CHOICES For Fifty Plus April/May 2023

CHOICES For Fifty Plus

APRIL / MAY 2023

TRAVEL TO MEXICO –LOMAS DE COCOYOC

STRINGING ALONG FOR 25 YEARS

Dubuque Community String Orchestra

CHOICES For Fifty Plus

PUBLISHER

Gina Siegert

OFFICE MANAGER

SUSAN DECKER

EDITOR

JOHN MORAN

DIRECTOR OF ONLINE CONTENT

BENJAMIN SEELING

ART DIRECTOR

GINA SIEGERT

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

GINA SIEGERT

GUEST WRITERS

John B. Donovan, Tracey Rush

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Getty Images, John B. Donovan, Tracey Rush, UnityPoint Finley Hospital

THE FINE PRINT

CHOICES For Fifty Plus is published every other month by G.A. Publishing, Inc. located at 432 Bluff Street, Dubuque,IA, 52001. Mailing address: P.O. Box 801, Dubuque, IA 520040801. Telephone: (563) 557-1914. Website: www.juliensjournal.com

CHOICES For Fifty Plus is printed at Welu Printing 1685 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001. Phone: (563) 557-1914.

Return Policy: Orders are shipped third class and should be received within 15 days. Returns should be sent to Julien’s Journal Magazine, P.O. 801 Dubuque, IA 52004. You must provide name, address, and mailing label.

FEATURE IDEAS

Email: John Moran feature@juliensjournal.com

ADVERTISE

Email: Gina Siegert advertising@juliensjournal.com

ABOVE: John B. Donovan and Natalee visit Mexico. Story on pages 13-15. Photo by John B. Donovan.

Natalee and John with Mario Duck Rodriguez and Thamara Sempere Farias.

FROM NOWHERE TO NOW HERE (ZOOM)

Saturday, April 1 @ 9:30-11:30 AM

Have you ever apologized because your mind or your heart was ‘somewhere else’ than where your body was at the time? When we’re pulled in many directions, we can feel like we’re in the ‘middle of nowhere’.

NATIVE BOOK DISCUSSION: SOLAR STORMS: A NOVEL (ZOOM)

Tuesday, April 11 @ 7-8:15 PM

Pulitzer Prize finalist Linda Hogan tells the moving story of a troubled Native American girl coming of age in the foster system in Oklahoma, who decides to reunite with her family — a stunning island town that lies at the border of Canada and Minnesota

— where she finds that their sacred land is threatened.

WOOD PAINTING: SPRING WREATH (ON SITE)

Sarah Barnes will guide you step-by-step in how to paint on wood. All supplies will be provided. Bring along your family and friends for an enjoyable and creative morning!

HEALING HAUNTED HISTORIES: RE-MEMBER, RE-STORY, & RESTORE (ON SITE)

Saturday, April 15 @ 10 AM-3 PM

Living amid a time of great loss and upheaval the roots of challenges - as well as the path toward healing - lie in the way one understands relationships within the self, within families, within spiritual traditions, within the community of creation, and within the ongoing realities of colonialism.

ARBOR DAY HIKE (ON SITE)

Friday, April 28 @ 5-6 PM

Trees, trees, trees! Come celebrate Arbor Day at the Mound

with a lovely hike through forests discussion the arboreal giants that live among us. This is an outdoor activity and will be hiking on and off trail so be sure to bring sturdy hiking boots and weather appropriate clothing.

JOY OF FORGIVENESS (ON SITE) BACK FOR THE THIRD TIME

Saturday, April 29 @ 9 AM-4 PM

There’s never been a better time to remove the barriers to a healthy, productive life! Even though people have been insensitive one can be free from grudges, resentment, self-defeating habits, and negative feelings. Forgiving is the only way to stop the pain and bring hope to the future.

“NEUTRAL GROUND” NATIVE LANDS TOUR (OFF SITE)

Saturday, April 29 @ 10 AM-2 PM Story lives in place. In this Native Lands Tour travel to a number of sites around Fayette, IA where the Ho-Chunk were forced during the so-called “neutral ground” period of the 19th century.

At Eagle Pointe Place in Dubuque, seniors find value in our home-like amenities and caring staff. We offer:

• Independent & assisted living

• Personal care available 24/7

• On-site therapy

• Scheduled transportation

• Daily exercise classes

• Housekeeping & laundry

• Pet-friendly apartments

• …and more!

