Our Time by The Southern Illinoisan

OUR TIME

Puppy love hurts Falls caused by animals lead to thousands of senior injuries.

SENIORS 65 or OLDER Don’t worry about your thermostat this winter!

Move in for the WINTER MONTHS and maintain your independence! • Live in your own private apartment • Seniors on Medicaid or who only receive minimum Social Security payment can qualify Apartments available for immediate occupancy for low income order adults!

Heritage Woods

of Benton

1305 Bailey Lane • Benton, IL

618-439-9431

OPPORTUNITY

Keep your mind and body active at

Liberty Estates of Carbondale “Independent Living at it’s Finest!”

ii do W

Ninten

Exercise

to have time we don’t “At Liberty SIT AROUND!” JUST

Fun Partie s

Class

ise Exerc nt e m Equip

Liberty Village of Carbondale Liberty Estates 2950 W. Westridge Pl., Carbondale, IL 62901 (618) 351-6 6557 • www.simplythefinest.net Page 2 Thursday, February 25, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

Animals make exceptional friends and, for seniors, they often make the perfect companions for activity, mobility support and love. Unfortunately, they also have a knack for getting underfoot, which can lead to serious injury for people with limited mobility and slower reaction times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, more than 21,000 seniors are treated in the emergency room each year for pet-related falls — a number that accounts for nearly 25 percent of all fractures, contusions, sprains and lacerations caused by cats and dogs. “Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can be wonderful companions that provide many health benefits for older adults,” said Dr. Thomas A. Cavalieri, a geriatrician and the dean of the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine. “At the same

time, falls are a particularly serious health hazard for the elderly. When an older person falls, there’s a one-inthree chance that the result will be a fracture, which could mean an extended period of convalescence or even permanent disability or premature death.” Cavalieri says that studies show walking dogs offers seniors muchneeded cardiovascular fitness, and just having a pet in the house is thought to lower blood pressure, stave off depression and lessened symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Not all pets, however, are ideal mates for seniors. “Some pets, though, will present a hazard just because they are so attached to their owners,” Cavalieri says. “A dog or cat that likes to nap at its owner’s feet can present a tripping hazard, especially for older individuals who have less of the strength and flexibility needed to

special.thesouthern.com The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980) is published daily for $178 per year at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. The Southern Illinoisan is owned by Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.

CTW

A well-trained pet is essential to keeping older people safe.

‘catch’ themselves when they begin to fall.” Dr. Cavalieri offers these tips for helping to safeguard older friends and family members from pet-related falls: Make sure pets — especially dogs — are obedience trained to walk calmly on a leash and to not jump on visitors. Discourage pets from lying next to beds at night or at the foot of chairs. Don’t leave pet toys in the middle of the floor. If you have an older friend or relative with a dog, offer to go along on walks so that you can handle the leash.

• To subscribe: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. • To place a display ad: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6.

• Bob Williams , publisher

• Materials provided by:

bob.williams@thesouthern.com

Content That Works

Medicine Shoppe is now providing the following services!

Respiratory Equipment

Durable Medical Equipment

Trapeze Bars Overbed Tables Wheel Chairs Cushions Walkers Crutches and Canes Bathroom Safety Equipment Bed Pans and Urinals Underpads

Hospital Beds Splints and Braces Wound Care Glucometers Knee CPM Units Lift Chairs Vital Wrap Scooters Enteral Catheter Supplies Diabetic Shoes

Oxygen Portable Oxygen CPAP BiPAP CPAP/BiPAP supplies NPPV

Nebulizers Portable Nebulizers Nebulizer Medication MDI's Overnight Oximetry Clinical Services

All CPAP/BiPAP and NPPV are set up by an Licensed Clinician Medicare Approved Oxygen Qualification Testing â&#x20AC;˘ 24 Hour Service *All Oxygen patients are followed up with by a licensed clinician. *At the Medicine Shoppe we have full time Registered Pharmacists and Certified Respiratory Therapists on staff to assist and educate patients and caregivers.

