Health and Wellness

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The Big Question:

“What do you do at the Sacramento SPCA?” The answer is…WHAT I do is really the WHY.

By Dawn Foster As an aspiring trail runner, yoga student and avid animal enthusiast in our community, I’m often in the company of new friends looking to exchange pleasantries and on occasion, connect on a deeper level. As human nature would have it, the inevitable “What do you do?” question usually pops up very early on in conversation.

Simple question, right? We all know they are really asking “What do you do for a paycheck?”

Since most of us have many commitments, passions, and interests, we often find it difficult to adequately answer that question. For me, the response usually begins with, “I work at the Sacramento SPCA,” which typically inspires a smile from the inquiring party, because let’s face it, most people (though not all) are happy to talk about animals, especially their own pets.

After the usual exchanges about the pets in both our lives, the next question is typically, “What do you do at the Sacramento SPCA?” Okay, here’s where things get interesting. I could easily respond by reciting my title, providing a brief job description, and putting my SPCA staff hat on - but I don’t. At that moment, I take the opportunity to connect with that person as myself; an animal lover, supporter, volunteer, advocate AND staff member of the Sacramento SPCA. Yes, I work on the marketing team at the shelter, but being paid for helping connect people and animals in our community is a privilege. It’s certainly not what motivated me to reach out to the organization five and a half years ago as a volunteer and it’s not what drives me today as a paid team member.

What does motivate me to give my time, talents, heart and finances to this organization, you ask? It’s the opportunity to connect people and animals to the resources, support and experiences they deserve in this community. And that’s exactly what the Sacramento SPCA does.

I could simply share (and often do) with new friends, the Sacramento SPCA’s incredibly impressive statistics - to really capture the magnitude of the shelter’s work in our community.

When I mention that the shelter’s spay and neuter clinic performed 18,370 low-cost or no-cost surgeries in 2018, administered 16,261 low-cost and no-cost vaccines, fostered more than 1,000 under-aged or injured animals and adopted almost 3,700 animals in a single year - eyes widen and jaws drop. And that’s before mentioning the low-cost wellness, behavior and training and humane education programs. This typical physical reaction is soon followed by,“I had absolutely no idea that the SPCA did all of that!”

And in the next breath, I hear, “So is this all done at the shelter on Front Street,” or “are you A-2

Setting aside the extremely impressive Sacramento SPCA stats and the lengthy animal welfare definitions, let’s get to the good stuff.

I connect with others, both people and animals as an animal lover, supporter, volunteer and staff member through my relationship with the Sacramento SPCA - and when appropriate, I share some of these impactful moments with others.

They are as vast and diverse as the thousands of animals helped annually through the Sacramento SPCA programs and services - and hearing about them makes us all feel more connected to one another.

Here are some of my favorites - enjoy.

Pictured: Dawn hugging Winston, the pup she and her husband fostered and later adopted through the Sacramento SPCA’s Pawspice Adoption program, which allows terminally ill pets to receive palliative care and live out their remaining days with a loving family.

at the Bradshaw location”? Whereas I quickly respond, “No, but I’m so happy you asked.”

Join the crowd, you’re not alone. Most people have the same jaw-dropping response to our stats and questions about locations and affiliations. Even those who are currently using some of our services are confused, which is a bit disheartening because it’s “my job” to ensure that our community is aware of the life-saving programs available to them at the Sacramento SPCA. Ironically, before I joined as a full-time team member, I was just as uninformed.

So how and why has this happened?

With so many names advertised in our community, there is confusion surrounding what each animal welfare agency does and how they are connected (on both a local and national level). For instance, in the Sacramento area, we are incredibly fortunate to have three large animal shelters dedicated to helping homeless pets find new homes; the Sacramento SPCA, the only 100% non-profit shelter (governed by a volunteer board and funded by donors); and

two municipal shelters, the City of Sacramento Animal Services on Front Street and Sacramento County Animal Services on Bradshaw (both operated by government agencies and funded by county and city tax revenue.) There are also dozens of local rescue groups.

And, if you are still with me after that data dump - on top of that, you are also exposed to commercials on television and social media advertising the ASPCA (Association for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), which advocate for animals on a national stage, but do not operate shelters in your community.

