Category Archives: Health

Female veterans, facing often unfair conditions on duty and at home, have local advocates, support

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  • Veteran Jurgen Nitzsche produced this work as part of veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • Zaneta Adams, Director of the MVAA, Judge Rosemarie Aqualina, and two attendees of Kent County Veterans Services’ 2021 Banquet for Female Veterans. (Supplied)
  • An attendee making art at one of Kent County Veterans Services’ women veterans events. (Supplied)
  • Colorful art and colorful veteran at one of Kent County Veterans Services’ women veterans events. (Supplied)
  • Local female veterans at a “female only” retreat early this year. (KC Veterans Services)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

Fair treatment for women serving on American military active duty, and as veterans, has been battle fought for decades — often with unsatisfactory results.

And while many local female veterans continue to fight against unfair treatment — including local veteran and advocate Theresa Robinson — several Kent County organizations and individuals strive to help female veterans and their families receive the acknowledgement and support they deserve.

Devoted specifically to supporting “all” veterans, Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) has served the veterans of Kent County since 2008, connecting them with resources in the community as well as providing them with assistance in obtaining benefits they are entitled to from all levels of government.

And, in recent years, KCVS has focused heavily on female veterans and their needs.

“Our continued emphasis is going to be on making female veterans feel comfortable and welcome and helping them to recognize that they may be eligible for benefits, which is the primary part of what we do,” Martha Burkett, manager of KCVS, said to WKTV. “A lot of them don’t even know they have them.”

Burkett continued by saying that applying to the federal government for their benefits is often harder than the government claims. “It’s not easy to do the application process or follow it through. If they can deny you, they will deny you.”

Requests can be kicked back if forms are not filled out properly, for not providing adequate documentation, or not using the right words.

“That’s why the services we offer through our office are so important,” Burkett said. “The Veterans Services officers know all of that. They are trained and certified to do that work. We can do that for veterans on their behalf and make the process a lot smoother and easier for them.”

KCVS has been striving to expand their services to female veterans, not only assisting with benefits but providing help and engagement opportunities for veterans in different ways.

A semi-formal banquet in July celebrates female veterans annually, while a year-round wellness program offers yoga classes, art therapy, and various other opportunities for women.

Equine assisted therapy retreats with programing specifically for female veterans has also been made available since 2019. KCVS has also used grant money to facilitate a recreation program that includes kayaking, hiking, and other activities specifically for women.

For some, working to support veterans — all veterans — is personal.

  • Theresa Robinson at Kent County airport with other veterans welcoming home active duty military members. (Supplied)
  • Theresa Robinson, at Kent County Airport, arriving home from boot camp. (Supplied)
  • A veteran married to a veteran, Theresa and George Robinson. (Supplied)
  • Theresa Robinson, left, is active in many veterans organizations and efforts. (Supplied)
  • Theresa Robinson — veteran, veterans advocate, local businesswoman. (Supplied)

Individual issues but often common cause

Theresa Robinson, veteran, veteran advocate, and current realtor for 616 Realty, served her country in the U.S. Navy as a personnel specialist from 1974 through 1976, and has remained active in the efforts to bring fair treatment and recognition to women serving on active duty and to female veterans.

Robinson told WKTV she personally experienced the hardship of obtaining benefits, having a claim rejected and being told by other veterans that for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “This is normal procedure … You just have to keep going back.”

“It’s sad because … any veteran deserves that care and earned that care,” Robinson said. “It should not be so hard.”

KCVS is also only one of many resources available to female veterans, Robinson pointed out, citing groups such as the American Legion, the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard, and the United Veterans Council of Kent County as great avenues for helping veterans and their families.

Robinson has served in all three organizations as a way to continue her service to other veterans and the country she loves.

“As a Vietnam Era veteran, I saw the treatment of veteran and active duty during that time in history and it motivated me to want to make a difference in how veterans are perceived to the public,” Robinson said. “Female veterans need to know if they go to the VA for health reasons, be it mental or physical heath, they can count on the VA being equipped to handle females and their needs.

“And female veterans need to know they are not alone … others that have served have experienced many of the same things they did and are there (to support) each other.”

Burkett also believes female veterans need to know there is support out there for them.

“Women have always been less likely to come forward,” Burkett said.

From fear of their careers being derailed if they speak up, to diving back into their civilian roles of mother and wife, to not realizing their problems could be combat-related, women have often kept silent.

“No matter the arena, women are less likely to present for treatment than men,” Burkett said.

Historic issues still present

Over the years, seeing so little change for women who serve is frustrating for Robinson.

“I should not be hearing from anyone 48 years after I served that behaviors unbecoming a military active member are still happening today,” Robinson said. “We and the military are better than this.”

To see that change happen, however, Robinson believes the community must get involved.

“It’s not only veterans that have to ask the VA and our government to be accountable to veterans. The general public needs to do that too,” she said. “The general public needs to tell their government officials that we belong — as human beings, as citizens of the United States of America.”

Robinson also thinks that despite changes, the VA system still needs improvement — “There has got to be a better system for reviewing claims when they come in.”

Most of all, it is important to Robinson that female veterans are “seen, recognized, and appreciated.” And that male and female veterans will be recognized as one group.

“I long for the day when I can speak on and about veterans,” Robinson said, “and not have to differentiate when speaking, female or male veteran.”

Some other groups support female veterans

Robinson speaks highly of the women veteran’s outreach campaign, She Is a Veteran.

“She Is a Veteran is all about empowering female veterans,” Robinson said. “We want female veterans to know they can make a difference in government, in real estate, in teaching, in their everyday lives.”

Women can also learn about advocacy for themselves and their community by attending the Michigan Women Veterans Conference in Lansing, scheduled for June 10-11, sponsored by the Michigan Women Veterans Coalition. Michigan Women Veterans Conference questions can be directed to Erika Hoover, Women Veterans and Special Populations Coordinator, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 517-230-6090, HooverE2@michigan.gov.

Other resources and events for female veterans include:

“Woman Veteran Strong”

Theresa Robinson, Veteran and Advocate

Virtual Art Workshop with ArtPrize Artist Pamela Alderman

KCVS Events Calendar

Sooner Rather Than Later: The Intent of National Healthcare Decisions

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By Emmanuel Hospice

It might be a stretch to say we celebrate National Healthcare Decisions Day, but to Erica Beitel, it’s certainly something she honors and observes.

It is important to have end-of-life care and death discussions so everyone understands your final wishes. (Supplied)

Though still shy of 30-years-old, she’s already had a conversation and drawn up documents in response to “the talk” about end-of-life care and death that many who are more than twice her age have not or aren’t willing to initiate.

“I had a loved one who was in a car accident,” she explained. “They couldn’t make their own decisions about healthcare. It was an unbelievably tragic episode that put the issue front and center for me.”

Beitel’s perspective is also unique because she works as a healthcare professional, serving as a social worker for Emmanuel Hospice. The role places her in front of people every day who are making tough decisions – and in many cases wishing they’d considered their futures much earlier.

That’s the whole point of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16 – to encourage adults of all ages to plan ahead for a health crisis. It’s typically recognized during the same week that includes “tax day” in reference to Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

“This day is an annual reminder for people to consider making healthcare decisions for a time when they may not be able,” Beitel said, “and that includes everything from making advance care directives to choosing an advocate to honor your decisions about end-of-life care.

“Sometimes the biggest barrier is when patients are ready to opt for the comfort and care route that includes hospice, but the caregiver isn’t on board. They feel the patient is giving up hope, but hope can be redefined and can look different depending on where you are on your journey.”

Beitel also points out that people avoid the talk because “it’s a vulnerable space to enter, or you don’t think death or dying is imminent.” Indeed, having a talk about final wishes acknowledges the tough topic of death itself. Even with groundbreaking books like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ book, “On Death And Dying,” in 1969, which revolutionized the public’s perception of death, many of us avoid the subject.

Beitel noted that it’s arguably easier than ever to tackle such challenges, thanks to organizations and websites that exist solely to promote open dialogue, including TheConversationProject.org. The site and others like it provide step-by-step suggestions for how to prompt the conversation, what issues to confront and even where to stage the conversation, such as the kitchen table, at a restaurant or during a walk.

Beitel said she wishes more people would approach advance planning like they do in arranging for home and auto insurance or providing a friend a spare key to their home in case of an emergency. We spend countless hours planning weddings, but recoil at the thought of devoting the same energy to our last wishes.

After having the talk, the next step is to take action, arranging for an advocate and creating directives, a task eased by the availability of free forms from a host of sites, including CaringInfo.org. Lawyers will also assist, usually for a fee.

“What some family members sometimes don’t realize is that a patient might endure the medical system for so long that they’re just physically spent and want to be home to enjoy what they can of the time they have left – to spend it with family and friends.

“Making that wish, or other wishes, known can prevent an ambiguous situation ahead of time. It’s also a gift to your loved ones. It’s lifting a burden from their shoulders.”

In love and health: Dealing with spring allegeries

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By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

Baby’s immune system can benefit from chiropractic, too. (Supplied)

Spring has sprung — and for a lot of folks here in Michigan, that means spring allergies. Before making a run to the local pharmacy to stock up on OTC allergy relievers, consider the root cause. It really isn’t the pollen’s fault. The reason why your body reacts to pollens and other allergens is that your personal immune system isn’t working as well as it should.

What can you do to boost your immune system? Well, first of all, avoid sugar. Cutting out cookies, candy, and sweetened beverages isn’t enough. Processed foods contain a lot of hidden sugars. Surprisingly, food we think is good for us often has more sugar than is optimal. For example, one serving of Yoplait Original Strawberry Yogurt has 19 grams of sugar. That’s 10 more grams of sugar than are in a Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie. To reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, read the nutrition information labels on the foods you buy.

Another reason your immune system may not be at its best is that you’re not drinking enough water. Dr. Jyothi Tirumalasetty, assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health in the department of clinical immunology and allergy states, “Water is vital for the functioning of all of your organs, and it’s a huge part of keeping your immune system functioning at an optimal level. We are made of 60 percent water. If we are dehydrated, the whole system of immunity could start breaking down.”

Proper hydration, along with adequate nutrition and sleep, is an essential component of a healthy immune system. Try to drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day. And remember, caffeinated beverages drive water out of your system. So, if you drink a lot of coffee or Coke, you’ll need to drink even more water every day.

Making other healthy lifestyle changes can boost your immune system, as well. In fact, the Harvard Healthbeat says, “Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system working properly. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies.” These strategies include dos like eating lots of fruits and veggies, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep as well as don’ts — quit smoking, drink alcohol only in moderation, and minimize stress.

Another way to boost your immune system is with regular chiropractic adjustments. An aligned spine helps your brain communicate with all of your organs and body systems. We’ve seen patients’ allergy symptoms dwindle and even disappear. And we can help you tune up your immune system, too!

Senior Living: Developing an aging plan

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By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Photo from pxhere.com

Planning for any future endeavor can be overwhelming; a big trip, a long-distance move, making a large purchase or upgrade. Developing an aging plan isn’t any different, it can be difficult to navigate. As with anything, starting to research an aging plan is often the first step.

So why do you need an aging plan? It is important to recognize that you may not age exactly how you wish, but having this plan in place before barriers arise, allows you to have a peace of mind that your wishes are carried out how you want.

Where to Start: The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is a great place to get started on your aging plan. Area Agencies on Aging are a nationwide network of nonprofit agencies created by Congress in 1974 to be one-stop shops with information about programs and services to maximize the independence and dignity of older adults. At AAAWM, we serve a nine-county region that includes Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties, and we partner with local agencies, organizations, and Commissions on Aging to provide vital support to seniors and their caregivers.

Everyone ages differently, and no two situations are identical. The resources that could work to support one family may not be the best choice for another. When you call our Information and Assistance team at (616) 456-5664, they listen to your unique situation and can help you get started. Whether you have current care needs or are planning ahead, we can help connect you to resources that focus on the goal of maintaining independence. The Eldercare Locator tool (www.eldercare.acl.gov) from the U.S. Administration on Aging can also be a helpful online resource for those not in our region or if you are caring for a loved one out of state.

What to Consider: In thinking ahead to your aging plan and having these proactive conversations, you should first consider what you may need help with as you get older. As you share your hopes for aging at home with your family, there could be some support they can provide for you and other things they may not. The good news is that there are many services available in the nine-county region to help fill these gaps.

Here are just a few of the many resources and some questions to consider:

Safety: Is your home safe for you to navigate? What if you were to lose mobility? Some home modifications can be simple, such as adding a handrail, others can be more involved like building an entrance ramp. Programs in the region exist to help older adults make these updates or required repairs and oftentimes will conduct a home assessment to help determine if the home is safe for independence and what steps to take. In some cases, agencies are able to provide adaptive equipment such as walkers and other mobility aids.

Home Support: Can you take care of yourself? Are there some tasks you require support with? Services are available to provide help with routine daily tasks like laundry, shopping, and light housekeeping. If your needs are greater, specific programs like the AAAWM’s Care Management or MI Choice Medicaid Waiver are in place for those who require a higher level of care.

