James Collins... Physically Fit and on the Go! by JANE WINSTON Banana, Something Sweet, and a Cup of Thompson Who Is 80 Years Young
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Serving MACON & CENTRAL GEORGIA Information For Ages 50 PLUS! JamesJames Collins...Collins... physicallyphysically fitfit andand onon thethe go!go! July 2012 StoryStory onon pagepage 66 Vol. 26, No. 7 Page 2 • July 2012 • Senior News • Macon Taking Care A common but under-diagnosed disease by LISA M. PETSCHE A metabolic, multi-system dis- with the disease. have never heard of it. She had to do ease, HH causes the body to absorb Her iron levels were life-threat- her own research, and eventually and retain too much dietary iron. eningly high but gradually returned found valuable books, research arti- Chances are good that you Since there is no regular mechanism to normal as a result of weekly phle- cles and other materials through the have never heard of hemochromato- for eliminating iron from the body, botomies (blood removal treatments Hemochromatosis Society (for infor- sis, also known as iron overload dis- the excess iron is stored in tissues from the arm, similar to blood dona- mation, call their toll-free line at 1- ease, despite that it and can cause damage in many tion) over the course of a year. She 888-655-IRON (4766) or go to the is the most com- areas, including joints, the heart, was told she was lucky that her website at www.americanhs.org). mon genetic disor- brain, liver, pancreas and endocrine internal organs had not been dam- Talk to your doctor, because two der in the western glands. “The speed at which iron aged. However, her joints have been simple and inexpensive blood tests – world. Although it builds up and the severity of the severely affected, leading to the need transferrin saturation (TS) and serum can affect males symptoms vary from person to per- for multiple joint replacements. The ferritin (SF) test – can detect iron and females at any son, “ says the CDC, and “many management plan includes regular overload and may save your life or time in life, it typi- people do not have any early symp- blood testing to check her iron lev- that of someone you love. These Lisa Petsche cally manifests toms.” Typically, by the time they els, and periodic phlebotomies as tests are not part of the standard itself in middle are diagnosed, if they are ever prop- indicated. blood testing ordered with regular age. The disease is potentially fatal, erly diagnosed, they have sustained Diagnosis of HH is difficult medical checkups. If someone in but the earlier it is diagnosed, the irreversible damage. because symptoms are vague, often your family is diagnosed with HH, better one’s chances are of being Take the case of Lorraine, for masking themselves as other, more DNA testing is available to deter- able to lead a long and health life. example. After several years of common conditions, such as mine if other members may be at The cause of iron overload can increasing health issues – including hypothyroidism, liver disease, arthri- risk. be genetic or non-genetic. The genet- fatigue, weakness, abdominal and tis, heart disease, diabetes or even ic type, which is by far the more joint pain and Parkinson-like symp- chronic fatigue. Some people may Author’s note: Lorraine is my common variety, is known as heredi- toms – and visits to numerous med- develop a bronze skin tone; Lorraine mother, and we are on a mission to tary hemochromatosis or HH for ical specialists who were puzzled by was not one of them. spread awareness about hemochro- short. her seemingly unrelated symptoms, In her journey through the matosis. According to the Center for she was extremely frustrated and dis- healthcare system, Lorraine discov- ********* Disease Control and Prevention couraged that no underlying cause ered that most healthcare profession- Lisa M. Petsche is a medical (CDC), “in the United States more could be found. Meanwhile, her als know little if anything about HH. social worker and a freelance writer than one million people have the physical functioning became more (Up until recently, medical students specializing in boomer and senior gene mutation that can cause HH. and more compromised. It was a were taught that the disorder is rare.) issues. She has personal and profes- This mutation is most common naturopath she eventually turned to And the vast majority of lay people sional experience with elder care. among people whose ancestors came for help who suggested iron testing, from Europe.” Typically, those who querying hemochromatosis. In 2006, have it are unaware. at age 69, Lorraine was diagnosed Jack Steed, Past President of the Rotary Club of Centerville, named “Hero Among Us” Beautiful, Affordable Senior Housing! at Rotary District 6920 Conference Special to Senior News During its annual confer- ence