Team Joe’s is on its way north to the starting line of the 27th Wish-a-Mile 300 benefiting the Wish Kids of the Make a Wish Foundation. Throughout the three-day ride, CEO Rob Casalou and 17 Team Joe’s cyclists will post updates, photos and stories to this blog. They appreciate any words of encouragement and inspiration to push through the trek.
Here is the first post:
Team Joe’s is on it’s way to Traverse City!! The team gathered at MIS Speedway this morning and loaded on buses for the ride north. The weather is perfect and spirits are high. This year, 18 of us are riding the 3-day, 300 mile event and we have 2 riding the 50-mile event on Sunday. We are close to our team goal of raising $50,000 to support our wish kids!! We all say hi to all our friends and colleagues back at St. Joe’s. Please send your prayers for good weather, a strong tailwind and for the safety of all the 850 riders who are riding for wishes.
(Above photo) Ready to Ride: A bus takes the team north to Midland for WAM. Pictured from left: Alex Bradley, Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, Ed Jones, Dave McNeil and Lee Benjamin.
Ah, the great outdoors. We froze through the polar vortex and finally the payoff – A pure Michigan summer. Here’s my advice: Wrap your arms around it because it’ll be gone in the blink of an eye. Make your list of 10 things you want to do outside and knock them out one at a time. Go catch some fireflies, spend an hour tonight stargazing, eat a delicious, fresh peach, plan a romantic picnic, lay in a hammock and do nothing at all…
It’s medicine!
This isn’t about being lazy, it’s about taking care of your health. Study after study attests to the powers of Mother Nature and the benefits of natural light. It’s a mood booster. I remember a study that showed patients in the hospital with a window view of the outdoors experience a quicker recovery. So in the interest of good health, get outside.
Go outside! Sunlight on your skin gives you a boost of vitamin D but, if you’re like most Americans, you’ll spend 90% of your life indoors. And the older we get, the less likely we are to step outside. People over 50 generally need higher amounts of vitamin D. Studies have suggested that Vitamin D can help you battle depression, fight off heart disease and osteoporosis.
But with all the warnings we hear on the news of the dangers lurking in your backyard, it’s a wonder we go out at all. Sure, we need to be aware but not so fearful that we never venture out the front door.
“Give yourself a good dose of the sunshine vitamin during these summer months but don’t overdo it; moderation is always the key,” says Dr. Ann Lafond of Canton Dermatology. “Sunblock is a good idea when you’re spending long periods of time outdoors – especially midday.”
Dr. Lafond says vitamin D from sunlight is more effective than supplements. “When we take the proper precautions, the benefits of sunlight far outweigh the risks.”
Exercise! Once you commit to more time outdoors, you can’t help but feel better. If you’re spending less time at your computer or in front of the television, chances are you’ll spend more time walking, bicycling, swimming. Just get moving. It’s sure to give your health a boost.
Humans were meant to be out in nature. It’s important to see green and smell flowers and jump in fresh water. And lucky for us, Michigan is a water wonderland. This is your chance. Don’t waste it. We’ll be back to the polar vortex in no time!
Does your child struggle to focus in school, show aggressive behavior or hyperactivity? These issues may simply be linked to a lack of sleep, a very common ailment in children.
Sleep is necessary for a child’s optimal functioning. A lack of sleep affects every aspect of a child’s development and can cause medical, psychiatric, behavioral and developmental problems.
Symptoms of a sleep-deprived child include lack of focus or concentration, aggressive behaviors, hyperactivity or reduced school performance. Learn more aboutPediatric Sleep Services.
Proper sleep is crucial for development and learning, but children who snore may have sleep apnea or a tonsil issue blocking their airway. It’s important to remember that children who lack sleep don’t necessarily act sleepy. Unlike adults, kids don’t get tired during the day, they become hyperactive and can be misdiagnosed with ADHD and put on medications they don’t need.
Led by our board-certified pediatric sleep specialist, Dr. Katherine DeRue, we will evaluate your child for a number of sleep concerns, such as snoring, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or daytime sleepiness. Based on your child’s symptoms, they may need a sleep study.
St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor’s Sleep Disorder Center provides a full range of services for children:
Ages 3 years and up:
Evaluation of suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or other sleep disordered breathing
Non-surgical treatment of known OSA or other sleep disordered breathing
Evaluation and treatment for daytime sleepiness and Narcolepsy
Insomnia
Circadian Rhythm disorders
Ages 6 months and up:
Behavioral sleep problems
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a Sleep Specialist, visit www.stjoeshealth.org/sleepor call 734-712-2276
Recently, I was asked to speak at an awards ceremony. And though I worked for 25 years as a news anchor and health reporter, instead of giving me the usual introduction as a “TV Personality,” or even “Award-Winning Journalist,” they gave me a much better title: “Adventure Creator.”
