@affinity magazine - summer 2015 - living longer, living better

Summer 2015

Y O U R G U I D E T O H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S

Living Longer , Living Better

Adding life to your years

THERE ARE MANY ADAGES IN THE HEALTH field, but this one stands out: No one wants to age, but everybody wants to age well.

When I think about growing old, it’s easy to zero in on the physical appearances that signal, like wrinkles, grey locks and shuffled gait. Within each wrinkle lies a lesson learned; a chapter closed; an experience gained. With each passing birthday, we add years to our life, but are we taking the time to add life to our years?

Today, more and more people are living to advanced ages. In fact, for the first time in U.S. history, the number of people over 60 exceeds those under age 15. Two factors—longer life spans and aging baby boomers—will combine to double the population of Americans aged 65 years or older to about 72 million throughout the next 25 years. Plus the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last year that life expectancy has risen to an all-time high (flip to page 8 to read more).

Data shows that we’ve figured out how to live longer, but have we mastered how to live better? In this edition of @Affinity, we address a handful of topics impacting older adults and how our health system is responding to and caring for individuals who are facing complex, and maybe painful, issues.

On page 10, two individuals tell us what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder of the nervous system affecting middle-aged and elderly people for which there is no cure. Like many health hurdles, there

Monica Hilt

are good days and bad, but these brave and determined souls share insight on how to push on when the future is uncertain. On page 14, read about an 81-year-old gentleman who clung to courage and pushed through his debilitating illnesses by partnering with his healthcare providers. Soon after, he returned home to his family. It’s a victorious story that brings to light a common physical and emotional journey we are vulnerable to as we grow old.

Points about hearing loss, vision, falls risk, medication management and mental wellness are also raised.

When asked about aging, Goldie Hawn, who will turn 70 years old this year, answered, "Getting older is a fact of life. By living mindfully you understand that there are many transitions in life. You just go through them. But it's wonderful to know you're aging, because that means you're still on the planet, right? It's all about how you make it."

We are here to help you navigate these transitions and age healthily, on your own terms. I hope you find the stories in this issue inspirational and informative—no matter your age.

Sincerely,

Monica Hilt, President, St. Elizabeth HospitalVice President, Eastern Region, Ministry Health Care

As we wrap up our fourth year of @Affinity magazine, we want to know how you prefer

to hear from us. We invite you to voice your feelings and thoughts by taking a brief online survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/affinitymag. We hope to continue to bring you stories of health and wellness in a way you welcome and appreciate!

Speak up!

w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o rg / b l o g S u m m e r 2 0 1 5 • @Affinity | 3

Mission and Values At Affinity Health System, our mission guides our actions.

MissionRooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.

Call to ActionWe will fulfill our promise to those we serve by delivering Healthcare That Works, Healthcare That Is Safe, and Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind, for life. Through this Call to Action, we will strive to provide access for all to care that is safe and clinically excellent in ways that satisfy patients, associates and physicians.

ValuesThe way we accomplish our mission is as important as the mission itself. These values guide our actions: Service of the Poor, Reverence, Integrity, Wisdom; Creativity; and Dedication.

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 4 SHORT CLIPS

5 BY THE NUMBERS

6 CHEW ON THIS

8 IN SEASON

18 LOOK WHO’S TALKING

20 GIVING BACK

21 FOUNDATIONS

FOR GIVING

BACK

22 YOU ASKED

23 KIDS PAGE

10 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood A candid look into the lives of two individuals who live – and live well – with Parkinson’s disease. Afflicting 1.5 million Americans, the disease destroys brain cells that control movement, mood, speech and memory. Symptoms can be curbed with drugs but no cure has been found. Unlike cancer, people who have Parkinson’s can survive for a long time, which Michael and Lucille intend on doing.

14 Got Gumption? Stricken with heart and kidney failure a year ago, Gene Schmiedel found himself in a nursing home, separated from his wife for the first time in half a century, and he wasn’t happy about it. He vowed to return home, and with the commitment and care of his Affinity clinicians, he regained his strength, improved his balance and ultimately enjoyed the sweet reward of a homecoming at age 81.

c o n t e n t s

Cover illustration by Jon Krause | Photographs by Shane Van Boxtel, Image Studios

18

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

COMMUNITY REPORTStay up on our happenings with our digital community report where we share accounts of person-centered care taking place every day in the communities we serve. To read stories and watch videos about our patients, associates, clinicians, volunteers and other community members, visit www.affinityhealth.org/communityreport. We will continue to set our sights on even greater healthcare progress in the years to come.

Affinity Health SystemAppleton, WIwww.affinityhealth.org

President, St. Elizabeth HospitalVice President, Eastern Region, Ministry Health CareMonica Hilt

Chief Marketing Officer,Ministry Health CareVince Gallucci

Editorial ManagementJennifer Wagner MaukJohn EganAlison Fiebig Mayer

Volume 5, Number 1The material in @Affinity is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

@Affinity is published three times annually by Affinity Health System.

For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, change your address, discontinue multiple copies or stop receiving @Affinity, please contact us at [email protected].

© 2015 Affinity Health System. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from Affinity Health System.

4 | @Affinity • S u m m e r 2 0 1 5 w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o rg / b l o g

S H O R T c l i p s

A ll forms of daily life are consumed through the very narrow lens that are our eyes. Losing the ability to see is an understandable fear, but as Doris Wolff, 74, will

tell you, it doesn’t have to be a reality. Wolff and her husband, Kenneth, had cataract surgery on both eyes in November 2014 – even having their second surgeries performed on the same day by the same Affinity Medical Group ophthalmologist, Dr. Joseph Neilitz.

“When I’m at church, I can read the music in the hymn book without my glasses,” Wolff says. “I am now less reliant on my glasses. If I forget them, oh well!”

Most cataracts are due to age-related changes in the lens. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window, which makes it difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the expression on someone’s face. This type of vision loss develops in time and doesn't disturb eyesight early on. If left untreated, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision.

Cataract surgery is an eight-minute, painless, outpatient procedure that uses an ultrasound to remove the cataract and put a crystal clear lens in its place. The cataract can never come back, and most people won’t need glasses afterward.

“Almost everyone is nervous about cataract surgery, but there is no need to fear,” Dr. Neilitz says. “Our team will be by your side to help you feel comfortable and relaxed, and recovery is less than one day. Most people drive to their follow-up appointment the next day!”

Sensitive to Our SensesOvercoming obstacles to achieve optimal health BY NICHOLAS HEENAN

An 87-Year Journey Turned On Its EarOn January 9, 1928, Ester Barry was born. The world was finally overcoming the devastation of the most destructive war in human history (up to that point) and Appleton, WI was a tiny hamlet

located on the Fox River with a population of about 23,000.Today, Barry is an 87-year-old audiology patient with Affinity Medical Group. If her name doesn’t sound familiar

to any of our readers, perhaps hearing her voice may ring a bell. As a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Hospital for

25 years, Barry was the voice on the loud speaker on Thursday afternoons announcing the starting time for Mass. Her familiarity with voice work shines through clearly as

she speaks in short, polished sentences about her experiences with hearing loss, particularly about being informed of the necessity of wearing a hearing aid in 2009.

