Category Archives: Community Health

Too sick for school?

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It’s that time of year again, when a cold or other bug could leave you wondering whether your kiddo should go to school or not. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Alyssa Allen, Spectrum Health Beat

 

They are scenes every parent knows well during the school year:

  • You’re awakened in the middle of the night by the distinct sound of vomiting.
  • Your child walks into the kitchen one morning complaining of a sore throat and fever.
  • Your child doesn’t want to eat his breakfast because his tummy hurts.

It’s not always easy to choose between sending your child to school and keeping him home. As it turns out, even those with a medical degree will tell you it’s not an exact science.

 

“There is not a nationally accepted agreement of what the absolutes are for when your child should be kept home from school,” said Bill Bush, MD, pediatrician-in-chief at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

 

Dr. Bush said the American Academy of Pediatrics and most pediatric offices provide guidelines to help parents determine if their child should be seen by a doctor, but there’s not necessarily anything to help them choose between a school day and a sick day.

 

“It’s complicated,” Dr. Bush said. “If this was really easy, then someone would have written a book that says, ‘If you have X, then you should do Y.’

 

“Every family is in a different situation,” he said. “We all know families who send their kids to school with lots of illnesses. And then there are families on the other side that will, with the mildest symptoms, keep their child home from school and say they have to be completely well before they return.”

 

Parents should also check with their school district to see what guidelines are in place for such cases. Some schools have more specific parameters than others.

Dr. Bush has some tips for parents choosing between a sick day and a school day:

  • Fever: What’s considered a fever? For school-aged children, generally 101 degrees or higher is a fever. Keep your child home until he is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine. “While it does depend on what the fever is associated with, it’s a good rule of thumb to stay home for another 24 hours to give your child time to be better prepared to go back to school, but also to spread fewer germs to the other kids,” Dr. Bush said.
  • Strep throat: If your child has tested positive for strep throat, keep him home until he has been taking antibiotics for 24 hours.
  • Vomiting: Your child needs to stay home until at least 24 hours has passed since he last vomited.
  • Runny nose and cough: If a child’s coughing is disrupting class or keeping him and the other kids from concentrating, he should stay home and see a doctor to determine the cause. Dr. Bush offers a great tip: Ask if your child can actually learn anything based on how he’s feeling. A child with mild symptoms—a stuffy nose with clear discharge, or a mild cough—is likely able to go to school.
  • Head lice: Any child with active lice needs to stay home and be treated. But, Dr. Bush said, many schools have revised their rules to modify the nit-free policy. Check with your school.
  • Pink eye: A child with a diagnosed bacterial eye infection needs to stay home until he has been treated with anti-bacterial eye drops for 24 hours. Dr. Bush said the vast majority of eye infections are viral, not bacterial, and therefore do not require eye drops. Children with viral eye infections producing some discoloration and a small amount of clear drainage should be fine to attend school. A doctor can help determine what kind of infection your child has.

Dr. Bush urged parents to use their pediatrician’s office as a resource when their child is sick.

 

“Most doctors’ offices are well equipped to have parents call and talk to the nursing staff to make triage decisions,” he said. “If you have kept your child home from school and are not sure what the next day is going to bring, call your doctor’s office. We expect those calls and we expect to talk to a lot more families than we see in a day.”

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

 

Kentwood cross-county bicyclist, riding for grandson, visits WKTV Journal In Focus

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By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, guest host Keith St. Clair talks with Kentwood resident and bicyclist Ken Smith, who recently completed a 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.

 

Smith, 70, biked from the Pacific Ocean at Seaside, Oregon, to the Atlantic Ocean near Boston, Massachusetts, in hopes of raising funds to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob. WKTV has been proud to cover his journey.

 

Ken Smith set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

To catch up on WKTV’s coverage of his journey, check out our latest story.

 

Kentwood bicyclist, riding for grandson, dips tires in Atlantic at journey’s end

 

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

‘This is going to change her life forever’

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Sue Thoms, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Melissa Seide sits on the exam table, swings her feet and grins with excitement.

 

Her left leg hangs a couple inches shorter than her right. But it hangs straight―for the first time she can remember.

 

Melissa was just a baby when her leg was broken in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. When the injury healed, her calf bones remained bent at a right angle.

 

Now, recovering from surgery to straighten the leg, 6-year-old Melissa hopes to hear good news. She can’t wait to ditch the clunky black surgical walking boot. She has a pair of snazzy purple tennis shoes calling her name.

 

Jeffrey Cassidy, MD, a pediatric orthopedist with Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, examines Melissa’s leg, flexing her foot back and forth. He performed the operation on the leg Sept. 1, after the agency Healing the Children brought Melissa from her home near Port au Prince, Haiti, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for medical care.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

“The incision has held up beautifully,” he says.

 

“Her leg is just in a really good position. And her joints feel fantastic. Her ankle joint had literally no movement (before the operation).”

I think what people don’t understand about Haiti is that if you can’t walk, you are in big trouble.

 

Jeri Kessenich, MD
Pediatrician

And then he says the words Melissa longs to hear: “We can get rid of that boot and put her in regular shoes and see how she does with that.”

 

Melissa’s host mother, Betsy Miedema, makes sure Melissa understands. “No boot, Melissa,” she says.

 

Melissa presses her hands to her face. Her eyes sparkle.

 

“No boot,” Miedema repeats.

 

Melissa sits silent a moment, her hands still covering her mouth, as if she can’t believe it. She looks up. Grins. And whispers, “Thank you, Jesus!”

 

Soon, she stands on the floor, her purple tennis shoes laced up, and walks tentatively across the room. It takes a bit to get used to the new shoes―the left has a 2-inch lift to accommodate the shorter leg.

 

But the small steps add up to a big moment for this little girl far from home and family.

Adjusting to a new home

“She’s just the sweetest kid,” Miedema says. She and her husband, Eric, welcomed Melissa into their home in Walker, Michigan, serving as her host parents during her stay.

 

Since she arrived in August, Melissa has struggled with homesickness, longing for her family and home in Haiti. She eagerly shows a picture of herself with her mother.

 

But Melissa also has become attached to the Miedemas and their children, 10-year-old Evan and 7-year-old Alaina. She goes to school with Alaina and has learned so much English the family rarely needs an interpreter any more.

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

The running and playing is going to make that calf strong. Being a kid is the best therapy there is.

 

Jeffrey Cassidy, MD
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon

Melissa came to the attention of Healing the Children through a school created in Haiti by several Spectrum Health employees, the Power of Education Foundation.

 

The school’s medical director, Jeri Kessenich, MD, also is a pediatrician at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. She contacted Healing the Children, as well as Dr. Cassidy and the hospital, to see if they could help Melissa.

 

Dr. Kessenich is unsure how Melissa’s leg became injured―only that it was crushed when a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti in 2010.

 

Melissa could hobble for short distances―and with a lot of pain. Family members carried her when she had to walk far.

 

Her leg “was in pretty rough shape,” Dr. Cassidy says. It appeared someone tried to fix the break, but the leg never healed properly. The shin bones―the tibia and fibula―remained bent at a 90-degree angle.

 

In surgery, Dr. Cassidy had to shorten the bones about 2 inches as he straightened them. He also lengthened the skin and tendons in the back of the leg.

 

“At least we can give her a straight leg that is hopefully pain-free,” he says. “Hopefully, this will make a profound difference in her life.”

 

For six weeks after surgery, her leg healed and Melissa looked forward to the day she could wear her new tennis shoes. A local store, Mieras Family Shoes, donated the shoes. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital added the lift to the left shoe.

Ready to run and play
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

As Melissa walks up and down the hall, testing out her new shoes at Dr. Cassidy’s office, Miedema asks if she should limit her activities. Should she protect Melissa from doing too much too soon? Usually, she uses a wheelchair to cover long distances and walks for shorter stretches.

 

Melissa will find those limits for herself, Dr. Cassidy says. The more she walks, the stronger her leg will become and the less she will need the wheelchair.

 

“The running and playing is going to make that calf strong,” he says. “I think she’ll get her strength back over time. Being a kid is the best therapy there is.”

 

“Run and play,” he tells Melissa. She claps and beams.

 

Melissa gives goodbye hugs to Dr. Cassidy and nurse Chelsea Ciampa, RN.

 

And it’s off to school. She arrives at West Side Christian mid-morning. As she passes a fourth-grade classroom, her host brother, Evan, comes out to give her a hug. Soon, a circle of big kids forms, admiring Melissa’s purple shoes.

 

At her second-grade classroom, a double treat awaits. Melissa gets to show off her shoes and the class sings “Happy Birthday” to her. It’s two days early, but school won’t be in session the day Melissa turns 7.

 

The kids show the journal entries they wrote about Melissa in honor of her birthday.

 

Her host sister, Alaina, talks about the Haitian Creole words she has learned from Melissa. She recites several―including “dlo” (water) and “bon” (good). She explains how to ask if Melissa’s leg hurts: “Fe mal?”

Mobility is crucial
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Melissa’s leg “is healing beautifully,” Dr. Kessenich says. And although there is a 2-inch difference in the length of her legs, that difference will decrease over time. The surgery will prompt the bone to grow faster in an effort to catch up.

 

The doctor hopes, through the school, to continue providing updated shoes with lifts to match Melissa’s growing feet.

 

The repair to the leg will make Melissa’s life much easier―now and in the future, Dr. Kessenich says.

 

“I think what people don’t understand about Haiti is that if you can’t walk, you are in big trouble,” she says. “You don’t have cars or money for motorcycle rides or taxi cabs. People walk―and they walk everywhere. If you are unable to do that, you are not going to be useful to your family.”

 

Being able to walk on two strong legs will allow Melissa to do everything other children do.

 

“This is going to change her life forever,” she says.

 

Visit Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to learn more about the nationally ranked pediatric specialties offered.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Obesity basics: 9 facts that could change your life

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By Diane Benson, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Nearly 65 percent of adult Americans are overweight and more than one in three are obese. It’s an epidemic putting millions of people at risk for a variety of serious health issues.

 

If you’re overweight or obese, knowing the facts can help you understand the dangers you face and allow you to take control of your options:

  1. FACT: The scale only tells part of the story. It’s important to calculate your body mass index to determine if you are actually overweight or obese. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight; a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
  2. FACT: Health risks associated with a high BMI are compounded by excess abdominal fat. A waist circumference greater than 35 inches for women and greater than 40 inches for men indicates a greater risk.
  3. FACT: Obesity can be caused by genetics, poor eating habits, lack of physical activity—or often a combination of all three.
  4. FACT: Conditions commonly linked to being overweight or obese include arthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. It’s also linked to several kinds of cancer, including esophageal, gallbladder, pancreatic, colorectal, uterine and breast (in post-menopausal women).
  5. FACT: A relatively small change can make a big difference. Losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduce risk of other conditions. And a 5 percent to 7 percent weight reduction can prevent type 2 diabetes.
  6. FACT: If you’re ready for a change, set a weight loss goal of one or two pounds per week. A slow, steady loss is more likely to be permanent than dropping weight quickly. Before dieting, see your doctor for a check of your health and medical conditions.
  7. FACT: Increased physical activity can help you lose weight and keep it off. Aim for 30 minutes a day most days of the week. You can sneak activity into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking at lunch or using a treadmill at home while watching TV.
  8. FACT: Most weight-loss drugs are intended for short-term use and will only help for about the first six months before losing their effectiveness. Discuss this option with your doctor, and if you choose a weight-loss drug, be sure to combine it with healthier eating and physical activity so you can keep the weight off.
  9. FACT: If you have a BMI of more than 40, or a BMI of at least 35 plus other obesity-related conditions, weight loss (bariatric) surgery may be an option.

