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Tips for

Choosing a Senior Living Community

The Food We Eat:

A Tug of War Between Tasty Treats and Hidden Threats

by Svetlana Kogan, M.D. to yield bigger crops, to be able to withstand extreme temperatures

n a world where processed foods beckon us and other growing conditions. Veggies, which are most affected by
with their convenience and fresh produce the GMO process are: corn, soybeans, tomatoes, and potatoes. by Bill Diamond, Executive Director at The Carlisle
Ipromises health and vitality, it is easy to While the direct effect of GMO on our health is still being electing the right senior living At The Carlisle, an entire team is
forget that our plates sometimes carry more researched, there have been links with allergies, asthma, and community may be one of the most dedicated to appealing to residents’ mind,
than just nutrients and flavors. Beneath the immune dysregulation in mice studies. In addition, GMO foods are Simportant decisions you and your loved body, and soul. Zest, the community’s
delicious facade of our favorite snacks lies a associated with a wide variety of toxic pesticides such as Glyphosate ones will make. Although there is no magic holistic health and wellness program, offers
hidden battleground: the fight against toxic (trade name Roundup), the most widely applied herbicide in both formula for determining when a move will be a wealth of programs to pique every interest
chemicals. From pesticides in our produce, the United States and abroad. Unfortunately, Glyphosate is officially right for you, these tips will help you navigate – from college-level courses and instructor-
antibiotics in our chicken and turkey, to classified as Class 2B (a “probable human carcinogen”). GMO the process with confidence. led fitness classes to live concerts and arts and crafts.
food coloring in our cereals – the list of toxic has also been associated with antibiotic resistance and hormone- Be Proactive: Begin exploring your options Consider Your Future Needs: Look for communities that
chemicals is vast. Research shows that many of disrupting activity in humans and more studies are underway to test before there is an urgent need such as a health offer a continuum of care to ensure that as your needs change, the
the synthetic food additives and preservatives contribute to higher these links. crisis. This allows you ample time to research, community can provide the appropriate level of care and support.
The Carlisle Naples, for example, holds an Extended Congregate
risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, liver and heart disease, and But fret not; it is not all doom and gloom. There is a growing visit communities and make an informed Care (ECC) license, which allows assisted living communities to
immune system imbalance, to name just a few. trend toward organic farming, where fewer synthetic pesticides decision without feeling rushed. Being provide additional supportive and nursing services. Additionally,
Take processed foods for instance. These pose significant threats are used. Foods labeled “USDA Organic” are not allowed to have proactive also gives you the opportunity to plan for the future and an innovative, person-centered program, “Club Carlisle,” has been
to our health as I have already written in my book Diet Slave No been genetically engineered so they are automatically non-GMO. ensure a smooth transition. developed to address the needs of assisted living residents whose
“The move was an easy decision once we decided we were ready
More! back in 2016. Processed foods are chock full of chemicals to Another great trend is an improved availability of non-GMO foods. to move,” said Ken Rotskoff, a resident at The Carlisle Naples, an needs will be best served in smaller groups.
improve their smell, color, taste, and crunchy mouth feel. And to Foods labeled "Non-GMO project verified” - do not contain GMO active retirement community. “My wife and I had a great life, but Check for Accreditation and Certifications: Research whether
make things even more complicated, we also must watch out for but may have still been grown with conventional pesticides. Still, moving to The Carlisle significantly improved our quality of life. the senior living community is accredited or holds relevant
the containers which these foods are stored in. These containers can buying at least non-GMO is already a huge step towards your safety. We no longer have the day-to-day responsibilities such as cooking certifications. Accreditation from trusted organizations indicates the
release toxic chemicals such as BPA, vinyl chloride, or styrene into Of course, buying USDA Organic is the best option, but we all so we can now spend each day as we wish.” community meets high standards of quality and care. The Carlisle
the food itself. understand that this is not always available or feasible for everyone. Visit the Community and Interact with Residents: Visiting a Naples was recently reaccredited by CARF International, the fourth
Now, let us switch gears to the fresher side of our plates – So, we just act smart and do our best, according to the current senior living community is crucial in determining whether it’s the consecutive three-year accreditation awarded to the community.
fruits and vegetables. These colorful gems are often touted as circumstances. right fit. Take the time to tour the community, meet the staff and Similar to the five-star rating of the hospitality industry, this
nature's health boosters, but there is a catch. The pesticides used in For those people who believe that they have symptoms related to engage with residents. Speaking with current residents can provide certification is the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded
agriculture to protect these crops are mostly toxic. I often get asked environmental food toxicity – there are state-of the art functional lab valuable insights into the community’s atmosphere and lifestyle. to a retirement community.
if buying organic food is therapeutic or just a fad. As a Functional tests available from your functional medical doctor, to confirm and Mary Beth Baxter, The Carlisle’s Assistant Executive Director, Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers
doctor, my answer is: organic is safer for your health. Consider this: assess the extent of the exposure to the toxins. Based on the results of encourages prospective residents to attend one of the community’s independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-
while there are more than 900 synthetic pesticides allowed by the those tests and every person’s unique health–related circumstances, a monthly Lunch & Learn events or one of the many social and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in conventional detoxifying plan is implemented and carried out under the watchful programs to sample the lifestyle. She believes it is a way to get services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious
farming, only 25 of those are allowed for use in organic farming. eye of the functional doctor. Stay tuned to the next issue of the to mix and mingle with residents and get to know potential dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is
Most of these latter 25 are less toxic chemicals such as calcium magazine as I will try to highlight some useful tips for identifying neighbors. accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation
hypochlorite, boric acid, and hydrogen peroxide, but even these and avoiding toxic chemicals in our foods. Review the Community's Calendar and Activities: An Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents
behoove us to wash even our organic produce thoroughly before The author of Diet Slave No More!, Svetlana Kogan, MD is a Board- important aspect of senior living is the opportunity for social with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care,
use. Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with engagement. When evaluating a community, review the activity services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about
Then, there is also the issue of the Genetically Modified 25 years of experience. Her website is CustomLongevity.com calendar to determine if it offers programs that align with your the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit
Organisms (GMOs) - these were created in the labs to be prettier, Office phone: 239-676-6883 interests. Ensure the community provides a variety of activities that www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
you can enjoy and actively participate in.
32 Life in Naples | November 2023 Life in Naples | November 2023 33