Living 50 Plus - March 2015

Living50plusleader publications • MarcH 2015

Nothing to sneeze atDoctors urge everyone to

take allergies seriously

Meet new peopleEvent to showcase opportunities at Niles Senior Center

ReunitedDowagiac man revisits piece of his past

Page 2 Living 50 Plus • March 2015

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(STATEPOINT) When it comes to Type II diabetes, many only consider weight when examining their risk. Diabetes is complicated however, and risk factors are nu-merous.

Some of the confusion is poten-tially reflected in statistics. From 1980 through 2011, the number of Americans with diagnosed dia-betes more than tripled, from 5.6 million to 20.9 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and millions more have prediabetes or are undiag-nosed.

On the bright side, cutting-edge research has uncovered strategies for avoiding, controlling and even reversing diabetes.

“It’s tempting to think that there’s

not much you can do except take medication and hope for the best,” said George L. King, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Joslin Diabe-tes Center, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of the new book, “The Dia-betes Reset.” “However, anyone can improve their body’s response to insulin and its ability to metabo-lize glucose in the blood.”

Each individual’s glucose con-trol problems are unique, which is why King offers a range of evidence-based, diabetes-fighting strategies in his book. Here he shares a few:

Diet — A recent study by Dr. King and his Joslin colleagues has shown that insulin sensitivity, glu-cose metabolism and type 2 dia-betes risk can all be significantly improved by switching to a low-

fat, high-fiber diet consisting of 70 percent carbohydrates, 15 percent fat and 15 percent protein, includ-ing 15 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed.

This dietary approach, known as the Rural Asian Diet, is easy to maintain, as it doesn’t call for re-stricting calories or totally avoid-ing any particular food group. While many diabetes experts pro-mote restricting carbohydrates, this diet distinguishes between re-fined carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates, which are high in fiber, and will be converted into blood glucose much more slowly.

Weight Loss — If your BMI is above 25 and you’re able to re-duce your body weight by 5 to 7 percent, you can reduce your in-sulin resistance and improve your glucose metabolism. Be advised,

many doctors feel that BMI is of limited value in determining a dia-betes risk because it doesn’t distin-guish between fat and lean tissue or between different types of body fat. Abdominal fat is the most dangerous type of fat in terms of diabetes risk, so many doctors use waist circumference as an addi-tional measurement.

Exercise — Your muscles can lose insulin sensitivity due to inactivity. This can be largely re-versed through a combination of 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week plus weekly strength training sessions. Together, these activities can increase your mus-

cles’ ability to oxidize fats, glu-cose and other fuels, while also helping you lose weight.

Sleep — There is mounting evidence that lack of sleep can contribute to insulin resistance and possibly causes damage to the pancreas, putting you at height-ened risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Attempt to get seven to eight hours of high-quality sleep every night to improve insulin sen-sitivity.

Whether you have diabetes or not, understanding this disease and how it can be controlled can significantly improve your overall health.

Beyond thescaleWhat you need to know about Diabetes risk factors

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Page 2 Living 50 Plus • March 2015 Living 50 Plus • March 2015 Page 3

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By TED [email protected]

When the exterior reno-vation work at the Business Center of

Southwestern Michigan uncov-ered the giant “Rudy” lettering that signified the builder and for-mer occupant of the 34-acre fa-cility last fall, Dowagiac’s Andy Kruger was one of the many lo-cal residents who took notice.

Passing by the signage on a regular basis while picking up his daughter Kai from preschool, Kruger was interested in the once obscured landmarker.

He was in for a bigger shock when he eventually relayed the story to his father, Adolph Kru-ger.

“I saw it everyday in the fall,” Andy said. “Then one day he mentioned, ‘oh yeah, I did that.’”

Upon hearing that, the ju-nior Kruger rounded up his two daughters and his father for a re-union nearly 50 years in the mak-ing — between the craftsman and his work.

Seeing his creation for the first time in so many years brought back a lot of memories for Adolph, of his years of service as a mason and later as draftsman within the confines of the fa-mous Dowagiac factory. Kruger had worked for Rudy Manufac-turing since he was still in high school, staying on at the facility until his retirement in 2005, even through several changed owner-ship changes.

Finding employment at the factory alongside his father, Adolph Sr., was one of the first lucky breaks that the German-immigrant found up to that point in his life. Born in German settle-ment in Poland, the Kruger fami-ly was forced to leave their home in 1943 when the Soviet army invaded the country during their slow march west toward Nazi-controlled Berlin.

“Back then, if you were Ger-man and the Soviets found you, you were dead,” Adolph Kruger said.

Fleeing inside a covered wag-on, Kruger and his family en-dured a harrowing trip to safety,

he said. His younger brother sadly didn’t survive the journey, freezing to death before they could find refuge. The family transported his lifeless body for three days before they finally ar-rived somewhere they could pur-chase a casket and bury him.

