In a haze of coding, caffeine, circuits, teamwork, snacks, and sleep deprivation, around 120 students from Calvin and other universities worked for 24 hours straight, developing a wide range of software and hardware computing projects. The students were competing in Calvin’s first “hackathon,” a marathon software and hardware development competition held from February 8-9 by the CalvinHacks student organization.
As the sun set on February 9, a team of Calvin students emerged victorious, their project—PlantBit—scoring first place. A combination of a smartphone application, an arduino board, a Google Home, and a moisture sensor, PlantBit allows its user to remotely turn on and off grow lights for their plants, while also providing data on the moisture of the plant’s soil.
“It was inspired by the massive amount of succulents I keep in my room,” said team member Lauren Ebels, a biology and computer science major. “I have a whole bunch of grow lights for them, but couldn’t set them to be on when they’d help the plants the most.”
Over the course of the 24 hours, the team divided and conquered: Junior Shion Fukuzawa programmed the remote control iPhone app, Seniors David Widjaja, Megan Koh, and Toussaint Cruise set up the hardware and control database, and Ebels connected the Google Home to the control database.
“There’s a sense of accomplishment,” said Fukuzawa, a math major and computer science minor. “At the end you have to submit something no matter what, and the fact that you worked as a team for 24 hours and actually made something is pretty satisfying.”
“CalvinHacks was a really fun event, and was unlike anything I had ever done before” said Caleb Schmurr, a Calvin junior electrical engineering student whose team worked on a project using an e-ink screen to display information from a Google Home.
“I liked getting the chance to spend time working in an environment that encouraged and supported creative uses of technology,” Schmurr added. “We were able to use our programming abilities gained from either coursework at Calvin or other experiences to create a really unique project.”
Among a multitude of other creative submissions, Calvin teams also designed a web-based video game, a sign language video detection user interface, and an app for tracking grocery purchases.
Young Saleem Usmani’s life was forever changed when his Olympian dad invited him along to Los Angeles in 1984. For the curious youngster from India, it wasn’t much of a leap from saying, “Yes, I’ll join you there” to “Sure, I could go to college here.” With that spirit of adventure, Usmani found friendship, love, work, and belonging in his adopted country… in the unlikeliest of places!
The Jazz Band, directed by Paul Brewer, in rehearsal for its coming concert. (Supplied/St. Cecilia Music Center)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Improvisational jazz music is not for everyone, especially young musicians learning their craft. But it is challenging and rewarding for the youth who make up the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Youth Jazz Ensembles — including several local players from East Kentwood High School.
The public can get a reward of their own this weekend as those young players will be on stage at St. Cecilia during the center’s Youth Jazz Ensembles Concert, a free, public event scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m.
Both the small Jazz Combo group and the Jazz Band big band will be on stage, and both will showcase the developing talent of their young players.
Mitchell Arganbright is a student at East Kentwood High School and a member of the Jazz Band. (Supplied/St. Cecilia Music Center)
“The combo format has a lot of potential for learning because every aspect of musicianship is involved: sight-reading, learning by ear, music theory (chord structures, keys, form), improvisation, arranging,” Robin Connell, St. Cecilia Jazz Combo director and local musician, said in an email to WKTV. “The big band music is all written and presents challenging reading for most students. They also work on blend, balance, intonation, and style.”
While the combo format focuses more on the traditional improvisational aspects of jazz, Connell said the big band is more structured but has “improvised parts (that) are only for a selected few instruments within an arrangement that is otherwise all written out.”
The current Jazz Combo has five members, Connell said: piano, bass, drums, saxophone and two trombones.
“The combo learns jazz standards and, in the process, learns a lot about music and jazz,” Connell said. “They learn the tunes from a ‘lead sheet’ (melody and chord symbols without any intro/ending or arrangement). Then we put an arrangement together. We start the year with me giving all the direction but, by the end, I’ve encouraged them to take over the leadership and direction as they are able.”
The combo members range in age from 12 to 16 (four are in middle school), and they will play four tunes: “Listen Here” by Eddie Harris, “Moanin’ ” by Bobby Timmons, “Artherdoc Blues” by Jimmy Heath, and “So What” by Miles Davis.
The Jazz Band, directed by Paul Brewer, has the standard instrumentation, Connell said: five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, with piano, bass and drums — “But I will be playing piano with the band because he doesn’t have a student pianist.”
The Jazz Band are all high school kids, with half a dozen from East Kentwood high. Their program will be published pieces arranged for this instrumentation, but specifics are not known at this time.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On Jan. 15, 2019, Dr. Jen received an email from a friend of a former volunteer asking for help for a bedraggled male cat who had been hanging around for about three years. The poor guy’s eyes needed attention, and he had a slight cough or hard time swallowing.
Over the years, the kitty had become friendlier to the point where he sat at the back door crying all night and trying to get in when the door opened. He had scratched and bitten the woman before in an attempt to get in, and then suddenly one day climbed into her lap and let her pet him. He then insisted on being in her lap every time she fed him, going so far as to nuzzle into her coat and let her wrap him up in a blanket to sleep.
It took a few days for us to be able to get this poor guy (born in the summer of 2014) off the streets so that Dr. Jen could see what she could do about those eyes. Considering how haggard and tattered-looking this guy was, it was obvious that he had been through some pretty rough spots in his life, including a fractured or dislocated right rear toe, bronzing of the fur on his forepaws from rubbing his eyes, fleas, a notched ear from fighting, a broken upper canine tooth, contracting a severe feline herpes virus infection that was causing his chronic conjunctivitis AND being infected by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
But, in spite of all of the above, Dr. Jen could clearly see that Chihuly was a diamond in the rough, a precious work of art that had yet to be appreciated.
At the writing of his biography about a month after his arrival, we are happy to report that charming Chihuly is really enjoying indoor life and takes his topical eyes meds like a trouper (he is also on an oral lysine supplement to help with the herpes). We have also learned from our cat care team the following about his likes, dislikes and kitty-quirks:
“Chihuly has a tendency to be a little bit of an attention hog, but once he’s had his fill, he’ll give you a quick swipe of the paw to warn you; I wouldn’t call him aggressive, he just has his personal limits. I’ve never seen him actually start any fights, or intentionally go after another cat, but he will join in on the growling if anything is going down between the others.”
“I have learned that the way to his heart is with endless bowls of canned food — he’s been known to eat four big plates and still follow you around for more. He would eat until he explodes if you let him.”
“He’d do best in a home with adults, and maybe one other cat, but dogs may a bit too much for him. Overall he is incredibly sweet and has gotten much better at not expressing himself by striking out; you can tell the time spent on the streets has made him a bit defensive, but he is learning rather quickly that soaking up the love and attention afforded him is the key to happiness.”
Chihuly will continue to evolve and make positive changes for weeks and months to come, but thus far, we are already impressed by his acclimation into our free-roaming, 50-cat population. He will require long-term medication to keep his eyes comfortable, but overall it is an affordable care plan that he doesn’t mind one bit. Simply stated, if you fill him up with yummy canned food and give him a lap to snooze on, he will be your best friend fur-ever!
More about Chihuly:
Domestic Short Hair
Black & White/Tuxedo
Adult
Male
Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, no children
Want to adopt Chihuly? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Sid Lenger, better known as Mr. Sid, loved sharing his stories of World War II and his travel adventures around the world.
The founder of Lenger Travel and World War II veteran passed away May 13 at the age of 100 but his love of sharing stories will continue, according to his friends who plan to honor Lenger’s memory by continuing his already scheduled Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.
Tom Sibley, a WKTV volunteer and one of Lenger’s helpers in organizing the series, said after consulting with Lenger’s daughter, Lavonne Ritzema, Marge Wilson owner of Marge’s Donut Dent, and Fruitbasket/Flowerland owner Rick Vuyst, who is the scheduled guest speaker, it was decided to continue with Vuyst’s scheduled presentation. The program is set for Wednesday, May 15, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den. Lenger is one of the military veterans featured in Vuyst’s newest book “Operation Rumination.”
“With a heavy heart – but comforted knowing that faithful Sid is at peace in the open arms of his Savior and reunited with his lifelong partner Beulah and son Sidney, we report that our Mr. Sid passed away Monday morning,” Sibley said, when announcing Lenger’s passing.
Filmaking always had been a hobby of Lenger who had crated hundreds of films. As part of Lenger Travel, Lenger would make travelogues that he would often show at Godwin Heights High School to help increase interest in the tours his company offered. The films became popular because they not only highlighted the well-known places such as Munch or Berlin, but captured what life was really like in those communities.
Sibley once noted “When [Lenger] took tour groups, he often would take smaller groups so that they could get up close to the whales or access to places larger groups could not visit.”
One of Lenger’s more popular films was his tour of Muskegon’s LST 393 (landing ship tank), where he was a volunteer tour guide. During World War II, Lenger served on such a ship, the LST 651, during the first wave in Okinawa. Lenger often told the story of a Japanese World War II plane headed toward the ship and how his gunner David “Goldie” Goldsboro save the ship. Last fall, Goldsboro and his family came for a special Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series program, which featured the story of Lenger’s time on the LST 651.
