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Positive Parenting: Before The Big Day Arrives

by Cassandra Vore

As a mother, I know the excitement and the nervousness of welcoming a new life into your body, home, and heart. We often prepare for our baby’s arrival by painting the nursery and going on a shopping spree. However, when we focus our energy on the material and physical preparations, we miss the first opportunity to be proactive parents. Indeed, parenting does not begin at birth, but long before.

Consciously attending to the complete journey, from conception through birthing, is an immense and sacred parenting task that can be embraced in many ways, and may be overwhelming at times. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Strengthen your intimate and social relationships

Foster communication with your partner. Discuss the fears, hopes, dreams, and plans each of you has for your growing family and learn to support one another, even when your ideas diverge.

Do you have friends who make you laugh or calm your spirit? Nurture those relationships and the positive ways they make you feel. At the same time, discontinue or avoid stressful relationships with friends or extended family. Stress hormones directly impact your growing child. Take this opportunity to put your child’s needs first.

Don’t forget to ask for or accept offers to help, both now and after the baby comes. Accepting help does not mean that you are incapable. Instead, your loved ones experience the joy of giving and you receive the extra nurturing you need and deserve.

If you’re the grandparent, nurture your children on their paths to parenthood and don’t be offended if they don’t follow yours. We all seek our own footing on this universal journey and your unconditional love and acceptance is the greatest gift you can offer.

2. Nourish your mind, body, and spirit

Spend time outdoors connecting with nature as you marvel at the miracle of nature growing within you.

Walking, yoga, swimming, and other low impact exercises are great throughout pregnancy. Chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and many other alternative therapies can also help you stay healthy and fit.

Attending to your spirit can easily be done through meditation, hypnosis, affirmations, and prayer.

The food you eat also nourishes your baby. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy, whole foods diet with lots of variety. Avoid processed foods and toxic substances.

3. Prepare for your birthing time and infant care

Search out information on the Internet, in books, and in magazines. Is the amount of information overwhelming? Look for categorized lists of helpful resources at http://www.superiorbirthingresources.com.

Read or watch inspirational stories of childbirth and avoid fear-inducing labor stories. Start with Journey Into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth by Sheri Menelli.

Invest in a complete childbirth education class that fits your philosophy, has a complete curriculum, and can help you become an informed health care consumer. This process will allow you to welcome your baby into the world in the way that is right for you and your family.

Explore your feelings and the research about issues such as breastfeeding, vaccinations, co-sleeping, and baby-wearing. Be prepared ahead of time so you feel confident with your choices.

Pregnancy is a sacred time when new life is being created and nurtured. This time period offers parents an opportunity to release fears, heal emotional wounds, and bring balance to daily life in preparation to meet their child. The preparation can be a lot of work, but then again, so is the work of parenting. Fortunately, it is truly a labor of love. Enjoy your journey!

Cassandra Vore lives in Skandia, Michigan, with her husband and son, surrounded by extended family and a vibrant community. A Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis instructor and creator of Superior Birthing Resources, she offers holistic, natural-focused resources to expectant and new parents. She can be reached at (906) 942-7010, or superiorbirthingresources@gmail.com.

Reprinted with permission from Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine, Spring 2012.

Keeping Elder Holidays Special

By Barb Dupras

The holidays are a special time for celebrating family, renewing your connections with loved ones and being together.  But families, like life, go through change, especially with older loved ones.  Keeping the spirit of the holiday alive despite these changes keeps the fabric of family strong.