Transportation: If you lose your ability to drive yourself, what are some of your options? Assisted transportation is available to provide older adults with pre-scheduled rides to doctor’s appointments, senior centers, meal programs, and more. Discounted public transportation vouchers are also available.

Meals: Are you able to prepare your own meals? Are you eating nutritious foods? For seniors who are able to still shop for their own food, a wide variety of nutrition services exist from food pantries to the Community Food Club. For the social older adult, congregate meals are a great option to have regular meals with others. Homebound seniors can still have the freedom to choose their own meal options and prepare their own meals through home delivered meals programs.

Health: Are you staying connected socially to peers and your community? Are you prioritizing your physical and social health as you age? Senior centers offer a wide variety of activities to help you stay engaged in your community including specialized programs and activities from woodworking to crafting and bingo. Evidence-based healthy aging classes are designed specifically for older adults to improve their balance and strength to avoid future falls.

Caregiver Support: If you care for an aging loved one, you likely require support from time to time. Services such as adult day, respite, and caregiver education programs are in place to walk with you on the caregiver journey and relieve some of this burden.

In many cases, you can choose the best options for you and what your needs are. It is important to note that in the case of some of these programs, based on age, financial, and medical criteria, some co-pays, or cost-sharing could be required. Call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664 to begin the conversation on how to get connected to the resource options in your community and develop your aging plan!

City of Kentwood, Georgetown Seniors to host annual ‘Spotlight on Seniors Expo’ April 19

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Graphic from City of Kentwood promotional material.

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood and Georgetown Seniors are inviting community members to have lunch and celebrate successful aging by connecting with resources from as many as 50 vendors, as well as free health screenings, at the 23rd annual Spotlight on Seniors Expo on Tuesday, April 19.

The free indoor event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. For more information visit kentwood.us/events. Vendor space is still available. For more information, contact Ann Przybysz at 616-656-5284 or przybysza@kentwood.us.

The vendors will include a variety of senior-oriented businesses, the free health screenings will include blood pressure, posture, grip strength and mental health, and there will be door prizes as well as free snacks and lunch.

“The Spotlight on Seniors Expo is a meaningful way for seniors and other community members to come together in celebration of successful aging and to learn about local resources that support healthy lifestyles,” Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Ann Przybysz aid in supplied material. “Our partnership with Georgetown Seniors and our event sponsors is key to the long-term success of this community favorite.”

Participating vendors include professionals knowledgeable in everything from physical therapy and assisted living to home improvement and health care.

“Staying active, healthy and connected is paramount to our senior neighbors,” Pam Haverdink, director of the Georgetown Senior Center, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to partner with Kentwood Seniors and we are grateful to the vendors who help make it happen.”

Adventure on Mt. Kilimanjaro: Michigan woman reflects on climb with team of kidney donors

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As part of WKTV’s special coverage of World Kidney Day, which was March 10, we are presenting a series of stories, first about a Michigan donor leading an active lifestyle; then a West Michigan recipient living a lively future thanks to another; an adventure of a lifetime, for a cause — a climb of Africa’s tallest mountain; and finally — here — a first-hand story from a Michigan woman on the climb.

  • Michigan’s own Emily Polet-Monterosso, a member of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) national group, was part of a team of “One Kidney Climbers” which climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain, the tallest on the continent, is shrouded in the background. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group on the trail leading up to Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. It was a multi-day trek to get to the mountain and then a multi-day climb. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain is the tallest on the continent. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain is the tallest on the continent. Shown is the group at the entrance to the Tanzania National Park. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group which climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. Shown is the evening meal tent on the mountain trail. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain is the tallest on the continent. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


Adventures — even one for a cause — often do not turn out the way one plans, the way one envisions. But that does not lessen the adventure, or the importance of the cause.

Michigan’s own Emily Polet-Monterosso, a member of the Kidney Donor Athletes national group, was part of a team of “One Kidney Climbers” which, with support both in-country and back home, climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro.

On the morning of March 10, in Africa, on World Kidney Day, the Kidney Donor Athlete team reached their goal — the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. (Supplied)

After a multi-day hike to the mountain and then a multi-day climb, most of the team summited the continent’s tallest peak on World Kidney Day, March 10. Emily got to the mountain, but not the summit.

WKTV has been following Emily’s African adventure, and as she returned from the trek, she talked about her effort, and how while she was disappointed fate denied her the peak of Kilimanjaro, the cause for which she and her companions got blisters for remained fulfilled.

“Out of 22 kidney donors from our group who made the climb, only 20 summited,” Emily wrote in a March 16 email. “Myself, and our President Bobby McLaughlin, did not summit. Bobby had a fever on summit night which prevented him from making it to the top, and I struggled with altitude sickness for most of the climb and was going on four days without any food at the time that the group attempted the summit … (the climb leaders were) not going to allow me to summit for safety reasons.”

(McLaughlin pointed out that “The fever I picked up had nothing to do with the climb itself — it was a random bug picked up somewhere, possibly even the day before the climb began.”)

Instead, Emily said, she waited at Barafu base camp  — still at approximately 15,000 feet above sea level — for her teammates to return from the summit so that they could all descend together.

“Neither my nor Bobby’s inability to summit had anything to do with our status as one-kidneyed people — both situations were a result of circumstances relating to the difficulty of the climb that could have been experienced by any other two-kidneyed climber.”

The climb was the first coordinated event by Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) to bring attention to the need for living kidney donors and that those who donate can be “healthy and thrive” with one kidney.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 97,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplants. Over 3,000 new patients are added to this list every month. With fewer donors than there are those in need, 13 people die every day waiting for a kidney.

“Our mission was to prove to ourselves and anybody watching us that you can donate a kidney and still experience life fully and without negative health consequences,” Emily said. “We believe we accomplished that mission, and our deepest hope is that someone heard about it and considers donation themselves.

“If even one life is saved as a result of our efforts, every ounce of difficulty we navigated will have paid off, and then some.”

The cause and the adventure

Emily Polet-Monterosso lives in Metro Detroit, but grew up in Holland, until 15 years old, and “still have lots of family there,” she proudly says. And she is a kidney donor — having donated one of her two healthy kidneys to someone badly in need — she also proudly says.

Emily is also a kidney donor athlete, and a member of KDA, founded by ultra-athlete Tracey Hulick who donated her kidney in 2017. Emily’s team, climbers from 16 metro areas across the United States and Canada, left on Feb. 28 for Tanzania, where their group will prepare for their climb.

The One Kidney Climber team had about 110 support staff in porters, guides and cooks helping them up the mountain, a 42-mile 8-day expedition led by hired experts on the mountain. Embark Exploration Company out of Portland, Oregon is the guide company.

Emily Polet-Monterosso was fit before donating a kidney, but she now is even more an athlete. (Supplied)

And while athletic endeavors are nothing new to Emily, her African endeavor for a cause she has come to really believe in, and believe in enough that she pushed herself to her physical limits — limits that most persons with two kidneys would only dare to do.

“Not having summited does not in any way negatively impact the experience I had,” Emily said. “I still engaged in the most challenging physical feat of my life for eight days, and I feel nothing but pride in what I’ve accomplished.”

And she made friends for life.

“I also feel extreme pride in my teammates for the effort and attitude they all brought forth,” she said. “I have never spent such a large amount of time in intimately close quarters with a more encouraging, upbeat, inspirational group of people.

“Additionally, the support staff from our guide company, Embark Exploration Co, deserves the highest praise for the job they did in getting us all safely up and down the mountain again.”

More information on KDA

For more information on the Kidney Donor Athletes climb, and other resources, visit kidneydonorathlete.org.

Founded in 2018, Kidney Donor Athletes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience.

Local YMCAs, including Wyoming’s, seeking lifeguards, offering training — and not just for young adults

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  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

By WKTV Staff

With many employment opportunities across the city and region, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids invites current and “future” lifeguards to join their team and launch a fulfilling career, according to a recent announcement.

And while most lifeguards are high school and college students, the ranks are also made up of professionals, retirees and stay-at-home parents.

Maybe the Y’s greatest lifeguarding success story is YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids CEO Scott Lewis. Lewis began his tenure at the YMCA as a lifeguard at a New Jersey YMCA in 1986 where the organization “invested in his leadership potential,” according to the announcement.

“The role of lifeguard is one that can launch a great career, and I know from experience,” Lewis said in supplied material. “Providing a safe and exceptional experience, working with a diverse customer base, problem solving, and having an exceptional attention to detail are all skills that serve professionals long term.”

YMCA lifeguard training at an outdoor, summertime venue. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

The organization has increased wages, according to the announcement, now offering $14.61 to $16.44 per hour, opened free training opportunities, and “invested in creating year-round, flexible hours for these aquatic leaders to develop life-long professional skills.”

 

However, maybe the most rewarding work as a YMCA lifeguard is the satisfaction of knowing you actively make an impact in the lives of others, while working with and guarding a group of diverse individuals.

“Becoming a YMCA lifeguard provides you a support network to be successful from the day you decide to pursue the opportunity,” YMCA Human Resources Director Peter Reiff said in supplied material.  “What’s more is that at the YMCA you are part of a larger team of leaders and health and wellness service providers that work together to meet the needs of the community year-round, every year.”
  

For more on the Y’s four lifeguard training classes planned between now and May, visit https://www.grymca.org/aquatics-careers/#training. For those already trained and wish to apply, visit www.grymca.org/careers. For more information on the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids visit grymca.org.

Education is critical to understanding hospice options

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Emmanuel Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapist Miranda Eden leads a session on the benefits of music therapy at a recent conference on aging in Grand Rapids. (Supplied)

By Emmanuel Hospice

A wise philosopher once said, “Education is the ability to meet life’s situations.”

That’s especially applicable to understanding all the options offered by a hospice organization, according to Jennifer Radaz, education manager at Emmanuel Hospice.

“As we make contacts, we’re constantly assessing a person’s educational needs when it comes to hospice,” she says. “One of our main goals is to inform, and help patients and caregivers understand the scope of our services and how we operate.”

Radaz says that often means countering misconceptions about hospice care, including the mistaken notion that you must necessarily be within your last hours or days to receive services.

 

“As a result, we see a lot of late referrals, where people have been ill for some time and were unaware they could have had all of our services a long time beforehand,” Radaz notes. “The longer hospice is able to develop a relationship with a patient and their family, the better we can care and prepare them both for what lies ahead.”

Radaz points to critically ill cardiac patients in particular, noting that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, and yet those suffering from heart disease typically wait too long to summon hospice for assistance. They sometimes receive only a few days’ care when, in reality, they qualified for hospice and could have taken advantage of hospice services for weeks or even months prior to their deaths.

Another misconception that Emmanuel seeks to address is that a hospice takes over with a plan of their own.

 

“We do not come in with an agenda,” Radaz explains. “Rather, we’re there to work with family and other caregivers, eager to know what matters to them, and how we can best address their needs. We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all.”

 

Emmanuel also strives to educate people that their brand of hospice care is funded by Medicare and private donations to support programs, like complementary therapies. This enables Emmanuel to provide core nursing, pain management, grief support and related services, as well as complementary therapies that bring music, massage, art and much more to the bedside.

Participants at a recent aging conference in Grand Rapids participate in a music therapy program. (Supplied)

“We want to approach people on multiple levels for their pain and management,” Radaz says, “and part of that is providing those soothing human touches that aren’t addressed by conventional medicine.”

Educating the public doesn’t stop at patients and caregivers, she emphasizes. Emmanuel, for instance, is constantly seeking ways to make connections with communities of caregivers that includes doctors, nurses and social workers. In fact, much of what they offer in a formal setting will count toward continuing education hours for health professionals.

Additionally, Emmanuel often delivers presentations at businesses, organizations, colleges and universities and professional conferences to promote better understanding of hospice and its benefits. The nonprofit also reaches out to retirement communities and medical facilities, continually exploring new ways to share its mission, philosophy and array of services with those who need it most.

“We believe that information is key,” Radaz explains, “and that it’s wonderful to be informed. We’re happy to provide that information in whatever setting is comfortable for that person. And there’s never any obligation. Sometimes, people aren’t ready to sign on for hospice; they just want to understand their options going forward.

“We’re happy to simply establish a relationship. As changes occur, we can step in, but only when that door is open to us. In the meantime, we’re happy to have those conversations.”

In Love and Health: Wyoming women have a history of back pain

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By Dr. Erick Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

New moms and new babies can benefit from spinal adjustments. Photo by Dr. Erik Johnson)

As we celebrate Women’s History this month, I can’t help but think of my women patients who have a history of health problems due to poor posture. Poor posture is not something that comes along simply because we forget to stand up straight. Several factors contribute. When women wear heels, the added stress on the hamstrings can impact the low back. Heels also shift the center of gravity forward, arching the back. Pregnancy can further stress the spine – as can carrying a child around on one hip. Women who are uncomfortable with tall height or a large bust may purposefully slouch. To top it off, smart phone use is causing all of us to bend our necks in ways that make our spines react badly.