David “Goldie” Goldsboro and Sid Lenger served on the same ship, the LST 651, during World War II. The two were together last fall for a special Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series. (WKTV)
Sibley said the spring Mr. Sid Wednesday Afternoon Video Series will continue on May 29 with the film on the LST 393, which is still docked in Muskegon and is one of only two surviving vintage LSTs (landing ship tank). It will be followed by a question-and-answer session with staff from the LST 393. On June 12, there will be an “Honoring Fathers” program lead by Mike Martin.
Visitation for Lenger will be at Zaagman’s Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, and one hour (from 10 – 11 a.m.) prior to the 11 a.m. Thursday, May 16, service at Seymour Christian Reformed Church, 840 Alger St. SE. Lenger is survived by his children, Lavonne Ritzema, Robert and Lori Lenger, Richard and Carol Lenger, Ruth Lenger; his sister-in-law, Joan Lenger; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.
UPDATE — At approximately 3:40 pm today, Pettra Yahya and her daughter, Faith Martinez, were located at their home. Both of them were safe and uninjured. A citizen who saw the Amber Alert recognized Yahya’s vehicle at Bowen Park in Kentwood, and contacted the police. When the police arrived, witnesses told them that a woman matching the description of Yahya was last seen pushing a stroller towards her home. Police then went to Yahya’s house and made contact with her.
Yahya’s mother took Martinez, and her other three children, home with her. Yahya was taken to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. The Kentwood Detective Bureau and Child Protective Services are continuing to investigate this situation.
Original Press Release: The Kentwood Police Department has issued an Amber Alert for a 4-year-old named Faith Cyndora Martinez.
Faith is a light-skinned, black female. She is approximately three feet tall, and weights about 40 pounds. She has long curly brown hair and brown eyes.
Faith was last seen with her mother, Pettra Aliesha Yahya. Yahya is a 30-year-old, black female. According to police, Yahya has made threats to harm herself and Faith. Yahya is driving a 2005 red Buick Rendezvous. The license plate for the vehicle is EBD 2873.
Anyone who sees these individuals, or vehicle, is asked to call 911 or the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6580.
The West Michigan economy is chugging along like it has been for the past 10 years, but evidence is mounting that the pace may be slowing, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of April.
The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) remained positive but backtracked to +13 from +17. The production index rose to +11 from +5, and the index of purchases also increased to +16 from +4. The employment index slid from +15 to a 27-month low of +4.
“Although one month can never be construed as a trend, it was disappointing to see our local employment index take such a deep slide,” said Long. “Unemployment is always an economic laggard, resulting in most of our West Michigan counties continuing to post very good unemployment numbers.”
Long said although there are some significant signs that growth is slowing, there is still no sign that the economy is about to slide into a recession.
“We know the world economy is slowing and that will ultimately have at least some impact on our domestic economy,” said Long. “Various industries are starting to grow ‘bubbles’ which we hope will not all break at once.”
The ongoing trade dispute with China could generate a significant slowdown or even a recession if the war drags on, Long said. Most major capital projects are planned and executed over a long-term cycle, such as five years. He said these projects tend to have long and productive supply chains which stimulate growth. He also said some of the benefits of the 2017 tax legislation could be felt for years to come, making the U.S. the cheapest place in the world to do business.
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
The new Metro Health Grandville is located at 4285 Parkway Place. (Supplied)
In its continuing effort to make sure patients have access to quality health care, last week, Metro Health opened its 17th neighborhood physician office providing another convenient location for the community.
“Our neighborhood physician offices offer patients both choice and access when it comes to primarycare,” said Dr. Rakesh Pai, President Medical Group and Chief Population Health Officer, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “We have a large patient base that call Grandville home, so we felt it was a natural fit to open our next office in their community.”
Metro Health Grandville, like other Metro Health neighborhood outpatient centers, is a model for care that promotes partnerships between individual patients and their personal physician. The practices are recognized for intensified efforts to coordinate patients’ health care through prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services.
Located at 4285 Parkway Place SW in Grandville, the office will offer both family practice and OB/GYN services. Dr. Rebecca Werner will serve as the site medical director, seeing patients alongside Lindsey Marchel, NP. In addition, three OB/GYNs, Dr. Renee Elderkin, Dr. Stephanie Getz and Dr. Sue Hicks, will split their time between Metro Health Grandville, Metro Health Village and Metro Health Park East.
Dr. Rebecca Werner will serve will serve as the site medical director. (Supplied)
“We believe the Grandville community will benefit from having access to another primary care and OB/GYN outpatient option where they live,” said Werner. “We’re looking forward to growing the practice and plan to add two Internal Medicine/Pediatric physicians later this year.”
Metro Health Grandville will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Same day appointments are available and walk ins are welcome during regular business hours.
Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a sap-feeding insect native to China and other parts of Southeast Asia. It was first found in the United States in 2014 in Berks County, southeastern Pennsylvania and has been spreading since then. As of May 2019, confirmed observations of spotted lanternfly (SLF) had been recorded in at least 12 additional counties in Pennsylvania and in localized areas of five other states: Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and New York.
This invasive pest can feed on at least 70 species of trees, as well as vines and shrubs, including fruit trees, hops, grapevines and several hardwoods. Spotted lanternfly can be easily spread to new locations when people accidentally transport eggs or other life stages into new areas. Quarantines have been established to prevent further spread of SLF life stages by people moving infested material. Residents or visitors to areas where SLF occurs should be aware of the risks of moving this invasive pest. Check vehicles and any outdoor items for egg masses or other life stages before leaving areas where SLF has been reported.
Spotted lanternfly females can lay their eggs on nearly any surface including vehicles, patio furniture and outdoor equipment, as well as trees. This means SLF can be easily spread over long distances if people move the articles bearing the eggs.
Impacts
Spotted lanternfly feeds by sucking sap from the stems and trunks of a wide variety of plants. At high SLF densities, this feeding can reduce vigor of trees and vines. Dead shoots on some hosts, particularly black walnut trees, have been observed in Pennsylvania.
Spotted lanternfly adults on an apple tree in Pennsylvania. Photo by Erica Smyers, Penn State University.
To feed on plant sap, SLF pierce the bark, creating wounds that can allow plant pathogens to infect trees. Immature and adult SLFs excrete tremendous amounts of sugary honeydew as they feed, which lands on plants around and beneath them. This sticky honeydew attracts other pests, particularly hornets, wasps and ants, causing more annoyance for people in affected areas and complicating crop harvests. Black sooty mold grows on the honeydew, affecting the appearance and potentially the health of herbaceous plants, shrubs and seedlings beneath infested trees. Sooty mold can reduce the amount of light reaching the surface of the leaves, decreasing photosynthesis rates.
Host trees
Tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima, is a highly preferred and perhaps required host for SLF. Tree of heaven is native to China, but was widely planted in much of the eastern U.S. decades ago for erosion control. It was also planted as an ornamental street tree in many municipalities. Female trees produce abundant seeds and tree of heaven can grow on a variety of soils, including disturbed areas. Tree of heaven is now considered an invasive plant and has spread across much of the United States.
While tree of heaven is a highly preferred host, reports from Pennsylvania indicate SLF can also feed on American beech, basswood, sycamore, big-toothed aspen, black birch, black cherry, black gum, black walnut, assorted dogwoods, Japanese snowbell, maples, oaks, paper birch, pignut hickory, pines, sassafras, serviceberry, slippery elm, tulip tree, white ash and willows. Many of these species are commercially important as ornamental or timber trees. While SLF has not killed any trees in the U.S. to date, continued spread of this invader concerns many foresters and arborists.
Fruit trees and vines
The greatest economic impacts of SLF may result from its ability to feed on many types of crop plants. Tree hosts of SLF include apple, plum, cherry, peach and apricot. High densities of SLF have also been observed on grape vines and on hops vines. Neither the immature nor adult SLFs feed on the fruits themselves, but large numbers of insects feeding on these plants during the harvest season can affect fruit quality. The insects remove significant amounts of sap and the sooty mold can contaminate berries. This can reduce marketable yields, delay fruit ripening and reduce winter tolerance to cold weather.
Effects on humans?
Spotted lanternflies cannot harm humans directly, as they neither bite nor sting, but their presence, outdoors and indoors, can be unpleasant.
Identification and life cycle
Spotted lanternfly completes one generation per year (see figure). Eggs are laid in a mass coated in an off-white or gray substance, which cracks and darkens to a grayish-brown over time. Egg masses resemble a small patch of mud or “seed pods” and can be found on vehicles, tree trunks, boulders and stones, bricks and other outdoor surfaces. Eggs hatch in spring and the small black nymphs with white spots begin feeding. Spotted lanternflies will complete four stages, called instars, as immature nymphs before becoming adults. First, second and third instar nymphs are black with white markings, Fourth instar nymphs are reddish-orange with black and white markings.
