Time of Your Life North Kitsap - The Time Of Your Life Fall 2012

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YOUR GUIDE TO MATURE LIVING, HEALTH, FINANCES AND LIFESTYLE

Peninsula Hearing, Inc.

LIFEtheTime� your

FALL

FITNESSFAMILY

HOME CARERETIREMENT YEARS

HEALTH CARE

LOCAL SERVICESDAY TRIPSNW LIVING

SNOWBIRDINGFAMILY ISSUES

AGING IN PLACE

2012

Page 2 Time of Your Life • Fall 2012

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T he U.S. Department of the Treasury is phas-ing out paper federal

benefit checks. Everyone who receives Social Security, Supplement Security Income (SSI) or other federal ben-efit payments by check is required to switch to elec-tronic payments by March 1, 2013.

“This move will save taxpayers $1 billion over the next 10 years, while ensur-ing all federal benefit recipi-ents receive their money in the safest, most reliable way possible,” according to David A. Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department’s

Financial Management Service.

While about 90 percent of Social Security and SSI payments are being made electronically, there are still approximately 7 million checks issued to beneficia-ries monthly.

Switching to electronic payments now is one simple step you can take to free up your summer days.No more check troubles

There are lots of hassles with paper checks that can get in the way of enjoying summer.

Electronic payments elimi-nate monthly trips to the bank or credit union to cash or deposit checks. When your summer plans involve travel, you don’t have to worry about a check sitting unsecured in your mailbox while you’re away.

“I encourage federal ben-efit recipients or their care-givers to make the switch to

electronic payments today,” Lebryk said. “You’ll be ensuring funds are delivered in a safe, convenient way, while saving yourself an extra ‘to-do’ this summer.”Two electronic options

The Treasury Department is recommending two elec-tronic options that make receiving payments easier.

The Go Direct campaign makes it fast, free and easy to switch to electronic payments online at www.GoDirect.org or through the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center toll-free at 1-800-333-1795. You can choose either:

n Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. Your federal benefit payment will go straight into your account on payment day each month.

n Direct Express Debit MasterCard card. If you don’t have a bank account or prefer a prepaid debit card,

switch to the Direct Express card. There are no sign-up fees, overdraft fees or monthly fees. Some fees for optional services may apply. For information on card fees and features, visit www.GoDirect.org.

The Go Direct cam-paign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks. The Direct Express logo, Go Direct and Direct Express are registered service marks, and the Go Direct logo is a service mark, of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service.

The Direct Express Debit MasterCard card is issued by Comerica Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard and the MasterCard brand mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

New changes for Social Security, federal benefit recipients

By March 1, you will be required to change to elec-tronic payment of your Social Security check or other federal benefits. Electronic payment means you don’t have to worry about a check sitting in your mailbox while you’re away. Fotolia.com

A s we age, time takes its toll on the bodily systems that keep us

balanced, making us more prone to dangerous slips, trips and falls.

While a fall can be a life-changing or even life-threatening event for an older adult, reducing one’s risk is easy.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following simple safety tips.Do a home safety check

At least one-third of all falls involve hazards within

the home.Be sure to remove throw

rugs and low furniture, eliminate clutter, and secure carpeting and other tripping hazards like electrical cords. Your home should be prop-erly lit, so that even at night your vision is not impaired. Install grab bars in your bathtub and handrails on your staircases.

Get regular exerciseStart a exercise program

that includes activities that improve strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Walking, water workouts and

tai chi will not only contrib-ute to your overall health, they can also reduce your risk of falls.

Consult a health care professional before getting started.Manage pain differently

“The same pills meant to make older patients with chronic pain more comfort-able may also make them more vulnerable to falls,” ACA President Dr. Keith Overland said.

“Chiropractic services, including spinal adjustments and manipulation, exercise

recommendations, rehab and nutritional and lifestyle counseling, are a great non-drug alternative to medica-tions that affect your brain’s function and lead to dizzi-ness or light-headedness.”

Taking multiple medica-tions magnifies the risk of injury. Seniors who are on three or more drugs, or who have muscle weakness, are more likely to fall. Another risk factor is combining pre-scription drugs with alcohol, over-the-counter allergy or sleeping medications, painkillers, or cough sup-pressants.

Ask your prescribing physician to review your medications and reduce your chances of falling by using the lowest effective dosage. Also, discuss the need for walking aids or supports while taking medications

that can affect balance.Prevent serious injuryOsteoporosis makes

bones less resistant to stress and more likely to fracture. Help limit the effects of

It’s time for raking leaves, pruning shrubbery, and other seasonal fall lawn

care tasks.Never has the old adage

“work smarter, not harder” been more apt than when tackling yard work and pre-paring lawns for next season.

“After a long summer mowing lawns, many people lose enthusiasm for lawn care when fall hits,” said Bob Monahan, creator of the EZ Lawn & Garden product line, and a former frustrated leaf-raker looking for cost-effective ways to make yard work easier.

“There are several tips to streamline yard work — from knowing the best time to pull weeds to using the right equipment to make tasks simpler,” he said.

Here are some smart ways to handle fall lawn care.

n Be body smart: Good posture can prevent back-aches when raking leaves. Keep your head up and back straight. Relieve back pres-sure by raking using the “scissors” stance: whereby you place one foot forward and the other back, revers-ing position after several minutes.

