MARCH/APRIL 2012
YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
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On the cover: Tai chi instructor Meg McClorey, of Boyne City, leads an exercise class at the Boyne District Library, in Boyne City. Behind her, student Nancy Cunningham (right), of Boyne City, follows her movements. Photo by G. Randall Goss.
features
5 Good Samaritan Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra
9 Nod to Nostalgia Year: 1971
17 Good Taste Atlantic salmon
6 Good Stuff Good to Go: Passive range of motion Grandparenting: Cake-in-a-mug
10 Good Health Keeping tabs on your family health history
18 Good Buys Walking sticks
12 Cover Story Discovering tai chi
20 Good Word Anne Kelly
16 Good Cents Durable power of attorney GOODlife 3
MARCH/APRIL - Volume 3, Issue 4
In the KNOW on the GO
PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL EDITOR MAGGIE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY G. RANDALL GOSS LAYOUT AND DESIGN WENDY WOLFSEN FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR CHRISTY LYONS (231) 439-9329 clyons@petoskeynews.com ADVERTISING SALES BETH FLYNN ANNE MCDEVITT ERICA NIESEN JEFF GENSCHAW MATT HAUSLER JOY HOLMES LISA SLADEK
Š 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.
GoodLife is published bi-monthly by Northern Michigan Review, Inc. GoodLife Magazine 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770
4 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
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GOOD SAMARITAN
Volunteers can donate their time with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, which plays concerts in town around Northern Michigan. Courtesy photo
Volunteering with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra V By Morgan Sherburne
olunteering with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra gets you not only the volunteering experience, but a chance to watch an orchestra in action. The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, based in Petoskey, uses volunteers for nearly every event it hosts, says volunteer chair Ruth Ann Hull. “We do between six and eight concerts a year where I need my volunteers,” said Hull. “Sometimes, it takes between four and six ushers, depending on where we have the concert.” Before each concert, volunteers take tickets and usher concert-goers to their seats. Afterward, they
greet people during the concerts’ receptions. These concerts take place in towns from Boyne City and Charlevoix to Harbor Springs and Cross Village. In particular, the organization is looking for volunteers for two big concerts in June: the biannual fundraising concert called “Crescendo,” and a concert centered around a piece of music called “Carmina Burana.” The Carmina Burana will be a large event, encompassing musicians from as far away as Traverse City. “The piece of music calls for many musicians, both vocal and in-
strumental, including both children and adults,” said Hull. The Crescendo, meanwhile, will include a silent and live auction as well as a “dine-around” in which area restaurants will set up booths and offer food. “Last year, we needed 40 people to make the fundraising event go,” said Hull. The concert Carmina Burana will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, at the John M. Hall Auditorium in Bay View. The fundraiser, Crescendo, will take place from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs. For more information, contact Hull at (231) 347-2731. GL GOODlife 5
GOOD STUFF GOOD TO GO
Passive range of motion with pulleys It is important for older patients to retain a range of motion in their shoulders, said Shelley Budnick, physical therapist and orthopedic certified specialist at OrthoSport Physical Therapy and Athletic Rehabilitation in Petoskey, and the passive range of motion exercise can help do that. “As people age, they lose extensibility and become less flexible. People tend to forget to use their arms, and all of the sudden, can’t lift their arms above their shoulders,” said Budnick. The passive range of motion exercise is also helpful for people recovering from surgery, said Budnick, who gives the pulley system on which the exercise is performed to her patients.
1. Hang
the pulley from any doorway by shutting the strap of the pulley in the door. A knot at the end of the strap will prevent the pulley from slipping through. Position a chair beneath the pulley system.
2. Sit
in the chair. Grasp the rings and let the involved arm or shoulder — the injured arm or shoulder — hang. Using the uninvolved arm, draw up until the injured arm or shoulder is gently stretched.
