LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL
A Resource Guide For Those Age 55 And Older
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Contributed Photo An aerial view of the Crist Farm Walking Trails in Bridgewater.A Resource Guide For Those Age 55 And Older
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Contributed Photo An aerial view of the Crist Farm Walking Trails in Bridgewater.muscles before but never had I been in so much pain, and the area was really swollen. Obviously I kept coughing, so I imagine that didn’t help because long after my Covid symptoms disappeared, I was still in pain. Months went by and I wasn’t healing. I mean, how do you rest an area that you use to breath?” shares James P. of Staunton, VA.
The acupuncturists at Acupuncture Medical Center have been successfully treating Covid ‘long-haulers’ since the early days of the pandemic.
“We have protocols for headaches and ozone treatments that really help to combat lasting fatigue and shortness of breath. James was the first person we saw whose infection caused a severe injury” shares Acupuncturist Berry Franko, L.Ac.
The human body is a self-healing organism. When you scrape your knee, your blood will quickly work to clot and scab. Your liver has a unique ability to regenerate after injury. If you break a bone, there are specific cells that immediately begin to knit the edges back together. Unfortunately, there are many factors (including stress, age, not
getting enough quality sleep, and suffering from serious infection or disease) that prohibit those regenerative cells from completing their designated tasks.
Acupuncturist Amara Heller, L.Ac. shares her expertise. “In James’s case, his battle with Covid really affected his muscle tissue’s ability to heal and repair. Beyond the body just being terribly fatigued from fighting a very challenging infection, his cells were nearly depleted of oxygen. At Acupuncture Medical Center, we have several cutting edge solutions that we use to treat injuries of this nature and the forefront of those is O3 Regenerative Therapy .”
“I'll be honest, I was skeptical at first,” jokes James. “They were talking about using ozone on my body and I’m sure my eyes bugged out of my head. But I was out of options and so many people have had incredible success at their hands, that I couldn’t say no. With each treatment I felt better and better. Not 10 treatments in and I was back to playing pickleball! And it’s all because of Berry and Amara. I’m living my life again!”
Acupuncture Medical Center is the premier provider of ozone therapy in the region. As an energized form of oxygen, ozone is farreaching – having a positive, lasting impact on joints, muscles, tendons, cartilage, ligaments,
and tissues. When performed by licensed professionals, of which Amara and Berry are among the best, ozone has been proven to not only reduce inflammation but regrow new tissue, making it a viable option for pain management and an optimal alternative to surgery. The result is enhanced and effective healing!
“I’ve seen Berry and Amara for almost every ailment and condition since.” reports James. “Now I check in every few weeks for maintenance. I know I make it sound like changing the oil on your car, and that’s exactly what it is. Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of ordering custom new parts for my body, so I plan on taking care of the one I've got.”
Acupuncture Medical Center specializes in treating chronic pain and complicated cases. "Those chronic conditions that Western medicine deems untreatable - that's where we shine." says Berry. "There are real solutions to your suffering and they start here.” agrees Amara.
To read about the success stories of many others that have found real relief at their hands, visit AcuMedCenterVa.com. Have questions or ready to schedule a new patient consult? Call (540) 217-2783 where a Patient Care Coordinator is waiting to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
Administrative Director and Executive Director, Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Maintaining brain health and preventing injuries are paramount for individuals, especially seniors, residing in the Shenandoah Valley. This region, abundant with outdoor activities and natural beauty, presents not only many opportunities for enrichment but also increases the risk for accidents. To safeguard cognitive well-being and mitigate the likelihood of brain injuries, residents can adopt proactive measures while benefiting from the resources provided by organizations such as Brain In -
jury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley.
· Prioritize Physical Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or yoga, to enhance blood circulation to the brain, supporting cognitive function and overall well-being.
· Embrace Mental Stimulation: Challenge your mind with puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or engaging in hobbies. Keeping mentally active fosters neural connections and promotes cognitive resilience.
· Follow a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon,
Bridgewater Retirement Community celebrated the grand opening of the Crist Farm Walking Trails in October 2023. The walking trails are open daily from dawn to dusk and located off Will Lane adjacent to Oakdale Park in Bridgewater. The 20-acre nature area contains approximately 1.2 miles of ADA-accessible walkways, overlooks, a labyrinth, a wildflower meadow, and much more!
