NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
GOOD life
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2 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
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CONTENTS
12
18
features
6 Good Stuff Good to Go: Classic & Advanced Squats Good Humor: Katie MacInnis Good for Kids: Giving Back 8 Good Taste Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread 9 Good to Know Protecting your pets from seasonal hazards
On the cover: Noah Doornbos, 3, leads his buddy Micah Branendle, also 3, and adults (from left) Kate Winnell, Liz Doornbos, and Jen Winnell on a hike along the Bear River, in Petoskey. The pathway is a section of the North Country Trail that runs though Petoskey and is part of the trail system that runs from central North Dakota to eastern New York. Photo by G. Randall Goss
10 Good Word Rick Fowler 12 Cover Story North Country Scenic Trail 16 Good Thoughts Tricia Drenth 17 Good Sport Get moving this winter
18 Good Health Northern Michigan native returns to Petoskey practice 19 Good Advice Tips for herbal remedies 20 Good Read Gordie Howe’s ‘Mr. Hockey’ 22 Good Idea Green gifts GOODlife 3
GOODlife
It’s about life,
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 - Volume 6, Issue 2 PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL
the people, and the homes in which they live
EDITOR DEBBIE MCGUINESS PHOTOGRAPHY G. RANDALL GOSS LAYOUT AND DESIGN WENDY WOLFSEN
HOMElife
has become one of the most admired homes magazines in Northwest Michigan. In each issue, readers get an inside look at some of the most elegant estates in Emmet and Charlevoix counties. Stunning photography brings the warmth 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.
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR CHRISTY LYONS (231) 439-9329 clyons@petoskeynews.com
Get HOMElife at Horizon Books and McLean & Eakin
ADVERTISING SALES ERICA NIESEN JEFF GENSCHAW MATT HAUSLER JOY HOLMES HANNAH BROGGER HEIDI MACNICOL
Booksellers in Petoskey. Or call (231) 347-2544 to subscribe.
HOMElife a n
© GoodLife, all rights reserved, 2014. 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.
M A G A Z I N E
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Call or visit us today for all your insurance needs.
GoodLife is published bi-monthly by Northern Michigan Review, Inc.
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4 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
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GOODlife 5
GOOD STUFF GOOD TO GO
Classic ‘squat’ works all major lower body muscles Story and photos by G. Randall Goss
J
eff Samyn, physical therapist at Northern Sports Medicine, in Petoskey, suggests the following exercise for skiers preparing for the upcoming season. When it comes to exercises that are great for skiers, it’s hard to beat a classic: the squat. The squat is extremely functional, as we already
perform dozens of squats each day (standing from chairs, lifting things from the floor, speeding down a mountain, etc.). It is also one of the best exercises for working all of the major lower body muscle groups at the same time. To perform a perfect squat, stand with your legs a few inches from a chair. Pushing your hips back and keeping the knees
Classic
behind the toes, lower yourself to the chair until your glutes touch the seat, then return to standing without actually sitting. Be sure to keep your head and chest up and your back straight. To increase the difficulty and incorporate some balance training, try a single leg squat by facing the chair and lowering your trunk until you touch the seat. GL
Advanced
Molly Hausler, a physical therapy aide at Northern Michigan Soprts Medicine, begins simple squat by standing straight back to a chair.
Molly Hausler demonstrates a single leg squat. Begin by facing a chair in an upright position.
1.
1.
2.
Pushing her hips back and keeping the knees behind the toes, she lower herself to the chair until the glutes touch the seat, then return to standing without actually sitting. 6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
2.
From the upright position, lower your trunk until you touch the seat, return to the upright position and repeat.
