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FEATURE STORY:

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tHinGs to do 2 SAAvY SEniOR: 3 How to HElp EldErly drivErs liMit or stop drivinG

ADRC: 4MEdicarE part B dEadlinE ExtEndEd to MarcH 31

HEALTH COLUmm: 10MEtaBolic syndroME

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On the Cover: 6-7 marti Peters poses in the library at Silver Lake College in manitowoc. Peters returned to school recently and at 51 is working towards a degree in theology. Read more on Page 6. Sue Pischke/50 Plus

Staff Pat Pankratz, 50 Plus! Editor 920-686-2138 ppankratz@htrnews.com

Lowell Johnson, General manager 920-684-4433 ljohnson@htrnews.com

50 Plus! is published monthly by the Herald Times Reporter. it also is distributed to select businesses in manitowoc County.

50plus!

THinGS TO DOmarch 1Play it again Sam, Capitol Civic Centre. The masquers present this quirky story of a nerdy wimp trying to be cool for the ladies. 7:30 p.m. (920) 682-2184, Also march 2-3. www.cccshows.org

march 3WOman’S HiStOry Day, manitowoc Heritage Center, make history come to life during this special woman’s history month program and American Girl tea party. 3 p.m., (920) 684-4445

march 4 - 25yOutH art mOntH, Rahr-West Art museum. Enjoy the artistic energy of youth as manitowoc public schools and Lincoln High School students display their talents. (920) 686-3090

march 10rummage-a-rama, manitowoc County Expo, Community rummage sale that will include baked goods, pictures, clothing, antiques,

games and more. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (920) 683-4378

uW-manitOWOC lakeSHOre WinD enSemble: The Winds of march, Capitol Civic Centre. Young artist competition winners, Wesley Teply Community Service Award presentation. 7:30 p.m. (920) 683-2184

truly iriSH, Palace of Reif mills Dinner Event Theatre, Also march 11, 16 and 17. Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m., Sunday shows at 1 p.m. (920) 732-3172

march 12tHe great greentreaSure Hunt, Starts at manitowoc Coffee, Register between 9 and 9:30 a.m. at manitowoc Coffee, where the first clue will be revealed at 9:30 a.m. Follow the clues as each is released at the sponsoring

locations. if you find Bob irish you could win part of $500.

march 16great trivia COnteSt, J.E. Hamilton Community House, Two Rivers. Teams of 8-10 compete against each other in nine rounds of trivia from music to movies, Tv to sports and everything in between. Costumes welcome, snacks provided and cash bar available. Fee charged, 6 to 10 p.m. (920) 794-1482

St. PatriCk’S Day ParaDe, Downtown manitowoc. Put on your green and follow the rainbow to downtown for this yearly tradition. Then walk over to the Eighth Street Bridge for fireworks. Free, 6:30 p.m.

march 17COlin mOCHrie anD braD SHerWOOD, Capitol Civic Centre. make a scene with the stars of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Back by popular demand and ready to make you laugh using suggestions from the audience. 7:30 p.m., (920) 683-2184

march 23- 252012 HOme builDerS SHOW, manitowoc County ice Center. Seminars, Kid’s Korner, and find out all the most recent news about home building. Friday from 4-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (920) 684-6222

march 24tHe green bay PaCkerS-FrOm birtH tO legenD, manitowoc Heritage Center. Discover the fascinating history of the Packers. A catered meal will follow the program. Advanced registration is required. Fee charged, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (920) 684-4445

muSiC tHrOugH tHe DeCaDeS: The Clipper City Chordsmen, Capitol Civic Centre. Join the barbershop quartet for harmonies and fun. 7p.m., (920) 682-2184

the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in downtown manitowoc on march 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 50 Plus file photo

2 . march 2012 . 50 plus!

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Northland Lodge2500 Garfield St., Two RiversPlease RSVP to 920-794-6922

We will also be discussing falls & balance:• A fear of falling, Recently fallen • Avoided normalactivities • Unsteadiness while standing, walking,or turning • Suffered a stroke or hip fracture •Osteoporosis, Parkinson's Disease, or Alzheimer'sDisease • Side effect from medication that causesdizziness, sedation, confusion, or weakness.

Painful burning in the feet • Foot pain that disturbs sleep • Side effectsfrom foot pain medication • Diabetes with pain in the feet.

Falls & Balance and NeuropathyAttend our information sessionto learn how you can stop:

Presented by Michelle Berkovitz PTA Director of Rehabilitation

Thursday March 29th, 2012 at 2 p.m.

