Health

July 26, 2011

Health The Examiner

• TRACEY SHAFFER

Healthy senior nutrition | Page 7 The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

Florence Aulgur, right, leads the PEPPI class at the Palmer Center in Independence.

PEPPI seniors

– Page 10

• LARRY JONES

Healthy seniors stay fit | Page 3

• NUTRITION 7 • WELLNESS 9 • CALENDAR 8

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011 Page 3

seniors

Physical activity for healthy aging According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.

Not doing any physical activity can be bad for you, no matter your age or health condition.

Keep in mind, some physical activity is better than none at all. Your health benefits will also increase with the more physical activity that you do.

Older adults should do 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (for example, brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups – the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms – two or more days a week.

How do you know if you’re doing moderate or vigorous aerobic activity?

Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department.

On a 10-point scale, where sitting is zero and working as hard as you can is 10, moderate-intensity aerobic activity is a five or six. It will make you breathe harder and your heart beat faster. You’ll also notice that you’ll be able to talk, but not sing the words to your favorite song.

Vigorous-intensity activity is a seven or eight on this scale. Your heart rate will increase quite a bit and you’ll be breathing hard enough so

that you won’t be able to say more than a few words without stopping to catch your breath.

You can do moderate or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a mix of the two each week.

Intensity is how hard your body is working during aerobic activity. A rule of thumb is that one minute of vigorous-intensity activity is about the same as two minutes of moderate-intensity activity.

Everyone’s fitness level is different. This means that walking may feel like a moderately intense activity to you, but for others, it may feel vigorous. It all depends on you – the shape you’re in, what you feel comfortable doing, and your health condition. What’s important is that you do physical activities that are right for you and your abilities.

What counts for strengthening There are many ways you can strengthen your muscles, whether it’s at home or the gym.

The activities you choose should work all the major muscle groups of your body (legs, hips,

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Our long term care services are designed for individuals who need 24 hour nursing care. These residents may be chronically ill, frail, or experiencing a very slow recovery from an illness or injury. Our long term care units offer private and semi-private rooms including room furnishings, multiple common areas and dining lounges. We offer respite care or vacation care that allows families an opportunity to take a brief break from the demands of round- the- clock care giving.

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10 minutes at a time is fine We know 150 minutes each week sounds like a lot of time, but it’s not. That’s two hours and 30 minutes, about the same amount of time you might spend watching a movie.

The good news is that you can spread your activity out during the week, so you don’t have to do it all at once. You can even break it up into smaller chunks of time during the day. It’s about what works best for you, as long as you’re doing physical activity at a moderate or vigorous effort for at least 10 minutes at a time.

Information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Can I use nicotine replacement products such as gum, lozenges, patches, inhalers or prescription medication along with hypnotherapy?

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back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, and arms).

You may want to try: n Lifting weights n Working with resistance bands n Doing exercises that use your body weight for resistance (pushups, situps) n Heavy gardening (digging, shoveling) n Yoga

For those seeking short term medical and or rehabilitative services, we focus our efforts on working closely with patient and family and strive to achieve the most successful functional outcomes.

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Yes, although hypnosis is normally all you need to become a non-smoker.

Why Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is intended to help you gain more control over undesired behaviors or emotions or to help you cope better with a wide range of medical conditions. Hypnosis may be used for: Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Anxiety / Stress Management, Allergies, Asthma, Athletic Performance, Mental Health Conditions, Pain Control, and Much More!

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Mike Schweder, CHt

Page 4 Tuesday, July 26, 2011

health

Yearly mammograms still recommended It is no secret that breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women. And there has been some confusing information regarding how often women should have a screening mammogram. Just last week the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released its current recommendation for mammography. They recommend women receive a mammogram every year starting at age 40.

The American Cancer Society and the Breast Centers at St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers recommend these same guidelines.

One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The good news is women can take several preventative measures to help ensure their breast cancer is detected and treated in an early stage. One of these is receiving a yearly mammogram.

