From Cruises to Kayaks: Fun On Vermont’s Waterways

By Phyl Newbeck

From leisurely wildlife-viewing paddles in inlets and bays to cruise ships on Lake Champlain, one of the best ways to experience summer in Vermont is on the water. The following are just a few of the options for getting out, cooling off, and enjoying the season.

Glen Findholt offers tours on his vintage sloop, Friend Ship. “It’s a way to experience Lake Champlain the way people experienced it in the early twentieth century,” he said. “It’s a little more intimate than other ways to get out on the lake.”

For those looking for more than just a passive cruise, Findholt allows visitors to help out with the rigging and take a role in sailing the sloop. In addition to the Friend Ship, the Spirit of Ethan Allen offers narrated cruises four times a day from May through October. There are a variety of themed cruises including those devoted to Caribbean music, jazz, lobster dinners, and a murder mystery. Northern Lights also offers lunch, brunch and scenic cruises. All three cruise ships leave from Burlington.

For those looking for a more active way to enjoy the water, there is always sailing. Robin Doyle of the International Sailing School (ISS) refers to sailing as a lifelong sport which can be learned at any age. “It keeps you young in body and spirit,” she said. “It’s a wonderful retirement sport.”

The ISS offers a series of classes for those who just want to rent a boat for a short trip on the lake as well as those who dream of lengthy getaways. Doyle said the difference between older and younger first-timers is that seniors sometimes prefer a more comfortable boat than the Solings which are traditionally used for lessons. However, she has not found that older students have more fear than their younger counterparts. If anything, Doyle said, older students are more motivated. “…They want to get their dreams fulfilled.”

Doyle doesn’t see age or reduced stamina as a drawback to learning to sail. “It’s like skiing,” she said, “you can get in shape just by doing it, but staying in shape certainly helps.”

If sailing is too intimidating or expensive, there are always canoes and kayaks. Craig Richardson of Umiak Outdoor Outfitters said the number one criterion for more mature paddlers getting into these crafts is the weight of the boat. For that reason, if you are taking to the water for the first time, you might tend to favor kayaks over canoes which may be easier to lift on and off your car. Richardson recommends that folks purchase kayak carts that allow you to wheel your craft to and from the water. The Paddleboy cart is the most popular of the carts sold at Umiak.

Richardson said older kayakers tend to prefer kayaks with large openings which prevent them from feeling claustrophic or trapped and allow easy entry and exit. A popular model is the Wilderness System Pungo which is 12 feet long and weighs 40 pounds. Richardson noted that although shorter boats may be lighter, they usually don’t track as well. Wider boats are generally more stable.

Richardson said the most important additional pieces of equipment are a paddle and a personal floatation device (PFD). Those starting out in the sport generally favor lighter paddles which are made of fiberglass. Richardson said newer PFDs have mesh covering the lower portion of the back. This makes the jacket more comfortable on a warm day and also matches up against the backrest of recreational kayaks like the Pungo. In contrast, a foam-backed jacket can get wedged up against a seat and cause discomfort. Although Umiak recommends that all kayakers wear spray skirts, Richardson said older adults generally find them too confining and purchase splash decks instead. Splash decks are made of waterproof nylon and have a long zipper. They function as half a spray skirt which can protect kayakers from both water and the sun.

Richardson also recommends the purchase of a pump to help get water out if the boat were to capsize.
Jane Yagoda, owner of True North Kayak Tours, said many of her clients are in their late 50s and early 60s; some have kayaked for years, while others are new to the sport. Yagoda said she provides lessons on how to perform solo and two-person rescues, as well as how to execute a move called an Eskimo roll which involves deliberately rolling the boat upside down and back again. The oldest person she has seen master the roll was 68. Yagoda recommends that even experienced paddlers practice rescues on a regular basis. She noted that some strength is needed for kayaking but in many cases, smarts will compensate for lack of strength. “Get the right equipment,” she said, “take some lessons, keep your eye on the weather and don’t go out alone.”

