Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
December 2015
Colds and flu are back in season As we near the peak months for cold and flu season, it’s a good time to review tips for prevention and treatment. Getting the flu vaccine is still one of the best things you can do for your health in wintertime. There is no truth to the myth that you can catch the illness from the vaccine. The injection contains only a killed version of the virus. People 65 years or older run a higher risk of complications from the flu, as do people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, heart disease, and diabetes. It can, however, take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, so the earlier, the better. But they are usually available through February. Good hand-washing routines are another top defense against illness. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds, or use alcohol-based sanitizer, whenever you have been out in public—especially in a community living environment. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for COLDS, continued on page 6
A look for every season
Dining room decorator motivated by residents Gloria Embry loves holidays, and she knows she’s not the only one. That’s why Gloria, a longtime dining services assistant, takes the time and effort to decorate the dining room for every season at Newton Presbyterian Manor. For most of her 25 years on the job, Gloria has filled the dining room entryway with decorations for Easter, Halloween, Christmas and all the other major holidays. “Knowing that the residents enjoy it makes me want to do it,” she said. Gloria has pieced together her collection of holiday decor over the years, adding a new piece now and then if she finds a bargain. For Christmas, she traditionally trims the Angel Tree in a Victorian theme, hangs snowflakes from the ceiling, and sets up a festive miniature village. Most of what she uses at Presbyterian Manor comes from her personal collection. “I love to decorate—not only here, but I change out at my house, too,” she said. These days, Gloria said her home displays are geared toward the items DECORATOR, continued on page 3