GoodLife January/February 2012

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

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On the cover: Dorothy Sabin, assistant cook at the Petoskey Friendship Center, whisks a tray of cut fruit to the dining room.

features 6 Good Stuff Good to Go: Corner stretch Grandparenting: Projects with string

14 Good Word Rick Fowler 15 Good To Know Rejecting retirement

22 Cover Story Avoiding the path to malnutrition 26 Good Cents Health care options

9 Nod to Nostalgia Year: 1961

16 Good Buys Pedometers for a healthy lifestyle

28 Good Samaritan Volunteering in the 4-H

10 Good Taste Beef Wellington

18 Good Health Pros and cons of sugar

30 Good To Know When granny is nanny

12 Good Escape Grace Grange Lodge

20 Good Idea Joining a book club

GOODlife 3

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 - Volume 3, Issue 3 PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL

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© GoodLife, all rights reserved, 2012.

Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine.

The publication of any advertisement does not reflect any endorsement for any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement that there is approval for such endorsement.

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GOOD STUFF GOOD TO GO

GOOD HUMOR

Corner stretch Ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which a person’s diet does not have enough calcium, so it is then taken from the person’s bone.

Of that 10 million, 20 percent are men.

“Just because you have osteoporosis, it doesn’t mean you can’t exercise, be healthy and fully enjoy life,” said Kelly Gibson, physical therapist with Tim Bondy Physical Therapy in Petoskey.

To help combat osteoporosis, Gibson suggests the “corner stretch” to improve posture by stretching your chest muscles and strengthening the muscles in the upper back. Joanne Paulus, 81, of Petoskey, demonstrates.

1. Find a corner and stand, feet shoulder-width apart and hands placed on each wall at shoulder height.

2. Lean in while squeezing shoulder blades, feet stationary and with your body straight. Hold for five seconds.

3. Push against the wall using your arms to return to a starting position. Try for ten repetitions.

— Morgan Sherburne

Disconnect I recently accompanied my husband to Best Buy. Technically, he would have been happy for me to leave, but I couldn’t miss an opportunity to stand near the cash register with my tolerant/scornful/vigilant look.

And once again, I didn’t recognize one thing in the store. So I went to the back to watch the big screen TV showing Mick Jagger singing in concert. It must have been filmed from a helicopter, because it made me dizzy. And I remembered when Mick didn’t have wrinkles, I lived in a house with no television and we had 45s, 33s and a few 78s. Maybe I have exceeded MY best-sell-by-date.

I’ve begun to talk about the weather. My husband claims you can tell how cold the winter will be by the amount of hair on the legs of the Fed-Ex delivery guy each fall. Is this a modern take on the Farmer’s Almanac?

Is risotto just a modern version of Rice-ARoni and what’s this reduction stuff? What happened to gravy? What about those fancy desserts with all the plate dribble? (Everyone knows a Fudge Brownie Sundae Supreme is best served in a bowl filled with chocolate sauce.) I remember when fish was served warm because it had been cooked, and vegetables and pasta were gray and limp like they are supposed to be. Who is Al Dente, anyway?

I’ve noticed spice tins in antique stores that I have on my shelf at home, with an A & P sticker on it. I even have some from a bridal shower held in my honor, from the last century. This was before lingerie showers and male strippers. (Pity that!) I lived in that prehistoric time of orange shag carpets and avocado kitchen appliances, and we even exchanged Jell-O recipes.

My mom did a more than adequate job of producing guilt, so I don’t really need friends to check up on my environmental/political/ age/gender correctness. Like hypothetically, say I don’t always recycle, have a low flow toilet, buy foods locally grown, sing gender equal hymns, care what kind of life my chicken had before its untimely death, or worry over who picked my strawberries. It’s exhausting trying Continued on page 7

6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

GOOD STUFF to get it all right. I have to remem- big my carbon footprint is. I have ber not to say I used Round-Up falling arches. And what if my on the cracks in my driveway, that best-buy date is getting close? I I shopped at Walmart and then love Cherry Garcia ice cream but I stopped at McDonald’s for fries. have no plans on being the GrateAnd it takes skill to slip the People ful Dead. I like being unplugged magazine inside Newsweek at the from current fashion and discondoctor’s office so I can catch up on nected from majority rule. And celebrity liposuction disasters.

I hope nobody does inventory, Sometimes, I don’t care how checking expiration dates, and

pulls me off the shelf.

— Katie MacInnis Katie MacInnis is a retired nurse and lives with her husband Charlie in Harbor Springs. She estimates that two-thirds of the phone calls to her house start with a delay, then a recorded sales-pitch, or helpful p people asking about her upcoming birthday and signing up for Medicare benefits. She writes to escap escape reality!

GRANDPARENTING

String theory B

efore computers and video games, there was string.

It can take surprisingly little to keep a child entertained for hours — think of the box a large toy came in, rather than the toy itself — and we still have string.

One way to use string is in crafting projects, such as a God’s Eye, a cultural symbol of the Huichol people of western Mexico.

The four points of a God’s Eye represent earth, fire, air and water.

The God’s Eye is made by crossing two or more sticks when a child is born. The child’s father weaves a central eye, and each year of the child’s life, another eye is added, until the child is 5 years old.

To do it: 1. Glue two ice cream sticks together in the shape of a cross. Make sure

the glue is completely dryy before beginning the project.

2. Loop 6 inches of yarn and nd hold against the back of the top stick where the two sticks intersect. ntersect.

Wrap a new piece off yarn around d the loop. both the top stick and This makes the loop you will hang ng the God’s Eye with.

3. Wrap the yarn around the left arm.

4. Wrap the yarn around the bottom arm, then up and around the right arm.

5. Wrap the yarn around the top stick and overlap the piece of yarn left dangling.

6. Continue wrapping this way, left, bottom, right and top until you have an eye in one color of the yarn. Whenever you’d like, cut the yarn and tie on another color to continue weaving. Make sure the knot you used to join the yarn together is hidden in the back.

GOODlife 7

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NOD TO TO NOSTALGIA -- 19XX 1961 Music In the news

Movie

West Side Story xxxxxx

xxxxxx A reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

xxxxxxx

had been burning up Broadway for four years by the time xxxxxxx Hollywood decided a big-screen treatment of the musi-

xxxxxxxxxx — John F. Kennedy defeats then-Vice President Richard Nixon to follow Dwight Eisenhower as the 35th President of the United States.

— The United States Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists, begin interstate bus rides to test the U. S. Supreme Court decisions to outlaw racial segregation in bus terminals.

— Astronaut Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space aboard the Mercury-Redstone 3.

— The Vietnam War officially begins.