The postures that result from these behaviors can disperse the loads on your spine incorrectly, weaken the tissues in your lower back, and impact the intricate network of muscles, discs, and joints in your back. The result is, of course, back pain.

As a chiropractor, I often explain to my patients that a healthy back has three natural curves: A forward curve at the neck; a backward curve at the upper back; and an inward curve at the lower back. Holding yourself in good posture maintains these natural curves. Poor posture does the opposite because it stresses muscles, ligaments, and bones.

To test your standing posture, take the Mayo Clinic wall test.

·       Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching a wall with your heels about 2 to 4 inches (about 5 to 10 centimeters) away from the wall.

·       Slide your hand behind the curve in your lower back, with your palm flat against the wall. You should feel about one hand’s thickness of space between your back and the wall.

·       If there’s too much space, tighten your abdominal muscles to flatten the curve in your back.

·       If there’s too little space, arch your back so that your hand fits comfortably behind you.

Walk away from the wall while maintaining this posture. Keep it up throughout your daily activities.You will reduce wear and tear on joints, relieve stress on ligaments, and avoid back pain. Good posture can also help prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and back and muscular pain.

The good news, you can practice good posture. Save the heels for special occasions, hold your phone at eye level, and take special care during pregnancy and when carrying children. Remember that whatever body you have, it is a miraculous, beautiful gift. No need to slouch! And give your posture a boost with regular chiropractic adjustments.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

Gift of Life: West Michigan kidney recipient celebrates ‘transplant-aversary’ looking back, forward

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Heather and Todd Luchies just before their surgeries in 2017 (Supplied)

As part of WKTV’s special coverage of World Kidney Day, March 10, we are presenting a series of stories, first about a Michigan donor leading an active lifestyle, then a West Michigan recipient living a lively future thanks to another, and also an adventure of a lifetime — a climb of Africa’s tallest mountain — to bring awareness to the need for more people will to share the gift of life. In this second story, West Michigan donated kidney recipient Heather Luchies.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


Heather Luchies, who grew up in Grand Rapids and has lived in Howard City since 2001, is one of the lucky ones, and maybe a bit blessed. And she knows it. In 2017, she received a living-organ donation of a kidney, from the love of her life, her husband.

But she also knows others are not so lucky, so blessed. And as she celebrated her 5-year “transplant-aversary” in January, she continues to advocate for those who, like her, need a kidney to live, and urge those who can to give the gift of life.

Heather and Todd Luchies celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary in October 2021 (Supplied)

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 97,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplants. Over 3,000 new patients are added to this list every month. With fewer donors than there are those in need, 13 people die every day waiting for a kidney.

“I love talking about my experience. I am doing so well overall and love to give hope to those who are struggling,” Luchies said to WKTV. “I have been a volunteer with Gift of Life Michigan for the past three years, teaching others about organ donation is so important. Signing even one person up is life saving to many others.”

One of her favorite quotes, she says, is: “When you stand and and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else”
 

The awareness of the plight of those in need of a donation, awareness of the need for donors — and the awareness that a donor does not need to radically alter their lifestyle, even an athletic lifestyle — is part of what is driving a team of the One Kidney Climber group planning to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro on World Kidney Day, March 10.

Mount Kilimanjaro viewed from Moshi (Wikimedia Commons)

The climb, now in progress, is the first coordinated event by Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) to bring attention to the need for living kidney donors and that those who donate can be “healthy and thrive” with one kidney. WKTV is following the African adventure of one Michigan woman, Emily Polet-Monterosso, who is part of that climb.

Emily met the person who received her donated kidney, they actually became friends. Heather knew her donor even before her surgery was needed — her husband, Todd.

“The fact that I went through this whole process 5 years ago with my husband being my living donor is so humbling,” Heather said. “I was by his side throughout the whole testing process as he was by mine. We recovered together and would argue who had the more ‘painful’ surgery. I still think me, while he thinks the other. Donors are so special, a true gift.”

Heather’s story

Heather Luchies had known for years that she would, eventually, need a kidney transplant. She was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a disease which causes scarring (sclerosis) of the kidney, when she was in her 20s.
 

Doctors told her it would eventually lead to kidney failure, but could not provide a timetable, and for a while she “stayed pretty stable … I was one of the lucky ones.”

But “I knew I would need a kidney one day; I just didn’t know when,” she said in a 2021 interview with Gift of Life Michigan. Her husband, Todd, also knew it was just a fact of life, dating back to when the couple first met more than 25 years ago.

“We always knew it was the eventual outcome. It was always on our mind,” Todd said.

Her kidneys gradually got worse. In late 2016, they were bad enough to have her put on the transplant waiting list — and at that time Todd said he wanted to see if he was a match.

“I called the next day,” he said. “We started getting tested a few days after that.”

After a series of tests, it was determined that he was a good match — something that Todd said was “a tremendous sense of relief” — and the transplant was scheduled for Jan. 7, 2017, and occurred at Mercy Health in Grand Rapids.

Heather and Todd Luchies, with son Cayden. Cayden is a senior at Grand Valley State University. (Supplied)

The couple had been married for about 18 years at the time. And now they have been given five more years together, five more years of watching their son, Cayden, now a senior at Grand Valley State University, grow into a man.

And, hopefully, they will have many more years.

As a donor, Todd recovered well and his “life has not changed,” Heather said. “He is 100 percent, physically, the same as before donating.”

Heather Luchies’ meds right after her kidney transplant surgery; they have greatly diminished since then. (Supplied)

Life is not exactly “normal” now for Heather, she does still have to take medications. But nothing like she did immediately after transplant.

“You start anti-rejection meds also called immunosuppressants. These meds weaken your immune system decreasing your body’s ability to destroy the new kidney,” she said. “I will be on these the rest of my life (or the duration of the transplanted kidney) … I have a love/hate relationship with them.

“The downfall of these meds is your weakened immune system and fighting off other viruses, infections … as well as some lovely side effects. But overall I am so thankful for these meds. Without them I would be on dialysis or not here today.”
 

Heather Luchies meds today, some continuing due to her kidney transplant and some just regular supplements. (Supplied)

And here, today, is pretty good for Heather.

“I had my 5-year ‘transplant-aversary’ on January 9. Just over 5 years. Time sure does fly,” she said. “Since my transplant I have lived a pretty normal life. I work part time for an electric company in Rockford. 99 percent of the time I work by myself (aside from my dog Wyatt who comes with me) which has been a huge blessing the past two years with COVID.

“I am very active. I work out daily (cardio and kickboxing are my favorite) this is something I could not do before my transplant, I just got too tired. I love hiking with our dog, being with family and just doing normal everyday things. I became vegan a few years ago, I love making new, thrown-together vegan meals.”

She also loves being involved with groups which support kidney donation.
 

“I have been a volunteer with Gift of Life Michigan for the past three years, teaching others about organ donation is so important. Signing even one person up is life saving to many others,” she said. “I am also a kidney mentor at my transplant center.”

Heather Luchies at Donate Life Day, a living donor informational event, at Grand Rapids Zoo. (Supplied)

Heather is also a “kidney mentor” at her transplant center, and with her friend and fellow transplant patient, she started a West Michigan Kidney Transplant/Disease Facebook group about two years ago “with hopes of meeting everyone in person. But COVID has set us back a tad. We hope to be able to meet up this Spring. I call it therapy.”

She also, strangely enough, has a connection to the group of donors currently in Africa, preparing to climb a mountain to advocate for kidney donation.


“Another cool thing is my Dad summited Kilimanjaro about 12 years ago,” she said. “So I have a slight connection to these climbers, aside from kidney stuff.”

More information on KDA

For more information on the Kidney Donor Athletes climb, and other resources, visit kidneydonorathlete.org.

A videographer is set to accompany the group to document the climb and WKTV plans to produce a story and video using supplied material after the climb. (We are told cell service is not great on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.)

Founded in 2018, Kidney Donor Athletes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience.

What can be recycled in Kent County, and how to do it — tooth paste tube & cap

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The soft plastic tube and hard plastic tip of toothpaste. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff and Kent County Department of Public Works

ken@wktv.org



What can and cannot be recycled in Kent County, and how do it. And what happens to everything else? WKTV Journal, working with Kent County Department of Public Works Resource Recovery Specialist Lauren Westerman, are working to look at specific consumer products and other items and give you the answers.

In this post, we look at that soft plastic tooth paste tube and cap. Does the tube need to be cleaned — can it actually be cleaned? Or is it medical waste? And the cap; hard plastic but is it too small? Here is the lowdown from an expert:

The toothpaste tube and cap are both trash. Even though both the tube and the cap are plastic, neither are able to be recycled at the Kent County Recycling Center. Here’s why:

The toothpaste tube is considered a soft, non-rigid plastic. The Kent County Recycling Center only accepts rigid plastics because soft plastics will not process correctly through the sorting machinery at the facility. The toothpaste cap is considered a rigid plastic but is still not recyclable because of its size. Items that are smaller than about 2 inches by 2 inches will also not process correctly at the Kent County Recycling Center. 


Do you have a question about a specific consumer product or other item? Contact WKTV at ken@wktv.org. Please send a photo of the product and the recycling label if available.

Others in this series:

Holiday Light Strings … https://www.wktvjournal.org/what-can-be-recycled-in-kent-county-and-how-to-do-it-holiday-light-strings/

At-home COVID tests … https://www.wktvjournal.org/what-can-be-recycled-in-kent-county-and-how-to-do-it-covid-19-at-home-tests/

Liquor bottles and their packaging … https://www.wktvjournal.org/what-can-be-recycled-in-kent-county-and-how-to-do-it-liquor-bottles-and-packaging/

University of Michigan Health-West shows support for people of Ukraine

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Last night, the University of Michigan Health-West changed its beacon lights from white to blue and yellow, showing its support for the people of Ukraine.

“As an organization dedicated to health and the well-being of all people, University of Michigan Health-West stands against violence in all of its forms,” in a released statement from the hospital.

The beacon lights will be blue and yellow 24 hours a day going forward with the hospital stating “with this symbolic gesture, we add our light to others around the world, showing support for the people of Ukraine.”

Active advocate: Michigan kidney donor to climb African peak to celebrate World Kidney Day

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As part of WKTV’s special coverage of World Kidney Day, March 10, we are presenting a series of stories about a Michigan donor leading an active lifestyle, a West Michigan recipient finding a lively future thanks to another, and an adventure of a lifetime to bring awareness to the need for more people will to share the gift of life. First, donor and mountain climber Emily Polet-Monterosso.

Mount Kilimanjaro viewed from Moshi. (Wikimedia Commons)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Emily Polet-Monterosso lives in Metro Detroit, but grew up in Holland, until 15 years old, and “still have lots of family there,” she proudly says. And she is a kidney donor, she also proudly says.

She is also one of 20 or so climbers on their way to Africa as part of a One Kidney Climber group planning to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro on World Kidney Day, March 10, the first coordinated event by Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) to bring attention to the need for living kidney donors and that those who donate can be “healthy and thrive” with one kidney.

 

Emily Polet-Monterosso, show here hiking at Yosemite National Park, lives in Metro Detroit but grew up in Holland. (Supplied)

Emily is a kidney donor athlete, and a member of KDA, founded by ultra-athlete Tracey Hulick who donated her kidney in 2017. Emily’s team, climbers from 16 metro areas across the United States and Canada, are scheduled to leave Feb. 28 for Tanzania, where their group will prepare for their climb.

An athletic endeavor is nothing new to Emily, but this is endeavor for a cause she has come to really believe in — believe in enough that she donated one of her two healthy kidneys to someone badly in need.

“When I was in high school, a friend from youth group who was sixteen years old needed a kidney, and our pastor’s wife donated to him,” Polet-Monterosso said to WKTV. “I was in college at the time and wasn’t in a secure enough financial position to take six weeks away from work and school, but I told myself at the time that if the opportunity ever arose to do something so meaningful for another person in the future, I would take it.”

And she did. And there is one more good-news story in a world where not all such stories end happily.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 97,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplants. Over 3,000 new patients are added to this list every month. With fewer donors than there are those in need, 13 people die every day waiting for a kidney.

Emily’s decision and her reward

At one point, Emily stated that she really can’t quite “articulate” why she donated other than it being the right thing to do. But, talking to WKTV, she said there was that moment.

“Before I donated, I met a young woman through my work … who had been in kidney failure during high school and was therefore unable to go to college after graduating, due to a rigorous dialysis schedule,” Polet-Monterosso said. “She received a kidney from her grandmother and was now able to enroll in college. I was reminded of my friend from years ago, and kidney donation was brought back to the front of my mind.

