Healthy Horizons Magazine - Birmingham 2010

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Magazine & Wellness Resource Guide 2010–2011 Edition

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Healthy

The 3, 2, 1 on Aging • Sudoku Puzzles • Discovering Oak Mountain State Park

4040Fit & TrimAfter

Enhance Your Diet With

Super Foods

44By SherryKughn

Page 47

Super FoodsPage 10

Nick’s KidsThe Foundation That

Keeps On Giving…By Creg Stephenson

Page 4

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Welcome to

Healthy Horizons is a community wellness magazine that is distributed free throughout the Southeast U. S. The goal of the magazine is to provide health education to the community and

promote healthy living. Articles in the magazine are provided by healthcare professionals who are committed to: (a) disease prevention, (b) early detection of disease, (c) prompt treatment of illness, and (d) promotion of quality of life. The magazine began as a wellness resource guide for aging Americans. This key aspect of the magazine has proven to be a great resource for our consumers. Input from our local advertisers and consumers reinforce our belief that health education provides our readers with insight and knowledge to assist in making informed decisions regarding his/her healthcare. In the past six years our market area has grown signifi-cantly and feedback from our consumers has been positive. In an effort to meet the desires of the market area we have expanded the magazine to include a “Healthy Kids” section and a “Community” section. Again, response regarding the inclusion of this content has been constructive. As many of you are aware, acute and chronic health prob-lems are very prevalent in our society. However, many of these health problems are preventable. Individuals lack the knowledge that is necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health. It is imperative that each individual, regardless of age, race or gender, engage in opportunities that will enhance their well being on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. This holistic approach to health will enable individuals to make educated decisions that are appropri-ate to maintain their current health status or to seek prompt treatment when disease or illness occurs. Healthy Horizons strives to provide information in the community that is relevant and will hopefully improve the health status of aging Americans. The goal is that Healthy Horizons will serve as a valuable community resource tool and promote quality of life. God bless you as you strive for “Healthy Horizons”.

HealthyCOMMUNITY WELLNESS GUIDE

© 2010 by Healthy Horizons Magazine. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reprinted and reproduced, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Healthy Horizons is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, physician offices, wellness centers, assisted living centers, hospitals and rehab centers. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

Contact us by mail:Healthy Horizons MagazineP.O. Box 81Choccolocco, AL 36254Office: 256.235.1955Fax: 256.235.1935

Inside This Issue…Articles of InterestPreparing for Long-Term Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Amedisys: Balanced for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Comfort Keepers: Dedication to Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Cox & Reynolds: Social Security Disability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7The 3, 2, 1 on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Avoid Skin Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Super Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Alacare: Choices in Home Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11When Dementia Strikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Danberry at Inverness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Children’s Health System: Jason Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Accelerated Physical Therapy: Accelerating Your Recovery . . . . . 30Odyssey HealthCare: Myths about Hospice Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Brookdale Senior Living: Cross Train Your Brain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Somerby Brings Masterpiece Living to Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . 35Dignity Memorial: There is a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Pets May Aid Depression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Quitline for Smokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37When Dementia Strikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Fit and Trim After 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Cover SpotlightNick’s Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Community FocusThe Birmingham Barons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Rickwood Field Centennial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Oak Mountain State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Santa fe Day Spa: The Ultimate Spa Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Spa Trail Launched in Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Desoto Caverns Family Fun Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Healthy KidsThe Crippled Children’s Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Children’s Harbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Responsible Parenting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28God…On Disciplining Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Fun & GamesSudoku Puzzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Word Search: Sunshine- Friend or Foe? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Emergency Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Wellness Resource Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42National Helpful Numbers Directory . . . . . . . . .45

Mark Helms Kim HelmsPublisher Publisher

Online at:healthyhmag.comAdvertising Sales or to Request Additional Copies:256-235-1955

Staff & CreditsPublishers Mark Helms Kim Helms 256-235-1955 [email protected]

Office Manager Teresa Tims 256-235-1957 [email protected]

Executive Assistant Jenny Cain [email protected]

Art Direction Hodges Design, LLC Jason Hodges 256-558-6160 [email protected]

Contributing Writers Billy Helms, PhD Kimberly D. Helms, RN, MSN Richard O’Connor Lorrie Moody, MEd Kathleen Miller, RN, MS Sherry Kughn Dr. Gaston O McGinnis

Preparing for Long-Term CareArticle submitted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Retirement funds, savings and life insurance are ways to pre-pare for your golden years, but what happens if you require

long-term medical care? Most people don’t think they will ever need long-term care, but recent studies show one in five people over the age of 50 will require this type of care. Long-term care is extended care needed because of a disabling accident, illness or aging. This type of care helps individuals who can no longer take care of themselves by providing assistance with everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and bathing. Long-term care may include home health care, adult day care, assisted living, nursing home care, respite care and other types of care. The cost of long-term care is stagger-ing. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the annual cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home can add up to over $70,000*. Most of this expense comes out of the pocket of those needing care or is paid by their loved ones, not by insurance or Medicare. Fami-lies often use their savings or retirement funds to pay for care, and in many cases families are forced to sell assets. Long-term care insurance can help pro-tect your assets and give you independence and choice when facing a long-term care situation. When shopping for long-term care insurance, compare policy prices that have equivalent benefits. Choose a compa-ny with high ratings for financial strength and claims-paying ability. Finally, ask the insurance company about its policy’s pre-mium rate history. The lowest-priced plan may not stay that way if the carrier increases rates down the line to cover future claims. For more information, call 1-888-331-4188 or visit www.preferredltc.com.*Based on the 2009 National Average

helpful infoPhone:1-888-331-4188

Website:preferredltc.com

Community Wellness Guide 3

Balanced for Life:Now at Home in Your CommunityArticle submitted by Amedisys

Amedisys Home Health Care offers traditional home care services such as skilled nursing, therapy, medical

social workers and home health aides. In addition, Amedisys has put in place a number of disease management programs to treat patients who suffer from chronic disease which represents substantial long-term costs. Wound care, cardiac, diabetes, surgical recov-ery, COPD and rehabilitation disease management programs have been im-plemented to ensure excellent patient care while controlling costs through a demonstrated plan of care. One disease management program that is unique to Amedisys is the Bal-anced for Life program, which is de-signed specifically for fall prevention in senior citizens. The focus of the pro-gram is patient and family education to ensure self-management and im-proved balance for high-risk patients. Therapists use balance training and environmental assessments to reduce the risk of falls in the home. Benefits of this program include patient monitor-ing for six months post-discharge, re-duced need for urgent care, and overall improved quality of life. The Balanced for Life program enables Amedisys to deliver the highest quality of care for its patients while measuring outcomes and reducing patient need for urgent/emergency care due to falls. Although a physician must or-der home health care, the patient has the choice to decide which agency to choose. When choosing a home health

care agency, the patient and physician should ensure it is a reliable member of the medical community. The pro-vider should be an agency that the pa-tient, their family and physician trust. Home health care should provide a range of services in order to fit an indi-vidual’s particular needs. Additionally, it should practice national standards of clinical care, backed by evidence-based guidelines. Amedisys is a leading provider of home health care and hospice services, with more than 500 agencies across the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information about Amedisys, visit www.amedisys.com.

Mike BrownRehab Specialty Director of Amedisys Home Health Care in Birmingham, AL

helpful infoPhone:For locations, see our ad on page 33

Website:amedisys.com

“Amedisys has put in place a number of disease

management programs to treat patients who suffer from

chronic disease which represents substantial

long-term costs.”

A Special Section of

Nick’s Kids: The foundation that keeps on giving…By Creg Stephenson

Th e motto of the Nick’s Kids charitable foundation is “to work together in the spirit of faith and giving in our commu-nity. To promote and support children, family, teacher and student causes.” Since Nick and Terry Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa nearly three years ago, the or-ganization has put its money behind those words. Nick’s Kids recently passed the $1 million mark in charitable distributions, which have benefi tted more than 150 local and statewide organizations. Th e Sabans formed Nick’s Kids more than a decade ago, when Nick Saban was head coach at Michigan State. Th e founda-tion’s work has continued through the fam-ily’s stops at LSU, Miami and at Alabama, where Nick Saban recently began his third season as Crimson Tide head coach. Th e inspiration for Nick’s Kids comes from Nick Saban’s father, the late Nick Sr., a long-time youth league coach and com-munity leader in the family’s hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia. “It’s gotten bigger and bigger and big-ger,” Nick Saban said. “We have the opportunity to do something to raise some

money, give some money, to help young people have a chance to be successful. Th e whole Nick’s Kids thing started be-cause my dad kind of did these things. My mother and my family always said if you’re ever in a position, we want you to do something to help young people. I think we do that as a college coach, but we also want to give back to the community and give it to some of the children who are less fortunate for whatever reasons.” Saban’s on-fi eld success as a coach also benefi tted Nick’s Kids in a big way in 2008. Saban was awarded a $50,000 charitable grant for being named Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year following Ala-bama’s 12-2 campaign, which he turned over to Nick’s Kids before April’s A-Day spring game. In addition, $20,000 was awarded to the University of Alabama’s general scholarship fund.

Th ough funds are also raised through individual donations as well as various speaking engagements by both Nick and Terry Saban, the highlight of the orga-nization’s year is the annual Nick’s Kids Golf Tournament, held each July. Many of the all-time greats from Alabama ath-letics return to Tuscaloosa each summer to take part. “Th is is one of the most self-gratifying days we have all year long,” Saban said following this year’s golf tournament. “It’s great to win some games in the SEC, especially when you can win them on the road, but this day matches those.” Th e Sabans have not limited their giv-ing to Nick’s Kids, however. Th e family also recently donated $1 million to Alabama’s First-Generation Scholarship fund, which benefi ts students who are the fi rst in their families to attend college.

4 Healthy Horizons Magazine

Healthy

cover

• Companionship• Meal preparation• Incidental transportation• Light house keeping• Grocery shopping• 24-Hour care available• Emergency monitoring

Comfort Keepers’ Dedication to Care Comfort Keepers strives to be the very best in non-medical in-home care. Th e Birmingham-based offi ce understands the importance of quality care. They understand this because “they’ve been there.” Owners, Brent and Jonathan Watson, have experienced “the other side of the coin”, so to speak, and have and still use the company. Brent was in a car acci-dent that left him paralyzed in 1988. His brother Jonathan has been with his older sibling throughout the tragedy and both

have persevered. “When someone needs us to be there, I understand that— I’ve been there.” said Brent Watson. Jonathan also can relate to the grow-ing needs of people in our communities as he has seen it fi rsthand. “Th ere are so many people who need our help,” said Jonathan Watson, “And we want to be there as the stresses of life can be diffi cult when work and care for loved ones be-comes too much. Th at’s where we want to help.” As the elderly population grows at a rapid pace, it’s important that things are in place to give proper help. Seniors want to “age in place” instead of moving to an assisted living facility. Comfort Keepers

is able to do that with bonded, insured and trained caregivers. Comfort Keepers also off ers in-home technology to pro-vide safety, confi dence, and indepen-dence. Our nation’s elderly population is increasing at a far greater rate than the overall population. And as more choose home over institutional care, demand for in-home care will increase. Comfort Keepers has been a leader in providing in-home care for over 10 years. A lot of hard work and care goes into the business. With over 550 locations Com-fort Keepers dedicates itself to providing genuine care. Central Alabama’s Com-fort Keepers off ers a wide range of non-medical services including personal care and homemaking services. Th e central Alabama Comfort Keepers offi ce services Shelby, Jeff erson, Bibb, Chilton, St. Clair, Talladega, and Blount counties.

Professional care services for

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No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of

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Mary Neal ReynoldsAttorney at Law

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Th e Social Security Act provides for the payment of cash benefi ts to persons who have paid into Social Security and who meet Social Security’s defi nition of disability. Additionally, the Act provides for the payment of disability benefi ts to indigent persons under the Supplemen-tal Security Income (SSI) program. Both programs defi ne disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful ac-tivity by reason of a physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous pe-riod of not less than 12 months. What does this defi nition mean? If yourimpairments prevent you from perform-ing your past work and any other work on a regular and continuing basis, then you probably meet Social Security’s defi -nition of disability. A regular and con-tinuing basis is defi ned as eight hours a day, fi ve days a week. Consequently, a worker whose impairments would cause unreasonably high absentee-

ism or cause them to be unable to per-form full-time work should meet SocialSecurity’s defi nition. Another component of the defi ni-tion of disability is the requirement that you cannot work and draw ben-efi ts. While this is generally true, Social Security employs an earnings test todetermine whether work actually is gain-ful. For example, for the year 2008, Social Security will not consider work as gain-ful if you earn less than $940 a month. In 2009, the monthly earnings test will increase to $980.00. Another aspect of the defi nition is that if you are unable to perform your past work, Social Security will consider any adverse vocational factors relating to your age, education and work experience in determining whether there is other work you can perform. For example, if you are limited to unskilled work and are 50 years of age or older, then Social Security will fi nd you disabled even if you can perform sedentary jobs, and at

Navigating the Complex Worldof Social Security DisabilityArticle submitted by Cox & Reynolds

Much confusion, frustration and misinformation exists on the topic of Social Security Disability. Th is is not surprising. Th e SSA disability program is a governmental structure of great and growing complexity. Its structure and procedures with es-

sential determinations numbering into the millions are of a size and extent diffi cult to understand. All too oft en, individuals fi nd the enormity and com-plexity of the system daunting and simply give up. Th is brief article encourages adults of all ages who are not working and who have a good faith belief that they cannot work to pursue a claim for Social Security disability and/or Supple-mental Security Income (SSI).

age 55 and older you are disabled even if you can perform light work. In essence,Social Security recognizes that you can-not teach an old dog new tricks. Th e application of Social Security’s defi -nition of disability oft en involves subjective judgments by decision-makers based on confl icting medical and nonmedicalevi-dence. To protect against the complicated and subjective nature of a disability deter-minations, and to encourage uniformity, Social Security has created an elaborate sys-tem of appeals. Th ere are three levels of ap-peal within Social Security, and three more potential levels of appeal within the federalcourt system. It pays to appeal an unfavorable deci-sion. Statistics compiled by Social Secu-rity over the years show that only 25 to 30 percent of all disability applicants will be found disabled based on their initial application. However, if those unfavor-able decisions are appealed the odds of being found disabled improve dramati-cally– up to approximately 70 percent or greater– if appealed to the hearing level. In conclusion, adults of all ages who are not performing gainful activity and who have a good faith belief they are un-able to sustain any gainful work should apply for Social Security and/or SSI dis-ability and appeal if they are denied. In the complex world of Social Security, pursuing a claim for disability is not easy or fast, but the odds are in your favor and an experienced attorney knows how to navigate the waters.

