SPRING/SUMMER 2017
A Health and Wellness Magazine of McHarrie Life Senior Community
The Power of Scent A Chapter a Day
A Motto to live by…
Keep S milin g Sneaky Everyday Foods High in Sugar
Pico De Gallo R
KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY…
o t g n i r Aspi spire In
pe
eci
d Insi
e
McHarrie
Independen
McHarrie Place
Health & Rehabilitation Center
Admissions: 315-638-2521 We are proud to announce the offering M c H a r r i e To w n e of our new Pulmonary/Respiratory Care Independent Living McHarri Services as part of our Rehabilitation Founda Program. We have partnered with Alana Healthcare, a national leader McHarrie Pointe Mand c Hinnovaarrie Place tor specializing in diseaseHealth management Assisted Living & Rehabilitation associated with respiratory-related illness. Residence Center Admissions: 315-638-2525 Our services are designed to improve the quality of life for those living with COPD, McHarrie Life Sage Court chronic respiratory failure, neuromuscular Foundation Memory Care @ McHarrie Pointe disease, and/or are currently hospitalized Admissions: 315-638-2525 and unable to care for themselves. Our program focuses on respiratory care optimization, disease education and symptom management. We apply a multi-disciplinary approach to optimize M c H a r r i e To w n e self-management, reduce symptoms, inIndependent Living crease participation in physical and social Admissions: 315-638-1172 activities, and help our patients reach their goals and return home. To request information about our programs, M catH a r r i M c H a r r i e P l aplease c e call 315-638-2521 or visit our website For more information, please contact Assisted Health & Rehabilitation www.mcharrielife.org. Emily Dingle, RN, Clinical Admissions Resid Center LifeTimes is a publication of McHarrie Life Coordinator at 315-638-2521. Senior Community 7740 Meigs Road McHarrie Life Baldwinsville, New York 13027 Foundation 315-638-2521
Mark Murphy, CEO
LifeTimes Editor: Kelly O’Neill-Rossi Director, Development & Marketing 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.
Spring into Health Say goodbye to those old health habits and hello to the new and improved you! Spring is the perfect time of year to make a few positive changes in your life that can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.
Enjoy nature.
Cut back on alcohol.
Drink more water.
Protect your skin.
Try a new outdoor adventure like paddle boarding, hike a new state park or have a picnic by the lake.
The overconsumption of alcohol dehydrates your body, and is linked to sleep disorders and certain types of cancer.
Increasing your water intake and eliminating sugary drinks can save up to 500 calories a day or more. Water also helps to keep you hydrated, especially on a hot day.
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed foods add very little (if any) nutrients to your daily diet. Visit your local farmer’s market to shop for fresh produce and experiment with new recipes. You’ll notice how much better you feel simply by eating food fresh from the earth.
Wear SPF 15 or higher before you venture out into the sunshine to help prevent skin cancer.
Meet up with friends and family.
Studies show that socially active people live significantly longer than those who stay home alone.
Just keep moving.
Aim to walk 10,000 steps or more a day. Many cell phones have free apps available to track your daily steps. The more active you are, the more calories you’ll burn!
2
8
14
4
10
16
Sneaky Everyday Foods High In Sugar Eating Tomatoes for Your Health
6
A Simple SittingRising Test May Predict Longevity
A Motto to Live by... Keep Smiling A Chapter a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
12
Words of Kindness Go a Long Way
Aspiring to Inspire The Power of Scent
Back Cover Save-the-Date
2
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Sneaky Everyday Foods High in Sugar Granola bars Tomato sauce Fruit juice Yogurt Muffins Canned fruit Cereal Vitamin Water Fruit smoothies Barbeque sauce Chinese take-out Energy drinks Canned soup Dried fruit Frozen yogurt Jams & preserves Ketchup Fruit snacks Bread Fat-free salad dressing
Most Americans consume 30 to 40 teaspoons or more of refined sugar per day. Most of this sugar comes from food products to which sugar has been added, such as soda, energy drinks, cereal, yogurt, etc. The American Heart Association encourages most women to eat or drink no more than 100 calories per day from added sugars. For men, it is recommended to consume no more than 150 calories per day from added sugars. Sugar provides zero nutrients, can add extra pounds to your body, and is linked to cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. When reading nutritional labels, keep in mind there are over 100 different names for “sugar” including; high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, corn sweetener, barley malt, fruit juice concentrates, and dextrose. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight so food items that list sugar sources near the top of the ingredient list or have several types of added sugar throughout the list have high added sugar content.
