2018
HEALTHY LIVING April 26, 2018
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Senior Apartments & Assisted Living
MEDFORD SENIOR CARE
(507) 210-0379 • medfordseniorcare.com
Thursday, April 26, 2018
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Medford Senior Estates...
We’ve got you covered!
Medford Senior Estates allows tenants to age in place. Seniors may Live independently or choose optional services as needed… Medford Senior Estates boasts spacious one bedroom apartments with an open floor plan. The kitchen showcases state of the art appliances, sefl closing oak cupboards and a built-in microwave. The living room is large, airy and drenched with natural sunlight. The generously sized bedroom features a large closet and adjoining bathroom. The handicap accessible bathroom has a walk-in shower with a built in washer and dryer. Medford Senior Estates is equipped with in-floor heat, air conditioning and a 24-hour emergency call light system. Tenants may live completely independently or choose housekeeping services, medication management, wellness checks, bathing assistance, dressing, laundry and meals. The Medford Senior Care difference… We are privately owned with own-
ers on-site daily. No corporate politics. Our staff is handpicked and paid well. Well paid employees are happy employees and more willing to go the extra nine yards. We employ a staff ration of one staff per six residents. The average turnaround time for call lights is three minutes or less. Come see our community and explore the small town difference! Medford Senior Care…….. Assisted Living at its best!! Medford Senior Care is a PROGRESSIVE assisted living community. That is to say, residents are able to age in place. Regardless of their care level, staff is able to meet their ever-changing needs. Residents can receive assistance with dressing, grooming, ambulation, therapy, medications, housekeeping, incontinence and laundry. Each on-site apartment includes a call light system, 24-hour care, activities and three meals daily. Julie Spronk is the Director of Medford Senior Care. contact her at 507-2100379.
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Eating Healty
at 50 and beyond...
According to the National Institute on Aging, simply counting calories without regard for the foods being consumed is not enough for men and women 50 and older to maintain their long-term health. Rather, the NIA emphasizes the importance of choosing low-calorie foods that have a lot of the nutrients the body needs. But counting calories can be an effective and simple way to maintain a healthy weight, provided those calories are coming from nutrient-rich foods. The NIA advises men and women over 50 adhere to the following daily calorie intake recommendations as they attempt to stay healthy into their golden years. When choosing foods to eat, the NIA recommends eating many different colors and types of vegetables and fruits. Phytochemicals are substances that occur naturally in plants, and there are thousands of these substances offering various benefits. The Produce for Better Health Foundation notes that a varied, colorful diet incorporates lots of different types of phytochemicals, which the PBH says have diseasepreventing properties. The NIA also advises that men and women over 50 make sure at least half the grains in their diets are whole
grains. Numerous studies have discovered the various benefits of whole grains, which are loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Another potential hurdle men and women over 50 may encounter is a change in their sense of smell and taste. A person’s sense of smell may fade with age, and because smell and taste are so closely related, foods enjoyed for years may no longer tantalize the taste buds. That can be problematic, as many people instinctually add more salt to foods they find bland. According to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, older adults should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. That equates to roughly 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Older men and women should resist the temptation to use salt to add flavor to foods, instead opting for healthy foods that they can still smell and taste. In addition, men and women should mention any loss of their sense of smell to their physicians, as such a loss may indicate the presence of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
108 3rd Street NE ǀ Medford, MN 55049 ǀ 507-214-3346
Monday - Saturday - 7:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Screen Time By Dr. Beth Gilthvedt Horizon Eyecare With the popularity of smart phones, I-pads, tablet readers and computers people of all ages are spending more time looking at lighted displays and screens than ever before. Using these electronic devices can cause numerous health problems. Staring at a digital screen can lead to eye strain, sleep problems, blurred vision, trouble focusing, headaches, neck and shoulder pain among other things. Your optometrist can help you with many of these issues. To start with your vision needs to be fully corrected for the viewing distances of your screens or devices. At your annual eye exam be sure to let your doctor know how you use your eyes, what electronic devices you commonly view, and how far away the screen is from your eyes. Your doctor may be able to prescribe specialty lenses to optimize your vision for your computer screen or for your smart phone,. The new EyeZen lenses are one example of a lens design that can give your vision a “boost” and relax your eyes when you