Emily Polet-Monterosso, with the man she donated a kidney to. (Supplied)

“A couple of weeks later, my sister shared a viral Facebook post which showed a car with a sign in the back windshield: ‘Single dad of 3 needs type O kidney’, and then a phone number. The phone number had a local area code, so I knew this person lived geographically close to me, and I know I have type O blood, since I’m a regular blood donor. It seemed like it was meant to be, so I called the number and started the process.”

She eventually met the “single dad of 3” recipient, although that is not always the case.

Emily Polet-Monterosso, at the wedding of the man she donated a kidney to. (Supplied)

“The phone number on the back of the car was actually the cell phone of the single dad who needed the kidney,” she said. “When I called, I awkwardly told him why I was calling, and he gratefully gave me the link to the intake questionnaire at Henry Ford Hospital for his specific case. My understanding is that somewhere around 250 people started the evaluation process trying to donate to him, and I’m the only one who made it through.

 

“We are now friends. We chat every few weeks and our families get together every few months. I was blessed to see him get married at the end of last year, and I hope to witness many more milestones that he gets to enjoy with the years this surgery has given him.”

Being a donor and an athlete

Emily and Bobby McLaughlin, president of Kidney Donor Athletes, Inc., both understand the perception that kidney donors are making a decision to change their lives forever by giving part of their body away.

And, surely, there are impacts. But not being an athlete, or even continuing a long, healthy life is not one of them.

Emily Polet-Monterosso was fit before donating a kidney, but she now is even more an athlete. (Supplied)

Polet-Monterosso “is climbing because she believes it’s an amazing way to prove to those considering kidney donation that diminished physical/athletic capacity post-donation does not need to be a concern,” McLaughlin said as part of her introduction of Emily.

And Emily, herself, is proof.

“All potential living kidney donors are evaluated at length to determine if giving a kidney could possibly be detrimental to their long-term health based on their existing physical health,” Polet-Monterosso said. “Only the healthiest of the healthy are cleared to donate.

“All donors work with a team of doctors during the evaluation process — dietitians, nephrologists, psychologists, and many others. Doctors on the team agree that if a donor is healthy enough to be cleared to donate, then there is no expectation of long-term decrease in physical capability once the acute healing period (six weeks post-operation) is complete. … Donors do need to pay extra attention to staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet, but if they’re cleared to donate, it’s likely they were already doing those things anyway.”

There is even some evidence that if a donor is healthy enough to be cleared to donate, they are at a high enough threshold of health that even with one fewer kidney, they are still less likely to experience decreased kidney function long-term than the average American. 

And about that African climb

The One Kidney Climber team “will have roughly 110 support staff in porters, guides and cooks helping us up the mountain,” McLaughlin said. “It is a 42 mile 8-day expedition and these people we have hired are experts on the mountain.”

Embark Exploration Company out of Portland, Oregon is the guide company.

The National Kidney Registry is supporting the climb as well — “The National Kidney Registry is where we are directing those who may want to explore what it takes for kidney donation.”

While Emily will be part of the team, and she considers the opportunity to be one of a lifetime, she admits she is not an experienced athlete and also knows her limitations on such an adventure.

“I am totally new to climbing,” Polet-Monterosso said. “I live in Michigan, which as you know is not super mountain-ey. I’m also relatively new to athleticism … I actually first started caring about my fitness in the lead-up to my donation.”

She donated in January 2019 and said she started focusing on her fitness in late 2018 — “to ensure that I was as healthy as possible before surgery. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve maintained my interest since then.”

Currently her sports of choice are obstacle course racing and weightlifting. And while the COVID-19 pandemic “put a damper” on both of those activities she keeps working out at home as much as possible, “and I’ve obviously added lots of hiking to my repertoire” in the lead-up to this climb.
 

“Kilimanjaro is kind of the perfect mountain for people in my situation — relatively physically fit, but not experienced climbers. There is no ‘technical’ climbing involved. It’s basically a really long, steep hike. So I’ve been trying to replicate that as much as possible in my training by hiking local trails and climbing lots of flights of stairs.”

And her expectations for the climb?

“This climb will last for eight days. It will take us six days to get to the summit, and another two days to come back down again,” she said. “I’ll fly home on the 14th (which will give her enough time for the turnaround on a Covid test result after the climb, which will be needed for her to fly home).”

Then it’s back to work and school — she currently hold two jobs and is a full time graduate student. Yet she made time for the climb because it is important for her and for her advocacy of kidney donation.

“Gotta live life while you’re here, right?” she said.

More information on KDA

For more information on the Kidney Donor Athletes climb, and other resources, visit kidneydonorathlete.org.

A videographer is set to accompany the group to document the climb and WKTV plans to produce a story and video using supplied material after the climb. (We are told cell service is not great on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.)

Founded in 2018, Kidney Donor Athletes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience.

Staying healthy in 2022 — Woodland Mall set to host Health & Wellness Expo on Feb. 19

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One of Woodland Mall’s entrances. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

Woodland Mall has announced plans to help those “looking to maintain your resolutions to stay fit and healthy in 2022” with a free Heath & Wellness Expo planned for Saturday, Feb. 19.
 

A dozen or more vendors will showcase their products and services from noon to 7 p.m., according to an announcement this week from the mall. From exercise equipment to better sleep, and workout clothing to healthy eating, shoppers will be able to connect with experts focused on promoting an active, engaged and healthy lifestyle.

“We’re all looking to improve our health and well-being,” Alyson Presser, marketing manager for Woodland Mall, said in supplied material. “We have drawn from our own retailers and invited a curated collection of West Michigan’s top organizations for this year’s Health & Wellness Expo, which can help shoppers keep their resolutions and live their best and healthiest lives.”

The event is free and open to the public. Booths will be set up throughout the mall.

Among the vendors expected to be at the Health & Wellness Expo are Aerie, Atman Collective, Black Impact Collaborative, CycleBar, EYEQ.ITY, Jamba Juice, JCPenney, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, Offline by Aerie, Orangetheory Fitness and Tempur-Pedic.
 

The expo will also feature demonstrations by Mayweather Boxing + Fitness and CycleBar, along with a fashion show from Aerie and Offline by Aerie and several workout demonstrations.

Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow CDC recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall and practicing physical distancing.

Regular mall hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Woodland Mall is located at 3195 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. For more information visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

Kentwood’s annual Freeze Fest Disc Golf Tournament, benefitting Little Free Pantry, set for Feb. 19

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A competitor in past City of Kentwood’s Freeze Fest Disc Golf tournament. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood has announced that, partnering with Great Lakes Disc, the city will again host its annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament and food drive on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to join the best-shot doubles competition at Jaycee Park, 1088 Gentian Drive SE. All proceeds will go to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

On-site registration begins at 9 a.m., and the first round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/FreezeFest. The cost is $40 and one canned food donation per team.

“It’s been amazing to see the popularity of our disc golf tournaments grow over the years and, along with it, the support of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry,” Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “We are grateful the disc golfer community continues to take part in our annual tournaments for some friendly competition and for a good cause.”

The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers nonperishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.

“Great Lakes Disc is proud to again partner with the City of Kentwood to host the annual Freeze Fest,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “It feels great to have our favorite sport play a part in helping the local community.”

The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, has steadily increased since its opening, and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help meet the growing need, the city opened a second pantry location in 2021 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

In Love and Health: Happy Valentine’s Day, from my heart to yours

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By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

The CDC is celebrating February “Heart Month,” with the Surgeon General’s “Call to Action to Control Hypertension.” This call implores each of us to take charge of our blood pressure because “a healthier heart can lead to a healthier life.”

 

What increases your risk for high blood pressure? The CDC shares the following:

  • Unhealthy Diet
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Too Much Alcohol. More than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. 
  • Tobacco Use
  • Family history of high blood pressure combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices.
  • Age. Because your blood pressure tends to rise as you get older.
  • Race or ethnicity. Black people, Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaska Natives are at higher risk for high blood pressure.

The good news is that healthy behaviors can lower your risk for high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you can take action to control it and improve your health. And if you enjoy healthy blood pressure, now is the time to create good habits that will sustain it.

About one out of two adults has high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke,  two of the leading causes of death, disability, and healthcare expenses.

What is a  good target to aim for? The CDC recommends keeping your blood pressure under 130/80 mmHg for most of us. AT the top of the list for bringing high blood pressure down are being more physically active and eating a healthier  diet. You can start by taking a daily walk (at the mall if the weather’s bad).

Instead of eliminating unhealthy foods and drinks from your diet, find tasty substitutes. Choose fruits, vegetables, 100% whole grains and chemical-free, free-range meats and eggs instead of foods made with white flour, white rice, sugar, and lots of chemical additives. Enjoy a sparkling water beverage or tea with no sweeteners instead of soda pop. And, if you’re a drinker, cut back on alcohol consumption.

 

You might want to learn to check  your blood pressure at home. Some people’s blood pressure rises whenever they go to a doctor’s or dentist’s office. This is called “White Coat Syndrome.” And it tells you about another contributing factor to high blood pressure: Stress.

If you live a high stress life (and who doesn’t these days) learn how to use deep breathing, mindfulness techniques, and relaxation practices like Yoga Nidra to let some of that stress go. The State of Michigan even provides the online mindfulness resource Headspace to help relieve stress. Check it out!

I know that lifestyle changes don’t come easy. Try to get  your family and friends on board. And of course, enlist support from your healthcare providers—including your chiropractor. An aligned spine enables your brain to communicate with all of your organs so that they can function optimally. In other words, a healthy spine supports a healthy heart.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

GVSU researchers find more women than men keep leftover pain medications at home

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

More women than men in Michigan were prescribed pain medication and tend to keep any leftover medications in their homes, according to a health trend report from faculty researchers at Grand Valley State University.

One-third of men and women surveyed in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties as well as in the Detroit region reported using pain medications in 2019. (pxhere.com)

Erkmen Aslim and Daniel Montanera, assistant professors of economics from the Seidman College of Business, detailed health behaviors, risks and trends for Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan (KOMA) counties during the 13th annual West Michigan Health Care Economic Forecast on Feb. 3.

They found one-third of men and women surveyed in KOMA and the Detroit region reported using pain medications in 2019. Aslim said because of the increasing trend in overdose deaths, the research team studied leftover pain medication.

More than 70 percent of men and women in Detroit reported keeping leftover prescribed pain medication. Aslim said in KOMA, more women (62 percent) than men (51 percent) kept leftover medication.

“If opioids and other pain medications are not disposed of properly, it could present a huge risk,” Aslim said. “It could mean accidental poisoning or drug misuse. This also means it’s important for organizations to promote more drug take-back events.”

In addition, for the first time within Health Check reports, researchers studied health disparities by race, gender and ZIP codes, using data provided by Priority Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network.

Montanera said lower income ZIP codes in both regions reported more diagnoses of diabetes. Higher income ZIP codes showed more diagnoses of asthma, depression and low back pain. Coronary artery disease rates were higher in Detroit than KOMA, regardless of ZIP codes.

“The two regions showed similar patterns of health disparities due to income, indicating underlying relationships between income and health outcomes,” Montanera said.

Other health risk factors are noted below, with 2019 as the latest reporting year.
    •    Alcohol: Men in KOMA have the highest percentage of heavy drinking (7.9 percent) and binge drinking (24.3 percent), compared to women in KOMA and Detroit men and women. 
    •    Cigarette smoking: Decreased among non-whites in Detroit to 18 percent; increased among non-whites in KOMA to nearly 30 percent. 
    •    E-cigarettes: Decreased slightly to 17 percent among non-whites in Detroit; increased sharply to 37 percent among non-whites in KOMA.   
    •    Overweight: More men (38 percent) than women (29 percent) are overweight in both KOMA and Detroit.

  

The full report will be posted on the Health Check website.

What can be recycled in Kent County, and how to do it — COVID-19 at-home tests

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  • Box containing COVID-19 home test kit. (WKTV)
  • “Medical” pieces of a COVID-19 home test kit. (Chicago.gov)
  • Plastic holder for COVID-19 home test kit parts. (Kent County)

By WKTV Staff and Kent County Department of Public Works

ken@wktv.org

What can and cannot be recycled in Kent County, and how do it. And what happens to everything else? WKTV Journal, working with Kent County Department of Public Works Resource Recovery Specialist Lauren Westerman, are working to look at specific consumer products and other items and give you the answers.

In this post, we look at those at-home COVID-19 rest kits — part plastic, part cardboard packaging and paper instructions, part that nasty stick you stuck up your nose and other medical materials. Maybe you want to just toss everything in the nearest trash can, but should you? Here is the lowdown from an expert:

(If you received the kit in the mail, remember to look for a recycling label on the mailer.)

Does your mailer envelope have a recycling label? (Kent County)

Remove the test supplies from the paperboard box. Flatten the box and place it into your curbside recycling cart. The paper instructions can also go into your curbside recycling cart. The box and paper will head to the Recycling Center where it is sorted out from non-paper items, baled, and transported to a local paper mill to be processed into a new paper product that can be used again.

After performing your COVID-19 at home test, throw away the swab, the wrapper from around the swab, the test card, the test card’s soft plastic pouch, and the empty plastic dropper bottle.

