Setting the Standard in Assisted and Special Needs Transportation
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757 558-4050
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5 Star Medical Transport
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From Behind the Wheel
Owners Robynne Redmon and Jim Clinkscales
It's October which means the end of Daylight Savings Time.
Shorter days mean dusk comes when traffic is heavy with people coming home from work. Make sure to turn on your headlights and keep an eye out for youngsters and the occasional pet playing in neighborhoods.
Defensive driving is still the best way to avoid accidents!
We are committed to providing
quality of life enhancing transportation services to seniors and people in need
of assisted transportation.
Although we began our business through divine inspiration, we find that we are
inspired regularly by the people we serve.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many! |
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Save 15%
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Mention this ad when making your next reservation to receive 15% off the mileage charge up to 50 miles each way
This Offer Expires:
October 31, 2010
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*Check our newsletter next month for more specials
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - it is the month when people become more educated about the signs of breast cancer, its symptoms, and how to help prevent it.
Out of every seven women, one will develop breast cancer at some time
during her lifetime (USA), compared to just one in twenty during the
1960s. Here are some facts about breast cancer:
- It is the most common malignancy in women
- It is the second cause of cancer death
- It is three times more common than all gynecologic malignancies put together
- 211,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in the USA each year
- 43,000 women die from breast cancer in the USA each year
- 1 in every 100 breast cancer patients is male
- 50% of all invasive breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 65.
- Breast cancer is much more aggressive when it develops in younger women
There are certain risk factors linked to breast cancer:
- If your mother, and/or sister(s) and/or daughter(s) had/have breast cancer
- Age - the older you are the higher your risk
- Never having given birth
- Your first menstrual period occurred at an early age
- You have a history of benign breast disease that required biopsies
- You have had lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia
- Smoking
There are some things which raise your risk and you cannot avoid - such
as getting older and/or having a certain genetic makeup. However, you
can lower your risk by staying physically active, limiting alcohol
intake, not smoking and eating right.
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Thoughts for Living
"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked
through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of
bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof
that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the
human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of
circumstances." -- Victor Frankl
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Depression
in Older Adults
and the Elderly
Recognizing the Signs and Getting Help
The difficult changes that many elderly or older adults face-such as
the death of a spouse or medical problems-can lead to depression,
especially in those without a strong support system. But depression is
not a normal or necessary part of aging. In fact, most seniors are
satisfied with their lives despite the challenges of growing old.
Left alone, depression not only prevents older
adults from enjoying life like they could be, it also takes a heavy
toll on health. But if you learn how to spot the signs of depression
and find effective ways to help, you or your loved ones can remain
happy and vibrant throughout the golden years.Causes and risk factors that contribute to depression in the elderly include:Fears - Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues. Recent bereavement - The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.
Signs and Symptoms of DepressionSadness Fatigue Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home) Weight loss; loss of appetite Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness) Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing) Increased use of alcohol or other drugs Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts
What can you do to help?Invite your loved one out. Depression
is less likely when people's bodies and minds remain active. Suggest
activities to do together that your loved one used to enjoy: walks, an
art class, a trip to the museum or the movies-anything that provides
mental or physical stimulation. Schedule regular social activities.
Group outings, visits from friends and family members, or trips to the
local senior or community center can help combat isolation and
loneliness. Be gently insistent if your plans are refused: depressed
people often feel better when they're around others. Plan and prepare healthy meals. A
poor diet can make depression worse, so make sure your loved one is
eating right, with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and some
protein at every meal. Encourage the person to follow through with treatment. Depression
usually recurs when treatment is stopped too soon, so help your loved
one keep up with his or her treatment plan. If it isn't helping, look
into other medications and therapies. Make sure all medications are taken as instructed.
Remind the person to obey doctor's orders about the use of alcohol
while on medication. Help them remember when to take their dose. Watch for suicide warning signs. Seek immediate professional help if you suspect that your loved one is thinking about suicide.
| Is it Depression or Dementia? | | Symptoms of Depression | Symptoms of Dementia | - Mental decline is relatively rapid
- Knows the correct time, date, and where he or she is
- Difficulty concentrating
- Language and motor skills are slow, but normal
- Notices or worries about memory problems
| - Mental decline happens slowly
- Confused and disoriented; becomes lost in familiar locations
- Difficulty with short-term memory
- Writing, speaking, and motor skills are impaired
- Doesn't notice memory problems or seem to care
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Untreated depression poses serious risks for older adults, including
illness, alcohol and prescription drug abuse, a higher mortality rate,
and even suicide. So it's important to watch for the warning signs and
seek professional help when you recognize it. The good news is that
with treatment and support, depressed seniors can feel better. No one,
whether they're 18 or 80, has to live with
depression. |
Pumpkin and Prosciutto Risotto
While Americans tend to think of pumpkins as being useful only for sweet
dishes like pumpkin pie,
the Italians have long used the pumpkin for a
wide variety of savory dishes, as you would any squash.
If desired, you can use
cooked ham instead of the Prosciutto.
The Prosciutto can be omitted and a
rich vegetable stock can be used for a marvelous vegetarian main dish.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 large onions, chopped
2 cups chicken stock
2 minced garlic cloves
1 cup Arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 cups cubed pumpkin, steamed or boiled until tender
2 ounces chopped Prosciutto
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
salt
freshly ground white pepper
Melt the butter and
olive oil together in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add
the onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. While the
onion is cooking, place the stock in a medium saucepan and heat over
medium heat until simmering, but not boiling. Add the garlic to the
onions and cook for two minutes. Add the rice and stir well to coat.
Sauté for a minute, then add the wine. Cook the rice until all of the
wine is absorbed, stirring constantly. Add a ladle of the warm stock,
and stirring constantly, cook until all of the liquid is absorbed.
Repeat until almost all of the liquid had been absorbed. Add the pumpkin
and mix well. Continue to cook until the pumpkin is heated through, and
all of the liquid is absorbed. Add the Prosciutto, Parmesan, parsley,
salt, and pepper. Mix well and serve hot. Placing the risotto inside a hollowed out pumpkin makes for a great serving display.
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