The rise in colon cases among younger adults that’s been seen in the United States is also occurring in wealthier nations worldwide, new research shows.
In the decade leading up to 2014, the number of cases of colon cancer among people under 50 increased by 3% a year in Denmark, New Zealand, Australia and Canada and by 1% per year in Britain.
The increase was most pronounced among those aged 20 to 29, noted a team led by Dr. Marzieh Araghi, from International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France.
Among twenty-somethings, colon cancer cases rose by 18% a year in Denmark and 11% in Norway, according to the study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hematology.
“Although the incidence of colorectal cancer in adults younger than 50 years remains much lower compared with that in older age groups, our findings are of concern and highlight the need for action to counteract the rising burden of the disease in younger people,” Araghi said in a journal news release.
The increase in cases among the young runs counter to declines in colon cancer among people over 50, the researchers pointed out.
For example, between 2004 and 2014 cases of colon cancer fell each year among people over 50—by 2% in Australia and Canada, 3% in New Zealand and 1% annually in the U.K.
Colon cancer remains a huge global killer.
According to the research team, in 2018 alone nearly 2 million cases of colon cancer were diagnosed and the disease claimed 881,000 lives worldwide.
But why the surge among the young? According to Araghi, the increase is likely driven in part by increases in certain risk factors, specifically obesity and poor diet.
On the other hand, he said, the decrease in colon cancer among people over 50 is most likely due to better screening stool tests or colonoscopy that catches tumors early.
Dr. David Bernstein is chief of hematology and a gastrointestinal specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Reviewing the new report, he said similar data has already changed medical practice in the United States.
“The U.S. findings have led to updated (American Cancer Society) colon cancer screening guidelines, which now recommend the initiation of colon cancer screening at age 45, as opposed to previous guidelines recommending the initiating of screening at age 50,” Bernstein noted.
Early screening and detection could bring colon cancer numbers down again among the young, he said.
Dr. Elena Ivanina is a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She believes younger Americans need to pay more heed to avoiding colon cancer risk factors.
“This includes things like obesity, diet, smoking and other carcinogens,” she said. “Patients should discuss their colon cancer risk with their physician and not ignore any symptoms like rectal bleeding, no matter what their age.”
In the meantime, Bernstein said, “perhaps the more important question is ‘why in high income countries is the incidence of colorectal cancer increasing among young adults, and what factors are leading to this?’” Bernstein said. “Significant work needs to be done to answer this critical question.”
Bello Spark in concert. (Joel Hirschmugl Nenonen Photo)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series is returning in 2020 with free concerts on select Thursday nights from January to March at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The series features three West Michigan bands: Bello Spark, Serita’s Black Rose and Nicholas James Thomasma. Food trucks will also be on-site during each concert.
“Our winter concert series is a great opportunity for residents to come together during the colder months,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “With a variety of local, talented musicians and food truck favorites, winter concerts offer residents an enjoyable night out.”
The lineup, which includes a mix of acoustic folk-rock, funk and blues music, is as follows:
Thursday, Jan 16 – Bello Spark with Patty Matters Food Truck
One of the eight essential elements is that youth have the “opportunity to value and practice service to others.” Michigan 4-H promotes service and acts of kindness through annual events, such as the Michigan 4-H Dare to Serve Challenge, which is held in conjunction with the National 4-H True Leaders in Service initiative, and through many organized service opportunities at the club, community and regional level around the state.
In addition to planned and organized group service and volunteer activities, practicing generosity and taking simple actions to spread kindness is something that can be incorporated into everyday life. A wide variety of websites and resources are available to help people come up with new ideas and fun ways to practice generosity and kindness.
One such website is Channel Kindness, a platform featuring stories of kindness as documented by young people from around the U.S., which was developed by Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. The Born This Way Foundation was launched by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta with the goal of creating a kinder and braver world. The Foundation supports the mental and emotional wellness of young people by promoting youth voice through action-oriented programming. Tools and resources are available to youth to solve problems and affect change through their creativity and boundless potential.
In addition to sharing powerful and inspiring articles written by youth about kindness, the Channel Kindness website also includes recommendations of books and movies about kindness, and resources related to kindness in sports, school, the community and other settings.
Another organization that is helping to promote kindness is Lifevest Inside, which is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and educating people of all backgrounds to lead a life of kindness. Lifevest Inside provides leadership for a variety of initiatives that help people spread kindness. An example of one of their initiatives is Project Hope Exchange, a worldwide digital database of anonymous audio messages of hope that are shared from individuals who have survived some kind of adversity to others who are currently facing that same adversity.
Lifevest Inside has also created “Act of Kindness (AOK) Cards,” which are decks of cards with different acts of kindness printed on each card. The cards prompt anyone to perform the act of kindness listed on the card and pass the card forward to someone else.
Another website featuring ideas and resources for young people related to kindness and generosity is Kind Spring. According to an article in yes! Magazine by Nipun Kehta, the founder of Kind Spring, the website was launched after he and a cousin came up with the idea to play “kindness pranks” on people. Kehta and a group of like-minded volunteers printed 100 “smile cards” in order to encourage anonymous acts of kindness. With the launch of the website, smile cards can be downloaded or ordered online and left behind following an anonymous act of kindness in order to inspire others to pay-it-forward by offering an act of kindness to someone else in return.
Using the resources on the Kind Spring website, an individual youth or a group of young people could set a goal for completing an anonymous act of kindness for a certain number of consecutive days. For instance, the members of a 4-H club could pledge to each complete 21 days of kindness. After completing the challenge, the 4-H club could meet to reflect on their experiences and share ways to continue incorporating acts of kindness into their daily lives. Completing a “21-Day Challenge” might also be a good way for the members of a 4-H club to identify the needs of others in their community in order to plan and lead community-based service learning projects in the future.
Though each individual act of kindness may be small, youth can begin to practice gratitude and service to others and develop character traits that will have a big impact on their lives, and the lives of those they serve.
Studies have shown differences in the brains of fibromyalgia sufferers, sometimes with areas of lower blood flow than expected. Similar problems have been seen in people with diabetes. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious and misunderstood illness, but researchers may have uncovered at least one key to the disease’s origin: insulin resistance.
The new research compared a small group of people with fibromyalgia to two groups of healthy people and noted that a long-term measure of blood sugar levels was higher in the people with fibromyalgia.
Insulin resistance develops when the body starts to struggle with breaking down sugar.
To see if treating those higher blood sugar levels might help, the researchers gave people who had blood sugar levels in the pre-diabetic range or higher a diabetes medication called metformin.
People taking metformin reported significantly lower pain scores, according to the study.
“We combined metformin with standard drugs used for fibromyalgia and saw a much greater degree of pain relief,” said study author Dr. Miguel Pappolla. He is a professor of neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
In fact, Pappolla said, the additional pain relief was so significant that the researchers actually called patients on different days to re-check their pain scores.
Because this is a preliminary finding, the researchers aren’t sure how insulin resistance might contribute to fibromyalgia or how metformin might reduce pain. “Metformin may have some analgesic (pain-relieving) activity on its own,” Pappolla said.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems and distress, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even celebrities aren’t spared from this painful condition—Lady Gaga reportedly had to cancel concerts on her tour due to pain from fibromyalgia.
Though the cause of the disorder isn’t clear, it appears that people with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than other people—what the CDC calls abnormal pain processing.
Pappolla said that studies have shown differences in the brain between people with fibromyalgia and those without, such as areas with a lower blood flow than expected.
The researchers noted that similar problems have been seen in people with diabetes.
The study included 23 people with fibromyalgia.
The researchers compared their hemoglobin A1c levels to large groups of healthy people from two other studies.
Hemoglobin A1c is a simple blood test that measures what someone’s blood sugar levels were during the past two or three months. A level of 5.7% to 6.4% is considered pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. A level of 6.5% or higher means a person has diabetes.
Only six of those with fibromyalgia had normal blood sugar levels. Sixteen had levels considered pre-diabetes and one met the criteria for diabetes.
When the researchers compared the average blood sugar levels of the fibromyalgia group to healthy age-matched people in the other studies, they saw that the blood sugar levels were higher in the people with fibromyalgia, suggesting insulin resistance.
The findings were published online recently in the journal PLOS ONE.
Dr. Edward Rubin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, said, “It’s interesting that there’s a possible connection between fibromyalgia and blood sugar. We’ve been attacking the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but we don’t have a good understanding of the root cause of fibromyalgia.”
Rubin, who wasn’t involved in the study, said there may be enough evidence here to try metformin along with other medications used for fibromyalgia for people whose blood sugar levels fall outside of the normal range, to see if they have a positive response.
Dr. Bharat Kumar, from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said this study shows people with the disease that there is hope.
“People with fibromyalgia are often told (falsely) that they have a disease that simply cannot be managed. This article shows that it’s not true. Although it’s unclear if metformin will work for every person suffering from fibromyalgia, there is active research into finding solutions for this frustrating and overlooked condition,” he said.
Kumar said it’s biologically plausible that insulin could have an effect on pain.
“We know that other hormone abnormalities can cause fibromyalgia-like symptoms, so (this finding) is not too surprising,” he added.
Still, he said, he didn’t expect that metformin would be a “silver bullet” for all fibromyalgia pain. He said there are likely a number of causes of the disease.
In experiments using mice, researchers found some populations of fungal species increased at a higher rate in a cancerous pancreas. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Fungi living in the gut can move into the pancreas, triggering changes to normal cells that can result in cancer, a new study suggests.
The finding could advance the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer, which is usually fatal because it’s often detected too late.
The disease has been in the news lately because “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek is waging a battle against an advanced form of the illness.
The new research focuses on a particular form of the cancer, called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which can be fatal within two years.
While the exact causes of pancreatic cancer remain unclear, the American Cancer Society has long recognized that viruses, bacteria and parasites can help spur pancreatic tumors, the authors of the new study noted.
But fungi haven’t been shown to play a role—until now.
“While past studies from our group have shown that bacteria travel from the gut to the pancreas, our new study is the first to confirm that fungi, too, make that trip and that related fungal population changes promote tumor inception and growth,” study co-author Dr. George Miller said in a news release from NYU Langone Health.
Miller is co-leader of the Tumor Immunology Research Program at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, in New York City.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is cancer of the tube in the pancreas where digestive juices drain into the intestines.
This exchange causes fungal populations in the gut and pancreas—the “mycobiome”—to become abnormal, the NYU team explained. That change may cause pancreatic cells to turn malignant.
In the new study, the researchers first looked at fungal transfer from the gut to the pancreas in mice that already had pancreatic tumors.
In those experiments, the researchers found that treating the rodents with an antifungal drug shrunk the weight of tumors from between 20% to 40% over 30 weeks.
Investigating further, the team catalogued the species of fungi in the poop of mice with or without pancreatic cancer. They even tagged the fungi with “glowing” proteins to watch the microbes travel from the gut to the pancreas.
Certain patterns emerged, with some populations of fungal species increasing at a far higher rate in the cancerous pancreases versus the non-cancerous ones.
One such cancer-linked species is called Malassezia.