Vermonters don’t have to head out on the Almost Great Lake to enjoy the water. There are numerous smaller lakes and ponds including Joe’s Pond in Danville, Lake Iroquois in Williston and Hinesburg, Lake Dunmore in Salisbury and Lake Willoughby in Westmore. Paddling is also possible on many sections of the Lamoille, Mad and Winooski rivers. Bird watchers will enjoy the Missisquoi River in Swanton, Dead Creek in Addison and Little Otter Creek in Ferrisburgh.

Jeremy Brooks, owner of Brooks to Bays Nature Tours, leads canoe and kayak tours in marshy areas and on rivers. Although some of his customers have been paddling all their lives, others are beginners so Brooks takes time to make sure that people are comfortable in their boats. Many of Brooks’ customers are seniors; his oldest customer is 89 years old. Since Brooks trailers his fleet of boats, he can take his customers anywhere, but some favorite locations are the Missisquoi Bay and Dead Creek. Although he has enough boats for 18 clients, most of Brooks’ outings are with more intimate groups of four. “In Vermont, we’re blessed to have nature in our backyard,” he said. “Every trip is something new and different. You see things you’d never know were there if you were just driving by.”

Brooks hopes his trips are also an educational experience. “I’ve never had a tour where nobody learned something,” he said. “Even if you forget three-fourths of what you’ve seen, you will go home with something new.”

To learn more:
The Friend Ship – www.whistlingman.com
The Spirit of Ethan Allen – www.soea.com
Northern Lights – www.lakechamplaincruises.com
International Sailing School – www.vermontsailingschool.com
Canoe and Kayak Rentals – www.voga.org/water_activities.htm#Guide%20Services
True North Kayak Tours – www.vermontkayak.com/
Brooks to Bay Nature Tours – www.brookstobays.com

Local Woman Creates Gray Matters Brain Cancer Foundation

By Phyl Newbeck

Nancy Condit admits she never gave much thought to brain cancer until her business partner and best friend, Wendy Pierson, was stricken. The two women were co-owners of the Women’s Source for Sports and Personal Fitness Interiors, two South Burlington business establishments. Pierson was diagnosed in December 2007 with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. She passed away in June 2009.

Condit stayed with her friend throughout the process. “Going through that with her and watching all the faces in the doctors’ offices and treatment centers told me I had to do something,” Condit said. “I couldn’t lose my partner and just walk away from it. I couldn’t not try to have something positive come out of it.”

Condit believes that research for brain cancer is underfunded. She said only one new drug has been approved by the FDA in the last 25 years and the survival rate hasn’t changed in over a century. “You have a better chance of surviving breast cancer than a benign brain tumor,” Condit said. “It’s overtaken leukemia as the number one cancer killer for those under the age of 20.”

In order to increase funding for research, Condit founded Gray Matters, also known as the Wendy J. Pierson Foundation for Brain Cancer Research. Her first foray into fundraising was the Vermont City Marathon through which she raised over $18,000. When Pierson was alive, the two women put together a team from their combined businesses with Condit running the first leg and Pierson the second. Condit was also teaching at the time. When she retired from teaching, she vowed to run the last leg, but Pierson’s cancer took her out of the marathon that year. This year, Condit ran the last leg as they had planned before Pierson took ill as part of Wendy’s Team, which included Wendy’s niece and Condit’s niece. A second team, Wendy’s Team Too, was comprised of employees of Condit’s businesses.

