By Frank S. P. Yacino

This is #16 in a series of articles written by Frank S. P. Yacino regarding Alzheimer’s disease. He is the husband and caregiver for his wife Barbara who has been struggling with this disease for over fifteen years.

During the early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s the patient still has some control of their bowels and urine, know when they have to go, and how to take care of themselves. They will still be able to wear normal undergarments and have the ability to dress by themselves. Somewhere between Stages 6 and 7 the patient may develop incontinence. At this time, it will be necessary for the caregiver to start using undergarments (pampers or briefs) and liners for the patient. This could also be the turning point for some caregivers where they may begin to think about putting the patient into a long-term care facility if they feel unable to cope with the incontinence of the patient. If the intention is to keep the patient at home for as long as possible, as we have done with Barbara, then I can assure you, the caregiver, that this will be a long, difficult time of providing care to the patient. Barbara’s incontinence began in December of 2006 and we have dealt with it every single day since then.

Q: I seem to recall that Grandma used baking soda for lots of things around the house, for brushing her teeth, cleaning the pans and even drinking it sometimes.  Is it really as versatile as it seemed?  ………...Jane,  Webster

A:  Indeed, few things around the house are as versatile as baking soda.  With the advent of all the ’new’ inventions in the last 75 years the usefulness of the more simple things has been overlooked and forgotten.  Use of baking soda, or the nahcolite part of the natural mineral natron, dates back to pre Egyptian times.  The form we know today was first sold in 1846 and became popular when cookbooks started adding it as an ingredient to their books. Here is a partial list of some of the totally natural things an inexpensive box of baking soda can do for you and your budget.

Cathleen Liberty, Webster Health Agent

February begins the start of American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and steps you can take to prevent heart disease. Heart disease remains the number one disease that kills both men and women, but by reducing or eliminating certain risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, excess weight, stress and diabetes can help prevent heart disease. 

Steps to improving your health:

Having a healthy diet is very important to preventing heart disease. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish and lean meat is vital to having a healthy heart.

Taking part in regular physical activity such as walking, dancing, gardening, sports and lifting weights are a great way to reduce weight therefore reducing the risk of heart disease and reducing the risk of diabetes if you are at risk.

Smoking is a risk factor that can increase your chances of getting heart disease. Smoking is also very difficult to stop, so talk to your doctor about ways to go about quitting smoking.

Manage your stress through physical exercise which can improve your mood, mental health and prevent heart disease.

Know your body and the signs and symptoms that something may be wrong with your heart.

Remember

It is never too late to begin taking steps to prevent heart disease and have a healthy heart. Heart disease begins in childhood, so by living a healthy life style and eating a healthy diet you are taking control of your health and your life and can be a role model to others.

People often make two mistakes in their search of inner peace... focusing on things they cannot change, and ignoring things they can change."

Q: Lots of my friends and I drink a couple of sodas a day.  Is it really such a bad deal?  I mean everywhere we go you can always get a soda, and it's usually the cheapest drink available.  My girlfriend likes bottled water and that often costs more than the soda.  Thanks, Matt

A:  Hey Matt, thanks for asking a very important question.  It might seem that a few sodas a day aren't such a big deal, but they actually are, and if you do it every day the cumulative effects are even more harmful. Studies show that one extra drink a day can raise your chance of being overweight as an adult is increased by 60%.  Part of the reason for this is that most soda is made with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a very unhealthy source of sweetener.  HFCS is often made from genetically modified sources and it gives your body calories without the message that tells your body that you have eaten, so you still feel hungry and will most likely drink even more soda.

DUDLEY - Nomination papers for the June 10 Annual Town Election will be available in the town clerk's office as of February 4. Following is a list of positions up for election, with the current incumbent in each office.

OFFICES TO BE ELECTED

ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION

JUNE 10, 2013

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department

We have received varying amounts of snow in recent weeks.  The bitterly cold weather makes it difficult for the snow to melt in any rapid fashion.  With this in mind, it is extremely important to remove excess snow from the roof tops of your vehicles.  This topic is always brought up to me at this time of the year, and I wanted to remind people of the importance of taking this one additional safety step.

The laws are rather vague on exactly whether removing snow from a vehicle’s roof is required.  Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 13 is the law which addresses “impeded” operation.  Drivers are not allowed to have anything on or about their vehicle which may interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.  This can directly pertain to the removal of snow an ice from windshields.  However; even though it is not specifically stated in this law, there may be circumstances where it may apply to snow on vehicle hoods, roof tops, or trunks.  Decisions on this will be made on a case by case basis. 

The danger lies in not removing this snow in a prompt manner.  If it is left in place, it has a tendency to melt and re-freeze which creates an ice sheet.  When traveling at higher speeds, such as on a highway, the wind can move under this ice and send it flying off the vehicle.  It could then land on or around another vehicle traveling along the road.

The results of this can be very serious.  Despite the damage this may cause to another vehicle, it could have even greater consequences should this land on another vehicle’s windshield.  The driver may not be able to see and this could result in an accident.  If there is an accident involved, the fact that the snow/ice was not removed prior to the trip could be considered as a negligent act on the part of that driver.  Therefore, this person may bear some responsibility for the accident.  Please take a few extra minutes to completely remove the snow from your vehicle.  This simple could prevent and accident and possibly save a life.