Music In the news

calxxxxxxxxxx would go over well.

And go over well it did. Winner of the Oscar for Best Picture, “West Side Story” follows the travails of two young lovers from opposing gangs in New York.

Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer) meet at a dance and fall immediately in love. Problem is, Maria is the little sister of Bernardo, who leads the gang Sharks, while Tony is both a former member of the gang, the Jets, and the best friend of Riff, who leads the Jets.

Maria hopes that Tony can end the violence between the gangs when they plan to fight for control of the streets, but tragedy strikes before peace can be claimed.

The way it was The way it was

The Supremes xxxxxx Don’t stop in the name of your love for The Supremes: they signed to Motown Records in January xxxxxxx of 1961.

Ken meets xxxxxxx Barbie xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx

Mixing the worlds of pop and soul, The Supremes, xxxxxxxxxx which included members Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson, began in the Brewster housThe year 1961 was a big year for Barbie. ing project, an impoverished district in Detroit.

Just two years after her own inception: she got a new Initially, The Supremes were a four-person group friend. A boyfriend. Named Ken. called The Primettes. The Primettes were a sister Ken strode on the scene ready for the beach, with act to singer Paul Williams’ The Primes, which latmany of the dolls in red swim trunks, sandals and a reder became The Temptations. After signing to Moand-white striped beach cover-up. town, The Supremes broke through in the mid 1960s Ken was the brainchild of Ruth Handler, the woman with the songs “When the Lovelight Starts Shining who also invented the Barbie doll and co-founded toy Through His Eyes,” “I Hear A Symphony” and “You company Mattel.

Keep Me Hangin’ On.” Handler named Barbie after her daughter, Barbara, They gave their final performance on June 12, and Ken after her son.

1977, London’s Drury Lane. Th e group Barbie and Ken went on to propel If youathave a favorite nostalgic item you’dwas likeinto share with GOODLife readers, let usMattel know!onto Fortune ducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. magazine’s list of 500 largest United States companies.

E-mail Beth Anne at bpiehl@petoskeynews.com.

GOODlife 9

GOOD TASTE

Healthy portion

By Rocco DiSpirito For The Associated Press

A beef Wellington that won’t stop your heart

F

or Christmas this year, I didn’t ask Santa for a new sweater, tie or even my two front teeth. I just wanted a richly satisfying holiday dinner that wouldn’t make me gain weight.

One of my solutions was a down-sized beef Wellington. Traditionally, this dish is a fillet of beef covered with pate, a sauteed mushroom mixture known as duxelles, then enveloped in buttery puff pastry and baked in the oven. Total heart attack material.

Beef Wellington is a dish with a story. It was named for the Duke of Wellington, a national hero for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. The Duke loved a certain dish prepared from beef, mushrooms, truffles, Madeira wine and pate cooked in pastry. It later was renamed in his honor.

Associated Press So I decided to create a version This photo shows a beef Wellington recipe from Rocco DiSpirito. This recipe is a nice alternative to traditional prime rib. that would fit into today’s healthy, lose-weight lifestyle. It took many ter cut, trimmed of all visible fat attempts to get it right, but it was tion of jerky. Spinach, which is full worth it. The result will impress of good-for-you nutrients, rests — Salt and ground black pepper you. So will the numbers. Tra- just under the pastry for a deca- — 1/2 tablespoon olive oil ditional beef Wellington has 57 dent look and taste. You can eat — 2 cloves garlic, chopped grams of fat and 744 calories per and enjoy this dish, guilt-free, and serving. My version has just 11 still feel like you’re eating some- — 10 ounces button mushgrams of fat and 328 calories. thing holiday-worthy. rooms, sliced My recipe is a nice alternative to TIPS: — 1 cup diced yellow onion traditional prime rib. The tender— Be sure to specify a center loin is a lean cut of beef, so you can cut tenderloin at the meat counter — 2 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided save calories and fat right there. I so you don’t get a roast that conalso figured out how to use a low- tains several pieces of tenderloin — 10-ounce box frozen fat pancake mix as a crust instead pressed together. chopped spinach, thawed of fat-laden puff pastry. and squeezed dry I used arrowroot to thicken the BEEF WELLINGTON mushroom sauce, so there’s no fat Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes — 2 egg whites, beaten involved, but plenty of high-intenServings: 8 — 1 2/3 cups Bisquick Heart Smart sity flavor, especially with the addi- — 32-ounce beef tenderloin, cenPancake and Baking Mix 10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

— 5 chunks dried porcini mushrooms — 3/4 ounce beef jerky, finely shredded — 1/2 cup Madeira — 1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot powder — 2 teaspoons soy sauce Heat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Season the beef liberally with salt and pepper.

In a large saute pan over medium-high, heat the olive oil. When the oil is just smoking, add the beef. Brown on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the beef and place on a rack to rest.

Add the garlic to the hot pan and cook until lightly browned, about 20 seconds. Add the mushrooms and onion. Cook until the mushrooms and onions are soft and tender and all of their liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper and add 2 teaspoons of the thyme.

Set aside 1/4 cup of the mushroom-onion mixture. Transfer the rest to a food processor and pulse to roughly chop until reduced to 1/4-inch pieces. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add the spinach and egg whites and mix well.

In a medium bowl stir the pancake mix with just enough water, about 1/3 cup, to moisten and make a dough that holds together but is not sticky. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thin rectangle that is 2 inches longer than the beef roast. Place the beef on the dough. Spoon the spinach and mushroom mixture on the top and sides of the beef and pat down tightly. Fold the dough up and over the top of the beef and spinach and crimp the

calories; 11 g fat (30 percent seams together. of calories from fat; 3 g satuPlace the meat seam-side down rated); 82 mg cholesterol; 23 on the prepared baking sheet. Cut a few slits in the top to vent. Bake g carbohydrate; 31 g protein; for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the 3 g fiber; 756 mg sodium. center of the roast registers 140 F. Remove from the oven, cover with Rocco DiSpirito is author of the foil and let rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place 2 of the por- “Now Eat This!” and “Now Eat This! cini chunks in a spice grinder and Diet” cookbooks. grind to a fine powder. Place the mushroom powder, remaining whole porcini mushroom chunks and the shredded jerky in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups of water. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, or until the water is simmering. Let sit for 5 minutes and repeat.

Pour the Madeira into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil for about 5 minutes, or until reduced by half. Pour the dried mushroom and beef broth through a fine mesh strainer into the reduced Madeira while pushing on the jerky and mushrooms to extract as much liquid as possible.

Remove the whole pieces of porcini mushrooms from the strainer and roughly chop them, then set them aside. Discard the jerky.

