Healthy Living

and other information the county publishes for seniors about available goods, services, and more.

Making New Friends

The Rhodens note that one client comes out onto her deck to talk to them about her garden and another likes to chat about her son. “We ask them about the weather, their health, and follow up if we know they had a procedure done, to see how they are feeling,” Michael Rhoden says.

If the Rhodens see anything amiss on a visit, they have name of a social worker to contact or they can report their observation to their supervisor, Caroline McLeod at the Leland center, for follow-up.

Both Rohdens emphasize that they very much enjoy visiting with their clients and seeing new parts of Brunswick County in the process. “Anyone can volunteer with Meals on Wheels,” they both note. “It’s only a one time per week commitment, and usually a short time at that.”

If you are inspired by their story, you can learn more by going to the BSRI website, www.bsrinc.org. Learn more about volunteering with BSRI at bsrinc.org/volunteer.

Delivering Meals on Wheels is an easy and fun volunteer job, say Margie and Michael Rhoden. Once a week, the couple delivers meals to homebound seniors in the Leland area.

BRAIN-BOOSTING RECIPE

Raspberry and Avocado Salad

1 cup fresh raspberries 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar Mixed salad greens 1 ripe mango 1 small avocado 1/4 cup red onion 1/4 cup almonds 1 clove garlic Pinch of salt and pepper Tomatoes or other toppings you choose

Puree 1/2 cup of raspberries, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender. Combine greens, mango, avocado, and onion. Pour pureed dressing on top and toss to coat. Top with the remaining raspberries and sprinkle with chopped almonds.

Nutrition Facts per 1 cup: Calories – 114; Carbohydrates – 10g; Sugar – 6g; Potassium – 312mg

The Crucial Part of Your Body: Your Brain

By Mallory Balice Wellness Program Manager

The brain is an amazing and crucial part of our body which plays a role in almost all of our bodily processes. It’s important to exercise our brain just as we do our bodies. Researchers believe that many of the changes that come with aging, such as memory loss, are lifestylerelated. Keeping your brain in shape can help enhance your memory skills and reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Incorporating a brain-healthy lifestyle with mind exercises can sharpen your brain! Follow these tips to exercise your brain:

Walk:

The brain is like a muscle, you must constantly “work it out,” or its function will decline. Walking is beneficial to get your body moving and oxygen flowing to the brain. Walking at least 30 minutes a day has been found to deliver an oxygen boost to the brain.

Listen:

To train your memory, listen more with your ears and mind. Trying to recall information later will help with your memory. Pay attention to all the details that you see and hear when around other individuals.

Incorporate a healthy diet:

Eating a proper and healthy diet is crucial for keeping your brain in optimum condition. Make sure your diet contains sufficient levels of vitamins and nutrients. Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which can help improve the structure and function of brain cells.

Learn new skills:

Enhancing your skills by taking on new hobbies will surely help keep your brain sharp. For example, learning to speak another language or how to play a musical instrument. Keep it simple and easy and you will train your brain to remember things. No matter what stage of life you are in, it is important to keep learning and challenging yourself. There is always room to become the best version of yourself!

Food of the Month: Cauliflower

Cauliflower is so versatile that it can be used almost in any dish. This member of the cruciferous family is packed with several nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and fiber. It is a powerhouse food that may help with weight loss, digestion, and memory. Next time you decide to make a pizza, use cauliflower crust for a good source of vitamins. Nutrition facts: 1 cup of cauliflower: Calories – 27; Cholesterol – 0; Potassium – 320 mg; Carbohydrates – 5g; Fiber – 2.1g; Protein – 2.1g.