“We have long known that Malassezia fungi—generally found on the skin and scalp—are responsible for dandruff and some forms of eczema, but recent studies have also linked them to skin and colorectal cancer,” study senior co-author Deepak Saxena noted in the news release.
“Our new findings add evidence that Malassezia is abundant in pancreatic tumors as well,” said Saxena, who is professor of basic science and craniofacial biology at NYU College of Dentistry. Pancreatic cancers in the mice grew about 20% faster when Malassezia was allowed to grow unchecked, the team noted.
The researchers theorized that fungi spur growth of the cancer by affecting immune system mechanisms that lead to abnormal tissue growth.
Study co-first author Smruti Pushalkar, a research scientist at NYU College of Dentistry, added, “Moving forward, one goal for our team is to determine which species are most relevant to cancer, as doing so could guide future attempts to slow tumor growth with targeted antifungal medications, and to avert side effects.”
The results of the study add evidence to the theory that fungi increase the risk for cancer by activating an ancient part of the immune system, the researchers said.
This immune response fights infections but also increases cell growth as the infection is cured. Past studies have shown that aggressive tissue growth can cause cancer when it’s combined with genetic flaws.
The report was published recently in the journal Nature.
The holiday season is upon us and so, too, is the spirit of gift-giving. We’re taking this opportunity to remind everyone that live animals don’t make good surprise gifts.
This time of year, young animals are particularly vulnerable to the pet trade — puppies, kittens, baby bunnies, they’re all adorable, but once the cuteness wears off and the novelty fades, who will care for them until their end of days? Will the gift recipient relinquish the pet to a crowded shelter or advertise ‘Free Puppy’ on Craigslist? Abandon the pet out in the country or leave it behind when they move?
Animals are not toys
We get it: ‘Tis the season, and that cute, little puppy is just so irresistible. But take a moment to think this through — your children may be too young or immature to appreciate how delicate animals are. Many surprise pets end up injured or dead, and bunnies, kittens, chicks, and puppies are especially vulnerable. Kids may not be able to detect animals’ stress signals if the pets’ tails or ears are pulled, putting kids at risk of being scratched or bitten. And they may unintentionally torment and/or harm animals, even breaking their fragile bones or causing other fatal injuries. A child’s attention span may be better suited to a stuffed animal.
“While surprise pets may be well-intentioned, the reality is that time, money and patience are required to care for a companion animal that works well with a family,” said Ginny Mikita, animal advocate and attorney with Mikita Kruse Law Center in Rockford, Michigan. “Young children are not mature enough to properly care for an animal. People need to make a reasoned decision, as a family.”
Refrain from giving a surprise pet unless you are absolutely certain that the person wants that particular animal as a companion and is willing and able to give a lifetime of proper care.
PETA
That cute, little pup with all that boundless energy? He’ll need training and exercise — which takes love and patience — and he won’t stay small for long. Adopting an animal means making a permanent commitment to provide lifelong care. Consider the investment required: time, affection, food, accessories, ongoing vet care — including spaying or neutering, flea treatment, vaccinations, deworming and emergency care. Once a pet joins your household, he’s a member of the family.
All members of the family should meet the animal prior to adoption. Is everyone on board with the decision? Who will be responsible for feeding, walking the dog, cleaning the litter box?
Small animals are fragile, easily injured or killed
If you’re thinking of giving a pet to someone outside your family, consider the gift recipient’s life circumstances — do they rent or own a residence? Many landlords don’t allow pets. Does your loved one travel often? Would the pet travel with them? Or, would they need to board the pet? What is the gift recipient’s financial situation — can they afford to properly care for a pet? It could be that the gift recipient’s lifestyle isn’t ideal for the pet. Do they even want a pet?
Too many Christmas critters end up in shelters after they outgrow the cuteness phase or become too much to handle. Mikita said that 25% of shelter animals are purebred, and many were gifts. The trauma for animals changing homes can be devastating, resulting in psychological scarring and behavioral problems. This can make it difficult for the animal to find a new home.
Other options
So, what are some responsible animal gift ideas?
Give a Petfinder Pet Promise Certificate, which allows the recipient to adopt the pet of their choice; the giver promises to cover all adoption fees for the new pet.
Help the gift recipient pick out an adult dog or cat from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. While puppies and kittens are adorable, with an adult animal, what you see is what you get — these animals have already settled into their size, personality and energy level, giving great insight into whether they’d be a good fit for your family.
Taking a senior friend or family member on an outing to your local rescue group to meet potential adoption candidates is a holiday treat in and of itself.
If all this isn’t enough to dissuade you from gifting a surprise animal, ask yourself this: What happens to surprise pets after the holidays, when the child has lost interest in the animal and the adults are forced to make the difficult decision on the best way to “solve” the problem?
Many times these animals are surrendered to a crowded shelter or pound or, worse, handed off to nefarious people who troll Craigslist and other public forums for “Free pet” ads. Your family member could end up as a bait animal for fighting dogs or the star of a crush video.
From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt, veterans Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer, and U.S. Marine Petty Officer Jordan Beemer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
When the South Christian Sailors boys basketball team visited Godwin Heights High School Tuesday for the Wolverines 2019-20 season season opener, the score mattered a little — the Sailors won, 63-46.
But what really mattered that night, in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which was recorded and available WKTV video on-demand, was that the game was also a special Salute to Soldiers game with two veterans honored in pre-game ceremonies.
The two special guests honored — by the school, the crowd and by the presence of two active duty military personal — were Ken McKenney, a 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and Pete Zimmer, a 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.
“As an athletic program, we were excited to show our support to veterans and current military personnel for the day-to-day protection they provide for our country,” Godwin Heights athletic director Robert Hisey said to WKTV. “We understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by the families of our service members. This sacrifice allows our military personnel to fulfill their responsibilities and allows us to go about our daily events without worry.”
Godwin Athletic Director Robert Hisey, center, introducing the school’s Salute to Soldiers ceremony on Dec. 10. He is joined by active duty military and other veteran personnel. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The event had the two honored veterans first standing alone on each end of the gym floor, while in the middle were other veterans and active duty personal attending the game — most notably military service recruiter U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jordan Beemer, both in uniform.
There was special music provided by students of Godwin Heights and then brief histories of the honored veterans, McKenny and Zimmer, were read by one player from South Christian and one by Godwin Heights. The players and coaches of each team then met the veterans one-on-one to shake hands and pay their respects.
Veteran Ken McKenney being honored by a South Christian student end athlete. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
McKenney, according to the introduction, was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1967. Following boot camp, and various stateside training, he went to Vietnam in 1968. During that deployment, he was awarded two Purple Heart medals (for being wounded in battle). During his two-year tour, in 1968-69, he served with the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division and with the 184th Ordnance Battalion.
McKenny wrote a book about his Vietnam War experiences, dedicated to “the many brave soldiers who were not able to return home.”
Zimmer joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946 on three different ships in the South Pacific. He was recalled in 1950 to Fighter Squadron 821, to serve in the Korean War on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned home to continue his education.
Zimmer remains “active and enthusiastic” serving our community in various volunteer capacities and is a member of the American Legion.
“It was a great honor to have both Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer as our guests at our “Salute to Soldiers” event,” Hisey said. “Both Ken and Pete were an easy choice as Ken was the recipient of two Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War and Pete had experienced both WW II and the Korean War.”
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
“And what better way to celebrate a religious holiday than with a month of frenzied consumerism!”
Calvin, of Calvin and Hobbes
Admire the (cat) art
David Wiesner (American, b. 1956), Art & Max, 2010. (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has a survey of award-winning author and illustrator, David Wiesner, The Art of Wordless Storytelling, which features over 70 original watercolors from Wiesner’s most beloved books, including Caldecott Medal winners Tuesday (1991), The Three Pigs (2001), and Flotsam (2006). The story is here.
Dance with motivation
An earlier, slightly smaller version of May Erlewine and The Motivations. (Supplied)
Holiday escape? West Michigan singer/songwriter May Erlwine will take a break from her national tour promoting her recent alt-Americana release, Second Sight, to offer up some local holiday dance party gigs fronting The Motivations. This weekend it’s she’s in Grand Rapids. The story is here.
Visit your ‘inner” self
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) continues its Bodies Revealed exhibition, which features real, whole and partial body specimens that have been preserved through an innovative process, giving visitors the opportunity to view the complexity of their own organs and systems like never before. The story is here.
Fun fact:
Dec. 18
The last day to place orders on Amazon that will be delivered by Christmas is Dec. 18. … Maybe you can pay for a drone delivery?
A little pinot noir now and then might help keep the bacteria in your tummy healthy and happy.
As little as one glass of red wine a week can increase the diversity of the good bacteria in your microbiome, which can help lower bad cholesterol and keep your weight down, researchers say.
“The more people drink, the higher the diversity. But even small amounts, such as one glass of red wine every week, shows a benefit,” said study first author Caroline Le Roy. She’s a research associate in the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King’s College London.
Le Roy cautioned that while the findings in the study were robust, they can’t prove that red wine improves the microbiome, only that the two are associated.
It’s not the alcohol that has this effect, but rather the polyphenols in red wine. Polyphenols help feed the good bacteria in the microbiome, the researchers explained.
Polyphenols are also found in fruits and vegetables, and include antioxidants.
For the study, Le Roy and her colleagues looked at the effect of beer, cider, red wine, white wine and whiskey on the gut microbiome of 916 female twins.
Only red wine resulted in a more diverse microbiome, the investigators found.
The microbiome is a collection of bacteria in the gut that has an important role in health. A healthy microbiome helps digest food and keeps some diseases at bay.
An unhealthy microbiome can lead to poor functioning of the immune system, weight gain and high cholesterol, Le Roy said.
A microbiome with lots of different bacteria is a healthy microbiome, she added.
Le Roy’s team found that red wine improved the number of different bacteria in the microbiome, compared with those who didn’t drink wine.
The researchers were able to confirm their findings in three other groups in Britain, the Netherlands and the United States, which brought the total number of participants to nearly 3,000.
Moreover, the results remained constant even after accounting for factors such as diet, socioeconomic status and age.
Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, thinks that drinking red wine may be a marker of a healthy lifestyle, so the health benefits may be due to other factors.
“Do they, in general, lead healthier lives, such as not smoking, eating more of a plant-based diet and exercising?” she asked.
Wine comes from grapes, which like a lot of plant foods, are rich in polyphenols, Heller said.
But polyphenols are also found in vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes and teas that don’t contain alcohol, she noted.
“In addition, plants are our only source of dietary fiber, which is the favorite food for the microbes that live in our gut. When they are healthy, they help keep our bodies healthy,” Heller said.
While drinking small amounts of red wine has apparent health benefits, there are also unhealthy effects of drinking too much, such as liver disease, certain cancers, pancreatitis and a depressed immune system, she said.
“Guzzling red wine, or any alcoholic beverage, is not the miracle we have been led to believe,” Heller said.
For those who drink, the American Heart Association recommends an average of one to two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women (one 12-ounce beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1 ounce of 100 proof spirits).
“Let’s be honest, most of us probably drink more than that. If you do not drink alcohol, there is no reason to start,” Heller said.
The report was published recently in the journal Gastroenterology.
