seniorlifemonthly.com

Angels Among Us

Judith Gannon Bircher — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:13:25 +0000

Sometimes in our darkest hour an Angel has been sent to us. You may not hear the flutter of wings or hear the trumpets proclaim their arrival, for Angels take on many disguises. They can look like ordinary people, maybe even someone you already
know. They have big hearts and capable hands.
On more than one occasion when I couldn’t deal with a problem or situation
I’ve had to put my worries in someone else’s pocket and call on my better angels for help. Has that ever happened to you, and did someone come along to help lighten your load? Perhaps your mother, a friend, a professional,
or some other lady in your life that you consider your personal “Angel” interceded on your behalf. Would you like to honor such a lady to say thank you for all that she’s been in your life, all that she’s done, and all the times she had your back when you didn’t even know it? There is one special way that you can say thank you that will be a continuing
legacy, a return gift in perpetuity, that will tell the world you appreciate this person. Mother’s Day would be a perfect time for such a living tribute or a memorial. You can memorialize an extraordinary woman in your life by creating an Angel. The Angel honorary
designation is for mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, grandchildren, friends and other loved ones, living or deceased
who have had a special impact on the lives of those around them.
The Women’s Legacy Fund, a fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, was founded in 2007 by a diverse group of women to improve the quality of life in Southwest Florida from a woman’s perspective. The purpose is to inspire women to become leaders in philanthropy, to educate women and the community on current issues and philanthropic strategies, and to empower women to strengthen their community from a unique giving perspective. Since its inception, the WLF has provided $25,000 in grants to area non-profit organizations, addressing
such issues as Mental Health and Literacy. The Women’s Legacy Fund defines an “Angel” as a woman whose friend, loved one, or relative has contributed
$1,000 or more to the Endowment
Fund in her honor or memory. After
an Angel has been named through the initial contribution, other friends and family members may continue contributions in the Angel’s name.
Some of the recently named Angels Among Us are: Maureen
Bashaw honored by Rusty Brown, Marcella Joy Driscoll honored by Dawn Marie Driscoll, Cynthia Fetterhoff honored by Lalai Hamric,
Myrtle Robinson Hearn honored by Brenda Tate, Brandi Hammond,
and Jennifer MacLean, Khanom Kay Kanaan honored by Simira Beckwith,
Eleanore Kleist honored by Kathryn
Kleist-Derheimer, Peggy MacDonald
honored by Gail Markham, Belle Dekoff Shouse honored by Kathy Sturgis,
Isabelle Barbara Haznar Wojnar honored by Dawn Marie Driscoll. For pictures and biographies for these latest Angels, check the website to see how these ladies influenced others.
Other ideas of someone you may wish to make an Angel would be: a faithful employee, a woman in the military, a memorial to a child or someone who died of a terminal illness and you want their memory to live on, a college graduate’s
gift, caregivers, neighbors who have always been assets to the community.
The possibilities are endless. For more information contact Arlene Knox, Southwest Florida Community Foundation Women’s Legacy Fund at 239-274-5900 or visit their website to download an application to nominate an Angel, or to become a Benefactress member who contributes $250 annually,
www.floridacommunity.com and click on Women’s Legacy Fund.
The ladies comprising the Women’s Legacy Fund are so very enthusiastic about the programs and people in the community that they serve. All are volunteers who dedicate themselves to enriching the lives of someone in need of help. The current cycle grant for the WLF is Violence and Crime Intervention
and Prevention, which includes exploitation of and violence against women and families, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking and female juvenile delinquency. One of the board members advises that human trafficking
in Lee County is even worse than imagined and through the “Angels” fund they hope to make professionals
and the public more aware and know the signs to look for.

Be an Angel. Nominate someone to be an Angel.