When mowing, move the mower with your body weight as much as possible,

rather than relying on your arms and back.

And use ergonomically designed rakes, shears and pruners that require less hand strength than tradi-tional ones.

n Rake and haul easily:

Put away the loud, smelly leaf blower. Nothing is worse than raking leaves on a windy day, only to have them blown around.

Try an easier approach.Rake leaves onto a tarpau-

lin and drag it away. Check

with your local hardware store for a modified tarp with sides that holds up to five wheelbarrows of yard debris. Stakes are attached and can be pressed into the ground to hold it in place on windy days. These lawn debris

tarps use tent construction technology to form sides and a back, and has reinforced pockets and stitched handles for easy hauling and dump-ing.

And if you already have a tarp, you can easily clip han-

dles to it to make it easier to haul when full of leaves. For example, the EZ Tarp Tugger is a low-cost option that combines handles with stakes, so you can keep your tarp in place and then pull it away when it is full of debris to bag or compost.

Remember, dragging leaves away is easier on your back and environmentally friendly.

n Weed wisely: Weeding can be made less painful if you adhere to the old gardener’s trick of weeding after it rains. When earth is dry, it's harder to pull out the whole weed without break-ing off the top. After rainfall, the ground is damp, making it easier to pluck out entire weeds.

This way, weeds can easily be added to leaves and other debris that need to be hauled away.

Fall is your last chance to put your lawn in order before next season’s warm weather. Call your local hard-ware store for more informa-tion on innovative tools for raking, bagging and hauling yard debris.

Time of Your Life • Fall 2012 Page 3

Raking leaves onto a tarp makes them easier to haul.

StatePoint Media

Fall lawn care: You can make your job easier

This is a good time to check your home, your medications, and yourself

Take note of simple improvements, like handrails in the bath, that you can do to make your home more safe and convenient. StatePoint Media

See CHECK, Page 5


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osteoporosis by eating a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, fish, broccoli, collard greens, tofu and almonds. You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D with a little bit of sunlight.

If you do find yourself falling, fall forward on your hands or land on your buttocks, not on your spine. Also, protect your head from striking furniture or the floor.

Improve vision

Age-related vision diseases, including cata-racts and glaucoma, and can alter your depth perception, visual acuity and susceptibility to glare. Schedule regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist and regularly clean your glass-es. Improve your visibility so you can move safely and with ease.

For more information on reducing your risk of falling visit www.acatoday.org/healthyliving

or www.acatoday.org/findadoc.

Falls don’t have to be

a part of getting older. A physical activity program, lifestyle changes and

home improvements can help you stay securely on your feet.

By Dr. Megan nightingale

T here is a lot of evi-dence out there to remind us to stay

active, moving and social-izing.

Physical fitness immedi-ately comes to mind when we think of staying active, but staying mentally active is also equally as important if not more so for long-term health benefits. It has been shown by researchers who study longevity that keeping connected to one’s family, home or work community is crucial to long-term mental health and can help us avoid a myriad of long-term health issues such as dementia, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

There is now evidence that links hearing loss with the above-mentioned chronic conditions.

Nothing interferes with staying close to family, friends or co-workers more than hearing loss. It is worth noting that 65 percent of peo-ple who have a hearing loss are below retirement age. This has a significant impact in the workplace (Source: NIDCD Health Statistics on hearing loss).

A recent survey study done by the U.S. Department of Education

notes that middle-aged (45-64) participants who had a hearing loss but no treat-ment (no hearing aids) felt that they were being passed over for promotion much more often that their normal hearing counterparts, or their counterparts who had hearing loss but wore hear-ing aids.

The study also found that those with unaided hear-ing loss were unemployed at a higher rate than their aided peers. Middle-aged to older working people with untreated hearing loss are also found to be three times more likely to fall at work as their normal hearing peers.

When hearing loss affects one at work, there is usually little sympathy among co-work-ers and supervi-sors. One reason may be that hearing loss is invisible. There is no outside visual evidence of a hearing loss. Therefore, many suspect the hear-ing impaired person of not paying attention, or worse, ignoring their co-workers or supervisor.

Having a hearing problem can be very hard to self

-identify in the beginning stages because our brain so eas-ily adapts and compensates for hearing loss. Our brain works hard to find the right words that make sense, compare what a colleague says to what they have said before and uses other means to help us

make sense of a conversa-tion.

I have personal experi-ence with this. I have a hearing loss and I am in the business!

My hearing loss came on gradually starting in my 40s. I only noticed it in really noisy places, where I struggled to hear someone across from me. But in my mid-40s, I found that I was second guessing at what my clients were saying during a critical testing segment for identifying hearing problems and solutions. I had to ask people to repeat themselves. It was then I realized I was suffering from the same difficulty that I was helping people with in my career.

My work was being affect-ed, so I began to wear hear-ing aids right away, allowing me a firsthand knowledge of the advantages of the lat-est hearing aid technology. I can report from personal experience on how hearing technology works in both the workplace, at home and in social situations.

If you find you are having more trouble lately hear-ing what your co-worker or supervisor is saying, or if you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day from trying to hear at work, it is time to get a hearing test. Some physician’s offices will screen hear-ing and send you on for a comprehen-sive hearing evaluation if

the screening shows a prob-lem. Most health insurance plans will cover a compre-hensive hearing test. Some require a physician referral to an audiologist. The most important thing to remem-ber is that hearing loss does not usually go away. The faster it is treated, the more natural one’s hearing will be, at work and at home.