The sudden need for an elderly family member to have assistance or be a part of a senior care community can be a big shock. Getting caught off guard with the sudden need to move your loved one to an assisted living community or nursing home can add stress to you and your family’s lives.
However, you can avoid all the stress and uncertainty by planning ahead and adding your loved one to a senior community waitlist. Once your family member is on a waitlist, you can rest assured that they will have a place to get the care and services they need when the time comes.
What is senior living?
The most basic definition of senior living is a retirement community or housing group where retirees who can generally care for themselves live to enjoy activities and socialization opportunities together. However, while some of the more exclusive communities might require waiting periods, when we talk about a waitlist for senior living we mean a different kind of senior living option.
As seniors age, they generally need help with their day-to-day care or activities of daily living (ADLs). To get assistance with things like medication management, bathing, and mobility, many seniors need to find a living situation where these kinds of services are provided.
Assisted living communities and nursing homes offer assistance with ADLs and, in the case of nursing homes, dedicated nursing care for seniors who need in-depth aid. Getting your loved one on the waitlist to be in line for a spot in a community ensures that your loved one has these services when they need them.
What is a senior living waitlist?
A senior living waitlist lets you reserve a place in a senior living community like an assisted living community or a nursing home without having to immediately move in. Most places are going to require a deposit, which may or may not be refundable. Once placed on the list, most communities will let you know when you reach the top and are able to move in. Sometimes you can defer the move-in and maintain your position at the top of the list, or you may be moved to the bottom of the list after deferment.
How can a senior living waitlist relieve stress?
It’s difficult to know exactly when your loved one is going to need assisted living or nursing care, so having a plan in place can relieve a lot of the stress that you experience when helping make a plan for an aging family member.
Making a snap decision due to stress when your loved one suddenly needs help with ADLs or needs to quickly be moved to a senior living community often means picking the first available location—even if it doesn’t really fit the needs or wants of your loved one.
Having a spot reserved on a senior living waitlist gives you both security and control when it comes to making these difficult choices for your family member. You have the time to find the right community to fit your loved ones needs. You can look at the differences between assisted living communities and nursing homes, look at pricing across communities, and take your loved one to tour so they know what their new home will be like.
When is the right time for a waitlist?
You don’t necessarily need to start looking for a waitlist to join the minute a loved one reaches retirement age, but you should be aware of their health to look for signs that they might need assistance with ADLs. Once you notice some signs, it might be time to talk with your loved one about finding a community and being added to their waitlist.
Warning signs that it might be time to consider making a move to senior living include:
Falling or stumbling often
Lapses in memory or cognitive function
Struggle to keep enough food in the house
Difficulty remembering when to take medications
Decreased social life and engagement
Unclean or grimy house
Visible changes in appearance
The need for frequent medical care
What should my next steps be?
If you think you want to get your loved one on a waiting list for senior living, there is no better time to start looking than now. Researching early on can help you find the right place that fits your family member’s lifestyle and budget range.
Be prepared, and don’t let the period to add your loved one to a waitlist pass by. Look for signs that it may be time for them to move, and have a plan of action in place so that you aren’t caught unawares. Being on a senior living waitlist can help ensure that your loved one will have the care they need, when they need it.
Finances are often a source of misery at the holidays. To save money, try giving one meaningful gift to someone, rather than a barrage of soon-forgotten items. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Stress abounds during the holiday season, but you can ease it, an expert says.
The way to manage stress is to recognize it and take steps to minimize it so it doesn’t overwhelm you, according to Cinnamon Stetler, an associate professor of psychology at Furman University, in Greenville, S.C.
One way to ease holiday stress is to avoid unrealistic expectations, such as believing the holidays will change people and family relationships.
“If your stress stems from other people’s actions, that’s largely out of your control. What you can do is limit your exposure,” Stetler said in a university news release.
Don’t obsess about family holiday traditions.
“Reflect on why that tradition is so important to you and what about it carries the meaning. See if there’s a way to adapt the tradition while still maintaining the important pieces of it,” Stetler said. “While it is good to maintain traditions, they can cause extra stress if you feel you have to do it the same way no matter what.”
Change your approach to gift-giving, which can cause financial worries.
For example, instead of buying a person several gifts, choose just one or two that will be especially meaningful.
And remember that material things provide only short-term happiness, while doing things for others and appreciating what you have can bring lasting happiness.
Take care of yourself during the holidays.
Get plenty of sleep, watch your diet, exercise regularly and find some time for yourself each day.
“Try to maintain as much of your normal routine as you can. You can treat yourself and indulge in small ways. The holidays are not the time to make big changes,” Stetler said. “Try to get a little bit of physical activity in, even if it’s a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood.”
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Here is stunning Swiffer’s story as we know it, told by the woman who rescued him.
“This handsome hunk (Dr. Jen estimates he was born in early 2015) joined our two feral cats, Floyd and Goldie behind the church on Pleasant SE by Division in late March of 2019. I got him neutered at CSNIP in April. When we fed him, he was as interested in getting attention as in eating his food, and gradually he started following me to my car when I would leave.
“Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I took him home to be tested and vaccinated—I figured if he was unhappy at the house, I could always take him back. He is sooooo happy at the house. I could never take him to the Humane Society. He loves me and I love him—and I know I can’t keep him but it will be hard to say good-bye. He really gets along well with the other cats. He comes in the bathroom with me so we can have our alone time. Did I say that I love him and that he is my boyfriend?”
Well, we hate to be the ones to tell the rescuer that her gray guy has acquired quite a few girlfriends since his arrival at Crash’s in November! It is easy to see why everyone who has come into contact with him is absolutely delighted by his gentle demeanor and dashing good looks:
“Swiffer—he is one big, gorgeous fluff ball! How this guy ended up homeless is beyond me because he is such a gentle boy who loves people and attention. His rescuer mentioned that he would probably let us know if he felt too overwhelmed, and sure enough, the first couple days he did with a quick swat. Now that he’s acclimated, although a little shy, he’s very relaxed and really enjoys indoor life and having friends. He doesn’t mind having his long hair brushed, which is important because he will definitely require it to be done a couple times a week, if not daily. He’d do well in a home with older kids, a cat buddy or two, and lots of attention (LOTS!).”
We’re pretty confident that once this biography hits the internet and the people looking for a lovely, lifetime companion feast their eyes on Swiffer that he is going to get swept off of his feet and into his fur-ever home!
More about Swiffer:
Domestic Medium Hair
Gray/Blue/Silver
Adult
Male
Extra Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, children
Want to adopt Swiffer? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Santa is scheduled to make his arrival at the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. (Supplied Photo)
By Nathan Slauer WKTV Community Contributor
Here comes Santa Claus! Here Comes Santa Claus, right down Division Street!
Yep, the annual Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 14. Set to kick off at 10 a.m., the parade will feature 60 entrants, including Steelcase, the Boy Scouts, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Five high school bands will serenade the procession as it passes by.
This year’s parade starts at the corner of 34th Street and S. Division Avenue or the 34th Street Mall Parking Lot (formerly Hope Network). The parade will head southbound to Chase Bank near the corner of Division Avenue and Murray Street.
Bob O’Callaghn, president of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said he enjoys checking out how entrants design their floats.
“Every year is unique,” O’Callaghn said. “We have an electrician who puts a Christmas tree on his truck.”
Along the parade path, businesses covered in holiday decorations open their doors to parade goers, and kids carrying bags collect candy from business owners and marchers.
Everybody loves a parade, including The Rapid. (Supplied Photo)
“South Division gets a bad rep,” O’Callaghn said. “Our members want to highlight it, to say it’s a good place to work and shop. People don’t always get to go to the big parade downtown, so it’s great to see young people around here smiling.”
State Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, said he likes seeing how the Santa Parade has grown since 2006. He recalls how the first Santa Parade took place during a blustery winter afternoon.
“It was a blizzard out there,” Brann said. “There were only around fifty to eighty people. We stuck with it, but it was a rough start.”
Over the years, the Santa Parade has developed a larger following and added new features, including a final stop at Brann’s Steakhouse. For an hour, families line up to take pictures with Santa Claus in the restaurant’s lobby. (Families are encouraged to bring their own cameras.)
“When you see the kids lined up, it’s so special,” Brann said. “It’s free, and it’s a great time to celebrate Division and Christmas.”
Deputy Chief Bryan Litwin. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood has promoted Capt. Bryan Litwin to deputy police chief of the Kentwood Police Department.
Previously serving as captain of the Professional Standards Division, Litwin succeeds Richard Roberts, who was appointed to the role of police chief in November.
As deputy chief, Litwin is responsible for assisting with the planning, coordination and management of the City’s police, code enforcement and traffic engineering functions and staff.
“The leadership, communication and strategic planning skills Bryan has demonstrated during his more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement with the Kentwood Police Department made him the perfect candidate for this position,” Chief Roberts said. “He has proven to be an invaluable asset to the department’s success, demonstrating his clear dedication to the department, profession and service to our residents.”
“I have complete confidence Bryan will continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership in his new role.”
Litwin began service to the City of Kentwood as a patrol officer in 1999. Litwin has also served as a field training officer, community services officer, staff services bureau officer, special response team member and team commander. He has been a member of the training committee and now serves as its chair.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and then to captain in 2016, where he has overseen the Professional Standards Division and served as the public information officer. Also in that role, Litwin oversaw the police cadet program to recruit and develop future police officers.
This past summer, Litwin helped to implement the City’s first Youth Police Academy, which gave high school students and recent high school graduates hands-on experience in a variety of police-related tasks.
During his tenure with the City of Kentwood, Litwin has also taught ethics in law enforcement to police academy recruits at Grand Valley State University and developed GVSU’s Police Academy Subject Control program. The program includes instruction on safe subject-control tactics, use-of-force constitutional amendments and federal and state case law.
With a commitment to professional development, Litwin has completed numerous trainings, including: Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations, Michigan Association of Chief of Police Executives Training, Public Agency Training Council’s class on internal affairs, DeWolf & Associates’ Public Information Officer program, West Michigan Tactical Officers Association’s SWAT Leader and Commander seminar, Grand Rapids Police Department Leadership Institute and Force Science Institute.
Litwin sits on the board of the West Michigan Criminal Justice Training Consortium and serves as vice chairman for the GVSU Police Academy Advisory Board. Litwin has also served as president of the West Michigan Tactical Officers Association.
Litwin attended Grand Valley State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
Beer and cocktails — and drinking responsibly — go hand and hand in West Michigan. (Courtesy New Holland Spirits)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Local brewers Broad Leaf Local Beer, Railtown Brewing and TwoGuys Brewing have joined a group of more than 20 Grand Rapids craft beverage producers to support Safe Haven Ministries’ mission of solving the problem of domestic abuse in the community through the “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” effort.
According to supplied material, participating breweries, wineries and distilleries have each created a new beverage named “Love”, and the unique brews, ciders and cocktails will have a portion of its proceeds donated to benefit Safe Haven Ministries. The project kicked off Thanksgiving week and will run through the remainder of the year.
The Mitten State, an apparel company based in Grand Rapids, will also donate a portion of sales of its Michigan “Love” apparel series. A few participating locations will sell limited-edition “Love” pint glasses to benefit the nonprofit.
