HLN December 2019

Your Monthly Guide to Healthy Lifestyles

December 2019 • FREE

hlntoledo.com

HEALTHY HOLIDAYS Holidays in senior living | Look your best for the holidays Hands-only CPR | Mercy Health expands autism services Safe in The Cocoon | Fireplace safety tips

It takes two to tango.

M E R C Y. C O M /O R T H O

Look your best for the holidays!

T

he holidays and the assoDr. Handler also utilizes the ciated parties are fast aplatest in lasers for removal of “age proaching. Would you not like to spots” (sun spots really) anywhere tighten and raise your sagging on the body. This laser works espeneck and jowls? What about the cially well for the tops of hands covsunken and depressed areas ered with those “age spots.” Finally, under your eyes and hollow and Dr. Handler also performs laser Smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin on face, arms, and chest sinking cheek areas? Since the removal of unwanted blood vessels hands and neck are the most that grow on your face and enlarge definitive of one’s age, you can with heat, stress, and the intake of No surgery. fill in the depressions and realcohol. Again, pain and downtime No injections. duce the prominent veins on the are minimal with this laser.

No downtime. top of your hands. Why not conAnti-aging and cosmetic ensider a painless and no-downhancements are not for any specific ADULT, arvey andLer, m.d., f.a.a.d. time cosmetic procedure to gender. Male cosmetic enhancePEDIATRIC, reduce your aging, sun-damment and anti-aging procedures dipLomate and feLLow of tHe american Board of dermatoLogy aged, and sagging facial skin? have increased almost 300% in & COSMETIC 5300 Harroun Rd., Suite 126 (in the Medical Office Building on the campus of Flower Hospital) Look as young as you feel when the past 5 years for sagging skin, DERMATOLOGY gathering with friends and family darkening under the eyes with the HAIR & NAILS for the upcoming festivities. “hollow” look, and brown spots.

Whenever aged and spotThe utilization of fillers, such as ted sun-damaged skin is disRestylane and its family of fillers, fantastic to reduce anxiety-induced underarm sweating for 5-7 cussed, the term is rejuvenation. Wait! What about “pre-juvenation”?

Juvederm, Radiesse, etc., is excellent for deep smile lines and months after treatment.

Prevent and reduce the signs of future aging and sun damage with a the “sad and tired look” as evidenced with sagging at the corners The use of fillers, such as Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Juskin-care program designed for the Millennial and prior-tanning-booth of the mouth, hollow cheeks, and aging of the hands. And, of vederm, Radiesse, and others, to “fill” deep smile lines and the generation. Be proactive before the lines and age spots appear. course, the use of Dysport/Botox to reduce forehead “worry marionette lines (the sad look) from the corners of the mouth pro- lines” is superb.

Speak with the staff at Dr. Handler’s office to inquire about holiday duces immediate results lasting 12-15 months! Don’t look tired or specials for cosmetic procedures and topical products to reduce the All of these cosmetic enhancements are performed entirely sad when you are not! Since these products are combined with a signs of aging and fade and eliminate “age spots.”

by Dr. Handler. To view before-and-after photographs of patients numbing agent, the pain is minimal. Now, Dr. Handler utilizes the Dr. Handler personally performs many anti-aging procedures that who have had these procedures performed by Dr. Handler, visit injection of new fillers called “Restylane Silk” and “Restylane are “non-invasive” with minimal discomfort or downtime. You can minwww.drharveyhandler.com. For more detailed information about Refyne and Defyne.” These products markedly improve upper imize under-eye darkening and wrinkling, raise those droopy eyelids, the above-mentioned procedures or products, please call Dr. and lower lip lines (lipstick lines). Restylane Silk also volumizes shrink pores, lift sagging jowl areas, and appear as youthful as you Handler’s office at 419-885-3400. Also, remember to inquire your lips and restores their natural curve while looking attractive feel. Call Dr. Handler’s office for a personal evaluation with treatment about specials available on many cosmetic procedures and prodand natural. There is no downtime with these non-invasive proce- ucts to diminish the signs of aging and obtain a more vibrant and recommendations designed specifically for your aging skin. dures. These products also improve the “tear trough” depression Remember, 80% of the signs of aging are due to prior sun expoyouthful appearance of your skin. Look as young as you feel. and hollowness under your eyes and cause darkening to be sure and subsequent skin damage. All the brown spots (“age spots”), Hair loss in men and women much less obvious. broken blood vessels on the face, fine lines, and sagging skin are Are you losing hair from surgery, anesthesia, illnesses, pregDo you want to reduce fine lines, acne scars, and age spots caused almost entirely by sun! This is something young people nancy, medications, stress, genetics, or “normal” hair loss sec(brown spots from sun exposure) and shrink pores? Then the should be aware of since we get 80% of our lifetime sun exposure by ondary to aging or low blood levels of nutrients? There are many non-invasive Clear and Brilliant laser is for you. When the Clear causes of hair loss in men and women. Most are not simply due the time we are 18-20 years of age. and Brilliant laser is combined with Thermage CPT Deep Tip, What about the “worry lines” between your eyes, deep smile to age or family history, and most are treatable. Now these probthe results are ideal for patients who desire no downtime or pain lines, upper lip lines (lipstick runs uphill), and your sagging jowls and lems of hair loss can be evaluated and there is hope for reducing and predictable results of lifting sagging skin and smoothing fine neck? These unfortunate changes caused by prior sun exposure and your hair loss and stimulating new growth. Dr. Harvey Handler, lines. Dr. Handler is the only dermatologist in northwest Ohio per- board-certified dermatologist of Sylvania, Ohio, has a medical aging can be improved dramatically with pain-free, non-invasive cosforming this procedure. metic procedures performed entirely by Dr. Handler. treatment for decreasing your hair loss and increasing growth in Are you aware that Dr. Handler personally performs laser The NEW Thermage CPT Deep Tip procedure painlessly heats many patients! procedures for removal of body hair anywhere hair grows? Yes, damaged collagen under your skin to tighten and lift sagging areas Pediatric skin disease diagnosis and treatment is one of this minimally painful laser destroys hairs around the chin, jawof the neck, jowls, upper arms, and abdomen. The NEW Thermage Dr. Handler’s special fields in general Dermatology. From birth line, upper lip, underarms, ears, nose, bikini line, etc. And this CPT Deep Tip procedure utilizes radiofrequency energy (not laser). onward, Dr. Handler diagnoses and treats eczema, hemangiomas, laser is not just for women. Many men have this laser performed This procedure also encourages a natural repair process that results contact and allergic dermatitis, and general “lumps and bumps” that to permanently remove chest and back hair as well as beard hair in further tightening, lifting, and younger-looking skin. With only ONE children and infants develop. What about “birth marks,” scalp and that grows down onto the neck. treatment, results are seen before leaving the office. Continued body “ringworm,” body and head lice, scabies, psoriasis? If there is tightening and lifting of sagging a lesion or spot on the skin, Dr. Hanskin occurs over a 6-month time dler is trained to properly examine, t is appropriate for patients to understand why it is in their Be aware and cautious of medi-spas and cosmetic centers period with results lasting 3-4 diagnose, and treat appropriately. best medical interest to always seek the advice of a boardorganized and maintained by individuals other than a board-certiyears! There is NO downtime and certified dermatologist for skin care. Why is seeking a boardThis time of year we prepare our fied dermatologist or even any medical doctors (not MD’s). Many NO pain. The NEW Thermage home and property for the coming certified dermatologist the most beneficial route for solving skin of these individuals have no formal education or training in skin CPT Deep Tip system has been inclement weather known as winter. disease issues versus a general practitioner, nurse practitioner, disease diagnosis, treatment, or cosmetic enhancement of skin utilized by Dr. Handler for many What about preparing the largest physician’s assistant, or any other medical individual? I am defects. years with excellent results and organ of your body for winter—your providing the following information for patients to understand the How do you know whether he/she is a board-certified dermavery satisfied patients. skin! Dry, itchy skin, eczema, psoritologist? Look for F.A.A.D. (Fellow of the American Academy of necessity of seeing a board-certified dermatologist.

For lines between the eyes asis, and many other skin abnormalDermatology, which is a designation from the American Academy Please be aware that a board-certified dermatologist has the (worry lines), crow’s feet, and ities are caused or aggravated by of Dermatology) following the dermatologist’s name. To confirm following minimum education versus the above-mentioned quasi this information, check the American Academy of Dermatology “skin doctors”: the “sleepy and tired look with dry, cold weather and the dry heat in 1. Four years of college to earn a bachelor’s degree website at aad.org/findaderm. None of the above requirements droopy eyelids,” the use of Botox your home and automobiles.

2. Four years of medical school to become a medical doctor are met by a nurse practitioner, certified nurse practitioner, phyor Dysport works well to improve Also, everyone should have a (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) sician assistant, or any other medical doctor licensed to practice these areas. The results are diyearly full body exam to check for 3. One year of an internship medicine. Do your homework before trusting your skin disease minished lines and a more “wide skin cancer and changing moles 4.

3-4 years in a dermatology residency program diagnosis and treatment to anyone but a board-certified dermaawake” and less tired appearconducted solely by a board-certified tologist.

5. Has passed exams for board certification in dermatology. ance. These products are also dermatologist. ❦

www.drharveyhandler.com

Reduce lines, fade sun spots clear + brilliant laser H

L. H

419.885.3400

I

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, 130 Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH 43552. Phone: 419-874-4491 or email Chet Welch at chetw@ perrysburg.com. 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. To contact the editor or send submissions, please email jeffreykurtz68@gmail.com.

Co-Publishers:

Adam Welch Chet Welch

December 2019 Vol. 24, Issue 12

ENRICHING YOUR LIFE

HEALTH & BEAUTY (continued)

6 Celebrating the holidays with loved ones in senior living

35 Eating well – Wishing you a healthy holiday!

by Laurie Syring, RD/LD

10 Think twice before giving pets as holiday presents

36 You’ve come a long way, Botox!

12 Health Crossword Puzzle

37 Nobody’s Perfect – Oh, you beautiful doll!

by Sister Karen Zielinski, OSF

14 It’s never too early to set your New Year’s fitness resolutions and Dave’s Races by Amanda Manthey 18 A Walk in the Park – Bandelier & Hovenweep: An Archeological Tour by LeMoyne Mercer 24 Spiritually Speaking – What our gifts say about us

by Sister Mary Thill 29 Build a personal support system by Daniel J. Jachimiak

40 Sound Advice from Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic

by Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A 41 It’s time to plan your quit-smoking strategy

OUR COMMUNITY 5 Hands-only CPR simplifies life-saving technique

31 Practice safe snow shoveling this winter

9 December caregiver events at The Gardens of St. Francis

38 Become a volunteer ombudsman! by Megan Benner Senecal

11 The Cocoon: a safe haven for victims of domestic and sexual violence by Dennis Bova

39 Commonsense fireplace safety tips

16 Bittersweet Farms offers festive cookies with a purpose

40 Winter-driving safety tips for seniors

HEALTH & BEAUTY 2 Look your best for the holidays!

12 How to get ready for a 5K run or walk 13 The “good news, bad news” of pancreatic cancer

17 Mercy Health – Children’s Hospital expands Autism Services to reach more kids in crucial treatment window 21 Lucas County Children Services Holiday Gift Drive continues through December 20

16 Managing the holiday blues

22 Laurels honors resident vets with help of Toledo Buffalo Soldiers

26 A tsunami of diabetic blindness by Carol R. Kollarits, MD

29 mBrace Naturals CBD Health and Wellness Center brings clarity

30 10 tips for better hearing at holiday gatherings

by Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A

37 Mary Kay Foundation awards Bethany House with $20,000 grant

32 Winter fall-prevention tips for seniors

37 The Great Art Escape returns to the Toledo Museum of Art

33 You’re never too old for Super Slow Training 34 A powerful spice from alternative medicine

by Douglas A. Schwan, DC, Dip ac

43 Senior Living Guide /HLNToledo

@HLNToledo

Editor: Jeff Kurtz Travel Editor: LeMoyne Mercer Sales: Brad Beebe,

419-874-4491, ext. 1026

Graphic Designer: Mary Ann Stearns Web Designer: Strategically Digital LLC Social Media Specialist: Kate Oatis Distribution:

Jim Welsh • Charlie Nolan Dominion Distribution Distributech–Toledo Copyright © 2019 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.

Dear Readers, Also in this issue, you’ll find sugThank you for picking up the December gestions for celebrating the holidays issue of Healthy Living News. With the with loved ones who reside in a senior holidays in full swing, this is a hectic pe- living community from Gayle Young riod for everyone, but we’re confident the of Sunset Retirement Communities (p time you invest in reading 6); a profile of the newly this jam-packed issue will expanded Autism Services be time well spent indeed. program at Mercy Health Whatever your background – Children’s Hospital (p. or interests, you’ll find 17); an introduction to the something in this month’s hands-only CPR technique diverse array of articles currently recommended for Adam and Chet Welch to inform or inspire you. non-medical bystanders For example, if you turn by the American Heart to page 39, you’ll find timely common- Association and taught, along with trasense fireplace safety tips that will help ditional CPR techniques, at ProMedica’s you enjoy wood fires indoors without the CPR Rescue Training Center (p. 5); worry all winter long. Be sure to read expert insights on pancreatic cancer from it before you gather the family around Dr. Jeffrey Sutton, surgical oncologist at the University of Toledo Medical Center that first cozy, crackling fire this year.

(p. 13); and much, much more.

Looking ahead, we’re pleased to note that Healthy Living News will reach its 25th year of publication in 2020. This is an exciting and important milestone that would not have been possible without you, our loyal readers, as well as the ongoing support of our regular advertisers, who make it possible for us to bring you the very latest in local health and wellness news at no cost each month. So, any time you choose one of our advertisers’ products or services, be sure to let them know you “saw it in Healthy Living News.”

On behalf of the entire staff here at Welch Publishing and Healthy Living News, we wish you and yours the very best this holiday season!

Adam and Chet Welch

The Official Health Insurer of Everything You Love

®

Insuring lifelong dance partners

Protecting and caring for your family is a full-time job.

We know, because it’s ours too.

To learn more about our health plans, visit MedMutual.com/Medicare.

©2019 Medical Mutual of Ohio

4 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

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Hands-only CPR simplifies life-saving technique

W

hen someone collapses and stops breathing due to cardiac arrest, the actions of bystanders can very literally mean the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, many people either lack the necessary training to perform life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or aren’t confident enough in their ability to do it correctly because they can’t recall important details such as the ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths. Some may also avoid taking action because they’re reluctant to make mouth-to-mouth contact with someone they don’t know or they fear they might injure the person.

The good news is, current American Heart Association guidelines now recommend a much simpler, easier-to-remember form of CPR for non-medical bystanders who witness a sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. Called hands-only CPR, this form of the technique eliminates the rescue-breathing component and simply involves performing chest compressions to keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until emergency responders arrive on the scene.

Knowing that hands-only CPR is a viable option can help bystanders overcome the reluctance to take action in situations where they don’t know the victim, don’t know why the victim is down, or don’t have a barrier device to prevent direct mouth-to-mouth contact with the victim.

According to Kristina Miller, coordinator of ProMedica’s CPR Rescue Training Center, hands-only CPR is appropriate any time someone is unconscious and not breathing. “If you see someone collapse or find someone unresponsive, first check for breathing and call 911—or have someone else call—to ensure medical help is on the way. Then, if you determine the victim isn’t breathing, begin pushing hard and fast on the lower half of his or

her breastbone and keep going until the EMTs arrive or someone with better CPR training can take over.”

Hands-only CPR is performed from a kneeling position with the victim lying flat on the ground or floor. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s chest, and then place the heel of the other hand on top of the first and lace your fingers together. Your shoulders should be positioned directly over your hands, and your arms should be kept straight.

Use your body weight to compress the victim’s chest, and try to press the chest down two inches with each compression.

The appropriate rate for the compressions is 100 to 120 per minute.

Miller notes that an easy way to maintain the right rhythm is to do compressions to the beat of the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” or the popular kids’ song “Baby Shark,” which every parent with a young child knows. You will likely start to get fatigued as you perform the chest compressions, but it’s important to continue until EMS arrives. If possible, alternate doing the compressions with someone else on the scene.

