Volume 19, Issue 1

January - June 2016

High Blood Pressure and OTC Medications

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hen you have high blood pressure (HBP) you take prescription medication in order to feel better and prevent HBP’s serious side effects on your body that could potentially kill you. But even if you are checking your blood pressure on a regular basis and taking your medication as prescribed, you need to be aware of complications when taking other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)medications such as cold and flu remedies. If you have HBP, and don’t know it, OTC medications can increase your HBP to dangerously high levels. If you are currently taking medication for HBP and you mix it with other medications, your HBP could dramatically increase or the HBP medication could interact with the cold and flu medication preventing either drug from working properly. 

People with high blood pressure should be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure or interfere with the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. Many (OTC) cold and flu preparations contain decongestants such as:

NSAIDS Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs NSAIDS may be included in both prescription and over-the-counter medication. They are often used to relieve pain or reduce inflammation from conditions such as arthritis. • Oxymetazoline

Be sure and check the labels before taking an OTC medication. If you are not sure you can ask the pharmacist to assist you. When going to a doctor provide a list of ALL the medications and dosages you use, both prescription and over-the-counter, to every doctor you visit. Talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication, herbal preparation, vitamins, or other nutritional supplements. Ask for alternatives to potentially harmful medicines.

• Phenylephrine • Pseudoephedrine • High levels of sodium

Work boots For Diabetics

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he Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce a new program designed for eligible race track workers with diabetes. The program provides up to $250 towards the purchase price of a pair of work boots specifically designed and measured to help protect the feet from sores, rubs, and cuts. To be eligible for the special work boots a person must meet the Fund’s usual eligibility requirement plus the individual must have been licensed in the prior calendar year and diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, the individual must meet the majority of the components of being medically compliant with their diabetes treatment (regular doctor visits, prescription medication use and controlled blood sugar). Once eligible the individual will receive a custom fitting, three custom made inserts and the boots. Travel to Louisville for the fitting may be required. Individuals are eligible for this benefit once every twelve months. For specific information about your eligibility contact Richard Riedel at 502-636-2900, extension 104.

Eligible race track workers have plenty of free and low cost opportunities to learn if they have HBP and how to manage it through medication, diet and exercise. At Turfway Park horsemen can take advantage of the Horsemen’s Wellness Center @ Turfway Park where you can have your blood pressure taken and a medical consultation for free. The Center is open, by appointment only, every Wednesday during the race meet. There is also a February health fair held in the track kitchen building where you can have your blood pressure taken for free. If there is a problem you can then seek medical advice at the Horsemen’s Wellness Center. See Donna in the H.B.P.A. office to arrange an appointment.

High Blood Pressure and OTC Medications Continued on Page 4



The Horse’s Mouth

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January - June 2016

The Horse’s Mouth is published two times a year by the Kentucky Racing Health & Welfare Fund, Inc.

DISCLAIMER

he Kentucky Racing Health & Welfare Fund is a non-profit charitable organization that receives no government funding or public tax revenue. It is not an insurance company and does not assume responsibility for any incurred charges nor does it guarantee approval for any request for assistance. This newsletter should not be construed as a policy and shall not be considered as an offer to extend assistance, benefits, coverage, payment, or medical advice. The Fund’s guidelines are changed at the sole discretion of the Fund and are modified, extended, altered, and revised from time to time without prior notice. Therefore, any information supplied in any form must not be construed or regarded as creating an expressed or implied right to the services, coverage, or benefits the Fund may offer. A copy of the Fund’s current guidelines can be obtained by a written request submitted to the Fund.

Elizabeth Alarcon - Layout and Design Editor KENTUCKY RACING HEALTH & WELFARE FUND, INC. A non-profit charitable organization Established 1978 Donald Ball - Chairman Rick Hiles - Vice Chairman Dr. Randy Scheen - Treasurer Carol Hebel - Secretary Peter W. Salmen - Member Robert P. Benson, Jr. - Counsel Richard Riedel - Executive Director Karen Pehlke - Director of Operations Erika Lowe - Director of Client Services Elizabeth Alarcon - Service Coordinator Donna Davis - Turfway Park & Ellis Park Service Coordinator Diana Varon - Keeneland & TTC Service Coordinator

FALSIFYING INFORMATION Once an individual applies to the Fund for assistance the Fund will conduct a routine inquiry into the accuracy of the information that has been provided.

