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Which Organ Is Most Important?

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learn biology in school

Which organ in my body is the most important?

Everything is in your body for a reason—even your appendix. However, your most vital organ is your brain. Why? You only get one! You can replace or live without any other organ, but you only get one brain.

Your brain is an amazing organ. It controls everything in your body. Your brain controls your heart rate, balance, coordination, what you see, and much more. Your brain uses nerves to send and receive information to every muscle and organ in your body. This constant barrage of input is filtered so you are only aware of the information that is important at the time.

A common example of this is when you hit your thumb with a hammer (usually unintentionally). The first response is almost always to shake your hand or squeeze your thumb. Any verbal reactions are unrelated to this example. By shaking or squeezing your thumb, you are activating pathways to the brain. The brain then shifts your focus and the pain feels less intense. Of course, this does not always work. But it often provides you the opportunity to continue with your day and to focus on something other than the pain.

Take care of your brain. Eat brain­healthy foods, such as spinach, blueberries, and fish (which have omega­3 fatty acids). Avoid unhealthy additives, such as artificial sweeteners. Run or walk for 10­30 minutes a day, and sleep at least seven and a half hours a night. A healthy brain leads to a healthy body!

How to Help Mom and Dad

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Walking in summer

Senior Citizens are one of the most valuable assets in our community. They possess a wealth of knowledge gained over a lifetime of experience. Unfortunately, we don’t always recognize how the needs of our loved ones change as they age. In order to properly plan for and help protect our aging relatives (or ourselves for that matter), it is vital that frank, often uncomfortable discussions are had and questions are asked, such as:

  • Who do you want to help you manage your finances if you can no longer do so for yourself?
  • What kind of end of life care do you want to receive if you are terminally ill or incapacitated?
  • What is the likelihood you are going to need long term care and how are you going to pay for it if you do?
  • Who do you want to give authority to if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and need a guardianship and conservatorship?
  • How do you want your possessions divided when you pass away?

The answer to these questions are as unique as each individual that asks them. In order to answer questions like these effectively, it’s always helpful and often necessary to enlist the help of an Elder Law Attorney. Effective representation of seniors must address a host of interrelated, often very technical issues. The question isn’t just “Do I need a will” (which you definitely do), it’s “how do I effectively plan for the host of life changes that may happen from now until I pass away, how can I protect what I’ve worked so hard to gain, how can I maximize the benefits I could be eligible for, and how can I protect and provide for my loved ones?” It’s also “How do I make sure mom or dad have what they need to be as happy, healthy and safe as possible as they age.” And as difficult as these questions and answers may be, a difficult answer to a tough questions is much better than no answer to a question unasked. For more information on how to effectively plan for the transitions that come with aging, contact the attorneys at Masterson, Bottenberg & Eichorn, LLP.

Information provided by Chad Eichorn, attorney for Masterson, Bottenberg & Eichorn, LLP. 14225 University Ave., Suite 210 515­216­0737, www.dsmlawyers.com. Mr. Eichorn is an Elder, Special Needs & Family Law Attorney and Partner at MBE Law. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to aid in application for Veterans Benefits.

It Takes A Village: Waukee YMCA

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It Take a Family to Raise Our Children

The Y is committed to nurturing the potential of youth. In order to do that, good role models are needed. Fortunately for our community, we have families like the Hunzekers. Three Hunzeker siblings—Clarissa, Miranda, and Erika—have led our youth as counselors in Y Day Camp and Child Care programming—five years, three years, and 14 months, respectively.

This summer, they’re working side by side.

Why the Y?  “I like how much the Y gives back to the community,” said Erika. Clarissa added, “I enjoy knowing that I’m helping children learn about Y values and other important things.” Miranda shared, “Every day is a new adventure. There are so many unique personalities in the kids in our program. It’s fun to be around them and teach them values they will use someday. I will definitely use this leadership experience in my future profession someday, as well.”

Erika said she feels the Y creates a healthy and supportive environment for their staff, as well. “I love Gretchen [Stanger, Program Director] and Cyndi [Doerr, Waukee Elementary Site Supervisor]. If I ever need something, or want to talk, they always respond. The connections you form at camp, with not only the kids, but also the staff, are special.”

“I’ve really been impressed as I’ve seen this family interact in our community, not just the Y,” said Eric Kress, Executive Director. “I also have personally witnessed their impact through my 7-year-old daughter. One day on the way home from after-school programming, my daughter shared that she and Miss Erika were not just friends, but great friends, because Miss Erika always talked to her and called her by name. It meant a lot to me, as a father, to hear about relationships like that being formed.”