In addition to the marathon, Condit has organized the first annual Wendy J. Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament, scheduled for Aug. 2 at the Rocky Ridge Golf Club in St. George. The scramble format tournament is open to male, female and mixed teams. The entry fee of $75 includes access to a golf cart, a post-tournament fundraiser, prizes and a raffle. Other fundraising events may follow. Condit continues to run her two businesses, but she devotes as much time to Gray Matters as possible. “It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning,” she said.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2008 (the last year for which statistics are available) there were 21,810 new cases of brain cancer and 13,070 deaths from the disease. Miles for Hope, a non-profit devoted to finding a cure for the disease says that every day, 482 people in the United States are diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Statistics compiled by the National Cancer Institute show the highest incidence of brain cancer in Vermont for the years 2002 to 2006 in Washington County, followed by Windsor, Rutland and Chittenden counties. The mortality rate was highest in Chittenden County, followed by Washington and Rutland. Mortality rates have risen slightly across the state since 1975.

Condit bemoans the lack of interest in brain cancer research. While breast cancer clearly strikes more people, it is relatively (though not completely) gender specific. “Brain cancer doesn’t discriminate,” said Condit. “It can strike anyone.”

She notes that other cancers benefit from celebrities who speak out on their behalf: Lance Armstrong for testicular cancer and Katie Couric for colon cancer. There is no similar spokesperson for brain cancer, despite the recent death of Senator Edward Kennedy from the disease.

Condit is still conducting her own research to determine the best place to send the money she is raising through Gray Matters. She is looking into hospitals in Massachusetts, Oregon and Texas as possible recipients. In addition to raising money, Condit hopes to create a website which is a repository of information for those wishing to learn about clinical trials and other options for people suffering from the disease and those who love them. “I would like to take my foundation to the national level,” she said. “I’d like gray to be the new pink.”

Pedal Power: Cycling in Vermont Fun for Beginners and Veteran Riders

By Phyl Newbeck

Learning to ride a bike is… well, is as easy as learning to ride a bike. And it’s never too late to start.

At Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness in South Burlington, owner Roger Frey believes there is nothing more important than having a comfortable bike. For those just starting out, or returning to the sport after a long absence, he recommends hybrid bikes which have upright seating. For those who are more nervous about the sport, there is a subsection of hybrids known as Townies. The advantage to the Townie is that the seat is positioned so riders can have both feet flat on the ground while sitting. Frey praised the Townie as “evolutionary and revolutionary” for allowing cyclists to start pedaling from a standing position without feeling unsteady.

Townie riders still have proper leg extension, but there is greater “mental comfort” when starting to pedal.

Frey recommends two items to increase rider safety: a helmet and a mirror. For comfort, he suggests that riders purchase cycling gloves and shorts. While some may be self-conscious in tight lycra pants, Frey said one option is baggy shorts which have suitable padding. “You can’t expect the seat to do it all,” he said. Frey also strongly recommends that people buy a roof rack for their car so they can experience new scenery and lightly trafficked roads. Many new riders think they’ll just tool around their neighborhoods but find themselves getting spooked by the traffic. With a roof rack, they can visit scenic roads with fewer automobiles all across the state. “To quote Lance Armstrong,” said Frey “‘it’s not about the bike’; it’s about having the right gear to make sure you enjoy the activity.”

New cyclists should also take advantage of Traffic Skills 101, a course provided by Local Motion, a Burlington-based non-profit which promotes safe bicycling, walking, and other non-motorized forms of transportation. The four day, nine hour course, which is sanctioned by the League of American Cyclists, is designed to give cyclists confidence to ride both safely and legally in traffic or on trails. The course teaches basic bike maintenance, safety skills such as proper signaling and crash avoidance techniques, and includes a student manual for riders to take home. One of the instructors, David Jacobowitz, estimated that half the riders who took the most recent iteration of the course were over the age of forty.

Jacobowitz said that typically older riders are nervous about riding in traffic so the course is designed to teach them the skills to coexist with cars. He noted that older riders also have a greater fear of falling off their bikes and, therefore, tend to have their seats set too low. The course explains proper pedaling motion, as well as how to brake effectively, and mount and dismount a bike. There are no state-specific statistics on bicycle accidents, but Jacobowitz said that nationally, roughly half are the fault of the cyclist and half the fault of cars. The majority of accidents caused by cars occur when vehicles turn in front of cyclists. Riding the wrong way on the road is the major cause of accidents where the cyclist is at fault.

