W/NW Creative Living Oct. 2009

CreativeLiving West/Northwest• •Oct October West/Northwest tober 2009 2009

Preparing your

Home for the

Holidays

Home sweet home

Look up it’s

Your choice

Judson Village

Roof Time

Cedar Village

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Page 10

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An Advertising-Sponsored Magazine Published by The Community Press/Recorder.

CreativeLiving Features 8 14

Preparing your home inside, out for the holidays Learn about three local businesses that can cover every aspect of holiday preparation.

It’s time to ‘Stop Diabetes’ Read about what’s being done and can be done to stop diabetes..

Editor’s note There’s nothing I enjoy more than the holiday season. Getting the house nice and cozy. Decorating with lovely fall and Christmas decorations. And, of course, gatherings of friends and family. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

It can be stressful, too. It doesn’t have to be, however, especially when there are several local businesses that can assist in all aspects of preparing your home for the holidays. Check out our cover feature on just that.

Find out what you need to do to ensure that the roof over your head is secure and ready for winter with help from Roof Time.

Learn about gorgeous fall and Christmas items that can bring a special touch of the seasons to your own home with assistance from Lasting Impressions.

Get help with your holiday parties from setup to clean-up with Perfect Party Partners.

Finally, relax and get ready to have a fantastic holiday season.

Specialty Publications Editor

Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.

See page 8

Departments Business 3 Local Shopping

Hearing 11 Better Communication

Living 4 Senior Apartments • Care

11 Looking Good

8 At Home

13 Health & Fitness

Decor • Repair

Body • Hair

Mind • Body • Spirit

Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com.

For advertising call 923-3111.

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Turn your photographs into a creative story on DVD

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re you looking for a great gift that will be cherished forever? Let Jade Media LLC turn your photos into a keepsake.

Here are a few examples of DVD slideshows set to music that Jade Media LLC has produced.

• Baby’s first birthday – Photos from birth through first year. We added text to identify

people who were a part of their first year. Imagine the delight in reliving this time in 20 years!

• Wedding rehearsal – Photos of the bride and groom from birth through grade and high school and beyond. We display each one’s life story until they met and finish it off with their journey together. Music selection reflects each of them as individually then as a couple.

• Anniversary gift – Shots from the couple’s engagement through wedding and subsequent life events. Imagine the impact of many years of sweet memories on a DVD! Use your imagination as to what you want to capture. For more information and demos, see www.Jademedia.net.

Order early for the holidays!

Head to Preview Productions for the latest doll fashions

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itches, mermaid, princesses, and the girl from Kansas gathered together can only mean one thing – Halloween costumes are ready at Preview Productions.

Visit Preview Productions, located at

6720 Main St. in Newtown for the hottest doll costumes of the season.

Christmas is just around the corner and owner Joyce Rosselot and her assistants Susan Lehr and Sarah Watters are busy designing, sewing, and stocking the doll

clothing boutique with the latest in winter fashions.

The holiday line includes velvets, furs, and lots of sparkle, along with winter casual wear including jackets, tunics, and coats.

The best selection is always in the store. Call 271-2524 for details.

Find the latest trends at Siemer

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hamilia jewelry is the latest trend in fashionable, sentimental jewelry and you can find the entire collection at Siemer & Sons Jewelers. They are the only jeweler on the west side carrying the full line of unique beads and jewelry.

This family owned and operated jewelry store has been serving the Cincinnati area since 1953.

They carry a fine collec-

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tion of engagement and wedding rings, gold, silver, watches, colored stones, charms and much more. The store is also a full service repair and remount shop.

Siemer & Sons will be hosting a Trunk Show on Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A representative from Chamilia will be onsite to show customers how they can customize their bracelets and necklaces with themed beads,

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birthstone beads, and many other Italian made glass designs. Visitors can take advantage of great deals at the Show including a free bracelet with the purchase of four beads or buy three beads and get the fourth free.

Mark your calendars for the Trunk Show and visit their showroom at 5673 Rapid Run. Call for more details at 922-0720 or visit their website at www.siemerjewelers.com.

