McHarrie LifeTimes

FALL 2016

A Health and Wellness Magazine of McHarrie Life Senior Community

Seeing the World From A Different View Goodbye Crunches, Hello Planks

WHAT IS

i r a h S

ng the

J oy of

t r A

QUINOA?

Cut Carbs With Cauliflower

GeRMS:

Hiding In Plain Sight

O

ur short-term rehabilitation program underwent a beautiful transformation this year. We’ve added spa-like showers, wooden floors, softer lighting, more McHarrie greenery, and eye-catching artwork.

Independen Our enhancements aspire to nurture and encourage the healing of the mind, body and McHarrie Place spirit in a warm and tranquil setting. Studies Health & Rehabilitation show that well-designed rehabilitative enviCenter ronments can reduce a patient’s anxiety and Admissions: 315-638-2521 stress, accelerate recovery, lessen the need for pain medications, M c H a r r i e To w n e and promote a better sense of well-being.

Independent Living McHarri Founda Last year, over 500 people successfully completed our short-term rehabilitation program. Our professional therapists, nurses and McHarrie Pointe Mpatient c H a rregain r i e their P l astrength, ce support staff strive to help every Assisted Living Health & Rehabilitation renew their confidence and return home.

Residence Center To learn more about our program, feel free to contact our Admissions: 315-638-2525 admissions department at 315-638-2521.

Best wishes to you for a safe, healthy and happy new year. McHarrie Life Sage Court Foundation Memory Care @ McHarrie Pointe Admissions: 315-638-2525

Mark Murphy, CEO

M c H a r r i e To w n e Independent Living Admissions: 315-638-1172 To request information about our programs,

M catH a r r i M c H a r r i e P l aplease c e call 315-638-2521 or visit our website

Health & Rehabilitation www.mcharrielife.org.

Center LifeTimes is a publication of McHarrie Life

Assisted Resid

Senior Community 7740 Meigs Road McHarrie Life Baldwinsville, New York 13027 Foundation 315-638-2521 LifeTimes Editor: Kelly O’Neill-Rossi Director, Development & Marketing If you would like to add/remove your mailing address information, please email krossi@mcharrielife.org.

McHarrie Life Senior Community is a not-for-profit organization that offers a continuum of healthcare programs and services for older adults including; independent living at McHarrie Towne, assisted living and memory care at McHarrie Pointe, and short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care at McHarrie Place. All programs and services are conveniently located at 7740 Meigs Road in Baldwinsville, New York.

Creative Ways to

Beat the Winter Blues

A

Fight the Urge to Hunker Down

s the temperature drops and snow begins to fall, it’s hard to resist the urge to hibernate until spring. To help pass the long, dark winter months, consider the following ways to actually enjoy the winter season.

Keeping busy, making plans and remaining active really helps to make winter pass by more quickly. If possible, schedule activities right from work—that way, you won’t feel tempted to stay home after you get home from work.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone Try something new. Take an art class or volunteer. Visit a new local restaurant. Join a book club or bowling league. Hire a personal trainer. New life experiences change your perspective and open up your world to new possibilities and adventures.

Name your Minimum Temperature It’s important to get outdoors for fresh air, sunlight and exercise, but it’s very hard to do when the outside thermometer reads -5 degrees. Make a commitment to get outside every time the thermometer reaches your designated minimum temperature requirement for outdoor activity.

Throw a TGIT (Thank God It’s Thursday!) Party

Cut Carbs With Cauliflower

4

Set a goal to get ahead of this annual chore by completing it before the first warm spring day.

Create a Mini-Indoor Garden

Instead of waiting for Friday, throw a “TGIT” pizza party at your house. Tell everyone to come over right from work, order some food, enjoy a cocktail, relax, socialize and start your weekend early.

2

Spring Clean Early

Studies show that houseplants improve air quality, and increase feelings of wellbeing, creativity, mood, and sense of purpose. It’s exciting to grow your own plants, especially herbs and vegetables that you can transplant outdoors in the spring.

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Goodbye Crunches, Hello Planks

10

What Is Quinoa?

Sharing the Joy of Art

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12

Seeing the World From A Different View

An Afternoon Of Theater

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Self-Assessment Quiz: Is Assisted Living for me?

