NORTHERN COLORADO FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
Life Aging
WELL
SENIOR SKINCARE:
What to do about sun damage
Loveland Valentine Remailing Program Turns 75
Find the right vehicle for your
SENIOR LIFESTYLE
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S
ome places have a policy of providing excellence in retirement living. Others have a history of it.
At the Good Samaritan Society, the promise of providing exceptional senior care options isn’t just something found in a mission statement. It’s at the core of who we are. For 47 45 years, the Good Samaritan Society-Loveland Village has offered housing and supportive services to seniors of all faith and beliefs.
Proud to be celebrating over 47 45 years in Loveland. To learn more, visit www.good-sam.com. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. Š 2016 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved. XXXXXX
CONTENTS
FROM TH E E DITOR
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 + The AGING WELL Edition
LIKE A FINE WINE We’re all getting older, as much as we may not like to admit it. As
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we age our needs change and in a culture that often feels youth obsessed, it’s good to know there are so many local business here devoted to the transition into the golden years.
55 & BETTER Keep Your Skin Healthy and Bright PAGE 6
Gone are the days of sitting on the porch watching the world pass by. Today’s seniors are more active than ever and look for options that can keep up with their lifestyles. Some aspects of aging are top of mind: health, living choices, and even menopause, but others like new transportation needs or senior specific skin care needs, might sneak up on you. What about our pets? They age just like we do, but they’re often better at hiding it. How do we see to their unique senior needs?
ENTERTAINMENT Spreading ‘Love, Joy & Unity’ for 75 Years PAGE 8
ry; Loveland’s Valentine Remailing Program turns 75, and it’s never looked better.
HEALTH Weight Gain and Aging: An Inevitability? PAGE 24
55 & BETTER 6 Things To Consider When Buying or Leasing a Vehicle During Your Senior Years
FOOD The Black Steer’s Six Shooter Beef-Beer Kabobs
PAGE 26
PAGE 16
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HOME Choosing Senior Living in a Post-COVID world
WELLNESS CBD: How Seniors Spell Relief
get the most out of them by aging
ASK THE EXPERT What If I Need Dentures?
well.
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quantity of our years that counts, so
PAGE 22
PAGE 14
MAKING A DIFFERENCE Operation Love
PAGE 18
So really, it’s the quality and not the
BUSINESS MÁS ALLÁ HOMES
MIND + BODY Ways To Ease Joint Pain Associated With Cold Weather?
Even a Loveland signature event has reached a milestone anniversa-
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PETS Helping Our Pets Age Well Into Their Golden Years PAGE 32
—Misty Kaiser
FEBRUARY 2021
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 3
NORTHERN COLORADO
MARKETING AND PUBLICATIONS EDITOR
Life
Misty Kaiser mkaiser@prairiemountainmedia.com, 303.473.1425
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emma Castleberry, Emily Baudot, Shelley Widhalm Elise Oberliesen, JohnTeehan, John Lehndorff Linda Thorsen Bond, Darren Thornberry, Samantha Reddoch, Judy Finma
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE A Publication of the Loveland Reporter Herald and Greeley Tribune
Northern Colorado Life is published six times a year. Over 49,000 copies are inserted into the newspaper and are available at key locations and businesses throughout the area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jonathan Castner
EDITORIAL & EVENTS: To submit a story idea, call 303.473.1425 or mkaiser@prairiemountainmedia.com
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Miss something? Find the e-magazine at northerncoloradolife.com
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55 & BETTER
KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY AND BRIGHT USE THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN
As our skin gets older, sun damage is more likely to cause precancer and cancer, so protection is vital. “Also, sunscreen has the added bonus of being the best and most overlooked anti-aging product on the market,” says Link. “Current sun avoidance and/or sunscreen use is one of the best ways to correct sun damage. Once the collagen is gone, its nearly impossible to build it back up, so you have to focus on prevention.”
Aging skin has specific needs, from wrinkles to sun damage to skin cancer, your skin needs extra care as you age. (Shutterstock) By EMMA CASTLEBERRY for Northern Colorado Life
Our skin is our largest organ, and particularly here in Colorado, it can take quite the beating. With each passing year it becomes more important to care for our skin properly. “Most cases of skin cancer are found in people older than 65 years of age,” says Dr. Holly McCoppin of Monarch Dermatology & Surgery. While it might be tempting to throw in the towel on skin protection as you age, assuming any sun damage is here to stay, that isn’t a healthy approach. “Current sun damage is even more harmful to your skin with regard to developing precancerous and cancerous lesions,” says Dr. Tiffany Link, dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology/ Fort Collins Skin Clinic. Here are some simple ways to take care of mature skin so you can look and feel your very best. 6 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
Not all sunscreen is created equally. Link recommends an SPF of 30 or higher with zinc or titanium as the active ingredient. Because of the chalkiness of zinc, you might want to consider investing in a nice brand like ELTA MD, which is thinner and more comfortable to wear.
COVER UP
For when you can’t or don’t want to apply sunscreen, or as an added protective measure, cover up with clothing like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts and pants with SPF built into the fabric. Link recommends the clothing brand Coolibar, which can be found online. Keep in mind that, whenever possible, the best way to “cover up” is to completely avoid sun exposure during peak sun hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
CHECK YOURSELF
“Check you skin for irregular, asymmetric moles, new or NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
changing skin lesions, and skin lesions that bleed or will not heal,” says McCoppin. “A head-to-toe selfexamination once a month and an annual visit to the dermatologist for a skin check will give you the best chance of discovering skin cancer at an early, easily treatable stage.”
