Category Archives: Senior Living

Michigan Irish Music Festival Celebrates 20th Year

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Courtesy Michigan Irish Music Festival

By Colleen Murphy


The Michigan Irish Music Festival observes its 20th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate than by hosting more bands than ever in the history of the event?


The festival returns to Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon Sept. 12-15 and features Irish and Celtic music on seven covered stages. The festival kicks off Thursday, Sept. 12 with its Pub Preview Party featuring food, beverages, and three bands in the pub tent only. The full festival begins Friday.


In addition to live music, the Celtic Kitchen and beverage stations serve authentic Irish food and drinks. The Tea Room has non-alcoholic choices and treats in a relaxed atmosphere. Other activities include the Irish Market and Irish Store, children’s activities, a cultural center, and a session tent. FEIS, an Irish dance competition, and the Highland Games are held on Saturday. Sunday, Catholic mass at 9am will be followed by a traditional Irish breakfast.


This year’s festival, expected to draw 40,000 patrons, will host a record 26 bands. Here’s a sneak peek at 10 of the bands on tap:


GAELIC STORM

After two decades and more than 2,000 live shows, this multinational Celtic band returns to the festival for the first time in five years. Gaelic Storm attributes their continued success to a diversified fan base from several musical genres: country, bluegrass, Celtic, and rock. Gaelic Storm, which has gained a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band, has topped the Billboard World Chart six times, appearing at mainstream music festivals and headlining the largest Irish festivals across the country.


THE HIGH KINGS

The band’s most recent release, Decade-Best of The High Kings, garnered rave reviews, and their recently completed U.S. tour sold out many of its venues. The High Kings’ unique contemporary style and arrangement to songs of yesteryear are sure to delight.


AOIFE SCOTT

The singer and songwriter from Dublin was named the 2018 winner of the Best Irish Folk Act at the Irish Post Music Awards. Her music has a broad creative scope but is largely influenced by her own roots in folk and traditional Irish music.


ONE FOR THE FOXES

This exciting and dynamic transatlantic trio presents a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music. They offer both traditional and newly composed music, presented in an energetic and engaging manner.


JIGJAM

The award-winning quartet from Ireland blends the best of traditional Irish music with bluegrass and Americana in a new genre, which has been branded as “I-Grass” — Irish-influenced bluegrass.


DOOLIN’

Doolin’ is one of the most innovative bands of the Irish music scene. Formed in Toulouse in 2005, the band comprises six accomplished and eclectic musicians. French in origin, this sextet brings a fresh approach to Irish music. Doolin’ combines instrumentals, vocals, and original compositions in a resolutely modern style. The arrangements at times taking their inspiration from pop-rock, folk, jazz, funk, and even rap.


PIGEON KINGS

Pigeon Kings draws from Celtic and rock influences, but they’re not Celtic Rock. There are traditional elements, but they’re not a traditional band. With elements of Americana and Bluegrass, they have a sound and persona all their own. Pigeon Kings offers a high energy stage show backed by unique compositions, honest lyrics, and experienced showmanship.


THE DROWSY LADS

Jack Baker of the Irish American News named The Drowsy Lads the “Best Irish American Band of 2018.” The Lads, out of Columbus, Ohio, have won over both casual music lovers and those steeped in hardcore traditional Irish music. They’re fond of creating their own spirited arrangements and offer occasional original compositions (even mixing in bluegrass and classical), but that never gets in the way of their obsession with the pure old Irish tunes, songs, wit, and friendship that has defined Irish music for centuries.


CONNLA

After winning New Group of the Year (Chicago Irish American News) and Best New Group (Live Ireland Music Awards) in 2016, Connla has been quickly making an impact on the folk/traditional scene. More recently, Connla won Album of the Year for 2019 at both the ALSR Celtic Music Awards and the Livvies Awards. Songlines magazine named Connla their “must-see act” for their UK tour and proclaimed, “A band this young shouldn’t be this good.”


THE CONIFERS

The five young musicians that make up The Conifers met while studying traditional music at the University of Limerick. They have since developed a lasting friendship, which is evident in their music. In 2018, The Conifers, whose music is energetic and lively with a wholesome sound, won first place in the prestigious Michigan Irish Music Initiative competition in Dundalk.


Advance tickets and passes for this year’s Michigan Irish Music Festival are available online (patrons save $5 per ticket online vs. the gate price). The festival offers an Early-In Free promotion on Friday only from 5 to 6pm, sponsored by Family Financial Credit Union. Other major sponsors of the festival include G&L, Van’s Car Wash and Budweiser. The Delta Hotels by Marriott and Shoreline Inn are host hotels for the festival. For complete festival information, and the announcement of additional bands, visit www.michiganirish.org. Find ticket into here.

Escape the summer hot flash

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One of the first steps to combat hot flashes is proper hydration—about 80 ounces of water per day. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Summer is the worst season to deal with hot flashes.


In the winter, you can get at least some relief by cracking open a window to let in the arctic air.


In the summer, not even air conditioning is enough. The days and nights are hot enough already—you shouldn’t have to face hot flashes, too.


If this has become your reality, it’s time to learn what to do to make these hot flashes go away.

Too hot, too cold

First, it’s important to understand why a hot flash happens.


A hot flash or night sweat is the body’s way of cooling off. The blood vessels in the skin are commanded to open, or dilate, and blood rushes to the surface, allowing heat to escape.


Sweating goes along with this, of course, further allowing the body to cool.


Women will say they glow or radiate heat during a hot flash. That’s exactly what’s happening.


Hot flashes often happen in the years before menopause, in the days before a period, and then more frequently in early menopause because estrogen levels are low.


Estrogen is a powerful regulator of temperature regulation. When estrogen levels drop, the thermostat gets very sensitive.


The comfort zone changes from a comfortable 4 degrees to a narrow range of 0.4 degrees. This is why many women in perimenopause or menopause say, “I’m always too hot or too cold—never just right.”


The body’s air conditioning—hot flashes—can also be triggered by sudden stress. The adrenaline rush can flip the switch.


High blood sugar, even after eating something as simple as a little cookie, can also trigger it. It can also happen 30 minutes after that cookie, when the blood sugar crashes.


Alcohol can trigger a hot flash, too. Many women will agree that drinking wine at dinner can cause night sweats.


Failing to drink enough water can cause hot flashes to increase in frequency and intensity. Weight gain can also make the body warmer and harder to cool.


Sleep-deprived women may experience hot flashes more frequently. Fluctuations in brain chemicals—brought about by situations involving chronic stress, for example—can also increase the frequency of hot flashes.

Finding hope

By understanding why hot flashes occur, women can avoid the suffering and begin to find solutions.


The most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats is estrogen medication.

The estrogen we prescribe at Spectrum Health Midlife, Menopause & Sexual Health is FDA-approved bioidentical, covered by most insurances.


It’s not compounded, but available by mail-order or from your local pharmacy.


Estrogen medication is safer than most people think.


We have many good studies to back that up.


Even a low dose of estrogen—much lower than normal ovary function back in the day—can reduce hot flashes within seven to 10 days.


If a woman has a uterus, she needs to take a progesterone with the estrogen. This can often help with sleep, too.


Safety comes first—and for some women, estrogen is not safe. We go through a checklist before prescribing it.


If estrogen is not the treatment of choice, the next best medication is the same class of drugs used for depression and anxiety.


This is used not because the woman has depression or anxiety, but because the medications can increase serotonin.


Serotonin makes the thermostat less sensitive and reduces the frequency of hot flashes, almost as effectively as estrogen.


Ultimately, you have to build the right foundation for treating hot flashes. This entails a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight.


About 80% of women have symptoms that interfere with their quality of life.


But there is hope.


SEEDS (Seven Essential Elements of Daily Success) is the best place to start.


It begins with water—80 ounces per day—and 50 hours of sleep each week.


It also involves daily activity and exercise, a multivitamin and vitamin D and a healthy diet rich with complex carbs, smart protein and healthy fat. Limit yourself to just one treat per day and make sure you get all the fiber you need.


Practice metered breathing and gratitude.


As you do more SEEDS each day, you’ll experience fewer hot flashes.


The SEEDS approach can help in everyday life, too.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Health insurance can help you afford health care costs: Part 1

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Photo by office.com

By Brenda Long, Michigan State University Extension


Health care can be costly. Doctor visits, medicine, braces and glasses are some expenses you have to pay for beyond an insurance premium. The good news is there are ways to manage your health care costs to save money. This article will focus on four personal and financial reasons to have health insurance. Also look for related articles on smart choices to pick health insurance plans and special health savings accounts.

My Smart Choice Health Insurance states four reasons why health insurance is important.

Peace of Mind

If you do not have health insurance, check it out. You may be surprised at the affordability. Many Michigan residents who selected plans through HealthCare.gov are getting financial assistance to lower monthly premiums. Others were determined eligible for Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, or MiChild. Take the first step and find out how much financial help for which you could qualify. So you may pay now with some peace of mind if you get sick or injured, or pay later with no benefits.

Financial Protection

Health insurance helps protect your family’s financial future. Health insurance helps pay costs when you need care and protects you from very high medical expenses. You may not feel that you need health insurance right now — health insurance is for helping manage risks — in this case potential future health problems.


In 2013, over 20 percent of American adults were struggling to pay their medical bills, with three in five bankruptcies due to medical bills. Sometimes we are quick to blame debt on poor savings and bad spending habits. However, research shows the burden of health costs causing widespread indebtedness. Medical bills can completely overwhelm a family when illness strikes,” says Christina LaMontagne, VP of Health at NerdWallet. Furthermore, 25 million people hesitate to take their medications in order to control their medical costs. Unfortunately, this can lead to even worse financial outcomes as preventive treatments are not rendered and patients end up using expensive ambulance and ER care as their health worsens.

Prevention Services

Many health insurance plans offer services and programs to help keep you healthy, thus saving you time and money over time. The Affordable Care Act includes free preventative benefits for adults at no cost to you, without charging you a copayment or coinsurance. This is true even if you have not met your yearly deductible. In addition to annual wellness visits, some plans also offer benefits such as personal wellness coaching, healthy pregnancy programs, gym membership discounts, nutrition counseling, online seminars/webinars, checklists, tools and calculators.

Better Health Outcomes

If you and your family have adequate insurance coverage, based on your health care needs and wants, and use your health insurance as it is intended to be used (prevention visits, immunizations, etc.), this can lead to overall better health for everyone. Even if you have a pre-existing health condition, you cannot be turned down or charged more for health insurance.


Open Enrollment in the Marketplace is in the fall. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov to check the dates, review and compare health plan options. If consumers who were automatically reenrolled decide that a better plan exists for their families, they can make that change at any time before the end of open enrollment. If income and family size indicate eligibility for a government health insurance plan, you will be redirected to that enrollment site.


Consumers can find local help at Localhelp.healthcare.gov. You can also call the Federally-facilitated Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Translation services are available and the call is free.


In summary, three key reasons to see what you qualify for are that 1) There are different types of plans available so you can find coverage that meets your needs and budget, 2) Preventive care is free, including cancer screenings and wellness checkups and 3) Quality care no matter what. You cannot be turned down or charged more for being sick or having a pre-existing condition. Take the first step to check out how much financial help you could receive. Then make your informed enrollment decision.

Other articles in this series:

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


Adventure travel in West Michigan

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Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


Looking to add an adrenaline rush to your vacation? From zip-lines to deep water kayaking, West Michigan is full of unique adventures to make a memorable trip! 

Upper Peninsula Adventures

Drummond Island Resort is the proud home of Turtle Ridge Off Road Vehicle (ORV) Park. Featuring over 300 acres of prime off-road trails, the course is carved out of the island’s natural limestone. The park, open year-round, offers an abundance of trails of varying degrees of difficulty, providing thrills and excitement for all those who experience it.


On the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is a community where nature’s assets are on display through scenic vistas, rugged trails, and rushing waterfalls. From unique dining experiences, award-winning craft breweries, and a thriving art scene, Marquette embraces a culture anchored in artisanship and ingenuity. In August, Marquette has a number of adventure travel and racing events worth experiencing or participating in:

  • August Adventure Travel:
    • Falls are the foundation of the full Marquette, Michigan experience and Morgan Falls is just the one for the whole family. Just south of the city, this 20-foot waterfall is easily accessible and has cascades you need to see. Click through for a map of all the waterfalls in Marquette County.
    • Presque Isle Park is loved by visitors and locals alike and it’s no wonder why with its two miles of scenery and unforgettable views of Superior. On the drive there, along Lakeshore Boulevard, you might even spot two notorious rare white deer who sometimes stroll through the park. Find more details on one of the most visited places in Marquette.
    • Want to climb a mountain but make sure the crew can come too? Sugarloaf Mountain offers a more mild trek to the top than most, but there’s nothing short about the view of Marquette and Lake Superior from the summit. Click through for more Sugarloaf Mountain hiking resources. 
  • August Racing Events:
    • Ore 2 Shore: On Aug. 10th, riders will gear up at the start line in Negaunee, where in 1844 iron ore was first discovered in the Superior region. The long-distance course travels through Ishpeming, past towering head frames from the heyday of underground mining, and then heads north into the beautiful wooded wilderness, crossing or running alongside of the Dead River all the way into Marquette to the Lake Superior shoreline.
    • Marquette Trail 50 Ultramarathon: On Aug. 16th and 17th, racers will participate in the eleventh edition of the Marquette Trail 50 Ultramarathon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Marquette Trail 50 consists of a 50-kilometer and 50-mile event held on Saturday. The course is mostly single-track, climbing the four peaks: Sugarloaf, Top-of-the-World, Bareback, and Hogback. All the peaks have views of Lake Superior, and portions of the course skirt its shoreline.
    • Marquette Marathon: The 10th annual Marquette Marathon will be held on Aug. 31st, where athletes will participate in marathon and half marathon courses that have significant elevation drops, visit multiple Upper Peninsula cities, and travel through the scenic Iron Ore Heritage Trail.

For a stellar twenty-five seasons Keweenaw Adventure Company has been hosting world-class, professionally guided Lake Superior sea kayak tours and single-track mountain biking for all levels of experience! Prepare to be wowed by the Keweenaw Peninsula’s truly unique coastal lines and terrains for our mid-western region. Canoe, sit-on-top kayak, and SUP rentals are also available, along with eco-interpretive hikes and a shuttle service. Use promo code WMTA$25 to save $25-off any Day Sea Kayaking Tour!

North Region Adventures

Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, Michigan’s only Alpine Slide, allows you to cruise down one of two parallel 1,700-foot-long curved tracks. You control the speed in this action-packed thrill ride with dips, high-bank turns, and spectacular views of the Crystal Mountain area in Thompsonville.

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

For over 30 years, Inland Seas Education Association of Suttons Bay has been teaching people about protecting the Great Lakes through their programs on tall ship schooners. Participants engage in hands-on activities as they collect lake samples and analyze them to determine the health of the Great Lakes. Some of the programs also collect microplastics. Individuals also get a chance to raise the sails and steer the ship. Click here for more information about ISEA public programs.