When there have been changes in a senior’s life—  a new debilitating medical condition,  loss of some independence, loss of a loved one, or even a change in the environment, the holidays can bring depression.  This can be exhibited by loss of interest in things previously enjoyed, slowed thinking or response, decreased level of hygiene, inability to focus or concentrate, change in sleep patterns, loss of appetite and/or increased forgetfulness.  If you have a feeling something is just not right, it might be good to talk to your loved one— it may be he or she is experiencing a simple fear that that can be remedied with reassurance. Communication is always important.  Just knowing that you care gives your loved one that emotional support.  During the holidays, continue to give your loved one a feeling of being needed (lack of this can also be a fear).  Have him/her assist with holiday preparations such as decorating or cooking.  Take a drive to see the holiday lights. Encourage him/her to tell stories of the past.  Have the youngest serve the eldest first at meal time.  All these things will help your senior feel loved no matter what changes have taken place.  But if your loved one continues to exhibit symptoms of depression after two weeks, it may be a good idea to consult your doctor.  The doctor would know if it could be a side effect from a medication or interaction between the meds and can give you information on how it could be treated.  Also be aware that the senior’s generation did not recognize depression.  The senior’s reaction may be one of not understanding, feeling that this shows weakness of character or is a mental illness.  Some people have the mistaken belief that depression is a part of aging.  Depression in the elderly results from losses and changes that are not caused by the physical aspects of aging.  A strong  deterrent to depression is having a strong network of support from family and/or friends.

Another big change can be a medical condition resulting in loss of physical functioning – stroke, severe arthritis, etc.  Be mindful of your senior’s new physical needs.  Are there steps in the house that would be difficult?  Does the senior now need help getting up the porch steps?  If the holiday is at the family home, does the senior need an elevated toilet seat?  Can it be brought from the senior’s home?  Also, with any new condition, one’s energy level would certainly change.   Be aware that your senior may tire easily and need to rest.  Also, he/she may not tolerate the stimulation of being with a lot of people as well as before but may not want to say anything.  Also be aware that there may be new dietary needs.  Locating an Elder Care online site could prove to be an invaluable resource for information.

One of the biggest challenges in celebrating holidays is with a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  If you are the caregiver and the festivities are at your house, it may be a good idea to send a letter to the family who are coming explaining the changes in your loved one so they will not be surprised or offended.  It is important to let them know that the senior cannot process information as he/she did before.  It helps to be specific.  Also, if you are the caregiver it may help to make things simpler to give yourself a break.  Asking for a holiday potluck may be a nice variation.

In terms of the senior, it would be helpful to have a special room where he or she could rest  or be out of the fray of people.  The person with the dementia cannot tolerate much stimulation.  Helping your loved one maintain the usual routine as much as possible does help, as it gives the senior a feeling of stability.  Even though the dementia slows down functioning, it is still important to include the senior in the festivities as much as possible, though at a later stage of Alzheimer’s, this could be a challenge to consider carefully.

If your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s is in a nursing facility, you can still celebrate together with a visit.  People with dementia often cannot remember what they ate five minutes ago but do remember in detail the history of topics important to them.  To help make a connection with your loved one, you could bring in pictures or an old photo album and talk about the past.  You may be surprised how much will be shared.  Another idea is to bring in old recordings of songs of his or her era.  Or even sing them with him or her.  There always is a thread of remembrance of favorite songs no matter what the severity of dementia.  You can also start a project in which he/she puts together old pictures in an album.  Be creative – the results will be a lasting memory which you will cherish.  For more information regarding dealing with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease, the local Alzheimer’s Association in Marquette has a library filled with information.  Phone calls with questions are also welcomed.

One of the most common challenges in these times is the distance between families.  We all know that it is important to stay connected.  In this high tech age there are some opportunities that may help.  For those who have a computer, having a regular meeting using a video conferencing program such as Skype program can help.   Family members can see each other on the screen and actually talk with one another.  Another idea is to give your grandparents webcams.  Then make a date every week to connect.   Obtain a free conference line on your phone that you can send to all family members.  Celebrate with your seniors long distance by signing up at FreeConferenceCall.com or Mr.Conference.com.  Charges are the same as long distance calls for each person.

We can make the holidays the special time they’ve always been meant to be,  regardless of the changes.  Our elders are a rich source of wisdom, history and love that can help bind a family together in  precious ways.  Let’s always value them and make them as much a part of our lives as we are able.

Barbara Dupras is a newly retired Senior Center Social Worker.  She is also an energy practitioner and is on the board of Natural Connections.  Barbara lives in a wonderful home on the Chocolay River with her cat Vido. 

