Making a difference, students visit with legislators, skills learned in the classroom applied in a world where citizenship is essential.

Nearly 350 high school students wearing blue corduroy flooded the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines on January 27. The students visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learned the importance of citizenship. This was all part of the 30th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol that more than 50 FFA chapters attended. 

During the morning, FFA members had the opportunity to hear from leaders in the agriculture industry at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Hill, addressed the students concerning the future of Iowa's agriculture and the importance of being involved with statewide issues. The FFA members also heard remarks from Libby Crimmings of the World Food Prize on effectively advocating for agricultural education.

Following the legislative visits, members congregated at the World Food Prize for tours and to hear remarks from Ambassador Kenneth Quinn of the World Food Prize. State FFA President Abrah Meyer read the Governor's Proclamation identifying February 21-28 as National FFA Week in Iowa.

The 30th annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol is made possible with support from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation through the Iowa FFA Foundation.

The Iowa FFA Association has 225 local FFA chapters with more than 14,200 FFA members. FFA is a national organization more than 610,000 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Local, state and national programs provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

What are some of the most common health concerns among aging type 2 diabetics, and how can they be managed?

Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, and older people with the disease are especially vulnerable. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates roughly 27 percent of people 65 years of age and older have diabetes, and studies have shown that the highest rates of diabetes-related heart attacks, kidney failure, and amputations are among older adults.

According to a 2012 report published by the ADA and the American Geriatrics Society, "diabetes in older adults is linked to higher mortality, reduced functional status, and increased risk of institutionalization." But many complications can be delayed or even prevented with treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some of the most common health concerns among aging type 2 diabetics.

Limited Mobility

Sam Penceal, 69, was diagnosed with diabetes almost 15 years ago. A former college basketball player, he was able to quickly jumpstart his fitness routine to help manage the disease. Though he still exercises three to five times a week, Penceal admits he now needs more time for his body to rest.

"I realize that I have to give my body more time to recoup," said Penceal, who sits on the executive committee of the ADA's Step Out Walk NYC and is captain of his Step Out Walk team. "If I exercise heavily two days in a row, it's important I give my body a day of rest."

If a person does not have a history of consistent exercise, precautions should be taken before beginning a new regimen.

"Because the risk of heart disease is higher in diabetic patients, I recommend those in the aging population talk with their physicians or even go through an exercise stress test to make sure their heart is okay for physical activity," said Betul Hatipoglu, MD, an endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Diabetics are at a greater risk for joint and bone disorders, which can impact their ability to exercise. Dr. Hatipoglu recommends working with your doctor to come up with an individualized exercise plan, which should include walking and light weight training to help with balance.

Falls and Fractures

The risk of falls and fractures is a normal part of aging, but mobility problems associated with diabetes raise the risk even higher.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, can cause symptoms including shakiness, weakness, and lack of coordination. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can cause dehydration, leg cramps, and imbalance.

Hatipoglu stresses the importance of a safe home environment complete with non-slip rugs, bed rails, and grab-bars in the shower and bathroom.

Vision and Hearing

People living with diabetes have a much higher risk of eye complications, including glaucoma and cataracts, and the risk increases with age. Retinopathy, a disorder of the retina, is also common.

There are treatment options available, but the condition needs to be caught as early as possible. "It's very important for elderly diabetics to have regular checkups with their ophthalmologist, especially if they are driving or working," Hatipoglu said.

Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don't have the disease. The reason for the increased risk is unclear, though it may be that diabetes damages nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear. If you suspect hearing loss, talk to your doctor.

Mental Health

"The lifestyle modification that comes with type 2 diabetes has definite psychological effects," said Xavier Jimenez, MD, a psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic. The stress of diabetes management can take its toll on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Studies show that people with diabetes have a much greater risk of depression, which can compromise their self-care and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Even patients who have been dealing with diabetes for a long time can become demoralized. "It's basically people saying they're sick and tired of being sick and tired," said Dr. Jimenez. "It's a little less severe than depression, but should still be addressed."

Diabetics may feel isolated from family and friends. Penceal emphasizes the importance of having a stable support system to help with the day-to-day challenges. "Find a group of people who are going through the same things you are," he said. "It can be difficult when your family doesn't have to go through the same diet and lifestyle changes you do. Join a support group to discuss those challenges."

Diabetes, especially type 2, may increase a person's risk for Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. Evidence suggests diabetes may lead to mild cognitive and memory problems that impact a patient's ability to manage their condition.

"If a patient keeps coming back with uncontrolled high blood sugar, instead of blaming them, we should sit back and ask ourselves, 'Could this be a sign of depression or dementia?' " said Hatipoglu.

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Diabetic neuropathies are disorders that damage nerves all over the body. When the autonomic nervous system ? which controls the bladder, stomach, and intestines ? is affected, patients may experience problems with bladder and bowel function. Symptoms can include constipation, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and incontinence.

"When you have urinary incontinence, you are at a much higher risk for infection and as a result hyperglycemia, which can cause more urinary leakage," said Hatipoglu. "It's a vicious cycle."

Hatipoglu urges patients to not be embarrassed. Report any changes in digestion and urination to your healthcare provider because early treatment is so important.

Drug Interactions

The doctor should review all medications a patient is taking, even over-the counter drugs, at every visit. Hatipoglu suggests caregivers can help as well by writing down clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

"Writing down which medications to take and when in big letters is very helpful," she said. "You have to get creative and simplify things so they can follow the instructions."

