Doctors Say Don’t Forget to Get a Flu Shot

Medical professionals stress the importance of getting a flu shot this year. They worry too many people may assume given the relatively small outbreak last year, it won’t be a problem this season. To illustrate, the CDC reported only 818,939 specimens were tested for influenza from late September 2020 through late May 2021, and only 0.2 percent came back positive as compared to 26 to 30 percent during a normal season. 

The concern of experts now is that the few cases last year may actual result in a worse season this year. Clare Rock, an infectious diseases physician and hospital epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say the light flu season last year “means some of the natural immunity that would be in the population is not going to be in the population now.” He adds, “We may have more vulnerable people.”

It is hard to predict the severity of this year’s flu season as health professionals do not yet know the extent of people who will still practice social distancing and mask wearing due to COVID-19. It is also hard to predict how close this year’s flu shot will address the various strains of flu that turn up. Other good reasons to get a flu shot is many hospitals are filled with COVID patients and the fact kids are physically back at school.  

Another roadblock to a more accurate prediction of this year’s flu numbers is most years   we look at the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere (their flu season is during our summers). Again things are not normal given the amount of COVID currently affecting the area and there are strict mitigation rules in effect in many countries. With all of these unknowns, healthcare providers stress the importance of everyone eligible getting a flu shot.   

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we offer 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our mission is to enhance quality of life for residents and we do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, and luxury amenities. Please feel free to contact us and ask about our Move-in Specials.

Our Goal is to be the Best We Can!

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our first and foremost priority is to give residents the finest quality of life possible by offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Recognizing seniors as heroes, we acknowledge all of the triumphs and challenges they have faced throughout their lives and consider serving them to be our life’s calling – our privilege. Thus we feel honored to receive praise regarding our home and our care from residents and their families. The following are just a few examples.

One daughter of a resident recently told us how Morning Star of Happy Valley has been a God-send for her and her Mom. She reiterates on how tough it is to find a place where a person is treated with the respect and love you feel they deserve but says she have found such a place at MorningStar. She adds, “The people who work here are ‘earth angels.’ My mom is flourishing under the care she is receiving at Morning Star. She is happy! My heart is happy! I am at relieved and relaxed for the first time since Mom's Alzheimer's Diagnosis.” 

Another daughter states how she cannot imagine a better home for her father. She writes, “The MorningStar team has been compassionate, professional and unbelievably supportive. They are always available to answer my questions and respond to my concerns. My father has benefitted from the genuine care and friendliness that all staff members show him. Beautiful building filled with smiling people. Thank you for all of your care and concern.”

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley, our beautiful assisted living and memory care community offers a whole host of resort-style amenities and care services along with wellness programs and activities geared toward the needs of our residents. However the thing we are most proud of is our extraordinary team who routinely go the extra mile to care for residents. 

Located in the southeast suburb of Portland, OR, we proudly offer area seniors a true “home.” Please see our website to learn more about trusted senior living in Happy Valley, and ask about our Special Deal -$21 FOR FIRST MONTH | $20 COMMUNITY FEE.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

If you are worried about an elderly parent who lives alone and may not be getting the kind of personal daily care, meals, or company they need; it may be time to consider assisted living.  At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we specialize in providing care for seniors who need a little help with their day-to-day personal care activities but do not require 24-hour medical care.  

We have seen first-hand how the transition to assisted living eases the stress of either or both the senior’s life or the family caregiver’s life.  Moreover, we recognize that assisted living at its best allows residents to not only survive but to thrive.  We achieve this with a wide range of care services, fine dining, and meaningful wellness programs and activities.  In addition, residents enjoy built-in companionship as they make new friends with fellow residents and our truly loving staff. 

To give families a good idea of what services are provided with assisted living, we are happy to answer questions.  Also, we suggest you take a look at our website where you will find a lot of information.  A good place to start is our Decision Guide under the “First Steps” tab.  Here we go over things to look for that may indicate your parent needs more help such as recent falls, unexplained weight loss, poor balance, and/or poor personal hygiene.   From there, take a look at our FAQs for more details.   

Under our “Wellness” tab we go over our dining services, life enrichment programs, and clinical care services.  We also like to direct interested families to “Our Heart” to read a little background on how MorningStar Senior Living began and what its mission and precepts are all about.  

While you will discover our company was founded on Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews as we believe it is our responsibility to respect residents’ spiritual preferences.  In fact, our goal is to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs as part of creating a comfortable home and compassionate care. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Desserts that are Healthy as well as Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

The U.S. News and World Report recently published an article on tasty treats designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a healthier alternative to more sugar laden desserts. One suggestion from board-certified oncology dietitian, Kailey Proctor, of the Leonard Cancer Institute at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California, is to grill pineapple, banana, apple or pear slices. Grilling concentrates flavors by reducing the water content, and further sweetens the fruit as natural sugars are caramelized by the heat.  

