Living Longer, Living Well - June 2023

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

A Resource Guide For 55+

June 2023

Chat Bots And Boundaries

Page 3

Thank You For Your Service

Page 4

A Senior’s Guide To ChatGPT And Emerging AI Technology

Page 5

SPEAK UP For Seniors

Page 5

Community Calendar Of Events

Page 6

Accessible Walking Trails Coming To Bridgewater

Page 7

Trekking Poles Can Support More

Summer Fun

Page 8

If you're suffering from Fibromyalgia you understand this sentiment all too well. Local resident Elyse K. found herself at a turning point when she noticed her diagnosis had started to take a toll on her marriage.

"I was angry all the time because of all the things I couldn't do anymore because of my Fibromyalgia. That anger cycled through to depression and affected everyone around me, my husband more than anyone. It made our lives miserable."

Fibromyalgia affects the entire body. To make things complicated, those affects can change on a daily basis. Sometimes you're plagued with widespread muscle pain and fatigue, and other days it's a headache and a heightened sensitivity to touch

"I could barely stand to have the light weight of bedsheets touching me, much less a hug from my husband." explains Elyse.

This is what it's like to suffer from Fibromyalgia. Symptoms make everyday life incredibly difficult. Mundane, daily tasks are nearly impossible.

And too often, these symptoms are only made worse because practitioners find it difficult to understand and even more troublesome to treat.

OF LIVING WITH MY FIBROMYALGIA PAIN."

Fibromyalgia has been difficult to treat and even more difficult to understand. UNTIL NOW! Acupuncturists Berry and Amara provide patients with much needed relief from Fibro symptoms!

It's characterized by widespread pain in muscles, and tissues rather than inflammation of the joints muscles and tissues

Then your primary care doctors suggest dietary changes, pain liniments and prescription medications to the point where your life is no longer ruled by Fibromyalgia It's now ruled by a difficult routine and pill regimen that are supposed to aid in avoiding flare ups.

Elyse put it this way, "My life was no longer my own."

Eventually Elyse did her own research and discovered that acupuncture can improve the quality of life in Fibro patients. Determined to find the best in the business, she discovered Acupuncture Medical Center, lead by Acupuncturist sisters Amara Franko Heller and Berry Franko.

Berry and Amara have been successfully treating difficult to manage, chronic pain cases for over a decade

They use the time tested science of acupuncture and integrate it with modern medical advancements that encourage healing and recovery. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that is commonly used to reduce various forms of pain.

Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation, stimulating the release of endorphins and offers much needed effective symptom relief for Fibro.

Then Acupuncturists Berry and Amara skillfully layer other non invasive therapies like ATP Resonance BioTherapy and 03 Regenerative Therapy for amplified long-lasting results

"I feel like a new person. My husband comes with me to my appointments. He spends most of his time thanking the Acupuncturists for giving him back the woman he married. And for the first time since we moved here, one of my neighbors told me I looked good! It's a miracle they treated my Fibro, I don't know how else to explain it."

If you're looking for a practice who not only understands your diagnosis but also has a proven solution for chronic pain, look no further than Acupuncture Medical Center

Elyse describes the clinic almost as enthusiastically as does their treatments. "I love it here!"

Additional information about Berry L.Ac. and Amara L.Ac., and their various treatments as well as success stories can be found by visiting www. AcuMedCenterVA.com.

Acupuncture Medical Center is now accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect their patients, both current and future, they have made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in their clinic. So call (540) 217-2783 now to schedule a consultation.

"I WAS TIRED

Thank You For Your Service

By: BJ Bryson, Associate Dean, College of Health and Behavioral Studies, Professor of Social Work

The average age of today’s veterans is 58 years old, with the largest age group between 45 and 64. Less than 10% of all veterans are women, while the majority are white married males. Veterans consist of about 1.7% Native Americans/Indigenous, 8% Latino, and 12% Black/African American who served.

How and when do we honor veterans for their service, especially those who are aging in our community? Calendar-prompted observances lead us to acknowledge our fallen service members on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day for all members of every military branch and their families may typically occur. There is never a right or wrong time to remember the contributions of service members. The time is always now.

