Researchers likely have a ways to go before they’ve perfected a cat vaccine that alleviates allergic reactions in humans. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
“This is an interesting concept,” said Theodore Kelbel, MD, section chief of allergy and immunology at Spectrum Health. “However, there is much to be studied before this will translate to regular practice.”
The vaccine would be administered to cats in three doses over nine weeks, with some cats getting a booster shot six months later, Dr. Kelbel said. The injections would be administered in the cat’s hind legs. It can be given to any cat at any age, but a booster shot may be necessary. Consequently, the effect on the feline protein may not be immediate.
Purr-fect solution?
In theory, humans would benefit because the cats would only need the three shots and a booster.
People who require allergy shots, on the other hand, typically get them on a more continuing basis.
Dr. Kelbel said individuals usually receive weekly shots for a few months, returning to a physician each month for a shot over a three- to five-year period. They also require booster shots if a cat lives in the house.
Allergy shots for humans have been around for decades and they work reasonably well, Dr. Kelbel said.
Researchers have plenty of testing to do on the cat vaccine, Dr. Kelbel said. They need exposure studies in which immunized cats would come into contact with humans who have known allergies to the felines.
They also need to conduct long-term studies, he said.
If a cat is still producing the protein in smaller amounts, it could build up over time and eventually affect humans again.
Other companies continue to research new medications or shots for people, which could improve the currently available treatments. But “the research is still very, very early,” Dr. Kelbel said.
From a common sense standpoint, there remains a leading solution for a person allergic to cats: Avoid contact with the animal.
That is, until researchers fine-tune their vaccine.
“I think it will be a few years, at minimum, before they can tell us (the vaccine) will be clinically beneficial for cat allergy patients,” Dr. Kelbel said.
Being a caregiver for a loved one is a job most people are happy to take on. They want to take care of the person who, in many cases, took care of them. And while caregiving has its rewards, it’s also a 24/7 job. Caregivers are on call at all hours of the day, especially if they are the primary caregiver. This constant responsibility and added emotional and physical strain can cause something called caregiver stress. When caring for a loved one, you are less likely to care for yourself, give yourself much-needed breaks, or keep yourself healthy.
In many cases, those keeping others from becoming even more ill, end up in the hospital themselves. To stay strong for your family and avoid the ails caused by caregiver stress, remember these self-care ideas.
Ask for and accept help
If you’re caring for a family member, ask another family member to step in once in awhile. Even if they just come by to read while you sit with a cup of coffee, this small break can refresh your body and mind. Or ask a neighbor to stop by for an hour while you go grocery shopping. Even though you are the primary caregiver, you don’t have to shoulder the responsibility on your own.
The chance to talk to someone who understands what you are going through can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. Only another caregiver will understand that while you love your family member, you may sometimes get frustrated with them, and then feel guilty about it. Find a safe space where you can express these feelings with people who are probably feeling the same things. It’s also a place where you can brainstorm solutions to the problems you face every day and find the resources you need to face those problems head on.
Stay active
You can combat fatigue, depression, and insomnia by staying active. Even if it’s just a 20-minute walk every day or jogging in place in front of the TV, any movement helps. Try Yoga in the morning before your loved one wakes up or a simple stretching routine every night before bed. It doesn’t have to be intense; it just needs to get you moving. Though, if you do have the option to get out the house (remember when we said to ask for help?) getting outside can play a large role in staying happy and healthy.
Stay social
While it’s tempting to spend almost all your time with your loved one, chatting, watching TV, reading or playing games, it’s also detrimental to your health to cut off other connections. When we don’t socialize, ailments like depression and loneliness are quick to set in. Maintain your social life as much as possible by asking neighbors or other family to step into the caregiver role once in awhile. Make daily phone calls to friends and family and share updates and stories with your loved one. If they have a hard time getting out, they will enjoy hearing your stories and being involved in your life.
Overall, the best advice for caregivers is to take care of yourself, too. Eat right, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and see your doctor regularly. You won’t be any help to your loved one if you wear yourself down!
As it was mentioned in part one of this series about the importance and value of informal family caregiving, caregivers often experience depression as well as physical health challenges. In a Family Caregiver Alliance 2006 report, Caregiver Assessment: Voices and Views from the Field Caring, it says that caring for persons with dementia can impact a person’s immune system for up to three years after their caregiving experience ends, increasing their chances of developing a chronic illness themselves.
In the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP 2009 report, Caregiving in the U.S., it states that 17 percent of caregivers feel their health in general has gotten worse as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. The report also says that studies have found that 23 percent of family caregivers who have been providing care for five years or more report their health is fair or poor.
Michigan State University Extension says that caregivers need to make their own care their first priority. It isn’t possible to be an effective caregiver for others without taking responsibility to keep their own well-being in mind. But, because of the constant demands of family caregiving, it is often difficult to include self-care in the daily list of responsibilities.
It is important to keep self-care simple. Stick with the basics. According to the National Center of Caregiving at the San Francisco-based Family Caregiver Alliance, it is vital to focus on the following basic self-care practices:
Learn and use stress-reduction techniques.
Attend to your own healthcare needs.
Get proper rest and nutrition.
Exercise regularly.
Take time off without feeling guilty.
Participate in pleasant, nurturing activities.
Seek and accept the support of others.
Seek supportive counseling when you need it, or talk to a trusted counselor or friend.
Identify and acknowledge your feelings.
Change the negative ways you view situations.
Set goals.
All of these activities are easier to accomplish with the support of family, friends and community resources. Reaching out to others to gather support for your family caregiving efforts can mean the difference between the normal caregiver burden and disastrous caregiver burnout. Contact your local MSU Extension office, your county commission on aging or the regional Area Agency on Aging to locate community resources to support your valiant efforts at family caregiving and self-care.
Many of my patients come to see me about symptoms and health issues they are experiencing, but I make it a point to help them recognize when they are at risk for something they don’t yet have.
This is especially true if they have increased risk factors for specific diseases or various health problems. There are changes they can make to help prevent these issues.
One of my patients, who I’ll call Judy, was faced with some life-changing decisions she needed to make, so we sat down and talked about what was happening in her life.
Judy’s mom had recently been diagnosed with end-stage endometrial cancer, and Judy wanted to know how she could shape her own future to be different from her mom’s. We first looked at Judy’s current health and how she was handling perimenopause.
For the most part, she was taking her perimenopausal symptoms in stride, but she struggled with weight gain (especially around her middle) and she was a smoker. She was afraid to quit smoking, fearing that she would gain even more weight.
As with all of my menopause patients, we discussed what she wanted her Picture of Self to look like at a specific point in her future and what she had planned to help her achieve her goals.
Before we discussed the changes Judy could make, we talked about some of the well-defined risk factors of endometrial cancer that she can control.
Excess estrogen increases the risk of endometrial cancer because it induces the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to grow. When this growth occurs unchecked, there is a risk of abnormal or cancerous development. Progesterone acts as a natural balance by stabilizing the endometrium and keeping it from growing out of control.
Excess estrogen can occur for two reasons: the levels can increase naturally during perimenopause, or there may be too much “unopposed” estrogen if you take estrogen-containing medications without balancing them with progesterone.
Low-dose combination oral contraceptives and appropriate doses of hormone therapy can help prevent endometrial cancer by controlling the level of circulating hormones and thus the growth of the lining of the uterus. Progesterone-releasing IUDs also help control the growth of the endometrium and decrease the likelihood of abnormal growth.
Finally, Judy and I discussed some lifestyle habits that can make a significant impact on her risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Smoking increases the risk of developing many cancers—another great reason to quit! Weight loss can help to decrease the risk, because estrogen, like many hormones, is stored long-term in body fat. Therefore, decreasing the body fat reduces the excess estrogen in your body. Other healthy changes you can make include increasing your physical activity, and eating a diet low in saturated fats and high in ruits and vegetables.
After talking with Judy, she was much more optimistic about her future. She has a clear understanding of her specific risk factors, specifically her smoking and central obesity. She has also regained a sense of control, and by making healthy choices, she is continuing to work toward her goals.
The digital age we live in today is fast-paced and full of constantly changing technology. This can be intimidating to aging adults who may fear they can’t understand new devices. However, combined, seniors and technology can be a powerful tool.
Modern devices connect us with loved ones, keep us in touch with medical professionals, and help us stay safe. If your loved one is nervous about getting started, here are a few easy ways to explore technology for seniors.
1. Use Technology to Connect
Today’s technology offers powerful ways to connect with our family and friends. For seniors who may not be as mobile as they once were, this is a huge benefit. There are many ways to use the digital world to stay social:
Help your loved one set up a social media account to see the latest photos and updates from grandchildren or long-distance relatives.
Use Skype or other video-chatting services to stay in touch when distance or health prevents face-to-face visits.
If your elderly family members can’t attend gatherings, upload family videos to YouTube and share privately.
2. Find Community Resources
The first step to understanding the digital world is mastering basic computer skills. For those of us who didn’t grow up with modern technology, this can be quite a challenge! If you need assistance or ideas for helping your aging loved one become comfortable with computers, research what resources are available in your area.
Many senior living community centers offer technology education. Local libraries, schools, and junior colleges have computer facilities and may offer classes or tutoring programs to the general public. Another great resource is your local Area Agency on Aging, a free service offered by the U.S. Administration on Aging.
3. Start Learning and Creating from Home
As we age, we may find that active pastimes are simply too demanding for our current health. Additionally, the living spaces in most retirement communities may not allow space for large projects. However, the digital revolution has made a huge range of new creative and educational activities possible from the comfort of our own homes.
Many people have always wanted to learn another language, but never had the time; some have a novel inside them just waiting to be written. Perhaps your loved one would enjoy blogging on a favorite topic and connecting with others who share their interests. Technology makes all these things possible! Check out resources like the National Novel Writing Month and Khan Academy for inspiration.
4. How to Get Started
No matter our age or lifestyle, trying new habits can be intimidating. Some seniors are ready and excited to get started with new technology, while some may be very overwhelmed.
Focus on small steps and loving communication.
Forming a new habit takes at least two months, so remember that this change in your loved one’s lifestyle probably won’t happen all at once.
To help keep your loved one from becoming even more overwhelmed, start with bite-sized projects.
Even a few small changes can make a huge difference! Just one email or social media account is enough to increase contact with family and friends.
These are just a few of the ways modern technology can enhance senior living for aging adults! With a few simple steps to introduce your loved one to the digital world, you can help them enjoy a happier, safer, and more convenient lifestyle. No matter where we are in life, the digital world is an exciting place to learn and explore.
Patricia Osorio (left) and twin sister Johanna Osorio enjoy some downtime between classes on the Grand Valley main campus (cr. Sarah Anderson/University Communications/GVSU)
Grand Valley State University freshmen Odalis Johanna Osorio, who goes by Johanna, and her identical twin sister, Odalis Patricia Osorio, who goes by Patricia, do nothing the easy way.
Consider their time at Wyoming High School, from which they graduated this past spring.
