Editor’s note
CreativeLiving Features 9 11 12
Slim down secrets for pets Keep your pet fit and trim with these tips.
Decorating tips to help you add warmth to your home Ideas to add warmth to welcome guests into your home.
Solving the college cost dilemma Check out these great tips.
Pets are such wonderful friends. They’re completely devoted and all they want in return is our love and care. So it’s important that we stay on our toes in providing them the best of the best. One very important hot pet health topic is weight. Keeping your pet’s weight under control can mean a longer, fuller life. That means more time you get to spend with your pal and the more memories you can make. Check out this month’s feature on ‘Slim down secrets for pets’ for some great tips on how to keep your pet fit. Also be sure to check out the feature on decorating tips to bring warmth to your home. Oh how I love decorating and creating a welcoming envioronment for guests. Until next time, happy reading.
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Page 9 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 Senior Living Care • Home
9 Pet Sense
Care • Health
10 Local Business Goods • Services
11 At Home
Remodeling • Decorating
12 College Planning Finances
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/ 394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. For advertising call 687-4614.
H E A L T H
&
F I T N E S S
Snoring and sleep apnea patients rave about CPAP alternative Do you snore? Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Have you tried CPAP but just can't tolerate it? At Cincinnati Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Kitzmiller sees patients every day with snoring and sleep apnea. Utilizing state of the art Oral Appliance Therapy, Dr. Kitzmiller and his uniquely trained team are able to offer their patients who suffer from these disruptive and potentially life-threatening conditions a comfortable and effective treatment. An oral appliance is a customized, FDA-approved CPAP alternative that fits over your teeth and holds the lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open while you sleep. A sleep apnea sufferer and oral appliance patient himself, Dr. Kitzmiller knows first hand the effects of sleep apnea and the benefits of his oral appliance. His patients are thrilled with their experience too! Want More Info? “I can't thank you Visit cincisleep.com enough for making to learn more! me aware of the oral appliance (my wife thanks you even more!). For the first time in years I am sleeping quietly and soundly and wake up feeling well rested. You literally could have saved my life because the CPAP machine was not working for me. Thanks again!” – Mike R. “Outstanding and immediate results! I haven't snored once since getting my oral appliance and my apnea has improved dramatically. I haven't slept without it since the day I got it. It's simple and it works!” – Jim E. “ After years of struggling with a CPAP machine, I was overjoyed to find an oral appliance that worked to treat my sleep apnea. My mouth appliance is easy to use, does not restrict my motions, and very portable when traveling. My husband is grateful too!” – Anne S. Call Dr. Kitzmiller at 248-8848 to schedule your complimentary consultation to see how Oral Appliance Therapy could be an option for you Dr. Kitzmiller treats his sleep apnea patients with too. Oral Appliance Therapy.
We s t | N o r t h w e s t
Feb. 16, 2011
3
H E A L T H
&
F I T N E S S
Burlington Pharmacy helps 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 selfesteem, 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 taking 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 859586-6700 or visit www.burlingtonpharmacy.com.
Call 687-4614 to advertise in
CreativeLiving
4
C R E A T I V E
L I V I N G
Communitypress.com
Feb. 16, 2011
We s t | N o r t h w e s t
S E N I O R
Quality nursing care, rehabilitation Clovernook provides quality nursing care and rehabilitation, as well as one of the most progressive, effective wound care centers in the Tristate. Clovernook is nestled into six park-like acres in the residential neighborhood of North College Hill. Its caring professional staff is dedicated to serving the needs of the residents and their families. The Progressive Wound Centre was opened in 2004, due to Clovernook’s successes in healing vascular, venous, diabetic, surgical, pressure and complex wounds. The Progressive Wound Centre team uses state of the art products and innovative treat-
ments. With quality care, careful monitoring, and a unified team approach, the professionals at The Progressive Wound Centre advance healing in dramatic ways. The Progressive Wound Centre is like no other in the region! All rehabilitation therapies – physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and recreational – are available to their residents. Clovernook is Medicaid and Medicare certified and provides private pay, as well as some private insurance. They provide longterm and short-term care, and skilled and intermediate care.
