"I Love Life!" Senior Guide

By Karen Appold

Excerpted

any diseases

and conditions that are

not obviously connected

with the ear can still

result in hearing issues.

Some of these health

conditions are quite

common, such as dia-

betes and hypertension

(high blood pressure), both of which affect roughly one-

third of the U.S. population. Because diabetes and

hypertension impair the cardiovascular system,

the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear can

become damaged and hearing diminished.

This kind of hearing loss, which occurs due

to problems with the inner ear (cochlea), is called

sensorineural. Sensorineural hearing loss also

encompasses hearing loss that results from dam-

age to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to

the brain (the auditory nerve) or t the central pro-

cessing centers of the brain. Usually permanent

and irreversible, sensorineural hearing loss can

generally be treated with the use of hearing aids

or cochlear implants.

By contrast, conductive hearing loss is mechani-

Surprising Medical Causes ofHearing Loss

Mcal in nature, stemming from a problem in the outer or

middle ear. This includes damage to the three tiny

bones of the ear (the ossicles) or to the eardrum. For

example, health

conditions that

cause fluid in

the middle ear

can lead to con-

ductive hearing

loss.

Conductive

hearing loss can often be reversed medically or surgi-

cally.

It’s possible to have both

conductive and sensorineural hear-

ing loss, or what is called mixed

hearing loss.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the

more common diseases and condi-

tions unrelated to the ear that affect

hearing.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-A very

common virus, CMV is the single

greatest cause of nonsyndromic (not

associated with other signs/symptoms)

congenital deafness and hearing loss

in the United States. About one in 150 children is born with

CMV which is harmless if contracted after birth. It's recom-

Even though these diseases and conditions are notdirectly related to the ear, they can still cause your

hearing to be impaired.

Page 2 “I Love Life!” Senior Guide ~ Volume 10 Edition 2

damage prevents neurons, hair cells and other cells necessary

for auditory processing from performing optimally.

Hypothyroidism-Affecting about 5 percent of Americans,

hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not make

enough thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone,

which controls metabolism. The pattern of hearing loss is

typically sensorineural, although it may also be conductive

due to fluid in the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss is

thought to result from a delay in conduction in the auditory

nerve.

Lyme Disease-Lyme Disease is caused by the bacteria

Borrelia Burgdorferi and is transmitted by the deer tick Ixodes

ricinus. Sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis (sensi-

tivity to sound) can result from infection. Patients presenting

with these symptoms in Lyme-endemic areas should be tested

for the infection since treatment with antibiotics can reverse

them.

Measles-Vaccination has almost eliminated measles as a

cause of hearing loss due to the low incidence of disease, but

cases are still reported every year. The cochlea is severly

affected by the degeneration of nerve endings and supporting

structures, which leads to sensorineural hearing loss. About

one in 1,000 cases of measles may also develop encephalitis

(brain infection), which can also cause hearing loss.

Meningitis-Any type of meningitis, an inflammation of the

meninges (coverings) of the brain and spinal cord, can poten-

tially cause hearing loss. Pneumococcal meninges can cause

total or almost total sensorineural hearing loss as well as the

loss of equilibrium. It may spread from the extension of an

undertreated ear infection to the brain, or may be a direct

infection through the bloodstream. The CDC estimates that

3,000 to 6,000 cases occur yearly.

Pneumococcal vaccinations are now routinely given to chil-

dren (Prevnar) and adults over age 65 (Pneumovax) to protect

against pneumonia and ear infections. This has reduced the

incidence of meningitis by about half over the past decade,

according to a 2009 New England Journal of Medicine report.

Steroid use during the early stages of treatment may stem the

amount of hearing loss in patients.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-Sensorineural hearing loss occurs

in approximately 6 percent of patients with MS, according to

mended that pregnant women reduce their risk of infection

through routine hand-washing and avoiding people who are

ill.

Diabetes-Research by the National Center for Rehabilitative

Auditory Research (NCRAR) and elsewhere has found that

patients with diabetes exhibit more hearing loss than age-

matched subjects who do not have diabetes. Hearing loss is

twice as common in people with diabetes as in people without

the condition, according to the National Institutes of Health.

People with pre-diabetes also show a higher than normal inci-

dence of hearing loss.

