inside this issueogemawcountyvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hww-p12.pdf · healthy, wealthy...

Inside this Issue...The SYNChRONICITY AND The SOUL .............. 3Relationship of God’s will ...............4A21 Walk for freedom ......................... 8Vaccines ....................................................... 9hDL ChOLeSTeROL ...................................... 10

SEPT.-OCT. 2019

• Ogemaw County Voice SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019Healthy Wealthy & Wise

As close to heaven as one can get...

the Lake Superior Shoreline

InspirationsPhoto by Kathy Collins

By Grange BellI remember when I was a child

going for a Sunday afternoon “ride.”My family (mom, dad and two

sisters) would wake up Sunday morn-ing, get dressed in our “Sunday” clothes, and go to church. On the way home we would stop at a local bakery and pick out our favorite donuts, and enjoy them at home.

At some point in the early after-noon my father would announce “let’s go for a ride.” We all piled in the car, a station wagon, and headed out.

I don’t remember where we went most of the time, I was too busy talking, playing games, arguing, and

being with my sisters in the back seat. The one park I do remember, just south of Lansing in the Holt area, was one that we had to drive through a small creek and climb a hill to get to. My sisters always screamed as we drove through the creek. I, on the other hand, was too “macho” at seven or eight years old, to let it concern me.

Once we got back home after our “ride” everyone seemed to be in a good mood. We all gathered around the TV to watch Bonanza, and remi-nisce about our day.

So, what ever happened to those Sunday afternoon drives?

A Sunday ‘ride’

Healthywealthywise&

IN THIS ISSUESEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019

Vol. 7, Issue 5

GRANGE BELLPublisher

[email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNNIKKI SZYMKOWSKI

SALES AND MARKETINGKATHY COLLINS

Sales and Marketing [email protected]

989-450-6163

Deanna [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSDr. Edward Peszko, MSU Extension,

AnnMarie Shay and Nikki Szymkowski.

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise is published bimonthly by theOgemaw County Voice

107 S. Third, P.O. BOX 22 West Branch, MI 48661Office Phone: 989-701-2541

DISCLAIMER: All content within HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE (HWW) is designed to provide general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for informed medical advice or care. Always consult a healthcare professional if you are in any way concerned about your health.

COPYRIGHT: © 2013-2019. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part withour written permission is stricltly prohibited.

By Nikki SzymkowskiWhen I was 12, in 1982, my dad

passed away from cancer. There are so many great memories that I try to hold on to in my mind to try to keep him alive for me. The camping trips, fishing, going with him golfing, how he was the best joke teller, drank one Pabst Blue Ribbon beer when he came home from a hard day at work. The little things are what make me smile and miss him more. Now that I am 50 those memories are harder to remember.

I recently went to my cousins son’s graduation party in Port Huron and saw my dad’s brother and sister. I have not seen my dad’s sister, Aunt Myra, for about 25 years.

It was great to hear stories of my dad growing up and reminiscing about the past. My Aunt Myra has mentioned that my dad used to do velvet paintings in the mid-70s and

that she had 3 of them at her home in Skandia; she had forgotten to bring them with her to the party. She said that she wanted me to have them. My new husband, Eric, and I were invited to go up to Skandia to pick them up. This was an exciting moment for me to hear that these were still around and that another part of my dad was soon going to be with me.

Two weeks later we packed up the van and headed north to Skan-dia. Seven and a half hours later we arrived and seeing the house that I remember visiting in the mid-’70s brought back so many memories and then being handed the paintings. Let’s just say my emotions were running high.

God is so good to bring my family back into my life and to help me have more pieces of my dad who I miss so much.

Velvet memories

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019 • Ogemaw County VoiceHealthy Wealthy & Wise

Kathy Collins989-450-6163

[email protected]

107 S. Third Street • West Branch

Large selection of imprintedpromotional items perfect for:

Fairs • Expos • WeddingsSporting Events & any Special Occasion

Pens • Sticky Notes • Pencils • Tote Bags • MugsCoozies • Water Bottles • Wristbands • Business Cards

Posters • Raffle Tickets & More!

“The wise choice for promotional products”

By Dr Ed Peszko

Every person needs support, and no support is more powerful than pro-vided by the soul. It offers a contin-uous stream of small and large gifts from something that is beyond our understanding. This is the work of synchronicity, the unseen intelligence that puts you in the right place at the right time.

Synchronicity is never accidental; it has a purpose. It validates that your motive is true. It proves that your trust in the soul is well placed. As our awareness expands, we will receive messages from the soul that are un-mistakable. All we need to do is open ourselves up and receive them. We all can lookback at small and major miracles in our lives. A small mira-cle involves a stroke of luck, or being in the right place at the right time.

A major miracle is quite different. The impossible turns into a certainty and higher guidance intervenes and alters the course of your life. The

soul can create miracles for anyone; the limitations are in our self. When we remove these limitations, nothing will ever be the same again.

God is the infinite power that creates and organizes creation. God is on everyone’s side. Our soul is the link to this power which can arrange any event in time and space. A mean-ingful coincidence doesn’t adequate-ly describe what happens. Coinci-dence links two unlikely happenings. For example, two strangers meet and have the same last name, or went to the same schools. Synchronicity al-ters events to bring in more meaning. For example, two people meet and one has the answer to a problem the other hasn’t been able to solve, and in the process a seed of an idea is given an opportunity to grow. A personal dream is suddenly given the chance to become a reality.

