Balanced Family Summer Issue 2015

BALANCED

SUMMER ISSUE | 2015

BALANCEDMAG.COM

FAMILY HEALTH | WELLNESS | PARENTING | LIVING

ART FAMILY

THE

OF

Megan Van Voorhis works to bring art to her family – and others across Northeast Ohio

SAVING FOR COLLEGE 12 | NURTURING YOUR MARRIAGE 14 | REGINA BRETT: SUMMERTIME IS MEANT FOR FAMILY FUN 38

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Healthy Aging Information Menorah Park Campus & Services

Financial & Legal Information

Resource Hotline 216-839-6678 Free Social Work Support 216-402-0895 Events Sponsored by the Barbara and Earl Franklin Fund Overall Program Supported by the David N. and Inez Myers Fund

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INSIDE

r

BALANCED KIDS

6 8 4 38

FAMILY MATTERS

In the spirit of the start of summer, Balanced Family Editor Michael C. Butz recalls a 2009 road trip

REGINA BRETT

Fun in the sun: Summertime is meant for adventures and family activities, and Northeast Ohio offers plenty of opportunities for both

On the cover THE ART OF FAMILY

Megan Van Voorhis works to bring art to her family – and others across Northeast Ohio Cover and photo below by Laura Watilo Blake

16

From left, Logan, Megan, Connor and Kress Van Voorhis walk along a Lake Erie breakwall at Cleveland Metroparks’ Huntington Beach in Bay Village.

SUMMER BREAK

Options abound for successful and (relatively) stressfree family vacations

DEVELOPING HEALTHY HABITS

Healthy living takes a village – and starts at home

BALANCED ADULTS

12 14

SAVE, DON’T WORRY

When it comes to college, start early – but don’t lose sight of financial assistance that can be obtained along the way

MAKING LOVE WORK

Effective communication and spending quality time together are key to nurturing marriages

BALANCED BODY

24 28

ACQUIRING THE TASTE

Dining out doesn’t have to be a lost cause nutritiously, you just have to make good decisions

DOGS ON THE RUN

The weather is great for bringing along your four-legged friend on a run, but before you do, keep in mind the dog’s health and well-being

BALANCED MIND

32 34 balancedmag.com

PEACE OF MIND

Taking steps to age-proof your brain can pay off in the long run

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Academic, social benefits aplenty to be found in Northeast Ohio lifelong learning programs

SUMMER 2015 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 3

BALANCED

FAMILY

MATTERS FROM EDITOR MICHAEL C. BUTZ

Making memories

A

bout this time of year six years ago, I hit the road with two friends of mine as we embarked on a two-week crosscountry trip.

The Bixby Creek Bridge along California’s Pacific Coast Highway in 2009.

It was planned to coincide with Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer for many, and it took us through the back roads of Kansas, over the Rocky Mountains just outside of Denver, to Las Vegas’ alwaysbusy Strip, back and forth over the Hollywood Walk of Fame, along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, through the halls of Pike Place Market in Seattle, up to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and in the end, to visit friends living in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

While the three of us were thankful to see Cleveland’s skyline from Interstate 90 as we returned from our 6,537mile odyssey, our experiences on that road trip – walking 30 minutes from our hotel to the Fountains of Bellagio at 3 a.m. (when we finally arrived in Las Vegas) only to discover the famous choreographed show didn’t run 24 hours a day,

searching for John Steinbeck’s old house in Monterey, and working Cleveland connections to appear in the studio audience during a taping of “The Price is Right” – remain humorous topics of conversation and fond memories to this day.

And so it is with summer.

Not only is it the best time of year to get outdoors and enjoy yourself – especially in the wake of Northeast Ohio’s often long, often cold winters – but it’s also a great time for both youngsters and the young at heart to make lifelong memories.

While my friends and I wouldn’t be able to replicate that exact trip today – my two friends are both expecting their first children later this year – there’s no shortage of vacation options (road trips or otherwise) for families. In fact, we touch on several things to consider when planning family vacations in this issue of Balanced Family.

Likewise, columnist Regina

FAMILY Editor Michael C. Butz editorial@balancedmag.com Art Director Jon Larson Contributing Columnist Regina Brett Contributing Writer Jonah L. Rosenblum

Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Publisher & CEO Kevin S. Adelstein Director of Sales Adam Mandell CJN Managing Editor Bob Jacob

4 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

Brett touches on some of many summer themes in her piece for this issue, and in the process, mentions a number of interesting summer activities that children, parents and grandparents alike can undertake right here in Greater Cleveland.

And building off that, we feature Megan Van Voorhis, whose work as chief operating officer of Community Partnership for Arts and Culture helps bolster arts offerings for families to enjoy – or take part in – over the summer and/or all year long.

You’ll find those stories and much more in this issue of Balanced Family, which I hope you’ll take with you to read during any road trips, flights or beach visits you and your family embark on this summer.

Controller Tracy DiDomenico Director of Publishing Operations & Digital Strategy RJ Pooch Events & Marketing Manager Kelly R. Millet Editorial Jacqueline Mitchell Kristen Mott Ed Wittenberg Carlo Wolff Advertising Marcia Bakst Paul Bram Ron Greenbaum Andy Isaacs Adam Jacob Nell V. Kirman Gina Lloyd Sherry Tilson Design Rob Ghosh Frida Kon Stephen Valentine Business Diane Adams Tammie Crawford Abby Royer Display Advertising 216-342-5204 adsales@cjn.org

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Dustin, Chuck and Virgil have a combined total of 5 “Fit Kids” under the age of nine plus one on the way!

Fitness Equipment Safety For Families Kids love fitness equipment! However, over 24,000 people ended up in the emergency room last year with injuries related to treadmills alone. A fourth of those injuries were kids.

We have 5 main pieces of advice when talking to families about buying fitness equipment for their home.

1. TEACH. TEACH. TEACH! “We teach our kids that fitness equipment is for GROWNS UP ONLY. They’ve heard it from the time they could crawl” says Chuck Herman, Specialty Fitness Equipment’s Managing Partner. “Kids will be kids, but my goal is to always be in the back of their head saying “Don’t touch!”

Unfortunately, they have seen two significant injuries related to fitness equipment with their friends, including a treadmill burn and a broken bone from playing with weights.”

2. KEEP FITNESS EQUIPMENT IN A SEPARATE SPACE AWAY FROM FAMILY AREAS. In a perfect world fitness equipment would be placed in its own room with a door to keep small children away. “It’s not realistic for all families to have a designated room just for fitness, so keep equipment in a segregated area of the basement that isn’t next to Legos and the Wii,” says Specialty Fitness Equipment’s Virgil Wahome. “One important tip to remember is to face the back end of a treadmill towards an empty room. This way if a user trips and falls the treadmill will push them to a safe open space versus a wall.”

3. ENSURE CHILDREN ARE SAFELY SEPARATED FROM THE WORK OUT AREA WHILE PARENTS ARE WORKING OUT, advices Dustin Goldstein also with Specialty Fitness Equipment. “Our son is crawling all over, but when I sneak in a workout I always make sure he is entertained in his Pack N Play. He’s happy and I don’t have to worry about him touching something he shouldn’t.”

4. UNPLUG TREADMILLS AND REMOVE THE KEY WHEN YOUR WORKOUT IS DONE. Most treadmills come with a magnetic key that “kills” the motor, but unplugging the treadmill ensures with absolute certainty that the motor won’t start to begin with.

5. SPEND A LITTLE MORE MONEY FOR EQUIPMENT WITH SAFETY FEATURES. “My favorite piece of equipment in my house are “twist and lock dumbbells”. When I’m done using them I simply remove the dumbbell handle or set the unit to the max weight so it’s impossible for my kids to pick up”, says Chuck Herman. Remember to buy fitness equipment from a reputable authorized fitness equipment provider. Buying used equipment person to person, from places like Craigslist, allows for too many unknowns with the mechanics and maintenance, both of which can compromise the safety of a piece.

