Category Archives: Health

When Should I Call Hospice?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Senior Living, , , , ,
File photo

By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

One of the statements hospice workers hear most often is “I wish I’d called hospice sooner”. What is hospice care and when should I seek it out?

 

What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a set of specialized services to help patients and their loved ones cope with advanced or terminal illness. The focus of hospice care is on improving the patient’s and families’ quality of life though a specialized team which can include doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, spiritual care providers and other professionals like nutritionists and therapists. Hospice care can provide support and comfort for both patients and families.

 

Benefits to the Patient
It’s easier to face changes in life when you are prepared. Bringing hospice on board early in the process of a long-term illness means you won’t be scrambling to get services when you reach a crisis and you’ll be able to take advantage of all the support hospice care offers.

 

“Starting hospice early offers the patient better quality of life, especially since their pain and problematic symptoms can be brought under control. Some hospice patients still drive and still go to work,” says Rene Wheaton, administrator of Faith Hospice. “When they reach a point where they need us, we’re already there to help.”

 

File photo

Benefits to Caregivers
Hospice offers benefits to caregivers as well. Caregivers can become burned out, particularly If the patient has waited too long to sign on to hospice care. Hospice staff can provide help.

  • Hospice staff can educate the caregiver, as well as answer questions that may come up — for example, can the patient be safely left alone or can they still drive?
  • Hospice nurses and aides monitor and recognize changes in the patient’s condition that may not be obvious to the caregiver.
  • Hospice staff includes trained volunteers able to provide short-term respite for caregivers.

Hospice Support
Hospice brings an entire team of professionals and volunteers ready to provide help and support.

  • Medical professionals, including doctors who are board certified in hospice and palliative care, as well as nurses trained in hospice care. The medical team is experienced in pain control and symptom relief.
  • Chaplains are available to provide spiritual support to the patient and their family, if desired.
  • Social workers can help with the practical and emotional needs of the patient and their family.
  • Through hospice, aides can come to your home to help with personal care.

“There are so many benefits to bringing in hospice as soon as a patient has received a life-limiting diagnosis,” said Wheaton. “The services provided can greatly increase quality of life for both the patient and their family. We have even had people go off hospice because they have improved so much, often because they were able to leave the hospital and return home to familiar surroundings and loving family members.”

Advancement in robotic spine surgery comes to Metro Health

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Health, , ,

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is elevating its already renowned spine program, becoming the first hospital in Michigan to acquire the Mazor X™ spine surgery system for minimally invasive procedures.

 

Developed by Mazor Robotics, the Mazor X surgical assistance system combines unprecedented tools and analytics to plan operations, as well as unparalleled image-based guidance during operations.

 

The system brings exceptional precision to minimally invasive procedures. Because they require smaller incisions than open surgery, minimally invasive operations result in less pain, less blood loss and quicker recovery. 

 

“Minimally invasive surgery has been a major focus at Metro Health in recent years,” says Dr. Peter Hahn, chief medical officer. “The Mazor X will further enable our surgeons to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

 

Metro Health was also the first hospital in Michigan to use Mazor’s previous-generation robot for spine surgery, the Renaissance® guidance system.

 

“After completing more than 400 safe and successful surgeries with the previous robot, it was an easy decision to pioneer the Mazor X in Michigan,” says Dr. John Keller, section chief of neurosurgery at Metro. “This new robot gives us advantages before and during surgery that were not available even two years ago.”

 

Smaller incisions can pose a challenge for surgeons because the view of the patient’s anatomy is limited. The Mazor X system overcomes this challenge by providing a CT-based three-dimensional simulation of the patient’s spine, helping surgeons develop an optimal plan before entering the operating room. In addition, computer analytics provide precision guidance during the operation.

 

“Mazor X allows us to operate with greater accuracy, efficiency and confidence,” Hahn says. “We believe this is the safest and most accurate minimally invasive technology for spine procedures available.”

County Commissioners approve merger, announce Kent County Community Action

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, ,

 

By Kent County Board of Commissioners

 

The Kent County Board of Commissioners approved the merger of the Area Community Services and Employment Training Council’s (ACSET) Community Action Agency (CAA) and the Kent County Community Development/Housing Commission at its meeting Thursday, Aug. 24.

 

The newly-formed department will operate as “Kent County Community Action,” putting all staff and resources under one roof to better serve the community.

 

County and CAA staff researched and evaluated the potential of combining and aligning resources of CAA and Kent County’s Community Development/Housing Commission during the last 18 months. In March 2017, the Board of Commissioners authorized staff to proceed with necessary steps for the County of Kent to be designated as the CAA for Kent County, and present necessary requests for approval and transfer of CAA programs and assets to the county.

 

ACSET’s CAA provides weatherization services, utility shut-off protections, food distribution, senior services and more to low-income clients in Kent County. The Kent County Community Development and Housing Commission staff often work on similar projects, programs and customers that align.

 

The new department will be led by Susan Cervantes, the Associate Director of the CAA since 2013. She brings nearly two decades of experience and proficiency to the role, having served with Community Action Agency since 1998.

 

“We truly believe that the transition of ACSET CAA to Kent County will be beneficial for our customers and that they will experience services seamlessly,” said Cervantes. “I am thrilled to see us pull together two teams with a wealth of knowledge who can serve our clients more effectively and efficiently.”

 

The Grand Rapids City Commission approved the merger on Aug. 22.

 

“We are pleased to support this partnership,” Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. “Our residents will benefit from the enhanced coordination and more efficient operations that will result from this new alliance.”

 

Employees will all be housed in the Human Services Complex at Franklin and Sheldon in southeast Grand Rapids.

 

“This merger brings together staff from two programs that result in decades of understanding of the resources available to help some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Jim Saalfeld, Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. “By bringing these programs together, Kent County is providing better service at lower costs, thereby serving our communities in a more efficient manner.”

 

Short-changing our children: The effects of poverty, part 3 of 3

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Non-Profits, ,

Your Community in Action!

By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

Living below the poverty level (less than $24,600 per month for a family of four) is a reality for 1 in 5 children in Kent County. Not only does living in poverty have negative effects during childhood, it can also cause life-long health issues like the ones discussed in part two of this series. Living in poverty effects nearly every aspect of child’s life including academic performance, emotional development and physical health.

 

Academics
For children, the effects of poverty begin before they are born. Low-income parents are more likely to experience environmental toxins, poor nutrition and exposure to excessive stress. All of these factors play a role on how a baby’s brain develops and can have long-term effects.

 

As poor children grow, they continue to face roadblocks to learning. They have decreased access to quality child care, which provides important building blocks needed to succeed in school. A lack of basic needs can also affect performance. How can a child concentrate in school when they are hungry?

 

Emotional Development
Quality early child care and education also builds the social and emotional foundation that children need. Without these skills, they are more likely to struggle with emotional and behavioral problems when they begin school.

 

Imagine growing up worrying about when you will eat next or if you will have a safe place to sleep. It is no surprise that children in poverty have more anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Many times these same concerns lead to challenges for their parents, such as marriage problems and depression. All of these pressures have been associated with mental illness in children.

 

Physical Health
Living in a poor community means increased exposure to environmental toxins like lead and violence that can lead to injury. It has also been linked to increased risk for diseases later in life, such as asthma, high blood pressure and stroke. Check out part one of this series to learn more about how growing up poor leads to long-term health problems in adults.

 

Living in poverty is a dangerous reality for too many in our community. That is why programs that decrease the effects of poverty, especially on children, are so important. ACSET Community Action Agency is addressing these outcomes by providing emergency assistance to families, like supplemental food and homelessness assistance programs. By supporting our neighbors, we are creating a brighter future for our children.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Kent County health official visits WKTV, talks vaccinations for youth, college kids

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, , ,
Mary Wisinski, Immunization Program Supervisor for the Kent County Health Department, on the set of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” with host Ken Norris. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus”, WKTV’s public affairs show, we bring to the public a discussion with a Kent County Department of Health official detailing why vaccinations are important — and required by law — for young children, but also important for teenagers and even college-age youth.

 

Also on this week’s show is a discussion with Wyoming City Councilor Marissa Postler, who at the age of 23 was elected to represent the city’s 2nd Ward in last fall’s election.

 

The timeliness of the discussion on vaccinations is not only that August is National Immunizations Month, with this week specifically prompting awareness of vaccinations for preteens and teens to “ensure a healthy future with vaccines”, but also because local public and private schools are in the process of opening the school year.

 

“Every state has different requirements, ours are written into our public health code,” Mary Wisinski, a registered nurse and Immunization Program Supervisor for the Kent County Health Department, said in a discussion with WKTV’s Ken Norris. “The importance is, if we don’t keep vaccinating, we call it ‘herd immunity’, we will see a resurgence of these vaccine-preventable diseases.”

 

Wisinski not only stresses the importance of vaccinations for kids but also for high school and college-age youth.

 

“Also recommended is a booster shot for meningitis at age 16,” she said. “We want those kids to be protected the last two years of high school and when they go off to college.”

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” newest program will start airing on Tuesday, Aug. 22. The program will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., through Aug. 31, on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

The YouTube segment with Mary Wisinski is shown here.