304 S. Commercial, Harrisburg

1315 W. Main, Marion

101 E. Main, Ridgway

toll free #. 1-8 866-3 366-7 7599 The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, February 25, 2010 Page 3

OUR TIME

Where penny-pinching meets life and death Cutting health care expenses can be achieved without cutting doses and doctor visits.

n difficult times, those with fixed or limited incomes are often the first to feel pains in the pocketbook. When the going gets tough, the tough might think it’s OK to save by skipping on health care. “I think we see that any time the economy goes down like it has, older Americans tend to cut back on their health care,” says Jordan McNerney, health media relations manager for AARP. “They’re the people that use the most health care and so they’re the ones who are able to cut the most back.” In a December 2008 AARP survey of more than 1,000 Americans 45 and older, nearly onefifth said they are either

not very or not at all confident that they will be able to afford medical care in the next year. Further, 15 percent said they have had to cut back on taking medications or filling a prescription because they could not afford to pay for it. Dr. Marie Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Md., says stretching or skipping, or cutting out on doctor visits, can put you at more risk. McNerney points out that skipping care or prescriptions can lead to a need for more serious treatment, which will be more costly in the long term. Instead, look for safer ways to reduce costs.

Find ways to stay insured “The biggest thing is to make sure that if at all possible you can keep your health insurance,” McNerney says. “If you’re not 65 yet and not on Medicare, this is where folks are really affected. We see that between 50 and 64 is where a lot of people lose their health care, whether it’s because they are laid off from a job, they choose to start a small business, they start freelancing, and so they lose employer coverage but they aren’t yet covered by Medicare. And so anything you can do in that period of time to keep you insured is going to reduce your costs.” But despite your best efforts, McNerney acknowledges that

Page 4 Thursday, February 25, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

maintaining insurance may not be an option. If you do lose your health insurance, he suggests looking into COBRA, a government program that allows you to keep your employer-based coverage.

Evaluate current coverage “You can always shop around for health insurance,” McNerney says. “We encourage this with people on Medicare. Every year they have a chance to change their prescription drug plan, but we find that a lot of people just don’t bother to shop around. That might include giving you better coverage or a lower premium while still giving you the same type of coverage you have now.”

Know what’s out there According to McNerney, there are many assistance programs available for a variety of health care concerns. If you are on Medicare, pay a visit to www.medicare.gov to see if you are eligible for lowincome subsidies. On the AARP’s Web site, www.aarp.org, you can look under the “Tools” for the organizations Benefits Quick Link. “It looks for lots of different assistance

programs, public and private, and it’s not just for health care, it’s for energy costs, housing, but all kinds of different things,” McNerney says. “You plug in some basic information about yourself, your income and where you live, and it will kick back all of the different programs you might qualify for.”

Opt for the larger doses Dr. Edward Langston, past chair of the board of trustees of the American Medical Association, suggests asking your doctor if your prescription is offered in different dosage options, such as 20 mg tablets or 40 mg tablets. You should ask your doctor if it is possible to prescribe the larger dose, even if you only need the 20 mg dose. “Sometimes you can actually split the pill and it will cut costs in half,” he says. “Because a lot of times the cost of a medication is determined by manufacturing costs rather than ingredient costs. It doesn’t work on all medications.”

Consolidate “Work with your doctor to make sure you’re not getting two of the same medication,” Bernard says. “Make sure there’s not one medication that

might be given for two reasons. Many times medications for high blood pressure and heart problems, it’s the same medication that can be prescribed for both conditions.”