Jacobowitz recommends that all riders carry a water bottle and either a pump or a CO2 cartridge in the event of a flat tire. Those planning to use bike paths may want a bell, but he stressed that bells are not effective in automobile traffic. In addition to recreational riding, Jacobowitz recommends that you can get exercise doing some of your errands by bicycle, simply by adding a basket to the front of the bike or panniers to the back.

Lou Bresee of Lake Champlain Bikeways recommends that new riders start with short, flat routes before trying anything too strenuous. A good starting place is local bike paths. Bresee said that even though the South Burlington bike path which starts at Dorset Park is relatively short, cyclists can head off the path and explore some of the neighborhoods along the way including roads and paths around the Vermont National Golf Course and Butler Farms. The Burlington bike path is seven miles long, but can be extended by taking the bridge over the Winooski River and heading through Colchester and up the Causeway. From July through Labor Day, Local Motion runs a bike ferry over the cut in the Causeway so riders can continue all the way to Grand Isle, but wide tires are required since the Causeway is gravel, not pavement. Bresee also mentioned the 5.5 mile Stowe bike path, but noted that this tends to be more crowded.

For riders who would like a bit more challenge, Bresee recommends the Missisquoi Rail Trail, also for those with wider tires. The 26.4 mile gravel path is almost completely flat and travels from St. Albans to Richford. Bresee cautions that the trail is being repaired this summer so portions of it may be closed for resurfacing.
When cyclists are ready to graduate from trails to roads, Bresee recommends some relatively flat loops in Grand Isle County. A 15 mile loop called “Stone Castles” starts and ends at the Grand Isle Ferry Dock and passes several castles built by a Swiss immigrant. “A Trail to Two Beaches” is a 17 mile ride that starts in North Hero and travels west to make a loop through Alburgh. A more ambitious loop is the 29 mile “Covered Bridges” loop which passes three covered bridges as it heads through southern Chittenden County. Across the lake, Bresee suggests a 21 mile route called “The Flatlander” on lightly travelled roads near Plattsburgh and the 24 mile “Acres of Apples” which starts in Fort Kent.

Bresee strongly recommends that newcomers to the sport find others to ride with. Aside from the social aspect, there is safety in numbers since two cyclists are more visible than one. It’s also easier to handle mechanical problems when there is more than one person to lend a hand. In addition to the Green Mountain Bicycle Club, there are several smaller, less formal groups in the area made up of older riders. Bresee should know. Riding in groups as well as solo, the 70-year-old pedaled over 5,000 miles last year and is hoping to do the same this year.

For maps and guidebooks, visit www.champlainbikeways.org

For Traffic Skills 101, visit www.localmotion.org/education/bikeskillstraining/adult

Tee Time: Newbies and Seasoned Players Join the Club

By Phyl Newbeck

They say Vermont has ten months of winter and two months of poor skiing, but you’d never guess the Green Mountain State was known for winter sports if you surveyed the various options for golfing in the state. Why head to Florida when there are so many opportunities to play here?

Champlain Country Club head pro Mike Swim suggests that those just learning the sport should start with 9-hole courses like Arrowhead, Bakersfield or Richford. Other courses may be more challenging due to the length of the course, the pace of play and other conditions. In particular, he noted that Arrowhead, a par-3 course, is suitable for those just learning the sport. He describes his own Champlain Country Club as “friendly but challenging.” Champlain offers a 9-hole option and is not very hilly and therefore good for walking. Swim said roughly 25 percent of those at the club are over the age of 60 and another 35 percent are in the 45-60 age range; a cross-section which he believes is fairly typical for a golf club. He noted that 9-hole courses may skew older because younger golfers generally prefer a more challenging set-up.

