Onward Magazine preview

Northwestern Financial Review, Dec 1-Dec 14, 2002

"Our Families" is the focus of the Spring 2003 issue of Onward magazine.

Lifestyle stories will focus on creative ideas for family reunions and people who have had success circling their families.

The housing market for older adults will also be examined with ideas on how to "right-size."

With summer just around the corner, we'll offer a story on choices of intergenerational camps that bring all ages together for overnight camping, hiking, crafts, meals and other special interest activities.

Speaking of grandparents - according to AARP, 44 percent of U.S. grandparents see their grandchildren at least once per week. Looking for ideas for how to spend the time creatively together? Fun interactive activities, crafts and easy-to-make birthday and holiday recipes appropriate for children ages 7 to 13, see the "webzine" on the Internet: www.kidsregen.org

Urban Retreats and Family Road Trips will also be featured in travel stories. For travelers interested in a road trip to Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons, check with the owner of five Blair Hotels in the area: Judy Blair at 307-587-3654, extension 650. Internet: www.blairhotels.com.

A good source of information about RV travel throughout the United States is available through the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association located in Reston, Virginia. Phone: 703-620-6003. Internet: www. rvia.org

Health Resources

"How Healthy Is Your Family Tree?" will be the topic of a health story. The Web site of the American Medical Association includes sample forms and pedigree for people researching their family's medical history. Internet: www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2380.html.

Pfizer Women's Health allows you to create a detailed family health history online. Internet: www.generationalhealth.com.

The Web site of the National Society of Genetic Counselors offers a helpful list of frequently asked questions as well as location of a genetic counselor near you. Internet: www.nsgc.org.

At the Mayo Clinic site, type"family health history" into the search engine for general discussion on the topic. www.mayoclinic.com.

We'll discuss advances in Alzheimer's and what it means for your family. The Web site of the Alzheimer's Association provides information and support help for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers; it also features a message board to connect with others in the midst of their disease. Internet: www.alz.org.

For access to on-going clinical trials and help finding the nearest Alzheimer's disease center, visit the site of the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center run by the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Internet: www.alzheimers.org.

In Spring, we will cover alternative treatments for Arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is the only natonal not-for-profit organization for arthritis advocacy, research and services. Along with a wide variety of helpful information, its Web site has articles that promote the use of bodywork such as accupuncture, massage, and other alternative treatments. Internet: www.arthritis.org. Another site worth viewing, Internet: www.arthritis.about.com, is a resource covering all aspects of arthritis management, including alternative treatments.

The highly respected research university, Johns Hopkins, has a large Web site specifically devoted to arthritis research and development. Includes clinical trial information, the most recent updates, treatment options, and case studies. Internet: www.Hopkins-arthritis.som.jhmi.edu.

Also featured in this section will be advice on formalizing "advance directives" about health care preferences from a patient to family members.

The Web site of the Partnership for Caring organization provides an outline of questions to be answered as well as state specific documents for completing your advance directives. Internet: www.partnershipforcaring.org.

The American Bar Association provides a consumer tool kit for health care advance planning as well as where to find advance directives forms. Internet: www.abanet.org/aging.