422 HEYWOOD AVENUE LOUISVILLE, KY 40208

If the individual has provided inaccurate or false information pertaining to, but not limited to: • Work related injuries • False KHRC license information • Insurance or other benefit coverage (if eligible the Fund will always be considered secondary) • Employment • Identities • Transferring benefits to a non-eligible individual

Phone (502) 636-2900 (800) 548-3662 Fax

(502) 636-2955

Website Address: kyracinghealth.org Email Address: [email protected]

The following action will be taken: First Offense • No benefits until the Fund has been paid for all benefits received under false pretenses. • Loss of benefits for six (6) months once the Fund has been repaid. • Future benefits will be provided on a reimbursement basis for six (6) months.

LIKE US ON Louisville office hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 2:45 pm Health benefits provided since 1978 - Dec 2015 $ 40.8 Million

Second Offense • Complete loss of benefits for a two (2) year period.

Kentucky Race Track Retirement contributions since 2001 - Dec 2015 $ 5.5 Million

Third Offense • Complete and indefinite loss of all benefits

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The Horse’s Mouth

January - June 2016

Don’t Fear the Chair

Anxiety and cost keep adults from regular dental check-ups.

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ental care ranks number one as the health care service most skimped on, even for those who have dental insurance. One in five adults report that they had unmet dental care because they couldn’t afford necessary care, according to the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center. People said they were more likely to go without dental care than prescription drugs, doctor or specialist care, and medical tests. Putting off regular dental check-ups leads to the inevitable - tooth decay and gum disease. Once your mouth starts hurting then the fear really sets in....the fear of the needle and drill. It’s a vicious cycle: You’re so terrified of the dentist’s drill that you avoid checkups like the plague. As a result, you don’t get preventive care, your teeth get worse — and you end up having to suffer through yet another drilling session. Which makes you even more terrified of the dentist’s chair than you were before. We won’t even talk about extractions!

Sound familiar? You’re far from alone in your fear. Millions of people suffer from some form of anxiety about going to the dentist. There is even a word for it: Dentophobia, the fear of dentistry and of receiving dental care. The fear of pain is commonly cited as the primary reason adults avoid the chair, with a root canal treatment listed as the most feared procedure. Adults are as afraid of getting a root canal as they are of flying on an airplane during a storm, and are more fearful of the procedure than of speaking in public and most people would rather die than have to give a speech. Some dentists offer sedation for dentalphobic patients. But there are a variety of non-chemical and fear-taming techniques dentists and their patients can try together. “Our dentists always tell the patient that it’s OK to feel scared … it’s a natural reaction,” said Tim Muhsen, spokesman for Universal Dental Clinics, which runs seven

offices in the Chicago area. “Then they explain exactly what they are going to do. Some doctors make it fun by using music, or they keep talking to the patient about a lot of different things so they forget the treatment. Some tell jokes. Some use the TV as a tool to calm the patient’s fears.” The American Dental Association offers these tips for patients who break out in a sweat the moment they set foot in the dentist’s office: • Share your anxiety. If you’re tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff. Getting your concerns out in the open will let your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs. • Help yourself. Choose a time for your dental visit when you’re less likely to be rushed or under pressure. For some people, that means a Saturday or an earlymorning appointment. • Wear headphones. If the sound of the drill is more than you can take, bring headphones and listen to your favorite music. Some dental offices will even show TV programs or DVDs. During the visit, try visualizing yourself relaxing on a warm beach. While the dentist can help you overcome your fears, the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund can help you with the cost of most dental procedures and help you find a dentist, if you don’t have a dentist that sees you regularly. The Fund may be able to provide up to $1,000 in dental benefits each year depending on the number of years you have consecutively held a racing license in Kentucky and the type of dental procedure you need. For additional information about dental and other benefits for health related needs contact our Louisville office at 502-636-2900 or visit an office at a race track near you soon. Resources: Kaiser Health News.org and lifezette.com

Kentucky Racing Health Services Center

422 Heywood Avenue Louisville, KY 40208 • (502) 636-2900 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY • Monday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm • Wednesday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm • Friday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm MUST PRESENT A CURRENT PAYROLL CHECK or PAYROLL CHECK STUB & CURRENT KHRC LICENSE WHEN SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT

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The Horse’s Mouth

January - June 2016

High Blood Pressure and OTC Medications Continued from Page 1

Complications of High Blood Pressure

If you are stabled at Keeneland or The Thoroughbred Center, the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund can help you arrange, if you are eligible, a free or low cost doctor’s visit. Offices are located at each facility. See Diana to arrange an appointment. If you are stabled at Churchill Downs or Trackside, you may have your blood pressure taken at the Kentucky Racing Health Services Center. The Center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday all year long. For those who are eligible, there is a $5.00 co-pay for each visit. To arrange an appointment contact the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund at 422 Heywood Avenue, Louisville or call 502-636-2900.

