The St. Cecilia Music Center Acoustic Cafe Folk Series is usually all about the singer/songwriters, and the list of fine concerts in the series got a bit longer and better recently with the announced return of Grammy award winners Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin, who is currently revisiting her classic 1989 album Steady On.
Cohn, who delivered a great set at St. Cecilia in 2017, will return on March, 19, 2020. Colvin, who last visited Royce Auditorium in 2016, will visit on May 19.
“Since he was last here … Marc has spent time on the road with legendary Michael McDonald, worked closely with David Crosby and other American music greats,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, said in supplied material. “His appearance will also closely follow the release of his collaborative record with gospel legends Blind Boys of Alabama. This will be one of our most exciting concerts featuring a terrifically talented artist and amazing songwriter.”
The two concerts add to an upcoming folk series schedule which includes The Infamous Stringdusters of Thursday, Feb. 6; Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal on Wednesday, Feb. 20; Chris Thile on Tuesday, Feb. 25; and Raul Midón on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Marc Cohn. (Supplied)
While Cohn won a Grammy for his classic ballad “Walking in Memphis” in 1991, he has “solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer-songwriters, combining the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man,” according to supplied material.
In August of this year, Cohn released a collaborative record with gospel legends Blind Boys of Alabama, Work To Do, comprised of three studio tracks by Cohn and the Blind Boys — two originals, including the title track, and a version of the gospel standard “Walk In Jerusalem” — plus seven intimate live performances recorded at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, Conn., during a taping of the PBS series “The Kate”.
Shawn Colvin is expected to perform her newly released album Steady On Acoustic in its entirety. Her original 1989 album Steady On was her first Grammy Award winning album. (She has three Grammy’s to her resume.)
Shawn Colvin. (Supplied/Alexandra Valenti)
“I’ve played these songs countless times, primarily as a solo acoustic artist. All in all, this is the incarnation that feels most genuine,” Colvin said in supplied material. “And so, to commemorate this milestone I decided to celebrate Steady On by recording it again, this time using only my voice and my guitar. This represents who I am as an artist and all I ever wanted to be.”
In promotional material, Colvin also talks about bringing 30-year lens to her treasured songs, casting new light on the stories she first told as a young artist.
“I was 32 years old, and the dream of my life had been fulfilled,” Colvin says, “not only because I made an album but mostly because I had written or co-written every song, an accomplishment that was hard won. I was so proud. My feeling was then — and still is— that if I never made another album, Steady On would have been enough.”
More about Marc Cohn can be found on his website marccohnmusic.com .
More about Shawn Colvin can be found at her website at shawncolvin.com .
Marc Cohn, Shawn Colvin and all folk series concert tickets can be purchased by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224 or visiting the box office at 24 Ransom Ave. NE. Tickets can also be purchased online at scmc-online.org. A post-concert “Meet-the-artist” reception with a cash bar will be offered to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to possibly meet the artists obtain signed CDs of his many releases.
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”*
Aristotle
*Aristotle probably would have said it this way: “Ποια είναι η ουσία της ζωής; Να υπηρετείς άλλους και να κάνεις καλό.” But in Ancient Greek and with waaaaay more accent marks.
Sounds like a dare
Ask Me Anything! is Nov. 2 at Kentwood Library. Learn about your community and your neighbors in a fun, relaxed environment. Visit the branch to “check out” different members of our community for a chance to learn from them and ask them anything. More info here.
In the ‘mark your calendar’ category…
Courtesy Grand Valley State University
Zapatos Rojos | Red Shoes is an itinerant installation originally organized in 2009 by artist and architect Elina Chauvet in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Comprising 33 pairs of red shoes donated by the women of Ciudad Juárez — each pair representing a woman who had disappeared in that community — the piece is designed to draw attention to the fact that women were being killed without any consequences. Nov. 1, 2019-Feb. 28, 2020. Get the details here.
Do some good — here’s how
The SpartanNash Foundation invites store guests to join the fight against hunger during its companywide fundraising effort, Oct. 23 to Nov. 3. The SpartanNash Foundation’s retail scan campaign supports more than 100 local food pantries and food banks, and 100 percent of dollars raised will support food pantry partners in eight states. Learn more here.
Fun fact:
Volunteering keeps you young
Volunteering not only engages your mind and body, but it can actually help you age well and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Plenty of research has been done on the importance of socialization to improve the mental and emotional health of seniors. But what can you do when your loved one is in an assisted living community to ensure that they are meeting socialization goals? Here are six ways you can help your family member stay social and engaged while they are in a senior living community.
1. Look for signs of isolation
It can be hard for seniors to admit that they are feeling lonely and want to make new connections. It can also be the case that older adults who are new to senior living communities may want to avoid interacting with others and choose instead to isolate themselves. You can help your loved one avoid this social slump by looking for signs of isolation, including:
Loss of interest in activities that used to excite them
Changes in appetite
Weight loss or gain
Lethargy
Decline in cognitive functions
Self-loathing or a drop in self-worth
If you see some of these signs, it might be a signal that you should start encouraging your loved one to talk with neighbors and interact with staff members more regularly.
2. Recommend exercise
You can help your loved one socialize by encouraging them to exercise and partake in group activities. Not only do these give your family member a chance to interact with others, but exercise can improve self-worth and self-image in seniors. Improving self-image can be a step towards seniors wanting to motivate themselves to socialize more with others.
There are many different exercise and activity groups for seniors, including groups for older adults who have limited mobility. More mobile seniors may enjoy outdoor activities, which are great for meeting others. Sports like golfing and bowling are group activities, and can help seniors make new connections. Even a walk in the park can help seniors get out of their senior living home and in a place where they can socialize with others.
3. Find groups and clubs to join
Another way for seniors to interact with others is to find clubs to join. Clubs and groups are able to provide weekly or monthly times where your loved one has scheduled social interactions. Being part of a club or group can help seniors feel motivated to go out and engage with others.
Clubs can also help seniors meet new people out of their regular network of friends and family. Examples of clubs many seniors enjoy include:
A major barrier for seniors is getting to the places where they have a chance to interact with others. Offering transportation and rides to events for your elderly loved one is a great way to help them socialize.
Having a source of transportation can also help seniors feel more independent. When they have options for socialization beyond what is offered at their senior living home, they can feel more comfortable exploring places and groups that otherwise would be unavailable to them.
5. Encourage new hobbies
Finding new things to do can help seniors want to get out and socialize with more people. A new hobby requires learning and cognitive thinking, which alone is a great exercise for seniors. In addition, seniors may need to gather new information from others with the same hobby, which provides another way for seniors to meet others and socialize.
Most hobbies aren’t limited to specific age groups, which can expand an older adult’s social circle beyond the friends and family they already are familiar with. Having new sources of excitement can also stop a loved one’s descent into social isolation.
6. Explain social apps and technology
Technology provides a great platform for seniors to be able to make new friends, connect, and interact with others. It may be difficult for older adults to understand how to utilize technology and social apps, so you can help out by being patient and clearly explaining technology such as:
Apps like Facebook and Skype can help seniors stay in contact with distant friends—along with seeing what the grandkids are up to in daily life.
Lyft and Uber can help your senior loved one travel around town if you live far away to help provide rides.
Online games like Words with Friends can help seniors meet new people without having to leave home.
While technology is a great way for seniors to connect and stay in touch with people, help them understand internet safety as well. By helping your loved one stay active on social media, you can help them avoid isolation even if you are unable to visit often.
Seniors need socialization for more than just making friends. Socializing can help seniors avoid isolation and depression. Interacting with others can also help seniors maintain their cognitive functions. You can help your loved one stay healthy for longer by encouraging and helping them with their socialization skills.
Every now and then, a news article comes along and tells us about how some strangers have committed fraud or scammed the elderly. Although scams and fraud are common, it is not nearly as common as the exploitation taking place by people who our elderly citizens come to trust. According to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) 90 percent of elder financial exploitation is committed by trusted people such as caretakers, family members, neighbors, friends, attorneys, bank employees, doctors, nurses and pastors.
NAPSA statistics also stated one in nine elders have been exploited within the past 12 months while one in 20 said they have perceived mistreatment recently. Sadly, only one out of every 44 cases is ever reported, and of those reported physical abuse and neglect is usually included. Financial abuse has increased dramatically over the past ten years in both number and complexity and has become widespread and deadly. Exploitation has a dramatic effect on the elderly and can lead to a loss of trust, loss of security, depression, the inability to provide long-term care and even the loss of an elder’s primary residence.
Why are the elderly attractive targets? The elderly become easy targets because isolation, loneliness and disabilities lend themselves to the trusting of people who are willing to give them time and attention. Along with this, advanced technology has made managing finances more and more difficult and the elderly are less likely to take action against perpetrators.
Some of the most common exploits by family members are:
Abuse of Power of Attorney – Stealing monies for own use.
Abuse of joint bank accounts – Family members take advantage by using for themselves.
Stealing checks and ATM cards – Withdrawing money from victim’s accounts.
Threatening abandonment or physical abuse – Doing so gives the perpetrator what they desire.
Refusing care or medical services – By refusing care the abuser can keep assets available for their own use.
Some ways to intervene and prevent exploitation are:
Reduce isolation – Frequent visitations can help keep an elderly family member from seeking suspect relationships with untrustworthy individuals.
Close joint bank accounts – Instead, help with writing out checks for bills but keep accounts in the individuals name to prevent others from taking advantage.
Revoke Power of Attorney – If an individual is suspected of abusing the Power of Attorney, have them removed and assign the Power of Attorney to a trusted member of the family.
Restart utilities if they are shut off – Assist in negotiating and paying to have utilities restored.
Find a responsible party to manage funds – If family members cannot be trusted, then find a trusted agency to aid in managing funds.
