Balanced Family Fall/Winter 2018 by Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

BALANCED

FALL-WINTER ISSUE | 2018

FAMILY BALANCEDMAG.COM

HEALTH | WELLNESS | PARENTING | LIVING

The

Family fun centers throughout Northeast Ohio protect parents and children from winter weather while letting the good times roll

The Menorah Park Aging Resources Center Presents: A Winter Dinner Conversation

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Happy and Safe at Home

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Ryan Scafuro - Physical Therapist Assistant Peter B. Lewis Aquatic & Therapy Center

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Encouraging the spirit of learning for adults ages 45 and up.

INSIDE Family Matters

INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS

Our editor thinks indoor family fun centers would’ve been nice when he was younger

Feature story

THE GREAT INDOORS

Family fun centers throughout Northeast Ohio protect parents and children from winter weather while letting the good times roll

On the cover: Photo courtesy of Adrenaline Monkey

BALANCEDKIDS 6

STOP THE NOISE

Living with an eating disorder is like having talk-show hosts inside your head, hurling insults; the only way to quiet them is to not eat – but treatment offers hope

10 THE FOOD OF THE MATTER

In concern for children’s health and development, pediatricians’ group alerts parents to be mindful of chemicals in foods

12 YOUR MONEY, THEIR MOUTHS When it comes to braces, it is easy to ignore the rules; your child’s future smile, however, is an investment worth protecting

BALANCEDADULTS 14 PUMP THE BRAKES

Distracted driving is bad, but speeding is a more prevalent – and deadlier – road hazard

16 PAY-OFF PROCEDURES

Debt management and debt settlement sound alike, but they aren’t – and knowing the differences is critical to choosing the best plan

BALANCEDBODY&MIND

22 NEED TO BREATHE

Snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, which if left untreated, could lead to worse than just restless nights

26 KETOGENIC QUESTIONS

The resurgent keto diet extols low-carb, high-protein intake – which works for some but comes with the same potential pitfalls of other fad diets

28 ENCOURAGING ELDER EXERCISE Adult children who nurture physical activity among their aging parents may save them – and themselves – from future burdens

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FALL / WINTER 2018 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 3

BALANCED

FAMILYMATTERS FROM MICHAEL C. BUTZ

Indoor playgrounds

ith some regularity, usually following a news report about online bullying or shortened attention spans, I think about how I’m happy I grew up when I did, in the ’80s, well before the modern-day distractions associated with social media and smartphones. As ubiquitous as those things now are, there’s little question adults can more easily avoid their pitfalls than teens or middle-schoolers. But there’s one thing in existence today that I can’t help but think I would’ve enjoyed when I was younger: the indoor family fun center. Or, perhaps more accurately, the plethora of indoor family fun centers – at least here in Northeast Ohio. After all, throughout my years in school, I always enjoyed gym-class games and physical challenges (except for rope climbing), and by 1987, when McDonald’s introduced its PlayPlace, which might be the closest approximation to indoor family fun centers from those days, I’d already aged out of the recommended 3- to 9-year-old age range. By comparison, today’s indoor facilities – with their dodge ball-like options, basketball-centric games and various obstacle courses – are, in many ways, amped-

up extensions of gym class and recess. In essence, they’ve simply replaced the hardwood and asphalt of gyms and playgrounds with foam bricks and trampolines – and in some cases, they’ve added zip lines. What’s not to like for a child with seemingly boundless energy (or for parents who want to see their children expend some of that energy)? In this issue of Balanced Family, we introduce you to many of the region’s indoor family fun centers. Some have been around for several years and others have recently opened, but they dot every corner of Northeast Ohio – and all offer an array of entertaining and energyzapping options that are especially useful during the cold-weather months. Also in this issue, we offer parents pointers on how to protect the investment

they’ve made in their child’s braces, give advice to adult children who may need to encourage their aging parents to exercise more regularly, help parents identify whether their child might be struggling with an eating disorder, provide insight into the currently popular ketogenic diet and emphasize the dangers of speeding while driving at a time when warning against distracted driving seems more prevalent. We especially don’t recommend speeding to one of the indoor family fun centers we feature, enticing though they may be. But we do encourage you and your family to have fun – and stay safe – this winter.

FAMILY Editor Michael C. Butz editor@balancedmag.com Designer Jessica Simon

President & CEO Kevin S. Adelstein Vice President of Sales Adam Mandell CJN Managing Editor Bob Jacob Controller Tracy DiDomenico Events Manager Gina Lloyd Editorial Ed Carroll, Jane Kaufman, Becky Raspe, Alyssa Schmitt Contributing Writers Michelle Jacobson, Jill McCullough, Sean McDonnell, Marissa Nichol Columbus Bureau Chief Amanda Koehn Custom Publishing Manager Paul Bram Sales & Marketing Manager Andy Isaacs Advertising Marcia Bakst, Marilyn Evans, Ron Greenbaum, Adam Jacob, Nell V. Kirman, Sherry Tilson Design Manager Stephen Valentine Design Lillian Messner Digital Content Producer Abbie Murphy Business & Circulation Tammie Crawford, Abby Royer Subscriber Services 216-342-5185 circulation@cjn.org Display Advertising 216-342-5191 advertising@balancedmag.com

Balanced Family is published by the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, 23880 Commerce Park, Suite 1, Beachwood, OH 44122. For additional copies, call 216-342-5185. For general questions, call 216-454-8300.

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BALANCEDKIDS

Living with an eating disorder is like having talk-show hosts inside your head, hurling insults; the only way to quiet them is to not eat – but treatment offers hope By Jill McCullough

any children take divorce in stride; 16-year-old “Abby” was not one of them.

She stopped eating as a way to cope. The more weight she lost, the less she wanted food. Abby found that she could not control her parents’ separation, but she could control the amount of food she consumed. She felt empowered knowing she could go without eating even though she was hungry. Having never struggled with food before, Abby continued to excel in school and sports, but she soon lost interest in friends and family. She just wanted to be alone; when she looked in the mirror, all she could see was a girl who needed to lose weight. Now 18, Abby is in a program at the Hull Institute in Beachwood. Her treatment is ongoing, says Ann Hull, president of the institute, which specializes in disordered eating. “Her parents brought her here when they realized she needed help,” she says. Weight loss is one way a parent can know something is wrong. A parent should also be concerned if their child loves pizza, chicken and fries but stops eating pizza, chicken and fries, Hull says.

6 | BALANCEDFAMILY | FALL / WINTER 2018

Hull

Lampert

Sometimes disordered eating in children begins as extremely healthy eating. Only later might it present as something more sinister, she adds. Other symptoms are more subtle, says Jillian Lampert, chief strategy officer of the Cleveland Heights office of The Emily Program, a national network of eating disorder treatment centers. Food rituals, the disappearance of large quantities of food, personality changes, sudden interest in cooking, anxiety and isolating one’s self could also be signs of an eating disorder. “If you get the sense that something is not right … and live near an eating disorder program, take your child for an assessment,” she says.

