Hardin County Retired Teacher Association Holds Recent Meeting to Discuss Health Insights, Community Contributions and More

On October 18, the Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association met at the Kenton Elks at noon. Pres. Madelyn Lowery welcomed 22 members and guest Dr. Katie Benson. Lowery thanked the committee of Chr. Donna Myers, Nancy Musselman, Jean Kearns, and Amy Long for the lovely arrangements. She also thanked Sue Buroker and her volunteer staff from the Elks.

Annette Ansley shared a prayer sent from Chaplain Melanie Kindell before lunch. The lunch menu was salad, meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, beverage, and the delicious dessert provided by Jodine McKinley and Lori Paul.

Following the meal, Norma Frederick introduced the speaker Dr. Katie Benson, who has an office of Advanced Spinal Health & Wellness in Marysville. As a chiropractor, her presentation centered around Gut-Brain Health. She had focused over her early years on observation of her grandparents as they moved slower and had more pain. As they grew older, she noticed that the doctor’s prescription of pain medications only masked the pain instead of curing it so she determined to find better solutions. This guided her to chiropractic work and the various ways that people with all sorts of ailments could find the root causes and solutions through the correction of  the curvature of the spine. With cell phones and computers being used a great deal, the misalignment of the spine brings changes to the organs that lead from pinched nerves that branch out from the spine.

Benson stated that there are actually 2 brains in one body. Of course, there is a brain in one’s head, but it is connected by the Vagus nerve along the spine to the gut-brain. This nerve carries nutrients, neurotransmitters, and allows signals to be transported between the gut and brain. There are 2 ways to improve brain health. Improve the nutrition by eating a diet of real foods such as fresh vegetables, fruit, beans, legumes, and healthy fats from avocados, walnuts, olive oil, grass fed animals who provide milk for butter, and omega 3 fatty acids. The improved nutrition in the gut is then carried by the Vagus nerve to the brain in one’s head.

The gut needs healthy bacteria so eating fermented food is important. Reducing disease causing bacteria in the gut can be achieved by eating plain yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir which contains a helpful bacteria called Lactobacilli. It is important to avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame that increases blood sugar thus increasing the unhealthy bacteria in the gut. She supports the use of honey or Stevia as better options. She also stated to avoid antibiotics which kill good and bad bacteria in the gut. Antibiotics can possibly contribute to weight gain, antibiotic resistance, and decreased gut health. She stated that there are options in nature to help the gut-brain health.

Dr. Benson answered questions and invited all for an evaluation and exam at her office. She will make special appointments. Her range of patients start with young babies through a patient who is around 95 years old. She also offers organic vitamins and workshops for various ailments. She wants to improve one’s life without pain medications. Pres. Lowery led all in thanking Benson for her information and began the business meeting. Sec. Norma Frederick read the minutes from September 20 which were accepted. Treas. Joan Mouser had her report filed for audit. She read a thank you note from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for our $150 donation that provides for 5 children. Children receive a free book a month per year under age 5. Mouser and Joyce Hubbell are collecting the $15 local dues and $30 due for ORTA.

In other reports, Annette Ansley reported about legislative actions from STRS. She stated that STRS has voted to pay retirees a one time 13th check by the end of the year. The formula will be adding the number of years taught to the years since retired and multiplying that by $40. She said there is still a lawsuit against STRS for lack of transparency. She also stated that there have been some members of the STRS board who are declining to continue on the board.

In other committees, Membership Chr. Jean Kearns said that HCRTA may gain 2 new members. Sandy Moore reported 259 volunteer hours which members have contributed to area schools or churches or civic organizations. Jodine McKinley announced possible program ideas for next year. Donna Myers discussed Project 20/25.

Lowery stated that she would need help to divide the candy donations for the county schools as we donate candy to the teacher workrooms. Norma Frederick is gathering the donations of socks and slippers for Helping Hands at Christmas. Donations can be taken to Home Savings & Loan around Thanksgiving until Dec. 11. HCRTA officers decided to meet on Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. at Kenton’s Pizza Hut to work on programs for next year. Program ideas are welcomed.

Annette Ansley offered a prayer to complete the meeting. Pres. Lowery  adjourned the meeting and wished everyone safe travels.