Even after the end of World War II in 1945, the Krugers lived as refugees, until the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dowagiac sponsored their trip across the Atlantic in 1951, before settling in the Grand Old City, building a cabin on Downey Street located on the land next to where Kruger still lives today.

“The old high school on Oak Street was torn down around that time,” Andy said. “My father got

all the wood from the demoli-tion, and built that house with it.”

Despite not knowing Eng-lish, and bearing the first name of what was once the country’s sworn enemy, Adolph said he and his family were embraced by the community, and the young man quickly made friends.

“Everyone here was so friend-ly,” he said. “I never had it so good until we came to this coun-try.”

His father, a skilled mason, eventually found work with Rudy Manufacturing as one of their in-house builders. The Andy joined his namesake at the company, working there part-time after school.

After a two-year stint in the Army from 1963-1965, Kru-ger returned to Rudy, working as a mason during the summer months and as a draftsman dur-ing the winter. He and his father were among those responsible for building much of the fac-tory’s expansions through the years, he said.

In 1965, Adolph was put in charge of designing the infa-mous Rudy sign near the front of the factory by owner Bill Col-lins. It took him only two tries to get the design up to his boss’ famed high standards, he said.

“I laid out the design on the ground the night before,” Adolph said. “[Collins] saw it the next morning and said ‘that’s too small, we need something bigger.’ The next day, I laid it out again with larger letters, and he told me, ‘that way is just per-fect.’”

The installation of the 6 foot lettering was another father-son job, Adolph said.

In 1968, Adolph became a fulltime draftsman for the com-pany, working there until his re-tirement 10 years ago.

“He’s still my go-to general contractor,” Andy said. “He knows how to do everything.”

A longtime reunionFormer Rudy employee recalls career with former Dowagiac stalwart ““Everyone here was so friendly.

I never had it so good until we came to this country.”

—Adolph Kruger


4

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Recommended immunizations for those over 50SUBMITTED

(METRO) Routine immunizations can keep people safe and healthy. Certain vaccinations can prevent dis-eases from producing symptoms, while others can lessen the duration of an illness or make conditions less severe.

Vaccination schedules become a way of life for par-ents to young children. But vaccinations aren’t just for kids, and adults should keep tabs on their immunization histories to ensure they’re up-to-date with vaccinations for their particular age group and lifestyle.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the elderly are more likely to die of a vac-cine-preventable disease than other age groups. The im-mune system begins to decline as we age, so the body can benefit from the disease-fighting boost provided by vaccinations. Individuals at any age should discuss im-munizations with their doctors, but it’s a particularly im-portant conversation for those age 50 and older.

Vaccine schedules and recommendations may vary depending on where a person lives, but the following immunization recommendations are offered courtesy of the CDC.

• Influenza: An annual flu shot can help prevent the nearly 36,000 deaths that occur due to flu each year in the United States. The flu vaccine is designed to combat the current strain of flu, so it is recommended anytime between September to March, which is the prime flu season. People age 50 and older should opt for the injec-tion rather than the nasal form of the vaccine.

• Tdap: This vaccine protects against tetanus, diph-theria and pertussis and is especially necessary for peo-ple who have close contact with young infants. Pertus-sis, or whooping cough, can be passed on to youngsters and make them very ill. If you’ve never received a Tdap vaccine, the CDC suggests getting it at least once. In-dividual tetanus boosters should be received every 10 years.

• Pneumococcal: Pneumococcal disease is an in-fection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. It can cause pneumonia, blood infection, ear infections, and even bacterial meningitis. This vaccine is given to adults age 65 and older or to younger adults at their physicians’ discretion.

• Hepatitis A: Individuals with medical, occupa-tional or lifestyle conditions, such as healthcare workers

or people with chronic liver disease, may need a two-dose series of the hepatitis A vaccine.

Adults who are avid travelers to various parts of the world that may bring them in contact with animals or people who do not receive the same course of immu-nizations may need additional vaccines. Speak with a doctor about which immunizations are recommended before travel.


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To my dearest friends at the Timbers of Cass County: I will never be able to express my grati-tude enough to you when my mom was at her lowest, so I hope this tells you how I feel.

