What Helps the Heart Helps the Brain

What Helps the Heart Benefits the Brain

What does your brain have to gain from a healthy heart? There are many reasons to focus on having a healthy heart at any age. For senior adults maintaining a healthy heart and brain can help you preserve your independence and quality of life.

Making positive lifestyle choices is the best way to affect positively both your heart health and brain health. Forming new habits in areas like physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement — can help keep your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Start now. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

·         Physical exercise: even moderate walking, if done regularly, increases oxygen content in the brain and helps to create new brain cells as well as grow new neurons and the release of natural endorphins that improve mood, reducing the need for artificial anti-depressants (Banner Alzheimer’s Institute)

·         Nutrition: plays a very important role in developing a healthier heart and brain. It is believed that most people will benefit with a diet that is low in sodium and has a good balance of fruit, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber (Alzheimer’s Association)

·         Stress-free living environments: Senior adults who live in an environment that is stress-free, offers daily nutritious meals, an active lifestyle and socialization have seen an increase in their physical and mental health (Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging)

·         Brain exercise: just like physical exercise, brain exercises can help slow down progressive diseases like memory loss and dementia. Studies have also shown that learning something new (maybe something that has been on your bucket list for a long time) challenges your brain in new ways

In four short weeks, we will experience a brand new year. The end of the year is often a time when we reflect on what we want our future to look like. I hope that you will take time during this wonderful holiday season to relax and decide on ways you can help your heart and your brain!

Visit us today online @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa/

Five Simple Ways to Increase Your Resilience

Five Simple Ways to Increase Your Resilience

Every day, as I walk the halls of Fellowship Square-Mesa I am reminded of what amazing people live in our community. Residents who have overcome a setback of some kind but demonstrate to everyone their capacity to recover and bounce back. According to the dictionary, the definition of resilience is just that, “the capacity to recover from difficulties and bounce back.”

Here are a few common characteristics people that demonstrate resilience possess.

·       Education. Learning everything you can about your situation. You need to become your best advocate. Attend a health & wellness class, a lifelong learning class, a support group or meet with your physician; ask questions and be curious about your situation.

·      

          Accept. You may not be able to do everything you did before in the way that you did it, but resilient people discover a way to overcome their limitations and explore a new reality.

·    

          Build on strengths, not weaknesses. Seek to understand fully what is really going on, including how you may have played a role in causing the adversity. Changing your diet or increasing exercise may be simple things that might have a big impact.

·  

           Spiritual. Also identified as core values, these are the beliefs that you count on. The power of prayer, the support of your family, or friends. Believe that you can make a difference in the future despite the constraints imposed by reality.

The good news is that we can become more resilient as we age. Here are five ways to increase your resilience as you age:

1.      Find a new sense of purpose; look for ways that you can make a difference in your community.

2.      Identify positive beliefs in your abilities; write them down and read them every day.

3.      Develop a strong social network. Reconnect with that old friend or make a new friend.

4.      Embrace change. Change is real; it just happened to you, what are you going to do about it?

5.      Be optimistic. Everyone has their own aches and pains; become the positive person with interesting things to talk about. 

Visit us online today @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa

The Power of Positive Thinking

The Power of Positive Thinking

Originally published in 1952, The Power of Positive Thinking is a self-help book by Norman Vincent Peale. The book was revolutionary then because it proposed a way of thinking that would lead the reader to achieve a permanent optimistic attitude. Dr. Peale recommended affirmations (repeating positive thinking) as well as visualizations (using your mind to picture something good happening) as well as reading positive passages in the Bible. Since 1952 this book has been translated into over 40 different languages and has sold over 20,000,000 copies.

Dr. Peale wanted his readers to energize their lives and demonstrate “the power of faith” in their lives; he urged everyone to “believe in yourself and everything you do.” As I was pondering the influence that Dr. Peale has had on a generation of Americans it occurred to me that positive thinking can help us all now, just as it did in the 1950’s.