and Vision
look down at a smart phone or tablet display. Another consideration is the blue light emitted from electronic displays. Many people find this blue light causes eye fatigue and difficulty focusing. Blue light may also be the most harmful part of the visible light spectrum for the retina. Blue light from devices has also been shown to affect sleep /wake cycles, especially in children. Wearing lenses that filter out blue light, like Transitions ® or EyeZen lenses, and lenses with anti-reflective lens treatments, like Prevencia, can reduce glare and blue light to make your screen viewing much more comfortable and safer for your eyes. Even applying a blue light or “warm” filter to your smart phone or tablet display can help. The American Optometric Association turning off your electronic screens, like your phone or tablet, for at least 1 hour before sleep to avoid sleep disruptions. Another “secret weapon” for increased visual comfort when looking at computers and other screens is the 20-20-20 rule. This means giving your eyes a 20-second rest every 20 minutes
Healthy Living 2018 A special project of the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl Street, Owatonna, MN 55060 Publisher: Tom Murray Advertising Director: Ginny Bergerson Media Sales Consultants: David Granlund, Emily Kahnke, Lisa Richmond, Erin Rossow, Kyle Shaw Advertising Design: Nikkie Gilmore, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista Cover Design: Nikkie Gilmore Healthy Living 2018 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press at no additional charge. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. Editorial content supplied by Area Professionals and Metro Creative Graphics. Use of material without written consent of the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2018
and looking up to focus at something 20 feet away. Making a conscious effort to look away from the screen and blink slowly several times will help prevent eye dryness and fatigue. Additionally it often helps to maintain a comfortable distance from your display screen and use a zoom feature to see small print and details, rather than bringing the device or screen closer to your eyes. Every day when you awake you open two gifts, your eyes. Your eyes and vision are vitally important to everything you do. Don’t neglect your eyes or take your vision for granted. Protect your eyes. Regular preventative eye exams are important for everyone! And optometrists are primary care eye professionals who provide eye health and vision care to people of all ages. To find out what is best for your eyes and vision see your optometrist. We can treat ”pink eye”, styes and eye allergies, remove
foreign material from your eyes as well detect systemic diseases, like diabetes, and treat eye diseases, like glaucoma. We will refer you for eye surgery if needed. We will answer your questions about glasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction, vision therapy, vision and learning, eye diseases and disorders. If it's time for your next eye exam, schedule an eye appointment now. Dr. Beth Gilthvedt, optometrist, has practiced in Owatonna for over 30 years and, with Dr. Nick Vincelli and Dr. Penny Vizina, is an owner and partner at Horizon EyeCare Professionals, Owatonna Vision Source.. Vision Source is the nation’s number one network of premier, private practice optometrists. Founded in 1991, The Vision Source network includes more than 4,600 doctors in over 3,400 locations in all 50 states and in Canada.
See What You Love...Love How You See! Horizon EyeCare Professionals is the leading provider of eye healthcare and vision services & products in the Owatonna community. We can help you achieve and maintain clear, healthy vision for years to come. Dr. Beth Gilthvedt l Dr. Nick Vincelli l Dr. Penny Vizina Optometrists We welcome any doctor’s lens prescription
Member of
2560 Harvest Lane NW
507-451-3072 l eyecareowatonna.com Hours: Mon. 8-7; Tues. 9-5; Wed. 8-5; Thurs. 7-7; Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-12
Thursday, April 26, 2018
HEALTH & WELLNESS
PAGE 5
The Benefits of Parks & Recreation By Mary Jo Knudson
Owatonna Parks & Recreation Owatonna Parks and Recreation offers many opportunities to boost your overall health. Whether it is at Brooktree Golf Course, the West Hills Tennis & Fitness Center, a park, a trail, SeniorPlace, or even River Springs Water Park, opportunities abound! Even a couch potato can find an activity they enjoy that benefits their personal wellness. If you are looking for physical movement, parks and recreation has it. If you are looking for men-
are endless!
