INVESTING IN YOUR HOME: UP YOUR HOME’S VALUE WITH THESE WISE IMPROVEMENTS
INFLATION-PROOFING YOUR INVESTMENTS
VONNIE WOODRICK
ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO ‘BE THE ONE FOR SOMEONE’
TRADING IN SHAMING FOR UNDERSTANDING
PAOLA CARLSON: SHARING HER COLOMBIAN CULTURE, ONE DISH AT A TIME SPECIAL SECTION: AGING WELL
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 www.westmichiganwoman.com
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER
Kasie Smith
Serendipity Media, LLC
MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT
Susan Smalley
susan@serendipity-media.com
866-252-7108
MANAGING EDITOR
Sarah Suydam
ART DIRECTOR
Courtney Van Hagen
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Emily Alspaugh
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Kelsey Shoemaker
ACCOUNTING AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
Megan Marshall
West Michigan Woman is published bimonthly by Serendipity Media, LLC; 535 Cascade West Parkway SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and has periodical postage at Grand Rapids, MI, and additional mailing offices.
Subscription information can be obtained through the above address, by calling 616-458-8371, or by logging on to www.serendipity-media.com
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS and/or query letters can be sent to info@westmichiganwoman.com or Attn: West Michigan Woman magazine; 535 Cascade West Parkway SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Submissions of photographs, articles, and other material is done at the risk of the sender, and Serendipity Media, LLC cannot accept liability for loss or damage. Unsolicited materials will not be returned.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to West Michigan Woman c/o Serendipity Media, LLC; 535 Cascade West Parkway SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
All rights reserved. West Michigan Woman content may not be photocopied or reproduced or redistributed without the consent of the publisher.
THE COVER VONNIE WOODRICK
Encouraging Others to ‘Be the One for Someone’ page 12
LETTER + ONLINE page 4
SPOTLIGHT
page 5
WELLNESS
page 6
The Overlooked Ailment: What You Need to Know About Pelvis Wellness
RELATIONSHIPS page 8
Trading in Shaming for Understanding
HOME page 10
Investing in Your Home: Up Your Home’s Value with These Wise Improvements
SPECIAL SECTION page 16
Aging Well
FINANCIAL page 24
Inflation-Proofing Your Investments
TRAVEL page 26
Forced Family Fun in Wisconsin Dells!
Q&A page 28
Paola Carlson: Sharing Her Colombian Culture, One Dish at a Time
West Michigan Woman is published by Serendipity Media
KASIE SMITH | President & Publisher | kasie@serendipity-media.com
What I love about this new issue of West Michigan Woman is that it embodies everything we stand for: Creating community, compassion, understanding and elevating others. To say that we all need examples of this is an understatement.
Vonnie Woodrick knows from lived experience how compassion and understanding can make a difference. Having lost her husband Rob to suicide, she experienced first-hand the quiet whispers, misguided judgements and general lack of understanding about mental health issues. When her family was ready to talk about their loss, they founded “i understand” to create community and support for those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide. A decade later, Woodrick’s work is changing the landscape of conversations in both children and in adults about how to label feelings and talk about mental health and suicide. Her work will be on display at the Grand Rapids Children Museum, along with in her new book, soon. Read her full story on page 12.
On page 16, we receive a wonderful reminder about the importance of finding ourselves and the value in finding community. Today, women are perhaps more reflective and interested in self-discovery with a desire to talk about their experiences with those who share similar experiences. Vulnerability used to be perceived as a negative, but today it’s an example of a greater understanding and shared experiences. According to AARP’s Jennifer Feuerstein, “Healthy and nurturing intimate relationships increase the likelihood of survival by 50%.” Let’s face it, we all live busy lives, but making time to reflect, talk and share with others can be so incredibly enriching.
For Paola Carlson (page 28), Owner and CEO of Pochis Sweet Designs and Pochis Colombian Cafe, her work is supporting and generating employment for others. Born in Colombia, her mission is, “If you can’t go to Colombia, we’ll bring you Columbia!” Her passion for making her Colombian culture and customs known here in Michigan—while helping support, elevate and provide employment to 320 single mothers in her home country—is truly inspiring.
Thank you to those who have allowed us to share their stories and for being examples to all of us! Whether you’ve got your circle or are looking to expand it, you can find community and elevate others here at West Michigan Woman.
RECEIVE WEB-EXCLUSIVE CONTENT in our FREE eNewsletter!
THE "BEST OF" found on westmichiganwoman.com
» Family-Friendly Travel Ideas!
» A Spectacular Showing of Greatness: 2024 Brilliance Awards in Review
» Surviving a Drought in Your Relationship
» Setting the Mood: A Quick Guide
» 8 Questions with 8 Entrepreneurs: The Ins and Outs of Small Business Ownership
» Four Ways to Teach Your Kids About Business
» Women of Influence: Yumna Jawad
PURE LUDINGTON: YOUR LATE-SUMMER SANCTUARY
Escape to Ludington, the quintessential up-north getaway! As summer winds down, there’s still time to soak up the season in Ludington. Discover pristine beaches, expansive trails, and a charming downtown filled with unique shops and delightful dining.
Even as summer draws to a close, Ludington remains vibrant with exciting events and activities. From lively festivals to outdoor concerts, there’s always something happening. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on sandy shores, adventures on scenic trails or engaging community events, Ludington is the perfect late summer destination.
Experience the best of Michigan’s beautiful outdoors and enjoy a refreshing break from the city hustle. Ludington is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to make lasting memories.
Start making your plans now at PureLudington.com.
Ad on pages 1 & 2.
