Visiting Angels - November 2019

Visiting Angels - November 2019

November 2019

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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I’m Thankful for Sunrises A s Thanksgiving approaches, the subject of gratitude and thankfulness is top of mind. Many families will gather around the table and take turns listing off what they’re grateful for. It’s a wonderful tradition, but gratitude isn’t something we should take out once a year before putting it back into storage like holiday decorations. Beyond the importance of counting our blessings, there’s a lot of scientific evidence to suggest that practicing gratitude has health benefits. A long time ago, when I’d watch the sunrise or sunset with my father, he’d recite a rhyme from ancient mariners: “Red How Gratitude Helps Your Heart and Your Life

sky at night, sailors’ delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” When I see a red sunrise, I can’t help but smile and think about my dad.

A 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that people who regularly practice gratitude report experiencing fewer aches and pains and feel healthier than other people. Additionally, Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies to confirm that practicing gratitude can increase happiness and reduce depression. One study that I found to be really interesting explored how gratitude can help us cultivate deeper friendships. One way we can practice gratitude is to not just think about what we’re grateful for but also why we are grateful for it. For example, while I’m not thrilled to be awake before dawn, I really enjoy watching the sunrise in the morning. It’s something I’ve enjoyed for years. Recently, I asked myself why, and I learned there are many reasons I’m grateful for the sunrise. I’m grateful for the opportunity to greet the sun as it comes up. I love the stillness and calm of the morning. The birds are flying about, but there’s not a lot of traffic yet. It’s quiet as the sky changes colors. I’m especially grateful for red sunrises.

There are many ways we can make gratitude a focus in our lives all year long. I once knew a woman who, when she was in her late 80s, told me how she would “put the day to bed” every night. When she climbed into bed at night, she’d close her eyes, think back on everything that happened that day, and be grateful for it. She would fall asleep with a grateful heart and wake up ready to enjoy a fresh new day. The amazing thing about gratitude is that it doesn’t matter how old you are. Everyone can benefit from having gratitude in their lives. As we celebrate good food and gratitude with our loved ones this Thanksgiving, I invite you to look for opportunities to carry gratitude over into your everyday life.

From all of us here at Visiting Angels, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Get More Bank for Your Buck

How to Take Full Advantage of Your Financial Institution

Whether you’re banking with a credit union or a national giant, your financial institution likely offers more resources, account options, and saving plans than you’re using — or even aware of.

to get a complete picture of what your bank has to offer, its website is the place to start. Next time you log in, set aside an hour or two to explore the site tab by tab. Take note of products and services you might not be using, like mobile banking apps, 24-hour hotlines, continuing education, and additional account options and their interest rates. Schwab, for example, offers a free online learning center complete with seminars, one-on-one financial advice, and more than 300 informative articles and videos. 2. Schedule a Sit-Down If your bank has a brick-and-mortar location near you, make a point to visit it. While there, take the time to learn about the latest updates from the reading materials on offer, make an appointment with a financial analyst, or speak with a bank teller. It’s in your bank’s interest to see your accounts grow, so representatives are happy to help. If you’ve already explored your bank’s website, this is the time to ask follow- up questions on what you found or make a financial move in a new direction. Whether you’ve decided on a 529 plan or a high-interest checking account, your banking representative can make it happen. dementia in the elderly with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves: “The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” Your Mood Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%.

As one NerdWallet article puts it, “Banks and credit unions continue to find new ways to both delight and confound

customers.” If you focus on the delights, you can get more bang for your buck out of the financial institution you’re already using. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll pick up new ways to stretch your retirement fund, grow your investments, and pass nest eggs to your grandkids along the way. Take these two easy steps to get started. 1. Get Clicking Even for someone with plenty of internet savvy, bank websites can be intimidating. Most are filled with tabs and portals that overwhelm customers, causing them to limit their interactions to plugging in a username and password to check their balance. Don’t fall into that trap! If you want

TEA TIME

What’s Swirling Around in Your Cup?

Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second-most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person’s long-term health through regular consumption. Your Heart According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant

chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity — how well your blood vessels respond to stress. Your Brain Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of

So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip.

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How Does Your (Gratitude) Garden Grow?

CREATIVE WAYS TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and reflect on our blessings, but gratitude shouldn’t be isolated to a single day of the year. Here are a few activities to help make gratitude part of your daily life. Take a Gratitude Walk Taking a walk is already great for your health, and making a point to focus on gratitude while on that walk is even better! Try to put aside all your other thoughts and focus on being in the moment. Note the color of the leaves on the trees, the sound of children playing, or the warmth of the sun on your skin. Feel free to invite a friend or partner on your walk. ‘Plant’ a Gratitude Garden Get a pack of brightly colored construction paper and cut out several circles that are about 1 inch in diameter and a few dozen petals of any size or shape. On the circles, write, “I’m thankful for …” and on each petal, write one thing you’re

thankful for. When you’ve filled out enough petals, glue them around the circle to create a flower. Display your gratitude flower somewhere you can see it every day. Don’t worry about filling out all the petals right away. Fill out a new petal once a day and make a new flower whenever you have enough petals. Over time, you’ll have a unique gratitude garden in your home. Start a Gratitude Journal Find a new journal and pick a time each day to write. It could be right when you wake up in the morning, while you’re enjoying your cup of coffee, or before you fall asleep at night. Dedicate these minutes to gratitude as you record things you are thankful for, such as events that happened that day, fond memories, or random lists of things that bring you joy.

Here’s to a more grateful life!

Paleo Stuffing

SUDOKU

Directions 1. Heat an oven to 350 F. 2. In a large cast-iron skillet, • 3 cups onion, diced • 2 cups celery, diced • 1 cup mushroom, diced • 1 cup apple, cored and diced • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped heat ghee or avocado oil over medium heat. 3. Add onion, celery, mushrooms, apple, cranberries, parsley, seasoning, salt, and pepper to pan. Sauté for 7 minutes. Ingredients • 2 tbsp ghee or avocado oil

• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 3 tsp poultry seasoning • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 2 cups almond flour • 3 eggs, beaten

4. Remove from heat. Stir in almond flour. Once mixed well, stir in eggs. Transfer to oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 5. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Inspired by 40Aprons.com

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Inside

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What Are You Thankful For?

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How to Get More From Your Bank

Spilling the Tea on Tea

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Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Paleo Stuffing

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Local Events

What Are Your Plans? AMAZING LOCAL EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Quail Hollow Ranch History Tour Where: Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Felton When: Sunday, Nov. 24; 1–3 p.m. Admission: $2 Website: Bit.ly/QuailHollowHistory Do you love learning about the hidden history of your community? Join history docent Richard James on a tour of the Quail

favorite tradition. Santa and his reindeer trade in the sleigh for a surfboard and pay a visit to sunny Capitola Beach. Get there early to greet jolly old Saint Nick as he arrives, and prepare for an afternoon of fun. There will be refreshments, face painting, and plenty of time for kids to get their picture with the amazing Surfing Santa!

Holiday Artisan Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class Where: Flipjack Ranch, Santa Cruz When: Saturday, Dec. 7; 1–5 p.m. Admission: $175

Hollow Ranch House and get the scoop on stories of years past. Learn the history of Sun-Kissed Ranch, Sunset Magazine, and the brave pioneers who made the ranch their home. Surfing Santa Where: Capitola Beach, Capitola Village When: Saturday, Nov. 23; 12–3 p.m. Admission: Free

Website: Facebook.com/flipjackranch Celebrate the sweet tastes of the holiday season by learning how to make exquisite chocolate arts. Chef Ellie Lavender of

Lavender Design + Cuisine will be leading the class and teaching students how to turn dark chocolate and unique fruits into amazing treats that pair perfectly with fine wines. Students can take home what they make to gift to someone special. Space is limited, so register soon to claim your spot!

Website: CapitolaVillage.com/event/surfing-santa The holiday season starts in California with Capitola’s

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