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Manage menopause with a mantra

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Pick and stick to your personal mantra to gain control of your life. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat

 

The other day I had lunch with a friend at Panera. I had been craving my favorite Fuji apple salad and was really hungry when placing my order.

 

I have been avoiding simple carbs for quite some time, so I ordered an apple as a side—not the French baguette I love.

 

My friend ordered the baguette, and it looked so good! It was so fresh and warm, and I could tell it was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—exactly the way I like it.

 

I remembered my mantra and grabbed my apple.

 

My mantra is “lean and ease of movement.”

 

It means I can sit with my knees up like I used to when I was younger (and more flexible). It means no extra weight around my middle, and it also means feeling “light” as I move around. My mantra (and everything it represents) is so important to me.

When I am carrying extra weight, I hate the way my clothes feel—tight and restricted. It makes me feel trapped and reminds me of times when I had to sit and practice piano. When I am lean, I feel healthy and in charge of my health, and I don’t have to shop for bigger clothes (an added bonus).

Why do we make the choices we make? Choices imply active decision-making, but sometimes the decision is made by the act of not deciding.

When I was growing up, there was a sign on the wall in the stairwell of my home that read, “Not to decide is to decide.” I think that says it all.

For example, if I choose to not make my lunch or bring a snack to work, I am choosing to be without good choices throughout the day. As a result of not having a plan for lunch or snacks at work, I am choosing to eat fast food or unhealthy snacks, which are not the best for my mind, my mood, or my waistline.

So, what do you care about?

Do you care about your heart and really don’t want to have a heart attack at 50 like your aunt did? Do you want to feel and look great at 60, unlike your sister who smoked and chose not to exercise?

If you dig deep and get at what you really care about and create a mantra to fit, you will claim power over the day-to-day and significant situations that occur in your life.

It could be as mundane as choosing what to eat for lunch (healthy versus unhealthy) or whether or not to exercise when you don’t feel like it, or as important as finding the courage to quit your job to pursue a new career.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when creating your mantra:

  • What do I really want for my life (or health) in the next six months?
  • When I think about what I really want, what does that mean to me?
  • What feelings do I experience when I look at what I really want for my life?
  • What mantra would capture the feeling of what I want?
  • In what situations would I need/use a mantra?

My mantra helps steer me in the right direction almost daily. Take some time to compose your own mantra and enjoy having more power over the choices you make each day.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with the Spectrum Health Midlife, Menopause & Sexual Health team, call 616.267.8520.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Kentwood bicyclist, riding for grandson, dips tires in Atlantic at journey’s end

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On Day 56 of his trek, he literally rode his bike into the Atlantic Ocean.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith has finished his 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage. In late September, he finished his journey at Revere Beach, near Boston.

 

Smith, 70, was riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.

 

On Day 56 of his trek, Sunday, Sept. 23, he literally rode his bike into the Atlantic Ocean.

 

“A day of celebration!” Smith wrote on his Facebook page. “I cannot believe I rode my bike from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Wow! A dream come true and for once I can say ‘I lived my dream awake’.

 

“My biggest THANK YOU goes out to my grandson JAKOB. Without you and carrying your picture on me daily this ride and journey would have meant very little other than personal satisfaction and accomplishment but it was YOU who inspired me, motivated me and drove me everyday to do what some would say was impossible especially at my age of 70. Love you JAKIE.”

 

The reception at the Revere Beach included friends, family and strangers, but he is thankful for many present and not-present.

 

“To have my family, my son Jason & my daughter Kyra and grandson Corbin drive so far just to be part of this day, I will never forget. My sister Lois and brother-in-law Roger were with me daily as I took this journey along with many of their friends who helped as well. Having her as my ‘eyes in the sky’ gave me that sense of security that I was not alone and safe. Thank you so much. I also want to thank my wife Jan for encouraging me to do this ride to support our family knowing I would be gone for 2 months. Her daily calls continued to lift me up in prayer.

 

“I just know Jakob has been blessed by all of you.”

 

WKTV followed Ken Smith on his journey (see online-print stories below) and plan to have him in studio soon for an in-depth, on-camera interview.

 

Ken Smith arrives back in Kentwood after 2,500 miles

 

Ken Smith leaves Grand Rapids to begin last 1,000 miles 

 

Ken Smith on the (wrong?) road in Canada

 

When he left Grand Rapids in early September, Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which took him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. The route across Canada was intentional.

 

Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.

 

Ken Smith set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

Talking to Children About Sex

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By Lori Nieboer, PA-C, MPH,Physician Assistant at Union High School Health Center

Parents dread “the talk.” Conversations about sex can feel uncomfortable, but remember… if your kids aren’t getting this information from you, they are likely getting bad information from friends, the TV or the internet. So, here are some tips for making sure you are prepared to discuss this hot topic with your kids at all ages:
  • It’s never too early to start. Find opportunities to talk to your kids to normalize these conversations.
  • Keep it simple; you don’t have to share it all at one time.
  • Use real names for private parts.
  • Keep your kid’s age in mind.
    • Young kids – talk about how boys and girls are different or name body parts.
    • Older kids – answer questions honestly and in small doses.
  • Look for teachable moments: a pregnant neighbor or a scene on TV can start a discussion.
  • Share with your children what your feelings and views are on sex.
  • Make yourself available; listen more than you talk.
  • Take time to explain what makes a relationship healthy.
  • Find a friend or family member you trust that your child can also go to with questions.
  • If you don’t know an answer to a question, be honest, look it up with your child and learn together.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

 

WKTV Journal: In Focus looks at both sides in Kent County ICE contract issue

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, we present in-depth interviews with both sides of the current conflict between the Kent County Commission, and Sheriff’s Department, and Movimiento Cosecha GR over the county Sheriff’s department contract with the federal Immigration and Custom Enforcement agency, known as ICE.

 

The contract between the Sheriff’s Department and ICE relates to the processing and holding in the county jail of persons suspected of crimes who also have an unclear immigration status.

 

Cosecha is a national nonviolent movement fighting for the dignity, respect and permanent protection of all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.

 

 

Early in September, the Kent County Board of Commissioners took the highly unusual step of recessing, relocating and excluding the public from its regular monthly meeting due to the continued protest of board meetings by members of Movimiento Cosecha GR and Rapid Response to ICE. Commission leadership say it does not have the legal authority to end the contract or direct the Sheriff to do so. But members of the protesting groups say the commission will not even conduct good-faith discussions with them on the issue.

 

WKTV brings you both sides of this important and divisive issue.

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

How to keep anger from getting the better of you

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If you’re arguing with someone, anger can be like earplugs. It keeps you from hearing what the other person is saying and finding middle ground. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay

 

Anger isn’t just an emotional reaction—it can affect you physically, too.

 

It’s been shown to raise your risk for heart disease and other problems related to stress—like sleep trouble, digestion woes and headaches.

 

That makes it important, then, to diffuse your anger. Start by figuring out what it is that makes you angry.

 

Researchers from George Mason University, in Virginia, studied just that, and identified 5 common triggers:

  • Other people.
  • Distress—psychological and physical.
  • Demands you put on yourself.
  • Your environment.
  • Unknown sources.

Anger was more intense, the investigators found, when people were provoked by issues with other people or by influences that couldn’t be pinpointed.

 

Once you’ve identified the sources of your anger, take steps to change how your deal with it, the researchers suggested.

 

Decades ago, people often were encouraged to let their anger out. Primal screams and pounding pillows were suggested tactics. Today? Not so much.

 

Studies have shown that therapies that involve letting anger out in a rage don’t really help. They might even make you more angry.

 

Still, it’s important to not keep anger bottled up. But, managing it can keep you from saying or doing things you might regret once the anger has passed.

 

What to do?

 

Start by becoming a calmer person in general. Practice a relaxation technique every day—yoga or mindfulness meditation, for instance.

 

Also develop an anger strategy that you can draw on when you’re in the moment. The idea is to interrupt your response to anger before it gets out of hand and to have a menu of healthier ways to express your feelings.

 

Tactics like time-outs, deep breathing and self-talk can help you calm down and think before acting. Longer-term, reducing your stress level and building empathy skills can help.

 

If you’re arguing with someone, anger can be like earplugs. It keeps you from hearing what the other person is saying and finding middle ground. So instead of acting defensive and trading barbs, hit the pause button.

 

Ask the person to repeat what was said. Then reflect on it before you speak again. Try to figure out the real reason for the argument.

 

This lets you channel the energy of anger into finding a solution.

 

When you’re in a situation you can’t fix—like being stuck in traffic on your way to an appointment—use your rational mind to put the situation in perspective. It’s inconvenient, but more than likely won’t affect your well-being long-term.

 

If you find that you’re angry at forces you can’t identify, consider talking to a mental health therapist. Working together should help you uncover the root of your unhappiness and anger.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

‘I was totally blindsided’

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Marie Havenga, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Back in the winter of 2000, Rick Eding went to the Zeeland Community Hospital emergency room with a sinus infection.

 

The then-25-year-old never expected the experience to reveal a much deeper and mind-numbing problem: severe heart problems.

 

“I was totally blindsided,” the Hamilton, Michigan, resident said. “I had cough and cold symptoms and sinus pressure in my head.”

 

ER doctors gave him a prescription for Bactrim, an antibiotic he’d tolerated well in the past. He started on the medicine, but within a couple of hours, allergic reactions flared—red skin, lethargy, difficulty breathing.

 

His dad drove him back to Zeeland Community Hospital.

 

By the time he arrived, his blood pressure nosedived.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

“I felt like I had a brick wall on my chest,” Eding said. “I didn’t know what in the heck was going on. Basically, I went into cardiac arrest.”

 

Emergency response teams rushed him to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

 

“I bounced back alright, even with cardiomyopathy,” Eding said as he dropped his 15-year-old son off at Hamilton High School football practice.

 

But as the years went on, Eding’s weight went up. And his heart function went down.

 

Working as an electrician, he traveled across the United States and Canada.

 

“I just kind of wrote it off as, ‘I’m traveling, I’m not eating like I probably should. I’m getting older,’” he said. “It got to the point where I couldn’t do anything. I was probably 300 pounds. I had chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, all those classic symptoms.”

 

Diagnosis? Heart failure.

 

At 31 years old.

LVAD

“From 2006 to 2011, I really battled the heart failure thing,” Eding said. “I was constantly in and out of the hospital. In 2011, the decision was made to have an LVAD placed.”

 

An LVAD, left ventricular assist device, picks up slack for the heart and helps it pump blood as it should.

 

“Basically it got to the point where they needed to do a tandem heart,” Eding said. “It’s an exterior device that buys you time. They needed to do something within a day or two or there wouldn’t be any choices. It was very scary. I was young. I was married with kids and the whole bit.”

 

Doctors placed Eding on the heart transplant list. But the more he waited, the more he weighed.

 

His weight spiked to 330 pounds—60 pounds more than when he got the LVAD.

 

Then, in 2013, more devastating news.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

His growing weight made him ineligible for a heart transplant.

 

“The worst thing for me was hearing, ‘We need to take you off the transplant list. You’re too big,’” Eding said. “It’s like a kick in the teeth. It’s horrible. The glimmer of hope you had of having a good life … gone.

 

“Being so young, the goal of a transplant was totally getting your life back,” he said. “That goal was stomped on. It wasn’t even attainable at that time.”

 

Eding dove into research—diets, surgeries, “you name it.”

 

He tried a slew of diet plans with minimal success.

 

“I would drop 20 pounds and in some way or some form, I’d have a setback and ‘boom,’ the weight comes back on,” he said.

Shrinking appetite

Eding learned about patients experiencing similar frustrations with an LVAD, and how they had success with bariatric surgery.

 

He spoke with Michael Dickinson, MD, a cardiologist with the Spectrum Health Richard DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Clinic.

