Positive thoughts make for a positive journey - Prime Life September - October 2020

September/October 2020

Fun with GRANDCHILDREN GAME NIGHT

Snacks

RECIPE

GAME NIGHT SNACKS

Calories•134kcal/6% Protein•2.52g/5% Total lipid•(fat) 3.33g7% Carbohydrate•24.77g

APPLESAUCE OAT No game night is complete without some fun snacks! BARS

Keeping it healthy and simple is a priority so you can enjoy your game night. These snacks provide health INGREDIENTS benefits and flavor. They should keep your night running 1 cup butter broken up into pieces tastefully and have your guests wanting more!

1/2 cup coconut sugar or stevia 2 cups flour RICE CAKE SNACK 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 cup oats • Place the sliced bananas in a INGREDIENTS single layer on top of the peanut 1/4 cup blueberries 1 plain or cinnamon rice cake 1/4 cup sunflower seeds butter. Press banana firmly on 1 tablespoon peanut butter 2 cups applesauce to the peanut butter.

1/2 banana, sliced • If desired, use a dash of Dash of cinnamon, optional INSTRUCTIONS cinnamon over the top of the DIRECTIONS • Add butter, sugar and flour bananas.

• Take the rice cake and spread into a food processor. Pulse • Enjoy! the peanut butter in a thin layer until mixture forms crumbs. over the whole top of the rice • Add cinnamon and oats to cake. processor. Pulse just until mixed.

• Mix in blueberries and sunCalories 265kcal/12% flower seeds.

Protein 3.75g/7% • Place half the oat mixture in a Total lipid (fat) 16.14g/33% lightly greased 9x13" baking dish.

Carbohydrate 30.19g Press mixture down with your hands.

• In a small mixing bowl combine applesauce and cinnamon.

• Pour filling on top of oat mixture. Spread evenly over oats.

• Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over applesauce.

• Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 40 minutes.

• Allow to fully cool before slicing.

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Stay well for the people you love.

Call for an appointment Take care of the people you love by taking good care of yourself as well. To be at your healthiest, you should stay up to date on necessary screenings and have regular checkups.

Our experienced team of family medicine providers is here to provide safe, high-quality services to meet your healthcare needs. Make an appointment today.

Learn more at kansashealthsystem.com/greatbend.

Great Bend Campus 514 Cleveland St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-8833

contents Fun

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

With Grandchildren

2. RECIPE

12. PETS

7. EXERCISE

14. NUTRITION

For The Young At Heart

Food For Thought

8. RECIPE

16. WELLNESS

Game Night Snacks

20

POSI+ IVE

Thoughts POSI+ IVE Journey Make

4

for a

18

Pets and COVID-19

Cooking For One: Breakfast Sweet Potato

It's In The Water

9. FEATURE

Seeking Groundcover?

Think Herbs

The Fight of His Life

17. GARDENING

Great Bend Tribune’s

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Great Bend Events Center 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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ES - DOOR PRIZ

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Loads of fun & prizes! oin your gal pals at the Women’s Expo. This event has become a highly anticipated September tradition for women throughout the area.

Get your tickets at the Great Bend Tribune office, 2012 Forest or online at www.gbtribune.com As part of this annual event, donations and non-perishable food or pantry items will be collected at the door to benefit the Barton County Food Bank.

The Great Bend Tribune’s Women’s Expo is a chance for you to see what’s in and new in the worlds of fashion and beauty, health and fitness, personal and work life. Check out exhibits, demonstrations, services and wares from area businesses as well as door prizes and give-aways provided by vendors and so much more!

Don’t forget to register for tons of prizes.

Once again there will be a Grand Prize drawing this year (must be present to win).

Sponsored by the Great Bend Tribune. For more info and photos visit our womens expo page at: www.gbtribune.com/womensexpo

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EXERCISE

EXERCISE

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

A

By Courtney Farnet

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 million adults age 50 and older are inactive. Physical inactivity contributes to the development of chronic diseases including heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension and cancer.