Miller points out that having the knowledge and ability to perform CPR with rescue breathing is still important for medical professionals and other trained rescuers and is taught (in addition to the hands-only technique) in the ProMedica CPR Rescue Training Center’s Heartsaver CPR program, which is geared toward individuals who are expected to respond to emergencies in the workplace. “However, to provide quick, easy, and memorable CPR training for the layperson, the most effective approach is to teach hands-only CPR,” she says.

For more information about ProMedica’s CPR Rescue Training Center or to get on the schedule for the Heartsaver CPR class, call 419-2913053. ❦

Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at www.hlntoledo.com

We’re ready to take care of you.

Schedule your appointment today with one of our ProMedica Providers. We have providers that are near where you work and live. Call 800-PPG-DOCS today.

Mustafa Al-Jubouri, MD ProMedica Physicians General Surgery

Venugopala Bommana, MD

Jessica Burns, MD

ProMedica Physicians Internal Medicine

ProMedica Physicians Breast Surgery | Surgical Oncology

Mahmood Darr, MD

Holly Hapner, DO

Nizar Hariri, MD

ProMedica Physicians Internal Medicine

ProMedica Physicians River Road Family Medicine

ProMedica Physicians Jobst Vascular

Emily McKarns, CNP

Kanchan Pillai, MD, FACP

Melissa Vaughan, CNP

ProMedica Spine Care

ProMedica Spine Care

ProMedica Physicians Internal Medicine

800-PPG-DOCS

| promedica.org/doctors © 2019 ProMedica

Healthy Living News | December 2019 5

new days begin at sunset.

Celebrating the holidays with loved ones in senior living

sUnsEt hOUsE Assisted Living, Healthcare, Ashanti Hospice Toledo, Ohio

419.536.4645

sUnsEt ViLLaGE Assisted Living, Healthcare, Rehab, Memory Support, Ashanti Hospice Sylvania, Ohio

M

419.724.1200

FiELDstOnE ViLLas Independent Living Villa Homes Sylvania, Ohio

419.386.2686

thE WOODLanDs Independent Living Apartment Homes Toledo, Ohio

419.724.1220

oving to a senior living community can benefit older adults in a variety of ways. A broad range of amenities and services, enhanced opportunities to socialize, engaging and stimulating programming, and access to a broad continuum of care are just some of the rewards they stand to reap in a quality community.

Not to mention, they get to leave behind all the burdensome chores of private homeownership, which frees up time that they can now devote to their favorite pursuits and passions.

Notwithstanding the myriad of benefits, making the move to a senior community does require some adjustment for older adults as well as for their loved ones. The holiday season can be especially challenging in this regard as families try to figure out how the new living arrangement will impact their cherished traditions.

However, according to Gayle Young, Director of Marketing, Communication and Public Relations for Sunset Retirement Communities, taking some of the following simple steps will help families keep their holiday traditions alive—and even create some exciting new ones—during this transitional period.

Decorate the new living space

ashanti Hospice and Palliative Care Sylvania and Toledo, Ohio

419.724.1047

SunSet RetiRement CommunitieS w w w. s u n s e t - C o m m u n i t i e s . o r g 6 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

“At all of Sunset’s communities, residents are encouraged to personalize their living spaces so they feel right at home,” Young explains. “At holiday time, this could involve getting together as a family for a decorating party. For example, you could string a few lights and garlands and perhaps set up a table-top Christmas tree while listening to your favorite carols and sipping a little eggnog. To create a sense of continuity, it’s helpful to incorporate some decorations with sentimental value that are part of your family heritage.”

Involve your senior loved one in holiday happenings Just because your loved one is now residing in a new community doesn’t mean he or she can’t still take part in many of the same holiday activities your family has always enjoyed together, for instance visiting the Toledo Zoo’s “Lights Before Christmas” display, taking in a local performance of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, or simply getting together to bake a few batches of cookies. In fact, reinforcing these holiday traditions is especially important in this period of adjustment.

Take part in the community’s activities

The holiday season can be a lively time in senior communities, with all sorts of festive activities, special meals, outings, performances, etc. on the agenda that are open to families. Why not take advantage of these offerings to get together and share a little quality time and holiday cheer? “In addition to participating in scheduled community activities, you could pick an evening or two to gather in your senior loved one’s room, apartment, or villa to visit, write holiday cards, or reminisce while looking over holiday photo albums or scrapbooks,” says Young.

Also, if your family typically celebrates the holidays with large get-togethers, be sure to inquire about accommodations. Many senior communities feature event/activity rooms, clubhouses, or other common spaces that can be reserved to host larger gatherings.

Consider your senior loved one’s capabilities Though it’s vital to involve your senior loved one in holiday activities, n

Sunset - continued on p10

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Welcoming New Patients

Effective January 1, 2020, the following Toledo Clinic Cancer Center providers will no longer be seeing patients in Perrysburg.

419-479-5605 OPTION 2 David Brown, M.D.

Shaili Desai, M.D.

Timothy Kasunic, M.D.

Toledo: 4126 N. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 105 Maumee: 625 Gibbs Street

David Brown, M.D.

R.C. Phinney, M.D.

Rex Mowat, M.D.

Please refer to the back of this card for several of our additional Timothy Kasunic, M.D. Rex Mowat, M.D. locations available to conveniently serve you and your patients.

Shaili Desai, M.D.

M. Hammad Rashid, M.D.

Bradley Sachs, D.O.

Charu Trivedi, M.D.

Bowling Green: 960 West Wooster, Suite 111

Laboratory and Infusion 419-479-5605 OPTION 2 Services Available

Monroe: 800 Stewart Road, Suite B

Toledo: 4126 N. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 105 Maumee: 625 Gibbs Street

R.C. Phinney, M.D.

Bowling Green: 960 West Wooster, Suite 111

M. Hammad Rashid, M.D.

Bradley Sachs, D.O.

Monroe: 800 Stewart Road, Suite B

Chari Trivedi, M.D.

Wauseon: 725Toledo S. Shoop Effective February 1, 2020, these ClinicAvenue Cancer Center providers Napoleon: 1600 E.seeing Riverview Avenue, Suite 102 will no longer be patients in Perrysburg.

Please visit us at one of our convenient locations.

Wauseon: 725 S. Shoop Avenue

Napoleon: 419-479-5605 1600 E. Riverview Avenue, Suite 102 Toledo: 4126 N. Holland-Sylvania Road, Suite 105 Maumee: 625 Gibbs Street Bowling Green: 960 West Wooster, Suite 111 Monroe: 800 Stewart Road, Suite B Wauseon: 725 S. Shoop Avenue Napoleon: 1600 E. Riverview Avenue, Suite 102

Laboratory and Infusion Services Available Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at www.hlntoledo.com

ToledoClinicCancerCenters.com Healthy Living News | December 2019 7

8 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

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December caregiver events at The Gardens of St. Francis

T

he Gardens of St. Francis in Oregon, Ohio is planning a series of caregiving events in December for caregivers and the community to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses as well as receive some special pampering.

Nineteen memory-care suites will open in early 2020 at The Gardens of St. Francis. One of the new memory-care suites is currently available for viewing, so now is the perfect time to tour and secure a suite for your loved one for after the holidays. A typical suite opens up to one of the multiple safe, secure social areas, which include three living rooms, a music area, a library, and dining. A huge activity room with a dedicated activity person provides plenty of engagement opportunities. Through its unique concept of dedicating significant space and strategically placed common areas, The Gardens of St. Francis can subtly increase interaction and activity among residents.

Compassionate caregivers will encourage residents to interact with each other in their own exclusive, secured area. Already admissions counselor Steve Reamey is working with families to select suites for their loved one for early 2020.

Plan to attend one of the upcoming events at The Gardens of St. Francis (located at 930 S. Wynn Road), tour the new memory care showroom, and see plans for the special area currently under construction.

Upcoming events open to the community at The Gardens of St. Francis: “Look into Your Crystal Ball”

by Laurie Campos, Laurie Campos Insurance, Wednesday, December 4,

6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Laurie will answer such questions as “What is long-term insurance and what are its benefits?” and “What is best and when should I get it?”

“Calgon, Take Me Away”—A Caregivers’ Day of Pampering, Wednesday, December 11, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. We have some special treats planned for caregivers. Receive some special pampering, relaxation, and support just in time for the holidays. Limited seating. Reservation only. Call 419698-4331 to make a reservation.

Movie Still Alice starring Julianne Moore, Friday, December 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This acclaimed production revolves around renowned linguistics professor Dr. Alice Howland as she faces early-onset Alzheimer ’s and how her three grown children watch helplessly as their mother disappears more and more with each passing day. Reservations are not necessary but appreciated. Call 419-698-4331.

The Gardens of St. Francis, a senior living community, offers long-term care, assisted and independent living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, and, coming in early 2020, memory care. A Medicare-certified rehabilitation program with physical, speech, and occupational therapies provides quality of care for individuals recovering from cardiac conditions, strokes, fractures, joint replacements, and more. The beautiful campus, located at 930 S. Wynn Road across from Pearson Park in Oregon, Ohio, is the perfect setting for someone who needs a short stay for recuperation in the transition from hospital to home. To learn more or to tour, contact the campus at 419-698-4331 or go to www.homeishere.org. ❦

Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at www.hlntoledo.com

Growing to meet our community’s needs The Gardens of St. Francis is pleased to announce the addition of memory care to its array of service offerings.

• 19 private suites in a secured area

Openin Early 20 g 20!

Hurry, li mited units availab le.

• Dining area, music room, living rooms, nurses’ station, library and activity area • Exclusive, dedicated activity director with specialized programming • Secure, outdoor garden area

Now taking reservations Please contact Steve Reamey 419.698.4331 SReamey@chilivingcomm.org.

Independent Living Assisted Living NEW Memory Care Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation

The Gardens of St. Francis 930 S. Wynn Road | Oregon, Ohio 43616

homeishere.org Healthy Living News | December 2019 9

Think twice before giving pets as holiday presents G iven all the benefits that companion animals bestow upon us, it’s no wonder that puppies, kittens, and other pets make such popular holiday gifts. But before you bless one of the loved ones in your life with a furry friend, keep in mind that what you’re actually giving is a major commitment that will stretch far into the future.

If you give a companion animal to someone who is unprepared for this high level of commitment or if the animal proves to be a poor match for the recipient’s lifestyle, energy level, or financial resources, the outcome could be disastrous. And when the reality of pet ownership collides with preconceived, unrealistic expectations, it’s almost always the pet that gets the short end of the stick.

The holidays are chaotic

One of the first things to consider if you’re contemplating giving someone a pet for a present is the

fact that the holiday season is actually a very bad time to introduce a pet to a new home. If you get stressed by the hectic pace of the holidays, just imagine how overwhelming the different sights, sounds, and smells of the season can be to a pet just entering the scene. Besides, most of us are too busy cleaning, cooking, decorating, entertaining, and attending to other holiday obligations to find adequate time to begin training a pet and helping it get adjusted to a new environment.

What’s worse, the holidays present a lot of dangerous temptations to a curious pet, including “people food” that is potentially harmful to animals, bite-size ornaments, flickering candle flames, and electrical cords to name but a few. Plus, with our attention diverted by all the holiday hoopla and

with various visitors coming and going throughout the season, it’s all too easy for a dog or cat to slip out the door unnoticed and wander off.

Rather than subject a pet to all this chaos, it’s best to wait until things settle down and return to normal in the home. As a fun alternative, you can give a “teaser gift,” such as a leash, collar, squeaky toy, pet bed, or kennel—anything short of the animal itself that announces the fact that a much more significant gift will be coming later on.

No surprises, please!

Unless you’re giving a pet to your own children and you’ve already made the personal commitment to provide all necessary care and accommodations for the animal, it’s best to discuss any such purchase with the intended recipient well ahead of time to make sure he or she is willing and able to take on the long-term responsibility of pet ownership—and to ensure that the animal and/or breed you have in mind is a good match for the recipient from the standpoint of its temperament and energy level. You might think that a frisky, adolescent black lab would make an ideal companion for your 75-year-old, widowed mother-in-law, but she might find this dog’s limitless energy overwhelming. On the other hand, a calm older dog that has already been housebroken and trained to respond to certain basic commands might be the perfect choice.

Consider the cost

Remember that no animal is free— even if there is little to no up-front n

purchase cost. When giving a dog or cat for a present, what you’re essentially doing is handing the recipient many years’ worth of ongoing expenses. Veterinary care, both routine and emergency, can literally add up to thousands of dollars over the lifespan of a pet. No one likes to put a price tag on a beloved, devoted companion animal, but it’s a tough pill to swallow when the estimate for your pet’s emergency surgery exceeds your bank balance. Even the ongoing cost of feeding can be burdensome for some people, especially if the animal requires a specialized diet.

Then there are the incidental costs of pet ownership to consider.

For example, if your cat stops using its litter box and begins wetting or spraying on carpets, drapery, and furnishings, the cost of replacing these items can really add up. Dogs that take a shine to chewing up possessions or have frequent accidents around the house can take a major bite out of your budget, as well.

Take your time in choosing

A pet should never be purchased on impulse. Ideally, the prospective pet owner should be afforded the opportunity to meet and interact with various animals (e.g., at your local Humane Society or animal shelter) in order to connect with the one whose temperament, energy level, and care requirements are the most compatible. Remember, the more thought that is invested in matching a companion animal to the right family or individual, the better the outcome is likely to be—for both the animal and the recipient. ❦

Sunset - continued from p6

it’s also important to be aware of any limitations he or she may have that could interfere with the ability to enjoy or participate fully in the celebration.

For example, consider whether he or she has limited mobility, making it difficult to climb stairs; incontinence issues that necessitate frequent, easy access to a bathroom; cognitive challenges that cause your loved one to become overwhelmed easily by excessive activity or a change in location; or special medical needs that are difficult to meet off-site. “None of these circumstances should prevent you from enjoying one another’s company to the fullest during the holiday season, but keep in mind that your loved one may require special accommodations and, in some cases, the best option may be to hold your celebration at the senior community where expert assistance is close at hand,” Young says.

For more information on Sunset Retirement Communities, please visit www.sunset-communities.org or call: Fieldstone Villas at Sunset Village at 419-386-2686; Sunset House at 419-536-4645; Sunset Village at 419-724-1200; The Woodlands at 419-724-1220; or Ashanti Hospice and Palliative Care at 419-724-1047. ❦

10 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

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The Cocoon: a safe haven for victims of domestic and sexual violence

says they've courts also note Cocoon is making progress along been sexually an increase in this line by forming a Men's Action or domestically violence. We Now group and partnerships with t the edge of downtown Bowling don't have a Bowling Green State University and Green is a one-story building that's assaulted, Mull factor to point Owens Community College. “Our been repurposed as a safe haven for says, The Cocoon is alerted to for the cause. staff has received training on how survivors of abuse and the base for and sends an It's a trend in to have those conversations in the professionals to help the growing advocate. the past six community to challenge the social number of such victims.

The Cocoon responds to about months.” norms.”

Since spring 2017, the former 6,000 calls annually through the The Cocoon conducts two fundraisThe Cocoon can house a victim service and social club has become crisis line (419-373-1730, option 2). for 30 to 90 days.

The average stay is ers a year and welcomes individual the brick-and-mortar headquarters of The Cocoon, making the 14-year-old The majority of those calls are from 57 days. This gives the victim time to donations any time. It also needs nonprofit more visible in the com- people in Wood County, but the reach stability and move into some- grocery and gas gift cards of $20 or munity. Now, The Cocoon hopes the agency accepts victims from neigh- thing more permanent, Mull says. less for survivors.

“Our number one goal is to let There are two goals for The Cocommunity can step forward to help boring areas that might not have a it help others. “We are so much more similar service. “We also note the coon's future. One is renovating the people know we're here and our than a shelter,” says Kathy Mull, the nature of the violence that forces a repurposed building to provide private advocates can help, at zero cost,” nonprofit's executive director. “We victim to flee,” Mull says. “Sometimes spaces for survivors to meet with Mull says. “Anybody who can be an provide a wide variety of services we're a better option for those from advocates. Currently, such meetings ambassador to us is a help, by sharing occur over the phone or in safe public our message and supporting us in at zero cost. And we're trying to farther away.”