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater thanthe quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

helpful infoPhone:205-870-1205Toll Free 800-930-1205

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By Lorrie Moody, MEd

It is common in my line of work to attend many professional develop-ment programs. One of the closing activities that presenters oft en use

is called “Th e Th ree, Two, One”. It is a re-fl ective activity that asks participants to write about three things they have learned during the session, two things they plan to do diff erently because of their learn-ing, and one thing that they still have a question about. It is also an appropriate tool for me to use on thinking about my life aft er forty (and now aft er fi ft y). What are some things I’ve learned? What are some things I do diff erently because of what I’ve learned? What are some ques-tions I still have? It seems that each year that I’ve aged,

I look back at the past and think about how stupid I was when I was younger. Some of the actions and decisions I made makes me wonder how I ever survived. I’ve learned that the wisdom that comes with age is a good thing… but it is prob-ably those stupid actions and decisions that got me to this place of wisdom. I’ve learned through the years that our per-spective of life is very much aff ected by our age and the experiences that come with age. I don’t look at most aspects of life with the same thought process that I did in my twenties or even thirties. I’ve learned that the “attitude” we have about life in general is our greatest asset in stay-ing happy and whole. Everything around us changes… nothing stays the same. Th e attitude that we have can make all the diff erence in whether those life changes defeat us or give us another opportunity to recreate our life. Because I have learned my life lessons, I am a diff erent person in my fi ft ies than I was in my forties, thirties, and twenties. Th ere is no way I would want to go back to that person. Today I know who I am…back then, I was still trying to fi gure it out. My life lessons have taught me to be more positive, kind, generous, accepting, forgiving, and to savor each experience. My life lessons have taught me that even

the thing that I thought was the worst possible thing that could ever happen to me, turned out to be a miracle and blessing because it “changed” me and propelled me into my current life. Th ose life lessons help me handle my life today in a more calm and peaceful way. Th ose life lessons helped me discover that life is a “process” and that no one ever gets it all right… but we can all try. Th at gives me the incentive to set the example for my children of how to age with grace and passion and to show them that life is “good” at all of the stages. I’m deter-mined to NOT turn into the grumbling, griping, sour old lady that we all know. I’m going to live with a smile on my face and in my heart and do my best to enjoy the experiences along the way. Because life is a process and change is inevitable, I do wonder about what lies ahead. Will I stay healthy? What kind of challenges will I face during my aging process? Will I look back at my fi ft ies and wonder again about stupid things I did? It won’t really matter though as long as I remember to continue to learn my lessons along the way and do what I can to take care of my mind, body, and spirit along the way. Life will happen… but what I do with it is my choice… no mat-ter what my age.

Learn, Practice, and Promote Skin Care: An interview with Dr. Gaston O. McGinnisBy Sherry Kughn

Learn about skin cancer

The most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer, with one million cases diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Melano-ma, the most dangerous skin cancer, kills more than

8,600 Americans annually. Th ese enlightening facts and many others can be found at the website hosted by Th e Skin Cancer Foundation, a group founded 30 years ago by Dr. Perry Robins, M.D., for the purpose of telling others about the prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancers. (Visit the American Cancer Society website at http://www.cancer.org and Th e Skin Cancer Foundation at www.skincancer.org)

Th e latest news on Th e Skin Cancer Foundation website regards sun-tan beds and sun lamps. Th e U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s move to label these de-vices as “highly carcinogenic” is a reclas-sifi cation from the category of “probably carcinogenic.” “I’ve been telling people for years to avoid tanning beds,” said Dr. Gaston McGinnis, a surgeon from Calhoun County, who focused his practice on skin surgery for more than 48 years. “People don’t listen. Th ey think they are okay because they do not see an immediate change in their skin aft er exposure.” If the recommendation by the Medi-cal Devices Advisory Committee Panel is approved by the FDA, all beds and lamps will be subject to stricter oversight and more intense regulation, which may make lamps somewhat safer. Th e focus on tanning beds is a result of 19 various research studies taking place for the past 25 years about the use of tan-

The

3TheThe

21onAging


ning beds. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is a part of the World Health Organization, has con-cluded from these studies that tanning devices are much more harmful than previously thought. Even more dangerous than tanning devices, though, is the sun because those who would never consider lying in a sun-tan bed are exposed. Few humans, though, can avoid all of the sun’s rays, but even fewer realize that they should try to avoid the sun’s most harmful rays. Ignorance is contributing to the rise in skin cancer. Melanoma incidences are rising faster than seven other com-mon cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov. Part of the rise is that few people take seriously the amount of protection from the sun caused by the thinning ozone layer above the earth.

Implement skin care The first line of defense against skin can-cer is to apply sunscreen, which many people do not heed. A study by the New Age Skin Research Foundation, a non-profit organization overseen by its presi-dent, New York dermatologist Dr. Joshua Fox, states that 43 percent of youths ages 11-18 at a beach or pool did not use sun-screen and more than 69 percent did not apply sunscreen properly. (Visit www.newageskin.org.) Older is only a little wiser when it comes to sunscreen use, according to an July, 2009, article entitled “Who’s using sunscreen?” at the website of the Con-sumer Reports National Research Center. The center conducted a poll with results

showing that, among adults, 69 percent said they used sunscreen only occasion-ally. Women are more likely to use it than men. Men and women are most likely to use sunscreen only when sunbathing, and only 15-25 percent used it at other times when outdoors. (Visit http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-liv-ing/beauty-personal-care/skincare/tan-ning/sunscreens/whos-using-sunscreen/sunscreens-whos-using-sunscreen.htm.) “Only mad dogs and Englishman go out in the noonday sun,” said McGin-nis. “Mid-day is a killer of skin. Use good judgment. As far as sunscreen use, read the individual product about how often to apply.” McGinnis and others concerned about skin cancer will be glad to know about a trend among youths, which is a move away from tanned skin. The pale, white skin of at least one group of popular youths may be influencing the skin fash-ion of others, that is the characters from the Twilight Saga books and movies about good-looking, albeit pale-skinned youths. The Skin Foundation has promoted this trend by coming up with its own slogan, “Go with your own glow.” Well-known magazines from Time, People, O: The Opray Magazine, Food & Wine, and SHAPE have donated $3.4 million in ad space to encourage youths to treat their own skin well and to avoid a tan. To achieve the natural glow, they rec-ommend using an SPF sunscreen of 15 or higher on the face and the use of bron-zer and blushes to enhance one’s natural glow. The ad campaign also encourages the use of the sunless products that have improved in recent years, products that no longer make skin look streaky and orange. Several websites that promote the use of protection against the sun encourage people to use also protective clothing against the sun, such as hats and sun-glasses, and encourage them to stay in the shade. These websites also encourage consumers to read product labels care-fully as some might indicate that they are sunless tanners, when they actually are enhancers of sun tanning.

Promote skin careParents are the first line of defense in teaching children and youths to protect

their skin. Daily, year-round use of sun-screens seems to be the most effective way of avoiding skin cancer, and parents should set the example and promote use to their children. McGinnis agrees and said it is impor-tant for parents to be diligent with the care of their children’s skin for the first 18 years of life. “The first eighteen years is when skin is more sensitive to sun damage,” said McGinnis. “These are the years when sun damage causes cancer, often only in later life, and these are the years when the damage is not reversible.” He adds, of course, that all ages of people should avoid the skin as much as possible. “We can’t avoid the sun totally and we don’t need to,” said McGinnis. “We can avoid excessive exposure, though.” Teachers and parents can find out more about skin safety by visiting a web-site called sunsafetyforkids.org. It states that parents should send sunscreen to school and that teachers should remind children to use it. They also recommend posters and announcements to encour-age sunscreen use by students. Sunscreen products, the website states, should be sold in the student stores, and when funding allows, classrooms should keep a large pump bottle for students to use before going outdoors. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website, too, has a page for kids and teachers, and it has articles on their “Get Involved” page. One article called “Tips for Pre-schools” encourages teachers to teach units of study on sun protection. School boards are encouraged to build play-grounds that offer shade from the sun. They are encouraged to promote edu-cational programs, even competitions, related to youths’ protection against the sun. In addition, the Melanoma Research Foundation (www.melanoma.org) en-courages people to communicate with their federal representatives to keep funding intact for research and educa-tion. In 2009, $4 million was in the con-gressional budget for further research. Most skin cancers are totally prevent-able, and perhaps with more education and application of sunscreen products, the growth of incidents of skin cancers can be reversed.

“The most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer, with one million cases diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.”


Article submitted byBrookdale Senior Living

“Super foods” refers to food items that are full of nutrients, studied and proven to support good health. “We help our residents tap into the benefi ts of these “super foods” by using many of these in the daily menu choices at our communi-ties,” said Joska Hajdu, Senior Vice Presi-dent of Dining Services for Brookdale Senior Living. It has been found through recent research that whole foods are the best way to gain the benefi t of these nu-trients.

Some examples of“super foods” include:Nuts•Havebeenshowntolowertherisk of heart disease.

•Areanexcellentsourceofprotein, Omega 3 fats, fi ber and important antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Antioxidants may help protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals destroy normal, healthy cells and cause disease.

Pomegranates• Containsomeofthehighestlevelsof benefi cial antioxidants.• Infact,pomegranatejuicecontains higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices, red wine or green tea.

Berries• ArefullofvitaminC,folate,andfiber.• Aresomeofthemostpowerful disease-fi ghting foods available.

Tea• Containspolyphenols,whichgivetea its antioxidant properties.

• Interestingly,mostherbal teas, however, do not contain the “benefi cial” antioxidants.

Tomatoes• Containlycopene,apowerful antioxidant that may help reduce some cancers and heart disease.•Th emostcompellingevidencesofar is the role of lycopene in prostate cancer prevention.

Chocolate• Containsflavonoids,atypeofgood antioxidant.• Especiallydarkchocolatecontains about eight times the antioxidants found in strawberries.

Fruits and Vegetables• Helppreventcancerandstrokes.• Studiesaffirmthateatingmorefruits and vegetables may prevent breast cancer from returning among breast cancer survivors.

Whole Grains• Havevaluableantioxidantsnotfound in fruits and vegetables.• ContainvitaminsBandE, magnesium, iron and fi ber.

Soy• Containshighamountsofprotein, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B, omega 3 fatty acids and fi ber.• Maybenefithearthealth,prevent prostate and breast cancer, and osteoporosis.

Salmon• Isagoodsourceofproteinandomega 3 fatty acids, which may lower the bad cholesterol and improve the good cholesterol.

helpful infoPhone:205-870-0786 (University Park)205-985-7537 (Galleria Woods)

Address:400 University Park DriveBirmingham, AL

3850 Galleria Woods DriveBirmingham, AL

Website:brookdaleliving.com

Enhance Your Diet to Include

“Super Foods”

Pomegranates Contain some of the highest levels of benefi cial antioxidants.


Choices in Home Health and HospiceArticle submitted by Alacare

Chances are good that at some time in your life, you or someone you love is going to need home

health or hospice care. Selecting the correct agency and type of care is an important decision, but by doing a little research you can find quality care that’s professional, reliable, and compassionate.

Choosing a Home Health AgencyLook at the agency’s history. An agency should gladly supply references from other patients or referring physicians. Quality com-parative measures that healthcare providers can use to evaluate their level of compliance against state and national standards are available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). You can check out any home care agency’s patient outcomes by going to www.medicare.gov and clicking on “Home Health Compare” or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Ask questions about the people working for the agency. All employ-ees should have the proper certifi-cation and licensure for the duties they perform, and the agency should perform background checks to en-sure that all employees are qualified. Healthcare is an ever-changing busi-ness, so a home health agency should require its workers to undergo con-tinuing education. Is the agency up-front about its costs? A good home health provider will not hesitate to address your fi-nancial concerns, and will provide you with a written statement explain-ing insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure the provider you choose is certified by Medicare

and Medicaid. Not every problem for home health patients can wait for the next regu-larly scheduled visit. There should be someone available to answer ques-tions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there should be care providers on call to make urgent visits if necessary.

The Hospice OptionSometimes hospice is the right choice. When a doctor has indicated that someone probably has less than six months to live and the patient’s goal is comfort rather than cure, then hospice care may be the best option.

Why Choose Alacare Hospice?The journey to the end of life is com-plex. Alacare Hospice can help make that road less frightening. Choosing hospice does not mean giving up hope. In fact, it provides hope for a peaceful, meaningful end-of-life ex-perience.

How can Alacare Hospice make a difference?• Hospicefocusesonthewholefamily. Helping loved ones deal with grief issues is a vital part of hospice.• Hospiceallowspatientstospendthe end of life in the comfort of their own homes.• Hospicerelievespainandothersymptoms, providing patients with the opportunity to live as fully as possible for as long as possible. Alacare Hospice has a compas-sionate team of healthcare experts to provide the many services required by patients with a terminal diagnosis:• HomeCareAidesassistwiththepatient’s personal hygiene and other activities of daily living.• MedicalSocialWorkersareex-perts in helping the patient and fam-ily locate and manage community resources for financial, social and emotional needs.• Chaplainscanprovidespiritualsupport for patients and their fami-lies, regardless of denomination or belief system.

• SpeechTherapistsandPhysicalTherapists are available when appro-priate to assist patients in maintain-ing quality of life.• Volunteersprovidecompanion-ship for patients, provide short re-spite breaks for caregivers and assist with providing emotional support to families for up to a year after the patient’s death.

When is Alacare Hospice the right choice?The journey to the end of life is com-plex. Alacare Hospice can help make that road less frightening. Choosing hospice does not mean giving up hope. In fact, it provides hope for a peaceful, meaningful end-of-life ex-perience. When a doctor has indicated that someone probably has less than six months to live and the patient’s goal is comfort rather than cure, then hos-pice care may be the best option.


Website:alacare.com

HospiceHealthyHorizonsVert0801.indd 01/04/2008, 4:39 PM1

“Selecting the correct agency and type of care is an important deci-sion, but by doing a little research you can find quality care that’s professional, reliable, and compassionate.”


focus c o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sThe Birmingham Barons: The Best Value in TownArticle submitted by Barons Media

Professional baseball has been played in Birmingham since 1885. In that time, the city has seen some of the greatest tal-

ent in the history of professional baseball make their summer home in Birming-ham, AL. Names like Willie Mays, Frank Th omas, Reggie Jackson, Satchel Paige, Rollie Fingers and even Michael Jordan have been penned into the lineup cards for Birmingham baseball teams. In 2009, the Barons featured an opening day roster that included six of the top-10 prospects in the Chicago White Sox orga-nization. More than 290,000 fans packed Regions Park in 2009 to witness several Barons ascend to the big league level in-cluding Brandon Allen, Gordon Beckham, Tyler Flowers, Daniel Hudson, Jhonny Nunez and Aaron Poreda, each of who made their Major League debut in 2009. While watching the stars of tomorrow become the stars of today, the Barons fans were treated to some of the most exciting, aff ordable entertainment in all Birmingham. With ticket prices starting at $7.00, a family of four could attend a three-hour ballgame for less than it would cost to see a movie. As was the case in 2009, the 2010 season will feature a variety of great promotions

throughout the season. Monday night will see the return of Belly Buster Monday– an all you can eat promotion. Th ursdays will once again feature a Th irsty Th ursday pro-motion - $1.00 beverage specials and $0.25 wings. Th e fun will continue through the weekend, as every Friday game will con-clude with a spectacular fi reworks display. Saturday nights will see some of the most exciting acts in Minor League Baseball make their way to Regions Park, includ-ing Th e ZOO!perstars and BirdZerk. Th e weekend events will conclude with the weekly Kids Eat Free Sunday, a new pro-motion in 2009 that off ered a free kids’ combo meal with the purchase of a full-priced kids ticket. Th e weekly promotions will only be the tip of the iceberg, as the Barons will continue to push the envelope in 2010

with special themed nights. Star Wars, the 80’s and Pyro-Palooza III are just a few of the themes that will continue at Regions Park this season. Stay tuned throughout the off season for announce-ments on more promotions for the 2010 season, as the Barons front offi ce is tire-less searching for new way to entertain its ever-growing fan base. One such event that Barons fans will be treated to in 2010 is the 15th Annual Rickwood Classic. Each year, the Bar-ons honor their old stadium by playing a throwback game at Rickwood Field. Th is year’s event will be even more spe-cial as Rickwood Field turns 100 years old, marking the fi rst usable stadium in the United States to turn 100 years old. Th e game, which will feature the Barons taking on the Tennessee Smokies, will be played on Wednesday, June 2 at 12:30 PM. Tickets are available online or by calling the Barons Box Offi ce. Fans can also utilize Regions Park year round for their party needs. With a year-round catering department complete with eight unique picnic areas, Regions Park off ers a turnkey operation for par-ties of as many as 2,000 people.


