Anyways, I don't have time to write about everything I learned right now (will later on), but I will share briefly that I thought this was a very life educational for me. In the beginning of the event, I thought about "why" I'm here. First, I thought this would be a good lesson for the Blandin Leadership Retreat: Life-Long Learning section. Second, this will be valuable for my "aging" parents (my dad is retired). Thirday, this will be valuable as a "Consumer Counselor" at the local group home I work at.
Resources/Handouts:
West Central Minnesota Handbook for Older Adults and Communities for Fall 2004. A former All American City "colleague" (David F) of mine came up with this!
Vital Aging Network, individual and community assets for vital aging (business card fold-up)
One of the interesting notes from Jan Hively of Vital Aging Network (VAN) was the importance of the church institution that has played an important role in the involvement of the elderly. She then read about �Facts Revelant for Vital Aging� (a small handout), which was an eye opener (some of what was listed and read was shared a KSAX Ch. 5 on the evening news at 5pm later that night on the local television). �
"Negative thoughts about aging that elders pick up from society are cutting years off their lives. People with more positive perceptions of againg lived 7.5 years longer than people with more negative perceptions.�
An exercise she had our small groups (Michelle-Marshall, Roger, Ron-Milan, Elizabeth-Graceville) do was to list as many words on �Signs of Vital Aging�: passion, energy level, etc�
After, Jim Sheibel had the whole audience say out loud.
"I'm a resource [everybody], I'm a Vital Resource": [55 and over only]
As part of the �Wisdom Circle� session, there was a panel of 5 experts (practioners, artists, community leaders, etc..):
Michelle Bouta
Bill Holm (making connections)
Roger Oleness
Betty Rogers
Each shared for about 5 minutes on their background and experience on the theme of his event. One of them had an interesting quote, "One needs to focus on the other's abilities instead of their disabilities". I personally thought about the "consumers" at the group home. I work at, which each one has a special talent or skill that gets overlooked. It was then followed by open questions from the audience. One question that sticked out was, �How can spirituality teach about the problems on materialism amongst the youth?� Roger Oleness shared about the �U Haul Story�. If I could add, I would share about the need to open their perspectives �outside of their perspective� by giving them a global perspective (e.g. summer youth focus church mission trips). I was remembered also by a conference (see Impact 2000) I went too, which the speaker talked about how the youth need to not get tempted by those MTV Rap Videos (e.g. gold jewelry, fancy cars, partially naked women-as an example) . Also, this personally reminds me how "we" are so blessed in America, which "we" take for granted on a lot of "stuff" (e.g. car, religious freedom, government aid/benefits, etc...). If their was more social interaction with the young and old generation (e.g. yesterday's Rural Talk-parents relationship with their kids play a big part in their successful education), this can be an important discussion!
Towards the end, we had an "Envisioning Exerise", which we had college students come join the older adults in the different tables. I sat with several college students that listened intently to what the "older folks" had to each share individually of their vision. One of the college students threw in a story/life experience how schools teach competiveness (e.g. comparing each others' grades with classmates) and individualistic accomplishments. She shared this after receiving her paper from her professor prior to this exercise. The moderator asked us to picture our own communities from the perspective above on a helicopter in 2010. Our each small group exercise was to list or draw what we would like to see in our own communities that contributes to vital aging. We had a large sheet of paper, which we jot down what everybody shared. First, we drew a circle labeling it "Community Center", which the small group came up with a consensus as a future asset. Ironically, this was talked about locally as a Morris Vision 2010 back in 1999 during a Blandin related community meeting. Our group would like a community center that would bring "everyone together" (e.g inter-generations, inter-culturaly, etc...) instead of current "segregated" buildings (e.g Senior Center). Another shared how these nursing home facilities for elderly people need to have "holistic"/"family oriented" environments (instead of "institutionalized", which is a similar goals to the local group homes in the area.)
The last session was on "Next Steps", which we were each individually challenged to apply what we learned from the above sessions and exercises. The moderator asked us to share within our small groups and then share with the rest of the audience. One of the folks contributed about the benefits of "animal therapy", which has been reported to be a "good healing" process for the elderly (especially the lonely). I personally challenged myself about how we need to diffuse "negative talk" (e.g. stereotypes, prejudices=> racism), which I shared with the rest of the group"
"old people drive to slow in town" "the youth are just always causing trouble"
I then remembered a related issues on diffusing stereotypes (see Multicultural Retreat), which we each need to each play a part by not letting "negative talk" in our daily conversations. For example, when someone says something "negative" about the elderly, just tell them it�s not true (don�t conform to their talk by not saying anything because you are sending a message that you are agreeing with them)! Another personal step I would like to make is promoting an idea that was brought up from a group member;=>� elders babysitting� (a big community need). My parents baby-sit my niece, which some young parents don�t have this opportunity (I didn�t have the privilege too visiting grandparents as they lived across the other side of the world, which I was honestly jealous amongst my peers growing-up). A community suggestion, we can pair elders who are willing to baby-sit with mothers (especially single moms) that are looking for babysitters. Another one that came to me was on mentoring , which I would like to see elders paired up with youth that share the same issues based on experience (e.g. have an elderly person who has successfully got out of alcoholism meet with a youth/young adult struggling with this problem). Someone in the audience mentioned how elders can be a �history buff�, which younger folks can learn a lot from them. One of the �older folks� in the small group talked about the decreasing family values in our current society. He particularly shared the lost of respect for elders, which many young folks are increasingly having problems with this. I didn�t have the chance to share my family cultural background, which my dad disciplined me on respecting him and my mom. I share the same experience with other new second generation Americans (especially Asians), which first generations parents are challenged with this social issue. Another cultural value from my family that can be valued by others is the supporting of each other more. My family talk about how the kids will take care of their parents when they get �too old� (not able to take care of themselves), which �nursing homes� are not heard of back in our parents� homeland (Philippines-a few maybe ). Earlier in our small group, someone shared that young adults are �too busy� with life (e.g. career focus), which many don�t have time to spend time with their elders.
"Aging Communities, Boomers, and Creating Communities for a Lifetime"
Presenter: Jess Luce (contact); 2009/10 Leadership Fellow, Bush Foundation; 2.17.2011; Morris, MN
*shared during our monthly Stevens Forward meeting (Thursday, February 17th 2011)
"..Minnesota's population is aging. In 2020, there will be more people over the age of 65 than children in school. By 2030, the Minnesota Department of Human Services expects that 1 in 4 people in Minnesota will be over the age of 65. ["Trading Places" from Star Tribune.com] This phenomenon is commonly characterized as "The Age Wave" as the population not only ages but people are also living longer.
