Money as Christmas Gifts? Creative Ways to Give Cash!

                                                               

                                         

Little money, need last minute Christmas gifts? Think you're not creative, and oh so little time? Grab some cash, read on and choose one!

All ages:

"Money Gift Ideas"

Think about how many people don't carry cash ... how many kids have never even held cash in their hands? Like so many things, money has become "virtual." Money Gifts are thoughtful, creative and make a great gift for all ages.

"Money Book"

Items:

Small photo album. (Dollar General, Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree)Money: You decide.. One dollar bills, fives, tens, twenties...more? 

"Money Tree"

This little gem was found on "It's All About Rosie" Check out her cool tutorial on making a money tree, cheap, easy, quick and cute! 

Items:

9" high styrofoam cone (found in the floral section of the craft store)
Small flower pot or tin pail for the base
Approx 20 dollar bills
Bobby Pins
Topper  2 stars are cut and glued together back to back with a toothpick in between

For instructions and to find more creative ideas, click link below

https://itsallrosie.blogspot.com/2012/02/money-tree-tutorial.html

"Play-Doh"

How about putting a little cash in a "Play-Doh" in one of their containers! Surprise!

Items

All you need is an empty Play-Doh container and Whatever cash bills you choose to place in it! 

Bow or wrapping paper.

Gift Tag

"Money Gift Box"

This is easy. You can choose any box, small, medium, large. Place whatever bills in the box. A decorative box is usually easy to find. 

Items

Box of your choice

Wrapping paper or bow.

Gift tag.

Wnctimes Blog

Christmas Chimes by Erma Bombeck

                                 

                                                                         

                                                             

Everything is in readiness.

The tree is trimmed.  The cards taped to the door frame.  The boxes stacked in glittering disarray under the tree.

Why don’t I hear chimes?

Remember the small boy who made the chimes ring in a fictional story years ago?  As the legend went, the chimes would not ring unless a gift of love was placed on the altar.  Kings and men of great wealth placed untold jewels there, but year after year the church remained silent.

Then one Christmas Eve, a small child in a tattered coat made his way down the aisle, and without anyone noticing he took off his coat and placed it on the altar.  The chimes rang out joyously throughout the land to mark the unselfish giving of a small boy.

I used to hear chimes.

I heard them the year one of my sons gave me a tattered piece of construction paper on which he had crayoned two hands folded in prayer and a moving message, OH COME HOLY SPIT!

I heard them the year I got a shoe box that contained two baseball cards and the gum was still with them.

I heard them the Christmas they all got together and cleaned the garage.

They’re gone, aren’t they?  The years of the lace doilies fashioned into snowflakes … the hands traced in plaster of paris … the Christmas trees of pipe cleaners … the thread spools that held small candles.  They’re gone.

The chubby hands that clumsily used up $2 worth of paper to wrap a cork coaster are sophisticated enough to take a number and have the gift wrapped professionally.

The childish decision of when to break the ceramic piggy bank with a hammer to spring the 59 cents is now resolved by a credit card.

The muted thump of pajama-covered feet padding down the stairs to tuck her homemade crumb scrapers beneath the tree has given way to pantyhose and fashion boots to the knee.

It’ll be a good Christmas.  We’ll eat too much.  Make a mess in the living room.  Throw the warranties into the fire by mistake.  Drive the dog crazy taping bows to his tail.  Return cookies to the plate with a bite out of them.  Listen to Christmas music.

But Lord … what I would give to bend low and receive a gift of toothpicks and library paste and hear the chimes just one more time!

Benefits of Pets in the life of Older People

                                                      

I love pets! I love dogs! I love cats! They get me up and moving. They give me unconditional love. 

They listen to me, they are there when I am sad, mad, sick and are happy when I am happy.

I know I am a better person because they have been in my life. I think I try to live up to the person they think I am.

I have lost pets and the grief is beyond words. Getting another pet after losing one, it has felt like it diminishes the love, the value of the pets you miss. But it doesn't. They want us to be happy. And rescuing another pet is saving a life. 

The following is a study on the health benefits for older people of having pets. 

Share your positive thoughts about life with pets in the comments!