SPRING/SUMMER SPRING 2017
Daily Added Sugar Limit Men:
9 teaspoons 36 grams 150 calories
Women:
6 teaspoons 24 grams 100 calories
Fruit & Vegetable Shopping Tips
m m m m
Be sure to buy and eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables especially oranges, bananas, strawberries, apples, peas and beans. When fresh foods aren't available, choose frozen or canned vegetables and fruits in water without added sugars, saturated and trans-fat, or salt. Stock up on raw vegetables for snacks such as carrot and celery sticks, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and cauliflower.
o
For desserts, buy fresh or canned fruits (in water without added sugars), dried fruit (without added sugars), and gelatin that contains fruit, instead of baked goods and sweets.
Limit fruit juice. It doesn’t provide the fiber whole fruit does and it’s not as good at satisfying hunger.
Some cholesterol-lowering medications may interact with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, pomegranate and pomegranate juice. Please talk to your health care provider about any potential risks. Source: American Heart Association
3
 4
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
s e o t a m o T g n i t a E By Ryan Coomey, Dietar y Intern, Syracuse Home
r u o Y r Fo
Fresh Pico de Gallo Salsa Recipe Ingredients:
eds removed) 1 1/2 cups Roma tomatoes, chopped (se 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped ly diced 2 1/2 tablespoons jalapeno pepper, fine (leave seeds if you want a spicy salsa) 1/2 red onion, finely diced 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste) 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions:
tortilla chips, fajitas or tacos! Combine all ingredients and stir. Serve with
5
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Health N
ever mind the age old question, “is it a fruit or a vegetable?” Did you know that tomatoes can actually help your body fight off cancer? It’s true. The same antioxidant responsible for giving tomatoes their alluring red color is also responsible for fighting off free radicals. Free radicals are molecules in our bodies that attach themselves to our cells and cause a disruption and weakening in our immune system making us susceptible to certain diseases and cancers. The name of this cancer-preventing antioxidant in tomatoes is called lycopene. Studies show that lycopene can help prevent prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. There is also some evidence that cancers of the pancreas, colon, rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix could be reduced with increased lycopene intake. In addition, lycopene also helps to lower your blood pressure as well as reduce your body’s LDL (low density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol”). Now, understanding what lycopene is and the health benefits it provides from a scientific point of view, let’s discuss the best ways we can incorporate it into our daily diets.
How Many Calories in a Tomato? Nutrition Facts: One Italian Roma Tomato Calories = 11 Protein = .5 grams Carbohydrates = 2.4 grams Vitamin A = 10% Vitamin C = 14% Iron = 1% Magnesium = 1%
It’s important to understand that we receive more lycopene per gram through tomatoes that are cooked and processed, opposed to raw, and that accompanying our tomato intake with a small serving of fat will help move the lycopene into our bloodstream faster. Here’s a list provided by the Heinz Institute of Nutritional Sciences which contains some of the best lycopene sources; Product
Serving Size
Lycopene (mg/serving)
Tomato juice
250 mL (1 cup)
25.0
Tomato ketchup
15 mL (1 tbsp.)
2.7
Spaghetti sauce
125 mL (1/2 cup)
28.1
Tomato paste
30 mL (2 tbsp.)
13.8
Tomato soup (condensed)
250 mL prepared
9.7
Tomato sauce
60 mL (1/4 cup)
8.9
Chili sauce
30 mL (2 tbsp.)
6.7
Cocktail sauce
30 mL (2 tbsp.)
5.9
Watermelon
368 g (1 slice: 25 x 2 cm)
14.7
Pink grapefruit
123 g (1/2)
4.9
Raw tomato
123 g (1 medium)
3.7
6
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
A Simple Sitting-Rising Test May
H
ow well you can sit and rise from the floor without using your hands, knees or other body parts may predict your risk of dying prematurely.