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For those who do not live near such a facility, go to a family physician. “Keep in mind that weight loss is not always present in disordered eating … so be persistent … and ask your family physician the right questions,” Lampert says. To give parents an idea of what disordered eating feels like, Hull will often ask a parent to sit in a room while several people shout random, negative phrases and insults. Disordered eating is all about noise, experts say. It creates complicated messages in the brain about what not to eat, things to fear and self-loathing. “It’s overwhelming. These kids have a hard time making decisions because the brain is reacting to the illness. When they don’t eat, it gets quieter. An eating disorder feels awful,” Lampert says. Kids at risk are not easy to spot because an eating disorder is a matter of brain science. “We now know that the risk involves the wiring of the brain … it’s all about neurobiology. These children are perhaps a little more anxious, obsessive or persistent. These are kids who get straight As … and excel in sports,” Lampert says. The brain chemistry that predisposes a child to strive for perfection is the same brain chemistry that predisposes a child to disordered eating. “These are the kids who see in (high definition) … they are detail-oriented,” she says. Kids who participate in sports, particularly individualoriented sports, such as tennis, gymnastics and wrestling, might also be at risk, Hull says.

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TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS • Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by weight loss, difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight and distorted body image. • Bulimia Nervosa: Characterized by a cycle of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, designed to compensate for the effects of binge eating. • Binge Eating Disorder: Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food; a feeling of loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterward; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures to counter the binge eating. • Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Involves limitations in the amount and/or types of food consumed but does not involve any distress about body shape or size, or fears of fatness. • Compulsive Exercise: Characterized by extreme, excessive exercise that significantly interferes with one’s life. Source: The National Eating Disorders Association

Societal pressures involving weight and body image do nothing to help, Lampert says. Kids with a family history of eating disorders or addiction are also at risk. Women are more likely to develop an eating disorder, but that is not to say that young men do not suffer as well, Hull adds. “We sometimes forget to think about the boys. The thing that makes them different has to do with language,” Lampert says. “For example, girls talk about being thin; boys tend to focus on strength and muscle. But the eating behavior and the treatment are the same.” Treatment is typically family focused. Parents train to take over their child’s food prep and eating structure. They may even be encouraged to eat lunch with their child at school. “It’s called family-based treatment. It is an intervention. Parents have to take charge of the food intake until the child is … no longer being hijacked by the eating disorder,” says Lampert, adding that the length of treatment depends on the seriousness of the illness. Meanwhile, treatment helps the child deal with the negative self-talk as well as the social and cultural pressures that revolve around food, she says. “In treatment, we are asking children to live with the noise in order to get them to eat. We are asking them to think of food the same way they might think of medicine,” says Lampert, adding most children who go through treatment will recover and normalize their weight and their relationship with food. “In fact, many kids with eating disorders develop a healthier relationship with food compared to the average person because they had to really figure it out,” she says. BF

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BALANCEDKIDS

In concern for children’s health and development, pediatricians’ group alerts parents to be mindful of chemicals in foods By Michelle Jacobson

ased on a study released in July by The American Academy of Pediatrics, a red light has been placed on certain foods, warning parents of the harmful effects of additives and why they are especially concerning for children. Contrary to what may be thought of as safe, experts say more than 10,000 FDA-approved chemicals are not thoroughly tested. In response to this finding, calls for reform to the food additive regulatory process have been made, demanding more accurate measures and adjusted methods. Part of that equation for a better, safer solution involves parents’ initiatives. It is important for parents to do their part and be aware of chemicals found in foods and packaging. Parents need to know the facts to keep their kids safe. “The first step for parents is to be informed,” says Dr. Keili Mistovich at Senders Pediatrics in South Euclid. “Read articles to learn and be aware that these chemicals exist. Just because it’s a product given to consumers doesn’t mean it’s safe to use.” Additives used to package, preserve or modify the taste, texture, appearance or nutrients in foods are placed either directly or indirectly. The indirect additives come from plastics, glues, dyes, papers, cardboard and other types of coatings. As found in the study, these additives can interfere with a child’s hormones, growth and development. Furthermore, chemicals may also increase the likelihood of childhood obesity. “Children are more sensitive to the effects of chemicals for several reasons,” Mistovich explains. “Importantly, their organ systems are still developing, and these early years are critical to their overall growth and development. Additionally, children take in more food per pound of body weight than do adults. Thus, their overall exposure dose is higher than an adult.” Artificial food coloring also poses concern. Dyes used to alter food coloring may be linked to behavioral issues, including

10 | BALANCEDFAMILY | FALL / WINTER 2018

Mistovich

Wivell

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, increased aggression and disobedience, according to various academic studies. Some of the chemicals found in foods that raise the most concern include: • Bisphenols (BPAs): These are used in a lot of plastic containers and linings inside of cans. This is a chemical that acts similarly to estrogen in the body. Excessive estrogen and early exposure can affect puberty, which can impact fertility. • Phthalates: These make things more flexible and are used in plastic tubing. Exposure has been linked to obesity and can be detrimental to men’s sperm counts. It may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease as well. • Perﬂuoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs): These are used in cardboard food packaging and grease papers. They affect the metabolic system, which detoxifies the body as well as the endocrine system. PFCs can affect the thyroid system, key to brain development and bone strength. • Perchlorates: These are added to packaging for dry foods to control static electricity. They can have widespread effects on the body, including early brain development, growth and digestion. • Nitrates: These are found in processed meats. The chemicals interfere with the thyroid system. Also, they have been linked to gastrointestinal and nervous system cancers.

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“By eating a diet that is calorically dense and heavily processed, it is lacking the nutrients, enzymes and fiber that are so critical for a child’s growth and development,” says Melinda Wivell, a registered dietitian nutritionist and licensed dietitian from the Lake Health Physician Group Integrative Medicine in Mentor. A diet containing processed foods, such as chips, candy, soda and baked goods, will be rich in the types of chemicals listed above. Instead, preferable foods contain nutrients that meet kids’ high energy demands.

SAFER FOOD SWAPS There are several ways for parents to protect children from these harmful chemicals. By making simple food swaps and being aware of harmful ingredients and plastics, chemical exposure can be reduced. A good rule of thumb, as Wivell explains, is if it’s not possible to pronounce a listed ingredient, don’t select that food. Helpful factors to keep in mind while grocery shopping and prepping food at home include: • Recycling codes: Parents should be mindful of the recycling codes found on plastic containers. Due to the release of toxic breakdown, it’s suggested that codes 3, 6 and 7 not be used. • Eliminate plastics: Instead of using plastic containers at home or in school lunches, replace them with glass or stainless steels. • Avoid heat: The chemicals found in plastics are activated by heat, so make sure to avoid placing plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher. This is especially important for baby bottles.

• Shop smart: Make good choices when buying food. Avoid processed foods and select more fresh fruit. Follow “The Clean 15” list (goo.gl/9KK34g), which includes cleaner foods with fewer pesticides. • Minimize processed food: Choose whole foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, legumes and lean proteins. Select products with a small ingredient list and make sure all the ingredients in the list are recognizable. • Clean, clean, clean: Always wash your hands thoroughly when touching foods. Fruits and vegetables need to be washed to avoid unintentional exposure to chemicals. “While it may be nearly impossible to completely avoid chemicals found in foods and products, we can do our best to avoid highly processed foods loaded with added sugars, which have been shown to increase the risk of developing obesity and chronic disease later in life,” Wivell says. “When food is altered to the point where the ingredients are unrecognizable, and sugar is listed in the first few ingredients, it is a safe choice to avoid buying that product.” Though society may face overconsumption of processed foods, if changes to the regulatory system are made, there is hope harmful chemicals will no longer be used, Wivell explains. The study and call for reform will help the public have a better understanding of exactly what the chemicals are and how they are impacting kids’ health, Mistovich suggests. “There is a lot of information, a lot of science involved, but parents shouldn’t be afraid,” she says. “Talk to your doctors and your pediatrician to learn as much as you can in order to make good decisions.” BF

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FALL / WINTER 2018 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 11

BALANCEDKIDS

Your money, their mouths When it comes to braces, it is easy to ignore the rules; your child’s future smile, however, is an investment worth protecting By Jill McCullough

r. Shira Tor of Weiss & Tor Orthodontics in Middleburg Heights and Beachwood says one of her most memorable patients was a ninth grader trying out for football.