It is important to go for a yearly mammogram because the goal of mammography is early detection of breast cancer. Going every year increases the likelihood that breast cancer will be detected early enough to be cured. Ninety-five percent of early stage breast cancers are

Richard Kuckelman M,D. GUEST COLUMN Richard Kuckelman, M.D., practices at St. Mary’s Medical Center. considered curable.

Detecting breast cancer at an early stage gives the patient more treatment options that can be less invasive. Breast cancer that is not detected until later has an increased chance of spreading to other parts of the body. When breast cancer is found early, patients are more likely to be able to have breast conservation surgery, a lumpectomy, as opposed to full breast removal, a mastectomy. Going every year for

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breast cancers using mammograms. But, it is estimated that only 35 percent of women over the age of 50 follow the guidelines of a yearly mammogram.

If you have put off having your yearly mammogram, don’t wait any longer. Encourage your loved ones to go in for their yearly mammograms as well.

MORE INFORMATION The Breast Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center makes it convenient for women to get the recommended yearly mammogram.

Walk-ins are welcome 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Breast Center also offers extended hours for appointments 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday,

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a mammogram is one way to ensure cancer is found early.

The technology used in mammography has advanced significantly in the past several years. While mammography can miss some cancers, with digital mammography and computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, the chances are better than ever that breast cancer can be detected at an early stage and treated successfully. The majority of mammography providers in the nation use digital mammography and St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers are among them.

The procedure for having a digital mammogram feels the same to patients as having a film mammogram. But, digital means a shorter exam time and computerized images that can be easily shared with the patient’s physician.

Mammography can be used to detect breast cancer early in women with no symptoms or to diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge. Mammograms are about 90 percent effective, meaning we find about 90 percent of

Matthew M. Thompson, M.D. Dr. Thompson is an orthopedic surgeon fellowship trained and specializing in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. He completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and then finished his orthopedic surgery residency at George Washington University in Washington, DC. In addition to treating sports injuries in patients of all ages, he has had specialized training in shoulder replacement, hip arthroscopy, and complex injuries of the shoulder, elbow and knee.

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seniors

Page 6 Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Briefly l Health

Now is a good time to check your Medicare Part D benefit Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D plans should perform a mid-year drug plan checkup now, according to the The Senior Citizens League. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced that Medicare beneficiaries are beginning to benefit from discounts of 50 percent on covered brand name drugs and 7 percent on covered generics in the Part D doughnut hole, an important new benefit of recent healthcare reform legislation.

According to a national survey conducted by the The Senior Citizens League, nearly 80 percent of seniors who hit the doughnut hole do so in the second half of the year.

The following are some tips for getting up to six months of meds for the cost of two.

■ Estimate when you risk hitting the doughnut hole: If you take more than $236 worth of perscription drugs a month, you’re at risk.

Check your monthly drug plan statements for this information or call your drug plan.

■ Schedule an annual check-up and review all prescriptions with your doctor: There’s a chance you may be able to discontinue something.

■ Find out if there are less costly options: If you are taking an expensive drug or one that’s not covered by your drug plan, see if there are generics or older, less expensive drugs you could try.

■ Find out if your drug plan offers mail order: Generally, mail order requires a 90-day prescription, but frequently the cost is the same as what you would pay for a 60-day supply from a retail pharmacy.

■ Split your pills if you can: Ask your doctor if pill-splitting would work with your prescriptions. If you do split your pills, make sure your family and emergency caregivers know that you’ve split your pills, and carefully label all prescriptions that require splitting.

■ Compare generic costs: You sometimes pay more for common generics using your drug plan than you would by visiting a pharmacy with a $4 generic program.

To receive more moneysaving tips, send for a free copy of The Senior Citizens League’s “2011 Best Ways to Save” newsletter. Send $1 for postage and handling to: The Senior Citizens League, Attn: BWTS, 1001 N. Fairfax St., No. 101, Alexandria, Va. 22314.