How to help elderly drivers limit or stop driving

Jim miller

Dear Savvy Senior:

I’m worried about my father’s driving. At age 84, his driving skills have diminished significantly, but I know he’s bound and determined to keep going as long as he’s alive. What tips can you recommend that can help me help my dad stop driving? Nervous Daughter

Dear Nervous:

For many families, telling an elderly parent it’s time to give up the car keys is a very sensitive and difficult topic. While there’s no one simple way to handle this issue, here are a number of tips and resources you can try to help ease your dad away from driving.

Take A Ride

To get a clear picture of your dad’s driving abilities, the first thing you need to do is take a ride with him, watching for problem areas. For example: Does he drive too slow or too fast? Does he tailgate or drift between lanes? Does he have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Does he react slowly? Does he get distracted or confused easily? Also, has your dad had any fender benders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on his vehicle? These, too, are red flags.

Start Talking

After your assessment, you need to have a talk with your dad about your concerns, but don’t sound alarmed. If you begin with a dramatic outburst like “Dad, you’re going to kill someone!” you’re likely to trigger resistance. Start by gently expressing that you’re worried about his safety.

For tips on how to talk to your dad about this touchy topic, the Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers some guides titled “Family Conversations with Older Drivers” and “Family Conversations about Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Driving” that can help, along with an online seminar called “We Need to Talk” that was produced by AARP.

To access these free resources, visit safedrivingforalifetime.com.

Like many elderly seniors, your dad may not even realize his driving skills have slipped. If this is the case, consider signing him up for an older driver refresher course through AARP (aarp.org/drive, 888-227-7669), your local AAA or a driving school.

By becoming aware of his driving limitations, your dad may be able to make some simple adjustments — like driving only in daylight or on familiar routes — that can help keep him safe and driving longer. Or, he may decide to hang up the keys on his own.

Refuses To Quit

If, however, you believe your dad has reached the point that he can no longer drive safely, but he refuses to quit, you have several options. One possible solution is to suggest a visit to his doctor who can give him a medical evaluation, and if warranted, “prescribe” that he stops driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If that doesn’t do it, ask him to get a comprehensive driving evaluation done by a driver rehabilitation specialist — this can cost several hundred dollars. A driving evaluation will test your dad’s cognition, vision and motor skills, as well as his on-road driving abilities. To locate a specialist in your area, contact the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (driver-ed.org, 866-672-9466) or the American Occupational Therapy Association (aota.org/older-driver).

If he still refuses to move

to the passenger seat, call your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help. Or, call in an attorney to discuss with your dad the potential financial and legal consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away his keys.

Arrange Transportation

Once your dad stops driving he’s going to need other ways to get around, so help him create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that he can call on. To locate community transportation services call the Area Agency on Aging. Call 800-677-1116 for contact information.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

50 plus! . march 2012 . 3

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ADRC: medicare Part B deadline extended to march 31

By Judy Rank

If you didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when you first became eligible for Medicare, you now have an opportunity to apply until March 31. If you miss this deadline, you may have to wait until 2013 to apply.

Medicare Part B covers some medical expenses not covered by Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), such as doctors’ fees, outpatient hospital visits, and other medical supplies and services.

When you first become eligible for hospital insurance (Part A), you have a seven-month period in which to sign up for medical insurance (Part B). After that, you may have to pay a higher premium — unless you were covered through your current employer’s group health plan or a group health plan based on a spouse’s current employment.

You are given another opportunity to enroll in Part B during the general enrollment period, from Jan. 1 to March 31 of each year. But each 12-month period that you are eligible for Medicare Part B and do not sign up, the amount of your monthly premium increases by 10 percent.

Some special situations do exist in which you can apply for Medicare Part B outside the general enrollment

period. Your local Social Security office can answer questions about whether you meet any of the special situation qualifications.

Stepping On ClassThe Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will be offering a “Stepping On” class at Aurora Medical Center beginning Thursday, March 29 and running through May 10. “Stepping On” is an evidence-based, seven-week program that has been proven to increase balance and reduce the risk of a fall. It will be held every Thursday from 9 until 11 a.m. in the Lakeside Room at the hospital.

This program utilizes a physical therapist to teach balance and strength exercises and includes a manual with the directions of how to do the exercises. A pharmacist presents one of the week’s programs and discusses how medications affect balance and the changes a person can make to their prescription list to lesson the risk of falls. A low-vision specialist will be available another week to talk about how vision affects falls, and a safety officer is also involved to share how to stay safe while out in the community.

There is a $10 fee that is requested at the time of reservation. Anyone attending all seven classes may request to have the fee returned, while those attending five or more classes may receive $5 of the $10

registration fee. Contact the ADRC at (920) 683-4180 to register for the program.