Communities throughout Minnesota and the nation are preparing for the aging of the baby boom generation through intentional planning initiatives often referred to as "communities for a lifetime.".. Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA) "is the designated area agency on aging for the seven county metropolitan area. Area agencies on aging were established under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans aged 60 and over in every local community. There are over 650 area agencies on aging in the United States and 6 in Minnesota. Minnesota area agencies on aging are designated by the Board on Aging (Off Site) to provide three critical functions: OAA funding administration, community planning and service development, and information and assistance." Creating an age-friendly community, By Eric J. Monson
Advocate Tribune
Posted Feb 09, 2011 @ 05:02 PM granitefallsnews.com "..His presentation covered the myths and realities of the coming baby boomer age wave and questioned whether communities would be properly able to handle a large percentage of their population entering varying types of senior care situations.
Luce said that the baby boomer generation will enter retirement and senior living much different than what we've believed traditionally; working and staying in their own homes longer than previous generations.
Luce shared national survey statistics that said over 50 percent of possible retirees ages 45-70 had thought of working during retirement and the same percentage had considered working part-time. Also, in Minnesota, 93 percent of baby boomers say they plan to continue living in their own home rather than renting space in senior living apartments, assisted living, nursing homes, or other residential senior care options....
For aging communities, Luce's predictions for the future looked bleak with budgets remaining tight, programs and services likely to continue to be cut. He said organizations will rely more heavily on volunteers and as baby boomers age in-home services and care will expand and employers will become more flexible in keeping seniors at work.
Luce's solution, for communities dealing with an aging population, is based on a community planning framework called "Communities for a Lifetime", which is The MNLCOA initiative that became statewide legislation in 2009. The "Communities for a Lifetime" legislation, "provides a framework for communities to an infrastructure that will successfully serve the changing demographics of Minnesota," as outlined by the MNLCOA.
Luce said that cities and towns are on the front lines in their ability to sustain a high quality of life for all residents and should set a vision for age-friendly communities. He pointed out that "Communities for a Lifetime" initiatives and projects help older residents remain independent longer and helps maintain a community's values.
To begin creating an age-friendly community Luce recommended that a community begin to identify and map its assets, determine a community's needs by conducting a community-wide focus group and prioritizing while selecting issues depending on their ability to engage and empower residents."
"...brings Minnesotans together to solve problems and strengthen their communities. Create your profile today. Your knowledge and expertise can help others, who in turn can help you...
" provides information, resources and assistance to people engaged in collaborative action to improve the quality of life in Minnesota communities for people of all ages and abilities."
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Financial: Home, Housing, etc...
THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF ALZHEIMER'S "...As I prayed the Lord gave me discernment that the resistance was not physical or emotional, it was spiritual. The enemy was attacking my wife Lillie in a spiritual battle. I had to exercise discernment, which is a gift of the Spirit for all believers to discern the light from the darkness, and it can be exercised in faith. I discerned that this "resistance" spirit was a demonic attack against my wife. Then the Lord said to enlarge my prayer, for He wanted to give healing not only for her but also for many others who are suffering from this disease. Whenever the resistance would express itself, I would take the authority that Jesus gave to his disciples, the "authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases" (Luke 9:1).
When I took that authority I would pray and believe God for His power to break the power of the enemy. I would not reason, argue or force Lillie in any way, but simply stand in faith. Sometimes the resistance would be broken in a few minutes; sometimes it would take an hour. On one occasion she insisted in going to bed with her clothes on, but I would not allow that and laid down on the bed myself. On that occasion she even pleaded with me, asking why I was doing that to her. But I recognized, by discernment, that it was not Lillie speaking, but the voice of the enemy. It took four hours until finally the resistance broke, and she, like always on those occasions, broke out in a big smile, thanked me for praying for her and cooperated fully with me. That was clear proof that it was a demonic attack and could be recognized by discernment and overcome by taking authority in the name of Jesus...
Though Lillie's memory is still short she recognizes me and greets me with a big smile when I come to visit her daily. We have a wonderful time together. I tell her a story from the Bible, which prepares her for the next big step that God is leading us into. We pray believingly, sing, and talk and laugh. It is like a honeymoon—quite in contrast to the latter days for most Alzheimer patients, and I believe there is more healing yet to come. ...
Health:
Alzheimer's Prevention
"
This book is a must read for anyone on the low-carbohydrate diet. ... Bible Life Healing Ministries Our Nutritional Program Has Performed Healing Miracles ...
Sublingual B12, from Trivita (melt in your mouth vitamins)
"Restore your mental clarity and avoid memory loss"...Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia
I found about this product when I was researching on the health benefits of B12 (an awesome energy booster found in an "energy drink" I was selling) in the spring of 2004. Then I was reminded of this when I watching TBN's (July of 2005-have a video copy) James Robinson, who is a spokesperson for this product. I have tried some free samples, and notice some health energy effects-better than pop!
Alzheimer's Disease
Online Support Group
A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, together. (mdjunction.com)
"..2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life."-Deuteronomy 6:2
Reading the Bible or God's Word is a "key" to longevity...
"They are not just idle words for you�they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."-Deuteronomy 32:47 "..And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."-1 Kings 3:14
*see Goodnewseverybody: Life-Obey
"Over the last 10 years or so I have met several people who had very irrational and abnormal fears of dying young. When I asked them what they felt was young, they said they didn't expect to live past an age range of 40-55 years of age. They did not expect to live up to an older age range of 70-90 years of age...
When I asked them why they felt this way, the answer I always got was because one of their parents had died young - usually in their 40's or 50's. I guess they thought there was some kind of curse on them, and that what happened to one of their parents was going to happen to them.
Personally, I feel that this type of fear is completely irrational, abnormal and very unhealthy. The Bible tells us that as a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
In other words, you are what you think - you can become what you think!.."
"One of the most intriguing facts in the Bible is the immense life spans of the patriarchs before and just after the flood. Adam lived 930 years, Methuselah the longest lived of the patriarchs lived 969 years. Noah lived 950 years. Many scoffers state that these extended life spans are nothing more than myths and legends. They state that the figures given for the various ages of the patriarchs are fabricated.
There are many factors that could account for the lowering of the life spans after the flood. The Bible states that the flood would not only destroy the land dwelling air breathing animals but it would also destroy the earth. (Genesis 6:13; 9:11)
After the flood the earth was completely different than the earth before. There were widespread global differences. These would include changes in the climate, composition of the atmosphere, hydrologic cycle, geologic features, cosmic radiation reaching the earth, ozone concentration, ultra violet light, background radiation, genetics, diet, and a host of other subtle and/or profound chemical and physiological changes. These changes caused a rapid decline of the longevity of post flood humanity. "
-Health
"
You will discover in the Natural health and longevity bible that preventing and getting rid of diseases is not by taking medications. Your body is not deficient of Tylenol and Prozac. The trick is making sure you treat the underlying cause of the disease itself..."
"10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.
He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord's covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. [a] Then he gave a feast for all his court.
"-1 Kings 3 (
Solomon Asks for Wisdom)
"...2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
...
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
...
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
...
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
...