3. Let the injured arm back down in a slow movement controlled by the uninvolved arm. Always make sure to do the exercise pain-free, said Budnick. It can help injuries such as tendonitis, torn rotator cuffs, adhesive capsulitus — frozen shoulder — and restricted range of motion. “This is an exercise people can do safely at home and after surgery,” said Budnick. Todd, 67, of Petoskey “I’ve had centennial patients do this exer- Margo demonstrates the exercise passive range of motion with cise comfortably.” pulleys at OrthoSport PhysiBudnick recommends starting the excal Therapy and Athletic ercise with two to five minutes of repeti- Rehabilitation in Petoskey. tions once per day, then working up to two to five minutes of repetitions two to three times per day. Just remember to always perform the exercise pain-free, she advised. GL — Morgan Sherburne 6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
GOOD HUMOR
Before I want to wake up and go downstairs to breakfast and see my folks at the kitchen table. It would be a Sunday morning and there is coffee cake from Saunders! Dad is reading the newspaper, with his second cup of coffee and his Camel cigarette. Mom goes to the sink, wrapping the coffee grounds in newspaper to throw away. Both papers say 1957, a year our country was not at war. I was 10, and not yet at war with my hormones or parents or teachers and only a little with my sisters. And we wore dresses and pantyhose and hats to church like middle-class kings and queens. Men still opened doors, girls didn’t swear, and I think mom didn’t know I had tried my sister’s Tangee lipstick. And in so, so many ways, it was before ... Before Vietnam. Before the draft and the slow trickle and then flood of anger in the ‘60s. Some of us marched and tried to work for change. Did we understand what was wrong? Could we articulate issues of legislation, defense contracts or why so few rich kids were drafted? Instead, a few of us did drugs, wore tie-dye, boys had ponytails, girls took off their bras ... and this helped? Forgive my jaded attitude, but the one thing I know for sure: human beings will always find a reason to go to war. Recently, we hoped the death of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden would make for change. But within days we saw coffin after coffin roll off a plane back from one of our wars. ONE of our wars. What are we thinking? Was there really a 1957? Maybe I dreamed it. Was it because we were happy, the blissful ennui that caused more fights, more wars? Could we go back to that time if we went for a drive on Sundays (after the chicken dinner, mashed potatoes with a crater filled with yellow gravy and chocolate cake)? Maybe there would still be those little white signs from BurmaShave. I wonder what they would say? Continued on page 7
GOOD STUFF Continued from page 6
GRANDPARENTING
Sweet treats in minutes P
icture this: you and your grandkids, snuggled in for a movie night, and suddenly — a sweet-tooth moment strikes. But you don’t have the time to bake a cake: the sweet tooth must be addressed now. Never fear! Cake-in-a-mug is here! Luckily, intelligent people out there figured out how to make chocolatey cakes, fruity cakes and more in standard-sized coffee mugs in just a few, microwave minutes. Talk about instant gratification. Three-Ingredient Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake
— 1 egg — 1/4 cup powdered sugar — 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder, depending on how chocolatey you want your cake — 1 standard-sized mug
tickles your chocolate fancy — and enjoy.
Strawberries and Cream Mug Cake — 1 egg — 2 tablespoons strawberry yogurt, well stirred — 1 tablespoon vegetable oil — 1/8 teaspoon baking powder — 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract — 5 tablespoons all-purpose flower — 1/4 cup fresh sliced strawberries and whipped cream for serving
Somehow it all goes back to what We should have learned in school: Share, speak softly, compromise It’s just the golden rule … And brotherhood, if you want peace Has to start somewhere, It’s not agreement that you need, Just be kind, forgive, be fair. Rhyme fails me, but I think that country roads would need to be a lot longer for all the signs of our times. Whatever happened to before? GL — Katie MacInnis Katie MacInnis is a retired nurse and lives with her husband in Harbor Springs. Like so many old people, she likes to write about the past, because most days, that’s all she can remember. But the serendipity of this is that all she has to do is mention Tangee lipstick, 35 cent gasoline and Saunder’s bakery, and alll he al herr fr frie friends iend ndss sm smil smile. ile. e.
— 1 standard-sized mug
Coat the inside of the mug lightly with cooking spray. Mix the egg, yogurt, vegetable oil, baking powder, extract and flour in a bowl until smooth. Fill mug halfway and place in microwave. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. Top with strawberries and whipped cream, and serve. GL
Crack the egg into the mug. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powBe warned: these make servder and mix together. Microwave for 50-60 seconds. Top with cara- ings large enough to share. mel, hot fudge, chocolate chips, Recipes from blogs.babble. whipped cream — anything that com/family-kitchen.
GOODlife 7
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NOD TO TO NOSTALGIA -- 19XX 1971 In the news Music
Fight of the xxxxxx century xxxxxxx — Cigarette radio and television ads become banned in xxxxxxxxxx the United States. — Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden in “Fight of the Century.” — “The Ed Sullivan Show” airs its final episode. — Intel releases the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004. — On Oct. 29, the number of U.S. troops in Vietnam drops to 196,700, the lowest number of the war to date. President Nixon orders 45,000 more troops to leave by Feb. 1, 1972. While U.S. involvement ended in 1973, the war ended with the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.
Music In the news
Movie
Fiddler on the Roof xxxxxx
xxxxxxx The 1971 Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture (Musicalxxxxxxxxxx or Comedy) went to the film adaptation of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Set in Russia in 1905, the film follows the family of Tevye (Chaim Topol), a Jewish family from the town Anatevka. Through the town matchmaker, Tevye, an Orthodox Jew, tries to arrange marriages for three of his daughters, Tzeitel (Rosalind Harris), Hodel (Michele Marsh) and Chava (Neva Small). Tevye’s carefully held traditions, which began breaking down with his daughters choosing their own partners, finally shatter totally when the Russian government begins forcing the Jewish people out of Anatevka.