Reprinted with permission from Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine, Winter 2011 – 2012

Inner Nutrition: Guffaws for Good

by Nicole Walton

When my mental meter is buried in red, digging a spiritual hole to China, I don’t reach for a wine glass and a bottle of white, or for high-powered aerodynamic sneakers that propel me over hill and dale.  I reach for the phone and dial the number of a friend who I know will make me laugh.  “Hey wench!” Sonya will answer, using her pet name for me, a moniker generated long ago in a now-forgotten but undoubtedly thigh-slapping conversation.  I smile and am on my way to feeling better.

Laughter nourishes me like nothing else (except maybe house special egg foo yung).  Aside from the fact that the act of laughing releases endorphins, diminishes the intensity of pain and lowers the level of stress hormones, it’s just plain fun.  Laughter breaks me loose from my intellectual bonds and springs me into a much lighter atmosphere where I can deal with my issues in a less bleak way.  It lets me know that life is good and should be enjoyed wherever and whenever possible, even when it seems no light can penetrate the fog.

A cousin of mine was involved in a terrible car crash when I was 13.  My mom and I headed downstate to help her family, and as I walked into her hospital room, I burst into tears.  She was in a coma and I didn’t know how to handle it.  As I was led into the visitor’s lounge to compose myself, an older woman sitting in one of the chairs looked up and saw my obvious upset.  “Hey there,” she said, very kindly.  “Those are some pretty boots you’re wearing.”  I looked down at my brown leather zip-up boots and thanked her.  “Where did you get them?” she asked.  When I said they were a Christmas gift she responded, “Oh!  So did you get one from your momma and one from your daddy?”  I laughed.  And I think that was the very first time I recognized the healing power of laughter.  A woman I’d never met before knew I needed to be taken out of my situation, just for a moment, so she made me laugh.  I was lifted up and out, carried away to a better place, enlightened.

Let’s face it: it’s just really hard to feel horrible when you’re guffawing, chortling, and chuckling.

I also get a big charge out of using humor to get a reaction out of others.  “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people,” Victor Borge said.  It breaks down barriers and creates the common ground upon which we meet in jovial sister- and brotherhood.  Our defenses drop and intimacy  is allowed to blossom.  I always feel more connected to the person who giggles at my jokes.

I have a feeling some people envision spiritual practice as being strict and serious.  I’d like to remind them that Jesus laughed.  Buddha laughed.  They knew that a good ole joyful hoot rejuvenates body and soul, creating greater balance within and allowing a greater flow of energy.  I always feel more open to the world in general when I laugh, much like a child.  And how do we enter the kingdom of heaven, according to Jesus?  Like little children.  Perhaps there’s much more of a connection between humor and spirituality than most people think.  I’d like to believe so.

So whenever my batteries need a jump, I just remember the film Monsters, Inc.  At the end, the monsters discover they get more power by collecting kids’ laughter instead of their screams.  As their energy cylinders are quickly filled with each belly laugh so are my own energy centers recharged and replenished, helping me live a more nourished and complete life.

Nicole Walton is a broadcaster, writer, and human companion to two intelligent and slightly pushy felines.

Reprinted with permission from Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine, Winter 2011 – 2012

Creative Inspiration – Contagious?

Every day, the actions we take influence others, for better or worse. Though relatively small in population, our area has quite a few women who have influenced others for the better through their public achievements. We asked a few of them, predominantly those in the arts, to tell us about a woman who helped inspire their own creativity and/or achievements.  

We also were fortunate to be able to include this year’s USA Weightlifting Champion and local USEOC trainee Vanessa McCoy, who has created a very significant accomplishment in a field until recently associated with men.  

We hope these nuggets will inspire you and remind you of those who have already inspired you as well. 

Nationally Award-Winning Water Color Artist & Instructor Kathleen Conover: Marquette resident Maggie Lynn is a dedicated artist, art educator, friend, wife and mother who continues to inspire not only in watercolor painting but in life. Though very busy, she always makes time to help others, even myself when she didn’t know me, a struggling newbie-artist. I called one day, asking her to critique my paintings. Without hesitation she looked over all my pieces very carefully, considered silently and shared her years of artist’s-eye expertise. Then she encouraged me not to quit!  I was off and running and so was our friendship, for over thirty years now.  I am blessed to have Maggie as a friend and role model in my life. 