Regular exercise can help delay, prevent or manage chronic disease and is associated with longer life. It results in improved cognition, quality of life and overall physical functioning.

The World Health Organization’s physical activity guidelines suggest older adults participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week or an equivalent combination. Activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minutes.

The following forms of aerobic exercise are low impact, safe and effective options for older adults to boost stamina, stimulate bone growth, improve bone density and manage body weight.

Swimming

Walking

Water Aerobics

The Elliptical

Indoor Cycling

Indoor Rowing

WHAT ARE ENDORPHINS AND HOW DO THEY IMPACT YOUR HEALTH?

Endorphins are tiny neurochemicals produced by the central nervous system and pituitary gland in response to exercise, eating, drinking and sex.

Endorphins are feel-good chemicals associated with the brain’s internal reward system. They naturally reduce pain and enhance pleasure, yielding a feeling of euphoria. Endorphin release is associated with positive self-image, increased energy levels and feelings of control and fulfillment.

Endorphins enhance well-being by alleviating depression, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting selfesteem, improving sleep and regulating body weight.

The term endorphin comes from the combination of endogenous (from within) and morphine (an opiatelike drug). Their effects are similar to those of anti-anxiety drugs and opiate painkillers without the negative side effects.

Exercise regularly to increase endorphin release and improve overall quality of life.

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RECIPE

Cooking For One Breakfast Sweet Potato There are many reasons why we might have to cook for one! It can be living alone, home alone or simply making a separate healthy meal for yourself.

Whatever the reason, this recipe provides a go-to meal when the occasion calls for a meal for one.

INGREDIENTS • 1 large sweet potato • 1 small tomato sliced • 1 over-easy egg

New 2020

• 1 slice turkey bacon • 1 teaspoon olive oil • A dash of sea salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS  Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Prep potato by washing, drying and poke with fork several times in various areas of the potato.  Rub potato with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.  Place prepared potato on baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven for 50-65 minutes.  While potato is cooking, cook your over-easy egg and bacon. Set aside.  Cook potato until tender when pierced with a fork.  Once cooked through, take the potato out and carefully cut the potato down the center lengthwise.  Place the slice of bacon in the middle, place the egg right on top of the bacon.  Eat and enjoy!

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8

3800 10th Street | Great Bend, KS (620) 603-4216

The fight of his life

FEATURE

Bill Miller has a new drug in his corner

“You never know how strong you are, until A second strong is the only option you have.” Words to opinion, and live by for Bill Miller of Claflin, Kansas. The bronchoscopy fourth generation owner of Millers of Claflin were performed was recently diagnosed with non-small cell in Overland Park to lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, RET mutation test the hundreds of little positive, Stage 4. nodules in his lungs. All those It’s a mouthful and it’s been quite a fight. nodules turned out to be the same type of It started with a lingering cough that cancer as the two masses in his one lung. At Bill had for a few weeks. During a routine that time, it was determined to be Stage 4 physical back on May 19 at Clara Barton lung cancer, due to the cancer metastasizing Medical Clinic, PA Philip Barnes listened to the thyroid. However, it was still to be to Bill’s chest, heard a little wheezing, and determined what the mutation of the cancer ordered a chest x-ray. The cough and the was, so genetic blood tests were ordered. wheezing was a little out of the ordinary for On June 11, Dr. Fesen told Bill he had Bill, as he typically is in excellent health and non-small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, very active. He’s not a smoker and makes a with RET mutation, Stage 4. Non-small cell point to avoid smoke. lung cancer is a pretty A call later in the day common cancer for confirmed that there non-smokers, versus was something. So the small cell lung cancer. next day, Bill went in for Dr. Fesen says, “Only a CT scan of his lungs. one or two percent of Bill’s wife of 38 years, all non-small cell are Tami, who kept a journal RET mutation positive.” through this ordeal, RET is an Now, we’ve come to says, “There were two abbreviation for realize God sent us out masses in the lower left ‘rearranged during so we could learn how to lobe and then hundreds transfection’. “About a give back here at home. of little nodules in both third of lung cancers – Tami said. lungs. When I look at have mutations that his CT scan, it looks like are driving the growth a snowstorm in there compared to a normal of the cancer and that’s one of about ten lung.” A needle biopsy showed cancer cells, different mutations that we could search for but they didn’t know what kind. during testing. These are mutations that when Bill and Tami called their dear friend Dr. you find out what DNA mutation occurs, Robin Durrett, who practices at Ellinwood in reality, that’s what is driving the growth Hospital and Clinic. Dr. Durrett set them up of malignancy. Bill’s was a RET mutation to see Dr. Mark Fesen, Medical Oncologist at positive malignancy. It’s only a mutation in Central Care Cancer Center in Great Bend the genes of the malignancy. It’s not in the rest the next morning. Bill’s first CT scan had of his body. The mutation is in the cancer also shown something on his thyroid. An cells,” said Dr. Fesen. ultrasound and a biopsy showed cancer cells Bill was Dr. Fesen’s first patient with this there as well.

