Category Archives: 3-bottom

6 tips for stylish (and healthy) heels

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,
They’re fun and fashionable, but heed these warnings to save your heels. (Courtesy of Spectrum Health Beat)

By Health Beat staff


Like many women, Marisha Stawiski, DPM, would love to be able to wear a 3-inch heel on a regular basis with no pain.


“But unfortunately, the vast majority of us just cannot withstand this foot position for any prolonged course of time on a regular basis without having detrimental effects on foot health and eliciting pain,” said the Spectrum Health Medical Group Foot & Ankle podiatrist. “As a rule of thumb, the more you can avoid a shoe with a heel over 1.5 inches, the better.


“Yet many of us (myself included) will stray from this rule of thumb for aesthetics and beauty at times,” Dr. Stawiski said. “Some of us more than others.”

Her best advice?

1. Go high quality.

Buy a heel that is as high quality as possible for your budget. Certainly, something with more cushion, width and arch support will feel better than a poorly constructed shoe.

2. Go lower.

The lower the heel, the less you are going to see complications and pain associated with wear. Think a cute kitten or wedge heel.

3. Try it out.

Purchase the shoe only if you can return it. If you wear it around your home only an hour or two (don’t wear outside, stay on carpet), you will know if there is any way the heel will be something you can feasibly wear for an extended period of time and still be modestly comfortable.

4. Keep it real.

If you have certain foot pathology, sadly, you may need to give up the idea of wearing heels at all. Some examples of pathology that may preclude you from being able to wear high heels includes severe bunions or hammertoes, arthritis, hallux rigidus, or Haglund’s deformity.

5. Give your feet a timeout.

Whenever possible, avoid wearing high heels for any extended walking or standing. Bring an alternative pair of shoes with you to the office, and slip off your heels under the desk during the day to put on a more sensible shoe. Slip on your heels when getting up for meetings, but try to avoid staying in them all day long. Take them off for your commute as well.

6. Think special occasions.

Avoid wearing heels on a regular basis or every day. Have alternative wardrobes that go well with a lower heel, wedge or a flat with more support. Your feet really do need a break from wearing a high heel, and high heels should be more of an occasional thing than an everyday occurrence.

Higher risks

Remember, if you choose to wear high heels, you are at a higher risk of developing a variety of conditions, including metatarsal pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, Haglund’s deformity and knee pain.


“There is plenty of data to show that high heels have negative long-term effects on several structures from the toes all the way up the lower extremity,” Dr. Stawiski said.


While some shoemakers market technology such as memory foam and built-in arch support that’s meant to diminish the problems associated with high-heel use, it doesn’t change the position of the foot when it’s stuffed into a heel.


“All high heels are thrusting the foot into a very unnatural position,” Dr. Stawiski said. “You cannot completely counteract the negative affects of walking or standing in heels with new technology.”


Even if considerable padding and arch support are added to a 3-inch-plus heel, the issues with the high heel still exist, she noted.


“Padding and arch support don’t change this abnormal biomechanical position, which creates many of the injuries associated with wearing high heels,” she said. “These added technologies can make the shoe more tolerable for a longer amount of time for certain individuals, but they do not eliminate the root issues inherent to a high heel.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Snapshots: Things to do during the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.

Winne-the-Pooh


By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Visit Drummond Island or check out Harbor Country

Drummond Island now has a live camera. (WKTV)

Two new Michigan destination spots added live video or virtual tours this week. The West Michigan Tourist Association added a livestream video of Drummond Island to its website, wmta.org. The stream is one of 12 livestreams featuring West Michigan locations such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Binder Park Zoo, and the USS Silverside Museum. To learn more, click here.

Also, Harbor Country, which features eight towns, Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, and Sawyer, along the southeast edge of Lake Michigan, announced it has released its annual tour guide of the area digitally. To check it, click here.

Run for the Tulips

Sign up for the Tulip Time 5K virtual run and then start training. Just do the run sometime between May 1 and 10 and you will receive a t-shirt and a finisher medal plus a dollar from each registration will go toward the Kids Food Basket. You must register by April 20 to participate in the run. For more information, click here, and remember to follow social distancing guidelines!

Check out the May ballot

Michigan’s Secretary of State’s office has announced that the coming May 5 ballot will “primarily” use a mail-in voting system by expanding the state’s existing absentee ballot process with all registered voters in areas set to vote being sent absentee ballot registrations. There are two school districts that will have items on the ballot, Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights. For more on how the May 5 election will work, click here.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse (Wikipedia Commons)

Fun Fact: Lighthouses

Michigan has more than 100 lighthouses, 116 that can be toured. Ever wonder which one is the oldest? Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was established in 1825 and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Michigan. It help keeps watch over Lake Huron at the St. Clair River.

Lighthouse of Alexandria (Wikipedia Commons)

Bonus Fun Fact

The oldest lighthouse in the world happens to be the first lighthouse, the Pharos of Alexandria, commonly called the Lighthouse of Alexandria. It was built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Ancient Greece sometime between 280 – 247 BCE

How will COVID-19 impact the nonprofit sector? Johnson Center research offers insights

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
Johnson Center for Philanthropy

By Nate Hoekstra
Grand Valley State University

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the United States and the rest of the world, financial implications on employees and businesses are profound.

Impacts are being felt across the economy, and the nonprofit sector is not immune. Researchers at Grand Valley’s Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy have analyzed IRS 990 form data and have identified trends in the nonprofit sector that nonprofits can expect to contend with as the pandemic evolves. 

The research was led by Jeff Williams, director of the Johnson Center’s Community Data and Research Lab, and is based on an analysis of the financial vulnerabilities of nonprofit organizations.

Williams said models can help nonprofit leaders make educated decisions about their organizations, especially as it pertains to project management, disaster response and using solid data.

The Community Data and Research Lab identified three trends that leaders can use to inform decision making.

1. Before things get significantly better or worse, leaders can expect to see things ‘get weird.’

Williams said in times of crisis when we are looking for certainty the most — even if it’s bad news — is when events are most likely to be unexpected in terms of magnitude, order and topic. 

“Adopting a mental posture of flexibility is key,” Williams said. “Being open about the impending storm in communications with service beneficiaries, clients and staff is essential for maintaining staff morale, too.”

2. Nonprofits are facing three distinct financial threats at the moment, each of which will impact different nonprofits in different ways. 

As entire segments of the economy falter and the stock market tumbles, different types of nonprofits will see decreases in revenue in three very different ways: decreasing revenue from annual campaigns and gifts, dropping demand for services and/or changes to contracts, and decreasing value in investments and stock market fluctuations. Most nonprofits, for example, receive very little investment income, so stock market fluctuations will not be their primary concern.

Williams said a clear understanding of the different types of revenue declines is important because nonprofits are businesses that pay salaries and rent, and purchase supplies and equipment just like any other. However in the big picture, nonprofits serve a broader public mission. Williams said nonprofits should remember to secure their operations first, much like the instructions given to passengers on airliners about oxygen masks: Always secure your own mask before assisting others.

“While businesses are closing and people are at risk of losing employment, there is likely to be an increase of demand for safety net agency services, many of which will be met by nonprofit organizations and their staff,” Williams said. “But if a nonprofit cannot meet its business obligations, it will not be in a long-term position to assist its community in a time of need.”

The full report from the Community Data and Research Lab explores in depth the different financial problems nonprofits of different sizes and categories may face due to COVID-19. The report is available at JohnsonCenter.org.

3. The process of restoring normalcy isn’t a linear process. Multiple stages of recovery often exist, involving different sectors of the nonprofit world at different times.

Williams said while some disasters are a singular event, like a tornado or tsunami, others happen more slowly and recovery often takes many stages. When society works to recover from the pandemic, the nonprofit sector will see those stages take shape. 

Right now, nonprofits are focused on immediate needs, like health care and direct emergency assistance, especially food. However, over time, as the situation stabilizes, the nonprofit sector will need to shift to education, housing and human services. 

Once the virus is well contained, job training, workforce development and other economic and productivity concerns will come back to the forefront. 

Finally, when people feel confident making longer-term plans to return to normal life, nonprofit operations will also return to a more normal activity level.

Upcoming research

Over the next several weeks, the Johnson Center will use additional IRS data to explore other financial aspects of the nonprofit sector, including cash on hand, changes in revenue sources, and what past economic shocks tell us about nonprofit organization creation and failure rates.

For more information, visit JohnsonCenter.org.

State of Michigan reports: State argues with feds over ACA; unemployment office offers advice

3-bottom, Community Health, Hard News, Health, Politics, , ,
The Michigan unemployment claim system is doing what it can, but those filing can help themselves as well. (State of Michigan)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.

We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from April 8 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.

Michigan joins other state in urging feds to open ACA marketplace

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined 20 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve a special enrollment period on the official Affordable Care Act health care marketplace website during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

According to an April 8 statement from Nessel’s office, the attorneys general argue that the federal government is making a “shortsighted decision” to not provide the special enrollment period.

“At a time when so many Americans are facing uncertainty in every direction they turn, ensuring they have the opportunity to obtain health care coverage via a special enrollment period on healthcare.gov should be a major priority for the federal government,” Nessel said in supplied material. “Regardless of how this administration feels about the current structure of the Affordable Care Act, it is law and it provides health care services that millions of people need right now across this nation. The federal government should want to ensure all who live in this country have access to the care they need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

Read the entire release here.

Michigan unemployment office: If you can file online, please do so

With huge numbers of workers applying for unemployment benefits, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is adding staff and hours, and has nearly quadrupled staffing levels over the last several weeks. But like staying at home flattens the peak curve for medical providers, applying online takes strain off the unemployment system, according to an April 8 UIA statement.

“The UIA continues to provide emergency financial assistance during this unprecedented increase in unemployment claims,” Jeff Donofrio, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said in supplied material. “We continue to ramp up our services to make sure every eligible Michigander receives their benefits as quickly as possible and we’re asking workers to please reserve the phone lines for those who cannot go online or are having trouble with their account.”

The best way to file a claim, according to the UIA statement, is online at Michigan.gov/UIA, where the process takes on average 20-25 minutes.

