Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

Becoming a dementia-friendly Michigan

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, Senior Living,

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan


Today, there are over 5,000,000 people in the U.S. living with dementia. They are members of our churches, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our communities. They shop in the same stores we do, dine at the same restaurants, attend the same events, and utilize the same public transportation system. Despite living with dementia, they continue to be vital members of our communities and valued for their contributions. This is the ideal, anyway.


The reality is that for people living with dementia, their world tends to become slowly and consistently smaller, and a lot of this has to do with the difficulty they experience interacting with the world around them. We’ve all come into contact with a person who seems lost, is taking an extremely long time to make a decision or is ‘holding up the line’ because they are confused about a process. We become exasperated; they become upset, and no one leaves the experience feeling good.


While we can go about our day collecting better experiences, a person with dementia might be flustered and reluctant to do anything that may recreate it — shopping for groceries, riding a bus, ordering in a restaurant. They gradually become more isolated, less independent and separate from their communities. The isolation and separation people with dementia experience can actually contribute to the acceleration of their disease.


Dementia Friends Michigan (DFMI) is part of a national movement working to educate ‘Dementia Friends’ throughout the state so that people living with dementia can feel comfortable navigating daily life. DFMI strives to move Michigan toward becoming more aware, accessible and inclusive throughout the state. Dementia-friendly communities are more attractive, competitive and sustainable when they become more accessible and inclusive for everyone. 


DFMI’s main focus right now is creating awareness. This is done by teaching people about dementia and helping participants develop practical actions they can use to help someone they may encounter in the community who has dementia.


Jennifer VanHorssen, DFMI Program Coordinator, said, “Whether it be the checkout at a grocery store, on the bus, serving coffee at a coffee shop, or at an art or music performance, each of us can be supportive and help people living with dementia feel welcome and included.”

Dementia Friends Michigan is not only training Dementia Friends, but also educating Dementia Champions who become trainers in their own communities.


Creating dementia-friendly cities and states requires participation from all sectors of society — business, local government, transportation, financial institutions, neighborhood associations, faith communities, emergency responders, healthcare and the legal sector. “In a dementia friendly community” VanHorssen cites, “people living with dementia have autonomy, a high quality of life, and are engaged with the community.”


It begins with generating awareness.


If your business/organization would like to learn about becoming a dementia friend or you’d like to bring Dementia Friends Michigan to your community by becoming a Dementia Champion, contact Dementia Friends Michigan by calling (616) 222-7036 or email info@dementiafriendlygr.com. You can also learn more about DFMI and the dementia friendly movement on their website www.DFMI8.org. 


Regina Salmi is the PR & Communications Coordinator for AAAWM. When not keeping up with two busy teenagers, she enjoys reading, writing, volunteer work, golf, technology and learning something new every day.

Baby blues—or something worse?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, , , , , ,

Postpartum depression can affect up to 20 percent of new moms, making it difficult for them to care for their baby. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Samantha Kauffman, Spectrum Health Beat

 

If you’ve experienced depression, it may help to know you aren’t alone.

 

More than 16 million people experience at least one major depressive episode at some point during the year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

 

The positive angle on this: We know of many things that can help fight depression, including therapy, exercise and medication.

 

Sometimes the treatment depends on the circumstances.

 

Depression after having a baby, known as postpartum depression, is more common than people may realize.

 

About 15 to 20 percent of women in the U.S. experience major depression after having a baby. This type of depression is different from the more common baby blues, which about 80 percent of new mothers will experience.

 

Baby blues pertains to hormonal changes from having a baby, as well as lack of sleep with a new baby and a new role that comes with new pressures and other circumstances.

 

Some people are surprised to learn that dads can also get baby blues and depression.

 

Postpartum depression in moms, however, is more extreme and can interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself and her family. Severe symptoms usually require treatment.

 

Over time, we have come to realize that postpartum depression can happen quite often. Many moms will suffer in silence, however, because they don’t know what signs to look for or they don’t know what to do about it even when they know what’s happening.

 

This is one of the reasons the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is recommending earlier postpartum visits after birth.

 

I should also point out that women can also suffer from depression during pregnancy, not just afterward. An estimated 14 to 23 percent of pregnant women will struggle with depression, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

 

While it may seem reasonable to assume this depression results from a pregnant mom’s changes in hormones, this is only partly true.

 

Depression in pregnancy can also be triggered by an unplanned pregnancy, partner violence, a previous pregnancy loss, relationship issues and more.

 

Some of the symptoms to watch for:

  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Sadness that won’t go away
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
  • Anxiety beyond what might be considered a normal amount
  • Feelings of guilt
  • No desire to eat or eating all the time
  • Extra stress

Some of these symptoms are normal with pregnancy, so it’s important to remember that you need to watch for extremes.

 

Make sure you talk with your OB provider if you’re worried about depression or anxiety during pregnancy.

 

A study published earlier this year in JAMA Pediatrics found evidence suggesting that depression during pregnancy could result in poorer emotional and behavioral outcomes in children.

 

Of 101 pregnant moms surveyed for the study, 42 met the criteria for mild depression. Researchers then took MRIs of each baby’s brain at 1 month of age.

 

“Our study suggests that moderate levels of maternal depression and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy were associated with variations in the brain’s white matter microstructure or ‘wiring’ at one month of age,” said lead author Douglas Dean III, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

Up to 1 in 5 pregnant women experience depression and anxiety, according to the report, adding: “Mounting evidence links these conditions with poorer emotional and behavioral outcomes in children.”

 

Other studies, meanwhile, have found that untreated depression during pregnancy is linked to lower baby weight at birth.

 

Bottom line: If you are pregnant and feeling symptoms of depression or anxiety, please talk to your OB provider.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Man’s best friend, meet mom’s new baby

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Pets/Animals, , , , , ,

A dog with proper training and a good disposition will react well to the inevitable surprises a baby can bring. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Samantha Kauffman, Spectrum Health Beat

 

In one of our recent childbirth classes, a mom-to-be asked me for some advice on the best ways to bring her new baby into the home, since they have two dogs.

 

Now, my family doesn’t have inside animals at home, so I don’t have any personal experience.

 

But this struck me as a great question, and it led me to ask around and search online for some helpful tips. I found plenty of great information.

 

To start, you should assess your dogs—or even your cat, if that’s the case—to get a handle on their experiences and disposition around small children.

 

Has your pet ever been around small children before? How did the pet do?

 

One site I looked at recommended preparing your dog at least four months in advance for the arrival of the baby. You can do this by showing the pet the baby areas for play and sleep, the baby’s clothes, and so on.

 

When you’re one to two months from the delivery date, adjust the dog’s normal routine. You’ll have to do this anyway if you plan to have the dog sleep somewhere else, or if the dog’s access to certain areas will be limited because there’s a new baby in the house. It’s best to ready the dog in advance.

 

If you have time—and if your dog doesn’t already know these—teach the dog some basic commands like come, go, sit, stay and drop it. (That last one comes in handy with baby items.) It’s very important to teach the dog not to jump.

Prep your pup

One great way to prepare you dog for the arrival of a new baby in the home is to mimic—appropriately and respectfully—the potential behaviors of your baby. This can be done before your baby comes home, but also after.

 

Babies don’t know what they’re doing. If they see a dog, it’s inevitable they will pull its ears, fur, paws and nose.

 

The recommendation is to gently interact in a similar way with your dog—gently pull on the fur, for example—and give the dog a treat for behaving properly. Then, say something to your dog that you would have said if baby had been pulling on the dog’s fur.

 

For example: Give the dog’s paw a gentle tug, and then in a kind voice say, “What was that? Just baby!”

 

Continue this, appropriately, so your dog learns not to react. Your dog can learn how to properly respond to baby’s poking and prodding. Also, remember you’ll be teaching your baby what is OK and not OK with your pet.

 

Also, teach your dog that the nursery is off limits. (Remember, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends your baby sleep in a crib or bassinet in your room for the first year if possible, or the first six months at a minimum.)

 

At the end of the day, your baby’s safety is more important than all else. If you suspect your pet can’t behave or can’t be properly trained to accommodate a new baby, you should find the pet a new great home.

 

Some other tips I found in online research:

  • When you’re still at the hospital with your new baby, give a family member something that has your new baby’s scent on it, such as a burp cloth or a blanket. Have the family member take that item back to the house so that your dog can smell it. This can acclimate the dog to the new baby’s scent.
  • Once you’ve left the hospital and you arrive home with your baby, try to enter the home first. You or a family member can hold the baby at a safe distance, possibly in another room or a quieter part of the house. Let your dog get used to your return and work through its excitement. Just keep your baby a safe distance from the dog until the animal settles down.
  • Have someone distract the dog with treats until everything settles down.
  • When you eventually do allow the dog to come over and see the baby, be relaxed. Allow the dog to smell baby’s feet first. Praise your dog for being gentle and have treats available.
  • Never leave your baby alone on the floor with your dog.
Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

 

 

What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living in Michigan?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living,

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

What comes to mind when you think about Michigan? The peculiarly shaped Midwest state is known for its cars, lakes, and cities still finding their feet, but one thing it definitely doesn’t have a reputation for is being a hot retirement destination. But while the winters are cold and the roads are bumpy, choosing assisted living in Michigan has plenty of benefits for even the most discerning retiree.

What is Assisted Living?

At its most basic definition, assisted living is housing for elderly and disabled people that provides assistance with daily activities, such as meals and housekeeping. While there’s nothing wrong with this completely serviceable definition, it’s impossible to sum up all the benefits of assisted living in a single sentence.

Living in an assisted living community means so much more than getting help with activities of daily living, or ADLs. Depending on the community, care can extend to nursing assistance, respite and memory care, and rehabilitation. Even for aging adults that are capable of performing ADLs on their own, the community aspect of assisted living is extremely valuable, as isolation during retirement is a huge risk factor for poor mental health.

Why Michigan?

