For Immediate Release

-March 23, 2011-

Jack LaLanne’s Celebration of Life memorial on February 1, 2011, served to remind us that Jack started a one-man physical activity revolution.  Jack LaLanne is the symbol of “physical activity” that is timeless, spanning cultures and bridging generations.

The Call-to-Activity to Save America’s Health started in January, 2011.  The “Call” serves as Jack’s legacy to support physical activity initiatives for everyone, everywhere.

Older Adults Hear the Call to Save America’s Health

Our nation is fighting for its economic life as we face dramatic increases in healthcare costs aggravated by obesity and chronic illnesses.  Systemic reform and changes in governmental policy will never reduce healthcare dependency.  We need a responsible solution for improving the health of those who face the greatest health risks.  Our nation’s older adults are the perfect role models to lead the way.

Making the Call

Clarkstown and Suffern New York were the first communities to answer Jack LaLanne’s Call to Activity by providing an extensive physical activity program for seniors. With more than 500 seniors already trained, the program has been quite successful. http://bit.ly/g9HOl9 is an article highlighting Clarkstown’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

About the Call-to-Activity to Save America’s Health

The Call-to-Activity started in 2011, is an initiative for older adults to lead the nation towards responsible health action.  Physical activity participation options and access are made available by sharing community program provider information through social media and other communication outlets.

Call-to-Activity to Save America’s Health national and community information updates are available at www.calltoactivity.wordpress.com.

Jack LaLanne’s Legacy, Call to Activity

www.Call-to-Activity.com

Media Contact:  Phil Trotter

Direct Phone:  (317) 710-5031

Email:  phil.trotter@healthycommunitydevelopment.com

• Continue to take part in events and activities that you both previously enjoyed together and still love to do. This helps remind your friend that these times are valuable to you.

• Incorporate music into daily activities. Many people with memory issues retain their appreciation of music for a long time and listening to their favorite tune is something that can bring great joy. Attend musical performances and concerts together or tell stories about favorite musicians.

• Engage through diet and exercise. Doing something active gets more oxygen to the brain and regular exercise reduces the risk for disorders that can lead to memory loss such as diabetes.

• Participate in mental exercises. Similar to how physical exercise keeps your body strong and healthy, mental exercise can help your brain function better. Strategy games such as chess, bridge and Scrabble are great ways to help keep an older mind sharp.

• Encourage organization and routine. Help your senior utilize calendars, clocks, lists and notes to focus on the task at hand. Suggest they keep easy-to-lose items in the same place each time after using them or park their car in the same place if they still drive.

It’s not easy dealing with a loved one who suffers from memory loss but it’s important to remain in touch and connected. Focus on the good times that can still be had, rather than the ones from the past.

Time for a deck repair?

This winter has been brutal on our homes. Decks, just like our roof, siding and windows have borne the brunt of the extreme ice, snow and cold temperatures. Deck repair and maintenance is critical to ensure the longevity and safety of your deck. Now that spring is here, the following article will help you determine if your deck is fit for service this season or is in need of repair and routine maintenance.

With the following tips, homeowners can quickly spot and diagnose some common problems associated with their deck’s exposure to the harsh winter weather. Taking action to resolve these issues quickly will help prevent premature failure and costly replacement of your deck and increase its function and longevity. Whether you decide to hire a professional to maintain or repair the deck, or do the work yourself, here are some common problems you should be looking for this spring.

Deck Repair Video

Deck Repair and Maintenance Inspection Tips

Referencing the North American Deck & Railing Association’s Consumer Checklist, here are four problem areas I believe every homeowner can easily spot on their home’s deck.

1. Decayed or Rotted Wood: Pay particular attention to areas that appear to remain wet. You want to find any wood that is rotted or decayed. If such an area has splintered, attempt to pull a piece off. Or, use a screwdriver to poke and pick at the wood. If it feels soft or spongy, that is a tell-tale sign that the wood must be replaced, indicating it is time to call a deck repair professional.
   

