Editor’s note
CreativeLiving
If the ole saying rings true: April showers bring May flowers, then we are sure to have a month of beautiful bountious blooms! Yes, this month has been very gray. However, we hope that this issue of Creative Living will shine a little light back into your life. Inside you’ll find a variety of articles about local businesses that are able and ready to help you with your home, your health, your every need. Also be sure to check out our features including a guide to seafood, for any taste and budget; a piece about the value of video games; and another about sprucing up your home for spring.
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A guide to seafood Check out these great tips on seafood for every taste and budget
Spruce up your home for spring Expert advice on how to make your home feel fresh and new this season.
Video game benefits Study reveals that video games offer kids developmental and social benefits.
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Page 7 Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/ The Community Recorder.
Topics 3 Health & Fitness Mind • Body • Spirit
5 Local Business Goods • Services
& Entertaining 7 Dining Recipes • Restaurants
8 At Home Remodeling • Decorating
9 Gardening Flowers • Vegetables 10 Kid Care Health • Socializing
11 Senior Living Care • Home
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Stewart c/o The Community Press/ 394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mjstewart@communitypress.com. For advertising call 687-4614.
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Snore? Can't tolerate CPAP? Dr. Kitzmiller has a solution Dear Reader:
leaks, strap marks on their face, sinus problems and feeling like Darth Vader. I My name is Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller and I have sleep apnea. I started snoring did my research and enrolled in special training to prowhen I was in vide a CPAP my late 20’s. alternative Over the years called an Oral my snoring got Appliance. It is worse and I a medical would wake device that fits myself up with over the teeth a gasp or a and holds the snort. lower jaw forMy wife, ward, keeping Lori, was conthe airway stantly having open. to wake me up I now expeto stop snoring rience quiet, or start breathunrestricted, ing. I finally healthy sleep decided that wearing my after 23 years Oral we both Appliance. My deserved a quiet wife is thrilled night’s sleep. I because now underwent an she gets a overnight sleep great, quiet study to find night’s sleep out if I had the without snorlife-threatening ing or worrycondition called ing about me Obstructive suffocating. Sleep Apnea. To And the hunmy surprise I dreds of found out that I patients we’ve was not only treated over snoring but the years rave stopped breathabout finding a ing 28 times per treatment hour! It was recthat’s comfortommended that able and effecI start using a tive! Continuous Dr. Kitzmiller treats his patients and himself with Oral Appliance Therapy. Give us a call Positive Airway at 513-248-8848 to schedule your comPressure (CPAP) machine. I struggled with my CPAP since I like plimentary consultation to see how Oral to sleep on my side. I could finally relate Appliance Therapy could be the solution for you too! to our patient’s struggles with mask
Want More Information? Visit cincisleep.com
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Helping women in difficult times The people we surround ourselves with in difficult times can make a difference in our attitude and determination. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring in women and the second most common cause of death after lung cancer. The loss of a woman’s breasts to cancer can affect her self-esteem, her sex drive, and just how she feels about herself as a woman.
“No one cries here alone,” said Karen Murphy, a 15-year certified mastectomy fitter at Burlington Pharmacy Health Care. Murphy and Melissa Morris are used to giving and receiving lots of hugs. They’re used to sharing tears as well. Many women needing post-mastectomy devices, wigs and scarves as a result of surgery, receiving chemotherapy or for other medical reasons have come to Burlington
Pharmacy Health Care because of the outstanding support and care of the professional fitting specialists there. Burlington Pharmacy Health Care carries a wide assortment of post-mastectomy products, wigs, scarves, sleep caps and other headpieces. They offer personalized and private fitting appointments with their professional fitting specialists. “It is a very private atmosphere. We like tak-
ing time with each customer to get to know them as a person before we begin the fitting,” said Morris. “It’s very important to us that it be a pleasant and comfortable experience.” Burlington Pharmacy Health Care also encourages their customer’s friends and family to come and support women as they choose wigs, scarves, and other headpieces while they receive treatment.