 

“It was like, hands down, I’m ready,” Eding said.

 

He met with Spectrum Health bariatric surgeon Jon Schram, MD.

 

“We took our time to make sure everything was good, which was very reassuring to me,” Eding said. “The surgery was done at the Meijer Heart Center. He was confident in what he had to do and that made me feel real good. “

 

Dr. Schram performed a sleeve procedure last October.

 

“We removed about 80 percent of his stomach,” Dr. Schram said. “The stomach is shaped like a big flask. We changed the shape of the stomach to about the size of a small banana.”

 

That does two things. It limits how much food the patient can eat at one time and also limits a hormone produced by the stomach that regulates hunger.

 

“By removing that much of the stomach, we create a situation where he’s not as hungry all the time,” said Dr. Schram, who performs about 400 of these surgeries per year.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Dr. Schram said the unique partnership between Spectrum Health’s bariatric division, cardiothoracic division and advanced heart failure team gave Eding a second chance.

 

The weight loss results? Almost immediate.

 

“It was like a pound a day for the longest time,” Eding said. “Yesterday I was 268.”

 

Best of all: As of late January, he’s back on the transplant list.

 

“I’m just ecstatic,” Eding said. “It’s unbelievable this roller coaster I’ve been on, with the highs and the lows. I’m definitely flying high and so thankful and so blessed to be back on the list.”

Digging in

The father of six is feeling blessed to be living a more normal life while he waits. No more hospital stays and no harsh symptoms.

 

The LVAD seems to be doing its job.

 

That means more time for fishing with his kids, more time for coaching Little League baseball, more time to dream of a future that could be there if the stars align and he gets a new heart.

 

“He’s not being held up by his weight now,” Dr. Schram said. “He’s just waiting for a donor. He suffers from severe heart failure. The longer he goes without a heart, there’s a possibility his heart could give out.”

 

But giving in is not an option.

 

“A lot of people would have given up a long time ago,” Eding said. “But I dug my feet in and put my nose to the grindstone and really took it head-on.”

 

And he has another goal: swim with his children again.

 

Since the LVAD is an electrical device, he can’t swim with it in him.

 

A transplant, of course, could change all that.

 

“I can’t wait to go swimming again,” Eding said. “The kids all love to swim and go to water parks. I feel like I’ve robbed them of being able to do that with them. As soon as I get the go-ahead, we’re going to Great Wolf Lodge or Michigan’s Adventure and we’re hitting the water park.”

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood fun news you need to know

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Voices, , ,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

 

“We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”  — Virginia Satir, family therapist

 

Kentwood artist’s HUG exhibit an extension of who she is

 

Meochia Thompson with some friends in an earlier Hugs campaign.

 

You can find 2018 ArtPrize artist Meochia Thompson giving hugs at church events, retirement homes, or around the community. Now you can find the Kentwood woman downtown embracing strangers during ArtPrize for her entry HUG, a campaign that stands for “help uplift goodness”. To get the details, click here.

 

Stars of one ArtPrize exhibit is the Wyoming Police K-9 unit 

 

Nidal Kanaan’s ArtPrize piece “Blue Courage” can be found at Flaganan’s Irish Pub.

Inside Flanagan’s Irish Pub in downtown Grand Rapids, you can find food, drinks, and Nidal Kanaan’s ArtPrize entry “Blue Courage.” Photographing the Wyoming Police K-9 unit, Kanaan produced images that ArtPrize attendees will enjoy while stopping in for a quick refreshment. To get the details, click here.

 

WKTV wants the VOICES of not just artists, but the voters as well

Last year, VOICES debuted at ArtPrize Nine, introducing our 1958 Airstream trailer and collecting the stories of winning ArtPrize artists Daniel Oropreza and Sofia Hernandez Ramirez. This year, VOICES will again collect stories from artists. But we are also bringing our Voters Feedback Booth, right next to the trailer, where voters are encouraged to share what they voted on and why. For get the details, click here.

 

 

And today’s fun fact:
3 seconds

 

Hugs follow a 3-second rule. Ever wondered how long a hug lasts? The quick answer is about 3 seconds, according to a 2011 study of the post-competition embraces of Olympic athletes.

 

Jack, the therapy cat puts a spark in the spirit

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Victoria Mullen, WKTV

 

“You just brighten up everybody’s eyes, because everybody loves you,” said Vista Springs Community member, Marilyn Scholten as she stroked the orange tabby cat’s fur. “He loves me. I can tell.”

 

Jack the Cat is on a mission. Every Thursday morning, the therapy cat strolls into Vista Springs Community to visit with the people living there. Well, more accurately, he sits in a stroller as his caretaker, Lynn Hopkins, wheels him from room to room. He has trained Hopkins well.

 

“I met Jack at Crash’s Landing in 2009,” said Hopkins. “He was transferred there from an animal shelter. He’d been surrendered there, we don’t know why. We don’t know his history.”

 

Jack has deformed front legs, but that doesn’t stop him, hence his proper name, Jack B. Nimble.

 

“They thought he might be kind of hard to adopt out, and so they were afraid that he would be euthanized,” Hopkins said. “They didn’t want to risk it, so they transferred him to Crash’s Landing (a local cat rescue and placement center).”

 

Hopkins remembers her first memory of Jack, running down the hall. Because of his front legs, he has a gimpy gait, but that doesn’t stop him. He still runs and plays with toys. But it was Jack’s engaging personality that made a huge impression on Hopkins.

 

“He’s just the happiest cat I’ve ever known,” she said. “He just loves everybody, he loves other cats. He was at Crash’s just a few weeks, and I took him home.”

 

Hopkins started taking Jack to volunteer picnics. She pushed him around in his stroller and people would pick him up or set him on a picnic table. And he would just sit there and let people pet him.

 

“And so a few years before I retired, I came across some information on Facebook about a therapy cat. I had never heard of a therapy cat,” said Hopkins. “I had heard of therapy dogs, but not therapy cats. I knew Jack would be perfect. One of the first things to do when I retired in January 2017 was to get him certified by Love on a Leash. He had to be checked out by a vet and undergo 10 hours of observation on how he behaved.”

 

Lynn Hopkins and her charge, Jack

Both Hopkins and Jack were evaluated by the Love on a Leash program because they work as a team. Certification typically includes consistent visit and behavior guidelines, animal health assurances and cleanliness standards. The animal must be able to tolerate a wide range of environments and people.

 

Jack now visits two retirement communities a week and an area hospice when someone requests a visit from a therapy cat.

 

After visiting Scholten, Jack and Lynn stopped off to see Donna Terpstra, who recently moved to Vista Springs and is still adjusting to her new living situation. She had a cat before her move.

 

“[Jack] makes me feel like a human being, and human beings need to have contact with pets, with animals,” Terpstra said. “I used to say that coming home to an empty house is not good. But when there’s a pet, there’s another heartbeat in the house, and you don’t feel so lonely.”

 

Susan Lamos, Life Engagement Director at Vista Springs, said that animals are important in nearly everybody’s life.

 

“I think the majority of people who moved here have had animals at one point in their life, had pets in their past, whether they lived on a farm or had a pet at home,” said Lamos. “When you come to a living setting such as Vista Springs, you give up a few things, which can take away some of your dignity.

 

“The therapy piece brings a wholeness to people. I think it’s like a breath of fresh air. A person can be sitting there in their chair just reflecting or watching television and when the animal comes in to the room, the eyes light up, the body lifts up and there’s a real connection with them. They’re fulfilled.”

 

‘Living a better life’

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Food, Health, How-To's, Local Faces, Senior Living, , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Alyssa Allen, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Matthew Stone didn’t need to look any further than the faces of his two children for motivation to lose weight and live healthier.

 

“You want to see these little people grow up and you start thinking about, ‘What’s going to happen to me?’” Stone said. “I realized that I cannot expect someone else to take care of me, I need to start taking care of myself.”

 

With the support of his wife, Kristin, and his two children—Henry, 6, and Evelyn, 3—Stone started making big changes.

 

In July 2016, at the age of 33 and pushing 400 pounds, Stone had gastric sleeve surgery to start his weight-loss journey.

 

He has since lost more than 150 pounds, weighing in at 232 pounds. He eats well and exercises six days a week, including lifting weights, running and cycling.

 

“I always say that it’s not that I didn’t have a good life before, but now I am living a better life,” Stone said.

 

Last year, when he laced up his running shoes for the Spectrum Health Danish Dash in Greenville, Michigan, it had been his first time competing in an official organized run. By the time he competes in the race again this year, on Aug. 18, he’ll have some other 5K races under his belt.

Making changes

Stone said he had always been a big but active kid. Growing up in Midland, he remembers shoveling his dirt driveway in the winter so he could play basketball.

 

He also played high school sports. As a sophomore, he was a 6-foot-1, 300-pound athlete.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

But the weight kept creeping up.

 

“It doesn’t seem like much each year, but then you look back and you’re up 50 pounds,” he said.

 

Over time it became more difficult to ignore the signs that something needed to change.

 

He married in 2007 and it soon became a growing challenge to keep up with his two young children. He couldn’t buy life insurance to protect his family—his weight made it cost-prohibitive. He had to take medication for high blood pressure.

 

He then experienced a liver issue, which turned out to be the start of fatty liver disease. His weight, meanwhile, restricted what he could accomplish in the weight room.

 

“At age 33 I was OK, but it was only a matter of time before I would end up on a bunch of meds,” Stone said. “My body was showing signs it couldn’t keep up.”

 

He tried to diet but success proved elusive. He’d get discouraged when he didn’t see results.

 

“I realized that you can’t out-exercise a bad diet,” Stone said. “I can do a lot more damage with my mouth than I can out-do with my body.”

 

Feeling like he was “chasing his tail,” he signed up for a consultation with a bariatric surgeon.

 

In July 2016 he had gastric sleeve surgery at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital.

 

“I really felt like the surgery was the first step, because when you’re pushing 400 pounds, I knew I was limited, but I didn’t fully understand how limited I was by the weight,” Stone said.

 

He started off easy, first by walking and then going to the gym and jogging on the treadmill.

 

“From there, it has taken off,” Stone said.

 

His current routine is six days of exercise, including four to five days of 60 to 90 minutes of weight lifting at Fresh Start Fitness in Greenville. He also gets in one or two runs per week—each about 3 to 5 miles—and about 30 minutes of cycling on the Flat River Trail or the stair stepper at the gym.

 

He follows a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. He recently eliminated all sugars, getting all his carbs from vegetables.

Transformation

Stone’s body has indeed changed. He went from a size 56 pants and XXXL shirts to a size 38 and large. He actually enjoys shopping now.

 

At the beginning, he would catch his reflection in a mirror and not recognize himself.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

But has he really changed? It’s one question he reflects on frequently. He looks to his wife to help him process it.

 

“I know that divorce rates are high for people who have big weight loss after surgery,” Stone said. “I ask my wife, ‘Have I changed? Let me know if you think I’m changing.’”

 

As an optimistic, outgoing person, Stone feels more comfortable in his skin now.

 

“I feel like my body matches my personality now, that it matches who I really am,” Stone said.

 

He works as a football coach at Greenville High School and as an associate pastor at Greenville First Church of God.

 

He said his faith and the strong support system from his family and community have helped him in this journey.

 

“I see this as part of being a better steward of who I am and what I have,” Stone said.

 

He also hopes he’s providing a good example for his children and his football players.

 

“For too many years, I just didn’t want to deal with it and make the commitment,” he said. “It’s good for everyone around me and good for me to see this is how we live better. Not that I didn’t live good before, but this is better.”

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

New GVSU Veterans Upward Bound program director on WKTV Journal: In Focus

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WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, we continue our efforts to assist local veterans, this time with a new higher eduction program based out of Grand Valley State University.