Already as freshmen they’d decided to push themselves and signed up for Honors English.
“My mom didn’t even know,” recalls Patricia, “and I can remember her asking ‘Why are you guys studying so hard?’”
Johanna continues the story for Patricia — a not uncommon occurrence for the pair, who also often answer questions in unison.
“We wanted to take on that challenge,” says Johanna. “It was hard, but we made it through.”
“I was scared every day in that class,” Patricia adds with a laugh.
“But we gained so much knowledge and skills,” concludes Johanna. “We learned how to study; we learned how to be students.”
Patricia Osorio (left) and twin sister Johanna Osorio pause prior to an afternoon lab on the Grand Valley State University main campus (cr. Sarah Anderson/University Communications/GVSU)
First Generation Students
The twins have taken that knowledge, and much else learned during their high school days, to their university experience at GVSU, where they are part of a pre-dental program with a goal of one day opening their own dental practice. They already have a name picked out: Osorio Dental. And though they know the road ahead of them will be difficult, they are determined to succeed.
This semester the first-generation college students are taking four classes each, and two of those classes are chemistry and biology, each of which also has a lab.
“It’s harder than we expected,” says Johanna. “It’s going to be a big challenge, but we’ll get there.”
One thing that is making life a little easier for the pair is financial aid. They’ve received assistance from GVSU and were awarded scholarships from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, based on their grades, activities and a short personal essay. Each received a foundation award of $1,000 from the Josephine Ringold Scholarship fund, which has given approximately $600,000 to students in the Grand Rapids area since it was established in 1991.
“We are still paying a lot since it’s two of us,” says Johanna. “We are very grateful for getting any financial assistance because it does help, no matter how much.”
Patricia Osorio (left) and twin sister Johanna Osorio enjoy some downtime between classes on the Grand Valley State University main campus (cr. Sarah Anderson/University Communications/GVSU)
Hot Chocolate in French
They’re also grateful to teachers at Wyoming High School, who not only made an impact on them during their time there but have stayed in touch now that they’re at GVSU.
The twins took French all through high school to push themselves and get out of their comfort zones. Fluent in Spanish, thanks to family ties to both Honduras and Mexico, they knew taking Spanish would have been easy. But French would present a challenge, and the twins were resolute in their belief that surmounting challenges was the best way to use high school as a launching pad for college.
They found a bonus in Wood, whom they call Madame Wood.
“She was a big influence on us, and she’s stayed in touch with us and given us advice,” says Patricia. “We had her class in the morning, and she had this little machine where you could make hot chocolate. It made us feel comfortable.”
‘IT’S HARDER THAN WE EXPECTED. IT’S GOING TO BE A BIG CHALLENGE, BUT WE’LL GET THERE.’ — JOHANNA OSORIO ON UNIVERSITY LIFE
Jonathan Bushen was another mentor and guide for the twins, and he too has stayed in contact with them.
“He motivated us to go to university,” says Johanna. “Just the other day he texted, and he was like ‘Have you joined any clubs yet?’”
Patricia laughs. “We told him ‘yes’ because we joined the Latino Student Union, and we’d just been at a meeting!”
Patricia Osorio (left) and twin sister Johanna Osorio catch up on a reading assignment at a scenic spot on the Grand Valley State University main campus (cr. Sarah Anderson/University Communications/GVSU)
Drive + Compassion = Success
Bushen, who teaches business, technology and video production, says Johanna and Patricia are two of the most gracious and kind students he has taught at Wyoming High School. “Their drive for success along with compassion for others are some of their many great qualities,” he says. “As their business teacher for three years, I watched them develop into young women who have a passionate heart for others, along with determination for individual success, and it wasn’t hard to see that they would be successful in college, and beyond. I am fortunate to know them and to have just had a small piece in their journey.”
In addition to supportive former teachers, the twins also have support from family — not just their mom and step dad but also numerous aunts and uncles and cousins — encouraging and pushing them to succeed. In turn, they have a deep desire to model success for others in their family, including a 3-year-old brother and a number of school-aged cousins.
“At Wyoming, when you graduate you get cords that you wear for all of the clubs and activities you’ve been part of,” says Patricia. “For Honors Society, for Key Club (a group that coordinates volunteer activities), for class committees. I remember my cousin looked at us wearing them and said ‘I want those.’ And I said: ‘Girl, you have to earn them.’”
Earning it. For the Osorio twins, there’s no other way.
For more on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Studies have found associations between artificially sweetened beverages and increased risk of stroke and heart disease. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
The health risks of sugary drinks, from juice to soda, are well known.
They can lead to overweight and diabetes, stroke and other problems in the brain, including poorer memory and smaller brain volume.
But diet sodas aren’t the answer.
A number of studies have found an association between artificially sweetened beverages and an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, heart attack and other heart-related deaths in women.
The most recent was published earlier this year in the journal Stroke, with researchers suggesting that, even without identifying a specific cause and effect, people should seriously consider the potentially harmful effects of artificially sweetened drinks.
And there’s more.
Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine followed 4,000 people of both sexes over 10 years.
Using MRI tests, they linked just one artificially sweetened soda a day to brain changes that can lead to dementia, as well as the type of stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel.
These risks were triple those of people who don’t drink diet sodas.
It didn’t seem to matter which common artificial sweetener—saccharin, aspartame or sucralose—was consumed.
While some people see diet soda as a way of weaning off regular soda, it may be healthier in the long run to skip this type of transition.
If you like soda’s carbonation more than the better option of water, flavor plain seltzer with a squeeze of your favorite citrus fruit, a few crushed berries or both.
For variety, try freshly grated ginger, chopped mint or a teaspoon of vanilla. Also consider replacing soda with a glass of milk—you’ll get important protein and a shot of calcium in the bargain.
Whole-grain breads provide immunity-boosting nutrients and dietary fiber that can help improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
There may be no dietary staple more in need of a public relations makeover than bread.
Concerns over carbs, sodium and gluten sometime overshadow what can be a simple, tasty way to add important vitamins and minerals as well as fiber to daily meals.
But some breads are better for you than others.
Whole-grain breads are good sources of nutrients that help maintain a healthy immune system. They also provide dietary fiber that can help improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Refined grains, on the other hand, can lead to a surplus of sugar in the bloodstream, which in turn becomes stored in the body as fat.
And refined-grain breads—which have a finer texture and a longer shelf life than whole-grain breads, but lack most of the nutrients—turn up often in everyday foods. White bread is an obvious example, but French bread, bagels and pizza crust commonly contain refined grains as well.
White bread “looks pretty much like plain sugar, really, just simple carbohydrates,” said Marie-Pierre St-Onge, an associate professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University in New York. “Not the complex carbohydrates that we find in whole grains.”
Fad diets may warn against bread’s calories and carbohydrates, but both are necessary components of a daily diet. Complex carbohydrates provide energy for longer periods of time than simple carbohydrates, like those found in white bread.
“I always find it comical when I see low-carbohydrate bread, because you know, it’s all carbohydrates,” St-Onge said. “If there are concerns about bread, it’s probably more about what you put between those two slices than the slices themselves.”
A slice of whole-grain wheat bread typically contains 70 calories, compared with 77 calories in a slice of white bread. Whole-grain bread has more dietary fiber than white bread (2 grams compared to 0.8 grams) and white bread has 1.64 grams of sugar while whole-grain bread has none.
Whole-grain bread can come in a variety of forms, with a variety of other healthy ingredients.
“You can be very creative with the types of bread that you consume,” St-Onge said. “Having different breads that are whole grain can be a way to make your sandwiches more interesting. You can include flaxseed, rye, oats, walnuts, hazelnuts. Those are good for your heart.”
Whole grains are typically low in sodium, but salt may be added during processing of certain types of bread.
“Bread must have sodium. It needs it,” St-Onge said. “You have to stop the yeast at some point, and you need to have salt to do that for preservation purposes. But I would not consider that to be a reason not to consume bread.”
Bread also contains gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, barley and rye. People who have celiac disease are unable to tolerate gluten and others may have a sensitivity to gluten that causes symptoms such as nausea or abdominal pain.
Gluten-free bread may be an option, St-Onge said, but only if it is truly necessary.
“The gluten craze is something to be wary about,” she said. “Baked gluten-free foods often do not have optimal nutrient value.”
The safest way to make sure your bread is healthy, St-Onge said, is to make it yourself.
“It’s easy; you can use a bread machine or a no-knead recipe where you don’t even have to knead it,” she said. “You can control the flour that you put in. There are no additives.”
Some people trying to limit the carbs and calories of bread may opt for tortillas or lettuce wraps, St-Onge said, but there are dietary implications to be considered.
“A leaf of lettuce will have a couple of calories, where a slice of bread will have 100-something calories. But will you have the same amount of vitamins and minerals in a leaf of lettuce that you will get in a slice of bread? No,” she said.
“Have your regular sandwich and add in leaves of lettuce. Make it crunchy. Make it fresh. And then your sandwich is heftier, it’s bulkier, it’s bigger. It’s more satisfying.”
The world is what you make it. And it all starts with what you make of yourself.
From the movie “Fred Claus”
By WKTV Staff joanne@wktv.org
A last minute gift idea
Steven Hopstake and Melissa Prusi. (Supplied Photo)
Answer: Stoker’s Wilde
Question: What is the new book written by Wyoming Park High graduate Steven Hopstaken and former WKTV employee Melissa Prusi? The book, which is now available, brings “Dracula” author Bram Stoker and “The Portrait of Dorian Gray” author Oscar Wilde together in a vampire-chasing story that will keep you flipping through the holidays. For more about the authors and the book, click here.
While on the subject of reading…
Randy Otterbridge (right) with Locally Entertaining host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma (Photo by WKTV)
Randy Otterbridge, chief writing officer for Randy Austin Publishing and Media, will host the free event “Men Who Write…And Win” this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave. While open to everyone, the event will focus on male authors who have written on a variety of topics from finances to children’s books. Authors who participate have the opportunity to win cash prizes by sharing their work. For more on the event or to listen to the Locally Entertaining podcast that Otterbridge was on, click here.
A Community Christmas Gift
City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley signing a Kentwood City Commission resolution on Tuesday, Dec. 17, which stated support of the continued resettlement of refugees within city limits. (City of Kentwood)
The City of Kentwood recently adopted a resolution in support of the continued resettlement of refugees within City limits. The resolution affirms resources and capacities are available within the City of Kentwood to devote to sustainable resettlement, which maximizes the likelihood refugees placed in the area will become self-sufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance. Kentwood is one of the first communities in West Michigan to publicly affirm its support of Executive Order 13888. “Kentwood has long been able to welcome refugees facing persecution thanks to numerous corporations, faith-based organizations, schools and families with the resources available to support the arrival and integration of refugee families,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “As the current home of resettled refugees from more than 90 countries, Kentwood City Commission is committed to ensuring refugees not only feel welcome to come to our City, but to truly feel a sense of belonging within our community.” For more on the story, click here.