“We invite them to come with our customers,” said Murphy. “Getting opinions from friends and family that they know and love is very reassuring and helpful,” she said. Karen and Melissa are honored to support, encourage, and advise women who are looking for post-mastectomy devices and head coverings. “It is an emotional time. It’s important for them to have a support team that cares. Our personal care and quality customer service set us apart,” said Murphy. “At the end of the day, we are making a difference in a life,” added Morris. Serving the tri-state since 1976, Burlington Pharmacy Health Care has the area’s largest home medical equipment showroom filled with a variety of top quality, state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies. Whether you are looking to purchase new, used or simply renting, we have it all. Stop by and let our experienced and knowledgeable staff show you why we say “large enough to serve, small enough to care!” For more information call 859-586-6700 or visit www.burlingtonpharmacy.com.
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Bernecker’s takes pride Get ready for vacation in saving you money For the last couple of years Bernecker’s Shingle Clean and Gutter Guards Service has been trying to get the word out about the importance of your shingle roof and gutter maintenance. The cost of replacement of these items is soaring, so its very important to maintain your home necessities. Bernecker’s shingle cleaning method saves your shingle life by removing black fungus that soften your shingles and cause granular loss – plus, not to mention the fresh look it gives your home. We also have been promoting our leaf protection system, LEAF RELIEF.
This system offers the same protection as major gutter guards systems at half the costs. They challenge their customers to get the other guys’ price first. They will even halve the price on gutter protection.
Bernecker's is a preferred Leaf Relief contractor.
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Bernecker’s passes their low over head on to their customers. Bernecker’s have a great referral base and an A+ BBB rating.
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Make that spring vacation or summer sun more enjoyable by building your base tan early. A Total Tan prides itself in clean and friendly tanning with no appointments ever taken. Even during the busy season, with almost 100 tanning units on the west side offer everyone the chance to come right in and get a quick and relaxing tan. This month A Total Tan is offering specials on their monthly unlimited and two weeks unlimited packages. These packages are 30 and 14 uninterrupted consecutive days of tanning. Take advantage of these great deals and get a steal on tanning this
month! You can feel safe purchasing these packages because A Total Tan offers no contracts and no hidden fees. Only buy the tanning when you need or want it, don’t get roped into contracts that are impossible to get out of with some of the competitors’ offers. Be sure to check out our new 2010 line of indoor tanning lotions. If you’re new to the indoor tanning experience, come in and rely on A Total Tan’s certified employees and let them lead you step by step to a deep, dark, sexy tan. A Total Tan is now offering the sunless spray tanning booth Mystic Tan at all three west-side locations.
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Mystic Tan gives you the look of confidence, whether you’re shopping at the mall or having a night out on the town. You’ll turn heads as you pass by with the perfect tan that looks like you’ve spent hours perfecting. Even if you can’t tan through traditional means, Mystic Tan gives you a beautiful golden tan that looks completely natural. Hydrating nutrients enrich your skin, giving you a beautiful glow you thought you’d never achieve on your own. Mystic Tan is quick, simple… and dark! Get in and take advantage of their Mystic Mondays… all single sessions in the Mystic are half price!
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Quality care offered at Blake and Associates Blake and Associates is an independent physical therapy practice located on Bridgetown Road in Green Township on the first floor of a beautiful office building that is easily accessible. The colorful, cheerful decor reflects the friendly, upbeat attitude of the entire staff. The therapists of Blake and Associates have an average of 30 years experience and offer ongoing treatment by the same physical therapist whenever possible. The equipment is stateof-the-art featuring a Biodex Balance Evaluation Unit, Cold Laser Therapy, as well as other modalities and state-of-the-art matrix exercise equipment and a hydroergometer exercise unit. Also offered are an Osteoporosis exercise program, Yoga instruction, Mat Pilates instruction, Medical Massage by a
Staff members of Blake and Associates demonstrate the state-of-the-art equipment.
licensed massage therapist, core stabilization exercise, and gym ball stabilization program. They
also offer a step-up program for patients that have finished regular therapy but would like to keep working on the
equipment. Blake and Associates was founded by Catherine (Katie) Blake in 1978. This was the first physical ther-
apy private practice in Cincinnati. Katie passed away in 2007 but her guiding philosophy continues. The therapists of Blake and Associates are dedicated to providing quality health care with the personal touch that is so often missing in today’s health-care system. These physical therapists enjoy putting knowledge, sensitivity, experience and an occasional dash of humor to work for patients of all ages and physical conditions. Many patients refer their family, friends and co-workers to Blake and Associates because they respect the thorough, professional evaluation and treatment they received by a therapist who was responsive to their needs. For more information call 661-6555.