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hen blood pressure stays high over time, it can damage the body and cause complications. Some common complications and their signs and symptoms include: • Aneurysms: Bulges in the wall of an artery can develop and grow for years without causing signs or symptoms until they rupture, grow large enough to press on nearby body parts, or block blood flow.

If you are stabled anywhere else in Kentucky you may learn if you are eligible by calling the Fund at the number listed above. Resources National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, American Heart Association, Web MD

• Chronic Kidney Disease: When blood vessels narrow in the kidneys, possibly causing kidney failure. • Cognitive Changes: Signs and symptoms include memory loss, difficulty finding words, and losing focus during conversations.

Common symptoms of High Blood Pressure

• Eye Damage: When blood vessels in the eyes burst or bleed. Signs and symptoms include vision changes or blindness.

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• Heart Attack: The most common warning symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain or discomfort, upper body discomfort, and shortness of breath.

ou should not try to evaluate your symptoms in an attempt to self-diagnose high blood pressure. Diagnosis should only be made by a healthcare professional. A variety of symptoms may be indirectly related to HBP but are not always caused by HBP, such as:

• Heart Failure: Common signs and symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath or trouble breathing; feeling tired; and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck.

• Severe headaches • Severe anxiety • Shortness of breath • Nosebleeds • No symptoms at all

• Peripheral Artery Disease: The most common are pain, cramping, numbness, aching, or heaviness in the legs, feet, and buttocks after walking or climbing stairs. • Stroke: The symptoms of a stroke include sudden onset of weakness; paralysis or numbness of the face, arms, or legs; trouble speaking or understanding speech; and trouble seeing.

High Blood Pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” and you may have it and show no symptoms. That is why is important to have periodic check-ups.

THE OLD SCHOOL Apartments

422 Heywood Avenue Louisville, KY 40208

(502) 636-5950

(502) 636-5950 Contact: JERRI GAINES

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Studio Apartment - $472 1 Bedroom Apartment - $506

• • • •

One block from Churchill Downs All utilities included in rent On-site laundry facility Appliances furnished with carpet & blinds Must be 55 or older or disabled Income eligible



The Horse’s Mouth

January - June 2016

Doctor My Eyes

Was I unwise to leave them dry and burning for so long? From MayoClinic.org

http:www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/basics/ Used with permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, all rights reserved.

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ry eyes is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. Dry eyes feel uncomfortable. If you have dry eyes, your eyes may sting or burn. You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bike or after looking at a computer screen for a few hours. Treatments for dry eyes may make you more comfortable. These treatments can include lifestyle changes and eye drops. You’ll likely need to take these measures indefinitely to control the symptoms of dry eyes. Signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include: • A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes • Stringy mucus in or around your eyes • Sensitivity to light • Eye redness • A sensation of having something in your eyes • Difficulty wearing contact lenses • Difficulty with nighttime driving • Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes • Blurred vision or eye fatigue When to see a doctor See your doctor if you’ve had prolonged signs and symptoms of dry eyes, including red, irritated, tired or painful eyes. Your doctor can take steps to determine what’s bothering your eyes or refer you to a specialist. To relieve your signs and symptoms while you wait for your appointment, try overthe-counter eye drops. Look for lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) and avoid those that advocate reducing redness in the eyes. Eye drops that reduce eye redness can cause additional eye irritation.