You’ll also find warmth, fun and easy friendships! Relationships thrive through daily living – from social activities designed with senior’s wellbeing in mind to nutritious and comforting meals together.

690 -1900

MAY EVENTS

LEGACY OF AGRICULTURE AT SINSINAWA (ON SITE)

Tuesday, May 16 @ 6-7 PM

Farming has been a way of life at the Mound since 1847 when Father Samuel Mazzuchelli founded the order of Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa. This talk will walk through the past legacy of farming at Sinsinawa and explore where the future of farming is taking us.

SINSINAWA MOUND MARKET

Join in the first market of the season! Held at the farm at 2551 County Rd Z, Sinsinawa, WI every fourth Wednesday through September from 4-7 PM.

FALL FOREST BATHING (ON SITE)

Thursday, May 25 @ 10 AM-4 PM

Join the Mound for a fall Forest Bathing experience where people bathe in the good medicine of Mother Earth. Nature and Forest Therapy, also called Forest Bathing, is a slow, sensory focused walk with the land.

All ON SITE events are located at Sinsinawa Mound 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI. View a list of upcoming events at Sinsinawa.org or, for more information, call 608.748.4411.

Enter through the Main Entrance to check-in and have temps taken and the wearing of face masks is required.

your care receiver; and when it is appropriate to begin services.

To register, please call 563.690.9679 or email CaregiverCenter@stonehilldbq.com by Monday, April 17. This is a free program.

DEMENTIA FRIEND INFORMATION SESSION (VIRTUALLY)

Monday, April 24 @ 9-10 AM

This is a one-hour, virtual Dementia Friends Information Session. You will learn five key messages about dementia and a bit about what it’s like to live with dementia. You can then turn your understanding into a practical action that can help someone with dementia living in your

APRIL EVENTS

PALLIATIVE CARE VS HOSPICE CARE

Wednesday, April 19 @ 1-2 PM Caregiver Resource Center, 3485 Windsor Ave, Dubuque

Diane Fasselius, Community Education Specialist with Hospice of Dubuque, will provide education on the differences between Palliative Care and Hospice Care; what services are available for

community. This action can be as big or as small as you choose – because every action counts!

This session is free. Please RSVP by April 21st.

MANAGING MONEY: A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO FINANCES (ON SITE AND VIRTUALLY)

Monday, April 10 @ 1-2 PM

If you or someone you know is facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another chronic illness, it’s never too early to put financial plans in place. This Alzheimer’s Association education program will feature tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs, and the benefits of planning early.

MAY EVENTS

HEALTHY LIVING FOR YOUR BRAIN AND BODY (ON SITE AND VIRTUALLY)

Monday, May 8 @ 1-2 PM

Caregiver Resource Center, 3485 Windsor Ave

Join the Alzheimer’s Association to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. This program is free and in-person.

For more information and reservations visit CaregiverCenter@stonehilldbq.com or 563.690.9679

All Caregiver Resource Center activities are free unless otherwise noted. Many activities are available for either in-person or virtual attendance.

Please click event for details on attendance, location, and RSVP requirements at stonehilldbq. com/events/category/caregiver-resource-center. We You are welcome to email Jolene or call 563.690.9679 with any questions about upcoming events.

OHNWARD TRIP TO HAMELTON

The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is booking a bus trip to see a 1:30 matinee of the musical Hamilton in Chicago at the James H. Nederlander Theater on Thursday, September 14. The cost is $210 each. Tickets will be sold first come first serve. No refunds after tickets are purchased.

For tickets please CALL the Ohnward Fine Arts Center at 563652-9815, 9 AM- 1 PM Monday through Friday. Or just stop in.

CORRECTION: The February CHOICES For Fifty Plus incorrectly identified Angela Horaney, BSN, RN, who serves as Agency Administrator at 24 Hour Care. The feature article “24-Hour Care –

Ready to Serve

You in Your Home” was on pages 13-15. Angela Horaney

Stringing Along for 25 Years

by Tracey Rush

It was the Fall of 1998 and there I was in my blissful ignorance, thinking this town needed an amateur string orchestra. My adult violin student, Marsha Wilfong, was coming along nicely in her lessons but there was no opportunity for ensemble playing. I knew first-hand that the real joy in playing an orchestral instrument comes from making music together with your friends.

Adults and students sit side-byside for rehearsal. Dr. Hillard Salas (left) and UD student Brady Potts serve as co-concertmasters for the DCSO. Photo by Tracey Rush.