Bring the broth and Madeira mixture to a boil.

In a small bowl, combine the arrowroot and 4 tablespoons cold water. Mix well, then add to the simmering sauce. Cook and stir for 1 minute, or until the sauce is just thickened. Add the soy sauce, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of thyme leaves and both the reserved chopped porcini and reserved 1/4 cup of the mushroom and onion mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Slice the roast into 8 even slices and arrange on a platter. Serve with the sauce.

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 328

Associated Press This undated file image courtesy of Rocco DiSpirito shows DiSpirito in New York.

DiSpirito’s recipe for beef Wellington is a nice alternative to traditional prime rib.

GOODlife 11

GOOD ESCAPE

Relaxing in Grace Grace Grange Lodge and Stable offers an up north experience

By Mark Lindsay • Courtesy photos

G

race Grange Lodge and Stable, a bed and breakfast, is a country style getaway located in the woods of Northern Michigan.

When Pamela Rambow purchased the Petoskey property 25 years ago, she had no idea it would eventually be enjoyed by so many.

“I had relocated to the area for work and was looking for property to start a horse ranch on,” Rambow noted.

After purchasing the property and starting to develop it to suit her plans, Rambow built a custom home for herself as well.

“The house is a real log home,” she said. “When you’re inside the house you’re seeing the same real logs as the outside; it’s all solid.”

Rambow lived in the house for many years before the idea to open a bed and breakfast came to her. In 2002 she decided to give it Grace Grange Lodge and Stable a try in order to meet people and augment her income.

“I had the extra room and it seemed a natural fit for the prop- with a queen size Amish bed and Grace Grange welcomes guests erty,” she noted. She officially many antiques. The third room is with both horses and dogs, allowopened the home to guests in called Friends and Family because ing them to board on the property 2002, and has stayed busy ever it sleeps up to four people in indi- during their stay. since. vidual single beds.

“Being pet and horse friendly is Grace Grange offers three Over the years Rambow made a big draw, something hard to find guest rooms, two with private some changes to the property, in this business,” Rambow said. baths. The first room is called remodeling and upgrading the There is an expansive amount Pine and Roses, and offers all ce- home with new floors and win- of trails nearby also, allowing dar furnishings. The second room dows. guests to ride freely during their is called Sweetheart and is de“It is still a working horse ranch visit. signed in a more feminine manner as well,” Rambow noted.

“One of the things our guests 12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

typically say they enjoy most is the peaceful setting and quiet surroundings,” Rambow said.

She pointed out that the bed and breakfast is an environmentally friendly business and officially a green lodging establishment.

“Being green means we recycle and use a lot of recycled materials for our guests’ use primarily,” she said.

Another feature of the Grace Grange Lodge is their sit-down, family style breakfast each morning. Rambow prepares this meal for all of her guests, and accepts requests for special food needs such as gluten-free or vegan.

“We quite often have return guests who mention they’re looking forward to the breakfast,” Rambow noted.

The bed and breakfast is located centrally for day trips to many Northern Michigan venues such as Mackinac Island, Boyne, and shopping in Charlevoix or Petoskey. There are also many activities available on the property and adjoining state land such as cross-country skiing, hiking and snowmobiling.

“We have trail heads for snowmobiling that run right up to the property,” Rambow noted.

Grace Grange is open yearround and offers some specials during the off seasons. Regular rates are $99 per couple for queen-bed rooms, and $65 for single guests. There is a 15 percent discount to reservations secured by credit card and paid by personal check or cash on arrival.

Reservations are encouraged in advance for peak times.

For more information on the Grace Grange Lodge and Stable, visit www.gracegrange.com or call (231) 347-5869. The lodge is located at 8000 Newson Road in Petoskey. GL

Pine and Roses room

Sweetheart room

GOODlife 13

GOOD WORD

Enjoy the beauty of winter with snowshoeing day trips M

By Rick Fowler

y introduction to “shoeing” garbage bag. In another pack, load came when I was 6 years a few pieces of kindling, paper, old. matches and a blanket or two if My grandfather strapped a pair they fit comfortably. With these of black ash Bear Paws on me, supplies a family of four can set asked how they felt, and said, “Now out into the deepest swamps and get out there and enjoy winter!” have an immensely enjoyable exYears later while in high school I perience. I would also recommend was assigned a short story to read by that a cell phone, GPS, county Jack London called “To Build a Fire.” map(s), flashlight and a candle be I was mesmerized by the setting included as part of your gear, too.

London presented, and enthralled Snowshoes allow all body types by the plight of the antagonist; a of children and adults to traverse lone man, accompanied by a large deep drifts and fresh powder that Husky, is shoeing through a frozen brings a sense of mobility on terwilderness when he breaks through rain rather than the frustration of the ice and wets his feet and legs. As plodding and sweating. With new quickly as possible he needs to build technology advancing the design a fire to dry out or perish ... of snowshoes also, there are many The story led me on many vivchoices for the individual to look COURTESY PHOTO id imaginary trips to the Yukon, The author as a 6-year-old ‘shoeing at before purchasing. However, at Grandpa’s in where I was a man’s man like Lon- 1958. there are also numerous places for don. I survived with instincts, a gun the individual to rent their snowand my trusty snowshoes while do- vides a tremendous cardiovascular shoes. In the Petoskey-Harbor ing battle with grizzlies, avalanches and fat-burning workout. Another Springs area there are a number of and blizzards. positive for those who strap on rental shops that charge a nominal Now, many years later I realize Bear Paws, Standards or yet anoth- fee on an hourly or daily basis. In that strapping on a pair of light- er choice are the natural views that addition, the choice of shoes is far weight snowshoes will not auto- can be observed in the serene, and and above what one might expect. matically ensure immediate trans- often backwoods settings, snowIf there is snow, there will usuformation to the icy tundra of the shoers find themselves in. ally be the opportunity to enjoy it Northwest Territories. However, There are numerous adventures on snowshoes. Maybe my grandover the course of many years I that can be attained while snow- father could see into the future have learned why so many people shoeing, and with proper prepara- — as long as we live here, why not are enjoying this sport. tion a day in a “neck-deep-with- “enjoy the snow?” GL There’s an old adage that “If you snow forest” can be one chock full can walk, you can snowshoe.” This of memories. In fact, one of the Rick Fowler has been teaching holds true for the many hundreds best outdoor activities to under- high school English in Boyne City in my region who shoe through the take which won’t involve fighting for the past 34 years. He has also hills, valleys, riverbanks and frozen crowds is to consider a family pic- been a freelance writer for more lakes of Northwest Lower Michigan. nic to an out-of-the-way area. In than 20 years. Rick and his wife, Not only is it easy to pick up, it’s in- a backpack, load hotdogs, buns, Sue, live in Harbor Springs, and expensive, there are few boundaries condiments, water, skewers, pa- have two children, Alexandra (except snow is needed), and it pro- per plates, napkins and a plastic and Eric.