The way it was The way it was UNO
Queen
Sometimes, arguments can be productive. 1971 marked the coalescence of guitarist Brian May, UNO was one drummer Roger Taylor, bassist John Deacon and singer such product. Invenxxxxxx xxxxxx and guitarist Freddie Bulsara — Freddie Mercury — into tor Merle Robbins, the rock band Queen. then a barber, was arguing with his son about the rules It was two years before Queen finagled a recording of Crazy Eights when he came up with the game. deal — and the band’s first big break: a tour with the With rules like Crazy Eights, UNO consists of a deck xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx band Mott the Hoople. of 108 cards. The cards are numbered and labeled difFinally, Queen’s notoriety solidified with its third alferently, with 25 cards each of red, green, blue and yelbum, “Sheer Heart Attack.” low. The remaining eight cards are wild cards. The band went on to make such rock anthems as “We Robbins and his family, who helped him develop the are the Champions,” “We Will Rock You,” “Another One game, pooled $8,000 to have 5,000 games made, which Bites The Dust,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Robbins sold out of his barbershop. At the time, its 1975 recording “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Local shops began picking up the game to sell. A year was the most expensive single produced — mostly belater, Robbins sold UNO to a funeral parlor owner in cause of its three-part section of ballad, opera and rock. Joliet, Ill., for $50,000 and a 10-cent-per-game royalty. It stayed on top of the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks. The new owner of UNO formed International Queen lost its frontman, Mercury, on Nov. 24, 1991, Games Inc. in order to market the game, and sales went from complications resulting from AIDS. “Bohemian through the roof. Rhapsody” again topped the UK Singles Chart after The toy company readers, Mattel bought Games If you have a favorite nostalgic item you’d like to share with GOODLife let usInternational know! Mercury’s death, 16 years after the song’s initial release. in 1992.
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
E-mail Beth Anne at bpiehl@petoskeynews.com.
GOODlife 9
GOOD HEALTH
Good health runs deep Family health history can be an important tool in receiving the best care By Dan Reynolds
Y
ou know it’s important to be aware of your family’s health history — but for most of us, documentation of that history is nowhere to be found. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 96 percent of Americans agree it is important to know one’s family health history, but only one-third have gathered and documented history information that could become an indispensable tool in administering treatment and saving lives. That’s why the Surgeon General launched its Family History Initiative, a program aimed at encouraging people to create and maintain family health records. As part of the initiative, they offer a free, secure online resource called “My Family Health Portrait.” This is a tool that enables anyone to enter their family’s known health history, print it to share with health care professionals and other family members, and save it for future updates. Resources like these are a good start, according to Bruce Brownie, practice administrator for Little Traverse Primary Care in Northern Michigan. But he added that patients often don’t have family health facts and, even when they do, they
10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
may not share that information with physicians until they’re already being treated for a particular condition. His advice: give as much family history as possible during an initial physical exam. “The key is getting primary care established,” Brownie explained. “I can’t emphasize that enough. We have a questionnaire, as most practices do. We look for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure; many of these chronic diseases are geneticallyrelated.” Brownie added that some practices are now launching electronic patient “portals” that enable patients to enter and view their own profiles, and these also help to provide a more complete picture for health care workers. This information, he said, may determine the frequency of check-ups and the nature of routine visits or physicals. “Nowadays, everyone has some- uncles whose conditions may serve thing they’re being treated for,” he as important hereditary indicators. said, “so if you really want to get conGenealogy, now a popular hobby trol of (history information), it should for many, traces a person’s lineage to be during annual physicals. ... That’s discover the identities and relationwhen you need to talk about this stuff, ships of ancestors. But it’s just one not after you come in with an illness.” element of a complete family history. He recommended looking not Years ago, as Brownie attested, family only at one’s parents and grandpar- medical histories were not as detailed ents for significant health history as they are today, nor was the inforfacts, but also at siblings, aunts and mation as readily available for those
My Family Health Portrait is an online tool through the Surgeon General’s office that can help users develop and complete a health history. Its website is familyhistory.hhs.gov. Courtesy image
wanting to diate family, and then expand your document list to include grandparents, aunts, their fam- uncles, nieces, nephews and even ily’s health half-sisters and half-brothers. backThe next step is to prepare quesground. To- tions you can ask each of them. Asday, most certain whether they suffer from family any chronic illnesses — high blood members pressure, diabetes or heart disease, can com- for example — and also ask about municate other serious health problems, such over long as stroke or cancer. If they report distances any, be sure to find out their ages G. Randall Goss/GoodLife via email, at the time the health problems ocBruce Brownie is practice adminthe curred. It can also be helpful to find istrator of Little Traverse Primary plus Care in Harbor Springs. electronic out what medications they’re takretention ing or have taken in the past. of records can offer fast, reliable acSome may be reluctant to crecess, both in the doctor’s office and ate and document a family health at home. history because it’s uncomfortable Ready to create your own family to broach topics involving a famhealth history? The Surgeon Gen- ily member’s medical problems. eral’s Family History Initiative sug- The Surgeon General recommends gests that you begin by making a list finding a relaxed time, such as a of relatives. Start with your imme- family get-together, cookout or re-
union, to explain that you’re creating a health record that could be beneficial to every member of your family. Bring a notepad or a recorder, or even a smartphone that has recording capabilities, to keep track of the details. Be respectful of those who don’t wish to share. Family history information can then be entered using the My Family Health Portrait tool at familyhistory.hhs.gov. If you’re concerned about security, the Surgeon General adds that the information you enter is not shared, and is never saved on any government computer — it’s there just for you to share with your family and your health care provider. And, if you still don’t feel comfortable using the online tool, they offer paper versions, in multiple languages, that can be downloaded and printed. More information can be found at www.hhs.gov/familyhistory. GL GOODlife 11
COVER STORY
Tai chi
connects body and mind
Students Nancy Hellman, (left) of Boyne Falls, and Nancy Cunningham, (right) of Boyne City, follow the moves of instructor Meg McClorey, during a tai chi class at the Boyne District Library, in Boyne City.
