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WELCOME TO INSPIRED LIFE. At the heart of this magazine is the idea that at every age, we share a common love of this place we call home. Meet new neighbors embracing adventures—both big and small. Find real advice for taking good care of the assets and places we hold dear. Tap into a true joy for the outdoors that keeps our inner lives vibrant and our bodies well. Connect. Join in. Find smart and new ways to inspire your life Up North. —the Editors

CONTENTS 2

THE UNSTOPPABLES John Bruder found community on the VASA during his fight against cancer, while Wayne Lobdell embraced consistent exercise as part of his treatment for Parkinson’s. These two courageous Northerners continue to defy the odds and break down barriers.

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FROM HOME DECOR TO HOME-COOKED MEALS Suttons Bay business owner Peggy Miller found a new purpose in her retirement—working on community outreach and feeding those in need with the Leland nonprofit 5Loaves2Fish.

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LIFE FIRST, SCHOOL SECOND Fifty-three years after starting college, having kids and getting married, 70-yearold Marilyn Dear went back to school and graduated with an associate’s degree from NMC. Now, a new statewide scholarship offers older students like Marilyn a chance to pursue different careers and passions.

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HIT THE ROAD Do you dream of traveling and camping (with all the creature comforts!) at the most scenic spots across the North? If so, the RV lifestyle may be for you.

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ARE YOU GETTING THE NUTRIENTS YOU NEED? Madelyn Wilcox, a registered dietician who specializes in oncology nutrition, shares how nutrient deficiencies can affect us as we age, and how to get the nutrients we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

plus

ESTATE & FINANCIAL SERVICES: THE NEW INVESTING WORLD | PAGE 11 More and more investors are adding cryptocurrency to their portfolios, but the new online currency has both pros and cons for potential investors. Crypto expert Thomas Holt shares advice for determining if you should take the plunge and how to get started in this new investing world.

COVER PHOTO BY TIM HUSSEY

MyNorth Inspired Life is produced by MyNorthMedia. Advertising and editorial offices at: 125 Park St., Ste. 155, Traverse City, MI 49684. 231.941.8174, MyNorth.com.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2021, Prism Publications Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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THE UNSTOPPABLES Defying the odds and breaking down barriers— these courageous people never give up.

BY ANNE STANTON | PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

JOHN BRUDER

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FIGH T IN G CAN C E R & F I N D I N G COM M U NITY

At the North American VASA ski race in February of 2010, not racing, but somehow being a part of the race. So, Jerry, who John Bruder watched skate skiers whom he’d easily pass, pass sits on the VASA board, came up with the idea of creating its him. He chalked it up to a bad day. But after getting diagnosed first recognition race, a 12K, named “Ski with John.” with Stage 4 lung cancer 10 months later, he realized it might “We were going to create this group of people, and it was have been a tumor already at work. going to be the Bruder Wave,” says Jerry. “People who had John, a full-time orthopedic surgeon at the time, was an elite never ski raced before decided to sign up. His nurse, she was skier and cyclist. He enjoyed making a race goal and going all there. So many people, it was just unbelievable.” out to achieve it. When he wasn’t working, he was often workBy the time of the race, 77 people had signed up. ing out. Each morning, he ran at 5:30 a.m. with his Traverse “It was a moving party,” Jerry says. “John led the way. He just City neighbor and buddy, Jerry Glenn, an assistant principal at couldn’t ski the way he used to, and we worked out a way to go Traverse City Central High School. out in the woods that didn’t require any hills at all. We had this But later in the summer months, he noticed a persistent train of people with John up front and several others positioned cough that didn’t fade when fall set in. So, early one morning in in front of him. He’s crying all the time, he’s that kind of person.”

December, on the advice of his For the race, John used an doctor, he asked one of his techs oxygen concentrator, which he to do an X-ray. carried in a backpack behind JOHN BRUDER SKIJORING WITH HIS DOGS IN LEELANAU COUNTY. “After they did it, I watched him. The device—about the size the monitor, and immediately of a small melon—sucks in outI’m seeing it. It was like getting side air and removes a portion hit in the face,” John says, chokof nitrogen to provide a higher concentration of oxygen. ing up over the memory. “There were a couple of big snowballs in John was able to return to my right lung. I always thought work and retired four years I was healthy. I realized at that ago at the age of 71. On the point, my life changed. I had health front, it hasn’t been enlung cancer.” tirely smooth sailing; four times After the diagnosis, John, at the cancer came back, and was 64, made a list of all the things treated with radiation, chemo he wanted to do with friends and surgery. After each health and family before dying. He setback, he pushed himself to guessed he had six months. “I stay active. He’s had no evifigured I was on the way out,” dence of the disease for the last he confesses. six years. Now 75, John and his “We were all devastated,” says wife, Carolyn Keith, live in EmJerry in a phone interview. “We pire, and he still bikes, skies and thought he was gone.” hikes, especially in and around Over the next year, John Pyramid Point. He also found a underwent intense chemo and new sport—skijoring with their radiation to shrink the tumor. two dogs. “It’s great fun!” he says.

He took a temporary leave of John still uses the oxygen absence from his orthopedics job but still managed to crossconcentrator to handle the tougher outings. But his multiple country ski—the more laid-back classic style—every day. bouts with cancer have made him realize what he truly loves And then came two surgeries—one for a ruptured disc that about exercise, and it isn’t necessarily winning. left him unable to walk from his garage to the house. A second “The key is doing these things with someone else so you can major surgery 10 days later removed two-thirds of his right share your personal feelings, your experiences and not be out lung. The operation quite literally took the wind out of him. there by yourself, just pounding along and having only your “We had some hard times in there,” Jerry says. “He is quite thoughts to deal with,” John says. “It’s much, much healthier private, he would never totally complain. He’d work through if you can share the experience with a friend. So that’s what it. And during that time, he struggled with, ‘What can I do?’”

I always tell people. Don’t just go walking. Get a friend to go In 2013, John considered doing the VASA again—obviously walking, and then you’ll go every day.”

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E X E RC ISE IS T H E N E W M E D I C I N E

Twelve years ago, Terry Lobdell noticed that her husband, Wayne, wasn’t himself. There were random panic attacks. He couldn’t turn his neck when backing out the car. And then there was the morning the dog made a terrible mess and Wayne couldn’t smell a thing. With the symptoms adding up, Wayne went to see his doctor, who noticed long moments between his blinks.

“You need to be tested for Parkinson’s,” the doctor told him.

Soon afterward, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease— an incurable, progressive nervous system disorder that afflicts a million people in the U.S.—more than the combined number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Wayne first tried to sort out the age-old question. Why him?

Most cases aren’t hereditary, but then he remembered a longago visit to his uncle who was bedridden, suffering the most advanced stage of the disease.