All three Hunzeker siblings are or will be Waukee High School alumni—Clarissa in 2012, Miranda in 2014, and Erika in 2016. Clarissa is starting her first year of pharmacy school at Creighton University. Miranda just finished her first year at Graceland University and is pursuing a career in pediatric nursing. Erika anticipates studying psychology and human resources at Creighton.

This summer’s Y Day Camp programming focuses on relationships, belonging, and achievement. The program is specifically concentrating on achievement through water safety, sports, and exercise by using the Waukee YMCA facility and its staff leadership.

To learn more about Y Day Camp, child care, or any of the Y’s other youth program opportunities and services, visit the Y or its website, www.dmymca.org.  

If you’re interested in working at the Y, you can browse current job vacancies at www.dmymcajobs.org.    

Swimming Lessons Saves Lives

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71% of the World is Water & Children Are 100% Curious

Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But, as a parent or caregiver, you can’t keep your children sidelined. You need to equip them with the tools they need to be confident in and around water so they don’t lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning new skills.

Consider these startling statistics:

  • Three children die every day as a result of drowning.
  • Drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children from 5-14 years old.
  • Sixty percent of youth drowning incidents occur under adult supervision.
  • Ten percent of youth drowning incidents occur within 10 feet of safety.

The YMCA has a unique opportunity to help with this social need.

  • There are more than 900 Ys in 10,000 communities across the country.
  • The Y owns and operates more swimming pools than any other organization in the country.
  • In 2013, Ys delivered swim instruction to more than 1.2 million children.
  • The Y engages 9 million youth in its programs annually.

What can you do as a parent? Take the family pledge when using pools.

FAMILY PLEDGE

  • We will always watch children around water.
  • We will stay within arm’s reach of young children in the water.
  • We will swim near a lifeguard.
  • We will reach or throw—not go—to help a swimmer who is in trouble.
  • We will learn CPR.
  • We will enroll children in swim lessons.

YMCA swim lessons are available year-round. Swim lessons are offered to children beginning at 6 months of age through Waterbabies parent/child lessons. Small group lessons begin at age 3. The Waukee Family YMCA offers a progressive aquatics program that works to help meet the needs of everyone—from both children and adults learning to swim, to advanced-level swimmers pursuing competitive goals.

To register for Y swim lessons, visit www.dmymca.org or visit the Y. YMCAs also offer safe, year-round environments for open swimming and lap swimming. Join the Y, and receive free open swim benefits, as well as early registration dates and reduced program fees for swim lessons.

 

 

Why Your Posture Is Important

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Q: Is posture really that important?

A: Yes, your mother was right; posture is extremely important. Your posture is an indicator of your overall health. In many cases, headaches, back pain, breathing problems, balance issues, tight shoulder muscles, tight leg muscles, and even plantar fasciitis can be attributed, at least partly, to poor posture.

You can check your posture yourself. Take two photos of yourself, capturing your entire standing body—one shot from the front, and one from the side. When looking at the front-facing photo, check whether your eyes are level, as well as your ears and hips. When looking at the photo taken of yourself from the side, check that your ear canal is directly over the middle of your shoulder, which should be directly over the middle of your hip, which should be directly over the bump on the outside of your ankle.

Abnormal posture is one of the most commonly undiagnosed problems. Based on today’s fast-paced, yet sedentary, lifestyle, it can be difficult to maintain proper posture. Habits that form early on while watching television, learning to drive, using a computer, or even playing video games can have long-lasting negative effects on your posture.

Fortunately, posture can always be improved, and can often be corrected. Most postural abnormalities involve a group of muscles that are too tight and a group of opposing muscles that are too stretched. A number of chiropractors, physical therapists, and other doctors are trained in recognizing and correcting these patterns. Ask your doctor about specific stretches and strengthening activities that can help you improve your posture.

www.enhancedhealthchiro.com

Taming the Anger Beast

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Recently, a scene began to unfold at my house that has been all too familiar over the last couple of years.