“First and foremost, the goal of this project is to support Safe Haven in their mission to solve the problem of domestic abuse in our community,” Dana Mate Dones, operations manager of The Mitten Brewing Company, said in supplied material. “But a secondary goal is to prove that when responsibly enjoyed, alcohol can be a force for good and actually be a part of breaking the cycle of domestic abuse, despite its long negative association with the issue.”
Safe Haven Ministries provides emergency shelter, case management, support groups and more to women and children suffering from domestic abuse. The organization also provides education and prevention programs for businesses, schools, healthcare providers and other members of the community.
Safe Haven Ministries, according to supplied material, believes in a multi-faceted approach to solving the problem of domestic abuse in the Grand Rapids community. The organization offers emergency safe shelter for individuals fleeing domestic violence. Safe Haven also offers prevention and outreach programs for the entire community.
In addition to the Wyoming and Kentwood breweries, other participants include Founders Brewing Company, The Mitten Brewing Company, Speciation Artisan Ales, Long Road Distillers, City Built Brewing, The People’s Cider Co., Vander Mill Grand Rapids, Eastern Kille Distillery ( the new name of Gray Skies Distillery; see story below), Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Harmony Brewing, Harmony Hall, Trail Point Brewing, Rockford Brewing, Thornapple Brewing, Wise Men Distillery, Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery, Brewery Vivant, Atwater Brewing, Coldbreak, and Better Drinking Culture.
“We are honored to be a part of the ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’ project, along with many of our friends in the Grand Rapids brewing community to support survivors of domestic abuse,” Mitch Ermatinger, owner of Speciation Artisan Ales, said in supplied material.
Grey Skies Distillery rebrands as Eastern Kille Distillery
After nearly four years in business — the business of distilling some pretty fine liquor in downtown Grand Rapids, in my humble opinion — Gray Skies Distillery recently changed its company name to Eastern Kille Distillery.
The new Eastern Kille name, we are told, comes from the work “Kille”, a Middle Dutch word for “riverbank ” — the distillery’s location in the city’s Monroe North neighborhood on the eastern side of the Grand River.
“We started our distillery in 2014 to produce premium spirits, with Great Lakes water and with Michigan pride,” Steve Vander Pol, Co-founder, said on the company’s website. “We set out to craft authentic spirits with quality, natural ingredients, distilled and bottled in the heart of Grand Rapids — our new name reflects that commitment.”
The name change, according to multiple media reports, was the result of a trademark trademark dispute involving the Gray Skies name with Campari America LLC, the U.S. affiliate of Milan, Italy-based Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., the owner of the Skyy vodka brand.
The name change coincides with the first statewide launch of the company’s Michigan Straight Bourbon Whiskey — after all the legal wrangling, a good shot was probably well deserved.
“With our bourbon, gin and whiskey, we respect tradition but dare to explore unique flavor profiles, and this new bourbon is the purest representation of our passion,” Vander Pol said, also on the company’s website. “We’ve created a bourbon to be sipped with the best of them, a bourbon Michiganders can call their own.”
Maybe there is a vodka coming which Michiganders can also call their own. (Just saying …)
Walker’s DeHop’s Brewing Co. & Café was recently earned notice from the World Beer Awards, World Beer Championship, and U.S. Beer Open Championship.
DeHop’s Schwarzbier German Black Lager was crowned the Best Dark Lager in the United States from the 2019 World Beer Awards, according to supplied material. The beer was also awarded a silver medal in the 2019 World Beer Championship along with other DeHop’s brews Brahm’s Best Vienna Style Lager and Maibock.
The brewery was also inducted into the Brotherhood for the International Embracement of the Reinheitsgebot (BIER), an exclusive club based out of Munich, Germany. This award goes to brewers who are creating lagers that support the German Purity Law, which limits the ingredients in beer production to its authentic German roots. All DeHop’s Lagers are brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law.
From parades to light shows, holiday artist markets to cookie tours, traditional holiday celebrations to Christmas festivals, there is no shortage of West Michigan events to get you in the holiday spirit this month!
The Critter Barn in Zeeland invites you to the 20th annual Live Nativity, held Tuesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 28th. Visit the Critter Barn animals, including sheep, goats, and cows, and take photos of the scene in the historic barn.
Holland
The Holland Museum will be celebrating a Victorian Christmas at the Cappon House Dec. 14th and 15th, noon-4pm. Enjoy a tour of the opulent home while learning how yuletide celebrations have changed in the last 100 years. Visitors can also create traditional decorations, sample holiday sweets, sing along to Christmas tunes on the piano, capture a loved one’s affection under the kissing ball, and more. This event is appropriate for the whole family, with activities aimed at both adults and children ages 5 and up. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Admission is $8.00 per person for museum members, $10.00 per person for non-members, free for ages 5 and under.
Stop by the Sneaky Elves Workshop Dec. 20th, noon–3pm, and Dec. 21st,10am–3pm, at the Holland Area Arts Council. Children will be led through the creation and wrapping of a handmade gift so that they can take part in the giving this holiday season! Parents can drop their kids off and go shopping in Downtown Holland or stay and participate in the fun.
Experience an authentic European-style open-air Christmas market with handcrafted items, delicious food and artisan demonstrations at Kerstmarkt in Downtown Holland. Open Friday and Saturday Dec. 14th and 15th at the 8th Street Marketplace.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Presented by the Holland Civic Theatre, It’s a Wonderful Life, brings the classic holiday film to life in HollandDec. 13th and 14th.
Still on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift? Then don’t miss the Downtown Holland Shopping Jam on Saturday, Dec. 14th! Participating stores will open early for this special savings event. The earlier you shop, the more you save! During the Shopping Jam, merchants will be offering discounts of 30% off from 8-9am and 25% off from 9-10am. Discounted merchandise will vary by store, but will include a discount off at least one item. Please see the participating businesses for savings details. The Shopping Jam is sponsored by Downtown Holland’s own Horizon Bank.
Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean that you can’t fill your table with fresh, local and healthy food. The Holland Farmers Market is open everyWednesday and Saturday from 8am-3pm though Saturday, Dec. 21st. Stop by to pick up everything you need to make your family’s favorite holiday dishes or to decorate your home for the holidays.
Muskegon
A holiday tradition returns to the Muskegon Carr-Fles Planetarium with Mystery of the Christmas Star!Tuesday, Dec. 10th, and Thursday, Dec. 12th. No reservations are needed for this free, 30-minute show in room 1072 at Muskegon Community College.
Experience the 19th-century Hackley & Hume homes of Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon decorated beautifully for the holidays by Muskegon’s local community groups with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person, $8 for seniors 65+ and $5 for Kids ages 2-12. Tour dates and times are Dec. 14th, 21st, and 27th from 4-8pm, and Dec. 28th from 1-4pm.
Grand Rapids
Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum presents Season’s Greetings from the White House, with Mary Evans Seeley, Dec. 12th at 7pm. Mary Evans Seeley is a collector, historian, lecturer, author and publisher of two books about Christmas at the White House. She has the most extensive collection of Presidential Christmas memorabilia in the country. Her book, Season’s Greetings from the White House is now in its eighth edition. It tells the stories of Christmas at the White House from Calvin Coolidge through Donald J. Trump. Join the museum as she documents nearly a century of presidential Christmases. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event. The event is free with open seating. Registrations are appreciated.
Holiday Traditions (Courtesy Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park)
Excitement surrounds this time of year as the annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition brings the glow of over 300,000 colorful lights, strolling carolers, visits from Santa, rooftop reindeer, and 46 international trees and displays to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Ring in the season with a beloved winter exhibition. Honoring holiday cultures around the world, Meijer Gardens focuses on the authenticity of the symbols of beloved holiday traditions – it’s an idyllic spot to center your thoughts on the true meaning of the holidays. The Holiday Traditions exhibition will be on display through Jan. 5, 2020.
Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Dec. 20th and 21st to enjoy listening to live holiday classics at the Holiday Classics Organ Concert performed by Dave Wickerman on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. This experience is fun for the entire family!
This holiday season, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum from Dec. 21st through Jan. 5th to experience Snowflake Break. Fun for the entire family, visitors will make themed crafts, play games, and explore the museum. Snowflake Break is included with your ticket purchase. Additionally, see historic Grand Rapids built from LEGO® bricks, complete with operating trams, showcasing Grand Rapids during the early 20th century. Take pictures with the Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train, see 15 historic Santas from around the world, and find 12 elves hidden throughout the Museum. Visit the GRPM’s Planetarium to see Let it Snow, featuring festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, with a stunning finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, free to Museum members and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Let It Snow showings run through Jan. 5th. As an annual tradition, visitors will be able to view and take pictures with the Herpolsheimer’s train throughout the holiday season. Recognizable to any baby-boomer, the train chugged along the ceiling of the toy department at the Herpolsheimer’s Department Store.
Grand Rapids Ballet presents The Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall, Friday, Dec. 13th at 7:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 14th at 2pm & 7:30pm, Sunday, Dec. 15th at 1pm & 5:30pm, and the following weekend, Friday, Dec. 20th at 7:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 21st at 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1pm. West Michigan’s favorite holiday tradition returns to the grandeur of DeVos Performance Hall with sets by famed children’s book author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express, Jumanji), Broadway-quality set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee (Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Saturday Night Live), choreography by Val Caniparoli, and the live music of your Grand Rapids Symphony. Don’t miss the magic!
Grand Rapids Symphony presents Old National Bank Cirque de Noel at DeVos Performance Hall, Wednesday, Dec. 18th at 7:30pm and Thursday, Dec. 19th at 7:30pm. Since 2009, Cirque de la Symphonie has spent part of each Christmas season in Grand Rapids. Celebrating its 10th annual Cirque de Noel with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Cirque de la Symphonie’s company of acrobats, jugglers, contortionists and aerial artists makes merry with amazing feats of agility and strength, accompanied by beloved Christmas songs and classical favorites. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and in person at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices.
Find the perfect holiday wreath or tree for your home at Grand Rapids Downtown Market Christmas Tree Lot, hosted by Lenderink Tree Farms, Wednesdays and Fridays: 4-7:00pm, and Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm through Dec. 15th.
If an older adult were ill or needed help, most people would reach out and help in whatever ways they could. But, if the illness were signs of alcoholism or drug abuse, it’s often really hard for most people to know what to do or say. Often, it’s difficult to tell if what we see are symptoms of substance abuse. In older adults, these signs can seem to mimic other conditions, such as diabetes, dementia or depression.
Is it substance abuse? According to Hazelden, a prominent addiction recovery center, there are two types of alcoholism in older adults. Two-thirds of older adult alcoholics are early-onset – those who have been heavy drinkers most of their adult lives. The other one-third are those who began to drink excess amounts in their older years, often in response to a difficult life situation or transition.
Doctors routinely prescribe tranquilizers for older adults. More tranquilizers are prescribed annually than for all other medications, over 16.9 million prescriptions each year – with the exception of heart medicine.
Some of the challenges that come with prescription drug use by older adults include:
Older people often take higher doses than prescribed because they forgot that they already took a pill or because “if one is good, two are better.”
It is not unusual for older persons to take their prescription drugs to a friend or spouse — even when the prescription is old, if the drug fits a self-diagnosed ailment.