Grandparents' Roles
"Children's children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children..."-Proverb 17:6
"Grandpa and Grandma"
"Performed by The Judds""
Wikipedia "were a Grammy Award-winning American country music duo composed of Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna. The Judds were one of the most popular country music duos of the 1980s, recording more than ten studio albums and charting several hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles (now Hot Country Songs) charts, including fourteen Number Ones..."
"..Elders offer many assets to our community, including stories of our history and leisure time to contribute to community projects. Several resources are available in West Central Minnesota to enrich the lives of elders and encourage intergenerational interactions, including a Senior Center that provides meals and activities, three assisted living facilities, one senior daycare facility, and one long-term care facility in the city of Morris alone. In addition, our rural community has many advantages over larger cities in that other formal and informal systems, including local churches, families, and neighborhood networks, exist to support people as they age and to encourage dialogue across ages and experiences. ..
"Bolluyt is in her eighth year with the Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program, the last four years working in the Morris Area Elementary School.
The Foster Grandparents offer guidance, tutoring skills, as well as just having fun with kids while serving as an adult mentor.
After raising her family with her husband of 61 years, Nick, it’s not the kind of job Grandma B expected she’d be doing.
“At the time I started, I never thought I would be working in a school,” Bolluyt said. “When you raise seven kids, you think the last place you would want to work is in a school. But it’s such a rewarding job. I just love all these kids and I love working with them.”
Bolluyt lived almost her entire life in the Hancock and Morris area, save a few years in California. She raised her children and worked on the farm.
Once her children were on their own, Grandma B grew a little restless.
“I was very bored sitting around the house,” she said. “One day, my daughter said, ‘Mom, have I got the job for you.’ ”
Her daughter, Leanne Harmsen, works with the developmentally disabled, and through her work met a woman whose mother was in the Foster Grandparents program.
It seemed like a natural fit, considering Grandma B has her kids, 15 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Bolluyt called to ask about the program, and from that point the process didn’t take long.
"I interviewed on a Friday and I started work that Monday,” she said.
Grandma B started in the Starbuck Elementary School with Head Start students, then split time with kindergartners and 1st graders. Since moving to the Morris Area district, Bolluyt has worked with kindergartners, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, and with students who need special attention.
"It’s pretty hard to find me most times,” she said with a laugh. "I’m all over the building."
Bolluyt is among 50 Foster Grandparents working in the West Central Minnesota area, and they gather for in-service and socializing once a month.
“We all say the same thing,” she said. “We’re all so glad we decided to do this. I can’t think of anything that is this rewarding. The kids are always so glad to see you.”
In addition to the school work, there’s the social aspect of having a Foster Grandparent in the school. To many kids, Bolluyt is their “school grandma,” and the relationships formed are solid. Some of the children might not have grandparents who are still living, or they may live too far away to visit much, she said.
In the last year, Bolluyt has developed macular degeneration, which has limited somewhat the types of activities she can do with the kids.
An avid, life-long reader, Grandma B can no longer read without the help of vision aids. Nonetheless, the school staff, faculty and the students have all helped her cope with her diminished sight.
“Everyone has been very accomodating,” she said. “Teachers, staff, they all write big so I can read it. The kids know I can’t see well, and I think it’s good for them to know about it.
Because her eyes tire easily, Bolluyt has had to cut back on her reading, and she can no longer sew or embroider, which was difficult for her to give up.
But she’s not about to give up doing what Grandma B does best. She can get around the building just fine, and she will be bringing in some of her visual aids so she can keep pace with what the children are learning. And she can still get the kids’ attention with her "talking" watch.
"If I continue to feel as good as I do now,” she said, “I’m going to keep going as long as I can."
And Bolluyt would like others to do the same. She works from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, and she knows there are plenty of people in the community who can, too. The Foster Grandparent program stipulates that members be 60 years or older and be healthy enough to commit an average of 20 hours per week.
"I wonder why more people aren’t doing this," Grandma B said with a smile. “How come? Are there no grandparents in Morris?”
To learn more about the West Central Foster Grandparent Program, call (320) 229-4588."
"The elder partnership initiative seeks to involve elders of all ages, walks of life, and with a wide range of abilities more directly in the community through intergenerational partnerships with elder care facilities and individual elders. We hope to do this by:
Morris Senior and Community Center
Judy Nord Johnson, Stevens County Coordinator on Aging
603 Oregon Ave. "The senior center serves as a center for seniors to meet and engage in various activities. Some of these activities include: socializing, crafts, quilting, playing cards, bridge, and other games. Additionally, the Morris Senior and Community Center offers well balanced and tasty meals served from the kitchen at noon daily (except Sunday.) These meals are provided by a separate organization known as Nutrition Services Inc. The meals are available to seniors and the public for $3.50. Meals on Wheels operate from the center and they provide meals to those unable to get to the center."
Morris, MN 56267
Phone: 320.589.1514
Senior Citizen Homes
"It is paid for either privately or with grant monies. A Public Health Nurse will visit with you about your assets to determine it you are eligible for a grant. For More Information call (320) 589-4006."
*Contact Lisa D., a UMM graduate, who I met at a group home training class on Alzheimers on 8/24/04
Legacy Living Ltd.
108 E 6th Street
Morris, MN 56267
Telephone:
320-589-0246
Related Articles: Adult Foster Care Homes, from minnesotahelp.org "...is a licensed living arrangement in a private home that provides food, lodging supervision and household services for qualified individuals. Also available is help with personal care and medication. Adult foster care providers may be licensed to serve up to four adults or five adults if all foster care residents are age 55 or older, have no serious or persistent mental illness nor any developmental disability. Adult foster care providers are primary caregivers for adults who cannot live alone. Caregivers are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services... Retirement and Aging
Attitudes=
American Attitudes Toward the Elderly, lifeintheusa.com "The Youth Culture. Present-day American attitudes about the elderly have been reinforced by a century's worth of media, particularly movies and television. From the 1950's onward, a great culture of youth--fed by teen heros like James Dean--emerged and strengthened. Old people were left out of the picture. The period after World War Two also saw great mobility in America, which led to the break-up of large extended families. The old person was no longer seen as a useful member of a family team, but rather as a drain on the family's resources...
Older Americans are Vital. Not one of these stereotypes is true, of course, certainly not the poverty notion. Americans over 50 own 75 percent of all American assets and spend half the money. A full 70 percent of these people own their own homes. They vote and are active in the community to a greater extent than young people. And they do fall in love and have sex with each other.... Elder care shifting away from nursing homes
Updated 2/1/2008 4:05 PM By Sandra Block, USA TODAY usatoday.com "Michelle Booth of Foster City, Calif., has never been much of a morning person. But seven days a week, she gets up at 7 a.m. to make breakfast for her parents.
On weekdays, a bus takes them to senior day care, which gives Booth, 54, a few hours to run her home-based business. At 4 p.m., she picks up her parents. She has dinner ready at 4:30. Once they're in bed, she does chores and unwinds by watching TV. She rarely goes to bed before 3 or 4 a.m. "If I can get five hours of sleep, it's wonderful," she says.