Ed is a local retired physician, he and his wife, Beth, are former busi-ness owners in West Branch.

The Synchronicity and the soul

To advertise in Healthy, Wealthy & Wisecall Kathy at 989-450-6163

Margarine usually tops butter when it comes to heart health.

Margarine is made from vegeta-ble oils, so it contains unsaturated “good” fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These types of fats help reduce low-density lipo-protein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, when substituted for saturated fat.

Butter, on the other hand, is made from animal fat, so it contains more saturated fat.

But not all margarines are created equal, some margarines contain trans fat. In general, the more solid the marga-rine, the more trans fat it contains. So stick margarines usually have more

trans fat than tub margarines do.Trans fat, like saturated fat, in-

creases blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. In addition, trans fat lowers high-density lipopro-tein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol levels. So skip the stick and opt for soft or liquid margarine instead.

Look for a spread that doesn’t have trans fats and has the least amount of saturated fat. When compar-ing spreads, be sure to read the nutrition facts panel and check the grams of

saturated fat and trans fat. Limit the amount you use to limit the calories.

Which spread is better for my heart - butter or margarine?

West Branch Chiropractic CenterDrew J. Marentette, D.C.

989-345-3310We accept most insurances

Monday and Wednesday • 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Tuesday and Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday • 9 a.m. to Noon

Walk-Ins Welcome

110 E. Houghton Ave. • West Branch

Feel Better, Move Better & Live Better

The CottageAdult Day ServicesAt The Cottage we understand that a break from your caregiver or just a trip out of the house can mean as much to your health as a visit to the doctor’s office. Your loved ones can rest assured that we will offer you a variety of experiences based on your needs.

Join us at The Cottage, your home-away-from-home!Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. * By Reservation Only Please *The Cottage

1528 S. M-33 • West BranchFor more information call989-345-3010 ext., 1810


By Dr. Ed PeszkoRelationships play an important

role in our lives. An important step is knowing and doing the will of God. No person is an island. We all have someone to relate to. Most have families, a father, a mother, brother, sister, wife, husband, son or daugh-ter. We also have extended families. Each one in our family will interact with us differently, according to their role in our relationship.

Our relationship with God depends on how much we know Him. From that source our other relationships are defined. We may not know this but this is true. If our relationship to God is not tuned well, we will behave as just humans to others. Our relation-ship to God depends on how much practice you have in knowing and doing the will of God. If you do not know your interactions with others is purely human.

Human interactions are always reactions and not action first. We tend to react to others from what they do to us. Divine interaction is always action regardless of their actions. The fundamental difference between hu-man and divine relationships is God’s will, teaching us how to treat each other regardless of how they treat us.

We fear and suffer disappointments and discouragement from human reactions. These come by natural consequences for every action and reaction. When God acts it is out of love and not revenge or payback. Humans have this payback mentality.

God operates from forgiveness, mercy and love and humans do not by nature. That is why we need to learn and do the will of God on a dai-ly basis. This will teach us to behave like God in our relationships with others through love, forgiveness and kindness.

If God forgave you and you are grateful, then it should show in your relations to others. You will be for-giving and loving, remembering what God has done for you. Instead of tak-ing revenge you will forgive, instead of hating you will love and instead of gossip you will talk lovingly about others. You will promote brotherly kindness and love.

It is not easy, but when you begin to produce knowing and doing the will of God it will become second nature to you. You will do this because you will have strength from Him as you know and obey Him.

Ed is a local retired physician. He and his wife, Beth, are former busi-ness owners in West Branch.

One size does not fit all.

No pitcher-type or faucet-mount water filters can successfully solve all your drinking water problems. That takes the Culligan®

Aqua-Cleer® Advanced Drinking Water System.Here’s why:

• The Aqua-Cleer is fully customizable; there is a suite of 13 different filters that can go into the Aqua-Cleer. If your water has lead-for-instance-there’s a filter for that. If your water has arsenic, there’s a filter for that. And so on until yuour water has been custom-filtered to be as pure as possible

• You’ll have bottled water quality at just pennies per gallon.

• Just call 1-800-CULLIGAN to have your water tested. That’s the fist step to putting the Aqua-Cleer system to work for you-and your family.

$9.95 /month For the first 3 monthsWhen you rent a Culligan Aqua-Cleer®

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Limited time offer. Dealer participation may vary

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Not valid with any other offers. Impurities may not be in your water. Subject to credit approval. Financing programs available. Since Culligan dealers are independently owned and operated, offers and participation may vary © 2008 Culligan International Company.

Relationship with God’s will

As I get older, time seems to just fly by. Every year seems shorter.Blame it on how your brain marks time – through fresh experiences that

create memories. Growing up, you’re learning and changing and making memories. Then, as an adult, you settle down into a routine, which makes the days, weeks, months and even years start to blur.

“When those days don’t change, they meld together until something – such as seeing a friend’s grown child you haven’t seen since age two – shocks you back into memory mode,” said British psychologist Claudia Hammond, author of Time Warped: Unlocking the Mysteries of Time Perception.

To keep time from flying by, you need to deliberately create new memories, Hammond explains. “Go somewhere different and do new things this week-end. On Monday, when you look back, the weekend will feel as if it were a longer period of time.”