Source:
Taylor & Francis
Summary:
New research calls for increased understanding about older adults, the relationship between pet ownership and health, and the current barriers which limit older adults' chances to own a pet. The stud goes into detail about physical and financial risks for older adult pet ownership and how it can be diminished.

Research published in Activities, Adaption & Aging calls for increased understanding about older adults, the relationship between pet ownership and health, and the current barriers which limit older adults' chances to own a pet. The study, Fostering the Human-Animal Bond for Older Adults, goes into detail about physical and financial risks for older adult pet ownership and how it can be diminished.

Medical problems that arise with older adults, such as physical illness and emotional issues, have the potential to be mitigated by companionship of pets because it reduces social isolation and enhances physical activity. But illnesses that are often associated with aging, ranging from arthritis to diabetes, make it hard or impossible for older adults to provide routine care for their pets. Financial barriers are another issue that older pet owners face.

In the article, the researchers describe these common issues affecting older adults, particularly those living alone. They tell a story about Janet, a 75-year old obese woman who has diabetes and arthritis, but really wants a cat for company. Though she described herself as a "cat lady," she worries about the monetary investment and the fate of the feline should she fall ill or pass away.

When asked about what sparked the study, author Keith Anderson from the University of Montana commented "As a geriatric social work researcher, I've always been interested in finding creative, cost effective ways to improve the lives and well-being of older adults…My co-authors direct the Veterinary Outreach Program, affiliated with The Ohio State University, which provides mobile wellness care for the pets of older adults and/or homebound residents. Our interests overlapped and we began to discuss ways in which we could link pets in shelters with older adults who may benefit from pet ownership." The study was funded by the WALTHAM Foundation.

The researchers found that programs are beginning to arise to overcome these obstacles. "Programs are emerging that facilitate the adoption of pets by older adults. These programs match older adults with adult shelter animals and provide support throughout the adoption and ownership processes." 

Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that these programs need to overcome, but the authors seem hopeful about finding potential solutions: "Lower-income older adults often live in buildings where there are fees and deposits associated with owning pets. We need creative solutions to address these financial barriers."

"Future researchers should continue to explore the human-animal bond for older adult populations, particularly for those with cognitive, physical, and financial limitations. There is so much potential benefit here for both pets and potential pet owners" wrote the research team.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Taylor & Francis. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Keith A. Anderson, Linda K. Lord, Lawrence N. Hill, Sandra McCune. Fostering the Human-Animal Bond for Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 2015; 39 (1): 32 DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2015.994447

Cite This Page:

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Taylor & Francis. "Pet ownership and its potential benefits for older adults." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 June 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150623141736.htm>.

 

Self Help Tips for Holiday Blues

                                                               
Women of all ages experience holiday blues. We are blasted with "perfect people" on commercials. with "Perfect families. We may look back on past holidays, longing for those times again. We may look back on past sad holidays ... all of it can be a roller coaster ride!

I am not an expert, I do know what I experience in my own life. 

Some things that help me:

* Listening to "white noise" through earphones. I do this throughout the day. "Using earplugs or a white noise machine may also help drown out noise from outside the bedroom that could be keeping you awake. Not only do these behaviors promote sleep, but they can also helpease depression." (according to sleep.org)

* Watching youtube videos. I love watching short videos : funny pets, funny kids, people. I will take time to listen to music videos. I am amazed there are current artists out there who have some awesome music!

* Time Out. I have a childhood friend that I talk to at least once a week. We are more like sisters. She has always been kind of hyper. When I hear it in her voice, I remind her to take time out. Time to do nothing. Time to just be. I really find that it helps me. We are so overloaded with information, constant...just taking a few minutes each day to focus on being still is so important.

Below are some more suggestion. I will post the link to the full article below.

Self-help tips

1: Reach out and stay connected

If you’re depressed, you may not want to do anything or see anybody. But isolation only makes depression worse. On your own, it can be difficult to maintain perspective and sustain the effort required to beat depression. That’s why support matters—so make an effort to connect to others and limit the time you’re alone. If you can’t get out to socialize, invite loved ones to visit you, or keep in touch over the phone or email.