Herpes Zoster-Herpes zoster, or shingles, is caused by the

same virus that causes chickenpox. When it affects the ear, the

virus most commonly results in facial paralysis but it can also

cause symptoms of dizziness and hearing loss which is sen-

sorineural and can range from mild to severe.

Hypertension-Several studies have shown that hypertension

is associated with increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss

caused by damage to small blood vessels in the brain. This


research published in the journal Acta Oto-Laryngologica Supplementum. The hearing loss

is a consequence of inflammation in the brainstem and cochlear nerve. Severe to profound

deafness is extremely rare. If the inflammation can be controlled, the symptoms are usually

reversible.

Research has found that MS patients also exhibit deficits in central auditory processing tasks,

such as the ability to understand conversations in noisy backgrounds or to process auditory

information presented to each ear separately (dichotic listening).

Mumps-This contagious viral infection has almost been completely eradicated by vaccina-

tion programs in the U.S., but recently there have been resurgences. The CDC reports that in

2009-2010 there were 3,000 cases, nearly seven times the number of cases in 2008. Mumps,

which gets its name from the swelling of the salivary glands between the ear and jaw, typical-

ly causes a permanent sensorineural hearing loss in one ear. The hearing loss is caused by

the inflammation of the cochlear nerve.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)-Many patients with RA, a chronic inflammatory disease that

can lead to permanent joint damage, complain of a sensation of fullness in the ear and hear-

ing impairment. While there is some disagreement on whether RA causes hearing loss, most

research shows an increased incidence. Between 35 to 40 percent of patients will exhibit

some degree of sensorineural hearing loss, with a smaller number having conductive loss or

mixed hearing loss. The severity of the hearing loss correlates with the severity of the under-

lying RA.

How You Can Be Proactive

While the majority of these non-ear-

related diseases and conditions lead to irre-

versible, permanent hearing loss, remember

that some of these health conditions can be

prevented through lifestyle changes. Research

has shown repeatedly that maintaining a

healthy weight – by eating a sensible diet and

keeping physically active – can cut your risk

for diabetes and hypertension.

The Diabetes Prevention Program, a major clinical trial following more than

3,200 patients, found that people with pre-diabetes (who were overweight and had

elevated levels of blood sugar) who lost a modest amount of weight through diet

and exercise reduced their diabetes risk by 58 percent. The results were published

in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002.

Up-to-date immunizations and early treatment of diseases, when it’s likely to

be the most effective, can also lower the chances that one of these conditions results

in a hearing loss.

www.recreateinutah.com Page 5

School is back in session,international travel has slowed downso the crowds are smaller. The sum-mer heat has given way to the coolerfall temperatures.

In Bryce Canyon NationalPark there are more than a dozenbreathtaking lookout points that area short walk from your car (25 feetto 100 yards) making it an ideal get-away for just about anyone, including wheelchairs.

Several years ago my wife and I were asked to plan afamily reunion for her mother’s side. Needing to have a placethat works well for four generations is always a challenge.

Bryce Canyon proved to be the per-fect answer. Each of the overlooksoffer a unique vantage point to viewthe hoodoos that Bryce is worldfamous for. They also were justwhat was needed for the elderly andnon-hikers in our group.

The main road through BryceCanyon National Park is an 18 mile

scenic drive. You gradually climb over 1,100 feet on yourway to Rainbow Point at the back of the canyon. With thechange in elevation comes a change in forest. The gate at theentrance is surrounded by Ponderosa Pine trees. As you gainaltitude, the pines give way to Spruce trees and then to Fir


A Winning CombinationBryce Canyon, Autumn and Seniors

and Aspen. It’s along this stretch that you can stop at numerous pullouts. From someof the view points, you will be able to see over 100 miles. At Rainbow and YovimpaPoints on a super clear day, the only thing that restricts your view is the curvature ofthe earth – talk about feeling like you’re on the top of the world!

Bryce Canyon National Park is unlike a lot of canyons and other nationalparks in that the road takes you in along the top or rim and not through the bottom,however, there are many hiking trails that spider web themselves together in the bot-tom of Bryce Canyon. If you have some extra time and the ability to hike, you canfind a trail that will work for you. Mossy cave is only an eighth of a mile. It has an

elevation change of 150 feetand is rated easy. TheFairyland loop is 8 mileswith an elevation change of900 feet and is rated strenu-ous. There are a number ofhikes that fall between thesetwo. There are also multi-day trips in the park. Theydo require permits which canbe purchased for $5 at thevisitors’ center.