MICHIGAN WOMEN’S SBA LENDER
As of 2022, women owned 43% of the small businesses in Michigan. If that’s you, or your dream, get empowered with SBA loan options:
• Fund or grow your business with a 7(a) Loan: Get flexibility to use for a variety of purposes including short and long-term working capital.
• Get long term, low-interest financing with a 504 Loan: A great resource when your small business is making big moves like buying a new facility or purchasing equipment that will be with you for the long haul.
Community Choice Credit Union is your West Michigan SBA lender with a host of other business solutions.
From bake shops to law firms, we serve the entire business market: communitychoicecu.com/business/sba-loans
Photo © Todd and Brad Reed Photography Photo
THE OVERLOOKED AILMENT
What You Need to Know About Pelvis Wellness
WWhile sipping coffee, tea, or mimosas with girlfriends, you might dish on your latest Amazon find, your new skin care routine or even the hot new TikTok.
What you probably don’t discuss is not being able to get through a workout class without some embarrassing leakage or how things are so dry and painful down there that you tell your partner you’ve “got a headache” more often than you’d like.
Yep, pelvic health is the last topic to get picked at just about any gathering.
What is pelvic health, exactly? “It refers to the study and treatment of all of the organs within the pelvis, as well as the musculoskeletal nervous and vascular system,” explained Lily Dawson, PT, DPT with Women’s+ Health Collective. These organs and muscles work in concert with one another to keep daily functions working smoothly and help make sex more enjoyable.
As a pelvic health physical therapist, Dawson is passionate about helping women understand more about this oftenoverlooked part of health and wellness. “We think about working out, drinking water, and eating right, but we forget about the seat—literally—of our physical body,” she said.
Pelvic health isn’t just a female issue.
“The most common dysfunctions we see in men are sexual dysfunction and bladder control,” said Dawson. It’s not fun for either gender and can cause mental and emotional stress, as well. “When you have bowel and bladder issues, you’re embarrassed and limit your interaction with the world. That can be very isolating.”
The good news: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, help is available:
1. Ayyy, what’s that unusual feeling? If you’re experiencing a heavy, pulling sensation in your nether regions, you may have pelvic organ prolapse, which means a pelvic organ has dropped from its normal position into the vagina or rectum. “If you’re constantly bearing down to have a bowel movement or pee, you’re encouraging those organs to descend,” explained Dawson. She suggested taking a more laid-back approach to going to the bathroom. “It’s called the ‘restroom’ for a reason! Rest in there. Relax and let your body perform as it was engineered.”
2. Excuse me … I need a restroom, stat! If you’re experiencing changes in bowel habits, including urgency or frequency of urination, constipation or diarrhea, it could be a sign of abnormalities in your pelvic muscles.
3. Oops! Difficulty controlling your bladder or, yikes—the passing of gas or feces, is embarrassing, but you’re not alone. Anal and urinary incontinence are common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
4. Oh, my lower back hurts. Again. “It’s astounding how many of us have experienced or are struggling with pelvic pain concerns,” said Dawson. “It can be associated with things like endometriosis, interstitial cystitis and more.” But chronic low back pain or hip pain that hasn’t been resolved through traditional PT can also be related to the pelvis.
5. Not tonight, honey. When getting busy with your partner doesn’t appeal because all you can think about is the pain, it’s not in your head. Painful sexual intercourse, called dyspareunia, is legit. Another symptom of pelvic health dysfunction can be elusive orgasms. Chalk up another great reason to consult a medical professional.
Dawson suggested using your annual checkup as an opportunity to discuss pelvic health with your medical provider. “If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, you can say, ‘I’ve heard there’s physical therapy for that,’” she suggested. “Medical providers are generally happy to provide a referral.”
Regarding pelvic health, keep in mind that what you want is pelvic floor muscles that function well. “That doesn’t mean strong and tight,” Dawson clarified. “It means that the pelvic floor muscles can contract. They can relax and support the organs but also allow for regular urinary and bowel functions and facilitate sexual climax.”
At Women’s+ Health Collective, where Dawson works, patients can see providers for pelvic floor physical therapy, sex counseling, gynecology and psychiatry.
“This is a safe place, with practitioners who’ve been specially trained to make sure a patient’s health journey is dictated by them,” Dawson said. “We work with patients towards their goals instead of having patients think they’re here to get ‘fixed.’ Nobody is broken. It’s important for people to know that.”
As you work to improve your pelvic health, Dawson suggested seeking providers who work together as a team and make recommendations that are in line with one another for your optimal health. That sounds like advice we can “cheers” to over drinks with girlfriends anytime! WMW
CONTRIBUTOR
KIRSETIN MORELLO is a Michigan-based author, speaker, writer, travel-lover, wife and grateful mom of three boys. Read more about her at www.KirsetinMorello.com.
TRADING IN SHAMING FOR UNDERSTANDING
WWhen I was invited to re-explore the topic of women shaming, an idea popped into my head almost immediately. Though a summer ago already, I was still thinking about America Ferrera’s monologue in the Barbie movie. If I’ve lost you here, don’t worry. The gist of her character’s speech was to recount the many ways that women struggle under the expectations of other people. And often fall short of those expectations, through no action of their own. She ends, in part, by saying:
“I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us.”
I cried during it. What brought out the Kleenex? And why did I think her words resonated so much that I could center my examination of women shaming in this new era around it? To get some answers, I gathered a few women in my circle to discuss.
I’m lucky to have a lot of remarkable women in my life, so thinking about who to engage in this conversation wasn’t difficult. The first to come to mind were Terri Spaulding, who teaches Mindful Musical Movement (and more) and runs Wellness with Terri; Jen Bullen, somatic healing coach and owner of Rising Strong Wellness; and Dawn Pick Benson, transformational travel coach and creator of the Brave Journey program. And they all enthusiastically said, “Yes!”
