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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

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Healthy Lifestyle

Tennis offers physical, mental, social benefits

By Rachel Yeates News Intern RYeates@RN-T.com

Rachel Yeates / Rome News-Tribune

Bill Thornton serves during a casual doubles match between friends at the Coosa Country Club.

Crowds were gathered in England earlier this month to witness world’s greatest tennis players battle it out for the Wimbledon title.

For those with less lofty goals, there is still plenty of room on local courts for anyone who just wants to get active.

“If you’re bigger in size, if you’re smaller in size, if you’re in a wheelchair — there’s tennis for everyone,” said David Araiza, Rome native and ten- David Araiza nis service representative with the United States Tennis Association’s southern branch.

“I’ve seen kids ages 3 and up and people in their high 80s, low 90s playing. It’s a sport that brings families together.”

Local tennis legend Bill Thornton, 82, said he makes it to the court three times a week. He also plays pickleball and golf.

“I’m extremely fortunate to still be playing tennis competitively at my age,” he said. “We talk about physical education being a lifelong sport, and it really is when you’re my age and you still play every day.”

At 68 he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Today he is the fifth-ranked tennis player in Georgia’s Open 80s division.

Whatever age, whatever health concerns, Thornton said don’t count tennis out.

Randy Embry, a teammate and friend, had both knees replaced, “and he can run better than he did when he first started playing,” Thornton said.

Dana Thompson, Rome resident and member of multiple USTA leagues, also recommends tennis no matter your level of athleticism. Thompson and her husband Scott joined a group beginner’s class together five years ago this September.

“I didn’t start until I was 39, and I’m out there playing with ladies in their 60s and they’re beating me,” she said. “It’s a game you can play for life.”

Healthy Lifestyle

Thompson said tennis makes her excited to exercise.

“A lot of the time it’s hard to find motivation to get up and go to the gym, but I never need motivation to get to the court,” she said. “It’s helped me stay in shape and helped me run around after work when otherwise I may just stay on the couch eating cookies and watching TV.” She’s noticed mental benefits as well.

“I’ve always been pretty competitive, so tennis helps me release anxiety and get frustration out after a day at work,” Thompson said. “It’s nice getting out there and releasing any tension from the day.”

She recommends it to friends not only for the activity but also for the social element.

“Since I’ve started playing tennis, some of my best friends have been on my teams,” Thompson said.

Araiza has also made strong connections on the court.

“The best friendships of my life, I’ve developed through tennis,” he said.

In his work with USTA, Araiza said he’s been able to witness the impact tennis can have on kids.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids who have ADHD come and play, and as they become regulars in the tennis program, they become better in school,” he said.

He attributes this to developing focus and strategy on the court and then bringing those skills to the classroom.

“If you want to win a tennis match, you have to strategize,” he said. “When you’re in a difficult place you have to learn how to solve problems.”

Tennis isn’t a large team sport which can be appealing to some, Araiza said. However, even those playing singles have the chance to develop a community within their league.

“Kids become more social,” he said. “It gives them confidence.”

Araiza tries to play at least once a week. Tennis has made a huge impact on his life, he said, and he knows how it engages both the mind and the body.

“It’s a very complete workout,” he said.

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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

3

Walk – inside, outside, anywhere

By Rachel Yeates News Intern

consult with a physician,” Giddens said. “Clear that with them first.”

It can be a slow process, but every step counts, Giddens said.

“Walking improves your mood,” he said. “It can help decrease stress. It improves balance and coordination.”

The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five days a week.

Jackson describes a moderate walking pace, as one that is “fast enough that they can talk, but too fast for them to sing.” Giddens said those who are able can pump their arms as they walk for added cardio.

In a world full of expensive programs and exercise equipment, walking may be the most accessible way to stay fit.

RYeates@RN-T.com

“My mama lived to be 105, and she walked everywhere she went,” Dean Abston, 78, said.

She wants to make it into the 100s herself.

Abston walks in Mount Berry Mall to stay in good health.

“They call me Mount Berry queen because I come every day,” Abston said.

Abston is one of dozens who frequent the air-conditioned mall wearing walking shoes rather than carrying shopping bags.

They make circuits around the shops. Some walk in groups, others go solo, but they are all there because they’ve made the choice to get active.