Report suspected exploitation to proper authorities – Report to multiple agencies including law enforcement. Work with financial institutions to better recognize financial abuse.
Remember to include elderly family members in your family activities; after all, they were never too busy for you when you needed them. For additional information visit: http://www.stopfraud.gov/protect-yourself.html
Michigan State University Extension offers financial management and homeownership education classes. For more information about classes in your area, visit MI Money Health. Also, if you are wondering about your financial health, take a financial health survey from MI Money Health to get your financial health score! It is confidential and your answers never connect back to your name. This survey can help you evaluate your current financial situation, provide ideas on how you may improve your financial health and connect you to resources in your local community.
Good medicine is about getting back to the basics and leading a healthy lifestyle. And there’s no better way to do this than to start your day with a healthy meal.
I know this can be difficult some days, especially if you are in a hurry. If you are like me, you are lucky to get out the door on time to get to work, school, exercise class, or an early-morning meeting.
I want to help you be prepared for whatever may come your way throughout the day.
Even if you make an unhealthy choice (or two) later in the day by eating or drinking something high in sugar and low in nutrition, at least you know you started your day the healthy way. Adding veggies, protein, hydration and nutrition to your breakfast can help you lean more toward a healthy lifestyle.
Smoothies are a good choice for breakfast because you can add so many different (and healthy) ingredients to help you stay full all morning.
It’s important to remember that not all smoothies are the same. Some are full of sugar and lacking in nutrition. My favorite green smoothie is full of nutrients because, remember, our bodies need vitamins (vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins), minerals (iron), protein, fat and carbohydrates every day.
The ingredients in my green smoothie help in several areas of wellness, including heart health, protection from cancer and maintaining strong bones. I have listed the ingredients separately, including an explanation of what each ingredient brings to the smoothie.
I make this smoothie for breakfast most days, not only because it tastes great but also because it can prevent colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and the second most common cancer in women.
This is just one more excellent reason to give this smoothie a try for breakfast tomorrow and every day thereafter.
Colorectal cancer is preventable in most cases by early detection, though you can also improve colorectal health by maintaining a healthy weight and eating a proper diet—rich in fiber and antioxidants (like the ingredients in my green smoothie), low in saturated fats and red meat, and high in vitamins.
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.“
Dalai Lama XIV
Say yes to saying no
Just say no
Do your part to keep prescription drugs out of our waterways and out of the hands of kids and teens — Oct. 26th is National Drug Take Back Day, and the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are taking part. Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 469 tons (more than 937,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,300 sites operated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and almost 5,000 state and local law enforcement partners. The details are right here.
Lucky flag is going home
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and OBON Society are in the process of returning a rare Japanese “Good Luck Flag” to its rightful family. OBON Society provides reconciliation between American and Japanese families through the return of personal items acquired during World War II. A Grand Rapids resident donated the flag, along with a WWII newsreel and a map of Iwo Jima, to the GRPM in 2015. The items were possessions of the donor’s deceased father, a former American soldier, who collected the flag during the war. Read all about it here.
Say ‘hello’ to ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’
Elton John is coming to the Van Andel Arena on April 23, 2020, and tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 1 at 10am local time. But highfalutin American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10am local time through Monday, Oct. 28 at 10pm local time. Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at EltonJohn.com. Don’t delay! More details here.
Fun fact:
>1,000
Elton John has over 1,000 pairs of shades. Rumor has it that he has to book a separate hotel room to accommodate all of them.
Wyoming quarterback Matthew Berg (11) reacts to a Wolves touchdown in a game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
In the third year of Wyoming High School football coach Irvin Sigler’s reboot of the Wolves program, the coach and his team are probably disappointed with their win/loss record in the tough OK Conference Gold.
But the Wolves’s offensive mindset is showing impressive improvement, the team opened their new field in equally impressive fashion, and Sigler’s 2019-20 senior class continues to show the leadership he wants.
Sigler talked to WKTV this week about his Wolves, currently 3-5 (1-4 in conference) with a Friday, Oct. 25, game at East Grand Rapids remaining on the season. And he started with his team’s ability to stay focused and positive after a 1-4 start to the season.
“Our coaching staff and players believe in each other,” Sigler said. “Trust is a critical part of building a team. We have a great time on the practice field and a relentless belief in what we are doing. It’s truly a team effort. Most importantly our players know that they are loved by our coaches.”
That belief in the system led to two impressive wins in weeks 6 and 7 — a 57-51 overtime win at Holland West Ottawa on Nov. 4 and a 47-0 win over Wayland on Nov. 11 as the Wolves opened their newly refurbished field at the high school.
But the team’s scoring outbursts in those two wins were only two signs of the increased offensive prowess of the Wolves. Even in losses, the offense has been scoring points.
As evidence, Wyoming scored 158 points in nine games in 2017-18, Sigler’s first season as head coach, and 132 in 2018-19 — but the Wolves have totaled 279 points in eight games so far this season.
The Wyoming offensive line, from the Wolves game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)
“We’ve got some very skilled guys on our offense,” coach said. “The four Parks have really been a key. We moved DeMari and Marion to running back after some injuries and they blossomed. Monte is an excellent receiver and Deion helps lead our offensive line.
“Mahki Matthews, Payton Lee and Matt Berg have also played very well. The key to everything is our offensive line. Getting Austin Bruce back from an ankle sprain was a big boost.”
De’marion, Diamonte and Dion Parks are seniors, as are Lee and Bruce. DeMari Parks is a junior, as are Matthews and Berg.
Sigler also pointed out several other seniors who have been leaders for the Wolves.
“Logan Cox, Dale Cross and Keeingg Briggs are three guys that come to mind — all have played exceptionally well,” he said. “ Our kicker, Adel Odobasek, has become a great leader in our special teams and has improved greatly.”
But plenty of other underclassmen have played and played well.
Maybe the biggest returner next season, however, will be a return to the Wolves’s new home field — the arrival of which this season was a boost to the team, Sigler said.
“The change in our mindset, with the opportunity to be in the new field, came at a great time,” he said. “While many teams are going through the grind of doing the same thing daily, we had an amazing new facility to jump start our season.”
And he expects that home field advantage, as well as overall program improvement, to carry on in the future.
“We must play our best at home and that is the mindset we are working to build,” Sigler said.
WKTV Journal’s latest newscast includes a feature on a young artist combining fanciful clay figures with high-tech photography — currently on exhibit at Grand Rapids Community College’s Collins Art Gallery through Friday, Oct. 25.
Wyoming resident Jon Lopez has a day job in a bagel shop, but later, in his basement sculpture studio, he transports himself to another world — a world of clay-full characters including thoughtful monkeys, mice on a mission and an octopus named Charlie that he is almost on talking terms with.
WKTV talked with Jon about his medium, taking his creatures on the road, why he photographs and then recycles his clay creations.
For a print story on the artist and his art, visit here .
The GRCC Collins Art Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, formerly Main Building, 143 Bostwick Ave NE. Grand Rapids. Gallery hour at Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit GRCC.edu/visualarts .
ReThink West Michigan, a collaborative, regional event hosted by The Right Place, Inc. and Hello West Michigan, was awarded Best in Show by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at the Council’s 2019 annual conference.
ReThink West Michigan is a casual, professional networking event hosted at multiple locations on Thanksgiving Eve and is intended to attract professionals who have moved away from home and are visiting for the holiday. At this event, several West Michigan companies with current career opportunities share some of the exciting initiatives and projects happening in the region.
The IEDC received over 400 submissions from 12 countries for the 2019 awards, and ReThink West Michigan was selected as the top entry overall, making it a globally recognized best practice in economic development. The event also received a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award in the Talent Development and Retention category, and The Right Place Instagram channel, West Michigan Life, received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award in the Digital Media category.
IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. 34 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world.
“The recipients of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day”, said 2019 IEDC Board Chair, Tracye McDaniel. “We’re honored to recognize more than 100 communities for their excellent work, which forges new opportunities for our profession. We look forward to even greater participation from economic developers across the globe in the 2020 awards program.”
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).
Handsome, hunky, HUGE Hodor came to us in a roundabout way on Aug. 22, 2019, but we sure are happy he is with us. The Berrien County Animal Shelter adopted hum out 10 days prior to Morgan, a wonderful gal who was head over heels for him, but when she took him immediately in to her vet for an exam, he tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus).
Unable to keep him in her home with her other cat for fear of them not getting along (though not on his part), she contacted the shelter to inquire about returning him. That proved not to be a viable option, as he would most likely be euthanized, and Morgan could not fathom that happening to such an awesome cat. So, she reached out to us, explained the unfortunate situation, and asked if there was any way we could help. Dr. Jen is a sucker for sad stories, especially ones where an injustice would be done to an innocent animal, so even though we were tight on pace at our sanctuary, Dr. Jen had Morgan bring him over.
We couldn’t believe our eyes when we first set my sights on this magnificent, massive mound of cat! He was astoundingly adorable AND proved to be quite the gentle giant, hence his name. Dr. Jen guesstimates that Hodor was born in the summer of 2014, and other than having a mild flea allergy dermatitis, a bilateral ear infection and mild dental tartar, he checked out fine and dandy—and tipped the scales at 15 lbs. Although the good doc would have loved nothing more than for him to hang out with her at the clinic, she knew the volunteers would be instantly smitten, so she sent him down to our sanctuary for some super-sized one-on-one.
From the get-go, Hodor has been the epitome of perfection, in awe of everyone and everything he comes into contact with. We can’t imagine a home he wouldn’t do fabulously well in as he is easy-going, friendly and an all-around naturally nice guy. He fit in so well with the others, it was as though he had lived at Big Sid’s his entire life. He will make an exceptional companion to a family bursting with kids, another cat or even a dog; he hasn’t a mean bone is his big-n-buff body and absolutely adores his roomies—his motto is ‘the more, the merrier’.