“When I went to see him, he was lying in bed, shaking, and having a very uncomfortable life going for him. I felt bad for him,” Wayne says. “So, when I got diagnosed, that picture came into my mind, and it was depressing. I made up my mind I was going to beat it.”

And so far, he has. At a recent doctor’s appointment, Wayne, 80, was told that after 12 years, his symptoms haven’t progressed since his original diagnosis. Although his speech is a little slurred and his memory less reliable, he is still in Stage 1, defined as a person with mild symptoms that don’t interfere with daily life.

His success doesn’t surprise Hettie Molvang, director of Parkinson’s Network North (parkinsonsnetworknorth.org) in Traverse City, who says every person’s experience is unique.

“The reason why Wayne is where he’s at and is doing so well after 12 years is because he works at it,” she says. “He listens.

He exercises, he watches his diet, he sings out loud, and he does it religiously. That abates his symptoms. If he were not to do it for a few days, his symptoms would blossom, and he would fall behind by six months for taking that time off, and it would take him that long to get back. He knows that.”

Molvang credits the brain’s neuroplasticity, the learning tool of the brain, which needs to be “seriously taught.”

“And you teach it by doing the same thing, the same time, in the same way, every day,” she says. “It’s repetition, and it becomes almost like a drug for the brain. Exercise is the new medicine. It will not cure you, but it will slow down the symptoms.”

When first diagnosed, Wayne vowed to do everything in his power in all realms of his life—spiritual, physical, mental—to ward off the onset of symptoms. When it came to exercise, he was ahead of the curve. For years, he ran after work to relieve the stress of managing his restaurant franchises. Now he runs two miles, strength trains and plays golf. His fitness goal is to attain the same level of performance as the day before.

“I recognize that I am a little more forgetful and that I can’t run as fast as I used to, but it’s important to keep going,” says Wayne, still looking trim and fit.

His advice is to choose an exercise you love that will get your heart rate up. Early on, he embarked on an innovative exercise 4

regime—LSVT Global—that works on balance, shoulder flexibility, large movements and strength training with bands.

“He was Mr. Twinkle Toes, running sideways, all this intricate exercise, and he was faithful to it for a very long period of time,” Terry says.

He also faithfully eats a Mediterranean diet high in fresh vegetables and fruits and mostly fish for protein. “It’s supposed to be the best diet for people with Parkinson’s,” Wayne explains.

The diet reaps big benefits when it comes to heart health, weight maintenance and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

But studies show the plant-heavy diet can also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease, reduce constipation and play a role in memory function, writes Heather Simpson of University of Florida Health (Aug. 3, 2020).

To keep his brain fit, he plays cards, dines with friends, follows horse racing, attends business meetings and keeps an eye on the news except when it gets “too darn stressful.” He even published a novel a few years ago. On the spiritual side, he meditates daily and attends church. His philanthropic endeavors also keep him happy.

Besides seeing a traditional physician, Wayne consults with a functional doctor at the Center for Personalized Medicine (locations in Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Grosse Pointe and Bloomfield Hills), who prescribes a supplement regimen.

Wayne estimates he spends about $2,500 annually, none of it covered by insurance.

“Unfortunately, some of the things you can do are costly and it’s unfair that people who don’t have the means can’t necessarily do it,” he says.

Finally, he is strategic about his medicine that corrects his body’s dopamine levels, which drop with Parkinson’s and cause dyskinesia, such as hand tremors or shaking. But as the dose is increased over time, the medicine can actually cause dyskinesia, the very thing it’s meant to resolve.

That’s why Wayne has sought to retain the same low dose over 12 years—and he has. His strategy has been to divide his short-term single dose of carbidopa/levodopa into six different doses, which he takes every two hours. (The extended-release pill doesn’t agree with him.)

“I think anyone who lives with a person with an issue really appreciates it when they’re proactive and very good at taking matters into into their own hands,” Terry says. “His pill distribution is very complicated and I’m so glad he’s the one doing it.”

At the time of the interview, Wayne, who turned 80 in March, was ramping up his mileage for the Priority Health 5K, a National Cherry Festival race in July.

Some 40 friends and family members were also training to join him, planning to wear red shirts saying, “Poppy's 80!”

“The rule is they can’t show me up,” he says laughing, adding that he will lead the race.

Anne Stanton is the co-founder of Traverse City's National Writers Series. She served as a researcher/editor for two New York Times-bestselling books, works as a freelance writer/editor and is the editorial director for Mission Point Press.

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I MADE UP MY MIND I WAS GOING TO BEAT IT.

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From Home Decor to Home-cooked Meals A Suttons Bay business owner finds new purpose at Leland nonprofit 5Loaves2Fish.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE | PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

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From owning a successful home decor store to making and serving homemade meals out of a food trailer to food-insecure folks—it’s not your average retirement. Unless you’re Peggy Miller.

Retirement was just a whisper in Peggy’s ear last year. One she had been ignoring. She was entering her 13th summer of running her store, At Home, in Suttons Bay, and she loved it.

The store had been her baby, her joy and her job for so long, she couldn’t imagine life without it.

However, when COVID-19 closed the store for much of 2020, Peggy found herself with time on her hands as she sat at home in Leland. At the same time, Michelle and Bill White were just about to launch 5Loaves2Fish, a community outreach program through the Leland Community United Methodist Church.

“I got excited to help Michelle get going,” says Peggy. “So, we just started cooking.”

As 5Loaves2Fish started taking shape, Peggy realized this could be the time for her to step back from her professional life and instead focus on volunteering for her second act. Her husband, Geno, had recently retired, helping prompt her to make the same change. Nowadays, Peggy, at age 62, spends two to three days a week volunteering for 5Loaves2Fish, and she’s loving it.

“A silver lining to COVID is that I have never felt so happy working and giving back,” Peggy says. “Besides, I can’t play solitaire 24/7. I have tendonitis in my hands from it!” she quips.

5Loaves2Fish is not your average church kitchen: They make everything from scratch, even the pasta. Peggy grew up in a family of eight children, so she says she is used to making big meals for lots of people. On the flip side, Michelle had experience in catering and is “one of one” children, Peggy says.

It was a good match.

“She’s been my friend since I was 20 years old,” Peggy says.

“She’s the type of friend you can pick up with at any time and laugh!”

5Loaves2Fish is a reference to a Bible story in which Jesus used just five loaves and two fish supplied by a boy to feed a

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"A silver lining to COVID is that I have never felt so happy working and giving back."

multitude of people. Peggy says it’s ironic and symbolic that they have seen that actually happen: They often have just the right amount of food every time they serve, even though they never know how many people will show up.

