Montana 55 April 2013 by Missoulian

spring 2013

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ties to do the to schedule their day, opportuni dom free and nce nde epe ind nt lity care, Seniors wa s. And, they want the highest qua hip nds frie ul ngf ani me and e lov things they when they need it. utiful community new philosophy of care in a bea a r offe we efis Ben at iew ndv life the way you At The Gra icated staff eager to help you live ded a and e hom of ts for com the nation. with all the that is ranked among the best in are lthc hea to ess acc e hav ’ll you want. Plus, es from s with the peace of mind that com term r you on live to ans me it at Find out wh are when you need it. knowing you’ll get the best healthc offered in each of our assisted living care Receive just the right amount of support , one-bedroom apartment with kitchenette packages. Relax in your large studio or with l ow. Savor a home-cooked mea spacious closets, and large picture wind ansive outdoor walking paths and friends in the dining room. Enjoy the exp and socialize with friends and family. gardens. Stroll over to the Town Square will experience the amazing benefits of In our memory support, your loved-ones multi-sensory room designed especially our Tranquility Room—a state-of-the-art . They will also thrive by having the for individuals experiencing memory loss the outdoor sensory gardens. freedom to safely and securely explore m care will love the private, beautifully Seniors who need more intensive long-ter e in their country kitchen, family dining, furnished bedrooms and feel right at hom Each Cottage has a dedicated living room, and beautiful outdoor spaces. ds of each resident. al nee healthcare team devoted to the individu

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3/25/13 11:57 AM

Spring 2013

inside reinventing

aging with today’s boomers

by diane cochran

A New Day, A New Beginning, A New You.

Leave it to the Baby Boomers to blaze another trail right through what is considered acceptable. After all, Americans born between 1946 and 1964 have never had any trouble breaking with societal norms.

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Superior and West Yellowstone; the one that is now in Livingston originally landed in Gardiner. There, it was used as a museum and visitor center. In the 1970s, while having a drink in Gardiner’s Blue Goose Saloon, Livingston artist Parks Reece overheard a community meeting in which it was decided to get rid of the old rail car rather than repair its leaky roof. He offered to move it out of town at no cost to the townsfolk and they agreed. “I didn’t have a penny in my pocket,” Reece recalled, but he figured the old car was worth saving. He eventually rounded up $3,000 to hire a house mover who hauled the heavy rail car to a farm in the Paradise Valley near Emigrant. He asked the landowner if he could leave the rail car for a couple of weeks, which extended to about 10 years. In the 1990s, he finally purchased the property where the car now sits,

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Montana museums on wheels. Inside the cars, artifacts such as J.K. Ralston’s painting “After the Battle,” along with relics of Custer’s Last Stand, memorabilia of Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane were displayed. In another car, $1

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Older smokers are at greater risks of smoking-related issues because they have smoked longer (an average of 40 years), tend to be heavier smokers and are more likely to suffer from smoking-related illnesses. They also are significantly less likely than younger smokers to believe that smoking harms their health. As you age, your health concerns begin to rise. And if you’re a current smoker, you might start to notice a correlation between your health concerns and your smoking habit. Today’s generation of older Americans lay claim to a history of smoking rates among the highest of any U.S. generation. In the mid-1960s, about 54 percent of adult males were current smokers and another 21 percent were former smokers. In 2010, smoking rates had dropped to an estimated 45.3 million people or 19.3 percent of all adults (age 18 or older). That being said,

adult smokers ages 45 to 64 hold the highest percentage by age at 21.1 per, or more than 17 million. Adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 443,000 deaths annually. That’s nearly one of every five deaths each year in the United States. More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle crashes, suicides and murders combined. The American Lung Association states that smoking is directly responsible for more than 90 percent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema and chronic bronchitis deaths, and approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and men, respectively. COPD prevalence rates are highest among those age 65 and older. The disease consistently ranks among the top 10 most common chronic health conditions and sources of daily activity limitation. Smoking also is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke and lower respiratory tract infections – all leading causes of death in those age 50 and older.

related conditions, and the human body possesses remarkable health capabilities to improve a smoker’s health within minutes after quitting. There is strong evidence that smoking cessation even among older adults not only adds years of life, but also improves the quality of life. When an older person quits smoking, circulation improves immediately, and the lungs begin to repair damage. In one year, the added risk of heart disease is cut almost in half, and risk of stroke, lung disease and cancer start to decrease. Among smokers who quit at age 65, men gained 1.4 to 2.0 years of life and women gained 2.7 to 3.4 years. More often than not, the main obstacles brought up by older adults for not quitting are based on incorrect information, such as the potential health risks from cessation aids like nicotine replacement therapy. Although most former smokers preferred quitting cold turkey, less than 5 percent will have long-term

success. Using a tobacco treatment plan doubles the quitting success rate. Nicotine replacement therapy has been found to be effective and could decrease health care costs. Quitting smoking can be challenging. Think about your past attempts to quit – what worked and what didn’t. Keep trying different quitting methods until you find what works best. Most importantly, don’t give up – you can learn something new every time you try. Start by calling the Montana Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-784-8669 to get free support. Remember at any age, the sooner you quit, the sooner your body can begin to heal. Kaila Warren works in the Missoula City-County Health Department’s Health Promotion Department as the tobacco prevention coordinator and can be reached at 258-3685 or at kwarren@co.missoula.mt.us.

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Centennial Inn, a historic rail car converted into a charming inn. Photo courtesy of Centennial Inn

Hidden in a grassy meadow surrounded by cottonwood trees just off Highway 89 south of Livingston, the Centennial Inn is a 900-square-foot railroad car with an unusual link to history. The car was one of the entries from

moved it to its current resting place and began remodeling it with the help of his wife. “At first I was thinking I would use it for a Montana-made store,” he said. “But mainly what I was thinking was that it was a cool deal. I thought it would be valuable later on.” They shopped at antique stores in Salt Lake City and Denver to furnish the car, Reece said. He said the idea was to make the rail car resemble the custom one featured in the 1960s television series “The Wild, Wild West.” The show revolved around two town-hopping Secret Service agents – James T. West and Artemus Gordon – of the 1800s who traveled in their custom rail car. “It was like building a stage set,” Reece said.

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ccording to Richard K. Delano and Krista V. Schaafsma, authors of “Tobacco Free After 50: Unlock the Power of Your Body to Heal,” older smokers make fewer attempts than younger smokers to quit, but are more successful when they do. Older smokers do not try to quit as often because many do not believe that quitting will improve their health and well-being. However, older smokers can bounce back from a variety of tobacco-

The old saying, “age is just a number” might help you feel young at heart as you start to grow older. If you are a current smoker, however, that saying might not apply.

million in raw gold nuggets and dust was piled along with a collection of Charlie Russell paintings, bronzes and drawings of the West. The rail cars were part of an exhibit set up to look like a frontier fort with a guard tower. A jack fence surrounded the display that also included blockhouses, cabins, tepees, corrals and a stuffed bison. The theme of the fair was “Man’s Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe.” A pamphlet on the fair noted that the Montana exhibit included other items of the 1860s era: “An arcade of antique nickelodeons and pianolas gives an atmosphere of frontier days. A barbecue restaurant serves buffalo steaks.”

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centennial inn a night to remember

by kaila warren Men 65 and older who smoke are twice as likely to die from a stroke, while women smokers are about 1 1/2 times as likely to die from a stroke than their nonsmoking counterparts. The risk of dying from a heart attack is 60 percent higher for smokers than nonsmokers 65 and older. Smoking reduces one’s normal life expectancy by an average of 13 to 15 years – thereby eliminating retirement years for most smokers.

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After the fair, the rail cars were donated to communities around the state. They can still be found in Hardin,

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Anyone who has been in the job market recently knows how difficult it is to find work in a recession.

Research shows that employers recognize that older workers have a lot to offer. 46

Job hunting in a down economy can be especially frustrating for older workers, many of whom feel they are passed over in favor of their younger counterparts simply because of their age. But there is a bright spot out there for the so-called “mature” job applicant: Research shows that employers recognize that older workers have a lot to offer. Mature employees are valued for their loyalty, commitment to doing quality work, and their reliability, according to data compiled by AARP. In its report titled “American Business and Older Employees,” AARP defined older workers as those age 50 or older. “Older employees are recognized for having a good work ethic and for providing experience, knowledge, and stability in the workplace,” AARP reported.

