August is Cataract Awareness Month. A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colors. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both the eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other. A senile cataract, occurring in the elderly, is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens and final shrinkage with complete loss of transparency. Moreover, with time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian cataract, which can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma. Very advanced cataracts with weak zonules are liable to dislocation anteriorly or posteriorly. Such spontaneous posterior dislocations in ancient times were regarded as a blessing from the heavens, because some perception of light was restored in the patients with cataracts.  read more »

Colleen Swanson and Kelly Kirwin

In this month's edition of Health Views, host Colleen Swanson talks with Grand Itasca Foundation Executive Director Kelly Kirwin about what the organization is, what it does, and how it makes a difference. The Grand Itasca Foundation is a local non-profit corporation that was founded in 1986. The foundation has donated over two million dollars to Grand Itasca Clinic Hospital for use in the expansion or development of health care services. The organization is guided in it's focus by core values of responsibility and service, and Grand Itasca Foundation aims to foster charitable giving to help meet the growing and developing needs of those who live, work, and play in the Grand Itasca service area. Opportunities for enhancing patient care and services, upgrading and developing patient care facilities, acquiring innovative medical equipment and technology, and promoting the wellness and healthy lifestyle choices within the local community are provided by monetary gifts made to the Foundation by area residents, businesses and other organizations - combined with contributions donated by former and current Grand Itasca Staff. Twice a year, in the months of January and July, the foundation distributes funds for projects centered on medical care and health care services given to patients and families using the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital.  read more »

The Tall Timer Days Parade 2010

Mary Jo Jess and Gene Baker are hosting the parade for ICTV

On the early afternoon of Sunday August 8, the streets are lined with people, lawn chairs and blankets as the weather tight-ropes between warm/sunny and gray/breezy. It seems to favor the light, but it takes a while to stabilize. Youngsters are waiving their plastic bags anxiously awaiting the pinnacle of Summer - the 2010 Tall Timber Days Parade. In the distance one can faintly hear the roars of oncoming bikers. Briefly shadows of men on machines can be seen at the end of the road before they disappear down a side street. Chatter. The crowd grows larger. The thunder of the bike patrol approaches yet again. Feet off the road. Fez-clad riders finally appear around the bend zooming up and down weaving in and out - Speeding up and slowing down. Shriners. Twenty loud minutes. The routine moves down the route. A police car slowly moves down the middle of the yellow line flashing lights, followed by the color guards. Everyone stands up to greet the men and women who made the difference. The parade has begun. Eighty-some entries. Veterans. The fire departments of Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities make a strong showing. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes line up in red and yellow. The high school band plays to cheering fans.  read more »

Ain't Mythbehavin'

The last weekend of July, the Grand Rapids Players presented a play performed by the Children's Theater Workshop; Ain't Mythbehavin'. The play was written by Katie E. Smith and directed by Amy Thurm, Gari Smith and Katie E. Smith. In ancient Greece, the worlds of gods and man collide when cupid misfires an arrow, with disastrous consequences - and the play is about how true love crumbles before it can be pieced back together again; All in the spirit of Greek mythology. Ain't Mythbehavin' is the fifth annual Children's Theater production, and the thirty kids involved spent three weeks rehearsing to get it right. So strap on your sandals, and wrap on your toga - this is a fat fun greek piece worth a closer look...