KootenaiCounty, County,Idaho IdahoIssue Issue#53 #46December Nov. 13th31st 20172018 ofofKootenai
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TIDBITS® APOLOGIZES FOR DIABETES
by Janet Spencer Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar and carbohydrates into energy. The cause is a mystery, though both genetics and environmental factors play roles. It is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. DIABETES FACTS • Cells in the human body use glucose as fuel. The blood carries the glucose to the cells. Insulin is the hormonal messenger secreted by the pancreas which tells the glucose where to go. Body tissues are loaded with receptors that act as magnets for insulin. When insulin arrives at these receptors, the cells absorb glucose from the blood. • When you eat a meal, the pancreas senses how much glucose was in the meal. It releases enough insulin to make sure the glucose is delivered where it needs to go. After the glucose has been delivered, the pancreas stops producing insulin. So the normal reaction to eating a meal is a slow rise in the amount of sugar in the blood, followed by a drop. • Insulin resistance is when insulin is unable to bind with the magnet receptors in the tissues and the glucose cannot be delivered. The pancreas gets the message that the insulin isn’t working, so it keeps sending more insulin into the blood, but the amount of glucose stays high because it’s not being delivered. (cont’d)
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #53 December 31st 2018 DIABETES FACTS (cont’d) • Jeff O’Connell uses this analogy in his book “Sugar Nation”: Imagine there are oil tankers loaded with oil (glucose) sailing from port to port. The oil needs to be loaded onto smaller boats (insulin) in order to be taken to shore where it can be used in cars (cells). But the smaller boats (insulin) are unable to dock and so they just bounce off the shore uselessly. No matter how many small boats the company sends, the oil still cannot get to shore, and all the cars run out of gas. • Whereas most of the cells in the body prefer to burn glucose as fuel, they can turn to burning fat instead if glucose is not available. However, some areas of the body are unable to burn fat as fuel. Those areas include the lens of the eye and the kidneys. If glucose is not available, these areas of the body are starved for fuel. Therefore it is no surprise that diabetics often deal with blindness and kidney failure as a side effect of their diabetes. • In a healthy person, the bloodstream usually contains no more than a teaspoon or so of glucose at any given time. If the bloodstream contains as little as 1 1/4 teaspoon of glucose, tissues begin to suffer damage. TYPE 1 vs TYPE 2 • In type 1 diabetes, the immune system goes haywire and attacks healthy tissues in the pancreas. The pancreas then can no longer produce insulin. Diabetes usually appears during childhood which is why it used to be called juvenile diabetes. Before insulin became available in 1923, children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes seldom lived long. •Type 2 diabetes is caused by diet and inactivity combined with genetics. Type 2 diabetes usually appears in adulthood which is why it used to be called adult-onset diabetes. Now that incidents of type 2 diabetes are so prevalent in both children and adults, these labels are being dropped. (Continued)
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CONTACT INFO FOR TIDBITS of Kootenai County
Evelyn Bevacqua Howe 212. W. Ironwood Dr., Suite D,# 224 Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Cell: 208.755.9120 Email: Tidbitscda@gmail.com www.tidbitscda.com Facebook tidbitscda
* Do yourself a favor and pick up red and green festive party items, like plates and cups, plain cloth napkins and foil-wrapped candies, at after-holiday discounts. You can use the red items for Valentine's Day and the green for St. Patrick's Day with none the wiser. * DIY shower spray: Add 1 part vodka to 2 parts water, plus a few drops of essential oil (peppermint or tea tree) to a spray bottle. Mist your shower walls to keep mildew at bay. * Resolutions are meant to help us focus on improvement, not to be a source of stress. Take some time to think about the times and situations that negatively impacted you in the past year. Instead of making a blanket resolution (lose weight, travel, watch less TV) come up with a few things that will have a specific positive effect on your life (go to the gym or take a walk three mornings per week, prep cook for the week ahead on Sunday afternoons). * "We purchased a large, weatherproof storage bin that we keep out front. It has balls and bats, plus other toys that the kids like to play with outside. They put the toys back in the bin when done playing, and then we don't have to worry about what's under that surprise layer of snow." -- U.D. in Wisconsin * Now's the time to reset your clothing hangers. Turn the hangers in your closet facing out toward the room. As you wear items and they go through the laundry, put them in the closet facing in as normal. It won't take long for you to see what you're NOT wearing, and you can donate or get rid of the excess. * "Put car manuals into a zipper-top bag and stick it in the trunk or the seat-back pocket. This will free up space in your glove box for personal items you might need to access." -T.F. in Georgia (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #53 December 31st 2018
EVENT CALENDAR January 10, Mother Daughter Night at Hands to Art January 10, 2019 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmJoin Rathdrum Parks & Recreation for the 2nd Annual Mother/ Daughter Night at Hands to Art. This wonderful bonding activity. Choose from an assortment of pre-selected ceramics, paints and other supplies all in included in the price, and enjoy two hours of painting. If you are unable to finish within the time frame you are welcomed to return to Hands to Art at any of their normal business hours to complete you paintings. Register for one of the four (4) sessions on Thursday nights, January 10, 17, 24 or 31st. Cost per session: $25 per Mother/Daughter pair $12 per each additional Daughter Registration Will NOT Be Taken At The Door. Register at Rathdrum Parks & Recreation or online at rathdrum.sportsiteslabs.com.
