Visiting Angels August 2018

Visiting Angels August 2018

August 2018

5274 Scotts Valley Dr., #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-430-0616 www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast 229 Reindollar Ave., Suite E Marina, CA 93933 831-392-0876

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It’s Not Sweater Weather Can You Recognize the Signs of Dehydration?

Some years ago, we got a call from one of our Angels who had just arrived at their care recipient’s home. The inside temperature of the house was 105 degrees and all the windows were shut, but despite the sweltering heat, the senior client insisted she was freezing. She even had a sweater on. This, together with the fact that her legs were so weak she could barely walk, was a huge red flag. We rushed her to the hospital, where she was treated for dehydration. Senior dehydration is a big problem that loved ones and caregivers need to be aware of. Dehydration happens when a person takes in less water than they lose, something that is very common in seniors for a number of reasons. Certain medications may cause seniors to sweat more or impair their body’s ability to regulate its temperature. The kidneys aren’t able to conserve as much fluid as they could in youth and a person can lose their sense of thirst as they get older, meaning they don’t notice when their body needs water. These factors, combined with the fact that August tends to be one of the hottest months of the year here in California, result in many seniors being hospitalized for dehydration and related complications. It is incredibly important for people who spend time around seniors to recognize the signs of dehydration or heat-related illness. Be on the lookout for things like dry mouth, confusion, difficulty walking, sunken eyes, dizziness, or rapid heart rate. Seniors can fail to recognize the symptoms themselves because, as was the case with our care recipient wearing a sweater in a 105-degree house, it’s hard to stay cool when you don’t know you’re hot! Cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are other heat- related illnesses that can afflict seniors during the summer

months. This time of year, it’s important

that seniors take extra precautions to learn how to beat the heat. At Visiting Angels, we recommend these helpful strategies:

• Avoid spending time in direct sunlight. • Keep windows shut and blinds closed during hot days. • Minimize activity during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). • Eat small meals and keep fats, sugars, and alcohol off the menu. • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. • Stay in cooler areas of the home with air conditioning or electric fans. • Place cool, damp towels on the wrists and back of the neck. There are also strategies caregivers and loved ones can employ to help seniors stay hydrated, including providing plenty of hydrating fruit and other snacks and making water readily available, even when seniors claim not to be thirsty. Visiting Angels caregivers are instructed on how to help make sure our care recipients stay hydrated and don’t end up in the hospital. There are a lot of fun things to do during the warm summer months. Going to the hospital isn’t one of them.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Want to Improve Brain Health?

Grab a Sword!

Did you know fencing is making a comeback? No longer just for heartsick gentlemen of the Regency era, fencing is increasingly being taught in public schools, displayed in the pages of popular indie comics, and practiced among seniors. Plenty of baby boomers are picking up swords, or “sabers” — and it’s not because they’re preparing to fight dragons. Exercise is important no matter your age, but some activities are more beneficial than others. Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise (PSE) suggests activities defined as “open-skill sports,” like fencing, can do more to improve brain health than “closed-skill sports.” Open or Closed? The difference between an open-skill sport and a closed-skill sport lies in the dynamic nature of the activity. Going for a jog is great for your heart health, but your body is doing the same thing during the entire workout. This makes it a closed-skill sport. The same goes for swimming; you might have different strokes to choose from when you jump in the pool, but your brain is focused on repeating the action while doing your laps.

is a great open-skill sport because, while you have to learn the right way to hold the saber and move your body, you also have to think on your feet and react quickly to your opponent’s attacks.

Researchers from the Foro Italico University of Rome believe that it’s the

required adaptability that makes open-skill sports so good for your brain. You challenge your body with complex motor movements and your mind with fast decisions. In the study from PSE, the researchers reported that “the open-skill athletes used less brainpower to do the same thing than the closed-skill exercisers did.” What’s the Best Open-Skill Sport? If fencing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great open-skill sports, including tennis, badminton, basketball, and racquetball. What are you waiting for? Swing by your local rec center and find out what open-skill sport will be your new favorite pastime!

Open-skill sports require players to respond to unpredictable circumstances in unpredictable ways. Fencing

How to Boost Your Retirement Funds

Having money saved is crucial for adults aged 50 or older who plan to retire in the near future. Some people are prepared for retirement, having saved a sufficient amount throughout their lives. However, there are people who, despite having tried to save, come up short in their retirement funds. This can send them into a panic. Women account for the largest percentage of people who don’t have enough money in their retirement savings by the time they reach the age of 50. A survey produced by the nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies shows that many women who reach retirement age will not have adequate funds to support themselves. Despite having a higher savings

They are more likely to work part time or stop going to work to take care of family members in need. By working less, women tend to earn less money, which prevents them from putting away sufficient funds for their retirement. This also affects whether or not they are covered by their employer’s retirement benefits, since most employees are required to be full-time in order to receive any benefits.