tal stimulation, parks and recreation has it! If you are looking for peace, quiet & relaxation, parks and recreation has it! Many times people hear health and wellness and they think of tangible, physical characteristics. Parks and Recreation agencies nationwide focus on active participation that can improve your physical, social, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being too. We have the facts to prove it!
maintain their independence longer by reaping the benefits of exercise, including lowering blood pressure.
week proves to reduce anger, tension and symptoms of depression, a leading cause of mental illness. 19 million adults suffer from depression each year …the social aspect of playing golf, and studies show the effects of exercise tennis or engaging in any recreational are actually longer lasting than those of activity is just as important to your over- antidepressants. all health and wellness. Spending time on the course, court or trail with family …a simple trail walk makes you feel and friends is a proven way to decrease healthier, more revitalized, engaged and stress. energized!
…at Brooktree Golf Course, whether you choose to walk or ride in a cart, golf is great exercise! Golfers walking 18 holes average five miles and can burn up to 2,000 calories in just one round. Even in a cart, you can burn over 500 calories. Physical activity in general can help older Americans
…the average 30-minute pool workout burns 300 calories and at River Springs Water Park, you get the added bonus of being outside in the sunshine.
…access to parks, trails and recreational activities are crucial to healthy youth development. Access to these opportunities are strongly linked to reductions in crime, reduced juvenile delinquency and lower probability to use drugs.
…getting outside at one of our parks or taking a walk on a trail not only burns calories during activities, but also your …the average American boy or girl spirits can get a lift by boosting your vi- spends as few as 30 minutes in unstructamin D production and lowering stress. tured outdoor play each day, and more than seven hours each day in front of an …a thirty to sixty minute walk on a trail electronic screen. Weighing the options, appreciating nature, watching birds and See PARKS & RECREATION page 10 wildlife, just three to five times each
Open Daily April - October (weather permitting)
Brooktree is an 18-hole championship course covering 6684 yards. Memberships, punch cards and senior specials available! Under New Ownership!
507-444-4290
507-444-4321
1369 Cherry St. Owatonna 507-444-2467
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thursday, April 26, 2018
State of the Art NASA developed Alter G
®
available in Owatonna, Mn
By Dr. Anne Lamb, PT, DPT and owner of In Touch Physical Therapy
•
Train without pain and reduce the stress to joints and muscles
In Touch Physical Therapy owns the only AlterG® in Southern Minnesota open to the public. The AlterG® is an Anti-Gravity Treadmill developed by NASA researchers in the 1990’s. It creates this unloading, weighted effect so you can return to walking or running faster post-surgery or post-major injury. It works by using load cells on the bottom of the machine that measure a person’s weight and then creates a vacuum like effect that lifts the individual up and unloads the pressure they’d otherwise be putting on their body. There is basically a bubble, you could say, on the treadmill, that’s where the vacuum’s created. You enter on top of the treadmill and it creates a bubble around your hips, and that bubble inflates with air and that’s where the unloading effect happens. Thanks to its precise unweighting technology, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill allows you to push your physical therapy rehabilitation and training further than ever before.
•
Recover effectively and with less pain after training or competition
You can: •
Reduce gravity’s impact by selecting any weight between 20% and 100% of your body weight by 1% increments
Athletes AlterG® is a popular choice among star athletes all over the world. The Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Montreal Canadiens, along with many professional sports teams utilize the AlterG®. The AlterG® allows you to take a desired % of your weight off of your injured body part. It is a gateway to exercise when pain limits you from your normal routine; you can continue to train throughout the healing process. For those who are coming back from an injury the AlterG® makes it easier to start walking and running earlier in the healing process. It can be an invaluable tool for high-level runners, triathletes and recreational walkers of all kinds. At In Touch we utilize the AlterG® with the goal of helping to improve people,s movement capabilities and performance so they can get back to life, recreation and athletics. It is our belief that appropriate running or walking can be a vital part of that process.
