Good turnout reported for Root Fundraiser
by Maralyn Fink
I attended the Benefit for Mark Root at the VFW Hall in St Johns.There was a great turnout for Mark and his family.
There was food, a silent auction with great prizes and just a great time.
Mark was critically injured in a snowmobile accident this year in the U.P. Despite a couple of surgeries and over two months in the hospital and rehabilitation center, Mark is now a quadriplegic. He will need 24/7 care from now on.
Thanks to everyone who came and for the donations for Mark. Also a big thank you to all the volunteers organized by Angie Ramsey for doing this for a worthwhile cause and to everyone who donated.
The love and devotion for Mark from his family is very strong, but it takes a village to help when a friend and neighbor is in need. Checks still can be sent to: Mark Root, 2875 W. Centerline Road, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Michigan needs more foster families as state marks Foster Care Month
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May to be Foster Care Month in Michigan. Michigan needs more loving foster families to temporarily care for children while the state works to reunify them safely with their biological parents.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) during the month is recognizing foster families for their contributions while raising awareness of the need for more foster homes. There are about 10,500 children in foster care in the state. There is a particular need for families to foster older children, sibling groups and youth with special needs.
“We are facing an increased need for foster families to provide stable and safe care for children due to the department’s commitment to provide family homes for children and reduce the use of congregate care settings, as well as a significant loss of foster homes during the pandemic,” said Demetrius Starling, executive director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Agency. “I want to thank the 4,928 foster families in Michigan who have stepped up because they want to help children who deserving loving homes.”
In most cases, MDHHS’s goal is to reunify the children with their families after providing resources to them. If that’s not safe, MDHHS looks to find them permanent homes through adoption.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent can call a Foster Care Navigator at 855-MICHKIDS or visit www.fcnp.org. Navigators are experienced foster care parents who can answer questions and guide prospective foster parents on their journey. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome.
Remember When – Hospital dedicates new Meditation Room in 2009
Illness and injury remind us of how fragile life can be. This heightened awareness often compels people to seek a quiet place for reflection or prayer. Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns recently created such a space: an interfaith meditation room.
“Our intent is to offer patients, visitors and employees a safe haven for healing of the mind, body and spirit – a goal which reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to meet the needs of our community,” said Clinton Memorial Hospital President and CEO Ed Bruun at the December 10 open house celebrating completion of the project.
Joining Bruun to cut the ribbon and officially open the new CMH Meditation Room to the public were Rev. Matt Olson, St. Johns Ministerial Association; Dr. Dave Minnick, CMH Chief of Staff and Board of Directors; and Dave Hunt, CMH Board of Directors Chairman.
Conveniently located on the first floor of the hospital in a quiet hallway by the Medical Records Department, the new Meditation Room provides a tranquil sanctuary for contemplative thought, worship and prayer. Available 24-hours a day, this room also can be used for visits with clergy and private conversations between family and medical staff.
The Meditation Room’s design is based on a Spanish Mission theme with a calming water feature, inviting arches, vibrant stained glass and comfortable seating. Its focal point, a large stained glass panel, was created by Jack Hagerman, CMH Manager of Plant Operations, and his wife, Barbara.
Hagerman also serves as a member of the CMH Meditation Room Committee, a group that has played a pivotal role in development of the project. Other committee members include Pete Shannon, CMH Foundation Director; Pat Quigley, CMH Medical Staff Administrative Assistant; Chris Hamilton, CMH Administration Administrative Assistant, Dr. Dave Minnick, CMH Chief of Staff; Cathy Hallead, CMH Vice President of Patient Care Services; and Nan Simons, CMH Community Relations Director. Committee members diligently met twice a month for more than 12 months, sharing ideas, pooling resources and networking with key stakeholders in the hospital and its surrounding communities.
CMH Meditation Room Committee members Nan Simons, left, Chris Hamilton, Pat Quigley, Pete Shannon, Cathy Hallead, Barb and Jack Hagerman and Dr. Dave Minnick take a moment to commemorate their role during the open house festivities.
This project traces its roots back to November, 2008 when CMH Physicians generously donated their medical staff lounge to build a sanctuary. The Clinton Memorial Hospital Foundation launched a fundraising campaign in May 2009. Major project donors include Clinton Memorial Hospital Physicians, Board Members, Leadership and Associates; Mid-State Construction; Clinton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; St. Johns Kiwanis Club 707; Becker Furniture of Fowler; Lansing Radiology Associates; St. Johns Ministerial Association; First Baptist Church of St. Johns and St. Joseph Catholic Church of St. Johns.