You Need an Escort for That
While anyone can walk up to the tomb of Oscar Wilde, which is located in Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery, to visit Bram Stoker’s ashes at London’s Golders Green Creamatorian you need an escort to enter the room where the ashes are housed. The reason? Fear of vandalism.
Even if your yearly physical isn’t scheduled for several months, there are questions you should ask your doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner during your appointment.
Here are five questions you should ask at your checkup:
1. What is my risk for a heart attack?
It’s important to know what factors are in your control and which ones are out of your control when it comes to your risk for a heart attack. I recently saw a patient for her annual exam and she told me she had experienced a scare with chest pain since her last yearly physical.
A visit to the ER revealed a problem with her gallbladder instead of a heart issue. She knew she had high cholesterol and her weight put her at risk for heart disease, but she wasn’t too concerned about her numbers. After her recent scare with chest pain, she began to care a great deal more. So, she asked me what she needed to do to keep her risk as low as possible.
First we looked at her family history. Her father had experienced a heart attack but not until age 72, and her mom was healthy, with no heart disease. She didn’t have pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and had not experienced gestational diabetes. All of this showed that the things she could not change were in her favor—good news!
Next, we looked at things she could change: cholesterol (overall 240—high), triglycerides (180—high), HgA1C level used to test for diabetes (5.7 percent—borderline high), CRP level (2.5—indicates an average risk for heart disease), waist circumference (39—very high), and blood pressure (142/89—high).
The reality was that the factors she could control were increasing her risk of heart disease. In addition, her health habits could be improved. She walked three days a week but didn’t do any strength training, and her diet was mostly meat and potatoes with a salad thrown in once in a while.
So, together, we mapped out a plan to include some dietary changes and add at least two Zumba classes each week, plus water aerobics on the weekend. She also promised to buy the book Sugar Busters to help her learn about healthy versus unhealthy sugars.
2. What is my risk for breast cancer?
We use a scale called the Gail Model to measure breast cancer risk. It includes your family history, your age when you started your period, whether or not you have been pregnant, whether you ever had breast biopsies, and how old you were with your first pregnancy.
Other risk factors we study include your alcohol intake, Body Mass Index (BMI), and current activity level. I recently had a patient who had a significant risk of developing breast cancer based on the following factors: her sister had breast cancer, she had early onset of periods, and she had chosen to not have children. She made an appointment at the high-risk breast clinic and made the personal choice to have a mastectomy. The results revealed extensive DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), which indicates pre-cancer in many women.
For this patient, understanding her risk saved her life and early treatment allowed her to continue taking hormones. Even if your risk of developing breast cancer is low, it’s important to talk to your physician about the risks and follow the guidelines suggested for mammograms. If it’s time, get it done.
3. What is my risk for osteoporosis?
Bone health starts early—in the womb, to be exact.
Our bones begin to be formed based on the amount of Vitamin D and Calcium our mothers take when they are pregnant. After we are born, our bone health depends on our diet and activity level. By age 32 our bone mass reaches its peak, and we experience overall loss the rest of our lives.
Our bones are constantly being remodeled. Over time, breakdown occurs more rapidly than buildup. During menopause, if there is no estrogen replacement, the bone loss accelerates to a rate that increases the risk of fracture.
Several factors can make us lose bone even faster than normal aging: smoking, inactivity, consuming large amounts of soda water or pop, drinking more than two alcoholic beverages per day, hyperthyroidism, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Long-term use of birth control hormones such as Depo, as well as taking drugs used to fight breast cancer, can also increase bone fragility. Of course, there are medications to improve bone strength, but the most important way to prevent fracture is to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet.
4. What is my risk for colon cancer?
Colon cancer is very common, and the strongest risk factor is aging. Everyone needs a screening colonoscopy at age 50, but some of us need it sooner. If you have a family member who has had large colon polyps or colon cancer before 50, you are at high risk of having the same. Ask your doctor about early screening if you fit into this category.
Also, if you are experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms such as lower pelvic or abdominal pain, a persistent change in bowel habits (lasting more than two weeks) or blood in your stool, you might need a colonoscopy to see what is causing these issues.
You can reduce your risk by living a healthy lifestyle: consuming less than two alcoholic drinks a day; eating a maximum of two servings of red meat per week; eating a high fiber diet; and exercising at least five days per week. Remember—a colonoscopy is much less stressful than colon cancer. If it’s time, get it done.
5. What immunizations do I need?
There are several immunizations that are recommended, and I encourage you to discuss these with your healthcare provider:
A flu shot before winter arrives.
The Hepatitis A and Meningococcus vaccines if you are heading off to college soon.
The Gardasil vaccine if you are under 29 and have not had this series yet.
The Gardasil vaccine if you are newly single, over 29, and HPV negative.
The Tdap (including Pertussis) once in your lifetime.
A Td (tetanus) vaccine every 10 years.
The Shingles vaccine at age 60.
The Pneumococcal vaccine at age 65.
Be sure to ask your doctor to look at your immunizations record and confirm that you are up to date on all of these.
The bottom line is that it is your responsibility to maintain your health and keep a journal or record of your health history. As you send your kids off to school each year, use that time as a reminder to pull out your book and make sure you are on track.
According to recent statistics, the share of men reading for pleasure on any given day fell from 25 percent in 2004 to 15 percent in 2017, a drop of nearly 40 percent.
It was this decrease that caught the attention of resident Randy Otterbridge, the chief writing officer for Randy Austin Publishing and Media and the person behind this weekend’s “Men Who Write and Win.” The free event is Saturday from a 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2500 Division Ave. SE.
“I started thinking there has to be a reason for this,” Otterbridge said of the drop of readership during a recent Locally Entertaining podcast. Otterbridge admitted that people today are busy people with work, children’s activities, and other events, adding that men tend to be more “doers,” wanting to be outside and simply doing something.
“When you hear about reading and you hear about wealth, and readers are leaders and leaders are readers….[well] when I look at a book there is gold in it and we just need to shovel it out.”
Otterbridge decided to have an event focused on male authors and to celebrate what they are doing while at the same time encouraging others to write and share their story, he said. That event became the “Men Who Write — and Win!,” an author showcase and wrting-tainment event. Because men have a competitive nature, Otterbridge said he incorporated a competition element with the audience deciding who wins by clapping for the stories they like to who does well in sales at the event.
Otterbridge has more than a dozen authors signed up for Saturday’s showcase covering a variety of genres from financial to children’s books. Along with readings, there will be presentations on how to get started writing, marketing and other topics.
Otterbridge said the event is not only open to men, if it was “I might only end up with two,” he joked. The event is open to anyone interested in writing, because the ultimate goal, Otterbridge emphasized, is to encourage people to write, not to worry about editing or anything else, but to get their story on paper.
By Janet Jaymin, MA, LPC, Bereavement Manager at Faith Hospice
Family and togetherness are key themes around the holidays. And when a loved one is missing from those gatherings and traditions, the holiday season can be especially difficult.
The holidays can often serve as a stumbling block on the journey from grief to healing. The topic of grief is not often something anyone wants to talk about, especially at a time of year that, for most, is a time of great joy and happiness.
For anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, the holidays can bring about intensified or renewed grief. You may become flooded with memories or find the carrying-out of past traditions to be overwhelming.
With all of this in mind, we’ve developed a list of ways to cope with grief this holiday season. In doing so, we hope to generate an increased level of empathy when helping a friend or family member through grief in this season.
Why is recognizing grief around the holidays important?
Grief isn’t the same for everyone, nor is there a right or wrong way to cope—particularly around the holidays. Depending on what someone’s relationship was to a person who has passed, the intensity of that loss will be felt differently. For older generations, it may be a spouse, sibling or close friend. For younger generations, it might be a parent or grandparent. Different relationships mean different memories, experiences, and traditions that were shared with that loved one.
Because of this, grief can come about in a variety of ways. Accepting and understanding these truths is key, whether you’re coping yourself or are close to someone who is coping. If you’re finding yourself struggling on your journey from grief to healing this holiday season, or know someone who is, here are 10 tips for coping:
1. Plan as much as you can.
The holidays bring with them an increased pressure to attend parties or gatherings. This can be stressful for anyone, but for someone grieving a loss, it can cause an even greater level of anxiety. This is why it’s even more important to plan ahead regarding which events you’re going to attend. Trying to manage your grief is hard enough, overloading your schedule can only lead to more stress. That leads us to the second tip:
2. It’s OK to set boundaries.
Protect yourself from gatherings you feel may be too much. You may fear anything from a specific song playing to seeing your loved one’s favorite dessert is going to cause you to be emotional in front of a large group of people. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions regarding who will be there, how long the event will last, etc. That way, if there are people you may not be ready to face or if you are worried about how long you’ll have to endure the event, this will allow you to be prepared or, simply to say, “no”—and that’s OK.
3. Drive yourself.
To expand on No. 2, for the gatherings you decide to attend, it’s recommended you drive yourself. This way, should you find yourself in a situation that’s overwhelming or feel the need to leave, you’re not dependent on someone else’s schedule.
4. It’s OK to need a break from tradition.
If trying to carry out past traditions you would’ve typically shared with your late loved one is too painful, its OK to change things up. For example, if decorating the Christmas tree was always something you did with your spouse, perhaps put decorations up outside or help a friend decorate instead. It doesn’t mean you can’t go back to your tradition, you’re simply allowing the wound to heal—especially if it’s your first holiday without that loved one.
5. If you’ve typically hosted, ask someone else.
This goes back to the notion that managing your grief is hard enough on its own. Adding the planning of a party and preparation of a large meal can only lead to additional stress. If you typically have hosted for the holidays, try asking another family member to this year. Better yet, you could go out to eat at a restaurant instead. This takes the pressure off one person to cook, clean, etc. and is an especially good option if you’re feeling guilty (even though you shouldn’t) about asking someone else.
6. Use your pain for the betterment of others.
You’d be amazed how getting out to volunteer or giving to a cause can have incredibly healing effects. And it doesn’t have to be volunteering; perhaps you know someone who is alone this holiday season—an elderly person in your neighborhood or a person whose family lives far away. Try inviting them over, or see if they’d want to do something together. Maybe the elderly woman down the street doesn’t put up decorations because her husband always did, or her age no longer allows for her to do so (now you can combine elements of #4 as well). The point is, doing something good for someone else changes the mood, and not only are you doing something good for yourself, you’re helping someone else in the process.
7. Honor your loved one.
For anyone sharing in the loss, coming together to share stories, lighting a candle in your loved one’s memory, or playing a favorite song can offer healing—just because they’re gone doesn’t mean you forget them or stop loving them.
8. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Many coping with grief find themselves feeling guilty when they catch themselves laughing or feeling happy in the wake of a loved one’s death. They’re thinking, “No, I should be sad.” Or, “If I appear happy, does that mean I’m not mourning my loved one enough?” However, it’s good for us to find joy or humor in times of grief. And what better way to incorporate honoring your loved one than by sharing funny stories or fond memories with others sharing in the grief.