14 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

GOOD TO

KNOW

Rejecting retirement Some seniors keep working into their 90s

By Jamie Stengle Associated Press

DALLAS (AP) — At 91, Maxine Bennett still works six days a week at her jewelry store: keeping the books, helping customers and occasionally going on buying trips.

Retirement’s not for her.

“At 65 I was just really getting started,” Bennett said.

She is part of a growing number of people who continue working way past the usual retirement age. The reasons are as unique as the individuals themselves. There are those who can’t afford to retire, but there also are those who made mid-life career switches and want to see their new vocation through, and others, like Bennett, who simply enjoy going into work each day.

“Mother lives because she works.

If she went home, didn’t do anything, there’s not enough crosswords for her to keep busy all day long,” said her daughter, Beverly Bennett. “Basically, this may be working, but this is really Mother’s living.”

The idea of a set retirement age at 65 is changing as companies drop pensions, and people are living longer and staying healthier, said Jean Setzfand, AARP’s vice president of financial security.

“Our belief here is we want people to work as long as they desire to do so,” Setzfand said.

U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that the number of people 75 and older who work full or parttime has risen from about 487,000, or 4.2 percent, in 1990, to 1.2 million, or 6.9 percent, last year.

Beverly Bennett, herself 70, also has no plans to retire from the family store, where she, too, works six days a week.

“When you’re at work and you

have your head down and you’re working very, very hard, you don’t know you’re 70 years old,” Beverly Bennett said. “If you don’t have great outside interests, if you’re not busy with other people, you need to be busy at work.”

What’s important is staying involved, whether that means working or something else, said Jay Magaziner, a gerontologist who chairs the department of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“For some people, staying engaged and doing meaningful activities can be accomplished through leisure and retirement activities,” Magaziner said.

For those who want to work, being self-employed or having knowledge valued by an employer can help ensure that happens, said Sara Rix, senior strategic policy adviser in the AARP’s Public Policy Institute.

Like the Bennetts, 82-year-old Darrell Reneker can’t imagine life without working. The distinguished professor of polymer science at The University of Akron still works full time teaching and conducting research.

“I get paid, but my lifestyle isn’t so dependent on that. What else would I do that’s more interesting? And the answer is I can’t think of anything,” said Reneker, who starts every day with an early morning run.

Raised in the small West Texas town of Rankin, Maxine Bennett left business college after getting hired as a bookkeeper. While her two children grew up, she worked a variety of jobs, from switchboard operator to bookkeeper to butcher.

“I can’t remember not working and not enjoying it,” she said.

During the 1960s, her husband’s job as a drilling superintendent for an oil company took them to Iraq, Kuwait, Mozambique, Tunisia, Libya and Singapore. At most stops, she found jobs as well. When he died of a heart attack in Saudi Arabia in 1973, at age 54, “life as I had known it ended,” she said.

Returning to Texas after 13 years overseas, she found a purpose when her son, Scotty, came up with an idea: buy Native American jewelry and sell it overseas. That didn’t exactly take off, but from that a business was born. By the mid-1970s, the Bennetts opened Castle Gap Jewelry in Dallas.

Maxine Bennett says she knows many people who retire are “as happy as they can be.” But for her, “When you find something that you enjoy and you don’t have to do it — I guess that it makes it all the more interesting.”

The Rev. John Naus, the 87-yearold chaplain of Marquette University’s Alumni Memorial Union, said he advises students to find a career that lets them make a difference in people’s lives. Ordained as a priest in 1955, Naus has a doctorate in philosophy, taught high school, and was a philosophy professor at St. Louis University before going to Marquette in the early 1960s, where he has held posts including director of spiritual welfare and assistant to the university president.

“I would not be alive and I would not be doing what I’m doing without the friends that I have,” said Naus, who used a cane after contracting polio as a young adult and has used a wheelchair since a 2004 stroke.

He doesn’t consider what he does a job: “I consider it a joy,” he said. GL GOODlife 15

GOOD BUYS

Path to better health Pedometers aid in maintaining a healthy lifestyle

By Mark Lindsay • Photos by G. Randall Goss

Pedometers offering various uses and price ranges are available at businesses such as these at MC Sports. The one on the left just counts steps, priced around $12. The center one counts steps, distance and establishes goals, priced around $25. The one on the right is worn on the wrist and offers many additional functions such as stop watch and timer, priced around $50.

W

alking has become one of Developed originally by sports tie one’s shoes, or road bumps the most popular methods and physical fitness enthusiasts, incurred while riding a vehicle. of maintaining a healthy pedometers are now becoming Choosing the right device can delifestyle, and a pedometer can be popular as an everyday exercise pend on how accurate a measuretracking tool and motivator. A pe- ment is desired or how much use a useful accessory.

A pedometer is a portable de- dometer is typically worn on the the device will see.

“Some of the more advanced pevice, either electronic or electro- belt during exercise, but it can mechanical, that counts each step be kept on all day. It records how dometers are very accurate these a person takes by detecting mo- many steps the wearer has walked days,” said Dan Shuten, manager tion. Because the distance of each that day, and measures the total in of MC Sports in Petoskey. person’s step varies, an informal kilometers or miles.

The most advanced devices will calibration, performed by the user, Some pedometers may erro- record fewer of these false steps is also required for accurate mea- neously record movements other and offer more features, such as surement. than walking, such as bending to heart rate monitoring.

16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

“Step counters can provide encouragement and motivation to compete with oneself in getting fit and losing weight,” Shuten noted.

Studies have shown that a total of 10,000 steps per day, equivalent to five miles, can be an ideal as a baseline for an active lifestyle.

When a daily target of 10,000 steps was first proposed, the target was recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General. Although the recommendation is for the average American, it should be adjusted in relation to age, physical ability and a person’s overall health.

Shuten also noted that pedometers can be a motivational tool for people wanting to increase their physical activity.

“There are many websites that allow people to track their progress with their pedometer, or you might choose to simply enter a daily step count and a heart count onto a calendar. Whatever method you choose can be very motivational,” he said.

Studies have been done on the amount of walking required to maintain an ideal weight, as well as to lose weight and improve overall fitness. Studies show that 3,000 steps a day or less is where people gain weight, and 10,000 steps is an ideal average to be fit.

