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Detroit Lions Star Mike Utley

Recently, I was able to reach Mike Utley over the telephone while he was in Dallas awaiting a flight to Miami. At one time, Utley was a great Detroit Lions offensive lineman, until an NFL game on November 17, 1991, against the Rams, when a hard hit caused a severe spinal cord injury. He became a wheelchair-using paraplegic.
Now he heads the Mike Utley Foundation, which is working hard for a cure for spinal cord injuries by selectively funding promising research, rehabilitation, and education programs.
"The Foundation started in 1992, just shortly after I got hurt," said 42-year-old Utley. "At the time, I wasn't able to transfer or feed myself, and didn't have feeling in my hands. I had to have someone run (the Foundation) for me."
It took about six years of intensive therapy, but in April 1998 Utley finally was able to begin living independently back home in Washington state. In 2002, he took over control of the Foundation, which today has no paid employees, only volunteers.
The Foundation has two great projects in the works.
"For one, we have spent $110,000 to design and create a 'Mike Utley Terrain Park' at Craig Hospital in Colorado," he said. The terrain park, which opens this summer, will give spinal cord injury paraplegics or high-functioning quadriplegics a safe place to physically learn how to negotiate around and over various real-world movement barriers.
Utley said, "Once you learn the basics of surviving with spinal cord injury, you can then get out in the world and live independently."
Other Foundation funding will open the Mike Utley Human Performance Center at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. "It will be for people with spinal cord injury, and will include physical training, weightlifting, and occupational therapy," he said. "People there will be able to do everything Mike Utley does."
As for life and work, he said, "Am I satisfied where I am? No. I'm happy, but not satisfied. I'm working hard every day towards a cure. I run the Foundation with the same philosophy as when I played football. I'm accountable (for my actions) and I help get everyone on the same page."
The Foundation raises most of its funds through its Thumbs Up Bike Tour, held in Washington this year in September. For it, Utley has had more than 800 able-bodied bikers and 50 hand cyclists.
Contact danieljvance.com [Blue Valley Sod and Palmer Bus Service grants make this column possible.]

Area Agency on Aging:
Economic Stimulus Plan

We have all heard of the federal government's Economic Stimulus Plan for this year, where many citizens will receive a stimulus check from the US Government. The amount of the check will vary.
Many residents of your facility are likely to be eligible for these dollars, including those who are on the Medicaid program. We are asking that each nursing facility assist all eligible resident with filling out the required tax form and sending the tax form in to the IRS.
There is a special provision in the Economic Stimulus Payment Plan for individuals on the lower end of the income scale. Social Security income (retirement or disability), some Railroad Retirement, and Veterans Benefits, as long as the total for 2007 was $3,000 or more. (Unfortunately, recipients of only SSI income are not eligible).
Medicaid Program participants have only $40 per month to meet all of their personal needs, and $300 additional dollars would mean a lot to this population (I have attached a copy of the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Office of Family Stability Letter #69). This communication indicates that Economic Stimulus Payments "will not count toward or negatively impact any other income-based government benefits, such as Social security benefits, food stamps and other programs."
The following IRS web-site provides a great deal of information and connects to specific instructions for individuals who may not have had any need to file a tax return. Visit httv://www.irs.gov/irs/article/O..id=179182.00.html.
The next question is "What should nursing homes do?" We would like to see our area's nursing homes go beyond simply notifying families and legal representatives of residents of the residents' need to file a 2007 tax return in order to get the stimulus funds.
We are asking that each nursing home coordinate an effort to ensure that every eligible resident has a tax return filed, and that nursing home staff assist every resident with filling out the necessary forms.
The nursing home will have ready access to much of the information needed for the filing, especially if the nursing facility is the representative payee for the resident. The home will have the necessary information about powers of attorney and legal representatives if a signature is required for the form.
If the nursing facility takes responsibility for internally coordinating the activity, it will better ensure that all eligible residents receive the stimulus money.
A $300 stimulus payment will mean more to a nursing home resident than stimulus payments to other populations. As you know, the State Legislature has not increased the Personal Needs Allowance, currently at $40/month, for 10 years. $300 could mean new clothing, additional outings into the community, a magazine subscription, perhaps a phone in the room, things that many of us take for granted.
It will take some additional staff time, but it would be time very well spent for residents of the home. Our Ombudsman staff and volunteers are willing to assist in any way possible and are currently investigating other possible resources that may be available to assist with this endeavor.