  • Cost: According to the 2017 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the cost of assisted living in Michigan is lower than the national median cost for a private one-bedroom apartment. Michigan’s tax burden for individuals is among the lowest in the country, and options like long-term care Medicaid and the Choice Waiver Program help eligible elders with the costs of assisted living and healthcare. While it may not be the first place people think of for great places to retire, there are many reasons why choosing an assisted living community in the Great Lakes State offers plenty of bang for your buck.
  • Outdoors: For the aging outdoors person, Michigan may as well be paradise. With four of the five Great Lakes forming many of the state’s borders, as well as over 11,000 inland lakes, residents of Michigan are never more than six miles away from some form of waterfront. In addition to lakes, the state’s natural landscape boasts over 36,000 miles of rivers and streams and 20.3 million acres of forests, on which 4 national parks, 103 state parks and recreation areas, and almost 8,000 miles of biking, hiking, and snowmobiling trails are available for enjoyment. Phew! And that’s just the start. For the hunters, fishermen and -women, winter sportspeople, swimmers, hikers, and those who just enjoy fresh air, Michigan offers everything you need.
  • Arts & Culture: If the great outdoors doesn’t call your name often, or at all, there’s still so much to take in. From the rejuvenated big city living in Detroit to the rich history of the old trading ports like Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac Island, to the thriving art and music communities in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Saugatuck, there’s truly something within half a day’s driving distance for everyone.

If you or a loved one is looking for an affordable but fun and full of life location for retirement, assisted living in Michigan should be at the top of the list.

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Living.

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

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

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“If people did not love one another, I really don’t see what use there would be in having any spring.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Spring forward!

Yup, it’s time to change your clocks this weekend.

Spring is right around the corner. Really, it is, and the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department points to its Spring Activities Calendar as proof. Check out all the fun things you can do here.

The best things in life are free

The Grand Rapids Public Museum offers free admission March 10.


The Grand Rapids Public Museum offers fun, hands-on learning opportunities for all ages through a variety of core and traveling exhibits. Visitor favorites include the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, an immersive exhibit that transports visitors back to 19th century of downtown Grand Rapids, and West Michigan Habitats, that showcases the vast wildlife found in West Michigan. More info here.



Live and let live

That’s it, in a nutshell.

Domestic violence abuse attorney Kinza Khan

A presentation on Monday, March 11 at Grand Valley State University will explore the importance of encouraging young people to grow in their interfaith understanding in order to become positive religious leaders of the 21st century. Kinza Khan, a domestic violence attorney, will be the featured speaker during the 2019 Rabbi Phillip Sigal Memorial Lecture. More info here.



Fun fact:

85%

The percentage reduction in the number of children named ‘Katrina’ after Hurricane Katrina.

Contaminated pet food and treats can harm people too

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Health, Pets/Animals, , , , ,

Tainted pet foods and treats may make more than your dog or cat sick. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

 

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay

 

Tainted pet foods and treats may make more than your dog or cat sick, new data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests.

 

Harmful bacteria can also make owners ill if they handle contaminated pet products improperly, and bacteria such as salmonella can spread from pets to people, the agency said.

 

“Ultimately, we’re hoping to learn ways FDA can help minimize the incidence of foodborne illness associated with pet foods and treats,” Renate Reimschuessel, head of the FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, said in an agency news release.

 

To collect the new data, the FDA worked with 11 veterinary labs across the United States to investigate pet infections reported by pet owners. One of the main focuses was salmonella infections.

 

Of almost 3,000 dogs and cats tested so far, fewer than 100 have tested positive for salmonella, the agency found.

 

“Pet owners should know, though, that almost half of the dogs that tested positive for salmonella showed no symptoms,” Reimschuessel said.

 

And a dog with no signs of illness can still be carrying salmonella, which can spread to people, she added.

 

The dogs that have tested positive for salmonella were more likely to have eaten raw pet food, Reimschuessel said. Raw food is not heated or cooked, which might explain why there was a higher likelihood of contamination, officials said.

 

There are a number of things pet owners can do to protect themselves, including checking the FDA’s list of recalled pet products. Other measures include:

  • Feed pets in areas that are easily cleaned and sanitized
  • Wash hands carefully after handling pet foods
  • Earmark specific utensils for use only with pet foods
  • Wash counters and any other surfaces that come into contact with pet foods
  • Keep dry pet foods in a sealed container in a cool, dry place
  • Never buy pet food in dented cans or damaged packaging

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Talking to children about violent events

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities,

By Kylie Rymanowicz, Michigan State University Extension


The world can be confusing and scary, even for adults. In times of public violence and loss, everyone is impacted, especially young children. Incidences of violence and hate have a lasting impact on individuals and on our country as a whole. Here are some things you can keep in mind as you talk about violent events with young children.


Ask them what they know. Ask your child to tell you what they think they know or understand about the situation. Children often have misconceptions or a limited understanding of a complex issue, so start by asking them what they know. You can clear up any misconceptions and get a better understanding of what might be bothering your child about the situation.


Establish a dialogue. Talk openly with your child about what happened. Tell your child the facts about what happened, why it happened and what the result was. Take the lead from your child on how much information they are ready to hear, so keep your responses brief and look for cues that your child either needs to be done talking or wants more information.


Tell the truth. Give your child the facts and keep the information you share age-appropriate. Avoiding talking about traumatic events or telling white lies can actually make children more afraid if they think you are hiding something from them. It’s not easy to talk to children about issues like racism, hate or violence, but it is so important we do.


Educate yourself. If you are not confident that you truly understand the issues surrounding an act of violence, look to trustworthy resources to educate yourself. It’s OK to tell your child you don’t know or understand all the details surrounding an issue. You can always respond to a question with, “I’m not sure, but I will look into it and then we can talk about it some more.”


Talk about your feelings. It’s OK to let children know you are sad, scared or angry about violence in our world. Tell them how those violent acts make you feel; this act gives power to those emotions that your young child is experiencing as well. They will learn to trust their own emotions and emotional reactions to violence and other trauma when you share yours openly with them.


Accept their emotions. It’s tempting to want to minimize a child’s emotional response because we don’t want them to be anxious, sad or scared. It’s important we allow children to express themselves openly and we accept whatever they are feeling. Maybe they are angry or confused instead of just sad. All feelings are OK, even if they differ from yours. Children should have an outlet for processing their emotions. Some may want to just talk while others may process by writing, drawing or thinking on their own.


Love and reassure them. Children need parents and other families to be a steady foundation—they don’t need you to be perfect or happy all the time. Your calm and reassuring presence can help them work through tough situations and feelings and find calm and comfort. Show them affection, spend quality time together doing things you both enjoy and tell them how much you love them.


Be available. Unfortunately, violence is not a one-time event, and it’s not something anyone can just “get over.” Be available to continue to support, comfort and talk to your child about their feelings. Check in with them regularly to see how they are doing and if they need any additional support from you.


Limit exposure. The 24-hour news cycle means that stories about violent acts get replayed over and over again on many different media outlets from news television broadcasts and newspapers to social media, YouTube and in our daily conversations. Limit your young child’s exposure to the constant talk about violent events, as this may increase their anxiety or confusion of the issue. Instead, make sure you take the time to connect with them to talk about and process what has happened.


Provide resources and support. Sometimes the impact of a violent event can be severe. If your child continues to struggle with processing a violent event, or if they are having a hard time coping and you can’t seem to comfort them, you may need to reach out to others to find resources and support for your young child. Ask your child’s doctor or school social worker for help finding supports for your child.


Children are constantly learning and trying to make sense of the world, but sometimes the world doesn’t make sense. You can help children by being present with them, engaging in conversation and dialogue and giving them unconditional love and support.


Check out these resources from The American Academy of Pediatrics, The National Association of School Psychologists, The National Institute of Mental Health and Zero to Three for additional information.


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


To learn about the positive impact children and families are experience due to MSU Extension programs, read our 2017 Impact Report. Additional impact reports, highlighting even more ways Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension positively impacted individuals and communities in 2017, can be downloaded from the MSU 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).

Wyoming’s got 10 programs you need to try – or at least check out – this spring

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org


For the record, according to one of our volunteers, the recent storm we had is just the final hurrah before springs big entrance.

So with that in mind, the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department has compiled “10 Programs You Have to Try this Spring.”

1. Mother-Son Bowling Event


This is just around the corner on March 23. Moms get to spend the afternoon with their sons at the Park Center Lanes bowling alley. The event includes bowling, pizza, and pop. The cost is $12.50 per person with the registration deadline March 14. Note, this event does book up fast, so if your interested save your spot ASAP.

2. Tumble and Play


After the winter we have had, everyone has a little energy to burn off. In this Wednesday class, children, 18 months – 2-years-old, will have the chance to learn skills on the balance beam, bars, and floor. This class also includes strength and flexibility activities. The parent-child class is Wednesdays March 13 – April 24 at South Godwin School. Fee is $30 for residents and $45 for non-residents. Registration has passed but if interested, contact the Parks and Recreation office at 616-530-3164.

3. Slow Pitch Softball Leagues


Soon it will be time for the boys — and girls — of summer, so sign up now for a softball league. Leagues will be offered for men’s and co-ed teams. Participants must be 18 years or older. Games start in mid- to late April and will be at Kelloggsville, Lamar, Lemery, and Palmer field. Registration is open until March 18 or until the leagues are full. 

Individual plays are accepted. For more information on individual players, contact Kenny Westrate at westratek@wyomingmi.gov or 616-530-3164.

4. Zumba


An activity where adults can burn off some energy with a mix of Latin and international music and dance that creates an exciting and effective cardio workout. The program is on Wednesdays from March 13 to May 1 and located at the Wyoming Senior Center. Fee is $36 for residents and $54 for non-residents. Registration is open until March 7.

5. Health and Wellness Expo


Mark those calendars because the annual Health and Wellness Expo is April 13. This free event runs from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center. The Health and Wellness Expo is an afternoon focused on increasing health awareness and overall wellness. Gather information from local health organizations; enjoy fitness demonstrations, healthy snacks and more. This event is for all ages and will get everyone motivated to make healthy choices.

6. Kickball


Coed league for kickball begin May 22. Games take place Wednesday nights at Lamar Park. Participants must be 16 or older. The fee is $250 per team. Registration is open until April 29 or until the league is full. 

7. Sunday Youth Flag Football


Flag football is open to students ages 5 to 13. The program runs for five weeks, April 28 – June 2 at the Gezon Park Sports Complex. The focus of this program is on teaching the fundamental skills of football and playing. The fee is $24 for residents and $36 for non-residents. The registration deadline is April 15.

8. Older Adult Fitness – Sweet & Low


This program is designed for the 50 and older crowd with its low impact activities consisting of chair-based exercise designs to stretch muscles, increase muscle town, and get you moving. It takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 10:45 a.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center Community Room.

9. Tae Kwon Do


This class introduces participants to the Korean martial art form of Tae Kwon Do. The class focuses on flexibility, concentration, balance, and self-defense. The spring session is April 8 to June 17. Fees for the 30-minute class is $18 for residents and $27 for non-residents. The two-hour class is $46 for residents and $69 for non-residents. There is $5 off for additional household members. The program includes eight classes plus two bonus classes.