Employers surveyed by AARP said that older workers possess six of the seven top qualities that companies look for in applicants of any age. The single category in which older workers came up short was willingness to be flexible about doing different tasks. But employers viewed that shortcoming as a surmountable challenge. “According to HR managers who participated in the focus groups, it is easier to teach a worker a skill than it is to instill dependability, loyalty, and other aspects of a good work ethic,” the report found.

tephen Beaumont, chief executive officer of The Resort at Paws Up east of Missoula, echoed that sentiment. “I love the work ethic of older people,” said Beaumont, who puts himself into the “older” category. “Those of us who have been round the block a few times-if we start work at 7, we show up at 10 to 7 ready to go.” The Resort at Paws Up recently held a job fair targeting older workers. About

half of the 50 people who attended the fair were hired, Beaumont said. In the past, the resort relied mostly on college students to staff its summer season. “But they have to go back to school in mid-August, and we’re still in full flight,” Beaumont said. Work ethic and availability were not the only reasons Beaumont decided to recruit mature employees. The resort, known for its glamorous camping or “glamping,” serves clients ranging in age from toddler to great-grandparent. “If you have a 50- or 60-year-old who has never gotten on a horse before, (an older worker) can relate better than a 21-year-old who thinks nothing of hopping on a horse,” Beaumont said. The 25 or so mature workers hired by the resort will work in a variety of positions from housekeeping and activities guides to restaurant servers and camp butlers. (Camp butlers attend to the needs of guests staying in

the resort’s luxurious tents.) anterra Parks and Resorts, which staffs several national parks in the West, also recruits older workers for its seasonal and yearround positions. Like The Resort at Paws Up, Xanterra relies on college students to fill many of its jobs. But there is a clear benefit to hiring people who have experience working in professional environments, said Carrie Holder, assistant director of human resources for Xanterra at Yellowstone National Park. “They are reliable workers,” Holder said. “They read through the materials we send them.” Holder estimated that about a quarter of Xanterra’s employees, or about 650 people, at Yellowstone National Park are in their 50s or older. Mature workers apply and are hired for jobs at all levels, but those who take entry-level positions advance quickly, Holder said.

Xanterra houses its park workers in dormitories and provides them meals at its dining facilities. Some older workers are initially put off by the accommodations, but Xanterra sets aside certain dorms for people seeking a quiet environment, Holder said. Many people who go to work in Yellowstone Park are retirees looking for new experiences, Holder said. Some have just been through lifechanging events, such as the death of a spouse, and are trying to adjust to a new reality. Whatever an individual’s circumstances, the park is an incredible place to spend a summer, she said. “You make friends of a lifetime here,” said Holder, who went to work at the park full-time 20 years ago after working as a seasonal employee. “It’s a very special, magical thing.” Diane Cochran is a Missoula-based writer who contributes regularly to Montana 55 and other statewide publications. Spring 2013

the magazine for montanans in their prime

Doing gooD by giving back Suzanne Morin Peterson ’78 and Dave Peterson ’67 know all about giving back. As Missoula business owners, they supported their community’s charities and civic efforts.

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editor sherry devlin

marketing manager stephanie bull

sales coordinator jacque walawander

As University of Montana alumni, they do the same. Over the years, the Petersons have created seven gift annuities to support UM. Their most recent gift will support the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences. This will provide countless opportunities for UM students. Suzanne’s inspiration for giving back came from her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. She remembers going to the Kappa national convention and seeing scholarships awarded. Suzanne knew that one day she wanted to provide scholarships of her own.

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Suzanne and Dave used the Montana Endowment Tax Credit (METC) to make their latest gift. The couple is quick to praise the METC - saying it can open the door to making gifts and creating new opportunities for students at UM. To find out how you can make a planned gift such as a gift annuity, or how the METC can work for you, contact Paul Hood, director of gift planning, at 800.443.2593 or paul.hood@mso.umt.edu.

Montana 55 is a special publication of Lee Enterprises and the Missoulian. Copyright 2013. For advertising information contact Jacque Walawander 406-523-5271, 800-366-7193, ext. 271, or email jacque.walawander@lee.net www.montana55.com

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reinventing

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reinventing The 55-plus age group accounts for slightly more than a quarter of all cosmetic surgery performed in the United States.

So what has the group that danced to rock and roll, marched for civil rights, and protested the Vietnam War done now? Cosmetic surgery, and lots of it. Almost 3.5 million Americans age 55 and older received cosmetic surgery in 2011, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The 55-plus age group accounted for slightly more than a quarter of all cosmetic surgery performed in the United States, according to the 2011 statistics, which were the most recent available. And the Mountain-Pacific Region, including Montana, had the most overall cosmetic procedures, the ASPS reported. Plenty of factors help explain why Baby Boomers are paying plastic surgeons to improve their looks, but one stands out: Boomers are reinventing aging. 8

“People feel so good now,” said Dr. Emilia Ploplys, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Benefis Health System in Great Falls. “They look in the mirror and think, ‘That’s not me.’ ” “You don’t have to live with it,” Ploplys said. “You can change it.” Cosmetic surgery can be lifechanging for some people, she said. “It can improve self-esteem,” Ploplys said. “It’s not going to make you happy, but it’s going to aid in happiness.” Baby Boomers are working, playing and dating long past the ages when their parents and grandparents slowed down, and they want their physical appearances to match their attitudes. But despite their generally independent outlook, Baby Boomers are not immune to the emphasis society places on looks. “There is a lot of ageism in our

society,” Ploplys said. “It would be great if we all were able to let that go and feel good about ourselves no matter what. But the face the world sees (affects) how people treat you.” It makes sense, then, that facial procedures were the most common cosmetic surgeries performed on people age 55 and older in 2011, according to the ASPS. At the top of the list of surgically invasive procedures were 94,869 eyelid surgeries, the ASPS reported. Facelifts were second, with 77,630 reported. Rounding out the top five were 28,634 dermabrasions, which reduce wrinkles or facial scarring; 26,707 forehead lifts; and 24,136 rhinoplasties, or nose jobs. Facial work also topped the list of minimally invasive procedures tracked by the ASPS among those 55 and older. Botox injections were No. 1, with almost 1.3 million

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conducted in 2011. Soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing added up to another 1.6 million procedures.

acial rejuvenation is one of the most sought-after procedures at Billings Plastic Surgery, said Dr. Alan Muskett, a board-certified plastic surgeon. “The Baby Boomers were sun bunnies,” Muskett said. “And they see themselves as immortal, including myself.” Muskett uses a Fractional CO2 laser to attack sunor acne-damaged skin. The FDA-approved surgicalgrade laser essentially resurfaces a patient’s skin. “You can have a 50 percent reduction in wrinkles,” he said. “It can be really dramatic.” Other popular procedures at Muskett’s office include those that tighten the skin on a patient’s eyelids or neck. “Sagging necks bother people more than anything,” Muskett said. “They drive people crazy. A grandchild reaches up and grabs a neck, and they come in and see us.”

aby Boomers also are turning to plastic surgeons in record numbers for reconstructive surgery after breast or skin cancer. Congress has mandated that health insurance companies cover the cost of reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomies. Although not all women want breast reconstruction, it is very important to some, Muskett said. “Even if you had a mastectomy years ago, you can still get reconstructive surgery,” he said. “Some people don’t care at all, but some don’t feel like it’s over until they’re reconstructed.” Reconstruction after skin cancer is especially common in Montana, where our short summers and high elevation put us at great risk for developing skin cancer. Montanans tend to soak up the sun whenever they can. “The sun is so strong here, and we don’t have it for very many months of the year,” Ploplys said. Ploplys works to repair noses, ears, lips and hands after skin cancer. Repairing faces after cancerous growths have been removed isn’t always easy, she said. To that end, Ploplys has a bit of advice for everyone, including Baby Boomers. “It’s never too late to use sunscreen,” she said. Diane Cochran is a Missoula-based writer who contributes to Montana 55 and other statewide publications.

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Centennial Inn, a historic rail car converted into a charming inn. Photo courtesy of Centennial Inn

Montana in the 1964 World’s Fair in Livingston - Anglers or Flushing Meadows, N.Y. At the time, vacationers looking for a Montana was celebrating its 100th anniversary as a territory – hence the different place to stay in the name for the inn. Paradise Valley this summer and fall may find nothing more 1 of 7 The rail car was one of seven unique than the Centennial Inn. Hidden in a grassy meadow surrounded by cottonwood trees just off Highway 89 south of Livingston, the Centennial Inn is a 900-square-foot railroad car with an unusual link to history. The car was one of the entries from

by brett french

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Retirement After the fair, the rail cars were donated to communities around the state. They can still be found in Hardin,

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centennial inn

A unique getaway in Montana’s Paradise Valley. Photo courtesy of Centennial Inn

The inn has proved to be popular in the summer and fall with visitors.