An older person may also become dependent on alcohol or drugs after a major operation or a lengthy hospital stay. This dependency can be life threatening, yet is treatable.
What are possible signs of abuse? Hazelden has identified several warning signs:
Drinks in spite of warning labels while on prescription drugs.
Always has bottles of tranquilizers on hand and takes them at the slightest sign of disturbance.
Is often intoxicated or slightly tipsy, and sometimes has slurred speech.
Disposes of large volumes of empty beer and liquor bottles and seems secretive about it.
Often has the smell of liquor on his/her breath or mouthwash to disguise it.
Is neglecting personal appearance and gaining or losing weight.
Complains of constant sleeplessness, loss of appetite or chronic health complaints that seem to have no physical cause.
Has unexplained burns or bruises and tries to hide them.
Seems more depressed or hostile than usual.
Can’t handle routine chores and paperwork without making mistakes.
Has irrational and undefined fears, delusions or seems under unusual stress.
Seems to be losing his or her memory.
How can we begin to help our loved ones get help for substance abuse problems? Before talking to your older loved one or friend, talk to a professional trained in addiction and older adults. Prepare by gathering information:
A list of prescribed and over-the-counter drugs the person is taking.
A list of doctors the person is seeing. They may have a general practitioner and a specialist.
A brief life history including religious and cultural background and important life events.
An idea of the person’s present ability to live alone and take care of themself.
How drinking or the misuse of medicines is affecting their health, family and social life, etc.
A list of family members and friends who are concerned and would be willing to help, if necessary.
Together, you and the professional should be able to make an informal assessment as to what type of help the older person needs and how to approach the topic with them. You may decide, for example, that it would be better for your friend’s physician to bring up the problem, since many older people trust their doctors. Or perhaps you can ask another close person, such as a minister or an old acquaintance of your friend to sit down for a personal talk. Find out more at www.hazelden.org about how you can help your friend or loved one get help for substance abuse.
If the person is ready to make a change, the first thing to do is listen and be supportive. You may want to urge your friend to see a physician to get a professional assessment of the problem. Depending on the severity, the older person may need hospital care to treat the physical symptoms of alcohol and drug reactions. Many older persons can benefit from inpatient treatment for alcoholism or drug dependency, if their health insurance or other resources will cover the costs.
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) can be a good alternative, along with individual counseling from an addiction professional that is trained to work with older adults. Founded in 1935, A.A. has helped millions of people achieve sobriety. When you talk to an A.A. volunteer, ask for a meeting where an older person could be comfortable. See www.aa.org for more helpful information for friends and families of older adults dealing with substance abuse.
Fortunately, today it is more accepted to seek help for alcohol and drug abuse problems. There are excellent resources in many communities to help loved ones and friends address the issue. Michigan State University Extension staff works with the Geriatric Education Center of Michigan at Michigan State University to bring the latest health information about older adults to health care providers throughout the state. See www.gecm.msu.edu for more information.
They err who think Santa Claus enters through the chimney. He enters through the heart.
CHARLES W. HOWARD
Hey, Santa needs to eat too
Santa will make a stop at the Downtown Market Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, when you can shop with the big guy himself! Bring your wish list to ensure you land on his ‘nice’ list this year. Go here for the story.
And Santa has to shop for the Mrs.
Photos with Santa, princess and Star Wars-themed events, live music and gift-wrapping fundraisers will deck the halls and help spread holiday cheer at Woodland Mall now to the new year. Go here for the story.
But even Santa needs a little help
The Santa Claus Girls’s history in Kent County dates from 1909 and these days they operate out of the Knoll Inc. building on 36th in Kentwood — from where they delivered more than 13,500 gift packages in 2018 and hope to meet or beat that number this year. See here for the story.
Fun fact:
$30
The average hourly rate for Santa actors is $30 an hour, but it ranges up to $75 an hour, according to Investopedia. Multi-lingual actors who work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day might make closer to $100. Source.
The December Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
While local issues were discussed, the current governmental problems in Washington, D.C., took center stage as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Dec. 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
At the meeting, Brian Patrick, Communications Director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, both reported on their bosses’ efforts but also answered questions on the ballooning federal budget deficit and other issues.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.
Bumble bees are an important and well-known group of pollinating insects, but populations of some bumble bee species are declining across the globe, including those in Michigan. Many groups are developing efforts to help conserve these insects by planting attractive flowers, yet we know little about where bumble bees nest in the winter. Now there’s an effort to change that, and you can help.
A group of scientists have launched Queen Quest, a collaborative public science program to understand where queen bumble bees overwinter across North America. If you are interested in helping, just get a few friends together, develop a fun team name and go questing! This can be done in a few hours and could be in your garden, a park or anywhere you think there might be a nest.
The group wants to know where bumble bees are—and are not—found. Finding these nest sites will help conserve bumble bees by informing the development of improved conservation programs.
The Queen Quest website has all the information necessary to get involved, including literature resources, a step-by-step protocol and information on where to look. If you can’t do it this fall, your team could try in the spring once the snow is gone. Everyone is welcome to participate, so please help put Michigan on the Queen Quest map!
MSU Extension’s focus on pollinators and pollination brings together educators and researchers who are working with experts around the country to provide the latest information through webinars, seminars, online resources and email newsletters.
Scientists are closer than ever to developing a smart hearing aid that separates desired sounds from undesirable background noise. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Chances are if you’re over 60 it’s already happened to you: You’re in a crowded room and finding it tough to understand what your partner is saying a couple of feet away.
It’s a longstanding hearing-loss issue known as the “cocktail party” problem. Conventional hearing aids still aren’t able to fix it—to separate out the talk you do want to hear from the background chatter you don’t.
But scientists may be developing a device that can do just that.
The device would rely on an emerging technology called “auditory attention decoding,” or AAD. AAD cracks the cocktail party problem by simultaneously monitoring a person’s brainwaves and the sound around them.
With that data in place, the new hearing device would triangulate which voice or sound the person is focused on—and then give it an extra sonic boost.
“The cocktail party problem refers to a hearing condition where there is more than one speaker talking at the same time,” explained Nima Mesgarani, who led a group that published their new findings May 15 in Science Advances.
“Because hearing-impaired listeners have reduced sensitivity to different frequencies, they are not able to pick out the right voice,” explained Mesgarani.
He’s associate professor of electrical engineering with the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, part of Columbia University in New York City.
Conventional hearing aids—which simply raise overall sound levels—don’t help much in a crowded room.
“Increasing the volume doesn’t help hearing-impaired listeners, because it amplifies everyone and not just the ‘target speaker,’” Mesgarani said.
AAD works differently.
“(It) works by first automatically separating the sound sources in the acoustic environment,” he said. “The separated sounds are then compared to the brain waves of a listener. And the source that is most similar is chosen and amplified relative to other speakers to assist the listener.”
But this research is still in its early stages, so crowd-addled seniors shouldn’t expect to order the technology anytime soon.
For the moment, the technology requires an invasive surgical procedure and isn’t portable. Any practical application is at least five to 10 years off, Mesgarani said.
Still, the research illustrates yet again the amazing versatility of the human brain.
As Mesgarani noted, neural networks in the brain’s hearing center are remarkably adept at pinpointing which voice a person wants to pay attention to, even with lots of competing noise.
Digging deeper into that phenomenon, the Columbia team enlisted a group of people with epilepsy (who were already undergoing surgical care) to listen to a massed group of several speakers. None of the patients had hearing difficulties.
By means of electrodes directly implanted into their brains, researchers were then able to monitor how brain waves responded to the various sounds. That data was fed into a computer, which quickly learned to automatically raise the volume of the “target” speaker’s voice.
Preliminary results suggest that the technology does work as intended. But to date, testing has been confined to a controlled indoor setting and it remains to be seen whether it would work as well among those with actual hearing impairment, the researchers said.
And, of course, it will take time to convert the technology into something that could be worn as an external hearing aid.
Tricia Ashby-Scabis is director of audiology practices with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in Rockville, Md. She reviewed the new study and said the work “sounds highly promising.”
“Artificial intelligence certainly sounds like a great option in terms of focused listening and setting precedence on which speaker the listener wants to hear,” Ashby-Scabis said.
But questions remain.
“The difficulty is, communication is dynamic,” said Ashby-Scabis. “It is ever-changing. People jump in and out of conversations, and that is a lot of processing for a device to do, and a lot of knowledge it needs to have. I am surprised if this is something we are close to having researchers solving (or) developing, but it is certainly a promising area to be studying.”
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
There are no signs of an impending recession, but the local economy will continue to slow in 2020, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of November.
The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at -10, up significantly from -21 in October. The production index is negative, but recovered to -9 from -34. The index of purchases recuperated to -18 from -21, and the employment index came in at -9 from -14.
Looking to 2020, Long said there is no evidence of the overall economy sliding into a recession, but there’s plenty of evidence to indicate a slowing for the industrial economy.
“Part of it has to do with the ongoing trade war with China and the soft business conditions around the world,” Long said.
All three local cyclical industries — office furniture, aerospace and automotive — have more than topped out, Long said, while some segments of the West Michigan agricultural industry, namely corn, soybeans and cherries, have had a marginal year.
Local employment numbers continue to set records. “Ottawa County posted the lowest unemployment rate of 2.3 percent,” Long said. “Of the major cities in Michigan, the Grand Rapids report of 3.3 percent unemployment is the envy of most other major cities in the state.”
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
Social life is essential to our health and happiness. Scientific studies have proven that the more isolated and lonely we feel, the more likely we are to experience health problems. For aging adults in particular, living within a vibrant culture has direct health benefits.
Community and health
We often think of families as a senior’s primary source of community, but bearing the total responsibility for a parent’s social life can be a strain on family members. Senior living communities are a wonderful source of support for aging adults and their families.
A 2012 study by researchers at University College London found that social isolation was associated with chronic lung disease, arthritis, impaired mobility, and depressive symptoms. Other research states that, “individuals who lack social connections or report frequent feelings of loneliness tend to suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as infection, depression, and cognitive decline.”
Feeling connected within our social environment is a fundamental part of health and happiness. Senior living facilities are designed with this fact in mind. These communities help seniors feel like they belong, which significantly increases life expectancy.
Community features to enhance well-being
As you and your aging loved one choose a senior living facility, look for the culture that best fits their needs. A healthy community will offer a variety of social events to encourage residents’ involvement. This enables seniors to feel welcome and confident as they get established in their new home.
The best communities offer features and amenities which enhance well-being. Rooms should be vibrant and appealing so that your aging loved one feels at home, in addition to offering the best safety features.
Dining options are also important to consider. Does this facility offer a variety of fresh, healthy options? It’s important to find great cuisine so that your senior’s appetite stays strong. Mealtimes are also great for socializing with other residents.
Activities to enhance social support
High-quality senior living involves activities and events that help residents connect with each other. In addition to relaxing and having fun, social events keep aging adults’ cognitive abilities strong. The mental exercises of reminiscing, laughing together, and getting to know new people is an essential part of remaining healthy and active while we age.
Here are a few ways communities can provide active community involvement for residents. If your loved one’s facility has a light social calendar, find out if you can get involved in planning some activities.