The nymphs eventually develop into adults, the only stage with wings. Adult SLF are about an inch long and half an inch wide, with grayish forewings with black spots and red, white and black striped hindwings. A few adults may appear in mid-summer but they are most common in late summer and fall.
After mating, adult females lay eggs, usually beginning in September and continuing through November or even early December. Eggs overwinter until the following April or May, when the first instar nymphs hatch and begin feeding.
Control and management
Preventing or at least slowing the spread of SLF is important to minimize impacts and control costs. When leaving an area where SLF is present, check vehicles and outdoor equipment for egg masses or any other life stages. Do not move nursery trees, firewood, mulch or related materials out of quarantined areas. Keep windows of vehicles rolled up in areas where adult SLFs are active and avoid parking below infested trees.
Egg masses that are accessible can be scraped off and destroyed, eliminating insects that would otherwise hatch and feed. Use a stick, plastic card, putty knife or similar tool to scrape eggs into a container filled with alcohol, hand sanitizer or very soapy water to kill the eggs. Eggs can also be burned in a campfire. Simply mashing eggs is often not entirely effective. Some residents in Pennsylvania have wrapped plastic wrap tightly around tree trunks and then coated it with a sticky substance to capture nymphs as they climb up the trunk to feed on the younger shoots. These sticky bands may be useful if SLF densities are high. Bands will need to be checked and replaced at least every other week.
Other insects and occasionally small birds or even small mammals may be accidentally trapped in the sticky bands. Surrounding the sticky band with wire or mesh can help prevent birds and mammals from being captured.
In Pennsylvania, removing tree of heaven, the preferred host, appears to reduce local abundance of SLF. Cutting down female trees (those producing seeds), or killing the trees with a herbicide containing triclopyr will limit establishment of new trees of heaven.
Adults are about 1 inch long and show little of the red color when wings are closed. Photo by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.
Adopting a trap tree approach can be even more effective. Select a male tree of heaven (one that does not produce seeds) and remove or fell other trees of heaven in the vicinity. Treat the remaining “trap tree” with a systemic insecticide product containing dinotefuran as the active ingredient. Systemic insecticides are transported up the trunk and into the canopy and will control SLF nymphs and adults when they try to feed on treated trees. This control method works best June through August. Insecticides can be used on their own to control SLF on other host trees as well. Only use insecticides registered with the EPA and follow all application and personal safety instructions on the label.
Ongoing research on SLF is likely to generate new information every year. Up-to-date information on SLF can be found on websites hosted by Pennsylvania State University, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and USDA APHIS.
What to do if you find a suspected SLF in Michigan
Senior living communities are often built with specific interior design in mind for communal living spaces, but the individual apartments are often a little more plain. If you are decorating a senior living apartment, you’ll probably want to make it more homey and welcoming, as well as make sure that it’s easy to do all the things you need to do. Here are our tips and tricks to creating a beautiful and personal senior living apartment.
Remember functionality
It’s important that your home fits your tastes, but as you age it becomes more and more important to focus on the functionality of items rather than just style. Functionality should be your number one priority throughout the decorating process.
A good example to think about is glass tables. Glass furniture is pretty and fits with a lot of styles and themes, but the cons may outweigh the pros. They require frequent cleaning, and a fall onto a glass table or bump into a sharper edge can be much more devastating than a table made of other materials.
Choose a style
A good way to make your living space cohesive is to have a theme or specific style picked out. Apartments are much smaller than houses,
and if you are moving to a senior living apartment from a house picking
one general theme is going to be easier than finding a different style
for every room. It will also help improve the overall flow of your
apartment. Some themes can include:
Rustic: Think of a log cabin. With rustic decoration you want to bring in natural elements like woods and stone, and keep your colors within earth tones.
Cottage: A very popular style for seniors because of the warmth and coziness inherent to it. Colors like yellow, blue, white, and green are common and there are often antique or vintage furnishings and decorations.
Traditional: Traditional styles often incorporate floral and other patterns in furniture and decorations, and is another way to tastefully incorporate some of your favorite antiques.
Cozy and comfortable
Comfort is another big thing that you will want to keep in mind. Adding touches like warm blankets and softer furnishing can help you improve on functionality while keeping your comfort in mind.
Making sure that your couches and armchairs are cozy and your throw pillows aren’t stiff and scratchy is a good way to keep your home comfortable. Remember to keep thinking about function. A pillow may have a nice pattern on it, but if it isn’t comfortable to use then it becomes more of a annoyance in a small space.
Lighting and Storage
While not always the first thing on anyone’s mind, the practical parts of home decorating are just as important—if not more important—than the furnishings and wall hangings.
Lighting: Lighting is a big part of decorating. It’s important to include plenty of sources of light, especially if your apartment doesn’t have that much natural light. You need to see clearly for your safety, especially at night. Table and floor lamps are a great way to inject more light into your space, but make sure that any cords aren’t going to become a fall hazard.
Storage: Storage is another important thing to keep in mind. To avoid trips in clogged hallways and rooms, having adequate storage for all your belongings is vital. There are a lot of creative storage options like additional storage units for your living, different shelving options, and closet organizations that can help you with storing your belongings. Just remember to keep them all within reach. The last thing you want is to be unable to access your things.
Kitchen and bath
Most slips and falls happen in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep that in mind while decorating. Adding additional handholds is never a bad thing in these rooms. Another tip is to make sure your rugs or carpeting isn’t going to trip you up or slow you down if you are in a wheelchair. Things like soap and liquids should be stored in a way that they won’t spill onto the floor and make things a slippery mess.
Kitchens and bathrooms are also great places to add a pop of color. A brightly colored kitchen or bathroom can be a great way to bring in some fun in spaces that might not traditionally be thought of as fun spaces.
Bedroom
It’s important that your bedroom is the perfect blend of comfort and
functionality. Your bed shouldn’t be difficult to climb into, and should
have the right amount of blankets and pillows. Decorative throw pillows
are great, but the daily task of removing them and then adding them
back on can become more and more difficult as you age.
Instead, consider bringing color and style into the room with your bedding itself. There are an endless supply of bedding and duvets in any color or pattern that you can imagine. Wall hangings and decorations are another great way to include your personal style into your bedroom. Avoid hanging anything over the headboard though, as they can become dangerous if they fall.
Living room
The living room is the room that guests are likely to see most often, so decorating a living space in neutrals with a pop of bright color here and there is often very common.
A living room is a great place to put your personal items—family photographs, personal keepsakes, and collected artworks are all wonderful examples of things that can make an ordinary living space your living space
Moving to a senior living apartment can be a difficult task. It often involves downsizing and getting rid of a lot of items. But there is no reason that decorating your senior living apartment can’t be a fun and creative job. Keep functionality in mind and add your own personal touch, and your senior living apartment can live up to your highest expectations.
A map of the Grand River entrance to Lake Michigan at Grand Haven. (Supplied/NOAA)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
As part of a bipartisan effort to update decades-old maps that assess ecological risks to Lake Michigan, including oil spills and natural disasters, Michigan’s U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga joined a group of federal legislators last week to reintroduced legislation to update the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps of the Great Lakes.
The legislation, announced May 7, would direct the Great Lakes Region ESI maps to be updated for the first time in more than 20 years, according to supplied material, joining maps for the East coast, West coast, and Gulf coast that have been updated more recently.
ESI maps, which are coordinated through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), document the potential ecological impacts to natural and human-use resources from possible oil spills, natural disasters, and resource damage. The latest maps can be found at the following link.
The maps will “provide accurate assessments of coastal resources that are at risk of severe damage or a natural disaster, including endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats, and widely used community resources such as beaches, parks and boat ramps.”
This information is also used in “planning to create cleanup strategies before an accident occurs so that authorities are better prepared to take action if needed.”
Peters co-authored similar legislation that passed the Senate last September.
“The Great Lakes are an invaluable economic and environmental resource not just for Michiganders but for countless others across the nation, and it is critical that they are monitored and studied as closely as other shorelines and major bodies of water,” Sen. Peters (Democrat) said in supplied material. “This bipartisan legislation would provide scientists and researchers with the necessary tools and data to rapidly respond to a potential oil spill and keep the Great Lakes vibrant and strong for generations to come.”
Rep. Huizenga (Republican, Michigan 2nd District) echoed the importance of the legislation.
“Whether it is responding to rapidly evolving events such as a natural disaster or planning long term projects such as habitat restoration, we need to have reliable and accurate information available,” Rep. Huizenga said in supplied material. “Having up to date ESI maps are vital to correctly identifying vulnerable locations and establishing priorities to properly protect Michigan residents as well as the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
Last year, Sen. Peter urged NOAA work to update the ESI maps for the Mackinac Straits. But this new legislation would impact all the Great Lakes shorelines, including the West Michigan Lake Michigan shoreline.
The 21st Annual Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford (MRTR), a 5K Run/Walk and Kids for Kids Fun Run, will take place in downtown Rockford on Saturday, August 17. Proceeds from this event are donated to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne).
This year, the annual 5k is sporting a new logo as well as a new website. Participants and spectators will be greeted on race day with the same amount of fun and energy as past years with some added entertainment and fun for the 21st race!
