Living Longer, Living Well

LIVING Longer, Living Well

A resource guide for 55+ DECEMBER 2016

2

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, December 9, 2016

Cookies for Everyone Lavenia Norford, Director of Communications, Bridgewater Retirement Community

One of Mike and Cindy Fike’s greatest family joys has been baking together, and they have continued that in retirement, especially during the holidays. They have matching aprons, a beautiful kitchen and the things that come from inside their stove are a precious gift to those who receive them.

“We don’t do a lot of entertaining, except a few friends or family at a time,” Cindy explains, “but we love cooking and sharing what we make.” The simple enjoyment and sharing part is why they ended up on our cover.

Holidays sometimes become very different for people in retirement.

Family dynamics change. Many of us move to different homes, even different parts of the country. But, somehow in our minds, we long for those happy Christmases of many years past and the Hallmark “joy moment” to fill us up even though we have downsized space, and oversized time. But there is no reason not to continue or engage in hobbies and celebrations that we always planned to enjoy during retirement.

Choosing things that make us happy can be done any day, not just during holidays. Maybe we even plan holidays on non-holiday days.

Loss of loved ones and family is hard especially during the gathering times, but if we celebrate and honor those who have passed with good memories that can enhance our holidays.

Distance also plays a part in whether holidays can be shared or how much time is taken up in travel that cuts into the time we have to visit.

Why not have celebrations during vacations together? Planning ahead for how our holidays will be spent can mean the difference between having a rewarding time and enjoying ourselves, or feelings of disappointment.

It is our hope that the articles in this issue will offer you good information, helpful tips and even a few solutions to some holiday dilemmas that could arise for all of us. It’s that time of year when we hold very special gifts in our hands and our hearts to share with those around us. The gifts of love, kindness, sharing, encouragement, and benevolence are free but so valuable. When we share them, we feel the warmth as they go out to be shared with others and others beyond them. Isn’t that the real miracle we all look for at this time of year?

COVER PHOTO: Mike and Cindy Fike have found a different way of entertaining, sharing their baking skills with a few friends or family at a time. They love cooking and sharing what they make. Enjoyment and sharing makes them perfect for our cover theme.

Photo courtesy of Lev Norford

Harrisonburg, Va.

Living Longer, Living Well A collaborative partnership of the Daily News-Record, and ElderAlliance, Inc. ElderAlliance Workgroup Members: Jeannette Suter, Workgroup Chair Marketing Director, Home Instead Senior Care Beth Bland Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS Lavenia “Lev” Norford Director of Publications, Bridgewater Retirement Community Maureen Pearson Director of Communications, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Glennette Poland Intergenerational Activities Director, Generations Crossing Susan Ribelin Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage Annie Shaffer Wellness Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community Cristin Sprenger Extension Agent,Virginia Cooperative Extension

MISSION: The Education Workgroup mission is to develop and promote education and public awareness programs to enhance the health and well-being of older persons, care providers, and families.

Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.

ElderAlliance – Living Longer, Living Well P.O. Box 473, Harrisonburg, VA 22803 No statement or advertisement in this publication is to be construed as an endorsement of any person / business / organization or as a recommendation to buy advertised products / services.

The ElderAlliance Education Workgroup welcomes the submission of articles to be considered for use in Living Longer, Living Well. The Living Longer, Living Well Editorial Committee reviews all submitted material and reserves the right to decide which selections will be included in the newsletter.

Please Note: This publication contains educational and illustrative materials, narratives, and ideas of an informative nature ONLY. Neither the author, the publisher, not this organization is engaged in rendering medical, legal, or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of physician, attorney, or other professional advisor should be acquired.

The ElderAlliance Education Workgroup is very interested in any comments or suggestions you might have. Please email your ideas for stories or feature articles, suggestions, or “pet peeves” to the editor at jsuter@homeinstead.com, or mail them to Living Longer, Living Well, P.O. Box 473, Harrisonburg, VA 22803

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

A Time of Celebration Thomas A. Miller, MFEV Volunteer, Virginia Cooperative Extension

It is that time of year when many honor particular cultural and religious celebrations. Our country is home to people of many different cultures.

To foster understanding and mutual respect, knowledge of other cultures, languages and traditions is important. There are cultural differences among us, yet, collectively we share values that are “universal” including family, love, heritage, respect, faith, justice, freedom, peace, friendships, loyalty and safety/security. While it is easy to group individuals based on ethnicity, religion or language, we must not forget individual differences exist within groups of people. For example, all Christians do not practice their faith in the same manner. A person who speaks Spanish may be from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay or Venezuela.