For questions about safety features on current equipment or considering the safest choices on new equipment please call us at 216-282-5880 or email us at sales@SpecialtyFitnessEquipment.com. www.SpecialtyFitnessEquipment.com

balanced kids

Summer break Options abound for successful and (relatively) stress-free family vacations

By Jonah L. Rosenblum

raveling with children conjures two different images. There’s the mother, father and child running by the ocean together – happily holding hands.

Then, there’s the temper tantrum on the airplane – with fellow passengers silently glaring from rows away.

For more of the former and less of the latter, experts recommend planning carefully.

For starters, there are many great destinations to pick from.

“Children are not as different from adults as a lot of people consider them,” says Arielle Cohen, with TMC Travel. “They enjoy seeing

6 | BALANCEdfamily | summer 2015

amazing landscapes and our national wonders as well as going to museums. Figure out what your children’s interests are and see where they can go.”

Disney, of course, boasts a wide number of amusement parks and guided tours, targeted at adults and children alike.

“Disney is very good at realizing its dual audience,” Cohen says. “As a parent, it’s wonderful to see your child enjoying themselves, just the magical look on their

face when they’re seeing a character for the first time or unbelievably seeing the castle for the first time.”

Parents may want to look into all-inclusive places, says Arlene Goldberg, with Action Travel Center in Solon.

She says there are plenty of places where babies and children under 12 can stay and eat for free.

Parents may also want to look into hotels and resorts that offer some form of child care. At many resorts, children might be able to engage in one activity while parents engage in another, like snorkeling or windsurfing.

“More and more resorts, even if they’re not

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BALANCED KIDS ADD-ONS AND UPGRADES

all-inclusive, they seem to now cater to families and give them complementary programs for their kids,” Goldberg says. “That’s what attracts many people to these resorts.”

A cruise is also a great option. Goldberg says children love interacting with the characters on Disney Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean also caters to children with its DreamWorks experience, allowing children to interact with their favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda.

Getting to the destination also requires careful planning.

Particularly with flying, parents should consider what times work best for their children and whether their children will have problems with their ears popping. If so, a pacifier or sucker can help.

Benadryl can also help calm children.

Even if a parent restricts electronics around the house, a flight or car ride might be the perfect time to loosen the rules.

“There are a lot of families that limit their kids’ screen time and justifiably so,” Cohen says, “but it is nice to be able to give them the unlimited screen time when they’re in the travel process so that it’s something special and so that they know they can enjoy themselves and keep themselves occupied.”

Timing matters – middle of the week and middle of the day flights may be more

balancedmag.com

relaxed – but less so these days.

“Today, all planes are filled and packed,” Goldberg says.

“They’re jamming them up.”

Fidgety children might benefit from an aisle seat, so they can take a walk and use the restroom without bothering fellow passengers.

Ideally, a family can get a row to itself.

For short trips, driving may be best.

“By the time they go to the airport and check-in and take that flight and get their bag and get to their destination, they might as well have driven,” Goldberg says. “For families, they certainly save a lot of money by driving.”

Rest stops can be a critical ally on the road.

“I would definitely budget in additional time for stops, at minimum a 20-minute stop for every two hours,” Cohen says. “That breaks up the monotony at some level and it allows everybody to get out of a tight space and take a breath and stretch their legs.”

All aspects of transport need to be considered, particularly when traveling with babies – even the transfer bus from the airport to the hotel.

Hassle aside, Cohen says a family vacation is worth the effort.

“I think a lot of families, or people in general, don’t realize how amazing family vacations can be,” Cohen says. BF

These amenities might cost extra – but they’re worth considering for family travel: Extra seat: To put the baby on your lap or on the seat next to you, that is the question. An extra seat is a significant expense, but may lead to a more relaxing flight.

Hotel suite: If having Mom, Dad and kids in one room doesn’t sound like a dream come true, you might want to consider purchasing a hotel suite.

Travel agent: Travel agents are often free, since they’re frequently paid on commission, and their knowledge may well be worth any nominal fee.

– Jonah L. Rosenblum

“More and more resorts, even if they’re not all-inclusive, they seem to now cater to families and give them complementary programs for their kids. That’s what attracts many people to these resorts.”

Arlene Goldberg Action Travel Center

SUMMER 2015 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 7

balanced kids

Developing healthy habits Healthy living takes a village – and starts at home

By Jonah L. Rosenblum

hen adults try to stay in shape, they frequently take a team approach.

Perhaps it’s a gym buddy, a personal trainer, a running group or a soccer league.

8 | BALANCEdfamily | summer 2015

Why should your kids be any different?

“Everybody needs a partner,” says Natalie Rudd, senior director of regional community outreach at the Cleveland Clinic.

“If I want somebody to exercise with me, make me accountable. Let’s meet at the gym at whatever time, and because I know you’re there and you’re my support, I’m going to go. (It’s the) same thing for a kid.”

Children need a partner – and a role model.

If parents are watching football and plowing through a bag of Doritos on the couch, why wouldn’t their child? Watching television is already tempting enough.

“Even when they’re teenagers and they’re ignoring you, they’re still watching you,” says Dr. Anna Winfield, pediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic. “You’re the constant role model in your kids’ life. It doesn’t change.”

Kids need guidance now more than ever, with the tablet, television and video game all serving as temptations. Winfield says parents will tell her that their kids don’t watch television – only to find out they’re

watching Netflix on their phones and playing video games on their tablets. She’ll enter a patient room and find everyone on their smartphone or tablet. Parents will order children to put down their phones, while remaining on the phone themselves.

Winfield recommends setting firm limits. She says a television should not be in a child’s bedroom, and tablets and phones should not accompany them to bed, where they could potentially get in the way of sleep. When a family takes a walk together, phones should be stowed away, or better yet, left at home.

Technology is one challenge. Another is that parents are increasingly concerned about letting their children out alone.

Recently, parents in Silver Spring, Md., made national headlines when they got in trouble for letting their children roam the neighborhood unsupervised. That’s not going to help.

If parents aren’t going to let their children go out alone, they may need to go with them. They may also need to take a more active role than prior generations in helping

balancedmag.com

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balanced kids their children find playmates, Winfield says.

Exercise can be as simple as walking – but playing a sport, running a marathon, hula hooping or dancing might make it more enticing.

Parents don’t need to have elaborate plans. Winfield points out that at an elementary school playground, you’ll see children essentially running around in circles. As long as parents provide their children with toys and a safe place to play, they’ll be able to entertain themselves.

“I think we fall into the trap that everyone needs to be entertained all the time or that everyone needs to be doing something all the time,” Winfield says.

But Cleveland is so cold and rainy, people say. That’s hardly an excuse. Even in January and

February, the average high is in the mid-30s. That’s easily warm enough for a jog, run or walk.

As for rain, the average precipitation for any given month never tops 4 inches, compared to four months of 4-plus inches in Seattle and eight months of 4-plus inches in Houston.

“When they say come out with me, you go,” Winfield says.

“The kids don’t generally mind if it’s cold or rainy or wet. It’s the parents that don’t want to go with them.”

If it’s really cold, kids can run around the house – or cook.

“You’re spending more time inside, so why not start cooking together,” Rudd says.

Beyond teaching children healthy habits that they’ll need when they go off on their own, cooking together increases the chances that they’ll eat healthy.

“Kids are going to be more likely to eat what they’ve cooked,” Winfield says.

Letting a child rinse the lettuce or pick out fruits and vegetables at the grocery store will get them more engaged in the process.

And then, Winfield says there’s evidence that people eat healthier and less when they eat together.

Getting children to live healthy lives is no different than the slogan used in Nike’s LeBron James-returns-toCleveland commercial: “1, 2, 3, Hard Work. 4, 5, 6, Together.”

It’s easy to give up. My child can’t put his Xbox down.

My child only likes French fries and pasta.

“Give them a little bit more credit,” Winfield says. “They’re more adventurous than you think.” BF

Many happy hours spent with friends of the same vintage.

“Even when they’re teenagers and they’re ignoring you, they’re still watching you.