That's where the repurposed spaces like a fast-food restaurant or our mission.” get people engaged to support our building comes in, as an emergency library.

Visit the agency's rebuilt website, mission.” shelter. “When we opened 14 years The other goal is to establish pre- TheCocoon.org, for more details. ago, we originally were a shelter. In vention programs. “It's not that inThe Cocoon's fact, 'shelter' was part of our name. tervention isn't critical,” Mull says, Dennis Bova is a former newspaper Five years ago, we dropped 'shelter' “but how can we prevent domestic reporter, columnist, and copy editor. mission is to help from our name because we do so violence in the first place?” The ❦ victims of domestic much more than house people,” she says. According to Mull, 90 percent and sexual violence of the victims The Cocoon helps are or sexual harassment, through community-based services, adult survivors of while 10 percent are helped by staying at the shelter. sexual abuse, The previous shelter had 12 beds; and survivors of the new site has 24. Despite the sex trafficking. extra accommodations, “we fill them pretty quickly. We're almost always full. Unfortunately,” Mull says, “the • The agency does this by providing need is definitely very great in our Is Pain keeping you from doing what you access to resources. “We have a 24• community.”

• hour crisis line that a victim can call like or need to do?

The agency serves about 600 surto get connected to one of our advo• vivors in a typical year, but 2019 • cates,” Mull says. The advocate lists • hasn't been typical. “We're on track     options for ways to keep the victim to serve much more. As of October and their children safe. “We also do 31, we served 622, so by the end of We can help! legal advocacy,” she says. “We help the year we could serve 750 or so,” them navigate the criminal, divorce, Mull says.  and custody courts, and help them Mull attributes the rise to an inHpk. file civil protection orders. We also creased awareness of The Cocoon help with financial empowerment. and the national movements that We help individuals to have financial have reduced the stigma of reporting stability through budgeting, credit abuse. Survivors feel more comfortable repair, job searching, education— speaking up for help, she reasons.         going back for a GED, vocational  While she can surmise reasons for            training, or college.” She adds that     the rise  in people seeking help, Mull  The Cocoon offers support groups         Hpk. has no idea why there's an increase             to help victims connect to resources         in another aspect. “Locally, the level               for healing.  of violence reported by the people   Aside from by phone, The Cocoon    we serve is  increasing,”  she says.  receives survivors through hospitals.  “The cases coming to us through the If someone checks in to a hospital and  

by Dennis Bova

A

HAPPY HAPPYHOLIDAYS! HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Don’t Let Back, Is Pain keepingHAPPY you from doing what youHip, Knee or Ankle HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Don’t Let Back, Hip, Knee Knee or Ankleor An Don’t Let Back, Hip, Don’t Let Back, Hip, Knee or Ankle needHip, to do?

Painor stop you this Holiday!

Don’tlike LetorBack, Knee Ankle Don’t Let Back, Hip, Knee Ankle Pain you this Holiday!

Don’t Let stop Back, Hip, Knee ororAnkle Pain stop you this Holiday! all Heartland ehailitaon Pain stop you this Holiday!

Pain stop you this Holiday!     Pain stop you this Holiday! all Heartland ehailitaon Pain stop you this Holiday! all Heartland ehailitaon  -Hw ca w hlp y? allWe Heartland ehailitaon allall Heartland ehailitaon  ca w hlp y? can help!

Heartland  -Hw ca w-Hw hlp y?ehailitaon all Heartland ehailitaon  -Hw w hlp y?w hlp ca -Hw y?  -Hwca ca w hlp y?

 -Hw ca w hlp y

    Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at www.hlntoledo.com Living News | December 2019 11    Healthy    

How to get ready for a 5K run or walk N

o matter your fitness level, the decision to participate in an organized run or walk, such as the Medical Mutual Polar Paws and Santa Claws Holiday 5K at the Toledo Zoo, is a great first step toward getting into shape.

“The best way to prepare for a race is through a regular training program,” says Cindy Ballog, Manager of Health Promotion and Wellness at Medical Mutual. “The consistency of a training program will give you the ability and confidence to complete a 5K run or walk this winter or spring.”

Ballog suggests a training period of several weeks so you can gradually increase endurance by combining walking and running for longer periods of time and distance until reaching your race goal.

Here are a few other tips to help you prepare for race day.

If the shoe fits…

Make sure you have appropriate shoes that will provide comfort and prevent injury. Look for comfort and support. Find a shoe store with experts who can analyze your gait and foot

strike. The right professional will be able to determine if the bones of your foot rotate inward and to what degree.

They also can determine your foot type by checking your arch height and observing your gait as you walk.

Keep these tricks in mind when shoe shopping: • Shop in the late afternoon when your feet will be at their largest since they will expand while running or walking.

• Take your old running shoes with you to the store. This will aid the salesperson in determining your foot strike.

• Wear the socks you plan to use when running.

• If you have orthotics, take them with you so you can see how they will fit with your new shoes.

• Try both shoes on your feet at the same time and take a “test drive” walk around the store or even around the block.

Remember, they should be comfortable the first time you wear them.

HEALTH CROSSWORD

by Myles Mellor • ilovecrosswords.com • Answers on page 17

ACROSS 1 Antioxidant that protects against cell damage 5 Seafood 9 Fruit that provides milk 10 Green citrus fruits 12 In a location 13 ___meter 14 "Chill!"

16 Dosage amount, abbr.

19 Draw out 22 Restorative treat ment briefly 24 Rested on a sofa, e.g.

25 Cinco __ Mayo 26 Fiber source 27 Feed and protect 30 Sound of a good massage 31 Morning meal 35 Fisherman's equip ment 36 Approaches 37 Memory loss DOWN 1 Milk sugar 2 Chocolate tree 3 Producer of insulin 4 Macadamia or cashew 6 Tomato variety

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Training days

Once you have the appropriate shoes, you can safely start a walking or running training program.

However, if you have any health concerns, check with your healthcare provider before starting your training program.

Start out slow using a walk/run plan. At first, you will walk more than run, but you will gradually decrease walking time and increase running time until you are running for the full duration of the workout.

Start with a goal of 20 minutes of training. Alternate walking for three minutes and running for one minute until you reach 20 minutes.

As you begin to feel more energized during each workout, increase your total training time.

Work your way up to at least 45 minutes of training time. Continue decreasing the amount of walk time while increasing the amount of run time. Soon you will be running for the full duration of the workout and well on your way to your first 5K. 1

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Check your benefits

Don’t let the cold weather or snow prevent you from training. You can use indoor walking tracks and treadmills to get in shape. Ballog says some insurers, including Medical Mutual, offer discounted fitness memberships as well as spa and other wellness products as part of individual and group insurance plans.

Medicare-eligible senior athletes can take advantage of plans like MedMutual Advantage that offer health and wellness benefits like SilverSneakers® at no additional cost. These benefits include discounts and rewards on programs and activities to help improve your health and quality of life.

“Investing time in advance to learn about equipment, training, and available health plan programs can make healthy activities like walking and running more fun and rewarding,” Ballog adds.

For information and to enter the Medical Mutual Polar Paws and Santa Claws Holiday 5K, Sunday, December 15, or next May’s annual Dart Frog Dash, visit the Toledo Zoo website at www.toledozoo.org/polarpaws. ❦

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The “good news, bad news” of pancreatic cancer

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ecent headlines about think of. For instance, pancreatic “Jeopardy!” host neuroendocrine tumors, or PNETs, Alex Trebek battling are by definition pancreatic cancer stage-4 pancreatic and need to be treated surgically, but cancer have helped they tend to be much more indolent, raise public awareness meaning they grow and metastasize of this very serious illness that, relatively slowly,” Dr. Sutton says. according to the American Cancer Painless jaundice (yellowing of the Society, accounts for about seven skin and eyes) is the “textbook” sign percent of all cancer deaths in the US of pancreatic cancer. Patients may and has a five-year survival rate of also experience vague abdominal only nine percent when all stages are pain, changes in their stool or urine combined. Considering these rather color, unexplained weight loss, loss grim statistics, it’s understandable of appetite, persistent fatigue, and that many people view pancreatic other symptoms. Dr. Sutton also notes cancer as one of the more worrisome that later-onset insulin resistance forms of cancer and fear or diabetes occurring in being diagnosed with the people who appear othdisease. But is this pererwise healthy warrants ception entirely accurate? a medical evaluation to According to Jeffrey rule out the possibility of Sutton, MD, surgical onan underlying pancreatic cologist at the University malignancy. of Toledo Medical CenThough no direct cause ter, pancreatic cancer ’s of pancreatic cancer has troubling reputation is been identified, it is known somewhat justified. There that, as with many other Dr. Jeffrey Sutton are two reasons for this: cancers, smoking tobacThe first is that pancreatic co and drinking alcohol cancer can develop with relatively to excess can increase one’s risk of few, if any, symptoms, and when developing the disease. “Smoking symptoms do occur, they’re likely to and excessive alcohol consumption be vague and easily mistaken for other can lead to recurrent bouts of panmore benign conditions. The second creatitis that can cause normal cells is that pancreatic cancer tends to be within the pancreas to go awry and very aggressive and can metastasize develop into tumor cells,” says Dr. to the liver, lungs, or other nearby Sutton. Obesity, eating an improper organs, or advance locally into sur- (Western) diet exceedingly high in rounding blood vessels, relatively saturated fats and low in fresh fruits early in the disease process. and vegetables, and a sedentary lifeHowever, Dr. Sutton emphasizes style have been linked to pancreatic that not all lesions that occur in the cancer as well. pancreas are cancerous and not all of Certain inherited genetic mutations them require surgery. “Pseudocysts, are also known to increase risk. Dr. for example, can develop following Sutton notes that in addition to new bouts of pancreatitis, or chronic in- spontaneous mutations that occur flammation of the pancreas. These within the cells of the pancreas, it lesions do not progress to cancer and is also now known that BRCA1 and often go away on their own, though BRCA2 gene mutations, associated they can persist if large enough. There in most people’s minds with breast are also premalignant lesions, such cancer and gynecologic cancers of as intraductal papillary mucinous the ovaries and uterus, also increase neoplasms, or IPMNs, that can evolve the lifetime risk of developing paninto cancer over a long period but creatic cancer.

Can pancreatic cancer be cured? Dr. can be removed surgically if caught Sutton states that there is both good early,” he explains.

Furthermore, not all forms of news and bad news in this regard. pancreatic cancer are equally ag- “The good news is, pancreatic cancer gressive. “In addition to benign and can be curable. The bad news is, it premalignant lesions, there are types cannot be cured without surgery,” of pancreatic cancer that are much he says. “Unfortunately, four out of less aggressive than adenocarcino- five patients with pancreatic cancer ma, which is the form we usually present so late that it cannot be surConnect with our advertisers via our online issue at www.hlntoledo.com

gically resected because it has either already metastasized to other organs or advanced locally into nearby organs or tissues that can’t be resected, such as the main blood vessel that feeds the intestines. In addition, most cases of pancreatic cancer occur in the older population, so many patients just aren’t strong enough to tolerate surgery to remove it.”

Dr. Sutton further explains that all patients treated with surgery also get chemotherapy and some may get radiation or a combination of chemo and radiation. Nonetheless, surgery is the only route to a cure, and that can take one of two main forms depending on the location of the cancer—distal pancreatectomy if it’s on the left side of the pancreas, or the Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, if the cancer is situated on the right side of the pancreas.

Traditional open surgery through a relatively large incision is the most common approach when removing pancreatic tumors. However, significant progress is being made in the realm of laparoscopic and robotic

surgery, allowing more and more surgeons to perform these procedures with a minimally-invasive approach.

In fact, Dr. Sutton has extensive experience in performing these surgeries robotically.

“This technology allows me to sit at a console and perform the procedure with robotic instruments inserted into the abdomen through several very small—approximately penny-sized— incisions. A high-definition, 3D camera is also placed through one of these incisions into the abdomen, allowing me to visualize the surgical field in very high resolution. Contrary to popular misconception, the robotic system does not actually perform the surgery itself. Rather, special sensors on my hands translate my movements very precisely to the robotic instruments, so what I’m doing outside the patient’s body is mimicked on the inside,” he says.

When it comes to a potentially deadly disease like pancreatic cancer, the proverbial ounce of prevention is worth much more than a pound n

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Healthy Living News | December 2019 5/16/19 10:00 13 AM

It’s never too early to set your New Year’s fitness resolutions

by Amanda Manthey

Here are five tips for maximizing your resolutions this year:

With 2020 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 longterm goals for yourself. Whether it’s for weight loss or to improve your 5K run time, personal goals will keep you on track.

• Set three measurable personal short-term goals (one- to twomonth 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,

8

Want to run a 1/2 or full marathon?

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. ❦

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Healthy Living News | December 2019 15

Managing the holiday blues F

or most of us, the holiday season inspires feelings of warmth and joy. But for some people, this time of year can evoke feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression, often referred to as the “holiday blues.”

Even people who love the holidays can experience the blues during this busy season.

A survey by the American Psychological Association uncovered some interesting data about the holiday blues: • While the majority of people in the survey reported feelings of happiness, love, and high spirits over the holidays, those emotions were often accompanied by feelings of fatigue, stress, irritability, and sadness.

• 38% of people surveyed said their stress level increased during the holiday season.

Participants listed the top stressors: lack of time, lack of money, commercialism, the pressures of gift-giving, and family gatherings.

factors that can contribute to these feelings, including less sunlight, changes in diet and routine, increases in alcohol consumption, and extra stress from hosting family and friends or the inability to be with family and friends.

During the holiday season, it’s important to take care of yourself by being realistic about what you can and can’t do. Here are a few tips to keep holiday stressors from affecting your mental and physical well-being.

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• Give yourself some time away from the hype, even if it’s just for an hour a day. Avoid overbooking yourself, but be careful to not seclude yourself as that increases feelings of anxiety or depression.

• Increase your physical activity as exercise has an antianxiety and anti-depression effect. Even a small amount of walking, such as parking further from the store, can improve your state of mind.

• Accept others, especially those in your family, for who they are. Trying to change someone else is exhausting and usually doesn’t work. Redirect your energy to accept situations and people.

• Let go of phrases like, “It should be this way” or “I wish it were…” Try to enjoy the moment unfolding without placing expectations on a situation that may not be possible.

• Express gratitude towards others by showing them your appreciation. Sending a note, giving a call, or saying “thank you” are good ways to let others know you are thankful. Expressing gratitude throughout the year is a great way to improve your emotional well-being and develop a positive outlook on life.

• Volunteering or making donations can be a great source of comfort, simply knowing that you're making a small dent in the lives of people who are less fortunate.

• Make to-do lists each day to prioritize a few tasks at a time rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

For many of us, seasonal stress and anxiety end once the holidays are over. But for some individuals, the negative feelings persist into January and February and may include financial worries as well. If the holiday season passes and you're still feeling depressed or anxious, it's best to consult with a medical professional.

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Bittersweet Farms offers festive cookies with a purpose

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ith the holidays right around the corner, the Culinary Program at Bittersweet Farms is accepting special orders for cookies and brownies. The Culinary Program at Bittersweet Farms provides meaningful paid employment opportunities for adults with autism. Your cookie purchase supports Bittersweet’s mission of positively impacting the lives of individuals with autism. Place your order today and serve delicious cookies with a purpose at your next holiday gathering!

Bittersweet’s Culinary Program offers 12 different types of cookies, including frosted sugar, monster, red velvet, chewy brownie, chocolate chip, vegan molasses, and gluten-free peanut butter s’more. Frosted sugar cookies are available in festive seasonal shapes, such as bells, Christmas trees, and candy canes. Cookies are sold in three-packs, six-packs, and by the dozen, with beautiful holiday trays available upon request. Prices vary by cookie variety. The program also sells salted caramel brownies, which are sold in single packs and four-packs.

Now is the time to place your holiday order! To place a cookie order, visit bittersweetfarms.org and click the cookie banner on the home page or call 419-875-6986, ext. 1214.

