Category Archives: Senior Living

Tackling Alzheimer’s disease

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By Diana Bitner, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia—a condition that causes sufferers to forget short-term events and names. It also causes changes in behavior.

When talking about Alzheimer’s, it’s important to look at the risk factors:
  • Age—This is the strongest risk factor, with most people being diagnosed after age 65.
  • Genetics—There are genetic links associated with the disease, meaning it can run in families.
  • Environment—The most studied environmental factors include aluminum, zinc, food-borne poisons, and viruses, but there has been no clear evidence of cause and effect.
  • Related medical conditions—These include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

It’s also important to note that having many family members with Alzheimer’s does increase an individual’s risk, but it’s not necessarily tied to genes per se. Instead, it can be tied to a genetic mutation or other medical conditions (such as diabetes and obesity) that may run in the family.

 

As doctors, we are learning more and more about how diabetes, heart disease, obesity and dementia are all tied together.

 

These medical conditions all involve blood vessels—specifically how healthy or unhealthy the vessels are.

 

A healthy blood vessel has a smooth inside lining, flexible walls and no plaque build-up. In contrast, an unhealthy blood vessel has a sticky lining, stiff walls and plaque build-up, possibly even buried in the vessel wall. This can result in decreased blood flow to important cells in brain tissue, impacting function and clearance of certain proteins.

 

This build-up is associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

 

We also know that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with certain acquired risk factors—especially when they start in midlife. The greatest risk factors include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Taking control of your future self

What’s the bottom line? Midlife is the time to consider life goals and make important choices.

 

When I talk about Alzheimer’s and risk factors, I think about a patient of mine I’ll call Tania who came into the menopause clinic with some serious concerns.

 

Tania, 53, complained of forgetting things, feeling anxious, having night sweats and simply not feeling like herself. She was worried she had dementia—and for good reason.

 

Tania’s grandmother moved from Mexico to live with Tania’s family when Tania was 12. By the time Tania entered high school, her grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Concerned she had the same thing, Tania needed answers.

 

We began by talking about her current stage in life—early perimenopause. This was clear because of her irregular periods, and symptoms of hot flashes and mood changes around the time of her period. Next, we went over her medical history, which included diabetes during pregnancy and lifelong issues with mild obesity.

 

Tania’s family history revealed some real concerns: Her mom, aunts and grandmother suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity; and her father had high blood pressure. When I took Tania’s vitals that day, her blood pressure was 150/75 and her BMI was 31. Both of those numbers were too high.

 

After gathering this information, I asked Tania what she wanted, and she said she wanted to be healthy—without diabetes or high blood pressure. She also wanted to maintain a healthy weight, be active, and not have to take all the meds her family did. And, most importantly, Tania did not want to get Alzheimer’s disease.

 

When I explained to her that diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity in midlife were all significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s, she wanted to know what she needed to do. We ran her labs, and the results showed she had pre-diabetes and mildly elevated cholesterol.

 

We then put together a plan. And our plan paid off.

 

After three months, Tania walked for 45 minutes every day and had changed her diet. She had lost 8 pounds and, even better, her blood pressure was down to 140/70 and her blood sugar was lower—almost in the normal range. Her periods were regular again and she slept better.

 

Tania felt great and addressed her health issues in time to meet her goals and make a difference.

Worried about your health or brain function? Make an appointment to specifically discuss your health concerns with your doctor. Need help choosing your physician? No worries. Call Spectrum Health at 877.362.8362 day or night to receive assistance and advice about selecting a physician who is right for you.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

The sitting epidemic

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Prolonged periods of sitting could lead to serious health problems. Could an anti-sitting campaign gain traction? (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Kim Delafuente, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Here’s a question for the youngsters: Did you know that, up until recent years, most corners of society considered smoking to be socially acceptable?

 

Just 10 years ago, in fact, restaurants in many states still offered smoking sections. It’s truly a silly concept, given that cigarette smoke travels throughout the restaurant anyway.

 

Opposition to smoking began to emerge in the late 1960s and ’70s, but there had been little in the way of enforcements or taboos up until the 1980s, ’90s and ’00s.

 

These days, the smoking rate in the U.S. is at its lowest point in decades, with about 15.5 percent of adults identifying as smokers. (That’s down from a high of about 42 percent in the 1960s.)

 

America’s anti-smoking campaign may come to exemplify how society approaches another topic: sitting.

 

That’s right, sitting.

 

At work, at home, in our cars, watching events and so on, we spend a lot of time sitting. We sit an average of nine to 10 hours each day, not to mention the time we spend sleeping.

 

But just as it was with smoking, sitting has a negative impact on our health.

 

Within an hour of sitting, we see declines in our fat metabolism and our HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

 

So how did we get here?

 

Technology has eliminated the need to manually open our garage doors, get up and sharpen our pencils, play board games, scrapbook or even get up and talk to coworkers. Instant messaging apps and emails make it all too easy to send a quick question to someone just down the hall.

 

We don’t have to make our own meals or go to the store as often—or at all.

 

Throughout this evolution, movement has been minimized from our daily lives. In many cases, movement has become optional and unnecessary.

 

Sitting has, by all measures, become the norm.

 

But sitting too much is not the same as not getting enough exercise.

 

When we hear the recommendations to get up and move every hour, to spend less time watching TV, to take the stairs, etc., remember that even the smallest movements have health benefits.

 

As your muscles contract, fat begins to shift from your blood stream to the moving muscles. This reactivates your fat metabolism.

 

Can you prevent the negative health effects of sitting too much when you’re someone who exercises regularly?

 

Maybe not.

 

Even people who exercise regularly—those who meet the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes or more a week—may undo some of the positive health benefits of exercise if they simply spend the rest of the day sitting.

 

Add small movements into your day.

 

Find activities that you can do standing instead of sitting: talking on the phone, folding the laundry, reading email.

 

Do you fidget? That’s great! Tap your foot, twirl your hair and stand up to stretch.

 

At its peak, 42 percent of the adult population in the U.S. smoked.

 

Is sitting the new smoking?

 

From a numbers standpoint, it could be worse. A significant portion of the population spends the day sitting, which means this particular problem is systemic.

 

The good news is that poor health is preventable through public health campaigns, personal action and societal awareness.

 

Big corporations are starting to lead the way. In the construction of its state-of-the-art tech campus, Apple installed adjustable desks that allow all employees to choose if they want to sit or stand while working at their computers.

 

If you don’t have an adjustable desk, try to find creative solutions that let you stand during some of the workday. At a minimum, get up and take a break to stand and stretch every once in a while.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Get your groove back

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Don’t allow sexual issues sideline you from the pleasures of life. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Sexual health is a part of our overall health, and it impacts a woman’s (and a man’s) sense of self and feeling of being healthy.

 

Women who suffer from depression or anxiety are more likely to have sexual health concerns, and women with sexual health concerns are more likely to have depression and anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle—one that can be frustrating and difficult to break.

 

Chronic health issues or chronic health diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity or arthritis can interfere with a woman’s ability, or a couple’s ability, to have a healthy sexual relationship. And common conditions like pain with sex, low desire and relationship issues all play a part.

 

I recently saw a patient who came in for her second visit to our Spectrum Health Cancer, Menopause, and Sexual Health Clinic at the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion.

 

She shared her excitement about once again being able to have sex after we treated her pain. She told me that cancer had taken so much away from her, but she felt whole again now that she could be intimate with her husband.

 

I love sharing stories like this because it shows how committed we are to helping everyone live better lives—including being as sexually aware and healthy as they wish to be.

 

I recently found the following quote from the World Health Organization:

 

“The purpose of sexual health should be the enhancement of life and personal relationships and not merely counseling and care related to STDs and preventing unwanted pregnancies. Sexual health should involve (1) the capacity to enjoy and control sexual and reproductive behavior in accordance with a social and personal ethic; (2) a freedom from fear, shame, guilt, false benefits and other psychological factors inhibiting sexual response and impairing sexual relationships; and (3) freedom from organic disorders, diseases and deficiencies that interfere with sexual and reproductive functions.”

 

I share this quote with you because, as a physician, I believe in what it says, and I try to keep it in mind when discussing sexual health with my patients.

 

There are many causes of sexual health concerns, and they can be grouped in the following categories: interpersonal issues, physical issues and psychological issues.

 

When discussing interpersonal issues, we think about lack of intimacy, lack of respect and emotional abuse.