AlterG® treadmill also has cameras and software to assist us in analyzing which muscles need strengthening, help you adjust your form and educate • Rehabilitate lower extremity injuries with less pain and less you on your appropriately fitted shoe wear. Now we can integrate gait and impact video analytics into therapy to iden• Improve mobility, strength and tify asymmetry and gait deficiencies, safety for those with neurologi- and precisely dial-in the body weight support needed to enable pain-free, cal conditions normalized gait. Achieving the optimal rehab program for our patient has • Provide a safe way to lose never been easier. weight and exercise more inThe new Stride Smart system tensively while unweighted
Walking naturally is an important part of recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury, and the sooner the better. The AlterG® enables the user to start balancing exercises and walking sooner than with traditional rehab Seniors technologies. With the AlterG® doing When recovering from a stroke or most of the weight-bearing work, users struggling with a neurological disorder, patients are often afraid of falling. can focus on muscle coordination in a Seniors with osteoporosis are at an even low-impact environment without fear greater risk, since a short fall can break of falling. Neurological patients are able to walk longer and more comfortably. bones. The AlterG® offers a unique The result of neurological rehabilitation fall-safe environment and is great for with the AlterG® is greater progress long-term care and treatment. It is when practicing skills needed for standvirtually impossible to fall out of the ing and walking. AlterG®, once a user is zipped into the Call and make an appointment for chassis. As the AlterG® activates and a FREE demonstration ……. 507-451the unweighting process lifts the user, 7888 it becomes easier and easier to walk. Dr. Anne Lamb, PT, DPT, and owner There are many convenient and solid of In Touch Physical Therapy. handholds that the user can grab at any time they feel off balance. provides us with objective data and visual monitoring for both patients and clinicians. Now we’re able to optimize recovery after injury or surgery or help athletes prevent injuries by using data.
Alter G Treadmill “With the help of the Alter G, I was able to learn to walk without pain after my total knee. I can even run after six months, something I haven’t been able to do in ten years.” - Michelle Noble
507-451-7888
123 West Broadway, Owatonna • www.intouchpt.com
Thursday, April 26, 2018
HEALTH & WELLNESS
PAGE 7
Talking with Parents
about Transitioning to Senior Living
By Steve Arnold, Director of Marketing being, while planning for additional asand Development sistance should the need arise. Koda Living Community and park “Regularly I hear guests and their Place Assisted Living family members say they should have made the move to assisted living much It’s not always easy to talk with an earlier, not later,” explained Dave aging parent or loved one about a need Vandergon, Administrator and CEO of for additional care that Koda Living Community may lead to a move out and Park Place Senior of the family home help Living providers of senior – whether it’s assisted livcare services in assisted ing, memory care, skilled living, basic care, longnursing or even indepenterm skilled nursing care, dent living – but ignorshort-term rehabilitation, ing issues won’t make and outpatient therapy them go away. Doing in Owatonna. “Having a nothing or delaying the conversation early and conversation may put a making a move when a parent’s health, safety or loved one is still in good well-being at risk, while health means he or she possibly escalating their can fully enjoy all the health and your own benefits a senior comstress level as a caregiver. munity has to offer, including staying The solution is to do some advance active, making new friends, and taking planning – before problems arise or get part in a variety of social, recreational worse – to make these conversations and wellness/fitness opportunities. easier for everyone. Such benefits have been shown to PLANNING THE CONVERSATION enhance healthy aging and enable older Start early. An AARP survey shows adults to remain independent and live a that most older adults feel better about better quality of life longer.” having these discussions when things “Choosing a senior community such are going well, as part of planning their as Park Place Assisted Living offers a future. Too often, families wait to have ‘continuum of care’ and also lets spoussuch discussions until after a parent es needing different degrees of care stay has had