Clinton Memorial Hospital, a division of Sparrow Health System, is a 25-bed, community-based hospital with a more than 80-year history of providing quality healthcare services to the people of Clinton County and its surrounding communities.
With help from Clinton Memorial Hospital Meditation Room Committee Members Pat Quigley, left, and Jack Hagerman, far right, Rev. Matt Olson, St. Johns Ministerial Association (left to right); Ed Bruun, CMH President and CEO; Dr. Dave Minnick, CMH Chief of Staff; and Dave Hunt, CMH Board of Directors Chairman, cut the ribbon to open the hospital’s new Meditation Room.
Letters – The Voice for Clinton County’s Children thanks sponsors
Our Sponsors for the 2022 Roof Sit for Kids
– 3Thirteen Entertainment Group, Event Planning Assistance
– Big Boy of St. Johns, our host
– Clinton County Canine Friends
– Clinton Co. Search and Rescue Team
– CoBank
– Cruisin 92.9
– In Memory of Jane Idzkowski
– League of Enchantment, Superhero appearances
– Lowe & Maple United Methodist Churches (Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck)
– Michigan Graphics & Signs, Event Signage
– Sharon Shutes, Face Painter
– Sports Stop of St. Johns, T-shirts
– The Voice for Clinton County’s Children Board of Directors
– Tri-county Electric People Fund
Thank you for supporting the children and youth of Clinton County!
Kelly Schafer
Executive Director The Voice for Clinton County’s Children
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Is It Normal?
Reverse sneezing in dogs can be alarming if you have never experienced it before, but luckily, it’s not quite as scary as it sounds.
Reverse sneezing occurs primarily in dogs and much less frequently in cats. Here’s what you need to know about reverse dog sneezing and what you can do to help stop the reverse sneezing.
What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
Reverse sneezing, or a “backward sneeze,” can occur if a dog’s soft palate becomes irritated. The soft palate of a dog is the muscular area of the back of the roof of the mouth that assists with vocalization, swallowing, and breathing.
The irritation causes that soft palate muscle to spasm, which then narrows the trachea. The dog will extend their neck as they try to expand their chest to breath, but the narrowed trachea does not allow them to inhale a full breath of air.
The dog will then forcefully attempt to inhale through their nose, which causes the dog to backward sneeze.
What Does Reverse Dog Sneezing Sound Like?
Reverse sneezing sounds like the dog is actually inhaling their sneezes, hence how the name “reverse sneezing” came about. It’s a loud snorting sound that can sometimes sound like a goose honking.
The first few episodes of reverse sneezing that a dog has can be scary if you have never heard it before. That’s why it’s best to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if it’s simply a reverse sneeze or something more concerning such as coughing or choking.
If possible, take a video of the episode to show your veterinarian, and if you have any concern that your dog may be choking, call your vet immediately.
How Long Do Episodes of Reverse Sneezing Last?
Bouts of reverse sneezing in dogs will usually last only about 30 seconds or less, although it might feel like a lot longer.
What Causes Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?
Dogs reverse sneeze for similar reasons that they sneeze normally or cough, which is to expel an irritant.
A regular sneeze helps expel an irritant in the nasal cavity. Coughing helps expel irritants located further down in the trachea. A reverse sneeze is the body’s way of expelling an irritant that’s slightly further down, at the nasopharynx (area by the soft palate).
Some possible causes of irritation of the soft palate that results in reverse sneezing include:
– Allergies
– Household products (perfume, cleaning products, air fresheners)
– Pulling on the leash while attached to a collar
– Overexcitement
– Exercise intolerance
– Objects in the throat area (such as a foreign body or a mass)
– Nasal mites
– Elongated soft palate (common in brachycephalic breeds, or breeds with shortened snouts)
– Eating/drinking
What Is the Treatment for Reverse Dog Sneezing?
Reverse sneezing does not require medication or treatment and is typically a fairly benign process in your dog—as long as it is infrequent.
If a dog has never had an episode before, they should see a veterinarian to ensure that it is actually reverse sneezing and not something else, such as coughing or choking.
If the episodes become more frequent or severe, consult a veterinarian to evaluate the underlying cause. They will likely perform chest x-rays and possibly rhinoscopy (where a camera is inserted in the nasal cavity and throat) to look for any abnormalities.
How to Stop Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
There are a variety of different tricks to try to get the episode of reverse sneezing to stop.
Some suggest briefly covering the nostrils to cause your dog to swallow, which then helps get rid of the irritant that caused the episode.
You can also try massaging your dog’s throat, which could then dislodge or soothe the irritation in that area.
If the problem is chronic, a veterinarian would have to diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment, such as an antihistamine for allergies, an antiparasitic for nasal mites, or the removal of foreign material.