 

Physical issues include pain with sex from menopause and dryness, pain from history of pain and/or tight pelvic muscles, and medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.

 

Psychological problems include depression or anxiety, history of sexual abuse and poor self image.

 

No matter what your sexual issues include, there are solutions. Reach out to your medical provider for help.

If you have concerns about how to get your groove back, make an appointment to specifically discuss this topic and options with your doctor or a Spectrum Health Midlife and Menopause Clinic expert. Call 616.267.8225 to make an appointment.

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Next Kentwood’s Drug Take Back Day set for Saturday, Oct. 27

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Kentwood will hold its drug take back day later this month. (WKTV)

 

By Kentwood Police Department

 

On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Kentwood Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 16th opportunity in 8 years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

 

Bring your pills for disposal to the Kentwood Police Department at 4742 Walma Ave SE Kentwood, MI 49512. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

 

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.

 

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

 

According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

 

The last Drug Take Back Day brought in nearly 1 million pounds of unused or expired prescription medication. According to the DEA, this is the largest amount collected since the national program began in 2010.

 

The total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the program’s inception is 4,982 tons.

 

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 27 Take Back Day event, please contact Vicki Highland at highlandv@kentwood.us or 616-656-6571.

 

More information about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is available at takebackday.dea.gov.

 

‘Many Hands’ makes light work

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is a difficult job. Depending on the progression of the disease, the simplest tasks can often seem impossible — taking a shower, picking up a few items from the grocery story, keeping a hair appointment. Asking for help from family and friends seems like too much and accepting offers of help can feel overwhelming, ‘Where would I start?,’ we think.

 

The Many Hands program helps caregivers access the support networks they may not realize they already have.

 

A majority of family caregivers, 60% according to the AARP, still work outside of the home.

 

Stephanie Hecksel, Outreach Specialist at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan observes, “It is common to see caregivers helping out with household chores, errands, and transportation for a loved one while trying to balance time with their own personal responsibilities.”

 

As their loved one’s needs increase, the caregiver puts their personal responsibilities aside to dedicate themselves to the needs their loved one. This leads to increased stress and/or burnout, can take a toll on other relationships and even affect one’s employment. This is where Many Hands comes in. With the help of a Licensed Social Worker, participants in the Many Hands program receive help with organizing their friends, other family members, neighbors, church members, co-workers into a network of willing helpers and to restore some balance to their own lives.

 

Asking people for help is difficult, too difficult for many of us to pick up a phone and reach out to a friend, or accept the help extended by people in our community.

 

Hecksel acknowledges, “It can be difficult to ask for help for many reasons, including feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver or simply feeling overwhelmed by having to reach out for support and how to accept help it without feeling like a bother. Likewise, the people in our lives who would like to help are not sure how to go about it, what they can do or what needs to be done.

 

One of the most unique aspects of Many Hands is that you don’t have to be the one to ask for help.

 

Julie Alicki, LMSW and Certified Advance Dementia Practitioner, said, “Many Hands takes the pressure off of you by having a trained Social Worker handle the entire meeting. As a caregiver you attend, but we do the explaining.” Hecksel agrees, “Rather than the caregiver being expected to take on yet another responsibility of coordinating care, Many Hands will provide that assistance.”

 

All the caregiver needs to do is come up with a list of people in their current social circle who may be willing to help provide support with tasks such as laundry, yard work, meal preparation or spending time with a loved one to give the caregiver a rest and time for themselves.

 

How does it work? The caregiver makes a list of potential helpers. When the Social Worker receives this list, they will send invites and organize a Caregiver Support meeting.

 

At the meeting, the social worker will educate participants on dementia along with behaviors that may be present with the disease. They will also go over the effects of stress on the health of the caregiver, present the tasks identified by the primary caregiver and ask for support in these areas. Once a list of helpers is established, the Social Worker will prepare the Caregiver Calendar used to organize and communicate with helpers. “Many hands make light work” and this is the goal of the Many Hands program.

 

Many Hands is free and available to caregivers in Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties. To learn more about this program, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. More information about all the services available through AAAWM can be found at www.aaawm.org.

St. Cecilia begins new season of Grand Band with new, familiar conductor

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St. Cecilia Music Center’s School of Music youth jazz program performance with Robin Connell conducting, from 2017. (Supplied/St. Cecilia Music Center)

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Robin Connell, who wears many hats on the Grand Rapids music scene including director of the St. Cecilia Music Center’s youth jazz ensemble, has picked up another gig at St. Cecilia.

 

Connell was announced last month as the new conductor of the center’s adult Grand Band, and there is general agreement that means more “fun” for all.

 

“I couldn’t be more thrilled that Robin is conducting the St. Cecilia Music Center Grand Band,” Martha Cudipp Bundra, St. Cecilia education director, said to WKTV. “She has been teaching our Jazz Combo program for 4 years now and the students love her.  Robin has extensive teaching experience and knowledge that will enhance the musical experience for our adult band members. She brings a unique style to her teaching and a great sense of fun.”

 

Rehearsals of the Grand Band have begun for the new season but new members are always welcome to inquire and no auditions are required. The band rehearses 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday mornings.

 

“The adult band is so much fun,” Connell said to WKTV. “It has a lot of members who have been it for many years. But newbies come, too.”

 

For more information on the Grand Band for adults, visit here. St. Cecilia’s youth jazz ensembles, one of which Connell leads, will hold auditions on Tuesday, Oct. 16. For more information visit here.

 

St. Cecilia, Connell have history

 

“I’m thrilled and honored to be working at SCMC,” Connell said. “The various concerts and education programs offered are phenomenal and integral to downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Robin Connell

“We really appreciate SCMC hosting the youth jazz program (which started in 2014) and the amazing support we get financially and administratively. … Martha is great to work with as the director of education, but I also need to sing the praises of our administrative assistant, Rebecca Steinke. She assists Martha in various ways with all the ensembles and is there at night when we rehearse, too. And she plays flute in the Grand Band!”

 

Connell, according to a supplied biography, is a jazz pianist-vocalist with a doctorate of arts in music theory and composition from the University of Northern Colorado. Her career as a performing musician, composer, and educator, is an alternating kaleidoscope of jazz and classical endeavors.

 

Her educator credits include teaching at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College, Long Island University, Garden City Community College, the Interlochen Center for the Arts (20 summers), the Aquinas Jazz Camp, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

In addition to teaching, Robin continues to lead her own jazz groups and perform as a “side woman” locally and afar, traveling extensively as performer, guest composer-conductor, and clinician/adjudicator. Since 2014, Robin also co-produces and hosts the “Jazz in the Sanctuary” concert series at Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street Church.

 

Two bands, two different experiences

 

As far as her expanding teaching load at St. Cecilia, Connell says there are similarities  but also unique aspects to working with adults as opposed to youth.

 

“There is very little similarity between the youth jazz combo and the Grand Band adults, other than everyone’s shared love of playing music,” she said. “Most jazz band scores that are playable by younger students have simpler instrumentation than concert band music … My husband (Paul Brewer) directs the youth jazz big band. There is a bit more similarity between that band and a concert band in that all the music is written out, with very little improvised.

 

The St. Cecilia Grand Band in rehearsal at the music center’s Royce Auditorium, from 2016. (WKTV)

“The concert band music is completely written out and players must adhere to the written notes. The conductor’s job is to become immersed in the score, to internalize it, and ‘coach’ the ensemble as per the conductor’s interpretation.”

 

But Connell said she is getting into working with the adults.

 

“I am enjoying digging into completely different repertoire and having the chance to work on my conducting skills more,” she said. “There are also a lot of women in the band whereas the youth bands are almost all boys. I’m totally used to being the only woman, or in the minority, but I’m really also enjoying rehearsing a group with a lot of women — and men — who are totally geeked about instrumental music.”

 

Shameless plug for a great music series

 

The “Jazz in the Sanctuary” series begins its fifth season Nov. 4 with “Paul Brewer & Altin Sencalar in Tribute to J & K”, a concert featuring a jazz quintet, led by trombonists Brewer and Sencalar, performing the compositions and arrangements of J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding. More dates are scheduled in 2019. For more information visit fountainstreet.org/jazz.