A study published in the Journal of The American Medical Association in 2007 concluded, “The results suggest that the use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and significant decreases in body mass index and blood pressure.”

Step counters are also now being integrated into an increasing number of portable consumer electronic devices. The fifth- and sixth-generation iPod Nano features an integrated pedometer.

Many other smart phone and

electronics manufacturers have begun integrating pedometer applications in some of their devices.

MC Sports carries Sportline pedometers ranging from $11.99 to $49.99.

“They vary from the basic step pedometer, which only calculates steps taken, to models with many features,” Shuten said.

As you move up in price you will get more features such as time of day, distance and daily or weekly goal tracking. One model MC Sports offers, the Sportline Ped 955, offers all the basic features as well as calorie tracking, stop watch, countdown timer and daily alarm.

One criticism of the pedometer is that it does not record intensity, but this can be done by making step goals time-limited (for example, 1,000 steps in 10 minutes counts as moderate exercise). It may take a little more work to track a more extensive workout then it does to simply track walking distance and times.

Early pedometers used a mechanical switch to detect steps together with a simple counter.

“Most pedometers work on a pendulum with some working on a motion sensor registering your movement,” Shuten noted.

Some advanced step counters also rely on MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) inertial sensors and sophisticated software to detect steps.

Although traditional step counters get affected dramatically when placed at different angles and locations, recent advances have made them more robust to those non-ideal placements. “Regardless of how high-tech your pedometer is, the goal is for it to serve your needs in tracking exercise and providing goals or motivation,” Shuten noted. GL

GOODlife 17

GOOD HEALTH

Sugar watch

By Morgan Sherburne

S

ugar has a bad rap. sugar is attached to a treat such as ie batter.

Between 2001 and 2004, AmeriBut sugar itself is not nec- a slice of pie or a cookie, which has cans ate an extra 22.2 teaspoons essarily the bad guy here, says its own added fat.

Carol Coursey, registered dietitian Too, the amount of sugar that of added sugar per day, according to the American Heart Associawith the Northern Michigan Re- Americans eat is the problem.

“From 1970 to 2005, the avail- tion. The average 12-ounce can of gional Health System.

“I wouldn’t say that any sugars ability of sugar and added sugar regular soda has approximately 10 are particularly harmful to the has increased 19 percent,” said teaspoons of sugar. body. They all have about the same Coursey, explaining that added By comparison, the American amount of calories per gram, about sugars are sugars and syrup put in Heart Association recommends 4 calories per gram,” said Coursey. foods during their preparation or that women limit their added sugar “(The harm is) in what forms we processing. intake to 6 teaspoons per day and are getting them, and how much.”

Think of the sugar in a regular men limit theirs to 9 teaspoons per For example, said Coursey, often soda, or the cups of sugar in cook- day.

18 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

Too, what sugary drinks and cookies replace has an effect on a person’s diet.

“When you eat more sugCarol Coursey ary foods, they often replace more nutrient-dense foods,” said Coursey.

In other words, a banana gets passed over for a doughnut, or an apple for a pastry. People tend to drink soda and fruit juice, which can contain almost as much added sugar as regular sodas, rather than water.

Food choices like that, which deliver those added sugars, can affect a person’s health.

“Obesity is linked to a lot of variables such as total diet, exercise and genetics, but as people drink more of those beverages, weight is increasing,” said Coursey.

Increased added sugar and other refined carbohydrates can lead to increased triglycerides, which puts people at risk for heart disease, risk for metabolic syndrome and risk for people who are prediabetic, diabetic or have type 2 diabetes.

To avoid added sugars, read the labels of processed food. Any ingredient that ends in “ose” is a sugar, such as fructose, glucose and dextrose. Other sugars hide in plain sight in the form of molasses, cane juice and syrup or corn syrup.

Sugars that are a part of a total carbohydrate, such as those in whole-grain bread or fruit, are not as large a concern.

“The bigger concern is, is this whole grain, or is this a refined starch?” added Coursey. “You want to read the fine print. People don’t read that, but there’s good information there.” GL

Different names for added sugar

syrup. It is the most common sweetener in processed foods and beverages.

HONEY — A mix of glucose, fructose and sucrose made by bees created from nectar.

Added sugar has many different sources and forms — and therefore goes by many different INVERT SUGAR — A mix of fructose names. Sugar, then, can be diffi- and glucose used as a food additive cult to identify. Look for ingredi- to preserve freshness and prevent ents ending in “ose” on ingredient shrinkage. lists and food labels, which idenLACTOSE — Sugar that occurs naturally tifies the chemical name for sugin milk. ar, such as glucose, fructose and lactose. Here are a few common MALTOSE — Starch and malt broken types of sugars and added sugars, down into simple sugars and used in beer, bread and baby food. as defined by the Mayo Clinic: BROWN SUGAR — Granulated white sugar with molasses added.

CANE JUICE AND CANE SYRUP — Sugar made from processed sugar cane.

CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR — Granulated white sugar that has been ground into a fine powder.

CORN SWEETENERS AND CORN SYRUP — Corn sugars and corn syrups made from corn and processed cornstarch.

DEXTROSE — Another name for glucose.

FRUCTOSE — Sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables and honey.

MALT SYRUP — A grain syrup made from evaporated corn mash and sprouted barley.

MOLASSES — The thick, dark syrup left after sugar beets or sugar cane is processed for table sugar.

SUCROSE — The chemical name for granulated white sugar.

SYRUP — a thick liquid made from the processing of sugar or sugar cane, grains such as corn or rice, maple sap and other sources.

WHITE SUGAR — Same as granulated white sugar.

FRUIT JUICE CONCENTRATE — A form m of sugar made when water is removed from whole juice to make it more concentrated.

GLUCOSE — A simple sugar that provides your body’s main source of energy, also called blood sugar because e it circulates in your blood.

GRANULATED WHITE SUGAR — Tablee sugar, or pure crystallized sucrose, made e by processing raw sugar from sugar cane e or sugar beets.

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP — This is corn syrup is a combination of fructose and glucose made by processing corn

GOODlife 19

GOOD IDEA

Join the club!

By Aebra Coe Photos by G. Randall Goss

Members of the McLean & Eakin Booksellers Cottage Book Club pose for a photo at the City Park Grill in Petoskey at the conclusion of their annual brain-teaser holiday luncheon.

D

uring the long winter months ence to bring to the group,” said Mc- choose a list of books for each season,” she explained. The club, ambiin Michigan, book clubs in- Donnell. crease in popularity.