Gretchen Preston, local author of Valley Cats: The Adventures of Boonie and River, and More Valley Cats: Fun, Games and New Friends: I discovered the books of Beverly Cleary in the Riverdale School Library when I was a fifth grader. Her many books are about the antics of the children who live on Klickitat Street in Portland, Oregon. My attraction to her stories was that not only did I live in Portland, but my grandparents also lived on Klickitat! This connection inspired me to write local children’s stories. My favorite Cleary books are Beezus and Ramona, and Mouse and the Motorcycle. Beverly Cleary is a Newberry Award winning author. Her enchanting stories have been enjoyed by children for over sixty years. 

Social Dance Instructor Camilla Mingay, co-creator and c0-producer of the Annual Blueberry Dance Festival and Holiday Dance Show: Marge Sklar, NMU Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Business, has inspired me since my high school days, when she provided me key dance instruction, and throughout the years since. She gave me the opportunity to perform demonstrations for her college students, encouraged me to choreograph and perform at NMU events, and even brought me to my very first dance competition at Michigan Tech University, where my dance partner and I took first place! Marge has helped make dance instruction accessible to all ages and levels of dancers throughout the community by offering free ballroom dance classes at NMU, acting as advisor to student dance groups, and opening the Dance Zone, where people of all ability levels can learn different forms of social dancing.  

Winner of three gold medals in the 2011 USA Weightlifting National Championships and Marquette USOEC trainee Vanessa McCoy: I’m greatly inspired by Olympic weightlifter Melanie Roach.  Melanie has an incredible positive attitude and zest for life! She always seems to be smiling and having fun in competition. She’s also a master at life balance, managing a family of four children, including a special needs child and a husband in politics, while owning a gymnastics academy and training for elite weightlifting competitions.  Melanie’s perseverance has brought her to the top of her sport.  Her example of suffering a difficult back injury and coming back as the top finishing American 2008 Olympic weightlifter, male or female, pushes me to overcome my own obstacles.

Reprinted with permission from the Fall 2011 issue of Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine.

Why. . . Aesthetic Medicine?

by Jessica Nagelkirk

While they might have only been for movie stars in the past, today cosmetic surgery and anti-aging medicine are booming.  The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports almost 9.5 million cosmetic procedures were done in 2010, costing consumers $10.7 billion. That’s not including the countless anti-aging products on the market, often referred to as “cosmeceuticals,” promoted as being more powerful than regular cosmetics.  We’re going to look at the motivation behind all of this spending, the physiology of aging, and some of the unexpected health benefits of aesthetic medicine.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Collagen is the main structural component of skin, acting as its glue and structural support. UV light is known to damage collagen, reducing the amount and causing the formation of microscopic contractions that appear as wrinkles. Oral and topical use of antioxidants can provide a good supply of nutrients to the skin that help protect collagen from damage.  Supplements that increase collagen production and reduce damage include:

– Vitamin C Orally:  1,000- 3,000 mg daily
– Vitamin C Topically:  Preliminary evidence shows that the product Cellex-C High Potency Serum reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and roughness, and improves tone.
– Exfoliation using sugar or salt scrubs that contain alpha-hydroxy acids
– Green Tea
– Glucosamine: Popular for arthritis due to its ability to help regenerate connective tissue.  In   skin, it re-generates collagen.
– Vitamin A Topically:  May cause irritation, so use with caution

It is commonly known that increasing intake of antioxidants has widespread benefit throughout many systems of the body and is much more than skin deep, reducing damage to tissue ranging from arteries to brain tissue.

