Happy New Year

Thoughts for a New Year, New You

Power thinking   Thoughts are powerful things. You've heard of "power dressing"but what about "power thinking"? Every woman should know that whoever you are, you are perfect before you put on a stitch of clothing. Whatever your shape, color or size, you are beautiful inside and out.

If your doctor tells you you're healthy, that's all you need to know. Anyone or anything that tells you that you are not beautiful is wrong. When you truly like yourself, you won't worry about any flaws. 

Celebrate   We celebrate birthdays, holidays,etc. but have you ever had a private celebration of who you are? Your accomplishments, your dreams and your hard work are nothing to sneeze at. Admire the parts of your body you do like with the same energy that you "dis" the parts you don't like. 

For the parts you don't like just remember where they came from -- your female ancestors. Imagine what they did with those features -- traveled to foreign lands, worked on assembly lines, cleaned other women's houses -- to make you who you are. So, while you're celebrating yourself, celebrate your grandmother a little, too. 

Treat yourself   If it feels good, do it. Go ahead and spoil yourself! Get a massage, manicure or pedicure. Go for a walk. Go to the gym. Have a Netflix weekend. Learn to play an instrument. Use your imagination.

Just never forget these words, “This is for me.”

From an article by Janet Behmer and Shirley Pierce

Wordless Wednesday

Row, row, row your boat.

Christmas Greetings

7 Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu

The temperature drops outside and sometimes that means our body temperature rises due to common illnesses. We have a few easy tips to help you prevent colds and flus this winter season.

1. Wash your hands often with warm soapy water. We know this is the most cliché tip, but it’s also one of the most important. Stop the spread of germs by washing your hands thoroughly.
   
2. Keep your hands away from your face if possible. Germs most com- monly enter through our eyes, nose, and mouth.
   
3. Get plenty of sleep! Sleep deprivation weakens your immune system and increases your chances of catching a bug or virus.
   
4. Drink water. Water has so many health benefits and keeping yourself hydrated helps keep your body healthy!
   
5. Get plenty of Vitamin C & D! These two vitamins are the strongest for boosting your immune system and fighting off illnesses.
   
6. Exercise. Yes it does get difficult to exercise when the sun sets at 5pm but getting your body moving boosts your immune function!
   
7. Get a Chiropractic Adjustment! Fun fact about chiropractic: it can help boost your immune system! By keeping the nervous system free of interference (misalignments) your body can work at maximum capacity and fight off colds and flus effectively. 
   
   (Taken from the Minser Chiropractic newsletter)
   

Wordless Wednesday

The birds, the birds...!

Gifts for the Elderly

   

 My mother-in-law is in a nursing home and at this time of year it gets us thinking about what to give her for Christmas. She doesn't have much space in her room for a lot of extra stuff. We decided to take some photos of her and make a Christmas card that she can send to friends and relatives. (We ran address labels and also paid for postage, stamping and mailing the cards for her.) I'm betting she'll be happy to get cards in the mail in return.

     If you have some friends or family that are in skilled care facilities you might need some other gift ideas. The holidays are usually a happy time of the year, but for seniors without friends or family nearby, it can be lonely.

     During holidays instead of bringing a plant or flowers, which provide visual pleasure but cannot occupy an elder’s time, bring other gifts which they can enjoy after you have left.

• Already stamped post cards, envelopes and paper
• Soft Stuffed Animal with a Scent such as Lavender
• Lip Balm, Lotion, Powder
• Pillow Spray 
• Dream Pillows
• Magnifying glass 
• Puzzles, drawing pad and pens
• Pictures drawn from children (they love bragging rights)
• Family Photos
• A small hand held TV or DVD player with head phones. So they can watch what they would like. 
• Reader's Digest and other large print books. 
• Diabetic:  Special Socks /Diabetic candies
• Slippers
• Pajama's
• Bath Robe
• Pillows/Quilts
• Craft Items they can make that does not require keen eyesight--latch hook is a good one.
• Dementia:  Textured items (i.e., sandpaper, velvet, fuzzy fur, gingham, burlap) to touch and manipulate. Often those with dementia find comfort in repetitive motions such as rubbing cloth or petting an animal. 

Another idea for an older loved one who has difficulty communicating is touch/aroma therapy. Bring a nicely scented lotion and ask if you could put the lotion on your loved one’s hands, therefore providing touch as well as a pleasant aroma to associate with your visit.