Take your wine-tasting trip up a notch with Bubbly on the Bay, wine-tasting kayak tours of Omena Bay Tuesdays and every other Thursdays through the end of August with Leelanau Cellars in Omena.


Explore the dunes and woodlands in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore afloat the crystal clear waters of the Platte River. At Riverside Canoe Trips on M22 near the Lake Michigan shoreline just outside of Honor, you’ll get an entirely different perspective from a canoe, kayak, tube, raft, or stand up paddleboard paddling the river which snakes through the breathtaking park.


Part of the 75-mile string of lakes and connecting rivers of the Chain of Lakes, and stretching 19 miles, Torch Lake is where Shanty Creek families head for days of sunshine and water adventure. Spend the day tubing, water skiing, and just enjoying the water and sun. Or, grab some wheels and ride. Study a map of Antrim County and you see roads bending to the will of geography. Curves and arcs and turns are dictated by lakeshores, threading rivers, broad wetlands, and ridges and valleys that rise and fall into the distance.

Central Region Adventures

Whether you’re looking for boat and jet ski rentals, bicycling and kayaking trails, or a Lake Michigan charter boat excursion, Ludington has you covered. Find boat rentals on beautiful Hamlin Lake, paddle the Pere Marquette or Big Sable river, head out on a sailing excursion on Lake Michigan, or catch a prized salmon on the big lake in a charter fishing trip.

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

Jump Around Fun Center in Ludington has an 11,000-sq-ft outdoor, inflatable park which includes three large, head-to-head obstacles for kids and adults to compete against each other. One is a 75′ long zorb track, where each person climbs into a “hamster ball” and races down a track. The others have climbs, dips, dives, and slides to get to the finish line. You will also find a Virtual Reality arcade for those who want to try a new kind of adventure. Game selection includes rock climbing, underwater exploring, and even an entire virtual amusement park with roller coaster rides, balloon rides, and many more options.

Adventure awaits you in Mt Pleasant!

  • Zip Line at Snow Snake — Complete with TEN unique zip lines, the longest line is over 820 ft. long and the highest is over 75 ft.; that is taller than a five-story building. 
  • Kayak/Canoe the Chippewa River — the stream runs 91.8 miles through the central Lower Peninsula. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely trip on the water or a full day of paddling, the Chippewa River is perfect for everyone.
  • Deerfield Nature Park — Deerfield Nature Park is perfect for adventurers — with over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails. The trails lead you down a path of natural beauty where you encounter swinging bridges, a covered bridge the famous Chippewa River and more. 

John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids offers many unique experiences, including a gem and fossil sluice, a 600-foot zip line, and a four-story ropes course.  


Ever wanted to learn how to fly fish on one of Michigan’s premier trout streams? Join the Pere Marquette River Lodge in Baldwin for a summer fly fishing school that will teach beginners how to fish for trophy trout using terrestrial flies, which imitate grasshoppers, ants, beetles, and other large insects. The school runs from Aug. 9-11 and includes two nights stay at the lodge, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, and a half day guide trip. The lodge offers cabins, riverside houses, a full-service fly shop, and guided fly fishing trips for trout and migratory species. 


Spend the day on the water in Holland — rent a boat or a Jet Ski and take a high-speed ride through Lake Macatawa or on Lake Michigan. You can also rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board, should you prefer a calmer activity. Interested in wakeboarding, water skiing or kneeboarding, but don’t have access to a boat? Action Wake Park in Hudsonville is the only full size cable park in the state, and just a 15-minute drive from Holland.


The goal of 1 Adventure Company in Macatawa is to give you the best experience possible. From group tours to 1-on-1 training, expert guides will craft your perfect adventure using the best techniques and newest equipment available.


Blendon Pines Gun Club in Zeeland is the perfect way to add a little excitement to your next company outing, party, or team building adventure. They offer a full course of skeet shooting to test your marksmanship ability with what they refer to as “golf with a gun”.


While Mecosta County isn’t exactly adrenaline junkie territory, there are a couple of locations throughout the county that offer a thrill for those in search. Find climbing walls, ropes course challenges, and paintball adventures on the Things To Do tab of the Mecosta County CVB site. 


Plan your trip to Michigan’s largest amusement and water park, Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon before the end of summer. Featuring over 60 renowned rides and attractions, it’s the place to be for all adventure-seeking Michiganders.


Don’t wait for snow…luge in the summer! The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is open Saturdays and Sundays in the summer from 10am-2pm, so you can enjoy a variety of warm weather sporting activities.

  • Experience the only wheel luge track in North America. Wheel luge is done on a specially designed track with the same sleds used on the ice, but with wheels attached. The design of the track, adaptive equipment, and surrounding common areas also accommodate persons with disabilities. Shorter than the ice track, average runs take approximately 9 seconds while covering 300 feet of track.
  • Learn Archery Fundamentals: Muskegon State Park visitors can stop by the Sports Complex for a round of archery guided by an instructor. All participants receive a quick lesson explaining the basic fundamentals of archery. Participants can then shoot rounds of arrows at the controlled archery range. This activity is fun for ages 6 and older.

Every third Friday of the month, you can go where no visitor has gone before on All Access Tours of the Lakeshore Museum Center’s Hackley & Hume Historic Site in Muskegon. Explore behind closed doors, including attics, porches, and basements of both houses. Enjoy different themed topics such as restoration, preservation, family stories, new discoveries in the research, the Hackley House during the Red Cross years, and the Hume home as a Daycare Center, as well as future projects. Get your tickets for the Hackley & Hume Scandal Tour, Aug. 22-24. Participate in this illuminating interactive event as a juror in a mock trial covering the scandalous untold stories of Hackley and Hume family members. Dive into the past and decide for yourself what is truth and what is fiction. Due to adult themes and topics, this program is not suitable for children. Space is limited, so reserve your tickets via Eventbrite. 


Situated near one of the most popular beaches in Michigan, the view from the air at Skydive Grand Haven is truly a sight to behold. If you’re lucky enough to get on one of the last loads of the day, the outline of the Chicago skyline can often be seen in front of the orange sun setting on the water.

South Region Adventures

Lansing is located where the longest river in Michigan, the Grand River, meets up with the Red Cedar River. Navigating the Grand or Red Cedar Rivers is easy. What’s difficult is choosing whether you’d like to kayak, canoe, SUP, or hop aboard the Grand Princess for a cruise downtown or the Michigan Princess for a paddleboat experience. River Town Adventures offers kayak, canoe, and SUP (plus bicycle) rentals along with livery service for everything from a one hour paddle around right downtown to a half-day excursion. J&K Steamboats will let you ride in style on the big boats providing day and evening cruises with lunch, dinner, or themed party nights.

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

Waldo Wright’s Flying Service in Portage (located at the Air Zoo) will take you on the adventure of a lifetime. This historic hotspot offers group or individual flights in legendary aircrafts that you won’t find anywhere else.


Water adventures abound in Coldwater Country. Grab a kayak or rent a pontoon boat to venture out onto one of the more than 100 lakes or travel the North or South Chain of Lakes. It’s easy to find an adventure on the water in Coldwater Country.


South Haven has plenty of opportunities to fulfill your adventurous spirit. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and head out on Lake Michigan for a fun-filled on-water experience. Bring your bicycle, or rent one, and head out on the hiking and biking trails. The Kal-Haven and Van Buren Trails are the perfect getaways from the busy city. Check out one of the rental companies and gain inspiration through South Haven’s outdoors website page. 

Daytime drowsiness a sign of Alzheimer’s?

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Growing evidence suggests that lack of sleep may play a role in Alzheimer’s, and that getting enough sleep may be one way to reduce the risk of the memory-robbing disease. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Feeling drowsy during the day might mean you have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, new research suggests.


The long-term study included 123 adults with an average age of 60 when the study began. The findings showed that those who were very sleepy during the day had a nearly threefold increased risk of developing brain deposits of beta-amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.


The findings add to growing evidence that lack of sleep may play a role in Alzheimer’s, and that getting enough sleep may be one way to reduce the risk of the memory-robbing disease, according to the researchers.


“Factors like diet, exercise and cognitive activity have been widely recognized as important potential targets for Alzheimer’s disease prevention, but sleep hasn’t quite risen to that status—although that may well be changing,” said study leader Adam Spira. He’s an associate professor in the department of mental health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore.


“If disturbed sleep contributes to Alzheimer’s disease, we may be able to treat patients with sleep issues to avoid these negative outcomes,” he added in a Hopkins news release.


It’s unclear why daytime sleepiness would be associated with beta-amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, Spira said. And the study did not prove that sleep actually causes beta-amyloid to build up in the brain.


But it may be that poor sleep due to sleep apnea or other factors causes the formation of beta-amyloid through an unknown mechanism, and that these sleep disturbances also cause excessive daytime sleepiness.


“However, we cannot rule out that amyloid plaques that were present at the time of sleep assessment caused the sleepiness,” Spira said.


Animal studies have shown that restricting night-time sleep can lead to more beta-amyloid protein in the brain and spinal fluid, and some human studies have linked poor sleep with greater levels of beta-amyloid in the brain.


Sleep problems are common in Alzheimer’s patients, and beta-amyloid accumulation and related brain changes are thought to harm sleep.


“There is no cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease, so we have to do our best to prevent it. Even if a cure is developed, prevention strategies should be emphasized,” Spira said. “Prioritizing sleep may be one way to help prevent or perhaps slow this condition.”


The study findings were published in the journal Sleep.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

3 steps to help prevent breast cancer

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Certain lifestyle changes can be most beneficial to women whose genetic profile puts them at increased risk of developing breast cancer. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


While genetics, such as carrying BRCA gene mutations, play a role in who is more likely to get breast cancer, everyday lifestyle factors are involved, too.


Research published in JAMA Oncology used data from thousands of women to identify which lifestyle factors in particular could affect a woman’s risk for breast cancer.


The study found that three specific steps could potentially prevent up to 29 percent of all breast cancers: Avoid alcohol and, after menopause, avoid both obesity and estrogen-progestin replacement hormone therapy.


The researchers noted that these recommendations could be most helpful for women at a high risk of breast cancer because of factors they can’t change, like genetics and their age at menstruation and menopause.


In fact, for them, having a low body mass index, not drinking alcohol, not smoking and not taking hormone therapy could lower breast cancer risk to that of the average woman.


The research has some limitations, however.


For instance, the study only looked at data from white women in the United States, not other ethnic groups. But these are lifestyle changes that can boost overall health for all women.


For more global advice, the American Institute for Cancer Research states that excess body fat is one of the strongest factors linked to a greater risk of breast cancer after menopause. So is abdominal fat, regardless of your body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight).


The organization also warns that drinking alcohol can increase breast cancer risk before menopause and touts the positive effects of daily exercise and, for new moms, of breastfeeding.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


What’s it going to take—a break?

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Keep osteoporosis at bay with exercise, calcium, vitamin D and other healthy habits. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Eve Clayton, Spectrum Health Beat


If someone asked you to name the silent disease that affects half of all adults age 50 and older, what would you say?


Would you say osteoporosis?


That’s the answer we’re looking for. But not many people—doctors or patients—give the bone-weakening disease the attention it deserves, according to Jodi Hamblin, MD, a bone health specialist.


“Osteoporosis is a lethal disease that is frequently ignored,” Dr. Hamblin said, explaining that the disease signals a problem with both the quantity and the quality of bone.


In the United States alone, half of adults age 50 and older either already have osteoporosis or are well on their way to developing it.

Silent and overlooked

The trouble is, osteoporosis doesn’t have symptoms, so most people don’t know they have it until they break a bone.


And even then, many patients don’t realize that osteoporosis was the cause of their fracture—when in fact, a low-trauma fracture almost always indicates osteoporosis in older adults.


“After 50, if you fall from a standing position and you break a bone, excluding your hands and feet, then you have osteoporosis,” Dr. Hamblin said. This type of break is called a fragility fracture.


Osteoporosis can also be diagnosed when a bone density test reports low bone density.

Research suggests doctors and patients tend to overlook the threat of osteoporosis.


According to a 2016 study by Northwell Health in New York, more than two-thirds of patients who suffered a hip fracture said their doctors didn’t tell them they have osteoporosis, and more than half said they weren’t given medication to treat osteoporosis after their fracture was treated.


This lack of information and follow-up is a huge problem, the study’s senior author said, because of the seriousness of hip fractures.


“You can die after a hip fracture, and you’re at great risk of prolonged complications,” said author Gisele Wolf-Klein, MD, in a statement. “You can also be left as an invalid—a fear of many older adults.”


Six months after suffering a hip fracture, only 15 percent of patients can walk across a room without help, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Getting on top of the problem

Bringing more attention to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is the goal, said Dr. Hamblin.


By following up after a break and treating the cause of the bone loss or poor bone quality, doctors can help prevent future fractures.


Patients are more likely to sustain a secondary fracture if they are not treated for their osteoporosis, Dr. Hamblin said.


High-risk patients include:

  • Heart and lung transplant patients, who are at risk because the anti-rejection medications they take are bone weakening
  • Breast cancer patients, who are on estrogen-preventing medications that can cause bone loss
  • Gastric bypass surgery patients, who typically have bad absorption of nutrients so don’t get sufficient calcium and vitamin D—two essential nutrients for bone health
  • Cystic fibrosis patients
  • End-stage COPD patients

The care plan includes balance testing, nutritional counseling, bone density testing, blood and urine testing to identify risk factors, and medication review and management.

“Sometimes medications taken for other conditions can get in the way of calcium absorption or directly weaken the bone or even contribute to dizziness,” which can increase a patient’s risk of falling, Dr. Hamblin said.


Physical therapy can help people learn how to build bone through exercise and how to prevent falls, which are responsible for 90 percent of hip fractures.


“Fall prevention is half the battle,” Dr. Hamblin said. “If you have weak bones and you don’t fall, you may never break.”

Osteoporosis risk factors

In addition to the medical issues listed above, several other factors can put you at risk for bone loss and poor bone strength. Risk factors include:

  • Advanced age—this applies to both women and men, though the incidence of osteoporosis is higher in aging women because of a drop in hormone levels
  • Diabetes
  • Steroid use (5 or more milligrams a day for three months or longer)—this lowers bone quality in men and women equally
  • Overactive thyroid or parathyroid activity
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Regularly drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day
  • Lack of appropriate exercise
  • Low calcium intake
  • Vitamin D, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency

“There’s an extensive list of causes for bone loss and for poor bone quality,” said Dr. Hamblin. “If we can get those conditions in order, sometimes that’s all we have to do.”


When medications are called for, doctors have a variety of options based on the patient’s situation. For example, some patients need medications that help build new bone, while others need medications to prevent bone loss.


The aim is to decrease the risk of fracture by keeping bone loss in check and by limiting the risk factors for poor bone quality.

A preventable disease

Of course, prevention is the best course of action, and osteoporosis is very preventable, Dr. Hamblin said.