10. Tap and Jazz


This Saturday class offers two levels for beginner and more experienced. Level One includes simple stretches and jazz moves and develops tap techniques and routines. Level Two classes continue to build on the principles of the Level One class. It also will include the tempo and introduce a variety of moves for your enjoyment. Classes are at Godfrey Lee Early Education Center and run from March 23 to May 25. The fee is $24 for residents and $51 for non residents.

Through a partnership with the Greater Wyoming community Resource Alliance, the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department offers scholarships to Wyoming residents for use in department youth programs For more information about those scholarships, call 616-530-3164 and ask for Kenny Westrate

Paws for peacefulness

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, , , , , , ,

There’s an infinite amount of calm and comfort to be had in the company of dogs, cats and birds. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay

 

Cats, dogs, birds and other pets can help people manage their mental disorders, a study says.

 

Researchers from the United Kingdom asked more than 50 adults with long-term mental conditions about the role pets play in their social networks.

 

Sixty percent placed pets in the central and most important circle—above family, friends and hobbies. Another 20 percent placed pets in the second circle.

 

Many said the constant presence and close proximity of their pets provide an immediate source of calm. For some, a pet helps distract them from symptoms and upsetting experiences such as hearing voices or suicidal thoughts.

 

“You just want to sink into a pit … the cats force me to sort of still be involved with the world,” one patient said.

 

Another patient said: “I’m not thinking of the voices, I’m just thinking of the birds singing.”

 

The findings were published in the journal BMC Psychiatry.

 

“The people we spoke to through the course of this study felt their pet played a range of positive roles, such as helping them to manage stigma associated with their mental health by providing acceptance without judgment,” said study lead author Helen Brooks, from the University of Manchester.

 

“Pets were also considered particularly useful during times of crisis,” Brooks said in a journal news release.

 

“Pets provided a unique form of validation through unconditional support, which [the patients] were often not receiving from other family or social relationships,” she said.

 

Despite this, pets weren’t considered in the individual care plans for any of the people in the study, Brooks said.

 

The results suggest pets should be considered a main source of support in the management of long-term mental health problems, Brooks and her colleagues concluded.

 

Through open discussion of what works best for individual patients, the mental health community might better involve people in their own mental health care, she said.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Cat of the week: Levon

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , ,
Levon, Levon likes his cat food

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).


Fabulous four-year-old Levon (born in the summer of 2014) came to us in late July, 2018 as a FIV+ transfer from the Humane Society of Mid-Michigan in Montcalm County. Seems that this dapper tabby arrived at their facility in March, but given his viral status, they weren’t making any progress on promoting his adoption; when their shelter space became limited they asked us for help in housing him and giving him better opportunities for adoption exposure.


One of our dual volunteers transported him to the vet clinic where Dr. Jen did her typical intake work-up and happily discovered he was FIV-negative. However as (bad) luck would have it, he was free-roaming in an area with other FIV+ kitties and had suffered a bite wound that no one there was aware of until she examined him (he purred the entire time), so she had to schedule another retest a month later; at that time he retested positive once again.


Cats with strong immune systems can actually clear the infection from their bodies, but since there is no effective vaccine against it, he picked it up once again after three punctures wounds on his tail drove the virus into his bloodstream. So after spending a month at Crash’s, at the writing of his bio he has become a Sid’s Kid; in a month another test will be performed to see where he will take up permanent residence until he can find a home of his very own and stop shuffling around.


The interesting thing is that initially Levon was a tough nut to crack, as he wasn’t a happy camper given the fact that his bite wounds had to be tended to twice daily and were taking their time healing, but once he was moved over to Sid’s he was like a different cat! He hooked up with a few cats with whom he formed fast friendships and began to socialize, versus hanging out on the toddler beds or sitting on the windowsills by himself; though he was quite content to engage in those solo activities, we are thrilled that he has found his niche.

And he shall be a good cat…


There is more space at Sid’s but there is also a larger population, so we can’t help but chalk up his change in attitude—his finally showing everyone the softer side Dr. Jen was privy to while he was at the clinic—to the fact that his injuries didn’t require further medical attention. Levon also doesn’t have Hamish the Handful to contend with, a tabby that can be quite the terror when he is feeling sassy and saucy (which is most of the time, so he has settled in quite nicely and is no longer trying to become a big fish in a small pond.


Now that he has found his purr again, you get to hear it not just when we approach him, but when he hunkers down next to you. He isn’t fond of being picked up, nor is he one to actively seek out human attention that often, but if given to him he is now happily accepting and affectionate in return, versus trying to high-tail it on outta there. We have no doubt that the more time he spends with us simply getting to enjoy himself as a resident versus a patient, he will fall as in love with his human caretakers as we all have with him.


Levon is a good cat who deserves a home of his own, with good feline company, an older kid or two and perhaps even a mellow dog—and a little Elton John music thrown in there for good measure.

More about Levon:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair & Tabby Mix (Tiger-striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • FIV-positive
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Levon? 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.


Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Caregiver’s Guide to Adaptive Clothing

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,

Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

 As a caregiver, you have many responsibilities that can leave you physically and mentally drained. While getting your loved one dressed sounds like it should be the least of your worries, nothing is more frustrating than struggling to get arms up and into a shirt or needing to remove clothes in time for toilet needs. Adaptive clothing could be the solution that makes your day run a whole lot smoother.

What is Adaptive Clothing?

Adaptive clothing is designed to make getting dressed a painless and straightforward process. A lot of thought is put into how the clothing falls and is secured on the body. What makes them an attractive option is their ability to prevent injury by being more maneuverable and easier to work with. And, they aren’t just for the convenience of the caregiver.

 

Seniors with physical limitations or mobility issues often find them to be more comfortable than their regular clothes. Some are even able to live more independently because it allows them to get dressed freely without conflict.

 

You might be thinking that adaptive clothing is a style cramper, and your loved one wouldn’t be caught wearing them in public. While it’s true that options were limited in the past, today, adaptive clothing has evolved to be more than hospital gowns and stretchy pants. Many of the designs are modeled after popular styles and can address a variety of needs. In other words, seniors can feel good while looking great.

What to Look For

If you’re new to adaptive clothing, knowing what to look for can be mystifying. After all, adaptive clothing takes many shapes and has a variety of functions. They come in pants, tops, skirts, robes, capes, undergarments, and footwear. Not to mention, you may need to keep an eye out for specialized functionalities, such as for dementia patients who may have a tendency to disrobe or for people with diabetes who need compression wear. Here are some adaptive clothing features to keep in mind:

 

Shirts

  • Opens up completely (arms can slide in rather than be lifted overhead)
  • Magnetic, snap, overlapping, or hook and loop closures
  • Fabrics that won’t irritate sensitive skin, such as 100 percent cotton
  • Shoulder snap closures on pajamas
  • Full zipper backs to keep clothes on without worry of disrobing

Pants

  • Back of pants are able to be completely open
  • Legs can be inserted into pants while in a seated position
  • Able to open at the sides
  • Option for additional nylon handles that allow a caregiver to complete safe transfers
  • Elastic waistbands

Footwear

  • Use of hook and loop closure
  • Closure is adjustable in order to accommodate wide feet and other concerns
  • Suitable support
  • Slip-resistant soles
  • Non-constrictive diabetic socks to relieve issues with swollen feet and ankles
  • Anti-skid socks

Most people don’t give a second thought as to how they put on their clothing, but when you’re a caregiver, the challenges of dressing someone become obvious. Adaptive clothing is a gentle solution that gives the person in your care more comfort and independence. If you’re considering adaptive clothing for a loved one, explore the options and find the styles that fit their needs

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org


Quote of the Day

“March is the month God created to show people who don’t drink what a hangover is like.”


~ Garrison Keillor


A force with which to be reckoned

The construction industry is a virtually untapped source of high-demand, well-paying jobs for women. Women in Construction Week focuses on raising awareness of the opportunities available in construction and emphasizing the growing role of women in the industry. Read more here.

Listen to those pipes

The gift of song has always been Thomas Carpenter’s saving grace. His deep baritone-bass voice has opened doors many times, and he delights in singing at church, for Dégagé, nursing homes, Heartside Art Studio and Ministry, and other organizations that help the homeless. Read more here.

Boo!


It’s rare, but you can actually be scared to death. When a person is frightened or perceived to be in danger, the brain triggers a surge of adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster and pushes the body instantly into “fight-or-flight” mode. It also affects the liver and pancreas, triggers perspiration and pushes blood toward major muscle groups. But don’t let that scare you. Read all about it here.



Fun fact:

It’s a thing

Spring fever isn’t just a saying — experts say the body’s makeup changes due to different diets, hormone production and temperature.

Former Wyoming restaurant had its own ‘secret’ sauce

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

McDonald’s may have had its “secret sauce” for its Big Macs, but many locals can recall the special homemade relish recipe you could only get from Wyoming’s Kum-Bak Burgers.

“You have to go back to the late 1950s when 28th Street was becoming a booming community and in fact, 28th Street was being called the Miracle Mile,” said Wyoming Historical Commission Chairman Bill Branz.

The Kum-Bak restaurant was located at 1105 28th Street, where the Huntington Bank is now. (Supplied)

With the then proposed Rogers Plaza set to be built along 28th Street and the 131 freeway also coming in, businesses were moving in along the 28th Street corridor. 

McDonald’s was the first fast-food restaurant to open along 28th Street at 28th Street and DeHoop Avenue, where it still operates. About a year later, a local couple, the Ybemas, opened Kum-Bak Burgers, where the burgers were only 15 cents. The restaurant was kiddy corner to the Wyoming City Hall at 1105 28th St. SW, which is now where the Huntington Bank is located.

The Kum-Bak owners were Seret and Marianne Ybema. (Supplied)

“It became very popular and in fact, it was a favorite for all the teenage kids to hangout,” Branz said. 

The burgers, and fries, were delicious, according to Branz. The restaurant was open for about 18 years, closing in 1977. But before doing so, Kum-Bak had created quite a following for its homemade relish, which some years later was republished by Marian Stevens, the former recipe writer for “The Advance” newspapers. The recipe is still sought after today with people posting requests for it on recipe queries. 

For those interested, here is the famous Kum-Bak relish recipe. Enjoy.

Kum-Bak Relish

1 small bunch celery, finely diced

1 large onion finely diced

1 jar (10 ounces) sweet pickle relish

1 small bottle ketchup

1/4 cup mustard

1/3 cup vinegar Tablespoons sugar

In large saucepan, combine celery, onion, relish, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Spoon into clean pint jars. Process into water bath for 5 minutes. 