Karen Langs leads the Cottage tiously, reads one book every two Carol McDonnell has attended Book Club at McLean & Eakin and weeks. That means they read a tothe Cottage Book Club at McLean has for close to 20 years. She used to tal of 24 books a year in a variety of & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey for work at the store, but is now retired genres, from classics to best-sellers. about 15 years. and loves the club so much she has Another piece of advice Langs offered: they usually stay away from “It’s really popular,” she said, “When continued organizing it.

They have about 40 people that “beach reads.” the book is announced for book club, they fly off the shelves.” come in and out of club and at the “It’s best to go with well-written She said she likes the camarade- average meeting, 25 to 30 people fiction as well as non-fiction,” she rie of the group, which usually goes show up. “We’re pretty packed in,” said. out to lunch after meeting. She also said Langs.

She suggested those who want to The club leader gave creative ways start a book club should first check likes the wide selection of material and varieties of people who attend, to pick a book for your next book online for ideas.

“We do have a few rules we live by,” bringing interesting perspectives. club.

“We ask for five volunteers to she said.

“Everyone has a personal experi-

20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

They don’t talk about the author or stray from the subject during discussion. And, because it is such a large group, they raise their hand before speaking.

Another important suggestion for a successful book club is to attempt to allow everyone to make at least one comment, said Langs.

“Let everyone talk, not just one person,” she noted, “It’s really fun to share your ideas. Differing opinions are interesting.”

There are many different types of book clubs in Northern Michigan.

There are those that choose a variety of books as they go along, or clubs that have a focus or only read specific genres.

For example, at McLean & Eakin, they have an ethics book club which focuses on a “sharp discussion of culture, ethics, philosophy and theology.”

At Between the Covers Bookstore in Harbor Springs there is a mystery book club. The reading list is composed of classic mysteries — the very best in intelligent mystery fiction, according to discussion leader, Tom Donahoo.

The Mackinaw Area Public Library only recently formed a book discussion group. Their discussions are unique in that the club will often have the author available after the discussion over the phone or in person to answer questions about the book.

“We saw a need in Mackinaw for something like this,” said library director Jolene Michaels. “Everyone is so busy in the summer; we thought a winter book club was a good way to bring people together in the colder months.”

The club will run January through April. The library plans on having a variety of books with a wide appeal for discussion.

“I’d like to introduce (the club members) to something new they may not have chosen themselves,” said Michaels. GL

Cottage Book Club member Carol McDonnell (left) and McLean & Eakin Booksellers owner Jessilynn Norcross examine a unique 3-dimensional book that opens into a diorama.

AREA BOOK CLUBS: Local Flavor Book Shop 124 Water St., Boyne City (231) 582-7499 Meetings are 7:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month Usually 10 to 12 people attend McLean and Eakin Bookstore 307 E. Lake St., Petoskey (231) 347-1180 Cottage Book Club Meetings are 10 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month Usually 25 to 30 people attend Evening Book Club Meetings are 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month Attendance varies Ethics Book Club Meetings are 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month Attendance varies Alanson Public Library 7631 U.S. 31 South, Alanson (231) 548-5465

Meetings are 11 a.m. the last Monday of the month Usually six to seven people attend Charlevoix Public Library 220 Clinton St., Charlevoix (231) 547-2651 Meetings 6 p.m. are the third Monday of the month Usually seven to 10 people attend Mackinaw Area Public Library 528 W. Central Ave., Mackinaw City (231) 436-5451 Meetings are 3 p.m. the last Thursday of the month Between the Covers Bookstore 152 E. Main St., Harbor Springs (231) 526-6658 Tales of Mystery Meetings are 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month Usually six to eight people attend North of the 45th Meetings are 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month Usually six to eight people attend

GOODlife 21

COVER STORY

By Maggie Peterson • Photos by G. Randall Goss

G

ood nutrition is essential to basic well-being.

But for those not getting the right balance of vitamins and nutrients, malnutrition can be a serious issue.

Malnutrition is the imbalance of nutrients of the body, said Amanda Evans, a registered dietitian with Charlevoix Area Hospital. And while oftentimes it’s thought of in terms of lack of nutrients, it can also be an excess.

Recognizing malnutrition There are several possible signs of malnutrition, including: — Dry, brittle hair — Receding gums — Mental confusion — Sensory loss — Weakness — Fatigue — Dizziness — Weight loss — Easy bruising — Poor wound healing Evans said that it’s often easier to recognize malnutrition if you really know the person. For example, it’s important to observe the person and his or her eating habits. It is also possible to then recognize a change in appearance, such as dull skin or hair.

Causes of malnutrition Possible causes of malnutrition include:  Continued on page 24 22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

Barbara Ann Burns has a harsh message when it comes to malnutrition.

“We are basically all starving,” she said.

But, that’s not to say that people aren’t doing the best they can — or a good job — when it comes to nutrition.

Burns works as a store clerk and educational consultant at Healthy Alternatives in Petoskey. She said she has been living “this way” for 30 years, and “this way” means being conscientious about what’s going in her mouth and how it will help or hurt her body.

She defined malnutrition as not feeding the body minerals, enzymes, amino acids and vitamins that it needs.

She noted the signs of malnutrition can be see in skin tone, weight gain, aggressive or lethargic behaviors, and sleeplessness.

The fix is not one-dimensional or one size fits all, she said. Instead, she looks at various factors, such as sex, blood type and lifestyle, when thinking about what to tell those who come in the store.

Burns posited the following example.

A man, over the age of 50, with an O blood type, comes into the store with complaints of feeling lethargic. She said she might suggest a breakfast of steak and farm-fresh or free range eggs, because it’s a breakfast that’s more suited to the body’s energy needs.

Another example is a woman, over the age of 50, claiming fatigue. Part of her lifestyle includes getting the kids to school in the morning and then heading off to work, oftentimes skipping breakfast in the process.

Burns said B vitamins will be very important, and a well-researched, age-appropriate multivitamin, to replace missing nutrients.

Burns added that changing diet for better nutrition is not a matter of quick fixes.

“We have to have a mind-set of lifestyle,” she noted. “I think about what am I going to eat, and why am I going to eat it?”

A nutritious hot meal is served each day for lunch at the Petoskey Friendship Center.

GOODlife 23

NUTRITION: GETTING THE RIGHT BALANCE Continued from page 22

— Being less able to shop for oneself, so owning and consuming less food.

— Dental problems: If chewing is painful, it’s less desirable to eat.

— Digestion and absorption issues: Changes to bodies while aging may mean that even if you’re eating a balanced diet and all the right foods, your body might not be absorbing them correctly.

— Medication complications: Certain medications affect how the body absorbs nutrients, or restrict what foods can be eaten.

— Changes in taste and smell: If food doesn’t smell or taste good, there’s less reason to eat it.

