Encore October 2012

ncore E Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Ferndale Record

A GUIDE TO A FULFILLING SENIOR LIFE IN WHATCOM COUNTY

Paying homage to Lynden Motor Company........ C2 Living with an LVAD........................................... C6 A supplement of the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record

C2

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

ENCORE

Lynden Motor Company roars back to life Elenbaas descendant’s Model T restoration pays homage to former Lynden car shop

By Tim Newcomb tim@lyndentribune.com

Jim Elenbaas displays his restored Model T delivery truck that he painted in honor of the former Lynden Motor Company. (Jim Elenbaas/Courtesy photo)

GRANGER — The Lynden Motor Company has a presence east of the mountains. The early Lynden business had a strong showing on Front Street downtown about a century ago, but hasn’t been heard of much since the 1930s. Now a relative of the founding Elenbaas brothers has revived the company for a Model T Ford restoration project.

Jim Elenbaas, of Granger, a greatnephew of Lynden Motor Company founding brothers Herm, Ike and Pete Elenbaas, has restored a Model T Ford and painted it to mimic a delivery truck for the former company. And he hopes to bring the vehicle to Lynden next summer.

Elenbaas, 61, has lived his entire life

When Independence is your goal.

If sitting and standing is a challenge, a little lift goes a long way.

FREE DELIVERY and

SETUP

Power lift and recline chairs by

in Whatcom County!

& MOBILITY INC. Quality Lift Chairs

(360) 384-3388 | (800) 210-7143 1904 Main St., Ferndale (Exit 262) www.samuelsfurniture.com

ENCORE east of the mountains, but has made frequent visits to Lynden over the years. A retired state patrolman, he has been tinkering with Model Ts for over 25 years.

His latest brass-era car came about when he restored a Model T frame and engine and then constructed a wooden body from scratch to match the frame.

“I had all these extra parts and decided I could build something up and make it look like a vintage vehicle,” he said. “It is not all restored, but like it is in its work clothes.”

Except for the body, everything on the rig is Model T. When it came time to dress up the vehicle with paint, Elenbaas remembered being in Lynden and seeing paperwork that reminded him of the company stuck in a roll-top desk related to the Lynden Motor Company. After a bit of research, he found out that his greatuncle Herm was involved in the enterprise and then uncovered information about the three brothers who started a shop at the corner of Sixth and Front streets, where the Lynden Dutch Cleaners now stands.

After an aunt sent him a newspaper clipping from the Lynden Tribune showing photographs of the inside of the shop, paying homage to the Lynden Motor Company was a “no-brainer” for Jim’s finished project.

Using colorings popular for the era

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record — some of which Jim saw on a trip to the Lynden Pioneer Museum — he painted his Model T in bright red, with green trims. “The paint schemes on (the museum buggies) were in a similar motif,” he said.

The original Lynden Motor Compa-

“It is not all restored, but like it is in its work clothes.”

—Jim Elenbaas ny started sometime in the early 1910s, somewhere between 1911 and 1915, Jim has deduced from historical accounts. It ran until about 1933 when Herm started the Elenbaas creamery store in the same location. Jim believes Ike — a mechanic by trade who finished an upscale apprenticeship on the East Coast — stayed in the car business. Pete became involved with the Elenbaas Grain Company in Sumas.

With a little piece of Lynden history revived, Jim hopes to share it with Lyndenites as soon as his schedule allows, quite possibly in the Farmers Day Parade on June 1, 2013.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE

Water Fitness at the Y

All ages and abilities are welcome.

Classes offered mornings and evenings. Try one today!

BELLINGHAM & LYNDEN ACTIVITY CENTERS WHATCOM FAMILY YMCA 360 733 8630 www.whatcomymca.org

C3

Holiday events coming up in Ferndale Ferndale Senior Activity Center sets schedule FERNDALE — Ferndale seniors can look forward to a variety of events coming up to celebrate the holiday season.

Tole Painting, $5 Each Monday at 9 a.m. Learn how to tole paint using oils. Maxine Reynolds has been teaching tole painting for over 30 years, and the Ferndale Senior Activity Center is lucky to have her bring her teaching here. For members 55 years and older. $5 per class.