Proper Shoe Fit an Essential Key to Any Walking Program

With warmer weather approaching, many people will soon head outdoors to participate more vigorously in the most basic form of physical exercise - walking.
But before taking that next step, they should consider the importance of proper shoes to overall foot health, according to two local podiatrists.
"Most people assume that a regular walking program will lead to improved overall health," said Dr. Robert Debiec, a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Ankle & Foot Care Centers, a group of 15 podiatric physicians and surgeons. "However, if you're not careful, you could actually do yourself more harm than good."
Poorly fitting shoes can cause numerous medical problems of the feet, including calluses, corns, bunions and hammertoes. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to medical problems throughout the body, said Debiec.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a 150-pound person walking one mile exerts a force of 63 tons on a single foot. "The wear and tear of everyday walking, let alone exercise, on the feet is significant," said Dr. Kenneth Emch, also a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Ankle & Foot Care Centers. "That's why it's essential for a person to select the correct shoe for his or her foot type, particularly if they are going to be more active."
Whether it's for walking at the park or in the neighborhood, or perhaps for more strenuous activities like jogging or tennis, the right shoe is an essential part of any exercise regimen. Drs. Debiec and Emch offer these tips for selecting the proper shoe:
· Look for a shoe that is stable from side to side and is well-cushioned. "Either a walking or running shoe is fine for a walking regimen, but only running shoes should be used for jogging," Dr. Debiec said. "Likewise, only flat-soled athletic shoes should be used for activities like tennis or basketball. In all cases, the important thing is comfort and stability for the foot."
· Width is important. "Different shoe companies manufacture different shoe shapes," said Dr. Emch. "Some are made for wide feet, and others are a better fit for narrower feet. Know your foot type, and choose accordingly."
· Take your time and try on different styles. "Don't just pull a discount shoe off the department store rack and expect it to give you proper comfort and support," Dr. Debiec pointed out. "Go to a store that specializes in athletic or walking shoes, and try on several pairs. Wear thick socks, as you would when exercising. Lace the shoes completely and walk around the store to make sure you're getting the best fit."
· You get what you pay for. "You don't have to buy the most expensive shoes on the market, but it's important to look for quality materials and stitching," said Dr. Emch. "Make sure they're built to last."
The doctors advised that serious foot problems, like bunions, hammertoes (a contracture or bending of the toe at the first joint) or large calluses, should be examined by a podiatric physician before beginning a regular walking or exercise program.
More information about the benefits of podiatric health is available at the American Podiatric Medical Association website, apma.org, or the Ankle & Foot Care Centers site, at ankleandfootcare.com.
Ankle & Foot Care Centers provides comprehensive podiatric care at 20 locations in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Stark counties in Ohio and in Greenville, Pa.

Trumbull Business College
Dean's List Winter Quarter 2008

Austintown: Kelly Zuzan, Berlin Center: Davene Parks, Boardman: Kristi Hartman, Clarissa Lewis. Bristolville: Christina Lexso. Camnbel: Manolis Skoutelis, Angela St Clair. Canfield: Kim Ortiz. Cortland: Shelli Kozel, Miranda Kraynak, Steven Rock. Newton Falls: Nikki Fowler, Brad Peterson. Niles: JoAnna Ciletti, Megan Conn, Donald Hencke, Allison Hicks, Tommie Marie Karpenko, Ashley Meade, Rebecca Sabatino, Kristen Starkey, Gina Valeriani, Ida Wilson. Salem: Henry Simmons Jr. Struthers: Lisa McQuiston, Kristen Noble. Vienna Kara Constantino. Warren: Danielle Adams, Crystal Babione, Lilian Brown, Raheean Butler, Therese Campbell, Judith Constantino, Rikki Donaldson, Amy Esau, Nicole Grooms, Heather Hershberger, Annondo Holguin, Jon Hurst, Connie Jones, Danny Jones, Stephanie Kittle, Cari Marcum, Tiffany Mason, Vanessa Massey, Keba Mixon, David Niec, Danielle Nixon, Toni Nonnan, Heather Oswald, Timothy Payne, Debra Pickens, Rachael St John, Tami Seiple, Mary Taylor, Ryan Wenger, Candace Wesley, Heather Wingfield, Kimberly Woods, West Farmington: Tracy Knepper. Windham: Diana Thompson. Youngstown: Melissa Buchanan, Kyron Devoe, Sarah McCoy, Catherine Reda, Shannon Rockwell, Krystal Sanders, Kimberly York. Farmdale: David Byard. Geneva: Shawn Williams. Girard: Robin Estes, Ann Hewitt, Wanda Reese, Susan Russo. Hubbard: June Kwiecinski, Raymond Price, Dawn Wood. Kinsman: Tonya Gilmore. Lake Milton: Amanda Lloyd. Leavittsburg: Kayla Bee, Margaret Fenton, Michelle Hartman. Mineral Ridge: Robin Goodwin. Canfield: Kim Ortiz.
Graduates Winter Quarter 2008
Canfield: Kim Ortiz-Associate of Applied Business in Accounting. Columbus: Sonya Swift-Associate of Applied Business in Business Computer Applications. Girard: Susan Russo-Associate of Applied Business in Business Computer Applications. Salem: Henry Simmons Jr.-Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration. Southington: Sarah Cowfer-Associate of Applied Business in Secretarial Science with a major in Office Administration. Warren: Amy Esau-Associate of Applied Business in Secretarial Science with a major in Medical Secretarial. Nicole Grooms-Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration and Accounting. Heather Hershberger-Associate of Applied Business in Accounting. Sheila Huthcinson-Associate of Applied Business in Secretarial Science with a major in Medical Administration. Kevin Jaskowick-Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration. Courtney Littleton-Associate of Applied Business in Secretarial Science with a major in Medical Secretarial. Alishia Rura-Associate of Applied Business in Accounting. Anthony Simmons-Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration. Jen Stefanko-Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration. Youngstown: Joette Johnson-Associate of Applied Business in Secretarial Science with a major in Office Administration. Jeff Phifer IV-Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration. Krystal Sanders-Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration , Associate of Applied Business in Secretarial Science with a major in Office Administration.