To just say “thank you” for all you have done for my mom and my family would not even come close to what I feel when I think of you guys/gals. From giving her a bath, combing her hair, clipping her nails, feeding her, and the countless other things that you have and/or continue to do to keep her comfortable, happy, clean, and dignified, I will forever be grateful. For over the last several months, you guys/gals have taken care of her and are kind and compassionate to her. I know that if I can’t make it in to see her, she will still get the best of care. Your patience and love to her and the rest of the residents are evident in everything you say and do. I have witnessed it all, and I am thankful. From the nurses to the kitchen personnel, to the staff who clean everything, the administrative, maintenance, and laundry workers, and the rest of the workers, I salute you all. You keep the Home a clean, safe, friendly, and healthy place to live, a true “home,” a place to call their own, a place to find refuge and friendship and warmth. I know your jobs aren’t easy, but you make it seem that way. Your sense of humor is tested daily. The ability to laugh at yourself and joke with others is one of the most endearing qualities. Without Timbers and all you guys/gals to take care of my mother, I truly believe that my mother would not have made it through this. I could go on and on, but this should give you an idea of how I feel. It’s all you and you’re all great, and you have one of the most important jobs in the world. You are all friends. This note is too short to express my true gratitude for you guys/gals for treating my mom like one of your own. Hugs to all of you.

SUBMITTED

From the moment young men and women first walk into the office for their first day as a working professional until the day they officially retire, the notion of planning for re-tirement is never far from their minds. But when the day to hang up the briefcase and do-nate all those business suits arrives, some retirees wonder what to do next. Some retirees know exactly how they will spend their days when they no longer have to work, while oth-ers who decide to play it by ear may find themselves battling boredom.

For those among the latter group, it’s important to under-stand that many retirees find themselves bored once they no longer have to focus on a ca-reer. Jobs keep men and wom-en busy and provide a sense of purpose in their lives, so it’s understandable that retirees feel bored once those jobs are no longer a part of their lives. But just because you no longer have an office to go to every day does not mean life cannot be as fulfilling or even more fulfilling than it was when you were still working. You

just need to find something to avoid succumbing to retire-ment boredom.

• Work part-time. Though it might seem odd to start working right after you re-

tire, a part-time job can provide the type of structure you have grown accustomed to without all of the responsibility that comes with a full-time career. Part-time jobs can range from consultancy work that makes use of your professional ex-perience to something entirely different like landscape main-tenance at a nearby golf course that gets you out of the house and enjoying the warmer sea-sons. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s something you find fun and interesting.

• Embrace a new hob-by. Working professionals of-ten say they wish they had time to pursue a hobby. Now that you are retired, you have all the time in the world to do just that. Whether it’s perfecting your golf game, writing that novel, learning to cook like a gourmet chef or whatever else you might have always want-ed to do, retirement is a great time to do it.

• Get in shape. If retire-ment boredom has started to negatively affect your mood, one great way to conquer your boredom and improve your mood at the same time is to start exercising. Exercise is a natural mood enhancer. When

the body exercises, it releases chemicals knowns as endor-phins, which trigger positive feelings in the body. In ad-dition, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost self-esteem and improve sleep. Working out at a gym also is a great way to meet fel-low retirees in your commu-nity, and the energy you have after exercising may give you the boost you need to pursue other hobbies.

• Volunteer. If a part-time job is not up your alley, then consider volunteering in your community. Volunteers are always in demand, and vol-unteering with a local charity can provide a sense of purpose and provide opportunities to meet like-minded fellow retir-ees, all while helping to quell your boredom. Retirees who love to travel can combine their passion for volunteering with their love of travel by signing up to work with an in-ternational relief organization that travels abroad to help the less fortunate.

Upon retiring, many retirees initially find themselves cop-ing with boredom. But there are many ways to avoid the restlessness of retirement.

Tips for avoiding boredom in retirement


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Sing in theSpringBy CRAIG [email protected]

When Traci Smith’s 86-year-old mother began having various health issues last

year, Smith turned to the Greater Niles Area Senior Center for guid-ance.

There, Smith said she found the re-sources and assurance she needed to help her mother get through a tough time.

“They had the information right

there and made it easy for us to get in touch with the people we needed to get in touch with,” Smith said. “I didn’t realize just how many services they provided.”

In an effort to bring attention to the Greater Niles Senior Center and its services, Smith is organizing a spe-cial event at the senior center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

Smith said the event, called “Sing in the Spring,” will feature approxi-mately 25 businesses, services and organizations aimed at people of

all ages. Among those invited are Pet Ref-

uge, a non-profit pet rescue; Happy Paws, a maker of homemade healthy pet treats; Edward Jones financial services; Forever Young Publishers; Xocai Health Chocolate; J.R. Wat-kins Products; Heritage Insurance; and more.

Food will be provided by Chef Ric Daly.

The event is free to attend and booth space is $10. The deadline for registering for booth space is March

14. Call Smith to reserve a spot at (269) 683-2180.

Smith said she hopes the event al-lows more people to see all the good things the senior center is doing.

“I am so grateful that they are there,” Smith said.

The Greater Niles Senior Center, located at 1109 Bell Rd., Niles, pro-vides a broad range of services and programs for seniors in the Niles area. Its mission is to offer a variety of activities to keep area seniors en-gage and active.

Event designed to draw community to Greater Niles Area Senior Center


7

Travel benefits offered to older adultsSUBMITTED

One of the best things about aging is being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor with-out as many obligations as you might have had when you were a younger adult. For example, many men and women have a lot more freedom to travel once they turn 50.

