Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

A life-saving stroll

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, ,
Photo by Katy Batdorff

By Zinta Aistars, Spectrum Health Beat


Photos by Katy Batdorff


For the past two years, Jorge Gonzalez, 46, had done all kinds of things to improve his health.


He lost 60 pounds. He trained to run a 5K race. He focused on his health in matters big and small.


So imagine his bafflement when, one day at work, he suddenly began to feel particularly unwell. Even his colleague noticed it.


Gonzalez himself had to admit—the pounding in his chest couldn’t be ignored.


His new fitness watch noticed a problem, too. Gonzalez had bought the smart watch to help him monitor his vital signs. On that day, it showed alarming blood pressure numbers: 241/118.


“I didn’t think I was having a heart attack,” Gonzalez said. “But I did feel, well, out of tune.”

A short walk

Gonzalez is a director at Start Garden, a Grand Rapids, Michigan, company that helps entrepreneurs start new businesses. He always enjoyed helping others in his community, but when it came to helping himself he’d been reluctant to pick up the phone and call his doctor.


When he finally did—not in small part because a colleague nudged him into action—he learned he’d have to wait two months for the next available appointment.


But his blood pressure showed no signs of dropping. And two months was a long time.


Then, his colleague reminded him of something.


“Hey, Jorge,” his coworker had said. “Do you remember that presentation we had here a while ago by someone from Spectrum Health? It was about that new medical clinic down the street, STR!VE.”


Gonzalez remembered. The presentation showcased a new type of medical office aimed at developing a whole-body, preventive approach to long-term wellness.


For Gonzalez, it would require just a short walk down the street, onto Ottawa Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.


He decided to take a short stroll.

Whisked to surgery

The STR!VE office has an inviting and comfortable ambiance, unlike many medical clinics. People can visit for same-day or next-day appointments.

Photo by Katy Batdorff

Gonzalez arrived and met with family nurse practitioner Melissa Wilson, MSN, BS, FNP-C, who checked his vital signs. On gauging his blood pressure, Wilson grew alarmed.


“I waited a moment, thinking it might be a false read, then took his blood pressure again,” Wilson said. “It was not going down. I put in a call to the emergency department at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.”


Gonzalez saw the nurse practitioner’s concern and realized he may be in trouble.


“I told her she couldn’t play poker,” he said. “She didn’t have a poker face. I could tell by looking at her that this wasn’t good.”


Gonzalez was rushed to Butterworth Hospital. Doctors and nurses at the emergency department waited for his arrival.


“They immediately did an EKG,” Gonzalez said. “A young guy read the report. I could see his face turn red.”


Things happened very quickly after that, Gonzalez said. It’s something of a blur in his memory, but he recalls a physician calling out to his staff: “All hands on board!”


Then someone shaved his chest in preparation for surgery. A second EKG confirmed Gonzalez had suffered a heart attack. His artery had become 100 percent blocked.


Doctors placed a stent in his artery to restore blood flow to his heart.

Walking man

Three months later, Gonzalez feels like a new man. He is grateful for the quick actions of STR!VE medical staff and the medical team that met him at the emergency department at Butterworth Hospital.


“I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for STR!VE,” he said.


Gonzalez now repeats that walk down the street from his office to STR!VE on a weekly basis. He can take care of his follow-up appointments and meet with a dietitian to monitor his diet.


“Two years ago, I weighed 240 pounds,” he said. “Today, I weigh 182. I lost the weight because there was a day I tried to put on my shoes and couldn’t.


“I learned, though, that it’s not just about calorie reduction,” he said. “It’s what you eat. My cardiologist told me the blockage in my artery was probably because of years of a bad diet, and he recommended the Mediterranean diet. Now I eat whole foods, less processed, and a lot more fruits and vegetables.”


Wilson believes Gonzalez has recovered so quickly because he changed his sedentary habits and his diet.


STR!VE continues to help him work not just on nutrition, but his health maintenance overall.

Photo by Katy Batdorff

“Many people come here for our weight management program, but we are also a full-service, primary care medical office,” Wilson said. “Some of the people who come here keep their primary care physician but come to STR!VE to treat illnesses, when they need to see a doctor same day or next day. Others use us as their primary care.”


Wilson smiles when she sees Gonzalez visit. She encourages him to keep up his appointments.


“I tell him it’s all about the follow-up,” she said. “He tells me I sound like his wife.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Diversity in when milkweeds emerge supports monarch butterflies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Pets/Animals, , ,

By Douglas Landis and Nathan Haan, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology


Despite the cool rainy spring, people have generally reported seeing lots of migrating monarchs and the resulting eggs and caterpillars. In the East Lansing, Michigan, area, caterpillars from the earliest-laid eggs are already transforming into pupae—i.e., very likely originating from eggs laid in Michigan—was observed on June 19. A promising start to the 2019 season!

Monarch life cycle
Monarch life cycle. Larvae (caterpillars) go through five stages of growth called instars. The first instar is the smallest size caterpillar. (Courtesy MSU Extension)

This spring, we have again been impressed by the importance of the earliest-emerging stems of common milkweed for supporting egg laying by migrating monarchs. We first observed monarchs in East Lansing on May 16 and eggs on May 18. The important part about this observation is that relatively few common milkweed stems had even emerged by that time, suggesting that the early emerging milkweed is a key resource for the initial migrants into the state. This prompts us to ask, what are the factors that result in early emergence of milkweed and how can we ensure that some is likely to be present in any given year?


In our research we regularly survey common milkweed patches in the East Lansing area, often returning to the same spots year after year. While we know that common milkweed occurs at each of the sites, there is tremendous variability in when the stems emerge and thus become available for egg laying. This year when we first began scouting out patches in mid-May, common milkweed had emerged at very few of the sites. On June 3, we found milkweed at more than half of the sites, but some still had no stems above ground. Finally, on June 18 milkweed was up at most sites, but some of the places we know had milkweed last year still have no evidence of emergence. What is the implication of this variation in emergence timing for monarch egg laying and larval (caterpillar) survival?

Benefits of early emerging milkweeds

We gained additional insight when we surveyed 13 common milkweed patches in the East Lansing area on June 17 and 18. At 10 of these sites, we found virtually no monarch eggs or larvae—just five eggs and two early-instar larvae despite searching more than 1,200 stems. However, in three patches of milkweed, we found a glut of later-instar larvae that were approaching pupation. Across these three sites we found an average of one fourth or fifth-instar larva for every 15 stems, which is a very high density of monarch larvae, especially considering they were later-instar caterpillars.


What made these sites so attractive to the migrating adult monarchs a few weeks ago, and why did the larvae survive in such high numbers?

Monarch collected at one site on June 17-18, 2019. Photo by Nate Haan, MSU Entomology. (Courtesy MSU Extension)

The common denominator at these caterpillar-filled sites seems to be relatively sparse vegetation with little plant litter on the soil, which we think stimulated the common milkweed stems at those sites to emerge early. This means the stems were available and likely were more visually obvious to the first migrating monarchs arriving in our area, and consequently they were loaded up with eggs. The individual factors that resulted in the sparse vegetation varied. One site was a sandy grassland in an industrial park, another a recently harvested poplar planting on a sandy, West-facing hill, and the third was a sparsely-vegetated grassy parking lot edge. We have also observed that around the home landscape, milkweed growing in elevated beds or on warmer South-facing slopes seem to emerge early. Areas that have been burned (removing plant litter) also warm up quickly and support early emerging milkweed.

Benefits of later emerging milkweed

Having spent most of this article talking about the importance of early emerging milkweed, we also need to mention the benefits of late emerging milkweed. The first generation butterflies that will be flying over the next several weeks prefer young milkweed on which to lay their eggs. Some of those eggs will be laid on butterfly milkweed, swamp milkweed, and whorled milkweed, which naturally emerge later than common milkweed. Alternatively, we previously discussed how setting back a portion of a common milkweed patch by mowing can enhance egg and larval survival.


In the past, there was probably a wide diversity of milkweed emergence dates due to natural disturbances like fire, grazing, as well as variable soil types and slopes. Later, humans introduced variability through agricultural practices associated with preparing and cultivating crop fields. Currently, we have lost some of that variability and may need to replicate it more intentional ways.

How to increase variable times of emergence in a milkweed stand

Given this, it’s worth considering how we might increase variability in milkweed emergence throughout the critical spring and early summer season. Perhaps that means finding a low-productivity sandy spot on your property on which to plant milkweed. Milkweed in mulched garden beds near structures also seems to emerge early and may provide critical resources. Plant or encourage some late emerging species of milkweeds. Finally, consider how you might mow or trim common milkweed to provide timely resources for monarch butterflies.


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



Dennis O’Mara exhibit opening at Pine Rest Leep Art Gallery

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,
“Searching Door” by Dennis O’Mara

By Colleen Cullison
Pine Rest Leep Art Gallery

A new exhibit titled, “How I See Things,” by local artist Dennis O’Mara, opens at the Leep Art Gallery on July 2 at the Postma Center on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services campus in Grand Rapids.

O’Mara, a retired art teacher, creates art from a variety of mediums. Each medium is selected to fit how he sees the piece representing his idea in the best way says the artist. He does oil and pastel paintings, sculptures, relief prints, saltwater etchings and wood door etchings. Two of the pieces in the show were previously at Art Prize.

“I create art from events and places that inspire me,” says O’Mara. “Some of my work tells a story and other work lets the viewer fill in the story. The doors in this show were created because of what I saw when visiting an older patient when she had a bout of depression. The steel etchings were a result of watching people bring their children and their parents to see the doors when they were on exhibit at Art Prize. The other pieces are a result of places I have visited.” 

O’Mara grew up on a West Michigan farm. He attended Olivet College where he studied sculpture and print making. He also received his masters from Olivet with a focus on print making. He was an art teacher at Hastings High School for 30 years, and taught an art appreciation class at Kellogg Community College. He returned to creating art in a more serious fashion in 2000.

He is a member of the Great Lakes Pastel Society and Grand Valley Artists.

The Pine Rest Leep Art Gallery exhibit will be on display at the Postma Center located at 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, Mich., from July 2 to October 1, 2019. The Leep Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 616.222.4530 or go to www.pinerest.org/leep-art-gallery .

Polka rocker Lenny Gomulka to headline Polish Festival in August

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Courtesy Lenny Gomulka

By Matthew Gryczan


In honor of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids is bringing the internationally known Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push band to play two nights of the three-day event in August.


Gomulka is considered a living legend in the polka community, having developed a huge base of followers in the United States and Canada since he formed the Chicago Push in 1980. Nominated for 12 Grammy awards in the polka genre, he was inducted into the International Polka Music Hall of Fame & Museum in his hometown of Chicago in 2016.


“The Dozynki Polish Festival is the longest-running ethnic festival held in the city of Grand Rapids, and we wanted to celebrate our 40th year with a very special musical guest,” said society President Marilyn Lignell. “Lenny is bound to help draw what we expect will be the largest attendance ever for the festival.” 


In past years, attendance has topped 15,000 people for the three days.


Incoming President Greg Rosloniec, who arranged for the band to play the event, said Gomulka has recorded on more than 100 albums and CDs and is the originator of the distinctive Chicago Push style that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.


“Lenny has been playing at state fairs, polka festivals and resorts for decades – everywhere from the Wurstfest in Texas to the Ocean Beach Park Polka Days in Connecticut — so it’s a real honor to bring him to Grand Rapids,” Rosloniec said.


Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Festival that will be held at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, from Aug. 23-25, and festival organizers stressed that there will be plenty of inexpensive parking in Parking Lot Areas 7, 8, and 9 for those who don’t mind a short walk. Lenny Golmuka & Chicago Push will be alternating on Friday and Saturday nights with two other well regarded polka bands, award-winning DynaBrass from Toledo, Ohio and Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network in Grand Rapids.


Lignell said that the Dozynki Polish Festival has established a reputation for being a fun, family friendly event that showcases Polish culture, featuring a tent that explains the contributions of famous Polish/Americans, live music and a large dance area, a children’s tent, demonstration tent, and vendors offering Polish cuisine.  


Fun activities during the festival include the paczki eating contest, crowning of the busia queen and a performance by the P.R.C.U.A. Malbork Dance Ensemble, a dance group for youth ages 3-18 that teaches traditional Polish folk dances with authentic garb.


The Dozynki Polish Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.


For more information about the Dozynki Polish Festival and the society, please view the society’s website at Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids.

Three from Grand Rapids Symphony named honorary Festival of the Arts co-chairs

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,

Festival of the Arts is excited to announce its honorary co-chairs for the event’s 51st year – Grand Rapids Symphony’s President Mary Tuuk, Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, and Associate Conductor John Varineau. For the next year, the three will serve as ambassadors for the community-wide celebration of arts and culture that returns in June 2020.

Festival of the Arts unveiled the appointment on Friday, June 7, the first day of the three-day, showcase of art, music, dance and more, including a performance by the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony under conductor John Varineau.

The Grand Rapids Symphony’s leadership team follows the Grand Rapids Ballet’s Glenn Del Vecchio, Executive Director, and James Sofranko, Artistic Director, who served as honorary co-chairs for the 50th anniversary Festival of the Arts.

Marcelo Lehninger, the musical director of the Grand Rapids Symphony, on stage. (Grand Rapids Symphony)

The run up to Festival of the Arts 2020 coincides with the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 90th anniversary season in 2019-20.

“I’m thrilled to have Grand Rapids Symphony back for Festival of the Arts in 2020 and to have their leaders involved as honorary co-chairs,” said David Abbott, Executive Director for Festival of the Arts. “Festival remains grateful for the Youth Symphony for their continued performance and looks forward to the professional company joining in on the fun.”

“Marcelo is already formulating some surprises that we know will wow the community,” Abbott said.

Grand Rapids Symphony’s President Mary Tuuk (Grand Rapids Symphony)

Mary Tuuk, a Grand Rapids native and Calvin College graduate, joined the Grand Rapids Symphony as President and CEO earlier this year following a long career in banking for Fifth Third Bank and in retail for Meijer, Inc.

Marcelo Lehninger, a native of Brazil, is completing his third season as Music Director of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Last year, he led the Grand Rapids Symphony in its critically acclaimed return to New York City for a performance in Carnegie Hall.

John Varineau, who is in his 34th season on the conducting staff of the Grand Rapids Symphony, has served as conductor of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony for the past 31 seasons.

“Festival of the Arts has a special place in our hearts as it does in yours as well,” Tuuk said. “Since childhood, I’ve known that, in Grand Rapids, summer in the city truly begins with Festival.”

Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conduction John Varineau (Grand Rapids Symphony)

Fifty years ago, Alexander Calder’s 43-foot tall, 42-ton stabile, “La Grande Vitesse,” was installed in downtown Grand Rapids as the fledgling National Endowment for the Arts’ first work of public art. Former Congressman Gerald R. Ford, who later became 38th President of the United States, was instrumental in securing the $45,000 grant in 1967.

For its dedication on June 14, 1969, the Grand Rapids Symphony performed music by George Gershwin and Charles Ives, and the orchestra gave the premiere performance of a piece titled “Inaugural Fanfare” commissioned for the occasion by Aaron Copland.

The Grand Rapids Symphony or its musicians, performing as soloists or in smaller ensembles, have been a part of Festival of the Arts for most of the past five decades. Next year, musicians of the orchestra will perform in some capacity for the annual event that’s open for free to the entire community.

The Board of Directors of Festival of the Arts last year decided to follow a new process for honorary co-chairs beginning with Grand Rapids Ballet’s Del Vecchio and Sofranko. In order to re-connect with the arts institutions of the region, Festival is looking to select leaders from partnering arts institutions in future years. The honorary co-chairs will serve as ambassadors to the community encouraging engagement for the event and also serve as conduit to all the other arts institutions in the region for solicitation of performers and artists.

Allergies and the elderly: What you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living,
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


It’s allergy season. Say hello to congestion, itchy eyes, running nose and headaches. For adults, these symptoms are annoying. For many, they may be severe resulting in the need for prescription medication. For aging adults though, they can be serious.


While itchy, watery eyes may not seem like a serious problem, in the elderly, the symptoms that come with seasonal allergies can cause serious complications.


If you’re a caregiver to an aging loved one, you shouldn’t overlook allergies as a potentially serious ondition. As the pollen flies, here are some things to consider when it comes to allergies and the elderly.

Don’t ignore them

When allergy season rolls around, those who suffer from seasonal allergies start to moan and complain, roll their eyes and stock up on tissue. Many need prescription medication to find relief, but others can simply ignore them. For aging adults, ignoring the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies can be dangerous.


While a stuffed up nose is inconvenient for the average adults, for seniors suffering from chronic issues such as a heart condition or respiratory problems, any disruptions in breathing can cause larger problems. So while a simple over the counter remedy may suffice for a middle-aged sufferer, for many aging adults, allergies should be treated aggressively.

They are often overlooked

Because older adults often have a myriad of conditions ranging from moderate to severe, allergies are typically not a concern and doctors may often overlook them as they work to diagnose more serious problems. As a caregiver to your loved one, make sure to tell their doctor if you’ve noticed symptoms of allergies. Even if they are mild enough to avoid treatment, it’s important for their doctor to be aware of any symptoms that might complicate current conditions.

Typical medications may not work

While many people reach for an antihistamine when their allergies act up, for an aging adult, this may not be the right choice. This medication can raise blood pressure, interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like a change in mood, urinary retention, dizziness and more. In the elderly, these side effects can have serious consequences. To avoid these issues, doctors may treat their allergies with a nasal steroid or topical medication.

Tips to avoid them

While there is no cure for allergies once they set in, there are things we can do to avoid the allergens that cause the sneezing and congestion we love so much. Since allergy symptoms can be so dangerous for older adults, avoiding them altogether is the best route, if possible. To avoid exposure to allergens, try:

  • Keep doors and windows closed
  • Use an air purifier
  • Try foods that fight inflammation like apples, walnuts, ginger, leafy greens and Vitamin C.
  • Be on the lookout for new treatments like antihistamine inhalers

Also, if you or your loved one is considering making the move to an assisted living facility and they suffer from allergies, make sure to ask about hypoallergenic assisted living. Hypoallergenic rooms, like the ones offered at Vista Springs Macedonia, remove 99% of harmful pollutants that cause dangerous allergies.


Want more tips on managing allergies for seniors? Check out our 6 great tips.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.




Want happiness? Spread kindness

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Recreation, Senior Living, , ,
Random gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness are the surest, simplest ways to bring happiness back into your own life. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


A sure-fire antidote to the blues is to focus on others, a new study suggests.


“Walking around and offering kindness to others in the world reduces anxiety and increases happiness and feelings of social connection,” said study author Douglas Gentile, a professor of psychology at Iowa State University.


“It’s a simple strategy that doesn’t take a lot of time that you can incorporate into your daily activities,” he said in a university news release.


For the study, Gentile and colleagues had students walk around a building for 12 minutes and use one of three approaches.


Loving-kindness: This is where you look at others and think, “I wish for this person to be happy.”


Interconnectedness: In this approach, you look at others and consider how they are connected to one another.


Downward social comparison: This is considering how you may be better off than each of the people you encounter.


The study also included a control group of students who were told to look at people and focus on what they see on the outside, such as clothing, makeup and accessories.


Before and after going for their walk, all students were assessed for levels of anxiety, happiness, stress, empathy and connectedness.


Compared to the control group, those who practiced loving-kindness or wished others well felt happier, more connected, caring and empathic, as well as less anxious. The interconnectedness group was more empathic and connected.


Students who compared themselves to others felt less empathic, caring and connected than those who extended good wishes to others.


There was no benefit with downward social comparison, according to the study published online recently in the Journal of Happiness Studies.


“At its core, downward social comparison is a competitive strategy,” said study co-author Dawn Sweet, an Iowa State senior lecturer in psychology. “That’s not to say it can’t have some benefit, but competitive mindsets have been linked to stress, anxiety and depression.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — the weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Our Cities

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org


Quote of the Day

“There’s no fear when you’re having fun.”

~ Will Thomas


Get your tickets

You won’t want to miss Circle Theatre’s Magic Circle Production of Rapunzel, an adaptation by Karen Boettcher-Tate, starting on Thursday, June 26 at 7pm inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College. Preceding the show at 5:30pm, join the cast for the Magic Circle Party. This one-night only event will feature refreshments, crafts, games, Storytime with the cast, and VIP seating for opening night. Tickets to the Magic Circle Party are $22 and can be purchased at circletheatre.org.



On sale now!

It will be like they are right there with you. BASE Hologram has announced North American tour dates for Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly: The Rock ’N’ Roll Dream Tour, a groundbreaking tour featuring the award-winning rock and roll legends, including a stop in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at 7:30pm in SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall. Tickets are on sale now. More info here.


Here’s an idea: Yoga

Start your summer weekends with an opportunity to connect to your body, breath, and nature at Blandford Nature Center. Classes are held outdoors, are accessible to all levels of experience, and start Saturday, July 13th, so don’t delay. Go here for details.


Fun fact:

421

That’s how many words Scotland has for “snow”. Some examples: sneesl (to start raining or snowing); feefle (to swirl); flinkdrinkin (a light snow).



Sound the asthma alarm

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Kids Activities, Senior Living, , ,
A possible warning sign that your asthma is out of control: You’re using a quick-relief inhaler more than twice a week. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Summertime can bring asthma sufferers a lot of misery, but lung experts say watching for warning signs of breathing trouble can guard against serious complications.


“As the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health, we think it’s crucial for people with asthma to know as much as they can about the disease,” said Dr. David Hill, volunteer medical spokesperson at the American Lung Association.


“This includes the fact that changing seasons have a major impact on asthma. Being prepared for the summer and understanding warning signs can help prevent serious complications,” he said in a lung association news release.


Summer can bring increased pollen in the air, hot temperatures and associated ozone and particle pollution—all of which can trigger asthma symptoms.


There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled and managed.


Key warning signs that asthma may not be in control include needing to use a quick-relief inhaler more than two times a week, waking at night with asthma symptoms more than two times a month and having to refill a quick-relief inhaler more than two times a year.


If you have any of these warning signs, you should see your health care provider to improve management of asthma symptoms, such as reducing exposure to asthma triggers, the lung association advised.


Asthma affects about one in 13 people in the United States, including more than 6 million children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


It is the most common childhood disease but can start at any age. The rate of asthma nearly tripled between 1980 and 2010.


Research shows that rising temperatures due to climate change are leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons, according to the news release.