“Every time he came in for an appointment, his braces were broken. We couldn’t figure out why,” says Tor. “He was adamant that he was doing everything right.” After further investigation, Tor figured out the teenager was using a boil-andbite mouth guard to protect his braces on the field; instead of protecting them, this particular mouth guard was causing damage. Her concern is understandable. Depending on the length and extent of treatment, the cost of braces typically runs in the four figures. Dr. Stephan Parker of Parker & Streem Orthodontics has a practice in Mayfield Village and another in Twinsburg. He explains some patients require limited orthodontic treatment

12 | BALANCEDFAMILY | FALL / WINTER 2018

Bomeli

that lasts anywhere from a few months to a year or more at a cost that ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Comprehensive treatment could take two to three years and run between $5,500 and $6,500. Other treatments cost more. “It all depends on what needs done,” says Parker, adding that private insurance may cover part of the cost. It is hard to say how many children and teens are wearing braces these days, but they are extremely common due to the multitude of problems they can resolve, most of which are cosmetic, says Dr. Philip Bomeli of Solon Orthodontics in Solon. “Parents know that their child needs braces if the teeth look crunched together,” he says.

Parker

Tor

Sometimes, the family dentist will recommend a child see an orthodontist. Parker says the American Association of Orthodontists recommends most, if not all, children visit an orthodontist at age 7 or 8 to see how their teeth are developing. “Many children won’t need treatment at that age, but some will. The visit … which is usually complimentary … allows the orthodontist to advise parents to potential orthodontic needs down the road,” he says. Experts suggest parents seek out an accredited orthodontist with advanceddegree training. Braces address tooth alignment, chewing, bite and facial structure

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issues. They are also helpful when growing teeth have nowhere to go or the jawbone is unbalanced, Parker says. “Sometimes there are emotional issues that braces can help resolve if an adolescent has crooked teeth. Braces can help their self-esteem,” he says. Once the braces go on, parents will want to do all they can to protect the investment. Bomeli does his part by giving each new patient a Sonicare toothbrush. The idea is to train kids to spend several minutes brushing their teeth as opposed to a few seconds, he says. “The Sonicare will – hopefully – teach patients to spend at least 30 seconds brushing each quadrant of the mouth,” says Bomeli, adding such toothbrushes are worthless if the patient chooses not to use it. “The best toothbrush on the market today is the one that the patient will use. It doesn’t have to be electric or expensive.” In addition to proper brushing, there are other ways parents can encourage 1 children toCJN.Rehab.HA.2018.7x4.75.pdf protect their braces.

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Cutting food into pieces encourages patients to use their back teeth for biting, which protects the braces.

Dr. Shira Tor Weiss & Tor Orthodontics

Flossing, avoiding sticky snacks, and cutting up apples and other hard foods go a long way, says Tor. “Cutting food into pieces encourages patients to use their back teeth for biting, which protects the braces,” she says. If a child plays sports, Parker suggests using a mouth guard. Custom mouth guards are best. Once the braces come off, the permanent retainer goes on. As for removable retainers, Bomeli expects his patients to wear them at bedtime, at least. “Teeth have a tendency to always be moving around if you are not wearing a retainer,” he says. “We can’t expect kids to put in and take out a retainer all day long. That’s why we use permanent retainers.” If children consistently ignore 10/8/18 12:48 PM the orthodontist’s advice, they run

the risk of delaying progress, says Bomeli, who adds it is common for braces to break every once in a while, but if it happens at every visit, he might consider removing the braces altogether. “Parents spend a lot of money, and we want them to get the most from their investment. Nothing is more disappointing than having a patient who will not cooperate. We don’t get the results we want. I might tell little Johnny that it’s time to take the braces off because he is not ready yet for braces,” Parker says. On the other hand, when patients do comply, some can get their braces removed sooner than expected, he says. “In our practice, we always have a big celebration when the braces come off,” Bomeli says. “We might even give the patient popcorn.” BF

FALL / WINTER 2018 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 13

BALANCEDADULTS

Pump The Brakes

Distracted driving is bad, but speeding is a more prevalent – and deadlier – road hazard

By Ed Carroll

n increasing amount of automobile crash- and collision-prevention news coverage tends to focus on distracted driving – and with good reason, given the rise of smartphones, GPS devices and other gadgets designed to keep users’ eyes on a screen instead of, in this case, the road. However, nationwide, the number of deadly speedinvolved crashes (10,111 fatalities) greatly exceeded the number of deadly distracted driving-related crashes (3,450 fatalities) in 2016, the most recent year for which data is available, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatal Crash Data. Further, speedingrelated crashes increased by 4 percent from the previous year while distracted-driving crashes decreased 2.2 percent. Sometimes, clichés exist because they’re true, such as “speed kills.” As for Ohio, Matt Bruning, Ohio Department of Transportation press secretary, says about 30 percent of traffic deaths involve speeding, though often there are multiple contributing factors to a crash, such as speed, distraction, fatigue, not using a seat belt or alcohol. In Ohio in 2017, there were 375 speed-involved traffic deaths – or traffic deaths where speed was determined to be the primary cause – which was approximately 32 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to ODOT. By comparison, there were 80 deaths related to distracted driving that year, which was 7 percent of all traffic deaths in Ohio. In terms of crashes in general, the figures are more even. ODOT reports that this year, through Sept. 26, there have been 20,164 speed-related crashes in Ohio. The agency estimates slightly more than 20,000 distracted-driving crashes have occurred in that same time span, Bruning says. Speeding being so dangerous – and deadly – isn’t a new phenomena, so millennials are off the hook on this one. Heck, Ralph Nader’s bestselling book, “Unsafe at Any Speed,”

14 | BALANCEDFAMILY | FALL / WINTER 2018

was published in 1965. Though Nader focused much of his criticisms on the design of cars and the utter lack of safety features, problems which have been largely remedied in modern-day vehicles, the title of his book rang – and still rings – true: speeding in a vehicle is dangerous. Two Northeast Ohio officers who regularly patrol busy highways and interstate freeways – Capt. Gerald Vogel of the Westlake Police Department and Patrolman Randy Mullenax of the Willoughby Hills Police Department – agree. “Speeding itself is dangerous because the faster you’re going, the more reaction time you lose,” Mullenax says. “Your body can only see a danger and react to it in a certain period of time. Going faster greatly reduces the reactionary time you have.” Coupling speeding with other bad driving habits, such as distracted driving, compounds the problem, he adds. Vogel says speeding is dangerous because drivers can’t necessarily control outside factors. “There could be animals crossing (the road) or people stopping (their vehicles) for unknown reasons,” Vogel says. “So many things can happen. (When driving), you’re doing a lot of things at once. You’re judging distance and speed, steering, breaking. People take it for granted that the faster you go, the less time you have to react.” While Mullenax and Vogel say both speeding and distracted driving are extremely dangerous, if forced to pick a more dangerous habit between the two, both officers – perhaps surprisingly – say distracted driving is worse. “If you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing, bad things happen,” Vogel says. “Using your cell phone (while driving) is bad because it’s very distracting. But (you can be distracted) no matter what you’re doing, like by changing the songs on your iTunes or texting. It takes you away from the important parts of driving. Speeding exacerbates the distracted driving problem, giving you even less time to react to things.” Does either officer think the state needs to do more to combat the problems, especially in light of a recent WalletHub study that identified Ohio as the 43rd strictest state (or, put another way, the sixth most lenient state) when it comes to cracking down on speeding and reckless driving? Not exactly.