You’re the constant role model in your kids’ life.”

Dr. Anna Winfield Cleveland Clinic

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balanced adults

Save, don’t worry When it comes to college, start early – but don’t lose sight of financial assistance that can be obtained along the way

By Jonah L. Rosenblum

arents may not agree on much.

Fear of college, they can agree on.

For parents with children younger than 18, paying for college is the top financial concern, according to Gallup, with 73 percent worrying about not having saved enough.

Even in households that make $100,000-plus annually, 61 percent are concerned about having enough saved.

Scott Weingold, co-founder of the College Planning Network in Beachwood, sees that concern frequently.

While the College Planning Network offers a variety of services, including finding the right “fit” and crafting a résumé, those aren’t the services parents are most interested in.

Weingold says that paying

12 | BALANCEdfamily | summer 2015

for college is the top concern of 90 to 95 percent of the families he works with.

“It’s one thing to talk about it because you know you should,” Weingold says, “but once you have a kid in high school, and they’re actually starting to talk about the process, and you’re like, ‘Oh my goodness, I don’t have enough for one semester, let alone four years, and I have three kids.’ Then, it gets real.”

They’re right to worry.

College costs keep going up, and as grandparents live longer and incur more medical costs, many families are forced to support multiple family members at once.

“It’s a bad situation where a lot of smart kids somehow

don’t have the means or the parents don’t know how to maneuver the loan situation and they don’t go to college,” says Michael Leichner of Leichner Financial Group in Woodmere.

Fortunately, the George W. Bush Administration gave parents an excellent tool with which to save up for college, according to Shane Bigelow, managing partner at AllianceBernstein in Cleveland: the 529. As long as the money is used toward college expenses, it can be taken out tax-free.

Leichner recommends monthly payments into the 529 to avoid the highs and lows of the stock market. For many younger families, with

balancedmag.com

balanced adults lesser means and more time to save, a monthly payment may be only $100 to $200.

On the other hand, Leichner says he had a doctor put away $100,000 all at once.

The 529 can even turn into a team effort. In many families, grandparents and other relatives will join parents in contributing to a child’s 529.

A donation can even make for a nice Christmas or Chanukah gift.

Leichner says that he will have his clients name a school and then take a look at what the school costs now and what it is projected to cost 10 to 15 years later when their child is expected to go to college.

In lieu of advanced projection software, parents can use The College Board’s “Big Future” website to get an

idea of how much their child’s dream school might cost.

“If you know what you have to do, sometimes you work harder and you get it done,” Leichner says.

The reality, however, is that many families will fall short of raising enough for college.

That’s OK. “Don’t think you have to come up with it all,” Weingold says. “Unless you are a very high-income family that has significant disposable income to sock away toward college, the odds of you actually saving enough to send all of your kids to college are slim to none.”

That’s where understanding the process comes in.

Grants and scholarships can severely cut into sticker price.

For example, the average price for tuition and fees falls from

$9,139 to $3,030 at a four-year public college and $31,230 to $12,360 at a private nonprofit college – not including those who give up for lack of an affordable option.

Weingold recommends everyone fill out a FAFSA, a free application for federal student aid. Many families make the mistake of believing they make too much to qualify.

The College Board estimates of the $122.7 billion in scholarships and grants in 2013-2014, 40 percent came from the federal government – and that money is only accessible after filling out a FAFSA. Colleges also offer financial aid. Parents and children should become engaged in learning what their options are – and how best to attain them.

Being a model student doesn’t hurt. If a child can get great grades and find an extracurricular that he or she is passionate about and will make the student stand out, they’re more likely to be offered generous financial aid packages.

“The better the student is positioned to look like an asset to the college, the better your chances are of getting a lot of money from the school,” Weingold says.

Still, everyone agrees saving now is a good idea.

“The bottom line is that parents should start putting away money for college as soon as the baby is born,” Leichner says. “When (they) graduate school, you’re going to be glad you did it and joyous that they’re successful.” BF

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BALANCED ADULTS

Making

love work

Effective communication and spending quality time together are key to nurturing marriages

By Jonah L. Rosenblum

elationships aren’t easy. Just consider that a significant percentage of marriages, the relationships people vow will last until “death do us part,” end in divorce.

Alan Federman, a Cleveland Heights therapist who frequently works with couples, says modern relationships face pressures they may not have a generation or two ago.

For example, people are much more likely to have friends of the opposite sex now. They’re also more likely to stay in touch with them using new technologies like text messaging and social media. The combination creates opportunities for crossing boundaries and jealousy.

Federman says openness

14 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

is the key. Allowing a romantic partner to know what’s going on – and inviting him or her along every once in a while – can help nip any concerns in the bud.

“That kind of openness will make it viable,” Federman says.

Federman adds that the twin concepts of “man time” and “ladies night out” are relatively new challenges to a relationship.

“It used to be if you were a couple, you did things as a couple,” Federman says.

“That was it.”

Again, including one’s

significant other in the plans every once in a while can be helpful.

Even more important is keeping a balance so both partners have opportunities to leave the house.

Both challenges rely on good communication – and that is generally considered the hallmark of a good relationship.

“If you don’t have an operating system for communicating on a dayto-day basis or in times of conflict, you’re kind of screwed, because this piece of the pie affects every other

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BALANCED ADULTS piece of the pie,” Cleveland relationship coach Kathy Dawson says.

Sometimes, good communication is about knowing when not to communicate.

Dawson recommends allowing tempers to cool during a fight and setting a time to reconvene within 24 hours.

The time in between can be used to try to understand where the other person is coming from.

Federman says that most of the problems that come up in his practice are problems that both partners contribute to.

Of course, the most important thing in a relationship is feeling connected. For many, that feeling subsides and they find themselves wondering whether the love is gone.

“It’s so common that couples will go through periods that the passion and the initial thrill is not there,” Federman says. “You just don’t feel it and you begin to think, even if you’re not fighting, you begin to think maybe the love has gone out of the relationship.”

For those who are bored in their relationship, Dawson

has a quick rejoinder: don’t be boring.

Spend time together – and have fun together.

One-on-one time is critical, and mixing up “date night” activities is equally important.

“You need to have time in which your relationship takes priority,” Federman says.

Dawson stresses carving out one-on-one time every day. A kiss on the cheek when getting out of bed, an embrace before work and an “I’m thinking of you” text message during the workday can go a long way.

She adds that while surface-level talk – “did you do the dishes?” – is important, in an ideal relationship the conversation hits other levels as well. The “sub-surface” allows couples to talk about intellectual pursuits like politics; the “deep” level allows couples to share their feelings; and the “ocean floor” is when someone feels truly understood, “the most connected feeling you will have with any other human being.”

“If you’re floating to the top too much and you’re living on the surface day in and day out, that’s a red flag,” Dawson says. BF

HOW NOT TO COMMUNICATE We’ve discussed good ways to communicate.

There are also ways not to communicate. We all know yelling, interrupting and using expletives don’t help. Here are a few more subtle ways you might be hurting your relationship, from relationship coach Kathy Dawson: Sarcasm: Just because one person finds it funny doesn’t mean the other person does.

Avoidance: Don’t shove things under the rug. Oftentimes, they only grow.

Don’t Go On: The “go-oner” just “wants to make sure you get what I’m saying” and will keep on saying it until he or she feels validated. The problem with this? “They beat it into the ground to the point where the (other) person is checked out.

They’re standing there, but they’re not listening at all,” Dawson says.

The Silent Treatment: This is the worst, most abusive thing we can do because it leaves the other person out to dry. The other person doesn’t know when things will return to normal, if ever.

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SUMMER 2015 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 15

ART FAMILY

THE

OF

Megan Van Voorhis works to bring art to her family – and others across Northeast Ohio Story by Carlo Wolff Photography by Laura Watilo Blake

M

egan Van Voorhis doesn’t have a problem doing what she wants. Her career trajectory has been clear – if not quite straight – since she was a kid, and she has a knack for putting it all together, uniting madness and method in career and at home.