RET mutation. “We’ve seen other mutations

out there, but this was a first. There’s a new drug that just came out to help treat this mutation.” And that new oral drug, Retevmo from Lilly Pharmaceuticals, was just approved by the FDA on May 8.

“The first couple of appointments, I’ll be honest, it was just difficult. It just was bad news, after bad news, and just difficult. But then, once we knew what we were dealing with, everybody took on a game face and you could just see it. And I don’t mean just me, but Dr. Fesen and the whole staff sprang into action. The fight started right then and there,” said Bill. Tami added, “I can’t say enough about all of them at Central Care Cancer Center. They are amazing.”

Since there was a new drug, to help fight a fairly new cancer mutation, and not too many people in the area, if any, have been diagnosed with this RET mutation, Bill chose to wait on receiving any treatment until after he visited a specialist at MD Anderson.

There have been a couple of other patients seen at MD Anderson with this similar RET mutation as Bill’s.

While Bill and Tami waited to drive to Houston, they understood that there might be a problem in securing this new FDA approved drug, Retevmo, and whether their insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, would even cover it. Dr. Fesen and his staff reached out to Lilly Pharmaceuticals. Tami went online to Lilly’s website to try to get a savings coupon for the drug. Bill and Tami did receive a letter from BCBS saying ‘it’s not in our formulary and we don’t have to review this case for six months’.

9

FEATURE

That meant, Retevmo was not included on the insurance company’s ‘formulary’ or list of covered medications. A medication may not be on the formulary because there is an alternative proven just as effective and safe, but is less costly. There was no other alternative to Retevmo.

“According to them, what they wanted him to do was what they called the standard of care. Well the new standard of care was to use Retevmo. The old standard of care was to put a port in and do a combination of three chemo drugs and immunotherapy. Whereas with the Retevmo, we were looking at an oral medication with a possible 85% success rate, “said Tami.

The level of frustration was mounting as Bill’s health was declining. Bill and Tami wondered how did this happen, and could it have been prevented? Typically, an avid smoker should be screened regularly, but as Bill was a non-smoker, there weren’t any immediate symptoms to warrant a screening. “We had our water checked because we’re out in the country and we have well water. We did a radon test in our house and that all came back fine. So, we didn’t know what else to check at that point,” said Tami.

Tami and Bill pulled out all the stops in trying to get Retevmo approved through their insurance. Tami filed a complaint with the state insurance commission, who then got involved in their case. They made calls, Dr. Fesen made calls, friends made calls. They were doing a full-court press.

“At this point the insurance company was denying the Retevmo. So there I was, not knowing what kind of medicine I was going to get, insurance company was saying we’re not going to pay for it, and I was waiting to get into MD Anderson. We were literally in a hold pattern,” said Bill.

Lilly Pharmaceutical came through.

Bill was able to obtain Retevmo through them. “They had a patient care portal person that reached out to us. They have 24-hour pharmacists that we can call if we had questions, they were amazing,” said Tami. Dr. Fesen added, “they were very cooperative and helpful in getting access to the drug so Bill could start treatment.”