“Walking is probably one of the best and safest exercises for cardiovascular fitness,” said Dr. Charles “Chas” Jackson, a cardiologist at Harbin Clinic Cardiology.

“Walking is Dr. Charles the most “Chas” commonly Jackson recommended exercise for both our cardiac patients and for our patients who want to prevent cardiac disease.”

Walking also decreases the likelihood of heart attacks and other cardiac events, Jackson said. It’s is a tool almost anyone can use to improve their general health.

Aside from physical benefits, Jackson said walking can lead to an “overall improvement in quality of life, decreased measures of depression and improved measures of happiness in mental health as well as physical health.”

Rome resident Jim Watkins, associate professor of English at Berry Col-

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“Walking is something that’s free,” Jackson said.

“That’s what I tell folks all the time. They say, ‘I can’t afford a gym membership,’ and I say, ‘Well, the great thing about walking is you can do it anywhere, and the other great thing is you can do it inside or outside.’ We have a great mall that has lots of room in it. People can walk in an air-conditioned space, not have to worry about being out in the heat.”

The “Mount Berry Queen” and the rest of the mall regulars know this very well.

After a recent doctor’s visit, Abston was told she had a clean bill of health.

“My doctor told me I’ve got my mama’s genes,” Abston said, but rather than relying on genetics, she said she can be found making tracks in Mount Berry Mall.

quitQUIT LIKE A

LIKE A CHAMPION CHAMPION Rachel Yeates / Rome News-Tribune

Dean Abston, 78, and Ben Phillips, 80, are regular walkers at Mount Berry Mall. Abston is such a familiar face that she’s gained a nickname — “Dean Dean the Mount Berry Queen.”

lege, tries to be aware of “It’s just something about his surroundings as well the pace of walking that as the walking itself. He settles your thoughts into said he feels a greater a certain kind of rhythm.” connection with nature For some, taking that when he walks than when first step is the most difhe rides his bike. ficult part. Starting an His route takes him across exercise program with Veterans Memorial High- manageable goals can way, and he said he looks help prevent burnout, forward to the moment he said Jeff Giddens, owner steps under the shelter of of Performance Physical trees tunneling the old en- Therapy and Sports Medtrance to the college. icine in Rome.

“As soon as I’ve crossed “If they can do even 3 1257+:(67 *(25*,$ 5(*,21$/ the Gate of Opportunity, it’s minutes (of walking), then &it2$/,7,21 like walking into a sanctu-&$1&(5 just do over and over ary,” he said. “It creates a again, and build up that enreverence that you don’t durance,” Giddens said. get driving onto campus.”

If needed, take a recovWatkins describes this ery day, and for those who time as “a form of medita- want to start an exercise tion.” routine but have concerns “It’s a time to compose about COPD, arthritis, 1257+:(67 *(25*,$ 5(*,21$/ dimyself before I come to abetes and &other &$1&(5 2$/,7,21 pre-exschool and teach,” he said. isting conditions, “always

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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

5

Activity trackers help some on the move

By Rachel Yeates News Intern

beats me now is my mom, and that’s because she works more than I do.”

Shippey lives in Rome but works at Toyo Tire in White. He is a troubleshooter in the Final Finish Department and said he logs an average of 120,000 steps a week.

“A short night of work for me is about 23,000 steps in a 12-hour shift,” he said. “If I’m really busy, I’ve done 37,000 in a night.

Let’s just say I slept really good that next day.”

He said he bought an activity tracker to keep up with his steps at work and to keep him active on his days off. On these days his goal is 10,000.

Shippey said the only aspect that took some getting used to is the silent alarm.

Rachel Yeates / Rome News-Tribune “There are no speakers, so it Anthony Shippey says his Fitbit Charge keeps him motivated to stay active. vibrates,” he said remembering the first time he tried the alarm friends. She can create step com- petitive element as well. He bought scaring him before he realized petitions between friends and his Fitbit Charge in January. what it was. see what their step counts are.

“I try to be on top of the list,” Anthony Shippey enjoys the com- he said. “The only person who Please see FIT 7

RYeates@RN-T.com

Jill Packer, a Rome resident and creative services manager at Harbin Clinic, bought a Fitbit Flex last June to help motivate her to exercise, and she loves it.

“I figured if I had something to look at that said, ‘Hey, you’ve done nothing today,’ I would get going,” she said.

