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WHO CREATED THE
McHarrie Towne Resident Dave Greer— 78 years Young and Still Running Strong Helpful Precautions for a Safe Summer
Popeye Knew Best
Strong to the Finish— ’cause I eats me spinach
Word Search Puzzle?
Q& A
with McHarrie Life Staff
Making it All Add UpFred Miller Treasurer, McHarrie Life Board of Directors
Oh My Aching Knees
From the CEO A
s our country works tirelessly to vaccinate Americans, we remain hopeful that the worst of the pandemic is finally behind us. McHarrie We’ve welcomed back family members, and our Independent residents can now enjoy their much-awaited visits again. Although life isn’t yet quite the same, we’ve learned how to adapt to keep our residents safe McHarrie Place and well. Health & Rehabilitation Our professional staff continues to work hard Center all day, every day, to care for our residents. We Admissions: 315-638-2521 are beyond grateful for their efforts. We couldn’t M c H a r r i e To w n e have made it through this past year without our entire team’s McHarrie Independent Living perseverance, dedication, and commitment. Founda As we work together towards a semblance of normalcy, every step forward is a positive one. We hope that someday soon, our McHarrie Pointe McHarrie Place volunteers and local schoolchildren will return to our campus. Assisted Living Health & Rehabilitation They, too, are a valued part of our team and our organization’s Residence Center success and bring so much love and happiness to our residents’ Admissions: 315-638-2525 lives every day. We will get there, one step at a time. McHarrie Life
Together, as ever, as one.
Foundation
Sage Court
Memory Care @ McHarrie Pointe Admissions: 315-638-2525
M c H a r r i e To w n e Independent Living Admissions: 315-638-1172
Mark Murphy, CEO Check out our new website at www.mcharrielife.orgM c H a r r i e
To request information about our programs, please
or visit our website at P l acall c 315-638-2521 e www.mcharrielife.org.
Health & Rehabilitation is a publication of Center LifeTimes McHarrie Life Senior Community
McHarrie
7740 Meigs Road Baldwinsville, New York 13027 315-638-2521
McHarrie Life
LifeTimes Editor:FKelly o u nO’Neill-Rossi dation Director, Development & Marketing Contributing Writer: Kelly Acome
If you would like to add/remove your mailing address information, please email krossi@mcharrielife.org. McHarrie Life Senior Community is a not-for-profit organization that offers a continuum of healthcare programs and services for older adults including; independent living at McHarrie Towne, assisted living and memory care at McHarrie Pointe, and short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care at McHarrie Place. All programs and services are conveniently located at 7740 Meigs Road in Baldwinsville, New York.
Assisted Resid
Q& A
SPRING/SUMMER 2020–2021
Inside this Issue
2 with McHarrie Life Staff
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Dave Greer—78 years Young and Still Running Strong
12 Making it All Add Up-Fred Miller Treasurer, McHarrie Life Board of Directors
8 Oh My Aching Knees
14 Popeye 10 Helpful Precautions
for a Safe Summer
Knew Best
16 Who Created the Word Search Puzzle? The content in this magazine is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. Do not make any changes to your lifestyle, diet, medication or exercise routine without first discussing it with your doctor. No information in this magazine should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. Please consult with the appropriate medical professional for all of your healthcare needs and concerns.
Q& A
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with McHarrie Life S taff
Q:
I am currently in the hospital recovering from pneumonia. My doctor recommended shortterm rehabilitation to help rebuild my strength. I told the hospital discharge planner I would like to go to Syracuse Home for my rehabilitation, but she suggested another program based on availability. Do I have the right to choose my short-term rehabilitation program, or does the hospital decide for me? I feel like I don’t have a choice.
A:
Yes, you may choose your rehabilitation program. The hospital discharge planner will ask you for several choices but may encourage you to select one of their affiliated programs. Feel free to call our admissions department directly from the hospital to discuss your options. —Lori Crawford, PTA, Director of Rehabilitative Services, Syracuse Home
Q:
My cardiac surgeon anticipates that I will need short-term rehabilitation after my surgery. Is it possible for me to pre-plan my stay at Syracuse Home before my scheduled surgery?