Estrogens are noted to increase the thickness of the skin and promote hydration, creating supple, smooth skin.  A decline in estrogen during menopause is associated with the thinning of the skin, loss of moisture retention, and accelerated aging.  A side effect of hormone replacement therapy is often skin benefits, but there are many negative side effects to this therapy so it is seldom used for its skin benefits alone.  Topical estrogens and phytoestrogens (from plants), however, may have a role in cosmetic applications.  Rodiola, Panax, and Cimicifuga are the best herbs to consider for providing phytoestrogen support to the skin and entire endocrine system without the negative effects associated with estrogen therapy.

Laser therapy may be used to resurface the facial skin.  However, it can be used to kill only the most superficial living skin, which will then flake and shed like a sunburn, revealing younger, temporarily less wrinkled skin.  The results are not dramatic but are pleasing enough to a large number of people that the practice and specialty is growing.

Soft tissue fillers and injections are another cosmetic option.  The difficulty is that the skin does not usually leave such injected materials alone, and they are slowly broken down, so repeated injections are needed.  These treatments also come with some risks, like infection and tissue death.

Light & Heat Energy, (LHE), is a device that delivers gentle pulses of light and heat energy to activate the body’s natural healing ability.  For its wrinkle reduction benefits, it creates mild thermal damage to skin cells that triggers a wound-heal response and new collagen is produced.  This action occurs over a period of a few weeks to a few months, leading to improvement in skin texture and smoothing of fine lines.

The above therapies can be extremely expensive, usually costing well over $1,000 for a series of treatments, so maximizing the skin’s ability to maintain its new, younger appearance is a great motivator for a more healthy lifestyle, and it’s a great way to protect that investment!

Sun Spots
Sun spots have been shown to respond well to laser and light therapies like LHE.  These therapies use light and heat to damage the darker pigmented cells, causing them to die and be brought to the surface of the skin where they are sloughed off.

Topicallly, axelaic acid is noted to inhibit the synthesis of melanin and can be useful for hyperpigmentation disorders.

Spider Veins
Veins contain one-way valves that help encourage blood to flow back to your heart, against gravity.  Spider veins form when these valves stop working properly, allowing blood to pool and dilate the veins.  Spider veins, also known as varicose veins, are the most common vascular disease in the U.S., affecting up to 60% of adults.

One often successful treatment for small spider veins, sclerotherapy, involves injecting an agent into the vein that damages the lining enough to shut the vein down, directing blood to a deeper vein on its path back to the heart.  No anesthesia is required and it has been reported to achieve improvement in 80-90% of cases.  Deeper spider veins may require the use of lasers or surgery to remove the dilated vein.

Some natural therapies that can improve vascular stability include compression stockings, ranging from 18 mmHg to 50 mmHg;  horse chestnut tincture, applied externally;  1/2 tsp. daily of hawthorne solid extract; and regular intake of Vitamin C, flavonoids and antioxidants.  (Are you seeing a pattern here?)

General Skin Care
The basic anti-aging protocol is to cleanse, protect, and nourish your skin daily.  Wash your face with a natural, gentle cleanser twice daily.  You can mist your face with an herbal or green tea toner for topical antioxidants.  Apply almond, coconut, or jojoba (pronounced “ho-ho-ba”) oil topically in the morning.  Of these, jojoba is the most similar to natural facial oils.  Also apply a good sunscreen every day and use a makeup that contains sunscreen.  (See What is the Best Sun Protection for You in the Summer 2011 issue of Health & Happiness for ingredients to avoid, or go to http://www.skindeep.org.)  Before bed, wash your face and apply toner. Moisturizer is not recommended, as it decreases your body’s natural production of oil, which is important for protecting against wrinkles.

Consider following an anti-inflammatory diet, For more information see Dean Ornish’s book  The Spectrum, or Dr. Jessica Black, ND’s The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book.  Eat five to seven servings of vegetables and fruit daily, focusing on brightly pigmented foods that provide antioxidants and flavonoids.  Sleep at least eight hours per night in a dark, cool room to maximize tissue repair, which happens during deep sleep.  Exercise regularly to improve blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your tissues both inside and out.  Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to support and improve your body’s ability to remove toxins.  Start each day with a full glass of water before breakfast and drink water throughout the day.  Cod liver oil provides omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support healthy cell membranes.  Proper nutrition and self-care are critical adjuncts to aesthetic medicine.  Consult with your physician to formulate a plan that suits your individual needs.

