Visiting Angels - September 2021

Visiting Angels - September 2021

September 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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VISITING ANGELS PARTICIPATES IN THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S THIS SEPTEMBER Walking for Our Families

to work with those who have dementia and experienced to manage the many complexities that can come with this disease. In addition to the sweet sentiments I hear from families, I hear many others that highlight just how beneficial it is to have our caregivers in a home with a person who has dementia. This includes the story of a caregiver who managed to catch a pot on the stove before its contents started a fire in one of our client’s homes! That’s a lifesaving find, and our caregiver knew just how to take action. This is why we’re inspired to walk. We hope to someday celebrate with every family when a cure for dementia is created. We know there is a path to get there, and we are honored to be part of the effort dedicated to getting there. You can join us in our fight! Sign up for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s or support our local team with whatever you can donate by visiting this website, Alz.org/walk , and choose our team, Visiting Angels Central Coast. Thank you for your continued support.

important this cause is to our team, our clients, and the families we serve.

Every day, our Visiting Angels care team helps people from all backgrounds. We assist former members of the clergy, who want to remain spiritual and independent. We help proud farmers, who enjoy the simple joys of life, as well as well-educated doctors and business people, who contributed much to their communities. Yet, among those clients, we meet many people who have lived full, happy, long lives who can no longer remember many of their greatest experiences. They may struggle to walk, eat, swallow, sleep, or communicate as their cognitive function slows or declines. This is an all-too- common occurrence for our clients who are living with dementia. Dementia doesn’t discriminate. It affects all of us — including families — and at Visiting Angels, we witness its devastating ripple effects in the countless lives we care for every day. That’s why we walk. This September, your local Visiting Angels team will compete with other national Visiting Angels teams to raise funds and Alzheimer’s awareness at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. If you’re a regular reader of our newsletter, or if you have worked with Visiting Angels in the past, then you know just how

In addition to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, our team has hosted a very successful tennis tournament, a wine night, and a yard sale — each event with the goal of raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association to research this disease and find a cure. And for nearly a decade, our entire national Visiting Angels family has committed to participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the Alzheimer’s Association, raising millions of dollars for this valuable cause. Every year we walk in this event, I’m encouraged and heartened by the stories I hear from our caregivers, who interact with families of those with dementia on a regular basis. In many cases, we learn how Visiting Angels has allowed their family to restore its relationship with their loved one. They no longer have to be the sole caregiver; they can spend the time they have with their loved one by just being with them. Those are moments they will cherish. It’s encouraging to give people these relationships once again and to provide the peace of mind that comes with having an expert care for your loved one. Our caregivers are trained

Together, we will find a cure! Until then, we’ll walk.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Don’t Fall This Fall! 3 Tips for Fall Prevention

September marks the start of fall , but it also serves as an important reminder about falling .

Improve Your Home Your home just might be your biggest threat when it comes to falls, so improve it with a few changes! Install grab bars and railings on steps and in the bathtub for extra support. Grips on the bottom of the bathtub and on slippery surfaces can give you a secure footing, while lighting along the hallway and in stairwells can better illuminate walkways. Even something as simple as moving a table or decor item out of the hallway can be beneficial! Review Your Medicines Sometimes medication can influence balance and movement. Talk with your doctor about the side effects of your medication and adjust accordingly. You may need to consider alternatives, but if that’s not possible, physical therapy can provide assistance. It’s designed to help you improve your balance and get stronger — which can lower your risk of falling.

Falling is one of the greatest dangers seniors face. As adults age, take more medication, and lose some mobility, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay upright or regain balance — even when tripping over the smallest object. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 out of 5 falls cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Falling can also increase a senior’s chance of falling again. But for as common as it may be, falling doesn’t have to be your norm. You can lower your risk of falling and injury with a few simple steps. Move More Your body was designed to move! When you don’t move your body enough, which can happen when you age, your muscles and joints can become weak and stiff. The best way to strengthen your reactions and improve your balance is to move your body. A physical therapist can help you develop a routine that targets your balance while strengthening your muscles and joints.

You can learn more about fall prevention and risks online at CDC.gov.

Cook With the Same Ingredients Without Getting Bored THE SECRET SAUCE

other favorite meats and your favorite vegetable preparations, as well!

pepper, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse all ingredients together until well mixed and the herbs and garlic are coarsely chopped. Quick Miso Maple Sauce This umami-filled sauce from Kitchn. com brings a lot of flavor with just three simple ingredients: 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 cup miso paste. That’s it! Whisk the ingredients together and pour over oven-roasted, pan-seared, or grilled chicken and serve. These three sauces are a great place to start, but if you find yourself uninspired in the kitchen, just look up “simple sauces” online and the protein or vegetable you’re preparing. The internet will come to the rescue every time!