 

Obesity basics: 9 facts that could change your life

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By Diane Benson, Spectrum Health Beat

 

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

 

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

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

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

‘The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture’ at DeVos Place Nov. 12

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Photo supplied

By Hilarie Carpenter

 

SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall, DeVos Place®, and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) Community Inclusion Group (CIG) has announced “The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture,” and its first event the Dance Theatre of Harlem, which brings their 50th Anniversary Tour to DeVos Performance Hall on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at 8pm. Additional events in The Series will be announced in the near future.

 

“We are pleased to announce the launch of The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture,” said CIG Chairman Darius Quinn. “The Series is a program of the CAA and CIG that is designed to provide consistent, high-quality programming for members of the West Michigan region who have an interest in the various forms of arts and entertainment inspired by African-American culture. We are committed to ensuring that the series is entertaining, empowering, educational and inspiring.”

 

“We strive to guide the venues in bringing diverse and inclusive entertainment to West Michigan,” added Joe Jones, CIG Member and President/CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan. “The Series follows in line with this vision, and we are excited to bring a set of excellent events to Grand Rapids that both celebrate and reflect the rich and vibrant African-American culture.”

 

Photo supplied

Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institute of unparalleled global acclaim whose mission is to maintain a world-class school that trains young people in classical ballet and the allied arts. They provide arts education, community outreach programs and serve as positive role models for all. The Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a ballet company of African-American and other racially diverse artists who perform the most demanding repertory at the highest level of quality. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.

 

The 16-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African-American culture. Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all.

 

Tickets for Dance Theatre of Harlem are on sale now. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.

Manage menopause with a mantra

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

By Diana Bitner, MD, Spectrum Health Beat

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

I remembered my mantra and grabbed my apple.

 

My mantra is “lean and ease of movement.”

 

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

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

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

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

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

So, what do you care about?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Scenic fall color tours throughout West Michigan

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

The autumn season in Michigan brings many small delights, spectacular views, and a variety of fall fun. As the leaves change their colors to warm hues of a sunset, Michigan residents and travelers alike find themselves enjoying every bit of the landscape. In whatever region you visit, you’ll be sure to find remarkable events, eateries, driving routes, tours, and places to enjoy the splendor of all the fall colors while breathing in the crisp autumn air.

Stunning fall colors in southern West Michigan

One of the best ways to see the fall colors of West Michigan is to experience it on high. The Timber Ridge Ski Area chairlift will be open for rides, giving riders a gorgeous view of Gobles and the surrounding landscape. If you’re looking for more adventurous fun at Timber Ridge, head to their Timber Fall Crawl event on Oct. 13th for Jeeps and other vehicles that like to off-road. There are multiple trails for all abilities. Afterward, wind down with your family and friends at the bar with food and drinks.

 

The Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings is offering plenty of educational and fun-filled experiences for you this fall. Year-round they host exciting activities and learning experiences, including everything from establishing a backyard wildlife habitat to nature hikes. On Oct. 14th, visit the institute for a delicious meal and learning program for brunch. From the dining room, you’ll see all the wonderful autumn colors in nature, especially if you take a small walk through nature. Visit their website to RSVP for the event.

 

The River Country Tourism Council is hosting the Three Rivers Area Fall Color Tour, a scenic, fun-filled drive with a wide variety of destinations and activities along the way. On Oct. 14th, witness all the magical autumn colors while hiking and walking through great parks, sanctuaries, and preserves. Along this drive, you’ll be able to experience tons of family fun at any one of the 13 stops, from hayrides to campfires.

 

Courtesy Arts and Eats

One of the best ways to witness the fall foliage is driving along the rural roads of Michigan’s southwestern region. During the weekend-long event Arts and Eats, take a self-driving tour to discover Allegan, Hastings, Van Buren, and other surrounding counties. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 20th, over 60 West Michigan artist studios and galleries are participating in the exciting 8th Annual Arts and Eats.

 

Another way to enjoy the autumn colors of the City of Hastings is along some of Barry County’s most scenic gravel roads and trails during the Founder’s Fall Fondo. This is a fantastic family event where all ages and abilities can experience the 22-, 36-, or 62-mile courses which was also used for spring’s Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road race.

 

Fennville’s most iconic farm-to-table restaurant and bar, Salt of the Earth, is the perfect way to wind down after a long day of seeing the fall colors ablaze through the Allegan Woods. Enjoy in-house concerts every Sunday at 6pm.

 

In the heart of Berrien Springs, Lemon Creek Winery should be on your list of destinations this fall. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the fall colors with the surrounding landscapes and their beautiful vineyard. You’ll be able to enjoy a glass (or a bottle) of one of Michigan’s delightful wines outside. The incredible aromas of grapes and autumn are the perfect pairing. For more activities, take a stroll in their orchard and don’t forget to pick some fresh apples.

 

In the Saugatuck area, you’ll be able to see the all the fall colors as a true Michigander. There is something for everyone here, whether you enjoy hiking, driving, boating, or biking. The Star of Saugatuck riverboat offers rides along the Kalamazoo River into Lake Michigan. If you’d like to fully immerse yourself in the fall fun, try hiking through the 13 miles of the Saugatuck Dunes State Park or take a refreshing bike ride along Blue Star Highway.

 

Anywhere you look, you’ll find all the wonderful fall colors Michigan has to offer. After a long day in Saugatuck, rest up and relax with Lakeshore Lodging. While you’re in the area, you can experience bountiful apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and all the colors of autumn.

 

In South Haven, visit the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum to learn about America’s “Father of Modern Horticulture,” and a pioneer of “New Agrarian” philosophy. Experience a taste of history as you walk through the gorgeous National Historic Site, garden, and park where you’ll see brilliant fall colors. Throughout the year, the museum hosts events that celebrate Bailey’s life and work.

 

Bell’s Brewery has amazing tours in both Kalamazoo and Comstock locations this fall. Driving along the route between the two, you’ll experience the full bloom of fall foliage. After spending time at the original brewery and Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo, head to the Comstock location to enjoy many of their events going throughout the season.

 

As a local resident or traveler, enjoy the amazing home to more than 100 lakes, including two chains of lakes, in Coldwater Country. For a unique fall color experience, get out on the water to see the fantastic fall foliage. In Coldwater County, you’ll be able to launch a boat, kayak, or canoe at one of the many public access points. If you’re in town for a brief visit, you can rent a boat from one of the area’s marinas to experience a new perspective of Mother Nature’s magnificent fall color show.

 

As the fall color tour season begins to emerge, you’re invited to bring the family out to explore the back country roads along the Lake Michigan shoreline stretching throughout Van Buren and Allegan Counties. Nestled along a 30-mile stretch of Michigan’s “Fruit Belt” region lies a collection of orchards, farms, and vineyards known as Lakeshore Harvest Country. The shoreline area is bound to thrill you with its incredible landscape, agricultural presence, and fun places to explore.

 

Enjoy the fall colors along the banks of the Black River in South Haven aboard the Michigan Maritime Museum’s Lindy Lou cruise as you recapture the golden days from the late 1890s through the 1930s. The Lindy Lou makes daily cruises through October (with permitting weather). Tickets for the guided cruise are $20 per person and include admission to the Michigan Maritime Museum.

Charming fall colors in central West Michigan

The White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau have teamed up, so gather your family and friends to experience the vibrant fall colors during this free, self-guided tour. Every Saturday in October from 10am to 4pm, you’ll have the opportunity to visit stops along the tour to win great prizes, partake in local activities, and enjoy everything the autumn season has to offer. Refreshments will be served at both the Muskegon and Whitehall Depots and kids will receive a free pumpkin that they can decorate on-the-spot. You can pick up a map at either the historic Union Depot in Muskegon or at the White Lake Area Chamber for this great tour.

 

In the land of the Great Lakes, we have plenty of fun water-activities this fall. The Mecosta County Fall Color Tour is offering self-guided canoe and kayak trips down the historic Muskegon River. On this tour, you’ll be able to see all of nature’s changing foliage. You will be able to see the majestic colors of Mecosta County and embrace the Muskegon River’s “big rapids.”

 

Right on the cusp between the central and southwestern regions of West Michigan, lies the charming city of Holland. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the season, and one of our favorites is to experience the fall colors as you climb the dunes of Mount Pisgah, a towering dune east of Holland State Park, which is accessible via a boardwalk and stair system. With its apex 157 feet above Lake Michigan, the boardwalk culminates with scenic views of Lake Macatawa, Lake Michigan, and Big Red. This area is surrounded by a heavily wooded area that features vibrant hues of oranges, reds, and yellows. If you prefer to view the fall colors from the comfort of your car, there are a variety of routes within the Holland area to enjoy the scenery, too.