MRTR welcomes many new board members and supporters in 2019, most notably Anessa Fehsenfeld, the event’s new Race Director. After 20 years of producing the event, race founders Steve and Sandy Peterson, parents of the run’s namesake, Mitchell Peterson, are handing the baton over to Fehsenfeld to lead race directing responsibilities. The Petersons have become Honorary Board Members and will remain closely tied to the event and fundraising efforts.
“We are thrilled with the impact that MRTR has been able to make for Duchenne research and awareness here in the Rockford community and beyond,” said Steve Peterson, founder of MRTR and Race Director from 1998 – 2018. “When we met Anessa and learned more about her family and her connection to Duchenne, we knew this would be a great time to hand the keys over to someone so passionate and able. We are very excited to see MRTR continue on for its 21st year and many more.”
Anessa Gaydou-Fehsenfeld lives in Rockford with her husband Scott and three children, Bekah, Tyler and Hudson. In 2005, at the age of 6, her son Tyler was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Anessa is Chairman of the Board of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Leadership Management & Business. Anessa is a recreational runner, competing in numerous 5K races and completing her first half marathon in January 2019. She’s registered to run her first marathon in January 2020.
Every year millions of Americans are victims of scams or fraud. It is estimated that approximately 11% of the population experiences loss of money or personal property annually. While it can happen to a person at any age, older adults are often the most frequent targets for fraud. Older adults often have access to funds, excellent credit, and own their homes, making them attractive targets for criminals. In fact, older adults lose an estimated 2.9 billion dollars a year to fraud.
These are the current scams targeting older adults:
Grandchild Scam: A caller will sound distressed and claim to be a grandchild in trouble or in danger and beg to have money wired to them immediately. The best thing to do is to hang up and call family members to insure everyone is safe and sound.
IRS/Social Security Scam: A person could receive a call, an email or an official-looking letter, demanding immediate payment. They are told information will be forwarded to local law enforcement officials for arrest if they fail to pay. This is not the way any government agency collects debts. If you get this call, hang up immediately or delete the email without opening it.
Home Repairs: Beware of door-to-door home repair contractors. They intentionally seek out older adults, particularly those living alone. They may say they are ‘working down in your neighborhood’ and are offering discounted work while in the area. They claim you need an expensive repair you cannot do yourself, like a new roof, dangerous branches removed from a tree in your yard, or offer you an amazing deal on new windows. All they need is a deposit and they’ll get to work. The catch is, the deposit is usually a few thousand dollars and they never show up to do the work. The only contractor showing up to your door is the one you called yourself.
While it seems there are scams everywhere we turn, there are a few ‘rules of thumb’ we can use to protect ourselves from being fooled:
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Criminals feed on our desires by offering us goods or opportunities we wouldn’t, in reality, be able to attain: vacations, money, miracle cures, property, etc. You can be sure there is always a hidden cost and we end up losing much more than we would have ever gained.
Never send money to someone you do not know. Any business or government agency you owe money to will send you the request through the mail. If a paperless billing notice arrives in your email and you didn’t initiate it, call the company directly to confirm it is from them.
Do not give personal or financial information to someone who calls, emails or shows up at your door. Avoid giving out your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you are positive you know who is requesting the information. Businesses you have accounts with will ask you to verify some information to make sure it’s you, like the last four-digits of your social security number, but they are confirming your information — not receiving it for the first time.
If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply, open any attachment or click on any link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information by email and you’re often opening a door to identity theft. You also risk downloading viruses or software that collects your personal information and/or disables your computer’s security
It’s important that we protect ourselves and share tips and information with family and friends who might also fall prey to these schemes.
If you’re ever unsure about whether you might be the victim of a scam there are several resources available to you. The Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition updates current scams frequently on their website here.
The Michigan Attorney General also has a consumer alert webpage here.
If you believe you may be a victim of a scam, you can call them at (877) 765-8388.
Of all the reasons to visit a hospital, childbirth may be the absolute best.
The goal is to have mom and baby return home as soon as possible, happy and healthy.
Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, this isn’t always the case. Risk is inherent in the birth process.
Would you be surprised to learn that maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are headed in the wrong direction? It’s true.
According to the CDC, the rate of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. has been worsening for some time, jumping from 7.2 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1987 to 18 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2014.
To improve birth outcomes, hospitals have turned to 21st century innovations.
Precision measurement
In childbirth, there is always some blood loss on the part of the mother, not just during delivery but during postpartum recovery, too.
This can sometimes become a major concern, given that hemorrhaging is a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the U.S.
Consequently, it’s vital to get detailed information about the volume of blood loss during vaginal deliveries and during C-sections, as it helps providers take quick and appropriate action when the moment demands.
Gauss Surgical, a Silicon Valley-based company, has developed technology to improve this process.
The company’s Gauss Triton system pairs artificial intelligence with a readily available iPad to give providers highly precise measurements of a mother’s blood loss.
The Triton app, downloaded directly to the iPad, can analyze visually and materially.
In instances of vaginal delivery, the Triton system can calculate for blood loss by weighing the blood-absorbent items that are used during delivery. The software effectively analyzes the weight of the used items and compares this to the pre-surgery weight of the items. With each hospital system using specific brands and sizes of sponges or swabs, it allows the software to make highly detailed assessments.
In C-section deliveries, the technology is all the more fascinating.
The doctor or nurse can point an iPad camera at the sponges or swabs used to clean blood and snap a photograph, allowing the system to scrutinize the image for hemoglobin and blood content.
The AI at work in this case is much like the AI used in facial recognition, only instead of analyzing faces, the system analyzes a blood-soaked swab or sponge.
Providers can immediately assess that data, helping them accurately monitor blood loss volume.
Altogether, the system is a tremendous upgrade from the approaches of yesteryear.
“Traditionally, we have weighed blood-soaked items to estimate how much blood has been lost,” said Carolyn Leja, CNM, director of women’s and infant services at Spectrum Health.
That approach had its obvious weaknesses, particularly in overestimating or underestimating blood loss. (It’s difficult, for example, to visually distinguish blood from other fluids on a sponge.)
The response to blood loss during delivery can depend on timing—how far along in the delivery process things have progressed if a problem arises. Where one response mandates medication as a method to slow delivery, another may require a blood transfusion.
More accurate measurements at the right time can lead to more precise responses, something the Gauss system helps providers achieve at critical moments.
By quickly identifying instances of hemorrhage, for example, the technology can reduce the need for blood transfusions and shorten a patient’s length of stay.
“The scanning technology helps assure that we are intervening at the right point,” Leja said. “This tells us within a few CCs how we are doing.”
Smarter AI
Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital has been using the Triton technology since December. The weight system is used in normal deliveries and the optical system is used in C-sections. It’s the first hospital in Michigan to use the new technology.
Spectrum Health Ventures is one of 10 investors in Gauss Surgical’s Triton artificial intelligence technology.
The larger plan is to incorporate the technology into all labor and delivery rooms.
“We worry about blood hemorrhages,” said David Colombo, MD, chief of Spectrum Health Maternal Fetal Medicine. “Young healthy people giving birth don’t consider risks, but we treat every case with potential risks in mind. When you talk about a patient hemorrhaging, well, this is the stuff we lose sleep over.”
As with many things involving today’s species of artificial intelligence, it is nothing short of remarkable.
Any technology that enhances the delivery process and improves outcomes—particularly by perfecting data collection and reporting—is a useful addition to the health care environment.
“There are lots of steps we can take,” Leja said. “We just want to be prepared for every delivery.”
With measles, mumps and other outbreaks making headlines, one local expert said we should set our sights on another adults-only ailment making a comeback:
Shingles.
“I just know I’ve seen a lot of it lately,” said Christina Leonard, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Spectrum Health. “Because of that, I certainly encourage the vaccinations. You see these cases, and they’re often preventable. People can be really devastated by shingles.”
Here are seven things Dr. Leonard believes you should know about the shingles:
1. Cases are on the rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one million people will get shingles this year, and one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime.
“The baby boomers are getting into their twilight years,” Dr. Leonard explained. “They were all people who didn’t get the (chickenpox) vaccine that were exposed to the virus. As you age, your immunity wears off.”
2. Blame it on chickenpox
Shingles are caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
According to the CDC, “after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.”
3. Remember, shingles start with tingles
Shingles start with a tingling sensation, Dr. Leonard said.
“The onset is you get a tingling or an itching,” she said. “That’s usually one of the first symptoms. The rash doesn’t usually come on until later. If you have that tingling or itching, and see these little red spots, you should get to your doctor right away and get on antivirals. You want to get evaluated right away.”
4. It’s often more serious than chickenpox
“Pain. That’s the thing that really bothers people the most, the exquisite pain of this rash,” Dr. Leonard said. “You don’t think it can be that bad. You think, ‘Chicken pox wasn’t that bad.’ But the second time around can bring nasty, nasty pain. It’s really debilitating.”
