April 2014 mhl

MHL

APRIL | 2014 FREE PUBLICATION

Est 1992

MODERN HEALTH AND LIVING

get ready for spring KIDS CAMP FEATURE

WEIGHT LOSS & HYPNOSIS FAMILY EYECARE TAKING CARE OF YOUR TEETH

SENIOR SPRING FEATURE

A GUIDE TO HEALTHY LIVING FOR MEN, WOMEN, CHILDREN AND SENIORS

MITHING A

Tooth?

A missing tooth is no laughing matter.

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April Note

Everything anew again

April is here and I think it is going to be an exciting month.

As the weather changes, so does everyone’s mood. I am starting my walking routine with my partner in crime Jamie. As the weather gets warmer, we take longer walks around the neighborhood and hit up Zumba every Friday. How is your fitness routine coming along?

For all our moms and dads that are ready to get their kids in a healthy routine, we have camp articles going on until May. I am lucky this year that my son is finally of age to go to a overnight camp and experience something new this summer.

I think camp can really gets kids out of the mode of the same boring summer routine.

Now, for all our Senior readers out there, it is our annual Senior Spring Moving Feature. These articles will help you with all your decision making, moving hassles, selling your home and planning for a smooth transition. Keep positive and you’ll get through it. I just moved myself and I know how hard it can be.

A special thanks to all our contributing writers who provide quality articles to all our wonderful readers.

Have a lovely April and we’ll chat again in May.

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APRIL 2014 EDITION

contributers

Berkeley Wellness Letter, John Hopkins Medical Letter, Environmental Nutrition, Nutrition Action Health Letter, Columbia/St. Mary’s, Wheaton Fransician, Milwaukee Eye Care, Eye Care Specialists, Aurora, NorthShore Chiropractic, National Pedorthic Services, Lifesteps Wellness Clinic, Advance Physical Therapy, Elite Fitness and Racquet Club, Alexian Brothers Village, Transformations, NIH, Jensen Health and Energy, Foot Solutions, Allergy and Asthma Centers, Lakeshore Medical, The Ommani Center, Active Care Rehab, Interfaith Older Adult Services, Jewish Family Services, Laureate Group, Alzheimer Association, Tudor Oaks, Luther Haven, HealthWise Chiropractic, Greensquare Center for the Healing Arts, Midwest Audiology Integrative Family Wellness Center Social Security Offices and American Camp Association

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Lewis Media Group Amanda Lewis Malberry Media Marlys Lewis Jerry Kornowski Marlys Metzger Barry Lewis

For information on advertising or to submit articles call, fax or email 414-659-6705 or 608-2376000, email: info@lewismediagroup.com.

Subscriptions are $20 per year. Thanks for reading HealthWisc.

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publishers editor graphic design advertising distribution manager travel editor founder

HealthWisc is published on the first of each month . The articles in this publication are in no way intended to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. We advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert’s care.

thanks

staff

MHL Staff

Special Thanks! To all the local professionals that provide us with articles containing new information and keeping all our readers informed of the latest in healthy living.

Lewis Media Group | Malberry Media | www.modernhealthandliving.com

Carol Van Zelst CEO, MS, PhD, CLT 19265 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI

262-373-1810 anewsw.com 6Ɉ LYZ ]HSPK \U[PS -LIY\HY` *HUUV[ IL JVTIPULK ^P[O V[OLY VɈ LYZ VY KPZJV\U[Z Some restrictions may apply.

APRIL 2014 MHL anew_mhl_feb14_V.indd 1

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JAMES “My stay at ManorCare Health Services – Pewaukee was great. I came in for rehabilitation after a traumatic injury. The staff was well trained, organized and worked hard to attend to my needs – both physically and mentally. They understood my needs and provided the care necessary while maintaining my dignity. The facility was clean and the entire staff was accommodating 24-hours a day. The rehabilitation staff gave me the necessary ‘push’ to attain improvement of my injuries.

•Rehabilitation services •Post-hospital care •Skilled nursing

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My physical injuries have improved from rehabilitation and I feel I’m back to normal since graduating from ManorCare. I would recommend ManorCare to anyone needing rehabilitation of any kind.” www.hcr-manorcare.com

staff

publishers editor graphic design

Lewis Media Group Amanda Lewis Malberry Media Marlys Lewis Jerry Kornowski Marlys Metzger Barry Lewis

Spring Product Must Haves travel editor founder

contributers

Dyson DC-65

foot pain?

www.dyson.com

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disclaimer

contact

The first that is noticeable about this vacuum is the suction. When I cleaned my carpets that I had just vacuumed with another vacuum earlier that day, the bin was literally full with new dust and debris. It literally changed the color of my carpets, that until this point, I thought were fairly clean.

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The wand is built into the handle and is easy to access with lots of suction of its own. There are new and pretty cool attachments for stairs, ceiling fans, blinds, etc. It has a the change knowledgefrom or diagnosis of your doctor.

35 foot cordintended whichtoisreplace a nice the shorter cordsWe advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert’s care.

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The canister style bin is much preferred over buying countless bags. The ball style system makes it easy to maneuver and gets under tables fairly well.

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NuForce Air DAC uWireless System www.nuforce.com Have you ever wanted to connect from your laptop to the stereo wirelessly? This is the product for you. The transmitter is a usb connected device while the receiver hooks into your stereo with rca stereo plugs. We tested the unit from everywhere in the house without problems. It even worked flawlessly on the patio. Great for playing your favorite stations such as Youtube and Pandora or just playing mp3’s from your laptop. The range and clarity are a cut above other units.

Baking Steel www.bakingsteel.com If you have ever tried to make home made pizza, you usually find that getting a crispy crust is the biggest problem. This is because the pan used to bake the pizza does not get hot enough to crisp the crust. Pizzerias get their ovens to 600-700 degrees.

The Baking Steel by Stoughton Steel is a thick piece of steel that heats up hot enough to get the job done delivering a pizzeria style crust that will make you want to have pizza every night. It is also great for making bread.

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APRIL 2014 MHL

allergies &HAY FEVER

If you suffer from sneezing, runny noses, or itchy eyes, you might think you have a cold. Instead, it could be an allergy. When you come across something that you are allergic to, your body reacts by producing chemicals. These chemicals cause the sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. People can be allergic to many different things, such as > POLLEN > DUST MITES > ANIMAL DANDRUFF > MOLD > FOODS DRUGS

HAY FEVER Hay fever (pollen allergy) is one of the most common kinds of allergies. About 35 million Americans suffer from hay fever. Pollen is made by trees, grasses, and weeds. During the spring, summer, and fall some plants release pollen into the air you breathe. Your symptoms might be different at different times of the year. It all depends on the kinds of plants that grow where you live and what allergies you have.

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SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER > SNEEZING > RUNNY OR CLOGGED NOSE > COUGHING > ITCHY EYES, NOSE, AND THROAT > WATERY EYES > RED, SWOLLEN EYES

Why do some people have allergies and hay fever?

No one is sure what causes allergies. You are more likely to have hay fever if your parents have it.

What kinds of tests check for allergies?

•SKIN TESTS- Your doctor may also use a needle to put a small amount of allergen into your skin. After a few minutes, the reaction tells your doctor if you have allergies.

•BLOOD TESTS- Your doctor may use a blood test to look for a protein in your blood called IgE. This protein is made by people with allergies and hay fever. It also helps fight certain types of infection.

Both tests look for certain disease-fighting cells (antibodies). Your body makes these cells to match whatever it is fighting. Your antibodies tell doctors what you are allergic to.

How are allergies and hay fever treated?

Your doctor can help you decide what to do. You can: •AVOID THE THINGS THAT CAUSE YOUR SYMPTOMS. •USE MEDICINES. •GET ALLERGY SHOTS. Allergy shots contain small amounts of what you are allergic to. At first, shots may be given every week to lessen your symptoms. The shots are usually continued for 3 to 5 years.

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth Max is shocked. His dentist told him that he has a tooth that needs to come out.

The 63-year-old had been sure he would keep his teeth forever. Max is going to work with his dentist on taking better care of his remaining teeth.

Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well and enjoy good food.

There are a number of problems that can affect the health of your mouth, but good care should keep your teeth and gums strong.

Tooth Decay Teeth are covered in a hard, outer coating called enamel. Every day, a thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can begin to harm enamel. Over time, the acids can cause a hole in the enamel. This hole is called a cavity. Brushing and flossing your teeth can protect you from decay, but once a cavity happens, a dentist has to fix it.

You can protect your teeth from decay by using fluoride toothpaste. If you are at a higher risk for tooth decay (for example, if you have a dry mouth because of medicines you take), you might need more fluoride. Your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment during an office visit. Or, the dentist may tell you to use a fluoride gel or mouth rinse at home.

Gum Diseases Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under the gum line. This plaque causes infections that hurt the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Sometimes gum disease makes your gums tender and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be fixed by daily brushing and flossing.

A more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, needs to be treated by a dentist. If not treated, this infection can ruin the bones, gums, and other tissues that support your teeth. Over time, your teeth may have to be removed.

To prevent gum disease: •Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

•Floss once a day.

•Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning.

•Eat a well-balanced diet.

•Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

Cleaning Your Teeth And Gums There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth. Every day: •Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.

•Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.

•Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line.

•Lightly brush your tongue to help keep your mouth clean.

People with arthritis or other conditions that limit hand motion may find it hard to hold and use a toothbrush. Some helpful ideas are: •Use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush.

•Slide a bicycle grip or foam tube over the handle of the toothbrush.

•Buy a toothbrush with a larger handle.

•Attach the toothbrush handle to your hand with a wide elastic band.

•You also need to clean around your teeth with dental floss every day. Careful flossing will take off plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can’t reach. Be sure to rinse after you floss.

See your dentist if brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or hurts your mouth. If you have trouble flossing, a floss holder may help. Ask your dentist to show you the right way to floss.

APRIL 2014 MHL

WHERE TO BUY

Living room Turquoise pillows www.pillowcollection.com Aqua and white pillow www.blisslivinghome.com Turquoise throw & teal and silver pillow (shown next to each other) www.echodesign.com Turquoise rug - Nuloom www.wayfair.com | nuloom.com Starburst bowl www.crateandbarrel.com Recycled tubs www.gaiam.com Coffee table Hokku Designs | www.wayfair.com 2nd picture from left Wood wall decor www.vivaterra.com Sofa table www.ameriwood.com Gold Buddha tealight holder Ming mandarin boxes www.zgallerie.com Kai Noodle Soup Bowl & teal chopsticks www.crateandbarrel.com (Last picture from left) Casey mirror www.howardelliot.com Console table www.wayfair.com www.convenienceconcepts.com Praying Buddha hands www.designtoscano.com Teaset www.orientaldesign.com

MHL APRIL 2014

Creating a Spiritual Space Home owners John and Charlotte brought in spritual decor to their newly remodeled 1920’s farm house. Her love of bold aqua and turquoise colors and his love of japanese influence made this once dull space into a upbeat zen retreat.

The designer helped their vision by adding modern pieces with a spiritual asian flavor. Mixing the dark woods to match the existing molding helped keep the character of the house. The wall decor and art were the owners favorite transformation. From bare walls, the designer took Charlotte’s long time spiritual practice and added a “tree of life” to the modern dining room.

The main print Chanoyu by I.M. Spadecaller, anchors the side wall bringing in John’s love for japanese culture (the couple refers to it as their Japanese nun). The Casey Mirror shaped like a lotus flower softens the dark wood adding color and another beautiful zen vibe. The Buddhas and Peaceful images serve as a reminder to comeback to the present moment.

The wood wall art above the gold Buddha from Viva Terra was a gift that the designer had to display to keep personal touches with the new modern zen vibe. The introduction of the gold added elegnace throughout the home.

Everywhere in this space your eye catches more of the spiritually zen of the home owners taste. Charlotte a yoga teacher and spritual enthusiast and John a Shodan in Aikido have really captured the asian zen space that brings peace and tranquility to their now modern home.

Designed by Malberry Designs 414-659-6705

Dining Room Tree of life wall art www.vivaterra.com Framed art Prints - www.imagekind.com Framing - Frame andFabric 414-272-0277 Chopstick bowl www.gaiam.com

Turquoise vase www.crateandbarrel.com Berry branchesrug Touch of Class® www.touchofclass.com 1-800-457-7456

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SPRING ACTIVITIES For Housebound Seniors We don’t know about you, but we’re sure excited that spring is finally here!

It feels like everything is renewed and fresh once springtime comes around. Our batteries get recharged and our bucket lists get filled up with all the projects and warm weather fun that we just can’t wait to get started on.

At Home Instead Senior Care serving the Milwaukee area, we love to witness the effect this time of year has on many of the seniors with whom we work. All the more so when they have lots of seasonal activities planned.

Even for seniors who aren’t able to leave their homes, there are plenty of ways to share the smiles of the season. If your senior lives in a nursing home, you may be able to get permission from the management to hang or place a few items just outside their window where they can enjoy them from their chair or bed.

• Get your hands dirty: Many seniors enjoy gardening but may not have the physical ability, or the space, to cultivate their flowers and veggies the way they used to do. Container gardening is a great solution. All it takes is some soil, a few seeds and a sunny spot (plus a pot and water, of course) and your senior can enjoy nature’s bounty all spring and summer long.

• Feed the birds: Birdsong is one of the first pleasures of spring and a lovely, relaxing sound throughout the day. A well-placed bird feeder and/or bird bath can attract these musical guests right to your senior’s window.

• Rites of spring: Whether it’s eating piping fresh hot cross buns, watching baseball or even spring cleaning, we all have our traditions that we look forward to every year. Help your senior remember their favorite spring rituals by staging an Easter egg hunt that they can participate in (even if participation is just pointing); talking or reading about their favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors or switching out their winter bedding for something lighter and brighter.

• Craft a plan: Look on Pinterest and crafting blogs for easy spring crafts. Last time we counted, there were approximately 10,792 – and most of them didn’t require too many materials that you don’t have around the house already. Doing a project together not only gives you a nice way to spend time with your senior, it gives them a keepsake to make the room cheery after you leave.