“I didn’t feel like dealing with the thing,” she says matter-of-factly.

Many know a loved one of elderly age who has some reservations about hearing aids. For Barry, there was one family member in particular who had tried, time

and time again, to convince her to have her hearing checked.

“When I got my first hearing aid, I think my daughter was more relieved than I was,” she says.

For many who suffer from hearing loss, admitting that a problem exists can be the most difficult part.

“I didn’t even realize how much I needed a hearing aid until I got one,” Barry adds.

Once she began to experience the improvement in her hearing capabilities, she became a believer in the power of the little devices.

“For anyone out there who questions whether or not they might need a hearing aid, my advice would be to go get tested,” she says. “Just go do it!”

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If you have questions or would like to explore the process of having your hearing checked, make an appointment with an Affinity Medical Group audiologist by calling 920.730.4443 in Appleton and Neenah, 920.223.7330 in Oshkosh, or 800.236.1338 in Chilton.

Cataracts can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. If you are experiencing clouded, blurred or dim vision, sensitivity to light or glare, or “haloes” around lights, call the ophthalmology department at 920.727.8280 and make an appointment.


B Y T H E n u m b e r s

60

26%

happy birthdayhappy birthday

In 2011, the first of the baby boomers reached what

used to be known as retirement age. And for the next

18 years to follow, boomers turn 65 at a rate of about

8,000 a day. (Source: AARP)

Making friends may be essential to your health.

Feelings of loneliness raise the risk of early death by

about 26%.

80%

At birth, we are

generally born

with 350 bones.

As we age, bones

fuse together

resulting in us

only having

206 bones

as older adults.

(Source: Body World)

The percentage of older adults who have at

least one chronic condition. (Source: CDC)

Heart disease 31%

Cancer 24%

Chronic lower respiratory disease 21%

Alzheimer’s disease 13%

Diabetes 11%

50% of the

population has

about 50% grey

hair at age 50.

Extra: Hair is so

strong that if you

made all of your

hair into a rope, it

could hold 10-15

tons or about 3.5

ounces per strand! (Source: L'Oréal, Research

& Innovation)

Age you should get the shingles

vaccine as recommended

by the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention.

TOP 5 CHRONIC CONDITIONS IN PEOPLE OVER 65


chew on this Chocolate Caramel Seven Layer BarsA lighter, healthier — but still decadent!— alternative to your Grandma’s tried-and-true recipe. INGREDIENTS• 10 sheets chocolate graham crackers• 3 large egg whites• 6 Tbsp reduced fat, unsweetened,

shredded coconut• 1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips• 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped• 4 caramel squares, diced • 4 oz (113g) fat-free sweetened

condensed milk• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat)• 1 Tbsp Truvia

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and coat a 9”square pan with nonstick cooking spray.2. Break the graham crackers into pieces, and add to a food processor or blender. Pulse until they resemble fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, and add the egg whites. Mix together until fully incorporated. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.3. Sprinkle the coconut, chocolate chips, pecans, and diced caramel squares over the graham cracker crust in that order. In a small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, and Truvia. Drizzled over the top.4. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely to room temperature, and allow the bars to set once they reach room temperature for at least 3 hours before slicing into squares.

This recipe has been lightened with a few easy swaps:

• Egg whites for butter. Egg whites mimic the holding properties of butter, cut out calories and add protein.

• Caramel for butterscotch. Cuts back on calories.

• Greek yogurt and Truvia. Helps reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk.

In the early 1900s, lard was a cooking fat fixture across the globe. Today, lard is relatively absent from the American home and supermarket shelves are stacked with several varieties of butter. Which frying fat fairs better in the ring? BY NICHOLAS HEENAN

Food Fight

In the blue corner, meet the grizzled veteran: lard. The main fat in lard – oleic acid – is a monounsaturated fat linked to decreased risk of depression according to research in the book The Happiness Diet. Those same monounsaturated fats, which make up 45 percent of the fat in lard, are believed to lower risk for heart disease and might be responsible for lowering

LDL levels while leaving HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels alone. It also contains 20 percent less saturated fat than butter. The percentage of saturated fat in lard protects the more vulnerable mono/polyunsaturated fats from oxidizing with heat, which makes lard an excellent choice for cooking and baking.

In the red corner, get to know butter, made not from animal fat but from the churning of cow’s milk or cream. This helps create a smooth, creamy flavor. Light butter blends or whipped butter have less calories and half the saturated fat. Butter is a great source of a short-chain fatty acid called butyrate, which fights inflammation (a cause of heart disease). What’seven better is grass-fed cow butter, which has a high level of Vitamin K2 and helps keep calcium out of your arteries.

One thing is for sure: they’re both delicious, but this isn’t a license to gorge or swap one unhealthy indulgence for another. The American Heart Association recommends a diet with no more than 25-35 percent of calories from fat, and only five percent from saturated fats. Whichever you choose, enjoy in moderation as a part of a balanced diet.

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NUTRITIONAL FACTS» Serves 16; serving size: 1 bar» Calories: 111» Total fat: 4g» Sodium: 84 mg» Carbohydrates: 16.4g» Sugar: 10.7g» Protein: 2.6g


Good health ensures independence, security and productivity as people age. Yet millions of older adults struggle every day with health and safety challenges, such as chronic and cognitive

diseases, falls and mental health issues—all of which can impact quality of life.

“I think social isolation in the setting of chronic medical conditions with declining health is the biggest issue,” says Dr. Ben Heinzen, internist for Affinity Medical Group in Oshkosh.

He recommends seniors seeking to maintain optimal health connect with a younger health guide who can ensure his or her loved one is eating properly, bathing appropriately, driving safely, remembering what is discussed at doctor visits, ensuring medications are taken and monitored for side effects, and watching for new symptoms that are reported promptly to the patient’s clinician.

“If families do this well, things go pretty smoothly,” he adds. “If families do this poorly, or not at all, we are really handicapped as healthcare providers. From a research perspective, we know that healthcare is only 20 percent of what determines a person’s health status. A strong support network/family handles the other 80 percent. They are more important than we are.”