I know what you’re thinking, that is a lot of info to process. The good news is, even though these organizations are individually operated and funded, they all do great work on behalf of people and animals and often work together to help the community.

Okay, I know that was a bit of a definition detour and I’ll apologize for momentarily placing on my “marketing hat,” but I promise to get back to the original question. “What do you do at the Sacramento SPCA?”

It’s the moment when a volunteer’s face lights up when you inform them that their favorite dog, Charlie, an overweight, senior German Shepherd who had been on the adoption floor for almost a month, was finally adopted over the weekend.

It’s walking through the adoption center, and while in the process of helping a potential adopter find their way around the facility, they take the time to tell you about the recent loss of their 15-year-old Maltese mix and best friend - and how they are finally ready to connect with another pet.

It’s spending a few moments in Tiger’s Habitat, our community housing for older cats, to feel the thunderous purring of a giant orange tabby, because my overly interested dog at home won’t give me permission to adopt a kitty of my own.

It’s the moments when, as the only owner surrender facility in Sacramento, we say yes to help people and animals in crisis; whether they just lost their home and can’t take their pet to the new space or their pet was severely injured and they can’t afford a costly surgery. It’s also the comfort of them knowing their pet will receive the compassionate care it deserves.

It’s treating unexpected medical conditions that are discovered by our spay and neuter clinic team - ailments as simple as an umbilical hernia requiring a few stitches or as complicated and serious as a life-threatening uterine infection. It’s the look on an owner’s face when see their best friend carried by staff into the clinic lobby to greet them after surgery.

It’s watching your closest friends and co-workers care for underaged, injured or shut down animals in their offices and homes, fostering for days, weeks or even months. It’s watching those animals thrive and get adopted. It’s also supporting those same individuals when they’ve done absosee SPAC page 3

Health & Wellness • June 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

SPCA:

continued from page 2

lutely everything they could to save an animal, but it just didn’t end the way we all had hoped.

It’s the experience of fostering my own special needs puppy for three months, falling in love, and after learning he had a terminal disease, permanently adopting him into our family and enjoying another six months of precious time together before he succumbed to the illness. It’s also the animal care team supporting me, my husband and so many other pet owners with compassionate hearts as we said goodbye to our beloved pet.

It’s the life-long friendships I’ve made with people who adopted my fostered animals - seeing each animal flourish in their new home - and oh, the joy of receiving regular text updates and photos.

It’s the comfort and support that animals and people experience when they bring their pet, whether young or old, to see a veterinarian for the first time in their lives at our weekly low-cost wellness clinic.

It’s the pleasure of meeting very special animals and people at community events - learning more about their unique journey and not expecting how their personal stories will impact you forever.

It’s watching the SPCA staff extend individual attention and compassion the animals in our care, whether that’s sitting by their side in the kennel or bringing extra special treats from home. It’s feeling the joy of 100 staff members simultaneously

hearing over the intercom that a long-term resident has finally found their forever family.

For all of these moments and so many more, I am grateful - to be in the company of dedicated staff members, volunteers, supporters, and community partners - all committed to connecting people and animals to the resources, support and experiences they need and deserve. I hope that everyone who reads this has already, are currently, or will soon experience this type of connection with a mission that is meaningful to them. Because its something we all crave, to be part of something greater than ourselves.

Think about that next time someone asks you, “What do you do?�

If you are still looking for the right organization to tap into your WHAT and WHY, and you have a particular fondness for companion animals - might I suggest you visit www.sspca.org to check out the numerous ways you too can connect with this great community? Happy Tails‌ Bio: Dawn Foster is the Marketing & Communications Director for the Sacramento SPCA. Before joining the organization as a full-time staff member three years ago, Dawn volunteered for the shelter as a non-paid graphic designer. In addition to her passion for helping animals, Dawn enjoys running, yoga, hiking and various other outdoor activities with her husband and their two dogs, Abby and Magnus.  She can be contacted at dfoster@sspca.org

Dawn spending quality kennel time with Tyson, a young, 101 pound Leonberger pup who was recently adopted at the Sacramento SPCA.Â

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Health & Wellness • June 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

What is forest bathing?

