Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

Two groups join forces to celebrate the life of NASA astronaut Roger B. Chaffee

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Roger B. Chaffee (Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Museum)

By Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that Roger That! is returning this February for the fourth year. Roger That!celebrates space exploration and the life of Grand Rapids native, Roger B. Chaffee, with a multi-day experience, featuring STEM school programming and a public celebration at the GRPM and an academic and public conference at Grand Valley State University (GVSU).

The two-part event will feature speeches both days by NASA astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave, who was the only astronaut to fly on every shuttle that went into space. The free academic conference on Friday, Feb. 14 will include a keynote from Alice Bowman, one of the leaders of a mission that explored Pluto, along with programs for school groups and breakout sessions. School groups are invited for STEM programming on Friday, Feb. 14 at the GRPM, followed by public programming on Saturday, February 15.

GRPM Public Celebration 

Join the GRPM for Roger That!on Saturday, Feb. 15.Visitors will learn more about Roger B. Chaffee and space exploration with hands-on activities including a jet propulsion activity, gazing at the daytime sky with telescopes, creating underwater ROVs, interacting with space artifacts and much more! 

Community partners will engage with visitors through hands-on activities. New this year, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) and YETi CGI will join returning partners, Kent District Library (KDL), the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA), the GVSU Padnos College of Engineering, GVSU Physics Club and the GVSU Lunar Lakers. 

Activities will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the GRPM. Activities are included with general admission. Planetarium shows take place every hour and are $4 per person; free for Museum members. For planetarium show schedules and to purchase tickets, visit grpm.org/planetarium.

Dr. Story Musgrave (NASA)

Astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave: From Farm Kid to Trauma Surgeon to Rocketman and Way Beyond

  

Astronaut Dr. Franklin Story Musgrave will present From Farm Kid to Trauma Surgeon to Rocketman and Way Beyond as part of Roger That! on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. in the GRPM’s Meijer Theater. Theater doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are free and must be reserved in advance at grpm.org/RogerThat. Limited tickets available. Following the presentation, there will be a meet and greet opportunity with Dr. Musgrave.

 

Dr. Musgrave is an American physician and a retired National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut. He is a public speaker and consultant to both Disney’s Imagineering group and Applied Minds in California. 

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Musgrave earned an impressive list of academic credentials, including a combination of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics, operations analysis, chemistry, literature and physiology, as well as a medical degree from Columbia University. As an expert on cardiovascular and exercise physiology, Musgrave was selected by NASA to serve on future space missions.

 

Musgrave’s first space mission was on STS-6, the maiden flight of the Challengerspace shuttle (April 1983). Musgrave’s most important mission came in December 1993, where he led a crew in a successful effort to repair the faultily constructed Hubble Space Telescope. In addition to Musgrave’s impressive work history, he also published several scientific papers on aerospace medicine, exercise physiology and other subjects. Musgrave retired from NASA in 1997.

 

Roger B. Chaffee By NASA/photographer unknown – NASA [1] Great Images in NASA Description, Public Domain

Academic, Public Conference at Grand Valley State University

 

Join GVSU for a free, public academic conference on Friday, Feb. 14, including keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and celebrating Valentine’s Day with an educational “Love Story” theme. Those interested in attending should register at gvsu.edu/rogerthat.

GSVU will kick off the Roger That! academic conference with keynote speaker Alice Bowman, the Mission Operations Manager for New Horizons, presenting New Horizons: Exploring the Icy Heart of Pluto and Beyond at 11 a.m. Bowman’s presentation will highlight the watery elements of Pluto, theories of a subsurface water ocean and discuss the Sputnik Planitia ice field on Pluto, the most famous “heart” in the Kuiper Belt.

 

A plenary session will be held at 2:30 p.m., featuring guests from the Adler Planetarium and Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. The session will discuss Aquarius, a citizen-scientist program that allows students and scientists to work together, using underwater robots and additional technology, to search for pieces of a 600-pound meteorite that splashed into Lake Michigan in February 2017.

 

Following, Astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave will present The Way of Water: Essential, Engaged, Energetic, Adaptable, Cohesive, Transparent, Creative, Flowing, Synergistic, Multidimensional, Unbeatable and Beautifulat 5:30 p.m. in GVSU’s Loosemore Auditorium.

Additionally, GVSU will host an honorary dinner for Alice Bowman and Dr. Story Musgrave at the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown, followed by a special showing of Space School in the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium. Tickets to the dinner are $25 and can be purchased at gvsu.edu/rogerthat.

Roger B. Chaffee and the Apollo Tragedy

 

On Jan. 27, 1967, tragedy struck NASA’s Apollo program when a flash fire occurred in command module 012 during a launch pad test of the Apollo/Saturn space vehicle being prepared for the first piloted flight, the AS-204 mission. Three astronauts, Lt. Col. Virgil I. Grissom, a veteran of Mercury and Gemini missions; Lt. Col. Edward H. White, the astronaut who had performed the first United States extravehicular activity during the Gemini program; and Grand Rapids Native Roger B. Chaffee, an astronaut preparing for his first spaceflight, died in this tragic accident. The Grand Rapids Public Museum renamed its planetarium to the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium the same year. The Planetarium was originally opened in 1994 and has gone through renovations to provide the best experience for Planetarium visitors.

Roger B. Chaffee, born in Grand Rapids, was an American naval officer and aviator, aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut in the Apollo program.

ICCF looks for volunteers to help make homes move-in ready

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The tan and white home at 4827 Walton Ave. SW is not anything fancy, just a simple little bungalow. The 1,384-square-foot home, located near Kelloggsville High School, has three bedrooms, two downstairs and one upstairs; a bathroom with tub and shower, living room, kitchen, a fenced off backyard, and a basement that could be easily finished off.

All it needs is some landscaping, paint, new vinyl floors, and refinishing the existing hardwood floors to make it move in ready for one of the numerous families on the Inner City Christian Federation’s waiting-for-homes list.

“It’s been a great home for 70 years and it could be again,” said Chris Hall, the community homes initiative manager for the Inner City Christian Federation.

ICCF has about 250 homes in its Community Homes Initiative, many of which only need simple maintenance and repair, such as plastering and painting, to become livable again. These were homes the organization acquired in 2017-2018 through philanthropic efforts, returning the homes to local management, said Michelle Covington, ICCF’s vice president of advancement.

 

“When you think of Grand Rapids right now, it is a hot city,” Covington said. “It is one of the hottest zip codes in the city and so what happens is the home rates and rentals rise.”

By purchasing the large portfolio, ICCF’s goal is that homes remain affordable for low and moderate income households.

“Once we move someone out of the shelter into a home, it is only about day to repaint and do repairs at the shelter before someone else moves in,” Hall said as an illustration of the need for affordable housing.

“The key to the success is that we renovate these homes,” Covington said, adding to do that ICCF needs volunteers willing to help.

Chris Hall outside the Walton Street home discussing some of the needs to get the house move-in ready. (WKTV)



Most of what is needed is basic, patching walls, painting, cleaning, painting the trim, and landscaping, to make the homes safe, energy efficient, and affordable.

“You do not need to be a professional builder to do these types of things” Hall said, adding that ICCF already has had professionals come in for any major repair work.

 

For example, in the Walton Street home, the kitchen walls need plaster and paint and the moldings need to be washed and painted to transform the room into a nice living space.

Hall noted that a group of eight to 10 individuals could easily complete the work necessary in a few days.

 

“We have plenty of opportunities for this type of work if you are interested in helping to tackle this affordable housing crisis,” Covington said.

The homes are scattered throughout Wyoming and the Greater Grand Rapids area. The portfolio also included some homes in the Lansing area as well.

For more information on the Community Homes Initiative, visit the Inner City Christian Federation’s website, iccf,org.

Michigan Open Meetings Act: Understanding closed sessions

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By John Amrhein, Michigan State University Extension


In this article series which includes “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: An introduction” and “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details,” you will learn more about the Open Meetings Act in depth.


The Open Meetings Act provides 11 circumstances where a meeting may be closed to the public. These sessions must be called by a roll call vote of those elected and serving. This requires a majority of the total board, not just those present at the meeting. For a nine-member board, this means five votes in favor of the closed session regardless of how many are in attendance at the meeting. The roll call and the purpose of the closed session go into the minutes of the open meeting. The public body can only deliberate in the closed session. Decisions must be voted on in an open session.


Some of the closed session purposes require a two-thirds vote to approve going into the closed session. These are indicated below by “(2/3)” after the purpose. The 11 closed session purposes are:

  1. Personnel matters, if requested by the individual, and the individual may rescind the request at any time, but cannot then request to go back into closed session.
  2. Student discipline, if requested by the student, or their parent or guardian, with the same one time restriction as #1.
  3. Collective bargaining negotiations, if requested by either party.
  4. Purchase or lease of real estate up until the time an option to purchase or lease is obtained. (2/3)
  5. Attorney consultation on specific pending litigation. (2/3)
  6. Review of applications for employment or appointment, if the candidate requests confidentiality. Interviews must be held in open meetings.
  7. Partisan caucuses of members of the state legislature.
  8. Consideration of material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute. This includes materials exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, such as written opinions from the board’s attorney. (2/3)
  9. Department of Commerce health code compliance conference.
  10. Certain meetings in the search for a university president, if the search process meets several specific criteria spelled out in the act.
  11. School boards to consider security planning.

Minutes of closed sessions are kept by the clerk for at least one year and one day following the regular meeting at which the closed session was approved, and longer if it is the subject of current litigation. These notes are not available to the public. Individuals requesting closed sessions may not later request that the closed session minutes be made available to the public.

The Michigan State House of Representatives in Lansing, Michigan
CREDIT: USER CEDARBENDDRIVE / FLICKR

The spirit of the Open Meetings Act is to make government open and accessible to the people. People have the right to attend a meeting of any public body unless the meeting falls under one of the eleven statutory exceptions.


The full text of the Open Meetings Act is available online from the Michigan Legislature website. This site also provides access to all Michigan laws.


The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Michigan has for many years published an excellent Open Meetings Act Handbook, which can be found here.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).




Got insomnia? Watch your heart health

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People with a genetic predisposition to insomnia had a higher risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke that affected large blood vessels, according to a recent study. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Serena Gordon, HealthDay


If you spend a lot of nights watching the clock instead of sleeping, new research suggests you may need to be as concerned about your heart health as you are about lost shut-eye.


People with genetic variants linked to insomnia have an increased risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke, according to the study.


“Good sleep is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” said study author Susanna Larsson. She’s from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.


“A potential explanation for our observed associations between insomnia and heart disease and stroke is that insomnia problems potentially lead to the metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, increased body weight and type 2 diabetes, which increase the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke,” she said.


Insomnia affects up to 30% of the general population, the study authors said. More than 200 genetic variants are associated with insomnia complaints.


For the new study, the researchers looked at health information on more than 1.3 million people in Europe. The investigators compared whether or not genetic variants linked to insomnia were also associated with the risk of heart conditions and stroke.


The study found that people with a genetic predisposition to insomnia had a higher risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke that affected large blood vessels. Other types of stroke were not increased.


The researchers also noted that the risk of a potentially dangerous irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation wasn’t linked to insomnia.


Certain conditions, including heart disease and risk factors for heart disease, such as sleep apnea, may cause difficulty sleeping—and that makes it hard to tease out which condition comes first.


But, that’s a strength of this research, Larsson said.


Because they used genetic information to define insomnia instead of symptoms, it’s easier to see if sleep woes are directly related to the increased risk of heart problems and stroke.


There’s a flip side to that argument, however.


Because it’s not clear if the study volunteers actually had sleep troubles, or if they just had genes that made insomnia more likely, it’s hard to say if insomnia symptoms are truly the cause of these heart concerns and strokes.


Dr. John Osborne, an American Heart Association spokesperson and director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology in Southlake, Texas, said he won’t be losing any sleep over the findings.


“It’s interesting and they used a powerful statistical technique that appears to be pretty accurate at identifying causal relationships. But the study didn’t identify how severe insomnia was or if people just have a tendency to insomnia,” he explained.


And, he said, the links they did find between insomnia and other conditions were only weak associations. Plus, the study was done in a European population. The findings may not be the same in more diverse groups of people.


Still, both experts said it’s a good idea to get the sleep you need for your health.


