How to Wear a Face Mask

It’s a new habit that most of us are taking on for the first time – wearing a face mask.  Below is a graphic from WebMD on the do’s and don’t of wearing a face mask properly.

 

face mask

Posted in Health Topics /Safety /

Challenging Times

For anyone working in senior housing or with the senior population in general, you know it has been quite a difficult time.  As the weeks pass, our main concern continues to be the safety of our residents and staff.   We are so grateful for the many efforts and sacrifices that so many individuals have made to make that happen.  We know that we are not out of the woods yet, but believe with strong leadership and teamwork, we will come out on the other side of this stronger,  having learned many lessons.  Below are a few reflections on some of those lessons:  fear, hope, faith and love.  These are just a few things to reflect on during these trying times.

Fear

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear, knowing what must be done does away with fear. ”  Rosa Parks

 

“I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.”   Clara Barton

 

“You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind.”  Dale Carnegie

 

Hope

“Hope is the word which God has written on the brow of every man.”  Victor Hugo

 

“God’s mercy and grace give me hope – for myself, and for our world.”  Billy Graham

 

“Hopeful thinking can get you out of your fear zone and into your appreciation zone.”  Martha Beck

 

“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.”  Jonas Salk

 

Faith

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”  Mother Teresa

 

“Write in on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.”  Helen Keller

 

Love

“I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.” Oprah Winfrey

 

“With our love, we could save the world.”  George Harrison

 

“Where there is love there is life.”  Mahatma Gandhi

Posted in Uncategorized /

Reducing Stress

A note from:

Olivia Caspers, RN, BSN

Director of Healthcare Services, Copperfield Hill

 

In today’s world, and especially during the uncertain times we are currently experiencing, we are bombarded constantly with stressors.  In the age of instant information, we rarely get a moment just to take a break and relax.  When stress is present, our stress hormones kick in.  Over active stress hormones have been linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, lower immunity, depression and anxiety.  Relieving stress is a huge topic, so below are a few ideas to help:

Eat well – eating a balanced and healthy diet is key for anyone to feel better.  Try to avoid refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine and too much fat.  Eat lean meats and fish, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats to help regulate sugar and hormone levels in your system.

Get moving – exercise is the quickest way to release endorphins in your body.  Endorphins help offset stress.  You can do this while you are watching TV or turn on some fun music and just start moving.

Get enough sleep – Stress and sleep go hand in hand.  It can be a vicious circle.  Too much stress can lead to not sleeping well which leads to more stress the next day.  Try some relaxation breathing and medication before bed.  Don’t forget to disconnect from technology before bed too.  That can cause problems with falling asleep.

Breathe – Yes, we breathe all day long.  However, we take for granted the huge benefits of deep breathing exercises.  Breathing deeply can relieve stress, lower blood pressure and your heart rate.  Many use deep breathing as a calming exercise.

Inevitably stress creeps into our lives.  However, many times just keeping a positive attitude and accepting that there are things out of our control, can help us diffuse common stressors.

Posted in Uncategorized /