 

In Focus is Tim Marroquin, the Director of GVSU Veterans Upward Bound program. The program provides academic and other services to military veterans with the goal of supporting their enrollment and success in postsecondary education. The program is new to the university and to Michigan, but there is a clear need of this service for our veterans.

 

The Upward Bound program is part of GVSU’s Division of Inclusion and Equity, so our first question is why veteran inclusion as important to GVSU as other “minority” groups?

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

Living with Diabetes: The importance of great oral care

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, Senior Living, , , , ,
Courtesy of Cherry Health

By Alisha Walker, Bilingual Dental Referral Coordinator Team Lead at Cherry Street Health Center

Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including your mouth. If you or someone you care for has diabetes, you need to spend extra time and attention to maintain great oral health. Tooth and periodontal (gum) diseases are more common and serious for people with diabetes. Periodontal disease is a broad term used to describe various stages of disease that affect the gums and bone surrounding of the teeth. Periodontal disease can also make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar, however by taking better care of your oral health both periodontal disease and diabetes can improve.

 

Are you at higher risk for periodontal disease if you have diabetes?

  • Yes, when diabetes is not under control your mouth and your body’s germ-fighting powers are weakened.

What other oral health problems can develop if you have diabetes?

  • Diabetes also makes you prone to other mouth problems such as oral infections like thrush, dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities and poor wound healing.

What are the early warning signs of periodontal disease?

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Painful or tender gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Constant bad breath or taste
  • Pus between teeth and when gums are pressed
  • Gums pulling away from teeth

Should you tell your dentist and dental hygienist that you have diabetes?

  • Yes, people with diabetes have special needs. Keep your dentist and dental hygienist informed of any changes in your condition and any medication(s) you might be taking.

How can I keep my gums and teeth healthy to prevent and/or fight off periodontal disease?

  • Keep blood sugar as close to normal as possible. That means taking medications that were prescribed as directed. It also means keeping the amount of consumed carbs in check.
  • Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth at least once every day.
  • See your dentist at least twice a year, or as often as your dentist recommends.

Remember, good dental care can result in a healthy mouth and a smile that will last a lifetime.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

 

New ACLU program, threats to Michigan’s migrant labor on WKTV Journal: In Focus

3-bottom, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Local Faces, Non-Profits, ,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is two topics greatly impacting West Michigan and the entire nation: criminal rehabilitation and the blurry world of migrant labor in a time of immigration reform battles.

 

First up is Richard Griffin, the newly hired Grand Rapids Field Organizer for the ACLU of Michigan’s Smart Justice campaign, which is committed to reducing the number of people in prison by 50 percent and eliminating racial disparities in our criminal justice system. Griffin was incarcerated at the age of 16 for a drug-related homicide and spent 23 years behind bars, but that is only the beginning of his story. We will talk with him about the rest of his life’s story, about the work of the ACLU’s Smart Justice effort, and about why he has an almost spiritual connection to jazz.

 

Also on the episode, and on YouTube, is the Grand Rapids based Migrant Legal Aid organization, from the group we will talk with director and attorney Teresa Hendricks and attorney Ben O’Hearn. The group works to protect migrant agricultural workers legal rights and work with local farmers and agribusiness to resolve legal disputes. The group has visited In Focus before, but with the continuing and confusing mess that is current federal immigration policies, including the separation of families and sometimes separate deportation of suspected illegal immigrants — many of them seeking work as part of America’s migrant labor force — we wanted to talk to people in the know.

 

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

Kentwood bicyclist, riding for grandson, finds reward from wrong roads

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Local Faces, Travel,
Ken Smith’s view from the bike as he headed across Canada on a bike trail. (Supplied)

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith this week continued his 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.

 

A cyclist Ken meet on his travels. (Supplied)

Smith, 70, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.

 

On Day 45 of his trek, Wednesday, Sept. 12, he took a wrong road but ended up with an unexpected meal and a donation.

 

“I found a rail trail from Simcoe to Port Dover (in Ontario, Canada) and made some good time,” Smith wrote on his Facebook page on that day. “I also discovered a road that followed the lake (Lake Erie) and it was a beautiful ride with a great view of the lake but it became a little confusing and I made a BIG mistake and turned the wrong way. That took me some 10 miles in the wrong direction …

 

“Oh well but it is amazing how things turn out. A lady (Liz) stopped me along the highway and said, ‘I just read about you in the paper’ and asked me if I would join her and her son and son-in-law for lunch. WOW what a blessing and she also donated to Jakob’s Ride. Even when you make a mistake, you never know what will develop because of it.”

 

Ken Smith arrives back in Kentwood after 2,500 miles
Ken Smith leaves Grand Rapids to begin last 1,000 miles 

 

On Thursday, Sept. 13, Smith prepared to cross back into the United States and wrote on his Facebook page:

 

“Tomorrow I cross into the US at Buffalo, NY and get on the Erie Canalway trail that is 360 miles long and takes me to Albany, NY. I will be on it for a few days. I am watching the weather forecast and I am expecting a wet ride over the next few days but I am ready for it. Distance today was 47 miles for a total of 2927 miles.”

 

When he left Grand Rapids, Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which will now take him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. He estimates about 20 days for this leg of the journey.

 

Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.

 

Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

WKTV will follow Ken Smith as he posts to his Facebook account and will provide continuing coverage.

 

What do youth sports teach our children, really?

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

By Suzanne Pish, Michigan State University Extension 

 

There has been a lot of controversy about whether or not young children should begin to play football. As a mother, it is hard to watch your child be under a pile of other players, wondering if they are going to get up and listening to coaches yelling at them. However, there are some great lessons learned from playing football that go far beyond the hitting and yelling. These young children are learning life skills that they can use the rest of their lives.

 

According to Michigan State University Extension these are the top four life skills children learn while participating in a sport:

1. Social skills

The social aspect of sports might be what entices children to play in the first place. Youth sports participation lets children spend time with friends in a safe environment while practicing social skills that are likely to last a lifetime. Aside from bonding with peers, kids learn to solve conflicts effectively, reach common goals and learn to be more assertive, all while getting much needed physical activity. A child’s communication skills are improved while playing a sport, giving a child needed life skills.

2. Competitive skills

Although there is such a thing as being too competitive, it’s important for a child to understand the positive aspects of competition. Adults are surrounded by competition, from getting a job to moving up in the work force. When children learn the basics of competition early, they have a better chance of succeeding. Sports participation helps children cope with competition in a friendly environment. Working to achieve a goal or being part of a team can help kids gain healthy competitive skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

3. Sportsmanship

Sportsmanlike behavior is a lesson that children obtain from playing sports. Children learn to positively handle both the winning and losing aspect of playing a sport. Good sportsmanship is a trait that carries over from childhood to adulthood. Athletes who focus on mastering personal improvement have a good chance later on becoming good citizens and hard workers. A child who learns to be a good sport can translate that skill to better cooperating with others and making decisions based on their own morals rather than being ego-oriented individuals who behave badly, according to Education World, an online resource for educators .

4. Leadership abilities

Obtaining leadership qualities that range from being a good character to respecting others and being task oriented can be accomplished in both team and individual sports. A solid support system, such as a strong parental involvement and effective coaching can help mold a child into being a leader now, and later in life.

 

The coaching staff for my son’s team told them in the huddle that giving 100 percent on the field will help them to give 100 percent in whatever else they do in life. Do these boys understand that concept at this young age? Maybe not, but having the discipline to play as a team day after day and to give all they can to their team will certainly pay off for them in the long run as adults.

 

Need more parenting information? Check out MSU Extension’s Nurturing Families program.

 

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).

Child passenger safety: Find a seat check event near you 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Kids Activities,
Not only is the correct seat important, but also the correct buckling of seat and young passenger.

By Michigan State Police

 

The Michigan State Police is seeking to educate parents about how to choose the right car seat and how to install and use it correctly.

 

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children one to 13 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

 

“Car seats, booster seats and safety belts save lives, but their misuse by well-intentioned parents and caregivers is far too common,” said Community Service Trooper Martin Miller of the Rockford Post. “Be proactive — get your child’s car seat or booster seat checked to ensure their safety.”

 

Car Seat Recommendations:

 

On Aug. 30, 2018, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) published an update to its 2011 child passenger safety policy statement and technical report. The most significant change is modified language around how long children should remain rear-facing. Instead of recommending rear facing to at least age 2, the updated policy statement recommends children remain rear facing until they reach the weight or height limit allowed by their seat. Most current car safety seats will accommodate children rear facing to age 2 or more.

 

Further recommendations by the AAP:

 

All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat (CSS) as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their CSS’s manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will permit children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more.

 

All children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their CSS should use a forward-facing CSS with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their CSS’s manufacturer.

 

All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their CSS should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 ft 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

 

When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.

 

All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

 

For more information on child car safety and to find a free car seat check event near you, go to safercar.gov/parents.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Tech Trends, ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it."

                                                  ~Chinese Proverb

Good things come in threes

Three well-deserving organizations recently received grants from the GM Foundation: the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), and Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. Read all about it here.

 

 

 

The dude abides (er, rides)

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage. More here.

 

.

Beam me up, Scotty

Well, maybe healthcare technology isn’t quite that advanced, but still…

 

Not only are physicians and other healthcare professionals becoming more accessible, but personal health information, billing, and care instructions have also become easier to find thanks to electronic health records and healthcare portals. Before electronic health records, or EHRs, patients had to request physical copies from their healthcare providers’ offices, an inconvenient process that meant that most people only received their records when they were absolutely required. Read all about it here.

 

Fun Fact:

A sneeze travels about
100 miles per hour.

We're not sure who clocked it or why. Maybe some things are best left unknown.

Kent County’s Operation: Safe and Secure planned for National Preparedness Month 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Upcoming Events

 

Are you prepared for an emergency at your house, such as a fire? A countywide program will offer help in planning. (Supplied)

By Kent County

 

September is National Preparedness Month, so …

 

Do you have a plan if you had to leave your home for an extended period of time due to a disaster? Do you know what to do if you have a house fire? What is your plan if the power goes out?

 

The Emergency Preparedness Initiative of Kent is offering a free fun and educational expo for both kids and adults focused on keeping homes and families safe.

 

Operation: Safe and Secure will be held Tuesday, September 18, from 4-8 p.m., at the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave NW in Walker.

 

“Operation: Safe and Secure is an ideal way for people to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Karla Black, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator of the Kent County Health Department. “Our involvement is just another way we collaborate with the many wonderful community partners who are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our families across the County.”

 

Presentations include hands-on safety activities for all age groups, drones and the Fire Safety Trailer from the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Walker Fire Department’s ladder truck, American Red Cross presenting Disney’s Pillowcase Project, safety tips for people with disabilities, what to do in an active violence event, free refreshments, giveaways and much more.

 

At the event, there will be vendors and presenters who will provide information on how the community can be better prepared against emergencies.

 

“Kent County has had many emergency situations and severe weather over the past few years,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We have seen tornadoes throughout the County in recent years, and we had a massive flooding incident in February that led to a State of Emergency declaration. House fires and accidents are regular occurrences. How you and your family respond in those initial moments can certainly mean the difference to avoid serious injury.”

 

The Emergency Preparedness Initiative of Kent (EPIK) is made of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Kent County/Grand Rapids Emergency Management, Kent County’s Sheriff Department and Health Department, Grand Rapids’ Police and Fire Departments, Walker Fire Department, Kent ISD, Salvation Army, WOTV Operation Save a Life, E.S.C.A.P.E., neighborhood associations and others.

 

“EPIK thanks the DeltaPlex and the partners involved for offering support and sponsorship,” said Leslie Montgomery-Bean of American Red Cross. “There has been a great amount of community involvement in the planning process. People who attend the event will gain information and ideas to be more prepared for emergencies and disaster that they may face at home or in their communities.”