So Marsha and I gathered our string-playing friends, including other adult students, secured rehearsal space at Emmaus Bible College, came up with the name “Dubuque Community String Orchestra (DCSO),” sent a press release to the Telegraph Herald, and spread the word the best we could, and prayed people would actually show up to the first rehearsal. They did! Some were excited, some nervous, some apprehensive, and a few just curious, but all hoping it would turn out to be a positive experience. Twenty-five years later, they are still coming.

There were absolutely no expectations that first rehearsal. There were no auditions, no requirements, no pressure of an upcoming concert. As the conductor, I asked only that they play their best and have fun. It was such a diverse group that night; not only were there those who had only been playing a couple of years, but many others had dusted of their instruments that had been idle for many years. Joe Terry came to that first rehearsal after not having played his cello in 50 years, and his wife, Pat, had not played her violin in 35 years. They were faithful members of the ensemble well into their 80s, until Pat’s hands got too arthritic.

Those first months of rehearsals went well enough that by Christmas the group was confident enough to perform carols at a couple of senior living centers, and in the spring the orchestra performed

their first “real” concert at Emmaus Bible College Marble Chapel. When Northeast Iowa School of Music (NISOM) opened late August of 2001, the DCSO came under the umbrella of that non-profit. By then the ensemble had improved to the point of being accepted to perform at the state-wide Iowa String Teachers Association conference in Des Moines in mid-September. The plans were to rent a couple of vans and drive to Des Moines as a group. On the morning of September 11th, I was at the car dealership, making arrangements to rent those vehicles, when news of the terrorist attacks broke. At Mike Finnan Ford, I gathered around their TV set with other customers and employees to watch the fall of the Twin Towers. The String Teachers conference ended up being canceled, along with our trip, because the conference speakers could not get a flight to Iowa.

That following summer, 2002, we performed an outdoor concert at the Arboretum. On the program was a premiere by promising 12-year-old NISOM composition student who had written a piece for solo piano with string orchestra accompaniment. Dr. Michael Gilbertson now teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and in 2018 was a finalist for Pulitzer Prize in music. The professional chamber choir The Crossing just won the 2023 Grammy for Best Vocal Performance for their recording “Born: Music of Edie Hill and Michael Gilbertson.”

The DCSO rehearses for their upcoming concert in Straatmeyer Hall at UD’s Heritage Center. Photo by Alex Haggin.

(L to R) Cathy Harms, Lois Harvey, and Sandy Rodriguez take violin lessons as well as perform in the DCSO. They agree, “You are never too old to learn to play the violin!”

Photo by Tracey Rush.

Joe and Patricia Terry were charter members of the DCSO and played well into their 80s. Photo by Tracey Rush.

Lois Harvey of Hazel Green was in the audience at the Arboretum that evening. Lois recalls, “At the intermission, Tracey Rush invited adults at the concert to join the community orchestra. My last violin lessons were about 40 years ago in high school orchestra.” Lois took some refresher lessons at NISOM and has been playing in the DCSO ever since. “I would encourage adults to sign up for lessons and join DCSO,” says Lois. “You will meet people with a like interest in music, challenge your brain, and keep your fingers nimble.”

Lois recently came back to NISOM for lessons and brought a couple of her friends, Sandy Rodriguez and Cathy Harms, both violinists from Galena. They enjoy a group lesson to work on DCSO music and learn new skills. Says Cathy, “I was 53 when I casually mentioned to my husband that I wished I could play the fiddle. He surprised me with a violin at Christmas and I started taking lessons at NISOM. That was 21 years ago. At that time I never dreamed I would be a member of a string orchestra playing beloved classical pieces by famous composers. NISOM opened a new world for me. What a joy, and it keeps getting better!”

Emmaus Bible College graciously allowed us the use of their facilities for rehearsals and concerts for over 18 years. When one of our older violinists, George Willging, was in the final stage of heart fail-

ure, he was no longer able to drive to rehearsals. So Oak Park Place allowed us to hold rehearsals in their large meeting room and all George had to do was take the elevator downstairs to get to rehearsal. Oak Park Place allowed us to keep rehearsing there even after George passed away.

Meanwhile, back in 2018, health concerns led me to retire from the podium and Rebecca Geyssens took over as conductor for a year and a half, until COVID make its appearance and caused the group to take the next 18 months off. When it was safe to rehearse again, I was back as director since the Geyssens had moved to Texas and I was feeling better.