The only piece remaining is the hard plastic piece that (possibly) held all the various test pieces. If this hard piece of plastic has a recycling symbol on it, then it may be placed into your curbside recycling cart. The plastic will be sorted with similar rigid plastics at the Recycling Center, shipped to a facility where the plastic is flaked or pelletized, and eventually remolded into a new plastic item.

Do you have a question about a specific consumer product or other item? Contact WKTV at ken@wktv.org. Please send a photo of the product and the recycling label if available.

Grant supports ‘farm to cafeteria’ movement

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, Local Food, ,

By SYDNEY BOWLER
Capital News Service

The 10 Cents a Day program supports connecting Michigan schools to Michigan farmers for fresh produce. (pxhere.com)

LANSING — Nathan Medina recalls eating bland, boring, non-fresh foods at school as a child.

 

“I remember eating bagged iceberg lettuce, canned corn and green beans or broccoli stems served alongside our cardboard pizza,” said Medina, who now is the 10 Cents a Meal program policy specialist.

Medina said it was refreshing to see some of the eye-appealing meals that are being served by grantees across the state.

 

The state-funded grants provide matching incentive funding up to 10 cents per meal to purchase and serve Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables and legumes.

The program is in its second year statewide and was originally a regional pilot program that began in 2016, Medina said.

He’s with the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, which has offices in Traverse City and Petoskey, and which runs the program with the state Education Department, Agriculture and Rural Development Department and Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems.

“This program provides kids with the opportunity to eat real, fresh food that they might not have had the chance to experience before,” said Medina. “While before they might have been eating apples grown in Washington, now they get to try a farm-fresh Michigan apple.”

For the 2021-2022 school year, there were 229 initial grantees, according to the 10 Cents a Meal program. Kent County schools participating include Godwin Heights along with Byron Center, Forest Hills, Kenowa Hills, Kent City, Lowell, Thornapple Kellogg, and West Catholic. Other area schools participating are Jenison along with schools in Holland, Ionia, and Muskegon. According to the 10 Cents a Meal website, about 144 enrolled in the program.

Grants are available not only to school districts, but also to non-school sponsors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition programs. That includes child care centers, after-school programs and other food programs such as the one provided by the Kent County Juvenile Detention program, which also was a 2021-2022 grant recipient. It is estimated that this year’s grants will support more than 553,000 children.

The Michigan Farmers Market Association supports the program to help farmers, schools and children, said Executive Director Amanda Shreve.

“This program really gives school districts one of the tools they need to more easily engage with local farmers,” she said.

Medina said the program can create individualized plans for participating schools and other organizations.

Not only is the program aiming to create better nutrition options, but it also recognizes the agricultural benefits that come with fresh food. Small farms, distributors and every other person involved in the process of the “farm-to-cafeteria” movement” benefit, Medina said.

Shreve said, “This program really gives school districts one of the tools they need to more easily engage with local farmers.”

Some schools face barriers to access fresh produce, such as cost, time or processing equipment, she said.

“When we can expand the awareness and taste buds of children at a young age, they’re going to continue these eating behaviors for the rest of their lives,” Shreve said. “We hope they will continue to scout local produce and eat fresh fruits and vegetables, setting them up for a lifetime of better health and relationships with food.”

According to Medina, the current budget of $5 million may be expanded in the future.

 

Due to the fact that Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the $17.1 billion K-12 budget into law in July 2021, the largest single-year School Aid Fund budget ever passed by the state, this doubled the 10 Cents a Meal’s budget from $2 million in 2020-2021 to $5 for 2021-2022. This has given 10 Cents a Meal an opportunity reopen its applications, which will close on Feb. 11. Officials noted that eligible purchases from the present year may qualify for retroactive reimbursement. For more about the grant, visit tencentsmichigan.org.

WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.

Local non-profit Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services launches capital campaign

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This video, produced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, as shown at the kickoff of the group’s “Expanding Equal Access: A New Home for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services” fundraising campaign.

By Phil de Haan

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

The first-ever major Capital Campaign for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services was publicly launched on January 24, 2022.

“Expanding Equal Access: A New Home for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services” is a $266,000 fundraising campaign that will allow D&HHS to become part of a large non-profit center being developed at the old South Christian High School on 68th Street in Grand Rapids, just west of a major bus line on South Division Avenue.

The project is being headed up by Special Olympics of Michigan and will see the 127,000 square foot building (which includes two gyms and a 735-seat auditorium) become home to 10 non-profits, all of which have advocacy and empowerment at the heart of everything they do.

D&HHS will join Special Olympics of Michigan, Autism Support of Kent County, Brody’s Be Café, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Far Out Volleyball Club, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan/be nice, MOKA, and Thresholds in this new space.

The public launch event included remarks by Tim Hileman, president and CEO of Special Olympics of Michigan, who said: “I love days like today. It speaks to what really good organizations can do both individually and collectively. What they can do together.”

Hileman commended what he called the “great, great leadership” of D&HHS, including the staff and the board.

He added: “I love the name of your campaign. This new non-profit center truly is multiple organizations coming together to create access, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is an important part of this project.”

D&HHS Board President Rowan O’Dougherty agreed.

“Deaf people need our agency,” he said. “And Deaf people need community. That’s why I am so excited about the move here. We currently have such limited space, but when we move here those limitations will go away. We can draw our community together to socialize, to play sports, have coffee at the Café. Our Deaf senior citizens could make this a weekly activity. It’s going to be great.”

For Mary Andringa, step-mother to Chad, now a Deaf adult, the new space will continue a long legacy of D&HHS service to her family.

“D&HHS has been a rock on which Chad could build his core values and see himself as a unique individual with talents and abilities,” she said. “The people here (D&HHS staff) were pivotal to his growth and mine. He has had the advocates he needed to protect his rights, and he has been called to grow. This agency has been a conduit. Or should I say a can-do-it place. This agency always feeds back truth.”

Board Treasurer, Mickey Carolan, asks for support of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services capital campaign. (D&HHS)

Mickey Carolan, the treasurer for the D&HHS board, spoke not just about money (though he did that too!) but also about his experience growing up as the child of Deaf adults, a CODA.

“I was born into a majority Deaf community,” he said. “It’s the reason I am here today. I remember growing up and the access my parents had to communities in Detroit and Flint and Saginaw. There hasn’t been a place on this side of the state for that kind of community. Until now. This is the spot. And I hope that the energy everyone here today brought inspires you, whatever that is. Maybe it’s a gift of $1. Maybe it’s $50,000 I don’t want to limit you. But whatever it is, we are grateful.”

Earl Howell and Dr. Robert Hohendorf of Lions Club International District 11-C1 present a check. (D&HHS)

Indeed, Carolan was grateful at the event to accept a check for $15,000 from Earl Howell and Dr. Robert Hohendorf of Lions Club International District 11-C1. That gift brought the current fundraising total to just over $133,000, just over half of the $266,000 total goal for the campaign.

D&HHS hopes to start the renovation of an old science lab into its new space in March 2022, pending fundraising. If all goes well it would move to the new non-profit center in the summer of 2022.

Images of the D&HHS space and the entire facility, plus the campaign video and photos from the campaign event, are online and available to media at: deafhhs.org/capital-campaign.

Kentwood’s Valentine’s Dash 5K, to benefit Little Free Pantry, set for Feb. 12

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The City of Kentwood’s Valentine’s Dash 5K will return Saturday, Feb. 12. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org



Valentine’s Day 2022 falls on a Monday (Feb. 14) but the City of Kentwood has a “Sweetheart Deal” to get your “Valentine’s Weekend” started with a little outdoor fun run, a possible partnership opportunity, and support for a great community service program.

The city will host its fifth annual Valentine’s Dash 5K Saturday, Feb. 12, starting at 11 a.m., and benefitting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.

The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Valentine’s Day-themed costumes are encouraged. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.

An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room at about noon, including refreshments, candy, music and a photo booth.

“Our Valentine’s Dash 5K is a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and help foster or fuel a love for running, even in the winter months,” Spencer McKellar, race organizer, said in supplied material. “This course is great for first-time runners or walkers but will also provide a challenge to more experienced racers. All are invited to come out and join us. Bring a friend or a loved one — or meet someone new.”

Online registration is $30 until Feb. 11 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies (while supplies last). Day-of registration is $35. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a special door prize.

Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The city, last year, launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

For more event information visit kentwood.us/ValentinesDash.

As pandemic lingers, local entertainment venues large and modest sized provide live entertainment with varying health protocols

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The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center has returned to live performances at St. Cecilia Music Center. (Supplied/CMS)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing writer

ken@wktv.org


As the COVID pandemic persists, most local venues have returned to hosting live entertainment — but with varying degrees of safety protocols in place for patrons and performers.

St. Cecilia Music Center, one of the more intimate and popular entertainment venues in the Grand Rapids area, offers concerts featuring a considerable array of musical talents and genres as well as a variety of music education programs.

And after a quiet stretch of a year and a half, they returned last fall and have a full schedule this year.

Cathy Holbrook, executive and artistic director of St. Cecilia Music Center, told WKTV that SCMC put COVID protocols in place in the fall of 2021 based on “both CDC guidelines at the time, what artists were requiring and what we, as an organization, felt would protect our audience, staff, crew and artists as best as possible.”

A CDC COVID-19 vaccination card. (CDC)

According to St. Cecilia’s website, “SCMC requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMS venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert … Home tests are not accepted. All patrons are required to wear a mask for the full duration of their time in the building, throughout the concert.”

A recent concert visit by another WKTV writer found the protocol process fairly quick and easy — a quick ID and copy of proof of vaccination from his phone.

Full descriptions of policies and requirements for attendees of St. Cecilia’s concerts can be found on their website, scmc-online.org/.

“The COVID policy we have in place is for all concerts,” said Holbrook. “Most artists are requiring these protocols, but SCMC as a venue has also adopted these for the presenting series concerts so that they do not change from concert to concert and provides the audience a consistent message (of) what is required to attend a concert.”

When asked about the response to SCMC’s requirements, Holbrook said, “While we know that there is no magic formula, we are finding that many people say this policy gave them a comfort level that it was a safe environment to come enjoy live music again.”

Grand Rapids Ballet, another West Michigan entertainment mainstay and modest-sized venue, has also returned to live, in-person performances while implementing COVID protocols in an effort to protect both patrons and performers.

A scene from a previous season work by the Grand Rapids Ballet. (GR Ballet)

“The health and safety of our staff, patrons, and community remain our highest priority,” Jessica Meldrum, marketing director for Grand Rapids Ballet, said. “To create the safest environment possible while attending our performances, we require individuals 12 years old and older to provide proof of fully vaccinated status OR a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of performance. Unvaccinated guests 11 years of age and younger will not be required to provide negative test results. All guests are required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose while attending performances.

“Our leaders continue monitoring the COVID environment and will update policies, if necessary, adhering to the appropriate procedures as required by local health departments,” she said.

A complete overview of GRB’s safety policies can be found online at grballet.com/safety/.

Larger venues have own policies

Some venues may not have vaccination or face mask requirements but enforce safety protocols and requirements set by the visiting organizations, artists and performers.

Hilarie Carpenter, director of marketing for ASM Global – Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall, told WKTV that “some organizers may have requirements in place for their particular event.”

When asked about specific requirements of VanAndel Arena, DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall, Carpenter replied, “We are following all protocols as required by the government, public health officials and event organizers. At this time, venues do not have a COVID vaccination/testing or face mask requirement. … Face masks are strongly encouraged for those events that do not require them.”

Carpenter encourages guests to check the event pages for each venue frequently for information on upcoming events and updates as they occur.

Event pages:

Van Andel Arena Events: https://www.vanandelarena.com/events

DeVos Performance Hall Events: https://www.devosperformancehall.com/events

DeVos Place Events: https://www.devosplace.org/events

Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place & DeVos Performance Hall have also implemented an environmental hygiene program called VenueShield.

“This program includes HVAC air filtration upgrades, facility enhancements to reduce touchpoints, increased sanitization and more,” Carpenter said.

More details on VenueShield can also be found on each venue’s website:

DeVos Place: https://www.devosplace.org/p/about1/venueshield

Van Andel Arena: https://www.vanandelarena.com/p/visit/venueshield

DeVos Performance Hall: https://www.devosperformancehall.com/p/visit/venueshield

Grand Rapids Symphony is one of those local organizations which play at DeVos Performance Hall.

 

A previous season concert by the Grand Rapids Symphony at the DeVos Performance Hall. (GR Symphony)

Director of Communications for Grand Rapids Symphony Holly Okonoski said, “We have followed the guidelines of the CDC, and health department recommendations. Also, the major users of DeVos Performance Hall came together to agree on a unified set of protocols for consistency and solidarity for our audiences.”

Okonoski said the protocols for each performance are the same across the board, offering consistency for patrons. A complete outline of GR Symphony’s health and safety protocols can be found at grsymphony.org/health-and-safety.