A:
Yes, we can pre-plan your admission to our program. Please call us, and we will answer any questions you may have before your surgery. We can verify your insurance and complete the necessary paperwork to help make the transition from hospital to rehabilitation easier for you. —Karen Carson L.P.N., Admissions Coordinator
Q:
I am really struggling emotionally with the pandemic, especially after I was unable to visit my Mom at the nursing home for nearly a year. How can I get through these tough times?”
A:
I’ve been asked this question often by family members throughout this past year. As our country works relentlessly to vaccinate as many Americans as possible, we still struggle with an overabundance of health misinformation, new and concerning viral variants, social isolation, and the uncertainty of the pandemic future. An added stress for our resident family members is restricted visitation imposed by our state government to help stop the virus from spreading to our most vulnerable population. The restrictions change from day-to-day, which adds to the frustration of trying to keep ahead. We can make it through these tough times with the support of our loved ones and each other. Consider sending handwritten letters or cards to your
SPRING/SUMMER 2021
friends and family members in the mail. Continue to embrace technology and the many ways we can maintain social ties with each other. When possible, bypass texting and, instead, pick up the phone and call. There’s nothing better than a genuine human connection. We have many fears and approach the abyss of the unknown cautiously. We will once again enjoy the human touch and hug each other without fear. Love, trust, and compassion are our foundation, so let’s work together to keep the light of hope shining bright as we rise together in our community to end COVID-19. —Kristina Poff B.S., M.S. Ed.
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McHarrie Towne Resident Dave Greer—78 years Young and Still Running Strong
The Liverpool Lifesavers 12K, August 18, 1990— 1st place in his age group, 45-49.
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Q & A with Dave Greer How many years have you been a runner? I’ve been running for 50 years.
time. I no longer race but will never say “no” to the possibility of participating in another 5K.
What (or who) inspired you to run?
What is your favorite race/run?
My younger brother, Tom, ran track in high school and college. He encouraged me and bought my first pair of running shoes when I was 28 years old and living in New York City.
Do you compete in marathons or fun runs? I have never competed in a marathon. My longest race was the Phelps Sauerkraut 20K run. Most of my fun runs were 5K or 10K, and, at one point in my running life, I would participate in two or three fun runs a month; whenever I could find a race or the
I never had a favorite race. There were a lot of great races I participated in over the years. A few were the Baldwinsville Turkey Run, Paige’s Butterfly Run, and Geddes Grunt Run. I will never forget one particular race because it holds a very fond memory—the TAC Cross Country 8K in Boston on November 30th, 1991. I was lined up next to Bill Rodgers at the start and, after the gun went off, I never saw him again. He was probably home and showered before I even finished the race. Bill Rodgers is an American runner, Olympian, and former marathon record holder. It was very exciting to be lined up and competing against one of the greatest runners of my time.
Has your running routine changed over the years? Yes, it has changed a lot. At one point in my life, I would run five or six miles a day and throw in an occasional longer run up to 10 miles. I ran all year long—the weather did not matter. Today, if I run six miles, I feel like I’ve had a fantastic day. Of course, my pace has fallen off dramatically, too.
What is your current running routine? When the weather is good, I try to run three or four miles a day or longer depending on how I feel, 3-4 days a week.
Do you feel that running impacts your health? Yes, I believe running has a positive impact on my health along with other forms of exercise.
Do you prefer to run alone or with friends? I much prefer and have always run alone. It allows me to set my own pace. When I raced, my friends told me that I started too fast and had nothing left at the end, but that was the way I ran.
Are there any other forms of exercise you do? Yes. I like to use the gym at the McHarrie Towne Center 4-5 days a week in the winter/colder weather months. I also do stretching and light workouts at home, including; sit-ups, rollouts, lunges, and weight lifting.