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There’s nothing like an ‘Angel’s Touch’

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e all come to a point in our lives that we are faced with the heart wrenching decision of how to help our parents cope with the problems that face them as they age and need assistance with some of lives daily chores.

Being able to stay in the comfort, security and familiarity of their own home is very important to people as they age.

With assistance from Angel’s Touch Nursing Care many families are able to allow their parents to continue their golden years in the warmth and comfort of their homes.

They care for patients with needs that vary from those needing minimum assistance to full nursing care.

Their aides always go that extra step to insure the care your loved one needs.

One case in particular the client called and was ill – they sent one of their wonderful aides over to the client’s home only to find the door locked and the client unable to answer the door.

This was at about 2 a.m. and there was no immediate solution. The aide used quick thinking and crawled through the dog’s door to gain entrance to the home.

The client, even though ill, was chuckling saying “Now that is what I call an ‘angel’s’ touch.”

The staff at Angel’s Touch can perform a multitude of tasks that include - meal preparation, med-

ication reminders, grocery shopping, personal care, etc.

They can also provide comforting companionship and overnight respite for family members.

They provide care for any time frame needed, from one hour to 24 hours a day.

They know how much your loved ones mean to you so you can rest assured that they will treat them with the loving care and respect that they deserve.

It is very rewarding to know we can help people who really need us.

For information call 661-4111. Angel’s Touch Nursing Care is located at 3619 Harrison Ave. in Cheviot.

Quality nursing care, rehabilitation at Clovernook

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lovernook provides quality nursing care and rehabilitation, as well as one of the most progressive, effective wound care centers in the Tristate. Clovernook is nestled into six park-like acres in the residential neighborhood of North College Hill and its caring professional staff is dedicated to serving the needs of the residents and their families.

The Progressive

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Wound Centre was opened in 2004, due to Clovernook’s successes in healing vascular, venous, diabetic, surgical, pressure and complex wounds. The Progressive Wound Centre team uses state of the art products and innovative treatments. With quality care, careful monitoring, and a unified team approach, the professionals at The Progressive Wound Centre advance healing in dramatic ways.

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Centre is like no other in the region!

All rehabilitation therapies: Physical, Occupational, Speech, Respiratory, and Recreational are available to their residents.

Clovernook is Medicaid and Medicare certified and provides private pay, as well as some private insurances. They provide long-term and short-term care, and skilled and intermediate care.

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Retirement community choices

By Carol Silver Elliott CEO/President Cedar Village

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ere’s a situation you thought you’d never find yourself inyou, as an adult child, have to help your parents make choices about where they’re going to live. All the years that they advised you (whether you wanted it or not!) and now it is your turn. You know it’s time for them to move out of their home, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

First, decide where they are going to live-are they staying in, or close to, their home community or moving to an area to be closer to you or your siblings?

Once you’ve all reached that decision, the next step is to determine what level of facility you need. There are really three basic choices: independent living; assisted living; long term care and they can take a variety of forms. If you choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), you’ll find multiple levels of care within one system.

Your choice will depend upon your parent’s healthcare needs. Are they fully independent? Do they need help with medication reminders or bathing and dressing? Are they in need of full time

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care in a more clinical setting? Working with the professional staff at a retirement community can help you to determine what services best meet your parent’s needs. It is tough to be objective about your own family so listen to the professionals; they will help you figure it out!

Once you’ve decided type and geography, the next step is to shop the options. The best method is to use all of your senses to get a feel for the facility and whether it is the right one for your loved one. Start with seeing-take a tour and get a feel for the buildings. Are they well maintained? Are people active?

What kinds of things are they doing?

Then try hearing-is there a sound of activities and conversation? Smelling is important too-does it smell fresh or institutional? When it comes to taste, ask to sample the food service offered. And, last but not least, touch. Are the public areas comfortable and inviting? What does the interaction look like between staff and residents?