an unexpected health issue or together and see each other on a daily crisis, such as a fall, accident or medi- basis while eliminating transportation cal emergency, and is no longer able to issues, which is important for their take care of themselves. The urgency at emotional health and well-being,” said this time causes increased stress, con- Vandergon. fusion and uncertainty when the clock Prepare for the discussion. You is ticking, care options are limited, and might consider scheduling a time for significant decisions have to be made the talk and giving your loved one a list quickly. of questions, issues or concerns beBeing proactive instead of reactive forehand. This helps them prepare for will help provide calm, thoughtful the conversation by letting them think discussions, and ensure families have about the specific kinds of help they a plan in place should a loved one’s may need or what’s important to them health situation change unexpectedly. in a new living environment. At the Planning ahead also enables mom or same time, you’re facilitating their imdad to get on a senior living communi- portant need for some degree of control ty’s waiting list, if necessary. Selecting a in their lives. By knowing their wishes, “continuum of care” community allows you’ll be better able to help your parent adult children choose the best care live life the way they want. option for mom or dad for the time Decide the best people to be involved.
Usually this includes adult children who live nearby and may already be involved in caring for mom or dad. It may also include a spouse of the aging parent if the couple has different care needs. Limit the number of participants to avoid overwhelming the parent or loved one. You can always update additional family members after the conversation. Often it can be helpful to have someone in addition to adult children be involved in the discussion; mom or dad may be more likely to listen to an independent, unbiased perspective from an outside party, such as a trusted friend, relative, doctor or pastor. ASKING QUESTIONS THE RIGHT WAY Once you come together, there are particular communication procedures you might use and signals to watch for – both within yourself and your loved one. Seniors seem to have a radar that
is highly tuned in to the signals we send when we’re about to tamper with their control without their permission. We need to signal back that we’re friendly and “on their side.” Keep in mind that you’re “partnering” with your loved one to solve a particular need or issue in their lives, as opposed to “parenting” or taking a one-sided approach that tells them what to do or what is best. Consider this approach in speech and delivery of your side of the conversation: • Give your loved one time to settle in and get comfortable. • Listen with your full attention and let the conversation flow. Make it a dialogue instead of getting preoccupied with your own “agenda.” See SENIOR LIVING page 10
Koda Living Community
2255 30th Street NW, Owatonna • 507-446-4946 • Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care • Short-Term Post-Acute Care • Extend Stay Units
Specializing in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services • In-Patient • Out-Patient • In-Home
www.kodalivingcommunity.org
PAGE 8
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thursday, April 26, 2018
3 Simple Ways
to a healthier heart Heart disease is a formidable foe. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths every year. The Government of Canada notes that heart disease is the second leading cause of death in that country, annually accounting for tens of thousands of deaths. (Note: Canada's population is slightly more than one-tenth the population of the United States.) While heart disease exacts a devastating toll on the United States and Canada, its reach extends far beyond North America, as the American College of Cardiology notes that cardiovascular disease accounts for 31 percent of all deaths across the globe. In spite of the prevalence of heart disease, men and women are not helpless against it. In fact, there are many ways for men and women to reduce their risk for heart disease. 1. Maintain a healthy weight. The American Heart Association reports that between 60 and 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Carrying around extra weight takes a toll on the body, increasing a person's risk for heart disease and stroke. Overweight or obese men and women can work with their physicians to develop a plan for effective, long-term weight loss, a plan that will likely include a combination of diet and routine exercise. 2. Understand and manage blood pressure.