“One time, Michelle had 65 chicken breasts, and we fed 72 people! What are the odds? It worked out—it always does!” Peggy says.

It often works out with the help of the community, as well. “We needed a new fridge and commercial freezer, and the next thing we know, Island Time Catering donated one to us,” recalls Peggy.

“Another time, we wanted a pasta machine and I reached out to (the now closed) Leelanau Country Inn, and they donated their commercial pasta machine.” With the new machine, they can make fettuccini for 50 in about 30 minutes.

The meals are varied and often feature local foods. One recent meal was meatloaf, asparagus, three different pasta choices (buttered, kale pesto and beet pesto—the beets and kale from Second Spring Farm in Cedar) and fresh strawberries from Bardenhagen Berries in Lake Leelanau.

And the latest joy for those at 5Loaves2Fish? A 24-foot, deckedout food trailer named “Vinny,” after the donors, Vince Tomczak and Kristy Lorraine. It includes a six-burner gas range, flat-top grill and refrigeration. The trailer allows 5Loaves2Fish to take their show on the road. Instead of hauling food in totes and car trunks, they can now set up and serve food fresh from the trailer, offering increased accessibility to those in need.

You can see the new food trailer on Mondays at Veterans Park in Traverse City, serving 45–65 meals a week to guests experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. The nonprofit team also has another service each week where food is delivered to families.

Beyond food, 5Loaves2Fish has a pulse on the needs of the homeless community. “If someone needs a sleeping bag, we go get it, or a tent, we get it,” Peggy says. “Or we gather clothes.

Last month, I set up a pharmacist to give COVID shots. We just kind of find out what they need.”

PEGGY MILLER

Retirement is nothing like Peggy expected: It’s better. “Everything is done with love,” she says. “It’s just such an incredible opportunity to be a part of—you can’t help but feel good doing it. We play oldies and laugh. It’s been an amazing experience!”

Visit 5Loaves2Fish online at 5loaves2fishnmi.org.

Kandace Chapple is a freelance writer and owner of Michigan Girl, an event planning business. She can be reached at kandacechapple.com

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Creating an Estate Plan It’s not too early to start preparing for the future. The first step you’ll need to take is to evaluate your situation and then develop a strategy that helps meet your needs. When you create your estate plan, consider the following factors and how they interact when working with a qualified estate-planning attorney.

It’s not too early to start preparing for the future. The first step you’ll need to take is to evaluate your situation and then develop a strategy that helps meet your needs. When you create Beneficiary Designation Account Registration your estate plan, consider the following factors and howAssets they that interact when working with a You should properly register your investment designate a beneficiary, such as life qualified estate-planning accounts by listing theattorney. correct individual(s) as the insurance policies or retirement assets, will pass

Creating an Estate Plan

owner(s) of each account. Make sure all names are automatically at your death to the designated benefispelled correctly. If you have a living trust, you ciary, regardless of your will or living trust. As a Account Registration should generally register the accounts into the Beneficiary result,Designation take time to review these designations to help You should properly register your investment Assets that designate beneficiary, such asyour life overall name of the trust. make sure theya are consistent with accounts by listing the correct individual(s) as the insurance policies or retirement assets, will pass estate plan and personal goals. owner(s) of each account. Make sure all names are automatically at your death to the designated benefiWill spelled correctly.

If you have a living trust, you ciary, regardless of your will or living trust. As a A will describes your assets will be divided result, take Durable Attorney should generally registerhow the accounts into the time toPower review of these designations to help and distributed at your death.

This document also With a durable power attorney, you designate an name of the trust. make sure they are consistent of with your overall names the person(s) who will manage your estateestate plan individual to make financial decisions on your behalf and personal goals. with respect to your individually owned assets. The at your death.

Will power of attorney may be broad, or you may limit It is important to note that a will governs the disposiA will describes how your assets will be divided Durable Power ofthat Attorney the powers you grant to such an individual. tion of assets in your and distributed at yourheld death.

Thisindividual documentname also only. ItWith a durable power of attorney, you designate an This also decisions provides incapacity protection does not govern held asyour “joint tenants,” those names the person(s) whoassets will manage estate individual to document make financial on your behalf that designate a beneficiary or those held within awith respect if youtobecome disabled. Please however, that your individually ownednote, assets.

The at your death. revocable trust. However, a will can help ensure that transferred youror living are generally power ofassets attorney may be to broad, you trust may limit It is important to note that a will assets governs the disposiyour individually owned transfer at your death not that governed by the ofindividual. attorney. Instead, your the powers you grant to power such an tion of assets held in your individual name only. It as you intended. trustees will have decision-making authority with This document provides incapacity protection does not govern assets held as “joint tenants,” those respectalso to those assets. that designate a beneficiary or those held within a if you become disabled. Please note, however, that Living revocable trust. Trust However, a will can help ensure that assets transferred to your living trust are generally Often youowned can use a willtransfer in conjunction Health Directive/Living Will/ your your individually assets at your with deatha living not governed byCare the power of attorney. Instead, trust. You can create this trust during your lifetimetrusteesPower ofdecision-making Attorney for Health Care as you intended. will have authority with for your own benefit. At your death, the trust will respect With these documents, you name your health care to those assets. distribute your assets in the same way a will does, agents to act on your behalf for medical treatment Living Trust but without the high degree of court involvement. decisions if you’re unable to act for yourself. These Often you can use a will in conjunction with a living Health documents Care Directive/Living Will/ also express your specific wishes with You may want to consider establishing a living trust trust. You can create this trust during your lifetime Power respect of Attorney for Health Care to the administration of life-prolonging if you want to: for your own benefit. At your death, the trust will With these documents, you name yourcommunicate health care them. procedures when you cannot • Avoid the costs and formal distribute your assets in the same wayrequirements a will does, of the agents to act on your behalf for medical treatment probate process but without the high degree of court involvement. decisions if you’re unable to act for yourself. These Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners do not provide tax or legal advice. with Please consult a • Protect your and your family’s privacy from the documents alsoand express your specific wishes You may want to consider establishing a living trust qualified tax professional or an attorney for advice regarding your public aspects of the probate process respect to the administration of life-prolonging situation. if you want to: • Protect assets should you become incapacitatedprocedures or when you cannot communicate them.

• Avoid the costs and formal requirements of the eventually need help managing your financial affairs probate process • Protect your and your family’s privacy from the Financial Advisors in Traverse City public aspects of the probate process

® John W Elwell, AAMS® John Tredway Heather J Boivin, AAMS

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult a Financial Advisor qualified tax professional or an attorney for advice regarding your in Interlochen edwardjones.com situation.

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ESTATE & FINANCIAL SERVICES

Investing World THE NEW

What you need to know about the pros and cons of investing in cryptocurrency.

