Continuance

Fall 1997 Vol. 12 No.1

Continuance is a quarterly newsletter funded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. It is a collaborative project of the 23 Higher Education Cooperation Act partners in Illinois

Table of Contents

HEALTH ACROSS GENERATIONS

Intergenerational health is the topic of this special issue that highlights the ways that generations can help each other. Experts and professional bring new ideas and cutting edge research on health across generations and give examples of interdependence in health practices.-Editor

PARTNERS IN HEALTH

Health habits among college student are often abysmal according to a campus survey at Chicago State University. Students are at risk of a variety of problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, eating disorders, and other diseases that can be prevented.

A solution was found in the Health Intergenerational Partners (HIP) said Dean Lucille White. "We paired students with retirees from our community residents program. Together they worked out a contract of health promotion activities." For example Dorlisa Bethany, a nursing student, and Clifton Charles developed a contract that helped Bethany eat more healthy foods and limit chips and other fast food. Mr. Charles needed a good exercise regime. During the spring semester they met each week, encouraged each other, and talked about health promotion. Mr. Charles said; "It's so much easier when you have a health partner." For further information, contact Lucille White, Dean, School of Nursing, Chicago State University 773-995- 3987

RETIREES DISCUSS WORKFORCE PREPARATION

Retirees meeting in Springfield and Oak brook found many ways that they could help young people prepare for careers. Twenty retirees were invited to each location to share their work experience and offer other advice.

In Springfield on September 15, Diana Robinson, Associate Superintendent for Business, Community and Family Partnerships commended the retirees for their interest in workforce preparation and shared a story about an older person who had made a difference in her life. Joseph Cipfl, Director, Illinois Community College Board, pointed to the extraordinary resources of retirees particularly as role models for young people. John Washburn, Workforce Preparation Professor from SIUC, gave an overview of students perception on education-to careers.

In Oak Brook, Michael Skarr, Co chair of the education to Careers Subcommittee, IL Human Resource Development Council, and Executive Director, Naperville Chamber of Commerce chaired the meeting. "We must connect the world of learning with the world of working in a meaningful way", Skarr said. Linda Kolbyz, Assoc. Superintendent for Development, Carpentersville offered ideas from the perspective of school systems. Charles Evans, Director, Statewide Programs, University of Illinois offered a warm welcome.

After the briefing, retirees and educators moved into small groups to discuss the following questions: What skills are needed by young people for the workforce? How are retirees helping for the workforce preparation or how could they help? How should these opportunities be publicized and what organization are key to make this happen?

The meeting was sponsored by the Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, funded by Illinois Board of Higher Education; Learn and Serve, a program through the Illinois State Board of Education; and the Illinois Community College Board.

Next Steps: Regional focus groups will be held-convened by Learn and Service Programs, community colleges, and universities. A state plan will be unveiled on March 5, 1998. Communication modules are being developed as a workforce preparation tool. Partners in the development of the modules are UIUC, Field School, the Intergenerational Initiative, and Learn and Serve.

Those attending ifs Education-to-Careers Meeting

Springfield, September 15-Patty Berndt, Bloomington; Joseph Cipfl; L Community College Board; Bill Disney, Pekin; Charlie Doan, Quincy; Mary Anne Elson, Springfield; Joe Hammerslough, Springfield; Ernie Hoffman, Bloomington; Katie Huther, Springfield; Dorothy Jatcko, Mt. Olive; Bob Knachtway, Spring- field; Almon Manson, Springfield; Ivan Moore, Quincy; William Oliver, Decatur; Diana Robinson, IL State Board of Education; Me1 Rothbaum, Urbana; Marilyn Schroeder, Peoria; Charles Scott, Springfield; Sue Sheehan, Springfield; John Strong, Decatur; Dave Wiant, Normal; Albert Wolff, Springfield; Gary Wood, Pekin; and Jane Angelis, Il Intergenerational Initiative, SIU

