All Posts in "Month: November 2013"

Every day is a good day for Raanah Aanstead. But three days each week, she is in the best place.
Par“People make me smile,” she said. “They make me feel special.”
For a little over a year, Raanah has been going to Cascade Park Active Day, an adult day health center in Tacoma’s Stadium district. She participates in a special program for individuals experiencing memory loss or dementia.
Sixty-one years ago, Raanah was born into a large family in North Dakota. She has Down Syndrome and is now experiencing some early-stage memory loss. Today she lives with her sister, Lonnie McWilliams. Lonnie makes sure Raanah’s needs are always met.
McWilliams learned about the memory care and wellness services at Cascade Park after connecting with Pierce County Community Connections’ Aging and Disability Resources. The county partners with Cascade Park under a federal project to offer specialized adult day services for families that deal with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The program helps both the caregiver and the care recipient. It includes an exercise component for the program participant, as well as extra support for the caregiver.
Raanah has always been active. She worked for 17 years at the Safeway grocery store in Federal Way. She worked hard to keep the store clean.
“They treated me like a person,” she recalls. That gave her the independence, affirmation and dignity that she desired.
McWilliams is impressed with what she is seeing now for her sister.
“The people who come to the program here at Cascade Park are all actively engaged in doing something. They’re not vegetating. I see stimulation here,” she said.
Looking for help – any help – McWilliams talked with a good friend who leveled with her: “I saw Raanah as just vegetating. She needed to be around other people and become involved.”
That’s when she called Cascade Park. She and her sister visited to preview the facility and the program. She recalls that “Raanah had a ball, and I knew then that this would work for her.”
Raanah now participates in a five-hour afternoon memory care session. When the shuttle comes to pick up Raanah at her home, her face lights up. She knows she is in for a treat.
As much as it is a special day for Raanah, it also serves as a break for McWilliams. “Her days are full and she’s much more stimulated,” McWilliams said. “And it makes my job much easier. It gives me an important break to do other things.”
Being a full-time caregiver is hard work. McWilliams has accepted that responsibility since 1992, in addition to dealing with her own chronic condition. To survive and stay healthy, she has developed a strong support system, something that every caregiver knows to be important.
“I have a number of good friends who help, and my church has been phenomenal,” said McWilliams. “I also go to a support group that is held at Cascade Park. It’s not a pity party by any means. There’s lots of advice time, sharing among the family members and caregivers what they would do in certain situations. That helps tremendously.”
Raanah is delighted at her experience. “They teach me how to do things,” she said. “They have lots of games. And I’m really good at coloring.” Indeed, the refrigerator at home is a masterwork of Raanah’s abilities.
And she has nothing but praise for the food she enjoys. “I like the eggs and toast best,” Raanah said. The staff has been able to meet Raanah’s need for a gluten-free diet.
Raanah’s time at Cascade Park is paid through a mix of Medicaid, Medicare and insurance.
McWilliams does have one regret: “I wish I would have known about this earlier than I did. I have absolutely no worries when Raanah is here.”
In the meantime, Raanah will be busy playing games and interacting with the other people in the memory care program at Active Day.

Bob Riler, who wrote this article,Raanah-web is a community outreach and education specialist for Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources.

Contributing Author by — November 13, 2013 in Everything Else

As a wellness dietitian with the MultiCare Center for Healthy Living, I’m always meeting with patients and community groups to talk about food choices and nutrition. During these conversations, people often raise questions about gluten and whether they should remove it from their diet.
Below are some answers for those who are curious about gluten-free diets.
1. What is a gluten-free diet?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye grain products. Gluten is also found foods containing these grains, including many processed foods. Foods containing these grains must be avoided when following a gluten-free diet.
2. How do I know if I need to remove gluten from my diet?
Most commonly gluten is associated with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which individuals lack the ability to effectively break down gluten. Celiac disease can be diagnosed with a blood test to check gluten antibody levels. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or a family history of celiac disease.

There is increasing concern around gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Food sensitivities do not produce an antibody reaction as seen in celiac disease; they often result in symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin irritation or headaches. If you think you may be sensitive to gluten, consider eliminating it from your diet for two to three weeks. At the end of the elimination diet, add gluten back into your diet for one to three days. If symptoms disappear during the trial and/or reappear with the re-addition of gluten, it is likely you may have an underlying sensitivity.
3. Is there any harm in removing gluten from my diet or my child’s diet?
There is no harm in following a gluten-free diet. Gluten is not an essential protein; therefore eliminating it does no harm. Great fiber- and nutrient-rich substitutes include gluten-free oats, brown rice or quinoa. Gluten-free options are becoming increasingly accessible, however, remember to be watchful of processed foods that might provide less nutrition. Choose unprocessed, whole grains whenever possible.
4. Are there any foods that people might not realize contain gluten?
Being gluten free requires some sharp label-reading skills. Always check the ingredients list. Hidden gluten is common in soy sauce, generic seasonings, soups, sausages, malt flavoring, sauces, and more!
5. Will a gluten-free diet help me lose weight?
Eliminating gluten alone will not result in weight loss. Living a life of wellness and achieving healthy weight, is a lifestyle. Regardless of gluten-free status, best practice is to follow a healthy, balanced diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Chelsey Lindahl, who wrote this article, is a wellness dietitian at the MultiCare Center for Healthy Living, which helps educate children and families in Pierce County about healthy lifestyle choices through programs such as “Ready, Set, Go! 5210” (www.multicare.org/5210). If you have questions, call Chelsey at 253-301-5095 or email chelsey.lindahl@multicare.org.