Don’t let hearing loss keep you from being your best at home, work or in your community. If you are inter-ested in learning more about hearing or are interested in a hearing test, contact Peninsula Hearing at (360) 697-3061.


Publisher: Donna Etchey

Kitsap News Group publishers Bainbridge Island Review,

North Kitsap Herald, Kingston Community News: Donna Etchey

Bremerton Patriot, Central Kitsap Reporter, Port Orchard Independent, Veterans Life: Sean McDonald

Time of Your Life staff: Richard Walker, Kipp Robertson,

Megan StephensonCover design: Annie LaValleSales representatives:

Marleen Martinez, Wayne Nelson, Rita Nicholson, Chris Olsen, Frank Portello, Mike Shiro.

Creative consultants: Bill Asher, Mark Gillespie, Bryon Kempf, Kelsey Thomas.

Kitsap News Group papers are published every week by Sound Publishing Inc.

lifetime ofyour

the

“The faster [hearing loss] is treated, the more natural one’s hearing will be, at work and at home. ” Dr. Megan Nightingale, audiologist.

Hearing loss can be corrected; get tested todayDr. Megan Nightingale of Peninsula Hearing.

Contributed photo

PenInsula HearIng Inc. 19319 7th Ave., Suite 102Poulsbo (360) 697-3061

1136 Water St., Suite 103Port Townsend (360) 379-5458

CheckContinued from page 3


POULSBO — A lot of work goes into creat-ing dentures, from

the initial patient visit to cast-ing and the final product.

But for Bruce Anderson of Anderson Dental and Denture Center, it’s second nature.

“I wouldn’t say anything is labor intensive,” dental assistant Elaine Bowen said. “[Bruce] has done it so long.”

Anderson was introduced to the denture business as a boy; his father was a dentur-ist on the East Coast.

“[Bruce] says he can make a denture on a door knob,” Bowen said.

Anderson and his wife, Wanda, are all smiles when they talk about Anderson Dental and Denture Center.

“You’d think it would get tiring setting up teeth,” he said in an earlier interview. “But it’s an exciting chal-lenge and different every time.”

Each patient’s situation is unique and requires a differ-ent touch.

Dentures have come a long way since George Washington’s time (although it’s false that Washington’s teeth were wooden. They were actually made from gold, ivory, lead, and human and animal teeth.) Today’s

dentures are made from acrylic, with translucent shades to match natural tooth color. Even a hint of root color is used to fur-ther enhance the look of the tooth and fool the eye. It’s often impossible to tell natural teeth from denture teeth. And that’s the way the Andersons like it.

“It’s like a work of art,” Wanda said.

For more than 40 years, Bruce has helped people smile with confidence.

When patients are fitted properly with a good set of teeth, it changes their whole demeanor. Bruce told of a young lady whose natural teeth were either already gone or beyond repair. She covered her mouth when she talked, rarely smiled and lacked self-confidence.

“Once she got her new teeth, her confidence

soared, she went back to school and is now a school teacher,” he said.

Along with helping patients gain confidence, Bruce loves to hear their stories.

“I should write a book,” he said. “Many of my older patients are little vignettes out of history. My daily highlight is when patients share their experiences. One patient told about his great-grandmother; while coming west her covered wagon train was raided. He has her frying pan that was hanging on the side of the wagon and it now displays a bullet hole as a result of the raid. World War II veterans share their

account of the war. They are my heroes.”

Journey to PoulsboMore than 17 years ago,

when Wanda retired from her job as a school psy-

chologist, the Andersons came to the Seattle area to visit friends.

During their weeklong visit, they drove 3,000 miles, explor-ing the state. When they drove through Poulsbo, the Andersons immediately

fell in love with the area. Bruce, who is of Norwegian descent, was especially enthralled. The Andersons decided to uproot and move from the East; Bruce is originally from Boston,

Mass., and Wanda is from Louisville, Ky.

Together, the Andersons have worked out of their comfortable office in Poulsbo. Bruce oversees the prosthetic side of the busi-ness while Wanda manages the office.

“We hit the ground run-ning and haven’t stopped,” Wanda said.

Along the way, they’ve acquired a very dedicated staff that the Andersons call “the best staff in the whole world,” and a loyal patient base they refer to as their “dental family.”

Their office is comfort-able and feels more like you are visiting a friend, not a dental office. With warm lighting and cozy nooks, it’s easy to forget you’re in a dental office.

Bruce said the waiting room often sounds more like a cocktail party than a reception area, with friends laughing and sharing sto-ries.

The truth about dentures

Life expectancy for den-tures ranges from eight to 10 years with regular adjust-ments and or relines which are important. Some of the Andersons’ first patients, are now returning for new den-tures because the oral ridge bones atrophy overtime and dentures lose their fit. Properly fitting dentures are key to good health, comfort and a natural look.

Even if someone has a full set of dentures, the Andersons emphasize it is important to have yearly oral exams.

It is critically important

to educate denture patients because there is a learning curve on how to use them, Bruce said.

“It’s totally different. However, many people suc-cessfully manipulate den-tures and we have patients whose spouse or family members have no idea they wear dentures.”

