Russ Olmsted, Rob Casalou, David Steinberg and Lee Benjamin at breakfast to begin Day 2. David is hoping that (dietitian) Lisa McDowell does not see what is on his plate this morning! it would not pass the heart smart test. no worry, it will be burned off within the first couple hours. It is early and wheels will be on the road by 6:30am. Weather forecast looks better!
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Team Joe’s all smiles after stage 1
Many members to Team Joe’s met up at a late break stop. We may be weary but it was a photo op.
Lee Benjamin and Jodi Talbott getting ready to take off and show all of us how tough the ED crew is!
Bill Holmes and Rosalie Tocco-Bradley figure if the cycling thing doesn’t work out, then dancing may be the next best option!
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Pushing through the wall
We are at mile 93. Home stretch for day 1. The hills were tough with the “wall hill” at mile 90 – cruel but we persevered! ~ Rob Casalou
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This is 40
Team Joe’s feeling good at mile 40!!
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The Benefits of Sleep for a Struggling Child
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 about Pediatric 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/sleep or call 734-712-2276
Learn more about Dr. DeRue in this Pediatric Sleep Commercial.
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Giving Back is Our Philosophy- Luanne and Howard Booth
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.”
For information about cancer services call 734-712-HOPE or visit stjoeschelsea.org/chelsea-cancer-care.
To make a gift to St. Joe’s Chelsea today, visit: giving.stjoeshealth.org/chelsea
Or contact the Office of Development:
Katie Elliott, Director of Major and Planned Gifts
734-712-3919 or Katie.Elliott@stjoeshealth.org
Karen Campbell, Gift Officer
734-712-2890 or Karen.Campbell@stjoeshealth.org
Melissa Sheppard, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
734-712-4079 or Melissa.Sheppard@stjoeshealth.org
(Source: “Gift of Health Spring” 2018)
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Healthy Hydration? No Sweat!
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.
