Senior Lifestyle Advantage Magazine Spring 2017

Senior Lifestyle

CHANGING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT AGING

Spring 2017

Heart Smarts Think Heart Care Think Us

UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s

Melissa Tjeerdsma

New Year!

New Smile!

February is Dental Awareness Month

Ways to go Big with Style

How Faith and Family encouraged My life

My Pal Sal

Bringing Vision to Others

Take a good look Best Sight Saving Tips

Dr. Beth Bruening M.D. / Eye M.D.

Iowa Piano Competition: March 9-12 2017 PRESENTED BY RYAN HASKINS, MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR AND THE SIOUX CITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

DAY 1 - FIRST ROUND: SOLO RECITAL DAY 2 - SEMI-FINAL ROUND: CHAMBER MUSIC DAY 3 - FINAL ROUND: CONCERTO WITH THE SIOUX CITY SYMPHONY (SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2017 AT 3:00 PM)

Senior Lifestyle

Table of ROAD TRIP 6 Local Variety Places to go, eat, and shop 7 Calendar of Events Upcoming events of interest

14 Crawl, Walk, Run Start slow and go

HEALTH AND WELLNESS 32 Heart Smarts Recognizing the signs of Heart Failure

YOUR BEST SELF

15 5 Ways to go Big with Style Cool weather trends and staples items

9 Fun and Games Quips, Quotes, and Quizzes

16 Spring Forward 5 tips to accessorize your home

10 Musical Inspiration Eddie Dunn

SHARING TOGETHER

36 New Year, New Smile What your teeth can tell you

18 My Pal Sal Visual impairment and independent living

37 Take a Good Look Top 5 sight saving tips

11 A Life of Music Music Director, Ryan Haskins, of the Sioux City Symphony

23 Happy and Home Humane Society brings friends together

12 Bring it on!

Seniors, being social, and pickleball Heart in hands image by StudioSmart/Shutterstock.com; Pianist image by Alenavlad/Shutterstock.com

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26 It’s Great to be Grand Grandparents have a place with preschoolers

HAVE FAITH 27 The New that never gets Old This new start lasts longer than a year

34 Kidney Care The Big 5

38 Living Life with Blindness NCBVI is here to help 39 Stepping into Action Medical equipment for the Home 40 Keep doing Life Parkinson’s signs and help 42 Capacity to Cope Journeying through Uncertainty

28 Encouragement for Life Melissa Tjeerdsma 30 Transformed Through the Storms Holly Stroup

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50 A Yellow Rose Nature’s inspiration on Art 54 Seeing Green Celebration that’s worth the drive

A magazine brought to you by Senior Lifestyle Advantage Magazine

LIVING BETTER

The Team

55 Follow your Heart Simple choices for a heart healthy day

SMALL BUSINESS USA 44 Paws to Tails 3 ways to care for your pet 45 Behind the Name Charlotte Easland, more than an agent 46 Quilts of Beauty A dream worth its weight in fabric 48 50 Years of Love More than flowers

EMBRACING SEASONS 49 Be My Valentine Love and Cards

CHANGING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT AGING

Publisher / Editor in Chief Judith Stanton

Senior Lifestyle Advantage Magazine

Editor

Sara Kvols

56 Cooking as a way of Life Recipes for Health

Graphic Design

57 Indulging now and then It’s good to have a treat!

Photography

Justin Stanton Jessica Ericksen

Bobier Portrait Studio

58 Card Showers and Guests 8 simple party tips for senior citizens

Style

60 Trails bring Families together Go get out there!

Contributors

61 Boost Your Immunity A healthy treat you can’t resist

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Shoptiques Younkers Signature Home Styles

Karen Lemmon, Misty Beair, Todd Thelen, Melissa Tjeerdsma, Holly Stroup, Megan Glover, North Sioux Dental Clinic, Beth Bruening, Julie Buss Stone, Dianna Sorenson, Vera VanBruggen Charlotte Easland, and Wilma Schaffert

Correspondence

Senior Lifestyle Advantage, LLC P.O. Box 33 Laurel, NE 68745 seniorlifestyleadvantage.com

Advertising Inquiries

(402) 200-9334 judystanton@seniorlifestyleadvantage.com

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Senior Lifestyle

©2017 Senior Lifestyle Advantage Magazine Please ask publisher’s permission before using content for other purposes

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

From the Publisher’s Desk Judith Stanton

Judith Stanton, CEO/Founder Senior Lifestyle Advantage Magazine JudyStanton@SeniorLifestyleAdvantage.com

I

ts time to celebrate! New year! New you! Let’s spend time embracing life and sharing seasons together.

Seasons gradually change all of us, and changes can be challenging, but we are here to encourage your life by sharing inspiring stories, comforting recipes, style, wellness, and places to visit. Are you ready for a “Road Trip”? Take a quick jaunt to the Lemonade Stand, enjoy some music, and visit an herb garden. Cozy up in bright colored fabrics and try your hand at quilting. Let’s bring on spring, share a cup of coffee, celebrate love, enjoy a great story, and know the best is yet to come!

We are excited to bring our Spring 2017 issue of Senior Lifestyle Advantage to you. I’m proud of our team as they bring your stories to life. I am so grateful for every person who took the time to write, call or tell us in person how much you loved the premier issue. I hope you find strength and joy every day of your journey. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13 We are looking forward to expanding the team and we need your help to find a dynamic sales professional. If you or someone you know is as passionate as we are about getting this magazine out, please let us know.

Spring 2017

Local Variety

Lana A Boutique

Creating easy style for you, all in one place.

111 N Main St, West Point, NE (402) 372-2117 www.lanaaboutique.com Also on Facebook at Lana a Boutique

Vital Care Pharmacy of Norfolk

Del’s Garden Center

Family owned since 1967, their nursery, landscape design, and flower shop can provide for all of your needs.

1808 11th St. SE, Spencer, IA (800) 359-1416 www.delsgardencenter.com

“Creating Solutions for Better Health” with compounding, home infusion, and home medical equipment.

120 North 27th Suite 200, Norfolk, NE (402) 371-3444 www.vitalcarenorfolk.com

M&M Quiltworks

by Mary Shefl

Professional long arm, quilting & more. Machine quilting services, binding, and teaching.

87891 567 Ave, Coleridge, NE (402) 283-4406 www.mmquiltworks.com

Whales Upcycyled Winterwear

Change out your cool weather wear with a pair of handmade mittens 1465 510th St. Cherokee, IA (712) 229-2985 whaleswinterwear@gmail.com

Home Medical Equipment Company Ask Abbie about designer scrubs for fashion forward medical professionals.

2604 W. Norfolk Ave, Norfolk, NE (402) 371-6550 6

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

The Lemonade Stand Boutique

Handmade items designed and crafted with extra love and time.

2800 Broadway Ave, Yankton, SD (605) 689-2009

Calendar of Events

Brenda James Christian Concert

“One Love� Dinner Concert, February Spring Fling 14, 2017 at 6:00pm Columbus, Nebraska Center 30 Mall Heartland Community Baptist Church will be held on March 4-5, 2017.

2201 W. 19th St. Sioux City, IA Iowa Piano Competition: Event Hours: Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm For more information: Concerto Round/Finals www.brendajamesmusic.com brenda@brendjamesmusic.com Ryan Haskins, Music Director Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, March 12, 2017 at (712) 203-0761 7:00pm 518 Pierce St. Sioux City, IA Orpheum Theater Box Office (712) 277-2111 www.siouxcitysymphony.com

Norfolk Area Home and Garden 2017 Rustic Barn Vendor Show March 11 14349 SW 14th St. Roca, Nebraska

Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, North Platte Nebraska.

Opens in April 2017 1249 North Homestead Rd. North Platte, Nebraska 69101

Spring 2017

Over 100 Vendors Attending!

March 17-19, 2017 Northeast Community College College Pohlman Ag Center 2301 E. Benjamin Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701

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Good Eats CafĂŠ Brule

Come enjoy great coffee, gourmet options, honest home-cooking and decadent desserts.

24 W. Main St, Vermillion, SD (605) 624-2945 www.cafebrule.com

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Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Rich & Trisha Millage Custom beef and pork processing.

Retail meats, specialty sausages, and jerky.

Your Best Self Fun & Games: Quips, Quotes, and Quizzes Quotable Quotes Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

-Helen Keller

Fun Facts It takes 42 facial muscles to frown but only 17 to smile.

When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.

-Barbara Bush

An apple in the morning will keep you more awake than a cup of coffee.

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

-Mother Teresa Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

-Theodore Roosevelt You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.

-Michael Prichard

Humor for Word Lovers

Brain Builder

Sudoku - Medium Difficulty

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He’s all right now.

The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

All the toilets in New York’s police station have been stolen. The cops have nothing to go on.

Coffee - n., a person who is coughed upon.

(David Hoffman, San Diego) Flabbergasted - adj., appalled over how much weight you have gained. (Michelle Feeley, Arlington) Abdicate - v., to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. (Tom Witte, Gaithersburg) Negligent - adj., describes a condition in which you absentmindedly answer the door in your nightie. (Sandra Hull, Arlington) Balderdash - n., a rapidly receeding hairline.

(Paul Kocak, Syracuse) Spring 2017

Each of the nine blocks has to contain all the numbers 1-9 within its squares. Each number can only appear once in a row, column, or box.

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Your Best Self

Jazz at Heart

Eddie Dunn and Saturday Night Jazz

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ddie Dunn and Saturday Night Jazz are celebrating 30 years together. The dynamic show airs each week from 7-10 pm on KWIT-KOJI. For the show, Eddie selects several hundred CD’s and seamlessly weaves together 50’s-60’s music into a beautiful selection of tunes in which listeners can lose themselves in another world.

Within moments of listening to Eddie, it is obvious that he knows jazz and has absorbed himself in it for a long time.

If fact, Eddie began listening to jazz at about four years of age. By the age of fourteen, he started playing in local rock and country bands, but his great-

est desire was to play jazz. Jazz is the most challenging to play in the Western World, says Eddie, as “it takes all aspects of musicianship. His love for jazz is evident as he suggests “jazz is the most beautiful music in the world played by the most wonderful and best musicians in the world”.

Through the years there have been fewer places to listen to live music, but Eddie does his best to solve that dilemma. Having performed with many groups, he now focuses his talents on the Upper Midwest, gathering with other musicians where he sings and plays the bass.

Background image by lem/Shutterstock.com

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Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Your Best Self

A Life of Music

with Ryan Haskins

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he Sioux City Symphony Orchestra brings intensity to competition, and they invite you to be part of it! The Iowa Piano Competition, coming March 2017, is a three day event that brings twelve selected competitors ages 18 through 35 together to vie for the winning title. The first two rounds on March 9 and 11 are open to the public, with the final round on March 12 being a ticketed event. The three pianists who advance to the final round will be performing their pieces in concert with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.