Oakbrook, October 28th-Stephen Andras, Aurora Joe Arrigo, Palatine; Edna Baca, Palatine; Tom Berger, St. Charles; Jim Brandt, Chicago; Cathy Demetrio, Highland Park; Charles Evans, Champaign: Linda Kolbysz, Carpentersville; Robert Mamoyac, Rolling Meadows; Russ Marineau, Naperville; Gretchen McDowell, Chicago; John Minzing, Joliet; William Mooney, Wilmette; Fred Rodriguez, Western Springs; Chester Rybicki, Naperville; Ralph Schultz, Barrington; Michael Skarr, Naperville; Patricia Steinkamp, Joliet Katie Tolbert, Plainfield; Nancy Vedral, DeKalb; Chuck Williams, Peoria, and Jane Angelis, Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, SIU

Health Practices Along a Life Span


By Tom Prohaska, Ph.D
Community Services Science
School of Public Health
University of Illinois at Chicago

Much of the research on health behaviors focuses on specific populations such as children, adolescents, older adults, and persons at risk such as smokers, those with high blood pressure, or inactive individuals. How many ever, an emerging research area is transitions throughout the life span that often mark a turning point in the life of the individual. A life span perspective allows us to examine how transitions in various developmental life stages may account for changes in health practices.

Current health education intervention strategies give little consideration to family role transitions as facilitators of self-initiated changes in health practices. Some argue that health practices are most heavily influenced in the developing and changing family roles over the life course.

Four examples of life transitions are puberty; parenthood, becoming a caregiver for an older relative; and loss of spouse. For example, those experiencing puberty at an earlier age seem to experience more substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana) within the year following puberty compared with later maturing adolescents.

There is also evidence that a substantial proportion of women quit or cut back on cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption during their pregnancy. Three of four mothers who quit smoking during the pregnancy cited fear of adverse pregnancy outcomes and infant health problems as the main reasons for quitting.

Caring for an older frail member of the family is a life-transition that is experienced by a considerable proportion of the population. Many caregivers reported significantly less time for exercise, rest, or their own health concerns.

Last, loss of a spouse can have severe psychological, social and economic consequences. Loss of spouse and the bereavement process have been linked with changes in nutritional intake and unintentional weight loss.

The above examples suggest that life-transitions may be occasions for both voluntary and involuntary changes in health practices and an opportune time to focus prevention strategies for health risk behaviors.

This is an excerpt from Health Behavior in Special Populations, Chapter Two: Health Behavior and the Human Life Cycle. -Editor

IT'S "NEVER TOO LATE TO STOP SMOKING"

by Gretchen Arian, Graduate Student
University of Illinois at Chicago

If your one of the 20% of the U.S. population that smokes you must be aware that it is not only dangerous to you, but it could be deadly to those you love as well.

Let's look at some facts. We know that smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death in this country. We also know that one of three high school aged adolescents smoke or use smokeless tobacco (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). How do they come by the habit which may last a lifetime? One way is through their peers. The behaviors of their classmates, friends and acquaintances are a leading influence on the attitudes and actions of teens. But this can't explain everything.

Recent work completed at the Prevention Research Center of the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago provides some insights into teen thinking on cigarette smoking.

Teens report they receive mixed messages from family members about smoking. One 7th grade girl said, "Since both my parents smoke, I don't think it would be very good if they said 'No, you shouldn't do this.'" A 9th grade boy told us, "Like my dad tells me I shouldn't smoke, I smoke, and he is the last person I should be listening to. I look at him and he smokes." On the bright side, a 6th grade boy reported that when his mom found out he smoked just like her, she became really angry. He quit. Parental influence rubs both ways; not only do teens ignore messages sent by insincere messengers, they are influenced by what parents and other influential adults don't say. To their dismay, many teens reported that their parents ignored obvious signs of smoking. A 9th grader whose mom knew he smoked said that he felt his mom was ashamed of him.

Teens also told us that they find it difficult to quit. Most teens don't realize that they are addicted to smoking until they try to quit. Many of them describe repeated attempts to quit. One female told us " I always thought I could stop whenever I wanted to and then when I tried to stop then you just can't." Teens also reported instances where they and their parents attempted to quit smoking together.