Dry eyes are caused by a lack of adequate tears. Your tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils and mucus. This mixture helps make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear, and it helps protect your eyes from infection. For some people, the cause of dry eyes is decreased tear production. For others it’s increased tear evaporation and an imbalance in the makeup of your tears. Decreased tear production Common causes of decreased tear production include: • Aging • Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders and vitamin A deficiency • Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and drugs for high blood pressure, acne, birth control and Parkinson’s disease • Laser eye surgery, though symptoms of dry eyes related to this procedure are usually temporary • Tear gland damage from inflammation or radiation Increased tear evaporation Common causes of increased tear evaporation include: • Wind, smoke or dry air • Blinking less often, which tends to occur when you’re concentrating, for example,

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while reading, driving or working at a computer • Eyelid problems, such as out-turning of the lids and inturning of the lids Imbalance in tear composition The tear film has three basic layers: oil, water and mucus. Problems with any of these layers can cause dry eyes. For example, the oil film produced by small glands on the edge of your eyelids might become clogged. Factors that make it more likely that you’ll experience dry eyes include: • Being older than 50. Tear production tends to diminish as you get older. Dry eyes are common in people over 50. • Being a woman. A lack of tears is more common in women, especially if they experience hormonal changes due to pregnancy, using birth control pills or menopause. • Wearing contact lenses People who have dry eyes may experience these complications: • Eye infections. Your tears protect the surface of your eyes from infection. Without adequate tears, you may have an increased risk of eye infection. • Damage to the surface of your eyes. If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcer and vision problems. • Decreased quality of life. Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading. You’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor. He or she may then refer you to an Doctor My Eyes Continued on Page 6



The Horse’s Mouth

January - June 2016

Horsemen’s Wellness Center @ Turfway Park

Doctor My Eyes Continued From Page 5

eye specialist (ophthalmologist). Because appointments can be brief, it’s a good idea to be well-prepared for your appointment. What you can do • List any symptoms you’re experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. • List key personal information, including any recent life changes. • Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you’re taking. • List questions to ask your doctor. For dry eyes, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: • What’s the most likely cause of my dry eyes? • Do I need any tests? • Can dry eyes get better on their own? • What are my treatment options? • What are the potential side effects of each treatment? • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together? • Is a generic drug available for the medicine you’re prescribing me? • Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? • What websites do you recommend? • Do I need to plan for a follow-up visit? Don’t hesitate to ask additional questions that may occur to you during your appointment. What to expect from your doctor Your doctor may ask: • Can you describe your symptoms? • Do you recall when you first began experiencing symptoms? • Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional? • Do other members of your family have dry eyes? • Have you tried over-the-counter eye drops? Did they provide relief? • Are your symptoms worse in the morning or late in the day? • What medications do you take? • Have you had any radiation to the head or neck?

Open every Wednesday during Turfway Park Race Meet

medical help

for non-work related reasons, but don’t have time to go to the doctor?

By Appointment Only Contact Donna in the Kentucky HBPA office for information to schedule an appointment

DON’T FORGET YOUR MONTHLY MEDICINE

If you take monthly medications for asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, hormones, mental health, psoriasis, thyroid, glaucoma, acid reflux, ulcer’s or certain other chronic conditions the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund may be able to continue to assist you when you ship out of Kentucky. To be eligible you must meet the following criteria: 1. Must pre-register with the Fund prior to leaving Kentucky 2. Currently receiving benefits from the Fund. 3. Currently taking medication for one or more of the above illnesses. 4. Must have been licensed and worked in Kentucky during six of the twelve months prior to applying for the OOPS program. 5. Must contact the racing jurisdiction to which you are shipping to see if you are eligible to receive prescription benefits. 6. Must continue to work for the same employer for whom you last worked for in Kentucky during the period you are out-of-state. 7. Benefits are on a reimbursement basis

Gone…… But Not FORGOTTEN The Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund Danny Allen pays tribute to the following dedicated individuals who have recently passed away Carl Wayne Anderson after dedicating many years in the Kentucky James Carlin racing industry: Wallace “Wally” Dollase

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Trainer Groom Groom Trainer

Charlie Gott

Hot Walker

Everett Hammond

Trainer

Danton “Dan” Hays

Trainer

Tommy Skinner

Trainer

Scott Sowle

Jockey/Trainer

Barry Wheatley

Jockey Agent



The Horse’s Mouth

January - June 2016

Kentucky Race Track Retirement Plan Plan Ahead Sign-Up Now

If planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now, signing up now for the Kentucky Race Track Retirement Plan is one the easiest ways to accumulate cash savings for that time when you eventually get back to the future for which you did or did not plan. It’s simple enough. Be sure you sign-up for the Plan every year, meet the income and employment requirements and you will receive a cash contribution to your account. Over the years that account will grow and when you reach retirement age you can begin to make monthly withdraws. The best part is that it is absolutely free. As if that wasn’t enough, the Plan has the flexibility that you may be able to collect if you become disabled. You can also leave the value of the account to a loved one, friend, or organization in the event you should die before you collect the money. So what are you waiting for, don’t get left in the past. There is no time like the present to plan for the future. See additional information about signing up on this page and the complete signup schedule on the back page of this newsletter.

