Active Living

KEEpiNgiT acTivEEnergizing classes and programs

that encourages physical activity,

social opportunities and how you

can get in on the fun!

November 2011

www.messengernews.net

Thursday, November 10, 2011

www.freemanjournal.net

These reasons and many more are why regularroutine exercise is great for people of all ages. Thethree components to a well-balanced exercise routine are: aerobic exercise, strength training, andflexibility training. The Fort Dodge CommunityRecreation Center provides those basic components for all age types but there are somespecial programs for the older generation thathealth plans have been offering.

One of those programs is SilverSneakers. It is anenergizing program that encourages physical activity and social opportunities for older adults.

Their moto is known for getting fit, having fun andmaking friends.

Janet Ellerbrock, aquatics director at the FDCRC, talked about the SilverSneaker programwith me recently.

"SilverSneakers is a land based program. Ithelps the older generaion benefit in a healthierlifestyle with social interaction. We use everything from seated to standing exercises witha variety of equipment to get the heart rates upwith coordination and balance," said Ellerbrock.

When participating in the SilverSneakers program it also provides a fitness center membership at FDCRC downtown location. Thecenter provides personal training, exercise equipment, a pool, a sauna, conditioning classes,activities and many other available amenities thatcan help a healthier lifestyle.

"At the Rec we use a variety of equipment,classes (private or public) and trained instructors.We start at any fitness level to make the personcomfortable in the process. Lately we have beenseeing a large increase in the aquatic center and


page 2

at The Fort Dodge Community Recreation CenterKathleen KochMessenger Staff Writer

Keeping Active

Controling your weight

Reducing your risk of cardiovascualr disease

Reducing your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Reducing your risk of some cancers

Strengthen your bones and muscles

Improving your mental health and mood

Improving your ability to do daily activities

Increasing your chances of living longer

Fitness is so important in everyday life and regular physicalactivity is one of the most important things to do especiallythe older you get. It helps in many ways but some of the topthings it can help monitor and control are:

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1615 North 15th Street • Fort Dodge • 576-7128

The holidays are a difficult time for those who have lost someone loved. The staff of Gunderson Funeral Home invites you to attend our annual

“ A Time For Angels ” a service of remembrance in honor of those who have died

and in support of those who still live. The program will feature music and an inspirational message of hope from the

Rev. David Grindberg & Monsignor Kevin McCoy The program will be followed by a presentation of an angel ornament to each family to

take home and place on their tree for their own family gathering. We hope you, your family and friends will join us.

Please call us with any questions or to request your own angel ornament for your family.

GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES

Invites You To.. .

A TimeFor Angels

2011 Service Of Remembrance Sunday, December 4 • 1:30 p.m. St. Olaf Lutheran Church 239 No 11th St., Fort Dodge

many refferals for water fitness classes," she said.

All the aquatic programs are modify for age and ability. JaniceHammitt is the land and aquatic instructor on the weekday mornings."She is great, she gets everyone moving and pushes them to their limits but I do see people leaving with smiles on their face," said Ellerbrock.

Programs like SilverSneakers and many more are provided at theFDCRC. Just stop on in and talk to a trained Program Advisor to helpyou benefit in a healthier lifestyle.

page 3

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen

SilverSneaker aerobic instructor Janet Ellerbrock,

at left, works out with program participant Anita Dencklau

during a recent session at FDCRC in Fort Dodge.

page 4

Did you check the return address to see who sent it or read the

postmark to see where it was mailed from? Whether the letter was

a birthday card, party invitation, or note from a loved one most of

us would say that it was exciting to see our name on an envelope in

the mailbox. Today’s children are growing up with e-mail, text

messages, and social networks such as Facebook. Technology is replac-

ing the simple note as a way to communicate with someone special.

Teachers have contacted us to say that electronic communication is quick and fun, but it does

not encourage children to read for fun or use grammar and punctuation to write to people. The

quick and easy text message isn’t as much fun as a real hand-held note either. Those teachers

also believe that reading a letter from a friend is a great way to encourage a struggling reader

to read for fun as well as learning. We in the Parks & Recreation 55+ Volunteer Initiatives

program agree with what the teachers are telling us and we’ve come up with a way for commu-

nity members to help make a difference in this area.