Many of today’s older adults have a wealth of discretionary time, and those who focused on retirement planning from an ear-ly age have the money to fund a recreational lifestyle. Travel companies and other businesses understand that Baby Boomers and other seniors are valuable customers and are rolling out the red carpet with a bevy of discounts and perks.

AARP Services, Inc. has long been a trusted resource in senior-based information and resourc-es. The organization continues to broker relationships with various companies to arrange deals on travel-related services and products for older men and women. Members of AARP can link directly to deals through the organization’s website.

In addition to companies that work with AARP, many other travel companies have discounts

or other perks available to men and women over 50. All con-sumers need to do is inquire about such benefits. When in doubt, log on to the company’s website or give their customer service department a call.

Here are some other ways to secure deals on travel and other services.

• Do some networking. Fellow seniors who log in to chat rooms or who are members of social clubs may have the in-side scoop on age-based travel

deals. Learn the ropes from oth-ers who have been there before you and take notes on which companies offer the best deals.

• Read the fine print. Un-derstand the details of senior discounts and compare them to other promotions offered to anyone, regardless of age. You may be able to get a better deal or combine offers if you’re not locked into a senior plan. Also, check the dates when deals are valid to ensure you can travel when you want to.

• Always carry proof of age. Whether it is a driver’s li-cense, AARP card, passport, or birth certificate, carry proof of your age at all times. You do not want to miss out on a discount because you cannot verify you are 50 or older. Though being mistaken as younger could be a boost to your ego, it will not benefit your bottom line.

• Explore airline perks. Men and women 55 and older may be eligible for “golden-agers” dis-counts at major airlines. Such

deals are not typically adver-tised, so you may need to speak with an airline representative to secure the discount. Seniors also can request special servic-es, such as baggage assistance, priority seating and a ride to the gate, at the airport.

• Try negotiating with vendors. If you cannot find a senior discount, consider nego-tiating with vendors for deals. Local hotels or businesses may prove more flexible than nation-al chains. It never hurts to ask for a senior discount.

• Embrace flexibility in scheduling. Unlike students or business travelers, seniors tend to have freedom with re-gard to the days of the week when they can travel. You have the flexibility to go and come as you please without having to coordinate with vacation time or school breaks. Use this to your advantage and travel dur-ing off-peak times when crowds will be small and rates may be lower.

Don’t feel down if you’re ap-proaching another milestone birthday. Entering into your golden years gives you access to a variety of perks and discounts that can save you time and mon-ey on travel.

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6tips to keeping older adults safe at home

(BPT) — Safety is a big concern for seniors and their families, especially as more baby boomers are embracing ag-ing at home. Homes they’ve owned for decades that were perfect for raising chil-dren may not be as accommodating for people who may suffer from poor eye sight, unsteady balance or memory issues.

Many home updates can help protect senior family members, allowing them to enjoy their homes for many more years. These tips will help protect the privacy and safety of older residents.

• Home exterior security — A security alarm system is always a good idea, and many will also connect to fire protection services as well. Sliding and patio doors are among the least secure entrances to a home, so install a Master Lock 265DCCSEN Door Security Bar to resist any type of forced entry into the home.

• Keep extra keys secure — Many family members of seniors like to have access to a home so they can check on their loved ones. Instead of hiding the

keys under a fake rock in the yard, pro-tect them with a Master Lock 5422D Key Safe. The safe attaches over the door handle for easy accessibility and requires a four-button push code to reveal the keys.

It’s also great for emergency situations if a family member accidentally locks the keys inside the house on a cold night.

• Install security lights — Exterior lights help discourage unwanted guests, so install additional lights on all sides of the home and out in the yard’s landscap-ing. You can install motion-sensor lights if you don’t want them shining all night long, but you might notice nighttime crit-ters like owls and raccoons will set the lights off.

• Give valuables a safe home — Many baby boomers have accumu-lated a lifetime of treasures with real and sentimental value. Smaller items like jew-elry, credit cards and cash can easily be stored in the portable Master Lock 5900 SafeSpace, which is perfect for traveling around the world or even to visit grand-children. For important documents like wills and legal documents, a fire-resistant safe from Sentry Safe is a good option.

• Create a flexible schedule — Because they’re retired, seniors are able to leave the house for different activities

during the day. Oftentimes, seniors will get into a regular schedule like meeting a group of friends for breakfast at 7 a.m. ev-ery Tuesday. Create an irregular schedule for your weekly activities so people won’t be able to anticipate when you’re home or away.

