NIAGARA, Wis. — My husband and I have been very fortunate. For two people in their early 70s, neither one of us has had a life changing medical problem. We each have had issues that have been corrected, but nothing that necessitated us to change our habits.

That changed recently, and I wanted to “tell the story” as a warning to you not to take good health for granted and to pay attention to even subtle changes. We were lucky this time and are very thankful for the quality of our local healthcare professionals and facilities.

Early in December, my husband felt congestion in his chest so he made an appointment with our family physician. He was diagnosed with bronchitis and given the appropriate medicine. His condition improved, chest congestion cleared, and he was able to lie flat without difficulty breathing. He enjoyed the holidays with our family.

A few weeks after he had taken all of his medication, the condition returned. He was coughing, had chest congestion once again, and could no longer lie flat in bed. In fact, he could not even fall asleep in his recliner. He was quite miserable, but waited until his follow-up appointment. This time, our physician heard water in his lungs… and his feet and ankles had recently become very swollen. No, this was not a return of his bronchitis. She sent him for an EKG that came back abnormal. He was sent immediately to the cardiologist’s office. Once there, he was given a check of his vitals and was wheeled to the emergency department for admission as an inpatient. I got a call at home and met him there.

The emergency department is one place where you do not want to be first in line for it is a sign that you are in potentially very serious trouble. We were taken immediately. His pulse rate was rapid, and his blood pressure was way too high. They put him in a trauma room, which is a room equipped to handle patients whose conditions can change at any moment. He remained in good spirits — as always — and simply left everything up to the very competent staff. He also had his back to the monitor. I, on the other hand, could see the monitor and understood what I was watching. His heart was racing at 162, blood pressure at 173/127, and while the top line looked like you would expect, the bottom line was nearly flat. He was in atrial fibrillation. After 53 years of marriage, I started to imagine life without him.

Ten hours later, he was finally stable enough to be moved to a room upstairs and settled in for the night. Thankfully, all of his lab work had come back totally normal. There was one test that needed to be done — a cardiac CT exam that would detect any blockages in his arteries — and he could not be released until they knew that. Thankfully, he was given that test a few days later, and all results were completely normal. He is now home without restrictions on physical activity and weighing 18 pounds less thanks to all the fluid that left his system. However, he has to change some of his eating habits — very low salt and only one-and-one-half liters of fluid each day. No peanuts, no popcorn, no potato chips… and no beer. He is bummed about that! He now takes five medications, and follow-up visits have been scheduled. It certainly could have been so much worse.

Given all that recently happened to my husband, and how it caught us by surprise, I felt it important to review the 10 signs of heart failure that should never be ignored. We never think of them; the only signs with which we are familiar are severe chest pain that feels like a clenched fist and pain radiating down the arm. These are signs of a heart attack, but there are numerous signs of heart trouble that are much more subtle and often not taken together to mean anything at all. But what they signify is congestive heart failure — CHF. This condition occurs when there are problems with how the heart is pumping blood. In some cases, the heart is not pumping with enough force to send the blood to all the places it needs to go. In other cases, not enough blood is getting into the heart so the amount pumped out is reduced. The earlier this condition is caught, the better chance of survival. Be aware of the following symptoms of CHF.

1. You can’t seem to catch your breath. The heart and lungs work together to deliver oxygen rich blood throughout the body. Shortness of breath is a major indicator that this teamwork is no longer functioning and is a major sign of trouble.

2. Exercise seems much harder than it should be. Being short of breath is made worse by exercise, and you may be left gasping for air. People think that they are just out of shape and need to get to the gym when where they need to go is the doctor’s office.

3. Lying down flat is a major problem. When you lie flat, some of the blood from your legs goes back into the bloodstream creating an increased amount returning to the heart. Usually, the heart can compensate by pumping harder. But with CHF, it can’t keep up so more shortness of breath is experienced.

4. Legs and feet swell up. When your heart is not functioning properly, it pumps less blood to your kidneys. As a result, that organ compensates by retaining fluid. This shows up first in your feet, ankles and legs. It is called edema and may even show an indentation if you press your finger into the puffy skin.

5. You’re suddenly gaining weight. The swelling is “water weight” and is caused by fluid retention. So, the weight gain is substantial and sudden — as much as five pounds in just a couple of days.

6. You have to urinate more often. People pass this off as drinking too much water so they cut back on fluid intake. This makes the problem worse because the body then tends to hold onto fluids even more.

7. You’re tired all the time. The body compensates during CHF by sending more blood to vital organs leaving less to circulate to your extremities — arms and legs — so you feel weak and tired.