We now have a new place to rehearse and perform. DCSO has partnered with the University of Dubuque, to give the string students the opportunity to perform with a larger ensemble. As UD’s string program goes, the need to combine will be assessed, but for now it is a win-win situation and the older musicians love having the students around. Rehearsals now take place in the Heritage Center, where the anniversary concert will be held.

Since the fall of 1998 the Dubuque Community String Orchestra has performed over 60 concerts with audience members from preschoolers to the elderly, at over 20 different locations, including an elementary school, a middle school, a high

school, three colleges, three senior living centers, five churches, Five Flags Theater, the Grand Opera House, the Roshek Building, and the Carnegie-Stout Public Library, as well as outdoors at the Arboretum, Asbury Park, and the Town Clock Plaza. We have performed close to 400 pieces of music by over 150 different composers, representing music

Affordable Support of Independence

from all over the world, from every time period, and in multiple styles including Broadway, folk tunes, jazz, swing, fiddle, and of course, Classical. We have featured over 60 different soloists – vocalists and instrumentalists – and have performed with the New Horizons Band and several choirs.

At our April concert, we will be performing our 6th commissioned work, “Glenn’s American Jig,” written by California composer Michael Glenn Williams. The program will feature UD oboist Coda Freiburger, performing the Marcello Oboe Concerto in D minor, as well as works by Piazzolla and Copland. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis will be dedicated to those DCSO musicians who have passed away. The concert begins at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 10 in the Heritage Center and is free and open to the public.

You will enjoy, I promise! But do not just take my word for it. Sandy Rodriguez says, “I was in my 50s when I started playing violin and joined the DCSO. I’m turning 70 this year and still loving it! The orchestra experience just pushes me to do better, and our concerts are so much fun. Everyone is so welcoming no matter what level you play at.” ❖

Tracey Rush is the founder of both the Dubuque Community String Orchestra and Northeast Iowa School of Music and insists nobody is too old to learn music. Anyone interested in joining the DCSO next season should contact her at TRush@nisom.com.

The Importance of Regular Immunizations for Heart Health

people but even those age 50 and younger who have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.”

COVID-19 – At the onset of the pandemic, the American Heart Association established the COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry, which found people with or at risk for CVD were more likely to become infected with and die from COVID-19. Additionally, the research found many people experience heart and vascular disease after getting COVID-19.

While most parents are good at keeping track of vaccines their kids need to stay healthy, many adults don’t realize there are immunizations important for keeping themselves heart-healthy, as well. Adults, especially those with a history of heart disease or stroke, should take steps to stay up-to-date on preventive vaccines, particularly for the flu and COVID-19.

Influenza – While many experience just a few days of aches and chills, the flu can be deadly for some, including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. There has also been research linking flu infection to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Getting a flu shot can not only prevent the flu, it may also reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

In fact, a study published in Stroke found that, among a group of people hospitalized for various reasons, those who experienced a flu-like illness within a month of their hospitalization were 38% more likely to have a stroke. Receiving the flu vaccine within a year prior to hospitalization lowered a person’s stroke risk to 11%.

“Getting an annual flu shot should be part of routine health care for all individuals, especially for people who are already living with chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association chief medical officer for prevention. “The potentially serious complications of the flu are far greater for those with chronic diseases. This is true not just for older

A study from the registry published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology found new-onset atrial fibrillation in 1 in 20 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Additionally, research also found people hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher risk of stroke compared with people who had similar infectious conditions such as influenza or sepsis.

“We can’t stress enough the connections between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease,” Sanchez said. “There is clear evidence that people who have heart and vascular disease and even those with CVD risk factors are more likely to get COVID and to have more severe complications from the virus.”

Other Immunizations – While flu and COVID-19 vaccines are of the utmost importance, there are a number of other immunizations that can help keep people heart-healthy.

The pneumococcal vaccination protects against a common cause of severe pneumonia and is especially important for people 65 and older, and others with certain underlying medical conditions. This type of pneumonia can be deadly, especially for people already at high risk for health complications, including CVD. One shot is usually good for several years, although you may need a second one later depending on your age at your first shot.

Shingles, a viral infection caused by the chickenpox virus, has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. More than 99% of people age 40 or older in the United States may carry the dormant chickenpox virus, also known as the varicella-zoster virus, and not even realize it. ❖

Editor’s note: This article was provided by the American Heart Association

The importance of immunizations. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

TRAVELOGUE – MEXICO LOMAS DE COCOYOC

by John B. Donovan

One of the advantages of belonging to Rotary, an international service organization, is that you never know who you may meet. Mario Duck Rodriguez and Thamara Sempere Farias attended a Dubuque Rotary meeting last fall when they brought their son, Rashuan Duck to the University of Dubuque

Until I met the two of them, Mexico was not on my list of places to visit. We stayed at the home of Mario and Thamara and were fortunate to have one or often both of them as guides. They lived in a large gated community in Lomas de Cocoyoc.