If you’re over the age of 60 and have questions about maintaining independence, long-term care options, disabilities services, mental health care, Social Security and

Medicare benefit programs, and more, check in with your local Aging & Disability Resource Center:

» Outagamie County – 920.832.5178» Calumet County – 920.849.1451» Winnebago County – 877.886.2372» Waupaca County – 715.258.6400

If you’re looking to connect with others, seek new adventures, become more active or play a game of Sheepshead, check in with one of these local resources:» Thompson Community Center, Appleton,

920.730.1326» Oshkosh Senior Center, 920.232.5300» Village of Kimberly Senior Center,

920.788.7507» Ripon Senior Center, 920.748.6225» YMCA – Appleton, Heart of the Valley,

Neenah-Menasha, Fox West or Appleton Creek (visit www.ymcafoxcities.org for details)

» Local churches» Volunteering (turn to page 21 to

learn more)

A ging is for certain, and it’s not just a matter of genetics but a matter of how we live. Science and medicine

tells us it’s possible to live healthily and successfully into our later years. Here’s a glance at some topics impacting older generations with a few words to the wise along the way.

Dr. Ben Heinzen

1,481,135: The number of Baby Boomers in Wisconsin as of 2014. The boomer generation is made up of 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964.

It’s important for people of all ages to have a relationship with a doctor whom they trust, especially older adults. Research shows that people who have an ongoing relationship with a doctor have better overall health outcomes and lower death rates than those without one. If you’re in search of a doctor, let Affinity’s connection specialist,

Sarah Stern, do the work. What a hotel concierge does for its guests, Sarah does for patients in healthcare – answering questions and pointing you in the right direction. She navigates hundreds of doctors based on your preferences, such as location, male or female, and your personality. She even goes the extra mile and schedules an appointment for you to see the physician before you hang up the phone!

Call her directly at 920.628.9280 and tell her we sent you!

People over 75 years old visit the doctor 3x more often than people 22-44 years old.

“ Aging in place” is defined as growing older without having to move out of your home.

Sarah Stern

L i v i n g L o n g e r L i v i n g B e t t e r


Scientists believe that the intervention most clearly proven to slow aging in the brain is aerobic exercise. Working out has been shown to change the brain—specifically the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a key role in memory storage.

Depression affects nearly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries for people older than 65, outpacing all other accidental causes of death and claiming an average of 789 lives each year. More than half of these fatalities occur in the

home and fewer than 30 percent of fatal falls take place in an assisted living or nursing facility.

Nancy Krueger, program coordinator at Outagamie County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), offers programming for older adults to promote independence and healthy lifestyles. When it comes to falls, she says, “Gravity does not discriminate.”

Krueger facilitates a seven-week program called “Stepping On: Falls Prevention Workshop,” which focuses on how strength and balancing exercises, medication management, home safety, footwear, vision and mobility all play an important role in fall prevention. The workshop will:

» Increase awareness of fall risks» Help participants be more informed about the factors

that contribute to their risk of falling» Include guest experts on certain topics» Follow through on the use of prevention strategies after

the workshop is completed» Include a follow-up class to review achievements

While physical health has a lot to do with our time on earth, good mental health is also critical in our senior years.

“You have to be tough to age well, more mentally than physically,” says Dr. Heinzen. “You lose independence.

You sometimes lose your memories. You often have daily pain. The people who adapt to this and continue to search for joy in life are healthier.”

Good mental health practices involve a blend of emotional, attitudinal, intellectual, spiritual and physical practices. Here are a few tips to living healthily:» Take care. Get plenty of rest, eat right, exercise and see a doctor

regularly. Keep your mind active and exercised through learning new things, reading and interacting with others regularly.

» Know when to ask for help. Especially when life becomes overwhelming or difficult, it is key to identify someone you would go to for help in the future.

» Practice stress management. Identify what soothes and comforts you. Learn relaxation techniques and interact with supportive friends and family members.

» Spend time with at least one friend in whom you can confide. Love is energizing and beneficial to your mental and physical health.

» Nurture your soul. Engage in a spiritual practice, prayerful reflection or meditation, which can help you cope with life’s challenges. Learn how to forget the hurts, forgive the wrongs and let go of burdens of your past or present.

» Participate in a regular activity that’s fun, relaxing or creative. Taking time to play, laugh and be creative can enhance your ability to enjoy life and maintain a positive attitude.

» Celebrate your successes. It’s beneficial to name (or even list) the positive elements and people in your life.

One third of people over

the age of 65 years fall every

year. Wisconsin ranks #2 for

falls among older adults.

S E P T E M B E R I S FA L L S P R EV E N T I O N M O N T HMany falls are preventable. September is Falls Prevention Month, and the National Council of Aging declares Monday, September 21 as Falls Prevention Awareness Day – the first day of fall. A free event will be held at the Thompson Community Center downtown Appleton from 9:30-11 a.m., starting with Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna making a proclamation. Health professionals will be available to conduct balance screenings, blood pressure and vision screenings, medication reviews, and shoewear education. If you have questions about the event, call 920.740.9572.

Scientists believe that the intervention most clearly proven to slow aging in the brain is aerobic exercise. Working out has been shown to change the brain—specifically the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a key role in memory storage.


It’s a beautiful


Not too long after Kathy Crouch returned inside from pinning laundry to the clothesline in the backyard of their Neenah home, she noticed a rain cloud floating overhead. Then a few sprinkles started to fall.

Michael, sitting across from his wife at the table, shifts his gaze to the skies, too.

“But we need the rain,” he says, answering to her anxious gaze. It was the kind of spring day when you first notice the bright green

coming to life in the trees and the sunshine is warm enough to make you want to cruise with the windows down. Over the next few months, Michael plans to spend some time behind the wheel of his 2007 Corvette, one of his most prized possessions, for the moments he’s in the driver’s seat happen to be the rare occasions he feels in control of his mobility.

That’s because for the last four years Michael has been a passenger to the progressive movement disorder known as Parkinson’s disease.

SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN

“I had a feeling something was up,” the 69-year-old says, reflecting on the time before his diagnosis. “I never shook like that before, and I couldn’t stop it.”There was a trembling in his right hand that progressed slowly

over the course of a few years. His family physician, who has since retired from Affinity Medical Group (AMG), thought his symptoms were significant and referred Michael to see Dr. Mossadiq Jaffri, a neurologist at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh.

“Dr. Jaffri immediately knew I had Parkinson’s,” Michael remembers. “He could tell by the way I walked and my facial expressions.”

According to Dr. Jaffri, people often present with one of the visual symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which can be remembered with the mnemonic TRAP: tremor/resting tremor, rigidity, akinesia (loss of control of voluntary muscle movements) and postural instability.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Dr. Mossadiq Jaffri

The high and low points of living with Parkinson’s disease

B Y A L I S O N F I E B I G M A Y E R | P H O T O G R A P H S B Y

S H A N E V A N B O X T E L , I M A G E S T U D I O S

L i v i n g L o n g e r 2 L i v i n g B e t t e r


“Michael demonstrated unintentional, rhythmic muscle movement, defined as tremors,” Dr. Jaffri explains. “As time has progressed, Michael’s postural stability has also declined.”