What can we make of this? First, smoking is very preventable and the single most important behavior to avoid to achieve a healthy life. Next parents and influential adults do make a difference to young people. Finally, by not smoking we become a good influence on youngsters around us, and we can help ourselves if we can Just Say NO to tobacco.

Promoting Good Health Crosses Generations

Osteoporosis: the pediatric disease with geriatric implications

by Susan Kelby, R.N.
Comprehensive Osteoporosis Center
Advocate Medical Group, Chicago

"All I wanted to do yesterday was sail, but I couldn't figure out how to get the boat into the water myself. My husband has been sick and I couldn't ask my children to help because they're busy with their families. My whole life has changed because of osteoporosis. At sixty-nine years old I never thought I would end up like this."

Osteoporosis means 'porous bone', a disease that affects ten million Americans, 80% of whom are women. In spite of these harrowing statistics, you should know that osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease. Frequently, osteoporosis is referred to as a pediatric disease with geriatric implications. If peak bone mass is achieved through proper calcium intake during adolescence and young adulthood, you decrease your chances of developing osteoporosis later in life.

The most accurate way to determine your risk for developing osteoporosis is to have a bone mass measurement. This simple test can measure your spine, hip or forearm to determine bone density. After the test results are interpreted by a physician, recommendations regarding a treatment plan can be discussed. Treatments that may increase your bone density include: calcium supplements, weight bearing exercises (bones become stronger with use), or prescription medications in combination with calcium and exercise.

If you think you're too young to worry about osteoporosis-THINK AGAIN! Your decision to launch healthy habits now will allow you to sail through the rest of your life. For more information or to find a testing center near you, contact the national Osteoporosis Foundation Chicago office at (312) 464-4570 or the Washington D.C. office at (202) 223-2226.

Osteoporosis

Q.

Which of the following factors increase your risk for osteoporosis?

  • A. smoking
  • B. small body frame/slender build
  • C. diet low in calcium
  • D. inactive lifestyle

A.

All of the above. In addition to these, other risk factors include excessive alcohol drinking, increasing age, surgical or early menopause, family history and medications used to treat conditions like asthma, arthritis and hypothyroidism.

Q.

Which are the best sources of calcium in the diet?

  • A. milk and Milk products
  • B. dark yellow vegetables
  • C. sardines and salmon with bones
  • D. whole grains and oats

A.

A and C Milk and milk products, sardines and salmon with bones provide higher levels of calcium than other foods. Dark green vegetables, like beet and turnip greens, also can provide some calcium as do certain kinds of tofu. From "A Women's Health Quiz." Friend to Friend

Arthritis Across Generations

by Amy Schulhof, Graduate Student
Northern Illinois University

When you think of rheumatoid arthritis, does it conjure up images of deformed hands and nearly crippled older people? Unfortunately, this can be a realistic picture, however, an incomplete one as well. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting 53 million people around the world, both adults and children.

There is another form of rheumatoid arthritis known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which affects approximately 200,000 children in the U.S. It is inflammatory type of arthritis similar to adult rheumatoid arthritis in its tendency to be associated with systemic symptoms as well as symptoms in the joints.

Symptoms to recognize which may indicate rheumatoid arthritis may include: morning stiffness, swelling and tenderness of affected joints and varying degrees of pain. Also fever, a characteristic rash, weight loss and fatigue are other symptoms pointing to possible juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment for both juvenile and adult rheumatoid arthritis generally begins with aspirin, and depending on the severity of the disease, any include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and exercise and education about the disease. With all of these treatments available, it is quite possible to have an active and healthy life for those coping with this disease.

Eating Disorders-You Can Help

by Jan Sundberg,-Registered Dietician
Registered Dietitian, Murphysboro, IL

A good appetite and the pleasures of eating are normal for most of us. But not for the millions of people in the United States who are affected by serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorders. The vast majority-more than 90% of those afflicted are adolescent and young adult women.