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guide to seafood for every taste and any budget
ome diners are often intimidated to try seafood or may think it’s too expensive to enjoy regularly. But with the wide assortment of types and dishes available today, there is an option out there for every taste and any budget. It’s easy to find fresh, delicious, affordable seafood meals the whole family will enjoy.
New England Lobster Rolls.
Seafood expert and Red Lobster Executive Chef Michael LaDuke offers tips for navigating your way to a perfect seafood meal. • Start simple. When eating seafood for the first time, or introducing seafood to kids, start with something simple. Try shrimp as a topping on a salad or
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your favorite pizza. Shrimp is great seafood for beginners because it is widely available and very reasonably priced. • Try it grilled. Seafood is often prepared oven-broiled or sauteed, but why not try your next piece of fresh fish, such as salmon, grilled over an open flame? “Wood-fire
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grilling sears in the natural juices of fresh fish while adding subtle flavor,” says LaDuke. “Not to mention, grilling is a healthful way to prepare protein-rich seafood.” • Find comfort in familiar flavors. Broadening your seafood horizons is easy when you start with a sauce or top-
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ping you already know and love. A well-known seasoning, like Parmesan cheese, or a common crusted topping, like pecans, can be paired with your favorite fresh fish and add a new dimension to your meal. A good fish for seafood beginners is tilapia, SEAFOOD see page 9
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hree fast ways to spruce up your home for spring
reshening and cleaning your house as warm weather approaches is as much a rite of spring as welcoming the first robin to arrive in your backyard. But between a busy home life and a hectic work schedule, you may find yourself pressed for time, and summer may arrive before you’ve finished your spring cleaning. If you’re short on time, it’s possible to make your home look, feel and smell fresh for spring – even if you have to postpone indepth cleaning. Here are a few tips on how to make simple, speedy decor
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updates to give your house a spring-like atmosphere:
Step 1 - Brighten the look Making your house look brighter for spring can be as simple as opening all the blinds and curtains that you kept closed against winter’s chill. Another quick fix is to replace heavier drapes with light sheers that welcome in the spring
sun. Replace heavy comforters and quilts with lighter bedspreads and throws in colors that evoke the look of spring. Creamsicle orange, classic rose pink, cotton white, natureinspired greens, and watery blues are all great accent colors for spring decor. For quick cleaning tasks that will instantly spruce up your home’s interior, vacuum carpets, wipe
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down baseboards and woodwork (especially if they’re painted white), and dust/vacuum cloth lampshades. If you have some extra time to spare, consider washing windows. It’s one task that’s a great time investment because it makes a big impact on how your home looks both inside and out.