Tools For CaregiversA six-week program for caregivers called “Powerful Tools for Caregiving” is set to start Friday, April 6, at Aurora Medical Center. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Adult day services will be available during this time for the care receiver.

“Powerful Tools” is a program for the family caregiver to help them deal with the added responsibility that accompanies care giving. It teaches ways to deal with the stress, effective communication with family members and medical professionals, and the importance of caring for yourself so that you are able to maintain good health. Contact the ADRC at (920) 683-4180 to register for this program.

Tax AssistanceAssistance with filling out income tax forms is available at the Manitowoc and Two Rivers Senior Center and through VITA. Tax help is available for those 50 and older at the Two Rivers Senior Center Wednesday mornings. You must call (920) 793-5596 to book an appointment.

The Manitowoc Senior Center will have tax preparers available on Thursday and Friday mornings. There are

4 . march 2012 . 50 plus!

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VITA will offer assistance on Monday evenings from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Technical College in room L104 on its Cleveland Campus. Assistance is available at the Salvation Army in Sheboygan Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5 to 7:45 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (920) 565-1543.

Senior FairA Senior Fair is in the development stage for late May. It will be held at the Manitowoc Ice Center and will include exhibitors who provide services for those who are interested in staying connected to the community. There will also be several presentations throughout the afternoon.

Last year the fair drew nearly 50 exhibitors and will be even bigger in 2012. Watch for further information.

Judy Rank is executive director of the Manitowoc County Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Lake Shore Singles SeekS memberSAn organization called Lake Shore Singles, comprised of men and women ages 55 and older, is seeking members. According to organizer Donald Hoff, the group of singles get together twice a month for dinners, twice a month for breakfasts, once a month for lunch and at least twice a month for coffee at Jen’s Java on Washington Street in Manitowoc.

For information contact Hoff at (920) 682-4948; Cheryl at (920) 901-6161; Geri at (920) 682-3427 or (920) 374-9063; or Sue at (920) 973-4022.

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By Tara Meissner | 50 Plus Correspondent

MANITOWOC — Three years ago, Marti Peters sat in her car in the Silver Lake College parking lot, nearly paralyzed with fear; she was preparing to step foot into her first college classroom ever.

It was that or start the car and leave, which would return her to the world of job hunting through a sea of minimum-wage jobs.

“I found myself unemployed, without a degree and searching at age 48,” Peters said.

Lacking confidence, she wrestled with following the direction to higher education or staying put in a place familiar. Then a song came on the radio: “Roll with the Changes,” by REO Speedwagon.

That morning the lyrics spoke directly to Peters: “So, if you’re tired of the same old story, oh, turn some pages; I will be here when you are ready to roll with the changes.” The song continues using the pronoun

“we” instead of I, hinting at Christianity and the idea that we are never alone.

“It was my sign,” Peters said.

It’s a good thing the song came on when it did. Just in time, Peters entered Sister Mary Bodwin’s World Religion classroom, a place of strict policy where the campus joke is “if you are not 10 minutes early, you are late,” Peters said of the now retired educator.

Today, Peters has a successful education experience to her credit and is anticipating graduating magna cum laude with a 3.77 grade-point average this spring. Her degree is in theology with a psychology minor.

Jan Algozine, director of the school’s Career Resource Center, says students like Peters raise the bar in terms of expectations in the classroom.

“Baby boomers become high achievers, they are very motivated … They are a good role model for the millennial student,” Algozine said.

No Stranger To SuccessFor Peters, success is no stranger. She and her ex-husband owned Peters Service Center Inc. and the Fox Point Amoco in DePere. Over 26 years, they built a successful business by any measure, starting from a $5 bill. When the marriage ended, she was severed from the business, left with vast knowledge and experience, but coming up short on her search for that place where she once again could achieve.

“The world of work has changed,” Algonzine says.

Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, and raised believing work ethic and loyalty were the keys to successful, lasting careers that would take them

Education knows no aGE liMitBaby Boomers Help Fill Local Colleges

marti Peters uses a laptop that she checked out from the library as she studies biological psychology in the library at Silver lake College in manitowoc. Peters returned to school later in life and at the age of 51 is working towards a degree in theology at SlC.

Sue Pischke/50 Plus

6 . march 2012 . 50 plus!

to retirement. Today they feel like they have to learn more in order to remain employable. The mindset then was graduate, get a job, have a family — then the rules changed. Technology happened. Hard work and dedication are no longer enough to hold onto a slice of the American dream.

More Education NeededBaby boomers today are finding more education has become necessary, according to Algonzine, who works with students who don’t know what they want to do in terms of career development.