Swim recommends that anyone starting out in golf should seek advice from a professional regarding lessons, gear, and courses. He further recommends renting clubs before purchasing them to get a feel for the types of equipment available. Swim personally keeps a set of clubs for novice golfers to borrow. “Golf takes a lot more energy than people think,” he said noting that golfing improves endurance and flexibility. In addition, “golfing stimulates the mind,” by requiring players to learn the rules and etiquette. There are also visual benefits as golfers learn to follow the ball to its landing spot. Swim encourages those just starting out to check out the various specials at area clubs, many of which have special discounts for seniors during the week.

Barry Churchill, the PGA Golf Instructor at Cedar Knoll refers to golf as “a lifetime game,” particularly since most clubs have several different tee boxes to accommodate beginners as well as the very old and very young. He lauded golf for its physical and social benefits. “Golf has camaraderie,” he said. “It’s social as well as aerobic.” Churchill’s home course, Cedar Knoll, is relatively hilly so even those patrons who use golf carts will still get exercise.

Churchill recommends Cedar Knoll as a good place for beginners, in part because with 27 holes, the club has 9 “extra” which aren’t as busy as the rest of the course. Beginners are often intimidated when playing on a regular course for fear they might hold up the players behind them. For this reason Churchill also recommends that even before beginners set foot on a golf course, they should get a lesson at a driving range. Although beginner golfers can outfit themselves for under $300, he advocates borrowing and/or renting equipment first. Churchill believes lessons are important for health reasons, as well as for learning the sport.

He noted that men often hurt their backs with bad swings and improper stances, whereas women are more likely to hurt their wrists from incorrect use of their hands.

Brian Gara, the head professional at the Vermont National Country Club lauds the social and physical benefits of the game, but adds that golf is also “an endless challenge; it’s a game with room for constant improvement.” Gara recommends that those new to the sport check out the “Play Golf America” section of the PGA Web site to learn about special discounts and offers. Gara noted that the muscles used to swing a golf club are often underutilized, so stretching exercises are helpful to develop strength and flexibility. Although he does not consider golf to be a physically demanding sport, Gara believes it is important for new players to recognize their limitations before they begin.

Gara said golf participation has been relatively flat over the last decade; the only areas of growth are for women and seniors. Since there is a growing cadre of older people learning the game, he recommends that newcomers find a peer group to help reinforce the learning process and provide companionship on the course. “We are always seeking to invite and retain people to play golf,” he said. “There are all kinds of programs run by PGA professionals that people can participate in. We’re always trying to make taking up the game of golf as easy and seamless as possible.”  Fore!

For more information visit the Vermont Golf Association Web site: vtga.org

Where to golf

In Chittenden County, one of the most prestigious courses is the Vermont National Country Club in South Burlington which was designed by Jack Nicklaus. Burlington Country Club is a slightly less expensive option, while the Links at Lang Farm in Essex and Kwiniaska Golf Club in Shelburne offer annual memberships without an initiation fee. The largest public golf course in the county is Cedar Knoll in Hinesburg which features 27 holes. The Essex Country Club, Rocky Ridge Golf Club in St. George, West Bolton Golf Club and Williston Golf Club all have 18-hole courses. Nine-hole courses in Chittenden County include Arrowhead Golf Course in Milton, and Catamount Golf Course and Catamount Country Club, both in Williston. There is a driving range at the Essex Family Golf Center, and most golf courses have their own practice areas. For those who want to practice their swings regardless of the weather, there is Gonzo’s Indoor Golf and Vermont Indoor Golf, both in South Burlington.

In Franklin County, there are a number of options including 18-hole courses at Bakersfield Country Club, Champlain Country Club in St. Albans and Enosburg Falls Country Club, as well as the 9-hole course at Richford Country Club. In Addison County, there are 18-hole courses at Basin Harbor in Vergennes and the Ralph Myhre Golf Course at Middlebury College. Lamoille County courses include the 9-hole Copley Country Club in Morrisville and Farms Resort Golf Club in Stowe, as well as two 18-hole courses at Stowe Mountain Resort. Washington County boasts the 9-hole Country Club of Barre, Montpelier Country Club, and Northfield Country Club as well as the 18-hole course at Sugarbush.