5. It can leave long-lasting effects
Shingles sufferers run the risk of developing post-herpetic neuralgia, which is the persistent nerve pain that lingers after you’ve had shingles.
“Most people don’t realize that this can stick around forever,” Dr. Leonard said.
6. Luckily, it doesn’t spread easily
“One of the other questions we get a lot is, ‘Am I contagious?’” Dr. Leonard said. “You can go to work. You just want to keep it covered. If you keep it covered, it’s not a big deal. If you’re around someone with a weak immune system, such as someone who’s pregnant, you should be extra cautious.”
7. There is a vaccine
Dr. Leonard said the shingles vaccine is often 100 percent covered by insurance, and recommended for anyone age 50 or older. It used to be age 60, but many younger people are getting shingles and the age was reduced by the CDC to 50.
“It gives you enough of a boost,” she said. “Even if you get the shingles vaccine, you can still get the shingles, but it decreases the severity and decreases the likelihood of long-term nerve pain.”
Kent District Library is proud to be the first library in the country to introduce MagnusCards®, a new initiative to assist patrons with cognitive special needs such as autism. Canadian company Magnusmode created MagnusCards®, a mobile app which leverages technology to empower and aid people as they engage in a variety of everyday activities.
MagnusCards® offers digital “Card Decks” which provide step-by-step instructions that walk the user through a variety of activities. KDL’s custom app offers five different Card Decks to help individuals check out materials at the library and utilize other services. Card Decks include:
Getting a library card
Using a self-checkout station
Using the KDL catalog and placing holds
Logging into a computer at the library
What to expect at the library
The cards include graphics, text and audio, so they can assist people with various disabilities, including visual and hearing impairments. They are available in both English and Spanish.
“It is important to us that all our patrons can effectively use the free services we have to offer,” said Michelle Roossien, LBPH Specialist at the Wyoming branch of KDL. “This is an important step to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and welcome at our branches.”
Downloading this easy to use app is free on both Apple and Android devices. To download, search using MagnusCards®, then create a login to get started. Once inside, search for Kent District Library.
“The Sixties are now considered a historical period, just like the Roman Empire.“
~Dave Barry
The Vibe keynote speaker Josh George, a six-time Paralympic world champion and world record holder. (Courtesy/Josh George’s website)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
Get your tickets TODAY if you plan to attend The Vibe, a gala benefiting Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s adaptive recreation programs, on Friday, May 17. The Vibe will highlight the City’s adaptive water sports programs, which include kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, wake boarding and water skiing for all ages and abilities. Tickets for the semi-formal event are $100 per person and can be purchased online at kentwoodvibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270. More on the story here.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by Friday, May 10.
These boots are made for walkin’ (well…)
It’s not only elite athletes and experienced runners who are preparing for this weekend’s 42nd River Bank Run. For the ninth year, former and current residents of Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center will participate in the Amway River Bank 5k Walk. Dégagé’s walking group, the ‘Heartside All Stars for Health’, is a group of approximately 12 women who have overcome or are working to overcome things like poverty, addiction and homelessness. With the support of Dégagé’s staff and volunteers, the organization’s walking group totals nearly 30 people. For more information, go here.
Courtesy Air Zoo
Can’t get no satisfaction? Check out these six destinations
Bored? Don’t be. The Air Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) Bird Sanctuary and Manor House are partnering for the sixth year of the Southwest Michigan Cultural Membership Exchange. Guests presenting a valid membership card and photo ID from any of these organizations can enjoy free admission at any of the six destinations May 1–31. More here.
Fun fact:
$4,743
That’s what the average salary was in the U.S. in the 1960s. But then, a loaf of bread was 45 cents, the average new car cost $2,752, and gas was about 31 cents a gallon. Ah, yes. The good, old days.
It’s the little things that count when building a successful routine, according to professional speaker, corporate trainer, certified coach and author Michelle Steffes.
Steffes, who recently was honored as Byron Center’s Small Businessperson of the Year for 2019, sat down with WKTV volunteer anchor Meochia Thompson, to discuss the science of habits and how to build a successful routine.
“The science of habits is understanding how to manipulate the mechanics of your body to have habits that maintain,” Steffes said. “So it is looking at your life from the moment you wake up in the morning to when you close your eyes at night is really the key to maintaining longterm habits.
“We all have intrinsic alarms clocks inside that go off so we need to set those alarm clocks by forming behaviors that will help us repeat those habits again and again.”
Steffes has completed more than 10,000 hours of study in neuroscience, physiology, and human behavior. Her studies and passion to see people win inspired her to release her book, “Your Journey to Greatness Through Routine: A Step by Step Guide to Creating a Success Routine” last year. In the book, she teaches people how to develop a successful routine.
“A success routine has to have several components to it. You have to have a time to unplug, a specific time to motivate and inspire everyday,” Steffes said, adding that it is a not difficult to create a successful routine as you are exchanging one thing for another. She also pointed out that it is simple things such as changing what you listen to that make the biggest impacts.”
The book includes case studies and online tools to help people build those successful routines. Steffes said it can take anywhere for 21 to 30 days for a routine to become a habit as the brain builds new pathways for that specific routine.
You know that too much salt contributes to high blood pressure, but you might not realize how easily eating out could put you and your kids at risk.
Many entrees at leading restaurants and fast food places contain almost a full day’s allotment of salt, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Remember, that’s 2,300 milligrams, or about one teaspoon.
With many Americans eating out an average of five times a week, all that salt adds up. And the more salt you eat, the greater the odds for high blood pressure (hypertension), a major contributor to heart disease and stroke.
By some estimates, the average American takes in 50 percent more salt than the daily limit. This excess starts in childhood. Kids between 6 and 10 years of age take in 2,900 mg a day, while teens top out at about 3,700 mg.
Studies done around the world have looked at salt consumption and high blood pressure. A study of 500 people, aged 18 to 40, found that the more restaurant meals people ate every week, the higher their odds of pre-hypertension.
Young people with even a slightly elevated blood pressure level are at very high risk of full-blown hypertension.
About 80 percent of the salt consumed has been added by manufacturers of processed foods or at restaurants. While the salt in hundreds of processed foods has gone down slightly in recent years, a Harvard study reported that it has gone up in many fast food items.
To protect yourself and your family when dining out, ask about the salt content of meals you’re thinking of ordering. Restaurants with 20 or more locations must provide this on request. Many chains post the numbers online. Finally, resist reaching for the salt shaker.
The Mac Conway Awards are named after Site Selection Magazine and Conway, Inc. founder, McKinley “Mac” Conway, who was recognized throughout the industry as an icon in economic development throughout his career.
Birgit Klos, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc.
The award is designed to recognize top local and regional economic development agencies throughout the U.S. for their work in developing prospering communities. The criteria for selection is based off of an index examining corporate facility investment projects for the prior year. Scores are determined based on total projects, total investment associated with those projects, and jobs associated with those projects, as well as the per capita calculation of those metrics.
“On behalf of The Right Place Board of Directors and our team, we are honored to receive this national recognition,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “We have always been a results-driven organization. Being recognized as a top performer nationwide is a testament to both that drive and the hard work of our team to strengthen the Grand Rapids regional economy.”
In 2018, The Right Place completed 29 economic development projects in the West Michigan region, resulting in 2,155 new and retained jobs. Its business development team also met with hundreds of local businesses in its core industries, including manufacturing, food processing, IT, life sciences, and aerospace and defense. A recap of 2018 highlights from The Right Place can be found at rightplacereport.org.
Former Wyoming lieutenant Dan Bigalow (seated with ball cap) looks over the certificate he received with family and friends. Bigalow was honored during a special 60th anniversary celebration for the city’s police department which started in 1959. (WKTV)
For Dan Bigelow it all started when he came back from the Korean War in 1953.
“My brother-in-law stopped by the house and said he had put in an application to the Wyoming Police Department,” Bigelow said. “I thought if he could do it, so could I. So I put an application as well.
“I got hired and he didn’t and I have to say, it was not a bad decision.”
Bigelow along with Bill Catlin were honored during a special program celebrating the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s 60th Anniversary. They each received a certificate and retired officer badge.
“I think you cannot build upon the future and look forward if you don’t know you history, where the community came from, what was the culture, what changes were made,” said Chief Kim Koster about the importance of celebrating those who have served the department.
Wyoming Township became the City of Wyoming Jan. 1, 1959, with the Wyoming Township Police Department becoming the City of Wyoming Police Department. Years later, the city’s fire and police departments merged to create the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
Retired detective Bill Catlin (seated with Veterans hat) visits with friends and family. Ctalin also was honored during the 60th anniversary celebration. (WKTV)
Bigelow joined the Wyoming Township Police Department in 1955 and Catlin joined in 1956. They were among the 17 township officers who were part of the city’s first police force. Both followed the department through its many transitions, each serving the department for 33 years. Bigelow retired as a lieutenant in 1988 and Catlin as a detective in 1989.
In attendance at the event were several retires spanning the 60 years of the department, including former Chief Edward Edwardson, who along with others shared stories about the department. Capt. Kip Snyder talked about the history of the department. The department now has 86 sworn officers. About 45 are on road patrol with another 11 serving as detectives.