Michael agrees, noting, “My walking has gotten a little unsteady. People might look at me and think I’m drunk by the way I’m shuffling my feet. Your brain doesn’t let you do what you want it to do.”

With Parkinson’s disease, a person's brain slowly stops producing a neurotransmitter (a biochemical substance that carries impulses from one nerve cell to another) called dopamine. With less and less dopamine, a person has less and less ability to regulate their movements, body and emotions. Dopamine helps with smooth, coordinated muscle movements.

According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, when approximately 60-80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear. The process of impairment of brain cells is called neurodegeneration.

“The best way I can describe Parkinson’s is that it’s a neurodegenerative disease causing damage to portions of the brain that require movement and cognitive function,” Dr. Jaffri says, adding that the disease also impacts emotional health, blood pressure, autonomic functions and musculoskeletal pains. “It’s a very complex disease.”

Every six months, Michael makes an appointment to see Dr. Jaffri, who checks on the strength in his hands and arms, gait and balance, and swallowing and speech.

“He asks Michael to repeat the phrase, ‘It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,’” Kathy explains. “It’s a good test to see if he can sound out all the syllables.”

About 90 percent of people with Parkinson's will experience changes in their voices or ability to make speech sounds at some stage of their lives, as reported by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, which include the voice becoming quieter and developing a breathy or hoarse quality. Over time, a person’s speech becomes less precise, slower and more difficult to understand. Researchers and clinicians believe these symptoms are due to brain changes that make it difficult to follow internal cues—telling us how loud the voice should be or how much effort is required to produce clear speech.

Michael has faced up-hill health battles before, including thyroid cancer and chronic pain, but Parkinson’s is different. There is no cure. Instead of moving from a diagnosis to a treatment, he has had to learn how to manage and cope with advancing complications.

“I work so hard to get out of bed or a chair,” he says. “When I sit at computer, I’ll click when I don’t want to click. You can think about it all you want, but unless your brain lets you do it, forget it. What’s normal and easy isn’t normal or easy with Parkinson’s. You have to be patient with yourself and others. You have to learn how to depend on other people.”

His remarks are meant for Kathy, who accepts his acknowledgement of dependence with a sheepish smile. She points to her wedding ring.

“That’s what this is all about right here,” she adds. “We’re a team. It’s just what you do.”

PIECE BY PIECE

Lucille “Lou” Holdren thought she knew what Parkinson’s disease looked like, but the 70-year-old Oshkosh resident didn’t recognize one of the symptoms in herself when it began to show

four years ago. “There’s a group of people my husband (Fred) and I walk with in the

neighborhood, and they asked me why I was walking funny and not swinging my arm the right way,” she explains.

Lou has back issues, including scoliosis, so she thought she had a pinched nerve in her shoulder. But it wasn’t a pinched nerve. It was Parkinson’s disease.

“This has, by far, been the hardest information to come to terms with—that this progressive, growing disease will eventually take over,” she says.

Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year. As the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, the health, social and economic impact resulting from Parkinson's disease will continue to increase as the population ages. Aging is predicted to be the biggest risk

The Wisconsin Parkinson Association provides scores of resources and puts on events and support groups throughout the state. Visit www.wiparkinson.org for more.

“Continuous learning keeps you motivated,” Lou Holdren says, adding that she and her husband, Fred, attend events and support groups when they are held locally. “It’s important to see how other people are handling the progression of the disease.”

Having been married for 47 years, Lou and her husband, Fred, do mostly everything together. When it comes to learning about the disease and socializing with other people who have Parkinson's, she says, "Involve your spouse. They need to be able to talk to other people. It affects them, too."


factor for developing Parkinson's.

But it isn’t all doom and gloom for Lou. She stays active by biking, practicing yoga, attending classes at the Oshkosh Senior Center twice a week and performing the exercises she learns in class at home while watching reruns on TV. By strengthening her core and working on balance, she has maintained a good portion of her mobility.

Dr. Jaffri says she has the right idea, adding, “The more you’re moving, the better you’ll do. The less you do the more stiff you’ll become.”

A few years ago, Lou enrolled in a physical therapy program called LSVT (which stands for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) BIG with Affinity rehab specialists, which helps patients with Parkinson’s disease improve function and slow motor deterioration through exercise and empowerment. The program trains patients to make bigger movements and teaches the amount of effort required to produce normal movements in real world, everyday activities. Another program, LSVT LOUD, improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box.

When she’s not flexing her muscles, Lou’s keeping her mind busy and sharp by piecing together jigsaw puzzles or treasure hunting at local antique stores with Fred.

While extensive research has been completed, scientists still can’t answer the burning question: what factors predispose some people to developing this common disease?

Although a primary cause has yet to be identified, a number of risk

The Visual Symptoms of Parkinson’sMuhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox have helped educate the world on what it means to be living with Parkinson’s disease. In the process, they have also taught us what Parkinson’s looks like. And because there is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, doctors must recognize it based on the visual symptoms, which can be remembered with the acronym TRAP: • TREMORS: Shaking that usually begins in a limb, often the hands or fingers, even when a hand is at rest (relaxed).

• RIGIDITY: Tightness of the neck, shoulder and leg that limits range of motion and causes pain.

• AKINESIA: A decreased ability to perform unconscious movements or move spontaneously. When it affects the muscles of the face the individual adopts a mask-like stare. Blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when walking becomes difficult.

• POSTURAL INSTABILITY: Posture may become stooped, resulting in balance problems.

Other symptoms:• Speech changes. Speaking softly, quickly or slurred. Speech may become monotone rather than with the usual inflections.

• Difficulty swallowing or chewing. • Writing may appear small and become difficult to read.• Emotional symptoms, such as depression, irritability, uncharacteristic pessimism, avoidance of social situations or memory problems.

factors – in addition to age – are evident: gender (males are more likely to get Parkinson’s), genetic make-up or family history (having one or more close relatives with the disease increases the likelihood), declining estrogen levels, or exposure to toxins (such as pesticides).

“The majority of my patients have sporadic Parkinson’s, but they are likely genetically disposed,” Dr. Jaffri explains. “If I can stabilize their disease, there is hope for a good quality of life.”

WEATHERING THE STORM

W hen Lou was first diagnosed, Dr. Jaffri recognized what’s called cog-wheeling, or a jerking effect in her left arm. Today, four years after her diagnosis, she has also developed a slight

tremor in her left arm and leg.To ease the shaking in her hand and arm, Dr. Jaffri prescribed

carbidopa, which is a supplemented dopamine medication. The combination of carbidopa with another drug called levodopa treats the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson's-like symptoms by converting to dopamine in the brain.

“There is no curative treatment for Parkinson’s, only symptomatic treatments,” Dr. Jaffri clarifies. “Early on, I recommend my patients follow a heart-healthy diet, get lots of exercise and regular sleep, and avoid things that can worsen it (like smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming artificial sweeteners). For the first five years, medications work well. Beyond five years, they start to lose benefits.”