In honor of full transparency, we have to put an addendum on to Hodor’s biography, as we have caught him spraying a few vertical surfaces in our free-roaming facility. However, given the fact that our current population is 80% male, and all of our intake since his arrival has been testosterone-laden, we are confident that once he is living it up in a home where there aren’t so many big personalities vying for top spot, this behavior will dissolve into a distant memory. We see this quite often, given the fact that the majority of our Sid’s Kids are boys, but honestly, we only have a few cats we will not adopt out due to aberrant behavior—and believe it or not, those select few are primarily female.
If Dr. Jen didn’t have a house full of her own, Hodor would be at the top of her Wish List for sure. You can’t go wrong with a kitty whose sole purpose is to love and be loved in return, who wants nothing more than to become your constant companion and spend the rest of his days lounging by your side, soaking up all of the attention given to him and repaying it in kind.
More about Hodor:
Domestic Short Hair
Tabby (Tiger-striped), White
Adult
Male
Extra Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, dogs, children
Want to adopt Hodor? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
A 5-cent, hour-long phone call from a pay phone convinced a young Dominican immigrant that West Michigan was a place she could live. Fast-forward several decades, Ana Jose is boldly transforming the local business climate for Latino-owned enterprises one conversation, one seminar at a time. Join us to be inspired by this ever-humble, ever-aspiring young woman!
Elton John, the number-one, top-performing solo male artist, has announced a new concert date at the Van Andel Arena on April 23, 2020, as part of his sold-out Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour after selling out a previous show in Grand Rapids.
The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour kicked off to sold-out crowds in September 2018 and has received rave reviews in every market.
Transporting the audience on a magical journey through Elton’s career, the show features some of his most beloved songs from his legendary catalog including, Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and Philadelphia Freedom. Elton’s music has taken him to many places, opened many doors and inspired many passions in his life. The audience will experience a rare glimpse into Elton’s life and the deeply personal meaning behind some of his greatest hits, with mesmerizing, never-before-seen photos and videos shown throughout the show from his incredible, 50-year career.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 1 at 10am local time. Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at EltonJohn.com.
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10am local time through Monday, Oct. 28 at 10pm local time.
“…The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour is the most bombastic, elaborate, high-tech arena show he’s ever attempted.” – Rolling Stone
A limited number of exclusive VIP packages will also be available starting Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10am local time. These exclusive offers can include premium tickets, on-stage photo opportunities at Elton John’s piano, backstage tours, limited-edition lithographs, custom merchandise and much more.
Pre-sale tickets for the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour event will be available through registration using Ticketmaster Verified Fan, a fan-first technology built to help artists combat ticket bots and get tickets into the hands of fans that intend to go to the event. Verified Fan registration is available now through Friday, Oct. 25 at 10pm local time. Verified TM fan pre-sale will begin Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 10am and run through Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 10pm local time, supplies are limited. For more information and to register in advance, visit EltonJohn.com.
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is an incurable eye disease that affects millions of older Americans, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, a vision expert says.
AMD causes blurred central vision due to damage to the macula—a small area at the back of the eye—and it is most common after age 60, according to the U.S. National Eye Institute.
AMD is also more common in women and whites. At-risk patients should get regular eye exams, advised Dr. Julie Rosenthal, a retina specialist.
She said there are a number of things people can do to help slow or possibly prevent AMD. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking may double the risk of AMD.
Find out if you have a family history of the disease.
People with a first-degree relative with AMD have a much greater risk of developing it. If you have a family history of the disease, watch for potential symptoms such as difficulty recognizing faces, struggling to adapt to low light and seeing straight lines that appear wavy.
Eat lots of spinach, kale, Swiss chard and other leafy greens, which are high in antioxidant vitamins that help protect against cellular damage from free radicals, which can contribute to eye disease, according to Rosenthal.
If you have a poor diet, consider taking multivitamins. People at risk of advanced AMD should ask their doctor about a specialized blend of supplements called AREDS. This is “not a treatment or cure but can decrease your risk of getting the more severe forms of AMD,” Rosenthal said in a university news release.
When outside, wear sunglasses that provide protection from UV and blue light that can cause retinal damage. Sunglasses with a “UV 400” label are recommended by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
Maintain healthy blood pressure and weight. Poor blood circulation due to high blood pressure can restrict blood flow to the eyes, thus contributing to AMD. Losing weight is a proven way to lower blood pressure.
Use a tool called an Amsler grid to check for vision problems related to macular damage.
When staring at the grid, if you notice that the central part of your vision in one eye has become darker or the grid lines are wavy, call your doctor, Rosenthal said. Keep the grid in a place that reminds you to use it daily.
Grand Valley State University’s 17th annual Fall Arts Celebration features dance that combines movement and technology; art that challenges perceptions; music that captures the power and mystery of the sea; and more — this year’s events at Grand Valley State University are set to bring out ‘all the feels’.
Zapatos Rojos | Red Shoes, an installation by Elina Chauvet
When: Nov. 1, 2019-Feb. 28, 2020
Where: Kirkhof Center Gallery, Allendale Campus
Zapatos Rojos | Red Shoes is an itinerant installation originally organized in 2009 by artist and architect Elina Chauvet in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Comprising 33 pairs of red shoes donated by the women of Ciudad Juárez — each pair representing a woman who had disappeared in that community — the piece is designed to draw attention to the fact that women were being killed without any consequences.
A bit of back story on the artist’s use of red shoes as the focus of her work: Chauvet researched the disappearances extensively; in the course of her fact-finding, she discovered that many of the women who vanished had worked in shoe stores, had been buying shoes at the time they disappeared, or were looking for a job in a shoe shop.
Chauvet had also used shoes as a metaphor in the past to express her concern for the missing and dead women.
In 2017, Zulema Moret, Grand Valley professor of modern languages, arranged for Chauvet to direct an installation of Zapatos Rojos | Red Shoes in Grand Rapids. This exhibition documents many of the community groups that participated in painting the shoes, as well as the installation at the Richard M. DeVos Center courtyard on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
The Fall Arts Celebration shines a spotlight on some of the world’s preeminent artists, poets, musicians, dancers, and scholars. Each fall for the past 17 years, West Michigan audiences have enjoyed a series of six free events that celebrate the positive impact of the arts. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts.
More art
Art of Today: Contemporary Collections from Chicago
When: Through Nov. 1, 2019
Where: Art Gallery, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
Working with Chicago-based artists, gallery owners and collectors, Grand Valley has acquired a collection of contemporary art over the last 15 years.
Curated from Grand Valley’s collection and enhanced with additional loans from Chicago, Art of Today comprises more than 40 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures and mixed media works — bold and minimalistic works exploring simplicity in design, society’s relationship to the environment, as well as the intersection of pop culture and art by artists Alex Katz, Ellsworth Kelly, David Nash and Takahashi Murakami.
The challenging imagery of other artists — such as Tony Fitzpatrick, Jane Hammond, Erika Rothenberg and Kara Walker — examines the meaning of identity, race, culture and sexuality.
Lecture
Jill Lepore: American History from Beginning to End
When: Nov. 5, 2019; public reception at 5pm and lecture at 6pm
Where: L.V. Eberhard Center, second floor, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Jill Lepore (Courtesy GVSU)
What do you see when you look at 500 years instead of the last five minutes? Jill Lepore, the leading narrative historian of her generation, offers a different perspective on history. Lepore asserts that the United States is an experiment founded on three ‘truths’: political equality, natural rights, and the sovereignty of the people. Her thesis will challenge your imagination to put yourself in a place in history to help give context to the present.
Lepore is the David Woods Kemper ’41 Professor of American History at Harvard University. She is also a staff writer at The New Yorker. One of her latest books is These Truths: A History of the United States (2018), on TheNew York Times Best Seller list. Her most recent book, This America: The Case for the Nation, was published in May 2019.
GVSU Art Gallery
For more information about Grand Valley State University art exhibits, call 616.331.2563 or visit gvsu.edu/artgallery.
Mathias J. Alten: An Evolving Legacy
When: Exhibition dates are ongoing
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m.; closed on holiday weekends
Where: George and Barbara Gordon Gallery, DeVos Center, Bldg. E, Room 103 and 202, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Often referred to as the ‘dean of Michigan painters’, the German-born American artist Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938) worked in a traditional representational style, incorporating the aesthetics and techniques of the Impressionist Movement in his paintings. Based in Grand Rapids, Alten created more than 3,800 works over his more-than-40-year career, including landscapes, seascapes, portraits and florals, all infused with light and punctuated with deft brushwork. Grand Valley State University holds the largest public collection of Alten’s work in the world.
Wandering Seeds: Experiencing and Engaging Haiti Through Study Abroad
When: Through Dec. 13, 2019
Where: Blue Wall Gallery, DeVos Center, Bldg. B, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
In 2018, a dozen GVSU students and three faculty members traveled to Haiti as part of a study-abroad program, led by Peter Wampler, associate professor of geology. Designed to provide an opportunity to experience Haitian culture and gain an understanding of daily life in rural Haiti, students from various backgrounds participated in a variety of service-learning and community-based teaching experiences, allowing them to contribute their energy toward real-world problems in Haiti.
Included in this exhibition are narratives and reflections by both faculty members and students who participated in the trip. Additionally, a number of photographs document their encounters, and a variety of original Haitian works of art attest to the vibrant and diverse artistic culture in the country.
Carnivals, Cognac and Cycling: Works of Art from the Robert L. Haskins and Erwin A. Raible Collection of Fin-de-Siécle Prints
When: Through Dec. 13, 2019
Where: Red Wall Gallery, Lake Ontario Hall, Allendale Campus
Courtesy GVSU
At the turn of the century, an explosion in print media occurred in Paris, one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Now-familiar artists — Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, and others — made names for themselves producing items such as posters, journal illustrations, theater programs and advertisements.