Read the entire release here.

Other April 8 releases, listed by headlines and with links, include:

Detroit police, Wayne County sheriff commended for ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ enforcement

How state is supporting guardsmen who are supporting the community

Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights school district voters to face ‘confusing’ ballot process in May

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Election, Going Local, Hard News,
The new State of Michigan Absentee Ballot return envelope. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org



Michigan’s Secretary of State’s office has announced that the coming May 5 ballot will “primarily” use a mail-in voting system by expanding the state’s existing absentee ballot process with all registered voters in areas set to vote being sent absentee ballot registrations.

In addition, according to a Secretary of State press release, it was announced that last week that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had issued an executive order that will close all but one polling place — typically the clerk’s office — in each election jurisdiction to be used for in-person voting.

The Kent County Clerk’s office, which is responsible for voting processes in the county, is putting plans in place for handling the changes but the admits the state’s plans may be “confusing to voters and could jeopardize election integrity,” Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Kent County Clerk/Register, said to WKTV today, April 8.

None-the-less, Posthumus Lyons said “we are moving forward in Kent County, working with local clerks to ensure we have enough workers to staff the election, adhere to the CDC guidelines for the health of the public and our workers, and protect the security and integrity of the election.”

School leaders in Kelloggsville Public Schools — which along with Godwin Heights Public Schools are the only entities in Wyoming and Kentwood with funding measures on the May ballot — are also unsure how the changes will impact the public vote.

“First off, all of our thoughts go out to the families that have been impacted by this pandemic and hope that they are healthy as possible and are making it through these difficult times,” Eric Alcorn, auxiliary services director at Kelloggsville Public Schools, said to WKTV. But “we think anytime there is a major world/national threat, pandemic, disaster, a change in the economic outlook, there is a huge impact on elections.

“I am not sure if we have ever done an election entirely through absentee voting — we will have to wait and see on what kind of impact it will have. It will for sure be a learning opportunity for us.”

The Kelloggsville Public School District has an approximately $4.2 million, 10-year sinking fund millage proposal. Godwin Heights Public Schools has a $13,975,000 bonding proposal on the ballot.

“All I can say is that we are going to do the best we can to get the word out about the sinking fund, its benefits, and the opportunities we want to provide for our students, staff and community,” Alcorn said. “We are adjusting our plan to meet the stay-at-home orders and social distancing placed on Michigan.

“We have a small community and usually like to do a lot of our marketing face-to-face and by word-of-mouth through inviting them into our facilities and talking about proposals at events and activities. At the end of the day, we are committed to providing the best educational environment for our students that we can. The revenue generated from the sinking fund will go a long way in helping us achieve that.”

Kent County Clerk has some concerns

And while the Kent County Clerk’s office is preparing as directed by the state, the county leader is not entirely comfortable with the process mandated by the state.

“My primary concern with the May 5 Election is the safety of our clerks, election workers, and of course, the voters,” Posthumus Lyons said to WKTV. “While it would have been ideal for the school districts take advantage of the opportunities they had to move their questions to the August ballot, seven have opted to continue for May.

“I understand we face a time that requires making difficult decisions, but I am admittedly concerned with the action taken by the Governor and Secretary of State to address this May election because the process they’ve put in place is confusing to voters and could jeopardize election integrity, and I do not want this to set a precedent for how we conduct future elections in Michigan.”

The Secretary of State’s office, however, sees a primarily mail-in ballot in May as the best way to handle the voting.

“Elections are the foundation of our democracy, and our nation has a long history of holding them even in times of crisis and uncertainty,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in supplied material. “All election work will be done in strict adherence to the protocols to prevent coronavirus transmission, including exercising social distancing, using sanitary equipment, and maintaining strong hygiene.”

To encourage everyone who can to stay home and vote by mail, the state will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered voters, and all new registrations will be treated like an absentee ballot application, prompting the issuance of an absentee ballot, according to Benson’s office.

“Voters like voting by mail because it is easy, private, and can be done on their own timing and while researching issues and candidates at home,” Benson said. “It also eliminates the possibility of coronavirus transmission for the voter and, with simple precautions like gloves and social distancing, the election workers as well. Finally, voting by mail is absolutely secure, as the signature matching requirement is a built-in security check.”

According to the latest Secretary of State’s office direction, local city and township clerks’ offices will remain open through Election Day, enabling same-day voter registration and voting in person, including for people with disabilities who wish to vote using assistive equipment, and others to drop off their ballots if they forget to mail it in time.

Voter registration can also be done by mail or online at michigan.gov/Vote through April 20. Between April 20 and May 5, new registrations must be accompanied by proof of residence, which can also be submitted by mail or electronically.

More information on school ballot measures

For more information on the Kelloggsville Public School District funding request, see a story by our media partner School News Network.

For more information on the Godwin Heights Public Schools funding request, see a story by our media partner School News Network.

Fragrance, asthma, and indoor quality

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health
https://youtu.be/UMsMLKwFNkQ

Do you have asthma, and have you experienced sneezing, wheezing, or itchy watery eyes when exposed to perfume or room deodorizers? Fragrance sensitivity may be impacting your asthma. When there are a lot of fragrances in an environment, even people without asthma may experience these types of symptoms.

As we spend more time at home, it is very important to protect our lungs by doing our best to reduce exposure to allergens and irritants. One way to improve your home’s air quality is to use fragrance-free products. From lotions, hand soaps, laundry detergent, and skincare products, there are healthier options. This article provides the information needed to promote cleaner air in the home. There are also products to avoid altogether, such as air aerosol fresheners—especially for individuals with asthma or other respiratory medical conditions.

Why Fragrances Might Be Problematic

Many of us connect our favorite scents with fond memories. The smell of Cherry blossoms in spring, the smell of your sweetheart’s favorite cologne, or even the smell of Pine-Sol may remind us of people and places that are dear to us. However, fragrance can be problematic for people with asthma, as many are either allergic or sensitive to fragrance. Fragrance sensitivity is the development of allergy-like symptoms with exposure to a certain fragrance(s). It is not a true allergic reaction but an irritation.

Symptoms

Different people will react in different ways, but fragrances can certainly lead to asthma-like symptoms such as:

  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Fragrances can also lead to symptoms such as:

  • Skin irritation
  • Eye irritation
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Abnormal gait
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Palpitations
  • Chest pain

What You Can Do

Avoidance is generally the best treatment. Avoiding fragrances in the following products may help prevent symptoms:

  • Fabric softeners
  • Home deodorizers
  • Laundry detergent
  • Lotion and other skincare products
  • Scented candles
  • Perfume or cologne
  • Soaps

When buying any cleaners, laundry detergent, lotions, and soaps, look for “Fragrance-Free” on the label.

Air fresheners and scented candles may smell pleasant to some, but they reduce the air quality in your home. Avoidance of fragrances, in general, supports lung health. By removing fragrances from your home environment, you can improve your air quality and stay safe at home.

Article Source: About.com: Fragrance Sensitivity: Making Sense of Scents by Pat Bass, MD

State of Michigan reports: Attorney General watching Amazon sellers’ price-gouging

3-bottom, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Health, WKTV Projects,
Hand sanitizer, which is alway in short supply these days, is being sold at exorbitant prices. But not legally. (Public Domain)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.

We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from April 6-7 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.

Michigan Attorney General warning online sellers about price-gouging

Four online sellers conducting business through Amazon were told to stop taking advantage of consumers by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel after her office found credible reports of price-gouging in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA), according to a State of Michigan press release.

Nessel’s office on Monday sent cease and desist letters to the Amazon storefronts operating under the usernames  Dealz N-KY, Happy Small Hands, HotDealz73 and ZXL Distribution Group.

“As we continue to work through this COVID-19 pandemic together, my office will keep protecting consumers from price-gougers – and that includes online retailers,” Nessel said in supplied material. “This public health emergency is not an excuse for businesses to take advantage of people and profit from fear, and those who try will be held accountable.”

In an example provided by the Attorney General’s office, the Dealz N-KY storefront operator sold a two-pack of hand sanitizer for $89, plus shipping. The same product typically sells for $8.85 at other online retailers.

Read the entire release here.

Other April 6-7 releases, listed by headlines and with links, include:

National Filters retooling to make healthcare masks, respirators for Michigan Strategic Fund

MPSC urges homeowners and contractors to postpone nonessential excavation

State urges Federal government to stop discouraging health care access

Cyber-scammers taking advantage of COVOD-19 online searches to steal identities

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Tech Trends, ,
Cybercrime is always a problem, but during current COVID-19 restrictions, scammers are taking special advantage of people searching the World Wide Web. (GVSU)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Online scamming is nothing new — according to the Federal Trade Commission the most common categories for fraud complaints in 2019 were imposter scams, debt collection and identity theft, with identity-theft linked credit card fraud reported by more than 167,000 people.

But in the current world of COVID-19 awareness, cybercriminals are targeting Americans who are working from home, and spending more time online, according to a story on consumeraffairs.com by Rob Douglas, identity theft protection contributing editor.

“The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to be wary of cybercriminals exploiting coronavirus fears to steal personally identifiable information (PII),” the Consumer Affairs article states. “Financial information and medical information is especially sensitive right now.”

There is also an increased number of hackers creating malicious websites that spoof legitimate public health resources. For example, a link can seem like it should lead you to a map of “COVID-19 cases near me” could infect your phone or computer with spyware or ransomware.

For reliable information on COVID-19, the public is urged to to visit the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov) or World Health Organization (who.int) for accurate, safe information about coronavirus trends and statistics.

According to Consumer Affairs, increasingly common COVID-19 scams include:

Fraudulent e-commerce vendors for masks, sanitizers and test kits.

Fraudulent investment sites.

Phishing and vishing through update emails, texts and voicemails.

Spoofed government and health organization communications.

Fake vaccines or “miracle cures”.

Scam employment posts.

Phony charity donation offers.

For the complete ConsumersAffairs.com article, follow this link.