Eating disorders appear to run in families. This finding suggest that genetic factors may predispose some people to eating disorders, however, other influences-both behavioral and environmental-may also play a role. One recent study found that mothers who are overly concerned about their daughters' weight and physical attractiveness may put the girls at increased risk of developing an eating disorder. In addition, girls with eating disorders often have fathers and brothers who are overly critical of their weight.

Approximately 1% of adolescent girls develop anorexia nervosa, a dangerous condition in which they can literally starve themselves to death. Another 2 to 3% of young women develop bulimia nervosa, a destructive pattern of excessive overeating followed by vomiting or other "purging" behaviors to control their weight. These eating disorders also occur in boys, men, and older women.

Consequences can be severe. For example, one in ten cases of anorexia nervosa leads to death from starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or suicide. Full recovery is more likely if a support program is begun early. This usually includes psychotherapy for family members as well as for the person with the eating disorder. Persistent caring and encouragement may be needed to convince the ill person to get help, stick with treatment, or try again.

For further information contact Janet A. Sundberg, M.S., R.D., 618-684-6873, E-Mail jans@midwest.net

From the Internet: Try CyberKitchen! It helps you to balance the food you eat with physical activity. Click on Shape Up America http://www.shapeup.org/ American Dietetics Association http://www.eatright.org

I May Have Gained a Pound Too Many

by Cheryl Galligos
Illinois Department of Public Health

The most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has revealed that obesity has increased 54% among children ages 6-11. Also, over one third of the adult population is overweight or obese.

An overweight child bas a greater risk of belong an overweight adult and subsequently faces higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and other diseases. If youth are becoming fatter at an earlier age and the "aging" population continues to grow in number consider the future prevalence of chronic disease and the potential strain on the already sky rocketing health care dollar. Concern for our nation's present and future physical health warrants attention.

Another outcome of obesity which many times is overlooked, is emotional health. For a child it may mean being different, left out of activities, low self esteem, and not feeling accepted. For an older adult it may mean isolation and the inability to participate in activities, which compounds health problems. Those who have not experienced being overweight have difficulty understanding the feelings of one who is overweight.

You Can Help
 If someone you love has an eating disorder, you can help in these ways:
Express your love and caring without criticizing or judging.
Get advice from an eating disorders specialist.
Learn everything you can about eating disorders.
Realize the person you're trying to help will deny having a problem.
Reassure the person that you want to provide help and support.

Mental Health is an intergenerational matter

by Anthony Traxler
Professor of Psychology and Director, Gerontology Program
SIU-Edwardsville

Much has been written about the value of the generations helping each other and the synergy that results when the young, old, and middle-aged interact and share their special talents and unique perspectives. However, little has been written about the critical role of intergenerational involvement in the promotion of mental health and wellness across the life span.

Social scientists, educators, community leaders and politicians have rediscovered the family and are trumpeting the critical importance of the family in promoting and optimizing the growth and development of children and adolescents. But all too often, the family is narrowly defined as parents and their offspring. Grandparents are not factored in to the family constellation, even though profound demographic changes indicate that the multigenerational family is now a reality. And, with the myriad stressors on today's families inadequate financial and child care resources, single parenthood, teen pregnancy, etc), the need to emphasize the interdependence of family members in promoting positive mental health has never been more urgent.

For example, helping between generations is a resource that is virtually untapped in the prevention and treatment of depression, an important mental health problem that increasingly confronts the young and the old. The incidence of depression and also suicide in adolescents and elders is widespread. Too often the depression goes unnoticed in both the teenager and the senior citizen. Busy parents, employed outside the home, sandwiched between the young and the old, may not tune-in to their child's or aging parent's depression. A grandparent or elder family member may be able to recognize the teenager's depression that has been overlooked by his busy parents. Grandparents and other family elders may be more sensitive to the psychological pain of the depressed teen. The teen and the elder can connect emotionally with each other since they If must deal with societal forces that tend to discount the value of their ideas, opinions and input. The teenage grandchild may also be a tremendous source of emotional support for the depressed elder and be the first person to recognize that grandfather or grandmother needs mental health intervention.

