Herald & lantern 30 May '84 \ »

Diet Do's ^ Choosing Program Of Weight Control

By Ruth Alcorn Wanberg Last week I told you I have lived here 13 years. I've met many people in that time and found I had at least one thing in common with every single one of them. Each one either is, or has been on a diet to lose weight. This includes some people whom I would consider to be just about perfect weight. Some of this diet activity is due, no doubt, to today's emphasis on health, nutrition and weight control. Much of it the result of the ads we are bombarded with. Madison A venue takes an

11-year-old girl, paints her face (to hide her freckles), dresses her in seductive clothes, and, with her 30-inch hips and matching tiny waist, foists her on the public as "Today's American Look." PERHAPS FOR 11 -yearolds, but the average woman can't hope to achieve a 30-inch hipline, even on a "starvation diet and with grueling exercise. But even though Madison Avenue has opted for an inappropriate role model for us, we can't let that be another in the long list of excuses to support excess, caiories or pounds. ~ Somewhere early in life.

I adopted the maxim, "Eat now, pay later". It's been the cause of a long lasting misuse of food. But recognizing that we have a problem is the first step in resolving it. When we finally reach the decision that we must rid our bodies of the excess weight we foolishly carry, there is one thing we must do first: we must shed the many and varied excuses we used to put the excess there. Mark Twain wrote, "Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window...but coaxed downstairs a step at a time". INCIDENTALLY, when I told a friend I would like to write a diet column, she looked at me and then asked, "Will you use a fictitious name!" I naively asked. "Why]" Her reply: "People will listen to your diet ideas only if you are a Size 3." Well, I'm not. Besides. Size 3's wouldn't understand how anyone could "allow" herself to become -

50, 100, 200 (or even more) pounds overweight. But I would. I fully understand all the frustration, the disappointments and, sad to say, the ridicule heaped upon the overweight. So write to me. Let me know your problems in getting started on a weight loss program. I want to share what 1 have learned. I'll help you to select a comfortable method of weight control and maintenance that you can live with because it is going to be a life-long addition to your life style, if you are to avoid chronic weight fluctuations. Write to Ruth A. Wanberg, c/o Cape May County Herald, Box 430, Cape May Court House. N.J. 08210. For a personal reply, include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope.

Y AuJU by D Moor#, Exacutiv# gj/h ,• Dirottor of fho Now Jortoy * pi Pinolandt Commtsiion

Rx ' zE Health Watc h EE by Dr. Robert C. Beitman

"Senility" is today's topic, as we continue our discussion of the highlights of the recent course given by New York University Medic a' r School on "geriatric medicine". Perhaps one of the greatest contributions of geriatric medicine to date has been to prove that some forms of senility can be reversed. As many of 20 percent of cases are now considered to be potentially reversible, if a thorough evaluation is conducted to search for the possible causes. Doctors are learning to see senility as a "symptom," rather than an immediate diagnosis. From the point of view of preventive m^gcine, the public Ji4ffi8i^y~th j s awareness^ as vyen; so that people o^n ' seek appropriatetreatment, rather than automatically assuming that senility is an inevitable consequence of aging. LET US BE aware, however, that slowness of recall is a normal aspect of aging. Generally termed "the benign forgetfulness of okl age," there is an increasing tendency to forget from the age of 30 onward. The kinds of things normally forgotten include where something was set down some date, name, face appointment, etc. Science has shown that we do not actually lose millions of brain cells each year, as is commonly thought. We do have some cell loss, mostly on the brain right sides which includes our imagination and ability to react flexibly to events. This accounts for the "inflexibility" often attributed to older persons,. THE FIRST thing to consider when wondering whether apparently senile persons you know have a reversible form, is whether the senility developed slowly over the years or came ■ on suddenly. Sudden confusion in an 1 older person may not be ; seni]ity. It could be a sign that there is some underly- 1 ing physciai disorder to 1 which the body is reacting. I Sudden confusion is J technically callecL-c deliriimi" and shoukTHe 1 immediately brougm^to \ your physician's atteruiortr^ This false appearance irf 1 senility can be caused by pooling of blood around the 1 brain (subdural ; hematoma) or brain 1