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The 7th American General Classic 5K and 10K, June 11th, 1988
Why do you run? I run to stay in shape for GOLF! Actually, I have enjoyed running for many years, and it just became a great habit. I’ve had three sports that I consider my favorites; downhill skiing, running, and golf. I no longer ski but still run and play golf. In addition to his active lifestyle, Dave dedicates his time to help others through volunteerism. He was nominated “Volunteer of the Year” in 2018 by the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center. “I have participated in volunteer work since the early 1990s. One memorable event was when I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Syracuse to build five houses in one week. It was called, “Five in Ninety-Five.” It was in the middle of June 1995 and very, very hot. I worked with some great teams to complete this project.” Dave also proudly served in the U.S. Navy. Upon discharge, he moved to New York City, where he met his wife, Randa, and pursued a job with a steamship company. “I started in the mailroom and worked in accounting, marine personnel, claims, and sales. In 1981, I was transferred to Skaneateles as District Sales Manager.” When the company went out of business, Dave worked with two other transportation companies in sales, covering the upstate New York territory until his retirement in 1994; however, the word “retirement” isn’t an accurate description of Dave’s busy and active life today!
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Oh My Aching Knees
K
nee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. It is typically the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage, overuse, prolonged sitting, or medical conditions, including; arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout, or infections.
Remember your previous injuries. Having a previous knee injury makes you more susceptible to injuring it again.
Low-Impact Joint-Friendly Activities
n Biking n Swimming So what can you do to help protect your knees as you age? n Tai chi Maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight increases stress on n Walking knee joints, even during daily activities such as walking or stair climbing. n Water aerobics It also increases the risk of osteoarthritis by accelerating the breakdown n Yoga of joint cartilage. One of the best things for you to do is to stay as active as possible Do not smoke. Smoking increases inflammation in your body— without overdoing it. Participate in activities that are realistic for your age. making it harder for your joints and bones to heal. An orthopedic surgeon can help determine what activities are appropriate if you have an injury or aging muscles, ligaments, or cartilage; however, Follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Lowering surgery is not always the answer. “If surgery is not necessary, a physical inflammation in your body can help keep your joints healthy. The therapist may help—they will create a safe exercise program for you that Mediterranean diet contains berries, nuts, and leafy greens—all will promote healthy knees and make adjustments to help you function in known to fight inflammation naturally. everyday life. If surgery is necessary, there is also a great benefit to physical Increase muscle strength and therapy before surgery and following surgery,” says Lori Crawford, flexibility. Strong muscles help stabilize Director of Rehabilitative Services at Syracuse Home. and protect your joints, and muscle flexibility Seek medical help as soon as you feel any discomfort can help you achieve a full range of or pain in your knees. It may prevent major complicaDid you know? motion. tions or surgery in the future. You will reduce the load on Stay hydrated. Keeping your If you or someone you know needs short-term your knee joints by four pounds with body well-hydrated helps your joints rehabilitation for joint replacement, stroke, every extra pound you lose. That means stay lubricated and healthy. cardiac/post-operative surgery, illness, or accident, if you lose 10 pounds, it is 40 pounds Eliminate or limit please contact our admissions department at less weight in each step for your knees to high-risk sports and 315-638-2521. support. Less pressure means less wear activities. Some sports put and tear on your knees and a lower excessive stress on your knees. risk of osteoarthritis. Downhill skiing, basketball, volleyball, jumping rope, and running may increase your knee injury risk.
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Helpful Precautions for a Safe Summer
L
ast summer, Barbara was in her car stopped at a red light when her backseat passenger window suddenly shattered. “A man was mowing on a commercial lawn mower next to my car. The mower threw a huge rock so hard that it shattered the window glass all over my friend who was sitting in that exact spot. The rock could have killed her had she not just closed the window.” Each year across the United States, on average, more than 6,000 people sustain serious injuries — including burns, cuts, and broken bones — in lawn-mower accidents, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins researchers, published in the journal of Public Health Reports. Warm weather and longer days bring us all outdoors to enjoy yard work, gardening, pool parties, beach days, and boating. Unfortunately, emergency rooms are the busiest during the summer months. We know how important it is to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen throughout those hot summer days, but how else can you stay safe this summer?