16 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

A former dancer, Van Voorhis is a passionate believer in the value of arts and culture.

She networks, she crunches numbers, she lobbies – and that’s just her job. At the same time, she’s married and the mother of two sons, and knows how to keep work and family separate.

The former Megan Dufresne has been married since 2001 to Kress (aka “K.C.”) Van Voorhis. They and their sons, Connor and Logan, live in Bay Village. Connor will be 11 in June. Logan is 6.

As chief operating officer at the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture since 2012, Van Voorhis, who is 38, views number crunching as art. To her, art and number crunching are equally important.

In a wide-ranging interview at CPAC

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From left, Kress, Megan, Connor and Logan Van Voorhis walk along a Lake Erie breakwall at Cleveland Metroparks’ Huntington Beach, which is near the family’s home in Bay Village.

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SUMMER 2015 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 17

offices in downtown Cleveland, Van Voorhis, a trim native of Flint, Mich., said she’s grateful her parents pushed for her to be on the “gifted track” in fifth grade.

At the time, Flint public schools had robust programs in theater and instrumental music, and it was natural for her to enroll in the modern dance program at The Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in modern dance in 1998.

But there was another side to her than dance.

Even at Ohio State, where she focused on dance performance and choreography, she sensed another calling, so she spoke to her department chair, and “we started talking about things that really make it possible for creative people to live and work, the business side, the policy implications that affect it, the resources that are available,” she said.

As fellow dance students struggled to prepare for daunting careers, Van Voorhis came to realize she wanted a profession in which she could combine her passion for art with developing the building blocks required to sustain it.

She began to see that for her, there’s no dispute between the left and right sides of her brain. Before graduating from Ohio State, she took courses in the arts policy administration graduate program, and then moved to Chicago because she wanted “to live in a bigger city and try to make a living.”

Van Voorhis worked the box office at the Royal George Theater Center in Chicago, across the street

18 | BALANCEdfamily | summer 2015

from the Steppenwolf Theatre Co. “I just wanted to get started in the administration side of the arts business,” she said.

Shortly after she was accepted at Case Western Reserve University in 2001, she had to take a test, and learned she was cut out to be an accountant.

“The accountant (part) I laugh about because the financial work is one of the core pieces that I’m involved in here,” Van Voorhis said of her CPAC job. “Was that a part of me just sitting there that I didn’t know?

“What is important to me is the social purpose,” she said. “I feel like there needs to be arts and culture in our lives and that’s what drives me. So it’s understanding the pieces of the puzzle that help make sure that we all have access to that in our lives.”

Balancing work and family Not surprisingly, Van Voorhis and her husband work together to ensure their sons have access to that art and culture. They view marriage as a partnership, and both separate work from home.

Living in Greater Cleveland affords them these kinds of balance.

“I can afford to have kids,” she says. “I can afford to have a nice house. I can afford to travel. We have the Metroparks, an outstanding library system, an outstanding arts and culture sector, our health care sector is world-class.

“As a parent, I don’t have to travel to those.”

The family likes to spend time at the Westlake Recreation Center, where Connor swims, and both

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ART OF FAMILY

The Van Voorhis family also enjoy riding their bikes and hiking along the paths in Huntington Reservation, the park that surrounds Huntington Beach.

Connor and Logan enjoy playing soccer. Kress, meanwhile, is learning how to play guitar. This is a busy family.

“We read. We hang out outside in the summertime.

Or we go visit the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. And between our working full time and their activities and the remaining space, we sleep,” she says, adding the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center in Bay Village near their home is another favorite family stop.

“We’ve arranged our work schedule so that she drops them off in the morning and I pick them up in the evening, and then depending on what day it is I drop them off at their activities or make dinner,” says Kress, who works in health care information technology at the Cleveland Clinic.

He’s largely in charge of cooking, he and she share

responsibility for cleaning, and “we really try to share what we do instead of having it all weigh on one person.”

They chose to live in Bay Village for the look and feel and the school district, Kress says, but they have considered moving “back into the city.”

So the family goes to downtown Cleveland “to experience the arts and culture areas” and travels to New York City and Chicago “to experience different kinds of cultures as well,” he said.

Like his wife, Kress draws distinct lines. “When I’m done with work, I’m done with work,” he says. “It doesn’t mean that I’m not available if someone needs to contact me, but when I’m home, I’m focused on the family, making sure the kids have opportunities to experience things and keep everything going. There’s a definite demarcation between work and home.”

20 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

HER WORK ON DISPLAY Examples of Van Voorhis’ work “with a social purpose” are evident throughout Northeast Ohio. For example, consider the intersection of art and health.

“Some people might not necessarily think about that as two things that fit naturally together,” she said. “As a dancer, I think I probably understand better than anyone, because mind and body work together there.

So our role is to help surface what is happening and help frame it for the community in a way that makes sense and that can yield further investment in the sector.”

She noted local artists visit Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, engaging patients in activities like illustration to take the young patients’ minds off their plight. The kids can “forget about being poked and prodded and getting their temperature taken,” turning

“a very difficult situation they and their families are in to a moment of joy.”

Last fall, “Creative Minds in Medicine,” a conference dedicated to that overlap, took place at the Global Center for Health Innovation.

Van Voorhis also was instrumental in developing CPAC programs such as the Collaborative Marketing Database and the Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute.

She also testified before Cleveland City Council in support of an admissions tax exemption for live music venues, spotlighting the Beachland Ballroom. Council eventually adopted the exemption.

Back in 2001, after Van Voorhis arrived at Case to work toward her MBA, she met Richard Shatten, the former director of Cleveland Tomorrow, who died in 2002.

Shatten is credited for helping get the Cleveland economy back on track after the city’s

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SUMMER 2015 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 21

ART OF FAMILY INVOLVING KIDS IN ART Last spring, Megan Van Voorhis came up with five tips for “raising arts advocates,” the title of a column she wrote for the CPAC website. They include: • Getting one’s children to participate in arts and culture; • Finding ways to engage those kids in current art, like taking them to galleries, encouraging them to read the work of local authors, and informing them about the local art scene; • Telling them stories about local artists, venues and arts organizations; • Grooming them to be advocates by underlining how vital art is to the community; • Enlisting them in arts advocacy through the creation of yard signs, instructing them in how to fill out a ballot, and passing out campaign literature.

– Carlo Wolff

The Van Voorhis family also enjoys visiting the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center in Bay Village, where they can get a close look at wildlife such as fish (including yellow wrasse, domino damsel and percula clownfish) in the indoor tidal pool and a red-tailed hawk, handled outdoors by wildlife programs specialist Christine Cain.

22 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

1978 default.

What did Van Voorhis get from Shatten? “Wisdom,” she said. She told Shatten she wanted to help artists in small organizations, “and because of his reputation in this community he gave me access to people in the arts field.”

Shatten connected Van Voorhis to people who matter, like Art Falco, president and CEO of Playhouse Square, and Kathleen Cerveny, director of institutional learning and arts initiatives at the Cleveland Foundation.

Shatten advised her “to find an opportunity that allows you to report directly to the board of an organization or interact directly with the board of an organization,” she said.

Around that time, Van Voorhis also met Thomas Schorgl, president and CEO

of CPAC. Van Voorhis secured a Case fellowship through Shatten’s Center for Regional Economic Issues that placed her with CPAC, and she’s been working there full time since 2003.

Van Voorhis is grateful to Schorgl.

“I feel like every time I felt like I was going to plateau at CPAC, he opened up a new opportunity for me to grow,” she said.

The arts scene, meanwhile, is “incredibly vibrant” in Cleveland, she said. “I think the Cleveland arts scene is a fighter. I think you know that in the face of challenges it sees new opportunities. It creates them.”

“Former dancer.