Thanks again for your questions and comments.  Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen.  

by Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department

Our department continues to receive numerous complaints from residents about a variety of “scams.”  Some people are asked to provide personal or bank information.  These can take place in person, on-line, over the phone, or by mail.  As a result, people may be out large sums of money.  I wanted to remind everyone to be aware of these illegal activities.

These money scams have been occurring for many years.  Those responsible prey on unsuspecting individuals, in particular the elderly.  Their goal is to obtain either quick cash or other personal information, such as bank account numbers.  Armed with this documentation, the criminal can commit identity theft and access your finances.  Some scams will inform the victim they have won a prize or that they are eligible for some gift or benefit.  They will ask the victim to provide personal information.  This information can then be used to open accounts or conduct other identity theft crimes. 

People may receive an unexpected check in the mail, along with a letter informing them they won a prize.  Others may receive a check as payment for the sale of a particular item.  Often these checks are written for a much larger sum of money than was originally intended.  For example, you negotiate a deal to sell an item or you are told you have won a prize totaling $100.  You are then sent a check for $1,000.  The scammer contacts you and asks you to send the $900 balance back to them.  Their goal is for the victim to cash the $1,000 check and send the $900 balance back to them immediately.  In many of these cases, the original check turns out to be bad and the scammers may receive the victim’s money before anything can be detected.

Another type of scam surrounds people receiving a phone call or e-mail telling them a relative or friend has been arrested.  These are most often based in a foreign country.  Elderly victims are frequently targets of this type of activity.  They can be fooled into believing their grandchild is in trouble.  The suspects ask for bail money to be wired to them in order to get the person out of jail.  This is most likely a hoax.  Never send money just based on this type of contact.  Be sure to contact other family members or the police for assistance.
         

The important thing to remember is do not conduct business transactions unless you are sure of the people and places you are dealing with.  Many of these scams ask for your money to be sent to places outside the United States.  If you are not expecting something (money or other items), chances are it is a scam.  Be very cognizant of these occurrences and report them immediately to the police and or your bank.  Protect your personal information.  When in doubt, ask a question of the proper authorities to avoid becoming a victim.

Thanks again for your questions and comments.  Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen.  

TOWN OF WEBSTER

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, February 4, 2013, at 7:05 P.M. at the Town Hall in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Webster, MA, in accordance with MGL, Chapter 140, Section 157 to hear a dog complaint against a dog owned by Sean and Amy Hazard, 106 Worcester Road, Webster, MA 01570; to obtain an order with respect to the control or disposition of a dog found to be uncontrollable of whose owner or keeper that is unresponsive to any other penalties.

The Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, February 4, 2013, at 7:25 P.M. at the Town Hall in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Webster, MA, in accordance with MGL, Chapter 140, Section 157 to hear a dog complaint against a pit/lab mix named “Spike” owned by Christy Pincho-Perdigao, 3 Day Street, Webster, MA 01570; to obtain an order with respect to the control or disposition of a dog found to be uncontrollable of whose owner or keeper that is unresponsive to any other penalties.

Anyone wishing to be heard should appear at the time and place designated.

Webster Board of Selectmen

Webster Times:  Publish, Wednesday, January 16, 2013 (1 week only)

Bill:    Board of Selectmen

            350 Main Street

            Webster, MA 01501

Ask yourself honestly if your pets are obese.  How can you tell?  Generally speaking, for most breeds of dogs, if you can feel ribs well enough to count them with your fingers but not see them from across the room, that is a good sign.  Rolls of fat above the base of the tail and thick layer of fat over the ribs is a sign of obesity.  Dogs should have a “waistline” from an aerial view, and from a side view, a “tuck” of the abdomen in front of the hind legs.  Cats are a little harder to tell, but generally should also have a small waistline.  Don’t worry about the swinging flap (or “udder” as I like to call it), as this is not full of fat (or milk), and occurs in males as well as females, neutered, or not. 

54% of Nation’s Pets Overweight According to Latest Veterinary Survey; Pet Owners in Denial

The “fat pet gap” continues to widen according to the latest nationwide survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). The fifth annual veterinary survey found 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats to be classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarian. That equals 88.4 million pets that are too heavy according to veterinarians.

In a recent study, 22 percent of dog owners and 15 percent of cat owners characterized their pet as normal weight when it was actually overweight or obese.  (Dr. Ernie Ward, http://www.petobesityprevention.com/big-pets-get-bigger-latest-survey-shows-dog-and-cat-obesity-epidemic-expanding/)  This is concerning, because it means these pets have a TREATABLE disease that owners are not even aware of!  The first step, as in many arenas of life, is realizing that you have a problem.  Of course your best resource is always your veterinarian.  If you are lucky enough to patronize a vet hospital with great nurses, you may even be able to arrange a cheaper/free consult with a Certified Veterinary Technician to assess your pet’s  Body Condition Score, which is a very important part of your pet’s regular check up.  Ask your vet at each visit how he or she feels about your pet’s weight, and what you can to help prevent or treat obesity.