Source: AARP Magazine


Animal-assisted therapy can reduce pain and anxiety in people with a range of health problems.

Is medicine going to the dogs? Yes, but in a good way. Pet therapy is gain-ing fans in health care and beyond. Find out what’s behind this growing trend.

What is pet therapy?Pet therapy is a broad term that

includes animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted activities. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders.

Animal-assisted activ-ities, on the other hand, have a more general purpose, such as providing comfort and enjoyment for nursing home residents.

How does animal-assist-ed therapy work?

Imagine you’re in the hospital. Your doctor mentions the hospital’s animal-assisted therapy program and asks if you’d be inter-ested. You say yes, and your doctor arranges for someone to tell you more about the program. Soon after that, an assistance dog and its handler visit your hospital room. They stay for 10 or 15 minutes. You’re invited to pet

the dog and ask the handler questions.After the visit, you realize you’re

smiling. And you feel a little less tired and a bit more optimistic. You can’t wait to tell your family all about that charming canine. In fact, you’re already looking forward to the dog’s next visit.

Who can benefit from animal-assist-ed therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce pain, anxiety,

depression and fatigue in people with a range of health problems:

Children having dental proceduresPeople receiving cancer treatmentPeople in long-term care facilitiesPeople with cardiovascular diseasesPeople with dementia

Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

People with anxietyAnd it’s not only people with health

problems who reap the benefits. Fam-ily members and friends who sit in on animal visits say they feel better, too.

Pet therapy is also being used in nonmedical settings, such as universi-ties and community programs, to help people deal with anxiety and stress.

Does pet therapy have risks?The biggest concern,

particularly in hospitals, is safety and sanitation. Most hospitals and other facilities that use pet therapy have stringent rules to ensure that the animals are clean, vacci-nated, well-trained and screened for appropriate behavior.

Animal-assisted thera-py in action

More than a dozen registered therapy dogs and their handlers are part of Mayo Clin-ic’s Caring Canines program. They make regular visits to various

hospital departments and even make special visits on request. The dogs are a welcome distraction and help reduce the stress and anxiety that can accom-pany hospital visits.

Pet therapy: Animals as healers Ask thefraud team...

My dad likes to play with phone scammers and lead them on. I say just hang up. Who’s right?

We hear often about people who like to waste scammers’ time by messing with them. But that’s risky. These guys are pros and might be using the call to fish for info on you – trying to find out if you have a computer, for example, or figure out your birth date or other personal information. Also, scammers sometimes use dialing systems that track the length of conversations. If it’s more than a few seconds, you might be tagged as a top target – meaning lots more calls. Best advice: Don’t pick up unless you know who is calling. And if you do pick up and it’s a scam call, hang up.

BENEFICIARY – The person or party named by the owner of a life insurance policy to receive the policy benefit.

FACE AMOUNT – The amount of the death benefit payable under a life insurance policy.

CASH VALUE – The savings element of a permanent life insurance policy, which represents

the policy owner’s interest in the policy.

INSURABLE INTEREST – The interest an insurance policy owner has in the risk that is insured.

The owner of a life insurance policy has an insurable interest in the insured when the policy owner is likely to benefit if the insured continues to live and is likely to suffer loss if the

insured dies.

TERM LIFE INSURANCE - A life insurance policy that provides a stated benefit upon the

holder's death, provided that the death occurs within a certain specified time period. Policy

does not build up a cash value.

WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE – A basic type of permanent life insurance. It provides coverage that lasts a lifetime and also builds up a cash value that you can borrow against, withdraw or use to pay future premiums.

Strength and Clarity, when you need it most

817 W Houghton Ave | West Branch, MI 48661

(989) 345-0200 | www.DieboldInsurance.com

Life insurance can be confusing. Whether you select a term or permanent life insurance policy, this glossary will help you understand the basic types of coverage along with the terms included in a typical policy.

Diebold Insurance Agency can help you determine what kind of policy fits your needs.

How Much Life Insurance Do I

Need?

Think about your personal

circumstances: Is yours the sole

income in your household? Are

there other expenses, such as

college tuition, that may arise in

the future? Don’t forget to

include potential medical and

funeral costs.

Call (989) 345-0200 to start the

conversation.


Childhood vaccines offer protec-tion from serious or potentially fatal diseases. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your child’s vac-cinations are up to date.

Given the vaccine schedule’s com-plexity and frequent updates, it can be challenging to understand which vaccines your children need and when. Find out how to stay on top of your child’s vaccines.

What vaccinations does my child need?

The vaccine schedule is designed to ensure that children receive vac-cines at the optimal time to protect them from infectious diseases. The schedule is updated every year, and changes range from the addition of a

new vaccine to tweaks of current rec-ommendations. To determine exactly which vaccines your child needs now and which vaccines are coming up, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommenda-tions.

If your child has health issues, such as HIV, or if you’re plan-ning to travel outside the United States, talk to your doctor about whether your child needs to follow a different vaccine schedule. If you’re ever unsure about

which vaccines your child needs, don’t hesitate to ask the doctor.

How can I keep track of my child’s vaccinations?