Larsson suggested that “individuals with poor sleep should try to change their habits and reduce stress in order to improve their sleep. Our genetic make-up has only a very minor influence on our risk of insomnia, which is mainly driven by behaviors, stress and other environmental factors.”


Osborne said stress management can help with sleep, as can avoiding stimulating substances like cigarettes and caffeine. He said to talk to your primary care doctor if you’re having a lot of trouble getting a full night’s sleep.


The study was published recently in the journal Circulation.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



SpartanNash adds 22 nutrition, lifestyle attributes to store labels

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By Lauren DeVol
SpartanNash

To make the healthy choice the easy choice and enable store guests to quickly and easily identify products that fit their lifestyle and nutrition needs, SpartanNash today introduced Nutrition Pathways. Nutrition Pathways are 22 nutrition and lifestyle attributes designed to help SpartanNash customers more easily identify heart healthy, sustainable, nothing artificial, organic and other key product features in store and on shopthefastlane.com.

In Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market and VG’s Grocery stores, Nutrition Pathways attributes are now displayed at the bottom of all shelf tags, allowing store guests to quickly see up to four key attributes for every product. Martin’s Super Markets, Forest Hills Foods, Family Fresh Market, Dan’s Supermarket and all other SpartanNash-owned stores will launch Nutrition Pathways by March 2020.



“Our customers are looking for healthier choices – but it can be time consuming to read through nutrition facts panels and ingredient lists and difficult to know exactly what fits into your diet,” Chief Merchandising and Marketing Executive Lori Raya said. “With Nutrition Pathways, we’ve done all the hard work for you, so your shopping trips can be quick, convenient and, most importantly, fit within your lifestyle or wellness journey.”

SpartanNash Regional Wellness Specialists used industry standards as well as evidence-based nutrition guidelines to create the definition for each Nutrition Pathway. Many of the pathways highlight the most nutritious foods on the journey to well-being – whether store guests are managing a health condition, following a food lifestyle or just wanting to make healthier choices.

Consumers generally shop for products based on four stages of wellness2:

  1. General Wellness: Customers care about everyday healthy choices and eating a variety of foods.
  2. Sustainability: Customers care about the environment, how products are made, grown or raised and appreciate food transparency.
  3. Ailments: Customers’ shopping habits revolve around ailments such as heart disease or diabetes that drive them to eat or not eat certain foods, so they read labels and ingredient lists.
  4. Life Stage: Customers want to live longer and stay healthier by making smarter choices.

“What we eat is a huge contributor to many chronic diseases, and eating a healthier diet helps prevent and treat many of these conditions,” said Barbara Karenko, DO, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “Food works as preventative medicine to keep us healthy and is essential to a person’s well-being.”

Nutrition Pathways key attributes include: 



  • Heart healthy – This product is considered ‘heart healthy’ by the American Heart Association (AHA) and contains less than 10 grams of added sugar per serving.
  • Five or less ingredients – This product has five or fewer ingredients.
  • High fiber – This product has at least five grams of fiber per serving.
  • Whole grain – The first ingredient in this product is a whole grain. 
  • No added sugar – This product does not contain any added sugar. 
  • Low sodium – This product has 140 mg or less sodium per serving. 
  • Good source protein – This product contains at least five grams of protein.
  • Gluten free – This product is gluten-free. 
  • Nut free – This product is free of tree nuts and peanuts.
  • Lactose free – This product does not contain any lactose.
  • Non-dairy – This product does not contain dairy or milk ingredients.
  • Free from – This product is free from the eight major allergens (milk, eggs, shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy), antibiotics, high fructose corn syrup, hormones, partially hydrogenated oil ingredients, pesticides, nitrates and nitrates.
  • Nothing artificial – This product does not contain artificial color, artificial flavor, artificial sweetener or artificial preservatives.
  • Vegan (plant-based) – This product does not contain animal by-products or any animal ingredients.
  • Kosher – This product is Kosher. 
  • Organic – This product is considered organic. 
  • Non-GMO – This product does not contain any genetically modified (GMO) ingredients.
  • Sustainable – This product has one of the following claims and/or certifications: B Corp, Biobased, BPA Free, Carbon Footprint, Dolphin Safe, Environmentally Friendly, Ethical, Fair Trade, Forest Stewardship Council, FSC, Marine Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance Cert, Sustainable Farming, Sustainable Fishing, Sustainable Forest Initiative, Sustainable Packaging, Sustainable Seafood or Wild Caught.
  • Fragrance free – This product does not contain fragrance ingredients based on a derived analysis of the ingredient statement or makes a fragrance-free claim. You will find this pathway in the Beauty Care, Baby Care and Household Cleaners sections.
  • Hypoallergenic – This product claims to be hypoallergenic. You will find this pathway in the Beauty Care, Baby Care and Household Cleaners sections.
  • Paraben free – This product does not contain paraben ingredients based on a derived analysis of the ingredient statement or makes a paraben-free claim. You will find this pathway in the Beauty Care, Baby Care and Household Cleaners sections.
  • Meat first – The first ingredient in the ingredients statement of this product is identified to be a meat-containing ingredient. You will find this pathway in the Pet Food section.


On shopthefastlane.com – SpartanNash’s proprietary, intuitive online grocery shopping solution available at 70 stores in six states – all Nutrition Pathways attributes are listed, allowing customers to filter products based on their lifestyles and nutrition needs. 



Nutrition Pathways is part of SpartanNash’s “Living Well” initiatives, which also include an ever-growing assortment of organic offerings, free and reduced-cost prescriptions at their pharmacies, Kids Crew programming and Regional Wellness Specialists who serve company-owned retail stores and communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and the greater Omaha, Neb. area.



Wellness Specialists work with community partners and healthcare organizations to raise awareness about programs such as Nutrition Pathways and provide resources about nutrition and optimal food choices.

1 Nielsen Global Health and Ingredient-Sentiment Survey. (2016, August 30). Retrieved December 30, 2019, from https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2016/whats-in-our-food-and-on-our-minds/#.

2 What’s in our food and on our mind. (2016, August). Retrieved December 30, 2019, from https://www.nielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/global-ingredient-and-out-of-home-dining-trends-aug-2016.pd

SpartanNash named among 2020 Military Friendly Brands

Citizen Journalism, , , ,



By Lauren DeVol
SpartanNash

SpartanNash today announced it has been named among the nation’s 2020 Top 10 Military Friendly® Brands, earning sixth place out of more than 60 organizations. The annual list is compiled by VIQTORY, whose mission is to provide veterans and their spouses with the finest choices for employment opportunities.

The Military Friendly® Brands designation, one of four components of the Military Friendly® Companies ratings, measures a company’s social and material investment in support of the military and veteran community, including consumer supports and protections. Organizations earning the Military Friendly® Brand designation were evaluated using public data sources, personal feedback from military community members and responses from VIQTORY’s proprietary survey.

“We are honored to be named a Military Friendly Brand, because it reinforces our commitment to building stronger communities,” Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources and Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer Yvonne Trupiano said. “At SpartanNash, one of our core values is patriotism, and we are deeply committed to serving our military heroes and their families, whether it is as a part of our family of associates or in the communities we serve.”

This is the first year SpartanNash has been named a Military Friendly® Brand. The company was previously honored as a Military Friendly® Employer in both 2019 and 2020, earning Bronze status in 2020.

SpartanNash and its charitable giving arm, the SpartanNash Foundation, are committed to supporting military heroes in their local communities, raising funds and awareness for a variety of nonprofit organizations that provide vital services to veterans and their families.

In 2019, the SpartanNash Foundation granted more than $350,000 to organizations that are making an impact in the lives of our military veterans, active duty personnel and their families. Through partnerships with local and national organizations – including Team Red, White & Blue, Operation Homefront, Vetshouse, Give an Hour, Fisher House Foundation and Honor and Remember – the SpartanNash Foundation has provided critical financial assistance to military families, opportunities for veterans to engage in community service opportunities, free mental health services and has honored the memory of those who have fallen.

Additionally, SpartanNash associates volunteered more than 1,500 hours with military organizations and veterans service organizations of their choosing in 2019.

As a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries and exchanges around the world, SpartanNash currently employs more than 750 military veterans, Reservists and National Guardsmen, in addition to many Blue and Gold Star family members throughout the company. SpartanNash also offers an employee resource group, SNVETS, which focuses on supporting, networking, volunteering, educating, training and serving military associates, their families and veterans in the community.

For more information about SpartanNash’s commitment to our military heroes, visit spartannash.com/foundation.

The Military Friendly® Company survey investigates and identifies the organizations whose commitment to serving the military and veteran community is comprehensive in scope and meaningful in terms of actual outcomes and impact. From hiring and career advancement to customer service and charitable investment, organizations earning the Military Friendly® Brand designation were evaluated using both public and government data sources with responses from a comprehensive survey completed by the employer.

More than 60 companies were named Military Friendly® Brands for 2020.

Low blood sugar can be a concern, too

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A Spectrum Health Diabetes Educator shows two glucose monitoring devices that are available for patients. (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)

By Jon Ziomek, Spectrum Health Beat


Diabetes is the body’s inability to properly process sugar, causing blood sugar to rise to unhealthy, sometimes dangerous, levels.


But the opposite problem—low blood sugar—can be a concern for people with diabetes, too.


About 60 percent of people with diabetes have had episodes of low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, according to a national survey by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Of those people, 19 percent went to an emergency room.


“The prevalence is huge, and patients are concerned about it,” said Evan Sisson, PharmD, MHA, and a certified diabetes educator and former American Association of Diabetes Educators board member.


But the survey also showed that many patients “don’t know how to recognize hypoglycemia, and what to do if they do have it,” Dr. Sisson added.


A surprisingly high percentage of the survey’s respondents—nearly one-fifth—didn’t know how to define low blood sugar.


The number of patients who are unaware of low blood sugar treatment, or not properly treating low blood sugar, is worrisome to medical professionals because they demonstrate high patient concern but low knowledge.


When addressed properly at the first sign of symptoms, hypoglycemia can be little more than a minor annoyance. But if ignored, the symptoms become significantly worse—sluggishness, mental confusion, loss of consciousness.


Low blood sugar symptoms—the alarm signals include feeling shaky or sweaty, hungry or nauseated, or having a pounding heart—can begin when glucose levels drop to 70 milligrams per deciliter, or lower.


“Several factors put patients at increased risk of hypoglycemia,” said Annie House, a certified diabetes educator and diabetes education program coordinator at Spectrum Health Medical Group.


These factors include: too much diabetes medicine, too little food, or unplanned activity such as extra exercise in the summer or snow shoveling during the winter—any of which can use up much of the body’s glucose supply.


“Diabetes educators know to screen patients for these things and discuss the symptoms, treatment and methods of preventing low blood sugar,” House explained.


She added that modern technology is helping with such increasingly popular devices as continuous glucose monitors, which can warn patients electronically if their blood sugar is getting too low.


Dr. Sisson emphasized the importance of people with diabetes staying alert to their body’s changes.


“We’d like people to stay tuned to what their bodies are telling them,” he said. “Being able to anticipate changes in our body’s blood sugar from various activities, or from a missed meal or snack, is an important skill that comes from discipline and vigilance. And it’s important to include a patient’s medical professional in this effort.”


House said the diabetes professionals at Spectrum Health often bring up the subject of hypoglycemia during patient assessments. People with diabetes should ask their medical team about the impact of glucose medication or activities on blood sugar levels, just as a primary care provider may want to remind patients to check blood glucose before or after any physical activity, and to have appropriate snacks readily available if glucose levels fall.


Don’t be shy about this.


“When I talk with patients, one of the things I try to highlight is that hypoglycemia is a common issue,” Dr. Sisson said. “For that matter, diabetes itself is common. They’re not the odd person out. They’re not alone.”


Including a patient’s entire medical team to help develop a disciplined approach to monitoring symptoms is strongly recommended.


“We believe the patient is part of their own team,” Dr. Sisson said. “The take-home message for us in this survey is that more education is needed all the way around.”


House noted that the subject of hypoglycemia is covered, in depth, in Spectrum Health diabetes group classes, which are covered by most insurance plans.


“Hearing other people’s experiences resonates well,” she said. “Someone else’s story can have a big impact on another patient’s personal behaviors.”