One way is to seek out aging vet -

erans, spend time with them, and learn from them. Rolland (Ron) L. Myers, age 83, resides in the Linville area with his wife Becky. He left high school at age 17 to join the Air Force, completing high school while in the service. As a hydraulic mechanic, he prepared and maintained airplanes that flew service personnel to their bases around the world. He was stationed in Texas, Ohio, and Newfoundland for two years.

Recognizing the role of infrastructure maintenance and keeping

personnel fed, Mr. Myers said, “Mechanics and cooks kept the military going.” He saw this as a significant part of military preparedness as he proudly spoke of his role as a service member. One of his fondest memories is working on the Eisenhower plane of our 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He states that the plane was restored and is now in the Bridgewater Airport area. Mr. Myers retains his connections with other veterans by being a member of the local American Legion and Veterans

of Foreign Wars (VFW). It is easy to be forgotten for your contributions to the well-being of others, but the support shared provides comfort and brotherhood, especially in the face of aging.

Mr. Myers is known for a couple of historical items in the local community. After leaving military service with his mechanic skills, he ran a car garage where he and his father, Leonard Myers, welded two cars together that they drove in local parades. He assisted in the restoration of the Baxter Homestead, listed as a Virginia historic building, which you drive by on Highway 42 N between Harrisonburg and Broadway.

What do we do to honor our local aging veterans? We seek them out. Listen to them. Learn from their stories. Thank them for their service.

ABOVE: Ron Myers. RIGHT: Ron and wife Becky.

One way is to seek out aging veterans, spend time with them, and learn from them.

A Senior’s Guide To ChatGPT And Emerging AI Technology

By Jeremy Douylliez (with some help from ChatGPT)

By now, it’s almost impossible to avoid news and commentary about ChatGPT and other AI-powered technologies. We are at an inflection point with this budding technology, with many heralding an entirely new era of computing that has the potential to change our lives radically. Soon, AI technology will appear in services and products you already use, like e-mail and Microsoft Word. Your favorite fast-food drive-through may even be getting an AI facelift, with chains like Wendy’s already testing a new chatbot-powered ordering experience.

But you may still be wondering what exactly these technologies are and how they can benefit you. With a bit of guidance, ChatGPT and other generative AI tools can become valuable resources that can enhance our lives in many ways.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is what’s known as a “large language model” and can generate human-like responses to text prompts. In other words, you can ask ChatGPT a question or provide it with a prompt, and it will create areply that sounds like a human being wrote it. It’s been trained on an inconceivably large amount ofdata—from books, magazines, movies, and just about any writing publicly available online.

How can seniors use ChatGPT?

One of the most exciting things about ChatGPT is that it can be used for a wide range of purposes. A few ideas for how seniors may use ChatGPT include:

• Getting answers to questions: Have you ever had a question about a topic you didn’t know who to ask? With ChatGPT, you can ask just about anything and get a helpful response. Whether you’re wondering about the best way to prune your rose bushes or want to learn more about the history of your hometown, ChatGPT can provide you with interesting and helpful information.

• Finding new hobbies and interests: One of the great things about retirement is having more time to explore new hobbies and interests. ChatGPT can help you discover new things by generating ideas based on your interests and preferences. For example, you could ask ChatGPT, “What are some good books to read if I like mysteries?” or “What are some ideas for beginner projects for someone just getting started with water coloring?” and it can provide you with a list of recommendations.

• Sparking creativity: ChatGPT can be a great tool for assisting you with writing a story, poem, or letter. Other AI programs such as Midjourney or Dall-E can even generate images based

SPEAK UP For Seniors

By: Anne See, President, Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse

As Americans, we believe in justice for all. Yet, sadly, we fail to live up to this promise when we allow older members of our society to be abused, neglected, or financially exploited. Older people are vital, important members of society and they deserve to live safe and dignified lives free from abuse.

Elder abuse is an increasingly prevalent but hidden problem that exists in every community throughout the world. Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of

on written prompts and can be quite amusing to play with!

