REHAB: FITNESS AND RECUPERATION AFTER MAJOR SURGERY OR ILLNESS

Janine Boldra, Rehabilitation Manger for St. Elizabeth Hospital and Matthew Krueger, Physical Therapist for St. Elizabeth Hospital, talked about how life is good until something affects your health.  How can you be proactive to make your recovery go faster?  There are three things for optimum health and well being:  diet, exercise and balance of life.

We need to give our body the right fuel to stay healthy and in order to heal ourselves during a major surgery or illness.  Our body needs protein, good fat, carbohydrates and antioxidants to give us healthy strong cells.  Instead of the food pyramid, myplate illustrates the five good groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image – a place setting for a meal.  When putting food on your plate, ½ should be fruits and vegetables of various colors, ¼ healthy grains and ¼ proteins.  It is suggested that you put 3 colors in your meals. 

Exercise is important before any injury or illness occurs.  When you do not exercise, it directly affects your body’s rate to heal. Inactivity can lead to atrophy, contractures, bones loss, osteoporosis and decrease of cardiac output.  There are some things we can’t control such as the effects of aging on the body which varies from individual to individual.  With aging, your body isn’t able to function as it was at the age of 17 or 18.  When a heart attack or stroke occurs, your body cannot regenerate that tissue.  You can lose 4-6% of your muscle mass every decade of your life. Muscle mass starts to decline during one’s 30’s or 40’s.  Bone density peaks around age 20.  Joint tendons and ligaments are part of the process of degenerative changes.  Exercise gives your cells a greater chance of working more efficiently at preventing and promoting the healthy changes needed to recover.  It takes time before you start to see changes in strength, endurance and flexibility.  It can take 6 months before you start to see physical changes happening.  You can reverse some of the physiologic effects of aging with a good exercise program.  You can reverse 100% of your cardiovascular loss.  It can take 8 weeks to see strength changes as far as muscle mass.  It first little bit is all neuromuscular after that you start to see muscle mass being built.  Correct posture is also very important.  Posture is the position in which minimum stress is applied to each joint and minimal muscle activity is needed to maintain position. 

Managing balance in your work, home and play is important.  Stress is not always a bad thing.  It can be used to drive or motivate people but it can be detriment to healing.  Cortisol is a chemical inside your body that is released in response to stress and can shut down your immune system so you cannot heal as well.  It can also create tissue damage.  Stress can affect your cardiovascular system (heart rate and blood pressure).  Positive thinking helps our tone and keeps tension down.  Music and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.  Our body has only so much energy and you have to make choices on what to focus it on. 

You need to give yourself time after surgery or an illness. Your body heals at its own pace.  Why wait for a health care episode to start dieting, exercising and balancing your work, home and play?