When people feel good about how they look on the outside, they are often more motivated to take care of their bodies on the inside.  This is the reason that I, as a naturopathic student, have become an advocate for aesthetic medicine.  By taking care of the body on the inside, patients can make the expense and effort involved in these cosmetic procedures worthwhile.  That motivation for improved self-care through better nutrition, more exercise and adopting many other healthy activities, in addition to supporting a person aesthetically, decreases her chances of suffering debilitating medical conditions as she ages.  The connection between looking good and feeling good cannot be separated, and perhaps all the money spent on aesthetic products may not be as frivolous as some may think, due to the improved wellness associated with the healthier lifestyle it encourages.

 Jessica Nagelkirk, medical student at National College of Natural  Medicine in Portland, Oregon will graduate in the spring of 2012  as a Naturopathic Physician (ND).  View her blog at http://modernnaturopath.blogspot.com/p/medicine.html for more articles and resources about natural medicine.

Reprinted with permission from the Fall 2011 issue of Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine.

Health and Happiness Reader’s Choice Results

The results of the Health & Happiness Reader’s Choice Awards are in! 

  • Favorite Type of Winter Exercise – Cross Country Skiing
  • Favorite Marquette or Alger Co., MI Establishment for Soup – Huron Earth Deli
  • Favorite Activity to Share with Summer Visitors – Go Up Sugarloaf Mountain

Congratulations to Huron Earth Deli & Thank You to All Those Who Participated!

What’s your opinion? Please respond  to the following questions:

  •  What’s your favorite place in the U.P. to view the fall colors?
  • What’s your favorite Marquette or Alger County establishment for pie?

Herbal First Aid, by V. Jungwirth

In this area, lots of us play hard all winter, but the arrival of warmer weather brings people out of the house, ready to hike, bike, swim and camp, with lots more opportunities for minor injuries, and with no snow to cushion falls. Some basic herbal first aid knowledge and a few supplies can save the day, especially if you seek remote areas in your recreational pursuits. But even in your backyard, the following information should be helpful.

Cuts and Abrasions: Comfrey is by far the best herb for treating wounds. It promotes rapid cell growth so it speeds up the healing process and helps reduce scarring. Find a salve you like that has comfrey as a main ingredient. Other herbs that are sometimes used with comfrey are yarrow, which is an astringent, plantain, to sooth itching or calendula to help prevent infection.

Sprains and Bruises: Arnica is a specific treatment for bruising, but it should not be used on broken skin. Arnica salve or oil should be applied to sprains or strained muscles. Wintergreen oil can also be used topically to relieve pain, and it’s a good idea to keep a pain relief tincture such as willow bark on hand.

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Swimmer’s Itch: As many of us know from itchy experience, any of these misfortunes can ruin a trip, while providing vivid memories for years to come. The best treatment is clay. We always carry a small amount of French green clay as it has many first aid applications and is light to carry. For itchy rashes, mix it with water and paint it on the affected area. It’s very similar to commercial kaolin products. Jewelweed is the herbal antidote to poison ivy, and often grows nearby. It’s a semi-succulent and the juice from the stems can be smeared straight onto a rash. The whole plant can also be mashed and used as a poultice, (chewing works well!) and salves and sprays are available. Plantain is also effective at relieving itching.

Insect Bites and Stings: It’s impossible to avoid insect bites in the U.P. and hard to find aggressive natural repellents. Essential oils diluted with olive oil can be helpful, or diluted with water and applied in a spray bottle. Citronella, eucalyptus, camphor and tea tree all have repellent qualities, and allow you to custom-mix a smell that appeals to you. Once bitten, the treatments for poison ivy can help or calendula can be applied if the bites have been scratched. Plantain is particularly good for treating bee stings.

Victoria Jungwirth is the owner of Wilderness Herbs and specializes in local medicinal plants. She lives in a remote corner of Marquette County where she and her husband build birch bark canoes. She is also a manager at the Marquette Food Co-op.