Tips for using ChatGPT

If you’re new to ChatGPT and generative AI, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Keep your prompts simple and straightforward. To get the best results from ChatGPT, it’s important to provide it with clear and concise prompts. Avoid using overly complex language or asking multiple questions at once. Instead, try to ask one question at a time, using simple, straightforward language.

• Be patient. ChatGPT is an impressive technology, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes, it might generate a response that doesn’t make sense or isn’t relevant to your question. If this happens, don’t get discouraged. Just try rephrasing your question or asking a different one.

• Use it as a tool, not a replacement. While ChatGPT can be a valuable resource, it’s important to remember that it may get things wrong and is not a replacement for human interaction.

While ChatGPT is an impressive technology, it’s just one example of the many exciting developments in the field of generative AI. In the coming years, we can expect to see even more innovative tools andapplications that can enhance our lives in many ways—from personalized healthcare treatmentrecommendations and predictive models for disease prevention to AI-powered personal assistants.

This new tech may seem daunting at first, but tools like ChatGPT can provide useful information, sparkcreativity, and entertain. By embracing this technology and following some simple guidelines, seniorscan navigate the world of generative AI with confidence and reap its many benefits.

elder abuse. In 2022, there were 47,371 reports of abuse made in Virginia with 12,824 of those substantiated. In the Harrisonburg/Rockingham area there were 593 reports while the Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro area received 1,861.

The public at large, and even professionals serving vulnerable adults often, are unaware of the problems or how to respond. Most Americans are familiar with child abuse and know that Child

See SPEAK , Page 7

Community Calendar Of Events

Any reader interested in attending an event should call the contact person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable. All readers and encouraged to call to confirm that the event is still taking place prior to the event date. To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please email Leigh-Anne Lees at leighanne@vpas.info.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

First Friday of the month | 9 am | Community Mennonite Church and second Thursday of the month beginning in July l 1 pm l Summit Square in Waynesboro

A support group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership with VPAS. Here is a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to:

• develop a support system

• exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions

• talk through issues and ways of coping

• share feelings, needs, and concerns

• talk about community resources

Register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.

Ongoing Caregiver Support Groups

Third Tuesday of the month | 10 am |VPAS Waynesboro office

Fourth Tuesday of the month | 3 pm | Sunnyside Retirement Community Caregiver Support groups provide interaction with other caregivers, resources, tips, ideas, and a safe outlet for sharing of feelings.

Register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.

Virtual Caregiver Support Groups

Mondays at 3 pm or Wednesdays at 10:30 am

It can be difficult attending a support group in person if you are unable to leave your care partner alone at home. Here is a virtual solution. Groups gather on Zoom.

Register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.

Memory Partners

First Tuesday of the month |1011:30 am |Plains District Community Center

First Thursday of the month |1011:30 am | Massanutten Regional Library

Second Thursday of the month |1011:30 am | Rosenwald Community

Center

A safe space for caregivers and people living with dementia to attend together. There will be social time with other care partners, optional games, activities and refreshments, and Tai Chi for Memory exercise. Register at vpas. info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.

Drums Alive

Mondays beginning June 21 | 3-4:00 pm | VPAS Waynesboro Office

We’re using rhythm as the source of inspiration to discover a new group fitness experience. Drums Alive® combines the benefits of a traditional physical fitness program with the brain-affected benefits of music and rhythm. The result is a program that fosters a healthy balance physically, mentally, emotionally and socially! Good for all fitness levels. Register at vpas.info/recreation or call 540.942.1838.

Good Heart Art: Let the Light In (watercolor)

June 21 | 2-3:30 pm | VPAS Harrisonburg Office

Guided art project to keep minds sharp, spirits up, and new friendships growing! Supply lists for this guided art project will be offered in advance. Open to anyone 60 years old and older who believes creating arts and crafts is uplifting and fun! This is a no-pressure, come-asyou-are, art venture! All skill levels welcomed! Register at vpas.info/recreation or call 540-615-5341.