Helen Keller said it best: “Life is either a grand adventure or it’s nothing.” What’s an adventure? People always think that means jumping out of airplanes or riding a motorcycle across the country (been there, done that.) The truth is, creating adventure is about exploring unknown territory and doing something you think you cannot do. Feeling butterflies in your tummy and doing it anyway.
Sister Anne Marilyn Tyler is an adventure creator.
And you can create adventure at any age. Take my dear friend, Sister Anne Marilyn Tyler. How do you suppose this spunky 71-year-old photographer from St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor plans to celebrate her 50th year as a religious sister?She’s fulfilling a lifelong dream by visiting the Grand Canyon to spend the night at its base under the starry night sky and attempt to capture a piece of its glory on film.Continue reading “MAKE YOUR LIFE AN ADVENTURE!”
Karen Langdon is dancing again, thanks to Dr. Victor Gibson.
Karen Langdon enjoyed dancing, scuba diving and living an active lifestyle with her husband. This all came to a screeching halt when the onset of debilitating pain in both hips, stemming from severe hip arthritis made doing the simple things in life, almost impossible. “It got so bad that I couldn’t do two dances in a row and over time it got worse and worse,” explained Karen.
Following two minimally invasive total hip replacements, performed by G. Victor Gibson, D.O. , a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, using the anterior hip approach, Karen was able to reconnect with her loving dance partner, virtually pain free.
“Now I can go shopping and walk around the mall if I want to, scuba diving of course, and best of all I can go dancing with my husband again,” explains Karen.
“Karen has significantly fewer restrictions along with a reduced recovery time following the anterior hip approach as opposed to more traditional total hip replacements.” says Dr. Victor Gibson.
Karen has re-discovered her freedom, living a life free of pain. “There really are no restrictions after surgery. Just go do it, I recommend it highly, you will be so glad you did. Living a life that’s no longer in constant pain is wonderful”
13 years ago, when Luanne Booth was treated for endometrial
cancer, she never expected to be facing the disease again. The surgery went
well, lab results indicated the cancer was gone, and her prognosis was
good. But in January 2017, Luanne
received the diagnosis that the cancer was back and a second surgery was not an
option. She didn’t hesitate. She knew exactly where to go for treatment, St.
Joseph Mercy Chelsea Cancer Care Center.
Luanne and her husband, Howard Booth, moved to the area from
Ypsilanti where he had been an Eastern Michigan University physiology/ biology
professor and vault coach for 47 years and she had been Head of Middle School
at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor. They
found St. Joe’s Chelsea near their new home to be a first class hospital with
the small community feel that inspired their move, and have trusted the hospital
with their health care needs ever since.
One of the most impactful moments Luanne recalled from her
treatment was Dr. Rebecca Liu, a specialist in gynecological cancers,
recommending a clinical trial. Luanne and Howard felt it was important to
participate. “While we hoped the trial protocol would help fight my
cancer, we also highly value scientific study and the difference it makes
improving treatment,” explained Luanne.
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System is one of only 34 National
Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Programs (NCORP), and holds the
highest grant score in the nation. St.
Joe’s NCORP, housed in Ann Arbor and offered through all our Cancer Centers in
Chelsea, Brighton, Livonia, Canton and Pontiac serves 5,000 patients eliminating
the costs, health risks and stress of traveling by bringing research trials
close to home.
“I feel so lucky I was a candidate for the trial arm of
the study. It is in the second phase and showing promising results,”
Luanne said. As part of the trial,
Luanne underwent rigorous treatment including radiation five days a week for
five weeks while undergoing chemotherapy for one day a week for 7 hours each
time, which caused debilitating side effects. Following that, Luanne was
treated with three sessions of outpatient brachytherapy, benefitting from the
continuum of care between St. Joe’s Chelsea and Ann Arbor, housing one of the
nation’s few high-dose-rate / low-dose-rate brachytherapy surgical suites.
Through it all, Luanne maintained her positive outlook and
gratitude for the care she received. Most of all, she admired the staff’s
professionalism, warmth and kindness, and personal interest. “You don’t
really know the depth of the preparation and side effects of treatment until
you’re going through it, and the staff is with you every step of the way,
helping you cope, encouraging you, and gently managing things like your violent
stomach upset, fatigue, and collapsing veins. You can tell they love their jobs
and their patients.”