When asked Okonoski what she would like community members to know as they look to Grand Rapids Symphony for artistic entertainment, she said, “We care very much about the health and safety of our patrons, orchestra and staff, and have implemented these safety protocols to help keep live music available for everyone.”

Y program helps lift weights – both physical and mental – for those who are cancer survivors

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Health, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“Let’s get the lighter weights,” said Tami Groothuis to her exercise partner Ruth Veenstra.

Tami Groothuis went from being a Livestrong participant to a certified instructor. (WKTV)

The two disappear into another room for a couple of minutes returning with blue hand weights and from there Groothuis starts leading the two through some arm strengthening exercises.

The exercises are what you would expect from an exercise class, bicep curls and tricep extensions. Except this isn’t a regular exercise class, but one designed specifically for adult cancer survivors.

 

The Livestrong program, offered by the Y, is an evidence-based physical activity and well-being program. During the 12-week program, participants spend 75 minutes twice a week on cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises under the guidance of YMCA-certified instructors.

For Groothuis, the program became just what she needed to help overcome her cancer diagnosis.

“I feel as if certain doors are open at certain times,” Groothuis and it was certainly the case when it came to discovering the Livestrong program. It was eight years ago, when Groothuis received her first diagnosis of breast cancer.

“I had felt something in my breast and thought that just doesn’t feel right,” she said. A registered nurse, Groothuis decided to get the suspicious lumps checked out and her suspicions were confirmed, they were cancer.

Even with the diagnosis, things were looking good since the cancer had been caught early and could be removed, which it was. But even before starting treatment, Groothuis knew that the surgery and the treatments were going to have an impact on the very active Groothuis who use to run with friends before work, teach a cycling class and had even competed in a few triathlons.

 

A longtime Y member — “I have friends at about every location,” she said with a laugh — Groothuis happened to pick up a brochure about the Livestrong program. She knew she had found an answer in how to keep active.

Livestrong instructor Tami Groothuis leads participant Ruth Veenstra through some exercises. (WKTV)

“It really helped me as I was going through treatment, said Groothuis, who was one of a few people who could participate in the program during her treatment process. Most participants join after their radiation and chemotherapy have been completed. Medical clearance from a physician is required and participants also receive fitness and quality of life assessments before they begin the program.

“Being with other people who were going through what I was going through and having instructors who understood our realities added a whole new and beautiful dimension to group exercise,” she said.

 

Groothuis found the program so rewarding that she decided to become a certified Livestrong instructor, which she accomplished in 2020.

 

“Coaching is a way for me to give back to other people while feeling productive,” Groothuis said. “”It really has become a pay-it-forward.”

 

It also has been an anchor in helping Groothuis face her second cancer diagnosis in 2020.

 

“We spend time talking about what we are facing and often, I’ll say lets walk and talk,” she said. “We do the exercises, sharing our stories and knowing that we are not alone.”

Groothuis was only able to teach a few classes before the COVID pandemic shut down the Ys in 2020. As places reopened, including all the Y facilities, the Livestrong program has been re-started at all the Ys. Groothuis said she hopes others who are on the cancer journey will take advantage of the opportunity to lift weights, both mental and physical.

“I know I was afraid that I wouldn’t feel like doing anything after treatment,” Groothuis said. “It was thrilling to be able to engage with people while doing something to improve my health.”

To learn more about the Livestrong program, click here.

Pine Rest’s new 12-bed residential unit designed to help with growing substance abuse disorder

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Dr. Cameron Risma, medical director, outpatient addiction services, talks about the new Birch Lodge Substance Use Disorder Residential Unit. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The gray building tucked neatly on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services does not appear to be anything unique, but what it offers to those with a substance use disorder is a bridge from addiction to normal life.

This week, Pine Rest officials celebrated the opening of its first independent substance use disorder residential unit, Birch Lodge, located on its main campus just off of 68th Street.

The 12-bedroom facility original served as Pine Rest’s detox center, which had been moved to be with its substance use disorder residential program.

“What was happening is people who were coming in for detox were not really ready to hear about resources such as AAA or exercising,” said Dr. Talal Khan, the medical director, outpatient and recovery services, for Pine Rest. “What this does is provide a bridge between acute care and life, offering a smoother transition into life and its activities.’

Those in the Pine Rest substance use disorder program may move to the step-down program at the Birch Lodge Residential Unit after completing detox. Residents may stay up to 30 days but the facility’s short-term stay is expected to be seven to 10 nights. The facility includes a living room, dining room and kitchen, double occupancy bedrooms, a class room, exercise area, and offices.

“We will be having dinner together which for some will be a challenge in having dinner without having a drink,” said the Clinic Manager Lisa Zwerk, RN.

The patients at the Birch Lodge residential facility will participate in group therapy, spiritual reflection, case management sessions, technology time, fitness time, and recover support meetings. Patients also will be attending outings to Griffins and Whitecap games along with visiting local restaurants to learn about their triggers and how to plan for them, Zwerk said, adding the group also will visit community-peer led sober support programs as well to learn about resources that are available to them.

 

Khan said it takes time for medications to stabilize and relearn daily activities which is something that the facility offers versus residents going straight from acute care right back into daily life.

“When you have a substance use disorder, you burn a lot of bridges in the process,” Khan said. “Mending those bridges takes time.”

The new unit will expand Pine Rest’s use disorder services from 14 to 26 beds with Pine Rest officials estimating the organization will be able to treat up to 400 additional patients each year through the Birch Lodge Resident Unit.

The Birch Lodge Residential Unit includes double occupancy bedrooms, a living area and an exercise room. (WKTV)

Substance use disorder is a broad term that covers what used to be called substance abuse and substance dependence. The term can be applied to most additions, drug and alcohol as well as gambling, internet addiction, sex and others. According to Zwerk, the residential program has handled about 70 percent alcohol-related dependencies and about 30 percent have been drug related. The need for substance use disorder support has continued to grow with it being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Khan, there has been 30 percent increase in substance use disorder since the start of the pandemic. The number of people who seek treatment remains at about 10 percent, he said.

Zwerk noted that patients who move on from the Birch Lodge will be able to work with the same professional providers and clinicians as they move on through each level of care.

 

“So a person who has been discharged from the residential program may continue to meet with the same doctors and clinicians they worked with here in outpatient care,” she said, adding that the program is designed for people of all income levels.

 

The Birch Lodge Resident Unit officially opened on Tuesday accepting its first patients that day.

For more about the Birch Lodge residential program or the services available at Pine Rest, visit the organization’s website. 

Senior Living: Healthy aging in the New Year

3-bottom, Health, Senior Living, ,

By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Yoga is just one of the classes offered through Eaglecrest Healthy Agining, which is part of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. (pxhere.com)

Are you looking for ways to become or stay active in the new year? Don’t know where to start? Eaglecrest Healthy Aging — part of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan — may be the right fit for you. Their motto is “Start where you are! Use what you have! Do what you can!” There is no pressure to jump into the highest level, instructors have modifications throughout the programming and can meet you where you are. They like to say, “You do You”.

 

In the new year, Eaglecrest Healthy Aging has expanded its suite of programming to include more specialized classes. The SISU Seated class will give folks just beginning to exercise, or those recovering from illness or injury, a place to start. Yoga, EnhanceFitness, Tai Chi, Boom Muscle, and Silver Sneakers Circuit are other classes that will help build endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.

Eaglecrest Healthy Aging programs are designed specifically for older adults. They are dedicated to helping older adults stay active and independent, offering evidence-based classes that are safe and effective. As people get older the chance of suffering a fall increases. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. Incorporating a balance and exercise program can help build up a body’s flexibility and strength.

The Eaglecrest Healthy Aging classes come to you via Zoom. Want to try it without making a commitment? Interested participants can try all the live classes virtually for a week for free. Participants can meet the team of certified instructors and see the class format before committing to buying a package. There is no cost for SilverSneakers or Silver & Fit insurance members.

  

As an Eaglecrest Healthy Aging member, participants also gain access to its wide library of videos, so you can fit your workouts into your schedule. The revamped virtual class schedule just launched on Jan. 3.

To sign up for your free week or to learn about membership and view the latest class calendar, visit www.aaawm.org/HA. You may also email healthyaging@aaawm.org, or call 616-588-2580.

Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic scheduled for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

City of Wyoming, Health, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

A University of Michigan Health – West staff person shows her vaccine record. (Supplied)

University of Michigan Health-West is partnering with three other organizations to provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to residents on Martin Luther King Jr .Day which is Monday, Jan. 17.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m .at Brown-Hutcherson Ministries, 618 Jefferson Ave. SE.

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAH, an organization devoted to achieving healthcare parity for African Americans, is leading the coordination and public awareness efforts for this event. UMHW healthcare professionals will be providing vaccination services. Brown-Hutcherson Ministries has provided the space to host the event and the Grand Rapids MLK Community Worship Celebration Committee is providing the marketing support.

The goal of the event is to increase the vaccination rate among African Americans while building greater awareness about the positive impact of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Residents five-years-old and up can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the event. To pre-register online click on this link or walk in and register on-site the day of the event. COVID safety protocols will be enforced including mask mandates and social distancing.

To learn more about this event, visit the GRAAH website.

Kentwood’s 62-B District Court now offering innovative kiosk, distance payment system

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Kentwood’s 62-B court’s touch-screen kiosk, among other uses, allows individuals to check-in for court remotely and receive a text message when it is their turn to enter the courtroom. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has announced that the city’s 62-B District Court is now offering a new — and innovative — service kiosk to “maintain public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide better access to court services.”

The touch-screen kiosk is the first of its kind in Kent County that allows individuals to check-in for court remotely and receive a text message when it is their turn to enter the courtroom, according to the announcement.

Individuals can make payments online by scanning the QR code located on signage in front of the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. (Supplied)

Individuals can also visit the kiosk during business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, to make payments or place court documents in a secure drop box.

Additionally, individuals can make payments online by visiting here or scanning the QR code located on signage in front of the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE.

“We are proud to be the first court in the county to offer this safe, innovative and convenient option for the community,” 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “The kiosk allows individuals to safely conduct business with the court, which is particularly important during the current surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reduces time spent waiting in line or going through security protocols to enter the facility.”

In addition to English, the kiosk’s software offers five other languages to serve the diverse Kentwood community: Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Kinyarwanda, Korean and Spanish.

The system has been operational since late December 2021 and was purchased by the court using federal pandemic support Cares Act funds.

According to the announcement, “The 62-B District Court strives to earn the public’s trust and confidence by providing a fair and just forum for the resolution of civil and criminal disputes, providing services in a professional, timely and efficient manner with respect and courtesy, educating and providing services in an understandable and user-friendly fashion, being accountable for the resources invested in the court and recognizing the changing needs of the judicial system and the people it serves.”

For more information on the new system contact Court Administrator Michele White at 616-554-0715 or whitem@kentwood.us.

Kent County offers free radon test kits in January for National Radon Action Month

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The Kent County Health Department, responding to the month of January being National Radon Action Month, have a supply free radon test kits available to residents … while supplies last. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department recently announced that during the month of January — National Radon Action Month — county residents can gain free radon test kits while supplies last. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading month-long the public information effort.

“You cannot see, smell, or taste radon but the radioactive gas can kill,” the county announcement stated. “Next to smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.”

Radon-caused lung cancer kills more than 20,000 Americans every year, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

“Testing for radon is an easy and important step in protecting the health of your family,” Rusty Flewilling, Supervising Sanitarian with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). said in supplied material. “The kit is easy to use. Simply hang a filter inside your house for a few days, then send it in a self-addressed, pre-stamped envelope for testing.”

The KCHD recommends that all homes be tested for radon every few years. Testing kits are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the KCHD’s main clinic location at 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.

Test results will be sent to residents and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. People can use the information when deciding on how best to pursue remediation, and the State gains a better understanding of the prevalence of radon in Michigan.

For help understanding the test results, residents should contact the KCHD Environmental Health Division at 616-632-6900.

Radon occurs naturally in the ground and seeps into buildings through cracks or openings in the foundation of floors and walls. It occurs in both new and old homes. The EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have developed a map of risk zones for the United States which can be viewed by clicking here. Kent County is typically categorized as having a moderate to high levels of radon.

The KCHD podcast “A Matter of Public Health” recorded two episodes dedicated to educating people about the issue. In the first episode, residents will learn what radon is, how prevalent it is in Michigan, and how often testing should be done in homes.

In the second episode, the discussion focuses on how to get rid of the radon, how to select a contractor, and how to avoid getting ripped off by unscrupulous contractors. Guests include KCHD subject matter experts, Michigan’s top radon expert, the President of the National Radon Safety Board, and the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan.

For a link to the podcasts and more information visit here.