The trails were made possible by a generous contribution and land donation from BRC residents. Carrie Budd, Vice President for the BRC Foundation worked on this project since its early conception and highlighted the importance the trails bring to the community stating, “We know how important environmental wellness is to lead an active and engaged life. This addition to our campus will provide residents at all levels of living the opportunity to spend time
outdoors exploring, picnicking, birdwatching, spending time with family, and more.”
Now that the walking trails are up and running, BRC continues to work on enhancing the area. A resident-led committee is working to establish a bluebird trail, and BRC is partnering with The Natural Garden to continue creating an expansive native wildflower meadow on the property. President Rodney Alderfer expressed, “We want this natural area to be a resource for our entire community. We love the idea of elementary school kids coming on field trips, nature lovers exploring the site, and Bridgewater College classes coming as well. And our residents are hungry for a place to walk close by where they can experience nature.”
The Crist Farm Walking Trails wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful partnership of Harrisonburg’s Monteverde Engineering & Design Studio, Momentum Earthworks, and the Town of Bridgewater (for planning and providing access via the Gen Oak Connector).
are particularly beneficial for brain health.
· Cultivate Quality Sleep: Prioritize sufficient and restorative sleep eac h night, as it plays a vital role in memory consolidation and cognitive processing.
· Wear Protective Gear: Utilize appropriate protective equipment, such as helmets during biking or skiing, to reduce the risk of head injuries during recreational activities.
· Safeguard Your Environment: Make your home safer by removing tripping hazards, installing handrails and grab bars, and ensuring adequate lighting to prevent falls,
See BRAIN, Page 6
Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair Community Relations Director, Valley Program for Aging Services
BJ Bryson, PhD, MSW (she/her) Associate Dean, JMU College of Health and Behavioral Studies. Professor of Social Work
Ashlie Heatwole Communications Specialist, Bridgewater Retirement Community
Amy Homan DePoy, OT/L Owner/Director, Cardinal Care LLC
Jeanine Maddox Executive Assistant, Sunnyside Retirement Community
Susan Ribelin Program Coordinator, Sentara RMH Safe at Home and Senior Advantage
Nancy Wayland Executive Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community
Information about Dementia is all around us. And yet, as we notice changes in our loved one, or in ourselves, we are not sure where to turn. The changes we see may be subtle and cause us to second guess what we are experiencing, or they may be more direct and make us wonder what to say or how to react. Are we witnessing a change in personality — maybe a shorter fuse than usual or more stubbornness? Or are there word finding issues such as saying that is “more prettier” when we would have heard “that’s beautiful”?
Having an honest conversation with your medical professional is the first step. There are resources to be found even before meeting with your doctor if you feel uncertain about how to begin the conversation or fearful of what may lie ahead. A caregiver coordinator at our local area agency on aging can help you formulate questions to ask your healthcare provider and offer other resources (VPAS: 540615-5341). Online resources are also available.
The next step may be referral to a specialist such as a neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist. These specialists can refer to a provider trained in testing and
Our community has a vast network of resources to help along this unexpected journey. Support groups, organized social events, workshops, literature, and skilled professionals offer insight and education. But first, it begins with getting solid answers. The recommendation from most experts is to begin with a thorough physical examination and review of all medications and health history. The information gathered can help rule out medication side effects, medical conditions or other factors that could be contributing to symptoms of cognitive change.
diagnosing cognitive changes including dementia. Generally, diagnosis is made after a battery of tests are completed, in combination with consideration of symptoms and observed changes in behavior and function.
One primary concern often discussed is the length of time waiting to complete the battery of tests needed for diagnosis. If the wait is longer than you may wish it to be, or if your situation is progressing with concern for safety, an Occupational Therapist (OT) may be able to help. OT’s work within their scope of practice, which includes cognitive function and testing. Many use the same assessments that are part of the larger battery of tests for diagnosis.
Knowledge is power — power to interact positively with your loved one, help your loved one engage in living life to the fullest, and support family and friends to continue to have strong relationships. Having a diagnosis also allows for future planning of care and current activation of legal protections such as powers of attorney, guardianship, and securing bank accounts. Diagnosis provides security and opens connections to resources that play a vital role in a supported journey.
This workshop may be right for you:
Wednesday, July 24 l 1:30-4:30 p.m. l VPAS Senior Services, Waynesboro Register: vpas.info/dementia-awareness or 540-949-7141
Working with an OT can offer insight and intervention for daily safety and function before the final diagnosis is made by a physician. The information gained in an OT assessment can also be shared with the physician as a helpful addition to the collection of information for an accurate diagnosis. There are benefits to having a diagnosis that may not be initially apparent.