You can request an immunization tracking card from your child’s doctor or your state health depart-ment. Bring the card with you to all of your child’s doctor visits. Ask your

child’s doctor or nurse to record the vaccine given, date and dosage on the card. You might also note on the card which doctor’s office provided

the vaccine in case you need official records later on.

What if my child misses a vaccine?If your child misses a dose of a

vaccine, ask your child’s doctor about scheduling a catch-up vaccination as soon as possible.

How can I find out if my child meets school vaccination require-ments?

Immunization requirements — as well as allowable exemptions — can vary by state, and might be regularly updated or changed. If you’re not sure of your state’s requirements, check with your child’s school or child care facility, your child’s doc-tor, or your state health department.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Vaccines: Keep your child’s shots on track

Jonathan Berns, DDSGeneral Dentistry

Accepting New Patients with a Smile!Most insurances accepted

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

989-345-0802278 N. Burgess St.

West Branch 48661

West Branch Collision, Inc.Your #1 Unibody Frame Specialist

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Healthy isn’t a goal it’s a way of life.Live the good life!


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Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm989-345-5363

For emergency coverage call 989-345-5363 & follow the prompts1938 Dam Road, West Branchwww.westbranchvet.com

Don’t forget to stop by and visit uson Halloween 2019!


By Deb WilliamsAn abolitionist is defined as a

person who favors the abolition of a practice or institution, especially slavery. Some famous abolitionists were Frederick Douglas, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and William Wil-berforce. Perhaps the most famous abolitionist was John Brown (1800-1859). He was passionate to end slavery and advocated the use of armed insurrection to overthrow the institution of slavery in our country. Frederick Douglas wrote “His zeal in the cause of my race was far greater than mine - I could live for the slave, but he could die for him.”

John Brown was probably best known for the raid on Harpers Ferry. This raid was led on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry Virginia. He intended to start a slave liber-

ation movement. This resulted in the murder of seven people and the conviction of John Brown for trea-son. He was executed by hanging at the age of 59, after reading the bible and writing a letter to his wife. John Brown is also remembered for the song -”John Brown’s Body,” a popu-lar Union fighting song that portrayed him as a martyr.

For the past few years we have vis-ited Harpers Ferry and many of the Civil War battlegrounds. I am always humbled by this trip and the sacrific-es to abolish slavery in our country. Christine Caine is a modern-day abolitionist. She does not advocate violence, but she is fighting against modern day slavery, also known as

human trafficking. With her husband Nick, she founded the A21 Campaign, a non-profit non-govern-

mental organization that fights to “abolish slavery everywhere, forever.” With 12 offices in 11 countries, their aim is to prevent human trafficking through awareness, to protect trafficked vic-tims in their shelters and transition homes, to prosecute traffickers and strengthen the legal response. They also partner with law enforce-ment, individuals, corporations and other non-governmental

agencies to end human trafficking in the 21st century.

Our community can also be a part of the effort. On Oct. 19, we will be participating with thousands of abolitionists throughout the world in

the A21 Walk for Freedom. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Irons Park Pavilion in West Branch. It will be about one and a half-milelong and end at the Tolfree Wellness Park (MidMichigan Medical Center). We will walk in silence through town, wearing black.

The goal is to increase awareness of human trafficking in our commu-nity.

Registration will be at 9:30 at Irons Park or you can register at the A21

website.Slavery did not end with the Civil

War. It is happening today. In our world. In our nation. In our state. And in our town.

Deb Williams is co-chairman of the Ogemaw County Human Trafficking Community Group.

For more information see the A21 website or call or text 989-387-2203.

A21 Walk for FreedomBe an abolitionist!

For anyone who has ever cared for an elderly parent, a spouse, family member or friend with a chronic illness, I salute you. Caregivers are silent heroes, quietly holding a heavy burden, taking each day’s challenges head on. Often times they are sleep deprived and are so busy caring for their loved one they forget to care for themselves. Although they may need help, many will never ask. They are selfless in their quest to fill the needs of the one they are helping. They live under constant stress trying to balance life. They rarely com-plain. The world buzzes around them like a swarm of bees, leaving them in a fog that can become dense and heavy. Small tasks can become giant mountains to climb. Holidays, that used to be enjoyable, can become daunting. Sometimes they find themselves silently screaming, praying for strength to continue on. Caregivers go through a myriad of emo-tions. Anger can erupt like a bubbling volcano due to the unyielding pressures. Later that anger often times turns into guilt. But like a soldier they continue on taking each day’s battle with their head held high. We worry about caregivers and rightly so. Working in hospice I have seen countless caregivers fall to illness because of their daily burdens. Look around you. I imagine you can name at least one person with the life I described above. In a world filled with chaos, we have the opportunity to make difference in other people’s lives. We can impact others positively or negatively. Caregivers need to be recognized. Sometimes we offer help, but often, because it is so generalized (”Let me know if there is anything I can do”) it goes un-accepted. How can we expect the caregiver to think of something we can do to help when they can hardly balance their day to day existence? If we truly want to help, ask specific questions. Offer to bring dinner, or mow their lawn. Try to anticipate a specific need and fill it. Ask them how they are doing and when they respond “fine” ask them how they are really doing? Take the time to listen. Allow them to let their wall down and feel safe. Be empathetic, responsive and always non-judgmental.If you are a caregiver today, I encourage you to reach out. People want to help, they just don’t know what to do. Take moments. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Know that it’s ok to get angry sometimes. Find someone to confide in. Understand that you are doing the best that you can. Give yourself credit and don’t forget to eat and rest when you can. Ask your Commission on Aging what services are out there to assist you. Be open to home care or hospice if you qualify. Find a caregiver support group. Compassus offers a caregiver support group in Mio at the Oscoda Council on Aging on the second Tuesday of every month at 12:45pm. It is free and open to anyone who wants to come. Call (989) 324-8430 for more information.Most of us will one day be a caregiver of some type. If we are mindful to help others today, perhaps others will be there for us when we are in need. Let’s make our footprint in life with simple acts of kindness. Who knows? Maybe we will be healthier because of it.Teresa Rapp

COPING WITH GRIEF OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Who’s going to carve the tur-

key?