Drawn from the Robert L. Haskins and Erwin A. Raible Collection of Fin-de-Siécle Prints in the GVSU Print and Drawing Cabinet, Carnivals, Cognac and Cycling provides a view into the visual culture of late 19th-century France.
In 2019, 14 GVSU students conducted research for this exhibition for the course Modern Art and Modernity. Each student focused on one work of art for in-depth study, produced original research, and presented findings to classmates and now to a wider audience.
José Guadalupe Posada: Calavera Prints from the GVSU Print and Drawing Cabinet
When: Nov. 1, 2019-Feb. 28, 2020
Where: Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Courtesy GVSU
José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) — a printmaker and engraver who illustrated historic scenes, board games and commercial items, religious images, various books and newspapers — is most famous for his use of calaveras (depictions of skulls and skeletons) to satirize and mock the corruption of the wealthy and political elite.
He created La Calavera Catrina, his most iconic image, in 1910 at the start of the Mexican Revolution. The image shows a grinning skeleton wearing a women’s feathered hat, pointing out that death comes to everyone, even those in the upper class.
This exhibition includes 20 reproductions of his prints, from the GVSU Print and Drawing Cabinet. The works were purchased in 2002 from the family of Antonio Vanegas Arroyo, who printed them using the original plates and press.
Performances from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance
For more information about performances from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, visit gvsu.edu/mtd.
Faculty recital — Sookkyung Cho, assistant professor of piano, artist performer
When: Nov. 4, 2019, 7:30pm
Where: Sherman Van Solkema Hall, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
Pianist Sookkyung Cho uses a thoughtful expressionist style in her performances. A founding member of the New York-based Almava Trio, Cho has appeared at venues that include Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, and Château de Fontainebleau in France.
Additional recital by Sookkyung Cho
When: Nov. 23, 2019, 4-5pm
Where: Sherman Van Solkema Hall, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
The performance will include a variety of piano solo and ensemble music.
ReACT! presents: Difficult Dialogues
When: Nov. 17, 2019, 8-10pm
Where: Kirkhof Center, Room 2263, Allendale Campus
Grand Valley’s anti-violence peer theater troupe will use low-risk, interactive performance and discussion methods to help participants prepare to better engage someone on difficult dialogues about sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Bard to Go: Tossing on the Ocean public performance
When: Nov. 2, 2019, 1-3pm
Where: Keller Black Box Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
A 50-minute program introducing audience members to Shakespeare, Bard to Go takes the audience on a sea-faring journey with Prospero, a powerful magician, and his assistant Ariel, a magical spirit with strange powers. When Prospero and Ariel conjure a storm to shipwreck Prospero’s enemies, their magic spills over from their own play, The Tempest, and causes havoc for many of Shakespeare’s characters. This production includes scenes from The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Pericles, The Comedy of Errors and The Merchant of Venice.
Grand Valley Writers Series
The Grand Valley Writers Series brings in distinguished and emerging writers to read from their work, visit classes, and interact with students. For more information, visit here.
Craft talk and reading with Stephen Mack Jones
Stephen Mack Jones (Courtesy GVSU)
When: Nov. 5, 2019; Craft talk 1-2pm, Reading and book signing 6-7:30pm
Where: Kirkhof Center Room 2270, Allendale Campus
The first adult fiction novel by Stephen Mack Jones, August Snow, has received wide acclaim, including the 2018 Nero Award from the Nero Wolfe Society; it was also named a 2018 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. Jones has received the Hammett Prize for literary excellence in the field of crime writing from the International Association of Crime Writers.
A poet, award-winning playwright and winner of the Kresge Arts in Detroit Literary Fellowship, Jones lives in the metro Detroit area.
A lover of zombie movies, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Armentrout admitted she was afraid of the walking dead until her teen years.
“As a child I was scared to death of them because my mom, in her infinite wisdom, let us watch horror movies, and my dad would come home and it would always be the worst scene of the worst movie on TV,” Armentrout said during a recent “Locally Entertaining” podcast interview. Armentrout was in town Oct. 10 for a book signing and reading at Kentwood’s Schuler Books & Music.
Some of “those movies were film in Pennsylvania and those areas where they filmed looked very similar to the areas we lived in. It just terrified me, the idea that dead people could just start to come out of graveyards. because of that, I would never live within eye distance of a graveyard.”
Her solution to eliminate her fear was to face it.
“The only way I got over it was by forcing myself to keep watching it,” she said, adding that the would watch such cult classics as “Dawn of the Dead” and “Land of the Dead adding that the process kind of desensitize me from the fear.
“I ended up loving zombie movies then.”
Half angels/half humans, gargoyles, and aliens are creatures that Armentout tends to feature in her books that have an underlying theme of acceptance and working together. Her latest book “The Burning Shadow,” is the second in the second series of the Lux series. This series is about aliens living amongst humans with an underlying theme of just how far people will go to help and protect each other.
“Once [the first] series ended I felt like that really opened the doors in a lot of ways,” Armentrout said. “A lot of times as people, if we don’t understand, we freak out and make things worst. So I really wanted to explore how humans would react to knowing that yes, there is a lot of aliens out there.”
Armentrout is a prolific writer with more than 50 titles all written in the last 10 years covering an array of genres: action, adventure, and romance for both young adults and adults.
In her young adult books, she has the second book in the Harbinger series, “Rage and Ruin” coming out in June. The series follows a half-human, half-angel and her bonded gargoyle proctor working to stop an apocalypse. The next book in the Lux series, The Brightest Night, will becoming out in October.
For more on Jennifer Armentrout, check out the “Locally Entertaining” podcast or visit her website, jenniferarmentrout.com.
Meet Dash, a 5-month-old pit bill terrier, who is ready for adoption from the Mosh Pit Rescue, a Grand Rapids rescue organization. He is house trained and good with children and other pets. To learn more about Dash, visit his portfolio by clicking here or visit moshpitrescue.com or go to the group’s Facebook page, Mosh Pit Rescue. This photo was taken and submitted by Julia Beukema.
Do you have a photo you would like to submit for Photo of the Week? Then send it to Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever, community-wide festival of laughter, and Outback Presents announced that Jim Gaffigan will bring his The Pale Tourist tour to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Gaffigan will open the 10th year of Gilda’s LaughFest on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 8pm.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Oct. 25 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.
Gaffigan is the first headliner to be announced for the 2020 festival. Tickets for The Pale Tourist will be included in LaughFest ticket packages, which go on sale after LaughFest releases its full lineup on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
The Pale Tourist marks the third appearance for Gaffigan at LaughFest. Both of his previous performances sold out.
One of the nation’s top touring comedians, Gaffigan has proven himself as a major talent beloved to a wide range of audiences while achieving accolades and awards for his stand-up comedy, acting, and writing. He has had an unprecedented number of appearances on late night television and has earned nominations for both a Broadband Emmy and a Webby Award for his writing and voice work on the animated series Pale Force for Conan.
In recent years, Gaffigan has also become a mainstay on the big screen with roles in Going the Distance, Away We Go, and It’s Kind of a Funny Story. He appeared alongside Jennifer Connolly, Ed Harris, Pierce Bronson and Greg Kinnear in Salvation Boulevard, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011. Further broadening his career, Gaffigan starred in the Broadway production, That Championship Season.
More information about Gilda’s LaughFest and ticket packages is available at laughfestgr.org, or by calling 616-735-HAHA (4242).
About Gilda’s Club
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a free emotional health support community of children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving a death due to any cause. Its comprehensive program, delivered by professionals, includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is one of the largest and busiest of the 42 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and community centers. For more information, visit gildasclubgr.org.
About Gilda’s LaughFest
Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, has quickly earned a reputation for being one of the nation’s marquee events for both participants and artists. This major 10- day Midwest festival is based in Grand Rapids and includes events throughout West Michigan. Created by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and launched in March 2011 to celebrate laughter for the health of it, the festival features stand-up, improv, showcases, and a variety of seriously funny stuff.
Parenting, for many, is the most important and challenging job to ever have and a role that gets little recognition. Parents and other primary caregivers of all types (foster parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, etc.) can all use an opportunity to learn tips and new strategies to relate with our children and enjoy being with them. It also allows an opportunity to engage with other parents that may be having similar issues and struggles.
Today, there are new parenting challenges to overcome. Skills, routines and values were passed from generation to generation and parents could rely on networks of support to help them parent. Compared to past generations, many parents and families have become isolated and are raising children in silos. These parents are trying to figure it out alone. The skills a child needs to be successful have changed as well.
Over the years, each generation sees a change in what society considers parenting issues. Currently, families struggle with behavior management issues including lack of expectations, child supervision and excessively severe and inconsistent punishment on behalf of the parent. According to John Geldhoff, an Oregon University assistant professor of behavioral and health science, all parents—high income, low income, mandated and non–mandated—can benefit from evidence-based parenting education. Parents who have attended classes and learned effective discipline and parenting techniques report having children with higher grades, fewer behavior problems, less substance abuse issues, better mental health and greater social competence.
Parenting education programs offer support and education that can address issues and make parenting easier, more enjoyable and can strengthen a child’s ability to thrive. Building Early Emotional Skills in Young Children is one of many parenting programs offered by Michigan State University Extension. Many other reliable sources of information for parents are available to meet their needs. Resources are readily available online through YouTube videos, research-based websites, in person, podcasts, blogs and books that are readily accessible. Before you engage with a parenting resource, check the source of the information to be certain it is research based and reputable.
Your child’s childcare center or school, community center, local library and local county MSU Extension may offer in-person trainings. In-person parent education allows parents the options to ask pertinent questions to their situation and potentially meet other parents to share stories with. A frequent issue that is brought up is relatable to everyone in the class, quality discussions begins, and ideas are shared. Online classes may also offer valuable opportunities to explore materials at your own pace and connect virtually with other parents.
