Woman Today

women today

Women’s Health & Fitness

Susan Hornback, D.O.

Board Certified Family Physician

Derek Duncan, D.O.

Board Certified Family Physician

Daughter saves father’s life with kidney donation

By JOHN McBRIDE editor@messengernews.net

Seven years after a life-changing event, Terry Wingerson and his daughter Samantha Reeves are still having life-changing moments, but in a much different way.

In 2015, Wingerson got to the point where he needed a kidney transplant to save his life. His daughter was a near-perfect match so in the fall of 2015, she donated one of her kidneys.

Fortunately their story had a happy ending and it led to the pair speaking and mentoring others who are considering donating an organ.

“Usually there are 100,000 people across the United States that are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and there just aren’t that many donors or viable donors,” said Reeves. “Prior to this process, I knew what organ donation was. I was an organ donor on my license. But I didn’t truly understand the impact that it would have, not only on the recipient but also on everyone around that person. I kept thinking about my mom, if she wouldn’t have my dad any more. Or my kids growing up without their grandfather.

“Being able to share our story and talk about the process, if we can change one person’s mind and help them become an organ donor, it could save the life of somebody in the future and have that same impact on their family,” she added.

TERRY WINGERSON, of Fort Dodge, sits beside his daughter

Samantha Reeves, who donated a kidney to save his life in 2015. Now the pair share their story with others, in hopes of encouraging more people to become organ donors.

Since the transplant, Wingerson and Reeves have spoken to several different groups, including an audience of about 700 people at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. They also participated in the National Transplant Games of America four years ago in Salt Lake City, where all the competitors were either donors or recipients.

“It was only one week, but I think I did more laughing and crying than I did in my whole life,” said Wingerson. “You hear stories of what people have done for others. Just to hear those stories, it touches you.”

-Messenger photo by John McBride

Wingerson also earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records that week as part of the largest gathering of organ donors in one location.

“It’s crazy. I never thought I would be involved in something like that,” said Wingerson.

Reeves didn’t hesitate to offer to be a donor when she found out she was a match for her dad, but she said it’s a process that requires a lot of thought and reflection.

“As the donor, I would say you have to make sure you’re making this decision for yourself and you’re not making it for somebody else. I knew in my heart this is what I wanted to do. I do know other individuals who have donated and it did not go well. Maybe the recipient doesn’t have a relationship with them any more and that can be very hard mentally for the individual who donated.”

Reeves said she and her father have also mentored quite a few individuals, even some from out of state, who have considered donating.

“We got done speaking in Iowa City and we had several people come up and talk to us and said they were going to make changes and become a donor,” Wingerson said. “We’ve had that happen in Iowa City and in

Des Moines. When somebody comes up to us and talks to us and we’ve touched them with our story, it makes me feel it’s worth it to get up and talk about it.”

Reeves said the world of organ donation actually isn’t talked about a lot. Incredibly, she’s one of three Iowa Central Community College staff members who are also living donors. “I don’t think it’s talked about enough. People don’t spread the word enough about being a living donor and donating after life,” Reeves said.

She said the fact that her father was told he would be on a waiting list for three to five years for a kidney was a big motivator to see if she would be a match.

“Seeing how fast his health declined was a big factor,” she said. “We didn’t even know if he would make it to his transplant.”

Reeves said it’s also important to share your wishes about organ donation with your family members. She said a lot of people don’t realize that if someone dies, even if they are listed as an organ donor, their next of kin makes the final decision.

“People can take a look at the Iowa Donor Network website to get informed and have an understanding of what organ donation really

means. And if you make that decision to be a donor, also share that with family and friends so they are aware of it,” she said.

Now almost seven years removed from the surgery, both Wingerson and Reeves live normal lives with very few restrictions. Wingerson takes rejection medicine twice a day and once a month he needs an infusion. He also has to avoid grapefruit or anything with grapefruit in it.

“I’m actually in better health now than I was prior,” said Wingerson. “I had kidney disease for 28 years prior to my kidney failure. But once I got Samantha’s kidney in me, I was like, holy cow, I really feel good.”

In 2021, Reeves and Wingerson were honored with a plaque at the Fort Dodge driver’s license office. The DOT hopes it encourages others to become organ donors.

“That was a really cool honor,” Reeves said. “We didn’t start his process for something like that. We just like that we can share about this and spread the word.”

how to organize a social club

The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic taught the world many lessons, not the least of which was how easy it can be take socializing for granted. Lockdown was a big part of life during the early days of the pandemic, as people were forced to stay home from work and school and remain largely isolated, even from their own friends and family members.

The sense of isolation that many people developed during those early days of the pandemic likely didn’t come as a surprise to medical researchers, particularly those who have studied the effects of isolation on aging populations. The National Institute on Aging indicates that social isolation and loneliness are linked to depression as well as a host of other negative health outcomes, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and cognitive decline.

Social clubs can be a great way for adults over 50 to avoid isolation and loneliness. Such clubs can provide opportunities to connect with individuals who share similar interests, laying the foundation for new friendships that can be hard to develop in midlife.