The department also has a forensic science department and a canine unit that includes four dogs, who Snyder admitted were often more popular than the officers. Koster said the department will be adding four new motorcycles this year, another item that is often popular with the public.
Bruce Fogerty, with his wife Doreen, has been retired from the department for 26 years. (WKTV)
“I really enjoyed the work,” said Bruce Fogerty, who has been retired from the department for 26 years. “This was a great way for us to get together and see people we haven’t seen in awhile.”
Also as part of the 60th anniversary for the police department, Senator Peter MacGregor and Rep. Tommy Brann presented the department with a proclamation from Brann, MacGregor, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at the City Council regular meeting on Monday, May 6.
It’s possible that a simple conversation between parents and their children is all it would take to stop the cycle of some diseases.
If parents would discuss their own health problems with their kids, things like heart disease and diabetes might occur much less often.
Diabetes, heart disease and even breast cancer are preventable by following a healthy lifestyle. A well-timed conversation—before another generation suffers—could make all the difference.
When people say, “Everyone in my family has diabetes” or “Everyone has heart disease,” the underlying reason is usually a sensitivity to sugar.
What does this mean? Some families have a predisposition to belly fat weight gain and get diabetes earlier in life. Anyone can get diabetes if they eat enough sugar and gain enough weight, but some people get diabetes at lower weights.
Examples of this include the Freshman 15, gaining 30 pounds after having a baby, or the 15 pounds many women gain at menopause. More belly fat means more sugar cravings for foods like white bread, white potatoes, white rice and sweets.
Once ingested, the sugar then goes straight from the stomach to the belly fat. It’s a vicious and very unhealthy cycle.
Unfortunately, high blood sugars typically mean high cholesterol as well, especially if your diet is also high in fats like butter, lard, bacon and red meat. Sugar and fat together are a bad combination because high blood sugars make blood vessel walls sticky, the fat sticks to the walls, and plaque or blockages are formed. When enough blockages form in blood vessels, enough blood cannot get through to your vital organs (heart and brain), which would lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Tackle your risk factors
I have discussed the topic of risk factors in previous blogs, and I
believe the topic is important enough to mention again here. We all have
risk factors we can’t change—family history, age and timing of
menopause. But there are risk factors we can change (exercise, sleep
habits, and food choices), and it’s not as difficult as you may think.
The first step is to make a goal toward better health.
To create your goal, look at how well your mom, dad, or grandparents aged.
Hopefully, they were able to be a good example of how to lead a healthy life. Sadly, many women have not grown up in households with parents who were positive examples of how to eat right and exercise.
Many parents never talked to their kids about eating a healthy diet or maintaining an active lifestyle in order to avoid diabetes or heart disease. If you were lucky enough to have a mom or dad who talked with you about the importance of being healthy, use that positive example to create your own goals.
If not, create a clear picture of yourself and how you want your own life to be, and use that picture to set some goals for your future. How do you want to look and feel in three months, one year, or when you are 50 years old?
A patient I’ll call Leonica is an example of someone who grew up with several family members who suffered from a variety of health problems.
They had heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer, but they never talked about their health issues. The memories continued to haunt her, and she decided she did not want to suffer in the same way. Leonica respected that her family was strong and independent, however, she wished her family could have talked about their health problems to help her and others from her generation lead better lives.
For example, Leonica had no idea about the connection between craving sugar and eating simple carbs. She didn’t realize that eating things like white bread, white rice and potatoes would make her feel tired.
Things to know (and remember)
By educating herself, Leonica learned how eating more complex carbs
like sweet potatoes and brown rice, and having a protein and vegetable
for dinner would help her lose weight—without giving up her favorite
foods. She continued making diet changes to reverse early diabetes and
became more active in her everyday life.
As a result of her changes, Leonica became an example for her children, nieces and nephews. She also became the voice to get others talking about how to change their lives for the better. By passing on this knowledge to her extended family, Leonica hopes to stop the cycle of the diseases that have plagued her family for years.
Here are a few key points to remember:
See your doctor—If your family members have heart disease, diabetes or obesity, it doesn’t mean you will have the same fate. However, you are more likely to suffer from these issues, so see your doctor, get tested early for diabetes, and learn how you can avoid the same health problems.
Talk with your family about their health—Ask your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and siblings about their health. Learn from them what you should and shouldn’t do to be healthy. Women who cope best ask for help and get educated so they can develop a goal and a plan. It’s OK to talk about bad moods, depression and anxiety; sharing can help others and take away the fear associated with these issues.
Know your numbers—Find out your waist size, blood sugar (A1C) level, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It can be scary to know you have pre-diabetes, but knowing gives you power and can be motivating to get a plan in place—before it’s too late.
Know how close you are to menopause—Being healthy gets harder after menopause, so you want to know how close you are to being there. As estrogen hormone levels fall, the body craves sugar and stores it in belly fat. And belly fat raises insulin and insulin factors, which increase the risk of breast cancer. Everything is tied together.
Cut back on the simple carbs—These are the same as sugar, and, if you want to avoid diabetes and heart disease, you need to have only one simple carb serving per day. Examples of simple carb foods include white bread, white potatoes, white rice, white flour tortillas, sweet treats and alcohol. Remember—only one per day.
Eat a good breakfast—Include a complex carbohydrate (whole wheat bread, cooked oatmeal, whole wheat bagel), a protein (eggs, low-fat cheese, turkey bacon), and a healthy fat (olive oil, avocado, nuts). Eating a healthy breakfast will keep your blood sugars stable and curb your cravings all day long.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies incur Americans up to $18 billion in medical expenses; they take up number six as a leading cause of chronic illnesses. The risk for allergies increases as you grow old and the problem is likely to go unrecognized. Unfortunately, changes to the immune system that occur as you age mean that your body’s response to inflammation from allergies is not as strong as it once was. The resulting effect is that you are likely to experience problems with allergies as seasons’ change, which is characterized by sneezing, a running nose and watery eyes.
Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent allergies as you age, such as:
Indoor plants
While you may enjoy indoor gardening as a relaxing activity, avoid having any pollen producing plants indoors. If you must have plants within the house, water them occasionally to avoid mold from growing, which then creates mold pollen. Additionally, avoid using silk and other fake plants, as they are notorious dust collectors.
Invest in sunglasses
If you are likely to experience hay fever from wind-borne pollen, invest in a pair of quality sunglasses that wrap around your eyes to prevent as much pollen as possible from getting into your eyes. If you wear optical glasses, ask your eye doctor to give you prescription sunglasses to help you outdoors. Sunglasses will prevent the amount of pollen getting into your eyes, making you feel better.
Switch up your exercise routine
Avoid outdoor exercises in the morning; pollen count is highest before 10 o’clock. If you enjoy jogging or taking a walk, do it in the afternoon or later in the evening. Alternatively, choose a different exercise activity such as yoga, which allows you to work out in a controlled environment, with numerous other health benefits.
Run your air conditioner
Keep your filter clean and run your air conditioner instead of opening the windows, which lets in pollen and other allergens. The air conditioner reduces humidity within the house and serves as an alternative to fans, which end up blowing dust and pollen around the room, worsening the likelihood of you developing allergies.
While there are several precautions you can take to prevent or reduce the effects of allergies, you cannot avoid them entirely. If you notice any persistent irritation or inflammation, consult your doctor immediately. Conditions such as a congested nose can become critical fast, especially if you suffer from pre-existing cardiovascular or nasal conditions. Lastly, avoid traditional antihistamines as you can develop negative side effects or suffer from effects of mixing them with your other prescriptions.
Your health care needs change gradually as age, forcing you to take extra precautions to stay healthy. Avoid allergens as much as possible and consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms that may indicate an allergic reaction. Taking the right precautions allows you to enjoy the outdoors more regardless of the season.
Voters for both Kentwood Public Schools and Kelloggsville Public Schools passed millage renewal requests for their respected districts at yesterday’s election.
Kentwood Public Schools was seeking a renewal of its current 10-year operating millage, an assessment of 18 mills on non-homestead properties. The millage would be renewed through 2029. Voters approved the renewal 3198 to 786.
The millage provides approximately 16.9 percent, or more than $18.2 million, of the school district’s annual operating budget.
Kelloggsville voters were asked to renew the district’s operating millage, an assessment of 17 mills on non-homestead properties, and to increase that millage by .5 or 50 cents per $1,000 taxable valuation. The proposal passed 301 to 154.
The increase, according to the ballot language, is to help restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the “Headlee” amendment to the Michigan Constitution of 1963. The additional millage would raise about $2.6 million for the district in 2020. The Kelloggsville millage proposal is for two years.
It’s not only elite athletes and experienced runners who are preparing for this weekend’s 42nd River Bank Run. For the ninth year, former and current residents of Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center will participate in the Amway River Bank 5k Walk. Dégagé’s walking group, the ‘Heartside All Stars for Health’, is a group of approximately 12 women who have overcome or are working to overcome things like poverty, addiction and homelessness. With the support of Dégagé’s staff and volunteers, the organization’s walking group totals nearly 30 people.