I don’t have the energy to

decorate…

I feel too empty to celebrate

Grief is not a tidy, orderly process and there is no right nor wrong way to go about it. Every person does it differently. Families and friends may not understand your feelings and this can cause emotions to collide. Holidays can magnify your loss. Watching others who are joyful or celebrating when we are overwhelmed or sad can be painful. Holidays force us to realize how much our lives have changed since the loss of our loved one. The music, parties and festive decorations can heighten our sense of loss. The year my father passed, I found myself in a fog, going through motions and yet somehow disconnected.

There are some things you can do to help. Every tip will not be helpful for everyone, but if you can find one thing to give you a little peace during this stressful time, take it.

Simplify your holiday…set realistic expectations of yourself. It’s ok if you choose not to send those holiday cards just be-cause you always did in the past. Shop on line if it feels too overwhelming to go to a store. No one is going to fault you for not putting your outside Christmas lights up. Give yourself a break this year and limit your expectations to some-thing that is more manageable for you and your family.

Surround yourself with people who love and support you. Be sure to express your needs to them. Seek help from a physi-cian, a counselor or a spiritual leader if your depression becomes too great.

Try to avoid cancelling the holiday, but know and let others know that your holiday may look different this year. It’s ok to utilize your “pass card” if you can’t get yourself to go to a special party. Have an exit strategy if you go and find yourself overwhelmed. Stop apologizing to others. Your feelings are real, you don’t need to justify or apologize for them.

Take care of yourself physically. Eating healthy, exercising and getting a good night’s rest will assist you through this time. Try to avoid depressants.

Draw comfort in doing something for someone else. Volunteer for a project, help someone in need. Keeping busy and fo-cusing on others will help you feel better.

Pay tribute to your loved one by lighting a candle, sharing stories or donating money in their name. You honor them by re-membering them.

Make a new tradition. Do something different this year. Talk to your family and get them involved in making new memories for the holidays.

Grief is not what we want to avoid, it is the pain. With the help of your friends/family you will heal. You will find a place in which the good memories of your loved one will outweigh the pain of your loss. There will be a time when sharing their stories and memories gives a sense of love and gratefulness for the time you had together. Until then, know that you are not alone in your grief and we are here to support you. We are Compassus Hospice (formerly Hospice Advantage) and have had the privilege of serving hundreds of patients and families since we opened our northern Michigan office in 2010.

Compassus Hospice holds “Healing Together” community grief support meetings in West Branch, Houghton Lake, Grayling, Gaylord and Fairview. These are free and open to the community. Please call (989) 343-2470 for times and dates. Together we can heal. Written by Teri Rapp Hospice Liaison Compassus Northern Michigan

COPING WITH GRIEF OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Who’s going to carve the tur-

key?

I don’t have the energy to

decorate…

I feel too empty to celebrate

Grief is not a tidy, orderly process and there is no right nor wrong way to go about it. Every person does it differently. Families and friends may not understand your feelings and this can cause emotions to collide. Holidays can magnify your loss. Watching others who are joyful or celebrating when we are overwhelmed or sad can be painful. Holidays force us to realize how much our lives have changed since the loss of our loved one. The music, parties and festive decorations can heighten our sense of loss. The year my father passed, I found myself in a fog, going through motions and yet somehow disconnected.

There are some things you can do to help. Every tip will not be helpful for everyone, but if you can find one thing to give you a little peace during this stressful time, take it.

Simplify your holiday…set realistic expectations of yourself. It’s ok if you choose not to send those holiday cards just be-cause you always did in the past. Shop on line if it feels too overwhelming to go to a store. No one is going to fault you for not putting your outside Christmas lights up. Give yourself a break this year and limit your expectations to some-thing that is more manageable for you and your family.

Surround yourself with people who love and support you. Be sure to express your needs to them. Seek help from a physi-cian, a counselor or a spiritual leader if your depression becomes too great.

Try to avoid cancelling the holiday, but know and let others know that your holiday may look different this year. It’s ok to utilize your “pass card” if you can’t get yourself to go to a special party. Have an exit strategy if you go and find yourself overwhelmed. Stop apologizing to others. Your feelings are real, you don’t need to justify or apologize for them.

Take care of yourself physically. Eating healthy, exercising and getting a good night’s rest will assist you through this time. Try to avoid depressants.

Draw comfort in doing something for someone else. Volunteer for a project, help someone in need. Keeping busy and fo-cusing on others will help you feel better.

Pay tribute to your loved one by lighting a candle, sharing stories or donating money in their name. You honor them by re-membering them.