When she started using it a year ago, the activity tracker that resembles a wristwatch reported she averaged 4,000 steps a day. Now her weekday average is between 5,000 and 7,000.

Packer said she has a bit of a competitive streak, and her activity tracker gives her the opportunity to compete with herself.

“If I get 7,000 steps one day, I try to get 7001 the next,” she said.

Packer said one of her favorite features is the ability to connect with other Fitbit users. With the app, she has linked with about 30

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FIT from 6 Packer didn’t initially realize the Fitbit Flex tracks sleep as well as steps. She likes seeing how restlessly or deeply she’s slept and is working to improve her sleep quality.

“I’m obsessed with tracking my sleep,” she said.

The sleep-tracking feature can be activated with a button, manual entry, lack of motion or by sensing a slowed heart rate, depending on the model.

Packer uses her Fitbit as motivation to be active even at a desk job. She said she’ll look down and see that “I’ve only gotten 800 steps since I woke up this morning. Oh, well that’s close to 1,000. I’m going to run up and down the stairs.”

Shippey uses his Fitbit to track his pace.

“I try to see how many I’m doing each hour,” he said. “I’ll check it to see if I had a busy hour or if I was slow.”

Packer and Shippey would and have recommended the Fitbit to others. Packer said a few of his

co-workers have gotten ones because they saw his.

Packer said she’s become more aware of her activity or lack thereof.

“It encourages me to get up,” she said. “I could sit behind a desk all day, but I don’t want to.”

Packer’s daily goal is 10,000 steps. She said on days when she’s close, she circles her kitchen until she reaches it.

Lange House, YMCA of Rome and Floyd County wellness director, found herself in a similar situation after receiving an activity tracker for a step competition.

“My husband would laugh at me because I’d be in our living room walking around our house just trying to get in my extra steps,” House said.

She began to notice the swell in activity tracker sales about three or four years ago. While she thinks they can be a good tool for beginners if they stick to a basic model with step-count and heart-rate monitor, she has her doubts about the one-sizefits-all 10,000-step approach.

“I would recommend reminding yourself that it’s just a tool,

Rachel Yeates / RN-T

Anthony Shippey has had his Fitbit Charge since January. On a recent day, it tracked nearly 10,000 steps by the afternoon. that it’s something made by humans, so there’s always going to be that room for error and to give yourself permission not to reach every single goal that’s specified on there because a lot of it’s not 100 percent geared toward each individual person,” House said.

That error can come from man-

Healthy Lifestyle

ual data entry, unknowingly false entries of food and drink consumption, overestimates of the amount of exercise and hundreds of unknown factors unique to each individual.

While she noted that trackers are “an easy way for people to have an idea, a scope, of where they are,” she said to be wary of that health-consciousness becoming an obsession.

“When you constantly are checking it, when you get upset that you haven’t reached a certain goal or put in extra activity to reach that, that’s when things can turn from healthy to unhealthy,” she said. “It depends on the mindset of the person. If they are feeling guilty or ashamed because they haven’t reached a certain goal with it, then that’s not a healthy balance.”

House said she reminds people to be aware of their relationship to the tracker.

“Walking is fantastic for a large population, but there’s so many other things out there as well, so finding things that people enjoy and are sustainable throughout their life is the key to finding happy activity.”

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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

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Pickleball camaraderie for all ages

By Megan Broome Special to the Rome News-Tribune

“Pickleball saved the old man,” said 78-year-old John Thacker, sitting on the bench inside Gilbreath Recreation Center, cooling off from a heated pickleball match.

Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Thacker said it was two years ago that he began playing pickleball with his friend Bob Hood. Now actively playing the sport each week, this sentiment of triumph rings true for people of all ages who enjoy this game of strategy and camaraderie.

From the first pickleball tournament in Tukwila, Washington, in 1976, this sport has developed into a global phenomenon encouraging teamwork and an active lifestyle among all ages. Recently, the first United States Open Pickleball Championships were held in Naples, Florida, in April of 2016.

The hybrid sport, invented in 1965 in Washington, combines pingpong, tennis and badminton to create a unique athletic experience that harnesses the essence of the layout and tactics of each of these traditional sports.

Rose Dula, age 72, described the structure of the game as “standing on a pingpong table.”

