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 Angel News
October 2010 | |
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Become our Fan on Facebook!
If you're on Facebook, become our Fan by clicking on the "Like" button. You'll be intrigued and enlightened by our posts!
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Today's Laugh!
Senior Citizen Exercise Program
A woman reported, "I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my
doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising.
I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over."
For more laughs, click here.
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Now Hiring:
CNAs & CHHAs
If you know anyone who would like to join our team as a CNA or CHHA, ask them to email careers@vacaregivers.com or call 609-883-8188.
We offer:
· Top Salaries
· Angel "Bonuses"
· Hourly to Live-In Care
· Many shifts are available to fit any lifestyle
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Discover the Great Taste of Whole Grains
For many, finding a simple way to get good nutrition without sacrificing taste can be a challenge-a daily dilemma between flavorful foods and products that promote a wholesome diet. Great solutions can easily be found thanks to the introduction of new better-for-you foods and beverages that are surprisingly delicious.
The benefits of whole grains, for example, have been widely documented. Consuming foods rich in whole grains as part of a healthy diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and help protect against stroke, certain types of cancers and also assists with weight control. The great news is that these days it's easy to seamlessly integrate whole grains into traditional recipes for a delicious meal. For example, a versatile food like whole grain pasta pairs very well with fresh seasonal vegetables, cheeses and aromatic herbs, making it a great dish for any season.
Bob Greene, celebrity fitness guru and author of the New York Times bestseller "The Best Life Diet," believes healthy eating can be a culinary experience. "As part of the 'Best Life Diet,' I try to share foods that are not only healthy but also taste great," says Greene. He provides the following tips for healthy living:
* As with anything else, eating well and feeling good doesn't happen overnight. Sticking with a healthy routine even after slip-ups is key.
* Physical activity and proper nutrition go hand in hand. Regular exercise and eating lots of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in whole grains are a great way to boost your overall wellness.
"I recommend three to five servings of whole grains daily. To reach this goal, try substituting some of the refined products you eat with versions that contain whole grains. For instance, this is easy when you enjoy foods that taste delicious like Barilla Whole Grain pasta that you can use in place of regular pasta. Eating a fiber-rich diet can be actually very easy and tasty," Greene says.
As part of his quest to encourage Americans to rediscover whole grains, Greene encourages people to take the Barilla "That's Whole Grain?" Taste Challenge which guarantees that anyone who tries Barilla Whole Grain will enjoy its taste. People who are not completely satisfied with the product can receive a box of their favorite regular Barilla pasta. To participate or learn more visit www.TryBarillaWholeGrain.com.
If you're ready for the challenge of eating healthy, try this mouth-watering, easy-to-make recipe:
Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil
Prep Time: Four minutes
Cook time: Eight minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1 box Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
5 to 6 leaves basil, sliced into thin strips
1/2 cup Parmigiano, grated
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute minced garlic in olive oil until slightly yellow. Add cherry tomatoes and saute 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, garlic and half the basil. Add reserved cooking liquid to skillet and toss pasta again. Top with Parmigiano, black pepper and remaining basil.
Courtesy ARA content
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Greetings!
 The month of October brings cooler weather, beautiful foliage, hay rides, fall festivals...and the October issue of our Angel News!
In this issue, you'll find topical and beneficial information. Keeping up with the latest advances and information in the
field of senior care is something we take to heart. In a spirit of sharing and
community, we
hope you enjoy the following articles.
Sincerely,
Visiting Angels of Central Burlington & Mercer Counties
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 Gadget Corner
This month in our ongoing search for unique gadgets that will help improve the lives of seniors, we found the following:  Have trouble opening prescription pill containers and other medicine packaging due to arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome? OpenIt RX may be the answer with its senior-designed openers. Watch the video here.
 Flameless Candles. Love the glow of candles but are concerned about fire safety? Flameless candles are the answer. They provide warm candlelight but are battery-powered. Many are even made of scented candle wax for an even more authentic product. Pictured: Oxo has a line of flameless candles called Candela.
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Is it a cold or the flu? Here's how to tell
 "My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I'm stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine too?"
Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.
The flu symptoms self-assessment tool on MayoClinic.com can help you assess whether you or your loved ones have some form of flu, or just a cold. If you possibly or likely have the flu, you'll also learn whether antiviral medication is an option. And you can check a concise list of high-risk groups who should seek medical attention for the flu.
Ultimately, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated. Visit www.MayoClinic.com for more information on managing your health.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Self-Assessment Questions
1. What are your symptoms?
2. How long have you had the symptoms?
Depending on how you answer, the self-assessment tool on the website will help determine if it might be a cold or flu.
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Trade-up Daily Routines and Enhance Your Health
People know healthful habits can benefit their well-being, but often come up with excuses for not sticking to them. Avoiding flossing due to discomfort and skipping the gym as a result of a hectic schedule are just a few of the excuses people use to relieve the guilt.
"Living a long and healthy life can actually be achieved more simply than people have been led to believe," says Dr.Thomas Perls, famed aging expert and author of "Living to 100." "While DNA still matters, changing only a few habits at a time can also make a world of difference in how long we live."
· Upgrade your exercise regimen. Women should include strength training in their regular exercise routines, as well as aerobic exercise. · Replace old-fashioned, white box floss in the corner of your medicine cabinet, with one that makes this healthy habit a better experience. Oral-B Satin Floss is made of satin-like fibers that rest comfortably against your fingers and slide smoothly between teeth and below the gum line to remove plaque. Courtesy of ARA Content
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 Talk With Your Family About Advance Care Planning
Families are close and know lots of special things about one another. As we grow older, there are some very important things that every family should know and discuss, even if they are difficult.