BY ALLISON JARRELL

T

he next generation of investors has its eye on a new form of money— cryptocurrency. Even if you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of how the online currency works, odds are you’ve heard plenty about how Bitcoin, Dogecoin and others are changing the world of investing as we know it. We caught up with Dr. Thomas J. Holt, director and professor at Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice, to learn more about investing in crypto. continued on page 15

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THE RIGHT FIT Now, more than ever, it is important to find financial advisors that truly listen and work FOR you. As Accredited Investment Fiduciaries, Traverse City-based financial advisors, Mecky Kessler-Howell and Kristi L. Avery of FOR Investment Partners want to know what you care about most.

Kristi, “When constructing a financial portfolio, I want to know what matters most to our clients. These are hard earned resources, with specific financial goals and should be invested with the utmost attention to alignment with our client’s values and needs” Once we have a clear idea of what matters most to our clients, FOR Investment Partners will help you construct an intentional portfolio reflecting your personal or organization’s values, not just your standard cookie-cutter portfolio.

Adds Mecky, “We work FOR you. As independent financial advisors, we have only your best interests and goals at the forefront of our advice.” “Combined we have over 40 years of experience helping clients invest with their intention. Our goal is to help align your financial resources according to your values, and plant seeds for financial returns.”

FOR YOUR FAMILY. FOR YOUR FUTURE. FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE.

It’s easy to reach out...

2226 South Airport Road West, Traverse City 231.933.4396 | forinvestmentpartners.com kavery@wisdirect.com | mhowell@wisdirect.com Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Western International Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. FOR Investment Partners & Western International Securities, Inc., are separate & unaffiliated entities.

PAID FEATURE

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ESTATE & FINANCIAL SERVICES

If you’re very risk-averse, I would not recommend investing in crypto. But for people who are not risk-averse—who would accept a higher degree of loss—this is a reasonable investment.

THE BASICS In essence, crypto is a form of currency that can be used to pay for goods and services online. Entities like Bitcoin, Dogecoin and Ethereum issue their own currencies, usually referred to as “tokens” or “coins,” which can be traded for specific goods or services offered.

Investing in crypto is nearly identical to investing in a country’s native currency, such as the yen or the euro—the difference being that a country’s currency rises and falls based on the country’s successes, whereas, according to Investopedia, crypto rises and falls for various reasons, including “media coverage, speculation and availability.”

Crypto works using something called “blockchain”—a decentralized technology that’s spread across many computers. This technology manages and records transactions, and it keeps crypto anonymous and secure—which is part of its appeal.

“Blockchain is a way to validate that transactions have occurred in an encrypted, anonymized fashion,” Holt says. “It’s a public ledger of sorts for transactions.”

PROS AND CONS OF CRYPTO Investors are turning to crypto over traditional government-based money for a variety of reasons. Some point to crypto’s ability to reduce corruption—chances of abusing power increase when one entity holds all the power, and crypto’s blockchain technology distributes power among all members of its network. (Unlike a mutual fund where a single entity controls one ledger, blockchain uses a distributed ledger that helps to remove the risk of corruption or fraud.) Crypto also allows folks to cut out the middleman (banks) and take charge of their own funds.

But crypto isn’t without its risks—currencies lack regulation and are often volatile. In 2017, the price of Bitcoin and other major currencies skyrocketed above 1,000 percent before crashing back down. And more recently this year, Elon Musk’s mentions of Dogecoin have it both tumbling and soaring.

“That’s one of the biggest risks—the degree to which cryptocurrencies can be artificially inflated,” Holt says.

So, is cryptocurrency safe to invest in? Holt says yes, but with a caveat.

“Due to the volatility of the currencies themselves, they are risky,” he says. “It’s not the same as a traditional investment or mutual fund investment. An individual needs to be very aware of the risks when they invest.

“If you’re very risk-averse, I would not recommend investing in crypto,” Holt continues. “It’s not something I would do as a casual investor generally. But for people who are not riskaverse—who would accept a higher degree of loss—this is a reasonable investment.”

In general, Holt recommends those interested in taking the plunge invest in cryptocurrencies that are well known. There are more than 9,000 different cryptocurrencies in existence as of April 2021, but more established cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin might be a good place to start. (Think of it like investing in an established economy versus a developing economy.)

“There are so many variations,” Holt says. “Do your due diligence—don’t just pick [a new cryptocurrency] that was pumped up once on a podcast. Treat it like you would any other vendor. If you just buy $100 worth of some far-flung crypto, you may never get that money back. This is a space that can be pretty easy to scam people, so due diligence is tremendously important.”

When deciding which cryptocurrency to invest in, you’ll find countless articles with advice and tips from financial experts on sites like TIME, Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC, Investopedia, etc. Ideally, a financial advisor would be able to guide you on which cryptos to consider adding to your portfolio and how much, but many advisors don’t recognize crypto as an investable asset class like stocks or bonds. Companies like Edward Jones and Fidelity have cryptocurrency primers on their websites, but clearly state that their customers cannot buy or sell crypto through them. continued on page 19

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Welcome Home It is called by many names - oasis, sanctuary, shelter, pad, humble abode. It is our place to eat, work, recharge, and relax. It is where we spend our lives, raise our families, welcome friends, and care for our loved ones. It is our starting point for our adventures, and where we finish them. It is home.

Two Michigan based companies are working together to protect your important place. Fischer Insurance Agency and Fremont Insurance have the coverages you need to protect your home or home-away-from-home. “We have a great partnership with Fremont, we both pride ourselves on our reputation and unparalleled service. Fremont offers exceptional prices and dynamic products,” says Joe Fischer of Fischer Insurance.

These companies know a thing or two about insurance. With an impressive combined 180 years of business, they know the local geography, climate, demographics, and lifestyle in ways that national insurers can’t. As other companies try to service you from across the country, Fischer and Fremont are local and right here when you need them.

We’re Confident You Won’t Find a Better Insurance Value.

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Fremont Insurance takes pride in providing Michigan residents with exceptional service and customized products at affordable rates. Our customer-focused approach has made Fremont one of the fastest growing and most respected insurers in the state.

Your home is one of your biggest investments. That’s why Fremont has the coverage and money-saving discounts you need to protect this investment and get the most value for your premium dollar. Fremont offers flexible and affordable options to meet a wide range of needs.

Guaranteed replacement cost for your dwelling and Replacement cost for your contents - We encourage you to contact Fischer Insurance to evaluate your home insurance needs and how best to protect yourself in the event of a loss. If you are not a homeowner, Fremont also offers renters and condominium insurance, with many of the same value-added options.