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Fragrance experts at The Yankee Candle Company Inc. suggest that while deep spring cleaning is sure to make your home smell clean, there are faster, easier ways to freshen indoor aromas. Scent is closely associated with mood, and you can create a spring-like oasis in your home by simply burning a premium scented candle in a fragrance that evokes SPRING see page 13
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Come see spring at Nature’s Corner Wow! Winter was too long this year and everyone is ready for spring, but with the wet gloomy days it’s hard to find. Stop in at Nature’s Corner Greenhouses at 1028 Ebenezer Road in Delhi and you will see what spring is supposed to look like! Perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and pond plants are in abundance, grown right here just for you! Nature’s Corner is now the largest retail garden center in the local area with over 25,000-squarefeet of flowers and plants including fish and pond plants. But the thing that really sets them apart from other places is their knowledgable staff. You will find the answer to just about any question related to the products they grow and sell. Beth, owner of Nature’s Corner states: “We grow our plants and we know our plants. We are here to help our customers be
successful with their purchases. We don’t sell trees or shrubs, but we can help with pond issues or deer issues which are always a concern.” Nature’s Corner is helping to keep your wallet happy by keeping the same pricing since 2008! Tom and Beth add that they have even lowered their decorative mixed hanging baskets, wire moss to large cones by $5 each! They just wanted to give back to their customers to show their appreciation for their continued support for 36 years! By popular demand, Nature’s Corner has increased their production of their ‘signature size’ six-inch pots of annuals. They have increased their offerings to more than 300 varieties. They offer a quantity discounts of $1 off per pot when you purchase six or more pots. Their 1-gallon perennials are another quantity discount of $2 savings per
pot when six or more are purchased. Coupons from their website, www.naturescornerplants.com, can be used in addition to the quantity discounts for a really great deal! Don’t forget to shop Nature’s Corner for blooming gifts for Easter. The baskets and containers are beautiful and will add that special touch of class to any Easter gathering. Nature’s Corner has all sizes starting at $10.95! Hurry and get one before they are gone! Come visit your neighborhood greenhouses at the corner of Rapid Run and Ebenezer Road, for spring! Nature’s Corner and all area businesses thank you for shopping local! They’ll see you soon.
SEAFOOD from page 7 because of its mild taste and light texture. • Create your own combination. Next time you’re dining at a seafood restaurant, order a combination plate, which allows you to savor multiple flavors and try different preparations at the same time. This lets you discover the type of seafood you enjoy the most. • Discover daily specials. A special or standalone menu is a great place to find new or unique dishes to try. “Ask a seafood expert about daily specials and promotions,” says LaDuke. “This is often where the chef can get a little more creative with tastes.” It also allows you to rely on the advice of a trusted resource to find new seafood varieties like rainbow trout, mahi-mahi or halibut. • Get great seafood at a great value. Quality seafood doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Instead, try premium seafood like lobster in a more approachable dish like soup or a sandwich. As you decide what your next seafood meal will be, consider Chef LaDuke’s advice and know that even with so many options to choose from, there are a host of great tasting dishes for every taste and any budget.
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ideo games offer kids developmental, social benefits, study shows
ears about video games often grab headlines, but a growing body of research shows that video games can actually be beneficial to your child’s development. Kids can learn academics, social interaction and cooperation and even history from video games, a new report shows. The study, spearheaded by Cheryl K. Olson, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Mental Health and Media in Boston, indicated video game benefits can include: • Providing an outlet for creativity; • Allowing children and teens to try on roles (from new sports to different personalities or profes-
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sions) in a safe environment; • Providing practice in planning and recognizing consequences; • Helping manage difficult emotions; • Promoting interest in exercise and sports; • Improving visual/spatial skills; • Nourishing self esteem, pride and socialization skills. So how can parents ensure their children are reaping benefits
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from game playing, while avoiding possible negatives for their emotional and physical well-being? Experts agree on several points:
Get educated “One reason parents may be concerned about video games is that they don’t feel comfortable with the controls,” says Olson, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “A mom who’s not
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sure whether a comic book or a movie is appropriate for her child can flip or fastforward through it. If she’s worried about a video game, but lacks the skill to play it, she’s left frustrated and a bit embarrassed.” Fortunately, parents can find plenty of resources online to help them better understand a particular game and the affect it might have on their child, including:
• ESRB.org, the home page of the Entertainment Software Rating Board. The website allows parents to search for a specific game by title or publisher, learn its ESRB rating and why the board awarded that rating. The ESRB assigns ratings to help parents determine if a game is appropriate for their child. • VIDEO see page 15
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Serving the needs of older adults Hillebrand Home Health has been serving the needs of older adults in Western Cincinnati for the past 18 years. Through hard work and dedication Hillebrand Home Health has built a reputable home care agency that provides skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational Matt Witsken therapy, speech pathology, home health aides services and homemaking in the clients own home. The majority of staff members live on the west side and know how important it is to provide such a valuable service but Hillebrand Home Health also donates many services as well. Hillebrand Home Health has provided free services for many years. The staff can always be found in the community donating its time and skills to provide free blood pressure screenings at Cheviot Senior Center, Miami Senior Center and Delhi Senior Center. A Registered Nurse goes at least once a month and spends quality time with the members of the senior center. Janet Cella RN, is the Director of Nursing for Hillebrand Home Health. Janet is usually the nurse who goes to the senior centers. She has been a lifelong resident of the Western Hills area and has worked for the Hillebrand companies for more than 30 years. Hillebrand Home Health also provides a free service to the residents at Renassiance West at Northbend Crossing. Mike Zimmer, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant spends time on a weekly basis working with residents in the fitness room. Mike enjoys meeting new residents and helps them learn how to use the exercise equipment.