But remember: digital communication isn’t a replacement for face-to-face contact. Do your best to see people in person on a daily basis. Your mood will thank you! And remember, it’s never too late to build new friendships.

Get out in to the world. Try not to stay cooped up at home all day. Go to the park, take a trip to the hairdresser, have lunch with a friend, visit a museum, or go to a concert or a play.

Volunteer your time. Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and expand your social network.

Join a depression support group. Being with others facing the same problems can help reduce your sense of isolation. It can also be inspiring to hear how others cope with depression.

Take care of a pet. A pet can keep you company, and walking a dog, for example, can be good exercise for you and a great way to meet people. Dog owners love to chat while their pets play together.

Take a class or join a club to meet like-minded people. Try joining a senior center, a book club, or another group of people with similar interests.

Create opportunities to laugh. Laughter provides a mood boost, so swap humorous stories and jokes with your loved ones, watch a comedy, or read a funny book.

Self Help Tip Guide

Positive relationships boost self-esteem and vice versa

                                                       

                                          

                              Robust reciprocal link found across life span

Date:
September 26, 2019
Source:
American Psychological Association
Summary:
Does having close friends boost your self-esteem, or does having high self-esteem influence the quality of your friendships? Both, according to a meta-analysis of more than two decades of research.

Does having close friends boost your self-esteem, or does having high self-esteem influence the quality of your friendships?

Both, according to a meta-analysis of more than two decades of research, published by the American Psychological Association.

"For the first time, we have a systematic answer to a key question in the field of self-esteem research: Whether and to what extent a person's social relationships influence his or her self-esteem development, and vice versa, and at what ages," said study author Michelle A. Harris, PhD, of The University of Texas at Austin. "The answer to what age groups is across the life span."

The research was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Harris and her co-author, Ulrich Orth, PhD, of the University of Bern, analyzed 52 studies involving more than 47,000 participants (54% female) looking at either the effect of self-esteem on social relationships over time or the reverse effect. The studies, all published between 1992 and 2016, included multiple countries (e.g., 30 samples from the United States, four from Switzerland, three from Germany, two each from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Greece, Russia and Sweden). Participants were 60% white, 2% Hispanic/Latino, 12% other predominantly another ethnicity and 19% mixed ethnicities. Samples ranged from early childhood to late adulthood.

The authors found that positive social relationships, social support and social acceptance help shape the development of self-esteem in people over time across ages 4 to 76. The authors also found a significant effect in the reverse direction. While earlier research had yielded inconsistent findings, the meta-analysis supports the classic and contemporary theories of the influence of self-esteem on social connections and the influence of social connections on self-esteem, according to Harris. The findings were the same after accounting for gender and ethnicity.

"The reciprocal link between self-esteem and social relationships implies that the effects of a positive feedback loop accumulate over time and could be substantial as people go through life," according to Harris.

The authors discuss the idea that positive relationships with parents may cultivate self-esteem in children, which leads to more positive relationships with peers in adolescence, which may further strengthen the self-esteem of emerging adults, and so on into late adulthood. However, the field is still in need of an integrated theory that can explain whether relationships have such a cumulative effect across life, or whether certain relationships become particularly important at certain ages.

When self-esteem or quality of social relationships is low, Harris noted, it can negatively affect the other factor, and set off a downward spiral, making clinical interventions especially important to offset this potentially adverse development.

"The fact that the effect did not differ significantly among studies with different sample characteristics strengthens confidence in the robustness of our findings," said Harris.

"We found a limited number of longitudinal studies on self-esteem and specific relationships in adulthood as well as studies using measures other than self-report, so our findings only begin to speak to these groups, and we look forward to future work oriented towards filling these gaps."


Story Source:

Materials provided by American Psychological Association. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Michelle A. Harris and Ulrich Orth. The Link Between Self-Esteem and Social Relationships: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2019 DOI: 10.1037/pspp0000265

Cite This Page:

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APA
Chicago
American Psychological Association. "Positive relationships boost self-esteem, and vice versa: Robust reciprocal link found across life span." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 September 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190926092416.htm>.

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

                                                                   

                                     

                                     

Fun to make! Yummy to Eat!