CORRECTING THE EFFECTS OF SUN DAMAGE While the inherent sun damSkincare is highly individual, and finding a solution for your specific need is key. (Shutterstock) age to skin cells can’t be corrected, some of the effects of the damage can be improved upon. Sun damage can lead “to pin. “Injectable products such as botulinum toxin [Botox] more easy bruising, specifically on the backs of the hands can address wrinkles, while fillers can treat volume loss. and forearms, which, in combination with baby Aspirins Use of some supplements can be used to protect against and other blood thinners [seniors] are taking, can lead skin cancer and free radical damage in the skin.” to some really distressing red and purple blotches,” says Link. This type of bruising can be improved by over-theSKIN HEALTH IS UNIQUE counter Arnica cream, a natural plant-based cream which JUST LIKE YOU helps to reduce bruises and can be applied daily or twice Just like you, your skin is unique. Factors like your favordaily. ite activities, your history and your current lifestyle will impact your skin’s needs. “Everyone is different,” says Other sun-induced conditions, like saggy skin and Link. “Everyone’s skin is different. It is important that, wrinkles, can also be improved. “Dermatologists can if you need guidance, seek the care of a Board Certified offer techniques such as lasers, photodynamic therapy, Dermatologist as they can truly craft a skin care regimen microneedling, chemical peels, and topical medications to that is specific to your skin’s special needs.” help repair and rejuvenate damaged skin,” says McCop-
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ENTERTAINMENT
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‘LOVE, JOY & UNITY’ ffor 75 Y Years
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This is a very special year for Loveland and this amazing program. So much has rocked the world recently, and we are honored to help spread love, joy and unity when people need it most. By SHELLEY WIDHALM for Northern Colorado Life
As the Sweetheart City celebrates its 75th Valentine season, a little re-imagination will make the holiday and the Loveland love campaign safe and fun during February. The Sweetheart Festival, the nation’s largest Valentine’s Day festival, has been cancelled this year, but in its place several socially-distanced smaller destination events will be held across Loveland. The valentines that get hand stamped, cacheted and cancelled by volunteer stampers at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce will be handled a little differently, too. The Chamber and U.S. Postal Service will partner to still get out those special valentines to 50 states and 110 countries through the Valentine Remailing Program. The 75th anniversary Valentine card, verse and more were debuted at a special event in January. (Jonathan Castner/ Northern Colorado Life)
“This is a very special year for Loveland and this amazing program. So much has rocked the world recently, and we are
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honored to help spread love, joy and unity when people need it most,” said Mindy McCloughan, president of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, during a press conference Dec. 29 at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra when this year’s valentine card, verse, cachet and postmark, plus the new edition of USPS’s love stamp, were announced. “Our designs and verses this year not only reflect the 75-year history of the program, but they also demonstrate that COVID-19 is no match for love.”
THE CARD, CACHET AND POSTMARK
McCloughan, with the help of past Miss Loveland Valentines, unveiled the official valentine card, designed by Loveland resident Beata McKee, who also wrote the verse inside. The card depicts a large heart with historic photos of the remailing program, including a few of former chamber president Ted Thompson, who helped launch Loveland’s legacy as the nation’s Sweetheart City. “Ted realized that Loveland, Colorado, had a unique opportunity to share a little love and friendship with the people of the USA and, indeed, the world through the Valentine Re-mailing Program,” said Ashley Arthur, Miss Loveland Valentine for 2020, reading from a history of the program. Corry McDowell of Loveland designed the envelop artwork featuring the remailing program’s trademark cowboy cupid holding onto a red heart depicting the Love Locks sculpture next to Lake Loveland. The verse inside the heart was written by Judy Rethmeier, also of Loveland, and states, “Let’s unite our hearts/ This Valentine’s Day/ Our Sweetheart City/ Will lead the way.” McDowell also created the commemorative 75th anniversary postmark.
THE LOVE STAMP
The official Love Stamp p. (Courtesy Loveland Chamber of Commerce)
The chamber partnered with the USPS to unveil the 2021 love stamp, a 55-cent forever stamp. Artist Bailey Sullivan created the stamp under the direction of Greg Breeding, USPS art director and CEO of Journey Group.
“It’s the first year someone actually got to do the drawing,” said Jacquie Leivestad, supervisor of customer service at the Loveland Post Office and coordinator of the remailing program, adding that the stamp typically is issued through the post office’s headquarters. “It’s so special, especially now during the times people can’t 10 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
2020 Sweetheart Ashley Arthur (Jonathan Castner/Northern Colorado Life)
reach out and touch each other. … Mail really touches someone’s heart.” The last time a stamp was issued out of Loveland was in 1999—the USPS initiated the love stamp series in 1973 and launches it out of a different location every year. This year, the stamp will go on sale Jan. 14. “It’s pretty cool to see the postal stamp be added to the program,” McCloughan said. “It’s only going to help market the program further throughout the U.S.” Every piece of mail coming through the remailing program will be stamped with the cachet, canceled and postmarked, a job normally handled by 50 volunteer stampers working daily at the chamber office the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. This year because of social distancing restrictions and the age bracket of the stampers, the 10 days of stamping will be handled by business sponsors who will send over groups of up to 10 employees. A few of the regular volunteers will help at the 29th Street post office, sorting mail and putting it through the postmark machine and backfilling any of the sponsor days if there aren’t enough volunteers. With the help of the volunteers, the chamber and USPS process an average of 120,000 valentines, making it the largest program of its kind, and in peak years, the number is more than 300,000 valentines. “We are choosing to remain positive and laser focused on fostering the continued success of the program despite NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
YOU’RE GONNA LOVE YOUR NEW SMILE!
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Abe Pilato of Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (left) and David Burkes with Sweet Heart Winery (right) introduce the official beer and wine of the Sweetheart Festival. (Jonathan Castner/Northern Colorado Life)
the restrictions put in place,” McCloughan said. “Our number one priority is to keep our volunteers safe and continue to provide a much needed service of sharing love throughout the world.”
THE VALENTINE BEVERAGES The remailing program has grown over the years with the addition of valentine-themed beverages and events. During the press conference, the chamber and its partners unveiled the Loveland Valentine Wine, Beer and Coffee for 2021.
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Sweet Heart Winery in Loveland produced the wine for the second year in a row. It is a special edition 2018 Malbec with notes of sugarplum, red cherry and black raspberry and has a custom-designed label by Loveland artist Billie Colson. Four hundred bottles of the wine will be available Feb. 2 at the winery. The beer, called Bleeding Heart, a barrel-aged Baltic Porter brewed with vanilla and bourbon, comes from Grimm Brothers Brewhouse. The coffee is a creation of Top of the Lake Roasters in Berthoud. It is a Columbian brew with a gingersnap flavor and will be sold exclusively at the Loveland Visitors Center. This is the eighth year for an official valentine coffee. “The aromas and flavors make the coffee unique,” said Brent Bromstrup, roastmaster and owner of Top of the Lake Roasters.
THE REIMAGINED EVENTS To top off the remailing program, the chamber partnered with the Visitors Center to offer a season of love with smaller celebrations instead of one large event. “We reimagined what it could look like to produce a safe, socially distanced, fun event that wouldn’t be on just (two days); rather it would last several weeks where people feel safe and can still have fun,” said Cindy Mackin, manager of the Loveland Visitors Center. FEBRUARY 2021
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A love-themed light display and the Valentine’s Day group wedding are just parts of the celebration of love. (Courtesy Visit Loveland Colorado)
THE RE-IMAGINED SWEETHEART CITY EXPERIENCES INCLUDE: Quest for Dan Cupid: Participants in a sociallydistanced scavenger hunt Feb. 1-14 will follow clues to find Dan Cupid. The event, modeled after the Christmas gnome scavenger hunt, will start at the LOVE sign and Love Lock sculpture for a chance to win a Loveland experience with a hotel stay, food and shopping, valued at $800. Information is available at VisitLovelandCO.com.
Art Installation: Something Red in the Loveland Creative District in downtown will feature local artists and their interpretation of the color red—the installations will be in windows and storefronts with maps of each piece found at downtownloveland.org. Also, this year’s community mural created by artist Scott Freeman will be a larger image of the love stamp with sections painted by community members. The mural will be on display at Fourth Street and Lincoln Avenue.
