NIAGARA, Wis. — Most of us have a desire to stay informed with happenings around the world as well as in our own nation and its cities and towns. Because we live in a democracy, we enjoy freedom of the press as well as freedom of speech; a right to be given the facts and the right to express our opinion about what we have learned from them. The fact that those rights are not available to people living in other countries has been true throughout history and has become painfully clear as we watch modern day world events unfold before us.

Americans have a different problem, but the result is similar. We are literally flooded with news from every direction, 24 hours every day. The problem is both quantity and quality of what we are being fed via both traditional news outlets and social media. And, make no mistake, this is every bit as much of a problem as no news at all. It is becoming more and more important for our individual mental and emotional health as well as the health of our nation and its people that we enter into news consumption with our wits about us and in a balanced manner.

As humans, we have developed the flight or fight response to perceived dangers based upon the information at hand. This has helped our species survive. Today, however, the amount of information available to our senses, thanks to the easy and continuous availability of news, has put our bodies and minds on constant alert. We are at risk of damaging our physical, emotional and mental health by repeated activation of this stress response which unleashes too much cortisol into our blood stream creating the potential for a host of medical issues. These include: anxiety and depression, headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, memory and concentration issues, digestion problems, sleep difficulties and weight gain. At the very least, too much news consumption can affect our mood and daily functioning.

Most of us remember when there was a half hour of news on television on one of three channels for 30 minutes each day. We tuned in at that time to stay up to date with local and national events. Or we bought a daily newspaper. There was no need for us to limit our news consumption as it naturally limited itself. Today, however, news programs are big business. Not only do they draw in thousands of viewers hungry for information, they provide an audience that can be sold to anyone who can afford the cost of advertising. I am sick to death of the ever-increasing amount of time allotted to television advertising especially; the percentage of actual programming to advertising is about 60% to 40%.

More important than the amount of time devoted to news “back in the day” was that the people reporting it were true journalists who had studied journalism and now seriously followed a code of journalistic ethics. Accuracy mattered. Professionalism mattered. Truth mattered. Facts were facts and allowed no room for personal bias, or conjecture, or supposition on the part of the reporter. And events were reported in such a way as to leave no room in the minds of consumers as to what really happened. The answers to those simple questions that began with who, what, where, when and why were provided in a straight forward manner devoid of exaggeration, supposition or any hint of personal opinion.

Part of being human is caring about what is happening to our fellow man. While it is natural to care about what is going on in our world, it is all about balance. We do not have to sacrifice our mental and emotional health in order to be caring human beings. We must set our own limits based upon how we are feeling. One helpful strategy has been recommended by clinical psychologist, Roberta Ballard, PhD. Ask yourself the question, “What can I control here?” Then identify an action you can take that can help the situation. I watch the news about Ukraine out of respect for the people who are fighting and to bear witness to this period of history, but it wears on my mind and affects my mood. It felt good recently to eat supper at Wilson Creek Café knowing that all of the dinner proceeds were going to support the effort to feed refugees. And I recently purchased clothing items emblazoned with sunflowers because a percentage of the purchase price was being donated to the effort in Ukraine. Small actions, yes, but I felt better doing something.

Ballard also recommended setting specific boundaries on news consumption that work for you. Each of us may have different boundaries based upon our tolerance levels and how sensitive we are to the events to which we are bearing witness. A time limit of 15 to 30 minutes of news consumption per day was suggested to help us stay informed without overdoing our emotional involvement. Considering the time of day is also important. While watching or reading troubling reports can be a great way to motivate us to take further action at the beginning of the day, the same level of news consumption at the end of the day when we are cycling down to be able to sleep is not the best choice to make. Finally, the manner in which we obtain our news is also an important consideration. Watching events on television can be an altogether different experience from reading about them online or in the newspaper. It is hard to filter what we see; it is right before our eyes after all. At least when we read the news, we are limited by what our mind allows us to comprehend and to visualize.

Finally, it is more important than ever to recognize and avoid biased reporting. This will be a column all on its own in the near future, but because it is so pervasive, I wanted to at least mention it here today. Hidden media bias misleads, manipulates and divides us. A full 72% of Americans believe traditional news sources report fake news, falsehoods, or content that is purposely misleading. So, it is more important than ever before for us to be aware of the specific types of media bias so we do not become victims of misinformation or disbelieve what is actually true.