Booth's mother, Bess, 87, has early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Her father, Hyman, 88, has been disabled by strokes. They require round-the-clock care, making it hard for Booth and her 14-year-old daughter, Alystar, to leave for a weekend, or even a day.
Booth's parents took her in a decade ago, after her marriage ended, and helped care for her daughter. Now, she says, "The roles are reversed." Yet, she has no plans to put them in a nursing home:
"I can't even imagine seeing them in a home. If their physical needs become such that I couldn't handle it, I'll have to sort that out."...
Supervision.
In a 2004 survey by AARP, 15% of caregivers said they lived an hour or more from their parents. Some live hundreds of miles away. That can be stressful when a parent is living in her own home, or even in assisted living. "In assisted living, when something happens at 2 a.m., they'll call a family member," says Jennie Chin Hansen, president-elect of AARP....
*referred by Int'l Student Orientation
"ALEXANDRIA, Minn— Bethany Community is one of 15 Ecumen care facilities that is trying a new approach to treating Alzheimer’s Disease.
Ralph Sanders is one of the patients benefiting from the program.
"It's quite a program. I’ve come a long way,” said Sanders.
The program combines an increase in social interactions and exercise while decreasing the use of prescription drugs that tend to make patients foggy.
For Sanders, the program has changed his mood for the better.
"I was always forgetting, kept to myself, but now I’m socializing," said Sanders.
Sander’s wife of 23 years, Alice, has also notices the change in her husband.
"He's doing the best he’s ever done. I'm glad," she said.
The program runs for three months and was funded by a $3.8 million grant by the state of Minnesota.
Written for the web by Samantha Myles"
*forwarded e-mail from Sandi V. from CEP Rural Employment Office in Morris through our church newsletter on 3/3/06
My uncle (70 years old) just got citizenship to the U.S. (March 2006) and is now looking for job opportunities. His interest is gardening, so I went to "search" for opportunities that he might be interested in:
".... offers 55+ year olds a carefree lifestyle with a wide variety of conveniences and social opportunities. Residents enjoy an enriched living experience filled with amenities, full calendar of activities, spectacular floor plans and wonderful surroundings..."
"... were added to the family in 2004 and 2005, respectively, and now serve statewide communities of parents and active people over 50. The principle on which the company was founded remains the same: High-quality, community-centered journalism you can trust."
*referred by MN Newspaper Directory
Faith Community Nursing program combines faith and health
by Scott Noble
Published by Minnesota Christian Chronicle — March 2010
"
TWIN CITIES — As the U.S. Congress and the president continue to debate health care reform, one ministry is hoping to assist churches in their efforts to meet the health needs of their congregations.
The ministry—or movement—is called Faith Community Nursing or Parish Nursing. A congregation with a faith community nursing program has at least one nurse on staff who helps the congregation become physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually healthy.
Mary Van Der Werf, who is the Elim Care Faith Community nurse coordinator [Elim Care is a faith-based senior healthcare and housing ministry affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America] said parish nursing started in Chicago, Ill., in the late 1980s. The movement took off mainly among Catholic and Lutheran denominations but the Evangelical Free Church of America, which started the program in the mid-1990s, now has nearly 30 Minnesota congregations with faith community nursing programs.
In the Twin Cities metro area, Van Der Werf said, there are more than 230 faith communities of all traditions with a faith community nurse.
Each congregation that has a program must be staffed by a registered nurse—and that nurse has a variety of responsibilities. Van Der Werf said, “We walk with people when they’re healthy and earn their trust. Then when they do become ill, we walk alongside them with Christ’s compassion.”
These include but are not limited to things such as providing support groups, blood pressure screenings, visits and resources to new moms, visits to hospitals and nursing homes, referrals and prayer.
The faith community nurse often becomes the first resource that someone in a congregation goes to with a need.
Each faith community nursing program can look a little different and have a specific focus. Depending on resources and qualifications, some programs might focus more on health screenings and blood pressure checks, while others might focus on education awareness, visitations and providing appropriate resources and referrals. Each congregation can develop the program based on its specific needs and strengths.
Even though the current faith community nursing movement got its start in the 1980s, Ginny McMillan, faith community nurse at New Hope Evangelical Free Church, believes the emphasis on health and healing has been there all along. “Look at all the verses [in Scripture] that say ‘teaching’ and ‘healing,’” McMillan said. “Health care is really vital for a church to be involved in. Gathering information, listening, praying and then being a resource.”
In the Evangelical Free Church, Van Der Werf said that about one third of the nurses in their faith community nursing program are paid, and the rest serve as volunteers. Each church, she said, has different needs and different abilities, but they encourage getting the pastor on board a new program so the pastor has the understanding and can communicate the support for the outreach.
For McMillan, a significant portion of her day is spent “connect[ing] the dots”—coordinating needs, making phone calls, listening, sharing Scripture and following up. After an initial need has been met, she said they abide by a protocol, which entails following up with a person after three, six, nine and 12 months—to ensure his or her needs have been and are currently being met.
While some may question the need for nurses in a church, Van Der Werf pointed out the benefits and even necessities of a church-based nursing program. Faith community nursing programs are “able to provide understanding of health care as it becomes increasingly segmented and complex,” she said. In addition, the church family can act as a family during a health crisis, as oftentimes immediate family members don’t live close by.
A church-based nursing program can also help detect a disease at an early stage, help sustain a person in his or her home environment and provide resources for those with insurance issues, she said.
While the U.S. government continues to debate reforms to our health care system, the needs of congregation members—and those outside the church—continue to grow. Van Der Werf believes that community nursing will continue to grow because the needs are so great. People often turn to God when they are ill, so faith community nursing can also serve as an outreach ministry to those outside the church looking for help and healing—both physically and spiritually.
ACTION BOX: Nurses and congregations can contact Mary Van Der Werf at mvandw@elimcare.org or the Faith Community Nurse Network of the Twin Cities at www.fcnntc.org for resources on faith community nursing. For additional information, visit www.elimcare.org.
"In 1999, seniors made up 12.3 percent of Minnesota�s population. The number of people who are seniors ranged from 740 seniors in Cook County to 124,610 in Hennepin County. Rural Minnesota counties have a greater proportion of senior population. In fact, �all of the counties in which more than one-fifth of the population was 65 years or older in 1995 are in rural Minnesota"
"
Aging Services of Minnesota is Minnesota's largest association of aging services organizations. Today our membership encompasses over 1,000 member organizations including 700+ provider member sites. Together, we work with over 50,000 caregivers throughout the state and serve more than 100,000 seniors each year in settings across the continuum from their home to congregate housing to assisted living to care centers. Aging Services members are diverse but share a common focus on person-directed living, missions of service to their communities and choice in older adult services.
Aging Services is the state partner of LeadingAge and the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA)."