The lung association offers a free, online learning course about asthma triggers, how to identify and reduce them, action plans for flare-ups, how to respond to a breathing emergency, asthma medication education, and an asthma management plan outline.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


How pollinators can help farmers and renewable energy score

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Pets/Animals, , ,
Solar array with pollinator-attractive plants. Photo by and permission granted: Fresh Energy

By Joy Landis, Michigan State University Extension


A new executive decision by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer hits a sweet spot by allowing solar arrays on lands in a farmland preservation program if pollinator-friendly guidelines are used. The pollinator protection practices were developed by Michigan State University’s Department of Entomology based on a decade of research on how to establish pollinator habitat, and were central to determining how to allow development of solar energy on farmland while also supporting pollinators.


Michigan’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, preserves farmland and open space through agreements that restrict development. Tax incentives within the program encourage participation. Previously, participating landowners were allowed to lease land for wind turbines and oil and gas exploration. However, solar arrays require more space and were perceived to be too disruptive to benefit preservation. The practices laid out in the new guidelines mean the land will better serve the pollinators that need habitat to provide the nectar, pollen, and nesting sites that are essential to their survival.

MSU research has identified which native plants are best for supporting pollinators in various settings, including solar installations. Here, attendees learn about research results with drought-adapted flowering plants. Photo by Jordan Noble, MSU Photography.

“There is a consensus that lack of flowering plants in farm landscapes are limiting wild bee populations, so this program is an opportunity to help support these valuable insects when new solar installations are set up,” says Rufus Isaacs, one of the developers of the scorecard and MSU professor of entomology.  


The resulting document, the Michigan Pollinator Habitat Planning Scorecard for Solar Sites, provides a roadmap for developers to evaluate the site and develop a land management plan, and to consider the risk of insecticide exposure, quality of existing habitat for pollinators, and the quality and diversity of wildflowers that will be planted.

A bumblebee explores a native flowering goldenrod. Photo by Thomas Wood, MSU Entomology.

The new policy has the potential to greatly increase the acreage of Michigan land designed for better pollinator habitat. The timing couldn’t be better for that. A study released earlier this year by Isaacs and his colleagues compared current distributions of bumble bee species across the state to historic data collected as far back as the 1880s. The research found that the geographic range in Michigan of half of the bumble bee species studied have declined by more than 50%.

Building a solid math foundation should start early

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, How-To's, Kids Activities, ,
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Tracy Trautner, Michigan State University Extension


Many adults did not enjoy math classes when they were in school and probably still don’t. When you ask a group of people if they enjoy math, a typical response would be, “No, I am not good at math.” However, when we think about our daily lives, we do math in a variety of ways several times a day. First thing in the morning you have probably measured the cream for your coffee, turned off your alarm clock, estimated how much longer you would be able to stay in bed and possibly added or subtracted the miles per hour you were going from the posted speed limit on your way to work.


Many adults use math without thinking much about it, but also cringe at the idea of completing a math equation.


It is important we start at a very early age to incorporate a foundation for future math learning so children do not struggle when they are taught geometry, algebra and calculus in future math classes. Children develop math concepts and skills very early in life. They do this through early experiences with a trusted adult.


Often, throughout the day, there are wonderful opportunities to expose infants and toddlers to the idea of math. The key is to do it naturally and consistently so they are beginning to understand how math affects their lives. The next five articles in this series will discuss the five basic math concepts that can be woven into our conversations and interactions with young children.


Remember to use math talk throughout the day. Children, even the young ones, are listening to you. Choose words that will make a difference. The more math talk adults use, the better chance infants and toddlers have to build a positive attitude towards math in general. Make math talk a routine for you and your child. It can be done while changing a diaper, making a snack, driving in the car, bath time and walks around the neighborhood. It can be helpful to make a list of words and post them in a visible location so you can remember to use them throughout the day.


Other resources from the National Association for the Education of Young Children:

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

Understanding Health Literacy

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Non-Profits, Senior Living, ,

By Laura P., AmeriCorps Member, Cherry Health


Are you confident you can compare premiums and deductibles to find the best health insurance plan for you and your family?


Can you use a nutrition label to calculate how many grams of sugar are in a bowl of your breakfast cereal?


Are you able to locate the medical services you need, when you need them?


If so, you may have high health literacy! When we talk about health literacy, we are referring to a person’s ability to access and understand health-related information and services. It’s something we all possess to varying degrees, and we often use our health literacy skills without knowing we’re using them.


Health literacy can vary widely between people depending on someone’s level of education, cultural background, economic status, skill with numbers, and mental health. No matter our level of health literacy, we build our skills over a lifetime and there is always room for improvement. Health literacy skills include the following:

  • Being able to correctly dose and administer medications
  • Knowing the body systems and how to describe pain
  • Finding and understanding information on a medical topic
  • Being able to manage a chronic health condition
  • Knowing your own and your family’s health history
  • Comparing treatment options to decide what’s best for you
  • Understanding your provider’s instructions
  • Filling out complex forms accurately

Knowing a patient’s general level of health literacy is important to successful treatment, as people with lower health literacy are likelier to be hospitalized, end up in the emergency room, and to take medications incorrectly. Where appropriate, healthcare providers should use plain language to ensure that they and their patients are on the same page. For patients with a different cultural background than their providers, extra attention is needed to ensure that communication is clear and understood.


Delivering quality healthcare requires examining how health literacy influences every aspect of the medical experience, both at the office and at home. It is our responsibility to make sure the services we provide and the information we share are accessible and understandable to all.


Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.


Having trouble sleeping?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,

A restless night may be the result of poor habits before bedtime. A helpful hint: Leave the cell phone out of the bedroom. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, Spectrum Health Beat


Sleep is everything. It needs to be a high priority for all of us to be happy and healthy.


It is truly the basis of good health, because it gives our brains a chance to rest and process the events of the day and then make brain chemicals for the next day.


Do you have trouble sleeping? If so, you’re probably dealing with a host of negative side effects.


Without sleep, we may experience bad moods and perform poorly at work, at school or at home with our families. A lack of sleep also puts us at risk for heart disease, diabetes and depression.


Researchers have spent years analyzing sleep patterns to learn why sleep is so important to our overall health and wellness. Their observational studies of people with and without good sleep patterns show a strong effect on chronic disease.


People who get less sleep have a higher risk of being overweight, developing diabetes, experiencing high blood pressure and having a heart attack. Overall, these people have a lower life expectancy than those who get a consistent eight hours of sleep each night.


Typically, those who consistently sleep less than six hours a night are plagued with the highest weight, while those who sleep eight hours or more have the lowest weight.


Is it really that simple? For the most part, yes.


Less sleep leads to a rise in cortisol—our stress hormone—and also causes a rise in insulin, which promotes belly fat storage. Decreased amounts of sleep also cause an increase in ghrelin—a brain hormone that stimulates appetite—and a decrease in leptin, which signals when we feel full.


Of course, it goes without saying that when we don’t have enough sleep, we don’t feel like exercising and we often gain weight due to inactivity.


Unfortunately, sleep (or a lack of it) can have a strong effect on our moods and coping skills. Lack of sleep puts people at a greater risk for depression, anxiety and mental stress. All of this makes it difficult for these people to remain optimistic and thrive in social situations.


The bottom line? To be happy, sleep is a prerequisite.


We know we should be getting our sleep, but what really happens when we are having trouble sleeping?


There are several different types of sleep problems that can cause us to sleep less than we should at night.

Sleep disorders

Chronic insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea and parasomnias are some of the more common sleep issues my patients experience.


Insomnia can be a result of too much overstimulation from watching TV or working on a computer late at night. Consumption of alcohol, sugary foods or caffeine before bed can also interfere with the ability to fall asleep easily.


Insomnia can be caused by taking certain medications such as antidepressants, oral steroids or allergy pills. Medical conditions that cause pain—arthritis, for example, or breathing problems such as asthma—can also be underlying causes of insomnia.


The good news is that insomnia can be improved.


The best treatment starts with awareness, which begins with a close examination of our habits and rituals around bedtime. Turning off the computer or TV several hours before going to bed can help you fall asleep more quickly. Sometimes, prescription medications or over-the-counter remedies can also be helpful.


Narcolepsy, associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, can be genetically linked. A diagnosis of narcolepsy can be determined with a sleep study.


Medications aimed at improving sleep quality and stimulating daytime wakefulness are typically prescribed to help with this condition.


Sleep apnea, typically linked to obesity and heart disease, is also diagnosed by completing a sleep study.


Treatments for sleep apnea range from changing sleep positions to using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine to keep airways open.


Weight loss is also an effective treatment for sleep apnea.


Parasomnias occur when people are fearful of going to sleep because they are afraid of what might happen to them during sleep. Night terrors, sleepwalking or sleep eating without memory are common things they may fear.

Sleepless nights

Many women come to see me because they are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night.


A woman I’ll call Jane is one of those patients.


At age 49, she began experiencing irregular periods, night sweats and disturbed sleep around the time of her period. She led a very busy life with teenagers, a husband who traveled for work and parents who required more care.


Her sleep issue was causing problems in her life.


Jane would have difficulty falling asleep and, if she woke up during the night, she had trouble getting back to sleep because her mind would start racing and she couldn’t turn it off.


As a result, she was chronically tired and unmotivated to exercise. She began to gain weight. She felt irritable and crabby most days and she just didn’t know how to get off the roller coaster.


Jane had tried to fix her sleep problems by herself, but it wasn’t working.


She tried every tea and over-the-counter medicine she could find, including melatonin. She had recently resorted to drinking a glass of wine in the evening, but that just made her feel even less rested.


It was time for a new plan for Jane.

Simple changes

We started by discussing what she probably already knew: Lack of good sleep made her very unhealthy and caused her bad moods.


I then explained the correlation between hormones and brain chemicals.


We worked on deconstructing her nighttime routine. I asked her how she could structure her day so she wouldn’t have so many chores to complete at night, leaving her more time to prepare for the next day.


As Jane talked out loud to me, she realized she could make some simple changes—packing lunches and doing a load of laundry at night—that could help her be more efficient in the morning.


I then pressed Jane about making time for herself before bed.


I also made some suggestions.


I recommended that she write down her worries or duties on paper and then make a list for the next day (or several days), detailing how she would conquer these obligations.


Other suggestions I made: Avoid screen time 30 minutes before bed, refrain from alcohol in the evening, write in a gratitude journal before going to sleep.


And, finally, I suggested that Jane practice metered breathing every night before going to bed.


Metered breathing is a technique I discuss with many of my patients to help them fall asleep at night or get back to sleep if they wake in the middle of the night.


Here’s how it works:

  • Find a quiet place in your home and sit in a comfortable chair.
  • Begin staring at a spot somewhere in the room and focus on the sound of your breathing.
  • Continue breathing like this for five minutes, uninterrupted.

I felt confident Jane’s plan would be effective if she followed it. After tracking her progress, we would consider menopause hormone therapy to treat her night sweats if they continued to be an issue.


Jane took my recommendations seriously and changed her routine. She began to sleep again and she started exercising, lost some weight and improved her overall mood.


More than anything, she felt like herself again.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Cat of the week: Dean

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , ,
This shy guy is best adopted with his buddy, Roller

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


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 March 2nd and again on March 17th, we had what we believe to be an entire family of terrified cats dumped off in carriers. ‘The Shy Seven’ were the first to arrive, and then three more joined us, rounding things out to ‘The Timid Ten’. Needless to say, it was a huge ordeal for all involved, from the stunned volunteers who kept pulling cat after cat out of cramped carriers, to the traumatized kitties who had no idea what was going on, and finally to Dr. Jen who spent the greater part of two weekends at the clinic getting them program-ready.