Hellfighters Shenandoah Valley Bike Night to Benefit VPAS

June 26 l Island Wing Restaurant

Come eat and enjoy some karaoke. 15% of meals will be donated

to VPAS.

Dealing with Dementia –Bridgewater

July 11 and 12 l 1-3:30 pm l Bridgewater Church of the Brethren

Join us for this family caregiver workshop designed to help you understand dementia. Learn how to deal with problem behaviors, handle stress and find more time for yourself. Includes a 350+ page Dementia Caregivers Guide. Register at vpas. info/dementia-awareness or call 540615-5341.

VIII King’s Highway Ride

July 15 l Registration 10 am, kickstands up at 11 am l ImpACT Ministries

One day, one ride, one reason. Sponsored by Hellfighters Shenandoah Unit. Ride begins and ends at ImpACT Ministries in Elkton. $20 per rider and $5 per passenger. Proceeds benefit VPAS. Lunch provided. For more information, call Brook Johnson at 540421-7911.

Living Well in Your Lifetime Home

July 17 | 2-3 pm | Price Rotary Senior Center

Our homes typically don’t change much day to day and year to year, but we do. Let’s talk about how to create a space where we can live and thrive despite health changes. This session will feature presentations from three industry experts: Gabby Koontz, principal of Rendered Homes, Amy Homan DePoy, OT/L, founder and owner of Cardinal Care, LLC and Charles Hendricks, architect with Gaines Group Architects. All three speakers are certified aging in place specialists. Register at vpas.info/ education or call 540-615-5341.

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention

Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning August 15, 2023 - October 5, 2023 l 2-3pm l Mt Tabor United Methodist Church

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is recognized by many national organizations including the Arthritis Foundation and the Administration for Community Living as safe and effective. Slow, controlled movements build muscle strength, improve balance, gently free up stiff joints, and relieve stress. All movements are done in an upright standing position, or may be done seated by those unable to stand. The physical exertion level of Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is similar to that of walking. Register at vpas.info/ health-and-fitness or call 540-615-5341.

Sun Catcher Workshop

Aug. 22 | 10:30 am-Noon | Braithwaite Studios

Join us for a little art and lunch at Braithwaite Studios! Make your own etched sun catcher, then enjoy a cup of soup, half of a sandwich and a drink. This is a perfect workshop for someone interested in learning a new artistic activity and enjoying delicious food with others! Register at vpas.info/recreation or call 540-615-5341.

Program fee $30 (valued at $40) includes all materials and lunch. Pay with cash or card when you arrive for the session.

VPAS Cafes – ongoing

New friends, a delicious meal, light exercise and recreational programming for adults 60 years and older. Find a café near you by visiting vpas.info/ vpas-cafes or calling 540-615-5341.

Accessible Walking Trails Coming To Bridgewater

Later this summer, Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) will open new walking trails in the town of Bridgewater. The trails will be open to the public and fully accessible. Located off Will Lane and adjacent to Oakdale Park, the trails will be comprised of a mix of 8’-wide paved walkways and 6’-wide gravel trails. They will provide access to several destinations and overlooks, including a natural playground, outdoor classroom, marsh walk, woodland overlook, and more. The location is

ecologically diverse with woods, a pond, native grassland, natural streams, and an expansive meadow. Construction began in the spring and is slated to be completed before the end of the summer. BRC will continue to enhance the area after the trails open. Additional landscaping and tree planting willcommence in the fall. Next spring, work will begin to restore the pond and establish a native wildflower meadow.

Stay tuned for updates as work continues!

Dr. Kathleen A. Culbertson Audiologist

Untreated hearing loss not only affects communication, but can impact personal relationships, social interaction, and can contribute to cognitive decline.

Protective Services through their local Dept. of Social Services (DSS) is the agency to contact when such abuse is suspected. However, not everyone is aware that DSS also investigates reports of Adult Abuse through their Adult Protective Services (APS) unit. In addition to contacting the local DSS, in Virginia, adult abuse can also be reported anonymously by calling the DSS abuse hotline at 1-888-832-3858.