Below is a partial list of December celebrations that may be observed by individuals in our community. (Note: this list is not meant to be inclusive of all persons or celebrations.)

December 8 – Rohatsu – Buddhist Celebrates the time Siddhārtha Gautama took his place under the Bodhi tree, vowing to remain there until he attained supreme enlightenment.

December 8 – Immaculate Conception of Mary – Catholic Christian Celebrates the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Harrisonburg Community Health Center

Looking for a Patient Centered Medical Home?

We are at VMRC – Park Gables

Christopher Benjamin FNP-C

•

Emily Davis, FNP-C

1491 Virginia Avenue | Harrisonburg, VA 22801 M–F 8–4:30 pm | Accepting new patients | On-site lab available

540.574.3895

• www.hburgchc.org

Friday, December 9, 2016

3

December 12 – Mawlid al-Nabi – Islamic (begins at sundown December 11) Celebrates the birthday of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam commemorated with recollections of his life and significance.

December 12 – Feast Day – Our Lady of Guadalupe – Catholic Christian Celebrates the belief that a man encountered the Virgin Mary, Mexico’s patron saint, in Mexico City on December 9 and 12, 1531.

December 16 – 24 Posadas Navidenas – Hispanic/Latino Christian Commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a place for the Christ Child to be born.

December 21 – Winter Solstice (Yule) – Wicca/Pagan Celebrates the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year.

December 25 – Christmas – Christian Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. December 25 – Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – Orthodox Christian Celebrates the Feast of the Birth of Jesus (“Incarnation of Christ.”) Also referred to as Christmas.

December 25 - January 1 – Hanukkah (The Festival of Light) – Jewish (begins at sundown December 24) Celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality.

December 26 - January 1 – Kwanzaa – African American A secular celebration observed by many African Americans honoring their cultural heritage and traditional values.

4

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, December 9, 2016

Harrisonburg, Va.

Caregivers Need Care Too!

by Karen Barnes, VPAS Caregivers Community Network Coordinator

With the ever increasing numbers of Americans getting older, needing care and support due to limitations with physical, mental or cognitive functioning, so is the need for support for family caregivers who provide the lion’s share of their care.

At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are family caregivers of someone age 65 or older who have significant impairment.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, women provide the majority of informal care for a spouse, parent, friends, and neighbors providing many roles from hands on health care, managing care, as friend or companion, daily decision-maker and advocate. The average caregiver is a 49 year old woman, who is married and employed, and caring for her 75-80 year old mother who does not live with her. Older couples of-

ten become caregivers for each other, with the wife taking on this role more often. Dementia care can be particularly stressful for caregivers.

As people live longer this is an issue that has become more prevalent.

So what does this mean? Caregivers are stressed and need support to maintain their own health and wellbeing. Valley Program for Aging Service (VPAS) has long recognized this need and recently was able to target funding for care giving services. In a collaborative effort with James Madison University’s Institute for Innovations in Health and Human Services, VPAS absorbed the Caregiver Community Network (CCN) program, originally established through the School of Nursing, when other funding sources could not be secured. VPAS has a designated staff member to oversee

540.213.7800

2HomeInstead.com x5 ad

6SGOMRKLEQ %YKYWXE 6SGOFVMHKI

We’re by your side so your loved one can stay at home.

'SQTERMSRWLMT 1IEP 4VITEVEXMSR 4IVWSREP 'EVI

0MKLX ,SYWIOIITMRK 1IHMGEXMSR 6IQMRHIVW 8VERWTSVXEXMSR )VVERHW

Each Home Instead a Se Senior nior Care® JVERGLMWI SJ½GI MW MRHIT JVERGLMWI SJ½GI MW MRHITIRHIRXP] S[RIH ERH STIVEXIH TIRHIRXP] S[RIH ERH STIVEXIH ,SQI -RWXIEH ,SQI , ,SQ -RWXIEH -RG

Caroline loves to plays Scrabble with CCN students, Emily F. and Emily G. during their weekly visits.

the program. The CCN Coordinator works with both the students as an adjunct professor and also with family caregivers needing respite.

The primary focus of CCN is to educate students’ on caregiver stress and how to appropriately interact with older adults, especially those with dementia. Students receive orientation and training to provide social, emotional, and therapeutic recreational supports for the care recipient. Students are paired and matched with family caregivers.