The mood-boosting feeling of rejuvenation many people experience while spending time in nature is not in their heads. In fact, researchers in parts of Asia have long since studied and documented the benefits of spending time in nature.

Developed in Japan in the 1980s, the practice of Shinrin-yoku, often referred to as “forest bathing,” has become a part of Japanese medicine.

According to Shinrin-yoku.org, the premise behind forest bathing is that spending time in nature via a relaxing walk can prove calming, rejuvenating and restorative.

The benefits of spending time in nature have long been suspected, but only recently has scientific research begun to indicate just how beneficial such time can be. In 2018, researchers from the University of East Anglia

released a report indicating some eyeopening benefits of living close to nature and spending time outside. In the report, researchers linked exposure to greenspace with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. In addition to those benefits, Shinrin-yoku.org notes that research indicates forest bathing can improve mood; increase one’s ability to focus, even among children diagnosed with ADHD; accelerate recovery from injury or illness; and improve sleep.

The approach to forest bathing promoted by Shinrin-yoku.org combines leisurely walks on paths under a forest canopy with guided activities. Such activities are designed to open the senses, help people hone their intuition and experience the forest as they

never had before. Mindfulness meditation practices also may be included in a forest bathing session.

Men and women interested in learning more about the benefits of forest

bathing can contact their physicians to discuss the role nature can play in improving their overall health. More information is available at www.shinrin-yoku.org.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2019 • Health & Wellness

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Do a digital detox “Cleanse” diets are designed to help people clear their bodies of foods that might have an adverse effect on their health. Many people find such diets effective, prompting others to wonder if a digital cleanse, particularly while on vacation, might produce equally beneficial results.

Advances in technology make it possible for people to essentially be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Free Wi-Fi is available at restaurants, rest stops and hotels and beckoning people to stay connected. In fact, according to information from Hotels. com, free hotel Wi-Fi has become the most sought after amenity at resorts and places to stay. But is there a price to pay by remaining so available to work and other outside influences while traveling for recreation?

Studies have shown that unplugging while on vacation — or at other times — can boost meaningful conversations and more. The study, “Can you connect with me now? How the

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presence of mobile communication technology influences face-to-face conversation quality,” indicates devices can negatively impact closeness, connection and conversation quality, essentially interfering with human relationships.

Phones and other digital devices also force people to multitask. Evidence suggests that multitasking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, leading to preventable errors and actually delaying the completion of tasks. A 2010 study from researchers in France found that the human brain can handle two complicated tasks relatively easily because it has two lobes that can divide responsibility equally between the two. Add a third task, however, and it can overwhelm the frontal cortex and increase mistakes. Trying to multitask on vacation can lead to stressful feelings and not being fully immersed in the experience.

Being connected while on vacation may leave a person dealing with

Save the phone for fun selfies on vacation rather than for keeping connected on stresses from back home.

stresses they normally would avoid until returning home. A study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life indicates that stress accrued on vacation can cause people to feel like they had lower energy at work after returning from a relaxing vacation.

Taking a step back from their phones, tablets and laptops while vacationing can help people make the most of their getaways. Such a break can promote mindfulness, encourage people to try new things and lead to more meaningful conversations with travel companions.

Health & Wellness • June 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Foods that promote healthy hair and skin Millions of people across the globe deal with conditions that affect the skin and hair. Acne is a skin and hair ailment that, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is the most common skin condition in the United States.

But what if the foods people eat could affect the health of their hair and skin?

There is evidence that they can. Foods that contain certain nutrients, phytochemicals and enzymes may help people develop healthier hair and skin. • Blueberries: The U.S. Department of Agriculture gave blueberries its top ranking for antioxidant activity. The antioxidants in blueberries neutralize free radicals and protect people from premature aging, which can help the skin look younger and more vibrant. • Eggs: Eggs are great sources of protein and biotin, which are two nutrients that may help promote hair growth.