Ryan Haskins, Music Director and Conductor of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, comes with an impressive pedigree (think worldwide name recognition and experience, various artistic degrees, and prestigious tutelage and training) and yet he makes music accessible. Haskins believes music is “part of culture and art where new discoveries are made, and unique experiences are celebrated” and that it “relaxes the soul and mind; it opens the community to conversation while educating through creativity and inspiration”.

Spring 2017

It comes as no surprise, then, that Haskins visits grade schools throughout the Siouxland communities, encouraging young students to get excited about music, playing instruments, and attending the Sioux City Symphony. He has a passion for youth musicians and has most recently been recognized internationally for his enthusiasm and initiative to promote young American composers. With a focus like this, it is worth a trip to the Sioux City Symphony, even if just to experience music with a man who loves it as much as Ryan Haskins.

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Your Best Self

A Lifestyle Change for active Seniors

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Almost seventy-five percent of participants at the senior center visit one to three times per week, spending an average of just over three hours per visit. The Senior Center provides hot meals during the week, and transportation is available

According to research, older adults who participate in senior center programs learn to manage and or delay the onset of chronic illnesses and experience measurable improvement 12

The Sergeant Bluff Senior Center is located at 909 Topaz Drive and will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A reading library, TV Room and sitting area are available while visiting. For information please contact Barb Maxfield (712) 251-2427, Gary Coon (712) 333-1542 or Brent Brown (712) 943-5800.

Workout image by wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

f those aged fifty and older, baby boomers constitute more than two thirds of the population.

Often, as members of older generations find themselves in this stage of life, they spend much of their time waiting for phone calls or visits from friends and family. But Aaron Anderson, Lincoln City Manager of Sergeant Bluff says seniors are special, and his actions demonstrate that belief. “We are reaching out in the community and expanding many more programs for seniors than ever before.”

in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being. Sergeant Bluff has taken this to heart and focused on creating real change for seniors—lifestyle change. The time seniors spend together is priceless, and Anderson believes the senior center in Sergeant Bluff is making a difference.

through SRTS Siouxland Regional Transit System, which transports residents in and around Sergeant Bluff for free.

Vouchers are also available for Siouxland seniors to make purchases at the Farmers Market.

For more information please call 712-279-6919 to make a reservation.

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Your Best Self you are exercising as you play the entertaining game! It’s a heathy way to stay active and it provides several hours of social entertainment.

Pickle Ball Fun! Looking to get active? Need something that doesn’t feel like a workout? Pickleball may be your answer! Originating from handmade equipment with simple rules into the popular sport it is today, pickleball is a friendly and interesting game that is growing in popularity with seniors. Think of it as table tennis, meets traditional tennis, meets badminton. You have a court, paddles, and a light weight ball (whiffle ball).

Each player faces off as singles or doubles, just as in traditional tennis.

Brent Brown, director of Parks and Recreation in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, says, “Seniors are busier than ever. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings you can find many men and women sharing laughs, enjoying leisure time by playing pickleball in Sergeant Bluff.”

Pickleball is non-threatening in nature and a great way to get together with friends and have fun. You won’t even notice that

The court is smaller than a tennis court, play is more compact, and you get a great cardio workout with it being slightly less strenuous. As more retirement locations have adopted pickleball as an integrated sports activity for their population of residents, more courts are going up across the country. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Associa-

Spring 2017

tions (SFIA) 2016 Participant Report, there are more than 2.5 million pickleball participants in the United States.

Don’t just take other people’s word for it, though. Get out and play! Wear comfortable clothing: sweat pants, shorts, tennis style dresses, and comfortable shoes such as running shoes. Include eye protection, hats, visors, sweatbands, t-shirts and light jackets.

For more information about pickleball and other events contact www.cityofsergeantbluff.com.

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Your Best Self

“Crawl, Walk, Run” start slow and go

If you experienced a fall, or are concerned about falling.

4. Medications

S

eems simple? Depends on your journey, and long term goals. As we age, we are more likely to slip, fall, or stumble, and falling can limit mobility for days, or weeks. Almost one third of American people ages 65+ fall each year. Signs of discomfort can include, pain, bruising, pain upon touch, lying down, standing, pain during sleep, and normal routines can be interrupted.

Things to consider, and reduce the risk of falls.

1. Eye exam - Eye health

and wellness checkups

can interfere with movement, and communication

3. Balance Assessment 14

5. Bone Density - Measures the bone strength, risk for fracture and osteoporosis. There is evidence between poor bone density and higher probability of fracture.

6. Nutrition - Monitor your

nutrition status, diet, with your healthcare team, and family.

7. Exercise - Communicate

with healthcare and wellness teams about exercise routines.

Start simple, and go slow.

8. Assessment of environment and surroundings falls occur at home,work, and during leisurely activities.

Consider this, falling costs are enormous, almost 2.5 million people have been treated for injuries in emergency departments, a staggering 734,000 Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Advocate to understand and communicate, help each other become stronger and healthy. Live well. The best is still to come! Aging happens to all of us, however, let’s put it into perspective. Today is a brand new day, shake it, try something new! Instead of thinking what else is on your to-do-list, take care of yourself first, then help others.

When you feel present in each moment, life appreciates the blossoms.

Listen carefully then engage in conversation, learning occurs when you listen. You may discover a new journey from someone younger than yourself. Choose to be positive.

Yes, life spins us in various directions every day, so does the clock, set it and forget it!

Bring the good forward, you will realize age is only a number, and the sky has no limit.

Enjoy the moment, take a deep breath, stretch and relax, eat something good, then spend time with people who encourage your life.

Scale image Stock-Asso/Shutterstock.com

2. Hearing Test - Noises

- Be aware of medications that could cause dizziness, sleepiness, and falls.

hospitalizations, and 21,700 deaths.

Your Best Self

5 Ways to go Big with Style

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Clothing and accessory photos provided by Shoptique.com

ool temperatures have your style in a slump?

No sign of spring warming up yet? No problem!

The newest trends mix nicely with staple items, so whether you’re wanting to jump right in or just dip your toes into the latest looks, you can be sure to make a splash! Follow any or all of these tips and you’ll be styling in no time.

1 COATS A must-have for obvious reasons. It’s never stylish to shiver, but you don’t have to sacrifice style for function.

Ponchos and Wraps are super chic either belted or clasped, and can flatter all figures. Jean jackets and leather jackets double as chilly weather layering or as outerwear for milder days.

Layer for essential style, or grab one for an easy look on the go. With the right fit, it’s hard to go wrong.

proach to carry electronics, phones, or computers, grab a slim messenger bag or business pack and head out the door.

Whatever your choice, you’ll have a completed look with exactly what you need at your fingertips.

2 SCARVES Elevate a look from basic to brilliant, all while keeping you comfortable. Chunky, knit, and plaid bring texture, pattern and color. Blanket scarves offer versatility and carry fun into fashion. Drape over the shoulders or loop several times around the neck. Include hats and gloves with bright colors for a wearable wardrobe.

3 HANDBAGS Bring polish to an almost-finished ensemble. Sling a soft hobo bag or strap purse over your shoulder, tuck it under an arm, or opt for a minimalistic but organized clutch with only the necessities. For those who prefer a hands-free apSpring 2017

4 PINS, PATCHES, AND EMBELLISHMENTS Add a little something extra.

From antique brooches to statement jewelry, buttons, or eyewear, the best bet is the touch that points to your personality.

5 PATTERN AND COLOR Brighten any look. Don’t shy away from mixing it up to create a unique blend! Millennial pink is the trend of the moment and can be incorporated easily into any look, or go monochromatic for a simple and consistent backdrop to a statement piece.

Whatever you put together, with looks like these you can have fun with cooler weather!

Add your dazzling smile, and you’ll actually be looking forward to the chill!

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Your Best Self

Spring Forward

5 tips to accessorize your home

REDUCE CLUTTER! You’ll be more relaxed in a clean atmosphere, and let’s be honest, who wants to be stressed? Start with a completely clean slate. Group all of your existing accessories together in another room; select your best ones to keep and the old and tired ones to give away.

Put one accessory back in your room at a time and determine whether that accessory in that spot adds to the beauty of your room or detracts from the beauty.

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LESS IS MORE! Designers know that the more accessories you add, the less important each accessory feels (this is especially true of homes that are flooded with family photos on every possible surface). Invest in fewer but more special accessories and skip the junk and generic filler items. Remember that not every horizontal surface has to be decorated with accessories!

Leave room on your coffee table to actually be able to put a book down.

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

SIZE MATTERS!

Designers opt for larger accessories when possible, but if there are a few small items you adore, a designer secret is to put smaller accessories on a stack of books or other platform to elevate their importance. Try grouping in odd numbers, such as 3, 5, or 7. If you collect figurines, clocks, rocks, seashells, dolls, etc., group the collections in a cabinet or on a decorative tray.

Make it simple and keep the collection in one area of your office or home. Julie Stone, a Signature HomeStyles consultant, recommends grouping with height as a focus; choose one tall accessory, another short, and a third in the middle.

Your Best Self MIX TEXTURE!

Create visual interest by breaking away from sameness.

A grouping of three glass vases is not nearly as compelling as a collection of variety—a rough wicker basket, a slightly tattered hardback book, and a clear glass vase with soft flower petals inside. If you’re stumped on what to mix, close your eyes and run your hand over different items; be creative and let your fingers make the initial choices, then open your eyes and see what you have to work with. Or, focus on items of a single color but various textures to group together.

THINK LIFE!

The finishing touches for any accessory project includes adding a live element. You might choose flowers, a tree, or a bowl of fruit to give your home a fresh feel. For a bright addition, complement the look

Spring 2017

with some twinkle and glow— copper wire fairy lights and a mirror are simple and inexpensive, and you’ll be amazed at how your live element takes center stage no matter what time of day it is!

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Sharing Together

My Pal Sal

by Karen Lemmon ment was suddenly heard over and over in words like ‘re-plan’ and re-learn. Decisions had to be made and priorities had to be ‘re-set’ …at least for a little while.

J

ust when work and life at home settles into a comfortable mode, an ophthalmologist declares, “Go home and get things including your papers in order because you are going blind”. Has this happened to you? If so, I hope it was in a more compassionate way then it was to me in 1996 when I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease! There are many eye problems which cause blindness, but ultimately the diagnosis is life changing.

No one wants to lose their 18

purpose in life. No one wants to give up their independence.

When I was diagnosed with a blinding disease, it was very hard to accept and I truly felt doomed. But I can happily report now that life can be just as productive and rewarding for a blind person as it is for a sighted person.

Like most of us, I had taken my good vision for granted.