came a certified tai chi instructor through the Arthritis Foundation in May. ome call it meditation in The Arthritis Foundation promotion, while others know it motes the Sun style of tai chi for its help with chronic arthritis. as shadow boxing. But it’s all tai chi. Doherty added that it also inThe martial art dates back cen- SUN STYLE creases flexibility, decreases pain, Karen Doherty teaches tai chi improves balance and leads to turies, originating in China. It emphasizes a mind-body connec- at the John and Marnie Demmer fewer falls. Sun style tends to be tion, and studies are beginning to Wellness Pavilion and Dialysis more upright than other tai chi link the practice to wide-ranging Center in Petoskey. She is a board forms, which can be easier for health benefits. certified cardiovascular nurse and participants, and it can also be There are five main styles of tai certified health coach. She be- done sitting down. By Maggie Peterson
Photos by G. Randall Goss
S
12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
chi — Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu and Sun — but numerous others as well. Each style focuses on connecting body and mind as one, and balancing yin and yang.
Doherty said there are three basic principles to Sun tai chi, which is why it has health benefits. The first is slow, continual, rhythmic motion, often referred to as flow. Many of the forms of tai chi are named after animals and natural elements, and feature a circular motion. Doherty said it is often equated with the flow and movement of a river — graceful movement on the surface, with a strong current underneath. This strong movement is seen in the second principle, which is moving against resistance. “We imagine that the air is heavy and we’re pushing against it, or some people imagine that they’re in water,” she noted. The third principle is awareness of where your weight is at all times. Much of tai chi movement is in the transferring of weight, which affects balance. YANG SHORT FORM Meg McClorey, based in Boyne City, is a certified instructor for Tai Chi Fundamentals, a version of tai chi developed by Tricia Yu. Tai Chi Fundamentals is a simplified version of Yang short form tai chi. McClorey said Tai Chi Fundamentals covers many basic principles inherent to tai chi, all the while teaching alignment, balance and the core underlying movements. McClorey became interested in tai chi after enrolling her children in a class, and had practiced martial arts previously. She began practicing tai chi in 1993, and seriously began studying the Yang short form in 1994 as part of the Alexander Technique training; the technique helps people recognize habits of muscular tension and helps change those habits to increase well-being. McClorey became certified in the technique in 1999, and certified in Tai Chi Fundamentals in
Certified tai chi instructor Karen Doherty (left) leads an exercise class at the John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion in Petoskey. GOODlife 13
TAI CHI Continued from page 13
2010. She said she adds elements of the Alexander Technique into her classes. “Basically what tai chi does for people is it makes them slow down, focus on their breathing and pay attention,” she noted. YANG LONG FORM Steven Valley teaches Yang long form tai chi chuan at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. The style is characterized by flowing, soft and gentle movements, each linked to the other. Valley has been certified for four years, but practicing for 16. He said the main difference between long and short form is that short has been condensed for practicality; for example, long form movement might take 20 to 25 minutes, while short form would take 10 to 12. The basic movements are the same, but the pattern of progression is different. “Yang tai chi works for everyone because you can do it softly and gently if you like, or you can use the martial aspects of it as well,” he noted. The chuan is important in the name of his class. Valley said “chuan” indicates the martial art, citing “tai chi chuan” translates to “grand ultimate fist,” whereas “tai chi” is just the form. One of the benefits he’s seen in students is body awareness. He said clumsy is the word most often associated with lack of body awareness. “Because (in tai chi) we step with the left foot and move the right hand at the same time, and it’s all a coordinated thing, it helps with that,” Valley noted. HEALTH BENEFITS Doherty said when it comes to arthritis, tai chi can decrease joint pain while increasing mobility and strength. 14 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
“We’re increasing the strength this can be felt in joints, Doherty of the muscle around the joints, said. and ligaments and tendons Additional support comes around the joints. It’s those sup- to the spine and abdomen, and ports that allow the joint to move,” works to lower blood pressure. she noted. McClorey added that she pracSun style tai chi works on tices tai chi for her own well-bestretching and loosening the joint ing, and teaches it because she at the same time. If done right, knows it keeps people healthier.