The health and wellness information site Healthline says biotin is essential

for the production of a hair protein called keratin. • Fatty fish: Fatty fish, such as salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Ciara Foy, a Toronto-based holistic nutritionist, says about 3 percent of the hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also found in cell membranes and in the natural oils that keep the scalp and other areas of the skin hydrated. • Red bell peppers: These peppers contain more vitamin C than oranges.

According to dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll with Compass Dermatology, vitamin C is an antioxidant precursor to collagen production, so consuming more vitamin C through foods can neutralize free radicals that could damage skin. • Spinach: Trade lettuce for spinach, which is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and much more. These nutrients can be the building blocks of healthy skin and hair.

• Oysters: Nutritionist and author Lisa Drayer says oysters are good sources of zinc, which aids in skin cell renewal and repair. • Coconut: Coconut water is great for hydration and contains potassium, an electrolyte that moves nutrients into the cells.

Coconut oil also can be used to boost hair health as a pre-wash conditioning treatment.

The secret to beautiful skin and hair may be hiding in plain sight at your local supermarket.

Snack on something healthy Healthy snacks are a great way to quell hunger pangs without feeling guilty. The following recipe for “Cauliflower Popcorn� from Bob Blumer’s “Surreal Gourmet Bites� (Chronicle Books) is a sweet-tasting alternative to unhealthy snacks.

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head cauliflower tablespoons olive oil tablespoon salt (or, for a salt-free alternative, Mrs. Dash table blend)

Preheat oven to 425 F. Cut out and discard cauliflower core and thick stems. Trim remaining cauliflower into florets the size of golf balls. In a large bowl, add cauliflower, olive oil and salt.

Toss thoroughly.

Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet (line with parchment paper, if available, for easy cleanup). Roast for 1 hour, or until much of the floret has become golden brown. (That’s the caramelization process converting the dormant natural sugars into sweetness. The browner the florets, the

sweeter they will taste.) Turn 3 or 4 times during roasting.

Use crumpled up aluminum foil or paper towels to create a false bottom in your popcorn container, fill it with cauliflower, and serve immediately.

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www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2019 • Health & Wellness

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AGING IN PLACE: Growing Old at Home You may share the o�enheard wish—”I want to stay in my own home!” The good news is that with the right help you might be able to do just that.

Staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.” This ar�cle contains sugges�ons to help you find the help you need to con�nue to live independently.

PLANNING AHEAD TO STAY IN YOUR HOME Planning ahead is hard because you never know how your needs might change. The first step is to think about the kinds of help you might want in the near future. Maybe you live alone, so there is no one living in your home who is available to help you.

Maybe you don’t need help right now, but you live with a spouse or family member who does. Everyone has a different situa�on.

AGING IN PLACE: Common Concerns - If staying in your home is important to you, you may s�ll have concerns about safety, ge�ng around, or other ac�vi�es of daily life.

GETTING AROUND—at home and in town. Are you having trouble walking?

Perhaps a walker would help.

If you need more, think about ge�ng an electric chair or scooter. Do you need someone to go with you to the doctor or shopping? Volunteer escort services may be available.

SAFETY. Are you worried about crime in your neighborhood, physical abuse, or losing money as a result of a scam? Talk to the staff at your local Area Agency on Aging. If you live alone, are you afraid of becoming sick with no one around to help? You might want to get an emergency alert system.

HOUSING. Would a few changes make your home

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easier and safer to live in?

Think about things like a ramp at the front door, grab bars in the tub or shower, nonskid floors, more comfortable handles on doors or faucets, and be�er insula�on.

HELP DURING THE DAY. Do you need care but live with someone who can’t stay with you during the day? For example, maybe they work.

Adult day care outside the home is some�mes available for older people who need help caring for themselves.

The day care center can pick you up and bring you home.

If your caretaker needs to get away overnight, there are places that provide temporary respite care.

WHAT SUPPORT CAN HELP ME STAY AT HOME? HOUSEHOLD CHORES. Do you need help with chores like housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, or laundry?

Some grocery stores and drug stores will take your order over the phone and bring the items to your home. There are cleaning and yard services you can hire, or maybe someone you know has a housekeeper or gardener to suggest.