Aging Services of Minnesota - Age is Just a Number
"is the gateway to services for Minnesota seniors and their families.
MBA listens to senior concerns, researches for solutions, and proposes policy to address senior needs. "
"In the second recent case of Minnesota nursing home aides abusing elderly residents, an aide in a Montevideo home allegedly tormented six residents sexually, physically and emotionally for months before being caught.
The Minnesota Department of Health released a report Wednesday detailing the allegations against an unnamed female aide at Luther Haven home. The report said the abuse came to light when a nursing assistant told a supervisor in July after witnessing several incidents. The abuse went back about six months.
James Flaherty, an administrator at the home, didn't immediately return a message left after business hours.
The Montevideo case echoes another in Albert Lea, Minn., where six nursing assistants allegedly spit in the mouths of residents with dementia, poked their breasts and touched their genitals. Two female aides now face criminal abuse and assault charges; four others were charged as juveniles for not reporting the alleged abuse.
At the Montevideo home, the Health Department report said, the aide probed the genitals of a resident with vulvar cancer, performed lap dances for two male residents, and repeatedly made sexual advances toward one of the men, including touching his genitals and baring her breasts while getting him ready for bed.
Five of the six victims have Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. The female victim with cancer died before the abuse was reported.
Other maltreatment included dropping a resident about four feet onto a bed, slapping another resident while calling her names including a racial slur, and torturing a resident by throwing stuffed animals the woman believed to be her children onto the floor.
"The preponderance of evidence indicates that physical, sexual and emotional abuse did occur in connection with several allegations of resident maltreatment," said the report, dated Nov. 21. The report wasn't released until Wednesday.
The report said the home investigated the incidents and reported them to state authorities as soon as the abuse was reported on July 9. The aide was suspended that day and fired two weeks later, and other staff received extra training on vulnerable adults and the law.
The aide was interviewed by the Health Department and denied the allegations.
Chippewa County Attorney Dwayne Knutsen said he has been reviewing the case but charges are unlikely. That's because the victims' dementia limits their ability to testify, and the male victims of sexual abuse are embarrassed.
In the second recent case of Minnesota nursing home aides abusing elderly residents, an aide in a Montevideo home allegedly tormented six residents sexually, physically and emotionally for months before being caught.
"If you abuse someone who is not able to testify and you don't have any independent evidence to corroborate that, it doesn't leave you with much of a case," Knutsen said.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)"
"...As part of the new Forbes 2011 Retirement Guide, our latest offering -- The Best Retirement Places -- considers a wide range of factors but focuses especially on two bottom-line issues: tax burden and cost of living. That's why you won't see any locations in the highest-tax, highest-cost states like California, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
Still, in canvassing cities with populations starting at around 100,000, we look at a lot of issues besides costs. They include weather, availability of doctors, driving environment, crime rates and opportunities for an active retirement, which we defined by the extent of volunteering and outdoor paths for bicycling and walking. The roster of cities skews toward more temperate climates but not completely: It contains Fargo, N.D., Pittsburgh and some other chilly-in-the-winter places like Indianapolis, Colorado Springs, Kansas City and Salt Lake City.
...
Every city on the list has a low cost of living as measured by government statistics. Five -- Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Tucson -- also made our recent Best Places for Bargain Retirement list....
Evangelism
Elderly woman witnesses to man trying to rob her
"A 92-year-old woman from Dyersburg, Tennessee recently turned an attempted robbery into an opportunity to minister to the would-be robber.
Read the full story on WMCTV.com here:.. Grandma Witnesses to Robber 43,520 Views, from tangle.com Dyersburg grandmother witnesses to man trying to rob her
Updated: Dec 6, 2007 09:07 AM Reported by Nick Paranjape "92-year-old Pauline Jacobi reads her Bible everyday. Her strong faith keeps her going in life and may have saved it after she almost became the victim of a parking lot robbery.
Jacobi had just finished putting her groceries inside her car at a Dyersburg Wal-Mart when a man jumped into the car through the passenger's side door. He told Jacobi he had a gun and that he would shoot her if she didn't give him money.
"I'm not going to give you my money," Jacobi said.
In fact. She told him "no" three times.
Then she started to talk to him.
"As quick as you kill me I'll go to heaven and you'll go to hell," Jacobi said she told the man. "'Jesus is in this car and he goes with me everywhere I go."
"He just looked around and the tears just began coming down his eyes."
She told him to ask God for forgiveness and ministered to him for 10 minutes inside her car.
"He says, 'I think I'll go home and pray tonight,'" Jacobi said. "I says, 'You don't have to wait until tonight. You can pray anytime you want to.'"
As tears were rolling down the man's face, Jacobi voluntarily gave him $10. All the money she had.
"When I told him I was going to give him the money, I said, 'Don't you go spend it on whiskey either,'" Jacobi said.
The man thanked her for the money and kissed her on the cheek. Then he walked away.
He told Jacobi his name was Ricky and he was from Halls, Tennessee. She doesn't want to see him in jail, but also doesn't want him to hurt anybody. However, police do want to see him in jail and are asking for help.
If you have any information, call Dyer County CrimeStoppers at (731) 285-TIPS."
"Eating too much sugar certainly isn't wise for your waistline, but did you know that overindulging in dessert can add years to your face? And even if you do strenuous cardio workouts each week, you'll be missing out on potential anti-aging body benefits if your schedule doesn't include yoga, weight training, and rest.
"Good nutrition is a fundamental building block of healthy skin," explains Leslie Baumann, MD, a Miami Beach dermatologist. The natural ingredients in whole foods such as romaine lettuce and strawberries help increase cell turnover, and boost production of collagen fibers to help keep skin smooth and firm. Conversely, foods with little-to-no nutritional benefits, like sugar-packed doughnuts, can actually damage the collagen and elastin that keep skin firm and youthful. These aging effects start at about age 35 and increase rapidly after that, according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Even if your diet is wholesome, you could be making exercise mistakes that age you as well. For example, if you only do cardio at the expense of other types of exercise, like yoga and strength-training, you could be missing out on skin-protective benefits.
Find out if you're making one of these 8 common aging diet and exercise mistakes, and get smart prevention strategies that can keep you slim and youthful for years to come."
"
If you already eat right and maintain a healthy lifestyle, this is the kit for you!
True health and wellness is only possible if it radiates from a solid, fundamentally sound center. Although the human body’s systems are complex and multi-dimensional, there exists a core group of nutrients that have the greatest influence in support of vibrant health.
These 90 essential nutrients are at the very center of Youngevity’s commitment to improving lives through science-based, high quality nutrition. The 90 essential nutrients form the basis for Youngevity’s signature Healthy Start Pak™, a set of supplements specially selected for their excellent nutrient content, quality, and efficacy. It includes Beyond Tangy Tangerine®, Osteo-fx Plus™ and Ultimate™ EFA Plus™."
