HLN December 2016 by Healthy Living News

Your Monthly Guide to Healthy Lifestyles

He lthy Li ing News December 2016 • FREE

Also available at hlntoledo.com

Toledo Zoo lights shine brightest!

Also in this issue: • Turmeric: the miracle spice • Holiday make-over time • An oasis in the food desert • Hand washing for better health • The indispensible family physician • Winter-driving tips for teens

Your newest weapon in fighting cancer. PERRYSBURG CANCER CENTER

Holiday make-over time

chools and colleges are in full swing, and so are skin diseases. Close proximity to others can lead to spread of “ringworm”(not really a worm), herpes virus, impetigo, lice (now very resistant to previous simple measures to treat), scabies, athlete’s foot, and many other skin diseases. These breakouts can appear similar to the untrained eye, which is why you should have those skin eruptions (rashes) seen and treated by a board-certified dermatologist. I’m sure there are many in the college towns. Also, just because summer is over does not mean you should forget sunscreens. If you have acne, your acne will worsen for 6 weeks following a sunburn and the dark spots (scars) where the acne was will get darker than the surrounding skin. If you are an outdoors person who enjoys sledding, skiing, or just going for a walk, do not let the outside cooler temperatures fool you into thinking you don’t require sunscreen. Don’t walk barefoot in showers or locker rooms. Wear flip-flops as much as possible to prevent athlete’s foot (fungus). This simple, annoying breakout on your feet frequently leads to involvement of toe and fingernails, which can be very difficult to eliminate. Very few individuals realize that 80% of their facial appearance with aging is due to prior sun exposure and subsequent skin damage. All the brown spots (“age spots”), broken blood vessels on the face, fine lines, and sagging skin are caused almost entirely by sun! This is something young people should be aware of since we get 80% of our lifetime sun exposure by the time we are 18-20 years of age. What about the “worry lines” between your eyes, deep smile lines, upper lip lines (lipstick runs uphill), and your sagging jowls and neck? These unfortunate changes caused by prior sun exposure can be improved dramatically with pain-free, non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed by Dr. Handler. The NEW Thermage CPT Deep Tip procedure painlessly heats damaged collagen under your skin to tighten and lift sagging areas of the neck, jowls, upper arms, and abdomen. The NEW Thermage CPT Deep Tip procedure utilizes radiofrequency energy (not laser) to uniformly heat the dermis (deeper layer) while the epidermis (top layer) is cooled and protected. This heating of the dermis causes immediate collagen contraction and tightening followed by new collagen production over a period of time. This procedure also encourages a natural repair process that results in further tightening, lifting, and younger-looking skin. With only ONE treatment, results are seen before leaving the office. Continued tightening and lifting of sagging skin occurs over a 6-month time period with results lasting 3-4 years! There is NO downtime and NO pain. The NEW Thermage CPT Deep Tip system has been utilized by Dr. Handler for many years with excellent results and very satisfied patients. For lines between the eyes (worry lines), crow’s feet, and the “sleepy and tired look with droopy eyelids,” the use of Botox or Dysport works well to improve these areas. The results are diminished lines and a more “wide awake” and less tired appearance. These products are also fantastic to reduce anxiety-induced underarm sweating for months after injections. This is performed entirely by Dr. Handler with minimal pain with results of decreased sweating

lasting 5-7 months and longer. The use of fillers, such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and others, to “fill” deep smile lines and the marionette lines (the sad look) from the corners of the mouth produces immediate results lasting 12-15 months! Don’t look tired or sad! Since these products are combined with a numbing agent, the pain is minimal. Now, Dr. Handler utilizes the injection of a new filler called “Restylane Silk.” This product markedly improves upper and lower lip lines (lipstick lines). Restylane Silk also volumizes your lips and restores their natural curve while looking attractive and natural. Restylane Silk also can be utilized to minimize the “worry lines” between your eyes. There is no downtime with these non-invasive procedures. For fine lines, large pores, and brown (age) spots, the Clear and Brilliant laser produces awesome visual results after 3-5 treatments. This is a painless procedure whereby Dr. Handler utilizes a laser to produce thousands of small columns of empty space in your dermis, which your body fills with its own collagen. This results in softer, smoother, and diminished facial lines and smaller pores. There is NO downtime with this procedure. When the Clear and Brilliant laser is combined with Thermage CPT Deep Tip, the results are ideal for patients who desire no downtime or pain and predictable results of lifting sagging skin and smoothing fine lines. Dr. Handler is the only dermatologist performing this procedure in Northwest Ohio. Are you aware that Dr. Handler personally performs laser procedures for removal of body hair anywhere hair grows? Yes, this minimally painful laser destroys hairs around the chin, jawline, upper lip, underarms, ears, nose, bikini line, etc. And this laser is not just for women. Many men have this laser performed to permanently remove chest and back hair as well as beard hair that grows down onto the neck. Dr. Handler also utilizes the latest in lasers for removal of “age spots” (sun spots really) anywhere on the body. This laser works especially well for the tops of hands covered with those “age spots.” Finally, Dr. Handler also performs laser removal of unwanted blood vessels that grow on your face and enlarge with heat, stress, and the intake of alcohol. Again, pain and downtime are minimal with this laser. All of these lasers are non-invasive and require no real down-time. Call Dr. Handler’s office to find out when these procedures are being performed. They are only done from September

through May since a tan interferes with the process. Dr. Handler has performed these procedures for many years with very gratifying results and very satisfied patients. All of these cosmetic enhancements are performed entirely by Dr. Handler. To view before-and-after photographs of patients who have had these procedures performed by Dr. Handler, visit www.drharveyhandler.com. For more detailed information about the above-mentioned procedures or products, please call Dr. Handler’s office at 419-885-3400. Be sure to ask about specials available on many cosmetic procedures and products to diminish the signs of aging and obtain a more vibrant and youthful appearance of your skin. Please call Dr. Handler’s office and ask about the many discounts and specials on topical anti-aging products, Botox, fillers, and laser treatments provided by Dr. Handler. Also, please remember to have a yearly full body exam conducted by a board-certified dermatologist to check for skin cancer.

Hair loss in men and women

Are you losing hair from surgery, anaesthesia, illnesses, pregnancy, medications, stress, genetics, or “normal” hair loss secondary to aging or low blood levels of nutrients? There are many causes of hair loss in men and women. Most are not simply due to age or family history, and most are treatable. Now these problems of hair loss can be evaluated and there is hope for reducing your hair loss and stimulating new growth. Dr. Harvey Handler, board-certified dermatologist of Sylvania, Ohio, has a medical treatment for decreasing your hair loss and increasing growth in many patients! After appropriate examination of your scalp hair and appropriate blood testing is performed by Dr. Handler to rule out treatable medical causes, Dr. Handler will discuss a program to decrease your hair loss, increase growth, and cause the hair you have be fuller and thicker. This is not a product that is forever. This new treatment works with or without Rogaine (minoxidil, which is forever) for reducing loss and promoting growth. Call Dr. Handler’s office to set up an appointment for a thorough evaluation and discussion of your particular hair loss and the therapy that will be individualized for you. Don’t assume because it “runs in the family” that you can do nothing to slow your hair loss. Most patients notice a decrease of loss in 30-60 days! ❦

www.drharveyhandler.com

Reduce lines, fade sun spots Smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin on face, arms, and chest

clear + brilliant L. H

No surgery. No injections. No downtime.

, . .

ADULT, arvey andler m d Diplomate and Fellow of PEDIATRIC, The American Board of Dermatology Adult, Pediatric & Cosmetic Dermatology & COSMETIC 5300 Harroun Rd., Suite 126 (in the Medical Office Building on the campus of Flower Hospital) DERMATOLOGY HAIR & NAILS

419.885.3400

Mission Statement Healthy Living News offers the residents of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan a monthly guide to news and information about healthy life styles, health care, sports and fitness, and other issues related to physical, mental and emotional quality of life. The publication promises to be an attractive, interesting and entertaining source of valuable information for all ages, especially those 35 to 50. Healthy Living News is locally owned, committed to quality, and dedicated to serving our great community. Healthy Living News is published the first of each month. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of any kind. While HLN makes every attempt to present accurate, timely information, the publication and its publisher and/or advertisers will not be held responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc.

Contacts Business office: To advertise: Healthy Living News, 3758 Rose Glenn Drive, Toledo, OH 43615. Phone: (419) 841-8202 or email Kevin O’Connell at sfstennis76@bex.net. Ad reservation deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. HLN reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and does not accept advertising promoting the use of tobacco. Editorial office: Deadline for editorial submissions is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Send submissions to: Editor, Healthy Living News, 1619 Circular Dr., Toledo, OH 43614. Phone: 419-382-5751, fax 888-506-5790; email: editorhln@bex.net. Publisher: Kevin O’Connell

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Web Designer: Strategically Digital LLC Social Media Specialist: Kelly Rickey Distribution: Jim Welsh • Alison Foster Dominion Distribution Distributech–Toledo Copyright © 2016 Healthy Living News Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Healthy Living News is published for the purpose of disseminating health-related information for the well being of the general public and its subscribers. The information published in Healthy Living News is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. Please consult your physician or health care professional before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

Your Monthly Guide to Healthy Living

TAKING CARE OF YOUR LIFE

2 Holiday make-over time 6 Heartland can help those holiday aches and pains by Jim Berger 7 Lymphoma: a curable cancer when detected and treated early 8 Holiday hustle and bustle can lead to increased stress and anxiety, by Rebecca Schwan 11 Hand washing is still the simplest way to stay healthy 15 The indispensable family physician 18 Miracle spice from alternative medicine by Douglas A. Schwan, DC, Dip ac 21 Mona Lisa Touch shows astounding success one year post-treatment 23 Nobody’s Perfect After Words—you can take it with you! by Sister Karen Zielinski, OSF 26 Ten signs your older loved one may need some help 29 No time like the present for cosmetic enhancements at Luxe Laser 32 Spiritually Speaking You = Awesome by Sister Mary Thill 35 Holiday stress and tinnitus by Dianna Randolph, AuD, CCC-A 43 Franciscan Care Center impacts cardiac care 45 Sound Advice from Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic by Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A

9 Health Crossword, by Myles Mellor 20 News from Otterbein Gift giving across the generations 30 It’s never too early to set your New Year’s fitness resolutions, by Amanda Manthey 38 A Walk in the Park Without a Trace, by LeMoyne Mercer

CHILDREN & PARENTING 13 Keep your teen driver safe this winter 28 Young eyes are watching by Mark S. Faber, USPTA Elite Professional

FOOD & NUTRITION 16 Walt's Corner 27 Eating Well Avoid the Jingle Bellies and Sugar Plumps by Laurie Syring, RD/LD 36 Upgrade your cheese this holiday season!

OUR COMMUNITY 5 Toledo Zoo contender for Best Zoo Lights Display 12 Couple gets back to the great outdoors with help from The Laurels 16 Lutheran Homes Society selects new name to reflect expanding mission 18 Senior Star at West Park Place hosts holiday happenings all through December 26 Megan Smiddy joins St. Clare Commons 31 At Sunset, high-quality rehab affords seniors highest quality of life 33 ProMedica opens healthy oasis in Uptown Toledo food desert 34 Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services changes brand 42 Senior Living Guide

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Travel Editor: LeMoyne Mercer

Print Designer: Jan Sharkey

December 2016 • Vol. 21, Issue 12

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Editor: Jeff Kurtz Sales: Robin Buckey Molly O'Connell

Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up the December issue of Healthy Living News. We understand how chaotic the holiday season can be, and we sincerely appreciate that you’ve chosen to share a few precious moments with us. Rest assured it will be time well spent! We’re confident you’ll find something in the pages of this jampacked issue that informs, inspires, or entertains you. This month’s whimsical cover photo was taken at the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, where the spectacular Lights Before Christmas display is now in full swing. Once again, the Zoo has been nominated in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest as a contender for Best Zoo Lights, and we urge you to vote (early and often) to put

our Zoo over the top this year. Last year, we came in a close second to the Cincinnati Zoo. See the article on page 5 for details on how and where to cast your vote. This issue also features a profile of the ProMedica Ebeid Institute for Population Health and its new Market on the Green, a full-service grocery store offering healthy, affordable foods in Uptown Toledo—a neighborhood the USDA has designated a “food desert” (p. 33); advice on proper hand washing from Lisa Beauch, Infection Prevention/ Employee Health, Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital (p. 11); tips on managing holiday stress and anxiety from Dr. Dan Rapport of the University of Toledo (p. 8); an expert perspective on the vital role family physicians play in today’s

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healthcare environment from Toledo Clinic physician Dr. Humaira Lateef (p. 15); insights on several cosmetic procedures that are popular at this time of year from Dr. Wade Banker of Luxe Laser Vein & Body Center (p. 29); and some hints on those holiday aches and pains from Jim Berger of Heartland Rehab (p. 6). And that’s just scratching the surface! Remember, if you’re inspired to take advantage of any of our advertisers’ products or services, be sure to tell them you saw it in the pages of HLN! On behalf of everyone here at HLN, I’d like to wish you and yours the very best this holiday season. Until next month, stay safe, active, and healthy!

Toledo Zoo contender for Best Zoo Lights Display

or the second year in a row, the Toledo Zoo has been nominated in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest as a contender for Best Zoo Lights. The Zoo is asking for the community’s help to show the nation what this area has known for more than 30 years—the Toledo Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas presented by KeyBank display truly is the best! Cast your vote early and often at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/ best-zoo-lights-2016/. Leverage your support by voting each and every day of the contest from multiple devices (computer, smart phone, tablet, etc.). The online contest ends Monday, December 5, 2016 at 11:59 a.m. In this same competition last year, the Toledo Zoo came in a close second to Cincinnati’s display. However, the electric combination of our unparalleled community support and over one million lights and 200 illuminated images; fan-favorite Dancing Lights, Ice Slide, and Reindeer Experience; award-winning Norway spruce decorated with over 30,000 energy-efficient LED

lights; and the brand new Bumper Cars on Ice, Toledo Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas presented by KeyBank is sure to shine the brightest this year! “Being named the nation’s top zoo lights display would be a tremendous achievement for our Zoo, membership, and community. This national honor would also pay dividends to the entire area through increased tourism during this and future holiday seasons. We are confident our extremely dedicated, passionate, and vocal fan base here and abroad can help us move up to number one and win this title!” said Jeff Sailer, the Zoo’s executive director. Lights Before Christmas continues through December 31, 2016 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) and is open Sunday through Thursday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Zoo closes at 9:00 p.m.) and Friday and Saturday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Zoo closes at 10:00 p.m.). Toledo Zoo members receive unlimited free visits Monday through Thursday and one free weekend visit. For more information, visit www. toledozoo.org/lights. ❦

Photos by Alex Goetz and Andi Norman The Toledo Zoo.