Passionate arts and culture advocate. Mom.” That’s how Van Voorhis identifies herself on Twitter. Sums it up pretty well. BF

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BALANCED BODY

Acquiring the taste Dining out doesn’t have to be a lost cause nutritionally, you just have to make good decisions

E

By Jonah L. Rosenblum

ating out doesn’t have to take a toll on the body. “You can make healthy choices anywhere you go,” says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, dietitian at University Hospitals. “It just takes a little bit of preparation.”

24 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

Anywhere? What about the local Mexican restaurant?

“People usually think about Mexican food just dripping with beef,” Jamieson-Petonic says. “If you were to get grilled fajitas at a Mexican restaurant with like a corn tortilla, that would actually be a good healthy choice.”

So, there are no excuses.

Dining out and dining reasonably can be mixed.

If you know you’re going to have a heavy meal in the

evening, try to get some exercise in beforehand. You should also drink plenty of water and eat (healthily) leading up to it. After all, when a starving person catches his or her first whiff of a good restaurant, all bets are off.

A salad or soup is an excellent way to start out – although a salad can turn unhealthy pretty quickly with enough dressing. It might be a good idea to pass on the bread or chips and salsa, however, since those tend to fly off the table.

“That’s the problem,” Jamieson-Petonic says. “You might eat 1,000 calories before you ever have your dinner.”

Overeating is a danger any time you eat out – and

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BALANCED BODY BROWSING THE MENU We asked our experts to give us a little more specific guidance when it comes to the favorite cuisines of the American public: ITALIAN Good: Whole-grain noodles, tomato-based sauces, grilled chicken Bad: Chicken Parmesan, Alfredo and other cream-based sauces ASIAN Good: Sushi, curries, hibachi, fish, soy, brown rice, shrimp Bad: Fried and breaded meats with heavy sauces, any place serving MSG

“You can make healthy choices anywhere you go. It just takes a little bit of preparation.”

Amy Jamieson-Petonic University Hospitals

26 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

MEXICAN Good: Taco salad, grilled fajitas Bad: Burritos (how much is stuffed in that burrito), churros, creamy enchiladas AMERICAN Good: Steak, broccoli, wild rice, steamed vegetables Bad: Baked potato, corn bread, mac and cheese

the bread is just the beginning. That’s why Jamieson-Petonic recommends either splitting an entrée or immediately asking for a takeout box and placing half the food in there.

It’s also good to savor the food.

Beyond just enjoying what you’re paying for, it will also prevent overeating, because it does take time – 20 minutes, according to Jamieson-Petonic – for the brain to tell the stomach that it’s full.

A woman’s palm (if available) is another strong guide, since it is approximately equal to a single serving.

So using the MyPlate standards, you would ideally eat a palm’s worth of fruits, a palm’s worth of vegetables, a palm’s worth of lean protein and a palm’s worth of whole grains.

It’s not just about quantity, however.

It’s about quality, too, and there are few things worse for the body than fried foods like fried calamari or fried zucchini.

“You want to stay away from the fried foods,” says Tiffany Schreiber, nutritional adviser at NutriMost Cleveland. “The fried food is really what gets you.”

MSG is a close second. Though not as prevalent as it once was, people should still look out for it, since it can cause bowel and digestive issues.

Beyond that, thick, creamy foods tend to be a diner’s worst enemy.

“I try to ask people to avoid foods that are salted or creamy or with some kind of a cream or cheese sauce,”

– Jonah L. Rosenblum

Jamieson-Petonic says. “Foods like extra or super or buttered or double or triple, any of those tend to be red flags.”

Fortunately, not everything served at restaurants is a no-no.

Schreiber recommends grilled fish and grilled chicken.

“You can get a nice piece of grilled chicken, but if you get it smothered with all the cheese and all the sauces and stuff, that kind of takes the health benefits away,” Schreiber says. “Even some red meat is okay if you’re out and about. You just don’t want a diet consisting of red meat, but for a special treat, that’s OK.” High-fiber foods are another friend, since they tend to expand in your stomach.

Curries, which frequently contain anti-inflammatory spices, Mediterranean wraps and Mediterranean fish dishes are also positives.

Even some fast-food chains can come to your aid. Schreiber says restaurants serving fresh ingredients have good offerings.

The Healthy Dining Finder website can help locate other restaurants in your area – and offers the ability to plan out price and portion.

And sometimes, even though they don’t have a dollar menu, it’s worth the extra change.

“Junk food is cheap and it’s fast, but there is a price to pay for that,” Schreiber says. BF

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BIG Hope and Success for Parkinson’s Sufferers

by Sherry Gavanditti After 49 years of marriage, a woman notices even the most subtle changes in her husband: the way he looks, the way he sounds, how he holds his fork, how he walks ... and when Gayle Kustin watched Jerry’s gait change, she knew something was wrong. “Why are you walking like that?” she asked. “I’m tired,” he replied. “Why are you shaking?” she asked. “I’m cold,” he answered. But he wasn’t cold. And being tired was not the reason his gait changed. “I had a feeling what was going on,” she confessed in hindsight. Parkinson’s. “We don’t know where it came from. Nobody in the family has it,” Gayle noted.

The official diagnosis came in 2012 with suspicion that he had likely had it for three or four years prior to noticeable symptoms. The disease affects approximately one million people in the United States and Canada. Men are more likely to get it than women. It primarily affects movement. The three major signs are tremors, rigidity and slowness of movement. But there are other non-motor symptoms such as changes in mood, sleep, thinking and speech. It can be aggravated by genetics, exposure to pesticides or industrial toxins and aging. It is progressive. Jerry was forced to give up his dental practice of 60 years and prepare for the coming changes he knew were inevitable.

“I went to the neurologist because my jaw was hurting, and I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and Parkinson’s. Suddenly, I am 72 going on 3,” Jerry recalled.

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ensures Jerry’s ‘BIG’ is perfect.

But life goes on. “Last fall, our travel agent called with a cruise out of San Francisco and I didn’t care where it was going – we’re taking it,” Gayle added. The cruise was set for the following February, and they intended to take it, Parkinson’s or not. Gayle figured they would take it easy, spending time with each other and enjoying the sights.

“We knew we would be on the water for 10 days, just relaxing,” she said. But prior to the cruise, something BIG happened.

It was two related programs at the Peter B. Lewis Aquatic & Therapy Center in Beachwood on the Menorah Park Campus called LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD®, research-based exercise and speech approaches developed from principles of the effective Parkinson’s specific treatment. LSVT BIG® techniques train individuals with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions to use bigger movements in daily living, empowering them with the potential to keep moving and stay active. Research and statistics from LSVT BIG® show improved motor functioning, faster walking, bigger steps, better balance and trunk rotation. LSVT LOUD® addresses speech problems that come with Parkinson’s and other like diseases, helping participants with problems such as mumbling, monotone, soft and hoarse voices with improved loudness, intelligibility, facial expression and improved confidence.

When Jerry heard about the program at the Peter B. Lewis Aquatic & Therapy Center, he was intrigued. Jerry said, “I checked it out on the Internet, and it said to expect more flexibility and stamina, and I got it! I used to huff and puff from Lewis Aquatic Center to Menorah Park, now I can almost make it without having to sit down. I made it once without even stopping.”

Gayle said, “I haven’t stopped talking about the programs! He started BIG in January 2015, and LOUD in March. The commitment Jerry had to give was unbelievable, but he has improved 100 percent since January.”

Jerry chimed in, “It was extremely helpful!”

“The LOUD program was incredible and it’s really working for him as well. When he gets tired at night he almost goes into a whisper but he is very conscious of how he talks now. I’m telling everyone,” Gayle said.

The Kustins have a son and a daughter. “My daughter noticed I am more active, I can walk better, and I am more coordinated,” Jerrry said. Gayle helps motivate him with humor as well. “He calls me Nurse Ratchet,” she said with a smile. “Jerry’s attitude is amazing. He wakes up every morning and says, ‘Showtime!’”

Jerry said he will not stop doing what it takes to continue to get good results. “I try to exercise. I do 30 minutes on my bicycle every day, and my BIG exercises, with two Delay the Disease sessions, a dance program, and I try to get into the water at Lewis Aquatic Center two to three times a week.”