Bill had to wait to see a specialist at MD Anderson until June 29, due to taking his fourth COVID-19 test. Every time he went to see a new physician, he took a COVID test. So, on top of fighting Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer with a

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He’s doing great! Bill w will ill continue his treatment of as Retevmo indefinitely, a s long as it doesn’t bother him, as long as it’s use useful, eful, he’ll stay on it.

– said Dr. Fesen.

RET mutation, Bill was trying to avoid contracting coronavirus. That meant, after going to work almost every day of his life, he stayed home, away from the retail public, limiting contact with friends and family. Some cancer patients might be at increased risk of serious illness from an infection, such as coronavirus, because their immune systems are weakened by cancer and its treatments.

The MD Anderson specialist confirmed Bill’s diagnosis and encouraged him to start taking Retevmo immediately.

Bill had taken two Retevmo pills twice a day for about three and a half weeks when he developed what appeared to be nodules on the back of his neck. Dr. Fesen ordered a CT scan of his chest and neck, out of caution.

Bill had the CT scan in the morning, and a weekly appointment with Dr. Fesen that afternoon. Bill mentally prepared himself for bad news regarding the new nodules. At the time of Bill’s weekly appointment, the results from the CT scan

weren’t in, but while Bill and Tami were meeting with Dr. Fesen the results arrived.

Dr. Fesen glanced at the results, said the nodules on his neck and head were not cancer, then kept on reading aloud with the most shocking, but amazing news ever.

Bill’s scan showed that the thyroid nodule and the one in the lymph node next to the thyroid were no longer there. The two masses in his lung were almost gone and the hundreds of nodules in both lungs were disappearing. “I’ve cried twice during this whole thing. The first time was when Blue Cross Blue Shield called and said they were going to cover Retevmo, and the second time was when we got this news,” said Tami.

As far as side effects, there hasn’t been much, maybe some fatigue and a few sores in his mouth, but overall, his appetite is good and he’s getting out more. “He’s doing great! Bill will continue his treatment of Retevmo indefinitely, as long as it doesn’t bother him, as long as it’s useful, he’ll stay on it,” said Dr. Fesen.

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And if any issues arise? “I can call Dr. Fesen.

I’ve got his cell number,” said Bill. “We were uncomfortable at first calling because we don’t want to bother him with a stupid question. But he wants to know what’s going on. And I was so impressed with that. Not many doctors are going to be there for their patients like that,” said Tami.

Bill stresses the importance of reaching out to others when you find out that they might be fighting an illness, or have been diagnosed with a form of cancer. “Everybody should make a point of saying hey, I’m thinking of you. Praying for you. It’s so important. It gives you so much encouragement and motivation to get through the day. When fighting cancer, there is hope.

Developments in drugs are coming fast and furious, and what used to be a death sentence, now has so many possibilities of being treated and possibly being cured, so you just simply cannot give up.”

Central Care Cancer Center is dedicated to keeping cancer care close to home. They have facilities throughout Kansas, mostly in rural settings, including Great Bend. Central Care Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer care including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, financial counseling and other supportive services all under one roof.

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PETS

s t Pe

AND COVID-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others cause illness in certain types of animals.

Some coronaviruses that infect animals can sometimes be spread to people, but this is rare.

At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations.

CDC is aware of a small number of pets, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.

Treat pets as you would other human family members–do not let pets interact with people or animals outside the household. If a person inside the household becomes sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

For more information: https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#COVID-19-and-Animals

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RISK OF ANIMALS SPREADING THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19 TO PEOPLE The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking. Recent studies show that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

RISK OF PEOPLE SPREADING THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19 TO ANIMALS CDC is aware of a small number of pets, including dogs and cats, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Only a few of the animals reported to be positive showed signs of illness.

We are still learning about this virus, but we know that it originally came from an animal source and is primarily spreading from person-to-person, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OWN PETS Until we learn more about how this virus affects animals, treat pets as you would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection.