GOOD STUFF GOOD HUMOR
Santa God
L
ast summer, I took my 4-year-old grandson, Brady, to see the inside of our church. It was late on a weekday so I used the key when no one else was around and took him to the sanctuary so we could light a candle to God. He asked, “Who is God?” And without hesitation I told him God was like Santa Claus, people can’t see him but they believe he is real. (If only I had stopped there ...) And God made everything there is in the world, in fact he made Santa Claus, he’s sort of his boss. He’s like a great big Dad who is everywhere and people love him somuch, they made this beautiful church and the color in the windows and ... By this time, Brady’s eyes were dusted over, his feet fidgeting. He blew the candle out, after he made a wish. Then, as promised, we went down to the dock to see the boats and to the Bear River to check if there were any “big dead fish,” his favorite! I have lots of excuses and explanations. His mom and dad are non-believers, not just lazy or no-shows. And they are divorced. For
GOOD FOR KIDS the first year or two, I tip-toed through my grandmotherhood to keep on their good side. Not COURTESY PHOTO stressKatie MacInnis, columnist ing too from Harbor Springs much MY ways, but observing and supporting theirs. They are doing a great job, though I secretly think he is an angel and was nobody’s doing but God’s. I hope he remembers a beautiful place his grandmother took him. I hope God forgives me for saying he was like Santa, but I didn’t know how to begin. I hope Brady sees a little of God in me, but that’s asking a lot. The good news? I see a lot of God in him! GL — Katie MacInnis Katie MacInnis is a retired nurse and lives in Harbor Springs with her husband, Charlie.
Giving back
C
haritable giving is a part of the holiday season for many people who are spurred to donate for various reasons, including the general spirit of giving synonymous with the holidays. Parents who want to show their youngsters this season is about more than presents can approach that task in various ways, including involving kids directly in giving back to their communities or helping the less fortunate.
VOLUNTEER WORK
Kids of all ages can volunteer. Youngsters’ efforts need not be elaborate. Toddlers can help collect food for a food pantry while school-aged children can assist elderly neighbors. The entire family can work together at a school, hospital or nursing facility.
CLEAN OUT THE CLOSET
Donating items also can teach kids valuable lessons, including helping them recognize how fortunate they are and how they are in a position to help those who are not so lucky. Adults also should sort through their items and have an equally impressive pile of donations.
BAKE SALE
Another fun way children can get involved is by hosting a bake sale or craft sale. The proceeds of all items sold can be used to benefit a charity chosen by the kids.
EDUCATE OTHERS
Children old enough to understand the plight of others can help to spread knowledge and awareness about particular issues. Ask a teacher if children can speak in front of the class about their charitable efforts and what others can do to make real changes.
GOODlife 7
GOOD TASTE
Give the gift of
indulgence
Story and photo by Metro Creative Services
T
he holiday season is rife with tradition. Families have their own unique traditions, whether it’s gathering at Grandma’s to enjoy a holiday meal or singing carols together around the neighborhood with friends who live nearby. One tradition that seems to have made it into many families’ holiday celebrations is indulging in delicious baked goods. Desserts are a big part of the holiday season, when many people relax restrictions on their diets to enjoy some of their favorite cookies and cakes. While such delicacies are often served at dinnertime, homemade baked goods also make great gifts come the holiday season. Whether a friend or family member is a fully devoted foodie or simply a person who loves a decadent dessert, gifting homecooked baked goods is a great way to show your loved ones just how much you appreciate them. This holiday season, give the gift of decadence by cooking up the following recipe for “Sticky Chocolate Gingerbread” courtesy of Maxine Clark’s “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small). Ingredients: — 2 1/3 cups dark molasses — 6 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa solids), grated — 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour — 2 teaspoons ground ginger 8 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
— 5 ounces whole pieces preserved stem ginger, drained and roughly chopped — 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened — 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, sifted (to remove lumps) — 2 medium eggs, beaten — 1/2 teaspoon baking soda — 2 tablespoons milk, warmed — A pinch of salt — Extra-large crystallized ginger pieces, to scatter (optional) — A deep 8-inch square cake pan or 8 x 6 x 3-inch oval cake pan Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Grease and line the base and sides of the cake pan with nonstick parchment paper. Put the molasses in a pan and heat gently until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until melted. Sift the flour, ground ginger and salt together in a bowl. Add the stem ginger and toss it around in the flour until every piece is coated. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, then the molasses and chocolate mixture and finally the flour mixture. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and gradually beat this into the batter. Pour into the prepared cake
pan, scatter with the crystallized ginger, if using, and bake for 45 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake for another 30 minutes. (If using the oval pan, cook for about 45 minutes at the higher temperature, then about 1 hour at the lower temperature, as it will be deeper.) A metal skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely. When cold, store in an airtight container for at least a couple of days to mature and become sticky. Don’t worry if it sinks a bit in the middle - this is normal. Makes an 8-inch cake
GOOD TO
KNOW
Pet priorities
Weather-related safety tips for your furry friend Story and photo by Metro Creative Services
C
aring for pets is sometimes compared to raising children. Though the two are not exactly the same, there are similarities between raising a child and caring for a pet. Like curious kids, fearless pets may not understand the potential hazards around them, and some of these dangers differ depending on the season.