Low Income & High Stress: The Effects of Poverty, Part 2 of 3

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

Your Community in Action!

By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

When you live in poverty, you worry about being able to provide basic needs like housing, food and health care for your family. It is no surprise this can cause tremendous stress. Data show that the rate of adults experiencing any type of mental illness is greatest among those with family incomes below the federal poverty level (about $2,050 per month for a family of four).

 

Photo supplied

High levels of stress can damage both mental and physical health over the long term. This is the second installment in a series that will look at how living in poverty affects health and well-being.

 

Severe Mental Illness
Individuals living in poverty are at increased risk of experiencing trauma. This has been linked to increased mental illness, risk behaviors and challenges to daily life functions. Additionally, poor individuals typically experience greater work-stress because of low wages and the need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.

 

Unfortunately, poor Americans are less likely to get the mental health help they need to manage illness and deal with excessive stress and trauma. This becomes even more tragic when you consider that individuals living in poverty are also more likely to have severe mental illness and serious thoughts of suicide. Between the physical health risks and potential of suicide, poverty is killing our neighbors.

 

Toxic Stress
Toxic stress occurs when a child experiences strong, frequent and/or prolonged hardship. When children are exposed to constant hardship, their bodies’ stress response is on all the time. They tend to have higher heart rates and blood pressure than their peers who aren’t living in poverty.

 

Long-term exposure to stress can have damaging effects on multiple organs, including the brain. Many adult illnesses, such as inflammatory diseases and increased risk for heart attack, stroke and diabetes, can be traced to toxic stress in childhood. Next week, we’ll look deeper into how poverty impacts children.

 

ACSET Community Action Agency’s (CAAs) mission is to fight the causes and circumstances of poverty by investing in low-income individuals and families. They do this by meeting emergency needs and assisting in areas of self-sufficiency. Through dedicated staff and community partnerships, ACSET CAA provides services, resources, education and advocacy to improve the quality of life for all residents of Kent County.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Kent County expands Kentwood landfill methane mitigation, ‘indefinite’ testing  

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Hard News, Health,
A warning sign on a fence surrounding the inactive, but methane producing, Kentwood Landfill. A city building is shown in background. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

by K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

As part of its continuing efforts to test for and mitigate methane migration outside the boundaries of the inactive Kentwood landfill site, the Kent County Department of Public Works beginning this month will place additional gas monitoring probes as well as a second “flare” — a system to burn off escaping methane gas.

 

About 150 property owners within 1,500-feet of the landfill’s western boundary are being notified of the expansion of the county’s efforts, which will start later this month and should be complete in early October. Property owners will also be reminded of free on-site testing for methane continues to be available. So far, only eight of the property owners have had their homes tested.

 

“Testing has consistently shown that the methane is not entering the (city or residential) buildings,” Dar Baas, Kent County DPW Director, said in a supplied statement. “Public safety continues to be our priority and we will continue monitoring for methane indefinitely.”

 

The 72-acre municipal landfill site was closed in 1976. It continues to be designated a federal Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) Superfund site. It is bordered by the City of Kentwood City Center, library, and the City of Kentwood Public Works facility to the west; the City of Kentwood Justice Center to the northwest; and Plaster Creek and open ravine areas to the north, east and south.

 

Since August 2016, Kent County and City of Kentwood have been monitoring the air quality inside the city buildings on the west side of the landfill.

 

One of the landfill monitor wells at the site of the Kentwood Landfill. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

According to the county DWP, methane gas forms naturally in landfills. In 2015, the county DPW had installed a series of collection wells and a flare to contain the methane on-site to limit migration. During routine monitoring in 2016, the county DPW discovered migration of methane gas to the west of the landfill. So, according to the supplied statement, “it was clear that a larger system would be needed.”

 

“To increase the effectiveness of the existing landfill gas collection system, additional gas collection wells will be installed in nine locations along the west edge of the landfill beginning in August 2017,” the county statement continues. “Seven additional gas monitoring probes will also be installed to the west of the landfill, and a second flare will be installed next to the existing flare southeast of the library.”

 

Funding for this project and other Kentwood Landfill remediation efforts comes from the Kent County Solid Waste Surcharge. The county has contracted with a third-party firm — Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. — to provide the free residential testing.

 

For more information on the free on-site methane testing available to property owners, call the Kent County DPW at 616-632-7920. Project updates will be posted to Kent County’s website at accesskent.com/kentwoodlandfill.

 

Being Poor and in Poor Health: The Effects of Poverty Part 1 of 3

3-bottom, Health, Non-Profits, , , , ,
Photo supplied

 

By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

Over 43 million Americans fall at or below the federal poverty level. This means that a family of four is living on $24,600 a year (or $2,050 a month). Being poor in the US also means living 10-15 years less than the richest Americans. This is the first installment in a series that will look at how living in poverty affects health and well-being.

 

The Environment
Poor communities typically have outdated infrastructures. Flint, Michigan is a close-to-home example of how those who live in poverty are exposed to environmental toxins through no fault of their own. Unacceptable levels of lead in the water were poisoning residents of the city.

 

Inadequate housing is another environmental concern for many low-income individuals. Lack of insulation and air leaks can expose residents to extreme temperatures. Faulty furnaces can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Too much humidity can cause mold to grow. These issues can lead to health problems ranging from respiratory disease to death.

 

Nutrition
When you’re poor, there are times when there just isn’t enough money to put food on the table. And unfortunately, the cheapest food is also high in calories and fat. Even if there is money for healthier options, many poor neighborhoods exist in food deserts – areas where there isn’t access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

It is difficult to eat well when healthy options aren’t available or are too expensive. Obesity and unhealthy diets lead to increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. It is not surprising that people living in poverty are much more likely to experience these health issues.

 

Healthcare
People living in poverty in the US are fighting a losing battle when it comes to preventing and treating illness. In 2015, the National Center for Health Statistics found that poor individuals were three times more likely to avoid needed medical care due to cost. Poor Americans are also less likely to see a doctor for preventative care.

 

While the number of individuals who have health insurance has increased since 2013, there are still many who can’t afford medications to treat chronic health issues or specialized services like dental and vision care.

 

In 2015, it was estimated that over 91,000 Kent County residents were living at or below the federal poverty level. ACSET Community Action Agency is working to address the causes and effects of poverty. They offer programs that provide home weatherization, emergency food assistance and help applying for health insurance. All of these services can help improve the health of those living in poverty in our community.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

‘WKTV Journal: In Focus’ looks at non-profits serving the community

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, Non-Profits, Senior Living
“WKTV Journal: In Focus” looks at local non-profits including the Exalta Health healthcare provider this week and, starting next week, Alternatives in Motion, with Coleen Davis, executive director the group, shown. (WKTV)

 

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

One of the goals of “WKTV Journal: In Focus”, WKTV’s new public affairs show, is highlighting the work of local non-profits working to serve the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.

 

Continuing this week is a program including a discussion with the leaders of Exalta Health, a healthcare provider serving some of the most underserved of our community. Visit here for a YouTube video of the segment.

 

Starting next week, In Focus will present a discussion with Coleen Davis, executive director of Alternatives In Motion, a Grand Rapids based non-profit focused on providing mobility equipment to persons in need. Visit here for a YouTube video of the segment.

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

Also in the current episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” is a discussion on the VoiceKent survey of Kent County critical public health concerns, and a discussion with member of the Kentwood Police Department detailing a crime-reporting website.

 

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy: What are the Differences?

3-bottom, Health, Senior Living, , , ,
File photo

By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

Has a doctor prescribed therapy for you or a loved one after surgery, an illness or accident?  There are three different types of therapy — physical, occupational and speech therapy — and it’s easy to be confused about the differences between them.

 

Physical Therapy

Most people are familiar with physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate healing, strengthen muscles and increase range of motion—all the things that will help get you on your feet again. Physical therapy might also be used to help alleviate chronic pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or neuropathic sources. Physical therapy is often prescribed after surgery such as joint replacement or following an injury or prolonged illness.

 

Physical therapy is provided in many settings and may be started while the patient is still in the hospital. Physical therapy is often continued at a rehabilitation center, nursing home, outpatient clinic or in the patient’s own home.

 

In the hospital, rehabilitation center or nursing home, the goal of therapy is to improve the patient’s function and strength so that they can return home and to a level of independence.

 

Physical therapy in an outpatient facility is generally for more active people who are not home bound. However, physical therapy can also be administered in the home for those unable to leave for medical or logistical reasons.

 

With older patients, physical therapists can provide exercises to strengthen muscles and improve or maintain their ability to get out of bed, a chair, to walk with or without assistance and to help prevent falls.

 

Physical therapy utilizes several treatment methods including exercise, massage, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation and the application of heat or ice.

 

Occupational Therapy

In general, the purpose of occupational therapy is to assist the patient in improving or maintaining the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, toileting and bathing.

 

Occupational therapy can provide support for older adults experiencing physical or cognitive changes and may also provide education for patients with chronic diseases, as well as guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapists are also skilled in evaluating a patient’s home and making recommendations for appropriate adaptive equipment such as eating and drinking aids, dressing and grooming aids, as well as products and ways to improve home safety.