9. Self-care.
One of the best things you can do during this time is to take care of yourself. The holidays are busy and stressful enough, let alone trying to cope with your grief. Take time for yourself. Get your rest. Eat well. Get some fresh air and exercise. Treat yourself to a massage. Take that class you always wanted to try. Whatever it may be, now more than ever, is a great time for you.
10. There’s no right or wrong way to cope.
Wherever you are in your journey through grief, just remember that however you’re feeling is not only normal, but valid. Losing a loved one directly leads to change in a person’s life and past traditions aren’t the same. For those who may know someone struggling with grief, it’s important to be mindful of what they’re going through and remember that grief appears in different ways.
Everyone will experience grief at some point in their lifetime, and the best thing we can all do is be understanding and support one other.
Need support in your journey through grief? Faith Hospice offers counseling and guidance through a number of programs—from individual counseling to support groups—and invites you to join any of the support services that are appropriate for you.
“To be distributed pursuant to my last will and testament” sounds straightforward when leaving one’s possessions to their heirs. But what happens if that IRA, bank account or other important account has a beneficiary form attached to it? In the eyes of probate court, it is simple. The beneficiary form wins every time. Beneficiary forms override wills.
Why? Because beneficiary forms give heirs the ability to circumvent the probate process in order to receive funds in a timelier manner.
Beneficiary forms can cause a loved one to be disinherited. This mainly occurs because account holders forget and fail to update their forms. To prevent this from happening, you should coordinate your beneficiary forms with your overall estate plan and review designations every few years, especially after a life-changing event such as marriage, divorce, birth or death. You have the option not to name beneficiaries, and then funds would flow to your estate and be paid out per your last will and testament.
Whom can you name as beneficiaries?
Individuals
Trusts
Charities
Other organizations (Church, University, etc.)
Your estate
No one at all
Whom should you not name as beneficiaries?
Minors – Set up a trust payable at age 25 for those under 18 or 21, depending on laws in the minor’s state.
Disabled persons – Small inheritances can prevent them from getting government benefits
Avoid naming your estate on retirement plans – Required to be taxed and paid out within 5 years if estate is named.
7 simple rules to remember:
Do not leave beneficiary lines blank – Leaving lines blank or not naming beneficiaries will likely have your heirs end up in probate court. If assets go to your estate, they may become exposed to creditors.
Use trusts for beneficiaries who are minors – Most states place restrictions on minors and usually a court will appoint a guardian to handle the funds. Establish a trust receivable at age 25 and name the trust as the beneficiary.
Understand key rules – When designating Beneficiaries ask questions and read the fine print. Remember Beneficiary forms, in most cases, override wills.
Let your beneficiaries know – Tell your Beneficiaries what you have named them on and where to find contact information for the advisor and where to locate important documents. Also, give important contact information to your advisor.
Check and re-check – Make sure Social Security numbers, telephone numbers and addresses are correct. Make sure names are properly spelled and figures are accurate.
Use percentages instead of dollar amounts – Due to fluctuations in markets, values of accounts will rise and fall. By using percentages your heirs will still receive their portion of intended inheritance.
Name contingent beneficiaries – Avoid assets being transferred to your estate and going through probate in case of primary beneficiary death by naming contingent beneficiaries when appropriate.
Canola, grapeseed and safflower oils are suitable for high-temperature cooking because they have a high smoke point. Olive oil and avocado oil are better for sauteing at medium heat. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Oils are one of the most widely used ingredients in cooking and are healthy alternatives to butter and margarine.
All cooking oils, including olive, canola and peanut oil, contain 14 grams of total fat per tablespoon and roughly 120 calories.
So measure amounts carefully because even though some fat is essential for good health and these are excellent choices, they’re still high in calories.
For high-temperature cooking like stir-fries or when searing meat, use high smoke-point oils like canola, grapeseed and safflower oils. For sauteeing vegetables at medium heat, use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, which has gotten popular in recent years.
Since baking uses gentle heat, you can go with any oil you like. For cake and brownie recipes, try replacing butter with light olive oil, which has much less saturated fat but is still light in flavor.
Though all oils are great for salad dressings, try aromatic nut oils, like walnut oil or hazelnut oil, and seed oils, such as pumpkin seed oil and flaxseed oil, for a flavor twist. Keep them refrigerated to prevent them from going rancid—they’re very delicate.
Let them come to room temperature if they thicken in the fridge.
Here’s an easy dressing recipe that you can use on any side salad or over cold, chopped vegetables. It works especially well on peppery-flavored watercress.
Watercress Salad
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
8 ounces watercress
16 walnut halves, coarsely chopped
Whisk oil, mustard and garlic salt in a large bowl. Add the vinegar
and whisk again. Add the watercress and toss well. Divide among four
plates and top with equal amounts of chopped nuts.
It’s far better for your long-term mental health if you accept your negative emotions, rather than passing judgment on yourself. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Studies done at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that acknowledging a blue mood—and not berating yourself for it—can help you work through it more easily.
It turns out that accepting negative emotions is better for your long-term mental health than constantly passing judgment on yourself, which can cause your feelings of negativity to snowball.
Putting pressure on yourself to feel upbeat can make you feel even more downbeat, according to the research.
It turns out that the people who let feelings like sadness, disappointment and even resentment run their course had fewer mood disorder symptoms than people who judged themselves for having them or who tried to bury them.
Accepting negative emotions seems to help you better cope with your stressors.
There’s one important caveat, however.
While it helps to acknowledge the normalness of negative emotions and not think you can—or need—to feel happy 24/7, it’s also important not to ignore a persistent and deep blue mood and other signs that could signal depression.
Symptoms of depression include a loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy and deep feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness that last for three or more months.
Unlike a blue mood, depression needs treatment, such as counseling, medication or both.
From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt, veterans Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer, and U.S. Marine Petty Officer Jordan Beemer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
For the Dec. 10 basketball game between the South Christian Sailors and the Godwin Heights Wolverines, it was not about the score (the Sailors won) but about honoring those who served: 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran Ken McKenneym, who served in the Vietnam War, and 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Pete Zimmer, who served in World War II. For about the special celebration, click here.
School’s Out…for Winter Break!
Whether you are excited (most area students) or dreading it (probably most parents), many area schools let out for Winter Break this Friday. But no one has to panic once the holiday activities are a wrap as there are still holiday lights and Christmas Around the World at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park; Snowflake Break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum; and Studio Drop-In tours and fun at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. To learn more, just click on the organization’s name. Also do not forget that there are plenty of snow hills, such as the one at the City of Wyoming’s Pinery Park, for sledding and other winter fun.
Build It and They Will Come
Today there is a plethora or state-of-the-art music venues, many of which are owned and operated by local schools. How did this phenomenon happen? Believe it or not, it started with a school district more known for its farming that its art offerings. Byron Center Public Schools built the Van Singel Fine Arts Center in the 1990s not only for its students but for the community, offering a mix of touring shows and student productions.
Fun Fact: Snoopy’s Christmas Song
Alvin and the Chipmunks were not the only cartoon characters with a holiday song. “Snoopy’s Christmas” written and performed by the group The Royal Guardsmen, was released in 1967. (Today’s quote is from the song.) Originally from Ocala, Florida, the six-man group released a little ditty called “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” in 1966, which reached number two in Billboard charts for 12 weeks and was certified gold. This lead to the group releasing several other Snoopy songs including “Snoopy’s Christmas.” Due to a charting policy, “Snoopy’s Christmas” never made the Billboard charts. The group disbanded in 1969. It had a revival in 2006 with the song “Snoopy vs. Osama.” The group currently tours today.
This week’s photo comes from TJ Norris who reveals a little known secret taking place in the Port Austin area, located in the Michigan’s thumb. University of Michigan associate professor of architecture Catie Newell’s “Secret Sky,” an art/architecture project, turned a 100-year-old barn into a work of art by cutting a sliver out of the structure and installing a series of light that make the building glow at night. 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.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
By WKTV Staff (Photos by Curtis Holt) ken@wktv.org
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team opened the season Dec. 13 with an 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension.
Curtis Holt, Wyoming sports fan and City of Wyoming City Manager, was there and sent WKTV some great photos.
In the game, the Wolves were led by a huge night from senior Menalito McGee, who scored 34 points including 9-of-18 from 3-point distance. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 15 points, while senior Marion Parks added 14 points and six rebounds.
The Wolves (1-0) play at Grand Rapids Northview Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Tip-off of the Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball season Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Diego Ledesma (1) in action Dec. 13 against Jension.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
Wyoming High School Wolves senior Monte Parks (20) in action Dec. 13 against Jension. (Curtis Holt)
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball fans were into the team’s Dec. 13 home game, a 84-47 non-conference home win over Jension. (Curtis Holt)
As the American population ages, family caregiving emerges as a major concern for more and more families. In the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP 2009 report, Caregiving in the U.S., it was reported that 65.7 million caregivers make up 29 percent of the United States adult population that provide care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged. The report says that caregivers average 20.4 hours per week providing care and caregivers who live with the person they care for spend 39.3 hours per week caregiving.
According to the National Alzheimer’s Association 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, in 2010, 14.9 million families and other unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, provided about 17 billion hours of unpaid care. This represents an average of 21.9 hours of caregiving per week or 1,139 hours of care per caregiver, valued annually at $11.93 per hour—an estimated $202.6 billion in 2010.
Needless to say, the contributions of informal caregivers are very important, valuable and necessary to the well-being of many older adults and a huge contribution to our society. But the challenges and physical, emotional and financial toll of caregiving are also huge.
A Family Caregiver Alliance 2006 report, Caregiver Assessment: Voices and Views from the Field, states several statistics about the emotional and mental health challenges of informal caregiving. Caring for a person with dementia can impact a person’s immune system for up to three years after their caregiving experience ends, increasing their chance of developing a chronic illness themselves.
Also, 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers show symptoms of depression. Caregivers who are caring for someone who has emotional or mental health problems, in result are more likely than others to report a decline in their own health.
There are often physical health challenges for informal caregivers as well. In the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP 2009 report, Caregiving in the U.S., it says that 17 percent of caregivers feel their health in general has become worse as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. The report also states that studies have found that 23 percent of family caregivers who have been providing care for five years or more, report their health is fair or poor. Twenty-one percent of older caregivers caring for those age 65 and older, report a higher degree of physical strain, compared to 13 percent who are younger caregivers.
The immense challenges of informal caregiving make it very clear that caregivers need to make sure they take good care of themselves. It may seem impossible when responsibilities pile up, but with support and thoughtful planning, self-care for caregivers can make the difference between maintaining good health and becoming someone who needs caregiving. For more information about self-care for caregivers, watch for Family Caregiving – Part 2 coming soon. For more information on caregiving, visit the Michigan State University Extension Caregiving page.
Many of our most treasured holiday memories take place at Mom and Dad’s house. So after a loved one has moved into a senior living facility such as an assisted living community, it may feel like you can’t celebrate the usual holiday traditions. Luckily, that just isn’t true at all. While locations may have changed, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy everything the season has to offer.