   Standing Water Can Cause Deck Rot

2. Deck Fasteners: Fasteners include nails, screws and anchors. If you see a lot of nails sticking out, or screws that have corroded, this could be a sign of a bigger problem. Corroded, loose, or missing fasteners can continue to damage the wood around them and undermine the structural integrity of the deck, railings and stairs. If you spot such damage, consider calling a deck repair professional to further evaluate the problem.
   

   Nails Sticking Up From Deck Boards

3. Railings, Banisters and Stairs: Push on the railing and banisters to make sure they are secure. Examine the deck surface and stair treads to make sure there is no sagging or cracked boards. Stand on the deck surface and deck stairs and shift your weight back and forth to see if there is any sway or excessive bounce. If you note any of these problems, this could be a sign that a deck repair is necessary.
   

   Cracked Deck Boards

4. Cleaning and Maintenance: Mold, moss and discoloration all can damage the deck wood quickly if not quickly removed and properly sealed. Deck cleaning and maintenance is an entire topic in and of itself—so if you’re not comfortable cleaning and sealing your own deck, it is time to call a deck repair professional.
   

   Mold Growth on Deck Boards

For More Information on Deck Repair

For more information on how to spot deck problems, or general questions on deck construction, deck maintenance, and deck inspection, the North American Deck and Railing Association has a fantastic web site with a wealth of information for homeowners.

For Help With a Deck Repair

ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman of Cincinnati is a great choice for those who don’t have the time or inclination to perform their own deck repairs. Whether you notice wood rot, mold growth, or simply need periodic deck maintenance, ProMaster has a skilled team of professionals who understand that attention to detail, artistry and precise craftsmanship are the keys to success in any deck repair project.

Our Master Craftsmen are professionals who have honed their carpentry skills by experience and a quest for perfection. Keep in mind that these craftsmen aren’t just carpenters; they are skilled at other home repair tasks like carpentry, concrete & masonry, drywall & paint, electrical, flooring & tile, plumbing and roofing. Our multi-skilled craftsmen represent a distinct advantage over other repair contractors due to their ability to perform numerous tasks associated with a deck repair project.

Click here to watch another video by Don Kennedy that discusses the two main differences between ProMaster and every other home repair & handyman company.

There is little research on elderly bullying but senior care experts estimate about 10-20 percent of seniors have experienced some type of aggression in a care institution; much of it verbal abuse from other senior residents. Here is an informational article on how to identify signs of elder abuse from HelpGuide.org, a non-profit resource that offers support and the knowledge needed to make healthy life choices.

The most important thing you can do if you think your elderly loved one is suffering from neglect or abuse, either from a fellow senior resident or caregiver, is to remove them from the situation and entrust in a professional caregiver like the ones offered through FirstLight.

• Do you stretch at night and morning to loosen up?
• Are you exercising to burn off the stress that can have a negative impact on your body?
• Do you follow a diet or nutritional guidelines to ensure your system stays healthy and functions properly?
• Do you drink enough fluids and keep hydrated throughout the day?

Cohen encourages future caregivers to take a step back and assess the tasks and responsibilities involved in caring for an elderly parent and how to best prepare.

If you find you might not be able to undertake all the responsibilities due to your own physical health reasons, enlisting the services of a professional caregiver like the ones offered through FirstLight, is a great way to ensure your elderly loved one’s safety.

Approximately 12 million individuals currently receive home care from over 33,000 providers in the United States according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. As many of our nation’s elderly opt to remain in their home as they age, extra measures need to be taken to ensure their safety and independence. Part of maintaining autonomy is being prepared for unforeseen accidents or emergencies that may occur. Investing in a personal emergency monitoring system (PERS) is a great way to help your elderly loved one achieve this goal while giving you peace of mind.

PERS are home devices that connect a person to a 24-hour call center by a transmitter that is typically worn around the neck or wrist. These automated systems have a wide range of benefits including daily reminder notifications regarding medications and appointments. Other advantages cater to people with disabilities such as hearing and visual impairment or mobility challenges. Features include hearing-aid compatible handsets, flashing keypads for incoming calls, oversized keypad numbers and hands-free capabilities.