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension
Parenting education can be seen as something negative, like it is a reflection on your ability to parent. Parenting education is not just for parents who are struggling or having severe problems with their children’s behavior—it can be an opportunity for parents to feel more confident as a parent, prevent future problems, enjoy being with their children and help their family get along.
We may invest time and money to take our new puppy to obedience class, take golf lessons or practice our swing, or take our family out to eat or on vacation as a way to invest in ourselves and our families. Similarly, parenting classes are an investment in our personal growth and our children’s future ability to build healthy relationships, make and retain friends, get a job and keep it, and become great parents themselves.
To find more valuable, research-based information about parenting, check out the following resources:
Did you know your lifestyle choices could tip the scale for whether or not you experience cancer in your lifetime?
It’s true.
No one purposefully acts to increase their cancer risk, however, not everyone knows which lifestyle choices will make a negative—or positive—difference.
Take colon cancer, for instance. Colon cancer risk is affected by lifestyle habits and can be detected early if people are aware of their risk, get timely screenings and watch for early symptoms.
Studies show there are ways we can proactively reduce our chances of developing colorectal cancer.
People who exercise daily, eat a diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables, take adequate vitamins B6 and D, and eat fish regularly (not deep fried) have a lower relative risk of getting colorectal cancer.
People who smoke, drink more than two alcohol drinks per day and are obese have a higher risk. Hormone replacement therapy, statins and daily aspirin are also shown to be associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Many women I have cared for never thought they would get colorectal cancer. Some women think it is an older person’s disease or that only men are at risk.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer
• 50 years or older
• HPV infection
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• History of Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis
• Diet high in saturated fats and low in fiber
• Diet low in vitamins D and B complex
• More than one alcoholic drink per day
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
How cancer develops
Cancer happens when cells start to grow out of control either from exposure to a cancer-causing agent like cigarette smoke, or damage in the process of growth control like with BRCA gene mutations.
If there is both exposure and a gene mutation, the risk is even higher. When cells grow out of control, they group together in a lump or mass and then can break free of the organ boundaries, and spread.
The earlier a cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat. Once cancer spreads, it is much harder to cure.
A cautionary tale
A patient I’ll call Susan never thought colon cancer would affect her. In her case, there was no family history, no inflammatory bowel disease, and she lived a healthy lifestyle. She is active, rarely drinks alcohol, eats low fat and takes her vitamins.
But Susan had symptoms. She ignored those symptoms, thinking it must be a yeast infection, constipation, or simply not important. Like many of us, she was so busy caring for her family she didn’t make the time to get checked out.
Her pain worsened, the discharge worsened and her bowel habits started to change more dramatically. She finally had no choice but to pursue testing. Susan learned she had Stage 4, metastatic colorectal cancer.
Susan underwent aggressive surgery and chemotherapy with a good result. Her story is one that should make us all pause and remember to seek care when something does not seem right. Another takeaway: Get your colonoscopy.
Be proactive
Donald Kim, MD, is a Spectrum Health Medical Group colorectal surgeon and cares for patients with colorectal cancer.
“Colorectal cancer is not only treatable but preventable with proper colon cancer screening,” Dr. Kim said. “Unfortunately, most patients present without symptoms, so it’s essential that you have your recommended screening colonoscopy.”
If you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, it is important you not only get an early screening, but also follow a healthy lifestyle to reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Risk factors include being 50 or over (45 and over if African American), have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer, have a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic syndromes such as familial polyposis syndrome or Lynch syndrome. It also matters if you have a personal history of colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s colitis or ulcerative colitis, or if you have had abdominal radiation.
The symptoms of colorectal cancer depend on the location of the tumor. They include a change in bowel habits such as new constipation or diarrhea, consistent new bloating and gas, rectal bleeding or dark tarry stools, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or persistent cramps and pain. Another sign of cancer is iron-deficiency anemia.
People have all kinds of hobbies from refurnishing furniture to quilting. For resident Pat McGovern, it is growing trees.
McGovern, who lives on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, is a private nurseryman and Aspen tree breeder. He currently has about 1,000 saplings growing at his home.
“I planted about 1,800,” McGovern told WKTV’s Donna Kidner Smith during a recent WKTV Journal interview. “Of those, about 1,000 survived of which I might keep about 150 trees.”
McGovern participates in a short rotation woody crops program. This is when a woody tree species has been bred and selected to have extremely high rates of growth, allowing the trees to be harvested after a short growing period.
Hybrid poplar or willow are the two species most commonly adapted for short rotation management. Poplars are planted using cuttings or “sticks” that are about eight inches long. The trees are cut back to ground level which helps to stimulate growth. The trees typically remain productive for three harvest cycles before replanting, which is about 15- 20 years.
Pat McGovern, co-founder of the Open Forest Group (Photo by WKTV)
McGovern, who is the co-founder of the Open Forest Group, primarily uses Aspens, a populus tree that is found in Michigan. Aspens are known for their quaking leaves and brilliant colors. While white and soft, Aspen wood is fairly strong and has low flammability. It is used for a number of items such as timber to heat homes, to make paper and matches, and to make veneer.
McGovern said over the years he found one rare Aspen tree that has a curvy, wavy figured grain and has incorporated into the breeding of the trees on his property. McGovern grows the saplings in his backyard, planting in April and then harvesting them in November, around Thanksgiving.
During harvesting, he determines which trees to keep and which to discard based on a number of factors. From there he cuts each sampling up into eight inch pieces — a root with a stem — which are stored in the refrigerator. In April, the pieces, which are soaked in water for about 24 hours, are then taken to a planting site to grow.
Short rotation woody crops such as the one McGovern does, have shown promise as an economically viable strategy for producing a sustainable supply of fuel for power stations. Fast growing species can be planed at relatively low costs and harvest in less time than traditional species.
As the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to start celebrating the fall season! While you may not be jumping in leaf piles or going trick-or-treating anymore, there are still plenty of activities to fill your days and get you in the spirit of the season as an older adult. From decorating to baking delicious treats to visiting an orchard, here are some amusements that will keep you occupied for the entirety of autumn.
Indoor activities
If cold weather isn’t your thing, there’s no need to miss out on all the fall fun! Here are four great indoor activities that will help you celebrate no matter what the outside temperature is!
Create a knitted masterpiece
Not only has knitting been proven to be good for your mental and emotional health, but it helps get you in the mood for fall with cozy yarns in fall colors. Whether you are a beginner or a master, there is a knitted craft for you! Give your masterpieces away as gifts to your family and friends to help spread the fall spirit, or keep them for yourself as a reminder of your hard work!
Watch movies
From spooky Halloween classics like Nightmare on Elm Street to heartwarming fall romcoms like You’ve Got Mail, there are movies from every genre that will be a fit for everyone’s tastes! Gather your friends together and have weekly movie nights where you eat delicious snacks and watch all your fall favorites.
Start decorating
Decorating your home is one of the best ways to bring the fall atmosphere indoors! Surrounding yourself with decorations helps you stay in the right mindset for fall, no matter which direction you look! Pick a theme like Halloween or the outdoors, or just have fun adding in touches of everything you like. Examples of decorations can include:
Displays of pumpkins and gourds
Festive fall centerpieces
An autumn wreath on the front door
Leaf and pinecone table displays
Decorative candle holders for candles with fall scents
Additional pillows and throws in fall colors like orange, brown, and red
Make some baked goods
Baking not only lets you make tasty treats, but it will also fill your home with good smells and warmth from the oven. There are the classics like pumpkin and apple pies, but try pushing yourself with new recipes for baked goods you haven’t made before! Think of ways to use in-season fruits and veggies to make mouthwatering foods for family and friends—or to keep for yourself!
Outdoor activities
Want to get outside to see all that autumn has to offer? Take a look at these four ideas for outdoor activities that will help you experience the true beauty and some of the best joys of the fall season.
See the changing colors
Getting outside doesn’t have to be a big ordeal—just taking a simple walk and enjoying the fall foliage is a great way to experience the natural beauty of autumn. Breathing in the crisp air and taking photos of the prettiest trees can be both relaxing and good for your health. If you are artistically minded, try sketching or painting some of the sights you see!
Get ahead on gardening
Gardening may traditionally be a spring activity, but fall can be the best time to get prepped for next year! Planting perennials in fall ensures you have beautiful blooms come spring—without having to do the work then! You can also try container gardening and plant some late-blooming flowers in containers that can be outside until it gets too cold, then can be brought inside to enjoy!
Visit an orchard
There are orchards abound in the midwest, and now is the perfect time to visit one! Plan an outing with the grandkids, or just go with friends your own age. Orchards have many activities, from classic apple picking to pumpkin patches to hay rides. Many have homemade treats for sale, like donuts and fresh pressed apple cider. Make a whole day of visiting the orchard, and take your spoils home to either decorate or bake with!
Build a bonfire
Fall fun isn’t just limited to the daytime! After the sun sets is a perfect time to grab a bunch of blankets and warm up in front of a bonfire. You can roast marshmallows, tell scary stories, or just enjoy the company of others and those you love—all while feeling cozy, even as the weather grows colder around you.
There are lots of ways to enjoy autumn, even as an older adult. With all these activities and more at your fingertips, there’s no way you won’t have a wonderful fall and get into the spirit of the season everyday! At assisted living communities like Vista Springs, we plan fun fall activities on each day of the calendar. Come visit Vista Springs and see the Full of Life experience for yourself!
If you want to know where someone’s priorities lie, take a look at how they spend their money.
Take, for instance, the federal government.
In 2018, the National Institutes of Health spent $303 million on asthma research and $989 million on autoimmune disease studies. That same year, the agency allocated $23 million to the study of migraines.
This, despite the fact that migraines are 50 percent more prevalent than both of the other illnesses. Migraines affect more than 39 million Americans, and about 4 million of them suffer from the chronic form of the disease (15 or more migraine days a month).