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Another great service that is offered for free is the Mobile Health Fair Team. Hillebrand Home Health along with other health care providers in the area developed a Mobile Health Fair Team. The Team will travel to local businesses and set up a health fair for free. It's a great way for organizations to help their own employees become more aware of health issues by receiving free health screenings by licensed professionals. Hillebrand Home Health will also offer education seminars on a variety of topics. “One hot topic is always Medicare and Medicare HMO's,” says Vicki Dirr-Krauser, administrator. Melissa Bales, Independent Insurance Broker will help educate older adults on which insurance options are the best for their own personal situation. This is another service that Hillebrand Home Health offers free of charge. Bales will meet with people one on one or has provide seminars to large groups. “I learn new things myself every time I listen to Melissa talk,” says Dirr-Krauser. And on a lighter note you can find the staff from Hillebrand Home Health at a retirement facility sometimes playing bingo with the residents. Hillebrand staff enjoy putting smiles on the faces of others. One of the goals for Hillebrand Home Health is to keep people healthy and happy so if bingo can make that happen then we are doing our job, commented Janet Cella RN, director of nursing. For more information on Hillebrand Home Health call 598-6648 or visit them on the web at www.hillebrandhomehealth.com.
a good idea! Call 687-4614.
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Clovernook celebrates 30 years Call 687-4614 to advertise in
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Clovernook Health Care Pavilion is celebrating 30 years of serving the Tristate community as a long term care facility specializing in wound care and rehabilitation. The wound care at Clovernook is like no other in the region! According to Amy Mullowney, administrator: “Clovernook’s greatest asset is the employees that serve the residents who live here. You can not teach people to care and we have the most caring in the industry.” The majority of the employees that work at Clovernook have longevity of five plus years of service. Clovernook is set on six beautifully landscaped acres and is centrally located in the middle of Hamilton County. Clovernook continually updates the building and grounds in order to stay fresh and clean looking. The facility has just reno-
vated some resident rooms making them large, deluxe private quarters with flat screen televisions with satellite, refrigerators, sofas, and private baths. Clovernook will be recognizing their 30-year team members: Betty
Clovernook. Clovernook is planning on having a community event to celebrate the 30year anniversary. This event will be open to the local community and feature a health and wellness fair; a craft bazaar; free food and beverages; and
Clovernook is set on six beautifully landscaped acres and is centrally located in the middle of Hamilton County.
Christophel, STNA; Diane Harper, housekeeping and laundry director; Phyllis Radford, laundry assistant; and Cindy Hibbs, LPN. These ladies have dedicated their careers to serving the residents at
free local entertainment. It is our hope that the community will come and enjoy this free event to celebrate our serving the Tristate area for 30 years!
Get more out of life Berkeley Square understands that today’s retiring adults want more options, more space, and more premium amenities – all in one place. Take your choice from a variety of spacious homes, apartments, or customdesigned plans to meet your particular needs. You’ll enjoy the independ-
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ence and privacy, yet appreciate the maintenance-free living and peace of mind Berkeley Square offers. Moving to Berkeley Square not only gives you a spacious home, but also a vibrant neighborhood and new friends. Step outside your residence and find wooded walking
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paths, an active town square and lots of neighbors to share a good laugh. While we take care of the lawn, you get to take it easy and spend more time enjoying your new home on our beautiful campus. Call 330-6471 to schedule a personal tour at your convenience.