In the past several weeks it seems as if our part of the world has had one tragic event after another; many wonder where this world is headed.  I have had more than one resident tell me that they were anxious (worried) about these natural and tragic occurrences. We know that anxiety (and stress) can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing.

If you find yourself feeling anxious, or as the grandchildren say “stressed out,” instead of fretting over our circumstances, take a moment and deliberately focus on what is true and what is right. I personally like to review the list of my prayer requests. So many of my prayers were so overwhelming at the time but God answered so many of those prayers. When I review the list I see his hand moving to weave even the worst tragedies together for good. He can overcome every act of hate, every selfish motive, and replace it with kindness, generosity and fellowship. Today when you wake, first count your blessings one by one, do so will add hours to your day.

Visit us today @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Springdale Village

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide

About Us

Springdale Village is one of Arizona’s most innovative leaders in the delivery of post acute care and management services.  Unlike other facilities, Sprindale Village provides a campus that also includes Assisted and Independent Living accommodations, guest apartments for visiting family and friends, and even a Short-Term option for ‘snowbird’ patients who might need care while they’re here enjoying our warm Arizona winters. 

While other facilities may strive to maintain the status quo, the staff at Springdale Village is passionately dedicated to the goal of consistently improving our level of care.  Through innovative solutions we’ve made great strides in improving patient care, reducing lengths of stays and preventing 30-day rehospitalizations.

Springdale Village is proud to work in collaboration with East Mesa’s most dedicated physicians, nurses and discharge specialists to provide the best possible outcome for our guests.  Our ability to offer a full spectrum of innovative healthcare solutions, as well as the top line amenities like the fine dining at Broadway Bistro, are rapidly making us the provider of choice in the East Mesa community we are so proud to serve.

Why Choose Us

Experience The Springdale Difference

Springdale Village is much more than East Mesa's premier retirement community. Along with our independent living and assisted living programs, Springdale Village has been redefining healthcare rehabilitation and skilled nursing through our innovative programs and approaches for over two decades.

Through our state-of-the-art rehab technologies, our Advanced Orthopedic Recovery Program and Advanced Stroke and Neuro recovery programs provide quality outcomes and safe and successful transitions back home to the lifestyle you enjoy.  At Springdale Village we truly believe that the shortest path from hospital to home is through the doors of Springdale Village Rehabilitation Center.

Our Numbers Speak For Themselves

• 92% of our patients state the progress they made toward goal was "Good" or "Excellent"
  
  
• 95% of our patients rate the quality of our rehab services as "Good" or "Excellent"
  
• 93% of our patients will recommend us to their friends

Visit us today @ www.SpringdaleCares.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Amada Senior Care

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Resource Guide

Kimberly Perkins-Akers and Kris Patmos are the owners of Amada Senior Care Mesa and long-time friends. Kris says, “We’ve been through many things together, including church ministry, raising our children, and now caring for our aging parents.” Just as Kim and Kris have been able to support each other as their families entered the world of senior care, they and the Amada Mesa team want to support you and your family with all of your senior care questions and needs.

Since Kim and Kris have both sought senior care for their own parents, they understand how important it is to ensure the highest quality of care for the people you love, and that this can have a dramatic impact on seniors as well as their family members. Kim says, “Like many sons and daughters, I am part of what we call ‘the sandwich generation.’ We have children at home, careers, spouses we invest our time in, and meanwhile, we are also taking care of the needs of our aging parents. As I have journeyed with my parents as the oldest daughter in our family, I have found freedom in having others come in and help my parents with food preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, exercise, and other activities of daily living. Now, when I’m with my parents, I am with my parents—I can be the daughter I want to be and enjoy the time I have with them.”

Our goal at Amada Mesa is to care for your loved one with the same level of dedication and compassion we would expect for our own parents and grandparents so that you can find peace in knowing they are not only safe, but also comfortable and content. We honestly take pleasure in seeing our senior clients smile, and seek to enrich their lives by offering personalized care and companionship. 