tumors, which may be removable, infections, an abscess, thyroid problems, diabetes, a disturbance in the chemical balance of the body, kidney disease, certain vitamin deficiences, lung disease, depression, circulatory diseases and many other ailments. A CONCEPT in caring for older persons achieving greater recognition is that they may not show symptoms of the various diseases in the same ways that younger persons do. As such, a symptom of sudden "senility" or "dementia" is an essential clue to the need to search for an underlying medical problem. Another new concept is that older persons often do not ijeact to medicines in the (same fashion as younger persons. Many medications that a younger person will tolerate well can cause confusion or physical problems when taken by older individuals. Heart medicines, blood pressure pills, digestive treatments, even "over the counter drugs" can cause specific dangerous or disturbing reactions. .In view of this, it becomes , even more important for patients, family, nurses, and physicians to work as a team. ABNORMAL CHANGES in one's mental or physical state following a newly prescribed drug must be reported promptly. There are so many drugs on the market today that it is likely that a substitute can be found which will elminate the side effects. WE MUST ALSO keep in mind that some drugs when combined together create dangerous side effects. Keeping a current list of medications in your wallet can be a lifesaver in this regard. Should you be taken to an emergency room or become confused and need treatment you will have this list of your medications immediately available. There is such a thing as ndn-reversible senility, which accounts for some 80 percent of cases (often referred to a£ Alzheimer's /disease.) This will be our topic for nextlweek. CT^fWalth W/itch is a public education project of the Cape May County Unit of the American Cancer Society of which Dr. Beitman is co-chairman.

This is a new addition to the newspaper; a column about our country's first National Reserve, the Pirielands of New Jersey. It is intended to be educational and, at times, though-provoking. It will also inform you of interesting events that are being scheduled within this very special 1.1 millionacre region of our state by a variety of organizations. While I plan to explore a number of topics on Pineiands ecology, history, culture, and recreation, I invite you. the readers, ,to submit suggestions as well. You may send them to me at the Pineiands Commission, P.O. Box 7, New Lisbon, New Jersey 08064 ITS SPRING in the Pines, one of the best seasons to experience ex panding recreational opportunities, or just the serenity of a forgotten village, a sandy woodland path, and tea colored streams. Canoes are being readied for trips down the Batsto, Wading, and Mullica rivers. This year a free gift awaits canoe renters at area liveries. The New Jersey Audubon Society has supplied trash bags in an attempt to reduce litter along'' Pine Barrens streams. Not only will this program serve to maintain the ecological value of the streams, it should also assure the economic viability of this ever growing recreational industry: MORE AND more canoeists are combining a trip down the Batsto River with a visit to historic Batsto Village just off Route 542 in Washington Township. The new visitor's center at Batsto

offers a snack bar and a well stocked gift ship to browse through Batsto is perhaps the > best of all places to learn of the important rote that hog iron has played in the history of the Pines. It was also the scene of attempts in the late 1800's by financier Joseph Wharton to tap the vast underground water resources of the Cohansey aquifer, one of the nation's purest. Wharton's plans to transport Pineiands water to Philadelphia were blocked by the New Jersey Legislature. His land holdings (95,000 acres) were purchased by the state in the 1950's, instantly creating the largest state' forest in New Jersey. The Wharton mansion is the centerpiece of Batsto Village. IF COMMUNING with nature in a wilderness-like setting is more to your lik ing, or perhaps a camping experience, the Pineiands contains eight state parks' and forests, and 19 fish and wildlife management areas, as well as two federal wildliie refuges Many privately operated campgrounds offer a variety of facilties for brief or extended visits. A free resource guide to public recreation opportunities is available from the Pineiands Commission by sending a selfaddressed, stamped envelop to the above address. It lists places and organizations where you may obtain recreational information. Enjoy Your Spring in the Pines Next time - Where exactly are the Pineiands and what's a National Reserve ?