Spin’s Funtastic Variety Show and Get Happy Hour, $10 Friday, Nov. 2. The Jet Oldsters are hosting an evening of musical variety fun and laughter. Local professional entertainers including saxophonist Larry Johnson, singer Al Ulrich, pianist Jon Mutchler, singer Matt Audette, and more will entertain and delight us through the evening. Intermission happy hour sponsored by Louisa House. Seating is limited. Purchase your tickets now at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center, 1999

Cherry St. Holiday Auction and Raffle Pancake Breakfast Saturday, Nov. 17. The Ferndale Senior Activity Center is hosting a silent auction of holiday gift baskets as well as holding a raffle on over a dozen gifts from local businesses.

Come in for a delicious breakfast and stay for the 11 a.m. raffle. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m.

Christmas Café and Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 1. The Ferndale Senior Activity Center is hosting a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors interested in selling handmade crafts should call Barbara Fischer at 384-6244 for an application.

Tables are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Santa Claus will be giving out candy canes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The café will sell coffee, hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls.

For more information, call Barbara Fischer at (360) 384-6244 or email ferndale. senior.center@gmail.com.

The Ferndale Senior Activity Center is located at 1999 Cherry St.

C4

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

Lynden museum to celebrate 1942 construction of Al-Can Highway Nov. 10 events: Flagraising, presentations, dance, sign forest

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN — The Lynden Pioneer Museum will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the completion of one of North America’s most notable man-made landmarks, the Alaska-Canadian Highway.

The big date for the museum is Saturday, Nov. 10, with two different times of activity planned.

A flag dedication ceremony is set for 12 noon, with an American Legion honor guard raising the U.S., Canadian, Washington and Alaskan flags outside the museum at 217 Front St. Presenters will talk about the importance of the highway to Whatcom County as well.

Then, from 6 to 9 p.m., the museum will host the AlCan Boogey, an opportu-

nity to dance to the swing music of the war era, with food and décor to match.

Tickets are $7 single, $10 per couple.

And there’s another aspect of celebration. The Lynden Pioneer Museum is erecting a sign forest similar to the famous ones set up at various locations along the Alaska-Canadian construction route (and also at many U.S. Army camps throughout the world) to remind the soldiers of which direction home lay.

For $5, cities can get their name on the sign forest. Contact the Lynden museum at 354-3675 with a city’s name and its distance from Lynden. The sign forest will become a permanent part of the museum’s interior displays.

Curator Troy Luginbill says this milestone is worth a little celebrating, as the Al-Can was one of the longest and fastest-built highways in history.

“The Al-Can is an important part of U.S. history, as it marks a joint multinational effort during World War II to create a highway that would provide a means for goods and vehicles to be transported

ENCORE

The U.S. Army carved out a 1,700-mile road in less than eight months in 1942. to Alaska for the purposes of defense and for the lend-lease program to Russia,” Luginbill wrote in an email.

The rough original route of about 1,700 miles was built in 1942 after the United States had entered the war. Con-

struction started on March 8 and was considered completed by Oct. 28, although a dedication ceremony covered by radio and broadcast to the nation waited until Nov. 20.

Moreover, for Whatcom County, lo-

ENCORE

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

C5

cated right on the U.S.-Canada border, the construction of the highway was to have an even greater significance. Following the war, the Al-Can opened up a new and unique market for local businesses to exploit. Hank Jansen's Lynden Transport Inc. did just this. Starting with a truck load of food that could be sold at a profit, Drivers Glen Kok and Oscar Roosma of Lynden headed north to Alaska in December 1953. This was the beginning of what would become Lynden Inc., one of the largest shipping companies on the Pacific Rim.

WHAT: Celebration of the 1942 construction of the AlaskaCanadian Highway WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10 Noon: Flag ceremony, program 6 p.m.: Al-Can Boogie dance WHERE: Lynden Pioneer Museum, 217 Front St. “Trade and shipping would flow through Whatcom County to and from Alaska, and we would become the exit and entry point for Alaska travel, tying Whatcom County uniquely to our separated state,” Luginbill said.

