November 22, 2009
Betsy Lee - Lifestyles Reporter
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Though she always exercised avidly, Ali Wray was worried when she was selected to run with the Olympic Torch in St. Joseph.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to carry the torch the whole way,” Ms. Wray says.
So a little more than a decade ago, she sought out the services of Bob Boyles with Body Image Personal Training.
“I just felt like I needed more personal guidance,” she says.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
If you can define the word “sanguineous,” you could donate 20 grains of rice to hungry families.
It’s a simple way to make a difference. All you have to do is visit www.freerice.com, answer vocabulary questions and watch the rice donation accumulate. And it isn’t the only Web site that allows people to do good without opening their pocketbook; there are literally hundreds of them.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008
When you have a problem, there is nothing like talking with a friend who understands. And in today’s global community, that friend could easily be someone on the other side of the world.
Online support groups, with topics ranging from pregnancy to alcoholism, are a growing presence. Organizations like the American Cancer Society are even getting into the act, starting a support group called The Cancer Survivors Network. For more about the risks and benefits to online self-help groups, Tamra Paolillo, counselor with Heartland Counseling, answers a few of our questions.
Friday, Feb. 22, 2008
Every year, the community has a chance to view art from up and coming high school artists.
“The Regional High School Art Exhibition is one of our most popular shows,” says Jennifer Zeller, curator of education at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art.
The annual exhibition features work from 135 students representing 28 schools.
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008
It all started with a simple cough.
“I really didn’t think he had RSV,” says Cathy Caldwell of her 8-month-old son, David.
But then the baby started wheezing.
“Once I heard that wheezing, I called the NurseLine and they told me to go the emergency room,” Ms. Caldwell says.
In the Heartland Regional Medical Center emergency room, doctors put David on oxygen and immediately tested him for RSV. RSV, which stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children under 1 year of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008
For this Valentine’s Day, why not give your loved one a little dopamine or norepinephrine?
Doesn’t sound romantic enough? Despite the not-so-sexy name, these two chemicals are largely responsible for creating that loving feeling.
Tamra Paolillo, clinic coordinator at Heartland Counseling Services, says being “in love” is all about chemistry.
“When you fall in love, specific areas of the brain experience increased blood flow,” Ms. Paolillo says. “The chemicals that race around in our brain are many, but of particular interest are dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline and phenylethylamine.”
These chemicals are connected with different “love systems,” according to the research of Dr. Helen Fisher, chief scientific adviser with Chemistry.com. Dr. Fisher studies the three different systems and the associated chemicals by putting lovers through brain scans.
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008
If you’ve ever wanted to improve a relationship, all it takes is asking yourself three simple questions.
It’s called Naikan. And it’s a daily meditation that can work wonders with any relationship.
Gregg Krech, a representative with the To Do Institute who recently wrote a book on Naikan, says a man named Yoshimoto Ishin developed the practice in the early 1940s.
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008
For teens hoping to both fit in and distinguish themselves, jeans are the perfect piece of apparel.
Jeans are popular among every group. But because they are so basic, it’s easy to find ways to personalize them. The choices teens make reflects their individual style and personality.
Friday, Feb. 8, 2008
If you’ve been craving the lusty, deep tones of Johnny Cash, you’ll have to look no further than Maryville.
The singer-songwriter, who died in 2003, will be honored with the musical review “Ring of Fire” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, in the Northwest Missouri State University Performing Arts Center. The musical review features 12 performers and musicians. The review cast is touring across the country.
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008
After one session of cardio tennis, Lanny Daise was hooked.
“First of all, I needed a shower,” Mr. Daise says of his introductory session in Kansas City. “But after that, I thought, ‘This is great. It’s like aerobics with a tennis racket.’”
The St. Joseph resident then sought to bring cardio tennis to his hometown. And now in its second season, the hottest trend in fitness is gaining a foothold in St. Joseph.
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008
It’s hard to watch TV for 10 minutes without seeing an advertisement for products promising to “regulate your digestive system.”
From yogurts to cheeses, it seems as though every dairy manufacturer is selling a new way to stay healthy through the ingestion of probiotics.
But do these probiotic-infused products live up to all the hype?
Jessica Hagey, a registered dietician with Heartland Wellness Connections, and Stephanie Cundith, a registered dietician with the Midwest Dairy Council, answer questions about the nature of probiotics.
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008
At Heartland Regional Medical Center, trips up the stairs can equal a free healthy lunch.
For employees with the St. Joseph School District, wearing a seat belt takes them one step closer to earning a personal day.
Workplace wellness programs, one of the hottest trends in the healthcare industry, take healthy living measures and pair them with incentives offered by the employer. Programs like these began on the coasts with corporate giants, like Google and IBM, and are spreading rapidly down to smaller organizations, like the school district and local business Omnium LLC.
Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008
At first glance, Margie Cameron-Jarrett says Renee Schaaf, 16, appears to be just another high-achieving teenager.
The Central High School student balances school, athletics and friends. But when she sits down at the piano, Ms. Cameron-Jarrett says there’s a transformation.
Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008
When Omero Martinez shakes hands, he grasps firmly.
The Webster Elementary School sixth-grader has an air of confidence not apparent in most children poised on the edge of adolescence.
Even while reading a book on the life and times of Thomas Edison, a selection he made himself, Omero sits tall. An affable preteen with short black hair, warm brown eyes and skin the color of toasted coconut, he could have every reason to doubt himself — especially when confronted with a page of words that just six years ago would’ve meant nothing to him.
But something in his nature won’t let him.
Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008
Charles Hesse, superintendent at Weston Bend State Park, took an ornithology class while pursuing his degree.
And ever since that class ended, Mr. Hesse has maintained his “life list,” the list of birds he’s seen in his lifetime. After 30 years, he’s still keeping track.
“I can tell you this,” he says, “it can be an addictive hobby.”
Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008
After a two-day drive to Lexington, Ky., the Hummer family got out of their car.
All around them, runners flitted by in colorful jerseys and short shorts.
Jodie Hummer stared at the runners’ long, muscular legs and commented to her husband, “look at the muscles on these kids. Their legs are so long and lean.”
John Hummer turned to their son, Slade, 12.
“You mean like these,” he said, slightly lifting his son’s longer shorts.
Jodie stared.
“Oh my gosh!” She cried. “He has runner’s legs too.”
Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008
As autism diagnoses continue to rise, people around the globe are wondering where to point the finger.
Autistic children face tough road in adulthoodSunday, Jan. 13, 2008
In nearly every advertisement and every brochure, a smiling young face welcomes parents to the diagnosis and tells them what to expect as their child progresses through the school system.
But as society often forgets, these children grow up.
Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008
Sometimes Nathan Kacirek puts his thumb in the center of his palm and presses firmly in a rhythmic motion. Often he’s not aware of the action, but it provides him with a sense of relief.
A taste of artFriday, Jan. 11, 2008
In the Olive DeLuce Gallery at Northwest Missouri State University, students and the public can take advantage of a once-a-year opportunity beginning Monday, Jan. 14.
The Northwest Faculty Art Exhibit annually showcases artwork from some of the finest artists in the area. Many of the faculty, like Philip Laber and Laura Kukkee, have been regionally and nationally recognized for their work.
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008
When 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears announced her pregnancy, parents and safe sex advocates around the country released a collective sigh.
The teen icon, sister of the high-profile Britney Spears, plays the role of Zoey on Nickelodeon’s hit series “Zoey 101.” The show targets preteens and young teenagers, causing widespread worry that Jamie Lynn would glamorize teen pregnancy.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008
With nearly 47 million Americans living without health insurance and health care costs rising exponentially, it looks like 2008 will be the year of health care; at least to the presidential candidates.
“I believe with voters health care is at the top of their minds,” said Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph and spokesperson for Heartland Regional Medical Center. “Some of the candidates have very specific plans and others I would describe as conceptual.”
We examined the plans of the leading Democratic and Republican candidates, according to the Dec. 18 poll conducted by the PollingReport.com. All of the plan summaries are pulled from the candidates Web sites. To learn more about each candidate’s plan, visit the Web address next to their name.
Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007
It’s easy to read Joshua Damery’s face. The 10-month-old son of Jala Damery gets a shine in his eye when he’s about to be naughty.
“They kind of have a glimmer in their eye when they go to do something they know you’ve said no about,” the mother of two says. “That’s when you start to realize that they know what the word means.”
Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007
'Twas the day before Christmas, and all through St. Joe
Everyone shopped, bustling to and fro.
The tree at City Hall was decorated with care,
Bringing joy to those who drive by there.
Friday, Dec. 21, 2007
For $4 tonight you can dance to retro hip-hop, hang with drag queens and celebrate Christmas.
Members of Dolewite, the ‘80s and ‘90s hip-hop cover band performing at the Shaft, say it’s a small price to pay.
“It’s a perfect time to get your jollies in and set the mood for opening Christmas presents,” says Warren Vandever, who does vocals and runs the turntable for Dolewite. “We’re going to have a great time.”
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007
We all know about blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings and regular mammograms. And we’ve heard the warnings about exercise and healthy eating habits.
But just how much impact do these little numbers and daily habits actually have on our health and well-being?
For the first time, one Web site offers an answer — in the form of a test.
The RealAge Test, online at www.RealAge.com, was developed by Dr. Michael F. Roizen, chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic. The test, through a comprehensive survey, calculates your body’s actual age.
So what’s the difference between your biological age and your real age?
Friday, Dec. 14, 2007
In honor of the holiday season, the St. Joseph Community Chorus and the Fountain City Brass Band will come together in song for the first time with performances at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, and at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17.
The chorus has performed a holiday concert for at least 25 years, according to Frank Thomas, director. This year, he says, will feature a decidedly different program.
Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007
For the past 30 years, Sally Potter and her husband have opened their home to family and friends during the holidays.