Valentine’s Day. They stayed in an old rail car there. Impressed with the setting, they asked the manager where it had come from. He didn’t know, but told them about the Centennial Inn. They stopped and visited it on the way back and found it was for sale and ended up buying the property. They made further improvements, including adding appliances and a cowhide couch in the sitting room. “It’s fabulous,” Johnson said. “It’s like stepping back in time.” The inn has proved to be popular in the summer and fall with visitors, although occupancy drops off in the winter. Patti is hoping to change that

by adding a “Polar Express” sign to the car this winter. “It’s just adorable,” she said.

Colorful murals According to Paul Shea, director of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum in Livingston, the cars originally came from the Burlington & Ohio rail line. They were retrofitted in Helena and featured painted 4-by-8-foot plywood murals of mountain scenes, fishing and agricultural fields that were hung on the side of the cars. The West Yellowstone museum still has some of the panels.

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From its heyday in 1964, the rail car has retired to a much more sedate and quiet setting.

Before entering the world’s fair, the cars toured across the Hi-Line, North Dakota, Minnesota, through Chicago and on to New York City, making stops and touting the state along the way. “It was quite the deal,” Shea said. From its heyday in 1964 when about 50 million visitors poured into the fair during the course of the year, the rail car has retired to a much more sedate and quiet setting. It rests on 13 acres along the west side of the Yellowstone, just downstream from Carter Bridge. A large deck offers outside sitting on the river side of the car and a smaller deck sits on the opposite side. Nearby, a fire pit also beckons visitors outside. The kitchen has been retrofitted with miniature appliances, including a dishwasher and washer and dryer, which may seem oddly out of character with the stamped copper ceiling, wood wainscoting and antique furniture that

echoes 1864 instead of 2012. The Centennial sleeps four, with one double bed and two twin beds set on opposite ends of the car. In between is the bathroom, which features a marble-tiled walk-in shower/tub and a sink counter made from an old sewing machine. The sitting room is dominated by the overstuffed cowhide couch and the colorful stained glass shade on a floor lamp. The only thing that isn’t supplied at the Centennial Inn is a pot-bellied, tweedy railroad executive with a large mustache. His gold watch chain would be hanging from his vest pocket as he puffs on a cigar while occasionally tossing back swigs from a crystal tumbler of whiskey. Guests can take on that role in their imaginations. Brett French is a reporter for the Billings Gazette.

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soak it up

indulge in paradise

Quinn’s features 6 natural, chemical-free mineral pools. Photo courtesy of Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort

St. Regis - Warm water and an umbrella drink? Yes, you can find some semblance of the tropics in Montana.

You’ll nurse your pina colada in the presence of pine trees instead of palm trees, but the trip will be much shorter and it’ll cost a whole lot less. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, just north of St. Regis and south of Paradise, is a welcoming place for couples or a gaggle of girlfriends. I went there with some gals a couple years ago, and the weekend price was right when you split the cost of a cabin among four people. It’s the perfect couple’s getaway from Missoula, too, since it’s just a little more than an hour’s drive away. I like to take Interstate 90 and cut north at St. Regis because the

Clark Fork River just glimmers along that stretch. It looks like someone spilled jewels of purple amethyst and aquamarine into the water. So whether you’re with a troupe or a sweetie, decompression will begin even before you reach the steamy pools and cozy rooms on the edge of the Lolo National Forest. I think the best part is you can bring your dog, as long as you reserve the right lodging room. Then again, the best part might be the smoked trout at Harwood House, the restaurant. The delectable appetizer comes later, though, after a good soak. Here’s the perfect routine: Get to Quinn’s sometime in the afternoon and take your dog for a sniffaroo around the grounds. Allen, our dog, can be particular about sleeping in places that aren’t home, but

by keila szpaller a rousing smell session sometimes helps. Then, it’s doggy naptime and people playtime. Put on your swimsuit and flip-flops, grab your fuzzy robe and maybe a book or magazine, and head to the bar if you want a beverage. Getting a drink before dipping a toe eliminates one chilly emergence from the hot water. On your way to the pools, pour yourself a cup of water from the cooler sitting outside the door. Staying hydrated in hot water is smart. Admittedly smarter than drinking a pina colada, but the latter comes with a cherry so best to take advantage. You have a couple different social options when it comes to the water. Last time, I brought some magazines that had piled up at home, and I went straight to the private tubs. I read and read and no one else was there to disturb me. But the open pools are the ones with all that silica and calcium and - music to the ears - the sound of foreign languages. It’s such a rarity to hear anything but English in Montana, and in the pools, I listened to some Russian from one crowd, and some other language that wasn’t English from another corner. The languages were a bonus. The pools are interconnected, so there’s a super hot section, warm sections, and a cold plunge all linked together. Warm up until you can’t stand it and then take a dip in a cooler pool. Then, repeat. Repeat until you’re good and cooked. When you’re hot all the way to your bone marrow, hustle back to your room, do dog duties, shower, put on your dinner clothes, and head to the Harwood House. That’s the restaurant on the grounds. I don’t remember the entree I ordered, but my guy and I both remember the smoked trout appetizer. It’s a simple but sizable and divine filet, and I think it’s smoked right there at Quinn’s. Dinner isn’t cheap, but if you want, you can eat a hot meal in your room instead. The trick I learned on the girls’ outing was to bring Crockpots to the room. Macaroni and cheese? You betcha. The pools stay open until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, so you have plenty of time for dessert. Whether you have the energy to raise one more forkful after all that soaking and indulging is another matter. But cheesecake or no, you’ll sleep like a bear in winter and feel rested and ready for a dip in the morning.

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Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort offers many specials, such as lodging and dinner packages. Check the website - quinnshotsprings.com - for details or call (406) 826-3150. Booking online saves you money.

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golf

tips for starting out

Hickory Swing Golf Course, Great Falls. Photo courtesy of Hickory Swing Golf Course

Relish the few times you “hit the green” while learning the game.

When I first started golfing in an instructional women’s league, I could not for the life of me fathom the purpose of the strange accessories that came with my new starter clubs sitting nicely in my new standard-issue novelty Montana Grizzlies bag.

I felt like one of the Three Stooges who accidentally tripped upon an alien bag of Fisher-Price clubs and an odd assortment of party favors while aimlessly mowing the fairways for an unsuspecting course superintendent. Why wear a glove on only one

hand? What were the odd U-shaped tongs that fit in my pocket along with a small ball marker that’s reminiscent of a Tiddly Wink? Why were the tees different lengths? Why did I need a scrub brush and towel hanging from my bag? What did it matter if I wore my tennis shoes, basketball shoes or seriously-spiked golf shoes? Why in the world would I need a circus-style pole that extended with a little plastic round hole on the end? All I wanted to do was slam the ball off the tee box as hard as I could – since distance seemed to be the end goal. I’ve since been told several times by weary-eyed instructors, “You were a softball player, weren’t you?”

by renata birkenbuel Well, yeah. That muscle memory kept me hooking the golf ball to the left, time and time again (as I did in softball when I impatiently swung too early on the pitch). Then, after some instruction by a local pro, I “gripped it and ripped it” even harder, forcing my club to slice the ball to the far right more often than not. Was there no middle ground in this maddeningly deceptive game? So much for control and accuracy – the ultimate goal in golf. If my clubs had had a soul, they would’ve screamed like banshees for me to let up on my relentless iron grip. Pretend to cradle a small bird between your hand and the club, I was told. Don’t crush it. Let my Stooges shenanigans be a lesson to you: If you’re a beginning golfer, then learn from my mistakes. Let’s start with the professionals.

ill Larson, 27-year head golf pro at Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Bozeman, wastes no time tapping the first rule after you learn the correct stance and take a swing: “Keep a light grip, (keep) your head still, and make a complete weight shift,” says Larson, an eight-time member of Montana Cup teams and the former pro at Signal Point in Fort Benton, Madison Meadows in Ennis and Crystal Lakes Resort in Fortine. He recommends that novice golfers sign up for a www.GetGolfReady.com program, a series of five lessons in which he (and other instructors) teach the fundamentals, rules and etiquette. There’s no escaping etiquette issues on a golf course, which you quickly learn if you annoyingly chat up a storm as a partner tees off. You can be hissed and shunned off some courses for not reveling in silence during another’s sacred swing. One thing’s for sure: Some rules you will learn the hard way. But keep playing. Respect the course, repair your divots on the greens (that’s what the little forked do-hicky in your bag of tricks is for: to scrunch up and fix the tiny little concaves your ball creates