Two weeks’ notice is required for cookie orders, or a $5 rush fee will be charged. The final date to pick up holiday cookie orders is Monday, December 23rd. Thank you for supporting Bittersweet’s mission.

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Mercy Health – Children’s Hospital expands Autism Services to reach more kids in crucial treatment window

W

hen it comes to the effective treatment of autism, time is of the essence. Current research indicates that intervention should begin no later than age five in order to achieve the most impactful changes and give kids who are on the autism spectrum the best possible opportunity for future success. Recognizing that the lack of timely access to autism programming has been a major obstacle to families in our community, Mercy Health – Children’s Hospital recently expanded their Autism Services program in Maumee to more than double its previous size.

This expansion is a welcome development because the need for timely autism services is on the rise. Alexis Eggenberger, Manager of Autism Services for Mercy Health, notes that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects one out of every 59 children—a significant increase from the statistic of one in 68 that the CDC cited for many years. “Not only are we seeing an increase in prevalence, but we’re also seeing improvements in screening and diagnostic measures, which is helping to identify kids who need intervention more effectively,” she adds.

Owing to the substantial need for autism programming in our area, the Mercy Health – Children’s Hospital Autism Services program has had to place families on a long waiting list to get services. However, with the facility’s expansion, that’s no longer the case. Eggenberger says, “We previously had the capacity to serve up to 16 children on a full-day basis or 32 on a half-day basis, and we were running a one- to two-year waiting list. That could be devastating for parents with a child who was just diagnosed because it put them at risk of missing that optimal window of opportunity for intervention by age five. However, with the recent expansion, we can serve up to 72 children, which completely eliminates that waiting list.”

According to Eggenberger, autism is a neurodevelopmental disability that impacts kids’ socialization, communication, and overall behavior.

Signs of autism typically begin to appear before age two.

Examples from the very wide spec-

trum of potential indicators include lack of or differences in eye contact; differences in social reciprocity, for example having difficulty sharing, taking turns, or engaging in back-andforth conversation; unusual speech patterns such as speaking in a robotic or sing-song tone; repetitive behavior such as rocking or hand-flapping; rigid behavior such as needing things to happen in a particular order; over- or under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli; very specific food preferences and/ or aversions to certain food textures; a very narrow range of interests or excessive focus on particular topics; fixation on particular objects such as those that spin or turn; and many others.

However, it’s important to note that exhibiting one or more of these signs is not necessarily a “red flag” that a child has autism. Nor does failing to exhibit one of these signs mean he or she does not have autism.

“Most parents with children on the spectrum are at the very least somewhat overwhelmed,” says Cap Averill, the father of a Mercy Health client. “They are also certainly under

pressure, all the way around. Having a friend like Mercy Health – Children’s Hospital Autism Services to help wade through the complicated nature of payment strategies as well as stay on top of a world-class applied behavioral analysis program is truly a lifesaver.

I cannot speak highly enough about the Mercy Health team.”

Mercy Health – Children’s Hospital Autism Services has been serving the community since 2004, providing comprehensive early intervention that includes applied behavioral analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy for children with autism, as well as mental health counseling for the children’s parents and siblings.

Eggenberger explains, “Our program is based on the ABA philosophy, which is an evidence-based approach that takes larger concepts and skills and breaks them down into teachable components. All our services are offered in a one-to-one format, and each child’s program is individualized to his or her needs.

The program addresses social skills, play skills, feeding, toileting, behavior

management, communication, and group-attending skills with the goal of moving kids out of our environment to a typical school setting with one teacher to multiple students, whether that means a public, private, charter, or other school. We work primarily with toddlers to preschoolers and try to transition them to school by age five or six.”

Though children with autism may have deficits to overcome in order to achieve success in school and later in life, Eggenberger is always impressed by the unique and varied strengths they exhibit. One of the more common strengths she sees in kids at the clinic is persistence, which is vital when it comes to succeeding in school, finding employment, and exploring interests and hobbies. “Also, our kids tend to analyze things in ways that we would never think of, for example taking apart a toy and putting it back together in a different way or conceptualizing completely different toys and putting them together using something like Legos.

The teach us much more than we teach them,” she says.

If there’s one message Eggenberger hopes parents will remember, it’s that while autism may not yet be curable, it is treatable. “It’s a big misconception that there’s nothing you can do if your child gets a diagnosis or that all your hopes and dreams for your child are gone. If you have concerns about your child, discuss them with your doctor, and if he or she is diagnosed with autism, don’t wait to seek treatment. The earlier we can intervene, the better the outcome for your child,” she emphasizes. ❦

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Healthy Living News | December 2019 17

A WALK IN THE PARK

During the early Puebloan era, homes were underground pit houses lined with shaped stones and covered over with wood and adobe roofs strong enough to support people walking on them. Which they had to be because the door was in the roof.

Pit houses as habitations evolved into kivas used for religious ceremonies and community activities. By about 1200 AD, there were above-ground villages at Bandelier of about 40 adjoining rooms arranged in a circle.

Eventually there were even larger villages until some had grown to about 600 rooms with some dwellings that rose as high as three stories.

By the time the Spanish arrived in northern New Mexico, the Pueb-

were probably interested in more mundane issues. Like survival, for example. This is high, desert country so the first thing on your checklist has to be water. Got it. Materials for shelter? Check. Food? Check.

We camped on the dry plateau above Frijoles Canyon at an elevation of 6,600 feet in a forest of stunted spruce and pinyon pines. At night, the temperature routinely dropped into the 30s, but by 8 a.m. or so it was T-shirt warm. And it was hot enough in the early afternoon to

Some archeologists speculate that the round towers at Hovenweep were defensive fortresses.

Bandelier & Hovenweep: An Archeological Tour

by LeMoyne Mercer In a recent issue, I told about our visit to Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. But, wait, there’s more. On that same trip, Shirley and I also stopped at Bandelier National Monument about an hour northwest of Santa Fe and Hovenweep National Monument on the Colorado-Utah border. All three parks are dedicated to the preservation of Ancient Puebloan Indian sites.

Archeologists believe the Puebloans were descendants of nomadic hunter-gatherer people who roamed the area as much as 13,000 years ago. The evidence for these earlier people is basically stone spear and arrow points. There is far, far more evidence for the civilization of their descendants, the Ancient Puebloans, who established stable villages built of stone and adobe; made increasingly beautiful pottery; grew crops such as beans, squash, and corn; and left behind a treasure trove of artifacts.

Above-ground dwellings were arranged in a circular pattern with shared walls and ceiling-floors like modern condominiums.

loans had already moved on to new homes along the upper Rio Grande.

Today there are eight Indian pueblos north of Santa Fe where the current residents are probably descendants of the Bandelier people.

Shirley and I spent four days at Bandelier in mid-June. We can understand why anyone would be attracted to the place. From the tourist’s point of view, the Frijoles Canyon is just beautiful. Earlier residents, however,

A pleasant trail along Frijoles Creek leads to its confluence with the Rio Grande.

The creek is still lined with tall, straight Ponderosas used by Puebloans as vigas.

generate brief thundershowers. On the third day, hail was thrown in at no extra charge.

Down in the canyon, the Ancestral Puebloans lived along a stream where groves of stately Ponderosa

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pines still grow. The tall, straight trees made excellent roof beams.

(Dendochronology, the study of tree rings, helps establish dates for the dwellings.) Plenty of wood for fuel, tools, and other things too. Other plants supplied materials for sandals, rope, and woven baskets.

Water also meant that game animals were bound to visit, so their crops were supplemented with meat that was dried for long-term storage.

There is also evidence that they domesticated turkeys not only for meat and eggs but for feathers that could be woven together with yucca fibers to make warm blankets and coats.

This, by the way, is a skill that is still practiced by modern Puebloans.

We took the trail out to the series of cliff-side dwellings. Along the way we passed the Big Kiva. Archeologists note that it was reconstructed or repaired at some point because the bottom courses of stones are all beautifully squared off and shaped

Underground pit houses evolved into kivas for ceremonial and community functions. Notice that the Big Kiva has well-shaped stone courses along the bottom but has been repaired more crudely in the upper half.

to purpose. The top portion, though, is made of rough stone just mortared into place and considerably more crude in appearance. It is rather like a once-elegant Victorian home that deteriorated over time and was then “repaired” by less affluent later residents. Because they were underground, kivas were relatively warm in winter and cool in the summer.

At the base of the cliff at Bandelier are remains of talus houses that rest on the stone, or talus, that had fallen from the cliff. The dwellings at Mesa Verde, on the other hand, are high up in huge, natural alcoves in the cliff face itself. The back walls of the talus houses were formed by the vertical cliff rock of ironically named volcanic tuff. It is not “tough” at all but quite crumbly, so there are hundreds of naturally occurring caves, most of

them rather small and shallow. Some of these were easily converted to storage space. Think of them as closets and pantries. These cave rooms, called cavates (cave-eights), were typically plastered with adobe and painted.

Shirley was undaunted by the 140-foot climb to Alcove House.

Small natural caves were often enhanced with stone entryways to create cavates for storage.

They were not, however, big enough for use as living space. Archeologists speculate that the Ancient Puebloans used them to store at least two years of supplies to tide them over during the lean years.

In addition to tuff, other volcanic rock at Frijoles Canyon was probably an attraction to the prehistoric residents. There are plentiful deposits of basalt, a harder rock good for pounding tools such as hammers and for grinding corn. There is also shiny black obsidian that flakes easily to make sharp tools such as scrapers, spear points, and arrowheads.

The remains of talus houses stretch for about 800 feet along the cliff face. Even where the houses have collapsed, you can easily see where the multiple floors originally existed. There are evenly-spaced holes about a foot in diameter that were hollowed out to support the vigas or roof beams. Vigas are still a defining characteristic of modern “fauxdobe” construction in the Southwest. So, it is clear even to the casual visitor that there were usually two or even three stories rising above the ground floor. In some places, there are ladders placed so you can climb to a cavate. The floors have been obviously smoothed and leveled so they cannot be mistaken for natural caves. Some of these cavates have more elaborate, squared-off entrances defined by an outline of shaped stones around the natural opening. Tourists love to go in there and poke their heads out to have their pictures taken.

The biggest adventure in the park, though, is the climb to Alcove House.

(The use of natural cliff alcoves dominates at Mesa Verde, but there is only one at Bandelier.) As the name

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suggests, it is a broad, deep opening in the cliff face that is still quite small

by Mesa Verde standards. Alcove House is high above the base of the cliff and reached via a 140-foot ascent on ladders. Woohoo! Not for the faint of heart. Or those with heart issues.

Or small children. But everyone we met established an instant sense of camaraderie. We shared advice. Don’t ever look down or out towards the open canyon. Don’t pause for selfies halfway up. Stay focused on what you are doing, or you won’t live to do it much longer.

In the alcove are cavates with beam holes in the wall over them indicating where viga logs for roof supports would have been inserted.

There is also a kiva right at the edge of the drop-off. “Oh, Great Spirit, don’t desert me now!”

There were fewer such challenges at Hovenweep. Though the basic stone architecture resembles that of Mesa Verde and Bandelier, the building sites are generally on the rim of the cliff rather than in alcoves or at the base. The reasons for this are quite simple. First, there are no naturally occurring alcoves to build in. Then, the canyon is relatively narrow and shallow, so there aren’t many suitable building sites down there either. The main attraction for early residents may have been reliable water sources at the head of the canyon. Several stone towers suggest that the Puebloans were protecting something. It may have been their vital water sources from

The holes cut into the cliff face for vigas clearly show that cliff dwellings rose several stories high. n

A Walk in the Park - continued on p20

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A Walk in the Park - continued from p19

heard ranger talks based on varying anthropological theories: this was a harsh, challenging environment with different tribes and clans competing for scarce resources; or, this was essentially a peaceable, agrarian culture that thrived by cooperating rather than competing.

The ruins at Hovenweep stand on the rim of the canyon rather than in alcoves or at the base of the cliff.

jealous or acquisitive neighbors. The towers resemble those built for both habitation and defense that appeared all over Europe during the Middle Ages. The names given to them by the Park Service (Stronghold House and Stonghold Tower) reflect this speculation about their defensive purpose.

On the other hand, the towers might have been just an aesthetic preference. At Mesa Verde, there are towers back in the cliff alcoves where you would expect that the overhanging cliff itself was a sufficient defense. Besides, we have

so we asked if they needed water or help. Assured that they did not, we continued on. A few minutes later, we met three EMTs hurrying down the trail. Evidently, hikers ahead of us had reported concerns about the red-faced woman. Seniors often seek to avoid encumbering others with needless solicitude and will stoutly deny the gravity of their symptoms.

(I know an old guy who had a heart attack down in Bryce Canyon but didn’t let a minor annoyance like that keep him from climbing out.)

The archeological evidence indicates that Mesa Verde, Bandelier, and Hovenweep were built and thrived

The canyon at Hovenweep is both narrow and shallow, but there was probably a reliable water source at its head to make it attractive to Puebloans.

Shirley and I took the loop trail to the head of the canyon, followed it back along the far rim, and descended into the canyon to cross and climb back to the trail head. We can attest to its challenging environment. So could others. We met a couple about our age resting on boulders in the shade of one of the rare, stunted pinyon pines. She was rather red in the face, and he was looking a little distressed,

One of the most intriguing structures at Hovenweep is tucked into a mushroom-shaped boulder.

at almost exactly the same time (according to the tree rings), so there must have been a rather widespread cultural revolution underway similar to the burst of cathedral building in medieval Europe. Likewise, at the end of the 13th century, the Puebloans apparently all decided simultaneously that it was time to pack up and get out.

My personal theory was inspired by the example of the red-faced woman. After giving it a go for a couple hundred years, the Puebloan women banded together and said to their husbands, “You know what, this ain’t nearly as much fun as you said it would be. How about we find a place with more shade and water? A Holiday Inn Express with a swimming pool would be nice. Maybe order some Margaritas and Mojitos.” So, they all moved to Santa Fe. Shirley says the theory still needs a little work. But she agrees that visiting the Ancient Pueblos was just a walk in the park.

LeMoyne Mercer is the travel editor for Healthy Living News. There is limited space here for LeMoyne’s photos. You might want to see more at anotherwalkinthepark.blogspot.com.

Please leave comments on the site. ❦

The Epworth Artist Series Presents:

Christmas Music for Brass Quintet and Choir Featuring The Academy Brass Quintet and Epworth’s Chancel Choir

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

4855 W. Central Ave., Toledo The concert is free and open to the public This concert features the Chancel Choir, and The Academy Brass Quintet.

We’ll sing favorite Christmas carols for choir and congregation and features favorite Christmas carols as arranged for brass Quintet, organ and choir.

20 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

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T

Lucas County Children Services Holiday Gift Drive continues through December 20

he holiday season is upon us, and Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) is once again asking area residents to “Give the Gift of Joy” this holiday season! The agency has kicked off its annual Holiday Gift Drive, which is co-sponsored by the Friends of Lucas County Children Services (FLCCS), WTOL-TV 11, iHeartMedia, and several community partners.

The community-based campaign is expected to provide gifts to as many as 3,000 children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Gift collection began November 25 and runs through December 20, 2019.

The drive provides gifts for children living in foster care, with relatives or with their families under LCCS supervision. “The children of Lucas County continue to face challenges. Abuse and neglect continue to rise, due in no small part to the incidence of substance abuse in our community. Giving these children a reason to smile at the holiday season is really 10.25x5_ES_70th_Ad_HL_COL_319_HI.pdf important.

1 Lucas County

residents have been very generous in the past, and we hope they will continue that tradition of giving,” says Robin Reese, LCCS executive director.

The drive provides gifts for children from birth to age 18. While gifts are sought for all age groups, the agency is in particular need of items for children of all ethnic groups who are newborn to three years old, and gift cards for teenagers.

Several generous community partners are again stepping up to support the gift drive. Key sponsors include PNC Bank; Bennett Management Corp., a franchisee of BURGER KING Corporation®; La-Z-Boy; and Yark Automotive Group. Other partners include Allshred Services; Barnes & Noble Toledo; The Countertop Shop; DANA Corporation; Franklin Park Mall; Toledo Auto Care; and Woodcraft.