For more information about caring for seniors, please contact us at 414-259-9820.

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APRIL 2014 MHL

ARE YOU DOING ALL YOU CAN TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S VISION?

Local Eye MDs use latest advances to detect and treat vision problems

BY CHERYL L. DEJEWSKI “As we age and continue to live longer, our risk increases for losing vision to a number of debilitating eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy,” warns Mark Freedman, MD, senior partner at Eye Care Specialists, one of Wisconsin’s leading ophthalmology practices. At least 16 million Americans already struggle with the daily challenges of low vision, and that number is only expected to increase.

What can you do to protect you and your family? Brett Rhode, MD, Head of Ophthalmology at Aurora Sinai Medical Center and partner at Eye Care Specialists, advises, “Your best protection is to schedule regular, comprehensive eye exams. Our practice strives to offer the latest technology to detect, track and treat nearly every cause of vision loss. But the most advanced equipment and finest services in the state are of no use if people don’t utilize them.”

The following are just a few of the cutting-edge devices and procedures Eye Care Specialists wants people to know are available.

Medication Injections to Treat AMD and Diabetes Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision

See the best you can see . . .

See an Eye Care Specialist

Trusted by more than 125,000 doctors & patients since 1985 for: ■ Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetes “TOP DOCTORS” ■ Macular Degeneration (AMD) Milwaukee & M Magazines ■ Corneal Transplants Mark Freedman, MD ■ Lid, Retina & Pediatric Cases Brett Rhode, MD ■ Dry Eyes/Infections Daniel Ferguson, MD Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD ■ LASIK Vision Correction Michael Raciti, MD ■ Diagnostic Laser Scans David Scheidt, OD ■ Comprehensive Eye Exams

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10 MHL APRIL 2014

2323 N. Mayfair Rd.

735 W. Wisconsin Ave.

impairment in Americans over age 50, affecting the ability to read, drive, see faces, etc. Diabetes is a major cause of vision loss in Americans under age 65 due to blood sugar fluctuations that damage the retina. “The use of medication (Avastin, Eylea and Lucentis) injections to protect against these sight-threatening conditions is one of the greatest advances in ophthalmology in the past 50 years,” reports ophthalmologist and continuing education lecturer Daniel Ferguson, MD. “These injections inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels and damaging retinal swelling that can cause vision loss due to AMD, diabetes, and other conditions.”

“Although there are NO guarantees, we have seen remarkable results. With regular injections (about every six weeks), we have been able to stop the progression of wet AMD in 90% of our patients, and even had up to 30% gain improvement in vision,” says Freedman, who, along with his partners, performs sight-saving injection treatments on a daily basis. He advises people with these conditions to see if they are a candidate for treatment.

Diagnostic Laser Scans “With our fast, accurate, non-invasive and painless OCT device, patients simply focus on a light while a safe, invisible laser scans the inside of the eye to acquire an image in just seconds. This “optical ultrasound” of the layers of the retina and optic nerve then generates a detailed computer printout (similar to a CT scan) that enables us to detect, track and treat diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other sight-threatening diseases— sometimes even before any damage occurs.,” explains Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD, an eye care specialist with credentials from Harvard and Johns Hopkins. “The information gained from a single OCT scan is often more useful than any other diagnostic tool for protecting vision. If you are at risk for sight loss, you may want to ask about having an OCT scan.”

Standard & Premium Lens Implantation Cataract surgery requires making an opening in the eye to remove the cloudy lens (cataract) and replace it with an artificial lens (to once again focus light rays onto the retina). Standard lens implants (IOLs) are “mono-focal” or single-focus. They are like miniature internal contact lenses set for a single prescription power—usually to provide clear vision in the distance (for driving, watching TV, etc.). As such, most cataract patients still need to wear reading glasses or bifocals after surgery to compensate for “presbyopia,” the decreased ability of the eye to focus on near objects as you grow older.

“Now, however, we can offer patients the option of ‘premium’ IOLs, which are ‘multi-focal’ (provide multiple focusing zones for a full range of vision near and FAMILY>>page 19

TIPS TO BUST COMMON WORKOUT EXCUSES

ful.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

Life is hectic. Nothing seems to work. Gym memberships are expensive. There is an endless list of reasons to skip a workout or never begin exercising in the first place. With excuses blurring the benefits, getting fit can be an even bigger challenge. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight loss support organization, provides tips to overcome justifications for avoiding physical activity.

“I’m too busy.”

Make working out a priority and it will become routine. The best way to fit physical activity into your day is by setting a schedule and writing it on the calendar. If you don’t have time for an hour of cardio or weight training, take steps to ensure you move during the week – take the stairs, park at the back of the parking lot, do an abdominal workout during commercials. Ten-minute ‘mini’ exercises, such as a brisk walk during the lunch hour, are also useful.

“I feel self-conscious.”

Exercise at home with fitness DVDs and resistance cables. Once you have gained confidence, go outside, join a gym, or take an exercise class. If you want to beat the crowds at the fitness center, go mid-morning or late in the evening, when less people are around.

“I don’t like working out.”

Perhaps running or weight lifting is too monotonous for you. Working out doesn’t have to be something that’s painful or boring. Today’s workout world offers a variety of options to stay fit – yoga, hiking, swimming, dancing, Pilates, recreational sports, and more. Grab a friend and participate in a workout that you enjoy.

“I don’t know how.”

Personal trainers help people tailor their exercises to their ability and the proper intensity level. Whether you want to learn how to cycle indoors, dance, or play a sport, fitness classes with instructors can teach new movements and correct form.

The staff at most gyms should be well-versed in their facility’s equipment; don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“I can’t afford a gym membership.”

Although fitness centers have a lot to offer, gym fees can be expensive. Perhaps your community’s local recreation department offers low-cost classes you can participate in. Walking or running outdoors are free, effective activities. You may even want to consider roller-blading. Fancy equipment isn’t necessary to get in shape – it’s more important to stay active on a regular basis.

“I can’t get motivated.”

Make a list of reasons to workout – to get healthy, boost energy, look better in your clothes, etc. Post the list in a place you look at everyday to remind yourself of your workout ambitions. Friends are also a great place to seek motivation. At TOPS, weekly chapter meetings give members the opportunity to cheer for and encourage one another in their weight-loss efforts.

“I don’t see any results.”

It’s important to understand that exercise may not produce immediate physical changes. Remember your long-term goals and think about how working out makes you feel. Writing down the little improvements you see on a daily basis can be help-

APRIL 2014 MHL 11

Well-Being

A GUIDE TO NATURAL HEALTH

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Redefining Health THE HOPE OF TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE

By Kalpana (Rose) M. Kumar, M.D. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Of all forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”

My past few articles have been on the unhealthy infrastructure in health care today and how it adversely affects patients as well as physicians, nurses and those who serve within it.

Over the past few weeks, I have seen an inordinate number of patients who are hurting because of the way they are treated by administrative practices within this system. The patterns of conditioning through ‘learned helplessness’ are pervasive and worsening as the systems continue to compete with each other for market share out of greed.

We all comprise their ‘market’. What they forget is that money is not a substitute for care. Care is a choice born of intent. But when physicians and nurses are ‘boiling frogs’, they are unable to provide the care they intended to offer. Their care cannot be limited to a 15 minute office visit done under pressure. When physicians take longer to problem solve, they are reprimanded and punished as it reduces revenue and threatens quarterly profits.

A ‘boiling frog’ is a frog that is heated in water till it dies. The teaching point is - because the torture is started in cold water and heat is applied slowly, the frog does not realize it is being boiled alive. Its senses are desensitized to greater levels of heat. As morbid as this analogy is, this is used to describe how people adapt to abuse. This is no different in health care.

Today’s physicians are no longer seen as healers. On the contrary, they are viewed as tools that serve health care administration in all its extractive methods, merely generators of revenue, likened to Pavlov’s dog. Today’s physicians have lost heart and meaning. The mandates that grind them down demoralize and wound them in deep ways.

I left corporate health care 15 years ago when this behavior was escalating. I was unable to live under patriarchal rules. Today, this treatment is being normalized by ‘the powers that be’. For me, this is unacceptable. For others, adapting is their only hope.

It is important to lift the veil, to view the shadow beneath the blanket of illusion projected in marketing ads, with terms like ‘health’ and ‘care’. We must wake up to what is really happening. This is a system that purports to serve. It offers neither health nor care.

When patients wake up and demand authentic care, and physicians gain the courage to speak their truth, transformation will be the inevitable outcome.

“Health care needs to be examined from the inside out, from the top down and the bottom up. There must not be any stone left unturned. When physicians analyze the current system in ways in which they were trained to analyze the body, they will be able to identify the pathology that keeps it sick. They will have to reach deep inside and stand in the face of criticism and rejection, with courage and heart to transform their system that has lost its soul.” ~Becoming Real,”2011, by Rose Kumar M.D. Health care is in crises. In Southeast Wisconsin, both patients and physicians are struggling to make sense of the lack of consciousness that has taken over the health care system. Morale is at an all-time low.

I implore you all to awaken to the reality of today’s health care system. Nothing can transform without holding the light to it, including the shadow. It is the only way to transform this system into one that actually serves the mission of its vocation. When a critical mass of conscious consumers expects real care, the system will be forced to deliver what is expected.

I believe this is the only hope we have to transform health care. This is also how it will ultimately recover its soul. ©April, 2014 Kalpana (Rose) M. Kumar M.D., CEO and Medical Director , The Ommani Center for Integrative Medicine, Pewaukee, WI. www.ommanicenter.com Author of Becoming Real: Harnessing the Power of Menopause for Health and Success, 2011, Medial Press. Schedule an appointment or contact Dr. Kumar at 262.695.5311.

Midwest College of Oriental Medicine First visit, consultation and Acupuncture treatment at no cost if you bring this ad!

This offer expires January 31, 2015

Racine Campus Clinic

6232 Bankers Rd Racine, WI 53403 Call 262-554-3278 or 262-554-2010 to schedule an appointment

Visit our college Clinics for compassionate, holistic care.

Improve the quality of your life with Acupuncture, herbs and healthy diet!

Treatments:$20 Mon & Thurs 1pm to 8pm Tue & Fri 1pm to 4pm

Approved by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board and Illinois Board of Higher Education. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine programs accredited by the Accreditation commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, an agency approved by the Secretary of Education.

APRIL 2014 MHL 13

Straight to the Point: ACUPUNCTURE The Best Alternative Method For Pain Relief

Anthony S Blair and Kimberly Stueber My body was slightly tense, waiting on the needles to prick my skin. I’d heard of acupuncture and the benefits of acupuncture treatment. This was my first try and didn’t know what to expect. His method is diversion. As I lay on the table, Dr. Zhou talks to me and touches different areas of my leg. Where I expected to feel the prick of the needles and where the needles actually went in were different which minimized the pain. Dr. Zhou is skillful in his insertion of the needles. I believe most people’s aversion to needles makes acupuncture seem more painful than it is. Injuring my Achilles tendon playing basketball I sought to heal myself. Traditional doctors told me I needed surgery. I never had surgery and was resistant to being cut, scarring, anesthesia, and the cost. A friend recommended acupuncture and after doing some research, settled on Dr. Zhou. 30 minutes, 15 needles, 3 glass suction cups, and a heat lamp later I had noticeably greater mobility & flexibility I came in on crutches and left walking in a brace. After further treatments my injury healed in the same amount of time it would have taken with invasive surgery. And I don’t have the scar or the $5,000 bill, amazing.

Stories like these are very common after people visit Dr. XiPing Zhou. Zhou, a doctor of oriental medicine, licensed acupuncturist, and the founder and president of Dr. Zhou’s Acupuncture and Pain Management Clinic in Madison, WI, says “Acupuncture is perfect for naturally treating pain and many other conditions.”

The name given to one of the points in acupuncture work - Gushing Spring – is symbolic of the roots of this ancient Chinese folk medicine that aims to balance the energy system of qi (pronounced chee) and treat common disorders and pain all at

Call today to learn about upcoming classes and open houses 14 MHL APRIL 2014

the same time. Acu comes from the Latin word Acus meaning “needle” and puncture comes from Late Latin word punctura meaning “a pricking”. Thus the technique consists of pricking an acupuncture point with a needle. Acupuncture developed out of the need to apply pressure to the body, treat wounds, and lance infectious lesions.

The earliest evidence of practices similar to acupuncture date back to the New Stone Age (8,000-2,000 B.C, the first acupuncture needles were crudely shaped & made from stones known as Bian Stones. Crude Bian Stones gave way to more skillfully shaped needles made of pottery. With the development of metallurgical techniques, the metal needle superceded the pottery needles and Bian Stones. The term acupuncture didn’t surface until shortly after the Ming Dynasty in 1684.

According to Zhou, acupuncture is an element of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Beyond the benefits of pain relief and treatment of common disorders, acupuncture is holistic - keeping the mind, body and spirit balanced and in harmony. “It is a complete approach,” Zhou says. By working treats the source of the disorder not just the symptoms.

It would be accurate to say that acupuncture treats disorders of QI, Blood and disturbances of the Organ Networks – but this doesn’t correspond to the Western vocabulary of named diseases and conditions. Acupuncture can be helpful for: pain management, withdrawal from addictions, post-surgical recovery, chronic fatigue and signs of aging and decreased immunity. Some of the many conditions for which acupuncture is considered appropriate are listed by the World Health Organization of the United Nations.

According to Zhou, acupuncture is an element of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Beyond the benefits of pain relief and treatment of common disorders, acupuncture is holistic - keeping the mind, body and spirit balanced and in harmony. “It is a complete approach,” Zhou says. By working treats the source of the disorder not just the symptoms.

It would be accurate to say that acupuncture treats disorders of QI, Blood and disturbances of the Organ Networks – but this doesn’t correspond to the Western vocabulary of named diseases and conditions. Acupuncture can be helpful for: pain management, withdrawal from addictions, post-surgical recovery, chronic fatigue and signs of aging and decreased immunity. Some of the many conditions for which acupuncture is considered appropriate are listed by the World Health Organization of the United Nations.