After some time, a patient may qualify for deep brain stimulation (DBS), which is a surgical implantation of electrodes within certain areas of the brain. These electrodes produce electrical impulses, which are controlled by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in the chest, that regulate abnormal impulses. A wire that travels under your skin connects this device to the electrodes in your brain.

After three years of intense tremors, Dr. Jaffri referred Michael to Dr. Kamaljit Paul, a neurosurgeon with Valley Neuro/Microneurosurgery, S.C. in Oshkosh. In March 2014, Dr. Paul implanted a DBS in Michael’s brain.

When the device is turned on, Michael’s tremors are contained, doing away with a distraction and distress “just like that.” When the device is turned off, Michael’s hand trembles uncontrollably again. DBS has given Michael some freedom from the disease and newfound positivity.

“We just need to work on his strength,” Kathy says, lovingly looking at her husband. “Sometimes you have to have a little pity party for yourself, but we have to look at the things we can do. You have to look at the positive, right? He can put his arm around me and we can go off and do the things we love – for as long as we can!”

While Parkinson’s disease can affect many aspects of a person's daily life, Lou and Michael share the attitude of Michael J. Fox, an actor, author and Parkinson’s advocate, who once said: “I don't have any choice whether or not I have Parkinson’s, but surrounding that non-choice with a million other choices I can make.”

Through the gentle guidance and vigilant care of Dr. Jaffri and his team, the support of their spouses and families, and the activities that bring anticipation for each day, Lou and Michael take each day in stride.

For Michael, whose Corvette is buffed, shined and ready for the roadway, “I can live a normal life, as long as I take my time.”

With early detection, treatment and expert care, many people with Parkinson's disease are living longer, productive lives. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, make an appointment with an Affinity Medical Group primary care doctor or learn more by visiting www.affinityhealth.org/brainhealth.



Got


Tasty food and romantic meals seem to be cooked right into Gene and Shirley Schmiedel’s love story. At 81, Gene reaches back in time with ease, recalling an encounter at Mike’s Grill on 10th and Oregon Streets in Oshkosh where he first asked Shirley on a date.

What all began with a young man working up the courage to ask a young woman out has since

evolved into a bond that has lasted through Armstrong’s moon walk and Woodstock, remained steadfast as the new millennium turned and Facebook became the newest technology to learn.

As history has revealed itself, this Oshkosh couple has experienced the remarkable and the devastating, the Earth-shattering and the everyday, and they have done so together all along the way.

As members of the Elks Lodge and regulars at George’s Gaslight Inn, enjoying an evening out at a local restaurant has become one of their favorite shared pastimes in recent years.

Faced with heart and kidney failure along with the prospect of hospice care, one man turned to family and his health team in order to find his way back home

B Y P A U L N I C O L A U S | P H O T O G R A P H S B Y

S H A N E V A N B O X T E L , I M A G E S T U D I O S

GotL i v i n g L o n g e r 2 L i v i n g B e t t e r

gumption?


“I started by walking, then jogging, then I started to run,” he says. “I got hooked.”

Short runs grew into marathons, including two in New York City. It was the sort of determination it takes to put one foot in front of the other mile after excruciating mile that may have helped him regain his independence later in life, Gene acknowledges.

“I was determined to start a race and finish it,” he says, and the comfort of his own home provided a pretty sweet finish line this time around.

So, in spring 2014, a team of Affinity clinicians – Dr. Matthew Kraemer, internist; Van Rooy, nurse practitioner; physical and occupational therapists; and nursing staff – worked hard to find the right balance of medication while Gene worked on regaining his strength.

According to Dr. Kraemer, after careful watch of Gene’s lab results and regular adjusting of his medications, things eventually took hold and he was able to improve.

“We adjusted a lot of his medicines, trying to gently nudge him

to improve his congestive heart failure without hurting the kidneys while also trying to watch his anemia so that if he needed a transfusion it could be put in place in time,” says Dr. Kraemer. “It was a delicate balancing act.”

Despite the gradual progress, Van Rooy explains that it was still crucial for Gene to reach a point where he could walk up and down stairs, get into and out of the bathtub, and handle other daily activities in order to return to life as he once knew it.

HOME SWEET HOMECOMING

A s Gene transitioned back to home life, Affinity physical and occupational therapists helped with exercise. They also assisted in getting the house equipped with shower chairs, grab bars and

other tools he needed to live independently.“We learned that Affinity could come to the house and check on him

every week,” Shirley says. “That was more comfort to me.”Staff from Affinity Visiting Nurses checked on him regularly to take

blood tests and check vital signs. Liz Barthel, who was Gene’s primary nurse during this time, fondly recalls trading fishing stories during her visits in addition to providing care and the knowledge needed to succeed at home.

“They were both wonderful, I would call them model patients,” Barthel says, noting that Shirley was right there at every visit supporting Gene and learning right alongside him. “They worked very well together.”

In addition, telehealth allowed for effective monitoring on days when care providers weren’t physically visiting Gene.

“He would take his blood pressure, weight and oxygen every day, and then it would basically show up on my computer,” Barthel says.

In September 2014, Gene was discharged from home care; a graduation of sorts.

“They have good food there, I tell ya,” Gene says. “Good people, good food.”

It wasn’t all that long ago, though, that these love birds were reminiscing about times past and making new memories within the walls of a nursing home. Stricken with heart and kidney failure, Gene was sent to Bethel Home – a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility – in April 2014 following several days at Mercy Medical Center.

Given an estimated six months to live and faced with the very real prospect of being separated from Shirley for the first time in more than half a century, Gene decided he had other plans.

APPETITE FOR LIFE

There were plenty of good times during his two-and-a-half-month stay at Bethel. Gene had a group he ate lunch with every day and guests kept him company, including visits from Shirley once and

sometimes even twice a day. His kids – Roxanne, Richard and Scott – and five grandkids stopped in several times a week.

“When he was able, I’d come in the afternoon and we’d go for a car ride. I’d pick him up and we’d go get a sandwich together. That was our date,” Shirley says, giggling. “We enjoyed having lunch with the pigeons at Menominee Park.”

Their 60th wedding anniversary—May 1, 2014—was celebrated at the nursing home with a spread that included dinner, sparkling wine and cake. Flowers and a picture to remember the occasion added to the event.

“It’s important for people to know that being in a nursing home isn’t all doom and gloom,” Shirley says of the setup staff members provided. “The staff went out of their way to make the day special for us. There are good things that happen when you’re in a nursing home, and you have to enjoy those things and be thankful for them.”