For more City of Wyoming historical facts, visit the Wyoming Historical Room in the KDL Wyoming branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The room is open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month or by appointment. Call 261-3508 or visit its Facebook page.

A paper hat from Kum-Bak

Take 10 for mindfulness

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

Feeling stressed? Try a little mindfulness for the health of it. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay

 

Feel yourself being pulled in a million directions and losing track of what’s really important? The meditative practice called mindfulness can help you get centered and re-focus on what’s meaningful to you.

 

And it doesn’t take time that’s already in short supply on your busy schedule. You can reap the benefits in less time than it takes for a coffee break.

 

Mindfulness shows you how to block out distractions and replace stress and other negative emotions with a sense of well-being. You accomplish this by focusing on the here-and-now — your present thoughts and feelings, not past concerns or future worries. You also learn to accept these thoughts and feelings without passing judgment on them, such as labeling them as good or bad, right or wrong.

 

Practicing mindfulness is easier than you might think. At the start of each day, you might take 10 minutes to do a few yoga stretches — yoga incorporates mindfulness because it teaches you to focus on your breathing as you move through poses.

 

Or spend 10 minutes at lunch or anytime during your workday to do a head-to-toe de-stress. Breathe in and out as you zero in on each part of your body, going from toes to the top of your head.

 

To unwind at night, consider more formal “guided” mindfulness, maybe with a podcast you can listen to through your smartphone. The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center offers free ones, starting at just 3 minutes long.

 

Who doesn’t have time for that?

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Music is the saving grace: A VOICES conversation with Thomas Carpenter

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Non-Profits, , ,

By Victoria Mullen, WKTV


The gift of song has always been Thomas Carpenter’s saving grace. His deep baritone-bass voice has opened doors many times, and he delights in singing at church, for Dégagé, nursing homes, Heartside Art Studio and Ministry, and other organizations that help the homeless.


He sang when he was in the military. And he even sings on the street.


Music has always been a big part of his life.


“My mother sang when I was little,” said the Detroit native. “I had a sister who was a musician. She and I sang in church. She was an alto who could sing tenor, so we could sing all the parts.”


Carpenter, 62, said he grew up in a God-fearing family. 


“We couldn’t hang out in the summer. We had to go to summer school or Bible school. Dad was a disciplinarian.”


When his parents and older sister were eventually diagnosed with cancer, he became depressed and started using drugs. Through a series of misfortunes, he eventually became homeless.


“One day, someone stopped me on the street and fed me,” said Carpenter. “We went to a revival and I sang, ‘Just a Closer Walk with Me’.”


His singing led to a scholarship at Marygrove College in Detroit where he was a voice major with a concentration in classical music. One of his classmates was Madonna, who was studying to be an opera singer.


“God was trying to help me out,” Carpenter said. “But I got careless and squandered the scholarship.”


Carpenter has lived in the Heartside district for seven years and is thankful to many organizations. Mel Trotter gave him shelter when he was homeless. Dégagé helped arrange his mother’s funeral and transport for her body to go back to Detroit.


He helps out wherever he is needed.

“I had worked at a shelter before, so I had experience,” he said. “I needed to turn the lemons into lemonade, so I volunteered without actually taking a job there. Whatever needed to be done, I just stepped up. And then I went to have surgery on myself at the Veterans Hospital.”


When he came back, Dwelling Place provided him with a low-rent apartment. 


“They saw how I interacted with people and developed a position, ‘resident engagement mentor’, so that’s what I’m doing for Dwelling Place.” 


He also serves on the board there.


“I work primarily in fund development and resident engagement, and I have a mentor who’s a lawyer as I need to know more about the laws of the land.”


And the First Methodist Church of Grand Rapids, which  partners with Dégagé, has opened the doors for him to come in and do special music for their services.


He finds the work rewarding on many levels.


“When someone who has been broken or lost or defocused receives the help from Dégagé, my joy is when that person brings another person,” he said. “Or when I see them putting the same  tools and resources to someone who is in the same situation they were in. When I see that, I get charged up.”


Listen to Carpenter’s VOICES conversation here.


Share your story with VOICES. It’s easy — just go here to reserve a time!

Can you literally be scared to death?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, , , , , , ,

Can the occasional rush from an adrenaline surge be good for you? (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By American Heart Association, HealthDay

 

Can a person literally be scared to death?

 

The answer is a very conditional “Yes.” But, experts say, it’s extraordinarily unlikely to happen.

 

“Those circumstances are extremely rare when that happens,” and pre-existing conditions are typically a factor, said Dr. Mark Estes, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

 

When a person is frightened or perceived to be in danger, the brain triggers a surge of adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster and pushes the body instantly into “fight-or-flight” mode. It also affects the liver and pancreas, triggers perspiration and pushes blood toward major muscle groups.

 

“It’s measured on how big the scare is,” said Dr. Vincent Bufalino, a cardiologist and president of Advocate Medical Group in Downers Grove, Ill. He said the more dangerous adrenaline surges come from the body’s response to a life-threatening situation or the stress of discovering the deceased body of a loved one.

 

“You can have a sudden cardiac-related event related to an adrenaline surge, but I think it would be a stretch to say you could get that from someone coming in a werewolf costume to your front door,” he said. “This is the kind of thing that you can’t prepare for. If it happens, it happens, and you hope your body doesn’t overreact to that event.”

 

People can typically get an adrenaline rush from skydiving or bungee jumping—even while watching a horror flick from the couch. More dangerous adrenaline surges come from life-or-death moments such as getting out of the way of an oncoming car or fleeing a tornado.

 

“Swings of emotion and roller coasters are OK for people who are young, who have a healthy heart,” Estes said. “But certainly, in people with pre-existing risk factors or pre-existing cardiovascular disease, you want to reduce the environments in which you might be suddenly stressed like this.”

 

People are able to prepare themselves when they get on an amusement park ride, so their risk isn’t the same as when they find themselves in life-threatening danger.

 

“The human mind and the human body do have the ability to prepare themselves for situations that can be anticipated that might be stressful and generally handle them much, much better,” Estes said. “It is the sudden, unexpected things which tend to cause a dramatic increase in heart rate and blood pressure and put people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease at risk.”

 

A possibly dangerous result of sudden stress may come from takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart’s main pumping chamber that is typically caused by emotional or physical stress. The temporary condition affects women significantly more than men.

 

Also known as broken-heart syndrome, takotsubo cardiomyopathy is different from a heart attack in that arteries are not blocked but blood flow is negatively affected nonetheless.

 

“Adrenaline is a funny thing,” Bufalino said. “We can’t measure it. The precipitating events are diverse. Your response to an event might be different than mine.”

 

Occasional rushes from adrenaline can be good for you, sometimes leading to increased cognitive function. But prolonged stress and an abundance of stress hormones over time can have negative effects, such as high blood pressure or anxiety.

 

“It’s hard for us to be precise in saying, ‘This event led to a certain amount of adrenaline that led to a cardiac event.’ They’re sporadic at best,” Bufalino said.

 

And there’s little that can be done to prevent being frightened to death, he said, but being in good shape may help.

 

“Those folks who are used to dealing with adrenaline with exercise probably have a blunted response” because their higher cardiovascular fitness level may allow their body to better handle an adrenaline surge, Bufalino said. “I would speculate that aerobic exercise might be preventative or at least modify the body’s response (to adrenaline).”

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Employment Expertise: March 3-9 is Women in Construction Week

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Local Business, , ,


By West Michigan Works!


FACT: In 2016 women made up only 9.1% of the construction workforce in the U.S. 


FACT: Construction jobs are expected to grow between 11% and 32% over the next five years in West Michigan. 


FACT: The gender pay gap is much narrower in construction. In the U.S. women in all industries earn on average 81.1% of what men do. In construction the average is 95.7.


The construction industry is a virtually untapped source of high-demand, well-paying jobs for women. Women in Construction Week focuses on raising awareness of the opportunities available in construction and emphasizing the growing role of women in the industry.


Is a career in construction right for you?

  • Do you enjoy making repairs (painting, fixing appliances, etc.)?
  • Does it give you satisfaction to see the result of your work?
  • Do you enjoy math and solving technical problems/puzzles?
  • Do you like to work or play outside, even in cold and hot weather?
  • Can you work at heights or in confined spaces? Can you work in places that may be extremely noisy, dirty, hot, cold, wet or smelly?
  • Are you safety conscious?
  • Can you cope with being the only, or one of just a few, women on a job site?
  • Do you have the ability to meet rigid attendance requirements (reliable childcare, transportation, etc.)?

If you can answer yes to some of these questions, a career in construction could be a good fit for you. Consider learning more about construction jobs and training programs in your area. 


Where do I begin?

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers a variety of construction trades training opportunities. They have job training programs in Introduction to Construction, Residential Construction and Construction Electrical. GRCC also offers a variety of continuing education programs in construction and a U.S. Department of Labor registered Construction Electrical Apprenticeship Program.


Michigan Works! has connections to local training opportunities and you may even qualify for financial assistance. Visit a West Michigan Works! service center near you to find out more and if you qualify. 


To see a list of high-demand construction jobs in West Michigan, check out the 2019 Hot Jobs List at westmiworks.org/hot-jobs.


Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

A new weapon against ovarian cancer?

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

NSAIDs may have a role to play in preventing ovarian tumors. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay

 

One low-dose aspirin a day could help women avoid ovarian cancer or boost their survival should it develop, two new studies suggest.

 

In fact, daily low-dose aspirin—the type many older women already take to help their hearts—was tied to a 10 percent reduction in developing ovarian cancer. It was also tied to as much as a 30 percent improvement in survival for ovarian cancer patients, the researchers said.

 

“Clearly, both these studies offer evidence of the benefit of the use of these anti-inflammatory drugs, and an insight into how to better prevent and treat this deadly disease,” said Dr. Mitchell Kramer. He directs obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell Health’s Huntington Hospital in Huntington, N.Y.

 

Kramer wasn’t involved in the new studies, and said that “more study is certainly warranted.” Still, “recommending a daily low-dose 81 mg (milligram) aspirin might be more than an ounce of prevention, as well as help for those women who have already developed the disease,” he said.

 

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cancer killer of women, largely because it is too often detected too late.

 

According to the researchers, there’s increasing evidence that inflammation plays a role in the development of cancer and can worsen outcomes. Medications, such as aspirin and non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—including ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)—have already been shown to lower the risk of certain types of cancers, most notably colon cancer.