Heartland can help those holiday aches and pains, by Jim Berger

he holiday season is upon us, which means that many of us will be overcommitted and a bit stressed for time. The hustle and bustle associated with shopping and outings is also the time to feel those lingering reminders of old and new aches and pains in the shoulders, feet, and back. There is usually a good reason that we develop these aches and pains—hauling boxes stuffed with decorations down from the attic, hanging garlands and light strings in all sorts of hard-to-reach places, and carrying heavy bags filled with gifts around the mall and in and out of the car. Holiday social functions can also take some of the blame—dancing and socializing for hours or wearing dress shoes that were just purchased or have been in the closet all year. And don’t forget about the cleaning process that we all go through getting the house ready for family and guests!

Plantar Fasciitis

Don’t let aches and pains slow you down!

The most common complaints associated with plantar fasciitis include:

The shoulder ache you’re experiencing could be caused by “impingement syndrome,” or rotator cuff tendonitis. People with this condition typically suffer pain when reaching for something (such as those light strings hanging at the top of the tree) or when trying to sleep at night. Side sleepers are particularly vulnerable to impingement syndrome pain. Have you awakened from a great night’s sleep only to have your feet hit the floor and then feel a sharp pain in your heel? If so, you are not alone. The foot pain you’re experiencing could be plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the proper diagnosis for inflammation of the plantar fascia—the broad shock-absorbing tissue that supports the arch of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. When there is increased tension and stress on the tissue, small tears can occur, which can lead to irritation, inflammation, and ultimately pain.

• • • •

Heel pain Mild swelling of the foot Pain first thing in the morning Pain after prolonged standing or after getting up after prolonged sitting.

Low back pain affects nearly 80 percent of all Americans, with 90 percent of those suffering a recurrence at some time. The more traditional techniques of rest and pain medication are often recommended. However, the holidays are not a time to miss out on activities with family and friends. Physical therapy can help you stay active and avoid missing out on lifelong memories! Heartland Outpatient Physical Therapy does understand what you are dealing with. Our team of physical therapists will establish a plan to address your range-of-motion, strength, and pain concerns and will keep you actively engaged in your holiday schedule. We offer a specialized, progressive approach to your individual situation and have

extended hours to accommodate your schedule. Let us help keep you active and moving during this holiday season! It is our goal to determine the underlying cause of your pain and discomfort and correct those conditions. Our therapy protocols consist of strengthening, stretching, core stability, manual therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and moist hot packs, as well as dry needling, kinesio taping, and ASTYM as required. Let our team of therapy experts assist you in returning to your fun holiday activities as soon as possible with zero pain and symptom-free! ❦ Heartland Rehabilitation Services, provider of outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, and wellness services, has five locations in the metro Toledo area: Maumee, Perrysburg, Oregon, Lambertville, and Toledo. Call Jim Berger, Area Manager, at 419-7876741 for more information about services, treatment, and educational programs, or call to arrange a consultation or health fitness screen.

Lymphoma: a curable cancer when detected and treated early

he role of the body’s immune two general forms—often occurs besystem is to stand guard against tween the ages of 15 and 40, usually invading microbes and to go on the in the 20s and 30s, and is also seen offensive when they’re detected by rarely in people over 50 years of age. producing overwhelming numbers In contrast, non-Hodgkin’s usually of infection-fighting white blood occurs in people over age 60. There’s cells, including lymphocytes. If also a significant difference between the immune system is functioning the two forms when it comes to properly, once the invader has been prognosis. “Hodgkin’s is generally eliminated, the excess lymphocytes considered a curable cancer. In fact, the should begin to die off to a normal five-year survival rate for Hodgkin’s level. However, in some cases, the is over 85 percent, and if it’s caught lymphocytes either fail to die off before age 40, the rate increases to after they’ve done their job or they over 95 percent. Non-Hodgkin’s has begin to multiply spontaneously a pretty good five-year survival rate when no actual microbial threat is as well—between 70 and 75 percent. present. This abnormal lymphocyte However, there are at least 16 differgrowth can lead to the development ent subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s, and of tumors in the lymphatic system—a because there’s so much variation in form of cancer known how this form presents, it’s often overlooked in as lymphoma. According to Charu the earliest, most curable Trivedi, MD, of The stage,” she says. Toledo Clinic Cancer With respect to treatCenters, lymphoma can ment, Dr. Trivedi notes occur in any organ of that chemotherapy and the lymphatic system steroids are commonly but most commonly used for both Hodgkin’s develops in the lymph and non-Hodgkin’s lymnodes. She further exphoma, as is radiation, plains that there are two depending on the stage, major classifications of location, and symptoms. lymphoma—Hodgkin’s Surgery is sometimes and non-Hodgkin’s— used to treat lymphowhich differ with remas, especially if they Dr. Charu Trivedi spect to the specific types are extranodal. Targeted of lymphocytes involved treatments, such as imas well as in their morphology when munotherapy and biological therapies, viewed under a microscope. Hodgkin’s are also used as a single modality and tumors exhibit certain abnormal cells, in combination with chemotherapy called Reed-Sternberg cells, that are to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. not present in non-Hodgkin’s tumors. Stem cell transplant is considered in Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is sub- relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. divided as low grade, intermediate, Dr. Trivedi is optimistic about the and high grade lymphomas. new drug Ibrutinib, a tyrosine kinase “In the earliest stage, the earliest inhibitor, which is showing promising warning sign is usually a lump in the results in treating non-Hodgkin’s neck, underarm, or groin caused by lymphoma. This advanced therapy swelling of the lymph nodes. There contains a monoclonal antibody is considerable variation in symp- that targets a specific protein on the tomology depending on where in surfaces of lymphoma cells and then the body the tumor develops,” Dr. delivers the medication directly to the Trivedi says. Other potential signs cancerous cells, killing them without to watch for include loss of appetite, harming healthy cells. For Hodgkin’s unexplained weight loss, fever, fa- lymphoma, a new antibody drug tigue, night sweats, abdominal pain, conjugate, Brentuximab, is showing persistent coughing, breathlessness, promising results. and uncontrollable itching (especially In addition to recognizing the powith Hodgkin’s), pain, leg swelling, tential symptoms of lymphoma, Dr. and prolonged viral syndrome. Trivedi emphasizes that it’s important Dr. Trivedi explains that Hodgkin’s to know the risk factors for developing lymphoma—the less common of the the disease. As previously mentioned,

age (over 60 for non-Hodgkin’s and between the ages of 15 and 40 for Hodgkin’s) is a risk factor for both forms. Other factors known to elevate risk include European ancestry; exposure to certain chemicals, such as agricultural pesticides or herbicides; nuclear radiation exposure; prior chemotherapy or radiation; being immune-deficient or having an autoimmune disease; exposure to HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus type 8, Chlamydia, Helicobacter pylori, or hepatitis C; having poorly controlled celiac disease; having breast implants; being overweight or obese; and consuming too much dietary fat. “Remember, lymphoma is most curable when it’s caught and treated early—and the key to early detection is knowing the risk factors and warning signs. If you experience any of the symptoms described here, don’t hesitate to see your doctor for an evaluation,” Dr. Trivedi advises.❦ Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers, located at 4126 N. Holland Sylvania Road, Suite 105, has 12 board-certified hematologists/oncologists and six nurse practitioners on staff and can provide imaging and laboratory diagnostic

services, chemotherapy services, and IV services. TCCC also has satellite centers in Maumee, Bowling Green, Adrian, and Monroe for the convenience of the

patient. For more information, please can seem impossible with added call the Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers at gatherings. 419-479-5605. The key to lowering anxiety levels during the holidays is managing expectations. “It’s important to know your limits and set realistic goals,” said Dr. Rapport. “Ask for help in carrying the load and redistribute the work. It’s okay if the tree isn’t perfectly decorated and there’s dust by Rebecca Schwan on the mantle or if you don’t bake hen the jingle of bells makes family and friends to make a won- six different types of cookies. People your head spin, the thought derful meal, decorate the house like will still have a good time.” of the office holiday party makes a magazine ad, and wrap the most He said it can be helpful to talk your palms sweaty, and the idea of thoughtful gift. Throw in a full-time with someone in a similar situation searching the mall for gifts fills you career and parenting responsibilities, to add some perspective, stating, with dread, you can likely blame and this time of year can feel very “Everyone has a challenging family seasonal anxiety. But you can get overwhelming.” member, a recipe that didn’t turn through the holiday season without Dr. Rapport said even day-to- out, and a gift that is on back-order. being a perpetual Ebenezer Scrooge day stresses can be exSharing your story with or Grinch and maybe even find a acerbated this time of others can help you feel little time to savor the season. year due to the added less alone and maybe Dr. Dan Rapport, University of pressure for perfection, even find humor in the Toledo associate professor of psy- noting, “If finances are craziness that is the holchiatry and director of Consultation tight, it can be difficult idays.” Liaison Services, said it’s not unusual to host the family party Friends and family for the happiest season of all to also or purchase gifts. Small members can help with family disagreements be the most anxiety-inducing. reducing the load on those “Women especially put a lot of can seem much largwho struggle with anxipressure on themselves this time er when everyone is ety by being supportive of year to make everything perfect crowded into one house, and patient. “Many times for the holidays,” he said. “They and managing already the anxious person just also carry the expectations of their overloaded schedules needs to blow off some Dr. Dan Rapport

Holiday hustle and bustle can lead to increased stress and anxiety

steam. They don’t expect you to fix everything or take over, they just need you to be a good listener. Talking about their massive to-do list is their way of dealing with stress,” said Dr. Rapport. He further explained that most people find value in the holidays and recognize the happy, fun moments that make all of the work worthwhile. “After the gifts are opened, the leftovers distributed, and the last of the guests pull out of the driveway, most people look back on the anxiety and frantic days of preparation and feel

they did a good job of meeting their goals and enjoyed the holidays,” he said. Although it can be difficult, Dr. Rapport recommends slowing down, cutting back, and focusing on what’s truly important to you this holiday season. “With a little perspective and patience and some reasonable expectations, you will find joy and peace this December,” he said. ❦ Rebecca Schwan is the Media Relations Specialist for The University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus.

HEALTH CROSSWORD by Myles Mellor • ilovecrosswords.com • Answers on page 18 29 31 33 34 35 36 37

Across 1 Vineyard bunch 4 Not at all fat 9 Type of orange 10 Green vegetable 11 Core 13 Construct 16 Refusal 17 Parsley, sage and thyme partner 21 Apple state 24 “Beauty is only skin deep,” e.g. 26 Work out on a gym bike 28 Tropical fruits 1

Rocket in a salad Egg section Cellular material Plea at sea Cry of success Cloud’s place Fruits high in vitamin C

Down 1 Sushi side dish 2 Mentor 3 Sushi order 5 Meat on a stick 6 One of the vitamin B complex 7 Return 3

8 12 14 15 18 19 20 22 23 25

Facial problem Nose related ____-calorie diet Detailed account Mr. ___ (horse) Milk-giving glands Fresh start Swollen inflammation Honey maker locale “Total patient” philosophy 27 Back-of-band instruments 30 Good moods 32 Lower digit

8 9

13 15

16 20

23 26

Across

25 28

31 33

32 34

Down

Hand washing is still the simplest way to stay healthy

hen your mother insisted that you wash your hands before dinner or after touching any dirty object or surface, she wasn’t being overprotective. She was really on to something. According to Lisa Beauch, BSN, RN, CAPA, CPAN, CIC, Infection Prevention/Employee Health, Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital, hand washing is key to preventing the spread of disease-causing organisms and is an essential practice for everyone—especially those who work in hospitals and other healthcare environments where sick and compromised people are present. “People don’t realize how often we introduce germs to our bodies by touching a contaminated surface and then putting our hands to our face, mouth, nose, or eyes,” she says. “Not only do we infect ourselves in this manner, but we also spread germs to others around us. That’s why hand washing is such a crucial aspect of prevention.” The CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/

handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html) advises hand washing in all of the following circumstances: • Before, during, and after preparing food • Before eating food • Before and after caring for someone who is sick • Before and after treating a cut or wound • After using the toilet • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste • After handling pet food or pet treats • After touching garbage. Beauch adds that with the cold and flu season now in full swing, people should be especially mindful of hand washing after covering a cough or sneeze with their hands or after using a Kleenex.

She further emphasizes that contaminated surfaces can be found where we least expect them. “Everyone is worried about the toilet seat—and they should be—but toilets usually get cleaned on a routine basis,” she explains. “What we don’t think about are surfaces that can harbor germs but seldom or never get cleaned, such as elevator buttons, door handles, grocery carts, remote controls, light switches, faucet handles in the restroom, and money. Also, ask yourself when you last wiped and disinfected your car’s steering wheel. Then ask yourself how often you cough or sneeze onto that steering wheel.” Of course, if hand washing is to be an effective deterrent against disease, it must be done properly. According to the CDC, the proper technique involves wetting your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold); lathering your hands by rubbing them together with soap, ensuring you reach the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails; scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds (approximately as long as it takes to hum the song “Happy Birthday” twice); rinsing

your hands under clean, running water; and then drying them off with a clean towel or by air drying. Beauch points out that if you don’t have access to a clean water source for proper hand washing, hand sanitizer is a good option that will not only kill germs quickly during application but will continue to provide some protection even after the product has dried. However, keep in mind that hand sanitizers are not effective at removing physical matter from the hands. How about antibacterial soaps? Are they more effective at preventing the spread of disease-causing germs? Not as the FDA sees it. In fact, the once ubiquitous term “antibacterial” is actually disappearing from soap labeling. As Beauch explains, “The FDA has advised manufacturers that they can no longer market antibacterial soaps for home use. This is based on research showing that, for healthy people who have an intact immune system, there’s no advantage to using antibacterial soap over regular soap. It all comes down to washing your hands the right way for an appropriate length of time.” ❦