Later in life, we face a variety of health issues and might not be able to care for ourselves like we used to. Making an advance care plan can ease worries for you and your family about what might happen to you if you are unable to make decisions about your own care or about death and dying.
"An advance care plan is a good idea for all adults, regardless of their medical history. Discussing these issues can be difficult, but ultimately the goal is to ease the
burden if the situation does arise," says Clyde Yancy, M.D., Chair Education Committee at the Heart Failure Society of America.
Many chronic diseases, including but not limited to heart failure, can eventually exhaust all reasonable medical approaches. Planning ahead is important. An advance care plan often includes an advance care directive, a do-not-resuscitate order, a living will, a health care power of attorney and a financial plan.
For more information visit www.abouthf.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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 Dress Up Your Space With Container Plants
Whether it's spring, summer or fall, cooking up plant container combination recipes can invite life back into to the garden. Plants add colorful texture, contrast and variety to an array of outdoor spaces.
"Container gardening gives homeowners the opportunity to create striking results for their outdoor living areas without a great deal of time commitment or difficulty," says Dan Heims, co-owner of Terra Nova Nurseries in Canby, Ore. "Whether a novice or seasoned gardener, incorporating the appropriate mix or combination of plants to containers is the most effective way to experience lasting results."
Not sure what kinds of combinations to try? Log on to www.terranovanurseries.com to get some ideas. The site also has "recipes" you may want to try.
Courtesy of
ARA Content
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What's Happening at Visiting Angels
LUNCH & LEARN WITH THE ANGELS
 Tabernacle, New Jersey experienced an angelic and delicious event on September 10 when Director and Co-Owner Rudy Tervooren and Community Relations Liaison Kathleen McCabe brought sandwiches, beverages and knowledge of home care services to the staff of Tabernacle Family Physicians. The doctors and staffers enjoyed their food while they learned about the home care services provided by Visiting Angels. Jay Patel, MD, Parag Patel, MD and numerous clinical staffers "lunched and learned" while Rudy and Kathleen discussed the many non-medical services provided by the staff of Visiting Angels. Dr. Jay Patel profiled the numerous health challenges facing his older patients. He revealed that many of his older patients are hesitant to seek home care assistance fearing that they would have to give up their independence. Dr. Patel also mentioned that some patients are also fearful of allowing strangers into their home. Rudy stated that Visiting Angels believes is that everyone should have a choice about where and how to live. Also, Kathleen stated that Visiting Angels is acutely aware that most seniors want to age at home. Rudy acknowledged Dr. Patel's concern by explaining the rigorous background screening experienced by certified nursing aides and certified home health aides upon hiring and that only the most reliable aides are employed. Drs' Patel were particularly interested to learn about our own special "Veteran's Program" which provides qualifying veterans and their widowed spouses with home care at no cost--well before the Veterans Administration's approval of their "Aid & Attendance" benefits. They stated that they had no prior knowledge of this program and were grateful for the information as there are several retired veterans in their practice.
With bellies full, the "lunch and learn" came to a close. Dr's. Patel thanked Rudy and Kathleen for the sandwiches and beverages. They then stated how grateful they were to learn about the Visiting Angels and were eager to share this knowledge with their patients.
OCTOBER COMMUNITY RESOURCE BULLETIN
 October is Long-Term Care Planning Month. Long-Term Care Planning Month is designed to promote discussion of the many ways to plan for long-term care, and encourages everyone to consider long-term care in their personal retirement planning. As life spans increase, it's more important than ever to plan for care in our "golden years"! Visit our blog to download October's bulletin, as well as back issues.
HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT OUR NEW BLOG?
We're pleased to announce the creation of our very own company blog. We are very excited about this new venue for connecting with clients, employees, referral sources, internet searchers, and our fan base. You can count on frequent postings on a variety of topics related to seniors and we'll do our best to help make our blog your "Go To" resource for senior care. Check it out today by clicking here!
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Visiting Angels of Central Burlington & Mercer Counties: About Our Care
Visiting Angels of Central Burlington & Mercer Counties is a New Jersey-licensed, non-medical home care company committed to going well beyond the "industry standard" to provide an exceptional level of security, comfort and peace of mind to our clients and their loved ones. Our "Angels", all certified home health professionals, are ready to provide compassionate and dependable assistance with the activities of everyday living to seniors, the disabled, those recovering from surgery and to those who are simply frail. Our services include such simple tasks as light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands and shopping to more personal tasks such as hygiene assistance, bathing, dressing and grooming.
Visiting Angels' in-home care helps make it possible for seniors and adults with special needs to continue to live at home and maintain the independence of their daily routines and familiar surroundings, for as long as they can do so safely. We truly understand how challenging and alien the entire home care selection process can be...and we are experienced in working with families; with loved ones "resistant" to receiving care; and with third-parties payors (such as insurance companies and the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs) to help insure that the best interests of the family and their loved ones are met. Visiting Angels' services help families spend more mutually-rewarding and meaningful time with their loved ones and also helps provide comfort and peace of mind to those who face the challenge of long-distance caregiving.
For more information, please call us at 609-883-8188, visit our blog, MyVisitingAngelsBlog.com; our website, www.VisitingAngels.com/Burling-Mercer; or contact us by email at info@vacaregivers.com.
   
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