MEALS. Worried that you might not be ea�ng nutri�ous meals or �red of ea�ng alone?

Some�mes you could share cooking with a friend or have a potluck dinner with a group of friends. Find out if meals are served at a nearby senior center or house of worship.

Meal delivery programs bring hot meals into your home; some of these programs are free or low-cost.

MONEY MANAGEMENT. Do you worry about paying bills late or not at all? Ask a trusted rela�ve to lend a hand. Volunteers, financial counselors, or geriatric care managers can also help. Just

make sure you get the referral from a trustworthy source, like your local Area Agency on Aging. If you use a computer, you could pay your bills online.

Be careful to avoid money scams. Never give your Social Security number, bank or credit card numbers, or other sensi�ve informa�on to someone on the phone (unless you placed the call).

HEALTH CARE. Do you forget to take your medicine?

There are devices available to remind you when it is �me for your next dose. Special pill boxes allow you or someone else to set out your pills for an en�re week. Have you just go�en out of the hospital and s�ll need nursing care at home for a short �me? The hospital discharge planner can help you make arrangements, and Medicare might pay for a home health aide to come to your home.

BE PREPARED FOR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY If you were to suddenly become sick and unable to speak for yourself, you probably would want someone who knows you well to decide on your medical care. To make sure this happens, think about giving someone you trust permission to discuss your health care with your doctor and make necessary decisions.

Learn about healthcare advance direc�ves. Talk with your doctor about whether you should get a medical alert ID bracelet or necklace. Read and share this infographic to get �ps on how to make home safe and accessible while aging in place.

Source: Na�onal Ins�tute on Aging. h�ps://www.nia. nih.gov/health/aging-placegrowing-old-home.

Marites Avila, CFP®

joins Paragon Financial Services as Financial Advisor.

Paragon Financial Services is ecsta�c to announce that Marites Avila, CFP® joined our firm as Financial Advisor.

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Health & Wellness • June 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

How to avoid heat stroke on hot summer days Summer weather draws many people outside. Warm air and sunshine can be hard to resist, even when temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels.

Sunburn may be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of spending too much time soaking up summer sun. But while sunburn is a significant health problem that can increase a person’s risk for skin cancer, it poses a less immediate threat than heat stroke, a well-known yet often misunderstood condition.

What is heat stroke?

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and the most severe form of heat illness that results from long, extreme exposure to the sun. During this exposure, a person’s built-in cooling system may fail to produce enough sweat to lower body his or her body temperature, putting his or her life at risk as a result. Heat stroke develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can prove fatal.

doors, and the mentally ill are among the people with an especially high risk of heat stroke. Obesity and poor circulation also increase a person’s risk of suffering heat stroke. Alcohol and certain types of medications also can make people more at risk for heat stroke.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Are some people more at risk for heat One person may experience heat stroke stroke than others? differently than another. In addition, beThe elderly, infants, people whose oc- cause it develops so rapidly, heat stroke cupations require them to work out- can be hard to identify before a person

Can heat stroke be prevented?

The simplest way to prevent heat stroke is to avoid spending time outdoors in the sun on hot days. If you must go outdoors, do so when temperatures are mild and the sun is low, such as in the early morning or evening.

In addition to being wise about when you spend time in the sun, you can do the following to prevent heat stroke. • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and sports drinks that can help your body maintain its electrolyte balance, when spending time outdoors. In addition, avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, soda and tea as well as alcohol. • Wear lightweight, tightly woven and loose-fitting clothing in light colis in serious danger. But Johns Hopkins ors.

Medicine notes that some of the more • Always wear a hat and sunglasses common heat stroke symptoms include: when going outdoors, and use an umbrella on especially hot days. • headache, • Take frequent drinks during out• dizziness, door activities and mist yourself with a • disorientation, agitation, or confusion, spray bottle to reduce the likelihood of • sluggishness or fatigue, becoming overheated. • seizure, • hot, dry skin that is flushed but not Heat stroke is a serious threat on hot summer days. Because heat stroke can sweaty, escalate rapidly, people must be espe• high body temperature, cially cautious and mindful of their • loss of consciousness, bodies when spending time outdoors • rapid heartbeat, and in the summer. • hallucinations.