Local residents are encouraged to drop a new, unwrapped toy in the collection boxes located around the community: • Allshred Services, 3940 Technology Drive in Maumee.

• All Toledo-area BURGER ® in Holland, KING 3/21/19 12:39restaurants PM Maumee, Northwood, Oregon,

Toledo, and Lambertville, Mich.

• The Countertop Shop, 9300 Airport Hwy. • Cutting Edge Countertops, 1300 Flagship Dr., Perrysburg.

• Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe Street, Toledo (pick an ornament from the wish trees).

• La-Z-Boy Furniture stores, 5804 Airport Hwy. and 5173 Monroe St. in Toledo.

• Toledo Auto Care, 4544 Monroe St. and 5329 Heatherdowns, Toledo.

• Woodcraft, 5311 Airport Highway, Toledo.

• WTOL studios, 730 N. Summit St., Toledo.

• All Toledo-area Yark Automotive Group locations.

Additionally, the Barnes & Noble Booksellers at 4940 Monroe Street in Toledo has again designated the LCCS Holiday Gift Drive as the recipient of its 2019 holiday book donation campaign, which encourages customers to purchase books to be donated to the gift drive.

Several special events are scheduled to encourage Toledo-area residents to support the gift drive:

Toy-A-Thon

On Saturday, December 7, iHeart-

Media radio stations will host the 2019 Toy-A-Thon in the Food Court of Franklin Park Mall, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The effort will collect new, unwrapped toys; clothes; and monetary donations to help LCCS children and families celebrate the holidays.

Downtown Toy Drop

On Thursday, December 12, WTOL will host its second annual “Downtown Toy Drop” in its parking lot at 730 North Summit St. from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. WSPD will also broadcast live throughout the day. Everyone is encouraged to drive through and donate a new, unwrapped toy to the LCCS drive.

“Shred for a Toy” Day

On Saturday, December 14, 101.5 The River morning show host Rick Woodell will continue the tradition of broadcasting live from the BURGER KING® at 4870 Monroe Street (across from Franklin Park Mall) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Allshred Services will be on hand to provide free shredding for up to five bags or boxes of paper documents when you donate a new, unwrapped toy. The public is encouraged to stop by and support the gift drive during that time. ❦

We’ve Kept It In The Family.

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Healthy Living News | December 2019 21

Laurels honors resident vets with help of Toledo Buffalo Soldiers

A

t The Laurels of Toledo, all residents are honored and valued for their unique personalities and contributions. But every November 11—Veterans Day—Laurels residents who served in our nation’s armed forces are given special treatment in recognition of the challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made in order to protect the freedoms we all enjoy and too often take for granted.

According to Page Rostetter, MED, CTRS, RTCR, Activities Coordinator at The Laurels of Toledo, the facility’s Veterans Day celebrations have included a wide range of activities and commemorations. “For example, we’ve held special pinning ceremonies for our vets, and representatives from local VFW posts have come in to meet our vets and present them with baseball hats from the branch of the armed forces they served in—which they wear proudly. Also, for the last three years, the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club has come here to bring our vets free meals provided by local restaurants.”

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club—a national organization con-

sisting of approximately 122 chapters and 3,000 members—is an homage to the six all-African-American army regiments that were established at the beginning of the post-Civil-War Reconstruction era in 1866. In addition to fighting in our nation’s wars, the many contributions the Buffalo Soldiers made included guarding the mail; escorting and guarding stage coaches, cattle drives, and railroad crews; building roads and telegraph lines; serving as the first border patrol; protecting Indian reservations; delivering treaties for the federal government; and much more. The

22 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” was given to the members of these regiments by native Americans as a testament to their valor in battle.

Today’s Buffalo Soldiers may ride motorcycles (“iron ponies”) instead of horses, but they continue to serve their respective communities in numerous ways, including honoring and assisting military vets. In fact, according to Earl Mack, president of the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers, most of the members in the chapter are current or veteran military personnel or current or retired police officers, so serving vets just comes naturally.

Mack explains that the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers launched “Operation Shut-In” four years ago when they realized some area veterans were missing a special opportunity available to them on Veterans Day. “Every Veterans Day, vets can show their ID in various local restaurants and get a meal at no cost. Four years ago, we asked ourselves, ‘What about vets who are homebound or disabled and can’t take advantage of this goodwill gesture?’ So now we do a food run every year on Veterans Day to serve those who can’t get out,” he says.

The meals delivered to The Laurels this year were provided by Ruby’s Kitchen. In addition to being a token of thanks for the resident veterans’ military service, the meals also provide an opportunity for the vets to come out of their rooms and spend a little time together socializing.

For some, this can be challenging because as Rostetter explains, most of the vets she’s met and worked with have been very humble people n

Laurels - continued on p38

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Diabetes got you on pins and needles?

Call us – your primary experts.

Establishing control over your diabetes can be a challenge, especially if you have questions about managing medications or concerns about the impact on your vision or circulation.

Your primary care provider can work with you and your specialists to help establish a plan to get control and successfully manage your condition.

Build a relationship with your primary care provider at The University of Toledo Medical Center and discuss your ongoing health needs.

Start a conversation today, 419.383.4000. utmc.utoledo.edu/primarycare @utoledomedicalcenter @UTMedCenter

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Healthy Living News | December 2019 9/16/19 9:18 23 AM

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Spiritually Speaking What our gifts say about us

by Sister Mary Thill

‘T

is the season for giving and receiving gifts. The quote from St. John’s Gospel reminds us of how much God loved us and what a wonderful gift we received over 2000 years ago when God sent his only Son to us as a vulnerable baby to become like us in all things but sin. How does one surpass that?

Recently I came across a little paperback copy of Paul Tournier’s book, The Meaning of Gifts (1963), and began to reflect on just what it is that my gifts tell others about me when I give them to friends, relatives, co-workers and charitable organizations. If the gift is a monetary one, I try to be as generous as I can be because I believe my gift should reflect what I’m able to give and that the person or organization will appreciate the money rather than some object that they may or may not want. If I know that my friend or relative likes lottery tickets, I may give them a few though I often think I should just give them the money because they seldom seem to win anything with the tickets. Am I the risktaker or are they?

I find myself regifting things like lotions, gloves, candy and things that I don’t use, need, or like.

What does that say about me? I often think that these things have been regifted to me and someone wants me to appreciate the gift. I recall that at Christmas time during my first year of teaching in an elementary school, I received 50 pounds of candy (!) and enough gloves and hand lotion to last me for a year or more. In those days, we wore habits and parents seemed to think that those three gifts were most appropriate because almost all the Sisters that year received pretty much the same three gifts! Now that I think about it, we could have opened a candy store. We actually sent the candy to the Motherhouse where the Sisters in Sylvania greatly appreciated our candy gifts.

Yes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him may not die but may have eternal life.

(John 3:16) We all hunger for gifts as we hunger for universal and limitless love, for gifts are signs of that compelling and deep-seated desire to love and be loved. In countless ways of which we are rarely aware, the gifts we offer tell more about us than words can ever measure.

Is it a gift of love? Or an offering that trades, dominates, manipulates, destroys?

To give is to live. To live is to commit oneself.

What do your gifts say about you? +Dr. Paul Tournier, physician and psychotherapist When a birthday, wedding, baby shower, or some other special celebration/occasion comes to my attention, I try to envision what the person would really like or not like as the case may be. I have a baby shower coming up soon and I have a darling card that I’ve had in my drawer for quite a while that I think will be perfect for the occasion.

I know that the new mom is registered at a local store for baby gifts, but I feel that I would like to give the parents something religious because of who I am. I’m pretty sure that they will like something like that because I also know that their religion is important to them.

I hope and pray that as I move along in life, any gift I give to another is seen as a gift of love. Sometimes regifting will work, and I really will try to think about just why I’m giving and what it means to the other person receiving the gift. Some folks like to receive a phone call, letter, or card giving them a chance to just enjoy communicating with another n Spiritually Speaking - continued on p41

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Healthy Living News | December 2019 25

A tsunami of diabetic blindness

by Carol R. Kollarits, MD prevent this oncoming tidal wave of diabetic very hour, diabetic blindness?

1. If you already have retinopathy causes three Americans to been diagnosed with become legally blind diabetes, have a yearly (unable to read the big eye exam. If diabetic “E” at the top of the retinopathy is discoveye chart, even with ered before you notice glasses or contact lens- a decrease in vision, es). Almost 10% of the appropriate treatment US population now has can reduce your risk diabetes, resulting in of blindness from 50% 24,000 new cases of di- down to 5%.

2. If you have diabetes abetic blindness every year. This number will and your annual eye only increase as more exam shows no diapeople develop diabe- betic retinopathy, you tes. What can be done to can reduce your risk

E

of developing diabetic retinopathy in the future by good control of your blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, and body weight. Controlling these will also reduce your risk of developing diabetic kidney failure and other complications of long-term diabetes.

3. If you do not have diabetes but are overweight, lose weight to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Diet and exercise are

the safest ways to lose weight. If you are considering gastric bypass surgery, know that you must take a multivitamin consistently after the surgery to prevent blindness from vitamin A deficiency.

Diabetes remains the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness among American adults between the ages of 20 and 74. The three recommendations above, if implemented, could prevent the predicted oncoming epidemic of

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blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy.

If diabetic retinopathy affects your ability to accomplish routine daily tasks, a visit to The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio could provide life-changing help. Once The Sight Center ’s low-vision optometrist has assessed your vision, she may recommend that you meet with the occupational therapist (OT).

OTs are trained to assist people who are struggling with daily life as a result of illness, injury, or disability. They can help people regain

skills, master new skills, or identify different ways of doing things to achieve their goals.

People with diabetic retinopathy may find they are having trouble with daily tasks such as: • Reading mail and bills • Writing checks or addressing envelopes • Reading newspapers or books • Seeing a restaurant menu • Reading recipes or seeing measuring cups and spoons • Managing daily medications • Completing diabetes management tasks,

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such as testing their blood sugar • Navigating steps or curbs safely • Seeing their computer, tablet, or phone • Participating in leisure activities, such as watching TV or playing card games.

Whatever your personal goals may be, The Sight Center ’s OT will help you reach them.

She may show you assistive devices like magnifiers, writing guides, or talking devices. She may also suggest environmental modifications to your home

to increase your safety and prevent falls, such as adding grab bars to the shower, increasing overhead lighting, or keeping pathways clear.

The OT can also provide family education and strategies to help cope with your vision loss.

With the right tools, and an OT as your partner in problem-solving, you can increase your quality of life and gain independence in meaningful activities.

For more information about The Sight Center, visit www.sightcentertoledo.org or call 419720-3937. ❦

Healthy Living News | December 2019 27

Ready to mBrace a more healthy, productive and proactive lifestyle?

Custom curated, third-party tested, pure CBD products.

Now available at Franklin Park Mall Center Court.

Offering seniors a 10% discount. www.mbracenaturals.com 28 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

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mBrace Naturals CBD Health and Wellness Center brings clarity

W

ith all the noise and confusion in the public domain about natural health products, one of the most misunderstood is CBD, also known as hemp. For many years it has been mislabeled and confused with a genetic relative—cannabis—and has been put under the same spotlight.

Even in this more liberal world, with cannabis legal in two-thirds of the country, it still bears the stigma of decades. So, let’s set the facts straight, shall we?

Cannabis, AKA marijuana, is a natural plant with many medicinal properties, but for most of our lives it has been used as a recreational drug.

During the early part of the twentieth century, it was totally legal, but it was made a Schedule I drug in 1972 and every cannabinoid was included in that classification.

CBD, though genetically similar, does not alter the senses nor offer body sensations and is legal in the United States. Hemp fibers and pulp have been used for centuries for paper and textile use and historically the sails on many early ships from Europe were made with hemp. In addition, many former tobacco-growing farms are transitioning to hemp production.

Nick Popoff with mBrace Naturals shared his thoughts about CBD: “CBD is an amazing all-natural product that’s non-addictive. It’s a whole-body health that we’re trying to achieve along with helping people.”

CBD includes two components: CBD1 and CBD2. CBD1 affects the brain, which helps with pain, sleeplessness, and anxiety. CBD2 is activated in the stomach and affects overall body movement, including pain, effects of arthritis, and inflammation.

For some users, a tincture, just a few drops applied under the tongue via dropper, works best and is quickly absorbed into the blood, usually within five to ten minutes. This was one of the first forms available and continues to be one of the most popular. mBrace Naturals carries a wide selection of various sizes, potency, and flavors.

The women’s market for products using CBD is growing significantly, and many top cosmetic companies are now adding CBD to their

mixtures. Bath balms and moisturizers that include CBD components allow therapeutic benefits in addition to softening the skin. In addition, many professional athletes have gotten involved with CBD and find that it helps them with the abuse their body has taken in sports. Benefits include relief from bruises and pain along with symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.

Medical claims are avoided, but many cases have been reported of CBD helping with nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment, and one company has a product on the market that has been FDA approved for symptoms of some forms of epilepsy.

Most people find that they need to try different dosages as well as different ways to ingest CBD. By trying different doses and applications, each user can find out what works best for them.

But let’s not forget about one more member of our families: our pets.

CBD has been proven effective for joint pain and movement issues with older pets and has also been used for hyperactivity for dogs and cats with those challenges. Does your pet get anxious before going to the vet? A little CBD might be an easy solution!

In 2017, animal products with CBD were estimated to be worth about $13 million, which could grow ten-fold in the next few years.

The public is learning about the advantages of CBD with almost 50 percent of the population willing to try the product. Several industry analysts predict growth of retail sales to hit $20 billion by the year 2022, which is just around the corner. Along those lines, many CBD companies are women-owned or -operated and they have wholeheartedly mBraced the holistic and medicinal side of CBD. The mBrace Naturals CBD Health and Wellness Center, located in the center court of the Franklin Park Mall, offers many combinations of CBD and plans to carry all available forms.

For more information, call 419-2803592, visit www.mbracenaturals.com, or email us at info@ mbracenaturals.com.

Consult with your healthcare provider before using CBD products. ❦

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Build a personal support system Exercise and play sports

by Daniel J. Jachimiak

I

solation is a major cause of depression. As we move into adult responsibilities, such as work, parenting, and marriage, we tend to let our relationships fade into the background. The trend to work remotely has increased our isolation. In the ever-increasing tasks of “adulting,” self-care often takes a back seat. Selfcare includes physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, personal, and professional tasks. A healthy support system plays a role in all these categories of self-care.

Whom do you already have in your life? Do you feel respected by this person? Do you trust this person?

Does this person bring out your best qualities? Does this person allow you to feel good about yourself? We often ask ourselves when we should ask for help, what we think will happen if we do, and whether our expectations are positive or negative.

Here are some great tips to build a personal support system:

Turn to family and friends

There is no substitute for family and good friends to support and encourage you when the chips are down.

Sometimes just talking to someone can lift your spirits and help take the weight off your shoulders. Having someone listen to your concerns helps make you feel supported and understood, which in turn encourages you to look at things differently.

Cultivate a variety of interests

Read more, go to the movies or a play, listen to great music, enjoy beautiful art. Engaging in healthy and mind-expanding activities can preoccupy you when you need a healthy distraction. Not only do they preoccupy you, but they also help you grow and develop, therefore leaving less time to brood or stay down for very long.

Have an assortment of exercises or fun sports you can draw upon to work out and let off some pent-up energy and steam. There is nothing like a good workout to stimulate your endorphins, the “happy hormones.”

Take a short, affordable trip

We all have someplace we’ve always wanted to visit, but just never got around to it. Travel to a big city like Chicago or Toronto and partake in the cultural treasures it has to offer.

The experience can expand your horizons and give you that change of scenery you need. Or just take a trip to the countryside and enjoy the bucolic surroundings.

Create a quiet place or sanctuary for yourself

Find a quiet place in your home, a corner in your local library, or a park where you can go to meditate, contemplate, or rejuvenate yourself. You can go for a stroll in the park and enjoy the flowers, trees, and birds and connect with your surroundings.

Volunteer at a hospital or nursing home Take a day and volunteer your services to someone who needs your help. Giving support is as important as receiving it. It will put things in perspective.