The Battle Over BPA

By Ron Vigdor

There is an intense and ongoing debate about the safety of Bisphenol –A, or BPA, an ingredient found in many plastic products including many baby bottles, hard clear plastics and most recently the lining of canned foods. According to the CDC, the BPA toxin has been detected in more than 90 percent of Americans, which poses a huge health threat to adults and children across the nation. A growing body of scientific research has linked BPA to neurological, endocrine and reproductive health effects, different types of cancers and other serious health problems.

Specifically, BPA is used in making plastic hard and clear. Today, approximately 6 billion lbs. of the chemical are still produced each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The problem is that BPA breaks down when washed, heated or stressed, or when combined with fatty or acidic foods, allowing the chemical to leach into food and water and ultimately enter our bodies.

In January 2010, the FDA shifted its stance on BPA, saying exposure to the chemical is of “some concern” for infants and children, while declaring that more research was needed. Previously, the agency’s stance was the chemical posed no risk to humans; this stance was consistent with the chemical industry.

The public is still awaiting the outcome of the FDA’s study. However, some states have taken matters into their own hands. Currently, five states have officially banned BPA in the U.S. Bills are also pending in Vermont, California, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Canada was the pioneer in curtailing the use of BPA in plastic products.

Until BPA is banned completely, there are some things we can all do to protect ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. First, you should purchase products completely free of BPA, phthalates and PVCs, especially anything that comes into contact with children and anything you serve or heat food in. Also, avoid any and all plastics with recycling numbers 3, 6 and some 7– they usually contain harmful chemicals. And lastly, use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles probably do not contain BPA.

Ron Vigdor is the President and co-founder of BornFree®, which specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative baby feeding products that are free of BPA, phthalates and PVCs. For more information, visit newbornfree.com.

Pill Celebrates 50th Birthday

The first FDA-approved birth control pill was born in 1960, and so this revolutionary drug is celebrating its fiftieth birthday.  MORE magazine is looking for women willing to share their experiences about how the Pill has affected their lives, and why some women have chosen not to use it. Get in on the conversation! Visit MORE.com for details.

Make the Most of Your Next Doctor’s Visit

By Sandra Gordon

When you think you’ve come down with something, simply telling your doctor you don’t feel well won’t provide enough information to help. And regarding him or her as the authority on medicine can keep you from taking an active role in your own health care. To get the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment, it’s crucial to adopt a “team player” attitude. Your doctor may have the specific scientific knowledge to analyze your condition, but it’s your job to provide the story. Here’s what you can do as a proactive patient to help yourself move faster from diagnosis to recovery.

• Learn the rules of your health care plan. “Become informed about how your health plan works,” says James Underberg, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at NYU Medical School. Some health plans, for example, require members to obtain a referral from a primary care physician before seeing a specialist. Knowing the ins and outs of your particular plan can keep you from putting your doctor in the precarious position of having to bend the rules—a situation that can later affect your partnership. It can also help you avoid paying out of pocket for medical services that you otherwise wouldn’t be required to cover.

• Be on time and come prepared. Although the medical profession has a reputation for keeping patients waiting, “You’ll now find more physicians on time for appointments,” says Dr. Underberg. “So don’t be late for your appointment anticipating that your doctor will be, too. If you do, chances are, he or she will be on time and your appointment will be rushed.”

• Get specific about your symptoms. Besides promptness, you’ll need to be clear about your symptoms and when they started. To gain clarity, before the visit, make a detailed list, putting the main symptoms at the top. Bring the list with you so you won’t forget anything. Include on it the following information:
- How bad the pain or the symptoms are on a scale of one to 10.
- Whether the symptoms bother you every day or flare up only occasionally.
- Whether the symptoms are related to a specific action such as only when you lift something heavy or only when you go outside.
- How the symptoms interfere with your daily life. For example, do they keep you from going to work or are they keeping you awake at night?