Look before you leap. Lakes and
beaches are popular destinations during the summer. Alcohol consumption can lead to impaired judgment while boating, swimming, and diving. Make sure to not ever dive off of a boat unless you are certain that the water is deep enough to avoid injury.
Drowning is silent. The #1 cause
of death in children ages 1-4 is drowning. When using wading pools or buckets, empty them immediately and turn them upside down. Always designate a responsible adult to watch the children while they swim, especially at family beach days and pool parties. Do not use a cell phone while supervising children who are swimming. It only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown.
Don’t get burned.
In 2014-2018, an average of 19,700 patients annually went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Nearly half of the injuries were thermal burns, including both burns from fire and from contact with hot objects. Ensure your grill is used outdoors only, and keep it clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the trays.
Fight the Bite. Ticks and mosquitoes
feed on the blood of humans and animals to survive. Unfortunately, they both carry dangerous diseases and viruses that may negatively impact your health. Protect yourself by wearing light-colored clothing that covers your body, use insect repellent as directed, and avoid tall grassy fields and areas of stagnating water.
Buckle up. The summer months record the highest number of fatal car accidents in the United States each year. The top causes? Drunk driving, excessive speed, cell phone distraction, and not wearing a seat belt. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt, including those in the backseat. It saves lives.
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Making it All Add Fred Miller, Treasurer, McHarrie Life Board of Directors
F
By: Audrey Gibbs, Director of Philanthropy red Miller is a valued board director, donor, volunteer, and friend, who has been involved with McHarrie Life for more than 30 years. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, his father’s career moved the family around a bit. Eventually, at the age of 15, the family settled near Philadelphia. Fred attended Westminster College in Western Pennsylvania. He met his wife, Karen, also a student at Westminster, on what was obviously a successful blind date. Karen grew up in Kenmore, New York, near Buffalo. After they were married in 1973, Fred and Karen moved to Liverpool. In 1980, they moved to Baldwinsville and bought an older home in the village. The couple raised two boys in Baldwinsville, their son Andrew resides in Williamsville, near Buffalo, New York, and Jeff lives in College Park, Maryland. Fred and Karen have four grandchildren, three boys, and one girl. Happily retired, Fred boasts a successful career in banking. Upon graduating from college, he joined Marine Midland Bank’s Officer Training Program in Syracuse. Shortly after completing the training program, he became a commercial loan officer. The bank merged the Utica, Syracuse, and Watertown offices. Fred was centralized at Marine Midland Bank in Syracuse until the early 1980s, and in 1984 he accepted an offer from Manufacturers
Hanover, where he managed a team of commercial lenders. In the early 1990s, he joined Chase, which later became JP Morgan Chase. Fred retired from Chase, but after a year of retirement, he chose to go back to banking with First Niagara Bank, retiring from that position in 2016. Karen is a retired middle school teacher who, after teaching one year in Kenmore, NY, enjoyed a 34-year career in the Central Square school district. Joining the Auxiliary in the 1980s, Fred was invited to be a director of the Syracuse Home Association Board in 1995. He recalls that Gil Murray ran the first meetings he attended. It was an exciting time for the organization. After many years of conversations, planning, and studies, construction was soon to begin on McHarrie Towne Independent Retirement Community. Fred’s quick financial mind made him a valued asset right from the start. Throughout his volunteer tenure with McHarrie Life, he has held the role of Treasurer for the Board of Directors several times, leading the organization into the future with exceptional financial vision. Fred and Karen are generous donors to McHarrie Life Foundation. Their support is gifted to each of the Foundation’s programs; annual giving, support of the Afternoon of Theater fundraiser, leadership giving, major gifts, and planned giving. During the Capital Campaign
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Up-
a t D e e h t e v Sa Mark your calendar… 20th Annual Afternoon of Theater Sunday, December 5th Syracuse Stage
that helped to build the new 80-bed long-term care wing, and develop McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living, they made a generous gift in memory of Karen’s sister Ingrid, who, very sadly passed away suddenly and too young. When asked what fuels their generosity, Fred will say that he has been involved with the organization long enough to know the good work that is being done, and he likes to support the fine staff of McHarrie Life. He credits his parents with teaching him life’s most important skills, and the drive to work hard, do your best and give back to the community.