Dr. Joel Wallach: The Little Mineral That Could - Alex Jones Tv 1/3
"Alex talks with veterinarian and naturopath Joel Wallach. He has published numerous books on dietary deficiencies and their resultant effects. Wallach is the author of Dead Doctors Don't Lie. " Youngevity Anti-Aging Daily Packs 30 CT.
alendronate, Fosamax, from medicinenet.com "...used for treating osteoporosis (reduced density of bone that leads to fractures) and bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and Paget's disease...
DOSING: The recommended dose for treatment of osteoporosis is 5-10 mg daily or 35-70 mg weekly. Paget's disease is treated with 40 mg once daily for six months.
Since food, other medications, and vitamins can interfere with the absorption of alendronate, they should be taken at least 30 minutes before alendronate. In order to avoid chemical irritation of the esophagus (the swallowing tube that connects the mouth with the stomach), alendronate should be taken with a full glass of plain water immediately upon arising in the morning and never chewed or sucked. It should be avoided by patients with abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying, such as scarring (stricture) or poor motility (achalasia). Patients should also not lie down for 30 minutes after swallowing the tablets. Those patients who are unable to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate should not take it. Alendronate side effects, natmedtalk.com "Mari Mari is offline
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 191
Mari is on a distinguished road
Default
At the insistance of my Dr. I tried Fosomax several years ago when you had to take it every day. After about a week I started to have stomach problems. However, what was more alarming was that my blood pressure was up by 40 points. It took three days off the pills before my blood pressure returned to normal. Even though my Dr. insisted that was not a listed side-effect, that's what it did to me. My osteoporosis has improved in the last four years by getting on the right supplements and improving diet. .. Blood Pressure/heart issues with fosamax
Posted in the Fosamax, Alendronate Forum topix.com "Scared by big Pharm
Dudley, MA
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#1
May 10, 2007
Has anyone out there had any blood pressure issues after being on Fosamax?
My mom, age 84, took for about one year. Shortly after being on it she developed high blood pressure. She took bp meds but didn't like the way they made her feel...started uping her dosages of flax seed and flax seed oils, etc. Was getting her pressure checked and wasn't too bad.
Then she developed eye pressure. This really scared her so she finally followed my advise and got off the fosamax (feb).
Now she just had suffered a tear in her aorta. I did find one recent article linking these drugs to heart valve damage....
Just wondering if any other similar stories.
I really think this crap caused these 2 problems, along with her continued back pain. Once she came off the crap she was actually feeling better, walking better, etc.
Thanks FARCAMAX!! I am now watching her suffer in the critical care cardiac unit, in pain and disoriented..
DID YOU DO THIS OH WONDER DRUG??? Got to wonder.
Thanks for your input! Together we need to get this dangerous poision off the market!
SW FLA
Naples, FL
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Nov 12, 2007
My 77year old mother developed high blood pressure and a terrible cough, dizziness, and headache 6 months after starting Fosomax Plus D.
Prior to taking Fosomax she had no need for other medications. Now she is on Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Diovan and now Prilosec.
My Question. Is there any literature out there about Fosomax Plus D connecting it with heart failure or hypertension? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18443859/#.Ty15zYHfXK0
..
"A group of volunteers is building free houses for senior citizens whose homes are beyond repair. Residents can keep their old addresses while enjoying new homes built just for them."
Message
A Special Word from Chuck to Senior Citizens
"What is the message in Chuck�s new book for someone older who has already lived most of his or her life? Hear Chuck�s answer to that question. Get a copy of A Life Well Lived today at Insight for Living�s Web store.."
"Trailer of the new upcoming movie "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman."
Related Sites: The Bucket List (2007), from imdb.com "The Bucket List is not half as sappy as I sound so far; it is a sober rendering of life's lessons at the end by two different men who find their common humanity.-Author: John DeSando (jdesando@columbus.rr.com) from Columbus, Ohio
Say (OST - Bucket List) - John Mayer
""Say" sung by John Mayer. The song was used as a soundtrack for the movie Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Gordon Freeman. "
The Matrix
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "....The group enters the Matrix and takes Neo to meet the Oracle, the woman who has predicted the eventual emergence of the One. She tells Neo that he has "the gift" of manipulating the Matrix, but that he is waiting for something, possibly his next life. From her comments, Neo deduces that he is not the One. She adds that Morpheus believes in Neo so blindly that he will sacrifice his life to save him. Returning to the hacked telephone line which serves as a safe "exit" from the Matrix, the group is ambushed by Agents and SWAT teams.
...Gloria Foster as the Oracle: Exiled sentient computer program who still resides in the Matrix, helping the freed humans with her foresight and wisdom. ...
The Matrix The Oracle Told Me Your The One I Love You
The Stand (TV miniseries)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "Mother Abagail
Abagail Freemantle, known universally as Mother Abagail, is a character from Stephen King's novel The Stand. She is the personification of good, the leader of the 'good' survivors of the Captain Trips plague, and a prophet of God.
When the novel opens, she is 108 years old and lives in a farmhouse in Hemingford Home, Nebraska. She is one of the .006 of the population that is immune to the Captain Trips virus, and initially appears to some of the plague survivors in dreams, drawing them to her just as Randall Flagg draws the evil survivors to him. She and her followers make their way to Boulder, Colorado where they establish the "Boulder Free Zone" government.
She receives visions from God, though when she sins through pride, she loses her foresight and goes into exile in the wilderness. She regains her ability, and returns to the Zone just in time to inadvertently save most of the Free Zone Committee from Harold Lauder's assassination attempt. On her deathbed, she shares one final vision: four men from the committee are to travel to the west to make a stand against Randall Flagg. She makes no prediction as to what will occur, only that one will fall before arriving in Las Vegas, and that the remainder will be brought before Flagg. Mother Abagail dies shortly after revealing this prophecy.
"
The Stand "The Plague" Part 6
"The Stand- "The Plague" Part 6: Mother Abigail/ "Deaf and Dumb"
1) "The Plague" 2) "The Dreams" 3) "The Betrayal" 4) "The Stand"
~Sorry about the words in the middle, I wasn't registered as you see, but here's the movie, enjoy! "
"Do you have a loved one, friend or family member, who has been diagnosed with suspected Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia? If so, this recorded program is a must. Doctors have known for years that patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias, respond powerfully to the music of the “courting years.” Even when the patient no longer recognizes family members and friends, they can still hear the familiar music of their courting years and recognize it, sometimes sing along, but always they derive pleasure from the experience when others opportunities for pleasure have disappeared....
Mike & The Mechanics - The living Years
"the song says it all. i am nearly 70 and never got chance to say goodbye to both my parents,as i grow old i miss them more,so if yours are still alive be as close as you can,if you have fallen out with them then make things right ,i am a dad now ,with 27 grandkids and5 great grandkids,and i hope when i leave this world they can play this song and smile and remember my love for them,and the fun we have had together while i was here,
firstsalopian ..