Reprinted from Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine, Summer 2011 issue.

How To Cheat the Gas Pump

by Steve Waller

If I hear one more person complain about gas prices I’ll scream! Oil company shareholders are too busy cashing big dividends to be sympathetic. Complaining just says you’re grumpy when you fill your tank, but you filled up anyway, didn’t you? Demanding lower prices just says you desperately want to use gas as you always have, you don’t want to change your gas habits and you don’t want to pay so much – you will (but you don’t have to).

Low gas prices don’t make gas more abundant, (it just uses it up faster), doesn’t reduce demand, (so you willingly pay more), and doesn’t encourage renewables. If you really want to teach those gouging you at the pump a lesson, don’t complain, don’t try to lower prices, do what smart consumers do – buy LESS of their darn product! It’s simple math: Buy less = spend less. And don’t say “But I can’t!” because, for many of you, Yes, you can! Here’s how – Go into your garage, basement, shed or storage area. Take a strong flashlight. Look way, way in the back. See that bit of dusty old chrome? Good. Now move all that other stuff out of the way. Grab that shiny metal and drag that old bicycle out into the light of day. Get a few rags and an oil can, (or take it to your local bike shop for a tune up). Find a helmet, a lock and, for considerably less than the price of just one tank of gas, you’ve resurrected your wheels! It’s summer… RIDE!

Get very familiar with the Marquette Police Bicycle Safety Information (mqtcty.org/police_bike.html). Then be absolutely sure to read “What Every MI Bicyclist Should Know” from the League of Michigan Bicyclists (www.lmb.org/index.php/Education/michigan-vehicle-code-pertaining-to-bicyclists.html). Remember, you are responsible for your safety.

Start riding around the neighborhood. Grab your kid’s backpack and bring some supplies home from the grocery store. Log onto the “Marquette Bicycle Collective” on Facebook. The Collective seeks to enhance biking culture in the Marquette area and assist the development of a thriving, diverse bike community. They exist to provide bicycles for rent and purchase, provide bike workshop space, promote bicycle awareness, and provide practical bicycle education.

YES, many of you CAN commute to work. No, you won’t be all sweaty and disgusting unless you make your commute an Olympic event. Actually, you’ll be airing yourself out the whole way! You’ll be an inspiration to your fellow workers. No weather excuses; it only rains occasionally. Consider the wind a challenge. Ride to school, work, to run errands, or just for fun. Whenever you can, ride past the gas station. Then do it again. It feels sooo good! Your gas money stays in your pocket and you lose weight!

An average 150-pound person will burn about 500 calories riding a bike at a leisurely pace, 30 minutes to work and 30 minutes home. You’ll shed 5-10 pounds in about two or three months. By riding your bike or walking to work you no longer need to make time to head to the gym. Just 3 hours of riding per week can slash your risk of heart disease and stroke in half.

Who knows? If you’re already in moderately good shape, ride the Superior Bike Fest, June 24-26 (www.superiorbikefest.com). If you need to get back in shape, maybe by August 13th you’ll feel spunky enough to ride the Ore to Shore (www.oretoshore.com). Keep yourself and your bicycle in good condition and ride within your limits. In any case, when the gas shareholders come after your money, just smile and ride away!

Steve Waller’s family lives in a wind and solar powered home. He has been involved with conservation and energy issues since the 1970s and frequently teaches about energy. He and a partner own a U.P. wind/solar business called Lean Clean Energy. He can be reached at Steve@UPWallers.net.

Marquette Bicycle Collective on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marquette-Bicycle-Collective/129688747067191#!/pages/Marquette-Bicycle-Collective/129688747067191?sk=info

Reprinted from Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine, Summer 2011 issue.

Health and Happiness Reader’s Choice Awards

The results of the Health & Happiness Reader’s Choice Awards to the following questions will be announced this Wed., May 25th! 

  • What’s your favorite type of winter exercise?
  • What’s your favorite Marquette or Alger Co., MI establishment for soup?
  • What’s your favorite activity to share with summer visitors?

Please join us for the results and participate in our new Reader’s Choice Poll!