 

Occupational therapy can be beneficial for patients who have been injured, have orthopedic conditions such as a joint replacement, suffer from arthritis or Parkinson’s or who have limitations following a stroke or heart attack.

 

The therapy can be performed in the hospital, a rehabilitation facility or in the patient’s home. Occupational therapists use a variety of treatment methods including stretching and strengthening exercises, practice of daily activities and instruction in the use of adaptive equipment.

 

File photo

Speech Therapy

Speech therapists deal with a person’s ability to communicate and swallow. Speech therapy can help someone who is having difficulty swallowing or eating, or who has language or cognitive-linguistic problems. Speech therapy is often prescribed after a stroke or for someone with progressive neurological conditions such as dementia. It can also be useful in treating breathing problems associated with lung diseases. In general, speech therapy is helpful in addressing the decline sometimes associated with the aging process.

 

Speech therapists work with patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and in the patient’s own home. Speech therapists may use specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat, or cognitive exercises to help restore memory or improve sequencing and problem solving.

 

The use of one of the above therapies, or a combination of these various therapies, can be very useful in restoring and rehabilitating your life or that of a loved one after surgery, an illness or accident.

‘WKTV Journal: In Focus’ looks at GVSU-led VoiceKent survey plans

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, , , ,
On the latest episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus”, Kyle Caldwell, executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, talks with host Ken Norris about the VoiceKent survey. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus”, WKTV’s new public affairs show, we bring to the public a discussion on the VoiceKent survey plans with Kyle Caldwell, executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

 

The VoiceKent survey of Kent County critical public health concerns is a joint effort of the Kent County Health Department and the Johnson Center for Philanthropy.

 

In the discussion, which will air twice a week on WKTV channels starting this week and running through Aug. 13, Caldwell details the importance of the survey and the innovative ways it seeks public opinion from communities not often having their voices heard.

 

“We (at the Johnson Center) make sure we go into venerable communities, places were people would normally not respond to a survey because they don’t normally get connected with services or programs or organizations,” Caldwell told WKTV. “So we work with non-profit partners to go into communities and get people to respond to the survey. Now we are going to go county-wide with our partnership with the Kent County Health Department.”

 

The survey, which collects responses through October, connects demographics with the opinions, attitudes and perceptions of Kent County residents on topics such as employment, education, racism and discrimination, ability to meet basic needs, access to health care and neighborhood safety. The data gathered from the survey will help create a baseline for conversations on these important community issues.

 

For more information on the VoiceKent survey, see a submitted story here.

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” will start airing on Tuesday, Aug. 1, and the program will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

Visit here for a YouTube video of the VoiceKent segment.

 

Also on the latest episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” is a discussion with the leaders of Exalta Health, a healthcare provider serving some of the most underserved of our community, and a member of the Kentwood Police Department detailing a crime-reporting website.

 

WKTV will show highlights of 2017 Lubbers Cup Regatta

3-bottom, Entertainment, Health, Recreation, Sports

 

WKTV Staff

 

The annual Don Lubbers Cup Regatta, named after former Grand Valley State University president and rowing supporter Arena D. (Don) Lubbers, featured hundreds of athletes and some of the top rowing teams from across the Midwest, all coming to Spring Lake on April 7-9 of this year.

 

And WKTV was there, filming the best moments. WKTV will replay those best moments on Saturday, July 29, at 6 p.m., and again on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m., on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

Since its origin in 1995, the Lubbers Cup Regatta has grown to an event that attracts over 500 student athletes to Spring Lake to kick off the regatta season, according to the event’s website. The Lubbers Cup is produced in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Grand Valley State University Club Sports, Grand Valley Rowing Club, and the communities of Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.

 

Your Community in Action: Meeting the need for community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Health, Non-Profits, Senior Living, , ,

 

By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

When we think of basic needs, we think food, water, housing and clothing. A less obvious, yet equally important need for every individual is a sense of community. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs categorizes this as a psychological need for “belongingness and love.”

 

According to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, there are five stages of needs:

  • food, water, warmth and rest
  • security and safety
  • relationships and friends
  • status and feelings of accomplishment
  • self-fulfillment

Individuals must fulfill their lower level needs before they can achieve higher level needs. Every person desires to move toward a level of self-fulfillment. However, many people are unable to do this because their lower level needs haven’t been met.

 

Kent County is home to many agencies who are committed to helping residents meet basic needs, including ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA). CAA’s senior meals program, however, goes beyond delivering food. It provides a sense of community for the many Hispanic and Latin Americans who live in the county.

 

Nearly 120 seniors from countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic gather daily for a Latin American-inspired meal. They find comfort in the familiar food, shared language and activities and music from their homelands.

 

“We’ve had some people coming for 20, 25 years,” says Susan Cervantes, assistant director for ACSET CAA “It’s a very family-oriented atmosphere.”

 

Seniors of any ethnicity are welcome to participate in the program. Participants must be 60 years or older (or have a spouse 60 years or older), live in Kent County and must fill out an application. The meals are served Monday through Friday at noon at the Kent County Human Services Complex at 121 Franklin SE in Grand Rapids.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Health and Wellness Day returns to Metro Health Village July 27

3-bottom, Health, Upcoming Events, ,

 

By Metro Health-University of Michigan Health

 

The annual Health and Wellness Day returns to Metro Health–University of Michigan Health on Thursday, July 27, followed by the Metro Way 5K and 10K runs in the evening.

 

Health and Wellness Day will coincide with the weekly Metro Health Farm Market from 9 am to 2 pm. The two runs start at 6:30 pm, preceded by the free kids races a half hour earlier. All events take place at Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW.’

 

“From morning till night, the day is all about encouraging healthy lifestyles,” said Emil Hannesson, director of community outreach. “Our tradition at Metro Health is to support overall community wellness, not just treat illness.”

 

Health and Wellness Day activities include free screenings for blood pressure and body mass index, as well as information about stroke awareness, smoking cessation, joint health and hands-only CPR.

 

Also scheduled is a Chef Cookoff in which local chefs compete to create delicious dishes featuring Farm Market fare. This year’s chefs are:

  • Jeremy Paquin from Grove Restaurant in Grand Rapids
  • Vinnie Augustoni, director of dining services at First & Main, an assisted living facility in Metro Health Village
  • Zach Zost, Metro Health executive chef
  • Chef O (Oliver Hale), retired national healthy lifestyle chef, winner of Chef Cook-off in 2014

Cookoff judges include Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, Wyoming Fire Chief Chuck Lark, Valerie Lego of WZZM 13 and two surprises. The chefs get started at 11 am; judging is at noon.

 

As Health and Wellness Day winds down, the family fun runs get underway. The runs welcome people of all ages and abilities, whether they want to compete or just take a stroll.

 

“Yes, there will be awards, but the runs are mostly about fun,” said Hannesson. “We don’t care if you run, jog, walk, skip or hop across the finish line. Just come out and get active.”

 

The range of participants extends to disabled individuals. In association with the local chapter of myTEAM TRIUMPH, Metro Health’s cardiac rehab team will push wheelchair-bound participants in the 5K. MyTEAM TRIUMPH is a nonprofit organization that gives disabled people the thrill of crossing the finish line in endurance events.

 

The kids races, for children ages 3-14, start at 6 pm. The Metro Way 5K and 10K start at 6:30. Shelley Irwin, host of the WGVU Morning Show, will serve as race emcee.

 

Kids races are free but registration is required. Advance registration for the 5K and 10K is $30 online. To register for any race, please visit www.metrohealth.net/5K. Adult participants may also register on site for $35 starting at 9 a.m. on race day.

 

Need more info? Call 616.252.7200 or email LiveHealthy@metrogr.org.

All funds raised will benefit free and low-cost community health programs offered by Metro Health.

Brick by Brick: Tributes placed in Cancer Center garden

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

 

By MetroHealth-University of Michigan Health

 

One of the most devastating words in the English language is “cancer”. Even more sobering is the fact and 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime (according to the American Cancer Society).

 

Pat Holland knows this pain firsthand. His dear wife, Peggy, lost her battle against cancer in 2014. Holland wanted to memorialize his wife and her 18-month journey at The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village.

 

“Peggy was everything to me, everything I could want in a wife and best friend,” said Holland. “I wanted to do something substantial to help celebrate her memory; something people would notice for a long time.”

 

Holland worked with the Metro Health Hospital Foundation and came up with a plan to install tribute bricks in the Cancer Center garden. A campaign was held offering anyone touched by the Cancer Center a chance to plant a brick in memory of a loved one. More than 30 people did so, purchasing bricks by making a donation to the Cancer Center via the foundation. Though most bricks are memorials, some bear message of hope from Cancer Center survivors.

 

Photo supplied

Last summer, a few dozen family members, friends and former patients gathered in the garden to dedicate  the first round of bricks, which raised more than $7,000 for the Cancer Center.

 

“It’s a little piece of tranquility,” Holland said of the garden, which is visible through a wall of windows from the chemotherapy infusion chairs. “Peggy and I found comfort in the view during difficult times.”