Perhaps some of you can relate: My soon-to-be 4-year-old son was watching a cartoon on our tablet. I gave him a heads up that in 5 minutes, it was going to be time to put the iPad away. (Some of you can already see where this is going.) At the end of five minutes, I said, “Connor, it’s time to put the iPad away.” He glanced up at me briefly, returned his gaze to the iPad, and replied, “No, I don’t do that right now.” I persisted, “Connor, it’s time to put away the iPad. Please turn it off.” No acknowledgement from my son this time – he continued watching his cartoon as though I’d said nothing at all. In the interest of giving him one last chance to make a better choice, I said to him, “Connor, I will give you to the count of three to turn the iPad off, or I will do it for you, and you won’t see the iPad tomorrow.” I hadn’t even uttered the word “one” before my son exasperatedly crossed his arms in a defiant pose and screamed, “NO!!!”

The Hulk was awakened …   

8158999967_6291f90273_bMore often than not, once Connor crosses his arms like that, a tantrum of epic proportions is what follows. For the past couple of weeks, however, my husband and I have been working on a different approach with Connor. When I saw him start to get angry, I asked him, “Are you angry right now?” This by itself is an approach – helping him to label the emotion he is experiencing before he’s too caught up in the midst of it to think and listen. With his arms still crossed and his lower lip stuck out in a distinctive pout, Connor shook his head to indicate “yes.” Then, I said to him, “What should we do when we’re angry?” He looked at me as though contemplating the question, and then slowly took in a breath through his nose. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, and continued taking in deep breaths – in through the nose, out through the mouth. With a few additional re-directing statements from my husband and I, Connor was on his way to the bathroom to get ready for bed. NO TANTRUM!

For the last two weeks, we’ve been working with Connor on deep breathing. We practice it when he’s not angry or upset, and talk about how to use it when he is. Last night, that work paid off ten-fold. Connor calmed himself down and was able to move on without all the drama and stress that often characterizes bedtime in our household. We all fell asleep happier that night.

Try It Out

Practicing deep breathing, or ‘calm breathing,’ as it is sometimes also referenced, with a young child can be challenging. Therefore, we are practicing with bubbles. If your child is like mine, he gets so excited at the sight of bubbles that he quickly blows and blows and blows, without producing many bubbles. In order to really get those bubbles flying, you have to give a long, slow and controlled exhale – the same kind used in deep breathing.

Be sure to explain to your child what you’re doing and why, otherwise, it’s just play time with bubbles. For Connor, we tell him this before we pull the bubbles out, otherwise he gets distracted by the desire to get his hands on that wand. If you can, illustrate the difference between the quick breaths and the longer ones. Your child will know they’re doing it right when they see all those bubbles floating through the air – instant gratification!

Practice Makes Perfect

As with anything else, it takes practice to get really at the deep breathing. Be sure to spend a few minutes everyday until your child gets the hang of it. If you see him start to get the hang of it and actively use it when getting upset, that’s probably a cue you can back down the amount of practicing. If some backsliding occurs, increase the frequency. Every child is different, and so is every family, so figure out what works best for you.

I truly subscribe to the ‘it takes a village’ philosophy, so please share your thoughts and suggestions for helping kids stay calm!

Additional Information

To learn more about deep breathing and other relaxation techniques for kids, check out these useful sites:

AnxietyBC
Kids Relaxation
Fit Jr. – WebMD

photo credit: The 2012 Central Canada Comic Con – Hulk via photopin (license)

Swim, Bike, Run…Pie

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Pieathlon Cancer Logo horizontal

Waukee YMCA hosts Pieathlon

Here they come! First they swam, then cycled and now are rounding the three-mile mark toward the finish line…right to the pie. Yes, not just the sweet personal victory at the finish but all-American dessert usually found wafting sumptuously in grandma’s kitchen, not at the Waukee Family YMCA. Triathlon plus pie equals a delicious active event this spring for a cause: the 2015 YMCA Pieathlon.

Dave Milburn founded the Pieathlon as a way of celebrating his wife, Penny, fighting a strong battle against cancer. Elements of both fitness, relationships and tradition are tied together in the event. Avid RAGBRAI riders, the couple would toast to a ride well rode by eating delicious pie with their fellow cycling friends. These friends proved one of the strongest support systems throughout Penny’s persistence and positivity after being diagnosed with cancer.

Eric Kress, executive director of the Waukee Family YMCA, said that this is seen as a beginner level tri due to the shorter distances for each part of the race and the indoor swim—400-meter swim in Waukee YMCA’s Charlotte Broderick Natatorium, 12-mile bike ride and three-mile run. This year the event is also hosting a youth triathlon featuring a 200-meter swim, five-mile bike route and one-mile run.