Perhaps the best thing about social clubs is that anyone can start one. These tips can help individuals over 50 start social clubs that appeal to locals who are on the lookout for fun ways to meet new people.

• Think of a hobby unique to your location. One of the best ways to attract other locals is to find a hobby that caters to residents in your area. For example, coastal residents may want to start a local fishing club, while city dwellers may draw more interest starting a club focused on local museums or restaurants.

• Take all comers. Individuals over 50 may aspire to meet people in situations similar to their own, but they should still allow anyone interested in their club to join. Adults in the early stages of midlife (i.e., their thirties and forties) are often too busy with

their personal and professional lives to make much time for social clubs, so it’s likely that those interested will be 50 or older. But accepting all who are interested can increases the chances of starting a diverse and engaging group.

• Spread the word. Meetup (meetup.com) has been facilitating connections for two decades, making it a great place to start a group for people with shared interests. In addition to utilizing a service like Meetup, founders can spread the word through their social media apps and create fliers to post on public boards at local community centers and libraries.

• Find a public place to get together. It’s best to avoid hosting club events and meetings at a private residence, including your own. Instead, prior to starting the club, look around for meeting places, which can include local churches, libraries or community centers. Ask about reserving spaces for meetings and look for places that are accessible for all people, including those with mobility issues.

Starting a social club can be a great way for individuals over 50 to meet new people and explore new or existing passions.

The

of using vacation time

How many employees have wished for a shorter work week, especially when it’s only Tuesday and Friday is nowhere in sight? Though many professionals wish they worked fewer days each week, those same individuals likely aren’t taking advantage of their hard-earned vacation time.

According to the “2018 State of the American Vacation” report from the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of all working Americans have unused paid vacation days. According to the USTA’s Project Time Off, Americans are taking roughly one less week of vacation per year than they did in the mid-1970s, and the trend continues to decline. It’s not much different in Canada. A 2020

ADP survey found that 49 percent of working Canadians were taking less or no vacation time during the holiday season. Fifty percent of women and 37 percent of men reported that they took less than half of their alloted time off that year.

Workers cite several reasons for skipping vacations, including feeling an obligation to employers or worrying that taking time off may make them stack up poorly against coworkers when being reviewed for promotions or raises. However, failing to take vacation has notable consequences that should not be ignored. Here’s why individuals should make vacations priorities.

Avoid health consequences

A study published by the National Center of Biotechnology Information found that men who were at risk for heart disease and skipped vacation were 30 percent more likely to have heart attacks than those who took extended time off during the year. Similar effects occur in women. Taking little or no time off also could put individuals at increased risk for anxiety, depression, obesity, insomnia, and other stress-related illnesses, particularly among females. Simply taking a vacation or two per year can help tame stress and improve individuals’ long-term health outlook.

Get a brain break

Focusing attention on new scenery and activities for a week or more can improve performance upon returning to work. The USTA also indicates having a vacation to look forward to can motivate individuals to finish a project or report in a timely manner.

Enjoy higher job satisfaction

The Society for Human Resource Management said that 78 percent of human resources directors found that employees who took more vacation days reported higher job satisfaction. That could be because vacations help people feel less stressed and generally happier, which can extend to the workplace.

Develop strong bonds with family

Having fun with the family away from the distractions of daily life is a major advantage of vacationing. Few families have consistent time to spend together, but vacations enable everyone to take a break from the routine frenzy and focus on one another.

It’s tempting to skip vacations to be more productive, but workers actually may be doing their productivity a disservice by failing to rest and recharge.

Women’s

1848 - The first women’s rights convention, the Seneca Falls Convention, is held in New York, where 300 women and men sign the Declaration of Sentiments in a plea to end discrimination against women.

1848 - The Married Woman’s Property Act is passed in New York, enabling married women to conduct business on their own, first le lawsuits on their own behalf, collect rents and receive inheritances. The Act is used as a model for other states, all of which pass their own versions by 1900.

1860 - The Act Concerning the Rights and Liabilities of Husband and Wife is passed in New York, paving the way for other states. It acknowledges “mothers as joint guardians of their children,” granting married women the same legal authority over their own sons and daughters as fathers.

1869 - Wyoming, a territory at the time, becomes the first state to grant women the right to vote in all elections.

1869 - Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton form the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA).

1872 - Victoria Clafl in Woodhull becomes the first female U.S. presidential candidate.

1872 - Equal pay for equal work under the law is guaranteed to federal, but not private sector, employees.

1919 - The First Woman’s Bank of Tennessee opens as the first bank to be directed, managed and staffed entirely by women. The bank welcomes deposits from men and women, although its shareholders are male.

1919 - Congress passes the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

1920 - The 19th Amendment is ratified by 36 states and becomes law, ensuring that the right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of sex.

1938 - The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes a federal minimum wage to eliminate pay differences between men and women for hourly jobs.

1948 - The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allows women to serve as full, permanent members of all of the branches of the U.S. military.

1963 - The Equal Pay Act is passed, protecting all workers against discrimination in pay rates.