“If we could get kids and young adults to improve their dietary calcium intake and have a good exercise program, that would be huge,” she said. “And if we could eliminate smoking and excessive use of alcohol, that would make all the difference for most people.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


The hidden fallout of stroke

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Pay attention to bone health, particularly if you have limited mobility. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Stroke survivors often face limited mobility, which quadruples their odds of osteoporosis, broken bones and falls. But most are never screened for these problems, new research reveals.


“Our study adds to previous research that found despite an increased risk, only a small number of people who have recently had a stroke are tested and treated for osteoporosis,” said lead author Dr. Moira Kapral. She is director of general internal medicine at the University of Toronto.


Impaired mobility can result in bone mineral density decline, which is associated with osteoporosis. The condition weakens bones and increases risk of fractures.


In this study, researchers looked at more than 16,500 Canadian stroke survivors, aged 65 and older, from Ontario.


Of these patients, only 5% had undergone bone mineral density testing, 15.5% had been prescribed medications for osteoporosis within the year after their stroke and only a small percentage were prescribed medications for osteoporosis for the first time.


Patients most likely to have bone mineral density testing tended to be younger, female and to have had low-trauma fractures in the year after their stroke.


Patients were more likely to be prescribed medications for osteoporosis after their stroke if they were female, already had the bone-thinning disease, had previously broken bones, had previous bone mineral density testing, or had fallen or broke bones after their stroke.


The study was published recently in the journal Stroke.


“This study offers more evidence that there is a missed opportunity to identify people with stroke at increased risk of fractures and to initiate treatment to prevent bone loss and fractures,” Kapral said in a journal news release.


Less than one-third of older U.S. women are screened for osteoporosis.


The maximum treatment rate for some high-risk patients is about 30%, the researchers pointed out.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Subtract the additive

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Propionate is a preservative commonly found in breads and other manufactured foods. Researchers are trying to pin down the effects on humans, but in animal trials the ingredient led to weight gain. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Amy Norton, HealthDay


If you’re watching your weight, you probably know to avoid sugary and fatty foods.


But what about preservatives?


Eating a preservative widely used in breads, baked goods and cheese may trigger metabolic responses that are linked to obesity and diabetes, an early study suggests.


The additive, called propionate, is actually a naturally occurring fatty acid produced in the gut. When it’s used as an additive in processed foods, it helps prevent mold.


But in the new study, researchers found that feeding mice low doses of propionate gradually caused weight gain and resistance to the hormone insulin—which, in humans, is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.


And when the researchers gave healthy adults a single propionate dose, it spurred a release of blood sugar-raising hormones—and a subsequent surge in insulin.


None of that proves propionate-containing foods raise the odds of weight gain and diabetes, said senior researcher Dr. Gokhan Hotamisligil, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health.


“The point is not to say this additive is ‘bad,’” he stressed.


Instead, Hotamisligil said, his team is interested in understanding the effects—good or bad—of the various “molecules” humans consume in their diets.


“There’s a scarcity of scientific evidence on a lot of the things we put in our bodies through food,” he said. “Propionate is just one example.”


Still, Hotamisligil said, the findings do raise an important question: “Could long-time consumption of propionate in humans be a contributing factor to obesity and diabetes?”


When it comes to processed foods, the concern is usually directed toward ingredients like added sugar, sodium and trans fats. But there’s also a host of additives that, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are “generally recognized as safe.”


Despite that “GRAS” status, though, there is typically little known about how those food additives might affect metabolism, according to Hotamisligil.


Dr. Emily Gallagher is an assistant professor of endocrinology at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in New York City.


She agreed it’s important to dig into the potential metabolic effects of food additives.


“People may look at food labels and think they are making healthy choices,” said Gallagher, who had no part in the study. “But without our knowledge, very small amounts of certain additives in food may be causing detrimental metabolic effects.”


That said, it’s too soon to point the finger at propionate, according to Gallagher.


She called these early findings “thought-provoking,” but said longer-term studies are needed to better understand any health effects from the additive.


For the animal portion of the study, the researchers gave mice propionate in their water. The immediate effects included an increase in three hormones that spur the liver to produce glucose (sugar). Over time, chronic exposure to the additive caused the mice to gain weight and become resistant to the hormone insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels.


The human portion of the study included 14 healthy people given a dose of either propionate or a placebo with a meal. Compared with the placebo meal, the additive caused the same hormonal response seen in mice, plus a surge in insulin in the blood.


Whether those effects over time could harm people’s health is unknown.


Many factors, including overall diet and exercise, affect the risks of obesity and diabetes, Gallagher pointed out.


For now, she said, the findings support the general advice that we should be limiting processed foods in favor of healthier, whole foods.


Hotamisligil agreed. “I’m not saying, if you don’t eat propionate, you’ll live forever,” he said. “But these are the types of foods we should limit anyway.”


The findings were published online recently in Science Translational Medicine.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


The darker side of inflammation

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Beat chronic inflammation—and all of its side effects—with a vegan diet. And if that won’t work, there are other options. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Allan Adler, Spectrum Health Beat


As it relates to biological processes within the human body, inflammation is often considered a necessary process.


When the body recognizes a threat from something foreign—an invading bacteria or virus—it activates the immune system to protect itself. Much benefit is derived from the inflammatory process, but only when it truly alerts the body to fight the foreign invaders.


Chronic inflammation is another story altogether. It often presents itself in well-known inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders and ulcerative colitis, among various other illnesses.


But chronic inflammation has even a darker side, according to Thomas Boyden, MD, medical director of preventive cardiology with Spectrum Health.


Chronic inflammation can cause coronary artery disease and contribute to the process that causes heart attack and stroke, Dr. Boyden said.


Fortunately, there is a simple solution to help reduce the harmful effects of chronic inflammation: Eat a healthier diet.


In a society where the penchant for meats and over-processed foods runs high, it is admittedly no easy feat for most people to follow a proper diet.


But the most ideal way to reduce chronic inflammation is, in fact, to follow a plant-based diet, Dr. Boyden said. Basically, you would eat nothing that was once alive and moving, such as red meat, poultry, pork or fish. Stay away from animal products such as dairy.


Those who can accomplish this vegan regimen could reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Boyden said.


Realistically, this type of diet doesn’t work for most people, so he highly recommends the Mediterranean diet as the best alternative.


“You can eat fish, poultry and dairy, but it is basically a plant-based diet that allows you to eat small portions of animal-based foods,” he said.

A workable diet

The Mediterranean diet is an entirely accessible, achievable solution for eating.


Spectrum Health offers a 10-week program, Eating the Mediterranean Way, presented by Irene Franowicz, RD, CDE, outpatient dietitian and certified diabetes educator.


“I always find it interesting to hear the different reasons that people want to join the program,” Franowicz said. “We’ve had a lot of success with weight loss, lowering blood sugars and cholesterol. Besides these factors, I also have people join because they may have Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis or cancer in their families, and they want to reduce their risks.


“I think people have great success with long-term weight loss because the diet is sustainable, delicious and satisfying,” she said.


Another reason people often find success with the Mediterranean diet: It emphasizes good fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fats are not only delicious and satisfying, they also keep people from feeling deprived of food.


Better still, these fats help fight inflammation.


To reduce inflammation, it’s generally smart to avoid animal products as often as possible, Dr. Boyden said. Avoid saturated fats, too, which are often found in those products.


And more specifically: Stay away from foods that are fried, sugary or processed.


You should avoid artificial sweeteners, too. They’re made from chemicals—and why would you want to put a synthetic chemical in your body?


“They are not healthy,” Dr. Boyden said, explaining how artificial sweeteners can actually stimulate the brain to tell you you’re hungry. They can also make you gain weight.


“Truthfully, if you change your diet, you really do change your life,” Dr. Boyden said.


Dr. Boyden and Franowicz listed some of the obvious foods that exacerbate inflammation, as well as those that help fight it.


Foods that cause inflammation:

  • Butter and margarine
  • Fast food and fried foods
  • Red meat (burgers, steak) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
  • Refined carbohydrates such as white breads, sweets and pastries
  • Sodas and sweetened beverages

Foods that fight inflammation:

  • Olive oil, nuts and avocados
  • Fatty fish like salmon twice a week
  • Tomatoes and greens like kale, spinach, swiss chard
  • Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, oranges
  • Whole grains (farro, quinoa, wheatberries)
  • Small amounts of dark chocolate

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


Looking for some excitement? Head out on a day trip!

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Getting away tends to be an excellent idea for aging adults who are looking for an opportunity to get out and explore a new environment for the day while returning to the comfort of their own bed that same night. Day trips also provide an excellent way to get away from the norm, and experience something new.

Shopping

A fun way to get out and explore may be a day trip out to an area mall. Or better yet, taking a trip to a new shopping area you’ve never experienced before to explore some unique and new shops and locations. Shopping can be a great activity to see the latest styles and trends while remaining active at the same time. Remember though, always set a budget before you go!

Winery trips

An organized trip to a nearby winery may be just the thing for a day or weekend outing. Depending on location, there are tons of wineries within driving distance, and many provide a variety of wines to try versus just one. Further, many of these places tend to have restaurants and great cafes with home-grown foods and delicacies matched to the local wines. So these trips frequently produce big wins, especially for those who like to eat. Remember though, make sure you have a responsible driver!

Hikes and rivers

Something about water and trails often reminds people of childhood memories or camping experiences. Fortunately with a day trip, one avoids all the hassle of the tent and campsite construction, cleaning and the breakdown all over again. Additionally, walking or hiking along a river has the added benefit of being able to cool down if the day is a hot one, either for a swim or just a handkerchief soaking.

Spa time

Health spas always offer an excellent way to relax. Whether it involves the full works with a mud bath or just a simple face massage, sweet drink and a lounge chair, sometimes letting down from life’s stress for the day works the best. Even better, it offers a bit of time just to forget about the outside world and focus a bit on “me” time.

Go for a drive somewhere new

Most of us have pretty good idea of where we live, drive, commute to work, hang out, buy our food and watch the sunset. However, that doesn’t mean we know the local area completely. Sometimes a crazy, out of the way drive to a part of town or the region one has never been to can be one of the best day trips to take. Just going somewhere new often produces excitement and interest, as well as a chance to find some new places to go back on a regular basis.

Be a fake tourist

Everyone’s town contains something that draws tourists. Ironically, those who live in the same city rarely go to such places. So break the social rule and be a fake tourist for a day. Go to the local museums, parks, festival events or even the town historical sites and city hall. You might be amazed about how much local history sits buried in these locations that most people don’t know a lot about. And a fake tourist tour provides you a great way to scout out your home for when a friend or relative visits and wants to see the local sights as well.



BMI, meet DNA

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Why do some folks manage to lose significant weight with casual dieting, while others will lose nary a pound with a strict plan? It often comes down to genetics, researchers say. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


While some people fight the “battle of the bulge” for a lifetime, others seem to effortlessly stay slim. And now scientists say it all boils down to genetics.


Certain DNA helps decide whether weight gain is a torment or not for people, British researchers report.


“It’s easy to rush to judgment and criticize people for their weight, but the science shows that things are far more complex,” said study leader Sadaf Farooqi.


Instead, “we have far less control over our weight than we might wish to think,” said Farooqi. She’s a professor at the Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge.


One U.S. expert agreed.


“We stigmatize people based on weight and subconsciously blame them for not taking care of themselves,” said Dr. Mitchell Roslin, chief of obesity surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “We state they lack willpower, but instead, this study shows that the most thin and the heaviest have genetic dispositions that control their body weight.”


Of course, any number of factors affect weight, including eating habits and exercise levels. But some people stay thin despite unhealthy lifestyles, while others struggle with overweight and obesity despite their best efforts, the British team noted.


Prior studies on “obesity” genes have focused on people who were already overweight or obese.


But the new study also focused on thin people (those with a body mass index of 18 or below), trying to discover why they often have an easier time staying slim.


To do so, the Cambridge group analyzed the DNA of more than 1,600 thin, healthy Brits. They then compared that data with the genetics of nearly 2,000 severely obese people and more than 10,000 normal-weight people.


The investigators spotted several common gene variants already linked with obesity. They also found new genetic regions tied to severe obesity, and some others linked to “healthy thinness.”


The researchers then added up the contribution of the different genetic variants to calculate each person’s “genetic risk score.”


“As anticipated, we found that obese people had a higher genetic risk score than normal-weight people, which contributes to their risk of being overweight,” study co-author Ines Barroso, of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said in a university news release.


“The genetic dice are loaded against them,” Barroso said.


Thin people also had fewer genetic variants known to raise the odds of being overweight, according to the study published recently in the journal PLoS Genetics.


Farooqi’s conclusion: “Healthy thin people are generally thin because they have a lower burden of genes that increase a person’s chances of being overweight and not because they are morally superior, as some people like to suggest.”


These “thin genes” appear to be passed along through generations, the study authors added. About 74 percent of the thin people in the study had a family history of people being thin and healthy.


Does all of this mean that less genetically gifted people should just shrug and give in to becoming obese? Not so, said nutritionist and weight-management expert Michelle Milgrim.


“While genetics may play a leading role in determining our ‘weight destiny,’ there is a growing body of research to suggest that how we live our lives is as important as our genetic predispositions,” said Milgrim, who manages employee wellness at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y.


“Staying active, sitting less, cutting out processed and fast foods and focusing on eating a balanced diet of whole foods are general healthy recommendations for everyone, despite your genes,” she said.


In the meantime, the Cambridge researchers said their research might someday end up helping everyone stay thin, regardless of their personal DNA.


“We already know that people can be thin for different reasons” Farooqi said. “Some people are just not that interested in food whereas others can eat what they like, but never put on weight. If we can find the genes that prevent them from putting on weight, we may be able to target those genes to find new weight-loss strategies and help people who do not have this advantage.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Could antibiotics up heart disease risk?

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Research suggests antibiotic use be kept to as short a period as possible, given the potentially adverse effects of prolonged use. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Antibiotics can be lifesaving, but using them over a long period might raise the odds of heart disease and stroke in older women, a new study suggests.


Researchers tracked the health of nearly 36,500 U.S. women over an average follow-up of nearly eight years. During that time, more than a thousand developed heart disease.


The study found that women aged 60 and older who used antibiotics for two months or longer were 32% percent more likely to develop heart disease than those who did not use antibiotics.


Women aged 40 to 59 who took antibiotics for longer than two months had a 28% higher risk than those who did not take the drugs, said a team led by Lu Qi. He directs the Tulane University Obesity Research Center in New Orleans.


Said another way, the results mean that for older women who take antibiotics for two months or more, 6 per 1,000 would go on to develop heart disease, compared with 3 in 1,000 among those who did not take the drugs.


There was no increased risk of heart disease among women aged 20 to 39 who took antibiotics, according to the study published recently in the European Heart Journal.


“This is an observational study and so it cannot show that antibiotics cause heart disease and stroke, only that there is a link between them,” Qi said in a journal news release. “It’s possible that women who reported more antibiotic use might be sicker in other ways that we were unable to measure, or there may be other factors that could affect the results that we have not been able take account of.”


However, the researchers did take into account other factors, including age, race, sex, diet and lifestyle, reasons for antibiotic use, overweight or obesity, other diseases and medication use.


The most common reasons for antibiotic use among women in the study were respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and dental problems.