She explained that the familiar concepts of hand-eye coordination and balance are very important.

“The most important thing is to have balance. If you’ve got a little balance, you can do it,” Dula added.

Although, pickleball does help seniors who struggle with balance develop it as they play, explained Penny Bryor, a pickleball instructor at the Gilbreath Center.

There are 13,000 indoor and outdoor courts in

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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

Contributed photo by Megan Broome

Gina Brown (from left), Michael White, Chuck Nix, Penny Bryor, Rosa Dula, Armon Dula and Don Beck show their enthusiasm for pickleball. BELOW: An outdoor pickleball is shown on the left and an indoor pickleball on the right. the United States and it has developed as the fastest growing sport in North America.

A convenience of the sport is that rather than needing a special court, pickleball can be played on altered indoor or outdoor tennis and badminton courts.

As a three-times-a-week pickleball player, John Thacker gives insight into what it is like to play the sport outdoors versus indoors.

“Playing outside adds to the level of exertion. There are a lot of people who play outdoors and love it,” said Thacker. So for those willing to challenge them-

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Healthy Lifestyle

selves and up-the-ante, playing outdoors is the way to go.

The sport is played with a paddle smaller than a racket, but slightly larger than a pingpong paddle. Both indoor and outdoor courts utilize the same equipment, with respect to the size of the ball. The outdoor court requires a ball with a more flexible surface and smaller holes to increase bounce, while the indoor ball is harder with larger holes.

Benefits of pickleball extend to its inexpensive nature and the ease of exercise without straining muscles or having to run across the court as much as other sports, explained Dula.

This is why seniors are a large percentage of the population who play it.

Michael White, 69, plays pickleball two or three times a week and says that it is a lot easier than running on a treadmill or going to the gym.

Due to pickleball’s mild nature, seniors who have heart complications or joint replacements are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle by playing this non-competitive sport, explained Bryor. It’s easy

to learn even without prior experience in sports, she added.

With its popularity only increasing throughout the United States, Canada and beyond, pickleball is being taught in middle schools, high schools, colleges and retirement communities.

Tournaments are held at the local, regional and national level for people pursuing the sport professionally.

Pickleball transformed the old man forever, as Thacker said, just as it transformed the timeless sports of pingpong, tennis and badminton into a new era of collaboration that will change what defines a sport for centuries to come.

Pickleball is played at both Thornton Recreation Center at 102 Floyd Park Road in Armuchee, and Gilbreath Recreation Center, 106 Park Ave. in Lindale.

At Gilbreath, play times are Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Thornton play times are on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and 6 to 8 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

9

5 benefits of strength training

By Kristy Agan Special to the Rome News-Tribune

If you train with me you know that I love lifting weights, throwing around heavy kettlebells and even performing some advanced body weight movements.

For me the benefits of strength training are endless, but for the sake of this article, I have narrowed it down to only five. The really cool part is this list applies to men and women.

Bone health There has been numerous research done that shows strength training (weight bearing) exercises aid in building and improving bone density. Women AND men lose bone density each year as they age, with women losing up to 20

percent post menopause.

Osteoporosis and arthritis are debilitating diseases that could be avoided, or significantly reduced, simply by living an active lifestyle that includes weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises. In other words, strength training could potentially improve one’s quality of life in later years.

Metabolic function Not only does strength training burn calories, but your body will continue to burn calories throughout the day after your workout. Adding in some strength training can actually boost your metabolism by 15 percent which can greatly impact your weight loss goals versus just doing cardio alone.

Health screenings can find problems early, save lives From Harbin Clinic Finding health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more early on can help prevent more serious health problems later in life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises everyone to have regular health exams, including yearly visits with a primary care physician and age-appropriate health screenings. This proactive stance on health care can help everyone live a longer and healthier life.

“One of the best ways to help prevent serious illness and disease is to visit your primary care physician for your annual health screenings” Harbin Clinic physician Dr. Brian McNiece says.

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“Knowing more about your medical history and overall health allows doctors to help keep you Dr. Brian healthy.”

McNiece It is critically important to have a primary care doctor who is familiar with your medical history and is a dedicated partner for your health.

Your physician will be committed to personally getting to know you, understanding your unique needs and guiding you on a journey to better health.

Plus, he or she will help keep you on track when it comes to immunizations, checkups and health screenings.

WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

Please see SCREEN 11

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Healthy Lifestyle

ing program. In particular, strength training our posterior chains — back, glutes, hamstrings — can improve vertebrae function and strength thereby reducing risk of falling and fractures as you age.

Increase testosterone production Kristy Agan

Improve posture Training our bodies isn’t only so that we can develop nicely toned muscles.

Strength training helps improve balance, coordination and posture. As you age, your risk of falling can be reduced by up to 40 percent by using a consistent strength train-

Exercise boosts mood.

Strength training in particular can boost testosterone production in men AND women back toward normal levels. Most people are very inactive and suffer from mood swings, headaches, fatigue, depression, sleep problems and sexual dysfunction.

Often times, simply adding in a few days of strenuous exercise is enough to boost hormone levels and improve quality of life.

Muscles create curves OK men. Admit it. Curves are sexy. And ladies ... strength training will not make you bulky. Developing muscle is the only way to get that “toned” look and develop those sexy curves we all desire. Hours running on a treadmill just won’t cut it. Not only will you feel better lifting weights, you will improve your metabolic function, boost hormone levels, and develop some curves along the way that aren’t bad to look at either.

Kristy Agan is a certified trainer offering personal, as well as small group, training focusing on strength and conditioning. Follow her on Facebook at “Kristy Agan – RKC” and on Instagram and Twitter @kristyagan.

Ways everyone can stay active From Floyd Medical Center

efits, older adults only need about 2½ hours of aerobic activity per week.

“There’s a misconception that exercise There is no correlation between the number of candles on your birthday cake and has to be vigorous to be beneficial, but that’s not the case,” McAphee said. “Thirty minhow active your lifestyle should be.

“Research has shown that adults ages 75 utes of activity a day is helpful at any age, and it can be as simple as taking a walk and older who exercise actuaround the park, going for a swim or workally live longer than older ing in the garden.” adults who don’t,” said Darius McAphee stressed that, while cardiovasMcAphee, physical therapist cular fitness is a great place to start, balance with Floyd Physical Therapy and strength are equally as important. and Rehab. “Regular exercise “One of the things we become concerned can help improve heart health, about as patients get older is the danger of maintain a healthy body falling,” McAphee said. “We find that particiweight, keep joints flexible Darius pating in an exercise program that incorpoand improve balance.”

McAphee rates balance and strength training can deMcAphee pointed out that the benefits are more than just physical. crease the chances of taking a serious fall.”

Programs like yoga and Pilates are deBeing active will improve mental and emosigned to improve strength, balance and cotional health as well.

“The same endorphins that help you feel ordination, and have the additional benefit better physically also improve brain func- of helping participants manage stress, feel tions, making it easier to concentrate,” he more relaxed and improve muscle tone.

“One of the great benefits of these prosaid. “Plus, a regular exercise program can make you feel stronger and more accom- grams is the emphasis on stretching,” plished, improving your overall attitude.” McAphee said. “Taking some time to stretch Exercise does not require as much time every day will help keep your joints flexible as you may think. For general health ben- and keep you moving well.”

SCREEN from 10 Know your Core 4 Men and women of all ages should regularly see their doctor to help them reduce the risk of developing serious health issues by having these four routine evaluations Harbin Clinic calls the Core Four.

Blood pressure Blood pressure measures the force of blood pumping through your blood vessels, giving your body the energy and oxygen it needs.

High blood pressure can increase risks for various health issues like heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss and dementia.

Cholesterol and triglycerides A cholesterol test measures the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, to determine your risk for plaque buildup in

your arteries. High cholesterol doesn’t have recognizable symptoms, but it’s a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Healthy weight ranges Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall good health. It can also help you prevent and control many health conditions and illnesses.

Not sure where to begin?

Check out harbinclinic. com/health-screenings for more information on ageappropriate health screenings and make an appointment with your primary care physician today. Don’t have a doctor yet? Call 888-427-2461 and start on the path to better health.

Darius McAphee, physical therapist While there are some advantages to joining a gym, there are alternative solutions if time or budget is a concern.

“There are plenty of ways you can use items found around the house,” McAphee said. “For example, canned goods from your cupboard make a great substitute for dumbbells.”

McAphee also pointed out that everyday activities can easily be turned into effective workouts.