Make a new tradition. Do something different this year. Talk to your family and get them involved in making new memories for the holidays.

Grief is not what we want to avoid, it is the pain. With the help of your friends/family you will heal. You will find a place in which the good memories of your loved one will outweigh the pain of your loss. There will be a time when sharing their stories and memories gives a sense of love and gratefulness for the time you had together. Until then, know that you are not alone in your grief and we are here to support you. We are Compassus Hospice (formerly Hospice Advantage) and have had the privilege of serving hundreds of patients and families since we opened our northern Michigan office in 2010.

Compassus Hospice holds “Healing Together” community grief support meetings in West Branch, Houghton Lake, Grayling, Gaylord and Fairview. These are free and open to the community. Please call (989) 343-2470 for times and dates. Together we can heal. Written by Teri Rapp Hospice Liaison Compassus Northern Michigan

Caregivers...Silent Heroes

Is sunscreen from last year still good?When does sunscreen expire?

Sunscreens are required by the Food and Drug Administration to remain at their original strengths for at least three years. This means that you can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next.

Some sunscreens include an expi-ration date — a date indicating when they’re no longer effective. Discard sunscreen that is past its expira-tion date. If you buy sunscreen that doesn’t have an expiration date, write the date of purchase on the bottle. Throw out the bottle when three years have passed since the purchase date.

To keep your sunscreen in good condition, avoid exposing the con-

tainer to excessive heat or direct sun. Place sunscreen containers in the shade or wrap them in a towel. Dis-card sunscreen that has any obvious changes in color or consistency.

Keep in mind that if you use sun-screen generously and frequently, a bottle of sunscreen won’t last long. Generally, a liberal application is one ounce (30 milliliters), the amount in a shot glass, to cover exposed parts of the body. You might need to apply more, depending on your body size. If you have a four-ounce (118-milli-liter) bottle, you’ll use about one-fourth of it during one application.

Source: Mayo Clinic

989-345-0112West Branch • Rose City • St. Helen

Over 100 years experience in helping others

www.steuernolmclaren.com

Markers, Monuments, and Prearrangements

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019 • Ogemaw County VoiceHealthy Wealthy & WiseChocolate, are there health benefits?By Karen Fifield,Michigan State University Extension

Chocolate can soothe the soul – at least that’s what it feels like to some people. So what is in chocolate that can bring peace of mind and relax-ation to many of us?

Never fear, chocolate has some beneficial qualities besides the deli-cious taste – so we can all enjoy our chocolate treats while maintaining a regular exercise routine. While there

are some nutritional benefits to choc-olate, it is still important to moderate the consumed intake.

Chocolate grows on trees in tropi-cal areas of the world. It is harvested twice a year, fermented, transported to factories and then processed into a liquor form of cocoa. It was first used as a drink and thought to be an aphro-disiac, which is why we send choco-lates to our loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate contains antioxidants,

anti-depressants, magnesium and iron; all of which can benefit our health. These properties of chocolate can also help blood pressure and blood clotting. The higher the cocoa content or the darker the chocolate, the higher the benefits, with less sug-ar and an increased bitterness.

Michigan State University Exten-sion recommends eating chocolate in moderation. Chocolate can be too much of a good thing. There are

fats and sugars in chocolate which can give you unwanted calories. Take your time when you indulge in chocolate, savoring the entire flavor and remembering that it can be good for you.

By AnnMarie ShayDue to the many county-wide incident(s) recently, please remind your

child(ren) they were safe then and will continue to be safe because everyone around them is trained to keep them safe!

Also, talking with your children about how to stay safe in scary situations will be a big help in transitioning your children back to school.

Example, empower your kids. Rather than talking about all the negative, focus on talking about the positives.

1-They were safe that day-protected by several adults. 2-Everyone remained calm. 3-Police were there to protect them. 4-School staff is constantly being trained to promote safety in any crisis that

may arise.5-Communication is stronger than ever with administration, teachers, and

parents. 6-Prepare your kids for emergencies - how to protect themselves! 7-Give hugs and tell them how much you love them. 8-Eat cake! Pay attention to being present and mindful. Enjoy eating togeth-

er and talking about how strong they are. 9-Make a treat to take to school. Kindness matters to everyone. 10-Most importantly, increase their spiritual awareness. For example, teach

them to always talk and pray to God when scared. God will always comfort them no matter when, where, or how.

For more information on empowering your kids when going back to school, here are some resources:

www.heysigmund.com/how-to-deal-with-school-anxiety-no-more-distress-ing-goodbyes/

www.childmind.org/wp-content/uploads/Child-Mind-Intitute-Parents-Guide-Traumatic-Event.pdf

Also, feel free to contact our office if you have any concerns or thoughts or need additional resources.

Let’s keep BloomingAnnMarie Shay, MA,

LPC, CTP, NCCBlooming Consultants,

PLLCHale and West Branch

Reinforcing your child’s fears of being safe

The role of fire in forest ecosystemsBy Rob Wiener, Michigan State University Extension

Most people learn early on in life that fire is a bad thing, having been warned of its dangers by their parents, or perhaps learning the lesson first-hand from sitting a little too close to a campfire. For a long time in our country, forest managers also had a similar belief: that forest fires were always detrimental to the ecosystems they were managing, and needed to be extinguished as soon as possible.