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Germs: Hiding In Plain Sight

Back Cover

Seeking Volunteers

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FALL 2016

Cut Carbs with

C

By Janis Robb, Contributing Writer

F

a

l u

inding delicious carbohydrate substitutes without missing out on

the foods that you love is challenging. Shifting from starchy carbohydrates such as those found in white breads, rice, and pasta to more healthy alternatives may seem impossible, but did you know that you can make pizza crusts, pasta and rice out of cauliflower?

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that has become one of the latest trends in reducing high carbohydrate intake. When it comes to cooking cauliflower, the possibilities are endless.

l f i

r e w o

Nutritional Benefits of Cauliflower ✔ Low in fat ✔ Low in sodium ✔ Good source of fiber ✔ Good source of vitamin C ✔ Good source of folate ✔ Good source of potassium 1 cup of Cauliflower = 27 calories 5 grams of carbohydrates

FALL 2015 2016

Buffalo Cauliflower

Mashed Cauliflower

Not sure if making the switch to cauliflower is something you can do? Start with something simple. Switch out potatoes for cauliflower to make a mashed version of your favorite carb.

If you love buffalo chicken wings, why not try buffalo cauliflower? All you need is olive oil, salt, water, butter, lemon juice and, of course, hot sauce and cauliflower. Mix the first three ingredients together then add in the cauliflower until well-coated and bake.

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Cauliflower Fried Rice Ingredients 3

cups of raw grated cauliflower (use a cheese grater or food processor) 1/ cup frozen peas 2 1/ cup carrots, thinly sliced 2 3-4 garlic cloves, minced 1/ cup onion, diced 2 1/ tablespoon olive oil 2 2 eggs (or 4 egg whites) scrambled 3 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

Pizza Crust

Turning cauliflower into pizza crust may seem difficult, but it’s not. The cauliflower is chopped, steamed then combined with mozzarella, parmesan, salt, garlic powder and eggs. It is then spread into a circle, and baked.

Cauliflower Crusted Grilled Cheese Making bread out of cauliflower is the same as making a pizza crust but instead of spreading it into a circle, it is shaped into square “bread” pieces and baked.

Find these recipes and many more at www.yummly.com.

1. In a large pan, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil on a medium/high heat, until onions become soft and transparent. (about 2-3 minutes) 2. Next add in peas and carrots and cook until carrots begin to soften and peas are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Next stir in scrambled eggs, cauliflower and soy sauce. Cook stirring frequently for about 5-7 more minutes.

4. Enjoy adding in your favorite protein and vegetables. Possible add-ins include: baby corn, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, water chestnuts, chicken, tofu, and shrimp.

Serving size: 1 1/3 cup = 109 calories, 6.5 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, 701 milligrams of sodium.

Approximately 14 grams of carbohydrates (Decrease sodium to 572 milligrams by using lite soy sauce.)

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FALL 2016

WHAT IS

QUINOA? PRONOUNCED; “KEEN - WAH”

W

e see it in grocery stores and recipes but what exactly is quinoa and why haven’t we heard of it before?

Quinoa was first consumed approximately 5,000 years ago by the Andean people in South America. It is actually not a grain but a seed from a plant related to leafy green vegetables like spinach. The most common varieties are whole grain white, red and black.

Quinoa didn’t officially arrive in the United States until the 1980’s, when an American returning from a trip to South America began cultivating it in the Colorado Rockies.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the "International Year of Quinoa" in recognition of ancestral practices of the Andean people who have preserved it as food for present and future generations, through knowledge and practices of living in harmony with nature. The objective of this declaration was to draw the world’s attention to the role that quinoa could play in providing food security, nutrition and poverty eradication.

Due to its increasing popularity, Quinoa is used in salads, soups, casseroles, veggie burgers, desserts and much more.

FALL 2016

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CHICKEN AND QUINOA SOUP Total Time: 35 min Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 stalks celery, chopped 2 cups roughly chopped carrots 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more for topping 1 cup quinoa 1 quart fat-free low-sodium chicken broth

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken (white meat only), skin removed 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the onion, celery, carrots and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 4 minutes.

Stir in the quinoa, then add the chicken broth, 3 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Partially cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the quinoa starts to soften, about 12 minutes.