 

An early catch

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Alyssa Allen, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Last September, Harvey Hasart went to his primary care doctor for what he thought would be a normal annual physical.

 

Looking back, he credits that day with saving his life.

 

His doctor, Arashdeep Litt, MD, an internal medicine doctor with Spectrum Health Medical Group, suggested he undergo lung cancer screening.

 

For anyone age 55 to 80 who is at high risk of lung cancer, the Spectrum Health Lung Mass and Cancer Care Multispecialty Team early detection screening program recommends one low-dose CT scan each year for a minimum of three years.

 

As a former smoker, Hasart qualified. He remembers the day 50 years ago he caught his older brother smoking.

 

“He made me start so I wouldn’t tell Dad,” Hasart said.

 

A few days after his appointment with Dr. Litt, Hasart went to Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont for his CT scan. Within 24 hours, Dr. Litt’s office called. They had found a suspicious nodule.

 

It was an early catch, which is a big advantage in fighting lung cancer.

 

“The idea with the screening is that we can diagnose it when it’s more treatable,” said Marc McClelland, MD, a Spectrum Health pulmonologist.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Lung cancer tends to have poor outcomes because it usually gets diagnosed at an advanced stage, Dr. McClelland said. The disease typically does not have any symptoms until it has advanced beyond stage one or two.

 

Since its creation in 2015, the lung cancer screening program has identified 33 cases of lung cancer and nine cases of other kinds of cancer, including kidney and liver. Nineteen of the lung cancer cases were found in the earliest and most treatable stage, stage one.

 

The program is currently following 728 patients with annual CT scans.

Harvey’s journey

A few days after receiving the bad news, Hasart met with the Lung Mass and Cancer Care Multispecialty Team. The group of cancer specialists includes a diagnostic radiologist, medical oncologist, pathologist, pulmonologist, radiation oncologist, thoracic surgeon, nurse and social worker, all coalescing to offer coordinated care for patients like Hasart.

 

The next step, a PET scan, revealed the nodule and a lymph node looked suspicious and needed biopsy.

 

Hasart’s case grew more complicated yet. Within days of his PET scan, he experienced chest pain on the golf course. He ended up needing a heart stent and he had to regularly take a blood thinner.

 

The multispecialty team thought it best to admit Hasart to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital for the biopsy, which allowed them to switch blood thinners and monitor his heart closely, Dr. McClelland said.

 

The results of the biopsy held more bad news: small cell lung cancer.

 

Small cell lung cancer makes up only 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancers. It is known for growing rapidly and spreading quickly, although it typically responds well to chemotherapy and radiation.

 

Dr. McClelland said the fact that Hasart’s cancer was small cell rather than the more common non-small cell cancer surprised him and the other specialists on Hasart’s team. It didn’t appear to be small cell originally, he said.

 

“That’s the beauty of the lung (multispecialty team),” Dr. McClelland said. “As long as I have been doing this, no case is the same as any other case. There’s no textbook in the world that could include the extensive variety and depth of what we see, so that’s why the team is so valuable.”

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

The team meets together on a regular basis to discuss each case, allowing for effective communication and more streamlined care. This ultimately means patients get answers faster, sometimes with same-day biopsies and results, Dr. McClelland said.

 

The week after Thanksgiving, Hasart started four rounds of chemotherapy at Spectrum Health Cancer Center. The day after Christmas, he started radiation. Both steps were successful fighting the cancer in his lungs.

 

When a scan then revealed a small lesion on his brain, the multispecialty team opted for him to receive radiation treatment to his brain, Hasart said. It’s common for small cell lung cancer to spread to the brain. In early May, a post-radiation brain scan showed the lesion was gone and there was no more evidence of cancer.

Serendipity

Hasart’s girlfriend, Deb Bisel, has been at his side throughout this journey. The two met online when Hasart lived in Wisconsin and Bisel in Newaygo, Michigan. They dated long distance a few years before Hasart retired and moved to Newaygo in November 2016.

 

Bisel lost her husband of 26 years, Ned, to lung cancer in 2011. By the time they found his cancer, it was too late to do much.

 

In a serendipitous twist, Bisel works for Spectrum Health as the manager of cancer program compliance. In this role, she helped develop the lung mass and cancer multi-specialty team. Bisel also helped plan a symposium for primary care physicians to learn more about cancer screening, including lung cancer. Dr. Litt attended that symposium.

 

“We are so thankful (Dr. Litt) ordered the CT scan, and we think it saved his life,” Bisel said. “This validates how important this stuff is.”

 

Those eligible for the screening program are active smokers with a history of 30 or more pack years and former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years. (Pack years is calculated by multiplying packs per day by years smoked.)

 

Patients with lower risk who do not meet those guidelines may speak with their doctors about whether they would benefit from screening outside of the program, Dr. McClelland said.

 

Patients like Hasart, who have quit smoking, can sometimes be forgotten, Dr. Litt said.

 

“This reinforces my faith in primary and preventive care,” Dr. Litt said. “You want to intervene before things go out of control, before things go in the wrong direction.”

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

Dr. Litt grew humble when she heard Hasart credited her with saving his life.

 

“I was doing my job as any good primary care physician should be doing,” she said. “I’m grateful and thankful he thinks highly of me, but mostly I am grateful he is doing well.”

 

Hasart is now focused on enjoying his retirement. He works part-time driving cars to the east side of Michigan for auto dealers. Most of the time, however, you will find him on the golf course or in the kitchen baking or cooking.

 

His last day of chemotherapy treatment was Valentine’s Day. He couldn’t wait to get home to make lobster dinner for Bisel.

 

That day, Bisel’s assistant, Diane Ivy, came down from her office in the cancer center with a celebratory gift for Hasart—a mix of cookies, a chocolate rose, a teddy bear and other goodies.

 

“I just wanted to come and see you for the last day,” she said.

 

The teddy bear, she said, was for “whenever you need a hug and Deb is not there.”

 

As Hasart readied to leave, a nurse wished him well and asked how he felt.

 

“I don’t feel sad, that’s for sure,” he said.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

How has technology transformed healthcare access?

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

Advancements in medical technology have defined the practice of healthcare since a concept of healthcare has existed, from bandages to penicillin to MRIs. Today, we think of technology as digital, and it has permeated practically every aspect of our lives. It’s natural, therefore, that some of the biggest news in healthcare is related to technology and access. The tech that we use every day–our phones, the internet, computers–is transforming how people think about and receive healthcare, making it more convenient and accessible overall.

Telemedicine

One of the most talked-about trends in healthcare access today is telemedicine, which is the use of devices connected to the internet to provide clinical services. Originally, the goal of telemedicine was to make healthcare more accessible in rural regions of the United States, but after numerous studies showed these efforts to be hugely beneficial to both patients and healthcare professionals, healthcare technology companies began to develop more and more applications for telemedicine.

 

Telemedicine has vastly improved patient care capabilities for inpatient healthcare facilities such as small hospitals and for increasing access to specialists, who may not always be on-premises when they’re needed. A recent study from the CHEST Journal reported a reduction in patient transfers in intensive care units (ICUs) that had telemedicine systems in place, buying valuable time and providing specialized care that would have otherwise required a transfer.

 

The more highly discussed and visual aspect of telemedicine is the rise of applications and services that allow primary care physicians, psychologists, pediatricians, and more to examine patients without either person ever setting foot in an office. Doctor shortages around the country have made wait times for appointments longer, forcing sick people in highly-populated and rural areas alike to either pay high bills for urgent care or forgo a doctor visit altogether. Telemedicine has excelled at providing care for minor but time-sensitive health issues such as ear infections and stomach problems, meaning more convenience at a lower cost.

Healthcare portals

Not only are physicians and other healthcare professionals becoming more accessible, but personal health information, billing, and care instructions have also become easier to find thanks to electronic health records and healthcare portals. Before electronic health records, or EHRs, patients had to request physical copies from their healthcare providers’ offices, an inconvenient process that meant that most people only received their records when they were absolutely required.

 

Today, practices from primary care physicians to hospitals are making EHRs easily accessible through online patient portals. Visibility into personal healthcare records empowers people to be more active in their healthcare. In addition, some patient portals have other functions, such as a form of telemedicine where patients can ask their care providers questions on a secure platform, or billing statements that people can reference whenever they need to. This increased visibility into the process of healthcare offers people both convenience and insight, giving them the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.

Personal and remote monitoring

About 45% of adults in the United States are living with at least one chronic disease; for seniors alone, that number rises to almost 80%. Managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia is a constant part of everyday life, and for many people, chronic conditions mean more frequent visits to doctors and specialists. Healthcare appointments can be stressful for anyone, but for people with limited mobility or debilitating pain, they can be close to impossible.

 

Today, connected devices such as blood pressure and glucose monitoring devices make it easy to track health conditions and determine when intervention is necessary. Devices for home use are usually designed to be easy-to-use and offer clear insights in order to be as useful as possible to patients and caregivers. Some, such as heart rate monitors built into smartwatches and fitness trackers, are even wearable.

 

The ability to connect to the internet also means that remote monitoring is possible. Remote monitoring allows healthcare professionals to track a patient’s biometrics, rather than the patient tracking their condition themselves. While this may seem somewhat invasive, it is a real boon for people with serious conditions, or those who live alone or in an isolated area. Early detection of problems can help patients get the attention they need, sometimes even before they realize they need it.

 

Technology has always been integral to healthcare, but now, convenient healthcare technology is accessible to everybody. Services such as telemedicine and remote monitoring are still relatively new, and studies are still being done on the long-term benefits and drawbacks, but improvements to healthcare accessibility are ensuring better health for people all over the country.

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

 

Quietly continuing mission, Kentwood bicyclist heads east from GR firehouse

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Ken Smith got a great send off from members of the Grand Rapids Fire Department this week. (Grand Rapids Fire Department)

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.

 

Smith, 70, whose father was a fireman and son is a fireman, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.

 

Along the way firemen and fire departments have been offering support, including a welcome home last week at the City of Kentwood Fire Department Station 1 and a send-off Wednesday, Sept. 5, from the Grand Rapids Fire Department’s central station.

 

Ken Smith arrives back in Kentwood after 2,500 miles

 

As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, hugged a granddaughter. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, Jan, hugged a granddaughter and was buoyed by the time he was able to spend and support he was able to gain while at home.

 

“First of all, the arrival at Kentwood Fire Department took me totally boy surprise,” Smith told WKTV as he prepared to ride out of town. “Friends came over to the house, to meet me. They all said ‘Well, you lost a little weight.’ I lost about 10 pounds.

 

“Relatives called, just to say, ‘Boy, that’s great, I could never have done it. The fact that you did is really making a statement for Jakob.’ The family is excited that I am continuing, that I can continue.”

 

Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which will now take him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. He estimates about 20 days for this leg of the journey.

 

Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.

 

Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

WKTV will follow Ken Smith as he posts to his Facebook account and will provide continuing coverage.

 

On Thursday, Sept. 6, Smith wrote from the road, as he crossed Michigan:

 

“I left St. Johns at 8 am and decided to take the rail trail to Owosso to get off hwy 21. It was a good ride on gravel. The trail from Owosso to Flint was not a good trail. Much of it was mud, a walking trail along the river very narrow but it did get me to some county roads. This slowed me down tremendously. My goal was to get past Flint and get as far as I could to hopefully get to the ferry to Canada by tomorrow night. Will see. Total miles travelled today 81 for a total distance of 2563 + 81 for 2644 miles. … I’m looking forward to the ride across Ontario to Buffalo next week.”