That’s when things got really interesting.
We started talking about what’s different in 2024, versus a few years ago, and the big a-ha came right out of the gate, with Jen noting that she’s been witnessing a real desire to build (or rebuild) a sense of community and to “hold space for one another.” Exiting a period of relative isolation, many of us have been wanting to find our people. And we’re being especially selective about who we surround ourselves with, as well as what we hope to gain from these relationships.
“The women I’m working with in my travel retreats want to be with people who understand the phase of life they’re in,” Dawn said. “They want to be in a supportive group and not be in competition anymore.”
Part of getting there comes from our own self-discovery; being real and being honest with ourselves and being comfortable with who we are—and, at times, taking others’ examples of self-confidence and self-acceptance as inspiration.
“We’ve started to realize that we’re all in this together, that we need each other, and we’re stronger for that,” Dawn said. “I call that ‘borrowing one another’s bravery.’”
“I’ve noticed many more women feeling unafraid to stand out for who they are, and not try to fit in anymore,” Terri said. “When we get to shine, there are people who are attracted to our shine, and our tribe comes to us.”
“That’s a power, but not a power over others; it’s a power that comes out of us.” Jen added. “We’re drawing and attracting what we want for ourselves. When we get magnetic and our power is magnetic, we’re unstoppable.”
So, wait, what about that Barbie speech? We all agreed that we’ve reached an age where pleasing others just isn’t as much of a thing. When we find ourselves—
“I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us.”
Relationship Stock Photo © Adobe Stock
who we are and what we want—and we find the people who love us for who we are, the rest doesn’t matter anymore. I realized that what made me teary as Ferrera’s character Gloria spoke, was a sadness that so many women do still resonate with the sentiments in the monologue.
And this is where we can change that.
“We have to continue to lead by example,” Terri said. “To be who we are and shine in a way that brings us light in life.”
We can choose genuineness and authentic self-expression—and choose relationships that lift us up. When we have the vulnerability to be ourselves, we contribute to a greater understanding of our individual and shared experiences. We’re more likely to find common ground and discover that we’re less different than we think. We also open up the opportunity to empathize and not be so quick to tear each other down.
That’s just a snapshot of the roundtable discussion I had with Jen, Terri, and Dawn. It seems fitting to close with an excerpt Dawn brought up from “Hungry Hearts” by Sue Monk Kidd:
“Every woman possesses a capacity, a passion or a spark meant not only for herself, but for the world. I call this her particular genius.” WMW
CONTRIBUTOR
ALLISON KAY BANNISTER has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.
BY SARAH SUYDAM
INVESTING IN YOUR HOME:
Up Your Home's Value with These Wise Improvements
HHome renovations can range in scale from the simple and budget conscious to the complicated and expensive. So how can you tell which improvements and projects are worth your time and money in the long run?
According to Kristin Siebers, Realtor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist with City2Shore Gateway Group, there are a number of specific improvements that can not only help you enjoy your space more, but also get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your home’s overall value and putting it on the market.
1. AN UPDATED KITCHEN
“Our kitchens have become our ‘hang-out’ spaces and even entertaining hubs,” Siebers said. “It’s where we gather with family and friends, munch on snacks and share drinks around the island, or chat while the host is cooking.”
Siebers recommends focusing on modernizing cabinets, countertops, appliances, and shares that current kitchen trends include open shelving, two-tone cabinetry, quartz countertops, large islands, natural elements, bold fixtures and hardware, and hardwood and wood-look tile flooring.
2. RENOVATED BATHROOMS
“Behind kitchens, bathrooms are another great update that matters to buyers,” Siebers said, advising homeowners to look at modernizing bathroom fixtures, tiles and expanding storage space. “Trends include large soaking freestanding tubs, rainfall showerheads, heated floors, natural materials—like stone, marble and wood—statement tile, floating vanities, minimalist design, black fixtures and hardware, and integrated lighting.”
3.
EXTERIOR CURB APPEAL
“This is a buyer’s first impression, and as the saying goes, ‘First impressions are everything!’” Siebers shared. “Research suggests that homebuyers decide whether they like your home or not within the first eight seconds of seeing it. Well-maintained landscaping, exterior siding, a new front door, etc. all work to make a favorable impression.”
Sibers says she’s seeing a number of current trends in this area:
» Bold exterior paint colors like deep blues, dark greens, charcoal grays and black.
» Mixed materials like stone veneer, wood siding, metal accents and brick.
» Simple landscaping with clean lines, ample greenery and hardscaping elements.
» A striking and welcoming entryway with decorative elements like columns or planters, and a front door with a bold color or unique design in addition to stylish door hardware.
4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY
“Reducing utility costs can make your home even more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers,” Siebers explained. “Installing energy-efficient windows and doors, upgrading insulation, incorporating other renewable energy sources, etc.”
5. AN EXPANDED OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
“Extend your living and entertaining areas beyond the interior of the home to increase the overall living area,” Siebers said, noting this is often done by designing expansive decks, patios with integrated seating, fire features, pergolas and outdoor kitchens.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Obviously, it’s your home—do as you please! But Siebers notes a few improvements that might not have the same return on investment as the previously mentioned suggestions, including over-personalized or short-trended upgrades, DIY projects done with poor-quality materials or workmanship, and improving your home beyond the norms of the neighborhood you live in.
If you’re on a budget and major home renovations aren’t in the cards at the moment—or you’re not planning to be in your home longer than two years—there are still steps you can take to add value, such as decluttering, deodorizing, deep cleaning, adding a fresh coat of paint, updating lighting fixtures and addressing any minor repairs that buyers will surely notice.