And on the cruise from San Francisco to Hawaii, Gayle said Jerry was active! “He exercised every day, he got off the ship, took a bus tour, and he was able to get off and walk around beautifully. He had done BIG at that point and the walking he had to do in the program was really, really helpful. The support was great. The therapists sent emails asking, ‘Are you doing BIG?’ They’re still wonderful.”

Yes, Gayle knows her husband well. “Jerry is very diligent. He’s not going to let this get him.”

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BALANCED BODY PHOTO | Michael C. Butz Chef Douglas Katz goes for a run with his dog, Henry, in his Cleveland Heights neighborhood.

Dogs on the run The weather is great for bringing along your four-legged friend on a run, but before you do, keep in mind the dog’s health and well-being

By Kristen Mott

ogs are a great source of companionship, but they can also be a bundle of energy. When Cleveland Heights chef Douglas Katz got a standard poodle named Henry about seven years ago, he knew he needed to find a way to exercise his dog.

“I started running with Henry because I thought he needed the exercise, and I needed exercise too,” says Katz, the chef behind fire food & drink in Cleveland’s Shaker Square neighborhood and Provenance at the Cleveland Museum of Art. “He has a really great sort of drive, so it was easy running with him.”

Katz, like many other dog owners, began a weekly running regimen with his dog. Although running is a great

28 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

source of exercise for both humans and their furry companions, there are several key things to keep in mind to protect the dog’s health.

Just as humans consult their doctor when they begin a new diet or exercise program, it’s important for dogs to be evaluated by a veterinarian before starting a running regimen.

“Before running with your dog, you definitely want to speak with your veterinarian,” says Gino Blair, owner of K-9 Commando Boot Camp in Cleveland. “We as humans, we know our capabilities. We know if we’re healthy and if our lungs are good.

“With dogs, you don’t want to get into running until you know they’re healthy enough for it. Your dog might have some joint or muscle problems

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BALANCED BODY DOG RUNNING DO’S AND DON’TS Dr. Nicole Plantner of West Park Animal Hospital provides some tips to make running with your dog an easy and rewarding experience.

Do: Start out slow. Run with your dog for five to 10 minutes to start and then gradually increase the length of the run as your dog gains stamina and endurance.

Don’t: Use a retractable leash. Retractable leashes are prone to knots and tangles and they give the dog more ability to pull its owner. A traditional leash 6 to 8 feet in length is recommended.

Do: Keep an eye on your dog during the run. If the dog starts

“With dogs, you don’t want to get into running until you know they’re healthy enough for it.”

Gino Blair K-9 Commando Boot Camp

“Smaller dogs tend to have some breathing issues. They’ll go on walks, but when running longer distances, they can’t move air as well throughout their lungs and bodies.”

Dr. Nicole Plantner West Park Animal Hospital 30 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

to fall behind, licks its feet, begins limping or stops running, you may need to slow down or stop the run altogether.

Don’t: Exercise in super-hot or humid conditions. Unlike humans, dogs only have sweat glands in their paw pads, which makes it harder for them to get rid of excess heat. If the weather is especially hot or humid, opt for a different form of exercise.

Do: Bring water. Dogs need plenty of water before and after exercise, and many dogs will need to stop for a water break during the run as well.

– Kristen Mott

that you didn’t even know about, so it’s always best to check with your vet.”

Training is essential for successfully running with a dog. Katz enlisted the help of Blair to teach Henry basic obedience commands before he tried running with him. Blair says dogs should understand basic commands such as sit, stay and lay down before starting any sort of running program.

“If the dog isn’t sitting or laying down on command, you can’t expect your dog to be focused and alert when you’re on a run,” Blair says. “Start with training first. That way if you’re running and you have to correct the dog, the dog will understand because it’s the same type of correction you would utilize in the basic training. Without the training, the dog won’t understand.”

The breed of the dog also plays an important role when deciding whether to start a running routine. High-energy breeds, dogs with shorter coats and sporting breeds all make good running partners, says Dr. Nicole Plantner, an associate veterinarian at West Park Animal Hospital in Cleveland. Toy breeds and smaller dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs, may not be the best breeds to run with.

“Smaller dogs tend to have some breathing issues,” Plantner explains.

“They’ll go on walks, but when running longer distances, they can’t move air as well throughout their lungs and bodies. Smaller dogs also wear out faster because they don’t have as much

energy as bigger dogs in terms of endurance.”

Dogs need to be the proper age before doing any strenuous exercise, including running. Plantner recommends waiting until a dog is about a year-and-a-half to 2 years old before starting a running program.

Running and other strenuous exercises aren’t recommended for puppies since their growth plates haven’t yet fully closed, making them more prone to injuries.

There are numerous benefits for dogs that are physically able to run on a regular basis, Blair says, including maintaining the dog’s weight, increasing agility, and protecting their joints and muscles.

“Exercising your dog is a great benefit overall,” Blair says. “They’re happier, they’re more stable, they’re more balanced, and it really tones out some of that aggression if they have any. It also takes away any sort of bad behaviors or habits.”

As Katz’s dog Henry grows older, he’s reduced the frequency of his runs, but Katz says he still loves exercising and running with Henry whenever he gets the chance.

“It’s a fun way to spend time with your dog,” he says. “He keeps up with me so it’s motivating to run with him.

He gets exercise and I do too. Seeing him after the run being so tired, it’s nice knowing that he’s gotten such great exercise.” BF

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BALANCED MIND

Peace of mind Taking steps to age-proof your brain can pay off in the long run

By Jacqueline Mitchell

reventing memory loss and keeping your brain sharp as you age is not rocket science, according to Dr. James Campbell, director of geriatric health at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Certain regimens can prevent memory loss and even lessen symptoms of dementia. The foods you eat, your exercise routine and the activities you complete on a daily basis all affect your brain.

There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure a healthy brain.

Keeping your memory sharp begins with controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly, Campbell says.

A healthy heart and the implementation of cardiovascular exercises are also important, since heart disease impairs cognition.

The No. 1 way to keep the brain functioning sharply is through exercise, says Carol Whitlatch, assistant director of research and senior research scientist at the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging in Cleveland.

“The research shows that exercise, especially good cardiovascular exercise, is very powerful for general healthy living, but also cognitive functioning,” says Whitlatch. “Based on what I have read, in some ways, cardio is more

32 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

effective than medication that people are taking for Alzheimer’s.”

As far as diet, Whitlatch recommends eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts or edamame, to support a healthy brain.

Besides physical activity, regularly completing mental exercises such as crossword puzzles can help lesson symptoms, says Whitlatch, who encourages people to take action as early as possible, before symptoms begin appearing.

“Some of these symptoms you don’t really notice, and then the damage can’t be undone,” Whitlatch says. “A healthy brain, even when you’re growing old, can help your whole body and help stop symptoms from increasing.”

Campbell recommends completing novel activities that keep the brain in a state of change. Learning new activities

“The research shows that exercise, especially good cardiovascular exercise, is very powerful for general healthy living, but also cognitive functioning.”

Carol Whitlatch Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging balancedmag.com

and taking up new hobbies keep the brain active.

Mastering a foreign language, particularly one you’ve never practiced before, is one of the best ways to do this. Learning to play a musical instrument is another effective option.

“It appears the reality is that training is more effective if it involves two senses simultaneously,” Campbell says. “If you do silly things like brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand – something totally novel – it creates brain chemicals called neurotrophins that improve your brain’s ability to learn and grow.”

Engaging in social activities and experiencing new environments also keep

the brain happy and healthy.

“Being social has a huge impact on the senses, keeps your mind active and learning, and is very protective against depression,” Campbell says.

“Depression is not dementia, but it does make it so your brain is not working very well.”

Following these guidelines and increasing overall brain function may help delay or lessen symptoms of dementia, according to both Campbell and Whitlatch. They also increase the chance of living independently later in life, says Campbell.