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.

• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.

• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.

• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.

kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.

• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

• If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know you have been sick with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may offer telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets.

PROTECT PETS IF YOU ARE SICK If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people.

Until we know more about this virus, people sick with COVID-19 should avoid contact with pets and other animals.

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.

• Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being

STAY HEALTHY AROUND ANIMALS In the United States, there is no evidence that animals are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.

• Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.

• Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.

• Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.

• Be aware that children 5 years of age and younger, people with weakened immune systems and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get sick from germs some animals can carry.

All information for this article was taken from the CDC web page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html

13

NUTRITION

FOOD FOR THOUGHT A

By Michelle Fouchi Esneault

s we get older, our bodies and minds go through changes that require we take a closer look at what we eat. A healthy diet can help maintain energy, keep your weight in check, lower your risk of chronic health problems and have a big impact on your well-being. A national poll by Research!America finds that the biggest concern Americans have about aging is losing mental ability. Eating a diet containing nutrient-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, healthy proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy and healthy fats can protect your brain from damage, support memory and brain development and boost

14

alertness. Include some of these brain superstars in your diet today.

• Eggs are excellent for brain health. High in vitamins B6, B12, folate and choline, a study by the Oxford Project to investigate memory and aging shows that these vitamins slow mental decline and improve mood and memory.

baked or broiled fish can increase your brain’s grey matter which controls memory and decision making.

• Fatty fish such as salmon, trout and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids which the “Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry” says not only benefits learning and memory, but also staves off Alzheimer’s disease. The “American Journal of Preventative Medicine” states that regularly eating

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• A study found in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” states that blueberries can improve brain function due to its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants.

• Broccoli is also high in fat-soluble vitamin K. According to a study in “Maturitas,” vitamin K is found in high concentrations in the brain, making it vital for all cognitive functions, helping to sharpen memory and ward off dementia.

• Oranges, bell peppers, kiwi and strawberries are chock-full of the powerhouse antioxidant vitamin C which plays a big part in preventing mental decline. An article in “Nutrients” states that the vitamin C in these foods fight the free radicals that damage brain cells and support brain health.

• Both coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that increase alertness, improve your mood, improve memory and focus and reduce depression. An article in “Practical Neurology” magazine states that they can also prevent cognitive decline, reduce the risk of stroke and possibly reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

• Flavonoids make dark chocolate a sweet treat for your brain.

The “Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review” found that it can help with long term memory and age-related mental decline.

Life Hack You can keep the yolk from turning green by only cooking the eggs long enough to harden them and then chilling the eggs as soon as they have finished cooking. One way to do this is by running cold water over the hot eggs as soon as the cooking time has elapsed.

15

WELLNESS

IT'S IN THE WATER

By Michelle Fouchi Esneault

M

ore than 60 percent of the human body is made up of water. It’s necessary to regulate body temperature and keep bodily functions working the way they need to. Medical professionals recommend that you consume at least 65 ounces of fluids each day and to drink even more during warm weather.

Staying hydrated is important to your health, no matter how old you are, but, as you age, you become more susceptible to changes in the balance of fluid in your body.

According to “The American Journal of Nursing,” dehydration is a frequent cause of hospitalization in people over 65. There are many reasons including poor appetite, medications, temperature, lack of mobility, and the inability of your body to hold water which contrib-

16

utes to a lack of thirst.

By the time you are thirsty, essential fluids could be dangerously low, leading to dry mouth, decreased urination, headache, sleeplessness, irritability, cramps, loss of balance, and weakness, low blood pressure, a rapid pulse and sometimes seizures and death. Hydrated seniors experience fewer falls, better rehab results and lower rates of fatal coronary heart disease.

The National Institute on Aging states that eating a balanced diet of plenty of water-filled fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, grapes, oranges and cantaloupe can count towards your fluid goals. Other options include low-sodium broth, popsicles, milkshakes and smoothies.

