down the candy, soda, and other sugary treats, and listen to some good advice- mixed in around enough laughs to show your pearly whites off.

-thnx, david

Live from First Choice Medical in downtown Matthews, NC! I was honored to help kick off the Charlotte – Mecklenburg Senior Games at Stumptown Park and say a few words while introducing the Matthews Mayor, Jim Taylor.  Then I jogged (not) up the street to First Choice Medical. They are a Gold Sponsor of the games, and our host for the first live show we’ve done in Matthews.

Owner David Warren spent several minutes with us explaining the wide variety of products they offer and their personalized service. They care about each person they serve, and they’re great community partners. Jay Buinicky and Frank Forsythe of First Choice Medical were also on hand, along with David Warren’s lovely bride, Patsy.

Mayor Jim Taylor spent 20 minutes on air with us, and I have to tell you, he struck me as a genuinely great guy who loves the Matthews community that he lives in. And you’ll notice when you listen that he also has a well developed sense of humor! Heather Rahrig , the director of Carepoint, Inc. was on air with us, and she even got her daughter Brooke to give the old “we’ll be right back” going out to a break. Sharon Albright of the Animal Adoption League spent some time discussing the plight of homeless older cats, and how they make great pets for older folks.

And finally, we had many visitors stop by to share in the excitement!  Heather Hammond (Radio 4 the Ages occasional co-host) and member of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas team was there, along with Debi Lee of the Centralina Area Agency on Aging, Katie Myers of Transition with Care, and Ann Marie Obrikat, a senior care specialist in the area.

A fabulous time…a great show…lots of energy and excitement!  And a special thanks to David Warren, the owner of First Choice Medical for his continued support of our mission at Radio 4 the Ages!

-david