If you’re nearing retirement age, don’t fret — you still have options available to you. If you’re working, look into your company’s retirement plan, especially if they offer a 401(k). According to the IRS, those who qualify (i.e., someone who joins the plan and is 50 years or older) can contribute up to $24,500 a year.

rate, the average amount women have saved at the age of 50 is about $35,000, compared to $120,000 for men. What’s the reason behind this? According to the survey, women often have a large gap in their financial savings at some point in their lives.

To learn more about what options are available, it’s crucial you speak to a planning specialist. By working with someone who understands retirement, you’ll create a solid plan and ensure that you successfully enter and enjoy your retirement.

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BEAT THE HEAT

alternatives. Make water more fun to drink by filling water pitchers with fresh sliced oranges, berries, or cucumbers. You can also whip up non-alcoholic, caffeine-free mocktails for special occasions. Find some great recipes at Living.medicareful.com/3-classic-mocktails-for-seniors. Don’t forget the snacks. A glass of water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. There are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and water. Why not add things like watermelon, grapes, tomatoes, grapefruit, and cucumbers to your shopping list? You can also prepare homemade fruit popsicles and jello with chunks of fruit inside. Get creative in the kitchen and you’ll find plenty of water-rich snacks.

Sweet Ways to Help Seniors Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is more than just being a little thirsty. This serious health condition can cause low blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and even death. Just a 10 percent loss in body water can lead to heat stroke in older adults. This summer, play it safe and stay hydrated with these simple tips. Make water available. The best way to stay hydrated is by drinking plenty of water. Keep reusable, BPA-free bottles of water around living spaces, like by the TV or in the bedroom, so you’re more inclined to reach for a bottle of water when you start to feel parched. It’s also wise to replace the sugary soft drink at one of your meals with a glass of water instead. Add something sweet. We know water isn’t the most exciting beverage, but in the fight for hydration, soda and coffee are not good

August gets hot, and it’s not uncommon for seniors to suffer from heat stroke this time of year. Stay hydrated to beat the heat and live healthy.

SUDOKU

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients • 1 head cauliflower • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced • 4 sprigs thyme • 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled • 3 tablespoons olive oil Directions 1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Cut cauliflower into florets. On a large baking sheet, toss cauliflower with onions, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Roast for 35–40 minutes, tossing occasionally.

• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano- Reggiano • Salt and pepper, to taste

4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and finish roasting, about 10 minutes longer. 5. Serve while hot. Inspired by epicurious.com

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Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

5274 Scotts Valley Dr., #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 24/7 831-430-0616

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Scotts Valley Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday

www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast Home Care Organization #444700002

Inside

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The Dangers of Dehydration in Seniors

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Fence Your Way to Better Brain Health

Women and Retirement

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3 Tips for Staying Hydrated in August

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

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Local Events

Looking for Fun?

There’s Still Time to Create Summer Memories

MOVIES ON THE BEACH: ‘RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK’ WHERE: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 15, 9 p.m. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: BeachBoardwalk.com/movies Grab your family and catch a showing of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” right on the beautiful sand of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In this classic adventure movie, archaeologist Indiana Jones races around the world to save the legendary Ark of the Covenant from evil Nazis. Get there early to check out the food vendors and rides before the show. Bring a blanket or a low-back chair and enjoy movie night under the stars. SCOTTS VALLEY ART, WINE, & BEER FESTIVAL WHERE: Skypark, Scotts Valley WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: svartfestival.com Are you ready for two days of fine drinks, tasty food, and fabulous art? Then make plans to be at the Scotts Valley Art, Wine, & Beer Festival. This annual celebration of art

and cuisine is always fun for the whole family. You can catch the classic car show on Saturday, join in on the fun of Dog Day on Sunday, or enjoy live music and local vendors all weekend long. Plus, with the massive kids’ fun zone, complete with bouncy castle and petting zoo, this festival really does have something for everyone!

MUSIC AT SKYPARK WHERE: Skypark, Scotts Valley WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 26, 2:30-6 p.m. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: Facebook.com/ MusicAtSkyPark Come catch a show

at Scotts Valley’s favorite outdoor summer concert series. The Coffis Brothers and the Elisabeth Carlisle Band will fill the park with live music for audiences to enjoy. The concert is free, but come hungry and help support fundraising concessions benefiting local school music programs.

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