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when it strikes the green). That is, if you actually hit the green on an approach shot from the fairway or a short chip shot nearer the green. Good luck with that. Unless you are blessed by the Golf Gods with natural technique and aim, then relish the few times you “hit the green” while learning the game. Despite Larson’s vast experience competing in events on several pro tours (Nike, Hogan, Canadian, New Zealand and South America), he gently reminds new recreational golfers to temper their expectations with realistic goals. “Golf should be a fun game,” he says. “Don’t get too competitive when you start. It’s a nice walk with friends in a peaceful environment. It is a game you can play your whole life.” Cottonwood Hills offers a parthree course, which is excellent for beginners. That means short holes from tee box to green, among other advantages that help when you’re learning the game and course management. “Holes are short with no water or sand traps,” Larson points out. “It’s much easier to get the ball from the tee into the hole. You can also play much faster than on a regulation golf course.” Cost for 9 holes is $10 for adults per round at Cottonwood Hills, which is part of a larger complex that includes a regulation 18-hole course for experienced players. So, unless you go out on a longer, more challenging regulation course with a skilled friend who’s also a patient, effective tip-giver, stick to the shorter executive par-3 courses while you learn the basics.

or those who want to ease into the sport rather than worry about goofing up in front of an experienced pro, consider taking lessons from someone like Jennifer Johnson, a 20-something who competed collegially at a two-year college in Phoenix before transferring to the University of Great Falls. She’s an instructor at the forgiving, laid-back,

welcoming executive par-3, 9-hole Hickory Swing course in Great Falls. “I thoroughly enjoy teaching golf and watching that little spark ignite that gets you hooked on the game,” says Johnson. If your aim is to improve, then prepare yourself mentally. How-to golf books and industry magazines are awash in mental approaches to the game, which can do a number on your psyche if you allow them. Avoid thinking so much that you’re paralyzed with fear of making a mistake. “I really try to preach a positive approach to golf, especially in the way we tell ourselves how to do a task,” Johnson adds. “This means that instead of telling yourself, ‘Don’t lift my left foot in the backswing,’ you should say, ‘Keep my right foot down.’ I’ve found that by doing this we create positive habits rather than bad habits.” Most courses offer a driving range, while others provide putting greens, a chipping area, a practice bunker and even club rentals for new golfers. Meanwhile, familiarize yourself with golf terms and equipment by visiting http://www.golfdigest.com/golfinstruction/golf-beginners-tips-section. When starting out all green and clueless, I wore out my personal go-to bible: Golf for Dummies by Gary McCord. It’s really informative and useful when entering the alien world of golf: http://www.barnesandnoble. com/w/golf-for-dummies-garymccord/1100319959. I even learned – through hands-on experience – what that circus-style extension pole is used for. Hint: it’s great for collecting balls that have landed in the drink. http://www.golfnow.com/coursedirectory/montana-golf-courses/ bozeman-golf-courses/cottonwoodhills-golf-course---par-3-course http://hickoryswinggc.com/ http://www.lindavistagolfcourse.com/ To find a pro instructor and course near you: www.getgolfready.com. Renata Birkenbuel is a Great Falls writer who contributes regularly to Montana 55 and other publications. Spring 2013

golf

Cottonwood Hills Golf Club, Bozeman. Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Hills, Inc.

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Top 10 Tips for Golfers

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Jason Lehtola turned professional at age 19 and worked at the Hamilton Golf Club for 23 years. He received his Class A card in 1994 from the PGA of America, then he won numerous Pro-Ams, several Montana Cup Pro titles and other tournaments. But he thrills in instructing others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a passion for teaching and enjoy helping others improve their game,â&#x20AC;? he says. Now the golf pro at the public Linda Vista Golf Course that lines the Bitterroot River in Missoula, Lehtola shares his Top Ten Game Improvement Tips for current golfers:

1. Have a repeating pre-shot routine. 2. Work with alignment aids. Make sure your feet, hips and shoulders (in that order) all align to your target.

3. Practice your grip: how to hold club properly, how much grip pressure to apply, and how to adjust pressure points on both hands.

4. Spend most of your available practice time on the putting green. About one-half the number of shots taken in golf take place on the green, so it makes sense to spend one-half your practice time on the practice green.

5. Chipping and pitching: Your game will improve quicker and your handicap will drop faster if you can save shots around the green. Spend ample time practicing from 100 yards out and closer to the green.

6. Make practice time fun. Create games for yourself to maintain interest. If you enjoy practicing, you will practice longer. We all know that practice makes perfect.

7. Take lessons from your PGA professional. We at Linda Vista Golf Course are trained in teaching the game of golf, which can make a huge difference in how you perform on the course.

8. Proper equipment is a must. Shafts, lie angles, grips, head types -- all can make a difference in your performance. Your local PGA professional will be happy to assist you in this area.

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9. Physical training for golf: The better physically fit you are, the better you will be able to perform. There are many golf exercise programs online; find one that works for you.

10. Course management: Know your strengths and weaknesses and do your best to apply your strengths on the course. Lay up when you have to, punch out when you must, and try not to compound your mistakes. www.lindavistagolfcourse.com Spring 2013

sleep

rules for real rest

Photo courtesy of Bozeman Deaconess Sleep Disorders Center

Rather than succumb to what society dictates is a good night’s sleep, Dr. Patrick Burns, director of The Sleep Medicine Center in Kalispell, suggests listening to your body.

“Respect your body’s natural biorhythm,” says Burns, who has practiced in the Flathead Valley since 1988. “Tobacco, alcohol, caffeine - all are bad if you have insomnia and they should

be avoided.” His tips, while at first a bit overwhelming, abound: Keep your clock turned away from bed, avoid strenuous exercise three hours before bed and, sensibly enough, buy a bed and pillow that fits your particular body type. “Bed is for sleep or intimate relations only,” he adds. “There’s no working, reading, or watching TV in bed.” He suggests creating a bedtime ritual by learning some relaxation techniques, such as lighting lavender candles and allowing

by renata birkenbuel

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bed times; limit caffeine intake, avoid naps if possible (or at least limit naps to only 10 to 15 minutes). Keep the bedroom dark at night and avoid bright light if you have to get up. Oversleeping is a no-no because doing so “can make it harder to sleep the next night,” Burns adds. Choose a rigorous exercise that makes you sweat for at least 30 minutes, but be careful not to exercise six hours before bedtime. He ascribes to some old relaxing standbys, as well: In order to “heat up” within two hours before bedtime, either take a hot bath or sip a hot drink. Again, follow a strict routine: Get out of bed at the same time every day. Soak up early light sunshine or very bright light within 30 minutes after getting up.

potpourri scent to waft throughout the bedroom. “Let worry go,” Burns advises, which for many is easier said than done. “If you are not asleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed and go to another room with dim light and read. Do not return to bed until tired. Repeat as often as needed. Do not lie in bed ‘trying’ to sleep.” There are other “rules,” too: Maintain a schedule and stick to it, with consistent wake up times and

he practice of sleep medicine deals with conditions affecting proper sleep and sleep-related disorders. Baby boomers and seniors tend to suffer most often from a trio of typical maladies: sleep apnea, insomnia and restless leg syndrome. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the term “sleep medicine” has come of age and is a recognized independent medical subspecialty that provides accredited fellowship training programs and certification to “sleep medicine specialists.” According to The Sleep Medicine Center’s readable, navigable, informative website, www.thesleepmedicinecenter.com, the Kalispell clinic also provides services for jetlag, narcolepsy and shift work disorders, among all forms of sleep disorders. Handily, the homepage provides thorough definitions of some of the common disorders. “Treating sleep disorders,” stresses Dr. Burns, “can markedly improve mood, blood pressure, health, and well being.” If left untreated, poor sleep and poor health go hand-in-hand. “Poor sleep can lead to mood disorders, abnormalities in metabolism

like diseases, daytime sleepiness, and loss in productivity,” Burns says. “Sleep apnea is known to be a risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. “Sleep is also involved in memory and learning. Without proper sleep the body does not function in an optimal fashion.” Lest readers assume that most patients fit the boomer or senior profile, Burns emphasizes that sleep patients run the gamut. “Our patients range from young and old, big and small, male and female,” he says. “Since sleep disorders can affect any age, we have no typical age that we see. Our youngest sleep apnea patient is three and our oldest is 93.”

n independent medical facility owned and operated by doctors, The Sleep Medicine Center in Kalispell is a “free-standing sleep center” where the physician obtains sleep history, then performs an evaluation to determine what factors interfere with sleep before deciding whether a sleep study is necessary. “Patients are given a full explanation of their sleep problems as well as what a sleep study involves,” Dr. Burns says. To search for sleep medicine clinics in your area, a good clearinghouse is www.sleepcenters.org. In Great Falls, there’s the Rocky Mountain Sleep Disorders Center Inc., which touts itself as “the only accredited sleep disorders facility in North Central Montana.” Assessment includes a battery or overnight tests, including CPAP, bright light testing and pulmonary functioning testing, among many others. The Rocky Mountain Sleep Disorders Center provides easily accessible articles on such issues as a caffeine IQ test, a sleep quiz, REM sleep disorder, “10 Diseases Doctors Miss” and “What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?” Bozeman has the Bozeman Deaconess Sleep Disorders Center, found at www.bozemandeaconess. org/sleepwakedisorders. Citing the National Sleep Foundation, the Spring 2013

sleep hospital reports that 65 percent of Americans report that they do not get enough sleep and that most adults need six to eight hours per night. According to the sleepcenters.org clearinghouse, “In order to become accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep centers must comply with the AASM Standards for Accreditation, the gold standard for patient care in the sleep medicine field. These requirements incorporate the latest advances in sleep medicine and guarantee quality care to meet the needs of patients and referring physicians.” Online resources

www.thesleepmedicinecenter.com http://www.rockymountainsleep.com www.bozemandeaconess.org/ sleepwakedisorders www.sleepcenters.org

Renata Birkenbuel is a Great Falls writer who contributes regularly to Montana 55 and other publications.

