Setting the Standard in Assisted and Special Needs Transportation
For Reservations Call
757 558-4050
Quick Link
5 Star Medical Transport
click here to go to our website
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From Behind the Wheel
Owners Robynne Redmon and Jim Clinkscales
Happy New Year!
We hope you all enjoyed the holiday season as much as we did.
Can you believe it's already a new DECADE?
With the dawn of 2011 we see the wave of baby boomers hitting retirement age. Being baby boomers ourselves, we are aware of the pressures facing this "sandwich" generation.
Watching our parents age is not something that anyone ever prepared us for.
Let us all take comfort in knowing that we are not alone.
More than ever there is support to be found. At 5 Star we are proud of our ability to help the caregiver. Many times when a new client calls, it is someone looking for services for a parent. They are often overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. We are happy to provide information on transportation and are able to offer referrals for other services or information about services.
As always we thank you for the opportunity to serve!
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| Save 15% |
Mention this ad when making your next reservation to receive 15% off the mileage charge up to 50 miles each way
This Offer Expires:
January 31, 2011
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*Check our newsletter next month for more specials
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Post Holiday Depression and Older Adults Now that the holidays have come to an end, many people find themselves feeling a little blue. Post Holiday Depression hits people of all ages, but can be even more intense for older adults.
Feeling let down and sad after the busy holiday season is normal for many. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not. It's depression.
Although depression in the elderly is a common problem, only a small percentage get the help they need. There are many reasons depression in older adults is so often overlooked. Some assume seniors have good reason to be down or that depression is just part of aging. Elderly adults are often isolated, with few around to notice their distress. Physicians are more likely to ignore depression in older patients, concentrating instead on physical complaints. Finally, many depressed seniors are reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help.
The consequences of this oversight are high. 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.
Signs and symptoms of depression in the elderly
Recognizing depression in the elderly starts with knowing the signs and symptoms. Depression red flags include:
- Sadness
- 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
Depression Clues in Older Adults
Older adults who deny feeling sad or depressed may still have major depression. Here are the clues to look for:
- Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
- Hopelessness
- Helplessness
- Anxiety and worries
- Memory problems
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- Loss of feeling of pleasure
- Slowed movement
- Irritability
- Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medications, neglecting personal hygiene)
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While support and self-care can help depressed seniors, professional help should also be pursued. If you see the signs and symptoms of depression in yourself or an older relative, schedule an appointment with a doctor for a thorough evaluation, including a complete physical and lab workup. This is particularly important since many medical conditions, medications, and even certain physiological changes of aging can cause depression or compound the problem.
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Thoughts for Living
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
-- Mark Twain
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Mediterranean Chicken Couscous
(under 300 calories per serving)
No pots and pans are required for this easy, no-mess Mediterranean recipe. Simply use a glass measuring cup to heat the broth in the microwave, place dry couscous in the serving bowl, and then add the broth. Once the remaining ingredients are stirred in, the dish is ready to serve.
Prep: 15 min., Cook: 5 min., Stand: 5 min.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Makes 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium fat-free chicken broth
- 1 (5.6-ounce) package toasted pine nut couscous mix
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 (4-ounce) package crumbled feta cheese
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Garnish: fresh basil leaves
Preparation
Heat broth and seasoning packet from couscous in the microwave on HIGH for 3 to 5 minutes or until broth begins to boil. Place couscous in a large bowl, and stir in broth mixture. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
Fluff couscous with a fork; stir in chicken and next 6 ingredients. Serve warm or cold. Garnish, if desired.
Tip: You'll need to buy a 2/3-ounce package of fresh basil and 1 rotisserie chicken to get the right amount of basil and chicken for this recipe. Substitute 4 teaspoons of dried basil if you can't find fresh.
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