 

Be sure to visit Kayla Rae Cellars during your time in the small town of Rockford. There, you’ll find a delicious glass of wine or cider in their wine bar and tasting room. Afterward, walk along the White Pine Trail for an incredible view of autumn’s changing colors. If you’re looking for one of Michigan’s many water tours, you can launch your kayak or canoe to paddle the Rogue River. Rockford is home to scenic views of both their dam and charming downtown.

 

Courtesy Lewis Farm and Petting Zoo

West Michigan is home to some of the state’s most beautiful farms and agricultural lands. The Lewis Farm and Petting Zoo in New Era is the perfect stop along the beautiful drive between Muskegon and Ludington. Make sure to visit the market for freshly-made apple cider and donuts. Pick up some delicious Michigan apples, or grab a bag of their homemade kettle corn for a road trip snack. If you have the whole day to spend exploring, visit the farm’s corn maze, pumpkin patch, and take a wagon ride to see all the fall colors.

 

Mt. Pleasant Convention & Visitors Bureau invites you along the banks of the Chippewa River to either take a leisure kayak or canoe tour. Along the shoreline, you’ll be able to experience the area’s incredible fall foliage. Spend the day exploring over 1,000 acres of the city and Isabella County parks.

 

In the heart of mid-Michigan, take a leisurely cruise on the Michigan Princess Riverboat this October. They operate small hour-and-a-half long lunch trips (almost) every day. Along the shores of the great Grand River, cruise a very scenic stretch of the amazing fall colors just west of Lansing.

 

How to keep anger from getting the better of you

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

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

What to do?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Find your home away from home with these West Michigan Bed & Breakfasts

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The Italian Room at Henderson Castle Inn and Winery, Kalamazoo

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

Looking for a home-away-from-home? With the West Michigan area’s bed and breakfasts, you’re sure to find a warm and welcoming place to spend the night. You’re in good hands when you visit these cozy retreats, as you’re served breakfast each morning and retire to a comfy bed.

 

Book a stay at one of the area’s most popular bed and breakfasts this fall, the Henderson Castle Inn and Winery in Kalamazoo, for the vacation of a lifetime. You are just minutes away from theaters, shopping, and a vibrant nightlife of downtown, yet secluded enough to enjoy a quiet night free from the noise of the city. Start the day with an incredible breakfast and then soak in the rooftop hot tub while taking in the breathtaking view of downtown Kalamazoo.

 

When staying at Yelton Manor Bed and Breakfast in South Haven, you can expect impeccable hospitality, lavish gardens, relaxing decks, wholesome food, and spontaneous fun. Just a stone’s throw from the beach and walkable to everything in the laid-back resort of South Haven, this is the perfect destination for your next weekend away.

 

White Rabbit Inn B&B in Lakeside is every couple’s dream for a romantic weekend away. Surrounded by woods and Lake Michigan, it is the perfect spot to go and escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

 

Gordon Beach Inn, Union Pier

Recognized by the State of Michigan as a historical site, Gordon Beach Inn in Union Pier should be on your bucket list of places to stay this fall. They have great on-site restaurants and convenient beach access. You can even bring along your furry friend to this pet-friendly hotspot!

 

Sherwood Forest B&B in Saugatuck invites you to their beautiful wooded setting where they are situated just steps away from Lake Michigan. End the day watching the sunset from their relaxing wraparound porch to complete your perfect getaway.

 

Serendipity Bed and Breakfast in Saugatuck provides guests with countless amenities to suit every need you may have. Start your day’s adventure with good food and even better company at the daily complimentary breakfast. After breakfast, take on the town, just steps away! Unique shops, artist-owned galleries, great restaurants, the boat docks, boardwalk, and more will have your day filled up with one-of-a-kind adventures.

 

You will not regret booking your stay at Twin Oaks Inn in Saugatuck. Right in the heart of downtown near countless shops, restaurants, art galleries, and marinas, it makes for the ideal weekend getaway. The inn is also just a short drive to beautiful orchards and wineries, perfect for bringing in the fall season.

 

National House Inn, Marshall

The city of Marshall is home to some of the best inns and bed and breakfasts in the state, including the celebrated National House Inn, the oldest operating bed and breakfast in Michigan. Their 15 rooms offer modern luxuries with a 19th-century flavor. Your stay at the National House Inn is only a few steps from downtown, museums, shopping, and restaurants.

 

 

The capital city of Lansing is the perfect destination for any B&B lover. The city is filled with unique and charming spots perfect for a weekend away that will leave you speechless. These destinations are known for great hospitality and will give you the feeling of time standing still.

 

Book your stay at the Maplewood Hotel in Saugatuck, a unique boutique hotel with over 150 years of experience in providing nothing short of exceptional hospitality to guests from all over the state.

 

Wickwood Inn, Saugatuck

The Amble Inn in Fennville is the perfect place to take in the award-winning Art Coast! After checking out nearby galleries, shops, and beaches take the time to relax in a rustic setting and forget all of your worries.

 

Stop by the Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck for your next weekend getaway or family vacation. The beautiful and cozy inn is stocked with original art, antiques, and an impressive library to help you unwind by the crackling fireplace.

‘I was totally blindsided’

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By Marie Havenga, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

His dad drove him back to Zeeland Community Hospital.

 

By the time he arrived, his blood pressure nosedived.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Diagnosis? Heart failure.

 

At 31 years old.

LVAD

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Then, in 2013, more devastating news.

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

His growing weight made him ineligible for a heart transplant.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

He tried a slew of diet plans with minimal success.

 

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

Shrinking appetite

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Dr. Schram performed a sleeve procedure last October.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

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

 

The weight loss results? Almost immediate.

 

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

 

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

 

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

Digging in

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

 

The LVAD seems to be doing its job.

 

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

 

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

 

But giving in is not an option.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A transplant, of course, could change all that.

 

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

 

Jack, the therapy cat puts a spark in the spirit

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By Victoria Mullen, WKTV

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Lynn Hopkins and her charge, Jack

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

‘Living a better life’

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By Alyssa Allen, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Making changes

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

 

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

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

But the weight kept creeping up.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Transformation

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

 

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

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Living with Diabetes: The importance of great oral care

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Courtesy of Cherry Health

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

What are the early warning signs of periodontal disease?

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

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

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"If you can't tolerate critics, don't do anything new or interesting."

                                                  ~Jeff Bezos

Food, glorious food!

Blue Spoon will again be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

And there will be food trucks galore! The free-to-attend event will run from 11am to 10pm, on Saturday, Sept. 15 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library — Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch. Throughout the day, there will be live music, a beer tent and a variety of local eats.

 

Find out more here.

 

 

Well, hello, gorgeous!

The new, expanded playground at Ferrand Park.

Ferrand Park got quite the facelift, and Wyoming residents are thrilled. The park features a number of new amenities such as a shelter, pathways into the park, architectural features that help to identify the park, and a new, expanded playground area. 

 

Go here to learn more.

 

Hey, there’s an app for that

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has launched a new app that features real-time flight departure and arrival information, updates on parking availability at the airport, and security wait times. Additionally, amenities such as food and beverage locations, kids play areas, nursing rooms, and the military welcome center are featured on the app.

 

Click here.

 

Fun Fact:

A cow-bison hybrid
is called a “beefalo”

You can even buy its meat in at least 21 states.

Take your fall color tour along the Lakeshore Harvest Country

3-bottom, Food, Holidays, How-To's, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, ,

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

As the fall color tour season begins to emerge, you’re invited to bring the family out to explore the back-country roads along the Lake Michigan shoreline stretching throughout Van Buren and Allegan Counties.

 

Nestled along a 30-mile stretch of Michigan’s “Fruit Belt” region lies a collection of orchards, farms, and vineyards known as Lakeshore Harvest Country. Taking full advantage of the “lake effect” climate delivered by the Great Lakes and Lake Michigan specifically, this shoreline area is rooted in agricultural and tourism heritage.

 

Visiting Lakeshore Harvest Country is a real family affair. In today’s fast-paced, technologically-focused world, it is more important than ever for families to spend quality time together reconnecting and making memories. There’s just something special about seeing kids visiting with the cows, goats, llamas and other animals; or enjoying a snack of fresh picked fruits or vegetables; or watching artists create beautiful pieces crafted from wood, clay, metals and other mediums. Fall also means corn mazes, trips to the pumpkin patch, wagon rides, haunted houses, and countless other family-friendly activities.