Discover the Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

Photo courtesy of Bozeman Deaconess Sleep Disorders Center

The Sleep Medicine Center 200 Commons Way • Suite C Kalispell, Montana • 406-752-1729

Director Patrick J. Burns, D.o.

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q&a

with a life coach

I always emphasized personal and professional growth.

Who doesn’t need help easing the pain of life transitions?

If you don’t, you’re Superwoman or Superman. For the rest of us mere mortals, Missoula life coach Pam Gardiner, 66, has offered a wide range of services to help make inevitable life transitions less painful, more productive and ultimately, enjoyable for nearly four years. A marathoner with an impressive array of leadership experience from a long career in the U.S. Forest Service, Gardiner relishes sharing her knowledge with a handful of clients who are bent on improving the quality of their lives. A question-and-answer session with Gardiner elucidates the scope and depth of what she has to offer those ready for constructive, life-fulfilling change:

When did you start your business? Where are your roots?

I started Wellbuddies Coaching in 2009, a year after I retired from the U.S. Forest Service. I grew up in the Midwest: Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio.

On your website, wellbuddies.com, you list among your passions maintaining an active lifestyle, a healthy weight, etc. What techniques do you use?

As a coach, I work with each client to develop a personal vision of their ideal wellness, explore their motivation and confidence, and design small, do-able steps that take them in the direction they want to grow. After developing the wellness plan, we check in periodically (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) to monitor progress, celebrate success, internalize

by renata birkenbuel lessons learned, and chart the next stage of the journey. Throughout the process, my role is to help the client clarify their own vision of the future and their own design for a path that takes them there. As a coach, I do not impose my own health and wellness agenda on the client. It’s “all about them.” When the client asks, I am willing to share resources that have worked well for me or for other clients. Examples include books, websites, weight loss and exercise programs, and practitioners in fields that interest them.

Obviously a client must be proactive, determined to make a life change and seek you out. How many clients do you coach?

I have a relatively small practice, ranging from two to five individual clients at a time. I have coached a total of 30-to-35 individual clients and

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several small groups since I began. My marketing has been low-key, and most clients have come through relationships I developed during my past career and current volunteer activities. Some clients have found my website through an online search.

What are some of the typical profiles of clients?

I have been surprised at the diversity of clients who have been attracted to my coaching practice: both men and women, ranging in age from 20s to 60s. More than half have been “Boomer” women over 50.

How long have you lived in Missoula? From where do you draw clients?

I have lived in Missoula 8 ½ years. I moved here in 2004 for a Forest Service job, and retired in 2008. I have had both local clients and those who live around the country (California,

Colorado, Washington, D.C.). One long-term client was living in Paris during our coaching relationship.

I see that you worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 30 years in various leadership capacities. Would you like to mention a few of your previous job titles? How did they prepare you for work as a life coach?

When I worked for the US Forest Service, I was a District Ranger, Deputy Forest Supervisor, Deputy Planning Director in Washington, D.C., and Regional Planning Director in the Northern Region office in Missoula. Those jobs included managing organizations from 20 to 500 employees. As a supervisor, I always emphasized personal and professional growth for the people who reported to me. I took much of my satisfaction from helping people find work they loved and doing

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Q&A it to the best of their ability. I also had the opportunity to take a number of quality leadership development courses (including a month-long session at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government) that included personal goal-setting and professional improvement. Finally, I was invited to train and serve as a learning coach for the agency’s national Senior Leadership Program.

I see that you offer life coaching in various ways: individually, group work or via e-coaching for those clients who like to write. Which method is the most popular?

The most popular is individual, faceto-face coaching. Since coaching is such a personal relationship, it comes most naturally for most people to prefer an informal conversation that includes nonverbal communication and eye contact. On the other hand, I have been pleasantly surprised at the ease with which a phone or Skypebased session can take place. In some ways, the freedom from nonverbal cues allows for honing in on key messages and listening effectively. I am especially excited about the possibilities of e-coaching, but have not yet connected with clients who share that excitement. I see the benefits for busy clients who want to read and write e-mails any time of day or night that works for them, and the same is true for me. I also “write to think” and I suspect there are others who do so too. I trust we will find one another before long.

The term “wellbuddies” infers group work, even though you give individual guidance as well. Is teaming up for support part of your core technique? Is it required?

When I started the business, I envisioned a combination of individual and group coaching, and I fantasized about generating an online community of people who enjoyed being in dialogue on wellness topics. Although I have been writing a 28

weekly blog (and later an e-mail) for almost four years, the give-and-take is almost always between individual readers and me. Some readers post responses to the essay after it posts on my Facebook Page, but I have not yet developed the magic formula for building a virtual community. Finally, while Wellbuddies implies and was intended to promote broader sharing, I see even the individual coaching relationship as a journey shared between coach and client as “wellness buddies.”

Are you able to make a living as a life coach or is it a sideline job?

I have not put the effort into business marketing and the growth needed for coaching to be profitable. There is a part of me that savors the concept of “retirement” and a calendar that has plenty of white space. Another part of me enjoys donating my services as a volunteer. For about six months of the year, I coach 100to-150 participants in the Run Wild Missoula Galloway marathon training program, and year-round I coordinate a group of slower runners and walkers called the Back of the Pack. Reflections, my weekly e-mail essay is a time commitment, and I am beginning to pull those essays into book form. A part-time life coaching practice fits into the total picture, but does not constitute “making a living” the way I am going about it.

You define “wellness” as an entire range of holistic aspects – mental, emotional and physical. That seems like a lot of ground to cover, even for the best counselor or guide. How do you help the client stay focused? How do you know when there’s success or a goal has been reached?

Before the coaching process begins, the client takes an online well being assessment that covers the full range of wellness topics, from health and

weight management to life satisfaction and emotional factors. That assessment typically helps the client identify those aspects of life that are the most out of whack. In the first session, developing a wellness plan, we identify 1-2 priorities to work on first. It is critical that the adaptive energy of making life changes not be spread too thin. In addition, clients are coached to develop “behavioral goals” (such as making lunch three days next week or walking three miles on Saturday and Tuesday), in which it is clear whether or not the goal has been met. Behavioral goals also consist of actions (I will write down everything I eat) rather than outcomes (I will lose two pounds).

How many years do clients tend to stay with you?

The duration of coaching varies widely with the client. I encourage clients to focus on a few key lifestyle changes they want to make over a 1-to-3 month time frame. When that goes well, some clients move forward to take on additional priorities. One client worked with me for a year, and another for 2 ½ years. Some clients maintain a weekly schedule, and others move after a few weeks to biweekly or monthly reviews. Different approaches can work well if they meet the client’s needs.

Can you give some specific instances of success? I know there are testimonies on the site, but can you give a few tangible snapshots for the reader?

One individual came to coaching with a fairly common array of wellness issues. He wanted to lose 20 pounds, develop a regular exercise program, and improve the balance between work and family time. He was pleased to make the changes he had in mind, and took on a few additional challenges after a health assessment showed that some of his “numbers” needed improvement. We remain in touch, and the changes he made three

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years ago remain strong. Another individual was going through a transition including divorce, a newly empty nest, going back to school overseas for a Master’s degree in a whole new field. We have also stayed in touch, and she tells me that the time management, and priority setting, and life balance practices she developed during coaching continue to make a difference in her life. I am especially passionate about helping people with transitions. Change typically brings the pain of loss, but with that comes the energy and opportunity to create something new. My own transition into retirement has been a fantastic adventure. I have learned a lot in the process and enjoy helping others come up with their own answers to the question, “What am I going to do next?” The volunteer marathon program coaching I do is not classical “life coaching,” but there are definitely common threads. I am excited by the chance to work with more than 300 people in the past three years, many of whom are new to exercise or have been inactive for a long time. Seeing those people finish a half or full marathon when six months earlier they were lucky to walk 3 miles is an extraordinary reward of the coaching role.