Website:barons.com

community focus

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Gordon Beckham turnsa double play against the Chattanooga Lookouts.

The AT&T Michael Jordan Banquet Hallis a year-round facility perfect for weddingreceptions and birthday parties.


A special section ofHealthyc o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u s


RickwoodField Centennial

On August 18, 1910, Rickwood Field opened to an over-fl ow crowd and much fan fare, as the home team Birming-

ham Barons defeated rival Montgomery, 3-2. In the following decades, Rickwood Field hosted the play of baseball’s greats, and established fi rmly its place in Ameri-can culture. In 2010, in a year-long series of events, the Friends of Rickwood and America’s baseball community will cele-brate Rickwood Field’s 100th anniversary. Built by Birmingham industrialist A.H. “Rick” Woodward, Rickwood Field served as the home park for the Birming-ham Barons from 1910 through 1987, and is today recognized as America’s oldest baseball park. From 1920 through 1963, Rickwood also served as the home park for the Birmingham Black Barons, and stands as one of only a few remaining former Negro League ballparks. Th e old ball yard on Birmingham’s west side also hosted frequently the play of traveling and barnstorming Major League teams, with more than one hundred members of baseball’s Hall of Fame having run the bases at Rickwood. Rickwood’s legacy, however, goes be-yond baseball alone, and encompasses local and national social fabric and col-lective history. During Rickwood’s hey-day, attending games and supporting the local teams constituted a major social event and provided a source of commu-nity pride and civic identity. In broader terms, Rickwood provided the opportu-nity to witness the play of baseball’s icons, allowing Birmingham and regional resi-dents to participate in “America’s game.” Beginning in January, 2010, the Friends of Rickwood will host a year-long celebra-tion of the park’s Centennial. Highlights

variety of Rickwood books. Please visit rickwood.com for a complete review of the 2010 schedule of events. Th e Friends of Rickwood organization is proud to serve as the steward of the park, and appreciates greatly the support of the community. We look forward to an exciting year, and to seeing everyone at the ballpark. Please plan to come out and help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rickwood Field, a truly unique Ameri-can place.

On August 18, 1910, Rickwood Fieldopened to an over- flow crowd and muchfan fair, as the home team Barons defeatedrival Montgomery, 3-2. In the following

decades,Rickwood Field hosted the play of base-ball’s greats, and established firmly its place in Americanculture. In 2010, in a year-long series of special events,the Friends of Rickwood and the Birmingham baseballcommunity will celebrate Rickwood’s 100th anniversary.

please visit rickwood.com, and learn how

you can help celebrate

rickwood field’s 100th anniversary.

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include the 15th annual Rickwood Clas-sic, to be held on Wednesday June 2, and the birthday celebration to be held on August 18. Th e 2010 Classic will feature the Birmingham Barons versus the Ten-nessee Smokies, and will pay tribute to the park’s 1910 opening. Both teams will wear period uniforms, and Baseball Hall of Fame member and Rickwood veteran Harmon Killebrew will participate as guest of honor. Tickets for the Classic are available through the Barons ticket offi ce, 205.988.3200 or online at barons.com. Details for the August 18 birthday celebration are still evolving, and will include the dedication of a Rickwood Centennial historic marker. Other events for 2010 include exhibit collaborations with Vulcan Park and Museum and the Birmingham Public Library, plus numer-ous book signings by local authors on a


Email:[email protected]

Website:rickwood.com

focus c o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u scommunity focusRecreational Oasis in the City:Oak Mountain State ParkArticle submitted by Emily D. Cohen

If you live in the Birmingham area, I’m sure you’ve heard about Oak Mountain State Park. If not, then let me tell you a little bit about it. Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park is 9,940 acres worth of recreational won-

der. We are located just minutes from downtown, so we are the perfect place to escape to from the city, but still be close by. Oak Mountain off ers 17 miles of mountain biking trail with climbs from 600 feet to 1200 feet, 10 miles of horseback riding trails, and 24 miles of hiking trails. In all, that is 51 miles of trails. For those, that don’t mountain bike, we off er 10 miles of paved roads that you can bicycle on. For the younger bicycling enthusiast, we have the Oak Mountain BMX track. Th e stables at Oak Mountain off er guided trail rides of varying lengths, as well as pony rides for the younger ones. You can also bring your own horse if you want to. Do you like to fi sh or is playing golf more your game? Well, you can fi nd them both here. Oak Mountain off ers 3 lakes, each 80 acres or larger in size. All have catfi sh, bream, crappie, and bass. So come wet a line. If fi shing is not for you, come play a round on our 18 – hole championship golf course, then snack at the Golf Snack Bar inside the Pro Shop. Are you an animal lover? Well then, we are the place for you. Located inside Oak Mountain, there is the Petting Farm, the

Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. Th e petting farm has donkeys, sheep, goats, and more that your child can pet. Th e Treetop Nature Trail, which connects the Alabama Wildlife Center to Terrace Drive, has rehabilitated Birds of Prey that you can look at up close and personal. Located at the top of the mountain is the AWC and OMIC (Oak Mountain Interpretive Center). Just open in May the OMIC is an interactive exhibit hall displaying native ani-mals from Alabama and explaining the geological & geographi-cal features of the state. Come hold your family reunion or company picnic at Oak Mountain. We have pavilions that rent out for the day, as well

as tons of picnic tables throughout the park. We have all types of events going on in the park, from mountain bike races to fundraising walks to international tri-athlons. During the summer, the park naturalist has nature programs going on. Th e holidays are big deals for the park. We have an Easter Egg Hunt, something going on for Memorial Day, July 4th, La-

bor Day and the Christmas lights. If you have heard of Oak Mountain, then I am sure you have heard about Peavine Falls. Peavine Falls is the most popu-lar attraction here at Oak Mountain. Peavine Falls is a spring fed waterfall that cascades down a rock face about 60 feet. Being spring fed, the waterfall has more water in it during the wetter months or aft er much rainfall during the summer. You can spend an entire day here, or better yet, stay the weekend. We have plenty for you to do, and we have a place for you to stay. Th e park off ers a camp-ground with 150 sites. Some are full hook-ups with water, sewer, & electricity, others just have water & electricity, and some have nothing at the site. If camp-ing is not your style, we have ten 2 – bed-room cabins located around beautiful Lake Tranquility.

Park InformationPark Offi ce/Reservations: 205-620-2520 Golf Pro Shop: 205-620-2522 Hours: 7a.m. to 1 hour before sunset;

varies with seasonAdmission: $2 adults weekdays,$3 adults weekends/holidays,$1 children (6 – 11) & seniors (62+), children under 5 are free. Directions: From Birmingham, take I65 South to exit 246. Turn right off exit ramp, and enter into left hand lane. Turn left at stop light (State Park Road). Th ere is a BP gas station on the corner. Follow State Park Road until it ends at a 4 way stop. Turn left into the park. From Montgomery, take I65 North to exit 246. Turn left off exit ramp. Stay in left hand lane. Go under the interstate to 2nd stop light. Turn left at stop light (State Park Road). Th ere is a BP gas station on the cor-ner. Follow State Park Road until it ends at a 4 way stop. Turn left into the park.


Website:alapark.com/OakMountain/



Full Service Day Spa

Hair Salon

Aesthetic Center ForMen and Women

Monday–Saturday8 AM – 9 PM

Lee Branch Shopping CenterHighway 280

611 Doug Baker Blvd, Suite 214-DBirmingham, AL 35242

205-408-7221For Information, to book appointments,

and to purchase gift certifi cates

santafedayspa.net

“I could get used to this!”

The UltimateSpa ExperienceArticle submitted by Santa fe Day Spa

Santa Fe Day Spa is a metro spa, salon and aesthetic center with a staff of forty. Nestled on Grey-stone corridor of Highway 280 in

the Village at Lee Branch, Santa Fe Day Spa Salon is a unique fusion that has come out of the merging of the hair salon and spa businesses. Santa Fe’s guests love to pamper themselves and the service providers love to accommodate them. You will not be the only guest at Santa Fe Day Spa but they will try their best to make you feel that way! No wonder they were recently voted Birmingham’s best spa by Fox 6’s U-Pick Contest. Santa Fe Day Spa is a gathering place for many of the locals in Birmingham who love the relaxation in their spa, the animation of the hair salon and the sociable aspect of the nail room. Th eir décor and location in the over the moun-

tain Hoover area of Birmingham, Ala-bama, allows them to cater to the 18 to 55 upwardly mobile male and female de-mographic. Th e facility caters to couples who want quality services in a relaxed, friendly spa atmosphere. Th ere is also a spa café in the facility which allows Santa Fe Day Spa to be a leader in the market for group events like bridal parties, company parties, birthdays and family gatherings. A day at the spa is a perfect way to relax and make memories together. To insure your experience meets your expectations, they have several Spa Concierges on duty to assist you with your day at Santa Fe. Do not hesitate to let them know if they can make your visit to Santa Fe Day Spa leave you saying “I could get use to this!” Th eir website at www.santafedayspa.net has the full menu of services, a vir-tual tour of the facility and a chat box for questions. You can even buy and print gift certifi cates or make appointments on their website. For more personal as-sistance you may call 205-408-7221. You can even contact on the following social

networking sites: Facebook, Myspace and Twitter. Text SANTAFE to 30802 to get updates on events and specials.


Website:santafedayspa.net


focus c o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sc o m m u n i t y f o c u sSpa Trail Launched in AlabamaFive Spas Located inResorts and Hotels along theRobert Trent Jones Golf Trail

First came great golf in 1992. Next, luxury 4 diamond hotels were added. Now the latest hos-pitality advances in Alabama

come from world-class spas – fi ve of them – and the creation of the RTJ Spa Trail including a premier one at Renais-sance Ross Bridge in Hoover outside of Birmingham. “From traditional warm stone massag-es to caviar facials, the RTJ Spa Trail fea-tures fi ve spas across Alabama off ering innovative treatments in exquisite set-tings,” said Steve Solberg, president and CEO of PCH Hotels & Resorts. Owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the RTJ Spa Trail is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Resort Collec-tion. Spas are located in Marriott and Re-naissance Hotels in Point Clear, Mobile, Montgomery, Hoover and Florence. All of these locations have earned Four Dia-mond ratings by AAA and we have the top rated spas in North America for both the Renaissance and Marriott brands. “With 57,000 square feet of space col-lectively, the Spa Trail locations feature 38 treatment rooms and more than 130 employees dedicated to creating relax-ing and rejuvenating experiences for our guests,” said Solberg. “Th e RTJ Spa Trail features the two main attributes of

the renowned RTJ Golf Trail: quality and value,” said Solberg. “Th e combination of great golf, hotels and now spas is appeal-ing to both the leisure traveler and busi-ness meeting groups.” As part of the new Spa Trail, an an-nual RTJ Spa Trail Card was created to off er discounts on spa services, hotel rooms, dining and retail shopping. Th e RTJ Spa Trail Card costs $40 and comes with a $20 gift card which can be used in any of the fi ve spas. “Guests having spa treatments at each of the RTJ Spa Trail’s fi ve locations will earn a free treatment of their choice at any of the spas,” said Solberg. For more information on the RTJ Spa Trail Card visit the Spa at Ross Bridge or call 205-949-3041.Th e Spa at Ross BridgeLocation: Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa in Hoover, AL– outside of BirminghamSize: 12,000 sq. ft .

Number of treatment rooms:10 rooms plus 6 stations in the salonNumber of spa associates: 32Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a weekPhone: 205-949-3041Signature Spa Treatments: Signature Massage, Facial and Pedicure; Lavender Heaven Body Treatment, Hot Oil Scalp Massage and Back Exfoliation; Signa-ture Body TreatmentWhat makes the spa unique/ world-class:With the backdrop of sounds being played by a lone Highland piper, you would believe in an instant that you have been transported to the misty moors of Scotland. Th is sweet melody signals the end of day and the transi-tion to peace and relaxation. And so it is at Th e Spa at Ross Bridge where your peace and relaxation is our ultimate goal. Aft er a wonderful day of massage, a vichy experience and a head to toe makeover, you will truly understand the meaning of home being your castle. Most requested service: Signature Massage and Signature Facial Most unusual service: Combination Steam Table and Vichy Shower thatencapsulates your body during the Mud Body Wrap and Seaweed Mineral treat-ments on the RTJ Spa Trail.


Website:rossbridgeresort.com

community focus



DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park: Family fun for all ages!By Christie Graham

DeSoto Caverns Park located in Childersburg AL will be celebrating a milestone an-niversary this year. Th e park

has been building smiles for 45 years now. Th e park has seen many changes throughout the years, but the commit-ment to customers and to glorify god has always remained the same. Th e history of DeSoto Caverns is as vast as the many formations that cover its ceilings and walls. “It is the first cave of record in the United States,” remarks Allen Mathis III, great grandson of the original owner, Ida Mathis. “Traders used a trail found near the location, and one trader named I.W. Wright explored the caverns and carved his name and the date 1723 on a rock inside the main room.” During the Civil War, DeSoto Caverns became a gunpowder mining center. Th e Confederate Army mined saltpeter in the cave: a vital element used in the powder-making process. Years later, during Pro-hibition, the caverns were host to illegal bootleggers who turned the Indian ref-uge and burial grounds into a scandalous site of whiskey making, gambling, danc-ing, and violence.

In 1912, the caverns were purchased by Mrs. Ida Mathis and a number of friends with the idea of mining the cave for its abundant onyx (a colorful semi-precious stone). Mrs. Mathis was a well-known ce-lebrity throughout Alabama– one of the few nationally recognized women of her time. She traveled throughout the United States giving lectures on crop rotation to farmers and was a respected political figure in Washington DC as well as Alabama. Studies were made and the caverns proved to be a “gold mine” of onyx. All the partners expected to become million-aires from the mining operation. Howev-er, Mexican Onyx became popular about this time, and labor costs in Mexico were very low. More extensive studies of the caverns showed that the onyx was not of uniform high grade for mass production. Disappointed, the partners did not pur-sue their mining interests and the cave lay dormant for several years following. In the mid-1920s, Allen W. Mathis, son of Ida Mathis, bought out the other min-ing partners’ interest in the caverns and secured all underground rights to the prop-erty and surrounding areas. Th roughout the first half-century, DeSoto Caverns was a popular place of exploration for young romantics and teenage spelunkers. In the early 1960s, Mathis began to develop the caverns into a show cave, which was soon opened to the public. Extensive research into the caverns’ history revealed some exciting facts. For example, in 1965, an archaeological ex-

cavation undertaken by the University of Alabama unearthed the 2,000 year-old Indian burial now on display in DeSoto Caverns. Th at same year, under the di-rection of Fred Layton, the caverns were officially opened to the public. For the first time with the aid of high-powered electric lights the caverns’ colorful Onyx beauty could really be appreciated. It was first called KyMulga Onyx Cave, aft er a group of Chicka-saw Indians had established the Indianvillage KyMulga, a few miles away on Tal-ladega Creek around 1760. Mathis’ son and grandson, Allen W. Mathis, Jr. and Allen, III, took over the caverns’ opera-tion in 1975. Th en in 1976, the caverns were renamed DeSoto Caverns in honor of Hernando DeSoto. New modern back lighting was in-stalled, pathways widened and improve-ments added to facilitate large groups of visitors in safety and comfort. Back areas of the cave never before accessible to visi-tors were opened in 1980. Th e 1980s also saw the development of the spectacu-lar Sound Light and Water Show in the Great Onyx Cathedral room. For more information, call 800-933-2283, or visit www.desotocavernspark.com.