 

Now is the perfect time to stock your refrigerator, freezer and pantry for the upcoming cold-weather with locally-made jams and sauces, flavorfully blended spices, syrups, and honey and other culinary goodies. And, don’t forget locally-made cheeses, fresh-baked bread and pies, and award-winning craft beer, wine, and ciders. Freshly-picked fruits and vegetables are waiting to be canned or preserved for enjoyment throughout the coming months.

 

It’s also time to start thinking about autumn home décor—corn stalks, bales of hay, gourds, mums and more can dress up your porch, patio or hearth. And, don’t forget the pumpkins for carving as you prepare for Halloween.

 

Lakeshore Harvest Country publishes a brochure and map which identifies its members and provides additional information about the activities found at each. The map is available at any of the member locations, as well as at the Visitor Bureau offices in Saugatuck and South Haven and Welcome Centers around the state. It can also be downloaded online at LakeshoreHarvestCountry.com.

 

Members of Lakeshore Harvest Country Include:

Lakeshore Harvest Country was launched with a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture in 2006 and in 2009 the trail was awarded the “Community Vision” award by the Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.

Being a tech-savvy senior: Don’t be tricked by malware

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Crime Prevention, Education, How-To's, Non-Profits, Senior Living, Tech Trends, , , ,

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan

 

A couple of weeks ago, I received a text message and several phone calls from a friend frantically trying to reach me, “I got a strange notice on my computer saying I had to call or they would disable me!”

 

When I contacted her later, I was relieved to hear she refused to give them her credit card number and they hung up on her. Too often, people who receive these pop-up notices on their computers, tablets or phones fall prey to these scare tactics, losing hundreds of dollars and sometimes their identity as a result. Tossing your computer out the window or smashing your phone with a hammer are not the answer. You can take steps to avoid falling victim to malware.

 

What is malware? When most people call for help, they say “A virus got into my computer!”. The mess that malware creates can certainly make us feel sick, but it is not a computer virus in the traditional sense. Malware, also referred to as Adware or Spyware, is a type of software that is usually embedded in something else. Whether it is a ‘free’ app you downloaded to your tablet, a ‘free’ software you downloaded to your computer, or a ‘free’ game you play through your internet browser, most likely you clicked ‘OK’ and, buried in the fine print you agreed to having the malware files downloaded to your device. When it comes to apps and software, nothing is free.

 

When these files get downloaded to our devices, strange things begin to occur. Like my friend, a message window might randomly open up saying we have a virus or claim that our computer has been hacked and requires immediate attention. We open our internet browser and without touching a key, it will begin bringing us to websites we don’t want to go to or the screen suddenly fills with 100s of popup windows advertising everything under the sun. We could even find our inbox filling up with messages to buy things that normally require a prescription or even our phone begins to ring with telemarketers.

 

What can we do to protect our devices from these types of software?

  • First, don’t download anything unless it comes through an official app store like Google Play or Apple and even then, use caution if it says are there advertisements in the app.
  • When advertisements pop up in your browser, be careful where you click. Many of these are designed to fool you by including a ‘No Thanks’ button or even a fake X button usually on the opposite side of the window. Close the pop up using the X in the upper corner.
  • If you make a mistake and download some malware to your computer, stay calm and know that any threatening messages you receive are not real. Microsoft, Apple or Google will not send a warning message to your screen demanding you call them ‘or else…’. If you’re getting these messages, it’s most definitely fake.
  • Do not call the 800 numbers that appear on your screen, give out any personal information, or allow anyone remote access to your computer.
  • You can often get free assistance by going to the manufacturer of the device. For a Microsoft device you can get virtual assistance at support.microsoft.com, an Apple device support.apple.com or a Google/Android device go to support.google.com.
  • Sometimes we need more than help articles; there are services you can pay for help. Best Buy’s Geek Squad offers support in-home, in-store, 24/7 online and phone support at (800) 433-5778. HelloTech also offers in-home tech support, online support at hellotech.com and help over the phone (888) 485-9455. These companies are reputable, established companies unlike the 800 numbers offered in the popup windows. You may have local tech support companies in your community.
  • Stay in charge of your devices! While your son, daughter or grandchild may seem tech savvy and well meaning, unless they are a certified technology support specialist, they should not be trying to fix your computer, tablet or phone. People of every age fall victim to malware and internet scams and our well-intentioned relatives might make matters worse.

When we run into problems like these, our inclination may be to give up on technology all together, especially if we’re new to it. Technology is engrained in every part of our society though and can actually go a long way in helping us remain independent as we age. Today we can order our groceries and have them delivered to our home, call for a ride, see our doctor through a video call, pay all of our bills and connect with friends and family using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

 

It’s worth sticking with it and to learn more. Local libraries offer technology classes for adults, as well as many community and senior centers. If you’re a member of a group who would like a class on learning about how technology like tablets and smart phones can enhance your life, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan will bring a class to your organization. You can contact us at (616) 456-5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org for more information.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

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

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

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

                                                  ~Chinese Proverb

Good things come in threes

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

 

 

 

The dude abides (er, rides)

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

 

.

Beam me up, Scotty

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

 

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

 

Fun Fact:

A sneeze travels about
100 miles per hour.

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

Local nursing home helps in CMU research on Montessori program for dementia patients

3-bottom, Senior Living, , , , , ,
Delainey Smyth

By Gary H. Piatek

Central Michigan University

 

​After Delainey Smyth saw her beloved great-grandmother thrive in a nursing home, she decided she would do her best to ensure that all patients with dementia have a similar experience.

 

Now, an education method many associate with early childhood learning is giving her that opportunity.

 

The first year speech-language pathology master’s degree student is expanding on collaborative research that included Central Michigan University at a Grand Rapids’ Clark Retirement Community, a long-term care community. The study applied Montessori methods tailored to nursing home patient care, including meaningful interactions and greater communication.

 

Results showed that, after a year, residents were significantly more positive and had more feelings of self-esteem and belonging. Staff job satisfaction rose, too.

 

Natalie Douglas works with a resident from Clark Retirement Community

“If you can help someone communicate, you can help their overall well-being,” said Natalie Douglas, director of the division of speech-language pathology in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and Smyth’s mentor.

 

Douglas and her CMU team of two speech-language pathology master’s degree students presented their findings in July at an international Alzheimer’s conference in Chicago.

 

“If you can help someone communicate, you can help their overall well-being,” Natalie Douglas, director of the division of speech-language pathology.

Taking the next steps

 

Smyth plans a similar study this year at two Mount Pleasant-area nursing homes that will be the basis of her master’s thesis.

 

Before Montessori introduction at the Grand Rapids facility, residents typically spent their days eating, watching television and doing irregularly scheduled group activities that were not based on anybody’s particular interests or strengths, Douglas said.

 

A Clark Retirement Community resident works on sorting tools.

The team’s goals were to change the environment and practices to enable residents to be as independent as possible, make meaningful contributions to their community and to grow their self-esteem.

 

To achieve those goals, the teams helped rearrange the facility — creating spaces for more free movement and activity, making the environment visually organized, adding aspects of nature, and creating wayfinding cues and invitations for engagement. And they instituted Montessori for Aging and Dementia methods.

 

Those methods include enabling residents of mixed abilities to work together while encouraging them to do as much for themselves as possible. Residents are offered choices of activities that have meaning and purpose and are given uninterrupted blocks of activity time with specialized materials that they can freely choose. The staff also is trained in Montessori methods.

An experience of love and life

 

Learning from the Grand Rapids study and modifying some of those strategies, Smyth said she wants to add nursing home activities that residents normally would do in their own homes, such as cooking, gardening and laundry. Those tasks help the residents reconnect to their life experiences through all of their senses, she said.

 

Residents set a table.

Douglas said part of the cycle of dementia is that as people start to lose memory, they lose communication skills. As a result, they talk to fewer people and do fewer things, which leads to having fewer things to talk about.

 

When nursing home residents do familiar activities, Smyth explained, they are more joyful and freely talk to others about them. If you stop and listen to their stories and tailor care to each person’s experience, they will thrive.

 

“When my great-grandmother entered the nursing home, her experience was one of love and life, rather than sadness and death. I understand that many people don’t feel that way, and I’d like to change that,” she said. “It’s a challenging goal, but people in nursing homes are delightful if you just try to communicate with them.”