If you really don’t like the taste of water, you can opt for flavored waters, half water half

Staying hydrated is important to your health, no matter how old you are juice or fruit-infused water. Limit beverages and foods that contribute to dehydration such as alcohol, high sodium and caffeinated drinks.

The simplest way to stay hydrated is a plain glass of water but even that isn’t so easy any more. If you look in any supermarket, there is an entire aisle dedicated to different types of water.

One, alkaline water, which has a high mineral content, promises all sorts of benefits including increased hydration, but is it true? It depends who you talk to.

Some believe that drinking alkaline

water, which is less acidic than tap water, can help you stay better hydrated. One study from the University of Montana found that drinking alkaline water did increase hydration after a high-intensity workout, but for the average moderately sedentary person, they found the impact to be relatively small.

The Mayo Clinic found that though the ionized water can be beneficial for some conditions, plain tap water is usually sufficient for hydration in most people.

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GARDENING

Seeking Groundcover?

Think Herbs

P

to partial sun and can grow up to 12 inches.

You can let the soil go dry before watering, lanting herbs in your garden can not but give it a bit of extra water after a hot day. only spice up your plate, they can be used as excellent groundcover. Why Mint Do you have a shady spot that needs not grow a beautiful garden that’s groundcover? Consider planting mint. also edible?

Corsican mint, also known as creeping mint, If you have a spot in your yard available that gets full sun, these herbs will be delight- makes a thick mat that can handle foot traffic ed to grow there. You might get inspired to well. Take care with mint—it will take over your garden when you’re not looking! Corsimake a pizza or perhaps a cup of tea. can mint will thrive in moist soil and this tiny Oregano groundcover will grow up to 1 inch tall.

Creeping oregano is an aromatic perennial Let this fragrant group of herbs make that grows up to 6 inches and will gift you every step through your garden memoraseasonally with small white flowers. Feel free ble. Pruning in your backyard can become to prune your oregano down to whatever a foraging adventure through your own height you’d like—it’s hardy and doesn’t enchanted garden. mind the trim. Take care not to overwater.

Thyme Creeping thyme also thrives in a warm climate with full sun and doesn’t require frequent watering. Its stunning purple flowers will look wonderful between stepping stones and anywhere else you’d like to add a pop of low-maintenance color. You can also keep creeping thyme to 2 inches high, though it can stretch up to 10 inches if left to its own devices!

Rosemary Rosemary would complete this low-maintenance Italian herb garden. The same rules for sun and water apply to creeping rosemary. Well-drained sandy soil will keep this Hablamos herb content to spread through your garden.

Español You’ll love its delicate, light purple bloom.

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GRANDCHILDREN

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WITH GRANDCHILDREN

By Amber Arevalos

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randchildren are one of the greatest joys in our lives. We spoil them with love, affection and lessons. Some grandparents get the privilege of caring for them while their parents are working. Grandchildren are full of energy, curiosity and determination. There is a whole world for them to explore. No matter what age they reach, there is always a new challenge or obstacle to overcome. Who doesn’t want to be part of that journey?

When we connect with our grandchildren, it can be the

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most satisfying feeling. Seeing their faces light up when they see us or the excitement when they see you perform a task they did not think was possible. There are a variety of activities to engage in with your grandchildren. Depending on their age, the activity can be more or less physical.

This is why it is so important to live a healthy active lifestyle. Stay mobile and have a regular walking or jogging routine. Eat healthy

foods and teach your grandchildren about staying healthy.

Younger grandchildren will enjoy playing red light green light, Simon says and other listening skills games.

You can also play basketball with them and play games like HORSE or around the world.

Older grandchildren can be tricky. With the invention of the cellphone also came

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No matter what age they reach, there is always a new challenge or obstacle to overcome. Who doesn’t want to be part of that journey?

the more disengaged teenager. Teen years are full of learning how to build long term friendships. A high percentage of teens tend to want more space and less time around family. It is a phase we all have to go through and learn to balance family and friends. So when you have that teenage grandkid at your home, you can also try sports activities or perhaps play a video game. We want to encourage more physical activities, but to connect with certain grandchildren, reaching them through their favorite activity can open them to try new things with you.