Website:desotocavernspark.com


focuscommunity focus

A special section ofHealthy

Entire Family A� ected When Dementia Strikes a Loved One:An Interview with Kathleen Miller,RN, MS, Certi� ed Dementia Trainer

By Sherry Kughn

The onset of dementia oft en has upsetting eff ects on fam-ily members. Kathleen Miller, R.N., M.S., Northeast Alabama

Regional Medical Center’s coordinator for their partial hospitalization program, knows this fi rst hand. When she was a young woman choosing a career, she had a mentor, an aunt, who was a physicist who was stricken with dementia. Miller’s empathy for her aunt and for others suf-fering from dementia helped her focus her nursing career. “It really got to me to see her strug-gling,” said Miller. “Her ego was tied up in her intellect, and for her to lose that was hard.” Miller, a certifi ed educator and trainer for those helping treat dementia, con-ducts an Alzheimer’s Support Group on Tuesdays at NERMC. In addition, she stays in close contact with the work of Dr. Richard E. Powers, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist and neuropathologist, who oversees Alabama’s Dementia Education & Training Program. Miller said Powers’ work helps her understand how complex dementia is and how devastating it is to

families and society. “Th is disease is not part of the natu-ral aging process,” she said. “It is a dis-ease aff ected by many components, such as nutrition, medications, exercise, andgenetics.” Miller recommends to families whose loved ones are developing dementia to seek help early, especially from a lawyer. If dementia patients wait too long, they cannot give directives to their loved ones about how their care will proceed, a trag-edy that sometimes hurts families who are struggling to decide who will make decisions for the patient, she said. Aft er making sure medical directives are in place, dementia patients should be evaluated to rule out other health prob-lems. If a physician diagnoses dementia through physical and mental exams that include also neurological testing, fam-ily members will understand why their loved one has been gradually declining in their ability to process language, in their loss of interest in other people and their normal activities, and in their emotional status. Sometimes the latter changes are the most upsetting to family members, and dementia patients can have mood and personality changes in the initial phases of Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institute on Aging. (Visit www.nia.hih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/coping.htm.) What is the treatment aft er diagnosis? Th e best that patients (and their fami-lies) can hope for at the current time is

that medications can slow the progress of dementia. “Th is may improve an indi-vidual’s quality of life, ease the burden on caregivers, or delay admission to a nurs-ing home,” according to website of Th e National Institute of Health. It also states how some dementia patients are helped with specifi c tasks designed to improve cognitive functioning. (Visit http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/de-mentia.htm for further information.) Miller describes a program that she is proud exists in Calhoun County, Project Lifesaver. A few years ago, several agen-cies pooled their resources to provide de-mentia patients a tracking device in the form of a bracelet for only $10 a month.“If a dementia patient gets lost or wan-ders away, the Calhoun County Sher-iff ’s Offi ce can quickly fi nd them,” said Miller. Also, Miller points out that NEARMC has a geriatric unit for senior citizens who are in need of medication manage-ment, especially if they are agitated and frustrated. Care for the caregivers is another com-ponent related to dementia. “Caregivers get worn out completely,” said Miller. “Oft en they’ll almost die before they place their loved one in an institution.” Miller said she also works closely Dr. Christopher Randolph, who practices both general and geriatric psychiatry in Anniston, Alabama. Dr. Randolph and she work together to match resources with local dementia patients and their families. “And, as we all work together, we hope for a cure someday,” said Miller. “Th ere are many dedicated people work-ing on it, and we hope to fi nd one.” Th e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite interesting statistics on caregivers: between 25-29 percent of caregivers in the Unites States provide care for dementia patients, there are 9.9 million caregivers for dementia patients, family members provide 87 percent of the care given to those with dementia, and children between the ages of 8-18 provide 18 percent of care. (Visit http://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/alzheim-er.htm.)


www.DanberryAtInverness.com 235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL 35242

C O R P O R A T I O N

Danberry at Inverness offers seniors independent living unlike anywhere else. Amenities designed to move the body. Every day conveniences for easy living and a breathtaking natural setting designed to stir the soul. Danberry at Inverness is everything you want and more. Brought to life by Daniel Corporation, with extraordinary apartment rental and on-site assisted living. Call (205) 443-9500 for more information on upcoming events or to arrange a tour.

2010 is The Year for Distinctively Different Retirement Living!

Come and experience the beauty and vitality of Danberry at Inverness–

Now Open! Now Open!

Independent & Assisted Living

Accommodations

Now Available!

Call today!

More and More Seniors Pursuing Healthy Lifestyles in Today’s Newly Designed Retirement CommunitiesArticle submitted by Danberry at Inverness

Older adults who are both physically and socially active reduce their risks of heart disease and diabetes and in-

crease their chances of staying mentally alert and able to live independently, ac-cording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reading, play-ing games, taking or teaching classes—all are ways to stay healthy both mentally and physically. In addition, studies sug-gest that seniors living in full-service re-tirement communities may in fact extend their active, independent lives. Today’s retirement community often is centered around helping residents stay as strong and independent as possible. This may be accomplished through ame-nities such as an indoor swimming pool, exercise programs targeting core fitness, strength training equipment, access to a personal trainer, a full calendar of classes with everything from water aerobics to yoga, a spa with massage therapy, semi-nars and lectures, and more. These com-munities may also be located in beautiful settings with ample walking and biking trails.

A Distinctively Different Address A new senior living community in Hoover, Alabama, Danberry at Inverness offers all the ingredients of an effective wellness program, including dynamic se-nior fitness opportunities complemented by senior-friendly spa services, nutritious and delicious dining, and a full calendar of activities and events. In addition, through-out the Danberry Clubhouse, nature seam-lessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the atrium lobby, English tea gardens and cascading waterfalls. Cottage ownership and apartment rental are available at Danberry. Apart-ment residents enjoy an array of ameni-ties including housekeeping, as well as chef-prepared meals and concierge ser-

vices in the Danberry Clubhouse. The same exceptional design and natural flair of the main community is carried over to the Assisted Living suites. Cottage residents enjoy the amenities of the Danberry at Inverness main club-house, as well as golf, tennis and social activities of the Inverness Country Club.

Live Life to the Fullest “A full-service retirement community offers today’s seniors opportunities to stay active and in the mainstream, and have peace of mind for the future,” said Danberry at Inverness Sales Director Lori Dodd. “We believe that Danberry offers people over 55 independent living unlike anywhere else—one that encour-ages growth, learning and discovery of new things about yourself and your en-vironment. Here, you truly can celebrate life with style.” Danberry at Inverness is the vision of Daniel Corporation, a nationally ac-claimed and intuitive developer dedi-cated to offering remarkable lifestyles. To learn more, call (205) 443-9500 or visit www.DanberryAtInverness.com.


Address:235 Inverness Center Dr.Hoover, AL

Website:DanberryAtInverness.com


To learn more about Jasonto read other stories of hope

or to share your own story, visit

www.childofchildrens.com.

Jason Petersonis a child of Children’s.Two-year-old Jason Peterson was playing with his grandparent’s dog when his legs became tangled in the cord of an electriccoffee pot. A full pot of hot coffee fell onto his shirtless torso, burning his chest, stomach and back. Jason was rushed to theemergency room at Children's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with 2nd and 3rd-degree burns.

“I was asked to stay in the waiting room, which was very h ard because Jason did not want to leave my arms and I was soworried about him,” says his mother, Darlene Winston. “But the doctors and nurses who treated Jason were simply awesome. They went the extra mile in draining his softball-sized blisters, and then provided me with thorough care instructions beforedischarging him home. We continued to visit the Hospital on an outpatient basis until he had completely healed.

“Because of the care he received at Children’s Hospital, Jason does not have any residual scars from his 1976 accident,” shesays. “He grew up to become a registered nurse and, in 1994, he began working at Children’s. Today, he is the TransportCoordinator for the Hospital’s CAREFlight Critical Care Transport, a Jefferson County deputy sheriff reserve officer and theassistant fire chief for his local volunteer fire department. He is passionately dedicated to his jobs, and I cannot help butwonder whether the personalized care he received during his childhood injury makes him even more enthusiastic andconscientious about helping people --- especially children.”

COC Jason:COC Jason 12/21/09 8:55 AM Page 1

Jason Peterson is a Child of Children’s

Jason Peterson fi rst became acquaint-ed with Children’s Hospital of Alabama as a two-year-old burn victim in 1976; in 1994 he returned to Children’s as a reg-istered nurse. Nine years later, he would face one of his most challenging nurs-ing roles when he and the Critical Care Transport Team fl ew to New Orleans to rescue babies stranded aft er Hurricane Katrina. Jason’s leadership during this trans-port, as well as his reporting of the event, would bring national attention to the work of Children’s Hospital. A year later, Jason would be honored by Children’s Miracle Network as a recipient of its 2006 Miracle Achievement Award.

Jason Peterson fi rst became acquaint-ed with Children’s Hospital of Alabama as a two-year-old burn victim in 1976; in 1994 he returned to Children’s as a reg-istered nurse. Nine years later, he would face one of his most challenging nurs-ing roles when he and the Critical Care Transport Team fl ew to New Orleans to rescue babies stranded aft er Hurricane

Jason’s leadership during this trans-port, as well as his reporting of the event, would bring national attention to the work of Children’s Hospital. A year later, Jason would be honored by Children’s Miracle Network as a recipient of its 2006

Th e following is a recounting of an e-mail Jason sent to Children’s Hospitaladministrators aft er the Transport Team returned return from Ochsner Medical Center on August 31, 2005. Th e following day, the team returned to pick up two more infants; all six babies survived and were transported back to New Orleans.Subject: Neonatal Evacuation Report from New OrleansJust to update everyone. We just returned from New Orleans to Birmingham with four neonatal patients at the same time on transport. We fl ew to NewOrleans airport via jet and Lifesaver helicopter met us there with the helicop-ter. Lifesaver took three crew members from the airport to Oschner since there was no ground access due to fl ooding. Oschner’s heliport was under water and we landed on the parking deck.

With equipment in hand, we walked down six fl ights of stairs, (all of the el-evators are out of service), through the hospital where there is caution tape and leaks all throughout the hallways. We then walked up two fl ights of stairs to the unit where they are now caring for the babies. Luckily it was now the second fl oor instead of originally the 10th fl oor. All of the windows were blown outof the 10th fl oor by the storm. On the fl ight into the airport all you could see is destruction and water everywhere, I thought, “Truly a saddening sight,” then with the fl ight on the helicopter it got worse. We were much closer at that point and could see more destruction, more water, looters, Police/EMS and uncontrolled fi res all over. Upon entering the make-shift nursery, the fi rst two staff members were on phones crying their eyes out talking to someone on the other end trying to cope. All of the staff in the unit was overjoyed to see that someone had come to help. Th ey had requested help from all over, but they told us we were the only ones to show up today. Th ey thought we were coming for only one patient and when we told them we had the resources to transport four, they were shocked to say the least. Th en we said maybe we can help more tomorrow and, to our surprise, they all were even more excited that we would come back again to help. Th e nurse practitioner in the unit pulled me aside and asked me, “How bad is it out there, looking from the air? I mean really, is it as bad as they say?” With tears running down her face and tears in my eyes, I said, “Yes, ma’am it is, maybe worse and my heart is brokenfor all of you down here.” With that she had to walk away. All of the staff are working in t-shirts, shorts and fl ip fl ops due to the lack of ventilation. It was at least 110-120 degrees in the unit. Th ey had all of the babies in open cribs or warmers that were off and all were down to their diapers, some with elevated temps still. All of the staff have been there since Saturday and said they don’t think they will be able to leave until the 5th of September. With that said, many have nothing to go home to. New Orleans is in a total state of destruction and chaos, and my heart is bro-ken so badly. I didn’t have good words to make them feel better, but made sure they all knew they were in my thoughts and prayers.

I’m sorry to have been so chatty but I had to release somewhat.Respectfully and mentally/emotionally drained,

Jason Peterson, RNCoordinator, Critical Care TransportChildren’s Hospital of Alabama

Upon entering the make-shift nursery, the fi rst two staff members were on phones crying their eyes out talking to someone on the other end trying to cope. All of the staff in the unit was overjoyed to see that someone had come to help. Th ey had requested help from all over, but they told us we were the only ones to show up today. Th ey thought we were coming for only one patient and when we told them we had the

and all were down to their diapers, some with elevated temps still. All of the staff helpful infoWebsite:childofchildrens.com





“I was asked to stay in the waiting room, which was very hard because Jason did not want to leave my arms and I was soworried about him,” says his mother, Darlene Winston. “But the doctors and nurses who treated Jason were simply awesome. They went the extra mile in draining his softball-sized blisters, and then provided me with thorough care instructions beforedischarging him home. We continued to visit the Hospital on an outpatient basis until he had completely healed.







“I was asked to stay in the waiting room, which was very hard because Jason did not want to leave my arms and I was soworried about him,” says his mother, Darlene Winston. “But the doctors and nurses who treated Jason were simply awesome. They went the extra mile in draining his softball-sized blisters, and then provided me with thorough care instructions beforedischarging him home. We continued to visit the Hospital on an outpatient basis until he had completely healed.



I’m sorry to have been so chatty but I had to release somewhat.I’m sorry to have been so chatty but I had to release somewhat.

EMAIL


A Fall Prevention Program for Seniors

Balanced for LifeIt’s at the heart of what we do.

Do you find yourself sometimes unsteady,

using assistive devices or limiting your

daily activities due to fear of falling? Do

you experience symptoms like dizziness

when getting up or down or neuropathy

– a loss of feeling in your feet?

We may be able to help. Our therapists

have comprehensive advanced training

in balance and rehabilitation of the

three systems of balance to help you

prevent falls.

With the right education and assistance,

it may be possible to regain your

confidence – and find your balance.

www.amedisys.com

Home Health Care

It’s at the heart ofwhat we do.

Amedisys Home Health Care offers patients the

choices necessary to maintain and even improve

their quality of life—at home, where they feel most

comfortable and recover more quickly. Amedisys’

range of patient services includes: Skilled Nursing;

Home Health Aides; Medical Social Workers;

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy; and

Disease Management Programs.

Amedisys Home Health Lakeshore of Birmingham2204 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 110

Homewood, AL 35209Ph. 205.868.0147 • Fax 205.803.4126

Amedisys Home Health of Blountsville69115 Main Street

Blountsville, AL 35031Ph. 205.429.4919 • Fax 205.429.4936

Amedisys Home Health of Brent 10341 Hwy 5, Suite E

Brent, AL 35034Ph. 205.926.6309 • Fax 205.926.6231

Amedisys Home Health of Clanton 1601 7th Street, North, Suite B

Clanton, AL 35045Ph. 205.755.5509 • Fax 205.755.9980

Amedisys Home Health1900 Crestwood Boulevard, Suite 95

Irondale, AL 35210Ph. 205.930.0720 • Fax 205.930.9762

Amedisys of Walker4330 Hwy 78 East, Suite 208

Jasper, AL 35501Ph. 205.295.2434 • Fax 205.384.6117


Address:2019 Fourth Avenue N., Ste 101Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Website:mmqbc.org

If you know the the Bible even alittle, you’ll fi nd this hilarious!

It comes from a Catholic elementary school test. Kids were askedquestions about the Old andNew Testaments. The followingstatements about the Biblewere written by children.