There are two schools of thought on denture care, Bruce said. Some profes-sionals say you should take them out and let your gums rest at night. Others say, if they don’t hurt, wear them at all times.

In Bruce’s opinion, a patient should do what makes them most comfort-able. It is imperative, how-ever, to keep denture teeth, as well as gums and natural teeth, immaculately clean by brushing after every meal and bedtime.

“I’ve been doing this for so long, there aren’t surpris-es any more,” he said. “Our success rate is very high, and we make the best set of teeth we know how. Our goal is to bring confidence, comfort and good health to our patients.”

Depending on if the dentures are a full or partial frame, a set of dentures can be made within two weeks ... “easily,” Bowen said.

“Our goal is to bring confidence, comfort and good health to our patients. ” Bruce Anderson, denturist, Anderson Dental and Denture Center.

They help smiles, and confidence, soar

Bruce and Wanda Anderson of Anderson Dental and Denture Center want to help you main-tain a bright and healthy smile. Contributed photo

anderson denTal and denTure cenTer 19410 8th Ave. NE, Suite 102(360) 779-1566(800) 990-9116www.andersondenturedental.com

The following fitness clubs can help you stay in shape and meet your fitness goals.

n Anytime Fitness, 3276 Plaza Road NW, Silverdale (360) 307-0444

n Bremerton YMCA, 60 Magnuson Way, Bremerton

(360) 377-3741n Curves, (locations

throughout Kitsap), (888) 557-0718

n Haselwood YMCA, 2909 NW Randall Way, Silverdale (360) 698-9622

n Jazzercise, 15600 Cox

Ave. NW, Poulsbo (360) 779-7964

n Kitsap Crossfit, 20714 State Route 305, Suite 1B, Poulsbo, (360) 930-4226

n Kingston Fitness, 26001 Barber Cut Off Road, Kingston (360) 297-3336

n Kitsap Martial Arts and Fitness, 20101 Front Street NW, Poulsbo (360) 779-6233

n Kitsap Wellness Center, 21505 Market Place NW, Poulsbo (360) 598-3143

n Olympic Fitness Club, 4459 SE Mile Hill Drive, Port

Orchard, (360) 871-3433n 1-2-3 Fit, 10510

Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale (360) 308-9700

n Poulsbo Athletic Club, 19611 7th Ave., Poulsbo (360) 779-3285

n Ultimate Performance

Rehabilitation, 19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite 202, Poulsbo, (360) 697-3003

n Westcoast Fitness, 5881 Highway 303, Bremerton (360) 377-5250 or 1948 SE Lund Ave., Port Orchard (360) 874-2818

n Zumba classes (offered throughout Kitsap), www.zumba.com, search locations

These places want to help you stay fit and feeling fine

Anderson Dental and Denture Center


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Passport program helps guide the patient through the process

SILVERDALE — Prepare yourself for a new adventure in the

world of joint replacement surgery.

“A New World Awaits: Passport Program” began this fall at Harrison Medical Center. The program helps navigate patients through knee joint replacement, keeping them on track for a healthy recovery.

Prior to the program’s creation, some patients had

difficulty staying focused on all the steps that go into a joint replacement, said Mindy Markley, Harrison’s orthope-dic service line administrator. This includes steps patients need to take to prepare for surgery and steps after sur-gery as they recover.

“We do feel, after starting the program, the dots are more con-nected,” Markley said.

The program includes an actual passport, which is stamped every time a patient moves forward in his or her journey through joint replacement. The passport engages the patient and “travel partner” in knowing exactly what is going on, Markley said.

There are many mile-stones in a joint replacement process, Markley said. This includes everything from preparation before surgery to

the rehabilitation and medi-cations after surgery. Each milestone, Markley said, is outlined clearly.

Is there a prize at the end? Of course.

“The prize is that [the patient] has a successful outcome,” Markley said, adding that a strong connec-

tion between the patient and Harrison staff is built.

The program was developed with input from Harrison sur-geons. Steps to create the pro-gram began in February. The Passports were introduced in August.

According to Markley, Harrison Medical Center per-forms about 700 joint replace-ment surgeries per year.

Along with the new Orthopaedic Hospital, Markley said programs, such

as the Passport, will help keep patients local and not traveling outside the area for care.

The Harrison team has responded well to the pro-gram, said Cherri Jones, orthopedic clinical manager.

The program “helps them partner with patients to help them work together,” she said.

Harrison Medical Center is working on expanding the passport program. This will include similar programs for such things as spine surgery and fracture care. Markley said those programs are being developed “right now.” The joint replacement pro-gram was only the first phase, she said.

“We do feel, after starting the program, [that] the dots are more connected. ” Mindy Markley, Harrison’s orthopedic service line administrator

Knee joint replacement: It’s a whole new world

Harrison Medical Center’s ‘passport program’ helps guide the patient through the knee joint replacement pro-cess. Harrison Medical Center

HARRISON MEDICAL CENTER 2520 Cherry Ave., Bremerton1800 NE Myhre Road, Silverdalewww.harrisonmedical.org


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19410 8th Ave. N.E., Suite 102, Poulsbo • 360-779-1566 • 800-990-9116 • 1-800-NEW-DENTUREwww.andersondenturedental.com

Dentures / Partials • Denture Repair• Relines (while you wait)• Denturist & Dentist on Staff•

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There are multiple ways Kitsap seniors can eat healthier and

make the right food choices. This includes programs such as Chuckwagon Senior Nutrition and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Chuckwagon offers home-delivered meal services throughout the county. The service is offered to those home-bound by reason of illness, incapacitating disability, or who are oth-erwise isolated, according to the program’s website. Each meal provided by the program offers “at least one-third of the current recom-mended dietary allowance,” which is established by the

Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences National Research Council.