 Help make an impact tomorrow night during the One Family, One Night event at River Music Experience featuring The Lion in Rome, Bailiff, and Tambourine. Proceeds from the night will go to one local family in need. Centered on live music just for kids, Kidz Days at RME returns Saturday with Steve Couch. Later that evening, chart-topping blues/rock artist, Anthony Gomes, takes the stage with Winter Blues All-Stars in the Redstone Room!

 500 free flu shots, a job fair, national anthem tryouts, and more...find it all at Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday when the River Bandits and Genesis Health System host Community Day. Those looking for employment opportunities have a chance to speak with employers from main Street Amusements, the River Bandits, and Professional Sports Catering. Interested in entertaining fans prior to home games? Be sure to check out the National Anthem and talent auditions.

 Looking for ways to expand your artistic abilities? Downtown businesses and organizations provide TONS of opportunities to do so. Whether you're interested in painting your own masterpiece at Re-Cre8 Studio or taking a class at Atom Studio + Gallery, there's no shortage of art classes right at your fingertips. Don't forget the Figge has monthly art classes, too!

 The Adler has a handful of hits coming up in February, so get those calendars ready! The Quad City Symphony Orchestra kicks off the month with Masterworks IV: Musical Cathedrals on February 7. Spend the evening after with Patrick Kennedy presented by Vera French. Back by popular demand, Blue Man Group bring their wildly theatrical show to Davenport February 10 and 11. And on February 12, four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Martina McBride, takes the stage. Check out more Adler events here.

 Enjoy exclusive downtown deals and information when you download our downtown Davenport app for Androids or iPhones. This FREE app provides a quick list of local events, hotels, shops, and more when you're on the go. There are even some tips for parking downtown!

The work of innovative thinkers is why the world has smartphones, laptop computers, toaster ovens and numerous other gadgets and creative approaches to problem solving.

Yet groundbreaking ideas aren't always welcome in the corporate world or within other institutions.

Instead, those who suggest a different approach often find their ideas shot down by co-workers or blocked by an organizational system that is unwelcoming to change, says international speaker and innovation consultant Dr. Neal Thornberry.

That doesn't mean innovation can't happen, though.

"The innovator needs to know how to operate in these less than friendly cultures without waiting for some miraculous transformation in corporate policy," says Thornberry, author of the book "Innovation Judo: Disarming Roadblocks and Blockheads on the Way to Creativity." (www.NealThornberry.com)

He says there are five innovation "killers" within organizations that a person with ideas can expect to confront.

•  People. Sometime it's an individual, sometimes it's a group. Regardless, people often resist innovation, and many times for illogical reasons. "The more rigid people reject innovation simply because they are uncomfortable with the new or don't want to spend the energy to try something different," Thornberry says. They may be quick to point out flaws in your ideas.

One way to counteract that, Thornberry says, is to be your own worst critic. Discover those flaws first and highlight them yourself. Then you can address how you plan to mitigate them, thus stealing the critics' thunder, he says.

•  Politics. You can usually get around one or two individuals who try to block your idea, but it's more challenging when the organization is rife with politics. "I hate working in highly politicized organizations," Thornberry says. "They make work a lot harder and make you spend considerable time on non-value-adding activities." In fact, Thornberry devotes an entire chapter in his book to "Right Mindedness" so that innovators practicing his seven secret judo skills are not seen as innovating for personal gain or exploitation, but as enablers of company success.

•  Organizational design. An out-of-whack organizational design usually is not generated on purpose or with malice, Thornberry says. Instead it develops over time, with one well-intentioned move after another leading to unintended consequences. Often the result is a proliferation of controls, along with structures and processes that create barriers to innovation.

When an idea is blocked by layers of decision-making, one solution is to use leverage, Thornberry says. Enlist the aid of a customer who would benefit from the innovation, he says, because paying customers have huge leverage.

•  Company values. Here the innovator has both a challenge and an opportunity. Many companies articulate their values, but don't always live by them. "The upside for innovators is that values can be used as leverage for innovation even if they aren't true," Thornberry says. For example, if the company declares, "The customer is No. 1," then it becomes difficult to ignore an innovation that is positioned as being for the customer.

•  Corporate culture. The corporate culture essentially is how the people, politics, organizational design and values interact. "The greatest challenge to any innovator, and to embedding and sustaining innovation over the long term, is culture," Thornberry says. To make it even more challenging, often organizations have micro-cultures within the culture. That means, he says, you will need to adapt the use of innovation judo principles depending on which micro-culture you are dealing with at any given moment.

"Innovators throughout history have faced both roadblocks and blockheads on their path to creativity," Thornberry says. "And so will you."

But with a little courage and some counterbalancing skills, he says, these challenges can be overcome.

About Neal Thornberry, Ph.D.

Neal Thornberry, Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of IMSTRAT, LLC a consulting firm that specializes in helping private and public sector organizations develop innovation strategies that create economic value by increasing an organization's effectiveness and efficiency. A respected thought leader in innovation, Thornberry is a highly sought-after international speaker and consultant. He  also serves as the faculty director for innovation initiatives at the Center for Executive Education at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Thornberry, author of "Innovation Judo: Disarming Roadblocks & Blockheads on the Path to Creativity" (www.NealThornberry.com), holds a doctorate in organizational psychology and specializes in innovation, corporate entrepreneurship, leadership and organizational transformation.