 

But do these drugs have a role to play against ovarian tumors?

 

To find out, researchers from the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., pooled data from 13 studies from around the world. The studies included more than 750,000 women and asked them about their use of aspirin and NSAIDs. The researchers then tracked these women to see who developed ovarian cancer—more than 3,500 women did.

 

According to the report published July 18 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, taking daily aspirin reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by 10 percent.

 

“This study gives us a new perspective on whether aspirin and non-aspirin NSAIDs can impact cancer risk. Not only does it look at ovarian cancer, which hasn’t been studied before, our sample size is three-quarter of a million women who were followed for several decades,” Shelley Tworoger, senior study author and associate center director for population science at the Moffitt Cancer Center, said in a center news release.

 

“The results of the study support that aspirin can reduce ovarian cancer risk, but further studies will need to be performed before a recommendation of daily aspirin can be made,” Tworoger added.

 

In a second study, researchers from the University of Hawaii in Honolulu and the Moffitt Cancer Center used the Nurses’ Health Studies to collect data on nearly 1,000 women already diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

 

The investigators found that women who used aspirin and non-aspirin NSAIDs after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer experienced as much as a 30 percent improvement in survival.

 

The results of the study were published in the journal The Lancet Oncology.

 

“To our knowledge, this study contributes the first comprehensive assessment of use of several types of common analgesic medications, such as aspirin and non-aspirin NSAIDs, after diagnosis in relation to ovarian cancer survival,” said Melissa Merritt, an assistant research professor at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

 

“Our work demonstrates the importance of common medication in increasing survival rates of ovarian cancer, and this will encourage more studies to be conducted to confirm the results and broaden the discovery,” she explained in the news release.

 

Both studies relied on retrospective, observational data, so they were unable to confirm a cause-and-effect relationship, only an association.

 

Still, the evidence for an effect does seem to be there, said Dr. Adi Davidov, who directs gynecology at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City.

 

He called the results “intriguing,” and believes that “we can now add an NSAID to further reduce the risk of cancer.”

 

Kramer added that “since aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties and is a relatively well-tolerated medication with few side effects, seeking its benefits for this deadly disease makes a great deal of sense.

GR Civic takes it all, adds two shows to meet demand

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,
Author Joanna Bailey-Boorsma with Maura Lamoreaux, who plays Tanya in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

If there is a winner that takes it all this year, it has to be the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of “Mamma Mia!”

Full of the flair that comes from ABBA’s music, the cast does an outstanding job, making the audience dance and sing in their seats.

“That’s what we wanted,” said Eric Beuker, who plays Harry Bright, after the Feb. 28 performance. “We wanted people to have a party, to have fun.”

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “Mamma Mia!” through March 17. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday with two new shows added for 7 p.m. March 10 and 17. Call 222-6020.


After being ‘super troupers’ over this crazy winner, Fun is what a lot of people seeking causing them to literally flock to the show. The ‘gimme, gimme, gimme’ response has caused Grand Rapids Civic Theatre to announce two additional shows, Sunday, March 10 and 17 at 7 p.m. I would grab the tickets quick because Maura Lamoreaux, who plays Tanya, told us that even the Wednesday shows are filling up.

Let’s be honest, it’s hard not to have fun when it comes to an ABBA song. The Swedish pop group’s lyrics and beat make you want to grab the nearest hairbrush and start singing. For us, we were in the balcony, where the party was certainly happening from people clapping to the beat to those dressed in ABBA garb.

But the cast is what makes the show such a success. You can see they are having fun from the moment that Breighanna Minnema (Sophie) opens with “I Have a Dream” to the cast jiven to the last number, “Waterloo.” (Oh yes, Bob Wells, who plays Bill, we along with the people next to us, noticed you grooving away in your red body suit as the curtain was coming down.)

The two having the most fun on stage appeared to be Lamoreaux as Tanya and Sarah LaCroix as Roise. Each had their own shining moment, Lamoreaux with “Does Your Mother Know” and LaCroix with Wells on “Take a Chance on Me,” which about brought down the house in laughs. (There was a lot of high fiving among the ladies in the balcony.) Heather Cregg (Donna) gave a powerful rendition of “Winner Takes It All” and Minnema with Cullen Dyk (Sky) along with the ensemble presented a playful version of “Lay All Your Love On Me.”

Thanks to the sewing genius of Bob Fowle the costumes were sparkly authentic right now to the ABBA-style body suits. The set was simple but yet pulled you right into the Greek island where the story unfolds.

In the end, we just wanted to ‘thank you for the music’ to Director Bruce Tinker and the cast for providing a great night of entertainment.


So if the name of your game now is to snag some tickets, the best way is through Grand Rapids Civic Theatre at www.grct.org or by calling 616-222-6020.

GVSU students ‘walk hard’ during spring break for one cause

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

ATO members get ready for last year’s walk. (Supplied)

Spring break is supposed to be a time to left off a little steam and head to warmer weather. But members of one local fraternity will be heading the opposite direction, to Traverse City, with the sole purpose of walking 160 miles back to GVSU’s Allendale campus.

For the past seven years, Grand Valley State University’s Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity Kappa Lambda Chapter has hosted the Walk Hard event, where 20 of its fraternity members walk 160 miles from Traverse City to Allendale during their spring break — this year March 1 – 8 — to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis.  The kick off event happens to night at 9 p.m. at the GVSU Allendale campus.

To follow the group’s progress visit ATOWalksHard.com or visit the Facebook page “ATO Walks Hard: Many Steps for MS.”


“When I was rushing [an opportunity for interested persons to talk to potential fraternities or sororities], the walk was something that they told me about. I was like ‘what, you do this?’ It made me want to be part of Alpha Tau Omega even more. In fact, there were guys rushing for this fraternity just because they wanted to be part of the walk.”

The walk itself is not easy, with the students facing challenging weather conditions. Arrangements are made for the students to stay at local churches along the trail. The route they take is open road from Traverse City to about Cadillac where the group connects to the White Pine Trail, which brings them to about 16 miles away from GVSU. From that point, the students will follow open road again. There is a team of about five to six students who serve as support to those walking.

Happy trails: About 20 members participate in the Walk Hard which has been taking place for the past seven years. (Supplied)

Through a challenge campaign with other GVSU clubs and organizations and the walk itself, Alpha Tau Omega has raised more than $230,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The group is on track to raise about $24,000 this year.

“When I first did this, I was not really ready for the mental aspect of just keep going,” said Bertoia who marks his third walk this year. After walking for an extended period of time, many of the walkers begin to feel mild signs of Multiple Sclerosis such as fatigue, poor balance, and muscle cramps. 

“After eight days, our bodies are broken down, tired and in pain,” Bertoia said. “I can’t imagine the strength it takes to live with this disease.”

Bertoia said the support of the churches and communities they visit helps encourage the group to continue along with knowing they are creating awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, which affects the central nervous system such as the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, more than 2.3 million people have Multiple Sclerosis.

“The walk was started seven years ago by a couple of (fraternity) brothers because they had been impacted by MS,” Bertoia said, adding that many of the past and current fraternity members have a personal connection to MS, making Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity Kappa Lambda Chapter united toward one this single cause.

The walk will physically take its toll with many of the participants feeling mild signs of Multiple Sclerosis such as fatigue, poor balance, and muscle cramps.  (Supplied)

“Yeah, so there is going to Panama City or doing something like that but in the end, I too have a spring break as well,” Bertoia said. “For me, it’s like having a big sleepover with some of my closet friends because we watch movies and hangout and talk.

“And in the end, we’ve come together over a unique experience that allows to understand what someone is going through.”

The group is scheduled to return to Allendale around 4 p.m. Friday, March 8. There will be a short program at the GVSU clock tower. People can follow the walk at ATOWalksHard.com or visit the Facebook page “ATO Walks Hard: Many Steps for MS.”

LUNAFEST 2019 celebrates women filmmakers March 7th & 14th

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, , ,
‘The Final Show’ production still (photo supplied)

By Elizabeth McEwen, Girls on the Run of Kent and Muskegon Counties


Did you know as recently as 2014, only about 20% of leads or co-leads in major movie entertainment were female?


There are 2.13 male directors for every 1 female. This is hugely problematic for our girls, as the stories they are seeing aren’t theirs. The narratives they are hearing aren’t theirs. We do a huge disservice to our girls by filling the airwaves with depictions that are not only absent of the female voice, but sometimes (and even more detrimentally) misrepresenting the female voice.


That’s where LUNAFEST comes in — this traveling film festival was started in 2000 by the makers of LUNA bars to help elevate women’s voices and our stories.


Join us in celebrating women behind the camera at LUNAFEST 2019. This traveling short film festival by, for, and about women is brought to you by LUNA to benefit Muskegon Girls on the Run on March 7th, and Kent County Girls on the Run on March 14th.


We’ll be holding a screening at 5:30pm on Thursday evening, March 7th, at The Block, 360 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI. On Thursday, March 14th at 5pm, we’re holding a screening at Wealthy Theater, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Join us for food and drinks, friends and fun! 


Earlybird tickets are only $18, and include heavy appetizers! Go here to purchase tickets. Contact Elizabeth.mcewen@girlsontherun.org for more information. Download a pdf of the film lineup here.


LUNAFEST was the first all-women travelling film festival to hit the screens and amplify the voices of strong women everywhere. The first event was small, but hopeful, screening in California. Today, there are screenings in more than 175 cities across the nation where the work of talented women filmmakers are showcased.




HPV vaccine approved for people through age 45

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, , , , , ,

By Scott Roberts, HealthDay

 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the Gardasil 9 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been expanded to include people ages 27 through 45, the agency said in a news release.

 

Gardasil 9, approved in 2014 for people ages 9 through 26, is the follow-up vaccine to the original Gardasil, which was approved in 2006 and is no longer sold in the United States. The updated vaccine is designed to prevent cancers and disease caused by nine HPV types.

 

Some 14 million Americans become infected with HPV each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 12,000 women are diagnosed annually with cervical cancer caused by the virus and 4,000 women die each year from the disease, the CDC reports.

 

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that HPV vaccination prior to becoming infected with the HPV types covered by the vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90 percent of these cancers, or 31,200 cases every year,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

 

Gardasil 9 also is designed to prevent HPV-triggered cases of genital warts in men and women, and vulvar, vaginal and cervical precancerous lesions in women, the FDA says.

 

The most commonly reported side effects of the vaccine include injection-site pain, swelling, redness and headache.