By consistently monitoring their blood sugar and working with a diabetes educator, people can manage their diabetes and minimize the incidence of low blood sugar.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Free 2020 West Michigan ‘Carefree Travel Guide’ introduces you to the best of West Michigan

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By West Michigan Tourist Association

When you’re ready to start dreaming of warmer weather and summer trips, pick up a free copy of the new West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide for inspiration! The brand-new 2020 edition of the guide is now available both digitally and by mail, at no cost.



This free guide is available from the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) for viewing online, or travelers may request that a free copy be mailed to them, both at the following web address: http://www.wmta.org/about-wmta/request-free-travel-info/

Whether you’re thinking about visiting, you’re spending a few days in the area, or you live in West Michigan, the Carefree Travel Guide is an excellent resource to help you get out and explore the many things that West Michigan has to offer.

“Let us inspire your dining while you’re here, or help you find a B&B or a hotel with an outstanding breakfast offering. If you’re traveling with your pet, we can help you plan a trip they can enjoy right alongside you,” says Dan Sippel, WMTA’s Executive Director. In addition, the guide contains information on area trails, local arts, beaches, lighthouses, and much more.

You’ll also find maps throughout the guide, making it easy to find which breweries, wineries, boating spots, golf courses, and more will be near your destination.

Want to get a real-time look at West Michigan? Check out our gallery of live West Michigan cameras, where you can see what’s happening around the area right now! You’ll find all of the live camera feeds at WMTA.org/Live-West-Michigan-Camera-Gallery.

Start planning your trip when you request you free copy of the guide, and access WMTA.org on your computer or mobile device to get updates on events happening throughout the year, and to find out what’s going on where you are.

If you are a business who would like to request a large quantity of Carefree Travel Guides for distribution (free of charge), please contact Judy@WMTA.org to arrange delivery.

Photo of the Week: It’s a Bird, It’s a Barn

Citizen Journalism



This week’s photo is a second photo from TJ Norris in the Barn Art series in the Port Austin area, which is located in the Michigan’s thumb. This picture is of “Walden” by Hygienic Dress League. “Walden” can be seen from the road and is meant to mimic the kind advertisements that used to appear on barn sides. The work is one of a number of art pieces in the the Port Austin area that utilizes old barns. To learn more about barn art in the thumb, click here.

Do you have a picture you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Send it to joanne@wktv.org or share it on our Facebook page, WKTV Community Media.

ICCF’s newest project includes apartments for homeless youth

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming
The building at 501 Eastern Ave. SE will have 17 units dedicated to homeless youth. (Supplied)

By Inner City Christian Federation

Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 30 for a new affordable housing development at 501 Eastern Ave SE between Logan and Baxter.

In partnership with Bethany Christian Services, this development will offer permanent affordable housing for homeless youth along with supportive services to help them successfully transition into independent living. The two apartment buildings will ensure low-income households and families continue to have a place to live and thrive in the Baxter and Madison neighborhoods. 

The two four-story 65-unit apartment buildings include:

  • 61 affordable housing units
  • 4 market rate units
  • First floor live/work space for households with small businesses
  • 17 youth housing units 
  • Ground floor community space and kids room
  • Rear parking lot for residents
  • LEED Silver designation 


The 65-unit apartment building will feature 17 youth housing unit and a first flow live/work space for households with small businesses.
The ribbon cutting event included a “cornerstone” plaque presentation to Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and Restoration Row, whose support was instrumental in this project. (Supplied)


“In a climate where rent prices continue to rise and vulnerable families are displaced, this new development is the embodiment of ICCF’s commitment to providing and preserving affordable housing for low-income families and homeless youth on the southeast side,” said Ryan VerWys, President/CEO ICCF.

“We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition,” said Justin Beene, founder of the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation (GRCCT) of which Bethany Christian Services is a core partner. “For the past six years, Bethany has been forging new partnerships in the community. We are grateful that this innovative collaboration will provide 17 of our previously homeless youth with a safe, affordable place to live.”

 

This project is made possible by funding from MSHDA Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Love Funding, Insite Capital/Chemical Bank, HUD, Grand Rapids Housing Commission, City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Herman Miller Cares, Restoration Row LLC, and the DEQ.

Those who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony had the opportunity to tour the facility. (Supplied)

Keep your wits sharp with brain bafflers

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That morning sudoku puzzle could be the whetstone that sharpens your mind well into your later years, according to researchers. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Mornings spent figuring out Sudoku or finessing a crossword could spell better health for aging brains, researchers say.


In a study of over 19,000 British adults aged 50 and over who were tracked for 25 years, the habit of doing word or number puzzles seemed to help keep minds nimble over time.


“We’ve found that the more regularly people engage with puzzles such as crosswords and Sudoku, the sharper their performance is across a range of tasks assessing memory, attention and reasoning,” said research leader Dr. Anne Corbett, of the University of Exeter Medical School.


“The improvements are particularly clear in the speed and accuracy of their performance,” she added in a university news release. “In some areas, the improvement was quite dramatic—on measures of problem-solving, people who regularly do these puzzles performed equivalent to an average of eight years younger compared to those who don’t.”


Does that translate to protection against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia? The study “can’t say” at this point, Corbett said, “but this research supports previous findings that indicate regular use of word and number puzzles helps keep our brains working better for longer.”


The study was conducted online. Participants were assessed each year, and they were asked how often they did word and number puzzles. They were also given a series of tests measuring attention, reasoning and memory, to help assess changes in their brain function.


The result: The more often participants did word and number puzzles, the better their performance on the brain tests, Corbett’s group found.


Although the study couldn’t prove cause-and-effect, some differences were significant. Brain function for those who did word puzzles was equivalent to 10 years younger than their actual age on tests of grammatical reasoning and eight years younger than their age on tests of short-term memory.


The findings are outlined in two papers published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, adding to results presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in 2018.


The study is now expanding into other countries, including the United States.


Brain experts in the United States weren’t surprised by the findings.


The large, decades-long study “confirmed what your grandmother told you: ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,’” said Dr. Gayatri Devi. She’s a neurologist specializing in memory disorders at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.


The fact that something as simple as puzzle-solving can take years off the brain is “a comforting finding,” Devi said.


She stressed that exercising the body can do the same. “Physical exercise is one proven way to keep our brains and our body healthy,” she said.


Dr. Gisele Wolf-Klein directs geriatric education at Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y. She said interventions to help the brain stay healthy longer are sorely needed.


“As older patients live longer, the growing number of Alzheimer’s patients represents a major challenge for health care systems worldwide,” Wolf-Klein said. “Currently, the pharmaceutical industry has yet to propose any promising medical treatments. So, searches for lifestyle interventions that might preserve cognition (thinking) has become a priority.”


“This study further supports many (prior) studies highlighting the benefits of mind exercises,” she said. It also “reinforces the need for all of us to keep our minds as active and engaged as possible.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Feeling glum? It’s all in the wrist

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Feel a dark mood coming on? Wearable technology could one day alert you in advance, aiding in management of depression or other mood disorders. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay


Remember the “mood ring” craze of the 1970s?


A high-tech wristband is being developed along the same lines, potentially helping patients who struggle with mood disorders.


The smart wristband would use a person’s skin to track their emotional intensity. During a mood swing, either high or low, the wristband would change color, heat up, squeeze or vibrate to inform the wearer he might be in the throes of depression or anxiety, the researchers said.


“As the feedback is provided in real time, our devices encourage people to become more aware of their emotions, name them, potentially reflect on what causes them and even learn how to control their emotional responses in order to change the visual or tactile feedback provided by the device,” said researcher Corina Sas. She is a professor of human-computer interaction and digital health at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.


About 10% of U.S. adults struggle with a mood disorder, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or seasonal affective disorder, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.


Part of the treatment for a mood disorder involves becoming more aware of emotions and then learning to regulate emotional response, the study authors said in background notes in their report.


Co-author Muhammad Umair, a Lancaster research associate, explained, “We wanted to create low-cost, simple prototypes to support understanding and engagement with real-time changes in arousal. The idea is to develop self-help technologies that people can use in their everyday life and be able to see what they are going through,” he said in a university news release.


To that end, the U.K. researchers are developing wristbands that use sensors to detect changes in a person’s emotional intensity by tracking the electrical conductivity of their skin.


The devices then communicate those emotional changes either through materials that change color, heat up, vibrate or squeeze the wrist, the researchers said.


“Depression has a range of emotions, but if we talk about sadness, then as this is associated with low arousal—or what we call emotional intensity—the device will most likely reflect low arousal,” Sas said. “On the other hand, anxiety tends to be associated with high-intensity arousal, so that device will most likely reflect this.”


However, Sas noted, the device does not differentiate between positive or negative emotions, but between high- and low-intensity ones.


The researchers tested six wrist-worn prototypes with 12 people who wore them over two days.


Participants said the wristbands effectively prompted them to evaluate their emotions.


One participant told the researchers: “When I see the feedback, I feel present, I start to reflect what I was doing before and try to think how I am feeling at that moment.”


Another said: “It made me more aware of my feelings and made me think what feelings I have. But if I didn’t have the device, I wouldn’t be probably as aware as I am when wearing it. It did give me a way to think of my own emotion; made me aware of my own emotions.”


But participants were also concerned that negative feedback from the device might pose a potential hazard.


One said it could “be used as a trigger and might push you down the negative path.”


That’s a concern shared by Jessy Warner-Cohen, a health psychologist with Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y.


“I caution against letting a device dictate to a person their own emotions,” she said.


On the other hand, such a device is consistent with a long-established tradition of biofeedback, in which people use “physiological cues to help us actively try to regulate our minds and bodies,” Warner-Cohen said.


The device could help people recognize specific habits or tics that occur when they have a mood swing, she added.


“For example, if a person can identify that they clench their jaw when stressed then, in reverse, noticing when they clench their jaw can help a person recognize they are getting stressed and take proactive steps to alleviate such,” Warner-Cohen explained.


Dr. Victor Fornari, a psychiatrist with Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, N.Y., said the wristbands may be the beginning of “a new frontier” in helping to identify and regulate anxiety and depression.


“Increasing awareness about emotional reactions and improving the way individuals can self-regulate their emotions can be very helpful and important for everyone, but particularly for individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder,” Fornari said.


The technology is not yet patented, Sas said, and it is some ways off from being available to consumers.


“We need about another year to develop a more robust version of our research prototypes so that we can integrate both visual and tactile feedback, for which we will need increased computational power,” she said. “At that stage, we will look into running clinical trials to explore its value for people living with affective disorders, such as depression or anxiety.”


The researchers were scheduled to present their work  at the Designing Interactive Systems conference in San Diego, Calif.


Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming news you ought to know

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Immigrants, we get the job done.

A lyric from “Immigrants” from “Hamilton: An American Musical”


By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

A “Ruby” Year

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 40th Anniversary with its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Jan. 25 at the Amway Grand Plaza. At the event, several individuals and two local businesses were honored including The Candied Yam for Retail Business of the Year and WKTV for Service Business of the Year. To read all about it, click here.

Fast and Shiny

Sports cars, along with SUVs and trucks, are expected to be the big draw at the 2020 Michigan International Auto Show , as they were last year in this photo. (Supplied)

If you didn’t score “Hamilton” tickets yet or not planning to go, you’ll be happy to know another favorite American past-time is in town: the 2020 International Car Show. The annual event is taken place this weekend at DeVos Place. Mixed with some of the newest cars coming out are a few classics from the Gilmore Car Museum. For more about the show and where to park, click here.

Filling the Shelves

Our giving spirt sometimes ends when the holidays are over. Pantries such as the Family Network of Wyoming are in need of food and especially personal care items such as toilet paper. Have a few hours to spare? Volunteers also are needed. To learn more about how Family Network of Wyoming has been helping its community for the past 15 years, click here.

Fun Fact:
Some say Soda, we say Vernors

While Dr. Pepper and Coke Cola like to battle it out as the oldest soda the title actually goes to Michigan’s Vernors, which was created in 1866 by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor (hence the name Vernors.) The popular ginger ale was sold outside of the pharmacy starting in 1880, five years before Dr. Pepper even came on the market. And for those Vernors lovers, try a Boston Cooler, which is a twist on a float using Vernors and vanilla ice cream.

School News Network: A case study

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Terrence Reynold and Jada Carew’s case protects a simulated phone. (School News Network)

By Bridie Bereza
School News Network

Oh, Marcus! He’s always crushing or dropping his cell phone, and now he’s broken another one. His parents won’t buy him a new one, unless he can convince them he will keep it safe.