So usually Body Condition Score is defined as a somewhat objective scale to measure an animal’s weight as proportionate to overall size.  Here is a link to photos so you can score your pet at home: http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/body-condition-scoring-chart .  Why should you care about your pet’s weight?  Isn’t food equivalent to love?  There are many health conditions whose risk increases with obesity, such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, early death, and asthma.  If you can prevent these conditions, plus possibly give your pet an extra 2 years to live healthier, and it costs less, and in fact saves you money, why wouldn’t you feed a little less?

Here are some more interesting statistics regarding pet obesity: The survey the data was taken from was conducted at 41 US veterinary clinics and evaluated 459 dogs and 177 cats in October 2011. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians evaluated each pet to assess current weight, medical conditions, owner assessment of weight and body condition score. Over the five years studied, these results have proven to be consistent and increasing at a gradual pace.

According to APOP’s survey results based on pet statistics from the American Pet Products Association, the following are estimated numbers of overweight and obese pets in 2011.

41.1 million dogs classified as overweight or obese (BCS 4 or 5 *** OUT OF MAX SCORE OF 5)

53% adult dogs classified as overweight or obese (BCS 4 or 5)

24.4 million dogs or 31.2% reported as overweight (BCS 4)

16.7 million dogs or 21.4% reported obese (BCS 5)

47.3 million cats classified as overweight or obese (BCS 4 or 5)

55% adult cats classified as overweight or obese (BCS 4 or 5)

25.8 million cats or 29.9% reported as overweight (BCS 4)

21.5 million cats or 24.9% reported obese (BCS 5)

Only 8% of dog owners and 9% of cat owners classified their pet as obese in the online study. That’s less than half the actual figures determined by survey veterinarians.  Average age of the cats in the study was 6.7 years and 6.4 years for dogs.

When it came to deciding which pet food to feed, 69.4% trusted their veterinarian, 36.3% a website, 20.6% a pet store, 4.4% a breeder, and 1.3% their groomer.

According to Dr. Ernie Ward, a 95-pound male Golden retriever is comparable to a 5’4” human female weighing 184 pounds or a 5’9” male that weighs 214 pounds.

A 10-pound Chihuahua is comparable to a 5’4” human female weighing 242 pounds or a 5’9” male that weighs 282 pounds.

A 15-pound domestic short-haired cat is comparable to a 5’4” human female weighing 218 pounds or a 5’9” male that weighs 254 pounds.

A premium pig ear (231 kcals) fed to a 40-pound dog is the equivalent of an adult human drinking six 12-ounce Coke Classics™ (840 kcals).

A typical dog biscuit (25 to 27 kcals) fed to a 20-pound dog is the equivalent of an average adult human eating two Keebler EL Fudge Double Stuffed Sandwich Cookies (180 kcals).

More weight and treat calculators can be found at www.PetObesityPrevention.org.

Please e-mail your questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thought for the day:
Think of one person who you are tempted for any reason to withhold love from, and pray for their happiness. In that moment your pain will stop. Marrianne Williamson

Q: Where is the healthiest place to live in the US?........Curious

A: Generally we see the grass as greener somewhere else, but believe it or not, New England is one of the healthiest places to live in the US. According to a recent CBS survey, using criteria such as rates of smoking, physical activity, diabetes, graduation rate, violent crime rate, premature death risks and rate of infectious diseases the New England states garnered six out of the top ten spots.
Coming in at number one is Vermont, for the sixth year in a row primarily due to its high marks for a high graduation rate, a low violent crime rate, low smoking rates, high physical activity and low diabetes rates.

Coming in at at number two is Hawaii and New Hampshire is number three. With it’s third lowest crime rate in the country and the lowest percentage of children under 18 living in poverty. There were some areas that needed improving like public health funding and mental health funding, where it ranked fairly low.

Number four is Massachusetts, citing the lowest rate for adult obesity and the large number of doctors available for health conscious residents. Challenges for Massachusetts were binge drinking and the higher rate of preventable hospitalizations.

Connecticut earned its slot at number six due to the low smoking rates, the lack of obese citizens and high vaccine coverage. It dropped some from last year's rating due to the lower rate in high school graduations and the levels of air pollution in the city areas

Maine came in at number nine, climbing up from its number 10 slot last year, boasting the lowest crime rate in the country. It does, however, need to address concerns like lowering the smoking rate and obesity rates.

And believe it or not, Rhode Island came in as number 10 in large part to its diligence in cholesterol checking and high immunization rates. The highest rate of doctors of primary care per population also helped its rating. As in its neighboring state, Rhode Island does have challenges with binge drinking and preventable hospitalizations.

So you can be proud of the place you live in and work to make it even better.

Interesting Comments

There are herds of cows, flocks of chickens, schools of fish, gaggles of geese, prides of lions, murders of crows and ravens, an exaltation of doves, a parliament of owls and then there are baboons, the loudest most vicious and aggressive of all primates. They are called a congress of baboons—mmmm.

Have a question, or is there something you’ve always wondered about? Ask Madalyn invites your questions.
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