So what could be the link between antibiotics and heart risk?


One possible reason could lie in the fact that antibiotics do alter the balance of gut microbes, destroying good bacteria and increasing the proportion of viruses, bacteria or other microbes that can cause disease, Qi suggested.


“Antibiotic use is the most critical factor in altering the balance of microorganisms in the gut,” he said, and “previous studies have shown a link between alterations in the microbiotic environment of the gut and inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels, stroke and heart disease.”


Study first author Yoriko Heianza is a research fellow at Tulane University. She noted that, as the women in the study aged, “they were more likely to need more antibiotics, and sometimes for longer periods of time, which suggests a cumulative effect may be the reason for the stronger link in older age between antibiotic use and cardiovascular disease.”


According to Qi, the take-home message from the new study is that “antibiotics should be used only when they are absolutely needed. Considering the potentially cumulative adverse effects, the shorter time of antibiotic use, the better.”


Dr. Eugenia Gianos directs Women’s Heart Health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She wasn’t involved in the new research but said the findings are “interesting and warrant further analysis.”


Gianos agreed that the study couldn’t prove cause and effect.


“It is very possible that patients who require antibiotics for an infection have a worse underlying infectious or inflammatory process and that the systemic effects of these diseases are what cause cardiovascular disease,” she reasoned.


But the interplay between antibiotics, the gut’s “microbiome” and the cardiovascular system could be important as well, Gianos said.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


The importance of an annual preventive visit

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By Melissa Mashni, MD, Cherry Health


Most people think about going to their primary care provider’s office when they are sick, but did you know it’s also recommended to visit your health center, on average, once per year when you are healthy? This is commonly called a “yearly physical” or “annual preventive visit.” The goal of this visit is to promote health and prevent disease. There are several diseases we can either prevent or catch early before they cause you problems — and most of these don’t have any symptoms, meaning that you feel fine and might not know that something is wrong.


This includes:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes or Pre-diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Certain cancers, such as cervical, breast, or colon cancer
  • Certain sexually transmitted infections

Coming in for a yearly physical is also a great chance to make sure you are up-to-date on the recommended vaccines (such as your yearly flu shot, tetanus booster, or pneumonia vaccine), and talk to your primary care provider about any other recommended screenings based on your age and risk factors. For example, did you know all baby boomers are advised to be screened for Hepatitis C? This is a virus that can be silent for years but ultimately cause liver damage or even cancer. The good news is we have a cure, and all it takes is a simple blood test to detect it.


At your annual physical, you and your primary care provider will together come up with a plan to ensure you stay healthy and work on any areas that might be holding you back or hurting your health.

Over time, the more you get to know your primary care provider, the more comfortable you will feel seeking help if something does go wrong. And believe it or not, the better your primary care provider knows you, the better care they will be able to give you.


Summer is a great time to schedule an appointment for your yearly physical. Call your health center today!


Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.


Run your way to your best self

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Want to run a 5K, 10K or 25K? Set a goal and make a plan for how to achieve it. (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Why do you run? Why should anyone run?


I once had a patient I’ll call Laura who taught me the power of goal-setting and running.


I always knew goal-setting could be an effective motivator and used this in my personal life to get through school, medical training, fitness goals, to help my kids, and so forth, but had not explored how to utilize the power of a goal for healthy aging for others.


I remember seeing Laura for her annual physical, and she told me she had been through a rough time in her marriage, did not like her job, had stopped working out, gained weight, ate without planning or thinking, and did not feel attractive or energetic.


When asked what goal she had for herself at a date in the future, she said she wanted to be hot. She defined ‘hot’ as fit, back in her old clothes, and able to run and exercise like when she was 40.


My next question was, “How badly do you want this?” She told me she knew she wanted this.


In the past she had been a runner, and knew the River Bank Run was coming up. She told me to expect great things and left with her shoulders back and a smile.


More than a year later, while rushing through a busy day, I went around the corner fast in the hallway. I almost ran into a woman I did not recognize, and excused myself. It was Laura, and she laughed when she realized I did not recognize her. I looked closer and my chin dropped.


Laura had achieved her goal. She looked fit, had lost a significant amount of weight, and had a big smile on her face. She said, “I did it, I am hot!”


In the intervening year, she had gone online to the River Bank Run website, and used its planning tool to train for the race.


She had not run in years, and took the first several months slow, working on her endurance, and being careful to not get too impatient. She took note of warming up, stretching and improving her core strength to avoid injury, and even visited a local trainer to make sure she was being smart.


Once she built her base, she started working harder, and at the same time did research on a healthy diet for her workouts and made sure she had plenty of complex carbs like brown rice, Ezekiel bread, sweet potatoes and oatmeal.


Running most days helped her sleep improve, and on busy days she would even run indoors at 8 or 9 at night. Her mood improved, she made better choices in her personal and professional life, and began to fit into her old clothes again. The image of being hot at 50 kept her going, even on days she did not feel like running. She always felt better after a run.


Race day came and she finished in a respectable time. She lost 55 pounds, regained her self-respect and liked herself again. She was ready to enjoy her 50th.


I loved her story as it shows what a goal can do to motivate someone. Not only did she achieve her goal, but felt better and better each day. And not only did she change her outside, but her inside as well.


With exercise and weight loss come a healthier blood vessel system with smooth walls and a lower chance of building up plaque. This lowers the chance of dementia, stroke and heart attack.


Her bones increased in density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis and fracture. The weight loss also lowered her risk of many cancers, namely breast and uterine cancer.


Most of all, Laura took care of herself.


Even if running is not your thing, we encourage all people to set a life goal. Think of a key event in your life — a birthday, a child’s wedding (or your own), retirement, or a dream vacation. Write it down, talk about it, make a plan on how to achieve that goal, and get busy.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


7 ways to give ticks the slip

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The correct way to remove a tick is to lift it gently with thin forceps or tweezers. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas, HealthDay


While only a few tick species infect people with diseases, the rising popularity of many outdoor activities and the spread of residential developments has upped the odds that one of those creepy parasites might latch on to you.


“Luckily, ticks don’t fly, jump or fall from the sky,” vector-borne disease expert Stephen Wikel said. He’s a professor emeritus of medical sciences at Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter M.D. School of Medicine, in North Haven, Conn.


“They generally move from grass to a living host, and crawl upwards, looking for a warm, moist area to feed. Ticks also have incredible anti-detection defenses. For example, their saliva is loaded with antihistamines, anticoagulants and other inhibitors that prevent wound healing, and dampen pain and itch responses; unfed nymphs are so small, they can be mistaken for freckles,” he said.


So, how can you avoid becoming a tick’s next meal? Wikel recommends the following preventive steps:

  • Protect your ankles. Wear long pants tucked into high socks when doing yard work. Wrap duct tape—sticky-side out—around where the pants and socks meet so that crawling ticks get stuck on the tape.
  • Dress properly. Use clothing, tents and other gear treated with repellent, such as permethrin. This repellent kills ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers and mites. These products are available online or at sporting goods stores.
  • Wear repellent. Apply topical insect repellent that contains less than 40 percent DEET. Children should use repellent that contains no more than 30 percent DEET, Wikel said.
  • Conduct tick checks. “Tick bites are painless, so if you are in an area with ticks, perform a thorough tick check and remove ticks immediately,” he advised.
  • Don’t forget pets.”The neurotransmitter blockers in anti-tick treatments and flea collars are very effective in keeping ticks from biting pets,” said Wikel. “When pets come indoors, check for crawling ticks to prevent them from getting off your pet and on to you.”
  • Create a tick-free zone. You can make your yard less attractive to rodent, deer and other tick-carriers. Keeping lawns trimmed and creating barriers between your yard and the woods with wood chips, mulch or gravel can eliminate tall grasses where ticks crawl. Remove wood piles and stones where mice, chipmunks and squirrels may hide. These little critters keep tick larva and nymphs circulating in nature.
  • Hike carefully. Stay in the center of hiking trails to avoid contact with vegetation.

If despite your best prevention efforts, a tick still attaches to you, there’s a right and a wrong way to remove ticks, Wikel cautioned.


Don’t use matches or the tip of a cigarette to burn off ticks. This could cause them to transmit bacteria more quickly.


The correct way to remove a tick is to lift it gently with thin forceps or tweezers. It’s also a good idea to use a magnifying glass while removing a tick, Wikel advised.


If you can remove the tick intact, you can bring it to your doctor’s office or local health department for identification.


If you develop symptoms within a few weeks after a tick bite, make an appointment with your doctor, advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Warning signs of tick-borne diseases may vary from person to person, said Wikel. Symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, may include: fever and chills, headaches, fatigue and muscle aches.


People with Lyme disease may also develop joint pain, he said.


“Many people think a sign of Lyme disease is a bull’s-eye rash, but rashes don’t always occur,” said Wikel.


If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the joints, the heart or the nervous system. When diagnosed early, on the other hand, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics. This is the case for most tick-borne disease, Wikel said.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Working after retirement: Why lots of boomers are starting businesses

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living


By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Baby boomers over 50 account for one of the fastest growing group of investors and entrepreneurs, with many of them tuning to technology for help. Boomers come into entrepreneurship with decades of experience, extensive networks and the capital required for seed funding, giving them an advantage over other generations. 


If you choose to go into entrepreneurship after retirement, you have a great chance of growing your business into a successful venture.


After working for someone else for decades, you might be looking for an opportunity to become your own boss. Entrepreneurship gives you an opportunity to be independent as you pursue your passions and interests. Owning a business also creates additional income, allowing you to delay claiming your social security benefits. Additionally, entrepreneurship offers you an alternative if you have been laid off and you are not sure you can get rehired.


Whatever your motivation, there are several business ideas you can pursue even after retirement, such as:

Consultancy

Combine your skills, experience over the years and business connections to start a business that allows you to share your knowledge and focus your energy on learning how to run a business as opposed to acquiring new skills. You can explore several consulting opportunities. Start by speaking to your former employers and acquaintances: while they may not contract you on a full time basis, they might afford to bring you in a project basis.


Instead of focusing solely on face-to-face consultancy, consider teaching or coaching online through blogging or vlogging. Explore different options and the flexibility they offer; for example can you dedicate a few hours to online coaching while traveling or do you need to commit time for in-person engagements. Another consideration you must make is the paying power of potential customers.

Service Business

Depending on your interests, passions and expertise, there are different opportunities you can explore in service provision. For example, pet sitting for busy pet owners, tutoring or babysitting. Give yourself an edge by getting creative like this puppy lover whose service is providing pets at parties for children and other guests to enjoy. Explore options that allow you flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely such as running a virtual assistant agency where you can help other entrepreneurs manage their schedules including helping with their travel arrangements.

Active Living

As health care shifts towards a preventive lifestyle, there is an opportunity for you start a career that encourages active living especially among your peers who are looking to age gracefully. Get a license from your activity of choice and start offering classes in your home, at a local fitness center or organize sessions where clients can enjoy the outdoors when the weather allows.


Entrepreneurship has no age limit; explore your passions by becoming your own boss now that you have the time. Take advantage of technology to become a better business owner, for marketing and to connect with other likeminded individuals who are on a similar path.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Living.



Trails for hiking, biking, paddling, and more in West Michigan

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By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


Whether you want to get lost in the woods, put your mountain bike to the test, or explore the coastline, you’ll find a great way below to hit the trails.

Hiking & biking

Celebrate 100 years of Michigan State Parks this year by traveling the more than 12,500 miles of state-designated trails and pathways in our state, making Michigan home to one of the largest, interconnected trail systems in the country. This inviting network — and the associated quality of life, health, and economic benefits it offers — is fueling Michigan’s drive to be known nationally as “The Trails State.” The trail system offers ample opportunities for bicyclists, hikers, ORV riders, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, horseback riders, and more.


Discover Munising’s wonderful waterfalls and hiking trails that provide opportunities for tranquility, relaxation, education and fun, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which offers 100 miles of trails within its 73,000 acres along 42 miles of Lake Superior’s shore.

The Grayling area offers a number of walking, hiking, and biking trails, including a paved pathways system that is over 11 miles long, connecting parks and recreation spots around the area, such as Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Hartwick Pines State Park, and Wakeley Lake.


Cheboygan County has more miles of trails than any other county in Michigan. Their hundreds of miles of four-season trails bring visitors back year after year. These trails connect Cheboygan to the surrounding cities, lakes, and recreational areas.


Whether a beginner, intermediate, or expert rider, the world-class Copper Harbor Trails System has a ride-of-a-lifetime waiting for you. Join Keweenaw Adventure Company in Copper Harbor for a professionally-guided tour.


Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings has seven miles of hiking trails throughout the 662 acres of natural area it sits on, and you are invited to celebrate trails and the great outdoors with bird watching, fishing, nature art stations, bicycle safety, and maintenance demonstrations, nature journaling, and much more at the “Get Out on the Trail” event August 6th. 


Looking for a great ride/walk/jog in the Petoskey area? There are multiple trails throughout the area with breathtaking views and a mostly paved surface connecting the communities of Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. For hikers, the Little Traverse Conservancy nature preserves dotted throughout the whole area gives nature lovers perfect spots to get off the beaten path. 


Coolbough Nature Area in Newaygo encompasses the largest natural prairie east of the Mississippi River. You’ll find several looped paths with unique ecosystems, including a rare oak-pine savanna, prairie, and wetlands.


Hiking opportunities abound at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, located in Hickory Corners. There are numerous trails and other areas open to the public for walking and hiking. The grounds of the Kellogg Estate, which include the Kellogg Conference Center and Manor House, are open from dawn to dusk year-round. Visitors may take self-guided tours of the estate and historic Manor House, and docent-led tours are available by reservation. The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, in nearby Augusta, offers several trails, some of which are paved and accessible to visitors using wheelchairs.


For a unique hiking experience, head to Oswald Bear Ranch in Newberry. Fun hiking around the bear habitats can take an hour at a leisurely pace while taking in beautiful Upper Peninsula scenery, and get a family photo with a bear cub.


Trails and hiking is part of the fun in the Saugatuck area. Home to Saugatuck Dunes State Park, hikers and mountain bikers will love the rugged trails that end on the shores of Lake Michigan. For bikers, Blue Star Trail is growing each year and is a great addition to the already very bikeable towns.


With 5,000 acres to explore, Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire offers a variety of options to just get outside and play. Enjoy the 750 acres that make up this combined trail system suited for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.


In Bellaire, 31.5 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports trail await novices and avid trail users alike.


Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire is a special place and one of Michigan’s premier nature preserves. Located along Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes, Grass River Natural Area’s wetlands act as a filter for millions of gallons of water flowing into East Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Seven miles of trails and boardwalk take visitors through cedar swamp, sedge meadow, and upland forest. 


Holland boasts over 1,800 acres of parks for hiking, cycling, picnicking, and playing. With over 150 miles of paved bike paths, eight miles of mountain biking and hiking at the Riley trails, and over one-third mile of beautiful sandy beach at Holland State Park, there is truly something for everyone.