1974 - The Equal Credit Opportunity Act is passed, prohibiting credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age or receipt of public assistance. Prior to its passage, banks required male cosigners on credit applications from single, widowed or divorced women, regardless of income.

1974 - The Fair Housing Act is amended to prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of sex.

1978 - The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is passed, making it illegal for employers to dismiss women from their jobs for becoming pregnant.

1981 - Sandra Day O’Connor becomes the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

1993 - The Family and Medical Leave Act becomes law.

1994 - The Gender Equity in Education Act is passed to train teachers in gender equity, promote math and science learning by girls, counsel pregnant teens and prevent sexual harassment.

1994 - The Violence Against Women Act funds services, resources and rights for rape and domestic violence victims.

2007 - Nancy Pelosi becomes the first female Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

2016 - The Department of Defense opens all military combat positions to women for the first time.

2021 - First Female Vice President

Certified in Acupuncture

24 South 14th Street Fort Dodge, IA

Hours: M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat. 8am-Noon www.calisesichiro.com

Dr. Carrie Jo Calisesi

When women should be screened for various conditions and diseases

Preventive care is a key component of an effective health care regimen. Preventive care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as various factors will influence what an individual should be doing at any given moment to ensure his or her overall health. Age, medical history and family history are three factors that could influence a preventive care regimen. Gender is another variable that affects preventive care, and women should know that screening guidelines for various conditions and diseases could be different for them than they are for men. Women’s personal medical histories could affect how often they should be screened for various conditions, but these screening recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force can serve as a guideline for women.

• Blood pressure: Blood pressure should be checked at least once every two years if women are considered to be in a healthy range (under 120/80) or annually if they are above normal (between 120/80 and 139/89).

• Bone density: Women should get a bone density test at least once upon turning 65. Women younger than 65 can speak with their physicians if they want the test.

• Breast cancer: The USPSTF recommends women between the ages of 50 and 74 schedule a mammogram every two years. Women 75 and older can discuss if the test is still necessary after age 74.

• Cervical cancer: Women between the ages of 21 and 65 who have a cervix should receive a Pap test every three years. Upon turning 30, a Pap test and an HPV test every five years is an option. Women over 65 can discuss if they need to continue receiving a Pap test with their physicians.

• Colorectal cancer: Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for women between the ages of 50 and 75. Women can discuss which test to get with their physicians, who also can inform them what to do after turning 75.

• Diabetes: Women whose blood pressure is higher than 135/80 should be tested for diabetes. Women who take medication for high blood pressure also should be tested.

• HIV/AIDS: Women should be tested for HIV/AIDS at least once after age 20 or earlier if they are high risk for HIV.

• Lipid profile: The USPSTF recommends a routine lipid profile starting at age 20 for women who are at increased risk for heart disease.

• Lung cancer: Women with a history of smoking should receive annual testing with low-dose computed tomography between ages 55 and 80. This includes women who have quit smoking within the last 15 years.

• STDs: Women who are sexually active or pregnant should be tested annually for chlamydia through age 24. Annual tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis should continue after age 25 for women who are at increased risk for an STD. Women can discuss the risk factors with their physicians.

Healthy ways to alleviate stress

Stress can affect anyone at any time. Men, women and even children experience stress, which can be triggered by professional, personal and social pressures.

Women who are feeling stressed out can look to various healthy ways to alleviate stress.

• Make a concerted effort to socialize. An inability to socialize during the pandemic undoubtedly contributed to increased stress levels, and that’s not coincidental. According to American Addiction Centers, socializing increases a hormone that decreases anxiety levels and helps individuals feel more confident in their ability to cope with stress. Socializing also provides a chance to direct energy outward, thus providing a distraction from internal stress.

• Make time to exercise. Exercise benefits the body in myriad ways and can be an effective tool in the fight against stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the ways exercise helps to combat stress is that it imitates the fight or flight response created by stressful situations and essentially teaches the body how to work through stress. Much like practice prepares athletes’ bodies prior to a game, exercise prepares the body to respond to stress in a healthy way.

• Perform good deeds. The American Addiction Centers notes the power of goodwill in combatting stress. When helping others, individuals activate neurotransmitters in their brains that are associated with positive feelings and reduced feelings of anxiety and worry. Volunteering with a local nonprofit, coaching a child’s sports team and mentoring a young person are some good deeds that can benefit others and the women behind the acts.

• Embrace an optimistic outlook. A 2013 study from researchers at Concordia University found that the stress hormone cortisol is more stable among individuals with a positive outlook than those with a more pessimistic point of view. Prolonged elevated levels of cortisol can increase risk for anxiety, depression and heart disease, among other conditions. An optimistic outlook can help control those levels, making a positive attitude a valuable tool in the fight against stress.

Medicare doesn’t

right.

detection can prevent small problems

Previous dental work can wear out.

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.

Consider these national average costs of treatment

$217 for a

... $189 for a filling ... $1,219 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

“I don’t worry”

FAIFERLICK MARTIAL

FAIFERLICK MARTIAL