Elizabeth Scott builds nature trail for residents

Anxiety— there is always a “why”

by Tom Duvall, LISW-S ronment was a legitimate threat. If you were not perpetually on guard, “WHY ARE YOU ANXIOUS? You you might get snatched up by a have nothing to be anxious about!” saber-toothed tiger. If you did not If you have ever experienced anxiety, have the protection of other peoodds are you may have heard this ple, you were easy prey for a pack before or may have thought it about of hungry wolves. Humans, like all yourself. You know you are anxious other animals, developed into social but cannot pinpoint the rea- creatures out of necessity. son why. Since you cannot As a species, humans pinpoint the reason, you have come a long way since assume there must not be the days of cave-dwelling. one, that your anxiety is However, the human brain misplaced. However, if still retains the mechanisms you are anxious there is that developed in that enalways a reason for it. vironment. Those mecha-

There are two main nisms are still active today, types of anxiety that people ever vigilant for threats experience. For simplic- and seeking the safety of ity’s sake, I will refer to the group. Fears of embarthese as good anxiety and rassment and rejection, and other anxiety. Good anxi- the need to feel accepted ety happens when we are elicit such strong emotions excited about something. Tom Duvall, LISW-S because they are tied to It is the butterflies you feel the need to be with other in your stomach right before getting people to survive. The brain is wired on a roller coaster or speaking/per- to see everything as a threat, even forming in front of a crowd. Often it if what is can logically be separated is not even referred to as anxiety but from what is not. being nervous, or “nerves.” There is While threats to survival exist excitement that runs parallel to the today (cars crashing at 60+ mph and anxiety that helps temper any distress, airborne illnesses, for example), they so the net feeling is usually positive. are not as numerous as they once

The other type of anxiety is, well, were. Previous death sentences can other anxiety. It is not bad, though it now be easily prevented, managed, sometimes is thought to be. This is or treated with little effort, but the the kind of anxiety that occurs when human brain in many ways still lives you are fearful of something. This is in the environment in which it develthe “gut” feeling that occurs when oped. Because of this, people become something seems wrong but there anxious for a variety of reasons that is not a readily identifiable reason are not always apparent. There may for the feeling. Being fear-based, be excitement over something or the the distress it creates is more easily perception that something is going noticed, leading to the inaccurate to cause harm or rejection. Perhaps assumption that this type of anxiety once the reason for it is known, the is inherently bad. However, it serves anxiety will dissipate. Perhaps not— an important and necessary function. what matters is that being anxious

Other anxiety keeps us alive. When happens for a reason. humans were first developing as If you or anyone else questions cave-dwellers thousands of years why you are anxious, the difficulty ago, nearly everything in the envi- n The Willow Center - continued on p34

Elizabeth Scott builds nature trail for residents

WHAT CAN YOU DO with a three-acre parcel of wooded farmland? If you’re the Elizabeth Scott Community, you turn it into a nature trail for residents to enjoy.

“We’ve been working on this project for awhile, and it has eventually become a very enjoyable spot for our residents,” says Matt Bucher, Director of Marketing. “We’ve built multiple walking paths that traverse through the wooded property on our campus.” He says fruit trees and native plants were also planted to enhance the area. A deer feeder and multiple bird feeders were built to attract animals.

“At a minimum, this nature trail gives our residents something to look at from their rooms and helps highlight their days,” says Bucher. “Not long ago, we had seven deer roaming around the nature area, eating the grasses and munching on Matt Bucher, Director of Marketing for the Elizabeth Scott Community, stands on one of several nature trails food in the deer feeder we had installed. the company has built The residents really enjoy coming out to on its campus for watch them. To take it a step further, our residents to enjoy.residents can also walk the trails and tour the woods. The paths are safe, and they were created using packed, crushed stone that accommodates walkers and wheelchairs.”

Bucher says future plans call for a gazebo to be built near the entrance to the trails for residents to sit outside and enjoy nature. The nature trails are located on the Elizabeth Scott campus in a quiet area behind the Skilled Rehabilitation Center.