AUTUMN
Autumn is a great time of year to spend some time outdoors with your pet. But you must be aware of your surroundings and practice safety. Many animals spend the fall storing food or making accommodations for winter hibernation. Snakes may be out looking for burrows and can be in foul moods. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center notes mushrooms may be growing in the fall. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to distinguish highly toxic mushrooms from nontoxic ones, so the best way to keep pets from ingesting poisonous mushrooms is to keep them away from areas where mushrooms are growing. Some people may resort to rodenticides to keep mice and other small animals out of homes when they’re seeking warmer places to nest. These products are highly toxic to pets and can result in death. Sometimes eating a mouse that has consumed a rodenticide is enough to harm a pet.
WINTER
Cold weather and snow may make both pets and people less likely to venture outdoors. Dogs that use the yard to relieve themselves often cannot avoid the ice and snow. These conditions can put pets at risk. As with humans, animals are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. When the weather is cold, pets should not remain outdoors without shelter for extended periods of time. The Humane Society of the United States advises that exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage. Dogs and cats are safer and warmer indoors. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate pet paws. When the animal then licks irritated paws, the chemicals
can be transferred to the tongue and mouth. Rinse paws after dogs come in from walks, or use protective booties to keep feet covered. Limit the amount of products you use to melt snow, opting for sand or cat litter for traction. Provide more water during the winter when the effort it takes for pets to keep their bodies warm can quickly deplete their energy stores. Compensate by giving pets a little more food and water in the winter. Pets may be attracted to automotive antifreeze due to its sweet smell and taste. But antifreeze can be toxic. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and even human beings. No matter the season, pet owners must prioritize keeping their pets safe from seasonal hazards. GOODlife 9
GOOD WORD
My mouth initiated a love of reading
I
recall the exact moment when a book transformed me from the present into a new world. Ninth-grade homeroom at the end of the day: “Richard, it seems you can’t stop talking again! Get to the library, get a book, sit down and keep your trap quiet until the bell rings.” Reluctantly I trudged out of Sister Joan’s homework haven, shuffled downstairs to the library and reported in. “Talking again huh Fowler? Well get yourself a book and then sit down. Not a peep out of you until the bell rings.” I made my way to the shelves stalling and grimacing at the few others who like me had been sent to reading detention camp. “Get a book Fowler. Any book and read!” To avoid further consternation and a phone call home to mom and dad, I grabbed, as fate would have it, a rather slim book titled “The Nick Adams Stories,” by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway, I thought. Wasn’t he the guy who had lived in Horton Bay near Horton Creek where I often fished with my buddies? OK this will do for the 35 min-
10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
By Rick Fowler
utes I had left in my sentence. My odyssey into a world of imagination began with this passage: “The train disappeared into the distance, through the burnt woods. Nick sat. The town of Seney was gone, burned down. He looked into the river. The trout were still there. He watched them. They still gave him the old feeling. Nick picked up his pack and started walking through the country. He was sore and hot, but happy. He felt he had left the need for everything, including writing and thinking, behind him. He came up to the pine tree plain. Far