Mexico’s written history dates back more than three millennia, though findings of human habitation date back nearly 23,000 years. I knew of the Aztec’s, but wasn’t that familiar with the Olmec, Teotihuancan, and Toltec prior to the Aztec empire or the conquerors thereafter. What I and Natalee found amazing were the structures built hundreds of years ago, that not only were still standing, but are purposely used.

Flying into Mexico City, we met up with Mario and Thamara and stopped in Teopoztlan at a weekend market with booths of trinkets, shirts, handmade

Top: Natalee and John with Mario Duck Rodriguez and Thamara Sempere Farias. Bottom: Statue of Mira in courtyard of Casona de La china Poblana in Puebla. Photos contributed by John B. Donovan.

baskets, hats, religious idols, drinks, food (dried grasshoppers), and much more. Thamara pointed out an ancient pyramid up in the hills overlooking the village. This was a wonderful first immersion into the culture.

Lunch time brought us to Cuernavaca where we were entertained by a Mariachi band. Then visited the hamlet of Tlayacapan, which had sustained significant damage in a 2022 earthquake. We were not able to enter the town hall as it had been badly damaged, but received a full story of the loss and some history of the area.

Puebla is the largest city in the State of Puebla and the fourth largest in Mexico with a population of

just over three million. Founded in 1851, it is known for its culinary history and ancient architecture and is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios Chollila Puebla (Our Lady of Remedies Church) is a 16th-century Mexican Catholic parish. It is built atop the Tlachihualtepetl pyramid in the municipality of Cholula, a suburb of Puebla. The pyramid is known as the largest in the world and has an altitude of about 7,200 feet. The views of the surrounding city and areas from the top, were spectacular. Also, in Puebla, we visited the Catedral de Puebla, also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ground breaking was in 1575, consecrated in 1649, and completed

in 1737. It is a large, spectacular church building with a spire height of 230 feet.

Before leaving Puebla, we had to stop at the Casona de La China Poblana. Once a home, it is now a spectacularly decorated hotel. A statue in the courtyard is of Mirra, a young Indian (India) princess kidnapped and eventually brought to Puebla by Miguel de Sosa and his wife Margarita. When Sosa died, he freed Mirra but she remained in Puebla.

We managed to visit two different haciendas in Puebla. Hacienda Cocoyoc was an old sugar cane plantation and the stone structures were centuries old. An ancient aqueduct system, still in use, brought water from Popocatepetl, an active volcano, to the hacienda for irrigation. The water abundantly flows today with trees growing in and around the stone water trough. Our walk around the grounds was breathtaking.

We visited Hacienda de Cortez, a former 16th century sugarcane hacienda founded by Hernán Cortés in 1530. The architecture and art are a magnificent example of the time of the conquistadors. During our walk, we were given a friendly and very complete tour of the grounds

In Mexico City, a tour of the Bosque de Chapultepec is a necessity. The surrounding Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in Mexico, totaling nearly 1,700 acres. We spent our time visiting the castle, which is located on the summit of a large hill. Chapultepec is a local word meaning “on the hill of the grasshopper.” This castle is a beautiful, massive structure with spacious 360º views. In the mid-1850s it was remodeled and became the official residence of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. In 1939 it became a museum.

One of the joys of travel is the people we meet. This was no exception. Tata (Otávio Ledra Simonetti) from Curitiba PR Brazil, is a Rotary Exchange student living with Mario and Thamara for the school year. When not in school, he accompanied us on many adventures. It was a delight to interact with Tata and learn a bit about him, his family and his community.

We did our best to try a wide vari-

ety of food and to show how wide we’d go, the first food we tried were dried grasshoppers.

The city of Puebla is known for its Mole, a traditional sauce that comes in several flavors, chocolate, coconut, citrus, and others. We tried all and enjoyed most. One night we enjoyed ‘Al Pastor’ which is a traditional Mexican taco dish, made with seasoned and marinated pork. Though a very Mexican dish, the style of cooking is of Lebanese origin. Elsewhere we enjoyed tortillas, eggs, beans and papaya served with cottage cheese, chicken consume with diced onion, chopped green pepper, cut basil, avocado chunks or spritz with a lime, ahi tuna salad with diced melon, apple, and orange along with sugar snap peas.