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—all proceeds benefit resident programs and services
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Popeye Knew D
id you know that spinach consumption increased by nearly 35 percent in the United States after Popeye made his cartoon debut in 1929? Spinach is a superfood that packs a powerful nutritional punch to your diet. It is one of the most popular green, leafy vegetables in the world due to its rich source of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Although Popeye’s canned spinach isn’t the healthiest option due to its high sodium content (310 mg for just a half cup), it still provides ample vitamins and nutrients. Ideally, your best choice is frozen spinach. One cup of frozen spinach has more than four times the amount of nutrients, such as fiber, folate, iron, and calcium, than a cup of fresh spinach. According to the USDA, almost 90% of the U.S. population does not meet the recommended daily intake of vegetables. As part of an overall healthy diet, consuming a variety of vegetables and fruits may reduce heart disease risk, including heart attack and stroke, and protect against certain types of cancer.
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Best
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Strong to the Finish— ’cause I eats me spinach
Here are some easy ways to include spinach in your diet. ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Add it to a smoothie—it doesn’t impact the flavor and adds an extra dose of nutrients Stir it into your pasta dish during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking Include it in your omelet—eggs and spinach pair well together Make it a pizza topping—it’s a great way to boost your pizza’s nutritional value Use it as a salad base—or mix it with your favorite greens Add it to a wrap, sandwich, or flatbread Make a spinach and artichoke dip
Believe it or not, spinach is not for everyone. The high oxalate levels in spinach can increase the risk of kidney stones. It is also not recommended for those who take anti-coagulating medication or have inflammatory diseases. To learn more about healthier ways of eating, visit www.myplate.gov.
d Recipe SERVES 2 Strawberry Spinach Sala Ingredients: 5 cups fresh spinach ½ cup blueberries ¾ cup raspberries d ½ cup strawberries, halve se ee ¾ cup crumbled feta ch onds ½ cup walnuts or sliced alm ing ess dr d One bottle of poppy see Instructions: strawberries, , blueberries, raspberries, In a bowl, add the spinach feta cheese, and nuts. s to combine seed dressing. Gently tos Drizzle salad with poppy and serve immediately.
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W|H|O C|R|E|A|T|E|D T|H|E
T
Word Search
https://thewordsearch.com
he first Word Search puzzle debuted on March 1st, 1968, in Norman, Oklahoma. It was created by Norman E. Gibat and published in his small classified-listings newspaper called the Selenby Digest. The puzzle was a 20×20 grid with the names of 34 Oklahoma cities overlapping vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. Word Search puzzles were instantly popular across the United States, especially among educators. Teachers use word search puzzles as a fun and educational tool for students. Today, people worldwide continue to solve Word Search puzzles, especially with languages that use the Latin alphabet. They are also known as Word Find, Word Seek, Word Sleuth, and Mystery Word. Studies have shown that Word Search and other puzzles can improve memory, focus, vocabulary, and overall mental capacity. They can help you expand your vocabulary, relax your mind, and increase your sense of accomplishment. Try your hand at the McHarrie Life Word Search!
Syracuse Home Helpful Empathy Wellness Memory Care Staff
Volunteers Happy Towne Center Exercise Residents Comfort
Caring Auxiliary Family Nursing Health
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Puzzle?
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MCHARRIE LIFE FOUNDATION 7740 MEIGS ROAD BALDWINSVILLE, NY 13027
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID BALDWINSVILLE NY PERMIT #6
I want to give her the very best life.
If you care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, we are here to help you. Our beautiful Sage Court Memory Care Program at McHarrie Pointe offers compassionate care in a beautiful home-like setting. Rest assured, we treat our residents like family. With a full range of daily activities and day trips, we help your loved one live an active, happy, and fulfilling life surrounded by our loving, compassionate staff. Please call us at 315-638-2525 to learn more about our wonderful program.