“Lots wifewas a pillar ofsalt during the day, but a ball of fi re during thenight.”

“The greatestmiracle in the Bible

is when Joshua told his son to

stand still and he obeyed him.”

Just for Laughs!

“Adam and Evewere created from

an apple tree. Noah’s wife was Joan of Ark. Noah built an ark and the animals came on

in pears.”

The Egyptians

were all drowned in

the dessert. After-

wards, Moses went up

to Mount Cyanide

to get the Ten

Commandments.

“Sampson wasa strong man who let himself beled astray bya Jezebel like Delilah.”

All were submitted via

email Jan., 2010 by unknown

author.

“In the fi rst

book of the Bible,

Guinessis, God got

tired of creating

the world so he took

the Sabbath off.”

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Football Brought � em Together, Fund-Raising Set � em ApartArticle submitted byTh e Crippled Children’s Foundation.

In 1929, 10 years prior to the con-ception of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club of Birmingham, a group of concerned Birmingham

businessmen got together to raise mon-ey to fi ght Alabama’s and the nation’s most dreaded childhood curse – polio. Zipp Newman, sports editor of Th e Bir-mingham News, established the Mon-day Morning Quarterback Club in 1939 with two objectives in mind: celebrating

regional college football, but more im-portantly, supporting the fi ght against polio. Th e club’s motto at its inception was “football brought them together… fundraising set them apart.” Seventy years later, these words ring truer than ever before. Th rough direct fundraising and the sponsorship of an annual high school football game, the Club raised over $3 million to build the Crippled Children’s Clinic and Hospital. Upon eradication of polio during the 1960’s, the Crippled Children’s Clinic and Hospital became part of UAB and the Crippled Children’s Foundation was formed. Since then, the Monday Morning Quaterback Club’s fundraising eff orts and support of Ala-bama’s children have grown signifi cantly, and the lives of many needy children have been positively impacted. Today, the 550 members of the Mon-day Morning Quarterback Club of Bir-mingham owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our original founders and others whose foresight and dedication

“We have raised over $18 million dollars to assist with children’s

medical needs.”

established an organization still unique today. As we observe our 71st year of serving the medical needs of children, we pledge to work even harder in sup-porting these needy children.

Serving SeriouslyIll Children and � eir FamiliesArticle submitted by Jim RayExecutive Director of Children’s Harbor

Children’s Harbor, a 501(c)(3) non-profi t organization, was founded by Ben and Luanne Russell in 1989 for the sole

purpose of serving seriously ill children and their families. Th e beautiful Lake Martin campus, lo-cated 15 miles south of Alexander City on Highway 63, is built around a pic-turesque New England seaside village motif and features a full-scale replica of the famous Plymouth Lighthouse as well as a charming little early American Church, Children’s Chapel. Th e lakeside setting is also home to the Harbor Lodge and Conference Center, Church in the Pines, Harbor House, Mariners’ Adven-ture Camp, Mariners’ Adventure Course, Mariners’ Retreat Center (Concord and Salem Cottages), Time Capsule Park, and our administrative headquarters. Our primary eff ort is centered around the Children’s Harbor Family Center at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Th e Family Center is a collaborative eff ort with Children’s Hospital of Alabama and provides counseling, social work, edu-cation, and support services to children who have long-term, serious illnesses as well as to their families. Children’s Harbor also provides camp-ing and adventure services on our Lake Martin campus to these children and their families, as well as other children and families with special needs. Contributions from individuals, busi-nesses, churches, clubs, foundations, and others are used to provide services to the children and their families.


Address:1 Our Children’s HighwayAlexander City, AL 35010

Website:childrensharbor.com

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I fi rst became familiar with CH (Childern’s Harbor) more than a decade and a half ago. I met Jim Ray at a meeting concerning children in need. Over the years I observed from a distance the fi ne work being done and the growth of the organization since I too serve in a child welfare nonprofi t. But in March 2005 our knowledge of CH grew in the midst of crisis.In 2001 we had the privilege of providing foster care to a newborn baby girl.We were blessed with the opportunity to adopt her a few years later. But on the last day of February 2005 Savannah was taken to the ER of Children’s Hospital seriously ill. She was soon diagnosed with Encephalitis. A virus had attacked the motor control portion of her brain. Aft er being in and out of the Special Care Unit and nearly dying she was stabilized. However, for weeks she was lifeless with feeding tubes and IVs. For weeks my wife and I were hardly ever gone from her side. However,we learned of the wonderful programs off ered by CH just across, “the bridge”. From time to time my wife or I would escape and use these benefi cial facili-ties. We were always greeted with warmth and compassion. We also met other families who were experiencing challenges of their own involving their children. We knew we were not alone. We knew that others wanted to help. Aft er a few weeks Savannah became conscious and alert. She began ever so slowly to regain some limited motor skills. As soon as she was permitted to leave the ward we took the short trip across the above ground sidewalk to the Children’s Harbor facilities. Savannah was pampered and my wife and I were feed wonderful meals provided through Children’s Harbor by local charitable groups. Children’s Harbor was a bright star in a dark period of our lives. Th e positive impact did not end there. Last year Savannah and our fam-ily had the opportunity to attend Camp STRIVE sponsored by Lakeshore Foundation and hosted by Children Harbor at Lake Martin. Th e new lodge facilities were ideal for Savannah and other children with limited mobility. Just last weekend we returned to Children’s Harbor for the second time with Camp STRIVE and fully enjoyed the wonderful experience. Savannah is an energetic child. However, she was super-charged this year and enjoyed the experience more than any thing she has done in the past two years. As a veteran of the nonprofi t sector I have the opportunity to observe many organizations that were created to serve the needs of children with special needs. Yet, Children’s Harbor is a cut above the rest. You meet the specifi c needs of a specifi c and growing group of children in many unique ways. You are living your mission. My hat is off to your founders, the Rus-sells, Jim Ray, you and all the staff , board and supporters behind the scenes that are working daily to serve others. If I can assist you in anyway don’t hesitate to contact me. Blessings,Bob Robert L. Dewhurst, Ed. D.Director of Development Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministrieswww.alabamachild.com

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It’s been said many times but it is no less true, that any one can bring a child into this world– it doesn’t take any special intellectual or so-

cial prowess– but it takes a very special person to be a good, solid, responsible parent! As parents we certainly want to give our children what they need (we also try, at times, just to give them what they want). And giving children what they need is a full-time job! I’m not telling you anything if you are raising a couple of toddlers right now or have young grandchildren, but raising children is not for the faint of heart! You heard about the lady getting on a bus with thirteen children. Th e bus driver asked, “Are these all your kids or are you just on a picnic?” To which the lady responded, “Th ey’re all mine and it is no picnic!” So let’s just think of a few things that will help us be the responsible parents God expects us to be.

Responsible Parents lookto God for guidance. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). God is the giver of all life and is the source of all good things. Teaching your chil-dren about God early in their life is the key to them having a life-long relation-ship with Him. Of course you know that this means you, as a parent, must have a relationship with God through Christ. Teach your kids to pray – there is noth-ing like listening to your kids pray for the dog and cat, their teachers, their friends, grandparents and mom and dad! Read to them the great stories of the Bible. Kids are fascinated by the stories about Noah and the ark, David and Goliath as well as Daniel in the lion’s den and Jonah in the belly of the whale! Th e great thing about these stories is they don’t begin with “Once upon a time”. Th ey are TRUE! Be

sure to take your kids to church services. Sunday school and worship are great tools to help you in your spiritual walk with God as well as helping you help your kids in theirs!

Responsible Parents TELL their kids they love them. I know that sounds like such a little thing but actually saying the words “I Love You” to a child means so much. Are you aware of the countless number of children who never have a parent speak those words? Now there are those who say, “I show my love” and that’s impor-tant too, as we will see in a minute. But there is something great about hearing it! Your kids need the comfort, confi dence, aff ection, acceptance and affi rmation which comes through those three little but powerful words, “I love you!”

Reponsible parentsspell love T-I-M-E! It’s true– your kids want and deserve your time. Other than being a Christian example for your children I know of no other attribute that will bless your chil-dren more than spending time with them and expressing your love for them. Absentee parents miss more than ball games, plays, graduations and school ceremonies– they miss the chance to see their children, encourage them and sim-ply be there for them. Nothing substitutes for a parent’s presence. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends may all be present for an event but if mom or dad doesn’t show... it’s just not the same. I understand that emergencies sometimes arise and cause parents to miss a special event - but never let it become habitual. True enough, there may be another ball game next week, but your child will only graduate from kindergarten or high school once, or perform in that school play once or play that “once in a lifetime ball game” only once. So remember there are some events that will never come around again—so don’t miss them! Re-member: your kids need your presence more than they need your presents! So parents...teach your children about the God who created them… tell them you love them every day… and spend precious time with them… they will al-ways remember it and love you for it!


Responsible ParentingBeing a responsible parent… is there a tougher job in all the world?Article written by Richard O’ Conner, Minister,BS Secondary Education and Masters Degree in Ministry

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But what about when they’re young…discipline seems like such a hard job. Th e questions are many and the answers few. As a society we tend to listen to the “ex-perts” in child rearing. Some say when a child misbehaves put him in time-out and it will change his behavior. Others suggest the removal of a favorite toy or

game as punishment for an improper outburst. And at times those may be just what a child needs. Yet as a Christian preacher my expert on the subject is still God. Aft er all, He is the only one who raised a perfect Son, right? So what does God say about corrective discipline? It’s important to remember that disci-

pline can be both positive and corrective. For example, positive discipline is prac-ticed when a child brings home a good report card and you give them a reward; their soccer team loses a big game and you encourage them and love them and help them through the loss. Corrective discipline is much more diffi cult and maybe that is why we are hesitant about implementing it and of-ten inconsistent in our practice. Yet, God is clear that we should stand fi rm about correcting our children when they dem-onstrate bad behavior. Listen to the fol-

God…On Disciplining ChildrenArticle written by Richard O’ Conner, Minister,BS Secondary Education and Masters Degree in Ministry

Discipline. Not the most popular word in our society. Th e dictionary tells us it means “training to act in accordance with rules.”

In this article I want us to look at the discipline we, as parents, are called upon by God to instill in our children. God tells us to “Train up a child when he is young” (Proverbs 22:6). So we know that God directs parents to begin this process at birth and continue it, in one form or another, for life. Now the methods will diff er when our kids are forty and have families of their own, but we are still disciplining them when we are setting positive examples for them and our grandchildren, right? A synonym for “discipline” is the word “tutor”. A tutor, as you know, is one who teaches, instructs and encourages. So you see your job as a parent isn’t over when the kids leave the house!

“It’s important to rememberthat discipline can be bothpositive and corrective.”

lowing verses: “If you do not punish your children you do not love them, but if you love your children, you will correct them” (Proverbs 13:24 NCV). Th ose of us who have been around a while remember the verse like this: “He who spareth his rod ha-teth his son: but he who loveth him chas-teneth him betimes” (KJV). Th at verse speaks to the love of a parent for their child. “Love them?” God asks, then cor-rect them! And sometimes that correc-tion calls for corporal punishment. God’s word on corrective discipline smacks right in the face of the well meaning par-ents who sometimes say, “I love my kids too much to spank them.” For the parent who believes whipping is “too harsh” lis-ten to God’s message, “Don’t fail to punish children, If you spank them they won’t die” (Proverbs 23:13). Now they may sound like they are dying but God has an an-swer for that too. “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Proverbs 19:18). Ever told your child you were going to whip them and they started crying before you touched them? God says, don’t become weak and fail to punish them. Th e old saying, “Th is is going to hurt you more than it will hurt me” is true, ask any good parent. Yet God tells us the real reason we do this, “If you spank them you will

save them from death” (Proverbs 23:13). I think that “death” could be two-fold. A child who is consistently and fairly cor-rected when he is young is less-likely to involve himself in those sinful behaviors that might take his life early. Also, teach-ing, instructing, and correcting a child when he is young is the best way to set that child on a course that will ultimately lead him away from the second death in hell into life eternal in heaven. And that is just what God wants…all his children at home with Him.


CCELERATEDPhysical Therapy, Inc.

“Accelerating Your Recovery!”

Trussville205-655-8866

fax: 205-655-8868

Pelham205-685-1822

fax: 205-685-1824

Chelsea205-678-5035

fax: 205-678-5039

Accelerating Your Recovery!Article submitted by Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc.

Are you in pain? Have you lost strength, function, balance or the ability to move? Are you not as active as you used to be due to an injury or ailment? Have you tried physical therapy yet? Many conditions adversely affect the human body resulting in impairment or disability due to pain, loss of motion, strength, balance, gait and/or function. This result should not be considered inevitable or irreversible. Frequently, it is possible to resolve deficits left behind from injury or illness. Proper rehabilitation is often a key step in the recovery process and usually necessary to achieve a good outcome. The human body is very good at com-pensating once there is a problem. If this compensatory behavior continues then it inevitably will result in what is termed a “movement dysfunction.”

What is a movement dysfunction? A movement dysfunction is an irregular change in the body’s function due to injury or malady resulting in inefficient body operation. Movement dysfunctions can not only affect the musculoskeletal system but also the pulmonary, cardio-vascular and other systems as well. In order to resolve a movement dys-function a physical therapist will need to do an evaluation, diagnose the dysfunc-tion and design a good rehabilitation program. When designing a rehabilita-tion program, the patient’s feedback is constantly solicited in order to assure good communication, understanding and proper progression. Knowing a pa-tient’s prior level of function and deter-mining physical potential is an integral part of developing realistic goals. The length of the rehabilitation process usually depends on the severity of the condition, the health of the individual, compliance with the program and timely intervention. A delay in rehabilitation can lead to complications and potentially a poor outcome. It is imperative to start physical therapy as soon as one is medi-

cally stable and there are no contradic-tions. Accelerated Physical Therapy, Inc. (APT) was founded in October 2003 by Emmett Parker PT, ATC with the open-ing of the first APT clinic in Trussville. His mission was to develop an outpatient physical therapy company to provide outstanding rehabilitation services in a personable and professional environ-ment where all patients are treated with compassion and dignity. Today there are a total of 3 clinics that are located in Trussville, Chelsea, and Pelham. The facilities are commu-nity based providing outpatient physical therapy services with an emphasis on or-thopedics, spine, sports medicine and in-dustrial rehabilitation. All clinics operate under the same principles upon which the company was originally founded to provide our patients with the high qual-ity care that they expect and deserve. Our therapists at APT have nearly 40 years combined experience. They are dedicated professionals who truly care about their patients and want them to achieve their best possible outcome.

Dispelling Myths about Hospice CareArticle submitted by Odyssey HealthCare

Hospice is only for the last few days of life:Most people believe hospice care is only for those with only a few days or weeks to live. However, hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer, depending upon the course of the illness. When surveyed, more than half of the families we work with say they wish they had known earlier about hospice care. A longer length of service with hospice allows the patient and fam-ily more preparation time and more time to benefit from the full scope of hospice services.

Hospice Care is Expensive:Medicare and Medicaid cover hospice at 100%. Hospice accepts the Medicare and Medicaid hospice benefit as pay-ment in full for its services. Most insur-ance plans, HMOs and managed care plans also include hospice coverage. Odyssey covers medicines related to the patient’s life-threatening diagnosis, incontinent and wound care supplies, medical equipment (such as oxygen), re-spite care in a contracted facility, person-al care (assistance with bathing, feeding and dressing) and 24-hour, on-call nurs-ing, psychosocial and spiritual support.

Hospice is a Place:Hospice can be provided wherever the person is residing. At Odyssey, we will meet you at your point of need, whether that be in the Home, Nursing Home, As-sisted Living Community, Hospital or Hospice Unit.