 

If you are interested in including your message to the garden, a gift of $100 or more will add a brick with your message of hope and celebration to the path in the Cancer Center Garden. Contact Foundation to make your gift today at 616.252.5000 or foundation@metrogr.org.

Will the Proposed Federal Budget Leave the Most Vulnerable Out in the Cold?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Non-Profits, , ,
Photo supplied

 

By ASCET Community Action Agency

 

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides a major source of funding to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the United States. In Kent County, 30% of ACSET CAA’s budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 consists of CSBG funds. Unfortunately, the proposed 2018 federal budget would completely eliminate CSBG funding–directly cutting 30% of the funds that assist low-income families.

 

The proposed budget would also eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps low-income households heat and cool their homes. LIHEAP also funds weatherization improvements to make clients’ homes more efficient, saving energy and reducing utility bills. LIHEAP funds account for 10% of ACSET CAA’s 2016-2017 budget. If this program is cut, our neighbors could literally be left out in the cold.

 

ACSET CAA depends on CSBG & LIHEAP to fund programs that serve:

  • Hard-working families who struggle due to job-loss, family emergencies and unexpected costs from medical problems or car and home repairs
  • Children who need a warm place to sleep and food on the table
  • People who have worked all their lives but are struggling to make ends meet when they retire from the workforce
  • People with disabilities who need door-to-door transportation to get to appointments and maintain their independence

These are our family members, our friends, our neighbors. These are the people who will lose the most from the proposed budget.

 

You can help ensure ACSET CAA can continue to reduce the conditions of poverty and help move families toward self-sufficiency. Contact your congressman/woman and senators. Ask them to oppose any budget that cuts the current level of funding for CSBG and LIHEAP. Use this online tool to find your congressional representatives based on where you live.

 

Learn more about ACSET CAA’s impact on our community in their 2016 Annual Report.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Helping Your Loved One Transition to Assisted Living

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

 

 

By Peg Cochran, Holland Home

 

Change is never easy. Change becomes even more difficult to manage as we get older and more set in our ways. One of life’s more difficult transitions is the move from independent living to an assisted living facility. Many seniors view this transition as the last move of their life and perhaps, their final chapter. Coming to terms with that knowledge can bring sadness and depression. There are many ways to help your loved one ease into this transition and manage the emotions that accompany it.

 

When to Move to Assisted Living

There are many reasons to make the move to assisted living. Many seniors are more than capable of managing in their own home with some outside help from family, friends or a paid caregiver. However, this is not always possible or even feasible. Following are some things to consider as you work to determine the best care option for your loved one.

  • They can no longer shower or bathe without help, or you are concerned about their safety in the tub or shower.
  • They are at risk for falls.
  • They forget to take medications ortake medications improperly.
  • They no longer cook nutritious meals for themselves and may be losing weight.
  • They can no longer drive and are becoming isolated.
  • They have been recently hospitalized and you are concerned about whether they can recover at home.

Breaking the Ice

Moving a parent or loved one to assisted living is stressful for everyone involved. Adults are accustomed to being self-sufficient and to keeping their own unique schedule. Giving up their home can leave them feeling frustrated, helpless or angry. In addition, it’s hard for the caregiver to see their loved one growing older, and you may be having difficulty accepting the change yourself.

 

Visit the chosen facility several times and give your loved one a chance to become accustomed to the idea of moving. When you visit, encourage your loved one to talk with as many of the residents as possible. Most facilities will allow you to join them for meals. You should also take the time to meet with the administrator and any relevant staff members. Spend some time with your loved one going over any brochures or written material you may have been given. Be sure to get a copy of the activities schedule and point out anything you think might interest your loved one.

 

Ask the facility about respite care. Many offer it, and it’s the perfect way for your loved one to try out their new lifestyle without making a long-term commitment.

 

“Respite stays can last from a few days to more than a month,” said Amy Thayer, senior living consultant for Holland Home. “It’s not unusual for one of our respite residents to decide to make the move after experiencing everything we offer.

 

“It’s important to choose a facility that offers the full continuum of care, if possible,” said Thayer. “That way, should a move to a higher level of care such as nursing be required, your loved one will only have to change floors as opposed to moving to a whole new facility.”

 

Making the Move

When it’s time to make the physical move to the new facility, planning is key. Make sure you have the dimensions of the new space. If possible, plan the furniture arrangement in advance. You will want to bring enough personal items and furniture to make the space feel like “home,” but chances are you will not need everything in your loved one’s current home. Special pieces can be passed down to family and friends. Knowing others will be enjoy treasured belongings can make parting with it easier.

 

Have a plan for arranging the furniture so that the movers set things up in a way that suits your loved one’s lifestyle and makes them feel more “at home”.  Placing knickknacks and pictures in the same or similar places will go a long way toward giving the new space a feeling of familiarity.

 

After Moving In

 One of the best ways to ease the transition to your loved one’s new way of life is to get to know neighbors. They’ve already “been there, and done that,” and can help the individual adapt to the change. One of the best parts about assisted living is that your senior will no longer be isolated, dependent on visits from family and friends to ease any loneliness. They will be surrounded by peers and will have access to a full calendar of specially planned events and outings.

 

Check the activities calendar as soon as they move in and plan on participating in at least a few of the scheduled events. You may find there are clubs to join, musical evenings, movie showings and bus trips. Getting involved will help your loved one meet people and make new friends.

 

In addition, they should familiarize themselves with their new surroundings—check out the library, the exercise room, and the laundry facilities. Knowing their way around will make things feel familiar more quickly.

 

Adjusting

Finally, encourage your loved one to give themselves time to adjust to their new lifestyle.  No matter how much they like it, there will most likely still be days when they feel sad or nostalgic for their old way of life.

 

“If those emotions persist,” said Thayer, “be sure to talk to the staff. Arrangements can be made for the individual to speak to a counselor who can help them ease into their new way of life.”

 

Most importantly, try to keep a positive mindset. Help your senior focus on the things they like about their new living situation and take advantage of all that it has to offer.

 

Local physician completes first U.S. case for end-stage critical limb ischemia

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, , , , , ,

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health physician, Jihad A. Mustapha, MD, FACC, FSCAI, is the first in the U.S. to complete treatment on a patient utilizing the LimFlow Percutaneous Deep Vein Arterialization (pDVA) System. The investigational device is used for the treatment of end-state critical limb ischemia (CLI) after all other efforts have been exhausted.

 

CLI can be a painful and limb-threatening for individuals who develop it. Common characterizations of CLI include pain at rest, ulcers, or gangrene in one or both legs stemming from arterial disease. Diabetics, smokers, and older individuals are among those with the highest rates of CLI.

 

“The only other disease with worse life expectancy than CLI is pancreatic cancer,” Mustapha, the study’s primary investigator, said. “Because of the mortality rate associated with amputations due to ischemia, a new approach to treat CLI is needed now more than ever. In the LimFlow study, we hope to help patients with no other options that are on their way to amputation.”

 

The procedure completed by Mustapha in July is the first case in the U.S. as part of an international feasibility study of the LimFlow system. The study is a multi-center, prospective, single-arm study conducted at three U.S. centers.

 

“The medical treatments being done at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health are pioneering,” said President and CEO Mike Faas. “I am so proud of the work of Dr. Mustapha, and all of those who comprise our Heart & Vascular team. They are so passionate about the work that they do—and are willing to push the level of care to new heights if it will safely and effectively increase the quality of life for patients.”

 

“I’m delighted that Metro Health – University of Michigan Health can lead the way in pioneering new treatments for patients,” Mustapha said. “This would not be happening here were it not for the vision of Mr. Faas, our president and CEO. Seven years ago we began work to fight the epidemic of CLI. In that time, our amputation prevention program has grown like no other in the country because the leadership at Metro believed in the pioneering work we were doing, and they recognized this work is improving the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Alternatives in Motion enhances independence through access to mobility equipment

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Non-Profits, Senior Living, ,

 

By Alternatives in Motion and C. Davis

 

Being disabled is tough enough, but imagine not having access to mobility equipment to get around. Thankfully, there’s a nonprofit that helps people who can’t afford or fall through the cracks of health insurance.

 

Alternatives in Motion enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing independence through access to mobility equipment.

 

The nonprofit’s vision is to be the central hub in West Michigan for recycling, distributing, and maintaining mobility devices for those in need. Alternatives in Motion had its beginnings in 1993, after the brother-in-law of founder George Ranville, a Grand Rapids native, got into a tragic accident. As Ranville struggled to help his brother-in-law attain proper — but expensive — equipment, he saw an opportunity to help the disabled community.

 

The new nonprofit began raising money and making its cause known, believing that access to mobility equipment is the path to independence for those in need. Since then, Alternatives in Motion, which remains entirely funded by independent donations, has continued to grow and strives to keep up with the need for mobility equipment.

 

The organization’s mission is to provide wheelchairs to individuals who do not qualify for other assistance and who could not obtain such equipment without financial aid. By creating access to mobility equipment and repair services for those in need, Alternatives in Motion gives them the independence and quality of life they deserve.

 

If you or someone you know needs mobility equipment, apply here. (You must live in West Michigan to qualify.) For more information go to the website or call 616.493.2620.