Depending on the provider, the device can be purchased, rented or leased. The purchase price can range anywhere from $200 to $1500, but many home care providers offer rentals for a modest fee, as low as $25 per month. Be sure to check with your insurance provider; sometimes they will reimburse you if the initial cost is paid for upfront. Many companies are different so it’s important to fully research the cost and monthly payments before signing any contracts.

With falls and medication errors being two of the biggest threats to senior independent living, a PERS is one of the most reliable and affordable ways to ensure your loved one’s safety and security when you or a caregiver aren’t available. FirstLight HomeCare is a licensed provider of PERS—visit your local office today for more details.

All good consumers and business owners want each party to act in good faith during any home improvement project.  Unfortunately, however, home improvement is one of the top industries for fraud and consumer dissatisfaction.  Why?  While much of the blame is the fault of the home improvement industry, there are 7 common mistakes I see homeowners commit that contribute to their own dissatisfaction.  Avoiding these mistakes can mean the difference between a delightful home improvement project and disastrous bad dream.

1. Falling In Love With the Salesperson: Since most homeowners aren’t experts in home repair, they rely heavily on the likeability and apparent credibility of the salesperson to define the competence of those performing the project.  Client dissatisfaction is a certainty when the employees or subcontractors don’t live up to the expectations the homeowner had of the salesperson.  When you invite someone to your home for a home repair or remodeling project, make sure this individual is skilled at home improvement projects, not simply a commissioned salesperson whose interest is selling you more than you need.
2. Neglecting Your Family’s Safety:  Most homeowners would be appalled to learn of the felony record, drug convictions, sex offenses, domestic violence or financial irresponsibility of the common worker in the construction, trade and home services industry.  While prior criminals have every right to work, they have no business in your home—where your family’s safety and your property’s security are at stake.  Demand to see a company’s employee screening and background check process to ensure your safety and comfort with those working in your home.
3. Hoping to Receive Excellence Without Paying For It: From toothpaste to gasoline, shopping for the cheapest price might not be a bad idea—for many consumer goods are truly non-differentiable commodities.  In this case, quality or performance of the product isn’t typically affected by price.  Home improvement, however, can’t be commoditized, since every home is a unique creation, every project is a custom solution, and every client holds a unique set of expectations.  Instead of focusing on price, look for the greatest value.  For most people I meet, value equates to uncompromising craftsmanship, timely service, backed with a solid guarantee, delivered by a company who cares about them and their home and has the integrity to operate their business with transparency.  Be clear on what you value in a company and don’t compromise your standards.
4. Asking the Wrong Questions: How long have you been in business?  Where are you located?  How many technicians do you have?  These questions are all aimed at answering a homeowner’s basic fear: namely, “Are you out to take advantage of me?”  Unfortunately, they do not reveal the facts a homeowner needs to make an informed decision.  Here is a list of better questions to ask and items to check.  Any service company or contractor who doesn’t welcome the “tough questions” is not worth your patronage.
5. Placing Faith in Bogus References: Would any contractor, ethical or not, intentionally provide you with references other than those who he or she thought would provide a glowing recommendation?  Consequently, a homeowner will never get an objective reference on a contractor unless they know to ask for a list of trade references—parties that have no vested interest in telling you anything but the truth.  Examples include commercial vendors, materials suppliers, banks, accounting and legal associates or third-party reporting agencies like the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List and Service Magic.
6. Ignoring Insurance Coverage: Companies should provide proof of both liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage to protect you from both property damage and injuries sustained by workers on the project.  Homeowner’s policies generally do not cover such claims and you, as the homeowner, may be held liable if the company you hire doesn’t have such coverage.  Legitimate companies are proud to show proof of coverage because it is extremely costly to them.  Avoid any contractor who doesn’t carry such coverage.
7. Allocating an Insufficient Budget: Savvy consumers never initiate a discussion about a home repair project with a price inquiry.  Rather, they’ve researched what a project should roughly cost and remain focused on finding the company who will deliver that project within their expectations and budget.  Instead of shopping for home improvement services by price, first spend some time finding a contractor who you can trust.  (Follow the Three Golden Rules for Better Home Improvement to help find that company).  Then, share your budget with that trusted advisor so they can help you devise a plan to achieve your project goals within your financial constraints.  In the end, if a project is done poorly or the experience in completing it was miserable, any cost savings by shopping for the cheapest price proves irrelevant.