Hospice is only for Cancer Patients:Hospice services are available for anyone who has a life-limiting illness. Other ill-ness which could qualify an individual for Odyssey services include: heart dis-ease, dementia, stroke, lung disease, liver failure and renal failure.

Hospice is the Same Thing as Home Health:Home health’s focus is rehabilitative and hospice’s focus is comfort care. Odyssey provides volunteers, spiritual care coun-selors, up to 13 months of bereavement services and four levels of care (includ-ing short-term crisis, around-the-clock nursing care when appropriate). Home health does not provide these services.

Choosing HospiceMeans Giving Up HopeHospice focuses on living…living as fully as possible up until the end of life. Hospice care consists of comfort care, managing someone’s physical, spiritual or emotional pain. However, hospice care also includes aggressive symptom management. In other words, at Odyssey we aggressively manage any symptoms, including all infections or wounds. Al-though we step in when a cure is no lon-ger available, we want our patients to be able to enjoy life as long as possible. More people could benefit from hos-pice, but it’s difficult to acknowledge that medical treatments have been exhausted. Hospice is a different form of hope, and people sometimes have a difficult time making the transition from aggressive treatment to comfort measures. A recent study published in the Jour-nal of Pain and Symptom Management reported that hospice care may prolong

the lives of some terminally ill patients. Among the patient populations studied, the mean survival was 29 days longer for hospice patients than for non-hospice patients. In other words, patients who chose hospice care lived an average of one month longer than similar patients who did not choose hospice care.(Connor, PhD, Stephen Pyenson, FSA, MAAA, Bruce Fitch, RN, MA, Med, Kathryn, Spence, RN, MS, Carol, Iwasaki, FIAJ, MAAA, Kasuke, NHPCO, Milliman, Inc, NY, Vol. 33, No. 3, March 2007, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Comparing Hospice and Nonhospice Patient Sur-vival Among Patients Who Die Within a Three-Year Window)

Only a Physician Can Refer a Patient to Hospice:No individual can be admitted to hos-pice without a doctor’s order but doctors are not the only ones who refer patients. Hospice is sometimes not mentioned as a potential treatment plan; therefore, some individuals, sensing an illness is pro-gressing rapidly, actually call to get infor-mation about receiving hospice care. Some signs that hospice might be ap-propriate include: significant weight loss, frequent doctors visits and hospitaliza-tions, loss of mobility or functioning, frequent infections, skin breakdown, diffi-culty performing activities of daily living, shortness of breath, limited speech ability and overall decline without explanation. At Odyssey HealthCare, we are able to admit within three hours of receiving a signed doctor’s order. This sets Odyssey apart from other hospices and is crucial to helping facilitate a smooth and quick hospice care transition. If you think you or your loved one might be in need of hospice services, please con-tact us at 1-877-637-9432 or 205-870-4340 to inquire about an evaluation.

helpful infoPhone:205-870-4340888-287-9259 (Toll Free)888-715-4225 (Crisis Center)

Address:2000B SouthBridge PkwySuite 150Birmingham, AL

Website:odsyhealth.com


Cross Train Your BrainArticle submitted byBrookdale Senior Living

Given the proper support and stimulation, one’s brain has the ability to change and grow during the years. Sci-

ence demonstrates that a holistic ap-proach to brain support and stimulation will bring the most benefi t. Brookdale Senior Living is dedicated to brain health. Using the six dimensions of Optimum Life, a list of suggested ac-tivities to maintain and improve brain health is highlighted below. Optimum Life®, a lifestyle where whole person wellness is achieved through ful-fi llment in six key dimensions of well-ness – physical, emotional, purposeful, social, spiritual, and intellectual. Opti-mum Life is exclusive to Brookdale Se-nior Living communities.

Physical DimensionExerciseOne of the most important activities to do for a brain is to exercise or move every day. Experts agree that anything that is good for the heart is good for the brain. Brookdale also operates Innovative Se-nior CareSM (ISC), a fully-integrated ther-apy organization that serves residents in on-site clinics within the communities. With ISC, residents have opportunities

to enhance fi tness, improve health, and/or regain independence.

Emotional DimensionStressStress is one of the brain’s major enemies. Th e stress response causes damage to the brain and reduces one’s ability to think and learn. To keep stress under control:• Getplentyofrestandexercise;both have been shown to reverse the eff ects of stress.•Learntouserelaxationtechniques like deep breathing, meditation, and imagery to remain in a relaxed state of mind.• Learntoletgoofthingswhichonehas no control.

Purposeful DimensionVolunteerStudies show that people over 60 who volunteer their time and talents are men-tally sharper, have healthier hearts, and live longer than those who do not vol-unteer. One does not need to formally volunteer to feel a sense of purpose. Even if one is very limited, he or she can do small acts for others.

Social DimensionStaying socially engaged is one of the most critical components of healthy ag-ing, both mentally and physically. Studies confi rm that when older adults become isolated, their health is very likely to de-cline and they are more likely to die. In addition, social isolation has now been identifi ed as an independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe that loneliness and isolation bring about a state of chronic stress that is detrimen-tal to health. Being with people provides mental stimulation because people are more unpredictable than anything else one encounters, therefore providing mental exercise.

Spiritual DimensionOngoing research by Dr. Andrew New-berg at the University of Pennsylvania is focusing on the benefi ts of meditation on cognitive function. According to Dr. Newberg meditation is an active process that requires alertness and attention and shows an increase in activity in the fron-tal lobes during practice. Research has

already shown the benefi t of meditation for stress relief. Dr. Newberg’s prelimi-nary fi ndings also indicate some benefi t for cognitive functioning.

Intellectual DimensionMentally challenging activities have been shown to help brains by strengthening connections between neurons, forming new connections and enhancing survival of brain cells. Th rough engaging in men-tal exercise one can help to build that “savings account” or cognitive reserve. In addition, one can “wake up” areas of the brain that have been quiet and not work-ing much. In order to be eff ective mental exercise must contain the following three components:•Novelty–Learnnewthingsandtryto improve on things already known.• Variety–Doavarietyofactivitiesto challenge all areas of the brain.• Challenge–Mentalexerciseshouldbe challenging, but not stressful. Cross Train Your Brain is an extension of Brookdale’s mission to enrich the lives of those it serves. Brain fi tness can be im-proved, and, when done, will positively impact the aging process.

helpful infoPhone:205-870-0786(Brookdale Place University Park)205-985-7537(Galleria Woods)

Address:400 University Park DriveBirmingham, AL

3850 Galleria Woods DriveBirmingham, AL

Website:brookdaleliving.com

“Brookdale Senior Living is dedicated to brain health. Using the six dimensions of Optimum Life, a list of suggested activities to maintain and improve brain health is highlighted below.”


Thinking about staying where you are?Think about what you’re missing.

We’ve thought of everything to make your retirement lifestyleeverything you want it to be.

For your indulgence, enjoy superb dining featuring food

with a flair prepared by professional chefs using our own Signature

Seasonings created especially for senior tastes.

For your convenience, you’ll appreciate door-to-door

transportation to special events and outings.

For your comfort, we offer spacious apartments in a variety

of floor plans with housekeeping and maintenance provided.

For your good health we offer a variety of health and

wellness services.

All that’s missing is you!Call or visit us today to learn more.

BROOKDALE PLACEUNIVERSITY PARKIndependent Living

Personalized Assisted LivingAlzheimer’s & Dementia Care

400 University Park DriveBirmingham, Alabama 35209

(205) 870-0786

GALLERIA WOODSA Life Care Community

3850 Galleria Woods DriveBirmingham, Alabama 35244

(205) 985-7537

Our People Make the DifferenceSM

www.brookdaleliving.com

What will you � nd at Somerby?Friendships that last a lifetime.

Most likely, you’ll � nd Myra in the creative arts studio. Missy will be in the pool, and Jolene is probably holding court in the Somerby Room. But come lunchtime, you bet the sparks will � y. � ese ladies met here at Somerby, and it looks like friendship for life. Somerby is more than a smart, comfortable residence at rates that make sense. It’s the key to leading a life you want, a life you’d enjoy. Including health care if you ever need it. Discover your true spark. Somerby is the place.

Give us a call at (205) 408-6005, or visit us at www.SomerbySpark.com.

200 One Nineteen Boulevard | Hoover, AL 35242(205) 408-6005 | www.SomerbySpark.com

Call today to learn more about oursatisfaction-guaranteed Con� dent Move program.

ONE-4046-1.1_8.5x11_clr.indd 1 1/15/10 4:58 PM

Unique Joint Venture an Exclusive for Somerby

When you hear or read about the Birmingham area’s newest activeretirement community,

Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, one of the fi rst facts you’ll learn is this community is proud to have a joint-venture agreement with the St. Vincent’s Health System. Why? It means the two combined bring a powerful andexclusive opportunity to older adults in the region.

Somerby BringsMasterpiece Livingto Birmingham

It’s never too early or too late to fi nd your passion and make a diff erence in how you age. Somerby at St. Vin-cent’s One Nineteen is exclusively

off ering a research-based initiative called Masterpiece Living®, designed in part-nership with the Mayo Clinic to create a culture that embraces what research on aging indicates is possible — older adults can continue to grow throughout their lives. “What we know now is that lifestyle is the most important factor in determining how well a person ages and how healthy they are as they get older. Our residents want and expect a lifestyle that helps them remain vital and independent,” said Michael Mays, president and COO of Somerby Senior Living. “Masterpiece Living brings that way of life to a whole new level because it’s a community-wide initiative, uniting staff and residents.” Masterpiece Living is based onfi ndings from the 10-year MacArthur

Foundation Study on Aging revealing 70% of how we age is determined by lifestyle. According to the study, seniors age successfully when they are physically and mentallyactive, socially engaged and have purpose in their lives. Th is is the core philosophyMasterpiece Living brings to Somerby. Residents enjoy the oppor-tunity to develop a personalized plan to guide them towards the aging experi-ence they desire. Th e plan is based on feedback obtained from tools provided by the MacArthur Study and the Mayo Clinic; the staff at Somerby is dedicated to assisting residents in fulfi lling that plan. “Th e beauty of Masterpiece Living is that it acknowledges each person’s individuality and helps them in achiev-ing their personal best,” said Mays. “So at Somerby, you’ll fi nd residents not only exploring the latest fi tness programs with our partner St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness

center, but also developing their social, intellectual and spiritual interests.” Somerby is the only retirementcommunity in the Birmingham area tooff er this initiative. Masterpiece Liv-ing has proven successful in progressive senior living communities across the country as more people recognize and embrace the principles of successful aging. “We know with Masterpiece Living, our residents will fi nd a spark within themselves that is sure to make a positive impact,” added Mays. “We’re excited to watch it all happen and be part of it too.”


Address:200 One Nineteen Blvd.Hoover, AL

Website:SomerbySpark.com

where older adults can come for a variety of reasons — be it fi tness, physical ther-apy or just attending one of our monthly health-related seminars,” said Stephanie Holderby, executive director of St. Vin-cent’s One Nineteen Health & Wellness.

the region.

active, socially engaged and have purpose in their lives. Th is is the core philosophyMasterpiece Living brings to

Residents enjoy the oppor-

First, Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen shares a campus withSt. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness center in Hoover, and residents are literally a short walk away. Second, as part of Somerby Senior Living’s partnership with St. Vincent’s Health System, residents of the new Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen community receive full access to the state-of-the-art fi tness center through complimentary memberships. “We wanted our residents to have a completely unique experience by being on the same campus as one of the most progressive health and wellness centers in the country,” said Michael Mays, president and COO of Somerby Senior Living. Partnering with Somerby SeniorLiving is a natural fi t for St. Vincent’s Health System. At St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, individuals can fi nd myriad health care options — everything from 54 specialty physicians, diagnostics and physical therapy to wellness education and medi-spa services. “While we provide services for people of all ages, it is important to have a place

Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

Health & Wellness


helpful infoPhone:See our ad below

Website:dignitymemorial.com

Dignity Memorial:� ere is a di� erence…Article submitted by Dignity Memorial

Ridout’s-Brown-Service locations have been serving the Birmingham area for over 50 years. Our contin-ued goal is to be the preferred fu-neral home and cemetery choice in the area. We have served thousands of families annually at the most dif-fi cult times in their lives. Arrang-ing a service for someone you love is not an easy task and we take that very seriously, as we serve one fam-ily at a time just as though they are our family. We have found that there are an increasing number of families making arrangements in advance to ease the stress on families at the time of a death. Th is has proven to elimi-nate families from disagreements, diffi cult decisions, and save them hundreds of dollars in the future. As a result of being a Dignity Pro-

vider there is a diff erence in our fu-neral homes that sets us apart from other funeral providers. We provide programs and benefi ts that are not always provided by other funeral homes. Th ey include Child and Grandchild Protection, Aft er Care Planner, 24 hour Compassion Help Line, Omni Legal Services Mem-bership, an internet archive called Making Everlasting Memories, GriefLibrary, National Transferability of Arrangements, Dignity Personal Planning Guide, Bereavement Travel Discount, Away from Home Pro-tection Plan, and a 100% Service Guarantee Policy. We are making every eff ort to supply families with helpful programs that have not beenoff ered in the funeral industry in the past. We have seven funeral homes and four cemeteries conve-niently located throughout theBirmingham area. We also have a fl o-ral shop that has served not only our

Dignity Memorial Providersserving the Birmingham area…

FUNERAL HOMES

Gardendale Chapel2029 Decatur HighwayGardendale, AL 35071205-631-6252Elmwood Chapel800 Dennison Avenue SouthwestBirmingham, AL 35211205-251-7227Southern Heritage Funeral Home475 Cahaba Valley RoadPelham, AL 35124205-988-3511Johns-Ridout’s Funeral Parlor – Southside

2116 University BoulevardBirmingham, AL 35233205-251-5254Ridout’s Roebuck Chapel9012 Parkway EastBirmingham, AL 35206205-833-7171Ridout’s Trussville Chapel1500 Gadsden RoadBirmingham, AL 35235205-655-2173Ridout’s Valley Chapel1800 Oxmoor RoadHomewood, AL 35209205-879-3401

CEMETERIES

Oakwood Memorial Gardens2100 Moncrief RoadGardendale, AL 35071205-631-2100

Elmwood Cemetery600 Martin Luther King DriveBirmingham, AL 35211205-251-3114Southern Heritage Cemetery

475 Cahaba Valley RoadPelham, AL 35124205-988-3541Highland Memorial Gardens3115 18th Avenue North

Bessemer, AL 35020205-428-1201

FLORIST

Lackey Floral Company2508 7th Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL 35233205-322-5482

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family’s funeral needs, but also their special occasion requests. Please feel free to visit any of the following locations and inspect our facilities or call any of the locations and we would be happy to visit with you in the comfort of your home to answer any questions you may have.

Telephone Quitline Provides FreeHelp to SmokersSubmitted by the Alabama Department of Public Health and Prevention Control

Even with all the benefi ts of quitting smoking, it is hard for smokers to re-main smoke-free. Tobacco use remains the number one preventable cause of premature death and disease in theUnited States. But now tobacco users looking for help can call the Alabama Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-Quit-Now. Th e quitline off ers free counseling and a free personalized quit plan. Callers who are medically eligible can receive a free four-week supply of the

nicotine replacement patch to help them in their quit attempt. Participants can call the Quitline for help dealing with

cravings and social situations that may trigger tobacco use. Many smokers will require more than one attempt to quit to-bacco completely. However, with the help of friends, family and 1-800-Quit-Now, you can remain smoke-free and improve your health. For more information on the tobacco quitline contact Corey Kirkland with the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention and Con-trol Branch. Corey is the Tobacco Pre-vention and Control Coordinator for Public Health Area 10. He is based in Headland, Alabama and will be glad to assist individuals with quitline questions, set-up free training for medical provid-ers or discuss the service with employers. He can be reached at 334-693-2220 [email protected].