Couple gets back to the great outdoors with help from The Laurels

o the rehab team at The Laurels of Toledo, helping patients regain function and mobility following injury, surgery, or illness is a high priority—but it’s not their only focus. Their efforts are also concentrated on getting patients back to their favorite activities and pastimes so they can continue to enjoy life to the fullest. For Carol and Robert Heinemann, rehab at The Laurels was the passport back to the active outdoor lifestyle they’ve enjoyed for many decades. The Heinemann’s are avid campers who relish hiking and encountering wildlife. In fact, when their children were growing up, they took the family camping in northern Michigan every year. And when they’re not traveling to one of their favorite camping destinations, they enjoy taking evening walks together in order to stay fit. Unfortunately, they’ve had to put their active lifestyle on the back burner for the last few years due to painful, debilitating physical conditions that each suffered. Carol experienced a leg fracture related to osteoporosis two years ago and recently underwent

a total right knee replacement, and Robert suffered significant sciatic pain. Both were able to find relief and regain their mobility through The Laurels’ outpatient rehab program. Carol’s knee replacement was

performed by Dr. Anthony Frogameni at ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital. “We chose Dr. Frogameni for the surgery because he has such a wonderful reputation in the community and gets excellent results. He’s practically famous for his knee replacements!” she enthuses. According to Laurels Rehab Services Director Julie Leidel, who also happens to be Carol and Robert’s daughter, Carol was discharged to home on a Saturday and came to The Laurels on Sunday for an outpatient evaluation—a service the facility offers seven days a week. Even when performed by the most skilled surgeon, knee replacements are painful procedures, so when Carol arrived, she was dependent on a walker and in so much pain she could hardly move. “Everyone told me ahead of time that I would be in a great deal of pain, and they were absolutely right. It got to the point where I wondered if I

would ever be able to walk again,” Carol recalls. But little by little, with a lot of help and encouragement from Laurels physical therapist assistant Matt Snyder, Carol improved to the point that, as of this writing, she is able to walk pain-free with the assistance of a cane. Among the therapeutic modalities Snyder used to assist Carol in her recovery was the state-of-the-art AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, which is available in our area exclusively at The Laurels of Toledo. The AlterG utilizes patented NASA technology to reduce body weight by up to 80%, which is a tremendous advantage for rehab patients who are unable to support their full weight or are limited by pain due to injury, surgery, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Using the AlterG, patients can walk or run without painful impact on the lower extremities, using a proper gait and with no risk of falling. “Working with the AlterG, Carol is now getting very close to supporting 100 percent of her body weight and is able to walk a considerable

distance without discomfort,” Snyder explains. “Can you imagine walking a half mile without pain in a short period of time after knee-replacement surgery? That’s exactly what Carol accomplished! Also, in addition to unweighting, the AlterG allows you to increase the incline of the platform, which will help Carol tackle the hills and uneven terrain she’ll encounter on those hiking trails.” The pain-free environment of the AlterG turned out to be a blessing for Carol in more ways than one, since she had problems with her pain medication. As Robert explains, “Carol has never been one to take a lot of pain medication anyway, but the one she was prescribed wasn’t agreeing with her body. It was causing severe nausea, so she had to stop taking it.” During her rehab, Carol also experienced back problems as a result of sleeping in a recliner, but Snyder

was able to help her with that, just as he had helped Robert with his sciatic pain earlier, using innovative strategies for managing back pain, which he acquired while training with Angelo Dimaggio, head of the American Back Pain Center. Carol and Robert both credit their rehab success not just to the AlterG, but to the Laurels rehab team, especially Snyder. “They really do a good job here at The Laurels, and I strongly recommend coming here to anyone having a knee or other joint replaced. Matt greeted me every day with a smile and was such a wonderful source of motivation throughout the whole experience,” Carol says.❦ The Laurels of Toledo accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and all private commercial insurances. A physician’s order is required to obtain outpatient services. For more information, call 419-536-7600 or visit www.laurelsoftoledo.com.

Keep your teen driver safe this winter L

earning to drive is an important and exciting rite of passage for every teenager. For parents of teens, however, the excitement is tempered by the knowledge that their child will now be exposed to all the hazards of the highway. Of course, these driving dangers are greatly compounded once winter weather sets in, as it soon will in Northwest Ohio. Driving in winter conditions can be a harrowing experience for the most seasoned driver, let alone for a young person taking to the roads for the first time. The following tips will help keep your teen driver safe when faced with slick or snowy driving conditions:

Make sure all systems are “go” First, it’s vital to ensure that the vehicle your teen will be driving is

properly maintained and prepared for winter driving conditions. Vehicle batteries can really take a beating in cold weather, so be sure to have the battery tested at the outset of the winter season to verify that it’s in good condition. For better traction, consider putting winter tires on the vehicle. Compared to all-season tires, winter tires can boost traction by as much as 50 percent. It’s also a good idea to install winter windshield wiper blades on the vehicle to provide the best possible visibility in snowy conditions. Furthermore, make sure the vehicle’s brakes, heater/defroster, windshield wipers, belts, hoses, and radiator are in good condition and functioning properly and that all of the lights and signals are working.

Pack a winter survival kit You pray it never happens, but any

driver can end up stuck in a ditch or snow bank waiting for help to arrive. The odds of this occurring are even greater when the driver in question has little if any winter-driving experience under his or her belt. So, it’s best for your teen (or any driver, for that matter) to be prepared by keeping a winter survival kit in the vehicle at all times. The well-stocked kit would include a warm blanket or sleeping bag, cold-weather clothing (hat, boots, gloves, etc.), an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, tow chains or straps, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, a cell phone charger, snacks, water, a first-aid kit, and road flares.

Drive only if necessary Parents, before allowing a teen driver to get behind the wheel in severe winter weather, ask yourself, “Is this trip really necessary?” Teens do need to acquire winter-driving skills, but the best time for learning is not when driving conditions are seriously compromised, for example, when the roads are extremely slick during or following an ice storm or when snow is blowing and drifting and visibility is even further reduced by darkness. Let commonsense be your guide. Ideally, teens should be exposed to winter driving gradually and under controlled conditions to the extent possible. One good approach is to take your teen driver to an empty parking lot, so he or she can get a feel for winter driving without putting themselves or other drivers in danger.

Clear the car completely Make sure your teen understands that when snow accumulates on a vehicle, it’s important to clean it off completely. Drivers often make the mistake of clearing the windows and signals but leaving snow on the roof, hood, and trunk. Snow left in these areas can blow or avalanche suddenly onto the windshield, obscuring the driver’s vision, or blow onto another driver ’s windshield with the same result.

Know the winterdriving danger zones An inexperienced teen driver may assume that just because one section of road isn’t slippery that the same conditions will prevail throughout their journey. Alert them to the fact that some areas are prone to icing more quickly than others—e.g., bridges and

shady areas—and that road conditions can change dramatically, even over short distances. For instance, while the highway may be relatively clear, allowing for normal-speed travel, the on- and off-ramps may be icy or snow-covered. Also, they should be advised that extra caution must be exercised when approaching intersections or in any situation in which it’s necessary bring the vehicle to a complete stop to avoid colliding with other vehicles or structures. It’s wise to check your traction well in advance of the intersection to ensure that you can stop in time.

Slow down and space out Teens must be taught the importance of adjusting their speed and following distance according to road conditions. Remember, the posted speed limit is a maximum and applies only when driving conditions are good. Anytime conditions are compromised by snow, ice, slush, or rain, it’s necessary to drive slower than the posted limit and to brake and accelerate gradually. With respect to vehicle spacing, it’s recommended to at least double your normal safe following distance when roads are slick. Also, be sure to keep your eyes on the road further ahead, not just on the vehicle in front of you. If you see brake lights off in the distance, be ready to stop. To reduce the likelihood of getting rear-ended by the driver behind you, it’s wise to signal turns earlier than you would when driving under normal conditions.

Give ‘em a brake lesson When sliding on ice or snow, the first reaction of an inexperienced teen driver is to slam on the brakes. But this reaction, while natural, can have potentially disastrous results. Teach your teen that hard braking on ice will lock up the brakes and can cause the car to enter an uncontrolled skid. Instead of stomping on the brake pedal, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and apply firm, steady pressure with the ball of your foot. Again, it’s a good idea to practice this technique in an empty parking lot. ❦

The indispensable family physician I

n this age of healthcare specialization—with more and more physicians focusing narrowly on a particular organ, system, or category of patient—it might seem as though the role of family doctor is becoming obsolete. But nothing could be further from the truth. Medicine today also places considerable emphasis on health maintenance and the prevention of chronic diseases, and no one is better poised to provide this type of care than the family doctor. Toledo Clinic physician Humaira Lateef, MD, whose office is located at 4126 N. Holland Sylvania Road, suite 140, notes that as a family doctor, she treats patients of all ages, from newborns to people in their 90s, and prevention is a key focus of her practice. “Many people are unaware of the scope of preventive services that fit under the umbrella of family medicine,” she explains. “In addition to immunizations and routine physicals, we can perform or order a wide range of screening tests, such as annual breast exams and Pap smears, mammograms, dexa

scans, and screening colonoscopies.” Family physicians are also familiar with the recommended ages for undergoing various health screenings and can encourage their patients to seek them in a timely manner so any developing problems can be caught early—when they’re most treatable. For example, it’s recommended that average-risk and asymptomatic women get their first Pap smear at age 21 and then every three years until age 30. In average-risk women from age 30 to 65, the interval can be increased to five years by adding HPV testing to Pap smear cytology testing. The American College of Physicians recommends discontinuing screening in low-risk women after age 65 and in average-risk women of any age after hysterectomy with removal of the cervix. Colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer in average-risk people should begin at age 50 and be repeated every

10 years if the results are negative. Or, if precancerous polyps are discovered during an initial colonoscopy, a repeat colonoscopy is advised every three to five years instead of every 10 years. Until recently, the recommendation

for mammograms was for women to begin at age 40 and repeat the screening every two years until age 74, though US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines have raised the recommendation for that initial screening to age 50. However, Dr. Lateef emphasizes

that a patient’s unique medical history and risk factors play a significant role in determining the timing of initial health screenings as well as their frequency thereafter. For instance, if a patient has a family history of breast cancer, she may recommend beginning screening mammograms earlier and repeating them more often based on current guidelines. Familiarity with one’s medical and family history is just one of many reasons it’s advantageous to nurture a relationship with a family doctor. He or she can also develop an understanding of your lifestyle, the community in which you live and work, and a myriad of other factors that might influence the “big picture” of your health. “Over time, and with a lot of discussion, this leads to a sense of mutual trust between the doctor and patient that is indispensable,” says Dr. Lateef, adding, “I like to discuss treatment options openly and

—Continued on page 44

Lutheran Homes Society selects new name to reflect expanding mission

n organization’s name conveys a great deal about its values and objectives and has a significant influence on the public’s perception of the services it provides. For long-established, highly reputable organizations, the decision to adopt a different name is not one that’s made lightly. So when Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) recently chose to change its name to Genacross Lutheran Services, considerable time and effort were invested to ensure the new name would not only reflect the organization’s mission, vision, and expanding scope of services, but also resonate positively with members of the community. According to Rick Marshall, President/CEO of Genacross Lutheran Services, the idea of a name change arose while LHS was planning to expand its website and social media presence. “As we were preparing to launch the project, our leadership team and board of directors decid-

ed we should evaluate whether a name change would be appropriate before investing all the time, effort, and money on expanding our digital footprint,” he explains. “The old name had served us well for many years, but we weren’t confident that it really captured what we’re doing as an organization today. So we stepped back to take a big-picture view of our vision and mission statements to evaluate whether we needed to update both as well as change our name.” A nine-member task force, consisting of six members of the board of directors; Marshall; Jim Dumke, Vice President for Mission Integration; and Kari Bucher, Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications, was assembled to evaluate the organization’s mission and vision and develop new statements. Both were voted on by the board of directors in early 2016 and rolled out in April at the organization’s annual meeting.

Walt’s Corner Turn to this tantalizing column each month for a healthy, flavorful recipe from Walt Churchill’s Market—like this one for Saba-Glazed Duck Breast.

Sabat-Glazed Duck Breast Ingredients 2 7-8 oz. duck breasts Olive oil Coarse sea salt Black pepper 2 oz. Leonardi Saba Dressing (or Monari Balsamic Glaze) (Best served with chestnut-cranberry risotto or rice) Directions Score duck breast skin in approximately one-inch diamonds. Rub lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly (to taste) with salt and pepper. Heat a sauté pan to hot. Place duck skin side down (there will be steam/smoke). Sear until golden. Turn skin side up, remove from

heat, and place on a plate (save duck fat to pour over risotto). Turn duck pan on medium-high heat. Add saba dressing and swirl to coat pan. Just as it begins to bubble, add breasts skin side down, stirring well to coat crisp skin. Turn breasts up and reduce heat until the saba is slightly reduced and the duck is well coated. Remove from pan and slice duck into 5 to 6 slices each. Fan out over risotto, drizzle a little saba from bottle over all, and serve. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley for a little holiday love! Note: If using balsamic glaze, pour a little over the duck as you reheat and coat well. As it is already a glaze, it only needs to get warm.

Courtesy of Chef Bill,Walt Churchill’s Market

The updated mission statement is: Inspired by the Christian faith, we embrace individuals and families with compassionate care and services throughout life’s journey. The new vision statement is: Through our faith and work, we strive to be a forward-thinking, compassionate organization that improves the lives of current and future generations. In addition, the consulting firm of SB&A Integrated Marketing was engaged to assist with the rebranding process and ensure the mission, vision, and possible new name were cohesive. The initial step in the namechange process was to survey various individuals with a strong connection to Lutheran Homes Society, including board members, Lutheran Church leadership, and pastors, to get a sense of how they perceived the original name and the organization’s impact on the community. Employees were also asked to share their impressions via email survey. These surveys yielded very helpful feedback, Marshall notes. The results were affirming with respect

to the quality of the organization’s services as well as its history and faithbased connections. A large number of people responding also indicated that they perceive the organization as fairly conservative, meaning any new name couldn’t be too radical a departure from the original. But the most interesting feedback came when survey participants were asked to respond to each individual word in the name “Lutheran Homes Society.” As Marshall explains, “The word ‘Lutheran,’ which reflects our faithbased nature and connection to the Lutheran Church, made a very positive impression—even among those who aren’t directly affiliated with the church. ‘Homes,’ we found, had a somewhat negative connotation. People seemed to associate it with terms like ‘old folks home’ or ‘nursing home’ rather than the modern skilled-nursing environment of today. ‘Society’ had the most negative connotation. Many of the people responding felt it conveyed a closed group or sense of elitism. So based on that feedback, we determined it was definitely time for

a name change, keeping ‘Lutheran’ but shedding ‘Homes’ and ‘Society.’” Of course, deciding to change the organization’s name was the easy part. Not so easy was finding its replacement—a word or combination of words that would effectively communicate the ways in which Lutheran Homes Society has continued to evolve since its founding 156 years ago. Originally established as an orphanage in 1860, LHS began serving the elderly, primarily

widows, in the early 1900s. Since that time, the organization has continued to expand upon these services, as well as to bridge the gap between the generations. Today, its services include youth care and treatment, family counseling, home health, inpatient and outpatient therapy, mental health counseling, community services coordination, affordable housing, adult day services, and senior living options.