“They took very good care of me,” Gene adds. Even so, he sensed it wasn’t his time to wind up there for good or be

put on hospice care, for that matter. One day Gene was sitting in his wheelchair when he began to cry,

recalls Pam Van Rooy, nurse practitioner (APNP) with the nursing home program through Affinity Medical Group.

“I looked Pam right in the eye and said, ‘I want to get out of here,’” he remembers. “I didn’t want to leave my grandkids. I didn’t want to leave my kids or my wife. It wasn’t time for me to go.”

Van Rooy, who had recently lost her mother, knew she had to do something: “I said, ‘Gene, I’ll fight with you.’”

TEAM EFFORT

He’d been through a round or two in his time. Gene’s first real fight for life came in the form of open heart surgery at the age of 42, and as he grew stronger following that operation, his doctor suggested

exercise to help combat heart disease.


“I looked her right in the eye and said, ‘I want to get out of here.’ I didn't want to leave my grandkids. I didn't want to leave my kids or wife. It wasn't time for me to go.” — GENE SCHMIEDEL


“He’s still doing remarkably well at this point,” says Dr. Kraemer, who sees Gene regularly. “I monitor his blood work closely and his anemia and kidney and heart function has been stable for eight months. He has limitations, but he’s still living, still enjoying life.”

With summer upon us, Gene has had the chance to return to hobbies like fishing, hunting, having coffee with friends, gardening and tending to the yard.

“As a matter of fact, I just got through cutting the lawn,” he says with pride. But the chance to spend more time with his family is the real treat, and

they continue to serve as his main motivator, he adds, “My goal is to see the grandkids get on the school bus.”

THROUGH THICK AND THIN

Gene’s ability to lean on Shirley throughout the entire process has been a big help.

“You get a sense when you’re with a couple how the relationship is and the sense that you’re left with when you’re with them is that they are a good, strong, supportive couple, and that they’re in this together no matter what happens,” Dr. Kraemer explains.

He’s not the only one who took notice of this mutual respect and devotion.

“When they interact with each other it’s so cute,” says Van Rooy.

Liz BarthelPamela Van Rooy Dr. Matthew Kraemer

Gene’s medical team was comprised of clinicians in different specialties. Pamela Van Rooy, nurse practitioner (APNP) with the nursing home program within Affinity Medical Group (AMG), Liz Barthel, nurse with Affinity Visiting Nurses, and Dr. Matthew Kraemer, internist at AMG Koeller Street Clinic in Oshkosh, partnered to provide Gene with the care and support he needed to regain good health and independence.

“They’re a real team. I don’t use the word ‘joy’ a lot; I use it with my grandkids and my children, but it brought me great joy to see this man go home to his family.”

And as much as Gene was grateful for the opportunity to return to the comforts of his own home, it should come as no surprise that as he and Shirley prepared to celebrate 61 years of marriage, they had every intention of dining out.

Maybe you’re healthy today, but what about tomorrow? A primary care physician is your go-to health source and directs you to a medical specialist when necessary. If you’re in search of a primary care physician, call Sarah Stern, a connectional specialist with Affinity. She will find you a doctor based on your preferences, such as location, male or female, and your personality. She’ll even schedule an appointment for you to see the physician before you hang up the phone. Call her directly at 920.628.9280.

“I don’t use the word ‘joy’ a lot; I use it with my grandkids and my children, but it brought me great joy to see this man go home to his family.” — PAMELA VAN ROOY

A: “I just started swimming lessons! I had a bad experience when I was younger so I’m trying it again. I want to get to the point where I can swim the length of the pool. You’re never too old to try new things and conquer your fears! My role as the vocational director at Franciscan Courts also keeps me thriving. I find joy and energy in helping people find their inner truth. To be a part of that is very life-giving.”

look who’s t@ lking Get to know your Sisters

Q: What keeps you feeling young and staying healthy?

A: “I grew up eating healthy, basic foods. Dessert for us was fruit or a drink of water or lemonade (called Swank). To this day, I don’t crave sweets like chocolate or candy; I crave a bowl of fresh fruit! I also volunteer once a week at Mercy Medical Center in the rehab department. I’m a nurse by profession so I enjoy visiting and praying with patients.”

SISTER M. DOROTHY ANN DRIKXAGE: 75BORN IN: Merrill, WI What advice would you give people about aging? “I believe the key to growing old gracefully is to grow in self-knowledge. Stay involved. Relationships are so important. Interact with your family and others, because the only things we take into the next world are relationships.”Other hobbies: “My next adventure is to take an art course. I think that will help me come alive some more. If you think about it, there is such a small percentage of our potential that we develop. Because my job involves working with people to discover who they truly are, I have to discover who I am, too.”

SISTER M. GABRIELLE BRANCOAGE: 76BORN IN: Guyana, South America What advice would you give people about aging?

“Don’t think of aging as a number. You are not a litany of your ailments. Think of the positive things you have to offer others.”Other hobbies: “I read a lot of mystery books and do Sudoku puzzles. I love to listen to others speak and tell stories.”

18 | @Affinity • S u m m e r 2 0 1 5

In 1891, Father Roman Scholter, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Oshkosh, convinced the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother to come to Oshkosh and start St. Mary’s Hospital, which was a temporary facility located on the corner of Merritt and Boyd Streets. More than a century later, Mercy Medical Center opened a new hospital on the west side of Oshkosh. The spirit of the work started by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother in 1891 continues today, so we asked five Sisters who live at Franciscan Courts in Oshkosh to talk about an item that keeps them feeling young and staying healthy.

A: “Interaction with people and my role as the local community leader for Franciscan Courts. Engagement with the Sisters energizes me. Being religious, our whole intent is to be another Christ, another Mary, another someone. Quiet time with the Lord and positive friends keeps me going.”

“Don’t think of aging as a number. You are not a litany of your ailments. Think of the positive things you have to offer others.” — Sister Gabrielle

A: “Playing the piano, which I’ve been doing since I was 13 years old. I sit down to practice twice a week and play at mass on Saturdays, as well as every other Saturday in the nursing unit in Franciscan Courts. I also teach piano lessons. Music can be very relaxing and spiritually enriching. Through music, God has helped me help other people be joyful.”

A: “Nemo the dog. Nine years ago, I went to the Oshkosh shelter with two other Sisters to look at him. The family he lived with prior was moving and couldn’t keep him, so we decided he’d come live with us at the convent. Nemo stayed with my good friend (Sister Flora), but when she passed away recently, Nemo came to stay with me. A pet is a wonderful friend – protective and affectionate. The rewards are many.”

SISTER M. ROSELLA ROMEROAGE: 86BORN IN: Aragon, New Mexico What advice would you give people about aging? “Laugh! It’s good for the soul.”Other activities: “I write poetry. I was once invited to read a poem I wrote in front of a crowd assembled at the Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C.”