i — County ^jj0 Library J by Kathleen Duffy

Let's look at cable television's offerings for young people. Nickelodeon was the first channel devoted entirely to children's programming Owned by Warner Amex Cable Communications, it is available to approximately 14 million homes for 14 hours a Bay. The backbone of programming is "Pinwhee!" designed for preschoolers and is a combination of animated stories, puppets, skits, live action, mime, songs and dance and some documentaries. The emphasis is on teaching social values, not cognitive skills. This ambitious undertaking is on the air four hours a day 7- the segments vary greatly from boring to stimulating. It resembles Sesame Street by using a regular cast of characters 6f all sizes, shapes, and colons which are not as appealing as Big Bird but still a welcome addition to \ children's programming. *1- Two of the show's advan- - tages are the program's use of children's books such as Paddington Bear and the many non-verbal segments for the hearing impaired. m OTHER Pinwhee'l programs include: "Dusty's Treehouse", a low key show of songs and skits similar to "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood"; and "Mr Wizard's World" and "What Will They Think of Next" two science-oriented shows; "Going Great", which shows what youngsters can achieve in all types of activities, from SCUBA diving and raising dogs to bicycle racing. "Against the Odds" is excellent; it presents ' biographies of people who struggle to become sue cessful. "Standby ... Lights! Camera! Action!", hosted by Leonard Nimoy, takes viewers behind the scenes at the movies. It's a sure-fire hit and valuable for video production courses. "You Can't Do That on TV" is patterned on "Saturday Night Live" ana contains outrageous humor appealing to teens Because good network programs for teens are as scarce as hen's teeth. "Livewire" is especially welcome — This show features celebrity interviews and discussions on topics as diverse as nuclear war and ethnic humor Nickelodeon also provides dramatizations of classic stories. USA NETWORK offers a mixed bag of programs, including several for children. "Calliope" is an hour-long compilation of shorts from well-known distributors like Coronet Films and the Learning Corporation of America. Silly cartoons like "Roobard" occasionally sneak into the show, but the majority of films are top quality, particularly those about favorite book characters — Curious George, Paddington Bear and Mole. The "USA Cartoon Express" produced by HannaBarbara. is regrettably like the usual Saturday morning fare Among the better programs are "Scholastic Sports", a video sports clinic where popular sports figures provide tips; and "Pumpking Creek", a 30-minute program for primary students

thit uses skits, animation, live action and music to tackle subjects such as time and animals Home Box Office offers "Fraggle Rock" by Jim Henson, father of the Muppets. and is filled with the humor and sensitivity characteristic of his pro- * ductions. The Fraggles, who come in all colors. live in a world behind the wall of an old house occupied by an eccentric inventor prone to concocting things like seaweed stew and his dog Sprocket, which can see the Fraggles though his master cannot The Fraggles display all the traits, emotions, faults and strengths of human beings and the episodes are built around a moral. Fraggle Rock is: a wonderful place for kids and parents to visit. SHOWTIME 'airs "Faerie Tale Theater", original, acclaimed dramatizations of fairy tales such as "Jack and the Beanstalk". "Rapunzel" and "The Nightengale" Among the top performers who have starred in the classics are Jean Slapieton. Elliot Gould and Robin Williams • The Disney Channel offers predictably, such Disney classics as "Alice in Wonderland ", "Mickey Mouse Club", and "Freaky Friday" It also provides youngsters and parents with new made-for -cable ^ movies. Unlike the regular networks, cable TV does offer many top-quality programs for children daily. And what about Channel 23, the New Jersey Network ? This summer it will be showing the second season of The Reading Rainbow (along with PBS Channel 12 out of Wilmington) beginning June 25 with the five new programs begin airing July 16-20 This wonderful bookrelated program was a big hit last season; if your - -s children missed it they now have another chance. The above information was culled from an article called "slj/video watch" published by the School Library Journal. And why are libraries interested in « television0 What children learn and respond to is of interest to all who work regularly with children, and our contact with parents make us aware that many are concerned about the lack of substance, the violence, and attitudes portrayed on ^ regular television I hope this review of the program ming available is of help to you.

a word wise I^LAI