"..We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives...
Social Issues
-Enabling
Allison Bottke - SANITY - Enough is Enough
"www.SanitySupport.com - \"Enough is Enough!\" Parents and Grandparents, it\'s time to unite. No more chaos and crisis in your life! If you know a friend, family member, or co-worker with dysfunctional adult children, please watch this video and then forward it to them. Help change a life. Help someone find SANITY. Visit www.SanitySupport.com"
"... SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- She faithfully reads her Bible every day and takes Jesus everywhere she goes. Her bold, faith-filled witness helped stop a would-be mugger in his tracks.
Pauline Jacobs
“Pauline Jacobi had just finished putting her groceries in her car at Walmart,” reported Nick Paranjape, with WMC TV Memphis. Only seconds after Jacobi got in her car a man jumped into the front passenger seat.
“I have a gun and I’ll shoot if you don’t give me money,” the man said.
Jacobi firmly said “no” to the man three times, and then she started to talk to him about her faith. “If you kill me, I’ll go to heaven and you’ll go to hell,” she said. “Jesus is in this car and he goes with me everywhere I go.”
Something about her words penetrated the man’s soul. As he looked away from Jacobi, tears began to form in his eyes.
MORE..
*Special E-mail Forwards
A Story of Encouragement
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and
four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was
blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But
the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating
difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the
glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-n-law became
irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said
the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on
the floor."
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There Grandfather
ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather
had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the
family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his
eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were
sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The
four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood
scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"
Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you
and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and
went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears
started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew
what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back
to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with
the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care
any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth
soiled.
Author Unknown
submitted by
Dan Griffiths
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The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of GCN and its
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(C) 1999 by the Global Christian Network, Inc. and the
Author.
TO A GOOD FRIEND
(from Gina on Sunday, January 11th)
It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman, in
his 80's, presented to have sutures (stitches) removed from his thumb. He
stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took
his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour
before someone would to able to see him.
I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another
patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, so I talked
to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and
redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked
him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat
breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she
had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease.
As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be
worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was,
that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning, even though
she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm and thought,
"That is the kind of love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of
all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them, but you always know
they're there.
"..Filipinos are known for their generosity. They are known to be the most respectful people towards their relatives and even to strangers.
Addressing elders. Unlike other races, Filipinos do not call their elders by their first names. If the elder is your grandfather, you address him as lolo. If the elder is your grandmother, you address her as lola. If the elder is your uncle, you address him as tito.. On the other hand, if the elder is your aunt, you address her as tita. If you are addressing your father, you call him tatay or itay. Modern Filipinos already call their fathers daddy or papa. You can choose to call your father tatay or daddy. But it is important to always have the title before calling out their name. If you are addressing your mother, you call her nanay or inay. You can also call her mommy or mama. If you are addressing your brother, you can call him kuya pronounced as “koo-yah.” If you are addressing your sister, you can call her ate pronounced as “ah-teh.” If you are addressing a male stranger, you may call him manong, pronounced as “mah-nong,” or you may call him kuya. If you are addressing a female stranger, you may call her manang, pronounced as “mah-nang,” or you may call her ate. You may call the friends of your grandparents lolo or lola. If the elders are your parent’s friends, you may call them tito or tita. You can call your older sibling’s friends kuya or ate. You may also address your older cousins as kuya or ate...
Saying “po” or “ho.” Always say “po or ho” after every sentence. You can also say it in mid sentence. This shows respect to your elders. If you wish to say yes to an elder, say “opo” instead of yes. If you wish to say no, say “hindi po” instead of no.
Don’t interrupt. One Filipino saying is that children should not join the conversation of older people. Some traditional Filipino families still practice this. On the other hand, modern Filipino families do not follow the saying. Instead, younger Filipinos do not butt in especially when an elder is talking. They can say what they want after all the elders have spoken. This is how to show respect to the elders.
Greet with a hand gesture. Filipinos also show respect to elders by making “mano.” Mano originated from the word “mana” which means blessing. Filipinos ask for blessings or make “mano” to their elders by extending a hand with the palms facing up, taking the hand of the elder with their palms facing down and brining it towards your forehead. The meaning of this gesture is that the elders are entrusting their wisdom and their richness to the younger people. The young people accept the gifts and blessing thus the term “mano po.”
Let them go first. If there is a line, always let the elders go first. Only go ahead of them if they allow you to.
Keep these in mind when interacting with your Filipino elders. Respect is highly valued in the culture so take heed and be mindful of your actions.
Philippine Culture & Tradition
"..He doesn't drink or smoke, and centenarian Manohar Aich credits his longevity to a healthy lifestyle in which he minimizes stress and focuses on happiness. ..
His lifestyle and a simple diet of milk, fruits and vegetables along with rice, lentils and fish have kept him healthy, the bodybuilding trainer told the AP.
Aich turned to bodybuilding while he was imprisoned in the 1940s for opposing Britain's continued colonial rule of India. When he was released, he went on to compete as a bodybuilder, earning success in international competition that culminated with his taking the Mr. Universe title....
"Arguably, the Japanese and Koreans, are way ahead of most western doctors on neutralization and flushing acid wastes from the body. Oriental doctors have had wonderful results and use alkaline water successfully for many ailments including reverse aging.
Scientist Sang Whang explains everything in his book "Reverse Aging" (a must read). He explains why the west is slow on this technology in that very little Japanese research is translated into English. In contrast much western research is translated into Japanese. He explains:
"Here is the simple process of aging. Every living cell within our body creates waste products. The nutrients from our food are delivered to each cell and they burn with oxygen to provide energy for us to live. The burned nutrients are the waste products. The food that is either good or bad for you is determined by the amount and quality of the wastes produced: toxic, acid, alkaline, etc. Most of our cells go through metabolism and old dead cells become waste products. "
"These waste products must be discharged from our body. In fact, our body tries its best to dispose of them through urine and perspiration. Virtually all waste products are acidic; that is why urine is acidic and skin surface is also acidic. The problem is that, due to several reasons, our body cannot get rid of 100% of the waste products it produces. "
"The main reason for this is our lifestyle. We stay up late and get up early. We do not take time to rest; some of us work more than one job. We, therefore, spend more time producing waste products than processing them. "
"The second reason is food. Most of the food we like is mainly acidic. Acidic food does not necessarily mean that it tastes acidic, but that the wastes produced are acidic. Grains and meats are mainly acidic; fruits and vegetables are alkaline. Citric fruits may taste acidic but they are considered to be alkaline because they contain alkaline minerals. "
"The third reason is our environment. More healthy cells are killed by pollutants in the air, water and soil than the natural deaths of cells caused by normal metabolism. Thus, more wastes products are created. "
"The question is: "What happens to those non-disposed acidic waste products?" The answer is simple. These waste products become solid wastes, such as, cholesterol, fatty acid, uric acid, kidney stones, urates, phosphates, sulfate etc., and unknown to us they accumulate and build up somewhere within our body. This accumulation of non-disposed acidic wastes within the our body is the aging process. "
"Alkaline neutralizes acid. Drinking alkaline water helps our body dissolve acid wastes and makes it easier for the body to dispose of them safely since the accumulation of acid wastes is aging, the reduction of acid wastes is reverse aging. Alkaline water is not a medicine to cure any disease. However if consumed regularly, alkaline water gradually reduces the accumulated acid wastes. As a result of acid reduction, there are many reports of natural health
improvement in Japan."
