On our radio show this past weekend, we learned all about the new local magazine, The Best of Aging. Our guest was Jeff Collison, the publisher of this monthly magazine. The target readership is those over 50 who live in Washtenaw, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Jeff has been in the publishing business for over 30 years. He has been interested in seniors since his teenage years, when he started learning about genealogy and began talking to lots of older people. His passion for the elderly is obvious and is serving him well as he builds his new venture.

The magazine provides in-depth coverage of senior-related topics. The June issue includes coverage of the Area Agency on Aging, hospice care and credit card scams. Upcoming is a feature on the Alzheimer’s Association, a subject close to Jeff, as his wife’s mother has this disease. Jeff has the privilege of working with many talented writers who take the necessary time to create in-depth meaningful content.

The magazine circulation is already 20,000, with 10,000 copies mailed out each month. The magazine is printed on high-quality glossy paper, and the print font is a bit larger than standard to appeal to older readers. Jeff has received good response from advertisers and said that side of the business is growing each month. To listen to the 12-minute discussion with Jeff, click the audio link:

To get in touch with Jeff or to learn more about The Best of Aging magazine, you may call 734-985-0363, or visit the website TheBestOfAging.com.

We were very pleased to next welcome two guests from the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Lindsay White is the communications coordinator, and Kirstie King is the program specialist.

The objective of the foundation is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. Lindsay said that more than 900,000 people in Michigan have kidney disease, but most aren’t aware of their condition. Interestingly, symptoms of kidney disease do not usually appear until late in the disease process. By the time kidney disease is diagnosed, it is likely end-stage renal disease, and a transplant may be required.

The disease can best be prevented by addressing the causes — diabetes, hypertension, obesity and lack of fitness. Also, it’s important to know that those most are risk are minorities and older adults.

Kirstie works on the Personal Action Towards Health (PATH) program, focused on self-management of chronic diseases. This is a six-week workshop, and the next program starts this Thursday, June 2, at 3:30 p.m., at the St. Joseph Mercy Women’s Health Center.

Kirstie is also a master trainer for the Enhanced Fitness program, and her enthusiasm for this program is evident. This is fitness geared toward improving the overall well-being of older adults, with cardio, strength and balance exercises. The classes also help improve socialization skills.

To listen to the 12-minute talk with Lindsay and Kirstie, click the audio link:

To get in touch with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, and to learn more about the programs, please call 734-222-9800, or access their website nkfm.org. Alan Caldwell and Sheila Doeden co-host Everything Elderly every Saturday morning at 8:30 on 1290 WLBY. In their day jobs, Alan and Sheila co-own and co-manage Senior Helpers, providing in-home care services, primarily to the elderly. Both can be contacted at homecareexcellence@seniorhelpers.com, or at 734-927-3111.