“Empty your closets and storage by 50%,” Siebers recommended. “Buyers need to see how much space they’ll have. If closets are full, they’ll think there’s no space for their things!”
Because certain improvements will bring a greater return and higher home sale price depending on the market, trends, and your local area, Siebers recommends consulting a trusted real estate advisor, who can in turn offer insight on timing and other factors that determine whether certain improvements are worth making. WMW
Photo © Kelly Braman Photography
Candids © Vonnie Woodrick
Hair Credit: Mackenzie
Mortensen, Design 1 Plainfield
Makeup Credit: Jerry Kragt, Aura Beauty Bar
VONNIE WOODRICK
ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO ‘BE THE ONE FOR SOMEONE’
UUnderstanding has long been Vonnie Woodrick’s guiding principle in everything she does. As founder of “i understand”—a nonprofit that provides compassionate comfort and understanding for those affected by suicide or mental/brain health illness and pain—Woodrick is actively changing the conversation and attitudes around suicide. Unfortunately, she knows from lived experience what walking that journey entails and how strong the stigma is.
After the loss of her husband of almost 20 years, Rob, to suicide in 2003, Woodrick not only found herself navigating her new life alongside the couple’s three children (Chase, Whitney and Maddie), but fielding questions and misguided judgements from those on the outside looking in.
“I’d go to the grocery store and hear people whisper and point, ‘Her husband is the one that killed himself,’” Woodrick shared. “The most commonly asked question after suicide loss is ‘how did they do it?’ and how are you supposed to answer that? I didn’t understand it, so it took me a long time to talk openly about it because of the judgment and stigma that’s attached.”
Eventually, Woodrick and her family felt ready to speak more openly about their loss, together founding “i understand” in July 2014. Shortly following, on National Suicide Prevention Awareness Day that September, Woodrick’s youngest daughter was surprised by about 50 friends who wore shirts of support to school. This served as a pivotal moment for the family, driving home their collective passion for building a community based less on judgment and more on understanding.
“I started ‘i understand’ because I felt really alone; I didn’t have any friends who’d had this type of loss,” Woodrick said. Alongside a logo with a pink heart—the color of unconditional love—“i understand” began with 100 shirts that Woodrick and her family gave away to the community which read, “I understand.
Love heals.” And now, as the nonprofit celebrates 10 years, their impact is deeper and more far reaching than ever.
From raising funds so Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital could hire the country’s first nurse specializing in mental health, to advocating for the creation of sensory rooms, to authoring a book “I Understand: Pain, Love and Healing After Suicide,” to speaking at countless events, to hosting free support groups for those who’ve lost a loved one by suicide and much more … Woodrick is relentless in her pursuit.
One initiative Woodrick is particularly passionate about is updating the definition of suicide from intentionally taking one’s own life to one about suicide’s role as a terminal effect of mental/ brain health illness or pain.
“I used to think suicide was something a crazy person did,” Woodrick shared. “But my husband wasn’t crazy. He was kind, loving, gentle and fun. He loved us. He loved our kids.”
Advocating for this updated definition is something we all can do, and is a step Woodrick says can open up the conversation about mental/brain health and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.
Woodrick loves being able to collaborate with other nonprofits and community members, and is eagerly awaiting the upcoming i understand Kimberly Mutch Bergner Memorial Mental Wellness Exhibit done in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum—an organization started by her late husband’s family. The exhibit—which Woodrick hopes will eventually be introduced as a traveling exhibit at other museums following its permanent opening at GRCM in early October—uses weather elements as a way for children to express and understand emotions. The exhibit will also touch on grief of all kinds—the first children’s museum in the country to do so.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 across the U.S. by dialing or texting 988. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat.
“Talking saves lives. The more we talk, the more we know.”
“The tree house that’s currently there will be changed into a big cloud, and children can experience how they feel when there’s thunder, or a rainbow, or sun,” Woodrick said. “This can help teach kids how to express emotions, and just as important, help parents learn how to respond to these emotions. We really want to bring the conversation around these topics to everyday places to normalize it.”
Woodrick tapped friend Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist and Chief Climate Correspondent with ABC News, to contribute her voice and image to the exhibit. Zee shares her connection to Woodrick and their story in her own book, “A Little Closer to Home,” in addition to contributing a statement to Woodrick’s new book “The Power of Sharing: Stories of Hope, Love, Support, and Healing from i understand,” which shares 20 different stories of hope from various contributors.
You can also find Woodrick speaking to notable people like Olympian Tara Lipinski, actress and mental health advocate Mariel Hemingway, and former Bachelor contestant Sydney Johnson about mental health on her podcast, “Behind the Smile.”
But what can we as a community do to be more understanding of those experiencing mental illness and distress?
“The first thing is not to judge,” Woodrick said. “One of the things that we say is to be the ONE for someone. How do we do that? O: Offer support; N: Narrate using caring and compassionate words that are non-threatening; and E: Encourage. We’re not counselors or therapists, but we can encourage someone to find somebody who can help them.
“Talking saves lives. The more we talk, the more we know.”
Inspired by “i understand” volunteers, family, colleagues and friends like Doug Meijer, Woodrick looks to the future through an optimistic lens, with a dream of finding resources, support and acceptance for anybody who’s struggling.
“The most difficult thing I’ve had to do was watch my kids grow up without their dad; I don’t want anybody to have to go through that,” she said. “So, if I can offer that compassion, comfort and understanding to others, that’s what I want to do … even if it’s one person at a time.”
Alongside her ever-present work, Woodrick finds peace in walking, spending time with family and friends, and being near the calm waves and sandy shores of Lake Michigan. WMW
Get involved with “i understand” and their mission by volunteering, donating, fundraising and otherwise by visiting iunderstandloveheals.org.