Fast, friendly, and reliable service. Your individual needs are reviewed and addressed by professional and experienced agents at Fischer Insurance. Customized and dynamic policies. Your policy is tailored specifically to your situation and needs. Fremont also offers commercial, farm and marine policies, many of which provide the same great discounts and customization that other carriers have taken away.

info@fischerins.com 0921_INSPIRED LIFE.indd 17

800.453.6170 8/9/21 9:52 AM

Planning For The Future Should Be As Relaxing As... Your Future.

Planning for your future shouldn’t be stressful. Whether your desire is to create a secure retirement or leave a lasting legacy we honor your intention now and decades to come. We guide and empower you along your financial journey, helping to offer you clarity and financial independence. Our process is to embrace, educate, and empower your decisions.

So while you are spending your time relaxing you can be confident that your team understands what’s important to you.

We Help Simplify Your Journey embrace.

A clear understanding of what is important to you.

educate.

A well defined road map to achieve your goals.

empower.

Ongoing advice to help you adjust and move forward.

Dawn Hemming, MBA Autumn C. Soltysiak, CFP 600 E. Front Street. Traverse City, MI 49686 231.922.2900 I empower@hemmingwm.com www.hemmingwm.com hemming& Wealth Management, Inc. (”hemming& Wealth Managment”) is a Registed Investment Advisor (”RIA”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (”SEC”).

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6 CRYPTO INVESTING APPS YOU SHOULD KNOW You’ve sailed through the Coinbase tutorials and now you’re ready to dive into other exchange options. For those looking for something beyond Coinbase’s offerings, here are some of the best apps and sites for investing in cryptocurrencies.

SoFi is a great choice for beginner investors looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use platform. Pricing is also extremely reasonable—you can start investing with just $1. (There are no recurring fees, either.) The app allows users to take advantage of a free portfolio manager picks and manages your investments for you, but browsing investment opportunities on your own is also a breeze on SoFi. In addition, you’ll have access to investment education articles, as well as complimentary financial planning sessions. sofi.com Robinhood is considered one of the best apps for beginners looking for options to buy a wide array of cryptocurrencies, as well as more traditional investments like stocks and options, all in one place. All crypto trading on the app is completely commission-free, and there are no fees or account minimums. A premium account with more features starts at $5 a month. robinhood.com Gemini is popular with investors in part because of its attention to security and transparency. The app, which features a user-friendly interface, offers Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection on all deposits. And as an added benefit, new users get $10 when they open an account and deposit $100. gemini.com eToro offers investors a solid selection of cryptocurrencies to choose from (more than a dozen), as well as some features that set it apart from other apps—think social media-type commenting and following that allows you to observe and copy the trades and portfolios of other investors. The app also includes a practice account that you can try out before investing real funds. Unlike Robinhood, eToro does require a $50 account minimum and the app has a straightforward fee schedule that varies by cryptocurrency. etoro.com BlockFi is an exceptional app for earning monthly interest on your crypto investments (up to 7.5% annually). The app allows users to borrow against their holdings instead of selling their tokens/coins, or users can hold your crypto and let it earn interest. Currently BlockFi is offering a Bitcoin bonus when you deposit $100 or more, but there’s no minimum deposit or monthly fees. blockfi.com Stockpile is perfect for parents wanting to teach their kids or teens about investing and the stock market. The app makes it easy to gift stock to a young user, and parents can also keep an eye on the account of a minor. Stockpile does charge a commission of $0.99 per trade, but it offers fractional share investing, which may make the fee worth it for some users. Stockpile also includes fun and educational mini lessons that teach kids about the ins and outs of investing. Does your teen want to know more about Bitcoin? Stockpile will guide them through the basics while giving new users a $5 credit to invest in crypto or other stocks. stockpile.com

Holt also suggests beginner investors start by buying crypto and sitting on it.

“I would be very careful about investing with the notion that you’re going to turn it around quickly and sell it off,” he says. “Look at it as a broader portfolio investment. Start slow and build your way to being comfortable with it.”

Holt adds that for environmentally conscious individuals, some cryptocurrencies have a lower carbon footprint than others. New crypto is created or “mined” by using computers to complete very difficult math equations. Solving a Bitcoin equation requires more computing power than currencies such as Dogecoin or Ethereum, which means it uses more electricity per coin mined.

Crypto may be hot right now, but with its volatility, will it stay that way? Is it the future of finance?

“It’s possible,” Holt says. “I think that hard currencies are always going to have a specific role. At the moment, it seems like crypto is just another type of commodity or stock. But the blockchain and accountability component makes it attractive. It could certainly happen over time, but would maybe require some generational changes before that could take root.”

HOW TO GET STARTED Holt says he would heartily encourage anyone who’s interested in investing to do a lot of reading upfront to understand how cryptocurrencies work.

“It’s important to understand the tax implications of buying and using cryptos,” he says. “There are taxes one will have to pay in order to liquidate or use Bitcoin in the U.S.—you will be taxed like capital gains.”

The best way to get started, in Holt’s opinion, is to use a site like Coinbase (coinbase.com) that provides very easyto-understand tutorials.

“Coinbase is definitely the forerunner in this,” he says.

“The site will also give you cryptocurrency while you’re going through their tutorials. So you get a little bit of cryptocurrency for the effort that you put into learning about it.”

According to TIME, more than 56 million people are trading what amounts to over $300 billion worth of cryptocurrency on Coinbase each quarter. Users often report enjoying the simple, beginner-friendly interface and educational tools.

Beyond learning about crypto, you can use also Coinbase to invest in more than 50 different cryptocurrencies, and the site has been lauded for its strong security measures.

(Note: If you choose to use Coinbase as an exchange for investing in crypto, it does charge fees.)

For more information about investing in crypto, visit coinbase.com.

MyNorth ESTATE & FINANCIAL SERVICES | FALL 2021

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The Jonkhoff family and caring staff are the ones you can trust and depend on... today and tomorrow.

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SPEND SOME TIME UP NORTH ...

WITHOUT USING VACATION DAYS.

Pictured from left to right: Dan and Peg Jonkhoff, Christy Jonkhoff-Hater and Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers

Like your will, funeral pre-arrangements are a guide for your survivors and a gift of love. Call us today for an appointment as our preneed consultants, Nicole or Brooke, would be happy to meet at your home or ours.

Subscribe yourself or someone you love now for a full year of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine for $24.95 and receive 6 issues of Northern Home & Cottage, the Vacation Guides and 10 other special sections.

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Many people support the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy because they know the best way to ensure our region remains vibrant, healthy and beautiful is to protect the critical places we all love - forever.

Planning for a conservation legacy offers the satisfaction of supporting a vital cause, the excitement of knowing your gift will make a positive impact and – in many cases – substantial financial benefits to you and/ or another beneficiary through tax advantages or life income. Many arrange planned gifts to ensure their vision and annual support can last well into the future.