– Submitted

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seniors

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 Page 7

Good nutrition through the ages Independence Office Internal Medicine, Family Practice 4811 S. Arrowhead Dr., Independence, MO 64055

Phone: (816) 356-5000

Avoid an emergency room or an urgent care copay.

Come to Encompass Independence Office where you only pay an office visit copay!

We have extended hours and on-site X-Ray, Lab Services, and a Pharmacy for your health care needs.

Open from 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday, and Saturday from 10am-2pm.

With the American elderly population growing at the fastest rate of all age groups, it makes good sense to think about the nutrition needs of the aging. Many fail to get the nutrition necessary to meet their needs. This could be due to a fixed income, lack of transportation or social support, lack of understanding, depression, chewing problems, medications or taste alterations.

A poor diet contributes to poor health and poor quality of life, and many diseases that we face in old age are controlled with a proper diet.

Take a few minutes to review the special needs of aging. If you’re in this age group or needs some help or attention, consider taking the time to assist him or her in getting better nutrition.

The concept of nutrient density is important to understand. You may know that human metabolism, or the way that we use energy (calories) in the body, slows down with age.

What that means is that we can’t afford to eat as many calories in old age as we did when we were teenagers. Nutrient density, or nutrients per calorie, should increase in the foods we choose as we age.

To illustrate this, consider the difference between a snack of apple pie versus a fresh apple.

The pie has lots of added sugar, fat and calories.

We get the benefit of fruit and fiber by eating the fresh apple at a fraction of the pie’s calories.

If you choose to get your fruit servings from apple pie, you will either get too many calories (and gain weight) or you will sacrifice other foods in your diet to avoid gaining weight. This will eventually lead to poor healthy from poor nutrition.

To make healthy dietary choices, choose foods that are nutrient -dense – lots of value in relatively fewer calories.

Guidelines for choosing the right foods as we age: n Get a wide variety of nutritious foods. n Eat three to six small meals per day. n Eat more fruits and vegetables. n Eat high-fiber cereals and whole -grain breads. n Drink adequate water and fluids. n For poor chewing, choose soft or ground foods. n For poor taste sensation, try more spices

Tracey Shaffer Food for Thought Tracey Shaffer, RD, LD, is a Hy-Vee dietitian at the Blue Springs location The information provided should not be construed as professional medical advice. Email her at 1033dietitian@hy-vee.com.

and herbs. n If you can’t cook due to physical limitations, try microwaving prepared foods. n If you are short on money, try buying lowcost foods like dried beans, rice and pasta. You shop the sales or ask for assistance from your church or synagogue. You may even qualify for food stamps with a limited income. n If you can’t shop, call your grocery store to see if it delivers.

Italian tomato mozzarella salad Serves 4 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered 3 tablespoons (3/4 oz) shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup fat-free ranch dressing 2 tablespoons fat-free Italian dressing 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing and Italian dressing.

Pour dressing mixture over tomato mixture.

Add parsley. Mix gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Page 8 Tuesday, July 26, 2011

health

healthCALENDAR Items for the Health Calendar may be e-mailed to jill.ritchie@examiner.net or mailed to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051, attention Jill Ritchie. All numbers are area code 816 unless other wise noted.

Spotlights

Blue Springs FREE HYPNOSIS SEMINARS – Stop Smoking from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight; Weight Loss Management from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, A Healthy Change Hypnotherapy, 1133 W. Main St., Suite 203. These are informational seminars, not group hypnosis sessions. To register, call Mike at 816560-6903.

Independence HEALTHY EATING FOR LESS, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 23rd Street Hy-Vee. Dietitian Amanda will show you how to eat healthy and save money.

Learn to prepare and sample tasty, yet inexpensive recipes. Cost, $5. Registration and payment are due by today. Register at the customer service desk. For information, call 500-6778.