With life spans increasing, baby boomers are living longer, healthier lives and they need to find something they want to do. Sometimes it is for an income, and sometimes it something more basic — they need a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. Statistically they are not retiring as early as usual, but in order to remain in the workforce, they have to keep learning, according to Algozine.

“The world is at their fingertips,” she said. “We want to find where their heart is.”

Peters flirted with the idea of becoming a teacher and enrolled at Silver Lake College, pursuing an English degree. Through study and exploration, she determined her true path to happiness and purpose was theology.

Peters, the mother of two grown sons — Philip and Shawn — says her motivation for theology is to qualify for a position in pastoral care. Her younger son Shawn, 26, is in the U.S. Air Force. She has seen the effect of combat on the young men and women sent to war zones.

“There is a need. They need to connect with a higher power,” Peters said. “My heart said, help the military, especially those with PTSD.”

Silver Lake College is a Catholic institution, but many non-Catholic students have earned theology degrees there. Peters, an Episcopalian, says faith is a basic at the campus. It

works to develop students in mind, body and spirit.

Peters says the college experience and interacting with the younger students makes a person “feel younger.” While that feeling is good, Peters wouldn’t trade her wisdom for their age.

No Age LimitThe old paradigm was that 50 was too old to return to college, but today the belief is there no age limit on learning. Despite the challenges of age discrimination, there are many opportunities for baby boomers, according to Algozine. Her advice to older job seekers is to leave dates off of resumes and focus instead on listing accomplishments and abilities.

“Lifelong learning is in,” she said.

To discuss the possibilities of higher education, call Algozine at (920) 686-6192. She’ll walk you through the process, help you define what direction to go, offer interest surveys, or just lend an ear if you want to talk.

“What would my life be like if I hadn’t gotten out of that car,” Peters wonders.

Tara Meissner is a freelance writer in Manitowoc. She can be reached at 920-860-6957 or tarameissner@yahoo.com.

non-traditionalAt the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc, a two-year college, 30 percent of the students in the latest count are classified as non-traditional (age 22 or over). Of the 182 non-traditional students, 25 are age 40 or older, according to Teresa Satori, senior university relations specialist.

Meanwhile, at Silver Lake College, 27 percent of the 1,291 students in undergraduate and graduate studies are baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964.

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aCrOSS1. Adherents of Sikhism6. Before tac and toe9. Chap or fella13. ivy progression14. *Richard Gere to Cindy Crawford: “_ __” in

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region16. independent African ruler17. no vote18. Relating to ulna19. *South Africa’s first black president21. Skier’s delight

23. Salt in Spanish24. Hawaiian dance25. Brown messenger28. *Garth of “Wayne’s World”30. mourner’s song34. Stiff hair or bristle36. ____ en scene38. Swarms40. *”The Lion King” villain41. *nirvana’s “nevermind,” e.g.43. it leads to flight?44. “Three’s Company” landlord46. “Will be,” according to Day47. Evoke emotion48. Cloak

50. Longest division of time, pl.52. *He played John Spartan in “Demolition

man”53. Another spelling for #50 Across, sing.55. As opposed to rent57. Cursed60. *it featured Rachel and monica, among

others64. “_____ in comparison,” past tense65. Followed third Super Bowl67. not here68. Swelling from fluid accumulation69. Large coffee pot70. *Franjo Tudjman, e.g.71. *Site of showdown with Branch Davidians72. *”___ About You”73. What Elmer Fudd does

DOWn1. Ponzi scheme, e.g.2. Shirley macLaine’s 1963 character3. “A ____ eye”4. minds or listens5. impressive display, as in

food6. She plays Liz on “30

Rock”7. Civil rights advocate

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rodent resembling beaver

9. *Dream Team’s reward10. White-tailed sea eagle11. not far12. Applied before feathers15. *Where U.S. intervened20. Children’s book “is Your

mama a _____?”22. Days of ___24. Like one who’s washed-

up25. *Country until 199126. Legendary cowboy Bill27. Locker room infection?29. nadas31. Fair-play watchdogs32. Dineros or loots

33. *Form of communication that took off35. Length times width37. *new money39. nimble and quick42. Lord’s estate45. *Hutu-Tutsi conflict site49. Civil War general51. “The wind began to ______, the house to

pitch...”54. Abomination56. Jawaharlal _____57. Dad to a baby58. *Starred in “The Hunt For Red October”59. Circulates in an office60. Discover61. ne62. Exclamation of annoyance63. They make up a tennis match64. Church seat66. Roth ___

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Jennie Petri practices the macarena to a country tune during line dancing class at the two rivers Senior Center.