We can work with your financial advisor to design a gift planning option that will meet your personal, financial and charitable goals, all while safeguarding the region’s most special places for future generations.

For more information contact: Marissa Duque, Director of Development p: 231-929-7911 e: mduque@gtrlc.org

GTRLC.ORG

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The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has partnered with FreeWill to provide you a free online tool to write your will so you can support the people and causes you love the most.

Leave a gift to GTRLC, to protect NorthernMichigan’s beautiful land for your family to enjoy for generations to come.

MyNorth.com

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A Financial Plan Built Just for You. Are you at the beginning or middle of your career?

Are you retired, nearly retired, or far from it?

Do you avoid risk, or embrace it?

Goals and preferences change as time passes and experiences shift paradigms.

That’s why our advisors customize your plan to suit the special combination of factors in your life.

Our team will provide you with: 1. Thoughtful comprehensive financial planning 2. In-depth education 3. The opportunity to dive into the world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) investing in a way that is supportive to you and your goals

Your aspirations become our top priority.

Ph. 231-933-0846 | 4110 Copper Ridge Dr #235, Traverse City, MI 49684 Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investing has certain risks based on the fact that the criteria excludes securities of certain issuers for nonfinancial reasons and, therefore, investors may forgo some market opportunities and the universe of investments available will be smaller.

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Estate Planning

You work hard for your money.

Let your money work hard for you.

WE LISTEN. • TOGETHER, Financial Planning • Investment Strategies • Pre-and Post-Retirement Planning WE SOLVE • Portfolio Reviews

TBA Credit Union Investment Services Available through CUSO Financial Services*

ESTATE PLANNING, TRUST/PROBATE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE LITIGATION

10691 E CARTER ROAD • TRAVERSE CITY (231) 947-6800 • WWW.SWOGGERANDBRUCE.COM

UPCOMING EVENTS VA R I O U S D AT E S ESTATE & WINE TOUR BLACK STAR FARMS

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Reserve time with CFS Financial Advisor Andrew Maniaci by calling 231.946.8794 *Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/ NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. TBA Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

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Enough is enough.

While others are demanding more liquidity and scaling back service, Greenleaf Trust is sticking to principles and standing by clients. With our decades-long history of fiduciary excellence and privately held Michigan ownership, not only is our client liquidity requirement more reasonable, but also our client centric service model is more hands-on. At your beck and call are a dedicated trust relationship officer, wealth management advisor, and team service coordinator—a capable day-to-day trio supported by the full Greenleaf Trust team. It’s partly why we’ve grown to an excess of $16 billion in assets under advisement, and why 98% of our clients stick with us year after year. That, and the fact that we’re continuously improving in all the ways we serve them. Enough is enough, you see, until it’s not. Call, and let’s talk.

Client relationships begin at $2 million.

Traverse City 231.778.0050 | Bay Harbor 231.439.5016 | greenleaftrust.com

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TRAVERSE CITY WEST P: 231.932.9014 W: FYZICAL.COM/TC

• Medical Team NPalliative • Total Case Management Available • Located in Traverse City • Near Munson & Shopping • In Home Care, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Dietary Management • Podiatrist

• Medical Management • Homemade Nutritional Meals • Whole Building Generator • Memory Care • Hospice Care • All Levels of Care Provided • Long Term Care Insurance Accepted

Call today

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“Your Home Away From Home”

Join our club of over 2500 Lifelong Learners when our fall classes start in September. Our offerings are a mix of online and in-person format and feature both local and out-of-area presenters.

Check our schedule for classes in each of these series: History, Health & Wellness, Art, Nature, and Walking Tours.

DIZZY? UNSTEADY? CHRONIC PAIN?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE If you or someone you know suffers from dizziness, imbalance, or chronic pain, keep in mind that intervention is key. There are steps you can take to improve your balance, decrease chances of falling, and manage your pain.

SAMPLE CLASSES INCLUDE: • Hawks & Eagles of Michigan • Meditation for Inner Peace • Ins & Outs of Managing Hip Pain • Beginning Drawing for Watercolor

• Northern Michigan Fungi • Put Your Retirement Plan to Work • 9 Steps to Self-Publishing Your Book • Hawaiin Dance and Culture

ncmclifelonglearning.com/events MyNorth INSPIRED LIFE | FALL 2021

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MARILYN DEAR

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MyNorth.com

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life first, school second New scholarship opens doors for older students to discover different careers and passions.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE | PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN DEAR

In 2019, Marilyn Dear graduated—at age 70—with an associate’s degree from Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. “I had started college before I had kids and got married,” she says. “I finished 53 years later. It felt grand!”

For students like Marilyn, going back to school just got easier: The state launched the “Michigan Reconnect Scholarship” program in February, which offers free tuition for qualifying students 25 years of age and older who want to go to school and do not (yet!) have a college degree (michigan.gov/reconnect).

The $30 million program is designed to bring students back to campus after a year of COVID-19 uncertainty.

Marilyn’s re-entry, however, began in 2011 when her sales job was eliminated. At age 63, she says she wasn’t ready to close the book on learning just yet.

She went for it—taking just one computer class that first semester at NMC. Then, she had a chance encounter with Doug Knorr, owner of Knorr Marketing in Traverse City.

“Our kids had gone to school together, and he was looking for someone who knew Excel,” Marilyn says.

“I told him I was taking a class on Excel, and on the last week of class, I started at Knorr.”

Marilyn first started her degree at Schoolcraft Community College in 1966, and she was able to transfer her 28 credits to NMC, something NMC Director of Advising Lindsey Dickinson says is usually surprising to the student. “We know that coming to college for the first time, or coming back, can be stressful, and our goal is to connect with students wherever they are on their journey,” she says.

To give students a taste of the campus, NMC offers open houses on Wednesdays from 4–7 p.m., hosted by staff from the Advising Center, Student Financial Services, the IT Help Desk and Success Coaching. Interested students can sign up ahead of time.

Lindsey emphasizes that the financial piece of the school puzzle is often solvable. “Beyond the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program, our Foundation and Financial Aid office gives away more than $1 million a year in scholarships to our students,” she says. “We never want finances to get in the way of students' progress, so our team works hard in partnership with each student to make college possible.”

This year, as NMC reopens much of its campus, Lindsey notes that some changes due to the pandemic bring perks.

"

“COVID was a game-changer for all of us, but has certainly given working adults time to think about what they want out of their future,” she says. “Many are deciding to return to school for a new or different career pathway, or to advance their skills for a current job.”

The shift to online courses last year proved to be beneficial as well. “Online has been the preferred mode of course delivery for many of our working adult students,” she says. “We're excited to be back on campus this fall, but also know that our online courses are here to stay and that's an important access point for many.”