The Double Ribbon Mobius is a 9-foot tall coated aluminum sculpture chosen for its dynamic, strong and heart-like appearance. The Double Ribbon Mobius is a 9-foot tall coated aluminum sculpture chosen for its dynamic, strong and heart-like appearance.
During treatment, Luanne and Howard also noticed the
beautiful, well-appointed features donors made possible. “When you go into
St. Joe’s Chelsea Cancer Center, and you’re so warmly received by the
concierge Ken and department secretary Betty,
they have set up a convenient card swipe for check-in, there is a warm
fireplace, comfortable seating, gorgeous paintings, the food is like room
service, you make friends with all the patients and spouses, and the staff is
so cheerful, there is just one thing that doesn’t fit, the view out the window
to the bleak rooftop,” explained Luanne. “Howard and I have a
philosophy, we give back any way we can. I’m a musician and painter, so the
idea of beautifying the rooftop with a sculpture appealed to us. We wanted our gift to make the experience
even better for other patients and to be a lasting reminder of our gratitude to
the staff for their wonderful care.”
“Howard and Luanne Booth’s generous support is making
our incredible Cancer Center even better,” said Judy Stratman, Director of
Development. “We are fortunate to have supporters who understand the
important role that art plays in the healing experience. Their gift will have a
lasting impact on patients and families who rely on St. Joe’s Chelsea for
cancer care.”
I Feel Lucky
Luanne Booth wanted to do more than sit on the sidelines watching her husband, Howard, a World Champion in pole vault and other track events and current men’s vault coach at EMU, so she also joined the Michigan Senior Olympics. She has run in distance and sprint competitions and qualified for the nationals.
This same champion spirit helped her get through cancer with
courage, hope and determination. Just three days after finishing a
three-month-long rigorous treatment plan at St. Joe’s as part of a phase 2
study that included beam radiation, chemotherapy and brachytherapy, Luanne
joined Howard for a trip to Washington DC for the 2017 National Street Vault at
Freedom Plaza. The treatments were physically draining and she spent the trip
in a wheelchair, but she was not going to miss it.
“I got around pretty well,” Luanne said. Today, less than a year later, Luanne is building up her strength and stamina to run again, is filled with vibrancy, and takes walks every day. Her resilience and healing journey inspire everyone she knows and meets. Luanne will tell you, “I just feel very lucky.”
Howard and Luanne Booth 2013 Senior Olympics
For information about cancer services call 734-712-HOPE or
visit stjoeschelsea.org/chelsea-cancer-care.
Lisa McDowell is a Registered Dietitian at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. Lisa traveled to the London Olympics to oversee nutritional health for U.S. athletes.
Water is one of the most important components of great health. Water regulates body temperature and keeps you cool in the hot weather. When we exercise, our body temperature increases and we lose water in the form of sweat. Our sweat helps to lower our body temperature so we don’t overheat. We don’t just lose water when we sweat, we also lose key essential electrolytes including sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
To find the correct fluid balance, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests the following:
1) Check your weight: Be sure to weigh yourself before and after exercise to check the amount of fluid loss. For every pound lost, you will need 16 – 24 oz of water to replenish your sweat loss. Senior citizens tend to be less sensitive to thirst sensations than younger adults. Athletic seniors need to be mindful of drinking fluids regularly.
2) Monitor urine color: Simplest way to tell if you are adequately replacing sweat loss is to check the color and quantity of your urine. Your goal is to have pale yellow urine which means you are well hydrated. Dark urine means you need more fluid and very pale or clear urine could indicate you are overhydrated, which is also dangerous.
3) Gauge how you feel: Chronically tired, headachy or lethargic? You may be chronically dehydrated and simply drinking more fluids may improve how you feel.
4) Prevent muscle cramps:. These are usually associated with dehydration, electrolyte deficits and muscle fatigue. Take extra care to drink plenty of sodium-containing fluids or eat a salty snack while exercising or after exercise if you are sweating in the hot sun.
For athletes exercising more than 2 hours, it is recommended to consume an electrolyte replacement snack. Simple and convenient sources such as energy gels, sport beans, blocks, bars, and drinks may be needed. You can also try eating real-food snacks during exercise such as pretzels, bananas, and fruit chews. You should never experiment on race day. Only use electrolyte replacements and caffeine the day of the race if you have previously used during training.