An early catch

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Alyssa Allen, Spectrum Health Beat

 

Photos by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

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

 

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

 

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

Harvey’s journey

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

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

 

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

 

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

Serendipity

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

How has technology transformed healthcare access?

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

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

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

Telemedicine

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

 

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

 

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

Healthcare portals

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

 

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

Personal and remote monitoring

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

 

Preparing your garden this fall for next year’s bounty

3-bottom, Education, Food, How-To's, Recreation, Senior Living, ,

By Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension

 

It is hard to believe it is time to start putting our gardens, lawns and flowers to rest for the winter. Michigan State University Extension offers these tips to make next year’s spring and summer vegetable and herb gardening easier and more fruitful.

 

As you pick and preserve your garden’s current crops, take time to prepare your soil for next year’s growing season. Remove all non-bearing, dead and diseased plants as you harvest your current crops. After frost has blackened the leaves on the remaining plants, pull them up and compost them. If they are diseased, take care not to add them to your compost pile, as many pests are able to overwinter and come back with a vengeance next spring.

Easy-to-do fall gardening chores for your vegetables

Remove all weeds and debris. This reduces homesteads for overwintering insects and diseases.

 

Till the soil. Fall is a great time to oxygenate the soil.

  • Tilling should be done once in both directions—a rough till is fine in the fall.
  • Tilling in the fall reduces the need for tilling wet, spring soil. Tilling wet soil is never recommended. Soil can be too sticky in early spring.

Add organic matter.

  • Adding organic matter, humus and manure in the fall allows time for it to become married to the soil. Organic matter is not immediately available for plants, so giving it time will have your plants functioning at peak performance earlier next spring.
  • Microorganisms are not as active in early spring; feeding them in the fall gives your garden a head start in the spring.
  • You may also choose to till in the organic matter.

A cover crop can be planted as an option to help improve your soil.

  • Winter wheat and cereal rye are good options for a Michigan garden cover crop.

If you have a very unruly area that has just gone to the weedy side, cover it with black plastic or cardboard and leave it until it’s time to plant in the spring to kill all sprouting seeds.

Easy-to-do fall gardening chores for your perennial herbs

Keeping your herb healthy during the growing season with well-drained soil, regular watering, fertilization and pruning is key to their winter survival.

 

Most herbs will also benefit from a good 2-to-4-inch mulch cover. Do not mulch heavily until after the first heavy frost—doing so before can actually weaken plants. Winter mulches help maintain soil temperatures and reduce frequent freezing and thawing.

 

It is a good time to cut dead wood from sage, oregano and thyme. Trim off dead flower heads.

 

Windbreaks or a covering of evergreen branches may also aid in the survival of many herbs, protecting them from harsh winds that tend to dry out less cold-tolerant herbs.

 

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).

Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival at Fallasburg Park, Sept. 15 & 16

3-bottom, Food, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Photo courtesy LowellArts

 

By Janet Teunis, LowellArts

 

Celebrating its 50th year, the annual Fallasburg Arts Festival is presented by LowellArts and will be held on Sept. 15 and 16. The two-day festival includes 100 fine art and fine crafts booths, timeless craft demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, and food booths.

  • Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm.
  • Admission is free.
  • Location: Fallasburg Park, 1124 Fallasburg Park Drive, Lowell, MI, 49331.
  • For more information, visit lowellartsmi.org.
Photo courtesy LowellArts

Artist booths are juried and a broad range of different mediums are represented including jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fiber, mixed media, wood, painting, drawing, photography, floral, basketry, print-making, and more. Demonstrators of traditional crafts are located in the pavilion. Visitors of all ages are invited to watch the artisans at work. Demonstrations include iron forging, mosaic, fly tying, leather craft, origami, quilting, wood carving, weaving, and more.

 

Musical entertainment is held on an outdoor stage both days of the event, featuring a variety of music styles.

 

Saturday music line-up:

  • 10:15am The Bruce Matthews Band
  • 11:30am Paddy’s Cure
  • 1pm Fauxgrass
  • 2:30pm Hawks and Owls
  • 4pm Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers
Photo courtesy LowellArts

Sunday music line-up:

  • 10:15am Lighting Matches
  • 11:30am Steam Powered Bluegrass
  • 1pm The Cheater B’s
  • 2:30pm The Adams Family

An enclosed Children’s Area provides children the opportunity to decorate and take home a pumpkin. Food booths offer an array of fall-inspired and festival foods, offered by local community organizations. Visitors are invited to purchase raffle tickets to win one of over 90 artist-made items donated by festival artists or the grand prize quilt created for the event. Annual attendance estimates are 25,000. This year’s event sponsors are Fifth Third Bank, Meijer, All-Weather Seal, and Local Spins.

 

Fallasburg Park is located off Lincoln Lake Road north of downtown Lowell at 1124 Fallasburg Park Drive, Lowell, MI. Lowell is located 14 miles east of Grand Rapids and 1-hour from Lake Michigan and Lansing. For more information, contact LowellArts at (616) 897-8545, e-mail info@lowellartsmi.org or visit lowellartsmi.org.

Something for everyone at Ah-Nah-Awen Park, Sept. 3

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Food, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, ,

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Photos courtesy West Michigan Labor Fest
What kicks off with a Labor Day Bridge Walk at 10am and goes all day long? Why, the West Michigan Labor Fest at Ah-Nah-Awen Park, from 11am-5pm Monday, Sept. 3rd.
Enjoy free admission all day to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum; free, live entertainment by Rochelle & the Spoilers, Mustang Band, Evidence, Krystal Klear, and Mark Swanson.
Fun things for the kids include a penny throwing contest, free rides on the kiddie Ferris wheel, jump for free in the Bouncy House, free rides on the Berry-Go-Round. Your little ones can also create sidewalk chalk art, enjoy free Country Fresh ice cream, and face painting.
Don’t forget the food: Patty Matters Food Truck, Coney Girl, Saladino Smoke, D&D Gluten-free Food Truck, Kona Ice, and more to be announced later. Dad (and mom) can check out the beer tent.
Local arts and crafters will be selling jewelry, candles, wood, clothes, crocheted items, fused glass art and more.
‘American Made’ car and motorcycle show and shine, with dash plaques to the first 50 cars in the show!

You don’t have to be Irish to love this Festival!

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Courtesy of Michigan Irish Music Festival

 

By Colleen Murphy, Michigan Irish Music Festival

 

Following record attendance three years in a row, the Michigan Irish Music Festival is expanding its grounds. The festival’s seventh covered stage will be positioned on The Point at Heritage Landing, space previously inaccessible to festival patrons. The Belfast Stage will feature live music, new dining options, beverage offerings, and more.

 

The Belfast Stage is named for the capital of Northern Ireland, a fitting choice since The Point is the northernmost location at Heritage Landing. Festival-goers will find everything they need near the new stage, including powder rooms with running water, a Blarney Bucks station, a bar, and two food vendors new to the festival. One such vendor is downtown Muskegon favorite Curry Kitchen, who will be serving butter chicken, samosas, and other Indian cuisines. The second vendor, Camzie’s Pizza, will offer two-topping wood-fired pizzas, as well as an Irish pizza option.

 

The Michigan Irish Music Festival runs from Sept. 13th-16th. MIMF will kick off the 2018 festival with a Pub Preview Party on Thursday night. The Pub Party will give patrons a preview of the weekend with food, beverage, and three bands in the pub tent only. Admission is $5 (cash only Thursday). The full festival opens Friday, featuring over 30 bands on seven covered stages and an extensive selection of food, beverages (domestic beer, Irish whiskey, Irish cider, and local craft beer), shopping, and cultural offerings – including some returning favorites:

  • The Celtic Highland Games All day Saturday, the Celtic Highland Games return with competitors, both men and women, participating in the stone throw, sheaf toss, 16-lb. hammer toss, weight for height and distance, and the ever-popular caber toss (a log approx. 18’- 20’ long).
  • John “Red” Shea The author of New York Times bestseller Rat Bastards returns to the festival after captivating audiences back in 2012. Shea talks about his life in the notorious Boston Irish mob, a compelling story of one of the most powerful Irish mobs in American history.
  • Celtic Beard Bout Presented by Lumbertown Beard Barons, this family-friendly beard and mustache competition celebrates facial hair of all shapes and sizes and the cultural significance of beards in Ireland.
  • Celtic Canines Come to meet the dog breeds that originated from the Emerald Isle and learn about what each breed was originally intended to do. If you’re interested in owning one for yourself, chat with the owners to find out if the breed is right for you!
  • Limerick Contest Awaken the poet within you, or just come and enjoy one of Ireland’s most popular literary traditions. Not for the faint-of-heart, experience our local authors’ pithy and humorous takes on subjects such as sex, politics, love, death, and more.
  • Learn How to Play the Bodhrán This all-ages hands-on presentation is a great introduction to the bodhrán, a percussion instrument traditionally made with a wooden body and goat-skin head and played with a double-headed stick.
  • How to Speak Gaelic Through presentations and an ongoing exhibit by West Michigan Gaeltacht, patrons can enjoy learning and speaking the Irish language.
  • Session Tent Festival musicians are joined by walk-in amateurs as they participate in impromptu jam sessions, carrying on the Irish tradition of “session music.” Bring your instrument and join in the fun!
  • Wake House Visit Cathy Jo and Steve Smith for a glimpse into the cultural traditions of an actual Irish wake. Much more than a funeral, an Irish wake is a celebration of life with three days full of dancing, drinking, and singing.