It is important to remember that proof of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation is not required. It is up to the professionals to investigate your suspicions. Even if it is determined that no crime has been committed, counseling or other services may be suggested.

What are the differences between adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation?

Abuse includes physical, mental, or sexual maltreatment. Neglect is when a caregiver fails to provide adequate assistance that the adult depends on—such as food, clothing, shelter, or necessary medical care. More specifically, self-neglect is when an adult is unable to meet their own essential physical, psychological, or social needs, which threatens their health, safety, and well-being. And, exploitation is when someone takes advantage of the adult or their finances for personal benefit or financial gain.

What are the warning signs of abuse?

One way to remember them is by using the acronym SPEAK UP:

Sudden changes in behavior or finances.

Physical injuries, dehydration, or malnourishment.

Extreme withdraw from others, anxiety, or depression.

Absence of basic care or necessities.

Kept away from others.

Unsanitary living conditions

Personal items missing

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). On that day, communities worldwide will strive to bring awareness of Adult Abuse and address solutions. Locally, the Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse (GACAAA) is sponsoring a WEAAD campaign called “SPEAK UP: for seniors!” GACAAA has business cards available listing the abuse warning signs and reporting information. For more information contact GACAAA at stopadultexploitation@gmail.com.

4765 Spotswood Trail

Penn Laird, VA 22846

www.mcrestaud.com

(540) 217-2104

Be proactive about your hearing healthcare! If you are over 55, it is time for a hearing evaluation.

Call today for an appointment.

Walking trails under construction.

Trekking Poles Can Support More Summer Fun

By: Amy Homan DePoy, OT/L. Owner/Director, Cardinal Care, LLC

Walking is good for us, so we are told! Throughout our lives, we experience changes in many physical skills. Some changes are simply part of the natural maturing of our bodies, and others may be a result of an injury or medical issue. “Debilitation may come for many of us as we age, but I didn’t plan for this to be my story in my 50’s”, said local contributor and friend of this publication. These changes impact our ability to live fully and may lead us to consider how best to remain safely on our feet. And go do that walking that is good for us!

The retail market is full of assistive devices for walking, and many are available in ever-changing styles, designs, and colors. There are walkers, canes, and crutches, just to name a few. One such device being seen more frequently in the community is the walking stick. Are you picturing a small, gnarled tree branch for a walk through the woods

while foraging and exploring? You are right about the use of a walking stick to provide support for fun activities. Just wait until you hear all the design features that make walking sticks, also called trekking poles, recommended by professionals!

The trekking pole encourages a natural upright posture and less forward leaning. They can reduce strain on the wrist caused from holding the curved handle. And they can help maintain a normal arm-swing during walking. “As compared to a cane, the pole appeals to some clients because it helps them feel and look more active, and therefore is used more consistently”, explains Andrea Schweigert, PT with Continuing Care Home Health.

Trekking poles can be straight or have an inset at the hand-hold position. This curve is part of the ergonomic design to reduce joint strain on the wrist, often appreciated by those experiencing

arthritis. There are also wrist loops that prevent dropping the pole and needing to lean over to pick it up. The poles are adjustable in height to properly fit the user and may fold up for ease of travel. And maybe most importantly, the tip of the pole is wide, often made of rubber with an articulating design to provide added stability when contacting the ground. The special tip also allows the pole to stand upright when not in use.

You might be tempted to hurry out and purchase a modern walking stick for yourself. Before you do, it is important to keep in mind several key elements when choosing any device, especially a trekking pole. Kevin Petit, PT, MPT with SMH Valley Health, suggests considering these points:

• Terrain: will the surface under foot be uneven, hilly, loose gravel, sidewalk, etc.?

• Sensation: is sensation in hands and feet impaired in any way?

• Intent: are the trekking poles being used for balance, back pain, efficiency, or another reason?

• Coordination: can one pole be used or should two, and can they be safely coordinated with walking?

• Co-issues: are there other concerns to be mindful of such as balance, vision, strength?