Today, more than ever before in recent history, news is available to us 24/7 on every radio and TV station, on our cell phones and computers, and in newspapers and magazines across the country. We are inundated with it. At its best, information can unite and mobilize a people to action for the betterment of all. At its worst, it can divide us and lead to anarchy and rebellion. With any right comes responsibility. To borrow a phrase from Jeff Goldblum in “Jurassic Park” — “Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.” So, the least we can do is to become informed consumers of news. Hopefully, next week’s column will help us all do just that.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal, however, they are all looking forward to a great get together when it is safe to do so.

Sunday: Church on TV, 9 a.m.; look on the cart in the activity room, 2 p.m.

Monday: Funny story making, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; let’s race horses, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Exercise fun, 10 a.m.; music/dance, 11:45 a.m.; game of choice, 2:30 p.m.; group chat, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; lucky 7, 1:30 p.m.; coffee talk, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise fun, 10 a.m.; music/dancing, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, “Baby Geniuses,” 3 p.m.

Friday: Coffee/current events, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; game choice, 1:30 p.m.; noodle ball, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Relax/color a flower, 10 a.m.; Let’s do a word search puzzle, 2 p.m.; “Antiques Road Show,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Riddler, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; “Animal Kingdom,” 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/smart shoppers, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; current events, 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, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 10, a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

No information regarding daily activities is available at this time.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are five days each week. Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rainbow art, rock painting, 10:15 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; you be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; pamper/polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; hot cocoa and book club, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno and beer, 2 p.m.

Friday: Pictionary, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and music, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune;” 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo; 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; coffee social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; “Family Feud,” 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Manicures, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; mind joggers, 3 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass in the multi-purpose room, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; ice cream sundae’s, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m. reminiscing, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; rosary, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chop suey, rice, and Oriental vegetables.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork with bun, baked beans and bean salad.

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, baked potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham and carrots.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and cream corn.

Friday: Fish or chicken tenders, potato wedges and mixed vegetables.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, 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 your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken with rice pilaf and vegetables.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

Home delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and cream corn.

Tuesday: Chicken salad with bun, chips and deviled egg pasta salad.

Wednesday: Cheese and sausage omelet, hashbrowns and spiced pears.

Thursday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad with dressing, bread and cupped fruit.

Friday: Fish, coleslaw, dinner roll, cauliflower with cheese and treat.

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

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

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Stir fry, rice, broccoli

Tuesday: Fish or bratwurst, French fries, coleslaw

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice

Aging and Disability Resource Center

of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Hamburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese, baked beans and fruit.

Tuesday: Chef’s salad, bread stick, cottage cheese and fruit.

Wednesday: Hamburger stroganoff with mushrooms, buttered noodles, broccoli and peach cobbler.

Thursday: Baked chicken, parsley potatoes, three bean salad and fruit.

Friday: Tuna noodles casserole, sweet potato fries, dark green salad and fruit.

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

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

Closed on Monday — otherwise, same as ADRC menu. Open Tuesday through Thursday this week serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

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

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Now open — information coming soon.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken sandwich, French fries and carrots.

Tuesday: Meatballs in gravy, mashed potatoes and corn.

Wednesday: Vegetable pizza and cottage cheese.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan, noodles, broccoli and breadstick.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Now open for dine-in eating — dinner is served at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Beef vegetable soup, Grilled cheese sandwich, cottage cheese and peaches.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli, cottage cheese and fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, fettuccine, fire roasted vegetables and salad bar.

Thursday: Barbecue pork riblet sandwich, tater tots, baked beans and dessert.

Norway Center

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Finnish pancake, sausage and hash browns.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon Alfredo, broccoli and breadstick.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe, mixed vegetables and tater tots.

Thursday: Chicken chop suey, rice and Oriental blend vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Regular activities at the Center include:

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 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

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Cheesy chicken and broccoli bake, breadstick and peaches.

Wednesday: Fish sticks, peas, macaroni and cheese and pineapple.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, peas and mixed fruit.

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