If you are there withkids or grandkids that are under about ten years old, make sure you checkout the park’s junior ranger program. The information can be picked up inthe visitors’ center. After they have completed the activities in the booklet,return it to a ranger at the

visitors’ centerand kids will berewarded withboth a juniorranger patch andbadge.

Bryce Canyon isgreat any timeof year.Autumn justmight be thebest!


The sub-compact segment ofthe auto industry hasbecome extremelycompetitive, as moreand more buyers arelooking for a highMPG rating and alow price tag. I'msure this trendplayed at least asmall part in Toyota'sdecision to totallyredesign the 2012 Yaris. They fine tuned the suspen-sion to improve the Yaris' handling. A completemakeover of the dash gives it a much cleaner andupdated look, however, the most noticeable changesare in the body style; the 2012 Yaris is 3 inches longerthan previous model years. It's also a little moresquare on both the front and rear; giving the Yaris ahuskier look. The Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is

standard. Idrove the 4-speed automatic andwas pleasantly surprised with itsability to maneuver in and aroundcity traffic as well as merging onto afast-moving freeway. The MPG rat-ings are 30 city and 35 highway.The turning radius was anotherthing that was surprising with theYaris; even on the smallest city

streets it waseasy to turn itaround.

Toyotamakes the Yarisin a two door orfour door hatch-back. There arethree trim pack-ages to choosefrom with baseor L packagestarting at just

over $14,000. I drove the LE packagewhich adds on power windows, six-wayadjustable driver seat, keyless entry,Bluetooth 60/40-split fold-down rear seatand an upgraded sound system. Thispackage raised the sticker price by about3k. The highlights of the L packageinclude a/c, trip computer, audio systemwith usb port & CD player and power doorlocks.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris has broughtitself up to compete very well with its com-petition in this sub-compact marketplace.When you add in Toyota's solid reputationfor low cost ownership and long term reli-ability, the Yaris needs to be on the must-drive list for anyone looking for a moreeconomical form of transportation.

Toyota Yaris 2012


William M. Jeffs, Attorney at Law

In my last article, I raised a few issues and questions that Iam asked when people talk to me about wills. In this article, Iwill discuss with you the advantages and uses of revocabletrusts as a way of managing your estate before and after yourdeath.

As I design an estate plan, I look at a number of factors todetermine the proper documents to prepare: different proper-ties or assets owned, the family structure, the business inter-ests, life insurance as well as the estate planning goals of theindividual or couple, ages of the children, death of a child priorto a parent, and grandchild or their descendants.

Many people are confused by the concept of trusts. They areactually very simple if we break them down to what a trustreally involves. The basic factor of a trust is that there arethree (3) classes of individuals involved:


Trustor/Settlor/Grantor, Trustee, and the Beneficiary. The trustis an agreement between the three classes of individuals.

The Trustor/Settlor/Grantor is the individual that will create theTrust. By create, I do not mean to say that they are requiredto type or draft the trust. They will sign the trust or agreementand contribute the property that will comprise the assets orcorpus of the trust. In a normal situation, the Trustor willreserve or retain certain rights and privileges. The Trustornormally will retain the right to amend or revoke the Trust.This will have important tax consequences.

The Trustee is an individual, company, or bank, that will act onbehalf of the Trust. If you want to relate it to a business, theTrustee is the manager or president of the trust. Again, in anormal situation, the Trustor will also act as the Trustee duringhis lifetime.

Is a Revocable Trust the right instrument totransfer your property on your death?

The Beneficiary is the person that has the right to receive theincome, use or benefit from the property that is in the trust.Also, in a normal situation, the Trustor is a beneficiary oftheir own trust during his lifetime.

If an individual creates a trust, there are a number of items inthe trust that will change at the death of the Trustor. If theTrustor is a sole Trustor, on death, the trust becomes irrevo-cable, or that it cannot be changed. The trust is now writtenin stone. The next item is that the Trustee will have to bechanged. It trusts, you would put in a successor trustee forthe time that the original trustee is unable to serve. A trustcan only act through the trustee ofthe trust.

The beneficiaries would change tothe children, grandchildren, descen-dants or others that the Trustor des-ignated in the Trust. These newbeneficiaries now have the right tothe income, use or benefit of thetrust assets, subject to the terms ofthe trust.