Holiday traditions are usually based around activities that take place in the home, which is why we can feel as though there isn’t a way to celebrate favorite family traditions the way you used to. However, with the right attitude (and with the right tips and tricks up your sleeve) your family can still enjoy the same traditions, just with a slight twist.
1. Holiday shopping trips
Going out searching for presents is often a time of bonding for family members. After all, nothing brings a family closer together than navigating the crowds at the mall! But with a loved one in assisted living, it may be difficult to make that trip out to the store. Talk to your loved one about how they would feel about this type of day trip, and consult their physician to see if it’s safe for them.
If it’s going to be too difficult to take your loved one out for the day, take the shopping mall to them! Online shopping allows you to find the perfect presents with only a few taps of a computer. Help your family member search the gifts they want to purchase, or just enjoy browsing around together and seeing what the holiday sales and hot-ticket items are, all from the comforts of home!
2. Deck the halls
Even if your loved one doesn’t have a large home to decorate after making the move, their senior living apartment still can get the full holiday treatment! Help them make their living space feel more in tune with the holiday spirit by taking time to decorate together. Try things like:
Setting up and decorating a small, fake tree with bright lights and your loved one’s favorite ornaments.
Adding blankets, pillows, and other cozy items to warm up the apartment.
Stringing garland or tinsel around walls.
Hanging a wreath over their door. For extra bonus points, make it a fun crafting experience and build the wreath yourselves!
Bringing the outdoors inside with decorations of pinecones, cranberries, branches, and other woodsy elements.
To make apartment decorating even more of a holiday celebration, have several different family members come over, make some yummy snacks and hot cocoa, and play carols that make the day even merrier.
3. Open presents together
Giving and receiving gifts is a favorite tradition for families, but it’s one that senior loved ones in assisted living communities can often miss out on. Rather than just call a loved one and fill them in on the joys you experienced together, bring the whole family over for a visit and enjoy opening presents as a group, so no one feels left out!
4. Enjoy a holiday dinner
Having a large family meal is often the highlight of everyone’s holiday traditions. When the whole family gathers together to eat, drink, laugh, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company it exemplifies all the reasons that the holiday season is so special.
Assisted living communities know that eating together is a huge part of family tradition, and that’s why they plan and throw holiday parties full of delicious food and treats for families to enjoy with their loved ones. When everyone gathers together in celebration, no one will ever feel left out!
5. Keep family at the heart of the holidays
The number one reason that people struggle to find ways to celebrate the holidays in assisted living is because they are so used to thinking about these activities in a different setting. But just because “home” has a different meaning than what it used to doesn’t mean that the holidays will never be the same.
Much more important than where we spend the holidays at is who we spend the holidays with. Family and friends are what really keep our memories of holiday traditions alive, not the location where they took place.
In order to make the most of the holiday season, spend time with your loved ones, no matter where they are. When the family is together and celebrating, the holidays are always cheerful and bright.
One of the eight essential elements is that youth have the “opportunity to value and practice service to others.” Michigan 4-H promotes service and acts of kindness through annual events, such as the Michigan 4-H Dare to Serve Challenge, which is held in conjunction with the National 4-H True Leaders in Service initiative, and through many organized service opportunities at the club, community and regional level around the state.
In addition to planned and organized group service and volunteer activities, practicing generosity and taking simple actions to spread kindness is something that can be incorporated into everyday life. A wide variety of websites and resources are available to help people come up with new ideas and fun ways to practice generosity and kindness.
One such website is Channel Kindness, a platform featuring stories of kindness as documented by young people from around the U.S., which was developed by Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. The Born This Way Foundation was launched by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta with the goal of creating a kinder and braver world. The Foundation supports the mental and emotional wellness of young people by promoting youth voice through action-oriented programming. Tools and resources are available to youth to solve problems and affect change through their creativity and boundless potential.
In addition to sharing powerful and inspiring articles written by youth about kindness, the Channel Kindness website also includes recommendations of books and movies about kindness, and resources related to kindness in sports, school, the community and other settings.
Another organization that is helping to promote kindness is Lifevest Inside, which is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and educating people of all backgrounds to lead a life of kindness. Lifevest Inside provides leadership for a variety of initiatives that help people spread kindness. An example of one of their initiatives is Project Hope Exchange, a worldwide digital database of anonymous audio messages of hope that are shared from individuals who have survived some kind of adversity to others who are currently facing that same adversity.
Lifevest Inside has also created “Act of Kindness (AOK) Cards,” which are decks of cards with different acts of kindness printed on each card. The cards prompt anyone to perform the act of kindness listed on the card and pass the card forward to someone else.
Another website featuring ideas and resources for young people related to kindness and generosity is Kind Spring. According to an article in yes! Magazine by Nipun Kehta, the founder of Kind Spring, the website was launched after he and a cousin came up with the idea to play “kindness pranks” on people. Kehta and a group of like-minded volunteers printed 100 “smile cards” in order to encourage anonymous acts of kindness. With the launch of the website, smile cards can be downloaded or ordered online and left behind following an anonymous act of kindness in order to inspire others to pay-it-forward by offering an act of kindness to someone else in return.
Using the resources on the Kind Spring website, an individual youth or a group of young people could set a goal for completing an anonymous act of kindness for a certain number of consecutive days. For instance, the members of a 4-H club could pledge to each complete 21 days of kindness. After completing the challenge, the 4-H club could meet to reflect on their experiences and share ways to continue incorporating acts of kindness into their daily lives. Completing a “21-Day Challenge” might also be a good way for the members of a 4-H club to identify the needs of others in their community in order to plan and lead community-based service learning projects in the future.
Though each individual act of kindness may be small, youth can begin to practice gratitude and service to others and develop character traits that will have a big impact on their lives, and the lives of those they serve.
Studies have shown differences in the brains of fibromyalgia sufferers, sometimes with areas of lower blood flow than expected. Similar problems have been seen in people with diabetes. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious and misunderstood illness, but researchers may have uncovered at least one key to the disease’s origin: insulin resistance.
The new research compared a small group of people with fibromyalgia to two groups of healthy people and noted that a long-term measure of blood sugar levels was higher in the people with fibromyalgia.
Insulin resistance develops when the body starts to struggle with breaking down sugar.
To see if treating those higher blood sugar levels might help, the researchers gave people who had blood sugar levels in the pre-diabetic range or higher a diabetes medication called metformin.
People taking metformin reported significantly lower pain scores, according to the study.
“We combined metformin with standard drugs used for fibromyalgia and saw a much greater degree of pain relief,” said study author Dr. Miguel Pappolla. He is a professor of neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
In fact, Pappolla said, the additional pain relief was so significant that the researchers actually called patients on different days to re-check their pain scores.
Because this is a preliminary finding, the researchers aren’t sure how insulin resistance might contribute to fibromyalgia or how metformin might reduce pain. “Metformin may have some analgesic (pain-relieving) activity on its own,” Pappolla said.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems and distress, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even celebrities aren’t spared from this painful condition—Lady Gaga reportedly had to cancel concerts on her tour due to pain from fibromyalgia.
Though the cause of the disorder isn’t clear, it appears that people with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than other people—what the CDC calls abnormal pain processing.
Pappolla said that studies have shown differences in the brain between people with fibromyalgia and those without, such as areas with a lower blood flow than expected.
The researchers noted that similar problems have been seen in people with diabetes.
The study included 23 people with fibromyalgia.
The researchers compared their hemoglobin A1c levels to large groups of healthy people from two other studies.
Hemoglobin A1c is a simple blood test that measures what someone’s blood sugar levels were during the past two or three months. A level of 5.7% to 6.4% is considered pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. A level of 6.5% or higher means a person has diabetes.
Only six of those with fibromyalgia had normal blood sugar levels. Sixteen had levels considered pre-diabetes and one met the criteria for diabetes.
When the researchers compared the average blood sugar levels of the fibromyalgia group to healthy age-matched people in the other studies, they saw that the blood sugar levels were higher in the people with fibromyalgia, suggesting insulin resistance.
The findings were published online recently in the journal PLOS ONE.
Dr. Edward Rubin, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, said, “It’s interesting that there’s a possible connection between fibromyalgia and blood sugar. We’ve been attacking the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but we don’t have a good understanding of the root cause of fibromyalgia.”
Rubin, who wasn’t involved in the study, said there may be enough evidence here to try metformin along with other medications used for fibromyalgia for people whose blood sugar levels fall outside of the normal range, to see if they have a positive response.
Dr. Bharat Kumar, from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said this study shows people with the disease that there is hope.
“People with fibromyalgia are often told (falsely) that they have a disease that simply cannot be managed. This article shows that it’s not true. Although it’s unclear if metformin will work for every person suffering from fibromyalgia, there is active research into finding solutions for this frustrating and overlooked condition,” he said.
Kumar said it’s biologically plausible that insulin could have an effect on pain.
“We know that other hormone abnormalities can cause fibromyalgia-like symptoms, so (this finding) is not too surprising,” he added.
Still, he said, he didn’t expect that metformin would be a “silver bullet” for all fibromyalgia pain. He said there are likely a number of causes of the disease.
The holiday season is upon us and so, too, is the spirit of gift-giving. We’re taking this opportunity to remind everyone that live animals don’t make good surprise gifts.
This time of year, young animals are particularly vulnerable to the pet trade — puppies, kittens, baby bunnies, they’re all adorable, but once the cuteness wears off and the novelty fades, who will care for them until their end of days? Will the gift recipient relinquish the pet to a crowded shelter or advertise ‘Free Puppy’ on Craigslist? Abandon the pet out in the country or leave it behind when they move?
Animals are not toys
We get it: ‘Tis the season, and that cute, little puppy is just so irresistible. But take a moment to think this through — your children may be too young or immature to appreciate how delicate animals are. Many surprise pets end up injured or dead, and bunnies, kittens, chicks, and puppies are especially vulnerable. Kids may not be able to detect animals’ stress signals if the pets’ tails or ears are pulled, putting kids at risk of being scratched or bitten. And they may unintentionally torment and/or harm animals, even breaking their fragile bones or causing other fatal injuries. A child’s attention span may be better suited to a stuffed animal.
“While surprise pets may be well-intentioned, the reality is that time, money and patience are required to care for a companion animal that works well with a family,” said Ginny Mikita, animal advocate and attorney with Mikita Kruse Law Center in Rockford, Michigan. “Young children are not mature enough to properly care for an animal. People need to make a reasoned decision, as a family.”
Refrain from giving a surprise pet unless you are absolutely certain that the person wants that particular animal as a companion and is willing and able to give a lifetime of proper care.
PETA
That cute, little pup with all that boundless energy? He’ll need training and exercise — which takes love and patience — and he won’t stay small for long. Adopting an animal means making a permanent commitment to provide lifelong care. Consider the investment required: time, affection, food, accessories, ongoing vet care — including spaying or neutering, flea treatment, vaccinations, deworming and emergency care. Once a pet joins your household, he’s a member of the family.