Sign the definition petition at: iunderstandloveheals.org/definitionpetition.
BY SARAH
AGING WELL EMBRACING A NEW STAGE OF LIFE
FOSTERING COMMUNITY AT ANY AGE
Different life stages bring new challenges, one of them being feeling belonging within a type of community.
According to Jennifer Feuerstein, Associate State Director for AARP, TV Personality with ABC 4/WOOD TV, and Author of “Not Your Shoe Size” under the pen name Jennifer DiVita, friendships happen organically when we’re young, but then our social circles change.
“Our kids fly the coop and so do the opportunities to make friends
through our kids,” she said. “We retire and lose the water cooler conversations, fundraising luncheons and handshakes over lattes. As we get older, our friends move, become snowbirds or pass away. It’s much harder to meet people organically.”
Micki Benz, Retired Vice President, Communications and Community Relations for Trinity Health and Chair of the Beacon Hill Foundation, says having community has benefitted her life immensely.
“For me, beginning many years ago through Leadership Grand Rapids, I learned of the many organizations and individuals who enrich our community in so many ways: social service agencies, small and large businesses, arts organizations, educational institutions,” Benz shared. “My eyes were opened to how our community functions at every level.”
And while life may guide us through various changes, there remains a number of ways to continue fostering community as we go. Feuerstein recommends packing your patience and persistence.
“The opportunities are not as built-in as they once were, but it’s not hard—it just requires effort, where it once may have been effortless,” Feuerstein said. “You may have to work at it a little harder and make it a critical priority for wellness. And let me say, socialization is critical to your well-being.
“Take an inventory of the things you enjoy. If you like to read, find a book club at the library. If you like to learn, join a program like CALL (Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning) Or OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). If you like to volunteer, find a robust organization that has active opportunities with a mission you embrace.”
Benz shared that belonging to a community is still possible postretirement, it just might look a bit different than before.
“Especially as we begin our retirements from our former professional lives, we now have the opportunity to contribute to the community in a new way; that is, by sharing the knowledge and wisdom we’ve gained through the years,” Benz said. “Finding your ‘new role’ in the community through volunteering can be exciting and enriching. As older adults, we have the opportunities to give back in ways that were not open to us when we were younger and engaged in raising a family and/or working in a profession. Don’t miss out!”
Ultimately, belonging to a community not only helps others, but enriches your own life, as well.
“Social connections promote good health, combat loneliness and make us more resilient to weather the storms of life,” Feuerstein explained. “Healthy and nurturing intimate relationships increase the likelihood of survival by 50%. Evaluate the relationships in your life and be sure you’re nurturing both to enjoy a meaningful, fulfilling life.”
BY DR. JORDAN
STRATEGIES FOR A HEALTHY BRAIN
Prioritizing brain health is important at any age, but especially as we get older. Many modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet and obesity are increasingly more common as we age. While controlling them at any age is important, it’s especially so in the years when dementia becomes more common. Additionally, the adage, “if you don’t use it, you lose it” begins to hit close to home as we approach retirement years. After retirement, the decrease in mental workload and social interaction can potentially contribute to cognitive decline. One study shows that early retirement can even increase risk for cognitive decline, although it’s likely because of these factors.
Working on modifiable risk factors as early and as intensely as possible is, by far, the best thing you can do for your brain. Don’t wait for the onset of cognitive problems to start making changes—by then, it is too late. Some healthy strategies that may help include:
1. Start a healthy diet. Diets high in foods containing omega-3 such as fish, may reduce the risk for dementia. That same benefit doesn’t seem to come from taking supplements, though. Start with increasing fish in the diet and gradually
Photo © U of M Health-West
GENAGE CENTER FOR LONGEVITY
MENOPAUSE MANAGEMENT THAT ACTUALLY WORKS
Written by Thomas M. Basch, MD.
In 2015, aging became a reality for us. My wife found herself deep in the throes of menopause. Listening as she tearfully shared how she just didn’t feel like herself anymore, that she was losing herself to something that felt so dark and draining. I knew I had to do something to help her.
It’s not as if my wife hadn’t sought help. She tried topical preparations and supplements but just couldn’t get any traction. Not willing to give up, she sought another opinion, but this time, she got shut down.
“You’re passing from maidenhood into matronhood. You’ll get through it,” was the gist of the advice she received. Now that I’ve been practicing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for eight years, I’ve learned that many women are told this same thing when seeking help with menopause. Knowing what I now know, it infuriates me.
She saw another physician who was practicing BHRT, and after lab tests confirmed
Photo © iStock
she was severely hormonedeficient, she started her BHRT treatment. Eight weeks later, my wife was herself again. Happy, vibrant, energized … feeling like she once again belonged inside her body.
As I’ve expanded my knowledge, I’ve realized that BHRT, critical as it is, comprises just one part of a new model for treating menopause. BHRT unlocks the potential for a renewed life, but truly, it’s what we do with this potential that makes it the home run. I envisioned a medical practice that could attend to
all the body’s systems playing a role in longevity and vitality, hormones being just one of them.
I met Dr. Hyung Kim, who’d developed a vision for a medical practice strikingly like what I had in mind. I joined Dr. Kim, and together we formed the GenAge Center and built its exceptional team of specialists. We place BHRT into a comprehensive, sciencedriven program that also incorporates fitness, nutrition, stress reduction, longevity, weight loss and athletic performance.
We are proud to bring the GenAge Center to women of West Michigan. See Genagecenter.com or call 616.737.1710
... continued from page 17.
add in other aspects of the Mediterranean diet. This can not only lower risk for dementia but also lower risk for heart disease and stroke.