The Elizabeth Scott Community, located at 2720 Albon Road in Maumee, is a family owned and operated facility that offers Independent Living, Enhanced Living, Skilled Nursing, and Skilled Rehabilitation on a single campus. For more information about the Elizabeth Scott Community, contact Matt Bucher, Director of Marketing, at 419-724-5021. ❦

n Eating Well - continued from p30 vegetables, one-quarter with protein, and one-quarter with starch. Sometimes I like to use the three-bite rule: one bite is delicious, the second bite is yummy, and the third bite is the signal that you’ve had enough. Tell yourself that you can always have leftovers tomorrow so you don’t have to eat it all today.

As a visual guide to help you apportion foods properly, consider that three ounces of meat looks like a deck of cards, a half cup of pasta or potatoes looks like a hockey puck, one cup of broccoli looks like a baseball, and a serving of fruit looks like a tennis ball.

This holiday season might be a tough one as we adhere to coronavirus recommendations such as social distancing and avoiding large groups, but it’s still important to enjoy ourselves and try to make the best of it. Let’s celebrate by maintaining good nutrition and continuing to follow a healthy lifestyle. Or perhaps this is a good time to say let’s start 2021 off right. So, start practicing healthy portions now, and listen to your body and fullness signals.

Oh, and while you’re at it, please go ahead and enjoy the “Who-pudding” and “rare Who-roast beast” this holiday season. I hear they’re very healthy!

WHAT DID WE DO BEFORE technology helped us do so many things? We order food, read books, listen to music, and do a number of daily activities using the apps on our smartphones. Besides medical apps, which manage our blood pressure and help us keep track of our steps and diet, there are a few more that help with our everyday lives.

Many of us have had virtual medical appointments. I met my doctor on my iPad. I was satisfied with the appointment, although I looked forward to the time I could meet her in person at the office. I missed having her check me out physically. Although meeting with our healthcare professionals in person is the best (we need to get our teeth cleaned or our toenails clipped at the office), many health conditions can be handled through technology.

Several phone apps help with maintaining our health. We can check our steps, diet, glucose levels, and heart status. The apps are quite accurate and amazing, and the information collected from them can be stored and shared with our doctors, too.

But there are other apps that help make daily living a little easier for those with mobility challenges. Phone apps can help find handicapped parking at restaurants or stores, identify accessible bathrooms, or help managing medications. Although the apps are not perfect and might not contain all the updated accessible information, users are encouraged to add current updates as they experience them. If a person

There’s an (accessible) app for that

sees that a restaurant has accessible bathrooms that were not on an app, they can tell the app what they found. Gradually, the app gets better through the updates.

The following are a few accessible apps. Try them out.

Wheelmate

This free interactive app helps users locate accessible restrooms and parking. The app offers users an overview of the nearest resources to help plan their day. It currently has 35,000 locations across 45 countries.

WheelMap

This interactive map helps users find wheelchair-accessible locations. Just like Wikipedia, anyone can contribute and mark places that are accessible. It offers a color-coded scale: Green—fully wheelchair accessible Yellow—partly wheelchair accessible Red—not wheelchair accessible Gray—location not yet rated

AccessNow

This app is designed to share accessibility information on businesses all over the world. Users can filter a map by categories such as a restaurant, hotel, or store. There is color coding for accessibility: Green—accessible Yellow—partially accessible Red—not accessible

Be My Eyes

This free app connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers for visual assistance through a live video call. Through the call, the user and volunteer are able to communicate directly and solve a problem.

FuelService

This app tell users which nearby fuel stations have assistants who can help refuel their car. The app is able to call and ask the station if they can help. Once the user has arrived, FuelService informs the attendant that they are there.

MediSafe Pill Reminder

With Medisafe, users get reminders for each medication to keep them safe and in control. It helps users manage and take their medication on time. Users are also able to give family, friends, and caregivers access to be alerted if they miss a medication.

Mobility Works

Mobility Works is a nationwide leader in adaptive solutions, accessible vehicles, and mobility equipment. The app allows users to find accessible rental vehicles, products, hotel rooms, and events when traveling.

iAccess Life

iAccess Life is a handicapped-accessible phone app that allows users with disabilities to share their experiences at businesses. Ratings are given on the entrance, bathroom, interior, and parking. Users can rate, review, and search based on their accessibility rating from other users.

There are more apps available. Some are just being developed and get better as users add their experiences. Most are available on iPhone or android format. Try a few—some might really be helpful.

Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sistersosf.org or 419824-3543. ❦

A S S I S T I V E T E C H N O L O G Y

Newprogramdesignedtotemporarilygiveyouthand adultswithdisabilitiesassistivetechnologytolivemore independently.Switchadaptedtoysandleisureitems arealsoavailable. Testoutproductswithyourlovedone -Viewourloan closetorcallformoreinformation.

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‘Tis the season…for seafood?

GOOD FOOD AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON go hand in hand, and there is remarkable variation in the types of foods families serve at this time of year, depending on their traditions, heritage, and individual preferences. For example, some families make a scrumptious, spiral-sliced ham or beef tenderloin the focal point of their holiday meal. Others essentially serve “Thanksgiving redux,” with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other traditional favorites returning for a delectable encore. Still others take their inspiration for their holiday repast from the sea. In fact, seafood, in one form or another, graces a great many tables in the US and around the world at holiday time.

Whether you’re laying the groundwork for a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes or you’re just considering serving a seafood-themed meal this holiday season, you might want to give these tantalizing recipes a try:

Smoked salmon in cucumber cups

2 medium cucumbers, about 1 inch diameter 6 ounces smoked salmon 1/2 cup sour cream 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 Tbs. lime zest 2 tsp. fresh lime juice Salt Cayenne pepper

Peel cucumber; cut into 3/4inch slices; using tiny spoon or scoop, form cucumber cup by scooping out seeds, leaving some flesh in base of cup; set aside.

In medium-size bowl, flake smoked salmon, discarding skin and any bone; blend in sour cream, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Mound salmon into cucumber cups; sprinkle lightly with a few grains cayenne pepper; garnish with additional lime peel strips, if desired. Makes 24 appetizers.

Grilled seafood salad

Marinade: Juice of 1 lime (optional) 2 Tbs. olive oil 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Seafood and mushrooms: 1/2 pound fresh sea scallops, 10 to 20 count size 1/2 pound fresh tail-on shrimp, 21 to 25 count size 1 (6-ounce) package sliced

Portobello mushrooms

Italian vinaigrette: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard Salt and black pepper to taste 1 Tbs. chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, and thyme) 1/2 cup olive oil

Salad: 12 cups fresh mixed baby greens 1 cup baby grape tomatoes 1 medium cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and sliced 1/2 red bell pepper, cut in julienne strips 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut in julienne strips 1/4 cup shredded carrots Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Directions

Whisk together marinade ingredients in shallow dish. Add seafood and sliced mushrooms; turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Combine all vinaigrette ingredients except oil in a blender or food processor. Process on high speed until the mixture is well blended. With the motor running, carefully pour in the olive oil in a steady stream. Set aside.

Spray grill pan or saute pan with no-stick cooking spray; heat to medium high heat. Remove seafood and mushrooms from marinade; discard marinade. Grill shrimp and scallops 2 to 3 minutes per side or until seafood is cooked through and has browned highlights. Remove from pan and set aside. Add mushrooms; grill 4 to 5 minutes, turning once. Remove from pan.

Arrange salad ingredients on a medium platter. Top with grilled seafood and mushrooms. Drizzle dressing as desired over the salad. Top with the Parmesan cheese if desired. Serves 6.

Italian seafood pasta

1 lb. spaghetti 1/4 cup olive oil 1 garlic clove, sliced thin 1 onion, sliced thin 1 16-oz. can plum tomatoes 1/4 tsp. dried oregano 1 1/2 Tbs. capers 1/2 lb. peeled medium shrimp 1/2 lb. scallops, halved Salt and pepper Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet, and cook the garlic and onion until softened but not browned.

Dice the tomatoes and add to the pan with the juice from the can, the oregano and capers; cook until about half the tomato juice has evaporated.

Dice the shrimp. Add to the skillet with the scallops, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes, or until the shrimp turns white and is no longer translucent.

Drain the spaghetti and add to the skillet; stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Cod with tomato cream sauce

1-1 1/4 pounds Pacific cod or tilapia fillets, cut into 4 pieces 3 tsp. chopped fresh thyme, divided 1/2 tsp. salt, divided 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 1 shallot, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 cup white wine 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half 1/2 tsp. cornstarch

Season fish with 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic and 1 teaspoon thyme; cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 1 minute. Add wine, tomatoes and the fish to the pan; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until the fish is cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the fish to a large plate; keep warm. Whisk cream and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to the pan, along with the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Divide the fish and sauce among 4 shallow bowls. Makes 4 servings. ❦