Your plan is specific and clear-cut. It’s also cool that you provide a free “life balance assessment” and a quiz to assess a potential client’s coachability. Do you base your specific questions on any particular counseling method or approach?

I trained with the Wellcoaches School of Coaching (www. wellcoachesschool.com). The framework I use comes directly from them. That framework is based in a number of scientific models of behavioral change, including “motivational interviewing,” “appreciative inquiry,” “positive psychology,” “nonviolent

communication,” “stages of change,” and others. I am proud to be associated with a program that pays such close attention to research and results. Wellcoaches requires that its certified coaches bring prerequisite credentials in some mental or physical health sciences field. My Master’s Degree in counseling from Stanford University fulfilled that requirement.

The words “life coach” may cause skeptics to wonder if it’s a less-than-serious feel-good type of program. How tough are you in terms of helping clients toe the line, so to speak? Can you give an example?

The client is responsible for toeing the line they have set. As a coach, I hold up the mirror that enables them to see whether or not they are keeping their promises to themselves. Each periodic “check-in” is built around reviewing the last session’s goals, what worked and what didn’t, and lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. There is an emphasis on positive reinforcement, and celebrating even small successes, because research has shown that negative feedback, while it may work in the short term, does not lead to lasting change. It is critical that the client find, deep in their soul, the positive reasons that they want to live their lives differently. The toughness comes with helping the client take responsibility for his or her own change and follow up with the actions that will lead them where they want to go.

While browsing your Reflections e-journal on your website, one line in particular strikes a chord: “It takes a stout heart and firm resolve to wake and rise on any day, as every day has its large share of the unknown and unknowable,” as you write in your “Proceed with Caution (and Faith)” entry. As a life coach who or what inspires you?

I have been a “personal growth junkie” for as long as I can remember. I have high ideals and want to become a better person making a contribution every day of my life. I am inspired by friends who creatively take on the challenge of living healthier and happier lives, especially those who are starting from scratch in midlife. I am inspired by my son, as he builds his endurance to run ultra-marathons. He has finished a 100K (62 miles) and is aiming for 100 miles. I am inspired by friends who have dealt proactively with significant life changes: caring for a dying parent, losing a spouse, coping with the diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. A few of the many books that inspire my personal life and coaching include Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson, Simple Living by Sister Jose Hobday, The Tao of Leadership by John Heider, The Active Life by Parker Palmer, Don’t Retire, Rewire by Sedlar and Miners. I love classical music, and one of my favorite composers is Missoula’s own David Maslanka. Native American flute music is a favorite for calming and centering: Carlos Nakai, Mark Thunderwolf, Robert Mirabal. As a child of the 1960s, I enjoy the Beatles and the Beach Boys. A recent favorite inspiring movie is Searching for Sugarman. A longer-term favorite is Smoke Signals. Andy Goldsworthy and Dale Chihuly are both artists who work in large-scale installations set in lovely outdoor settings. I am inspired by the convergence of the human spirit with natural beauty in their work. Finally, the model of behavioral change I learned in Wellcoaches training has made a big difference as applied to my own life. It has helped me with adjusting to retirement, exploring new work and volunteer opportunities, coping with aging and health issues, and anything else that comes along.

Spring 2013

volunteer

What is Hunger?

Hunger: an individual’s conscious decision to reduce food intake or skip meals because he or she lacks enough resources for food Food Insecurity: an inability to maintain consistent access to food, which adversely affects the individual’s psychological and physical health

for hunger relief

Although the Montana Food Bank Network does not have any specific programs that target seniors, it serves agencies that do. Gayle Gifford, MFBN’s chief executive officer elaborated, “In 2012, MFBN’s agencies worked to serve 284,000 seniors through meals programs or food box distribution.” Two of the most prominent programs are Meals on Wheels and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition

Program (SFMNP). Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors who are homebound; SFMNP is a federal program that provides funding to States, United States Territories, and Indian tribal-governments for the distribution of coupons to low-income seniors that can be exchanged for food at eligible farmer’s markets, roadside stands, and community agricultural programs. continued on page 32

by kaitlyn schaeffer

www.montana55.com

Senior Hunger

Protecting oneself from food insecurity is more difficult for seniors than for the general population. Studies that investigate food insecurity in the elderly have found that food insecure seniors who have enough money to buy food may still not have enough resources to access or prepare that food due to health problems, functional limitations and lack of transportation.

Montana households with seniors

61% live in poverty 42% were forced to skip meals 82.8% received emergency food at least six times in the previous 12

months In 2011, 8.4% of households with seniors (age 60+) were food insecure This number is expected to increase by 50% by the time the Baby Boom Generation finishes retiring in 2025

The Montana Food Bank Network

The Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN), founded in 1983, is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Missoula that seeks to end hunger in our state by providing food to the needy and persistently advocating on their behalf. The MFBN serves the hungry by repackaging and distributing donated and purchased food. The MFBN has built an extensive statewide network, and works with over 200 Partner Agencies across the state to provide relief to hungry people in urban areas, remote communities, and everything in between, distributing 8 million pounds of food each year. In addition to food distribution, MFBN also engages in advocacy. The MFBN works continuously with legislators and government officials to affect legislation that will help eradicate hunger. The MFBN also seeks to raise awareness of hunger and related issues, such as public nutrition programs.

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volunteer The recession and high unemployment have disproportionally affected the aging population. The economic crisis ruined many individuals’ savings, so unless they have planned very far in advance, many seniors are moving into the aging population with little or no fiscal security. Seniors who have been let go or who have been retired for some time do not fare well in today’s job marketplace; many spent their lifetimes with one company or in one line of work. Some of these companies no longer exist, and many seniors do not have the skills today’s employers are looking for. The recession has also negatively impacted programs designed to help seniors. Many programs have seen their funding cut, including Meals on Wheels and SFMNP. “Programs that provide assistance to seniors can be more expensive to run,” explains Ms. Gifford, “because

seniors have certain nutritional needs and other issues that need to be accommodated; these include diabetes, physical limitations, and an assortment of health problems.” In Montana, one-third of the senior population qualifies for SNAP benefits, but many do not apply to receive them. Gifford hypothesizes that some reasons for this include feeling overwhelmed by the application process, feeling uncomfortable asking for federal resources, and believing that they do not qualify so they don’t even try. However, a lack of funding may not be the greatest barrier to eradicating senior hunger. According to Gifford, “The greatest challenge is trying to figure out who these individuals are, and then convincing them to accept our help.” “Many individuals believe others need the support more than they do,” Gifford expounds, “they feel as though they would be taking away resources

from other, needier individuals.” The heightened cost of fuel, medical expenses, and living expenses combined with low social security wages create an environment where many seniors are struggling to survive, creating what Gifford calls “a perfect storm for seniors.”

Weathering the Storm

The cuts to public assistance programs along with the inevitable onslaught of needy seniors in the coming years are a call for “nonprofits to step up,” Gifford says. The best way to help eliminate hunger among seniors and others is by volunteering for food-assistance programs, like Meals on Wheels, and lobbying for hunger-ending policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Kaitlyn Schaeffer is a Missoula freelance writer and contributor to Montana 55.

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Hunger in Montana

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• Population: 1,005,141 • 1 in 7 struggle with hunger • 31 of Montana’s 56 counties

Hunger is directly associated with economic insecurity, and our growing hunger problem is a symptom of our struggling economy. Montana has lost 12,300 jobs since the recession began. Many individuals and families who reduce food intake do so because their other expenses require it; almost two-thirds of Montana households have had to choose to pay for some other necessity (rent, fuel, utilities, mortgage, or medical care) instead of buying food during the previous year. In 2007, client visits to MFBN agencies totaled around 700,000; today they are almost double that.

are food deserts: poor areas where upwards of 500 people and/or one third of the residents are required to travel over ten miles (or one mile in urban areas) to reach a supermarket

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ultrasound

mobile for your health

Buffy Stiles knows from personal experience how difficult it can be for individuals with dementia to leave home for medical appointments.

Stiles had her own grandmother, a sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease, on her mind when she decided to include a mobile ultrasound service as part of her business, Picture Perfect Ultrasound. “I have a portable ultrasound system that is state of the art,” said Stiles, whose business opened a year ago in Billings. “We can actually bring ultrasound to them.” Leaving familiar surroundings can be terrifying for people with dementia and stressful for caregivers tasked with coordinating the appointments. Individuals with physical limitations also can struggle to get to an appointment. Any time frail or otherwise vulnerable people move out of their comfort zones, they may be at risk for physical or emotional injuries. With her portable equipment, Stiles can conduct ultrasound examinations in assisted-living facilities, nursing homes and even detention centers. The mobile unit is one of the many ways Stiles has geared Picture Perfect Ultrasound toward patient convenience and comfort.