 

Renae Hackley, sixth grade science teacher at Godwin Heights Middle School, asked her students to help the fictitious Marcus, and over the last several weeks they’ve been hard at work designing protective gear for his phone.

“We’re trying to make a cell phone case that makes it easy for the phone to come out, and it won’t break from dropping it from 70 centimeters or be crushed with seven books on top,” explained Higinio Rolon-Rosado who, along with partner Juan Granados, demonstrated how their foam and fabric design met the challenge.

Renae Hackley, sixth grade science teacher at Godwin Heights Middle School, asked students to design a phone case as part of a recent physics unit

Tinkering Thinkers

The activity was part of the class’ eight-week physics unit using Mi-STAR, a science curriculum that incorporates real world challenges into every unit. It introduced force and motion, and then let students get their hands dirty — dropping raw eggs on different materials to see if they’d break, for example — before designing the case.

Experimentation involved dropping, crushing and trying to understand the effects of forces on different objects. Weeks of tinkering and observation led to the final challenge of creating the case.

During the experimentation period, Higinio said, his team noticed that an egg did not crack when dropped on a sponge, so they looked for sponge-like materials to use in their design.

For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.

Higinio Rolan-Rosado and Juan Granados show off the cell phone case and poster they made as part of a physics unit on force and motion. (School News Network)

Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details

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The Michigan State House of Representatives in Lansing, Michigan
CREDIT: USER CEDARBENDDRIVE / FLICKR

By John Amrhein, Michigan State University Extension


In “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: An introduction,” we explored several general provisions of the Open Meetings Act (OMA). This article will further explore deliberations, decisions, meeting notices and minutes.


The OMA requires the following, subject to exemptions:

  1. “All meetings of a public body shall be open to the public…”
  2. “All decisions of a public body shall be made at a meeting open to the public…”
  3. “All deliberations of a public body constituting a quorum of its members shall take place at a meeting open to the public…”

This seems straightforward, however, the attorney general has ruled that a committee empowered to make a decision, that deprives the full board of the opportunity to vote, is subject to the OMA even though the committee is made up of less than a quorum of the board. An example of this might include an assignment to narrow from four to two options, 


The public body is required to post notices of its meetings at its principle office and may post at other locations it considers appropriate. The OMA also provides requirements for timeliness of meeting postings. The annual calendar must be posted within 10 days after the first meeting and changes to the calendar within three days of the meeting at which the change is made. Rescheduled meetings must be posted at least 18 hours before the meeting and meetings recessed more than 36 hours require a new notice.


There is an emergency provision which allows a board, by a two-thirds vote, to meet without the normal notice when a “severe and imminent threat to health, safety or welfare of the public” exists and “delay would be detrimental.”

The OMA also addresses minutes of meetings. In general, minutes must contain the date, time and place of the meeting, members present and absent, any decisions made at the meeting and any roll call votes taken. OMA does not require that minutes contain the contents of speeches or general discussion, although greater levels of detail may be required by other statutes for certain types of meetings.


The minutes must be available within eight business days of the meeting, open to public inspection and copies must be made available at a reasonable cost. Corrections must be made at the next meeting and the minutes must show both the original entry and the correction.


In the third installment of this article series, “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Understanding closed sessions,” we explore certain types of discussions that can be held in private sessions.


The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Michigan has for many years published an excellent Open Meetings Act Handbook, which can be found here.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).



Photo of the Week: Happy Trails

Citizen Journalism,

Kenwood resident Gerald DeMaagd treated us to another photo, this time of the City of Kentwood’s Northeast Park, 1900 Middleground SE. During the winter, the park is a popular place for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even some sledding. DeMaagd said residents have reported seeing deer there but the day he was out, all he saw was a sparrow in the woods.

Do you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Then email it to Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

Taking the lead: Family Network of Wyoming helps residents, other pantries by coordinating efforts

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Dale Echavarria talk about the Family Network of Wyoming. (Video by WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A four-pack of toilet paper. That is one thing that Family Network of Wyoming volunteer Phyllis VanderSloot would love to see each of the organization’s clients walk out with.

“They get one roll of toilet paper for the whole month,” the Byron Center resident said, adding who can last a whole month with one role of toilet paper?

And while the shelves of the Family Network food pantry are well stocked of food items and the freezers, thanks to area businesses, are full, the personal care items like toilet paper, barely at times take up half of a shelf. So the toilet paper is handed out sparingly so as everyone who comes in can get at least a roll.

Dale Echavarria, the retiring co-executive director of Family Network of Wyoming, is the first to admit collecting food is much easier than getting personal care products.

“Unlike food items, personal care products do not have an expiration date and so they can stay on a store shelf for a longer period,” Echavarria said.

Echavarria is grateful for the community support and donations to the Family Network of Wyoming, which comes to the organization in various ways. Local organization such as SpartanNash, Car City, and Shannon Orthodontics bring much needed personal care products and food items to the pantry.

“I remember the first year that Shannon Orthodontics contacted us,” Echavarria said. “They said they had had a food fight with other area dentists and was wonder if they could drop the items off. We were expecting a few boxes and instead had a parade of stocked mini vans.”

Even those in need have contributed back, Echavarria said.

“Recently the Wyoming Wolves had a food drive bringing in more than a 1,000 cans of food,” Echavarria said. “It was moving because some of the families who gave have been or are our clients.”

The fruit and vegetable section in the Family Network of Wyoming. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

What’s in a name?

Because of the name, Family Network, most people think it is a counseling center,” Echavarria said. And while there is some counseling along with a medical supply closet and a Christmas store, the main focus of Family Network is its food pantry.

The former Faith Community Christian Reformed Church at 1029 44th St. SW serves as the headquarters. The worship area is the storage room where volunteers pull items. The entrance way is where residents line up for their monthly supplies. The downstairs serves as offices, meeting area, and storage for the medical supply closet.

The main hub of activity takes place in the the worship area, where food is distributed two days a week to about 10,000 residents yearly in the Wyoming, Grandville, and Jenison areas. Residents are usually assigned a pantry to visit once a month based on where they live, Echavarria said, adding that Family Network will take a person or family in distressed and help them get connected to the right pantry.

Before distributing, the volunteers gather for a brief meeting and prayer and then Echavarria heads to the foyer to talk to the clients. He lets them know of opportunities while seeing if there is anyone new to the pantry or anyone with special needs. From there, one-by-one, the residents meet with staff and volunteers who help fill out food sheets and assist them in shopping.

It takes about a person 30 minutes to make their way from fruits/vegetables to receiving their meat items and selecting bread. Once and while there are extra items such as flowers donated by one of the stores.

“Many of the people who come through here would never have money for flowers,” said Sandy Jenkinson of Wyoming. “So it is a nice treat to be able to give them something like that.”

Family Network of Wyoming brings items out from the food area to a client. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Taking the lead

Family Network of Wyoming is a lead pantry. Echavarria said they saw a need to streamline the process with stores to make it convenient and constant for food pick up or for trucks to drop items that can not be delivered. Family Network then reviews all the food that comes and redistributes it, providing other pantries connections to items they might not be able to get because of location, staffing, or lack of resources.

“We believe there is not a scarcity mentality, it is a team work mentality,” he said.

Nothing is wasted. Fresh produce or dated items not used at Family Network are sent to other area pantries and even items that don’t make the cut for distribution are set aside for area pig and chicken farmers to use as feed.

Volunteers pull food items for clients from the shelves. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Always in Need: Volunteers

“I meant many of the people during a food drive,” said volunteer Burt Ponstein. “Everybody was so nice and friendly that I just called one day to see about volunteering.”

To do all that the Family Network does takes a village, so volunteers are another need for many pantries like the Family Network of Wyoming. About 43 people currently volunteer at Family Network.

“Many of us, well, we’re not 22 anymore,” Echavarria said, adding that as the current group ages out, he is concerned about filling the gaps with new volunteers.

Part of the obstacle is that Family Network of Wyoming is one of the best kept secrets in the area, Echavarria said, referring again to how people keep thinking it is a counseling center. However with a peek through its doors, Echavarria hopes people will see the good it has been doing for the past 15 years.

“We just need people to consider if they can help,” Echavarria said. “It might just be an hour or two, picking up food, helping to organize the pantry. There is something for about every skill level.”

Or it just be just dropping off some personal care products, like toilet paper, on the way to the next destination.

For those who wish to volunteer or donate, go to fntw.org.

The plight of the typist

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Without proper treatment and lifestyle changes, repetitive strain injury can lead to permanent damage. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


Repetitive strain injury can affect anyone who uses his or her hands a lot and repeats the same movements over and over again. It can develop whether you’re working at a computer all day or spending hours of leisure time immersed in handicrafts.


At first, symptoms—like pain and tingling—may go away once you stop the motions or the activity.


But without treatment, including lifestyle changes, symptoms are likely to become so severe that you could become unable to continue with your work or hobby.

Recognizing symptoms

  • Pain or burning
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Swelling
  • Soreness

Don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you experience one or more of these symptoms—don’t assume that a few days off is enough to stop repetitive strain injury.


If the source of pain isn’t addressed, symptoms can become irreversible.


Part of the solution is to take regular breaks from problematic but necessary activities throughout the day. Get up and move around for at least five minutes every half-hour, and stretch your arms, wrists and fingers.


Practice good posture.


When sitting, your head and back should form a straight line from ears to hips. When at the computer, don’t let your wrists bend to one side. Keep them in line with your forearms, fingers slightly curved over your keyboard.


Don’t self-treat by wearing a splint or using a wrist rest—both can interfere with natural movement and blood circulation.

Typing tips to try

  • Use all fingers to type, not just one
  • Use keyboard shortcuts
  • Take advantage of voice recognition software

Also, consider investigating the Alexander Technique, an approach to movement aimed at better posture and body mechanics helpful for repetitive strain injury.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Adventures in Michigan: Going on an Art Tour

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner

The West Michigan Tourist Association

With destinations and events for novices and experienced artists alike, you can let your creative side explore West Michigan art galleries, museums, art centers, performing arts centers, and more.

Visit the events calendar for more art exhibitions and events.

There are more than 30 colorful paintings to see in Battle Creek that are part of the annual Color the Creek Festival in August. (Color the Creek)

Explore the Arts in South West Michigan 

Whether you’re a theater buff, art connoisseur, or modern enthusiast, Greater Lansing has a gallery, festival, or museum to suit your taste. Find award-winning Broadway performances and thought-provoking works on display at area art museums and galleries. Greater Lansing also has multiple festivals throughout the year that celebrate the arts.

Go on a mural tour in Battle Creek. There are more than 30 colorful paintings to see, thanks to the annual Color the Creek Festival in August. From traditional graffiti to photo-realistic portraits, there’s something for everyone. Half of it is walkable in downtown Battle Creek, then you’ll need to hop in the car to get to others. They’re very popular as backdrops for portraits and Instagram. And while you are in the area, stop by the Art Center of Battle Creek, withexhibitions that highlight diverse subjects from traditional arts to contemporary visual art. Included in the annual schedule is the Michigan Artist Competition exhibition to showcase talented artists from around the state. 

From performing arts to gallery art, concerts, and festivals, come experience Arts Alive in south central Michigan’s Coldwater Country. An area known for the vast outdoor recreation opportunities, trails, and more than 100 lakes also offers a variety of cultural experiences.

It is home to Tibbits Opera House: so much more than a theatre since 1882. Catch a performance during Tibbits Summer Theatre, a concert during the entertainment series, or spend an afternoon viewing the permanent Henry Clay Lewis art collection prominently displayed throughout the theatre. In addition, Tibbits also features a rotating themed art gallery with artwork submitted by local and regional artists. For a schedule of upcoming events, exhibits, and concerts in Coldwater Country follow Arts Alive-Coldwater on Facebook.

A visit to Southwest Michigan can also include a walk through art galleries and musical experiences. Find art events, performances, exhibition information and more at the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council calendar of events. 

More South Region Art Ideas: 

Allegan Antiques Market, Allegan

Barn Theatre, Augusta

City of Hastings

Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo

Gilmore Keyboard Festival, Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Institute of Art, Kalamazoo

Krasl Art Center, St Joseph

Leila Arboretum, Battle Creek

Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor

Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Saugatuck


Tulip Time’s First Bloom is set for February.