The AHA notes that high blood pressure, a common condition affecting roughly one in three Americans, is often referred to as "the silent killer" because it does not necessarily produce symptoms. Blood pressure measures the force push-
ing outward on the walls of blood vessels as they carry blood oxygen to the body's organs, and the force created as the heart rests between beats. Over time, the arterial walls of people with high blood pressure may become stressed and develop
weak spots or scarring that makes them vulnerable to the buildup of plaque. Plaque buildup can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Blood pressure can rise as a person ages, so managing blood pressure involves routinely checking it and making certain changes, such as eating healthier foods and exercising more often, if it is high. 3. Control cholesterol levels. High levels of low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, can increase a person's risk for heart disease. The AHA notes that excessive amounts of cholesterol can be deposited into the arteries as plaque. When that happens, it leads to a condition known as atherosclerosis, or a narrowing of the inside of the artery walls. That narrowing leads to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Men and women should get their cholesterol levels checked at least once every four to six years beginning at age 20. Men and women who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol should recognize that cholesterol is only found in animal products, so a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in animal products can provide a simple way for men and women to lower their cholesterol. A more thorough and detailed plan to lower cholesterol levels should be discussed with a physician. More information about heart disease and how to combat it can be found at www.heart.org.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
HEALTH & WELLNESS
How men can
benefit from yoga
The popularity of yoga has grown considerably in the 21st century. But while women have embraced yoga en masse, men have been more hesitant to do so. A 2012 survey from Yoga Journal found that, among the 20 million yoga practitioners in the United States, only 18 percent were men. While those figures might have risen in recent years, anyone who has recently visited a yoga studio can attest that the participants in many classes remain overwhelmingly female. That's unfortunate for men, who could be benefitting from practicing yoga in myriad ways. • Yoga can protect against muscle imbalances. Yoga requires various muscle groups to work together to perform certain exercises. This can reduce the risk of muscle imbalances that can develop when men design workout routines that target specific muscle groups. • Yoga can improve flexibility. When performed correctly, various yoga exercises improve flexibility. For example, the big toe pose can help men and women lengthen and strengthen their hamstrings, while the downward facing dog pose stretches various areas of the body, including the shoulders, calves and arches. Yoga is not the only way for men to improve their flexibility, but it can be an effective supplement to exer-
cise routines for men who routinely feel tight after traditional strength training sessions. • Yoga can improve stamina. Numerous studies have indicated the positive effects yoga can have on muscle endurance. In 2005, researchers at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, found that the regular practice of Hatha yoga provided a significant boost to chest and abdominal strength and endurance. Such improved stamina can have a trickle-down effect on men who practice yoga and also adhere to strength training regimens and/or participate in competitive sports. • Yoga can help men maintain healthy weights. The Harvard Medical School notes that researchers discovered that people who practiced yoga for at least 30 minutes once a week for at least four years gained less weight during middle adulthood than those who did not. That might be linked to additional research that found people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters than those who did not, making them less likely to overeat, eat when sad or stressed or eat in response to certain cues, including the smell of food. Fewer men than women may practice yoga, but that does not mean men cannot benefit just as much from embracing this ancient practice.
PAGE 9
Vibra nt Living For individuals 55 or better at a reasonable price.
Downsize and simplify your life
• Full kitchens • 1-2 Bedrooms • Garages available • Cable television & WiFi Internet
• Guest room available for guests • Daily van service • No yard maintenance • Laundry on-site
Call Jon Arnett at 507-455-3735 for a tour
235 22nd St. SE, Owatonna www.realifeowatonna.com
PAGE 10
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Parks & Recreation in two centuries, the current generation From Page 5 literally, children are 14% more likely to of young people have a shorter lifebe overweight or obese when access to expectancy than their parents. parks and green space is limited. Simple walks in the park can help, and you can’t beat the price! Owatonna …recreational activities of any sort, Parks and Recreation maintains 30 ranging from free play to structured parks, over 700 acres of land and 15 athletics, refines children’s social, miles of trails, available 365 days a year. decision-making and problem-solving …active seniors maintain a more inskills as well as boost their self-esteem dependent lifestyle and manage health and create strong relationships with issues better. peers and adult mentors.