DIABETES SUPERMARKET TOUR Thursday, 4 to 5 p.m. at Noland Road Hy-Vee; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 23rd Street Hy-Vee. Tour the store aisles with a registered dietitian and learn about healthy eating, carbohydrates, label reading and portion sizes. Free.

No registration required, meet at customer service desk.

WELLNESS TOUR AND FAMILY FESTIVAL, sponsored by Truman Medical Center and Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Fairmount Community Center, 217 S. Cedar Ave. From 8 a.m. to noon activities include health screenings, sports physicals, childhood immunizations, fitness activities and more. From noon to 2 p.m., the festival includes games, prizes, a magician and drawings. There will be appearances by the KC Wolfe and Chiefs Cheerleaders. To participate in free childhood immunizations and sports physical, register at 254-8334. For medical questions, 404-6413.

Yourtake

Adult Bereavement support group, sponsored by St. Mary’s Medical Center, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. several times throughout the year, Vesper Hall.

To register, 655-5490.

Grief support group for children, 7 p.m.

Thursday, St. Mary’s Home Care Services office.

Other Infant loss group, sponsored by Carondelet Health. 655-5582.

to 8:30 p.m. support group Tuesday, First Christian Church, 701 N.W. 15th St. 229-8400 or info@fccbsmo. org.

Break Time Club, sponsored by Shepherd Center of Blue Springs, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Timothy Lutheran Church. For older adults with some physical and/or mental limitations.

A donation of $10 to the cost of the program is suggested. 228-5300.

Miscellaneous

Prenatal/Infant/Child programs

Independence HEALTH AWARENESS PRESENTATION, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Palmer Center. Presenter, Susan Laitner, RN, Independence Health Department. Free. 325-6200.

MATERNITY UNIT TOURS, Centerpoint Medical Center. Call 751-3000 for dates and to register.

VISITING NURSE, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. They will check blood pressure, glucose levels and answer general health questions for seniors.

254-8334.

Food handler/manager permit training classes, food handler classes, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Truman Memorial Building, 1 and 3:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Independence Health Department.

There is a fee. To register, 325-7803.

Blue Springs EYE GLASSES ADJUSTMENTS, sponsored by Blue Springs Optical, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall.

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS SERIES, sponsored

by Mental Health America of the Heartland, 6:30

Independence WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue Springs WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 220-1007.

Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit Tough Love support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m.

Tuesday, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

Moms & Moms-to-be prenatal and postnatal class, 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Family YMCA. 224-9620.

Kansas City WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-9740 or 923-5800.

What are your biggest health concerns about the heat wave?

John Hampton, Independence Keeping hydrated. I do a lot of walking, and it’s even harder because I have a 4- and 7-year-old. It puts a lot of stress on them.

MORE ON PAGE 9

Addiction groups

Jody Brewer, Independence Heart attacks and stroke. It runs in my family. The heat puts that much pressure on you.

Bereavement groups

Shannon Roberts, Independence My son overheating. He has heat allergies, and it can be dangerous.

Independence Straight Talk, Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, First Baptist Church.

Narcotics Anonymous Help Line: 531-2250.

Living Free – Al Anon meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 1723 Appleton Ave. 461-0039.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, meetings available daily, most sessions are closed, and there are beginner meetings also, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner). There is a total of 29 meetings per week. For times, call 228-7921.

CHAPEL HILL AL-ANON, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m. Saturday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

BLUE SPRINGS ALATEEN, 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

Raytown NEW DAY AL-ANON, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran Church. 353-5446.

Blue Springs Widowed Persons support group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Annex A. 224-0677 or 229-8093.

Independents Singles Ministry grief support group, 7 p.m. Tuesday, First United Methodist Church. 228-3788.

– Jeff Martin

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 Page 9

seniors

Boomers and key to successful aging There are many ways to define successful aging – financial security, rewarding career, nurturing relationships – but good health is most important.

Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, have redefined every stage of life, and their influence on senior years is no exception.

Boomers meet seniorhood. Seniorhood meet boomers. Neither will ever be the same.