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“You can try to do whatever you want to, but if the people don’t believe (something is) a danger, they’re not going to buy into it,” Mullenax says. “You can tell them all the time that speeding is a danger, but it seems that the public views traffic violations as a revenue generator rather than as a safety problem. I don’t think there’s a lot you can do to help that.” Vogel says there are grants available to help police deal with the issues of speeding and distracted driving, which he and other police appreciate, but he doesn’t think legislation is the solution. “I’m more of an education (person) over (a) legislation person,” Vogel says. “People know that speeding and distracted driving are a problem, but from (my own experience) driving around on both personal and business time, I see (drivers) on their phones all the time.” So, how can parents help teach their teenagers safe driving habits? Besides a good driver’s education program, parents need to lead by example, Vogel says. “It starts when the children are young, way before they’re able to drive. If they see their parents driving with distractions or trying to program a GPS, … they’ll feel it’s not a problem (to do it themselves),” he says. “Speeding and aggressive driving are something kids notice. Leading by example is one of the most important things a parent can do for their kids.” Mullenax admits he isn’t exactly sure how to get through to kids that speeding and distracted driving are dangerous. “How many times do we see high school-age men and women dying every year (in automobile crashes) and all their

TRAFFIC DEATHS IN OHIO Figures for Ohio show that speed-involved fatalities have repeatedly outpaced – both in totals and the percentage of overall traffic fatalities – those related to distracted driving in recent years, though the number of distracted-driving related deaths increased in 2017. Year

Speed-involved

Distracted driving

2017

375 (32 percent)

80 (7 percent)

2016

389 (34 percent)

52 (5 percent)

2015

336 (30 percent)

56 (5 percent)

2014

335 (33 percent)

53 (5 percent)

Source: Ohio Department of Transportation

friends mourning their deaths, and then the next day they go out and do the same thing (in a car)?” he says. “We see it all the time. Everyone thinks it’s fun and games until one wrecks.” Mullenax adds there are apps available for parents to block texting and other distractions, and keep track of their children’s driving habits, many of them free, (and) some of which will allow parents to see where a car has been and how fast it’s been driving. “It may seem overbearing, but I would rather install an app that doesn’t let (my daughter) text while driving than pay for her funeral,” he says. BF

Have Confidence with Your Home Care. When you choose JFSA as your home care provider, you not only receive the highest quality care and plenty of services to choose from, you get something extra. Confidence. Our nurses and home health aides want you to be as independent as possible and enjoy the confidence you gain when working with our supportive and caring staff.

Call 216.378.8660 Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance accepted.

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JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION

of Cleveland

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BALANCEDADULTS

Pay-off procedu res procedures Debt management and debt settlement sound alike, but they aren’t – and knowing the differences is critical to choosing the best plan for you and your family By Sean McDonnell

any people may want to get a handle on their debt, and for them, there are several choices – but they might not understand the differences between those options.

Methods for managing debt can be confusing – especially when terms referring to different approaches are sometimes used interchangeably – and people don’t know where to start when trying to get their finances back in the black. Certified financial planner Matt Brigeman and financial adviser Brittan Leiser, both at One Seven in Beachwood, and Jason Green, a financial services professional at Leichner Financial Group in Pepper Pike, offer advice and explanations on two common methods of paying off debt – debt management and debt settlement – while stressing people should consult with a financial professional before making a decision that’s best for them and their families.

DEBT MANAGEMENT For someone with multiple sources of debt, an agency can set up a debt management plan that can combine debts into one monthly payment. Individuals will pay the agency their monthly payment, and then the agency will pay and handle those debts for them.

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Brigeman compares setting up a debt management plan to having a coach to help guide actions. Brigeman Leiser “You have someone on your side to help you and help you make payment. Leiser says it’s important to the right decisions,” he says. realize, however, that this kind of plan An agency can also put other systems will not lower the amount of debt, only in place to help people while they are in make it easier to pay off with one monthly a debt management plan, such as having individuals cancel credit cards. Those in debt payment. “This isn’t just like a one-stop shop, very management plans typically cannot open easy way to get rid of debt,” she says. new lines of credit while on a plan, except in emergencies. Debt management plans may not be an A debt management plan, Leiser says, option for everyone. Leiser and Brigeman can be a good option for someone who both say these plans are ideal for those is looking to simplify their debt with one who already have a good credit rating. They payment. It can help people who have are also typically used for credit card debt missed payments in the past or have too but can be used for other types of debt as many debtors to keep track of. well. “For some people, it may be a good In most cases, Green recommends not option to set up a debt management option enrolling in a debt management plan. He because maybe their lives have gotten too advises people to manage debt payments busy,” she says. personally, explaining agencies typically The agency setting up a debt charge a fee that can add costs to a management plan can also negotiate down person’s debt. some of the interest on multiple debts, An advantage of a debt management which would result in a lower monthly plan, Green says, is agencies will have

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DEBT SETTLEMENT

Green leverage to negotiate down interest rates an individual wouldn’t have. “Some institutions can have some leverage, can have a little bit more power to do so,” he says. “However, from my experience, (they) charge a fee – and that’s where the problems arise.” A debt management plan, Leiser says, could be a viable option for someone who has the cash flow to pay off debt but has trouble managing it. “You’re not looking to get rid of your debt,” she says. “You are looking for a more convenient and reasonable way to manage it.”

While a debt management plan could be an option for someone who can pay their debts, debt settlement is an option for people who can’t. Leiser and Brigeman say debt settlement is not a decision to be made lightly and should be avoided in most cases. “Debt settlement is arguably the last resort prior to bankruptcy,” Brigeman says. In debt settlement, an agency can try to negotiate down an amount of debt a person owes. The idea is that the creditors will want to receive some amount of payment, so they may accept less. While debt settlement can reduce the amount of debt people have to pay, Leiser and Brigeman both say debt settlement has many negatives, such as having a

For some people, it may be a good option to set up a debt management option because maybe their lives have gotten too busy.

Brittan Leiser One Seven

lasting impact on a person’s credit record and restricting the person’s access to credit in the future. “That decision is not a light one, because the repercussions are so severe,” says Leiser, suggesting people should consider a debt management plan – or some other form of addressing their debt – before considering debt settlement. Green says that while debt settlement can reduce an individual’s debt, the agency negotiates the amount of debt with creditors, and negotiations aren’t always predictable. “You can begin the process (of negotiating down

debt),” he says, “but it will not guarantee it will happen.” Green agrees debt settlement is a better alternative to bankruptcy, but says it should be avoided at all costs. He says that with the uncertainty of debt settlement and the fees the agencies charge, people may pay an out-of-pocket fee and still end up in a stressful financial situation. Brigeman says circumstances under which debt settlement could be considered include bills adding up, losing a job or a death in the family. “When those major life events happen, that’s when this kind of thing could happen,” he says. BF

Council Gardens—Providing Technology for Enhanced Living -

High Speed Wireless Internet throughout the 8-acre property: $12/month High Definition Digital Cable Television: $10/month Keyless Entry into main buildings: free Interest Free Loans for the purchase of laptops and smart TVs Computer Literacy tutoring: free and onsite Community Room access to Netflix and other streaming services Call for a tour or to join our team of volunteers: Jackie Feldman, 216-382-8625, ext. 103

Council Gardens is a HUD-subsidized, culturally diverse, nonsectarian living community sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland Section, open to persons age 62 and over, and mobility impaired adults of all ages.