L I V I N G
Surround-sound, wireless connectivity Want to get back to the world of hearing? Let Christopherson & Clark transport you with a communication device so advanced, so comfortable, so stylish, and so discreet that only a few years ago, you could hardly imagine it. Meet Alera. GN ReSound’s Alera hearing instruments create a rich surround-sound experience, helping you hear speech clearly, tune out background noise, and locate the direction sounds are coming from. They also adapt automatically, so whether you’re walking into a noisy room, having a quiet conversation, or picking up the phone, Alera knows what to do to keep you comfortable and in sync
with your environment. Alera means freedom. It allows you to wirelessly connect to your TV and cell phone without any other devices to attach to your body or wear around your neck, so you’re free to carry on your day-to-day activities without being tied to bulky receivers. With its discreet receiver-in-the-ear design, color choices, natural-feeling fit, and multiple price points, Alera is a hearing aid you’ll actually want and can afford to wear. But don’t take our word for itcome in for a demonstration and try for yourself. Because no ear mold is needed, you can take home a pair of in-stock Aleras the same day. Or if you prefer, custom in-the-
ear products are now also available. If you or someone you know is considering upgraded hearing technology or considering a first pair of hearing devices, now is the right time to come in to Christopherson & Clark for a professional, personalized consultation. Mention this article when you call and receive your choice of a wireless accessory (ReSound Unite TV Streamer, Remote Control, or Phone Clip) free with a ReSound Alera purchase. To schedule your appointment, or to request a free copy of The Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids, call 5989444 today.
www.communitypress.com We s t | N o r t h w e s t
Feb. 16, 2011
Communitypress.com
C R E A T I V E
L I V I N G
5
S E N I O R
L I V I N G
Make this year one of the best ever Are you longing for worryfree living? Well, it’s time that you make yourself at home at StoneBridge at Winton Woods, the scenic retirement community. The gorgeous community is surrounded by 2,500 acres of trees, beautiful scenery and also offers unique cottages, a maintenance-free lifestyle, social programs and more. Forget about lawn mowing. Don’t worry about leaves or snow piling up. Repair bills? They’ll be things of the past. At StoneBridge at Winton Woods, the staff strives to help you in any way they can, so you can concentrate on spending time with the people you love, doing things you enjoy. You can choose the floor plan of your choice, to fit your specific needs and wants. Your two or
three-bedroom cottage will have a distinctive warmth and comfort all its own, to which you’ll apply your personal style and taste. You’ll have room to relax, entertain visitors and enjoy spending time with new friends. StoneBridge offers scenic splendor. Gaze out your window for a spectacular view. Step outside for a walk along the wooded park-like setting. Stroll across the quaint stone bridge, past enchanting grottos. See deer gathering in the clearing ahead as a hawk soars above. This can be an everyday scene for you. Imagine this picture-perfect landscape as your new address. A safe, serene environment, a hidden oasis in a unique northwestern part of Cincinnati. Talk about the best of both worlds! While the park-like set-
ting is an ideal pastoral retreat, you’re also only minutes away from shopping, entertainment, health facilities and other community resources. Your financial goals and budget are accommodated in one of the two refundable entrance fee plans from which you can choose. Only StoneBridge at Winton Woods gives you the option of a 100 percent entrance fee refund – a unique benefit that provides guaranteed financial security. Your life at StoneBridge will be richly satisfying and very affordable. You’ll never have to worry about maintenance again. The variety of services available to you will be the perfect complement to your lifestyle. Everything you could want in a retirement community is wait-
The gorgeous community is surrounded by 2,500 acres of trees, beautiful scenery and also offers unique cotttages, a maintenance-free lifstyle, social programs and more. ing here for you at StoneBridge – complete and comfortably priced. Learn more about the scenic retirement community. Call Marsha at 825-0460 today to arrange a tour. Ask about the current Entrance Fee “Roll-back” promotion and the year of no monthly fees that can be yours today!