In a study published in the European Journal of Cardiology, Brazilian physician Dr. Claudio Gil Araujo had more than 2,000 patients ages 51 to 80, take his SittingRising Test (SRT) as part of an exercise program at Clinimex Exercise Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro. People who
scored fewer than eight points on the test, he found, were twice as likely to die within the next six years compared with those who scored higher; those who scored three or fewer points were more than five times as likely to die within the same period compared with those
who scored more than eight points. According to Dr. Araujo, the idea for SRT came from observing his older, sedentary patients who could pass basic aerobic tests. “Many of them are able to bike or run on a treadmill,” said Dr. Araujo, “but if you asked them could
Falls Are No Laughing Matter n Each year, millions of older people, ages 65 and over, fall but less than half tell their doctors. n One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. n Each year, 2.8 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. n Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture. n Each year, at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. n More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways. n Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
7
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Predict Longevity you tie your shoes, it’s pretty difficult to do that. We realized not only aerobic fitness is important. You also need other things for your life: strength, flexibility, balance.” As we age, loss of flexibility and balance can greatly increase the risk of dangerous falls.
It Behooves You to Move & Improve 1 BALANCE
3 FLEXIBILITY
Purpose: Maintains standing and stability.
Try yoga, Tai Chi, and posture exercises for better balance. Results: Improves posture and walking ability. Also reduces risk of falling.
2 STRENGTH
Purpose: Develop stronger muscles and prevent bone loss by using repetitive motion or external resistance from body weight, machines, free weights, or elastic bands. Benefits: A stronger body helps make everyday activities much easier for you—like vacuuming, carrying groceries, opening a jar, getting in and out of a car, and lifting objects.
Purpose: Challenges the ability of your body’s joints to move freely through a full range of motion through stretches that involve movement to keep your muscles and joints supple and less prone to injury. Benefits: Helps your body stay limber and increases your range of movement for ordinary physical activities such as tying your shoes, turning your head, washing your hair, and playing with children.
* Consult with your doctor or personal trainer to help create an exercise program specific to your individual needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you take the SRT test and don’t score well, it does NOT mean you won’t live a long and healthy life. Keep in mind that SRT was designed to help assess strength, flexibility and balance to enable you to make changes that will help you live a stronger, longer, and healthier life. To watch a video demonstration of this test, visit www. youtube.com, and type in the search, “Claudio Gil Araujo Sitting-Rising Test.”
First, remove your shoes.
The Sitting-Rising Test
Source: Dr. Claudio Gilaraujo | ST Graphics, The Straits Times, www.straitstimes.com
if you have bad knees or hips, don’t try this exercise at home.
A depiction of the sitting-rising test (SRT), which involves standing, sitting, and then rising back up in a smooth motion without relying on the use of the hands or any other external help. The test is an indicator of a person’s physical fitness, including components such as balance, muscle composition, muscle strength and flexibility.
SCORING The test uses a 10-point scale. Movements of sitting and standing are scored on a scale of 1–5, and one point is subtracted if a hand or forearm is used for support. Half a point is subtracted for the loss of balance.
Hand: 1 point
Knee: 1 point
Forearm: 1 point
One hand on knee or thigh: 1 point
Side of the leg: 1 point
8
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
A Motto to live by…
KEEP S M W
hen asked what his secret is to longevity, 95 year-old McHarrie Pointe resident Jack Dobbins immediately replies, “Good genes!” Jack’s father lived independently until six months before he died at age 87. “This was an amazing milestone for him to reach since the average life expectancy for a person born in the late 1800’s was only 45,” says Dobbins. In addition to good genes, Jack is also a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and its connection to longevity. It was one of the many wonderful traits passed on to him from his own father that he continues to instill in his own family today. “We don’t focus on the negative—we enjoy each other, laugh and joke a lot. My motto is, ‘Keep smiling!” Born and raised in Ansonia, Connecticut, Jack met his future wife, Olga, when he was 18. “After I served 3.5 years in the U.S. Navy, we married after I returned home from active duty. We started our family in Connecticut, and were blessed to have four sons,” he says. Jack started his lifelong career as an employee of Suburban Propane, working his way up from truck driver, to service worker, and eventually retiring as district manager. His job required him to relocate his family five times within eight years before they permanently settled in Baldwinsville, New York. “I love to interact with others and regularly visit with my friends here. I feel that my ability to connect well with others is due to the many places we lived. We learned how to adapt to new places and new people every time we moved,” says Dobbins. During their retirement, Jack and Olga spent 15 years “snow-birding” to St. Augustine, Florida.