AREA CLASSES Instructor Steven Valley 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; drop-ins welcome Location: Studio, 5 W. Main St., Water Street Mall, Boyne City Cost is $7. For more information, call (231) 373-3571. Instructor Steven Valley Location: North Central Michigan College, Petoskey The next round of classes begins in September. To take part in this class, students must be enrolled at the college. Instead of taking the class for credit, it is marked as an audit. For more information on enrollment and costs, which vary, visit www.ncmich.edu or call (231) 348-6625.
Cost is $60 for the six-week sessions; new sessions begin April 17 and April 18, and June 5 and June 6. For more information, visit www. northernhealth.org/wellness or call (800) 248-6777.
TAI CHI STYLES There are five main styles of tai chi, but there are numerous others in practice. Here is an overview of the most common. CHEN STYLE: This is one of the oldest forms of tai chi, begun in the 1670s by Chen Wangting. It is characterized by mixing slow and soft movements with fast and hard ones, as well as low stances and explosions of power. YANG STYLE: This is possibly the most popular form of tai chi, created by Yang Lu-chan in the 19th century. This style features slow, gentle movements.
Instructor Meg McClorey 9 a.m. Wednesdays for beginners 10 a.m. Thursdays for more advanced practicers
SUN STYLE: This style is the newest, created by Sun Lu-tang. It features agile steps, with one foot following the other in movement. It has an upright stance with flowing movements.
Location: Boyne District Library, 201 E. Main St., Boyne City Cost is $5 per class; drop-ins welcome. New sessions begin in April.
WU STYLE (HAO STYLE): This style is less practiced, but uses slow and internally loose movements. There is focus on correct positioning and internal force.
For more information, call (231) 582-7689. Instructor Karen Doherty 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday and Thursday, April 17-May 24, and June 5-July 12 5-6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, April 18-May 25, and June 6-July 18 (no class July 4) Location: John and Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion and Dialysis Center, Petoskey
WU STYLE: This style is not related to the Wu style above. It was created by Wu Quan-you and his son, Wu Jianquan. It features softness and a focus on redirecting incoming force. The posture is generally slightly forward leaning, and there are many hand techniques.
Source: Tai Chi for Health Institute, www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org
One example she cited — both personal and for those in her classes — is in balance. Recently, she slipped on the ice, but instead of falling, shifted weight like in a tai chi move, and regained balance without falling. “Most people just go through the day on autopilot ... Ultimately, tai chi makes you aware of what you’re doing,” she said.
Peace of Mind is priceless That’s why we strive to provide the highest quality insurance products at the lowest possible price. 321 Spring Street, Harbor Springs (231) 526-2123 .............................................. 7031 US 31, Alanson (231) 548-2211
ADAPTIVE EXERCISE One of the biggest advantages of tai chi — apart from health benefits — is that this low-impact activity can be adapted to anyone’s level of fitness and ability. For example, Valley said he’s taught students who are in wheelchairs and others who have lost the ability to ambulate. “As we age, we can continue to do tai chi because it does not function through the gross musculature of the body,” he said. Instead, the energy works through tendons and ligaments, which grow stronger and thicker with use. GETTING STARTED While there are several DVDs on the market and it is possible to learn from one, McClorey recommended getting started with a class. Unlike a video, having an in-person instructor can help with form to make sure the postures in the form Trapped by are correct, she noted. Several classes are available in the area (see page depression and treatment 14). Some of these require advanced enrollment, while others are open for dropping in. There are also a vari- side effects? ety of tai chi styles offered. McClorey added that it’s also important to shop instructors, as it matters that students like their teachers. “The good results of tai chi come from taking some of the (form) and doing it every day,” she said. “The benefits occur when you practice.” GL
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GOODlife 15
GOOD CENTS
Choosing wisely
By Stephanie Stelk Photo by G. Randall Goss
W
ho would be in charge of your financial or medical decisions if you were un-
able to? This is an important and often overlooked question. Having a financial or medical power of attorney is something that should be planned before something happens, said John Ternes, an elder law attorney based in Petoskey. The appointed durable power of attorney may take over making your medical or financial decisions when it is determined that you are no longer able to participate in making the decisions yourself. In order to determine this decision-making ability, your primary physician and a secondary physician or licensed psychologist must agree and declare that you are no longer able to make and communicate decisions. The first step in establishing power of attorney is to decide on the right person. “You want to choose someone you would trust with your life, someone stable and reliable,” said Ternes. Most often, this person is a spouse or adult child. This person must be at least 18 years old and willing to serve. It is important to speak with the individual you wish to appoint before completing any documentation. You may also name a second person as a durable power of attorney. “You do not want to give two people the same amount of power. ... It’s better to use one person at a time,” noted Ternes. 16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Attorney John Ternes (from left) works with his staff, Nikki Palmrose and Terri Winegarden, both legal assistants.