Turn rainy days into game days. Plan a variety of board games and play for pretzels or some healthy snacks to make the games more interesting.

Charades or heads up are fun games the whole family can

enjoy. Karaoke always turns into one of those singing shows where there are judges and everyone gets a chance to show off their dancing and singing skills.

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FEATURE

Widower honors memory of his wife through positive actions

by Veronica Coons vcoons@gbtribune.com Photography by Dale Hogg hgonzalez@gbtribune.com

oge and Kay Hallenbeck were married ooger in 1972. They met through a singles club in ffunction fu un while he student taught in Great Ben Be n and she worked as a nurse. After some Bend do oubl ubbl dates, they began dating one another double stea st eaa steadily and knew marriage was right for them. Theirs was truly a “‘til death do us part” marriage, which continued until Kay passed away five years ago. Today, Roger carries Kay in his head and his heart. Losing a long-time spouse is one of the most traumatic events a person can endure. Darkness and despair can engulf the remaining spouse as they struggle to envision life on their own. Roger visited with the Great Bend Tribune in August and shared how strong friendships and caring family members were vital to helping him find his way back into the light. Today, Roger’s daily mission is to spread positivity to others, and to keep it going.

The analogy “The Train of Life,” author unknown, compares life to a train ride. It was a favorite of Roger’s and Kay’s. She liked it so much, she hand wrote it rather than simply making a copy. Roger attached it to the guest book at her funeral, and he shared it with us when we met.

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We’ve been all over the world.

We were lucky.

“The mystery to everyone is, we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down,” it reads. “So we must live in the best way, love, forgive and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this, because when the time comes for us to step down, and leave our seats empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories.

For those who will continue to travel on the train of life, I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life.”

Roger and Kay were together nearly 43 years before she was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis was a shock because Kay had shown no symptoms until the day she nearly fainted from exhaustion. At the urging of their daughter Paulette Couf, they went to the hospital for tests. It took some time for doctors to determine what was wrong.

Eventually Kay underwent an MRI which detected the cancer.

Both were retired, and Roger was working part time as a substitute teacher when they learned the news. Roger stopped teaching so he could spend the

last months of her llife f taking k care off her. h Prior to that, the couple had shared many exciting travel opportunities together.

“We’ve been all over the world,” he said.

“We were lucky.”

They enjoyed Broadway productions, a train ride through Alaska, an African safari trip, a cruise along the Rhine, traveled by train under the English Channel, and even saw China, Australia, New Zealand, and the Antarctic Peninsula.

They indeed were lucky. In addition to travel, they were also lucky to be blessed with good neighbors, and the friendships that have resulted from them. These friends were there for Roger as he grieved Kay’s passing.

Stepping back into life Losing Kay was a real blow to Roger.

There is no set time for grieving the passing of a spouse, and he still isn’t finished, he said. But after spen spending some time alone initially, n his neighbor Lonnie McCarty invite him to go to coffee with him invited in the mornings. He would listen to ot men talk, and sometimes the other added to the conversation. e knew the situation I was in,” “They he said.

Even Eventually, he resumed attending a he had throughout his and church, as ma Kay’s marriage.

He volunteered to read Rosar and even some readings. the Rosary, h he h felt up to travel again he was When persuaded to make a trip to Jordan and Israel with his priest, Father Don Bedore, and some other men from the parish.

No trip ever goes exactly as planned.

Roger’s luggage was lost in transit, so after three days of wearing the same set of clothes, he reached out to some of his fellow travelers, exposing his vulnerability.

He was surrounded by friends, it turns out.

“I asked a few of the ladies to go with me downtown. I said, ‘Would you go with me and help me choose some clothes, because Kay was always there.’ Several of them knew my situation, and they said ‘Yes, we’ll be happy to help.’”

Their travel agent arranged for a knowledgeable local tour guide to lead their tour, who took them on many trips around the area. He was fascinated with the countryside, the people, and the views.