The sharing of emotional support and helping with other generations is a daily occurrence throughout America. We know that elders serve as a stabilizing force in multigenerational families and that children add meaning and emotional richness to the lives of elders. Yet, there are children and adolescents that have little significant contact with any elder within the context of the family or community. Each generation adds richness to the emotional fabric of the developing person as he or she journeys across the life span. The strengths of each generation needs to be tapped to help attain the goal of positive mental health for all individuals.

Mental Health

Q.

What is clinical depression?

  • A. a personality weakness
  • B. a normal part of aging
  • C. a treatable medical illness
  • D. an irreversible disease

A.

Clinical depression is a medical illness. The Large majority of cases, including the most serious, are highly responsive to treatment, yet only one-third of people with clinical depression seek treatment. More than 80% of people with depression can be successfully treated. From "A Women's Health Quiz," Friend to Friend

From the Web Which of these is stress?

  • You receive a promotion at work.
  • Your car has a flat tire.
  • You go to a fun party till 2 a.m.
  • You are having house guest.
  • You get bad case of hay fever.
  • All of the above.

Stress is many different kinds of things: happy things, sad things, allergic things, physical things. Many people carry enormous loads and they don't even realize it.

What to do about it?

  • Reduce the pace of change in your life.
  • Take a deep breath and relax.
  • educe work, social, or school obligations.
  • Exercise
  • Say "no" more often

Click http://www.teachhealth.com/resources.htm

Exercise

The Common Cure

If exercise were a pill, it would be a medical breakthrough on a par with the invention of penicillin. You can't swallow fitness in gelatin capsules, though. To get the therapeutic benefits, you must find a regimen that's proven to work against your specific illness and that supplies enough of a mental and physical lift to keep you coming back for more. (From Health magazine).

Comparing health habits of students and older adults

Health perceptions of Young and old were very similar according to a study called "A Healthy Aging for All Ages." Those participating in the study were 174 elementary, high school, and college students along with 109 older adults (aged 55 to 91). They answered questions about their health and their perceptions of the health of other generations. The study was conducted from October 1995 to March 1996.

When asked about their greatest personal health concerns, young people cited weight, cancer, diet, and heart disease. However, when asked the same question for their peers, the answers were very different. They said sexually transmitted diseases (STLI)/AIDS, followed by diet, weight, drugs, and smoking. Older adults views on the health concerns of Young people targeted alcohol and drugs, smoking, eating habits, and STLI/AIDS.

When older adults were asked about their individual health concerns, staying independent was the most common reply, followed by cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and stroke. When asked about the concerns of their peers, older adults reported heart disease, eating habits, cancer, and stroke. Young people agree. They selected heart disease and cancer as the top choices followed by diet, Alzheimer's, weight, and exercise.

Young and old are in agreement that they all need to exercise, watch their diet, and stay away from alcoho1 and drugs to remain healthy. A few also saw the need for mental health. They reemphasize the important of the "big two," diet and exercise and cite these two as their most difficult challenge in Staying healthy.

When asked if loneliness affected their health, 120 students said it did; 14 said it didn't. Young people said the impact on their health from loneliness was depression, sadness, fatigue, illness, not eating properly, and not getting enough exercise. Older adults seem to tolerate loneliness a little better. Twenty-five said it didn't bother them; 61 said it did. Loneliness affects older adults in the same way it affects Young people. A similar question, does your emotional or mental state affect your physical health? Of those responding, 96 Young people said yes; only 6 said no. Of the older adults, 81 said yes; 2 said no.

Getting health information to Young and old seems to flow into four main categories including TV, the family, friends, and magazines. When asked where they found health information, young people said primarily from family, and to a lesser degree from TV and magazines. Older adults get their health information from magazines, TV, family, and friends.

What were their recommendations on how people could best reach them with information? Young people said magazines, TV family, doctor, and friends while older adults said doctor and TV.

Summary

Old and Young view health habits in a very similar way. They are fearful of heart disease and cancer. They know that they need to exercise and watch their diets and yet both groups struggle trying to stay healthy.