Our Wisconsin Waters

This year, the Program Theme Committee has chosen “water” as it theme series following the Nobel Conference’s examination of “Our Global Ocean” as a source of inspiration, danger, and knowledge. Today, Nicole Van Helden, Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy, discussed how the mission of the Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.  They are a private nonprofit conservation organization that works in more than 30 countries.  There are 1 million members worldwide – 22,000 being in Wisconsin. Scientists predict by 2025, two thirds of the population will face water shortages.  People take this freshwater resource for granted not realizing where this water is coming from and the actions we take that have an impact on it.  The Alliance for Water Stewardship is working to develop a voluntary program based on an international water stewardship standard to define actions that businesses and water users worldwide can and should take to improve social, environmental and financial sustainability of water use.   One half of the world’s population currently lacks access to safe drinking water and sanitation.  Appleton’s drinking water comes from Lake Winnebago.  Seventy seven percent of American’s (not on a private well) were unable to identify the source of their drinking water.  If people don’t realize the source of their drinking water, they are less inclined to be involved in what’s needed to protect this resource.  The Green Bay Watershed encompasses northern forests, agricultural lands, big cities and small towns, connecting people from Appleton and Escanaba to the Fox and Peshtigo Rivers.  Everything that happens on the land or in the water in this watershed has an impact downstream.  What happens in Lake Winnebago or the Fox River has an impact in the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.  The Bay of Green Bay is one of the largest freshwater estuaries in the world.  Over 10 million people rely on Lake Michigan for their drinking water.  Green Bay’s health has been degraded over the years from chemical pollutants, nutrients, sediments, evasive species and wetland loss.  Even through the overall health has been challenged, this system is capable of adapting and stabilizing for the long term.  It is still one of the most ecologically productive systems in the Great Lakes.  Important water initiatives have been underway in the Fox River for a number of years to restore its health.  The Boldt Company is coordinating the dredging and water clean-up to remove the largest PCB contamination in the United States.  Several years ago, The Nature Conservancy was asked to convene partners working in the Green Bay Watershed to come up with a comprehensive vision and plan to create a healthy watershed.  Some of the priorities that emerged where to protect the remaining coastal wetlands and enhance population of key species such as the Northern Pike. Services that the wetlands provide include shoreline protection from erosion, cleaning and filtering polluted water, habitat for fish and migratory birds, and buffers from intense storm events.  Over 70% of the wetlands have been lost on the west shore of Green Bay.  For Northern Pike to have a healthy population, they have to have spawning area.  Some of these areas are blocked by a bridge or culvert.  The Nature Conservancy is working to identify where these barriers are and to remove them to open up habitats for the Northern Pike.  The Door Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the Great Lakes region.  The Nature Conservancy has protected nearly 6,000 acres in Door County.  The Great Lakes contain 20% of earth’s freshwater, is the drinking water source of 40 million people and there are 500 beaches.  How can you make a difference to ensure clean or abundant water?  Replace expensive, less quality-regulated bottled water with drinking fountains and provide your employees with reusable cups. You will save money, reduce your carbon footprint attached to buying and discarding petroleum-based plastics, and ensure that the water that comes from out taps never ceases to be of the highest quality because people will always expect it to be such.

Holiday Celebration - December 18, 2012

The Holidays will be here before you know it and so will the Rotary Holiday luncheon, hosted by the Family of Rotary Committee.  This year we will be entertained by the Fox Valley Symphony and the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel has again prepared a very special meal for Rotarians and their guests.  So save the date, Tuesday, December 18 from 11:30 – 1:15 p.m.  Please be sure to sign up at the registration table so we will know if you are coming and the number of guests you are bringing.  We will be charging $12.50 for those members who have the status of “attendance not required” and guests as we have done in the past.  We are also doing a collection for The Mooring House this year. They are in need of the following: weekly planners for clients; hats, mittens, boots, socks, winter coats, tennis shoes (adult sizes);CD player boom box; can openers; pens; Kleenex; paper towel; toilet paper; toiletries; craft items; bus passes; gift cards for haircuts; box fans; alarm clocks; outdoor lawn games; board games; silver ware; and a window air conditioner for group room at the MH.  Monetary donations will be applied to Goodwill gift cards. Please bring in your donated items or monetary donation at the Holiday Celebration. 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to: demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders, encourage leadership of youth by youth and recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.  Students from all over District 6220 including Rotary Youth Exchange students participated in the conference from Friday, October 7 – Sunday, October 9 at Camp Manito-wish YMCA in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin.  Our Club sponsored 6 students – 2 from Appleton East, Appleton North and Appleton West High Schools.  These students were selected by school administrators and members of the RYLA Committee. Today, the students were awarded a framed certificate in recognition of successful completion of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards curriculum. 

Samantha Wojnowski (Appleton West) said that the conference was really fun.  The kids were put in different groups so it gave her a chance to meet a lot of new people.  She talks to the kids from the camp everyday.  It was a cool experience that taught her a lot.

Patrick Bishop (Appleton West) explained that it was fun.  When the conference was over everyone got emotional.  He is still in contact with most of his group who got very close.  His favorite thing was dinner.  The conference taught him how to set a good example and get people involved.

Selena Rippl (Appleton East) had a fantastic time.  She got comfortable with the people on the bus and then was split into different groups and got to know more people.  Everyone was crying when they left.  It felt like they knew each other for a long time. 

Brandon Dosdos (Appleton East) – It was very cold during the conference.  He did not bring enough warm clothes.  He only knew one other person when he went to camp but then met so many people.  He learned what to do with people he did not know.

Kaitlan Herman (Appleton North) – It was a wonderful experience.  She was a little shaky at first since she was not used to meeting new people.  She got to know a lot of new people.  She thanked Rotary for this experience. 