With this background, there are anumber of reasons why I usuallyrecommend a trust over just a sim-ple or complex will. When the estate plan is being discussedwe review the circumstances of the individuals and look at allof the factors that may affect the determination of the besttools such as a will or trust to accomplish their objectives.Some of the important factors that influence that determina-tion are individual tax issues minor beneficiaries, secondmarriage and probate issues to determine if the individualwould be better served by a will or a trust and will.

Some of the advantages of a trust is that it can deal with taxplanning better than a simple will. When an individual pass-es away, under the current estate tax law, the individual canpass $2,000,000 to children, heirs and beneficiaries, tax free,this does not count transfers to spouses. If the estate isgreater than $2,000,000 there are strategies and techniquesto transfer on the death of the spouses up to $4,000,000 taxfree.

The trust handles the transfer of assets to minors, (individu-als under the age of 18) or incapacitated and handicappedbeneficiaries better than a will. If a person is a minor, inca-pacitated or handicapped, they usually are not able toreceive property until they reach the age of majority, or they


have the capacity to receive the property. The trust providesyou the opportunity to tailor the distribution of your assets tothe needs or limitations of your heirs and beneficiaries.

Trusts often handle the challenges of the plan for distributionfollow second marriages better than a will. You are able toallow the surviving spouse use of assets, but the final distri-bution will be to the identified beneficiaries of the Trustor andnot simply to the beneficiaries of the surviving spouse.

As our we age, the chances that you will be in a situationthat you will need assistance with health care decisions,

financial decisions and assisted liv-ing arrangements increases. Theuse of a trust will allow for the suc-cessor trustee that you choose tostep in and continue to run youestate without the need of courtapproval. (I should point out thatthere are a number of other docu-ments that you will need in order toaccomplish this completely and thatoccasionally, there is still need forcourt involvement.)

One of the last advantages of usinga trust in conjunction with a will is

the fact that you are not required to probate the propertyheld by a trust following your death. There are limited cir-cumstances where the trust would be probated, but they arefew and far between.

In most cases, a trust used in combination with your will is abetter choice for you estate planning than a simple will. Theuse of the trust will allow for smoother administration of theestate, less court involvement, and usually less cost to theestate. One word of caution, just because you have createdthe trust, does not mean the end to the estate plan. Younow have to transfer all assets to the trust and re-designatebeneficiaries to life insurance policies, annuities, 401(k) andIRA’s. This is a very technical part of the process and shouldbe reviewed with your attorney prior to making the transfers.

As you think over the many factors that may or may not helpyou to determine what is best for you, remember that there isnot one deciding factor, but that it is a combination of factors.This is a big step and should be thoroughly reviewed with aprofessional.

“Our Story”by Larry Hansen

After twenty five years of working in funeral service as a

licensed funeral director and embalmer, I found SereniCare

Funeral Home.

SereniCare

Funeral

Homes offers

more afford-

able funeral

services in a

changed econ-

omy.

I have recently moved to Sandy and was pleased to find Lane

Smith and Dick Johnson who had created a new concept in

funeral service prompted by the realization that their friends

and family were struggling with funeral costs beyond what they

could afford. As a result they introduced their community to the

new concept of SereniCare's affordable funeral and cremation

services. By opening their facility in an existing location, this

provided the opportunity to spend less and in turn pass on that

savings to the families they serve.

As I have formally owned and operated two funeral homes in

Burley and Rupert Idaho, I knew there was a need for this con-

cept as I too have friends and family who are concerned about

their loved ones, and the soaring costs of traditional funerals

and cremation services.

Knowing the costs of operating traditional funeral homes, I

understand that the expenses have to be passed on to some-

one and I do not fault that concept as it had served my family

and I well in the past, but because of our changed economy,

we need to expand our vision of service as Sereni Care

Funeral Home offers an affordable funeral option for everyone.

Our SereniCare family strives to touch the lives of the families

we serve through our awareness of religious preferences,

observance of family traditions and special requests while edu-

cating the family in all available options, at this

difficult time. We know that one way we can

help to alleviate stress is to address the issue of

rising funeral costs, which we at SereniCare

Funeral Home have done.

SerniCare Funeral homes have been serving

families in Utah county for 14 years and we

would be delighted to have you call or come in

to meet our family and tour our facility. We cur-

rently have locations in Orem, Draper and St. George, Utah.