After choosing a durable power through the court to be appointed of attorney, the next step is to seek as a guardian or conservator,” said expert advice. It is best to seek the Cyndie Lieberman, probate regisadvice of a state attorney who can ter of Charlevoix County. guide you in planning and completA guardian is someone who is ing the necessary documentation. appointed to make all medical de“This is not a do-it-yourself proj- cisions on behalf of an individual, ect. ... It takes a lot of planning,” and a conservator is a person apTernes said. pointed by the court to take reThe declaration must be in writ- sponsibility for the financial assets ing and signed by yourself and two of an individual. witnesses who are not related to The process to become a guardyou, are not your doctors and is ian or conservator can be lengthy, not the person being appointed. expensive and stressful, using With a durable power of attor- more time and resources than deney, you are able to tailor the docu- sired. ments to meet your specific wishAppointing someone as your es. It is important to discuss your durable power of attorney is a way wishes with the person you are to ensure that your specific wishes giving power to, so that they can are met and is important to do bemake the correct decisions for you. fore something happens. “It will be more stressful if you If there is no durable power of attorney in place, “usually a rela- don’t have it,” said Terri Winegartive would have to file a petition den, Ternes’ assistant. GL
GOOD TASTE
Succulent salmon By Metro Creative Services
— 1/2 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
A
tlantic salmon is one of the most healthy and nutritious food choices available and is a great addition to any goal that is aimed at living healthier. It’s an excellent source of protein and loaded with vitamins and minerals, and is also one of the best sources of natural Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are often known as “the good fats” and are considered essential because we need them to live a healthy life, but we have to get them from external sources such as seafood. The American Heart Association recommends that people include at least two servings of fish, particularly fatty fish such as Atlantic salmon, per week in their diets in part because of numerous health benefits associated with Omega-3s. As a great source of Omega-3 DHA and EPA essential fatty acids, Atlantic salmon helps the body’s heart health — helping prevent heart disease and stroke, reducing the risk of cancer, lowering cholesterol; and may assist in brain health — maintaining healthy brain activity and reducing the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease in adults, and enhancing brain development and promoting learning in children. Studies have also shown Omega-3s may prevent depression, schizophrenia and memory loss, along with just generally increasing our daily energy levels and acting as an anti-inflammatory. Atlantic salmon leads the way, surpassing all other seafood, including wild salmon, in Omega-3 DHA and EPA amounts per serving. Not only that, but it’s an excellent source
— 2 tablespoons soy sauce — 1/4 cup rice vinegar — 1 tablespoon finely grated, peeled fresh ginger
For sauce — 2 tablespoons soy sauce — 1/4 cup honey — 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Metro Salmon contains Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, often known as “good fats,” which can help heart health.
of protein and lower than beef or chicken in saturated fats. It’s easy to start adding more Atlantic salmon to your diet and you can start out simply with basic recipes like Salmon with Soy-Honey and Wasabi Sauce. Salmon isn’t complicated to cook, and when you combine the great taste with the knowledge that it’s so good for you, you’ll find yourself preparing it more often. A great way to work salmon in to your new meal plan is to start slowly by swapping out one of your guilty pleasure meals — something you know isn’t very good for you — with a quick delicious meal of Atlantic salmon. You’ll feel better about the choice you’ve made, and your body and mind will thank you. Salmon with Soy-Honey and Wasabi Sauce 4 servings
— 4 5- to 6-ounce salmon portions
— 2 teaspoons wasabi powder — 1 tablespoon water DIRECTIONS 1. Stir together mirin, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger in a shallow dish. Add fish and marinate, covered, at room temperature for 10 minutes. 2. Boil soy sauce, honey and lime juice in a small saucepan, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 4 minutes. 3. Stir together wasabi powder and water in a small bowl. 4. Preheat broiler, and cook fish on oiled rack, 5 to 7 inches from heat, until fish is just cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and drizzle with sauces. 5. Serve with wild rice and steamed asparagus. Whether grilled, baked or poached, salmon provides some of the essential nutrients and fatty acids needed for good health — and it tastes delicious, too. GOODlife 17
GOOD BUYS
Keep trekking By Mark Lindsay • Photo\ by G. Randall Goss
Walking sticks can make the hike easier
O
ne of the most popular activities here in Northern Michigan and around the world is walking. For those taking a daily walk or venturing out on the trails, having the right equipment can make the trip more enjoyable. Sometimes two legs are not enough for stability on the trail. A hiking or walking stick is the traditional way to give yourself a little more stability. Common features of modern sticks include sticks with compasses in their tops, sticks with whistles carved into them for trail signaling, leather thongs and different types of tips. Walking sticks also vary from a very utility oriented stick to an elaborate custom carved wooden stick. Walking sticks are seldom made out of aluminum or other electrically conductive materials because of the danger in thunderstorms. Walking sticks in general are used for casual walking and are not ideal for hiking or exercise. These days, the most popular piece of equipment is the versatile trekking pole. The trekking pole differs from a traditional walking stick in many ways. Where poles are manufactured in mass quantities from modern materials such as carbon fiber and offer a wide variety of options, walking sticks are typically custom made of local wood and are often as ornamental as they are functional. A single exercise or trekking pole can give you greatly increased stability, especially on loose terrain or in 18 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
crossing streams. “Although we primarily sell them in pairs, even the use of a single pole can offer balance and relieve stress on the joints to some extent,” said Josh Baker, owner of The Outfitter in Harbor Springs. A single utility type pole can also give you a measure of security in some situations, primarily as a deterrent since attackers are more likely to go for somebody who doesn’t have a stick. “The primary drawback to only using one pole is the uneven weight distribution during long hikes or other activities,” Baker said. Most people using poles are going to find the maximum benefit will be derived from a pair. Using poles in a set rather than as a single pole is far more advantageous in most cases and for many reasons. A pair of fitness walking poles allow you to burn more calories while feeling no greater exertion when walking on streets, sidewalks and paths. “Some sets of poles can also be used to cross over into other sports such as skiing,” Baker said. Having a pair of poles also allows for the most adaptability to different terrains and types of activities. According to Baker, two sticks are often better than one when used on trails and for long hikes. Using a pair of trekking poles gives you better balance, which takes more stress off the lower body joints and allows the user to enjoy a much more aerobic exercise without the risk of stress injury. “Walkers that are recovering from
Several different styles of adjustable-length walking poles made by Leki are available at The Outfitter in Harbor Springs and Bearcub Outfitters in Petoskey.