For more information about the Chuckwagon pro-gram, call (360) 337-5700.

The Farmers Market pro-gram provides low-income seniors — 60 years or older with monthly household income of no more than $1,723 for one or $2,333 for

two — with vouchers to pur-chase food form authorized farmers markets from July through October. Home-bound seniors may receive home-delivered produce bas-kets of similar food through the Chuckwagon program.

For more information about the Farmers Market program call (360) 337-8511 or (888) 877-8511.

Partnership can access 17 outpatient imaging centers

SILVERDALE — Doctors at four health-care providers can

now access relevant patient images and information from 17 outpatient imaging cen-ters through a data center hosted by Harrison Medical Center.

The data center is the result of an agreement between Harrison, Advanced Medical Imaging, Olympic Radiology Associates, and The Doctors Clinic.

“We are excited about this agreement because it pro-vides a single, standard plat-form from which to securely share radiological images, such as CT scans and X-rays, among our local medical community,” said Ty Walker, the chief information officer at Harrison who led develop-

ment of this project. This strategic configura-

tion between Harrison Medical Center, Advanced Medical Imaging, Olympic Radiology Associates, and The Doctors Clinic, allows each organization to have access to necessary patient information through a vir-tual database, regardless of

where it originated. The cen-tralized archive will greatly reduce information technol-ogy cost infrastructure for the providers and improve access to the continuum of patient care.

“Our shared [Picture Archiving Communication System] agreement gives easy, real-time access of

diagnostic images that were done anywhere in our com-munity,” said Adar Palis, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Harrison.

“It is a necessary element to further our mission of providing exceptional patient care throughout the penin-

sula.” Mikael Anden, president

of Sectra in North America, the provider of this technol-ogy solution, added, “We believe this type of partner-ship reflects the future of imaging. Collaboration efforts like this enables reduced costs per exam and, more importantly, it allows greater access to vital patient information when providers need it most.”

Harrison Medical Center (www.harrison-medical.org) is a not-for-profit hos-pital offering med-ical, surgical and emergency servic-es at five locations — Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo.

Sectra (www.sectra.com) has been developing and selling IT systems and services for radiology, women’s health,

orthopaedics and rheumatol-ogy for more than 20 years. More than 1,100 hospitals, clinics and imaging centers worldwide use Sectra sys-tems daily, together perform-

ing more than 55 million radiology examinations annually. This makes Sectra one of the world-leading com-panies within systems for han-dling digital radi-ology images.

Sectra’s systems have been installed in

North America, Scandinavia and most major countries in Europe and the Far East.

“We believe this type of partnership reflects the future of imaging. ” Mikael Anden, president, Sectra in North America

Accessing medical images is now a screen awayManfred Henne, MD, PhD, MS, radiologist at InHealth Imaging, uses the secure PACS network for the transmis-sion of patient information.

Kathy Cole / Contributed

HARRISON MEDICAL CENTER 2520 Cherry Ave., Bremerton1800 NE Myhre Road, Silverdalewww.harrisonmedical.org

Yum! Eating healthy is easy through Chuck-wagon and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

StatePoint Media

Chuckwagon, Farmers Markets can help you eat healthier


F eeling a little off? Regardless of your age or fitness level,

there are steps you can take every day to feel and per-form your best.

“Many Americans ignore their pain and fatigue,” said Dr. Keith Overland, president of the American Chiropractic Association. “But just like world-class ath-letes who constantly search for ways to optimize their game, we can do better. Start with simple changes that promote greater health and wellness. You’ll feel better now and avoid bigger prob-lems down the line.”

In honor of National Chiropractic Health Month, observed in October, the American Chiropractic Association encourages Americans to “Find Your Game,” by taking simple steps to promote optimal functioning.

n Get moving: Americans are more sedentary today than in the past. Lack of exercise can atrophy muscles and contribute to obesity, arthritis and other problems. You don’t have to train like an Olympian, just aim for a minimum of 20 to

30 minutes of exercise three to four days a week.

n Stretch daily: Improving flexibility is cru-cial to avoiding injury. Make a habit of stretching your major muscle groups each morning.

“Don’t work through pain: The earlier an injury is

treated, the sooner healing can begin,” Overland said.

“Masking injuries with painkillers to get back into action before you’re healed could worsen your original injury and lead to a chronic condition. Treat the cause of pain, not the symptom. Chiropractic physicians

can treat many injuries and enable healing to occur‚ with-out drugs or surgery.”

n Outfit your feet: Think function when shopping for shoes used for exercise and walking long distances. The wrong shoes or worn-out shoes can cause pain throughout the body. Your

chiropractor, physical thera-pist or podiatrist can help you determine your arch type, match it to your gait and advise you on the best footwear.

n Eat right: Even a few simple changes in diet can have a positive impact on your health. Limit red meat

and excessive quantities of sugar and salt. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Consider consulting a health care professional to determine what supplements are right for you.

n Recharge: If you feel fatigued often, get more sleep. Instead of revitalizing with soft drinks or coffee, try a glass of pomegranate juice and a brisk walk. Have your B12 and iron levels checked at least once a year for deficiencies. Lean meats, nuts, legumes and green leafy vegetables can help put some pep in your step.

n Get the right stuff: From baby slings to tele-phones, small consumer choices can have a big impact on your well-being. Shop for products designed with the comfort of your neck and back in mind. If your job is causing you pain, talk to your employer about replacing your equipment with ergonomic models.