away, he could see the blue hills next to Lake Superior. He stopped for a moment to sit and smoke with his legs stretched in front of him. A black grasshopper attached to his sock. He realized that the grasshoppers had not always been black but had changed because the forest was all burnt out. Nick guided himself by the sun. He could have turned toward the river, but decided to keep going as far as possible that day. There was no underbrush near the pine trees. Under the shade of those trees, he took off his pack and went to sleep.” Whoa, this Nick Adams guy got off a train, set up a camp and fished? This reading was far better then the daily catechism passages we had to endure. Nick Adams was seeking adventures in the Upper Peninsula forests while I was relegated to reading chapters from “The Scarlett Letter” in an English classroom. I was captivated by this young man’s independence, his carefree attitude and his knowledge of the outdoors. From that point on I couldn’t get enough of Nick’s travels into the north country and
Metro
how he was so nonchalant about catching trout in those pristine waters. Indeed, I finished this story and over the next few weeks another and another. Soon I had graduated to “The Old Man and The Sea” — on my own without prompts or threats. I was hooked. It’s ironic that the lad who could never be quiet in homeroom would end up looking forward to this class at the end of the day. From that one dismissal from homeroom my imagination was sparked and became the fuel for a lifetime of grand adventures with books. Eventually I would climb Mount Everest with Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air.” I would travel to the Upper Peninsula to see if Alex McKnight, the protagonist in Steve Hamilton books, would solve the case. I dove with Jacques Cousteau into the ocean and found serenity with the tales of the outdoors by Jerry Dennis. Reading lets us experience adventure, despair, hope, love, hate, peace, history and often the future. Sometimes within the covers of one book. There can be no better avenue to fulfill ones desires then a novel which you can’t wait to get back to, that makes you wake up especially early to open the pages and allow your mind to slip into a frenzy of excitement, pain, enthusiasm and total satisfaction. I’m thankful that my constant jabbering as a youngster unbeknownst to me, allowed me to venture into Hemingway’s Nick Adams which ultimately gravitated into myriad other authors. With the spirit of giving fast approaching what better gift can there be than a ticket to a vast universe where visitors can start and stop at any time and then continue without penalty. Purchase a book. Adventure awaits those who read, no matter what age. GL Metro
GOODlife 11
COVER STORY
Into the woods: Exploring the North Country Scenic Trail
G. Randall Goss/GoodLife Hikers (from left) Jen Winnell, Micah Branendle, 3, Kate Winnell, Liz Doornbos, and son Noah Dornbos, 3, cross the Bear River foot bidge at Petoskey. The North Country Trail cuts right through Petoskey and winds along the Bear River. By Debbie McGuiness
S
panning some 4,600 miles, the North Country National Scenic Trail is a hiking and back-packing trail that starts in New York, goes through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and ends in North Dakota. It is America’s longest scenic trail and 78 miles passes through Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.
12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Winding through the rolling hills and valleys, crossing rivers and streams, the trail can easily be accessed from its many trailheads throughout our beautiful Northern Michigan region. The National Trails System Act of 1968 established the Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails as the nation’s first. Congress passed legislation authorizing the North Country National Scenic Trail in March, 1980.
The National Park Service administers the North Country National Scenic Trail, providing management oversight to the entire trail by working with the federal agencies, state and local governments, private organizations, landowners and land users. The National Park Service provides funding for trail projects, planning and decisions on trail routing, trail tools, supContinued on page 14
G. Randall Goss/GoodLife Sign marker on the North Country Trail.
G. Randall Goss/GoodLife Katherin Twichel, of Harbor Springs, hikes an uphill section of the North Country Trail through a pine forest in Emmet County.