9
G
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
N I L I M
The Health Benefits of Positive Thinking l
Increases life span
l
Lowers rates of depression
l
Lowers levels of distress
l
Greater resistance to the common cold
l
Better psychological and physical well-being l
Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
As part of his lifelong exercise routine, he enjoyed daily walks on the beach, and became an avid reader of civil war books. “Olga and I loved to l Better coping travel, and frequently visited civil war battleskills during fields,” he says. hardships and As Olga’s healthcare needs began times of stress to change in 2011, Jack and his family Source: The Mayo Clinic made the difficult decision to move her to the safe, loving and caring environment of Sage Court Memory in social activities, parties and Care at McHarrie Pointe. “It was a special celebrations. “I especially really difficult decision to make, but love spending time outdoors on the best one for her safety and wellbeautiful days visiting with my being,” says Dobbins. friends,” he says. One year later, Jack also moved to “Despite past hardships and McHarrie Pointe assisted living, and loss, I’ve had such a good life, and was able to visit Olga at Sage Court I am very happy.” every day. “She received wonderful —JACK DOBBINS care from the staff until her passing in 2014,” he says. “We were married for 68 years. She was a rare individual who was often complimented for her wonderful ability to listen and help others. I had the honor of spending my life with her, and loved her very much.” Annual Family and Friends picnic in appy spring! Family has always been the most important June. McHarrie Pointe has a variety We had a long part of his life. “I feel so very grateful for all of activities to choose from to allow and busy winter but that I’ve been blessed with. Even though Olga fulfillment in your everyday life. If you we are so excited and I never had daughters of our own, we are interested in learning more about to get outside and McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living and plant our garden and always felt that our daughter-in-laws were how it could better serve you, please enjoy the warmth like the daughters we never had. They’ve all contact us at 315-638-2525. and fresh air. We been so wonderful.” —Maggie Reap, Director look forward to the Today, he is a proud grandfather of six, and Liverpool School of a great-grandfather of eight. Dance joining us to kick off spring at As a resident of McHarrie Pointe for the past our Spring Fest celebration and our five years now, Jack remains an active participant
“I especially love spending time outdoors on beautiful days visiting with my friends”
Looking Forward to Longer, Sunny Days
H
10
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
A Chapter a Day “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” DR. SEUSS
T
KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY…
here is nothing quite like getting lost in a good book. Along with the enjoyment of reading, there are also many health benefits associated with it. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. So here are five good reasons to read a book.
It increases intelligence and memory Studies have shown that reading can improve a person’s vocabulary, which leads to higher test scores and greater intelligence. Regular reading may help slow the decline in brain function and memory that comes with age, keeping the mind sharper longer. While we are reading, we’re continuously recalling plots, characters, histories, etc. It is a wonderful exercise for our brains.
Makes you more empathetic Books have the power to help individuals understand what others are thinking by reading their emotions. People who read fiction may have a better “theory of mind.” Theory of mind is the ability to understand that your own beliefs, thoughts, and desires are different from others. Understanding people’s emotional and mental states is an important skill that helps you foster relationships with others.
BY JANIS ROBB, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Helps you relax and reduce stress Your mind is invited to escape into a book that frees you from the stress that consumes everyday life. Losing yourself in a book can even relax your body by easing tension in muscles and lowering heart rate. Studies have found that reading can reduce stress better and faster than other relaxation methods.
Helps you fall asleep Since reading is relaxing, it can help you ease the transition between wakefulness and sleepiness. Having an ease between those two states can improve your sleep. Also establishing a nighttime routine of reading before bed signals your body that it’s time to calm down, destress and go to sleep.