The latter was no small feat, as every single cat (yup, all ten of them) were intact, four of the five girls were pregnant, and all ten were clearly out of their element and having major trust issues. Adding various medical issues to the mix—like fleas and a variety of internal parasites, dental disease and chronic herpes virus—we ended up having a heaping handful of kitties who needed a great deal of help, not only physically, but probably more importantly, mentally.


It was clear from the onset that the family had been neglected and lacking human contact for quite some time, given their poor body condition, long nails and a shyness that went beyond anything we have seen before—and we have seen a lot. We have no idea where they came from or why someone thought it was a good idea to displace them as they did without regard for our space or financial capabilities, but our proposed scenario is this: a kindhearted, elderly person owned them and, for whatever reason, let them breed and multiply, running rampant in the house and growing wilder and warier as the days wore on. We suspect this person then passed (or moved away), and the cats were left to fend for themselves until a family member (or landlord) came in and booted the entire lot of them out—and onto our doorstep.


Regardless, we’d like to think they were loved by someone at some point, as this helps us believe in the goodness of people, enough so to offset the stupidity and callousness of others.


Let’s just say that for the most part, the journey we have all been on together is ever evolving—and it is going to be a long road full of bumps, setbacks and, yes, triumphs along the way. It is now over two months since their arrival, and we are just now able to share their stories, as it has taken a great deal of time (and patience) to get to this point.


We have had one shining star, jovial Jenn, who has been trying to pave the way for her siblings/uncles/cousins/aunts to follow, so really, we should have renamed the group as ‘The Timid Ten, Not Including Jenn’. She was the only girl who wasn’t or hadn’t been pregnant, as her reproductive tract was underdeveloped; just 15 months (born in later 2017, we think, along with Dean, Desna, Roller and Quiet Ann), she turned out to be quite the trailblazer, assuming the role of matriarch of her furry family.

Roller and Dean are best buddies

Dean and Roller are really good buddies, as they snuggle together all of the time. While Roller will let people pet him if they approach him slowly, Dean has made very little progress since he’s been with us. He is very comfortable here, though and is exploring more every day, although he typically runs right back into a hiding space as soon as someone enters the room. We think both of these boys will do very well in a home together once they had had ample time to bond with their owners.


At our free-roaming facility, cats like these have all of the time in the world to acclimate and adjust at their own rate—a snail’s pace if that is what is necessary. We have no cages, no time limits, no rules or regulations—each individual cat gets to stretch his legs at their own pace; each kitty gets to spread her furry little wings and fly when she is ready to leave the fold.


We offer a peaceful, secure environment to each and every cat in our care as long as they need it—and us. Slow and steady wins the race, and we firmly believe that with love, all things are possible; we surely can see endless possibilities and bright futures full of promise for this family of ours.

More about Dean:

  • Domestic Medium Hair
  • Tabby (tiger-striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Good in a home with other cats, no children

Want to adopt Dean? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.


Let’s get grilling

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, How-To's, , ,
A surefire route to healthy grilling: Toss some fresh fruits and vegetables on the grill and drizzle on some olive oil. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Irene Franowicz, RD, CDE, Spectrum Health Beat


Tired of the same old barbecue? Looking for healthier options that transcend those humdrum hot dogs and banal burgers?


It doesn’t matter if you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, or even something in between—there are plenty of ways to add variety and flavor to your summer grilling plans.


And the best part is, you can keep it healthy along the way.

Healthier hot dog

At a ball game or barbecue, hot dogs just seem to call your name. And they appear so innocent because they’re so small and simple.


But don’t be fooled. Done wrong, a single hot dog can pack on the calories.


If you get a dog with all the fixings—cheese, chili, ketchup, mustard, mayo and baked beans—and you add coleslaw, macaroni salad or potato salad as a side, you’re looking at anywhere from 750 to 2,000 calories. Not to mention all the fat.


But you don’t need to avoid hot dogs altogether. You just need to choose wisely.


Look for a hot dog that has less fat than its original version.


For example: A Hebrew National standard beef frank has about 150 calories and 13 grams of fat, but the “97 percent fat-free” version has 45 calories and 1 gram of fat. The better-for-you version has 105 fewer calories and 12 grams less fat.

It’s simple math.


You can also get turkey, chicken or veggie franks as a healthier option to make at home. It’s also recommended you choose a whole wheat bun for added fiber.


If you trade in your pork brat for a turkey brat, you’ll cut your calories in half and drastically lower your fat intake. A pork sausage has anywhere from 290 to 455 calories and 23 to 38 grams of fat per link. A turkey or chicken sausage, on the other hand, has about 140 to 180 calories and 7 to 12 grams of fat.


If you’re vegetarian, opt for veggie sausages made of soy, bean or tofu protein. Just about every grocery store offers delicious gourmet chicken sausages that are additive-free and they have great flavors such as sun-dried tomato, gouda and apple, and spinach feta. (For the sake of comparison, the typical chicken sausage has about 180 calories and 12 grams of fat.)


As a side, meanwhile, fill up on grilled veggies and veggie-and-bean salsas (sometimes called “cowboy caviar”). Or choose fruit salad instead of pasta and macaroni salad.


It’s truly all about making healthy substitutions that suit your taste.

Meat mythology

Somewhere along the way, you’ve probably heard that ground turkey is a healthier option than ground beef, particularly if you’re looking for fewer calories and less saturated fat.


But that’s not always the case.


Turkey breast is lean, but dark turkey meat is not. And some ground turkey contains both.


A quarter-pound of regular ground turkey contains 3 grams of saturated fat, but the same amount of extra-lean ground turkey has just 0.5 grams of fat. The right cut of turkey offers a sizable difference.


A few tips for ground beef:

  • With ground sirloin, always opt for the 90/10 ratio over the 80/20 or 85/15. Just 4 ounces of 90/10 contains 190 calories and 11 grams of fat.
  • Beware of 80/20 ground chuck. About 4 ounces has 280 calories and 20 grams of fat.

For juicy, grilled burgers that are good for you, don’t just look to beef to satisfy you.


Try veggie burgers with guacamole topping for good fats, or try grilled salmon patties. These are easy to find in your local grocery store. You can also try ground lamb with spinach and feta if you’re looking for a Greek twist.

Marinate your protein

Kansas State University researchers found that using herbs and spices in marinades can reduce carcinogenic compounds in grilled meats by up to 88 percent.


Other research has found that oils, vinegar and even beer can cut down on carcinogens in meat. The marinade could create a protective barrier between the meat proteins and the heat of the grill, or the antioxidants in the marinade may combat the carcinogens.


If you want to reduce charring, use a George Foreman Grill. It works beautifully for salmon, flank steak, burgers (veggie and meat) and pork tenderloin. Smaller, 1-pound tenderloins are great, and flank steak is an excellent lean meat for grilling.

Go beyond the bun

You don’t have to rely on mainstays like burgers and hot dogs for your outdoor cooking. A few quick examples of some creative alternatives:

  • Pizza. Grill a pizza and make it caprese by topping it with fresh-sliced mozzarella, tomato slices, basil and a drizzle of garlic olive oil and fig balsamic.
  • Fajitas. Grill your chicken strips, onions and peppers and top it with fresh salsa and guacamole in a corn tortilla.
  • Portobello. You can make a vegetarian burger by grilling portobellos, red peppers, goat cheese and basil pesto.
  • Tacos. Grill up fish tacos and add your favorite slaw, or try a Korean taco made with flank steak and guacamole. There are so many great recipes for this on the internet.
  • Veggies. Toss them with olive oil, and use sturdy ones that won’t fall through the grill. Asparagus, sweet potatoes, onions, multicolored peppers, zucchini and eggplant are all great options. They can take just five to 10 minutes depending on the heat. Toss with pesto or garlic for added flavor.

Grill your dessert

With all these healthy grill options, you’ll of course need to leave a little room for a fun dessert.


Grill a slice of pound cake and serve it with grilled pineapple with chipotle olive oil and Persian lime olive oil, or grilled peaches with a little olive oil and a cinnamon pear balsamic and your favorite gelato.


These tips are bound to brighten up your grilling this summer. They’ll also keep you healthy while you still get to enjoy great-tasting food.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

Living is easy with eyes closed.

The Beatles

On the road again…

First comes the meet-and-greet with council members and city officials. And then, the grand affair — the meeting proper — at 7pm. This past Monday marked the Wyoming City Council’s first summer outdoor meeting. Read all about it here.


The council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7pm. The July “on the road” meeting will be July 15 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, and the August meeting is Aug. 19 at Aurora Pond Senior Living & Retirement Community, 2380 Aurora Pond Dr. SW. Beats being cooped up indoors.


You’re only young once

Hello West Michigan, West Michigan’s regional talent attraction and retention organization, will host its 6thannual Intern Connect conference on Wednesday, June 19, in Grand Rapids. The organization hopes to impart “essential skills” such as interpreting dress codes, navigating networking events, creating positive workplace communication and how to #adult to the more than 350 summer interns participating in the conference. More info here.

‘I could be a contender’

Recently, students and teachers gathered in the Kelloggsville High School auditorium for a time-honored tradition: signing day. The tables on the stage had logoed caps and contracts just waiting for signatures from high school seniors, ready to commit to a team for the coming year. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

142.18

The number of licks it takes to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop.
You’re welcome.


Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream Tour comes to Grand Rapids Oct. 27

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, ,
Photo supplied

By Hilarie Carpenter, SMG


BASE Hologram, the leading content developer, producer and distributor of concerts, theatricals and spectacles that combine holographic cinema and mixed reality with live entertainment, has announced North American tour dates for Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly: The Rock ’N’ Roll Dream Tour, a groundbreaking tour featuring the award-winning rock and roll legends, including a stop in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at 7:30pm in SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall.


Stemming from the success of BASE Hologram’s In Dreams: Roy Orbison in Concert tour that broke records across the globe in 2018, the company will bring Orbison and Holly together for an enthralling event that will see concurrent dates across North America, Europe, and UK. Eric Schaeffer (Million Dollar Quartet), who shepherded the In Dreams event, will return as the director.


Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 21 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.


“When you look at the architects of the Rock and Roll era, the names that come to mind are Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly,” said Brian Becker, Chairman and CEO of BASE Hologram. “Both of these men weren’t just gifted musicians, but skillful innovators who helped influence others in game-changing ways.”


Accompanied by a live band and back-up singers, this cutting-edge, multi-media holographic performance and remastered audio will transport audiences back in time for an evening of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly’s greatest hits on stage. “These men weren’t just one thing – they were artists in every sense of the word,” said BASE Hologram CEO of Production Marty Tudor.


“Like Roy, Buddy has a truly impressive songbook, and in many cases, audiences may not have realized he was the one behind so many hits. Part of the beauty of these productions is we get to share the legacy of these performers and remind people the full range of their talent.”

A flop for feet

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, ,
Flip-flops and sandals may look lovely, but are they the best choice for foot health? Not really, according to research. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Health Beat staff


Every spring, they emerge in droves from their winter hibernation. Their unmistakable sound heralds the arrival: flip, flop, flip, flop, flip, flop.


From the beach to the mall and environs in between, flip-flops are the go-to warm-weather footwear for many a person.


And while these same folks will tell you they wear flip-flops for comfort, research suggests this type of footwear is often a big source of discomfort.


And not just that—it can also cause serious problems.


Studies have shown that flip-flops can alter your gait pattern—essentially the way you walk. This alteration affects not only the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, but the knee, hip and back.


In a normal gait cycle, the action begins with the foot making contact with the ground on the outside edge of the heel.