Father’s Day gifts for the modern dad Father’s Day is a chance for people to show the special men in their lives just how much they’re loved.

Though it was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, it was not until decades later that President Richard Nixon made honoring fathers a nationwide holiday in the United States.

While there are many different ways to honor dads, it has become customary to offer gifts and other tokens of affection. According to History. com, Americans now spend more than $1 billion each year on Father’s Day gifts.

Many modern fathers are more involved in their children’s lives and around the house than their own fathers were. Gifts that cater to today’s wellrounded dads are sure to be appreciated. • Cool duds: Modern dads are fashion-forward and might enjoy a piece of clothing or a gift card to their favorite retailer. If you know a store where Dad loves to shop, stop in for some inspiration. • Pampering products: Mom is not the only one who likes to indulge in some pampering from time to time. Put together a carefully curated basket of

men’s grooming products, or purchase a set from a bath and body store like Lush. • Fitness finds: If you haven’t already gifted the special man in your life with a fitness tracker watch, now is the time to do so.

Such a watch will tap into his love of gadgets and provide some utility as he tries to be as healthy as possible. • Cookbooks: The stereotype that dads are hopeless in the kitchen has long since been refuted. Many men are top-notch home chefs and will appreciate some new recipes to try. Combine the cookbook with a new culinary tool, like a cast-iron skillet or a mandoline slicer, so he can try out his skills right away. • Support the team: If Dad is a sports fan, find a baseball cap or a jersey of his favorite team/player. Many sports stores only carry inventory for local teams. If Dad supports a team in a different state or country, do your shopping online at a site like Fanatics.com.

• Craft beers: The craft beer movement has expanded exponentially in recent years. Visit with a local brewer and purchase bottles or growlers of a favorite brew. If you know the flavor profile that Dad favors, find a beer

that suits that preference while also giving some new varieties so he can put together his own flight.

This Father’s Day, delve deeper to find gifts that a dad will truly love — even if he seemingly has it all.

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(916) 424-6292 Or visit us at: CareGiversofLandPark.org

PROVIDING SENIORS THE ASSISTANCE THEY NEED, IN THE COMFORT, CONVENIENCE & SECURITY OF THEIR OWN HOME

Available 24 hours a day for in-home care for seniors who need assistance due to illness, injury, surgery, or active seniors who need some assistance at home.

No set minimum hours in the Land Park, Pocket, and Greenhaven areas.

Respite care Full time care Meal preparation Food & diet monitoring Grooming & bathing assistance

Appointments & errands Medication reminders Incontinence care Pet care assistance Light housework & laundry

Owners Rangi Giner and John Cimino Jr. live in Sacramento’s Greenhaven neighborhood, where they also operate a highly personalized assisted living facility of thirty-four clients. Both have worked in elderly care & assisted living for over 30 years. They are guided by compassion & an abiding respect for elders.

“We live here, we work here, and we make a difference right here in our neighborhood!”

HCO#344700030

License# 550002314 • Accredited by The Joint Commission Privately Owned and Operated

Hospice and Palliative Care...

Ensures Quality of Life at the End of Life

Many people shy away from the words hospice or “end of life care” and do not broach the topic until the last minute when a decision is much needed soon. We at Absolute Compassion believe there is a better way. Pre-knowledge can provide us peace of mind in the stressful moments when medical decisions have to be made for loved ones, friends and neighbors. Being familiar with what hospice and palliative services are, as well as understanding ones’ rights and options, can be of tremendous comfort to all involved.

Patients with incurable medical conditions and less than six months of life expectancy can benefit from hospice and palliative care services provided by a compassionate team of health care professionals who support all areas of wellbeing: the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s care. Hospice and palliative care services focus on quality of life during that moment, managing pain and symptom relief rather than curative treatments.

Please call or email us for questions or concerns regarding hospice and palliative care services.

“We touch lives and make a difference with Absolute Compassion!”