Go generic “Talk to your doctor about switching to generics — that’s a huge money saver if you’re taking any brand name drugs,” McNerney says. “If you need to, you can talk to your pharmacist. In a lot of states they can switch you to a generic as long as your doctor hasn’t said specifically that you need the brand name.” Langston said it’s very common to have this conversation with your physician. “In my practice, that comes up all the time. I’m a pharmacist as well, and we do know that if there is a medication that the FDA says is a Type-A bioequivalent, there is the opportunity for them to take the generic and I would encourage that.” In fact, no matter how you decide to save on care or prescriptions, it is vital to be completely honest with your doctor. Being untruthful about how you are caring for yourself makes it hard for your doctor to monitor your care, he says.

OUR TIME

Stress goes

Baby Boomers are experiencing work-related stress because of the economic downturn. Learning how to cope could save your job and your health.

‘boom’

alike. Whether low-grade panic infects one person or an entire office, the resulting tension erodes morale. Physiological responses to stress also can lead to performance problems, interpersonal conflict and sick days. Since the economic downturn, more people are experiencing fatigue, irritability, sadness or depression, insomnia, lack of motivation, headaches and muscular tension, according to the APA poll. Moreover, researcher Thomas A. Wright, management professor, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., has determined that there’s a statistically significant relationship between employees’ psychological well being and their cardiovascular health. His findings were published February in the Journal for Organizational Behavior. Other reasons older workers are perhaps more prone to fret is that, as certain industries collapse, they fear it’s too late for them to “start over” in a new field. Also, Boomers came of age in the 1960s, and some may retain a bit of that era’s distrust of institutions, corporate America, the government and authority in general. For those who eventually “bought into” the system, worked hard and saved, only to see their investments dwindle, there’s a sense of righteous indignation and betrayal, says Carol Orsborn, a senior strategist for VibrantNation.com, geared to women over 50.

Because so many companies are laying people off and redistributing workloads, and because retained employees are out to prove they are indispensable, Americans probably feel they’re working harder than ever. Perhaps that’s true. But it’s likely they’re working more inefficiently than ever, too, according to research on how economic uncertainty and job insecurity affects productivity. Stress and fatigue brought on by extra work and financial instability cause people to lose focus. “This means error rates go up, making people even more vulnerable,” says Kevin Polk, Hallowell, Maine, a psychologist who specializes in managing workplace stress. The dismal economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide. Eight out of 10 Americans say it’s a major cause of stress, up from 66 percent in April 2008, according to the American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America survey. Older workers who have less time to recoup losses from their retirement investments and who might struggle to find work due to ageism and salary requirements if they’re downsized may be more susceptible

to stress. Women of the Baby Boomer generation (ages 44 to 62) and respondents of both sexes over the age of 63 were more likely than younger folks to cite the economy as a significant stressor, according to the APA poll. And at its March conference in Las Vegas, the American Society of Aging devoted sessions to the economy’s negative impact on Boomers. Stress levels spike at work, where people’s livelihoods are at stake. Roughly half of 711 adults polled by Workplace Options — a company based in Raleigh, N.C., that connects workers to resources to help them handle the demands of work, finances and family — said financial stress was making it hard for them to focus at work. “When employees are worried about their future, it makes it harder for them to perform well on the job, spelling disaster for their productivity and putting them in the line of fire for criticism from their supervisors,” says chief executive officer Dean Debnam. Between August 2007 and August 2008, the company experienced a 40 percent surge in calls requesting financial and emotional counseling. High stress levels exact a huge toll from employers and workers

“We are a society that likes to have a sense of mastery and control over our lives, and with a lot of people’s financial situations and careers, especially in industries that are having to retool, that sense of control is gone,” she says. As a result, even folks who are still employed are formulating contingency plans, and many are actively looking for other jobs — sometimes during work hours. Also, employees are spending time gossiping among themselves to try to ferret out their companies’ plans, which distracts them from work. “Here people are working overtime so they won’t get on ‘the list,’ while at the same time they’re engaged in a covert process of discovery and personal reinvention — quietly taking advanced courses, networking more than usual and looking for other job opportunities,” Orsborn says. While it’s important to have a strategy for riding out the recession, to reduce stress and boost productivity “it’s important to stay in the now and not catastrophize about the future,” says psychiatrist Judith Orloff, author of “Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life” (Harmony Books, 2009). “Do what you can in the moment. Calm yourself by taking deep breaths. Then, for each fear that arises, try to think of an action step you can take toward a better outcome or solution.”