Light Installation: Similar to Loveland Winter Wonderlights, Loveland Lights will light up Chapungu Sculpture Park in red and pink in a free lighting display every day 5-9 p.m. Feb. 1-14. “Seeing the response we have had to Winter Wonderlights has been wonderful,” Mackin said. “We’re parlaying the success of that and transitioning Christmas lights to a Valentine’s theme.”
Valentine Group Wedding: My Big Day Events
renew their vows at Chapungu Sculpture Park. Tickets are $75, and couples will receive a goodie bag with gifts from local vendors and businesses. Details are available at ValentinesDayyInLoveland.com.
Virtual Valentines: Backstage Rialto, the nonprofit arm of the Rialto Theater, is sponsoring a virtual streaming event with clips from the Historic Rialto Theater that will be shown Valentine’s Day weekend with event boxes delivered to ticket buyers. The boxes will include Loveland-themed treats and activities that complement the show. Details are at backstag gerialto.com.
Sweetheart Classic Race: The annual footrace will take place Feb. 13 in downtown Loveland and along River’s Edge Natural Area but with start times occurring in socially distanced waves. This year, there won’t be an in-person award ceremony. Details are at sweetheartracing g.com.
Valentines Weekend Hotel Packages: Visit Loveland and its lodging partners are offering sweetheart hotel packages starting at $89. The packages include rooms with a Love Lock, strawberries and more. There also will be a Valentine Dining Guide of sit-down and togo options for a romantic night. Details are at VisitLove/SweetheartPackag ges. land.com/ “The goal is to bring (the Sweetheart Festival) back in 2022 for sure,” Mackin said. “People love ‘love.’ We like to celebrate love.”
will once again host the annual wedding ceremony at 4 and 5 p.m. Feb. 14 where couples will get married or 12 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
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(Images Courtesy Loveland Chamber of Commerce)
The 2021 valentine card can be purchased online at loveland.org for $7 (which includes the card, printing, processing and postage), and at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the Loveland Visitors Center and other local retailers, including the Loveland Museum, The Bottled Olive Kitchen, Colorado Coffee Company, Rowes Flowers, Turquoise & Tangerine, and all Loveland King Soopers, Safeway, Walgreens and Walmart locations.
Mail can be dropped off at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, 5400 Stone Creek Circle, or at either Loveland post office by Feb. 8.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
OPERATION LOVE
Sharing the Love With Healthcare While Boosting Local Businesses The nation’s Sweetheart City aims to bring letters of encouragement and gift cards from our area businesses to our healthcare heroes in the name of love
The red drop box will be labeled with “Operation Love”
LOVELA LAN AND, N Colo. – Loveland, the nation’s Sweetheart City ty, y will be spreading love and joy locally to healthcare workers. It is no secret healthcare workers are not only exhausted, but mentally and emotionally taxed. They have made incredible sacrifices to help provide quality tyy care for the community ty. y They too have been stricken with COVID-19 and many of them are working double shift fts t to help cover for their quarantined coworkers. Our healthcare heroes need encouragement and support to stay motivated during this ever continuing fight.
5400 Stone Creek Circle Ste. 200, Loveland CO 80538
and in a visible location. How to mail the letters of support directly to the Chamber of Commerce: Attention: OPERA RATION A LOVE
They are also offering online options to purchase gift ftt cards and leave an encouraging message to be distributed to the hospitals. Visit loveland.org/operation-love/ to donate and leave a message of support. Mindy McCloughan, Loveland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, said, “We received $50,000 from the City tyy in matching funds to purchase gift ftt cards from our
The Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Visit Loveland, and City tyy of Loveland Parks & Recreation are partnering to launch, “Operation Love – Sharing our hearts with healthcare while boosting business.”
The community call to action is simple: 1. Write and submit letters of encouragement to our healthcare workers. 2. Donate to purchase gift ftt cards from our local businesses to be distributed to our healthcare heroes.
local businesses to also give to our health care heroes and we are in the process of raising the matching dollars. “We want to also encourage people to order a valentine from Loveland.org to send to our health care heroes as well.” “We are so appreciative of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce for creating the Operation Love program. Our healthcare workers have been working tirelessly through this unprecedented pandemic for almost a year.
The McKee Foundation and UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation have partnered with the Loveland Chamber of Commerce to distribute the letters and gift ftt cards to healthcare heroes as they are received. You can drop off your letters of support to any of the following drop box locations: • Chamber of Commerce, 5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland • Loveland City tyy Hall, 500 E 3rd Street, Loveland
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Many are working additional shift fts t and taking time away from their families and loved ones to expertly and compassionately care for members of our community ty. y One thing we hear over and again from our team members is how much they appreciate the community tyy support and especially free meals!” Wendy Sparks, Interim Chief Executive Offi fficer, fi Banner Health Northern Colorado, said.
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55 & BETTER
6 THINGS TO CONSIDER When Buying or Leasing a Vehicle During Your Senior Years
By JOHN TEEHAN for Northern Colorado Life Some vehicles like this 2014 GMC Sierra K1500 SLT can be purchased to work with adaptive equipment. (Courtesy Frontier Access)
Buying or leasing a vehicle can be a major decision, no matter how old you are. There are always many factors to consider, such as cost, safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and more. You could have this vehicle for years, so taking time to select the best option for you makes the most sense. Senior lifestyles have their own unique needs. Seniors often have more leisure time, but there are also more physical considerations. Because a car purchase or lease is such a significant investment, it’s a good idea to review some of the many angles involved in arranging a vehicle during your senior years. Here are six things you should think about when planning your next vehicle purchase or lease.
1. Only Work With Reputable Dealers This first piece of advice seems too obvious to state. That said, there are too many dealers out there who place a higher priority on making a fast sale than what a customer wants or needs. While it’s perfectly fine to visit any dealer with a vehicle that may be of interest, don’t commit to anything unless you’re sure it’s what you want. 16 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
You’ll also want a car’s repair history if it’s a used car and some reassurance that warranty and service guarantees will be honored. Having your ideal vehicle repeatedly visiting the garage for repairs is inconvenient and expensive. You can see how a dealership has treated past customers by searching for them on online review sites such as Angie’s List and Yelp.
2. Make Comfort A Priority
Even if you don’t foresee yourself spending a lot of time behind the wheel, comfort can mean the difference between a car that’s a dream or a nightmare. While larger vehicles tend to ride more smoothly and have an abundance of storage space, smaller cars can be simpler to enter and exit. Look for cars with quality suspension, so rougher roads are less punishing. Don’t neglect creature comforts such as heated seats, power windows, power-assist sliding doors on vans, and remote starters for those cold mornings. Power steering, automatic transmission, and power cargo door controls can NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
It’s a good idea to bring whatever you would need with you when shopping for a new car or van. Practice getting in and out of the vehicle with these items, and if you find yourself having any trouble, it might be a sign that you’d be better off with another choice.