GOODlife 13
COVER STORY
Continued from page 12
G. Randall Goss/GoodLife Alanson resident Cindy Holmes and her dog Cash use the North Country Trail near their home regularly for exercise and a way to get outside. 14 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
plies and signage for volunteers, trail certification guidelines and volunteer support. Promoting the trail and supporting hiker services, both Petoskey and Mackinaw City have been named North Country Trail Association “Trail Towns.” Through signage and access, these towns provide amenities to trail users and connect residents and visitors to the trail. Many volunteers are involved in the building, maintenance and care of the trails. The Jordan Valley 45° Chapter is the volunteer group involved in the trail section between Starvation Lake Road near Mancelona, and Kipp Road near Harbor Springs. It meets regularly and has group hikes and projects. From Kipp Road to Mackinaw City, the Harbor Springs Chapter is responsible for developing, maintaining, protecting and promoting its 46-mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail passes near Petoskey and passes through the Pere Marquette State Forest and Wilderness State Park. “We rely on our volunteers to clear downed trees on the trail and we are always looking for people to join us,” Anne Billiard, secretary of the Harbor Springs Chapter, said. “We have built boardwalks, when necessary,” said Billiard. “In section 3, Stutsmanville and Larks Lake roads, a boardwalk was constructed as a Boy Scout Eagle project.” The Harbor Springs Chapter meets four times per year, and hosts a potluck. “Anyone is certainly welcome to join us,” Billiard added. All National Scenic Trails are well-marked, and Billiard said that according to the log boxes along the trail, an average of 2,000
hikers sign in each year in Northern Michigan. As sections of the trail pass through both public and private land, hikers are reminded to follow basic trail ethics. Pets are permitted on most trails, and again, for everyone’s enjoyment, proper cleaning up is necessary. It is recommended that all dogs be kept on leash. Camping is permitted in authorized areas only. Many of the trails are used by walkers and hikers, and in winter, cross-country skiing and using snowshoes provide opportunities to get out-of-doors and on the trail! Additional information is available from the National Park Service, www.nps.gov/noco; North Country Trail www.northcountrytrail. org; www.gettingkidsoutdoors.org/ www.northcountrytrail.org/j45; www.northcountrytrail.org/hrb. GL
TRAIL ETHICS
— Plan ahead and always tell someone of your plans — Stay on the trail; camp only where permitted; know the rules for camp fires — Dispose of waste properly; pack out all that you pack in — Take only photographs — Respect wildlife — Be considerate of others
WED GD1
up north up
Bride 2014-15 Up North Bride Sprin g/Su
mmer 2014
WED GD1
Bride 2014- 15
UP NORTH
FALL /WINT ER
Our fall-winter issue is here! Up North Bride is filled with helpful hints, tips and checklists for future brides and grooms. Watch for it available at bridal-related businesses, newsstands and bridal shows throughout the year.
Visit: upnorthbride.com TION E PUB LICA DING GUID
RS NING WED GET PLA NNE IST S • BUD NOR OM CHE CKL DE & GRO INS IDE : BRI IGAN THER N MICH
-RUN ’S LON GEST
GOODlife 15
GOOD THOUGHTS
By Tricia Drenth
‘Tis the season
I
suppose you could say I am a stickler for washing hands. I should be, after all, given my profession as a registered nurse. It is the number one way to protect oneself from and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. When my husband comes home from work the first words out of my mouth typically aren’t, “Hello dear, how was your day?” They are usually, “Did you wash your hands?” My own mother loves to tease me about my hand washing habits, observing that I look like I am going in to perform surgery before I prepare lunch. I recently had someone comment on my hand washing in a restroom at a local restaurant, saying, “You look like a doctor.” For the record, my at-home hand washing habits are not as strict as my hand washing technique at work (or, as health professionals like to say, hand hygiene, as this includes hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer, which can be just as effective in many situations). As far as proper hand washing is concerned, the recommended amount of time is at least 20 seconds. The protocol is to use warm water, scrubbing with soap and covering all surface areas of your hands, including the back of your hands, in between your fingers, and don’t forget your fingernails! And then don’t even think about touching the sink or using your clean hand to turn off the faucet or touch the door handle. Paranoid yet? At the risk of sounding like a germaphobe, at home I do not wash for more than 15 seconds. Apparently this seems like a long time to those who only wash for 3 seconds, in which I would 16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Metro
respond, “How is it possible that you even washed your hands?” and “Simply rinsing your fingertips with water does not count.” Also for the record, please do not think we live in a sterile environment. In my home we do not use antibacterial soap and my kids do play in the dirt a lot. This time of year, as hard as one tries, it is practically impossible to not be affected by at least one of the many viruses or bacterial organisms circulating. We recently had a couple of rough weeks when our two boys came down with a nasty virus, one for a week and then the other got it the next week. It is, first of all, horrible to see your children in pain and discomfort with little that can be done to help. The constant care taking and lack of sleep can really take a toll on everyone in the family. And then there is the schedule juggling and questions: which parent is staying home which day, how long should we keep them out of school, how high of a fever is too high. We are fortunate that I work only parttime. We kept our 5 year old out of school for the week just to play it safe,
and we kept our 3 year old home and away from others for an entire week. Although we cannot completely avoid illness there are ways to help stay healthy: wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, stay home or keep your kids home if you/they are sick, get your flu vaccine, get enough sleep, eat a healthy balanced diet, and stay active. All of this sounds so easy but of course is anything but. I think washing your hands is probably the easiest of all of the above. And now you know just how to do it. GL Tricia Drenth is a registered nurse and holds a master of science degree and bachelor of science in nursing degree from The University of Michigan. She also received an interdisciplinary certificate in international health and social development. She serves as an adjunct nursing instructor at North Central Michigan College and works at Charlevoix Area Hospital. Drenth resides in Charlevoix with her family.