Don Kennedy is President of ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman of Cincinnati, a home repair and remodeling company serving the Cincinnati Metro Area.  To learn more, call (513) 724-0539 or visit www.MasterMyList.com .

1.    Auto-insurance: Many companies provide incentives if seniors take a safe-driving course. AARP’s Driver Safety Programand the 55 Alive program both qualify seniors for insurance discounts in participating states after completing an accident prevention course.

2.    Health Care: Check out HealthAtoZ or RxAssist to find information about saving on prescription drugs, dental and vision care and health insurance. Remember there are other sources of reduced cost/free health care available other than Medicare. The key is to search around and research all of your options!

3.    Travel: Airlines, hotels and rental car agencies are all catering to the ever expanding senior demographic. Besides honoring AARP cards, many companies give discounts based on age qualifications alone. Amtrak and Greyhound offer discounts ranging from 5-15 percent while rental car company Dollar’s Silver Dollar Club gives people age 50 and over up to 10 percent off. Many airlines offer special senior fare rates that are only available by calling the airline directly.

4.    Fun & Games: Restaurants, movie theaters, museums, theme parks, and sports activities offer many senior discounts. Your local senior center or chamber of commerce should be able to help you locate special deals in your area. Wherever you go, make sure to inquire about the senior discount.

5.    Enrichment Classes: With more time on your hands after retirement, consider signing up for a free or low cost program in your community. Local community colleges or senior centers often offer classes in the arts, wellness, technology and volunteer services for older adults. For example, OASIS is a national nonprofit organization focused on creating opportunities for adults to continue personal growth and a chance to give back to their community. See if there is an OASIS city near you.

Overall, there are substantial savings to be found specifically tailored to seniors’ and retirees’ interests and hobbies. The best way to find these perks and rewards is to simply ask.

FITNESS TIPS

Talk To A Doctor

Before starting your loved one on an exercise program, consult a doctor. He or she may have limitations and your doctor can provide suggestions as to how to work around those.

Start Slowly

Don’t let your loved one jump into a strenuous workout right away. There are benefits to simple exercises such as stretching and walking. Overdoing it in the beginning may cause soreness and prevent you from making it part of your daily routine. It’s also important that seniors wear comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for the temperature, humidity and activity.

Join An Organized Sport

Many sports, ranging from bowling to tennis, have added competitive sectors for seniors. Ask around and find a sport that fits your interests, lifestyle and ability-level. Water exercises are also great because they promote strength without stressing your joints.

NUTRITION TIPS

Switch It Up

Turn meal planning into a fun experience by planning one new meal, trying one new food item each week or looking for new ways to prepare your favorite dishes. Be sure it’s a well-balanced meal—complete with fruits, vegetables, grain, meat and dairy. Also to avoid dehydration, seniors should aim to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Drinking water can help combat ailments and reduce hunger.

Enrich Foods

Try spreading nut butters on toast and crackers or adding cheese, lean meats and extra veggies to sandwiches, soups and rice. Also try spicing up bland foods by using lemon juice, herbs and spices.

Sensible Snacking

Though everyone likes a treat once in a while, it is important to choose the right snacks. Limit indulgence in sweets in favor of cheese and crackers, fruit or meal replacement drinks like Ensure^®or Boost^®, as they are higher in nutrients than cookies or candy.

*Before making any dietary changes, be sure to check with your physician first