Several healthcare plans available to Michigan residents out of work due to COVID-19

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health,
Michiganders who have lost their job, resulting in a loss of their healthcare coverage or a change in income, may have low or no-cost healthcare options available. (Public Domain)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

With many employers having laid off workers due to COVID-19 restrictions, many Michigan workers are now without employer-provided healthcare coverage. But the state’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services reminds people that government-supported plans are available.

Michiganders who have lost their job, resulting in a loss of their healthcare coverage or a change in income, may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA; also called “Obamacare”) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to State of Michigan guidance issued Tuesday, April 7.

And, the state points out, consumers in these situations are not required to wait for the yearly Open Enrollment Period and but should act quickly as there is a 2-month window for special enrollment.

“Michiganders who lose employer-based health insurance may have options to continue or replace their coverage,” Anita G. Fox, director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), said in supplied material. “If consumers have questions about enrolling, DIFS is available to assist.”

Consumers have 60 days after losing essential health coverage, such as through a job loss, or experienced a change in income to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period. To determine eligibility, consumers should visit healthcare.gov.

Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. Consumers can contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442, or or email at DIFS-HICAP@michigan.gov, for assistance.

To read the entire State of Michigan press release on the issue, visit here.

For more information on coronavirus marketplace coverage visit here.

10 things to know about IBD

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living,
With proper treatment or medications, patients can usually get inflammatory bowel disease under control. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Marie Havenga, Spectrum Health Beat


If you are suffering from urgent bowel movements, frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain, you may be a victim of inflammatory bowel disease.


But all is not doom and gloom.


With the right treatment plan, most patients can limit their symptoms and complications, allowing them to live full and active lives, said Andrew Shreiner, MD, PhD, a Spectrum Health Medical Group gastroenterologist.


Dr. Shreiner, who presented an IBD program recently at a digestive disease conference, sat down with Spectrum Health Beat to discuss what patients need to know about the disease.

1. What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

Symptoms of IBD are often related to inflammation in the digestive tract, including frequent diarrhea, blood in the stool, urgency with bowel movements and abdominal pain. Generalized symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss are common. Symptoms related to complications of IBD, including infection or intestinal blockage, are less frequent and include abdominal pain, fever, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Occasionally, symptoms may develop from IBD affecting other body areas, such as skin, joints or eyes.

2. What are the types of IBD?

The main types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and often causes bloody diarrhea with urgency. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, so symptoms are variable but often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss.

3. What causes IBD?

We don’t know what causes IBD, exactly. It is clear that inherited genetic factors are one component, but environmental factors play a large part in the development of IBD, too. Many of the possible environmental factors are thought to be the result of modernized living, such as antibiotic use, exposure or lack thereof to microbes and changes in diet.

4. How do you diagnose it?

In individuals with symptoms that are worrisome for IBD, and not explained by another cause (such as intestinal infection), ulcerative colitis is generally diagnosed with colonoscopy and tissue biopsy, and Crohn’s disease is often diagnosed with a combination of colonoscopy and an imaging test, such as a CT scan.

5. How can IBD affect my daily life?

When IBD is active, it can have a significant impact on daily life. Frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain and fatigue can really limit an individual’s ability to maintain a normal routine. Sometimes, individuals are admitted to the hospital with severe symptoms. When IBD is well-treated and inactive, individuals can function without any significant impairments related to IBD.

6. Is there any preventive care?

Individuals with IBD—particularly those on medications to suppress the immune system—are at increased risk for a number of health problems. Preventive care is important to decrease the risk for developing these health problems. This includes vaccinations to prevent infections, sun protection to prevent skin cancer, routine check-ups to prevent osteoporosis, and a number of other preventive measures.

7. Are there any medications that can help?

Yes, there is a growing list of medications that help treat IBD. The goal of treatment is to induce and then maintain remission from inflammation, so medications work to suppress the inappropriate immune activity that promotes IBD. Various medications differ in the level of potency, so there are various options to treat IBD ranging from mild to severe.

8. How much does diet/lifestyle affect IBD?

We generally recommend a healthy diet and active lifestyle, in addition to not smoking tobacco, to promote overall health. These measures can lessen the symptom burden in IBD and they are an important component of managing the disease. It is important to note that diet and lifestyle habits are not adequate therapies by themselves to treat IBD in the vast majority of individuals.

9. Can surgery help?

There is a role for surgery in the treatment of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In general, surgery is used as the last option for active disease or disease-related complications that cannot be adequately treated with medical therapy or less invasive procedures.

10. Can it ever be cured?

At present, IBD cannot be cured. However, it can be managed in most cases to limit symptoms and complications and to allow individuals to lead full and active lives.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Metro Health president, CEO provides message to the community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health,

In a videotaped message to the West Michigan community, Dr. Peter Hahn, President and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, describes the fight against COVID-19 as the defining challenge of our time, one that offers everyone an opportunity to contribute.

Drawing from his experience as an ICU physician and as a healthcare leader, Dr. Hahn notes that the greatest minds in medicine, science, engineering and manufacturing are racing to find vaccines, treatments and innovative solutions.

These experts need time and that is why it is critical for everyone to practice social distancing and other precautions to limit the spread of the coronavirus. These actions buy precious time. Everyone has a role to play and every step we take here in West Michigan unites us to the global cause.

“The finest medical minds in our community and across the nation are working together on our behalf to develop vaccines and treatments,” Dr. Hahn says. “Brave and tireless healthcareworkers are being joined by an army of civic-minded people from all walks of life – people likeyou, resolved to do their part.”

MichiganWorks! hosts virtual job fair

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West Michigan Works! is hosting a virtual hiring event that will include pre-scheduled phone calls for employers to discuss job opportunities with interested job seekers. The registration for this virtual hiring event is live and closes this Friday, April 10, at noon.

In order to best meet employers’ hiring needs during the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, West Michigan Works! will be hosting a “virtual” job fair on April 21 and 23. 

Employers may register to participate in a morning or afternoon session on each day the job fair is held (register for as many sessions as you like). Each session will include a series of 15-minute time slots in which you will have the opportunity to discuss job opportunities with pre-scheduled candidates (see example below). Prior to the event, you will receive a final schedule with a list of candidates and their contact information. You will then call candidates at the scheduled times to discuss job opportunities.

Hiring Event Sessions:
April 21: 9 a.m. to noon, includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 21: 1 to 4 p.m., includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 23: 9 a.m. to noon, includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 23: 1 to 4 p.m., includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)

To register, please visit: https://employers.westmiworks.org/virtual-hiring-event-registration/.  Employers will be asked to provide the job titles for which they are hiring for and the PMTC posting URL for each. 

Please note that registration will close on Friday, April 10 at noon.

WKTV features launch of ISS Expedition 63 on Thursday

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At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 63 crewmembers Chris Cassidy of NASA (left) and Anatoly Ivanishin (center) and Ivan Vagner of Roscosmos (right) pose for pictures in front of a Soyuz trainer during the second day of Soyuz qualification exams March 12. They are scheduled to launch April 9 on the Soyuz MS-16 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a six-and-a-half month mission on the International Space Station. Andrey Shelepin/Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center

By Kelly Taylor
kelly@wktv.org

On Thursday, April 9, the WKTV Government 26 channel will feature live coverage the launch of the International Space Station Expedition 63/Soyuz MS-16 from the Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Coverage starts at 3 a.m. with the launch scheduled for 4:05 a.m.

Live coverage continues at 9:30 a.m. for the docking of the Soyuz MS-16 to the ISS. The docking is scheduled to take place at 10:16 a.m.

The hatch opening will take place at approximately 12:30 p.m., followed by the welcoming ceremony for the Expedition 63 crew, NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy and Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner.

For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov. NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.

Marriage—a life-extender?

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When you’re married, you’re more likely to have someone looking out for you and reinforcing healthy behaviors. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay


Married folks not only live longer than singles, but the longevity gap between the two groups is growing, U.S. government health statisticians report.


The age-adjusted death rate for the married declined by 7% between 2010 and 2017, according to a new study from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


“Not only is the rate for married lower, but it’s declining more than any other group,” said lead author Sally Curtin, an NCHS statistician.


Statistically, death rate is the annual number of deaths for every 100,000 people. It’s adjusted so that a 26-year-old and an 80-year-old married or widowed or divorced are on equal footing.


The new study reported that the death rate for never-marrieds declined only 2%, while that for divorced people hasn’t changed at all.


Worst off were the widowed, for whom the death rate rose 6%. They have the highest death rate of all the categories, researchers said.


Married men in 2017 had an age-adjusted death rate of 943 per 100,000, compared to 2,239 for widowers.


The death rate was 1,735 per 100,000 for lifelong bachelors and 1,773 for divorced men.


Married women had a death rate of 569 per 100,000, two-and-a-half times lower than the 1,482 rate for widows. The death rate was 1,096 for divorcees and 1,166 for never-married women.


Part of the marriage benefit could be explained by the fact that people in good health are more likely to marry, said Katherine Ornstein, an associate professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.


Once you’re in a marriage, there are a host of tangible and intangible benefits that give you a health advantage, experts said.


Married people are more likely to have health insurance, Ornstein said, and therefore, have better access to health care.


Being married also means you have someone looking out for you and reinforcing healthy behaviors, said Michael Rendall, director of the Maryland Population Research Center at the University of Maryland.


“Having somebody there who’s your spouse will tend to promote positive health behaviors—going to the doctor, eating better, getting screened,” he said.


This is particularly true of men, who previous studies have shown derive more health benefits from marriage than women.


“Men tend to have fewer skills than women in terms of looking after themselves,” Rendall said.


Finally, the companionship of marriage staves off health problems associated with loneliness and isolation, Ornstein said.


“Social support and the social engagement that comes with being married is a huge benefit for mental health and physical health,” she said.


All these benefits also explain why widowed people tend to do so badly after the death of their spouse, Ornstein said.


Widows and widowers have to deal with heartache, loneliness and financial stress, she said. They no longer have a partner looking after them, so they are more likely to neglect their health.


The study found some gender differences in trends.


While the death rate for married men and women declined by the same 7%, women’s overall death rate was much lower.