Lalai Hamric, Linda Uhler, Brenda Tate, and Kathy Sturgis- Members of The Women’s Legacy Fund

Protecting the Nest Egg

Wendy Murray — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:44:30 +0000

There are many types of crime that effect senior citizens, some of the more frequent that we see are poor investment advice and low cost (cheap) insurance policies.
Today’s seniors can easily remember when a bank loan was finalized with a handshake and both parties understood what was expected of each other. Today there are 25 pages to the loan agreement and 100 pages of supporting documents to accomplish the same thing. Trust is a wonderful thing, but it is what makes today’s senior a target for some scams. It is the opinion of many financial advisors that retirees should have very little financial exposure in the stock market, yet many people lost huge portions of their nest egg in the last couple years when the market collapsed. Here is the secret, The higher the risk is on the investment the more commission the sales person makes so they are less inclined to sell you a fixed annuity that guarantees you a steady interest rate and protects your money because they make more money selling you a variable product that can lose money.

Cheap insurance is the new way that seniors are taken advantage of. It could be a homeowners policy with exclusions for the most common losses such as water leaks or wind, or it could be that supplemental health insurance program that doesn’t provide the simple services you would expect. Or better yet it is from an insurance company that simple does not pay its claims in a reasonable time period if ever. In both of these scenarios you will never know the down side until you have lost money or have a claim that is not covered.

Do not be afraid to ask questions, your advisor is being paid to properly protect you, not just make a sale and get paid. It is sad that many don’t remember that. The best advice is to read your policy and see what is excluded, then ask the what if questions until you are comfortable.

Sheriff Fights Senior Abuse

Wendy Murray — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:37:09 +0000

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is a state leader in creating programs that meet the
needs of older adults. Through our Communities Against Senior Exploitation (CASE)
and Project Lifesaver programs, the development of the Lee Elder Abuse Prevention
Partnership (LEAPP) coalition, our Senior Services Unit, and conducting specialized
training that focuses on preventing and investigating all forms of elder abuse we remain
committed to area seniors.

We were the first in Florida to introduce the CASE program designed to reach out to
older adults and caregivers through education. In 2006 we began an education campaign
focusing on financial exploitation that includes a monthly Fraud Alert that addresses
scams in our area. Also, recognizing that embarrassment often overrides the desire to
report being a victim of a fraud or scam we introduced the Fraud Line (239-477-1242)
for people to call and remain free from judgment when seeking help or asking questions.

In March of 2006 we joined forces with the Pilot Club of Fort Myers bringing Project
Lifesaver to Lee County to help those caring for loved ones who are prone to wander due
to Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other cognitive disorders. Project Lifesaver assists
law enforcement to locate those participating in the program through the use of a bracelet
they wear that emits a low frequency radio signal.

Then in March of 2010 we partnered with the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center as co-
chairs to form LEAPP. LEAPP has representatives from all over Lee County who have a
clear vision to promote a Lee County community where older adults live safe, valued and
dignified lives free from elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

To learn more about these programs and others like them please call our Community
Relations Section at 239-477-1400 or visit us on the web at www.sheriffleefl.org.

AARP Fights Medicare Fraud

Wendy Murray — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:35:01 +0000

WASHINGTON—AARP today announced its endorsement of three bills pending in Congress that would combat Medicare fraud. These endorsements build on strong measures enacted under the health care law to combat fraud in Medicare and throughout the health care system.

“Our members and all older Americans deserve to know that their premiums and tax dollars are protected from fraud,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. “Medicare fraud costs billions of dollars each year, but can be prevented for a fraction of the cost.”

The Medicare Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act (H.R. 5044), sponsored by Reps. Ron Klein (D-FL) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and companion Senate legislation (S. 3632), sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)would strengthen the penalties for Medicare fraud and make it illegal to distribute Medicare identification numbers with the intent to defraud the program. The bills would also give law enforcement officials quicker access to Medicare claims data, allowing them to act swiftly when suspicious activity is spotted.

“The best way to save seniors and taxpayers money while keeping Medicare strong is to get tough on criminals and stop crimes before they start—and that is why our bill does both,” Rep. Klein said. “This innovative, bipartisan solution will help ensure that crooks can no longer open fake businesses or submit false paperwork to steal tens of billions of dollars a year from senior citizens and taxpayers.”