 

Local nurses hiking in the Upper Peninsula help man injured in fall

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Local nurses were on a hike at Dead River Falls, in the U.P.’s Marquette, but their day hike became a case of being in the right place at the right time. (Supplied)

By Micah Cho, WKTV News Intern

ken@wktv.org

 

A group of emergency department nurses from the Grand Rapids area ran into a scary situation recently when a planned vacation to Marquette, Mich., turned into an emergency medical incident.

 

The day, Aug. 25, started off as any other: 10 nurses packed up the supplies they would need for the day and drove to Dead River Falls, in Marquette, for a hike.  After getting their start, bystanders who were witness to an emergency situation a half-mile up the trail flagged the nurses down. Because of their emergency medical training, the nurses determined they were could possible help.

 

A young man who was visiting the falls with friends that day ended up with serious injuries because of a fall off one of the cliffs while peering over the water.

 

Rylee Kuiphoff and Nicole Schoenborn, two City of Grand Rapids residents who were part of the group of nurses, sat down with WKTV to talk about their story.

 

Kuiphoff recalled the incident as a challenge. With little to no resources that a standard emergency department nurse would usually have, making the best out of the situation is all they could do.

 

“Initially, it was hard for us because when you see the patient there’s a list of things at work that we go through …,” Kuiphoff said. “But when you’re in the wilderness you don’t have any of that.”

 

Schoenborn said the most important thing, to her, was keeping the young man calm.  Holding him still, she made sure he was awake, stayed still, and was talking.

 

After the young man was stabilized, it was time for the group to assist local emergency medical providers in getting the boy out of the trail area. With the use of a backboard to transport the young man, the team brought him back to the mouth of the trail, a process that was not easily accomplished. Walking up hills, trudging through water, and navigating rocky terrain, the hike back up took about an hour.

 

“It was a lot of communication …,” Schoenborn said. “We couldn’t see where we were stepping so the fact that everyone was really great at communicating to get this boy and ourselves out safely was amazing.”

 

Once back back home, the nurses said they were thankful that they were there to help. But Kuiphoff and Schoenborn wanted to make it clear that they did what anyone else with their type of training would have done.

 

“We were just doing what we were trained to do” Kuiphoff said.

 

Although it was a tough situation, Kuiphoff doesn’t believe it was a just coincidence that they were on the trail at the right time.

 

“I fully believe God placed 9 ED nurses on that trail for a reason,” she said.

 

Turning ‘a disability into an ability’

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Lauren Whitaker is a musician and a lung warrior. (Courtesy photo)

By Jason Singer, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Lauren Whitaker spent long stretches of her childhood in the hospital.

 

Minor colds turned into pneumonia. Even when she wasn’t hospitalized, “my parents basically ran a hospital at home,” she said. They treated her daily with lung exercises, breathing treatments and a special mechanical vest that helps move fluid through her respiratory system.

 

“I was kept away from kids, play dates, birthday parties,” Whitaker, 17, said. “And no preschool. They didn’t want me to be exposed to viruses. I was prone to getting sick often and for a long time. And it happened so much doctors were worried my lungs would become damaged.”

 

Whitaker was born with tracheomalacia, a condition in which the cartilage that keeps open the trachea, better known as the windpipe, is soft and frequently collapses.

 

The condition restricts airflow, which allows fluid to frequently build up in Whitaker’s respiratory system. And when Whitaker coughs, the trachea can close, which prevents the fluid from clearing out.

 

For every 100 children with asthma, about two or three have Whitaker’s condition, said John Schuen, MD, division chief of pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

 

There are no good surgical options, Whitaker was told. There are no long-term cures.

 

But after years of suffering—hospitalizations every four to six weeks, missing kindergarten, missing out on playdates with other children—Whitaker and her family found a remedy in an unlikely place.

 

The music room.

 

Whitaker learned to play the flute in fifth grade. She fell in love with it a couple years later. It has not only contained—and mostly solved—her medical issues, it has given her a life path.

 

“She’s really turned a disability into an ability, and it seems to be a tremendous ability,” Dr. Schuen said. “Now she’s on the cusp of launching a brilliant, brilliant career.”

‘Like beavers building a dam’

Dr. Schuen first met Whitaker at age 4. Her family had been struggling with her recurrent pneumonia.

 

“She was in and out of hospital, in and out of our office, in and out of her primary doctor’s office when we first met,” Dr. Schuen recalled. “This has been something that’s been ongoing ever since she was born.”

 

In a healthy person, Dr. Schuen said, the airways produce thin watery secretions, which are constantly moved and which provide defense against germs and trap inhaled particles such as dust and dirt. The secretions eventually move to the throat and mouth, where they’re coughed out or swallowed, thereby protecting the lungs.

 

“The airways are like tiny streams or streamlets that join up to bigger rivers, until they dump into Lake Michigan,” the doctor said. “That would be what’s normal.”

 

But with tracheomalacia, “it’s kind of like beavers building a dam in the middle of the river,” he said. “The water doesn’t move normally. It pools behind the beaver’s dam and it just stands there. It’s great for beavers trying to make a home, but not good for homeowners.”

 

The buildup of fluids in the respiratory system makes infections and bronchitis much more likely, he said.

 

Dr. Schuen had a suggestion: In addition to daily chest exercises and use of the vest, he recommended Whitaker learn a wind instrument. It could strengthen her lung function.

 

If the lung muscles were stronger and produced more air and pushed that air through Whitaker’s system more forcefully, she could more easily blow through that dam, reopening the river of air.

 

Whitaker and her parents took his advice.

 

In fourth grade, her school had a presentation about joining fifth-grade band. Whitaker jumped at the chance.

 

“Dr. Schuen said it would be a good thing for me to play an instrument,” she said. “He said the quality and quantity of life would be better with an instrument. But honestly, I just wanted to do it. Obviously there were health benefits, but I was like, ‘Oh, an instrument, that sounds cool!’”

 

She originally chose the clarinet, but couldn’t produce a sound. But she was one of only two children who could produce a sound on the flute, so she said, “Let’s do this one.”

 

By seventh grade she began taking it seriously, practicing more and more each day. And sure enough, her health slowly improved.

 

“I started getting less sick with colds,” she said. “It wouldn’t hit me nearly as hard. … When I get sick now, it’s just a minor cold, not 15 days in the hospital.”

Aiming for a career

Whitaker has turned her condition into a strength.

 

Before her senior year of high school, she enrolled at Interlochen Center for the Arts, a boarding school with an acclaimed music program.

 

“I went to their summer camp for one week and liked it so much I wanted to stay the whole year,” Whitaker said.

 

The flute program has only 14 students, half of them international. Only two are from Michigan. Most of the curriculum is arts-based. She takes two academic classes and the rest of her curriculum is courses like music theory, band, chamber music and orchestra.

 

She plays the flute as many as eight hours per day. She won two concerto competitions in 2017. And she was recently accepted into the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

 

She hopes to make a career as a flutist.

 

“We keep our fingers crossed,” said her mother, Laurie Whitaker. “It’s a very, very competitive field. But it’s really been neat. She got to play at DeVos (Performance Hall). She got to do a solo. It was quite an honor.

 

“It’s been a wonderful journey,” Laurie added. “Her health has been so great, partially because she’s playing a ton. When she gets sick, she picks up the flute and she feels like she can breathe better. And now she sails through colds and viruses like her peers. … I’m just so proud of her.”

 

Dr. Schuen called Whitaker’s story inspirational. The idea that a disability can be turned into an ability with the right mindset and commitment, he said, could resonate with a lot of patients.

 

“She’s turned a negative into a positive,” he said. “She could wind up going to Juilliard, Boston Conservatory, she could play with national or international fields.

 

“There are many people who have problems like Lauren. But she and her parents were, (1) proactive, and (2), very positive and innovative. When we made suggestions, they ran with it. … Lauren’s an incredible young woman. I’m really happy and excited for all of them.”

 

Learn more at the pediatric specialty care available at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, including the nationally-ranked pediatric pulmonology program.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

The Truth About Computer Vision Syndrome

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Courtesy of Cherry Health

By Joy Fountain, Vision Technician Supervisor at Heart of the City Health Center

 

Do you use a computer, cell phone or tablet at work, school or home? You may have noticed symptoms related to excessive use of these digital devices. Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, is the combination of vision and eye problems associated with the use of any device with an electronic display.

 

Some of the most common complaints reported with computer vision syndrome include:

  • Eyestrain
  • Tired eyes
  • Glare
  • Irritation
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision

The good news is an eye exam can help make your eyes more comfortable while using these devices. Anti-glare lens coatings are available for glasses. This will significantly decrease the computer screen glare (as well as glare from headlights). Often times, a person experiences blurry vision, because the eyes do not focus well. In this case, making the text larger on your device or using glasses would help.

 

If you experience any of these uncomfortable side effects with use of a digital device, please schedule an appointment to get your eyes checked today.

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

How to start exercising when you’re out of shape

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The easiest way to get started is with walking because it’s low-impact and low-risk, and all you need is a pair of supportive walking or running shoes. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay

 

Though you may face challenges if you’re carrying excess weight or haven’t been active in a long time, you can still get fit and gain all the benefits that exercise has to offer.

 

The easiest way to get started is with walking because it’s low-impact and low-risk, and all you need is a pair of supportive walking or running shoes.

 

Begin by scheduling one dedicated walk each day, and then find opportunities to take additional steps, like going window-shopping at lunch or walking in place instead of sitting while watching TV. You might like the impetus of a home treadmill, which you can set at a slow speed to start.

Our Take

The most important thing is to set up “accountability measures” like telling loved ones of your goals and scheduling exercise time into your calendar each day, said Phillip Adler, a certified athletic trainer with the Spectrum Health Medical Group Sports Medicine Program.

 

“We all have cell phones: Write it into your schedule and set reminders. That’s the first step,” Adler said.

 

In addition, telling people of your goals creates “that second layer of accountability” because now there are people who expect you to workout and will encourage you to stay on your plan.

Another simple way to exercise at home is to get more dynamic with everyday activities. For example, pick up the pace as you do household chores, and work in sessions that are at least 10 minutes long.

 

You can also dive into exercise by working out in water, whether you swim or take a water fitness class. Water makes you feel lighter and more agile, so many people find it easier to move in a pool than on dry land.

 

Riding a stationary bike is also less strenuous on your body than weight-bearing exercises, even walking. Try a recumbent bike; its seat is lower to the ground and your legs will be extended, which may feel more comfortable to you.

 

Just don’t let enthusiasm put you at risk of burnout by doing too much too soon. Increase the length and the intensity of your workouts at a slow, steady pace as you progress.

 

Learn more about programs, classes and services offered by Spectrum Health Medical Group Sports Medicine and Spectrum Health Healthier Communities.

 

Published with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Fuel up for your workouts

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Before lacing up, make sure you know the dos and don’ts of nutrition when it comes to exercise. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

 

By Christine Khamis, PA-C, Spectrum Health Beat

 

What to eat before and after a workout is one of the most common questions I’m asked.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your exercise journey, there are some general guidelines.

 

If you’re looking for advice on meal planning and customization, you can follow up with your health care provider or dietitian.

Pre-workout nutrition

It’s best not to eat immediately before a workout.

 

Eat larger meals at least 3-4 hours before exercising. Ideally, you should fuel your body about 1 to 3 hours before working out with a small meal or snack.

 

Carbohydrates are the main fuel for your muscles. The harder your engine is working, the more carbs you need for optimal performance. In addition to carbs, your pre-workout meal or snack should also include some protein. While carbs are the fuel, protein is what rebuilds and repairs your muscles.