There’s no need to live on life’s sidelines. With a few key changes, you can feel and perform your best.


If you’re like many Americans, your healthcare is taking

a major bite out of your paycheck. According to the Organization for Economic Development, the average American spends $7,960 on healthcare annually, repre-senting nearly 20 percent of the average U.S. income of $40,000.

Experts are advising con-sumers to take a proactive approach toward reducing their healthcare expenses.

“The best way to reduce healthcare costs is to prevent them,” said Dr. Andrew Myers, an expert in preven-tative health and nutrition, and author of “Health is Wealth.”

“Living a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic illnesses that are expensive

to manage.”To help, Myers offers

some simple healthy living

tips.n Get screened: Health

and wellness screenings are

crucial for early detection of health issues. Know what you are at risk for, so you know what you should be managing.

n Get active: Be more active in your daily life, whether that is exercising, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking instead of driving. Strive to get the recommended 30 minutes of heart-healthy exercise three to five times weekly.

n Eat healthier: Set sim-ple goals like incorporating a fruit or vegetable into every meal, or replacing a junk

food snack with something nutritious.

n Chart your progress: Keep track of your prog-ress and stay motivated by celebrating your successes. Mark your calendar on the day you start, as well as key dates and benchmarks along the way. When you reach a goal, make a new one and be an inspiration to those around you

n Share the challenge: Invite friends or family mem-bers to undertake a health challenge with you. A buddy system keeps you account-able and increases your chance of success.

Some retailers and com-munity service organizations periodically offer free health screenings. For example, Sam’s Club offers free health and wellness screenings the

first Saturday of each month nationwide. Since 2010, the company has provided more than one million preventative screenings to both members and non-members alike.

The screenings include Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure tests, diabetes screenings, and timely allergy tests in spring and children’s health screen-ings in advance of the school year.

In addition to free monthly screenings, these sources often have information on smoking cessation, supple-mentation and wellness regimen practices. To learn more, visit www.samsclub.com/healthyliving.

Undertake preventive measures now to protect your greatest asset — your health.

These small changes can help you reduce healthcare costsSome retailers and community service organizations provide free health screenings. StatePoint Media

Twenty to 30 minutes of exercise three to four days a week can help keep you in optimum condition.

StatePoint Media

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A s a woman, you most likely experience aches and pains from

your daily activities no mat-ter what your lifestyle entails.

In fact, a recent study shows 89 percent of women experience some type of muscle or joint pain every year, and 63 percent experi-ence it weekly, according to ProAct, an independent mar-keting research firm.

But whether the discom-fort stems from a day at work, strenuous exercise or housework, pain has its price — from feeling tired and low on energy, to contributing to feelings of stress, depression and frustration.

Before discomfort gets the better of you, reduce your risk for pain and relieve the aches you already have with these simple measures.

n Avoid overexer-tion: Don’t save all your heavy-duty chores for one weekend, especially if you’re not regularly active. If you suddenly spend the whole day cleaning out your base-ment, or climbing ladders to clear gutters, muscle strain or overexertion is highly likely, family physi-cian Elena Klimenko, M.D. told StatePoint Media. You have to let muscles build up gradually.

The same goes for work-ing out. Consult a physician or fitness professional to build an exercise routine safely.

n Relax: Hot baths, gentle stretching and meditation can help prevent and relieve stress-related muscle ten-sion and stiffness. Even if it means putting the kids to bed early or turning your phone off for an hour, incor-porate stress-free down time into your busy day, every day.

n Relieve: Next time you experience pain, avoid pop-ping conventional painkill-ers that masks symptoms. A homeopathic medicine works with your body to relieve not only pain, but also swelling, which is a common reason for pain, according to

Klimenko. It does so without the risk of drug interactions or complications, even if combined with pharmaceuticals.

Over-the-counter gels containing arnica can be applied anywhere on the body to reduce muscle pain and stiffness, swelling from injuries, and bruises. Because it relies on a natural active ingredient, you can safely use it as a first line therapy to relieve pain, according to Klimenko.

n Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts undue stress on joints. Try a diet that promotes joint and tissue heath. Eat foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon. Add flaxseeds to salads or try cooking with mustard seed, ginger, tur-

meric or cayenne pepper, all of which have anti-inflamma-tory properties.

n Take breaks from computer work: ProAct’s research shows that women’s aches and pains stem more from daily activities like sitting at a computer too long than from injuries. Be sure

to take periodic walking breaks or sit on a ball to keep muscles activated.

While modern life has cre-ated challenges that lead to aches and pains, Klimenko says women don’t need to grin and bear it. You can take proper care of yourself to avoid pain and treat aches naturally before they get out of hand.