Beginning this month, we are matching caring adult volunteers with local 3rd graders as Pen

Pals. As Pen Pals, the adults will write to the same child two times per month throughout the

school year and will receive two notes back in return each month. In the spring we will celebrate

this partnership with a picnic or party to meet in person. The adult Pen Pals will have an

opportunity to share what life was like when they were in school, tell about travels or family,

and be a caring friend to the children. This Pen Pal project will even work for those senior

citizens who are “snow birds” as they will be able to send notes or postcards from their winter

home.

Do you

remember what

it was like as a

child to receive

a letter in the

mail?

Our Pen Pals have a world of experience to share with the students and encouraging friend ormentor without the weekly commitment of volunteering directly at school. We believe that this activity will appeal to those who are interested in making a difference to children!

We are still looking for a few more volunteers for this activity and would welcome anyone whois interested to contact us at 576-5401. We concentrate on recruiting volunteers age 55 and older,but also welcome someone younger.

The Parks and Recreation Department 55+ Volunteer Initiatives provides local citizens age 55and older an opportunity to volunteer in the community through Foster Grandparents, Pen Pals,our S.M.A.R.T (Start Making A Reader Today) Program. Through the Healthy, WELLthy & Wise Exercise program for older adults. Because volunteering is a proven way to improve health andwellness, these kinds of activities are a great for Parks and Recreation because our goal is to provide quality wellness opportunities for people of all ages.

To learn more about Pen Pals or anyof the other volunteer opportunitiescoordinated through our office,please give us a call. We’d love toshare the ways that we can help youstay involved and active while makinga difference in the community.

Jeanine Nemitz

Coordinator, 55+ Volunteer Initiatives

[email protected]


page 5

Many Medicare beneficiaries are busy comparing Part D drug plans right now,

but don't forget that October 15-December 7 is also the open enrollment

period for Medicare Advantage plans. Sometimes called "Part C" or "MA

plans", Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to get your Medicare

benefits.

If you join a Medicare Advantage plan you still have Medicare. Rather than

getting your Part A and B benefits from Original Medicare you're getting

these benefits from a private insurance company which contracts with

Medicare to offer the Medicare Advantage plan. Some plans also include

Medicare Part D drug coverage.

These plans have annual contracts with Medicare. Each year by October 1 the

plans announce if they will continue their contract or make changes to their

plans. You can enroll in a plan, change plans or return to Original Medicare

during the open enrollment period October 15 through December 7 each year. Any

change made will be effective January 1 of the next year.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you should review the premium, deductibles,

co-payments, additional benefits and drug coverage (if included) each year to see if the plan

will meet your needs. Another critical factor in choosing a Medicare Advantage plan is confirming

if your medical providers will accept and submit claims to the plan. All of these can change from year to

year. You cannot assume a Medicare Advantage plan which met your needs one year will necessarily meet your needs

in the upcoming year. A review is important.

If your plan is continuing in 2012 and you're happy with what it's offering next year you don't need to do a thing. Your

enrollment will continue into next year.


Medicare

Shelley KoppSHIIP coordinatorTrinity Regional Medical Center802 Kenyon RoadFort Dodge, Iowa 50501515-574-6513

SHIIP's guide,

"Medicare Advantageand Other Health Plans in Iowa 2012"

is now available to provide information about the plans

available for Iowans for the next year.

You can request a copy of the guide by calling 800-351-4664.

or going to the SHIIP website, www.therightcalliowa.gov,

where the guide can be found under "Medicare Advantage."

SHIIP counselors are available at Trinity Regional Medical Center

to assist you in comparing plans by calling 515-574-6513.

SHIIP is a free, confidential and objective service of the

State of Iowa sponsored by TRMC.


memoryscreening day

The August Senior Sense Column began with some uncomfortable questions about "When was the last time you

couldn't remember the name of someone you ran into at the mall, couldn't remember where you parked your car

in a parking lot, or went into a store to buy toilet paper and came home with everything else but the toilet paper?