To stay focused at work, Orsborn, author of “The Art of Resilience: 100 Paths to Wisdom and Strength in an Uncertain World” (Three Rivers Press, 1997), recommends a technique she calls “bracketing your emotions.” Workplace stress might manifest as an accelerated heart rate, shoulder and neck tension, or racing thoughts. In any case, people often experience it as a constant sense of uneasiness that occasionally flares up into outright panic. To get a handle on it, people should set aside a certain amount of time at home, perhaps 30 minutes, to put their worries front and center. During this time, they can respond however they need to — sobbing, punching a pillow, wringing their hands, making mental to-do lists, following “what ifs” to their worst-case scenarios. When time is up, they can set aside those worries, having confronted them headon, and return to their functional selves. “What’s surprising to people is that this actually works. It’s sort of like flipping a switch,” Orsborn says. To ritualize the experience, she suggests lighting a candle. If the concern is a small one, a birthday candle can be lit, and when it burns out, time is up. For a bigger concern likely to show up for more than one session, a pillar candle can be lit each day and then extinguished after 30 minutes or an

hour, and the process repeated as many times as necessary. People who practice this technique don’t worry as much during the workday because they know they can open the floodgates later and let it all out, Orsborn says. Then, over time, they tend to start using each session engaged in solution-oriented as opposed to catastrophic thinking. Even if the worst does come to pass — an abrupt layoff, for example — a person can turn it into a life-affirming experience. “There’s a lot of positive energy being expended on redefining what the good life means and coming up with creative backup plans,” Orsborn says. Among users of VibrantNation.com are women aged 50 and up who were laid off and ultimately ended up happier in new jobs that allow for a greater degree of autonomy and more time to spend with their families. Sure, the economy is a legitimate cause for concern, and Boomers will have to make sacrifices — from forgoing travel to downsizing their homes and living on less in retirement. But Orsborn reminds folks that theirs is the generation that pioneered communal housing, food co-ops, and other means of living simply and affordably. “Where you’d expect to find a lot of despondency, I’m seeing a lot of creative problem solving instead,” she says. “It’s kind of in our DNA.”

The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, February 25, 2010 Page 5

OUR TIME

How to

add years to your life

Living to the age of 100 is the health fanatic’s holy grail, and for years people have been looking the silver bullet that will add years to their lives. As it turns out, becoming a centenarian has a lot to do with your genes and environmental factors, but there are some simple steps that, statistically speaking, will add years to your life. Darren Dicks, head of annuities at Norwich Union, Britain’s largest insurance provider, says, “A person’s life expectancy is pre-determined to some extent by their genetic make-up, but there are a number of steps people can take to give themselves the best chance of living longer. While we aren’t really suggesting that someone adopting all of these practices will automatically add more than 70 years to their life, our research shows that broadly speaking these activities will have an effect on life expectancy.” Based on their insurance data, here are the top ways to extend your life. And take heart — not all steps are within your power to control:

1. Be married/live with a partner + 1 year

Keep the faith +3 years

When INDEPENDENCE is Your Goal! A little lift goes a long way. FEATURING: • Full power lift and recline • Simple hand held control for push button operation • Available in fabric, leather and leather match

Norwich Union data shows people who are married or live with a partner can expect to live on average a year more than their single friends.

2. Maintain a healthy weight + 6 years Being severely obese (having a BMI of above 40) could reduce your life expectancy by around four years. On the other hand, being underweight might

NEW IN 2010! Prairie Living expansion of 50 additional apartments open Summer 2010 Now taking reservations!