For 13 years Lisa suffered from hormonal migraines and chronic daily headaches. In 2007 she celebrated a pain free Christmas holiday – the first in 12 years.

After 8 months of acupuncture, the frequency of Lisa’s hormonal headaches have decreased by about 70%. But what makes Lisa’s success so powerful is the quality of life she shares with her family now. She is enjoying her life again and her family is delighted to have their wife and mother fully engaged in their lives

and home.

A new study of acupuncture — the most rigorous and detailed analysis of the treatment to date — found that it can ease migraines and arthritis and other forms of chronic pain.

The findings provide strong scientific support for an age-old therapy used by an estimated three million Americans each year. Though acupuncture has been studied for decades, the body of medical research on it has been mixed and mired to some extent by small and poor-quality studies. Financed by the National Institutes of Health and carried out over about half a decade, the new research was a detailed analysis of earlier research that involved data on nearly 18,000 patients. Acupuncture, which involves inserting needles at various places on the body to stimulate so-called acupoints, is among the most widely practiced forms of alternative medicine in the country and is offered by many hospitals. Most commonly the treatment is sought by adults looking for relief from chronic pain, though it is also used with growing frequency in children. According to government estimates, about 150,000 children in the United States underwent acupuncture in 2007. (http://well.blogs. nytimes.com/2012/09/11/acupunctureprovides-true-pain-relief-in-study/, O’Connor, Anahad)

Additionally Time magazine stated that more than a quarter of all Americans suffer from pain daily. This costs the U.S. about $60 billion in lost productivity annually. Additionally, Americans spent $2.6 billion on over-the-counter pain medications and another nearly $14 billion on out patient analgesics. Recent findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that spending on spine treatments totaled nearly $86 billion in 2005 which is a 65% increase from 1997. However the proportion of people with impaired function because of spine problems increased during the same period even after controlling for an aging population. All of these facts point to the reality that modern pain treatments aren’t working. On the other hand people are finding great success with Acupuncture, a treatment that is over 5,000 years old.

But Dr. Zhou says acupuncture and Chinese medicine is “really beyond needles” and “beyond pain”. He uses acupuncture to treat a wide range of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, thyroid imbalances, hormonal problems, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and more.

For more information and to learn more:Contact: Dr. Zhou (414) 405-1688 Address: 4601 N Oakland Ave. Shorewood, WI 53211 www.acupunctureherbalmd.com

Special Childrens issue May 2014

MHL

APRIL 2014 MHL 15

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Finally, New Hope for Pain Patients.

With a healing pulse of laser energy, patients are seeing relief in a whole new light.

It wasn’t starting out to be a great day when Tom Pirelli woke up to find his fingers swollen like sausages. “I couldn’t hold a glass, I couldn’t shake hands and I definitely couldn’t play golf,” Tom recalls. A quick trip to the rheumatologist confirmed the worst – a severe case of Psoriatic arthritis.

pulses increased blood flow, and Tom’s inflammation was quickly reduced. And as tissue repair was accelerated, the healing began.

“I started with 10-minute treatments on both hands. After just five treatments, the swelling was way down, and the pain was cut in half. After two treatments the third week, my hands were almost back to normal… the swelling was completely gone and I had only minor pain.” After a few treatments, Tom was back to normal activities (including swinging a golf club!) He is not one a maintenance plan that is keeping the arthritis completely under control -* without any drugs, injections or any other treatments.

Amazing Science Tom was told that his only option was injections of Enbrel. But with a wife recovering from cancer, Tom just couldn’t take the chance. “The Enbrel would lower my immune system and I couldn’t afford to catch anything and pass it on to her.”

Searching for an alternative, Tom visited Dr. Eliesha Evans at Evans Chiropractic & Pain Laser Clinic. Here, he discovered the incredible benefits of deep-penetrating MLS Laser therapy.

Using the sophisticated M6 Robotic MLS Laser, Dr. Evans precisely applied the correct dose of healing energy to Tom’s painfully inflamed hands. As the damaged cells were stimulated, Tom’s pain was decreased. The high intensity laser

(in Plain English)

MLS Therapy (it stands for Multiwave Locked System) is amazingly different. So different, in fact, that it is patented. Before the MLS Laser, practitioners could use puled-light lasers to control swelling – OR use continuouslight lasers to control pain—BUT NOT BOTH. By contrast, MLS Therapy delivers a healing pulse of combined, synchronized laser energy. The combined pulses reciprocally reinforce each other. Unlike laser devices that heat the skin, the innovative MLS Laser has no thermal effect. In fact, patients say that it is quite comfortable and soothing. Treatments only take a few minutes, and many patients feel pain

Expires April 30, 2014 16 MHL APRIL 2014

Pain Level “Zero!”

relief within a few minutes of the treatment session. Best of all, it works! Over 90 percent of patients experience relief after only the fifth treatment!

• Penetrates deeply; non-invasive • Produces rapid and long-lasting results • Speeds would and ulcer healing • Reduces scarring • Improves function of damaged nerve tissue

Shingles Pain Stopped in its Tracks 79—year-old Judy suffered for several days not knowing that the cause of her sever pain was a case of the shingles.

“I didn’t quite know how to treat it.” She shares.

“My doctor gave me antibiotics and some pain medicine, but it didn’t seem to help.” Fortunately for Judy, her son-inlaw was using laser therapy and shared with her how it had helped him tremendously. Judy quickly signed up for 10 treatments with Dr. Evans. By her second appointment, the pain was already diminishing and, by the third treatment even the shingles rash was starting to go away. “It never even broke out or scaled over.” Judy gratefully recalls. By the tenth treatment, Judy’s recovery was so complete that she and Dr. Evans agreed that no further treatments were necessary. “I definitely recommend MLS Laser Therapy for the shingles. It was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

MLS Laser Therapy provides lasting . relief for the three major forms of arthritis : Osteo, Rheumatoid, Psortiatic

Kathy’s sciatic pain was so crippling that her friend had to hold her up as she hobbled into Dr. Evans’ office, where she quickly learned about the amazing healing properties of the MLS Laser.

“Dr. Evans gave me a laser treatment and I actually walked out of her office without any help!” After six treatments over two weeks, Kathy’s excruciating pain was gone. “It was a severe case and I wouldn’t have believed it if it had not happened to me. I highly recommend MLS Laser!”

“Why Doesn’t My Doctor Know About This?”

Unfortunately, physicians who don’t work with neuromusculoskeletal pain on a daily basis have not fully learned about this breakthrough therapy.

Compounding the problem, doctors typically only offer Dr. Eliesha R. Evans patients procedures for which they can receive reimbursement from the insurance companies.

A member of the American Academy of Pain Management, Dr. Eliesha Evans has been treating acute and chronic pain conditions since 1995.In 2011, she proudly became the first pain management practice in Wisconsin to use the advanced MLS Laser with which she has logged more than 3,000 pain treatments

Dr. Eliesha R. Evans at Evans Chiropractic & Pain Laser Center 15720 W National Ave New Berlin WI., 53151 262.785-5515

MEDITATION Meditation is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine. There are many types of meditation, most of which originated in ancient religious and spiritual traditions.

Generally, a person who is meditating uses certain techniques, such as a specific posture, focused attention, and an open attitude toward distractions. Meditation may be practiced for many reasons, such as to increase calmness and physical relaxation, to improve psychological balance, to cope with illness, or to enhance overall health and well-being.

People practice meditation for a number of health-related purposes. It is not fully known what changes occur in the body during meditation; whether they influence health; and, if so, how. Research is under way to find out more about meditation’s effects, how it works, and diseases and conditions for which it may be most helpful.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The term meditation refers to a group of techniques, such as mantra meditation, relaxation response, mindfulness meditationA type of meditation that focuses attention on breathing to develop increased awareness of the present. The intent is to reduce stress and control emotion in order to improve health., and Zen Buddhist meditation. Most meditative techniques started in Eastern religious or spiritual traditions.

These techniques have been used by many different cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. Today, many people use meditation outside of its traditional religious or cultural settings, for health and well-being.

In meditation, a person learns to focus attention. Some forms of meditation instruct the practitioner to become mindful of thoughts, feelings, and sensations and to observe them in a nonjudgmental way. This practice is believed to result in a state of greater calmness and physical relaxation, and psychological balance. Practicing meditation can change how a person relates to the flow of emotions and thoughts.

Most types of meditation have four elements in common: A quiet location. Meditation is usually practiced in a quiet place with as few distractions as possible. This can be particularly helpful for beginners.

A specific, comfortable posture. Depending on the type being practiced, meditation can be done while sitting, lying down, standing, walking, or in other positions.

A focus of attention. Focusing one’s attention is usually a part of meditation. For example, the meditator may focus on a mantra (a specially chosen word or set of words), an object, or the sensations of the breath. Some forms of meditation involve paying attention to whatever is the dominant content of consciousness.

An open attitude. Having an open attitude during meditation means letting distractions come and go naturally without judging them. When the attention goes to distracting or wandering thoughts, they are not suppressed; instead, the meditator gently brings attention back to the focus. In some types of meditation, the meditator learns to “observe” thoughts and emotions while meditating.

Meditation used as CAM is a type of mind-body medicinePractices that focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health. Examples include meditation and yoga..

APRIL 2014 MHL 17

WHERE DID OUR HEALTH GO?

*Expires April 30, 2014

18 MHL APRIL 2014

Most of us grew up being told that if we ate a well-balanced diet we would be healthy. In fact we were also told that if we ate a well-balanced diet we didn’t need to take vitamins. I grew up believing that.

Today we are now being told that, in our society, there are epidemic increases in the rates of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and many other chronic inflammatory diseases. We were given the food pyramid in the early 90’s. It suggested that, daily, we should be eating 6-11 servings of grains, 3-5 of servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of whole fruits, 2-3 servings of dairy, 2-3 servings of protein and very little use of added sweeteners and fats. Per the pyramid more than 50% of our diet should be from carbohydrates, breads rice, pasta and cereal. Were we sold a bill of goods? Maybe, but the problems arise more from how we incorporated the pyramid into our eating habits.

Grains are not what they used to be…

First off we ignored some of the important supporting facts right from the start.

The original recommendations stated that 50% of the grains group should be from whole grains. We did not do this. Almost all of our breads and cereals are processed.

Processed grains have lost up to 90% of their nutrients; vitamins: B1, B2 B3, B5, B6, B9, E and minerals: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. These nutrients are needed for energy production, optimum hormone balance and proper immune system function.

To make matters worse we have increased our intake of these nutritionally deficient carbohydrates from grains by 34% between 1980 and 2010. During this same time period we have also increased our added fat intake by 44%, our added sweeteners by 10% and our total calorie intake by 19%. Our diet is killing us. So what can we do about it?

Follow these 3 Simple Steps On the surface there are 3 simple things that need to be done to reverse the trend to increased chronic diseases. They are: 1 - Eat less, 2 - Eat healthy, and 3 - Move more.

If this were easy to do we would not have the problems that we are currently facing.

It may seem like a daunting task but it can be done.

In today’s fast paced market driven society we are continually bombarded with fad diets, ads for supplements promising to make everything better and contradictory information on all. An important thing to realize is that there is not one solution for all. What each of us needs to do is to begin with an analysis of our current nutritional status. If we want to fix something we have to begin with what the problems are.

Each person starts at a different place and therefore the solutions need to be individually tailored. The important things to evaluate are: What are your nutritional deficiencies?

What are your nutritional excesses?

What are your genetic predispositions?

What are your environmental stresses?

How does your unique individual biochemistry determine how well you are protected and what you are at risk for?

What are your exercise patterns?

Armed with the above information an individually tailored plan can be formulated but in general there are some things that all of us can do: Decrease total carbohydrates.

Decrease processed grains.

Eliminate added sugars.

Decrease saturated fats Eliminate trans and Cis fats.

Increase Omega-3 fats Decrease fatty meats Avoid fruit juices Eliminate soda both regular and diet Eat whole fruits Increase vegetable (5 servings per day) Exercise: You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to be healthy but you do need to exercise for 30 minutes 5 times per week.

Flip Troiano, MD provides health and wellness services in his private practice, Great Lakes Vital Health, at Greensquare Center for the Healing Arts located near Bayshore Town Center at 6789 N. Green Bay Avenue, Glendale, WI, 53209. Dr. Flip brings more than 30 years experience from his hospital emergency room care and treatment services to his new Integrative Practice at addressing the whole body concept in healing. A Founding member of the Wisconsin Institute for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Flip can be reached for appointments and consultations at 414.292.3900, Ext. 215.

FAMILY<<page 10

WEIGHT LOSS with Hypnosis

far) or toric (provide correction for astigmatism),” explains Michael Raciti, an eye surgeon with special expertise in difficult cataract cases. “At least 70% of patients with these IOLs can see to read, drive, do computer work, or perform most any activity—with less need for glasses or bifocals. At Eye Care Specialists, we’re pleased to offer these special implants to qualified candidates upon careful review of expectations, costs, and other concerns.”

Laser Treatment for Glaucoma Glaucoma threatens the sight of one in every 30 people over age 40, and is a leading cause of blindness. (Your risk is even five times higher if you have a family member with the disease.) Rhode reminds people, “Glaucoma does not show symptoms until permanent severe damage has occurred. As such, you should schedule regular eye exams at least every two years and possibly more often if there is a history of glaucoma in your family.” Ferguson adds, “We typically treat glaucoma with prescription drops (often with only one a day). For some patients, however, laser treatment may be effective in both controlling glaucoma fluid pressure and reducing the need to use drops. Our surgeons are trained to utilize highly specialized SLT and ECP laser procedures for qualified candidates. These treatments take less than 10 minutes at our outpatient surgery center and are covered by Medicare and most insurances. If successful, laser surgery can help to reduce the hassle and expense of buying and taking drops.”