“Medicare fraud is a problem that hurts our most vulnerable citizens,” said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. “An estimated $60 billion is stolen from Medicare annually and reform is sorely needed and must be achieved if we are going to restore the trust seniors have in our government services. South Florida is known as the epicenter of Medicare fraud and this is why Ron Klein and I are working together for a solution to this intolerable problem. Our ‘Medicare Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act’ will provide badly needed reform to the Medicare system.”

H.R. 5546, sponsored by Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL), would create a stronger process for Medicare to review claims before paying providers. This review would screen out likely fraudulent claims to ensure payments are made to legitimate providers.

AARP’s LeaMond added: “We applaud Sen. Gillibrand and Reps. Klein, Ros-Lehtinen and Roskam for coming forward with innovative ideas to stop fraud and punish those who commit it. These are important components in a more holistic effort to not only fight the fraud that is occurring, but also ensure fraud is stopped before it happens through strong preventive measures. AARP will pursue all necessary remedies to effectively fight fraud for which we all pay, and we urge Congress to make Medicare anti-fraud efforts a priority and pass these bills.”

AARP has called on Congress to make other needed changes to combat fraud, such as removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards, performing additional screening of providers and suppliers, and analyzing Medicare claims data to find suspicious billing.

In the coming months, AARP will be ramping up additional efforts to combat Medicare fraud, both through advocacy for national policy changes and by engaging its members at the local level. AARP encourages anyone in Medicare to look carefully at their Medicare Summary Notice for any services or supplies they never received. Those who find suspicious activity should ask their providers about the charges, and then contact Medicare through its fraud hotline, 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), if they still have questions.

AARP has more information about stopping health care and Medicare fraud available on www.aarp.org.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world’s largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP’s millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA su Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Those Pesky Telemarketers

Wendy Murray — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:33:48 +0000

Despite such consumer protections as the Telemarketing Sales Rule and the National
Do Not Call Registry, fraudulent telemarketers prey on seniors with promises of hugh
prizes, fantastic investment returns, and unbelievable deals on all sorts of merchandise-
even vacation packages. They craft scheme to take advantage of those of limited means
and those who are affluent, of those who are isolated and those who are active. These
predators treat everyone as fair game. Nonetheless, the rules and responses below with
stop the cold.

1 . Never give personal information to someone on the phone unless you
initiated the call and have confidence in the person or agency receiving the
call. Legitimate business callers will not ask you for this information over the
phone. If a caller asks for personal information such as credit card number or
Social Security number, just say:

“I don’t give out personal information over the phone. I’ll contact the company
directly and provide them with the necessary information.”

Then, hang up. Remember, it isn’t rude… it’s shrewd.

2 . If the caller tells you he or she wants to give you something for free, then you
shouldn’t have to pay to receive it. Often, the caller will tell you that you need
to pay a handling charge or pay taxes on the prize, but that should be a red flag.
Tell them:

“ I shouldn’t have to send money for something that’s free.”

Then, hang up. Remember, it isn’t rude… it’s shrewd.

3 . So-called limited time offers should not require an immediate decision right
then and there. A caller from a legitimate business will not rush you; so if you
are considering dealing with someone who has contacted you over the phone,
sleep on it for a day or two. While thinking it over, you may find a better offer
or decide you don’t need or can’t afford whatever is being offered. Just tell the
caller:

“I’d like some time to think about this. Tell me how I can get in touch with you. If
I’m interested, I’ll call you back.”

Then, hang up. Remember, it isn’t rude… it’s shrewd.

4 . In addition to rushing you, some unscrupulous telemarketers will try to
convince you not to talk to anyone about the call. They might tell you if you
divulge the offer to anyone else, it could jeopardize the deal. This is a warning
sign. In cases like this, discuss the offer with friends or family members before
you agree to anything. If the caller persists, say:

“I’d like to take some time to discuss this with my family and friends, and I’ll get
back to you if I’m still interested.”

Then, hang up. Remember, it isn’t rude…it’s shrewd.

5 . It can be hard to understand all the details of a verbal offer. What you hear
may not be what the caller is saying, or what he or she said may not be entirely
accurate. The best way to proceed is to have the material mailed to you so you can
read in carefully and at your leisure. If the caller isn’t willing to send you written
information, say the following:

“If you can’t mail me the information, then I can’t talk to you.”