County public works’ GR center offers electronics recycling, ‘SafeChem’ drop-off — and new swap shop in multiple locations

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The opening of the Kent County Department of Public Works’ Grand Rapids administrative offices, including a SafeChem Swap Shop, on Wealthy Street Jan. 6. Addressing the crowd were, from left at podium, were Cynthia Janes, vice-chair of the Board of Public Works; Emily Brieve, Kent County commissioner; and Dar Baas, DPW director. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Operating by the often-used “3-Rs” recycling slogan of “reduce, reuse, recycle”, Kent County Department of Public Works opened its new Grand Rapids administrative offices on Wealthy Street Jan. 6 — a facility that also includes a soon-to-open recycling center, an education center, an electronics drop-off station and not only a SafeChem drop-of station but also a “SafeChem Swap Shop”.

Maybe it should be 4-Rs, with “reimagine” added to the slogan.

Continuing its efforts exemplified by its slogan “Reimagine Trash”, with the county’s Department of Public Works  (DPW) website actually being reimaginetrash.org, Kent County officials and DPW leaders held a facility ribbon cutting Jan. 6 to officially open the facility, with its returning and new offerings.

“The new administration center brings our team together and makes it easier for the community to connect with our department and services,” Dar Baas, DPW director, said in supplied material. “The facilities are designed to foster collaboration.”

And that collaboration is exemplified by the new dual SafeChem operations.

The Kent County Department of Public Works SafeChem Swap Shop includes dropped off cleaning chemicals still good for use — and free pickup by the community. (Supplied)

“The SafeChem Drop-off station and Swap Shop are a real asset for our community,” Baas said. “Not only do they keep hazardous materials out of area landfills and the environment, they also provide people free products to avoid them being discarded in the first place.”

The “drop and shop” operation is offered all five of the county-managed chemical drop-off locations, including ones in the Kentwood and Wyoming area.

The Wealthy Street Recycling and Administration Center located at 1045 Wealthy St. SW, adjacent to the Recycling and Education Facility, the SafeChem Drop-off station, SafeChem Swap Shop and electronics recycling services. The DPW offices were previously co-located with the Kent County Road Commission on Scribner Avenue and the property was sold in 2021.

All of Kent County’s SafeChem stations — there are several, with varying days and hours, including one each in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming —  allow residents to drop off household waste like cleaners, garden or garage products. The Wealthy Street location also includes a Swap Shop where products that are in good condition can be offered at no cost.

(The reopening the residential recycling drop-off station on Wealthy Street, which has been closed during construction, will be announced soon on reimaginetrash.org, according to a DPQ statement.)

For more information on the DPW’s SafeChem program, visit here.

Also opening last week, on Jan. 8, at the Wealthy Street location, was its electronics drop-off station, planned to be open for drop-off during the same year-round operational hours as our SafeChem household hazardous waste drop-off and SafeChem Swap Shop. (For more information on the list of electronics accepted for recycling at DPW facilities, as well as other local electronics recycling locations, visit here.)

Kentwood, Wyoming, Byron SafeChem site information

According to the Kent County DPW website, the Kentwood location is 5068 Breton SE, Kentwood, with days and hours November-March, Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m., and April-October, Tuesdays, 1:30-5:30 p.m.

The Kent County Department of Public Works SafeChem Swap Shop includes dropped off automotive chemicals still good for use — and free pickup by the community. (Supplied)

The Kentwood SafeChem site remained open after the closure of the city’s satellite recycling-drop off.

“A special thank you to City of Kentwood for their partnership,” the DPW website states. “We’re grateful to the City of Kentwood for hosting this SafeChem collection site.”

The Wyoming area location is 2350 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, with it open Mondays, 1-3 p.m., and Thursdays 7-9 a.m.

“A special thank you to City of Wyoming for their partnership,” the DPW website states. “We’re grateful to the City of Wyoming for not only hosting this SafeChem collection site but for staffing the SafeChem collections.”

The Byron Center location is 10300 South Kent Dr. SW, with its days and hours being November-March, Mondays, 8:30-10:30 a.m., and April-October, Mondays, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Tiger at John Ball Zoo doing better, Artemis still on the loose

3-bottom, Environment, Health, Recreation, , , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Nika, the Amur tiger at John Ball Zoo, is reported doing much better after testing positive for COVID. (Supplied)

The John Ball Zoo had good news today in that its 16-year-old female Amur tiger, Nika, is doing well after testing positive for COVID-19.

“Nika continues to do well and has been symptom free since approximately five to seven days after her initial presentation,” said Dr. Ryan Colburn, John Ball Zoo’s veterinarian. “No other animals at John Ball Zoo have shown signs of or tested positive.”

In December, John Ball Zoo announced that the Amur tiger had COVID. It is believed that a pre-symptomatic, positive member of the animal care team exposure the tiger to COVID. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been worldwide reports of animals being infected with COVID by humans. At this time, it is believed that the risk of animals spreading COVID to humans is low.

People can spread COVID to companion animals such as dogs and cats. At zoos and sanctuaries, several types of big cats, otters, non-human primates, and hyenas have been reported being infected. Also white-tail deer in several U.S. States have been reported as being infected as well.

According to John Ball Zoo, Ryan and his teams have now successful administer vaccinations to many animals at the zoo who are considered high risk of COVID infection as well as continue to monitor Nika for viral shedding.

Still on the hunt

Blandford Nature Center continues to search for its missing Bobcat, Artemis.

Artemis, the female bobcat demonstrates her love for climbing at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)

Artemis escaped from the Department of Natural Resources’ approved enclosure on Dec. 31. Her brother, Apollo, had escaped earlier in December but was captured in a live trap by a neighbor and returned to Blandford on Dec. 20.

“We know our community’s been eager to hear good news about our missing bobcat, Artemis,” it states on the Blandford Nature Center Facebook page. “We want to thank everyone who has contracted us with sightings and leads on her location or reached out with kind words, we are so appreciative of the help we have received so far.

“We are sad to report there are no new developments at this time, but we remain hopeful that we will be able to find her and bring her home safely.

According to Blandford’s wildlife staff, Artemis has been on Blandford’s property in the past few days and has been spotted by Blandford trail cams. Blandford has received several reported sightings near or on its property which gives staff reason to believe she won’t be traveling far and are hoping to catch her in one of the many live traps that are being placed on Blandford’s property.

Blandford Nature Center got the sister and brother bobcats in the fall. The cubs were orphaned after their mother was killed by a car. Because they did not receive the survival training from their mother, it was determined by registered wildlife rehabiliators that the cubs would not be able to survive in the wild.

Apollo, the male bobcat, at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)

Blandford had an existing bobcat enclosure that was built for two but only housed its former bobcat, Bob, who died in 2020. The cubs were placed with Blandford.

Bobcats are solitary. Their prey is usually rabbits. rodents or similar in size small animals. According to Blandford, due to Artemis’s age and size, that of a large house cat, she is unlikely to be a threat to humans or most animals. The main concern is for her safety.

If a resident does spot Artemis, they should not approach her but should call the Grand Rapids Police Department’s non-emergency number, 616-456-3400. The GRPD will notify Blandford. The social media and phones at Blandford are not monitored 24/7 which is why residents should contact the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Apollo is currently being housed at the John Ball Zoo where he is doing fine. According to the Facebook announcement, Blandford’s bobcat enclosure is scheduled to have more reinforcements made next week.

In Love and Health: Keep your New Year’s Resolutions

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Recreation, ,

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

Happy New Year! Did you make any New Year resolutions this year? Many of us did. And most of us have failed to keep them in years past. In one study, 77% of people kept their resolutions for 1 week but by the end of two years, only 19% were still going strong— and 53% reported slipping up at least once. Yes, it can be difficult to stick to your resolutions.

 

To keep yourself really focused on your goals, take time to quietly imagine how you will feel when you achieve them – and hold on to that feeling. If you Google, “keeping New Year’s resolutions,” you’ll find lots of good advice. For example, CNN Health shared these five tips for keeping your resolutions, based on the book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

  1. Make a cue-based plan. For example, instead of generalizing that you will exercise, plan a time each day when you will exercise and have your electronic calendar remind you to do it. Or, if you want to eat healthier, plan a weekly menu and make a shopping list to support it.
  2. Give yourself a fine. Make a deal with yourself, a friend, or a charity, that every time you slip up, you will pay them a designated amount of cash. Psychologically speaking, it seems penalties can be pretty motivating.
  3. Make it fun. Watch your favorite TV show only when you work out. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee drink when you buckle down and learn that new subject or listen to your favorite tunes organize the house. 
  4. Give yourself a few “Get out of Jail Free” passes. If you miss a day at the gym or gorge on chocolate cake one night,  give yourself a pass and get back on the wagon.
  5. Find an encouraging friend. Including a friend on your journey keeps you more accountable. Also, they might have some wisdom for you as you seek to achieve your goals, and vice versa.

     

Whatever your 2022 New Year resolutions are, another good way to achieve them is to choose health in every choice you make. Even if your resolutions have nothing to do with physical health, being active, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all support you in every other area of your life. So does keeping your spine healthy. Regular chiropractic adjustments not only relieve pain that can discourage you from meeting your goals but keeps your whole body humming in tune.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

Leaders of Kent County Board of Commissioners look back on 2021, forward to new year

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The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a 2019 meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

As the outgoing chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners looked back on a list of the county’s 2021 accomplishments — not the least of which was being a key partner in the West Michigan’s efforts to battle the pandemic — the board selected new leaders to begin 2022.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously selected Stan Stek (District 6) as chair and Emily Brieve (District 10) as vice-chair during a Monday, Jan. 3, organizational meeting. Stek, who had served as vice-chair, takes over as chair from Mandy Bolter.

As incoming vice-chair, Brieve will lead the Legislative and Human Services Committee.  Commissioner Diane Jones (District 4) will continue to serve in her role as chair of the Finance and Physical Resources Committee.

Kent County Board of Commissioner Chair Stan Stek. (Supplied)

“It is truly an honor to be chosen to lead this Board,” Stek said in supply material. “I look forward to working together to maintain our strong fiscal position, improve residents’ quality of life, enhance the overall delivery of services, and ensure continued economic growth for the region.”

And, in a statement from the county detailing some of the board’s 2021 accomplishments, the wide-ranging duties and efforts of the county board were detailed.

Financially, the board late last year approved a balanced 2022 budget of $527 million, including $454.8 million for operating expenditures, of which $16.7 million will be capital improvements. It also maintained maintained its dual AAA bond rating from S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service — for the 23rd consecutive year.

The county also was a key player in the local effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to distribute federal funds meant to do the same.

The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, created in response to the need to vaccinate as many people as possible, saw Kent County, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and Spectrum Health develop one of the largest vaccination clinics in the country at DeVos Place — with more than 231,000 COVID-19 vaccinations administered between January and May 2021.

In addition, the county Health Department added three new mobile health units in 2021. These self- contained mobile health facilities have been used extensively to target vulnerable populations in the administration of COVID-19 and other vaccinations, HIV testing, and community outreach. To date, more than 1,000 county residents have received COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics supported by these units, according to supplied material.

 

Kent County Commissioner Mandy Bolter. (Supplied)

“Despite the various pressures placed on public services this past year, our Board and staff were dedicated to continuing to provide excellent service to our community,” Bolter said in supplied material. “While we continued to meet the challenges of the pandemic, we also maintained a strong focus on meeting the needs of continued economic growth.”

Other stated accomplishments, according to the county statement, included expansion and bonding of The Gerald R. Ford International Airport; the hiring of the county’s first Chief Inclusion Officer “to underscore our commitment to fully embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in our strategic priorities and service delivery”; and establishing three new “issue-focused” subcommittees (Broadband, Judicial Resources and Veterans Millage Review).

The county also funded county Sheriff’s Office cruiser and deputy body cameras, and secured an expansion of the Chief Hazy Cloud Park into a 395-acre natural preserve along the Grand River and allow for future trail expansion to connect multiple communities.

Incoming leadership has long local history

Stek, whose District 6 includes the city of Walker and part of the city of Grand Rapids, was first elected to the commission in 2014. He is an attorney at Miller Canfield and, according to supplied material, has a long history of serving his community on various boards and committees.

Among his current and past work is serving on the Crisis Center Task Force, Dedicated Millage Committee, Kent County Community Action Board, Kent County Workforce Development Board, Lakeshore Regional Entity, Millennium Park Advisory Board, Michigan Works!, Network 180, Senior Millage Allocation Board, Substance Use Disorder Oversight Board, and Walker Citizens Advisory Committee.

 

Kent County Board of Commissioners vice-chair Emily Brieve. (Supplied)

Brieve, whose District 10 includes Gaines Township and part of Caledonia Township, has served in the board since 2014. She works for her family’s small business, FastoolNow.com.

She currently chairs the Board of Public Works and Community Health Advisory committees and is a member of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and West Michigan Sports Commission.

The cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are represented on the county board by Stan Ponstein (District 7), Dan Burrill (District 8), Matt Kallman (District 9), Monica Sparks (District 12), and Michelle McCloud (District 13). For complete information on the members of the board, and the areas they represent, visit here.