 

Your Community in Action: Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults

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

By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

Everyone is looking for ways to stay cool under the summer sun, but it is even more important for older adults. Seniors are more vulnerable to heat because their bodies don’t adjust as well to temperature changes. Medical conditions and medications can also make it hard for their bodies to regulate temperature or can cause dehydration. In fact, a recent study found that 40% of heat-related deaths in the US were among people over 65.

 

It is important to know the signs of heat stroke so steps can be taken to treat it as soon as possible. Symptoms include:

  • Body temperature over 104 degrees
  • Changes in behavior, like acting confused or agitated
  • Dry, red skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Heavy breathing or a fast pulse
  • Lack of sweating when it’s hot out
  • Fainting

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, take steps to cool down and seek medical help. Use these tips to stay cool and prevent heat stroke this summer:

 

Drink plenty of water. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, be sure to drink plenty of cool water and avoid coffee and alcohol.

 

Eat light. Eat small portions of cold meals like salads. Hot, heavy meals like pot roast can increase your body temperature.

Keep the house cool. You may avoid running the air conditioning to save money, but in a heat wave it can be a life-saver. Keep your air conditioner filters clean to help them run more efficiently. Close your blinds to keep sunlight out and decrease the need for the air conditioner to work as hard.

Keep yourself cool. Wet a towel with cool water and place it on your wrists, face and back of your neck. Sit with your feet in a pan of cool water. Or take a cool shower or bath.

 

Visit a cooling center. If you can’t cool down at home, visit a public place with air conditioning to get some relief. A shopping mall, library or senior center are places to consider.

 

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides a variety of programs to help keep seniors in Kent County health and safe. To learn more, go here.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Emergency Food Assistance: Providing high-quality, nutritious foods to families in need

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Health, Non-Profits, ,

Your Community in Action!

By ACSET Community Action Agency

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). TEFAP supplements the diets of low-income Americans by distributing nutritious food at no cost to the recipients. In Kent County, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) organizes regular distributions across the county.

The USDA purchases a variety of fresh and shelf-stable foods from domestic producers and distributes to states based on their low-income/unemployed population. The items vary depending on the season, availability and state preferences but always include a mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein products. Food items have reduced levels of fat, sodium and sugar and can include canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, pasta and cereal.

 

The cost of healthy foods and the accessibility of grocery stores make good food choices a challenge for families with limited incomes. For example, you can purchase a package of hot dogs for under $3, while fresh pork or beef costs several dollars per pound. TEFAP ensures that more families have well-rounded, nutritious meals to eat. And because the food is purchased domestically, it also supports American agriculture markets.

 

Residents of Kent County who have a household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for emergency food assistance. To receive food, individuals need to supply a photo ID with current address at the distribution site. The next TEFAP distributions will happen on Thursday, July 13 at the following locations:

 

ACSET CAA – Kent County Human Services Complex
121 Franklin St SE, Suite 110, Grand Rapids
Distribution hours: 1-7pm*

Flat River Outreach Ministries
11535 E Fulton St, Lowell
Distribution hours: 9-11am & 2-4:30pm*

North Kent Connection
1075 Northland Dr NE, Rockford
Distribution Hours: 9am-3pm*

*Or while supplies last

To learn more about TEFAP and find a full distribution schedule with locations, visit: http://bit.ly/CAAFood.

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Empowering communities through women’s health

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Health,
In July 2017, Adejoke Ayoola will collaborate with faculty at Bowen University in addressing issues of reproductive health in Iwo, Nigeria. (Photo courtesy Calvin College.)

By Hannah Ebeling, Calvin College

“The world is a global village. When the Lord equips you with skills or knowledge, you can easily transfer those gifts to bless other people around the world,” said Adejoke Ayoola, professor of nursing.

This year, Ayoola was selected for the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program. In July she will travel to Iwo, Nigeria, and begin a project in collaboration with faculty at Bowen University.

Equipping women, promoting health

Over a period of 33 days, Ayoola will address issues of reproductive health in the community. She will visit both the homes of local women as well as Bowen classrooms in order to equip women with reproductive knowledge and pregnancy planning skills. In addition, Ayoola will act as an adviser in the design of a women’s health center.

She also plans to work with Bowen faculty and staff in community research efforts and in the development of nursing curriculum. “I am passionate about the next generation of nurses, here at Calvin and across the world,” said Ayoola. Since Bowen’s nursing program is less than four years old, she looks forward to seeing it grow and expand in future years.

Ayoola is excited about the work she will be doing in her home country, Nigeria. “I see it as my vocation, as my God calling. This will be an opportunity to use what I’ve learned to care for women and share my knowledge with another institution,” said Ayoola.

Ayoola believes the previous experience she gained at Calvin College facilitating both the Preconception Reproductive Knowledge Promotion Program and the H.E.A.L.T.H Camp (Health, Education, and Leadership Training for a Hopeful future) equipped her with the tools needed to design reproductive health programs at Bowen University.

Collaboration with community

After sharing how she has been promoting women’s health in her own community, Ayoola inquired about the needs of Bowen University and the local community. She hopes to be able to utilize her own skillset in the creation of an entirely unique program for the women of Iwo, Nigeria.

“We will not be truly addressing the issue if we go in with our own preconceived ideas,” said Ayoola.

Ayoola is going to great lengths to understand the needs of the community she will be serving before initiating a project, and she says it is vital that the people who will be using the center are involved in its establishment. “The community has to own it, design it and implement it for the project to be relevant, effective and sustained,” said Ayoola.

Ayoola and her team will be using a variety of community-based research methods in order to ensure the project will be as effective as possible. One way they hope to gain insight is through surveys. “We need to use those as a way of listening to the communities needs and involving them in the process,” said Ayoola.

Opportunity for growth

Ayoola says at the heart of this project is the promotion of scholarship, research, community collaboration and cultural exchange. She believes this project will expand into a long-term partnership and sees the possibility of collaborations with another faith-based institution in the future.

Although she is not working with Calvin students on this project, Ayoola predicts in the coming years there will be opportunities for students to visit the center. “This is the beginning of so many great things that fit with what we are called to here, at Calvin.”

Copyright Calvin College, reprinted by permission.

Make your food dollars go further at the farmers’ market

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Health, Non-Profits, , , ,

Your Community in Action!

By Community Action Partnership of Kent County

 

The summer months in Michigan offer plenty of locally grown, fresh and healthy food choices. But what if you rely on food assistance dollars for your grocery budget? Can you use them at the farmers market or a roadside stand? The answer is yes! There are programs specially designed to help everyone access local produce.

Double Up Food Bucks
This program will match the money you spend on SNAP-eligible foods at the farmers market using your Bridge card. You can receive up to $20 in Double Up Food Bucks per market day. Just take your SNAP Bridge card to the market’s office or info booth before you shop. Learn more here.

WIC Project FRESH
WIC (Women Infant and Children) clients qualify for this program. Clients can receive five coupons worth $5 each to spend on fresh, local produce. Coupons can be used any time between June 1 and October 31. Vendors and/or farmers markets must have a contract to accept the coupons and will have a sign posted reading “Project FRESH Coupons Accepted Here.” Learn more about Project FRESH here.

Senior Market FRESH
Similar to the WIC program, Market FRESH provides eligible seniors with ten coupons worth $2 each to use with vendors/farmers markets contracted to accept them. Coupons are accepted June 1 through October 31, and participating vendors/farmers will have a sign posted reading “Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH Welcome Here.” Learn more about the program and eligibility here.

The following farmers markets in Kent County participate in the Double Up Food Bucks, Project FRESH and Market FRESH programs.

  • Byron Center: Byron Farmers Market
  • Grand Rapids: Fulton Street Farmers Market, Southeast Area Farmers’ Market
  • Kentwood: Kentwood Farmers Market
  • Wyoming: Metro Health Farm Market

You can search all farmers markets and filter by what food assistance benefits are accepted at: http://mifma.org/findafarmersmarket/.

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.

Exalta Health on mission to provide medical care to underserved community

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits
Exalta Health provides health care to an underserved population at two clinics, one in the 2000 block of Division Avenue. See close up of plaque below. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Exalta Health is a south Division Avenue based healthcare provider for low income residents of Wyoming, Kentwood and south Grand Rapids — serving patients who “have no place else to go,” the organization likes to say.

 

“There is a saying in health care that the best predictor of you heath is not your genetic code but you zip code,” President Bill Paxton said during a recent taping of WKTV Journal’s new “In Focus” public affairs program. “What we know is where people live is often reflective of their access to good health care services. It is really reflective of socio-economic status.

 

President Bill Paxton and Medical Director Laura Vander Molen of Exalta Health. (WKTV)

“What we are seeing is that people who have less income, less revenue, have poor health and poor access to health care — and that is across the country. Both in rural areas and in urban areas such as Wyoming and Kentwood and Grand Rapids. … What we see is that people with lower income often have other barriers to health care — cultural barriers, language barriers, transportation barriers.”

 

For a YouTube video of the complete “In Focus” segment, visit here.

 

Exalta works to break down those barriers to health care by providing “compassionate … quality … and accessible care” at its Clínica Centro, at 2060 Division Ave S, and its South Clinic at Streams of Hope, 280 60th Street SE.