Child care helps Heartland survive stormThursday, Dec. 13, 2007
The ice storm has made every day “take-your-child-to-work day” at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
... and a healthy new yearTuesday, Dec. 11, 2007
This year, give a gift that can last a lifetime. Give your loved ones the gift of health.
“A gift of health is a good idea for this time of year because it’s colder, darker and more difficult for people to exercise,” says Alice Deatherage, of Alice’s Energy Connection. “A gift gives them a little encouragement.”
Ms. Deatherage, along with Chris Guy from Dick’s Sporting Goods, gives a rundown of some of the latest and hottest fitness gifts.
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007
As he lined up for the Bass Pro Shops Marathon, Earl Searcy couldn’t shake his nerves.
The temperature hovered at a perfect 42 degrees and the sun shone brightly. He positioned himself at the back of the pack to avoid runners who, as he puts it, “go out like gangbusters.” He had his pace charts and his energy gels.
The 54-year-old planned for every contingency with military-like precision.
But he couldn’t help but wonder, “Will I make it?”
Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007
One day, while preparing for a nap, St. Joseph-native Katherine K. Davis said the words to the “Little Drummer Boy,” just came to her.
According to Wellesley College, where she graduated in 1914, she wrote the classic Christmas song in 1941. However, Katherine’s odyssey into music began in 1910 when she graduated from St. Joseph High School.
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007
Right now there is a registered nurse just waiting to answer your question.
And for this service, you won’t receive a bill in the mail.
Over the last two decades, Ask-a-Nurse lines have popped up all over the country. These telephone answering services, often staffed around-the-clock by registered nurses, give people a place to turn with their pressing health questions.
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007
Last month, a record number of Missourians relied on the WIC program to provide them with basics like milk, eggs and butter.
School scrapsSunday, Nov. 25, 2007
It may seem as though you’ll be in high school forever, but as many adults will attest, the time will fly.
So how do you plan to keep those moments fresh in your memory? Amy Warden of Creative Memories in St. Joseph has some ideas that can help.
Friday, Nov. 23, 2007
Nothing welcomes in the holiday season like thousands of bright lights.
So put out your welcome mat this year by visiting St. Joseph’s North and South poles.
The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department and the East Hills Optimists have created light displays at both Krug and Hyde Parks. What started with a small display has blossomed into an event that draws about 100,000 people each year.
“You don’t see many cities that have a display like this,” says Bill McKinney, director of parks and recreation. “I would put our display up against any anywhere.”
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007
When the fuel gauge on your car is hovering close to the “E,” imagine what would happen if you kicked the tire and stubbornly yelled, “I don’t care what your fuel light says! Get up and get moving.”
Odds are you’d find yourself with a gas can in hand, walking glumly to the nearest gas station.
So why, health experts ask, do we think we can do this to our bodies?
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007
Dear Santa,
Kitty here. I’m writing you for both Rover and myself. (You know how bad his penmanship is.)
Christmas is right around the corner. And we need to let you know how good we’ve been this year.
Rover repeatedly kept our family safe by chasing someone the humans refer to as “the mailman.” He snuggled with the kids by the fire, listened loyally to his humans’ problems and finally learned the difference between his chewies and the baby’s toys. And I served my humans well by warming their feet during the colder months and giving them kisses with my scratchy tongue. I even refrained from hissing at the kids when they grabbed my tail.
So here is our Christmas list:
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007
Ever since Katie Potts was tiny, she watched ballet productions of “The Nutcracker” with awe and admiration.
“It’s such a beautiful ballet,” the 15-year-old says. “I always wanted to be a part of it.”
And now Katie, along with 43 of St. Joseph’s finest student dancers, will fulfill that dream. The student dancers will grace the stage of the Missouri Theater alongside ballerinas from the Moscow Ballet Nov. 20.
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007
With the car idling and my stomach rumbling, I fought my fried food craving. But there it was, beckoning to me from the menu with bright, bouncing colors: french fries. Mmmm...
Sprains and strainsTuesday, Nov. 6, 2007
It’s something every parent hopes to avoid — sitting helplessly in the stands while they watch their child succumb to a sports injury.
But it happens. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, high school sports alone accounted for nearly 500,000 doctor’s visits and 30,000 hospitalizations in the 2005 school year.
Friday, Nov. 2, 2007
Redness on a Savannah, Mo., teenager’s leg recently prompted a rash of fears that health experts say are largely unfounded.
Welcome the weighty seasonTuesday, Oct. 30, 2007
It starts with a few Halloween candies and ends with an alcoholic flourish on New Year's Eve.
Hands offTuesday, Oct. 23, 2007
In the time it takes your kids to sing their ABCs they could greatly reduce their chances of getting sick and spreading disease to others.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Flood damage doesn't just ruin your property - if you don't properly handle the cleanup of contaminated areas, your health could be at risk as well. Rising flood waters can bring Hepatitis A, skin infections, flu-like illnesses and exacerbated asthma, allergy and skin-related symptoms. "We don't want people to panic," said Connie Bonebrake, nursing coordinator with the St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department. "It's not life-threatening if you are in relatively good health, but if you have compromised health, it can be. And that's why we're warning people."
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