As the forefoot comes to the ground in the stance phase of the gait cycle, the foot begins to pronate, or flatten, to provide shock absorption. The foot adjusts to the surface on which you’re walking.


The foot then becomes more rigid, serving as a lever for the muscles of the lower leg as they contract. As the foot leaves the ground, it enters the swing phase of the cycle.


If the moment of pronation here is too pronounced or too drawn out, it can affect the entire lower extremity.


Excessive foot pronation increases the stress at the knee and hip joints, which can create problems in the foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back.


A big problem with most flip-flops is the lack of support they provide at the arch on the innermost part of the sole. This allows excessive pronation, which may contribute to dysfunction and pain in the lower extremity.

Under pressure

Flip-flops also affect more than just the kinetic chain of events.


Research has shown that people will experience more pressure on the bottom of their feet when they wear flip-flops, as compared to those who are barefoot or wearing shoes.


Flip-flops can be insufficient for dissipating ground reaction forces. A greater amount of force travels through the lower extremity of someone wearing flip-flops, placing more stress on the ankle, knee, hip and back.


Flip-flops can also cause a shorter stride length and an inefficient gait, leading to increased stress on the lower extremities.


Much of this arises from the flip-flop wearer’s need to hold the flip-flop on with the toes.


Scrunching the toes to maintain the position of the flip-flop activates muscles toward the back of the leg and the sole of the foot, which moves the toes and foot downward.


When walking, we’re supposed to move the toes and foot upward as the foot clears the ground.


Flip-flops hamper this motion, as well as compromising the normal function of the plantar fascia (a ligament on the bottom of the foot). The normal tightening of the plantar fascia allows for improved function of the foot as a propulsive lever.


The reduced function with flip-flops contributes to more force through the lower extremity and decreased stride lengths during the gait cycle.


But here’s the all-important question: What might all of this lead to?


Well, a variety of discomforts, imbalances and overuse injuries, some of which include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, arch pain, bunions, shin splints, tendonitis in the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone, knee and hip dysfunction or pain, bursitis of the knee and hip, low back pain and more.


It’s not hard to see how flip-flops can cause some serious problems.


The good news? Summer style and optimal foot comfort are still within reach.


“When looking for a sandal, look for one with a contoured foot bed with arch support, as opposed to flat-soled flip-flops,” said John Harris, DPM, FACFAS, a Spectrum Health Medical Group orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. “In addition, pick a sandal that does not require you to scrunch your toes to hold them on. Perhaps a sandal with a heel strap.”


If you must wear flip-flops, you should limit use to short distances and a short amount of time.


“Parents, be leery of allowing your kids to use flip-flops as their go-to summer shoe gear,” Dr. Harris said, explaining that many of the summer injuries he sees are attributable to flip-flops.


Also, be sure to replace your footwear frequently—it can help ensure a pain-free summer for your feet, knees, hips, legs and back.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Advantages of a bilingual brain

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, , ,
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Tracy Trautner, Michigan State University Extension


Why would we want young children to learn a second language while they are focused on learning their primary one? It seems like this would be learning overload at a time when they are also learning how to be friends, count, play on the playground and so much more. However, this is a time in our lives when acquiring a second language comes very naturally.


Between the ages of 0-3, the brains of young children are uniquely suited to learn a second language as the brain is in its most flexible stage. In fact, bilingually exposed infants excelled in detecting a switch in language as early as 6 months old. They can learn a second language as easy as they learned to walk and learn their primary language. According to the University of Washington News, the U.S. census shows that 27 percent of children under the age of 6 are now learning a language other than English. Learning a second language does not negatively impact the child’s native language.


As adults, we have to consider grammar rules and practice, but young children absorb sounds, structures, intonation patterns and the rules of a second language very easily. Up until the age of 8, young learners benefit from flexible ear and speech muscles that can detect differences between the sounds of a second language.


If youth can learn multiple languages, why not teach them? Exposure to two languages over one language has many benefits, according to What’s Going on Inside the Brain of a Bilingual Child? from KQED news. Bilingual children may have a superior ability to focus on one thing and change their response, easily indicating “cognitive flexibility.” Both traits require self-control, a very desirable trait in the early childhood classroom as well as life. When a bilingual toddler attempts to communicate, the languages in the brain “compete” to be activated and chosen. The child must select one and suppress the other, which requires attention and the ability for the brain to be flexible, which is possible at this early age. The interference forces the brain to resolve internal conflict, giving the mind a workout that strengthens its cognitive muscles.


Bilingual children are also more adept at solving certain kinds of mental puzzles. A 2004 study by psychologists Ellen Bialystok and Michelle Martin-Rhee found that bilingual youth were more successful at dividing objects by shape and color versus their monolingual peers who struggled when the second characteristic (sorting by shape) was added. This suggests the bilingual experience improves the brain’s command center, thus giving it the ability to plan, solve problems and perform other mentally demanding tasks. These tasks include switching attention from one thing to another and holding information in mind, like remembering a sequence of directions when getting ready for school in the morning or, for adults, driving a car.


While it may be easier for young children to pick up a second language, there are benefits for adults as well. Researchers found that young adults who knew two languages performed better on attention tests and had better concentration compared to those who only spoke one language. They also respond faster or more accurately than their monolingual peers, according to Kapa and Colombo, 2013. This is largely because of the workout our brain receives while switching back and forth between one language and another when deciding how to communicate. It allows us to focus better during a lecture and remember relevant information.


Learning a second language can protect against Alzheimer’s as well. Recent brain studies have shown that bilingual people’s brains function better and for longer after developing the disease. On average, the disease is delayed by four years compared to monolinguals.


Do not fear that learning two languages will confuse or distract your child. Remember, their brains are flexible, and the skills develop beyond learning a second language is immeasurable. Bilingual children learn that an object stays the same even though the object has a different name in a different language (object permanence). For example, a foot remains a foot in English as well as French. Studies have also repeatedly shown that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility of mind.


Michigan State University Extension suggests the following articles for additional information about the advantages to learning a second language as well as helpful tips to support your child:

For more articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, visit the Michigan State University Extension website.


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

Sixth annual Intern Connect conference hopes to keep young talent in West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism
The 6th annual Intern Connect conference is Wednesday, June 19.

By Hello West Michigan

Hello West Michigan, West Michigan’s regional talent attraction and retention organization, will host its 6thannual Intern Connect conference on Wednesday, June 19, in Grand Rapids. The organization hopes to impart “essential skills” such as interpreting dress codes, navigating networking events, creating positive workplace communication and how to #adult to the more than 350 summer interns participating in the conference. Equally as important though, Hello West Michigan hopes to connect the interns with the community, their peers and local employers with the goal to attract and retain young talent in West Michigan.

About 350 summer interns participate in the conference.

“Many employers view summer internships as an 8-week long interview, but the interns are also interviewing us — ‘us’ being both the company and West Michigan,” said Rachel Bartels, Executive Director of Hello West Michigan. “By connecting interns with regional happenings, they can experience the community for themselves and get excited about living here. If there’s a job offer on the table at the end of the summer, we want them to say yes.”

Several leading West Michigan employers will participate in the conference.

Several leading West Michigan employers will participate in the conference, which takes place from 12:30 – 5:00 pm at 20 Monroe Live. 

“Intern Connect is a great opportunity for interns in the region to learn more about living and working in West Michigan, whether they grew up here or are here for the first time” said Kasey Delinsky, College Recruiter and Internship Program Manager at Amway. “Summer is a fantastic time to experience life in the region, and this event from Hello West Michigan has been instrumental in convincing our talented graduates to stay and build their lives in West Michigan.”

In addition to the event on June 19, Hello West Michigan also publishes The Intern Inform, a weekly digital newsletter with information on free or low-cost events happening in West Michigan. Anyone can subscribe to the free newsletter at www.hellowestmichigan.com/internconnect.

“Intern Connect allows interns to meet other early-in-career peers and is especially great for interns at smaller organizations, where they may be the only young person in the office,” said Bartels. “Many of our larger companies plan extensive programming for their summer interns, both social and professional. By hosting Intern Connect, we combine the efforts of many employers and offer that programming resource for smaller companies to tap into.”

Tickets for Intern Connect cost $30 until Friday, June 14 and $40 after that. Interns can register individually at www.hellowestmichigan.com/internconnector companies can pay for their registration fee by contacting Hello West Michigan directly. Employers looking for entry-level talent or their next round of interns are invited to host a company table at the event. The cost is $250 for employers. More information is available by contacting Hello West Michigan at hellowestmichigan.comor by calling 616 771-0354.

Headed outdoors? Lather ’round the lashes

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Recreation, Senior Living, ,

Don’t think that low-SPF moisturizer is a safe substitute for higher-SPF sunscreen lotion, researchers caution. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Even though many moisturizers now contain sunscreens, people may not put them on their faces as carefully as they do sunscreen lotions, new research suggests.


“Moisturizer is not as well applied as sunscreen,” said lead author Kevin Hamill, a lecturer in eye and vision science at the University of Liverpool in England.


“Therefore, if planning prolonged sun exposure, we advise sunscreen be used,” he added. “If using moisturizer, we advise one with SPF (sun protection factor): any SPF is better than none but it should not be considered the equal of sunscreen.”


For this study, researchers exposed 84 volunteers to ultraviolet radiation and photographed them using a UV-sensitive camera on two separate visits. The photos were taken before and after participants applied SPF30 sunscreen to their face on one visit or moisturizer on the other visit.


Coverage was worse for the moisturizer (nearly 17% missed) than the sunscreen (11% missed), the findings showed. This difference was mostly due to less coverage of the eyelid regions—21% missed with moisturizer and 14% missed with sunscreen.


Most participants were unaware they had worse coverage with moisturizer than with sunscreen, according to the study published online April 3 in the journal PLoS One.


The study authors noted that particular attention should be paid to the eyelid area when applying any SPF cream.


In addition, other methods of protecting eyelids, such as UV filter sunglasses, should be considered, they suggested in a journal news release.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

ESME’s Music & Dance at Fountain Street Church, June 21st

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Courtesy Fountain Street Church

By Virginia Anzengruber, Fountain Street Church


ESME’s exciting live music and dance production returns to Grand Rapids at Fountain Street Church featuring a unique ensemble that includes dancers of the Grand Rapids Ballet.


Original dance choreography is set to the music of Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Radiohead and interwoven together through a series of narrative twists. Swan Song takes an eclectic music program and re-imagines it as a demo reel of thematic vignettes, combining personal storytelling with the immediacy of live music and dance interaction to create an engaging concert experience that is part intimate, part cinematic, and wholly accessible to a diverse audience.


Don’t miss it: June 21, 7:30pm at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.


For more info, go here.



Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming weekend news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,

Each generation must, at the height of its power, step aside and invite the young to share the day. You have laid claim to our world and I believe the future, in your hands, will be bright and prosperous.

Teddy Roosevelt in “Newsies the Musical”

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming resident Cullen Dyk in the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre production of “Newsies.” (Supplied)

Extra, Extra

If you haven’t heard, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of Disney’s “Newsies the Musical” is currently running at its theater, located at 30 N. Division Ave. The story follows the 1899 newsboy or “newsies” strike that pitted the young, poor against the establishment such as publisher Joseph Pulitzer. Who wins? Well you will just have to go to find out. The show runs through June 23.

The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival runs through June 16.