• Digital safety is important, too — In today’s digital world, com-puter passwords are the keys to valuable personal information. It is recommended that you use a unique smart password - one that contains capital and lower case letters, numbers and symbols - for every digital account. It’s difficult for most peo-ple to remember multiple passwords, so many write them down, which can make them vulnerable to theft. The Master Lock Vault is a free, digital safe deposit box perfect for securing passwords, credit card numbers and digital copies of impor-tant documents, and it can be accessed from a smartphone at any time.

With these security tips, seniors can en-joy spending many more years — com-fortable and safe — in their homes.


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Q10

9 S. Saint JoSeph ave • nileS, Mi269-683-4040 • www.nileSviSionclinic.coM

Experience the very best life has to offer with:• Personalized Eye Care

• Latest Eye Wear

• Advanced Vision Care Technology

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1211 State Line Road Niles, MI 49120

269.684.2810

• Compassionate and Caring Staff

• Accepting Medicare & Medicade

• Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapies

• Beautiful, Home-Like Facility

• Offering Satellite TV and free Wireless Internet

• In House Laundry & Housekeeping

West Woods of Niles is a family owned and operated long term care community.

Our resident - focused home offers private rooms, courtyards, and common areas for

visiting family & friends.

Please come see us.

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.

Comfort& for seniors

For Over 30 Years –

The Only 5-Star Rated Facility in Niles

Care

[email protected] or www.allneedsseniorservices.com

All Needs Senior Services, LLCP.O. Box 221 • Niles, MI

269-687-9556 • 269-684-3280

• 1 hour to 24 hour total care • Referrals • Personal Care & Grooming • Nutrition

• Cleaning & Cooking • Home Modifications• Home Repair & Maintenance

We Bring Helping Hands To Your Home!

We Accept Medicaid, Insurance - Private & Community Pay, Area Agency Service Provider

Spring into a

As we say “goodbye” to winter weather hardships and “hello” to gardens budding with vibrant

color, we welcome the season by celebrat-ing Stress Awareness Month.

Did you know that stress, also called the “silent killer,” could cause heart disease and high blood pressure? Recognizing the sources of stress is the best way to understand how you can start eliminating factors in your life that put unnecessary strain on your body and mind.

Social Security wants to make your retirement planning as stress-free as pos-sible, which is why we have a number of online tools available for you. You can create your own secure, personal my Social Security account from the comfort of your living room and avoid unpleas-ant traffic and a possible long wait in one of our field offices. Once you have a my Social Security account, you can view your Social Security Statement, verify your earnings record, and find out what to expect in monthly benefits if you retire at ages 62, 67, or 70.

Once you begin receiving Social Secu-rity benefits, you can use my Social Se-curity to check your benefit information, change your address and phone number, change your electronic payment method, and obtain an instant benefit verification

letter and replacement SSA-1099/1042S.You can easily sign up for my Social

Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myac-count.

When you decide it’s time to start receiving your retirement benefits, the ap-

plication process is far less stressful now that you’re prepared. You can securely apply online without picking up the phone or leaving your house. Sim-ply go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline, and,

in as little as 15 minutes, you can breeze through our online retirement application.

Our website and online tools are always available. You can enjoy Social Security’s stress-free retirement planning tools any time of the year, giving you more time to enjoy these warmer months.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administra-tion, 3045 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at [email protected]

stress-freeretirement


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GOLDEN OAK VILLAGE

Spend Your Golden Years Here!

Maintenance-Free 55+ CommunitySmall Pets Welcome - Activities

Professional Management & Maintenance

5150 Hamlin Ct. South Bend, IN 46637 - Off Auten Rd.

(574) 243-5905ApartmentsStarting at$565/mo.

2 BR, 11/2 BATownhouse1,150 S.F.$615/Mo.

Question: Someone stole my Social Security number, and it’s being used repeatedly. Does Social Security issue new Social Security numbers to victims of repeated identity theft?

Answer: Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, so you aren’t alone. If you’ve done all you can to identify and fix the problem, includ-ing contacting the Federal Trade Com-mission, but someone is still using your number, Social Security may assign you a new number.

If you decide to apply for a new num-ber, you’ll need to prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. You’ll also need to provide evi-dence you’re having ongoing problems because of the misuse of your current So-cial Security number.

You can read more about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: Now that my husband and I have a large family, we’ve hired a housekeeper that comes once a week. Do we have to withhold Social Security taxes from our housekeeper’s earn-ings?

Answer: It depends on how much you’re paying the housekeeper. If you pay a housekeeper or other household worker $1,900 or more in cash wages throughout the year, you must deduct Social Security and Medicare taxes. This holds true for a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysit-ter, or anyone else who provides services for you. In addition, you must report these wages once a year.

There are exceptions, for example, when you are hiring a company or inde-pendent contractor and paying them a fee for services instead of wages to an indi-vidual. You can learn more about house-

hold workers and tax deductions by read-ing our publication, Household Workers, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: Although I stopped work-ing a few years ago, I had additional seasonal earnings after my retirement. Will my monthly Social Security retire-ment benefit increase?