Advance tickets and festival passes are available online through Wednesday, August 29th, after which tickets are only available at the Heritage Landing box office starting on Thursday, September 13th. Patrons can save $5 per ticket versus the gate price when they buy online. The festival offers an Early-In Free promotion on Friday only from 5-6PM, sponsored by Family Financial Credit Union. Other major sponsors of the festival include G&L, Van’s Car Wash, and Budweiser. For complete festival information, visit michiganirish.org.

How to start exercising when you’re out of shape

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

By Len Canter, HealthDay

 

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

 

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

 

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

Our Take

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Published with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Fuel up for your workouts

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

 

By Christine Khamis, PA-C, Spectrum Health Beat

 

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

 

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

 

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

Pre-workout nutrition

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

 

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

 

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

 

Here are some suggestions for pre-workout fuel:

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

During workout

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

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

Post-workout nutrition

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Here are some ideas for post-workout nutrition:

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

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

 

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Labor Day happenings in West Michigan

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Courtesy Holland Area Visitors Bureau

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

Every year, the first Monday of September is designated as Labor Day: a celebration of the achievements of our nation’s workforce. Falling on Sept. 3rd this year, it’s also considered the unofficial end of summer. Take this as an opportunity to spend time with family as they head back to school, or grab some friends and enjoy a nice, long weekend seeing what’s going on in the area. Many West Michigan locations are hosting fun events throughout the weekend, meaning you won’t need to go far to find something fun each day of the three-day weekend.

Labor Day Events

Kick off your Labor Day in Holland at the Annual Labor Day Boardwalk and Pancake Breakfast on Monday, Sept. 3rd. The patriotic four-mile walk winds through Kollen Park and ends at beautiful Windmill Island Gardens where a delicious and scenic pancake breakfast will be held. Afterward, bring the family to the annual Truck Parade downtown! Big rigs that carry locally-made products rumble through downtown Holland and Zeeland, complete their route by parking at the Holland Civic Center, where free food and prizes are all part of the end-of-parade celebration.

 

The city of Muskegon has some great events planned around Labor Day that you should not miss. On Monday, Sept. 3rd, the city kicks off the holiday with their annual Labor Day parade, followed by a celebration filled with food vendors, bounce houses, prizes, and more. The 12th Annual Labor Day Community Walk in nearby Whitehall lets your family explore the White River Bridge and scenic nearby trails.

 

Labor Day weekend is a great time to make a getaway to the Greater Lansing area. Whether you’re a fan of BBQ or buffalo, you won’t want to miss the annual Chicken Wing Festival over Labor Day weekend. The event is filled with music, activities, and, of course, wings! That’s not all the capital city has to offer for the long weekend, so make your Labor Day plans today.

 

The Labor Day Bridge Walk in Cheboygan is Monday, Sept. 3rd. Participants will get to take in the complete beauty of the town while marching up and down the historic streets. The walk will be followed by a community picnic, the perfect place to socialize with friends and family.

 

Courtesy Kiwanis Club of Boyne City

There are tons of events happening in the Boyne City area over Labor Day weekend. Follow the sounds of oldies music to Veterans Park and the Boyne Kiwanis Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 1st. A visit to the area over Labor Day weekend can also include watching sailing races on Lake Charlevoix or drag races at the Boyne City Airport. To further help you plan your travels, the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce has a special events calendar for Labor Day and beyond.

 

After your short Labor Day work week, stop by Marshall from Sept. 8th to 9th for the 55th Annual Historic Home Tour. This legendary event features eight historic homes, a Civil War Ball, Art Faire, Civil War Encampment, and so much more.

Labor Day specials and packages

With Labor Day coming up, the long weekend poses the perfect opportunity to squeeze in one last getaway to Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire. With boating, biking, golf and more, Shanty Creek offers the perfect balance of relaxation and recreation.

 

Stop by Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont, where veterans golf for free this Labor Day weekend. This great deal includes a cart and your choice of 9 or 18 holes.

 

Spend Labor Day weekend at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Williamsburg! Featuring golf specials on all three championship courses, live music at the private Beach Club, and countless activities for kids, this is one deal that you do not want to miss. Check out the full calendar of events to plan your visit.

 

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is packing so many great deals and activities into Labor Day weekend that it’s almost hard to believe! On Saturday, Sept. 1st, enjoy a “float-in” movie in the pool. Come back on Sunday, Sept. 2nd, for one last splash pool party to wrap up summer. On Monday, Sept. 3rd, celebrate the unofficial last day of summer with some fantastic two-for-one discounts on laser tag, climbing wall passes, adventure course tickets, and much more!

 

Courtesy Crystal Mountain

This Labor Day weekend take the opportunity to discover quaint communities during a getaway to Coldwater Country. Home to more than 100 lakes, it’s a haven for relaxation on the water. You can also stop by the area’s unique shops, which includes everything from antiques to magic. End the day with a performance at Tibbits Opera House or a movie at one of Michigan’s most iconic drive-in movie theatres, the Capri Drive-In Theatre.

 

Spend this Labor Day at TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids and enjoy 20% off your ticket price on Monday, Sept. 3rd.

 

Located at Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake, Tommy’s is hosting a Labor Day sale on Sept. 1st and 2nd. Purchase everything you need to get out on the water, including boards and skis, life jackets, inflatables, and more. If you’re not in the market to purchase gear, you can rent everything you need from Tommy’s to enjoy the holiday weekend on Walloon Lake!

Eat and drink your way through the holiday

Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo knows that Labor Day weekend is a time for family fun. Don’t let the fun stop by visiting one of their on-site restaurants for a hand-crafted meal that your taste buds will thank you for.

 

Start off the long Labor Day weekend at Vineyard 2121 in Benton Harbor on Friday, Aug. 31st for fire-baked pizzas and live music. Wrap up the weekend at Sangria Sunday where you can sip on some tasty sangria and tap your feet to live music all night long!

 

Courtesy JW Marriott

Don’t feel like grilling out this Labor Day? No problem! Stop by Grand Rapids and indulge in a unique and delectable meal with friends and family at six.one.six, located inside the JW Marriott. If you’re looking for drinks, check out The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck’s affordable Happy Hour to go along with some mouthwatering eats.

 

Jam out at Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids this Labor Day weekend with live performances on Saturday and Sunday. While you’re there, don’t forget to taste some of their legendary brews or pick up a six-pack in the gift shop to take a taste of Founders home with you.

 

MyNorth Tickets has beer-centric events that are perfect to add to your long holiday weekend. Head out to the picturesque slopes of Treetops Resort in Gaylord on Sunday, Sept. 2nd for Beer, Blues & BBQ. Your visit will include plenty of stellar blues rock, frosty beers, and great food! Visit MyNorth Tickets’ website for a full calendar of events in Northern Michigan.

On the shelf: ‘The Hot Flash Club’ by Nancy Thayer

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By Laura Nawrot, Grand Rapids Public Library, Ottawa Hills Branch

 

When I picked up this book, I was looking for something light to read that involved characters that I could relate to—and I was not disappointed. In The Hot Flash Club, Nancy Thayer introduces the reader to four very diverse women ranging in age from fifty-two to sixty-two. The only things they have in common are a mutual acquaintance and the process of menopause.

 

I found my self quickly drawn into the world of Faye, Alice, Shirley and Marilyn, characters who give the term “aging gracefully” a whole new meaning.