8. Nausea or lack of appetite suddenly appear. The digestive system is another area your heart considers non-vital. Consequently, as blood is directed elsewhere, your stomach and GI tract show signs of neglect including indigestion, nausea, lack of appetite, and constipation.

9.You’re light headed or feel confused often. Even though the heart prioritizes brain function when there’s an issue, CHF might be caused by a circulation issue. In those instances, not enough blood may be reaching your brain, and that can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion or even challenges with memory and concentration. Fainting may even be experienced.

10. Your hands and feet are always cold. While not enough on its own to indicate CHF, when combined with any of the other symptoms already mentioned, pay attention and get checked out.

The appearance of any of these symptoms may not indicate CHF. But CHF is a serious enough condition that you should not attempt to tackle it on your own or second guess the signs. So, do not waste time. If you experience any of the symptoms described, see your doctor. Properly diagnosed and treated, CHF does not need to shorten your life expectancy.

Finally, I want to extend a huge thanks to our local hospital, physicians, and staff who were there for my husband and me when we needed them the most. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful medical care right here, close to home.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass on TV, 10 a.m.; ice cream served in rooms with staff, 1 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; dice club, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; brown bag bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bounce a ball in a cup and win, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; mystery movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events 9:30 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; web browsing, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word search/high rollers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr. facts, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coloring /drawing, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; wii bowling, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafts or games, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and spelling bee, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; derby day, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; snowball fight, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking brownies, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10 a.m.

Friday: Five second rule, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m., write a letter.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Brain teaser, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Group puzzle, 10 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/chair yoga, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason/Bible study, 10 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Martin Luther King, Jr., 11 a.m.; wonderland game, 1:45 a.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Dodo birds, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; travelogue, 11 a.m.; happy hour with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10 a.m.; cooking with activity, 11 a.m.; bunco, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia/sip and paint, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; tabletop games, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one to one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken vegetable soup with noodles, bread with butter, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Lasagna, vegetable, garlic bread.

Thursday: Apple pork chops, mashed potatoes, biscuit.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pasty pie, vegetable, applesauce.

Tuesday: Mediterranean style chicken, buttered noodles, Italian vegetables.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: Shipwreck stew, garlic and cheese biscuit, apple crisp.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Tacos, Mexican rice, refried beans.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy.

Home delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, Italian style vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, mini croissant, granola bar.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.

Thursday: Fish with hollandaise sauce, roasted potatoes, vegetable, biscuit, pudding cup.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, Italian style vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, mini croissant, granola bar.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.

Thursday: Fish with hollandaise sauce, roasted potatoes, vegetable, biscuit, pudding cup.

Friday: Turkey and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, string cheese, yogurt.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver or substitute, roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, peas, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Evening meal — baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, dinner roll.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, Italian style vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, mini croissant, granola bar.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Smothered pork chop, au gratin potatoes, squash, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken Caesar salad (chicken, romaine, tomato, croutons, parmesan Caesar dressing), whole wheat rolls, applesauce.

Wednesday: Spaghetti and Italian sausage, green beans, garlic bread, fruit, pudding.

Thursday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit.

Friday: Hot dog on a bun, baked French fries, baked beans, coleslaw, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Home delivered meals will be served Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There will be no meals delivered on Monday or Wednesday.

The dining center is only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Space is limited. Call the day before to make a reservation at 715-589-4491.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

This site is closed until further notice.

Home delivered meals will be delivered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. No Wednesday meal is available.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Chicken Alfredo, Brussel sprouts, carrots, whole wheat bread, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, seven-way mixed vegetables, whole wheat bread, warm peaches.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs with gravy over mashed potatoes, peas and onions, mixed fruit.

Thursday: Tahitian chicken, brown rice, broccoli, Capri vegetable blend, pineapple tidbits.

Friday: Goulash, corn, green beans, fruit crisp, whole wheat bread.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Crack chicken penne, vegetable, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Scrambled egg muffins, fresh banana, yogurt cup, croissant.

Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, steamed carrots, pudding, biscuit.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, sweet potatoes, pears, wheat bread.

Wednesday: Chicken Kiev, rice, green beans, side salad, cherry dump cake.

Thursday: Baked fish, baby red potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, rye bread.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot vegetables, side salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna noodle casserole, hot vegetable, side salad with choice of dressing, seasonal fruit, fruit cobbler.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, garlic bread, vegetable, side salad with choice of dressing, seasonal fruit.

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, oven roasted potatoes, coleslaw, seasonal fruit .

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots.

Wednesday: Shipwreck stew, garlic and cheese biscuit, apple crisp.

Thursday: Brats, carrots, dinner roll.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, Italian style vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, mini croissant, granola bar.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.