5. Look for the Best Fit
As active as many seniors are, there can be occasional mobility challenges, including joint or muscle pain. Repeatedly getting in and out of a car can be an uncomfortable chore. Larger vehicles may have more storage space, but smaller cars are often easier to enter and exit. (Shutterstock)
go far in reducing arm and shoulder strain. Being uncomfortable, or worse, in pain behind the wheel can distract a driver and end up becoming a safety issue. Speaking of which…
3. Don’t Skimp on the Safety Features Effective headlights, fog lights, and anti-glare windshields can make driving at night safer. Anti-lock breaks, quality tires, and airbags go far in giving you peace of mind when sharing the road with others. Remember that in some cases, certain safety features can lead to lower insurance premiums.
4. Space for Assistive Equipment If you have special equipment requirements such as a cane, wheelchair, walker, crutches, oxygen tank, or the like, it’s a good idea to make sure any new vehicle has ample space for these items—not only spacious room but also secure space, so nothing shifts or rolls around while you’re driving. Does anything you bring with you into the car need to be charged or powered? Make sure the vehicle you’re looking at comes with sufficient power outlets.
FEBRUARY 2021
But it’s important to realize that different people will have different needs. While lower-to-the-ground cars can be more practical, some people find it less awkward to get in and out of taller vehicles like vans and SUVs. The only way to know for sure what type of vehicle fits you best is to try them out yourself at the dealership. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seat settings. Don’t worry about being picky. You’re paying good money to drive comfortably.
6. Think Five Years Down the Road
It’s difficult to predict the future. The perfect car for you now may be less so three, four, or five years later. Activities change. Residences change. Health conditions change. Whenever possible, try to include in your vehicle decisions what your needs might be a few years later. Unless you’ve signed up for a yearly lease, a car is something you’re likely to have for a few years, and you don’t want to spend too many of those years with something that ended up being a less-than-ideal selection. This will be your car, and it’s your decision. Don’t feel rushed or pressured into making the wrong decision. You have every right to go with the vehicle that works best for you, your budget, and your health.
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 17
HOME
Choosing Senior Living in a Post-COVID world By SAMANTHA REDDOCH for Northern Colorado Life
Zoom social activities and masks have become part of the standard of care at most senior living campuses. (Shutterstock)
Shopping for a senior living community has never been easy because the transition into a SLC from living independently of others is fraught with unavoidable and
Vaccines will play a large role in moving back toward residents pre-pandemic culture. Erin Andre, Supervisor – Activities at Good Samaritan Loveland Village, shows off her vaccination card. (Courtesy The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society)
dramatic change. The arrival and failed departure of COVID-19 has undoubtedly made shopping for a SLC more stressful—now, in addition to a community’s aesthetics, activities, food quality, and general campus culture, folks
Surprisingly, what COVID-19 hasn’t done is totally over-
need to worry about infection control, social distancing,
complicate the process of looking for a senior living com-
visitation, and self-isolation protocols. Many people are
munity. And, as paradoxical as it sounds, what residents
probably wondering how resident morale and daily life
have lost in socialization, they’ve gained in communica-
has been effected; like, would it be a drag to move to The
tion, especially at Good Samaritan—Loveland Village in
Villages nowadays?
Loveland.
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dining room is currently at one quarter of its capacity.” While that may not sound ideal, there is hope, especially now that 99% of the residents at Loveland Village have been vaccinated for COVID-19 with their second round already scheduled for the last days of January. “The hope we have at Loveland Village is that [the vaccine] will give us the opportunity to reopen some of our activities, get those fitness classes going, Senior living options have adapted and continue to move forward, keeping safety get our Sunday church services at the center of their communities. (Shutterstock) going again, open up the dining room a little bit more. It gives us hope that we can get back to the Holly Turner has a soft voice that sounds like it might culture and community that we once had.” be heard reading books to children in a library, but instead it gently rings through the halls of Loveland Village where the staff and residents are described as being like a family: “[We’ve] always had a culture of wellbeing, and a strong sense of community. We have community wide events with all of the residents and their family members, and all of the staff and their family members” all things, according to Turner, that create a welcoming atmosphere of connectivity. Even during times of social distancing and self-isolation, Turner and her staff do everything they can to ensure that residents stay socially connected because “one thing [Loveland Village has] learned more than anything through this pandemic is how to increase communication.” One example of increased communication is the Zoom Social Hour which gives residents a chance to converse virtually with one another; in fact, some residents choose to eat their supper during this time so that they can socialize during their meal. Additionally, in-person activities are still available (though class sizes are limited), and virtual activities have been implemented as well. One of Turner’s residents reports that “she loves [virtual classes] because she can attend them in her pajamas while in bed.” Dining rooms all over the world facilitate togetherness, and the dining room at Loveland Village is no exception. Turner says of it, “Dining in our dining room has always been a very social event. And with COVID, our FEBRUARY 2021
Turner, like everyone, knows that getting back to the pre-COVID culture and community requires infection control, and Loveland Village has been diligent about following local and state guidelines as well as its own. Currently, all staff members, and the residents in the skilled nursing and assisted living facilities are required to be tested twice weekly. Independent living residents may go into the wider community of Loveland for testing. If a resident or staff member tests positive, they are required to self-isolate for at least 14 days. Residents are asked to have only two visitors at a time unless the visit takes place out-of-doors, and all visitors are required to participate in a COVID-19 screening. Life at Greeley Place, a Holiday Retirement community in Greeley, doesn’t look much different than life at Loveland Village. Jason Wade explains that they, too, are following state and local guidelines: “we’ve asked that residents restrict their visits to two visitors, and everyone is screened at the front door upon entry.” Staff and residents who show COVID-19 symptoms are required to be tested; if someone tests positive, they’re asked to self-isolate for the CDC recommended amount of time which is 10 days. Additionally, “all of the staff have signed a [COVID] pledge to be mindful of what we’re doing outside of these walls and away from work so that we’re not endangering residents.” Greeley Place is also limiting its dining room capacity, NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 19
It [the vaccine] gives us hope that we can get back to the culture and community that we once had. and dining “is limited to invitation only so we can promote social distancing. The invitations are on a rotation so everyone gets a chance to join.” Activities are similar, but rather than wait for an invitation, residents choose classes from a schedule and then call the front desk to see if there’s availability. When asked if Greeley Place offers strictly virtual activities, Wade replied, “not currently, but it’s a good idea.” Both Loveland Village and Greeley Place understand that shopping for a senior living community is stressful enough without COVID, so they’re doing their best to keep the process as simple as possible for potential new residents. Each campus offers virtual tours, and they do still offer in-person tours for those seriously interested, and they require that new residents either provide a
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negative COVID-19 test or agree to self-isolate after moving in. While Turner and Wade would both agree that it’s challenging to give potential new residents a true idea of campus culture, the staff at Loveland Village strive to build “that connection with the potential person and their families, we try to [have] as much contact as possible. [It works] because we have some people that are moving in from California that have never stepped foot on our campus.”
SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES FOR ALL AGES! See the schedule at www.lighthousedance.com/summer Ballet • Jazz • Hip Hop • Tap • Contemporary Lyrical • Pointe • Worship • Barre Fit
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www.LighthouseDance.com NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
ASK THE EXPERT: WHAT IF I NEED DENTURES? go and have the teeth extracted, you receive the temporary denture that day. You’ll need to heal for 4-6 weeks, then start the process of the final denture. You get more impressions (everyone’s favorite) and we do a series of steps to get the bite right, a try in with teeth, and then have dentures finalized. It usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
NCL: DO DENTURES WEAR OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED? A Q&A with Jessica Stone, office manager for Steven J. Hood, DMD
NCL: WHY WOULD SOMEONE NEED DENTURES?
JS: Either they have lost teeth over the years or they have neglected their dental health for a long time. Financially it is what pushes most into getting dentures as opposed to fixing each tooth individually. Dental restorations are expensive; even with insurance it is much more that most people realize. There are lots of instances of WHY, but I would say we do fewer dentures these days because people do much better with home care and don’t want to get dentures.
NCL: IF YOU THINK YOU NEED DENTURES, WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?
JS: Consult with your dentist. Get a second opinion if you don’t feel good about your treatment needs.
NCL: CAN YOU BRIEFLY EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF HAVING DENTURES MADE?
JS: At our office, we usually start with impressions to make a temporary denture. Then when you
FEBRUARY 2021
JS: Yes, just like natural teeth can wear from use, the dentures can wear from use. There are different qualities of “teeth” in the dentures that wear faster or last longer, but it all depends on the individual.
NCL: TIPS FOR GOOD DENTURE CARE?
JS: Take them out daily. Brush and be careful not to drop them; they can break. This also gives your tissue a break to “breathe.”
NCL: ARE THERE ANY POPULAR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DENTURES?
SH: Yes, that once you get dentures, you don’t have any other concerns or need for a dentist. Lower dentures in particular can be difficult to get used to and get adjusted properly. Also people don’t realize how much it costs to extract remaining teeth and the cost of the dentures themselves. Dentures can be a good thing, but it’s much more difficult than some people think. Take the time to discuss with your dental professionals what is best for YOU!
Dr. Hood and his team are located in Loveland. Find them online at drstevehood.com. NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 21
BUSINESS
MÁS ALLÁ HOMES Compassionate caregiving in a beautiful setting By Judy Finman for Northern Colorado Life
M
ás Allá Homes is a unique place located a few miles west of Loveland. It is a haven for people who know that the end of their life is near and want to spend their remaining time living in a home-like residence surrounded by nature’s beauty. Más Allá is owned by Eric Jepsen and Becky Davis. Eric is a successful entrepreneur who dreamed of providing a place like Más Allá. Becky’s background is in hospice care and marketing for a senior care facility. They believe, and are showing at Más Allá, that the end-of-life experience can be beautiful.
Their team at Más Allá is made up of licensed CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) with QMAP (Qualified Medication Administration Personnel) qualification. They provide expert 24-hour care, meals and laundry services. “When Más Allá opened our doors in the summer of 2020, we were excited that we’d found such a lovely home near Loveland surrounded by the absolute best that nature offers,” says Becky. “We knew it was a perfect setting for a beautiful end-of-life experience. We also knew that we were in the middle of a pandemic. We immediately put measures in place that would best protect our staff, our guests and their families. Because we work with local hospice teams, there are medical personnel who also need access to our home. One of the advantages of our size is that we have fewer people who come in and out. This has turned out to be a great thing for us during this difficult time. “Más Allá follows Larimer County Public Health with regard to proper health and safety guidelines. To date it has been very doable for us to limit visitors to less than 10 people in no more than two families. If needed, we will be intentional in setting visitation hours that work best for each family involved. Now that the vaccine is available, we are in the process of getting our staff vaccinated.” She points out, “There are several advantages to being at our home. We provide a much lower Guest/CNA ratio than a large facility, which greatly improves the care each
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TESTIMONIALS The daughter of one guest wrote: “Más Allá was a godsend to my mother and my family in a most difficult time. Más Allá is a home that welcomes no more than five end-of-life guests at a time, and my brother, sister and I were ALL able to be with Mom (24/7 if we wanted to), even in this time of COVID. The days we all had together with my Mom before her passing were precious beyond measure, and this facility made it possible…Had we tried to get full time CNA help (24/7) at my Mom’s house, it would have been extremely difficult and MUCH more expensive than what we paid for the services and facility at Más Allá, not to mention the stress that comes with being in charge of everything. The staff at Más Allá became our friends, and in many ways an extension of our family. And they cared for and embraced my mom as if she was their own.”
individual receives. We are able to work with families to meet their needs in a personal way as much as possible. During this pandemic, it has allowed us to have visitors so that our guests do not have to die alone. It is truly a family atmosphere with our team and guests together in a gorgeous home, surrounded by the beautiful foothills of Loveland.” The owners and staff say: “Leave the day care to us, allowing you to spend this precious final season together with friends and family.” See the beautiful Más Allá website with photographs of the home’s interior and its glorious natural surroundings: masalla.life/. Más Allá is located at 9019 W US Hwy 34, Loveland. Call 970549-0600 to schedule a tour.
Another testimonial, from an out-of-town son, was also full of gratitude. “As we learned of the tragic news my father would soon face, we were looking at terrible alternatives for care in his final months. Due to COVID, every hospice home was unable to have visitation from friends and family. And even when they could visit, it would be limited to a single individual for the duration of my father’s stay there. As myself and others lived out of state, no visitation was a crushing blow... Más Alla …offered many things other facilities could not: a home that visitors could visit freely, an ability for my father to come and go as he pleased, a much smaller and optimal patient/tnurse ratio… a home with internal beauty and serene external landscaping, and extremely caring and thoughtful staff…Becky, Eric, and the entire staff were super attentive to my father. Becky was just a quick text or call away, and was always doing what was best for my father and the family. She ensured we were updated on his health, regularly contacted the Hospice organization we partnered with for support, and held our hands through a very troubling time. They welcomed having gatherings to share love and joy and bent over backwards to accommodate anything we asked for. With their support, we were able to organize a 70th birthday party for my father, as well as arrange a small putt putt golf outing for his closest friends. Through everything, they kept safety top of mind with COVID… I am beyond appreciative for their care, and would highly recommend it to anyone in the Loveland area that is looking for a safe, beautiful, and personable alternative to a typical hospice facility.”
