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Volume 3, Issue 1 Winter 2012
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Sudoku
Fill in the missing numbers so every row, column, and quadrant contain the numbers 1 through 9.
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No "Slip Slidin' Away"
Avoid Winter Driving & Walking Accidents
With all due respect to singer/songwriter Paul Simon, we all want to minimize slipping and sliding during the winter, whether while driving or walking. Even for those in milder climates, rain and the occasional and unpredictable freezing and snowy weather can present hazardous conditions. The best defense is to be sure that you and your vehicle are properly prepared for safe walking and driving at all times, especially during challenging weather.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Winterize your vehicle by checking tire pressure, inspecting belts and hoses, ensuring that the battery is fully charged, changing the oil and switching to a thinner grade for better performance in colder temperatures, and inspecting wipers and wiper fluid for good visibility.
If you live in an area that gets heavy snows and you drive frequently, switch to snow tires or carry easy-to-install tire chains. Be sure your headlights are clean and properly adjusted.
Prepare or purchase an emergency road kit to keep in your vehicle. Emergency flares, extra oil and antifreeze, blankets, drinking water, and a cell phone are important basic items to have on hand. Sand or cat litter for traction on ice and a snow and ice scraper are also essential. Learn how to change a flat tire and how to jump start your car (carry a good set of jumper cables) or be sure to have that cell phone nearby in case you need to call for assistance.
Adjust the mirrors and your head restraint for maximum comfort, safety, and visibility, and do the same when driving a rental car.
Driving Tips for Hazardous Conditions
Check weather forecasts before leaving on a trip to avoid unnecessary surprises. If you anticipate poor weather, build in extra time to allow driving at a slower speed. Travel with your headlights on, especially anytime you are using wipers.
Leave extra space between your vehicle and others since it takes longer to stop on wet or icy roads. Try to stay in the middle lane. Roads tend to be higher in the middle with less chance of standing water. If you do drive through pools of standing water, tap your brake pedal to dry your brake rotors.
Steer gradually when driving on snow and ice; do not make rapid changes in direction. Brake before turning a corner or onto an icy patch; in other words, brake while still driving in a straight line. If you do go into a skid, turn your wheels into the skid and accelerate slightly to regain control of your vehicle. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) you do not need to pump your brakes to slow down. If you drive an older model vehicle without ABS, you will need to pump the brakes in order to slow down quickly. If you are hydroplaning, steer in a straight line. It is better to skid and go off the road than to overcorrect and flip your car. Just as you should slow gradually, so should you accelerate gradually on wet or slippery roads.
If you drive only rarely and your skills are not sharp, consider not driving at all in rough weather; ask a friend, relative, or caregiver to take you out to run errands or shop for necessities. If you do plan to drive in poor conditions, practice some safe driving techniques ahead of time. Information and tips, including instructional videos, classes, and a Drivers 65 Plus self-assessment (click the link to download), are available on SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
Minimize Fall Risks
Exercise. Start an exercise program if you do not already have one. Strength and balance are important for preventing falls or minimizing their impact. Exercise does not have to be painful or difficult. Yoga and Tai Chi are two forms of exercise that can be modified to anyone's ability and age and are great for strength and balance. Walking is free and a great form of exercise. Many malls have organized walking clubs, so contact your local mall to find out if there is one near you. Mall walking is a great way to meet people, be protected from the elements and traffic, and feel safe.
Medication Side Effects. Let your doctor know of any over-the-counter medicines you are taking to ensure that they are safe for you. Cold and flu medicines, as well as some herbal remedies, can increase drowsiness and your chances of a driving or falling accident.
Vision. Vision problems can lead to accidents. Have your eyes checked yearly for changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions, as well as for glaucoma or cataracts, which can limit your vision and increase the risk of falls and accidents.
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Prepare this entire recipe that serves 8 or cut it in half; freeze leftovers in handy one- or two-serving containers. Serve over fresh noodles with a side salad for a lovely cold-weather dinner.
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(c)All rights reserved by sarakayden
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Beef Bourguignon
From The New American Heart Association Cookbook (25th anniversary edition)
Ingredients
Vegetable oil spray 1 tsp. olive oil 5 medium onions, sliced (approx. 5 cups) 2 lbs. lean top sirloin roast (or other lean cut), visible fat removed, cut into 1-inch cubes 1½ tbsp. all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. dried marjoram, crumbled ¼ tsp. dried thyme, crumbled ½ tsp. pepper, or to taste 1 cup dry red wine (regular or non-alcoholic) ½ cup beef broth, low-sodium variety (more if needed) ½ lb. fresh mushrooms (3 to 3½ cups) Cooking Instructions - Lightly spray a large, heavy skillet with vegetable oil spray. Add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Saute onions until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove onions and set aside.
- Saute beef cubes until browned on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with flour, marjoram, thyme, and pepper; stir to mix well.
- Stir in wine and broth; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1½ to 2 hours, or until almost tender. Add more wine and broth (2 parts wine to 1 part broth) as needed to keep beef barely covered.
- Slice mushrooms in the meantime.
- Return onions to skillet and add mushrooms. Cook, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more wine and broth if necessary. Sauce should be thick and dark brown.
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Make Cooking for One or Two Fun & Easy
Are you used to cooking for an entire family and finding it challenging and frustrating trying to cook for one or two? All it really takes is a bit of planning and a few tips and tricks.
Keep variety in your cooking for healthful eating, and remember that homemade meals can be more nutritious, better tasting, and more economical than eating out. Plan your menus a week at a time in order to be efficient and save money. For example, a Sunday roast can be used for sandwiches on Monday and beef and vegetable stir-fry another day.
Smaller cans or pre-cut fruits and vegetables might be more economical if you frequently toss out spoiled items. Plus they are more convenient and save time. Prepared pasta sauce, boneless chicken breasts, and frozen bread dough help make meals faster and easier. If you like using sauces, try gourmet condiments, like cranberry honey mustard, that will last longer.
Make meal times at home fun and joyful by following these simple tips:
- Prepare a place setting with your good china and crystal.
- Add a centerpiece, light some candles, and play some music.
- Invite a friend over for a potluck.
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 Tips for Shopping, Storing, & Cooking Smaller Portions
- Wrap individual portions of meat; label and freeze (smaller pieces of meat are easier to work with and thaw faster).
- Freeze leftover items such as tomato paste, lemon juice, and chicken broth in ice cube trays; pop out after they are frozen and store in a freezer bag or plastic container.
- Start a cooking or food shopping club with other singles or couples; meet new people, try new foods, and divide larger meals among your group.
- Buy smaller portions of chopped vegetables for stir-fries and casseroles from salad bars in your supermarket.
- Buy nuts and candy from self-serve dispensers to get smaller quantities.
- Prepare a standard recipe for a casserole but make it in several smaller pans, then freeze.
- Use muffin tins for baking individual-sized portions of meatloaf or stuffing that can be frozen and reheated as needed.
- Store unused canned and jarred ingredients in the refrigerator in glass or plastic containers (storing foods in their original aluminum cans can be unsafe for your health).
- Use smaller appliances such as mini-slow cooker, toaster ovens, and mini-food processors (they take up less storage space too).
- Separate bacon slices into appropriately-sized portions and freeze, using waxed sheets for separating after freezing.
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Contact Us
Senior Helpers of Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx Street Name Road, Town Name, US 00000
Phone: 000-000-0000 · Fax: 000-000-0000 · Email: xxxxxx@seniorhelpers.com
www.seniorhelpers.com |
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Sudoku
answers from front page
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