Both Andrea and Kevin point out the value of getting solid advice before choosing any device. “Physical Therapists are professionals trained in gait assessment and physical evaluation, and if needed, can provide recommendations for the most appropriate device to meet a client’s needs”, Kevin shared. “It is also important to keep in mind physical therapy intervention could remediate the underlying need for a device”, Andrea reminds us.

“I will never hike the Appalachian Trail or walk the Camino de Santiago, but I will live more fully with the help of my sticks”, shared our friend. Whatever your situation, determining the proper match between your need and a device is important. Considering options, educating yourself, and getting solid advice is best. Now let’s go walking!

Metro Creative

Representative Payee Program

By: Lindsay A. Combs, BSW, Family Services Supervisor, Adult Services and Adult Protective Services Unit, Shenandoah Valley Social Services

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Did you know Social Security’s Representative Payee Program is one way to protect vulnerable adults from exploitation?

The purpose of the payee program is to preserve independent living for individuals who have been determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to be incapable of managing their own finances. A physician’s statement that the adult needs assistance managing their money and meeting their basic needs is needed to make this determination. An example of someone in need of a payee is an adult who is cognitively impaired and is easily persuaded into giving their money away, even though that may mean not having money for groceries.

Once a payee is appointed through SSA, the payee receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for the adult and uses that money to pay

for the adult’s needs such as, food, shelter, clothing, and medical expenses. The payee is responsible for ensuring all basic needs are met by using the adult’s funds to pay for the services and keeping a detailed record of the payments.

The Adult Services Unit at Shenandoah Valley Social Services has a unique program called the Volunteer Money Management program (VMMP). Community volunteers are screened, trained, and then assigned to an Adult Services’ client who has been determined by SSA to be in need of a payee and who may not have any community support capable or willing to be appointed as payee.

This program is monitored by social workers with the Adult Services Unit to ensure proper operation of the program and to provide on-going support to the volunteers and clients.

For more information, call 540-9426565.

A Healthier You

By: Kelsey Brown, RDN, CDCES, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Rockbridge Area Health Center

All people, regardless of age, can benefit from eating a diet that limits added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Adults older than 60 years in particular benefit from a diet focused on protein, adequate hydration, and good food safety.

HYDRATION:

As people age, dehydration becomes a greater concern as they feel thirsty less & are less intentional with drinking fluids. Drinking plenty of water helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and alleviates constipation. Recommended fluid intake is about 50 to 68 ounces per day. Healthy beverage choices include low fat milk (1% or skim) or fortified soy milk and plain water. Adding fresh lemon or lime to water is a great way to keep it interesting and adds vitamin C to support the immune system. Take care to avoid excessive intake of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as these increase urination and exacerbate dehydration. Try setting alarms or using a water bottle with markers on it for each hour to encourage drinking throughout the day.

FOOD SAFETY:

Older adults are at a greater risk of having severe sickness from food borne illnesses. Good food safe practices are often overlooked, especially if it requires handling food in a different way than you were taught. Follow these food safe practices to avoid getting sick:

• Cook foods (especially meat) to the recommended internal temperature.

• Defrost meat in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf over 24 hours, in the microwave, or under cold running water. Do not leave food out on the counter to defrost.

• Eat or freeze leftovers within 3-4 days. Most leftovers are good in the freezer for around 3 months, once defrosted they should be consumed – do not freeze a second time.

• Refrigerate leftovers as quickly as possible, do not let them cool on the counter prior to refrigerating.

PROTEIN:

Most Americans get enough protein. However, older adults require a greater amount of protein than young adults to protect muscle mass. This in turn supports joints, balance, and prevents falls. Increased protein requirements coupled with reduced ability to cook at home places many older adults at an increased risk for protein deficiency. Often older adults who have limited cooking abilities choose to eat a can of soup or ramen for a meal since it is quick, tasty, and easy. However, a can of vegetable beef soup only contains 6 grams of protein in the entire can and one package of ramen only has 8 grams of protein. Consider using this Ramen recipe that is easy but packs in the fiber & protein which helps to prevent constipation and maintain muscle mass.