Restasis Dry Eye Therapy Dry eye disease is a painful and irritating condition involving a lack or imbalance in tear film components. “In addition to treatments like over-the-counter artificial tears and insertion of tiny plugs into the eye’s drain openings, we utilize Restasis, a prescription drop which treats the inflammatory process that actually causes dry eye disease,” states David Scheidt, OD, past president of the Milwaukee Optometric Society.

Free Booklets Eye Care Specialists’ ophthalmology practice is a state leader in medical, surgical and laser eye care. Voted “Top Doctors” in several local publications, their team is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration; and has written a series of booklets on these conditions. Call 414-321-7035 for FREE copies or to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye screening (usually covered by insurance or Medicare) at their offices on 7th & Wisconsin Avenue, Mayfair Road, or 102nd & National Avenue. They also offer information at www.eyecarespecialists.net.

Hypnotherapy is THE Missing Component for Permanent Weight Management!

The most recent government statistics show that more than a third of American adults are trying to lose weight. Yet with two-thirds of this country’s adults either overweight or obese, it’s reasonable to surmise that all this dieting isn’t working.

With a variety of diets available the focus still remains on what goes into stomachs instead of what’s going on in our minds. Compelling evidence suggests that the secret to successful weight loss and management is changing your relationship to food.

During hypnosis we can speak to the subconscious mind, and with hypnotherapy we are able to get to underlying issues as to why you overeat in the first place.

Regression to cause is a fascinating and rewarding discipline of hypnosis. First understand that the Subconscious Mind (SM) holds all memory and truly does know why you do the things you do; even when you think you don’t know why you do them. Second, when in the relaxed and meditative state of hypnosis, you can access all memories including regressing to the originating cause of unwanted behaviors.

Once we have the information of the cause, we can go about resolving those old negative feelings and re-write a healthier program. It’s important to understand that knowing the cause of the unwanted behavior does not necessarily mean the positive change is imminent. The positive change may require a few to several meetings with a qualified hypnotist depending on the gravity of the unwanted behavior and the depth to which it has been imprinted in the SC mind. The good news is that the SC is infinitely creative, works very quickly in ways the conscious mind might not even understand, and its focus is always on beliefs, so once the cause is uncovered and the SC is instructed to heal it in a pleasant and comfortable way, the SC moves into action for positive results.

With hypnosis, you will become more relaxed about weight loss and will be able to handle stress in your life. Stress is often a serious factor in bad diet and comfort eating. Most people expect to feel better about themselves after they’ve lost weight.

Hypnosis helps you to immediately feel better about who you are and what you can achieve. This becomes a very positive cycle. Interestingly, when you start to feel good about yourself, weight loss, health and happiness often follow.

Karla Hermann, CH, Hypnosis For Change, 6789 N. Green Bay Ave., Glendale, WI 53209, www.hypnosisforchangeweb.com, 262-264-0214 (located inside GreenSquare Center For The Healing Arts) APRIL 2014 MHL 19

Mi

Renew your body, mind, and spirit.

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Body

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Trinity

Integrative Family Medicine

S pi r it

Genevie L. Kocourek, M.D. Board Certified - Family Medicine

In New Berlin at the New Berlin Family Practice Clinic 15350 W. National Ave., Suite 212 262.782.9541

In Pewaukee at The Ommani Center 1166 Quail Court, Suite 210 262.695.5311

www.trinityintegrativefamilymedicine.com

20 MHL APRIL 2014

Do you have time? ...to align?

April is here… we’re told its Spring. I think of rabbits…yes, rabbits! Logically, the snow is melting and rabbits appear, nibbling off early budding plants. But my creative side thinks of Alice…Alice in Wonderland and the White Rabbit, who hurried and scurried about shouting “I’m late; I’m late for a very important date”. What was he late for? What did he think was so important that he couldn’t stop to enjoy the beauty of the Wonderland flowers or a fascinating conversation with the new girl on campus? Throughout his adventure why did it seem he was moving in angst and frenzy but never actually arriving at his destination?

Spring can do this to us, particularly in the Midwest where we’re anxious to come out of our den during the frigid cold and once again move about during warmer weather. But can we allow ourselves to move among the grassy fields and budding flowers while taking time to breath in the joy of the moment? Do we observe the world around us and embrace the message to simply BE while taking in the wonders of this Wonderland in which we live? Can we see ourselves through the looking glass for who we’re really BEING? Too often we find ourselves caught in the distractions of the day, called off-task and non-productive. It’s hard to hold the space for accomplishing what we think we must do and so we create to-do lists and schedules trying to fit it all in. And what exactly is the “it” we are trying to fit in as we find ourselves saying “there’s no time”, “where has the time gone”, “I would have done that, if I had more time”. This is nothing new; people have been saying this for generations. So how is it that we keep repeating this action and continue with the same conditioning? The enlightened ones tell us, there is always time to do what is important to us. So why is it, so many that are near the end of their lives report regrets of not having lived their lives spending enough time with the people they love, and doing the things they care about?

Priorities; focus; goals; attention! All are useful words. But I prefer to frame it as our soul’s desire to be “on purpose”; to align our actions with our purpose. It’s what brings happiness, it’s what brings fulfillment, and it’s what brings joy and love to our lives. At the core of it, we can say that our collective soul purpose is just that; JOY and LOVE. Getting to the heart of our individual purpose is the inner work that must be done, and too often we’re too busy rushing and being late to all those activities that distract us. Have we lost consciousness in why we’re doing what we’re doing?

It’s like having a smorgasbord to choose from…we must discern what we want or we end up stuffing ourselves by grabbing whatever is in front of us. That’s when stress creates havoc in our lives and most often illness follows.

Helpful questions to ask to keep from being like the frenzied white rabbit: Is what I’m doing now, aligned with my purpose?

Am I happy while doing this?

What am I tolerating?

If I got rid of the tolerations, what would that feel like?

If I could do the things I really wanted to do, what would they be?

If I let go of what I’m tolerating and did what I love, what would my life look like, sound like, feel like?

Kathy Clegg, MA, CDC, IASHA certified is owner of MP Possibilities Couching, LLC. (More Powerful Possibilities) She is a creative life coach, counselor and hand analyst offering soul purpose hand readings, coaching and counseling (adults/couples/child), workshops and presentations. Free consultation call: 262-224-0774, email: mppossibilities@gmail.com or visit www.mppossibilities.com.

Children’s

HEALTH AND LIVING

Kids deserve the best.

That includes your primary care pediatrician.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has 19 primary care locations throughout Southeast Wisconsin, including Oak Creek Pediatrics.

Our doctors are trained as pediatricians so they are experts in treating kids from birth through adolescence. And because our pediatricians are connected to the #4 pediatric hospital in the nation (according to Parents magazine), you’ll always know your child is in the very best hands.

Oak Creek Pediatrics (414) 764-5726 8375 S. Howell Ave. Same-day appointments available Accepting new patients

Visit oakcreekpediatrics.com

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APRIL 2014 MHL 21

Two Day Camps For Children With Autism

I

2014

“Children at our Sensational Summer Day Camp get to work on social skills through interactive games in small groups, where they can get the individualized attention they need to build on the progress they made during the school year,”

Agency recognizes need for services as CDC reports increase in ASD diagnoses One in 68 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a 30 percent increase from 1 in 88 two years ago, according to a March 28 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

And the CDC predicts the number of children identified with autism will increase, as will the need for services.

“Community leaders, health professionals, educators and child care providers should use these data to ensure children with ASD are identified as early as possible and connected to the services they need,” said Coleen Boyle, director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

The Milwaukee Center for Independence understands the need for services; it has been a frontrunner in providing programming for children on the autism spectrum – including two distinct summer camps designed just for them.

For more than 15 years, MCFI has offered daytime Adventures for L.I.F.E. Camps for people with significant developmental challenges, and this year, a special week – Aug. 18 to Aug. 22 -- is devoted just for campers ages 12 to 30 living with autism.

They will spend their days at the Blue Lotus Farm and Retreat Center near Newburg and enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking and cooking over an open fire. The highly structured week features sensory integration and a special focus on socialization.

Sensory integration and social communication are also the focus of MCFI’s Sensational Summer Day Camp, developed for children ages 6 to 9 who are living with autism and sensory disorders, said Tracey Sparrow, vice president of MCFI Children’s Programs.

“Children at our Sensational Summer Day Camp get to work on social skills through interactive games in small groups, where they can get the individualized attention they need to build on the progress they made during the school year,” she said.

Sensational Summer Day Camp activities include working with a neurologic music therapist and using music and rhythm to support brain function. The indoor camp also uses MCFI’s multisensory environment, a one-of-a kind space with lights, sounds and textures that increases concentration and calmness while promoting choice and interaction.

The Sensational Summer Day Camp fee is $250 a week. The six weekly camp sessions are held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Monday through Friday at MCFI’s Main Campus, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Building, 2020 W. Wells St., Milwaukee. Sessions begin the week of June 23. For more information or to register, contact Sparrow at 414-937-3990 or tracey.sparrow@mcfi.net.

Registration for the Adventure for L.I.F.E. Camps is $275, including a $25 registration fee. To register, or for more information, contact Deon Schmalholz at 414-937-2100 or deon.schmalholz@mcfi.net.

summer day camp

Especially for kids ages 6 to 9 with autism and sensory disorders.

CAMP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

CAMP SCHEDULE:

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Neurological music therapy

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June 23-27

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June 30-July 3

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Social communication

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July 7-11

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July 14-18

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Multisensory environment

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July 21-25

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July 28-Aug. 1

CAMP IS HELD AT:

QUESTIONS?

MCFI

Contact: Tracey Sparrow at 414-937-3990 or tracey.sparrow@mcfi.net

Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Building

2020 W. Wells St. Milwaukee, WI 53233

CAMP FEE: $250/week 22 MHL APRIL 2014

REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE AT: http://tinyurl.com/MCFIcam

â&#x20AC;˘Confidence â&#x20AC;&#x201D; All through the camp experience, children and youth have tried new activities and been successful; they feel empowered. â&#x20AC;˘Curiosity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Camp has given children and youth the chance to explore, study, and observe in an experiential learning environment. â&#x20AC;˘Character â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Camp has challenged children and youth to develop character â&#x20AC;&#x201D; through fostering respect for each other, a sense of community, and the ability to solve problems.

How can parents help transfer these skills into the classroom? ACA suggests the following tips: â&#x20AC;˘Remember to Remind â&#x20AC;&#x201D;When campers come home, they often keep the spirit of camp alive for a week or two, and then things trail off. Use positive reinforcement to remind campers that you appreciate the positive attitude and willingness to help that they developed at camp.

Camp Skills & School Millions of parents chose camp for their child or teen because of the immense benefits of the experience. Not only does camp foster making new friends and learning 21st century life skills like independence, problem-solving, and teamwork, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also fun! As the summer fades and children return to school, ACA chief executive officer, Peg Smith, reminds parents to pack a few extra items from camp in the school backpack:

â&#x20AC;˘Become Camp-Like â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Families can set the example by demonstrating a willingness to change something at home in order to sustain some of the changes campers have made. Bob Ditter, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, suggests: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parents have to make a decision. Are they willing to change something in their practice at home in order to sustain some of the changes their kids have made, such as having a job wheel that you put up on the wall outlining chores?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘Everyone Gets a Say â&#x20AC;&#x201D; At camp, children help determine how their day is spent. Their advice is actively sought, and they feel like equal players. Emulating this environment at home allows them to continue to stand up for themselves and feel like a contributing member of the household. â&#x20AC;˘Avoid the Negative Compliment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t inadvertently sabotage efforts by pointing out differences in behavior. Instead of saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;you never did this before,â&#x20AC;? praise the behaviors in a genuine way. For example, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I noticed how patient you were with your little brother.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Above all else, let your child know that what they learned at camp is going to serve them well when they go to school this fall,â&#x20AC;? said Smith.

About ACA The American Camp AssociationÂŽ (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-AccreditedÂŽ camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

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June 28 - August 2, 2014 SJNMA is located on a 110-acre campus in Delafield, Wisconsin. Located in the heart of Waukesha Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lake Country,â&#x20AC;? Delafield is 35 minutes west of Milwaukee and one hour east of Madison, adjacent to US I-94.

1-800-752-2338 www.sjnma.org/summer-programs APRIL 2014 MHL 23

Quality Summer Camps

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee presents

Day and Family Camps

FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS & LIFELONG LESSONS

at the Milwaukee County Zoo for children ages 2-14!

Choose from 33 different animal science, art-focused and zoo career camps.

Camps include activities in the Zoo, topic-related learning projects, science experiments, age-appropriate games and tons of summer F-U-N! But hurry, these popular programs fill up fast!

A.M. and P.M. care available.

To learn more and to register online or by phone, go to www.zoosociety.org/Summer2014 or call 414-258-5058.

Become a Zoo Pass member [www.zoopass.com] and receive a $10 discount per camp.

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Mequon 11616 N. Port Washington Rd. (262) 241-4250 Brookfield 13825 W. Burleigh Rd. (262) 786-0880 North Shore 5750 N. Glen Park Rd. (414) 351-2900 West Brookfield 600 N. Barker Rd. (262) 786-3330 River Glen 2001 W. Good Hope Rd. (414) 352-4900

24 MHL APRIL 2014

By Arlene Becker It is not too early to start thinking of summer camps for our kids. It’s only another month until school ends and then summer vacation is here. Planning now for a fun and productive summer for children is a smart thing to do.

Take the time to research the summer camps in your area, and as in researching anything, it’s good to hear from an expert.

Andrea Banda director of the Elite Sports Clubs’ summer Scamp Program is an expert on camps and offers her advice: “First decide whether your child should be enrolled in a half- or full-day camp. The plus of half-day camps is that children of a young age are able to participate in camp-like scenarios. They will make good friends; plus enjoy tennis, swimming and other sports.”

However, you should choose what suits your family best. Families have different priorities. She mentioned that Elite offers both half- and full-day camps to accommodate parents who need a full-day program or parents who want their young ones to have a camp experience for a couple hours a day.