The Serenicare Difference

Anne’s daughter brought her to the clinic because she wasconcerned about her mother’smemory. Over a three to four-month period, this 85-year old,who was very involved in herretirement community, beganmissing meetings and socialevents, misplacing items in herhouse, and having trouble withnames, including those of fam-ily members. She could easilyrecall things from her past, butmore recent memories just did-n’t stick.

When she fell outside herhome, confused and disoriented, she was taken to the hospi-tal. MRI ruled out a stroke but did show some age-relatedchanges in the brain. They were told that Anne had earlydementia and she was prescribed a patch for mild to moder-ate Alzheimer’s disease.

But was it dementia – or the drugs she was taking?

Many Drugs Impair Memory

You may not realize it, but dozens of classes of drugs canseriously impair cognitive function. You’d expect sleepingpills, sedatives, antipsychotics and other medicationsdesigned to work directly on the brain to have some effect.Less obvious are the hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter meds that millions of people take every day for con-ditions like allergies, nausea, pain, diarrhea, ulcers, and uri-nary incontinence.

I’m talking about anticholinergics. Although these medica-tions target a wide variety of common ailments, they haveone thing in common: They suppress the activity of acetyl-choline.

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter, or chemicalmessenger, that is active in nerves throughout the body. Inthe cardiovascular system, it helps regulate heart rate andblood pressure. In the bladder, it affects the tone of thesmooth muscles that control urination. In the gastrointesti-

nal tract, it influences peri-stalsis and stomach acidsecretion and in the brain,acetylcholine is absolutelyessential for the formation ofmemories, learning and opti-mal cognitive function.

Anne was prescribed not onebut two drugs for urinaryincontinence, oxybutynin(Ditropan) and darifenacin (Enablex). Both are anticholin-ergic, but oxybutynin is exceptionally potent. Once Annegot off oxybutynin, her cognitive function improved.

Anticholinergics: The Potent and the Prevalent

Hundreds ofmedications inmore than adozen therapeu-tic classes haveanticholinergiceffects, includ-ing those below.

Condition DrugAllergies and insomnia chlorpheniramine, cypothepta

dine, diphenhydramineDepression amitriptyline, paroxetineDiarrhea diphenoxylate atropineAntipsychotics clozapineGI spasms belladonna, clidinium, chlor

diazepoxideHeart disease furosemide, digoxin, nifedipine,

disopyramideMuscle relaxants cyclobenzaprine, dantrolene,

orphenadrineNausea prochlorperazine, promethazinePain meperidineParkinson’s benztropine, amantadineUlcers cimetidine, ranitidineUrinary incontinence oxybutynin, darifenacinVertigo meclizine, scopolamine

Are Your Drugs Draining Your Memory?


Source: indydiscovernetwork.org/AnticholinergicCognitiveBurdenScale.html

RecommendationsCheck the list of common anticholinergic drugs and visitdrwhitaker.com orindydiscovernetwork.org/AnticholinergicCognitiveBurdenScale.html for a more complete list.Talk to your physician about stopping or replacing drugsin these categories, and ask your physician or pharmacistabout the anticholinergic effects of any new prescriptions.To learn how the physicians at The Whitaker WellnessInstitute can help you replace your medications with safe,natural, therapies, call 800-488-1500

Stop Drugs, Start RememberingThere is some good news. Once these medications are dis-continued, memory and mental acuity often rebound. Inother words, anticholinergic drug-induced cognitive declineis not the first step down the dark road of Alzheimer’s orother forms of dementia – its reversible.

It’s Up to YouYou can’t just ask your doctor if any of the medicationsyou’re taking are anticholinergics. Far too many physiciansare dropping the ball on this very important issue. Nor canyou depend on manufacturers, as this information isn’t

always on product labels. Do your own research on theInternet, ask your pharmacist, and use the resources recom-mended on this page to figure out your anticholinergic bur-den and take steps to reduce or eliminate it.


Watching the changes in Historic Downtown

Provo over the 50+ years of my life has been fasci-

nating. Before the University Mall opened in March

of 1973, most of Utah County did their back-to-

school and Christmas shopping

in Downtown Provo. Residents

in the area believed the mall

would be the death of downtown

Provo. The shop owners have

had

their

ups

and

downs

over

the years;

however, the entire downtown district is in the mid-

dle of a large upswing. It started about 5 years ago

with the opening of the Covey Center for the Arts.