When we are down, rather than resorting to unhealthy outlets such as overeating or consuming alcohol or other harmful substances, we can find positive ways to express ourselves while at the same time building resilience.

Best wishes!

Dan Jachimiak is a life coach and lifeskills trainer working with teens, young adults, and adults in the Toledo area. He can be reached at 419-787-2036. ❦

Healthy Living News | December 2019 29

10 tips for better hearing at holiday gatherings

by Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A

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with Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Massage Therapy.

HEALTHY, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you improve and maintain your physical and mental health throughout this hectic season! See what one of our satisfied patients had to say about her experience:

e’ve all had the experience of being together with family during the holiday season and seeing Aunt Jane sitting quietly in the corner by herself. You might think she isn’t feeling good and wants to be left alone or is mad because she didn’t get the sweater she really wanted.

But did you ever think she may be suffering from a hearing loss that is making her anxious and quiet? For those who suffer from hearing loss, this time of year can cause anxiety. The numerous dinners and get-togethers can cause listening difficulties right up through the New Year.

Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic values family time and wants to help by giving suggestions on how to make holiday communication enjoyable.

Here are some simple tips that will help your Aunt Jane feel part of the excitement during the holidays:

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1. When you are out at a restaurant, remember to have your family member with hearing loss sit away from noise with their back to a wall. In this position, they’ll have less competing ambient noise to deal with.

2. When there’s a large group of people, take turns speaking. This will make listening easier not just for the

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and Who We Can Be to You Let us support you through your journey to better hearing. With over 70 years of combined experience, our doctors of Audiology at Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, have delivered advanced care to patients of all ages. We’re skilled in hearing disorders and tinnitus, using the latest diagnostic testing and technologies to care for you.

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individual with the hearing loss, but also for everyone else.

3. Get Aunt Jane’s attention before starting to speak. Call her name or simply tap her on the shoulder to get her attention. She’ll be ready to listen with both ears.

4. If she doesn’t understand what you said, try rephrasing it, giving her the ability to hear it again.

5. Make sure the lighting in the room is bright. Dim lighting makes it difficult to see faces and read lips.

You might say, “Aunt Jane reads lips? I never knew that.” In fact we all have the talent of reading lips, but we might not rely on it as much.

6. If someone is singing, avoid speaking at that point. Wait until it’s over to tell your guests about the refreshments. The less competition to hearing, the better the experience will be.

7. To ensure Aunt Jane heard what you said correctly, ask her to repeat what she heard.

8. To enhance communication, talk to the other family members before your gathering so all are aware and on the same page on how to communicate with your hearing-impaired family member.

9. Before the gathering, ask your Aunt Jane, “How can I help make your listening experience less stressful?”

Showing an interest will allow her to be relaxed and less anxious.

10. The best tip we can give you is, don’t have your family member wait to improve their hearing one more year. Seek help and advice before the family dinner. That way everyone can enjoy the holiday season this year.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy holiday season, from our family to yours. Thank you for your interest in our column, and, as always, please contact us with any questions or concerns.

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). ❦

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Practice safe snow shoveling this winter E

very winter, snow shoveling causes more than its share of injuries, ranging from strained or pulled muscles to thrown-out backs. Also, after a heavy snowfall, it’s not unusual to hear news reports of people who suffer heart attacks—sometimes fatal—while shoveling. These avoidable injuries and tragedies occur because it’s easy to underestimate how the sudden, intense exertion of snow shoveling taxes the body—especially when that body has been otherwise sedentary for most of the year.

Snow shoveling is hard on the heart because it can cause a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, one study revealed that after shoveling snow for just two minutes, the heart rates of sedentary men exceeded the rate typically recommended for aerobic exercise. Exerting in cold air is also hard on the body and makes it more difficult to breathe.

In addition to people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, those who are at increased risk for heart attack while shoveling snow include those who have had a previous heart attack,

those with a history of heart disease, those who smoke, and those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. In addition, caffeine and nicotine should both be avoided prior to shoveling snow as these stimulants can increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict, placing even more stress on the heart.

As with any strenuous activity, you should stretch and warm up your muscles (taking a five-minute walk will suffice to warm your muscles) before you begin shoveling

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snow to minimize your chances of injury. If one of the aforementioned heart attack risk factors applies to you or you have any other health concerns, consult with your doctor before taking on the strenuous chore of shoveling snow.

The best way to prevent back strain and other muscle aches while shoveling is to use proper body mechanics.

Your hands should be positioned about 12 inches apart on the shovel for the best leverage, and your feet should be approximately hip width apart for balance. Whenever possi-

ble, push the snow out of your path rather than try to lift it. If you must lift the snow, bend at your knees, keeping your back straight, and try to contract your stomach muscles as you lift. Avoid twisting your body or flinging snow long distances, and try to step into the throw when dumping snow from the shovel. If you experience any pain, shortness of breath, or unusually excessive perspiration while shoveling, stop immediately.

The type of shovel you use can make a difference when it comes to shoveling safety, as well. Choosing a model with a smaller blade will limit the amount of snow you can lift at one time, thereby minimizing the strain on your body. Also, a plastic blade will be lighter and easier on your back than a metal one. To keep snow from clinging to your shovel and putting undue strain on your back, spray the blade with a lubricant before you begin shoveling.

To keep your body warm while preventing overheating, dress in layers and wear a warm hat, gloves n Shoveling - continued on p38

Healthy Living News | December 2019 31

Winter fall-prevention tips for seniors S

eniors often go to considerable lengths to reduce the risk of falling inside the home—eliminating tripping hazards such as throw rugs and extension cords, installing grab bars in bathrooms and railings on stairs, applying a non-skid surface to the bathtub, and so on. Then, along comes Old Man Winter to turn all of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan into one big slip-and-fall hazard. Area seniors who aren’t especially cautious and vigilant at

this time of year can all too easily end up experiencing a painful—and potentially debilitating—fall on icy or snow-covered surfaces.

However, with the proper precautions, seniors can minimize the risk of slipping and falling on slick outdoor surfaces in wintertime. Here are some suggestions that will help:

Keep the deicer handy

Sidewalk/driveway deicer isn’t much help if you have to walk across

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32â&#x20AC;&#x192;December 2019â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A;Healthy Living News

perilously slick surfaces to reach it in a detached garage or storage shed.

Keep your deicing product within easy reach inside your home (e.g., in a foyer or mudroom) or an attached garage. The same applies to your snow shovel.

of a slip or so you can break your fall if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regain your balance.

Wear gloves instead of warming your hands in your pockets, and get help with carrying groceries or other loads on icy or snowy surfaces.

Hire a snow-removal service

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring winter indoors

Not only does the act of shoveling heavy snow in the cold present serious health risks to seniors in and of itself, but it also puts them in much greater jeopardy of slipping or losing their balance and falling. Consider hiring a professional snow-removal serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if not a grandchild or neighbor kidâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to take on this treacherous chore for you. It will be money well spent, and your body will thank you for it.

Check your traction

We all know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wise to verify that we have adequate tread on our vehicle tires before winter sets in, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equally important to ensure that your shoes, boots, and other footwear will provide adequate traction on snow and ice.

Dress shoes can be particularly slip-prone, so if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re heading somewhere dressy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to wear boots en route and carry your dress shoes with you so you can change into them when you arrive.

Reinforce railings

That ornate wrought-iron railing along your front stairs may give your home wonderful curb appeal, but how will it hold up if it as to support your whole weight after you slip on ice? If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wobbly, rusty, or otherwise structurally compromised, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to get it replaced with something sturdier.

Keep your hands free

While navigating potentially slick sidewalks, driveways, steps, or parking lots, be sure to keep your hands free so you can grab a railing or other stable object in the event

Snow and ice carried indoors on boots and shoes can create a major slip-and-fall hazard on hard flooring surfaces, such as wood, linoleum, and laminate. Remove snowy/icy footwear at the door (and encourage visitors to do the same), and be sure to wipe up tracked-in snow, ice, or water promptly.

Get connected

We all recallâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and have probably snickered atâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the famous Life AlertÂŽ catchphrase: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Help! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve fallen and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get up!â&#x20AC;? But experiencing a debilitating fall with no one nearby to help is no laughing matter. Factor in extremely cold temperatures, and such a fall can quickly turn deadly. To avoid this scenario, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongly advised that seniors utilize a medical alert system so medical help and other emergency services are available at the push of a button. At the very least, they should carry a cell phone in an easily accessible location on their body so they can call someone for help if necessary.

Consider preventive physical therapy

Stronger arm, leg, and core muscles will help you maintain your balance better, make it easier to catch and stabilize yourself if you slip, reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall, and help you get back on your feet more easily. A qualified physical therapist or personal trainer should be able to help you implement a manageable workout regimen that will strengthen these key muscles. â?Ś

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You’re never too old for Super Slow Training T

hough most of the clients currently taking advantage of the Super Slow Training method offered at TriggerPoint are in their 40s, this evidence-based, time-efficient exercise solution is gaining popularity among people of all ages—including individuals well into their senior years.

One such client is Peg Anderson, age 92. Anderson learned about Super Slow Training from an ad and article in Healthy Living News and decided to explore the program further. So she came to TriggerPoint, tried it out, and was immediately impressed. “I thought, ‘This is great! I need to keep doing this!” she recalls.

At that time, Anderson was beginning to have difficulty managing the stairs outside her home and wasn’t sure whether she would be able to continue living there. She had even purchased two canes to help her navigate the stairs. However, after just a handful of Super Slow Training sessions, she began to notice a positive change. “I could tell a difference after doing the program once a week for just three weeks. I realized I was getting stronger and could go up and down those stairs without much effort whereas I struggled before. So I said I’m never going to Ministry support quit this. I’m still not using either of N. McCord Road | Toledo, OH 43615 | P: 419.861.4990 those canes, and I attribute that to coming to TriggerPoint and making my muscles stronger,” she says.

TriggerPoint owner Russ Wakefield explains that Super Slow Training involves lifting and lowering weights at a very slow rate, keeping consistent tension on the muscle throughout its whole range of motion. High-tech monitors on the specially designed Super Slow Training equipment help clients maintain the proper form, technique, and tempo during workouts.

This method differs from conventional strength-training techniques in that there is no fast momentum to help do the work for you.

Though slow, this technique is intense, really working the muscles. It’s also very safe, with highly experienced and educated trainers working one-on-one with clients and monitoring and adjusting their every move. After this intense exercise stimulus, the body recovers for seven days, producing the desired results.

Ours is a busy, fast-paced society that allows us little time to focus on health and fitness, so TriggerPoint clients appreciate the fact that Super Slow Training demands no more than a half hour of their time once a week.

In fact, the program can be completHomes Society is now edLutheran over your Genacross lunch hour Lutheran Services with nothanreFor more 150 years, Lutheran Homes q uSociety irem n tready to help when life presents hase been and opportunities. To better reflect tochallenges change the diverse populations we now serve, we’re clothes or changing our name to Genacross Lutheran shower afterServices. Through our youth services, affordable ward.

What’s more, as you progress housing, home health, community services, and senior living options, we will adapt to meet through the program and begin to the needs of people in and around northwest see results you never thought possiOhio. Moving forward as Genacross Lutheran ble, that weekly workout time may Services, one thing will not change – our deep actually decrease. commitment to faithfully serving people of many different generations.

Super Slow Training is considered

a high-intensity workout, but that should not discourage anyone from participating as long as they have their physician’s approval. Wakefield notes that clients of all ages, backgrounds, personalities, and body types— even pregnant women—can participate in and benefit from this time-efficient program. Anderson has certain physical challenges, including arthritis in her shoulder, but she says that her trainers at TriggerPoint are fully aware of her age and limitations and are careful to modify her program accordingly.

Asked what she would tell others

in her age group about Super Slow Training, Anderson states, “You are never too old for this. If you have physical limitations, the trainers will help you work around them.

Remember, health problems are expensive and become more and more likely the older you get. You can’t just sit around reading magazines and eating bonbons and expect to stay healthy. You have to get moving and keep moving!”

Wakefield urges anyone who is seeking a more efficient strength-training and conditioning alternative—or is simply tired of getting disappointing results from conventional workouts— to follow Anderson’s example by calling TriggerPoint and giving Super Slow Training a try. “This efficient, evidence-based program might just be the exercise solution you’ve been looking for,” he states.

For an appointment, call Russ Wakefield at 419-536-0408. TriggerPoint, located at 2449 N. Reynolds Rd., is also on Facebook. ❦

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Healthy Living News | December 2019 33

A powerful spice from alternative medicine

by Douglas A. Schwan, DC, Dip ac

M

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. Chronic inflammation can spread over the entire body, resulting in long-term debilitating muscle pain, hardening of the arteries, and interference with activities of daily living.

Cancer is a group of diseases where the bodies own

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Dr. Douglas Schwan, Licensed Chiropractor & Acupuncturist Over 32 Years experience with holistic health care Educated: Palmer College & International Academy Medical Acupuncture

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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 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.

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.

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. ❦

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Wishing you a healthy holiday!

by Laurie Syring, RD/LD

S

pecial thanks for all the kind comments I received from readers on last month’s column about healthy eating with diabetes. Now, to play off last month’s issue of HLN—which was packed with great articles on preparing for the holidays, ranging from avoiding overindulgence, to coping with grief, to preparing the perfect turkey—let’s discuss how to make the holidays healthy and happy by eating smart.

We all know eating smart during the holidays can be a challenge, especially since many of us kick off the holiday season with Halloween candy and don’t consider the season officially over until we’re munching on Super Bowl wings.

That’s a long stretch of time and a lot of celebrating that sets in motion nothing but weight gain.

For many of us, the holidays evoke fond memories of delicious family recipes, such as Grandma’s homemade pies, Aunt Ruby’s candied yams, and Uncle Bill’s homemade sausage stuffing. But eating too much of these holiday favorites can leave you feeling stuffed, bloated, and discouraged on the bathroom scale. To help minimize the impact of all those holiday food temptations, it helps to have a plan. I usually encourage people to think ahead and decide whether their goal is to continue with weight-loss, maintain their current weight, or even allow themselves to gain a few pounds.

What else can you do to cut back and still enjoy good food and good times with family? First off, you don’t have to go all in with a plant-based vegan meal (although vegan roasts have come a long way). Rather, you just need to make some modest

healthy changes to your holiday food choices and recipes. Making just one or two healthy changes to recipes will not make a noticeable difference to your guests. You can serve many of your holiday favorites with fewer calories and less fat without skimping on flavor. Also, try to make just enough food for the meal so you’re not eating leftovers for days.

Meat or your protein dish is usually the main centerpiece of the meal. Try serving leaner, healthier cuts of beef or pork. Choose cuts with words like “round,” “loin,” or “leg” in the name, such as tenderloin, top round roast, loin roast, flank, and boneless ham.

When planning side dishes, always provide a fruit tray as one of the options.

Also, try to limit dishes made with sour cream, heavy cream, butter, cheese, and added sugars like brown sugar and honey. Whenever possible, substitute fat-free or low-fat dairy products in recipes calling for the regular version. For example, vegetable side dishes such as green bean casserole, creamed corn, and cheesy potatoes should be made with skim milk. You can also eliminate or reduce salt and/or use half the recommended amount of butter in sides.

The beverages you serve at holiday gatherings matter just as much as the foods when it comes to the impact on your health. My advice is to “think your drink.” Keep plenty of non-alcoholic drinks on hand and alternate them with any alcoholic drinks served. For a signature cocktail that even the kids will love, mix lowcal cranberry juice with calorie-free lemon-lime soda. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water on the day of and the day after the celebration (you didn’t think I’d forget to mention water did you?).

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To prevent those delicious pies and other desserts from sabotaging your healthy holidays, consider precutting them and serving them in small “shooter” cups. Sometimes all you really need is a little taste of something sweet at the end of a big meal. Of course, fruit always makes a nice, guiltfree dessert—try pomegranates, pears, cranberries, and other fruits, boiled, frozen, or baked.

Most importantly, try to stay positive about the changes you’re making.

Remember, you don’t have to compromise on flavor and your guests don’t really need to know they’re eating healthier versions of their old favorites.