“Everyone who is part of the Y community benefits—especially, those that have found that a healthy lifestyle and meaningful relationships found at the Y have helped them endure through a difficult circumstance, like cancer,” Kress said.

Pieathlon Family

The Marquardt Family

Jayme Marquardt and her family have experience the truth in that statement this year. Just after ringing in the brand new year, on January 6 Jayme’s husband Jason was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma after months of illness and a brief period of hospitalization. On top of this news, Jayme was at 34 weeks pregnant and at high-risk.

Between the multitudinous doctors appointments and taking care of each other, it was Jayme and Jason’s goal to keep their children’s lives as stress free as possible. Bailey, age 12, and Jase, age 6, are highly engaged with the Waukee Rays Swim Team.

“Some people could not understand why we continued to worry about getting Bailey and Jase to their swim practices each night and swim meets on the weekends, but swimming was a stress reliever for them!” Jayme said. “They needed to get out of the house and it was fun for them to be with their coaches and friends; it kept them healthy and gave them consistency in a very uncertain time.”

She added that during this difficult time the family had to accept they could not continue with regularity alone.

“Consequently, the members and staff of the Waukee YMCA and Healthy Living Center have amazed us with their generosity; they have been a huge part of our support system,” Jayme said.

Meals, donations, transpiration assistance, childcare and prayers have been offered to and appreciated by the family.

“Being the recipient of so much love has definitely been the silver lining in this situation; the YMCA is a wonderful organization and our story is just one example of how they put their values into action.”

This year proceeds from the Pieathlon will be directed toward scholarships, including Bailey and Jase to continue swim team participation.

Jason is currently continuing with chemotherapy and the family has a newborn baby girl growing quickly.

Jayme said, “This has definitely been one of the most difficult times in our lives but we are doing OK…and we can only say this because of the help and support that we have received. The YMCA has been a huge part of this and we are truly grateful!”

Register to be a part of pie in the cancer survivorship journey:

When: May 23, 2015 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Waukee Family YMCA, 210 N Warrior Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
Register: At the Waukee Y Welcome Center, by phone at 515-987-9996 or online at pieathlon.org
Price: Early bird registration through May 14 at 11:59 p.m. Individual Sprint Tri Participant, $50/$65 (after 5/14); Team Triathlon (three participants) $105/$140 (after 5/14); 
Packet Pick-up: Friday, May 22 4-7 p.m.
Info: visit pieathlon.org or call the Waukee YMCA at 515-987-9996

Better quality of life from simple enjoyments

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A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia doesn’t have to give up the activities that he or she loves. Many activities can be modified to the person’s ability. In addition to enhancing quality of life, activities can reduce behaviors like wandering or agitation.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, you may need to make other adjustments to the activity. Use the following tips:

Keep the person’s skills and abilities in mind.

A person with dementia may be able to play simple songs learned on the piano years ago. Bring these types of skills into daily activities.

Pay special attention to what the person enjoys.

Take note when the person seems happy, anxious, distracted or irritable. Some people enjoy watching sports, while others may be frightened by the pace or noise.

Consider if the person begins activities without direction.

Does he or she set the table before dinner or sweep the kitchen floor mid-morning? If so, you may wish to plan these activities as part of the daily routine

Focus on enjoyment, not achievement.

Find activities that build on remaining skills and talents. A professional artist might become frustrated over the declining quality of work, but an amateur might enjoy a new opportunity for self expression. For activity ideas join ALZConnected, our message boards and online support community. Every day, caregivers like you share new ideas and encourage one another.

Relate to past work life.

A former office worker might enjoy activities that involve organizing, like putting coins in a holder or making a to-do list. A farmer or gardener may take pleasure in working in the yard.

Look for favorites.

The person who always enjoyed drinking coffee and reading the newspaper may still find these activities enjoyable, even if he or she is not able to completely understand what the newspaper says.

Adjust activities to disease stages.

As the disease progresses, you may want to introduce more repetitive tasks. Be prepared for the person to eventually take a less active role in activities.

Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

What is “kinesio-tape?

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Q: What is “kinesio-tape?” 

Is it just for athletes?

A: “Kinesio-tape” is short for kinesiology tape. 

It is a special kind of tape that doctors, physical therapists, and trainers use to enhance therapy. Kinesio-tape has three main functions. First, the tape provides “dynamic support,” meaning that it will offer stability while allowing you to move. Second, the tape helps to decrease pain in the area it’s applied. Third, the tape helps reduce swelling and improve lymphatic flow.