Many camps in the area offer early childhood enrollment, Banda said, “The youngest age that can enroll in Scamp is 4 years old,” she continued. “They would be able to attend the half-day program. When kids are 5 and have been in a full-day school setting, they can do the full-day program.”

“Camp is a great opportunity for kids to be exposed to a variety of different activities,” she elaborated. “Group games, crafts, theme days, open swim and playground time and sports are a few of the many activities we offer at Elite. For example at Scamp full-day kids will participate in karate lessons taught by our experts and will also have a tennis lesson every day taught by our tennis pros and swimming lessons everyday taught by our aquatics team. This camp offers real lessons that will expose your child to three different life-long sports and then teach them to improve on skills and excel in each one. Children also go on one field trip a session. We also offer one week themed camps. “ When asked if siblings should be sent to different camps or different sessions, Banda responded, “In my experience as a mom of 3, and the director of Scamp for 5 years,” she went on, “I would say separating siblings is best. They can be signed up for the same camp, but I would suggest asking to have them assigned to different groups. Siblings tend to be competitive which can cause arguments in the group that otherwise wouldn’t take place. Also being in the same group can hinder them from branching out and making friends with other kids in their group.”

“Do speak to your children’s counselors to see how your kids are doing. Scamp counselors speak to parents on a regular basis, at drop-off and pick-up times,” she explained. “I suppose they are like teachers for the summer, guiding and teaching the children to behave and treat each other with kindness and respect. Counselors are trained in this and are expected to talk to parents and report positive happenings and also report an injury or if a child had a difficult time at camp that particular day. They make strong connections with the kids in their group each summer and are like a teacher to the kids in their group. If there is an ongoing or more sensitive or pressing issue, the camp director should step in as the principal, if you will, and make phone calls to parents or speak with them at drop-off or pick-up time.”

“I enjoy meeting the parents of the kids that come to camp,” she said. “It is important that they feel confident about sending their child to camp. Parents will see that I am passionate about directing a camp that is safe, organized, and fun-filled while teaching different skills in tennis, swimming, and karate. I would advise parents to voice any concerns and specific needs your child may have while at camp. Ask to tour the camp and see where your child will be spending his or her time. Elite Scamp has an open house before camp starts so parents and children can meet their counselors as well to make the first day drop-off easier.”

Younger toddlers aren’t left out, either. She noted: “We have a program called Skipp for ages three and four. This program is two mornings a week and offers indoor and outdoor play, pool time, organized games and activities, story time, parachute play, and more.”

For more information about summer camps, contact Andrea Banda at 262-7860880 at Elite Sports Club-Brookfield or visit EliteClubs.com/Summer

prevent A simple thing can change your life—like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do each year. A broken bone might not sound awful. But, for older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems.

Many things can cause a fall. Your eyesight, hearing, and reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when you were younger. Diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance. Some medicines can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy, making you more likely to fall.

But don’t let a fear of falling keep you from being active. Doing things like getting together with friends, gardening, walking, or going to the local senior center helps you stay healthy. The good news is that there are simple ways you can prevent most falls.

TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS If you take care of your overall health, you may be able to lower your chances of falling. Most of the time, falls and accidents don’t “just happen.” Here are a few hints that will help you avoid falls and broken bones: Stay physically active. Plan an exercise program that is right for you. Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger. It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Mild weight-bearing activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis.

Have your eyes and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight and hearing may cause you to fall. When you get new eyeglasses, take time to get used to them. Always wear your glasses when you need them. If you have a hearing aid, be sure it fits well, and wear it.

Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Get enough sleep. If you are sleepy, you are more likely to fall.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect

FALLS AND FRACTURES

your balance and reflexes.

Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop.

That can make you feel wobbly.

Use a walking stick if you need help feeling steady when you walk. If your doctor tells you to use a cane or walker, make sure it is the right size for you and the wheels roll smoothly. This is very important when you’re walking in areas you don’t know well or in places where the walkways are uneven.

Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces. They can be very slippery!

Try to have sand or salt spread on icy areas by your front or back door.

Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet. It is important that the soles are not too thin or too thick. Don’t walk around on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.

Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup—even if you aren’t hurt when you fall.

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26 MHL APRIL 2014

APRIL 2014 MHL 27

Senior HEALTH AND LIVING

What is Low Vision?

Everyday Tasks Are Challenging

We strive to make you feel at home in every way possible because home is more than just a list of amenities... it’s about life on your terms.

414-649-2888

28 MHL APRIL 2014

Low vision means that even with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to do. Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV, and writing can seem challenging.

Millions of Americans lose some of their vision every year. Irreversible vision loss is most common among people over age 65.

Not a Normal Part of Aging Losing vision is not just part of getting older. Some normal changes occur as we get older. However, these changes usually don’t lead to low vision.

Causes and Risk Factors Eye Diseases and Health Conditions Most people develop low vision because of eye diseases and health conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes.

Your eye care professional can tell the difference between normal changes in the aging eye and those caused by eye diseases.

Injuries and Birth Defects A few people develop vision loss after eye injuries or from birth defects. Although vision that is lost usually cannot be restored, many people can make the most of the vision they have.

Signs of Low Vision There are many signs that can signal vision loss. For example, even with your regular glasses, do you have difficulty recognizing faces of friends and relatives? doing things that require you to see well up close, such as reading, cooking, sewing, fixing things around the house, or picking out and matching the color of your clothes? doing things at work or home because lights seem dimmer than they used to? reading street and bus signs or the names of stores?

Early Diagnosis Is Important Vision changes like these could be early warning signs of eye disease. People over age 60 should have an eye exam through dilated pupils at least once a year. Usually, the earlier your problem is diagnosed, the better your chances of undergoing successful treatment and keeping your remaining vision.

Regular dilated eye exams should be part of your routine health care. However, if you think your vision has recently changed, you should see your eye care professional as soon as possible. Rehabilitation Ask About Vision Rehabilitation If your eye care professional says, “Nothing more can be done for your vision,” ask about vision rehabilitation. Find out where you can get more information about services and devices that can help you.

Specialist with patient - Click to enlarge in new window.

A specialist in low vision is an optometrist or ophthalmologist who is trained to evaluate vision. This person can prescribe visual devices and teach people how to use them.

Adapting to Vision Loss Rehabilitation programs, devices, and technology can help you adapt to vision loss. They may help you keep doing many of the things you did before.

Coping with Everyday Activities Coping with Everyday Activities - opens in new window These programs also offer a wide range of services, such as low vision evaluations and special training to use visual and adaptive devices. They also offer guidance for making changes in your home as well as group support from others with low vision.

Special Visual Devices There are specific visual devices and training on how to use them. Many people require more than one visual device. They may need magnifying lenses for close-up viewing and telescopic lenses for seeing in the distance. Some people may need to learn how to get around their neighborhoods.

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Lent & Earworms

I just learned a new word for an old experience. It’s been happening to me since who knows when and I didn’t know that it had a name.

Earworm. 98% of us experience earworm. Women and men experience the phenomenon equally often, but earworms tend to last longer for women and irritate them more. Yes, I thought I was unique and the only one who experiences this. Yes, I thought that no one else could identify with repetitious melodies running through the brain. Yes, I thought I was alone when, in fact, I am together with so many people.

“An earworm is a catchy piece of music that continually repeats through a person’s mind after it is no longer playing. Phrases used to describe an earworm include musical imagery repetition, involuntary musical imagery, and stuck song syndrome,” according to the Internets official explanier of all things explainable.

If it’s a song that you like, well, keep it humming in your brain. However, if it’s a

song that just gets stuck between your awareness and your being unaware - then just let the music stop.

The miracle of the mind and the mindlessness of the mind.

Spiritually, what if we put repeating thoughts into your brains and then let the repetition take on a life of its own? What happens then? Someone once said that if you hear something repeated long enough then it will become true. The political pundits have learned that lesson well.

“Obama isn’t a U.S. citizen,” Obamacare will kill old people…” just keep saying it and it will become true.

What have we put in our heads that repeats itself endlessly, or worse yet, what have others put into your heads that remain for a lifetime. If a parent says, “don’t even try that,” that child has a life-long parrot attached to his/her shoulder.

And like anything that begins small, it can only grow and grow. What begins with “God thinks I’m a sinner,” moves into “I am a sinner,” and then segues into “I must not be a good person because I am a sinner,” and then matures into “God made junk when He made me.”

Our mind, in its repetition, can not only be repeated but slowly can change life’s lyrics to whatever we wish them to be.

Lent can be a time kill that earworm - at least with repeats that are not healthy or promoting an authentic Christian spirituality.

The mind’s repeating of “I don’t like you” can be replaced with, “I don’t know you yet and wonder why you’re not like me?” “I am a sinner” is replaced with “God’s mercy is greater than my sin, and besides, my sin wasn’t that great in the first place.”

“My life is meaningless” is replaced with “My life has/had meaning and purpose in each decade and perhaps for different reasons in each.”

For older adults: “The world is coming to end,” is replaced with “I am coming to end and the world will go on, remarkably and surprisingly, without me.” Go figure.

Lent is all about repeating what is life-giving and enriching for yourselves and for those around you. Repeat all you want but may your earworm’s repetitions of music and thoughts be filled with hope, forgiveness and peace.

Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS. Director of Communications Alexian Village of Milwaukee

April 2014

WWW.CLUBALEXIAN.COM

Enriching Lives through Connections

Introduction to Apple’s iPad Tuesdays, April 8, 15 & 22, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Whether you are new to using an iPad or a pro, Apple entices us to learn more. $20.00 for all three sessions.

RSVP by 4/3.

Lunch & Bingo Wednesday, April 2, 9 &16 Noon lunch is $5.00; Bingo at 1:00 p.m. is free.

Win cash prizes, RSVP by 4/1, 4/7 & 4/14 respectively.

Tai Chi Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17 & 24 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Clubhouse. $20. for four sessions. Space is limited. Please RSVP to (414) 371-7811 by 4/1.

Audibel Hearing Screening & Cleaning Wednesday, April 9, 9:00 a.m.-Noon, Health Center Clinic. This service is free regardless of where your hearing aids were purchased. No appointment is necessary.

All events are held or meet in the

THE CLUBHOUSE

9225 N. 76 Street Milwaukee, WI 53223

call (414) 371-7811 to RSVP or any questions. Or you can register online, www.ClubAlexian.com. or for more information about joining Club Alexian. It’s free!

30 MHL APRIL 2014

Lunch & Movie Wednesday, April 23, the featured movie is “The Book Thief,” Clubhouse.

Noon lunch is $5.00 & 1:00 p.m. movie is free. Enjoy lunch followed by a free movie. RSVP by 4/21.

Lights of the Lakes Thursday, April 24, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Lights of the Lake is a narrated slide presentation of 50 difference Great Lakes Lighthouses and historical shipwrecks including the Edmund Fitzgerald. RSVP by 4/21.

The Best of Cedarburg Tuesday, April 29 Tour the Wisconsin Quilt and Fiber Museum featuring their exhibit “From the Heart.” Settlers Inn is our luncheon destination. The last stop on our itinerary is touring the Cedar Mill Winery and time to visit the many shops.$35.00, Depart the Clubhouse at 9:30 a.m. returning before 5:00 p.m. Space is limited. Please RSVP by 4/23.

Daily Steps to Good Health

• Be tobacco free.

• Be physically active.

• Eat a healthy diet.

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

SCREENING TESTS AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE Heart and Vascular Diseases • Aspirin to prevent heart attack: Men at risk* Ages 50 to 80.

• Aspirin to prevent stroke: Women at risk* — Ages 55 to 80.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Test: Once for men who have smoked Ages 65 to 75.

• Blood Pressure Screening Test: All men and women — Ages 50 and older, at least every 2 years.

• Cholesterol Screening Test: All men and women — Ages 50 and older.

• Diabetes Screening Test: Men and women — Ages 50 and older with high blood pressure.

Cancer • Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram): All women — Ages 50 and older, every 1 to 2 years.

• Breast Cancer Preventive Medicines: Women at risk*— Ages 50 to 80.

• Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Test): All women — Ages 50 to 65, at least every 3 years.

• Colorectal Cancer Screening Test: All men and women — Ages 50 and older.

Bone Disease • Osteoporosis Screening (Bone Density Scan): Women at risk* — Ages 60 to 65, and all women — Ages 65 and older.

Immunizations • Flu Vaccine: All men and women — Ages 50 and older, annually.

• Other Vaccines: You can prevent some serious diseases, such as pneumonia, whooping cough, tetanus, and shingles, by being vaccinated. Talk with your doctor or nurse about which vaccines you need and when to get them. * Being at risk means that you may be more likely to develop a specific disease or condition. Whether you are at risk depends on your family history, things you do or don’t do (such as exercising regularly or using tobacco), and other health conditions you might have (such as diabe tes). If you think you might be at risk for a spe cific disease, talk with your doctor.

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APRIL 2014 MHL 31

Seniors

& ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is the proven, 3,000 year old medicine from China. Acupuncture and TCM have been in the United States for the last 30 years. In this article I will refer to Oriental Medicine as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and this article will mostly deal with acupuncture.

Acupuncture uses very fine needles, thinner than a human hair and they are not painful. The needles are used to activate various body energy channels called meridians. These meridians are the pathways to a healthy body and mind. If the pathways are disrupted, then there are problems with the body and/or mind.

Acupuncture works by activating the body’s regulation system. If the meridians are out of balance then you can have pain, sickness or lack of stamina. Using acupuncture to rebalance the body helps to eliminate the pain, relieve the sickness and give you more energy. This is accomplished by using specific points of the body that will help to rebalance the body. This rebalancing sometimes occurs immediately, and at other times may take many months.

Senior Citizens are experienced in medical problems!

Senior citizens have collected a lifetime of experience with medical problems.

The dynamic nature of life is never still and the body collects the life experiences and seems to give them back to you when you age. Pills do not seem to be the answer and not all surgeries are needed and /or successful. Into this picture we introduce acupuncture.