• Know your health history. Keep a notebook containing your medical history. This is especially helpful to bring with you on a first-time visit. Your notebook should include dates and reasons for previous doctor visits, test results, immunizations, childhood illnesses, past medications you’ve taken and those you’re now taking, their doses and any reactions they’ve caused.

In addition, list as many chronic conditions you have and the current health status or cause of death of your parents and grandparents. If you’ve spent time in the hospital, include a copy of your lab work and records of tests or surgery. Medical office staff can help you to obtain copies of these documents. Also, bring a list of all the prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you’re taking, including medications you don’t necessarily take all the time, such as Zantac, Pepsid, Motrin, Tylenol, St. John’s Wort and gingko. Know what you’re taking them for, what the dose is, and how often you take them. Bringing your medication list to all of your appointments can also help coordinate your care if you’re seeing more than one physician and prevent overdosing. “Tylenol (acetaminophen) overdoses, for example, are on the rise because the drug is hiding in so many products,” says Matt Grissinger, RPh, director of Error Reporting Programs at the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Besides straight Tylenol, it’s in cold medicine and prescription drugs such as Vicodin, Percocet and Darvacet. If you take a combination of these products, it’s easy to take too much acetaminophen (more than four grams/day), Grissinger says. Over time, an acetaminophen overdose can lead to acute liver failure.

• Speak up. The goal of a visit to the doctor is to get your condition, issues and questions out in the open. Even if a subject or question is embarrassing, if it’s relevant to the reason for your doctor’s visit, mention it. The information you provide about your condition or your lifestyle could be a key element to your treatment. To overcome any shyness, you might want to practice at home what you need to say to your doctor. Also, be sure to ask questions, such as:
- What are the risks and side effects of the recommended treatment?
- What are the odds of experiencing a bad outcome?
- Are there any alternate treatments to consider?

A good question to conclude your appointment with is:
- If you were in my position, what questions would you ask to understand the situation better?

• Take notes. A visit to your doctor can be stressful, which can impair your ability to listen and think clearly. That’s why it’s a good idea to jot down the details about your condition that your doctor mentions during the post-examination discussion. If your illness is particularly complex, you might even consider tape recording this part of your visit (but first ask your doctor for permission). Or bring your spouse, a family member or a friend along to get the facts for you. Having as much information as possible can help you ask appropriate questions on subsequent visits so you can make the most informed decisions regarding your health care. Don’t leave the doctor’s office or hospital without knowing what to do. In your excitement to go home, don’t forget to get the following instructions:
- How long you should take any prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
- Whether there are any foods or beverages that you should avoid that might interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
- How long it will be before you should start to feel better.
- When to call your doctor if you don’t feel better as expected.
- When to schedule a follow-up appointment.

It’s generally acceptable to call your doctor when you get home if you later don’t understand a medical concept or have a question that didn’t occur to you at the time. But because doctors only have so much time to spend on the phone, try to avoid calling your doctor about an issue that’s unrelated to your initial visit. If a new problem plagues you, “make another appointment,” Dr. Underberg says.

• Do your homework. Although it might sound like a lot of effort, researching your medical condition can enable your doctor to discuss the matter in more detail. You can also educate yourself about issues related to your condition that your doctor may not have time to discuss. Furthermore, Underberg says, “Patients who have time to research can bring issues to the doctor’s attention.” To better understand your diagnosis, consult medical books such as The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide or The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. Both are written for consumers and are available at local bookstores and public libraries. The Internet can also be a useful tool.

If you run across an article that mentions a new study related to your condition, you might want to present it to your doctor. To save time, make a copy so your doctor can read it later.

All told, although having an illness can be a frightening experience, taking a more active role in your health care can give you a feeling of control. More importantly, says Dr. Underberg, “well-informed patients who are involved in their health care and recovery may take less time to get well.”