 

Gardasil 9 is produced by a subsidiary of Merck & Co., based in Kenilworth, N.J.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

 

GRCC recognizes the ‘giants’ of our community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

By Meochia Thompson
WKTV Community Contributor

Author Meochia Thompson with Giant of the Giants Award Winner Mike Johnson. (Supplied)

Grand Rapids Community College hosted it’s 37th Annual Giants Awards and Banquet at DeVos Place, over the weekend. Dr. Bill Pink, President of GRCC, opened the ceremony with a message of hope and encouragement. He began by quoting lyrics from the famous civil rights song, Ball of Confusion by the Temptations.

“The band will no longer play on, it will stop and take action,” said Dr. Pink. 

He stressed deficiencies within the community can no longer be ignored and encouraged the audience of over a thousand to become more involved in politics, education and other activities to help enrich and strengthen the lives of others.

Many prominent figures within Grand Rapids filled the banquet hall in support of the prestigious event like Mayor, Rosalyn Bliss; Cle Jackson, President of the NAACP, Greater Grand Rapids Branch; Joe Jones, 2nd Ward City Commissioner and his wife,Jessie Jones of Legacy Homes GR ; Nathaniel Moody, 3rd Ward Commissioner; and R. Emma Johnson, President and CEO of Asher Wealth Strategies Group.
 

Giant Awards were given for leaders in several categories, including Religious, Trailblazer, Justice, Activist, Humanity, Business, Education, Labor, and Medical, Community and Public Service. Recipients were chosen according to several attributes, considered the “Essence of a Giant.” 

The Giant of Giants Award Winner, which was not revealed until the end of the evening, was Mike Johnson, owner of Brown’s Funeral Home. Two recipients received Junior Giant Leadership Scholarship Awards; Jmyrea White from Grand Rapid City High School and Maya Smith from Hope College.

The late Victoria Upton, President and Founder of Women’s Life, received the William Glenn Trailblazer Award. (Supplied)

The late Victoria Upton, President and Founder of Women’s Life Magazine, received the William Glenn Trailblazer Award for opening many doors for women and becoming a fierce voice for marginalized communities. Through her work as a publisher and business owner within the community, she was able to give a voice and platform to the up and coming and inspire others to be their best self. Despite much success, Victoria never moved from the neighborhood she grew up in. She hosted and participated in local events like Art Prize, Gilda’s Club, LaughFest, Gazelle Girls and more. Victoria passed away last September of Glioastoma, a year after her diagnosis.

One of the honorees was Carrie Jackson (middle) pictured with her daughter and grandson. (Supplied)

Other honorees included Carrie Jackson, Regional Benefits Representative for UAW-GM. She received the Martha Reynolds Labor Award for being a tireless advocate for retired General Motor employees to ensure they received the full benefits offered to them through contract negotiation and investigating insurance companies for discrepancies and fairness of contracts.

The Giant Awards was created by Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward to recognize African-Americans within the Grand Rapids area for their notable contributions. The first was held in 1983 . Proceeds from the event benefit scholarships within the GRCC Foundation. 

Ahoy Mateys! Grand Rapids Symphony sets sail with Captain Jack Sparrow

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” (Grand Rapids Symphony)

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

Is Captain Jack Sparrow the worst pirate ever or the best pirate ever? Decide for yourself.

Grand Rapids Pops presents Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the full-length film plus live music in three performances, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, and at 3 p.m., Sunday March 10, in DeVos Performance Hall.

In its 2019-2020 season the Grand Rapids Symphony will stage five full-length films “Ghostbusters,” “Home Alone,” “Up,” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” For more, visit grsymphony.org.


Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony in the concert that’s part of the Fox Motors Pops series. Concert Sponsor is Crowe.

The comical adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swan and Captain Barbossa come to the silver screen in the 2003 film starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightly and Geoffrey Rush, which launched the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Klaus Badelt, who won the 2004 ASCAP Award for his epic swashbuckling score, composed the music for the film that will be performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony. The German film composer also wrote the music for such movies as The Time Machine in 2002 and Constantine in 2005.

John Varineau, who is in his 34th season with the Grand Rapids Symphony, regularly conducts concerts on each of the orchestra’s series, including the Fox Motors Pops, Gerber SymphonicBoom and the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops as well as for all of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s educational series.

Barbossa in search of the elusive Captain Jack Sparrow. (Grand Rapids Symphony.)

But Varineau also is the GR Pops’ go-to conductor for programs involving film and live music. This past season, Varineau has led the Grand Rapids Symphony in performances of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Next season, Varineau will be on the podium for the GR Pops’ Popcorn Package of films including Ghostbusters in October, an encore performance of Home Alone in November, and Up in March 2020.

Also coming to DeVos Performance Hall in 2019-20 will be the fifth and sixth movies in the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, beginning with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in October, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in February 2020.

In The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the crystalline waters of the Caribbean present a vast playground where adventures and mystery abound for the roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow. But Jack’s idyllic pirate life capsizes after his nemesis, the wily Captain Barbossa, steals his ship, the Black Pearl, and then attacks the town of Port Royal, kidnapping the Governor’s beautiful daughter, Elizabeth Swann.

Elizabeth’s childhood friend, Will Turner, joins forces with Jack to commandeer the fastest ship in the British fleet, the H.M.S. Interceptor, in a gallant attempt to rescue her and recapture the Black Pearl. The duo and their ragtag crew are pursued by Elizabeth’s betrothed, the ambitious Commodore Norrington. aboard the H.M.S. Dauntless.

Unbeknownst to Will, a cursed treasure has doomed Barbossa and his crew to live forever as the undead, the moonlight eerily transforming them into living skeletons. The curse they carry can be broken only if the plundered treasure is restored in total and a blood debt repaid.

Against all odds, the Interceptor and Dauntless race toward a thrilling confrontation with Barbossa’s pirates on the mysterious Isla de Muerta. At stake is Jack Sparrow’s revenge, the Black Pearl, a fortune in forbidden treasure, the lifting of the pirates’ curse that has doomed Barbossa and his crew to live forever as skeletons, the fate of the British navy, and the lives of our valiant heroes as they clash swords in fierce combat against the dreaded Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Tickets


Single tickets for the Fox Motors Pops series start at $18 and are available at the Grand Rapids Symphony box office, weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616.454.9451 x 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum).

Tickets are available at the DeVos Place box office, weekdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at GRSymphony.org.

Cat of the week: Rochester

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , ,
This handsome guy is ready for his forever home!

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).


In October of 2018, rescue phenom Sandi D. set her sights on a super shy guy who had been running around Ionia St. in downtown Grand Rapids since the spring. Ever elusive, it took a large carrier loaded with canned food and the quick reflexes of our fiery little redhead to trap him so that she could get him neutered; at that time it was clear he was far too weary of humans, so she released him in his neighborhood and kept feeding and looking after him.


By December he had grown much friendlier and was allowing her to pet him, so when he fell ill with an upper respiratory infection right around Christmas she told him he had no choice—he was going home with her. Antibiotics, a warm environment and as much TLC as he would allow helped Rochester recover fully. We have a strong feeling that this timid tabby and white guy had been living on the streets for most of his life (he was born in late 2015 we guesstimate), so it was quite a culture shock to now have a pint-sized servant who doted on him.


We welcomed him into our program at Crash’s on Jan. 7th, and since then, Rochester has been slowly acclimating to his new and improved indoor life. At the writing of his bio a month later, our impressions of him show a cat possessing a lot of promise, with patience and perseverance being paramount to his reaching his full potential.


He’s still extremely shy and doesn’t interact much with the other cats, but he loves people’s attention. He’s always up high looking down with those timid eyes until he sees someone climb the stepladder and then he’s all about some belly rubs. He’s curious about what is going on, but he’s still not quite ready to join the others.


He’d make a great buddy for older kids because he’s still a bit unsure and is working on having more courage. We don’t think he’d have any problem living with one other cat, but no dogs as he’s fearful of loud noises and commotion.


Although there are a lot of blanks about Rochester’s life that will never get filled in, one thing we do know for sure is that from here on out he is guaranteed to want for nothing in his life, will be surrounded by the most dedicated and caring individuals we know, and ultimately will find the home he was always meant to have.

More about Rochester:

  • Large
  • Domestic Short Hair — Tabby (Tiger Striped), White
  • Adult
  • Male
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Not declawed
  • Prefers a home without dogs or children

Want to adopt Rochester? 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.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

What’s your calorie-burning clock?

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

Did you know that irregularity in our schedules of eating and sleeping may make us more likely to gain weight? (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Alan Mozes, HealthDay

 

When it comes to weight gain, what you eat clearly matters.

 

But a small, preliminary study now suggests that when you eat also matters, with people burning off more calories at the end of the day than they do at the beginning.

 

The finding is based on a three-week study that monitored metabolism changes throughout the day among seven men and women. All food intake was carefully controlled, and all participants refrained from calorie-burning activities.

 

“We found that when people are at rest, the amount of energy that they burn varies with the time of day,” explained study author Jeanne Duffy.

 

In fact, “we burn 10 percent more calories in the late afternoon (and) early evening compared with the early morning hours, even when we are doing the exact same thing,” she added.

 

Duffy, a neuroscientist in the division of sleep and circadian disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said it remains unclear why this is so.

 

“We don’t have an answer to that from our study,” she noted. “It could be that it is a way for our body to conserve energy, by requiring less at some times of day.”

 

In the study, Duffy and her team enlisted seven healthy men and women between the ages of 38 and 69. None struggled with insomnia or suffered from any chronic medical condition. No one smoked, drank excessive amounts of coffee, or regularly took any prescribed or over-the-counter medication.

 

All were asked to live in a room that was stripped of all indications of time of day. That meant no clocks, no internet, no phone and no windows.

 

For three weeks, participants were assigned bedtimes and wake times, and every day those times were shifted to start four hours later. The result was as if each had circled the entire planet once a week.

 

Diets were controlled and calorie-burning exercise was not permitted, allowing researchers to analyze metabolism patterns free from the influence of eating, sleeping and activity habits.

 

In the end, the researchers determined that calorie burning at rest was at its lowest in the morning and at its highest in the afternoon and evening.

 

Whether the same calorie-burning patterns would hold true if exercise was thrown into the mix remains an open question, Duffy added.

 

“But the practical implications of our findings are that any irregularity in our schedules of eating and sleeping may make us more likely to gain weight,” she said. “This may help explain why shift workers are likely to gain weight.”