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Free hearing aid batteries with participation in a mercury-free battery study For decades, hearing aids have been powered by batteries that contain heavy metals that are dangerous for the environment and your health. When these batteries die, they end up in landfills where they leak toxic ingredients-like mercury, which has been linked to many birth defects-into our water supply and food supply.
But now, you can “go green” with mercury-free hearing aid batteries. Some earth-friendly products get a bad rap for not being as effective as their toxic-laden counterparts. The manufactures of mercury-free batteries have indicated that they last as long as the current zinc air batteries which have some mercury content. Christopherson & Clark
would like you to help them determine if this is so by comparing the zinc air batteries to the mercury-free. They will give you the batteries for free, you give them the results and your opinion. Christopherson & Clark has 100 packs of mercury-free batteries to give away and we’d like you to be among those who test their efficiency.
Do they last as long as your current batteries in your hearing aids? Are they easy to change? Would you recommend them to a friend? After using the batteries, they’d like you to fill out a simple questionnaire rating their performance. Using mercury-free batteries can be a simple way to do your part for preserving our planet.
To be part of the mercury-free battery study or to schedule an appointment or request a free copy of The Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids, call 598-9444 today or stop by Christopherson & Clark Hearing Center at 6570 Glenway Ave. in Bridgetown. They look forward to seeing you.
SPRING from page 8 warm weather. To renew stored linens or clothes, slip a fresh dryer sheet between layers of garments. You can also use dryer sheets to keep winter clothes from developing a musty aroma while they’re stored throughout the spring and summer months. Then continue to light a QuickScent candle in the Clean Cotton fragrance to carry this fresh laundry smell throughout your home all spring.
Step 3 - Bring in the sound of spring What does spring sound like? It probably does not sound like a crackling fire or holiday music – sounds you may closely associate with winter months. Don’t overlook the impact the right sounds can have on making your home feel fresher for spring. Before guests arrive, pop in a CD of your favorite upbeat music. If the climate allows, open windows to welcome in the natural sounds of spring, from the chirping of birds to the sounds of children playing outdoors. Save the heavier spring cleaning chores for when you have time to do them, but don’t wait to make your home feel fresh for spring with these quick, simple steps. Visit www.yankeecandle.com to learn more about the QuickScent candle and other spring fragrances.
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Cedar Village hosts art show and reception on April 28 Cedar Village Retirement Community, located in Mason, will hold an Opening Minds through Art show and reception on Thursday, April 28 from 6-7 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event that showcases dozens of original works of art created by individuals with
measured by observing participant behavior and interaction, a qualitative index of their engagement. The results have been remarkable. In addition to the incredible art work that has been created, participating in OMA promotes social engagement, autonomy and dignity through the experi-
interpretation of the example. Caregivers report tremendous benefits from participating in the program. Sharon Eilerman, caregiver to OMA participant Albert Paul, said, “He loves going to OMA. He lights up and is so engaged with his partner. He talks and converses with others and he's so proud each week of his completed, solid, art project. It's been so wonderful to watch him excel in this fabulous program.” Opening Minds through Art is conducted by Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University and made possible by the Fisher Foundation, the Cedar Village May-Drury Fund in memory of Polly Anne and Edwin P. Drury, with special thanks to Dr. Gordon Margolin. Cedar Village is a notfor-profit retirement community, located at 5467 Cedar Village Drive in Mason. Formed by the merger of two longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes, Cedar Village opened its doors in March 1997. For more information, call 754-3100.