Before being diagnosed, I had been looking forward to my retirement. The ‘re’ of retireSenior Lifestyle Advantage

I have been dealing with progressive deterioration of my vision since 1996. I remember what grief I had then, but now I want to encourage others who are having vision problems to make decisions that will allow them to continue to be productive citizens and enjoy the freedom of independence. Contact the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in your State for guidance through the transition. Like me, you will be amazed at the understanding and assistance you will receive from the trained staff. Opportunities will become available to you and you will soon be on the path back to your plans of retirement…with a few tweaks to adjust to your new way of accomplishing things.

I had always planned to travel during retirement. Giving up the convenience of driving my own vehicle was

Sharing Together a tough one but I found that distance traveling is made easy and fun through public transportation, group bus tours or, my favorite, traveling with a friend. I found there are three ways to foot-travel as a blind person. Using a sighted human guide is one way. This means that the blind person takes a sighted person’s elbow and walks a half step behind the sighted guide. There are times that this is convenient.

An example would be in an airport racing to get to a gate of departure. I personally feel I am restricting both my sighted guide and myself when relying on this option. I only use it occasionally.

The other main option for foot-travel, and the one I chose, is the use of a dog guide. While not for everyone, I feel secure and also enjoy the freedom I have when walking with my dog guide, a black lab named Sal. Deciding to apply for a dog guide involved a lot of consideration. There are

many schools specializing in dogs trained as guides for the blind. Each school has its own philosophy and procedures.

I felt it important to find the school that fit my needs. Since I live in a rural area, I wanted the training to include experiences in a rural area. I wanted my dog to understand the distractions of a country setting while still being familiar with crowded streets and vehicle movement of the busy city. I wanted to know how to use public transportation with my dog just in case that would be required in our future working as a team. Where I live there is only one street light in an eighty mile radius of us, but it was important that my dog could deal with traffic. I work in the summers at a busy state park in western Nebraska and though we have no traffic lights, traffic can be heavy at times.

I eliminated schools that did not seem to be willing to conform to my unique lifestyle. It was also important to me to know how the school recommended the dogs they trained be rewarded for a job well-done. I did not want a dog that expected a treat each time he performed correctly. My per-

Dog image by bluecrayola/Shutterstock.com

The white cane proved to be a good option for foot-travel. Living in the great state of

Nebraska gave me the opportunity to learn cane walking through the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI).

I was amazed how well I was able to safely travel with the cane. Not only is it telling you what lies ahead that you need to be aware of, but it is also saying to vehicle drivers, “This person hanging on to me is not seeing you, so you had better see us!�

Spring 2017

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Sharing Together sonal feeling is that a dog who does what he is trained to do will be satisfied with a loving pat and verbal praise. I prefer the dog to focus on me rather than the treat I carry in my pocket!

I was excited to get confirmation that I had been accepted for the spring program at Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, California. This was my first choice! GDA required that I submit videos of where I work and live, my movement with the white cane, and also with my first dog guide. I was apprehensive at first about the video, but found it was fun to create as I recruited my grandson to help me out. I knew all of the reputable dog

I left on Easter Sunday. It was difficult to leave my husband knowing I would be gone for at least a month, but I have to say the truly hardest part was leaving my first dog guide, Izaak. We had traveled as a team everywhere for so long and I knew he would never again wear his harness.

Izaak worked up until my trip to the airport, and it was a teary departure. Retiring a dog guide could be much worse, and I knew this to be true, but I still felt very sad that Izaak would no longer be my Senior Lifestyle Advantage

partner. I am fortunate to live in the country with plenty of room to keep him. Many who retire dogs must give them up as they live in an area that does not allow pets. Once the dog guide is retired, he becomes a pet or has to be adopted out to another family. It has been four years now since Izaak’s retirement and he is a very happy dog at the ripe old age of seventeen.

When I arrived at the school my melancholy changed to excitement. I was immediately impressed with the school and the surroundings that would be ‘home’ for the next month. I was introduced to three trainers who would work with me and my fellow students throughout the month.

The students I met for the first

White Lab image by wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

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guide schools required that applicants had completed proper training with the white cane, and I was at that point very appreciative to the NCBVI for the training I had received.

Sharing Together time that day ranged in age from seventeen to seventy. The first days of school were classes directed by our three trainers.

The third day we finally met our dogs. It was very exciting when Sal was brought to me by the trainer. Sal had no harness, but had a ‘check’ chain around his neck attached to a leather lead. The trainer led him around the apartment and then finally released him to meet me.

Having Izaak be the second half of my team for so long, I was very unsure about attaching myself to another dog as closely as I had to my first. But I think it was love at first sight!

I had crocheted a blanket for

my new dog and had let my old dog Izaak lay on it before I came to the school. I was hoping that Sal would get Izaak’s scent, and when I went back home the meeting of the two dogs would be easier. I presented Sal with his blanket that day and he did a lot of sniffing and then arranged it on the floor and fell contently into a deep snoring sleep! One rule we had been drilled on was that the dogs at GDA be tethered to the wall next to the bed in the apartment when it was time to sleep. Since I did not want to break any rules, I tethered Sal after he fell asleep. He was so content that he never did wake up during the process of tethering him to the wall. I

Spring 2017

believe through the remainder of the training he would have happily slept on the blanket with no need of the tether to keep him in his designated nap area.

We learned to adjust to the dogs feeding and relieving schedule. We fed them the same amount of dog food every day at the same time. As a result of this, the dogs relieved themselves at the same time every day as well. After we met our dogs and when our meal time came, there were ten dogs quietly laying under the table at the feet of their new human partners. This was certainly an indication that the dogs had already been intensely trained.

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Sharing Together Any outsider visiting our table would never have known that there were dogs present!

When our dogs were fitted for harness, it was a grand day.

We teased the youngest student among us because he was also the tallest student and he had the smallest dog. The handle on his dog’s harness was very long! Each day we were paired up with another ‘team’ (made up of dog and human).

The trainers took us to parks, residential areas, and eventually we worked our way up to places like Los Angeles and Pasadena. On one of the last days of training we even got to go to the ocean front in Santa Monica.

Graduation was on a Sunday of the last full week of training. I was not looking forward to this ceremony. I never enjoyed graduations, not even my own, and I believed that this one would be no different.

I was wrong. I don’t think of myself as an outwardly emotional type of person but I was brought to tears when Sal’s puppy dad stood up and talked to Sal and me. My sister-inlaw was the only person in the audience that I knew, and I will never forget how much her coming all the way from 22

Arizona meant to me! It was an emotional day, and after the ceremony Sal’s puppy Dad and Mom and some of their extended family invited me to go out and eat with them. It was wonderful to have our first ‘solo’ outing.

Looking back to when Izaak and I were in training, only about two percent of blind people used dog guides. That number is growing and the general public is becoming more aware of appropriate behavior around a person with a dog guide. Even though the number of dog guides and other service animals is growing, I have found that I am constantly educating people about their behavior around a dog in harness. Depending on the severity of the distractions, my responses vary to inform people that my dog is working and cannot be disturbed.

The dog guide is not a pet when he is in harness.

He is a dog with a mission, a fact that I, as the dog’s partner, must always keep in mind. I do not treat him as a pet when he is in harness. The harness is the bell-ringer that it is time to go to work. When Sal is not in harness it means he can relax and just be a Senior Lifestyle Advantage

dog. He loves to chase squirrels in his off duty time, although he obviously never intends to catch one.

Sal is a wonderful companion and also an awesome tool for me as a blind person. I have found that the dogs trained to do the job as a guide truly love to work. Sal is constantly by my side, or at least where he can see me, even when he is not in harness. His job is me.

My job, in turn, is to make sure he is well cared for and gets the love right back that he offers to me. I have often said that my dog guide is the best tool in my shed. If you choose to use a dog guide, you will find this true. But more than being a tool that will keep you safe and independent, you will find that the dog becomes a trusted friend, loving companion, and dedicated partner.

Sharing Together

Happy and Home

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hen I adopted my first dog, he was not from a breeder or a pet store. He was not the small, non-shedding lap pet that I envisioned. On the contrary, his broad head, lanky legs, and chocolate brown eyes were mixed with shedding, bad breath, muddy feet, and a whole lot of dog. And I mean, a lot! One of the biggest black labs I’d ever seen (many people thought he surely must be mixed with greyhound), he was not at all was I was looking for. But he was looking for me, and if I didn’t take him off the hands of the family who could no longer keep him, then he would go to the Humane Society. I knew very well how many dogs waited for weeks

by Sara Kvols

or months in the unfamiliar kennels, longing to be taken home to a family who would love and keep them. I knew this because I volunteered at the Humane Society, walking the dogs; petting and loving them; sitting near them so they weren’t alone.

So, regardless of my “wish list” of traits, I adopted my very own dog. And day after day, he proved to me why he was the best decision I could have made for a pet. When my infant son cried or threw a fit, it was my dog who nuzzled his nose into my son’s hand un-

Spring 2017

til the crying stopped. When my son started walking, it was with the help of our dog’s sturdy back and steady gait.

When my brother got into a car accident and I trembled at what could have happened, it was into the neck of my dog that I sobbed. Moment after moment, this gentle lab has warmed our home and our hearts.

I think of what I might have missed had I bypassed him for what I thought I wanted. So often, we assume that animals at a shelter are there because something is wrong with them.

This couldn’t be further from

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Sharing Together the truth! Shelter animals are there because something wrong happened to them. They got out and couldn’t find their way home; they were abandoned; or a family could no longer keep them due to situational changes. These animals need homes. They need love.

They need YOU. And they are overflowing with love and affection for whomever will see them, want them, and take them.

With the various shelters available to us, we have such an opportunity to make a difference. Just recently, my family adopted our first cat. We knew

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nothing about her except that she was found in a field, hungry and alone, and that when we sat with her in the visiting room, she crawled into the lap of my son, closed her eyes, and relaxed. We were won over in an instant, and we couldn’t have found a more perfect cat if we had tried!

The Siouxland Humane Society is one of the nearby shelters you could visit. If you aren’t convinced that adoption is the right choice, consider these reasons the Humane Society provides: 1. You will save a life.

2. You will get a healthy, vet-

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

checked pet.

3. You will save money.

4. You will feel better.

5. You won’t be supporting puppy mills or pet stores.

6. Depending on background, shelter pets may already be trained and know basic commands.

7. You will receive on-going assistance as needed from the shelter.

8. The pet you get will be behavior assessed.

I encourage everyone to at least consider providing a home to a pet in need. Understanding that it can be a big decision, the Humane Society has this to say: “Our dream is for all pets to find the loving homes they deserve. With that statement in mind, we also understand that for many people, adopting a pet is not high on their list when compared to some of the other options. If you are on the fence, we encourage you to visit our Shelter or view our Adoption page to see all we have to offer.”

I would second that suggestion, as it can put many of your worries to rest. Besides that, sometimes it takes looking deep into the eyes of an animal in order to realize how much you can make a difference.

And don’t kid yourself—you really will make a difference in

Sharing Together the life of that dog, cat, bird, or rabbit. Look around your house…imagine a cat curled in a chair; a dog laying at your feet. Consider what makes a house a home; perhaps it’s as simple as a pet.

One of the programs unknown to many is the Siouxland Humane Society Pets for Seniors program. “What better companion for a senior citizen than a loving devoted pet? This program will match special need pets with senior citizens. Many senior citizens find themselves alone and in need of someone to care for and love. On the flipside, many of the pets that come through our doors every year are considered “special need” pets because they are older, have a handicap, or for some other reason are deemed undesirable. These pets often are a perfect match for seniors who don’t want to deal with the stress of puppies and kittens and prefer a more settled pet.”

“Participants in the program must be 60 and older and be retired or working part-time.

Pets placed in this program are “special need” pets which include a small dog over age 5, a large dog over 1 year, an adult cat over age 3, or a pet with a handicap.”

The Siouxland Humane Soci-

ety will provide the following services: • A discounted adoption fee of only $20.00.

• Pay for spay/neuter when needed.

• Pay for any needed vaccinations.

• Pay for a heartworm test or a feline leuk/FIV test.

• Help with pet transportation problems if needed.

• Work to find the perfect pairing of pets and people.

The Siouxland Humane Society is Siouxland’s only open admission full service Shelter, caring for thousands of pets each year. We take great pride in finding forever homes for 100% of the adoptable pets.

Along with the homeless pets cared for each year, we also serve the people of Siouxland

Spring 2017

through our many programs and services.

• Adoption • Pets For Seniors • Sponsor A Pet • Spay/Neuter Assistance • Veterinary Assistance • Pet Food Bank • Emergency Sheltering • Volunteer • Breed Rescue • Pet Facilitated Therapy • Education • Cruelty Investigation • Pet Surrender • Lost & Found • Microchipping • End of Life Services The Right Place, All the Right Pets, Always the Right Thing to do! Adopt Today!

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Sharing Together

It’s Great to be Grand

grandparents and preschool

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ositive relationships built during the preschool years can have a significant impact on children’s involvement and success in learning throughout life. Our goal at the Early Learning Center is to see each child go home ready to share what he has discovered and learned through a play-based learning environment. We encourage children to ask questions, explore their own ideas, and show what they have learned through play.

We take a caring and positive approach to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and we recognize the importance of relationships with both our children and their families, including grandparents! At the Early Learning Center we enjoy grandparents and grandfriends visiting for scheduled activities such as Grandparents Day and caregiver/child classes, and as volunteers, guest readers, or to teach a unique tradition or skill. You are also welcome to come observe your grandchild or grand-friend playing and learning. Grandparents are able to provide a unique perspective and un26

conditional love. Our children truly enjoy the interaction that only grandparents and grandfriends can give, and so do we.

Wayne Community Schools Early Learning Center offers a 4 year old preschool program; 3 year old preschool program; birth-age 3 care-giver/child program; family nights; and educational opportunities for local daycare and preschool providers. We are located at 803 Providence Road, Sunnyview Business Park, in Wayne.

If you would like to be a grandparent/grand-friend volunteer in our school, please contact Misty Beair, Early Learning Center Director at 402-833-1450.

2017 Annual Spring Collections

Craft Fair Sioux City Convention Center • 801 4th St.

March 18-19 Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Have Faith

The New That Never Gets Old

by Pastor Todd Thelen

Cross image by VladisChern/Shutterstock.com

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re you longing for a new start? Perhaps you couldn’t wait for this past year to be in the rearview mirror, to be but a distant memory, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before” (Phil. 3:13).

Praise the Lord, God is all about making all things new.

He is the author of new life, which translates into the tangibility of transformation. You can personally experience the reality of becoming a “new” person. This is realized by believing in the person of Jesus Christ.

old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” To be in Christ is to be redeemed with His righteousness. Verse 21 of this same chapter explains, “for He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The ‘Him’ is Jesus Christ.

In Christ, there is new birth.

Jesus said in John 3:3, “You must be born again.” He is speaking of a spiritual birth; a supernatural birth. In Christ, there is a new life, and according to John 3:16, it is everlasting life. There is absolutely no expiration date on the new life that is in Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

He who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, has said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true; Behold, I make all things new.”

(Rev. 21:5-6) God loves new things that never get old, and His love for you, now that’s a story that never gets old.

The Bible states in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; Spring 2017

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Have Faith

How Faith and Family Encouraged My Life

by Melissa Tjeerdsma

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teering for organizations I loved, such as my church, Cornerstone World Outreach; the American Heart Association; the Ronald McDonald House; the Sioux City Human

Cross image by somrak jendee/Shutterstock.com

y life is an example of the way in which God is able to use all the joys and heartaches we encounter by providing a new season of life with a new purpose. As long as I can remember, it was my dream to become a wife and mother, so it was such a blessing when I married my college sweetheart, Kenneth Tjeerdsma. I was working while he was in medical school, but when our oldest son was born I happily stayed home to raise our four children and be the best partner and mother I could be.

During those years, I enjoyed the passion of volun28

Rights Commission; and being involved as a parent with our children as they received their education. They were happy years, marred only by the brain cancer that we dealt with in my youngest son, William. Our faith and the many prayers and support from friends gave us strength during this time in the medical system, we won his battle, his cancer went into remission, and I felt a new compassion for people who are suffering from disease and chronic pain.

Throughout all the busyness of those years, however, I never expected that season of my life would come to an end.

Unfortunately, it did, when my husband, then a well-respected cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates, died of a sudden heart attack in September, 2009. Life can change quickly,

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Have Faith and on top of my husband’s death, I realized my youngest son would soon be graduating from high school and my time as a stay at home mom was almost over.

By God’s great providence and a friend’s reference, I saw God had been preparing me through everything I had experienced—my undergraduate background, previous acquired health experience, volunteer work, experiences with William, and even the medical information that I had gleaned from my husband. In a nontraditional way, God had found a niche for me.

Although I had been out of the workforce for twenty-nine years, I had never stopped being involved; I had always been an advocate in the community. It gave me great hope that I could use these skills to enhance people’s lives, and I know that if what you are doing is right, then nothing can stop you. I love working with people, and I daily feel humbled that God has given me this opportunity. It never ceases to amaze me at the way God has woven my unique opportunities and background together to open a new door and a new season for this time of my life!

Today, Melissa keeps active and enjoys swimming at the YMCA each morning. “It’s a wonderful workout, and I would encourage anyone to take up an exercise they enjoy, and do it for themselves,” she

says. Small group activities provide one on one quality time with family, and she loves watching her children grow into leadership roles as they serve God.

Getting kidney disease was never your choice.

But your dialysis options are.

If you’re dealing with kidney disease, you should know you have a choice of treatment options. Fresenius Medical Care, the leader in dialysis treatment, is here to help you. Learn about your choices. Feel more at home with your options. For a center near you, call 866 4dialysis (866 434 2597).

5 locations for your convenience: Siouxland Dialysis 2530 Glenn Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106

Le Mars Dialysis 1 1st St. SW Le Mars, IA 51031

Fresenius Midwest Dialysis 4000 Indian Hills Dr. Sioux City, IA 51108

Fresenius Medical Care 2660 N Healthy Way Fremont, NE 68025

Kidney Dialysis Center 3516 Richmond Cir. Grand Island, NE 68803

www.FreseniusKidneyCare.com

Spring 2017

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Have Faith

Transformed Through the Storms

by Holly Stroup

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Each storm I traveled through caused another drastic transformation in me and the way I look at life. I felt paralyzed with fear and completely overwhelmed. I remember seeing the doctors’ mouths moving and hearing sound coming out but I couldn’t comprehend nor wrap my brain around any part of what they were saying In order to help manage my fear, I knew that I had to control what was going through my mind. If you want to know where your life will be in 5 years then listen to what is coming out of your mouth.

Our words hold tremendous power! I have always prayed that God would help keep me focused on Him. I always repeated what Jesus had said in the Bible, “As He is so am I in this world.” Jesus was never sick His entire life and since I am made in His image then I am healthy too.

Our words hold tremendous power!

The voices in my own head were challenging to control and I realized I needed to step up to honor my faith and beliefs.

Throughout these journeys when fear and despair would come and I would put my headphones on and sing praises to

Cross image by DAIVI/Shutterstock.com

ife often brings storms and in some storms we have no choice but to walk through them. These are storms I label as “life changing adversities” which transforms a person from the inside out and you are forever changed.

As a survivor of double mastectomy due to breast cancer, lower limb amputation, and domestic violence, I learned as I moved through these storms that the common debilitating denominators were fear and a sense of hopelessness.

Through these storms, I also learned that it is not the storm

we face but our perception of the storm that determines if we become a victim or a victor.

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Have Faith God because I knew that praise precedes the victory. I also knew that you could not think negative thoughts and listen to positive uplifting loud music at the same time! I would dig deeper into the Bible and held continuous conversations with God. Yep, transformation is never easy but always necessary.

I took my focus off of me and in each of these trials I would educate myself on what was happening with my body and what I could do to help my body and health recover quicker. I became very passionate about helping others in the midst of their storms.

By teaching others how to take control of their thoughts, emotions, diets, and be pro-active in their health and well-being I learned to be thankful for all of my journeys because I now can give back with true compassion on a level that is so deeply fulfilling I can’t even begin to explain the amount of joy and peace that fills my heart.

I can’t take the journey of the storms away from anyone but I can help in guiding them through their own transformation with education, understanding, and being a shoulder to lean on‌ and together, we are transformed through the storms.

I became certified as a Fit Specialist (mastectomy fitter), a licensed skin care professional (Aesthetician), certified in oncology trained esthetics, and started teaching people how to properly read and listen to their bodies, properly communicate with their health care providers and caregivers, as well as other significant information. I found that by educating people and helping them get organized in the beginning of their journey, many experienced a reduction in their fears and anxieties.

Spring 2017

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Health and Wellness

Heart Smarts

recognizing the signs of heart failure by Megan Glover, UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s

with preexisting conditions are at a higher risk, heart failure certainly does not discriminate.”

“A common misconception of heart failure is that the heart just stops beating altogether, like a heart attack,” said Jeffery Sykes, a cardiologist and medical director for the heart failure program at 32

UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s in Sioux City. “Heart failure is actually the slowing and weakening of the heart over time and is a treatable condition.”

The heart’s job is to pump blood through the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to many different tissues and organs. Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t keep up with its workload and causes stress on the body. Heart failure may occur because of a previous heart condition, like a heart attack or coronary heart disease, but not always. “Heart failure can happen to anyone,” said Sykes. “Although patients Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Shelly Sturgill, a nurse at UnityPoint Health and St. Luke’s cardiovascular care coordinator, says that although one of these signs may not be cause for concern, a combination of two or more is worth talking to your doctor. “The sooner we catch heart failure the better,” said Sturgill.

“People should report these symptoms to their health care provider as soon as they can.

Even if you think it’s nothing, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

Seniors biking image by Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com; Stethoscope image by piotr_pabijan/Shutterstock.com

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hen the heart is working properly, we barely notice it.

When it isn’t, it should become our number one priority. Heart failure claims one in nine lives each year, and there are currently 5.1 million people living with the condition in the United States alone. Although heart failure is serious, it can be treated once it is reported to your doctor.

Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, constant wheezing or coughing, fluid build-up in body tissues and weight gain, fatigue, nausea or lack of appetite, confusion or impaired thinking, and high or increased heart rate. Consistently struggling to get through everyday activities like climbing stairs and carrying groceries is a pretty good sign something may not be right.

Health and Wellness

Often times, the heart works against its own failure by employing temporary fixes like building more muscle mass, enlarging, and pumping faster.

It also may divert oxygen and nutrient-rich blood away from less important body tissues to lighten its workload. Although these things may help initially, they will only further heart damage in the long run. This is why it is so important to tell your doctor right away if you are experiencing any symptoms of heart failure.

Treating heart failure may be as simple as making changes to your daily lifestyle. These changes may include quitting smoking, weight loss, and being more physically active. Following a doctor’s recommendations about healthy changes to your everyday life can significantly reduce heart failure symptoms.

Often times, those living with moderate heart failure can lead relatively normal lives if they commit to a healthier lifestyle. “Depending on the severity of the case, heart failure patients are

typically treated with dietary restrictions and other lifestyle changes first,” said Sykes.

“Doctors have their patients avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine and schedule exercise to work toward a healthier heart.”

In more severe cases, healthcare providers prescribe medications and may recommend a device such as a pacemaker or CardioMems be implanted to help with monitoring the heart rate function. Sturgill stressed that the decision to surgically implant any device is one made after discussion between doctor and patient. “Heart failure can be a scary diagnosis,” said Sturgill. “Doctors always do their best to work with the patient to make the right health Spring 2017

care choices for that individual. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and may be consulted with other specialized doctors before making a decision and be followed up in heart failure clinic.”

Individuals who believe they may have or be at risk for heart failure are encouraged to make an appointment with their doctor right away. The earlier heart failure is treated, the better chance a patient has for leading a normal life.

“We want to get patients back to their daily lives with as few changes as possible,” said Sykes. “The sooner we see an individual with heart failure, the better those chances are.”

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Health and Wellness

Kidney Care The Big 5

go undetected until advanced stages

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Dr. Earlandson M.D.

here are minimal recognized symptoms with complications from kidney disease until the kidneys actually begin shutting down.

These symptoms include swelling of the legs, loss of appetite, decreased urine output, and high blood pressure, but by the time they are recognized the damage has already been done.

Because of this, it is essential to care for the kidneys in a preventative fashion.

1. Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water, especially during illness or hot weather 2. Avoid regular use of NSAID’s such as ibuprophen and naproxen 34

3. Know the risk factors and make changes necessary—diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney failure, aged sixty or older, history of kidney stones, smoking, obesity, or cardiovascular disease 4. Get regular checkups for blood pressure control and diabetes management 5. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—kidney disease can Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Renal Associates in Sioux City, Iowa, is well equipped to answer questions and concerns. Nephrologist Dr. Erlandson is affiliated with multiple hospitals including UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center Sioux City. As kidney disease presents symptoms at such a late stage, placing your care in the hands of professionals early on is important.

New technology is also available which includes multiple options for patients who

Health and Wellness

have kidney failure. The multiple disciplinary team at Renal Associates includes physicians, nurses, social workers, and dieticians. Patients will receive training for their home dialysis treatments; education and follow-ups are provided by a treatment team. There are also options for treatment at home to regain control of disease while at home. The Home Treatment Unit, located at 357 W. Tower Rd. Dakota Dunes, SD, will be opening in spring 2017.

Spring 2017

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Health and Wellness

New Year! New Smile!

3 things your mouth can tell you about your health

If you suddenly have a bunch of cavities It might mean: Diabetes Tooth decay could be a sign that your body is having trouble processing sugar. When that happens, the sugar can build up in saliva and spur the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.

If your teeth are “wearing away” It might mean: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

When stomach acid reaches the mouth, it can wear away the enamel on your teeth. This usully shows up on the tongue side of your teeth. If you are diagnosed with GERD, it may be treated with antacids, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes like avoiding certain foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals.

If your gums bleed when you brush It might mean: Gingivitis or

Gum Disease Blood in the sink may indicate inflammation of your gum tissue caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontitis, in which the gums recede from the teeth and form pockets that get infected. And that may signal trouble beyond your mouth: A study published in the American Heart Journal found that people with periodontitis are also more likely to have heart disease.

(Source: http://www.health.com/oral-health/)

Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Visit our website at: www.northsiouxdental.com

CEREC One Visit Dentistry The crown above was completed in one visit using CEREC’s industry leading technology. The dark front tooth was replaced with a beautiful all ceramic crown in less than 2 hours. This process involves using a high resolution CADCAM intra oral 3D scanner to create a virtual model of your teeth. This model allows us to design a beautiful restoration and then it is carved in the CEREC milling chamber.

The final crown is then cemented for a beautiful long lasting smile. The North Sioux Dental Clinic is a regional leader in providing CEREC restorations.

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Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Health and Wellness

Take a Good Look

5 tips for better vision by Dr. Beth Bruening M.D. / Eye M.D.

Ophthalmologists are Medical Doctors, Eye M.D.’s, trained and skilled to provide the full spectrum of eye care from glasses and contact lenses to eye surgeries like LASIK, cataract removal, macular degeneration injections, diabetic eye lasers, and eyelid lifts.

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ith one in six adults age 45 and older having some type of sight-threatening eye problem and the risk for vision loss continuing to increase with age, taking care of vision should be one of our highest priorities.

Wear Sunglasses Cataract formation, retinal damage such as age related macular degeneration, wrinkles, and eyelid skin cancers can be prevented or delayed by wearing sunglasses. Make sure the sunglasses are 100% UVA and UVB filtering.

Eat right and don’t smoke People with diets higher in Vitamin C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega 3’s are less likely to develop age related macular degeneration and cataracts. Eat your fruits and

vegetables, especially the green leafy ones. Studies also show that smoking increases your chances of developing AMD and making it worse.

Prevent injury with safety eye protection Approximately 2.5 million eye injuries occur yearly in the U.S. Wear appropriate protective eye wear during sports such as baseball, hockey, racquetball, paintball, and when performing home repairs such as gardening, cleaning, grinding, sawing, or hammering.

Know your eye care provider Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians have different levels of training and expertise regarding eye care services. Make sure you are seeing the right provider for your condition or treatment.

Spring 2017

Follow your eye M.D.’s recommendations Adults with no risk factors or family history of eye disease such as cataracts, glaucoma, or age related macular degeneration should get a baseline screening at age 40. If you have symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you should see an ophthalmologist to determine how frequently your eyes should be checked. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent potential blindness caused by serious eye conditions.

When it comes to your eyes, don’t take chances! Follow these tips and your eyes will thank you for many years to come. It’s all about seeing the future clearly.

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Health and Wellness

Living Life with Blindness NCBVI is here to help

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ebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) is the state vocational rehabilitation agency for the blind. We work to help blind and visually impaired Nebraskans achieve full and rewarding lives through independent living skills and assisting with finding employment in Nebraska and across the country.

NCBVI provides the training, counseling, and resources

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needed for a positive understanding of blindness and visual impairment. Our expectations include employment and fulfillment in all aspects of life. Our website, www.ncbvi. nebraska.gov , provides information about the Commission and about blindness in general: for blind and visually impaired individuals, their families, and businesses seeking job candidates to fulfill Nebraska employment needs.

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Find the nearest Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired office and get in touch with us!

Health and Wellness

Home Medical Equipment Company stepping into action

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eeing people keeping their independence and living in their homes brings the most joy�, says Joe Schilousky, who installs stair lifts for the Home Medical Equipment Company and has helped people throughout Western Nebraska and South Dakota for 17 years. Joe is specifically certified with Bruno, which is known for Independent Living Aids, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of accessibility products designed to enhance the lives of those challenged by limited mobility.

customers through the installation of vertical platform lifts and small elevators.

If you are relocating or building a new home, there is no need to worry, as Joe can transfer stair lifts from any location. Standard installation requires about two hours, and the new stair lift is up and going. Custom and bariatric stair lifts are also available for individual use. Not overlooking style, they offer various

colors of upholstery to coordinate with any look in the home, with neutral being the most popular color. Education is included with every installation; each customer is given a set of DVD’s so they can feel more comfortable knowing their purchase is reliable and widely-recognized by quality standards. Making good experiences for everyone, every day, is what Home Medical is all about.

The Home Medical Equipment Company from Norfolk, Nebraska is excited to bring this technology to seniors, giving families hope and helping them be more mobile in every living space of their home. The lifts are designed for comfort, including a power swivel seat, quality craftsmanship, and safety. It is a reliable, confident way to move up and down the stairs, and those who have challenges with back pain can receive great help without the feeling of exhaustion when taking the stairs. Home Medical Equipment also can also assist increased mobility for Spring 2017

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Health and Wellness

Early Warnings:

8 Need-to-Know Signs of Parkinson’s Disease by Sara Kvols

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According to Mayo Clinic and the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder

There currently is no cure for the disease, but because of the progressive deterioration it causes in the body, the goal is to treat the symptoms to keep a high quality of life. The only way to recognize this goal of life quality, however, is to detect the disease early. With this in mind, it is key that a person 2017 image by dizain/Shutterstock.com; Senior image by Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

hose who have Parkinson’s disease or know someone who lives with it understand the importance of early detection and the impact this has on quality of life. But for those who have no personal experience, Parkinson’s is simply another disease mentioned periodically in health circles or on the news.

The problem with this lack of awareness is that a person or loved one may be in the early stages of the disease—at a point before the disease has done severe damage to the body—and yet have no idea that treatment is needed.

of the nervous system that affects movement; it develops gradually, often with barely noticeable symptoms. The disease itself is not fatal, but it is progressive, and complications from it are not to be taken lightly. The Center for Disease Control has rated the complications from Parkinson’s as the 14th top cause of death in the United States.

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Health and Wellness know the early warning signs of Parkinson’s, and of course, contact the doctor with questions and concerns.

Senior image by Rocketclips, Inc./Shutterstock.com

After speaking with the doctor, one might be referred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which provides comprehensive, state-ofthe-art, multidisciplinary care for patients with movement disorders. Dr. Bhatti, Parkinson’s specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences at the UNMC, says “The client should receive a confirmed diagnosis because they will need an expert team to care for them through their lifelong illness.”

The client should be referred to a special care team such as a neurologist, who will recommend individual treatment.

The accuracy of diagnosis is seventy percent or greater if followed by a specialist. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disease, prevalent in about one percent, or 1 out of 100 people.

To date, almost 20,000 people in Nebraska have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Know the Signs of Parkinson’s 1 - TREMOR or shakiness of limbs, twitching in finger, thumb, hand, chin, or lips.

5 - SLOUCHING stooping or leaning when standing, balance problems.

2 - HANDWRITING CHANGES, handwriting is suddenly very small or crammed together on the page.

6 - VOICE CHANGE soft or low voice, slurred speech or hoarse voice.

3 - MOVEMENT SLOWNESS, difficulty planning and executing movement.

4 - STIFFNESS OR RIGIDITY, arms do not swing when walking, limb stiffness does not go away when walking.

Spring 2017

7 - SLEEP PROBLEMS regular uncontrolled movements while trying to sleep.

8 - FACIAL EXPRESSION called “masking”, expressions appear serious, blank stare, blinking less often.

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Health and Wellness

Capacity to Cope

a daughter’s journey through Spies Sorenson, PhD, MBA, CNS, RN Parkinson’s Disease by Dianna Professor Nylen School of Nursing / Morningside College struggle with the uncertainties involved. Uncertainty is comprised of 4 major elements: ambiguity, complexity, knowledge deficit, and unpredictability. Knowing my family isn’t the only one dealing with these issues, I’d like to share my family’s journey from the perspective of uncertainty theory.

N

ot only am I a nurse, but I’m also a daughter. Both have taught me what it’s like to live with and manage chronic illness. I encountered chronic illness on a very personal level when my father was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Parkinson’s Disease and digressed from a vibrant farmer to a nearly home-confined shuffle in the matter of a few years. Less than a year after my father’s diagnosis, my mother developed severe heart failure with less than twenty-five percent heart function. Those diseases rocked my family’s world.

Watching my parents deal with their respective diseases, I am struck with how much they 42

Looking through the fog and trying to figure out what those unidentifiable shadows represent is what ambiguity feels like. My parents experience ambiguity when they try to figure out their diseases from unfamiliar symptom patterns and make sense out of them. I hear my mother ask, “Your dad has this pain, what do you think it means?”

I find my parents searching for cause and effect explanations to guide them through their symptoms, such as, “I was on my feet all day, that’s why I haven’t slept in two days.” I see my parents wanting answers so they can “see through the fog” to understand what their diseases are presenting.

It’s human nature to seek cause and effect, but with Senior Lifestyle Advantage

diseases that can vary greatly from day to day, one can spend huge amounts of time trying to figure them out. That’s where the second component of uncertainty comes into play: complexity. Sometimes chronic diseases are just too complex to wrap your head around. It’s like saying, “On a cloudy day in June, if it’s a Wednesday and sunny with no wind, two clouds, and the dog doesn’t bark, I’ll have a good day.” Sometimes when there are so many factors, no matter how much you try, you cannot identify a symptom pattern that you can organize your life around.

The third part of uncertainty is knowledge deficit. There’s nothing like actually HAVING a disease to find out how little you really know. People come out of the woodwork to tell you about their experiences, but often times they aren’t exactly like your disease or your situation. Complicating these informal sources of information is finding expert medical care that can treat you locally.

It’s great when you are able

Health and Wellness to travel to remote locations to receive care from experts in the field, but when you are confined to a small geographic location, what you can hear is, “Well, it might be linked to your disease, but I don’t really know.”

Finally, chronic illness is fraught with unpredictability.

Some days my dad has relatively clear and articulate speech.

Other days, his speech is so difficult and muffled that he chooses to be silent. We cannot plan family events until the actual day because we never know if my parents have the ability to attend on any given day. Having a “good morning” does not mean the afternoon will go equally well. There are no magic medications that take away the disease; the best we can hope for is to manage day to day symptoms. The unpredictability causes distress because we are on a perpetual wait and see holding pattern.

Uncertainties associated with chronic illness are a reality that can challenge your capacity to cope. While uncertainty is greatest at the initial point of diagnosis, as my parents’ diseases progress, new uncertainties will arise and the process of working

through them will continue to challenge their coping. Over the years my family learned to master their adversities and look for the positive in situations. We have a background where adversity is no stranger, and I try to build on that background and instill hope every time I talk to my parents.

We also found great value in social support networks and social interactions. The adage “friends multiply hope and divide sorrow” is so true. Sometimes I just sit and listen to my mother. I don’t have to say a word. She needs me to be ears to hear and a physical presence to support her. And though many forget how helpful this can be, humor has often been a salvation from despair. Once when my mother fell and my father tried to assist her to get up, he fell right on top of her.

They ended up laughing about what a funny sight their “hog pile “would have been if anyone else would have been there to see it. It is critical to see opportunities rather than danger lurking at every corner. You’ve got to step back and laugh at yourself. If the uncertainties seem too much, remember how great your capacity to cope can be when you look for the positives.

A memory change that affects daily life is 1 of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward doing something about it. For more information, and to learn what you can do now, go to alz.org/10signs or call 800.272.3900.

A memory change that affects daily life is 1 of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward doing something about it. To learn more, visit alz.org/10signs or call 800.272.3900.

©2016 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2016. Alzheimer’s Association®. All rights reserved.

The Alzheimer’s Association enhances care and support for all those affected

by Alzheimer’s and related dementias Our services include: • • • • •

24/7 Helpline - 800.272.3900 Expert consultation and referrals Information and education Support Groups Caregiver resources

alz.org | 800.272.3900

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Small Business USA

Paws to Tails

3 ways to care for your pet

O

ur pets pant for attention, rub against us with love, and even lick our faces and hands. They do so much to brighten our days and bring warmth to our lives. What they can’t do, though, is care for their own health.

Show us your pearly whites!

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, a perfect time to focus on improving the mouths of your pets. Oral health is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be! Ever notice your pet’s teeth? Bad breath happens to everyone, even pets. Reducing buildup and tooth decay is essential for pet health. Full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth, but before their adult teeth grow in the baby teeth must fall out, and too often tooth decay occurs 44

when smaller teeth are left in the mouth. This can lead to problems like gum disease.

Back teeth can cause even bigger problems, including liver, kidney, and heart damage. According to Patty at My Best Friend pet grooming, “it’s a good idea to brush and get dental checkups for your dog or cat at least once a year”.

Bathing and grooming are two more important ways to care for your pets, and taking them to a place where they feel comfortable is key in making this a non-stressful experience.

A good groomer has an eye for detail and focuses on your pet’s particular needs. Whether it is brushing, hair cutting, skin conditioning, or giving attention to the paws and nails, bathing and grooming are essential. If your pet tends to be skittish, Patty reminds us how important it is to choose a groomer you trust. “Our family keeps your family safe. We help pets feel calm and relaxed during grooming.”

With these three areas of care, you’ll be on your way to a healthier and happier pet. You may even consider visiting Patty and her staff at My Best Friend, LLC. This small busiSenior Lifestyle Advantage

ness in Sioux City puts priority on your pet, assuring you that their company “is based on the belief that customers’ needs are of the utmost importance”.

They offer special care techniques for better hygiene, such as brushing teeth, and medicated baths for skin conditions, in which pets may suffer from seasonal allergies. “We go through it together,” she says.

“We are blessed to help your pet feel comfortable and safe, as it means as much to us to care for your pet as it does to your pet.”

And what could be better than that? You’ll have their health and comfort in mind, and that’s what it’s all about.

Small Business USA

Behind the Name

Charlotte Easland, more than an agent

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hen you think of a real estate agent, what do you think of? At the start of my journey to become an agent, that was the first question I asked myself, and how I could set myself apart from other Realtors. My background was growing up on a family farm in southeast Nebraska, which is where my hard work ethic started. I had walked countless hours and rows of fields to pull, chop, or spray every weed, and managed the bean crews that were hired to help us each summer.

Pride of ownership meant having crops without one weed to be seen, and all the early mornings with jeans wet to the belly button from morning dew were worth it when I was able to receive my weekly paycheck.

I worked for quite a few years in retail management, but one of the best decisions I made in my career was to start working with seniors. After having children, my priorities had changed, and I came to realize time with my family was priceless. This was reiterated to me day in and day out as I worked with the elderly

and their families. I had always thought I focused on my family before, but now I saw death and the dying process first hand and I cherished every moment, every day, with a new gratitude.

Becoming a Realtor seemed like a good fit for me, with my experience working with the public and knowing the true meaning of customer service.

I took the plunge and started working as a Realtor full-time,

Spring 2017

and I haven’t looked back! As to my question of how could I set myself apart from other Realtors, it is this: with my hard work ethic that started on the family farm, and with knowing the importance of going above and beyond for each client I work with, I believe that if I do the right thing with each transaction, the money will come.

If you are looking for someone with patience and thoroughness to help you through the Real Estate process, give me a call! The market is consistently changing and I am willing to market real estate with creative and fresh ideas. I love helping others buy or sell real estate because I understand the excitement that comes from making the most out of your investment. Contact me today for a free market analysis and let’s get started!

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Small Business USA

Quilts of Beauty

A dream worth its weight in fabric with Mary Shefl opened her business, M&M Quiltworks.

Being a business owner is challenging enough, but Mary’s challenges are accentuated by myasthenia gravis, a disease she has battled for five years. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease, with the most significant and noticeable symptoms of muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest.

Mary is all too familiar with these symptoms, and though they make her job more difficult, she manages with vision and hope. She focuses

M

ary Shefl’s journey began in 1970 when she made her first quilt. Many people enjoy sewing or quilting, but Mary elevated that emotion to one of passion. Quilting could have been a hobby, but when a good friend purchased a sewing machine so that Mary could start her own quilt shop, Mary was hooked. In 2014, with the help of her machine and the support of her family, Mary 46

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Small Business USA on healthier choices, exercise, reducing her stress, and getting sleep. She also places herself in positions to help others, as with her tutelage of younger ladies in 4-H clubs who want to learn the art of quilting.

Perhaps as special as sewing fabrics together for other people to enjoy, is the deeper bond of working side by side with her family. While her husband Leonard and her two children have always encouraged her, the involvement has increased as Mary’s daughter Angela has recently become interested in quilting. Angela now helps Mary pick out fabric for projects, and it doesn’t take much to imagine the smile that must spread across Mary’s face as she experiences her blessings in full.

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Small Business USA

50 Years of Love

D

Del’s Garden Center

el and Charin and Brockshus share their love of gardening with everyone. The dream started in 1967, and now 50 years later it is flourishing as brightly as the flowers that fill the store. Del’s Garden Center includes a full-service garden center with a floral design studio and landscape architecture. Serving the rural communities of Iowa, they learned to diversify as the business continued to grow.

Del and Charin’s son Todd, Master Gardener at Del’s Garden Center and the business owner, ensures that customers will see multiple colors of flowers throughout the year. Aside from annual gardening favorites, there are tropical plants, fresh flowers, container gardens, water gardens, pondless gardens, and

Del’s stays extremely busy year-round designing one of a kind landscapes for homeowners. They love to answer questions, and their belief in caring for the customer is evident, as they give exceptional customer service. According to Todd, “We are experts in custom designs, making gardening beautiful inside and out.”

Check it out for yourself!

Del’s Garden Center 1808 11th St. SE Spencer, IA 51031 800-359-1416 www.delsgardencenter.com

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Background image by zawan763/Shutterstock.com

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waterfall gardens which cascade swiftly over large rocks. All the necessary plant care items are also offered, such as gardening tools and maintenance products.

Embracing Seasons

I

Be My Valentine

n case you haven’t checked the calendar, February is coming right up. What’s brewing in February? Love, of course, and the day in which we celebrate love— Valentine’s Day! Kids aren’t the only ones who hand out special Valentine’s cards, and the proof is found at the post office in Valentine Nebraska. Every year in the month filled with love, hearts, candy, and flowers, the Valentine post office stamps 10,000 cards with a unique mark for the year. Cards are then re-mailed for the people who want their Valentine letters postmarked from the Heart City.

able names in the business. With limited education and little money, he and his two younger brothers started their adventure by selling perfume in Norfolk, Nebraska, then opened the Norfolk Post Card Company. The family had instinct and determination throughout the years, and during the 1920’s decided add the phrase “The Hallmark Card” as a recognized brand on every card they made. According to Hall, “If a man goes into business with only the idea of making a lot of money, chances are he won’t, but if he puts services and quality first, the money will take care of itself.”

It’s almost time to get those letters mailed, and whether you choose to send your notes of love to Valentine, Nebraska, or hand them out yourselves, it’s time to start writing. No time to pen what you want to say in a long letter? Head to the store and pick what’s famous for “when you care enough to send the very best”—a Hallmark card.

Not only are they pretty to see and worded just right, they also have a history worth knowing.

With it’s incredible history and repeatable phrases, Hallmark is a staple for Valentine’s Day, but it doesn’t have to be the only option.

If you aren’t inclined to get a Hallmark card or mail a letter to the Heart City for a cachet mark, why not make your words of love extraordinary in your own distinctive fashion? Decorate your cards so they reflect you as the sender—be it stamps and stickers, stick figures, perfume, or smooches. We promise not to tell anyone that it’s not Hallmark—and we’re pretty sure Cupid won’t mind, either way.

Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, Inc. overcame difficulty to develop one of the most recogniz-

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Painting Florals

story behind the painting

with Wilma Schaffert

Painting by Wilma Schaffert BA, KWS Wilma is a full-time, professional artist and signature member of the Kansas Watercolor Society. www.wilmaschaffert.com/ Senior Lifestyle Advantage

R

ecreating nature is more than an occupation, it’s an inspiration.

Whether sketching, painting, photographing, or simply observing, I am always taken by the vibrant colors with which God has illuminated this world.

When I begin floral painting, I search through my photographs for the right composition for that special dramatic lighting that drew my eyes to the flowers. Working in watercolor, I sketch the image out in pencil and then decide what colors I will use.

In my yellow roses work, my goal was to see if I could utilize a limited palette of the primary colors to create unity in my painting. A good painting draws your eyes around the composition in a dance, each brushstroke of light and dark creating a rhythm, drawing you around the piece.

My work has been a lifelong journey of experiences, and everything I create is an expression of my love of nature. In the Yellow Rose, there is joy, delight, friendship, and a welcoming back.

Spring 2017

Embracing

Spring

S

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green grass becomes lush from tsunbeam is bright creating new energy and freshness.

lives, “He is Risen” Matthew 28:6 Families gather by celebrating the joy of Easter.

Give Thanks

We celebrate special events, with families, mothers, daughters, fathers, & sons.

Everyone loves spring, it’s a new beginning, bursting with color. It’s God’s way of waking us up into His beauty, breathing life into us and the smallest creatures. Spring gives us hope for our own lives. Jesus Christ

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Enjoy Nature

Green is spring, bright fresh and new, geese fly high through the blue sky. The gen-

Daisy field image by ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com; Blue Jay image by David Byron Keener/ Shutterstock.com; Daisy image by SergeyIT/Shutterstock.com

pring forward, after a long winter I adore the signs of spring, and we are ready to fill our gardens with vibrant colors of purple, pink, white lilies, and tender greens.

The iris open wide and greet us with vibrant fragrances of lemon, and grape. The Spring seasons are full of transformations, the mild temperatures greet us with warmth, and

Embracing Seasons garden, plant your favorite flowers, everyone loves a bouquet of flowers from the garden. Sip a cup of hot tea with friends, get outside and walk with your best friend, four paws or not, it’s all about fam-

ily, and sharing time together.

Visit the theater, or outdoor concert, enjoy flavored coffee at a local bakery. It’s simple to see spring was made for you and me.

tle wind flows from the south, and tractors hum planting the fields. The Blue bird glides onto a lilac tree, while robins pick up seeds. Is there anything more glorious than the beauty of spring?

Garden image by Scorpp/Shutterstock.com; Woman in garden image by ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com; Clock image by AppleZoomZoom/Shutterstock.com

Hit the Spot

Enjoy a spring favorite, French vanilla, strawberries and cream, blueberry whisper, or lemon zest. Visit a beautiful

Spinach Salad By: Dena Lipp

2 bags of baby spinach 1 package of cherry-infused Craisins (or regular Craisins) 1 package of slivered almonds 1 package of real bacon bits

Vinaigrette By: Jen Van Meter

Whisk above ingredients until well mixed.

May pour over spinach, craisins, almonds and bacon or served on the side.

1 T. toasted sesame seeds 1/2 T. poppy seeds 1/8 c. white sugar 1 t. minced onion 1/8 t. paprika 1/8 c. white wine vinegar 1/8 c. cider vinegar 1/4 c. vegetable oil

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Embracing Seasons

Seeing Green for St. Patrick’s Day

W

hen CNN includes a nearby town in their “Quirky St. Patrick’s Day destinations”, a person starts to wonder if it might be worth it to hop in the car and try something new this March. O’Neill Nebraska, known for their cattle, potatoes, tomatoes, soybeans, and Irish hospitality, transforms into a hub of activity when March rolls around, as everyone starts talking about the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration.

There’s something for everyone, from food to music to reading. Not inclined to dress in the vivid color that’s famous on St. Patrick’s Day? That’s not a problem when 54

Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Background image by Ramona Kaulitzki/Shutterstock.com

A town of proud Irish heritage, O’Neill beckons all St. Patrick’s Day revelers to join in on their celebration each year at the home of the world’s largest shamrock. You might wonder who really cares about bright green clovers and small town celebrations, but this one is the real deal. CNN even gives it a clap on the back, highlighting that on St. Patrick’s Day, the city of about 4,000 doubles its population, with visitors flocking to see the festival’s centerpiece, the painting of the shamrock on the pavement at the center of town.

you can get your nails painted green or choose from props and accessories to “Get Your Green On”. Getting Hungry?

No one would think of fast food when there’s a fish fry, hamburger barbeque, or stew feed to choose from. Want to go hunting? Join the annual Shamrock Duck Hunt! Or if that’s not your thing, maybe you’d rather watch people get pummeled with balls—all in fun, of course, at the dodgeball tournament.

Other highlights include the Shamrock Fun Run, live bands, authentic Irish music, dancers, and a kid’s carnival.

If that doesn’t leave you too worn out, your kids (or the “kid at heart”) might want to stop by the Children’s Literature Festival—previously featuring none other than “Green Eggs and Ham”.

The event this year runs from March 15-18, and you have to admit, it sounds like a whopping good time!

Living Better

Follow Your Heart

simple choices recharge the body But her passion comes from a much deeper source than her degrees and job roles could provide. True passion comes from experience, and that is what Nicole cites as her driving force. “Life is Why,” she writes of herself. “My son is Why. My grandmother, friends, and mentors who were all affected by heart disease or stroke are why.”

Heart image by udra11/Shutterstock.com

P

assion and love for others have inspired Nicole Freeman, Regional Director at the American Heart Association, to help people live their lives filled with purpose.

She invests daily in communities to provide education and focus, and not just because it’s her job. The foundation of her leadership started at a young age, encouraged by her parents with great expectations of being successful and making a difference in the world.

Nicole went on to receive her education from Doane College in economics and business, accepted leadership roles throughout Siouxland, and eventually took on her role at the AHA.

Simple and good choices help the body feel better, and Nicole devotes herself to educating the public on this path.

Providing necessary education is a major component to healthy living, and she stresses developing good habits at a younger age, eating naturally, reducing weight, and exercising. Instead of thinking of cooking as a chore, for example, she insists that cooking is calming. A small town girl from Bloomfield, Nebraska, Nicole understands and values simplicity of life, taking time to look, finding a place that heals, and recharging yourself. She encourages families to spend time living together. Get off the couch and move. Get outside and play, camp, and travel.

Spring 2017

“At the end of tough days, remember tomorrow always begins with a new opportunity to choose who you are going to be,” Nicole says. “A new day for everything!”

Nicole.freeman@heart.org/www.heart.org Phone (712) 540-7299

The American Heart Association: making a difference The American Heart Association has been helping save lives for over ninety years. Millions of lives are saved and improved through new medical advances and research, and now nearly eighty percent of heart attacks can be prevented.

The AHA has built one of the most trusted research programs in the nation, funding more than 3.9 billion in heart disease and stroke research.

To support the AHA, consider making a personal gift to Open Your Heart, or volunteering with Go Red for Women, the Heart Ball, and Heart Walks.

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Living Better

Cooking as a Way of Life Recipes for Health

C

ooking is easier than you think, let’s help simplify the process.

Choose recipes and ingredients for freshness by including fresh or frozen vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, and spices. Whole grains play a role in carbohydrate metabolism, they are a great source of Vitamin B1, promote a healthy digestive tract and encourage a good appetite.

Veggies are excellent sources of nutrients, they are dense so the fill us up faster. They are packed full of micronutrients, ever seen what 200 calories of broccoli looks like compared to a cookie? If you are feeling hungry and don’t want to over eat, choose a veggie. Think about preparing veggies in a rainbow of colors, with peppers, carrots, red onions, beets, zucchini, start by having an open mind by trying something new.

Additional staples in your kitchen may include, dairy products, eggs, orange, red, green vegetables, and leafy greens, fresh fruits, nuts, olive oils, canola oils, sea salt, whole 56

grain flour, and peanut butter. Is your grocery list ready?

Let’s start in the produce section. Here are 3 easy tips when selecting freshness. The Sweet Potato is an excellent choice.

1. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm, without cracks, bruises, or soft spots. Avoid those displayed in the refrigerated section since, the cold temperature may alter the taste.

2. Sweet Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark warm and vented area, a brown paper bag with holes punched in may also work.

3. There are various ways to prepare sweet potatoes including boiling, roasting, and grilling. You might even prefer to dress them up with cinnamon, and walnuts, bake them twice or toss in vinaigrette salad.

The sweetness A-K

The Sweet potato makes a comeback. This healthy orange fleshed potato contains one of the best sources of beta-carotene. Here is a simple way to prepare a sweet potato 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, rubbed all over, slice it and Senior Lifestyle Advantage

bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Use salt and pepper to taste.

Not only are they sweet, but contain beneficial antioxidants, with the ability to reduce inflammation. Some studies have shown a root vegetable such as the sweet potato is a starch to avoid, impossible! This super food helps to control blood sugar levels.

1 cup of baked sweet potato includes Vitamins, A, C, B6, B3, C, K, B1, B2,

Living Better

Indulging Now and Then It’s good to have a treat!

W

hat is delicious, red, with super antioxidants? Cherries!

It’s good to treat yourself occasionally. Cherries include compounds which help cancer, reduce inflammation, support sleep with (melatonin) reduce arthritis pain, belly fat, and may lower the risk for stroke.

Cherries are sweet, they contain Vitamin C, studies have shown eating 10-12 cherries or ½ cup of fresh cherries a day.

Feel better about your daily exercise routine, cherries help reduces post muscle pain.

Cherry Pie Recipe with Healthy Benefits - 2 whole wheat pie crusts (substitute your favorite pie crust recipe, use wheat flour) - 5 cups of cherries cut in half and pitted - 2 T. of cornstarch or tapioca starch - 1/4 tsp. of sea salt - 1/4 tsp. of almond extract - 1 c. of honey - 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon - Milk or egg wash (1 egg, beaten with a fork)

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees, roll pie crusts very thin, about 1/8 inch thick.

Combine cherries, and other ingredients in bowl, mix, pour chery filling into pie crust, position second crust over the top of pie, and pinch the pie crusts together.

Use a basting brush to add milk or egg wash to top of pie.

Place in oven, bake 45-60 minutes, then cool on rack, cut and serve.

Enjoy!

Cherry image by Boule/Shutterstock.com; Cake image by Stolyevych Yuliya/Shutterstock.com

Laura’s Chocolate Cake 1 3/4 c. flour 2 eggs 1 c. strong black coffee (1 1/2 T. instant) 3/4 c. Hershey’s cocoa, unsweetened 1 c. buttermilk 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 c. oi 2 c. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. salt

Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes. Preheat oven to 350*F. Coat two 9-inch diameter cake pans with 2-inch high sides with nonstick spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper rounds; spray rounds. Divide cake batter between prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in pans on cooling racks.

Raspberry Filling Chocolate Icing 1 c. sugar 1/4 c. cocoa 1/4 c. butter 1/4 c. milk 1 T. vanilla

6 to 8 T. seedless raspberry jam Between layers’ place drops of jam, one tablespoon at a time, and spread evenly.

Mix sugar and cocoa in saucepan, add butter and milk. Boil 1 minute only and beat by hand until consistency to spread. This icing keeps its creamy texture and doesn’t get hard and crack when cut.

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Living Better

Card Showers and Guests

8 Simple Party Tips for Senior Citizens

bakery, save money on items that can be prepared in advance, for example fresh cut fruits and veggies.

4. Parking – accessibility is

essential especially when any guests that may have disabilities. Handicapped accessibility is necessary to help family member who require use of wheel chairs, and walkers. Ask the facility manager to reserve parking for guests.

date, time, location and number of guests that will be attending. Request the individual who is celebrating the special day involve immediate friends or family to help participate. If the individual resides in assisted living or long term care facility, request the administrator, activity director and staff help organize the event. Many facilities have special dining rooms which can be reserved, it’s a wonderful option. If you decide to take your family member out their big event, these tips make life a little easier.

2. Budget – make it sim-

ple, include a shopping list, A. 58

beauty - hair appointment, B. style - clothing, C. spa appointment, choose a fun theme, and favorite color. We want our family member to look their best, and consider a style coordinator, friend, or family member to help with transportation to and from the salons.

3. Menu – choose food and

drinks, potluck or buffet style, pick up cupcakes from a local Senior Lifestyle Advantage

5. Card Shower – this is a

wonderful choice if friends and or family members are unable to attend the special event. Request that all cards be sent 30 days before the big day.

6. Photographer – schedule a local photographer, or family to take pictures at the party. A photo album makes a beautiful gift with a lifetime of memories.

Senior in park image by FamVeld/Shutterstock.com; Birthday image by Diego Cervo/Shutterstock.com; Cake image by Rob Hainer/Shutterstock.com;

1. Planning - determine

Living Better 7. Display – this is a won-

derful way to create memories, ask family and friends to write a sentence or paragraph about the individual who is celebrating their big day. Include photos, and momentums, awards, and favorite things.

8. Entertainment – sing-

ing, dancing, brings hours of sharing great memories.

Choose from local choirs, bands, or freelance musicians to perform for a small fee. Set up an iPad, cd-player, or even rent karaoke machine for the day.

It’s one of the highest honors to take care of a loved one. Celebrate the big day in style, make it simple, colorful, fun, and share the joy.

Photo image by wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

Famous Chicken Pot Pie 2 chicken breasts, diced 1/4 c. chopped onion 1 T. olive oil or vegetable oil 1 10 oz. can cream of chicken soup 1 package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed Garlic powder to taste (I use garlic powder with parsley flakes) 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese Your choice of double layer crust (refrigerated, homemade, etc.)

Sauté diced chicken breast and onion in oil. When done, place in large mixing bowl. Add rest of ingredients except for cheese and mix well. Line pie pan with one layer of pie crust. Fill with mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Place second crust layer on top. Using a fork or your fingers, pinch together crusts. Brush top of crust with milk. Bake at 425* for 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

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Living Better

Trails bring Families Together the beautiful colors, of flowers, sky, hills, encourage us to engage in nature, it removes us from the pressures of our everyday lives and technology.

S

pring is here! It’s a great time to start a new routine. If you enjoy walking, hiking or biking here are some helpful tips.

2. Studies have shown that walking 5 days a week can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Be happy, people who hike and walk through stunning landscapes tend to feel happier, 60

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is one of two places you will want to take your family.

Enjoy a picnic, camp, or go on a 6-mile hike. Visitors are welcome to walk, bicycle, ride horses, on permitted trails.

Two miles of hiking trails are designated around the Nature Center, and it’s easy walking. The geology is uniquely designed around Stone State Park, it contains over 6 miles of equestrian trails, and many visitors are attracted to the scenic views of the Loess Hills of western Iowa. The Loess Hills start a few miles north of the park and move south to the Iowa Missouri boarder. Glacial action formed the steep hills between 18,000 and 150,00 years ago. If it’s wildlife or plants you enjoy learning Senior Lifestyle Advantage

Spring time blossoms, if it’s rose bushes you are looking for, then a memorable walk through Grandview Park might be on your list.

Sunday afternoons are a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family touring the beautiful rose gardens located in Grandview Park. This historic landmark has breathtaking land drops for weddings, concerts and special events since 1937.

The rose garden was developed and maintained by the Sioux City Municipal Rose Garden Association, extraordinarily designed by Newell F. Guemsey.

Flower image by KAMONRAT/Shutterstock.com; Sunset image by Mikko Hyvarinen/Shutterstock.com; People images by Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

1. Start slow and go – getting back into an exercise routine takes time, so lace up and enjoy some fresh air, out on the trails, it only takes 10 minutes per day. If you are already in good health try increasing your steps throughout the day.

about, there are plenty including white tailed deer, turkeys, rare butterflies found around the prairie ridges. Bur oak is predominantly the tree species.

In late April and early May is the best time for viewing wild flowers. For more information call the Woodbury Conservation at (712)-258-0838

Living Better

Boost Your Immunity

a healthy treat you can’t resist

Fresh or frozen, strawberries are known for their super antioxidants and vitamin C. They are packed with nutrients rich in vitamins including benefits that may prevent wrinkles. Here are six reasons why strawberries are essential for any diet.

- Strawberries boost immunity.

- They promote eye health. Studies have shown that strawberries protect form exposures to free radicals, and also benefit by strengthening the eye’s cornea and retina.

- Strawberries help fight cancer.

- They help to remove skin wrinkles by improving skin elasticity.

- Strawberries help reduce cholesterol and heart disease.

- They also help to relieveaches and pains by reducing inflammation.

Feb

27

th

Is National Strawberry Day!

Smoothie image by natashamam/Shutterstock.com; Backgroud by Jane Rix/Shutterstock.com

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe Strawberries, a super easy way to enjoy a great treat!

1 pkg. frozen strawberries ½ c. Greek yogurt non-fat 1 frozen banana 1 T. of honey or sweetener Blend and freeze in container. It’s a light healthy way to move into wellness.

Spring 2017

61

Lewy Body Dementia Clinical Research Studies

Why Participate in a Clinical Study OPPORTUNITY to receive access to

investigational medications that are only available in clinical studies

STUDY-RELATED MEDICALCARE

from physicians with speciďŹ c experience in Lewy body dementia

CONTRIBUTE to medical research: there are NO approved treatments for dementia with Lewy bodies in the United States

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CLINICAL STUDY PARTICIPATION

Clinical studies are strictly monitored by regulators and independent ethics committees No insurance is necessary to participate Medical sta will review a consent form that outlines the details of participation in the clinical study which you will be asked to sign before participating Your primary physician should be informed of your participation in the study, and you may opt out of participating at any time

We need your help to develop potential new treatments for Lewy body dementia For more information, please contact 402-476-6060 Option 4.

Your Heart.

Our Passion.

Siouxland’s Cardiology Leader Advanced heart care close to home, offering the area’s only triple accredited services. When you need rhythm, vascular or cardiac services, choose Siouxland’s choice for heart care: UnityPoint Health® – St. Luke’s and Cardiovascular Associates.