As a part of Alzheimer's Disease Month the Alzheimer's Foundation of American sponsors "Memory Screenings"

across the country. If you have concerns about your memory, one of the memory screening sites this year is in

Fort Dodge at Friendship Haven. On Tuesday November 15th volunteers will be available to complete

confidential memory screenings at no cost to participants from 10 AM to 3:00 PM.

The "National Memory Screening Day" was first introduced in 2003 with a goal of promoting early detection

of memory problems and diseases including Alzheimer's Disease as well as assisting people in identifying

interventions, medical treatment, support services and

resources. The Alzheimer's Foundation lists the

following reasons why memory screenings are

important.;" They are a first step in finding out if a

person has a memory problem caused by disease or

other medical conditions and can begin a discussion about

memory loss issues, although Memory Screens are not

used to diagnosis any illness and don't replace a

consultation with a qualified physician or health care

provider they are designed instead to check a person's

memory and other thinking skills, and can identify when a

more complete medical visit and evaluation is indicated,

they are a starting point to identify what is causing

memory loss. Some memory loss can be treated such as

those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid

problems. Other memory problems result from

conditions that are not currently reversible.

The earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat some of these

conditions. Early identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

(mild memory loss that eventually leads to dementia), allows earlier

treatment by healthcare professionals and may even slow down the changes

in memory loss and thinking skills. Early diagnosis can improve quality of life

by allowing individuals with Alzheimer's Disease to learn more about the

disease, and emerging medical treatments, to find out what support is

National

page 6

Come see why our patients love us! If you think you have a hearing loss, we have solutions for you.

Call our office today! 576-7278 800-779-8534

Watch our educational video on hearing at www.IowaHears.com

Thanks to all our patients for your votes of confidence. Dr. John Reis, Voted

Best Audiologist, 2010 & 2011

FORT DODGE Physicians Office Building W.

Suite C 576-7278

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS Ames • Boone • Humboldt

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PROFESSIONALS who are here for you! Enjoy a decidedly different different approach to hearing

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you’re ready to experience all the benefits of better hearing

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& verify the results. Your comfort and confidence is our goal!

And when you need us, you’ll be able to reach us. We will be

here well beyond the initial fitting, day after day, year after

year, for as long as you wear your hearing aids. That’s all part

of Hearing Services of Iowa’s value.

page 7

available in the community and to address legal and financial planning

issues for the future. It can also assist caregivers in identifying support

groups and other community resources to ease their burden.

Screens are conducted by various types of health care professionals

including social workers, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurses,

psychologists and physicians. The face to face screening takes place in

a private setting with only the individual being tested and the person

conducting the screen present. The screening consists of a series of

questions or tasks designed to test memory, language skills, thinking

ability and other functions. After the screening is complete the results

will be reviewed and suggestions made if the person being screened

should follow up with a physician or health care professional for more

extensive testing. The results are confidential and the participant will

receive the screening results to bring to any follow up appointments or

to be placed in their medical record.

For more information and /or to sign up for a memory screening in

Fort Dodge on November 15th contact Denise Wiederin at Friendship

Haven by calling (515) 573-6250.

Another local event being held during Alzheimer's Disease

Awareness month is a caregiver's conference that will be held at

Willow Ridge in Fort Dodge being co-sponsored by Elder Bridge Area

Agency on Aging, The Greater Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer's

Association Fort Dodge Office, Iowa Central Community College and

Friendship Haven on Tuesday November 8th . Information about the

Caregiver's Conference is available from Jodi Ricklefs at

(515) 576-4884 and the other conference sponsors.

210 South 25th St. Fort Dodge, IA

Mon. - Thur. 9-7 • Fri. 9-6; Sat. 9-5 • Sunday Noon-5.