One of the best ways to maintain brain health is to get outside and enjoy nature! While there, why not give back? One way is to provide and maintain safe places for bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds to raise their young.
Before I moved to Sunnyside Retirement Community, I volunteered as a county coordinator for the New Jersey Bluebird Society. I supervised and managed several “trails,” which are a series of nest boxes installed at appropriate distances from each other, in a habitat conducive to attracting bluebirds. A nest box is a birdhouse built according to specific safety standards designed for the needs of the birds that will be using it, and not just for human aesthetics.
When I arrived at Sunnyside in 2021, I joined the Virginia Bluebird Society. I was also given permission to assume responsibility for the bluebird nest boxes that preceded my arrival. The Bluebird Project was born.
Our Sunnyside woodshop members applied their skills to upgrading our existing boxes. Five trails were established, which include 40 nest boxes scattered throughout our campus, with some among cottages and apartments, and some in our public areas. A team of six residents walks our very hilly campus, listening for bird songs and calls, and documenting careful observations at each box. At the end of the season, which runs from February to August, I compile all the team’s weekly reports and send the data to the Virginia Bluebird Society.
As we age, some of us encounter mobility or memory challenges that prevent access to the calming influences of the natural world that have meant so much to us. A little technology to the rescue here! This spring, The Bluebird Project installed a camera, with sound and night vision, in one of our bluebird nest boxes. As soon as a pair of native birds moves in, residents will again
Executive
Director, Sunnyside Retirement CommunityEd Johnson’s favorite pastime is bicycling, which he’s done through Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado, just to name a few! One of his favorite experiences, though, has always been the Storming of Thunder Ridge in Lynchburg, Virginia, with his son and son’s family. Ed reflects on his hobby, expressing, “I just feel better when I’m active,” and describes it as something he’s always enjoyed doing.
Ed and his wife currently spend winters in Tucson, where he bikes with a group navigating 200+ miles of dedicated trail, though he describes the Shenandoah Valley as a great area for
biking too, for its safe and diverse opportunities. And when he’s not biking, you can find Ed walking three miles, twice per week, with a group of local men. Ed is a resident at Bridgewater Retirement Community.
Dianne Hartley’s passion for amateur ice skating started at the age of nine or ten when she and her family moved from England to Canada. It was her mum who suggested she try a winter sport. Dianne wanted to try skiing, but because it was (and still is) expensive, her mother said, “I think you need to ice skate.”
From the moment she laced up her skates, Dianne recalls how much of a “thrill” ice skating was. Dianne, a Bridgewater Retirement Community resident, finds solace in skating, still doing so in retirement. She’s currently rehabbing an injury, but up until this past season, you could find Dianne on the ice at Generations Park in Bridgewater.
Sunnyside’s Gayle Allen is a longtime Red Cross Water Safety Instructor who
If you are seeking durable medical equipment locally, there are a number of options depending on what you need and where you live.
· Faith-based nonprofit that provides medical equipment and supplies to adults and children in need
· Promotes health equity by collecting and refurbishing healthcare items and providing them to those in need
· For underserved families, obtaining these items can be a life-changing blessing
· Locally partnered with Elkton Area United Services, locations in Elkton and Charlottesville · Email requests to ElktonABF@gmail.com or call (434) 964-8934.
· Volunteer run program – part of Mission Central which is a faith-based ministry sponsored by the Shenan -
doah Valley District United Methodist Church
· Loans medical equipment to anyone in our community who has a need
· Equipment is gently used and donated by businesses and individuals within Harrisonburg and the surrounding counties
· Equipment is cleaned upon receipt and safety checks are performed before being loaned out
· Located at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, Harrisonburg. To contact, call 540-404-1159.
· Christian organization that lends durable medical equipment and disposables free of charge to those in the community who need them; see website for listing of items available and accepted donations — www.medicalcloset.org
EQUIPMENT, Page 6
learned to swim before she could walk. Gayle delights in the success of her students, whether 6 months or 80 years of age. She has taught lessons in exchange for vegetables, a Christmas tree, and a doll quilt for her previous classroom.
