Parsons Community Matters April 2015

Commun ty Matters Parsons Presbyterian Manor

Senior Fitness testing

Parsons Presbyterian Manor and Rehab Care of Kansas and the Labette Community College School of nursing held their second annual, “Senior Fit Test” on February 11 at the Parsons Senior Center.

Parsons area seniors were given the opportunity to receive free health screenings which included blood pressure checks, BMI (Body Mass Index), Height and weight, and a variety of physical assessments to check for endurance, upper and lower body strength, agility, flexibility and balance. Glucose testing was also available.

LCC Nursing Instructor, Kim Beachner is already looking forward to expanding next year’s offerings for this event.

April 2015

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s Founders Day celebrates service to seniors Employees of Parsons Presbyterian Manor will observe the founding of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America this month as the company celebrates 66 years of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values in Kansas and Missouri.

Parsons Each Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica campus will have their own celebration with residents and employees during April acknowledging the importance each play in making life at Parsons the way you want to live.

“Many of our employees view what they do as a calling, not just a job,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “Our dedicated employees make it possible for us to sustain PMMA’s mission, which directly impacts the wonderful care our 2,400 residents receive every day.”

Watch for details about Parsons’ Presbyterian Manor’s Founders Day celebration activities.

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s roots go back to 1947. Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision became the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., and inspired others to do even more. Today PMMA remains true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values.

For more information about Founders Day at Parsons Presbyterian Manor, contact Terry Lillie at tlillie@pmma.org.

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Signs of New Life

By Pastor Alex Knott

I grew up in Texas, and spring in Texas comes earlier than it does here in Kansas. I have learned that we may still have snow in March here. I have learned that the signs of spring do not begin to show themselves until April and even May.

So, here at the beginning of April we can start to look for signs of new life.

We know that the brown grass will begin to turn green again. We know that the bare tree branches will begin to show leaves again. We know that bulbs planted in the darkness of the

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Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of

501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.

Maegen Pegues, executive director Terry Lillie, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Terry at tlillie@pmma.org.

Telephone: 620-421-1450 Fax: 620-421-1897 Address: 3501 Dirr Ave., Parsons, KS 67357-2220 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org

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ground will begin to make their way out into the light.

These are signs of new life. They are all around us. They are actually signs of death and resurrection. The seasons help to illustrate that idea for us. The leaves must fall before new ones begin to grow. The seed must die in order to become a beautiful flower. What seemed long dead begins to show color again. I marvel at my backyard, which has looked dead throughout the long winter months. I know that when it is time those things which have been bare and brown will become green and lush.

This happens in our lives, too. We experience seasons of darkness, sadness and bare branch days. The spring comes, though. The promises of God make us new. We are revived and resurrected to new life in Christ. Like the leaves in the trees and the flowers in the field we begin to show our colors again. We begin to show signs of life. We can look out the window and remember that it will be so because God has promised to make all things new and that includes us. We are a part of God’s new creation.

There is a pink dogwood tree in front of my house that has looked so sad in these last months but it will blossom and be beautiful. It will be resurrected. It will show new life.

The Latest on Vitamin D and Dementia

By Laine Bergeson for Next Avenue

Older adults who are severely vitamin D deficient have a 122 percent increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology.

The research team, lead by Dr. David Llewellyn at the University of Exeter Medical School, anticipated a link between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive problems (previous research has shown a general correlation). But they were surprised by how high the risk was.

Adults moderately deficient in vitamin D had a 53 percent increased risk of developing dementia of any kind. Those who were severely deficient had 125 percent increased risk.

Clinicians have stopped short of saying that supplementing with vitamin D will reduce the risk of dementia — but with one billion people worldwide estimated to be low in vitamin D and approximately 44 million suffering from dementia, this is a significant, and possibly encouraging, finding.

3 Ways To Get Your D

1. Let the sun shine in. When exposed to sunlight, our skin converts the rays into vitamin D.

2. Find other healthy sources. Vitamin D is found in certain oily fish, mushrooms, and supplements. If you take vitamin D in supplement form, it is better absorbed by the body when eaten with a meal containing healthy fat.

3. Get tested.You can ask your doctor for a vitamin D test.

At Work or in the Community, Jean McCandless Gives Her All

For the past 10 years, hair stylist Jean McCandless has been providing hair services at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor beauty shop. While a decade may seem like a long time to some, she finds it’s going fast because she’s having so much fun.

much better. I’ve told my customers that I’m better than a doctor – I can make them feel better. And I’m not quite so expensive or take as long.”

In addition to feeling better, Jean has found that having the beauty shop on the campus has other benefits, as well.

“The residents are enthusiastic, excited and tell me how much they appreciate “It’s a real service in the winter me all the time,” Jean said. “It makes you months because it can be such a hassle feel good. And I like for transportation, doing their hair, visiting “I’ve told my customers that especially if the with them and just customer is in a wheel I’m better than a doctor – showing them a little chair. Having your extra attention. I have a I can make them feel better.” hair done without good time.” having to leave the building is a real Jean’s customers appear perk.” to enjoy their time with her, too.

“There’s one lady always waiting at the When she’s not doing hair, Jean is front door when I come in to work who actively involved in the Parsons is so excited about seeing me at 3 that community with her husband, day. She’s excited because she knows Richard, a retired Episcopal priest. she’ll look better after seeing me. It Married 30 years, both are board means so much to her – she feels so members of the Labette Assistance Center – an organization that helps people with emergency needs such as food, rent and utilities. Jean has been involved with this organization for 17 years and currently serves as chair of the board. She helps distribute commodities, run meetings and makes sure the office is running well.

She’s also on the mental health board in Parsons.

Jean can be found in the beauty shop on Thursdays. She also comes in on Wednesday afternoons and doesn’t mind giving up her Saturdays to do perms since they take longer.

Jean McCandless enjoys the time she gets to spend with her customers.

“I like what I do and enjoy visiting.

And I hear everything,” said McCandless. “They say only the

McCandless provides styling services for her Parsons Presbyterian Manor customers.

hairdresser knows for sure, but I do hear … It’s fun. And they talk about what good care they get. The staff is wonderful to them. It’s a good feeling and it’s a good place to work.”

Be sure to thank the hair stylist who helps you feel your best!

National Hairdresser Day is April 30.

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Parsons Royalty On February 14, residents were invited to cast their votes for the annual King and Queen of Hearts.

Winners, King Duane Harrington and Queen Bertha Proffitt, were crowned at a party held in their honor.

Guests sang love songs and were treated to sweet treats, games and prizes. ®

Presbyterian Manor 3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220

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Coming up in Community Matters:

Community Matters will focus on gardening and outdoor life in an upcoming issue. Are you an avid gardener, or were you when you were more physically able? What did you love about gardening? What did you grow?

Does your campus have a raised bed garden that you are able to help with now? What do you enjoy about being outdoors?

If you have a story to tell, contact Terry Lillie to share your idea.Your story may be selected for the next issue of your community newsletter.

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