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Diane Rollins, a Social Worker,Nursing Home Administrator andCertified DementiaCare Practitioner, is Manager of The Gardens Assisted Living atFriendship Haven

• Respiratory Equipment • Sleep Disorder Therapeutics • Mastectomy Supplies • Ostomy Supplies

• Urological Supplies • Diabetic Supplies • Wound Care Supplies • Enteral Feeding Supplies

• Commodes • Bath Benches • Hospital Beds • Seat Lift Chairs • Bath Aids • Oxygen Therapy

• Crutches • Canes • Wheelchairs • Walkers • Incontinent Supplies 118 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA

(across from the mall) Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-1 515-955-8500 800-383-8500

JCAHO Accredited

November

Thursday — 10

500, 9:30 a.m., WebsterCity Senior Center.

n

Webster County Genealogical Society,

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library,424 Central Ave., Room

134n

Blood pressure check, 11 a.m. to noon, RSVP,

Webster City. n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.,Citizens Central.

n

SHIIP counselors, byappointment,

Van Diest Medical Center. n

Hamilton County PHS foot clinic.

Friday — 11

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center

n

Community Bingo, 2 p.m.,Careage of Fort Dodge.

n

Birthday party, 2 p.m., Eagle Grove Senior Cen-

ter.n

Rabiner Bingo early birds6:30 p.m., regular sessions

7:15 p.m., 2253 Second Ave. N.

n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Cen-

ter.

Saturday — 12

Blood drive, 8:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m., Sacred Heart

Parish Center.n



Monday — 14

Cribbage, 9:30 a.m.,Crestview Senior Living

Apartments. n

Bingo, 10 a.m., Algona Senior Center.

n

500, 1 p.m., Webster CitySenior Center.

n

Bingo, Eagle Grove SeniorCitizen Center, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday — 15

Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m.

breakfast, 9 a.m. meet.

n

River Valley Woodcarvers, 9 a.m., Citizens Central.

n


11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library,

424 Central Ave., Room 134

n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., Citizens Central.

n

Senior Bowl, 1 p.m., Webster City Bowl.

n

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior Center.

Wednesday — 16

RSVP Workday, 9 a.m. Senior Center, Webster City.

n

Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30a.m., Citizens Central.

n



424 Central Ave., Room 134n

500 cards, 1 p.m., Algona Senior Center.

n

Senior Citizens 500, 1p.m., Webster City.

Thursday — 17

500, 9:30 a.m., Webster City Senior Cen-

ter. n



134n


Webster City.n


n

SHIIP counselors,by appointment,

Van Diest Medical Center.n

Hamilton County PHSfoot clinic.

Friday — 18


n



n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior

Center.

Saturday — 19

Boone River Valley Woodcarvers,

9 a.m. to noon, RSVP building, Webster City.

n



Monday — 21


Apartments. n


n

Penny bingo, 1 p.m.,Crestview Senior Living

Apartments.n


Tuesday — 22

Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. break-

fast, 9 a.m. meeting.

n


n



134n


n


n

Bridge, 1 p.m., Webster City Senior

Center.

Wednesday — 23

RSVP Workday, 9 a.m. Senior Center, Webster City.

n


n


11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room

134

n


n

Senior Citizens 500, 1 p.m., Webster City.

Thursday — 24

Thanksgiving Day

Friday — 25


n

Community Bingo, 2 p.m.,Careage of Fort Dodge.

n



n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmets-burg Senior Center.

Saturday — 26



Monday — 28


Apartments. n


n

500, 1 p.m., Webster CitySenior Center.

n


Tuesday — 29

Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m.

breakfast, 9 a.m. meeting.n


n


11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., Room

134n

Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.,Citizens Central.

n


n

Bridge, 1 p.m., WebsterCity Senior Center.

Wednesday — 30

RSVP Workday, 9 a.m. Senior Center, Webster

City. n


n



134n


n


December

Thursday — 1

500, 9:30 a.m., WebsterCity Senior Center.

n



134n


Webster City.n


n

SHIIP counselors, by appointment,

Van Diest Medical Center.

Friday — 2


n



n

Cards, 7 p.m., Emmetsburg Senior Cen-

ter.

Saturday — 3

Senior Potluck, noon, Webster City Senior Center.