With the organization now serving people of many ages, the name Genacross Lutheran Services was ultimately chosen. “This ‘word mash’ reflects that we touch lives across the generations, that we have a strong faith-based heritage as part of the Lutheran Church, and that we provide a broad range of services to the community. Also, the word ‘cross’ appears in the name, signifying that our mission and ministry are derived from Christ,” Marshall explains. Complementing the new name and updated mission and vision statements is a brand-new logo, which depicts a cross with a beacon of light shining out from behind it. “We believe this new logo really captures the essence of Genacross Lutheran Services, which serves as a beacon of hope to all the people we serve,” Marshall states. ❦ For more information on Genacross Lutheran Ser vices, for merly Lutheran Homes Society, please visit GenacrossLutheranServices.org.

Miracle spice from alternative medicine by Douglas A. Schwan, DC, Dip ac

edicines for the treatment of various diseases and ailments historically have come from plants. Aspirin was originally found in the leaves of willow trees. The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered in mold growing on petri dishes. Digitalis, a drug that makes the heart beat stronger, was first extracted from the foxglove plant. There have been many expeditions to jungles and other exotic places throughout the world charged with bringing back samples of different plant species to test their effectiveness as new drugs. One such plant that has generated a lot of attention recently has been used as a spice for centuries. Turmeric is a plant that is native to southern Asia. Its root was utilized as a bright-yellow dye and, later, ground up and used

in Siddah medicine. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. The active medicine in the turmeric root is known as curcumin. Curcumin is classified as a powerful antioxidant as well as a potent anti-inflammatory compound. The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin is what is getting scientists all excited. Inflammation is the body’s way of dealing with any outside attack by bacteria and viruses as well as beginning the healing of any local bodily injury, such as a sprained ankle. So inflammation is a normal body process. The trouble begins when the inflammation becomes persistent and goes on for long periods of time. Chronic inflammation can spread

over the entire body, resulting in long-term debilitating muscle pain, hardening of the heart arteries, and interference with activities of daily living. Cancer is a group of diseases where the body's own cells break down and short-circuit. The cells then begin to divide unrestricted, leading to malignant tumors that grow uncontrolled until the body is destroyed. It is thought the number one cause of cancer is chronic inflammation of some type. For example, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking irritates the lung tissues until some cells are broken enough to turn cancerous. Any type of long-term inflammation can lead to the development of a cancer in irritated tissues. Low-level chronic inflammation is now thought to have a link to almost every chronic disease—from heart disease to degenerative arthritis, to various types of auto-immune diseases and cancers, to diabetes, and even to Alzheimer ’s. So, it makes good sense that anything that can decrease chronic inflammation can lead to a lower incidence of these major diseases. Initial trials with curcumin demonstrated that it compares favorably in reducing inflammation, even when compared against strong prescription medications. It has few side effects with dosages up to several grams per day safely tolerated. Curcumin is not without its drawbacks. It is a large fat-soluble molecule that is not absorbed very well by the gut. What that means is if not taken properly you’ll just end up dumping it out the bowels with little actively absorbed by the gut. To maximize curcumin absorption, there are a couple of steps you can take: The first is to take it with a fatty meal. The fat in the meal helps dissolve the curcumin where it can be taken up by the gut. You can also take it with fatty vitamins, such as gel-capsules of Vitamin D3 or Vitamin E that are also oil based. It is known that the presence of pepper in the gut increases absorption of nutrients. Some patients have swallowed a couple peppercorns with their curcumin capsules. Bioperine (another name for the active ingredient in pepper) is a supplement that enhances absorption of curcumin by 2,000%, so taking this together with

—Continued on page 44

Senior Star at West Park Place hosts holiday happenings all through December

enior Star at West Park Place celebrates the holidays with residents, families, and others in the Toledo community throughout the month of December. Don’t miss these fun, festive, educational programs: Tuesday, December 6, 3:00 p.m. Zumba Gold® Class. Come enjoy a 30-minute, high-energy exercise class with upbeat music—designed specifically for older adults. Wednesday, December 7, 1:30 p.m. Pearl Harbor Day with a presentation by Debbie Speegle, “The Military Memorial Pathway” for veterans from Lucca County who died during World War I, World War II, and the American Civil War. Monday, December 19, 1:30 p.m. West Park Players presents Christmas Cornucopia, directed by Madge Levinson. Wednesday, December 28, 3:00 p.m. An afternoon of health and wellness with a Zumba Gold® class followed by Laughter Yoga. Friday, December 30, 2:00 p.m. New Years Eve Celebration with Music by The Soft Touch Trio. ❦ West Park Place is located at 3501 Executive Parkway in Toledo. All events are open to the public. Please reserve your seat by contacting Kirsten Pickle at 419-531-9211.

Answers to crossword from page 9 1

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News from

OTTERBEIN Gift giving across the generations

ith the holidays upon us, it is the time of year when giving gifts to others is a way to show our love and friendship. As we all know, there are limitless amounts of merchandise and services, at all price levels, that are sure to entice buyers to make a purchase. How do you choose? What can a grandparent give that has lasting meaning and won’t be quickly discarded and forgotten by the new year? And for families, what gift will delight grandparents—many of whom aren’t particularly interested in the newest and greatest electronic or gadget? A little creative thinking outside the gift box can provide some answers. By December, it’s time to take action and decide what to give, but during the next year, try taking some time to listen and observe what your loved

one enjoys, uses, or mentions that might be a clue to an appropriate gift. Here’s an example: A daughter noticed that her mother loved watching a certain local news station every evening at 5:00. Her mother commented on the female commentator’s beautiful clothing and how the weather man is so funny and even makes rainy days seem like fun. The daughter decided to take her mother to a live appearance by the news team at a holiday food drive. Her mother got to meet all of her favorite celebrities. She told her daughter that it was one of the most thrilling gifts she had ever received! For grandparents, there are a number of ways to give a gift that becomes a legacy. A legacy does not have to be monetary, but it is anything meaningful that lasts long into

the future. One idea is to complete a book that is designed for grandparents to share their life stories. Visit a local book store, and you will find a variety of formats. You will be sure to find one that seems doable. Most of them contain questions about life that will get you thinking and writing. You can also ask someone to help you do a video life story. Make an outline. Keep it simple. Start the camera, then talk and smile! What

a lasting gift for your family! If you would like to make a financial gift, think about a 529 plan. A 529 plan is an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. It is named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, which created these types of savings plans in 1996. Section 529 includes a special exemption to the gift tax for the purpose of contributing to a 529 plan. Five years of the gift tax exemption may be contributed at once if paid directly into a 529 plan. That means that each grandparent could contribute a one-time gift of $70,000. Today, over 17% of college students rely on families for help with college. Whether the gift is large or small, over time it becomes a legacy of learning and success for the grandchildren. Consult your financial planner about this type of gift as well as others. One additional idea is to give the gift of time. Grandparents have a wealth of knowledge and life lessons. Schedule a series of ongoing “dates” with your grandchildren. Pass on your love of fishing, share a secret recipe,

or educate them on who’s who in the family tree. Golden memories shared will be a lasting legacy. What can families get for Grandpa or Grandma? Again, notice the things that they like to do. For example, many retirees love to eat out. Have you ever noticed that when talking about an event, the first thing your loved one says is something about the food? Gift certificates to restaurants will delight and encourage eating with others. Research shows that folks who eat with others eat more and eat healthier. Look for practical gifts that you can give. Many grandparents are downsizing and they don’t need more knickknacks and collectables. You might see a need for a new coffeemaker, new towels, new floor

mats for the car, or a coupon book of carwash tickets. Taking Grandma and Grandpa on a short weekend trip is a great idea for family togetherness and discovery. Giving gifts is one way to show that we love one another. It doesn’t cost a lot of money when you do a little thinking and research. Need ideas? There’s no place like Pinterest for creative ideas. Just search “Gifts for …” and you’ll get lots of super ideas that will make this holiday one to remember! ❦ Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices takes pride in promoting intergenerational connections. For more information on these vibrant communities, call 419-833-8917 or visit www.otterbein.org.

Mona Lisa Touch shows astounding success one year post-treatment

esearch recently presented at the 2016 American Urogynecologic Society’s scientific meeting has proved what Dr. Andrew Croak and over 180 successfully treated patients have known for some time. According to Drs. Eric Sokol of Stanford University and Mickey Karram from the University of Cincinnati, over 92% of women treated for symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) continued to be satisfied with their outcomes one y e a r after initial Mona Lisa Touch (MLT) therapy. At the Northwest Ohio Center for Urogynecology and Women’s Health, Dr. Croak’s results are identical. Dr. Andrew Croak is the director of the center and could not be more pleased to offer this procedure to his patients. This life-changing procedure involves laser therapy that delivers gentle fractional CO2 laser energy to the female intimate tissues, re-stimulating collagen, healthy neovascularization, and moisturization in as little as three five-minute treatments

spaced six weeks apart. The procedure involves no downtime, no significant anesthesia requirement, and no side effects. MLT has been offered in the United States for approximately two years and is the first FDA-approved laser treatment for intimate atrophy and its associated genitourinary symptoms of dryness, pain with intercourse, bladder urgency and frequency, and increased infection risk. These symptoms often do not getter better over time without treatment. In particular, women who cannot take estrogen, such as breast cancer survivors and those with thromboembolic histories, see huge benefit. Another group of women seeing almost complete resolution of their disease states are those suffering with Lichen Sclerosis, a scaly plaque-like skin condition that causes lifelong itching and bleeding. Dr. Croak states, “We are trying hard to educate the women of Northwest Ohio that they have a very robust option regarding treating their GSM symptoms. He points to an example of a successfully treated

patient who attended a recent sexual dysfunction seminar sponsored by a local health system. The patient, who achieved 100% improvement with her MLT therapy, informed him that although the seminar overall was helpful, the information presented about MLT was erroneous. Four myths in particular needed to be clarified:

Mona Lisa Touch is not covered by insurance and is too expensive. Although MLT therapy is not covered by insurance, the price is actually very affordable at $1,800 for the three treatment sessions when compared to recent insurance-driven increases in either overactive bladder medicine or vaginal estrogen cream. One of the center’s nurse practitioners, Deanna Zaciek, CNP, confirms, “We always present intimate estrogen cream as a primary therapy for GSM and prescribe a lot of it. Unfortunately, we have seen seven to ten prescriptions denied or become cost-restrictive with prices going up from $70 for a six-week tube to over $250! The price of the laser quickly becomes the less expensive option.” A recent successfully treated patient, who also happens to be a surgeon, was “elated” to get off her overactive bladder and atrophy medicines and save over $3,000 in one year. Many patients have visited the center from cities such as New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Grand Rapids, Michigan because the price point is 30 to 50% less than in their respective locales. Patients may also choose to use Care Credit or an HSA account.

2. The Mona Lisa Touch laser burns the

vaginal skin and does not work. The MLT laser is the same CO2 Fractional laser that is used by skincare specialists to treat facial dermatologic conditions in millions of women every year. The laser is gentle and only penetrates 0.08mm into the skin to stimulate healthy tissue. There is minimal to no discomfort with the procedure, no risk to the patient, and results are often seen immediately. In fact, many women can resume intimacy as soon as 48 hours after treatment. In regards to success, the data

above speaks for itself. One patient from Muskegon, Michigan was emphatic, “This is a Godsend! I had burning all this time and sex was impossible. I always felt like I was tearing. My Urogyn sent me to Dr. Croak, and now I am able to be romantic again with my husband. Every women should know about this treatment because it is real and it works!” Based on another testimonial, even husbands are noticing: “After the 2nd treatment, I noticed a significant difference in my wife’s natural lubrication. I commented wow! It was like old times!”

There is no scientific basis for Mona Lisa Touch to back up its efficacy since the studies were not done in the U.S. Mona Lisa Touch was developed by Dr. Stafano Salvatore in Milan, Italy and has been effectively studied in over 25,000 women in Europe since 2008. Italian data in gynecologic surgery and aesthetics has long been regarded in scientific circles as sound. In fact, many of Dr. Croak’s colleagues from the Mayo Clinic spent part of their time training in Italy for certain surgical rotations. Peer-reviewed studies have been published in several well respected media forums within the Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, the International and North American Menopausal Societies, and the recent study referenced earlier. Grants are currently being awarded in the U.S. to study the laser’s effectiveness for Lichen Sclerosis and Interstitial Cystitis.

Mona Lisa Touch therapy has to be hocus-pocus because no one offers it. As with any new procedure, skepticism abounded due to a lack of data and results. “It sounded too good to be true, and we were very wary to offer this therapy at first. Our concerns were allayed when seeing that all of our first 30 patients achieved over 80% resolution in their symptoms. This was more than a placebo effect, their results were real,” says Dr. Croak. In addition, out of over 180 patients treated at Dr. Croak’s office, only three have not seen benefit and only one patient has not felt the therapy was of value. “Now we have several clinical trials and histologic studies to show significant positive

outcomes,” he states. Numerous physicians, including some of the area’s prominent breast surgeons, are ecstatic about the results their patients are seeing, particularly after treatment for breast cancer. One breast cancer survivor stated, “I have told all my friends at the Victory Center about this treatment. It was such a relief to go from constant dryness from my Tamoxifen to complete resolution. Returning to intimacy was only part of it.” Another nurse practitioner at the center, Tracey Begley, WHNP, points out, “There was inherent bias in regards to the misinformation presented at this recent sexual dysfunction seminar because menopausal services are not big money-makers for large healthcare systems. They will not spend the capital for their employed physicians to offer the latest technology. It’s only natural that the fine physicians speaking would only be able to tout what is available to them from their employer.” Because the majority of the patient population seen at the Northwest Ohio Center for Urogynecology and Women’s Health is made up of menopausal-age women, of which less than 40% suffer from GSM, it made sense for Dr. Croak to invest in this technology. As part of the center ’s holiday incentive program, patients who sign up for this life-changing treatment and sign up a friend will receive $300 off the complete $1,800 treatment package. Their friend will receive $100 off their respective package. The response has been so overwhelming that the incentive will be extended

through to December 31, 2016. There will also be an educational seminar in December at St. Luke’s Hospital. Please call 419-893-7134 or like the NWO Center for Urogynecology & Women’s Health; Pelvic Rehab and Wellness on Facebook.

Karen Liberi, MS, MPT, WCS, the lead pelvic floor therapist at the conjoined Northwest Ohio Center for Pelvic Rehabilitation and Wellness, enthusiastically states, “Going into the holidays, wouldn’t it be nice to be one’s old self again in regards to pelvic

health, romance, bladder control, and overall self-confidence? We find great satisfaction in seeing our patients not worrying about cutting a party short because of urinary incontinence or putting away the mistletoe because of painful atrophy.” ❦

Sister Karen Zielinski, OSF

nobody’s perfect After Words—you can take it with you! Everyone grieves in different ways. For some, it could take longer or shorter. I do know it never disappears. An ember still smolders inside me. Most days, I don’t notice it, but out of the blue, it’ll flare to life.