In TCM it is the symptoms that are treated, not a named illness or a particular problem. The acupuncturist treats the symptoms. If they can relieve the symptoms, healing occurs. This is the backbone of the success of acupuncture. It treats symptoms very effectively.

Pain is Senior Citizens most constant companion Pain is a big problem with seniors. Some seniors have suffered years of pain without relief. Many seniors are so used to their pain that they don’t think there is

anything that can be done to help them. When we treat seniors for pain, the most often heard comment is “why did I not try this years ago?”. In many cases once relief is achieved the pain never returns. All of this is accomplished without the use of dangerous pain medications that have many warnings of bad side effects.

As we age, we get a little stiffer. Our lack of exercise and good stretching habits during our lifetime tend to slow us down in old age. Acupuncture, by virtue of its ability to increase the circulation in the meridians, helps to restore mobility in many seniors. There are many instances of seniors no longer needing to only rely on walkers or canes in order to get around. This is a great improvement for many people and they can function much better.

Acupuncture can provide nourishment and strength Another advantage of acupuncture is its ability to nourish the body, and by doing that, help heal patients. These nourishing treatments increase circulation in the meridians and supply energy and healing power to areas of the body that may not have been getting enough nourishment. Once the body is better nourished, you feel better and can accomplish more.

One of the major nourishment principles is to increase the Qi, which is the TCM theory of energy. This Qi strengthens the blood and nourishes our head. Thus, it helps hearing, eyesight, balance and memory. All of these are concerns of seniors and acupuncture can help.

Quiet Anxiety and lessen depression with Acupuncture Anxiety and depression are serious problems with seniors. There is a great deal of help offered by acupuncture for these conditions. As the body is balanced and nourished, emotional problems are smoothed out. Sleep is better and more restful and the day’s concerns and worries are not as prominent. Treatments with acupuncture are a helpful addition to emotional stability.

Another problem with aging is neurological problems. Numb hands and feet are a common complaint and here again acupuncture has proven effective in lessening the effects of these problems. Walking is easier and a sense of touch is returned to many seniors.

Acupuncture can put your body back in balance!

By receiving acupuncture a person allows their system to be put back in balance.

A body in balance is a healthy body and many aging problems are reduced or eliminated. Give acupuncture a try; it may just be the best thing you have done for yourself.

Dr. Willliam F. Hughes, Jr. PhD, Dipl. Ac March , 2011, Acupuncture Clinic of Wauwatosa, Inc. 11711 W. North Avenue Wauwatosa, WI 53226, 414-607-0900.

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WHAT MAKES A SENIOR COMMUNITY UNIQUE

Pam Mainz, Sales & Marketing at Merril Hills Manor Connect To Fun A Senior Community offers residents a number of activities and events to enjoy on a daily basis. A community is designed to enrich the lives of our residents through physical, mental, and social stimulation. These activities can include live music, scenic drives, special presenters, art classes, Wii games, trivia, brain games and a variety of other engaging events. A cornerstone of our philosophy is to keep residents connected to the community and to their family, which is very important to the wellness of our residents and their family members. Staff should assist with emails to family members including events, calendars, menus, and more. Video conferencing via Skype terminals and our computer stations allow our residents and their families to talk and communicate with each other as often as they like!

Kick Back And Relax When seniors aren’t joining friends at a community gathering, residents can be found relaxing in the many common spaces located throughout a senior community.

What makes a senior community unique from other Memory Care communities? is

An outdoor garden area. From walking clubs to outdoor planters, a outdoor area is a thriving part of our community. Residents and family members can also be found in many common areas spread throughout a community, enjoying some alone time with a good book or visiting with friends by the fireplace.

Live healthy, live happy A senior community mus provide the best nutrition for total wellness around. The locally sourced menu items prepared by our chefs not only look incredible—they taste amazing too! Chefs and their staff prepare all of our meals are prepared with fresh, natural ingredients and zero pre-made products. Hydration program includes two fruit or vegetable smoothies per day and also non-alcoholic cranberry martinis to each resident. Not only do these antioxidant-packed concoctions taste great, but they also help prevent urinary tract infections, blood sugar issues, hydration problems, and other medical concerns that can affect seniors. The goal is always to provide our residents with recipes that promote a healthy and wholesome lifestyle.

Care that’s always there Clinical and care services are available to our residents 24 hours a day. A welltrained healthcare team is dedicated to providing physical, mental, and spiritual support through quality care. All clinical and care services are overseen by our Nurse Administrator and nursing assistants, with each service personalized to meet each of our resident’s preferences and needs. The Senior Lifestyle approach to clinical services focuses on the total wellness of residents, incorporating the best healthcare in a therapeutic atmosphere. Clinical services and personalized programs include: Diabetic, Incontinence, Fall Prevention, Nutrition, Foot Care, Alzheimer and dementia programs, Hospice Care, Sliding Scale Insulin care, Colostomy and Catheter care, Oxygen care, Wound Care, and Short-term Care, just to name a few.

Worry-free lifestyle with just a simple lease While some communities insist on new residents being responsible for huge, nonrefundable payments up-front, other communities like to do things a little differently.

A community should care about not only the physical and emotional well-being of our residents, but their financial health as well. A community can offers both private and semi-private living arrangements, with different floor plan options and a number of amenities.

Merrill Hills Manor is an Assisted Living and Memory Care community like no other in the region. Within two miles of us you will find hospitals, rehabilitation centers, restaurants, pharmacies, and many more attractions and conveniences.

For more information about Merril Hills Manor and our monthly events contactPam Mainz at (262)896-8888, 3217 Fiddlers Creek Dr Waukesha, WI 53188 or visti www.seniorlifestyle.com/property/merrill-hills-manor. Check out our Youtube video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLn4c4aoCaM.

APRIL 2014 MHL 33

HEARING LOSS Don’t Miss a Word

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Signs of hearing loss For most of us, hearing loss is a gradual process, occurring over years. Because of this, we are accustomed to compensating for the loss, and often do not realize how bad our hearing loss has become. If you have experienced some of the following, you may have a hearing loss – do any of these statements describe you?

Social Interaction I have difficulty hearing people talk in noisy environments such as a restaurant, shopping mall, in a car, or at the movie theater.

People seem to “mumble” all the time.

Family, friends, or colleagues often have to repeat themselves when speaking with me.

I have trouble hearing people when they are not facing me or are in another room.

I have trouble following conversations.

Emotional Impact I feel annoyed when people are hard to understand.

I feel overwhelmed by large, noisy gatherings of family or friends.

I would rather stay home alone than be with others in a noisy setting.

I have trouble connecting with family members, especially children, because I cannot understand them.

I am fearful of new social situations.

Medical Indications I hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in my ears.

I have difficulty hearing certain sounds I take, or have taken, medication that can damage my hearing (ototoxic drugs).

I have a family history of hearing loss.

Common causes of hearing loss There are a number of potential causes of hearing loss, including: Exposure to excessive loud noise over a period of time.

Ear infections, trauma, or ear disease.

Harm of the inner ear and ear drum from contact with a foreign object (such as cotton swabs).

Illness or certain medications that may be ototoxic.

Deteriorating hearing due to the normal aging process.

By far, the most common cause of hearing loss is exposure to excessive noise over time. We live in a noisy world, and sometimes, our employment or recreational choices can impact our hearing. Even personal listening devices and cell phone use can impact our hearing. This exposure causes irreversible damage to the hair cells within the cochlea.

While hearing loss may be inevitable, whether it be due to illness or age, there are still steps that all individuals should take in their daily lives to help prevent hearing loss.

Depending on the situation or environment, three easy questions to ask yourself are: How loud will this environment be?

How long will I be exposed to the noise?

How close to the noise will I be?

You should always be aware of potentially noisy environments. It may be wise to consider avoiding these situations outright or at least taking the right precautions.

Whether it be going to a concert, working with power tools, motorized vehicles such as a car, motorcycle, snowmobile, you should always be prepared to use some form of protection like earplugs or earmuffs.

MEMORIES>>page47

34 MHL APRIL 2014

Prevent or delay some diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis Perk up your mood and reduce depression You don’t need to buy special clothes or belong to a gym to become more active.

Physical activity can and should be part of your everyday life. Find things you like to do. Go for brisk walks. Ride a bike. Dance. Work around the house. Garden. Climb stairs. Swim. Rake leaves. Try different kinds of activities that keep you moving.

Look for new ways to build physical activity into your daily routine.

Four Ways to be Active To get all of the benefits of physical activity, try all four types of exercise 1) endurance 2) strength 3) balance, 4) flexibility

HEALTHY AGING & PHYSICAL FITNESS “After walking on a treadmill at the local community center, I knew I’d be happier outside. So, I got a step counter and started walking in my neighborhood. Since then, I’ve seen yellow tulips bloom in spring and red dogwood leaves drop in fall. I always comeYou homecan with more energy happy to go on with with the rest ofexerthe day.” improve yourand brain function games, Marian (age 81) cise, good nutrition and socializing.

“Both my wife and I have heart problems. About 2 years ago, we joined our local health club, where we do both endurance and strength training exercises. On the off days, we walk near our house. It’s been lifesaving for us.” Bob (age 69) These older adults are living proof that exercise and physical activity are good for you, no matter how old you are. In fact, staying active can help you: Keep and improve your strength so you can stay independent Have more energy to do the things you want to do Improve your balance

Try to build up to at least 30 minutes of activity that makes you breathe hard on most or all days of the week. Every day is best. That’s called an endurance activity because it builds your energy or “staying power.” You don’t have to be active for 30 minutes all at once. Ten minutes at a time is fine.

How hard do you need to push yourself? If you can talk without any trouble at all, you are not working hard enough. If you can’t talk at all, it’s too hard.

Keep using your muscles. Strength exercises build muscles. When you have strong muscles, you can get up from a chair by yourself, you can lift your grandchildren, and you can walk through the park.

Keeping your muscles in shape helps prevent falls that cause problems like broken hips. You are less likely to fall when your leg and hip muscles are strong.

Do things to help your balance. Try standing on one foot, then the other. If you can, don’t hold on to anything for support. Get up from a chair without using your hands or arms. Every now and then walk heel-to-toe. As you walk, put the heel of one foot just in front of the toes of your other foot. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch.

Stretching can improve your flexibility. Moving more freely will make it easier for you to reach down to tie your shoes or look over your shoulder when you back the car out of your driveway. Stretch when your muscles are warmed up. Don’t stretch so far that it hurts.

APRIL 2014 MHL 35

the art of conversation

“It was so nice to have someone to talk with, just like the days when we used to chat on the front porch”

Retirement communities routinely offer the opportunity to come together...

The true art of conversation has changed from the warm exchange of face to face encounters...

Not too many years ago, funny stories, life changing conversations, serious topics and creative ideas all took root on the front porch. After the chores were done, it was the place for family and friends to gather and share their experiences of the day whether good, bad or otherwise. It seemed that no one was lonely because there was a place to gather and talk…the front porch.

The true art of conversation has changed from the warm exchange of face to face encounters to a form of isolated interaction. Today the advanced technologies of hundreds of cable channels and internet conversations seem to connect us to the world without using the true skills and courtesies of conversing. The opportunity to enjoy that type of front porch conversation is in jeopardy.

If you grew up enjoying the freshness of discussion with lemonade in you hands…you understand what is missing in today’s electronic forms of interaction.

It’s interesting to note that early in the morning local restaurants have attracted the “Front Porch Gang” as have retirement communities.

The lifestyle of a retirement community is by design a front porch gathering place. One of the main reasons a person decides on joining a community is for social opportunities – a.k.a the good old fashion front porch conversations.

Recently at Tudor Oaks Retirement Community after a workout in the fitness class, a long time resident invited a soon to be resident to enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat. “It was so nice to have someone to talk with, just like the days when we used to chat on the front porch” was the follow up comment by the newcomer. She looks forward to reviving the art of fun conversations as she finalizes her plans to move into the community.

She shared “It has been so quiet in my home, I look

forward to talking with people again I can hardly wait to move in.”

Retirement communities routinely offer the opportunity to come together and share ideas and learn about new ones. Most offer educational seminars on a variety of topics to help spark conversations and interactions on timely topics that are key in keeping the lines of communication open. If you look in the right place, the Front Porch is still buzzing with lively, informative conversation. Use the new technology of today to help you reconnect with friends and family you have lost contact with, and then invite them to join you on the Front Porch.

Provided by The Front Porch Gang at Tudor Oaks Retirement Community Call 414-525-6500 to learn move about upcoming conversation sparking seminars and the gang.

Tudor Oaks Tudor Oaks Resident

Retirement Community

Senior Living Designed by You!

• Independent Living Luxury apartments with attached heated garages • Assisted Living Brand New Wing is Open • Skilled Nursing 24/7 Quality Care • Rehab Stays Private Rooms, 40-inch TVs & WiFi • Memory Care Private apartment with private bathroom • Respite Private Room, up to 28-day stay Call for a tour

414-525-6500

S77 W12929 McShane Drive, Muskego, WI 53150 www.abhomes.net/wisconsin

Scan this QR code with your smartphone for more in-depth information on the Tudor Oaks Retirement Community.

Tudor Oaks Retirement Community is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior housing and healthcare since 1930.

36 MHL APRIL 2014

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING HEARING AIDS

By Dr. Douglas Kloss If you are over the age of 60, you are probably getting several pieces of direct mail that advertise the latest and greatest in hearing aid technology. You probably also noticed that there are plenty of advertisements in your local newspaper for hearing aids. Do you know why?

Hearing aids are sold/dispensed by two groups, audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. All audiologists have at least a master’s degree in audiology, and many have doctoral level credentials. Hearing aid dispensers must pass a state exam to earn their license to dispense hearing aids. There is no formal training, college courses or degrees required to become a hearing aid dispenser.

Hearing aids are manufactured by six major companies and several subsidiaries.

There are plenty of brand names and models, but, in general, most hearing aids that are sold are manufactured by one of these six companies. However, you won’t buy hearing aids directly from these companies, as they are dispensed by local audiologists, hearing aid dispensers and large hearing aid franchises.