 

As to how this finding might figure into any strategy to prevent weight gain, “keeping a very regular schedule of sleep and wake, as well as eating, is a ‘best practice,’” Duffy advised.

 

“Regularity means going to bed and waking, as well as eating meals, at nearly the same time every day,” she stressed. “That ensures our internal rhythms are primed to respond optimally to the food we eat.”

 

But Lona Sandon, program director of the department of clinical nutrition in the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, suggested that the findings are unlikely to help those looking to get their weight under control. She was not involved with the study.

 

“At this time, I do not think there is much of anything particularly practical or useful that we do not already tell people,” Sandon said. “For example, we already tell people to get more of their calories earlier in the day rather than later and aim for more and better sleep.

 

“(And) exercise is good any time of day,” Sandon added, “and you will burn more calories with intentional exercise than what you get with a slight boost in metabolic rate due to natural circadian rhythms.

 

“(So) I am not going to hold my breath for [this] as an effective weight management strategy,” she said.

 

The study was published in the journal Current Biology.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

‘I want it gone’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Local Faces, , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Marie Havenga, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark

 

Bob Bustance enjoys life in his hometown of Hastings, Michigan.

 

Depending on the season, he tends to his vegetable garden, hunts deer or goes snowmobiling.

 

But in September of 2017, as he harvested the last of his crops, he seemingly lost control of his bladder.

 

“I had to urinate frequently,” said Bustance, 58. “I had no control. It came out of nowhere.”

 

Bustance made an appointment with his family doctor. Her concern led to a referral to Christopher Brede, MD, a Spectrum Health Medical Group urologist.

 

“He went ahead and did his testing,” Bustance said. “Three days later, he called and told me I had prostate cancer. I was astonished.”

 

Dr. Brede said the routine screening showed Bustance had a rising PSA level, leading to a biopsy.

 

“The cancer was found to be localized at diagnosis,” Dr. Brede said.

 

After considering options presented by Dr. Brede, Bustance chose to have the cancer surgically removed. Dr. Brede performed a robotic prostatectomy.

 

But that wasn’t the end of Bustance’s cancer story.

 

Doctors discovered cancer lurking in his thyroid during a total body scan.

 

“It all hit at one time,” he said. “They took my prostate. Six weeks later they went in and took my thyroid.”

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Bustance sensed the cancer double whammy could only mean one thing. His time was up. He visited a local funeral home and planned for what he thought to be his future.

 

“I thought I was going to die,” Bustance said. “I went ahead and made my funeral arrangements and bought a cemetery plot. It was like a tidal wave hitting you.”

 

Dr. Brede said he doesn’t think the two cancers were related.

 

“Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer solid tumor in men, so it would not be that rare for an individual to have prostate cancer with another cancer,” he said. “His happened to be discovered concurrently. They ended up not being related.”

 

Bustance said a Spectrum Health nurse navigator helped answer questions and schedule appointments throughout the ordeal.

 

“He called me every week,” Bustance said. “He was a positive person. Everyone was so positive… Without those people at Spectrum, I would have never made it.”

 

In June, Bustance was able to return to his position as a supervisor for a metal stamping company.

 

“The company I work for has been awesome,” he said. “There’s no company in the world that will hold a man’s job for 10 months to make sure I had health insurance. A lot of people stepped up. It’s just amazing.”

 

Bustance continued to see Dr. Brede weekly after his surgery, then every three months and now, every six months. His PSA tests have been normal.

 

“I am so ecstatically happy,” he said at the time.

 

He and his partner of 35 years, Betty Negus, are resuming life.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

“Robotic surgery is one of the most awesome experiences you could ever have,” he said. “They didn’t do an incision at all—just little holes with a couple of stitches. The recovery time to me was just remarkable. I got it done, went home and laid around for three or four days. The soreness just went away. By the time I went to see him a couple of weeks later, everything was healed up. No red marks. No nothing.”

 

Bustance said he’s still not 100 percent energy wise, but he can only imagine how he would feel if he had large incisions to contend with.

 

“Of all the surgeries a man could have, that’s the way to go because of the recovery time and not being split wide open,” he said. “Dr. Brede gave me options (treatment or removal). Cancer has been in my family for years. Being as young as I was, I looked at him and said, ‘I want it gone.’ Betty and I talked about it. I pretty much made up my mind I wanted it out.”

 

“It was very trying,” he said. “I had to stay positive. I had to surround myself with positive people. I live each day trying to be better than I was yesterday and it works. My eating habits have changed. Everything has changed.”

 

Bustance said he’s happy with his decision to have the prostate and thyroid cancer removed.

 

“I think I made a wise choice,” he said. “It’s a good feeling. I wake up every day very thankful. I wasn’t a religious person, but it really makes you think. It really does. It all came out for the best for me.”

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Book Talk: Two different books on the heart’s desires

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

By Anna Devarenne
WKTV Intern

The featured KDL books for this month focus on two teenagers both bent on getting what they want — one seeks revenge while the other seeks a boyfriend.

Award winning young adult author, Jason Reynolds, writes “Long Way Down”–a compelling novel of free verse poetry.

The story follows the life of 15-year-old Will and his inner turmoil when dealing with the recent death of his brother, who was recently shot in their neighborhood streets.

As the story begins to unfold, Will heads down the seven floors of his apartment building, on his way to seek revenge for his brother’s murder.

He is then joined by ghosts of his past at each floor the elevator stops at. As the elevator travels downward, the ghosts help Will to realize that his plan for revenge may not be as clear a picture as he assumed it would be.

Reynold’s novel addresses gun violence in a chilling yet powerful way. In a 2017 interview with NPR, he remarked that “it’s about us, a community, thinking about those of our family members and our friends who we’ve already lost to this thing, and allow their haunting to be the thing that creates our psyche and our conscience.”

Another absorbing Young Adult novel that KDL Youth Librarian Courtnei Moyses suggests is “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by Maurene Goo.

The story follows the lovable protagonist, Desi Lee, and her journey as a high school senior.

After many attempts at flirting that turn into failures, adorably awkward Desi turns to the Korean Dramas on TV that she watches with her dad. She realizes that all K-Dramas have a special equation that they follow that consistently results in the boy falling in love with the girl.

Desi decides to implement these steps when she meets the artistic, mysterious, new boy at school named Luca. This plan to get a boyfriend works for a while, but soon things begin to go wrong.

Both of Goo’s most popular novels, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” and “The Way You Make Me Feel,” feature strong father daughter relationships, which is appealing yet hard to find in most Young Adult fiction. As a Korean woman herself, Goo also features strong Asian girls as the protagonists in her novels.

For more great reads and other suggestions, visits your local KDL branch or visit kdl.org.

Be ‘in the moment’ as GR comedian brings tour to Wyoming

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,
Grand Rapids own Michael Jr. performs March 3 at Grand Rapids First Church. (Supplied.)

By Meochia Nochi Thompson

It was a dare that launched comedian Michael Jr.’s career.

The homegrown comedian got his start after a projector went out and the lights came on in a crowded Grand Rapids theater, the former Studio 28 to be exact. A friend dared him to take the stage. That was where the actor/comedian “discovered” his calling. Later, fellow comic, George Wallace, took him to the famous Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach where he would slip onto yet another stage and the rest is history.
 

Grand Rapids very own comedian Michael, Jr. will be coming home to perform on March 3 at Grand Rapids First Church for his “In the Moment Tour.” His comedy is fresh, funny and has no foul language. Michael said that after being backstage with some notable comics and hearing their concerns about their children never being able to see their shows, he made a conscious decision to do clean comedy an entire family can watch, together. 

Listen to Meochia’s interview with Michael Jr. on “Life Chats” on Magic 104.9 at www.mylifechats.com/listen.

Michael Jr. may be a familiar face to some since he appeared in the 2015 film “War Room” He recently released his latest comedy special “More Than Funny” and his the voice behind the popular podcast “Off the Cuff with Michael Jr.”

Michael Jr. is known for his clean comedy that an entire family can enjoy. (Supplied)

“With my comedy, I don’t want people to just laugh, I want them to be inspired,” Michael Jr. said during the Life Chats interview.

Michael specializes in comedy that inspires and loves to help others discover the funny sides of life. He has appeared at various colleges, comedy clubs and talk shows around the world including Notre Dame, The Laugh Factory, The Punchline, Oprah, The Late Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, CNN and more. He has several DVD’s, podcasts and a children’s book called “The Parts We Play.”

He is most proud of his Christian beliefs, his family, which includes his wife and five children, and serving his audience. Michael gives back laughter and charity to those in need of a good laugh. At many of his comedy shows he gives away merchandise to those who cannot afford it and ask those who can to pay it forward. Once, he helped a large family purchase their dream vehicle by hosting a No Show Comedy Event. People purchased tickets for a show that was never happening. The family’s vehicle was paid in full. His contagious generosity sets the stage for infectious laughter throughout diverse audiences all over the world. To learn more about Michael Jr. or purchase tickets for his upcoming show, visit michaeljr.com

Of faith and freedom: A VOICES conversation with Fr. Peter Vu

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, , ,
Fr. Peter Vu

By Victoria Mullen, WKTV


When he was a kid growing up in Saigon City, Vietnam, Fr. Peter Vu’s parents strove to provide him and his two sisters the semblance of a normal, middle-class life — a stay-at-home mom, a dad with gainful employment at a government job working in national security. Consequently, Vu didn’t feel the pain of war, at least not until the very end.


“I remember a lot of family time, touring places in Saigon like the cathedral and Independence Palace, driving the roundabout — those are the memories I have before the war ended,” said Vu.


Then, reality reared its ugly head.


“The last day of the war was like the apocalypse — the end is here,” he said. “My home was not too far from the airport, and I saw a lot of airplanes being bombed.”


Vu was only five years old.


The communists got right to work, gathering up people they perceived to be threats, particularly government workers.


“The communists tricked them, told them that they were going to re-education camp,” said Vu. “‘Oh, you’ll come back in about a week.'”


So, when his father was taken away, the family thought it would be for only a short time. Vu would not see him again for 12 years.


“The communists evaluated the prisoners based on rank and seriousness of your job with the South Vietnamese government and they either shipped you to ‘Hanoi Hilton’ where Senator John McCain was held, or they sent you to the Gulag in Russia, never to be seen again,” he said.


From 750,000 to over 1 million people were removed from their homes and forcibly relocated to uninhabited mountainous forested areas.


“When the communists took over, we didn’t have any of the rights or freedom that we used to have,” Vu said. “We had to ask for permission to go from one town to the next. They could enter our homes and search any time they wanted, in the middle of the night. There wasn’t enough food. We had to live very resourcefully.”