There is indeed a gross inequity in funding migraine research compared to other illnesses, said Jared Pomeroy, MD, a headache specialist with Spectrum Health Medical Group Neurology.
In pointing out the federal data, Dr. Pomeroy said one of the main reasons for the lack of funding is stigmatization—migraine patients are more stigmatized than patients who suffer from more diagnosable diseases such as asthma.
Medical tests can help determine the presence and severity of diseases such as asthma. There are no such tests for migraines.
“A lot involves patients reporting their symptoms,” Dr. Pomeroy said. “If someone is missing an arm or a leg, you can see the problem. It’s obvious there’s a disability.
“But headaches are harder to see and diagnose,” he said. “Doctors must rely mostly on what a patient reports, as opposed to relying on their own observations.”
The human condition
Migraines aren’t just an American issue—they’re a human issue.
The World Health Organization lists migraines among the Top 20 illnesses that cause a disability.
The disorder has a disproportionate economic impact as well, typically affecting people in the prime of their lives.
A bout with migraines can cause an otherwise healthy person to miss work or school, and in some cases it can lead to job loss. It can also cause a person to miss out on precious family time.
It’s truly an ailment that knows no social or economic boundaries, striking the rich and famous just as often as it strikes everyday people.
People with migraines can sporadically—and temporarily—escape the battle.
When they seek treatment, however, they sometimes find it difficult to gain understanding from people who have never suffered a migraine, Dr. Pomeroy said.
“A lot of people who don’t suffer from migraines see them as a character flaw, not as a physical ailment,” the doctor said.
Society’s conventional knowledge of migraines doesn’t always mean the public, or even employees in the medical field, will understand the nature of the beast.
Generally, migraines can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or pulsating on one side of the head. Routine activity can aggravate them.
A migraine patient is often sensitive to light and sound.
Some patients will also experience numbness in their face or body, and the headaches may cause weakness in an arm or leg. Seeing a flashing light, experiencing tunnel vision or even temporarily losing sight are also symptoms.
Treatments
While science is still pursuing a full understanding of migraines, there are treatments available.
They usually entail over-the-counter or prescription drugs. For more severe pain, doctors have used injections or other specialized drugs to provide immediate relief.
“In the 1990s, Triptan medications were developed for acute treatment of migraines,” Dr. Pomeroy said. “Since then, we haven’t had any new classes of pharmaceutical agents developed specifically for migraines.”
Researchers have developed new drugs within existing pharmaceutical classes, the doctor said, and some medicines meant for unrelated disorders have been used effectively for migraines.
Botox has become a godsend for some, although it involves 31 tiny injections that must be repeated every 12 weeks. Others may find relief simply by placing an ice pack on the back of the neck, or on the primary location of the pain.
Patients may also see symptoms improve by changing lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, Dr. Pomeroy said. Cutting out caffeine and nicotine can be a big help.
Interestingly, the migraine sufferer’s keen intuition is often one of the best defenses.
People who frequently experience migraines can sense when a new one is approaching.
When it strikes at work or at school, they’re better prepared—even if they know their best course of action means returning home to rest in a dark, quiet room.
Some experts think migraines may be hereditary. This much is certain: There’s typically no known cause, and there is no cure.
And until there’s enough funding to help researchers develop a cure, migraine suffers must muddle through the attacks. With guidance from a good doctor, their outlook can improve.
Flutes, drums, and more will be filling the field at East Kentwood High School as the EKHS Falcon Marching Band Invitational, which takes place Saturday, Oct. 19. Twenty-six bands from across the state will be competing including bands from Kelloggsville and Wyoming. The event opens at 10:30 a.m., with awards being presented at 7 p.m.
Did someone say treats?
The City of Kentwood will be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. Held at the Kentwood Department of Public Works facility at 5068 Breton SE, kids can dress up in their favorite costume and collect treats from a number of decorated trunks. There also will be a bounce house, hayrides, and face painting. If you have time this evening, Encounter Church, 4620 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, will be hosting a Trunk or Treat from 6 – 8 p.m. Also, next Sunday, Oct. 27, Kentwood Baptist Church, 2875 52nd St. SE, will host its Trunk or Treat from 6 – 7 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
Getting Crafty
The holiday craft shows are now up and running. This weekend, Grandville High School will be hosting its Fall Harvest Craft Show from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the high school, 4700 Canal Ave. SW. Breakfast and lunch offerings will be available. For a list of upcoming craft shows, click here.
Fun Fact: Cathelepistemian
Michigan was the first state to establish a university, which was called Cathelepistemian, which means university. It was established in 1817 in Detroit. The name was later changed in 1821 to the University of Michigan. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.
As we get older the chance of our suffering a fall increases, in fact according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls each year. Relying on your body to catch you and keep you steady, and then losing this ability, can be a serious downfall to your mobility and morale.
Sometimes the fear of falling can be such an all-consuming worry that you may start retreating from doing the things you used to love. However, just because you may notice a drop in your confidence, movement levels, and strength, it does not mean that you can’t improve upon these things and live a fulfilling life. The key to fall prevention is that because we know which factors contribute to falls, we can work to prevent them. The National Council on Aging recommends a number of steps you can take to prevent a fall and build your confidence along the way.
1.Find a good balance and exercise program. This is vital because building up your body’s flexibility, strength, and balance enables you to avoid falling in the first place; if you do happen to fall, you’ll have the ability to get up safely. The AAAWM offers a variety of evidence-based fall prevention classes through its Healthy Aging programs such as A Matter of Balance and EnhanceFitness. There are also a number of evidenced-based programs available throughout West Michigan. Check out your local Council on Aging and Area Agency on Aging as resources to learn more about these Healthy Aging programs. You can also find a class locator here: https://www.aaawm.org/classes
2.Talking to your health care provider is the second step to fall prevention. It is helpful to go over your medical history and if you’ve experienced falls in the past. Your provider also has the ability to assess your risk level for a fall and what can be addressed to lower this risk.
3. Regularly review your medications. Some medication’s side effects can increase your risk of falling, and of course, you should take medications only as they are prescribed by your doctor.
4.Get your vision and hearing checked annually. Proper sight can help you avoid trip hazards and obstacles, and abnormalities in your inner ear can also negatively impact your balance. Treat your health as a top priority to fall prevention and check in with your doctor on these three steps to ensure your well-being.
5. Keep your home safe by removing hazards that are commonly overlooked, but easy to fix. A few things to look for: Do you have a clear pathway through your rooms? Look for rugs, cords and wires, and bulky furniture that may be in your way. Assess your stairs; if steps are uneven or broken this can cause you to fall, and make sure that your stairway is well-lit and has a handrail. In the kitchen, it is best if items are not on kept high shelves, and that your step stool is sturdy if you must use it. In your bedroom, you should have a light close to the bed within easy reach, as well as a well-lit path to the bathroom. Lastly, your bathroom should have some sort of support for you to rely on when using the toilet and bathtub, and if you have a slippery shower floor, add a non-slip rubber mat. All helpful things to keep your home safe!
6.Enlist the help of your family and friends. Let them know that you are worried about falling and would appreciate their help in making your home a safe space. They can provide an extra set of eyes and hands to rid your house of obstacles. They are also likely to help you navigate talking to your doctor, checking your vision and hearing, and reviewing your medications. Having their help will make the process less overwhelming for you. Often those around you are eager and willing to help, you just need to ask!
These six steps come together to help you avoid falls, so you can continue to do the things that you love. Getting older doesn’t mean a loss of independence; it simply means adapting your environment to best fit your needs so that you can flourish. Be sure to use the resources around you; from your doctor to a family member or friend, to help you take these preventative measures. For more information, visit the National Council on Aging’s website at www.ncoa.org.
The growth rate of the West Michigan industrial economy improved again for September, 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 September.
The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) edged up to +6, from +3. The production index moved down to +6, from +9. The index of purchases dropped to -6 from +2 and the employment index rose to +8 from +1.
Long said after three months of pessimism, there is a note of encouragement in September’s local index of employment.
“Numerous headlines proclaimed the national unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent in September, a 50-year low,” he said. “However, the UAW strike and the apparent softening auto market has brought Michigan’s August (latest month available) unemployment rate up to 4.2 percent from 3.9 percent in August 2018.”
Long said cities where General Motors plants are located are feeling most of the heat from the UAW strike, but a few local firms who sell to GM could begin to see layoffs if the strike continues into November.
Looking ahead, Long said despite economic trouble spots all over the world, he doesn’t see an obvious event that would trigger a recession; an exception is the U.S. trade war with China.
“Although the industrial markets are squirming because of falling exports and tariff-related price increases, the current signs still point more toward stagnation rather than a recession,” he said. “A sudden announcement that the U.S. and China have reached a long-term trade deal could spark a new round of growth, but the Chinese government may be holding out until after the 2020 election for a better deal.”
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.”
Mel Trotter Ministries is adding to its fleet of thrift stores in the greater Grand Rapids area. MTM Thrift currently has stores in Jenison and Sparta and will open two more stores this fall. A location in Lowell, Michigan opened Oct. 16. This location includes over 10,000 square feet of retail space full of gently used clothing, furniture and household items. MTM Thrift Stores are accepting donations in this new location.
In addition to the Lowell location, MTM Thrift will re-open a store in Belding, Michigan in November. The store was most recently occupied by Goodwill.
“The continued growth of our thrift store operations means the ministry will receive additional funding for the programs and services that help individuals and families get the job and housing support they need to overcome homelessness,” said Dennis Van Kampen, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “Our ministry is blessed by the support from the communities of Jenison, Sparta, Belding and Lowell.”