 

Here are some suggestions for pre-workout fuel:

  • A banana with peanut butter
  • Plain Greek yogurt with berries
  • Oatmeal with low-fat milk and blueberries
  • Apple and peanut or almond butter

During workout

The need to fuel during exercise depends on exercise time and type:

  • If your workout is less than 45 minutes, focus on water for hydration.
  • For sustained high-energy exercises that last 45-75 minutes, you need small amounts of carbs throughout the activity to optimally fuel your muscles and performance. Hydrate with sports drinks or a small serving of applesauce every 20-30 minutes.
  • For endurance exercise lasting 75 minutes or longer, you need 30-60 grams of carbs an hour, such as a handful of raisins or 1 medium banana.

Post-workout nutrition

Getting protein and carbs into your system is even more vital post-workout.

 

Your body uses stored fuel in your muscles and liver, in the form of glycogen, to fuel your workout.

 

Ideally, you should get carbs and protein into your body within the first two hours after exercising—the sooner the better.

 

This gives your muscles the ability to replenish the glycogen you just used and allows for protein and amino acids to repair your muscles.

 

Here are some ideas for post-workout nutrition:

  • Recovery smoothie
  • Turkey on a whole-grain wrap with veggies
  • Yogurt with berries

When it comes to exercise and nutrition, everyone is different—consider keeping a journal to monitor how your body reacts to meals and pay close attention to how you feel and perform during your workout.

 

Let your experience guide you through which eating habits work best for you.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

MSU Extension celebrates ‘Septic Smart Week’ with free webinar

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File photo

By Terry Gibb, Michigan State University Extension

 

Water makes up 75 percent of the Earth’s surface; the human body is 60 percent water.  We use water every day.  And then we discard it down the drain to . . . WHERE?

 

According to the Michigan 21st Infrastructure report, 70 percent of Michigan homes and businesses are connected to a municipal sewer system that collects the dirty water in huge underground pipes, takes it to a treatment plant where it is cleaned, filtered and sanitized before being sent back into local water bodies for reuse.

 

That leaves 30 percent of homes and businesses that use another system for waste water treatment. For these, onsite wastewater (septic) systems are the only option because a municipal sewer system is too costly to connect to or not available.

 

What do you know about your waste water treatment?

  • Are you on a septic or municipal system?
  • Where is your septic tank and drain field located?
  • When was the last time you had your septic system inspected?
  • Do you have a drinking water well?
  • Is your well near your septic system?
  • What are some easy actions to protect your septic system from failure and your wellhead from contamination?

Many home and business owners don’t realize there is a problem with their septic system or well until it becomes a major one. A failed system can cost the owner thousands of dollars to repair, if it is even possible, or replace.

 

Michigan State University Extension is hosting a live webinar, “Septic (Onsite Wastewater) System Maintenance and Wellhead Protection” on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. This program will cover what a septic system is, how it works, best management practices to protect the system, how to identify trouble in the system, steps to take if a problem occurs and alternative system options. It also will include basic information about drinking water wellhead protection. The presentations will be followed by a live question and answer session via the chat box.

 

To join this FREE webinar, you must pre-register.

 

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You will receive a confirmation email with login instructions upon registration. Registration is available right up until the webinar begins but please allow additional time to connect to the webinar.

 

For more information on managing waste, special considerations for planting over a septic system drainfield, the safety of flushable wipes on a septic system, managing systems in sensitive shoreline areas, and alternatives to conventional septic systems, a number of MSU Extension news articles are available concerning these topics or visit the MSUE Septic System Education webpage.

 

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).

Sound solutions for better sleep

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Bye, bye baaaad sheep! We’re sleeping soundly tonight. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat

 

One of the most frequent complaints women have about midlife and menopause is trouble sleeping.

 

Although not every woman walks through my office door saying, “My problem is poor sleep,” quite a few do.

 

Many talk about their sleeping issues in other ways. What they say usually goes something like this:

 

“I am so irritable, I do not like myself.”

 

“I cannot seem to remember anything.”

 

“Why am I so tired?”

 

But I know the real problem is they are either not sleeping well or enough.

 

Sleep disturbances are common and have many causes. And, although I am not a sleep doctor, I have learned about sleep during midlife and menopause.

 

First of all, just before your periods, the hormone drop can cause little night sweats, which disturb sleep just enough to be noticeable. Many women also describe falling asleep without any problems, but then waking up between 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. and not being able to fall back asleep.

 

Does this scenario sound familiar? If so, keep reading.

 

Your normal sleep consists of cycles that vary between deep sleep and light sleep. When you are in light sleep, you can usually get yourself back into deep sleep without waking. However, in midlife and menopause, you are more likely to be awakened by a full bladder, your bed partner’s snoring or a little hot flash.

 

Unfortunately, once you are awake and alert, your brain tends to go into overdrive: “Oh, no, I’m awake—what if I can’t get back to sleep? I have a big day tomorrow, and I have so many things to do. There’s that big presentation, cookies for John’s class and my mom’s doctor’s appointment.”

 

The worry machine goes into high gear and the adrenaline starts flowing.

 

Here’s how to fix the problem. Get out of bed, go to the bathroom, get a drink of water and go to a quiet spot in your home (not the bedroom) to practice metered breathing.

 

First, find a comfortable spot with just enough light so it is not totally dark. Glance at the clock so you can keep track of the time. The goal is five minutes. After you are comfortable, close your mouth, open your eyes and find a focal point—a spot on the wall or anything fixed and neutral. As Baron Baptiste says, “By focusing on one spot, it will send soothing messages to your mind.”

 

Then, just breathe through your nose, not deep or forced. Just be and breathe, focusing on the sound of your breath for five minutes. If you think of something that is worrying you, it’s OK. Focus for a second on the thought and then let it go.

 

Then go back to bed. If you find you can’t go back to sleep, get back up, go to your spot and repeat the metered breathing. It may take your body several times to retrain. Just be patient.

 

In addition to metered breathing, keep in mind the Seven Essential Elements of Daily Success (SEEDS) that will help you sleep better and be ready for your day. Not doing these things will trigger more night sweats.

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Take your vitamins daily
  • Eat a balanced diet with minimal sugar, caffeine and alcohol several hours before bed
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat plenty of fiber
  • Start a gratitude journal

If you have tried the metered breathing and all of the SEEDS, and you’re still having trouble sleeping, it may be time to consult with a Spectrum Health Medical Group sleep specialist. Remember, sleep is everything.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

For the culinarily challenged

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Which is better? Fast food or sit-down meals? You might be surprised. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Spectrum Health Beat

 

We admit it. Most of the items in a grocery store bewilder us. We have no idea what to do with them.

 

We also know beyond a shadow of a doubt there’s no Julia Child or Martha Stewart gene in our DNA profiles.

 

And while we don’t feel destined for the drive-thru, we do eat out. A lot.

 

So just what are the health implications for those of us who eat this way?

 

At least one study finds fast food is actually no worse for your health than full-service restaurant meals.

 

In fact, diners consume more sodium in sit-down restaurants than they do in fast-food joints.

 

Regular restaurant meals also scored the worst on cholesterol content, containing an average of 58 milligrams of extra cholesterol compared with home-cooked meals. Fast-food meals only contained an extra 10 milligrams of cholesterol, the researchers said.

 

This doesn’t mean fast food is good for us, said Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN, dietitian and community nutrition educator for Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, “it just means that certain fast food items can be the lesser of two evils when compared to restaurant items.”

 

Excess sodium, in the form of salt, poses a risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Elevated cholesterol also hurts heart health.

 

To compare eating habits in different settings, the research team sifted through seven years of data collected by the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

 

Nearly 18,100 American adults were asked on two occasions to describe the meals they consumed in the preceding 24 hours.

 

If you’re watching your weight, eating at home wins out, hands down. The study found that on average, people who frequent fast-food places and full-service restaurants consumed nearly 200 additional calories compared to those who cook their meals at home.

 

An upside of dining in restaurants? The meals are actually healthier than fast-food meals or home-cooked meals when it comes to containing certain key vitamins (B6, vitamin E, vitamin K, copper and zinc), as well as potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.

 

“People do fuel up with more nutrient-packed meals at restaurants,” Corwin said. “But the added nutrition comes with more salt and cholesterol. That’s the downside.”

Food rules: An eater’s guide

Whether eating at home or out, choose fresh, seasonal, locally-grown, whole foods whenever possible, cooked from scratch. Granted, this isn’t always realistic for today’s hectic lives of dual working parents, Corwin acknowledges.

 

For days when we need to rely on ready-to-eat (or ready-to-heat) options, whether fast food, takeout or restaurant fare, here’s what she says to look for:

  • Foods or entrees that include fresh, steamed, baked, or grilled vegetables and lean meats
  • Fruits, vegetables, green salads with lean protein, and broth-based, beans or lentil soups.
  • Key words like grilled, fresh, baja, lean, baked, steamed
  • Size—choose the small option when available, or a kids meal for a smaller portion, with apple slices in place of the fries and a small milk or water rather than a soda or juice

“It’s tough to go wrong when you aim for the basics, with foods as close to the source as possible,” Corwin said. “A grilled chicken or bean-based salad with a balsamic/olive oil vinaigrette served on the side is a winner. I prefer an olive oil-based dressing over a low-fat or fat-free dressing as manufacturers tend to crank up the sugar as they remove the fat.”

 

Case in point? McDonald’s Newman’s Own low-fat sesame ginger dressing has more than 2 teaspoons of added sugars in a single 1.5 fluid ounce packet.

 

Finally, we should remember that ‘the customer is always right’ and speak up to ask for what we want, Corwin said.

 

“Ask for your burger to be served without the special sauce and cheese, choose a small chili over the large, or request that your chicken be grilled and your potato come without the extra salt, sour cream and butter,” she suggested.

 

If nothing else, she said, ask for the extras to be served on the side.

 

“That way you are the one in the driver’s seat, determining just how much will be added to your plate,” Corwin added.

 

Call 616.391.1875 to make a personalized nutrition counseling appointment.

 

Or, sign up to take a grocery store tour with a registered dietitian online or by calling 616.774.7370.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Meijer Gardens’ ArtPrize (and beyond) exhibit focuses on disability sculpture

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By Meijer Gardens

 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is honored to host 16 contemporary sculptors in an innovative exhibition jointly organized by DisArt, a Grand Rapids based arts and cultural organization promoting the full participation of disabled people in and through the arts. The exhibition is titled “Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture”.

 

Through examples of three-dimensional practice including sculpture, performance, installation and video art, this exhibition emphasizes the relationship between disability and the fundamental human experiences of change and embodiment. The exhibition offers audiences a survey of contemporary disability sculpture through artists whose work represents local, national and global perspectives on the experiences of living with disability.

 

Cornerstone to this exhibition is the Sister-State relationship between the State of Michigan and the Shiga Prefecture in Japan, a region long celebrated for its commitment to artists with disabilities. A survey of contemporary disability sculpture, it also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Sister-State relationship and expands globally in a dynamic collection of objects contextualized by both contemporary and legacy artists from Michigan, Europe, Australia and Japan, including works by the world-renowned Judith Scott.

 

“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is honored to collaborate with DisArt in this landmark exhibition,” said Joseph Becherer, Chief Curator and Vice President of Collections and Exhibitions. “Three years in the making, the curatorial team has sought to organize a broad-based and enlightening exhibition featuring artists from across the globe.”

 

Officially beginning the Friday prior to ArtPrize, “Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture” will be on display as Meijer Gardens’ fall exhibition from Sept. 14 through Jan. 6, 2019. ArtPrize runs from Wednesday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 7.

 

“This exhibition presents some of the finest examples of contemporary disability sculpture in a wide variety of media, from ceramics to video installations and traditional sculptural techniques to performative works,” Becherer said. “The depths and dimensions of this exhibition are both enlightening and rewarding.”

 

Visitors will be welcomed into the exhibition by several accessibility measures carefully designed by DisArt and Meijer Gardens to encourage the full participation of all visitors, including audio descriptions, altered installation practices and other digital resources.