Cedar Village is a not-for-profit retirement community, located at 5467 Cedar Village Drive in Mason. Formed by the merger of two longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes, Cedar Village opened its doors in March 1997.
dementia. Opening Minds through Art, OMA, is part of a partnership between Cedar Village and the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University. OMA is based on the principle that individuals with dementia are capable of expressing themselves creatively. OMA is not about creating art and no one who participates is or was an artist. Rather, it is about helping individuals to make choices, to find a way to express themselves even when their language skills are limited or nonexistent. The results of OMA are
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ence of creative selfexpression. Each weekly session of OMA begins with 15 individuals with dementia matched up on a one-toone ratio with a caring volunteer. The volunteers do not create the art. Instead, they monitor, encourage and assist. OMA's founder, Elizabeth Lokon, shares a completed work of art – from calligraphy to embroidery, from painting to sculpture – as inspiration for the day's project. Each participant receives their supplies for the day, packaged like a gift, and then they use them to create their own
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S E N I O R VIDEO from page 10 Grandtheftchildhood.com, Olson’s website with information drawn from her book by the same name. The site explores a variety of issues relating to video games and offers perspective backed by Olson’s own research and the work of many others.
Keep an open mind Research has shown that video games can have many benefits for children, from building eye-hand coordination, to teaching important math, reading and spatial skills, to providing a means of socialization and an outlet for negative feelings. Children play video games for many reasons, Olson’s latest research shows. “It’s just fun” was the primary reason cited by both boys and girls for playing video games, but other reasons included the challenge of mastering the game, the joy of learning something new, and the desire to relax. “Parents may worry about the appeal of violent content in games, but our research suggests that children enjoy video games more for the chance to figure out problems, express creativity, compete with friends, and even teach friends how to play,” Olson notes. “A game doesn’t have to be labeled ‘educational’ to benefit children. For example, recent games such as Bakugan and the Professor Layton series build problemsolving skills, and sneak in a fair amount of reading.”
Establish boundaries
“Allowing your child to teach you how to play a video game is a great way to build your relationship and share interests,” Olson says.
Experts agree that it is a parent’s right and responsibility to set boundaries for children and teens, including healthy limits on video game play. As with other media, parents need to choose video games wisely. Parental controls for game consoles and computers help parents restrict what games their children play based on age-based ESRB ratings. They may also consider limiting where their child can play. Moving the video game console out of the teen’s or child’s room and into a common area of the house keeps parents tuned in to what their child is playing, and makes it harder for a child to choose games over sleep. With games that promote social and interactive play, and encourage fun physical activity, parents might find themselves drawn into their children’s games. “Allowing your child to teach you how to play a video game is a great way to build your relationship and share interests.” Olson says. “As with any activity a child is interested in, parental involvement and guidance can help a child get the greatest benefit from it.”
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L I V I N G
Celebrating 40 Years of serving area seniors Built originally in 1971 to accommodate the healthcare needs of the professional religious, Mercy Franciscan Terrace eventually opened its doors to the entire community. Known for its beautiful, serene grounds and breathtaking St. Clare chapel, thousands of seniors have been served over the past 40 years at Mercy Franciscan Terrace. Today, Mercy Franciscan Terrace offers independent living apartments, four levels of residential care, long-term nursing care and short-term skilled nursing care, and it features DaySTAE, an awardwinning program designed specifically for residents suffering from Alzheimers and/or related dementia. Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy are available, as well as palliative care and respite care. As part of the celebration of the past 40 years, Mercy Franciscan Terrace is inviting the external community to join them for a series of anniversary events, including their annual variety show, which drew over 500 people last year! People from local community organizations, residents, staff and family members all participate in the entertainment and it’s definite-
ly a show you won’t soon forget! In addition, mark your calendars now for the annual Car Show that will be held this year on Sept. 11. Mercy Franciscan Terrace offers many advantages that focus on making their shortand long-term residents as comfortable as possible. As part of Mercy Health Partners, Mercy Franciscan Terrace is able to streamline the continuum of care from Mercy Hospital Mt. Airy and The Jewish Hospital by coordinating a smooth transition between the sites. In addition, all Mercy Franciscan Terrace residents receive free membership to the Mercy HealthPlexes in Fairfield and Western Hills. Residents of Mercy Franciscan Terrace remain active physically, emotionally, and spiritually. “We are proud of the rich history, excellent care and healing environment we provide at Mercy Franciscan Terrace,” explains Rachel Wirth, Executive Director. “We take a holistic approach to the care we offer and we focus on each resident as an individual.” For more information on Mercy Franciscan Terrace, please call 761-9036, or visit http://www.emercy.com/seniorliving.
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