One hundred percent of the profits from MTM Thrift Stores go directly to Mel Trotter Ministries to help sustain its annual budget for services like job training, housing readiness, addiction recovery, ministry, rental housing, clinics and more. MTM Thrift also has partnership opportunities with local churches where they provide gift cards to the churches for their members in need.
MTM Thrift provides dozens of easy drop off sites throughout greater Grand Rapids and also has a free and easy donation pick up service at www.pickupmydonation.com. Store job opportunities, donation and shopping information at www.mtmthrift.com
By Fire Lt. Michael McLeleer of E.S.C.A.P.E., Fire Safety
At E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety, an organization that provides fire safety education and training to children and adults, we want to remind readers that seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragic injury or death.
Fifteen to 20 years ago, homes had more “natural” materials in them such as cotton, wool and untreated wood. Because of this, you had 15-20 minutes to escape in the event of a fire. With all of the synthetic materials in homes today, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help give everyone enough time to get out.
According to a National Fire Protection Association survey, 71% of households have a fire escape plan, but only 47% of those have practiced it. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape,” shines a spotlight on the importance of practicing the plan.
You may see or hear firefighters and other community advocates throughout October teaching the community about the dangers of fire and smoke, the importance of having working smoke alarms, along with creating and practicing a home escape plan.
Why home escape planning and practice matter:
This ensures everyone knows what to do in a fire and is prepared to escape quickly and safely.
When the smoke alarm sounds in a real fire, it’s too late to start the plan.
What should be included in an escape plan:
Draw or map out the layout of your home, marking two exits from every room (typically a door and a window) and a path from each exit to the outside.
Pick a meeting place outside in front of your home where everyone will meet upon exiting (examples include a sidewalk, fence, driveway, or neighbor’s house).
Mark the location of all smoke alarms in your home (there should be a least one on every level, in each bedroom, and near all sleeping areas).
Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 from their phone or a neighbor’s phone once they’re safety outside.
It’s essential to practice the escape plan with all members of your household at least twice a year so everyone knows what to do if there is a fire.
At E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety, we want to remind readers that seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragic injury or death. And fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teens, adults and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for everyone to take the time every October to make sure they understand how to stay safe.
About Fire Prevention Week
Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Associationhas sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week in October. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in the United States. During Fire Prevention Week and all month long, children, adults and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to decrease casualties caused by fires.
There will be plenty of music and moves on the field of Falcon Stadium, at East Kentwood High School, Saturday, Oct. 19, when the school hosts Michigan’s largest scholastic marching band competition, the EKHS Falcon Marching Band Invitational. An astounding 26 marching bands from across the state will perform and compete for top honors. Gates open for the event at 10:30 a.m., with awards being presented at 7 p.m.
Someone who has never attended a marching band competition can expect to see many performances like one sees at football game halftime shows. Bands are classified according to school size and compete in their respective classes (AA-D). Each band has its own chosen performance theme with related music.
The music runs the whole gamut of genres, from rock to classical, and they perform it with synchronized, choreographed movements, most of the time, integrating color guard performers with props too. This is no small task, when you consider some of these bands are in excess of 200 members. That’s a lot of moving parts and instruments! It’s so complex that many of the bands start rehearsing their show during summer vacation, in order to be ready in time for the competition season. The result is an elaborate, dynamic performance that is impressive to hear and watch.
Twenty-six bands will compete this Saturday at East Kentwood High School. (Supplied)
The view should be spectacular too. East Kentwood boasts the highest vantage point of any high school stadium in West Michigan. A very important factor, considering when it comes to marching bands, the higher a person is in the stadium, the better the view of the performance.
People should plan to come out and spend the whole day at this family-friendly event. There will be plenty of food and drinks available at the concession stand, so spectators will not have to miss a single performance. Admission is just $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, and age five and under are free.
East Kentwood High School is located at 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE in Kentwood. All spectators should enter campus from the Kalamazoo Avenue entrance.
All proceeds from this event benefit the Kentwood middle and high school instrumental music programs.
Below is the performance line up for this huge event.
If life looks gray and cloudy when you smoke, you might not be imagining it.
Heavy smoking may actually damage color and contrast vision, researchers report.
They looked at 71 healthy people who smoked fewer than 15 cigarettes in their lives and 63 people who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day. The participants were aged 25 to 45 and had normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
But the heavy smokers showed significant changes in their red-green and blue-yellow color vision and also had greater difficulty discriminating contrasts and colors than nonsmokers.
“Our results indicate that excessive use of cigarettes, or chronic exposure to their compounds, affects visual discrimination, supporting the existence of overall deficits in visual processing with tobacco addiction,” said co-author Steven Silverstein, director of research at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
“Cigarette smoke consists of numerous compounds that are harmful to health and it has been linked to a reduction in the thickness of layers in the brain, and to brain lesions, involving areas such as … the area of the brain that processes vision,” he added in a university news release.
He also noted, “Previous studies have pointed to long-term smoking as doubling the risk for age-related macular degeneration and as a factor causing lens yellowing and inflammation.”
Nicotine and smoking harm the body’s circulatory system. These findings indicate they also damage blood vessels and neurons in the retina, according to Silverstein.
He said the results also suggest that research into vision problems in other groups of people, such as those with schizophrenia who often smoke heavily, should take into account their smoking rate.
About 34 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 16 million have a smoking-related disease, many of which affect the cardiovascular system.
The study was published recently in the journal Psychiatry Research.
Donte Granison, of Wyoming, easily admits that being part of the GM family was just in his blood, after all he comes from a family of GM workers.
“It was just something that was rooted in me,” Granison said. “I just felt I needed to try it at least.”
Chad Fox, a UAW Local 167 member (Photo by WKTV)
So he left his $20-plus an hour job at Steelcase to work at Wyoming’s GM Components Holdings as a temporary worker making $15.62.
“It was tough but I live with my fiancé, who also works, so we are able to split the bills,” Granison said.
Chad Fox, of Grand Rapids, had no interest in returning to the auto industry. He had been on the bargaining team that had to negotiate the closing of a Lear Corp plant, so Fox admitted he had just moved on.
But friends and colleagues encouraged Fox to return, so he too joined the ranks of the temporary employees at the GM Components Holdings.
“It took longer than it should,” said Fox of his finally becoming a full-time GM employee. “I really didn’t think it would take that long because at first they took 50 but then the numbers started shrinking to 10, then 6, then 4.”
UAW Local 167 member Myron Brewer talks to Governor Gretchen Whitmer about the plight of the GM worker. (Video by WKTV)
With no guarantee on when they might get hired in as full-time employees, both Granison and Fox worked as many hours as they could to make ends meet. Granison said he worked 12 hours a day, juggling family responsibilities and schedules with his fiancé.
“She works in the evening, so I was able to add a couple of hours before I had to be home,” Granison said. “It’s a lot of coming and going and working on weekends, but you do what you have to survive.”
“I was working seven days a week, 12 hours a day,” Fox said. “There were weeks that I would put in 78 hours but most of the time it was 65-75 hours a week.”
After waiting a year to be hired in, Granison said he only received an .82 per hour raise, bringing his hourly wage to just more than half the estimated livable hourly wage that a family of four in Kent County needs, according to the United Way’s ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed, Simply) According to ALICE, for Kent County, the needed livable hourly wage is $32.39 for a family of four. It is $10.81 for a single adult.
For the past four weeks, both men have been surviving on $250 in strike pay, about 38 percent of their weekly salary, which Donate said has helped to cover the basics, food, shelter, etc.
“My daughter was doing gymnastics which was $70 and we had to cut that out,” Donate said. “We also had one in band, learning different instruments and one in swimming, which was $60-$70, but we can’t afford that right now.”
UAW Local 167 president Willie Holmes and bargaining chair Martin Wood. (Photo by WKTV)
On Oct. 13, the UAW increased strike pay to $275 per week — workers at the GM Components Holdings receive the strike pay if they walk the line at least one-day a week — and allowed for strikers to get part-time jobs that would not have any impact on their strike pay. Before, workers receiving $250 a week in strike pay and could not receive more in part-time pay than the strike pay amount.
The relief from UAW about part-time work comes as good news for both Fox and Granison. Both men have considered part-time work especially if the strike continues.
There was more good news as according to reports GM and the UAW have been working intensely in negotiations with numerous UAW leaders called to meet in Detroit on Thursday. GM officials have stated that “We continue to negotiate and change proposals, and it remains our goal to reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for our employees and our company.” For more information, visit the company’s website, buildingastrongerfuture.gm.com.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) has recorded its 24th consecutive month of passenger growth as September passenger numbers topped 10-percent. The month also goes down as the busiest September in airport history.
Through September 2019, 2,690,043 passengers have traveled through the airport — more than 2016’s total annual passengers. Overall traffic is up 10.59-percent from 2018 — the busiest year in GFIA history.
September 2019 saw 283,709 passengers compared to 255,888 in 2018. It also makes the busiest third quarter ever, beating out 2018 by nearly 81,000 passengers.
The Ford Airport has seen passenger increases in 74 of the last 81 months straight.
“The growth our airport has seen is just tremendous, and it is a testament to our stimulating community and vest airline partnerships,” said GFIA president and CEO Tory Richardson. “We still have three months to go in 2019 and we’re already close to topping our 2018 record. We look forward to seeing what’s to come as the year concludes, and we hope to continue delivering great service, more nonstop routes, and improved amenities and options for our travelers.”
With the growth, GFIA has invested in its facilities and is currently underway in Phase Two of its Gateway Transformation Project which includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting; along with new restrooms and concessions. Updates on construction at the airport can be found here: https://www.grr.org/construction.php.
As passenger numbers continue to grow at GFIA, those traveling are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. Updated security screening information, tips on what to pack/not pack, and more information to make security screening smoother are available atwww.tsa.gov.