Dark chocolate is a known powerful source of antioxidants as research shows it can help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and raise HDLs, reducing your risk for heart disease. One healthy, easy-to-make dessert is to melt dark chocolate and spread it over parchment paper. Then sprinkle dried cherries, chopped nuts or sunflower seeds over it; refrigerate for five minutes and cut into small pieces. Another variation is to dip fresh strawberries or other fruit into melted dark chocolate. 

Yogurt parfaits are fun to put-together and can be customized to your taste. Using a parfait dish or small bowl, add granola, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, peanut butter or seeds, layering with yogurt. To cut down on fat, use nonfat or low-fat yogurt as it still provides a good source of protein without the calories. 

How about banana ice cream made from frozen pureed bananas mixed with almond milk? If you like, add in peanut butter and nuts. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top, which is “thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.” 

MorningStar of Happy Valley has 61 private suites for assisted living and another 27 secure memory care suites. Part of our many services includes Executive-chef inspired meals served restaurant-style. Meals are made largely from scratched with the freshest of ingredients. We also use “BrainWise Foods” known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Please visit our website to learn more about our community as well as to inquire about availability. 

Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/healthy-dessertsand-theyre-tasty-too?slide=10&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Sep%2005%2007%3A49%3A00%20EDT%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health

Simple Stretching Exercises can Help Prevent Falls & Injuries

If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk for falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness. 

The Journal of Gerontology recently reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. 

Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a beautiful senior living community providing 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and ask about our Special Deal of $21 FOR FIRST MONTH | $20 COMMUNITY FEE.

Finding the Best Pet

Over the last decade, there have been many studies done regarding the various benefits of pets for seniors including providing loyal companionship and unconditional love. They can help keep a senior active as even if you don’t want to go for a walk, you know your dog needs one. In fact, studies show seniors with dogs are more physically active than other older adults without pets. Another thing about taking a dog out for a walk is it is a great way to meet new friends. 

However, before you rush out to get a dog or cat, veterinarians caution seniors (and their well-intentioned family members), to remember some animals are better suited to the energy level and temperament of older adults. They recommend several breeds of dogs that have a good disposition and are easy to care for. One breed making the list is the French bulldog as they are known as reliable companions and good walking partners. Poodles and Schipperke are both loyal and intelligent and also easy to care for. Veterinarians say a Maltese has a reputation for being an attentive dog to its owner. For a more active senior, a Pembroke Walsh Corgi makes a loving partner.  

Experts say there are some breeds of cats that typically make better companions for seniors. The Birman cat is one. It is moderately active, affectionate, gentle, and a faithful companion known for its quiet air of dignity. Russian Blue cats also make the list as they are quiet, gentle, genteel cats and make very loyal companions. Persian cats are known as very affectionate. The Ragdoll cat is another good choice as it is known for its docile, placid temperament and affectionate nature.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we approach senior living from all angles to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. Recognizing the importance of pets to theirs owners, our community is pet friendly. We just ask that new residents check with us regarding our pet policy. 

Our beautiful community has 51 private assisted living suites for those who require a little help with daily care. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 26 secure suites staffed by a compassionate team of trained caregivers.  Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho, NM.  

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Caring for an Elderly Loved One Can be Challenging

If you are the main caregiver for an elderly family member who requires help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), it may be the job is becoming too much for you.  The Nov/Dec issue of Today’s Geriatric Medicine cites a study by the “National Alliance for Caregiving and Caring Across Generations,” which states that more than 11 million American adults are considered sandwich generation caregivers and bear the responsibility of simultaneously caring for their children as well as an aging family member.  In total it is believed there are over 40 million unpaid caregivers for adults aged 50+ in the United States consisting of adult children, spouses, relatives or friends.  

For most people caregiving is a labor of love but there is no denying it can be challenging.  Whether you are an adult child with your own children, a spouse, or another relative, you may feel it is time to ask for help.  This decision may lead you to an assisted living community where mom or dad will receive all the care they need and you can go back to being their loving child.  If you are a spouse who has been responsible for the caregiving duties, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills warmly welcome married couples to live together in their own suite, surrounded by their own treasured possessions. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pleased to give residents and their families peace of mind knowing that trained care managers are there to help navigate changes in health, and that transportation is available for doctor visits and other errands.  It is also a relief to know mom or dad will have nutritional, daily meals prepared by our own Executive Chef, built-in companionship, and the comfort of knowing someone is always around to lend a hand if needed.  

In addition, MorningStar has a team of caregivers who feel it is a privilege to serve seniors and understand that residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  Our community has 63 suites for assisted living and 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  If you are looking for the finest senior assisted living Fountain Hills, AZ has to offer, we encourage you to contact us for more information.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Sources: 

viewer.zmags.com/publication/d04ca42b#/d04ca42b/9

aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2020/05/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.001.pdf