—Maria V. Snyder, Storm Glass. Used with permission.

t all started with Sister Jordan Schaefer. About a year ago, Sister Jordan, who works in pastoral care and mission integration at the Franciscan Care Center, a long-term care facility and rehab center, called me. “Can you help me put together a folder we can give to family and friends who are grieving? There is a profound sense of loss after the memorial service or burial is over. The days that follow are empty and lonely, and they deeply feel their loss.” Her ministry includes many things, and she is very involved with addressing the spiritual needs of individuals and family members who have lost a loved one.

Jordan shared that she noticed a deep sense of personal loss after memorial services and burial. When these are over, people continue grieving and can experience abruptly extreme loneliness and emptiness. She thought that in this digital age, where a person can shop, read a book, and order tickets and office supplies using their cell phones or

tablets, there might be something helpful in handing a person dealing with a traumatic life experience—the loss of their loved one—something they can take home, something they can touch. The two of us talked about what to include in this little folder. Since people do not experience the passing of a loved one often, this time of

sadness can be addressed by some well-thought-out aids. She wanted a small folder with items that might help with a person’s grieving process. The folder includes a variety of readings, poems, journal questions to write down memories, and two small mandalas for reflective, peaceful coloring. There are even colored pencils in the folder. The whole idea of the folder was a “takeaway,” a tangible aid that might offer comfort during the days and months after their loss. I asked a number of my Franciscan Sisters who worked in various ministries related to grieving for their

help. My Sisters sent me books with related Scripture quotes, poems on family roots, many small poems and prayers, all related to bereavement. Some offered comments on what people found comforting and helpful and what things people did not seem to use after a loss. For this spiritual advice, I contacted many Sisters: Pam Nosbusch, a hospice chaplain in Nashville; Faith Cosky, hospital chaplain at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor; Julitta Campbell, Spiritual Visitor at the Commons of Providence in Sandusky; Nora Klewicki, Director

of Mission Integration at Providence Care Center, Sandusky; Joy Barker, Director of Pastoral Care at St. Clare Commons, Perrysburg; Mary Thill, Patient Liaison at Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo. For creative editing and comments, I spoke with Sister Judy Zielinski, Director of Faith & Values Programming at NewGroup Media, South Bend; Sharon Havelak, Artist for All Good Things, Sylvania; and Ann Marie Emon, Computer Lab Assistant at the Thomas M. Wernert Center in Toledo. It was a lot of research, but well worth the months developing something that might offer those with a loss help and hope. Their cumulative advice helped me decide what to include or delete. Some people find that the repetition of coloring a mandala, quietly, can offer them a sense of control while grieving their loved one. Coloring can give us a sense of tranquility and spiritual peace. Others like to write, and the journal starter questions can give people a focus for writing down memories. The After Words folders were debuted recently at Dayton’s Westminster Presbyterian Church. Pastor Sue Hamilton invited me to lead a training/reflection day for a mixture of people: Church Care Partners, Stephen Ministry members, staff from Dayton area hospices, and church members. The day was special since all those present were somehow actively engaged in the loss of loved ones. They commented on the folders and bought some to use in their

special ministries. I did not do this project alone. It took input from people dealing with their losses, those who minister

as chaplains in churches and hospices, hospitals, and nursing homes. The contents came from the real world, from the marketplace, from those involved in the very real, traumatic event of losing someone we love. I think it can help make some lives a little more peaceful. I pray that it does. After Words is available at the Sylvania store All Good Things, 419-824-3749, or online at www. AllGoodThingsosf.org. ❦ Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the Mission of the Sisters St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sistersosf.org or 419-824-3543.

Ten signs your older loved one may need some help

hen Becky’s sister asked how their mother was “really doing” after a whirlwind weekend of relatives in town, a bridal shower and a milestone birthday celebration, she was told, “Okay.” But was she? The Ten Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help, posted on the website of eldercare.gov, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, is a checklist to truly reflect on how a loved one is doing. According to eldercare.gov, any one of these ten signs should be considered an indication that your aging loved one may need some assistance in the home. 1. Changing eating habits, resulting in weight loss, appetite loss, or missed meals. 2. Neglecting personal hygiene, including clothing, body odor, oral health, nails and skin.

3. Neglecting the home, with a noticeable change in tidiness. 4. Exhibiting inappropriate behavior, such as being unusually loud, quiet, paranoid, or agitated, or making phone calls at unusual hours. 5. Changing relationship patterns, causing friends and neighbors to express concern. 6. Showing physical injuries, such as burns, which may have resulted from general weakness, forgetfulness, or misuse of alcohol or medication. 7. Decreasing or stopping participation in activities that were once enjoyable, such as bridge or book club, dining with friends, or attending religious services. 8. Exhibiting forgetfulness, resulting in unopened mail, newspaper piles, unfilled prescriptions, or missed appointments. 9. Mishandling finances, such as not paying bills or paying them

more than once and losing or hiding money. 10. Making unusual purchases, such as more than one subscription to the same magazine, entering an unusually large number of contests, or increasing purchases from televi-

sion advertisements. Children and friends of aging loved ones need to continue to be vigilant and consider options for when they can’t live independently. When you socialize with loved ones, particularly if you don’t see

Megan Smiddy joins St. Clare Commons

egan Smiddy joined St. Clare Commons as Marketing Director for Rehabilitation and Skilled Care. Smiddy’s career experience includes significant roles in northwest Ohio health care, including positions at Advanced Healthcare Center, Whitehouse Country Manor, and HCR Manorcare, Heartland of Oregon. She brings to her new position marketing skills, established relationships in the health care community, and experience in providing patient clinical assessments. She is an established public speaker with media planning expertise.

“Megan is a highly respected health care professional. Her experience in handling resident relations as well as her contacts in health care make her a welcome addition to the St. Clare Commons family,” said Michael Freeman, Executive Director. St. Clare Commons offers a continuum of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation services. To take a tour or to learn more about St. Clare Commons, call Smiddy at 419-931-0050 or go to homeishere.org.

each other regularly, it is a good time to observe. You may notice subtle changes. Mom seems a little distracted. Dad looks like he lost some weight that he couldn’t afford to lose. A favorite aunt, whose house is usually spotless, looks a little disheveled. If so, assisted living may be an option. It’s the perfect alternative for seniors who can no longer live on their own, yet don’t require 24hour, complex medical supervision. Assisted-living services offer a balance between compassionate care and the maximum freedom possible, all within the safety of a campus. Plus, assisted living, with its multiple activities, keeps seniors active and connected with others their age for

fun and companionship. St. Clare Commons, located in Perrysburg, is close to churches, shopping, restaurants, and theaters and has 56 beautiful assisted-living apartments on its 55-acre campus. Chef-prepared meals, organized activities, exercise classes, a pastoral care program with spiritual enrichment, and much more make seniors feel that home is truly here. St. Clare Commons offers a continuum of care for seniors, including assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support, and rehabilitation services. To take a tour or to learn more about St. Clare Commons, call 419-931-0050 or go to homeishere.org. Ask about their respite-care program. ❦

EATING WELL by Laurie Syring, RD/LD

Avoid the Jingle Bellies and Sugar Plumps

he holiday season is upon us— though for some people, that season keeps getting larger and larger along with their waistlines. Nowadays it seems “the holidays” begin with the opening of that first bag of Halloween Candy and continue right on through the Super Bowl with all its associated snacking. With nearly a third of the year now lumped under the “holiday” heading, it’s no wonder we’re packing on the pounds! How much weight are we really gaining during this festive season? New studies suggest Americans gain less than two pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That doesn’t sound so bad, right? After all, I can gain that much in a day! But look at it like this: If you don’t take off those two “paltry” pounds after the holidays and you keep on adding two pounds a year for 20 years, you’re up 40 pounds from your high school “fighting weight.” The issue isn’t so much that we overindulge on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. We can (excuse the pun) bounce back from that easily enough. The problem is, when we take in an extra 500 calo-

ries a day, every day, for four to six weeks, the pounds can really start to add up. I’m talking four to eight pounds over the holiday season! The good news is, you don’t have to miss out on all your favorite holiday foods. You can still enjoy your “seasons eatings”—but perhaps with a little moderation, portion control, and mindfulness this time around. Here’s how:

Plan, plan, plan! I can’t emphasize this enough. Take a look at your monthly calendar and write down all the parties, gatherings, and lunch and dinner invites. Think about any eating challenges/ opportunities you might encounter at each one, and consider how to enjoy the event as you stick to your healthy eating plan. Also, try to prioritize your parties. Ask yourself what is going to be fun about this event and what issues you need to watch out for. For example, if you know you won’t be able to resist grandma’s famous potato latkes, plan and budget your calories for this special item.

Be choosy!

—Continued next page

Watch the booze

a yogurt, and a protein granola bar.

Libations can be loaded with a lot more calories than you realize. That rum-spiked eggnog alone can contain over 500 calories! Consider substituting club soda with a twist instead.

Don’t rely on bonus time at the gym

Be choosy “A little bit of everything” is not a good healthy eating strategy—especially during the holidays when there’s a whole lot of “everything” to choose from. Before you dig in, decide what you must have and what you can live without. Perhaps a warm, freshbaked gingerbread cookie is a must, but you can probably do without those tasteless store-bought cookies. Holiday party buffet lines are especially perilous. Before you dig in, peruse the whole line and decide which items are really worth splurging on. Don’t waste your calories on items that you can eat at any time of year or just aren’t all that tempting to you.

Eat before you go If you’re hungry before you head for that holiday gathering, eat a healthy snack at home so that you don’t overeat at the party. Have a piece of fruit,

Laurie Syring, RD/LD, is chief clinical dietitian at ProMedica Flower Hospital.

Spending extra time at the gym is good for stress relief and maintaining your exercise routine, but the calories burned won’t necessarily counteract all those extra holiday calories. The number of calories burned during a workout is relatively small compared to the damage you can do at a party. For example, the 300 calories you burned on the elliptical will only wipe out a couple of small cookies. So sad, I know.

Young eyes are watching

Planning for your holiday parties can make it easier for you to stick with your healthy eating goals and give you an edge when it comes to handling surprise calories that come your way. Your perspective plays an important part, as well. Do you look at the holidays as a strictly food-centric season or an opportunity to spend more time with the people you love? Why not shift the focus from food to family and friends? Above all, keep in mind that you can still enjoy the treats of the season—as long as you’re mindful of your choices. ❦

by Mark S. Faber, USPTA Elite Professional

ver the past month, I went back and forth on how to write this month’s article. As I continued to review the topics that would hopefully appeal to readers, it finally hit me that all the topics seemed to circle back to the effect they have on the youth of today. The youth of today are leaders of tomorrow, and what they see and hear will greatly influence their thoughts, their values, and in some cases their morals.

Since the column I contribute monthly is geared to sharing the values of being active, many times with a focus on the sport of tennis, I will continue to use sports as my vehicle. In today’s world, athletes who are awarded multimillion-dollar contracts are the lead stories on ESPN’s Sportscenter, lead headlines in newspapers like USA Today, and main talking points on shows like ESPN’s Mike and Mike (whether we like it or not). It’s these same athletes our aspiring young athletes look up to and model themselves after. In my time, there is no better example than Michael Jordan. When the “Being Like Mike” ad campaign ran, kids bought basketball shoes with his name on them in hopes of playing like him and I am sure there were not too many number 23 jerseys on store shelves. Please do not get me wrong, I believe the talent that many of these athletes have is amazing. What I’m saying is that it is not all about the talent. Talent is only one part of what the “young eyes” see today. Over the past few years, our youth have seen amazing talent in individuals such as Alex Rodríguez, Ray Rice, Colin Kaepernick, Adrian Peterson, Hope Solo, Maria Sharpova, and Aroldis Chapman. These athletes have made news for a variety of reasons outside their athletic ability, ranging from use of PEDs, to abuse charges, to exercising a constitutional right. On the other hand, the “young eyes” also see where various sports team athletes were not allowed to wear special shoes in remembrance of the great tragedy of 9/11 or hear the amazing journey of star athletes such as Anthony Rizzo of (finally) the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. How about the all the amazing charity work that so many of the professional athletes do to provide opportunity to those who would not normally have it? The point of this article is simple. Sports play a major role in many of our lives, beginning when we’re young, wide-eyed dreamers and continuing into adulthood. We coaches always stress to our young athletes that sports provide an opportunity to learn so many life skills; however, we cannot overlook the fact that not all about sports and what the “young eyes” see is correct, and they need to know that. They need to be made aware that just because you win the

championships or get paid the huge contracts, it doesn’t make everything you do okay. It does not make you bigger than the rules, and it does not give you the right to disrespect other individuals. Now some of you might be saying,

“Well as a parent, I would like to think that I have a stronger influence than what my kids see in star athletes or other people of strong influence.” That is exactly why I chose to write this column this month. We, as parents and people of influence, do have that

ability. We need to make sure we sit down with our children and explain to them right and wrong. We also need to let them know that people do make mistakes. That is also part of life. We need to allow people to learn from their mistakes and grow

and become better from what they have learned, while treating them with respect. In the end, it is our job to make sure the “young eyes” today are getting the complete picture, which will help them become even greater leaders of tomorrow. ❦

No time like the present for cosmetic enhancements at Luxe Laser

ith autumn leaves falling all around and a nip in the air hinting at winter ahead, Northwest Ohioans are once again preparing for a cold season spent indoors. But despite the prospect of icy roads and snowy sidewalks, the arrival of colder weather can be good news for area residents who might be contemplating undergoing a cosmetic procedure to enhance their appearance before swimsuit season returns. In fact, According to Dr. Wade Banker of Luxe Laser Vein & Body Center, there’s no time like the present to seek cosmetic treatments and services. “In my experience, any procedure with recovery time associated tends to become more popular as the weather cools off in fall,” explains Dr. Banker. “For example, women who want

to achieve fuller, firmer, or larger breasts often choose to undergo breast augmentation at this time of year. Following augmentation, they need to wear a compression garment for the first two weeks while they heal and it can take a few months for everything to settle in, so if they have the procedure done now, they can wear a sweater throughout their recovery and no one will even notice.” Similarly, this time of year is optimal for undergoing fat-removal procedures, such as tummy tucks to remove portions of loose skin due to weight loss or genetics, and minimally invasive Smart Lipo to gently and precisely melt fat and tighten skin in targeted areas. These procedures vary considerably with respect to recovery—with tummy

tucks necessitating relatively significant healing and Smart Lipo requiring only minimal downtime. Still, many people prefer to have them done now so they have plenty of time to heal before heading back to the pool or beach and show off their results. Another cosmetic procedure with associated downtime that has become tremendously popular at this time of year is C02 facial rejuvenation—a treatment that can dramatically improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and other blemishes. In fact, this procedure

is so popular among people who want to put their best face forward during the holidays that Dr. Banker performs it all day long the day after Thanksgiving. Those bothered by unsightly spider or varicose veins on their legs stand to benefit from having them treated at this time of year, as well. Not only can Dr. Banker correct these vein issues quickly and effectively with minimal pain and no downtime—and using the most advanced technology available—but having him do so now instead of waiting for

warm weather to return could make a significant difference in the cost of the procedure. If you’ve already met your insurance deductible for the year, it’s possible that you could have the procedure done completely free of charge. Dr. Banker notes that now is also the ideal time to have less-invasive cosmetic procedures performed. “Laser hair removal, for instance, takes a total of six treatment sessions and you have to stay out of the sun for a few days after each treatment. So, if you begin now, you’ll finish by early summer and never have to shave again,” he says. “Other examples include injectables such as Botox and Juvederm because of all

those holiday photos coming up. If you get one of these treatments now, it’ll last through Valentine’s Day, maximizing your holiday mileage. Of course, cosmetic procedures of all kinds are popular around the New Year holiday, as both men and women look for ways to freshen up their lives and their look.” ❦ If you would like to give someone in your life one of these procedures as a gift for the holidays, Luxe Laser Vein & Body Center offers gift cards to make it possible. For more information or to schedule your consultation, please call 419-893-2775. Also, a 3D video tour of the center can be found on their website at luxe-laser.com.