Set in the middle of the US-12 Heritage Trail, Coldwater Country is a haven for relaxation. From hiking and biking trails to two chains of lakes, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area trails. Take a hike on the paved trails at Heritage Park in Coldwater or on the gravel trails along the Sauk River. 


Whether you are looking for a place to hike, bike, snowmobile, or snowshoe, Mecosta County has the trail for you, from a leisurely stroll while taking in a scenic view to a more challenging adventure. The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail is just under 100 miles long and is perfect for any time of year. The Hungerford Recreation Area in Big Rapids has separate trails for people to enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking


Marquette County is continually recognized for having the top trail networks in the state, region, and nation, holding a Bronze-level Ride Center designation from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). It is only one of two locations in Michigan with this award. In addition, with more waterfalls than any other county in the state.


South Haven has been named one of Pure Michigan’s first Trail Towns. There are two very popular biking and hiking trails: the Kal-Haven Trail and the Van Buren Trail. The Kal-Haven trail stretches from South Haven to Kalamazoo for a total of 33.5 miles, and the Van Buren trail stretches from South Haven to Hartford for 14 miles, and passes through the Van Buren State Park.


There are a number of hiking, biking, and even horse riding trails to check out in the Muskegon area, taking you through paved trails along the lakeshore and sand dunes, pathways through nature preserves, and trails that meander through oak savannahs and marshy fields.


Whether you prefer to explore on water or on land, Hastings has a trail for you. The scenic Thornapple River is adjacent to downtown Hastings and is easily accessible from Bliss and Tyden parks. The Riverwalk Trail follows the Thornapple for three miles and is suitable for walking, biking, and sight-seeing. For those seeking more of a challenge, the recently completed Hammond Hill Trail offers 7-miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking and more. Avid cyclists may also test themselves on the permanently marked Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race courses (24, 32, and 64 miles) that take in some of the area’s most challenging trails and scenic back roads.

Water trails

Experience Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Water Trail sea kayaking with the Keweenaw Adventure Company, located on the northernmost tip of the Upper Peninsula in Copper Harbor. Join a guided tour to discover stunning views, Hawaiian-like lava flows, vibrant reefs, & breathtaking boreal forests. 


Indian River, named after the river which flows through it, is home to the 40-mile long Inland Waterway which runs through Pickerel Lake and Crooked Lake, the Crooked River, Burt Lake, the Indian River, Mullett Lake, the Cheboygan River, and finally into Lake Huron. It’s is the ideal location to boat, fish, hunt, camp, bike, kayak, canoe, raft, tube, stand-up paddle board, and more. 


With more than 100 lakes in Coldwater Country, a water adventure is a must — rent a pontoon or launch a kayak.


The Pere Marquette River Lodge in Baldwin sits on the banks of the legendary Pere Marquette River, which has been named one of the top trout fishing destinations in the world by Field & Stream magazine. It’s also a popular destination for canoers and kayakers looking for solitude on one of Michigan’s designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The lodge offers a full-service fly shop, guided fly fishing for trout, migratory steelhead, and salmon, and pheasant hunting trips. The fly fishing schools offered throughout the year are a great opportunity for beginners to learn the sport.


For those in search of a more relaxing stroll, enjoy the Big Rapids Riverwalk in Mecosta County, which is accessible to all. The Riverwalk is just under 3.5 miles long and follows alongside the beautiful Muskegon River. It features fishing platforms, benches, bike racks, and picnic areas on either side of the 250-foot wooden bridge that spans the Muskegon River.


The Chain of Lakes Water Trail, planned, coordinated and led by Paddle Antrim, is an extensive trail with over 80 miles of routes through 14 stunning lakes and rivers in Benzie County. This water trail has 81 access sites and stretches through four counties in Northwest Michigan (Antrim, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, and Grand Traverse). From the small upper lakes to Torch Lake, there is an incredible diversity of paddling opportunities, making it a destination for all paddlers.


South Haven is home to the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail, a great route for kayaking or canoeing for 21 miles. There are also a number of places to rent kayaks and other water vessels and accessories nearby. 

Other trails to try

Developed by the Mason County Historical Society in partnership with the Mason County Cultural Economic Development Task Force, the Ludington section of the Mason County Maritime Heritage Trail provides a free, interactive, and educational experience for residents and visitors to the community alike. The trail, which can be started at the Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, will guide you along Ludington’s historic waterfront as you explore the fascinating history that is all around you. The trail features 13 stops, each with an exhibit-quality sign explaining the history and significance of that location to Ludington’s maritime heritage. 




Allergic to red meat? Blame a tick

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Based on new findings, scientists suspect people are more likely than first thought to develop a red meat allergy if they’re bitten by a tick. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


Certain tick bites can cause a red meat allergy—and now scientists are shedding new light on the condition, known as alpha-gal syndrome.


Alpha-gal is a sugar found in most mammal blood, but not in humans.


“Our original hypothesis was that humans developed the allergy after being exposed to alpha-gal through a tick that had fed on a deer, dog or other small mammal that has alpha-gal,” said researcher Scott Commins.


When people develop an allergic immune response to alpha-gal, it can lead to a red meat allergy, explained Commins, who is an associate professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.


“This new data suggests that ticks can induce this immune response without requiring the mammal blood meal, which likely means the risk of each bite potentially leading to the allergy is higher than we anticipated,” he said in a university news release.


In this study, scientists did a series of laboratory experiments with human immune cells and saliva from four species of ticks: Lone Star, deer, Gulf Coast and American dog. Some had fed on blood containing alpha-gal, others had not.


As expected, saliva from Lone Star and deer ticks that had recently fed on blood containing alpha-gal caused an immune cell reaction. But saliva from ticks that had not recently fed on blood also triggered a reaction, the findings showed.


“These results suggest that more tick bites than we initially suspected could pose a risk for developing red meat allergy,” Commins said.


However, no saliva from the Gulf Coast or the American dog ticks caused a reaction, according to the report.


The study was presented Saturday at an American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology meeting, in San Francisco. Research presented at meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.


There is no treatment for alpha-gal syndrome, other than avoiding foods and products that cause a reaction, the researchers noted.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Sharpen your metabolic insight

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Scrutinizing what you eat—and how much—will play an outsized role in shaping your metabolism in your mid-30s and beyond. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


Your metabolism rate determines how fast you burn calories. That can influence how fast you lose weight—and how easily you can gain it.


After age 25, metabolism naturally slows by 5 percent every decade.


So if you eat as much in your 40s as you did in your 20s, you’re going to add extra pounds—especially if you exercise less and lose muscle. In addition to weight training to maintain muscle, these tips from the American Council on Exercise can help.


Stick to well-spaced meals at the same times each day. This lets your body know to expect fuel at regular intervals and prevents it from conserving calories and adding to fat stores.


Calorie cutting is important if you need to lose weight, but reducing your intake to starvation levels also puts your body in conservation mode, slowing down metabolism.


So rather than speeding up weight loss, starvation ultimately slows it. And that’s why it’s so easy to regain lost weight when you start eating normally: Your metabolism tends to stay slow.


Dehydration can lead to a 2 percent drop in the number of calories burned, so drink at least eight glasses of water throughout each day and even more when you sweat a lot.


Watch the alcohol. Besides adding empty calories to your diet, processing alcohol diverts the liver from burning fat.


Also consider milk and other dairy choices for their calcium, a mineral involved in fat metabolism.


Dairy also delivers whey and casein—proteins that help build and preserve muscle. Remember that the more muscle you have, the more calories it takes to maintain it.


Finally, keep the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness on an even keel by getting enough sleep—at least seven hours a night.


Otherwise, you might find yourself craving sugary, fatty and starchy foods. Plus if you’re sleep-deprived on a regular basis, your body may not burn calories efficiently.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



How to navigate long-distance care planning

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Here in America, it is not uncommon to live far away from our loved ones. Unfortunately, the distance away from each other can end up creating a bit of a problem when it comes time to help out a loved one or relative, especially with care planning.

The challenges with distance and care services

The challenge of long-distance care involves more than just making sure a relative gets to the hospital or local clinic for needed appointments. It also likely includes:

  • Managing health demands
  • Becoming familiar with all of a relative’s medical contacts and history
  • Managing details for assisted living
  • Managing financial reporting and tax-related paperwork
  • Keeping insurance companies informed
  • Obtaining medical supplies
  • Regularly helping the relative informed of the above items

No surprise, the tasks can quickly develop into a full-time job, and that’s where the challenge sits the most — how to manage all these moving pieces from far away.

Carefully selecting providers

The necessity of contracting for help tends to be a given in many cases. While many resources may be available, those arranging for distance care must carefully evaluate who they select as a care provider. Elder abuse typically happens through loss of personal assets and finance by those providing care. The opportunity to take advantage of someone happens all too often when there’s free access to a home and someone’s personal information.

The importance of accountability

Rarely used, the second step recommended by many care providers involves an accountability system on the caretaker chosen. Unfortunately, this approach represents extra costs that many refuse to agree to when planning care. One resource who retains the ability to cut through red tape chatter and implement care quality control protections very quickly tends to be an attorney.

Stay involved

Third, those arranging care should remember to stay involved. Quality care involves the human factor of connection, love, friendship and communication. Families who remain in touch, visit, and who keep an eye on things provide the best care and protection for a loved one. Long distance care arrangements may be challenging, but the goal frequently outweighs the work in the end.


At Vista Springs, we take great pride in delivering the best possible care to those who live further away from their loved ones. We strive to make our communities a second family to those who can’t be with theirs on a regular basis. Please contact us today to find out how we can provide the highest level of care to your loved one. 



Navigating the yogurt aisle

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You can tame those daunting jaunts down the yogurt aisle by keeping an eye on sugar content. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Kristi Veltkamp, Spectrum Health Beat


Ah, yogurt. A simple staple food, around for hundreds of years, has somehow gotten complicated.


You can now peruse the yogurt section for hours, reading labels as you try to choose the best option. Do you go Greek? Regular? Drinkable? Full-fat or fat-free? Flavored or plain? Grass-fed? Non-dairy?


Do I even need yogurt?


It’s enough to frustrate you into skipping that section altogether.


It’s true—there are more options than ever before. But options are a good thing as long as you know what to look for.


The bottom line: Yogurt can be a great food to incorporate daily.


It’s an excellent source of probiotics, those beneficial bacteria for gut health, and it packs plenty of protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamins B6 and B12.


It has even been shown to help prevent Type 2 diabetes.


Yogurt is made from milk and then fermented with live bacteria cultures that feed on the lactose, the sugar in milk. For those with lactose intolerance, this makes it easier to digest.


Greek yogurt is made when traditional yogurt is strained longer to remove the whey. It’s thicker than traditional yogurt, with higher protein, fewer carbs and less calcium.


Kefir yogurt is a drinkable yogurt made with kefir grains for the bacteria culture. It’s often 99 percent lactose-free and it’s the best source of probiotics.


Personal preferences on flavor and nutrition goals should steer your choice.

Here’s a guide on what to look for when working through the yogurt aisle:

Simple is better

When possible, go for plain. The ideal yogurt does not have any added ingredients beyond the milk and bacteria cultures. Anything flavored is bound to have added sugars or artificial flavors and sweeteners.


Keep in mind, yogurt naturally contains sugar, which means anything over 8 to 12 grams of sugar would come from added sugars. For many flavored brands, you might as well be having a bowl of ice cream with the amount of sugar added.

Doctor it up

For most, plain yogurt will not do the trick. Start with the plain and add your own ingredients.


Top favorites include fresh or frozen fruits, nuts and seeds, granola and honey. Yogurt is also great in smoothies, used in place of sour cream or mayo, or used to make salad dressing or veggie dips.

Lactose intolerance

If you have lactose intolerance, you should be able to tolerate most yogurts. However, those with more severe lactose intolerance may want to look for yogurts that are labeled lactose-free.


Several brands have a lactose-free variety. This means you do not have to cut it out completely.

Grass-fed or organic

My rule of thumb: “You eat what you eat eats.” In other words, the nutritional quality of any animal product can be affected by what the animals has been fed.


Grass-fed products will ensure the animal ate a natural diet, which could improve the nutritional quality of the milk. Organic will also ensure there are no added antibiotics or hormones. It’s also better for the environment.


If you’re OK with spending a little extra, go for grass-fed and organic items.

Low-fat or full-fat

While it is true that whole milk is high in saturated fat—and saturated fat increases cholesterol—findings suggest that full-fat yogurt does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Whole milk yogurt can be enjoyed in moderation by some, while others may prefer low-fat for reducing calories.

Dairy-free variety

For those who choose to follow a vegan diet or have dairy allergies or intolerances, dairy-free yogurt is a nice option. These items still provide beneficial probiotic bacteria and are an easy snack.


The drawback is that the yogurts made from nut milk generally do not have protein and most non-dairy yogurts are loaded with sugar. If you choose to go this route, opt for unsweetened.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



How to vacation with a senior loved one

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


We all want to go on vacation during the summer months, and there’s no reason why the whole family can’t go on the trip. While traveling with a senior during the holidays or during the summer is more complicated than going on a vacation alone, it’s going to be worth it when you can share the memories you’ve made for years to come.

Make sure your loved one is on board

Ensuring that your family member is prepared for the trip ahead is an essential step to a smooth vacation. Being upfront about what to expect will help everyone be ready for the good and bad of traveling. Don’t frighten them with the experience, but be honest.


It’s also important to make sure they actually want to go. Some seniors are content to stay at home and avoid traveling, so don’t let your excitement and wishes overrule their own. You don’t want to force anyone on a vacation that they don’t want!

Find the right mode of transportation

It’s important to take into account how you will be traveling, as each mode of transportation has positives and negatives that will affect seniors differently. 

Traveling by plane

Airports can be loud and confusing, and some seniors who are wheelchair-bound or struggle with mobility might find air travel especially difficult. You never want the difficulties of travel to overtake the joys of a vacation. However, if you need to get someplace far away or out of the country, it may be the best option to avoid a long trip.

Traveling by car

A road trip somewhere closer to home can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that can be found in a crowded airport, but a car ride comes with its own complications. A long car trip can be very tiring on elderly family members, and the constant jostling can be painful. But for shorter distances or for seniors who want to avoid the crowds at an airport, it can be a good idea.

Traveling by boat

Cruises are a very popular mode of travel and vacation that your loved one might be interested in. While fun for all ages, cruises are especially great for seniors because the trip isn’t as stressful as traveling by plane or car might be, and they have a room to relax in if they get overwhelmed. However, if your loved one gets motion sickness or seasickness, it might not be the best option.

Propose some activities for all ages

Odds are you aren’t only taking mom or dad on your vacation with you. Your spouse, siblings, or kids may be joining you. Because you might have a range of ages, it’s important to plan activities that not only one age group will enjoy. The grown family may love a trip to the museum or a historical site, but your kids may be bored. On the other hand, while your kids might love a water park, it may not work for your senior loved one.


Think of activities that will keep everyone’s interest, or if you do have specific things in mind that might not be all-age friendly, don’t spend an entire day at those locations. Finding fun for all ages isn’t easy, but it is worthwhile.