PRAIRIE LIVING AT CHAUTAUQUA

955 Villa Court • Carbondale • 618-351-7955

Prairie Living is Affordable for all income levels. Managed by BMA Management, Ltd.

makes a good night’s sleep possible again. • 6 Mattress Sizes • Adjustable feet & head • Limited lifetime warranty on the entire bed

Welcome Home!

We are pleased to be able to offer adults 65 and older a wonderful residential alternative to a nursing home or to struggling alone at home. • Private Apartments • Help with Medications • Companionship and Activities • Personal Assistance • Meals, Housekeeping and Laundry • Affordable for all incomes

Stop by for a demonstration TODAY!

Arrange a personal visit today!

Quality Home Furnishings Since 1907 214 N. 14th • Herrin • 942-2161 Financing Available • Mon - Sat 8am-5pm

Page 6 Thursday, February 25, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

1033 S. 42nd St. • Mt. Vernon, IL 62801

Call Mona at: 618-532-4590

OUR TIME reduce your life expectancy by around two years, so maintaining a healthy weight is vital.

3. Don’t smoke + 10 years People can add as much as 10 years to their lives simply by not smoking. Research carried out at the University of Helsinki has found that people who don’t smoke can expect to live up 10 years longer than those who smoke 20 cigarettes a day.

4. Love to laugh + 8 years According to scientific studies, people who laugh for 15 minutes each day could add an extra eight years to their lives.

5. Be a woman + 3.3 years Around the world, women tend to outlive men by around 10 per cent. According to Government statistics, currently in the UK women have a projected average life expectancy of 91.8 years at birth, compared to 88.5 years for men.

6. Clear out the clutter + 1 year People who live in jumble and chaos are more likely to feel stressed and depressed. Sorting out this disorder can add another year.

7. Eat well + 6.6 years According to Erasmus University in Rotterdam, a diet that includes daily consumption of garlic, wine,

vegetables, fruits, almonds and dark chocolate could extend life expectancy by up to 6.6 years.

8. Eat less meat + 3.6 years A study carried out at Loma University, Loma Linda, Calif., in the US found that people who ate meat less than once a week on average lived 3.6 years longer than their carnivore counterparts.

unearthed links between having a faith and enjoying a long life. According to the University of Pittsburgh, people who attend weekly religious services can expect to live around three years longer than nonattenders.

12. Be born later + 6.1 years

Studies have shown that those with an optimistic outlook are less prone to viruses and recover quicker from illnesses and injuries. These people tend to act in ‘healthier’ ways than negative people by taking more exercise and enjoying social activities.

According to England’s Government Actuary’s Department (GAD), people born 25 years ago had an average life expectancy of 84.6 years for men and 88.5 years for women. People born in 2009 now have an average life expectancy of 88.5 (males) and 91.8 (females). Predictions from GAD suggest that people born 25 years from now could live as long as 91.7 (men) and 94.6 (women).

10. Live in Eastbourne + 6.2 years

13. Get a good night’s sleep + 5 years

According to The Grim Reaper’s Road Map, a study compiled by the University of Sheffield, inhabitants of West Eastbourne in East Sussex have the longest life expectancy of any town in Great Britain, living 6.2 years higher than the national GB average. Central Livingston in East Central Scotland has the lowest life expectancy in Great Britain at 67.2 years.

Poor sleep can contribute to a number of medical factors that can put people at risk of heart disease. Those who regularly get at least six or seven hours’ sleep can hope to live up to five years longer than those who sleep badly.

9. Have a positive outlook + 9 years

11. Keep the faith + 3 years Numerous studies have

Maintain a healthy weight + 6 years

14. Floss your teeth + 6 years Flossing your teeth daily can add as much as six years to your life expectancy by removing harmful bacteria that can contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Maximize Your Health • Mineral Rich • Borage Oil • Little Angle Chewable • E-400 • Probiotic Blend • Multi-Enzyme • Optimax • Flax Seed Oil• Hyssop Cleanse • Omega-3 • Hyaluronic Acid • Sweet Sleep Available Locally at 704 S. Park Avenue • Herrin

15. Get a pet + 2 years U.S. research shows that people with pets are less likely to suffer from depression and

visit their doctors less often than those without. It is also said that stroking a pet can reduce blood pressure and stress levels.