Michael Barta (Appleton North) – He expressed his gratitude to Rotary and Appleton North staff for choosing him.  Michael has Asperger Syndrome.  This camp was the first time he has ever been in a safe, positive environment surrounded by kids his own age.  It took a little time to get used to the fact he was on his own.  One of the funniest moments for him was an exercise using high school social groups.  His group represented the mentally disabled.  He found it funny that he was randomly placed in this group.  He discovered how hard it is to be a part of only one social group in high school.  He also had to create skits using the 4 Way Test.  As the weekend drew to a close, he dreaded the farewells.  He reminded himself that there is never a final goodbye only new beginnings.  This camp helped him see that if you surround yourself with positive people, you will be positive too. 

Thanks to the RYLA Committee for arranging this opportunity for these kids – Alyce Dumke (Co-Chair), Dennis Hietpas (Co-Chair), Gary Hermsen, Marta Weldon, Rosie Cannizzo, Shannon Full, John Fuller, John Mielke, Jon Kester, Martin Rudd and Alan Blake.  

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION MONTH

Bequest Society - Couples or individuals who have made commitments of $10,000 or more in their estate plans, such as in a will, living trust, or through whole or universal life insurance, can become Bequest Society members.  All Bequest Society members receive recognition from the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. Donors may elect to receive an engraved crystal recognition piece and a Bequest Society pin. Unless you request to not receive recognition you will be recognized automatically upon notification of your bequest commitment.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

President Elect Peter Kelly presented the slate of officers for the 2013/2014 Rotary year.  The membership has two weeks to present additional candidates. Additional nominations of directors and officers may be made within two weeks of such presentation by written -petition filed with the secretary and signed by at least five members of the club.  Such petition shall certify that the nominee has consented to run and will serve if elected.  The nominations of the committee and all such additional nominations shall be published in the issue of the club bulletin next following such presentation and filing.  At the first meeting in December, we will have our annual meeting and will vote for the candidates.  On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Peter submitted this slate of officers and board members for the 2013/2014 Rotary year:

Immediate Past President          Dawn Doberstein

President                                  Peter Kelly

President Elect                          Deborah Wetter

Secretary                                  John Fuller

Treasurer                                   Sridhar

Sergeant-at-Arms                       Paul Hillmer

One Year Term Board Members                Two Year Term Board Members

Caroline Lasecki                                                Michelle Devin Giese

Trey Neher                                                        Chad Hershner  

Mary Schmidt                                                    Egide Nimubona

Robb Waugus                                                    Marta Weldon

November is Rotary International Foundation Month

The Rotary Foundation provides many opportunities for donors to express their commitment to Rotary’s work or to honor a friend or family member through a named or endowed gift. 

These are available for the Annual Fund (outright contributions that provide immediate funding for the Foundation’s cultural, humanitarian, and educational programs) and the Permanent Fund (outright donations or endowed funds).

The Annual Fund makes it possible for Rotary clubs to transform lives worldwide. Your generous support funds local and international projects that advance The Rotary Foundation’s mission. All contributions to the fund are spent on quality Rotary projects.   The Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative encourages all Rotary club members to help us reach our goal to support The Rotary Foundation financially each year. Our 2012-13: Worldwide EREY fundraising goal (Annual Fund goal) is US$120 million.

We invite you to give a gift that will go beyond your lifetime: a donation to The Rotary Foundation’s endowment, the Permanent Fund. This fund enables individuals to combine their gifts into a significant force to address the world’s greatest needs for generations to come.  The initial target of US$200 million for the Permanent Fund was met in 2005, six years ahead of schedule. The next target is $1 billion by 2025.  In a Rotary year, about $8 million from the Permanent Fund is made available to support Foundation programs.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION MATCHING DONATIONS

This year, our club will match a donation of at least $100 up to $500 until the club’s 10,000 points are used.  Through our club’s program, an individual can receive a Paul Harris Fellow for $500.  If you are so inclined, following are ways you can take advantage of the matching donation program:

·         On your birthday, make a donation of at least $100 to the Rotary International Foundation.  You will become a Rotary International Foundation sustaining member and your donation will count towards a Paul Harris Fellow.

·         Donate at least $100 to the Every Rotarian, Every Year Program.  All money raised goes to the Annual Programs Fund to support humanitarian and educational programs such as providing safe water, feeding the hungry, eradicating disease, and educating children and adults.  This donation also counts towards a Paul Harris Fellow.