injury and even those in rehab from sports-related surgeries will often find the use of trekking poles beneficial,” Baker said. The grips and straps are designed so you can push down on them to assist yourself on the trail, but also for quick release if the pole gets stuck between rocks or roots. “The right grip on a pole is essential,” Baker noted. “The best grip is typically one with a positive angle, which relieves stress and overuse of the wrist joint.” Grip designs differ for fitness walking and for trekking, so it is important to select the pole to match the activity. Retention straps also differ, from a simple strap for trekking to a more elaborate glove-style design. “A quick-release mechanism for the strap or glove is very useful, especially for activities such as snowshoeing where you may not want use a strap at all, in case of a fall,”
Baker noted. The length of a pole is another important consideration when making a purchase. “Most of the poles we carry offer a telescoping feature, allowing them to be customized for different situations,” said Becky PhilippKranig, owner of Bearcub Outfitters in Petoskey. For trekkers, adjusting the length as you go uphill and downhill allows you to keep the correct angle. For travelers and hikers, poles that collapse down to store or carry in your luggage or in your pack on the trail are very handy. “We even have sizes suitable for children, that will expand as they grow,” Philipp-Kranig noted. Most modern trekking poles will come with a basic tip and allow for the user to interchange options for different needs. Most will have a rubber tip similar to a cane, which provides some cushion and
traction, and will prevent wear of the base material as well as protect surfaces from damage. “Usually these are removable and there is a carbide tip underneath that can be used or changed to a variety of other tips,” PhilippKranig said. Many brands offer specialty tips for walking in everything from sand, snow or soft trails, to trekking baskets which keep your poles from sinking in deeper mud or snow. Cork inside the poles can act to reduce shock, as in the Leki models which both Bearcub and The Outfitter carry. Some poles also use springs to act as shock absorbers which generally add more ounces to the poles, but can increase your comfort in using them. “Those with a spring system can really have an impact on an aerobic type exercise walk or hike,” Philipp-Kranig noted. GL
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GOODlife 19
GOOD WORD
The evolution of Grandma By Anne Kelly
M
ost of us have memories of our grandmothers, and I am lucky enough to have many good ones of mine tucked away. Harriet Krause was my mother’s mother; well read and soft spoken, she wore ruffle-necked blouses and brooches. She was the only grandmother I ever knew and was very much part of our life. Luckily we lived close enough to go to and fro from the west side of Cleveland to the east side to visit her. It was a distance of about 14 miles across the high level bridge, past the Square and the Terminal Tower all the way out to 40th and Euclid (a main artery). In my mother’s stick shift Studebaker that would take about 45 minutes. Grandma was a widow and lived with a maiden aunt who worked during the day. She didn’t drive and was pretty much apartment-bound so she loved our visits; I’m sure we brought fresh air into her old place. It was one of those two-story apartment buildings with a dingy exterior and an Italian restaurant on the lower level. When you pushed a button next to Grandma’s name for entry she would talk through a little speaker and ask if it was really you; if it was she would buzz the door open. My Grandma memories start there. From the moment we swished through the revolving door, climbed the stairs and followed the red and black linoleum tiles down the dimly lit hallway to apartment #14, I entered another 20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
world: Grandma making little vanilla cupcakes while we listened to Helen Trent on the radio, Grandma and I having marmalade on rye toast for breakfast, putting our trash down an incinerator chute in her tiny kitchen, pulling down her Murphy bed at night, the smell of Sweetheart soap in her bathroom, watching her roll her white hair with a trick comb (the handle opened to roll curls) and bobby pins ... I was a lucky girl because when I was there, she was all mine. Our own kids were fortunate enough to have two grandmothers. Their memories are quite different because grandmothers had
begun to evolve by then. They had both become widows when our kids were young but neither were what you would call housebound. My mom eventually lived in an apartment with a party room and a swimming pool. She befriended a dapper old gent we referred to as “Uncle Ed,” whose wife had also passed; my parents had been in a bridge club with them as couples. Mom also did a lot of jetting around to visit her grandchildren. My kids remember her apartment with the hide-a-bed couch and Grandma Ellen meticulously painting her fingernails with red polish and taking an afternoon nap in her slip. She never skied, but she had us take a picture of her on cross country skis anyway to send to all the relatives. Grandma Ada, my husband’s mother, was a diehard Buckeye fan who joined a senior travel group so that she and a friend could attend the Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. While they were in the vicinity, the “girls” visited a casino in Reno where Grandma Ada proudly recalled winning $200 in nickels. Our kids remember their visits to Columbus fondly; sleeping on sleeping bags on her living room floor near the heating vent, the plastic keyboard organ in her dining room, the squishy toilet seat, the buckeye candies and playing Yahtzee with her for hours on end. Neither grandma ever wore jeans, but they didn’t wear housecoats either. They wore warm-up suits in their leisure