As part of the celebration, LTI will have that first tractor and trailer rig, now

The LTI truck on the right traveled the Al-Can Highway in the 1950s, compared to a larger truck of today. (LTI/Courtesy photo) made into a museum on wheels, parked in front of the museum, Luginbill said.

In the 1942 construction, crews with heavy equipment worked from both northern and southern starting points.

Reports of Japanese invasion of Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands spurred on the work. The crews met on Sept. 24 at what was named Contact Creek, near the Yukon-British Columbia border.

Over the succeeding years of improvement, the route from Dawson Creek, B.C., to Delta Junction, Alaska, was also shortened to 1,387 miles today.

NEW INVENTORY!

Starting in the Low 200’s

Bellingham Office

4213 Rural Ave. (360) 671-8388 Toll Free 866-522-6435

Mount Vernon Office

1222 Riverside Drive (360) 424-6777 Toll Free 888-264-3528

Everett Office

2532 Wetmore (425) 348-9914 Toll Free 866-348-9914

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

C6

Giving the heart a rest

Kurt Mauer shows off his LVAD device's battery pack, which takes over the heart's job of circulating blood. (Brent Lindquist/Lynden Tribune)

Bringing Independence to Living, and Quality to Life.

The only locally owned and operated nursing home in Bellingham.

Types of care:

ENCORE

The beginning of my grandfather’s journey with an LVAD

By Brent Lindquist reporter@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN — I visited my grandfather on Sunday, both to catch up with him and to learn about his new LVAD device.

“LVAD” is an acronym for “Left Ventricular Assist Device,” a pump that takes over for the heart when it is weakened by disease. The device is not a replacement for the heart; rather, it gives the heart a break and pumps blood for it.

My grandpa, Kurt Mauer of Lynden, handed me a stethoscope as I sat down. I took the earpieces and he put the chestpiece to his heart. As I listened, all I heard was the faint hum of a machine rather than a heartbeat.

“So, you’re basically Iron Man,” I said.

He chuckled, and while comic books and movies do often exaggerate the truth, the LVAD is proof that certain science fiction tropes are quickly becoming a reality.

Grandpa Kurt has no measurable heartbeat or blood pressure. During the day, he wears a vest that houses a control system above his waist and batteries to run the device. A tube runs from the control system directly into his chest and into

A house is not a home without delivery of the Lynden Tribune or Ferndale Record!

We cover the town...

in fact, we cover several of the local communities. Week after week, people in-the-know turn to our pages for the latest coverage of community news and events. We’re a great resource for finding sales and services, things to do, and things to see.

Inpatient: Short term, intensive rehabilitation Short stay respite care Long stay residential care Outpatient: Rehabilitation

We All Get Older

We do NOT need to lose function as we age.

• Have you fallen in the last year?

• Is walking difficult?

• Are you losing confidence in your balance?

• Is it frustrating to talk or express yourself?

• Is swallowing difficult?

We want to help!

Outpatient Therapy

Pearl Harbor Survivor, still going strong!

Don’t miss out!

2905 Connelly Avenue CALL (360) 734-4181

Located in the Fairhaven district, down the street from Emmeritus Fairhaven and in back of The Chateau (”The Pink Palace”)

Call 354-4444 or 384-1411 and subscribe today!

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

ENCORE a prosthetic left ventricle, which pumps blood from the lungs into the body. The other end of the pump is connected to the aorta, the body’s main artery.

“This is actually a drive line that drives a pump that I have inside at about 9,000 RPMs,” Grandpa Kurt said. “That keeps the blood flowing with constant pressure instead of pumping pressure so

“I don’t have a heartbeat and I don’t have a pulse.

It’s weird.”

—Kurt Mauer I don’t have a heartbeat and I don’t have a pulse. It’s weird.”

The LVAD is designed to help patients whose hearts need a break following serious open-heart surgery, those waiting for a heart transplant or patients whose hearts are simply too weak to pump blood unassisted.

