Visiting Angels - December 2021

Visiting Angels - December 2021

December 2021

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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The Memories on My Tree I moved to Arizona and stayed with my grandmother after graduating high school, packing up all my belongings in Oregon and heading south for a year and a half. I have many memories WHAT MY ORNAMENTS SAY

it is, those who celebrate Christmas tend to memorialize each year with an ornament, creating a timeline of our lives around the tree. I’m sure those who celebrate other winter holidays carry items with them year after year and from generation to generation, too. As my daughters grew, I saw fit to continue this tradition. Every year, I would buy them each an ornament that encompassed what they had accomplished that year or how they had grown. We have plenty of “firsts” on the tree, “Harry Potter” and “Sesame Street” characters make a few appearances, and ornaments from various vacations are scattered around the tree. Then, with every ornament I gave them, I would write their name and the year so we could look back on who and when that ornament was for.

of those 550 days or so, but every Christmas, I’m reminded of the one holiday we spent together, just the two of us. It was a unique holiday in the grand scheme of every Christmas I’ve celebrated before or since, in that it was just Grandma and me. And I enjoyed every moment of that day. My grandmother handmade a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ornament and gifted it to me that holiday. It’s always the first ornament that I place on my tree. Each time I hang it up, I can’t help but think about that Christmas we shared together. It’s especially sentimental, too, because she made it just for me. For many, this idea isn’t that unusual. If you celebrate Christmas, you likely have an ornament or two or dozens that you treasure. Maybe it’s the first ornament you bought the year you were married, or maybe it’s an ornament that commemorates the completion of a degree or bootcamp. Whatever

what matters is that they have those keepsakes for their own memory — much like I have Rudolph for mine. Regardless if you celebrate Christmas or not, I believe this fun tradition of using ornaments to commemorate milestones in our lives offers a powerful meaning and reminder for the holidays. Often we try to make each holiday bigger and more special than the last, and far too often, we forget what’s most important: spending time together with those we love.

What’s special now is that these ornaments no longer grace my

tree. (Well, some do. I have my own stockpile of sentimental ornaments on the tree!) As my girls grew older and started decorating their own Christmas trees, I’ve gifted them all of their ornaments. They decorate their tree with a few and store the others, but

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Not all cryptocurrencies are “unhackable,” however. In 2018, hackers robbed Coincheck investors of nearly $534 million.

When people hear the word “cryptocurrency,” some may associate it with cybercriminals and unscrupulous activity. But is using cryptocurrency actually safe? Let’s take a look at several common concerns to answer that question. Is cryptocurrency secure? If you put your money into a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), you know your money is safe (unless something extremely drastic happens to the economy). However, if you put your money into cryptocurrency, you might wonder if it’s secure or whether hackers can take it from you. Luckily, the blockchain technology of cryptocurrency records every single transaction as timestamped “blocks” in a digital ledger. Additionally, every transaction requires a two-factor authentication process. It’s a complex, technical process, but it makes cryptocurrencies extremely difficult to tamper with, especially the biggest currencies like Bitcoin or Ether. An Overview of the Risks of Virtual Money CRYPTOCURRENCY — IS IT SAFE?

Is cryptocurrency safe to use? Currently, it’s perfectly legal to buy and sell with

cryptocurrencies. In fact, if you use a crypto exchange like Gemini, many big-box merchants have partnered to trade and sell their goods for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. If you’re considering putting most of your funds into cryptocurrency to use like a checking account, however, it may not be the best decision. The market fluctuates dramatically, even if the values have, overall, risen to enormous highs over the past few years. Is cryptocurrency safe to invest in? As a newly created market, cryptocurrency is still fairly volatile in the eyes of financial experts. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea to invest or play the market. Just make sure to keep your cryptocurrency portfolio diversified, and don’t invest too deeply in one currency over another. Research the cryptocurrency exchange you plan to use. Never invest more than you’re willing to lose, and try to talk with experienced crypto investors to gain their tips and insights. By utilizing this knowledge, you can use crypto thoughtfully and safely, and you’ll have some insights to share when people ask you the same questions.

Worried About Your Health? Consider Your Neighborhood’s Impact on Your Well-Being

We all know that cigarettes can damage our lungs and that a diet high in sugar can increase our risk of chronic conditions, but did you know that where you live can be just as detrimental to your health? That’s the conclusion of a 2017 report that was conducted by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), a private research institute that examines population, environment, and health effects. The organization found that areas with higher poverty rates also saw increases in health concerns, stress, and mobility issues. In 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) corroborated these findings. In its report, the AHA highlighted a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology that found that those who lived in “low socioeconomic” areas were 60% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. A 2020 study found similar results. For older adults, these findings can be eye-opening. As we age, our body experiences natural wear and tear, and many health experts believe social factors expedite the natural aging process. For example, if you live near a factory, the air pollution it emits could weaken air quality near your home and be detrimental to your health.

The resources surrounding our neighborhoods can be just as impactful.

PRB reports that older adults are more likely to rely on neighborhood resources — like community centers and libraries — for means of social interaction and assistance. When their neighborhoods don’t have these resources or access to places like grocery stores and walking paths, older adults face the risk of accelerated aging due to limited access to exercise, healthy food, and health-related resources. If you live in a neighborhood with poor mobility options or limited resources for support, consider partnering with a relative, friend, or neighbor. Make regular plans to walk in a nearby park or go grocery shopping at a healthier store together. Older adult ride services or in-home care services can also help you live independently in your home and neighborhood by bringing resources to you! You may not be able to change your neighborhood, but you don’t have to fall victim to its shortcomings. With a little support, you can thrive wherever you live.