Increase Your Quality of Life • Anti-Aging Formula • Bladder Formula • Blood Pressure Formula • Cardio Care • Flex Support • Memory Formula • Sleep Formula • Vision Formula

704 S. Park Avenue, Herrin, IL

Open M-F 10am-4pm or by appointment

Monday-Friday 10am-4pm & By Appointment

618-942-8482 or 1-866-983-3060

vitality905@gmail.com

Quality Vitamin Supplements at an Affordable Price

Quality Vitamin Supplements at an Affordable Price The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, February 25, 2010 Page 7

OUR TIME

CTW

As we age, experts say there are many reasons for social isolation — loss of family and friends as they move away or die, leaving jobs and coworkers, getting ill and lack of transportation.

Let’s grow old together Social interaction is key to healthy aging. When sociology professor Dr. Eva Kahana and her psychology professor husband decided to study older adults living in retirement villages in Florida, they did not expect to find a very happy bunch. After all, how could they be happy hundreds of miles away from family, in a leisure lifestyle? “We found they were very happy because they chose that lifestyle,” says Kahana, who teaches at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. True enough, 68-yearold Eva and her 75-yearold husband, Boaz Kahana from Cleveland State University, enjoy working late into their golden years, publishing papers,

Page 8 Thursday, February 25, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

traveling and engaging with younger students. No matter what type of social interaction people over 50 prefer, one thing is clear — for many, it is important to a long, healthy life. Last year, a study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found evidence that elderly people in the U.S. who have an active social life may have a slower rate of memory decline. According to the National Institute on Aging’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, older adults who participated in social activities (i.e., played games, belonged to social groups, attended local

events, traveled) or productive activities (i.e., had paid or unpaid jobs, cooked, gardened) lived longer than people who did not report taking part in these types of activities. Although not having many close friends contributes to poorer health for many older adults, those who also feel lonely face even greater health risks, new research at the University of Chicago suggests. Older people who are able to adjust to being alone don’t have the same health problems. According to the study of about 3,000 people aged 57 to 85 between 2005 and 2006 and published in the March issue of the Journal of Health and Social

OUR TIME Behavior, the most socially connected older adults are three times as likely to report very good or excellent health compared to those who are least connected, regardless of whether they feel isolated. Consequently, older adults who feel least isolated are five times as likely to report very good or excellent health as those who feel most isolated, regardless of their actual level of social connectedness. “Social disconnectedness is associated with worse physical health, regardless of whether it prompts feelings of loneliness or a perceived lack of social support,” says study coauthor Linda Waite, the Lucy Flower Professor in Sociology at the University of Chicago and a leading expert on aging. However,

the researchers found a different relationship between social isolation and mental health. “The relationship between social disconnectedness and mental health appears to operate through feelings of loneliness and a perceived lack of social support.” Older adults who feel most isolated report 65 percent more depressive symptoms than those who feel least isolated, regardless of their actual levels of connectedness. Other studies back up the importance of social interaction, says Dr. Donna Benton, assistant professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California and director of the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center. “I always think of a study where they asked a bunch of 100 year olds,