Explore the Arts in Central West Michigan

You’ll find fine art galleries, performing arts, and more in the Ludington area. From painting and pottery to sculpture and jewelry, Ludington hosts a variety of local, regional, and national talent throughout the year. Find exhibit and performance dates, as well as art classes, on the Pure Ludington events calendar. 

Founded on a tradition of aesthetic excellence, the Muskegon Museum of Art is committed to fostering the life-long study and appreciation of the visual arts by strengthening, preserving, and exhibiting its collections; offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary exhibitions. 

February 2020 marks the first year Tulip Time Festival’s annual First Bloem event opens its doors to the greater Holland Community. A celebration of the Visual Arts Series at Tulip Time, the reception serves as both a preview of the Quilt Show and new Dutch Dance Costume Exhibit, as well as the formal announcement of the 10th Annual Festival Artwork Competition Winner and Klompen Garden Public Art winner. Music, live art, cash bar, and yummy local bites will give locals a mid-winter opportunity to socialize and partake in this Tulip Time tradition. Tickets: $70 per person/$130 per couple and includes one drink ticket per person.

A vibrant arts center located in the heart of downtown Holland, the Holland Area Arts Council plays a leadership role in enriching the cultural life of the lakeshore. The Holland Area Arts Council also offers a variety of art classes and workshops for children and adults throughout the year. Visit now through January 20th to see works created by Art for All (a program for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities) on display.


The Holland area is home to historic performance spaces, art galleries, and art events. Be sure to visit Holland’snewest free attraction, the Wizard of Oz Outdoor Exhibit featuring life-sized bronze statues of the Wizard of Oz characters. Located at the corner of 12th St & River Ave, on the north side of Herrick District Library, the permanent statues pay homage to L. Frank Baum, who is said to have written parts of the classic tale while staying at his family’s cottage just minutes from downtown. Holland holds an annual fine arts and crafts fair, Art in the Park, the first Saturday of August with up to 300 artists and artisans from surrounding states displaying and offering their work for sale.

The arts come to life in the Mecosta County area. With art centers, museums, and a sculpture tour of Big Rapids, art enthusiasts will find plenty to explore!

Experience artistry in every form in Mt. Pleasant. From canvas and sculptures at local galleries to learning more about American Indian culture and enjoying music or theatre performances at Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant thrives on art and culture.

More Central Region Art Ideas: 

C2C Gallery, Grand Haven

Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids

Courtyard Concerts, Grand Haven

Dale & Gail’s Music and Art Gallery, Hart

DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids

Fallasburg Art Festival, Lowell

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, Grand Rapids

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids

Lake Odessa Area Arts Commission, Lake Odessa

Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon

LowellArts, Lowell

St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids

Seven Steps Up Live Music & Event Venue, Spring Lake


The Ramsdell Center for the Arts is located in Mainstee and offers all kinds of exhibits, performances, and lectures.

Explore the Arts in North West Michigan

Michigan Legacy Art Park is located on the grounds of Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, in densely wooded 30-acre preserve on 1.6 miles of hiking trails. The Art Park features over 50 sculptures, poetry stones, and an outdoor amphitheater. Each of the sculptures interprets, in its own way, a piece of Michigan’s history. The Art Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and is accessible by foot, cross-country skis or even snowshoes. Admission is $5 per adult. Kids ages 17 and under are free.

For all of its small-town charm, Traverse City possesses plenty of big-city sophistication, thanks in large part to its established and thriving arts community. The area is home to world-class performance stages that attract internationally acclaimed artists as well as special events like the National Writers Series, who hosts award-winning and New York Times Best Selling authors. The ever-changing exhibits at the Dennos Museum Center feature historical and contemporary work, and its permanent display of artwork by the Inuit people of the Canadian Arctic is one of the largest and most complete in the world. In addition to performing arts, the area is overflowing with fine artists–many of whom display their work at local shops, museums, and art fairs throughout the region. 

Great Lakes Center for the Arts. located in Bay Harbor, offers year-round events across all genres—music, dance, theater, movies and film, intellectual dialogue, education—making it a regional and national performing arts destination. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind performance and extend your visit with a stay at Hotel Walloon, a four diamond luxury boutique hotel just 15 minutes away. 

The Ramsdell Regional Arts Center is a vibrant regional center for cultural arts, education and community engagement in Manistee, where you’ll find performances, art exhibitions, lectures, and more. Their upcoming exhibition “100 Years of Polish Independence: Zakopane 1918”  features over 30 photographs broken into three periods during the 400 hours of the Republic of Zakopane’s independence between October 31st and November 16th, 1918. The exhibit opens February 10th and runs through March 27th.

More North & U.P. Region Art Ideas:

Art Gallery of Algoma, Sault Ste Marie

Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre, Harbor Springs

Oliver Art Center, Frankfort

The Michigan Hemingway Society, Petoskey

Teen angst—a portent for dementia?

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Researchers found the risk of dementia was notably lower among seniors who were calm, vigorous and mature as teens. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Alan Mozes, HealthDay


Could your personality as a teen forecast your risk for dementia a half-century later?


Very possibly, say researchers, who found that dementia risk is lower among seniors who were calm, mature and energetic high schoolers.


“Being calm and mature as teen were each associated with roughly a 10% reduction in adult dementia risk,” said study co-author Kelly Peters, principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, D.C. “And vigor was associated with a 7% reduction.”


The finding has its origins in the 1960s, when more than 82,000 students in roughly 1,200 U.S. high schools took a personality test. More than 50 years later, their personality traits were compared to dementia diagnoses.


While Peters said there’s plenty of evidence that personality changes near the time of a dementia diagnosis, the lingering question has been whether personality or some aspects of it actually causes dementia.


“That’s the big question,” she said. “Is it only that personality can be affected by dementia? Is it just an expression of the disease?” By focusing on teens who didn’t later develop dementia, Peters said, “this study really starts to tease that out.”


At an average age of 16, the students were assessed for 10 traits: calmness, vigor, organization, self-confidence, maturity/responsibility, leadership, impulsivity, desire for social interaction, social sensitivity, and artistic and intellectual refinement.


By 2011-2013, when they were almost 70 years old, more than 2,500 had developed dementia.


Enter lead author Benjamin Chapman, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Rochester in New York.


After stacking 50-year-old personality profiles up against current medical records, he and his team found that the risk of dementia was notably lower among seniors who were calm, vigorous and mature as teens.


Calmness was defined as being stress-free and not neurotic, vigor as being energetic and outgoing, and maturity as being responsible, reliable and conscientious.


Peters said the findings could guide policy thinkers to develop improved social support systems “to help kids build up protective qualities.”


But she highlighted some reservations.


For one thing, the team “only looked at traits that were protective,” she said.


And money seemed to matter: Calmness, vigor and maturity did not appear to protect against adult dementia among teens who grew up in relatively poor households.


Chapman’s study also tracked dementia only around age 70. That, said his Rochester colleague Dr. Anton Porsteinsson, means “there’s a lot more work to do.”


He was not involved in the study.


“The average age of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is around the early 80s,” said Porsteinsson, director of the university’s Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education Program. “So it would be really good to repeat this in another 10 to 15 years, to see what’s happening when dementia risk is really at its peak.”


While the findings highlight a link between dementia and personality, he said that it’s hard to draw a direct correlation.


“If you’re calm and conscientious, do you make better health choices in your life? And if so, are specific personality traits directly decisive with respect to dementia? Or does your risk for dementia indirectly reflect those better decisions?” Porsteinsson said.


Heather Snyder is vice president of medical science relations at the Alzheimer’s Association.


“There are a wide variety of social, environmental and genetic factors that may contribute to our risk for dementia, and more research is needed to determine what those are and how they interact,” said Snyder.


But she said that “there is not enough evidence at this time to suggest that an intervention strategy for personality type in high school would be effective.”


Porsteinsson warned against using the study to conclude that there’s clearly a “good” personality and a “bad one.” It could be, he said, that impulsiveness and neuroticism, while bad for dementia, “bring a different skill set to the table” that has value.


“We don’t necessarily want all kids to be calm and composed at all times. We don’t want everyone to fit into the same mold,” Porsteinsson said.


“So we have to be very careful about how we interpret these findings until we really understand a lot more about what this is all really about,” he said.


The study was published recently in JAMA Psychiatry.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Want happy, healthy kids? Be involved

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It’s common sense, but it’s a good reminder: A supportive environment makes for happier kids. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Maureen Salamon, HealthDay


Teenagers living in cohesive neighborhoods—where trusted neighbors get involved in monitoring each other’s children—experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, a study suggests.


The researchers also found consistent results across different cities regardless of family composition and neighborhood income, indicating strong neighborhoods help teen mental health across various populations.


Along with common risk factors, neighborhood environments should probably be given more attention when looking for potential factors linked to teen mental health problems, said study author Louis Donnelly. He’s a postdoctoral research associate at the Bendheim-Thoman Center for Research on Child Wellbeing at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J.


“Notably, whether a child grew up in a higher- or lower-income household, the associations were similar. The findings can be generalized across different city contexts,” he added.


About 14 percent of adolescents in the United States have had depression or a mood disorder. Eight percent have been severely impaired from an anxiety disorder, the study said.


The study included information on more than 2,200 children born in large U.S. cities. The information was collected between 1998 and 2000.


The study authors wanted to see if “neighborhood collective efficacy”—a blend of social cohesion and shared expectations for social control—was linked to better teen mental health.


The teens evaluated their own mental health at age 15. Parents provided “collective efficacy” information when their children were 3, 5 and 9. Parents ranked their agreement with statements such as, “People around here are willing to help their neighbors,” or “People in this neighborhood generally don’t get along with each other.”


Another scale asked parents to express their belief in statements demonstrating that neighbors would be likely to intervene or get involved in scenarios such as, “Children were spray-painting buildings with graffiti,” or “Children were showing disrespect to an adult.”


The researchers found that the “neighborhood effect” offered a protective effect similar to depression prevention programs targeting teens.


“There are really two (measurements) that are distinct, one being social cohesion and mutual trust. This is the idea of believing that people in your neighborhood share similar values and can be relied on for support,” Donnelly explained.


“The second dimension relies on informal social control,” he added. “We measured that based on the extent to which families and other adults can be relied upon to intervene … (such as) if a fight broke out in the street or children are not attending school.”


Maurice Elias said he wasn’t at all surprised by the study findings. He’s a professor of psychology at Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J.


“The idea that being in a supportive environment would be good for children’s mental health shouldn’t be a revolution,” said Elias, also director of the Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab. “It’s always nice when research helps confirm common sense. I see this as one of those examples.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



How assisted living enhances senior living

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


The decision to move into an assisted living community is a big transition for aging adults. Seniors often fear losing their independence, but a quality senior community will promote autonomy and independence for its residents.


Caregivers and family members do many tasks around the home to help aging adults function well. However, it’s all too easy to fall into the habit of doing too much to help, which can impair seniors’ sense of autonomy. Caring for ourselves is an essential element of retaining our health and mental faculties as we age. Sadly, if an aging adult loses their independence, the will to live may diminish as well.


However, this doesn’t need to be the case! Even the most frail patients can still benefit greatly from completing a few simple activities and feeling more accomplished afterward. With patience and careful attention, you and your loved one’s medical team can develop a safe, balanced approach. Here are a few ways that caregivers and family members can support senior living while still allowing aging adults to maintain their autonomy:

  1. If a senior can’t complete every step of an activity on their own, it is still beneficial to help them do as much as possible on their own. Family members and professionals can supervise to ensure safety and offer assistance when necessary.
  2. Don’t stereotype your loved one. Automatically assuming that someone is weak and incapable can negatively impact the way they view themselves, producing more dependence.
  3. Recognize what a significant achievement it is for your loved one to complete even a small task, like washing a few dishes or getting dressed on their own. A sense of pride and accomplishment will foster independence.
  4. Remember that there’s no need to rush. Sometimes, seniors are perfectly capable of doing activities they’ve done their whole lives, they just need more time on each task. Be patient and always remember that your loved one’s independence and sense of accomplishment is more important than how fast they get dressed.
  5. Tailor expectations to each individual’s ability. By working with your family member’s assisted living staff, you can ensure that their daily activities are appropriate to their health conditions.
  6. Assisted living communities sometimes offer group activities or community classes for residents. Encourage your loved one to participate in a daily routine that will help them feel more confident and social.
  7. It’s impossible to overemphasize how much daily exercise can support happy, healthy senior living. Including even minimal levels of physical activity in their routine helps aging adults stay fit, flexible, and alert.