But the death rates among men in all other marital categories remained essentially the same between 2010 and 2017, researchers found.


On the other hand, the death rate for widowed women rose 5%, while the rate for never-married women declined by 3% and remained stable for divorced women.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Kentwood’s Streams of Hope gains grant to support tutoring of elementary school students

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In addition to it tutoring program, Streams of Hope offers a variety of programs to their community including a food pantry, after-school activities for middle and high school students, a community garden, and health & wellness programs. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Streams of Hope community center in Kentwood has received a $25,000 grant from HarperCollins Christian Publishing to support the center’s elementary student tutoring program.

Since the tutoring program begin in 2010, it has steadily grown to provide more than 100 hours of free tutoring each week by 10 certified teachers to 80 students, according to the center.

Kurtis Kaechele (Supplied)

“It’s a joy and a privilege to have HarperCollins Christian Publishing come alongside this tutoring initiative once again,” Kurtis Kaechele, Streams of Hope executive director, said in supplied material. “They have been a wonderful partner over the past six years, and their support empowers the students in this neighborhood to overcome barriers and succeed in school.”

During the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, Streams of Hope has sent virtual tutoring resources to their students and provided printed versions to families that utilize the center’s food center drive-thru supplemental grocery system.

The combined population of three public elementary schools, each less than half a mile from the center, located at 280 60th St, SE, is over 90-percent eligible for federal assistance, according to Streams of Hope.

“Educational success is a significant factor for reducing poverty, and our prayer is that by impacting students we would see our neighborhood transformed for the better,” Kaechele said. “In 2018, 91 percent of students being tutored in reading achieved one grade level or more of growth. During the same period, 84 percent of math students raised their assessment scores.”

 

Kentwood’s Streams of Hope ministry serves children and families in several ways. (Supplied)

In addition to tutoring, Streams of Hope offers a variety of programs to their community including a food pantry, after-school activities for middle and high school students, a community garden, and health & wellness programs. It also serves as a campus for SpringGR entrepreneurial training.

The HarperCollins grant will also support the center’s summer soccer and reading camp in addition to their Nutrition, Education & Wellness program for diabetic clients.

“Year after year, HarperCollins Christian Publishing continues to be in awe of what Streams of Hope can accomplish for the Kentwood community, and greater Grand Rapids,” Casey Harrell, senior director of corporate communications at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, said in supplied material. “Not only have we built a relationship through monetary investment, but with their leadership, staff, and the children involved in their tutoring program.”


Streams of Hope is a community-based ministry in the Townline neighborhood of Kentwood that “exists to demonstrate God’s love and foster sustainable change through services that build relationships, meet family needs, and promote a healthier community,” according to the group. Its programs focus on creating healthier schools, neighborhoods, and families by utilizing local resources.

For more information visit streamsofhope.org.

Maintain a healthy home by disinfecting it

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By The Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan

We are all spending more time at home during these challenging and unprecedented times. Social distancing and staying at home are our first line of defense against COVID-19, but we should also be keeping our homes safe and disinfected to prevent possible transmission. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a wealth of guidelines for making your home healthy when it comes to COVID-19.

Those guidelines start with the recommendation to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas. Those surfaces include tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks. How do you do that? Follow these simple guidelines:

  • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • For disinfection, you can use diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, or an EPA-registered household disinfectant.
  • If you have a child with asthma, always separate the child from the room being cleaned to avoid the bleach triggering an asthma attack, and do not over-concentrate your cleaning solution.  

Prepare a bleach solution:

     4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, or
     5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. 

Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19.



For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link) that are suitable for porous surfaces.

Follow these guidelines from the CDC to keep your children and family safe during this time.

GVSU economist says recession caused by COVID-19 will be a little bigger than 2008-09 recession

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By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

Paul Isely, photo from GVSU

It will be June before there is any broad-based restart of any economic activity, said Paul Isely, associate dean and professor of economics in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.

State health officials have said the number of COVID-19 cases in Michigan will peak in early to mid-May. Based on that, Isely said the West Michigan economy will now see a decline larger than $3 billion. 

“Right now, this recession looks like it will be a little bigger than the 2008-09 recession,” he said. “About 41 percent of the $3 billion decline is the slowdown in manufacturing and 26 percent is entertainment, food services and retail.”

Isely said about 10 million people across the country have applied for unemployment during the last two weeks, matching the level of unemployed people in 2009-10. More people are expected to apply in the next two weeks.

“The good news is many of those people have been able to apply for unemployment benefits and most, not all, will be helped by that aid,” he said.

Isely said the crisis caused by COVID-19 will be something economists haven’t seen before in modern times. 

“But, it’s still looking like there’s a possibility of a fast tail on this, meaning manufacturing will be able to ramp up relatively fast — in one to three months — once we get into late May or June,” he said. “And that means this recession, unlike the last three recessions, has the possibility of us recuperating many of those job losses in a relatively short period of time in the course of the year.”

State of Michigan reports: action taken to protect quarantined workers, state park use

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Sterling State Park, Frenchtown Township. (Michigan DNR)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.

We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from April 3-4 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.

State takes action to protect quarantined workers rights

Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week signed an executive order prohibiting all employers from “discharging, disciplining, or otherwise retaliating against an employee for staying home from work if they or one of their close contacts tests positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms of the disease,” the order states.

“People who are prioritizing the health and safety of their families, neighbors, and loved ones during this crisis should not be punished by their workplace,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Staying home and staying safe is one of the most important things we can do to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, and this executive order will ensure more people can do so without facing discrimination from their workplace.”

Read the entire release here.

Most state parks are open, but there are restrictions

A vast majority of State of Michigan parks and recreation areas, state-managed trails and boating access sites remain open to provide local opportunities to get outdoors, but most locations have modified services or closed amenities. And the situation could change if there are abuses of social distancing and crowd avoidance requirements.

Recently, according to a state press release, Tippy Dam Recreation Area in Manistee County was closed until further notice due to high numbers of visitors, lack of improper social distancing and people traveling long distances to reach the park.

“In order to continue to keep state parks and trails open, we expect everyone to follow effective social distancing practices, to not litter and not travel long distances to enjoy the outdoors,” Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said in supplied material. “If concerns continue to build, the DNR will have to look at closing or further limiting access to our state-designated trails, state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations.”

Read the entire release here.

Other April 3-4 releases, listed by headlines and with links, include:

Attorney General acting against businesses selling fake COVID-19 test kits

State teams up with Detroit sports teams to support health care volunteers

State requires funeral homes, doctors to report COVID-19 deaths faster

Senior meal programs can deliver to COVID-19 shut-ins safely 

Cease and desist letter sent to car wash for violations of COVID-19 restructions 

Top 7 migraine myths

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Migraines might be a mystery for many, yet sufferers have more tools and knowledge available to them today to combat the debilitating headaches. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Jared Pomeroy, MD, MPH


Migraines affect more than 39 million Americans, and about 4 million of them suffer from the chronic form of the disease of 15 or more migraine days a month.


Those who suffer from these debilitating headaches frequently encounter difficulty in getting appropriate treatment when they seek help. The reason? Misunderstanding and the unfortunate fact there is no concrete test for migraines.


To clear up some of the misconceptions, I’ve compiled a short myths quiz so you can test your own knowledge and challenge those around you to do the same.

Myth 1: My headache is not a migraine because I do not have an aura.

Most people with migraines do not experience aura with their headaches. An aura is a sensory disturbance caused by changes in electrical activity in the brain that can precede migraines and is most commonly visual in nature (flashing lights, zig-zag lines) but can also involve numbness, changes in speech or other symptoms. Only about 30 percent of people with migraines experience an aura.

Myth 2: There really is not much I can do to prevent a migraine.

A healthy lifestyle is important in migraine prevention. Adequate exercise and avoidance of tobacco and highly processed foods often goes a long way toward fewer migraines. Sleep is another common factor. Improving your migraine pattern is difficult when you have poor quality or insufficient sleep.

Myth 3: My headache is a tension type headache.

Remember Myth 1. Most people do not get an aura. The International Headache Society has released diagnostic guidelines on migraines that are based on things like duration, severity and associated symptoms. Headaches that are severe enough to discuss with your doctor and also involve nausea or light and sound sensitivity are usually migraines. However, it’s always important to seek medical advice to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Myth 4: Medications don’t work to prevent my migraines.

There are a lot of reasons acute and preventive medications fail for any given person. Preventive agents (things taken every day with a goal to eventually decrease frequency of migraines) typically take months to be effective once you are on an adequate dose. Giving up on a medication too soon or before an effective dosage has been determined by your physician dooms the attempt. Maintaining open and consistent communication with your doctor is important. Also, remember to focus on the lifestyle factors mentioned in Myth 2.

Myth 5: Despite my nausea, if I keep my pill down it may really help my migraine.

Let’s talk about why acute medications (those taken at the start of a headache to get more immediate resolution of pain) fail. If you are nauseated when you take a pill, you aren’t likely to see results quickly. During migraines (especially when nausea is prominent) the gastrointestinal system slows. That pill has to not only make it to your stomach, but also move to the intestines to be absorbed. If you’re just barely able to keep it down, then it’s unlikely to provide much benefit. You might want to explore other options such as intranasal sprays, injectable therapies or suppositories. They tend to be a lot more effective when nausea is present.

Myth 6: It’s just a low-grade migraine. I shouldn’t take anything for it until it gets severe.

Imagine trying to put out a campfire with a bucket of water. Now imagine trying to put it out with that same bucket of water after you’ve let the fire significantly spread. Which scenario is likely to work? Clearly, dampening the fire before it gets out of control is more likely to extinguish it. Migraines work the same way. The earlier you take the medication once you start experiencing pain, the more likely you are to successfully stop the migraine before it gets out of control.

Myth 7: I can take an acute medication every day for my migraine.