Get up, go out the front door and start walking.

Get out and walk, says a cardiologist who has answers for common excuses not to. A Stanford cardiologist has some rousing advice for older patients at risk of a heart attack. "Get up, go out the front door and start walking," says Dr. John Schroeder, professor of cardiovascular medicine.

"Your medicine and diet are important, but for most people, 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day will do as much or more to reduce the risk of heart attack," he says.

Participants in the Generations Connect Study on Health Habits

Northern Illinois University, Hope for the Children, Rantoul; Prospect High School, Mt. Prospect School District 57; PA. Peterson Home and Lincoln Middle School, Rockford; Kankakee Area Career Center, Health Occupations Program; Tamarack Retirement Home, Kimbal Hill School, and Marion Jordon School, Palatine; Practical Nursing Program, Trinity Hospital, Chicago; Covenant Village, Northbrook; St. Norberts School, Northbrook; J.B. Johnson Career Development Center, Alton; Thorek School; Wheeling Township Senior Center

Friend to Friend

"I was at the end of my rope," said Nell, caring for my grandchildren, my mother, and then I found a lump and was afraid to get it checked. My friend Carla helped me face reality. She took over my care giving duties so that I could get medical attention.

........ Friend to Friend

Helen, a 57 year old librarian, said, I suffered terrible pain from arthritis and could tell my osteoporosis was getting worse." My friend Bob kept talking to me about swimming and exercise as important ways of treating both conditions. He said, let's swim together, it would be good for us.

........ Friend to Friend.

From time to time Luby noticed the black and blue marks on her friend Susan, but Susan would not talk about it. Luby contacted a local abuse hotline to ask what she could do to help her friend. She was able to get her to a women's center for counseling.

........ Friend to Friend

Friend to Friend is a new initiative of the National Governor's Association Spouses Program spearheaded by First Lady Brenda Edgar in Illinois. The nationwide campaign has been launched to raise public awareness on the common but complex issues surrounding women's health.

"Often women are so busy with duties as caregivers, wage earners, and mothers, they don't have time to care for themselves," says Mrs. Edgar, "But often they will do it for a friend." Friend to Friend encourages the simple little things we can do to make life better for someone else. Young people, particularly daughters and granddaughters, are especially strong advocates. They will say to older women, "Of course you can take care of yourself, you can, you should, you must."

Friend to Friend encourages good health habits and prevention of conditions through exercise, diet, and a positive mental outlook. The single most important effort that we can all make is to exercise. "We must get moving," says Mrs. Edgar.

As part of the national effort, Mrs. Edgar formed the Illinois Women's Health Champaign, which led to Gov. Jim Edgar's creation of a new Office of Women's Health which will coordinate Friend to Friend activities. Sharon Green, former executive director of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, was named the first Deputy Director of Women's Health by Governor Jim.

Nationally, the campaign focuses on five major women's health concerns: breast cancer, heart disease, menopause, mental health and osteoporosis. Illinois also included domestic violence in its educational and promotional materials. Friend to Friend features information on health issues and a toll-free help line, 1-888-522-1282, that will provide callers with answers to health concerns or refer them to a community-local resource. It is staffed by trained information specialists, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Getting the Message Out

Intergenerational Journalist

Headlines abound about the latest drug deal, school drop-out gone bad, or greedy geezer, but the good news seems effectively hidden. Not in Pekin and Lake Forest. A new group of community writers is changing the negative to the positive as they write about the ways that young people and older adults are working together to make the community a better place. Joan Wood, Pekin, and Cathy Demetrio, Highland Park, are the journalist featured in this issue of Continuance.

Joan Wood writes a weekly column for the Pekin News and often sings the praises and provides information about the many intergenerational efforts in Pekin. Why is this important? Joan says, "Intergenerational programs have been popular in Pekin, but 1 know that they have not reached all who might be involved."

Cathy Demetrio has a monthly intergenerational column in The Journal at Lake Forest. "It gives us an opportunity to sing the praises of local individuals who work hard to bring generations together," says Demetrio.