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How Caregivers Can Find Support This Holiday Season Take Care of You!

Rely on holiday togetherness. Caregivers focus a lot of energy on others, so time for themselves is precious. However, with more family and friends around for holiday adventures, you can ask for a little help. Coordinate days where you can spend time away from the person you care for and focus on what you want to do, like shopping, having a spa day, or spending a few hours with friends. It will be hard at first; you will likely think about your loved one a lot. But the more you can build this time into a schedule that works for you, the bigger benefit you will see. Don’t forget — our team at Visiting Angels can help, too! It’s our job to fill that caregiver role so you can go back to being a sibling, child, or friend. We can take over the regular breaks you scheduled with your loved ones after everyone has gone home. Call us today to learn how we can help your family through the holidays and beyond.

Caregivers give so much of themselves to their loved ones or patients they support. While many caregivers may experience moments of stress or exhaustion, this can become prominent during the holidays. The expectations of this season coupled with the intense emotions that it can come with make caregiving more challenging. This holiday season, regardless of how much you do for another person in terms of daily care, take a few moments to find your own support to better mitigate your well-being and the work you do for those in your care. Here are two ways you can get started!

Find a support group. This may feel like old advice, but there are many ways to find support groups! You could search through local community and senior centers for support groups that meet on a weekly or monthly basis. But if this doesn’t seem feasible for you, look to the internet! Platforms like Facebook have a variety of communities designed to offer advice, a place to vent, and so much more for caregivers in need of support from someone who has “been there.” A simple search on various platforms or Google can help you find a digital connection that can become a safe haven.

Crispy Fish With Brown Butter Sauce

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Ornaments remind us to do that. They are small celebrations that evoke great emotions and memories. They are reminders of who we once were and the people who gifted those ornaments to us. Yet, they are so simple in their duty because an ornament is simply decor. That’s it, and yet we feel so connected to them! This year, I hope you remember that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on gifts, nor do you have to “beat” what you did last year. We may all be trying to make up for lost time after we were limited in how we could celebrate in 2020, but we can’t forget the true meaning of the holidays. This is a time for gathering and creating new memories together — memories that you may one day commemorate with an ornament. Happy holidays from all of us at Visiting Angels! May you enjoy a safe celebration with your loved ones.

Inspired by BonAppetit.com

Directions 1. In an unheated skillet, add oil. Season fish with salt and pepper, then add to skillet (skin-down). 2. Heat the skillet to medium and cook for 4 minutes. With a spatula, press each fillet down, rotating between fillets every few seconds. When the skin begins to crisp, stop pressing and cook 8–10 minutes, then Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 5-oz Chilean sea bass or salmon fillets, skin-on • Salt and pepper, to taste • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• 1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts, chopped • 2 tsp lemon juice • Lemon wedges, for garnish

flip and cook for another minute. Remove the fish. 3. Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Add the butter and hazelnuts. Heat, swirling continuously, until butter foams and browns. Remove from heat. 4. Stir in lemon juice and season to taste. Pour over fish, garnish, and serve with salad.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Inside

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A Tour Around the Christmas Tree

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Is Virtual Money a Safe Choice?

Your Neighborhood Could Make You Unhealthy!

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Take Care of You So You Can Take Care of Others

Crispy Fish With Brown Butter Sauce

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Caution: You Will Be Hungry After Reading This

3 Bakeries to Visit This Season Local Treats for a Holiday Feast The holidays are all about gathering with your loved ones, but dessert is a close second! This holiday season, let the pros do the baking or grab a hearty breakfast before spending the day in the kitchen with help from these local bakeries.

Paris Bakery Where: 271 Bonifacio Place, Monterey When: Every day from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Website: ParisBakery.us We dare you to keep your mouth from watering when you step into Paris Bakery. Since 1985, owner and master baker Jackie Jegat has been serving up decadent French-inspired treats that are great additions to any holiday table or a weekend breakfast. Jegat learned how to perfect his technique in Paris at 16 years old. Today, the baker and his family continue his passion with fresh cookies, breads, and other baked goods. They even have salads and soups! Check them out for the perfect holiday treat.

Red’s Donuts Where: 433 Alvarado St., Monterey When: Tuesday–Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday–Monday from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Website: RedsDonutsInc.com For more than 70 years, Red’s Donuts has been the go-to donut shop around Monterey! The classic shop offers homemade, fresh favorites, and with dozens of donut varieties, baked pastries, and even bagels to choose from (bagels can only be found at Red’s Seaside location), everyone will find a decadent treat they love at Red’s. Be sure to go early to get your favorites and call ahead with big or specialty orders.

The Buttery Where: 702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz When: Every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: ButteryBakery.com As if a bakery with butter in the name wouldn’t make this list! The Buttery is a staple of Santa Cruz, and it has been for more than 30 years. Stop by in the morning for a delicious pastry to start your day or grab an order of cookies, pies, or one of their many rotating desserts. If you’re looking for a must-try, The Buttery is famous for its pecan sandies! Check out their website to see some delicious treats.

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