GOOD SPORT
Stay fit when temperatures drop Story and photo by Metro Creative Services
M
any animals hibernate throughout the winter. Humans are afforded no such luxury. In fact, living a sedentary lifestyle during the colder months of the year can actually prove detrimental to human health. Exercise is beneficial any time of the year, but it can be especially so during the winter months when colder temperatures force many people inside, where they live more sedentary lifestyles than they do during the rest of the year. Adapting your exercise habits in the winter can help you make it through the colder months in great shape. There is no reason to stop exercising when the temperature drops. The American Heart Association says working out in the cold weather has distinct advantages over working out in hot and humid conditions. When the weather is cold, you may be able to work out longer and harder because the heat won’t zap your energy levels, and exercising outdoors in the winter is a great way to get small doses of sunlight that can improve mood and help your body produce more vitamin D. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says exercise can help boost your immune system, which can help you fight colds and flu symptoms. Just a few minutes of exercise each day can help prevent simple viral
and bacterial infections as well. Working out in the winter may help you burn more calories than in warmer seasons. Research published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that race times are faster in cold weather than in warmer temperatures. Quicker runs or walks can burn more calories. If exercising outdoors is too uncomfortable, break up your
routine into smaller, more manageable sessions. Aim for 10 minute sessions several times per day. This quickly can add up to the 30 minutes of daily recommended exercise. Dress in layers so you can feel comfortable, adjusting your clothing as necessary. You don’t want to be freezing, but you don’t want to wear so many clothes that you start sweating and risk hypothermia. GOODlife 17
GOOD HEALTH
Welcome home Native Northern Michigan resident returns to practice in Petoseky
C
ertified nurse practitioner Kristi L. Dipzinski, MSN, NP-C, has joined the staff of Internal Medicine of Northern Michigan where she will focus on primary care of older adults and residents of extended care facilities. The 1997 Michigan State University graduate had a long and varied career at Methodist University Hospital and the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, both in Memphis, Tennessee. She worked in the ICU, cardiac cath lab, and emergency department chest pain center with extensive experience in cath lab procedures, cardiac and peripheral interventions, and emergency cardiac assessments. In 2009, the Gaylord native returned to Michigan and joined McLaren Northern Michigan as a staff RN in the Intensive Care Unit. Her experience there led her to pursue her masters of science in nursing (MSN) with a concentration in adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner and urgent care. The degree required more than 700 hours of supervised clinical practice. “I decided to become a nurse practitioner after 17 years in critical care,” Dipzinski said. “Many of the diseases I saw in the ICU might have been prevented or better controlled with access to comprehensive primary care services.” Dipzinski also has a long his18 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
“Many of the diseases I saw in the ICU might have been prevented or better controlled with access to comprehensive primary care services.” — Kristi Dipzinski
basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Dipzinski enjoys biking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife photography. She resides in Gaylord with her husband Matt. For more information, or to make an appointment with Dipzinski, contact Internal Medicine of Northern Michigan at (231) 487-9702, or visit doctors4adults.com. GL Courtesy photo
tory of professional and community involvement, both in Memphis and in Petoskey, including the Clinical Ladder Council and the Transformative Council of McLaren Northern Michigan. She is a member of the Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurses Association and the American Geriatrics Society, and holds certification in
Established in 1999, Internal Medicine of Northern Michigan provides a full complement of health services for adults. A staff of 10 board certified physicians, two certified nurse practitioners and one certified physician assistant have years of experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of most health related conditions, including chronic and acute illnesses.