Call 687-4614 to advertise in
CreativeLiving
6
C R E A T I V E
L I V I N G
Communitypress.com
Feb. 16, 2011
We s t | N o r t h w e s t
S E N I O R
L I V I N G
Hillebrand Home Health brings services into your home Hillebrand Home Health has been serving older adults in their homes in the western Cincinnati area for the past 17 years under the administration of Vicki Dirr-Krauser and Director of Nursing Janet Cella, RN. Through its mission and values, Hillebrand Home Health continues to provide quality services in the home by preserving the dignity and worth of each individual they serve.
The staff of registered nurses, therapists, home health aides and homemakers encourages each individual to maintain the highest level of independence as possible in their homes. Hillebrand Home Health provides older adults with alternative options and solutions. Many seniors can live comfortably in their own home with minimal assistance and Hillebrand Home Health can help. Hillebrand Home
Health is a certified Medicare provider and accepts United Health Care insurance as well. In 2010 Hillebrand was awarded a Perfect Inspection by the Ohio Department of Health. Area physicians trust Hillebrand Home Health to take care of their patients because they know they offer top quality care. Through these programs they offer skilled nursing, rehab services (physical/occupational/speech), social
services and personal care assistance. Hillebrand also accepts Private Pay and serve under the Council on Aging through the Elderly Services Program and/or Passport Program. The staff of Hillebrand Home Health is ready to assist you with your health care needs by send-
ing out one of its RN case managers to meet with you for a free consultation. Its program can accommodate daily, weekly, or monthly schedules. Call today at 598-6648 to learn more or visit www.hillebrandhomehealth.com.
Call 687-4614 to advertise in
CreativeLiving
We s t | N o r t h w e s t
Feb. 16, 2011
Communitypress.com
C R E A T I V E
L I V I N G
7
S E N I O R
L I V I N G
Cedar Village providing growth, expanding for the future Cedar Village Retirement Community, located in Mason, Ohio, is in the midst of a major remodel and reconstruction project of its 300,000square-foot facility to increase its shortterm rehabilitation unit by 70 percent. Divided into multiple construction phases, the project will create new and expanded therapy space for inpatients and outpatients, a new clinic area, a remodeled ambulance entrance, an additional elevator and updated resident rooms on two units. Cedar Village currently has 29 dedicated beds for short-term, skilled rehabilitation and a therapy gym designed for 15 people. “Over the past 14 years as people are living longer, healthier lives, they want to recover quickly after an illness or injury and get back to their lives,” said Carol Silver Elliott, CEO and president of Cedar Village. “In order to accommodate the growth and demand for therapy services, we’ve embarked on this major construction project to expand the use of our facility. This renovation will help us meet our current demand for rehabilitation services and positions us well for the future.” Silver Elliott said the $3.5 million expansion also has the potential to create new jobs. General Contractor Turnbull Wahlert will oversee the con-
struction project and Perkins Eastman is the architect. Once completed, the new 50-bed short-term unit will be at the forefront for rehabilitation care in Cincinnati, offering private rooms with full, private baths, Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, cable, DVD players, refrigerators and phones. In addition, specialized programming and activities will be offered for those on the rehabilitation units. The final stage of the construction project will be to add an upgraded ambulance entrance and a dedicated elevator for admissions and rehabilitation. The projected completion date is expected to be in late 2011. “During the construction project, no resident rooms will be taken out of service and all disruptions are being kept to a minimum. There are various office moves that have taken place, some short term and some long term,” said Silver Elliott. “But our entire staff is dedicated to this process and knows it will strengthen our future. Our vision is that aging be an enriching and fulfilling experience. This is one way we are making that a reality.” Cedar Village is a not-for-profit retirement community formed by the merger of two longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes in March of 1997. For more information, visit www.cedarvillage.org or call 754-3100.
CreativeLiving a good idea! Call 687-4614.
8
Feb. 16, 2011
We s t | N o r t h w e s t
P E T
S H
lim down secrets for pets
S E N S E
Nearly half, 45 percent, of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese and at least 20 percent are above ideal weight, according to a recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
umans aren’t the only ones fighting the battle of the bulge. The number of overweight dogs and cats in America continues to rise.
Secret 1: Nearly half, 45 percent, of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese, at least 20 percent above ideal weight, according to a recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. “Many owners don’t realize that excess weight puts their pets at greater risk for developing serious health problems, including arthritis and diabetes,” said Dr. Grace Long, a veterinarian with Nestlé Purina. “While those health conditions can be nutritionally managed, obesity can be reversed,” she said. Here are five simple slim down secrets to help you – working with your veterinarian – help your pet live a leaner, healthier life.
We s t | N o r t h w e s t
Secret 4:
Have your veterinarian rule out medical reasons for excess weight. Some conditions can lead to weight gain. Your veterinarian can screen for these and help to manage them before starting a weight loss program.
Secret 2: Don’t say “I love you” with food. Instead, spend quality time with your pet. Take your dog for a walk or play with your cat using a fluffy tail wand.
Secret 3: Increase your pet’s activity level. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first, so you keep the exercise safe and appropriate for your pet’s age and health status.
Feb. 16, 2011
Make portion control a priority. Your veterinarian can tell you the exact amount of food to feed your pet each day to achieve a healthy weight, so you don’t need to guess. Track intake carefully, and make sure everyone in the household knows not to exceed the daily volume of allowed food.
Secret 5: Treats count, too. If you are feeding your pet treats, these calories need to be subtracted from the total calories allotted for the day, and they shouldn’t exceed 10 percent of that allotment. Consider low-calorie treats, or break treats into smaller pieces for more rewards with the same amount of calories.
Communitypress.com
Courtesy of ARA Content
C R E A T I V E
L I V I N G
9
L O C A L
B U S I N E S S
SCUBA shop letting everyone take a dip Jim Barrie wants to share his love for SCUBA diving, so he’s letting everyone try it. His dive shop, The Scuba Shack, (www.TheScubaPlace.com ) located in Florence, is offering a “Try SCUBA Experience” to anyone interested in diving. “SCUBA diving is not a sport. It’s not a hobby. It’s a lifestyle! We want to expose as many people as we can to this exciting way of life,” said Barrie. Barrie has owned The Scuba Shack for 12 years, and in that time has been told by countless people that they would love to try diving. He knows that if they do, they’ll love it! So he wants to give them the opportunity. All those who would like to try SCUBA diving will be geared-up and go
Explore the wonders under the sea.
for a dip with a certified instructor in The Scuba Shack’s indoor, heated, 10 foot-deep, diver training pool. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 859-2831550. The Scuba Shack also
offers SCUBA certification training. Through comprehensive classroom and pool training, divers learn proper technique, safety measures, and how to use the equipment. Once certified, a diver is ready to go on one of the shop’s many trips to
dive locations in the United States and abroad. The Shack currently has trips scheduled to: Florida, North Carolina, St. Lucia, Bonaire, Fiji, Bali/Indonesia, and The Red Sea. Pricing varies by destination. “There’s nothing quite
like a group trip” said Barrie. “Both divers and non-divers come back with a group of new friends, having visited some of the world’s most beautiful destinations” he said.
Call 687-4614 to advertise in
CreativeLiving
10
C R E A T I V E
L I V I N G
Communitypress.com
Feb. 16, 2011
We s t | N o r t h w e s t
L O C A L
D
N
B U S I N E S S / A T
H O M E
ecorating tips to help you add warmth and welcome to your home
o matter where it is, no matter how it’s decorated, a home should always provide a sense of warmth and welcome for family and friends. Consider adding homey touches throughout your home to help everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. Fortunately, creating this inviting atmosphere can be as simple (and costeffective) as
A coffee table is a great way to continue your decorating theme of comfort and class.
introducing different colors, aromas and accents to spruce up your decor for the season. Start by focusing on the areas of the home that your guests will use the most.
Guest bathrooms Expecting overnight guests?
you can keep vanities and counter spaces free for guest use.
Dining rooms, kitchens Guests often gather where the food is being served, which means your kitchen and dining room are sure to see plenty of action. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the dining room is not far behind it in terms of creating a welcoming environment.