Who’s Planning For the Future?

The 2015 sign-up period closed on November 17, 2016. There were 327 eligible Members who shared in the $250,000 contribution from the Kentucky

Racing Health and Welfare Fund. That’s an 11 percent increase in participation over 2014. Unfortunately, 16 others had their accounts redistributed due to a break in service. The redistribution of funds was added to the accounts of the 327 eligible Members who signed up during the year.

Over $1.7 Million in Free Money

Since 2001, 270 Plan Members or their beneficiaries have received over $1.7 million dollars in retirement, disability, and death benefits. This was totally free money to the recipients as Members did not have to provide any of their own money or make a contribution to be able to participate. The beginning of 2016 found 23 retirees receiving monthly checks of $442 from the Plan. They will continue to receive that amount until their account is exhausted. You can also take a lesser amount each month if it is to your benefit when in certain Medicaid and tax situations.

Account Balance Losses Less Than 1 Percent

For 2015 Active Retirement Plan Members experienced a minor loss on their December 31, 2014 balance. This follows six consecutive year in which the Plan’s investment portfolio experienced growth. Plan Members who signed up and were eligible grew their accounts by an additional $764 when they received an equal share of the $250,000 contribution.

$ 153,781 Paid out to retiring vested race trackers last year.

KENTUCKY RACE TRACK RETIREMENT PLAN

1 - 502 - 636 - 2646

(SEE PAGE 8 FOR SIGN UP SCHEDULE)

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2016 Sign-up Requirements

The first step in determining eligibility for a contribution is to sign-up. This must be done every year. The deadline for signing up is November 15. LICENSED ASSISTANT TRAINERS, EXERCISE RIDERS AND STABLE EMPLOYEES are required to submit a copy of their 2015 W2s and/or 1099s from a trainer who made at least ten (10) Kentucky starts in 2015. LICENSED TRAINERS are required to submit one of the following: 2015 Form 1040 and schedules showing income of at least $5,200 or 2015 Form 1099s from Kentucky owner(s) showing income of at least $5,200 or a letter from their tax preparer stating their gross revenues from Kentucky racing in 2015 exceeded $5,200. LICENSED OWNER/TRAINERS can submit one of the above or they can submit their 2015 1099s from Kentucky race track(s) showing income of at least $5,200. To qualify for a contribution you must be a licensed Trainer, Assistant Trainer, Exercise Rider or Stable Employee. Information must be presented at time of sign-up. For more information call (502) 636-2646.



The Horse’s Mouth

January - June 2016

2016 Kentucky Race Track Retirement Plan Sign-ups

Trainers must have one of the following at time of sign-up: 1. 2015 Form 1040 and Schedules showing income of at least $5,200 or 2. 2015 Form 1099 from KY owner (s) showing income of at least $5,200 or 3. 2015 Form 1099 from KY race track (s) if licensed as an owner/trainer showing income of at least $5,200 or 4. A letter from your tax preparer stating your gross revenues from Kentucky racing in 2015 exceeded $5,200 Assistant Trainers, excercise riders and Stable Employees must have the following at time of sign-up: • 2015 Form W2(s) or 1099(s) from a KY trainer (s) who made the required Kentucky starts in 2015 in which your total earnings were not less than $5,200

March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25

Friday Friday Friday Friday

Turfway Park Turfway Park Turfway Park Turfway Park

10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to

2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.

April 5 April 14 April 20

Tuesday Thursday Wednesday

Keeneland Keeneland Keeneland

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

May 11 May 12

Wednesday Thursday

Churchill Downs Churchill Downs

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

June 7 June 8

Tuesday Wednesday

The Thoroughbred Center The Thoroughbred Center

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

July 15 July 22

Friday Friday

Ellis Park Ellis Park

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

August 12 October 5 October 6 November 11

Friday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Last Chance Sign up at Ellis Park Last Chance Sign up at The Thoroughbred Center Last Chance Sign up at Keeneland Last Chance Sign up at Turfway Park

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• You may also sign-up at the offices of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund from Monday, January 18, through Tuesday, November 15, 2016; Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Office location, The Old School, 422 Heywood, Louisville, Kentucky 40208 • All dates and times subject to change. Call 1-502-636-2646 for updates and answers to your questions about the Plan.

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