Absolute Compassion Hospice & Palliative Care · 916-399-5922 6355 Riverside Blvd. Suite T, Sacramento, CA 95831 Hospice@AbsoluteCompassion.com • www.AbsoluteCompassion.com

A-10 Health & Wellness • June 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Getting outdoors really is good for you People who live in regions where winters are cold often note the feeling of rejuvenation they enjoy on the first warm day of late-winter or spring. The chance to get outside and soak up some sun while breathing some warm air is a feeling unlike any other for those who spend much of their winters bundled up in layers of clothing.

The value of spending time outdoors extends well beyond dusting off winter cabin fever, providing long-term benefits that might surprise even the most ardent outdoor enthusiast. A 2018 report from researchers at the University of East Anglia found that living close to nature and spending time outside has wide-ranging health benefits, including a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. Authors of the report studied data from across the globe, gathering evidence from more than 140 studies involving more than 290 million people.

Researchers cannot pinpoint exactly why people who spend ample time in greenspaces enjoy better health. However, the benefits appear to be so wide-ranging as to suggest that people who currently do not spend much time in greenspaces should make a concerted effort to do so.

The following are a handful of ways busy individuals can start spending more time outdoors.

• Dine al fresco. On nights when the weather is fair, take dinner into the great

outdoors. People who live in private homes can dine on the patio or on the deck in the backyard, while apartment dwellers can make use of local parks for nighttime picnics or dine on balconies or rooftop recreational areas, which have become popular in crowded metropolitan areas. Rooftops and balconies may not pass the “Is it greenspace?” test, but dining in such areas can be more relaxing than an apartment dining nook.

• Get off the couch. Don’t hesitate to get outside when night falls. Spend time

in the backyard or go for nightly walks around the neighborhood or in a nearby park. Say so long to television binging sessions, making healthier and more beneficial use of nightly free time by utilizing nearby greenspaces.

• Go hiking on weekends. Even city dwellers no doubt live within driving distance of local hiking areas. Hiking provides a host of cardiovascular benefits and can make for a great, full-body workout. Researchers associated with the UEA report suggested that the prac-

tice of forest bathing, which is popular in Japan and promotes spending time sitting down or lying in nature, exposes people to a diverse array of bacteria present in natural areas that may benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation.

People who think that accessing nature is helping them to stay healthy aren’t wrong. In fact, making time to include nature in your daily or weekly routine can have positive and wideranging effects on your overall health.

Greet guests with a homemade concoction Adults tasked with hosting friends and family at home may want to serve up a homemade concoction for their adult guests. The following recipe for “Jamaican Punch” from Elise Petersen-Schepelern’s “Cool Smoothies” (Ryland, Peters & Small) can be just the thing to set parties apart.

Jamaican Punch Serves about 16 to 20 6 1⁄2 1

limes (3 juiced, 3 sliced) bottle ginger wine bottle wine rum or vodka

Sugar, to taste 3 lemons, sliced 1 starfruit (carambola), sliced (optional) 1 pineapple, cut lengthwise into long wedges, then crosswise into triangles

Sprigs of mint, to serve Put the lime juice, ginger wine, rum or vodka, and sugar into a pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves.

Fill a punch bowl with ice, add the sliced fruit, and pour the ginger wine mixture over.

Stir well and serve with sprigs of mint.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2019 • Health & Wellness

A-11

LOOKING FOR THE BEST IN SENIOR CARE?

“We respectfully care for your loved one ... right here in our neighborhood!”

Located here, within the Pocket-Greenhaven area of Sacramento, The Meadows at Country Place is a clean and modern assisted living care center. Our compassionate and dedicated team is committed to lovingly providing the highest quality personalized care for your loved one.

10 Country Place Sacramento, CA 95831

(916) 706-3949

TheMeadowsAtCountryPlace.com

We adapt to our residents’ changing needs and circumstances as they face their physical and/or memory challenges.

We specialize in care for: • • • • • • • •

Dementia Alzheimer’s Stroke Recovery Parkinson’s Management Hospice Assistance Care for Complex Physical Limitations Respite Care Insulin-Dependent Diabetics

We provide assistance, as needed, with activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, incontinence care, toileting, transferring, transportation to doctors and much more.

Lic#347004702 A-12 Health & Wellness • June 2019 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com