Questions regarding the events call Evelyn at 208.755.9120 or email evelyn2318@gmail.com
DIABETES (cont’d) • In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas just doesn’t produce enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces plenty of insulin, but the body is ineffective at using it. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes, and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. • Even people who are thin can develop type 2 diabetes, especially if their diet is loaded with sugar and carbohydrates and if they don’t get much exercise. Being overweight and inactive is not a guarantee that a person will develop type 2 diabetes. They also must have a genetic predisposition for the disease. •If you are at risk, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with moderate weight loss and regular physical activity along with careful control of the diet. One study found that for each 2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight lost, a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes dropped by a whopping 16%. • A study in Finland found that people who exercise regularly have a 70% less chance of developing diabetes than those who never exercise at all. Even those who were overweight but still exercised regularly had a 44% lower risk of diabetes. It was better to exercise vigorously for half an hour for six days a week than to exercise three full hours once a week. It as if exercise works as effectively as an anti-diabetic drug: It’s best to take the pills constantly every day than to take no pills for six days and then take all of them on the seventh day. •Studies have shown a link between consumption of sugar and refined grains and the odds for developing cancer, particularly of the esophagus, kidney, and pancreas. Doctors theorize it’s not necessarily the sugar promoting the cancer as much as the perpetually high level of insulin in the bloodstream that does the damage. (cont’d)
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai Issue #53 December 31st 2018 TidbitsCounty, Dallas County DIABETES FACTS (cont’d) • When researchers studied the diets of over 90,000 people over the course of eight years, they found that people who drank more than one soft drink every day were twice as likely to develop diabetes as people who drank only a single soda pop every day. There was no link at all between people who drank sugar-free soda and diabetes. • Another study found that people who drink 2.5 cans of sugary soda pop each day are three times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than those who drink little or no soda pop. Diabetics are twice as likely as non-diabetics to suffer depression. • Diabetics are more than twice as likely as nondiabetics to suffer from heart attacks. Approximately 75% of all diabetics will end up dying of heart disease. • Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplant. • It is also the leading cause of blindness in people aged 22 to 74. • Diabetes is also behind approximately 84,000 amputations every year in the U.S. 60% of lower limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. Prosthetics sales have nearly doubled since 1996. A MODERN DISEASE • In ancient times it was difficult for any human to ingest enough sugar to develop type 2 diabetes. It took a lot of energy to forage for fruits, vegetables, and grains, and the amount of sugar they added to the body was burned up during this hunting and gathering. Now it requires very little energy to load up on sugary treats and carbohydrates at a supermarket or drive-through restaurant. • Total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50% in the next 10 years. Most notably, they are projected to increase by over 80% in upper-middle income countries.
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STRANGE BUT TRUE by Samantha Weaver * It was way back in the 17th century when noted Scottish scholar Patrick Young made the following sage observation: “The trouble with weather forecasting is that it’s right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.” * As 2018 winds down, you might want to keep this crime fact in mind: Those who study such things say that New Year’s Day is the No. 1 holiday for car theft. Perhaps they’re making up for Christmas Day, which is typically the holiday with the fewest auto thefts. * I bet you didn’t know there’s a word specifically used to refer to the space between your eyebrows. Yep: It’s called the “ophryon.” * Fans of old Westerns have doubtless seen depictions of Native Americans scalping their enemies. Most probably don’t realize, though, that the brutal practice didn’t originate with the Indians. When the Dutch and English settlers were trying to clear out the natives, they were paid a bounty for each scalp they brought back. The Native Americans adopted the practice only after the Europeans’ arrival on the continent. * If you’re a runner -- and a compulsive counter -- you might already be aware of the fact that the average person’s feet hit the ground approximately 800 times per mile when running. * The food eaten by a typical American travels between 1,500 and 2,500 miles from the farm where it was grown to the plate where it’s consumed. * Paleontologists claim that Neanderthals used toothpicks. How can they tell, you might well ask? It seems that toothpick use leaves distinctive grooves on teeth. Thought for the Day: “We should not be simply fighting evil in the name of good, but struggling against the certainties of people who claim always to know where good and evil are to be found.” -- Tzvetan Todorov (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho #53505-0674 December 31st 2018 For Advertising Call Issue (334)
COUCH THEATER -- DVD PREVIEWS By Amy Anderson
PHOTO: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga in “A Star Is Born” Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
Awards season is gearing up, and although not all nominations are out (Oscar nods aren’t made public until Jan. 23), there are front-runners and there will be surprises. Maybe. Here are a few movies you can review for awards potential now, from the comfort of your couch. And a handful that are upcoming to keep an eye on, according to the early buzz. OUT NOW ON DVD “Black Panther” (PG-13) -- Chadwick Boseman is T’Challa, a young man come home to take his place as king of a hidden, technologically rich and mesmerizing nation, only to face challenges to both the crown and the safety of his country -- and the world beyond. This may be the best film of the past year, with the best soundtrack in a good long while, thanks to the genius of Kendrick Lamar. This one is on almost every prediction list. “Crazy Rich Asians” (PG-13) -- Based on the novel by Kevin Kwan, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a fantasy rom-com about a regular gal whose seemingly normal longtime boyfriend takes her East to his best friend’s wedding -- and to meet his incredibly wealthy family. Nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Comedy category. “Incredibles 2” (PG) -- Superheros are banned, and the Incredible family is relegated to a dreary existence. But wait! A mysterious patron seeks to bring back the glory and makes them an offer they can’t refuse: He wants Elastigirl to be the face of the superhero comeback! Golden Globe nominated for Best Animated Film. COMING SOON ON DVD “First Man” -- This Neil Armstrong biopic based on the book by James R Hansen, reteams “La La Land” powerhouses Ryan Gosling in the title role with director Damien Chazelle. Out Jan. 22 on DVD. “Bohemian Rhapsody” -- Another biopic at the other end of the spectrum. This one centers on legendary musician and singer Freddie Mercury of the rock band Queen. Rami Malek is sure to receive a nomination for his portrayal of Mercury. Out on DVD in January 2019. “A Star Is Born” -- A seasoned but alcoholsoaked rock god and a starlet full of promise begin their respective descent and rise. Bradley Cooper stars, adapted and directs as Jackson, while Lady Gaga unfolds her talent as Ally. The love story is alive in all the right ways. Due on DVD Feb. 19. “Green Room” -- Jamaican pianist Don Shirley tours Jim Crow-era South with a white New York City bruiser in the driver’s seat as chauffer and bodyguard. It’s a comedy with an unconventional look at race relations. Mahershala Ali has big buzz for his performance. Out on DVD February 2019. “If Beale Street Could Talk” -- Kiki Layne and Stephan James are young lovers on the cusp of marriage when the almost groom is accused of rape and imprisoned. She fights for his release before the birth of their child. DVD release unannounced.
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TIDBITS ofTidbits Kootenai® County, Idaho Issue #53 December 31st 2018 of Dallas County
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By Dr. Holly Carling
Gaining Weight
Volunteer Greeter with AARP Tax-Aide Program My first experience with AARP Tax-Aide started about 25 years ago when I stopped by just to ask a question. I was really surprised to see the positive attitude and friendliness. When I retired, I needed something to keep me busy and also something that was interesting, and by then Tax-Aide was doing my taxes and they said they needed help so I told them I would like to help. I have now been volunteering my service for 8 years and enjoy every minute. There are some really busy days and I just think of these days as a challenge. I really enjoy the different personalities that I am exposed to and this puts a smile on my face. AARP TAX-AIDE WANTS YOU Diane B, Dalton Gardens, Idaho For more information, and a chance to experience that ‘WOW’ feeling that comes from volunteering, contact Warren at 208-765-6589 or at warrenfisher@prodigy.net or check out our link http://www.unitedwayofnorthidaho.org/taxprep
Control
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Your
As we consider our goals for the year, losing weight nearly always gets added to the list. Also is the desire to be healthier, more productive, more organized, and to eat healthier. Losing weight involves many things, but most people think the only links to a healthier weight is exercise and dieting. Although generally helpful, either can have the opposite effect as well. If dieting is not done properly, your body could perceive it as a state of famine, and actually hold on to the weight, or lose more muscle mass than fat. When that happens, losing weight becomes more and more difficult. If not exercising properly the stress to the body can be detrimental as well. Knowing how to exercise effectively is more than just an action - it takes an expert, such as a personal trainer. Dieting and exercise are far from being the only options to losing weight. Hormonal health is a critical component. If you have problems with your thyroid, sex hormones, blood sugar hormones, or hormones that control sleep, energy or mental wellbeing, you could experience weight gain and have difficulty losing it. If you are in pain, have an inflammatory condition, or have an auto-immune disease, you not only may experience frustration in trying to lose weight, but the medications you take for them may be hampering you as well.
Then there is nutrition. The body needs a daily supply of minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates (yes, we do need some carbs, but excess carbs have the opposite effect), fiber, enzymes and other nutrient factors to function properly. This includes maintaining a healthy weight. Eating too little of the needed nutrients in many cases is worse than too much. The exception of course is sugar. As long as there are excess carbohydrates (bread, cereal, pasta, refined grains, rice, potatoes, etc.) in the diet, the less likely you are to control your weight. Even too much “good” carbs (such as whole wheat bread and brown rice) can limit your results. Most people also consume too little protein. Protein seems to tone down the cravings and make you satisfied longer. If you start your day with high protein, you are likely to snack less. If you begin your day with carbs, you are more likely to crave foods all day. Eating late in the evening, toxicity, stress, eating bad fats (fried foods, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils) can contribute to weight gain. There are at least a dozen ways you can gain weight and have difficulty losing it. Knowing how each of these affects you personally is critical to your success in gaining control of your healthy weight.
Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over three decades of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.
TIDBITSFor of Kootenai County, Idaho #53 December 31st 2018 Advertising CallIssue (334) 505-0674
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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) It’s a good time to take a much-needed break from your recent hectic schedule and spend some time in quieter surroundings. Important news could arrive early next week. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The Taurean traits of reliability and thoroughness could be well-tested when decision-makers consider your proposals and/or requests. Be prepared to answer some probing questions. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A sudden attack of boredom leaves you with some tasks undone. It’s OK to take a short respite. But get back to work by week’s end so that you have time for other projects. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Avoid prejudging a situation just because it looks bad. Facts could emerge that would make your position uncomfortable, to say the least. A relative has interesting news to share with you. LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good time to begin reassessing some of your recent decisions about your long-range goals to see if they still have merit. Spend more time with loved ones this weekend. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An unsettled situation at home or on the job early in the week could drain your energy levels, making it difficult to get your work done on schedule. But things improve by midweek. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A temporary setback could give you time to go over your plans to find weaknesses you might have overlooked before. A romantic getaway with that special person is favored this weekend. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Professional and personal situations benefit once you set a positive tone in getting things off to a good start. Honest dialogue smoothes over any occasional display of balkiness. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A problem with workplace colleagues or family members seems to defy even your sage counsel. But be patient. Your words eventually will lead to a resolution. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Don’t just wait out that unexpected and unexplained delay in your career move. You could gain added respect if you ask why it happened and what you can do to move things along. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Although your workplace strategies usually are accepted, you could be challenged by someone who isn’t so favorably impressed. Be prepared to defend your positions. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your friendship circle expands, with new people coming into your life at this time. Welcome them warmly. But don’t neglect those cherished longtime personal relationships.
BORN THIS WEEK:
You love to search for knowledge and share it with others. You would make an especially fine teacher. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
ForofAdvertising 505-0674 TIDBITS Kootenai County,Call Idaho(334) Issue #53 December 31st 2018 DONNA’S DAY: CREATIVE FAMILY FUN By Donna Erickson
Snow Globe Holds Memories of 2018 There’s something magical about a snow globe. Who can resist shaking a liquid-filled decoration to watch it “snow”? I know families that collect them on their summer vacations, and on occasion they give them a good shake, turn them upright and then smile with the memories. Now you can make your own to commemorate something special you did in 2018. Reminisce with your kids about activities your family enjoyed this past year, and then make a memory snow globe using a small waterproof object to represent the activity or event. Here’s how: First, you want to have a vision for your scene and how it will be contained. Will you need a little jar, fat jar or skinny jar? A tall jam jar might accommodate that plastic bear figure as a reminder of a camping trip at a national park. A baby-food jar would make a perfect home for a little rubber starfish to represent the sea life you observed at an aquarium. It’s all up to you and your imagination. Step 1: Fill the jar with water and shake to test the lid for tightness. Pour the water out, remove the paper label and let it dry completely. Step 2: Choose a clean waterproof toy, game piece, travel souvenir or trinket to inhabit the imaginary world. Place it temporarily inside the lid and lower the jar down over it, just to make sure it fits and allows enough space for the “snow” to fall when complete. An adult should glue the object on the inside of the lid with water-resistant glue, such as aquarium sealant from your local pet store. Let dry 24 hours. Step 3: Fill the jar almost to the top with baby oil, or use distilled water with a few drops of glycerin added to the water. Sprinkle glitter or waterproof confetti into the liquid. An adult should apply water-resistant glue to the outside grooves of the jar rim and carefully screw on the lid. Stand the jar with lid end up to dry for 24 hours. Gather your kids around and shake your 2018 memory globe. Then hold still and watch. Grandparent Tip: Enjoy a “crafting fest” with your grandchildren and let each one make a memory globe with objects that represent something you did together, such as a fishing trip, a book you read, a movie you saw or a recipe you cooked up. Talk about the memory as you create. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” (c) 2018 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai IssueCounty #53 December 31st 2018 TidbitsCounty, Dallas
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However, the process to obtain them is painful, and the potency and number of stem cells is far reduced than that which can be obtained thru the umbilical cord. Umbilical cord stem cells - these are by far the most potent and easy to use. After a healthy Q&A with Susan Ashley, MD baby is born, and with permission from the Stem Cells and Regenerative mother, the umbilical cord that is usually tossed out has been shown to be rich in stem cells. And Medicine because they are so young, newborn, they are exStem cell biology and regenerative medicine tremely potent. This type of stem cell is what are believed by many to be the most promising I recommend, and is becoming the standard of breakthrough in medicine in decades. Indeed, care among stem cell clinics. along with scientists across the country (includ- They undergo rigorous testing as required by the ing biologists, physicists, chemists, engineers, FDA and screened for multiple communicable and clinicians), I believe that society is witness- diseases. They are then either injected into a ing the early steps of a revolution in science and joint or tendon or other site of injury, or can be medicine, driven by an emerging understanding infused IV for systemic effects. The stem cells of stem cells. are what we call immune priveliged, meaning What are stem cells? Basically a stem cell is a they are not rejected by our immune system. cell that has the potential to become any cell, There are thousands of studies being done cursuch as cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, heart, lung, rently on stem cells. They have been used to spinal cord, etc. I’ve written about them before repair spinal cord injuries, reverse congestive and will continue to do so, as they are vastly un- heart failure and COPD, and re-build cartilage in derutilized yet hold such promise in medicine. joints, avoiding the need for joint replacements. Among their many uses includes transforming They have profound effects in auto-immune distherapies for heart failure, spinal cord injury, ease. Go to ClinicalTrials.gov to see what studneurodegenerative diseases including Parkin- ies are currently being done with stem cells - just son’s and Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, neu- search for stem cells and the disease you’re inropathy, lung disease including COPD, retinal terested in, for example: stem cells and multiple disease, hearing loss, and orthopedic/sports in- sclerosis. juries. In our clinic we will infuse 30 million cells. There are several types of stem cells: Other clinics in the area infuse only 3 million Embryonic stem cells - illegal to use in the US, cells and charge more. Make sure you do your and I consider to be highly unethical and immor- research and find a clinic that uses only mesenal. We never recommend this type. chymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord Stem cells derived from your own fat or bone blood, and that you’re getting 30 million or more marrow - these can be effective. cells. For a free consultation for stem cell therapy, call Healthy Living Liberty Lake at 509-9246199. Dr Ashley is board certified in Family Medicine and in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. She provides a mix of traditional with alternative medicine and specializes in bio-identical hormones for both men and women.
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1. BALLET: What is the name of the young girl who stars in “The Nutcracker”? 2. TELEVISION: Which actor played the dad in the sitcom “Eight Is Enough”? 3. GOVERNMENT: According to the Constitution, what is the minimum age of a member of the U.S. Senate? 4. MUSIC: What is the nickname of country music singer Hank Williams Jr.? 5. FOOD & DRINK: Where did gumbo originate in the United States? 6. MOVIES: Which 1990s film had the tagline, “A little pig goes a long way”? 7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president is honored in the Wrestling Hall of Fame? 8. LITERATURE: What was the nickname of the deadly flu that wiped out most human beings in Stephen King’s “The Stand”? 9. U.S. STATES: Where is Fort Knox located? 10. MEASUREMENTS: What does the Brannock Device measure? Answers 1. Clara 2. Dick Van Patten 3. 30 4. Bocephus 5. Louisiana 6. “Babe” 7. Abraham Lincoln 8. Captain Trips 9. Kentucky 10. Shoe size
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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue County #53 December 31st 2018 Tidbits Dallas
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REMARKABLE PEOPLE KIM PEEK •In the 1988 film “Rain Man” actor Dustin Hoffman portrays an autistic savant. The character was based on real-life savant Kim Peek: streaks of pure genius standing in stark contrast to an overall handicap. •Kim was born in 1951 in Utah, with an enlarged head and very little motor control. Doctors said he would never be able to walk, talk, or learn. His parents poured themselves into his education, reading to him constantly while pointing at the words on the page. •However, at the age of two he was able to pull encyclopedias off the bookshelves and leaf through their pages. His parents thought he was just playing. Then one day at the age of three he asked them what the word “confidential” meant. They were joking when they told him to look it up for himself- and were astonished to see him pull the dictionary off the shelf, look up the word, and read the definition out loud. Further investigation showed that not only had he been reading the encyclopedias, but he had memorized them. •As he grew, they noticed that he would read the left-hand page with his left eye, while reading the right-hand page with his right eye. He had a photographic memory and could recall 98% of the information he read. He devoured newspapers, maps, phone books, and books by the armload. He often read as many as eight books per day, and could absorb all the information on a page within ten seconds, retaining that information for the rest of his life. (continued next page)
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Call Idaho Issue #53505-0674 December 31st 2018 For Advertising (334) KIM PEEK (cont) • Mega-savant Kim Peek worked his way through the entire high school curriculum by the age of 14. Yet, standardized IQ tests put his intelligence at around 87, which is below the normal range of 90-110. • CT scans and MRIs showed that the bundle of nerves that connects the left hemisphere of the brain to the right was missing. His brain had wired itself differently. Peek probably suffered from FG syndrome, a rare genetic abnormality that causes physical anomalies such as low muscle tone and a large head. • Peek was known as a human computer and earned the nicknames “Kimputer,” and “human Google.” He could give driving directions to cities across the world based on maps he had seen only once. He could tell instantly what day of the week any date fell on, past or future. He could reel off area codes and zip codes, regional TV and radio stations, dates of historical events, and instantly add long columns of numbers. • He presented a confounding mix of disability and brilliance. He had problems with basic reasoning and lacked social skills. It was difficult for him to follow simple directions. He could recall any fact requested but was unable to carry on a conversation. • In 1984, Peek met screenwriter Barry Morrow, who had written a movie called “Bill” about a mentally retarded person. As a result, he was invited to a symposium on mental retardation where he was astonished by Peek’s abilities. The result was the movie “Rain Man.” The popularity of the movie led to many public appearances for Peek, who acted as an emissary for people with mental disabilities. By the time Kim Peek died of a heart attack at the age of 58 in 2009, he had read – and memorized – over 12,000 books.
Spend Extra Dough on Shelter Pets
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I get a decent end-ofyear bonus around Christmas time, and I make it a point to donate a percentage of that bonus to a worthy charity. This year my wife recommended that I donate to the local pet shelter. However, there is plenty of need in other areas, especially those affected by disasters. Where would my donation be most needed? -- Doug H., Dallas DEAR DOUG: While the decision is entirely up to you, please consider donating to the local shelter as your wife suggested. Your donation will be used to directly support animal care at the shelter, from facilities maintenance and upgrades to providing food and medical care. Providing local support helps to strengthen its ability to care for animals that need help. And, as shelters increasingly support each other, a well-funded local shelter means that it can support other shelters in the area when needed. This type of interdependence has proved its worth: After Hurricane Harvey, thousands of strays and lost pets were saved and kept in safe conditions throughout Texas and surrounding states, thanks to planning and coordination between animal welfare organizations. Whether you decide to donate to a national organization or a specific shelter, try to find out as much as you can ahead of time about how your donation will be used -- how much of the money goes directly to animal care, and how much to administration? Sites like Charity Navigator can provide information about larger organizations, and often you can find that information on a local shelterÕs website, or by emailing or calling them. Send your tips, questions or comments to ask@ pawscorner.com. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #53 December 31st 2018 Tidbits Dallas
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ACCIDENTAL POISONING • In the Kurdish province of Kirkuk in 1972, the local doctor was perplexed. Dozens of people had come to him suffering from strange neurological disorders: numb hands, clumsiness, stumbling, sensory loss, blindness, deafness. He called for help from other doctors, only to find that hospitals all across the region had been seeing hundreds of similar cases every single day, mostly coming from the northern Kurdish provinces. Most of the victims were farmers. • A terrible drought had descended upon the area two years earlier. Many rural families had been forced to eat their seed wheat, leaving them with nothing to plant. The Ministry of Health stepped in, and the Iraqi government bought a large shipment of seed grain from Cargill Corporation of Minneapolis. It arrived in the country in the fall of 1971 and was distributed across the northern Kurdish provinces. There was enough grain to meet the planting needs for all of Iraq for that year. • By the time the grain reached the rural farmers, the time for planting the critical winter wheat crop was over. Farmers had depleted their own native seed stock for the planting, so the American seed went into their sheds and storehouses instead of going into the ground. And when there was a need for bread, they went to the American seed sacks for their grain. • At the request of the Iraqi Ministry of Health, Cargill coated the grain with alkyl-mercury fungicide, which inhibited spoilage. It also dyed the seeds red so people would know the grain had been treated. It also attached labels to the grain sacks clearing stating in plain English as well as Spanish that the grain had been adulterated. There was a picture of a skull and crossbones on the label. (cont’d)
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #53 December 31st 2018
Blue Button Health App Opens Records to Vets
The Department of Veterans Affairs is adding more features to Blue Button, the program veterans can use to access their health information from multiple sources on cellphone and web apps. But the greatest benefit, I believe, is the Health API, which allows veterans to access, download and even update their own medical records. If something is incorrect in your records, you’ll know it. If something is missing, you’ll spot that omission. So far, over 2 million veterans have downloaded 32 million of their health files. With Blue Button, if you’re signed up for My HealtheVet, you can select a text file or .PDF that you can read, print or save on a computer. You can choose a date range and the kind of information you want from your VA health records. If you have the premium My HealtheVet, you can enter information and data into the record, such as your medical conditions and medical history, allergies and adverse reactions, medications, family health, weight and blood pressure, and your personal goals. Data present from the health record will include notes after January 2013, pathology reports, radiology reports, vitals, wellness reminders, allergies and immunizations, as well as your current and past two years of appointments. Data from the Department of Defense will include your military service information. To learn more about Blue Button, go online to www.va.gov/bluebutton. To see how comprehensive this is, scroll to near the bottom and select either the text or .PDF sample to view. Blue Button is part of the whole VA API system. This includes Benefits API (track and receive notifications about your claims), Facilities API (get locations, hours, wait times at your facility) and now the Health API. To learn more about what these do, go online to https://developer.va.gov. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
ACCIDENTAL POISONING (cont) • Alkyl-mercury had been banned in Sweden in 1966, and Britain in 1971. But the U.S. and Mexico still used it in agriculture to kill fungus that caused seeds to spoil. • The hungry farmers could barely read and write their own native Arabic, much less English or Spanish, so they could not read the warnings. The skull and crossbones was merely an interesting piece of American art as far as they knew, perhaps the logo of the company. The red dye washed off easily in plain water, leaving the colorless, odorless, tasteless alkylmercury fungicide on the grain. • Chickens and other livestock who ate the grain showed no side effects, because the effects of eating alkyl-mercury fungicide are cumulative. By the time it reaches a toxic level in the body, it’s too late. Thousands of people milled toxic grain into bread and ate it for weeks. They fed the grain to their livestock, and then ate the mercury-contaminated meat. • When the government of Iraq figured out the problem, they issued declarations making it illegal to use the contaminated grain. Farmers reacted by dumping the grain into rivers and waterway, thereby contaminating water supplies and local fish with mercury. • The damage was irreversible. In 1972, over 6,500 people were treated at Iraqi hospitals for mercury poisoning, although it’s estimated that perhaps as many as 60,000 others remained untreated, being unable to reach hospitals. The death toll may be as high as 5,000. It was the largest case of mercury poisoning in the world at the time. • Because of this disaster, the World Health Organization has enacted tighter controls, better regulations, and stricter requirements regarding labelling.
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #18 April 30th 2018
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #18 April 30th 2018
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* On Jan. 13, 1128, Pope Honorius II sanctions the military order known as the Knights Templar, founded in 1118, declaring it to be an army of God. The Templars protected Christian pilgrims during the Crusades, military expeditions aimed at defeating Muslims in the Holy Land. * On Jan. 9, 1768, Englishman Philip Astley stages the first modern circus in London. The former cavalry sergeant major found that if he galloped in a tight circle, centrifugal force allowed him to perform seemingly impossible feats on a horseÕs back.Ê * On Jan. 11, 1908, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt declares the massive 800,000-acre area of the Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona a national monument to ensure that it would remain as it was. Congress, however, would not officially outlaw private development in the Grand Canyon until 1919. * On Jan. 8, 1946, Elvis Presley’s mother took him to the Tupelo Hardware Store and bought a birthday gift that would change history: a $6.95 guitar. Legend says Presley had really wanted a rifle or a bicycle. * On Jan. 10, 1967, President Lyndon Johnson asks for enactment of a 6 percent surcharge on personal and corporate income taxes to help support the Vietnam War. The proposal, approved by Congress in March 1967, backfired with an American public tiring of the controversial war. * On Jan. 12, 1984, the use of modern construction techniques to restore the Great Pyramids in Egypt is abandoned in favor of methods used by the ancient Egyptians. Restorers stopped using mortar and adopted the system of interlocking blocks practiced by the original pyramid builders. * On Jan.Ê7, 1999, the Senate begins the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton based on 11 grounds, including perjury, obstruction of justice, witness-tampering, lying under oath and abuse of power. (c) 2018 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #53 December 31st 2018
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How to talk to elderly family members about surrendering their driver’s license By Matilda Charles
Short on Resolutions? Try These on for Size
What are you going to do in 2019? Do you have a list of resolutions all ready to go? Making a resolution to go to the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday is all well and good, and sometimes we keep those types of vows. Mostly we don’t. Resolutions that we’re most likely to keep involve doing things for others. If you’re more comfortable taking small bites, rather than committing to doing something for a whole year, try making one resolution for every month or season of the year. Sign up to be a financial assistant to someone who needs help writing checks and managing bills. You’ll need a background check, but knowing another senior needs to get his or her bills paid will keep you on track. Join a community crew that does free repairs to the homes of other seniors. Can you paint a wall? Put clear plastic on windows to keep out cold drafts? Organize volunteers? Anything you can do will be appreciated. Start a vegetable garden in the spring, perhaps in a plot in a community space, and give the bounty to the food bank. Go every few days to water and weed. Knowing that the plants need care will keep you motivated. Volunteer over the summer to deliver books to people who can’t get out, or shelve books at the library. Be an usher or sell tickets at the theater group. Your whole community will thank you. Be a relief delivery driver for Meals on Wheels or deliver pharmacy prescriptions. You might be the only person the recipient sees all day. Do you see the pattern here? You’re more likely to keep your resolutions if they involve helping other people. The bonus is that doing things for others increases your own wellbeing. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
The holidays often allow many to spend time with their parents and senior family members. It might also provide an opportunity to have a difficult conversation about when someone should surrender their driver’s license. Israel Ramos, 96, has been driving since he was 17 years old. He was a truck and taxi driver in Uruguay. “So definitely, he knew how to drive,” explained Cristina Pitts, Ramos’ daughter. But a few years ago, she started to worry about his driving. “He just couldn’t see the distance,” she described. Pitts said he wasn’t stopping the car at the right time and loved to run yellow lights. “Or he will get mad if someone stopped and didn’t run the yellow light,” she added. “We were just getting concerned,” Pitts explained. She considered the safety of her father and her 94-year-old mother, Maria Ramos, who always accompanied her husband in the car, as well as the safety of other drivers on the road. “We started to investigate ways to tell him,” Pitts said. She even tried to disable his car so it wouldn’t turn on, which didn’t faze her father. “Right away, (he) figured out what was missing,” she said. One day, Ramos became disoriented while he was driving. He said he was trying to figure out how to make a U-turn and pulled off in an unsafe place. An officer saw his car and approached him. Ramos said the policeman requested his keys and took his license away. Ramos was devastated to lose his license, especially since he has been driving his entire life. “That’s the only thing I have done in my life,” he said, with the help of a translator. Pitts said they went six times to the DMV for her father to take the driver’s test again, but he couldn’t pass. The test was even more complicated now because Utah now requires everyone to take the test in English, rather than Spanish, which is his native language. Ramos was terribly frustrated, but his daughter said she was relieved. “It was a blessing in disguise,” Pitts said. In her mind, she thought, “This is great. I don’t have to be the mean guy.” Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Zach Whitney said the safety of others on the road is at risk. “If we can save a life by having a difficult conversation, it’s a conversation worth having,” he said. Whitney encourages families to suggest alternative means of transportation for their aging parents, such as ride sharing apps or public transportation. Today, Pitts jokes that Ramos has a new set of wheels: his walker, which is the only thing he drives now. He said he feels bad relying on his kids for transportation, but his kids said they’ll do anything to keep him around longer though. “Safety first,” Pitts stated. She encourages other families to be kind to their parents when having a similar conversation and to look at it from the parent’s of view. “I think that conversation has to be looking at where they’re coming from. You have to know they were independent. They were the drivers ... so go easy. Be understanding,” Pitts said. Pitts also said she tries to find new ways to help her parents feel independent at this stage of their life, like allowing them to have control of what happens inside their home. “They’re the ones who make the decisions in this house,” she said. Whitney also noted it’s important not only to have a conversation about safety with people who are aging, but also with anyone who may be driving impaired, drowsy, distracted, aggressive or unbuckled. (By Aley Davis, KSL TV | Posted - Dec 21st, 2018 @ 9:30pm)
Linda Davis Director of building relationships. 208.457.3403 www.LodgeLiving.net
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1. Who had a hit with “I’ve Got the Music in Me”? 2. Which artist had a disco hit with “Turn the Beat Around”? 3. What Scottish songwriter released “Hurdy Gurdy Man”? 4. Which Motown group sang “Up the Ladder to the Roof”? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Want some whiskey in your water? Sugar in your tea? What’s all these crazy questions they’re askin’ me?” Answers 1. Kiki Dee, in 1974. The song has been covered by over a dozen artists, including Aretha Franklin (1977) and Jennifer Lopez (2012). 2. Vicki Sue Robinson, in 1976. She received a Grammy nod for best female pop vocal. 3. Donovan, in 1968. Legend says he was studying Transcendental Meditation with the Beatles in India when he wrote the song. 4. The Supremes, in 1970. It was their first single without Diana Ross. 5. “Mama Told Me Not to Come” by Three Dog Night in 1970, and Eric Burdon in 1966. Songwriter Randy Newman said the song was in response to a straight young man attending his first big city party and being shocked at the drugs, alcohol and music. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TOP TEN MOVIES 1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (PG) animated 2. The Mule (R) Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper 3. The Grinch (PG) animated 4. Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) animated 5. Mortal Engines (PG-13) Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan 6. Creed II (PG-13) Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone 7. Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13) Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton 8. Instant Family (PG-13) Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne 9. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (PG-13) Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston 10. Green Book (PG-13) Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #38 September 17th 2018
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