Ionization is simple and natural. The objective of an Ionizer is to duplicate the tumbling waters of mountain streams and waterfalls. This generates an electrical charge similar to electrolysis, which generates negative ions. These in turn create alkaline water. People drinking mountain alkaline water are known to have less disease and greater longevity. Negative ions allow inorganic minerals to be easily absorbed by the body. At the same time, quality Ionizers have an efficient, activated charcoal filter, which removes chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals and other pollutants from tap water, whilst retaining and concentrating beneficial minerals.
A daily intake of eight glasses of alkaline water helps your body combat free radicals and to neutralize and wash out acid wastes."
"..The Japanese take more of this pure dynamite “SUPER FOOD” per person than Americans take of Vitamin C. They take it religously, every day in a tiny capsule that contains a veritable ‘smorgasbord’ of life itself.
What is it called? Miracle Marine Phyto-Plankton Whole Food Complex...
"The island of Okinawa, in Japan, is the best place on earth for healthy aging. The Okinawans have:
* more people over 100 years old per 100,000 population than anywhere else in the world
* the lowest death rates from cancer, heart disease and stroke (the top three killers in the US)
* the highest life expectancy for both males and females over 65
* females in Okinawa have the highest life expectancy in all age groups..
Free Radicals: The centenarians have lower levels of free radicals in their blood. This is largely due to the fact that Okinawans simply eat fewer calories than the average person due to a cultural practice of eating until you are only 80 percent full called Hara Hachi Bu....
# More Sex Hormones: Okinawans have more natural DHEA, estrogen and testosterone than Americans of the same age. Each of these hormones is thought to indicate ‘hormonal age’ in people. High levels of testosterone help maintain muscle mass. Estrogen is thought to protect against osteoporosis and heart disease. DHEA is known to decrease with age, some researchers use DHEA level as a marker how rapidly someone is aging. Diet and continual physical activity are thought to explain why these hormones remain high in elderly Okinawans.
# Positive Outlook: When the personalities of Okinawans was tested, it was found that they were generally unstressed and maintained a positive outlook on life. They had strong coping skills and a deep sense of spirituality, meaning and purpose. Positive outlook in the Okinawans is thought to explain their reduced risk for dementia...
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Health, Wellness, Medical Issues, etc...
"MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Eating a lot of red meat may shorten your life, while consuming more fish and poultry may extend it, a new study suggests.
Red meat is associated with a higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer and any other cause, the researchers reported.
For many people, red meat is a primary source of protein and fat. But meat has been associated with increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers in other studies, the researchers noted.
"We should move to a more plant-based diet," said lead researcher Dr. Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. "This can substantially reduce the risk of chronic disease and the risk of premature death."
For the study, Hu's team collected data on more than 37,600 men who took part in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and more than 83,600 women in the Nurses' Health Study.
Over 28 years, almost 24,000 of the study participants died. Nearly 6,000 of the deaths were from cardiovascular disease and more than 9,000 were from cancer, the researchers found.
Hu's group calculated that for every daily serving of red meat, the risk of dying increased 12 percent. Broken down further, the researchers found the risk was 13 percent for a serving of unprocessed red meat and 20 percent for processed red meat.
A single serving is about the size of a deck of cards, Hu noted.
By replacing a daily serving of red meat with a serving of fish, poultry, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy products or whole grains, however, the risk of dying was lowered, the researchers said.
The risk of death decreased by 7 percent for fish, 14 percent for poultry, 19 percent for nuts, 10 percent for legumes, 10 percent for low-fat dairy products and 14 percent for whole grains, the researchers found.
If people ate less than half a serving of red meat a day, deaths during the 28 years of follow-up could have been reduced by 9.3 percent for men and 7.6 percent for women, the researchers noted.
The report was published online March 12 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
A representative from the beef industry took issue with the findings.
"The scientific evidence to support the role of lean beef in a healthy, balanced diet is strong and there is nothing in this study that changes that fact," said Shalene McNeill, a registered dietitian and executive director of nutrition research at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
"Research clearly shows that choosing lean beef as part of a healthful diet is associated with improved overall nutrient intake, overall diet quality and positive health outcomes," she added. "Overall, lifestyle patterns including a healthy diet and physical activity, not consumption of any individual food, have been shown to affect mortality."
"This was an observational study," McNeill also noted. "Observational studies cannot be used to determine cause and effect."
Another dietary expert said cutting back on red meat might not be a bad idea.
Samantha Heller, a dietitian, nutritionist, exercise physiologist and clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn., took issue with the notion that meat is somehow intrinsic to the human diet.
"'But we are born carnivores,' is the cry I hear when I suggest that my patients and students reduce their intake of red and processed meat," Heller said.
What most people do not realize, Heller said, is that humans are not designed to handle the huge amount of saturated fat, iron and other compounds in red and processed meats that they consume.
"A diet high in red and processed meats deluges the body with inflammatory compounds like saturated fat and nitrites," she said. Over time, the body's best efforts to cope with the influx of unhealthy compounds are overwhelmed.
"We get heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases," Heller said. "There are numerous studies showing a link between eating red and processed meat and chronic diseases and death."
Research suggests that going meatless even a few days a week can significantly reduce the risk of these devastating diseases, she said.
"Cut back to eating red or processed meat once or twice a week to start," Heller said. "On other days, substitute chicken, fish, beans, soy, nuts, whole grains like quinoa, and low or nonfat organic dairy for your protein sources."
More information
For more on a healthy diet, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture."
-Drinks
Berry Young Juice Part 2
"Wolberries Are a Chinese National Treasure \r\nThe good health and vitality of the Ningxia elderly has long been attributed to wolfberries. To the people of the province, a bowl of fresh wolfberries a day is part of life. Its health benefits have been extolled for generations. In fact, even today the Ningxia wolfberry is considered a national treasure. \r\n \r\nIn ancient times, the Chinese people were said to have three cherished tonics for health. They were ginseng, ling tzi, and wolfberries. \r\nAccording to ancient Chinese texts, wolfberries: \r\n \r\n * Nourish the yin \r\n * Support the blood \r\n * Help support the kidneys and liver \r\n * Strengthen the eyes \r\n * Fortify the muscles and bones \r\n * Enhance the "chi" or life force "
"This is the story of Adjartey and the efforts by Mercy Ships in taking care of the elderly in developing Africa."
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