“We have a strong Board and an incredible community, and we are committed to supporting the prosperity of our businesses and residents,” Stek said. “We look forward to tackling the challenges ahead with fiscal responsibility, innovation, and collaboration.”

 

Financial Perspective: Dental hygiene stretches beyond just a smile

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Senior Living, ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Services, LLC

Pxhere.com

As teeth are one of the busiest organs of the human body, they need to be taken care of with utmost priority. Our recklessness often neglects our oral health (dental health) in eating habits and hygiene routines. Our overall well-being is dependent upon our dental hygiene. A single shred of bacteria can set our whole body in pain and jeopardy as many organs get affected by the bacteria deposits in our teeth.

The matter of dental health includes the overall condition of our gums, salivary glands, lips, tongue, ligaments, and mouth tissues, and chewing muscles. It means being free of ceaseless oral-facial torment conditions, oral and pharyngeal (throat) tumors, oral delicate tissue injuries, and craniofacial tissues, all in all, known as the craniofacial complex.

Dental care is neglected at a very early age, due to which the dental health deteriorates on the arrival of adulthood and mostly in old age. Today, many senior citizens in the US are facing oral health-related problems that affect their overall health. There are ample medical outlets that provide dental care for senior citizens at cost or free throughout the country.

Importance of Dental Health

More often than youngsters, senior citizens fall into the trap of oral health malfunctioning. This is because, after retirement, they find it difficult and unnecessary to avail themselves of dental care facilities and checkups. Secondly, they often have inadequate and unbalanced appetites due to soreness, and tooth loss is inevitable. This minor health negligence can be a driving force behind many other chronic dental and overall health issues.

Good dental health influences the overall health and well-being of a person. Painful cavities and bleeding gums are signs of deteriorating dental and overall health. Children need to be guided about the significance of oral hygiene so that they do not face chronic tooth decay or tooth loss at the slight onset of old age from an early age. Recent reports indicate a relationship between strokes, cardiovascular diseases, breathing problems, and periodontal diseases with dental health.

The tooth diseases start at the onset of plaques, which accumulate in the teeth if they are not cleaned properly. This gives birth to bacteria that can be harmful to the whole body’s functioning, as this bacterium runs through the bloodstream to different organs of the body such as the heart or lungs. This bacterium becomes a hard base gathered at the base of teeth, inflaming the gums and causing painful swelling and bleeding. Daily brushing is necessary for oral hygiene; otherwise, these bacteria thicken into black substances such as tartar and cause multiple infections.

Another reason why you should take care of teeth is because it can cause cavities in the mouth, resulting in holes in the tooth structure. Cavities can rot the teeth at an early age; thus, one entirely becomes toothless by old age. So, if you want to possess some teeth as you age, the observance of dental health is a must.

Studies have also indicated a link between diabetes and tooth infections. Diabetic conditions are more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum infections, and cavities. This further puts a person’s overall health at risk.

Some tips to enhance your Dental Health 

  • It is advisable to brush your teeth twice every day with nutrient-rich toothpaste, like fluoride-containing toothpaste.
  • Flossing can prevent the accumulation of bacteria or any food leftover; thus, it can be done at home or done at a dental clinic.
  • The best practice to keep your teeth healthy is to visit the dentist once a week or twice a month. Dental checkups can be very beneficial as the dentist can advise on the onset of any medical condition or provide counseling on preventive measures.
  • Diabetic patients must immediately visit the dentist if they feel a slight ache, swelling, or bleeding in the gums.

Facilities by Government

In the U.S., the government has devised free medical health, dental, and insurance plans for senior government agencies through which clinics, charities, and non-profit organizations offer extensive medical and dental care. These dental and medical care facilities are free of cost and quality assured, with special attention paid to senior citizens’ health.

The senior citizens can apply for government-funded health programs that suit their medical conditions: a renowned government-owned free health and dental organization. Medicare provides assistance in dental care for senior citizens.

The public medical care service is like a free health insurance plan with comprehensive and extensive medical and dental facilities and allowances. The U.S. government founded it in 1965. This program is for senior citizens, youngsters, and other patients with chronic health conditions and disabilities. The senior citizens can enroll in this program and apply for Medicare medical and dental facilities for 50% and above provisions.

Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a database of specialists and doctors who act as consultants. They also assist senior citizens in understanding the importance of medical care, dental health,insurance plans, and billing processes. Many other such plans can be of great assistance to senior citizens.

Apart from this, every county’s dental association can provide accessible dental care facilities, dental checkups, and dental medicines to the enrollees.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management

Migrant Legal Aid supports migrant agricultural workers, educates community — before, during and after pandemic

3-bottom, Community Health, Hard News, Health, Local Business, Local Food, West Michigan, WKTV Projects, ,
Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

West Michigan has a thriving agricultural economy with miles of apples and other crops that often need to be picked by hand each fall. Thousands of migrant workers travel to Michigan each year to harvest these crops for local farmers and growers, filling approximately 100 migrant camps to capacity in Kent County.

With that influx of workers and nomad-style workforce, issues can and often do occur — not the least of which was dealing with the recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Local non-profit Migrant Legal Aid has been an advocate for those workers, their health and their rights, for many years, and they continued to do so in 2021.

MLA defines a migrant worker as a person who lives and works at the same place and travels seasonally according to which crops are in season. Due to poverty, language barriers, and discrimination, seasonal workers often find it hard to protect their basic human rights and dignity. This is where Migrant Legal Aid say they step in.

Many migrant workers come from such severe poverty that when they are treated unfairly, most don’t speak up, Molly Spaak, attorney for MLA, said to WKTV. “Culturally, they say they can’t complain. They don’t realize they have a voice … There is also a definite fear of deportation if they come forward.”

Problems and solutions

Undocumented workers make up approximately 50 percent of the agricultural work force. Because of this, there is anxiety among the workers that deportation would occur if they come forward when treated unfairly. A way to eliminate this apprehension is found in case law.

Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

“MLA has good case law that protects undocumented folks from irrelevant immigration questions and retaliation in the workplace,” Spaak said. “This helps them feel more comfortable coming forward with their concerns.”

Young children have often been found in the fields with their parents, helping to harvest the crops so their parents meet the daily quota mandated by the growers.

“Child labor laws absolutely apply to migrant workers and their families,” said Spaak when asked if Michigan law extended to seasonal workers. “There are now migrant daycares and Head Start programs parents can utilize. These are free to the families. Because of this, there has been a drastic decrease of children in the fields.”

Migrant Legal Aid also provides help for those suffering from domestic violence.

“The Hispanic community is very patriarchal,” said Spaak. “Because of this, DV (domestic violence) cases are always popular.”

MLA offers special visas for victims who come forward. These visas help in many ways, providing social security numbers to the victims so they have the opportunity for steady work among them.

“This gives women and men more justification and incentive to come forward,” Spaak said.

Communication, community awareness

Educating the migrant workers on their rights and the services Migrant Legal Aid offers is a daunting yet necessary task. MLA produces many social media campaigns, newsletters to the community, and press releases to the media in an effort to raise awareness.

However, there are still challenges.

Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

“Social media helps build community awareness, but not our clients’ awareness because our clients don’t always have access to social media like the general population,” said Spaak.

To develop this knowledge, MLA sends migrant advocates into camps two to three times a week during the summer and fall to pass out Migrant Legal Aid information and speak with the workers personally.

Over the past year, advocates also handed out information on COVID-19.

“Migrant housing is jam-packed with people with one kitchen and one shower—it’s impossible to social distance,” said Spaak. “New COVID-19 regulations are not always followed, and the migrant camps were a hot bed for Coronavirus. Even when the vaccines rolled out, myths about the vaccine stopped a lot of people from getting it because they were worried about what it might do to them. We had to dispel those myths.”

Though MLA does have cases of mistreatment that require court appearances, Spaak said that many issues “can be resolved extremely quickly by speaking with the growers. A lot if it is communication and language issues with the workers.”

Migrant Legal Aid works hard to educate the community about migrant workers’ needs and situations but still needs help from the public. Being a self-funded organization, MLA relies on grants, private party donations, and fundraisers to subsidize their work. Two of their largest fundraisers are annual events — Cup of Justice, a golf outing in the spring, and Harvest of Justice, a luncheon in the fall.

While seeing so many cases of injustice against migrant workers is emotionally hard on the MLA attorneys and advocates, personal migrant success stories give them hope.

“Rene Rodriguez was a migrant worker from several years ago. His parents emigrated to the United States and were a farm worker family,” said Spaak.

Rodriguez went to school, worked hard, and became a professional website designer and marketing designer.

“We (MLA) bought several photographs from him that are now hanging in this office,” Spaak said of Rodriguez. “Rene also helps us with marketing, brochures, and photos.”

To find out more about Migrant Legal Aid and how you can help MLA protect migrant workers’ legal rights, visit here.

Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)

West Michigan restaurant beats the odds by opening, thriving in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic

3-bottom, Beer, Community Health, Food, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Restaurants, WKTV Projects, ,
The interior of Condado Tacos in Grand Rapids (in good weather there is also an outdoor space). (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

While launching a new restaurant in the middle of a worldwide pandemic may seem daunting, in West Michigan and really anywhere, Condado Tacos location on Bridge Street in Grand Rapids proved it could be done, and done in an artful way.

Like its menu, which they say is “adaptable to every diet,” Condado Tacos just had to be adaptable to Grand Rapids ever-shifting pandemic landscape — and health regulations. But Condado Tacos opening in February of 2021, during one of the pandemic’s surges, did present unique challenges for staff as they worked to get boots on the ground in West Michigan.

Tina Femeyer, general manager of the Condado Tacos Grand Rapids location, looked back on the restaurant’s first year and told WKTV that she was originally supposed to begin work the week of the Michigan statewide shut down in early 2020.

Tina Femeyer, local general manager of Condado Tacos. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

“Everything got pushed back 6 to 8 weeks,” Femeyer said. “I ended up training in the Royal Oak location for four months, but they were only doing carry-out. I had to completely re-train for dine-in once things opened back up.”

Founded in 2014, Condado Tacos currently has 20 locations in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan. But they were committed to Grand Rapids.

“We were not certain if we were going to open at that time,” Karen Reed, Director of Off Premise Sales, said to WKTV. “There were some slight delays on parts (supply chain issues) and acquiring and confirming our liquor license were the two most challenging issues. Also, making certain we were in the position to combat and prevent COVID from spreading in the restaurant on a regular basis…It was a matter of doing whatever it would take, with a great commitment from our staff.”

And getting that staff together was high on the priority list.

Femeyer eventually moved to Grand Rapids in November of 2020 and began conducting in-person interviews.

One of the initial hires at Candado Tacos, Kentwood bartender Dan Voetberg, behind the bar. (Supplied)

“We knew we were opening at only fifty percent capacity but planned to hire full staff,” said Femeyer.

Conducting interviews while masked and socially distanced was a new experience for the general manager, but Femeyer said the process went smoothly.

Advance marketing and the use of the Indeed employment website for recruiting helped potential employees be aware of Condado Tacos and their entrance into the market.

“It appeared we had a bit of a following even prior to opening,” said Reed.

  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

The art of tacos, and a taco restaurant

As Condado Tacos planned its opening, also in the plans was showcasing local artists.

When asked what prompted the decision to make art a main feature of Condado, Femeyer said that it was always a vision of original founder Joe Kahn, and other executives of the corporation, to ensure art was a key component of each Condado store.

“The art ties back to the local community, creating a unique space that speaks to what the city is about while being consistent with menu and service,” said Femeyer. “Art is the backbone of what they (corporate) wanted to make each space.”

Femeyer also revealed that the art is the most time-sensitive part of the construction process, often beginning before heat, air conditioning, or plumbing are completed.

“They (the artists) truly are a part of the construction team,” Femeyer said. “They work all hours of the day and night after drywall is in place.”

While each store features artwork distinctive to the city’s artists, diners can also look for a variation of a gnome and ghost chilies at each location, creating a link of unity between each store.

Condado Tacos on Bridge Street in Grand Rapids. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

Condado Tacos is now at full capacity, though they do offer a patio with heaters for comfort, and also heaters stationed near the entrance to the restaurant in case people would like to enjoy a cocktail or wait for a table in a less populated space.

Condado’s success in Grand Rapids comes down to two things, Femeyer said.

“Great staff. They have all been unbelievably gracious and understanding that many things were out of our (management’s) control during opening. They were very adaptable.” Femeyer said. “I think the space really speaks to how people want to dine. They want a more light-hearted, ‘come as you are’ feel, which Condado Taco speaks to. It speaks to people of all walks of life.”

But Reed added that it doesn’t end there. “Our goal each shift and every day at our Grand Rapids Condado Tacos and all of our locations, is to be very consistent in our execution along with a focus on continual improvement daily.”

Grand Rapids will not be the last Michigan location for Condado Tacos. With three locations already open in the Detroit area at the time of the Bridge Street launch, Femeyer says Condado intends to continue expanding in Michigan, with plans already in place to open a store in Ann Arbor in early 2022.