The Heartside All Stars for Health participate in weekly training sessions lead by a volunteer community nurse at Dégagé. Of course, the walking provides physical benefits, but it also offers emotional, social and spiritual benefits, particularly for women who are facing so much difficulty in their lives and for whom exercise is not always a priority. Training for the walk gives the women an opportunity to support each other as they try to achieve big dreams, like securing safe and permanent housing. One of these women, Linda, says that participating with the walking group helps her “pick up her shoes instead of a bottle”.
On Wednesdays, it is a common sight to see the group gather outside Dégagé’s doors looking bundled up and eager to get moving. One of these eager walkers is Linda, who is a recovered alcoholic. She credits her involvement with Walking Club and Dégagé as one of the things that keeps her sober, motivated, and focused.
Linda’s journey to healing has been a long trek. For thirty years she struggled with addiction. Before finding Dégagé, Linda was homeless for four years, bouncing from shelter to shelter each night. But eight years ago, something changed. Linda made a commitment to get sober. She had heard about Dégagé through a friend and started coming for the services offered on the 1st and 2nd floor. She got an ID, earned vouchers for meals, and got help finding permanent housing.
Linda laces up to get moving with Dégagé’s Walking Club (courtesy Dégagé Ministries)
Along the way, Linda heard about Dégagé’s Walking Club. She began showing up on Wednesdays and soon found walking was one of her true passions. She discovered that lacing up her tennis shoes was a great way to keep her from being tempted to pick up the bottle. Linda loves the challenge and activity as well as the community and conversation. Finding Walking Club and Dégagé meant finally having a place to belong. It is her support and her community.
When Linda was asked what she hopes to achieve through her participation in Walking Club, she contemplated the answer for a moment before breaking into a smile, “Continue in my sobriety and helping others through their journey.”
And with that, she finished tying her shoe and raced off to walk with her friends.
From jobs in hospitality to car sales to organizational leadership, Carlos Sanchez has shown a bent for business. He joins us to tell of his own professional trajectory, including falling in love with an American along the way. Today, he uses his passion for talent development to share his vision for creating Latinx opportunities in his adopted West Michigan home.
Warmer weather has a way of getting us off the couch and into more active pastimes—biking, yard work, tennis and spring cleaning.
If you’re feeling the urge to get up and get active, take a minute to prepare yourself with these tips from Jason Lazor, DO, a specialist in sports medicine and musculoskeletal injuries with the Spectrum Health Medical Group Sports Medicine.
What you learn here may help you steer clear of tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, shoulder injuries and other forms of tendonitis, which can all result from overuse.
“In the springtime, I see a lot of overuse injuries,” Dr. Lazor said. “People have deconditioned a little bit over the winter, and they jump out expecting to go and perform their sport or activity at the level they were pre-winter.”
So before you get up and go, hit pause and read an orthopedic pro’s suggestions for easing your body into spring and summer.
Dr. Lazor’s Top 12 Tips:
1. Set realistic expectations.
“If you have been more sedentary over the winter, then slowly evolve back into your sport,” Dr. Lazor said. Pushing your muscles too hard too fast isn’t worth the risk of injury.
2. Stretch and warm up.
Do this before any physical activity, whether it’s golfing or working around the house. Stretching your joints for five minutes can do a lot to prevent acute muscle or tendon injuries.
For athletes, Dr. Lazor recommends warming up with sport-specific exercises and drills rather than just, say, jogging to get the blood flowing. But he cautions against “bouncy stretching.” Keep movements slow and controlled.
3. Take a break.
Yes, take a breather when you feel muscle tightness setting in. Then do some more light stretching to loosen up before resuming the activity.
4. Stay hydrated.
This is good advice anytime, but especially when you’re engaged in sports. Dehydrated muscles and tendons are less flexible and less resilient, Dr. Lazor said.
So if you’re a coffee drinker, reduce your risk of muscle strain by drinking more water than coffee. And avoid excessive alcohol, another cause of dehydration.
5. Avoid smoking.
In addition to its other downsides, nicotine impairs the healing process for tendons and muscles.
6. Vary your activities.
To prevent muscle imbalance, you should mix it up. The shoulder, for example, has more than 20 muscles attached to it.
If you keep repeating the same overhead motion, “certain muscles will get overworked and others will decondition,” Dr. Lazor said. That throws off the shoulder’s balance, resulting in tendon damage.
Resistance training is a good way to prevent overuse injuries because it makes the muscles and tendons more resilient. Dr. Lazor emphasizes the essential part of resistance training—the slow, controlled downward motion of a biceps curl, for example, which lengthens the muscle and protects it from injury.
7. Use proper form.
When lifting and carrying heavy items, make sure your body mechanics
are correct. Keep an upright position to help protect your back. And if
you’re doing overhead work, use a ladder or step stool to put the work
at eye level and reduce stress on the shoulders.
8. Eat well.
If you play endurance sports such as tennis, eat well so your muscles
have the nutrients needed to stay healthy and heal if they become
strained.
Plus, eating well makes you feel better. “If you eat junk, you are going to feel like junk,” Dr. Lazor said.
9. Use proper sports equipment and footwear.
Avoid injury by wearing shoes meant to support your particular foot anatomy.
Also, make sure to have the equipment that fits your body and experience level. For example, tennis players should use a racquet that matches your size and skill level.
10. Practice cross-training.
Keep your muscles in balance with variety. Don’t spend all of your time on one sport, Dr. Lazor said.
“You want to incorporate other sports—swimming, biking, running—because that works the muscles differently. It gives some of those muscles that are getting overused a break and works them in different ways.”
11. Build your core.
This means focusing on your abdomen, back, glutes and pelvis—because
many sports injuries are related to deficits in core strength.
“I like planks for core work,” said Dr. Lazor. “When you do planks, whether it’s prone planks or side planks, you have to focus on utilizing your core—squeezing your butt cheeks together and, for both males and females, using the Kegel muscles.”
12. Stretch again at the end.
“I’m a big fan of doing your deep stretching after your activity,” Dr. Lazor said.
Again, using tennis as an example, this means stretching the shoulder, pectoral and back muscles, as well as the hamstrings and quads. Stretching after a workout, whether around the house or on the courts, will help your muscles rebound faster.
Preventing spring and summertime strains and muscle pains isn’t hard. It just takes a little patience, insight and common sense.
Dan VanderHeide, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers’s “Young Engineer of the Year”, with Cassandra Daller, MSPE’s “Engineer of the Year”. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
By City of Kentwood
City of Kentwood engineer Dan VanderHeide was recently named “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. The honor was presented on Friday, May 3, during the MSPE Annual Conference in Lansing.
VanderHeide has been actively involved with the Western Michigan Chapter as chair of the Engineers in Government committee since 2017. Prior to earning the state title, he was also awarded “Young Engineer of the Year” by the local chapter.
“Dan’s leadership at the local and state level has been outstanding,” said Scott Conners, president of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. “His contribution to the Western Michigan Professional Engineers in Government committee has been valuable to many of our peers.
“Dan’s work with this committee has created a governmental collaboration that is being talked about in engineering circles all across the state.”
VanderHeide first joined the City of Kentwood in 2014 as the assistant city engineer. He was promoted to city engineer in October 2018. In his current role, he provides essential community services related to all development occurring in Kentwood, managing many of the City’s largest infrastructure projects. VanderHeide is also responsible for recommending policies related to roads, water, sewer and storm water to the City Commission.
“Dan has made impressive achievements since joining the Engineering Department, including successfully managing numerous road projects, amounting to more than $10 million in construction value over the last three years,” said Tim Bradshaw, director of Engineering and Inspections. “The City of Kentwood has the best rated municipal road network in West Michigan, and I believe that’s largely due to Dan’s expertise at prescribing the right fix at the right time.”
VanderHeide also currently serves on the Barrier Free Design Board for the State of Michigan and coaches the Tri-Cities Youth Soccer Organization. In the past, he has served as president of the American Society of Civil Engineers – West Michigan Branch and as a member of the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds Storm Water Ordinance Committee.
Prior to becoming employed by the City of Kentwood, VanderHeide gained nine years of experience in engineering consulting. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Calvin College in 2005.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
In June of 2015, friend to ferals (and our volunteer) Sandi D. was helping a co-worker TNR (trap-neuter-return) some stray cats living in her southeast side neighborhood when she came across this smashing, dashing boy, whom she initially thought was a girl. CSNIP (Community Spay/Neuter Initiative Program) ‘snipped’ him and sent him back to Sandi with a recommendation to treat an eye infection he had.
Unable to turn him back outside with medical issues, and fully thinking he was a wild child, she asked Gina from Focus on Ferals to help. So Gina took him in and housed him, treating his eye and socializing him; a month later she tested him and he turned up FIV+. Sweet and social, there wasn’t a mean bone in this guy’s big body (over 14#); he was probably just overwhelmed and not feeling too well when he and Sandi first met.