Studies have shown that acute medications used for migraines can actually increase the frequency of migraines if taken too frequently. Typically, this happens after two to three days per week of acute medication use. This is akin to daily coffee drinkers waking up one morning with a headache because they slept in and missed their morning cup. The same thing happens with acute medication for migraines, but with even fewer days of use. If you are feeling the need to use your acute migraine medications too frequently, then it’s time to talk to your doctor about preventive measures.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Should we move into assisted living? Insight for aging couples

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Today, more Americans are living longer, meaning that more couples are going through the aging process together. If you and your spouse are considering options for assisted living, here are a few areas to research while planning.

Does the community meet our needs as a couple?

Not all assisted living communities are prepared to support a couple’s needs. In the past, the vast majority of people living in senior communities were single individuals, so it’s necessary to find out how each community has adapted to serving couples. For instance, some facilities offer shared rooms or suites, whereas other living situations might require couples with different medical conditions to live in different wings. Consider your dynamic as a couple and decide what living arrangement is a priority for you.

Does the community meet our needs as individuals?

Often, one partner is less healthy than the other or needs more involved medical care. Perhaps one spouse needs constant help with daily tasks, while the other is able-bodied and interested in an active lifestyle. It’s imperative to find out how the community is suited to these needs. Does the social life of the community appeal to both of you as individuals? Is the more active partner comfortable with leaving their spouse in the care of the medical staff?


Also, look ahead a few years and find out how any future health developments will be handled. You will want to be aware of possible adjustments ahead of time, such as the cost of outside services or requirements for changing facilities. In light of your different medical conditions, consider how the community’s policies may impact you and your spouse. Make educated plans for eventualities such as moving into separate facilities when one partner’s medical conditions change.

What are our financial options?

Assisted living can be expensive, so it’s best to make plans as early as possible. Research which type of assisted living will be best for you and your spouse: continuing care retirement communities offer many phases of senior living in one location, family care homes have a small number of residents in a home setting, and skilled nursing facilities offer specialized care options. Depending on which arrangement you choose, you may have the possibility of tiered pricing packages designed to reflect the differing types of care provided for each person.


Here are three tips to making the transition as a couple a little easier:

  1. Make a downsizing plan. Most living arrangements will be smaller than the homes many couples own together
  2. Prepare to make the new home as welcoming as possible! Creating a comfortable and functional space, including familiar household items, will help ease the transition.
  3. Understand the community’s intimacy policies. Take the time to make arrangements with the community, particularly if one or both partners require memory care or if medical treatment compromises privacy. Maintaining intimacy as a couple is essential, no matter what our age.
  4. Talk to each other about your social plans. If your significant other wants to live in a community with a lot of social activity and you don’t, it’s important to communicate how you will accommodate each of your needs without conflict.

Keep these ideas in mind as you and your partner approach your transition to the next stage of life. While the move to assisted living is a big step, having a plan in place will help everything go smoothly and prevent the need to make huge decisions during a crisis. Keep your needs in mind, both as a couple and as individuals with unique medical needs and social interests. With a plan in place for approaching this critical phase, the transition to assisted living can be an excellent step forward in a couple’s journey together.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.



WKTV Community Connection: Riley Zoet, pushing on in times of ‘stagnation’

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Riley Zoet on camera for WKTV Sports at a high school sports event. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us all a little more connected.

So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at  large?

Riley Zoet, volunteer cameraperson and sports intern
 

“Things around here are pretty boring for the most part. I’m certainly jealous of people who live with friends or significant others right now as I have been stuck in the house alone. I’ve made more FaceTime and phone calls these past couple weeks than I have in a long time.

Riley Zoet.

“Like many others, I am laid off from work, which initially was a welcome break from what was becoming an exhausting stretch for me, but now I’d beg for a chance to go back. Even more, however, I miss working with the WKTV crew. I was excited for the Gold Gloves boxing tournament and the other upcoming projects for the station.

“I felt like my life was on a good path before all of this, so the stop in momentum has certainly been taxing. Even things like writing and studying film are becoming difficult during this period of stagnation.”

And his words of wisdom:

“Regardless, I hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy and trying to stay sane. We’ll get through this as individuals, as a country and as a planet. Survival is one of humanity’s defining traits.”

Thank you Riley, for all you do.

Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.

Other WKTV Community Connections:

Paul Kabelman, high school sports announcer

Becci Schumaker, cameraperson extraordinaire

Mike Moll, high school sports director and announcer

Bill Rinderknecht, volunteer cameraman and content contributor

Cory Dalton, high school sports announcer and sports show host



Snapshots: Things to take a fun break from those ‘Got those stay at home blues’

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”

Voltaire



Meijer Gardens horticulturist Laura Worth leads a virtual tour of the back greenhouses at the Gardens. (Meijer Gardens)

Let’s meet at The Gardens when all this is over

Can’t wait for working in the garden? Meijer Gardens works the year around. Take a tour with horticulturist Laura Worth as she leads a tour of the back greenhouses, where the horticulture team stores and grows many of the plants that make Meijer Gardens beautiful. Go here for the video.



National Museum of Natural History. (Supplied)

Look at the tusks on that elephant!

One of the world’s most visited museums for good reason, the National Museum of Natural History branch of the Smithsonian is magic at keeping kids of all ages entertained and learning. Go here for the virtual tour.



“All the Small Things” video remix 2020 by MDs vs COVID (YouTube) 2020

A little music, just for the fun of it …

In late March, a group of students at Harvard Medical School created “FutureMDs vs. COVID” and, as young people are want to do, created a video with an update of Blink 182’s “All The Small Things”. A little silly, a little good advice, a little heart. Go here for the music video.

Fun fact(s):

Winning at Go Fish

Playing a lot of card games with your kids? Tired of letting them win or, worse, them accidentally winning? Here is how to reach your kids how to beat you at Go Fish. Winning at Go Fish.

Produce from GVSU educational farm will be donated throughout growing season

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By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

Produce from Grand Valley State University’s Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) will be donated to the needy in an effort to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAP, the university’s educational farm, is located just south of the Allendale Campus. 

Youssef Darwich, farm manager and educator, said plans on where to donate the crops are still being finalized. Darwich has been maintaining the farm alone, without student help, in order to practice social distancing. 

“The garden has to keep going. The food system is a really important asset and we want to get it to the people who need it,” he said. “We want to do whatever we can to give back.”

Darwich said, in about a month, radishes, beets, carrots, lettuce and green onions will be harvested.

The typical harvest season is May-October. Darwich said moving forward, he will shift to planting more hearty foods, like peppers, cucumbers, turnips, squash, tomatoes and melons. 

He said farm shares may be available later in the season; share members of the garden are mostly faculty and staff members.

“Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the importance of being healthy and the foundation of health is good food,” said Darwich. “It’s an age-old saying — ‘let food be thy medicine.’ I really encourage everyone to focus on eating healthy to make you as strong as possible.”

Bishop Walkowiak celebrate Holy Week liturgies at Cathedral of St. Andrew

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By Annalise Laumeyer
Diocese of Grand Rapids

As the Lenten season comes to a close, Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, will celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. The public is invited to participate in all liturgies online as public Masses in the diocese remain canceled in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home. Stay Safe.” Order.

  • Sunday, April 5, at 10 a.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping him and laying down palms before him.

  • Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate chrism Mass. At this Mass, the bishop consecrates the holy chrism and blesses the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. Chrism is used throughout the year in the celebration of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, and at the ordination Masses celebrated at the cathedral. During this Mass, the priests of the Diocese of Grand Rapids also publicly renew their commitment to serve.

  • Holy Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper. During this Mass, the bishop would usually commemorate Christ’s washing the feet of his twelve apostles at the Last Supper by washing the feet of members of the parish, but that ritual will not occur this year.

  • Good Friday, April 10, at 3 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will begin the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, the time of suffering leading up to and including Christ’s death on the cross. This liturgy includes prayers, the Scriptural proclamation of Christ’s Passion and veneration of the cross.

  • Holy Saturday, April 11, at 9 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will preside at the Easter Vigil. Parish communities throughout the diocese, including the cathedral, would have normally welcomed new members during this Mass, but their entrance into the Catholic Church will take place at a later time.

  • Easter, April 12, at 10 a.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. The Easter celebration is the principal feast of the Catholic Church year; the cornerstone upon which our faith is built and the oldest feast of the Christian Church.

Live webcasts of all liturgies will be available for viewing on the Diocese of Grand Rapids website, grdiocese.org and the diocesan Facebook page (Diocese of Grand Rapids).

Mass on Palm Sunday and Easter will be televised live at 10 a.m. on FOX 17. The Good Friday liturgy at 3 p.m. on April 10 will also be televised on FOX 17.

Kent County health ready to isolate possible COVID-19 positive homeless at loaned Guiding Light facility

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Kent County Health Department’s Guiding Light building has 24 private rooms and a bunk area able to serve as an isolation facility for homeless persons. (Kent County Health Department)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Following last week’s action by homeless community advocate Guiding Light Works to temporarily turn over the keys to its facility at 255 S. Division in Grand Rapids to the Kent County Health Department, the health department announced today that it was ready to start accepting and isolating homeless persons.

In an afternoon announcement Friday, March 3, the Health Department confirmed completion of its work to prepare the facility as an isolation center for those experiencing homelessness who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting test results. The facility today began accepting patients who are referred from community hospitals.

“Guiding Light has always been a valued partner, but now more than ever, we appreciate their collaboration, sacrifice, and generosity,” Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department Director, said in supplied material. “Our goal is to provide a safe place for people who are experiencing homelessness to recover from the coronavirus and to minimize the transmission of the virus.”

The facility has 24 private rooms, a bunk area, six bathrooms, and a full-service kitchen that can accommodate up to 60 individuals when fully staffed.

“Our staff has done a tremendous job transitioning this facility into an isolation center,” London said. “They have worked tirelessly to assess the medical and operational needs to ensure individuals using this facility are well cared for during their recovery.”

A sign on the door of the Kent County Health Department’s Guiding Light designed to serve as an isolation facility for homeless persons. (Kent County Health Department)

The development of this facility would not have been possible without the partnership of the City of Grand Rapids and the non-profit community, as well as the generosity of Amway Corporation and Meijer Inc. who donated household and hygiene items, according to the health department statement.