…one hundred mature park trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and …playing tennis increases bone density, about 430 pounds of other air pollutants lowers body fat and resting heart rate, annually. increases muscle tone, strength, flexibility and reaction time. Parks, trails and facilities are tangible reflections of the quality of life of a …many people overlook the environcommunity. Recreational areas and mental benefits of parks and how they programs are an integral part of health relate to wellness. Parks and public and wellness. The City of Owatonna lands improve water quality, protect provides a diverse system of green groundwater, prevent flooding, improve spaces, trails, facilities, programs and air quality, produce habitat for wildlife services to enhance the quality of life …regular activity and exercise can even and provide vegetative buffers to develfor the community. …one of the most frightening statistics reverse some signs of aging, help a peropment. coming out now, is that for the first time son stay strong, and stimulate memory
Senior Living
to live?” Watch for openings: “Uncle Joe, you said you were having problems with your eyesight. Now that you no longer drive, do you have anyone who can take you to your regular doctors’ appointments?” “Gramps, after you said last week that you had trouble turning the handles on the water faucets, I wondered how you • Speak in terms of questions, not answers, so you can gather were managing with the shower?” Share your own feelings about your as much information as posloved one’s changing life: sible. “You’ve always been so independent, • Be thoughtful in choosing the Dad. I imagine it’s hard for you to ask right words so your meaning is for help now. But if it were readily clear and supportive. available, what kinds of things would you like help with?” Here are some suggestions for dealing “Aunt Jane, I know you must be bored with delicate topics: alone in the house all day with me Approach the subject indirectly: at work. Wouldn’t it be nice to be “Mom, I know you’re taking a lot of someplace where you can be around pills. How do you keep track of them? interesting people and have stimulating Would it help if you had someone to things to do?” remind you when to take your medica- DEALING WITH RESISTANCE tion?” Be prepared for your loved one to “John says his dad has given up drivresist any conversation about their ing. Have you thought about how diminishing independence and health. you would get around if you could no They may be offended, telling you to longer drive?” mind your own business, or they may Be direct, but non-confrontational: dismiss your concern with reassuring “Mom, I’m worried that you seem to statements, preferring to pretend that be unsteady on your feet. I’m wonder- life is as normal as it has always been ing what we can do to help protect you for them. from falls?” In such situations, experts advise: “Dad, if you ever decided it’s not a • Respect their feelings if they good idea to live alone, have you make it clear they want to thought about where you might want avoid the subject, then make From Page 7 • Don’t rush. Wait for them to gather their thoughts. Pause is good, and silence can serve a great purpose. Indicate with your own body language that you’re “all ears” and eager to hear more.
and brain activity.
a mental note to return to the conversation at a more suitable time.