If you would like to be featured as an intergenerational journalist, send a photo of you and your newspaper publisher and a sample column.

Developing Understandable Medical Information: Meet Dr. Know

by Mary Simon, Emerita
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Member, Medical Literacy Project

Dr. Know is SIU's Medical Literacy Project Mascot, a 7 ft. owl who knows the facts. For the past 1 1/2 years, Beverly Sanders, wife of President Ted Sanders, faculty, and volunteers from SIU's five campuses have joined together to establish the Medical Literacy Project. The goal of the project is to promote easy-to-read medical materials with a long term goal to enhance communication between individuals using medical in- formation and those providing it.

"We will accomplish these goals by developing and distributing easy-to-read patient materials, training medical, dental, and nursing students on the importance of medical literacy and building partnerships with community groups to distribute materials," says Sanders.

"Along with Dr. Know, we have also developed three brochures on immunizations, depression, an Alzheimer's disease. We attended both State Farm to distribute our materials. Presently, we are working on three additional brochures and a video."

If you have a group that is interested in meeting Dr. Know and hearing the facts about medical literacy, contact the SIU Special Activities Office, 618-453-3005.

Preparing Easy to Read Material
 Use:

  • short concise sentences
  • three syllable words or less
  • graphics that illustrate the message
  • white spaces
  • large print for the most important part of the message
  • easy to read
  • good visuals
  • colorful if possible
  • good contrast in colors
  • very focused message
  • targeted to the intended receiver

What's Happening in Illinois?

Intergenerational Technology Conference

It is just a coincidence that the most popular course for older adults and students is computers? Several schools and libraries around the state are taking advantage of this trend to connect the generations.

At Field School in Northbrook, Barbara Kurth and her 8th graders invite older adults from the Glenview Senior Center to take a course with them. Rick Nowack and his Tech Prep students, Sundling Junior High in Palatine, use modules that integrate technology and home economics with the help of retiree Ralph Schultz.

Bill Erbes, Bensenville Public Library described a new program involving 6-12 year olds, adults, and senior citizens in a training program that uses all parts of the internet. They cal1 the program, Vets on the Net. The youngsters and their veteran partners are finding programs and services of interest to veterans and even locating long-lost buddies from years ago.

The Senior Memoirs project links a student with a Senior Citizen in the nursing home to listen to and record their histories. Nancy Biancalana described the happiness and joy that comes from the Bridging the Gap program which focuses on the Palatine senior residences where students visit. For further information about intergenerational technology programs, click on www.siu.edu/offices/iii.

Chicago Intergenerational Network

Frank Zirille, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters, led the Chicago Intergenerational Network presentations on Oct. 9 with an overview of intergenerational mentoring. One lesson he has learned is that Young people are impressed that you come to meet with them even if they don't keep the appointment.

Anne O'Connell, Dever School, provided an anecdotal description of her students and older adults reading together. Anne's Learn and Serve Program also features horticulture therapy planting things to help children understand the life cycle and death.

Yvonne Womack, White Academy, discussed a Learn and Serve Program that brought older students to tutor younger students. The program did much to improve the self-image because the students saw themselves as teachers with the younger students.

Melinda Woods, Human Service Technologies, described their mentoring program with the Lydia Home for Children. Most of the RSVP volunteers who worked with the Young people have returned for their second year.

Matt Pickering from Working in the Schools (WITS) described their expansion to 14 schools this year. He told a story about a couple who met on the WITS bus, became friends, and eventually were married.

The Chicago Public Schools hosted the meeting and Ken Bernat, Chicago Dept. on Aging was the chair.

Next meeting: Literacy and Reading, January 15 at Literacy Volunteers of America, 30 East Adams, 105D. Brown Bag 12:15 to 1 Meeting 1 to 2:15 p.m. For further information, contact Monica Glaser, Chair, 773-525-0395

LIFELONG

The community college LIFELONG Learning and Service coalition met in Springfield on Oct. 8. Joe Cipfl, Exec. Director, Illinois Community College Board, greeted the group and gave an overview of involving older adults in community colleges.