 

This exhibition coincides with DisArt’s Process and Presence 2018 season of events which includes a fashion show (Sept. 22), an international conference (Oct. 27-28) and multiple educational opportunities and artist engagements, all to be held at Meijer Gardens.

 

“The objects in this powerful collection speak to the global experience of disability, offering visitors new understanding of how creativity and identity are directly linked,” said DisArt Co-Director Christopher Smit.

 

“The exhibition is a collection of art objects that are both intriguing and relatable to the experienced art lover and those new to the gallery setting. When displayed together, the work strengthens our understanding of disability as a cultural identity and successfully challenges commonly held negative assumptions about the Disabled experience.” said Jill Vyn, Co-Director of DisArt.

 

As part of the tenth annual ArtPrize competition, Meijer Gardens is an official ArtPrize venue. Visitors can register to vote and purchase official ArtPrize merchandise at Meijer Gardens.

 

“Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture” will be free of charge during ArtPrize (Sept. 19 – Oct. 7). The exhibition areas will be open to the public during Meijer Gardens’ regular business hours. All other areas of Meijer Gardens observe regular hours and standard admission fees.

 

Exhibition Programming

 

Exhibition programs are included with admission, drop-in, and do not require advanced tickets or registration.

 

Artist Demonstrations: See process and presence first hand! Before or after you see the artwork in the galleries, observe and interact with an artist in the exhibition. Each artist will be working on a piece similar to their complete artwork on display. Feel free to take a seat and enjoy watching an artist at work or get a bit closer and ask the artist questions directly. Norimitsu Kokubo, paper installation artist, will be the guest Sept. 15 at 11 a.m.;  Wesley DeVries, credit card installation artist, will be the guest Oct. 14, at 1 p.m.

 

Gallery Chat: Sandie Yi, will talk Wednesday, Sept. 26, 1-2 p.m. Sandi Yi is both an artist and activist. Stop by the gallery to view her artwork and listen to her speak about how she envisions her own body as an artistic medium for advocacy, creativity, and identity. This chat is informal — the artist will be stationed near her artworks and available for conversation.

 

Curators Lecture: Nov. 4, 2 p.m. Join Dr. Lisa VanArragon as she highlights and interprets much of the artwork in the exhibition. She will explore themes of disability cultural identity through the artistic methods, meaning, and materials present in the galleries. This lecture will be closed captioned.

 

Film Screening: Nov. 6, 6 p.m. “ART21 Episode 9: San Francisco Bay”. In the latest installment of the Peabody Award winning series on art happening in the 21st century, several artists in the San Francisco Bay area are highlighted for their thoughtful and critical practice. Among them are several artists working with the Center for Creative Growth, a disability arts organization also featured in the exhibition Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture. The film will be closed captioned.

 

For more information about Meijer Gardens visit meijergradens.org .

 

For information about DisArt’s 2018 Process and Presence season of events, visit disartnow.org .

 

Confronting Dementia

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

Confronting a loved one about dementia can be a daunting task. While increasing awareness of dementia symptoms has led to earlier diagnoses, many individuals and families fall into a state of denial. As a result, the disease is left to fester until it has progressed significantly. If you’re concerned that a loved one may have dementia, don’t wait. Addressing dementia may be a sore point for your loved one, but it’s the best thing you can do for their well-being. Consider approaching the topic with these tips in mind.

Response

The idea of receiving a dementia diagnosis can trigger a powerful response. Often, the possibility of having dementia can cause extreme anxiety. Defense mechanisms such as minimization of impairments, avoidance of discussing the problem, or vagueness and circumstantiality when forced to do so are a common way of coping. At times it can be overwhelmingly frustrating when your faced with a negative or nonexistent reaction, but it’s worth tackling the issues to be able to see a loved one have a better quality of life.

 

Although a defensive reaction is a natural and common response, many have the opposite reaction to being confronted about dementia. A study done by West J. Med found that most of the participants with dementia declared they would like to know what was wrong with them or wished to get more information. Additionally, participants in this group engaged with doctors on ways to improve their current situation.

Communications Strategies

So why not take a proactive approach and start the appropriate dialog? Here are some ways to let them know your concerns:

  • Plan. Finding the optimal time to have the conversation is a crucial component for making the discussion a success. You want to be able to find a time that works with everyone’s schedule, this way you can properly focus on the conversation. Something to keep in mind when confronting dementia is that an approach that works for someone else might not work for you. Each plan needs to be customized to meet the needs of the individual.
  • Set a Goal. When you start to prepare for this type of conversation, it’s important to set goals. Deciding what your goals should be based what outcome you’re hoping to achieve. For example, are you trying to bring awareness to your loved one, are you trying to push them to seek medical advice, or is it time to discuss assistance and care needs?
  • Express Concern and Reassurance. Fear is a familiar emotion when facing a dementia diagnosis. One of the most important things we can do when talking to a loved is making sure they know your mission is to help and make sure they are okay.
  • Body Language. Being aware of your body language can make a massive difference in conversations success. One’s body language affects the overall atmosphere during your conversation. For example, crossing your arms or raising one’s eyebrow can be confrontational. Instead try opening your arms, softening your voice, and making eye contact.
  • Do Your Research. If you suspect that a loved one may have a memory loss condition, do your research. Be aware of the symptom by becoming familiar with what they look like and how they manifest. If you need additional information, there are many resources on the internet, library, and dementia helplines. However, visiting their general practitioner or another medical professional who works with them for help is the best option.

Understanding how to connect and communicate with our loved ones can be challenging, especially if they are suffering from a memory loss impairment. As a bystander, you might have conflicting feelings whether it’s your place to bring up it up, even if they are loved one. However, proactively addressing a debilitating illness such as dementia early on is better than addressing it when it’s too late.

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

 

‘A brand new kid’

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By Jason Singer, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Christina Lundquist didn’t understand it.

 

Her son, Parker, was falling asleep in the car. He couldn’t stay awake during movies. He was failing his third-grade classes.

 

“His grades did not reflect what we saw his potential would be,” she said. “And I guess that’s kind of where I thought something was wrong.”

 

Parker’s school thought he might suffer from attention deficit disorder, better known as ADD, but Christina disagreed. She used to work in a hospital and the symptoms didn’t align with her understanding of ADD.

 

Christina and her husband, Phillip, paid for private testing.

 

“The psychologist doing the testing said, ‘His IQ did not come back as high as we were expecting. I’ve seen this in the other kids that have sleep apnea,’” Christina recalled.

 

The psychologist referred the family to John Schuen, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist with Spectrum Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, for further testing. Sure enough, a sleep study showed Parker had sleep apnea.

 

Dr. Schuen recommended two things: surgically removing Parker’s uppermost tonsils, called adenoids, and putting Parker on a CPAP, a machine that helps certain patients sleep.

 

“His grades went from failing to straight A’s,” Christina said. “His brain was really shutting down from being so tired, so fatigued. …Within a week of being on CPAP, he was like a brand new kid.”

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the patient’s breathing stops and starts throughout the night, which disrupts sleep. It affects children and adults in different ways: Children often experience behavioral issues, and adults often struggle with daytime fatigue.

 

“Clues that give parents a hint is kids’ snoring, gasping, pausing when they breathe, mouth-breathing, odd noises in the middle of sleep like coughing or choking … unusual noises like that,” Dr. Schuen said. “Sometimes there are morning headaches. When I say morning headaches, I mean they have headaches that wake them up in the middle of the night or upon waking up right away in the morning.”

 

There are two types of sleep apnea, Dr. Schuen said. Central sleep apnea is when the brain doesn’t tell the body to breathe.

 

The more common version, obstructive sleep apnea, is when the patient tries to breath, but something is blocking or obstructing the airwaves. Hence, the name.

 

About 10 percent of children struggle with persistent, nightly snoring, a sign of sleep apnea. About 3 to 5 percent have obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Schuen said.

 

“When kids have obstructive sleep apnea, the most common reason behind the apnea is large tonsils and adenoids,” Dr. Schuen said. “Tonsils and adenoids look like golf balls in the back of your throat. The adenoids, (the uppermost tonsils), sit right above roof of your mouth. You can’t see them without special tools.”

 

Obesity, which leads to rings of fat in the throat or chest, can also cause obstructive apnea, Dr. Schuen said. But that didn’t apply to Parker.

 

When children exhibit possible symptoms of apnea, Dr. Schuen orders a sleep study.

 

“The study is this: We have specially designed rooms to help promote a good night’s sleep and let parents sleep next to the child in the same room,” Dr. Schuen said. “In the pediatric sleep laboratory, our sleep tech places different gizmos and gadgets on the infant or child or teen that let us assess what’s going on during sleep. During the course of the sleep study, we’ll measure an amazing amount of information: 16 different channels look at brain waves, the stage of sleep, how often they wake up, when they wake up, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and the sleep positions they’re in when possible apnea events occur.”

 

“And if they’re not breathing properly, we can determine the type of apnea and how often these events occur.”

 

Normal people tend to have four to six sleep cycles per night and will wake in between, Dr. Schuen said, but “you’re only awake a millisecond and don’t fully appreciate the fact that you’re awake—then, boom, back to sleep.”

 

But those with moderate sleep apnea can awake five times per hour, while severe sufferers can have 10 or more micro-arousals per hour.

 

“With apnea … particularly in kids, they might not always even awaken from sleep,” he said. “But because their oxygenation may suffer, their carbon dioxide levels may rise, or they may just shift their stage of sleep. It deprives them of good sleep.”

 

Sleep is closely tied to IQ and brain function. A recent study showed that kids who ate seafood slept better, and then performed nearly five points better on IQ tests.

 

During the daytime, kids who suffer from OSA may include “academic difficulties, problems paying attention, impulsivity and rarely, sleepiness,” Dr. Schuen said.

‘A dramatic improvement’

The sleep study showed Parker suffered from moderate to severe sleep apnea.

 

In July, Parker had his adenoids removed—“the typical solution,” Dr. Schuen said—but his apnea didn’t improve. Parker still struggled with focus issues and his behavior late in the day deteriorated.

 

Dr. Schuen ordered a second sleep study in September, which showed Parker still suffered from obstructive apnea.

 

He decided to put Parker on CPAP, a machine with a nasal mask that’s held in place by headgear. The mask is hooked up to a hose, which pushes air through the lungs and opens up the airways while the user sleeps.

 

The results for Parker were nearly instantaneous. Within a week, Christina said, Parker’s academic performance and attitude changed.

 

“He’s just a better child all the way around,” she said. “His behavior is better. He was acting out during that time, and that’s gone away. He was having some anger, especially toward the evening, and that has gone away. He’s sleeping all night long. Before he’d get up several times a night, but not anymore.

 

“And he can tell, if he goes somewhere and can’t use the CPAP, he comes home and says, ‘I need to wear the CPAP.’ He can tell the difference.”

 

Parker shared that he often fell asleep in class and couldn’t pay attention.

 

“I was so tired all the time,” he said. “Now I can stay focused longer. … I can concentrate for an hour now. It used to be 10 minutes.”

 

Parker loves extreme mountain biking with his father. He enjoys math and gym class. He can tell his body has changed with better sleep.

 

“I like gym because we get to run around and do fun stuff,” he said. “But I couldn’t really run as fast as everybody because I was so tired.”

 

Christina, who also suffers from sleep apnea, uses a CPAP machine just like her son. She notices similar improvements when wearing it.

 

“When I do wear it, I feel like I have more energy,” she said. “When I don’t wear it, I’m really cranky in the morning, even after a full night’s sleep.”

 

Parker says it’s a relief to no longer struggle in school.

 

“It made me feel really happy that I’m actually good at something,” he said. “Because I didn’t get much sleep, I couldn’t focus. It was messing me up.”

 

Learn more about the nationally-recognized pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine program at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.