As lifelong educators and parents of biracial children, Melissa Giraud & Andrew Grant-Thomas are uniquely qualified to examine the country’s most skittish conversation: race. Together they share personal observations as well as tips for parenting while Embracing Race.
Every year, once the calendar reaches the second half of October, it becomes clear that the Midwest’s colder seasons are well and truly here. While autumn, winter, and early spring are all beautiful and fun in their own ways, getting outdoors can be a hassle for aging adults. When the sun sets earlier, days get chilly, and we trade our beach towels for cozy blankets, indoor senior activities are the perfect way for everyone to enjoy any weather.
Staying active and entertained during fall and winter is very important for an aging person’s health — both physical and mental. Seasonal affective disorder is a mental health condition caused by a drop in exposure to the sun, and is much more common in northern states than sunnier southern latitudes. Symptoms manifest as a mild depression, causing sufferers to sleep more, lose interest in previously enjoyed activities, and withdraw from social interaction. Encouraging seniors to engage in activities such as games and crafts helps draw them out of depressive episodes, capturing their interest and stimulating their minds and bodies. Here are some great activities that are perfect to try indoors:
1. Work on hobbies or try new ones
Nurturing favorite hobbies is a fun and engaging way for aging adults to stay active during the winter. Cooking, knitting, woodwork, and sewing are all excellent activities that require concentration and hand-eye coordination. If a senior has interests that lean more towards the outdoors, try introducing them to relevant documentary films or crafts they can utilize when it gets warm, such as bird houses or garden decorations.
2. Make seasonal crafts and decorations
One wonderful thing about fall and winter is the holiday season. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day, just to name a few, all have fantastic themes that you can use for art projects, crafts, and decorations. Here are a few of our favorites: these leafy candle holders, these lovely waterless snow globes, and these candy jars.
3. Play games with others
Playing games is a great way for everyone to connect with friends and peers, especially for seniors. Games help to keep minds sharp and spirits up! Group games like charades are a fun way to get the laughter going, and board games like Scrabble, cribbage, and chess make players think strategically and use language and math skills.
4. Show off your green thumb
It can be depressing when there’s not much greenery outside. Green is a symbol of life, and can even have calming effects. So what better way to bring green back into a senior’s life during drab months than indoor gardening? Try making planters or decorating pots with them in addition to maintaining beautiful indoor flowers or plants for an extra personal touch.
5. Make gifts for loved ones
In the seasons of thankfulness and giving, sometimes a small gift goes a long way. Photobooks, cookies, clothes, and decorations are all wonderful, personalized gifts for friends and loved ones. While making gifts, talk about who they’re going to be given to, and any special memories that the senior has of them. This engages them creatively and socially, making it a great bonding activity.
Though there may be bad weather on the horizon, that doesn’t mean fun has to end! Indoor senior activities are versatile and engaging, and suitable for any age or ability level. Keeping seniors engaged all year round is critical for their health, and keeps them loving life to its fullest.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On Aug. 22, 2019, Dr. Jen received an email plea from a Caledonia gal who came across this scruffy old guy wandering around her neighborhood. Her efforts to locate his owner or someone to take him in failed, but he was in need of medical care, so she took him in to her vet; sadly, the senior citizen (born in 2009 perhaps) tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). Having two cats of her own—and the new guy not really being a fan of others of the feline kind—the rescuer sought our help, lest he have to be euthanized.
Even though we really didn’t have the extra room at our free-roaming facility, Dr. Jen took him in and got to work on his health issues. Gendry (with a hard ‘G’) had suffered a mangled left ear and a tongue laceration some time ago, along with many broken teeth; he was in dire need of a dental, treatment for a bilateral ear infection and general plumping up.
The good doc and Gendry spent a few days together at the clinic where Dr. Jen discovered just what a gentle old soul he was, appreciative of chin scratches and gentle pets as much as the endless bowls of food presented to him. She knew it was going to be a bit of challenge to send him down to our sanctuary and ask him to get along with the 49 other cats, but he really had no other choice.
After a few days with us, it was evident that Gendry was LOVING the indoor life and all of the perks that came with being a Sid’s Kid:
“Gendry loves his one-on-one time with volunteers so much so that he frequently sneaks into the cat care office to ‘help’ with paperwork. He is a bit temperamental at times and is having a little bit of a tough time being around so many other cats, but he’s getting better as time goes on and he becomes more comfortable in the shared space (with the aid of anti-anxiety medication and a pheromone calming collar). He’s not physically aggressive but does tend to not back down during confrontations with some of the others; he may be little, but he is mighty. He’d definitely prefer to be an only cat, and to repay his adopters for their kindness he would eagerly express his gratitude by dropping the attitude and showering them with kitty head butts, purrs and total devotion. We feel that this old guy surely does deserve a comfy, cozy home all of his very own.”
And then Gendry started exhibiting some concerning symptoms that brought him back to the clinic. Digital radiographs of his spine showed significant bone spurs on the underside of his spinal vertebrae, which were causing him quite a bit of pain, an abnormal gait, and severe spasms that almost appeared seizure-like. The condition, known as spondylosis deformans, is somewhat rare in cats and typically isn’t present diffusely as his is.
So our old guy had every right to be a bit cranky since his arrival, but now that we have made the diagnosis, we can treat him accordingly with anti-inflammatory medication. There is no cure for this, but with the right cocktail of drugs, we can keep him comfy and agile—and hopefully lift his spirits in the process!
More about Gendry:
Domestic Short Hair
Tabby (Gray/Blue/Silver)
Senior
Male
Medium
House-trained
FIV+
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Prefers a home without other cats
Want to adopt Gendry? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Kratom is often marketed as a safe alternative to opioid painkillers, but this unregulated substance poses a significant health risk. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Calls to U.S. poison control centers related to the herbal drug kratom have skyrocketed, increasing more than 50-fold in a matter of six years, a new study shows.
Back in 2011, poison centers received about one call a month regarding someone who’d taken too much kratom, a plant that is purported to produce mild opioid-like effects.
These days, nearly two calls a day are received concerning kratom exposures, researchers report in a recent issue of the journal Clinical Toxicology.
“We’re now getting literally hundreds of cases a year versus 10 or 20,” said researcher Henry Spiller, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. He noted that kratom reports underwent a “relatively big spike” sometime between 2015 and 2016.
The researchers identified 11 deaths associated with kratom use, including two in which kratom was used by itself and nine where kratom was used with other drugs.
Unfortunately, kratom is being promoted as a safe alternative to opioid painkillers for people with chronic pain, Spiller said.
“Because it’s a plant and it’s natural, at this point it’s unregulated,” Spiller said. “A lot of people have been Google-searching it for use in chronic pain and other things and we’ve started to see a really significantly increased use and, in many cases, abuse of it.”
But taking too much kratom can cause some unintended health problems, including agitation, seizures, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, Spiller said. In extreme cases, kratom overdose can put a person into a coma, stop their breathing or cause kidney failure.
“Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s harmless,” Spiller said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers against using kratom and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has listed it as a “drug of concern.”
Kratom has not been approved for any medical use by the FDA.
For this study, researchers analyzed calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers between 2011 and 2017, finding more than 1,800 reports related to kratom use.
The annual number of calls increased dramatically, going from 13 calls in 2011 to 682 calls in 2017, researchers found.
About two of every three of these calls occurred recently, in either 2016 or 2017.
About a third of the calls resulted in a person needing hospitalization and more than half resulted in serious medical outcomes, the researchers said.
“The belief that kratom is harmless because it is classified as an herbal supplement is directly challenged by the findings in this report—and policy efforts need to address this knowledge gap,” said Dr. Harshal Kirane, director of addiction services at Staten Island University Hospital.
Most dangerous kratom exposures occurred among males (71 percent), adults aged 20 and older (89 percent), in a home (86 percent) and involving intentional abuse or misuse (60 percent), findings show.
Although kratom appears confined to adult use for now, children and teenagers could be exposed to the herb if its popularity keeps increasing, said Kirane, who wasn’t involved with the study.
“The dramatic increase in the rate of reported kratom exposures in recent years suggests a growing demand for this substance,” Kirane said. “Increasing prevalence of kratom use may place young children in dangerous situations, particularly if regulatory measures are not in place to ensure childproof packaging and consistency in quality of kratom.”
Idaho and Oregon are the states with the most reported kratom poisonings, while Delaware and Wisconsin had the lowest rates.
Using kratom with another substance significantly raised a person’s chances of poisoning, nearly tripling the odds that they’d land in a hospital and more than doubling the risk of having a serious medical outcome.
Of the nine deaths involving a mixture of kratom with another substance, kratom was the first-ranked substance in seven, researchers said. The deaths involved kratom used alongside antihistamines, alcohol, benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Xanax), caffeine, fentanyl or cocaine.
“Though the drug claims to cure anxiety and depression, there are very few ‘cure-alls’ in the medical world and anything that claims to alter an individual’s mental state should be taken with the utmost seriousness,” said Dr. Teresa Amato. She is chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in New York City.
“We, as doctors, are unable to tell patients how this ‘medication’ might affect them and cannot in good conscience advise the use of this medicine without a thorough FDA investigation,” said Amato, who had no part in the study.
People should be aware that kratom can interact with medications or illicit drugs in harmful ways and could exacerbate existing health problems, Spiller said.
There’s also a concern that because it’s unregulated, people may be getting kratom that either varies in potency or is mixed with other substances, he added.
“I’d be cautious,” Spiller said. “At this point, we’re not sure of everything kratom does.”
Pregnant women in particular should be careful with kratom.
The researchers identified seven babies who had been exposed to kratom in the womb, three of whom required admission to a critical care unit after birth.
Five of the babies experienced withdrawal symptoms from their mothers’ kratom use and four of those had been exposed to kratom alone.
“I would very much caution pregnant women,” Spiller said. “You can have a real impact on your child.”