Celebrating Diversity

According to The Right Place, about 35,400 people from Asia and the Pacific Islands (including Hawaii) live in the West Michigan area in 2018. Spend some time this weekend exploring the culture and heritages of Asia and the islands at the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival which is at Rosa Parks Circle, located in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. The event, which runs through Sunday, June 16, includes a variety of entertainment from classical to Korean hip-hop. There will be workshops on origami, weapons, Quigong-alternative healing, modern-Japanese martial art Aikido, yoga, and Haka dance. Food will be available from the Philippines, Thailand, Bhutan, Korea, China, and Vietnam along with rolled ice cream. For more information, visit grasianfestival,com.

The Wyoming City Council will start its On the Road program Monday, June 17.

On the Road Again

The Wyoming City Council is packing up and hitting the road with plans to host three of its summer meetings in local neighborhoods. The first is Monday, June 17, at the Wyoming Junior High School, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. There will be a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. with council members and city staff with the meeting starting at 7 p.m. The July “on the road” meeting will be July 15 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, and the August meeting is Aug. 19 at Aurora Pond Senior Living & Retirement Community, 2380 Aurora Pond Dr. SW.

That’s a Big Horse

Grand Rapids is not only known for having the first public outdoor sculpture funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is Alexander Calder’s La Grand Vitesse, but also for the largest equestrian bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere, which is the 24-foot Leonardo da Vinci horse called “Il Gavallo,” located at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE. Check it out along with the Meijer Gardens’ recently opened Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden.

Setting the stage for success: Promoting social and emotional health in young children

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, ,
Parents and caregivers do much to help promote healthy development. Photo credit: Pixabay.

By Carrie Shrier, Michigan State University Extension


What is social and emotional health? What role does it play in children being ready and able to succeed in school and life? Much emphasis is placed on teaching young children their ABC’s, colors, shapes and numbers in preparation for heading off to Kindergarten. Research, however, is showing that one of the greatest predictors of children’s success in school is their social and emotional health.


According to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, social and emotional health is a child’s developing capacity to experience and regulate emotions, form secure relationships, and explore and learn. This all happens within the context of one’s family, community and culture background.


Parents and caregivers do much to help promote healthy development. Many of these are things you are already doing every day with the children in your care. Other skills take targeted effort to develop within the context of your home or child care center. However, it is well worth the effort to plan for children’s social and emotional development in the same manner we do for academic success. Michigan State University Extension believes that children who understand and cope with their emotions usually:

  • Perform better academically
  • Form stronger relationships with their peers and adults
  • Have fewer behavioral problems
  • Handle their own negative emotions better
  • Lead happier, healthier and less stressful lives

One key strategy to prompting children’s social and emotional development is through the use of children’s literature. Books provide a wealth of opportunities to teach young children about their emotions, how to identify and label their feelings, how to problem solve, and to see characters engaging in situations that might be similar to their every day life. MSU Extension offers Family Book Sheets to help parents and child care providers expand on these concepts beyond reading the book.


Even as very young toddlers, children can learn to express their feelings appropriately and learn to label their emotions. For example, teaching toddlers to sign the word “stop” instead of biting when they feel frustrated. Give preschoolers the opportunities to be reflective about their feelings and expose them to a wide variety of feeling words beyond just happy, sad and mad. Take the time to say in front of the children in your care that, “It is frustrating when the CD player won’t work!” or “It’s disappointing that it’s raining and we can’t go outside today.”


It’s also important to teach children friendship skills. What does being a good friend look like? Are you modeling that for your children? Teach empathy by being empathetic and recognizing emotions in others. Provide positive verbal support to children who are “caught” engaging in positive play with their peers. Practicing turn taking and build in opportunities for children to help each other, such as serving snack to their peers.


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

Wyoming City Council takes its meetings on the road for the summer

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , ,
The Wyoming City Council at Southlawn Park in 2017. The council will be heading out on the road this summer visiting three of the city’s neighborhoods. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


The Wyoming City Council once again will be taking its meetings on the road with its first summer council meeting at Wyoming Junior High, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. The meeting is Monday, June 17, at 7 p.m.

Started in 2017, the Wyoming City Council has three of its summer meetings, this year it is the third Monday of the month in June, July, and August, in a neighborhood within the city. The goal being to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with council members in their own neighborhoods. Mayor Jack Poll said this gives residents an opportunity o learn about how its council works along with talking about issues or concerns within their own neighborhood directly with council members.

The Wyoming City Council at the Del-Mar Community Center in 2018. (WKTV)

“The Council on the Road program has been a great success for the City of Wyoming, as it allows the City Council to meet people where they are and interact with them in different ways,” Poll said. “In addition to educating residents about the City Council and how our meetings are conducted. These summer meetings also encourage council members to visit areas of the community that may be unfamiliar to them.

“Overall, we have a lot of fun and I think everyone enjoys them!”

From 6 – 7 p.m., there is a meet-and-greet with council members and city officials available to talk to residents, answer questions about the process, and enjoy a summertime treat. The council meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The official agenda for the meeting will be posted here. 

The council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. The July “on the road” meeting will be July 15 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, and the August meeting is Aug. 19 at Aurora Pond Senior Living & Retirement Community, 2380 Aurora Pond Dr. SW.

Poll said “I encourage you to ‘be involved and be informed,’ and we look forward to meeting you and your neighbors this summer.”

Why economic development is regional

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, ,
Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Andy Hayes, Michigan State University Extension


We all know that companies cross government boundary lines all the time. They are constantly buying and selling goods and services while crossing city, village, township, county, state, and in many cases federal boundaries. 


But what many people may not realize is that employees regularly cross city, village and county boundaries for employment. This ebb and flow of employees help companies located in a particular county fill needed positions, which enables them to sell products and services, pay taxes, and support their home county.


Conversely, many residents rely on companies in another county for employment, which enables them to live, raise families, pay taxes, and support schools and community projects in their home county.


The US Census Bureau OnTheMap has created an interesting report called: “Inflow/Outflow Report All Jobs for All Workers.” Search and select the county or city you’d like to analyze, then select “inflow/outflow” and “all jobs” in the dialog box. From the generated report you’ll be able to see how many individuals are employed and living in the area, how many come into the area for employment, and how many leave the area for employment.


The report is based on 2015 data, but the proof that economic development is regional is shown vividly by the movement of residents. View your community data and access the full reports at http://onthemap.ces.census.gov.


Michigan State University Extension partner Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) utilizes this data to better understand the talent pool in the region and what the needs are for employers and employees.


“Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.”


Twitter:  Why economic development is regional


URL: http://onthemap.ces.census.gov, http://msue.anr.msu.edu/, www.northernlakes.net


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


Have the dry eyes of menopause?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,

A common complaint among middle-aged women, there is help for dry eyes. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Menopause can be tough enough to handle, but when hot flashes and weight gain are accompanied by dry, scratchy, irritated and red eyes, it’s time to take action.


This condition actually has a name associated with it—dry eye of menopause—and it is a common complaint of women over 50.


Many women talk about it, ask their physician about it, and don’t like it, but there are no clear answers as to why women suffer from this condition. And, unfortunately, we don’t really know what to do about it. Is dry eye really associated with menopause, or is it a product of aging? We aren’t completely sure.


A patient I’ll call Rhonda suffered from several symptoms during menopause, including dry and irritated eyes. The 54-year-old finally decided to call our office for help.


She had been period-free for about 15 months, and her menopause symptoms were not going away. She started with night sweats and irritability roughly six months before her last period, but soon after her final period (not knowing it was her last one), the hot flashes started with a vengeance.


And the symptoms just kept coming. Rhonda didn’t sleep well, her moods became erratic, and she gained weight without changing her diet or exercise plan. For many months, Rhonda thought she could just handle everything, but after blowing up at a lady who left her cart in the middle of the aisle in the grocery store one day, she knew something had to change.


Rhonda took her first step by seeing her family practice physician. Although helpful, Rhonda wasn’t sure about her doctor’s recommendation to start taking hormone supplements.


So, instead, her doctor started her on the medicine Lexapro for the hormone-related mood changes. Lexapro increases the brain chemicals lost with poor sleep and lower estrogen levels. The medicine quickly helped with her mood swings and also cut her hot flashes in half.


Unfortunately, the weight gain continued, and she started having really scratchy eyes. She went back to her doctor thinking she had something stuck in them. After a thorough examination of her eyes with a special lamp, the doctor concluded they were clearly red and irritated despite having no foreign particles in them. She told Rhonda she had seen many women with dry eyes when they started menopause and perhaps it was time to consider hormone medication.


Rhonda left the office determined to take the next step in getting relief for this annoying symptom. She made an appointment at the Spectrum Health Medical Group Midlife and Menopause Offices with Natasha Peoples, a nurse practitioner and certified menopause practitioner. Peoples walked her through our menopause symptom and lifestyle assessments, also known as SEEDS (Seven Essential Elements of Daily Success).


The assessment confirmed that Rhonda had many of the symptoms, even though some of them were better with the Lexapro. Rhonda’s No. 1 goal was to get help for her dry eye issue, and she hoped Natasha could give her some advice. Her job required her to sit at a computer screen for several hours each day, and her eye symptoms made it difficult to concentrate.


After listening to Rhonda’s concerns, Natasha explained how the body changes with menopause, focusing specifically on the dry eye problem. We know that dry eye of menopause in women is common, no matter what age they experience menopause—at 30, 45 or 55. And, for many women, the symptoms of dry, scratchy eyes get better with estrogen. Testosterone is thought to possibly play a role in tear formation as well, and, without good studies to help us, testosterone in low doses added to estrogen could also help.


There are also some other options that may help dry eyes if a woman either can’t (because of medical reasons) or simply won’t add hormones to her daily routine. Dry eye of menopause is thought to be from quicker evaporation of tears and lower-quality tears (tears that are watery and don’t have much oil to coat the eye surface). Conversations with patients tell us that over-the-counter medications such as artificial tears and lubrication ointment can be effective for some, as well as adding fish oil or flax seed supplements to their diet. Even the basic habit of drinking water and staying hydrated can also play a positive role in eliminating this symptom.


Peoples thought Rhonda would benefit from taking hormones, but she first needed to make sure Rhonda was a good candidate. Natasha asked many questions about Rhonda’s medical history and lifestyle habits, and determined she was very healthy, except for being overweight. They talked about getting back to the basics and incorporating the SEEDS into her daily routine. And, they also worked out a plan to start menopause hormone therapy, deciding on the patch and FDA-approved progesterone capsules called Prometrium-bioidentical.


Three months later, Rhonda returned to see Peoples for her checkup and happily reported she felt better. She added one more walk to her week, started doing a DVD with weights, added yoga once a week, and began a routine of daily stretching. In addition, she drank more water, got better sleep and took a multivitamin, Vitamin D and fish oil.


Two weeks after starting the hormones, her hot flashes disappeared, and although her dry eyes weren’t completely back to normal, they were only a minor nuisance and no longer bothered her at work. Even her friends and family members noticed she was acting and feeling better.


Women, including Rhonda, do not have to suffer during menopause. Sometimes even the most basic habits can make all the difference in helping us feel better. And, even though Rhonda’s health care providers aren’t completely sure which change helped her eyes improve the most, Rhonda enjoyed feeling better than she had in a long time.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Cat of the week: Lenka

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, ,
Meet lovely Lenka

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


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 occasion we have to set up live traps behind our facility on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, as people do have a tendency to drop cats off after (and sometimes during) hours; also we are seated across the street from an apartment complex that has had its fair share of abandonments, so our parking lot is no stranger to strays in need of assistance.