Making this choice is a significant one. Spend the time to really learn about the facility, the care, the staff and the programming to ensure that this is the best place for your family member.

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Judson Village is prepared to care for your loved one

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udson Village is more than just a place to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without the concerns of home ownership. It is a place where you can choose accommodations based on your individual needs and desired level of independence. You choose the living arrangements that make you feel most comfortable and that are safest for you.

Residents can choose from two different living options. Oneor two-bedroom apartments are available in Assisted Living.

For those needing more than Assisted Living provides, such as around-the-clock Nursing care, the Care Center is available.

Nutritious, tasty meals are provided for all residents, along with laundry service, housekeeping service, and personal care.

Judson Village recently underwent a $1.4 million renovation in order to add a Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit as well as the Mathew’s Unit, which is a Memory Impairment Unit for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

At this time our facility accommodates almost 200 people. Our Rehab Unit offers physical, occupational and speech therapy provided through Genesis Rehab Services.

Their staff is experienced in working with orthopedics, stroke and dementia issues.

Judson collaborates with a large number of professionals including physicians, dentists, ophthalmologist, psychiatrists and ministers to assure that our residents’ physical, social and spiritual needs are met.

Residents may enjoy an exercise class, attend concerts or partake in many other fun activities. Volunteers from area schools, churches and other agencies help brighten the lives

“Judson collaborates with a large number of professionals including physicians, dentists, ophthalmologists, psychiatrists and ministers to assure that our residents’ physical, social and spiritual needs are met.“

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of Judson residents.

Judson Village has provided generations of caring for the elderly in Cincinnati. The dedicated employees are committed to providing excellent care and service.

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Judson Village is conveniently located in Westwood, at 2373 Harrison Ave. The historic Oskamp Mansion and the wooded hills surrounding the Care Center provide a unique and

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peaceful surrounding for residents.

In 1948, Judson opened as the Baptist Home Center in the Oskamp Mansion. Later the name was changed to Judson Care Center in honor of Adoniram Judson, the first American Baptist Missionary.

They are still affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of Ohio and continue with the motto “Your Family Is Our Family.”

To learn more about Judson Village Retirement Community, visit www.judsonvillage.com or call Lora at 662-5880 to schedule an appointment to tour the facilities. They would love to meet you!

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Preparing your home, inside, out for the holidays

By Melissa Hayden • Editor

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, however it can also be the most stressful time. You’re busy shopping, decorating, and planning holiday gatherings. Who doesn’t need a helping hand?

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That’s just what these local businesses are here to do. They can assist you in having a safe, beautiful, and entertaining holiday season.

Roof Time “I never looked up.” That’s what the folks at Roof Time hear most often when arriving to help a homeowner.

Sandy Feltner, office manager for this 14-year-old family-owned company, answers calls and sympathizes with panicked homeowners who suddenly have damaged drywall and dripping ceilings.

What’s worse is when this situation occurs during the holiday season. That’s why it’s so important, Sandy stresses, to have your roof checked before the winter begins.

She offers that one sign to watch for is the wearing away of the granules from the sur-

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face of the shingles.

“There is no need to get up on the roof to inspect the shingles, simply look into the gutters,” she explained. “If you see more than a dusting of tiny rock like particles, call a roofer! Those small rock chips are the top layer that gives your shingles its color and UV sun protection.” Another indication of shingle aging is a failure of the top layer.

“You might begin to see some of the mat appear through the black of the asphalt, or you may become aware of blistering, cracking, or splitting of the layers.

These signs can be harder to spot from the ground and should be part of an annual examination of the roofing from above, she said.

Roof Time prides itself on an extensive knowledge of most roof systems and what can cause them to begin to leak. Most repairs can be completed the same day they

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are discovered.

Estimators are non-commissioned, and only bid work that needs to be com“The showroom features nine individual room settings as pleted. well as a large main area which features decorated mantles, “We do not assume tables, rugs, furniture, and lovely holiday displays.” that a leaking roof needs to be replaced,” Sandy said.

“We live, attend church, and have kids in schools locally.