Monday — 5


Apartments. n


n

Penny bingo, 1 p.m.,Crestview Senior Living

Apartments. n


Tuesday — 6

Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis, 8:30 a.m. break-

fast, 9 a.m. meeting. n


n





n


n

Bridge, 1 p.m., WebsterCity Senior Center.

Wednesday — 7

RSVP Workday, 9 a.m. Senior Center, Webster

City. n


n





n


page 9page 8

Thursday, November 10, 2011 November Calendar

page 10

Enhance your best years wi th these f ine bus inesses

Best of Years Best of Years Directory Directory

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SHOPPING

HEALTH SERVICES ENTERTAINMENT

LIVING

After reading the May Article about my grand-mother, a friend of mine suggested that I shouldwrite about our grandfathers, "Ours" referring tothose of us who are well past middle age. I thoughtthat sounded like a good idea. I was blessed withone grandma until she passed away when I was inninth grade but I did not have the opportunity toknow either of the grandpas as they were bothgone before I was born, so I had to ask my friendsto tell me something about theirs. I got several responses. They came from people fifty-five toninety. and here they are.

"My mother's father died when I was very smallso I have no memory of him. My father's fatherlived with us from time to time. He moved aroundamong his children in his later years. Memories ofhim are vague. I think one Christmas he playedSanta Claus for us, all decked out in a red suit. Itwas a custom in our house for him to come Christmas Eve right after supper. We could not getclose to him but we were allowed to watch fromthe stairs as he put packages under the tree. I wasabout 8 years old when I stopped believing in San-ta and after that, Santa never came again, at leastnot in the red suit."

"I remember going to stay with my mom's parents. Grandpa had a big mustache and grand-ma made him eggnog each morning, I mean realegg stirred up with milk and maybe some sugar.The eggnog would get stuck in his mustache. Hedied when I wasabout five. His wakewas held in his littlehouse. That was notunusual at that time."

"My dad's dad keptpink peppermints inthe buffet drawer. Heliked them for him-self but was alsovery generous shar-ing with us. Heliked beer and was agood story teller andwe loved to sitaround the floor fur-nace on cold winter nights listening to them."

"I only knew my maternal grandfather. I havenice memories of him. When the two of us wereoutside in the summer we would look up at the skyand he would ask me what I saw up there. Wewould find clouds shaped like different things; an-imals stars, birds. I remember particularly seeingthe shape of an elephant. I thought that was a lotof fun. He had an electric train that he put around

the Christmas tree. At holidays, after we said the"real" grace he would add his own. 'God Bless thepotatoes, God Bless the meat. Now for God's sake,let's pitch in and eat!'

The first few years of my life,my mother, dad and I lived in asmall town where my parentsran a grocery store. When I waspreschool age, my dad's dadwould come into the store andtake me to the local cafe, lift meup on a stool by the counter andwe would have ice cream cones.Grandpa was always a softtouch providing nickels to hisnieces and nephews for treats,but he was especially good tome. I would go with him to thelocal Hardware store and Iwould walk out with whatevertoy I had my eye on; a tricycle,

doll buggy or the kid size kitchen cabinet that Istill have today. The two of us used to go riding inthe country, going up and down the hills that mademy stomach tingle. It was like having my ownrollercoaster.

"When I started country school we moved inwith grandpa on his farm. I remember once himwalking me to school after a snow storm. Hewould lift me over the snow drifts or carry me onhis shoulders. The school teacher was boardingwith us and had to be at the school no matter whatin case any children came that day.

"We later moved to the city and every summer Iwould take the bus and spend a week or so withthe grand parents. Then Grandpa would put me onthe bus and my parents would meet me

"My grandpa took me to see Gone with the windfor the first time. Now whenever I see that movie,I think of him. He made me feel very special."

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page 11

GrandfathersOur


"I don't remember much about my grandfather..He had milk cows and would deliver milk to folksin an old dilapidated truck. One door was held to-gether with wire. He really wanted to be a coachand teacher. He had high school boys come to thefarm after school and tried to help them withtheir basketball skills. He fixed up a place in thebarn to do this. His idea of winning on the courtswas "making the free throws". Once when I waslittle, I fell and cut my hand on a rusty nail. Hepoured kerosene on it. That is one thing I will nev-er forget."