·         Donate $500 and surprise your spouse, significant other, friend, or colleague with a Paul Harris Fellow.  The person you recognize will be acknowledged by Rotary International as someone who supports programs that make a positive difference in our world.

If you have questions, please contact a member of the Rotary International Foundation Committee.  They are:  Tom Boldt, Dick Calder, Egide Nimubona, Steve Rieth, Ram Shet, Dave Rothmann and Kathy Dreyer.

COLLEGE COSTS: A QUESTION OF VALUE

Rolf Wegenke, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, discussed the cost of college.  In 2010-2011, the average tuition was $25,334 to attend a private nonprofit college or university in Wisconsin.  The average financial aid package received by the 61,000 students that attend private college in Wisconsin came to $20,446.  Of that, 73% was in the form of grants and the remainder was subsized loans.  The average net tuition in 2010-2011 came to $4,888 which was 16% lower than it was in 2006-2007. (The average U. W. tuition came to $7,330.) About 90% of the students who attend private college in Wisconsin receive financial aid.    These colleges are not supported by the taxpayers.  They are committed to a mission of providing educational opportunities to students across the state and they are doing it as a pubic service.  Providing financial aid is a moral issue since the aid provided makes a difference in the lives of young people who may not otherwise have attended college.  Wisconsin private and nonprofit colleges and universities enroll a higher percentage of low income and minority students than the U. W. System.  Wisconsin ranks 48 out of the 50 states in personal income growth.  This is a problem for the economic competitiveness of the state.  Wisconsin ranks 26 in the United States as the percentage of its population with a college degree and 26th place in per capita income.  There is a direct relationship between the educational attainment of our citizens and per capita income.  Two thirds of the jobs of the future will require post secondary education.  People with a baccalaureate   degree pay more taxes, draw less on social services, vote more, volunteer more, are healthier and have stronger marriages.  There is a value in every major because people are always changing careers and the changing economy.  About 50% of the jobs they will fill in four years don’t exist today.  Most important to employers are communication skills, critical thinking and reasoning, creativity and character.  Financial aid is empowering since it lets students make choices of what college is best for them.  Wisconsin is 30^th in the country in per capita student aid.  Financial aid will bring about change, value and increase educational attainment in this state and the country that commits to it.  

Long Term Care

China senior care is becoming an inspiration for new thinking about long-term care for elders. David Green, retired after 29 years with Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh, outlined his work in China for a new for profit concept.  He is a 1% partner in a project spearheaded by a group of investors for a small skilled nursing facility housing 64 residents.  The facility will be in Hangzhou near Shanghai—a more than three hour drive from the city or 45 minutes by bullet train. Green said there is a great need for elderly care with some 155 million in the population today and 490 million by 2050.  China, he said, has no model for care and can learn some from US experience but, also the investment team model can allow the US to learn as well.  The Chinese have one child per family; women retiring at age 50 and men at 65; a new financially elite, and changing attitudes is placing great strain on the country.  In the past Chinese families took care of their own.  It was considered bad face in peer relations not to care for elderly family members. The new rich have left the interior, the farms and moved to the coast to work in factories and left the elderly uncared for. To save face elderly were put under care of a street person who stayed in a “back room” or placed in a hospital where all are sick to save face.  Now the new concept has established core values, sustainability, honor, excellence, caring and security.  He compared US constraints such as regulations, reimbursements and requiring certified nursing assistants.  The China model, Green said, will be based on private pay and some regulations but no certified nursing assistants - persons who will be considered life aides.  There will be life programs versus care plans and concerns for meaningful relationships. First will come life, second medical concepts, he said.  In a day study, medical filled about 30 minutes. Green’s video slides cited business plan concepts.  For the less than 2 acres of land $4.5 million was paid. Transitions, a slide said, is that life is a series of events joined by transitions.  Transitions are impacted by a person’s life styles.

Green said the new business concept for the elderly has immense possibilities with the millions of aging in need of care.  New buildings will be built always facing south for light and warmth and exercise will be outdoors, a major departure from US elderly care facilities.

Emergency Shelter

The Emergency Shelter drive netted 767 units/items collected.  The White Team led all teams with 328 units.  One of the great concerns at this time is the increase in children coming to the shelter.  About 193 have arrived thus far, taking up 41% of bed space, more than in past history.