• Push the issue if their health or safety is at risk, yet recognize their right to be in charge of their own life. • If you decide you simply must intervene, act firmly, but with compassion: “Dad, we can’t ignore this any longer, we must deal with the situation. I’m here to help.” • Involve other people your parents respect, such as a family friend, attorney or minister. • Hold a family meeting so everyone can discuss concerns and jointly develop a mutually agreeable plan. Once your
loved one has agreed to at least consider the idea of seeking additional help, possibly in a continuing care senior community, research your options carefully and learn everything you can about what life will be like for your loved one if a move is the answer. Moving to an independent or assisted living or skilled nursing community can be one of the best decisions a family can make for an aging parent, particularly when activities of daily living become more than they can handle, social isolation is an issue, or their care needs are more than family members can provide. Starting the conversation early will make your loved one’s transition into their next phase of life easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved. 1170 E. Frontage Rd • Owatonna 507-455-1000 405 E. Main St • Blooming Prairie 507-583-2141 3110 Wellner Drive NE • Rochester 507-536-7700 132 N. Broadway • New Richland 507-463-0502 287 St. Andrews Drive • Mankato 507-720-0250
Locally Owned
Thursday, April 26, 2018
HEALTH & WELLNESS
PAGE 11
Smart ways to spend summer:
Keep kids off the “summer Slide” By Darci Strand Learning RX Brain Training Center of Owatonna Third grade teacher Alyssa Call got a bit of a shock when she returned to her classroom in the fall and saw the test scores of her students. She had taught several of the children the year before, as a second-grade teacher, and she knew their scores had fallen considerably after taking nearly three months off for summer vacation. It’s a phenomenon so well known that teachers across the nation refer to it as the “Summer Slide.” “It’s just kind of accepted in the teaching world,” says Call. “Most of us know the students are going to come back in the fall, and they’re not going to be at the level they were when they left in the spring, but it’s still sometimes shocking when you look at their test scores and see just how far they’ve fallen. The first month of school is usually spent refreshing what they should have remembered.” Studies confirm what Call and other teachers see in millions of American school kids each fall: • The average student loses approximately 2.6 months of gradelevel equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. (Research compiled for an Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management Conference report.) • Teachers typically spend four
weeks reteaching or reviewing material that students have forgotten over summer break, according to John Hopkins Center for Summer Learning. • Research shows ALL young people experience learning losses when they don’t engage in educational activities during the summer. “It doesn’t have to be that way,” says Dr. Ken Gibson, author of Unlock the Einstein Inside: Applying New Brain Science to Wake up the Smart in Your Child(www.unlocktheeinsteininside. com). To avoid the Summer Slide, Gibson recommends brain games and exercises that target cognitive skills, the underlying skills needed to learn. Thirteen-year-old Tyler Walner knows the power of targeting those cognitive skills. He was labeled “special needs” and tried more than a dozen reading programs before he took an intensive brain training course at LearningRx (www.learningrx.com). His family says they saw life-changing improvements. “Before the training, I would sit right beside him for at least three hours a night making sure he did his homework,” says his mom, Marti Walner. “Now, he does it all on his own!” One way to target weak men-
tal skills quickly and effectively is through an intensive LearningRx brain training program, says Tanya Mitchell, Chief Research Officer for LearningRx. “With our intense game-like exercises we work on brain skills like logic & reasoning, attention, memory, processing speed, and visual and auditory processing. “LearningRx does for the brain what a physical trainer does for the body,” says Mitchell. “We train cognitive performance by targeting the underlying cognitive skills that are responsible for how we grasp and process information. In other words, our programs train the core skills the brain uses to think, learn, read, remember, and pay attention. “But, to help prevent the summer slide, parents and kids can use free, fun games and exercises at home, in the car, and even online.” Here are just a few of the free and fun brain training games Mitchell recommends: • Mental Tic Tac Toe: Similar to traditional Tic Tac Toe, this game uses a “mental” grid numbered 1 to 9. Players remember where their opponent has already been and call out an unoccupied space. The player who calls an occupied space loses. What it helps: Attention, logic & reasoning, and working memory
• Needle in a Haystack: Take a page from a newspaper and time your child as she circles all occurrences of a specific letter. Focus on increasing both accuracy and speed. What it helps: Visual processing speed • 20 Questions: Think of a person or object and give your child 20 chances to narrow down what you’re thinking of by asking yes or no questions. To help them work on their logic & reasoning, teach them to strategize by using questions that will significantly narrow down the categories, such as “Are they alive?” or “Is it bigger than you?” What it helps: Logic, reasoning, memory • Poetry: Have your child choose four words that rhyme and then ask them to use those words to create a poem or a rhyming song. Or say a word, then have them come up with another that rhymes. Keep this pattern going as long as possible, then start with a new word. What it helps: Auditory analysis, verbal rhythm, memory Simply getting your child to read every day is another powerful way to slow the Summer Slide. According to Scholastic Parents Online, research shows that reading just six books during the summer can keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the six, make sure they’re the right level—not too hard and not too easy.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thursday, April 26, 2018
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