SISTER M. LORRAINE WAGNERAGE: 86BORN IN: Braddock, Pennsylvania What advice would you give people about aging? “Take every day as it comes. Learn from the past, live in the present and pray for the future. Put your energy into prayer, and the Lord will take care of the rest.”Other hobbies: “Giving Nemo an oatmeal bath! His coat shines.”

SISTER M. SYLVIA EGANAGE: 85BORN IN: Omro, WI (she was born a preemie at St. Mary’s Hospital in Oshkosh) What advice would you give people about aging? “Concentrate on the positive. What gifts do you have that you can continue to develop? Roll with the punches. You can sit all day and say ‘Poor me, I ache, I can’t see,’ but try to focus on what you can do!”Other hobbies: “Getting some of the Sisters out to shop and enjoy the fun feminine part of their life!”


WRITTEN BY DR. FRANK VAN LIESHOUT as told to Paul Nicolaus

Caption TK

ONE DAY ANOTHER FELLA AND I TOOK A TV SET OVER TO St. Vincent de Paul in Appleton. It was on my day off and I couldn’t help but notice they were a little short-staffed. I asked if there was anything we could do, and the store manager at the time wasn’t shy. He said we could clean the warehouse and pull all the weeds around the building.

For the 18 years that followed, I continued to help there and eventually recruited others to join “Dr. Van’s Monday Group,” which included a number of my former patients. Every Monday morning, a group of about eight to 10 of us volunteer until noon. During the coffee break, our “board of directors,” as we jokingly like to call ourselves, plays a five-handed game of Sheepshead.

Thank anyone who comes in and donates anything, I would tell the other volunteers. The donors would often say, “Well, we’re not doing much,” to which I’d respond, “You’re doing quite a bit. You’re giving to us, but we’re just a channel to the poor on behalf of you.”

The satisfaction I receive is knowing that most of the money generated by St. Vincent de Paul is going to help those in need.

My father died when I was six and my mother died when I was 13. This devastated my family, as I was number eight out of 10 children. After a period of time, two of my brothers went into the service – it was 1941 – and my sisters got married. There were four of us who primarily called my oldest sister’s home our home, which still remains to me an outstanding act of charity.

I know how difficult it was to grow up without parents. Later in life, I developed a special place in my heart—and my medical practice—for women who were widows and had a family. I still attend funerals of my patients and patients’ family members. I feel they showed their faith in me and this is one way that I show my respect for them.

Some of the people I see at these events say, “Our mom told us that you never charged her; we never knew that.” I had to do that in memory of my own mother in that type of situation.

I’ve always had the belief that you don’t cure people by giving them a shot of penicillin. I believed in being a part of my patients’ lives. I had to understand every part of them in order to care for them the best way I could. I was in medicine for the people and the relationships, and I cared for the best people in the world.

Channel to the Poor A retired Affinity doctor, Frank Van Lieshout, 87, served the Fox Valley community as a physician for more than 40 years. Affectionately known as Dr. Van, he has been volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul in Appleton for the past 18 years.

giving b@ckgiving b@ck

SNAPSHOT St. Vincent de Paul of Appleton is a Catholic lay organization whose mission is to lead women, men and youth to join together and provide person-to-person services to those in need. Financial assistance is offered to help with basic necessities such as food and shelter and to assist with medical, utility and transportation costs when possible. More than $430,000 in merchandise and financial assistance was allocated within the local community during the 2014 fiscal year alone. For additional information, visit www.svdpappleton.org.

Valley Ostomy Support Group When Dr. Van was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a colostomy, it wasn’t long before others approached him for insight and advice. Spotting an unmet need, he helped establish the Fox Valley Ostomy Support Group in 1965. “Most people who have had a colostomy are older,” Dr. Van says. “At the meetings I used to say that you have to be proactive. You have to have a primary care physician. It’s so complicated now to navigate a health system on your own. Having a primary care doctor helps you with that. It’s important to look at healthcare from a

preventive lens. You must pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you’re having problems, you’ve got to find out the whys and wherefores... I would also tell them that you have all of this experience and knowledge. You are a goldmine of talent – realize that!”

The support group continues to meet on the first Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at 7 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center in Conference Room A, as well as the first Thursday of these same months at 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Hospital in the Helen Fowler Conference Center.


foundations for giving b@ck BY ALISON FIEBIG MAYER

2013 to be closer to her children and grandkids. “I was bored to death,” she says, which prompted her to sign up as a

volunteer at Mercy Medical Center with the hope she’d meet new people. Not only did she forge new friendships, but she finds value in “the

exchange of ideas and thoughts with coworkers and people at the hospital.”Volunteers not only help their community, but also experience better

health in their later years, enjoying greater levels of well-being, lower rates of depression and increased strength and energy.

Schoen works in hospital transport and runs errands within the building, which means she reaps the benefits of the long hallways. On a slow day, she clocks 5,300 steps on her pedometer. On a busy day, it’s closer to 7,500.

“When I come home after my four hours, I feel like I accomplished something,” she says. “The self-satisfaction in giving your time is priceless. You feel useful. From my vantage point, there isn’t anything else I’d rather do with my retirement years than continue working there.”

Time Well SpentEmily Kelly has always been close with her grandmother, MaryPat

Nussbaum, despite their 50-year age difference. It helps that their backyards are connected.

“Grandpa mows a path between our houses,” Kelly says.The two genuinely enjoy spending time together, but two summers

ago, Nussbaum asked Kelly if she wanted to start volunteering with her at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.

“I knew it would be a good opportunity,” says Kelly, who just graduated from Shiocton High School and will attend University of Wisconsin – Green Bay starting in the fall. “You never know what will happen in life, so I want to spend as much time as I can with her.”

On Thursday afternoons, the duo staffs the Oneida Walk information desk where patients often stop and ask for directions. Nussbaum also works at the hospital’s One Stop Shop on Tuesdays.

“She has younger siblings, so this is our one-on-one time,” Nussbaum says of her first-born granddaughter. “Our volunteer day is a girls’ day! Sometimes we go out to eat afterward.”

Research shows that volunteer activities can strengthen social ties and protect people from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust.

“I’m a homebody so if I didn’t have to go out, I don’t know if I would ever leave home,” Nussbaum says. “When I’m there, I really feel like I’m doing something. I’m needed and appreciated. People are thankful for any kind of help you can give them. It brings me a lot of joy.”

Another volunteer, Sharen Schoen, 72, moved to Oshkosh in April

Research shows that volunteer activities can strengthen social ties and protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust.

To learn more about volunteering at Affinity Health System, visit www.affinityhealth.org/volunteer. You can fill out the application online. If you have questions, call the facility you wish to volunteer at: St. Elizabeth Hospital, 920.738.2425; Mercy Medical Center, 920.223.0225; or Calumet Medical Center, 920.849.7540.

