Commun ty Matters Lawrence Presbyterian Manor
November 2014
Lifestyle changes key to Alzheimer’s prevention We now have a prescription that researchers think can delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not a pill, it’s a list of lifestyle choices. Results from a landmark study announced this summer show that having a healthy lifestyle may be the key. “It’s the first time we have been able to give people a kind of recipe for what is useful,” said Maria Carrillo, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Millions more will likely develop dementia as the baby boomers age. In the study, researchers looked at 1,260 people in Finland from 60 to 77 years old, who were at risk for Alzheimer’s. One group went on a lifestyle improvement program and the other group received general health advice. The results were dramatic. The lifestyle program included: Eat well: Start by adding fruits and vegetables to your regular diet. Ease out fats and fried foods, and always choose whole grains rather than highly refined bakery products. BRAIN, continued on page 4
Carol Ann Vernon is actively involved on several councils and committees at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Carol Ann Vernon Volunteering, just as her father once did Carol Ann Vernon has been a resident of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for eight years. In her time at LPM, she has been president of our Independent Resident Council and a member of our Library Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee. But those aren’t the only ties that bind Carol Ann to the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America family. Her father, R. Clair Anderson, was the first administrator at Kansas City Presbyterian Manor. After he retired from a career in accounting, Carol Ann’s father became involved in various activities, including serving as treasurer at the Synod office in Topeka and as president of the United Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas board of trustees. That’s also when his work with Presbyterian Manors began. His passion for the communities lasted throughout his life, as he was involved with fundraising and increasing awareness about PMMA. “He was very active and believed strongly in the Presbyterian Manors,” Carol Ann said. “So we had no hesitation about coming here when we decided a retirement home was something we’d like to do.”
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Prepare for a chill in the air and ice on the sidewalk
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Rhonda Parks, executive director Angela Fonseca, marketing and administrative services director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact afonseca@ pmma.org. Telephone: 785-841-4262 Fax: 785-841-0923 Address: 1429 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. LawrencePresbyterianManor.org
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Winter weather is always troublesome. The key to winter safety is prevention. It’s always good to review some cold weather basics before winter starts. Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Physical Therapist Kathleen McVay gives these tips to prepare yourself and stay comfortable during the cold months: • Stretch before you go outside. Warming up improves your circulation and limbers muscles. • Wear several loose layers of clothing; they will keep you warmer. • Stay hydrated! • Choose to use a walker instead of your cane. A walker provides more stability. • Use cleared sidewalks and roadways. And always keep an eye out for ice. • Stay inside.Don’t go out if you don’t have to. “The cold weather months are a great time to use the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor wellness room,” Kathleen said. “You can visit the wellness room on the fifth floor any time that’s convenient to you.” If you’re a newcomer to the wellness room, be sure to sign up for an orientation with Kathleen called “Get to Know the Wellness Room.” You can register for a personal tour on the second Wednesday of each month.
New decade, new locations, new services This month, we continue to look back at our history as Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America celebrates 65 years of the art of life.
The 1980s brought growth in independent living options on many Presbyterian Manor campuses. New duplexes and apartments were constructed in Parsons, Lawrence, Wichita and Salina. It also brought construction of two new campuses and health care additions at the Wichita and Rolla campuses.
The first scholarships were given in 1981. Those funds served as seed for today’s Employee Education Assistance Grants.
Consideration of additional campuses continued through the 1980s as well. Efforts to raise funds for a Presbyterian Manor at Hays were not successful, and By early 1980, the United after thorough study, the board Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas’ authorized sale of the property in joint project with the Manhattan June 1980. The next year, a group Retirement Foundation was open. of citizens in Emporia petitioned PMMA continued to provide for construction of a campus in that management services for the new community, and a period of study Meadowlark Hills until July 1, 1981. and fundraising began. Additional campuses in Missouri also were Salina Presbyterian Manor opened considered in Jefferson City and its doors in February 1980, Springfield. and work started on additional apartments almost immediately. The PMMA board voted to sell In addition to the expansion of Mid-Continent Presbyterian the physical plant, two important Manor, a campus formerly operated programs of PMMA began in 1980. by the Board of Pensions of the Residents, staff and advisory board Presbyterian Church of the United members were invited to submit art States. Residents of the campus, and poetry for potential inclusion in located in Kansas City, Mo., were the inaugural Art is Ageless calendar. given the option of moving to the Kansas City, Kan., campus. The sale A donor’s $10,000 gift established was completed in 1983. the Education Fund for PMMA employees, residents and trustees. New services and new needs also
From left, Salina Mayor Karen Graves, Milton Morrison and Harry Steele.
The newly constructed six-story independent living apartment building at Salina Presbyterian Manor.
were explored. With the support of the Synod of Mid-America, PMMA worked to establish a campus for severely physically handicapped adults in Hutchinson. Home health care for residents living independently on PMMA campuses was started in 1984. Piloted in Salina, the service was expanded to other campuses before the end of the year.
reading, pursuing a hobby, playing a musical instrument Move more: “We shouldn’t just be encouraging people or singing. Having a purpose involves brain flexing, as well. For this, you can set goals and follow through or to exercise, we should discourage them from being solve a problem, for example. sedentary,” one researcher said. Researchers found that moderate activity such as chores and walking – not just Social interaction: Social relationships foster high-intensity exercise such as jogging, swimming or support, and this connectedness, as we grow older, biking – can protect the thinking process. Taking a walk is critical to our wellness. When we converse, our after dinner is an excellent habit. Always consult your brains are busy dealing with the activities of listening, physician before beginning an exercise program. observing, understanding and conversing.You can Brain games: Two excellent ways to train your brain is combine some of these activities for added impact, such to flex it and have a purpose. Things you can do on your as playing cards, joining an exercise class, participating own include working a crossword puzzle or jumble, in a book club and attending a lecture. BRAIN, continued from page 1
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Lawrence Presbyterian Manor 1429 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049-3425 Return Service Requested
Lunch Bunch picnics at the park The Lunch Bunch recently held its annual picnic outing. They enjoyed a beautiful autumn day at Centennial Park. Everyone enjoyed themselves!
Pat Blair flies high at Centennial Park. 4
From left, Faye Young, Beverly Burrows, Jean Stokes, Ann Bricker, Carol Ann Vernon, Katie Cox, Marge Smith, Dorothy Maxwell, Jim Stokes, Marge Booher and Pat Blair.