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FALL / WINTER 2018 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 17

Family fun centers throughout Northeast Ohio protect parents and children from winter weather while letting the good times roll

The By Alyssa Schmitt

s the chill of fall transitions to the bitter cold of winter, summer days spent at water parks and outdoor amusement parks will undoubtedly feel like distant memories. Children – and maybe even parents – might begin to feel stir crazy as family activities are constrained mostly to indoor environs. Luckily for them, though, Northeast Ohio is home to a growing number of large-scale indoor activity centers designed to help families sweat out almost any form of cabin fever. For young and older alike, these four-walled playgrounds have a way of putting extra bounce in one’s step – figuratively, and with help from trampolines, literally – while making recess a year-round option.

ADRENALINE MONKEY

Zip City

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The crazy apes in any family will have plenty of opportunities to monkey around at Adrenaline Monkey in Warrensville Heights. With an aerial ropes course, a parkour course, four Ninja Warrior-style courses, climbing walls and an arcade, there’s something for everyone, says owner and founder Denise Carkhuff. Parents and grandparents can watch from above in the mezzanine area or watch TV on a bean bag. If they’re feeling adventurous, they can strap in and climb the rock wall. While creating Adrenaline Monkey, Carkhuff paid extra attention to details, from the type of

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lighting – “it’s not like Walmart lighting” – to the helpfulness of her team, referred to as a troop, which is the term for a group of monkeys. “Our troop has been amazing. They are so encouraging and helpful,” she says. “(Guests) aren’t just left to their own devices. If (troop members) see somebody that needs some help, they help them out. If you’re afraid to move to that next element on the aerial ropes course, they’re going to help you do that.” The activity center also offers food, so guests don’t have to leave the facility to satisfy their hunger. As a parent who was sick of seeing only greasy options at concession stands, Carkhuff saw to it Adrenaline Monkey offers an even mix of options, from pizza to lentil burgers. Adrenaline Monkey is located at 26800 Renaissance Parkway in Warrensville Heights. For more information, visit adrenalinemonkeyfun.com.

GET AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK Get Air Trampoline Park in Middleburg Heights is home not only to a plethora of trampolines but also has a Ninja Warrior-style course, two dodge ball courts, three foam pits and a balancing surf board. Visitors shouldn’t let the abundance of vaulting options feel daunting, says manager Holly Pope. She’s seen children and grandparents alike enjoy all parts of the park. If they can walk, they can jump, she says. For parents worried about sending little jumpers onto the floor, there’s a designated area for those up to 46 inches tall through which they can access foam pits, a slack line and slam ball, which is like basketball but with trampolines making slam dunks easier than ever. Pope says Get Air is a way for the whole family to exercise. For adults looking to keep moving or just relieve some stress, the park provides fitness classes. “Families are getting out and getting exercise – and having fun while getting exercise,” she says. “And everybody wants to wear out their kids, too, especially during the winter months because they’re in the house and they’re bored.” The park also offers knocker ball for those who might have extra energy and feel like they’re bouncing off the walls. Kids can strap inside an inflatable see-through ball and ricochet away on the trampolines. Get Air Trampoline Park is located at 7204 Pearl Road in Middleburg Heights. The franchise plans to open an Akron location at 1886 Buchholzer Blvd. For more information, visit getaircleveland.com.

Adrenaline Monkey Get Air Trampoline Park

PLAY: CLE Play: CLE in Avon has more than 25,000 square feet full of features to challenge and entertain its guests, says Michael Nowoslawski, its marketing and events manager. With a 165-foot zip line, climbing walls, ropes course, bouldering walls, parkour course and a Ninja Warrior-style course, the location offers options usually only offered outside, Nowoslawski says. “During the winter, a lot of places like that close down because they’re outdoor friendly,” he says. “Even when it’s cold outside or raining, you can come in here and enjoy all our attractions.”

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Unique to this location is a Rubik’s Cube tower, a tower inspired by the popular 3D puzzle that multiple people can climb at once, and the “leap of faith,” in which guests climb a tall pole and are forced to jump off and grab either a trapeze bar on one side or a large punching bag on the other. Nowoslawski adds that Play: CLE offers a location for guests to get out of their comfort zones and try things they otherwise wouldn’t.

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Play: CLE

“A lot of times during the winter, people tend to stay inside,” Nowoslawski says. “Giving people a chance to stay active and have that ability to get out and run around is definitely a positive we give to the community.” The facility also has a full restaurant and bar for guests to relax after a few hours of climbing. Play: CLE is located at 38525 Chester Road in Avon. For more information, visit playcle.com.

SCENE 75 Scene 75 in Brunswick is prepared to handle events ranging from birthday parties to date nights, says vice president of marketing Alex Zorniger. In addition to its arcade, there’s an indoor Go-Kart track, laser tag, virtual reality, black-light mini-golf, bumper cars, inflatable slides, minibowling and a laser maze. While it may seem geared toward younger family members, the space is focused on what Zorniger calls “three generations of fun.” He added many of the activities, like mini-bowling and mini-golf, are easily accessible for older family members who may have trouble with mobility. No matter where in the facility guests go, they will find something entertaining, Zorniger says. “If you are coming with a group of people or have kids that are a bunch of different ages, it’s not going to be somewhere where older kids get bored or the younger kids can’t do anything,” he says. When guests’ stomachs start grumbling, they can visit Center Bar or Food Truck Alley to refuel. Food Truck Alley features four food trucks from around Northeast Ohio – River

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Dog Cafe, Sauced Pizza, 303 Tacos and Sugar Sugar – parked next to the indoor Go-Kart track. “You can really bring the whole family and have a day of fun where you can’t do that at most places,” Zorniger says. Scene 75 is located at 3688 Center Road in Brunswick. For more information, visit scene75.com.

SKY ZONE The laws of gravity are made to be broken on one of the 60 trampolines in Sky Zone’s main court in Westlake and Highland Heights. Once guests get used to jumping around, they can attempt more challenging attractions, like sky ladder (a fidgety ladder suspended over a soft landing), sky slam, ultimate volleyball and ultimate dodge ball, or they can jump into the foam zone, a pit filled with foam squares to soften one’s landing. The variety of activities makes it easy for anyone to find something to enjoy, says David Dabney, director of marketing, sales and social media. Sky Zone has been in Northeast Ohio for about five years, which has allowed it to learn and adapt to the needs of the community, Dabney says. Over the years, it’s created a toddler time, during which younger jumpers can bounce about without worrying about jumping into adults, and sensory hours, which provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. “We make it a special time anytime someone comes in,” he says. For adults looking for a fun new way to burn calories, the Highland Heights Sky Zone offers “SkyFit,” an hour of fitness training on the trampolines.

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Scene 75

Upon guests’ first visit, they’ll have to purchase “SkySocks,” which are rubber bottom socks that make it easier to get traction on trampolines. Sky Zone is located at 750 Alpha Drive in Highland Heights and 31500 Viking Parkway in Westlake. For more information, visit skyzone.com.