Three public universities have launched tuition-free programs this year—Ferris State, Central Michigan and Saginaw Valley—with schools emphasizing the desire to help low-income students attend college. And some colleges in Michigan offer specific senior programs. At Michigan Tech, students 60 and older can have tuition waived for up to two courses per semester; Western Michigan University invites seniors 62 and older to register for one class per semester tuition-free; and Wayne State University offers seniors 60 and up a 75 percent discount on tuition.

Marilyn was often the oldest student in her classes as she continued to take a couple of courses a semester while working the next nine years at Knorr. “I was definitely one of the oldest students there, but there was a nice variety of ages in each class,” she says.

In one particular class, her age was an asset the teacher brought to the forefront. “I took an American History class and the teacher would periodically ask things like, ‘Okay, Marilyn, what were you doing when Kennedy was shot?’” recalls Marilyn.

“I could offer first-hand information on a lot of things! [Her answer: I was in high school and we all sat in the classroom and cried.] I felt kind of funny at first—but it was kind of fun to be able to bring that life experience to the younger generation.”

Marilyn is married, about to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary and has five children (and 11 grandchildren!). “They were proud of me! The kids all came to the graduation,” she says.

We know that coming to college for the first time, or coming back, can be stressful, and our goal is to connect with students wherever they are on their journey.

Kandace Chapple is a freelance writer and owner of Michigan Girl, an event planning business. She can be reached at kandacechapple.com MyNorth INSPIRED LIFE | FALL 2021

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HIT THE ROAD With plenty of scenic spots to choose from, traveling RV-style to your favorite destinations is a breeze.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIKKI AND TOM MCCLURE

It’s no secret that RVing went big during the pandemic.

People everywhere took to the outdoors—and the social distancing of camping—with joy and relief. It was one of the last few “safe” places to go. And go they did. Shopping for RVs was a game of finding and buying almost the same day—inventory was gone that quickly.

But the joy of RVing is one thing that most seniors already know. Some spend weekends around the campfire with their grandkids, while others have planned their entire lives to travel the country in an RV during their later years.

For Nikki and Tim McClure of Roscommon, they knew they wanted to retire as early as possible and hit the road traveling as much as they could. In 2013, they did just that. The McClures now spend about a third of the year on the road in their RV—a travel van they outfitted themselves.

“We wanted to do an upgrade from tent camping upon our retirement,” says Tim, 62, a former high school art teacher. “We started seeing travel vans on our excursions and asked the folks driving them if we could take a look. After viewing several versions and countless YouTube videos, we decided we could do it ourselves and came up with a design. It is not super fancy, but fills our simple needs.”

The McClures have traveled to every state, except Rhode Island. “Traveling on the road allows us time to smell the roses along our way,” says Nikki, 61, a retired physical therapist 28

assistant. “We don’t plan too much out. We are just moving.

This allows us to stop where we like: a fish boil in Maine, an indigenous celebration in Alaska, a dinosaur dig in Utah, a raft trip in Idaho, and so on.”

They travel about 12,000-15,000 miles a year and average about 18-22 mpg. “When coworkers would ask me if I thought I was too young to retire and if I was worried if I could afford it or not, my answer was, ‘It’s not about money, it's about time,’” Tim says. “We wanted to be able to do all the things we wanted to do, while we were still young enough to do them.”

Derek Watson, owner of Nature & Me RV in Traverse City, says more and more retirees are buying RVs these days and about 35-40 percent of their clients are in that retirement age of 55 and older.

“The majority in that age range are purchasing as couples, and are using the camper for more permanent, longer-stay ventures,” Derek says. “The 55+ range purchasers are usually well-versed in the particular unit they are looking for. The actual purchase process is usually streamlined, as this age group already has a plan for the funding and use of the purchase.”

He adds that there’s a wide range of choices that retirees favor—from extremely small, basically sleep-only units, to high-end luxury models. “The price range can be $18,000 to $25,000, all the way up to $120,000 for some luxury models,” he says.

MyNorth.com

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PHOTO BY TIM HUSSEY

Derek says they see everyone, from brand-new campers to very experienced ones in retirement. “This age range is enjoyable to work with,” he says. “These clients are excited during the process, due to the fact, for some, this has been a lifetime of planning and saving to be able to enjoy themselves at this point in their life, and camping is the activity they have decided on!”

Joe and Tina Cooper, owners of Kalkaska RV Park and Campground, say they love their senior campers, too.

“A large number of our favorite campers fall into this age range,” Joe says. “They tend to be repeat guests that compliment the park and notice when we upgrade something. They are excited to come back, they fill us in on what has been going on in their personal lives and they ask about ours. Overall, they are pleasant to chit chat with.”

He says they are usually in nicer rigs, and sometimes that comes with a little trouble—getting there! “Lugging those big RVs isn't always a fun experience,” he says. “But once that stress is over, and they are settled into their site, then you get to meet the wonderful campers inside.”

Tina adds that the retired group tends to be a little more self-sufficient and early to bed. “With the retired age group, you see fewer late nights, less noise, fewer fires but more touristy outings,” she says.

“They tend to ask a lot of questions about the area and things to do. Then they will sometimes come in and tell you new things they discovered, so we can tell others as well!”

The McClures offer these tips for retirees thinking of making camping more of a lifestyle, versus a weekend outing: “To those who would like to live a similar lifestyle, our advice would be just get in the van and go!” Tim says. “We make it affordable by living rather simple lives in between trips. Traveling around without an agenda is nice. We can stop and enjoy as long as we want.”

Nikki offers this advice: “Many of my older patients told me not to take time for granted, [so I wouldn’t] end up in their position where they waited too long to retire and now were unable to do the things they wanted, due to their physical condition. Don't wait!”

6 PLA CES TO RV (OR T EN T ) I N NOM I (WI T H LOVE) TIMB ER RIDG E RESORT 4050 E. HAMMO ND RD., TRAVERSE CI TY 231.947. 2770 | TI MBERRI D GERESO RT.NET

Timber Ridge Resort is an all-season, family and pet-friendly resort featuring an RV park, cabins, banquet facility, lodge and miles of wooded trails. Guests can rent one of the fourseason cabins or yurts or set up in their own tent or RV. All sites offer full hook-ups. Enjoy their heated pool, playground, dodgeball court, swimming pond with jump pad and outdoor laser tag course. This is truly an oasis in the woods just minutes from Grand Traverse Bay.