As Vu grew up, he thought that maybe he could stay in Saigon and be the head of the household, but as the son of a former regime official, he was already on the blacklist. He knew that they would not allow him to go to college, even though he was at the top of his class in high school.

“When dad was released from the camp, he had to leave Vietnam because he was still being oppressed and persecuted by the communists,” said Vu. “He said that if he left, maybe they would leave our family alone. Wrong. Because after my dad left successfully — he had to try several times by boat — they knew my dad was in the U.S., so they watched our family even closer because there ‘had’ to be some connection with the western government.”

He began to think about leaving Vietnam and emigrating to the U.S. to join his father and pursue his calling of the priesthood.


“My dad had told me that if I wanted to become a priest, I might be able to come to the U.S. So, I had to make that tough decision about leaving. I knew that I might die. I knew that I might not see some of my family and friends again. Those are the reasons I took the risk to come over here by boat.”


First, he had to raise the money to get on a boat, and even then there would be no assurances. He didn’t make it on the first try.


“But with God’s help and my family’s savings, I was able to make it in the end. I was stranded at sea for quite a few days and ran into the perfect storm — like that movie Perfect Storm — and thought that I might never make it.”


His boat encountered pirates, and the refugees suffered gravely. In the end, he and his fellow refugees were rescued by a South Korean tanker that took them to Singapore, where Vu spent the summer before he was able to get in touch with his dad.


“I was a minor, and I didn’t know if I would ever see my family again,” he said. “I see what is going on now with minors being separated from their parents at the southern border — I shared the same fate and had to deal with that. I know what those minors had to go through.”


He didn’t have his father’s address or phone number, so he risked writing back to his family when he was in the Singapore refugee camp. All the mail that goes through a communist country gets opened and censored at any time. For some reason, his mail got through — he says it was God’s will — and his mother was able to give him the address to contact his dad, who sponsored his passage to the U.S.


It was always Vu’s goal and focus to serve God and help others, especially the poor and unfortunate. After acclimating to his new life in the U.S., he entered the seminary. He credits the hardships he experienced in Vietnam with instilling the deeply ingrained values he preaches, including kindness and generosity.


“Like many of the figures in the Bible, I bargained with God: If you save me, I will make sure I serve you,” said Vu. “And I kept my end of it. Some people might say, you know what, I have a good life here, so God, thank you but I’m going the other way. But I try to keep my end of the  bargain.”


Vu has been a Catholic priest for over 21 years and currently is pastor at Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Kentwood. He is also the author of the book, Living for a Higher Purpose: Story of a City Boy Who Survived the Vietnam War by Living for Jesus and Others, which is being adapted into a movie.


Listen to Vu’s VOICES conversation here.


Share your story with VOICES. It’s easy — just go here to reserve a time!

‘One person can really make a difference’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Story and photos by Alan Neushwander, Spectrum HealthBeat 

 

Rhonda Reilly trained for months to run her first half-marathon.

 

The 59-year-old from Athens, Ohio, was at her summer cottage in Ludington, Michigan, on Aug. 7, 2018 when she decided to continue training with a 4-mile run along Hamlin Lake. The picturesque setting on a warm summer afternoon seemed to present a perfect opportunity to take a break from preparing for a visitor.

 

Paula Milligan, a nurse at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, drove home from work that day along the same route. While driving on a road atop a bluff overlooking the lake, she noticed two bicyclists standing over a woman lying in the roadway.

 

The woman happened to be Rhonda. Face down, blood oozed from her head. At first, it appeared she may have been hit by a car. Milligan used her nursing skills to assess what may have happened.

 

“She was blue, which gave me an idea she had either a heart or lung issue,” Milligan recalled. “Once I rolled her over, I noticed there were no injuries to her hands or wrists. She also had sores on her knees which gave me an indication she had flopped down on the pavement.”

 

Rhonda suffered cardiac arrest. Milligan immediately began CPR.

 

“When I started compressions, her color started to come back and I’d get an occasional agonal breath,” Milligan recalled. “I just kept pumping hard to keep her color good and to protect brain function. I had no idea how long she’d been there.”

 

Milligan performed CPR for about 18 minutes before first responders arrived with an automated external defibrillator. They shocked Rhonda twice with the AED before rushing her to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital.

Jane Doe

When Rhonda arrived in the emergency room, she had no form of identification on her. She went running that afternoon without her phone or any belongings.

 

Not knowing her identity, she was classified as a Jane Doe and flown by Aero Med to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

 

Back at their cottage, Rhonda’s husband, Steve, began to worry. His wife’s run was taking longer than expected.

 

“I drove around for two hours looking for her,” Steve said. “I thought she may have taken a wrong turn and got lost. Finally, I called the hospital to see if anyone matching her description had come in. That’s when they told me what had happened and that she had been airlifted to Grand Rapids. I found out later that I had driven by where they had already rescued her.”

A superhero nurse

Rhonda credits Milligan with saving her life.

 

“I was very close to being dead,” Rhonda said. “I was blue when she found me. Less than 10 percent of people who have cardiac arrest outside of the home survive. Had she not found me and started CPR right away, I wouldn’t be here.”

 

Milligan, however, is modest about her lifesaving efforts.

 

“I don’t feel I did anything different than any other nurse would’ve done,” she said. “It just happened to be that I was the one who came across this person and responded to her.”

 

After being released from the hospital, the two reunited with a surprise visit Milligan made to Rhonda and Steve’s cottage.

 

“Paula is amazing,” Rhonda said with a smile. “She’s such a fun and happy person. We now have a special bond that will last a lifetime. This just goes to show that one person can really make a difference.”

Don’t take good health for granted

Rhonda appeared to be the model of good health. She didn’t take medication, had great blood pressure and maintained her physical fitness.

 

Doctors and nurses at the Spectrum Health Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center stabilized Rhonda and determined a small blockage in an artery at the bottom of her heart caused her cardiac arrest.

 

She spent nine days in the hospital, including four days in the intensive care unit. A defibrillator was placed in her chest to help protect against future cardiac arrests.

 

“You can be the perfect picture of good health and still have something like this happen,” Steve said. “Don’t think you’re immune just because you’re fit and a runner.”

Everyone should be prepared to do CPR

There are two lessons the couple wants people to learn from Rhonda’s incident.

 

First, always carry identification if you are exercising alone.

 

“Steve didn’t know what was happening or where I was,” Rhonda said. “I didn’t have any ID on me. It would’ve been so much easier for my husband if someone could’ve called him to let him know what was happening.”

 

There are several different types of wearable identification items runners can wear such as a wristband ID, shoe tag, pocket card and necklaces.

 

More importantly, Rhonda knows CPR saved her life and urges everyone to learn basic CPR skills.

 

“It’s really not that hard to learn CPR and the difference you can make is incredible,” she said.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum HealthBeat.

Events at GVSU focus on ethical issues in health care

Citizen Journalism

By Michele Coffill
GVSU

Grand Valley State University’s Office of the Vice Provost for Health will host two public events on March 25 that focus on the ethical issues surrounding conscientious objection in health care.

• An afternoon conference, “‘You Want Me to Do What?’ When Values Collide in Health Care,” will run from 1-5 p.m. in the Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton St., on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. 

Presenters are Bryan Pilkington, associate professor, Seton Hall School of Health and Medical Sciences; Caroline Ring, chief nursing officer for Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City hospitals; Michael Robinson, assistant professor of philosophy, Chapman University; and Megan VerMerris, senior counsel for Spectrum Health.

Cost to attend the afternoon conference is $45; register online at gvsu.edu/colloquy. 

Poster presentations from area students and faculty will be displayed during the conference. Students are encouraged to submit abstracts on any health related topic, faculty posters should be about a health care ethics topic. Deadline to submit an abstract is March 1, visit gvsu.edu/colloquy for details.

The conference is presented in collaboration with Spectrum Health.

• The DeVos Medical Ethics Colloquy, with the focus “The Ethics of Conscientious Objection in Health Care,” follows a 5 p.m. hors d’oeuvres reception and will run from 6-8 p.m. in the Eberhard Center.

Presenters are Nancy Berlinger, research scholar at the Hastings Center, and Lauris Kaldjian, director of bioethics and humanities at the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine.

A special meet-and-greet with colloquy speakers is scheduled for students from 5-5:30 p.m. Students should register for this meeting on the colloquy website; faculty members who wish to bring a class can contact Diane Dykstra at dykstrdi@gvsu.edu or (616) 331-5876.

The colloquy, underwritten by the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, is free and open to the public. It will be live-streamed, participants who register online at gvsu.edu/colloquy and indicate “live stream” will receive a link prior to the event.

Continuing education credits are available for both events for social work, nursing and medical professionals. Questions about the events can be directed to Dykstra at dykstrdi@gvsu.edu or 616-331-5876.

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message. 

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter

Take a Pass

The Kentwood Justice Center which houses the 62-B District Court (WKTV)

Have a court fine you forgot to pay? Or an outstanding ticket that you just found in the drawer? Well head straight to Kentwood’s 62-B District Court or the 63rd District Court located on the East Beltline, both of which have announced they will offer individuals a waiver on further penalties or incarceration for taking care of their debts before March 31. The courts are even willing to work with those unable to pay in full. For more information, call the 62-B Court at 616-698-9310 or the 63rd Court at 616-632-7770.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Andronaco moves its subsidiary Conley Composite to Kentwood.

The Right Place and the City of Kentwood made big news this week when Andronaco announced it would be moving one of its subsidiaries, Conley Composite to Kentwood. Andronaco has three of its subsidiaries and its headquarters in the area. This is the second big announcement for The Right Place, which in January announced that Stone Fox Ventures would be moving its new acquired Even Cut Abrasive Company to Wyoming.

Star Gazing with Music

The next Concerts Under the Stars at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium is Thursday, Feb. 28. The concert, which is at 7:30 p.m., features the dark-electronic pop of Bronze Wolf. Tickets are $12 for members and $15 for non-members. For more info, visit grpm.org or click here. Or snag some tickets for tonight’s Grand Rapids Symphony concert featuring 19-year-old bass virtuoso William McGregor. The concert is at 8 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall.

Fun fact:

750

That’s how many different species of butterflies in the world. Come March 1, you can check out about 60 of them as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opens its über popular “Butterflies are Blooming” exhibit. The butterflies roam free in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Best times to see the butterflies: late afternoon or early morning when the Gardens opens early every Tuesday. So keep thinking spring!