Add the broccoli and cook, uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and stir to warm through. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the sour cream and Cajun seasoning to taste.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUINOA

1

Contains nine essential amino acids

2 Easily digestible 3 Gluten-free 4 Low in fat

5 High in fiber

6 A good source of protein 7 Helps prevent cancer

8 Proven to help migraines due to high magnesium levels 9 Aids in weight loss by helping to increase the feeling of fullness after a meal

10 Low in sodium

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FALL 2016

Seeing the World from a

“I

’ve put my slippers on the same exact way my entire life but for reasons I’ll never understand, this time I fell,” says 80-year-old Karen Walker.

The fall caused her to burst her L1 vertebra and fracture her L2 vertebra in her back. After hospitalization, Karen was in need of shortterm rehabilitation.

As an avid volunteer at Syracuse Home for the past 10 years and past auxiliary president, she was very familiar with the short-term rehabilitation program. “Without a doubt, I chose Syracuse Home. It’s the best program in Central New York. The nurses and physical therapists are great. They really helped me a lot. They took me as far as I could so I was capable of going home,” she says.

After a three-week stay at Syracuse Home, Karen was able return to her daily walk

Karen and Jim skiing at Sun Peaks, British Columbia.

Right: Hiking at Yellowstone National Park.

and several of her volunteer activities. “The therapists really push you to get better. They are so nice and very patient. They helped me regain my strength and ability to take care of myself. The entire staff and all of the employees work very hard at making your stay at Syracuse Home a positive experience,” she says.

Karen’s activity level and lifestyle choices played an important role in her recovery.

“My husband and I take daily walks together.

I attend exercise classes at the YMCA three times a week, and take additional exercise classes two days per week at Canton Woods.

We also enjoy spending time at our summer cottage in Canada,” she says.

Karen’s past activities include; hiking, water skiing and downhill skiing. “I downhill skied until I was 75,” she says with a smile.

She also enjoyed hiking with her husband, Jim. “We hiked in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Adirondacks for many years. New York State offers a bountiful array of outdoor activities for us,” she says.

FALL 2016

7

Different View “I had a very different perspective as a patient, one I could not possibly understand unless I stayed at Syracuse Home. It helped me to see not only how wonderful the care is, but also how important the volunteers are to this organization.”

Karen’s determination and desire to return to her regular social activities also contributed to the emotional and mental part of her healing. “After therapy, I looked forward to returning to Bridge Club, shopping, planning lunch dates with friends, and spending time with my family. I am a people person who has always been very active, and that has kept me going,” she says.

Karen continues to build her strength and stamina every day. “My rehab experience was wonderful, and I highly recommend this program to my friends and family. It also inspired me to give back even more by spending time with residents who are in need of a hug, or just someone to listen to them. I’ve been really happy with my life, and feel the need to give back in any way that I can.”

Karen and Jim recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

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FALL 2016

Goodbye Crunches, Hello Planks 1 Improves

4 Easy to modify—

2 Strengthens

5 Safer than

posture and flexibility

3

inner core muscles Helps to build balance and coordination

from beginner to advanced

crunches for those with lower back pain

Consider hiring a personal trainer to learn the proper way to perform planks. There is also a plethora of educational websites and YouTube videos demonstrating plank exercises and routines. Just make sure to consult with your doctor first before beginning any new exercise routine.

five reasons to add planks to your exercise routine

FALL 2016

Start slowly and build up. Hold plank first for 10–20 seconds, then progress to 40 seconds and build up to 1 minute or more.

20+40+ 20+2040100

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FALL 2016

Sharing the Joy of W

Art

hen McHarrie Towne resident Jody Pike was 5 years-old, her parents would send her to the kitchen table to draw. “I know they did it to keep me out of mischief. I would sit for hours and draw pictures, and it worked,” she says with a smile.

Those early childhood experiences marked the beginning of her lifelong love of art. In elementary school, she was recognized by her teachers for her artistic talent, and later received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Painting and Illustration from Syracuse University.

“After I graduated from Syracuse University, I attended the Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William & Mary to become an occupational therapist,” she says.

“MANY PEOPLE H AV E TA L E N T T H AT T H E Y D O N ’ T E V E N K N OW T H E Y H AV E . I ’ V E A LWAYS E N C O U R AG E D TH EM TO JUST L E T I T F LOW.” She began her career as an occupational therapist at Kings Park State Mental Hospital in Long Island. “Soon after, I met my husband, Alan. After we were married, I decided to stay home to raise our children,” she says.