— Isolation and depression: Some people are less likely to eat when alone, and this can be particularly true after the death of a spouse.

— Financial concerns: If money is tight, the food budget could be cut.

— Restrictive diets: Not eating certain foods can lead to nutrient deficiency.

Malnutrition and obesity With the idea that malnutrition is an imbalance, obesity is linked to excess of sugars and fat.

“We commonly think of malnutrition being weight loss or underweight, but a lot of malnourished people I see are overweight,” Evans noted.

This is because of having an excess of sugars and fat in the diet, and oftentimes a lack of other nutrients.

Fast food consumption is a common source of this, along with prepackaged meals and those heavy in white flour. These foods tend to be lower in vitamins and nutrients than vegetables and fruits, and food made with whole grains.

24 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

Dorothy Sabin, assistant cook for the Petoskey Friendship Center, seasons a tray of steamed vegetables.

Common deficiencies B12 and folate are two examples of nutrients often found to be deficient, often because of medication or an aging body system. B12 comes from animal products, which registered dietitian Amanda Evans said can be hard to chew and therefore not eaten as much if there are dental problems. Folate is found in grains and leafy greens, and is often fortified in foods; sometimes, changes in the digestive tract can prevent absorption.

Adding calories cooking, add butter or margaFor those malnutritioned in rine to a slice of toast, or sprinkle the common sense — consuming cheese on vegetables. Added nutoo few calories and being under- trients can come from vegetables weight — Evans suggested the fol- added to spaghetti. Just be aware lowing. of portion control, because some — Eat meals before drinking of the foods listed above have fluids. Fluids help you to feel full, higher fat content. so passing on them until after the — Drink a supplemental shake meal could mean more calories are such as Ensure. being consumed through food.

— Eat small, frequent meals. Prevention Sometimes, the quantity of food There are several steps to take eaten shrinks with age because you if malnutrition is noticed or susjust feel full sooner. Smaller, more pected. frequent meals can mean consumFirst, if you know the person ing more nutrients throughout the well, understand the medications day. being taken and find out what ef— Look to add calories to foods fects they can have on food and already enjoyed. For example, sub- nutrient absorption, Evans said.

Those with dental issues may stitute olive oil for water when

need their food cut into smaller pieces or blended.

Another way to eat balanced meals is through Meals on Wheels and area senior centers. Locations in Emmet and Charlevoix counties offer meals daily or near-daily for nominal costs, Evans noted.

“It’s so nice because everybody can come together and chat. People want to eat more when they’re around each other, and the senior centers try to serve balanced meals,” she said.

Lastly, share a nutritious meal with the person — either through visiting them or inviting them over.

Just make sure to leave enough time to eat, so no one feels rushed and leaves some food behind, Evans said. GL

Cindy Helton (left), food service director and Dorothy Sabin, assistant cook at the Petoskey Friendship Center, dish out a healthy dessert of peaches prior to a mid-week lunch at the facility. The two cooks, with help from volunteers, prepare 60-100 lunches daily at the senior center.

GOODlife 25

GOOD CENTS

Health care dilemma

Filling the gap when retiree health care isn’t an option

By Aebra Coe

S

ifting through health insurance options as a retiree can be overwhelming, according to Denise Lewaniak, co-owner of Korthase Flinn Insurance.

The number of options for Medicare supplemental health care packages is vast and can be confusing.

Lewaniak’s company has three offices in Northern Michigan and has been serving the area for almost 30 years.

Lewaniak said when someone stops working, sometimes their employer will provide health insurance, “but that’s the exception.”

Usually, people need to take 26 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

advantage of Medicare and buy a supplemental package or buy their own health insurance.

With the recent health care reform, there are now some basic parameters that dictate what health policies must cover. This includes preventative care in order to detect diseases early before they become dangerous and expensive.

“Many cancers come on slow and if you don’t get a checkup, symptoms don’t arise until it’s too late,” said Lewaniak.

The price of health care for retirees varies widely based on several factors. Whether someone is

Medicare eligible or not is the most important.

The cost of health insurance does vary depending on one’s age and health, but according Denise Lewaniak to Lewaniak, the cost of coverage when you’re 64 can be three times more than when you’re 65.

“Those last five years before they’re Medicare eligible are difficult. Some people go without coverage and then after a hospitalization, are down $10,000 just like that,” she said.

When someone has Medicare, it is usually necessary to purchase a supplemental insurance package for medical care and separate insurance for prescription drugs.

There are literally hundreds of different Medicare supplement packages that seniors have from which to choose.

“When people become Medicare eligible, they become inundated with material,” said Lewaniak.

She explained that retirees can research all the options themselves, by going online or through organizations like the AARP. Or, they can use an insurance agent to navigate all of the options available. Korthase Flinn has someone on staff that specializes in this field specifically.

“An agent can narrow your options down to two or three so it’s easier to make a decision,” she noted.

In order to wade through the sea of Medicare supplement packages, Lewaniak said there are four very important parameters to remember.

— First, you must consider how much you’ll pay out of your pocket per month.

— Second, you need to ask what your financial contribution will be if you get sick or have an accident.

— Third, you need to know what services are covered by the package.

— And last, find out what doctors or care providers you can visit under the plan. There are some plans that only offer coverage for select doctors and if you’re out of the state, you won’t have coverage if you get sick. Where the

coverage extends is just one of up with rising expenses,” he said, many questions people need to explaining that this takes risk ask themselves when considering through real estate, the stock market or similar financial tools. a health care package.

Ledingham gave his own list to “People generally only look at cost or go with a well-known in- consider when someone is close surance company,” Lewaniak said, to reaching retirement age.

First, plan for the expected. “but that isn’t always a good idea.”

Before someone is Medicare eli- Second, plan for the unexpected. gible, medical, hospitalization and And third, position your portfolio prescription coverage can cost as for both.

He noted, “You can’t predict, much as $1,000 per month, per person. With Medicare, a more but you can prepare.”

One tip Ledingham gave for average cost is $500 per month with some plans as low as $250 per those who are thinking about remonth based on medical coverage tirement is the possibility of transitioning from working full-time needs.

Lewaniak suggested a very sim- to part-time. He said he has clients ple plan to save for health insur- who continue working solely to pay for health care expenses until ance leading up to retirement.

Take the amount per month they become Medicare eligible. GL you will pay for insurance, multiply by 12 months, then by how many years you think you will live.

If you will need $6,000 for one year, and if you plan living 25 years, you will need at least $150,000 saved up exclusively for health insurance before you retire, according to Lewaniak. This number would be higher if you factored in the 10 percent average increase each year for health insurance costs.