Currently, Gayle works with a resident who believed herself to be “unteachable.” Through Gayle’s patient instruction, this resident got used to the water, floated with support, and was ecstatic when she floated alone. She and others meet weekly for Gayle’s toning class. Gayle’s passion has led to Sunnyside becoming a Red Cross Learning Center, which will allow her to teach residents, staff, their children, and grandchildren.
Gayle recommends Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui, to better understand the healthy magic of swimming.
Tsui writes, “The act of swimming is a tonic, in that old-fashioned sense of the word: it is a restorative, a stimulant, undertaken for a feeling of vigor and well-being.”
Strength training and coffee bean roasting are two routines that keep Sunnyside resident, Jim Hairston, on the move.
As the project manager for the World Council of Credit Unions representing the Gates Foundation, Jim chose a bicycle as the preferred form of transportation. Protected with shin guards and a helmet, he cycled everywhere on the streets of Florida and Columbia’s capital city of Bogota.
Now, Jim takes pleasure in long walks and the world’s best-tasting coffee. He sources and orders fresh Arabica coffee beans, roasts them himself, grinds them to that wonderfully fragrant point, and then brews them.
Jim sometimes spends mornings working out with his ab wheel and then rides the elliptical and lifts weights. If it is Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, he walks to the Broaddus Vitality Center in the late afternoon for full body strength training. Jim’s commitment to healthy living defies his age!
Is it time to review your estate plan? Every July 1st, the statutory law of Virginia changes. Moreover, courts review and interpret law ever day. You should review your estate plan to take advantage of changes in the law. Whether you are planning for the distribution of assets at your death, naming someone to act for you during periods of incapacity, needing guidance through the murky waters of applying for Medicaid, or handling the estate of a lost loved one, we are here to help. Set your mind at ease by planning ahead for you and your loved ones at our convenient wheelchair-accessible downtown Harrisonburg location.
KAREN L. ROWELL, ESQUIRE
Email: krowell@clark-bradshaw .com
MATTHEW C. SUNDERLIN, CELA
Email: sunderlin@clark-bradshaw .com
CLARK & BRADSHAW, P.C.
92 North Liberty Street , Harrisonburg
Telephone: (540) 433-2601
Web: clark-bradshaw.com
We are a proud member of
Brain FROM PAGE 3
a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
· Practice Safe Driving: Adhere to traffic rules, avoid distractions while driving, and wear seatbelts to minimize the risk of motor vehicle accidents, which can result in severe head trauma.
Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley acts as a vital support system for individuals and families impacted by brain injuries. Through case management, support groups, and advocacy, we provide comprehensive aid tailored to each person’s unique needs. Our compassionate team offers guidance to ensure access to essential resources and fosters a supportive community environment for those navigating brain injury recovery.
Shenandoah Valley residents can benefit from our range of services, empowering them to overcome obstacles, regain independence, and thrive despite brain injury challenges. By incorporating brain health recommendations, adopting preventive measures against brain injuries, and utilizing our support, residents can safeguard their cognitive well-being and improve their overall quality of life in this beautiful region.
BBs FROM PAGE 4
be able to see what’s going on inside the nest box right outside the building.
Bluebirds are not usually part of the bird feeder scene, although they will sometimes use a suet block containing mealworms. During warm months, they perch on low branches, railings, or wires to search for insects on the ground, seeking habitats with
mowed grass in open areas with scattered trees. In winter, they need berries from native trees and shrubs.
If this describes your property, then you may attract them by providing a properly constructed nest box that opens easily, mounted on an electrical conduit pole with a predator guard placed in an open area with a tree or shrub nearby. Never mount it on a tree or fence post, as this provides easy access for snakes,
cats, and raccoons.
It is such a joy to watch bluebirds and other native birds raise their young, knowing that your efforts have helped make a positive difference!
For more information on how to help bluebirds and other native cavity-nesters, please visit the Virginia Bluebird Society at www.virginiabluebirds.org and North American Bluebird Society at www.nabluebirdsociety.org. Equipment
· Non-profit, community-based free loan program for durable medical equipment.
· Founded by Glossbreener UMC, St. James UMC, St. Peter’s Lutheran and Loch Willow Presb.
· Primarily serves Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro and surrounding counties
· Located in Churchville, VA. To contact, please call 540-324-6186 or email HelpFacility@Comcast.Net.
· A volunteer-led, 501©(3) nonprofit organization with seven Virginia locations: Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Lynchburg, and Winchester.