Boomers are redefining successful aging and changing how we live as seniors. Boomers and aging, what do you know?

True or false?

1. By 2050, one in five Americans will be seniors.

2. Ten thousand boomers turn 65 every day.

3. The fastest growing segment of seniors are those older than 75.

There are currently 35 million people over the age of 65, and by 2030 there will be more than 70 million. The fastest growing segment of seniors is those over age 85, and 90 percent of them have at least one chronic medical condition. It is predicted that there will be fewer than half the health care professionals needed to care for them.

Lori Boyajian O’Neill Sports and wellness Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill can be contacted at lori.boyajian-oneill@hcahealthcare.com.

There is concern that a large segment of boomers are not as healthy as their parents and will strain our healthcare system. This may be, but Boomers have left their mark on the health and fitness industry and continue this influence into their senior years in a manner unmatched by any previous generation.

There are physiologic changes associated with aging which none of us can escape. In our 30s we start to lose muscle mass but studies show that even those over age 75 can build

muscle strength through weight lifting. Flexibility and balance decrease as we age, but we can reverse this through daily exercises such as yoga and tai chi. Aerobic activity, even light walking, improves breathing and cardiovascular endurance. Regular physical activity also improves cognitive function and mood. Studies of healthy seniors show that as a group they generally have normal weight, are optimistic about life and engaged in regular social and physical activities.

Active lifestyle and proper nutrition are central to preserving and maintaining health at every stage of life. One is never too old to reap the benefits of a regular exercise program.

Exercise is Medicine, AARP, American Geriatric Society and American College of Sports Medicine all have information specifically to promote senior health.

The ACSM recommends a plan which includes aerobic, resistance, balance and flexibility activities. Local community centers and YMCAs offer such programs. Be sure to check with your physician before signing up. Jack LaLanne, a mentor to boomers, and pioneer in senior health promotion, died last January at age 96, vibrant and active right up until pneumonia claimed his life.

Boomers are the reason the National Senior Games Association, founded in 1985 with a few thousand participants, hosted 15,000 competitors for their Senior Games last month. USA Volleyball and other national governing bodies have added age group or master’s competitions for those over age 65 because boomers do not want to quit.

Forward thinking cities such as Portland, Philadelphia and Atlanta are developing communities designed to support healthy senior lifestyles by rethinking transportation, healthcare services and green space accessibility so they may engage more easily in social and physical activities. These are not some feel good boomer initiatives, they make sense economically. When seniors are healthier, physically and emotionally, they spend less time in doctors’ offices and hospitals, potentially saving billions in healthcare costs.

There is much attention on the ill effects of poor diet and lack of exercise among today’s youth. Boomers were active as kids and now as seniors. A lot of what they introduced is now mainstream including yoga, vegetarianism and regular exercise. Not coincidentally more of them will live longer, healthier than any generation in history. Cool.

Community of Christ. 254-7075.

TOPS Mo. 24, 9 a.m. Thursday, New Walnut Park Church. 373-6146 or 650-5262.

TOPS Mo. 100, 9 a.m. Thursday, Farview Restoration Branch. 356-5278.

TOPS MO 0062, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Northeast Baptist Church. 254-9455.

TOPS Mo. 892, 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. 356-9219.

TOPS Mo. 482, 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Calvary Presbyterian Church. 452-3029.

Healthy Reflections, 10 a.m. Thursday, Sermon Center. 325-7370.

Overeaters Anonymous, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Maywood Baptist Church. Handicap accessible. Call Wanda G., 833-2632.

Love Me Slender, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Van Horn Health Source. 418-4070.

CEA-HOW (Compulsive Eaters AnonymousH.O.W.), 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Unity Church of Independence, 14304 E. 39th St. 1-800-672-6715.

Blue Springs TOPS Mo. 772, 10 a.m. Tuesday, First Baptist Church West Annex. 350-1554.

Lee’s Summit Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Monday, Unity Village, Administrative Building, Room 221.