FEBRUARY 2021
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HEALTH
Weight Gain and Aging: AN INEVITABILITY? Exercise is always an important factor in weight loss, but it’s especially important in maintaining health as we age. (Shutterstock)
By LINDA THORSEN BOND for Northern Colorado Life
M
enopause is like uninvited dinner guests—you didn’t invite them, you wish they hadn’t shown up, and it’s hard to prepare until they arrive. Then too, there’s that sneaky sidekick that comes with them. Along with hot flashes, night sweats and heart palpitations, many women find menopause brings weight gain.
According to the Women’s Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, nearly two-thirds of women ages 40 to 59 years and about three-fourths of women older than 60 years are overweight in the United States. That’s an unexpected symptom when they find they need to eat less and exercise more, just to maintain their current weight. 24 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado in Loveland and Fort Collins has a specialty in aging and prevention that provides for the needs of women before, during and after menopause. That time of life is referred to in medical terms as “midlife.” Learning about menopause, weight gain and hormone therapy are coupled with support classes and services such as bone density scanning. There are several theories about weight gain and menopause, enough to mean that women with concerns should visit the local clinic and talk to physicians. Ekta Kapoor, a consultant with the Mayo Women’s Health Clinic, said that midlife women may gain up to a pound and a half per year and demonstrate a change in body fat distribution, from greater lower-body fat to greater upper-body fat. Aging-related weight gain happens to all people, male and female, because there may be small changes in lean body mass and physical activity. Therefore, unless there are people change their dietary habits and physical activity, aging results in weight gain. Stephanie S. Faubion, M.D., Mayo’s Women’s Health Clinic, said there’s cause for debate: “The current literature supports the aging theory, and that menopause, NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
Many women in menopause may find they need to eat less and exercise more to maintain their current weight. (Shutterstock)
per se, after adjustment for aging, does not result in significant weight gain. However, menopause does result in body fat distribution changes, with a preferential deposition of body fat centrally, and an increase in abdominal obesity. This tendency persists despite adjustment for aging, total body fat and reduced physical activity level, all of which independently increase visceral fat deposition.” There could be more causes, including restless sleeping and depression. Midlife women during the menopausal transition might experience unique symptoms that facilitate weight gain, including vasomotor symptoms, mood disorders, sleep disturbances and musculoskeletal complaints. The vasomotor symptoms are those that occur due to the constriction or dilation of blood vessels and include hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, and changes in blood pressure. “Perimenopausal women often underestimate the impact of vasomotor symptoms on so many aspects of their lives,” Alice Y. Chang, M.D., said. “For example, women with severe vasomotor symptoms, especially at night, might not realize how severe fatigue compromises their ability to remain active. Women are more prone to mood disorders in the perimenopausal period, and that can also interfere with their motivation to make lifestyle changes often required to prevent weight gain. “On the other hand, women who are overweight or obese tend to have worse hot flashes than their normalweight counterparts, and weight loss improves vasomotor symptoms. Resistance exercise training, which can prevent the muscle loss and decrease in energy expenditure related to aging in general, not only is shown to be as effective in perimenopausal women but can also help FEBRUARY 2021
preserve bone mass during a period of accelerated bone loss and improve musculoskeletal symptoms.” Dr. Kapoor said that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can help with favorable distribution of body fat. She said, “Women on MHT tend to have redistribution of the central fat to the peripheral sites. However, MHT use is not recommended for prevention or management of weight gain. Women who are on MHT for management of vasomotor symptoms can, nonetheless, be counseled regarding its beneficial effects on body fat distribution.” The fear that MHT might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer is something that means it has to be undertaken with a physician’s care. It is definitely not recommended just as a way to lose weight. Consumer Health Digest lists the factors regarding menopause and weight gain are androgen, stress, becoming insulin-resistant during menopause, and a drop in women’s testosterone levels that lead to lower muscle mass. ———————————————— For more information, schedule an appointment with Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado at their Loveland or Fort Collins location by calling 970-493.7442 or online at womensclinicnoco.com . NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 25
MIND + BODY
What Are Some Ways To
EASE JOINT PAIN
Associated With Cold Weather? WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MANAGE JOINT PAIN?
By EMILY BAUDOT for Northern Colorado Life
Colorado
There are several ways to manage joint aches during winter.
winters are beautiful, but sometimes they can be a real pain—in your joints, that is. Cold weather joint pain can really get in the way of your active lifestyle. But no worries.
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WHAT CAUSES JOINT PAIN? Joints are made of connective tissues and cartilage. They go through a lot of wear and tear, so they can start hurting for many reasons. Cold weather especially bothers our knees, hips and ankles. Unfortunately, there’s little scientific evidence as to why this happens. Theories range from limited blood flow to barometric pressure changes to the laziness we feel every winter. 26 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
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You may need to experiment to figure out which method works for you. You might even need a combination of the three. Everyone’s joints have different needs.
1. The RICE method
The RICE method is an injury care system from sports medicine. It’s great for sprains, muscle tears and, coincidentally, joint pain. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest is self-explanatory—when you start to feel soreness, stop what you’re doing and let that spot rest for a bit.
Next, Ice down the joint to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. This might seem counterintuitive to coldweather pain, but it works well on all kinds of injuries. Compression sounds intense, but here it just means wrapping the affected area to help the joint relax. You can use either an elastic wrap or the support sleeves sold in most pharmacies. Be sure not to wrap up too tightly! This NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
pain. They’re great
can limit blood flow and make your situation worse.
light exercises since they provide enough relief for the joint to become mobile and receive blood flow. Remember to never use a warming pad
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Finally, Elevation. By propping the affected joint above heart level, fluid drains out and further reduces swelling. It’s also a great way to relax.
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t par cist before trying these out. The RICE method specifically t of join t he R t i ng a e r t I f C helps reduce joint inflammation, E method o so if you try it without success, your Another, stronger option are pill-form NSAIDs, aches might come from another source. or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include
2. Exercising properly Not all joint pain improves with the RICE method. Sometimes, stiff joints result from a lack of blood flow. No blood means less warmth, and less warmth leads to stiff muscles and discomfort. Gentle motion and regular exercise can alleviate this type of pain. Exercise increases blood flow around the whole body. It also strengthens muscles, which can support your body weight and help your joints do their work.
medications like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin (or their brand name equivalents). As you take them, keep in mind that taking too many NSAIDs over a long period of time can cause stomach issues or hypertension.
WHEN DOES JOINT PAIN BECOME SERIOUS? If none of these techniques relieve your pain, or if you need to use a method every day for relief, it’s probably time to chat with a doctor. Chronic joint pain can be a
Working some static exercises into your routine is a great place to start exercising away joint pain. If you aren’t strong enough for physical activity, try simple stretches or walks to work up low-impact energy.
sign of injury, arthritis or other diseases.
3. Over-the-counter care
more serious condition.
Sometimes joint pain can’t work itself out. If you need a more potent remedy, there are a few options to choose from at your local pharmacy.