Pets May AidSuff erers ofDepression/AnxietyBy Sherry Kughn

Colleen Clark likes her job as director of the life enrichment program at the Tacoma Lu-theran Retirement Commu-

nity in Tacoma, Washington, especially because she gets to take her 155-pound Akita dog to work. His name is Yoshi, and he is a part of a pet therapy program, which includes two other dogs, a cat, two cockatiels, and several tanks full of fi sh. “Animals add so much to people’s lives,” said Clark. “I can’t imagine not having a dog. I don’t even like going places and not having my dog around.”

Th e National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recognizes that owning a pet can be a tool for treating depression. In an article about various psychother-apy treatments, the NIMH website states, “Working with animals… may help some people cope with trauma, develop empa-thy, and encourage better communica-tion.” (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml) One way animals help those who are depressed is that they provide a conver-sation starter. An article at Livestrong.com called “Depression and Pets” states that a study in 2000 showed dog walk-ers are more likely to have “social contact and conversation than people walk-ing alone.” (http://www.livestrong.com/article/14643-depression-and-pets) It is a well-known fact that those who are depressed benefi t from exercise, and walk-ing a dog on a regular basis helps owners get exercise. In a panel discussion of the bene-fi ts of animal companions that aired on July 10, 2007, Dr. Alan Beck told how pet own-ership improved people’s mental and physi-cal well-being. Beck is co-author of “Between Pets and People: Th e Importance of AnimalCompanionship.”

During the radio discussion, Beck told about the calming aff ect animals had on people in institutional settings, and he discussed how some professionals al-low pets in a counseling session because “people oft en open up in front of animals in ways that they do not in front of people, alone.” (www.lcmedia.com/mind487.htm) During the six years that Clark has worked at the retirement community, she has had no complaints from those who do not care for animals. “Animals have a sixth sense,” she said. “If a resident shoos a pet out, it won’t go back to visit them.”

“It is a well-known fact that those who aredepressed benefi t from exercise, and walking a

dog on a regular basis helps owners get exercise.”


Fun & Games

Name Date900200005035 (key # 1)

Sudoku PuzzleFill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9.There is only one solution to the puzzle.

Difficult

9 62 5 1

7 83 6 4 2

9 3 5 65 9

7 1 3 8 5 25 8 7 1

Name Date900010030658 (key # 1)

Sudoku PuzzleFill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9.There is only one solution to the puzzle.

Easy

36 4 2 8 3 5 95 3 7 2 81 2 8 6 5 9 3 43 9 2 1 64 1 7 8

6 2 4 74 8 3

7 3 8 4 5

Sudoku PuzzleFill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains

the numbers 1 through 9. There is only one solution to the puzzle.

Courtesy of edhelper.com

Courtesy of edhelper.com

How does God get those leaves to grow back onto the trees? And how does God keep grass growing back, no matter how many times you cut

it off? Now that’s something!–David, age 8

Memorable Moments

Bloopers taken from“Kids Say the BestThings About God”

by Dandi Dale Mackall

I know what makes God angry. It’s when God’s creations don’t turn out so good, like cockroaches and

my brother. –Alex, age 7

I can’t wait to get to heaven! There are streets of gold and you can play right out in the middle of them without getting yourself run over! Plus, you can play on a base-

ball team and not be the lastone picked. –Jack, age 6

When I get to heaven I’m going to get God to tell me about creating the funni-est creatures like anteat-

ers and penguins and platypuses and maybe

my friend’s Uncle Jimmy. And then we’ll laugh

our heads off.–Dixon, age 8

I’ wondering if we all get exactly the same kind of house in heaven, no matter if you are rich or poor

or just minimum wage because you don’t get to take your allowance

with you. –Becca, age 11

God talks to you way down deep in the bottom backside of your

head. So when other people scream at you in the front of your head,

you can’t hardly hear God.–Katy, age 9

Easy Hard

✮


Name Date(Key # 1 - 651211)

Sunshine--Friend or Foe?Find each of the following words.

RADIATIONCOSMETICSOLAR LENTIGINESWRINKLESMOTTLEDAGE SPOTSSKINBEACHMELANOCYTESEXCESSIVE

SKIN CANCERAGINGUNEVEN PIGMENTATIONEXPOSUREULTRAVIOLETREDDISHSUNTANEPIDERMISACTINIC KERATOSESSUNBURN

U N E V E N P I G M E N T E T O I N E E

L W O U S O L A R L E N T I G I N E S D

N R C I S O N U S E L K N I R W S I T L

O I E A T E E E R A S I P X A G N I A P

C N N R E A S P E X P O S U R E N N N P

A K N I X R T O I S D N I M O T T L E D

E L A D C S I N T D T S E L T T O M H N

B L T D E A O B E A E O C O S M E T I L

N T N I S S E P H M R R P A G I N G T T

I E U S S E I E S S G E M S N A G I N R

K L S H I L R A I E E I K I E L E T B O

S O T U V N S A D R G T P C S G S N E G

E I E M E I S I D L C A Y N I G A T A C

M V N I N R N S E I T I S C E N A O C C

R A T S B W E C R A A I S U O V I N H R

E R I T E L O I V A R T L U N N E T I I

D T N I X C E S S I V E I N B B A N C V

I U R E C N A C N I K S D O I U U L U A

P E E G K C O S M E T I C D N R R R E A

E O K E C S L I A S T U H E S N C N N M

RadiationCosmeticSolar LentiginesWrinklesMottled

Find each of the following words in the puzzle above.Courtesy of edhelper.com

Sunshine– Friend or Foe?By Dr. Gaston O. McGinnis

Without the sun there would be no sunrise, no sunset, no tress, and no grass. Life would not

be possible without the sun and yet we cannot withstand the full rays of the sun. Icarus learned this truth the hard way. According to Greek mythology, Icarus and his father were imprisoned in the labyrinth on Crete. Daedalus, the father, contrived a plan and constructed wings of beeswax and feathers and they fl ew away with ease. Daedalus warned Icarus not to fl y too close to the sun, but he did it anyway. Th e wax melted and he fell to his death. Even today some young people have diffi culty accepting advice of elders and get too close to the sun. With our dependence on the sun it is easy to understand how many cultures worshipped a sun god. Even in Judeo-Christian literature God is equated with light and evil, or the absence of God is equated with darkness. With all the blessings on the sun there are problems such as skin damage which can progress to cancer. So what it this stuff beaming down outside looking so pretty and felling so good? What we are interested in is part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Th is group includes electric waves, radio waves, infrared (heat) rays, visible light, ultraviolet light, roentgen rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays diff ering princi-pally in wave length. Ultraviolet light is classifi ed and A, B, and C depending on wave length, with C being the shortest. All of the C and most of the B is blocked by a fragile layer of ozone—and that layer of atmosphere has a hole in it. We can live on this earth only because of this thin layer. Th ere are ten to one hun-dred times more A than B, but B is one thousand times as eff ective in producing redness and fi ve hundred times more ef-fective in producing pigmentation of the skin. Th e amount of radiation we receive from sunlight is not constant. It varies according to the time of day, time of year, nearness to the equator and the altitude.

As ultraviolet light strikes the skin, some light rays are refl ected and a part of the light is transmitted to produce changes. Vitamin D is produced by sunlight, but only a few minutes are needed. Although B produces more tan, A penetrates more deeply and produces pigmentation in a deeper layer, primarily the dermis. Un-like B it also causes photo aging and changes which can lead to skin cancer. Some feel that these changes are more severe than those produced by B. Skin cancer was fi rst described in 1814. Th e relationship to sunlight was fi rst appreciated in 1874. Now in 2010 we have an estimated one million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer per year. Actually, we don’t know the true

incidence. Cancer registries don’t even record skin cancers. Every third new cancer is skin cancer. One in fi ve Ameri-cans will have skin cancer. It is by far the most common cancer if Caucasians and continues to increase. Some authorities estimate that the incidence will double in twenty-fi ve years. Th e rate of increase is currently about fi ve percent per year. Skin cancer has been called the quiet twentieth century epidemic. To add tour concern, we have not yet seen the eff ect of the loss of ozone layer and the eff ects of tanning salons because there is a ten to twenty year lag time before the eff ects of increased exposure is evident. Th e epidemic will increase as we enter the twenty-fi rst century.

Age SpotsSkinBeachMelanocytesExcessive

Skin CancerAgingUneven PigmentationExposureUltraviolet

ReddishSun TanEpidermisActinic KeratosesSunburn


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▲ A variety of Medicare health plans ▲ Prescription drug plans ▲Vision ▲Long term care insurance

Emergency Directory

EMERGENCY(FIRE AND RESCUE)DIAL 911

HospitalsTrinity Medical Center Montclair800 Montclair RoadBirmingham, AL 35213(205)592-1000

Baptist Medical Center– Princeton701 Princeton Avenue. S.W.Birmingham, AL 35211(205)783-3000

Birmingham VA Medical Center700 South 19th StreetBirmingham, AL 35233(205)933-8101

Brookwood Medical Center2010 BrookwoodMedical Center DriveBirmingham, AL 35259(205)877-1000

Callahan Eye Foundation Hosptial1720 University Blvd.Birmingham, AL 35233(205)325-8100

Carraway Methodist Medcial Center1600 Carraway Blvd.Birmingham, AL 35234(205)502-6000

Children’s Hospital of Alabama1600 Seventh Ave. SouthBirmingham, AL 35233(205)939-9100

Cooper Green Hosptial1515 South Sixth Ave.Birmingham, AL 35233(205)930-3600

Healthsouth LakeshoreRehabilitation Hospital3800 Ridgeway DriveBirmingham, AL 35209(205)868-2000

Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services6869 Fift h Avenue, SouthBirmingham, AL 35212(205)833-9000

Long Term Hospital of Birmingham, LLC50 Medical Park East Drive, 8th fl oorBirmingham, AL 35261(205)838-5100P.O. Box 610306

Medical Center East50 Medical Park East DriveBirmingham, 35235(205)838-3000

Select Specialty Hospital– Birmingham800 Montclair Road, 9th fl oorBirmingham, AL 35213(205)599-4595

St. Vincent’s Hospital810 St. Vincent’s DriveBirmingham, AL 35205(205)939-7000

UAB Medical West995 Ninth Avenue, SWBessemer, AL 35021(205)481-7000

University of Alabama Hospital619 South Nineteenth St.Birmingham, AL 35233(205)934-4444

Other Emergency NumbersAlabama Bureau of Investigation322-4691

Alabama State Troppers322-4691

Alabama Forestry Commision631-2000

Crisis Center323-7777

Emergency Management254-2039

Federal Bureau Of Investigation326-6166

National Response Center(Toxic Chemical and Oil Spills)1-800-424-2530

Poison Control1-800-462-0800

Alagasco326-8200

Alabama Power Company1-800-245-2244

Birmingham Water Works251-5634

Bessemer Water Department481-4333

Shelby County Water Operations669-3869

Sheriff sBlount County (205)625-4127Jeff erson County (205)-325-1450Shelby County (205)669-4181Walker County (205)302-6464

BellsouthRepair 1-877-737-2478Residential 1-888-757-6500Business 1-866-620-6000

Ambulance ServicesLifecare of Alabama(205) 945-6065

Lifeguard Transportation(205) 933-1911(205) 327-9911

Northstar Paramedic(205) 424-1911

Regional Paramedical(205) 991-8668(205) 979-8999

Rural Metro(205) 425-7911

References: Retrieved January 8, 2010from Jeff erson County Area Agency on Aging Of-fi ce of Senior Citizens Services on Aging fromwww.AlabamaDepartmentofSeniorServices.comTh e Real Yellow Pages, Greater Birmingham Area 2009-2010

IN CASE OF EMERGENCYDIAL 911


% Wellness Resource Directory

Adult Day CareEmeritus Assisted Living(866) 288-7620

Sunshine Manor(205) 403-0556

Assisted LivingChateau Vestavia, LLC(205) 822-4773

Columbia Cottage Mountain Brook(205) 968-0000

Country Cottages Magnolia Cottages(205) 987-0847

Country Cottages Oakleaf Cottages(205) 987-0847

Covenant Place of Gardendale(205) 608-2200

Fair Haven Retirement Center(205) 956-4150

Galleria Woods Assisted Living Homes(205) 985-7537

Golden Year(205) 833-9478

Greenbriar At the Altamont Living Homes(205) 323-2724

Heartstone at Greystone Valley(205) 854-2888

Home Sweet Homes, INC(205) 631-8489

Hueytown Retirement Homes(205) 497-1985

Kirkwood By the River(205) 956-2184

Oaks on Parkwood Assisted Living Homes(205) 497-4522

The Park at Riverchase(205) 982-7000

Peachtree Assisted Living(205) 655-1999

Smith’s Rest Home(205) 323-0193

Somerby At University Park(205) 870-0786

Elder LawCox & Reynolds (205) 870-1205

St. Martin’s In the PinesAssisted Living Homes(205) 956-1831

Tannehill Haven(205) 477-5724

Funeral HomesJohns-Ridouts Chapels(205) 251-7227--Elmwood(205) 631-6252--Gardendale(205) 879-3401—Homewood(205) 833-7171—Roebuck(205) 251-5254--Southside(205) 655-2173—Trussville