GLUTEN-FREE RECIPE: Apple-Spinach Quinoa Salad with Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette
(6 servings)
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), is an ancient whole grain rich in fiber and protein (also naturally gluten free). Here it is combined with fresh spinach and sweet, crisp apples to delight the senses in this fun dish.
Salad
1 cup quinoa
1½ cups water
3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup medium apple, chopped
½ cup fresh baby spinach
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped walnuts
Dressing
1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Preparation
1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until tender. Add 1½ cups water and salt to pan; bring to a boil. Add quinoa; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat; set aside, and cool slightly.
2. To make dressing, combine 1½ tablespoons olive oil, 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar, ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey in a large bowl; stir with a whisk to combine. Add quinoa, apple, spinach and remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine. Best served cold.

PROBLEM CAN START IN YOUR 60s

Read on for a recipe for apple spinach salad. (Courtesy photo)
Read on for a recipe for apple spinach salad.
(Courtesy photo)
Celiac disease can develop in people of any age. In recent years, researchers have noted that gluten tolerance can be lost by people in their 60s, meaning that someone who tests negative for celiac disease at age 50 can develop symptoms at age 65 and should be tested again. A study published in 2010 in Annals of Medicine reported that during the past 30 years, there has been a fivefold increase in celiac disease patients, many of them elderly.

Contributing Author by — November 13, 2013 in Lifestyles

The Pacific Rim buffet at the Emerald Queen in Fife is one of the best I have experienced. The food is fresh, well prepared and the variety is satisfying.
Like any buffet, the food is best eaten when it first arrives from the kitchen, hot, or cold and the correct textures. I recommend taking a tour of the offerings when you first arrive, noting your favorites or the things you want to try and then picking them up when they are first presented.
We attended the Sunday Brunch and were really happy with the breakfast selections as well as prime rib, turkey, sushi, and a full salad bar.
I especially liked the eggs Benedict and the blue berry blintzes, soft pancakes with blueberry filling and sauce. The full omelet bar allows you to pick your own ingredients, and decide how dry you want your eggs.
There is a fruit bar, soups, breads and sushi which is made on site. I tried some varieties I had not had before and was pleased with the taste. A Chinese table has about 15 different foods with a variety of sauces.
I thought the fried fish was a bit dry and did not find any chicken except on the Chinese table.
The desserts were divine. Pies, cakes, little tortes, pudding, cobbler and cheese cake are all made on site and soft serve ice cream is available if you want them a la mode. I loved the blackberry pie. It was loaded with blackberries and the crust was tasty and tender. Always leave room for dessert. I could just fit in a tiny piece of cheese cake and it was moist and sweet. YUM.
There is valet parking and great restrooms. To avoid the gambling, self park in the south parking garage and cross to the restaurant section. The smoking section is separate from other diners. Service dog friendly.
A great dining experience.

If You Go
Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel
5700 Pacific Highway E
Fife Washington 98424
253 594 7777
Lunch 11 AM to 3 PM Seniors $12.95
Dinner 4 PM to 10 PM and 4 PM to 12 Midnight Saturday Seniors $17.95
Sunday Buffet 10 AM to 4 PM Seniors $17.95
Always check at a casino customer service desk to see of there is a way to get complimentary food.

Carolyn Augustine by — November 7, 2013 in Food, People

Volunteers who like preparing tax returns and have basic computer skills are being recruited to be Internal Revenue Service-certified AARP Tax-Aides.
The Tax-Aide program is sponsored by AARP Foundation and the IRS. You don’t need to be an AARP member or retiree to volunteer, or to receive free tax preparation and assistance from Tax-Aide, which is for low and middle-income persons. Training is scheduled to begin in December. Registration and other information is available at www.aarp.org/taxaide and 1-888-687-2277.
A program spokesman said volunteers do an extensive amount of self-study, using training materials and software provided by the IRS. They must attend training classes and pass the IRS test before providing services for the community. New volunteers work with experienced volunteers at several.

srmedia by — November 7, 2013 in Everything Else