GOOD ADVICE
Going natural? Exercise caution with herbal remedies
Story and graphics by Metro Creative Services
for sure when humans first began using herbs for medicinal purposes, but there are written records of herbal medicine use in China dating back to 2800 B.C. Since then, herbalism has fallen out of favor, only to resurface several times. Herbs were used in Ancient Greece, monks once employed their use, and when lack of availability of drugs occurred during World War I, herbal medicines increased in use. Herbal remedies are still in use today and may have found even more supporters. However, although these products come from nature, they can carry with them side effects and produce drug or food interactions similar to prescriptions.
When you were younger, your mother may have suggested drinking a bay leaf tea to calm a queasy stomach. For a sore throat, you may have swallowed a spoonful of honey. To calm jitters, you may have turned to chamomile. What you may have not known then is that you were taking herbal remedies for common ailments. Many consumers feel if a product is sold over the counter it is safe to use, even if they haven’t consulted a physician. This is not always true. Certain herbal remedies require as much caution as prescription drugs. Furthermore, it is often imperative for individuals to understand the dosing inHere are some other popustructions and drug interactions lar herbal medications and their that come with herbal medicines. potential drug interactions: * Echinacea is used to boost the immune Unlike prescription medicasystem and fend off colds and flu. But it tions, herbal remedies may not may cause inflammation of the liver if used be required to undergo the strict with certain other medications, such as testing measures for safety and anabolic steroids, methotrexate or others. efficacy. That isn’t to say that all herbal products are bad. Herbal medicine, sometimes referred to * Feverfew is used to minimize migraine headache attacks and for rheumatoid as botanical medicine or herbarthritis. It may increase bleeding risk, alism, has been practiced with great success throughout history. especially in those taking anti-clotting medications. Before there were pharmacies or drug manufacturers, ancient cultures relied on the products of * Ginseng increases concentration and physical stamina. Those using ginseng can the land — namely plants — to see an increased heart rate or higher blood improve overall health and to pressure. treat illnesses. No one knows
Herbal medicines may be available over-the-counter, but that doesn’t mean they won’t interact with other drugs. Nor does it mean they should be used without doctor supervision.
* Kava-kava is used to calm nervousness or muscle spasms. However, Kava-kava may increase the effects of certain antiseizure medications and/or prolong the effects of certain anesthetics. It can also enhance the effects of alcohol.
