Monthly Columns
Ageless: June Member of the Month
“Youth is wasted on the young” – George Bernard Shaw
Each month we look for members that inspire us. We search for members who have overcome obstacles that would have stopped most of us dead in our tracks. Our goal, other than to recognize their extraordinary efforts, is to convince you that no matter your circumstance, reaching your goals is always possible. Like we tell our athletes, limits and “cant’s” are for losers.
This month’s member of the month has inspired me over the years in more ways than I can count. What follows is just a glimpse of the impact he’s had on me over the last 29 years….
When you’re young, you’re invincible. Death, disease, and even aging are unfathomable. You never truly appreciate the gifts of youth because you can’t comprehend life without them. When your grandma forgets her keys and blames old age, you scoff. When your grandpa complains about knee pain from spending a few hours in the garden, you laugh because just yesterday you played 3 basketball games and feel great today. Better yet, when you see pictures of your grandparents when they were young, you react no differently than you would if you were looking at a magazine with pictures of people you didn’t even know. Your brain automatically says, “That’s not my grandparents. Those people are young, fit, and attractive. My grandparents are old and wrinkly.” You can’t comprehend that everyone at one time was young, fit, and attractive. Unfortunately, age whittles you away, eventually leaving an image that vaguely resembles your youth.
If you see my grandpa now, you see an 84 year-old man that barely resembles a young, innocent teenager that would drive escorts from St. Louis to Benld when Capone was rumored to roam the local streets. You don’t see a young, hot-headed Italian that would throw a punch or two at the drop of hat. You don’t see a young, high school boy who quit the basketball team because the coach told him he’d have to stop chasing the girls. You don’t see a young husband and father of 4 that, though he had his faults, would fight off the toughest of tough guys to protect his family. You don’t see a young grandpa that would toss his grand kids over his head in the swimming pool over and over and over again.
No, what you now see is an apparition of a young Ed Ruffatto. You see a man that 6 months ago had his entire family by his side because his COPD exacerbation was so bad we thought he wasn’t going to make it through the night. He couldn’t even catch his breath to talk, and just opening his eyes used up more energy than his body could muster. You see a man that on some days can’t leave the couch because even a few steps prevent him from catching his breath. You see a man that’s on so many breathing inhalers he may be solely responsible for the deterioration of the ozone. Essentially what you see is the product of 84 years of living.
Yet even with severe COPD and 84 years of wear and tear on his body, you see glimpses of the young hard-headed Italian. Yes, he’s the old guy that hops on the vibration platform for a few minutes, and then slowly walks on the treadmill for as many lapses as he can make it. Usually, he’ll stop at a machine or two just to catch his breath as he crosses the gym. On his really good days, he can make it over a mile. On his not so good days, he can manage a lap maybe two. Just making it to the gym in his condition is a feat that speaks to his determination and strength.
Why does he do it? Just the shear thought of not being able to catch my breath makes me anxious. My best guess is purpose. It’s a challenge. “How many laps am I going to make it today?” It’s as much psychological as it is physiological. People vastly underestimate the importance fitness influences mental health. When you’ve lost the ability to do almost everything you loved doing, even the dullest, smallest challenge is enough to get you out of bed in the morning. He used to paint lawn ornaments, plant flowers, clean his pool, and walk the dog. Now carrying plant pots and statues are beyond his physical capabilities. He needed a new purpose, and he found it at Ageless.
He’s a great reminder that we all have good days and bad days, and that we shouldn’t let the bad days prevent us from enjoying the good days. He reminds us that it’s not over until it’s over, and if you are going to go down, you go down swinging. He reminds us that money is not the root of happiness; the intangibles are (purpose, laughter, conversations with good friends and family, etc). He reminds us that everyone is human, and no matter how strong, wealthy, or intelligent you are, aging doesn’t care. Our time on this earth is finite so enjoy every second of it. What you can do today you may not be able to do tomorrow. Most importantly, he reminds us that you are never too old to exercise! Here’s to you Papa!
“Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs, one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our generation
Comments
Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
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Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
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