We see our customers in stores, at festivals, and restaurants. I never want a disappointed homeowner to complain to me because they feel taken advantage of.”

Written estimates are free, and feature digital rooftop photos, so you can see any problems.

Call Sandy, at 859-341TIME or 513-528-TIME, to schedule a free roof inspection and visit, www.time2roof.com, for valuable Internet-only offers!

Lasting Impressions Now that the outside of your home is taken care of, where do you begin on the inside?

Linda Barbian opened Lasting Impressions by Linda 10 years ago in Alexandria, Ky., with that question in mind. Linda’s original store closed at the end of March.

David Hosea hired Linda and she re-created her store on the second floor at 241 Grandview in Bellevue, Ky. Lasting Impressions joined two other businesses, Office Furniture USA and Room Choices by David, in the warehouse at 241 Grandview.

Lasting Impressions opened the second week of April. A fourth floor will be opening in mid-October housing “Santa in the City”

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and “The Hosea Sharing House.”

If you’re looking to spruce up your home for the holidays, look no further.

“We have just received the first shipment of our new Ashton line of custom-framed artwork and mirrors,” said Linda.

“Our unique custom floral arrangements have always been very popular as people begin to decorate for the holidays and winter season. Customers may choose one of the beautiful arrangements we have in the shop, or they may work with us to choose the components of the piece (using their container or ours).

“We also carry many other seasonal items such as candles, candlesticks, glassware, seasonal silk flowers and greenery, Thanksgiving and Christmas display items, unique ornaments, and much more seasonal merchandise.”

The Lasting Impressions team works extremely hard to give excellent customer service by offering specialized attention to detail and by working with the customer to create a beautiful, inviting living space.

Linda chooses items at market that are unique and bring a “one-of-a-kind” look to the customer’s home or office.

The showroom features nine individual room settings as well as a large main area which features decorated mantles, tables, rugs, furniture, and lovely holiday displays.

Each room is painted with a very striking up-to-date color that you might want to consider for your own home.

“We try to offer a “full service” of in-home consultations, window treatments, custom-framed artwork, accessories, rugs, and custom-designed floral arrangements,” Linda explained.

Decorating your home for the holidays says to your family and your guests: “I care enough about you to make this an inviting home filled with warmth and beauty.”

“Seasonal decorations bring an extra measure of warmth and love to any home and make it a very inviting place for family and friends to meet and share the holidays,” said Linda. “A decorated home takes hospitality to an entirely new level.”

Perfect Party Partners No home is complete for the holidays without the gathering of friends and family.

Imagine being able to actually enjoy your holiday gatherings!

You can, with the help of supportive, committed party partners!

Perfect Party Partners is owned and operated by Barbara Lang, who has 30 years of experience in assisting with parties.

“For a relatively low cost we make your entertaining event a lot easier on you and more enjoyable for you,” explained Barbara.

“We do all of the work from setup to cleanup and everything in between. All you have to do is enjoy!”

All partners have passed background checks and drug tests and carry photo ID Safecard System badges, proving they pose no risk to clients, their families, guests or property.

Safecard System independently verifies identity, criminal history, sex offender registries and drug free histories of other firms’ and organizations’ employees. It is licensed locally to Background Bureau, of Highland Heights, Ky. So what are you waiting for? Call Perfect Party Partners today at 505-3944. E-mails can be sent to bambam@zoomtown.com.

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Time to replace the roof?

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hink back to the worst storms that have raged over your home. Heavy snows, strong winds, dangerous lightning, and pounding hail are bad enough while inside the house, you can imagine being up on your roof at those times! That’s what shingles must endure year in and year out. The phrase “having a roof over your head” takes on a whole new meaning and sense of importance when those shingles begin to fail.

Replacing your home’s roofing is a big invest-

ment, so how do you know when it’s time? The two obvious signs are missing shingles and brown ceiling stains, but there are some things you can look for to prevent early damage. Sandy Feltner, who has the distinction of being a woman in a predominantly man’s industry, has a company aptly named, A New Roof Time.