When making the decision to investigate new hearing aids, many folks take advantage of advertised offers. Many of these offers can be misleading and tend to promise things that simply are not possible. Common themes include phony “research” studies that need people to “test” their new product, coupons for outrageous discount amounts or simply prices that are extraordinarily low.

Please ask yourself: Who is paying for the expensive advertising you are seeing?

Is this company in the paper every day? Do they send you direct mail on a weekly basis? You can bet you will be paying a premium price for their hearing aids. Remember, only six companies make the overwhelming majority of hearing aids. The top level hearing aids from each company are all high-quality products that can be fit successfully on most patients. There is not one hearing aid company that stands out and has “the best” hearing aids for every patient. However, there are hearing aid companies that do have technology that is “the best” for certain hearing losses. This is where the skill of an independent audiologist who works with several of the top hearing aid manufacturers is most advantageous.

Good advice for those interested in hearing aids is to get an estimate of what it would cost for the hearing aids that are recommended for you and then compare that cost with others. Forget about the $1,000 coupons, 50% discounts, phony research studies and fake evaluation periods for “new technology.” You need the final cost and the level of technology that is being recommended to make an accurate comparison.

It would also be wise to find the most qualified person available to fit your hearing aids.

Here is a set of questions you can ask when purchasing new hearing aids: 1) What level of technology is being recommended? Why is this level being recommended?

2) How many channels do the hearing aids have? Channels allow for greater programming and fine-tuning ability. The more channels you have, the greater the technology and ability to adjust to your needs. For example, a 16-channel hearing aid is generally more technologically advanced than a six-channel hearing aid, but the prices can be the same. You would want the 16-channel aid, not the six. You certainly don’t want to pay the same price for a six-channel aid at one establishment when you can get the 16-channel aid for the same price elsewhere. This happens often.

3) How long is the warranty? Does it include loss and damage?

4) How much are office visits?

5) Who pays for batteries? Are the hearing aids rechargeable?

6) If I return my hearing aids during the trial period, how much will it cost me?

Some establishments don’t charge a fee, while others can charge hundreds of dollars.

Dr. Douglas Kloss is an audiologist with Midwest Audiology Center LLC, 4818 S. 76th St., Suite 3, Greenfield, Wis. 53220. For more information, call 414.281.8300 or visit MidwestAudiology.net.

By appointment only.

APRIL 2014 MHL 37

Assisted living facilities

Residents living in a setting that provides personal services, 24 hour supervision and assistance, activities and health-relatedservices designed to minimize relocation needs, accomodate seniors needs and preferance changes, encourage family and social envolvement and maximize senior’s privacy, choice and safety.

Assisted living facilities offer a housing alternatives for older adults who may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting, but do not require the intensive medical and nursing care provided in nursing homes.

Assisted living facilities may be part of a retirement community, nursing home, senior housing complex, or may stand-alone. Licensing requirements for assisted living facilities vary by state and can be known by as many as 26 different names including: residential care, board and care, congregate care, and personal care.

What services are provided?

Residents of assisted living facilities usually have their own units or apartment.

In addition to having a support staff and providing meals, most assisted living facilities also offer at least some of the following services: Health care management and monitoring, help with activities and daily living, housekeeping, medications reminders, social activities, security and transportation.

• Think ahead. What will the resident's future needs be and how will the facility meet those needs?

• Is the facility close to family and friends? Are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?

• Do admission and retention policies exclude people with severe cognitive impairments or severe physical disabilities?

• Does the facility provide a written statement of the philosophy of care?

• Visit each facility more than once, sometimes unannounced.

• Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality of mealtime and the service.

• Observe interactions among residents and staff.

• Check to see if the facility offers social, recreational, and spiritual activities?

• Talk to residents.

• Learn what types of training staff receive and how frequently they receive training.

• Review state licensing reports.

The following steps should also be considered: • Contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman to see if any complaints have recently been filed against the assisted living facility you are interested in. In many states, the ombudsman checks on conditions at assisted living units as well as nursing homes.

• Contact the local Better Business Bureau to see if that agency has received any complaints about the assisted living facility.

If the assisted living facility is connected to a nursing home, ask for information about it, too. (Information on nursing homes can be found on the Medicare website at http://www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp).

38 MHL APRIL 2014

What has: the finest kosher cuisine, urban sophistication, and a view that makes you say ahhhh?

Chai Point Senior Living!

Why Residents Are Living the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chaiâ&#x20AC;?

Life at Chai Point Beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Walking paths in your backyard. Restaurants and shops of Brady Street mere blocks away.

Sounds like the perfect urban lifestyle for a twenty-something young professional starting his or her career, or in this case, a perfect location to start the next chapter in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; retirement.

However, Chai Point Senior Living, located on Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lower east side in the heart of the Jewish cultural and community activities, is hardly your typical retirement community. Independent living is ideal at Chai Point, where one is steps away or a bus ride away from everything the urban lifestyle has to offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The location is so convenient,â&#x20AC;? said Hilda Geller, a seven-year resident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to bus to the dentist and Whole Foods. I walk along the Juneau path in the warmer months. And I love iconic Brady Street.â&#x20AC;?

If one isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t up for an urban excursion, there are many programs to help keep residents minds, bodies and spirits active. Regular activities include pool exercise, NIA, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club and movie night. The diversity of programs range from live musical performances from local, national and international performers to guest lecturers speaking on a wide variety of topics including from world and national politics, health and legal issues and art history. Trips to museums and shopping are regular events, plus there are outings to the symphony and musicals scheduled throughout the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The programming here is wonderful,â&#x20AC;? states resident Annalee Sossman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always find something to do here â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never be bored.â&#x20AC;?

Residents not only rave about the programming at Chai Point, but the staff as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The staff is wonderful,â&#x20AC;? says resident Miriam Orenstein. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are friendly, cooperative and easy to talk to.â&#x20AC;? Geller agrees, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The staff is fantastic; everyone is very warm and friendly.â&#x20AC;? Trish Cohn, Activities Director, has the same feeling about the residents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love all the residents and feel that this is the most fulfilling and purposeful work Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever done,â&#x20AC;? said Cohn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a joy to come to work.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to activities and programs, Chai Point offers Assisted Living Services that are designed to provide the support that is needed to maintain the independence each resident wants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The continuum of care makes Chai Point unique,â&#x20AC;? said resident Lorraine Borsuk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can start here with independent living, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a track you can stay on and stay in one main facility.â&#x20AC;?

Skilled nursing services are offered at the adjoining Jewish Home and Care Center (JHCC), which allows staff to accommodate any level of care for residents. JHCC is also home to the Helen Bader Center, which provides a safe and secure environment for those challenged with dementia and memory impairment.

When Gellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband started showing signs of dementia, he moved from Chai Point to the Helen Bader Center at JHCC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea that the Home and Chai Point are connected is fantastic,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It allows me to be close to my husband and visit him.â&#x20AC;? Resident Jean Saltzman shared a similar story, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband moved into Helen Bader and I would come to visit him. I got sick of driving and was grateful to have an independent living option at Chai Point.â&#x20AC;?

The sense of family runs deeper than a visiting a loved one at JHCC. Upholding the commitment of caring for mothers and fathers of our community is important at Chai Point. Resident Edith Kohlenberg said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband and I moved here a year ago. It took the burden of care off my children, and our families feel weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in safe and secure pace.â&#x20AC;?

Resident Shirley Sweet echoed the same sentiment, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My children are so happy that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living here. When they visit me, they know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in a good and safe place. It allows them to live their lives with comfort and ease.â&#x20AC;?

Many have also come to view their fellow residents as a second family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just love it here. Residents are like family already,â&#x20AC;? said Saltzman. Geller added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m part of a great big family.â&#x20AC;?

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the programming, services provided or family-related, what is most evident from the residents is that they all truly enjoy living at Chai Point. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living here has been a joy for me. I love the people around me. Regardless of pains and ails, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always happy,â&#x20AC;? said thirteen-year resident Rosalie Gellman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the services available to me are phenomenal. And where else can you see the sunrise and snow fall over Lake Michigan from the comfort of your home?â&#x20AC;?

1400 N. Prospect Ave. , Milwaukee 414-289-9600 V chaipoint.org @jsliving Like us on Facebook

Sponsored by

Retain and Regainâ&#x20AC;Ś the health of your body and brain.

AROUND THE SQUARES

Starting at the dot indicated, find a route along the lines that visits each dot exactly once and ends up back at the starting dot. Your route must be in a continuous line drawn without lifting your pencil from the paper.

Contact Dawn Adler, Director of ReCharge! to learn how ReCharge! can help you. r EBEMFS!KFXJTITFOJPSMJWJOH PSH

Follow Dawn on Twitter @JSL_ReCharge APRIL 2014 MHL 39

Exceptional Living... .. Exceptional People

Keeping Your Brain Young

ALLIS

Care Center

EQUAL HOUSING

9047 W. Greenfield Ave. West Allis, Wisconsin 53214 Phone: (414) 453-9290 Fax: (414) 777-7356

OPPORTUNITY

Respite Stays Skilled Nursing Services Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Services www.exceptionallivingcenters.com

PROFESSIONAL CARE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH An affordable alternative serving the special needs of the elderly community. Our elderly living facilities provide a comfortable and charming homelike atmosphere.

Our Amenities Include: 24-Hour Service Staff 3 Meals Daily Housekeeping Services Assistance with Medications

Daily Activity Programming Peace of Mind of Resident & Family Private Accommodations Linen/Laundry Service

Nursing Services Personal Care Assistance Special Events, Tours, Trips R.N. Owner Operated

Submitted by: Joyce Williamson, Aging leads to a certain amount of brain cell loss, which can affect the ability to remember. As we age, our brains produce less of certain chemicals which help the brain function to its best ability. This “slowing down” of mental function is normal, but it also can be countered, improving your brain’s natural function and reducing memory loss. You can improve your brain function with games, exercise, good nutrition and socializing. Making the right choices for your lifestyle can directly influence your brain function today and in the future.

FIVE HEALTHY TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR BRAIN YOUNG

1. Physical Exercise

A professor from the University of Illinois has conducted studies to prove people who exercise and live an active lifestyle have sharper brains then those who are inactive. These studies even showed those people who were in physical decline were able to sharpen their brain after starting an exercise program.

2. Mental Exercise

Researchers encourage older adults to play bridge, chess and poker. Also, crossword puzzles are a great way to stimulate your brain. Try to mix up your brain exercise games by not playing the same games or puzzles over and over again.

3. Good Nutrition

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits and low in fat may help to protect brain cells. A good rule of thumb for your diet is making your plate as colorful as possible.

4. Laugh More

Laughter has multiple benefits including stress relief, lowering blood pressure and improving brain function. Laughing stimulates both sides of the brain to enhance learning and ease muscle tension. Rent a funny movie or stay in and watch old “I Love Lucy” re-runs.

5. Socialize

ST. JOHN’S MANOR

ST. MARY’S MANOR

812 Marquette Avenue South Milwaukee 762-2511

1313 Missouri Avenue South Milwaukee 762-8026

email: ellen@clcel.com

40 MHL APRIL 2014

website: www.stjohns-marysmanors.com

Studies have shown that staying socially active with friends can improve brain function and reduce dementia. Engage with others verbally by picking up the phone and conversing for 15 minutes. Join bridge clubs, take dance lessons or go to dinner with a group of friends.

The real reason older people should move is to stay healthy in body and mind.

The Senior Community Living providing

Retirement Community • Spacious Independent Apartments • Assisted Living

Enjoy Living on the Lake

• Memory Care

N168 W22022 Main Street Jackson, WI 53037

(262) 993-2838

On Hwy 60 just East of Hwy 45

HEALTHIER LIVING www.jacksoncrossings.com

“You’ll be safe!” “No more work, No chores!”, “No more lawn mowing or shoveling snow!” ”You’ll have help when you need it!” If these phrases sound familiar you are probably over 50. They are used by many families in an effort to convince an older family member to move into Senior Housing. Are these really good arguments for moving? Leaving the home you’ve had for many years? No! They are not the best reason for moving!

No wonder so many older adults tune out this discussion. It does sound like they are being turned out to “pasture’. It sounds like the family doesn’t want to help anymore. Mom and Dad are insulted that you think they are not safe or able to maintain their home. They are angry that you don’t want to have to check on them or help with outdoor chores, They feel that their children don’t want to be bothered any more. On top of being insulted and angry, they are afraid. Afraid of the unkown; afraid of losing control of their life and the decisions that go with daily living.

The real reason older people should move is to stay healthy in body and mind. The healthier one is, the better able you are to take control of your life. The past 20 years there have been hundreds of research studies all reaching the same conclusion- In order to stay healthy, physically and mentally, people must not live alone . As you age, you experience limitations on driving and moving your body due to aches and pains. People have retired from jobs and as a result see more limitations on the number of people and mental challenges they encounter. Gradually, as time goes on, the relationships with people and new activities decreases.

If you want to stay healthy and able to control your life, then it is simple! Move to a community where you see and talk to people every day. Where new people come and go. Where there are tours, trips, games and lessons. Get your brain working and your body moving. In Wisconsin, this means moving to a building of apartments or condominiums so even in bad weather you won’t be alone - a prisoner in your home.

In a 24 hour day , 7 days a week, there is still plenty of time and need for family to stop by for visits and help. Time for them to participate in your life. But, even if family visits 1-2 hours every day, that leaves 22 hours of time alone. It is not enough to keep you healthy.

So be fearless! Be healthy physically and mentally by moving to a community where you talk to a variety of people every day. Where you can take trips to shop, learn and laugh. Be in control of your life because you are as healthy as you possibly can be.

Jackson Crossings is one such community that offers independent apartments for seniors who want to stay active and involved. Check out Jackson Crossings Retirement Community at www.jacksoncrossings.com or call (262) 993-2838 to schedule a visit.