These are just a few of the ways that senior living can benefit from an assisted living community. While moving into a new community can be a huge change, family and staff members can work to ensure that seniors maintain a dynamic, self-reliant lifestyle. With these ideas in mind, your aging loved one will enjoy a sense of independence long into their golden years.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Happy Lunar New Year: The Year of Rat starts on Saturday

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Students wearing áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese outfit. Photo supplied by Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

This Saturday marks the most important and celebrated holiday of the year for cultures rooted in a lunar calendar — the Lunar New Year.

Widely referred to as the Chinese New Year, many other Asian countries honor the special holiday, In fact, the Chinese often refer to the new year festival as the Spring Festival. In Vietnam, it is called Tết. In Korea, it is called Seolial. Most of these countries observe the Lunar New Year from when the new moon rises on Jan. 24 and concludes with the full moon on Feb. 9. There are some Asian countries, such as Thailand and Laos, who observe the Lunar New Year in April, usually around April 13.

This year, 2020 is the year of the rat according to the Asian Zodiac. While the rat is not considered by most as adorable, it ranks first on the Asian Zodiac, meaning it starts the 12-year cycle of the Asian Zodiac. The rat, as described on the Vietnamese American Community of West Michigan’s website page, is clever, quick thinkers, successful in reproductive and survival, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life. People born under the Rat hold a strong community value and depend on each other.


To learn more about the Asian Zodiac, click here for a story by resident Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh.



While Asians celebrate the Lunar New Year in different ways, all celebrations have one common feature: family reunions. The Lunar New Year is in fact one of the biggest migration of people, with hundreds of thousands of people returning home to see their family.

Tết, the Viet Lunar New Year is Saturday, Jan. 25. Photo supplied by Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh.

Tết: Viet Lunar New Year Celebration 2020


One of the longest running community Lunar New Year celebrations is the Vietnamese community’s annual event. The event is Saturday, Jan. 25, at Wyoming’s Knights of Columbus Hall, 5830 Clyde Park Ave. SW.

Hosted by the Vietnamese-American Community of West Michigan, the Children Tết Festival is from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and includes games and fun for the entire family, such as face painting, a dragon dance, animal balloons, music, foods, and arts and crafts. 

Starting at 4 p.m. is the traditional ceremony which will run until 6:30 p.m. The program will include the New Year’s message, the ancestors commemoration ceremony, the Lion Dance Welcoming the Year of the Rat, and community awards. The New Year Concert and Dance, featuring numerous local performers, is from 7 to midnight.

This event is free and open to the public. Authentic Vietnamese food will be available for purchase. According to organizers, the festival is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of Vietnam by featuring a variety of traditional performances including the dragon dance, traditional musical instruments, children dances, games and much more. 

For more about Tết, check out this article written by resident Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh by clicking here.


WKTV will be at the annual Tết event. Check the wktv.org website for air dates of the annual celebration.

Students prepare for the Dragon Dance. Photo by Erika Townsley.

Lunar New Year Festival 2020: Grand Rapids


“We spend most of the day with our families,” said Kim Nguyen who with Kathy Bui are organizing the Lunar New Year Festival in Grand Rapids. “Just like Americans do at Christmas and other holidays, during the day we spend time with our family and in the evening, we attend community events.”

It was the reason the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival, the Grand Valley Asian Student Union, Zeeland Christian Schools, Com 616, and the Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. came together to host this year’s Lunar celebration which is set for Saturday, Jan. 25, from 5 – 9 p.m. at the community space located at 555 Monroe Ave. NW. 

“It is in a tent, a heated tent,” Nguyen emphasized.

“The festival is a community experience,” Nguyen said, adding that it is a family-friendly event. “What I am hoping is people come and see the diverse culture that we have in the Grand Rapids area.”

One the largest Asian populations is located in and around the Greater Grand Rapids area, she said. The Lunar New Year 2020 will feature a number of traditional activities representing many of the different Asian cultures. This includes a dragon dance, lion dancers, and performances from many area residents such as hip-hop dancer  Heather Truong, musician Caleb John Lawson and Friends, the children of the Lao Buddhist Temple, Lakeshore Taekwondo Academy, and the Grand Valley Asian Student Union. 

At the event, there will be a variety of traditional foods such as bubble tea along with many traditional food items such as dumplings, spring rolls, rice cakes, veggie soup, and an Asian sandwich. The event is a fundraiser for the annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival, which will be June 12.

Also at the Lunar Festival, there will be a variety of children games, traditional Korean and Japanese ones as well as painting rat piggy banks, a ring toss, and face painting.  Tokens will need to be purchased for the games and activities. For more about the Lunar New Year celebration, check out the Facebook page, Lunar New Year Festival 2002.

GVSU economist says West Michigan economy will continue to slow, business leaders worried about presidential election

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Paul Isely discusses the positives of the West Michigan economy. (GVSU)

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

In 2020, the West Michigan economy will see flat employment growth, weakening sales growth and strengthening export growth, according to a Grand Valley State University economics professor.

Paul Isely, professor of economics and associate dean in the Seidman College of Business, unveiled his benchmark survey of the regional economy Jan. 23, during the 2020 Colliers Annual West Michigan Economic and Commercial Real Estate Forecast event at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.

 

The economic survey of the greater Grand Rapids economy (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties) was conducted in November and December of 2019. The survey was mailed to more than 1,000 organizations based on a representative sample.

Paul Isely talks about the West Michigan economy at the 2020 Colliers Annual West Michigan Economic and Commercial Real Estate Forecast event. (GVSU)

Isely said weakness in manufacturing has become the biggest issue in West Michigan. He said the number of manufacturing workers has increased nationally, but the hours that they work has decreased. 

“By some measures, this puts the manufacturing sector and the corresponding transportation sectors in a mild recession,” Isely said. “The data for West Michigan and the United States both show 2020 will likely continue a measured slowdown. It is possible that the annual growth will be positive, but a recession occurs for part of the year.”

Isely said exports have traditionally been a bright spot in the West Michigan economy, however, over the last few years, export growth has been weak.

 

“The expectation for 2020 is a moderate improvement in exports compared to 2019,” said Isely. “The optimism in exports is being helped by some positive news about trade agreements.”

Isely said the primary uncertainty for 2020 surrounds the presidential election. He said the uncertainty created by the Republicans and Democrats moving further apart also generates problems for business leaders trying to plan for the coming year.

Overall findings for 2020:

• The Current Business Confidence Index for 2019 was 81 percent, essentially the same as the year before;

• The Forecast Business Confidence Index for 2020 is 77.5 percent, a drop from the expectations seen in the last few years;

• Employment is expected to grow by 0.3-0.7 percent in 2020, an expectation that is less than half the expectation was for 2019;

• Overall nominal sales are expected to increase by 2.2-2.8 percent in 2020, a slowdown from 2019; 

• Exports are expected to grow by 1.0-5.0 percent in 2020, increasing from 2019;

• All indicators signal the West Michigan economy will continue to slow in 2020, particularly employment growth.



The West Michigan economic survey was conducted by Isely, along with staff members from the West Michigan Regional Small Business Development Center, housed in the Seidman College of Business.

For more information, contact Paul Isely at 616-331-7418 or iselyp@gvsu.edu.

Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: An introduction

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The Michigan State House of Representatives in Lansing, Michigan
CREDIT: USER CEDARBENDDRIVE / FLICKR

By John Amrhein, Michigan State University Extension


Michigan’s first constitution, written in 1835, when speaking of the “Legislative Department” states that “the doors of each house shall be open.” It is this spirit of openness of government that inspired the Open Meetings Act. In fact, nearly all of the court decisions and attorneys’ general opinions addressing the act have interpreted it liberally in favor of openness. It has been said that for government to be “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” it must be open to the people. In this article series, which includes “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details” and “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Understanding closed Sessions,” we’ll explore the Open Meetings Act in more depth.


The Open Meetings Act (OMA) was written in 1976, as was the Freedom of Information Act. These two laws, known as Michigan’s “sunshine laws,” are designed to make government processes and information more open to the public. Both laws were written in the post-Watergate, post-Vietnam war era.


A former  Michigan State University Extension colleague referred to the following general rule: “Any person has a right to attend a meeting of any public body at any time unless the meeting is declared to fall under one of eleven statutory exceptions.” It is a pretty good one-sentence guide to a sometimes complex combination of law, court interpretations and attorney general opinions relating to OMA.


It is important to keep in mind that the OMA applies to governmental bodies, those “empowered by state constitution, statute, charter, ordinance, resolution or rule to exercise…governmental authority.” It does not apply to corporations, nonprofits, churches or the like.


The law guarantees several rights of residents. The public has a right to record meetings, within the bounds of reasonable rules which the public body may write to minimize disruption of the meetings. The public, likewise, has a right to address the public body, also within the bounds of rules written to facilitate orderly meetings and protecting everyone’s right to address the board. An individual can only be removed from a meeting for a breach of the peace committed at that meeting.

Social and chance gatherings, or conferences which are not intended to avoid the OMA, are exempt. These types of gatherings often are treated with suspicion by the press and the public. It is important for public bodies to be careful not to deliberate or make decisions about government business during these gatherings. This can be accomplished by paying careful attention to what the OMA says about deliberations and decisions.


In the second article in this series, “Michigan’s Open Meetings Act: Explore the details,” we will address decisions, deliberations, meeting notices and minutes.


The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Michigan has for many years published an excellent Open Meetings Act Handbook, which can be found here.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).




Manage your caffeine craze

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If your tensions already run high, you may want to skip that extra cup of brew. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


If you struggle with anxiety, you might want to skip that second cup of coffee, new research suggests.


For some people, caffeine may help with concentration and provide an energy boost, but it can cause problems for those with general anxiety disorder, said Dr. Julie Radico, a clinical psychologist with Penn State Health.


“Caffeine is not the enemy,” she said in a university news release. “But I encourage people to know healthy limits and consume it strategically because it is activating and can mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety.”


Low doses of caffeine are in the range of 50 to 200 milligrams. Consuming more than 400 milligrams at once may lead to feeling overstimulated and anxious and bring on symptoms such as racing heart, nausea or abdominal pain.


Anxiety is a common problem, but many patients and their doctors don’t think about caffeine as a potential contributing factor, said Dr. Matthew Silvis, vice chair of clinical operations in the division of family medicine at Penn State Health.


“We want people to consider whether there may be a connection between their caffeine consumption and anxiety,” he said.


As well as being a potential problem for people with anxiety, caffeine can interact negatively with medications for seizure disorders, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, certain heart conditions or thyroid disease, Silvis noted.


“Medical disorders that a patient may already have can become more difficult to control,” he said.


In terms of amounts of caffeine, an average cup of home-brewed coffee has about 100 milligrams, compared with 250 milligrams in a tall Starbucks coffee and as much as 400 milligrams in energy drinks.


A can of Mountain Dew has 55 milligrams while a can of Coca-Cola has 35 milligrams.


Many vitamin and sports or nutritional supplements also contain caffeine, but many people don’t think to check the labels of those products, Silvis added.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Catherine’s Health Center is looking for a few, good women for WISEWOMAN Program

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Courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

By WKTV Staff


Catherine’s Health Center is looking for 200 women eager to work with a health coach and engage in programs that will support you in reaching your goals!


WISEWOMAN provides opportunities and programming that empower Michigan women to make healthy lifestyle choices.


The local WISEWOMAN Agency team is made up of clinical staff and a health coach. Women ready to change can receive:

  • One-on-one health coaching from a WISEWOMAN Health Coach
  • Free membership to a weight loss program or a diabetes prevention program
  • Free gardening supplies and education through the WISEWOMAN Entrepreneurial Gardening program
  • Referrals to programs in the community to help her make healthy lifestyle behavior changes

To be in WISEWOMAN, a woman must first receive cancer prevention screening or patient navigation services from the Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BCCCNP).

Program focus areas

The Michigan WISEWOMAN program has three main focus areas related to participants.