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FEATURE

Okay, so right then and there I decided I was, going to lose this weight.

Decision to lose When he returned home from the tour, he went to his doctor, Dr. Randall Hildebrand, to find out why his knee was bothering him so much. He kindly shared his diagnosis, that because of the extra weight he was carrying, Roger’s knee wasn’t likely to get better.

“Okay, so right then and there, I decided I was going to lose this weight,” he said. And he did. To look at Roger today, it’s hard to believe at one time, he weighed over 273 lbs. Today, he weighs a trim 180 lbs., but isn’t quite finished losing.

His niece and her husband, Lora and Dr. Rob Billow convinced him to consider a ketogenic diet, which emphasizes getting more calories from protein and fat and less from carbohydrates. They even sent him a cookbook. It was an easy transition for him.

“I was cooking on my own anyway, so it was easy to steam some vegetables and cook some kind of meat,” he said. “And then I started losing weight.”

The next time he saw Hildebrand, he’d lost 60 lbs. They scheduled knee surgery, and by the time the date arrived, he was down 90 lbs.

“I have to tell you I had the support of Melinda

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Kasselman, Julie Parks, Lora Billow, Brenda Kaiser, Jamie Komarek and Karen May, my nieces, and my daughter Paulette, who were so positive with me,” he said. “I just wanted to do more, you know.”

They’ve all shared ideas, and shared new ways of cooking which kept him motivated to stay the course. He seeks out their advice when he gets stuck, and is grateful for their willingness to always help him out. Each new milestone inspires the next.

Eventually, he realized his eating plan wasn’t the only thing that needed some updating. He began working with a personal trainer, David Tudor of DAT Fitness at The Fieldhouse in Great Bend. Three days a week, he goes in early to use the elliptical machine for 35 minutes, where he turns his mind to Divine Mercy prayers and the Rosary, and then Tudor works with him to lift weights and perform squats. Then, he returns home to have breakfast. Roger practices intermittent fasting, where he consumes all of his meals in an 8-hour block of the day, and the rest of the day he enjoys non-caloric drinks. A protein shake at the end of the day provides all he needs until late the next morning.

Having always been considered overweight, he has found eliminating sugar has been the key to his dietary success.

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Honoring her memory Honoring Kay’s memory has become a mission of Roger’s.

During their marriage, Kay was a regular election volunteer. Roger now volunteers at the polls. He has also carried on her helping with Prince of Peace’s annual kolache bake sale. “Usually I am the person that lifts, or helps lift the dough out of the mixer into the pan,� he said. “I fill in where I can.�

Not only was she skilled in the kitchen, she enjoyed sewing and painting as well, he said. She always had fun giving her projects to others, he said. The one she gave to him still hangs in his bedroom.

Kay was such a good seamstress, she sewed both her own wedding dress and the sport coat he wore in their wedding. “I opened the closet a few weeks ago, and there was my wedding jacket,� he said. “I tried it on, and it fit. I could even button it.�

How many who have been on life’s long journey can say that?

Kay was a gardener, and loved her flower garden at the rear of the property, Roger said. “I planted a rosebush on the east side of the house to remember Kay with,� he said “Every time it blooms that reminds me so much of her.�

Now, he has his own garden filled with vegetables he likes to share with his friends. In this way, his friends have told him, he keeps Kay’s memory alive.

Always with him in his mind and in his heart, Roger focuses on the positive things in life, listens to music in the mornings and evenings, and avoids disheartening subjects that fill the evening news.

Sharing the positivity has become for Roger a daily mission.

Every morning and every evening, he sends encouraging words and positive quotes to select friends and family, asking that they pass it along to someone they care about if it speaks to their hearts.

He finds these quotes and sayings throughout the day, sometimes from advertisements, sometimes in memes on social media and elsewhere. Thoughts like, “what a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t happened yet,� and “The greatest joy we can receive in life is to bring into the life of someone else a little joy and happiness.�

The mission ensures that Roger’s journey continues to be filled with light.

Medical Park Pharmacy Kevin Regier, R.Ph.

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