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4A Daily News – Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Vitality & health CHICAGO (MCT)— Doug Wyman got up early Tuesday to make breakfast for his wife, Barbara: coffee, oatmeal and fresh fruit. He drew a bath and helped her get dressed, then sat with her through her favorite morn- ing TV shows. Not because it was Valentine's Day. Because of love. After 63 years of mar- riage, the couple developed their routine when Alzheimer's disease left Bar- bara unable to do things her- self. But it's a routine that Doug Wyman — like a growing number of men who have assumed the role of caregiver in recent years — embraces proudly. "She took care of me for 60-something years," said Wyman, 84, of Oak Park, Ill. "It's absolutely a pleasure to serve her now." In the last 15 years, the number of men caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia has more than doubled, from 19 to 40 per- cent, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The trend mirrors the higher number of women over the age of 65 in the U.S. with the disease — 3.4 million compared to 1.8 million men. Those demographics have changed the tone of local support group meet- ings by adding a chorus of male perspectives. It has also prompted an outpouring of new books, organizations and online resources for men learning how to be nurturers. Experts attribute the increase in male caregivers to several societal changes, Number of men caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia doubles MCT photo Dr. Herbert Lerner lovingly kisses his wife Dr. Ruth Lerner's hand. including evolving gender expectations as well as new life expectancy rates. "Men say, 'this is hard. It's challenging, I didn't real- ize we would ever be at this point, but I'm not giving up,'" said Edrena Harrison, a social worker and specialist for the National Caregiving Center, part of the Family Caregiver Alliance in San Francisco. The sentiment is shared by some husbands, who find themselves making spaghet- ti, separating laundry and coordinating doctor's appointments for the first time as senior citizens. For these men, assuming their new role was never a ques- tion. Men sometimes can be better positioned than women to serve as care- givers, said Julie Bach, an assistant professor of social work at Dominican Univer- sity in River Forest, who runs a monthly support group for caregivers. Women often attempt to tackle care giving alone, feeling guilty about the bur- den they place on others. Men, however, are more inclined to seek out help in the difficult process, Bach said. "It doesn't mean that men are not having emotional reactions, or they don't feel the loss," she said. "But their whole life is about moving forward and solving the problem. Women just want to vent, and guys just want to fix things." Certainly there were male caregivers in earlier generations, but the number documented today is proba- bly higher for several rea- sons, said Harrison of the Family Caregiver Alliance. The size of the average family has become smaller, so leaving the caregiving to women is not always an option. There is also a greater geographic divide among family members today, sometimes putting children in other states far from aging parents. And perhaps most notably, men are no longer hesitant to be known as something other than the breadwinner, Harrison said. "Historically, men have always tried to help ... some- times we've called them Family Men, or The Good Son or The Loving Spouse," Harrison said. "I think we're just seeing more men being willing to self-identify as caregivers now." fitness Mars chocolates to cut down sizes (MCT) —Last week, Mars Inc. reiterated a promise to "renovate" its chocolate products — which include M&Ms, Snickers, and Dove Bars — so that no portion will exceed 250 calories by the end of 2013. In some cases, this means chocolate bars will get smaller. In others, it means packaging will change: hefty King Size portions will be subdivided into smaller "2toGo" subportions, designed to make it easier to put one serving aside for later. In theory, anyway. Whether smaller packages really do translate to fewer calories consumed has been a matter of debate. In one study from researchers at the University of Colorado in Denver, participants offered 100-calorie snack packs for a week con- sumed fewer grams of food than participants offered stan- dard-sized packs — and continued to do so once bigger packages were re-introduced, suggesting that eating from smaller packages increased awareness of portion size. Know how to store, reheat leftover food safely (MCT) —Many Ameri- cans make meals out of left- overs. And while everyone knows to refrigerate perish- ables, not everyone is taking all the proper steps to ensure the next-day food is safe, according to the Institute of Food Technologists, a non- profit society of food sci- ence professionals from academia, government and industry. The group definitely sup- ports leftovers, and even says some foods actually taste better the next day, such as those with spices, because the flavors have time to meld. But be mind- ful that bacteria can grow in food. Here are some tips for managing the food properly: • Refrigeration: Of course food needs to be President's Week Hearing Aid Sale Historically, President's Day is a day set aside to remember the leadership and contributions of the founder of our country, George Washington. Through the years, states have added their own significance to the day, remembering Washington and other revered presidents. Enjoy reading this compilation of hearing problems of United States presidents. "PRESIDENTIAL HEALTH: HEARING PROBLEMS" Ulysses Grant - extremely tone deaf in both ears. Theodore Roosevelt - lost hearing in his left ear after a severe infection and ruptured eardrums. John F. Kennedy - known to have poor hearing in both ears. Ronald Reagan - experienced hearing loss in one ear while filming a Hollywood Western. Wore custom-made hearing aids. William Clinton - Wore hearing aids in both ears. minimal recognition is given to the hearing issues each president faced. At NorthValley ENT we are here to help hearing problems. We have a board- certified ENT physician and Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist on staff to assist you every step of the way. An ideal, risk-free hearing solution is possible for most patients. Hearing better is a simple process and can be completed in only one visit! Join us for a FREE Hearing Test and a FREE Two Week, Risk FREE trial of Hearing Aids on these 2 DAYS only: Monday, February 20TH By Appointment Only OTICON INO Coupon Expires Feb. 29, 2012 100% Digital Hearing Aid 528-1220 RED BLUFF 331 Elm Street & Wednesday, February 22ND $795 EACH WITH COUPON ONLY. 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Do make sure your refrigerator is set at 40 degrees or lower, but use an appliance thermometer rather than relying on the refrigerator displays. • Storing: The group recommends thin-walled metal, glass or plastic con- tainers that are no more than Lassen House Lic. #525002331 Assisted Living & Memory Care Community GRAND OPENING Where our family is committed to yours 705 Luther Road Red Bluff (530) 529-2900 www.Emeritus.com 60 minute with massage $25~$55 per hour Elite Skin Care & Spa Facials~ Waxing~and more Eyebrows $5 Gift Certificates Available Owners, Mike & Trisa Waelty 741 Main St., Suite #14 526-8713 two inches deep. Bags, foil and plastic are good for odd- shaped food. Keep cooked meat can for only three to four days. Uncooked meats, poultry and seafood will last only a day or two. Raw roasts, steak and chops can last three to five days. Casseroles, veggies and other side dishes will last three to five days also. Ditto for pie. • Freezing: This totally halts bacteria growth in most foods for months. Rec- ommended storage times are more for nutritional value and quality. Uncooked meats can be stored eight to 12 months, while frozen cooked meats will lose fla- vor after three months. The freezer should be at zero degrees. • Reheating: Use a ther- mometer to ensure proper temperature. Meats should be heated to 165 degrees in the center. Sauces, soups and gravies should be brought to a boil. Never reheat in a crock pot, slow cooker or chafing dish. James W. 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