Reminiscence groups give seniors an opportunity to share their favorite memories. This will increase self-awareness which strengthens mental capacity and overall health.
Group exercises like zumba or yoga are great community events.
Start a singing group for musical residents. Local music teachers may be interested in getting their students involved.
Local museums, libraries, and community centers often have tours and educational programs available for seniors. These activities make excellent field trips.
Weekly or monthly game nights are usually very popular.
For seniors with literary or political interests, try a discussion groups of books, films, or current events.
Holiday and birthday parties are always a great opportunity for social connections. The planning and setup process can also be a lot of fun with more residents involved!
These are just a few of the ways senior living culture can benefit you or your senior loved one. Staying active and involved in our community brings many essential health benefits, and the support within a robust senior living community will keep our golden years healthy and happy.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we discuss the evolving world of animal law, specifically efforts to have a legal system that recognizes the rights of all animals but especially animals that some call pets.
We will talk with Ginny K. Mikita of the Mikita Kruse Law Center in North Kent County and find out about her work with Attorneys For Animals, a group whose mission is based in their belief that “animals have a purpose of their own and inherent value.” The group works within the legal system to that end and encourages efforts to ensure that animals are “recognized, treated and protected as individuals.”
Mikita also talks about her work supporting humans grieving for their companion animals which they have lost.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Imagine walking into your forest, say a forty-acre woodland, and finding that a hunter has been doing things without your knowledge. Someone has built a blind and a baiting station. They’ve cut a shooting lane. And, well-worn ATV trails lead to the site. You don’t know who did this. There are no names on the blind, like you would find on an ice shanty.
What do you do?
Just the year before, you left a note about removing the blind, which was done. However, a new and larger one was constructed in its place. The hunter has your name and phone number, which was also posted on a sign where your two-track road enters the property. But, you don’t know who the hunter is!
Who would take such liberties on private property that belongs to someone else?
Sure, your property is entered into the Commercial Forest Program, so public hunting, fishing, and trapping is allowed. A hunter doesn’t need to ask your permission to hunt. However, you could potentially get kicked-out of the tax program for what this unknown hunter has done, and that could cost you a fair chunk of change.
So, what are the rules for your guests?
Aside from reading the actual legislation, a decent summary can be found in the DNR annual Hunting Digest and on the DNR Private Forest Lands website.
Michigan’s Commercial Forest Program (sometimes called by old terms CFA or CFR) opens over two million acres of forestland to hunting, fishing, and trapping. However, hunters, fishers, and trappers need to use these lands with respect and understand the limitations of that use. Violations can result in criminal or civil liability.
Hunting licenses are required (public-land antlerless license for antlerless deer).
Foot access only, unless the forest owner allows motor vehicles. Owners can gate roads.
Nothing can be left overnight, including blinds, bait stations, litter, tents, etc.
No blinds can be constructed of any sort, except from dead natural materials on-site.
Shooting lanes cannot be cut.
No nails, bolts, wire, tree steps that harm trees or may be dangerous to timber harvest.
No firearm target-shooting or sighting-in.
Most of these restrictions are simple courtesy when using someone else’s land. Hunters, fishers, and trappers are responsible for knowing the rules. So should forestowners.
Maps of CF land, by county, can be found on-line at Commercial Forest Maps. The tool is awkward to use, unless you already know the Township and Range of the land where you wish to hunt. However, CF-colored county maps can be found, which helps locate specific CF properties. Another color-coded locator tool can be found on the DNR MI-Hunt website, which is a bit easier to use.
Note that the Qualified Forest Program is different and is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Commercial Forest Program is administered by the DNR, with three Service Foresters that can field questions.
So, what do you do if there are violators on your property? If you’re comfortable with talking to them, let them know they are in violation and ask them to stop whatever it is they’re doing. Failing that, a forest owner can contact a conservation officer. Remember, it is your land.
With his beaming grin, Wyoming High School junior Iyan Weidman-Gomez looked around the school gym trying to guess who might be the next Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character Award recipient to be announced.
He would, according to those who described him, do what he always does, be one of the first to jump up to congratulate his schoolmate. Except this time, it was his classmates congratulating Iyan.
Iyan was one of six students announced on Friday, Dec. 6, as the Wyoming High School’s fall Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character Award recipients. Started in 2014, every fall and spring semester, the Wyoming High School students and staff honor six exemplary students with the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Award — two sophomores, two juniors and two seniors.
These students are recognized not for their academic or athletic achievements but for treating others by “being kind, compassionate, and gracious” –which according to students and staff is Iyan Weideman-Gomez.
“He embodies everything an alpha wolf is about,” said the Alpha Wolf recognition team. “He is not the smartest kid. He is not the most athletic. Not the most popular but I can guarantee you he is the most compassionate, gracious and kind student who goes to Wyoming High School. He walks the halls with an undying light that is strong enough to brighten any kid’s day.”
Iyan Weidman-Gomez (left) shows off his smile as he awaits the announcement of the next Alpha Wolf 11, which was him. (Photo by WKTV)
It is for students like Iyan that high school teacher John Doyle wanted to bring the Alpha Wolf program to Wyoming five years ago. With a full high school gym that included school officials such as Superintendent Craig Hoekstra, and City of Wyoming officials such as Mayor Jack Poll, City Manager Curtis Holt, and Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Doyle told how he was inspired by Grandville Middle School’s “Be An 11” program, which was started by Grandville Middle School physical education instructor Michael Lapciuk. Lapciuk said he wanted to change the culture at the school by promoting the students who were doing positive things. The Grandville program was later dedicated to Grandville’s fallen student-athlete Ryan Fischer, who according to Lapciuk set the bar on “what it meant to be an 11.” Doyle attended the program when his son Ian received the award.
“It was because of a seventh grader [Ian Doyle] who won this award who impacted at that time, a 40-year-old, to change his ways to make things different in his life,” Doyle said. “That’s me. We are all vulnerable. We all make mistakes. We might be that person we used to be but we certainly have the vision, that light forward to think ‘I can make a difference too.’”
According to peers and teachers these following six high school students made a difference whether anyone noticed or not, which is why they are more than ten, they are an Alpha Wolf 11.
Sophomore Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients
Far right, Aidan Curtis walks with his family after being announced an Alpha Wolf 11. (Photo by WKTV)
Aidan Curtis
A peer nominated Aidan Curtisnot because how kind he was, but how kind he is with everyone he has interacted with. In fact, about every reference about Aiden was that he was “kind” and “had kindness to others.”
According to his peers, simply put, he is helpful and generous to others along with being compassionate and putting the needs of the group over himself.
Victoria Pulaski accepts her Alpha Wolf 11 award from High School Principal Josh Baumbach. (Photo by WKTV)
Victoria “Tory Rose” Pulaski
For many, it is somewhat a mystery how the big personality of Tory Rose fits inside this Alpha Wolf. She is always adding new members to her family, sharing their joys and sorrows. She believes, according to her peers, that a community and family are stronger together and aims at making a stronger wolf pack.
Tory Rose, who according to the letters submitted, radiates postive energy. She participates in the school choir and does a lot of volunteer work.
“I love her,” wrote one student in their nomination letter.
Junior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients
Ryan Weidman-Gomez gives the thumbs up after being named an Alpha Wolf 11 recipient. (Photo by WKTV)
Iyan Weidman-Gomez
“What do you say about this guy?” read the Alpha Wolf presentation team. “His classmates love him. He is not the captain of the football team. He is not the president of any clubs. He is not the drum major of the band. He is something more important. He is kind.”
From holding doors for others to helping clean up a classroom, Iyan is known not for doing things to impress, but out of kindness.
“I am voting for him because of the amazing person he is,” wrote one student. “Everytime I walk into the classroom, he greets me with a smile and a hello.”
Nichole Stark (purple shirt) with her family after being announced an Alpha Wolf 11 recipient. (Photo by WKTV)
Nichole Stark
When talking about Nichole Stark, the word positive showed up over and over again from the nominations for her to receive the Alpha Wolf 11 award.
A National Honor Society member, Nichole volunteers to help other with homework. She is extremely friendly and does not exclude anyone but creates a sense of belonging for others in the school, students wrote.
Both staff and students stated she demonstrates the three Alpha Wolf characteristics of kindness, compassion, and graciousness throughout the school day and in her community.
Senior Alpha Wolf 11 Recipients
Henry Nguyen (right) listens as the Alpha Wolf 11 recipients are announced. (Photo by WKTV)
Henry Nguyen
“I’m baffled that he hasn’t won this award yet,” wrote one student. A situation that was rectified on Friday when Henry Nguyen was named the first of two senior Alpha Wolf recipients.
According to students and staff, Henry radiates positive energy. Described as a kind and gentle soul, Henry does what he thinks is best. This was demonstrated when he tried out for a new sport only to break his arm after joining the team. His character and determination as he faced unexpected pain kept him going as he contributed to the team. His coach stated that he loves to serve others and his integrity, character, and selflessness are incredible.
Kyle Ratliff was the second senior to be named an Alpha Wolf 11. (Photo by WKTV)
Kyle Ratliff
Genuine, real, authentic, these were just some of the words to describe senior Kyle Ratliff.
“I don’t know him that well but I once had a conversation with him and from what I see he is an amazing person,” wrote one student in a nomination letter. “He is really helpful and always encouraging others.”
According to staff, Kyle is always kind with positive words for everyone he meets. He is the type of person who makes a student better inside and out.
“Bottomline,” according to the Alpha Wolf presentation team, “this student cares. Period.”
Several students received You Make a Difference awards:
The association between technology and seniors is often misrepresented; older adults of our society today did not have access to computers, smart devices, or the internet. While many people allude this disconnect to the idea that seniors find the devices complicated; it is merely an assumption. The reality is that many seniors do not understand how they can utilize these gadgets to meet their personal interests. Devices play a critical decision in informing the health and wellness decisions you make to stay young. The right application of different gadgets and software can save you time, money and make a situation less stressful. For example, using GPS in your post-retirement trips can save you money you would otherwise spend on a tour guide.
There are several ways you can utilize technology to stay young:
Health Checks
Staying on top of your health is a priority among many seniors; the right technology in your smart phone or tablet can save you several trips to the hospital. For example, there are different accessories and apps you can get to help you check your blood sugar. You can also access different fitness apps to help you follow your exercise routine from the comfort of your home. Additionally, there are games and brain exercises you can engage in to help keep your mind alert and active. The best part about using your device to stay healthy is that you can travel with it or use it indoors even in extreme weather when you’re stuck at home.
Connectivity
One way to stay young-at-heart is to stay connected to your friends and family, especially the younger ones. Even though you might be hundreds of miles away from your loved ones, you can connect with your family by sharing videos, pictures or by scheduling live video chats. If you choose to travel, you and your loved ones can enjoy a peace of mind knowing that you are a call away from each other.
Continuous Learning
Use your gadgets as a learning tool. As you grow older, you will realize you have a lot of time on your hands, which can easily bore you. Take up new courses, learn a craft or spend time indulging in your favorite subject. There are several learning tools available in your devices such as short courses, podcasts, videos, books and research papers; you will have access to an infinite source of information at the comfort of your home. Through your device, you can connect with people with similar learning interests from around the world without the hustle associated with traveling.