Answer: Possibly. And, you can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. Each year, we review the records for all work-ing Social Security recipients to see if additional earnings may increase their monthly benefit amounts. If an increase is due, we calculate a new benefit amount and pay the increase retroactive to Janu-ary following the year of earnings.

You can learn more about how work af-

fects your benefits by reading our publi-cation, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Secu-rity benefits?

Answer: You can get both Social Se-curity retirement benefits and military re-tirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits.

When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later.

And thank you for your military ser-vice! Question: I have been collecting dis-ability benefits for a few years, but I’m getting healthy enough to work again. Can I return to work while getting So-cial Security disability benefits?

Answer: Yes, you can return to work while receiving Social Security disabil-ity benefits. We have special rules to help you get back to work without lowering your initial benefits. You may be able to have a trial work period for nine months to test whether you can work.

If you get disability benefits and your condition improves or you return to work, you must report these changes to us. Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Securi-ty office. You can find your local office by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/locator.

Question: My father collects disability benefits, but he is interested in trying working again. Is there a program that helps disabled people find work while they’re collecting Social Security dis-ability benefits?

Answer: Social Security’s Ticket to Work program can help beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, save more money, and become financially independent.

This program doesn’t affect your dis-ability benefits — you can keep collecting your benefits while participating. Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that gives beneficiaries real choices to help them create and lead better lives.

You can learn more about our Ticket to Work program at www.socialsecurity.gov/work or www.socialsecurity.gov/work/home.html.

QA&Social security specialist answers questions submitted by southwest Michigan residents


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American Dream Tours

901 Lincolnway E. • Plymouth, IN 46563(574) 936-5677

Visit our website for a full list of tours! www.AmericanDreamTours.biz

April 14th ..................... The Church Basement Ladies - The Last Potluck Supper - Wabash April 18th ..................... The Jersey Boys - Ft. Wayne May 7th ........................ Show Me The Money - Chicago May 18th–21st ............. The Bourbon Trail - Kentucky June 10th–13th ........... 4 Day Mystery Tour June 11th ..................... Pat & Debbie Boone - Shipshewana June 15th–18th ........... The Beautiful Apostle Islands June 29th–30th ........... Experience Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens, Gerald R. Ford Museum & more July 6th –12th .............. The Excitement of New York City: Broadway, 911 Memorial, Statue of Liberty & More July 13th–15th ............. 3 Day Mystery Tour - Get Lost In The Fun July 22nd ..................... A Day of Fun July 25th–Aug 2nd ...... Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park Aug. 4th ....................... Naval Station Great Lakes and U505 Tour - Chicago Aug. 9th–12th .............. Charming Thunder Bay & Beautiful Petoskey Aug. 16th ..................... All Shook Up - Theatre At The Center - Munster, IN Aug. 23rd–Sept 2nd .... Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, The Badlands & More Sept. 14th–17th ........... Heros & Legends in Tennessee Sept. 19th–25th ........... The Beauty & History of Cape Cod Sept. 30th–Oct. 1st ..... 2 Day Mystery Tour - We’ll Make Your Dreams Come True Nov. 30th–Dec. 3rd...... Celebrate Christmas at the Greenbrier Resort Dec. 9th–11th .............. Red, White & Blue Musical Christmas

SEE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL WITH US!

Join us April 10th & May 8th for South Bend Coffee’s at Trinity Evangelical Free Church.

Located at 61770 Miami Road, South Bend

SUBMITTED

SOUTH BEND — Envilant’s Grand Emerald Place will host a com-munity education event called Car-ing for the Care-giver from 10 to 11 a.m. March 26.

The event will foucs on tips and include an open discussion to help those who care for elder loved ones at home. The speaker and event host is Barb Dzikowski, the program director for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana.

“Caring for an elderly loved one can be stressful and challenging. Often el-der loved ones are experiencing the first symptoms of memory loss,” said

Jim May, executive director at Grand Emerald Place. “Grand Emerald Place is honored to bring this important con-versation to our community as our li-censed assisted living community en-gages with families every day on this important topic.”

Guests to the program will learn more about navigating the landscape of car-ing for a loved one while also caring for themselves from an expert in the com-munity.

According to Dzikowski, “the single most important ingredient that distin-guishes healthy care giving from un-healthy care giving is the ability to consistently practice good self-care, a combination of pacing, flexibility and balance.”

Everyone is invited to join the discus-sion to learn how and where to get the compassionate, supportive resources they need as they care for a loved one to ensure they thrive during the care giving journey.

Learn to care for the caregiver

Barb Dzikowski

Share Your Comments Atwww.leaderpub.com

And LIKE us on Facebook!


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Learn to care for the caregiver By TIM MOSIER

[email protected]

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximate-ly 36 million people in America live with seasonal allergies. According to Dr. Byra Reddy, M.D., about eight percent of those are people over the age of 50.