Higher Education Consortia Members, Doris Kling, Peoria, and Winfield Scott, gave pointers on preparing for the next LIFELONG meeting as a teleconference at three sites.

The meeting was chaired by Gene Verdu. Belleville Area Coll.

Coming!

November 14, "Symposium: Legal and Support Services for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren," Sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the IL Dept. on Aging. Contact Mike Stehlin, 217-785-3387

November 14-15, Tutor/Mentor Leadership Conference, Loyola University. 820 N. Michigan Ave., 3rd Floor, 312-467-2889

November 14-16, "Beyond the Bridge... Whose World is It? LIVE (Leadership in Volunteer Experiences) Conference, Rockford College, Contact Shawn Sweeney, Campus Compact, ISU, 309-438-8123

November 18-22, Children at the Center, National Asso. of Partners in Education, Arlington, Va., 703-836-4880

November 21-23, Joint IL Assoc of School Bds, IL Assoc. of School Admin, and IL Assoc. of School Business Officials, Joint Annual Conf, Chicago, 217-528-9688

December 5-6, Moving Young People from Participants to Decision Makers, Orlando, Points of Light, 202-223-9256

January 15, Literacy and Reading, Chicago Intergenerational Network, hosted by the Literacy Volunteers of America, Contact Monica Glaser, Chair, Hull Home, 773-561-3500

January 15-16, 1998, Seventh Annual Business-Education Partnerships Conference, Illinois State Council on Business-Education Partnerships, Fairmont hotel, Chicago

February 10, Teleconference for members of LIFELONG Service and Learning. In Springfield, Chicago suburbs, and southern IL. Contact Gene Verdu, 618-234 4410

March 5, "Rick-off" celebration for State Plan Involving Retirees in Workforce Preparation, Contact Jane Angelis, 618-453-1186

March 29-April2, 1998, Partnership or the Future: Vital Aging, National council on the Aging and Generations United, Washington Hilton Washington, DC, 202-479-1200

What's Happening in Illinois?

THUMBS UP FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Southern Illinois Volunteer Conference was held on October 22 in Marion sponsored by SIUC, John A. Logan, Southeastern IL College, Shawnee CC, Kaskaskia College, and Rend Lake CC. Jeanne Simon, Chair, National Commission for Libraries and Information Science, presented the keynote. She praised the efforts of southern Illinoisans and told them to persevere in their good works.

The conference was a result of an eight-month planning process that included representatives of education, human services, and volunteer organizations throughout the southern part of the state. If you are interested in joining the southern IL Volunteer Council, contact Rex Duncan, 618-437-5321 x 253.

Teacher Educators Attend Intergenerational Presentation

Student teachers and faculty attended an intergenerational presentation during the annual conference on Sept. 25 in Naperville. The session was led by Ed Pultorak, President of the Illinois Association of Teacher Educators. Members of the panel, in addition to Pultorak, included Laurel Feldman, Principal, Paddock School, Mary Ann Robosky, Community Coordinator, Naperville, Kay Woelfel, Assoc Superintendent, Palatine, and Jane Angelis, Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, SRJ. The Teacher Educators held a joint conference with the Illinois Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development which brought elementary, secondary, and post secondary educators together.

Continuance is a quarterly newsletter providing information about intergenerational activities and programs thus promoting a continuance of history, knowledge, understanding and humor between generations. The newsletter is a collaborative effort of the thirty-two Higher Education Cooperation Act Partners. Continuance is funded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and is provided free to Illinois residents. Editor: Jane Angelis, Graphics and Layout: Sharon Granderson-Instructional Support Services, Library Affairs, SIUC; Word Processing: Maxine Miller. The Illinois Intergenerational Initiative is located at SIUC, Mailcode 434l, Carbondale, IL 62901, 618-453-1186, FAX 618-453-4295, Email U64176@UICVM.uic.edu Web Site: http://www.siu.edu/offices/iii

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