Eventually Alan’s job led them to Fayetteville, New York, where Jody was thrilled to discover that

their new neighborhood connected to Green Lakes State Park. “I was so excited to show Alan what I had discovered. We took many walks in the park during the twelve years that we lived there. Since I love painting watercolor landscapes, Green Lakes was the perfect place to do it,” she says.

After her youngest child went to school, Jody returned to work as an occupational therapist. She often used ceramics as part of her therapy for patients. “On one occasion, one of my patients was feeling very angry during an art session. So when she asked me what she was supposed to do with the wet clay, I told her to throw it! She threw it as hard as she could in front of her, and we both laughed. It took her mind off of her anger—and we went on to successfully complete the project.”

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FALL 2016

Activities Galore at McHarrie Towne

I

Jody enjoys showing her paintings at the Fulton Art Association, and has won various awards for her work. She is also a member of the Syracuse Ceramics Guild, CNY Art Guild and Lock 24 Artists Group.

After retirement, Jody enjoyed teaching art classes at Canton Woods Senior Center and McHarrie Towne. “Many people have talent that they don’t even know they have. I’ve always encouraged them to just let it flow,” she says.

Jody enjoys taking art classes downtown, and working on her art projects several days a week.

“I love working with watercolors,

acrylics, hand-built ceramics, and clay works,” she says.

The walls in her home are adorned with her paintings, along with artwork from other artists, including her grandson, Josh. “I love his work. It’s so unique and detailed,” she says with great pride.

Throughout her years as a volunteer art teacher, Jody always encourages her students to explore art. “I always tell people that there are all different kinds of ways to approach subject matter, even when you don’t think you are an artist. Just draw or paint what you are feeling.”

t was a beautiful and very warm summer. It’s hard to believe that autumn has arrived, and the holidays are just around the corner.

We have had a busy year at McHarrie Towne, with lots of different activities. The Resident Association Dinners once a month are always a big success. The different outings to Roosevelt Wildlife Collection at ESF, the Chiefs games, Lunch at the Lakeside Vista on Otisco Lake, a Day Trip to the Corning Museum as well as other outings were also a big hit. The concerts at the Gazebo and the new Pavilion were well received. We have been inviting the community to participate in our “For Your Health” programs that focus on wellness.

Our most recent program featured excellent information on exercise and diabetes. We are planning to provide a wellness topic once a quarter. As we start preparing for the shift in seasons, we will be gearing up for new activities, outings and programs. No matter what we participate in this fall, it’s always nice to do them with Mother Nature’s beautiful backdrop of yellow, red and orange leaves. Enjoy this beautiful season.

As always, if you would like more information about McHarrie Towne’s Independent Living, please feel free to contact us at 638-1172.

—Janet Dauley-Altwarg, Director

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FALL 2016

Invites you to its 15th annual Afternoon of Theater Fundraising event.

All proceeds benefit resident programs and services at McHarrie Life.

This year’s production is…

Presenting Sponsor:

Reception Sponsor:

FALL 2016

r 4th e b m e c e D , y a Sund

tered reception ca s u lo u b fa a s e d 0 each—inclu tinee performance a Patron Ticket: $5 m . .m p 2 d n a . p.m beginning at 12:45 atinee performance m . .m p 2 s e d u cl in $30 each— Contributor Ticket: O’Neill-Rossi, lly e K ct ta n co se a kets, ple To reserve your tic at 315-638-2521. g n ti e rk a M & t n e m Director of Develop

Disney and Cameron MacKintosh’s

T H E B R O A D WAY M U S I C A L Underwriters:

Supporters:

Dessert Sponsor:

Media Sponsors:

ONEGROUP Bonadio Group

Horan Financial Services Laboratory Alliance Woodcock & Armani

Alzheimer’s Association of CNY

Eagle Newspapers Dupli

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FALL 2016

Self-Assessment Quiz Is Assisted Living for me?