It seems like everyone knows someone who dreads allergy season.

While everyone else is ex-cited for spring time and the warm weather, there is a large number of people who see this time of year as a blessing and a curse.

In the spring, allergy season spans from around the middle of March to beginning of May. This is when the amount of tree pollen in the air is at its highest.

Dr. Reddy practices at the Asthma and Allergy Centers in Holland, Michigan but makes weekly trips to see patients in Niles.

“The allergic reactions we see in the spring are mainly caused by pollen. In the spring

it is tree pollen, in the summer it is grasses and weeds and in the fall it is mainly ragweed al-lergies, with each allergen hav-ing its peak times during the season,” Dr. Reddy said.

Contrary to popular belief, when it comes to being at risk for allergy symptoms and al-lergic reactions, senior citizens are actually less susceptible to the pollen. This is due to the

fact that as people age their bodies build up an immunity to the things that bother us. At the same time, when seniors are struck with allergy symp-toms, it can be a lot worse than just a runny nose.

“We see a combination of symptoms depending on sever-ity. It ranges from sneezing, running nose to a cough and itchy, water eyes. The most

bothersome symptom for se-niors is nasal congestion be-cause it can cause headaches, breathing problems and all around discomfort and can turn into asthma,” said Dr. Reddy, “And a lot of times they don’t get proper sleep, so it takes a huge toll on their recovery.”

Allergy specialists stress that, especially in the elderly, symptoms should be carefully monitored. Left untreated, al-lergies can lead to ear, sinus and bronchial infections that may require antibiotics or lung and respiratory issues that can cause severe trouble breathing.

Kelsey Breiler is a medical assistant at the South Bend Medical Clinic and spent some time working for Asthma Al-lergy Centers. She sees more of a concern with the drugs used to treat allergies and the potential for complications due to different combinations of drugs in seniors.

“Medications play a huge role in allergies and elderly patients with pre-existing con-ditions because some allergy medications can affect certain drugs being taken for other ill-

nesses,” Breiler said. “Also, some allergy medications can severely affect the liver, kid-neys and heart in older pa-tients.”

For someone with pre-exist-ing conditions, professionals say it is important to talk to a doctor before taking any over the counter allergy medication.

“All (allergy medications) are very similar, some brands work better for some people than others, but when you’re trying something for the first time it really doesn’t matter which,” Reddy said.

The best thing for someone with bad allergies to do, espe-cially the elderly, is to take pre-cautions leading up to allergy season. Taking some nasal sprays or antihistamine tablets before conditions present can be very affective.

It is important for anyone with bad or persisting allergy symptoms to contact their doc-tor right away.

“As the allergen moves deep-er and deeper into the lungs with persistent coughing, there is a much higher risk for severe complications,” Reddy said.

Coping with spring allergies


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Show yourheartsome love

(FAMIlY FEATURES) Each day of-fers new opportunities to make choices that impact your health and overall well-ness. Though hectic schedules can cause many of us to let healthy habits fall to the wayside, it is important that we give our bodies the attention and care they deserve.

Consider these small steps to gradu-ally improve your whole body and heart health, which can help you enjoy a hap-pier, longer life:

• Strike a balance. Take a simpler ap-proach to the traditional idea of “diet-ing.” Balance calories in versus calories out with a combination of good food choices, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and regular exercise, such as walking or hiking. Incorporate low-calorie, naturally fat-free foods into your diet, such as new Dole Red Grapefruit Sunrise Fruit Bowls, which bring all-natural fruit together with 100 percent juice. They are a great way to start the day or just enjoy as a delicious snack. Grapefruit naturally offers a plentiful source of nutrients, including phospho-rus, potassium and vitamins A and C.

• Watch the middle. According to the Mayo Clinic, that extra weight you carry around the mid-section can cause serious health problems, including cardiovascu-lar disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Work to keep this common problem area in check by reducing caloric intake and increasing physical activity.

• Skip the stress. While a little stress is part of being human, too much can be taxing on the heart. Find activities that engage your mind and naturally relieve stress such as knitting, crafting or work-ing on a puzzle.

• Dine in the a.m. Don’t let a rushed morning routine get in the way of enjoy-ing a heart-healthy breakfast. A complete morning meal includes a combination of whole grains, protein, and fruits or veg-etables. For a convenient, on-the-go op-tion, throw an individually-sealed cup of Dole Red Grapefruit Sunrise in your lap-top bag or purse. Each cup contains peak-of-ripeness, wholesome, peeled grape-fruit and allows you to enjoy grapefruit all year around. Plus, they’re gluten free, contain no GMOs (genetically modified or engineered ingredients) or artificial

sweeteners, and feature BPA-free pack-aging.