"I always remember grandpa wanting to makegrandma happy. They loved to travel together. Idid not much like grandma's cooking and when Iwas at their house for a meal, he would help meget rid of the food on my plate. I suppose grand-ma knew what he was doing but never let on."

"My grandpa was my first friend. Even when Iwas just a little kid I looked up to him. I wantedto be just like him. He took good care of me. Hewas a memorable man and my friends still men-tion things about him."

"My maternal grandpa always dressed in a shirtand tie. I don't think he owned any overalls orjeans. He took me fishing and when I would pickup worms, he would buy them from me."

"My paternal grandpa was a farmer and onlywent to the 6th grade but he was a smart man anddid well for himself. He wore bib overalls exceptfor weddings and funerals and rolled his own cigarettes. He liked baseball, Sunnybrookwhiskey and Schlitz beer and told far-fetchedstories."

"My maternal grandpa was Justice of the Peaceand he had people come to his house to pay fines.When we would visit, he took us with him to thestore where he worked and let us 'help'".

"My paternal grandfather was a widower andlived with us on the farm. We had a hired man andhe and grandpa played rummy at night. Back inthose days, grandparents played a prominent rolein the lives of their grandkids"

"I remember quite a bit about both of my grand-fathers. One lived alone and we would stay uplate at his house. He made us breakfast, always

the same. And gaveus coffee to drinkwith milk and sugar.

"My mother's dadwas always nice tous. I remembergrandma making useat our bread crustsand clean our platesand he would saywe didn't have tobecause we wereon our "vacation."

"I don't remembera lot about him butgrandpa and Iwould go for walksand he would holdmy hand and talk tome I didn't always tknow what he wassaying, but I likedthe sound of hisvoice."

Do these storiesbring back memo-ries? Maybe youhad the same experiences or maybe your grandpawas entirely different.

Maybe as we get older our memories of thosepeople who were part of our childhood lives havemellowed. Life 5o, 60, 70, 80 years ago certain-ly was different from today and so were ourgrandfathers.

People are living longer now and it is likelythat our children and grand children will have notonly memories of their grandfathers but of theirgreat grandfathers though they will no doubt bedecidedly different than ours were. Todaygrandpa may be decked out in sandals or sneak-ers. He may be playing golf or spending time atthe fitness center. Chances are he will not livewith us or next door, across the road, down theblock or even in the same town or state. He maywinter in Arizona or Florida and they probablyuse cell phones and emails to keep in touch.

In the days ofour childhood,extended fami-lies tended tostay in a limitedarea , and didnot move crosscountry as often.It was the normto have dailycontact with ourrelatives.

Whatever wedo remember ofthose people andthose times, itshould be passedon to our chil-dren and grand-children. Andwhat a nice wayto pass the timewith the youngergenerations.

I did not knoweither of mygrandfathers. Ido have storiesand pictures of

one of them. Patrick Vincent Hand, my dad's dad.The lady with him is his wife Celia, my grandma.Aren't they a handsome couple?

Sixty & then Some

mary Feldmanis a freelance writer

living in emmetsburg

page 12

GrandfathersOur

cont.


how can autos or mobilehomes be adapted so someone doesn’t have to limit travel abilities due tophysical limitations?

mark in California, 48

page 13

?Over the last 40 years, Dr. Marion

(Marion Somers, Ph.D.) has worked with thousands of

seniors and their caregivers as ageriatric care manager and eldercare expert. It is now her goal to

help caregivers everywhere throughher book (“Elder Care Made

Easier"), iPhone apps (www.elder911.net) web site,

columns, public service announcements, and more. For more information, visit

www.DrMarion.com

There has been a tremendous improvement in this area in the lastdecade. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vanscan now be modified before they arepurchased or on the aftermarket. Nomatter what your elder’s handicapmay be, vehicles today can be adaptedso that even a quadriplegic or paraplegic can operate them.