2. Start exercising or exercise more. Getting in physical activity which raises your heart rate for at least 30 minutes several days a week is a great habit to get into. If you can get that up to five days or more on a weekly basis, and continue this year after year, you can see a reduction in risk for dementia.
3. Prioritize sleep. A lack of quality sleep can not only leave you feeling tired the next day but can also increase the risk for dementia. Working on getting at least six hours of good sleep on a nightly basis can be helpful. People should also avoid certain sleep medications such as ones containing diphenhydramine, which can worsen memory and affect sleep quality. Additionally, if there’s an untreated sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, that should be taken care of and treated adequately. This can also reduce the risk for dementia.
4. Monitor and control blood pressure. If you or your doctor have been noticing occasional high blood pressure readings, take it seriously. High blood pressure left untreated places people at a much higher risk for several health issues including stroke and dementia. In many cases, it’s easily controlled with lifestyle changes or medication so there’s really no reason not to.
WHAT’S TRUE?
Of the outdated or inaccurate information that’s out there, some of the most problematic is the promotion of brain-boosting or protecting supplements. There have been several fads through the years, such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, vitamin E, as well as many branded products, but none of them have any rigorous or convincing scientific proof that they provide any benefit. Not only are people roped into spending money on products with little to no benefit, but they’re also unfortunately investing in false hope which can be damaging in its own way.
WHEN TO GET HELP
It can be difficult to know when to get professional help for yourself or a loved one when it comes to brain health. Many times, the early symptoms of a serious issue may seem minor, such as forgetting an appointment or mixing up bill payments. If there are concerns, it’s always advisable to run through the common things that affect brain health such as poor sleep, diet and stress/mood with your health professional to see if any of these might be contributing. If not, it could be worthwhile having further testing done to see if there’s a major developing problem.
If nothing else, a health professional can help guide you through some of the above options to maximize brain health. As more treatments come to market over the next decade, there will be more and more options for treatment and those options should be taken advantage of as early as possible.
Jordan Taylor, DO, is a Neurologist with University of Michigan Health-West.
Photo © Mary Rademacher
BY SARAH SUYDAM
GOING GRAY CONFIDENTLY
Going gray with your hair is one aspect of aging that some women dislike, while others are eager to embrace their silver strands. While there’s no “right way” to age, it can be incredibly empowering to welcome this change.
For Mary Rademacher, a West Michigan woman and national touring vocal performer, going gray was something her mother, Pat, had always talked about doing—and did—once she turned 60.
“Her hair ended up being a beautiful, wavy snow white, and so much healthier than it had been in all the years of her dying her own hair,” Rademacher recalled. “My sister and I both hoped we would inherit that gene.”
As Rademacher approached 60 herself, she’d toyed with the idea of going gray, fully committing once the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“My hair was so dark, that the upkeep on my roots had turned into every two to three weeks, so it wasn’t really about saving money, as I usually did it myself, but more about convenience … and acceptance,” she said. “I kind of joined the bandwagon with a lot of other women who went gray during that time and it was a fun journey to watch all of us together.”
There was a moment when Rademacher’s sister and her friends encouraged her to keep her darker hair, but her mind was already made up.
“I just laughed and said I was going to go through with it and if I changed my mind I could always go back—I was really committed to totally growing it out,” Rademacher said. “Why mask it or spend money to alter it when I really wanted to see what was under there and witness the transformation? So I let it grow for months and had the awful ‘half and half,’ but then cut it off until it was a pixie and let it grow out from there again.”
For Rademacher, rocking her natural gray hair—and even deciding to grow it longer than her hair was before—feels great.
“I absolutely love my gray hair! I am blessed to have beautiful, healthy curly hair and that didn’t change when it grew out thankfully, which I was apprehensive about,” she said. “Yes, there are still days—moments, really—that I miss my dark hair, but there’s really no reason to go back. This is me!”
Rademacher says she’s not trying to prove that she’s younger or needs dark hair to be youthful or beautiful.
“I am just right the way I am,” she proudly declared. “I’ve added purple or pink highlights occasionally, which are super fun to me. And, I throw on a fun wig now and then when I perform just for fun, too. Why not?! With age comes an ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude. It’s freeing, really.”
When it comes to making the choice to go with the gray, Rademacher stresses that it’s a personal choice. If you’re among the women considering it, she advises to try it if it feels good, but change it if it doesn’t!
“Although many women have made the transition to gray, not everyone’s ready for it and I hold no judgment,” Rademacher said. “There is a certain sisterhood and camaraderie among women who have gone gray and it’s fun to share that. I’ve gotten so many compliments from young and old, men and women.
“But it comes down to just being my true self. It feels good to me. And that’s enough.” WMW
WOMEN’S+ HEALTH COLLECTIVE
DO YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?
» Urinary urgency, frequency, or leaking.
» Constipation or diarrhea.
» Pelvic heaviness, pressure or pain.
SPECIAL SECTION
» Less intense or difficulty with orgasms.
» Pre or postnatal physical changes.
If you answered “yes” to any of these, call 616.600.4950 and we’ll help you schedule with Lily Dawson, DPT.
Photo © Emily Moelker Photography
BEACON HILL AT EASTGATE
TOGETHER, WE THRIVE: INDEPENDENT LIVING AT BEACON HILL
As study after study have confirmed, the two most important factors in determining quality of life as we age are physical health and social interaction. But balancing the desire for independence with the need to connect with others can become increasingly challenging for older adults. Even eating well and exercising regularly becomes more difficult over time. This is why, for more and more families looking to take proactive steps to age well, a Life Plan Community such as Beacon Hill at Eastgate is the ideal option.