Keep senior safety in mind

Just as you would remember sunscreen and bug spray for your kids, it’s important to remember the things that your senior loved one needs as well, such as:

  • Medications—get a schedule of when they need to take medicines, and keep them close by even while in a plane or car. 
  • Allergies—if you are planning on staying outdoors, find out their allergies and have a plan for when they act up. Don’t forget about food allergies as well!
  • Healthy foods—Bring along energy-boosting foods that can help seniors regain some stamina. 
  • Sun protection—Make sure you bring along plenty of water for everyone to drink, and that your loved one is getting plenty. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, as elderly people are susceptible to the heat.

Plan well in advance

If it’s just you and your family on a vacation, it can be fun to have a loose schedule without many activities planned to see where the day takes you. When you are traveling with an older family member, it’s usually a better idea to have a plan. Make sure there are plenty of breaks planned in between activities to give your senior loved one time to adjust to traveling and regain some energy after a lot of activity. 


Be patient, it’s difficult for elderly people to travel and disrupt their daily routine. Try and keep some things the same, like eating at the same time as usual and waking up at the time your loved one is used to getting up. 


There are lots of things to enjoy during the summer, and there’s no reason why your elderly family members have to stay home and miss out on family vacations. As long are you are clear, take their opinions and wishes in mind, and plan ahead, you are sure to have a family vacation that will lift everyone’s spirits.



Healthy fats in Mediterranean diet won’t boost weight

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Study shows a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetable fats such as olive oil and nuts had little effect on body weight or waist circumference compared to people on a low-fat diet. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


An eating plan that includes healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts isn’t likely to cause weight gain, a new study finds.


That’s good news for people who’d prefer to try the Mediterranean diet—which includes healthy fats—over a diet that’s low in fat. And the study authors suggest that current health guidelines may be creating an unnecessary fear of these healthful fats.


“More than 40 years of nutritional policy has advocated for a low-fat diet, but we’re seeing little impact on rising levels of obesity,” said study lead author Dr. Ramon Estruch, of the University of Barcelona in Spain.


“Our study shows that a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetable fats such as olive oil and nuts had little effect on body weight or waist circumference compared to people on a low-fat diet. The Mediterranean diet has well-known health benefits and includes healthy fats, such as vegetable oils, fish and nuts,” Estruch explained in a journal news release.


However, he also pointed out that not all fats are created equal. “Our findings certainly do not imply that unrestricted diets with high levels of unhealthy fats such as butter, processed meat, sweetened beverages, desserts or fast-foods are beneficial,” Estruch added.


The study included more than 7,400 women and men in Spain, aged 55 to 80. The study participants ate one of three eating plans: an unrestricted-calorie Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil; an unrestricted-calorie Mediterranean diet rich in nuts; or a low-fat diet meant to avoid all dietary fat.


All the participants had type 2 diabetes or high heart risk. More than 90 percent were overweight or obese, the study authors noted.


After five years, total fat intake fell from 40 percent to 37 percent in the low-fat diet group, and rose in both Mediterranean diet groups, from about 40 percent to 42 percent. The percentage of proteins and carbohydrates decreased in both Mediterranean diet groups, the findings showed.

People in all three groups lost some weight: an average of almost 2 pounds (0.88 kilograms) per person in the olive oil group, 1.3 pounds (0.60 kg) in the low-fat diet group, and 0.9 pounds (0.40 kg) in the nut group, the researchers said.


Waist circumference did increase slightly in all three groups, though less so in those on the healthy fat diets. The low-fat group had an increase of about a half-inch (1.2 centimeters) per person. The olive oil group saw an increase of about one-third of an inch (0.85 cm), and the nut group only saw an increase in waist circumference of 0.14 inches (0.37 cm), the study authors reported.


The report was published June 6 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.


“The fat content of foods and diets is simply not a useful metric to judge long-term harms or benefits,” Dariush Mozaffarian, professor in the School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University in Boston, wrote in an accompanying commentary.


“Energy density and total caloric contents can be similarly misleading. Rather, modern scientific evidence supports an emphasis on eating more calories from fruits, nuts, vegetables, beans, fish, yogurt, phenolic-rich vegetable oils, and minimally processed whole grains; and fewer calories from highly processed foods rich in starch, sugar, salt, or trans-fat,” Mozaffarian explained.


“Dietary guidelines should be revised to lay to rest the outdated, arbitrary limits on total fat consumption. Calorie-obsessed caveats and warnings about healthier, higher-fat choices such as nuts, phenolic-rich vegetable oils, yogurt, and even perhaps cheese, should also be dropped,” Mozaffarian wrote.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Noodle your veggies

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Pasta made from zucchini noodles—zoodles, as they’re called—has about a quarter of the calories you’d find in regular noodles. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


Want to get more veggies into your diet but feeling bored with the same old side dishes?


Making noodles from vegetables is the answer. They’re a great substitute for high-calorie, low-fiber traditional pasta and work just as well as a base for your favorite sauces.


While it’s possible to use a sturdy vegetable peeler to turn carrots or zucchini into noodle-length strips, a tool called a mandoline will cut your prep time in half. Just be aware that the mandoline blade has very sharp edges. You’ll want to hold the pusher accessory as you run the length of your vegetables across the blade. In addition, wear a thick kitchen glove to protect your fingers.


Zucchini is perfect for the mandoline because it slices easily. You can make the following sauce ahead of time. It yields enough for another meal.



Zucchini Noodles With Marinara Sauce

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Red chili flakes to taste
2 28-ounce cans San Marzano tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup white wine or broth, any variety
1 basil sprig
2 large zucchini
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive, safflower or grapeseed oil
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Place a large stockpot over medium heat. Brown the garlic in two tablespoons of oil for two to three minutes. Add chili flakes, the tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, salt and black pepper and stir. Next, add the wine or broth and the basil. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, 30 to 40 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Wash the zucchini. Cut off the stems and discard. Insert the fine tooth blade into a mandoline and tighten the screw to hold it in place. Press the pusher into the center of the first zucchini and hold the pusher as you run the vegetable over the surface of the mandoline to form the noodles. Repeat with the other zucchini.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of the oil of your choice. Add the zucchini noodles and cook two to three minutes, stirring often until they soften. Top with marinara sauce and toss well. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




Pet-friendly travel ideas around West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Senior Living, ,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


The family pet doesn’t have to miss out on the family vacation. Here are a few ideas of places to stay and fun things to do with your furry friend in West Michigan. Find more pet-friendly travel information in the Carefree Travel Guide. 

Pet-friendly travel in the south region 

No need to leave Fido at home during your next Coldwater Country getaway. Several local hotels, including the Coldwater Inn, are pet-friendly.


South Haven has become an extremely popular destination for pets, so many businesses cater to pet owners and their furry friends. For lodging, check into the Sun ‘n Sand Resort or the Kal-Haven Outpost for unique lodging experiences. Comfort Suites is also accommodating to pets.


Looking for a vacation rental home? Check out Lakeshore Lodging for their select pet-friendly properties. Once you arrive, treat your dog to a beach day on one of South Haven’s pet-friendly beaches. Outdoor seating is also available at select restaurants downtown.


Your four-legged friend is welcome on Journeyman Distillery’s outdoor deck, overlooking the 18-hole Welter’s Folly putting green in Three Oaks.


Pets are welcome to come with you to enjoy an evening of music on the patio at Waypost Brewing in Fennville. Click here to see upcoming performers and events.  


Lakeshore Lodging has pet-friendly vacation rental townhomes, condos, cottages, and cabins near the gorgeous Lake Michigan lakeshore in the Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville area. 

Pet-friendly travels in central region 

Historic White Pine Village is open to dogs and people alike. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 5pm (last tour tickets at 3:30pm), the Village is situated on 12 acres with 30 buildings and/or exhibits to see. It generally takes about two hours to walk through. Dogs must be on a leash and owners are expected to clean up any messes. For more information please visit the Mason County Historical Society website.


Holland is a very pet-friendly town. The walkable downtown area is perfect for taking a stroll and grabbing a brew while enjoying the atmosphere of a bustling downtown on an outdoor patio with your pup. There are also many local pet-friendly parks for walking, running, hiking, and playing, such as Windmill Island Gardens. Pet-friendly Holland Hotels include Best Western Plus, Microtel Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, and more. Contact the Holland Visitors Bureau for your Guide to Dog-friendly Holland.


Traveling in Mecosta County? The Country Inn and Suites in Big Rapids allows pets to stay overnight for a fee of $10 per night, per pet. More lodging accommodations in Mecosta County can be found under the “Lodging” tab on Mecosta County’s website. If you’re looking to pamper your pet, there are multiple venues throughout Mecosta County offering things from homemade treats to pet grooming. For a more detailed list of places in Mecosta County that allow pets, visit the “Pet Friendly Amenities” page. 

Muskegon County also loves pets. With one of Michigan’s best dog beaches and a new downtown Muskegon dog park — plus an assortment of pet-friendly accommodations — your pet is welcome to Visit Muskegon too! Information on pet-friendly dining in Muskegon can be found at the Visit Muskegon site. 


Find pet-travel tips or your new travel companion at Pet.A.Pawlooza, July 27th in Grand Rapids. Hosted by Michele’s Rescue, Pet.A.Pawlooza is a collaborative community event promoting education, resources and adoptions with vendors that are made up of shelters, rescues, wildlife rehabs, veterinarians, boarders, groomers and pet-related products.

Pet-friendly travel north/UP region

From canine-approved lodging that includes the newest all-suite hotel to water bowls at sidewalk seating and a park that begs for a game of fetch, leaving your best friend behind doesn’t have to be a part of the vacation plan in Marquette.


Your pooch is welcome to bring you along to the Petoskey Area where you’ll both be welcome to stay in specified rooms throughout the area, including full-service resorts Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls and Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. The Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant in Bay View offers a pet-friendly apartment unit. Chain facilities such as Holiday Inn Express & Suites Petoskey as well as locally owned hotels with indoor pools like Apple Tree Inn in Petoskey, Odawa Hotel of Petoskey, and Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites in Alanson. Stop by Ruff Life Pet Outfitters in downtown Petoskey for everything to keep your pup happy. Zoll Street Beach in Harbor Springs is a great place to cool off and play. And most parks and trails in the Petoskey Area offer a terrific place to sniff and stroll (while leashed, please).


At the Terrace Inn in Bay View, Petoskey, the former downstairs ice cream parlor has been converted to a pet-friendly apartment. It has a queen bedroom, living room with wicker chairs, comfy red leatherette sofa, furnished kitchen, full bath, and private entrance that opens to the garden. There is an outdoor pet-friendly patio too, with a gate so you can tie up your pet at the table (or not if the gate is closed). The apartment can be rented year round by the weekend, for a week, or a month. 

Shanty Creek Resort recommends bringing your precious pup with and stopping into nearby Meadowpond Pet Resort. Just a few minutes down the road from Shanty Creek in Bellaire, Meadowpond is a full-service resort for dogs offering indoor/outdoor suites. In addition to being open 24/7, Meadowpond guests can enjoy the in-and-out privileges allowing Fido to join the family on day trips to nearby Torch Lake and other fun area destinations.


Bring the entire family to Mackinac Island this season with the Mission Point Pooch at the Point package, which offers accommodations in their newly renovated guest rooms, a welcome amenity for your pet, round-trip ferry tickets, and much more. Resting on the sunrise side of Mackinac Island, Mission Point is a great pet-friendly summertime retreat located just a short stroll from historic downtown. Boasting 18 acres of lakefront property on the sprawling shores of Lake Huron, Mission Point offers genuine hospitality and relaxed elegance with on-site dining and recreation experiences.


Drummond Island Resort is pet-friendly and has large, open green spaces for dogs to roam free.


The Traverse City Econo Lodge loves canine guests. Call in advance to ensure the availability of a dog-friendly room. Pet-friendly accommodations keep you in ground-floor rooms near the exits, so it is easier to go out for a walk. And don’t forget to get your dog a treat when you check in.


Growing menace: Asian longhorned tick

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Specific regions of the U.S. are more prone to infestations of a new invasive species: the Asian longhorned tick. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay


An Asian tick newly introduced into the United States has the potential to infest a wide swath of the country, researchers say.


It could carry with it numerous diseases that threaten humans.


The Asian longhorned tick “could spread all the way from the Gulf Coast to southern Canada,” said study author Ilia Rochlin, an entomologist with the Rutgers University Center for Vector Biology in New Brunswick, N.J.


This highly adaptable pest originated in regions of China that share a similar climate to much of the United States, Rochlin said.


Huge swaths of land along the Eastern seaboard, the Midwest and the South would provide highly suitable habitat for the bloodsucking parasite, Rochlin’s computer models predict.


The tick has already been found in nine states—eight on the East Coast, and Arkansas.


“The first real detection occurred in New Jersey in 2017,” Rochlin said.


This tick is not yet known to have infected any humans in North America, but it is linked to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, an emerging tick-borne virus in China, South Korea and Japan.


Thrombocytopenia syndrome is fatal for 10 percent to 30 percent of people infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Thrombocytopenia syndrome is very similar to the tick-borne Heartland virus, which already is transmitted in the United States, Rochlin added. It’s possible the Asian longhorned tick could serve as a vector for Heartland virus as well.


The populations of this tick can grow rapidly once it finds a suitable habitat, said Thomas Mather, director of the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease.


Mather recounted a recent trip to a park in Staten Island, one of the five boroughs in New York City, during which he dragged a length of tick-grabbing cloth called a “flag” along the parking lot to see how badly infested that area had become.


“Within seconds our flag was covered in larvae,” Mather said. “We were surprised at how abundant they were.”


For this new report, Rochlin studied climate data from places where the Asian longhorned tick is already established, including East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.


He then used climate data from North America to estimate likely suitable habitats for the tick. They include:

  • Coastal areas from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in Canada to Virginia and North Carolina on the East Coast.
  • A large inland stretch of land from northern Louisiana up to Wisconsin and into southern Ontario and Quebec.
  • A westward extension that includes Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri.
  • Coastal areas from southern British Columbia to northern California on the West Coast.

Warmer temperatures to the south, cold winters to the north and dry terrain in the west make the rest of the United States less suitable, Rochlin said.


The Asian longhorned tick reproduces asexually, allowing its populations to grow rapidly and rendering moot any insect control efforts that would target its mating cycle, Rochlin said.


Mather said the ticks employ an “ambush” strategy to help find fresh sources of blood. Its larval ticks, thirsty for blood, hang out in tight clumps on the tips of tall grasses.


“They’re all clumped there, ready to get onto something,” Mather said.


“Not just one or two get onto something—they all get onto something,” he continued. “If there were 75 or 80 larvae on the tip of a blade of grass and our flag went over the blade of grass, there would be 65 of them on my flag.”


Severe infestations can threaten livestock, weakening them by depleting their blood supply.


Mather is concerned that pets will make the Asian longhorned tick’s spread more likely.


One of the ticks was found recently on a dog in Colorado that had traveled there from a New Jersey “hot zone,” Mather said.