“This is a very strategic and important public health intervention which will save lives,” London said.

Guiding Light’s offering use the building was key to the effort.

“As we have watched the spread of COVID-19 through our community, we have been increasingly alarmed to realize there was no announced coordinated plan to care for the men and women struggling with addiction, mental health issues and homelessness in the Heartside community,” Stuart Ray, Guiding Light executive director, said in supplied material announcing the use agreement last week.

“So Guiding Light stepped up, much as we have done every day for the past 90 years of caring for the most vulnerable in our society. We felt it was our God-given responsibility to step forward to make available a safe, clean and secure isolation space in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in our Heartside community. Without access to proper sanitation or the ability to physically distance, an outbreak in Heartside would ravage this group of souls.”

Guiding Light is maintaining its rescue, recovery, and re-engagement programs at its Iron House facility.

 

For more information on Guiding Light Works visit their website at guidinglightworks.org.

World View: Former Byron Center exchange student shares what is happening in Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Editor’s Note: Karoline Lehmann lives in Aalborg, Denmark, which is the country’s fourth largest city located in the northern part of Denmark. Karoline was an exchange student at Byron Center High School for the 2015-2016 school year.

Karoline Lehmann

The first reported case of COVID-19 in Denmark was made on Feb. 27. As of April 3, the country had 3,672 reported cases, 139 deaths, and 1,193 people have recovered. By invitation, Karoline wrote this piece about what she was seeing and experiencing in her country. This was written on March 31.

Twenty days ago, our prime minister closed the country down. Twenty days ago our whole world was turned upside down and our normal day-to-day life was put on hold. At first people went crazy. The pictures from the grocery stores all over the country was shocking and the exact opposite of what Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had told people to do. People were hoarding and it all looked like a bad case of Black Friday on steroids. Frederiksen told us to calm down because even though the country was closing our schools, restaurants, borders, etc. we wouldn’t be closing the grocery stores or pharmacies and we would still allow trucks with supplies and groceries to cross the border.

Luckily that helped and people slowed down. As I said before, we are now on our twentieth day of lockdown. It still isn’t a full lockdown like in Italy or France. We are still allowed to go outside in smaller groups. At the moment we are allowed to be up to 10 people at once, but we are advised not to, just as we are advised to stay around 10 feet away from people and meet outside instead of inside someone’s house.

And we are doing okay. We are still on the green graph (low end), especially in the north of Denmark, where there have not been very many cases and not a lot of people in the hospitals. It’s a different story in our capital, but still on the green graph. The reason for that is definitely because people are listening to the government. They are staying inside and aren’t going to others houses. And we are helping each other! Even though Danes have a reputation that they like to keep to themselves and mind their own business, people are really coming together and helping their neighbors with everything from grocery shopping to walking their dog or bringing cakes to their doorsteps. It’s amazing to see how we can stand together in crisis times like these. 

Karoline Lehmann (center) was a student at Byron Center High School. (Supplied)

With that being said it is still a weird time for everyone. The city is almost ghost-like with no people and closed stores. Queen Margarthe II even gave a speech, which is normally only something she does on New Year’s, and no regent has done since World War II. On Instagram you see videos of fitness instructors who do classes outside big residential buildings so people can join in from their balconies and on Facebook you read appreciation posts of both our government and prime minister and our workers in all the critical jobs ranging from healthcare and social workers to truck drivers and the people working in the grocery stores. 

Twenty days have gone by since we closed down due to this virus. It has been 20 days with fear, panic and uncertainty, but also 20 days where both the people in Denmark but also everywhere else in the world have shown adaptability, kindness and hope. We have survived the first 20 days, we can do 20 more, and 20 more after that, if that is what is needed of us to fight this pandemic.

Upset tummy? Or something more serious?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, Senior Living, , , , , ,
The digestive system is a pretty complex set of organs. When something goes wrong, you usually know about it soon thereafter. Here’s how to tell whether it’s something serious. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Health Beat staff


From top to bottom, digestion is a pretty complicated process. And many digestive disorders can occur at almost any point along the journey from mouth to… well, you know.


Spectrum Health Medical Group gastroenterologist Ben Kieff, MD, shares the seven most common conditions and what to do about them.


The symptoms of many of these digestive diseases resemble each other, as well as other medical conditions or problems, Dr. Kieff noted. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

1. Constipation is the most common digestion-related complaint.

  • Symptoms: Uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements.
  • Try this: Add fiber in your diet (think “an apple a day”), drink more fluids (go for eight glasses of water a day) and get more exercise (walk around the block).
  • When to get help: If constipation doesn’t go away, or if it seems to come out of nowhere, or if you’re in pain.

2. Lactose intolerance upsets the stomachs of up to 50 million Americans.

  • Symptoms: Nausea, cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, gas or diarrhea after consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese and ice cream. This is caused by the lack of an enzyme you need to digest the sugar in dairy products.
  • Try this: Limit dairy products and try lactase, an over-the counter pill to replace the missing enzyme.
  • When to get help: Now. Symptoms of lactose intolerance may resemble other medical conditions or problems.

3. Reflux (GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease) irritates 14 percent of the population.

  • Symptoms: Heartburn (acid indigestion), and in some cases, a dry cough, asthma symptoms and trouble swallowing. This happens when gastric acid flows from the stomach into the esophagus.
  • Try this: Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, don’t eat just before bedtime, take antacids and other medications aimed at reducing stomach acid. And if you smoke, quit.
  • When to get help: If problems persist and diet and lifestyle changes don’t do the trick. Over time, GERD can damage your esophagus and can even lead to esophageal cancer.

4. Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) is gut-wrenching for one in 133 people.

  • Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain and gas, pale foul-smelling stool, anemia and more.
  • Try this: A gluten-free diet is a must. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. This may require a major change in your eating habits.
  • When to get help: Now. Symptoms of celiac disease are similar to those of other digestive diseases and intestinal infections.

5. Inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) attack 25 to 45 million people.

  • Symptoms: Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue and more. Bowel disease may start if your immune system attacks your gastrointestinal tract.
  • Try this: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but it may help to stop smoking, drink more fluids, exercise and experiment to see what foods you can eat safely. Smaller meals may help, too.
  • When to get help: Now. Find a doctor who won’t dismiss your symptoms and is willing to experiment with you for the best solution.

6. Gallstones are diagnosed one million times a year.

  • Symptoms: You could have gallstones without symptoms. If they grow larger or obstruct bile ducts, however, you may have a “gallstone attack” with pain, nausea and vomiting after a fatty meal, or at night.
  • Try this: If you’re diagnosed with gallstones during an ultrasound test, but you don’t have symptoms, take a wait-and-see approach before jumping into surgery.
  • When to get help: Immediately if you experience pain lasting more than five hours or sweating, chills, low-grade fever, yellowish skin or eyes and clay-colored stools.

7. Diverticular disease will pop up in one out of two seniors.

  • Symptoms: Cramps, bloating or constipation caused by inflammation of diverticula (small pouches) that bulge outward through the wall of the colon.
  • Try this: There may be a link to diet, so make sure yours includes 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day by eating whole grain foods, fruits, veggies and beans.
  • When to get help: Immediately if you experience pain on the left, lower abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills and cramping, as the diverticula may be infected.

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



State of Michigan reports: State puts teeth into COVID-19 related restrictions, orders

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Our Cities, WKTV Projects,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.

We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from Thursday, April 2 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.

https://www.wktvjournal.org/after-gov-whitmer-cancels-in-school-education-kent-isd-and-local-schools-exploring-options/For a special WKTV story on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer April 2 Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year, follow this link.

Heath Department sets fines, other actions to enforce COVID-19 actions 

In the wake of Thursday, April 2, reports that Michigan had recorded more than 10,000 cases of COVID-19 — with 417 deaths — the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an Emergency Order setting a civil penalty of up to $1,000 and a process for referral to licensing agencies for violations of Executive Orders 2020-11, 2020-20 and 2020-21. Criminal penalties for violation will remain an option for prosecutors.

“A person can have coronavirus without knowing it,” Robert Gordon, MDHHS director, said in the release.  “They can spread the disease to others who can spread it to others. The only way to stop the spread is social distancing. A civil penalty and potential licensing actions send a strong message to Michiganders that social distancing is essential to saving lives.”

Read the entire release here.

The other April 2 release, listed by headline and with link, was:

After AG action, three U.P. businesses comply with ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order 

Start Garden adapts competition to support entrepreneurs shutdown by COVID-19

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

An organization known for funding new business ideas through its Start Garden 100 initiative has adapted the competition to serve entrepreneurs whose businesses are critically impacted by COVID-19. The initiative, called The 100 Comeback, launched today by Start Garden with $300,000 of its own money. The intent is to provide grants to qualified entrepreneurs who can then use the money to support themselves and their families while they figure out how to make their comeback over the next 100 days.

  

Start Garden stresses that The 100 Comeback is not a small business relief fund. Rather it’s a grant to support the personal needs of entrepreneurs to be safe, care for their families and prepare for their comeback.

All applications must be submitted to 100.startgarden.com during a 100-hour window from Tuesday, April 7 at 8 a.m. to Friday, April 11 at noon. The website provides information for individuals, organizations and businesses wishing to learn more or financially contribute to The 100 Comeback.

“Our community, our residents and entrepreneurship itself is in crisis right now,” said Start Garden Co-Director Jorge Gonzalez. “While most federal and state relief is about a business and its employees, none address the entrepreneurs who didn’t have the time to grow their business to the point that their own families are supported for the next few months.”

New entrepreneurs often defer paying themselves in order to grow their business and they can’t lay themselves off. Almost all federal and state small business relief comes in the form of loans, and many new businesses can’t risk the additional leverage.

As the pandemic continued to make headlines and creep its way into West Michigan, Start Garden leaders huddled to discuss how to respond to the reality that the impact on the entrepreneurs will last months, with the ripple effects lasting potentially years. Their biggest initiative, currently underway, was the annual Start Garden 100, which provides $300,000 in prize money to 100 new ideas. The 2020 version of the event was recently announced and submissions were well underway.