From left, mary ann rabitz, beth barfield, Peggy englebert and Jennie Petri practice choreographed moves to country

tunes during a line dancing class at the two rivers Senior Center recently. the class is geared towards beginners and has an open enrollment. For more information on the class contact the center at (920) 793-5596.

Sue Pischke/50 Plus

50 plus! . march 2012 . 9

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HEALTH COLUmn: metabolic Syndrome — When the Sum is Greater than the Parts

Everyone knows that keeping their weight under control is important to good health, but now the “location” of fat on a person’s frame, along with other factors, matters too. Physicians understand that all fat is not created equal — especially as it relates to the dangers of developing metabolic syndrome.

This syndrome is a group of abnormal findings all related to the body’s metabolism. It’s closely linked to a specific metabolic problem called “insulin resistance,” which develops when the body’s ability to use insulin to control the amount of sugar in the blood is impaired.

Experts agree that it’s not just about telling overweight people to lose weight, it’s about identifying people with insulin resistance. When people develop insulin resistance, their insulin level goes up and their glucose goes up, too. Both glucose and insulin are dangerous when too high.

Those diagnosed with metabolic syndrome are actually dealing with several disorders with their metabolism at the same time, including obesity (especially around the waist), high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and a resistance to insulin.

Those with metabolic syndrome are at much greater risk for having a heart attack or stroke. They have a higher risk than a diabetic person, a heavy smoker or someone who only has hypertension. This combination of disorders can lead to serious trouble down the road.

There are five telltale signs or markers

indicating high insulin or insulin resistance. It’s important to identify and screen people who have abdominal obesity which gives them a round, “apple-shaped” appearance (as opposed to a pear shape). Men with a waist over 40 inches and women with a waist over 35 inches are at increased risk. They may not have metabolic syndrome, but they should be checked carefully for other signs of the condition.

Metabolic syndrome is typically diagnosed when a person has at least three of five specific signs (in addition to abdominal obesity): Hypertension (greater than 135/85)

Glucose intolerance (fasting glucose greater than 110)

High triglycerides (greater than 150)

Low HDL (good) cholesterol (men less than 40, women less than 50).

Known risk factors for metabolic syndrome include:

Age (the chances increase as you get older; about 40 percent of people in their 60s are impacted)

Obesity and poor nutrition (the risk of developing metabolic syndrome increases if you have a body mass index greater than 25)

Having other diseases (high blood pressure, heart and blood vessel disease)

Having a family history of type 2 diabetes or diabetes during pregnancy

Race (African-Americans and Mexican-Americans are more susceptible than whites).

Before reaching a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, a physician will complete a physical exam, including a complete medical history and blood tests.

Weight loss and increased physical activity are the first-line approaches in treating this condition and can help reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in the first place. Increased physical activity has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce insulin resistance, improve heart function and will help those trying to shed extra weight. If these strategies alone are not successful, a physician may recommend medication.

However, the key to effective treatment with medications is to treat this constellation of problems and the patient as a “whole.” In other words, therapy must be directed at the insulin resistance and not just the individual

parts of the syndrome.

If addressed singly, treating one component may actually interfere with the treatment of another. For example, certain blood pressure medicines may make insulin resistance and glucose intolerance worse … and some make it better. Some medications for obesity raise the blood pressure, and some weight loss strategies are less effective if a person has high insulin.

Because this syndrome is really a combination of conditions, working closely with a trusted health care provider is crucial. The goal is to identify those at risk, educate them and steer them into appropriate testing and care. This will save lives — so it’s much more than just telling overweight people to lose weight.

Dr. tresa teehan is an internal medicine physician at aurora manitowoc Clinic. She can be reached at (920) 686-5700.

10 . march 2012 . 50 plus!

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ClubJennifer Jason leigh turned 50 on Feb. 5. the actress is best known for her roles in “Fast times at ridgemont High,” “Single White Female,” “last exit to brooklyn,” “georgia” and “Short Cuts.” She is the daughter of actor vic morrow and screenwriter barbara turner.

Clint black turned 50 on Feb. 4. Signed to rCa records in 1989, black made his debut with his “killin’ time” album, which produced four straight number One singles on the u.S. billboard Hot Country Singles & tracks charts. He has amassed more than 30 singles on the u.S. billboard country charts (of which 13 have reached number One), in addition to releasing nine studio albums and several compilation albums.

garth brooks who turned 50 on Feb. 7, has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in popular music history, breaking records for both sales and concert attendance throughout the 1990s. He still continues to sell well and according to nielsen Soundscan, his albums sales through October 2011 were at 68,561,000, which makes him the best-selling albums artist in the united States in the SoundScan era (since 1991).

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