“If you just add little elbow grease along the way, household chores can provide that endorphin boost you’re looking for,” he said. “The next time you have to rake leaves or clean the house, think about the health benefit you’re receiving as a bonus.”

For McAphee, the most important thing is to not believe the myth that getting older means slowing down.

“You’ve got to keep moving,” he said. “It will help you stay young at heart, as well as in mind, body and spirit.”

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11

Rachel Yeates / Rome News-Tribune

Renaissance Marquis resident Norma Patrick and life enrichment coordinator David Duke admire a pumpkin growing from a hydroponic tower (not pictured).

Soil-free gardening brings produce, pleasure to senior living center

By Rachel Yeates News Intern

Advanced gardening techniques meet nostalgia at Renaissance Marquis Senior Living.

A futuristic tiered tower crowned with sunflowers has made its home in the memory care garden, and two more bedecked with herbs, squash and tomatoes can be found outside of the personal care and independent living units.

Residents, who are able assist in the care and upkeep of the plants, and others enjoy their presence and fresh produce.

“This generation they grew up and they did have gardens.

There again we’re always talking about memory,” David Duke,

life enrichment coordinator, said.

The towers operate hydroponically — or with water only. The roots dip directly into mineralenhanced water.

“What is does is it has a pump that pumps to the top, and water with minerals flows down over the roots,” Duke said. “Anything you can plant in the ground you can plant in here, you just have to be selective about how big it grows and how tall it is.”

Currently growing plants include cucumbers, sunflowers, pumpkins, watermelons, cilantro, basil, green beans, squash and lettuce.

“Everything we grow is organic,” Duke said. “You don’t have to wash anything. You just pick it off — eat it.”

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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

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The hydroponic towers were delivered this year, purchased per the recommendation of Traci Cook, wife of Bryan Cook, one of the co-founders of Renaissance Marquis’ parent company Legacy Senior Living.

“She personally bought one — they live in Tennessee, and hers did great last year,” Duke said.

The success of Cook’s personal planter led her to suggest their presence at all of the communities owned by Legacy Senior Living.

Even if the residents don’t recognize the towers as traditional gardens, Duke said he’ll show Rachel Yeates / RN-T them the cucumbers growing from it and see them make those Hydroponic plant towers don’t require soil. Instead the plants’ roots connections.

take in minerals and water stored in

Please see GARDEN 13 the base of the tower.

GARDEN from 12 The towers are situated opposite traditional raised beds in which they are growing tomatoes, sunflowers, marigolds (a natural deterrent of Japanese beetles, according to Duke), pumpkins, bell peppers and cucumber.

Duke said that the plants they have growing in both the traditional bed and the hydroponic tower are doing much better in the tower.

He showed off his prized pumpkin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right here is my baby. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our first pumpkin,â&#x20AC;? Duke said of a pumpkin almost the size of a soccer ball. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing from

the hydroponic plant, and we hope to have more, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be the pumpkin we use this Halloween â&#x20AC;&#x201D; our jack-oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-lantern.â&#x20AC;?

The pumpkin plant in the traditional bed has not yet produced a gourd, and the traditional-bed cucumber is growing similarly, Duke said.

Everything that grows in the garden that can be is eaten. Most of it by the residents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once they ripen, these people love tomato sandwiches. I mean just white bread, mayonnaise, tomatoes, salt and pepper,â&#x20AC;?

Duke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The tomatoes we eat here. The cucumbers, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough of those, so I take them home.â&#x20AC;?

The garden is also home to Ozzie and Harriet, not the sitcom darlings, but a rooster and hen, both patterned with black and white

feathers. Duke said they are there to promote early memory association for the residents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The residents enjoy watching things grow, watching the chickens range. â&#x20AC;Ś In the morning, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear him crowing,â&#x20AC;? Duke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping in a few weeks, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll start producing eggs.â&#x20AC;?

As growing seasons change, so will the plants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a few weeks when the cucumbers quit producing, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pull them out and put in a fall plant, like turnip greens, collards, something like that,â&#x20AC;? Duke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be pulling everything out and replanting them with fall plantings.â&#x20AC;?

In the winter, they might take the planters inside and fill them with poinsettias, Duke said.