At Amada Senior Care Mesa, we proudly provide comprehensive senior care services to families in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Maricopa County, Sun Lakes, Higley, and other nearby communities. This means that in addition to providing quality in-home care, we also help families with assisted living placement and even finding the best way to pay for a loved one’s care.

Visit us online today @ www.amadamesa.com 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Quail Run Behavioral Health

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Phoenix Guide

INPATIENT CARE* PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION*INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT

Quail Run Behavioral Health Inpatient Program offers treatment services for children, adolescents, adults and older adults who are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, psychosis and changes in behaviors due to dementia.

Our Outpatient Program offers two levels of support for adults experiencing depression and anxiety to help identify healthy coping skills and meet their needs through life’s transitions.

• Older Adult IOP 3 days/week 9-12
• Adult IOP 3 days/week 9-12pm or 6-9pm
• Adult PHP 5 days/week 9-2pm
• Young Adult 3 days/week 1-4pm

Help is available during a crisis.

For 24-hour assistance, call

602-455-5694

For general information, call

602-455-5700

844-772-7771 Toll Free

Quail Run Behavioral Health*2545 W. Quail Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85027

Visit us today @  www.quailrunbehavioral.com

Fellowship Square Mesa ~ Residents Have Fewer Hospital Visits

"We have known for a long time that residents at our community have fewer hospital visits, including return hospitalization. It is nice to see that empirical evidence is confirming our findings." Jon Scott Williams, Executive Director, Fellowship Square-Mesa

Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging recently cited a study that investigated various factors that increase one’s chances of being hospitalized. Very little research has been focused on characteristics of one’s environment that may help prevent hospitalization but this study is working to better understand the factors. A key finding shows that, “Unsurprisingly, older adults with multiple chronic conditions were more likely to report frequent hospitalizations. However, among those who had multiple chronic conditions, individuals who lived in senior housing were hospitalized less often than those who lived in traditional housing. This suggests that there is a significant health benefit to living in senior housing, particularly for older adults who have multiple chronic conditions.”

This is a good time to remind all of our residents and our staff about the importance of healthy living. Every day at Fellowship Square-Mesa we offer residents multiple opportunities to take control of their lifestyle and stay out of the hospital.

·         Fitness

o   Instructor led fitness programs

o   Resident led fitness classes

o   24 X 7 access to the fitness center

·         Healthy dining

o   Every meal offers healthy dining choices

·         Health and Wellness

o   Classes & workshops

·         Lifelong Learning

o   Meaningful brain engagement

§  Weekly classes

§  Social interaction

·         Resident Portal

o   Articles and links to relevant health & wellness sites

o   Monthly newsletter with healthy living article

o   Newly released book reviews & public TV programming recommendations

In addition to offering daily living and wellness programs Christian Care offers Home Health Care for those residents who do need additional assistance. Find out more about Christian Care Home Health Care in the Resident Portal and at the reception desk in the main lobby.

Visit us today @
www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa/

Adultcare Assistance Homecare

We want to welcome our newest advertisers in the 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Phoenix Guide

“IT IS PERSONAL TO ME!”

Discovering our limitations is tough.  My family knows firsthand.  When my husband was diagnosed with cancer we experienced sadness, exhaustion and stress.  My commitments to work and family stretched beyond my capability.  As others joined beside me, we pulled together as a team.  More important to my respite, my husband was able to thrive at home.  This is vital as living at home empowers independence, recovers dignity and grants familiarity leading to a healthier life.

Through my experience, I learned that home care in Arizona is different than in most of the country.  Arizona permits the use of independent contractors and does not require criminal background clearance for caregivers.  The lack of regulation in Arizona places citizens at risk.  The more I have learned, the more I have become involved in protecting seniors and their families.  This has led to Adultcare Assistance Homecare maintaining the highest standards for caregiver selection and training.  My desire to protect Arizona seniors extends beyond my company with my appointment as the President of the Arizona Chapter of the Home Care Association of America.

Asking for help made everything else possible.  As others were there for me, I am here for you.  Sometimes it helps to talk with somebody who understands.