“You’re less likely to have to have somebody else in your house help you or to live in a nursing home,” he says. BF

Sunday, June 28, 2015: Indy Field House Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s national walk, dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. Walk with us and help raise funds for cures! Learn more: Call 216-524-7700, extension 3, or email clubline@ccfa.org.

Register Today! www.cctakesteps.org Solon Ad_Teen Mag2 3/9/09 11:09 AM Page 1

Did you know?

Awesome Summer Camps Ages 3-12

• Robotics • Brain Builders • Video Game Design • Minecraft Club • Stop Motion Animation • Back to School Camps • Math Enrichment Classes

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

PHILIP D. BOMELI, DDS, MS 6370 SOM CENTER RD., SUITE 101 in SOLON

FREE

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Examination and Consultation

We also offer orthodontic treatment for adults!

In addition to traditional metal braces, we have clear ceramic braces and Invisalign® treatment available.

Call 440.349.5885 today to see how we can help create the beautiful smile you deserve! www.solonorthodontics.com

SUMMER 2015 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 33

BALANCED MIND

CONTINUING

EDUCATION Academic, social benefits aplenty to be found in Northeast Ohio lifelong learning programs

By Jonah L. Rosenblum

ifelong learning has many benefits. It might increase an older adult’s memory and lower his or her risk of depression, according to a recent Spanish study.

It might improve cognitive function, so long as the learning is demanding and truly works out the mind, according to a 2013 University of Texas at Dallas study.

“It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something – it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar

34 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially,” lead researcher Denise Park says in a release regarding the 2013 study.

Beyond any health benefits, lifelong learning is simply fun, providing an intellectual and social boost to adults of any age, particularly retirees.

“They enjoy coming down. They enjoy the interaction,” says Tom Collins, assistant vice president of enrollment services at Cleveland State University.

“People retire and they think,

‘Wow, what am I going to do with my time?’ So, a lot of them feel like this is a great use for their time and they feel like it’s a really positive experience.”

“During their working life, people didn’t take advantage of a lot of things,” says Bill Rafalski, who runs the Baldwin Wallace University-affiliated Institute for Learning in Retirement in Orange. “Now that they’re retired, they want to know a little more. If they go to the Cleveland Museum of Art, (they want to know) what they’re looking at.”

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Free Family Health & Safety Day Celebrate wellness at our event with free health screenings, education and demonstrations – plus family-friendly activities featuring the UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Safety Squad.

Preregistration is required for select health screenings.

For more information or to register, call 216-593-1768.

Walk-up health screenings: Balance and grip • Blood glucose • Bone density • Cholesterol • Hearing • Stroke risk assessment •

Preregistered health screenings: Lower extremity vascular • Prostate cancer* • Skin cancer •

Cancer Prevention 101* | 10 a.m.

Presented by Judah Friedman, MD. Space is limited. *At UH Geauga Medical Center only

Saturday, June 20 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, July 11 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

UH Ahuja Medical Center

UH Geauga Medical Center

3999 Richmond Road Beachwood, Ohio 44122

13207 Ravenna Road Chardon, Ohio 44024

Saturday, June 27 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, July 25 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

UH Ashtabula Health Center

UH Geneva Medical Center

2131 Lake Avenue Ashtabula, Ohio 44004

870 West Main Street Geneva, Ohio 44041

Saturday, July 18 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, August 1 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

UH Conneaut Medical Center

UH Richmond Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals

158 West Main Road Conneaut, Ohio 44030

27100 Chardon Road Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143

© 2015 University Hospitals REG 00180

Teeth are NOT people…

At Chagrin Highlands Dental Group, we recognize that teeth are only one component of the whole patient. Because of our comprehensive approach to oral health and well-being, we customize treatment solutions unique to each individual.

Our entire team is committed to creating a comfortable and relaxed environment, which will…

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balanced mind

“Really anything that happens at our university, we have the potential to create lifelong learning opportunities. If it’s something that we do at Case Western Reserve University, I’d like to find a way to share that with our general community.”

Brian Amkraut Case Western Reserve University

“During their working life, people didn’t take advantage of a lot of things. Now that they’re retired, they want to know a little more. If they go to the Cleveland Museum of Art, (they want to know) what they’re looking at.”

Bill Rafalski Institute for Learning in Retirement 36 | BALANCEdfamily | summer 2015

Northeast Ohioans are particularly lucky in that regard, given the wide number of local institutions offering lifelong learning programs, including Baldwin Wallace, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State and The Cleveland Orchestra.

At Cleveland State, outsiders can audit nearly any class – for free, if 60 or older as part of Project 60. Typically, Project 60 students opt for physical education classes, as well as the liberal arts, such as poetry, Shakespeare, art history and history.

At the Institute for Learning in Retirement, a generally older crowd is taking classes on “the 100 greatest inventions that shaped civilization,” President Lyndon Johnson, opera, Symbolism, the run-up to the American Civil War, the work of Robin Williams and the connection between the cosmos and religion.

Presenter Jerry Dombcik offers a weekly breakdown of issues influencing the current financial markets – while Holly H. Bednar teaches bridge.

“People wanted to learn how to play bridge, so we offered that a couple of years ago, and it’s been a success for us now for six years,” Rafalski says.

Origins Science Scholars benefit from collaboration between Case Western, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and ideastream.

“These are scientists who are here at one of the great science universities in the country sharing the work that they’re doing,” says Brian Amkraut, executive director of Case Western’s Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program. ”The people that come, they tell me that you can’t find anything like it anywhere else.”

Given Siegal College’s roots as a home for Jewish study – prior to

joining with Case Western – plenty of Judaic studies courses are offered, including a Jewish Boot Camp meant to appeal to a younger audience who might want to learn more about their religion.

The “boot camp” features three four-week modules – one on Jewish history, one on Jewish thought and one on Jewish tradition.

“Really anything that happens at our university, we have the potential to create lifelong learning opportunities,” Amkraut says. “If it’s something that we do at Case Western Reserve University, I’d like to find a way to share that with our general community.”

The Cleveland Orchestra even offers music study groups, which explore its concert music through informal lectures and listening sessions.

Ultimately, it’s as much about the environment as the course offerings.

“This is a very social group,” says Rafalski, highlighting a group of widows that use the course as a chance to socialize.

“That’s the beauty of this: They are in the classes with other students, and so the younger students that are here taking courses sometimes get insights from the Project 60 students,” Collins says. “I think both sets of students learn a lot from one another.”

It’s a joy for faculty as well, according to Amkraut.

“Once they’ve taught in this format, they almost always want to come back because they know they’re going to be challenged,” Amkraut says. “They’re going to get great questions. There will literally be retired brain surgeons, rocket scientists, CEOs of all sorts, former political leaders, et cetera, that we will get in the crowd. That’s just such a rich educational environment.” BF

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WELLNESS DIRECTORY BACK IN MOTION

Who Kneads Stress & Pain? Boost Energy, Get Relief! Experience the Difference. Therapeutic massage, Foot Reflexology, Reiki, Energy Healing w/essential oils. Gift Certificates available.

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BODY SCULPTING AND BARRE FX

Body Sculpting is a cardiovascular strength-training class designed to make you lean and defined while providing a resultsoriented whole body workout. More than 100 locations in Northeast Ohio. Barre FX is a challenging boutique ballet barre fitness class at an affordable price! Call for class locations.

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BRIGITTE AT YOUR SERVICE

We are committed to quality care.

We provide personal care, meal preparation, transportation to appointments and shopping, laundry, light housekeeping and so much more. All shifts available; we are screened, bonded and insured.

References available.

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CAREPLAN GERIATRIC CARE MANAGERS

At Careplan Geriatric Care Management, our certified geriatric care managers and licensed social workers will listen to the concerns of you and your loved one, visit the home and recommend options for improved quality of life, healthcare services and cost containment.

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CHERISHED COMPANIONS

Be the difference…

Would you like a rewarding job where you can be the difference in someone’s life? We are looking for caring and dependable individuals who desire to provide inhome care to the elderly. Experience or STNA preferred. All hours available. $10-$12/hr. Eastern Cuyahoga, Geauga & Northern Portage counties.