And as far as your own holiday eating is concerned, remember to practice portion control. When dining somewhere else, always look at what’s being served first and then decide what you really must have and what you can do without. Perhaps you can pass on the dinner rolls or forego the eggnog or ice cream in favor of a single sliver of pie. Anything you can do to cut a few calories, grams of sugar, and grams of saturated fat will make a difference. Do, however, continue the culinary traditions of holidays past—just with healthier versions.

So, go ahead and enjoy the flavor of eating right. Happy holidays!

Laurie Syring, RD/LD, is Clinical Nutrition Manager at ProMedica Flower Hospital. ❦ UTMC - continued from p13 of cure. Unfortunately, no reliable screening tool is currently available for the disease. Dr. Sutton’s best advice is to make healthy lifestyle choices, including adopting a good diet, exercising, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. Also, if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or factors that increase the risk of developing the disease, it may be worthwhile to explore the option of genetic counseling.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sutton, call The Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center at 419-383-6644. ❦ n

Healthy Living News | December 2019 35

You’ve come a long way, Botox!

O

ver the last few decades, there has been an interesting shift in how we perceive cosmetic procedures.

In the past, public opinion toward these procedures was overwhelmingly negative and people seeking them often had to do so discreetly if they wished to avoid harsh judgment and shaming from others. Of course, those who had already undergone cosmetic procedures were understandably reluctant to talk about it.

What a difference a few decades can make! Today, not only has the stigma once associated with cosmetic procedures completely vanished, but overall public opinion toward the subject is now decidedly positive.

“It’s safe to say we’ve come out of the cosmetic-procedure closet,” states Dr. Wade Banker of Luxe Laser Vein & Body Center. “In fact, so much progress has been made when it comes to the acceptance of cosmetic procedures that we just recently celebrated National Botox Day. Nowadays, people are comfortable doing what they want to do in order to look and feel their best. They’re happy to discuss it, and social media sites are buzzing

with talk about procedures that help people put their best face forward.”

According to Dr. Banker, there used to be a joke in cosmetic facilities that “Everyone here gets Botox, but no one outside does”—suggesting that far more people get Botox treatments than are willing to admit. That too has changed. “Now everyone talks openly about it, which is a positive development. Also, with the ability to share discounts and more and more facilities offering Botox, access to this very effective treatment is easier than ever before,” he says.

And it’s not just Botox that has

gained popular acceptance over the last few decades. The same applies to all cosmetic procedures. For example, it’s commonplace and perceived as completely normal nowadays for someone to say they’ve had a fat-removal procedure performed.

“Virtually everyone knows someone who has had a cosmetic procedure done, whether it’s breast augmentation, liposuction, a tummy tuck, or anything else,” Dr. Banker adds.

What brought about this change in perspective? According to Dr. Banker, technological advances were—and continue to be—the biggest driving

force. The technology used in cosmetic procedures today has advanced so far that the procedures are considered completely safe and generally produce exceptional results. That wasn’t the case 20 years ago when the industry was still evolving and getting something done cosmetically was commonly considered a risky or bad decision.

“A great example of technology pushing us forward is the fact that most cosmetic procedures, including both breast augmentation and liposuction, can now be performed under local anesthesia, which not only eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia but also lowers the price of procedures significantly compared to the traditional forms. And that’s just one example out of many.

The advances have come so far that it’s actually fun now,” Dr. Banker says.

For more information on any of the services or procedures offered at Luxe Laser Vein & Body Center, please call 419-893-2775. Consultations are always free VEIN & BODY CENTERof charge. Additional information is also available online at luxe-laser.com. ❦

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Mary Kay Foundation awards Bethany House with $20,000 grant

T

he Mary Kay FoundationSM recently announced it is awarding Bethany House with a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Northwest Ohio.

The Mary Kay Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, The Foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. Since then, the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program has reached $52 million.

Bethany House will use the grant funding to provide long-term transitional shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence and their children. “At Bethany House, we are incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay Foundation and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” says Deidra Lashley, Executive Director. “With their support, Bethany House can do more to raise awareness about domestic violence in our community and provide very essential resources.”

Bethany House is a long-term shelter in Northwest Ohio for victims and their children who are escaping domestic violence. Most shelters offer short-term stays in dorm housing, but Bethany House is the only Toledo-area domestic violence shelter that offers long-term, apartment-style transitional living, all free of charge.

Since 1984, Bethany House has served more than 2,000 individuals and provided more than 300,000 nights of safe shelter for victims and their children. Annually, they serve an average of 30 families.

Every year in Lucas County 18,000 domestic violence calls are made to 911, 15,000 people are arrested for intimate partner violence, 1,092 people file civil protection orders, and 317 adults seek domestic violence shelter. ❦

The Great Art Escape returns to the Toledo Museum of Art

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elebrate the season with a diverse array of activities, events, and performances during the Great Art Escape, which returns to the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) December 26 through 29, December 31 and January 1, 2020. The Great Art Escape is supported in part by Taylor Cadillac.

Activities include music and dance performances, Dutch organ concerts, glassblowing demonstrations, glass art workshops, Family Center activities, drawing in the galleries, and more.

Peristyle performances include Aha! Indian Dance, El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folkorico, JP Dynasty, the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance, and the Greater Toledo International Youth Orchestra.

Dutch organ concerts will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Gallery 24 each day of the Great Art Escape and feature a variety of local organists.

There will be frosty glass workshops Saturday, December 28 and Sunday, December 29. Fun for all ages, participants will apply stickers and decals to a clear glass or mug that will be frosted to reveal your own unique design.

The cost is $20 for Museum members and $25 for nonmembers and includes one child and an accompanying adult. Advance registration is available at tickets.toledomuseum.org. The workshops are sponsored in part by Libbey, Inc. Also, at 2:00 p.m. on New Year’s Day, The AntiVillians will perform a free concert in the GlasSalon.

For more information, visit toledomuseum.org. ❦

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nobody’s perfect Oh, you beautiful doll!

by Sister Karen Zielinski, OSF

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everal years ago, I bought “Becky,” a doll from the Barbie collection.

I had to have her.

Becky introduces herself on the box: “Hi guys. I’m Becky, one of Barbie doll’s school friends. I met Barbie, Theresa, Christie, and teen Skipper at a game one night, and we’ve all become good friends since then. As the school photographer, I get to take pictures at all the school events and stuff and even won an award one year for a picture I took of our Girls’ Basketball Team.

Well, gotta go now. Hope we can get together and play real soon. See ya! Becky!”

Becky was a high school student and school photographer. Oh, one other thing: she was seated in a wheelchair. I bought her and placed her in my office. It took me a few months to realize why I was so drawn to her. I was working in communications, took photography courses, and had taught high school, but that was not why I was drawn to this doll.

It was because I used an electric cart and “Becky” represented a person in the world with a walking disability like me and thousands of others. I liked the fact that she was a part of society, a normal teenager, but just needed to use a wheelchair. What I liked was that she was embedded in the toy section and other students and adults would see that she was a part of society. What an inspiration for kids who live with a disability!

I believe that Becky’s mission, or reason for existence, was to deliver us a message. We need to be reminded that many people in our lives have disabilities. We need not think anything about those who use wheelchairs. They just use wheelchairs or electric carts to do their daily living tasks or work. Becky raised an awareness that using a wheelchair is what some people need. Some people need glasses, hearing aids, or special medical appliances to live every day. Becky was embedded in

the media, and she did more for us than take pictures.

The first time I saw someone with a disability in a movie was when I was eight years old. I had stayed home from school, suffering with the flu, and my mom let me rest on the living room sofa one day. So I watched Heidi—a 1937 American musical drama film based on the 1880

children's story of the same name by Swiss author Johanna Spyri. The film is about an orphan named Heidi who is taken from her grandfather to live as a companion to Klara, a spoiled, crippled girl.

What I remembered most was that Klara used a wheelchair. I think it was the first time I saw someone using a wheelchair in a movie. It did not bother me, but rather surprised me that a young girl did not walk.

Klara eventually stood up and could walk again, and that’s what caused my tears.

As the years passed, I found myself like Klara, in an electric cart (similar to a wheelchair) because of my multiple sclerosis. What I realized over the years is that film and other media have portrayed persons with various disabilities. I think that is good, because we all need to see disability as part of mainstream life.

Not everyone is physically perfect, and that is OK—nature is not perfect.

I did not know that the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt used a wheelchair while in office until I was in high school. I bought a blackand-white picture of him in a rare n

Nobody's perfect - continued on p38

Healthy Living News | December 2019 37

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Become a volunteer ombudsman!

by Megan Benner Senecal

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he Long-term-Care (LTC) Ombudsman program advocates for LTC consumers across the United States.

In our region (Region 4), we serve all 10 counties of northwest Ohio to provide advocacy and support to anyone receiving LTC supports and services.

We take pride in our continuous efforts to become better and more efficient advocates. We undertake additional trainings, provide and attend continuing education, and strive to demonstrate and cultivate a culture of inclusivity and cultural competence to best serve consumers of any background.

While our paid staff enjoys additional training and opportunities to grow professionally, this is also something that we provide to our volunteers. Volunteering with the LTC Ombudsman program allows individuals who want to give back to become “Certified Ombudsman Associates.” With 14 hours of training and annual continuing education requirements, volunteers of our program are equipped to advocate and case handle as adeptly as any staff person.

Each month, the volunteers are provided free education on a variety of topics relevant to long-term care.

We are creating and cultivating a group of competent and dedicated volunteers. We are also investing in our volunteers as a way of demonstrating their worth to us and the important role they play in enabling the LTC Ombudsman program to

achieve regular visits to all group homes, assisted-living communities, and nursing facilities.

Our volunteer ombudsmen are integral members of our team. While most of our current volunteers are retirees, we accept volunteers from many backgrounds and in all stages of life. Each individual volunteer brings a different skill set, base of knowledge, and passion for service that complements our robust training. We are always looking for volunteers, and we have no caps on the number of volunteers our program will allow. So, the more the merrier! Bring your friends!

Most of us became an ombudsman (in part) to prepare the way for when we ourselves may need LTC supports and services. If our lives lead us to living in an LTC community, we want to know that there are droves of volunteer ombudsmen ready to help ensure that our rights are respected and upheld.

To apply to become a volunteer, we just ask you to fill out a short application and conflict-of-interest screen. After which, a staff member will give you a call to discuss expectations and next steps. If you have any interest at all in becoming involved and contributing your time to support LTC consumers, we are waiting to hear from you.

If you want to know more or have questions, please give us a call at 419-259-2891.

Megan Benner Senecal is a member of the Ombudsman Office. ❦

38 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

Nobody's Perfect - continued from p37

public appearance using a wheelchair at Top Cottage in Hyde Park, New York, in 1941. He was introducing his dog, Fala, to a little girl, Ruthie Bie, the granddaughter of FDR's Hyde Park caretaker. Some critics feel that the president, not showing his disability, put the disability movement back many years. Why not show that someone has a physical challenge and can still work and run a powerful nation?

“Art imitates life,” as the saying goes, and nobody’s perfect. When we see a person with a hearing loss, a mental illness, visual limitations, or an autism spectrum disorder in films, I think that is good. Movies are just including every person into the stories they tell. None of us has perfectly white teeth, perfect hearing after forty years of age, or healthy knees. Telling stories about the “stuff of life” can make us all a bit more sensitive and aware that we are not perfect, and that is OK. It is a wonderful cultural step to include those with disabilities in media of all forms! Perhaps more media inclusion would make disabilities as acceptable as wearing glasses.

As we all know, Nobody’s Perfect—and that is just fine!

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. ❦ n

Laurels - continued from p22

who are oftentimes reluctant to discuss their wartime experiences. “Still, we managed to get a few of them talking about their memorable moments.

One of them recalled lying in a foxhole and wondering whether he would ever get home again. Many of them saw things that most of us can’t even imagine,” she adds.

Mack also recognizes that to the vets at The Laurels and other facilities, Operation Shut-In is about more than just receiving a no-cost meal. “Our veterans love us coming in, and they really enjoy the meal, but beyond that, they’re just extremely grateful for the visit and the opportunity to talk with someone.”

Rostetter notes that almost all the veterans currently residing at The Laurels served in the Vietnam War with the exception of one individual who served in Korea. “These are the people who, unfortunately, were treated shamefully when they came home from war, and they don’t typically like to discuss what they went through. It’s nice to have an opportunity to show them our appreciation and recognize their sacrifice. It’s something we should all do more than once a year,” she 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. ❦

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Shoveling- continued from p31

or mittens, scarf, and boots that provide good traction. Keep in mind that just because you’re working on your own driveway or sidewalk doesn’t mean you’re any less vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia.

When beginning a session of shoveling, start out slowly and gradually build up to a steady pace—just as you would when doing any other form of strenuous exercise. Take frequent breaks if necessary. This slow-andsteady approach may stretch the chore out for a little longer, but it will be much easier on your heart and other muscles. If you feel overheated at any point, go inside, shed a few layers, and rest until you recover. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stave off dehydration.

If you aren’t certain that you can manage strenuous yard work, such as shoveling snow, without putting your health in jeopardy, don’t take the risk. Spending a few dollars to have a neighbor or professional contractor do it for you could be the best investment you’ve ever made. ❦ We love feedback. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

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athering with family and friends around a traditional wood-burning fireplace is the very essence of comfort in wintertime, especially during the holidays. But that cozy, crackling fire can also present some serious hazards—ranging anywhere from smoke filling your family room to a full-fledged house fire—if you don’t use and maintain your fireplace properly. Here are some commonsense safety tips that will help you enjoy the warm glow of a wood fire without all the worry:

Schedule an inspection and cleaning

Your fireplace and chimney should be inspected by a certified professional on an annual basis to ensure the entire system is structurally sound, in good repair, and safe to use. The chimney should also be cleaned at least once a year to remove creosote buildup—a black, tar-like byproduct of wood combustion that increases the risk of chimney fires as it accumulates—and eliminate any obstructions that might be present to ensure proper airflow through the chimney.

Cap the chimney

If one is not already present, it’s well worth the modest price to have a chimney cap installed. A chimney cap will not only help keep moisture out of your chimney, but it will also prevent hot embers from reaching your (or your neighbor’s) roof, thereby reducing the risk of a house fire, as well as exclude birds and other animals from the chimney.

Burn the right fuel

Any wood used in your fireplace should be fully seasoned, meaning it has been aged and allowed to dry for at least a year after cutting, or kiln-dried. Fresh-cut (“green”) or only partially seasoned wood has a high moisture content and will tend to produce excessive smoke, and in turn creosote buildup, when burned.

Also, be aware that not all types of wood burn the same even if properly seasoned. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and birch are commonly considered preferable for fireplace use because they tend to burn more slowly, produce more heat, and contain fewer residual sap pockets than softwoods such as pine do. Manufactured logs are also a good choice, as they burn hotter and cleaner than natural wood.

Screen it and clear away combustibles Whatever wood you use, it’s inevitable that the occasional spark

Announcing Continuing Healthcare of Toledo

Commonsense fireplace safety tips

(formerly Fairview Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center)

or ember will pop out of the fire.

To limit the likelihood of nearby items getting scorched or ignited, be sure to use a fireplace screen and move all furnishings, rugs, and other combustible materials at least three feet away from the hearth. Do not, however, close your glass fireplace doors while a fire is burning. These doors serve to keep cold drafts out of your home when there is no fire in the fireplace, not to prevent sparks or embers from escaping. In fact, they can shatter when exposed to the intense heat of a fire.

Open the damper and preheat the flue

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when using a fireplace is forgetting to open the damper, resulting in a room filled with smoke that can take weeks to air out completely. Double check to make sure this simple step has been completed before starting a fire.

Another way to prevent fireplace smoke from entering your home after starting a fire is to preheat the flue to establish a draft up through the chimney. Here’s how: After opening the damper completely and stacking your fire-building materials as you normally would, take a few sheets of newspaper and roll them up in a cone shape to form a torch. Light the wide end of the newspaper torch and hold it under the flue area to begin warming the air (remember, warm air rises). Once you observe that the flow of air has reversed and is flowing upward, you can go ahead and start your fire using the newspaper torch.

