Columnists

Many persons with mental illness have more than average difficulty taking care of teeth. Since almost everything in life is harder for a mentally ill person compared to non-afflicted people, it follows that it is harder for us to have good oral hygiene. -more-

If you watched the Super Bowl, you probably noticed a bland McDonald’s commercial. It was part of their campaign to strengthen their brand. Too bad liberals didn’t run a commercial because they need to rebuild their brand. -more-

Health, Housing, and Transportation are three huge concerns in the lives of many old people today… some would say the three, especially so-called low-income seniors. Five years ago, when I began the Senior Power column, I said I would focus on them.

The Berkeley Commission on Aging (a part of city government) held a Special Meeting on Sunday, November 9, 2014 “to seek public comment and broad community input on issues of health, safety, housing, transportation, communication, economic opportunity, ongoing education and community involvement.” The minutes are available online at the City website, or contact Leah Talley, Manager of Aging Services, at 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709, phone (510) 981-5178.

The Gray Panthers (not a governmental agency) met on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the North Berkeley Senior Center. The speakers’ focus was housing. The meeting attracted the largest attendance in a long time. Julia Kato, of the Berkeley Tenants Union, moderated. -more-

I cannot help but reflect on the ongoing ebola epidemic in West Africa when reading about the recent outbreak of measles due in large part to an anti-vaccination sentiment. -more-