National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 469

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 469 met June 9 at Pizza Ranch in Austin. Tori Miller, director of the Crime Victims Resource Center at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, told the group about the services provided to anyone needing assistance with various types of crime including victims of sexual assault, domestic assault and general crimes like burglary and stalking. The Albert Lea – Austin NARFE Chapter was presented with a Citation for Distinguished Service in recognition of outstanding contributions to NARFE Alzheimer’s Program in May at the State NARFE Convention. A legislative report was given. Living trusts were discussed along with upcoming changes to the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance program. the next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 11 at Pizza Ranch in Albert Lea.

Women Veterans of Freeborn County

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County met at Casa Zamora’s restaurant in Albert Lea at 11:30 a.m. on July 1.

The Women Veterans that were present included Ruth Perry, Judi Olson, Sandy Maiden, Joan Paszcowski, Pat Johannsen, Deanna Leudtke and Marge Lukehart.

Initial discussion centered around the Third of July Parade in Albert Lea. Five ladies plan to take part in the parade. Leudtke will drive all in her El Camino. Maiden has a back-up convertible if it is needed.

The treasurer’s report read that the roof damage at the American Legion Post 56 is being repaired.

Leudtke shared several articles including Brains Health’s “What Helps.” The article consisted of exercising at least 30 minutes, which seems to be more beneficial to people over 65 years old. Also, he wrote to stay socially active by challenging your brain, reading, writing letters, learning something new, volunteering or talking to friends. Also in the article, it wrote to eat healthy by excluding some meats and including more whole grains, nuts, beans, vegetables and fish. Next, it taught about sleep and how poor sleep is linked to cognitive impairment and alzheimer’s disease.

Lastly, the article explained that heart health is important by writing that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes have been linked to poor brain health in later life.

The second article was Brain Health’s “What Hurts.” This article included facts on depression and how it doubles the risk for cognitive decline and dementia. It included facts on hearing and vision loss and how problems with hearing and seeing are both linked to trouble with thinking, memory and socialization, and should be corrected if possible. A study showed that older adults with hearing loss showed a greater rate of brain shrinkage. The article wrote that medications, such as anticholinergic medications, have been shown to increase the risk of dementia. It included that daily stress and other stressors can cause memory problems, but long term stress is connected with faster rates of decline in brain health. Lastly, it wrote about air pollution and how it may be that pollution increases heart disease, stroke, and lung problems, which in return causes problems with brain health. Studies have shown that long-term exposure has been linked with brain shrinkage, damage and impaired function.

The final article was the “New World in Diagnosing Diseases.” The article taught of the oncotype DX prostate test analyzes genetic information in a biopsy and distinguishes between slow growing tumors that warrant regular monitoring and faster growing tumors that require immediate attention. This has allowed us to avoid aggressive treatment when it is not needed, and it has saved lives when it is.  The article told that by analyzing each person’s genetic code, it is now possible to possibly predict which drugs will work best for each patient and which ones are ineffective and possibly dangerous. The article explained that it has now been possible to test for over 200 items with just a couple drops of blood from one’s finger. The results are also available in just a couple of hours and the cost has been a fraction of the old methods. The article included information about the PillCam COLON2 and how it has been approved by the FDA. The PillCam COLON2 is a disposable battery operated video camera in a capsule that one swallows. As it travels through the body, it transmits color pictures to a device attached to the waist that relays the images to your doctor. Lastly, it wrote about how there are now monitors that use smartphones to record and accurate electrocardiogram and send it to doctors.

Maiden graciously volunteered to take the monthly donations to the Food Pantry.

Maiden stated that we could find out what is happening around the city by going to “Albert Lea Happenings” on the internet. Thank you.

The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on August 5 at the American Legion Post 56.

Women from all branches of service are encouraged to join us. If you have any questions please call 414-530-3982.