Many herbal remedies are notorious for affecting metabolism, meaning they can be dangerous for people taking medications that need to be dosed into the blood stream at a specific rate. It is best to discuss use of an herbal remedy with a doctor prior to beginning any treatment. Always keep health professionals apprised of changes in herbal or vitamin usage, as it may interfere with prescriptions the doctor has issued or may issue. GOODlife 19
GOOD READ
Legendary Gordie Howe looks back
By Glen Young
A
sk any hockey enthusiast, of any age, who is the greatest player of all time and the answer is always the Glen same: Gordie Howe. Young Number 9 skated 25 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings, from 1946 through 1971, before taking his stick and his skates to the now defunct World Hockey Association for most of another decade. That he played those WHA years with his sons Mark and Marty adds another distinctive dimension to his legend. Howe’s legend is long and full indeed. With nearly 2,400 games played, he notched more than 1,000 goals and racked up more than 1,500 assists. His totals put him in rarified company. Only Wayne Gretzky put up more points, though Howe’s goal total tops Gretzky’s. This is the perfect season then for “Mr. Hockey-Gordie Howe: My Story.” The book, brand new from Penguin Publishing, finds Howe, at 86, looking back over the details of his western Canadian upbringing, his marriage to sweetheart, Colleen, the influence of early coaches and teammates, including the frugality of early Detroit boss Jack Adams, as well as the joy of playing on a line with his two sons. Some of his conclusions are 20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
quaint. He credits being strong on his skates, a hallmark of the best players, to skating on the Saskatchewan ponds of his youth. His upper body strength, something he used to muscle lesser players out of his way, came from carrying the family’s water from a communal well. Other details are more noteworthy, such as his details on teammates that included Terry Sawchuck, Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, and others. Other insightful specifics concern classics series between Howe’s Red Wings and other Original Six teams, such as the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. Storied Canadien opponents included Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion, Jean Beliveau and Jaques Plante. Howe explains, “We respected their talent, but that’s where any semblance of fondness ended.” Howe earned his first Stanley Cup in 1950, though he admits it comes with an asterisk. Not that he wasn’t an important member of that team, but in his first game against a strong Montreal team, Howe went down with a horrific injury when he hit his head against the side boards while trying to block. “The trainers rushed out to find me unconscious and bleeding,” Howe writes. After emergency surgery, he recovered but missed the remainder of the playoffs, as the Wings earned their first Cup since 1943. Fortunately, for Howe, he would help the team earn three more in those glory years. Jack Adams, longtime Detroit general manager, was a stern taskmaster, says Howe. “If he found even a hint of something he didn’t like, you were out the door.” Ad-
ams illustrated this point when he threatened Howe’s hockey career if the big winger didn’t give up an amateur baseball pursuit. Summer, Howe returned to Saskatoon to play baseball, that is until Adams discovered this. Worried that his star might be injured, he ended a telegram by saying, “’I suggest you quit playing.’” Howe admits, “It was a tough note to get,” but realized, his love of baseball notwithstanding, “hockey was my livelihood, and Mr. Adams was my boss, so I felt stuck.” Begrudgingly, Howe hung up his baseball spikes. Howe earned his share of accolades over his long career. A 12 time NHL All Star, he also owns six Ross trophies, as the league’s top scorer, as well as another half dozen Hart trophies as the league’s most valuable player. Inaugurated into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972, he also earned the league’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. He entered the WHA Hall of Fame in 2010, along with his sons. Even after leaving Detroit, Howe continued his success. In 1973, at 45, he earned MVP honors in the WHA, notching an impressive 100 points. Son Mark earned Rookie of the Year honors. Howe ended his career with a last season in the NHL, still skating with Mark and Marty, this time with the Hartford Whalers. “The minute we took the ice, Mark, Marty, and I became the first father-son combination to suit up together in an NHL game.” The feat has not been repeated. With a foreword by Bobby Orr, an afterword from his children, and serviceable editorial support from Paul Haavardsrud, “Mr. Hockey: Gordie Howe-My Story,” is colorful and engaging, and certain to be appreciated by hockey fans of all ages. GL GOODlife 21
GOOD IDEA
Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop.
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G
iving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown. Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but gift-givers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list.
LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS
Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community.
GIFTS OF SERVICE
A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and recipients find their 22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
NATURAL GIFTS
personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle. For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries.
RECYCLED GOODS
When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted
Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-growing kit that enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone.
ANTIQUES
New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories. The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.
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Wellness Wednesday Quick and Convenient Health Screenings for only $15 Screenings include full cholesterol panel, blood pressure, blood sugar level, body muscle and fat percentages, and a FREE pedometer. A1C testing is oered to diabetic patients for just $5 more. Join us for our next Wellness Wednesday on December 3. Stop in anytime from 8 - 11 a.m., or call 231-547-8906 to make an appointment. Mark your calendars for 2015: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug 5, Sept 2, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2 For more information about Wellness Wednesdays, visit: www.cah.org >Community Health > Wellness Wednesday Get the information you want, in a simple, step-by-step, personalized brochure. Discover what Charlevoix Area Hospital has to oer you by visiting www.discover.CAH.org PN-00393693
GOODlife 23
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