Then, hang up. Remember, it isn’t rude… it’s shrewd.

Preventing Elder Abuse

Wendy Murray — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:27:31 +0000

Lee Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership (LEAPP) held a public gathering on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 to commemorate World Elder Abuse Prevention Day. The event was held from near the Uncommon Friends Fountain in Centennial Park, downtown Ft. Myers.
The brief program gave an overview of the importance of recognizing and addressing the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. During the ceremony, LEAPP members read letters and proclamations of support from Congressman Connie Mack, Governor Charlie Crist, Lee County Commissioners and City of Ft. Myers Mayor Randy Henderson.

Helen Fallert and Marilyn Gregory at WEAAD event

           World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held each year on June 15th.   This designated day serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
            Approximately twenty-four percent of Lee County residents are in the age range of 65+ and twelve percent are 75+ .   As older adults experience age-related illnesses and changes in physical abilities, the risk for isolation and potential self-neglect increases.   These individuals may also be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse as their social support network slowly deteriorates. According to the National Council on Elder Abuse (NCEA) 2005 Facts Sheet “for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect reported to authorities, about five more go unreported.”
            Lee Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership (LEAPP) is a newly established coalition committed to creating community partnerships that effectively promote awareness of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults in Lee County. The coalition’s mission is dedicated to providing education, services, advocacy and support to vulnerable adults.
            LEAPP is a collaborative effort with participating agencies and leaders including: Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Children and Families Adult Protective Services, United Way of Lee, Hendry, & Glades County, Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Cape Coral Police Department, Ft. Myers Police Department, State Attorney’s office, Office of Lt. Governor, NAMI, CCMI, Dr. Piper Center, Senior Friendship Centers, Hope HealthCare Services, Lee County Human Services, UF IFAS Lee County Extension, and an array of long-term care providers, elder law attorneys, financial planners, professional guardians, county judges, and other human service providers.
            Initial funding for LEAPP was made possible through a grant awarded to the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center by the National Center on Elder Abuse and the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Donations are being accepted by the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center to benefit LEAPP projects and initiatives.
            For additional information about LEAPP, please call 211 or 239-433-3900. United Way 211 information specialists are prepared to help you with your concerns regarding elder abuse and questions about Lee Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership.

Savy Senior

Wendy Murray — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:17:59 +0000

Dear Savvy Senior
Can you offer some tips on protecting seniors from financial scams? My next door
neighbor’s elderly parents were recently swindled out of several thousand dollars and I
want to make sure my own mother is protected.
Fraud Fighting Cindy

Dear Cindy
Senior financial scams are a big problem! In fact, the Securities and Exchange
Commission estimates that some 5 million senior citizens are the targets of financial
abuse each year. Here’s what you should know.

Appealing Targets
While people of all ages can be fleeced, senior citizens are particularly appealing
targets to con artists. Why? Money, time and good manners! Seniors tend to have
more money to steal, more free time to listen to sales pitches, are less likely to hang
up on or cut off a pushy salesman, and are more trusting than the younger generations.

Scammers
It’s not always easy spotting a con. They range from swindlers, to shady financial
advisers to slick-talking telemarketers to professional caregivers and relatives who steal
from the very people they’re supposed to be looking after. The most common scams
targeting seniors today come in the form of free-lunch seminars selling dubious financial
products, and high-pressure phone calls and endless junk mail peddling free vacation
packages, sweepstakes, phony charity fundraisers and more. And, of course, there’s the
ongoing problem of identity theft, Medicare fraud, door-to-door scams, credit card theft,
Internet and e-mail scams and family thieves – which makes up more than half of all
financial crimes against the elderly.

Fraud Protection
The most effective way to help protect your mom is to alert her to the different kind of
scams out there that target seniors. The easiest way to do this is by visiting the North
American Securities Administrator’s Web site (www.nasaa.org – click on Senior
Investor Protection), where you can get a rundown on some of the most common
scams making the rounds these days as well as a Fraud Awareness Quiz. Also see
www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm and www.fraud.org. If your mom doesn’t have access
to a computer, print out the materials yourself and use them to start a conversation.