“What if it had gone to Seattle instead, which has a more permissive climate according to this model?” Mather said. “The number of emotional support animals flying on domestic airline carriers in the United States has more than doubled in the last year or two. Not just people are moving around, but pets are, and most of the reports of longhorned ticks so far have come from pets.


“The group sitting on the front line are pet owners and veterinarians,” Mather continued. “They need to be aware of the potential of them picking up and moving these ticks throughout the country.”


Rochlin’s study was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


5 ways to lose weight … without dieting

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The no-diet approach to weight loss involves pre-planning and stocking your home with healthy choices. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Alyssa Allen, Spectrum Health Beat


It’s a vicious cycle: Start a diet. Crave all the foods you cannot have. Fail. Feel guilty. Gain more weight. Start another diet…


According to Kristi Veltkamp, a dietitian at Spectrum Health, there’s good reason why diets don’t work.


“I cannot tell you how many people have said to me, ‘If I would just have been happy where I was before I started dieting,’” Veltkamp said. “Many people gain more weight with diets. There’s a constant desire there to lose the weight, but diets keep setting you up for failure.”


Thankfully, Veltkamp is here to help.

Here are her top 5 tips for how to lose weight … no dieting necessary:

1. Become more aware of when you are truly hungry and when you are full

“Most people don’t really listen to their bodies when they’re eating,” Veltkamp said.


There might be food in front of you, so you eat it all. Or you’re stressed or hurting, so you emotionally eat to distract yourself and cover the pain. Or you’re at a party where everyone’s eating, so you do, too.


She urges people to create a scale for their hunger, where 0 is starving and 10 is stuffed. You should eat at a 3—not too hungry and not too full. Also, remember that hunger is a physical feeling. Try to focus on when you are truly hungry and when you want to eat for other reasons.


To be more aware of when you’re full, she urges slowing down and focusing on eating. It takes most people 20 minutes to recognize when their stomach is full. Put your fork down between bites, sit down, reduce distractions (like television, driving or working) while eating. At home, put a small portion on your plate, and if you’re still hungry, go back for more. At a restaurant, put half of your serving in a box right away, split a meal with someone, or simply divide your food on your plate to give yourself a stopping point to check in and see how full you are.

2. Create a distraction box or list of things to do besides eating

It’s tough to combat the urge to emotionally eat.


“When you’re not hungry, and you want to eat, food is a distraction from what you’re really feeling,” she said.


So Veltkamp suggests creating other distractions besides food. Figure out your most vulnerable place for eating when you’re not hungry (for most people, it’s the room with your television). In that room, keep a box with things you can do, or that will create a distraction, when you want to emotionally eat: nail polish, bubble wrap, knitting, crocheting, adult coloring books, Sudoku, crossword puzzles or journal.

3. Be realistic

Have a realistic view of eating and willpower. If you want a cookie, don’t deny yourself. Eat one, not 12. Or eat something special once a week, not every day. Enjoy it, and don’t feel guilty about it. If you fail and binge, forgive yourself and move on.

4. Plan ahead

Planning meals and surrounding yourself with healthy food sets you up for success. Veltkamp said if you have planned and shopped for meals and snacks, you’re less likely to run out and grab fast food or unhealthy comfort foods.


Do weekly food prep on the weekends so healthy meals are easy to throw together during your busy times. She recommends Pinterest or Yummly to find recipes.

Surround yourself with healthy snacks that combine protein and carbs, such as crackers and cheese, peanut butter, yogurt, trail mix, granola bars, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, or her personal favorite—dark chocolate covered almonds.


Also, she urges people to plan for troublesome scenarios like restaurants and social situations. Look up restaurant menus before you go to plan what you will order. Think about what you will eat at a party before you go. Pick one dessert you want the most and eat that—not everything.

5. Respect yourself

Respect, not accept, where you are. Veltkamp sees many people who keep bashing themselves and punishing themselves for failed diets. A healthy mindset can help lead the way to a healthy body.


“If you can start to respect yourself, you can give yourself more freedom to get on with the non-dieting approach,” she said. “Guilt and shame just leads to more over-eating.”


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Where to camp in West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


S’mores, campfires, sky-lit nights, and the sounds of nature… what’s not to love about camping in West Michigan! Whether you are looking for a spot to pitch the tent or planning where to hook up the RV, we’ve got some great ideas to help with your next camping adventure. 

Glamping (i.e., glamorous camping)

On June 15th, The Fields was unveiled as the Midwest’s first luxury glamping experience. Nestled within a lush working blueberry farm in South Haven, The Fields is a 30-acre site that offer guests a deluxe outdoor experience complete with luxurious tents, chef-prepared meals, and access to a variety of exciting on-site and local activities. Located only 3.5 miles from the glistening beaches of Lake Michigan, the property features 10 rooms that each come complete with wood-burning stove, king-size bed, luxury linens, en-suite bathrooms, and luxury bathroom amenities and towels, along with stylized fixtures and seating, providing guests with five-star resort conveniences combined with effortless comfort. Reservations are available through the last weekend in October. Click here to book your luxury camping experience at The Fields.

In addition to tent sites, RV sites, and cabins, the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday unveiled four new Luxury Glamping Tents this season, and they’ll make you want to stay all summer. Perfect for a romantic weekend away, the tents offer both heating and cooling, plus rocking chairs on the porch to enjoy summer evenings. They also come with refrigerators to keep your food fresh until it’s time to grill up dinner.


Love to experience the outdoors but don’t want to completely be in the elements? When you visit Bellaire, try glamping in tents and Yurts outfitted with high-end mattresses, chairs and linens to make your stay a little more comfortable.

Plan time on the water during your camp-out

Muskegon County offers 16 campgrounds, with many located in state and local parks along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Others are conveniently located near the many attractions Muskegon has to offer. You’ll find relaxation on the banks of beautiful Big Blue Lake at the YMCA Camp Pendalouan Family Camp in Muskegon. Paddle clear waters in a kayak or canoe, enjoy wooded paths on horseback, or nap with the sounds of nature in the hammocks and swings. Ziplines, hikes and more round out the possibilities.


Looking for a quiet, peaceful night under the starry skies? At the Pine River Paddlesports Center in Wellston, you have the opportunity for a quiet camping experience in a clean and quiet campground, where the ‘quiet hours’ are 24/7. All sites are private, hedged around on three sides with woods, and all come with a picnic table, lantern hook, locking garbage can, and a fire pit with an adjustable grate. The sites are rustic, with a clean, central bathroom facility complete with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and hot running water.

You’re invited to camp, relax, play, and enjoy this summer at En Gedi Campground River Resort in Leonidas. This family friendly campground offers activities for all ages. Kids will love the bounce house on Saturdays and water-lovers will appreciate the on-site livery with canoes, kayaks, and tubes.


Little Switzerland Resort and Campground is a peaceful and friendly place located just two miles north of Newaygo. The campground is nestled off of Pickerel Lake where you can enjoy 300 ft. of lake frontage with a private beach and swimming area. There is a playground, basketball court, and volleyball area to use during your stay. Fishing, sunbathing, and water sports are excellent. Public golf courses are a short drive away.


There are many beautiful spots for camping in Holland. The Holland State Park campground welcomes visitors to either wooded or beach-adjacent lots, while the Oak Grove Resort offers spots for travel trailers or brand-new camping cabins. Farther from the beach, Drew’s Country Campground or the Dutch Treat Campground offer affordable campsites with great amenities.


Mecosta County has quite a selection of public campgrounds for visitors to choose from when they visit. The Mecosta County Parks all have camping amenities to fit your lifestyle, whether you’re interested in swimming, fishing, or hunting. There are seven wonderful county parks, such as School Section Lake, Haymarsh Lake, or Merrill-Gorrell Park. 

Fisherman’s Island State Park boasts over six miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline near Charlevoix with 80 rustic campsites, 15 of which are nestled in the dune area shore.


Covert Park Beach & Campground, with one quarter mile of beach on the shore of Lake Michigan, offers day passes as well as campsites available between mid-May and mid-October.

Campgrounds with family entertainment

No matter how you like to camp, Cran-Hill Ranch in Rodney has a spot for you. Their campgrounds can accommodate anything from a tent to the largest of RVs. All of their sites have 30-amp electric and water, with an on-site dump station. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. They have four different camping areas to choose from.


Pitch a tent, pull up in an RV, or stay in a cabin at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday Campground. Kids enjoy the Jumping Pillow, trampoline basketball, rock climbing wall, gem mining sluice, carpetball, gaga ball, craft time, movie nights, and two fishing ponds. Order pizza, nachos, or a panini from the cafe, and have it delivered to your site. Try some hand-dipped ice cream too.


The Kal-Haven Outpost is a new campground and general store located on the Kal-Haven Trail, just 4 miles from downtown South Haven. The Outpost offers three vacation homes; six spacious family cabins; four roomy couple’s cabins; twenty 70-ft., pull-through RV sites; wooded primitive sites; and a bathhouse. All lodging options are pet-friendly.


Yogi Bear’s Camp-Resort is South Haven’s family resort, located just five miles from Lake Michigan. Take advantage of outdoor fun for the whole family with resort amenities, complete with cable and Wi-Fi. The campground is located only 1/2 mile from the scenic Kal-Haven Trail. Cabins and cottages are pet friendly and offer ADA accessibility. 

Located just minutes from downtown Marquette and at the heart of the area’s vast trail network is the Rippling River Resort and Campground. Nestled along the shores of the Carp River and set on nearly 40 acres, the resort offers rustic tent sites, RV hook-ups, and even luxury cabins.


Enjoy a cabin rental on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron at Mackinac Lakefront Cabin Rentals, a family friendly resort just outside of Mackinaw City. Featuring 16 modern cabins and shaded RV sites, this quiet country setting will provide you with many hours of enjoyment. It’s located just three minutes from downtown Mackinaw City, the Mackinac Bridge, and the ferries to Mackinac Island.

RV parks

Offering over 200 full hook-ups, three pools, a recreation hall, game room, playground, firepits, and fishing pond, Poncho’s Pond RV Park in Ludington has grown to be one of the top-rated privately owned parks in Michigan. Open April-October, Poncho’s Pond RV Park has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. 

Sunny Brook RV Resort is a 65-acre luxury RV resort located in South Haven, three miles from Lake Michigan, offering nightly, monthly, and seasonal rental. 


Enjoy free weekend events, homemade ice cream at the ice cream parlor, dinner theater, and homemade turkey dinners at Turkeyville Restaurant when you stay at Camp Turkeyville RV Resort in Marshall.

More campground and RV parks to visit in the Upper Peninsula: 

More campground and RV parks to visit in the North Region: 

More campground and RV parks to visit in the Central Region: 

More campground and RV parks to visit in the South Region: 

More campground and RV parks to visit around the state: 

Your health digs ginger

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Ginger is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, but its most salient property is gingerol, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Len Canter, HealthDay


Zesty ginger is more than just a great way to dress up your favorite recipes. It contains a potent immunity booster—its active compound gingerol is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound.


Ginger is also a source of vitamin C and the minerals potassium and magnesium.


Ginger root is inexpensive and easy to find in the produce aisle of your local grocery store. Look for a piece that’s firm and smooth. It may have many nubs, but they shouldn’t be shriveled.


The skin should be a light brown and fairly smooth. Ginger keeps well for up to a few weeks in the produce bin of your fridge. Keep it wrapped in a paper towel and change the towel whenever it gets damp.


Many people peel ginger with a spoon, scraping off the skin with an edge. But a veggie peeler works too and may be faster.


When a recipe calls for minced ginger, after peeling, make horizontal slices and then cut each slice into matchsticks and cut the match sticks into tiny pieces.


For grated ginger, you could use a mini food processor or, even better, a microplane—just run one trimmed end of a piece of ginger across the metal mesh and let the ginger and its juice fall into a bowl.


Ginger is perfect for jazzing up salad dressings and marinades and for making an herbal tea.


For a simple main course, try it in this tasty vegetarian stir fry:



Ginger Stir Fry

2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced ginger
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, then the vegetables and the ginger. Cook three to four minutes, stirring often, until the veggies soften. Add the rice and the soy sauce and toss well. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 serving


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.

Katharine Hepburn
Grand Rapids Symphony

Kick up your heels. Better yet,
leave the heels at home.

The Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates the 25th anniversary of the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops by recreating its inaugural Picnic Pops concert July 11 and 12. Go here for the scoop on dates, music, and ticket options.

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at Downtown Market

Yippee! It’s Yappy Hour!

Join fellow dog lovers at the Downtown Market for Yappy Hour, on July 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 11am-1pm, to enjoy lunch outside with pups! Go here for more info.

A woman of her words

After teaching English and Journalism, Elizabeth Meyette retired and began a full-time writing career. An Amazon best-selling author, she has published six novels, her latest being 2018’s The Last Crossing. She has also published poetry and writes a blog called Meyette’s Musings. Read about Meyette here.

Fun fact:

189,819

The number of letters in the longest English word, the name of a protein. Go here to read it for yourself because honestly, we just don’t have the time and space. Its nickname is ‘titin’. Isn’t that cute?

How disappointing. Somehow we were expecting something a bit more grandiose.


Brush teeth, save brain?

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Researchers may one day add brain health to the list of reasons you should floss and brush regularly. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay


Regular brushing and flossing can save your teeth into old age.


Could it also save your brain?


The bacteria involved in gum disease might play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests.


DNA from the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis is more often found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, said lead researcher Jan Potempa, a professor at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Kentucky.


P. gingivalis is one of the causes of periodontitis, the most serious type of gum disease.


“The DNA can be found in the Alzheimer’s brain, but less frequently at a lower level in the brain of people who died at the same age from causes other than Alzheimer’s,” Potempa said.


Alzheimer’s-affected brains also contain higher levels of a toxin secreted by P. gingivalis called gingipain, he said.


Potempa and his colleagues think the bacteria and its toxins might be connected with Alzheimer’s disease, a suspicion supported by their research involving laboratory mice.


Researchers infected the mouths of mice with P. gingivalis and found that the bacteria did spread into the brain. The infection appeared to increase production of amyloid beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s, and also caused inflammation in the brain.


The researchers also found that a drug targeting gingipain blocked movement of the bacteria into the brains of the mice.


The experimental drug, known as COR388, reduced the amount of P. gingivalis in mouse brains, with an accompanying decrease in amyloid beta production and brain inflammation, researchers reported.


A phase 1 clinical trial is underway to see if COR388 can prevent Alzheimer’s, researchers said. The company Cortexyme Inc., based in San Francisco, developed the drug and is supporting the research.


There are several routes by which P. gingivalis could get into the brain, Potempa said. It could be carried through the bloodstream, by cell-to-cell infection, or through the nervous system.


“There a lot of nerves going into our mouth which have direct connection to the brain,” he added. “If the bacteria gets into these nerves, it can translocate directly into the brain.”


If this theory of Alzheimer’s disease proves true, then it could be that the amyloid plaques that are thought to disrupt brain function might actually be the brain defending itself against infection, Potempa said.


“Beta amyloid has an antibacterial function,” he said. “It’s not just there to form the plaques. It can kill the bacteria. These beta amyloid plaques may be essential for defending the brain against bacteria.”