Students make weekly visits to the home and interact with their assigned care recipient. The caregiver is provided a much needed break knowing their loved one is also benefiting from the student visit. This program benefits the students, who

are gaining insight and learning about aging issues, as well as support to the caregiver and care recipient.

VPAS is committed to assisting caregivers with information about local resources, support groups, and educational programs that can assist them in supporting them in their caregiving role. VPAS is actively involved with ElderAlliance’s Caregiver Coalition, a workgroup that collaborative works to the needs of family caregivers.

For more information about caregiver support and services, please contact Karen Barnes, VPAS Caregiver Community Network Coordinator, at 540-830-8445 or Karen@ vpas.info.

Meet other family caregivers at

Caregiver Connections 4th Thursday of each month, 1-2:30 pm Blue Ridge Hall

No meeting in November or December

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, December 9, 2016

5

Do you have a cold or the flu?

Susan Ribelin, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

‘Tis the season…for watery eyes, runny noses, fever and cough. But, how How to Protect Yourself This Flu Season: do you know if it’s a cold or the flu. First of all, let’s talk about the similari• Get a flu shot-Even though it is recommended to get your flu shot by the ties. Both the flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses which begin end of October, better late than never. As long as the flu virus is spreadwith similar symptoms. That’s why it can be difficult to tell the difference ing, it isn’t too late to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved between the two based only on symptoms. Generally speaking, the flu is ones. Typically, flu season peaks between December and February but worse than the common cold, and symptoms tend to be more intense. The flu activity can continue into May. symptoms of flu can include fever and/or feeling feverish/chills, cough, • Practice good hygiene-This includes covering your cough, avoiding sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and people who are sick and washing hands often. Washing hands with soap tiredness. Colds generally do not lead to serious health problems but the flu and water is important. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water can cause very serious complications. are not available. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Experts bewith the flu should not be shared without washing thoroughly. Eating lieve that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Surfaces should be people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. cleaned and disinfected frequently during illness.

A person may be able to infect other people 1 day before symptoms de• See your doctor quickly when flu symptoms begin – It’s very important velop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Some people can be infected that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu if your physician feels that with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons would be beneficial to avoid serious complications. can still spread the virus to others.

Who should get vaccinated? The Centers for Disease Control and Preven• Get a pneumococcal vaccine – This is an important vaccine for people tion recommends everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vac65 years and older to protect against pneumococcal disease, such as cine each season. People 65 years and older are at greater risk for serious pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Talk to your physicomplications from the flu because immune defenses become weaker with cian to see which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for you. age. Although flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people Content Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/) 65 years and older represent 71-85% of the seasonal flu-related deaths and 54-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations. People should talk to their doctor before getting the flu shot if they have an allergy to eggs or other vaccine ingredients, if they have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) or are already feeling ill.

“High dose vaccine” is designed specifically for people 65 and older, containing 4 times the amount of antigen as the regular flu shot. It is associated with a stronger immune response following vaccination. Research shows that those who receive this type of vaccine had 24% fewer influenza infections as compared to those who received the standard dose.

The CDC recommends that those 65 years and older should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine (which is not recommended for use in any population for the 2016-17 season), the intradermal flu shot, or jet injector flu vaccine.

Do you have questions about hearing aids and how they can help but aren’t sure where to start or who you should ask?

We are audiologists.

The best and most knowledgeable resource you have for information on your hearing health, diagnostic testing and hearing aid technologies.

Dr. Diane Schwalbach Audiologist

590 Neff Ave., Suite 5000 Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Dr. Scott Murray Audiologist

Honest Answers. Expert Advice. Incredible Results!

6

Friday, December 9, 2016

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Miniature Christmas Trees Barbara Conway, Sunnyside Resident and Former Florist Shop Owner

Not in the mood this year for the debate on live vs. artificial Christmas tree? And the cost, rearranging the furniture to accommodate the tree, getting out the decorations. If so, it may be time to - quite literally - branch out! Bring the traditional symbol of the holiday season into your home in the form of a miniature Christmas tree! It’s easier than you think to create and you have many options to make it a true reflection of your home. Below are instructions on how to make a boxwood topiary tree that you can enjoy for several weeks.

Supplies: 1 Block of wet oasis (florist foam) 1 Bag of boxwood branches (about 1.5 pounds) Boxwood branches/tips may be trimmed from bushes or purchased from a florist. English box makes the handsomest trees because it is durable, dense and has a lovely dark green color.