Emily Kelly, 18, volunteers at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton with her grandmother,

MaryPat Nussbaum, 68, once a week during the summer. Both live in Shiocton.


you @sked

Nancy Lee Schneider

I have prescriptions for my thyroid, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and heart issues – six every morning and three at night. What are some steps I can take to properly manage my medications?

At times, managing medications can be a daunting task, especially as we age. Difficulty understanding or reading labels or handouts, inability to remember frequency of doses, fear of possible side effects, difficulty determining if the medication is making them better, cost of medication, or lack of social support can be barriers to safely taking multiple prescribed medications. Here are some strategies to better stick to medication instructions:

1. Make a list of the names of all the medicines you take. Include over-the-counter products and dietary supplements, the purpose and strength of the medicine, the doctor who prescribed it, how you take it, and the times you take it. The list should be shared with all your healthcare providers. Keep a copy of the list where medications are stored, in your wallet or purse, and make a copy to give to a family member or friend.

2. Use a memory aid to take your medicines on time, such as a pill box, which can help separate the medications into different times of day. Colored dots or pictures on the medication bottle can help differentiate administration needs. For example, a red dot for morning and blue dot for afternoon. Scheduling medication with regular activities (such as meals) can also be helpful for remembering to take medications.

3. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist. They will walk you through the medications you are taking and ensure they are safe and effective. Working with your pharmacist may also simplify cost of medication, align refill dates, and help you monitor the medication for side effects and make sure

you are feeling better.

— Nick Sylvia, head pharmacist at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh

Three years ago, I had my first stent put in. Now I have two stents, and my thyroid problem sucks all my energy. Medication controls my thyroid issue, but it’s not helping my weight problem. I do have a membership at the YMCA, but it’s not easy for me to get to and fro anymore. When it’s not easy to get around, what are some ways to move and get some energy?

I applaud you on your efforts to lose weight and add more activity to your daily routine! Try doing 3-4 five-minute bouts of walking around your home. Add a few minutes to each walk until you are able to get a total of 30 minutes of walking daily. Use soup cans or light weights to perform 8-10 strength exercises two to three times a week. For other examples of ways to increase activity, visit www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life. Be sure to check with your doctor prior to starting an exercise program. While regular exercise is necessary to stay healthy and lower your risk of heart disease, exercise alone will usually not result in weight loss. Diet changes, such as increasing fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains and reducing portion sizes, should be coupled with regular activity to reduce weight.

— Kirsten VanAsten, clinical exercise physiologist, cardiac and pulmonary rehab at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton

A B O U T

For two hours every morning, Nancy, 80, meets up with a gaggle of pals at the local McDonald’s to shoot the breeze and sip coffee. (Nancy opts for soda, sheepishly saying: “It’s my guilty pleasure, I could use a good lesson!”) On Mondays and Wednesdays, the Darboy resident makes an extra stop at the local Wendy’s to gather with another group she met at an exercise class a few years ago. “Then I come home and mow the lawn!” she says. “I watched my mother go through depression after being alone, and I know I can’t sit at home all day by myself, so I try to stay as active as I can.” Nancy’s husband died 16 years ago, but she leans on her four children, a handful of grandkids and her small-talking sidekicks.

Our experts weigh in on your questions


The tangram (Chinese word that literally means “seven boards of skill”) is a dissection puzzle. It has seven flat shapes called tans, which are put together to form shapes.

SHAPES INCLUDE:• Two large right triangles

• One medium-sized right triangle

• Two small right triangles

• One small square

• One parallelogram

Cut out the shapes.

Form them to make these objects: Bird, Rabbit, Boat, Swan, Cat, House.

Tip for the kid-at-heart: There are many ways to play with tangrams. Let your youngster try creating their own shapes! If you come up with a new shape, take a picture of it and send it to [email protected]!

i sk dFor kids (and the kids at heart) Keeping our brain fit and active is important at every age. As we celebrate Grandparents’ Day on Sunday, September 13, complete these fun but puzzling activities together! Complete the Tangram and Sudoku puzzles below with your grandparent, or a young-at-heart loved one, using the instructions below.

Sudoku is a logic-based, Japanese placement puzzle. In the number puzzles below, every row, column and mini-grid must contain the numbers 1 through 4. In the letter puzzles, every row, column and mini-grid must contain the letters B-U-C-K-E-T. The challenge is figuring out which number or letter fits into which box. Don’t guess, use logic!

KC

CC

UU

UE

B

B

T

Every row, column and mini-grid mustcontain the le�ers B-U-C-K-E-T.Don’t guess — use logic.

T

T

K

K

K

KC

CC

UU

UE

B

B

T

Every row, column and mini-grid mustcontain the le�ers B-U-C-K-E-T.Don’t guess — use logic.

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Affinity Health System 1506 S. Oneida St.Appleton, WI 54915

Olivia Mauk, NeenahSalmon burger with dill yogurt, avocado, yellow cherry tomatoes and lettuce, accompanied by a bean salad and oven-roasted potato wedges.

Calumet Medical Center (CMC) Community Garden has entered its second growing season! Individuals and groups are invited to plant a vegetable or flower

garden in 15x20 foot plots on a corner of the CMC campus. The community garden was established in partnership with Calumet County Master Gardeners and UW-Extension as a result of the Calumet County community health needs assessment, which calls for decreasing obesity and increasing nutrition.

The nutritional services department at CMC was one of the “green thumb” groups to plant a vegetable garden. Catherine Nick-Leventhal, manager of hospitality services at CMC, has made numerous dishes for patients and staff using fresh crops from the garden, including dill and sweet pickles, pickled beets, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for the salad bar; baked potatoes; pureed squash for patients with modified dietary needs (such as swallowing issues); shredded zucchini for breads and muffins; and pasta and pesto sauces.

“I think having food grown in our backyard and prepared by our staff helps create a sense of hominess for our patients,” says Nick-Leventhal. “They can enjoy garden-fresh produce here while they’re recovering. And there is nothing better than a tomato fresh from the garden still warm from the sun!”

#whatsfordinner

How does your garden grow...

Mariam Mian, Oshkosh Reason number 6,578 for moving back home: your brother drops off fresh hummus and pita bread for dinner!”

Jared Marchant, Chicago, IL (Lawrence University grad) Mediterranean-style, lemon-braised chicken with polenta and green beans. Not to mention a beet salad.

Jennifer Dieter, AppletonStill thinking about this delicious meal. My uncle cooked the salmon on a cedar plank.

Josh Dukelow, AppletonI make this same meal so often, I should just call it #theusual, but this one turned out so good I had to share. Pork loin with paprika, roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Educational workshops hosted by Calumet County Master Gardeners will be taking place on August 11, September 8 and October 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room located at the new front entrance of CMC. The workshops are free and open to the public – not just for those that rent plots! Registration not required. Call 920.849.7521 for more information.

@affinity magazine - summer 2015 - living longer, living better

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