Lisa, 833-2636.

CEA-HOW (Compulsive Eaters AnonymousHOW Concept), 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, First Presbyterian

Church. Lisa at 679-7009 or visit www.ceahow.org.

Raytown Overeaters Anonymous, 4 p.m. Sunday, Quiet House, 65th and Elm. 353-2691.

Other Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program for compulsive eaters. 913-383-5933 or www. overeatersanonymous.org.

WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Tuesdays, or 7 to 7:45 p.m. Thursdays. Cost, $35 for 12-week class, with $25 going in the pot for top three losers. To register, 800-262-2152.

healthCALENDAR from page 8 Screenings/Immunizations

Independence Evening immunization clinics, 1:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jackson County Health Department, 313 S. Liberty St. 404-6415.

Support groups

Independence Domestic violence group for men, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Family Conservancy of Eastern Jackson County. 373-7577.

GRAY MATTER: Traumatic Brain Injury support group, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Comprehensive Mental Health, Independence. Dawn Tish, 254-3652, ext. 746.

Parkinson’s Recovery information group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, The Salvation Army Center.

Blue Springs Overcomer’s Outreach 12-step, 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Blue Springs Assembly. 229-3298.

CANCER support group, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, First United Methodist Church, Room 100. 229-8108.

Eastern Jackson County Lupus, 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. Maureen Flanagan, 350-0913.

BreathEasy, Respiratory Disease, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. 228-5900.

PARENTS OF NICU BABIES, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, St. Mary’s Birthing Center. Moms delivering

at other facilities are welcome. 655-5574, option 5.

Breastfeeding, offered by St. Mary’s Medical Center, 10 a.m. Thursday, 206 Mock Ave., Suite 101.

655-5574.

CHRISTIAN 12-STEP RECOVERY PROGRAM, 7 p.m. Friday, Blue Springs Christian Church. Steve, 2297311, ext. 243.

Lee’s Summit Cancer, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Lee’s Summit Hospital meeting room. 751-2929.

Parkinson’s Disease, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Places Restaurant and Cafe Banquet Room. 3472845.

WOMENHEART meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, the Dogwood Room. For women who have heart disease or who are interested in preventing heart disease.

Petro Branson, 524-5076 or Nancy Payne, 550-5552.

Kansas City EMPOWER KIDNEY DISEASE CLASSES, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through 2011, at several area hospitals. To register, 842-0076.

Weight management

Independence TOPS Mo. 291, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Monday, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. 461-0811.

TOPS Mo. 251, 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Maywood Baptist Church. 478-0723 or 252-2392.

TOPS Mo. 331, 5 p.m. Tuesday, College Park

Women’s issues

Blue Springs Mom to Mom Lunch Club, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. 655-5585.

Independence Women’s Empowerment Groups, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), 6:30 to 8:30 Monday. For locations, call Karen Costa, 252-8388, ext. 16.

Other Hope House Inc. weekly support groups, open to any female who has been or is now involved in an abusive relationship. For times and location, call the hotline at 461-4673.

– Jillayne Ritchie

seniors

Page 10 Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Active seniors stay fit through city program

By ADRIANNE DeWEESE adrianne.deweese@examiner.net

Lola Vanschoelandt said she views her exercise regiment like showing up for a job – she is committed, and she wants to be around other people.

“You have to get up, motivate yourself and get out there,” said Independence resident Vanschoelandt, 62, who has been wheelchair-bound for 32 years. Vanschoelandt is partially paralyzed from her waist down, but classes like Peer Exercise Program Promotes Independence – or PEPPI, for short – at the Palmer Center offer her the opportunity to remain committed and be around other people.

The class aims to increase seniors’ level of physical activity and maintain their level of Independence, all while they are active with their new friends and are having fun. PEPPI, offered three times a week as part of the Independence Parks and Recreation Department, draws 10 to 25 senior citizens per session.