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COUNSELING EQUALS GROWTH

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor working in Northeast Ohio to help clients who struggle with depression, anxiety and the stresses of everyday life. Especially interested in sharing the benefits of mindfulness and exploring repeated patterns that inhibit growth. Always a supportive environment to heal wounds and move forward in a healthier way. Call to assess our compatibility.

Tammy Dickard MA PCC-S 440-975-6592 www.counselingequalsgrowth.com

THE GALVIN THERAPY CENTER

We serve families with babies, children & young adults with sensory, motor, mealtime, behavioral, communication, attention, learning & social skills disruptions. Our licensed occupational, speech-language & behavioral health interventionists collaborate with you to reach mutually established goals. We also provide an ESDM model, therapeutic early intervention program, for 3-6 year olds diagnosed with autism.

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Heavenly Touch

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We provide many nonSenior Care Services medical, • In home Personal Care in-home services, not only to senior • Transportation Services • Light Housekeeping citizens, but Laundry to those just returning • Meal preparation/ • 24 hours/day, 7 days/week home from the hospital, or anyone • Companionship and more • Certified / Bonded / Insured assistance with who may require day10%tooffday specialliving. with ad We also offer two 440-543-2273 specialized services: SafeGuard Visits or 216-464-8682 & SafeGuard Calls for the budget conscious.

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Hypnotherapy can be used to improve many lifestyle issues. I specialize in assisting individuals with Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohns Syndrome, Migraines and other issues which respond well to hypnosis. Call me and let’s discuss how you can improve your life.

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IN MOTION PHYSICAL THERAPY

Advanced, evidence-based physical therapy for all your rehabilitation needs. Specialty services also available for spinal pain, dizziness, imbalance, foot and ankle disorders.

Dr. Joseph Moskowitz, PT, DPT 14100 Cedar Road Suite 130 University Heights OH 44121 216-577-1933 www.inmotionptohio.com

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Home of the Perfect Smile Welcome to our practice, where the health and happiness of our patients matters most. Your comfort and complete satisfaction with your smile are our top priorities.

As dentists, we know a healthy mouth is one of the most important keys to overall health. We also know there’s more to it than that. Your smile is the focal point of your self-image and plays a major role in that all-important first impression.

Malcolm Walters Jr., D.D.S 14100 Cedar Road. Suite 260 University Heights, OH 44121 PHONE: (216) 382-1102 FAX: (216) 382-1104: info@drmalcolmwaltersjr.com

SYSTEMSAVVY CONSULTING

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NEUROHEIGHTS

Neurofeedback is an organic and transformative process that has helped people of all ages and abilities to experience improved performance and happier, healthier lives.

Neurofeedback training enables the Central Nervous System to naturally reorganize ineffective thinking patterns into new, more functional heights in all areas of life: intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical.

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OPTIONS FOR SENIOR AMERICANS

Serving Cuyahoga and surrounding counties for over 20 years. We offer quality home care customized to your needs.

Our qualified, screened and motivated STNAs, RNs, LPNs and companions are available for live-in or hourly work. First interview is free. Our aides provide exceptional customer service. They are fully bonded and insured including Workers Comp and Professional Liability.

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PESTMASTER SERVICES

Termite Control, Bed Bug Inspection, Ant Control, Rodent Control. Pestmaster Services® is a pest control industry leader and an authority on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions.

We’ve taken charge of a once environmentally hazardous industry, developing eco-friendly options to arrest pest and weed infestations.

Our commitment to your health is front and center in all aspects of our pest control practice. Our dedication to the mission is never swayed. Our service technicians are more than exterminators, and our results are always guaranteed.

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ARE YOU SUPER STRESSED??

TRY ONE OF OUR SUPER MASSAGES:

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The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.

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We are an in-home, senior care provider assisting the senior and older adult to live as independently as possible by remaining safely in their own home. Services include hygiene assistance, companionship, medication reminders, light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation. errands and shopping.

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SUMMER 2015 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 37

REGINA BRETT

STAYING

BALANCED

Fun

in the sun S

Summertime is meant for adventures and family activities, and Northeast Ohio offers plenty of opportunities for both

ummer gathered in the weather, the wind had the proper touch, the breathing of the world was long and warm and slow. You had only to rise, lean from your window, and know that this indeed was the first real time of freedom and living, this was the first morning of summer. – Ray Bradbury, “Dandelion Wine” Freedom and living.

That’s what summer is all about.

Freedom from deadlines and duties, calendars and commitments so you can truly experience living.

Before your calendar fills up with more work, fill it up with summer. Summer needs to be savored every day, not just on weekends or vacations.

You’ve got to squeeze it in your life before it’s gone and you’re shoveling snow.

Grab your calendar and pencil in some slow-motion living. Not just a summer vacation, but an entire summer of fun. Stretch it out from Memorial Day to Labor Day like we used to. Go to bed tired every night because fun wore you out, not work and worrying.

Don’t let summer camp and chores eat up your time with your family. Kick off your shoes and run through a sprinkler.

Host a squirt gun fight. Roll

down the biggest hill you can find then try to run back up in a straight line. I dare you. I double dare you.

Cannonball off the high dive, perform underwater handstands, play Marco Polo until you’re pruny.

Ride your bike just to feel the wind through your hair.

Stick playing cards in the spokes for effect. Make giant bubbles to chase. Stare at the clouds.

Create a Cleveland scavenger hunt. Try to find the grave of Elliot Ness in Lake View Cemetery. Once you find that, look for the Shoe Tree. Go in search of the best Italian ice in Little Italy, the best pierogies in Parma, the best ice cream in the region.

You don’t have to spend money to skip rope, climb a tree or have a cartwheel contest in the front yard. Host a kickball tournament. Round up the neighbors for a game of capture the flag.

38 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2015

Play freeze tag, flashlight tag and hide ‘n’ seek until the street lights come on. Get a stack of books from the library and read in the shade.

Camp in the backyard. Go bug hunting. Play follow the leader. Tell ghost stories around a campfire or at least a pile of flashlights.

Take your family on a “staycation.” The money you save on hotels and gas can cover the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom, a visit to the Rock Hall or the Maltz Museum. Go ape at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest. Watch the Indians play from the cheap seats.

Take a treetop adventure

at Mill Stream Run Recreation Area in the Cleveland Metroparks over jungle crossings, obstacles and zip lines. Canoe or kayak the Cuyahoga River. Go miniature golfing. Hit a drive-in movie.

Can’t afford it? Set up a lemonade stand to raise the money.

Build sand castles at Mentor Headlands on the great North Coast. Chase after lightning bugs. Skip rocks at Euclid Creek. Play checkers under a big oak tree.

Eat as much watermelon, corn on the cob and s’mores as you can. Pick berries at a local farm. Take a country road to nowhere and get lost where silos and barns are the only landmarks.

Before you go to bed every night, wish upon a star. Then listen to the crickets sing you to sleep. And if you can’t sleep, crack open a bottle or a copy of “Dandelion Wine,” and savor the freedom of real living.

Regina Brett, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and the New York Times bestselling author of “God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours” and “Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Possible,” is a columnist for the Cleveland Jewish News and Plain Dealer. She recently published her third book, “God is Always Hiring: 50 Lessons for Finding Fulfilling Work.” Connect with her on Facebook at ReginaBrettFans and on Twitter at @ReginaBrett.

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Now Open!

Come In and Tour Today!

The Only Community in Beachwood Specializing in Care for People with Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease · Cantor leading Shabbat Services (once a month) · Kosher Meals Available · Jewish Trivia and Musical Programs · Pharmacy Services provided by Menorah Park

Contact Terry Sombat Terry and her dedicated staff have been serving residents with Dementia for more than 20 years.

Call Terry directly at (216) 839-1300

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Monday – Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm

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Inside Marc’s Garfield 12650 Rockside Rd. Garfield Hts., Ohio 44125