As an acknowledged frontrunner in senior living, Beacon Hill is a community in every sense of the word. Here in this quiet residential corner of Grand Rapids, residents take an active interest in every aspect of life. They live comfortably in beautifully appointed apartment homes. They enjoy access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a panorama of social, cultural and entertainment programs. They have their choice of four distinct on-site dining venues, serving options that are on par with the region’s best restaurants. And they maximize their ability to maintain physical health, functionality, and vitality as they get older.
Most importantly, as a Life Plan Community, Beacon Hill also provides residents with the comfort of knowing they have access to the complete continuum of care services on its Eastgate campus, assuring that there is a plan in place should the need for care arise, and that, if it does, they won’t need to leave campus for health reasons.
Beacon Hill at Eastgate offers a multitude of Independent Living floor plans with stunning views and a flexible pricing program with a refundable entrance deposit. And, no matter where you or your family members choose to live within Beacon Hill, you can live well in the knowledge that you’ve come to the right place at the right time of life.
To learn more about the future of senior living in Grand Rapids, call 616.727.7167 or visit BeaconHillGR.org.
Photos © Justin Hill
BY SARAH SUYDAM
INFLATION-PROOFING YOUR INVESTMENTS
IInflation has been on the minds of many for quite some time now, and it’s not hard to understand why. Whether it’s a grocery bill, interest rates or otherwise, most people are feeling the effects of inflation in some shape or form. The good news? There are some steps you can take to soften the blow.
To learn more about inflation-proofing your investments, we connected with Kimberly Lynn Martin, CPFA, C(k)P, CFP, CIMA, MIC, Senior Resident Director and Senior Vice President with Hammond, Martin & Associates in Muskegon.
Martin—who began her career as a Merrill Institutional Consultant in 1989 and has received a number of accolades for her industry excellence—says the primary way an investor can protect their finances from inflation is through diversification across asset classes, which can reduce the impact of market fluctuations on one’s overall net worth.
“This is important to think about in the current climate because CPI (All Urban NSA) was up 17.76% on a cumulative basis from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023,” Martin explained. “Over the same period, the S&P 500 Price Return index was up 26.99%, which equates to a real return of 9.23% when factoring in inflation. This highlights the significant negative impact inflation
can have on your portfolio returns.”
Martin shares that in the current environment, she’s speaking more with clients about “real return” or “inflation hedged” investments to keep up with or outperform inflation.
“Some examples that may work for some portfolios include Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS), Precious Metals (i.e. Gold), Commodities, Dividend-Paying Stocks, and Real Estate,” Martin said.
She added that investors may consider prioritizing their emergency fund to ensure savings keep up with rising costs and placing those savings in a high yield savings account or CDs to provide further protection against rising prices.
“Regardless of the strategies used, an investor should always remember to employ diversification, as that’s a key component to reduce portfolio volatility, which can have a material impact on financial plans,” she explained.
But what about inflation’s impact on existing debt?
“When inflation is at an elevated level, the Federal Reserve increases interest rates, which raises the cost of debt,” Martin said, adding this can also reduce an investor’s ability to repay their debt in a timely manner because a higher portion of their
Financial Stock Photo © Adobe Stock
periodic payments are now going toward interest instead of principal. “To combat this issue, some investors are placing their savings in a high yield savings account, CDs or some other stable yielding investment to offset some of the increased interest cost, allowing them to continue to pay off debt in a timely manner.
“They may also consider eliminating unnecessary expenses (i.e., subscription services, etc.) to bolster their household budget so they can increase debt repayments to offset some of the cost associated with higher rates.”
Martin also noted that inflation assumptions—projected outcomes for the future—can be incorporated into long-term financial plans by using an average figure (i.e. 2.44%) to determine the long-term effect (or drag) it has on their outcomes.
“This allows for an investor to consider the long-term impact of inflation on their goals ahead of time so they can budget accordingly and create a portfolio that will provide the appropriate level of diversification to insulate against periods when inflation is elevated,” Martin said.
Overall, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your finances from the effects of inflation.
“A specific resource we recommend for tracking and managing the impact of inflation on one’s finances is having a comprehensive personal financial plan—a plan that incorporates your net worth statement, asset allocation, income, expenses and goals into a comprehensive report,” she said.
“This data will provide a path to the funding status of your goals. As things change, such as higher inflation, your plan should model scenarios that explore shifts in your portfolio to potentially increase the probability of successfully achieving your goals.” WMW
© Kimberly L. Martin, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
KIMBERLY LYNN MARTIN, CPFA, C( k )P, CFP, CIMA, MIC
Senior Resident Director, Senior Vice President, Hammond, Martin & Associates
FORCED FAMILY FUN IN WISCONSIN DELLS
IIt was eight years ago when my family and I ventured out and started some good old fashioned #forcedfamilyfun!
As a mother of twin boys who has a passion for travel, my husband and I decided to buy a camper. Over the years, we towed it all over Michigan, experiencing the highlights of what makes our great home state so special. This summer, we decided to venture outside of Michigan and try something new!
We took our camper, via the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry Service, across to the “Waterpark Capital of the World”—Wisconsin Dells—for a week-long adventure! The S.S. Badger provides the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes. It not only transports passengers, but vehicles, motorcycles, and yes, campers!
We arrived at the loading dock in Ludington, hopped out of our truck and watched the staff back our camper (with serious expertise) onto the ship before boarding for the unique journey to Manitowoc. As someone who’s turned a few boats around from seasickness, I was a bit weary, but a calm day and motion sickness bands did the trick! Whether you prefer watching movies, playing trivia or Bingo, visiting the ship’s museum or logging onto the internet to get some work done, the S.S. Badger has so much to offer, making the four-hour trip go by with ease!