1 6-inch green designer floral bowl or other shallow, water-tight container. A shallow bowl is ideal.

1 Pair of scissors, or pruning shears 1 Knife Floral tape (optional) Miniature lights and other tiny decorations (optional) Steps: 1. Soak oasis in large container of water for several

hours, overnight is best. Add a pack of floral preservative to the water. Then let the oasis sink gradually into the water on its own for complete saturation.

2. Place the oasis box vertically in waterproof bowl or container.

3. Using a knife carve the oasis block into a cone shape by merely creating a more pointed top. The shape does not have to be perfect and you can use floral tape to secure the foam to your container.

4. Beginning at the base of the oasis, add the longest boxwood tips (approx. 6-8”) inserting them into the foam. Continue adding boxwood tips in shorter lengths until you reach the top of the oasis cone, rotating the tree as you work to help ensure even coverage.

5. Trim the boxwood branches to further refine the cone shape of the tree.

6. Decorate the tree as desired by adding items such as other evergreen tips, tiny battery-powered lights, miniature ornaments, holly, ribbon, bows, beads, cinnamon sticks, baby’sbreath and any other small decorations you like. Remember any flowers you add will die or must be replaced every few days.

7. The oasis must be kept well saturated and you will want to add water almost daily. If the foam becomes dry the boxwood will slowly dry, become brittle and lose its shine.

Then enjoy your Miniature Christmas Tree! To make sure it lasts throughout the holidays, keep the tree in a draft free place and out of direct sunlight. They make perfect centerpieces or will bring Christmas cheer to any part of your home.

Barbara Conway, Sunnyside resident and former florist shop owner, puts together a mini Christmas Tree

They also make great gifts, so make two or three. And if you find yourself in a not very creative mood, boxwood topiaries can also be ordered from most florists and holiday vendors!

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Winter Holiday Fire Safety Wes Shifflett, NRP, an Assistant Fire Marshal, Rockingham County

Merry Christmas from Rockingham County Department of Fire and Rescue!

At this time of the year we experience the sights, sounds, and the awesome display of the holiday season. This is a season to enjoy good times with family and friends. Each holiday season fires injure 2600 individuals and cause more than $936 Million in property damage (United States Fire Administration). Hospital emergency rooms treat over 12,500 people for falls, cuts, shocks, and burns from faulty Christmas lights, dried-out Christmas trees, and other holiday decorations annually (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

We have provided some safety tips below to ensure your Christmas holiday season is accident free.

Christmas tree’s According to the National Christmas Tree Association 400 fires involve Christmas tree’s annually resulting in 10 deaths, and $15 million in property damage. To reduce becoming a statistic we recommend: • Water your live tree daily. (A live 6 foot tree will need ½ gal. of water daily) • Keep away from heat sources, exits, and flammable materials.

• No more than 3 strands of lights connected together.

•Make sure lights are cut off when not at home.

•Ensure you check your lights for frayed wires prior to placing on tree.

Extension cords • Make sure they are listed by Underwriters Laboratory’s • Do not plug multiple extension cords together • For multiple cords use a fused power strip • Do not fold, staple or mutilate cords (shut in door, walk on, drive on, or place under carpet).

• Do not modify the ground plug on any cords.

Candles Historically, December has a high incidence of fires caused by candles.

Over the last decade candle related fires have tripled, causing an estimated fire loss of $265 Million annually. We suggest following these guidelines • Consider using battery operated flameless candles, which look, smell and feel like real candles.

• If you use candles make sure they are in stable holders. Place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.

• Candles and pets do not mix; keep them away from each other.

• Candles should be extinguished prior to leaving or going to bed.

• Keep all combustibles at least 3 feet away.

Seventy percent of all home fire fatalities occur in homes where smoke alarms are not present, or they do not work. We encourage you to ensure the batteries in your smoke detectors are changed, if you have an issue with your smoke alarm you can call our office and we will gladly assist you.

I hope these considerations will allow you to have a fire safe Christmas season. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact our Office at (540) 564-3175.

Friday, December 9, 2016

7

8

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, December 9, 2016

Quick Tips for Anytime Entertaining Sometimes planning ahead is not possible, so plan ahead just in case guests drop in.

• Make your favorite dough ahead and freeze it, or buy frozen cookie dough at the grocery. You can make cookies when the need arises.