Let’s Talk Soon,

Krystal Wilkinson, CSA

Certified Senior Advisor

Owner & President

(623) 977-2223 or (520) 575-8000

Visit us today @  http://adultcareassistance.com/about-us/

Fellowship Square Mesa Shares "America's Pastime"

“America’s Pastime”

Baseball has long been known as “America’s Pastime.” In the old days you had to go to the ball park to see your favorite team play. Today you can watch just about every game played on TV or listen to a game on the radio. With the emergence and popularity of football baseball does not have the dominance it used to have. But there are some elements of baseball that other sports will never possess.

America flourished under baseball. Generations of Americans grew up playing baseball. Young people learned about what being a good sport and being a “team player” actually means. Fans at the ballpark celebrated America’s successes such as being the first country to send men to the moon and mourned our losses like 9-11 together.  

Great traditions. Seriously is there anything better than a hot dog, peanuts and cracker jacks? Or hearing the national anthem at the beginning of each game or “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7^th inning stretch?

Dedicated fans. Chicago Cubs fans, need we say more? The Chicago Cubs ended a championship drought that had lasted 108 years, beating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland. They did it the hard way, too, coming back from a 3-1 game deficit by winning three straight games, including the last two on the road in Cleveland. And it took 10 innings to win it all in Game 7.

The Home Run. The sounds created by a baseball homerun cannot be duplicated in any other sport: the crack of the bat hitting the ball, the wild enthusiasm of the home town announcer, and the cheering of the fans.

Larger than life personalities. The players, the myths, the legends, and the Hall of Famers, all larger than life: Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Joe Dimaggio, all of them who didn’t seem human. Great announcers like Harry Carey (“Holy Cow”), Dizzy Dean (“Jiltin Joe”), and Bill King (“Holy Toledo”).

“Take me out to the ballgame.” In 1858 baseball’s song was “The Base Ball Polka.” Thankfully Jack Norworth wrote the 1908 classic, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” which was written on a scrap of paper on a train ride to a baseball game. The song was quickly adopted by the Chicago Cubs and proudly belted out during the 7^th inning stretch.

Things change quickly. As Yogi said, “"Baseball is 90 % physical the other half is mental". 

While we could draw more than one “life lesson” to the game of baseball I’ll wrap up by suggesting that the next time you are looking for something to watch on TV, find a baseball game. Watch it for a few minutes and look for all the things that make baseball “America’s Pastime.”

Visit our community today online @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa

Fellowship Square Mesa Shares The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Did you know that senior adults are one of the most at risk groups for dehydration? As a natural part of the aging process, our bodies undergo physiological changes that increase our risk of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to hospitalization, infection, loss of cognitive function, and even death. In addition, some senior adults do not sense being thirsty and do not drink enough.

Our fluid balance can be affected by medication, emotional stress, exercise, general health, and the weather. The most common signs and symptoms of dehydration include persistent fatigue, lethargy, muscle weakness or cramps, headaches, dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, confusion, deep rapid breathing, or an increased heart rate. Here a few tips to help you stay hydrated.

Hydration Tips:

• 6 – 8 glasses of water per day (48 to 64 fluid ounces daily)
• Keep a fresh glass or bottle of water with you all day
• Water is the best option for hydration
• If you drink juice or soda consider diluting it with water
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid prolonged periods of time exposed to the summer weather
• When dining look for foods that contain water: soups, fresh fruit and vegetables, and  popsicles

The best fresh fruit and fresh vegetable ideas for increasing your daily water intake:

Fresh Fruit	Fresh Vegetables
Strawberries (92% water) Watermelon Cantaloupe Pineapple Oranges Raspberries	Lettuce Celery Green peppers Cucumber Spinach Zucchini

If you are concerned about your dehydration program consult with your doctor. Otherwise, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables. Be conscious of times when you’ll require extra fluids: when you are sick and during and after exercise. With an extra bit of attention, you can stay hydrated and healthy this summer, avoiding the potential danger of dehydration.

Visit us online today @ www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/campus/az/mesa