Earlier this year the new Utah Valley

Convention and Visitors Information Bureau opened

its doors on the corner of Center Street and

Freedom Blvd. Today there are

large cranes at both Nuskin and

the historic LDS tabernacle/tem-

ple. When these projects are

completed, they will both bring

additional traffic to Provo's famous shopping district,

especially the large number of visitors that the LDS

Historic Downtown Provo


Provo City Center

Temple will bring on a

daily basis. This is only

going to help the over 50

restaurant owners and all

of the other shops in the

area.

There are a handful of busi-

nesses that have been in downtown

Provo for as long as I can remember.

Some of these are Mullett Hoover,

Heindselmans, Clarks and Fabric Mill.

The Fabric Mill opened for business just

over 42 years ago. For the last 38 years Sharon

Lynn and her sister, Judy Skinner have owned and

operated the shop at 90 West Center Street.

Sharon explains that her business is built on top-

notch customer service and competitive pricing.

With the holidays almost here, now is the

perfect time to stop by the Fabric Mill for Halloween

costume pattern and fabric or maybe a

Thanksgiving print to make a table runner. If it's

Christmas gifts that are on your mind, they have you

covered; baby quilt panels and hemstitched kits for

$18.99 which is substantially less than anywhere

else.

Ruffle skirts are going to be very popular

this season. The fabric mill has ruffle fabric in

almost any color you can imagine. Sharon tells us

that the hard-to-find tricot and fleece are also top

sellers in her store. Between the Provo store and

the Orem store at 414 East 1400 South,

Fabric Mill is a quilter's paradise. Over the

years, they have built a large out-of-the-

area clientele. Some are from as far away

as Canada. Within the last couple of years

they've added a boutique with jewelry and purses.

Stop by and experience the great prices and out-

standing customer service that longtime patrons

have known about and enjoyed

for decades.

Whether you are a long

time resident of Utah County or

new to the area, come see for yourself, all that

Historic Downtown Provo has to offer. www.down-

townprovo.org


Kira L. Shelton

Have you ever heard a single word that triggered a

song in your head that you haven’t heard in years? Have

you ever had a rhythm keep you moving at a steady pace?

Though you might not have known it, that’s music therapy.

Music thera-

py is the strategic

application of music

by a trained music

therapist to elicit pos-

itive changes in psy-

chological, physical,

cognitive, social, and

emotional function-

ing. In layman’s

terms: Using music to improve life.

Hearthstone Manor has discovered the power of

this unique treatment. Music therapy addresses non-musi-

cal, therapeutic goals through music.

Lives of Hearthstone Manor residents change with

the addition of music. The needs of the group are

assessed then the journey begins. The therapy can

achieve a range of goals from reminiscence to

improving movement and balance. Residents play

instruments to use the physical body or sing to bring

back the reality of a period or time.

Music is processed in a different part of the

brain. You

might not be

able to remem-

ber the name of

a grandchild,

but you can

remember the

words in a

song. It is

processed dif-

ferently from

other informa-

tion.

Listening to music is rewarding and motivating. It

is important to understand that it is great to play music to

anyone—even if you’re not a music therapist.

You can experience music therapy on Mondays at

11:30 a.m. at Hearthstone Manor, located at 1424 S. 1700 E.

in Spanish Fork. Call for more information at 801-798-

1500.

Finding Strength in Music


By Karisa Clark, KEY Radio

For those of us near Interstate 15 in northernUtah County, December 2012 can’t come soon enough.We have been looking forward to the completion of the I-15 Core project ever since those first orange conesappeared in 2010.

The road construction has caused confusion,delays, and unwanted noise—not to mention vehiclerepairs. My Provo mechanic reported an increase of tirereplacements and alignments. My own car needed hisservices, after a particularly hairy return from Salt LakeCity one night last winter. For all the potholes andwashouts in the construction zone, I may as well havebeen driving in remote Cambodia.

Still, it is a much-needed undertaking; the extralanes and smoother traffic flow will more than justify thetemporary inconvenience. It will be worth it.

If only every problem in life were like that. Ifonly we could look beyond a friend’s battle with depres-sion or a child’s cancer or a neighbor’s bitter divorce, andsee the end result would be worth it.