All members of the family should meet the animal prior to adoption. Is everyone on board with the decision? Who will be responsible for feeding, walking the dog, cleaning the litter box?
Small animals are fragile, easily injured or killed
If you’re thinking of giving a pet to someone outside your family, consider the gift recipient’s life circumstances — do they rent or own a residence? Many landlords don’t allow pets. Does your loved one travel often? Would the pet travel with them? Or, would they need to board the pet? What is the gift recipient’s financial situation — can they afford to properly care for a pet? It could be that the gift recipient’s lifestyle isn’t ideal for the pet. Do they even want a pet?
Too many Christmas critters end up in shelters after they outgrow the cuteness phase or become too much to handle. Mikita said that 25% of shelter animals are purebred, and many were gifts. The trauma for animals changing homes can be devastating, resulting in psychological scarring and behavioral problems. This can make it difficult for the animal to find a new home.
Other options
So, what are some responsible animal gift ideas?
Give a Petfinder Pet Promise Certificate, which allows the recipient to adopt the pet of their choice; the giver promises to cover all adoption fees for the new pet.
Help the gift recipient pick out an adult dog or cat from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. While puppies and kittens are adorable, with an adult animal, what you see is what you get — these animals have already settled into their size, personality and energy level, giving great insight into whether they’d be a good fit for your family.
Taking a senior friend or family member on an outing to your local rescue group to meet potential adoption candidates is a holiday treat in and of itself.
If all this isn’t enough to dissuade you from gifting a surprise animal, ask yourself this: What happens to surprise pets after the holidays, when the child has lost interest in the animal and the adults are forced to make the difficult decision on the best way to “solve” the problem?
Many times these animals are surrendered to a crowded shelter or pound or, worse, handed off to nefarious people who troll Craigslist and other public forums for “Free pet” ads. Your family member could end up as a bait animal for fighting dogs or the star of a crush video.
A little pinot noir now and then might help keep the bacteria in your tummy healthy and happy.
As little as one glass of red wine a week can increase the diversity of the good bacteria in your microbiome, which can help lower bad cholesterol and keep your weight down, researchers say.
“The more people drink, the higher the diversity. But even small amounts, such as one glass of red wine every week, shows a benefit,” said study first author Caroline Le Roy. She’s a research associate in the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King’s College London.
Le Roy cautioned that while the findings in the study were robust, they can’t prove that red wine improves the microbiome, only that the two are associated.
It’s not the alcohol that has this effect, but rather the polyphenols in red wine. Polyphenols help feed the good bacteria in the microbiome, the researchers explained.
Polyphenols are also found in fruits and vegetables, and include antioxidants.
For the study, Le Roy and her colleagues looked at the effect of beer, cider, red wine, white wine and whiskey on the gut microbiome of 916 female twins.
Only red wine resulted in a more diverse microbiome, the investigators found.
The microbiome is a collection of bacteria in the gut that has an important role in health. A healthy microbiome helps digest food and keeps some diseases at bay.
An unhealthy microbiome can lead to poor functioning of the immune system, weight gain and high cholesterol, Le Roy said.
A microbiome with lots of different bacteria is a healthy microbiome, she added.
Le Roy’s team found that red wine improved the number of different bacteria in the microbiome, compared with those who didn’t drink wine.
The researchers were able to confirm their findings in three other groups in Britain, the Netherlands and the United States, which brought the total number of participants to nearly 3,000.
Moreover, the results remained constant even after accounting for factors such as diet, socioeconomic status and age.
Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, thinks that drinking red wine may be a marker of a healthy lifestyle, so the health benefits may be due to other factors.
“Do they, in general, lead healthier lives, such as not smoking, eating more of a plant-based diet and exercising?” she asked.
Wine comes from grapes, which like a lot of plant foods, are rich in polyphenols, Heller said.
But polyphenols are also found in vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes and teas that don’t contain alcohol, she noted.
“In addition, plants are our only source of dietary fiber, which is the favorite food for the microbes that live in our gut. When they are healthy, they help keep our bodies healthy,” Heller said.
While drinking small amounts of red wine has apparent health benefits, there are also unhealthy effects of drinking too much, such as liver disease, certain cancers, pancreatitis and a depressed immune system, she said.
“Guzzling red wine, or any alcoholic beverage, is not the miracle we have been led to believe,” Heller said.
For those who drink, the American Heart Association recommends an average of one to two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women (one 12-ounce beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1 ounce of 100 proof spirits).
“Let’s be honest, most of us probably drink more than that. If you do not drink alcohol, there is no reason to start,” Heller said.
The report was published recently in the journal Gastroenterology.
The sudden need for an elderly family member to have assistance or be a part of a senior care community can be a big shock. Getting caught off guard with the sudden need to move your loved one to an assisted living community or nursing home can add stress to you and your family’s lives.
However, you can avoid all the stress and uncertainty by planning ahead and adding your loved one to a senior community waitlist. Once your family member is on a waitlist, you can rest assured that they will have a place to get the care and services they need when the time comes.
What is senior living?
The most basic definition of senior living is a retirement community or housing group where retirees who can generally care for themselves live to enjoy activities and socialization opportunities together. However, while some of the more exclusive communities might require waiting periods, when we talk about a waitlist for senior living we mean a different kind of senior living option.
As seniors age, they generally need help with their day-to-day care or activities of daily living (ADLs). To get assistance with things like medication management, bathing, and mobility, many seniors need to find a living situation where these kinds of services are provided.
Assisted living communities and nursing homes offer assistance with ADLs and, in the case of nursing homes, dedicated nursing care for seniors who need in-depth aid. Getting your loved one on the waitlist to be in line for a spot in a community ensures that your loved one has these services when they need them.
What is a senior living waitlist?
A senior living waitlist lets you reserve a place in a senior living community like an assisted living community or a nursing home without having to immediately move in. Most places are going to require a deposit, which may or may not be refundable. Once placed on the list, most communities will let you know when you reach the top and are able to move in. Sometimes you can defer the move-in and maintain your position at the top of the list, or you may be moved to the bottom of the list after deferment.
How can a senior living waitlist relieve stress?
It’s difficult to know exactly when your loved one is going to need assisted living or nursing care, so having a plan in place can relieve a lot of the stress that you experience when helping make a plan for an aging family member.
Making a snap decision due to stress when your loved one suddenly needs help with ADLs or needs to quickly be moved to a senior living community often means picking the first available location—even if it doesn’t really fit the needs or wants of your loved one.
Having a spot reserved on a senior living waitlist gives you both security and control when it comes to making these difficult choices for your family member. You have the time to find the right community to fit your loved ones needs. You can look at the differences between assisted living communities and nursing homes, look at pricing across communities, and take your loved one to tour so they know what their new home will be like.
When is the right time for a waitlist?
You don’t necessarily need to start looking for a waitlist to join the minute a loved one reaches retirement age, but you should be aware of their health to look for signs that they might need assistance with ADLs. Once you notice some signs, it might be time to talk with your loved one about finding a community and being added to their waitlist.
Warning signs that it might be time to consider making a move to senior living include:
Falling or stumbling often
Lapses in memory or cognitive function
Struggle to keep enough food in the house
Difficulty remembering when to take medications
Decreased social life and engagement
Unclean or grimy house
Visible changes in appearance
The need for frequent medical care
What should my next steps be?
If you think you want to get your loved one on a waiting list for senior living, there is no better time to start looking than now. Researching early on can help you find the right place that fits your family member’s lifestyle and budget range.
Be prepared, and don’t let the period to add your loved one to a waitlist pass by. Look for signs that it may be time for them to move, and have a plan of action in place so that you aren’t caught unawares. Being on a senior living waitlist can help ensure that your loved one will have the care they need, when they need it.
Finances are often a source of misery at the holidays. To save money, try giving one meaningful gift to someone, rather than a barrage of soon-forgotten items. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Stress abounds during the holiday season, but you can ease it, an expert says.
The way to manage stress is to recognize it and take steps to minimize it so it doesn’t overwhelm you, according to Cinnamon Stetler, an associate professor of psychology at Furman University, in Greenville, S.C.
One way to ease holiday stress is to avoid unrealistic expectations, such as believing the holidays will change people and family relationships.
“If your stress stems from other people’s actions, that’s largely out of your control. What you can do is limit your exposure,” Stetler said in a university news release.
Don’t obsess about family holiday traditions.
“Reflect on why that tradition is so important to you and what about it carries the meaning. See if there’s a way to adapt the tradition while still maintaining the important pieces of it,” Stetler said. “While it is good to maintain traditions, they can cause extra stress if you feel you have to do it the same way no matter what.”
Change your approach to gift-giving, which can cause financial worries.
For example, instead of buying a person several gifts, choose just one or two that will be especially meaningful.
And remember that material things provide only short-term happiness, while doing things for others and appreciating what you have can bring lasting happiness.
Take care of yourself during the holidays.
Get plenty of sleep, watch your diet, exercise regularly and find some time for yourself each day.
“Try to maintain as much of your normal routine as you can. You can treat yourself and indulge in small ways. The holidays are not the time to make big changes,” Stetler said. “Try to get a little bit of physical activity in, even if it’s a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood.”
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Here is stunning Swiffer’s story as we know it, told by the woman who rescued him.
“This handsome hunk (Dr. Jen estimates he was born in early 2015) joined our two feral cats, Floyd and Goldie behind the church on Pleasant SE by Division in late March of 2019. I got him neutered at CSNIP in April. When we fed him, he was as interested in getting attention as in eating his food, and gradually he started following me to my car when I would leave.
“Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I took him home to be tested and vaccinated—I figured if he was unhappy at the house, I could always take him back. He is sooooo happy at the house. I could never take him to the Humane Society. He loves me and I love him—and I know I can’t keep him but it will be hard to say good-bye. He really gets along well with the other cats. He comes in the bathroom with me so we can have our alone time. Did I say that I love him and that he is my boyfriend?”
Well, we hate to be the ones to tell the rescuer that her gray guy has acquired quite a few girlfriends since his arrival at Crash’s in November! It is easy to see why everyone who has come into contact with him is absolutely delighted by his gentle demeanor and dashing good looks:
“Swiffer—he is one big, gorgeous fluff ball! How this guy ended up homeless is beyond me because he is such a gentle boy who loves people and attention. His rescuer mentioned that he would probably let us know if he felt too overwhelmed, and sure enough, the first couple days he did with a quick swat. Now that he’s acclimated, although a little shy, he’s very relaxed and really enjoys indoor life and having friends. He doesn’t mind having his long hair brushed, which is important because he will definitely require it to be done a couple times a week, if not daily. He’d do well in a home with older kids, a cat buddy or two, and lots of attention (LOTS!).”
We’re pretty confident that once this biography hits the internet and the people looking for a lovely, lifetime companion feast their eyes on Swiffer that he is going to get swept off of his feet and into his fur-ever home!