Front entry, photo courtesy of Picture Perfect Ultrasound

The business, at 1216 16th Street West in Billings, is located on the ground level and has front-door parking. The ultrasound rooms are large, allowing family members to accompany patients during examinations. “All of the ultrasounds are projected onto a monitor on the wall,” Stiles said. “It allows the patients as well as their family to see what we’re doing. My philosophy is to educate and keep patients involved.” Picture Perfect Ultrasound offers same-day appointments and provides same-day results. Stiles’ ultrasound system is digital, which means she can instantly transmit images to local board-certified radiologists for interpretation. She also can send the images to a patient’s medical provider. Although it is most often associated with pregnancy, ultrasound is used in many areas of medicine, especially for diagnostic purposes. The technology uses sound waves to create three-and four-dimensional images of the body’s internal organs, vascular system and soft tissues. “We’re able to see the anatomy and to pivot it,” Stiles said. “The technology has advanced remarkably. The image quality is amazing.” Among other things, ultrasound is used to examine arteries for plaque, veins for blood

by diane cochran

www.montana55.com

clots, the aorta for aneurysms, and the gallbladder for stones. It is also commonly used to diagnose gynecological problems. “We do ultrasound on men. We do it on women. We do it on kids,” Stiles said.

tiles began working with ultrasound technology 20 years ago. A caregiver by nature, she thought a job in medicine would be a good fit. She attended x-ray school on the advice of a family friend and discovered she had a passion-and a flair-for ultrasound. “Ultrasound is a very hands-on technology,” she said. “It’s not a button-pushing technology. The machine won’t obtain (images) on its own. It’s operator dependent.” To gather ultrasound images, a sonographer passes a wand over the exterior of a patient’s body. The wand emits sound waves, which bounce off

the interior structure of the patient’s body. The wand is linked to a machine that uses mathematics to translate the bounced waves into pictures. It might sound simple, but there is technique to the image-gathering process, Stiles said. “You have to gather the images with different angles,” she said. In addition to her American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography credential, Stiles is credentialed as a circulatory specialist. After almost two decades working as a sonographer in Billings hospitals, Stiles decided to strike out on her own. She had always wanted to operate her own business, and her three children were finally old enough to offer her the flexibility being a business owner requires. Picture Perfect Ultrasound accepts patient referrals from any medical provider and bills private insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, and

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the Indian Health Service. A diagnostic ultrasound must be ordered by a medical provider, but Stiles offers one elective service. The Healthy Montana Wellness Screening is a collaboration among Stiles and other Billings medical providers that aims to promote preventive medicine. For $285, a patient receives a blood pressure and pulse check; ultrasound examinations of her carotid artery, aorta and circulatory system; and a blood draw to test for cholesterol levels, thyroid health and overall metabolic health. The results of all the tests are sent to the patient, who may share them with her medical provider. For more information about Picture Perfect Ultrasound, visit the business Web site at www. pictureperfectultrasound.com. Diane Cochran is a Missoula-based writer who contributes regularly to Montana 55 and other statewide publications.

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smoking

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The old saying, “age is just a number” might help you feel young at heart as you start to grow older. If you are a current smoker, however, that saying might not apply.

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www.montana55.com

Men 65 and older who smoke are twice as likely to die from a stroke, while women smokers are about 1 1/2 times as likely to die from a stroke than their nonsmoking counterparts. The risk of dying from a heart attack is 60 percent higher for smokers than nonsmokers 65 and older. Smoking reduces one’s normal life expectancy by an average of 13 to 15 years – thereby eliminating retirement years for most smokers.

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location

where boomers want to live

A study released by a nonprofit regional community planning and public policy group found national demographic shifts are changing housing preferences in the Northwest.

Rather than settling in traditional suburbs, members of Generation Y and baby boomers instead are searching for and paying a good price for amenity-laden housing developments in more urban areas, a study conducted by the Sonoran Institute’s Community Builders project found. “One of the things we asked was if you’re in the home-buying market are you willing to pay more for a housing product with certain attributes?

There was an increased preference for that (urban setting),” said John Lavey, a land-use planner in Sonoran’s Bozeman office. Based on a 2011 National Association of Realtors study that showed more Americans were looking for urban-based developments with high “walkability,” including quick access to things like parks, trails and town centers, Sonoran analyzed how influential those factors were to buyers in six communities, including Bozeman. In Bozeman, survey responders were willing to pay 20 percent more for a place that included compact living areas with smaller lawns near “walkable” areas close to transportation schools and work. The survey average was 18.5 percent. How a development fits into the

by jenna cederberg

larger community is a major pull, Lavey said. “People are willing to make tradeoffs,” Lavey said. “What it means for development is there’s an opportunity out there. There’s a market out there that’s not being capped. If you flip the ‘location, location, location’ adage on its head and say, ‘community, community, community,’ there’s certainly an emergence and increasing demand for those types of developments.” Sonoran hosted a Community Builders Summit in Bozeman in January where a host of community planning experts leaders and builders discussed the urban living trend. Among the speakers was Adam Ducker, a consultant with Robert Charles Lesser and Co. that studies national housing trends.

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Contributing to the shift is the fact that Generation Y people are remaining in the “pre-family” stage of life longer. Baby Boomers are remaining healthy and “vibrant” longer and wanting to move into less suburban settings, Ducker said.

ithout having any studies or specific data to examine, Missoula architect Don MacArthur said he has seen a fair amount of urban housing activity around Missoula. “People are still doing houses out further away from town but I would say that rapid growth around the city, around the perimeter, has been really cut back in the last years. That’s anecdotal,” said MacArthur, a principal at MacArthur Means and Wells Architects.

Work to remodel and improve houses in “older neighborhoods” inside the city continues to be steady for MacArthur’s firm. “People are willing to invest in those neighborhoods. They see the value of being downtown and close to their jobs,” he said. “When they’re reinvesting they’re probably not going to get more square footage. They probably could buy something bigger, but it doesn’t have the same value in terms of being close to what they want.” People might be willing to pay more to live closer to the city simply because they aren’t having to pay higher transportation costs that come with living in more suburban areas, MacArthur said. In at least one traditional subdivision outside Missoula, activity Spring 2013

location Americans are looking for urban-based developments with high “walkability,” including quick access to things like parks, trails and town centers.

is picking up after slow years during the recession. The 44 Ranch subdivision is approved for 545 homes in 22 phases. It currently holds around 100 homes and is in phase 5. “The last, I would say, four years there’s probably been three to five new homes built in 44 Ranch, all selling,” said Kory Mytty, of Shelter West Development that is developing the project. He added that in the past year residential housing activity in several subdivisions where Shelter West owns lots has been up substantially. Ranch 44 offers many amenities buyers appreciate, Mytty said. “It allows nice wide streets, curbs, sidewalks. It has a 5.4-acre park already approved in the first five phases,” Mytty said. “It also has sewer and water, all the amenities you would expect in any city subdivision.” Along with traditional housing development, Mytty’s company is also

planning to do work to accommodate the people highlighted in the Sonoran study through development of the Old Sawmill District. Located on the old Champion millsite off Russell Street, early development plans at the Sawmill site include building two large multi-use spaces with multifamily living spaces on the upper floors and commercial and retail space below. It’s the kind of development Mytty thinks could satisfy the people looking for urban, amenity-laden housing. “There will be some new urban activity close to downtown, midtown,” Mytty said. “That’ll be more of the new style, with a mix of commercial, office and residential. It’s going to be a great addition to Missoula.” Jenna Cederberg is a reporter for the Missoulian. She can be reached at 1-800-366-7186 or by email at jenna. cederberg@missoulian.com.