When we made the arrangements to visit Thamara and Mario, we didn’t really have an agenda, but through the graciousness of the two of them, and the warm hospitality of many friends and relatives we met; we saw, experienced, and learned a lot about Mexico. In short, we had a wonderful time. Buenos Dias! ❖

Beverages & Wines Enjoyed on our Trip:

Blanco de Zinfandel made by L. A. Cetto from grapes grown in Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, Mexico. This was a dry, crisp wine with an ever so slight pink hue.

Laberinto Sauvignon Blanc from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This was also dry with slight melon and white pit fruit. It has none of the ‘grassiness’ of a typical Sauvignon Blanc. Hugo Salgado, the Sommelier at Rincon Del Bife Caja was most helpful and even gave me a tour of the wine enclosure before we left.

Pulque, an alcoholic drink from the fermented sap of the maguey (agave) plant. It dates back to the Aztecs and we both found it quite refreshing. Natalee and I both enjoyed this horchata an authentic horchata is made with water, rice, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla.

XA Domecq Vino Blanco from Valle de Guadalupe. This wine was a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. A hint of straw yellow with plenty of acid to be quite refreshing.

Monteviña Vino Blanca – Chardonnay Semillón blend hit the spot one afternoon. Crisp with slight citrus flavors.

Ribera Del Duero Monteabellón Tempranillo from Spain. Soft tannins, lovely red fruit flavors.

Vino De Piedra Tinto, a Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Mexico. It was a light garnet in color, light to medium body, and medium acidity. Monte Xanic Bodega Vinicola. This was a Chenin Blanc and French Colombard blend. This was fantastic. Pleasant acidity, hints of floral and citrus on the nose and bright green apple and pear on the palate. ❖

Cardiac Rehabilitation Graduate Makes Exercise Part of Her Lifestyle

Bright and early every Monday and Wednesday, Cathy Schlickman can be found gazing out the window of UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital’s third-floor gym as she pumps away on the recumbent bike or hurries along on the treadmill.

The Dubuque resident is a regular gym-goer now, after graduating from the Cardiac Rehabilitation program in June.

“I realized what’s important,” Cathy said, after her health scare early this year. “You only get one shot at your health, and I understand what the repercussions are if I don’t work at this.”

At the tail-end of a two-week vacation in Costa Rica with her husband Don in April, Cathy wasn’t feeling well. A clinic prescribed antibiotics and fluids for dehydration.

On the way home, she thought maybe she was having a panic attack from her fear of flying. She also

had back pain and a general feeling of malaise.

“When we got to Chicago, I told my husband we need to get to the hotel because I don’t feel very well,” Cathy said. “When we got there, I said I’m going to bed, which was probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. I should have gone to the hospital.”

Her myriad of symptoms were concerning, so when she arrived back in Dubuque, she called her primary care provider, Angela Kelley, DO, of Grand River Medical Center. Blood tests confirmed something wasn’t quite right, so Cathy’s next stop was the Emergency Department at Finley Hospital.

More tests were run, and it was determined she was okay for the night, but she was scheduled with cardiologist Dr. Tauseef Khan for follow-up.

“He said, ‘I think we’re going to go in and check things out. You didn’t do real well on your stress test so we need to check it,’” Cathy said.

“I didn’t think anything of it, it’s like okay fine, do what you need to do. I came out of that procedure and here I had to have stents put in – I had almost 100% blockages.”

Dr. Khan, medical director of Cardiovascular Services at Finley Hospital, told her she could have had a heart attack while she was on vacation.

“It’s so important to not ignore the warning signs that something is not right,” Khan said. “Listen to your body and if you have any symptoms of heart trouble, be sure to go to the hospital.”

Symptoms can include pressure, fullness, or squeezing pain in the center of the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulder or jaw; chest discomfort with lightheadedness; fainting; sweating; nausea; or shortness of breath; upper abdominal pressure or discomfort; lower chest discomfort; back pain; unusual fatigue; unusual shortness of breath; dizziness; and nausea.

Sydney Breitenbach, a cardiac rehab specialist at Finley Hospital, works with Cathy Schlickman in Finley Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Gym.

Following the procedure, Cathy was scheduled for 36 sessions of cardiac rehab, which provides an opportunity to form positive habits, increase aerobic fitness, and learn about risk factors like diabetes, smoking, and diet.