Kinesio-tape is designed to mimic the thickness, weight, and elasticity of human skin. This lends the tape to nearly endless applications. The tape can be worn for three to six days; it’s waterproof and can be worn while exercising, swimming, or in the shower.

Athletes sometimes notice bigger improvements faster, but you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit. Benefit from the tape is determined by the cause of your problem, not by what you do for a living!

Common conditions that improve with the use of kinesio-tape include: whiplash, carpal tunnel, muscle cramps, back pain, shoulder problems, plantar fasciitis, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, shin splints, ankle sprains, knee issues, postural problems, and pain.

It must be noted that kinesio-tape alone is not a “cure all.” If you use the tape but don’t address the cause of the problem, the tape will not have a lasting effect. To get the best results, the tape must be coupled with other conservative care therapies. Ask your doctor how you can benefit from the use of kinesio-tape.

Enhanced Health Chiropractic
www.enhancedhealthchiro.com

Scott Wiley: Rockin’ and Walkin’ at the Waukee Family YMCA

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Hit the Waukee Family YMCA indoor track on any given day between 6:15 and 10 a.m., and you may see Scott Wiley. With his earbuds in, iPhone with external charger at the ready, and Fitbit clipped to the center of his shirt, Scott is likely walking his daily half marathon.

Screen Shot 2015-04-01 at 3.25.35 PMYes, you read that right. Scott, age 45, walks an average of 20 miles every day, with 13 of those miles around the Waukee YMCA track and building, or on different trails around the city.

“I started with nine walking routes at five miles each,” said Scott. “I am able to cover the entire city of Waukee in one week! Take into account I cannot run, but I am a heck of a power walker!”

During his time on the track, he multi-tasks by talking with friends, tackling Fitbit challenges, and listening to music.

“It’s usually rock or country that I listen to…if I ain’t rockin’, I ain’t walkin’,” Scott laughed.

Scott was born with Cerebral Palsy and began walking five years ago “out of boredom” and to be healthier.

“I needed something to do, so I started walking and never quit,” said Scott, who works at the Waukee Hy-Vee in the afternoons.

Scott has walked the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon and the Drake Relays Hy-Vee Road Race Half Marathon. He keeps meticulous track of his steps with the help of his trusty Fitbit. His Fitbit friends have christened him “THE BEAST” on the fitness-tracking tool.

It’s a proper nickname for him, as all of this walking—over 28 million steps, or 13,000 miles at the time of interview—equates to walking halfway around the world. All these steps have kept him at the top of every leaderboard in Iowa, ranking between number one and two. He has also previously been the number five Fitbit stepper in the nation.

Beyond the leaderboards, Scott’s Fitbit usage has also led to other major healthy lifestyle changes for the Waukee resident. When he started walking, he weighed 240 pounds. Between walking, clean eating (think fruits, vegetables and no artificial sugar), and medicating a thyroid condition, he has lost 90 pounds.

Scott uses Fitbit to track his steps, calories burned, mileage, and floors climbed—among other analytics. The in-app gamification functionality acts as a natural motivator for steppers. Users can earn badges, participate in challenges, or start challenges for other to join in—like Scott does.

Users can also join groups within the app or on Facebook for motivation. Scott is the administrator for two Fitbit user groups, the Red Tennis Shoe Fitbit Group and the Red Tennis Shoe Rebounders Fitbit Group. Rebounders are members who jump on a mini trampoline to count steps.

“I was conned into buying my first rebounder last November by one of my Fitbit friends, and I love it!” Scott said, adding that it’s easier on his body than power walking.

In January of 2014, he made it a goal to set Fitbit history at the Waukee Family YMCA by walking 100,000 steps in one day, going beyond the 75,000 step badge. He accomplished his goal in approximately 13 hours by taking a break after every 25,000 steps. At the time, there was no badge for this accomplishment, and Scott contacted Fitbit until they added one last November. This past January, he repeated the feat and obtained the badge he deserved.

Through engaging with Fitbit, Wiley has made a number of friends from all corners of the community and even global acquaintances.

“Some of these people have become personal friends, and most I talk to every day; we share in the daily struggles and issues we face and have fun in the groups and challenges,” he said.

Scott also said that his life has changed forever since he began walking.

“If you look beyond that little piece of plastic called a tracker you buy in the store, there is a whole other world with it,” he said. “This experience cannot be put into words; this is something special.”

YMCA
www.dmymca.org

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