My friend’s baby was born premature and isstruggling to survive these precarious first days withunderdeveloped lungs. One comment posted to the newmom’s Facebook page reads, “We all know your baby will

be just fine.” Do we? Suffering and death are awful reali-ties. None of us knows the future, and we need more thantrite sayings at times like this.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” Jesus told Hisdisciples (John 14). Is this another empty, feel-goodcliché? Hardly. It is followed by one of the most precious

promises in Scripture: “…I go and prepare aplace for you, I will come again, and receiveyou unto myself; that where I am, there yemay be also.”

Christ said this during His last few dayson earth. He knew He would be betrayed byone disciple, denied by another, and sentencedto a cruel, unjust death. Still, He spoke hopeinto the chaos of His followers’ lives. He was-n’t denying or smoothing over life’s pain; Hewas providing a way to look beyond it.

Jesus promised a home in heaven, beyondthe heartache and suffering of this world—butthe promise isn’t for everyone. It is uncom-fortably exclusive: “I am the way […] no onecomes to the Father, but through Me” (John14:6).

Heaven awaits. Everlasting life in the presence ofGod; freedom from grief; healing of wounds. Make sureyou know the One who is the way, the One who makes lifeworth it.

“Worth It”


Timpanogos RegionalHospital recently became astroke receiving hospital bythe Utah Department ofHealth (UDOH).

“We are now recognized asmeeting the State’s highstandards for acute strokecare. Through a systems-

based approach, Timpanogos Regional Hospital is ableto activate an entire team to be with the patient, toensure that crucial time limits are met,” says Brett Kay,Director of Emergency Department.

Timpanogos Regional Hospital specialists workedclosely with local emergency medical services (EMS)agencies to improve stroke care processes for Utah

County residents. Now thatthe hospital has achievedstroke receiving facility sta-tus, they look forward tocontinuously collaboratingwith EMS agencies to deliv-er the most advancedstroke care in the area.

To achieve verification,

Timpanogos Regional Hospital demonstrated that it fol-lows national guidelines and protocols when caring forpatients who arrive in the emergency department withstroke symptoms. UDOH representatives conducted anon-site survey to verify the hospital’s streamlined strokecare processes. They observed how specialists in sev-eral departments work together to diagnose and treatsymptoms quickly and appropriately.

The Utah Hospitals & Health Systems Association(UHA) and the Alliance for Cardiovascular Health inUtah jointly developed and launched the Utah StrokeSystem. This integrated system links 911 dispatch, EMSagencies, and emergency departments in large andsmall hospitals across the state.

Within the new “hub and spoke” system, these inde-pendent entities will act as a coordinated team to morerapidly assess potential stroke victims and quickly deliv-er evidence-based treatment. Ultimately, specialists atdesignated stroke centers (hubs), verified stroke receiv-ing facilities (spokes), and local EMS agencies will sig-nificantly improve stroke care throughout Utah County.

This collaborative effort will help to decrease time totreatment as patients with stroke symptoms are quicklytransported to the closest verified hospital. This is animportant advancement since stroke is the number onecause of disability and the third leading cause of deathin Utah. Evidence has shown that treatment within athree-hour window of time saves lives and reduces dis-abilities.

Visit www.timpanogosregionalhospital to learn more.


Timpanogos Regional Hospital Recognizedas a Stroke Receiving Facility

• Provides comfort and support for patient andfamily members• Focus on quality of life, self-respect, tranquili-ty• Neither hastens death or prolongs death• Helps patient and family members cope withwhat is happening

• Someone with a terminal illness• Life expectancy of six months or less

• Generally in the patient or family member'shome• Can be done in institutions such as: assistedliving facility, skilled nursing home or hospital

• Must include Registered Nurse, Physician,Medical Social Worker• Can include Certified Nurse Aide, Chaplain,Trained Volunteers• Other optional members depending on theagency include Licensed Practical Nurse,Music Thanatologist, Massage Therapist,Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist ,Speech Therapist

• Provides symptom management which canbe physical, emotional, spiritual and/or psy-chosocial in nature• Provides needed drugs, medical supplies,and equipment• Coaches caregivers on how to care for thepatient• Provides bereavement care to surviving fam-ily and friends


What is Hospice?

Who is Hospice for?

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Documents

"I Love Life!" Senior Guide