· Collects, sanitizes, and gifts a range of donated mobility-related rehabilitation equipment to low-income, uninsured or underinsured
adults in Virginia.
· Acquires and provides mobility-related rehabilitation equipment to maximize functional independence and improve quality of life.
· Depends on the support of the communities served through the donation of money, equipment or time to help neighbors in need · Complete an application @ www. free-foundation.org or call the Harrisonburg office at 540-564-5632
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.
First Friday of the month | 10:30 a.m. | Community Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg Second Thursday of the month l 1 p .m. l Summit Square, Waynesboro Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at 540-615-5341
Fourth Tuesday of the month | 3 p .m. | Sunnyside Retirement Community, Harrisonburg Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or 540-615-5341
Mondays at 3 pm or Wednesdays at 10:30 a .m. Third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. (Anticipatory Grief Support Group) Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or 540-615-5341.
First Thursday of the month |1011:30 am | Massanutten Regional Library, Harrisonburg Second Thursday of the month I 10-11:30 am l Waynesboro Public Library, Waynesboro Register: vpas.info/ caregiver-support or call VPAS at
540-615-5341.
Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19, 29 l 10:3011:30 a.m. l Summit Square, Waynesboro Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/dementia-awareness or 540-615-5341
June 6 l 2-3 p.m. l Waynesboro Public Library, Waynesboro Hosted by: Waynesboro Public Library Call (540) 942-6746 for more information.
June 6 and June 20 l 2-3 p.m. l Waynesboro Senior Services, Waynesboro Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/ recreation or 540-949-7141
June 8 l All day beginning at 9 a.m. l Weavers Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas. info/caregiver-support or 540-615-5341
June 8: Austin White, Physical Therapist July 13: John Wenger, DO August 10: George Blohm, Heart Failure Navigator Join Sentara providers for a short health topic and walk around the paved, hospital loop. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Park in Lot D and gather behind the hospital. Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month, 9am.
Art and Ed for Dementia Care Partners
June 12, and August 14 l 2-3 p.m. l Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater Hosted by: VPAS and Alzheimer’s Association Register: vpas.info/ caregiver-support or 540-615-5341
Health Fair
Saturday, June 15 l 10 a.m.-2p.m. l Sentara Timber Way Health Center, Broadway
Confident Caregiver Circle Support Group
June 17, July 15, August 26, Sept. 16 l 3-4:30 p .m. l Bridgewater Re -
tirement Community, Bridgewater Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/ caregiver-support or 540-615-5341
Your Health Now: Maintaining Your Balance and Mobility
Tuesday, June 18 l 11:00 a.m. l Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building conference rooms, Harrisonburg Presenter: Jeb Brittle, MPT, Physical Therapist Hosted by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Register: 540-564-7001
Your Health Now: Protecting Yourself from Scams and Financial Exploitation
Wednesday, July 10 l 1 p.m. l Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building conference rooms, Harrisonburg Presenter: Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department Hosted by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Register: 540-564-7001
Tues. July 16 l 2:00-3:00 p.m l Augusta County Library, Fishersville Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/ education or 540-942-1838
Wednesday, July 17 l 6:30 p .m. l JMU Festival Conference & Student Center, Harrisonburg Register: 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272) or sentara.com/events
Wednesday, July 24 l 1:30-4:30 p.m. l VPAS Senior Services, Waynesboro Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/ dementia-awareness or 540-949-7141
Thursday, August 15 Screenings will be offered Your Health Now: Dementia Friends Tuesday, August 27 l 3 p.m. l Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building conference rooms, Harrisonburg Presenter: Joyce Nussbaum, Director, Valley Program for Aging Services Hosted by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Register: 540564-7001
Friday, September 13 l 10 a.m. l Sentara RMH, Harrisonburg Presenter: Anne Martin, LCSW Hosted by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Register: 540-564-7001
Tues., Sept. 17 l 9 a.m. l Blue Ridge Community College Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/confident-caregivers-conferences or 540-615-5341
Thursday, Sept. 26 l 12:00-4:00 p.m. l Waynesboro Public Library Hosted by: VPAS Register: vpas.info/dementia-awareness or 540-615-5341
At Bridgewater Retirement Community, we offer abundant amenities, craft scrumptious cuisine, and provide excellent support so you can live your purpose. That's our purpose—to help you make the most of every day. It's how we've earned regional, state, and national recognitions, including “Best Continuing Care Retirement Community” from U.S. News. Come see for yourself what it means to live well.