Each limitation now seems to haveits own set of adapted equipment. I’mtalking about installing handicappeddriving controls, safety travel chairs,and a lazy Susan-type of apparatus soa person can use his or her own bodyweight to work for them instead ofnon-functioning body muscle. Rampscan also be installed so it’s easier toget in and out of the vehicle even ifsomeone is confined to a wheelchair.There are also chair lifts available forinstallation.

Many elderly simply stop drivingsince it becomes to difficult to operatethe vehicle. But as long as your elderhas an ability that can be overcome byadapted equipment, consider exploring this option. It can be as simple as adding a larger rear-viewmirror so he or she has a wider view of

the back. Extra large side mirrors witha fisheye are also available in order togive your elder a different and betterperspective of other traffic. Anythingto enhance your elder’s judgment andsafety should be considered.

Finally, it’s also crucial that youtake various safety precautions whenyour elder is driving in case of emer-gency. This includes having safetyflares, jumper cables, a flashlight, asmall throwaway camera in case of anaccident, a pad and pen, and an extrainsulated camping blanket. Also besure your elder ahs all emergency telephone numbers on one sheet of pa-per with them at all times, includingroadside services.

Ask Dr. Marion


That's what Webster City's Chris Christian decided to do when faced with a job lay-off.

Christian had spent her career in social work, first for Hamilton County and then for the State ofVirginia's child welfare bureau.

In 2005, she returned to Iowa and became the director of Retired Senior Volunteers Program inHamilton County. Christian started to assess her options when federal budget cuts started to trickledown to the state and local levels.

On June 30, 2011, Christian found herself unemployed.

"I had taken a Zumba class at Snap Fitness and I felt better. It was lots of fun,"said Christian, 58.

When presented with a chance to take Zumba training instruction in Omaha,Neb., Christian saw a professional opportunity.

"Sometimes the availability of training is not always convenient," said Christian who took classes in Nebraska and was licensed to teach the exercise program in May.

"Zumba is exercise in disguise," said Christian. "There's an international beatwith Latin rhythms and salsa. You combine the steps that are easy to do and it iseasy to learn."

Zumba is a relatively new exercise format. The popularity of the Brazilian aerobic exercise program has spread worldwide. Because of itsLatin roots, participants have to let go of some inhibitions, said Christian.

"You have to be willing to move," she said. "I tell people, don't be afraid— it's fun."

The program is very addictive, said Christian and the participants canburn up to 800 calories in one hour.

"You work up a sweat because you are constantly on the move for oneentire hour," she said.

While TV commercials feature young twenty-somethings rocking out to the rhythms, Christianstresses that her program modifies the moves to suit her students.

"This is not stressful and everybody can go at their own pace," she said.

The benefits can range from weight loss to changes in personal health. Christian has noted improvements in her own health.

"I sleep better and my blood sugars have even stabilized," she said.

page 14

When life gives you lemons, you can make lemonade or you can spice it up with a little

Zumba

Chris Christian reinventedherself when she began a newcareer as a Zumba instructorafter being laid off from herjob as a social worker.

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page 15

By TeResa Wooddaily Freeman-Journal

Correspondent

WeBsTeR CITY

students smile and sweat during Zumbaclasses offered six times a week at thedance Connection in Webster City. The exer-cise program is lively and very addictive,says instructor Chris Christian.

Some steps can be challenging for people unfamiliar with dance, butChristian said she enjoys seeing the "Ah-ha Moment" when a student masters a move.

Christian admitted she loves music and loves to dance, so her new careerwas a natural choice.

"When you do something you love, you never have to work," she said.

Zumba is offered in two sessions at the Dance Connection in Webster Cityon Monday,

Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. There is no structuredschedule so newcomers can join anytime, said Christian. A 12-sessionmonthly pass costs $36 but the first three classes are free.

"I offer three free sessions to give people a chance to try it out," said Christian, who promises participants they will be sweating and smiling.

"I'm addicted to it," said Sue Doolittle, a Wednesday morning participant.

"I drive from Blairsburg," said Deb Kohl. She said she's committed to theexercise and dislikes missing a class. "This is fun."

Christian will be taking further instruction in Minneapolis and will besoon offering Zumba for children.

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page 16

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