This stance by our forest man-agers was significantly driven by experiences our country had with catastrophic fires in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most notably, the Peshtigo Fire in Wisconsin, in 1871, which took the lives of over 1,500 people, making it the deadliest forest fire in U.S. history. Devastating fires such as these helped shaped attitudes (and forest management strategies) for decades to come.

However, as forest managers and

ecologists learned more about the role of fire, management strategies began to change. After the Yellow-stone fires in 1988, which burned over 1,200 square miles, the benefits of allowing forest fires to burn were starting to be understood.

Fire is a natural part of many forest ecosystems, occurring in regular intervals that vary depending on the forest type, forest understory, climate, soil type, and other factors. Natural forest fires are typically start-ed by lightning during the warm and dry seasons, which range from the snowmelt period in spring through the fall. Historically, since these lightning-caused fires occurred at regular intervals, they were success-ful in clearing out old, dead, and/or decaying vegetation bit by bit. Old vegetation was continually being recycled into new growth.

When these types of fires are suppressed, the result is a build-up of fuel. Over a period of years, more and more fuel accumulates, setting

the stage for a catastrophic event, such as what occurred in Yellow-stone in 1988. The Peshtigo Fire was also largely a result of the excessive accumulation of fuel, mainly through logging slash left from the extensive logging that took place during that time period.

Besides preventing catastrophic fires, periodic, smaller-scale forest fires have positive effects on many habitat types. Fire clears out old and overgrown vegetation, and recycles nutrients back into the soil. Addi-tionally, many species have evolved to co-exist with fire. For example, in Michigan, jack pine trees are consid-ered a fire-dependent species—their cones are tightly held together with a glue that only opens with high tem-peratures, which are typically only produced through fire.

Today, one of the ways to safely balance the role of fire with the en-croachment of people and structures into forestland is through prescribed fire. Prescribed fire is when forest

managers purposely set a fire to re-duce fuel loads or obtain some other management objective. They are only undertaken during optimal weather conditions and with the utmost safety protocols in place. Prescribed fire is a tool that allows forest managers to mimic the historic benefits of wild-fire, while maintaining a safer, more controlled strategy.

Contact your local Michigan State University Extension office to learn more about forests and forest man-agement.

Michigan State University is an equal-opportunity institution.

WALK FOR FREEDOM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 201910:00 am

Irons Park Pavilion, West BranchRegistration begins at 9:30 am

PRE-REGISTRATION @ A21.ORG/WEST BRANCHDue to our route, we are unable to accommodate

skates, wheelchairs, strollers, etc.

For more info, call or textDeb 989-387-2203 or Laura 989-387-9035

Slavery did not end with the Civil War. It is happening. Today. In our world. In our nation. In our state. And in our town.

The walk will begin at the Irons Park Pavilion (by the tennis courts) and end at the Tolfree Wellness Park (Mid-Michigan Medical Center). Transportation

back to your vehicle will be available.

• Ogemaw County Voice SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019Healthy Wealthy & WiseWater: How much should you drink every day?

Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids.

How much water should you drink each day? It’s a simple question with no easy answer.

Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years. But your individual water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

No single formula fits everyone. But knowing more about your body’s need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

Health benefits of waterWater is your body’s principal

chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive.

Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, water:

Gets rid of wastes through urina-tion, perspiration and bowel move-ments

Keeps your temperature normalLubricates and cushions jointsProtects sensitive tissuesLack of water can lead to dehydra-

tion — a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

How much water do you need?Every day you lose water through

your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to

function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming bever-ages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the aver-age, healthy adult living in a temper-ate climate need? The National Acad-emies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men

About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20 percent of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.

What about the advice to drink eight glasses a day?

You’ve probably heard the advice, “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.” That’s easy to remember, and it’s a reasonable goal.

Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than eight glass-es a day might be enough. But other people might need more.

Factors that influence water needsYou might need to modify your total

fluid intake based on several factors:Exercise. If you do any activity that

makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to cover the fluid loss. It’s important to drink water before, during and after a workout. If exercise is intense and lasts more than an hour, a sports drink can replace minerals in your blood (electrolytes) lost through sweat.

Environment. Hot or humid weath-er can make you sweat and requires additional fluid intake. Dehydration also can occur at high altitudes.

Overall health. Your body loses fluids when you have a fever, vom-iting or diarrhea. Drink more water or follow a doctor’s recommendation to drink oral rehydration solutions. Other conditions that might require increased fluid intake include bladder infections and urinary tract stones.

Pregnancy or breast-feed-ing. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated. The Office on Wom-en’s Health recommends that preg-nant women drink about 10 cups (2.4 liters) of fluids daily and women who breast-feed consume about 13 cups (3.1 liters) of fluids a day.

Beyond the tap: Other sources of water

You don’t need to rely only on what you drink to meet your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a signifi-cant portion. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are almost 100 percent water by weight.

In addition, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are composed mostly of water. Even caffeinated drinks — such as coffee and soda — can contribute to your daily water intake. But water is your best bet because it’s calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.

Sports drinks should be used only when you’re exercising intensely for more than an hour. These drinks help replace electrolytes lost through per-

spiration and sugar needed for energy during longer bouts of exercise.

Energy drinks are different from sports drinks. Energy drinks generally aren’t formulated to replace electro-lytes. Energy drinks also usually con-tain large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants, sugar, and other additives.