 

We provide “mainly primary care, that’s medical care, trying to have patients have continuity care with the provider,” said Medical Director Dr. Laura Vander Molen. “We also have dental care — in the past we have separated dental care from medical care but now we are trying to see the patient as a whole person.”

 

Exalta has many care providers who either work or volunteer at their clinics, but it also works with community partners — including Spectrum Health, Mercy Health St. Mary’s, and Metro Health-University of Michigan Health — for speciality care services. But that sometimes leads to problems for patients.

 

“We work to get our patients in to see specialists if they need care beyond us,” Vander Molen said. “But when we send people out for speciality care, that tends to drive up the costs” and “becomes an insurance issue” for the patients.

 

“We (also) try to educate people on chronic diseases, so we do a class for people with diabetes. We also have behavioral health, which includes medical and social workers, and also counseling for our patients who may be struggling with behavioral health issues.”

 

Lastly, she said, there is spiritual support if needed and requested.

 

“We also have spiritual care. We feel that people are emotional, spiritual and physical, so we are trying to meet all those needs,” Vander Molen said.

 

Plaque at entrance to Exalta Health’s Division Avenue clinic and office. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

While Exalta is proud that it is a religiously-motivated organization, Paxton makes clear they are more focused on serving the community than spreading the Gospel.

 

“We are a Christian organization, that is really our motivation for doing what we do,” Paxton said. But “overall, what we really want to see is a healthy community. Reflecting what we think the call is to us — as Christians, to do as Christ would do — to show compassion, and (provide) quality care. That is why we do what we do.”

 

For more information on Exalta Heath, call 616-475-8446 or visit exaltahealth.org.

 

Get ’em outside: Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center opens outdoor learning lab

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Kids Activities, ,
Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center math coach Debbie Schuitema, right, and David Britton, retiring superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, could not keep the students at the from jumping the gun on the ribbon cutting of a new outdoor classroom. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

There was a classroom full of kids playing outdoors of the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center building Thursday, June 8, as the school district held the grand opening of its new Outdoor Learning Lab.

 

The adults present — including the incoming superintendents of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — spoke about the “educational” advantages of the facility. The kids? They just liked being able to climb on things and roll down a hill and dig in the sand.

 

And that is just the way the two teachers who spearheaded the project — Debbie Schuitema and Julie Swanson — wants it: an outdoor education opportunity that looks a lot like play.

 

Debbie Schuitema, left, and Julie Swanson. (WKTV)

“Students are naturally curious, and when you bring them out here, without books, when you take a way some of the parameters, and rules and procedures, you allow them to be creative, curious and intuitive,” Schuitema, who teaches math at the center, said to WKTV. “The things they come up with is just amazing, and that leads to more learning. You can take that back inside and build on that.”

 

The facility, located to the east side of the Early Childhood Center (ECC) building at 961 Joosten SW in Wyoming, includes mostly natural objects which kids can explore and play with: a tree stump, a stone and sand structure, a grassy hill.

 

And Swanson, a physical education instructor at the center, knows the value of outdoor exercise as part of a student’s educational process.

 

“Discover yourself through play,” Swanson said. “Just something as simple as which way to you hold a big branch, little side up or big side up? They are learning engineering skills, math skills. … They learn gravity by rolling down a hill. … Really just discovering a new way to learn, but they don’t know they are learning. … (We are just) removing the walls.”

 

The grand opening event featured permanent and temporary activities such as a mud kitchen, rock grotto, climbing hill, landscape berm, covered gathering space/stage, dead tree stands, Congo drums, weaving loom and log steps.

 

David Britton, left, and incoming new superintendent Kevin Polston. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

But the most important things the facility brings is the ability just to be outdoors, according to soon-to-retire district superintendent David Britten, who was present at the event along with the incoming new superintendent Kevin Polston.

 

“Kids today are spending far too much time indoors — it is a criticism of education in general. We are far too focused on content learning and memorization and test taking,” said Britten, who was a big supporter of the project. “We have lost some of these outdoor areas, places for kids to play in.

 

“So, as I walked along here a few years back, looking for historical artifacts, I thought: What a great place to have kids come out on a regular basis, and learn,” he said. “Find what native plant species that are here, what are invasive; what kind of birds and animals live in this environment. How can we make it better for them? How can we keep plaster creek clean? How can we protect the environment itself, so we can all enjoy it.”

 

Aside from the support of the superintendent, other supporters thanked at the facility opening include Women Who Care Grand Rapids, City of Wyoming Public Works, Dykema Excavators, DeWitt Landscape and Design, TonTin Lumber and The Stone Zone.

 

Special thanks were also given to East Lee students, Lee Middle School students, the Plaster Creek Watershed, Groundswell and — especially — the Godfrey Lee Board of Education.

 

“So many different people donated their time and energy to this,” said Swanson. “The Godfrey-Lee board of education, allowing us to do this without strings attached — that allowed us to be so creative. We really want to thank our board and our superintendent.”

 

Metro Health–U of M Health, Foundation Radiology Group expand medical imaging for region

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

 

By Jennifer Hoff, Metro Health Hospital

 

Metro Health–University of Michigan Health has signed physician‐led Foundation Radiology Group to provide all patient imaging services. The 208‐bed acute care teaching hospital serving Kent County and the surrounding Grand Rapids area will make the transition to Foundation Radiology for medical imaging services beginning July 1.

 

Foundation Radiology provides onsite imaging leaders supported by a team of radiologists with expertise across subspecialties and imaging modalities available at all hours.

 

“In order to continue to provide the high quality of care our patients expect and deserve, we are pleased to forge this relationship with Foundation Radiology Group,” said Mike Faas, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health president and CEO. “In our partnership, we are pleased to provide 24/7, 365-day interventional and neurointerventional coverage, as well as on‐site radiologists for our patients. As Metro continues to grow, we will be ready to support that growth.”

 

“Foundation Radiology and Metro Health share a common mission of putting patient well‐ being at the center of all we do,” said Foundation CEO Richard Vance, MD. “We’re looking forward to working closely with all the physicians, hospital staff and the communities that Metro Health serves.”

 

Foundation pioneered its “hybrid” radiology model in 2007 and has implemented it in dozens of health systems and integrated delivery networks.

 

“We call it an academy at your fingertips. Having boots‐on‐the‐ground radiologists offering onsite leadership along with on‐demand, subspecialist care available every minute of the day is radically different,” said Chief Medical Officer, James Backstrom, MD. “When you have 100% of critical findings delivered in under 20 minutes with more accurate diagnoses — you’re not only supporting the growth of hospital centers of excellence, you are saving lives.”

 

Its focus on value‐based care and improving quality has fueled the significant growth of Foundation as one of the nation’s largest radiology organizations. Vance reported this week the physician‐founded company has doubled revenue in the past three years.

 

Staying out of the closet: Reaching out to LGBT seniors

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

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Over the past few years, our society’s acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people has changed rapidly, particularly with the Supreme Court decision around marriage. We have openly gay people as neighbors, friends, grandchildren, children, service professionals — over the past 20 years, LGBT people have become steadily more visible in our society. While society has taken great strides toward acceptance of LGBT citizens, what remains invisible are the issues and challenges that LGBT elders face as begin to require services.

There are currently about 1.5 million people age 65+ who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. According to SAGE, an Advocacy and Services Organization for LGBT Elders, poverty rates among LGBT elders is higher than their heterosexual counterparts, mainly due to past employment discrimination, conflict with family over coming out, and a lack of marriage and Social Security survivor benefits.

There are also many aging LGBT people who live alone, without family to help with the aging process. This puts many LGBT seniors in the position of requiring income-based aging services available in their communities. Needing to ask for help though is often a difficult experience for these seniors.

Unlike younger LGBT people, many of our LGBT seniors lived through times in our history when lesbians and gays were put in jail or mental institutions if it was discovered they were gay. Kendrick Heinlein, Contract Administrator with Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan stated, “These experiences of hostility are not always easily removed from LGBT senior’s memories. This lends itself to seniors not seeking medical services available to them which can lead to social isolation, chronic illness and premature death.”

Even today, older adults who are LGBT don’t often find a warm welcome when they begin to participate in aging services. Because many seniors don’t want to “go back into the closet”, they will avoid asking for help, which frequently ends in a health crisis.

 

“I have heard countless stories of LGBT seniors putting away pictures of their loved ones or hiding things in their homes due to the fear of being discriminated against by their in-home caretakers” Heinlein said. “There are stories of care providers refusing to work with LGBT older adults because they do not feel comfortable. Senior retirement or care facilities have refused services to LGBT seniors because of their religious views or moral beliefs. All of these events are not typical things that heterosexual older adults have to experience.”

 

This is why organizations like SAGE, the AARP and Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan are working to reach out to LGBT seniors as well as service providers.

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is partaking in a two-year project, funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund; Heinlein is heading up this project for the agency. The goal is to reduce the isolation LGBT seniors experience and improve the care provided to older adults who identify as LGBT.

 

“AAAWM is in the process building relationships with the local LGBT community,” Heinlein said. “We are also working to identify LGBT-affirming health service providers for older adults. We will be able to direct LGBT seniors to these service providers when they call AAAWM or visit our website.”