A coffee table can be an essential entertaining piece, Living room The living room is anoth- as well as a great way to continue your decorating er area where guests will Unless your home stay to chat, watch a movie theme of comfort and class. has a guest bedroom together or play games. with an attached bath, Whatever your decoratAdding homespun your guests will need warmth to this room can be ing style, it’s important that a place to stow their it invites guests warmly. as easy as providing guests toiletries during their with comfy seating, cozy By mixing timeless styles stay – and a shared with fresh accents, you can throws to wrap up in and bathroom can run out plush pillows for floor seat- create a casual, comfortable of storage space quick- ing. live-in look that’s both ly. affordable and practical. Don’t forget to give A freestanding Courtesy of ARA Content guests somewhere to park towel cabinet provides their beverages and play storage space for tow- board games. els and other items, so
A Total Tan offers $1.50 tanning special A Total Tan Cincinnati is holding its annual anniversary $1.50 tanning special for the entire month of February again this year! Come on in any time during the entire month and receive $1.50 tanning on all beds except the ultimate beds which are half price. Package specials include $7 off the monthly unlimited package and $5 off the two weeks unlimited package. Look for the new 2011 tanning lotion line coming out that includes products
from Australian Gold, Swedish Beauty, California Tan and Dark Inc. All Dark Inc. lotion bottles are 50 percent off retail this month, as well! A Total Tan is now offering the spray-on tanning booth Mystic Tan at all three Cincinnati locations. They are offering an unbelievable $10 per session special during the month of February! Go to their website, www.atotaltancincy.com, to learn more about their UV free spray-on tanning Mystic Tan.
www.communitypress.com We s t | N o r t h w e s t
Feb. 16, 2011
Communitypress.com
C R E A T I V E
L I V I N G
11
C O L E G E
P L A N N I N G
S
Y
olving the college cost dilemma The cost of higher education is increasing at an alarming pace.
ou can find a lot of information – sometimes confusing – about the cost of a college education.
By some reports, it can cost $50,000 per year to earn a bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, according to the College Board, half of all fulltime students attending public and private notfor-profit colleges pay less than $8,700 per year in tuition and fees. Despite these extremes, the cost of higher education is increasing at an alarming pace. According to the same College Board report, the average annual tuition and fees at all schools (public, private, for-profit and not-forprofit) rose as much as 6 percent last year. At these levels, amid calls for a higher degree completion rate among Americans, it’s justifiable to be concerned over mounting student loan debt.
Expense vs. investment While not a defense of
12
C R E A T I V E
• Take advantage of being an adult student. For those who have some college but no degree, the best bet may be an accredited, nonprofit institution. high tuition, an important step in reconciling this dilemma is to realize that a college education is an investment – for individuals and the nation – not an expense. According to 2008 Census data, the median earnings of someone with only a high school diploma is $27,448, compared to the median income of $47,853 for those with a bachelor’s degree. Perhaps more important, those with a bachelor’s degree tend to stay employed. The current unemployment rate for those with a degree is less than 5 percent. In addition to enriching the intellectual capital of individuals and our country, it is also reported that the typical college graduate pays 80 percent more in total federal, state, and local taxes than a high school graduate.
Alternatives for achieving an educated America There are practical alternatives to keeping a college degree within the
L I V I N G
Communitypress.com
reach and budget of all, solutions that are real, present and useable today. • Be a strategic educational consumer. Attending a community college is a practical way of saving on tuition while preparing for later entry into a “flagship” bachelor’s program. Attending a “blue chip” institution can carry value beyond instruction alone. However, less expensive institutions can offer similar or even better educational outcomes. • Satisfy general education requirements through online study, credit by examination, or at a community college. Costs often are less, and most four-year institutions will accept credits in transfer. • Attend summer-term classes or take transferable courses online. Accelerate time to degree completion and to full-time employment. A “fouryear” degree can be earned in less than three years of year-round, fulltime study.
Feb. 16, 2011
President Barack Obama has challenged the nation to once again lead the world in the number of adults with college degrees. To achieve this goal, a degree must be both affordable and accessible. And, higher education itself must be open to innovative, academically sound models to meet this challenge. Otherwise, Americans can expect to see their standard of living fall and more jobs move abroad in search of more highly educated workers. Courtesty of ARA Content
We s t | N o r t h w e s t