Peace of Mind Services Title 19 & Pre- Arrangements Simple Cremation $595.00 (Excluding Cremation Permit & Fee)

Traditional Funerals $1,395.00 at your Church or Cemetery Chapel of your choice

Call for more details

414.453.1562

SERVING ALL OF WISCONSIN

APRIL 2014 MHL 41

Fifty Years of Memories

IN A ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT? You may think it’s inertia that’s keeping your mom or dad from moving out of the home they’ve lived in for so many years. They’ve been there so long, they just don’t want to move, you think. Or maybe you think they just are too stubborn to listen to your good advice. Perhaps they are telling you, “Yes, I know I should move, and I love the apartment we saw, but I’m just not ready.” And you can’t figure out, ready for what?

Very often the answer lies in the cabinets, cupboards, and closets of home. It’s not that mom and dad don’t want to move. It’s that they don’t want to have to do the work associated with it. You may be thinking of tomorrow, with the new lifestyle, great activities, someone else doing the cooking, lack of worry about housekeeping… all the wonderful plusses of moving into a senior living situation. But mom is thinking of the stuff in her bottom drawer, the back of the closet, the mess in the backroom of the basement. Who has the energy to go through all that? And how is she going to make decisions about all of it?

If it hasn’t been looked at in twenty years, why start now? But even thinking about making those decisions is exhausting.

Enter the senior move manager! If you’re picturing Superman with a cape, or the fairy godmother with a wand, well, you’ll have to modify that image a bit. Instead, dress our heroine in jeans, with a pair of gloves and a screw driver in the back pocket.

And, more than a little sweat. These lifesavers work hard!

Senior Move Managers first emerged as an industry in the 1990s, and one that has been growing stronger each year. The National Association of Senior Move Managers currently counts a membership of 800. Its mission includes facilitating the physical and emotional aspects of relocation for older adults. They do that by taking the burden of the “heavy lifting” off the person who is moving, and guiding them towards the decisions that need to be made.

Karen Peck Katz, who works at A Gift of Time in Milwaukee, says, “There is really no reason to get rid of important memories. We work together with the family to make sure those important memories are not discarded.” She and CEO Jody Wallace are experienced at working with family members, attorneys, realtors, trust officers, accountants and other professionals to make sure the transition is smooth and the necessary steps are taken.

A senior move manager, who is paid by the hour, can coordinate all of the aspects of a move, from helping the client decide what can and cannot fit in the new residence all the way to the unpacking and hanging the pictures on the wall. In between there are as many or as few steps as the client chooses, from a menu that is tailored to each person’s specific needs.

Pat O’Brien Mullins, owner of Transitions Simplified, another senior move management company in Milwaukee, says, “Twenty-five percent of the people we move are in crisis.” She sees the service move managers provide as a guiding tool. “We’re not just this shaky bridge from their current living to their future living. We’re a strong bridge; we’re their guide to get them from point A to point B. You know there’s going to be stress. We’re going to reduce the stress; we provide their to-do list.”

As Karen Peck Katz says, “There is going to be disruption. There is no way to move without disruption. It’s just a matter of how much there is.”

A move manager can arrange for utility services to be notified, movers to be hired, painting and decorating services in both the new and old residence (for selling purposes). She can help prepare a floor plan to assist in furniture placement, do all the packing and unpacking, and even take care of items for consignment or estate sales.

Some move managers will establish contact with Realtors and inspection services, and take care of all the small and large tasks associated with the move.

MEMORIES>>page43 42 MHL APRIL 2014

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation focuses on function. Being able to continue to function is key to maintaining or regaining independence and quality of life, particularly after an illness or injury. Starting rehabilitation early can help you maintain function and increase your chances of returning to your previous level of function as much as possible.

In restorative rehabilitation, the goal is to restore a function that you have lost. It is often funded by Medicare or other payers. Examples include shortterm rehabilitation that usually follows a stroke or a hip fracture. In maintenance rehabilitation, the goal is to maintain and strengthen a function. Maintenance rehabilitation is less intense, with physical therapy or occupational therapy continued three times a week as an outpatient. With longer-term therapy, possibly more function can be gained or more functional loss can be prevented.

Who Benefits from Rehabilitation?

When evaluating a disability, your health care provider will focus on understanding how the loss of function developed and progressed over time. Other vital factors in predicting whether function can be regained are how severe the loss of function is, what caused it, and the potential for recovery.

The level of function you had before a disability is an important consideration in the level of function you can expect to regain after rehabilitation. For example, if a healthy older person who walks without a cane falls and fractures a hip, he or she will likely be able to walk again after several months of a rehabilitation program.

However, the same goal is not as realistic for someone of the same age who was already having a hard time walking (possibly due to arthritis or bad circulation) before suffering a hip fracture.

If a person has additional medical conditions, such as heart, lung, or joint diseases, his or her participation in an intense rehabilitation program may be limited. However, many people can still improve their ability to exercise gradually even if they have moderate to severe heart and lung disease.

Another important factor in successful rehabilitation is commitment to an ongoing program. Commitment is important not only for the person who has lost some function, but also for family members (or other caregivers) when he or she returns home after the rehabilitation program. What the older adult and his or her family expects and prefers should also be considered, because rehabilitation programs usually require everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation. Another reason why everyone should be involved in the decision-making process is because many disabilities of older adults are chronic (eg, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease). For older adults to be able to best control their chronic diseases, they should understand the disease or injury, feel confident that they understand and can perform the activities needed to manage their disease and prevent new problems, and be able to monitor their disease status as much as possible.

The type of disability and how severe it is, as well as what the person actually needs to do at home as well as what others can do for the person are important considerations in the decision of whether a person can safely return home after rehabilitation. People living at home should, at the very least, be able to move safely from a bed to a chair, and from walking or a wheelchair to the toilet. For people who have difficulty thinking things through or who have problems with vision, 24-hour supervision may be necessary. Often, the critical factor for discharge from a rehabilitation unit is whether 24-hour support is available at home for those who need it.

Reprint permission from the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org). For more information visit the AGS online at www.americangeriatrics. org.

MEMORIES<<page42 Pat Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Mullins stresses the importance of not taking the independence away from the client. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always keep them in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat. People want to stay in control of their lives and make their own decisions; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing all along.â&#x20AC;?

When it comes to the end of the process, to take the anxiety out of the move, what could be nicer than going out shopping or to a movie, followed by a nice relaxing dinner before entering your new home, only to find the move manager has unpacked most of your boxes, flattened and removed them, and is just waiting for you to say where you want your artwork hung?

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one thing prospective clients should know about the services of a move manager? Karen Peck Katz sums it up: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing is impossible.â&#x20AC;?

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APRIL 2014 MHL 43

SOCIAL SECURITY GOES GREEN ON EARTH DAY AND EVERY DAY

Earth Day (April 22) is the perfect time to highlight ways we serve the earth while serving you.

By Karyl Richson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Milwaukee, WI For years, Social Security has been at the forefront of offering convenient, easyto-use, and secure online services. We, along with those we serve, have saved a lot of paper, shipping costs, and fuel—and cut back on a lot of carbon exhaust and pollution—by going online instead of doing things the old-fashioned, less efficient way. We are committed to conserving energy, reducing waste, and protecting our environment.

Earth Day (April 22) is the perfect time to highlight ways we serve the earth while serving you. We have buildings across the nation that boast high-efficiency lighting, solar hot water heating systems, high-performance windows, solar lighting in parking lots, improved heating and air conditioning systems, chilled water system improvements, and more.

We’re most proud, though, of our online services, which allow people to conserve their own fuel (and time) by completing their business with us where they are instead of where we are.

Our online services are popular because they’re convenient easy to use, and great for the environment.

You can conduct so much of your business with us from the convenience of your home or office—no paper, printing, postage or petrol needed. Here are a few of our most popular online services: • Connect with us by creating your own my Social Security online account that allows you quick access to your personal Social Security information. For example, during your working years, you can use my Social Security to obtain a copy of your Social Security Statement to check your earnings record and see estimates of the future retirement, disability, and survivor benefits you and your family may receive. If you already receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can use my Social Security to view, save, and print a benefit verification letter and check your benefit payment information. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.

• Use our Retirement Estimator to get a quick and accurate estimate of your future Social Security retirement benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator • Prepare for retirement by visiting our Benefits Planner page. You can also use the disability and survivors planners to find out how much you or your family might qualify for if the need arises. www.socialsecurity.gov/planners • Retire online! You can complete and submit your retirement application online in as little as 15 minutes. www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline • Apply for disability benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability • Apply for Medicare benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly Whether you’re interested in planning your retirement or applying for retirement or disability benefits, our online “office” is the most convenient and “green” one to visit. Our online services also top customer satisfaction lists. For a complete list of our online services, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

44 MHL APRIL 2014

April Is National Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. It affects about half a million people in the United States although the numbers may be much higher. The average age of onset is 60 years, and the risk of developing Parkinson’s goes up with age.

Paper called the “shaking palsy” by James Parkinson. - Parkinson’s disease was first described in 1817 by James Parkinson, a British doctor who published a paper on what he called “the shaking palsy.” In this paper, he described the major symptoms of the disease that would later bear his name.

Four Main Symptoms Parkinson’s disease belongs to a group of neurological conditions called movement disorders. The four main symptoms of Parkinson’s are: - tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head - rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk - bradykinesia, or slowness of movement - postural instability, or impaired balance.

Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the symptoms become more severe, people with the disorder may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. They also experience non-motor, or movement, symptoms including mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.

Parkinson’s disease is both chronic, meaning it lasts for a long time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. It is not contagious.

Diagnosis Can Be Difficult About 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. However, it’s difficult to know exactly how many have it because many people in the early stages of the disease think their symptoms are due to normal aging and do not seek help from a doctor. Also, diagnosis is sometimes difficult because there are no medical tests that can diagnose the disease with certainty and because other conditions may produce symptoms of Parkinson’s.

For example, people with Parkinson’s may sometimes be told by their doctors that they have other disorders, and people with diseases similar to Parkinson’s may be incorrectly diagnosed as having Parkinson’s. A person’s good response to the drug levodopa may support the diagnosis. Levodopa is the main therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

Who Is at Risk?

Both men and women can have Parkinson’s disease. However, the disease affects about 50 percent more men than women.

While the disease is more common in developed countries, studies also have found an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in people who live in rural areas and in those who work in certain professions, suggesting that environmental factors may play a role in the disorder.

Researchers are focusing on additional risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. One clear risk factor for Parkinson’s is age. The average age of onset is 60 years and the risk rises significantly with advancing age. However, about 5 to 10 percent of people with Parkinson’s have “early-onset” disease which begins before the age of 50. Early-onset forms of Parkinson’s are often inherited, though not always, and some have been linked to specific gene mutations.

APRIL 2014 MHL 45

FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY

People can’t change the genes they inherit from their parents, but they can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family.

46 MHL APRIL 2014

A family health history is a written record of a family’s health. The history contains information about a family’s medical conditions, lifestyle habits (for example, whether anyone in the family has smoked), and where and how family members grew up. It’s like a family tree for health.

What a Family Health History May Reveal You can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems. These health problems might be common ones, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They could also be less common diseases that are passed from one generation to the next, such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia.

People can’t change the genes they inherit from their parents, but they can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family. This is good news because many diseases result from a combination of a person’s genes, lifestyle, and environment.

A health care professional can use a family health history to help assess a person’s risk of certain diseases. The professional might recommend actions to lower the chance of getting those diseases.

Actions to reduce the risk of disease may involve lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising more getting certain medical tests taking medicines that are more effective based on your specific genes.

For example, a son who is at risk of developing diabetes might be told to lose weight and exercise more. A daughter who is considering having a baby might get tested to see if she carries a gene for a rare condition that runs in the family.

How You and Your Family May Benefit For older adults, a family health history might help explain why you have developed certain health conditions. But it is important to know that simply getting older increases the risk of many diseases, too.Creating and sharing your family health history with your health care professional can help you be healthier. But perhaps the biggest benefit is providing information that may help your children and grandchildren live longer, healthier lives. Who Needs a Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement is an operation in which a damaged hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint. There are many medical conditions that can damage the hip joint.

MEMORIES>>page34 If you are able, try to take control of the environment you are in as much as possible. If you are able to control the volume while listening to music or stand in a more desirable location at a concert, these are good tips as once noise damaged has occurred, it is irreversible.

Aside from noise exposure, there are other factors to consider in preventing hearing loss.

Never under any circumstances should you stick a foreign object into your ear. If it is ear wax you’re concerned with, understand that your body produces this naturally and will eventually dispose of it naturally. If you have a foreign object in your ear, consult your physician.

If you have been prescribed a new medicine by your doctor, ask your doctor and/ or pharmacist if the new medicine has any known adverse effects to hearing.

When traveling by air, you should frequently yawn and swallow as the plane is descending. If you have a respiratory cold/infection, it may be wise to take a decongestant several hours before your flight.

When blowing your nose, do it gently. Too much force may cause damage.

For further information on hearing loss prevention, please consult your closest Zounds Hearing Consultant or physician.

Helping people remain safe in their homes by providing: 

Supportive home care

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Companionship

Medically oriented tasks under the supervision of an RN 

Respite care

Call 888-381-5696 toll free, 24 hours a day www.mcfi.net

How does your home bring you to life?

At Oak Park® Place, life comes to you.

With friendly neighbors, caring staff and plenty of choices. Seminars and activities with dedicated activity staff.

Fresh meals made by an expert chef.

Comfortable living spaces and spacious apartments with all the features you expect in a place to call home—and helping hands to provide support when needed.

Call (414) 292-0400 or visit oakparkplace.com to learn more about assisted living and specialized memory care services at Oak Park® Place.

Welcome home.

Wa u WatO S a Now Open!

1621 Rivers Bend Wauwatosa WI 53226 (414) 292-0400

Find us between 113th and 116th Streets, just south of West Walnut Road. www.oakparkplace.com APRIL 2014 MHL 47

Call (414) 281-8300

(414) 281-8300 4818 S. 76th Street Suite 3 Greenfield, WI 53220

www.midwestaudiology.net