More about Swiffer:
Domestic Medium Hair
Gray/Blue/Silver
Adult
Male
Extra Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, children
Want to adopt Swiffer? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
From parades to light shows, holiday artist markets to cookie tours, traditional holiday celebrations to Christmas festivals, there is no shortage of West Michigan events to get you in the holiday spirit this month!
The Critter Barn in Zeeland invites you to the 20th annual Live Nativity, held Tuesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 28th. Visit the Critter Barn animals, including sheep, goats, and cows, and take photos of the scene in the historic barn.
Holland
The Holland Museum will be celebrating a Victorian Christmas at the Cappon House Dec. 14th and 15th, noon-4pm. Enjoy a tour of the opulent home while learning how yuletide celebrations have changed in the last 100 years. Visitors can also create traditional decorations, sample holiday sweets, sing along to Christmas tunes on the piano, capture a loved one’s affection under the kissing ball, and more. This event is appropriate for the whole family, with activities aimed at both adults and children ages 5 and up. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Admission is $8.00 per person for museum members, $10.00 per person for non-members, free for ages 5 and under.
Stop by the Sneaky Elves Workshop Dec. 20th, noon–3pm, and Dec. 21st,10am–3pm, at the Holland Area Arts Council. Children will be led through the creation and wrapping of a handmade gift so that they can take part in the giving this holiday season! Parents can drop their kids off and go shopping in Downtown Holland or stay and participate in the fun.
Experience an authentic European-style open-air Christmas market with handcrafted items, delicious food and artisan demonstrations at Kerstmarkt in Downtown Holland. Open Friday and Saturday Dec. 14th and 15th at the 8th Street Marketplace.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Presented by the Holland Civic Theatre, It’s a Wonderful Life, brings the classic holiday film to life in HollandDec. 13th and 14th.
Still on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift? Then don’t miss the Downtown Holland Shopping Jam on Saturday, Dec. 14th! Participating stores will open early for this special savings event. The earlier you shop, the more you save! During the Shopping Jam, merchants will be offering discounts of 30% off from 8-9am and 25% off from 9-10am. Discounted merchandise will vary by store, but will include a discount off at least one item. Please see the participating businesses for savings details. The Shopping Jam is sponsored by Downtown Holland’s own Horizon Bank.
Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean that you can’t fill your table with fresh, local and healthy food. The Holland Farmers Market is open everyWednesday and Saturday from 8am-3pm though Saturday, Dec. 21st. Stop by to pick up everything you need to make your family’s favorite holiday dishes or to decorate your home for the holidays.
Muskegon
A holiday tradition returns to the Muskegon Carr-Fles Planetarium with Mystery of the Christmas Star!Tuesday, Dec. 10th, and Thursday, Dec. 12th. No reservations are needed for this free, 30-minute show in room 1072 at Muskegon Community College.
Experience the 19th-century Hackley & Hume homes of Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon decorated beautifully for the holidays by Muskegon’s local community groups with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person, $8 for seniors 65+ and $5 for Kids ages 2-12. Tour dates and times are Dec. 14th, 21st, and 27th from 4-8pm, and Dec. 28th from 1-4pm.
Grand Rapids
Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum presents Season’s Greetings from the White House, with Mary Evans Seeley, Dec. 12th at 7pm. Mary Evans Seeley is a collector, historian, lecturer, author and publisher of two books about Christmas at the White House. She has the most extensive collection of Presidential Christmas memorabilia in the country. Her book, Season’s Greetings from the White House is now in its eighth edition. It tells the stories of Christmas at the White House from Calvin Coolidge through Donald J. Trump. Join the museum as she documents nearly a century of presidential Christmases. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event. The event is free with open seating. Registrations are appreciated.
Holiday Traditions (Courtesy Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park)
Excitement surrounds this time of year as the annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition brings the glow of over 300,000 colorful lights, strolling carolers, visits from Santa, rooftop reindeer, and 46 international trees and displays to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Ring in the season with a beloved winter exhibition. Honoring holiday cultures around the world, Meijer Gardens focuses on the authenticity of the symbols of beloved holiday traditions – it’s an idyllic spot to center your thoughts on the true meaning of the holidays. The Holiday Traditions exhibition will be on display through Jan. 5, 2020.
Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Dec. 20th and 21st to enjoy listening to live holiday classics at the Holiday Classics Organ Concert performed by Dave Wickerman on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. This experience is fun for the entire family!
This holiday season, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum from Dec. 21st through Jan. 5th to experience Snowflake Break. Fun for the entire family, visitors will make themed crafts, play games, and explore the museum. Snowflake Break is included with your ticket purchase. Additionally, see historic Grand Rapids built from LEGO® bricks, complete with operating trams, showcasing Grand Rapids during the early 20th century. Take pictures with the Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train, see 15 historic Santas from around the world, and find 12 elves hidden throughout the Museum. Visit the GRPM’s Planetarium to see Let it Snow, featuring festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, with a stunning finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, free to Museum members and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Let It Snow showings run through Jan. 5th. As an annual tradition, visitors will be able to view and take pictures with the Herpolsheimer’s train throughout the holiday season. Recognizable to any baby-boomer, the train chugged along the ceiling of the toy department at the Herpolsheimer’s Department Store.
Grand Rapids Ballet presents The Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall, Friday, Dec. 13th at 7:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 14th at 2pm & 7:30pm, Sunday, Dec. 15th at 1pm & 5:30pm, and the following weekend, Friday, Dec. 20th at 7:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 21st at 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1pm. West Michigan’s favorite holiday tradition returns to the grandeur of DeVos Performance Hall with sets by famed children’s book author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express, Jumanji), Broadway-quality set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee (Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Saturday Night Live), choreography by Val Caniparoli, and the live music of your Grand Rapids Symphony. Don’t miss the magic!
Grand Rapids Symphony presents Old National Bank Cirque de Noel at DeVos Performance Hall, Wednesday, Dec. 18th at 7:30pm and Thursday, Dec. 19th at 7:30pm. Since 2009, Cirque de la Symphonie has spent part of each Christmas season in Grand Rapids. Celebrating its 10th annual Cirque de Noel with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Cirque de la Symphonie’s company of acrobats, jugglers, contortionists and aerial artists makes merry with amazing feats of agility and strength, accompanied by beloved Christmas songs and classical favorites. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and in person at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices.
Find the perfect holiday wreath or tree for your home at Grand Rapids Downtown Market Christmas Tree Lot, hosted by Lenderink Tree Farms, Wednesdays and Fridays: 4-7:00pm, and Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm through Dec. 15th.
If an older adult were ill or needed help, most people would reach out and help in whatever ways they could. But, if the illness were signs of alcoholism or drug abuse, it’s often really hard for most people to know what to do or say. Often, it’s difficult to tell if what we see are symptoms of substance abuse. In older adults, these signs can seem to mimic other conditions, such as diabetes, dementia or depression.
Is it substance abuse? According to Hazelden, a prominent addiction recovery center, there are two types of alcoholism in older adults. Two-thirds of older adult alcoholics are early-onset – those who have been heavy drinkers most of their adult lives. The other one-third are those who began to drink excess amounts in their older years, often in response to a difficult life situation or transition.
Doctors routinely prescribe tranquilizers for older adults. More tranquilizers are prescribed annually than for all other medications, over 16.9 million prescriptions each year – with the exception of heart medicine.
Some of the challenges that come with prescription drug use by older adults include:
Older people often take higher doses than prescribed because they forgot that they already took a pill or because “if one is good, two are better.”
It is not unusual for older persons to take their prescription drugs to a friend or spouse — even when the prescription is old, if the drug fits a self-diagnosed ailment.
An older person may also become dependent on alcohol or drugs after a major operation or a lengthy hospital stay. This dependency can be life threatening, yet is treatable.
What are possible signs of abuse? Hazelden has identified several warning signs:
Drinks in spite of warning labels while on prescription drugs.
Always has bottles of tranquilizers on hand and takes them at the slightest sign of disturbance.
Is often intoxicated or slightly tipsy, and sometimes has slurred speech.
Disposes of large volumes of empty beer and liquor bottles and seems secretive about it.
Often has the smell of liquor on his/her breath or mouthwash to disguise it.
Is neglecting personal appearance and gaining or losing weight.
Complains of constant sleeplessness, loss of appetite or chronic health complaints that seem to have no physical cause.
Has unexplained burns or bruises and tries to hide them.
Seems more depressed or hostile than usual.
Can’t handle routine chores and paperwork without making mistakes.
Has irrational and undefined fears, delusions or seems under unusual stress.
Seems to be losing his or her memory.
How can we begin to help our loved ones get help for substance abuse problems? Before talking to your older loved one or friend, talk to a professional trained in addiction and older adults. Prepare by gathering information:
A list of prescribed and over-the-counter drugs the person is taking.
A list of doctors the person is seeing. They may have a general practitioner and a specialist.
A brief life history including religious and cultural background and important life events.
An idea of the person’s present ability to live alone and take care of themself.
How drinking or the misuse of medicines is affecting their health, family and social life, etc.
A list of family members and friends who are concerned and would be willing to help, if necessary.
Together, you and the professional should be able to make an informal assessment as to what type of help the older person needs and how to approach the topic with them. You may decide, for example, that it would be better for your friend’s physician to bring up the problem, since many older people trust their doctors. Or perhaps you can ask another close person, such as a minister or an old acquaintance of your friend to sit down for a personal talk. Find out more at www.hazelden.org about how you can help your friend or loved one get help for substance abuse.
If the person is ready to make a change, the first thing to do is listen and be supportive. You may want to urge your friend to see a physician to get a professional assessment of the problem. Depending on the severity, the older person may need hospital care to treat the physical symptoms of alcohol and drug reactions. Many older persons can benefit from inpatient treatment for alcoholism or drug dependency, if their health insurance or other resources will cover the costs.
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) can be a good alternative, along with individual counseling from an addiction professional that is trained to work with older adults. Founded in 1935, A.A. has helped millions of people achieve sobriety. When you talk to an A.A. volunteer, ask for a meeting where an older person could be comfortable. See www.aa.org for more helpful information for friends and families of older adults dealing with substance abuse.
Fortunately, today it is more accepted to seek help for alcohol and drug abuse problems. There are excellent resources in many communities to help loved ones and friends address the issue. Michigan State University Extension staff works with the Geriatric Education Center of Michigan at Michigan State University to bring the latest health information about older adults to health care providers throughout the state. See www.gecm.msu.edu for more information.
In the mid-1990s, Byron Center school officials and community leaders came together looking for a new idea that would “really put ourselves on the map,” according to Van Singel Managing Director Sara Bower during a recent Locally Entertaining podcast. “That it would make us a destination district.”
“We had this wacky idea of not just having an auditorium but to have a state-of-the-art auditorium that could be utilized by the community and host professional shows,” she said. “It could host classes, things like that. Whatever the shell of the building needed to be, we could adapt it.”