Grandpa Kurt charges the batteries every night, plugging the machine into an external wall outlet as he sleeps. If the power goes out and batteries are unavailable for any reason, he has an adapter used to power the LVAD from a car. When-

C7

ever the power is disconnected or a battery is removed, the LVAD’s control box lets the user know with a high-pitched tone.

The LVAD is not without risks, as grandpa experienced just a few weeks back. While working in the shop, he nicked the cord that protrudes from his chest with a tool in the shop. He carries a bag full of spares everywhere he goes, but the incident was a reminder of the care that must be taken when utilizing an LVAD. Spokane’s Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center is one of only two hospitals in the state that specializes in LVAD technology. Grandpa Kurt spent about six weeks at Sacred Heart altogether, counting prep time, surgery and recovery, when he had the system originally installed earlier this year. The doctors periodically check in on him to take notes on his recovery and on the LVAD’s success as well.

His wife, Dana, assists with many essential tasks involving the LVAD, including changing the dressing every two days.

The LVAD is a testament to the power of modern medicine. It has gotten my grandpa back on his feet and back to work at Northwest Podiatric Laboratory in Blaine.

“I feel better,” he said, “and my spirits are up.”

Confused About Medicare?

We’ll help you understand your options!

This testimony was written by Maria Velasquez for her husband Alexander: When Alex came into Stafholt he couldn’t talk, eat or walk due to a stroke. It was a sad picture for his family and friends. Since day one at Stafholt he began his road to recovery, each and everyone treated not only him but every member of his family and friends with so much love, respect and compassion.

After two months Alex is back home, he can talk, eat and walk, thanks to the hard work that EVERYONE at Stafholt performs day in and day out.

• Medicare Advantage plans • Part D prescription plans • Medicare Supplement plans

Simplify Your Life!™

At Stafholt they not only provide a service they provide care, love, compassion and respect.

Call today for a Complimentary Review!

Alex had his wife hang a sign on the wall in his room during his stay that said “Thank God for everyone at Stafholt. You are all so good to me. Alex”

Jeff Lamphere

354-5333

113 THIRD STREET • LYNDEN

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

C8

ENCORE

Getting to know the Voice of the Lions For Lynden sports public address announcer Lawrence Honcoop, the passion runs deep

By Braulio Perez sports@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN — “Touchdown Lions!”

With the success of Lynden’s football team, it’s a phrase fans have heard countless times over the last decade. Perhaps even more impressive, it's the same voice that has been delivering that passionate call for over 30 years.

Lynden High School sports public address announcer Lawrence Honcoop is no stranger to the community. He graduated from LHS in 1948 and was a four-sport athlete for the Lions 64 years ago.

As a senior quarterback then, he was making the same plays he currently calls out on Friday night at Rollie DeKoster Field.

He was also a shortstop on the baseball team, a guard on the basketball team and ran the mile in track. He now announces all these sports.

“You could say I have a passion for Lynden sports,” Honcoop said with a smile.

“Over my years I’ve watched college and pro ball and I’ve got to say, there is nothing more pure than high school athletics.”

His appreciation for prep sports led to his current hobby and passion that he’s carried since the late 1970s.

Honcoop remembers the spring day in 1977 when he was approached by former Lynden Athletic Director Terry DeValois. The two had become friends through the Lynden fastpitch softball league, which Honcoop said was extremely popular in town back in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

“Terry came up to me and said he needed a PA announcer for the football team,” Honcoop said. “It kind of took me by sur-

prise, but I thought I’d give it a try. Here we are over 30 years later and I still love doing it.”

In addition to his work with the football team, Honcoop also has 30 years experience with the Lions’ basketball and track teams and will enter his third year with the baseball team in the spring.

His focus this fall, of course, is on the football squad, which is 7-1 on the season and has locked up the top seed among Northwest Conference 2A teams following a 49-14 destruction of 3A powerhouse Ferndale on Friday night.

The 82-year-old, who is very humble when it comes to his involvement with LHS, is quick to downplay his efforts in the press box. What fans might not know about Honcoop is that he picks up the newspaper every day to study up on Lynden’s next oppenent and makes sure he’s up to date on who the top offensive and defensive players are in the Northwest Conference.

“I just tell people where the ball goes, who made the tackle and who the ball carrier was,” Honcoop joked. “I’ve listened to a lot of games in my time on the radio and that certainly helps me while I’m making my calls for the team out there.”

Once football comes to a close, Honcoop quickly shifts his focus to the winter sports season, where he announces the boys basketball team fulltime and fills in as a sub for girls' PA announcer Arnie Hilt.

It’s another passion of Honcoop’s because of the memories he has of the hardwood games he played in the late ‘40s.

Honcoop was on the 1948 Lynden state basketball team that included these players: Jake Maberry, Seymour “Stu” Stuurmans, Pete Van Dyk, Chuck Bailey, Gerbert “Gup” Jansen, Tom Springer, Jim Wortley, Glenn Huleatt, Jim Notehoom and himself.

“It’s ironic because that class of ‘48 is very similar to the class they’ve got at Lynden right now,” Honcoop said. “We were just loaded with talent and similar to Lynden’s seniors this year — we played really well to-

Our Brokers implement the highest standard of customer service and operate with the utmost integrity.

but the challenge is well worth it in order to see the excitement on Lynden fans’ faces.

“I take it year by year right now,” Honcoop said. “I’m really not sure when I’ll have to call it a career. Football is getting a little bit tougher for me at my age, but basketball is still pretty simple for me. I have no timetable. I’m going to keep doing it until the passion ends, but I don’t see that happening.”

Pam Hanson INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Phil Dyer - Owner/Broker (360) 739-9900 phildyer@comcast.net www.sterlingrealestate.biz We are Whatcom County’s Leader providing socially conscientious and environmentally responsible real estate services.

gether.”

Once basketball season ends, it’s straight to the baseball diamond and track field for Honcoop. That’s four sports a year, with the same voice belting out touchdown calls and lineups for the Lynden faithful to enjoy.

But how long does Honcoop intend to keep that passion going? He said he’s not sure and joked he’s not getting any younger,

Specializing in Senior Health: Choose Your Lifestyle: • • • •

Independent Apartments Assisted Living Apartments 24-hour Staffing with meals provided Surrounded by Homestead Golf Course and Panoramic Mountain Views

301 West Homestead Blvd., Lynden

(360) 354-8200 www.meadowgreenslynden.com

• Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Supplements • Prescription Plans • Long Term Care Insurance

“Annual Enrollment period is Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

Give me a call to help you review your Medicare coverage for 2013.”

www.pamhansoninsurance.com

In-Home Pam@PamHansonIns.com Appointments!

(360) 224-1395

13 Years Experience!

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

ENCORE

C9

Boomers and travel

Plan ahead of traveling and protect your health

Getting older means being a little more susceptible to a variety of health problems while traveling. However, with a little planning and some caution, baby boomers and seniors can have a safe, healthy and enjoyable trip.

Here are some pre-planning tips to help get you started: • Mention your planned travels with your physician. Discuss any medications you’re currently taking, and if you’ll need refills prior to departure.

• Carry a copy of all your prescriptions with you when you travel. When going abroad, you may also want to know the generic name of your drug in case your prescribed version isn’t available locally.

Losing a pill bottle or accidentally breaking a vial of insulin, for example, can very easily happen on a vacation, and if you are touring around a foreign country, you may have difficulty obtaining a refill if you don’t have this information handy or if your drug is unavailable or sold under a different name.

• Sign up for travel assistance. Nobody plans to get sick or injured while traveling, but it can happen. And sometimes an injury or illness is severe enough to force the traveler to cut the trip short and seek medical attention. Baby boomers and seniors have trusted doctors at home, and often want to return home immediately for medical care.

This is where On Call International’s medical evacuation and travel assistance memberships come in handy. The annual membership and mature membership offer medical evacuations to the hospital of the member’s choice, regardless of whether they can receive appropriate care locally. Visit www.oncallinternational.com/ travel-assistance/individuals to learn more about travel assistance.

• Visit a travel medicine specialist.

You may be required to get new vaccinations when traveling to specific foreign countries. Ask your doctor to recommend a travel medicine specialist who can educate you about the immunizations that are required or recommended for your destination, as well as any other health concerns specific to your destination.

• Pack over-the-counter supplies. A vacation means getting out and doing

WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE WHATCOM COUNTY SENIOR TOUR PROGRAM ,

Feb. 16-24 2013

Ports of Call:

Galeveston, Texas Cozumel, Mexico • Georgetown, Grand Cayman Falmouth, Jamaica 7 LUXURIOUS NIGHTS ABOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINES “MARINER OF THE SEAS” $ $ $

1,799 Inside Cabin

1,920

Outside Cabin

2,125

Balcony Cabin

Price includes: Roundtrip bus – Bellingham to Seattle. Roundtrip air Seattle to Houston, 1 night hotel, 7 nights cruise. Prices per person double occupancy. *Prices are subject to change due to air taxes & fuel surcharges. ©2012 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registered in the Bahamas. Refer to Royal Caribbean’s 2012-2013 Worldwide Cruises Vacation Planner for all terms and conditions.

360-733-1270

M - F: 8:30 - 5:00 • 200 W. Chestnut • Downtown Bellingham travel@bellinghamtravel.com • www.bellinghamtravel.com No fees on tours, cruises or vacation packages.

new or different activities. This change of pace may result in sore and achy muscles.

A vacation also means you might be exposed to new and different germs, which could develop into a traveler’s cold or the flu. Pack some over-the-counter medications to help treat potential symptoms, so you don’t have to take time out of your vacation to search for a pharmacy or drug

store. Hopefully you won’t need any of the supplies, but it’s always a good idea to have them handy.

With a little pre-planning, you’ll be able to have the relaxing vacation you deserve, while also reducing your chances of encountering common health pitfalls that could put a damper on your trip.

EMERITUS AT FAIRHAVEN You don’t have to live with us in order for us to help!

A complimentary new service for seniors in our area.

At Emeritus at Fairhaven, we recognize that some of our local seniors may want to live at home as long as they can.

To support this choice, Emeritus offers a complimentary home visit. Whether it’s a listening ear, a safety check, a follow-up to hospitalization or just an enjoyable visit, we’re here to help.

Call (360) 647-1254 “Our Family Is Committed To Yours”

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

C10

ENCORE

How diabetes affects vision and dental health Diabetes patients should be extra diligent in good health practices It’s no secret that diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with other chronic conditions, like heart disease, and it can cause a range of serious complications including nerve damage and limb amputation.

When it comes to understanding how diabetes can affect oral and visual health, however, many people may feel they are in the dark.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently found that one out of every two Americans 30 years or older has periodontal (gum) disease. Gum diseases are infections of the mouth that affect the tissue and bone that hold a person’s teeth in place and can lead to bad breath, abscesses and tooth loss. The risk for gum disease is even higher for the 26 million Americans living with diabetes.

Gum disease can make it hard to control blood sugar levels, and high or uncontrolled levels of glucose in the body can worsen mouth infections. This

cycle can cause painful gums and tissue that can eventually result in tooth loss. In fact, gum disease may be a first indicator that a person may not have control of his or her blood sugar level.

Primary care physicians, dental and eye care specialists are teaming up to urge those living with the disease to schedule regular checkups. These visits can help regulate the disease’s impact on oral, vision and overall health. For people who are not aware that they might have diabetes, certain signs and symptoms can actually help diagnose the disease.

“Good dental and vision health — and well-controlled blood sugar — are critical to managing diabetes and preventing serious complications that could affect the mouth and eyes,” said Dr. Michael D. Weitzner, vice president of National Clinical Operations for UnitedHealthcare’s dental business.

“Diabetes has the potential to weaken one’s ability to fight bacteria in the mouth and throughout the body. Unmanaged blood sugar can lead to difficulty fighting infection effectively, paving the way for serious gum disease,” said Dr. John Luther, chief dental officer at UnitedHealthcare. “Because periodontal

disease often is painless, people might not know they have it until the damage has already been done.”

In addition to affecting oral health, diabetes also can have a negative impact

on vision health.

Diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when the disease damages the tiny blood See DIABETES on C12

Questions About

Medicare Insurance?

• Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Supplements • Part D Prescription Plans

Meet with Shane to review your current plans.

He can explain your options in a language you can understand.

Open enrollment period October 15 - December 7.

Local, Personal Service

{ Simple Wills $95 } Shane Van Dalen, Agent

VAN DALEN INSURANCE

360-354-4433 • 517 Liberty Street, Lynden, WA • Hours: M-F 8am-5pm

NEW

to Lynden!

Mobility Rehab Solutions • Mobility Scooters of all kinds!

• Home Care Products • Bath Accessories • Walkers • Wheelchairs • Power Chairs • Safety Devices

Most items not in-stock available for 2-day delivery.

Located inside Colony House Furniture: 411 Front St., Lynden • 354-5554

Sigurd “Sig” Aase Ph: 360-656-5459 Fax: 360-778-3893 Cell: 360-303-2539 809 W. Orchard Drive Suite 5, Bellingham sig@sigsfuneralservices.com | www.sigsfuneralservices.com

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

ENCORE

C11

Boomers should design for future needs of the household Keep spaces in house open and adaptable Boomers expect to stay in their homes and live independently into their later years.

But in the midst of change that is occurring in their households, it’s easy for them to lose focus on planning for their own future housing needs.

New research by The Hartford shows that 40 percent of boomers have experienced or anticipate experiencing family member changes in and out of the home, mostly related to their children.

However, 70 percent of boomers have not made design changes to their living space, perhaps due to the fact that they don’t know if their children will move back home, notes Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist at The Hartford. Changes that increase your home’s livability allow you to stay in your home longer and make living easy for people of all ages, sizes and abilities.

“Most of us want to stay in our homes as we age, which often requires making the design choices to help us do that,” said Olshevski. Moving, remodeling or simply redecorating all present opportunities to incorporate design factors that make your

home comfortable and safe for everyone you care about, from small children to older individuals.

While a life transition might cause you to halt your plans for improvements, Olshevski recommends taking the opposite approach and using it as an opportunity to incorporate more accessible design into the home.

By following the principles of universal design — what’s good for people of all ages, sizes and abilities — you can make sure your home is more livable across your lifetime and can stand up to any life changes that come your way.

Olshevski recommends concentrating on three design elements in order to accommodate changing needs over a lifetime: • Adaptability Is your home flexible and functional for family and friends now and in the future? For example, if you’re installing a new bathroom sink, you might consider storage space in the cabinet underneath. You may also want to make sure the cabinet opening is at least 36 inches wide, which allows a wheelchair to slide in between the doors when open and makes the sink accessible to all. Or, if you’re installing new kitchen counSee DESIGN on C12

FREE DELIVERY

anywhere in Whatcom, Island & Skagit Counties 6 Days a week!

Local Lynden Business - Trusted and Recommended

“We Help You Carry On” Visit our website for senior resource and caregiver info 24 hour assistance or hourly care in your own home. Non-medical companion services, personal care, medication and safety monitoring, meal prep, family respite, and much more!

Sue Sorensen, Owner

Contact Us for Help At Home Today! 360-543-5777 www.takemyhandathome.com

Bring in this ad and receive

$5.00 off FLU SHOT

Your Family Friendly, Locally Owned & Operated Retail, Long Term Care and Compounding Pharmacy • FREE Daily Deliveries • Medicare & DSHS Billing • L & I Claim Filing • Customized Medication Assistance for Retail & Long Term Care Customers • Compounded Medications for You & Your Pets • Wide Variety of Over-the-Counter Medications & Home Health Equipment • Immunization Clinic - more than 15 vaccinations available

Expires 11-30-2012.

Home of the Synchronized Prescription Program Are you having a hard time remembering to take your medication? We have the solution.

Do you ever go to the pharmacy and have no refills?

We manage refills, so you never run out.

Do you have to go to the pharmacy every week for another medication? We have free delivery to Lynden.

(360) 685-4242 • 1313 E. Maple St. Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225 Located behind Boomers Drive-In, just off Samish Way. Mon-Fri 8am-6:30pm • Sat 10am-5pm • Closed Sundays

www.customrxshoppe.com

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, October 24, 2012 | Ferndale Record

C12

ENCORE

Diabetes: Eye examinations Design: Ease of use is key key to diabetes management Continued from C11

Continued from C10 vessels that nourish the retina, is the leading cause of blindness in the United States among people between 20 and 74 years of age. People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy; the National Eye Institute estimates that between 40 and 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some form of retinopathy.

Vision complications related to diabetes extend beyond retinopathy to include increased risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts.

“Eye examinations play a significant role in diagnosing, monitoring and managing diabetes,” said Dr. Linda Chous, chief eye care officer at UnitedHealthcare. “According to the CDC, recent studies show that keeping one’s blood glucose levels close to normal can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetesrelated eye disease. All patients with diabetes should receive a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.”

Changes in vision such as blurriness, seeing spots or persistent redness

tertops, think about choosing a design with multiple heights to increase flexibility and comfort for things such as standing for food preparation or sitting to check for recipes on the computer.

• Ease Any components you add to your home should be easy to use. For example, improvements like pull-out drawers for easy access in kitchens and bathrooms can help make reaching for items easier. If you’re replacing door handles or faucets, opt for lever-style handles that are easier to turn.

• Openness Open floor plans are becoming more the trend, but it’s not just for style reasons.

can be symptomatic of the disease. Other vision-related complications of diabetes that can serve as early indicators of the disease include double vision, dry eyes and lid infection.

Dr. Luther recommends that patients with diabetes take the following four precautions to stay healthy: 1. Check your blood sugar often to ensure you are managing your levels effectively.

2. Schedule regular dental and vision checkups and alert your dentist and eye care professional if you have diabetes.

3. Maintain an oral health care regimen of regular flossing and brushing using toothpaste with an anti-plaque or anti-bacterial ingredient and preferably with an electric toothbrush.

4. Make sure to take normal medications prior to dental and vision visits unless your dentist or doctor instructs otherwise.

For diabetes management-related tips, programs and more, visit www.unitedhealthgroup.com/diabetes.

Johannes Lisiecki postpones Strait of Gibraltar swim

By Tim Newcomb tim@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN — Due to a “very serious family situation,” Johannes Lisiecki has postponed his swim of the Strait of Gibral-

More open space means additional room to maneuver, eliminating obstacles for those who have mobility challenges. Improvements like rounding edges on countertops can also help eliminate sharp objects that could cause injury.

Recognizing both that people are living longer and wish to remain in their homes, and seeing the types of transitions that families have gone through over the past few years, The Hartford has dedicated a section of its website to helping people make their homes more livable across a lifetime, meeting the needs of everyone at all ages.

More resources for getting your home ready for the rest of your life can be found at www. thehartford.com/lifetime.

tar, an attempt to raise awareness of congenital heart disease.

Lisiecki, 72, was planning on swimming the strait the week of Oct. 22, but cancelled the effort last week.

After four years of swim training and 700 miles in the water, he now plans to swim in September 2013. This is the second time Lisiecki has postponed his swim.

The Strait of Gibraltar is the ninemile-wide entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

Ask about our affordable mini implants!

Call Today For A FREE Denture Consultation Eric Hansen, L.D.

Jonathan Henry, D.M.D.

Dentures, Partials & Implant Supported Dentures • Extractions & Immediate Dentures Have you been waiting to take care of your denture or dental needs? Financing Available! O.A.C. Smiles: Before and After Dentures Before

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Unretouched patient photos courtesy of Northwest Dental Center.

Now Accepting New Patients!

Member of WASHINGTON DENTURIST ASSOCIATION

BELLINGHAM

2710 Meridian St.

(360) 676-1499

After

SENIOR DISCOUNTS Most Insurance Welcome OFFERING FULL FAMILY DENTAL CARE

Crowns, composite, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers.

www.nwdenture.com

(360) 757-4909

BURLINGTON 200 Gilkey Rd.