She says that one sign to watch for, is the wearing away of the granules from the surface of the shingles. Feltner said, “There is no need to get

up on the roof to inspect the shingles, simply look into the gutters. If you see more than a dusting of tiny rock like particles, call a roofer! Those small rock chips are the top layer that gives your shingles its color and UV sun protection.” Another indication of shingle aging is a failure of the top layer.

You might begin to see some of the mat appear through the black of the asphalt, or you may become aware of blistering, cracking, or splitting of the layers. These signs can be harder to spot from

“Remember that seeing is believing! Better quality roofers conduct thorough roof top inspections and bring down color digital pictures to show you the roof’s true condition.”

the ground and should be part of an annual examination of the roofing from above.

Time for an estimate As these warning signs appear, it’s time to have an experienced, reputable roofer make a free written inspection. Her company offers a professional roof condition assessment, an estimate of the remaining life (if any) your roof has, as well as, evaluates repairing versus replacing the roof this year. Feltner adds, “Remember that

seeing is believing! Better quality roofers conduct thorough roof top inspections and bring down color digital pictures to show you the roof’s true condition.”

Homeowners beware; contrary to popular belief, there is no licensing for local roofers!

Tips for finding a better quality roofer include, asking everyone you know who they have used. You might uncover a little known professional and be steered clear of an expensive mistake by hiring the high dollar TV and big ad yellow pages type.

Consider joining a service such as Angie’s List. For less than the price of a night out, you can access hundreds of local contractor reviews posted by homeowners sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences they have had. Meet everyone you invite out to your home and trust your instincts!

Terry Littleton from Rooftime says, “You do not have to know anything about roofing to judge the information presented about roofing.”

Observe the quality of the roofers truck, and equipROOF see page 14

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Believe in Bushwackers

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elieve in healthy, shiny hair!

Bushwackers Salon delivers on this motto by providing quality services in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

Bushwackers has been in business more than 18 years and welcomes men, women and children. The salon offers not only haircutting, but spa needs including facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing, as well as chemical services including perms, relaxers, and highlights. Salon owner and stylist, Lisa Tomes, continues to hire top stylists as associates that train under experienced stylists. The staff is dedicated to ongoing advanced education and prides themselves in being a trend setting salon. Bushwackers is a Redken Salon, so they exclusively retail and use all Redken products and

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maintain the highest standards possible in the industry required by this leading hair care manufacturer.

With the holidays quickly approaching, Bushwackers is preparing for their annual Holiday Open House. The salon will be offering great gift ideas during the open house including 20 percent off of retail purchases. Box sets will be available and clients will receive $10 in Bushwacker Bucks with their purchase. Gift certificates for $100 can be purchased for $80. You can join the staff for the Holiday Open House Dec. 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Door prizes and other goodies will be available.Bushwackers offers convenient evening and weekend hours and is open six days a week.

Select service providers offer discounts on services up to 50 percent.

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Lunch and Learn: What you need to know about hearing loss

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id you know that one-third of people over age 65 have enough decrease in hearing to interfere with social and family interactions? In fact, the National Council on Aging has found that adult hearing loss increases family discord, depression, anger, and social isolation. The story doesn’t need to end there, though.

Sharon Christopherson, owner/audiologist of Christopherson & Clark Hearing Center, offers a lively and informative community outreach program to help increase awareness about the early signs of hearing loss; to provide daily communication strategies to improve

quality of life for those with hearing loss and their families and friends; and to give people an idea of what to expect when they visit an audiologist.

Sharon would love to bring her program, “Living with Hearing Loss,” to your community, church, or ladies’ or men’s group, professional meeting, or senior center. The interactive lecture allows plenty of time for questions, and each participant is provided with a set of handouts to help them improve their communication skills. This program can be conveniently scheduled as a lunch-andlearn or at any other time of day or evening, and

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they can provide flyers to help you announce the program. They can also provide hearing screenings at your location in conjunction with this program.

Sharon has more than 30 years of experience helping people with hearing loss. She and her business associate, Amy Smith, offer the latest hearing technology at competitive prices with trusted, professional service.

To book your first choice of dates for Sharon’s presentation, to schedule a personalized assessment of your or a loved one’s hearing health, and/or to request.

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StoneBridge at Winton Woods the Scenic Retirement Community

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magine a landscaped, serene environment … a hidden oasis in a unique north-western part of Cincinnati. A maintenance-free life that is filed with leisure strolls, bike rides, parties, cookouts and newfound friends and neighbors.

It’s StoneBridge at Winton Woods and its part of the Mercy Circle of Caring.

Just minutes away from Mercy Hospital Fairfield, Cincinnati Mills shopping and a variety of restaurants, StoneBridge is convenient to people looking for easy access to city features while living in a serene setting, backing up to Winton Woods. Residents of StoneBridge also enjoy complimentary membership to the award-winning Mercy HealthPlex in Fairfield.

Life at StoneBridge is what you want it to be – as active as you want, or as calm as you wish. Social events and activities abound, led by an activities committee made up of residents of StoneBridge!

“The committee has come up with some great ideas,” says Diane Steele, campus manager. “They have been instrumental in providing their input and ideas – since they know best what they and the other residents want to do!”

Only StoneBridge at Winton Woods provides a 100 percent entrance fee refund option. It’s no wonder more and more people are calling to request more information and to sign up for a personal tour. They can build new with your selections, including carpet style and color, paint colors and more, or you can choose from a variety of standing homes available now.

They know the housing market is tough right now – but they have the expertise and resources to help you make the decision

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you’ve been thinking about! They will help you through every step of the process, from first tour through move-in and beyond.

And, if you ever need any further assistance, you will have priority access to some of the best senior living and rehabilitation communities in the area.

Mercy owns locations in Springfield Township (10 minutes from StoneBridge), Hamilton, Western Hills and Mariemont – all sites offer independent and assisted living apartments, as well as long and short term nursing care.

Physical, occupational and speech therapies are also available on an inpatient and/or outpatient basis at each of these four sites.

Call 825-0460 today to schedule a personal tour! Make sure you also ask how you can save up to $7,000 with their current promotion.

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It’s time to ‘Stop Diabetes’

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ovember is American Diabetes Month, a time to recognize the deadly disease that nearly 24 million children and adults live with today.

Another 57 million people have pre-diabetes or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes has become an epidemic; in fact, if current trends continue, one in three children born today will face a future with diabetes.

The time has come to take greater action in communicating the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of prevention and control. The American Diabetes Association is launching a movement called Stop Diabetes to confront, fight and eventually end this devastating disease.

You can take steps to help change the future of diabetes, whether it’s learning tips on prevention, how to help people who struggle with it, or how to get involved in events in your community. In addition to joining the national movement, here are a few ways you can help Stop Diabetes on a local level: Share. Inspire others to join the movement by sharing your personal story. Beginning Nov.

2, visit stopdiabetes.com and join the American Diabetes Association on Facebook and Twitter to learn about all the exciting ways to be a part of the Stop Diabetes movement.

Invite your family, friends, and co-workers to join this effort as well.

Act. Whether you want to run, walk, bike or simply tell a friend, there are many ways to help build momentum for the Stop Diabetes movement. Visit stopdiabetes.com or call 800342-2383 to get involved in your area.

Learn. The American Diabetes Association has many resources throughout the country to help Stop Diabetes.

If you or a loved one already have diabetes or are at risk for type 2, the Association can provide lifestyle and motiva-

tional information to prevent this disease from taking control of your life and the lives of those around you.

Give. The drive to Stop Diabetes cannot succeed without individuals dedicating time, effort and funds to support mission-critical activities in your neighborhood. Contact the American Diabetes Association to get involved.

Through these actions, you have the chance to get involved and help raise awareness, promote healthy living and raise money to fund educational outreach, advocacy efforts and critical research that will ultimately Stop Diabetes once and for all.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

ROOF from page 10 ment, and if they arrive on time.

Consider the roofer himself. Do not allow yourself to be pressured or talked into doing anything fast.. Also, do not put down a deposit, when you hold the payment back till the job ends, you have control over the final look and clean-up of your home.

Asphalt roofing shingles get their name from the fact that they are made up of layers of different materials. The basic ingredients

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are fiberglass, asphalt and limestone granules for color. Higher warranty rated (40, 50, lifetime) shingles will have more of these layers than the basic 25 year variety. Better shingles will have a 10% copper granule blend to prevent those ugly black stains from growing across your new roof.

Shingles today can be expected to have an effective lifespan of 25 to 50 years, when installed by a qualified roofer, using all of the

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needed roof system components.

A properly installed roof system will use, aluminum trim edging, ice guard, felt paper, ventilation and metal (not aluminum) flashing at critical areas such as where two roofs intersect (valleys), where dormer walls meet shingles (step) and around chimneys.

Roofers have costs (3.00 gas, time) associated with giving free quotes, so do not go overboard when inviting companies to bid

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your roof. Remember that while you are sizing-up the roofer, he will be sizing you up too! Calling out numerous companies wastes your time and their money.

A final tip is that roofers and shingles are not all created equal, so for an investment of this size and importance, getting two written bids is usually the best idea.

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Serving the community for 26 years

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ercy Franciscan at West Park is proud of its long-standing commitment to the senior community of the west side of Cincinnati.

“A huge part of what makes West Park so unique is the longevity and loyalty of its associates and residents,” explained Kendra Couch, executive director of Mercy Franciscan at West Park.

“This really does become a home not only for those who physically live here, but also for those who serve the residents,” she said.

“It’s the kind of place I would trust the care of my own family member to,” said Kelly Martin, director of business development for Mercy’s Senior Health & Housing Services.

“In fact, when my Papa (grandfather) needed a place to stay following a hospital stay a couple of years ago, I knew that I wanted him to be at West Park,” she said.

Although this choice required the family to travel a little further to visit, they felt confident in the care he would receive. In fact, many employees have referred their own family members to West Park, as needed, over the years.

As part of a system of senior living communities, West Park shares its expertise as part of a regional quality team of leaders

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from all six locations.

This quality team is composed of the Regional Medical Director Dr. Victor Lee, and the directors of nursing and the executive directors from each site.

They meet at least monthly to measure their quality indicators and to assure that we are providing the best possible care to our residents.

We are happy to be frequently ranked “5Stars” in Quality (from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) at all six of our sites.

West Park has undergone many changes since it opened in 1983, including the addition of apartments and services.

In fact, West Park has been locally and nationally recognized for its unique program “DaySTAE,” which serves residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

DaySTAE was implemented at West Park in 2003 and uses a tailored, therapeutic approach to activities to communicate purpose and meaning to the participant.

Programming includes TimeSlips, a national storytelling program, drumming circles and Memories in the Making, which is an art program sponsored through the Alzheimer’s Association.

As part of Mercy Health Partners, a comprehensive healthcare network including

October 14, 2009

Communitypress.com

hospitals, wellness centers and more, Mercy Franciscan at West Park offers quality care and expertise combined with the amenities of a care-free home life.

As a continuing care community, West Park offers residential living and care, nursing, skilled nursing and physical, occupational and speech therapy. Apartments range in sizes to meet any need.

A full-service bank, newly renovated beauty salon, daily mass/weekly nondenominational services, and a wide range of amenities and social events are at your fingertips as a resident at West Park!

It is never too early to do your “homework” when considering senior living options for yourself or a loved one.

Whether you are beginning the search or starting the process of moving, now is the time to call.

For a limited time, we are offering movein incentives with savings of over $4,000 for new residential living/care residents.

Call Joyce at 451-8900 for more details or to schedule your personal tour – or lunch and a tour – at your convenience.

Or, visit them on the Web at www.emercy.com/seniorliving.

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