Ten minutes and your home smells like you’ve baked for days.

• Choose a signature color to match your decor or favorite centerpiece. Keep a stash of napkins, paper plates and cups on hand.

Quick to put out, quick to clean up, and it all matches!

• Put orange peel, some water, a cinnamon stick and some cloves in a small pot. Simmer on the stove. Your kitchen will smell wonderful.

• A sparkling bathroom says caring hosts. If you don’t have time to polish and shine, at least spiff it up. Put away that messy tooth paste, put out fresh towels and hand soap, spray a light clean scent.

Ready!

• Clear chairs, fluff pillows, check the floor for tripping hazards. Turn on adequate lighting. Is there a clear traffic pattern to refreshments and seats?

• Pet care. Remember that not all guests appreciate Fluffy in their lap.

Arrange for a courteous space for your pet while you have guests.

Is Joint Pain

Slowing You Down?

At the Sentara OrthoJoint Center ®, we know it happens all the time. Just as you’re hitting your stride, joint pain slows you down.

But joint pain doesn’t have to keep you down. Our expert team provides seamless, coordinated care of your joint replacement surgery. We offer: • A dedicated patient navigator to guide you through the process • Pre-surgery classes • No hospital gowns – wear your own clothes at the hospital!

• Detailed guidebooks for you to keep • Reunion luncheon to celebrate your recovery To learn more about the Sentara OrthoJoint Center ® program, call our dedicated line at 1-855-2ORTHOJT or visit Sentara.com/orthojointcenter.

sentara.com Your community, not-for-profit partner

Harrisonburg, Va.

To Entertain? Of Course!

Lev Norford, Director of Communications, Bridgewater Retirement Community

That special time of year, is coming, “the holidays” when we are drawn to thoughts of entertaining friends and neighbors. Some of us delight in that prospect. Some of us gasp in horror at the thought of pulling out matching silverware and finding a centerpiece to fill any table. Then there are those of us who are inbetween; we like to entertain guests, but space, time and energy all play a part in wanting it to be more fun than work.

Part of the problem may be that we tend to set “ magazine standards” for ourselves. Remember magazines and television have entire crews to do their cooking prep and decorating. With a little reality check, entertaining does not have to be overly stressful. Even if you are in a tiny space, enjoying guests is not only possible, it can be a rewarding time to renew friendships and fellowship together.

Consider these five tips for help plan entertaining, large or small: 1. People: Limit the number of guests to the number of seats that fit comfortably in your space. You can add two or three to that number. Most of us are willing to squeeze in when friends show up, and there is usually someone who can’t come.

2. Space: Tidy up. Deep cleaning is really NOT necessary every time we have guests. Some even suggest you save the deep cleaning for after the guests leave. But take care of the basics. Put away the clutter and dust.

Floors should be free of tripping hazards, always.

3. Food: Plan your food and beverages way ahead but KEEP IT SIMPLE. With all the grocery, large food stores, and deli options now, there really isn’t a need to spend days in the kitchen to impress guests. Pick a theme and plan your food around it. Make a list and then subtract 1/3 of it. There will be enough.

4. Cost: Cost is always an issue. It’s easy to be carried away with decorations, gourmet foods offered during holidays, and over-buying way more than people will eat. Plan a reasonable budget for each event and stick to it.

5. Rethink: Ask yourself if it would be easier to “make this possible” rather than do it all yourself. Inviting friends or family for lunch or dinner at a place of your choice can be just as enjoyable as hosting in your home.

Weigh the cost versus the effort. It just might be an excellent solution.

Most of all - Enjoy! Keeping things simple and planning well ahead will allow you to enjoy your time and your guests. After all, isn’t this why you decided to have a gathering in the first place; to enjoy each other?

Happy holidays from the Living Longer Living Well Workshop Group!

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, December 9, 2016

9

10

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, December 9, 2016

Managing Holiday Stress Susan Ribelin, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

The holidays can be a time of overwhelming to-do lists and increased demands of our time, money, and patience. So how do we focus on the things that really matter to us during this season? Here are a few tips for reducing or preventing stress from creeping into your joyous celebrations: • Manage your time. Planning ahead for shopping, baking and visiting can help you successfully avoid last minute rushing.

• Stay within your budget. Asking those on your gift list what they need or want can make shopping for the right gift easier and fun. Planning ahead gives us time to shop online or through catalogs.