 

As the four women plunge into an unexpected relationship with each other, they explore many current women’s issues with gentle humor, honesty, and nerve. Rather than viewing menopause as the end of childbearing years, Thayer suggests it is the launching point into late middle-age. Her characters are far too busy living their lives and following their dreams to focus on things that might hold them back, like arthritis, divorce, retirement and widowhood. Those topics are simply a part of their lives, not the main focus, and this positive approach works well within the framework of the story.

 

While the story holds a lighter tone than works by authors such as Elizabeth Berg, it is an entertaining and positive look at women and aging, as well as being a gentle reminder that life is a journey, not a destination, and our perception of the process is vital to how much we enjoy the ride.

For the culinarily challenged

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

By Spectrum Health Beat

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Food rules: An eater’s guide

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Call 616.391.1875 to make a personalized nutrition counseling appointment.

 

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

Confronting Dementia

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

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

Response

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

 

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

Communications Strategies

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

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

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

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

 

Going green in West Michigan

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

It’s important to take care of our planet, and luckily, many West Michigan businesses are helping, one step at a time. These organizations that are making sure they’re taking care of the environment, while still providing the best experience for travelers. Keep an eye out for some of the green practices that West Michigan businesses are adopting next time you stop by.

Environmentally friendly places to stay

Grand Rapids’s CityFlatsHotel is the first LEED Gold-certified hotel in the Midwest. In addition, AHC+Hospitality properties, located in downtown Grand Rapids, each participate in green initiatives. The Downtown Courtyard Marriott ships partially used soaps to Clean the World, where they are sanitized and sent to people in need. The nearby Amway Grand Plaza is going strawless across all of the hotel’s outlets, while the JW Marriott focuses on recycling throughout the hotel. These properties are all helping preserve the environment.

 

In Mecosta County, being eco-friendly is something that hospitality businesses have been doing for years. Most of the hotels have a detailed green program as part of hotel policy. The Holiday Inn and Conference Center is the best example of a company with an eco-friendly initiative, known as the “Green Engage” system.

 

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is dedicated to sustainability throughout all of the resort’s offerings. For their Farm-to-Table series, the Crystal Mountain culinary team works with local farms, making personal visits to build a custom three-course menu. Their spa has also been named Sustainable Resort Spa Of The Year by Green Spa Network. Relax knowing that your stay at Crystal Mountain comes with an eye for sustainability.

Eat and drink with sustainable initiatives

Downtown Market (file photo)

The Downtown Market in Grand Rapids was the first market in the country to receive LEED Gold certification. Inside and outside, from the ground to the rooftop, Downtown Market has put thoughtful effort into making an environmentally friendly facility.

 

The Mitten Brewing Company in Grand Rapids has successfully launched its new Sustainability Program. With the craft beer industry a driving force in the Michigan economy, it is important that they implement a program for environmental responsibility. In the first few months, they replaced much of their disposable materials, such as napkins, straws, and trash bags with eco-friendly industrial compostable alternatives. They have begun to track data and progress toward a more water-efficient establishment, a task not easily undertaken in the brewing industry. Upcoming projects include partnerships with BarFly Ventures Sustainability Program as well as evaluating the energy efficiency of their buildings.

 

Brewery Vivant, also in Grand Rapids, is the epitome of an eco-friendly business here in Michigan. They’re the first LEED-certified microbrewery in the world, and they’re a certified B Corp, a Gold-level, bicycle-friendly business, and, in 2016, they installed 192 solar panels atop the brewery and pub, making them the 31st largest brewery solar array in the world. Their dedication to being eco-friendly continues with their use of local farms, meaning that the ingredients going into your beer or meal is being produced not too far away.

 

Being green and environmentally-friendly doesn’t tell the whole story at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo. They view sustainability as the capacity for their business to thrive in future generations, all while using practices that focus on good environmental stewardship. They want to act in ways that provide benefits now and for generations to come. Reducing impact, increasing energy efficiency, and recycling only scratch the surface. Bell’s invites you to join them for a free brewery tour in Comstock and Kalamazoo to learn more about how they approach sustainability. Reserve your tour on their website.

 

Be green the next time you decide to go out with your friends for a cold one. Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo has a pet-friendly beer garden with direct access to the Kalamazoo River and Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. This means that you can get to Arcadia by kayaking, canoeing, biking, and walking. Instead of driving, hop on one of these trails next time you make your way to Arcadia. They also installed 536 solar panels in 2016, generating equivalent to roughly 25% of the brewery and tavern’s total consumption.

 

Grand Rapids Brewing Company (courtesy Barfly Ventures)

Virtue Cider in Fennville minimizes environmental impact in many aspects of their business. They purchase fruit direct from local farms in southwest Michigan, which keeps the supply chain short and their carbon footprint small. Their cider houses use extremely minimal climate control, just as traditional European cider makers did and still do today. In fact, their fermentation cider house is underground, which maintains a more consistent temperature year-round without climate control. You can view these facilities during one of their regularly offered tours. Additionally, the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program named Virtue Cider an Environmentally Verified Farm in December 2016, a distinction that they are very proud to have earned.

 

Barfly Ventures is working hard to be sustainable across all 14 of their locations. These include HopCat in Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, and Stella’s Lounge in Grand Rapids, all of which participate in this program. Through their various sustainability efforts, Barfly Ventures has been able to divert waste, recycle, protect clean water, and be more energy efficient.

 

Visit the Holland Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and support local agriculture. By purchasing locally grown produce, you’re helping to cut back on packaging and emissions that would otherwise be used to transport goods to grocery stores from across the country.

Things to do while going green

When looking for eco-friendly practices and sustainability take notice of the historic architecture and charming small towns throughout West Michigan. They epitomize the green effort, and one of the shining examples of preservation in this part of the state is the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, built in 1882. According to the National Trust, “The greenest building is the one already built.” The organization affirms, “historic preservation is the very definition of sustainability: a smart, efficient way to reuse a community’s resources and keep its character at the same time.”

 

Saugatuck Antique Pavilion is not only reducing, reusing, and recycling, but they are also updating their lighting system throughout with LED lighting in an effort to cut down on energy use. Stop by the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion and save both money and the planet!

 

Courtesy Saugatuck Antique Market

Park the car and make your way around Muskegon on your bike. They have over 100 miles of trails for you to explore, including the paved Musketawa Trail from Muskegon to Marne through farmlands, wetlands, and villages. When you bike through West Michigan, you’re saving the Earth from your car’s emissions, so give it a shot. The environment will thank you.

 

The business of vacationing itself in South Haven makes it easy to go green. Downtown, the river, beaches, and attractions are all within walking distance. You can easily park your car for a week and never have the need to drive, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Enjoy the refreshingly clean breezes of South Haven.

Metro Health Village: Go the extra mile for better health

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

metro-health-a-great-place-to-walkBy Metro Health-University of Michigan Health

 

Walking is as simple as it gets for a gentle, low-impact exercise that just about anyone can enjoy. In fact, walking can help prevent and improve many common health issues like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression, to name a few. All you need is a good, supportive pair of walking shoes and a safe place to walk, like Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Avenue in Wyoming.

 

Metro Health Village has a number of walking routes and even a bike trail — all perfect for an afternoon stroll with the kids or a quick, weeknight workout. Download a Walking/Bike Route map here.

 

Need a little push to get started? Check out the Couch to 5K Training Program. Even if you’re not looking to set any world records, this program will have you up and active in no time!

 

Motivation is key when starting a new physical activity. Here are some ideas to help you stay focused and interested every day:

  • Wear a pedometer. Increase your steps a little every day until you reach the recommended 10,000 steps a day.
  • Get a walking partner – a friend, spouse, child, even the dog!
  • Sign up for a race or charity walk like the Metro Way 5K & Family Fun Run or the American Heart Association Heart Walk. An upcoming event gives you a goal to reach.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Park farther from the door when running errands.
  • Plan a walking meeting at work.

Walking Safety Tips

Above all, it’s important to stay safe, no matter where or when you walk.

  • Walk with a buddy whenever possible.
  • Carry your name, address and a friend or relative’s phone number in your shoe or pocket.
  • Wear a medical bracelet if you have diabetes, an allergy or other condition.
  • Carry a cell phone, and let someone know you’re walking routes.
  • Avoid deserted or unlit streets, especially after dark.
  • Do not use headsets that prevent you from hearing traffic.
  • Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.
  • Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.