Improve your relationship with technology by looking it as an avenue for self-improvement. There are different applications and devices available to help you improve your physical, spiritual and mental wellness from the comfort of your home. Take advantage of the improved access to information to explore your passions.
In this day of ready-to-eat, highly processed food, it is understandable that consumers want to know what is in their food. Food labels require manufacturers to list ingredients (in order of volume, highest to lowest), nutrition, use by date and other aspects. A new label to appear over the next couple of years is the bioengineered label (Photo 1). The law implementing this labeling begins Jan. 1, 2020 and is fully mandated by Jan. 1, 2022. Any product containing genetically modified organism (GMO) products or byproducts must display a label indicating that fact. After Jan. 1, 2022, if the product does not contain this label, it has no GMO ingredients.
This new label will be the most reliable way for consumers to differentiate foods containing GMOs from those that do not. Meanwhile, GMO food labelling can be confusing and misleading.
The following is a list of GMO items currently approved in 2019 for commercial production and sale in the United States:
AquAdvantage Salmon
Arctic Apple
Canola
Corn
Cotton
Eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties)
Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties)
Pineapple (pink flesh varieties)
Potato
Soybean
Squash (summer)
Sugarbeet
More items are under development and testing, but not yet approved and released for commercial use. This does not mean all members in that category are genetically modified or bioengineered. In fact, most eggplant, potatoes and summer squash are not bioengineered, but the average consumer does not know that, and bioengineered items cannot be identified based on their appearance. The new bioengineered label should help clear up some confusion.
Photo 2. Non-GMO Project label. Photo by Environmental Illness Network, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
What consumers most often see now is the Non-GMO Project label (Photo 2). Participating companies pay an annual fee to be part of the program, plus an additional fee for each item that will display the label. This is an optional verification program. The Non-GMO Project currently claims to have 3,000 participating brands and is displayed on over 50,000 items.
An aspect of the Non-GMO Project label that can be confusing is that companies can put the label on whatever they want, even if the product could not possibly contain GMO ingredients. Look again at Photo 2 and think about where you have seen this label. You can find it on products where there currently are no GMO members, such as orange juice, cranberries, mandarins or vanilla extract (Photo 3). You may also see it on products that will never contain GMOs, such as salt (Photo 4). Salt only contains minerals; there is no DNA to modify. It is also on some cat litter.
Photo 3. Common food items containing the Non-GMO Project label that currently have no GMO members. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.
Why is this label on non-GMO products? It is all about marketing. When people are at the grocery store comparing two products, the additional label is another way to stand out and convince people to put their product in the cart. It may also cause consumers to think items not displaying the label are really GMOs. Therefore, the label can be used more as a marketing tool and not a means of conveying useful information. The new bioengineered label will remove that confusion.
Photo 4. Non-GMO Project label on salt. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.
Consumers no doubt will be seeing a growing number of items with the bioengineered label since bioengineered techniques may be a necessary tool in solving future problems. This is an immediate concern for the citrus industry. A disease called citrus greening is currently devastating citrus worldwide and immunity has not been found within any citrus, and therefore may come from another plant species with the trait introduced to citrus using bioengineered techniques.
Do not quickly dismiss bioengineered techniques since they may be the only way to save or improve important segments of the agricultural industry.
The phasing in of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) bioengineered label has the goal of clearing up confusion on GMOs. Whether it achieves that goal depends on consumers making themselves familiar with what that label means. This knowledge will help them make better decisions, ease shopping stress, and allow them to focus on dietary choices that most improve their health.
Humanity has been drinking it for thousands of years. And based on the ever-growing evidence of its health benefits, there’s no reason to think we should let up anytime soon.
As Chinese legend has it, the Emperor Shennong discovered tea some 4,700 years ago when a strong wind tossed falling tea leaves into his bowl of boiling water. The emperor noticed the leaves change the water’s color and aroma. When he drank it, it soothed him.
It’s been doing that to legions of folks, princes and paupers, for eons.
The main benefits of tea are its antioxidant properties from flavonoids and catechins, but it also has other characteristics that can reduce inflammation and help with regulation of blood sugar and other systems.
Two cups of freshly brewed tea each day may protect against the development of chronic disease, while larger quantities—say, four cups a day—may lower glucose and lipid markers.
So sip away and enjoy the benefits.
Here’s what the research says:
Heart health
The most compelling evidence
is related to heart disease. As it relates to green tea and heart
health, there’s an association between lower levels of cholesterol, LDL
and triglycerides and higher levels of HDL—the “good” cholesterol.
There’s also evidence of significant lowering of systolic and diastolic
blood pressure associated with tea-drinking. Black tea in particular could contribute to a decreased incidence of heart attack.
Weight loss
Research has shown that green tea contains the ideal combination of caffeine and catechins, which work in tandem to stimulate thermogenesis. Green tea has been known to provide numerous health benefits, including the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Glycemic control
Regular consumption of green tea and black tea has been shown to
decrease fasting blood glucose, insulin levels and hemoglobin A1C. This
can lead to an increase in antioxidants and a reduction in inflammatory
cytokines that cause insulin resistance. It may also cut down on fat
accumulation from carbs.
Arthritis
Research has shown tea’s antioxidant properties cause an anti-rheumatic effect
that may improve the physical abilities of aging populations. This
includes improvements in muscle strength, balance and performance of
daily activities.
Depression
While many Americans may not be looking at tea for its health benefits, perhaps they should. There’s even been some evidence of tea’s possible role in combatting depression.
The Last Apostle: Journeys In the Lost Holy Land will air on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Community Channel 99 at midnight Friday, Dec. 6; 11pm Monday, Dec. 9, and 3pm Thursday, Dec. 12. For the past 25 years, Dr. Mark Fairchild has discovered mysteries in the Turkish countryside, including the oldest synagogue in the world. In The Last Apostle, the film follows Fairchild as he travels one of the historic routes of the apostle Paul and explores Paul’s origins. Go here for the scoop.
Booyah!
WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of Boys & Girls High School Basketball! Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on WKTV 25 @ 11pm & repeat on Wednesday @ 5pm. Every Friday game will be aired that night on WKTV 25 @ 11pm & repeat Saturday @ 11am. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99. WKTV has got you covered! Here’s the schedule.
‘Listen To The music’
Tickets are available now for four-time Grammy Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees The Doobie Brothers, who are performing in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at 7:30pm at Van Andel Arena® on their tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s founding. Go here for info.
Fun fact:
Receptionists are underpaid
You know that one scene in Raiders Of The Lost Ark where Belloq opens the Ark of the Covenant, and a ghost floats toward the camera only to turn into a hideous visage? Yeah, that one. Well, to pull off the special effects, the filmmakers outfitted a Lucasfilm receptionist in long, white robes and painted her face a “ghostly shade of blue and white.” She then sat on a flat trapeze mechanism in front of a bluescreen and swung away from camera—which was run backwards in the final film to achieve a dreamlike quality. The end result is a composite with a grotesque, skeletal model. We sure hope she was paid well.
Winter is always a tough season for trees in shrubs in Michigan. The winter of 2019-2020 is already off to rough start in some parts of the state as many locations in the eastern and southern parts set record cold temperatures during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2019. This cold snap was part of a widespread outbreak of cold weather that broke over 400 daily low temperature records in the eastern U.S. On the morning of Nov. 12, many Michigan State University Enviroweather stations in southern and eastern Michigan had low temperatures in the single digits and some approached 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The Hudson Enviroweather station in southern Michigan recorded minimum temperatures of -3.4 and -3.9 F on Nov. 12 and 13, respectively.
Why is this cold snap an issue?
Figure 1. Typical pattern of winter cold hardness development in cherry trees in Michigan. Temperatures indicate point at which bud or shoot damage will occur. Source: Pileus Project.
In discussing cold damage and plants, we have to consider not only the minimum temperature but also when the lows occurred. The temperatures that are likely to cause damage to trees and shrubs decrease as plants become progressively more cold hardy in the fall (acclimation). During this time, plant cells accumulate solutes and undergo other changes that make them better able to withstand extreme cold in January and February. As days get longer and temperatures begin to rise in the spring, these processes are reversed (dehardening) and plants begin to lose cold hardiness (Fig. 1).
In Michigan, our most common scenario for freezing damage is late winter injury that occurs in late winter/early spring when we often experience rapid warmups that increase dehardening followed by a sudden temperature drop. Occasionally, we can have extreme cold weather in January and February that can result in mid-winter injury as we saw during the Polar Vortex events in early 2013 and 2014. Even less common in Michigan is early winter injury, which occurs when plants are exposed to extreme cold before they have full acclimated in the fall.
Figure 2. Daily minimum temperatures at the MSU Extension Lapeer County office compared to the 15-year (2005-2019) average. Source: MSU Enviroweather.
Early winter injury occurs relatively frequently in places like Montana and Colorado, where 30+ degree temperature swings from one day to the next in October and November are considered the norm. In Michigan, the Great Lakes help to moderate early season incursions of Arctic-origin air into the region and we often feel less impacts from these systems. In the case of the 2019 Veterans’ Day cold snap, our temperatures had been tracking right around normal throughout October and into early November and then took a rapid nosedive (Fig. 2). In Lapeer, Michigan, for example, the low on Nov. 9 was 30 F, right at the average. By the morning of Nov. 12, the low was 0.4 F.
What impacts will this cold snap have?
We have already seen impacts of the early cold on some conifers in nursery and Christmas tree plantations. In most cases the damage has been limited to needle browning, but shoot buds still appear to be heathy. This suggests these trees will flush normally in the spring and long-term impacts will be minimal.
In landscapes, leaves on many deciduous trees and shrubs froze before they had a chance to completely senesce. Oftentimes these leaves have a wilted or water-soaked appearance. Again, the long-term impact will likely be minimal given that trees were about to shed these leaves anyway, though it’s possible buds or shoots may have been damaged on marginally hardy trees or shrubs.
The official start of winter is still a couple weeks away (Dec. 21, 2019), and a lot can—and will—happen between now and spring. Landscape plants are subject to array of stresses over the winter. In addition to extreme cold, drying winds, deicing salt exposure, mammal damage, and ice and snow loads can all impact trees and shrubs over the winter. The current three-month outlook from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center indicates near normal mean temperatures throughout the Great Lakes region (Fig. 3). Of course, normal in this region still includes heavy snows, sub-zero lows and high winds. Moreover, severe weather events, which cause the biggest issues for trees and shrubs, are difficult to capture in long-range forecasts. As with most years, the ultimate gauge of winter’s impact on our landscapes will be apparent in April and May.
There will be lots of photo ops with Santa and kids at Woodland Mall this season.
By Woodland Mall
After opening the new Von Maur wing, first-to-market retailers and The Cheesecake Factory this fall, Woodland Mall continues its celebrations into the holiday season with a packed schedule of events for all to enjoy.
Photos with Santa, princess and Star Wars-themed events, live music and gift-wrapping fundraisers will deck the halls and help spread holiday cheer at Woodland Mall now to the new year.
“With festive decorations, extended hours and a variety of activities fit for the season, Woodland Mall is a fun destination for shoppers of all ages to get into the holiday spirit,” said Marketing Director Cecily McCabe. “This year especially has been a continuous celebration with all the wonderful new retailers, restaurants and features we have added.