VanSingel Fine Arts Center Managing Director Sara Bower. (Photo by WKTV)
The idea of a full state-of-the-art facility, such as the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, was revolutionary. Most school districts at that time had an auditorium but nothing that would allow touring shows to come into the community. In fact, when studying the possibility of the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, it was determined that the facility’s closet competitors would be the Red Barn Theatre in Saugatuck, DeVos Performance Center in Grand Rapids, Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo, and the Wharton Center in Lansing.
So Byron Center built the Van Singel, which in turn helped make the school district that “destination district.”
Today, several districts, such as Forest Hills and Jenison followed Byron Center’s lead and are now are homes to state-of-the-art facilities. Similar to the Van Singel, these facilities also offer touring shows, community theater and other arts and entertainment events. The Van Singel also is the home of the Gainey Gallery, which hosts exhibits of work by area artists.
With the changing landscape, Bower said during the Locally Entertaining podcast that the Van Singel and Byron Center community leaders came together again to talk about how to raise the bar in what a facility like the Van Singel can offer.
Referring to it as Van Singel 2.0, Bower said the group looked around its community and the West Michigan area to see what gaps in arts and entertainment education and programming were needing to be filled.
The Van Singel now hosts the Meijer Great Choices Film Festival, where student filmmakers from around the state enter public service announcements on positive life choices to Michigan’s K-12 youth. The 2020 competition is accepting entries through Feb. 7. For more information, visit meijergreatchoices.com.
Last year, Van Singel started its own Youth Theatre program which will present “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” in June.
The Van Singel also continues to offer touring shows. Upcoming productions are “The Closet You Can Get to Elvis” featuring Scot Bruce as Elvis on April 18 and Cool Jazz featuring Aaron Diehl and Chad Eby on May 1. For more information about these shows or other events at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, visit vsfac.com.
Bumble bees are an important and well-known group of pollinating insects, but populations of some bumble bee species are declining across the globe, including those in Michigan. Many groups are developing efforts to help conserve these insects by planting attractive flowers, yet we know little about where bumble bees nest in the winter. Now there’s an effort to change that, and you can help.
A group of scientists have launched Queen Quest, a collaborative public science program to understand where queen bumble bees overwinter across North America. If you are interested in helping, just get a few friends together, develop a fun team name and go questing! This can be done in a few hours and could be in your garden, a park or anywhere you think there might be a nest.
The group wants to know where bumble bees are—and are not—found. Finding these nest sites will help conserve bumble bees by informing the development of improved conservation programs.
The Queen Quest website has all the information necessary to get involved, including literature resources, a step-by-step protocol and information on where to look. If you can’t do it this fall, your team could try in the spring once the snow is gone. Everyone is welcome to participate, so please help put Michigan on the Queen Quest map!
MSU Extension’s focus on pollinators and pollination brings together educators and researchers who are working with experts around the country to provide the latest information through webinars, seminars, online resources and email newsletters.
Scientists are closer than ever to developing a smart hearing aid that separates desired sounds from undesirable background noise. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Chances are if you’re over 60 it’s already happened to you: You’re in a crowded room and finding it tough to understand what your partner is saying a couple of feet away.
It’s a longstanding hearing-loss issue known as the “cocktail party” problem. Conventional hearing aids still aren’t able to fix it—to separate out the talk you do want to hear from the background chatter you don’t.
But scientists may be developing a device that can do just that.
The device would rely on an emerging technology called “auditory attention decoding,” or AAD. AAD cracks the cocktail party problem by simultaneously monitoring a person’s brainwaves and the sound around them.
With that data in place, the new hearing device would triangulate which voice or sound the person is focused on—and then give it an extra sonic boost.
“The cocktail party problem refers to a hearing condition where there is more than one speaker talking at the same time,” explained Nima Mesgarani, who led a group that published their new findings May 15 in Science Advances.
“Because hearing-impaired listeners have reduced sensitivity to different frequencies, they are not able to pick out the right voice,” explained Mesgarani.
He’s associate professor of electrical engineering with the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, part of Columbia University in New York City.
Conventional hearing aids—which simply raise overall sound levels—don’t help much in a crowded room.
“Increasing the volume doesn’t help hearing-impaired listeners, because it amplifies everyone and not just the ‘target speaker,’” Mesgarani said.
AAD works differently.
“(It) works by first automatically separating the sound sources in the acoustic environment,” he said. “The separated sounds are then compared to the brain waves of a listener. And the source that is most similar is chosen and amplified relative to other speakers to assist the listener.”
But this research is still in its early stages, so crowd-addled seniors shouldn’t expect to order the technology anytime soon.
For the moment, the technology requires an invasive surgical procedure and isn’t portable. Any practical application is at least five to 10 years off, Mesgarani said.
Still, the research illustrates yet again the amazing versatility of the human brain.
As Mesgarani noted, neural networks in the brain’s hearing center are remarkably adept at pinpointing which voice a person wants to pay attention to, even with lots of competing noise.
Digging deeper into that phenomenon, the Columbia team enlisted a group of people with epilepsy (who were already undergoing surgical care) to listen to a massed group of several speakers. None of the patients had hearing difficulties.
By means of electrodes directly implanted into their brains, researchers were then able to monitor how brain waves responded to the various sounds. That data was fed into a computer, which quickly learned to automatically raise the volume of the “target” speaker’s voice.
Preliminary results suggest that the technology does work as intended. But to date, testing has been confined to a controlled indoor setting and it remains to be seen whether it would work as well among those with actual hearing impairment, the researchers said.
And, of course, it will take time to convert the technology into something that could be worn as an external hearing aid.
Tricia Ashby-Scabis is director of audiology practices with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in Rockville, Md. She reviewed the new study and said the work “sounds highly promising.”
“Artificial intelligence certainly sounds like a great option in terms of focused listening and setting precedence on which speaker the listener wants to hear,” Ashby-Scabis said.
But questions remain.
“The difficulty is, communication is dynamic,” said Ashby-Scabis. “It is ever-changing. People jump in and out of conversations, and that is a lot of processing for a device to do, and a lot of knowledge it needs to have. I am surprised if this is something we are close to having researchers solving (or) developing, but it is certainly a promising area to be studying.”
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
There are no signs of an impending recession, but the local economy will continue to slow in 2020, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of November.
The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at -10, up significantly from -21 in October. The production index is negative, but recovered to -9 from -34. The index of purchases recuperated to -18 from -21, and the employment index came in at -9 from -14.
Looking to 2020, Long said there is no evidence of the overall economy sliding into a recession, but there’s plenty of evidence to indicate a slowing for the industrial economy.
“Part of it has to do with the ongoing trade war with China and the soft business conditions around the world,” Long said.
All three local cyclical industries — office furniture, aerospace and automotive — have more than topped out, Long said, while some segments of the West Michigan agricultural industry, namely corn, soybeans and cherries, have had a marginal year.
Local employment numbers continue to set records. “Ottawa County posted the lowest unemployment rate of 2.3 percent,” Long said. “Of the major cities in Michigan, the Grand Rapids report of 3.3 percent unemployment is the envy of most other major cities in the state.”
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
The LEGOs display was created by the West Michigan LEGO Train Club. It is a popular attraction during the Snowflake Break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo supplied)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced Snowflake Break activities and additional displays at the Museum for the holiday season. Snowflake Break includes a variety of family-friendly programs and activities themed around special exhibits Design Zone and TOYS!
During Snowflake Break at the GRPM, visitors will be able to create themed paper snowflakes, decorate wooden ornaments, play a variety of giant-sized games, interact with artifacts from Discovery Carts, explore special exhibits Design Zone and TOYS! and more.
Snowflake Break runs from Dec. 21 — Jan. 5. General admission includes hands–on activities for Snowflake Break, special holiday displays and admission to Design Zone and TOYS! The Bodies Revealed exhibit will be an additional fee. More information can one be found at grpm.org.
Kent County residents receive reduced admission. Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County children 17 and under are FREE general admission daily.
Holiday Displays
Historic LEGO® Display – See historic Grand Rapids like never before, built from LEGO®s. The 1925-era display, complete with operating trams, will be on display in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibition now through January 11, 2020 and is included with general admission. The display was built by the Western Michigan LEGO® Train Club.
Flashback: The popular Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train will be on display and available for family pictures. (Photo supplied.)
Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train – Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a community favorite on display – the Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train. The Train is included with general admission to the Museum and will be on display through Jan. 13.
The monorail train debuted as “Santa’s Rocket Express” when the new Herpolsheimer’s Department Store opened in in 1949. Recognizable to any baby-boomer resident of Grand Rapids, the train chugged along the ceiling of the toy department at the Herpolsheimer’s Department Store, which sat at the corner of Fulton and Division streets in downtown Grand Rapids.
Santa and Elf Hunt – Find 15 historic Santas from around the World in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, and 12 whimsical elves hidden throughout the three floors of the Museum. The Santa & Elf Hunt is included with general admission.
Let it Snow Planetarium Show – Let it Snow features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery and special effects. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, free to Museum members and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Let it Snow will run through Jan. 5.
Exhibitions
Design Zone In Design Zone, visitors of all ages can explore a variety of concepts to learn the processes and tools needed to create a successful design. Organized into three thematic zones, the activities featured in Design Zone highlight the importance of science and mathematical thinking in areas critical to building creativity and innovation in art, music and engineering. More specifically, visitors will discover the secrets behind how video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers and other creative problem solvers do what they do in this new exhibition.
TOYS!
TOYS! is an interactive, multi-generation exhibition of toys and games to rekindle childhood memories and spark the creation of new ones. Baby Boomers loved Paper Dolls, Erector Sets, and Mr. Potato Head, Gen Xers preferred Holly Hobbie and Hot Wheels, and Millennials have never known a world without Super Mario or My Little Pony. Some toys, like Barbie and G.I. Joe, have adapted to appeal to different generations and remain popular today. Toys and games have changed over time, but the desire to imagine, compete, and create has not. The exhibit, designed and curated by the GRPM staff, features toys and games from the Museum’s Collections and on loan from community members. Visitors will imagine, compete and create, while going on a journey of toys through generations.
Bodies Revealed
Bodies Revealed features real, whole and partial body specimens that have been preserved through an innovative process, giving visitors the opportunity to view the complexity of their own organs and systems in a way that’s normally reserved for medical professionals. The exhibit will have 10 full body specimens on display as well as over 100 organs and partial specimens. Bodies Revealed allows visitors to learn about their own bodies and ultimately, teaches the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Advance ticket purchases are recommended as some time slots will sell out.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is an invaluable, publicly-owned institution that is home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond, houses the only planetarium in the region, and is responsible for protecting The Mounds, a national historic landmark. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.
This week’s photo comes from the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Students from Lakeshore Middle School recently visited the museum thanks to a transportation grant provided by Crystal Flash. Nearly 10,000 students from rural schools, like Lakeshore Middle School have been able to visit the museum thanks to the grant. Below, from the left, are: Scott Miller, marketing manager of Crystal Flash, Marc Foerster, vice president of residential business for Crystal Flash, and Dale Robertson, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Do you have a photo you would like featured in Photo of the Week? Send it to joanne@wktv.org.