Participants utilize exercise stretch bands and separate exercises to strength their joints and to prevent falls. One exercise takes the seniors back to their nursery rhyme days as the stretching band is held under both feet and residents gently roll forward and then backward, singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

The Palmer Center also offers a separate stretch-and-tone class, but PEPPI is a lower impact exercise that aims to make the body’s joints more flexible, said Independence resident Mary Hoss, who is a retired licensed practical nurse. Also, unlike most classes at the Palmer Center, which cost a couple of dollars per session, PEPPI is always free.

PEPPI has attracted residents from age 60 through their 90s, and some who use walkers rely on the class to improve their mobility, Hoss said.

“I have arthritis, and if I don’t exercise, my joints get very stiff and painful,” Hoss said of changes she’s noticed in her several years of participating in PEPPI. “Mentally, it makes you a little happier,” Vanschoelandt said, smiling, about the effect PEPPI has had in her life. “But you have to make yourself do it.”

As a warm-up before PEPPI, Vanschoelandt also pushed herself in her wheelchair around the Palmer Center gymnasium more than 2 miles on Friday morning. Vanschoelandt said those thinking of joining PEPPI should know

The Examiner/ADAM VOGLER

Florence Aulgur leads the PEPPI class Friday morning at the Palmer Center in Independence. that they can participate in the class at their own speed and skill level – and it will make you feel younger, she said, smiling again.

“She inspires everybody,” said Independence resident Florence Aulgur, who led a class last week, of Vanschoelandt’s attendance. “I couldn’t do as good as she does. Sometimes, I don’t want to get up and do it.”

FYI

If you go

WHAT: Program Promotes Independence WHEN: from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday WHERE: Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St. HOW MUCH: Free.

Wear comfortable clothing, such as a T-shirt and blue jeans, and comfortable shoes. The PEPPI class relies heavily on exercise bands. Call 816-325-6200 for more information.

Food service inspections l Jackson County The Jackson County Public Works/Environmental Health Division conducts inspections anywhere food is handled, prepared and served to the public for cities other than Independence.

Blue Springs ■ Clancy’s Cafe and Pub, 3000 S. Outer Road – On July 5, inspectors found containers of cooked pasta, ham and rice in the walk-in cooler were date labeled with a prep date of more than 7 days ago; foods were discarded. There was no detectable sanitizer provided in the dish machine final rinse cycle; corrected.

■ Price Chopper, 1100 S. Missouri 7 – On July 6, open packages of meats with expired date labels were observed in one of the deli reach-in coolers; discarded. The bakery dish machine final rinse cycle did not meet the minimum required temperature of 160 degrees for sanitization.

■ Blue Springs Bowl, 1225 W. U.S. 40 – On July 6, inspectors observed operator washing and rinsing food contact utensils without a sanitization step; corrected.

■ Pizza Shoppe, 1402 N.W. Missouri 7 – On July 8, an employee drink container without a lid was found on prep table; corrected. Salad cooler was not holding potentially hazardous foods at 41 degrees or below; they were discarded.

■ Sports City, 425 N.E. Mock Ave. – On July 11, a chemical spray bottle was found next to clean utensils in the kitchen; corrected.

■ Zarda BAR-B-Q & Catering, 214 N. Missouri 7 – On July 11, when asked what temperature the hams and turkeys, once smoked then cooled, must be reheated to, the manager stated 140 degrees. The correct temperature for reheating a potentially hazardous food for hot holding is 165 degrees. Corrected through discussion. Ham in the walk-in cooler with a date label indicating it was made on Saturday had an internal temperature of 57 degrees. Turkey in the walk-in cooler with a date label indicating that it was made on Saturday had an internal temperature of 52 degrees; these items were discarded. This is a cooling issue with these items and not a cold holding issue. A re-inspection will be done to insure this violation has been corrected.

■ Subway, 1240 Woods Chapel Road – On July 12, a box of hand soap and box of degreaser were found stored above and next to food on dry storage shelf; corrected.