Southern Heritage Funeral Home(205) 988-3511

Home Health AgenciesAlacare Home Health205-981-8550

Angel Care(205) 822-1000

Caretenders(205) 783-7900

Comfort Keepers (205) 981-1800

The First Care(205) 313-2800

Gentiva Health Services --Midsouth(205) 945-4859

Homecare Plus(205) 298-9886

Jefferson County Health Department Home Health Agency(205) 933-9110

Mid South Home Health(205) 739-7800

Soleus Healthcare Services of North Central Alabama(205) 945-9281

HospiceAffinity Home Hospice Services(866) 697-0400

Alacare Hospice(205) 979-2659

Amedisys Hospice of Birmingham(205) 868-9221

Aseracare Hospice(877) 758-1450

Birmingham Area Hospice(205) 930-1341

Family Comfort Hospice(205) 502-5959

Hospice Compasssive(205) 970-8888

Hospice Service of Alabama(205) 682-9996

Kindred Hospice(205) 380-1023

Medical Center Hospice(205) 838-5745

New Beacon of Birmingham(205) 939-8799

Odyssey Healthcare of Birmingham(205) 870-4340

Southerncare Birmingham(205) 854-7252

Wiregrass Hospice(205) 682-9441

Insurance ServicesBCBS(205) 220-2100

Humana(205) 356-1251

Long Term Care FacilitiesBeverly Healthcare Riverchase(205) 987-0901

Birmingham Nursingand Rehabilitation Center(205) 798-8780

Birmingham Nursingand Rehabilitation Center East(205) 854-1361

Brookdale Senior Living615-564-8061

Cherry Hill Healthcare Center(205) 796-0214

Care Center of Vernon(205) 695-9313

Civic Center Healthand Rehabilitation Center(205) 251-5271


Consultamerica Cottage Hills(205) 744-8120

Consultamerica Healthand Rehabilitation(205) 836-4080

Danberry at Inverness(901) 685-5350

Eastview Healthcare Center(205) 833-0146

Estes Nursing Facility Northway(205) 328-5870

Fair Haven Retirement Center(205) 956-4150

Fairfi eld Nursingand Rehabilitation Center(205) 780-3920

Fairview Healthand Rehabilitation Center(205) 923-1777

Galleria Woods Skilled Nursing Facility(205) 985-7537

Golden Living Center--Meadowood(205) 425-5241

Golden Living Center--Riverchase(205) 987-0901

Greenbriar At Th e AltamontSkilled Nursing Facility(205) 323-2724

Hanover Healthand Rehabilitation Center(205) 933-1828

Jeff erson Healthand Rehabilitation Center(205) 849-2352

Kirkwood By the River(205) 956-2184

Lakeview(205) 836-4231

Medical Surgical Recovery Center (SNF)(205) 783-3550

Mount Royal Towers(205) 870-5666

Mountain View Healthcare Center(205) 428-3292

Oak Knoll Health and Rehabilitation(205) 787-2619

Oak Trace Care & Rehabilitation Center(205) 428-9383

Plantation Manor Nursing Home(205) 477-6161

Pleasant Grove Nursingand Rehabilitation Center(205) 744-8226

Rehabilitation andHealthcare Center of Birmingham(205) 933-7010

Self Health Care & Rehab Center Inc.(205) 491-2411

Somerby at St Vincents 119 913-491-0600

South Haven Healthand Rehabilitation, LLC.(205) 822-1580

South Health and Rehabilitation, LLC(205) 933-2180

St. Martin’s In the Pines(205) 956-1831

Sunbridge Care& Rehabilitation for Gardendale(205) 631-8709

Terrace Oaks Care& Rehabilitation Center(205) 428-3249

Trinity Medical Center Montclair(205) 592-1200

Trussville Healthcare(205) 655-3226

Meals On Wheels& Senior Meal ProgramsArea Agency of Aging(205) 325-1416

Crane Hill Senior Citizens Center(256) 7476241

Homewood Senior Center(205) 943-8564

JCCEO Senior Nutrition St. Joseph’s(205) 786-5402

Meals on Wheels(205) 592-0413

Senior Citizen’s Services of Alabama Inc(205) 942-5775

Shepard’s Center(205) 933-1273

United Methodists CenterFor Senior Citizens(205) 925-0451

Mobility SpecialistCentral Alabama Mobility(205) 879-3401

OncologistsAlabama Skin Institute(205) 426-5507

Hematology and OncologyAssociates of Alabama(205) 502-4700

Shelby Cancer Care Center(205) 664-4051

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center(205) 934-2760

Physical TherapyAccelerated Physical Th erapy(205) 655-8866

Rehabilitation CentersARC Th erapy Services, LLC(205) 870-0786

Children’s Hospital of AlabamaOutpatient Rehabilitation Center(205) 939-9621

Healthsouth Sportsand Rehabilitation Center(205) 930-4700

Th e Kirkland Clinic-Rehabilitation Services(205) 801-8700

Natural Wellness Center(205) 933-0404

Rehab Associates- Gardendale(205) 608-3606

Senior ServicesJeff erson County Area Agency of Aging(205) 325-1416

Shelby County Senior Services(205) 669-3828

Specialty CareAssisted LivingFaith Assisted Living(205) 925-3285

Galleria Oaks(205) 823-2393


Holly Cottage at County Cottages(205) 987-0847

Kirkwood by the River(205) 956-2184

Mount Royal Towers(205) 870-5666

Oaks on Parkwood(205) 497-4522

Plantation Manor Assisted Living I(205) 477-2213

Plantation Manor Assisted Living II(205) 477-2218

Plantation Manor Assisted Living III(205) 477-7666

Somberby at University Park(205) 870-0786

St. Martin’s in the Pines(205) 956-1831

Tannehill Haven (205) 477-5724

TransportationAlabama Medical Transporters(205) 324-4506

Angel Flight of Birmingham(205) 592-2645

Angel’s Transportation Service(205) 322-3099

Associated Global Systems(205) 592-2471

Birmingham Door To Door(205) 592-5550

Fresh Air Accessible Transportation(205) 744-7475

J & B Passenger Service(205) 781-5702

Metro Transportation Inc(205) 838-0960

Need A Ride(205) 942-7715

Potluck Delivery(205) 980-6877

Serenity Transport(205) 591-1990

Special Needs Transportation(205) 426-8307

Transporting For You(205) 322-2228

We Care Transport Services(205) 942-1517

Wheelchair Getaways Van Rental(800) 554-6893

% Wellness Resource Directory


National Helpful Numbers Directory

*

AgingAmerican Health Assistance Foundation(800) 437-2423

Eldercare Locator(800) 677-1116

National Institute on AgingInformation Center(800) 222-2225(800) 222-4225

Allergy/ AsthmaFood Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network(800) 929-4040

Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s Association(800) 272-3900

Alzheimer ’s Disease Education and Referral Center(800) 438-4380

ArthritisAmerican Juvenile Arthritis Organization(800) 283-7800

Arthritis Foundation(800) 283-7800

Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc.(800) 886-5963

National Institute of Arthritis(877) 226-4267

Brain TumorsAmerican Brain Tumor Association(800) 886-2282

Brain Tumor Society(800) 770-8287

Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation(800) 228-4673

National Brain Tumor Foundation(800) 934-2873

CancerAmerican Cancer Society, National Cancer Information Center(800) 227-2345

American Institute for Cancer Research(800) 843-8114

Cancer Hope Network(877) 467-3638

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation(800) 366-2223

Kidney Cancer Association(800) 850-9132

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link(800) 546-5268

National Cancer Information Center(800) 422-6237

National Marrow Donor Program(800) 627-7692

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation(800) 462-9273

Us Too! International (800) 808-7866

Y-ME National

Breast Cancer Organization(800) 221-2141 English(800) 986-9505 Spanish

Diabetes/Digestive Disorders American Association of Diabetes Educators(800) 338-3633

American Diabetes Association(800) 342-2383

References: Retrieved January 8, 2006 from Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging Office of Senior Citizens Services on Aging from www.AlabamaDepartmentofSeniorServices. The Real Yellow Pages, Greater Birmingham Area 2003-2004, 2010


*

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundationof America, Inc.(800) 932-2423

Division of Diabetes Translation(877) 232-3422

Juvenile Diabetes FoundationInternational Hotline(800) 223-1138

Drug AbuseDrug Free Workplace Helpline(800) 967-5752

Drug Help(800) 488-3784

Drug Policy InformationClearinghouse(800) 666-3332

Housing and Urban Development

Drug Clearinghouse(800) 955-2232

Parents Resource Institutefor Drug Education (PRIDE)(800) 279-6361

Fire PreventionNational Fire Protection Association(800) 344-3555

FitnessAerobics and Fitness Foundationof America(800) 446-2322 For Professionals(800) 968-7263 Consumer Hotline

American Council on Exercise(800) 825-3636

American Running Association(800) 776-2732

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Club(800) 932-8677

Weight Control Information Network(877) 946-4627

YMCA of the USA(800) 872-9622

Headache/Head InjuryAmerican Council forHeadache Education(800) 255-2243

Brain Injury Association, Inc.(800) 444-6443

National Headache Foundation(888) 643-5552

Hearing/SpeechAmerican Society for Deaf Children(800) 942-2732

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association(800) 638-8255

DB-Link

(800) 438-9376

Dial A Hearing Screening Test(800) 222-3277

Th e Ear Foundation at Baptist Hospital(800) 545-4327

Hear Now(800) 648-4327

John Tracy Clinic(800) 522-4582

International Hearing Society(800) 521-5247

National Family Associationfor Deaf-Blind(800) 255-0411 x 275

National Institute onDeafness and Other Disorders(800) 241-1044

Vestibular Disordered Association(800) 837-8428

Heart DiseaseAmerican Heart Association(800) 242-8721

Heart Information Service(800) 292-2221

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Insti-tute Health Center(800) 575-9355

HomelessnessNational Resource Center onHomelessness and Mental Illness(800) 444-7415

Hospital/Hospice CareChildren’s Hospice International(800) 242-4453

Hill-Burton Free Medical Care Program(800) 638-0742

National Association of HospitalHospitality Houses, Inc.(800) 542-9730

National Hospice andPalliative Care Organization(800) 658-8898

Shriners Hospitalfor Children Referral Line(800) 237-5055

ImmunizationsNational ImmunizationInformation Hotline(800) 232-2522

ImpotenceImpotence Information Center(800) 328-3881

Liver DiseaseAmerican Liver Foundation(800) 223-0179

Hepatitis Foundation International(800) 891-0707

Lung Disease/Asthma/AllergyAmerican Lung Association(800) 586-4872

Asthma and AllergyFoundation of America(800) 727-8462

Asthma Information Line(800) 822-2762

National Jewish Medicaland Research Center(800) 222-5864 (Lung Line)(800) 552-5864 (Lung Facts)

Parkinson’s DiseaseAmerican Parkinson’sDisease Association(800) 223-2732

National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.(800) 327-4545

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation(800) 457-6676

ProfessionalsAmericans with Disabilities ActInformation Center(800) 949-4232

Alliance for Aging Research(800) 639-2421



*

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology(800) 822-2762

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance(800) 213-7193

American Association of Critical Care Nurses(800) 899-2226

American Council for the Blind(800) 424-8666

American Counseling Association(800) 347-6647

American Nurses Association(800) 274-4262

American Occupational Therapy Association(800) 729-2682

Arthritis National Research Foundation(800) 588-2873

Association for AppliedPsychophysiology and Biofeedback(800) 477-8892

Association of American Physicians and Surgeons(800) 635-1196

Association of Operating Room Nurses(800) 755-2676

CDC National Prevention Information Network(800) 458-5231

College of American Pathologists(800) 323-4040

Dystonia Medical Research Foundation(800) 377-3978

Federal EmergencyManagement Agency(800) 879-6076

Federal Information Center, GSA(800) 688-9889

Glaucoma Research Foundation(800) 826-6693

Immune Deficiency Foundation(800) 296-4433

International Childbirth Education Association(800) 624-4934

International Chiropractors Association(800) 423-4690

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(800) 955-4572

Lighthouse International(800) 829-0500

Medical Institute for Sexual Health(800) 892-9484

National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention(888) 232-3228

National Child Care Information Center, ACF(800) 616-2242

National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials(800) 223-5219

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Service(800) 356-4674

National Jewish Medical and Research Center(800) 222-5864

National Pediculosis Association(800) 446-4672

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence(800) 537-2238

National Technical Information Service(800) 553-6847

Prevent Child Abuse America(800) 556-2722

Research to Prevent Blindness(800) 621-0026

RadiationNational Association of Radiation Survivors(800) 798-5102

RehabilitationAbledata(800) 227-0216

National Institutefor Rehabilitation Engineering(800) 736-2216

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors(800) 888-2876

United Ostomy Association(800) 826-0826

SafetyDanny Foundation(800) 833-2669

National Highway Traffic Safety Hotline(800) 424-9393

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Service(800) 356-4674

National Program for Playground Safety(800) 554-7529

National Safety Council(800) 621-7615

Office of Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard InfoLine(800) 368-5647

Safe Sitter(800) 255-4089

U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission Hotline(800) 638-2772

SmokingSmoking Quit Line ofthe National Cancer Institute(877) 448-7848

Smoking, Tobacco and Health Information Line(800) 232-1311

StrokeAmerican Heart Association Stroke Connection(800) 478-7653

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke(800) 352-9424

National Stroke Association(800) 787-6537

Substance AbuseNational Inhalant Prevention Coalition(800) 269-4237

SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information(800) 729-6686


Surgery/Plastic SurgeryAmerican Academy of Facial Plasticand Reconstructive Surgery(800) 332-3223

American Society forDermatologic Surgery, Inc.(800) 441-2737

American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Inc.(800) 475-2784

Suicide PreventionNational Hopeline Network(800) 784-2433

Th e Trevor Helpline(800) 850-8078

TraumaAmerican Trauma Society(800) 556-7890

VisionAmerican Council of the Blind(800) 424-8666

Better Vision Institute/VisionCouncil of America(800) 424-8422

Blind Children’s Center(800) 222-3566

Braille Institute(800) 272-4553

Foundation Fighting Blindness(800) 683-5555

Glaucoma Research Foundation(800) 826-6693

Guide Dog Foundationfor the Blind, Inc.(800) 548-4337

Guide Dogs for the Blind(800) 295-4050

Lighthouse International(800) 829-0500

Louisiana Center for the Blind(800) 234-4166

National Allianceof the Blind Students(800) 424-8666

National Family Associationfor Deaf-Blind(800) 255-0411 x275

Prevent Blindness Center for Sight(800) 331-2020

Seniors Eye Care Program(800) 222-3937

ViolenceNational Domestic Violence Hotline(800) 799-7233

WomenEndometriosis Association(800) 992-3636

National Osteoporosis Foundation(800) 223-9994

National Women’s HealthInformation Center(800) 994-9662

PMS Access(800) 222-4767

Women’s Health America Group(800) 558-7046

Women’s Sports Foundation(800) 227-3988Reference: Print Source: 2010 Toll-Free Numbers for Health information, National Health Infor-mation Center, Offi ce of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.


40Fit & Trim Aft erFeeling good & looking fi t became the motivationBy Sherry Kughn

I had always known what to do to be fi t and trim—exercise and eat less. My chal-lenge was to get and stay motivated. In 2003, my motivation at age 51 be-came the pursuit of a master’s degree from Jacksonville State University. I wanted it badly, but two of my biggest worries in tackling such a task were maintaining health and stamina. I didn’t want to get half way through and quit be-cause I was too sick or tired. Th e answer, I thought, would be to exercise daily. So, I established my work-out goal: I would exercise 30 minutes before dressing for

school, build up my stamina, and hope for the best on staying well. A wonderful thing happened dur-ing the following two years: I learned to enjoy working out, thanks to television’s exercise enthusiast Denise Austin. Her method is to encourage viewers to devote 30 minutes daily to a variety of exercises, all low-impact and easy to follow. Th ere is a combination of yoga, kick-boxing, stretching, dancing, pilates, and aerobics. Th e fi rst thing I noticed aft er working out consistently is that my legs felt stron-ger. I climbed stairs, not by holding onto rails, but by springing upwards. I walked across campus and arrived at classes re-freshed not winded. I felt good, too, most of the time and was able to keep up men-tally with students decades younger than me. Lastly, by the end of two years, I had lost a little weight and looked better, too. Would I stay motivated aft er graduation? I wanted to stay strong and healthy; so, even aft er I returned to my former job, I found there was no reason to quit following Aus-

tin’s exercise shows. In fact, I had more time; so I bought a few dance CDs and worked out to music. I felt better than ever. I had a new worry, though, about gain-ing weight—food. I was a homemaker again, which meant more time around food and more temptation to overeat. Th en, two things happened around 2006 that gave me more discipline: I developed gastroesopha-geal refl ux disease (GERD), and I watched a friend battle breast cancer. About GERD--A doctor friend calls the diet that controls GERD the no-good-food diet. He is right. My favorite foods were on the list I was not to consume, such as tomatoes, chocolate, carbonated drinks, onions, and mint. Oft en, I ate the foods anyway. My GERD grew so severe that I ended up at the emergency room one evening. I had to take strong medi-cations to overcome such a severe bout, and I never wanted to hurt that way again. Instead of focusing on the foods I could not have, I began focusing on the foods I could have.

Where friendships andmemories are made...

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205-956-4150

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Independent Living

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HealthyHorizonsFH2010:Layout 1 2/8/2010 10:55 AM Page 1

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Date post:	08-Mar-2016
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Healthy Horizons Magazine - Birmingham 2010

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