ZIP CITY Scott Weiner, owner of Zip City in Streetsboro, packs as much activity into his amusement center as he can. The facility holds five zip lines (on which Weiner has seen guests from ages 3 to 101 fly down), trampolines, rock walls, Ninja Warrior-style courses, rope courses and laser mazes. Following a $600,000 update to the facility about two years ago, Weiner has continued to make short lines and easy access the goal of the facility. “Our concept is to have people wait as little as possible,” he says. “We want to keep the machine running. We have more staff than most people, and we believe we have a good family value price. That’s it. It’s good family fun at a good family value. I know it sounds corny but that’s what we do.” Zip City has one dodge ball court reserved for pick-up games, during which up to 20 kids can battle for dodge ball glory using soft, foam dodge balls. For parents interested more in observation than participation, there’s the Zip City Sky Lounge, which overlooks the trampoline and zip line so parents can keep a close eye on their kids. Zip City is located at 9960 State Route 43 in Streetsboro. For more information, visit zipcityusa.com.

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Sky Zone

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Need to

breathe

noring is a common issue that may be more serious than keeping your partner up at night. It could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which can affect your mood and productivity during the day and lead to future health concerns. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes breathing to frequently stop and start, which triggers continuous waking up throughout the night and causes symptoms in addition to snoring, like gasping, choking and sweating. These

Snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, which if left untreated, could lead to worse than just restless nights By Marissa Nichol

symptoms stem from physiological changes and oxygen levels repeatedly going down and back up. Dr. Harneet Walia, staff physician in the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, and Dr. Samuel Friedlander, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals in Cleveland, both suggest seeing a doctor as soon as one experiences sleep apnea symptoms. “Despite all the advances and education, it still remains one of the under-recognized disorders, which, once treated, can have a huge impact in a person’s quality of life,” Walia says. Those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea – which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and

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Beachwood Mayor Martin Horowitz declares February 15th as Right at Home Day in recognition of Doris Pickens’ team being selected as the recipients of the Caring Star award. She is our Caregiver of the Year.

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A lot of my patients that get treated for sleep apnea don’t realize how easy the treatment is. They had suspected that wearing a CPAP (mask) would be very difficult, but for a lot of people, they tolerate it very well and they feel so much better the next day that it’s an easy trade-off to wear a mask.

Dr. Samuel Friedlander Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals

block your airway during sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic – can experience daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, depression, impaired concentration, drowsiness while driving, dry mouth and sexual dysfunction. Sleep apnea is more prevalent among older populations and more common in males and patients with a narrow airway and small jaw, Walia says. The disorder also becomes common for women after menopause. Although snoring is a common symptom, someone who doesn’t snore can still be affected by sleep apnea, albeit a different form: central sleep apnea, which the Mayo Clinic says occurs because one’s brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. There are various treatment options for sleep apnea, but Friedlander says the gold standard is continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. “The great thing about CPAP is that it’s not a medicine that has side effects. It’s not oxygen, it’s simply air pressure,” he says.

Dr. Robert Katz

Eastside ENT Specialists Board-certified Otolaryngologists Serving Northeast Ohio We are dedicated to providing compassionate, professional, state-of-the-art medical and surgical care to our patients with problems of the ear, nose and throat. Physicians Pavilion 36060 Euclid Ave, Suite 201 Willoughby, Ohio 44094 10 Minutes from Beachwood Place Physician Pavilion at Tripoint Medical Center 7580 Auburn Road, #103 Concord, Ohio 44077 440-352-1474

24 | BALANCEDFAMILY | FALL / WINTER 2018

Friedlander

Walia

CPAP involves wearing a mask that goes over the patient’s nose, or nose and mouth, that acts as an air splint when they fall asleep to keep the airway open. While the treatment may seem demanding, Friedlander emphasizes how important it is for people to understand how common and easily treatable obstructive sleep apnea is. “A lot of my patients that get treated for sleep apnea don’t realize how easy the treatment is,” he says. “They had suspected that wearing a CPAP (mask) would be very difficult, but for a lot of people, they tolerate it very well and they feel so much better the next day that it’s an easy trade-off to wear a mask.” Friedlander recommends those who suffer from sleep apnea see a specialist and give CPAP a try for a series of months. It is important for patients to make sure they are working with a sleep disorder or sleep apnea specialist who is giving them the right mask, otherwise they could experience discomfort while wearing it. “They may be wearing the wrong mask, and that would be like me trying to wear your shoes – it’s just not going to happen, it’s not going to fit,” he says. For those who try the correct mask but still find it uncomfortable, Walia says there are other treatments, including weight loss, treating nasal congestion, positional therapy and avoiding sleeping on your back. If those treatments still do not help, there are various surgeries available, depending on one’s needs. Inspire therapy, a system that delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles based on one’s breathing patterns, is a technology Friedlander says was developed by a University Hospitals doctor for a certain group of people that have sleep apnea and don’t tolerate CPAP. Another treatment option he mentions is dental devices. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine certifies dentists who are trained in sleep medicine to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Walia stresses the importance of seeking treatment as early as possible because sleep apnea can lead to other long-term health problems, like the elevation of carbon dioxide levels and sleep fragmentation. “It can lead to the increase in inflammatory markers in the blood, and all these things can have the downstream consequences leading to poor heart health or other things,” she says. Friedlander adds that sleep apnea can lead to cardiac problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which is when the body ends up having a conglomeration of those symptoms. BF

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Advertorial

The Hip Side of Hanging Out at an Adult Day Center Grandma may be having more fun than you think. She gets picked up at her doorstep in the morning and taken to a warm, welcoming place where she might get up to boogie at an energized costume dance party with a DJ spinning toe-tapping, finger-snapping music; hang out with her friends to paint and sip wine; take a ride to a Lake Erie beach or a farm; help raise money or donations for a good cause; take an exercise class; relax to live entertainment in an Italian piazza; or simply share stories with peers over breakfast, lunch and even dinner. Then, when the day is over, she is safely delivered home – that is, if she is a client of the Mandel Adult Day Center at Menorah Park. According to the National Adult Day Services Association, adult day care services began in this country in the 1960s in locations such as church basements. Studies showed people living in isolation were susceptible to increased health issues, including reduced cognitive function and depression, and that in the context of long-term health care, adult day care made sense. “Adult day centers aren’t what they used to be”, says Tina Witt, ADC, CDP, director at Menorah Park’s Mandel Adult Day Center. Tina has worked in the industry for more than 20 years and has seen many innovations in that time. As the Center’s 50th anniversary nears, Tina explains that it is one of the nation’s oldest adult day centers still operating, but it’s not archaic in its ways – it’s a very hip place to be. “Menorah Park’s Mandel Adult Day Center is cutting edge” Tina says. “What has changed over the past few decades is the type of activities. Folks aren’t just sitting around listening to Mitch Miller and batting a balloon. They get a full day of dancing, dining, exercising, mental stimulation, socializing, gardening, baking and live music or speakers. “In addition to the wide variety of activities offered, clients’ medical needs are managed by our full-time Registered Nurse. Clients can get assistance with medications, an annual flu shot, blood pressure monitoring, glucose check and much more,” she says. “The Center helps people live better and remain in their home and community. There are fewer hospitalizations, less isolation, and improved relationships between client and family. Caregivers report a sense of relief and peace of mind knowing their loved one is well cared for and having fun, and it’s more affordable than long-term care or in-home care.” So, when you ask grandma what she did today, be prepared to spend some time listening. Instead of being home alone and bored or watching TV, she enjoyed a delicious meal, laughed with friends and danced like no 2 | BALANCEDFAMILY | SUMMER 2018

one was watching. That’s what’s going on at Menorah Park’s Mandel Adult Day Center. Read more about the Center at MenorahPark.org. The Center turns 50 this year! Join in on the celebrations and come for a visit! Call the Center at 216-839-6673 or email tmwitt@menorahpark.org to get your loved ones started on a more exciting life today.