 

‘Gen Silent’ subject Krys Anne Hembrough

Ultimately, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan plans to develop a ‘How-To’ manual to share with other Area Agencies on Aging through the state, so LGBT elders always have a resource to locate services.

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is not the only agency working to improve the aging climate for LGBT seniors. Agencies throughout Kent County are working to integrate LGBT seniors into the aging community.

 

Heinlein explained, “The Alzheimer’s Association has a LGBT support group which meets once a month to talk about any questions/issues that they see in the aging community. Samaritas Senior Living is having a viewing of the film Gen Silent, which examines the discrimination and fears LGBT seniors experience. I will host a discussion afterwards for everyone to share their thoughts about the aging LGBT community. Dr. Grace Huizinga, Assistant Professor from Grand Valley State University, will be helping lead the discussion at Samaritas as well.”

 

The film and discussion will take place on July 11th from 6–8:30 pm and is open to the public.

 

If you’d like to learn more about this project, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. To learn about their services you can visit their website: http://www.aaawm.org.

 

City of Grand Rapids and community partners aim to make 50 homes lead-safe this summer

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Our Cities, , , ,

 

By Molly Klimas

 

People wearing bright red t-shirts are canvasing some of the neighborhoods and festivals in Grand Rapids starting this June – but they’re not stumping for a political candidate: They’re hoping that homes in the city will Get the Lead Out!

Armed with free lead-testing kits and brochures, these team members from the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan are letting people know about federal funds available to make lead abatement possible.

“Lead lurks in the paint of homes built before 1978 – and most houses in the City of Grand Rapids were built before that year. Paint flakes and peels, and when improperly scraped or sanded off, dangerous lead dust can be kicked up,” said Paul Haan, executive director of the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan and gubernatorial appointee to the State of Michigan’s Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission.

That flaking, peeling lead paint and dust — ingested or breathed in — can be dangerous to anyone. But lead is especially toxic to babies, children and pregnant women. Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage and other health issues. (See GTLO 2017 Fact Sheet for more information on the dangers of lead.)

It doesn’t take much lead to create a toxic situation. One gram of lead dust is enough to make 25,000 square feet of flooring hazardous for young children, according to Haan.

“We’re talking an amount as small as the equivalent of a packet of Sweet’N Low — just that small amount is enough to contaminate a dozen homes in Grand Rapids,” said  Haan. “The good news is that lead poisoning can be prevented, and there’s funding to help people get the lead out safely with professionals trained in lead abatement.”

The funding is through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City of Grand Rapids administers the grant locally and partners with the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, the Kent County Health Department, LINC, and the Rental Property Owners Association to facilitate the Get the Lead out! program. June has been designated “Healthy Homes Month” by HUD but team members will be encouraging applications as long as funding lasts.

The most common types of work done to remove lead hazards from homes are repairing or replacing windows, and re-painting or replacing siding.

Funding is available for eligible homeowners and landlords. Anyone living in the City of Grand Rapids in a home built before 1978 is encouraged to contact the Healthy Homes Coalition to learn about eligibility. For more information, please call the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan at 616.241.3300 or visit www.GetTheLeadOutGR.org. Or, contact the City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department at 616.456.3030 or Doug Stek, Housing Rehabilitation Supervisor, 616.456.3672.

 

 

Safe and Supported program offers free therapy for LGBTQ youth

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Non-Profits, , , ,
An attendee showing their wings at a previous Grand Rapids Pride Festival (Photo credit: Matt Oberski)

Grand Rapids Pride Center and Arbor Circle recently introduced the Safe and Supported Program, which offers free therapy and counseling for LGBTQ youth

 

By Matt Oberski, The Rapidian

 

The Grand Rapids Pride Center, in their partnership with Arbor Circle, is now offering free therapy and counseling services for LGBTQ youth. While the Pride Center has offered support services for several years, the Safe and Supported program, which launched in February, provides one-on-one support for youth ages 13-24. LLMSW Sydney Sturm, whose work at Arbor Circle focuses on homeless youth, works with local youth in the LGBTQ community to help them regarding mental and physical health risks including depression, anxiety, and gender dysphoria, preventing homelessness, and offering a safe and welcome environment to discuss their concerns.

 

At that age, Sturm said, “you’re not only trying to figure out who you are, but society is telling you who you should be.”

 

As a young adult struggling with their identity as well as possible problems at home or at school related to it, it can be difficult to find accepting facilities and services that are willing to help. Many LGBTQ youth have been frustrated with the current mental health community; with “deadnaming,” or calling a person by their birth name rather than their chosen name, and staff using the wrong pronouns in relation to their gender identity, these young adults have found seeking mental health services discouraging. It is therefore important to have a professional on the LGBTQ spectrum that kids and young adults can come to for support in an inviting and welcoming environment, Sturm explained.

 

“I’ve seen them open up tremendously in regard to wanting mental health services, which is a great barrier to break,” she said.

 

One of the major issues Sturm is concerned with is youth homelessness. According to the LGBT Homeless Youth Provider Survey conducted by the Williams Institute, approximately 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Sturm estimates that of the clients she has met with in her past work with Arbor Circle and the Pride Center, between 50 percent and 75 percent of youth are worried to come out truthfully for fear of being kicked out of their homes. This often brings a temptation to run away or remove themselves from their homes to find a more accepting community.

 

With the Safe and Supported program, young people have the opportunity to meet with a therapist on their own terms and receive professional help free of charge. Sturm emphasized that she and staff at the Pride Center are willing to “take any measure possible” to meet with youth and help if their family or living situation is unwelcome or unsafe. This includes meeting at a location of the individual’s choosing, and even helping them navigate the local housing system and shelters.

 

“What’s the point in working in a community if you’re not going to support that community?” she asked.

 

Safe and Supported is funded by grants through Our LGBT Fund at Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

 

For more information on the Safe and Supported program or to schedule an appointment with the Safe and Supported program, go to http://www.grpride.org/support-services/ or call 616-458-3511.

 

To learn more about the state of LGBTQ youth homelessness in our community, view the Safe Impact Report: http://www.arborcircle.org/safe-impact.

 

Play smart: Summer is here, and so is tick-carried Lyme disease

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Holidays, Recreation, Travel,
Michigan’s deer ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, and if attached care must be taken to remove. (State of Michigan)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

For West Michiganders, at least those sticking around the Grand Rapids area and not heading up north, a Memorial Day weekend visit to the Lake Michigan shoreline is a great option if not a must.

 

(State of Michigan)

But with the un-official start of the summer outdoor season also a Memorial Day weekend, outdoor adventures also bring the un-official start of Michigan’s deer tick season — and with black legged (deer) ticks comes the risk of Lyme disease.

 

Most humans are infected with Lyme disease through the bites of immature ticks, called nymphs, that feed during the spring and summer months. But these nymphs are approximately the size of a poppy seed, so they are hard to see.

 

“Prompt removal of ticks is the best method to decrease the chance of Lyme disease,” Dr. Paul Heidel, Ottawa County Department of Public Health medical director, said in supplied material. “Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, a rash, severe fatigue, facial paralysis, or joint pain within 30 days of being bitten by a tick.”

 

Routinely, ticks must be attached for 36 to 48 hours for the Lyme disease bacterium to be transmitted.

 

The State of Michigan and local health officials have suggestions to avoid Lyme-carrying ticks:

 

When outdoors, walk in the center of trails, and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass.

 

Around home, create tick-safe zones in your yard by keeping patios and play areas away from vegetation, regularly remove leaves, clear tall grasses and brush around home, place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas, and use a chemical control agent.

 

Use an insect repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent) or Picaridin on exposed skin, and treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin — do not use permethrin directly on skin. (Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.)

 

Bathe or shower after being outside in tick-infested areas (preferably within two hours). And conduct a full-body tick check (under arms, in and around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waist and especially in hair), especially inspect children.

 

Finally, if you find a tick attached, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.

 

May is Community Action Month Part 1: What is Community Action?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health
President Lyndon Johnson signing the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964

 

By ACSET Community Action Agency

The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 established a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. CAAs were created to coordinate poverty relief programs and help people in their communities achieve self-sufficiency. Today there are over 1,000 Community Action Agencies serving 99% of the counties in the US.

Each May is recognized as Community Action Month and provides an opportunity to celebrate the work CAA’s continue to do in the fight against poverty. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is doing this work here in Kent County.

ACSET CAA’s Mission: We fight the causes and circumstances of poverty by investing in low-income individuals and families. Through dedicated staff and community partnerships we provide services, resources, education and advocacy to improve the quality of life for all residents of Kent County.

Each year ACSET CAA, with help from partnering agencies and volunteers, serves over 5000 Kent County residents. Most of these individuals live at 100% or less of federal poverty guidelines — that’s $2,050 per month or less for a family of four. They offer a variety of programs for low-income individuals, including:

  • Senior Services
  • Food Distribution
  • Transportation
  • Utility Assistance
  • Weatherization
  • Tax Preparation
  • Homeless Prevention

To learn more or find out if you qualify for services, contact ACSET CAA at 616.336.4000 or find them online at www.communityactionkent.org.