in Savannah, Georgia, Rotary District 6920, encom- passing 65 clubs, presented Jack Steed of the Rotary Club of Centerville as a “Hero Among Us” from Rotary International. The “Heroes Among Us” award is given to those whose leader- • Spacious One Bedroom Apartment ship and service make the world • Fully Equipped Kitchen, Carpet, Bay a better place. Jack Steed Windows • Communal Multi-Purpose, Computer and Exercise Rooms • Great Location – Close to Shopping, Public Transportation and Medical Facilities (1st Left) Call Today for a Tour Winship Pl. Hill 478-722-9492 Monroe Ingleside TDD: 800-545-1833, ext. 359 Manor Ingleside Ave. Riverside Dr. Ingleside Manor A Retirement Housing Foundation Community 478 Monroe Hill • Macon, Georgia 31204-2592 You must be 62 years of age or older. Gross income must not exceed $19,150.00 for one person and $21,900.00 for two people. July 2012 • Senior News • Macon • Page 3 Let us entertain you by CLAIRE HOUSER DODD person. Call 751-9232 for informa- Another day/night trip you may lively and friendly group of folks, tion. choose is a visit to Atlanta’s Fox those... shaggers. Eighty-percent of success is The FREE Forsyth Summer on Theater, 660 Peachtree St, N.E., Speaking of the shag, the Macon showing up. the Square Concerts continues with Atlanta to see Ringo Starr on July Shag Club meets every Thursday Woody Allen the August 11 concert featuring the 6th at 8:00 PM. Call 404-881-2100 night at Jock’s & Jill’s Sports Grill, Carolina Soul Band. Members of this for details. 4680 Sheraton Drive, Macon. The group played and performed with We’ve heard of a large group fun begins at 6:45 PM. Come on out Macon has been all dressed Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters. This from Fort Valley and Byron who will and learn the “legendary dance of the up for the movie, “42” the story of is a great venue setting on the court- be attending the Beach Music South!” For details call 960-3450. Jackie Robinson who was the first house square in Forsyth. We have Festival on Jekyll Island in August. black to break the color barrier in been there and enjoyed this well- Dr. Dodd and yours truly got in the The trouble with class reunions professional baseball. Harrison Ford planned event. The pre-concert middle of one of these events at is that old flames have become even plays the lead role of Branch Rickey music starts at 7:00 PM, followed at Myrtle Beach years ago and I have older. the innovation front office man of 8:00 PM by the Carolina Soul Band. never had so much fun. That’s a real Doug Larson the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was Ricky who had the fortitude to bring Jackie Robinson into the all-white world of professional baseball. Compete in the 30th Annual Georgia Golden Olympics Parts of Macon were chosen and Submitted by Mary Ealer promote an interest in lifetime Olympics office at 770-867-3603; or were revamped with the magic of the sports, recreation and physical activ- visit www.georgiagoldenolympics. Hollywood set directors to resemble ity. The competition is coordinated org. the 1940’s. At Central City Park, the by the Georgia Department of old treasure, Luther Williams Field If you are competitive, inter- Human Resources, Division of was chosen as the setting for many ested in meeting new friends, or just Public Health; Robins Air Force of the baseball scenes. If you missed having fun, plan to participate in the Base, Services Divisions; Georgia seeing Harrison Ford, too bad as he annual Georgia Golden Olympics Recreation and Parks Association, left the city on Friday night the scheduled for September 19-22, Senior Citizens Section; Georgia 15th... sorry girls. 2012, in the city of Warner Robins. Nursing Home Association; the Here’s hoping you picked up The annual competition is open to University of Georgia, J. W. Fanning your Senior News or some other ages 50 and older. Events include Institute for Leadership and paper, or heard it on television, just tennis, golf, swimming, track and Community Development and the so you don’t miss the great 4th of field, 5K run/walk, cycling, bowling, Georgia Department of Natural July Show at McConnell-Talbert horseshoes, billiards, racquetball and Resources. Stadium on Monday, July 2nd in much more. Events are divided into For more information call Warner Robins featuring Country age categories and medals are Warner Robins Senior Center at 478- recording artist; Josh Turner and the awarded for each. 293-1066 or the Georgia Golden ever popular Air Force Reserve Aregistration fee of $35.00 Band. This is the star-spangled cele- allows the participant to enter 3 bration of Independence Day-1776 events. Additional events are $6.00 with all the fanfare and spectacular each. Bowling, tennis, golf, cycling, fireworks unsurpassed by no one in and archery require an additional the area.