Be careful when cleaning the firebox

When scooping out ashes from the firebox, keep in mind that embers can stay hot for quite some time after the fire has gone out. Before taking on this chore, it’s a good idea to wait a few days to give any hidden hot embers time to cool. Then, place the

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ashes in a metal container—not a plastic bucket or cardboard box—and take them outdoors away from the house, garage, or any combustible structure or material to await disposal when you’re certain they’ve cooled completely.

Don’t forget standard home fire safety

Of course, in any home with a functioning fireplace, standard fire-safety procedures become all the more essential. Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand whenever you have a fire going, and make sure (properly functioning) smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed nearby. ❦

Continuing Healthcare Solutions is excited to be in your community!

For more information or to schedule your personal tour, please call 419-531-4201

Continuing Healthcare of Toledo Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

4420 South Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43615 ContinuingHC.com A Continuing Healthcare Solutions Community

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perrysburgprinting.com • Email: chetw@perrysburg.com Healthy Living News | December 2019 39

Winter-driving safety tips for seniors

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Q

: I always schedule my dental visits a year in advance because I’m obsessed with my teeth and want to make sure I go at least twice a year.

My problem is I cannot get myself to do the same with my hearing since I have had a hard time accepting that I have hearing loss and keep trying to ignore it. Should I feel bad about this?

A

: There are many people like you who have a hard time accepting they have a hearing loss and put off doing anything about treating it consistently.

There are others who have hearing aids to help with their hearing loss but have trouble advocating for the additional assistance they need to communicate their best. But simply not going for an annual hearing exam shouldn’t be acceptable. Literally going out of your way to avoid a hearing exam or getting treated is not the answer.

You will then be dealing with other factors that I think are worse.

Simply being embarrassed may lead to social isolation as well as problems at work and school and in relationships with family and friends. Don’t wait for a loved one to force the subject. Inspire yourself and start dealing with your hearing loss. Set a good example for others by going to your annual visit with your audiologist. Accept that you have a hearing loss and get the treatment.

Also, don’t forget to be your own advocate. Sometimes it takes a little inspiration to move you forward on your hearing loss journey. Make this holiday season a new beginning and change how you address your hearing healthcare.

Here are some suggestions to help you ease into it: First get your hearing retested, and if you suspect a hearing loss, schedule your first visit and get the facts. If you know people are talking to you but have trouble understanding them, this is your sign. A newly identified hearing loss should be confirmed so you can discuss your treatment options. If you are already wearing hearing aids, this annual visit is necessary to monitor any changes with your hearing loss and enable adjustments to the hearing aids to keep them functioning at their best.

Hearing aids help but aren’t the only way to improve your hearing. Don’t hesitate to ask for further assistance to make sure you hear and understand conversational speech the best you can.

For example, if you are going out to lunch with a group of friends, inform the restaurant when you make a reservation that you need to be away from the open kitchen since it’s so noisy. This is an example of how to advocate for yourself. Tell your family or friends to allow you to choose where you should sit so you are positioned to hear as well as possible in a group. Sitting with your back to a wall can help block out some of the background noise.

The lighting is also important. You don’t want to sit in the dark since it affects how you lip read. Remember, you know what will help the most; you are your best advocate!

Just as no shoes fit everyone the same, different hearing losses need different hearing solutions. Your hearing aids are the first priority, but it’s also important to use them n Sound Advice - continued on p41

40 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

afely operating a motor vehicle in wintry weather is a challenge for drivers of all ages. For seniors, the hazards of winter driving can be compounded further by a variety of issues such as decreased reaction time, reduced mobility, and other age-related health concerns.

However, with a little extra planning, preparation, and caution, senior motorists—and younger drivers alike—can commute with confidence this winter. Here are some timely tips that will help drivers stay safe behind the wheel when winter weather makes driving dangerous:

Winterize your vehicle

Having a vehicle that is in good working order and ready to handle winter’s worst is most important. It’s critical to have a mechanic check any component or system that is either integral to safe winter driving or more likely to break down or fail in winter conditions. For example, make sure the motor oil is of the correct weight for winter. Depending on your vehicle, you may need engine oil of a lower viscosity for winter driving. Also, make sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir and that the fluid you’re using won’t freeze. It’s a good idea to keep an extra jug of wiper fluid in your trunk, as well.

In addition, check to make sure your car’s battery is fully charged and that the terminals are clean, the windshield wipers are working and the blades are in good condition, the headlights and taillights are functioning, belts and hoses are in good shape, the door locks are well lubricated, and the heating and cooling system is operating properly (i.e., the antifreeze is at the correct level and the air ducts and fan are working well so heat can disperse throughout your car). Your tires should be rated for winter driving and properly inflated, and your braking system, including the parking brake, should be in good working order.

Don’t overlook exhaust-system maintenance either. If, for example, you end up off the road in a ditch or stuck in a snow drift and you have to start the engine from time to time in

order to stay warm, a loose tailpipe could allow deadly carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.

Keep a clear view

Before driving after a snowfall or ice accumulation, be sure to brush or scrape your windshield and windows completely so you have an unobstructed view of the road. Starting your car and running the defroster before you start to clean off the car can assist in clearing the windows.

Also, be sure to clean snow and ice from your headlights and taillights as well as off the roof of your vehicle. Snow or ice left on the roof can unexpectedly avalanche onto your windshield or back window while you’re driving, obscuring your vision.

Adjust your driving

The key to driving safely in wintry conditions is to slow down so that you have more time to react to road conditions. Also, you should: • Allow more time to reach destinations.

• Try to anticipate turns and plan movements in advance.

Sudden maneuvers are likely to cause skids.

• Try to look further ahead on the road.

• Allow a greater space cushion between your vehicle and others on the road.

• Test traction from time to time by lightly applying the brakes.

• Activate windshield wipers sooner—before meeting oncoming traffic that might splash water onto your windshield.

• Avoid passing other vehicles on snowy or icy roads unless it’s absolutely necessary.

• Choose the lane of travel with the least snow or ice in blowing snow.

• Try to follow in the tracks of other vehicles when the lane is completely obscured by snow or ice—even though it may not line up with the center of the lane.

• Be aware that bridges may become icy before other roads because air flows above and below the roadway.

• Use low-beam headlights in snow or fog. ❦

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It’s time to plan your quit-smoking strategy W

ith 2020 just a few weeks away, many of us are beginning to take stock of our lives so we can identify undesirable behaviors that we’d like to leave behind in the new year. For many, that will mean resolving to finally quit cigarette smoking. But, as anyone who has tried to abandon a bad habit can attest, quitting smoking “cold turkey” is no easy undertaking.

The reasons for quitting smoking are easy to identify. We’ve all heard, for example, that cigarette smoke contains thousands of nasty chemicals and that smoking contributes to a wide range of health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and many other forms of cancer.

Still, quitting any addictive behavior, no matter how harmful it may be to your health, takes more than willpower. If you’re going to “kick the butt” in 2020, you’re going to need a solid strategy that addresses all aspects of your lifestyle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the five following steps are keys to quitting that have helped many smokers join the ranks of non-smokers:

Prepare yourself and your environment

First, get your calendar and choose a firm date for quitting. January 1 may be a good choice for you, but if your New Year’s Day consists of back-to-back parties where other smokers will be puffing away and temptation will be running high, it might be prudent to schedule quitting on a different day.

Next, clear your living space, working space, and vehicle of all cigarettes and cigarette-related paraphernalia, including lighters and ashtrays. Ask that others respect your new smoke-

free environment by refraining from smoking in your home or workspace.

If you’ve resolved to quit smoking, chances are you’ve tried and failed to quit before. Before trying again, evaluate your prior attempts at quitting to determine what sabotaged your efforts in the past and resolve not to repeat those mistakes.

When your quit date arrives, stop smoking completely. Don’t allow yourself “just one or two” cigarettes or even a single puff.

Line up support

Having family, friends, and coworkers on board with your smoking-cessation plan is critical. Let them in on your plan and ask that they help in any way they can—primarily by avoiding smoking around you or leaving cigarettes out where you can get your hands on them.

You’ll also need professional support. Talk to your doctor about quitting, and avail yourself of an individual, group, or telephone counseling program. Working with a counselor or smoking-cessation coach can actually double your chances of quitting successfully. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department provides a list of local smoking-cessation programs and services on its website at lucascountyhealth.com/#/health/tobacco-prevention.

Substitute healthy activities

If smoking has been a part of your daily routine for some time, you’ll need something healthy to do when you would otherwise be smoking.

Change your routine, such as the route you take to work, where you take breaks in the workplace, and where you eat meals, especially when that routine puts you in situations where you’d usually smoke. Plan regular walks or other enjoyable activities. Try sipping water instead of puffing on a cigarette.

If you start to feel stressed, try exercise or take a hot shower or bath.

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Consider making medication part of your plan

Used properly and under the supervision of a physician, certain prescription and over-the-counter smoking-cessation medications can significantly reduce the desire to smoke and improve your likelihood of quitting for good, especially when combined with counseling. However, be sure to consult with your doctor before using any smoking-cessation medication. He or she can help determine whether you are a good candidate for medication and help you choose a medication that is best for you.

Don’t give up if you slip up!

Relapse is common when trying to quit smoking, especially within the first three months of quitting.

In fact, most successful quitters made several attempts before finally kicking the habit. If you find yourself puffing away again, don’t lose heart. “Get back on the horse” and start again. Also, be aware that certain situations contribute to relapse. If you can learn how to avoid these “hot button” situations, you’ll be less likely to find

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yourself on the slippery slope to smoking again.

Drinking alcohol, for instance, lowers your inhibitions, which increases your chances of reaching for a cigarette. Spending time in the company of other smokers—especially in situations where alcohol is being consumed—can also sabotage your smoking-cessation efforts.

The onset of difficult emotions, such as irritability and depression, after quitting can also make it very difficult to stay the course. When a smoker knows that a better mood is just a few puffs away, the urge to give in can be almost overwhelming.

If you experience such feelings, it’s time to get a move on! Exercise, such as brisk walking, is the best way to boost your mood.

Some smokers let the worry of weight gain after quitting derail their efforts to quit. While many smokers do gain weight after cutting out cigarettes, the maximum weight gain is typically less than ten pounds. By eating healthy and staying active, you can help keep these post-quitting pounds from piling on. ❦

Sound Advice - continued from p40

in conjunction with other assistive listening devices to make difficult listening environments more enjoyable. There are many different devices that connect to hearing aids these days, such as FM systems (used mostly in educational institutes and theaters) and television. We can now even connect wirelessly to our smart phones. Make sure to give them a try, and keep in mind that these devices are becoming more and more available in all levels of hearing aid technology.

Make this holiday season the moment you embrace your hearing loss.

Start accepting it, and let it become a part of you. Allow yourself to improve how you react to your hearing loss. If you suspect there may be an issue with your hearing, get it tested and search out the new technologies to improve your communication skills, your relationships with family and friends, and your life. I know I keep saying this, but it’s so important to be your own best advocate. No one will do a better job taking care of you than yourself.

Wishing you a happy holiday season and, as always, we at Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic are just a call away. We listen so you can hear!

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 (419-3834012) and 1601 Brigham Dr., Suite 160 in Perrysburg (419-873-4327). ❦

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Spiritually Speaking - continued from p24

person. Let’s give some extra thought to why and what we gift to others during this giving season.

Note: John 3:16 may look familiar to you. It’s often seen on signs at sports events. What a great reminder of God’s love and gift for us!

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. ❦ Healthy Living News | December 2019 41

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PLAZA APARTMENTS

2520 Monroe Street 91and older) Housing Community for Elderly (62 or Handicapped/Disabled.

Air Conditioning and Appliances Basic Cable and Internet provided.

Utility allowance. Rent based on income.

Applications by Appointment

419-244-1881

*1-bedroom waiting list is closed

mail

Newsletters • Newspapers • Letterhead • Envelopes Personalized Note Pads • Brochures • Business Cards Posters • Catalogs • Tickets • Membership Cards Programs • Advertising Posters and Fliers Personalized Greeting Cards and much, much more!

Welch We W elch lch Publishing ublishing ing Co. Co. 130 LOUISIANA AVE., PERRYSBURG, OH • 419-874-4491 perrysburgprinting.com • Email: chetw@perrysburg.com

Macke Roofing (419) 874-2440

Dialysis Memory Care / Behavioral Health Nursing Care Rehabilitation Services

mackeroofing.com

Perrysburg’s Hometown Roofing Contractor

2735 DARLINGTON ROAD, TOLEDO 43606

419.531.4465 /

parkterracenursing.com

Saad Tachnologies

damian@saad-tech.com

Damian Saad

PREFERRED CONTRACTOR

SELLING NEW AND USED CARS

567.298.8268

362 N. Westwood Ave Toledo Ohio 43607 Commercial and Residential • Hardware • Software • Networking • Maintenance • Cabling • Security Cameras • Remote Support • Onsite Support

42 December 2019 | Healthy Living News

SERVICES: Lymphatic Therapy Salt Therapy • Reiki • Cupping Myofascial Release • BioMat Craniosacral Therapy Voxxlife Products CONDITIONS WE TREAT: Edema/Swelling • Inflammation Respiratory Issues • Fibromyalgia Anxiety • Chronic and Acute Pain Headaches/Sinus Issues Breast and Prostate Health

Jill Stearns jillste@bex.net Cell 567.868.7375 Office 419.842.8811, x7305 www.TaylorKiaToledo.com We love feedback. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

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

Continuing Healthcare of Toledo 4420 South Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43615 419-531-4201 www.ContinuingHC.com

Rosary Care Center 6832 Convent Blvd.

Sylvania, OH 43560 419-824-3600 www.sistersosf.org

Genacross Lutheran Services Wolf Creek Campus

Senior Star at West Park Place

Park Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation

2001 Perrysburg-Holland Rd. Holland, OH 43528

3501 Executive Parkway Toledo, Ohio 43606

2735 Darlington Rd.

419-861-2233

419-442-8563

www.GenacrossLutheranServices.org

www.seniorstar.com/westparkplace

Toledo, Ohio 43606 419-531-4465

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.

www.parkterracenursing.com

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

St. Clare Commons

The Manor at Perrysburg

Gardens of St. Francis

Fieldstone Villas

12469 Five Point Road Perrysburg, OH 43551

250 Manor Drive Perrysburg, OH 43551

930 S. Wynn Road Oregon, Ohio 43616

9640 Sylvania-Metamora Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560

419-931-0050

419-874-0306

419-698-4331

419-386-2686

www.homeishere.org

www.ManorAtPerrysburg.com

www.homeishere.org

www.sunset-communities.org

Sunset House

Ohio Living Swan Creek

Franciscan Care Center

The Lakes of Monclova

4030 Indian Rd. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606

5916 Cresthaven Lane Toledo, OH 43614

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

Monclova Road Maumee, Ohio 43537

419-536-4645

419-865-4445

419-882-6582

419-866-3030

www.sunset-communities.org

www.ohioliving.org

www.homeishere.org

www.lakesofmonclova.com

The Woodlands

Plaza Apartments

The Laurels of Toledo

4030 Indian Rd. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606

2520 Monroe Street Toledo, Ohio 43620

1011 Byrne Road Toledo, OH 43607

Browning Masonic Community

419-724-1220

419-244-1881

www.sunset-communities.org

8883 Browning Drive Waterville, Ohio 43566

419-536-7600

419-878-4055

www.vmc.org

www.laurelsoftoledo.com

Sunset Village

Genesis Village

9640 Sylvania-Metamora Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560

2429 S. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, OH 43614

Genacross Lutheran Services Toledo Campus

419-724-1200

419-720-1286

www.sunset-communities.org

www.genesisvillage.org

Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at www.hlntoledo.com

www.bmcohio.org

131 Wheeling St. Toledo, OH 43605

The Glendale Assisted Living 5020 Ryan Road Toledo, Ohio 43614 419-340-6721

419-724-1414 www.GenacrossLutheranServices.org

www.glendaleassistedliving.com

Healthy Living News | December 2019 43

It Takes Two to Tango H E A LT H C A R E F O R T H E U N I V E R S E O F YO U

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Orthopedics and Sports Medicine