During the program, Cathy had another procedure to clear any residual blockages, but never skipped a beat in the gym.

“She was always pushing herself,” said Sydney Breitenbach, a cardiac rehab specialist at Finley Hospital. “It was awesome to see that internal motivation that she had. Her commitment to her health has been really inspiring.”

Cathy is enjoying her routine so much that she’s in the process of buying her own exercise machine for her home.

“It’s a good motivator for me,” Cathy said. “I push myself to try to get 10,000 steps every day, so this is a quick way for me to get half of them in really fast. I leave here sweaty, but I feel good and feel proud that I pushed myself.” ❖ Editor’s note: This article was provided by UnityPoint Health – Dubuque.

Managing Unhealthy Habits & Destressing Is Key to Change

Constant stress – whether from a traffic-choked daily commute, stressful marriage, or heavy workload – can have real physical effects on the body. It has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including mood, sleep, and appetite problems, and yes, even heart disease.

Doctors don’t know exactly how chronic stress affects the heart. Most likely, stress triggers inflammation, a known instigator of heart disease, but that hasn’t been proven. “I think the conventional opinion is that stress is bad for your heart, but the data are much murkier,” says Dr. Deepak Bhatt, director of the Integrated Interventional Cardiovascular Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Yet, stress may influence heart disease in more subtle ways. “Stress does cause some people to act in ways that increase their risk for heart disease,” Dr. Bhatt says. For example, when stressed, people often eat unhealthy food and don’t have the energy or time to exercise. Stress

can also lead us into other heartdamaging behaviors, such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Breaking the stress-heart connection requires both learning to deal with stress and managing unhealthy habits.

These five simple steps can help you do just that!

Stay positive. Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase “good” HDL cholesterol.

Meditate. This practice of inwardfocused thought and deep breathing has been shown to reduce heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. Meditation’s close

relatives, yoga and prayer, can also relax the mind and body.

Exercise. Every time you are physically active, whether you take a walk or play tennis, your body releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins. Exercising not only helps you destress, it also protects against heart disease by lowering

your blood pressure, strengthening your heart muscle, and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

Find ways to destress. Simple things, like a warm bath, listening to music, or spending time on a favorite hobby, can give you a muchneeded break from the stressors in your life.

Unplug. It’s impossible to escape stress when it follows you everywhere. Cut the cord. Avoid emails and TV news. Take time each day –even if it’s for just 10-15 minutes – to escape from the world. ❖

Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mental Health America of Dubuque County.

Justin M. Juan C. Luke R. Ben J. Risma, MD Nieto, MD Ploessl, OD Janson, MD Tyler B. F. Hunter David B. Risma, MD Fuerste, MD Auer, OD

Seven Tips for Caring for a Loved One from Afar

Caring for a family member or loved one with a serious health condition like Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be a big undertaking and often takes a concerted effort from many family members and friends to provide the best care possible. Even if you’re not available to provide hands-on assistance on a consistent basis, there are ways to provide aid from a distance.

PDis one condition that may have an impact on the entire family, necessitating a broad care network. The second-most common neurodegenerative disorder behind Alzheimer’s disease, PD affects nearly 1 million nationwide, with more than 60,000 Americans newly diagnosed each year. Because it can be hard to tell if a loved one has the disease and no two people experience it quite the same way, some early signs to look for include tremors, slowness of movement, and stiffness or rigidity, among others.

Organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation have resources that can help you and your family members provide long-distance care to a loved one. As an ally to care partners, the Foundation aims to make life better for people living with PD and their families by improving care

and advancing research toward a cure.

Experts from the Foundation offer these tips for long-distance caregivers:

Learn about your loved one’s condition. You will be better able to provide support if you have a basic understanding of the disease. Be sure to gather information on the condition’s symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.

Be well versed in your loved one’s needs. Learn about his or her general health and keep a list of doctors and neighbors along with their contact information. Also keep any pertinent financial and legal documents readily accessible.

Keep an open line of communication with the primary caregiver. As a care partner, responsibilities

Video calling service so you can see your loved ones. Contributed photo by Getty Images.

often increase over time – and can easily lead to burnout – be sure to let the primary caregiver know you are there for them. Consider sending a simple gift such as a hand-written card, flowers, or a gift card for a selfcare appointment, like a massage.