‘What’s kept you alive for so long?’ First was breakfast, the second was having someone they had an interest in. Research has shown that having a confidant contributes towards better health and quality of life.” As we age, experts say there are many reasons for social isolation,but there are solutions. “I think churches, synagogues, senior centers, universities and other institutions that offer adult learning are great ways to stay involved and meet new people as well as keep seniors active,” says Dr. Anne Katz, an associate professor of clinical gerontology at USC. “Many cities offer exercise programs and activities for seniors. Multipurpose senior centers have been

established to help ease the transition of aging. They plan activities such as exercise, meals and trips.” “Studies have shown that people who have had volunteer jobs are more apt to be interested in continuing socially as they age,” Katz says. More importantly, experts say, volunteering and other forms of social interaction can bring seniors into contact with others whom they have more in common with. “I talked to some ladies who said they don’t like to be moved into a retirement home because they really don’t have a lot in common with some people their own age,” Benton says. “People think that a 65 year old can talk to a 75 year old. There’s a generational difference. It’s like a 10 year old

talking to a 20 year old.” The Internet, too, is closing the generation gap. Older adults are using the web to connect with grandchildren in other parts of the country and to pursue interests and connections with the passion of a teenager. “Somewhere in the region of 75 percent to 80 percent have access to broadband above 50 years old,” says Sami Hassanyeh, vice president of web strategy and operations for the AARP. Indeed, the 50 plus crowd are logging onto Facebook, Myspace and checking email at a rate that shatters stereotypes about their tech savvy skills. “If you look at Internet as a use source, 42 percent of users 50 plus check email daily, as opposed to

18 percent of users under 20 doing that,” Hassanyeh says. “There was a recent study put out that from 2008-09, the percentage of baby boomers who have connected to social networks have gone up by 59 percent, whereas Gen Y has changed 2 percent.” As for Kahana, she is still getting used to punching out lengthy e-mails, but that doesn’t slow her down from enjoying her social interaction with students, colleagues and her husband. “Our work is very important to us,” Kahana says. “We are interacting with students every day and have helped their careers. We feel it helps keep us young and involved in social interaction. We don’t have any plans for retirement.”

Each SeniorSafe® hydrotherapy walk-in tub has been independently tested by our experts, and is guaranteed to provide years and years of dependable use, without fail. Lowest Threshold Available

ADA Compliant Promotes “Aging In Place”

MANUFACTURED 100% IN THE USA! See us at the Marion Home Show

Safe Easy Access

Booths 27, 52 & 53

March 13 & 14

Williamson Co. Pavilion

WE ALSO OFFER STAIRWAY LIFTS

WALK-IN TUBS of ILLINOIS 618-533-5250 www.seniorsafe.com

rnon, IL e V . t M • 4th St. ing 1400 S. 3 18.242.4050 nity offer tss, u m 6 m o c living airmen

ssisteed ry imp licensed a iduals with memo . e v i s u l c x An e indiv isease d care for ing Alzheimer’s d e z i l a i c e p s includ

The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, February 25, 2010 Page 9

OUR TIME

Stretching after 40 Lengthening your muscles before exercising can limit injuries and stiffness. When it comes to supple and efficient muscles, length matters. Fitness enthusiasts who ignore flexibility risk suffering tightness, stiffness and frustration, if not injuries. To maintain flexibility, you must stretch daily. Studies have found that if you stretch for six weeks and then take four weeks off, you will return to baseline. You must warm up before taking off on your exercise adventure. This can take the form of an easy walk or a slow jog before a run, or a few slow pool laps before you turn up the speed. Dynamic warmups — warm-ups where you are moving and stretching instead of just standing in place — are fun and get the heart pumping and the muscles filled with blood. The following warm-up exercises, excerpted from the book, “Fitness After 40” (Amacom, 2009), can easily be performed before any kind of exercise. © 2009 Vonda Wright and Ruth Winter, “Fitness After 40” All rights reserved. Published by AMACOM Books, a division of the American Management Association. The book is available online or at your local bookstore.

2 Inchworm

Toe and heel walk Walking on your toes gives your calves, in the back of your lower legs, a good warm-up. Walking on your heels warms up the front portion of your legs as well as your ankles. If your legs start to ache while doing either of these walks, you should stop. Walk on your toes with your toes pointed straight ahead for about 20 meters, getting as high up on your toes as you possibly can. Your legs should be relatively straight as you do this, and you should — at least initially — take fairly small steps. Switch to walking on your toes with your feet rotated out for 20 meters. Do the same with your toes pointed in for 20 meters. Repeat this while walking on your heels.