Start Garden recently announced its competition would switch over to help those impacted by COVID-19. (Start Garden)

“It wouldn’t be right for Start Garden to award funds to new business ideas while a generation of entrepreneurs gets knocked down, not knowing if they can get back up,” said Start Garden co-director Paul Moore. “We exist to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. To not do this would feel like we’re turning our backs on our risk-takers when they need us most.”

Start Garden officials hope the idea catches on in the business and philanthropic community and more funds can be added to the initial amount.

“West Michigan has a big heart, so we hope this idea sparks interest from those who can help out,” said Start Garden program director Laurie Supinski. “We’re making calls, but we also invite individuals and corporations to contact us.”

Current business owners who meet any of the following criteria can apply:

  • Have a demonstrated personal need.
  • Can verify their business was shut down, or severely impacted, as a result of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders.
  • Can verify the business has a loyal customer base.
  • Is located (or has a registered address) in Kent County.

Furthermore, additional allocations are available for minority- and women-owned businesses and tech companies that are connected with the Grand Rapids SmartZone.

“The funds we provide are not expected to be repaid, nor are we expecting any investment or favor from the person,” said Start Garden co-director Darel Ross II. “No entrepreneur should be worried about safety and shelter for their family, while carrying the burden to figure out how to reopen and rehire when the dust settles.”

“Although Start Garden has always been about getting new ideas and aspiring entrepreneurs off the ground, the reality is, entrepreneurship itself is going to be a disaster area if we don’t step in and support them during this difficult period,” addedSupinki. “We need local and diverse entrepreneurs to stay strong for the spirit of entrepreneurship to stay alive.”

Anyone interested in contributing or learning more about The 100 Comeback Fund can contact Laurie Supinski, program director and Belen Salas, program assistant. More contact information is available at 100ideas@startgarden.com or100.startgarden.com.

How do entrepreneurs apply?

  1. Entrepreneurs can register at 100.startgarden.com.
  2. Record and upload a 100 second video that answers 3 simple questions:
  1. What does your household need to get through the next few months? (You are not obligated to open your business right away. Instead, take the time needed to be safe, navigate this new business landscape and plan for the future.)
  2. Share a little about your business: How long has it been open? What do you do? Who are your customers?
  3. How has the COVID-19 shut down impacted you/your business?

Is there any minimum or maximum amount of money that an entrepreneur can be awarded?

Money is awarded on a case by case basis based on the needs of the entrepreneur; it’s not expected that each household will require the same amount to get through the next 100 days. 

What is the selection criteria?

Individual need is a big factor as is the progress the company has been able to make since starting. Startups come in all shapes and sizes. To reiterate, this is not a small business relief fund. These are grants to individual entrepreneurs, so they can be safe and adapt to this changing landscape as they prepare to reopen and rehire. 

Who is on the selection committee?

Start Garden is using the same process its uses for its Start Garden 100 initiative where selected entrepreneurs and entrepreneur support organizations weigh in and can factor heavily in the decisions. The final decision of funding, however, comes down to Start Garden organizers.

When will funds start to be distributed?

As soon as all the selections have been determined. Mid-April is the target date for funding distributions. All distributions will be a one-time, lump-sum amount.

Will all awardees find out at the same time if they won, or will this be a rolling process?

It’s expected that all awardees will be notified at the same time.

After Gov. Whitmer cancels in-school education, Kent ISD and local schools exploring options

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Hard News, Health, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities,
Lee Middle and High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year but urges the continuation of education through remote learning.

Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-35, issued Thursday, April 2, also guarantees school staff and teachers will be paid for the remainder of the school year, allows the sue of public school facilities to be used by public school employees and contractors for the “purposes of facilitating learning at a distance”, and assures that 2020 seniors will graduate this year.

As far as school-based standardized tests, the governor’s statement said that those previously scheduled for the remainder of the school year, including the M-STEP and the SAT, will be canceled. There will be a date in October for rising high school seniors to take the SAT and for other high school students to take the PSAT.

It also states that guidelines for “remote learning” for the remainder of the 2019020 school year will be issued, Friday, April 3.

While Wyoming and Kentwood school districts are looking to what those guidelines may be and how they may handle remote learning, the Kent ISD issued a statement detailing their actions.

“The Governor asked each school district and its staff provide instructional materials and opportunities for students to continue their education during this crisis,” Ron Caniff, superintendent of Kent ISD, said in a supplied statement following the governor’s order.  “We are working with our schools, their superintendents and staff to respond to the governor’s request as quickly as possible.

“Our team is reviewing instructional plans from states across the country to create the best possible experience for students and their families, who will be essential in helping their children learn during this difficult time. Local districts are doing the same and have been actively designing plans since the school closure went into effect.”

Kent ISD school districts are working together to develop distance learning programming for all students, according to the Kent ISD statement. Some will be served online, while others will receive packets of educational materials delivered much as food is being provided for students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals while schools are closed.

“While all of the details have yet to be worked out, parents should check their district websites and wait for communication from their individual school district to learn the details for their students,” according to the statement.

 

Districts have also een working to verify students’ ability to access the internet and to marshal the technology necessary to reach as many students as possible, Caniff said.

During this crisis, many of the necessary elements – internet hotspots and inexpensive laptop computers – are in short supply as employees in all fields work from home. To help member districts, Caniff said the Kent ISD this week purchased 1,000 Chromebooks “and will continue to monitor district needs and resources available to ensure schools can reach all students to the extent possible.”

Governor continues action to blunt virus spread

Gov. Whitmer said the decision was forced by the current need to extend COVIF-19 restrictions into June, which she has called for legislative leaders to approve quickly.

 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a 2019 event. (Air National Guard).

“For the sake of our students, their families, and the more than 100,000 teachers and staff in our state, I have made the difficult decision to close our school facilities for the remainder of the school year,” Gov. Whitmer said in a statement accompanying her executive order. “As a parent, I understand the challenge closing schools creates for parents and guardians across the state, which is why we are setting guidelines for schools to continue remote learning and ensuring parents have resources to continue their children’s education from the safety of their homes.”

The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers will develop “a Continuity of Learning Plan template application for schools to utilize in order to create their localized plan,” according to the announcement of the governor’s action.

“District plans will need to detail how districts will provide opportunities for students to learn remotely and how schools will manage and monitor their progress,” the statement continues. “It will also provide information on how parents and guardians can learn more about the local plan. Each district must have its plan approved by their regional Intermediate school district (ISD) before being implemented. Public school academies must have their plans approved by their authorizer.”

Districts can also partner with one another to create joint plans.

“There is no video chat or homework packet that can replace the value of a highly trained, experienced teacher working with students in a classroom,” Gov. Whitmer said. “But we must continue to provide equitable educational opportunities for students during this public health crisis.”

If the plan relies on some online instruction, the district should ensure every student who needs it has access to an appropriate device with an ability to connect to the internet. “Students and families will not be penalized if they are unable to participate in their alternate learning plan,” the announcement states.

Governor’s action also allows other public school action

Gov. Whitmer also announced that schools should continue to provide mental health care services for students “to the extent possible,” and should be ready and willing to help efforts to establish disaster relief childcare centers. School districts will also continue to provide meals for families who need them during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools systems, and other local school districts, have already been providing meals to students during the school closures.

Also, if any schools have unused personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies or other materials, they are allowed and encouraged to donate them to organizations that could put them to use.

Additionally, school districts will have the flexibility to adopt a balanced calendar for the 2019-2020 school year and/or to begin the 2020-2021 school year before Labor Day without having to seek additional approval. Student teachers will still be able to get a temporary certification and current teachers will still be able to get their certifications renewed, even if they can’t meet all the requirements due to COVID-19.

To view executive order 2020-35, click the link here.

Grants available to manufacturers looking to retool, produce critical health service supplies

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WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program has launched a new grant program providing a total of $1 million in grants to Michigan’s small manufacturers looking to retool and produce critical health and human service supplies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The PMBC COVID-19 Emergency Access and Retooling Grants program will award grants of $10,000 to $150,000 to companies that can quickly and effectively manufacture critical health and human service supplies. Michigan small businesses (per SBA size standards) and established nonprofits are eligible to apply. Businesses can use the funds to support the purchase of equipment necessary to manufacture critical supplies, logistics and shipping costs of procuring necessary equipment, technology upgrades and other costs related to operationalizing new product lines.

To qualify, companies must submit an application at https://pmbc.connect.space/covid19/forms. Eligible applications will be reviewed based on ability to execute project; need for financial assistance; timeliness; product need in market; economic impact. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the total $1 million in grant funds are expended. To learn more about the program, visit here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/pmbc-retooling-grants/.

While the program does not guarantee sales channels, the Pure Michigan Business Connect team will assist grantees by connecting them with demand identified through the COVID-19 Virtual Procurement and Donation Assistance portal. The portal, an effort of PMBC in collaboration with the State Emergency Operation Center, is a free, virtual procurement and donation platform that provides health and human service providers direct access to businesses within the state providing and donating supplies including personal protection equipment, food, medical devices, paper products, cleaning equipment and more.

The platform is also offering a place for companies with manufacturing capabilities for personal protection equipment to indicate which items (i.e. masks, gowns, ventilators) they are able to produce, along with quantity and timing detail. To learn more, visit here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/virtual-procurement/.

Last week, the MEDC announced applications are now being accepted for the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund on March 19, to provide up to $20 million in grants and loans to provide economic assistance to Michigan’s small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The funds are being administered by 15 local and nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) around Michigan, covering all 83 counties in the state. Visit https://www.michiganbusiness.org/msbrp for more information on how to apply.

In addition, michiganbusiness.org/covid19 also features other resources for businesses across Michigan to assist them in recovering from economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus. This includes U.S. Small Business Administration emergency loans, support services offered through the SBDC and more. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq

Employees, customers: the reasons why some Wyoming/Kentwood restaurant remain open

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The Candied Yam owner Jessica Ann Tyson (left) said you have to be creative in letting people know your restaurant is still open. (Supplied)


By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When you walk into Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, gone is the chatter of people with their coffee and donuts. Gone is the rush of church groups stopping in before or after service to pick up a dozen. Gone are the families out for a treat.