Consistently offer to help. There are many ways you can offer support. If in doubt, directly ask how you can be of the most help. Even if you cannot be present to offer hands-on assistance, consider sending meals, troubleshooting technology issues, or providing other assistance based on your skillset. You may even offer to have your loved one come stay with you for a while, if they are able to travel, to give the primary caregiver a respite from duties.

Call often. Set a designated day and time each week to chat with your loved one and make the call faithfully, even if just to catch up for a few minutes. Consider using a video calling service so you can see each other, if possible, to provide an additional level of connection.

Talk finances. Many people won’t ask for financial help, even if the limitations of a fixed income mean going without necessities, so it may be best to have this conversation proactively. If a regular subsidy isn’t possible, offer to buy groceries online, send a weekly meal, purchase medical supplies or help with household utility bills, transportation costs, or home-related services.

Visit when possible. If your budget allows, plan regular trips to check on your loved one and plan ahead with the primary care partner so you can provide respite. Offer to take on key responsibilities during your visit and provide a listening ear for the main caregiver while you’re there.

You can find an array of free resources, including a comprehensive Caring and Coping guidebook, a video library, podcast episodes, courses, and an online community, at Parkinson.org/Caregivers. To learn more and find additional resources in English or Spanish, visit the website or call the Parkinson’s Foundation toll-free Helpline at 1.800.4PD.INFO (1.800.473.4636). ❖

Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Timothy J. Quagliano D.P.M Michael Arnz, D.P.M. Robert S Kelsey,

Kara J. Franzen, D.P.M., AACFAS Nicole M. Jedlicka,

Community seniors take time to visit seniors who need companionship and someone to check in with them when family members are living elsewhere. Contributed photo.

CARE INITIATIVES AND HARTIG DRUG PARTNER TO FORM TRUEMED PHARMACY

Care Initiatives and Hartig Drug Company are pleased to announce the formation of TrueMed Pharmacy. Through this venture, Care Initiatives’ skilled nursing communities will have access to local, Iowa-based pharmacy providers and 100 years of pharmacy experience brought by Hartig Drug Company. This experience will help Care Initiatives to drive quality with improved medication delivery.

“We are looking forward to this partnership,” said Care Initiatives’ CEO, Mike Beal. “Their focus on delivering quality with a team centered approach aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality care. Further, an Iowa-based provider has more awareness and understanding of the logistics involved in serving our locations in rural markets.”

“Our partnership combines skilled nursing care and pharmacy expertise that will elevate patient care through a local infrastructure, focus on customer service, and provides first-hand knowledge of Iowa long-term care facilities,” said TrueMed Executive Director Chris Dardis. “I am excited about this opportunity to make a difference in an industry that takes care of some of the most vulnerable in the community.”

TrueMed facilities are located in Hiawatha, IA, and Urbandale, IA. Locations were selected based on proximity to Care Initiatives facilities to provide more efficient and convenient care.

TrueMed is a Midwest long-term care pharmacy committed to serving local communities with exceptional service to elevate overall patient care. Backed by organizations that have over 150 years of combined experience in long-term care (LTC) and pharmacy, TrueMed specializes in medication management and direct delivery to LTC settings providing the highest quality of care and service to patients and acting as a valuable resource for their healthcare needs.

Hartig Drug Company (Hartig Drug) is a local, familyowned, and operated group of pharmacies located in the Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois tri-state region. Hartig Drug was founded over 115 years ago by A.J. Hartig. Through community pharmacy, senior care (LTC) pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and durable medical equipment locations, Hartig Drug is committed to providing convenient, personalized health consulting, pharmaceutical products, and consumer goods.

Care Initiatives is Iowa’s largest nonprofit skilled nursing care and senior care provider. Care Initiatives and Care Initiatives Hospice operates 58 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s/dementia, assisted living, and hospice locations throughout Iowa. ❖

STONEHILL COMMUNITIES CEO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Gretchen Brown, President/CEO of Stonehill Communities has announced her retirement effective August 10, 2023. The Stonehill Board of Directors has begun a search for candidates for the leadership role.

Brown’s retirement will come after eight years of service. During her tenure, Stonehill has seen continual strategic growth including a number of capital projects including the renovation of the Health Center resident care areas and chapel, expansion of Assisi Village to include assisted living memory care, and the new Administrative/Outreach building housing the Caregiver Resource Center.

Brown plans to remain with the Stonehill team following her retirement from the CEO position to assist with the transition, offer leadership coaching and development for staff, assist with fundraising and strategic initiatives, and continue advocacy efforts for aging services. ❖

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Mike Beal. Contributed photo.

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