It's never too early to set your New Year's fitness resolutions by Amanda Manthey

ith 2017 just a month away, it’s time to start thinking about those New Year ’s resolutions and a perfect time to re-evaluate your personal fitness goals. If you’re a novice runner, an advanced runner, or even a member of a local gym, the approaching New Year is a great time to set short- and long-term goals for yourself. Whether it’s for weight loss or to improve your 5K run time, personal goals will keep you on track. Here are five tips for maximizing your resolutions this year: ✔Set three measurable personal short-term goals (one- to two-month periods) and three long-term goals to accomplish next year. Remember to reward yourself with personal tokens, such as a massage or a new workout outfit. ✔Chart your progress and goals by using a running log or calendar. Visualizing your accomplishments will provide support, reassurance, and motivation to keep achieving those goals. ✔Keep a regular schedule. This helps maintain normalcy in your life by designating that time of day as “your own personal workout time.” Whether it’s with a running group or a workout companion, a schedule will help regulate your busy lifestyle and help you reach your personal goals. ✔Develop a fitness/exercise consciousness. Running or working out is just like brushing your teeth

daily to help maintain your personal health. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. ✔Inspire a friend, family member, or coworker to join you for a run, walk, or an hour at the gym. You can make a difference in your life and their life. By motivating someone else, you are motivating yourself to be a role model, and believe me, it’s contagious. ❦ Amanda Manthey is a former collegiate runner for Eastern Michigan University. She writes about running and fitness for Dave’s Performance Footgear.

Don’t miss Dave’s races!

Runners, get ready to “take your mark” in these exciting community events sponsored by Dave’s Performance Footgear. For more information on the following events, including any associated costs/fees, please visit davesraces.com. 5th Annual Jingle Bell 5K—Saturday, December 3, 2016, 9:00 a.m. at 901 E. Main St., Leipsic, Ohio. Jingle Bell 5K—Sunday, December 4, 2016, 3:00 p.m. (Kids Fun Run at

2:45 p.m.) at 1101 Panther Pride Dr., Delta, Ohio. Miracle on Main Street 5K—Sunday, December 4, 2016, 4:00 p.m. (Santa’s Little Helper Kids Dash at 5:30 p.m.) at 5651 Main St., Sylvania, Ohio. Jingle Bell Run/Walk—Toledo, Ohio Saturday, December 10, 2016, 9:00 a.m. at the Shops at Fallen Timbers,

3100 Main St., Maumee, Ohio. UpTown Toledo’s 5K Santa Run— Saturday, December 17, 2016, 9:00 a.m. at UpTown Green Park, 1900 Madison Ave., Toledo, Ohio. Great Scot and Findlay YMCA Jingle Bell Jog—Saturday, December 17, 2016, 8:30 a.m. at Great Scot, 2021 Broad Ave., Findlay, Ohio. ❦

At Sunset, high-quality rehab affords seniors highest quality of life

s we age, it’s common to experience health issues that impact our function, mobility, and overall quality of life. For example, years of wearand-tear may begin to take their toll on our joints; neurological issues may challenge our mobility, movement, and balance; or our cardiovascular health may begin to decline. But seniors don’t have to accept these changes as inevitable. By taking advantage of high-quality rehabilitation services, they can continue to enjoy the highest possible quality of life and degree of independence despite their physical challenges.

That’s why Sunset Retirement Communities has chosen to incorporate a wide range of rehabilitation services in their continuum of care— and why they will soon be opening a state-of-the-art rehab center on the campus of Sunset Village. Addressing how Sunset’s physical, occupational, and speech therapy services can make a difference in the lives of seniors facing health issues, Gayle Young, Director of Marketing, Communication, and Public

Relations for Sunset Retirement Communities, explains, “Many seniors may need hip or knee replacements, and rehab can help them build strength quicker following surgery so they face fewer complications and are able to return to their normal activities of life quicker. Also, seniors with neurological challenges can often regain mobility and movement through rehab, and those faced with a stay in rehab after a cardiac event will learn about exercises to improve their cardiovascular system. All of our rehab patients will be given help with medication from our nurses as well as assistance with activities of daily living from our caring, highly trained staff.” Sunset’s rehab services can also

play a crucial preventive role for the senior population. For example, by working with the therapy team to improve their strength, gait, and balance, seniors can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a debilitating fall. The new rehab wellness center at Sunset Village is focused on providing the best experience for clients, which includes private treatment space as well as apartment-style suites with personalized concierge services, full-sized bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, Wi-Fi access, and delicious cooked-to-order meal options from the culinary team. “Your private suite will be beautifully furnished with accessories to minimize the need to bring items from home. To add to their comfort and ability to rehab more quickly, we encourage our clients to have their pets join them for their rehab stay. Relationships are an important part of healing, and we support family, friend, and pet involvement. Sunset Village is an Eden Alternative Registered community, where the focus is on the whole person, not just the treatment, so we recognize the importance of allowing each individual to make choices and to

be involved in the decision-making process,” says Young. The rehab center’s therapy gym is also on the cutting edge, featuring state-of-the-art equipment that is adjustable to clients’ specifications. Clients can even enjoy virtual tours of the countryside and other scenic views as they pedal on the “Cyber-Cycle.” The facility also boasts a Swimex therapy pool with three levels of water depth and a paddlewheel for resistance training, a mobility courtyard with different surfaces to help clients practice navigating the different types of surfaces they may encounter, as well as a car that allows individuals to practice transferring into and out of a vehicle. Conveniently located in Sylvania, Sunset’s new rehab wellness center will offer services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Young explains why it’s essential to offer both: “If clients don’t have the support at home, our inpatient services offer them the opportunity to get stronger with the help of a supportive staff. Another advantage for clients having therapy on-campus in our rehab wellness center is that someone from the therapy team will come and get them at the time

they have selected for their therapy appointment. On the other hand, for many individuals, recuperating at home is the best therapy. And while they’re able to be home, they still need the therapeutic services of a professional rehab team to help them get stronger. That’s where our outpatient services come in.” ❦

Construction and renovation on the new rehab center at Sunset Village will be complete in December, and the rehab team will welcome the first patients shortly thereafter. To learn more about the new rehab center, Sunset Village, or any of the Sunset Retirement Communities and services, please call 419-724-1200 or visit www.sunset-communities.org.

BySister Mary Thill

Spiritually Speaking You = Awesome Spirituality begins not in fear (help/save me) nor in greed (give or get for me) but in the sense of awe, wonder, and gratitude (Wow! Thanks!) evoked at a realization of, in the aware presence of, beauty—whether perceived in the grandeur and magnificence of the universe or in the hint of infinity in a newborn infant. —Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham

ow can one not think of the birth of Jesus the Christ after reading the quote from Kurtz and Ketcham? The birth was certainly an awesome event in the history of humankind

and the history of the world. We must also remember that each of us is awesome, and hopefully we treat ourselves and others as if we really believed this because it’s true. What does this awesomeness have to do with the season of the year where we remember the birth of Christ, the beginning of winter, and a chance to be kind to one another in

a spirit of joy, love, faith, hope, and mercy? Let me tell the ways. Many of my Catholic, Christian friends decry the secular meaning that Christmas seems to have taken on in the last few decades. Consumerism reigns and even begins to entice us with Christmas stuff in stores in July! When exactly is enough enough? How many more toys, electronic devices, clothes, TVs, cars, etc. can one use since last Christmas? Have we lost the meaning of gift giving in the first place? It strikes me as odd that Jesus came into this world as a poor baby, born to a young woman under what most thought were suspicious circumstances, and this Holy Family ended up being refugees in order to save the life of the baby. Too many families in our world today are in very similar circumstances. Perhaps that would be the gift we give this year—helping members of a refugee family establish themselves in our country, our city, our neighborhood, and even our home. That would be awesome! In this part of the country, winter looms large in our

imaginations at this time. Will it be mild, will it be full of icy days and snowy weekends, will we have more free days from school than last year? We don’t know yet, but we can begin to do some things to prepare for the worst and be open to what may or may not even be a problem. I would hope that our plans would include our neighbors, our nearby family members, and even strangers who may need help from us during this unpredictable season. I also hope that we can enjoy the beauty of the snowfall and the sparkling ice on the trees. Both can be treacherous, and, at the same time, both can be awesome! I would hope and pray that as we

put this crazy, busy, unusual year to bed, we would take some time to reflect on what the new year will bring and that one resolution we make would be to regain a sense of responsibility for what happens to our planet, to our world, to our country, to our families, and to each and every one of us. Let us be people of joy, love, faith, hope, and mercy, and let us exercise these virtues in abundance wherever and whenever we can. That would truly be awesome! ❦ Sister Mary Thill is a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. She is Patient Liaison for Mature Health Connections at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center. She can be reached at 419-251-3600.

ProMedica opens healthy oasis in Uptown Toledo food desert

or residents of Toledo’s Uptown community, access to healthy, quality, affordable food has, until recently, been severely limited. In fact, the USDA designated this neighborhood a “food desert,” meaning an area that is devoid of grocery stores and markets that offer fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful whole foods. People residing in food deserts often have no other recourse than to shop at convenience stores that offer only fat- and sugar-laden processed foods. However, one year ago a healthy oasis emerged in the midst of that Uptown food desert. As part of ProMedica’s ongoing campaign to address hunger in our community, the organization opened the Ebeid

Institute for Population Health at 1806 Madison Avenue. “ProMedica is working very seriously on the issue of

hunger and other social determinants of health,” explains Stephanie Cihon, associate vice president of ProMedica Community Relations, Advocacy and Grants. “When communities lack access to quality, affordable food, poor nutrition and health issues inevitably follow.” A key component of the Ebeid Institute—which was made possible by a generous donation from Michigan resident and philanthropist Russell Ebeid and deeded to ProMedica by the City

of Toledo—is Market on the Green, a full-service grocery store offering fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy, locally baked goods, frozen foods, and other staples at very affordable prices. According to the market’s manager, Anthony Goodwin, the 6,000-square-foot store features a wide variety of locally sourced products, such as produce from Sam

Okun and McQueen Orchards, meats and cheeses from Walnut Creek, and fresh-brewed coffee brought in every morning from Flying Rhino. Market on the Green is already a popular draw among downtown commuters. What’s more, shoppers are pleasantly surprised to discover that the market offers locally sourced organic foods at prices much lower than are typically found at larger, conventional grocery stores. “Thanks to the generosity of Russell Ebeid and other community partners, and because we fall under that non-profit umbrella, we’re able to sell our foods at very competitive prices—almost at cost,” Goodwin states. Of course, Market on the Green is just one element of the Ebeid Institute that’s making a difference for Uptown residents. “We’re also offering a job training program, employment opportunities, nutrition education, financial education, and other services to help turn around the neighborhood and build on all the other exciting things happening in that area,” says Goodwin. The 12-month job-training program is designed to help neighborhood residents achieve employment by strengthening their job skills and shadowing workers. Participants devote 22 hours each week to the program, including 18 hours working in the market and four hours of supplemental training. After completing the program, assuming they’ve acquired the applicable skills, they can hire into the ProMedica system or take advantage of other employment opportunities in the community. Goodwin notes that all of the initial six trainees are still in the program with four already hired into the system— two in environmental services, one in security, and one in courier services. Interviews are currently underway for the next group of trainees.

To further reinforce the message that proper nutrition and good health go hand-in-hand, a teaching kitchen, offering healthy cooking demonstrations, will open this month on the second floor of the Ebeid Institute. “Plus, a dietitian will come in to do presentations on topics such as healthy food shopping, how to read nutrition labels, fresh versus canned foods, and the benefits of buying in season,” Goodwin says. Cihon adds, “Our wrap-around services also include a financial opportunity center—one of only four in the community—where area residents can learn vital economic skills, such as creating a budget, planning for retirement, and repairing credit.” Market on the Green, located at the corner of 18th Street and Madison Avenue, is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The market is open to everyone and WIC/SNAP is accepted. For more information, please call 567-5850055 or visit their Facebook page, @ProMedicaMarketOnTheGreen. ❦

Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services changes brand

n October 28, Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services, the largest and most experienced not-for-profit provider of life plan communities (formerly called continuing care retirement communities, CCRCs) and services in Ohio, changed their name to Ohio Living. Senior Independence, the organization’s home health and hospice provider, will be known as Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, and their charitable foundation will be Ohio Living Foundation. “We selected Ohio Living be-

cause it embodies the essence of who we are as an organization—a community of people who celebrate living,” explained Ohio Living CEO Laurence C. Gumina. “We believe this new brand is an expression of our organizational values and speaks to the principles of who we are and the care and support we provide to the more than 73,000 adults and to our 3,200+ employees throughout the state of Ohio. Our people, mission, and ownership will remain the same, while our new name positions us to meet the needs of today’s and future generations.” To maximize the alignment opportunities of the new brand, each of the organization’s 12 life plan communities will have Ohio Living in front of the existing community name and remove references to “retirement” or “communities” from their names. This name change was not the result of a merger, acquisition, or change in ownership. Rather, it was the result of a thoughtful process that sought to honor the company’s nearly 95-year history while remaining relevant to current generations and those well into the future. The company will honor its faith-

based heritage and culture with the new tagline—Faith, Compassion and Community.