Follow these tips and avoid daily aches, pains

Avoid daily aches and pains by not overexerting yourself, taking time to relax, and maintaining a healthy weight. StatePoint Media

“Take proper care of yourself to avoid pain and treat aches naturally before they get out of hand. ” Elena Klimenko, M.D.


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A nnual physicals may not be at the top of every man’s to-do list,

but these visits are crucial for longevity — especially for those men older than 40.

There’s no better time than your check-up to have all your looming health questions answered. Make the most of your next visit by composing a checklist of things you’d like to talk about during your appoint-ment.

No matter how healthy you feel, there are some discussion points you’ll defi-nitely want to cover:

Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin can-cer in America, affecting one in six men, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. If you’re a man who’s older than 40, there are several major risk factors that you need to know about.

If you are African-American, or have a family

history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about your prostate health begin-ning at age 40.

The older you are, the

more likely you are to be diagnosed with this potential-ly life-threatening illness, but that doesn’t mean younger men are not also diagnosed.

In fact, one in every 38 men aged 40 to 59 is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about when you

should begin screenings and how you can lower your risk of diagnosis.

Be proactive. Visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation website at www.PCF.org for more information on risk factors, and to access a list of prevention tips.

Your heart’s healthAccording to the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease causes more than one in four deaths of men in the United States.

To get an accurate gauge of your risk, be honest with your doctor. He or she can’t advise you properly if you don’t share all the facts on your habits — good and bad.

Have your blood pressure and cholesterol tested at recommended intervals. Ask your doctor if your levels are normal and what you can do if they aren’t. If you don’t currently get regular physi-cal activity, your doctor can advise you on safely easing

into an exercise program.Diabetes risk

Many people have the misconception that if some-thing is wrong; their bodies will let them know. But dia-betes often begins without symptoms. Your risk factor for developing diabetes goes up if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or a family history of the dis-ease. Ask your doctor if you need to be screened.

In the meantime, lower your risk for diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight. Your doctor is a great resource for helping you form an effective weight management plan.

It’s vital for men to man-age their risks for life-threat-ening diseases like prostate cancer, and one of the best ways to do that is with regu-lar visits to the doctor. If it’s been over a year since your last appointment, call today to schedule a visit.

What every man over 40 should ask his doctor

To get an accurate gauge of your health, get regular checkups, get screened for prostate health and diabetes, have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and be honest with your doctor. StatePoint Media

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in

America — and the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with this serious disease.

There is good news for those who want to take con-trol of their risk, says Dan Zenka, senior vice president of communication at the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Research shows that eating right can help decrease the chance of developing pros-tate cancer, reduce the likeli-hood of recurrence and slow its progression.

n Avoid empty calories by eliminating junk food. Snack on fruits, vegetables and nuts instead. Swap out soda for water or natural juices.

According to Cathy Gunderson, a registered dietician and food planner for Kitsap’s Chuckwagon Senior

Nutrition Program, nutrient-dense foods are important. Choose a bowl of fruit, for example, rather than a des-sert, she said.

n Rely on herbs, spices and garlic for flavor, not sugar, salt and fat.

Speaking of fat: Avocados, nuts, olives, seeds and tofu are healthy sources of fat. Trans-fatty acids found in margarine should be avoided.

n Avoid taking more than 1,500 mg of calcium per day. Skip the supplements and consume your calcium from leafy green vegetables, beans and fish.

n Eat more fish. Evidence from several studies sug-gests that fish can help pro-tect against prostate cancer because they contain “good fat,” particularly omega-3 fatty acids.

n A lack of vegetables in

the diet is a risk factor for aggressive prostate cancer. Vegetables in the broccoli-family are beneficial. Use olive oil for cooking.

n Avoid over-supplementa-tion with megavitamins. Too many vitamins, especially folate, may fuel the cancer. If you follow a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils, you likely won’t need a multivitamin.

n Marinate meat and turn it frequently to prevent charring; charred meat can contain carcinogens. You can also get protein from veg-etarian sources.

n Regular exercise is one of your most important cancer-prevention tools.

n Eating flax seed with a bowl of cereal is a good way to get the proper, daily amount of fiber.

n Don’t overeat.

Follow these 10 crucial nutrition tips for good prostate health


‘A Woman's Guide to Money Matters’ seminar Oct. 18

SILVERDALE — Edward Jones Financial Adviser Donald Logan of Silverdale hosts a free educational seminar, “A Woman's Guide to Money Matters,” Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m., at Edward Jones Investments, 2416 NW Myhre Road, Suite 102 in Silverdale.

During the seminar, participants will learn more about:

n What one can do now to prepare for retirement.

n Options to pay for a child’s or grandchild’s educa-tion.

n Developing a strategy to help achieve one’s financial goals.

The seminar is free, but space is limited. To make a reservation, call Donald Logan or Beth Halvorson, (360) 692-1216.

Edward Jones (www.edwardjones.com) provides financial services for individ-ual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Edward Jones embraces the impor-tance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

Improve your driving, get an insurance discount

SILVERDALE — The AAA Driver Improvement Program is accepting res-ervations for its refresher course on defensive driving skills.

The course will be given Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Crista Shores Retirement Community, 1600 NW Crista Shores, Silverdale. Cost: $16 per person. Pre-registration is advised. For enrollment information, call (800) 462-3728.