• Be realistic. All of us feel the pressure to make the holidays picture perfect. But, as families change, often traditions do as well. Give yourself permission to hold on to the ones that really matter and create some new ones too.

• Acknowledge feelings. Feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression can be unwelcomed guests, especially during this time of year. Take time to accept and acknowledge your feelings and emotions. It is normal to experience sadness, grief and loneliness if you have lost a loved one. Talk to someone.

• Don’t isolate yourself. Sometimes the best way to help ourselves is to help others. Volunteering can be a way to make new friends while you are showing kindness to others.

• Take care of YOU. Listen to your body and get plenty of rest. Strive for healthy eating and avoid overindulgence with food, sweets and alcohol.

Make time for a walk, a calming bath, peaceful music, meditation, or a good book.

• Ask for help. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmingly sad or filled with anxiety, unable to sleep, perform daily tasks, or being angry and irritable, it might be good to reach out to someone. Your family, a trusted friend or a healthcare professional can help get the support needed.

Preparing for Winter Driving Cristin L. Sprenger, M.S., AFC©, Senior Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences

It doesn’t have to be the holiday season for us to think about driving safely on the highway, but it’s a good time to consider how we can avoid getting into an accident.

As millions of people head out on the road this holiday season, there are some things that you can do to prepare yourself and your family for safe travel.

First, make sure that your car is working properly. Check to make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Make sure there are no trouble lights lit on your dashboard. Test your brakes to make sure they are working. Check your headlights and turn signals to make

sure they are working properly. And check the oil and fluids to make sure they are at the proper levels. You can do these things yourself or take your car to a trusted mechanic.

It is always a good idea to keep your gas tank full in case you need to evacuate from your home or you are stranded on the side of the road.

Just like you would create one at home, make an emergency kit for your car that includes non-perishable food, water, blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a first aid kit, ice scraper, clothes (hat, gloves, jacket, etc.), a manual can opener, a basic toolkit (pliers, wrench, and screwdriver),

Harrisonburg, Va.

Grand Idea!

Becoming a First Time Grandparent

By Beth Bland

On September 30, 2016 my husband, Gary, and I became grandparents for the first time. Our little bundle of joy arrived four weeks early. Tenley Elizabeth weighed in at 6 pounds and immediately became the love of our life.

As the new family adjusts to becoming parents, we too, have had to adjust to becoming grandparents. Things have changed so much since our babies were babies. We have tried our best to offer support, a listening ear, and a little break when their exhaustion gets the best of them. We are older so the 3 am shift isn’t all that hard.

Since our children aren’t local we wanted to make their visits as easy as possible. We set up a nursery stocked with bed, swing, stroller, diapers, wipes, and plenty of books and toys. Most of the items were purchased at yard sales or second hand stores. It has been a big help for them to not have to drag all of those things when they come for a visit. Packing up a baby is quite an undertaking.

It is an amazing and beautiful thing to watch your child become a parent. We have been so impressed at how they have navigated these first few weeks of Tenley’s life. They have struggled with many of the worries that every new parent has but, together, they have worked to figure things out as they get to know their young daughter and adjust to a new routine.

I confess that we have offered some advice, some solicited and some not.

Mostly we have encouraged them to trust their parental instinct.

I am very grateful that they have been willing to share and include us in so much of this wonderful time of their life with us. And I’m so very proud of my daughter and her husband when I watch them interact with their daughter and see her stare back at them with such sweet love in her little eyes. It is exciting to be on this new path in the journey of our lives.

radio (battery or hand cranked), cat litter (non-clumping) to use for better tire traction, a shovel, and a cell phone charger.

After you have made sure that your car is safe, your next step is to make sure everyone is wearing their safety belt. Virginia law requires all front seat passengers and all children under 18 to be secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat in cars and trucks. The law says children under 8 must be in a booster or child safety seat.

Wear your safety belts because it’s the law, but also because statistics have shown that you are more likely to avoid serious injuries or death by wearing a safety belt!

Other things that you can do to get to your destination safely are

to leave with plenty of time to get where you are going, relax, and drive the speed limit. Driving faster than the posted speed limit is a factor in more than 20 percent of the vehicle crashes that result in serious injuries or death in Virginia. During inclement weather, slow down and drive only as fast as you can safely drive. If possible, keep off the roads during inclement weather.

Keep in mind, just like any time of the year, you want to drive defensively. Watch for other drivers who are driving erratically or not obeying traffic signs or lights.