It’s especially important to watch for signs of swelling, redness or bruising. Those symptoms can signal a
Whether you need clinical care or not, you can start living life around your pain by paying it a little more attention. Listen to your body, and it won’t hold you back.
Topical numbing medications like creams, patches or sprays are great for moderate pain relief. They contain chemicals that cause a tingling or warming sensation on the skin, which “distracts” your nerves from FEBRUARY 2021
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 27
SAVE THE DATE! MARCH 12 – APRIL 30
E D U C AT I O N
•
I N S P I R AT I O N
•
DISCOVERY
The 2021 Northern Colorado Home & Garden Show is the perfect place for inspiration and education for any and all of your home needs. Local experts in home renovation, landscaping and design have showcased their expertise at this event for the past 38 years. Come join us for our virtual show and get new ideas for your home!
Now Accepting Sponsors & Virtual Booth Reservations! A ROBUST, SAFE & CONVENIENT EXPERIENCE
GUARANTEED TO DRAW THOUSANDS OF SHOPPERS
Valuable content and sweepstakes will entice consumers to visit your booth and make repeat visits.
The Home & Garden Show will be vigorously promoted through digital and social marketing channels as well as in the Greeley Tribune, GT Weekly, MyWindsor, Loveland Reporter-Herald, Loveland Weekly, Estes Park-Trail Gazette, NoCo Life Magazine, Longmont Magazine, Longmont Times-Call, Boulder Daily Camera, Broomfield Enterprise and Colorado Hometown Weekly. The campaign will highlight sponsors and exhibitors, and will deliver more than 3 million impressions during the seven-week event.
• Your virtual booth will feature image galleries, brochures for download, videos, show-only specials, social media links, live Twitter feeds, leads capture contact form, exhibitor-provided contest entry forms and more. • Exhibitor offers and incentives will be promoted from the home page with links to your virtual booth. • $1,500 Sweepstakes … winner receives a voucher to be redeemed at a participating Home & Garden Show exhibitor. • Show goers will find home-related inspiration … including exhibitor provided videos, tips and advice from the pros and DIY projects.
In addition to advertising the Home & Garden Show, sponsors and exhibitors will receive up to 700,000 additional impressions in the weekly AtHome Colorado tabs (Boulder County zone publishes in the Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call; the Northern Colorado zone publishes in the Greeley Tribune and Loveland Reporter-Herald).
RESERVE YOUR BOOTH BY FEBRUARY 24 Weld & Larimer Counties: Contact Lindsay Haines, 970.392.5637, lhaines@greeleytribune.com Boulder & Broomfield Counties: Contact Jill Stravolemos, 303.473.1420, jill@dailycamera.com
28 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
The BLACK STEER’S
FOOD
SIX SHOOTER BEEF-BEER KABOBS This delicious and impressively simple recipe from local, Janice Eslan at The Black Steer, is sure to impress! INGREDIENTS 2 pounds beef tenderloin 2 teaspoons mixed herbs* 1 pint fresh mushrooms with large firm caps 1 teaspoon onion powder 4 tablespoons dark German beer 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 Tablespoon oil 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper *Mixed Herbs: 1 Tablespoon of each, mixed: savory marjoram sweet basil rosemary celery flakes tarragon dried parsley
DIRECTIONS Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes or a little larger. Place them in a bowl. Add washed and drained mushrooms, separating a few mushroom caps from the stems to alternate on the skewer with the meat cubes. Mix all of the remaining ingredients and pour over the meat and mushrooms. Mix this thoroughly and marinate for 20 minutes. Place beef on skewers (metal or wood soaked in water for 2 hours), alternating with the mushroom caps. Place the remaining mushrooms on the broiler drip pan or in a pan lower in the broiler. It is a delicious side dish! Broil the kabobs (approx. 6 inches from broiler on high) turning frequently, 8 -10 minutes, depending on your taste. Pair with a craft beer or Bloody Mary of your choice!
DON’T FORGET VALENTINE’S DAY!
The Black Steer, 436 N. Lincoln Ave. in Loveland, will have specials for your and your valentine from Feb. 11 - 14. Call (970) 667-6679 to make your reservations today! FEBRUARY 2021
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 29
WELLNESS
A SOOTHING STORY CBD: How seniors (and their pets) spell relief By JOHN LEHNDORFF for Northern Colorado Life
The first thing you need to know is that CBD is not “pot.” CBD is extracted from hemp but it doesn’t make you high and is legal in all 50 states.
CBD can be added to food, but loses potency when cooked. (Shutterstock)
CBD is short for “cannabidinol.” It’s a non-psychoactive relative of THC, the active substance present in recreational and medical marijuana. The second thing is that users of this suddenly popular supplement report that it helps relieve their symptoms ranging from pain and insomnia to stress in themselves and their pets. At The CBD Store in Loveland, the shelves are stocked with a dizzying array of CBD-infused products including oils, salves, capsules, candies, drinks and CBD hemp prerolled cigarettes. More than half of the store’s regular customers are seniors, according to Caprice Sweatt. With her husband Eric Sweatt, she owns The CBD Store (with other locations in Greeley and in Illinois. CBD can be incorporated into food but shouldn’t be cooked because it loses potency. “Some of our older 30 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
customers don’t like that earthy taste of the tincture so they put it in their coffee and other foods. I like the CBD gummies we make ourselves in 20 flavors, especially the mint and strawberry,” Caprice Sweatt says.
She became interested in CBD for very personal reasons. “I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at 17. They said I wouldn’t have kids, I’d have to a colostomy bag, and possible colon cancer,” she says Sweatt started by using medical cannabis which dramatically reduced her flareups and then added a daily CBD regimen. “I’m able to eat. I’m able to sleep, and I don’t use pain pills … or any pills. I’m in my mid ‘50s with four kids, six grandkids and super active,” she says. “With CBD, we make it clear that it isn’t a cure-all by any means. It makes life livable. It helps give back the quality of life that may have been lost,” she says. To get started with CBD, Sweatt and her staff get to know customers via phone or safely in person and help them learn about CBD and devise their own regimen depending on the problem. “According to the FDA, we have to be very careful about NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
how we advertise and what we suggest to customers. We’re not physicians and we can’t prescribe,” she says.
who could benefit from cannabinoids who didn’t want to use THC.
Research has shown that CBD has antiinflammatory Different flavors make CBD oils more palatable to many consumers. therapeutic (Courtesy The CBD Store) benefits when used regularly, whether it’s eaten or rubbed on the skin. can show up in drug tests. “We recommend oral tinctures for people with arthritis to help keep some of that discomfort at bay,” Sweatt says, adding that topical salves and lotions seem to be especially effective on hands, feet and smaller muscles.
Colorado and Federal law allow CBD products to contain a miniscule amount of THC which has no psychoactive effect but
“That’s why we developed a CBD blend that is totally THC-free. We have customers who are police officers, bus drivers, school teachers,” she says.