One upside to spending more than a year at home was that many people donned their aprons, learned new recipes and techniques, and began cooking meals regularly in their own kitchens. Even as restaurants reopen, over 70% of Americans say they’ll keep their new habit of cooking at home because it’s healthier and cheaper. That said, the average American can only whip up about five meals without a recipe at hand, and many people cook and eat the same types of protein and vegetables over and over. One easy way to avoid boredom is to keep your main staples but diversify your sauce routine! When in doubt, learn one creamy sauce and one herb- or citrus-based sauce. Here are a few examples that work particularly well for chicken, America’s favorite animal protein. These can be used with your

5-Minute Honey Mustard Sauce To avoid hearing “chicken again?!” add this honey mustard sauce from PinchOfYum.com to your repertoire. Simply whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a delicious topper for all meats. Simple Lemon Herb Sauce Want a lighter, healthier option? Go for an oil-and-herb sauce like FoodNetwork. com’s “Chicken With a Lemon Herb Sauce.” In a blender or food processor, add 1 peeled clove of garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup freshly chopped herbs of your choice (they recommend a mix of parsley and mint), 1 1/2 tsp ground

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Nauseous? Try Ginger! If you’re someone who can’t even look at a book or your phone while on a long car ride, this one’s for you! Ginger has been found to help deter and stop the effects of nausea, although most researchers can’t pinpoint why! Drink ginger tea or ginger ale before long car rides or if you are feeling nauseous. Ginger could also be a great addition to your meals if you regularly struggle with tummy trouble. Got a Wart? Use Duct Tape Is there anything duct tape can’t fix? Okay, we may not trust it to repair a leak in our boat, but duct tape can help connect items, repair small breaks, and even remove warts. If you have a small wart, try covering it with duct tape and replace the tape on a regular basis. Surprisingly, and much like ginger, researchers can’t figure out why this works! But one study, as reported in Reader’s Digest, found that duct tape can be 25% more effective than freezing a wart off. (And it’s less painful!) Bonus: Got a late-summer sunburn? Crack open a stalk on an aloe plant and squeeze the juices onto your burn. It’s natural and effective, and you can grow it in your home! Remember These? 3 Old Remedies You Have to Try Again!

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but what about teaching some young dogs new tricks? Home remedies have been sought-after cures for generations, yet there are many people who are ready to refute long-standing truths! This cold and flu season, fight back by bringing these old- school remedies back to life! Can’t Sleep? Smell Lavender! Whether it’s stress-induced or you’re battling an illness, sleep can become elusive at the worst times. The scent of lavender has been found to lower blood pressure and slow your heart rate, making it the perfect addition for calming lotions or air fresheners for the bedroom. If you struggle to sleep, then try keeping lavender near your bed and take a whiff! You will start feeling more relaxed in no time.

Show the young dogs in your life just how much wisdom can come with age and try these home remedies for easy relief!

Sudoku

Directions 1. Prepare the watermelon by removing the rind and cutting the melon into 2 1/2-by-1/2- inch sticks. 2. Peel the jicama with a vegetable peeler, then cut it into sticks the same size as the watermelon. 3. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon and This late-summer salad hits every flavor note and is a great way to get acquainted with jicama, a root vegetable native to Mexico that you’ve probably passed numerous times in the produce section! It’s easy to prepare (just peel and eat) and has the crispness of an apple and the satisfying starch of potato. Ingredients • 1 3-lb seedless watermelon • 1 small jicama • 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced • 1 scallion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped Watermelon Jicama Salad With Jalapeño and Lime

• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice • Kosher salt, to taste

jicama with jalapeño, scallion, cilantro, and lime. Sprinkle with kosher salt, toss gently to combine, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Inspired by BonAppetit.com

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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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Walking for a Cure: Visiting Angels Supports Alzheimer’s Research

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Celebrate Fall Prevention Month With These 3 Tips Let Sauces Bring New Life to Tired Meals

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3 At-Home Remedies That Prove Wisdom Comes With Age Late Summer Watermelon Jicama Salad

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3 Local Ways to Learn a New Trick This September

Learn Something New!

3 Local Ways to Become Smarter This September

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum When: Thursday–Monday from noon to 5 p.m. Where: 701 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Admission: Free, donations accepted Did you know Santa Cruz has a rich surfing history? In fact, it dates all the way back to 1885, when three Hawaiian princes became the first people to ever surf off the mainland of the U.S. right in Santa Cruz. You can learn more about their story and other priceless pieces of Santa Cruz’s rich surfing history at the

Carmel Goats & Yoga When: Saturday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. Where: Los Robles Road, Carmel Valley Admission: $40

Crime Prevention and Home Fire Safety When: Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 10–11:30 a.m. Where: Los Gatos Adult Center, 208 E. Main St., Los Gatos Admission: Free We all want to protect ourselves and our families, but in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s difficult to know how best to do that. The Santa Clara Fire Department is offering citizens free insight into this very topic with its Crime Prevention and Home Fire Safety workshop. Participants will learn how to protect themselves from identity theft and what to do if they are the victims of identity theft, basic home security, and fire prevention strategies during the workshop. Learn how to become more confident in how you protect your home and your family with this free event.

Experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga combined with the silly, but equally as healing, experience of goats! In a Carmel Goats & Yoga class — which occurs on a regular basis — goats may jump on participants’ backs, stare them down, or even snuggle up on their mat. Each experience elicits plenty of adorable moments, along with tons of laughter. So, learn how to properly move your body and laugh a little at Carmel Yoga & Goats! Sign up for the next class at CVGoatsYoga.com.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Located in Lighthouse Point Park, you can’t go wrong with the great views you will see!

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