It is quiet, except for the phone ringing.

“It’s very much quieter,” said owner Marge Wilson. “We have a big rug out to show people where to stand and right in the middle we have a table to remind people to go on either side. Or people can sit out in their car and we’ll bring them the donuts. For that reason, the phone rings a lot more.”

The signs on the doors of Marge’s Donut Den make it clear that only takeout is available. (WKTV)

To encouraging social distancing, on March 16, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banned events and gatherings of more that 50 people causing most of the West Michigan restaurants to eliminate dining in. Those who could or wanted, move to takeout, curbside or delivery options. Marge’s Donuts Den, which offered both takeout and dine-in, closed its doors to its dining area with only access to the donut counter available.

 

On March 23, Whitmer issued an executive stay-at home order, but encourage residents to support local restaurants by ordering takeout and/or have food delivered from area restaurants. Since then, numerous organizations, such as Eatgr, have worked to promote restaurants that are currently offering those options. Recently, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce distributed a list of chamber restaurants that are open. (See the list below.)

The elimination for dine-in has meant a reduction of customers with Wilson stating she has reduced her hours. Now the popular donut shop closes at 4 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. But she is grateful to be able to provide jobs for her staff who need or want to work.

“It has reduced the staff because there are some who are too afraid to come and others have to stay home to stay with their kids,” she said. “But for those who want to work or need to work, they can.”

For many of the local business owners, helping their employees was a big decision in staying open.

“I could have just closed,” said Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of The Candied Yam, 2305 44th St. SE. Both Wilson and restaurant owner and State House Rep. Tommy Brann echoed the same in their comments. “But there are factors you have to consider. There are employees who if you can keep working means that it is at least one less person drawing on the system. The local vendors who we purchase quite a lot from, and the customers who don’t cook or don’t know how to cook.”

There is also the cost of shutting down and then reopening a kitchen which can cost $3,000 or more where as Tyson estimates it is costing her about $700 a week to stay open.

Tommy Brann, owner of Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille at 4157 Division, admits he often thinks about his employees. It is why he decided to stay open, offering takeout even though it only makes up about five percent of his business.

“I’m looking at chairs up and and an empty bar,” Brann said. “Much of our business is dine in. This is a place that people come with families to celebrate birthdays, weddings, showers, and sadly, funerals.

“This is a place where you are around people but sadly, right now we can’t do that and we understand why.”

For many of the restaurant owners we talked to, they understand the reasoning for the restrictions on gatherings. As a state representative for the Wyoming and Byron Center areas, Brann said he also has heard from a number of local business owners as well and there are some he fears may simply not reopen.

 

“You’ve got to be creative,” Tyson said. “We still feel obligated to offer specials so that seniors who are on a fixed income can still come as well as entice people to order.”

Tyson said her cost has gone up but she made an effort to keep her prices the same because she recognizes there are people who do rely on the restaurant for a good meal.

 

And she figures, if she is open she might as well share with those who are considered essential workers, doing a daily delivery to various individuals and organizations such as the Kent County Health Department’s Emergency Operations Center and a local milk operation. 

“I am staying optimistic and getting my energy from other people and places,” Tyson said.

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce member restaurants that are currently offering takeout and/or delivery:

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
4515 28th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
(616) 730-8466

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining
6600 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 493-6686

Dave & Buster’s
3660 28th Street SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
(616) 224-8800

The Candied Yam
2305 44th Street S.E.
Kentwood, MI 49508
(616) 551-3509

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
2720 44th St SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
(616) 261-9464

Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine
2228 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 456-8999

Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar
5675 Byron Center Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
(616) 530-9700

Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille
4157 S Division Ave
Wyoming, MI 49548
(616) 534-5421

Hilton Garden Inn
2321 East Beltline Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 608-8800

Apple Spice
701 68th St. SW #410
Byron Center, MI 49315
(616) 805-3288

Applebee’s – Wyoming
1375 28th Street
Wyoming, MI 49509
(616) 261-2588

Buddy’s Pizza
4061 28th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
(616) 554-9663

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
2035 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 241-2999

YoChef’s Catering Co.
34 44th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49548
(616) 608-3003

McDonalds
1221 28th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 
(616) 531-6190

Marge’s Donut Den
1751 28th St. SW
Wyoming, MI
(616) 532-7413

Cindy’s Donuts & Ice Cream
4020 28th St. SE 
Kentwood, MI
(616) 259-8295

Beltline Bar
16 28th St. SE 
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 245-0494

Bagel Beanery
455 Michigan NE
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 235-7500

State of Michigan reports: closed-border rumor control, National Guard in Detroit

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Health, Our Cities, WKTV Projects,
Michigan National Guard troops at work. (U.S. Army)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan, like most governmental agencies, puts out press releases to media sources on a wide-range of issues almost daily. Some are important for the public to know; some are just routine governmental business. Some make the news and some do not.

We at WKTV have decided that in these times of COVID-19, of often-filtered news, we’d let the state departments say what they want to say to the pubic a little more directly with COVID-19 related news. Following are links to State of Michigan releases from Wednesday, April 1 — with a little emphasis given by our staff on what we found interesting.

Despite rumors, medical professionals are allowed to cross into U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with numerous other law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Michigan, are reporting that they are getting calls from concerned travelers that the border is shut down to medical professionals.
 

“These rumors that are currently circulating are false,” a state press release states. “The border remains open to all essential travel which includes medical professionals who are vital during these difficult times.”

Read the entire release here.

Michigan National Guard on the job, helping FEMA in Detroit

Approximately 20 members of the Michigan National Guard assisted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with logistics support to establish a Federal Medical Station in Detroit this week.

“The Michigan National Guard stands ready to support Detroit in its fight against COVID-19,” Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said in the release.

Read the entire release here.

Other April 1 releases, listed by headlines and with links, include:

Michigan seeks approval to streamline Medicaid … and another one the subject.

AG’s office warns menards about business practices during COVID-19 outbreak

State grants offered to manufacturers to produce health and human service supplies

Local law enforcement agencies aiding State AG with complaints

Department of Insurance and Financial Services working remotely to assist consumers

Feel swollen? Blame salt

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, Senior Living, ,
Given their notoriously high salt content, packaged snacks may be one of the biggest culprits in your struggles with bloating and gas. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay


If you often feel bloated after a meal, don’t be too quick to blame high-fiber foods. The real culprit might surprise you.


Your gut may be rebelling because you’re eating too much salt, a new study suggests.


“Sodium reduction is an important dietary intervention to reduce bloating symptoms and could be used to enhance compliance with healthful high-fiber diets,” said study researcher Noel Mueller, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.


He and his research colleagues looked at data from a large clinical trial conducted in the late 1990s known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-Sodium, or DASH-Sodium for short.


Their conclusion: Consuming a lot of salt increases bloating, as does a healthy, high-fiber diet.


Although it’s not clear exactly how salt contributes, Mueller suspects fluid retention may be the key.


Eating more salt can promote water retention and make digestion less efficient, which can lead to gas and bloating, he said.


Studies in mice have shown that dietary salt can alter the makeup of gut bacteria. And that, in turn, can affect gas production in the colon, Mueller said.


“Our study suggests that selecting foods with lower sodium content, such as those that are not ultra-processed, may help relieve bloating in some people,” he said.


Bloating affects as many as a third of Americans, including more than 90% of those with irritable bowel syndrome. It’s a painful buildup of excess gas created as gut bacteria break down fiber during digestion.


For the current study, the researchers used findings from a 1998-1999 trial.


In that trial, the DASH diet—one low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, nuts and veggies—was compared with a low-fiber eating regimen. The trial’s goal was to learn how salt and other factors affected high blood pressure.


The new review found that about 41% on the high-fiber diet reported bloating and men had a bigger problem with it than women. And diets high in salt increased the odds of bloating by 27%.


“We found that in both diets, reducing sodium intake reduced bloating symptoms,” Mueller said.


The upshot is that reducing sodium can be an effective way to prevent gas—and may help people maintain a healthy, high-fiber eating regimen.


Many things can cause bloating—lactose intolerance, celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, infection or other conditions, said Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Langone Health.


“If someone is experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating on an ongoing basis, they should see their health care practitioner to see if the cause can be pinned down,” said Heller, who wasn’t involved with the study. “This way they will know how to manage the issue.”


Occasional bloating is not uncommon, she added.


To help you avoid excess gas and bloating, Heller offered these tips:

  • Increase physical activity.
  • Limit highly processed foods, such as fast food, frozen meals, junk food and fried food.
  • Increase your fluid intake and make peppermint tea part of it. Avoid carbonated beverages.
  • Eat more foods that are rich in fiber, such as vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Increase these slowly and in small portions and be sure to increase your fluid intake at the same time.
  • Have smaller meals.

The report was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




WKTV Community Connection: turning down time into family time, with Cory Dalton

3-bottom, Community Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Sports, Volunteers, WKTV Projects
Cory Dalton, right, and Mike Moll on the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.

So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life? What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at  large?

Cory Dalton, high school sports announcer and sports show host

 

Cory Dalton on the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (WKTV)

“My job has not changed much as I am fortunate to still be working at this time. Just taking some extra precautions with social distancing, sanitizing, which I did a lot anyway. I’m spending my time just focusing on my family, my wife and two kids. We have been playing games, watching movies and conversing to past the time … also doing little projects together, which is always fun.”

And his words of wisdom:

“My advice to everyone during this time is to understand that this is real serious. This is a big deal. There are people actually dying behind this virus. Protect yourself. Sanitize your hands … stay home … only go out if it’s absolutely necessary. You don’t know if you are carrying this virus or not. This will past. Be patient and we will get back to normal living.”

Thank you Cory, for all you do.

Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.

Other WKTV Community Connections:

Paul Kabelman, high school sports announcer

Becci Schumaker, cameraperson extraordinaire

Mike Moll, high school sports director and announcer

Bill Rinderknecht, volunteer cameraman and content contributor