The course gives practical guidance for traffic-accident prevention and enhances

driver safety and confidence. Successful course comple-tion qualifies drivers 55 and older for automobile insur-ance premium discounts.

The AAA Driver Improvement Program is operated by American Driving Services.

n n n

LITTLE BOSTON — Two AARP driver safety courses will be held on the following dates and times:

n Nov. 16 and 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., S’Klallam Worship Center, Little Boston.

n Nov. 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the S’Klallam Worship Center, Little Boston.

Cost: AARP members, $12; non-members, $14; vet-

erans, free. Call Mary Lou

Luddington, (360) 297-7871, for details. Leave message.

County is recruiting volunteer Citizens on Patrol

PORT ORCHARD — The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with Kitsap County Volunteer Services, is seeking vol-unteers for its Citizens On Patrol (COP) program.

COP volunteers support Sheriff’s Department efforts in unincorporated areas of the county. They provide a department presence to enhance public safety, and

enforce parking regulations, conduct home vacation checks, process abandoned vehicles, and assist with traf-fic control and community events.

Volunteers commit at least 16 hours per month and attend monthly training meetings for a minimum of one year. Applicants must undergo an extensive background examination and a good driving record is required.

Community resource vol-unteers are also needed. For more information, contact Kitsap County Volunteer Services at www.kitsapgov.com/volunteer; e-mail [email protected]; or call (360) 337-4650.

T o most Americans, politics can feel like a spectator sport,

especially in an election year when so much news is devoted to the horse race.

But there are many ways citizens can take active and engaged roles in local, state and national politics.

Primarily, citizens can learn about how their com-munity is run and what the needs are by joining a local service organization, such as Kiwanis or Rotary, or a school committee, said Catherine Ahl, volunteer and former president of the League of Women Voters in Kitsap County.

As the fall election approaches, Ahl said attend-ing local debates and candi-date forums are an impor-tant way of being engaged and informed.

“We can’t just watch from the sidelines,” said Loren J. Enns, author of “The Sword of Liberty,” a new novel which tells the story of an America where the govern-ment has been compromised by a cabal of debt-addicted politicians who must be stopped by regular citizens relying on the power of the Constitution.

“Our founders gave us the

emergency authority to rein-in the federal government.”

Here are some ways you can make your political voice heard.

n Vote: According to Census statistics, only 63 percent of citizens ages 18 years or older voted in the last presidential election. Every election you should go to the polls and take your children with you, so they learn an important civics

lesson.n Learn: Read history

books to gain perspective and insight. Study the Constitution thoroughly and know your rights. Use Internet search engines to read up on everything from our founding fathers to cur-rent issues.

“In fact, a long forgot-ten clause in the U.S. Constitution, Article 5, can be used to reconvene the

Constitutional Convention in order to bypass our gov-ernment and ratify amend-ments,” said Enns, who is advocating for a constitution-al amendment to establish a national initiative process by which citizens could vote on federal legislation, and a national recall process by which they could remove congressmen, senators and even the president from office.

n Meet your politicians: Did you know many politi-cians host open office hours when citizens can visit and have questions and concerns addressed? Find out when visiting hours are and make an appointment. Prepare by writing out what you plan to say. If meeting in person is not possible, write, call or email.

n Stay informed: Be an educated activist by keeping up with current events. Get news about the economy, health care, taxes and other issues that affect you from a variety of unbiased sources.

“For example, today our national debt is skyrocketing toward $16 trillion,” Enns said. “And every taxpayer’s share is $139,000, with many therefore believing the gov-ernment is driving America towards bankruptcy. And regular citizens actually can help change this.”

n Organize: There is strength in numbers. Get your friends together and start an organization. From the Occupy Wall Street movement to the Tea Party, recent years have seen grassroots organizations rise to national prominence. You can use online resources like Facebook and Twitter

to quickly and inexpensively disseminate information about your events and issues you care about.

Ahl said that on the nation-al level, political campaign advertisements on TV can be misleading. Go to www.factcheck.org to research what presidential candidates are saying.

Locally, Ahl said reading the voter’s guide is very important. Besides races for various offices, the voter’s guide explains the initiatives on the ballot. Initiatives intro-duce bills that will become law if passed by a majority of voters, unlike bills intro-duced in the Legislature, which are vetted by House and Senate hearings and amended by elected repre-sentatives.

“Many times initiatives are very confusing, sometimes they have unintended conse-quences,” Ahl said.

If you don’t like the status quo, don’t be a passive com-plainer.

“It’s our government,” Ahl said. “It’s our government. And if we’re not involved in electing the people who are going to serve as our rep-resentatives, then we’re not fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens.”

Make sure your voice is heard in government

Put your experience, knowledge and voice to work for your community. Vote, meet your elected representatives and candidates, stay informed, and organize. Clipart.com

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Page 16 Time of Your Life • Spring 2012

The 2 Southeast nursing unit where Lynn works has a team approach to care. It’s so effective patients rate their nurses’ skill in the top 1% in Press-Ganey satisfaction surveys.

Meet Lynn Ferrell, RN > Slug-free Poulsbo gardener > North Kitsap Zumba fan > Shares great books with her kids > Credits her patients for inspiring

clinical excellence

to be your ad vocate by explaining each step of your care. I am here for you.

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Time of Your Life North Kitsap - The Time Of Your Life Fall 2012