™

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BALANCEDBODY&MIND

Ketogenic questions

The resurgent keto diet extols low-carb, high-protein intake – which works for some but comes with the same potential pitfalls of other fad diets By Becky Raspe

besity affects 93.3 million U.S. adults, or 39.8 percent of that demographic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. That rate represents an increase from 2000, when the CDC reported 30.5 percent of adults were obese.

As the potential health concerns associated with being overweight continue to be an issue for about one-third of the population for nearly two decades, it should come as no surprise that fad diets are ingrained in the country’s collective consciousness. Though fad diets have been common for years, popularity for specific diets goes through peaks and valleys. Currently experiencing a resurgence is the ketogenic, or keto, diet. Jennifer Bier, a nutritionist at MetroHealth in Cleveland, explains the keto diet employs a lowcarbohydrate, higher-protein eating pattern. “(The diet) excludes starchy foods, like grains and potatoes, and limits or excludes fruits, depending on how strict it is,” she says. “Traditionally, protein intake is kept at normal levels and carbohydrates are limited to less than 50 grams per day, and the remaining calories come from fat.” Carbohydrate restriction is key for the diet to work, Bier says.

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We Americans have a tendency to latch onto extreme ideas in dieting rather than more moderate eating patterns. So, in the 1980s, fats were the villain and we gravitated toward high-carb, low-fat foods. We got fatter and less healthy. So, as we recognize that our high-sugar diets are not good for us, carbs are becoming the villain and more people are being drawn to low-carb, high-fat diets.

Jennifer Bier MetroHealth

“Carbohydrates provide the primary source of fuel for the brain,” she says. “When carbohydrate intake is kept under 50 grams per day, the body has to use more fat for fuel. Our brains can’t use fat directly, so some of the fat is converted to ketogenic bodies to fuel the brain/central nervous system.” Dee Wolk, founder and creator of No Diet Weight Solution Cleveland in Beachwood, says the low-carb, high-protein diet is just “another diet.” “When you go on a diet, you lose weight on the diet, but when you go off the diet, you’d overeat all the food you were deprived of,” she says. “Then, eventually, you’d gain the weight back. At that point, you kind of wreck your metabolism and harm your heart. What good is being thinner if you’re not healthy? There needs to be a better balance.” Not only are regaining weight and slowed metabolism some of the risks of following fad diets, but Bier says there are other, less obvious risks. “Concerns with ketogenic diets include some evidence of reduced bone mineral density, at least in growing children,” she says. “Short-term side effects of the diet also include fatigue, headache, nausea, constipation and possibly hypoglycemia in the first few days or weeks following the diet.” Though diets are helpful for fast weight loss, Wolk says there are better ways to achieve long-term success. “The only thing that matters is you have to change your relationship with food,” she says. “The key to losing and keeping off weight is taking at least 20 minutes to eat your food. Your body needs at least 20 minutes to send a message to your brain that you’re not hungry anymore.” It’s common for different fad diets to make their rounds in popular culture. “People want a fast fix but they’re only getting a patch,” Wolk says. “It’s another diet coming around with a different name.” But, Bier says, the ketogenic

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Bier

Wolk

diet is popular because of increased attention to the unhealthy effects of consuming high amounts of carbohydrates. “We Americans have a tendency to latch onto extreme ideas in dieting rather than more moderate eating patterns,” she says. “So, in the 1980s, fats were the villain and we gravitated toward high-carb, low-fat foods. We got fatter and less healthy. So, as we recognize that our high-sugar diets are not good for us, carbs are becoming the villain and more people are being drawn to low-carb, high-fat diets.” With other fad diets, both Bier and Wolk say there are major similarities – especially with the Atkin’s diet. “Despite being restrictive, ketogenic diets tend to be more balanced and better long-term choices than the extreme fads like the three-day diets and cabbage diet,” Bier says. “As for overall effectiveness, this diet pattern has been shown to produce rapid weight loss, although the effects over the long term are similar to other diet plans.” Wolk says, “They’re all the same in the sense they are restrictive. You have to have balance. You need to trust your body. (The ketogenic diet) is just another diet by a new name. People are always going to try it.” Dining out might be a challenge for those following a fad diet. “When dining out, it would be essential to avoid starchy side dishes as well as any chips or bread left at the table,” Bier says. “Fried foods are especially breaded, so they would need to be avoided. It would be best to stick with places that would allow you to get grilled meat and non-starchy vegetables.” Wolk says such challenges are purely psychological. “It is mind over ‘fatter,’” she says. “You don’t have to sit at the restaurant on a diet and then overeat. Say you’re going out to eat at a certain time. You want to make sure you have some hunger and manipulate that. Then, you can order what you want to eat. To lose weight, you have to learn how to stop eating when you’re not hungry.” Though some families like to try diets together, both professionals say children shouldn’t be involved in fad diets. “Children need the energy to grow, and any diet that decreases appetite and restricts energy should be approached with caution in children,” Bier says. “With kids, we want to focus on healthy eating and not just on weight. We don’t want to go down the path of eating disorders.” Wolk says, “What happens in that household is very important. Make sure you’re mindful of that. Diets are a great idea involving the whole family, but it is important to teach healthy eating habits, too.” BF

FALL / WINTER 2018 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 27

BALANCEDBODY&MIND

Encouraging elder exercise By Marissa Nichol

Adult children who nurture physical activity among their aging parents may save them – and themselves – from future burdens

ging baby boomers who neglect fitness activities may end up facing declining health that could not only harm themselves but also their adult children, who may find it difficult to take on the financial and physical roles of supporting their aging parents amid their parenting and professional responsibilities.

Even if adult children recognize it’s time to start encouraging their parents to exercise and take their health seriously, they might not be sure how best to do so. Fitness experts Ed King, owner of King’s Gym in Bedford Heights, and Nate Miracle, owner of Miracle Performance in Beachwood, suggest taking small steps to encourage parents to incorporate fitness routines into their daily activities. “It’s got to be fun for them to do it,” Miracle says. “Ultimately, usually with any age, the individual has to want to do it themselves. It’s really hard to force someone to exercise who doesn’t want to.” Miracle and King both recommend walking as an easy way to introduce elderly parents to new habits. Walking around the block, at the park or even throughout the mall on a rainy day will give them a way to exercise without it feeling like exercise. A good way to help them enjoy exercising is to incorporate it in activities in which they already partake, like gardening or shopping. Involving family is also encouraging. If they have grandchildren, they will be able to participate in outdoor activities while spending time with family so it doesn’t feel like too big of an effort.

28 | BALANCEDFAMILY | FALL / WINTER 2018

King

Miracle

Adult children doing the activities they suggest their parents do is more effective than just telling their parents what they should be doing. King says leading by example is more influential. If the child can show their parent what eating healthy and exercising has done for them, they may inspire their parents to do the same in some capacity. “If you’re a smoker and tell somebody not to smoke, it doesn’t quite have the impact,” he says. “So, if the adult kids have embraced some type of fitness lifestyle and (are) eating correctly a majority of the time, then it’s a much better visual for the parents to see.” If there is a major or specific health concern, a small intervention might also help parents realize why they should take action. Miracle advises taking a light approach. “I think it has to be in a positive way, and you can stress the benefits that are going to come from being more independent,” he says. In addition to stressing the personal reasons for exercising, King suggests showing them statistics or articles on how aerobic and anaerobic activities work for people at every age.