“We’re excited to multiply the magic of the holidays for those re-experiencing Woodland Mall and all it has to offer this season.”
Photos with Santa for Everyone
As one of the most iconic holiday events, Santa Claus returns to his seat in the heart of the Arctic Forest, which is located in Center Court this year, ready to take photos with shoppers of all ages through Christmas Eve. Visitors can also visit with Ursa, the enormous 12-foot polar bear decked with thousands of holiday lights, while they wait to see Santa.
Families are welcome to bring their “fur babies” along for photos with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 16. Feathered, whiskered and hooved pets are welcome too. Santa has heard Christmas wishes from cats, chickens and even goats! All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.
Star Wars, Princess and other themed events
Insta Holiday — Shoppers are invited to Insta Holiday at Woodland Mall, a three day-event packed with activities you will love. Events include glow-in-the-mall silent discos hosted by WSNX with DJ CHOFF, a selfie scavenger hunt, sequin wall art contest and multiple chances to receive giveaways and win concert tickets.
The event will take place Dec. 12-14 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Snowflake Social — Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Woodland Mall is getting into the holiday spirit with fun for all ages! Enjoy a festive Starbucks hot chocolate with all the fun toppings at our hot cocoa bar, festive activities with Kent District Library, winter wonderland crafts and live holiday music from the Salvation Army Band. Guests can also receive a light-up candy cane with a visit to Santa Claus, while supplies last.
Winter Princess Party with Santa — Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a winter wonderland party for your favorite little princess. Attendees will get to meet three real winter princesses, enjoy a wintry take-home craft, enjoy live holiday music, make their own princess crown and receive a light-up princess wand. For exclusive access into this enchanted event, guests can simply purchase any Santa Photo Package now through Dec. 12 and present the receipt. Visit shopwoodlandmall.com/holiday to skip the lines and purchase a fast-pass for photos with Santa.
Star Wars Day — Woodland Mall is calling all Star Wars fans to dress up as their favorite hero or villain on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. for Star Wars Character Day. Participants will have the chance to meet and interact with 10 Star Wars characters, who will also be available for photos.
Enjoy holiday music
The Salvation Army Band will also perform in the Macy’s wing on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 to 12 p.m.
Additionally, Von Maur will host a holiday jazz concert on Dec. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. for shoppers to enjoy while selecting the perfect gifts for loved ones.
Get gifts wrapped for a good cause
To tie everything together, the Purple Community Gift Wrapping Fundraiser will take place on the weekends of Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 in the JCPenney wing near Altar’d State. Shoppers are invited to bring gifts large and small on those Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to be wrapped in exchange for a cash donation benefitting the Van Andel Institute’s biomedical research and science education.
The mall will have special extended hours to ensure that guests are able to get all their shopping completed before the holiday. Please visit shopwoodlandmall.com for a full list of updated holiday hours.
The next time you’re in a public place, look around.
Notice how many people are hunched over using mobile devices.
Poor posture while constantly looking down at a cell phone places a lot of strain on the neck, or cervical spine. It’s called ‘text neck.’
And, according to a recent reports, it can result in permanent harm.
“When the head is upright, the upper part of the spine is correctly aligned for minimal stress on the muscles, bones and discs in the neck,” explained Nuala Crotty, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with the Spectrum Health Medical Group. “But when you drop the chin to the chest for long periods, you increase stress on the cervical spine and strain the muscles at the back of your neck.”
Just how much wear and tear does this constant downward gaze put on the neck muscles?
The head weighs about 10 to 12 pounds. For every inch the head tilts forward, the weight or pressure on the cervical spine increases. Bending your head forward at a 60 degree angle, for example, results in almost 60 pounds of stress weight on a neck structure that’s designed to handle much less. That’s like carrying a small child around on your neck all day.
With smartphone users now spending an average of two to four hours a day with their heads dropped down, this results in 700 to 1,400 hours a year of excess wear and tear on the cervical spine, according to the research.
Over time, this much stress can do a lot of damage. Muscles and tissues become strained, sore and inflamed, causing headaches, neck, upper back, shoulder and arm pain.
According to Dr. Crotty, if left uncorrected, text neck can lead to chronic neck pain and an increased risk of disc herniation and neck arthritis. Poor posture also decreases lung volume, interfering with the ability to breathe deeply.
“The first step is to be aware of how you hold your body while using technology,” she said. “And then, take steps to prevent problems by practicing good posture and neck alignment.”
Dr. Crotty offers these tips to avoid feeling the crunch:
Hold devices up, at eye level, as much as possible.
Take regular breaks from phones and laptops throughout the day.
Draw your shoulder blades together gently. This will naturally pull your head back and align your spine.
Tuck in your chin and gently lengthen your neck. Imagine a string at
the top or crown of your head, pulling it straight up to the ceiling.
Roll or shrug your shoulders a few times and move your neck in different directions to prevent muscles from becoming tight.
See a doctor if neck pain does not go away or if it’s associated with pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your shoulder, arm or hands.
As we approach the midst of winter and prepare for cold weather, it is important not to forget our feathered friends outside. While many species travel south to survive the winter, many other bird species stay here. We bundle up in layers of shirts, sweaters, warm winter coats, hats, scarfs and mittens. But how do our feathered friends stay warm?
Birds are warm-blooded creatures just like us. They maintain a body temperature of approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit but have the ability to adapt their body temperatures, keeping most of their heat around their vital organs and lowering their body temperature around the extremities. Some bird species also have the ability to lower their body temperature during the nighttime, to help survive the cold, frosty nights.
Birds also have many adaptations that help them stay warm. Smaller birds seek shelter in dense foliage or crevices, huddle together, puff up their feathers and tuck in their head and feet. Bigger birds, geese for example, develop an additional layer of down feathers to help insulate them. In addition, all non-migrating birds put on fat in the preparation for the winter months, as this acts as insulator and energy source to survive the winter in northern climates. According to Audubon Magazine, up to 10 percent of a bird’s body weight may be fat in certain species, such as chickadees and finches.
To maintain this high fat density, birds need to spend most of their days seeking high-energy food, which can be scarce in nature during the winter. A simple way to help our feathered friends during the cold season is to hang up bird feeders. Feeding birds is a fun family activity that teaches kids about and to appreciate nature. The more you will get into bird feeding, the more you and your family will enjoy it. Keep a bird field guide on hand and identify the species you see at the feeders.
To attract a diversity of birds, set out a variety of bird feeders with different types of food. A tube feeder with perches filled with black sunflower and an assortment of seeds will attract finches and chickadees. Hopper-type bird feeders filled with sunflower and safflower seeds will attract birds such as cardinals and blue jays. Suet feeders will attract woodpeckers. For more information on what types of bird feeders and seed to use to attract different species, view the Audubon Guide to Winter Bird Feeding. The bird feeders you use don’t need to be expensive – the Madison Audubon Society developed a simple guide to making bird feeders out of recycled materials.
Birds not only need food in the winter but they also need fresh water and shelter. When thinking about changing or adding to your landscape, consider choosing bird-friendly, native plants. Evergreens provide shelter, seed heads and berries, which provide additional food. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a wonderful resource for birding enthusiasts, both the novice and advanced, and provides resources on feeding, landscaping, building nest boxes and much more.
If you really are getting into birding, consider participating in project feeder watch, which is a survey of birds that visit feeders in backyards, nature centers, etc. Feeder watchers periodically count the birds at their feeders from November to April and send the data to Project Feeder Watch. This helps scientists to get a broader picture of bird species, their abundance and movement during the winter months.
If you’d like to turn your birding interest into a 4-H club project, Michigan State University Extension has the resources and tools you need. So enjoy birding this winter! No matter if you do it on a small scale with your family, or on a bigger scale as a volunteer with a group of youth, you will teach youth an understanding and appreciation of nature.
Andy Williams repeatedly croons through retail sound systems, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
But for those whose companion animals have died and will not be home for Christmas or Hanukkah, it can, instead, be one of the most painful times of the year.
Whether this is the first holiday season you’ve experienced without your beloved companion animal, or the season has come and gone several times since her death, it can be particularly difficult.
This year, consider giving yourself a gift. Gift yourself with permission, quiet time and sacred space. Allow yourself to remember your companion animal and be fully present without judgment to all the emotions such remembering evokes. Sadness and tears, anger and pangs of guilt, joy and laughter.
Here are just a few “gift” ideas:
Light a candle
Treat yourself to a beautiful candle. Find a meaningful place in your home to place it during the season, perhaps next to a favorite photograph of your companion animal. Set aside daily time — even five or ten minutes — to light it, allowing yourself to be enveloped by its warmth. Reflect upon your time together, focusing on your gratitude for and the lessons learned from your companion’s life being part of your journey.
Have a heartfelt talk
During your candlelit moments, if the spirit moves you, have a conversation. Out loud. Or journal. Share with your companion animal whatever is on your mind. You may have feelings bottled up inside that have never been spoken. Perhaps the circumstances of your companion animal’s death continue to haunt you. Perhaps you’re considering or struggling with adopting another animal. Perhaps the loss triggers unresolved grief from earlier losses.
Share your companion animal’s items
Items that belonged to your companion animal — a toy with which she played, a blanket in which she snuggled, clothing with her scent, like a ThunderShirt — are often all that’s physically left behind and can be very difficult to part with. If you’re ready, the giving season may be the right time to share some or all of them.
Make a dedication
Volunteer your service or make a donation to a shelter or other animal-related organization in your companion animal’s name. For many years, I have made donations to Wings of Wonder, a raptor rehabilitation organization, as memorial gifts. The group sends a picture of the screech owl who will be released into the wild, soaring on her own wings, to the grieving family.
Create a scrapbook
If you haven’t already done so, create a scrapbook of or fill a box with favorite photos, writings and other memorabilia that remind you of your companion animal.
Visit a special place
Visit a special place — a dog park, a walking trail – that was special for you and your companion animal. Gently care for the space while there. Before returning home, you may want to leave something behind as a tribute — a flower or a favorite treat for the lucky animal who happens upon it first. Such acts are powerful healing tools. There were so many items left at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial site in Washington DC, the National Park Service eventually hired people to collect and catalogue them, and later opened the Museum Resource Center, a climate-controlled warehouse, to store them.
Attend a blue Christmas service
Many Christian churches, especially in West Michigan, now have special services in early December designed especially for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Continue to live and love
While grieving plays an important role in healing, our companion animals, I believe, would want us to continue living and loving. Decorate your home. Hang your companion’s stocking and fill it with items to be given to a shelter or other animal advocacy organization. Most importantly, surround yourself with the love of others — other companion animals and people who respect your love for and loss of your companion animal.
Animal advocate and attorney Ginny Mikita is the founder of Animal Blessings, an organization dedicated to honoring the sacred worth of all animals. Mikita’s companion animal loss support services include facilitating a monthly Companion Animal Loss Grief Support Group, officiating an annual Memorial Service in December, writing grief columns for local publications and speaking at gatherings — local and national — of animal care and protection professionals. Additionally, Mikita regularly officiates Blessings of the Animals in both religious and secular environments.