The key with CBD is to discover the ideal dose that alleviates the symptoms. Many people who report “no effect” from CBD may have simply taken an insufficient amount to affect the problem, according to Sweatt.
The CBD store also offers tinctures and treats specifically formulated for dogs and cats. “CBD definitely helps anxiety in dogs,” she says, as well as aggressive behavior and excessive barking. “It really helps them chill out,” Sweatt says.
“We start people out slowly on CBD and have them gradually increase the amount. We don’t want them to use more than they need because of the price,” she says.
“I have five dogs and two of them are seniors – one is going on 17. CBD has really helped them,” she says especially with arthritis and reduced mobility.
While prices have steadily dropped as supplies have increased, CBD is still not an inexpensive. “We started offering CBD tinctures in smaller bottles so people could try it out without spending a lot. We give out a lot of free samples – basically anything in the store, so customers can see how it they like it,” Sweatt says.
You can consult with your vet to make sure CBD is right for your pet.
The couple had successfully operated medical cannabis dispensaries but, Sweatt says, they saw many people
CBD may just be the beginning of the therapeutic possibilities since hemp contains dozens of cannabinoids including CBN which seems to help with insomnia. “CBN may end up being even bigger than CBD,” Sweatt adds.
MORE INFORMATION
The CBD Store: 1528 N. Lincoln Ave. No. 6, Loveland, 970-966-7939 and 3810 W. 10th St. Suite A4, Greeley, 970-451-5734; thecbdstorecompany.com FEBRUARY 2021
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PETS
HELPING OUR PETS AGE Well Into Their Golden Years By ELISE OBERLIESEN for Northern Colorado Life
unrecognized, she said. Why? Because when cats head outdoors for playtime, they go solo. So you don’t necessarily see them lose that spring in their step. But with dogs on leash, it’s a shared human to pet exercise experience more easily detected. Dr. Buccholtz suggests watching for behavior and posture changes in your cat if you suspect arthritis. Watch for changes from jumping to how they take the stairs. “Sometimes cats take a break before going up the stairs. Or they go up the stairs sideways if one side is more arthritic, because it will take initial strain off the uncomfortable leg.” We love our pets—they’re family. Keep the slobbery kisses, tail wags and endless purring coming. Since our fur babies brighten our world so much, it’s important to dole out extra TLC as their muzzle grays and bone frailty sets in. Here are ways to improve your pet’s quality of life as they enter the golden years. As pets age, it’s difficult to know when they experience pain, says Stephanie Buchholtz, DVM, founder of Cat Doctor, a feline-focused vet practice in Johnstown, CO. Thanks to a cat’s standoffish personality, it may require detective-like skills to pin-point their pain. “Cats are especially good at hiding their pain.” Plus, many people do not realize that arthritis in cats goes
32 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
While a kitten is known for bouncing from couch to chair to countertop with razor speed— Ms. senior kitty takes her sweet old time positioning those paws as she calculates a leisurely decent. “With arthritis in front legs, cats lean over the edge and put their front legs further down the structure before they jump. It helps minimize impact,” Dr. Buccholtz said.
CARING FOR SICK PETS If you’ve ever experienced a pet going through cancer, then you know how that story usually ends. With more aggressive cancers, their lifespan if often rapidly cut short, said Tara Britt, VMD, DACVS, who specializes in oncology, at Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists, in Loveland.
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A lot of animals are obese and an extra pound on a dog is like five pounds on a human. Especially in senior years, maintaining a healthy weight is important because overweight can lead to diabetes, joint pain, and heart issues.
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Luckily, not all cancers grow that quickly. “There are so many types of cancers dogs and cats get and many have a good prognosis if they are treated early. With certain skin tumors, if we diagnose early and obtain wide surgical margins, they can be cured,” she said. To target wide surgical margins, she said it includes not only cutting out the cancerous mass but also the surrounding healthy tissue. “With healthy tissue remaining, depending on tumor grade, we may have a good prognosis.” Sometimes a bout of vomiting and diarrhea is normal for cats and dogs, she said. Perhaps your fluffy feline coughs up hairballs from incessant licking. Still, it’s difficult for the layperson to know the precise cause.
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“Increased licking could be an underlying skin infection or anxiety. It’s good to talk to a vet if you see those behaviors. Then look for underlying causes to rule out something more serious.” Watch for frequency of symptoms and notice behavioral changes, Dr. Britt said. If you suspect something more serious, a trip to the vet helps rule out serious medical conditions. “Screening blood work, chest and abdominal x-rays, or abdominal ultrasound can look for underlying causes of the vomiting or diarrhea.”
OPTING FOR SUPPLEMENTS
Maybe you’re curious about adding a supplement to your pet’s diet. Pet supplements are experiencing explosive growth. According to one website, 48 percent of U.S. pet owners bought cannabidiol treats or chews and 27 percent purchased the oils, in 2019.
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She observed some mobility improvement, she said. Opt for higher quality supplements, suggests Dr. Buccholtz. “For it to be bioavailable, there’s a process by which high quality chondroitin is manufactured so that it can be bioavailable. Beware when the costs are too good to be true.”
MINDING THE SCALE For pets and humans alike, too much food often leads to an uptick on the scale and certain health risks, Dr. Buccholtz said. While CBD is one of the more popular kids on the block for garden variety symptoms, keep in mind, CBD is not a cure and oft comes with mixed reviews, say experts.
“Overweight animals are more likely to have arthritis because it increases wear and tear on their joints.”
Dr. Britt said it’s exciting to watch emerging research around CBD treatments with pets, but it’s still too early to offer answers since it’s not yet FDA regulated. She’s curious about the efficacy of CBD use to ease anxiety in pets. She’s keeping a close watch on new scientific evidence.
Good sells a variety of senior pet foods lower in calories
Jackie Good, events and promotions coordinator, with Poudre Pet & Feed Supply, which operates six stores in Northern Colorado, sees more pet parents turning to CBD for a variety of their animals’ ailments.
overweight can lead to diabetes, joint pain, and heart
“With dogs and cats, we mostly sell CBD for its calming effects and to help with joint problems.” Good warns that fussy felines may not love the stuff. After all, these creatures are known for turning their noses at even the finest of pate. “[With CBD] Cats are harder because of palatability issues and the dosage gets harder.”
which helps the furies keep a trimmer waistline. “A lot of animals are obese and an extra pound on a dog is like five pounds on a human. Especially in senior years, maintaining a healthy weight is important because issues.” Should your pets struggle to jump up on the furniture or into the car, stairs and ramps come in handy, Good said. “Ramps are important because the stress of getting in and out of vehicles. Because you can risk them not making it and they’re more prone to falling and hurting themselves.” Ramps cost from $60 to $135. Choose from fold down ramps or a telescoping style that pulls out and slides in, she said.
Good experimented with a combination of CBD plus a chondroitin glucosamine supplement on her Great Dane. 34 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
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