Sandi is in contact with Gina often as they work closely together doing TNR, and when fall turned to winter and her boy was still waiting for a place to call his own, she asked if we would consider taking him into our program. We have a pretty good adoption rate at Big Sid’s, especially for super-handsome, stunners like Harold, and wanted to give Gina a bit more room at her place.
We took this fine fella (born in late 2010) into our sanctuary on Nov. 16, 2018, after a bit of dental work was done at the clinic. Initially Sandi had named her black beauty ‘Mario’, but since we already had a Sid’s Kid with that name and coloring, Dr. Jen asked if she could name him something else; they just happened to be at our annual Whiskers and Wine fundraiser when they chatted, and since Sandi was accompanied by her long-time beau Harold, it seemed like a no-brainer.
From the second Harold stepped foot on the premises, he was comfortable and at ease, eager to meet and greet all newcomers and current residents. Our cat care director immediately fell in love with his gentle ways, his calm demeanor and his mellow vibe. He loves just hanging out with the gang, patiently awaiting the arrival of the volunteers who shower him with love and attention, which he soaks up like a super-silky, raven-haired sponge.
Harold couldn’t be nicer or more well-adjusted, and we honestly couldn’t be happier that he is ours. We hope that Big Sid’s is simply a stepping stone for Harold, who will hop, skip and jump his way to bigger and better things (though our place is paw-some), as a cat this marvelous deserves to be doted upon in a home of his own.
More about Harold:
Domestic Short Hair
Adult
Male
Extra large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
FIV-positive
Neutered
Not declawed
Want to adopt Harold? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, with Wyoming High School students, at a recent Youth Leadership Summit. (Supplied/Rep. Bill Huizenga’s office)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
A group of Wyoming High School students were among about 200 high school juniors from more than 30 schools across the state in attendance at a recent Youth Leadership Summit hosted by U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga.
This is the second year Rep. Huizenga (Republican-Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District), who represents Kentwood and Wyoming, has hosted the event at Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus.
The half-day event, held May 3, was designed to provide students with the opportunity to hear from and talk with the congressman and other West Michigan leaders “while exploring what characteristics and qualities will help future leaders succeed in both their personal lives as well as their post high school endeavors,” according to supplied material.
The Wyoming High students were Bria’nna Hoffman, MiKayla Carrasco, Dale Cross, Zachary Fry, Kathryn Johnson and Aleighya Beach.
“It was great to have students from Wyoming High School attend the event, engage with other students, and ask thoughtful questions,” Rep. Huizenga said in an email provided to WKTV. “I hope the speakers provided valuable insight about leadership, overcoming adversity, and capitalizing on opportunities.”
In addition to the congressman, the other featured speakers were Dr. Dale Nesbary, president of Muskegon Community College; Leslie Brown, chairman of Holland’s Metal Flow; and Dakota Crow, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore.
Older Michigangians Day, on May 15th, is an opportunity for Michigan seniors to speak with a united voice about the issues that directly affect them. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a beautiful day in our State’s capitol. Call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to register at (616) 222-7042. Go here for more info.
So good, you can’t read just one
“You just really can’t replace putting a book in a kid’s hands,” said district Superintendent Kevin Polston at a recent celebration of literacy” at the Early Childhood Center in Wyoming. “There is something special about touching, feeling, seeing the pictures, and engaging with the book. We know there is value to that.” Read all about it here.
Life’s too short, so go on … have some fun
Experience Grand Rapids (EXGR) invites locals to explore the Grand Rapids area during National Travel and Tourism Week through May 11th using EXGR resources such as Culture Pass GR and Vamonde. Check it out here.
Fun fact:
Details, details
There is actually a difference between coffins and caskets — coffins are typically tapered and six-sided, while caskets are rectangular.
If your travel plans include heading down 54th Street between Clyde Park and Division Avenue you might want to consider an alternate route for the next week or so.
According to Wyoming City officials, the work currently taking place along 54th Street is a gas line reconstruction. It is not a city project.
“Unfortunately, it is located under the eastbound lanes which will require them to take out both lanes of eastbound traffic,” said Russ Henckel, the city’s assistant director of public works/engineer.
The work is expected to take about a week, Henckel said.
This fall, the city will begin its work on 54th Street with plans to widen and add a lane to the westbound lane from about the Home Depot to U.S. 131 interchange. That work is expected to go through the July MDOT biding process and start in August.
The 54th Street bridge over U.S. 131 also will be widen as well along the north side to accommodate the additional lane, Henckel said. When that phase of the project will be started depends on the fabrication of the pillars and other requirements.
In 2020, the city will widen the eastbound lanes which is slated to include a direct expressway entrance into Meijer. Henckel said the city is working on the approvals necessary for that entrance.
For a list of upcoming road construction, projects, visit Public Works page on the City of Wyoming’s website, wyomingmi.gov.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is the art of business — and the business of art — specifically in Kentwood but also in the region as a whole. First we catch up with the new Kentwood Arts Commission — what it does and does not do. Then, talking about new things, we catch up with Woodland Mall, where there has been a massive rejuvenation during the last couple of years and where exciting change continues.
First In Focus is the City of Kentwood Arts Commission, which was established in late 2017 and became fully active early last year. The Arts Commission is tasked with reviewing proposals for the outside display of art on private property visible from the public right of way and within the guidelines of the City of Kentwood Zoning Ordinance. With us is Terry Schweitzer, City of Kentwood’s Planning and Community Development Director.
Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe on the In Focus set with host Ken Norris. (WKTV)
Then In Focus is the Kentwood’s Woodland Mall, which is the midst of a major rejuvenation with additions large and small — the most high-profile being Von Maur’s first-in-the-region location; in fact there is a whole new wing nearing completion focused on the Von Maur addition. But that is just one aspect of what has been a busy couple of years for the local mall. With us is Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe, and we will talk with her about all the changes at Woodland and local retail climate as a whole. To see the video, (recorded in the middle of April) follow this link.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Fines for overdue items will become a thing of the past for Kent District Library patrons beginning June 1. This change removes a barrier for people who cannot afford their fines and wish to use the library.
The elimination of late fines is expected to spark an increase in circulation of library materials and encourage inactive patrons to return to the library.
“Each year, hundreds of patrons stop using library services entirely because they are deterred by late fines,” explains Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, Director of Programming, Outreach and Collection Services for KDL. “There’s a ‘shame’ element to late fines that does more harm than good. Eliminating the shame and late fines will make library resources more accessible and create a more encouraging experience for more people.”
Years ago, revenue from late fines was fairly significant, but the advent of automatic renewals for checked-out materials has reduced it significantly. Currently, revenue from late fines is almost completely offset by the cost of administrating and collecting the fines.
“The time that staff typically devotes to managing late fines will now be spent on library services, which is a better service and value for tax payers,” said Boisvenue-Fox.
Last year, KDL eliminated late fines for patrons who are active military or veterans. Around the same time, KDL leadership considered eliminating late fines for students. Upon discussing the idea with front-line staff in the branches, it was decided that becoming a fine-free library system for all patrons would be simpler and provide a greater benefit for everyone involved. The proposal was presented to the Board of Trustees at the March 21 meeting and was unanimously approved.
Other libraries around the country, such as the Salt Lake City Public Library, have eliminated late fines and shared positive results.
As of June 1, all unpaid fines for overdue materials will be forgiven. Card-holders who were prohibited from checking out materials due to unpaid late fines will once again be able to check out materials. Patrons will continue to receive notifications of due dates and past-due items. Items that are more than 35 days past due will be considered ‘lost’ and charged to the patron. The library will also continue to charge patrons for damaged items.
The elimination of late fines coincides with the kick off of KDL’s Summer Reading program, which fosters reading and event participation for all ages.
More U.S. veterans are at increased risk for heart disease, a looming public health problem, researchers say.
They analyzed data from more than 153,000 people who took part in the National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Vets between the ages of 35 and 70 reported significantly more heart conditions than non-veterans, the data showed.
After age 70, non-veterans reported more, but the study’s author suspects that might be because fewer vets survived into old age due to heart disease.
“I think it’s sort of the first indication of a coming public health crisis for veterans,” said study author Ramon Hinojosa, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Central Florida.
“Because of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we have a relatively large, new younger generation of veterans who are going to survive for 30 or 40 years after their war experience,” he said in a university news release.
The study suggests that what’s known as the “healthy soldier effect” is no longer guaranteed. That’s the tendency for members of the military to be more fit and less overweight than same-age civilians.
Hinojosa said the change could be due the nature of modern warfare, changes in diet, leisure and exercise, more obesity among younger vets and higher rates of drinking, smoking and mental illness.
“It’s concerning to know that the physical benefits of military service seem to be not holding as well for the younger veterans,” he said.
“This suggests the health protective benefits of military service are not what they used to be,” Hinojosa said. “I think that should cause us to really look at what’s going on among the veterans after they leave military service.”
Being aware of this emerging problem can help health care providers offset the likelihood of early onset heart disease, Hinojosa noted.
The study was recently published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