Let’s Move Together promotes Arthritis Walk

The 2010 Burlington Arthritis Walk – an annual fundraising event that promotes fun and fitness – will be held on Saturday, June 19, at Battery Park in Burlington

The Burlington Arthritis Walk begins at 10 a.m. with walkers having the option of 1-3 miles. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Walkers will receive coupons to local restaurants and businesses, and can visit the Healthy Lifestyle Arena. There is no registration fee, but walkers raising $100 or more will receive an official arthritis walk T-shirt, and anyone who has arthritis will receive a free arthritis hero baseball cap. Register at www.burlingtonaw.kintera.org or call 1-800-639-2113 for more information.

How To Keep Your Strength Training Routine Fresh

The evidence supporting strength training, and exercise in general, is so compelling that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults do muscle-strengthening exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice a week. Ideally, this should be combined with at least 150 minutes of moderate (or 75 minutes of vigorous) aerobic activity per week, as well as balance and flexibility exercises. “Strength and Power Training: A guide for adults of all ages, a newly updated Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School,” offers the following tips—and more—for varying your routine, cranking up the challenge, and making strength training a lifelong endeavor.

• Try new equipment. Substitute one type of equipment for another. For example, work out with machines instead of free weights one day a week, or switch from one brand of machine to another. Or try exercises using a medicine ball, resistance bands, or resistance tubing.

• Change your pace. Vary your intensity—do one hard, one medium, and one lighter workout in cycles of seven to 10 days. This is a form of periodization, an exercise strategy that can enhance strength gains, help sidestep plateaus, and avoid overtraining while allowing more time for the body to heal after being thoroughly taxed. Because it can be difficult to put together a good periodization strategy, it’s essential to work with an exercise professional to come up with an effective plan that’s tailored to your needs.

• Work out with a friend when you can. If your friend is careful about good form, too, this can be a way to help reinforce good habits. Some gyms have a buddy board to help members find workout partners.

• Work with a trainer. Pay for a session or two with a certified personal trainer who can help you develop a well-rounded new routine.

From Harvard’s Strength and Power Training Special Health Report — available for $18 from Harvard Health Publications (www.health.harvard.edu), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School. Order it online at www.health.harvard.edu/SPT or by calling 877–649–9457 (toll-free).

Founder of Funky Door Yoga Coming to Vermont

West meets East June 18-20 when the founder of the highly successful Funky Door Yoga in Berkeley, CA, presents a weekend yoga retreat in Pittsfield.

The weekend’s celebrity teacher is Lynn Whitlow who, said Liz Cotter, weekend event coordinator, “founded one of the most unique and successful yoga studios in the world. “

The Vermont Wellness and Yoga Retreat hosted by Bikram Yoga Pittsfield and Peak Camps (www.peakcamps.com) begins with a Bikram Yoga master’s class and organic dinner with Whitlow at 6 p.m.
“The full weekend of yoga, seminar, massage, great food, entertainment and more continues through 5 p.m. on Sunday. The hope is that people will have plenty of time to make it back to the city refreshed, re-energized and ready to take on the new week!” said Cotter.

The full weekend retreat fee of $365 includes yoga classes, seminar and posture clinics, mid day refreshments and Friday and Saturday dinners. There are day rates and special rates available for Bikram Yoga teachers and Vermonters. Nearby lodging is available at an extra fee.

Whitlow, director of Bikram Yoga Lake County, is on the faculty of Bikram’s teacher training and is sought out by students, teachers and studio owners who wish to mentor with her. She has served as a judge for the International Yoga Competition and has studied extensively with Bikram and Rajashree. She has owned and operated six world-renowned yoga studios.

Activities in addition to Yoga and classes include hiking trails in the Green Mountain National Forest that surrounds Pittsfield.

For registration information call or email Liz Cotter at (802) 282-9800; email lizriverside@gmail.com. For details please see www.vtyogaretreats.com or www.peakcamps.com. For lodging information please see www.ameefarm.com.

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