  1. Identify and communicate risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. The woman is better able to decide where she wants to take small steps if she understands her risk factors.
  2. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Health Coaches work with each woman to make lifestyle behavior changes that will help with the risk factors and symptoms she has now. Making healthy choices may also keep her from developing any new risk factors.
  3. Address Health Equity and Social Justice in the community

Local WISEWOMAN agencies address health equity by identifying underserved groups in their service areas and getting them into WISEWOMAN. The underserved groups may include:

Courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Women with disabilities
  • Women who do not speak English
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) women
  • Racial or ethnic minority women
  • Women whose citizenship or immigration status is not settled

Once in the program, many women find it difficult to think about making healthy lifestyle choices when they are having trouble paying rent, utilities, or buying food for their families. These are social justice issues. Michigan WISEWOMAN addresses these issues through special projects that provide participants with opportunities to earn extra money while learning marketable skills.

Eligibility:

  • Ages 40-64 years
  • Reduced income (ask staff)
  • A desire to set a health goal and work towards reducing your unique risk factors that could cause long-term health problems

Contact: Maria or Katie at (616) 336-8800 ext. 207


Do you know the risk factors for breast cancer?

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By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Many women come into the ER with chest pain, and they never thought they would be in that situation. But most heart attacks are preventable, and we need to be more active in telling women what they can do to avoid a heart attack.


The same is true with breast cancer—the more we know about preventing breast cancer, the more women we can help avoid being diagnosed with the disease.


Although breast cancer is far too common, breast cancer survival is improving due to more advanced treatments and early screening for women at high risk.


Do you know your risk, and do you have a plan for when you should be screened? If I asked you if you want to get breast cancer, of course you would answer with an emphatic, “No!” If you don’t want cancer, then you must know your risks, live a lifestyle that decreases your risk, and take your checkups seriously.


Several years ago, I read a story about a young woman who had metastatic breast cancer, and the article described her situation in detail.


There was a picture that showed her being comforted by her sister, who also had breast cancer five years earlier. Both women talked about their mother who had died of the same disease in her mid-40s.


As I read the story, I felt both sad and mad at the same time. Of course, I felt sad for them for all they had gone through, but I was also mad to think their cancer could have been prevented, or at least detected before it spread.


Here’s what I wish they would have known about the genetics of breast cancer:

  • Ten percent of breast cancer is associated with family history.
  • The risk of getting breast cancer increases two times if one first-degree relative has/had breast cancer.
  • The risk of getting breast cancer increases three times if two first-degree relatives have/had breast cancer.

In addition, 50 percent of breast cancer diagnoses are associated with known risk factors.


A patient I’ll call Kelly came to see me for a routine visit recently. In taking her history, several factors caught my attention: she was 48 years old and had never been pregnant; her mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer at 49; and she had regular mammograms that were always negative, but her breasts were very dense, decreasing the likelihood of diagnosis of a small cancer.


I recommended advanced screening with a special mammogram and ultrasound by a breast surgeon.


When she had the testing done, they detected several suspicious areas, and a biopsy showed pre-cancer. Kelly decided to have definitive surgery, and when she had a bilateral mastectomy, they detected early, almost-invasive cancer.


We were able to avoid invasive cancer by doing three things: 1) being proactive; 2) knowing her individual risk factors; and 3) acting early to save her from worrying about recurrence, and having to go through chemotherapy or radiation.


The lifetime risk of breast cancer for most women is 1 in 8. The risk at age 30 is 1 in 250 and increases as you get older. Other risk factors include being female, white and obese (having a BMI over 30). The risk is even greater if the weight is gained after the age of 40 and is in the form of belly fat (especially after menopause). In addition, your risk is greatest if you are diabetic and overweight.


So, what can you do to lower your risk of breast cancer? For starters, lifestyle matters:

  • Women who consume 10 or more alcoholic drinks per week have a higher risk for cancer of the colon and breast.
  • Women who started smoking early and have smoked for a long time are at higher risk.
  • Women who breastfed their children and are physically active have a lower risk.

Two other risk factors that may not be in your control include the following:

  • Women who work the night shift seem to experience more cancer, according to several large studies.
  • Women who received radiation for Hodgkins Lymphoma as a child have an increased risk of breast cancer.

If you have any of these high risk factors, get screening early and talk to your doctor about special screening with a Tomo mammogram or adding an ultrasound to your routine mammogram.


I had a patient who put off her mammogram because she had small breasts and thought she would easily be able to see any lumps, plus she had no family history of breast cancer. When her friend finally convinced her to get a mammogram, it showed she had breast cancer.


I’ve given you plenty of statistics and information about breast cancer in this blog, but there are a few takeaway points I want to make sure you remember:

  • Know your individual risk factors.
  • If you are at higher risk, talk to your doctor about special testing.
  • Be active! Exercise a minimum of 150 minutes per week.
  • Do not gain weight over 40—stay off the sugar.
  • Don’t drink more than ten drinks a week.
  • Don’t be afraid of mammograms—get tested!

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Holland Home is first in state to achieve coveted accreditation for memory care services

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By Holland Home

Holland Home, one of Michigan’s largest nonprofit senior services providers, has been recognized as the first agency in the state, and only third nationally, to achieve the coveted “Designated Organization” accreditation from Positive Approach to Care (PAC), the preeminent dementia education organization founded in 2005 by Teepa Snow, one of the world’s leading educators on dementia care.

As an Aware Designated Organization (Aware is the specific level that Holland Home achieved), PAC attests that Holland Home’s memory care services are considered to be offered and measured at some of the highest levels among all senior memory care services programs. Most notable to patients and families is that the PAC designation means that every Holland Home team member has specific dementia-care training and all team members participate in regular dementia training. 

The designation is so rare that organizations need to be invited by PAC to apply for the credentialing. Snow, who has visited and lectured at Holland Home several times, invited Holland Home to apply earlier this year. After a site visit by PAC team investigators, and additional review, Holland Home was informed in late November that it had achieved Aware status.

 

“Holland Home is incredibly honored to be recognized by the world’s leading dementia education organization as being one of the highest-performing dementia care providers in the nation,” said Troy Vugteveen, executive vice president, operations, Holland Home. “We’ve invested a tremendous amount of resources in the last several years to advancing our memory care services, so the PAC Aware Designation validates our innovative and passionate approach to providing the best possible care to our senior residents.”

Holland Home’s Memory Care Services department has three PAC-credentialed trainers: Rosemary Apol-Hoezee, RN, MPH, CPHRM, director of Quality and Education; Lynn Bolt, RN; and Lois Thomas, RN, coordinator of Memory Care Services. 

Under their leadership, Holland Home has created several offerings catering to advancing its dementia services, including:

  • Creating a Dementia Coalition Team comprised of staff from various departments to ensure universal training.
  • Developing a PAC training program.
  • Developing the Dementia Journey, an interactive simulation that allows staff to experience the effects dementia has on everyday tasks.
  • Authoring the Dementia Handbook.
  • Creating Memory Care Boxes, Table Top Woodworking Stations, Weighted Blankets, Fidget Aprons
  • Developing the Honor Care Program



Every Holland Home employee who regularly interacts with dementia residents receives the PAC training within the first 90 days of hire and then every two years thereafter.  Similarly, all Holland Home employees (regardless of their role) go through the Dementia Journey, which is a great way for staff to develop an understanding of what it is like to live with Dementia.

Snow, an occupational therapist with 40 years of clinical practice experience, is one of the world’s leading educators on dementia and the care that accompanies it. In 2005, she founded Positive Approach® to Care (PAC), a company that provides dementia care training, services and products around the world. A core principle of PAC is that, in order to obtain the relationships and outcomes that are desired, the first and most important shift must originate with each person’s own willingness and ability to change.

About Holland Home


Founded in 1892, Holland Home of Grand Rapids is Michigan’s largest nonprofit provider of senior services and was the first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the state.  Holland Home offers the full continuum of care and is one of the largest nonprofit CCRC in the nation (source: Ziegler 150).  Under the Holland Home brand are two residential campuses:  Breton Woods and Raybrook.  Community services include Atrio Home Care, Faith Hospice and its Trillium Woods hospice inpatient facility, Reliance Community Care Partners, Care Resources and the Trillium Institute.  Holland Home employs over 1,400 people and serves more than 4,000 daily.  Holland Home’s mission is to serve with love and compassion, commit to excellence, and follow Christ’s teachings and examples in all that we do.  For more information about Holland Home, please visit hollandhome.org.

How to determine a ripe melon

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Photo 1. Winter watermelon showing the yellow ground spot indicating a mature, ready-to-eat fruit. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.

By Ronald Goldy, Michigan State University Extension


A sure sign of summer in Michigan is the number of locally grown, vine-ripened melons available at farm stands and farmers markets. However, with modern transportation, watermelon, cantaloupe and other melons are available year around. So how does a buyer in the dead of winter determine a flavorful melon?


It is important to understand that not all melons behave the same when it comes to ripening. Some, like watermelon, do not continue to ripen once harvested. Therefore, flavor will not improve nor will they become sweeter—it is what it is at harvest. However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest. Once into the ripening process, fruit will gain sugar, flavor will improve and flesh soften. For the consumer, this means watermelon and similar fruit can be eaten as soon as you bring it home no matter what time of the year it is. However, cantaloupe and similar melons bought in winter probably need to be held at room temperature for a few days or more to allow it to improve.

Photo 2. Summer cantaloupe showing typical golden color and the “dimpled” stem end where the stem has pulled free from the fruit. CC0 Public Domain.

The most reliable way to determine if a watermelon is mature is to observe it while it is still on the plant. Since that is not possible in winter, consumers have to use the next step and that is looking at the “ground spot” (Photo 1). The ground spot is where fruit was in contact with the soil. It is easy to recognize since it will not have the same stripes and color of the rest of the fruit—it will have a more solid color. A mature watermelon will have a yellow ground spot (Photo 1). If it is light yellow or even white, make another selection.


Honeydew melons are the hardest to know when they are mature. Being light colored, the ground spot technique does not work and they do not “self-pick” like cantaloupe. However, like cantaloupe, they continue to ripen off the plant. To eat a honeydew early is not a bad experience, but you do not want to wait so long that it goes bad. The fruit does not provide the signals watermelon and cantaloupe do. For honeydew, you have to rely on the grower picking it at a good time no matter the season since once you cut it open you have to eat it or refrigerate it.


Left on the plant, cantaloupe fruit begin to disconnect when mature and the fruit will essentially pick itself and be ready to eat right away. Summer melons have a noticeable dimple at the stem end and generally have a golden color (Photo 2). Since ripe cantaloupe are quite soft, they have to be harvested in winter production areas when they are less than fully mature so they are able to survive the transport process in good shape. Instead of allowing them to self-pick, they are cut from the plant.

Photo 3. Winter cantaloupe with the stem still attached. Look for cantaloupe where the stem end has begun to crack (arrow), thus indicating the melon is approaching maturity but will improve in flavor if allowed to sit at room temperature for a few days. Photo by Ron Goldy, MSU Extension.

For winter-grown melons, the stem attachment is still evident on the fruit—no dimple (Photo 3). As the fruit matures, you will be able to see the abscission zone form as a slight crack that gets larger over time and will eventually form a circle around the stem (Photo 3). When selecting a winter cantaloupe, look for one where the remaining stem has started to crack and break away from the melon. When you can see that crack starting to form, that means the fruit was harvested mature enough that the ripening process will continue. It probably still needs to sit at room temperature for a few days as it continues to mature. Be patient and let that happen. It will not attain the golden color of a summer-grown melon, so do not expect it to be quite the same, but neither is the weather outside.


This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).


How climate change, millennials and tainted donors are impacting philanthropy

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By Nate Hoekstra
Grand Valley State University

Climate change, millennials becoming a majority of the workforce, and increasing critiques of tainted donors are changing the nonprofit sector in profound new ways, according to experts and thought leaders at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

Those concepts are just a sampling of emerging trends in the philanthropic sector identified in the Johnson Center’s annual 11 Trends in Philanthropy report, which analyzes upcoming and developing issues in the nonprofit industry.

A significant change to the nonprofit sector in 2020 will be the people working in it. This year, millennials will make up more than half of the workforce in the United States, and the generation’s desire for greater flexibility, transparency and meaning in their work is reshaping how nonprofit workplaces function. Those wants, coupled with the lure of social enterprise companies, may be presenting new opportunities for professional impact.

Nonprofits will also be on the front lines of a global issue: climate change. As the impacts of climate change become more apparent, nonprofit organizations and those who fund them will play critical roles in disaster response, policy change, applying a sustainable and climate-focused lens to existing strategies and advancing new ideas for mitigating and reversing ecological damage.