This spring (2019) we noted a few cats hanging around who had proven to be quite elusive, so in early May we set up a live trap in hopes of snagging one or both of them; instead we caught this scraggly yet stunning senior citizen—whom we had never seen before. As it turned out, the eight-year-old (born in April of 2011) was actually microchipped to a person living only a few blocks away, but multiple attempts to contact the owner failed.


Dr. Jen reached out to an old neighbor of hers who still lived nearby, and he told her that the owner had passed away a year ago, and the remaining residents of the household left this poor to fend for herself. The neighbor had been watching out for her and providing food and shelter, but he hadn’t seen her for quite some time before we caught her. He was so relieved she was safe and sound, indoors and being cared for, as his two former Crash Cats screamed bloody murder whenever they caught sight of her traipsing around their yard.


Since this sweet, seasoned girl was getting a second chance at a bright future, Dr. Jen opted to rename her Lenka, which is Slavic in derivation and means ‘light’. Although Lenka was sturdy in frame, she was underweight and thin, eating to her heart’s content and purring up a storm when stroked and spoken to. One thing that was clearly evident was that Lenka was definitely used to being indoors and could not be happier to have that soothing environment envelop her again.


Very shortly after her arrival, however, she developed large ulcerations on her upper lips, so along with treatment for an ear infection, Dr. Jen started antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial invasion of the lesions known as ‘rodent ulcers, an inflammatory condition that can be brought on by stress. The good doctor held off on using steroids to treat this form of Eosinophilic Granulomas, as she was hesitant to use an immunosuppressive drug right off the bat; luckily Dr. Jen’s gamble paid off and within days, Lenka’s lips healed beautifully.


But her medical issues weren’t over yet: when it came time for her four-week recheck at the clinic, Dr. Jen noted an elevated heart rate—and the fact that even though this girl could eat her weight (8#) in canned food, she hadn’t put on more than a few ounces. As Dr. Jen suspected, lab work revealed that Lenka was hyperthyroid. Thankfully, this condition, which is common in geriatric cats and causes a hypermetabolic state, is very easy (and cost-effective) to medically manage; Lenka takes her twice-daily pills like a trouper.

Dr. Jen tells her clients that if their pet is going to have an endocrine disorder, thyroid disease is probably the one that requires the least effort to control, and bi-yearly follow-ups once levels normalize. So, that being said, we asked our cat care team to give a glimpse of Lenka’s personality traits as seen at the shelter:


“Lenka is so sweet but really should be an only cat. She loves one-on-one time with people and can’t get enough attention. She just prefers a little bit of space from the other cats. I have a feeling at one time he was the Queen Bee of a household. She’s not one to be physically aggressive but will let out a serious warning growl to the other residents if they get too close — especially when eating. Considering her almost immediate health issues/setbacks, and hearing a little of her background I really don’t blame her for being a little grumpy. She’s not crazy about being handled but enjoys chin scratches and belly rubs. I would love to see her as an only cat in a home with a retired couple ideally, but as long as she is showered with affection she will be thrilled!”

More about Lenka:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Tabby (tiger-striped)
  • Senior
  • Female
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Good in a home with children, no other cats

Want to adopt Lenka? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.


Cedric ‘The Entertainer’ set to play DeVos Performance Hall on Sept. 7

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events,

By Mike Klompstra, SMG

Tickets for the hilarious actor/comedian go on sale Friday, June 14 at 10am

Charismatic actor and comedian Cedric ‘The Entertainer’ is best known for his crowd-pleasing performances in hit films and television shows such as Barbershop, Be Cool, and Madagascar, and now he’s bringing his talents to Grand Rapids for a show at SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at 8pm.


Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 14 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.

Cedric’s universal appeal, versatility and tremendous career success spanning film, live performances and television have solidified his standing as one of the premier entertainers in the world. In July of 2018, Cedric received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other notable accolades Cedric has been honored with are The AFTRA Award of ‘Excellence in Television Programming,’ the NAACP Image Award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor’ for The Proud Family, record-breaking four consecutive NAACP Image Awards for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor’ for The Steve Harvey Show, and The Richard Pryor ‘Comic of the Year Award.’


On the big screen, the multi-talented funnyman has consistently co-starred alongside some of the most renowned film actors. He was most recently seen in the comedy features Why Him?, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Top Five, and many more. Additionally, Cedric has displayed tremendous voiceover talent in the beloved family features Disney’s Planes, Charlotte’s Web, Madagascar and various sequels. Currently, Cedric co-stars with Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish in the new hit TBS comedy series, The Last OG., as well as The Neighborhood, a new TV comedy series on CBS.


As a philanthropist, Cedric founded The Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation, which provides college scholarships and outreach programs to enhance the lives of inner-city youth and their families in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. The foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships and countless incentives and plans to extend its reach to a national level.

Strawberries—the guilt-free treat

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, How-To's, , ,
Jams and trifles are an effective way to turn a whole basket of berries into a treat the whole family can enjoy. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


Berries are nature’s natural sweetener and they come loaded with benefits. Fiber, vitamins and antioxidants sweeten the deal.


Fresh strawberries are a plentiful spring and summer fruit, so load up on them at the farmer’s market. One cup contains 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and has just 46 calories.


Here are two great ways to turn a basket of berries into sweets. The first is a simple, low-sugar refrigerator jam that you can use in many ways, from a tasty topping for toast to a sweetener in smoothies.

Low-sugar strawberry jam

  • 4 tablespoons cold water
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1 pound strawberries, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Place two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface. Do not stir. Set aside to soften.


Meanwhile, place the strawberries in a heavy saucepan, along with the other two tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until berries are softened, about five minutes. Stir in the gelatin and the honey. Chill at least one hour before serving.


Yield: About 2 cups

Strawberry trifle

A fresh trifle is a tasty way to showcase seasonal berries, but most traditional recipes are heavy in fat and sugar, mostly from the lemon curd. By lightening up homemade curd and using yogurt instead of cake layers, this dessert is guilt-free.

  • 2 large lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup sugar or sugar substitute
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons butter, cut into bits
  • 4 cups assorted berries, stemmed and halved
  • 2 cups plain 2 percent Greek yogurt

Whisk the lemon juice and zest, sugar and eggs in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in butter and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until curd is thick and clings to the whisk, about six minutes.


Transfer lemon curd to a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the fridge until cold, at least 60 minutes.


When chilled, layer half the curd in the bottom of a glass bowl. Add a third of the berries, then top with 1 cup of the yogurt. Repeat with layers of curd, berries and yogurt and finally top with a layer of berries. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 60 minutes before serving.


Yield: 8 servings


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Staying safe outdoors during tick season

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living, ,
Center for Disease Control and Prevention graphic

By Rob Wiener, Michigan State University Extension


With the mild weather of spring upon us, many people are venturing into the outdoors after enduring a long, cold Michigan winter. While there are few better experiences for the soul than a walk in the woods, there are some precautions one should take to minimize the risk posed by ticks.


Although most bug bites are harmless, some people are prone to sensitivity from the biting insect’s saliva, which is recognized by the body as a foreign substance, prompting an immune response. The more you scratch it, the more it will itch as irritation and inflammation increases. Many over-the-counter products, or plain old rubbing alcohol, can reduce this itching and inflammation.


However, when it comes to ticks, there are some potentially dangerous ailments that can be transmitted through bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks can be infected with a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be passed on to humans through a bite. The most common of these is Lyme disease, first diagnosed in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975.


Lyme disease has been notoriously hard to diagnose, although the increased incidence of the disease has resulted in more awareness for both the patient and medical practitioner. Typical symptoms of possible Lyme infection include initial swelling and/or itching at the site of the bite, which many times progresses into an expanding rash (possibly forming a bulls-eye appearance). As the infection progresses, flu-like symptoms can present themselves, including headache, chills, fatigue, fever, and nausea. If left untreated, Lyme’s disease can cause permanent, debilitating neurological and joint problems.


The best defense against tick-borne illnesses is prevention. First, be aware of tick habitat and their methods for finding a host. Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not drop or jump on people (or animals)—they hang onto vegetation, waiting for something to brush against them, then latch on.  Brushy woods and tall grassy areas provide the best opportunities for ticks to accomplish this, so be especially vigilant when exploring these areas.


It is recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to provide fewer areas of exposed skin for ticks to latch onto. Additionally, since ticks usually crawl upwards, tucking pant legs into socks will increase the likelihood of seeing ticks on your pants rather than on your skin.


The CDC recommends treating clothing, boots, and outdoor gear with products containing permethrin. Insect repellents containing DEET or other Environmental Protection Agency-approved ingredients can be quite effective at repelling ticks.


Finally, don’t forget about pets. After venturing outdoors, be sure to thoroughly check your pet’s coat for any ticks. And, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pet from ticks.


Any ticks found attached (on you or pets) should be carefully removed with a fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull straight out, being careful not to dislodge the head into the skin.  Thoroughly wash the bite area, and monitor for signs of irritation or rash.


Visit Michigan State University Extension to learn more about forests and forest management.


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


Remembrance event at Trillium Woods allows grieving families to release butterflies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, , ,
Faith Hospice will hosts its annual Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release Thursday, June 13 at its Trillium Woods campus in Byron Center. (Supplied)

By Faith Hospice


Local hospice provider, Faith Hospice, is holding a special event on Thursday, June 13, at its Trillium Woods campus that invites families who have lost loved ones in its care to join together in honor and remembrance through the release of butterflies. The second annual Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release will be held at 7 p.m. at Trillium Woods, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, SW in Byron Center.

The Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release provides just that for those who participate. It is an opportunity for families to gather together to honor the lives of the person or people who have passed away. Because butterflies are often considered deep and powerful representations of life, and the transformation that some people of faith believe, they are a wonderful symbol of the life of the individual.

One of last year’s attendees gets ready to release a butterfly. (Supplied)

In 2018, approximately 170 people attended the service and released butterflies in honor of family and friends. The theme of this year’s remembrance is “We Grieve With Hope.”

“Many of the families who participated in 2018 walked away with a sense of hope and of new beginnings as the butterflies were released,” said Faith Hospice Bereavement Manager Janet Jaymin. “Grieving is composed of so many stages and remembering the life of your loved one is a key part of the process.”

Community members are invited to attend the event as well. Registration is required by calling 616-356-4820. More information can be found at faithhospice.org/events.

“Bereavement, or the process of grieving a loved one, is a very personal experience,” Jaymin said. “One of the most important things about the grieving process is that every person’s grief is unique and that recovering from grief does not mean forgetting your loss or your loved one because we don’t forget the people we love. Taking the time to remember and commemorate their life is a significant part of the grieving process.”

Friends and families gather at the 2018 Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release. (Supplied)

Smart Gardening: Pollination in vegetable gardens and backyard fruit

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, How-To's, , , , , , , ,
Blueberries at harvest display poor pollination. Right cluster was visited by bees while left cluster was not. Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

By Esther E. McGinnis, North Dakota State University; Nathaniel Walton and Erwin Elsner, Michigan State University Extension; Janet Knodel, North Dakota State University


Bees are important insect pollinators for bountiful home vegetable gardens and backyard fruits. Both European honey bees and native bees, such as bumble bees, help ensure fruit set and higher yields. Learning about the process of pollination can help smart gardeners attract and safeguard these important insects.

What is pollination?

Figure 1. Flower anatomy in a perfect flower. Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

Pollination is the deposit of pollen grains from the anther (male structure) onto the pistil (female structure) of the same plant species (Fig. 1). Pollen can be transferred within an individual flower or between separate flowers. Successful pollination results in the production of viable seeds and a fruit to protect them.