About 46% of adults 30 and older have gum disease, with about 9% having very severe disease, Potempa said.


You can avoid gum disease by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly to remove plaque between teeth and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, according to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.


This study is part of a growing field of research looking into whether viral or bacterial infections might be associated with Alzheimer’s, said Keith Fargo, director of scientific programs and outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association.


Another well-respected research team is investigating possible links between herpes virus and Alzheimer’s, he said.


“It’s actually receiving a lot of attention over the past couple of years. If you’d have asked me three years ago, I would have said it’s a fairly fringe idea,” Fargo said.


But a direct cause-and-effect relationship has yet to be established between any infectious agent and Alzheimer’s, Fargo said.


He said it’s possible that bacteria like P. gingivalis are found at higher levels in Alzheimer’s brains because those brains are weakened and less able to defend against infection.


“As the brain gets sick with Alzheimer’s disease or with something else, it becomes less able to fight off these things,” Fargo said.


Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Research Center, agreed that the link between bacterial infection and Alzheimer’s is still “quite speculative.”


“I certainly wouldn’t worry a group of readers that this is the cause of Alzheimer’s, or if you’ve got gum disease you’re more likely to develop dementia later in life,” he said.


Petersen said the mouse evidence is interesting, but still a step removed from Alzheimer’s in humans. Research on animals does not always produce the same results in humans.


“That would argue this is plausible but again, it’s genetically engineered mice and it’s kind of far from human reality at this point,” he said.


Potempa presented his research recently at the 2019 annual meeting of the American Association of Anatomists, in Orlando, Fla. Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

7 fun summer activities for seniors

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


The winter winds have come and gone. Spring has brought new life to the world and summer is finally here. That means a whole new array of safer activities for aging adults is beckoning.


From playing board games in the park to catching a sporting event, the sky is the limit for fun, activities for assisted living community members. 


Don’t be stuck indoors during the summer months. Take the opportunity to get out and enjoy the warmer weather; it is good for the soul, mind, and body. The following seven activities will have you wishing that it was summertime all year round.

1. Head to a sporting event

Summer is the perfect time to watch a sporting event. It could be something as exciting as attending a grandchild’s first soccer game or watching your favorite professional sporting team in action. 

2. Go fishing

Fishing is a low-impact and safe activity for aging adults. The hours will melt away as you spend time with friends and family fishing off the dock at your favorite lake or pond.

3. Play a board game at the park

Did you know that many cities and state parks have designated areas for board games? Some parks even have chest boards built directly into their park tables. Round up a group of your friends and head to the park for a day spent outside playing your favorite board games.

4. Become a local tourist

Are you tired of being indoors? Do you like seeing new sights? If so, take a boat or bus tour of your city. You’ll be amazed to discover your city through a new pair of eyes. The best part about this fun summer time activity is that you can enjoy it with your fellow assisted living community members, family, friends, or on your own.

5. Volunteer at the library

The library is the perfect excursion for an aging adult. It provides the unique opportunity to read to the next generation of little scholars. Volunteering at a local library will also give you the opportunity to spend your day both inside and out, as you enjoy reading your favorite childhood stories to an eager audience.

6. Enjoy some pool time

Feeling adventurous for the day? Don your favorite swimming trunks and head to the pool. Spending time at the pool can be both relaxing and therapeutic. Whether you decide only to sit on the edge with your feet hanging in the water or choose to participate in low-impact water aerobics, your day at the pool will certainly leave you with a smile on your face.

7. Have a picnic

Pack a picnic for an afternoon spent enjoying the company of your friends and family. Picnics are a timeless summer tradition. Aging adults will feel young again when they feel the grass between their toes and ward off any ants from the chocolate dessert. This fun summer activity is the perfect way to spend an afternoon enjoying the company of your loved ones.


Are you ready to make 2019 your best summer yet? Keep these seven fun activities in mind, call your family and friends, and prepare to enjoy the summer months like never before.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.


Hormones? Let’s clear the confusion

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Hormone replacement therapy can be the right choice for the right person. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat


Hormone replacement therapy can be a good option for many women as they struggle through menopause.


It’s used not only as an aid to reduce hot flashes, but also as a medicine to replace hormones and help women improve their overall health.


Hormones are safe for many women, but not all, so it’s important to separate the facts from the myths to make sure you’re well informed.


You probably already know that menopause is a time when most women experience a variety of body changes and symptoms. In fact, 80 percent of women will experience at least one symptom and 45 percent will have significant distress from symptoms.


These are pretty significant numbers.


It’s also important to know that, during menopause, body changes in women can cause more than just sleep issues and mood swings.


The risk of heart disease in women surpasses the risk in men within five years of menopause, and the risk of diabetes and obesity in women climbs rapidly. In addition, many women gain 10 pounds or more of belly fat during this transition.


The facts are scary, but the more you know about the changes happening to your body, the more you can do to stay healthy during menopause.

Risks and rewards

Menopause symptoms and body changes are a result of estrogen loss.


Estrogen affects many cells in the body, including your brain, bones, liver, skin, vagina and uterus. Research over the years has given health care professionals valuable insight into who should and should not take estrogen.


A large study performed by the Women’s Health Initiative included 110,000 women who were randomly selected to take estrogen or to not take estrogen. The results taught doctors about the safety and effects of estrogen in women, and it also showed us that not all women have the same risks.


The timing of estrogen treatment is a key factor in a woman’s risks.


If a woman starts taking estrogen early in menopause, her risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity decreases.


However, if a woman is already at high risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes or obesity, and she then begins taking estrogen later in menopause, her risk for all of these issues becomes higher.


You can see why it’s important to talk to your physician about taking hormones before you make any decisions.


Estrogen in the system—versus estrogen in the vagina—is very different is terms of effects and risks.


Vaginal estrogen barely, if at all, goes into the blood. It stays in the vagina and greatly improves the vaginal and bladder symptoms of menopause. These symptoms include dryness, difficulty in achieving orgasm, pain with sex, bladder urgency and some forms of incontinence.


So, who cannot take systemic estrogen? A woman who:

  • Is more than 10 years from her last menstrual period.
  • Already has heart disease.
  • Has previously had a stroke.
  • Has migraines with significant visual issues.
  • Had a prior blood clot in the deep veins of her legs or lungs.
  • Had breast cancer.

Most of the estrogen I prescribe is bio-identical, which means it is identical to the estrogen made by the ovary.


The estrogen I prescribe is FDA-approved, which means there are safety checks and consistencies not found in compounded hormones. When I prescribe hormone medication, I do not receive any financial gain from any of the manufacturers.


Estrogen prescription medicine can be given in the form of a patch, spray, or pill. (More good news: Many estrogen medicines are covered by insurance.)


My goal in prescribing estrogen medicine is my patient’s safety first, and then reducing her symptoms and improving her quality of life.


Another important hormone study, the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study trial, found that women who took patch estrogen had a lower risk of gaining belly fat and sugar cravings, and they saw significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

Cindy’s story

One of my patients, who I’ll call Cindy, is a good example of someone who experienced menopause symptoms but didn’t know what to do about them.


In the beginning, Cindy felt she’d been on auto pilot for years.


She felt blessed to have the life she had always wanted—she graduated college, landed a good job at a bank, fell in love, got married, had two children. She loved her busy life and felt lucky to rarely get sick or need a doctor’s visit.


At her yearly exams, she was always told to watch her weight and her cholesterol. She would think, “Watch them do what?” and then she’d rush out of the office to pick up the kids and start dinner.


It was all very uneventful, and Cindy liked it that way.


Life continued in this same pattern for many years—until Cindy’s periods started becoming very irregular.


She also noticed she was more tired than normal, and she began to experience night sweats. She was having crazy mood changes. Even worse, she noticed her spring clothes didn’t fit when she went to put them on after a long winter. She craved sweets (not normal for her) and she couldn’t remember things.


She began to wonder what was happening. She didn’t think these changes were normal.


Cindy and her family had enough, so she called her doctor.


Her symptoms prompted a referral to Spectrum Health Medical Group’s Menopause Clinic, where we talked about why these things were happening and what could be done to make her feel better.


Cindy’s history was good overall: no smoking, no migraines, no diabetes, and no blood clots in her legs or lungs. Her cholesterol was slightly high, but she didn’t have any signs of heart disease and she always had regular mammograms.


The first step to relieve her symptoms: Add some healthy habits back into her life. She needed regular sleep, adequate water intake, vitamins, less sugar, more exercise, meditation and gratitude.


She was also a perfect candidate for estrogen prescription therapy, so we talked about her options. She chose estrogen in the form of a patch prescription bio-identical estrogen, which she would need to change twice a week.


Cindy had never had a hysterectomy and still had her uterus; therefore, to be safe, she had to take progesterone along with the estrogen.


I prescribed Prometrium, which is bio-identical progesterone dissolved in peanut oil in a capsule that she would take every night.


Within two weeks, Cindy was experiencing fewer night sweats and hot flashes. After one month with hormone replacement therapy, she was sleeping better, she felt like exercising, she was motivated to make better food choices and she had lost weight.


Most importantly, she felt like herself again—and her family noticed.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Educational activities & events to add to your summer vacation

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Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


From museums to camps, and historical tours to workshops, there are so many educational options to add to your West Michigan summer vacation.


Check our calendar to see what events are happening.

All summer long

Jump Around Fun Center’s Virtual Reality arcade in Ludington not only has fun & surreal 360-degree, fully immersive games for ages 7+, but also a collection of cool educational VR experiences that allow you to explore things like the solar system, underwater expeditions, and even how cells work within our bodies.

The gardens at the W.K. Kellogg Manor House (courtesy photo)

For 25 years the Keweenaw Adventure Company in Copper Harbor has been enacting ethical business practices that today are being defined on an international scale as sustainable and/or responsible tourism.


Immerse yourself in nature at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta, where you can see waterfowl, game birds, songbirds, and birds of prey as you walk the picturesque trails around Wintergreen Lake. Visit the W.K. Kellogg Manor House and Estate to tour the cereal king’s grand former summer home and beautiful gardens and grounds. Built in the 1920s, this restored gem is a fantastic door to history.


Visit the Hackley & Hume Historic Site of the Lakeshore Museum Center in Muskegon with the family. Bring the young ones, and while the adults are enjoying a tour, kids can enjoy their own history experience with games, tours, and make’n take activities.


While visiting Ludington, you will want to check out the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, which helps you discover the town’s rich maritime past.

Courtesy Sandcastles Children’s Museum

Kids can enter a world of exploration and learning when they discover the many exhibits and activities at Sandcastles Children’s Museum in Downtown Ludington. This summer’s events include Kindermusik, Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles, Robotic Legos and puppet shoes, just to name a few.


The Pump House Museum and Learning Center in Holland focuses on interpreting the histories of the resort communities which were built beginning in the 1880s around the western end of Lake Macatawa, about five miles west of downtown Holland. There are activities for youngsters, as well as a display of Big Red stories and illustrations created by area upper elementary school students.


Spending your vacation in the Mt. Pleasant Area? The Art Reach Center in Downtown Mt. Pleasant hosts events focused on the arts for all ages. The Chippewa River District Library (CRDL) hosts a variety of events each month, focusing on the subjects of arts, science, history and more.


Next time you’re visiting Saugatuck/Douglas, use their Saugatuck-Douglas history app on your phone to learn more about the historical sites/attractions in the area. It’s interactive, fun and educational all at the same time.

Courtesy Mecosta County Convention and Visitors Bureau

There’s lots of family fun educational entertainment in Mecosta County. The Big Rapids Community Library has resources for the community including books, computers, various events and programs year round as well as throughout the summer, including the Seed Library. For a more collaborative list of all the wonderful places to enjoy fun with your kids, check out the Mecosta County “Family Fun” brochure as well as other brochures such as “The Robert Barnum Art Tour” and the Ferris State University “Bulldawg Tour” all of which can be found here.


The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is coming to Holland. This free outdoor exhibit will be located just two blocks from Downtown Holland. In Centennial Park, thousands of annual plants will be used to create a 10’ X 12’ “open book” cover of this classic novel. The iconic yellow brick road will lead you to Herrick District Library where it continues through landscaped areas of colorful annuals and perennials.


The Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland is a non-profit outdoor education organization. Through its programs, demonstration areas and interpretive exhibits, the Center provides students and community members with up-close views of nature and learning opportunities about the West Michigan environment. The ODC Nature Preserve is a 130-acre preserve with almost 5 miles of trails that are open dawn to dusk.


Hemlock Crossing Park near Holland offers exhibits, a wildlife den with critters and educational activities, a wildlife viewing area, and much more.


Learn about farm animals and pet chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, and more at the Critter Barn in Zeeland. The Critter barn is open Monday through Saturday, from 10am-6pm.

Holland Museum (courtesy photo)

The best way to get acquainted with Holland is to take a crash course in its fascinating history. At the Holland Museum, you’ll learn about the arrival of the Dutch in 1847, their struggle for access to Lake Michigan, the devastating fire of 1871, and the amazing story of Holland’s rise from the ashes. Also on display is an extensive collection of Dutch fine and decorative arts, such as Delftware, silver, Dutch costumes and fine furniture. These artifacts tell the story of over 400 years of Dutch History.


Bring the kids to explore and learn at Raven Hill Discovery Center, which is located on 166 acres in Charlevoix County, nestled in a rural setting with pond, swamp, forest and fields. Let them explore the museum and animals as well as experience science and technology, history and the arts.


This summer, the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo is opening an engaging new exhibit, D-Day 75: En Route by Plane & Parachute. Learn how Allied forces made incredible sacrifices to bring an end to the terror of Nazism in Europe as the exhibit takes a dive deep into the 75th anniversary of D-Day. 

Courtesy Mackinac Historic Parks

This summer, Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks will offer free one-hour, Sunday morning chipping and putting lessons for children ages 7-15 on their 18-hole, Welter’s Folly course. PGA Professional Mike Laughner, will lead the classes for pint-sized putters. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited.


Step back in time with the Mackinac State Historic Parks at Fort Michilimacinac in Mackinaw City and Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island.


This summer, learn how to kneeboard, water ski, and wakeboard at Action Wake Park in Hudsonville.

One-time/special events

The Grand Rapids Public Museum will be showing a special double feature of The Queen Light Show and Dark Side: The Light Show in the Chaffee Planetarium. Music enthusiasts will rock out to the music of Queen and Pink Floyd paired with stunning visuals on the planetarium dome. The Museum’s doors open at 6:30pm with the first show starting at 7pm.

Camps

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean it’s time to stop learning. Marquette’s Northern Michigan University offers the perfect mix of education and exploration during its Environmental Science Camp. Paddle the AuTrain River to Lake Superior to monitor water quality issues. Learn about local minerals, techniques used to extract them, and how mining affects the environment and society.

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

Looking for a more artistic approach to your education? Stop in to Artworks in Mecosta County throughout the summer to discover one of their various classes, including four different summer camps that can help your child release their inner Picasso.


Find more camp options in our Summer Camps List.

Other museums, nature centers, and historical spots to add to your summer vacation: