P
blood pressure levels. Visit your health care provider regularly to make sure your levels are within a normal range.
♥ Be sure to manage your blood sugar levels
By Dr. Louis Voigt Smith
◘ Instability, Falling and Oscillopsia—Physical Therapy Can Help!
◘ U.S. Travel Trends for 2016
♥ Limit alcohol intake. The CDC’s Million
Hearts initiative recommends that healthy men limit alcohol to two drinks weekly and healthy women limit themselves to one drink weekly to promote a healthy blood pressure. If you have any health conditions or are on any medications, check with your health care provider to see if alcohol is safe for you.
♥ Manage stress. Seek help if you are
feeling overwhelmed or down.
Tips to Maintain Your Ticker
♥ Maintain healthy blood cholesterol and
By Mary Miller
♥ Get at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly and include strength building activity at least twice weekly. Moderate-intensity exercise should make you slightly out of breath. Always discuss your goals with your health care provider before changing or increasing your physical activity levels.
resident Lyndon B. Johnson made February American Heart Month to raise awareness for the prevalence of heart disease in the United States over 50 years ago. In 1963, he noted that heart disease was causing more than half the deaths happening in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now estimates that heart disease is responsible for about 25% of deaths annually, but it remains the leading cause of death. February is the perfect time to make sure that you’re taking all the steps you can to keep your heart healthy. Love your heart by taking steps to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Want to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke by more than 80%? Make sure to put these tips for a healthy lifestyle into action:
◘ A Letter to My Loved Ones
◘ Talk About End-of-Life Planning Now!
◘ What About Hearing Aids?
In this Issue...
Free
F e b r u ar y 2016
Senior Review
A Senior Magazine for Living a Healthier, Smarter and More Active Life in Wausau
Love Your Heart in February
if you have diabetes. Work with a physician to determine how often you should be checking your blood sugar and your ideal blood sugar range.
♥ Maintain a healthy weight for your height.
Not sure what that should be? Work with a public health dietitian.
♥ Quit smoking if you smoke.
References Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Jun. 2015. Web. 16 Dec 2015. <http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/> Heart Disease Facts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 Aug. 2015. Web. 28 Dec. 2015. < http://www.cdc.gov/ heartdisease/facts.htm> Johnson, Lyndon B. “Proclamation 3566: American Heart Month, 1964.” 12 Dec. 1963. Web. < https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/ STATUTE-77/pdf/STATUTE-77-Pg1037.pdf> Million Hearts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2015. < http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/> National Wear Red Day. American Heart Association, 2015. Web. 16 Dec. 2015. <https://www.goredforwomen.org/wear-red-day/> Senior Review | 1
works well as well as salmon, prescription antibiotics at Pairs with: eggs, cucumbers, killing harmful intestinal bacteria such as chicken, Cheddar cheese, mixed greens, E. coli.soups, cream cheese, beets, carrots. clear Pairs well with: salmon, eggs, cucumbers, chicken, Cheddar cheese, mixed greens, clear soups, cream cheese, beets, carrots.
Balanced Living
Feeling Down? ADD BASIL Feeling Down? The eugenol andAssisted rosmarinic acidLiving in basil Bell Tower Residents boost the brain’s production of dopamine ADD For BASIL Helps with “Food Kids” Program and serotonin. According to Indian
Always Tired? ADD CILANTRO Always Tired? The carboxylic acid in cilantro binds to heavy metals such as mercury in the blood and ADD CILANTRO carries them out of the body. Their removal
Nauseous? ADD GINGER Nauseous? ADD GINGER
The carboxylic acidbuildup in cilantro to heavy reverses the toxin that binds causes metals such as mercury thederpression. blood and chronic fatigue, joint paininand carrieswell them out of the body.seafood, Their removal Pairs with: avocados, corn, reverses the toxin buildup that causes black beans, steak. chronic fatigue, joint pain and derpression. Pairs well with: avocados, seafood, corn, Liveblack on beans, After steak. Death through a Tree
Would you like to live on after your death through the life of a tree? The Bios Urn, made of 100 percent biodegradable materials, comes with a tree seed and growth medium to help the tree grow. The soil mix is in an expansion compartment in the urn, which increases in size to gradually mix with your ashes. As the urn slowly decomposes, the seed germinates and the tree begins to grow, as your ashes help the tree’s development. The Bios Urn is available at https://urnabios.com and comes with full instructions and a seed of your choice of maple, pine, gingko, beech, or ash (or you can use your own seed). The product has no expiration date. The urn can be used with all of the ashes, or with just a portion of them. It can be used with the ashes of people or of pets. Urna Bios was an idea from designer Gerard Moliné, introduced
in 1997. In 2002, Bios Urn won the ADI FAD medal, and in the year 2005, it was a Top Nominee for the INDEX Award and Exhihome Gift Award. The company says, “The intent of Urna Bios is to offer an alternative for remembering deceased persons in a natural, sustainable fashion, thereby turning the ‘death’ process into regeneration and return to life by means of nature.” Urna Bios is made by a company in Barcelona, Spain, that ships urns worldwide.
Editor/Publisher: Arwen Rasmussen Offices: 3315 Nimitz Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701 P: 715-831-0325 F: 715-831-7051 E: seniorreviewnewspapers@gmail.com
Senior Review | 2
healthy and balanced life
Congested? ADD CAYENNE Congested? The fiery capsaicin in cayenne deactivates substance P, a neurotransmitter linked to ADD CAYENNE inflammation. The result: less sinus
The fiery capsaicin in cayenne deactivates congestion and pressure. substance P, a neurotransmitter Pairs well with: root vegetables,linked roast-to inflammation. result: less sinus ed poultry, rice,The chocolate, leafy greens, congestion and pressure. shrimp, eggs, popcorn, grilled-cheese Pairs well with: rootcreamy vegetables, roastsandwiches, beans, soups. ed poultry, rice, chocolate, leafy greens, shrimp, eggs, popcorn, grilled-cheese sandwiches, beans, creamy soups.
The Bios Urn:
parsley is atissue. natural diuretic that relieves into bodily bloat-inducing water retention Pairs well with: grains, onions,byParmesan preventing salt salads, from being reabsorbed cheese, pasta, seafood, tomatoes. into bodily tissue. Pairs well with: grains, onions, Parmesan cheese, pasta, seafood,for tomatoes. Tips salads, and ideas a
The eugenol and could rosmarinic acid in basil researchers, lead to sunnier Residents and volunteers from this boost the brain’s of dopamine in as little production as three days. Bell Tower Residence moods Assisted and began serotonin. According Indian strawLiving in Merrill recently Pairs well with: tomatoes,toolives, researchers, this could lead to sunnier packing backpacks fullberries, of foodmelon, that fresh mozzarella, pizza, moods in as little as three days. selected children in Kate Goodrich pasta, white fish, feta cheese. Elementary will take home Pairson well with: tomatoes, olives, strawweekends. berries, melon, fresh mozzarella, pizza, Merrill’s “Food For Kids” pasta, white fish, feta cheese. program provides non-perishable food to children in need to take home and eat when school meals aren’t available to them, such as weekends and school vacations. All of the Ginger’s Merrill gingerol and shogaol calm digestivepublic elementary schools are to reduce nausea better than tract spasms participating and a grant is being drugs, according to a study at motion-sickness written to include St.Brigham FrancisYoung gradeUniversity Ginger’s gingerol and shogaol calm Utah. digestivein Provo, school. tract spasms to reduce better than Pairs well with: citrusnausea fruit, tea, sweet The program is sponsored by the drugs, according to a study at motion-sickness potatoes, pork, coconut, miso soup, onions, Merrill Area Salvation ArmyYoung in Brigham Provo, Utah. DoloresinIwen helps pack backpacks relishes, pears,University rice. partnership with the Pairs Community well with: citrus fruit, tea, sweet full of food for selected children to Food Pantry and St. potatoes, Vincent depork, coconut, miso soup, onions, take home on weekends. Paul of Merrill. Similar programs relishes, pears, rice. exist throughout the United States. cheese, ravioli, pretzels, granola Children are chosen by bars, fruit snacks, raisins, peanut school staff and there is no fee butter crackers and pudding. to participate. Parents sign a Chaplain Mary Pat Campbell, permission slip and children can who is organizing the packing enter the program at any time. project at Bell Tower Residence Bell Tower Residence Assisted said, “Our goal is to connect the Living is one of four volunteer residents who live here with the groups that pack backpacks full of needs of the greater community. food each month. Foods include It’s one way that we can live single-serving size items such as out Bell Tower Residence’s core juice boxes, cereal, dehydrated values of community, compassion, fruit, fruit cups, macaroni and respect and excellence.”
National Wear Red Day On Friday, February 5th, wear red to help raise awareness for the heart health of women.
Distrbution: The Senior Review distributes throughout the Greater Wausau area every month. Advertising: 715-831-0325 Disclaimer: The Senior Review Publications assumes no responsibility for the advertising content of the Senior Review nor for any mistakes or omissions there in. No endorsements of any products or services is made and noneshould be inferred. The terms and conditions under which the advertisement will be
honored are the sole responsibility of all the advertisers and not Senior Review Publications. A telephone call to the advertising merchant may eliminate confusion to any exceptions in the advertisements. Senior Review is owned by AKRE Enterprises, © Copyright 2015. For more information call Senior Review at 715-831-0325 or email us at seniorreviewnewspapers@gmail.com
What’s Happening Calendar SPARK! Bring a friend or loved one with memory loss for a social outing in soothing surroundings. Second Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m. – Noon. Call (715) 845-7010 to register. Leigh Yawkee Woodson Art Museum, (715) 845-7010
Knit Night on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library Wausau Headquarters, 300 N. First St., Wausau. The library will provide pattern books and some knitting supplies, but participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies.
Free Monthly Grief Programs Available Through Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services • Good Grief – Living with Loss: Monthly grief support group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. Second Monday of each month; 4:00-5:00 p.m. First Universalist Unitarian Church, 504 Grant St., Wausau; The Grief Center, (715) 847-2703. • Suicide Grief Support Group: A place to go when your life has been changed by the suicide of a loved one. Second Tuesday of each month; 6:30-8:30 p.m. St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau. Contact Sara or Heather at (715) 539-9818. • The Compassionate Friends: A self-help support group for parents, grandparents, and adult siblings. Third Wednesday of the month 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Contact Sue at 715-8455968.
Medicare Basics Call for February dates Register early. Space is limited. Call the Aging & Disability Resource Center at (715) 261-6070. Cost: Free!!
Downtown Memory Café is a new gathering place for people with early stages of dementia and their care partners. Hosted by First United Methodist Church, 3rd Thursday every month, 10:30 a.m. – Noon, 903 Third Street, Wausau. For more information or to register, call the church at (715) 842-2201, Charles Schoenfeld at (715) 842-9809 or email: memorycafe@fumcwausau. org. Free! Knitting at the Library Knitters of all ages and skill levels are invited to
AARP Chapter 272, Wausau Area 3rd Mondays of the month, March-December at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1000 Lakeview Drive, Wausau, WI. Time of Meeting is 1:30 p.m. for about an hour. Because of the weather, no meetings in Jan. and Feb. 2016. For more information call Steve 715-355-4918 Bingo, February 26, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Kennedy Park, 6001 Alderson St., Schofield. For more information call Steve 715-355-4918 Grief Group at Helke Funeral Home 302 Spruce St., Wausau, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Caregiver Support Group 2nd Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. Aspirus Memory Clinic lower level, conference room 2720 Plaza Drive, Wausau. Contact Jennifer Pagel at (715) 847-2004. Family Support Group 4th Monday of the month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at
Thoughtful Thursdays Two Thursdays each month at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau Manor or Mount View Care Center. We help you complete a Power of Attorney for Health Care, a legal document that expresses your wishes for medical care in a crisis. For information and to register call the Aspirus Information Center at 715.847.2380 or 800.847.4707 from 8:00am 5:30pm, M-F. Great Wausau Area Stroke Club 3rd Monday of even numbered months (Feb, April, June, August, October, Dec. ) 3200 Westhill Dr. (2nd floor classroom) 1:00-2:30 p.m., Free and no registration required. Call Kim at (715) 847-2833 or Kathy at (715) 847-2827. United Way RSVP Offers Free Technology Classes United Way RSVP of Marathon County has a new technology tutoring program classes include sessions on using Windows 8, iPads, tablets, smart phones, basic Internet/email, Internet security and identify theft and other classes of interest. All classes are held from 9:30 – 11:00 am at the United Way office at 705 S. 24th Ave., Suite 400B in Wausau. Class size is limited and registration is required by calling 715298-5721. Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living Authentic Creole Fat Tuesday Gumbo Supper; February 9, 4:30-7 p.m., Assisi Hall, 1500 O'Day St., Merrill. For more information call 715-536-5575.
There’s No Place Like Home
Assisted Living for the One You Love • Affordable Rent • 1-Bedroom Private Apartments • Walk-In Showers • Storage Units • Midday Meal Provided • Utilities Included • Overnight Security
the Marathon County Public Library; 2nd floor meeting room. Families who have a member who has a mental illness. Facilitated by trained NAMI members.
Staying in your home isn’t as easy as clicking your heels and wishing you were back home. Your care designed to meet your needs. • Convenience Store • Beauty/Barber Shop • Lifeline Service Provided • Guest Room Available • Many Planned Social Activities • Current Availability
We Provide: • Daily Living Needs • Housekeeping • Laundry • Meal Preparation • Supportive & Personal Care • Medication Reminders • Transport
• Errands, Shopping • Blood Pressure Checks • Transitional Care • Companionship • Affordable Care • Day or Night Care • And Much, Much More!
So Stay Home With Us! 540 E.Thomas Street, Wausau, WI 54403 715.261.6687 www.riverviewterracewi.com
A 1 Home Health Care (715) 359-8l60 • (7l5) 432-09ll Senior Review | 3
What About Hearing Aids? Submitted by Jim Ogurek- Beltone Hearing Solutions Inc.
T
echnology and consumer electronics are transforming people’s lives, adding ease and enjoyment to daily living. The same is true for hearing aid technology. In the past few years, research and development have enabled a technological transformation in the hearing aid marketplace. These advances in hearing aids are making a significant difference in the lives of millions. Today’s state-of-the-art hearing aids are highly effective, sleek, and sophisticated wearable electronics that can help people stay actively connected to life and to those they love. Many of today’s hearing aids allow users to hear from all directions, in all sorts of sound environments, and even underwater. They are digital, wireless, can connect directly to your smartphone or television, and can be as discreet or as visible as you like. Whether they sit discreetly inside the ear canal, or wrap aesthetically around the contour of the outer ear like the latest fashion accessory, today’s high-performance hearing aids amplify life.
Below are six little-known facts about today’s modern hearing aids: 1. They’re virtually invisible. Many of today’s hearing aids sit discreetly and comfortably inside your ear canal, providing
Locally Owned Celebrating
Years of for20 Over 22 Years! Caring for Service You in Your Home
SUPPORTIVE CARE Home Health Care
SKILLED CARE▪ Nurses ▪ Therapists Meals ▪ Bathing ▪ Light Housekeeping HOSPICE CARE & PALLIATIVE CARE Hospice and Palliative Care
Assisted-living homes in Schofield & Marathon City
We’re there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
both natural sound quality, and discreet and easy use. 2. They automatically adjust to all kinds of soundscapes. Whether you’re after the ability to discern comments at an all-staff meeting, easy conversation in a crowded restaurant, or the chirp of crickets on a late summer’s evening, recent technological advances have made hearing aids far more versatile than ever before—and in a broad range of sound environments. 3. There is something for just about everyone. Today’s hearing aid options are amazingly varied. Designers offer styles for the fashion conscious, the trendsetter, the partygoer, the intellectual, the active sports enthusiast, the cautious grandmother, the romantic, the weekend warrior and even the guy just tired of turning up the volume on the TV. 4. Water, sweat, and dust are no problem while wearing them. Waterproof, digital
5. They love smartphones, computers, and other prized electronics. Wireless, digital hearing aids are now the norm. That means seamless connectivity—from smartphones, MP3 players, computers, FM systems, televisions, and other beloved high-tech gadgets—directly into your hearing aid(s), at volumes just right for you. 6. The first step to improved hearing is a professional hearing evaluation. Free hearing evaluations are available at 9 Beltone offices throughout Central and North Central Wisconsin by calling 1-800-236-4060. Free in home appointments are available to people unable to travel.
C OPPER L EAF M A N A G E M E N T
G R O U P
A Better Place A Better Life Assisted Living and Memory Care
Convenient Locations in Schofield and Marathon
Celebrating One Year! Congratulations!!
C OPPER L EAF M A N A G E M E N T
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hearing aids have arrived. This new feature is built into some newly designed hearing aids for those concerned about water, humidity, and dust. This feature suits people who work in demanding environments, as well as those with active lifestyles—like swimmers, skiers, and sports enthusiasts.
On View through February 21, 2016
G R O U P
715-842-7707
2402 Grand Ave., Wausau
Franklin & 12th St. / Wausau, WI 54403 715.845.7010 / www.lywam.org
Please call Eve at (715) 498-9514 to learn more about our extraordinary care and to schedule a tour today! WI-5001733997
interimhealthcare.com
Senior Review | 4
Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 4 pm First Thursday of each month 9 am - 7:30 pm Saturday - Sunday Noon - 5 pm Closed Monday and holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Always FREE Admission Follow Us Weekly blog Woodson Wanderings
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American Impressionism: The Lure of the Artists’ Colony was organized by the Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pennsylvania.
Talk About End-of-Life Planning Now! Five reasons to start hen you dare to think ahead planning for the end-of-life to the last days of your life now:
By Hougum Law
W
(if you dare to think about that), what do you imagine? If you are like 70 percent of Americans, you dream of spending your final days at home, in peace and comfort, surrounded by loved ones who care for you compassionately until your last breath. But in reality, the CDC reports that 70 percent of Americans actually die in a hospital, nursing home or longterm care facility. Why are so few people able to realize their end of life dream? The two biggest reasons that many people do not have the death they wish—many do not plan ahead, nor do they make their wishes known, according to The Huffington Post’s “5 Reasons to Plan Ahead for the End-of-Life.” No one likes to talk about death, so we put off conversations that would let others know of our desires. And most of us don't take the time to work on required documents to establish a legal basis for our wishes. There are some very compelling reasons to overcome your fears and get going on this. And it's never too early to start planning: remember there are no guarantees for the future.
1. Preserve Your Financial Legacy. According to a recent survey, roughly 41 percent of Baby Boomers don't have a will—and 50 percent of all Americans die without a legal will in place. If you fall into either of these groups, it means that the probate court will decide how and to whom your assets may be distributed among your heirs, according to the state law. If you have no estate plan and don’t discuss a strategy with an experienced estate planning attorney, you may give a significant portion of your estate to taxes. Protect your assets and distribute them to your heirs by creating an estate plan.
3. Get the Care You Want at End-of-Life. Another survey continues the bad news—less than a third of Americans have completed Advance Directives— instructions to health care professionals on the type and extent of care to be delivered in a life-threatening situation. Without this, you stand to receive aggressive, full treatment in a crisis, which may not be what you really want. Complete a Health Care directive with instructions for your health care at the endof-life. This will save energy, resources, and create less stress for your loved ones. Make sure the documents are in your home and easily accessible should an emergency arise. 4. Be Remembered as You’d Like. If you would like to be
memorialized in a certain way, you need to make your wishes known to your family in order to have them executed. Yes, you should stage-manage your own funeral! Write down the arrangements in advance for your own funeral and leave detailed instructions. 5. Alleviate Stress for Your Family. There’s plenty of grief with the loss of a loved one without adding conflicts about handling financial, health care, or after-death arrangements. Communicate your wishes clearly now with detailed instructions and draft the required legal documents to ensure your desires are met. Talk with a qualified estate planning attorney and make those plans now.
2. Provide for Your Minor Children. That same survey found that 55 percent of Americans with children don't have a will and have failed to designate a legal guardian for their children under 18. Here again, the court may decide who will receive custody of the children if both parents die—a traumatic event for everyone. Take the necessary steps now to name a guardian and protect the welfare of your children.
Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, Probate, and Asset Protection. Attorney Alan L. Hougum 715-843-5001 www.hougumlaw.com
Aspirus At Home Support for loved ones
• Nursing/Therapy • Laundry/Housekeeping • Bathing/Personal Care • Oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP • Break for caregiver/Respite care • Crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters • Beds, Bathroom aids, Wound supplies • Hospice Care • Lifeline Medical Alert
For more information call 715.847.2600 AAHADS-001
Senior Review | 5
A Letter to My Loved Ones By Mary Miller, Certified Pre-Planning Specialist Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home
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ou’ve decided that you’d like to take the important step of preplanning your funeral wishes, and you’d really like to discuss your options and ideas with your children. You want them to know what’s important to you and what your wishes are, as well as include them in the decision-making process. That’s a great idea! What happens if, when you approach your children to have these conversations, they become uncomfortable and possibly even resistant to the idea of discussing your eventual death? Don’t get discouraged…they probably comprehend the value of preplanning a funeral, they just aren’t comfortable with the idea of preplanning YOUR funeral. How do you get them to participate when they don’t want to, or their fear causes them to
resist? How about starting with a letter to your loved ones that they can read and process in private prior to an actual invitation to a conversation? Dear Child, I’d like to talk to you about something that is very important to me…getting my final wishes in order. I would like you to know what’s important to me as far as how I’d like to be cared for at the end of my life, and how I’d like to be remembered at my funeral. Please don’t be frightened….I’m doing fine. That’s why I want to
talk to you about these things now – when things are going well – so we can discuss them while we’re both clear-minded. I don’t plan on dying anytime soon, but we all know that life can change in an instant, and I’m not getting any younger. Thank goodness you haven’t had to experience what it’s like to plan someone’s funeral yet. You can’t even imagine how many things there are to decide and choose and plan. It’s hard enough to cope with the emotions, much less the multitude of decisions that must be made in such a short time.
I’ve thought a lot about what I would like for myself and I’d like to share my thoughts with you so you know them and can at least be spared that part of the burden when I die. I just want to help you to be better prepared to make these tough decisions when the time comes. You are the most important person in my world and it’s been my goal all my life to care for and protect you. I can’t protect you from my eventual death someday, but I can take steps to make it easier on you when it happens. Someday I’ll need you to care for and make decisions for me. Knowing that plans are in place, and that you’ve had a part in making them, will give me great comfort. So, let’s talk soon. With love, Mom If you have any questions or would like additional information about how to preplan your funeral wishes, please contact Mary Miller, Certified Pre-Planning Specialist at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home at 715-845-6900 or visit www. petersonkraemer.com.
Upcoming Events AT BELL TOWER RESIDENCE
FAT TUESDAY
GUMBO SUPPER FEBRUARY 9
4:30 p.m.
to
7:00 p.m.
CHICKEN & SAUSAGE OR CHICKEN & SHRIMP GUMBO FRENCH BREAD & DESSERT Tickets All You Can Eat $10 Carry outs $7 and $4 for children under12.
8TH ANNUAL MERRILL
Artisans SHOWCASE
Presented by the Board of Bell Tower Residence
SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 13 1:00-5:00 P.M.
ADMISSION $5
FEATURING ARTISANS IN: Photography • Quilting •Pottery Wood Carving • Jewelry • Painting
For more information on these events please call (715) 536-5575 1500 O’Day St., Merrill, WI 54452 www.belltowerresidence.org A Ministry of the Holy Cross Sisters since 1990
Respect, Community, Compassion and Excellence
Senior Review | 6
Join us at the
Sixth Street Filling Station Restaurant
Monday, February 22 at Noon or
Monday, February 29 at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy lunch or dinner on us while our staff presents information and answers questions about the important topic of advance funeral and/or cremation planning. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 715-845-6900 to register. Athens Edgar Marathon Wausau East Wausau West
U.S. Travel Trends for 2016
I
n a result that would make Mickey Mouse proud, Orlando squeaked by Maui to claim the top spot in a survey of U.S. vacation destinations for 2016, according to a national poll of travel experts. As part of its annual Travel Trends Survey, Travel Leaders Group surveyed 1,316 U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and frontline agents about the top destinations they’re already booking for 2016. The agents were asked to name the five top domestic destinations in demand from their clients. Orlando, which finished second last year, came in first at 35.9 percent, followed very closely by the Hawaiian island of Maui with 35.8 percent. Rounding out the top five are Alaskan cruises, 35.3 percent; New York City, 30.6 percent; and Las Vegas, 28.8 percent. Visitors to Orlando will find plenty of new attractions in 2016. Disney World has given its shopping and dining area a makeover and a new
name, Disney Springs, inspired by Florida’s historic architecture. Plus, Disney is building several new attractions one based on the hot “Star Wars” movie franchise, plus an addition to its Animal Kingdom that’s inspired by the film “Avatar.” Maui is Hawaii’s second-largest island and a great option for travelers who want to experience the Aloha State’s stunning scenery and world-famous beaches. Maui offers recreational activities from hiking and horseback riding to windsurfing and snorkeling. January to April is peak time for whale watching. Haleakala National Park is home
Your Full Service Vacation Headquarters Located in Wausau’s River District!
Call TRACY or ELLEN for your Personalized Travel Plans!
when home is where you want to be
Keeping you at home with home health, hospice, infusion therapy and supportive care services. Home Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.397.0270 Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.398.1297 IV Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.648.8055 Supportive Care Services . . . . . 844.601.3899
to the island’s highest peak, rising 10,023 feet above sea level. The summit is an unforgettable vantage point from which to view a sunrise or sunset. In 2016, there’ll be more options for travelers who want to experience Alaska’s breathtaking landscape from a cruise ship. Princess Cruises will have six ships plying the state’s waters, offering a combination of land and sea packages. Holland America Line is planning a new “Base Camp” at the entrance to Denali National Park, an area with shopping, dining and entertainment that will accompany the cruise
line’s signature Alaska Land + Sea Journeys. Two New York City landmarks are turning 125 years old in 2016, making this year a perfect time to visit. The New York Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark, with 250 acres that are home to more than a million living plants. The annual Orchid Show takes place Feb. 27 to April 17. Carnegie Hall is also celebrating its 125th birthday. There’ll be a gala concert May 5, as well as a full slate of performances all year long. Las Vegas, a city known for entertainment options, is getting more this year. In April, the 20,000seat Las Vegas Arena opens with a roster of rock, pop and country music stars performing throughout 2016. Also in the spring, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is bringing the sports entertainment chain Topgolf to the Strip, offering competitive golfing for all ages and abilities, with technology that tracks the accuracy and distance of players’ shots. For help planning a trip to any of these destinations, contact your travel agent.
The Choice is Yours The AseraCare Hospice team’s goal is to help you and your family make the most of your time together. We pride ourselves in focusing on the entire family, not just the individual. We focus on dignity and quality of life with unparalleled support, truly individualized care plans and dedicated clinical teams.
This is our life’s work. This is our promise. For more information on our services, please call ...
AseraCare Hospice North Central WI 4107 Barbican Ave., Ste. 220, Weston, WI 54476 Phone 715-355-4797 or 877-234-8571
THE CHOICE IS YOURS ministryhomecare.org
of NCWI (877) 234-8571 (715) 842-2805 Senior Review | 7 www.AseraCare.com
Equal opportunity provider of healthcare services. AHS-06833-11-EI
Instability, Falling and Oscillopsia—Physical Therapy Can Help! By Dr. L. Voigt Smith, PT, DPT, OCS, CredMDT
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ccording to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, falling injuries are the number one cause of injury-related death in Wisconsin; drug overdosing came in a close second (7/2015 report). An interesting additional research finding was opioid pain reliever medications (i.e. oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and other morphine-like drugs) contributed to 45% of the state’s overdose injury deaths. Medication, addiction, and falls obviously are huge issues in both our state and the country at large. The bottom line is both instability and medications can be deadly! Since falls are the largest cause of injury-related death in Wisconsin, it’s imperative to identify and discuss causes, and treatment options. When evaluating and treating individuals who have a history of falling or instability, it’s important to understand and appreciate any relevant underlying mechanical, neurological and environmental conditions. Poor vision and lighting, throw rugs and clutter, problems with medication (i.e. psychotropic drugs such as benzodiazepines), weakness and neuropathy (i.e. from back pain), and low blood pressure can be contributing factors. A disorder which too often is overlooked and not well addressed is vestibular oscillopsia. Oscillopsia is a condition involving malfunctioning of the inner ear resulting in gaze visual disturbances in which objects in the visual field appear to oscillate and are unclear. Our inner ear vestibular receptors are crucial contributors to our spatial orientation, postural control and effective gaze head-eye coordination. This is achieved through ongoing corrective neurological feedback the receptors share with the brain. When the inner ear is not working, it’s very difficult for an individual to accurately perceive and interpret their environment; it can lead to instability and falls, as well as reduced ability to perform other functional activities, such as driving safely. Severity can range from mild blurring to rapid and periodic jumping of eyes. The bouncing condition is worse when trying to focus while the head is moving, especially with fast moving targets of interest (i.e. a moving car or a busy supermarket). Individuals often experience double vision and frequently avoid head movements, as even minor ones can cause things to blur. Some tend to close their eyes to avoid resulting nausea and vomiting from movement around them. A way to better understand this condition is to consider photography. Normally the neurological vestibular ocular reflex keeps the camera (your eyes) steady with head movements; this is achieved through effective vestibular head-eye coordination. In order to get a good picture, the camera (the eyes) must be held steady by the photographer. With the malfunctioning vestibular oscillopsia, the problem
Senior Review | 8
is not the camera (the eyes) but that a skilled photographer has turned into one who no longer is keeping the camera stable. Lousy images result (http://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/ Vision%20Challenges_0.pdf) as well as instability. The impact on balance can be devastating! With resulting fear of movement, this further leads to cycles of inactivity, deconditioning, weakness, tightness, and even more fall risk. In terms of medication, it’s important to consider drugs which depress the vestibular system (i.e. vestibular suppressants such as antivert, meclizine, valium) which are typically most effective only during acute episodes, and actually can delay or prevent central nervous system compensation if used long-term. Some medications also can damage the inner ear. Patients should always discuss the ongoing risks versus the benefits of any drugs with their medical physician. In terms of treatment, physical therapy vestibular
exercise-based adaptation and substitution interventions often are very effective! Doctors of physical therapy are highly trained and uniquely qualified health care providers who specialize in treating complex movement disorders, including oscillopsia. Finally, many consumers are now seeing the tremendous value and cost savings benefits of direct access physical therapy as well as procedure-bundled cash-based clinics. Quality physical therapy often can save significant time and expense, reducing or eliminating the need for medication, expensive diagnostics, and invasive procedures. Many find it clearly is a great investment! Dr. Smith is the owner of Backsmith Advanced Physical Therapy LLC in Weston & the inventor of the patented Selective Stabilization Supports. He can be reached by calling 715-298-5888 or through the website: backsmithadvancedphysicaltherapy.com.
“Where Quality Physical Therapy Movement Produces the Best Medicine.” Dr. Louis Voigt Smith PT, DPT, OCS, CredMDT
Physical Therapy Services Including: ▪ Land-based ▪ Aquatic ▪ Industrial ▪ Manual ▪ Home Health
Seniors are an important and involved piece of our community and we appreciate them and all they have done! Thanks from all of us!
H BA T I C KS M
PT
Advanced Physical Therapy LLC
715-847-2382 or toll free 877-260-6755 3200 Westhill Drive, Suite 201 • Wausau, WI 54401 Wayne A. Brearley, MD • Daniel M. Seybold, MD • James P. Sutherland, MD George R. Tanner, MD • Faruk S. Abuzzahab, MD Jeremy W. Russell, D.O. • Scott R. Murch, MD
3409 Schofield Ave., Suite E, Weston, WI 54476 Location also in Tomahawk
715-298-5888
backsmithadvancedphysicaltherapy.com
Seeing Red: Awareness of Heart Disease in Women is Important
have high cholesterol. Knowing your numbers can help. The American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked at age twenty, or earlier, if your family has a history of heart disease. And be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
By Susan Pope, N.P., Cardiac Center It’s time we start seeing red. Red — as in the color of heart disease awareness, just as pink is the color we all take notice of in regard to breast cancer. Heart disease is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. (Yes, you read that right.) According to the American Heart Association, while one in thirty-one American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease claims the lives of one in three. That’s about one death each minute. So make sure you’re as committed to heart disease prevention as you should be to your yearly mammogram. That means: Maintain a healthy weight. Keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol at healthy levels. Stop smoking. Or better yet, don’t start. Stay physically and mentally active. While we’re at it, here’s a quick quiz on heart disease and women. The more we know about our nation’s No. 1 killer of women, the better.
True or False: Heart disease only affects older women.
False: Heart disease affects women of all ages. The combination of birth control
True or False: I feel fine; therefore, I am fine.
pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent in young women, the Heart Association says. Yes, our risk increases as we age. Overeating and leading a sedentary lifestyle are factors that lead to blocked arteries over time. But don’t let your age lull you into a false sense of security. I take care of women of all ages in the hospital. Heart disease is an equal opportunity threat.
True or False: Heart disease only affects women who don’t take care of themselves.
False: Unfortunately, all the salads and yoga in the world can’t eliminate your heart disease risk. (If only it were true!) Family history often plays a factor. You easily can be thin and
False: According to the Heart Association, 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. And when women do experience symptoms, those signs often are misinterpreted. Women’s symptoms often are vague: shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Other women experience dizziness, lightheadedness, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, and extreme fatigue. You may be thinking, “Ha! I feel back pain and fatigue all the time.” I get that. I hope you’re talking to your health care provider about all your concerns. But if something feels “off,” if something feels “not right,” don’t wait. Trust your gut. Listen to your heart of hearts. Seek medical attention. Start seeing red. Pope is a nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire who specializes in lipid management. She also sees patients weekly at Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand.
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Senior Review | 9
The Ins and Outs of a Revocable Living Trust submitted by Jackman Law Firm
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ost of the time when people say they have their assets in trust they are referring to a Revocable Living Trust (whether they know it or not). While other types of trusts are becoming more popular – a revocable living trust is still the most common. This article is going to go through some of the goals that a revocable living trust can accomplish as well as some of the common mistakes that people with these types of trusts find themselves making.
► Goals for a Revocable Living Trust: 1. To Transfer Assets to Beneficiaries Upon Death. A revocable living trust, like a will, can establish a set of rules on how assets should be transferred upon an individual’s death, and who is in charge of managing the assets and making the distributions once the creator is no longer able to do so. Trusts are typically more complex than wills, but both a will and a trust can establish complex rules on how assets should be managed and divided upon death. 2. To Avoid Probate. One of the main goals for creating a revocable living trust (over creating a will) is to avoid probate. Probate is a formal court process of getting assets out of a decedent’s name. When you put your assets into a revocable living trust these assets are out of your name; and because the trust itself does not die, a probate is not necessary to get assets out of the trust. You can think of a trust as a rule book. It specifies what happens to your assets at different times. For most people their death is the main triggering event. While I am alive I want the trust to provide for me, but upon my death, I want the trust assets to pass to… (fill in the blank). A trust, unlike a will, can transfer assets to your beneficiaries upon your death without going through
the probate process to do so. 3. Longevity. In addition to avoiding probate, a revocable living trust gives the creators the flexibility to control the assets even after their death. With a will the individual can specify which assets go where, but unless the will creates a trust (called a testamentary trust), those assets must be transferred outright to those beneficiaries before the probate process is complete. With a trust, the creators can hold the assets in trust and specify what the assets are to be used for while they are in trust. The creators can also specify when the assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries, for example, when the beneficiary reaches a certain age. 4. Control. Some individuals create revocable living trusts with specific goals in mind. For example, they want their children to be able to use their assets upon their death, but they do not necessarily trust their child not to share it with a spouse or not to just take it out and spend it. Perhaps these creators really have a goal that the funds be used for the benefit of a grandchild, rather than their direct children. Other goals include ensuring the funds transferred do not go directly to a child’s creditors or will disqualify a child from assistance
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: A New Option for Care Working together to meet the needs of patients and caregivers. 715.847.2004 or toll-free 866.236.1573 Senior Review | 10
they are currently receiving. A trust can provide that extra layer of control; enabling the creators to determine how the assets should be used and to make certain that the assets will be used in that fashion.
► Common Mistakes with Revocable Living Trusts: 1. Funding. One of the most common mistakes with revocable living trusts is funding assets to that trust. In order for a trust to work, the assets need to be titled in the name of the trust. Some attorneys will do this for you as part of the trust creation process, but most will not, and will rely on you to do to the funding yourself. Many people either “forget” that they have to fund their assets to the trust, or do not realize there is more to do. If assets are not appropriately funded to a trust, a probate process may be necessary to get the assets into the trust. 2. Creditor Protection. Most people do not realize that a revocable living trust will not help protect your assets in the event of a Medicaid “Spend Down” for nursing home care expenses. If that is
your goal in creating a trust, a revocable living trust, is not the appropriate vehicle for you.
► Is a Revocable Living Trust Right for Me?
My husband and I went couchshopping this weekend. He is an engineer – so one would think we were trying to purchase an island for the amount of research and calculations that went into our purchase decision! But, at the end of the day, we sat down – with our two top picks – and did a cost/ benefit analysis. We asked each other several questions to determine what was most important to us and then made a decision based on that. Obviously things like color, comfort and cost were important to us, but so were things like quality and dependability. What I’ve come to realize in doing estate planning is that everyone has different goals and different priorities. Proper education and determining exactly what is most important to you is necessary in selecting what estate plan is best for you.
Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration Ashley L. Hawley, Esq.
MEMORY CLINIC 2720 Plaza Drive, Ste 1400B, Wausau
2100 Stewart Avenue, Suite 140 Wausau, WI 54401 ▪ (715) 298-9445
Behavioral Health Care Leader. We are pleased to announce that North Central Health Care has received Behavioral Health and Hospital Accreditation from The Joint Commission – The Gold Standard in Health Care.
Depending on the dog’s breed and coat, frostbite can occur when temps drop below freezing (32 degrees). Wet and damp weather make dogs more vulnerable to frostbite. Paws, ears and tails are most susceptible to frostbite. Frostbite damage may take days to reveal clinical symptoms. If you suspect your pet has suffered frostbite, seek immediate veterinary intervention.
Learn about our commitment to safety and quality at
www.norcen.org/Commitment
Hypothermia may be another concern for a dog that is outside for an extended period. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for pooch.
Primrose Retirement Community
At Primrose Retirement Community, we want you to enjoy your retirement years! That’s why we take care of the responsibilities, giving you more time to enjoy the important things in life! Stop in and see all our great amenities and services. • Fitness Center • Chapel • Library • Computer Lounge • Pub • Billiard Room • Movie Theater • Beauty Salon/Barber • Ice Cream Parlor
Animal neglect is a misdemeanor in all 50 states!
Antifreeze is poisonous for cats and dogs! Clean up any garage spills right away.
Talk to your vet about your dog’s need of extra calories for winter activity.
Keep your light coated dogs and older dogs warm with a jacket or sweater.
Rock salt and ice melt can cause cracking and burns on pads. Rinse and dry paws after winter walk. Don’t miss the toes. Dogs perspire through their paws.
• Daily Activities • Social Events • Exercise Classes • Scheduled Transportation • Delicious, Home Cooked Meals • 24 Hour Nursing Staff, if needed • Emergency Response System • And Many More!
For more information on Primrose Retirement Community, or to set up a personal tour, call (715) 842-1818. Come see why we say, ®
Snowballs or iceballs between your dog’s paws can be painful and make it difficult to walk. Keeping the paw fur trimmed will help prevent this, as well as a good pair of dog booties. At emBARK, we like www.dogbooties.com
®
Primrose Villas, Independent & Assisted Living
2100 Townline Road Wausau, WI (715) 842-1818
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
PrimroseRetirement.com
2109 Fairfax Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701 715.864.3263 www.EMBARKDOG.com Senior Review | 11
Working for You! Call 715-574-4759
Deb Smith
Be Seen on this page!! $50/month in full color! Call 715-831-0325 seniorreviewnewspapers@gmail.com
For all your real estate needs, count on professional, friendly service from an experienced agent.
Senior Apartments For Rent
NEW BUSINESS IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN!
James Ogurek National Board Certified Hearing Aid Specialist State License #298
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Preferred provider with Medicare/Medicaid
• Furnished Room With Free Cable • Homecooked Meals • Medication Monitoring • 24 Hour Staffing • Respite Care Offered
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(715)355-8246 or (715)241-8807 2480 Terrebonne Drive Mosinee, WI 54455
Eligible applicants are 62+ years or disabled.
Rent is based on 30% of your adjusted gross monthly income!
Computerized Knees NEW BUSINESS IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN!
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WISCONSIN MANAGEMENT CO., INC. A better way...of living! Call 877-784-1643 for applications!
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WMC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Providing Quality, Personal Care for the Elderly
The Marathon Housing Association is accepting applications for efficiency, 1- & 2-bedroom apartments
2600 Stewart Ave. Wausau, WI 54401
STEVENS POINT
MINOCQUA
2926 Post Rd. Stevens Point, WI 54481
301 Elm St. Minocqua, WI 54568
Pink Ribbon
Beste Funeral Home
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3 Generations Serving Our Community Since 1934
FREE Consultation & Evaluation • ABC Certified Mastectomy & Lymphedema Fitter • Beautiful boutique setting • Large Inventory - Low Prices! Preferred provider with Medicare/Medicaid We do all the billing for you!! 845-2800 or 1-877-846-7465 (U-GO-PINK)
• Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Monuments Curtis Beste, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director 611 3rd Street, Mosinee (715) 693-2450
1108 S. 17th Ave, Wausau
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Turn Memories into Memorials
DRACH ELDER LAW CENTER Jeffery J. Drach,
465441-01
Certified Elder Law Attorney
500 Third Street, Suite 202 Wausau, WI 54403 Nursing Home Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, and Estate Tax Avoidance Planning
Norde Memorials
Call (715) 842-3993 today for an appointment to discuss your final wishes and experience the freedom of knowing that it’s all taken care of.
Since 1914 715-842-3545
(715) 842-0606 or Toll Free 1-866-353-3352
101 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau
Celebrating 100 years of service
465441-01
Oh, you say you haven’t had one of these lately? GREAT! You may qualify for our Supreme Auto Plan! Life • Farm • Home Auto Insurance Call Clay at Resch Insurance Today!
Senior Review | 12
GREETING CARDS
American Senior Benefits Joseph Kobart
BETTER CARDS PARTY HEADQUARTERS!
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