the people, and the homes in which they live. JUNE / JULY 2011
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time. They both watched “Days of Our Lives” religiously. In contrast to my grandma, they both drove, and Grandma Ada would love to have owned a red convertible. Grandma Ellen was known to have eaten Spam and pickled pigs feet, the kids may remember, and Grandma Ada told them she cooked brains for her father. But they both came up with wonderful meals of hot dogs in crescent rolls and brought in pizza for their grandchildren. Grandmothers today have evolved another notch. They do yoga, take their grandchildren on vacation and visit spas occasionally. They wear gym clothes, ski, play tennis and golf, and text or Skype their grandchildren. They read their grandchildren books on their laps, but also play Words With Friends with them on their Nooks. By the time my grandchildren are parents and grandparents they will probably have memories of me that are quaint, but outdated. “Remember Grandma Annie? Her house had a swing in the door jam for the babies and a box of trucks for the little boys. She even had a VCR! She wore Gap jeans and drove a Taurus with a sunroof. She liked to jump in the lake with us on a hot August day. She made good spaghetti and baked us cookies and bought Cocoa Puffs when we came to visit. She sewed us monster pillow cases.” But most of all, I hope they remember me, as I remember my grandma and my kids remember their grandmas, spending time with them. This is the one important thing about grandmas that should never change. GL
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and charm of the region’s most unique properties to the pages of HomeLife, while compelling stories tell the tales of the beauty inherent in life Up North and the people who live here. Get HOMElife in Petoskey at: Horizon Books 319 E. Mitchell Street Or McLean & Eakin Booksellers 307 E. Lake Street Or call (231) 347-2544 to subscribe.
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GOODlife 21
GOOD ADVICE
Best Exercises for the Over-50 Crowd By Metro Creative Services
T
he human body needs exercise to operate at full capacity. Exercise is important at any age, but can be particularly beneficial for individuals in their golden years. The key is finding exercises that are both safe and effective. BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
* It can help stave off illness and chronic conditions by keeping the immune system healthy. * It paves the way for better sleep, including falling asleep easier and sleeping more deeply. * Exercise releases natural endorphins, which help a person feel good about him- or herself and can boost mood. * Regular exercise can promote weight loss, especially when done in conjunction with a healthy diet. * Improved muscle tone can take pressure off of joints and help with mobility. * Research indicates that exercise can boost brain function and keep dementia at bay.
Metro
of exercises during one’s youth, older adults should employ different strategies. Certain exercises are better than others and can help reduce the risk of injury. Before starting any type of exercise regimen, seniors should talk with a physician about the pros and cons of certain activities. The doctor may be able to provide guidance as to which activities are better for specific conditions a person has. For example, an individual with arthritis may want to seek low-impact workouts, such as water aerobics. Once a doctor gives the go-ahead, here are some exercises many 50plus people can try.
ENGAGING IN THE RIGHT EXERCISES
* Walking: Walking remains one of the best exercises for people of any age. The pace and resistance can be set by each individual by walking faster or slower, uphill or downhill. Adding light weights can make the workout even more effective. Walking is also easier on the legs and knees than jogging, but can be just as effective a cardiovascular workout.
While it may have been the norm to do multiple, rigorous repetitions
* Leg extensions: Repetitions of leg
* When participating in social exercise, seniors realize companionship and stress relief. * Exercise can keep systems of the body in check, reducing constipation and helping circulatory issues.
22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
extensions stretch the muscles of the legs and flex the knee joint. This can promote longevity of the knees and keep knee replacements at bay. * Swimming: Enrolling in a local gym or going to a facility that has a pool can be a boon to seniors. Swimming is a low-impact workout that targets most areas of the body as well as providing a cardiovascular workout. Plus, since swimming can be relaxing and enjoyable, it’s an exercise that many people don’t mind doing. * Strength training: Moderate weight lifting can keep muscles strong and promote a healthy metabolism, considering muscle burns more calories than fat. * Endurance exercise: Just about any activity that gets the heart rate up for an extended period of time is good for the body. This can be raking leaves, mowing the lawn, walking, bicycling, playing a game of catch, etc. Be sure the doctor clears any such activities beforehand.
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24 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH