Young at Heart News Photo by Josh Jambor Judith Levy, 84, shows a painting of hers on a tablet at the Alpena Senior Citizens Center. Levy, who takes painting and drawing classes at Alpena Community College, will have three pieces in an upcoming faculty and student art show. Story on page 2.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE ALPENA NEWS • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026
At 84, Judith Levy is getting back into a groove By JOSH JAMBOR in Detroit and did not stay there. level. Stairs had become more The other pieces of the week After high school she left De- than either of them wanted to matter as much as the studio. News Staff Writer She likes the exercise at the seALPENA – Judith Levy’s week troit for New York, then Cali- manage. They were in the middle of nior center. She calls Al-Anon is full of appointments. She is fornia, then came back to Dequick to point out that they are troit. Along the way she went fixing the flooring when her a wonderful 12-step program. to school to become a graphic husband had a heart attack and Being alone is hard for her, and not the medical kind. died. The repairs, and the house, both places have been, in her At 84, Levy exercises at the designer. “That’s been my basic profes- became hers. words, very helpful. She has Alpena Senior Citizens Center, “It’s getting better every day,” stayed close to her late hussits in on an Al-Anon meeting, sion my whole life,” she said. For 36 years she was married Levy said. band’s family and pointed out and takes two classes at Alpena One of the rooms is an art that she is grateful for those reCommunity College — one in to a man in the airline business, painting, one in drawing. Three and the work took them places. studio now. The housework is lationships. Levy also has a sister in Dedays a week, she said, she has They traveled to Uruguay, Phoe- close to being finished, she said, nix, Dallas and elsewhere, and which means more time for the troit. somewhere to be. What keeps her young, she “I’m just now getting into a lived for stretches in Florida work she came back to on purand in Presque Isle. When they pose. For a long stretch she had said, is not a secret and not a groove,” Levy said. She has been in the Alpena bought a house in Alpena, they not been making much of any- regimen. She likes people, and area for about three years, the chose it for a practical reason: thing. That is why she signed up she talks to everybody. The habit goes back to her father’s hardlatest stop in a life that started the bedrooms were on the lower at ACC. “I decided to sign up for ware store, where at 4 years old classes because for a long time she would ask customers if they I wasn’t doing anything, and I needed any help. needed to get back into it,” she “I feel young when I am outsaid. side, and I am with new people,” The classes are regular col- Levy said. lege courses, full of students She has the same answer for young enough to be her grand- anyone wondering whether it is children. She does not seem to too late to pick up a brush. mind the age gap. “I would definitely suggest “It’s fun,” Levy said. “I am ev- giving it a try; you can learn eryone’s grandma.” anything at any point if you are The work is starting to leave open to it,” she said. “Drawing is the house. Levy will have three about focusing and staying fopieces in an upcoming faculty cused.” and student art show, and anThat is the week she is buildother piece is being featured at ing: a class, a meeting, a workthe art gallery. With the house out, a room in the house set in better shape, she expects to aside for painting, and three do more of it. She also plans days that already have someto start a group of her own, for thing on them. The rest, she said, friends who want to try painting. is getting better every day. ____________________________________________ 2 - Young at Heart ~ Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Dry Eye: An Overlooked Symptom of Perimenopause and Menopause
(Feature Impact) Dry eye is one of the most overlooked symptoms of perimenopause, the phase of fluctuating hormones leading up to a woman’s final period, and menopause, the point in a woman’s life when she’s gone a year without a period. In fact, 79% of women1 recognize hot flashes as a symptom of menopause, but only 14% recognize dry eye as a menopauserelated symptom, according to the 2026 Bausch + Lomb (Peri) Menopausal Survey. What’s more, 78% of women1 were surprised to learn that dry eye is a symptom of perimenopause or menopause. “Dry eye is still widely overlooked as a symptom of menopause, and many women think it’s just a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can significantly affect your daily life,” said Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, IFMCP, FOWNS, founder, Integrative Vision. “Early symptoms are often misunderstood or self-treated but it’s very important for women who experience symptoms to see an eye doctor and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.” During perimenopause and menopause, declining hormone levels can impact tear production, tear quality and tear evaporation, contributing to dry eye symptoms including redness, fluctuating vision and a gritty or tired feeling in the eyes, all
of which can impact day-to-day comfort and quality of life. If left untreated, dry eyes may worsen over time, potentially impacting eye health and vision. Among peri-, menopausal and postmenopausal women who experienced dry eye, 80% said the symptom came as a surprise. Respondents reported their dry eye symptoms caused difficulty reading (58%), difficulty using screens (53%), difficulty driving (26%) and reduced productivity (17%), underscoring the often-overlooked impact dry eyes can have on everyday life.1 However, there are a variety of products and treatment approaches available to help manage dry eye symptoms. For example, Bausch + Lomb offers a range of options designed to address the main causes of dry eye. A doctor-recommended, clinically proven once-daily soft gel supplement that targets the key root causes of dry eyes, Blink NutriTears supports healthy tear production and provides lasting, continuous relief.* § As part of a comprehensive approach to dry eye management, the supplement can be used with Blink Triple Care Preservative Free Lubricant Eye Drops, which are designed to directly address tear evaporation, one of the leading causes of dry eye, and provide instant and long-lasting symptom relief.
An eye care professional can help determine the approach that’s right for each individual. To learn more about dry eye and products to help combat it, visit JustBlink.com. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease. 12026 Bausch & Lomb (Peri) Menopause Survey via Suzy, n=402; Women ages 30-80+ who are perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal
§Based on a clinical study #17751 Source: Bausch + Lomb
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Shingles Raises Heart and Stroke Risk: Protect Yourself with Vaccination
(Feature Impact) Shingles isn’t just a painful rash and nerve pain. It’s also linked with a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, especially in the weeks to months after infection. However, shingles is largely preventable with vaccination. The world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, the American Heart Association, reminds eligible adults to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and staying on top of their heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is already inside you. It can “wake up” years later, causing painful blisters and nerve pain that can last for months or longer. After a shingles episode, one large study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” found the risk of heart attack and stroke was nearly 30% higher in the short term and may persist over time. “Shingles can be very painful and knock you down for weeks,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s also associated
with a higher chance of heart and stroke problems afterward. If you’re 50 or older, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the shingles vaccine. It’s a simple step that can keep you healthier.” Knowing your risk is the first step toward prevention. Age is the most important risk factor for developing shingles. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. People over 50, and especially those living with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses, are more likely to develop shingles. The risk of serious complications from shingles increases: * As you get older * If you take drugs that keep your immune system from working properly, like steroids and drugs given after an organ transplant * If you have medical conditions that keep your immune system from working properly such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, or HIV infection Heart Health Made Simpler In addition to ensuring you’re up to date on your vaccines, talk to your health care professional about ways you can improve your overall heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the lead-
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ing cause of death, taking more lives in the United States than any other cause. Following healthy lifestyle guidance like Life’s Essential 8 can make inroads toward preventing heart disease and stroke, and improving brain health. The set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure) are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. How to Get the Shingles Vaccine 1. Check eligibility: Recommended by the CDC for adults 50-plus and adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems. 2. Find a location: Most national pharmacies, many primary care and specialty clinics and local health departments offer it. Search your pharmacy’s app or website, or call your clinician’s office. 3. Book it: Make an appointment on-
line or by phone. Same-day or walk-in options may be available at pharmacies. 4. Bring what you need: Photo ID, insurance card and a list of medicines and allergies. Wear a short-sleeve shirt, if you can. 5. Plan for two doses, 2-6 months apart: When you schedule dose one, set a reminder or book dose two before you leave. 6. Cost and coverage: Many health plans, including Medicare Part D, cover shingles vaccination at low or no cost. Check your benefits or ask the pharmacy to verify coverage. 7. After your shot: A sore arm, fatigue, headache or mild fever are common and usually go away in 2-3 days. Call your clinician about severe or persistent symptoms. 8. If you’ve had shingles before: You can still get vaccinated after you recover. Ask your health care provider about timing. Learn more at heart.org/shingles.
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How to Protect Yourself from a Smartphone Scam (Feature Impact) The first sign phone users should use strong, is unexpectedly losing access to unique passwords for each onyour cell phone. Soon after, when line account - password managyou connect to Wi-Fi, the gravity ers are a helpful tool in creatof the situation sinks in: a crimi- ing complex and randomized nal has gained access to your passwords. Use two-factor aucell phone number and is trying thentication where it’s offered; to siphon money from your credit this adds an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive accards and bank accounts. The scam is called SIM swap- counts. Next, consumers should proping, or SIM hijacking, and it’s a concern for law enforcement in tect personal information they the United States and abroad share online, whether on social as more than 5,000 people have media or in texts or emails askreported SIM swapping scams to ing for identifying data, such as the FBI since 2022. Older adults, PIN numbers, birthdates or onecaregivers and families can time security codes. Be wary of benefit from understanding the anyone pushing you to share perwarning signs of SIM swapping sonal information, particularly if and taking simple security steps they’re pushy with their request or make it sound urgent. to prevent it from happening. Check your mobile carrier to see if it offers SIM protection. For How SIM swapping works A SIM card, or its digital version example, Verizon customers can known as an eSIM, helps connect toggle on a protection feature swapping scam, contact your as much information as possible a phone number to a carrier net- on the carrier’s website or app banks immediately and have with law enforcement so they work. In a SIM swapping scam, a to lock lines on their account to them freeze your accounts, in- can investigate, or at least docucriminal collects basic informa- help prevent SIM changes. cluding ones the criminals may ment trends, in how often this If you get an unprompted no- not have targeted yet. Next, work scam occurs. tion about their victim, such as their name, birthdate and ad- tification that your SIM has been with your cell phone provider to To find more advice to protect dress, to try to move the victim’s changed, or otherwise suspect help regain access to your mo- against smartphone scams, visit phone number to a SIM card or you’ve been targeted in a SIM bile device. If you’re able, share Verizon.com. eSIM profile the criminal controls. Keith Wallace Once complete, the scammer William Pfeifer gains access to accounts you may experienced attorneys right here in Alpena The modern drug store where you are greeted with be logged into on your phone, a friendly “Hello” and “How can we help you?” ISACKSON, such as bank accounts or credit You don’t have to walk blocks to enter, you are only WALLACE card apps, without touching your steps away from the front door or use Alpena’s first drive-through window. phone or being near you. & PFEIFER P.C. How to protect yourself from SIM swapping scams Preparation is the best protection against SIM swapping. Cell
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____________________________________________ Wednesday, October 7, 2026 ~ Young at Heart - 5
Stroke Recovery Starts Early and Continues for a Lifetime
(Feature Impact) When it comes to stroke, time matters. Recognizing the warning signs and calling 911 quickly can help with receiving time-sensitive, life-saving treatment. Recovery should begin early, too. Having a stroke can divide life into a stark before and after, affecting many aspects of daily life. While it’s easy to focus on the things a stroke can take away, it’s important to remember there’s life after stroke. Recovery isn’t just about relearning skills. It’s about adapting to new challenges, finding purpose in a different reality and continuing to move forward. Navigating the aftermath of a stroke means balancing short-term and long-term plans. Once medically stable, rehabilitation should ideally begin within 48 hours, according to the 2026 Guideline for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery from the American Stroke Association. Recovery doesn’t have a fixed end. Meaningful progress can continue for months or years after survivors leave the hospital or complete formal therapy. “Stroke rehabilitation is complicated,” said Lorie Gage Richards, Ph.D., FAHA, volunteer chair of the new guideline, associate professor at the University of Utah and an oc-
cupational therapist. “Each person faces a different set of challenges and care should be personalized to fit each person’s needs. The goal is to help individuals gain as much independence as possible to perform everyday activities while improving their overall quality of life.” Approximately 800,000 people have a stroke each year in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics. Whether you’re navigating recovery yourself or supporting someone you love, connecting with a coordinated healthcare team is an important first step. Ask about a comprehensive assessment, develop a rehabilitation plan based on what matters to you and set small, achievable goals throughout recovery.
Building Skills and Independence After a stroke, familiar parts of a daily routine may take more effort or require a new approach. A rehabilitation team can assess how stroke has affected movement, communication, thinking, vision, hearing and other abilities then develop a plan based on individual needs and goals. Recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. For one person, a meaningful goal may be dressing in-
____________________________________________ 6 - Young at Heart ~ Wednesday, October 7, 2026
dependently. For others, it could be returning to work, driving safely or participating in favorite activities. Start with manageable goals, evaluate progress and reassess the plan as needs change. Understanding the Invisible Impacts Some of the most challenging parts of recovery may be the ones others can’t see. For instance, you might lose confidence or sense of identity, have trouble concentrating or experience anxiety or depression. Along with mental and emotional changes, you may notice ongoing physical symptoms like pain, difficulty sleeping, changes in sexual function or difficulty with bladder control. Invisible challenges don’t have to stay that way. Ask your healthcare team to assess your physical and emotional health, including depression and anxiety, during the hospital stay and throughout recovery. Speaking up about new or changing symptoms can help identify appropriate treatment and support. Navigating Changing Relationships When you have a stroke, your life isn’t the only one that changes. A partner, parent or friend may suddenly take on new responsibilities,
making honest conversations about support especially important. Family responsibilities may also look different. Parenting young children, supporting loved ones or balancing work and family can bring new challenges during recovery. Give yourself permission to slow down, accept care and connect with the people who matter most. Finding Purpose and Redefining Success Recreation, hobbies, social connections and other meaningful activities are an important part of recovery and can help people regain confidence, participate in their communities and improve quality of life. That may mean returning to music, art, exercise or time with friends. It could also mean modifying favorite activities, discovering new interests or connecting with a support group. Life after stroke may look different, but different doesn’t mean less meaningful. Recovery isn’t measured by how closely someone returns to who they were before. It’s about finding new ways to pursue what matters most and continuing to move forward. Learn more about recognizing stroke, preparing for rehabilitation and adjusting to life after stroke by visiting Stroke.org.
Type 2 Diabetes Doesn’t Have to Be Your Future: Medicare Has a Benefit That Can Help
(Feature Impact) Nearly 1 in 2 people age 65 and older has prediabetes - a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels run higher than normal. Left unchecked, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes. However, with the right support, prediabetes can often be managed or even reversed. If you have Medicare, you may qualify for a Medicare-covered program that can help you lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes - at no cost to you. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program is a covered Medicare benefit that gives you practical tools, personalized support, and proven strategies to make healthy lifestyle changes. Learn how to eat better, exercise more, and build healthy habits that stick while guided by a certified coach who helps you every step of the way. Research shows the program works. People with prediabetes who complete the program result in weight loss, which ultimately leads to reduced risk of type 2 diabetes onset. What can you expect? Prevention does not mean you have to make big changes all at once. This program helps you take small, realistic steps that can add up to lasting results. It includes 16 core sessions where you can learn how to reduce your diabetes risk by making healthier meals, moving more, and building healthy habits. The core sessions are followed by six months of monthly maintenance sessions to help you keep your momentum.
You can choose the class format that works for you You can enroll in these services from approved Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program suppliers and participate in the way most convenient for you: * In-Person: Attend sessions in a community location. * Live-Distance Learning: Join interactive group sessions from home. * Self-Paced Online: This new option allows you to access online content and learn on your own schedule. Visit www.medicare.gov/PreventDiabetes to find a class that’s right for you. Who is eligible? You may qualify if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and meet these criteria: * Have had one of the following test results within the past 12 months: o Hemoglobin A1c between 5.7% and 6.4% o Fasting plasma glucose between 110 and 125 mg/dL o Two-hour plasma glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dL after an oral glucose tolerance test * Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (or 23 or higher if you self-report as Asian descent). * Have never been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). What does it cost? If you have Medicare Part B and qualify for the program, you pay
nothing to participate. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have to go to an in-network provider to get these services. Contact your plan for more information. Ready to get started on your healthier future? Take control of your health on your own terms, schedule, and pace that fits into your life. Check with your doctor to find out if you have
prediabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you’re eligible for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, your doctor can refer you, or you can enroll on your own. If you’re ready to get started today, find the class that’s right for you at: www.medicare.gov/PreventDiabetes. Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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