It’s also a good idea to keep tabs on her social circle. For example, are you hearing a new
name mentioned when you talk to her? Who’s giving her advice, financial or otherwise?
It’s almost like checking up on your kids and who they’re hanging out with. Introduce
yourself to the new people entering your mom’s life, just so they know you’re involved
with her affairs.

Some additional tips that can protect her include reminding her to never give out her
Social Security number or financial information over the telephone, in person or over
the Internet unless she initiated the contact. To consider using direct deposit rather

than having paper checks (such as Social Security, disability or stock dividends)
sent to her through the mail. And to register with the National Do Not Call Registry
(www.donotcall.gov; 888-382-1222) which will reduce telemarketing scams.

Spotting a Scam
Helping manage your mom’s money is the best way to spot potential scams. But be aware
that this can be a very sensitive topic, so be as diplomatic and graceful as possible. The
last thing you want to do is make her defensive, but even simple tasks such as looking
over her financial statements can alert you to questionable checks or large withdrawals.

If she doesn’t want you looking at her financial records, there are other clues, such as is
she getting a lot of junk mail for contests, free trips, and sweepstakes? Is she receiving
calls from strangers offering awards or moneymaking deals? Are there lots of cheap
items lying around her house like costume jewelry, mini-flashlights or wristwatches,
which she may be purchasing in order to win a contest – a common con artist lure. Also
notice if her spending habits have changed, if she has complained about being short of
money lately, or has suddenly become secretive or defensive about her finances. All these
may be signs of trouble.

Who to Call
If you suspect you mom has gotten scammed report it to your state securities regulator’s
office (visit www.nasaa.org to find yours). Even if you aren’t sure, it’s important to get
regulators involved. They may be able to connect the dots in ways you can’t.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org.
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” books.

On My Mind

Wendy Murray — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:15:31 +0000

Beware!

There are predators among us akin to blood-sucking leeches who prey on and feed off of humankind. We’re all susceptible to these parasites, but it seems their main prey are seniors whom they perceive to be more vulnerable and less equipped to repel the danger.

The good news is this…we can eradicate a lot of them if we see them coming. On the other hand, it is difficult to always spot them before damage is done. They come disguised in tailored business suits, worker’s uniforms, nice voices on the telephone who want to “help you out”, some even pretending to be a friend or relative in need of help, sometimes giving wonderful news of a windfall coming your way when you’ve been praying for funds to pay for prescriptions.

These creepy, crawly, slinky snakes in the grass are called Scam Artists. Their main objective is to relieve you of your hard earned cash and possessions; and, they’re good at their job. After all, they have been perfecting it for a long time.

The more victims I see on the news every day, the madder I get. I become indignant and say to myself: somebody needs to do more to stop this! I have a voice. I have friends in the community who feel just as I do, and I have Senior Life Magazine that reaches tens of thousands of people every month. You truly are The Greatest Generation. You answered your country’s call, you came home and rebuilt your lives and contributed to making this nation the greatest on earth. You did your part and then you retired with a little nest egg for necessities, not luxuries. You’re smart and you’re savvy and one of your best attributes is that you are generous and trusting, because, that’s the way you were raised. You know that you do the right thing and can’t imagine that someone else doesn’t hold to the same creed. My friends, they are out there, hiding in the shadows and waiting, these creatures that want you to pay their way through life. We hope some of the tips in this issue of Senior Life will be of assistance to you in spotting these thieves. My personal thanks to all of the contributors to this month’s issue who wanted to be of service to our senior population. A special thanks to Sheriff Mike Scott for telling how us how the Lee County Sheriff’s Department keeps us safe and protected. And thanks to Dotty St. Amand who tells us about LEAPP, (Lee Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership) and how it helps raise awareness of all forms of elder abuse in Lee County

We are our brother’s keeper. Let’s all watch out for each other, and especially watch out for older adults who are experiencing difficulties such as memory loss and physical ailments that put them in a position to be susceptible to predators. If you know or suspect someone of elder abuse, please call Florida’s abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873. All calls are confidential.