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real estate How does one begin the task of weeding through all the real estate choices?

choosing wisely

Choosing real estate can be a daunting task. Spring has arrived and it seems as if new For Sale signs are sprouting as fast as daffodils. Buyers and their home needs can vary as much as the season’s array of flowers. Perhaps retirement is drawing near. Or maybe a new grandchild is expected and it would be nice to be closer to the children. Some people begin thinking of new climates, especially when it seems as if winter is lingering a little too long. While others may want to travel more and just keep a smaller home base. Whatever the motivators are, they are different for each person. How does one begin the task of weeding through all the real estate choices? Sunday mornings are one of my

self lifting recliner

by joy earls

favorite times of the week. I relish the idea of fresh coffee and a thick newspaper. First I take the paper apart and put the advertisements to the side for later. Then I find the comics and set them in another spot. But I don’t read them yet either. I finally settle in to my favorite sections. As other family members join the Sunday rituals, I watch the comic section out of the corner of my eye. After someone else has read the funnies I ask them which ones made them laugh? For some reason, I have never enjoyed reading all the strips. It seems like work to me. I wait until someone says, have you read Pickles yet? Then I ruffle through the pages and read away. I love a great laugh and good humor, but I enjoy it more when it doesn’t take any effort. Searching through all the real estate

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real estate Give yourself a realistic timeline to make the decision on purchasing a new home. options can feel formidable for many people. It must be how I feel when reading through all the comics on Sunday. A serious buyer has to find a way to begin the process of sorting through all the choices. Some buyers are fortunate to have someone else who enjoys going online, reading the classified sections, and sorting through the vast field of options. If couples are working together, sometimes it’s the wife that takes the lead. If parents are aging, sometimes their children help them get started. Occasionally, a single person will seek the help of a family member or friend. Often, after those initial discussions a professional is contacted to assist in further defining choices. Working with others to sort through options is beneficial. But if you are the buyer don’t be overly swayed by their conclusions. You should listen to your assistants

while staying true to your personal needs. You are the one who will live with the final choice. If you aren’t careful you may end up living in your sister Wendy’s dream home. We were visiting my in-laws, one holiday season, when we all went out for breakfast. The kids really wanted pancakes and soon everyone at the table thought it was a great idea. It seemed as if a long time passed before our meals finally arrived. When the plate was placed in front of my father-in-law, who always ate omelets, we could see he was sad. He never enjoyed pancakes and he was clearly disappointed. At the time we were ordering, everyone was happy and having fun, but when the reality set in, the food wasn’t nearly as rewarding. We were all swayed by the children, the waitress, the great pictures on the menu and the fun of the moment. But I will never forget the look on his face when the food arrived. It reminds me of the pitfalls of being caught up in the moment while making a choice. One breakfast outing is not of monumental importance in a lifetime of meals, of course, but choosing a home impulsively can cause long term regrets. When you are looking for a new home, what is the next step after the initial screenings? It is still important to have your helpful team. The dynamics of the group may change through the process. Uncle Harry may jump in when it’s

time to look at furnaces and hot water heaters. While Aunt Sue, with her engineering background may know more about surveys and septic tanks. A fun crew will be most important when it’s time to ride around, look at neighborhoods and drive by homes. I like to determine the value and attributes of a home independently of the other team members. Then we compare notes and see how closely our conclusions align. This is another method that you can use to narrow the field of choices. Finally the property that most suits your needs will rise to the surface. Give yourself a realistic timeline to make the decision on purchasing a new home. It doesn’t need to take years, but it could take some time if the move is a drastic change from your current situation. Know your reasons for moving and your budget. Take the plunge into your real estate search. Stay true to yourself while letting a team assist you. As long as you don’t get caught up in other people’s choices for the wrong reasons, you will find the right home. Now, picture yourself on a Sunday morning reading your favorite section of the paper, enjoying a hot cup of coffee and an omelet in your new kitchen. If you’re lucky, maybe someone will even point out a funny comic for you. Joy Earls is a Missoula real estate broker and contributor to Montana 55. She can be reached at www.joyearls. com.

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reverse mortgage

“Reverse mortgages are a hot topic right now,” explains Mann Mortgage Consultant Casey Hornaday. Reverse mortgages provide a way for people to retain their homes, which in many cases are the places they raised their families.

Seniors often desire to stay in their houses but have a hard time making ends meet on fixed incomes. Reverse mortgages, according to Hornaday, allow them to be “fully retired and enjoy life.” A traditional mortgage requires the homeowner to make monthly payments to the lender. The payments (principal) accrue over time until the mortgage is paid off, at which point the home is released from the mortgage. The accumulation of principal is the equity in the home - the amount of the mortgage that has been paid off. A reverse mortgage allows homeowners to access a portion of this equity. In a reverse mortgage, the homeowner is no longer required to make payments on the house, because the house is used as collateral. When the homeowner dies, the loan comes due – the reverse mortgage must be paid off.

Who Can Get A Reverse Mortgage?

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To qualify for a reverse mortgage, the homeowner must be at least 62 years old, and the home in question must be his or her primary residence. Additionally, the mortgage on the home must be low enough that it can be paid off with proceeds from the reverse mortgage.

some explanations

Because the homeowner is no longer required to make payments, the homeowner’s credit, income level and employment are irrelevant. In a reverse mortgage, unlike a traditional one, the homeowner becomes responsible for the taxes and insurance on the property; a lapse on either of these could result in a default.

When the Loan is Due The loan comes due when the homeowner dies, sells the property, fails to pay taxes or insurance, or moves out of the residence for twelve consecutive months. At this point, the homeowner or heirs can choose to refinance and keep the property, sell the home, or turn the property over to the lender. The lender has recourse against the home, but not against the homeowner or heirs. “Reverse mortgages are a type of non-recourse loan,” explains Guild Mortgage Company Consultant Kathy Earle. “The house always stays in the owner’s name and passes with the estate.”

Proceeds from Reverse Mortgages The amount of equity that will become available to the homeowner depends on a number of factors. These include the age of the homeowner (the older the owner, the more money available); the appraised property value; the interest rate; and how the homeowner chooses to access the equity available. The proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be accessed in many different ways. The homeowner can receive a lump sum, in cash, immediately after the reverse mortgage is granted. The homeowner can receive proceeds as cash payments every month for a fixed term or over the homeowner’s lifetime. The

Additional Requirements

kathy G. Earle REvERsE MoRTGaGE ConsulTanT nMls# 402121

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) require individuals seeking reverse mortgages to complete a counseling session before beginning the process to make sure they are making informed decisions. Counseling can be done in person or over the phone.

by kaitlyn schaeffer homeowner may also choose to access these proceeds as a line of credit, where he or she withdraws sums only as needed. It is also possible for the homeowner to pick and choose any combination of these methods. The proceeds from a reverse mortgage are not subject to income taxes and are used at the homeowner’s discretion.

Other Options High initial costs make reverse mortgages an expensive choice – they can cost $8,000 or more, whereas other types of loans typically cost less than $5,000. While in many cases the costs of a reverse mortgage can be paid off with proceeds from the loan, they can certainly put a dent in available equity. On the other hand, “many times the other option is for a senior to sell his or her home, which can cost up to approximately 8 percent of the sale price; a reverse mortgage costs around 5-6% of the sale price and the

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homeowner gets to stay in his or her home,” reminds Ms. Earle. For this reason, it is important to discuss other options with a mortgage consultant.

Conclusion A reverse mortgage can be a great option for a homeowner who has equity in his or her home and who plans to be in the home for a while. The best way to know if a reverse mortgage is the right option for you is to go and speak with a mortgage consultant. “A reverse mortgage can be a valuable tool,” says Earle. Hornaday likes to have people come in so he can get to know them, “I let them talk and try gain an understanding of what’s going on in their lives to see if the product will work for them.” Kaitlyn Schaeffer is a Missoula freelance writer who contributes regularly to Montana 55.

Cost of Getting a Reverse Mortgage

Mortgage Insurance Premium: 2% of home’s appraised value Origination Fee, which depends on the home’s appraised value Appraised value under $125,000 - $2,500 Appraised value over $125,000- 2% of the first $200,000 plus 1% of the value over $200,000 with a $6000 cap

Title Insurance

Title, Attorney, and Country recording fees Real Estate Appraisal, usually $300-$500 Survey, usually $300-$500 Monthly Service Charge for Reverse Mortgage: $25-$35, usually added to balance of loan Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium: 1.25% of mortgage balance

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job hunting

experience has its benefits

Anyone who has been in the job market recently knows how difficult it is to find work in a recession.

Research shows that employers recognize that older workers have a lot to offer. 46

by diane cochran

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Advanced Procedure for High-Risk Heart Care We’ve been caring for hearts longer than any other health care organization in Montana. Now, as the leader in heart care for our region, Billings Clinic is the left ventricular assist device for high-risk cardiac interventions.

Interventional Cardiologists Scott Sample, DO, and Brian Rah, MD, perform Impella® procedures in Billings Clinic’s Cardiac Cath Lab.

Inserted in the Cath Lab, this device patient’s heart, allowing interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to perform life-saving procedures that otherwise might not be possible. This technology is one example of the advanced care our cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons provide to our heart patients every day.

Billings Clinic is the only accredited Chest Pain Center in Montana and Wyoming.

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238-2000 or 1-800-332-7156

Cardiovascular Services