KA LKA S KA RV PA RK A N D CA MPG ROUN D 580 M-72, KALKASKA 231. 258.9863 | KALKASKACAMPGRO UND.CO M

Kalkaska RV Park and Campground is a family-owned establishment run by Joe and Tina Cooper along with their daughter, Jessica. Enjoy their outdoor heated swimming pool, nature trails and fun bike rentals at $5 each. Set up a tent or your RV in the wooded campground, or rent a private log cabin if you don’t have your own rig. This park offers an out-of-the-chaos kind of spot to enjoy Northern Michigan’s playground.

C HA NDLER HILL CA MPG ROUN D 2930 MAGEE RD., BOYNE FALLS 231.549.7878 | CHAND LERHI LLCAMPGRO UND.CO M

This Boyne Falls campground is complete with full hook-up sites, fenced dog park, 8-acre youth ORV track, ATV rentals, two playgrounds (one for younger kids, one for older), a heated outdoor pool, basketball and volleyball courts, yurts to rent and on-site propane and gasoline. Ideal for a family with gearheads!

YOG I B EA R’S J ELLYSTONE PA RK CA MP- RESORT 370 WEST 4 MI LE RD., GRAYLI NG 989. 348. 2157 | GRAYLI NGJELLYSTO NE.CO M

This campground gives you the chance to pass on the age-old tradition of talking like Yogi Bear to the kids! Enjoy visits with Yogi and Boo Boo, arts and crafts, wagon rides and nightly cartoons. You can also catch one of their themed weekends, like “Pumpkin Patch” the first two weekends of October. Enjoy their 18-hole mini golf course, basketball court, jumping pillow, pedal karts for rent and the GaGa Ball Pit. A perfect place for multi-generational camping groups.

B ETS IE RIVER CA MPS ITE 1923 RI VER RD., FRANKFO RT 231. 352.9535 | BETSI ERI VER.CO M

While the name implies otherwise, this campground is not, in fact, on the river. But it has a rustic, cozy, old-time feel that’s even harder to come by. Most sites have room for four folks, a camper or tent and a boat. The campground has a tiny café, a small playground, a fish station, warm showers and bike and kayak rentals. You can hop on the Betsie Valley Trail for a three-mile adventure to ice cream, beaches and shops. And they also rent out vintage glampers from the 1950s and ‘60s.

B RENG MA N B ROTHERS WIN ERY 9720 S. CENTER HWY., TRAVERSE CI TY 231.421.5611 | BRENGMANBROTHERS.CO M

Brengman Brothers Winery and its 45-acre Crain Hill Vineyards make for a scenic overnight stay for RVers who take part in the Harvest Host program. (Harvest Host is a network of more than 2,100 wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms and venues nationwide that invite RVers to camp at their sites. A $99 yearly fee gives members unlimited access to stay overnight at any location.) Brengman Brothers aims to produce high-quality wine that expresses the terroir of the soil, the sun and the wind. Visit their tasting room or gift shop to sample their wines, all grown and bottled on site.

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ARE YOU GETTING THE NUTRIENTS YOU NEED? Nutrient deficiencies can affect everything from nerve and muscle function to cognitive processes.

BY CARLY SIMPSON continued on page 32

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Madelyn Wilcox, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition with Munson Medical Center, shares common nutrients you may be lacking. Plus, she suggests several things that can affect how your body processes nutrients (they might surprise you).

As we age, do our bodies have a harder time absorbing and utilizing nutrients?

As we age, yes, we can run into problems with digestion and absorption.

Most notably, I think of dentition. For instance, if a patient of mine was just recently fitted for dentures, they might not be as comfortable with certain fiber-rich foods, which could affect their intakes of fiber, magnesium, etc. In addition, if they are not chewing thoroughly, they may be missing the first major step to breaking down the nutrients in our food—mastication. That is why I encourage texture modification wherever needed—roasting, pureeing, blending or mashing are all still very viable ways to get those lovely fiberrich foods into our bodies even with a large change such as getting dentures when we get older.

What about medications? Can they affect nutrition requirements?

Certain medications can absolutely affect the way our bodies process various foods. For instance, certain medications can irritate our gastrointestinal tract and make it a bit more sensitive to items, which, in part, can then result in loose stools. This quicker-than-desired emptying out, if repeated over time, could indicate that our body isn’t fully able to break down all the wonderful components of our foods.

So, what are the most common nutrient deficiencies for people age 55+?

In my practice, I would say vitamin D, fiber, calcium, magnesium and Omega 3 fatty acids.

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What role do those nutrients play in keeping our bodies healthy?

The human body works in a very intricate manner and requires adequate amounts of a variety of nutrients to function properly and carry out its duties.

This is why evidence-based organizations, such as the American Institute for Cancer Research, recommend focusing on optimization of diet vs. individual supplements to achieve proper nutrition. Consuming a variety of whole foods ensures our body is receiving a consistent dose in a routine format to operate at its prime.

These nutrients, in particular, assist with everything from promoting a consistent

MADELYN WILCOX

bowel movement schedule (i.e. a route of detoxification for the body) to optimum cognition, nerve and muscle function, to name a few.

And what foods are they found in?

For starters, any whole, plant-based food item such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, lentils, legumes, etc. will have fiber to them. “Greens, beans and grains” as I like to say are those hard-hitting magnesium-rich foods. As for vitamin D and calcium, these nutrients are found in dairy products and fortified foods. However, if you follow certain dietary practices or have medical history predisposing you to osteoporosis

(i.e. breast radiation), you will want to talk with your physician if additional supplementation is warranted outside of food intake. Plant-based options for vitamin D and calcium include mushrooms and dark leafy greens, respectively speaking. And lastly, Omega 3s are found in a variety of plant and animal foods such as fatty fish, seeds (hemp, chia and flax), walnuts, seaweed/nori and various algae (spirulina). Again, if you follow a diet that restricts particular food groups, let’s say fish/seafood for instance, further supplementation may be encouraged by your physician.

How would someone f ind out what nutrients they're lacking?

From my experience, annual lab checks at one’s wellness visit are limited to assessing blood counts and organ system function. Further nutrient checks should be discussed on an individual basis with your physician if you have concerns that your diet may not be covering that broad spectrum, as we discussed earlier.

The most common scenarios that come to mind would be if you are following a dietary pattern that restricts full food groups or live in a region, such as Northern Michigan, where we have a limited time of the year exposed to sunlight, which helps our bodies synthesize adequate vitamin D levels.

Is there anything you want to add?

To summarize, meeting one’s nutritional needs through diet optimization is doable and preferred vs. large doses of single nutrients. Chew your food thoroughly and adjust the textures of more fibrous food groups, if needed, in order to keep them a regular part of your consumption and dietary pattern.

There is great power that comes from a diverse, nutrient-dense approach to food intake. Furthermore, if you’re not already working with a healthcare team member, here is your inspiration to do so, throughout all ages of life.

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