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org

Caregivers need time off to take care of themselves

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

By Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Being a caregiver is one of the most difficult roles to fulfill, yet with the population of people age 60+ continuing to grow, it is a role that 1 in 3 people find themselves taking on. Some of us are thrust into caregiving due to an illness or an accident. Oftentimes though, we discover that the caregiving role has crept in and slowly taken over our lives.

It might start out simple — taking a loved one to the grocery store on occasion. Then occasionally turns into every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. along with doctors’ appointments several times a month. On these trips you notice difficulties with money or paperwork, so you double-check their bills, discover they are overpaying, and now you’re a shopper, bill payer, and health advocate. Sarah Sobel, LMSW, Caregiver Resource Coordinator at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan said, “When I talk with caregivers, often times I go through some daily living tasks and I ask them about how much assistance they are providing to their loved one with these activities. Many caregivers don’t realize how much they are providing assistance on a daily basis until it is reflected back to them.”

We discover we’ve become a caregiver and didn’t even know it.

What starts out as lending a hand gradually grows into another job. The National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that caregivers spend at least 20 hours per week caring for a loved one. Yet, many people in this position still don’t consider themselves caregivers, especially if their loved one continues to reside in their own home. We regard these tasks as the duties or responsibilities that a spouse, a child, a parent or even a friend undertakes for a person they love, so we juggle the caregiver role with other parts of our lives, like our career, family and social life.

Fulfilling the duties of caregiver without recognizing that we are a caregiver can result in stress, anger and ultimately burnout, putting our own health and well-being at risk.

Sobel said, “This is why I encourage caregivers to build a village — whether formal or informal — for the times when caregiving becomes hard to handle. Do they have a friend they can call to sit with their loved one, while they take a walk? Maybe their loved one is a good candidate for an adult day program — where they might receive some attention and the caregiver can have some time off to take care of themselves.”

When we recognize ourselves as caregivers, we embrace that we are going above and beyond typical expectations, and we also then come to understand that taking care of ourselves is paramount to our being able to take care of others.

This realization also opens doors to resources that can help support us in our new role.

“An important part of my work at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan,” Sobel shared, “is to provide the caregivers with education. These classes are a great way for caregivers to come together and learn about some of the issues they are facing.”

Taking advantage of the resources available in our communities helps caregivers build that “village” Sobel said is important, “In these classes, caregivers can come together — to share with each other about their experiences” and begin building a support network. Getting connected to resources early can also help us assess the growing needs of the person we’re caring for and, if necessary, get connected to professional caregiving services.

If you’re interested in understanding more about caregiving and the resources available, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. You can also visit the Caregiver Resource Network website. Caregiver Resource Network and Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan can be found on Facebook.

Harvest Health Foods celebrates 65 years of healthy business

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

 

By Silvia Atsma, Harvest Health Foods

 

Local West Michigan business, Harvest Health Foods, is celebrating a milestone anniversary of 65 years of business. The anniversary celebration begins in May with special sampling events on Fridays and Saturdays, health seminars and special savings for customers throughout the month.

 

Henry Diedering, now 90, opened the first Harvest Health Foods in 1952 on Wealthy Street, shortly after he came to the United States from the Netherlands. It was the first grocery store dedicated to natural groceries, herbs and vitamins in West Michigan. For 65 years, it has been Harvest Health Foods’ passion to provide West Michigan with healthy groceries, healthy vitamins, and healthy answers, way before Jazzercise or kale became a rock-star vegetable.

 

 

Still family owned and operated, Harvest Health Foods has grown to three locations and employs 70 people. Henry’s granddaughter Emily and her husband Mitchell represent the third generation to be involved in the business. While specializing in natural and organic foods and supplements, Harvest Health Foods has recently expanded their wide range of local Michigan products with craft beers, organic wines and many varieties of kombucha.

 

Harvest Health Foods will celebrate with sampling events on Fridays and Saturdays the first three weekends in May. In addition, there will special anniversary savings throughout the store, free health seminars, give-a-ways, and prizes all month long.

Catherine’s Health Center: Quality care — with compassion

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits,
Marilyn discusses her health with registered nurse Linda Lanning at a recent appointment

By Ron Rozema, Catherine’s Health Center

 

Life handed Marilyn a set of hard blows when her husband died unexpectedly; her cleaning and phone-answering businesses were foreclosed by the IRS in the aftermath of his death, and she had spinal surgery — all within a year. She had no insurance and needed Catherine’s for her medical care, including medications.

 

Insurance premiums and the cost of medications still are out of reach, although she now is exploring Medicare coverage.

 

Ten years ago, a friend who also is a patient encouraged her to try Catherine’s. A long history of high blood pressure unresponsive to treatment, other health complications and a lack of insurance meant she needed care she couldn’t get elsewhere.

 

“Dr. Jack (Walen) immediately sent me to the emergency room because my blood pressure was so high. He’s the only one who has helped me keep it down,” she said.

 

Although she is thrilled with the medical care and improvement she has seen, it is the way she is treated that really touches her heart.

 

“Candy at the desk is my friend now, the nurses make your heart happy, and the fellowship is just wonderful!” Marilyn said. “If you didn’t know it, you would have no clue that you didn’t have insurance.

 

“I’m getting the best health care of my life,” Marilyn said, smiling.

 

Update: Change of venue/times for Christy Paganelli memorial ballgames

City of Wyoming, Health, Recreation, Sports, , ,

 

Jake Paganelli (at bat), like his brother before him, will be playing in a game that is very personal for the family. (Supplied)

 

Wyoming’s Christy Paganelli ballgames remember past, eye a better future

 

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

This Friday, an annual baseball and softball game will held between Wyoming and Grandville high schools, the sixth to honor the person and the spirit of Christy Paganelli, who lost a courageous 18-month battle with melanoma.

 

Christy Paganelli

But the game, and its message, is really so much more — the theme is “Play for Melanoma” but, according to Christy’s widowered husband Dino, the event recognizes all cancer awareness and prevention, and is committed to making sure everyone is aware that melanoma skin cancer can happen to anyone and how to prevent it.

 

“The importance of this is to just honor lost love ones and those currently fighting a battle with cancer — any cancer — but it’s melanoma that I am really aware of, and I want young people to be aware of the significance of prevention,” Paganelli said in an interview with WKTV. “I am really scared for this generation.”

 

The two games are scheduled for May 5 at Wyoming High School’s baseball and softball fields, with both games starting at 6 p.m.

 

The players will be wearing special “sponsored” jerseys in honor or in memory of someone. As a player is announced at the beginning of the game, that person’s story will be told.

 

The players will have special sponsored jerseys, each with a story to tell. (Supplied)

“Each player has a personal connection,” Paganelli said, who saw the connection firsthand with his and Christy’s sons, who play for Grandville. “Brady played in it last year and he was really humbled by the experience, to see the leadership their mom had and showed. And now Jake is on varsity and I know he will be humbled by it.”

 

Between innings, an American Cancer Society spokesperson will be reading facts on melanoma so everyone can be aware of the dangers of skin cancer and what the risk factors are. There will also be printed information available for attendees  to take with them.

 

“She (Christy) was really reserved, she would not really like all the hype” of the games, Paganelli said. “But she would have been in favor of getting the information out there. It is a community event that I am always amazed at, the stories you hear from the sponsors, and it always takes me back.”

 

All proceeds from this game go to melanoma education and research, as well as student awareness at Wyoming high. Separately funded, the Christy Paganelli Scholarship Fund at Aquinas College, where Christy attended and played softball, funds one or two student scholarships each year.

 

“Wyoming is a very special and caring community and we are thrilled to have everyone rally around this very personal cause.” Susan Brogger,  Community Manager of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Lakeshore Division and the American Cancer Society, said in a supplied statement.

 

Wyoming high continues tradition

 

The very special cause, and sometimes very personal cause, is not lost on the student athletes either, according to the two Wyoming coaches, softball coach Troy Mast and baseball coach Shawn Veenstra.

 

A banner donated by Grandville High School for the 2016 event with Christy’s daughter Katelyn, 10, shown. (Supplied)

“I believe the event is special for our athletes as they know the event is for a great cause and they get to represent more than just themselves and their school,” said Veenstra, who with Mast has coached the games for four years, since Wyoming Park and Rogers high schools merged. Before that Rogers hosted the games.

 

“They know they are playing, not only for cancer awareness, but also for the sponsor on their jersey,” Veenstra said. “A lot of times the kids are playing in honor of a family member or family friend who either has passed away or survived cancer.”

 

Christy Paganelli, from her high school playing days. (Supplied)

Christy Paganelli played multiple sports at Rogers in the late 1980s, and went on to Aquinas College. Christy and Dino Paganelli’s three children are students at Grandville.

 

Dino’s father, Carl Paganelli, who has recently had a recurrence of a cancer, will be the honorary home-team captain of the baseball team. The honorary home captain for the softball, Terrance Sommerdyke, is a melanoma survivor, Paganelli said.

 

Carl Paganelli is a long-time Wyoming resident and patriarch of a family that includes three sons who officiate in the NFL, including Dino.