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Student learns CPR, saves life days later

Airport CPR kiosks now offer lifesaving training across the country

From American Heart Association News University of Dayton student Matthew Lickenbrock was driving to an evening class in April when he saw a flash of lightning that appeared to hit the engineering building where he was headed.

Pulling into the parking lot, he saw a young man face down on the ground. It was 23-year-old Sean Ferguson, a marketing major who had been struck by lightning, according to university officials.

Ferguson wasn’t breathing or moving.

Lickenbrock, 21, immediately went to work giving Hands-Only CPR to revive Ferguson.

He was relieved after a few minutes by Steven Pope, a nurse anesthetist who had been at the nearby recreation center. Pope detected a pulse, and Ferguson was breathing by the time the ambulance arrived. He’s expected to make a full recovery.

Lickenbrock was thankful that he could help save Ferguson using CPR — which he had only learned just days before at an American Heart Association HandsOnly CPR training kiosk.

“It was kind of a blur — a lot of adrenaline,” Lickenbrock said. “(I was thinking) what did I do two days ago at the kiosk?

100 beats per minute, com- Matthew press two inches down.”

Lickenbrock Lickenbrock took the CPR training after spotting the kiosk during a three-hour layover at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. “I went over just to check it out and maybe learn something,” the engineering major said. “I actually had never learned CPR.” The CPR training kiosk includes a CPR manikin and touch screen. Users get HandsOnly CPR instructions, practice CPR and take a 30-second CPR test. The system then offers feedback on how deep a user pushed down on the chest, the number of chest compressions per minute and hand placement — factors that influence the effectiveness of CPR. Cardiac arrest victims are more likely to survive if they receive immediate CPR. Yet only a third of American adults feel confident performing CPR, according to a 2014 AHA online survey. Many said they would hesitate because they fear hurting the victim if CPR is not done correctly.

Lickenbrock completed the program three times over 15 minutes. He didn’t push hard enough on the manikin’s chest on his first attempt. But by the third try, he scored a perfect 100.

The AHA installed its CPR kiosk at the Dallas airport in June 2013. About 17,000 people have used it since. Through a grant from Anthem Foundation, seven additional training kiosks have been installed in public places, according to the AHA.

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WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2016

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From American Heart Association News

Photos courtesy of Matthew Lickenbrock and Mark Ferguson

Sean Ferguson (left) comes home from the hospital with professor Jamie Obermeyer.

“No one ever thinks they’ll use CPR. You learn it but hope you don’t need to use it,” Lickenbrock said.

“It was such a blessing that Matt came along — I’d never been that afraid for somebody in my life,” said Jamie Obermeyer, a Dayton adjunct professor who was at the scene after Ferguson was struck. Obermeyer said his last CPR training was 20 years ago, but he plans to take a CPR course this summer.

Lickenbrock said his parents, both urgent care doctors, were “kicking themselves” when they found out their son had not been CPR-trained sooner. But they urged him to share his story to emphasize the value of learning CPR. Ferguson’s parents told him what Lickenbrock had done to save his life.

“That’s when the magnitude of the situation really hit me,” said Ferguson, who had a broken jaw and severe burns over a third of his body. He was released from the hospital after nearly five weeks. “For a couple of days I only knew that I was struck by lightning, and I had no idea I had gone into cardiac arrest. I quickly referred to Matt as my guardian angel.”

Ferguson plans to return to school.

“I feel like I have a second chance at life and I need to maximize that as much as I can,” Ferguson said. “I know that all this wasn’t a coincidence.”

Healthy Lifestyle

More and more people are finding the opportunity to save lives at airports across the country.

Travelers can now learn Hands-Only CPR in just a few minutes at five airport kiosks that provide quick lessons and practice using a video touch-screen and a CPR manikin.

The kiosks are supported by the Anthem Foundation and the American Heart Association.

The AHA recently recognized the foundation’s support of Hands-Only CPR with a Meritorious Achievement award.

The foundation has committed $12.4 million over eight years to help the AHA educate millions of people about Hands-Only CPR, or CPR without rescue breaths.

“For the past four years, the Anthem Foundation has been working closely with the American Heart Association to help educate people about Hands-Only CPR,” said Craig Samitt, M.D., Anthem Foundation’s executive vice president and chief clinical officer. “To date, we’ve helped educate and train more than 3 million people in this lifesaving skill, with the goal of preparing them to act in an emergency to save the lives of strangers or those they love most.”

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest happens more than 350,000 times a year across the country, often in public places like airports, casinos and sporting facilities. Survival depends on getting CPR right away, and survival rates drop as much as 10 percent for every minute that goes by without intervention.

Hands-Only CPR consists of calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse.

“Hands-Only CPR requires minimal instruction and can even be coached over the phone by 911 operators,” said Clifton Callaway, M.D., Ph.D., professor and executive vice chair of Emergency Medicine and Ronald D. Stewart Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Please see CPR 15

3 tools every health consumer can use From Polk Medical Center An annual preventive primary care visit is completely covered by insurance. A battery of screenings to help gage patients’ health are free. Medical expenses are deductible on income taxes, and health care spending accounts make it easy to partially offset health care costs.

Americans have more tools available to them than ever before to help them take better care of themselves, but, like the hammer, screwdriver or level in your at-home toolbox, they are only effective when they are put to use.

Tifani Kinard, RN, chief nursing officer at Polk Medical Center, is a firm believer in patients making the most of the health care tools available to them.

“Taking advantage of the resources already available to most of us is one of the easiest ways we can take charge of our health, prevent hospitalizations and live healthier, more independent lives,” Kinard said.

CPR from 14 “It can allow a person in cardiac arrest to survive the minutes required until professional help arrives to treat and correct the cardiac arrest — and it can be performed by anyone,” Callaway continued.

Other kiosks are now located at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Global Center for Health Innovation in Cleveland. Kiosks are also planned for Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. The Hands-Only CPR training kiosks feature a touch screen with a video program that gives a brief “how to,” followed by a practice session and a CPR test.

Here are three tools Kinard promotes to help patients take an active role in their health: First, she encourages her patients to schedule and keep their primary care and specialist doctor appointments.

“Seeing your doctor for a preventive care visit once a year is the easiest step any of us can take,” Kinard said.

The annual visit is a time to make sure all prescriptions are up-todate, for labs to be ordered to assess overall health and to establish a baseline for such measures as blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate and more, she said.

“The Affordable Care Act requires plans to completely cover one preventive health primary care visit each year,” Kinard said.

“This is free health care available to everyone, and it is worth the investment of time to go.”

Next, she said, consumers should know and understand their health plans.

Whether Medicaid, Medicare or a commercial insurance carrier, to-

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‘Even in the best 911 systems, professional help will require several minutes to arrive, and the actions of the average citizen can make the difference between surviving and not surviving.’

Clifton Callaway, M.D., Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Those few minutes at the airport truly can translate to lifesaving minutes for cardiac arrest victims later, Callaway said.

“Even in the best 911 systems, professional help will require several minutes to arrive, and the actions of the average citizen can make the difference between surviving and not surviving,” he said.

day’s health plans are filled with resources to help you stay healthy, and to keep medical expenses low.

Many insurance companies have self-assessments, coupons and oncall nurses available. It’s good to be familiar with deductibles, outof-pocket maximums and prescription plans as well.

“Knowing these in advance can help patients plan ahead for expenses and work with their primary care providers and specialists in selecting covered prescriptions and care options,” Kinard said.

Third on her list is to listen to and follow the medical advice your doctor or nurse practitioner offers.

“This is particularly true when it comes to prescriptions,” said Kinard, who says it’s not uncommon to see patients in the hospital who do not take their prescriptions as directed. “Doctors prescribe these medicines because we need them, and many medicines can cause serious complications when not taken as directed.

One of the biggest issues we see

is patients who start taking a medicine, but then stop. Suddenly stopping a medicine can cause other health problems.”

Financial assistance is often available to help cover the cost of prescriptions, Kinard said. Patients who cannot afford their medicines should talk to their physician about less-expensive alternatives or discount programs, she said.

Patients also need to view the diet restrictions and physical activity as prescriptions, Kinard says.

Low-sodium, low-fat or other diets along with walking or other exercise plans are part of the care plan for some patients. Following these diets and activities are as important to a patients’ health as their prescriptions and can greatly improve some medical conditions.

The best advice is to be proactive, Kinard said. “Don’t wait for a problem to arise before going to your doctor or taking steps to getting healthier. Quality of life, both now and in years to come, can be so much better if our patients take advantage of the tools available.”

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