Another major trend that continues to develop is the increasing number and frequency of so-called tainted money and tainted donors. Common examples of this trend include the philanthropy of the late Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, and the giving of the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma, which is linked to the opioid crisis. Some experts in the field even argue that the “cleanliness” of any money gained through capitalist practices should be considered suspect. But all of this concern puts the nonprofits who depend, to varying degrees, on private donations in an ethically complicated spot.

Other trends, which are also analyzed in-depth in the report, include:

— Increasing critiques of “Big Philanthropy”

— Data and mapping tools come together to empower community decision making

— Collaboration and consolidation in philanthropy’s infrastructure

— Data science for social impact

— Increased attention to sustainable development goals

— Alternatives to strategic philanthropy are emerging

— Corporate social responsibility employs many models to align business and philanthropy

— Inclusive growth requires urgent collaboration and deliberate patience



“The philanthropic sector is undeniably sharing in this time of marked upheaval and uncertainty,” said Teri Behrens, executive director of the Johnson Center. “Yet, we still see philanthropy as being best positioned to help unite us, domestically and internationally, to address some of the global challenges we face. We are a sector that focuses on solving problems.”

The full 2020 11 Trends in Philanthropy report is available online at johnsoncenter.org

Michigan fresh: Maple syrup

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Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Kendra Wills, Michigan State University Extension


Maple syrup is among the first locally harvested food products available in Michigan farmers markets each spring. According to the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (n.d.), Michigan ranks fifth nationally in maple syrup production at about 90,000 gallons annually. It takes approximately 40 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.


One-hundred-percent pure maple syrup tastes very different from the pancake syrups found in most grocery stores. These pancake syrups consist mostly of corn syrup or cane sugar. They may contain either no pure maple syrup or pure maple syrup in very small amounts. Be sure to read the label of ingredients if you are looking for pure maple syrup.

Nutrition

One tablespoon of maple syrup has about 50 calories. Maple syrup is approximately 67 percent sugar and 33 percent water. The sugar in maple syrup is sucrose (88 to 89 percent) with small amounts of glucose and fructose sugar (11 to 12 percent). White sugar is also sucrose. According to the Ohio State University Extension (2009), there is no direct scientific evidence that maple syrup is healthier than white sugar. Diabetics and others who are limiting their sugar intake need to treat maple syrup as they do other sugar products.

Storage

Store pure maple syrup in the refrigerator — even if the bottle has not been opened. Pure maple syrup in glass or tin containers may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year. Use syrup stored in plastic containers within three to six months. Plastic breathes causing a change to syrup color and flavor (Ohio State University Extension, 2009).


You may freeze maple syrup. To freeze, pour it into freezable glass jars, making sure to leave a one-inch space at the top. Frozen syrup maintains quality and flavor for an indefinite period.

Selection

The characteristic flavor of maple syrup includes sweetness from the sugars, a slight tartness from the acids, and a range of aromas that includes vanilla, coffee and chocolate. The longer the syrup is boiled, the darker the color (University of Vermont, n.d.).

Click to download pdf

All states must use the U.S. Department of Agriculture color standards to grade, or classify, maple syrup based on color, flavor and sugar content. However, states may use their own words to describe color. Grade A refers to the lighter, more delicately flavored, sometimes less concentrated syrups, which people pour directly on food. Grade B, more often used for cooking, is stronger in caramel flavor. Maple syrup grading kits are available at specialty stores or through online retailers. Maple producers use them to help classify their syrup for quality control. (University of Vermont, n.d.). 2


Michigan maple syrup has four grades: Grade A Light Amber, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber, and Grade B. The Michigan Maple Syrup Association (2005) says Grade A Light Amber has a delicate maple taste and extra light amber color; Grade A Medium Amber has a mild maple taste and light amber color; Grade A Dark Amber has a hearty maple taste and a medium amber color; and Grade B, good for cooking, has a robust maple taste and dark amber color.

Production

Maple syrup is typically harvested from sugar maple and black maple trees. Even though other tree varieties can produce sap for syrup production, these two varieties typically provide the sweetest sap. A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and at least 32 inches in circumference at 4.5 feet off the ground before tapping.


Maple sap is harvested as a slightly sweet, colorless liquid. Sap is boiled so the water in the sap evaporates and the sugars become concentrated. Sap harvesting can start as early as February in southern Michigan and go until April in the north. The Michigan Maple Syrup Association (n.d.) estimates that only about 1 percent of Michigan’s maple forest resources are utilized for syrup production.


To learn how to tap maple trees and produce your own syrup, read the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Bulletin Homemade Maple Syrup. Obtain it from http://shop.msu.edu/ Search the MSU Extension Bookstore section for “E2617.”

Recipes

Spring Greens with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

– 1 cup Grade A pure maple syrup (light, medium or dark — your preference)
– 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 3/4 cup canola oil

Whisk or use immersion blender until blended and stable.

Salad

– 1 large bunch of mixed greens and/or arugula (or enough for the number of servings you require)
– 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
– 1/2 cup pecans
– 1/2 cup craisins

Toss 1/2 cup vinaigrette with greens, top with cheese, nuts, fruit and serve. Produces 6-8 servings depending on serving size.

Adapted with permission from UVM Libraries Maple Research Website: http://library.uvm.edu/maple/recipes/?cat=17

(University of Vermont. (2010). Spring greens with maple balsamic vinaigrette.)

Maple Baked Beans

4-6 servings

Ingredients:

– 2 cups dried navy beans (you may want to look for Michigan navy beans)
– 6 strips bacon
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried mustard
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A or Grade B — your choice)
– 1 pork hock, fresh or smoked
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat over to 325 °F. Simmer navy beans in water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain beans and reserve liquid for cooking. Line bean pot with strips of bacon. In a large bowl, toss together onion and beans. In another bowl, combine 2 cups bean cooking liquid, mustard, salt and maple syrup. Place half the bean mixture on bacon strips in pot. Place pork hock on beans, top with rest of bean onion mixture, then pour over reserved cooking liquid/ syrup mixture. Cover with lid and place in oven for 3 hours, or until pork hock is fully cooked and pulling away from the bone. If beans begin to look dry, add more cooking liquid.

Once pork hock is cooked, remove beans from oven and remove lid. Mash together butter and brown sugar into a paste, scatter sugar paste over beans and place back in the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.

Adapted with permission from a recipe from Sydney Oland, food writer, posted on seriouseats.com. Retrieved from http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/12/maple-baked-bean-stew-pork-recipe.html.

References

Michigan Maple Syrup Association. (n.d.). Maple facts. Retrieved from http://www.mi-maplesyrup.com/ education/maple-facts/.


Michigan Maple Syrup Association. (2005, Spring). Grading!!! Should our current system be changed? Michigan Maple Syrup Association Members Newsletter.


Ohio State University Extension. (2009). Selecting, storing, and serving Ohio maple syrup. (HYG-5522-09). Retrieved from http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5522.pdf.


Oland, S. (2011, Dec. 17). Maple baked beans. Retrieved from http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/12/ maple-baked-bean-stew-pork-recipe.html.


University of Vermont. (n.d.). Maple syrup. Retrieved from http://library.uvm.edu/maple/nutrition/index.php.


University of Vermont. (2010). Spring greens with maple balsamic vinaigrette. Retrieved from http://library.uvm. edu/maple/recipes/?cat=17.

Resources

Michigan Maple Syrup Association


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Practical ways seniors can save money

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Saving money is important no matter your age or income level, but seniors often find themselves needing a few extra dollars here and there to make retirement work. Fortunately, there are practical ways to stretch a dollar, without breaking the bank.


Downsizing to a smaller home, getting rid of cable television, sharing expenses with friends and taking advantage of senior discounts are all effective ways to save money in retirement.

Downsizing

Larger homes cost more to heat, cool, furnish and repair, which is why downsizing the square footage makes a lot of sense for seniors. Moving to an assisted living community can amplify the cost savings, depending on the circumstances. Specifically, downsizing can reduce gas, electric, insurance, property taxes, and water bills, while minimizing upkeep costs like new carpet and landscaping.

Cut back on cable

Cable television isn’t cheap, especially when you factor in premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax. While it’s fun to have all of the sports and specialty channels, they aren’t always necessary, and they can cost more than $100 a month. Netflix and Hulu are much more cost-effective, allowing seniors to stream content via the Internet on their televisions. Both services combined allow retirees to watch movies and television shows at a fraction of the cost of cable.

Share expenses

Whether it’s carpooling to bingo, the movies or to the store to get groceries, ride sharing among seniors is an effective way to cut down on fuel costs. Transportation isn’t cheap, especially in areas of the country where cities are decentralized, or in the countryside where it takes some time to get back to more populated areas. Thus, lower fuel costs can help seniors. Ride sharing also cuts down on the wear and tear to older adults’ vehicles, extending a car or truck’s useful life and reducing maintenance costs.


Moving into an assisted living facility like Vista Springs can also help seniors spread the cost of entertainment, activities, and medical care among fellow residents, enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved. The costs of independent medical attention, food preparation, and daily entertainment is often-times cost-prohibitive for seniors living alone. Finding ways to share expenses among a group provides new and exciting possibilities for aging adults.

Senior discounts

Movie theaters, fast-food restaurants, fine-dining restaurants and similar establishments typically offer senior discounts at particular times, or on specific days of the week. Taking advantage of these opportunities can yield cost-savings and an active retirement, which is beneficial on multiple levels. The goal of retirement is not to stop spending money, but to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor of many years of working. Senior discounts allow seniors to get out and do more for less, which is positive for everyone in the community.


Seniors living off of a fixed income usually need to be cost-conscious to ensure a comfortable and rewarding retirement. But when you find ways to save money in an efficient, practical and common sense way, older adults can live a fun and enjoyable retirement.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Build better balance at any age

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A simple one-legged stand can help strengthen your lower body, ultimately improving your balance and reducing the risk of falls. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


Bad balance is a common cause of dangerous falls, especially among older adults.


Falls send more than 2 million adults to the emergency room every year and often result in lengthy rehab stays.


Preventing falls is a priority for staying healthy and preventing painful broken bones as you age. Easy strength and balance exercises that you can do anytime, anywhere, such as tai chi and yoga, can help you stay steady on your feet.


But first it’s important to know how good (or lacking) your balance is.


Grab a friend or loved one, a sturdy chair and a stopwatch to check your balance with a quick test called the single leg stance. It basically involves standing on one leg. Doctors use it to predict who might be at risk of falling.


Stand barefoot in front of the chair but don’t touch it. Cross your arms. Lift one leg up off the floor and start the timer. As you feel yourself start to sway, immediately steady yourself with the chair and stop the timer.

Here are the average times that indicate good balance when you stand on one leg based on age:

  • Ages 18-39: 43 seconds for men and women
  • Ages 40-49: 40 seconds for men and women
  • Ages 50-59: 36 seconds for women, 38 for men
  • Ages 60-69: 25 seconds for women, 28 for men
  • Ages 70-79: 11 seconds for women, 18 for men
  • Ages 80-99: 7 seconds for women, 5 seconds for men

If you become unsteady before your specific time, talk to your doctor. Illness, medication and even footwear can throw you off balance. Together, you and your doctor can find solutions.


You can improve your balance by practicing the one-leg stance, but as a training exercise, hold onto a chair and don’t let go.


Lift one leg for 15 seconds, rest and repeat three times, then switch legs.


The stronger your lower body, the steadier you’ll be on your feet.


For safety reasons, always have someone with you when trying a balance exercise for the first time. Or consider a group balance class.


Many community centers offer fun fitness programs to help adults prevent falls.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Photo of the Week: Catching a Show

Citizen Journalism

This week’s photo comes from the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. When the house lights came up for a dress rehearsal of Civic’s “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the cast discovered they had literally been playing to the dogs. Ten service dogs in training and their handlers attended one of the final rehearsals for the show, which opened Jan. 10. The event was coordinated with Paws With A Cause, which trains assistance dogs to help a person with a disability to complete essential tasks. “We want to prepare our dogs to work in environments of multiple varying distractions so that they are comfortable doing their job for their clients in everyday life,” said a member of the PAWS Training Team.

Civic’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” runs through Jan. 26 at the theater, 30 N. Division Ave. Tickets for the show are available at grct.org or call 616-222-6650.

Do you have a photo to be considered for Photo of the Week? Send it to Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.