• Drink more water. For your body to function properly, it needs the right amount of hydration. According to the In-stitute of Medicine, the average required intake for a male is about 13 cups, while a female requires about 9 cups. Switch out sodas and sugary drinks with water to reap its benefits, and to shave off extra

“empty” calories that may contribute to weight gain.

• Get routine exams. A yearly doctor’s examination keeps you more informed of your body’s ever-changing status, and it keeps your health care provider in the loop, too. Educate yourself and under-stand the import numbers for your heart, including blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Tips for living a healthy lifestyle

Easy, delicious meals that make the heart happy(FAMIlY FEATURES) Did you know that small, positive additions to

your diet and lifestyle can help promote a healthier heart? Instead of de-nying yourself the delicious flavors you crave, try weaving a few subtle changes into your menu and you can healthfully and conveniently meet your wellness goals.

Sprinkle soy into your diet, easilyAvailable in many delicious forms, soy-based foods and beverages make

the swap towards healthier options a snap. “Soy protein is a very high quality protein, equivalent to egg or milk pro-

tein,” said Mindy Kurzer, Ph.D. and professor with the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. “Soyfoods, such as soymilk, have been shown to lower dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, decreasing blood cholesterol concentrations and improving heart health.”

Try some of these meal ideas to help you cut calories, saturated fat and cholesterol from your diet:

• Breakfast: Take on the day by enjoying a fruit and soymilk blended smoothie for breakfast. Soymilk is the only plant-based dairy alternative with an average of 7 grams of protein per serving plus calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and D.

• Lunch: Opt for a juicy veggie burger – easy to cook in just a few minutes. Or try this flavorful recipe for Tuna Edamame Salad, which allows you to take in all the healthy benefits of these young green soybeans with a quick and easy lunch. Did you know one cup of edamame contains 17 grams of protein?

• Snack: Throw a protein-packed nutrition bar in your car, bag or purse so you can have a healthy snack while running errands. (But read the label to make sure it contains soy protein and isn’t loaded with sugar.)

• Dinner: Load up on vegetables and protein with a tasty and easy stir fry using marinated tofu strips. Or cholesterol-free soy “crumbles” can quickly and easily be added to favorites including pasta sauce, soup, chili and tacos.

To find more recipes featuring soy protein, visit www.soyfoods.org or www.soyconnection.com.

Tuna Edamame SaladPrep time: 5 minutesServings: 4

1 cup frozen shelled edamame, cooked according to package directions

1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 cup carrots, shred-ded

1 can (6 ounces) tuna, water packed, drained

1/2 cup golden raisins1/4 cup red onion,

diced1/4 cup bottled, re-

duced-fat Italian salad dressing

Ingredients

Nutrition per 1 cup serving: 210 calories; 3 g fat (0 g satu-rated fat); 16 g protein; 27 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 25 mg cholesterol; 350 mg sodium.

Mix edamame, tomatoes, carrots, tuna, raisins and onion in medium bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss until combined. Serve with pita bread halves or whole grain crackers.

InstructionsTIP:Try it with Pita

bread or whole grain

crackers!


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Friendships.As Good As Gold.At the Hearth at Juday Creek we recognize the importance of friendship and know that staying socially active is an important part of healthy aging. So whether you’re sharing a good laugh in our pub, meeting neighbors for dinner, challenging friends during a THINK MORE® sessions, or partaking in one of our many outings–we aim to make it easy for you to meet new friends, kick-back and have fun!

Featuring:Melissa Manchester

Storyteller Tim LowryAuthor Gary Shteyngart

Contact us today! A little.. Or a lot of help can make all the difference!

It’s good to be CARED for…. It’s great to be CARED about…

The place for a loved one is the comfort of their home. All About You HomECARE,

offers specialized care plans for seniors to remain in home. Care consists of complete daily living assistance, companionship,

stroke, Alzheimer, or Dementia care, to family relief/respite care, and medication reminders. Skilled staff work in private homes,

apartments, senior assisted living, rehabilitation facilities, hospital sitters/companions, & nursing home companions.

Exceptional care is best. Exceptional care is what we provide.

22451 US 12 Edwardsburg, mI 49112Branch locations: Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids

Contact: 269-699-5006 OPEN: 24 hours per day/ 7 day week

The Leader • Niles Daily Star • Dowagiac Daily NewsCassopolis Vigilant • Edwardsburg Argus • Off The Water

217 North 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120 • (269) 683-2100

www.leaderpub.com


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Serving the Niles Community with excellence for the past 60 years!RiveRidge ManoR

Convenient Visiting Hours • Pets Welcome

• Warm & Personalized Care

• Physical, Speech, & Occupational Therapy

• Secure Memory Care

• Skilled Nursing

• Beautifully Wooded & Secluded Area

ToURS avaiLaBLe

269-684-1111 • 1333 Wells St. NilesWelcome

Home!

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Living 50 Plus - March 2015