■ Lunar Bowl/The Blue Moon, 2001 N.W. Missouri 7 – On July 14, several drain flies were observed behind the bar and near the keg dispensers.

■ Shell Foodmart, 1500 W. U.S. 40 – On July 15, inspectors found a chemical spray bottle without a label. Another bottle was labeled “h2o and bleach,” but actually contained window cleaner; corrected.

Sugar Creek ■ Mike Onka Building, 11520 Putnam – On June 13, inspectors found No. 1 reach-in cooler at 57 degrees. All potentially hazardous foods were discarded.

■ Jim’s Family Restaurant, 11220 E. U.S. 24 – On July 5, ash trays with ashes and cigarettes in them were observed on counters and racks next to cleaned food equipment; corrected. Raw eggs were observed above ready-to-eat foods in the reach-in cooler across from the steam table, raw chicken was observed above lettuce in the walk-in cooler, and

raw meats were observed above margarine in the walk-in cooler; all were corrected. Sausage was 83 degrees in a pan on a counter on the cook’s line under no form of temperature control; sausage was allowed to be reheated and served. Chemical spray bottles with no label identifying the contents were observed on a shelf in the back room; corrected.

■ Peking Express, 11330 E. U.S. 24 – On July 5, raw animal products, including raw beef, shrimp, and eggs, were observed above ready-to-eat foods, including cooked chicken and watermelon, in the walk-in cooler; corrected. Numerous live cockroaches were observed on the floors and walls around the kitchen. Multiple cans of nonrestaurant approved pesticides were observed in the establishment; corrected.

■ Xpress Mart, 11622 E. U.S. 24 – On July 6, inspectors found hot dogs 108 to 113 degrees on the roller warmer; discarded. Taquitoes on the bottom shelf of the taquito warmer were 126 degrees; discarded. Cans of chemicals were observed on a shelf above single-use articles on the display shelves. Bottles and cans of chemicals were observed on a shelf above and next to food products on the shelves in the back room; corrected.

Grain Valley ■ McShop, 1100 N. BB Highway – On July 11, inspectors found boxes of single service cups and lids stored on a shelf below motor oil; corrected.

Lee’s Summit ■ Logan’s “The Bar,” 428 S.W. Ward Road – On July 5, inspectors observed a bottle of Windex next to the liquor bottles; corrected.

■ Sheridan’s Frozen Custard, 598 N.E. Missouri 291 – On July 5, inspectors found no sanitizer in dish machine final rinse; corrected.

■ Wendy’s, 903 W. Chipman Road – On July 5, inspectors found raw bacon stored above Romaine lettuce; corrected.

■ Whistle Stop Coffee, 227 S.E. Main St. – On July 6, inspectors observed raw eggs above ready-to-eat food in the reach-in cooler; corrected.

■ Y-Leave Cafe and Vending North, 777 N. Blue Parkway – On July 6, inspectors found a pan of potato salad on salad bar at 51 degrees and a bowl of pasta salad on top of ice on cook’s line was 54 degrees. They were out of temperature for less than 30 minutes, so they were placed in the freezer to cool quickly. Numerous containers of cooked, ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods in the walk-in coolers were not date marked; corrected.

Bottle of delimer was found on shelf with food items; corrected. No sanitizer was detected in wiping cloth bucket; corrected. Raw eggs were found above ready-to-eat foods in the reach-in cooler; corrected. Less than 150 ppm quaternary sanitizer was detected in three compartment sink final rinse; corrected. No sanitizer detected in wiping cloth bucket; corrected.

■ The Carlyle, 1098 N.E. Independence Ave. – On July 7, several containers holding cooked, ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods were not date marked; corrected. Container of gravy was date labeled with a preparation date of 6/27, must be discarded if not used within 7 days.

■ Lee’s Summit R-7 Swim and Dive Facility, 3498 S.W. Windemere Drive – On July 7, inspectors found boxes of single use gloves stored below chemicals in storage area; corrected.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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