On My Mind

Wendy Murray — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:24:51 +0000

It’s that time of year again when we wish America a very Happy Birthday and celebrate our independence. It looks like we may not have any fireworks in Fort Myers due to budget constraints but let’s have a cookout anyway and give thanks for living in this great country.

One of the things I will be thinking about this 4^th of July, as I do every year, is the sacrifice made by so many veterans to ensure that the United States of America remains free. I’ve told readers in the past how much I loved and admired my own father who served in the Army as an Interpreter. My Dad was such an honorable man and he served his adopted country and loved it like there was no better place on earth. I feel the same way.

Senior Life Magazine is so proud to produce a Veteran’s Tribute every 4^th of July. I confess it’s my favorite issue. It gives us an opportunity to say a sincere thank you to all who have served their country. We have certainly had a busy month in the office preparing for this issue. After all…it’s for you, and there’s nothing more important. Judith Gannon Bircher, Community Affairs Editor, has been traveling all over Lee and Collier County talking with veterans. This is a labor of love for Judy. She found some people who graciously shared their military experiences with her and I just know you are going to enjoy reading about Albina Thomson, one of the nurses who helped save lives on the beaches in Normandy, Sam Nogaro who sailed with the Merchant Marines, and Buddy Cadenas, one of my favorite people in the world who was a career Naval Officer.

We also have a guest columnist in this issue, SW FL Infantryman Dick Williams shares his diary with us as he returns to Europe for the 65^th Anniversary of V E Day. I know you will join me in celebrating the accomplishments of these great veterans and their contributions to liberty in the USA and the liberation of neighboring countries.

You’ll also read about another highly decorated and brave veteran who served on Luzon. As usual, Judy threw in a little twist on this one. Enjoy reading.

Bravo-Zulu.

Dr. Misty

Dr Misty Green DC — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:23:52 +0000

Q: When looking in the mirror the other day I noticed that I hunch my shoulders and “slouch” even when I feel like I am standing up straight. Could that be the reason I get a sore neck and shoulders a lot? –Susie D., N. Ft. Myers, FL

To most people, “good posture” simply means sitting and standing up straight. But in reality, having good posture is as important as eating right, exercising, and getting proper rest. When we are properly aligned, our bones, not our muscles, support our weight, reducing effort and fatigue. When our body is “structurally sound”, meaning body weight (load) is appropriately distributed to minimize strain, we feel healthier, have more energy, and have less physical complaints.

Just as there are normal values for heart rate, blood pressure, and any other physiological parameter, there is also a normal standing posture and spinal position. The normal posture is one that has the head, rib cage, pelvis and feet aligned and balanced upon the other, both from the front and side views. The spine should be straight and vertical from the front. From the side the spine should have normal alternating curves to allow for normal pain-free, maximal range of motion and movement.

Poor posture distorts the alignment of bones, causing an abnormal distribution of body weight. As gravity pushes straight down on the body, the abnormal posture allows increased muscle strain and acceleration of the arthritic processes such as bone spurring and degenerative joint disease (DJD). Over time, as the body attempts to compensate for these disproportionate stresses, these disease processes may become accelerated and irreversible.

Correcting bad posture and the physical problems that result can be accomplished in two ways. The first is by eliminating as much “bad” stress from your body as possible. Bad stress includes all the factors, habits, or stressors that cause your body to deviate from your structural center. Bad stress can result from a poorly adjusted workstation at work, from not having your seat adjusted correctly in your car, or even from carrying too much weight around in a heavy purse or backpack.

The second is by applying “good” stress on the body in an effort to move your posture back toward your center of balance. This is accomplished through a series of exercises, stretches, adjustments, and changes to your physical environment, all designed to help correct your posture. Getting your body back to its center of balance by improving your posture is critically important to improving how you feel.

Dr. Misty Green is a local Chiropractor serving the Cape Coral/North Fort Myers area for over 10 years. She was voted the best Chiropractor in Lee County by the readers of Senior Life Magazine and her office was voted Best Massage therapy by the readers of the NFM Neighbor. Her office is located close to the intersection of Pine Island Road and Pondella Road and can be reached at (239) 772-5777 to schedule an appointment.