Please be careful on the roads so that you will be around to celebrate the New Year with family and friends!

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Friday, December 9, 2016

11

Community Calendar of Events Any reader interested in attending an event is asked to call the contact person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable. To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please e-mail Jeannette Suter at jsuter@homeinstead.com or call 540-213-7800.

Seventeenth Annual Christmas Open House Sponsored by: Bridgewater Retirement Community December 11, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Houff Community Center, 210 Virginia Ave., Bridgewater Featuring: Good Time Gospel Quartet, BRC Line Dancers, holiday refreshments, 16 theme trees, Bake and craft sale in Shenandoah Room AARP Luncheon Meeting: Gypsy Hill Chapter 3972 December 13, 12:00 noon Christmas music will be presented by Angie Cacciapaglia.

Location: Mrs. Rowe’s Restaurant, 74 Rowe Road, Staunton Reservations are not required for the holiday buffet For more information, please call 248-1817 New Year’s Eve Glow Run 5K Sponsored by: Generations Crossing Location: Downtown Harrisonburg Saturday, December 31st at 5 p.m.

Cost: Kids Countdown Run (ages 3-10) $15, 5K Adults $30, 5K Kids 15 & younger $20 You can register online at www.vamomentum.com or call Generations Crossing at 434-4901 for more details.

Your Health Now Positive Living While Dealing with Stress, Anxiety and Depression Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center Hahn Building, First Floor Conference Rooms, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg. Park in Lot B. January 4, 11:30 a.m.

Monthly health education lecture, light lunch served. Programs are free for Sentara RMH Senior Advantage members, $5 for nonmembers.

Call to register, 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272).

Polar Bear Walk Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Location: Sentara RMH Atrium, 2000 Beery Rd, Harrisonburg.

January 12, 1 p.m. Free!

Meet in the parking lot closest to the corner and we will take a walk on the Bluestone Trail. Following a group, one-mile walk we will warm up with a hot beverage.

Call to register, 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272).

VMRC Wellness Center Open House Sponsored by: VMRC Location: 1481 Virginia Ave. Harrisonburg January 21, 2017, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Free Contact Melinda Noland, 574-3851, for more information Matters of the Heart Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Medical Center Location: JMU Festival Center February 28, 6:30 p.m. Cost is FREE. Call 1-800-SENTARA to register or get more information.

Save the Date: Triad Meeting Topic “Active Shooter” and “The Latest on Frauds and Scams” March 29, 10 a.m.

Location: The Fire and Rescue Room at the Rockingham County Government Center This program will be free thanks to a grant from the Virginia Office of the Attorney General.

Lunch will be provided.

Registration is required. Please call 540-564-3080 or cristin@vt.edu to register.

Save the Date: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage’s Aging Gracefully Wednesday, May 3, 8 a.m - 12 p.m.

Conference is located at the Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene, 1871 Boyers Rd, Harrisonburg.

Call to register, 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272).

Program is free for Sentara RMH Senior Advantage members.

What is Sentara RMH Senior Advantage?

Senior Advantage was established to provide affordable, fun, educational and social events for adults age 55 and “better.”

A wide variety of activities are offered throughout the year.

Call 564-7001 to join or for more information.

Cost is a fee of $10 for individuals or $15 for couples, lifetime.

AUGUSTA AUDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES, PC Julie Farrar-Hersch, PhD Licensed And Certified Clinical Audiologist

“Celebrating Over 2 Decades of Service to the Community” Including Assessment Of Hearing, The Vestibular System, And Auditory Processing STATE-OF-THE-ART HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY We Follow You Every Step Of The Way To Ensure Your Hearing Aids Are Comfortable, Beneficial And Meet Your Communication Needs.

30 Day Trial Period OUR SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE: Evaluation And Management Center For The Assistive Technology For Personal Shenandoah Valley And Surrounding Areas Over 35 Years of Experience listening, T.V., And Telephone Augusta Health Medical Off. Bld. SPECIALIZED EARMOLDS FOR: Suite 204 MUSICIANS • MP3 PLAYERS • HUNTERS 70 Medical Center Circle • SWIMMERS • NASCAR FANS Fishersville, VA 22939 • INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES AND MORE www.augustaaudiology.com We Care About You And Your Family!

We Are Here To Serve You!

540-332-5790

COMPREHENSIVE HEARING SERVICE

Financing Available

12

Friday, December 9, 2016

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.