Staying safely hydratedYour fluid intake is probably ade-

quate if:You rarely feel thirstyYour urine is colorless or light

yellowA doctor or registered dietitian can

help you determine the amount of water that’s right for you every day.

To prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. It’s also a good idea to:

Drink a glass of water or other cal-orie-free or low-calorie beverage with each meal and between each meal.

Drink water before, during and after exercise.

Drink water if you’re feeling hungry. Thirst is often confused with hunger.

Although uncommon, it’s possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys can’t excrete the excess wa-ter, the sodium content of your blood is diluted (hyponatremia) — which can be life-threatening.

Athletes — especially if they par-ticipate in long or intense workouts or endurance events — are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who eat an average American diet.

HDL cholesterol: How to boost your ‘good’ cholesterolYour cholesterol levels are an important measure

of heart health. For HDL cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, higher levels are better.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body’s cells. It’s carried through your bloodstream attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can eventually build up within the walls of your blood vessels and narrow the passageways. Sometimes a clot can form and get stuck in the narrowed space, causing a heart attack or stroke. This is why LDL cholesterol is often re-ferred to as “bad” cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol. HDL cho-lesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. HDL picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver where it’s broken down and removed from your body.

If you have high LDL and low HDL choles-terol levels, your doctor will probably focus on lowering your LDL cholesterol first. Medications known as statins — such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) — are the most common treatment for high LDL cholesterol.

What are optimal levels of HDL cholesterol?Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams

(mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood or millimoles (mmol) per liter (L). When it comes to HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are better.

At risk DesirableMen Less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)

60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or aboveWomen Less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L)

60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or aboveTo some extent, people who have naturally high-

er levels of HDL cholesterol are at lower risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s less clear whether that same benefit holds true for people who increase their HDL levels with medications.

Lifestyle changes known to increase HDL, such as moving more, quitting smoking or improving your diet, have been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks. However, medications that specifi-cally increase HDL levels have failed to reduce the rate of heart attacks.

Oddly enough, people who naturally have extremely high HDL levels — above 100 mg/dL (2.5mmol/L) — appear to be at higher risk of heart disease. This may be caused by genetic factors.

Make your lifestyle countHDL levels are typically lower in people who

have metabolic syndrome — a cluster of condi-tions that include obesity, increased blood pressure and high blood sugar levels.

Besides helping you lose weight, increased phys-ical activity can lower your triglycerides, the most common type of fat in your body, while increasing

your HDL levels. Benefits can be seen with as little as 60 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise a week.

In terms of diet, try to avoid trans fats, as they can increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Foods prepared with shortening, such as cakes and cookies, often contain trans fats, as do most fried foods and some margarines. Limit saturated fat, found in meats and full-fat dairy products, as well.

If you smoke, find a way to quit. Smoking lowers HDL levels, especially in women, and increases LDL levels and triglycerides.

Moderate use of alcohol has been linked with higher levels of HDL cholesterol. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

However, if you don’t drink, don’t start drinking to raise your HDL cholesterol levels. Too much alcohol can cause weight gain, and might increase your blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Medications can boost or lower HDL cholesterolHDL levels are sometimes improved by drugs

used to lower LDL and triglyceride levels — such as prescription niacin; fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid); and certain statins, particularly simvasta-tin (Zocor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).

But clinical trials for several drugs specifically designed to increase HDL levels were halted early because they didn’t reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Drugs containing testosterone and other anabolic steroids can lower your HDL cholesterol levels. Avoiding these drugs may help increase your HDL numbers.

Source: Mayo Clinic

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019 • Ogemaw County VoiceHealthy Wealthy & WiseYesterdaysPage 12 • Ogemaw County Voice JUNE - JULY 2019

1901 Dam Road • West Branch

989-345-0540

We are proud to support our local historical heritage!

Serving Michigan Since 1967


Advanced Surgical Care Close to Home

MORE Doctors for Your Family In West Branch

Now Welcoming New Patients In West BranchGeneral Surgeons Rachel Ransom, M.D. and Richard Schulz, D.O. have joined the medical staff at MidMichigan Medical Center - West Branch.

Our comprehensive surgical care team specializes in a broad range of surgical treatments for diseases and conditions, including gallbladder issues, hernia repair, large and small bowel surgery, gastric reflux disease, breast procedures, upper and lower endoscopy, and more. We perform procedures at MidMichigan Medical Center - West Branch.

To request a consultation, call (989) 343-1134

One of the best investments you can make in your health is to connect with a primary care provider: someone who will get to know you well, be your first point of contact for all your health concerns and guide you to the health care services and specialists you may need throughout all stages of life.

Our team of Family and Internal Medicine providers is happy to welcome you and your family members to our practice at MidMichigan Health Park - West Branch. Conveniently located on M-30 across from the Willow Tree restaurant, we offer primary care, urgent care, laboratory, X-ray and a variety of specialists all in one location.

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Call today for an appointment (989) 345-8120

David Hunter, M.D.Internal Medicine

Asma Saboor, M.D.Internal Medicine

Dawn Schulz, D.N.P., M.B.A., A.G.A.C.N.P.-B.C., F.N.P.-B.C.

Internal Medicine

Rebekah Dunn, P.A.-C.Family Medicine

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