May increase lifespan Research has not yet pinpointed why reading books may increase longevity, but researchers believe it may be connected to its cognitive benefits. Studies consistently show that reading boosts brain cell connectivity and keeps the mind healthy and active. According to a study conducted by Yale School of Public Health, people who read books regularly had a 20 percent lower risk of dying over the next 12 years compared with people who weren’t readers, regardless of other factors in their lives.
11
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
— s r e d a e R e y r r o S
PRINT STILL RULES 73% in the past year
of Americans have read
a book
65%
in have read a print book
the past year.
O N LY 2 8 %
e past year
th have read an e-book in
0 ly 4 ireadnprin1 t books on
Americans Only
6% read e-books only nter Source: Pew Research Ce
12
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
f o s d r o W ong L a o G A
Syracuse Home resident Helen Lester reads a special message written to her as part of the Foundation’s annual butterfly appeal.
“NEVER GET
TIRED OF DOING LITTLE THINGS FOR OTH ERS. SOMETIMES THOSE LITTLE THINGS OCCUPY THE BIGGEST PA R T O F T H E I R H E A R T S .” — U N K N OW N
paper butterfly with a special message written on it brings a smile to the face of nursing home resident Helen Lester. For the past five years, the annual butterfly appeal at Syracuse Home has deeply touched the lives of residents and their families. Over 400 generous individuals and local businesses have donated nearly $30,000 to the butterfly appeal since it began in 2011. Each year, donors return the paper butterflies with their donations to McHarrie Life. They can write a message to a current resident, remember a loved one or write any message they’d like. A trellis adorned with the paper butterflies is displayed in the nursing home’s main lobby during Memorial Day weekend for residents, staff, volunteers and family members to enjoy.
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
s s e n d n Ki … y a W I
n addition to the butterfly appeal, hundreds of kindhearted supporters participate in the annual holiday appeal each year. This past holiday season, several families decided to add their personal touches to the appeal by making dozens of handmade Christmas cards to distribute to nursing home residents. “We had the pleasure of delivering the cards to our residents. Words cannot express the pure joy they experienced when they opened each one. It really meant the world to them. Not only did the cards bring a smile to their faces, but they also proudly displayed them in their rooms,” says Kelly O’Neill-Rossi, Director of Development and Marketing at McHarrie Life Foundation. McHarrie Life Foundation’s mission is to raise funds for pro-
grams and services for McHarrie Life that are beyond the funding capacity of traditional county, state and federal sources. Gifts to the Foundation help support resident activities and programs, continuing education and improvements to our campus to help meet the rapidly changing needs of residents in our community. Thank you to the hundreds of wonderful donors who have touched the lives of our residents with their generosity and kindness throughout this past year.
13
14
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Aspiring to In It started with a dream.
S
everal years ago, a small group of McHarrie Life staff members gathered together with a common interest and goal—to create a fun, innovative and motivational employee wellness program. “In the 166-year history of our organization, we never had an employee-led wellness program, so we were all really excited to create our first,” says Kelly O’Neill-Rossi, Director of Development & Marketing at McHarrie Life Foundation, and Chair of the Inspire founding committee. With the support of management, the group began meeting in May of 2016. “Our first priority was naming the program, and designing a logo to represent it. We felt the word, ‘Inspire,’ truly
represented how we all felt to share new ideas, lifestyle choices and opportunities to encourage the mental, physical and emotional well-being of our staff,” says O’Neill-Rossi. Once the logo was finished, the creation of an “Inspire” bulletin board followed. It is located in a well-traveled area of the building and includes; recipes, a wide array of exercises for all fitness levels, fun facts, health tips and much more. Materials change on the board weekly. To date, Inspire has distributed hundreds of take-home recipes, exercise cards, health tips, fitness schedules and information about local events and happenings to staff. Discounted YMCA memberships are also available to all McHarrie Life employees. The committee meets every month after work to discuss new ideas, plan for the upcom-
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
15
spire ing month, and refine the program’s design. During its first year, Inspire hosted a summer kick-off walking event, Lights on the Lake Stroll Night, holiday cookie exchange and National Water Day Celebration. This spring, a new walking program with incentive prizes kicked off, along with a lending library of exercise DVD’s for staff. Special events, charity walks and celebrations are also scheduled throughout the upcoming year. Founding committee member and staff dietician Sue Brady mapped routes on the McHarrie Life campus for Inspire’s new walking program. “We wanted to offer our staff several pre-calculated walking routes both on and off our campus to make it easier to
exercise during lunchtime or after work,” says Brady. Vice Chair, Janis Robb created an indoor walking map with distances for anyone interested walking indoors at Destiny USA. “It is our hope that our wellness program inspires others to live a healthier lifestyle, learn something new, try new experiences and enjoy coming to work every day,” says O’Neill-Rossi.