Most crop plants are pollinated by insects or wind. Many agronomic crops, such as wheat and corn, rely on wind pollination. In contrast, many fruits and vegetables require or benefit from insect pollination. Common insect pollinators include bees, butterflies and flies. Of these pollinators, bees are the most important in home gardens.

The role of pollinators in the vegetable garden

Common plants in the cucurbit family include cucumbers, squash, zucchini, pumpkins, watermelon and muskmelon. Most cucurbits depend on bee pollination because each plant produces separate male and female flowers rather than having both sets of reproductive parts in each flower.

Figure 2. Cucumber flowers. Female flower with ovary on left, male on right. Courtesy Michigan State University Extention

Gardeners frequently ask why they have so many flowers on their cucumbers, but no fruit set. Look closely at the flowers to answer this question. In many cucumber cultivars, the first set of flowers are all male, which do not bear fruit. Both male and female flowers will then be produced in the second wave of blooms.


If female flowers are present but no fruit develops, then the problem may be a lack of pollinators. In the short-term, you can fill the role of the bee with hand- pollination. Take a clean paintbrush and insert it into the male flower to gather pollen. Then, transfer pollen to the stigmas of an open female flower. Hand-pollination works best in the morning. For a long-term solution, create pollinator habitat near or in the garden to attract bees.


Such flowers are called “imperfect.” Bees are essential to cross-pollinate or carry pollen from the male flower to the receptive female flower.

Figure 3a. Tomato flower anthers forming a tube around the pistil. Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

The cucurbit male flower contains three to five stamens with pollen- producing anthers. The female flower produces a single style with three stigmas. The easiest way to distinguish between the two flower sexes is to look for an ovary below the yellow petals. Female flowers have a swollen ovary or fruit and male flowers do not (Fig. 2).

Figure 3b. Portion of anthers cut away to revel pistil. (Courtesy Michigan State University Extension

In contrast to cucurbits, Soloanaceae crops such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants produce “perfect” flowers that contain male and female reproductive structures. Flower anatomy differs from the idealized image in Figure 1. Tomato anthers form a tube that completely surrounds the pistil (Fig. 3a). Figure 3b shows the anthers partially removed to reveal the pistil. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants can be pollinated simply by wind shaking the pollen from the anthers onto the stigma. However, bumble bees can improve fruit set and size because they vibrate the flowers and shake pollen loose from the anthers.


Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula), cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale), root crops (carrots, beets, radishes, onions), legumes (peas, beans) and tuber crops (potatoes) do not require bees to produce an edible harvest.

The role of pollinators in growing fruit

Bee pollination is important for growing tree fruits and small fruits. Many tree fruits such as apples and pears are self-incompatible (Table 1). This means two separate cultivars must be planted to produce fruit. For example, a ‘Honeycrisp’ apple blossom will not set fruit if a bee deposits pollen from a second ‘Honeycrisp’ apple tree. Instead, the pollen must come from a cultivar that is genetically different and has an overlapping bloom time.

Fruits such as sour cherries are self-compatible and can set fruit in the absence of a second cultivar (Table 2). However, self-compatibility still requires bees to transfer pollen within the flower or between flowers for full pollination. The number of cherries on a tree is directly related to the number of bee visits.


Raspberries are another example of a self-compatible fruit that relies on bees for full pollination (Table 2). The average raspberry flower contains 100 to 125 pistils. To produce a normal berry that does not crumble, at least 75 to 85 of the pistils must be pollinated.

Best management practices to attract and protect pollinators

  • Plant native and other well-adapted flowering plants for season-long bloom in or near the garden.
  • Create nesting habitat for ground- and cavity-nesting bees.
  • Do not spray insecticides or fungicides on flowering plants or fruit trees just before or during bloom.
  • If pesticide applications are necessary, choose a product with the least toxicity to bees.

Resources

For more information on a wide variety of Smart Gardening topics, visit www.migarden.msu.edu or call MSU’s Lawn and Garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464.


Download a printable PDF: Smart Gardening: Pollination in vegetable gardens and backyard fruit


This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program 2017-70006-27175 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.


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

9 Summer Heat Safety Tips for Seniors

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Senior Living,
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


There’s no reason you can’t get outdoors and enjoy the summer sun as a senior, but it’s also important that you take some precautions against the heat. Your body struggles to regulate internal temperatures as you age, making seniors one of the groups most likely to be affected by the heat and fall victim to dangerous health conditions like heat stroke.


In order to combat the dangers of overheating, sunburns, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, you need to be prepared. Here are 9 summer heat tips for seniors to stay safe while enjoying everything the Midwest summer season has to offer.

1. Stay Hydrated!

The simplest tip for maintaining a healthy internal body temperature and avoiding heat illnesses is also the one that is often the first forgotten. Staying hydrated is the best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and it doesn’t take much effort.


A helpful tip is to keep water easily accessible, so you don’t forget to drink it during the day. Keeping reusable water bottles in the fridge or by the door can remind you to grab one before you leave the house to have with you in the summer heat. Staying hydrated is important all year-round, so it’s a great habit to start!

2. Eat the Right Foods!

Heavy meals and hot foods can increase your internal body temperature and actually make you more likely to overheat. Instead, having light, fresh, and energizing foods that increase your energy levels can keep your internal body temperature at a healthy level during the summer. In addition, foods like fruits and vegetables have a high water content and can help you stay hydrated in addition to drinking water.

3. Dress Appropriately!

Don’t wear heavy layers during the summer—even if you are prone to getting cold. Your internal body temperature can quickly rise if you are dressed too warm. Instead, try clothing like:

  • Lightweight shirts and pants
  • Breathable fabrics
  • Light-colored clothing
  • Hats 

4. Wear Sunscreen!

Avoid sunburn and painful blisters by protecting your skin. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and often during summer days when you are outdoors. Even if the day is overcast, the UV rays of the sun can still give you sunburn. Use an SPF of at least 30, remember to cover areas that are often forgotten like:

  • The top of your head
  • Ears
  • Knees
  • Exposed parts of your feet and ankles
  • Neck and chest

5. Check the Weather!

Don’t let a heat wave catch you by surprise! Keeping a close eye on the weather predictions and the heat index can help prepare for the day ahead. Be aware of humidity as well—especially in the Midwest. Humidity can make a temperate day feel much hotter, so be ready. The heat index includes humidity in its calculation, so it’s a great resource to have on hand.

6. Don’t Overexert Yourself!

Using too much energy can result in your body becoming dehydrated much quicker than usual, which can lead to heat stroke or collapse. Your energy levels also drop as you age, making this dehydration process happen faster. There are plenty of great ways to get outdoors that don’t require you to put too much energy into your activities.

7. Stay Indoors!

An easy way to avoid the heat is to just stay inside. On particularly hot days, plan to stay indoors—whether in your own home or at a place like a shopping center or movie theater. Indoor activities and alternative exercises can help you stay fit and active without having to brave the hot sun and risk your health.

8. Find Air-Conditioned Areas!

There’s never a better time to invest in an air conditioner than when you become a senior. Having a source of cold air can be a major help during heat waves, as it can help you lower your body temperature quickly. If you plan on going outside, having a plan in place to stop at air-conditioned stores or cafes throughout the day can be another way to avoid too much heat exposure.

9. Be on the Lookout for Warning Signs!

Knowing what the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are can be the difference between avoiding sickness or becoming a victim.


The major signs of oncoming heat exhaustion include:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Fainting

If you feel any of these signs coming on, immediately cool yourself off with fans, air conditioning, a cold bath, and plenty of cool drinks and water. This will help bring your internal body temperature down and avoid the more serious heat illness, heat stroke. If you feel these signs progressing, get out of the sun immediately and call 911. Heat stroke can lead to seizures and/or a coma if not dealt with.


Avoid these serious symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke by taking the heat and hot temperatures of summer seriously, especially as a senior. By following these tips and monitoring your internal body temperature, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer in healthy moderation.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


More than a fancy handstand

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Recreation, Senior Living, ,

Research suggests yoga may impart a multitude of health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and lower stress levels. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By American Heart Association, HealthDay


For years, aerobic exercise has been touted for its numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, better mood, increased energy and stronger bones and muscles.


But there’s another form of physical activity that’s grabbing headlines—yoga.


Some studies suggest the mind-body practice may be good for heart health, from reducing blood pressure and cholesterol to lowering stress and body mass index.


While yoga often is associated with images of limber practitioners, it is more than just stretching and handstands.


Originated in India, yoga includes physical poses (asana), breathwork (pranayama) and meditation. There are many yoga styles, including Hatha, Iyengar, restorative and hot yoga, each with a specific emphasis such as alignment or relaxation.


Recently, more Americans are stepping onto the mat.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14.3 percent of U.S. adults—or 35.2 million—practiced yoga in 2017, up from 9.5 percent in 2012.


Many take up the practice as a holistic approach to health and wellness and for its stress-busting effect.


“There’s a huge body of literature that says psychosocial stressors such as work and marital stress, as well as anxiety and depression, are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Puja Mehta, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.


“With chronic stress, the sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive,” which can lead to inflammation and increased blood pressure, Mehta said.


Yoga may help put the brakes on the body’s stress response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, or the “rest and digest” system, through deep breathing and relaxation, Mehta said.


Cultivating mindfulness also may encourage participants to engage in other habits that boost cardiovascular health by promoting self-awareness and self-care behaviors.


“(This) can have a profound effect on supporting the engagement of healthy behaviors of diet and physical activity,” said Dr. Gloria Yeh, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of mind-body research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.


Research also shows yoga may lower cardiovascular risk factors.


Yeh coauthored a 2014 review of clinical research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology that found yoga had a significant impact on cardiometabolic risk factors compared to doing no exercise at all.


For example, yoga decreased total cholesterol by 18.48 mg/dl and triglycerides by 25.89 mg/dl more than the change seen in the control group. Blood pressure improved too. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased 5.21 mmHg and 4.98 mmHg, respectively.


The benefits also extend to people with heart disease.


Among people with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in which symptoms come and go, doing 12 weeks of yoga combined with deep breathing resulted in a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and higher mental health scores compared to those who didn’t do yoga, according to a 2016 study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.


Mehta said although these and other scientific studies show promising results, there are some limitations, such as a small number of participants.


In addition, because yoga encompasses a variety of elements, there isn’t a standard dose of yoga, which makes comparisons across studies difficult, she said.


Both Yeh and Mehta said more research is needed, including more randomized clinical trials and a better understanding of the exact mechanism behind yoga’s cardiovascular benefits.


“We need to better understand for whom yoga may be more beneficial and how,” Yeh said. “Because yoga is so heterogeneous with many different styles and emphases, we’d like to be able to match the right exercises with the right people at the right time. We need to understand how best to integrate yoga with other lifestyle measures.”


And the biggest research question remains, Mehta said: “Are you going to live longer and not have cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke?”


For older adults and people new to yoga, Mehta recommends looking for gentle, restorative or chair-based classes.


People with heart disease or high blood pressure may need to modify some poses and avoid postures that place the head below the heart, she said. Experts also suggest pregnant women in particular steer clear of “hot yoga,” or yoga classes that take place in a heated room, because of the risk of overheating and dehydration.


The bottom line, Yeh said, is that yoga is exercise and “any exercise is better than no exercise, so the activity that someone will do—and enjoy doing—will be the one that provides the most benefit.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.