To learn more, visit the new website at ohioliving.org. ❦

Holiday stress and tinnitus by Dianna Randolph, AuD, CCC-A

he holidays, whether you are ready for them or not, always seem to be a very stressful time for many of us. Between shopping, holiday parties (either hosting or going to them), and visiting family, your stress and/or anxiety level may increase. As your stress level builds, you may notice a sound in your ears that wasn’t there before and is not from any outside source. There are numerous causes of tinnitus, some of which are controllable. Noise exposure and hearing loss are the most common cause. Some other causes of tinnitus could be prescribed or over-the-counter medications, high blood pressure, excessive caffeine consumption, temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) problems, wax impaction, or a middle ear infection. Even

increased stress can cause tinnitus. Some less common causes of tinnitus are Meniere’s disease and acoustic or vestibular tumors. If the tinnitus is suspected to be caused by a wax impaction, ear infection, Meniere’s disease, or tumor, a referral to an otolaryngologist is recommended. If it’s caused by a hearing loss, usually treating the hearing loss also treats the tinnitus. If you have tinnitus, the holidays are a time when it can increase. Here are some ways to decrease tinnitus disturbance: Avoid stimulants. While visiting friends and family, your caffeine intake may increase to give you that extra energy boost, but this extra caffeine may increase the loudness

of tinnitus. Try to avoid or limit the amount of caffeine you consume to keep your tinnitus under control. The effects of nicotine have been found to increase tinnitus by reducing blood flow to the ears. Avoid noisy environments. Being around loud noise will also cause tinnitus to increase. Football games, parties, and parades can get unusually loud. If you are able, wear hearing protection or find a quiet area to relax to get your tinnitus back in check. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol will dilate the blood vessels to your inner ear, causing tinnitus to increase. Avoid alcohol altogether, or limit your intake to just one drink and don’t drink on an empty stomach. Explore alternatives to aspirin. Aspirin use has been known to increase or even cause tinnitus—not the baby aspirin your cardiologist has you take once a day, but the high-dose aspirin (8-12 tablets/day) some people take for chronic pain. If you are taking aspirin for chronic pain, you may want to consult your physician for an alternative. Get teeth grinding under control. Increased stress levels may increase

the effects of temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) problems. If you grind your teeth at night, you may want to see your dentist. He or she can diagnose TMJ and possibly prescribe the use of a bite guard to prevent teeth grinding. Cut back on the salt. A highsalt diet can also contribute to increased tinnitus. During the holidays, we often indulge in foods that aren’t usually in our daily diet. High sodium can constrict blood flow and cause high blood pressure, which has been known to cause tinnitus. Manage your stress. Stress management can keep your tinnitus under control. During the holidays, make time for yourself. Meditation and exercise are good ways to manage your stress level. Listening to relaxation sound/music is another way to keep stress levels low. Check your medications. Finally, ask your physician about the side effects of any medications you are taking. Many medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, and anti-inflammatory medicines, may cause tinnitus. If you find that your tinnitus has

become disturbing, it is advised that you contact an audiologist. Tinnitus could be a sign of hearing loss or a bigger problem. At Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, we have worked with many patients to determine the cause of their tinnitus and have helped many patients find relief. If a specialist is recommended, we can also get you scheduled with an otolaryngologist, but to determine the correct course of treatment, a tinnitus evaluation must be done. This testing consists of a complete audiological evaluation, middle ear testing, a tinnitus pitch and loudness matching task, and a tinnitus reaction questionnaire (TRQ). With the information from these tests, a recommendation can be made to help manage your tinnitus. Tinnitus can fluctuate in severity, especially during the holidays. It isn’t something that you just have to live with. If you suffer from tinnitus, call one of our offices to schedule an evaluation. All of us at Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic would like to wish all of you a happy holiday season and thank you for your continued interest in our monthly

articles. If there is a topic you would like us to write about, please let us know. ❦ Dianna Randolph, AuD, CCC-A, is a

Doctor of Audiology with Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, located at 1125 Hospital Dr., Suite 50 in Toledo (419383-4012) and 1601 Brigham Dr., Suite 160 in Perrysburg (419-873-4327).

Upgrade your cheese this holiday season!

t’s time again for holiday parties, family get-togethers, and the usual barrage of party trays, which, along with rather ordinary cold cuts and veggies, serve the standard selection of Cheddar, Swiss, Colby, and pepper jack cheeses. Oh, and let’s not forget the obligatory cheese roll surrounded by crackers. If this sounds all too familiar—and somewhat less than appetizing—why not elevate your taste in cheese this

holiday season? There’s a world of cheeses out there to choose from, and you and your party guests might just enjoy the variety.

For spreading Dispensing with the cheese log does not mean you can’t enjoy cheese and crackers this Christmas. Soft-ripened cheeses, also called “bloomy rinds” (after the molds that leave a powdery bloom on the rind as they age and are

responsible for their flavor), have a slightly runny texture, making them excellent for spreading on crackers, bread, or sliced fruit. Bloomy rinds also make a great choice for a cheese board presented at the end of a fine meal. The most famous soft-ripened cheeses are Brie and Camembert. Both are French in origin, but they also have American-made counterparts. All Bries start out with a relatively mild flavor that intensifies as they age. In recent years, this flavor has been enhanced with the addition of mushrooms, herbs, pepper, and other seasonings. Camembert has a flavor similar to Brie but is generally sharper and slightly richer in texture. Soft-ripened cheeses are best cut from whole, ripe wheels and spoil relatively quickly, so consume them as close to the day of purchase as possible. When perfectly ripe, they should be just starting to ooze. Under-ripe bloomy rinds will have a stiff, chalky center. Brie and Camembert can be refrigerated lightly wrapped in waxed paper or plastic wrap, but you’ll want to restore both to room temperature before serving.

Some Dutch favorites Lots of good cheeses come out of Holland, but Americans are most familiar with Edam, Gouda, and, to a lesser degree, Leyden. Protected with a red wax coating, these mild, subtle cheeses are great for holiday eating. Edam comes in three forms: plain, aged, and very aged. Plain Edam has a bland to mild flavor and is softest in texture. As it ages, its flavor becomes more sweet and nutty. Very aged Edam begins to assume a somewhat grainy texture. Like Edam, Gouda also comes in three forms. Regular Gouda is pale and has a slightly springy texture and nutty flavor. Farmhouse Gouda has more tang and flavor than regular and will appeal to fans of mild Cheddar. Mona Lisa is the darkest and is aged the longest of all the Goudas. It has a rich flavor reminiscent of browned butter. Leyden has similar qualities to both Edam and Gouda, but it is usually seeded with caraway, cloves, or cumin. Farm-made Leyden is preferable to factory-made, having a more potent flavor.

Goat’s milk cheeses If you’re feeling a little adventuresome while planning your party, consider presenting some goat’s milk cheeses. Goat cheeses, generically called Chevres after the French word for goat, come from all parts of France and usually carry a specific geographic name. The malleable nature of goat’s milk curds makes it possible to mold these cheeses into all kinds of fanciful shapes, such as the familiar log, little balls, thick ovals, and pyramids. Goat cheese varies in flavor depending on the region where it’s produced. Some of its subtle nuances may include clover, herbs, pine, walnuts, and pepper. To enhance its flavor, goat cheese is often crusted with herbs, nuts, or other coatings. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap when refrigerating.

What’s that aroma? If you can get past the aroma, brushedrind or washed-rind cheeses, such as Limburger, beer cheese, and Havarti, add yet another flavor dimension. These cheeses get their taste from curing techniques that involve keeping the surface moist and warm to encourage the development of flavoring bacteria. The strong aroma generally concen- trates in the rind, while the paste is relatively mild. Some would suggest the best part of the cheese actually is the rind, but beginners usually prefer to have it cut away. Limburger is by far the most familiar of these ripened, semisoft cheeses. It has its origins in Europe, but a highly fragrant American version is produced in Wisconsin. All Limburgers have a thin, moist, paletan rind and a solid-white paste. The flavor can, perhaps, best be described as agreeably pungent and sharp. Beer cheese also smells much stronger than it tastes. This washedrind, which originated in Germany, is milky-white in color from the rind to the paste and is dotted with small holes. Its flavor is mildly intense, with the German originals being somewhat stronger than American versions. If you’re looking for a mild, semisoft dessert cheese, give Havarti a try. This Danish cheese is also more appealing flavor-wise than its odor might suggest. Havarti is available plain or flavored with spices such

as dill, caraway, or chives.

What’s your preference? Whether your taste preference leans toward the mild or fairly intense, there are lots of cheeses you can

choose to perk up your holiday menu. So, put out the traditional cheese log if you like, but consider complementing it with some international favorites. Your guests will thank you for it. ❦

A Walk in the Park by LeMoyne Mercer

Without a Trace

MP 15

n the late 1700s and early 1800s, Americans who lived west of the Alleghenies and Blue Ridge mountains had a problem. If they were fortunate enough to have a successful year farming, how would they get their

goods to market? Roads back then were crude, poorly maintained, and dangerous. Mountain roads were not suitable for the transportation of goods in heavy wagons and totally impassable when the weather was

bad. In other words, roads back then were a lot like roads in Toledo today. From about 1785 until the 1820s, farmers and merchants in the Ohio River Valley loaded their cargoes on flatboats and let river currents carry them down the Ohio and Mississippi to markets in Natchez or even as far as New Orleans. Young Abraham Lincoln made one of those trips. Floating down was relatively easy. Paddling a flatboat back upstream was impossible. A common solution was to sell the boats as lumber and then walk or ride north again. An old trail called the Natchez Trace, used by the Indians for 10,000 years, ran northeast from Natchez to Nashville. From there you could connect with other roads to get to your destination. It was never an easy trip. To begin with, it was about 450 miles to Nashville plus any additional mileage to where you started from. So you had better be really fond of walking or prosperous enough to ride a horse. But riding a horse was a clear indicator to organized bands of thieves that you must be prosperous. So, you might as well start out walking because you were likely to end up walking anyway. If you were traveling with well-armed companions, you might escape the robbers, but there is no record of anyone ever escaping the mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers. There was no Holiday Inn Express, but eventually there were 20 “stands” where you might rent a bed and get a meal. Most of the time, though, you had better just get used to sleeping on the ground. And in the rain. But you were already wet from wading across dozens of streams. After steamboats replaced flatboats in the 1820s, cargo and passengers could travel faster and easier. The old Natchez Trace fell into disuse until, in 1938, the federal Natchez Trace Parkway was begun on the same principles as the better known Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a recreational route closed to commercial traffic that passes through gently rolling farm land and forest. The speed limit is 40 to 50 mph, and there are no utility poles or billboards to detract from the scenery. The Blue Ridge, admittedly, offers more spectacular vistas, but the Trace has charms of its own. It is popular with bicyclists because the traffic is very light, the hills are relatively easy, and there are cyclist-only campgrounds along the way. In October, Shirley and I took

the Trace yet again. There are some places we looked forward to revisiting and others we had not gotten around to for one reason or another. The main excuse for not having seen everything already is that there are hundreds of things to see and do. Still more are just a few miles off the Trace. Even retirees don’t have time to see everything of scenic, cultural, or historical interest. The Natchez Trace begins, as it did for the boatmen, at Mile Post 0 in Natchez, Mississippi. We have driven it south to north when coming home from New Orleans and from Arizona. We are more likely to drive it, as you will, from north to south beginning just outside Nashville at MP 444. Traveling either direction, we recommend a spring trip for the wildflowers and the glorious gardens at antebellum mansions or a fall trip for comfortable weather and less risk of rain. We have stayed in all three campgrounds operated by the National Park Service, three state parks, two Corps of Engineers, a National Forest, and Grand Gulf Military Park. It is nice to have options because campgrounds tend to fill up on weekends. But you might prefer to hotel it or, better yet, stay in beautifully restored antebellum mansions that offer B&B accommodations. MP 404: Jackson Falls named for Andrew Jackson. A trail descends steeply about 900 feet to the base of the falls. Save this stop for your spring trip when the stream is running heavy. In the fall, it is barely a trickle. Old Hickory mustered his troops nearby for the march down to New Orleans in 1814. MP 401: The Old Trace is a two-mile spur that lets you drive a section of the original road. The Parkway is for

MP 401

MP 386

driving slow. The Old Trace section is for driving slower still. It is one-way south to north. Other options are short walks on the Old Trace near MP 269 and, our preference, the Sunken Trace at MP 41. There are numerous stops on the parkway marked with signs to the Old Trace. Take a little walk along at least one section to get a feel for what it was like. MP 386: Meriwether Lewis grave at Grinder’s Stand where the leader, with William Clark, of the Corps of Discovery, died under suspicious circumstances in 1809. Was it suicide

MP 332

or murder? The story is way too complicated to go into here, but history buffs may wish to read up on it. MP 332 Shiloh National Military Park is a short drive west on Rt. 69 and south on Rt. 64. You might then continue to the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center before looping back to the Trace. There are numerous Civil War sites all along the Trace. MP 310: Right at the Alabama-Mississippi state line, pull over to get a close-up look at the cotton fields

MP 310

MP 266 when the bolls are bursting open in the fall. MP 266: At the Trace Visitor Center they were holding Pioneer Days demonstrations by people in period costumes when we were headed north. A pioneer “hunter” had samples of various animal pelts—bear, deer, buffalo, beaver, and mink. Mother and daughter quilters were working on Apple Core and Arkansas Crossroads patterns. A dulcimer player sang traditional melodies. JD taught Shirley to weave a basket—which is easy to do crudely and difficult to do well.

(I think Shirleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turned out nicely.) MP 260: Elvis Presley birthplace in Tupelo, MS is technically not on the Trace, but it is close enough for any fan. In addition to the family house (far more humble than Graceland) and the museum, there is also the relocated church where young Elvis learned to sing the gospel melodies he later recorded and performed in concert.

MP 260

Grant and Sherman, played critical roles in the Union victory that split the South in two and helped end the war. MP 30: Windsor Ruins just west on Rt. 552. The stately mansion survived the Civil War because it was used as a Union hospital but was burned

MP 180

MP 30 MP 243: Hernando De Soto, Spanish explorer and automotive pioneer spent the winter of 1540-41 near here. We usually donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t associate Spanish exploration with Mississippi. MP 180: French Camp established by Louis LeFleur as a stand in 1812 is essentially an old farmstead with historic demonstrations. In October, for example, syrup is made from sorghum. This year they invited me to feed canes into the horse-powered mill. (The trick is to not let the lower end of the revolving beam bonk you on the head.) The juice is boiled down over a wood fire, like maple syrup, to about one-thirteenth its original volume. MP 122: Pierre LeMoyne, French explorer and founder of Mobile, AL and brother of Jean-Baptiste LeMoyne, founder of New Orleans, sailed into the mouth of the Pearl River here in 1698 and named it for what he found. Today, the fresh-water pearls are mostly gone but the bald cypress swamp remains. Watch out for alligators.