Page 10 Thursday, February 25, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

The inchworm is harder than it looks. The inchworm warms up your legs while giving a good stretch to the hamstrings and calf muscles that run down the backs of your legs. Begin in a push-up position (Photo 1). Slowly walk your legs toward your hands (Photo 2). Heels may be off the floor. Continue walking forward until the pull in the back of your legs is uncomfortable (Photo 3). At this point, slowly walk your arms forward with your feet still, until you are in the push-up position. Repeat this inching along five to 10 times.

OUR TIME Hip circles Hip circles warm up the large muscles in the front and back of your midsection and buttocks. Begin with your hands on your hips and your feet together. Bend one leg up in front of the body ant the hip (Photo 4) and rotate it up to the side (Photo 5), then lower it. Reverse the movement by bending the leg up at the hip to the side and rotating it forward before lowering it. Repeat this 10 times. Perform on the opposite leg.

Elegant independent living that offers Socialization, Comfort & Fun! 4

• Month to Month Rental • Delicious Buffet Meals • Housekeeping & Linen Service

• Free Fitness Center on Campus • Special Outings & Social Events • Active Retirement Lifestyle • No Endowment Fees

Apartments available

Lunge This lunge not only warms up your hips and buttocks, but also stretches your hips flexor muscles. Stand with your feet together. Hug one of your knees to your chest (Photo 6) and then release your leg. Lunge onto that knee while trying to keep you knee above your ankle and not in front of it (Photo 7). Bring your back leg forward until you are standing again. Repeat ten times, and progress forward. Perform with the opposite leg.

3114 Williamson County Pkwy • Marion • 618-993-8600 www.libertyvillageofmarion.com

Physical Therapy Sports & Industrial Rehab

est. 1997

• Heated Theraputic pool • Balance retraining • Decompression therapy for back pain

Come in and meet our staff! 6

3308 Logan Drive, Herrin, IL 62948 7

618-993-4024 • www.hrphysicaltherapy.com “QUALITY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE” The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, February 25, 2010 Page 11

Starting at

Starting at $

RENT TO OWN

RENT TO OWN 320.17/mo.

498.05/mo.*

NE ONLY O E AT L B A IL A AV RICE P IS H T

Starting at

RENT TO OWN 162.28/mo.

Handcrafted • Amish and Mennonite Quality *4 Year Term

Starting at

RENT TO OWN 135.22/mo.

VISIT OUR FACTORY 19867 Ketteman Lane Ewing, IL 62836

(618) 927.0533 email: kkbuildings@gmail.com

RENT TO OWN 313.59/mo.

RENT TO OWN 168.47/mo.

SEE MODELS ON DISPLAY AT THESE FINE DEALERS IN A TOWN NEAR YOU!

• Amish Crafted Furniture - Energy, IL • (618) 942-2910 • Bo’s Sales Center - Centralia, IL • (618) 780-5703 • Burkdell Mulch - Carbondale, IL • (618) 549-2211 • Country Mall - Worden, IL • (618) 633-2702 • Cowell’s Nursery - Red Bud, IL • (618) 282-8225 • Downtown Auto Sales - Harrisburg, IL • (618) 252-7717

Page 12 Thursday, February 25, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan

• East Side Furniture - Salem, IL • (618) 548-2420 • Macks Auto Sales - Marion, IL • (618) 993-1818 • Master’s Touch • Pinckneyville, IL • (618) 528-5400 • Quality Times - Mt. Vernon, IL • (618) 244-0399 • Showcase Furnishings - Mt. Vernon, IL • (618) 244-3333 • T N T Enterprises • Greenville, IL • (618) 664-4868