(Check all that apply) 1. Key signs m Experienced a recent accident or fall

m A health condition that’s worsening

m Increased difficulty managing your everyday life

m Unable to manage your daily medications

2. Physical Well-Being

m Days go by without leaving the house

m Someone needs to check on you daily

4. Financial m Letters from banks, creditors, or insurers due to unpaid bills

m Unable to balance check book

m Weight gain or loss

m Changes in appearance

m Feeling weak, unbalanced, and frail

m Loss of appetite

m Increased forgetfulness

m Changes in gait; furniture walking

m Nicks or dents on the car

m Can’t remember familiar routes

m Easily distracted while driving

m Erratic driving

HOME

KITCHEN

m Piles of unread mail and unpaid bills on the table

m Unable to sweep, dust, mop or make your bed

m House is cluttered and unorganized

m Newspapers are left outside

m Plants are dying

m Pets are not well cared for

3. Social Life m No longer visit with friends/ neighbors

m Lack of interest in socializing

m Overwhelming feelings of loneliness, sadness and/or depression

CAR

m Expired foods in the refrigerator

m Too tired/weak to cook

m Burning food

m Increased use of takeout or frozen dinners

5. Relationships

m Hiding the truth from close family members and friends

m Pretending you are ok when you’re not

m Fear telling someone will create unwanted changes in your life

m Don’t want to burden anyone with your care

FALL 2016

M

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cHarrie Pointe Assisted Living offers amenities that enable individuals to live more independently in a home-like setting without having the burdens of everyday life.

“We help take away your worries by providing services that will let you live a more active and fulfilling lifestyle,” says Maggie Reap, Director of Residential Services at McHarrie Pointe. We pride ourselves in creating “a home away from home” for our residents.

Please contact us today at 315-638-2525 if you feel assisted living is the right choice for you.

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FALL 2016

GeRMS:Hiding In Plain Winter is the season for colds and flu. To help protect yourself, make sure to wash your hands after handling everyday items that could spread germs and diseases.

Top 20 Germ Objects 1. Door handles & railings 2. Cell phones 3. Television remote 4. Car steering wheel 5. Shopping cart handles and child seats in cart 6. Elevator buttons 7. Airplane bathroom 8. Kitchen sink 9. Children’s playgrounds 10. Purse 11. Wallet 12. Cutting board 13. Sponges 14. Cloth kitchen towel 15. Soap dispenser 16. Toothbrush 17. Faucet handles 18. Restaurant menus & condiments 19. Water fountain 20. Office desk

T

he most important thing to do is wash your hands before eating, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Always remember to wash your hands after touching someone who is coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose, and you do the same.

How to Wash your Hands 1. Wet your hands with warm running water.

2. Lather soap and scrub between your fingers, backs of your hands, and under nails.

3. Wash for at least 20 seconds.

4. Dry your hands with paper towels or electric hand dryer.

5. Use a paper towel when you turn off the tap.

SOURCE: NYS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

FALL 2016

Sight

I

t’s better to properly wash your hands with soap and water than to use hand sanitizer because hand sanitizer does not eliminate all types of germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

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MCHARRIE LIFE FOUNDATION 7740 MEIGS ROAD BALDWINSVILLE, NY 13027

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID BALDWINSVILLE NY PERMIT #6

D E T N A W P HEL lunteers Compassionate vo ay to help with; Holid iting, vis decorating, friendly rting po day trips, and trans ily residents to/from da activities.

Men’s Group lunteers looking for male vo rking to help with woodwo r fo and other projects ing rs nu r ou residents in home.

New members are needed and always welcome. Training is provided for all new volunteers. Feel free to join with your spouse, family member or friend.

Interested in volunteering?

Please contact Teri Tarolli, t tener, feel Abou fe Li rie If you are a good lis ories, ar volunteer coordinator, at McH st eer comfortable telling ing to nt 315-638-2521. lu Vo lp and would enjoy he tings— ram: Each og Pr take residents on ou ur help. year, nearly 100 yo we could really use compassionate and rs m dedicated voluntee ities, Night Owls Progra ily. tiv da assist with daily ac ts, 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. help en ev to day trips, special Volunteers needed and port, ns baking, bingo, tra residents with crafts oup p ou gr church service, gr more. projects in a small h meetings and muc setting.

Did you know?

Less than 10 percent of our volunteers are male?

If you have any time to spare, our men’s group would greatly benefit from your company.