MP 88 MP 88: To Vicksburg exit at I-20 for an easy half-hour drive to antebellum mansions such as Cedar Grove where a Civil War cannon ball is still imbedded in a parlor wall. The Civil War military park is similar to Gettysburg and well worth a visit. Ohio regiments, not to mention Generals

MP 30

to the ground in 1890 when a guest left a lighted cigar on the balcony. MP 30: While you are in the neighborhood, have lunch at the Old Country Store in Lorman where Mr. Arthur Davis makes the best fried chicken you ever put in your mouth. Mr. D and our waitress, Erica, entertained with impromptu singing. MP 15: Mount Locust stand is the only original inn left. We met a ranger there who said he was born in the stand as a fifth generation descendant of the original owners. Red spider lilies bloom out front. MP 10: Emerald Mound is a huge Indian earthen ceremonial platform built about 600 years ago. A trail leads to the top of a secondary mound that

Spring and Fall Pilgrimages there are more than 30 historic houses open for tours. Some are owned by organizations such as the Garden Club or Daughters of the American Revolution. Some are operated as upscale B&Bs. Many are privately owned and occupied by descendants of the original owners and are open to the public only during the Pilgrimages. In October, the annual hot air balloon race lifts off from the grounds at Rosalie mansion. Vicksburg has similar Spring and

MP 10 rises higher still on one end of the platform. Elsewhere on the Trace are numerous burial mounds dated by archeologists to about 2,000 years ago. MP 0: Melrose a Greek-Revival mansion begun in 1841, is restored and preserved as part of the Natchez National Historic Park. Ranger-led tours explain the history of the house and its furnishings. If you enjoy historic house and garden tours, Natchez has a boatload to offer. We are especially impressed by Rosalie, Longwood, Stanton Hall, and Dunleith. During the annual

MP 0

Fall Pilgrimages and Civil War Living History in May and July. The Fall Pilgrimage in both cities is quite pleasant, but you may prefer the grandeur of the gardens in the spring when the magnolias, azaleas, and camellias are in bloom. Whether spring or fall, Shirley says Natchez is quite nice but we would be lost without a Trace. The drive itself is the thing. Most days we go less than 100 miles because stopping frequently along the way makes it just a walk in the park. â?Ś LeMoyne Mercer is the travel editor for Healthy Living News and the regular contributor of A Walk in the Park.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, only the first floor of Longwood's interior was completed when the craftsmen left the site. The house is elegant downstairs but still remains unfinished upstairs.

Dunleith is one of the more spectacular Natchez mansions now operating as a Bed and Breakfast.

Elizabeth Scott Community 2720 Albon Road Maumee, OH 43537 419-865-3002 www.elizabethscott.org

Spring Meadows Senior Community 1125 Clarion Ave. Holland, OH 43528 419-866-6124 www.springmeadowsecf.com

Sunrise Senior Care 3710 Talmadge Rd. Toledo, OH 43606 419-704-5335 www.sunrise-senior-care.com

St. Clare Commons 12469 Five Point Road Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-931-0050 www.homeishere.org

Sunset House 4030 Indian Rd. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606 419-536-4645 www.sunset-communities.org

The Woodlands 4030 Indian Rd. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606 419-724-1220 www.sunset-communities.org

Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek

Addison Heights Health and Rehabilitation Center

2001 Perrysburg-Holland Rd. Holland, OH 43528

3800 Butz Road Maumee, OH 43537

419-861-2233

419-867-7926

www.lhsoh.org

www.consulatehealthcare.com

Senior Living Guide Choosing a senior living community that’s right for you or a loved one is among the most important—and challenging— decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. We’re fortunate here in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan to have a wide variety of high-quality senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, continuing-care, and subsidized low-income housing communities. To make your decision a bit easier, we’ve assembled this guide to all the senior living properties that regularly support Healthy Living News through advertising. In addition to referencing this page for each organization’s contact information, we urge you to see their ads in the pages of this issue, check out their websites, and give them a call to schedule a tour if you are interested in hearing more about all the services and amenities they offer.

Lutheran Memorial Home 795 Bardshar Rd. Sandusky, OH 44870 419-502-5700 www.lhsoh.org

Parkcliffe Community 4226 Parkcliffe Lane Toledo, OH 43615 419-381-9447 www.parkcliffe.com

Pelham Manor 2700 Pelham Rd Toledo, OH 43606 419-537-1515 www.jewishtoledo.org

Senior Star at West Park Place

Foundation Park Alzheimer's Care Center

3501 Executive Parkway Toledo, OH 43606

1621 S. Byrne Rd. Toledo, OH 43614

419-972-2280

419-385-3958

www.seniorstar.com

www.foundationpark.com

Swan Creek Retirement Village

Franciscan Care Center

The Manor at Perrysburg

4111 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43623

250 Manor Drive Perrysburg, OH 43551

5916 Cresthaven Lane Toledo, OH 43614 419-865-4445 www.swancreekohio.org

Otterbein Skilled Nursing and Rehab Neighborhoods Monclova/Perrysburg 3529 Rivers Edge Drive Perrysburg, OH 43551 Joy Riedl • 419-308-0585 jriedl@otterbein.org

Fieldstone Villas 9640 Sylvania-Metamora Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560 419-386-2686 www.sunset-communities.org

419-882-6582

419-874-0306

www.homeishere.org

www.ManorAtPerrysburg.com

The Laurels of Toledo

Advanced Healthcare Center

1011 Byrne Road Toledo, OH 43607

955 Garden Lake Parkway Toledo, OH 43614

419-536-7600

419-382-2200

www.laurelsoftoledo.com

www.Communicarehealth.com

Jackman Regency Apartments

www.otterbein.org

Sunset Village

Otterbein Portage Valley Senior Lifestyle Community

Lutheran Home at Toledo

9640 Sylvania-Metamora Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560

20311 Pemberville Rd. Pemberville, OH 43450

131 Wheeling St. Toledo, OH 43605

419-724-1200

Geri Ricker • 419-833-8917 gricker@otterbein.org

419-724-1414

www.sunset-communities.org

www.otterbein.org

www.lhsoh.org

3940 Jackman Road Toledo, OH 43612 419-842-8480 www.investekmanagement.com

Franciscan Care Center impacts cardiac care

“I

t’s important after a person experiences an acute cardiac event that the patient and their family implement a healthy lifestyle. Our Enhanced Inpatient Cardiac Rehab program encourages patients to explore all aspects affecting heart health and get professional support in their recovery as well to help reduce risk factors for future heart problems,” said Jill Schlievert, Administrator of CHI Living Communities Franciscan Care Center (FCC). Believed to be the first in the area, the Enhanced Inpatient Cardiac Rehab program is under the direction of a board-certified cardiologist and is designed to help improve the well-being of individuals who have experienced an acute cardiac event. A team approach is used to maximize performance, achieve optimal

independence, and get an individual back to their normal lifestyle in the transition from the hospital to home. Cardiologist Ahed T. Nahhas, MD, FACC, FSCAI, ABVM, and Christina Miller, CNP, from The Toledo Clinic Department of Cardiology are working with the Franciscan Care Center Cardiac Rehab Team. One advantage of the program is that Dr. Nahhas and Ms. Miller take time from their intense office and hospital schedules to see patients right on the Franciscan Care Center campus. “We are coming here to make a difference and to improve cardiac care,” said Dr. Nahhas. Dr. Nahhas knows of no other program in the area that provides the intense oversight and education that the Franciscan Care Center Enhanced Inpatient Cardiac Rehab

Program provides. Who benefits from cardiac rehabilitation? People of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, anyone who has had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass, heart valve repair or replacement, stable angina, or heart failure. The Enhanced Inpatient Cardiac Rehab program is geared around cardiac education, development of an exercise program, heart-wholesome meals, healthy lifestyle changes, medication management, and home safety. Cardiac education is provided by licensed nurses, therapy professionals, and nurse practitioners on topics that range from healthy lifestyle changes to stress release. Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Under the

guidance of the cardiac program, residents work with Franciscan Care Center rehabilitation services on physically improving their health through therapy and an exercise program. Therapists assess and develop an individual’s program based on overall health, i.e. high blood pressure or severe heart disease and their physical activity level. They instruct them how to be active at home, at work, and during recreation. Franciscan Care Center’s registered dietitian sets up a heart healthy meal plan with fresh seasonal products and menus while staying at the center. But it doesn’t stop there. The dietitian also provides assistance in teaching and training residents how to eat heart healthy when they leave. Education is provided on diet choices, cooking at home, and foods to avoid when eating out. The Cardiac Rehab program works with residents to help them learn to safely administer their own medications as well as advise on what to do should symptoms present themselves. The clinical team also monitors each

resident’s meal for any adverse food and drug interaction. Each patient receives a home evaluation so he or she can return safely with the ability to manage successfully in their home environment. Recommendations are made as to any equipment or home modifications that may be necessary. Education is provided on how to accomplish common household chores with the use of any adaptive equipment, if required. Patient education goes beyond addressing just the physical needs of the residents to include their emotions and correlating factors. Discussions range from how to handle stress to facing their personal emotions after a cardiac incident. It helps residents face issues such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. It takes into consideration any other correlating health issues a resident may need to consider, such as diabetes or being overweight. It strives to address all the related issues. In addition to seeing residents at bedside at Franciscan Care Center, Dr. Nahhas provides ongoing education for the staff. “We can impact patient care with this program. Franciscan Care Center has the right setup and

the right people who are committed to the program,” explained Dr. Nahhas. “Our goal is that over time, the lifestyle changes residents make during their stay at Franciscan Care Center will become routine and encourage them to have an active, healthy lifestyle that helps reduce the risk for future heart disease,” explained Ms. Schlievert. Franciscan Care Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services and is conveniently located at 4111 Holland-Sylvania Road. People interested in the new program can call 419-882-6582. ❦

Family physician

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honestly with patients so they fully understand what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what they will likely experience so they can make an informed decision on whether to proceed. I always ask myself, ‘If the roles were reversed and I were the patient, what would I want the doctor to tell me and what would I need to get out of the interaction?’” The rewards notwithstanding,

family practitioners face several challenges in today’s healthcare environment—among them the growing epidemic of obesity and all the chronic ailments that go hand-in-hand with it, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. “It’s very difficult to persuade patients to make the lifestyle changes necessary to avoid developing these conditions,” Dr. Lateef states. Dr. Lateef also points to the challenge of getting the message out that for routine, preventive care or minor illnesses it’s best to see a family physician rather than go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility. “If you’re having a health crisis, by all means call 911 and go to the ER, but for non-emergency care, it’s best to see your family doctor. Even if you’re sick, we can get you on the schedule to be seen the same day. And if you’re in good health, we still want to see you—because we want to make sure you stay that way,” she says. ❦ Dr. Humaira Lateef is currently accepting new patients. Her office, located at 4126 N. Holland Sylvania Road, suite 140, can be reached at 567455-6728, fax number 567-455-6739, website www.humaira.com.

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curcumin is highly recommended. Some caution must be used with this method because peppercorns and bioperine will also increase the absorption of any drug taken with it, including blood pressure medication, anti-anxiety medication, etc., increasing the therapeutic dose you are getting. Do not swallow bioperine together with prescription drugs. Curcumin is rapidly removed from the body by the kidneys and dumped out in the urine. To maintain active blood levels it must be taken daily. Curcumin comes from purifying the turmeric plant that contains it. Think of the turmeric plant like an orange: An orange contains Vitamin C. You can eat the orange and absorb the Vitamin C or you can refine the orange and extract the Vitamin C from it and take it that way. Some feel that it is better to take the unrefined turmeric over curcumin supplements since there are compounds that work together synergistically “as nature intended” in whole vs. refined plants. Turmeric/curcumin needs to be taken in large doses. You won’t get

a therapeutic effect just by eating the herb in prepared foods. Dose varies widely. For patients treating an active cancer, doses of up to 8 grams a day for 3 to 4 months have been tolerated with minimal side effects (nausea and diarrhea). For general health, 400mg twice a day with meals has proved effective. For established inflammation, 1,000mg to 2,000mg per/day is well tolerated. Most have reported no side effects from this dosage. Dosage may be increased up to 4,000mg/day for maximum benefit. In closing, chronic inflammation is one of the biggest contributors to major Western diseases. Turmeric/ curcumin can be a powerful ally in knocking back this inflammation early on without the stomach-eating side effects of most prescription anti-inflammatories. There are many other natural substances in day-to-day use that can help combat major diseases. Resveratrol, the active ingredient in red wine shown to reverse plaquing

in arteries, is another one. In our office, all patients seeking a holistic evaluation receive a nutritional workup as an important part of their exam. Many have kitchen cabinets filled with half empty vials of vitamins, minerals, and herbs they might have seen on TV shows or read about in magazines but don’t know how much they should take. A competent nutritional evaluation can steer patients towards their proper nutritional needs.

may pay. Researchers have found that when people with unaddressed hearing loss strain to hear, they tend to do more poorly on memory tests. They may figure out what is being said, but because so much effort goes into just hearing it, their ability to remember what they heard often suffers. Experts believe this has to do with what they call “cognitive load.” That is, in order to compensate for the hearing loss and make out the words, people with untreated hearing loss may draw on cognitive resources they’d normally use to remember what they’ve heard. Experts say that untreated hearing loss may even interfere with the person’s ability to accurately process and make sense of what was said or heard. In fact,

: I have been hearing over and over the suggestion that the brain is affected by hearing loss. Is that true? I’m worried about my 92-year-old grandfather, who the physicians are saying is not responsive because he has dementia. I think he has a hearing problem. What would you suggest I do?

: Intrigued by all the brain-training products out there to keep your mind sharp and spirits young? You may want to consider something else: a hearing test. Better Hearing Institute suggests this is true. They show there is mounting evidence linking untreated hearing loss to impaired memory and diminished cognitive function. What that means is, if you keep brushing off that suspected hearing loss of yours, your cognition

Dr. Schwan is available to speak to your group on a wide variety of alternative medicine topics, including chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, vitamins, etc. He is a graduate of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture & Palmer College of Chiropractic and president of Schwan Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic in Toledo, Ohio. He is an author, lecturer, and one-time standup comedian. For more information on alternative medicine, please visit his website at www. acupuncturetoledo.com.

research shows that people with poorer hearing have less gray matter in the auditory cortex, a region of the brain needed to support speech comprehension. Other research shows a link between hearing loss and dementia. One Johns Hopkins study found that seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. Another found that hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. And a third revealed a link between hearing loss and accelerated brain tissue loss. Some experts believe that inter-

ventions, like professionally fitted hearing aids, could potentially help. The bottom line is we actually “hear” with our brain, not with our ears. During this holiday season with family gatherings, take note of your loved ones. If you think they may have hearing loss, help them do something about it. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist, the hearing healthcare professional, and get a hearing test ❦ Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A, is a Doctor of Audiology with Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, located at 1125 Hospital Dr., Suite 50 in Toledo (419-383-4012) and 1601 Brigham Dr., Suite 160 in Perrysburg (419-873-4327).