For many that number may seem larger than they had expected. But according to Dan Ledingham, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Petoskey, $150,000 is a very conservative estimate.

The cost of health care is something that needs to be built in the overall retirement savings plan.

With health care rates rising faster than inflation, Ledingham explained that just a 3 percent increase in expenses for a 65-yearold couple would double costs in 25 years. That’s a small number compared to the 10 percent annually that health insurance rates are currently rising.

“You need rising income to keep GOODlife 27

GOOD SAMARITAN

Volunteering with 4-H

By Morgan Sherburne · Courtesy photos

Courtesy photo Members of the 4-H Junior Master Gardener program and volunteers from the Petoskey Area Garden Club work on crafts at the “Monarch Madness” program.

I

n years past, the moment people mitment,” said Brazier. “I know commit, they can say, ‘I’ll come in heard the request to volunteer there are folks out there that have to teach woodworking, animal sciwith the 4-H program, they im- those skills, but have the mind-set ence, knitting, cake decorating or computer skills,’” said Brazier. “This mediately thought of a months- or that those kids meet all year long.”

Club activities included helping is for people who have a skill, want year-long commitment.

This is no longer so, said Diane youth raise animals both for mar- to work with kids, but just don’t Brazier, coordinator for the 4-H ket and for husbandry, which is the have the time for a long commityouth program with the Michigan breeding and raising of livestock. ment.”

State University Extension office in But the 4-H also welcomes volVolunteering opportunities also unteers who want to teach a project include the chance to serve on the Petoskey.

“Years ago, it used to be if you for time blocks ranging from just a 4-H council, which makes policies, were a volunteer with the 4-H pro- few weeks to a few months. organizes fundraisers and recruits gram, you would have a club com“If people don’t have a year to volunteers.

28 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH

Diane Brazier is coordinator for the 4-H youth program with the Michigan State University Extension office in Petoskey.

But opportunities also include day-to-day volunteer opportunities, such as volunteering at food booths and acting as judges during 4-H fairs.

“Not everyone is a 4-H club leader, but they might have a passion for 4-H and kids, and want to help out,” said Brazier.

The extension’s 4-H program is a fairly traditional one, says Brazier.

“We have a livestock program, which is the market animals as well

as the animal husbandry program,” said Brazier. “We have an active horse program and have clubs that do crafts, gardening, sewing and community service.”

Youth in the community service program perform community services in their hometowns or communities, but also do a dog obedience program in the summer as well as plan to begin a genealogy program.

“The Petoskey Public Library has computer lab access to a free software program so kids can research their family history,” said Brazier.

“We need a volunteer to oversee that.”

Too, the 4-H program is also starting a new club in January that centers around communications.

Kids enrolled in the program will learn computer skills as well as web design and video editing.

To get the ball rolling on volunteering for the 4-H, contact Brazier at (231) 439-8974. GL

Courtesy photo Members of the Emmet County 4-H Junior Master Gardener program make flower pots and seed crafts during a day of learning at the Michigan Children’s Garden at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

In the

KNOW on the GO

heraldtimes.com/mobile charlevoixcourier.com/mobile petoskeynews.com/mobile GOODlife 29

GOOD TO

KNOW

When Granny is nanny One reason: When it comes to taking care of baby, parents and grandparents try to stay out of each osa Feddersen and her husband other’s way. bought their dream retirement “When I’m watching her, they home on a lake in Oklahoma pretty much understand that what I City five years ago. He, a pilot for say goes,” Feddersen says. “But when U.S. Airways, was nearing the end of they’re home, I totally back off.” his career, and the area had everyThat kind of mutual trust is esthing the couple wanted. sential to a successful childcare arBut when they learned their first rangement with grandparents, says grandchild was on the way in 2009, Lawrence Balter, a child psycholotheir agenda changed. gist and parenting expert who is also After pleas from their daughter, a professor emeritus at New York they moved back to Pennsylvania to University. help with the baby. Their daughter Sharing childrearing duties is aland son-in-law are both surgeons, most never simple. and Feddersen sometimes watches “Both generations are going to her granddaughter, Nora, 70 hours have their ideal way of doing things,” a week. While it’s a lot of work, she he says. “You have to be able to navisays the arrangement seems to be gate and find a happy medium.” working for everyone.

More and more families are

By Ellen Gibson

For The Associated Press

R

finding themselves in these murky waters. According to the most recent Census data, 30 percent of pre-school children with employed mothers are cared for by a grandparent, while 21 percent attend a daycare center. And the economic woes of the past few years have led parents to seek more help from relatives, says Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United, a nonprofit based in Washington D.C. In addition to being a moneysaving option — the average cost of center-based daycare is approaching $12,000 a year — letting grandparents take care of the kids has other benefits, Butts says. Children learn about their family history and are cared for by adults who love them, while parents can have more flexible schedules. As for the grandparents,

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a 2007 study by Linda Waite, a professor of sociology at the University of Chicago, found that grandmothers who babysit 200 to 500 hours per year exercise more and get depressed less often.

But these arrangements can also be tricky because there isn’t the same clearly defined code of conduct that would apply with a professional daycare provider. Balter shares these tips for ensuring that everyone remains healthy and happy.

Set clear expectations. Determine how many hours each week the grandparent will care for the child, during what times and at whose house, and do your best to stick to the plan.

Establish routines. Work together to create a rough schedule for the children’s day, including naptimes and meals.

Don’t be critical. Remember you’re on the same team. If you notice the parents doing something ineffective, instead of correcting them, try offering gentle suggestions, such as, “When you were a kid, we did it this way and it seemed to work.”

Don’t obsess over consistency. While it’s important for an individual caregiver to be consistent, it’s fine if mom and grandma don’t have exactly the same rules. Learning how to behave in diverse environments will help children when they start school.

Relinquish some control. This goes for both parents and grandparents. As a grandparent, it’s natural to feel defensive when your own offspring second-guess your childrearing skills. Just remember that scientific research is always evolving and today’s parents have access to knowledge you might not have had. That said, for many parents, it’s tempting to micromanage, but don’t expect grandparents to report everything that happens during the day. Trust that as long as kids are loved and kept safe, they will be OK. Schedule regular check-ins. Plan to sit down once every few months to discuss how things are going. In the chaos of drop-off and pick-up, there won’t be much time to compare notes or share concerns.

For Feddersen, when the hours spent babysitting got to be too much, the family decided to send the toddler to a daycare center a couple of days a week. Now grandma has some free time to sleep in and get her nails done, and granddaughter is learning valuable socialization skills.

“We took a three-year detour to help out, but I really think it’s given her a good start in life,” she says. GL

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