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“A common excuse you hear is, ‘I’m too old, it’s too late,’ which is totally untrue,” he says. “Having some research and having some data to back that up, I think, helps.” Buying gifts can also be an incentive for parents to start or continue working out. King recommends buying gift cards for a gym membership, trainer or fitness clothing. He has seen people of older generations come to train in improper gear, like jeans and penny loafers, so gifting the proper gear to parents will start them off on the right foot. Once they get into an initial routine and are used to the action of exercise, providing goals will be a motivating way to encourage them to improve their progress. Miracle says something simple, like a pedometer, will give a measurable result to stride toward. “It doesn’t have to be high-impact to be effective for an elderly person. It doesn’t have to be a cardio class or heavy weight training to work, especially for someone who’s previously been somewhat sedentary,” he says. Once they are ready to work out on their own, they can make an appointment with a trainer to assist them with their specific needs. King finds appointments are important to people of older generations. King says many seniors he trains tell him they never would have come in if they didn’t first make an appointment. He also mentions that although they may have a lot of free time, working out is not part of their lifestyle. They need to be motivated to make that change. “They’ll find reasons not to come, because it’s not part of how they grew up.” he says. “The ultimate end game would be to have them come to a facility like this and work with somebody one on one. That is the absolute best.” BF

3/9/09

11:09 AM

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How You Can Prevent a Fall in the Home

A staggering one-third of seniors who fall in their homes will suffer from injuries, including lacerations, fractured bones or head trauma. The best way to prepare for a fall is to prevent one. The following steps help keep you and your loved one safe at home. In the home: • Don’t hold onto furniture or walls • Keep home well lit • Keep medications in original bottles • Post emergency numbers by the phone • Remove throw rugs • Secure carpeting • Unclutter ﬂoors • Use a cane or walker • Utilize handrails on stairs • Wear non-skid shoes

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Self-care: • Begin regular exercises • Check your vision yearly • Notify your doctor if you feel dizzy, weak, unsteady or if you fall • Slowly stand after sitting or lying down If you fall: • Take a deep breath and try to relax • Do you have visitors in your house? Will they be able to hear you if you call out? • Do not try to stand up immediately. Stand up slowly, and if you can, get to a phone and dial 911 • If you are able to, push yourself to a phone and dial 911 • If you think you may have to be on the ﬂoor for a longer period of time, try to keep warm by using nearby rugs, pillows, quilts, etc., especially if you have poor circulation VNA of Ohio physical and occupational therapists oﬀer patients in-home assessments to help prevent falls from happening. If you or a loved one has suffered a fall, rehabilitation therapists can work with you to regain your strength in order to prevent a fall from happening again. Call 216-931-1502 or visit www.VNAOhio.org for more information.

FALL / WINTER 2018 | BALANCEDFAMILY | 29

WELLNESSDIRECTORY HOME & HEALTH

THE NANNY CONNECTION

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. 216-297-0800 brigitteatyourservice.com

OPTIONS FOR SENIOR AMERICA

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. 216-861-3700 optionscorp.com

is your personal connection to professional childcare. Well-known and respected throughout Northeast Ohio for 12 years, we will guide you through your search for safe, quality nannies and babysitters for your family. Sick child? After school care? Date Night? We can help! 216-77-NANNY your nannyconnection.com

VISITING ANGELS

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. 216-231-6400 visitingangels.com/cleveland

MIND & BODY BODY SCULPTING AND BARRE FX Body Sculpting is a cardiovascular strength-training class designed to make you lean and defined while providing a results-oriented whole body workout. More than 100 class locations in Northeast Ohio. Barre FX is an awesome and affordable barre fitness class offered in Beachwood and Novelty. Any questions, email helper@flexcity.com. Visit www. flexcity.com for a list of locations/ days/times and to register for classes 440-729-3463 helper@flexcity.com www.flexcity.com

IN MOTION PHYSICAL THERAPY

Advanced, evidencebased 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 inmotionptohio.com

INSPIRAL MOTION

A boutique-style movement center offering holistic, inspirational instruction in GYROTONICÂŽ and Pilates exercise. We specialize in joint issues, stress relief, self-care, body conditioning, balance and strength. Private instruction and group classes available. Join us for an hour or so of bliss. 20620 John Carroll Blvd. Suite 204 Shaker Hts OH 44118 216-320-9446 inspiralmotion.com

Wellness directory is provided by our advertising partners. To be included in future issues email advertising@balancedmag.com

OPTIONS NATUROPATHIC

offers an approach to health care that assists in the process of understanding illness and supporting wellness. Thus I must understand everything that I can about human health, physiology, and disease. My role is to coach individuals on how to prevent and reverse illness and to optimize their health. Erin Holston Singh, N.D. 2460 Fairmount Blvd. Suite 219 Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 216-707-9137 optionsnaturopathic.com

PLATINUM HOME HEALTH

Platinum Home Health Services provides intermittent (or part-time) Physical and Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Skilled Nursing and Home Health Care Aides (Skilled, NonSkilled and Companion) to clients in the comfort of their own home by qualified, licensed and insured local professionals. We are proudly Veteran-owned and operated. Marc Vasil, MPT President Platinum Home Health Services Platinum Home Helper Services Core Physical Therapy of Mayfield Hangar Sports (W) 440-995-0202 ext 5822 (F)440-448-4902 5813 Mayfield Rd Suite 201 Mayfield Hts.OH 44124 homehealthohio.org

the launchhouse

tstrap Bash Get the early bird discount

Join us for a strolling dinner by Spice Catering Co. and dancing in celebration of entrepreneurship. The evening will honor Visionary Entrepreneur Award Honoree Joe Kanfer, Chairman and Venturer, GOJO Industries and the first BBB Spark Award and showcase our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promising startups. Proceeds from the Bootstrap Bash will assist LaunchHouse in continuing to provide much of its educational programs and services to the entrepreneurial community for free.

Purchase tickets at www.launchhouse.com/bootstrapbash When

Ticket Prices

Saturday, January 19, 2019 $110 before 12/15/18 $125 after 12/15/18 7:30 pm

Where

Co-Chairs

Red Space 2400 Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114

Jill & Brad Helfman Connie & Neil Waxman

Visionary Entrepreneur Award Honoree Joe Kanfer Chairman and Venturer GOJO Industries

Presenter:

Accelerators:

Sustainer:

Incubators:

For sponsorship opportunities contact Gina Lloyd at 216-342-5196 or gina@launchhouse.com.

30 | BALANCEDFAMILY | FALL / WINTER 2018

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Mentors Needed

Bellefaire JCB’s Mentoring Program for Foster Youth is looking for caring, consistent mentors aged 21 and up! We look to pair volunteer mentors with youth who have “When I was 22, a friend convinced me to b a Big Sistersimilar with Bellefaire JCB.matches I never exp interests. Our that my Little would of amy str spend timebecome togetherone twice sources of energy. The past fo monthyears in thehave community. been such a me experience for both of u She helps me see the wo To apply, visit: clearly, and I help supp bellefairejcb.org/programs-and-services/mentoring dreams.” - a JBBBSA B

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Mentor a foster youth in need.

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