Founding committee members include; (left) Janis Robb, Sue Brady, Kelly O’Neill-Rossi, Joanie Spencer, Mary Mosher, and Teri Tarolli.
“People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I've noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren't determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they're satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world” —Beth Clark
16
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
The Power —A Trip Down Memory Lane of Scent By Maggie Reap, Director of Residential Services of Sage Court Memory Care Program at McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living
SPRING/SUMMER 2017
The scent of lavender floats through the air as residents of Sage Court Memory Care enjoy an aromatherapy program especially designed for them. “It is amazing to see how aromatherapy helps reduce some of the behavioral and psychological effects of dementia like sleeplessness, agitation, confusion and depression, says Maggie Reap, Director of Residential Services at McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living.
T
he use of aromatherapy dates back to 3,500 B.C. when ancient Egyptians began using it for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Today, aromatherapy is defined as the practice of using natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled aroma of essential oils is believed to stimulate brain function. Additional health benefits associated with aromatherapy include; ability to reduce anxiety, boost energy levels, speed up the healing process, reduce headaches, boost cognitive performance, strengthen the immune system, reduce pain, improve digestion, and increase circulation. “Every day, we see and experience the unpredictable behaviors of our memory care residents. We are very hopeful as we continue to see the calming effects aromatherapy has on their daily lives,” says Reap. Currently, over 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, and by 2050, this number could rise as high as 16 million. “Without a medical cure for this disease, aromatherapy offers a safe and natural way to help ease the im-
pact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia without harmful side effects,” says Reap. The Sage Court aromatherapy program includes;
SCENT–SATIONS: This program is related to exploring the senses of smell and taste. It triggers memories that are recognizable based on familiar scent. For example, cinnamon triggers memories of baking apple pie at holiday time. As they begin to recognize different scents, and engage those memories, they begin talking about their memories and how those scents make them feel. This is a cognitive and reminiscent program that creates a positive environment.
THE AWAKENING PROGRAM: This program is designed to wake up the senses. Scents like peppermint and citrus enable residents to feel more energized and alert. They are encouraged to move to music or morning exercise programs to help increase blood flow and circulation. Music for rhythm, breathing exercises, movement of the body, sensation of touch/ texture, smells of citrus & peppermint and hydration are all used as part of the program to awaken the senses.
RELAXATION PROGRAM: This program promotes hand and body massage with scented lotions that induce calming behaviors. Scented lotions such as lavender, sage, jasmine and rose have been proven to reduce symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, as well as stress. Other benefits of massage include; increased feelings of comfort and well-being. Using dimmed lighting, meditation, positive thoughts, relaxing / calming music, and nature sounds to create a tranquil environment allows the mind to decompress. “We have found that the smallest comforts, whether it is the smell of fresh cut flowers, the warmth of a cozy blanket, or the taste of homemade apple pie, all make a world of a difference in the lives of our residents,” says Reap. If you would like to learn more about Sage Court Memory Care Program, please contact Maggie Reap, Director of Residential Services, at 315-638-2525.
17
MCHARRIE LIFE FOUNDATION 7740 MEIGS ROAD BALDWINSVILLE, NY 13027
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID BALDWINSVILLE NY PERMIT #6
McHarrie Life Volunteer Appreciation Recognition
Save-the-Date Join us as we celebrate you….
Our wonderful volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our residents every day.
Thursday, June 15th, 2017 | 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. | Red Mill Inn Invitations to follow….