After disembarking, it was a short two and half-hour drive from Manitowoc to the Wisconsin Dells, where we set up camp and ventured out to see what all the fuss was about.
Situated along the Wisconsin River, we started our adventures by renting a pontoon to get a look at the upper Wisconsin Dells. With fishing lines in the water, we set off to view the cliffs, canyons, dam and rock formations made of Cambrian sandstone. While the boys didn’t get the big fish they were hoping for, we did have a relaxing afternoon to ease into a week of activities!
No trip to the Dells would be complete without visiting one of many thrilling water parks! Though Noah’s Ark is the area’s largest, and Land of Natura is the newest, we chose Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort because of its offerings of both rollercoasters and the water rides. From gokarts, to waterslides, to wave pools, to roller coasters, Mt. Olympus did not disappoint. The nine-foot wall of waves every two minutes in the wave pool knocked us over, providing quite a few laughs. The lazy river was the fastest we’ve experienced, and their newest slide “The Rise of Icarus” sits 145 feet in the air and provided a thrill ride for the boys. The highlight of the day,
BY KASIE SMITH
“...if you want to create some #forcedfamilyfun activities for yourself, there truly is something for everyone!”
though, was the ride on Hades 360. With speeds of 70 mph and a 140-foot drop, the wooden rollercoaster exceeded anything the boys have ridden to date!
From there, it was time to enjoy some history. What better way than aboard the Original Wisconsin Duck Tours? Since 1946, the duck boats have provided an adventure on both land and sea, taking passengers through the Dell scenic park, into the Wisconsin river and onto Lake Delton! If you’ve never done a duck tour, it’s quite the experience.
We decided to save the most thrilling attraction—Big Foot Zip Lines—for last. We ziplined over 6,000 feet on seven lines through the forest and over the rivers; a beautiful, fun and exhilarating experience.
Finally, it was time to slow down and experience Ishnala Supper Club. For 71 years, they’ve served guests amazing food, a world-class “old fashioned” and have provided a unique dining experience. Though no reservations are allowed— and guests can wait up to four hours for a table—our hour and a half wait was completely worth it, thanks to beautiful views, great service and wonderful food. It was an experience we won’t soon forget!
Activities and attractions are endless in the Wisconsin Dells, so if you want to create some #forcedfamilyfun activities for yourself, there truly is something for everyone! WMW
Lake Michigan Carferry Ssbadger.com
Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau Wisdells.com
Holiday Shores Campground Holiday-shores.com
Holiday Shores Watersports Holidayshoreswatersports.com
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort Mtolympuspark.com
Original Wisconsin Ducks Wisconsinducktours.com
Bigfoot Zipline Tours Bigfootzip.com
Ishnala Supper Club Ishnala.com Pirates Cove Piratescovewisconsindells.com
Double Cut Steak House Doublecutsteakhouse.com
Chalet Lanes Chaletlanes.com
Photo
Kasie Smith
PPAOLA CARLSON: SHARING HER COLOMBIAN CULTURE, ONE DISH AT A TIME
Paola Andrea Carlson, Owner and CEO Pochis Sweet Designs and Pochis Colombian Restaurant, arrived to the U.S. from Colombia six years ago with a bag of luggage, her daughter Gabriela, dog Yoda, and a heart full of dreams and ambitions. After a few years of being at home and learning English, Carlson started her business, working with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan during the pandemic to bring her hobby of decorating bottles and making chocolate covered strawberries and macaroons to the community, hosting sales online and at local fairs and festivals. Through hard work and perseverance, Carlson’s successes have continued to mount. In 2021, she won Start Garden’s 5x5 in Spanish, and in 2022, she was honored as a Brilliance Awards Brilliant Entrepreneur nominee and added five of her products to over 250 Meijer stores, in turn generating employment for more than 320 single mothers in Carlson’s native country. She also spearheaded the city’s first Colombian Festival.
In January 2023, Carlson opened the doors of the first Colombian Cafe in the city, which quickly became a meeting center for many cultures, especially Colombian. As of February, the cafe became known as Pochis Colombian Restaurant & Café, a restaurant offering a wide variety of typical Colombian dishes (which are 100% gluten free) and incredible Colombian coffee, known as the best in the world.
Carlson’s company motto (“We love what we do”) and her mission (“If you can’t go to Colombia, we will bring you Colombia!”) serve as a marker for her passion and dedication to her culture and community.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR CREATING DELICIOUS TREATS COME FROM?
My passion for creating our food, desserts and sweets that I import comes from wanting to make our Colombian culture and customs known in Michigan; the passion for wanting to make my country known in this state and wanting to share the variety and flavors that characterize us!
YOU’RE COMPETING IN THE UPCOMING AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY TASTE OF HOPE CHEF’S COMPETITION! TELL US ABOUT THE EVENT AND WHY YOU’RE EXCITED TO BE INVOLVED.
We are happy to participate in this good cause, helping to raise money to help people with cancer who need our help to have the hope of continuing with their dreams. We also know that we are going to delight all attendees with a unique and flavor-rich meal originating in Colombia!
WHERE CAN FOLKS FIND AND ENJOY EVERYTHING POCHIS SWEET DESIGNS HAS TO OFFER? WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE?
You can find us at Pochis Colombian Restaurant & Café at 44 Ionia SW Downtown in Grand Rapids and our coffee and sweets at 261 Meijer stores! Don’t forget to support us by buying our products at Meijer, since by buying there, you help us support and provide employment to 320 single mothers in Colombia. If you’re looking for unique, original, 100% gluten-free food that’s natural and full of flavor, visit our restaurant and learn a little about our culture in the heart of Grand Rapids. WMW
Photo © Isabel Studios