Ramen, But Healthy

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

• 1 package of ramen

• 2 cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 package of frozen vegetables (dealer’s choice)

• 1 can of no salt added/low sodium beans, garden peas, or chickpeas

• 1T dried onion flakes

• 1tsp garlic powder

• Optional: scrambled egg or soft-boiled egg, cooked tofu, siracha or parmesan cheese for topping, additional herbs/spices like Ms. Dash, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano as desired.

Directions:

1. Cook ramen using package instructions substituting low sodium chicken/vegetable broth for water & omit adding the flavoring packet provided with ramen

2. Cook frozen bag of vegetables per package instructions (easiest to use a steamable bag). Optional to sauté vegetables with fresh onions

& garlic in a frying pan before adding the cooked ramen & beans.

3. Optional to drain the ramen in a colander or to keep the broth if you prefer a more soupstyle dish.

4. Drain and rinse the can of beans, garden peas, or chickpeas (whichever you chose)

5. Add the cooked vegetables to the ramen

6. Add the beans to the ramen/vegetable mix

7. Add the garlic powder & onions to the ramen/vegetable/bean mix

8. Add desired toppings & optional ingredients

Nutrition Notes:

• Nutrition information per 1 serving (1/4 of the whole recipe, using kidney beans, California mix vegetables, and no optional ingredients added): 235 calories, 1.75 g saturated fat, 120 mg sodium, 10 g protein, 7 grams of fiber

• Try adding nutritional yeast as a topping rather than cheese or salt. Nutritional yeast has a great salty/cheesy flavor without the sodium or fat! It also packs a lot of protein & fiber (8 grams protein & 3 grams fiber for ¼ Cup). You can find nutritional yeast at the local Kroger.

Metro Creative

Farm Market Fresh For Seniors

Thanks to a new two-year expansion plan, older adults with limited income may be eligible to receive $50 (a $5 increase over 2022) in coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs from participating farmers at local Farmers Markets. The Farm Market Fresh for Seniors Program is jointly sponsored by Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

In addition to supporting senior nutrition, the program also supports local farmers and farmers’ markets in the Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro regions. The program is supported by the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service.

To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, live in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Augusta County, Staunton, or Waynesboro. Income limits have also been increased substantially due the two-year

expansion plan. Monthly income limits for 2023 are no more than $2,248 (single) or $3,040 (couple). Individuals cannot be an immediate family member or live with a participating farm market vendor. Only one coupon book per eligible senior or two coupon books per eligible couple per Market Season will be permitted.

Farm Market Fresh for Seniors Program coupons are available on a limited, first come, first served basis. The coupons are valid June1 through November 18.

For more information or to request an application contact VPAS at 800868-8727.

VPAS assures that no person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 be discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated may file a complaint with Jenn Chestnut at 540.949.7141 or jenn@vpas.info, or 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Do you have dentures that don’t work?

Tired of never ending teeth repair?

Are you missing one or more teeth?

Are you losing your facial shape?

All-0n-4 Dental Implants & Permanent Teeth are the Permanent Answer!

“I am ecstatic about the work that was done. I went in for a consult and explained that I had an upper denture that I didn’t like and I wanted to be able to smile and have permanent teeth. The process of the full arch fixed implant supported bridge was explained to me. At that point I said, “Let’s do this.” I had already been to four other offices and I hadn’t said that to any of them, but this office has amazing people. I get compliments all the time on how pretty my smile is. My son is in Argentina so when I Face-Timed him after I got them done he was like, “Oh my goodness, your teeth are beautiful. They are amazing!” He was so excited for me. He was ecstatic about it – he was like, WOW!! I now have self-confidence. I am able to smile without covering my mouth like I used to. I am able to smile now and that’s what I wanted. It is the best investment that you could ever make and I would recommend this to anybody. If you are having extensive problems with your teeth or wear dentures or partials, I would highly recommend this. The office team members are great people – everybody is so genuinely nice. I recommend this office to everyone!”

- Tina

All-on-4 Implants & Permenent Teeth

Before After

Metro Creative