Ingredients

½ cup confectioner's sugar

½ cup sprinkles, divided

1 white cake mix

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Step 1
Cream together the butter and the cream cheese. Add the egg and the vanilla and beat just until combined. Beat in the cake mix until well blended. Stir in ¼ cup of the sprinkles. Refrigerate at least one hour or overnight.
Step 2

Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper. Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into a 1-inch ball. Sprinkle the ball with sprinkles then roll in the confectioner's sugar until completely covered. Place about 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake 8 to10 minutes then allow to sit on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.  

Click link below to find original recipe and many more holiday recipes!

https://www.recipesrun.com/recipe/3460-christmas-gooey-butter-cookies.html

Decorating a Small Space for Christmas

                                                                     

        It's that time of year...you'd like to decorate your place for Christmas, your small space. How 

much is too much? What size decorations? How, where to place them? 

               

                                           

Smaller items on a table can really make a corner festive, especially when placed in front of a small tree!

                                                        

                                    Welcome guests into your home during the holidays!

Check out my Pinterest to find more ideas for the holidays!

Find my pins on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/maggiemay57/pins/

Tips for Holiday Depression for Elderly, Family and Caretakers

                                                                       

Approximately 6 million people over 65 are depressed. But unfortunately, few seek treatment. Chronic health issues, feelings of loneliness, and loss of loved ones can exacerbate feelings of depression and make the holidays a very difficult time for some seniors.

Following is a resource guide for the elderly, their caregivers and their family members with tips and advice on how to beat holiday depression.

FOR CAREGIVERS

Look for signs of depression. As this article from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation explains, the holidays can be a difficult time for older adults who may be dealing with the loss of loved ones and past traditions. The article points out that while feeling blue can be normal, depression isn’t. The article notes that it is important for caretakers to be on the look out for signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, frequent tearfulness, weight changes, changes in sleep patterns, etc.

Plan holiday outings and events. As this article notes, one way caregivers can help older adults avoid holiday depression is to plan fun holiday activities. For example, the article suggests going caroling, including them in decorating, making holiday crafts, taking them holiday shopping, etc.

Listen. As this article on geriatric depression notes, one of the best things you can do is take time to truly listen to the older adults under your care. It recommends taking 15 minutes each day to spend just listening to them. It is important for them to be able to talk about their feelings and to know that they’re being heard.

Encourage them to talk about old memories. As this article from GTN News notes, an elderly person who has undergone changes either as result of the death of a spouse or moving to a care facility may need help connecting meaning to the holidays. The article suggests that a great way to help them do so is to encourage them to talk about their memories of past holidays. Sit with the person and look through photo albums or watch family videos, if available to you. And then, as mentioned above, listen carefully to the stories they tell.

Plan quiet time. The Caregiver Alliance at Central Boston Elder Services provides this “Caregivers Guide for Managing the Holidays.” It provides many great tips for caregivers on how to help themselves during the holidays and how to help those they care for. One great tip is to be sure to plan quiet time. The holidays are full of hustle and bustle and this can be disruptive to an elderly person. Plan some quiet time between the holiday parties and family visits so that they can recharge their batteries.

Use the Geriatric Depression Scale. As this article from the National Care Planning Council explains, the Geriatric Depression Scale was developed to provide a simple way to screen elderly people for depression. It asks “Yes/No” questions and its scores can be used to decide whether an elderly person may need additional care for their depression.

Take them for a drive to see Christmas lights. This article from TheCitizen.com provides tips on how to help the elderly with depression during the holidays. One tip suggests taking seniors for a drive to see Christmas lights. It’s a great way to get them out of the house for a bit and is the perfect outing for those with mobility issues.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. The holidays can be hard on caregivers, too. This article provides tips on how to prevent the “caregiving blues” during the holidays. It suggests asking others to help lighten your load, meditating, avoiding striving for perfection, and many other great tips to boost your own mental health this holiday season.

FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

Before Checklist

Consider recent changes that could cause depression. As this article notes, certain life changes can trigger depression in older adults. It provides advice on how to help a parent deal with depression that follows the diagnoses of the following illnesses/health problems:

Depression and diabetes
Depression and Parkinson’s disease
Depression and stroke
Depression and Alzheimer’s disease
Depression and chemotherapy
Depression and a broken hip
Depression after a heart attack
Depression and pneumonia or the flu
Depression and vision loss
Depression and radiation therapy
Depression and breathing problems
Find ways to include elderly family members in your holiday prep. This article provides many great tips on how to help elderly family members who may feel depressed during the holidays. One tip emphasizes the importance of helping them keep busy and active. A great way to do that is to include them in your own holiday prep and planning.

During Checklist
Assess how they’re doing overall. This article from AARP suggests you can make the most of the holidays by using the time with your elderly loved one to assess how they’re faring. It recommends considering areas such as mobility, health, and finances. These are all problem spots that can contribute to depression when difficulties arise.

Help with specific tasks. As this article from the Crestview News Bulletin notes, holiday traditions are important and simply helping an elderly relative carry on those traditions can mean a lot to them. The article provides tips on how to do so. For example, you might help an elderly loved one with their favorite holiday recipe, help them decorate and/or wrap presents, help them send holiday cards to their other loved ones, and so on.

Don’t ask them to “snap out of it.” This article on caring for someone with depression provides a great reminder: If an elderly loved one seems depressed during the holidays, it isn’t productive or helpful to ask them to “snap out of it” or “get their act together.” Instead, encourage them to talk about what they’re feeling.

If you can’t visit, call. As this article notes, you may live away from your elderly relative and aren’t able to be with them during the holidays. If so, be sure to call them frequently and encourage other family members and friends to call them. Also, the article suggests encouraging your elderly relative to take part in holiday activities and events. Staying busy can be a great way to beat the holiday blues.

After Checklist

Watch for ongoing signs of depression. As this article notes, what at first may seem like the “holiday blues” could turn into depression if not treated. If signs of depression continue in an elderly relative after the holidays are over, help them seek treatment.

Keep up communication. As this article notes, the fun and excitement that come with the holidays may actually help to buoy your loved one’s spirits. Sometimes the trouble can come after the holidays when elderly loved ones may experience loneliness or post-holiday sadness. The article recommends visiting elderly loved ones frequently after the holidays. If you don’t live close by, call or send cards. Just let them know you’re thinking about them.

Follow up. This article from the National Alliance on Mental Illness provides tips on helping a depressed family member during the holidays. As it notes, if you’ve spoken to an elderly loved one about seeking care for their depression, be sure to follow up with them after the holidays. Don’t let the matter drop. Check in with them to see if they’ve sought help and ask if they need help.

For the Elderly

Know how to beat the holiday blues. As this article notes the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation recognizes that the holidays can be a difficult time of year for older adults. It points readers to the Foundation’s “Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues,” which provide great advice for the elderly, such as “get out and about,” “drink responsibly,” “talk to someone,” and more.

Remember loved ones but make new traditions. This article from WebMD provides great advice on how to protect ones mental health during the holidays. Some of the tips are especially good for older adults to keep in mind. For example, if you’ve lost loved ones and/or won’t be able to enjoy the usual holiday traditions, the article recommends starting a new tradition, something everyone can enjoy. It also recommends finding ways at the holidays to commemorate those you’ve lost.

Be aware of holiday depression triggers. This article from Health.com provides 11 great tips on how to stay positive and truly happy during the holidays. Here they are:

Plan ahead.
Avoid family conflict.
Forget perfection.
Learn to grieve.
Schedule some sleep.
Get help.
Prioritize workouts.
Consider your light exposure.
Focus on what matters.
Don’t binge on food and alcohol.
Cut back on commitments.
Don’t wait for the feelings to pass. This article from the Providence Journal provides tips on how to handle holiday depression. One of the tips stresses the importance of getting help if you’re feeling depressed. Discuss how you’re feeling with your doctor. As the article reminds, depression is an illness and going untreated will only make things worse.

Eat healthy. As this article notes, the holidays bring with them lots of unhealthy holiday treats and beverages. Be careful not to overdo it. Understand, as the article says, that “good physical health contributes to good mental health.”

Don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford certain gifts. As this article notes, you may be living on a fixed income, which means you may not be able to afford expensive gifts for family members. Don’t let this get you down. Make a budget for gifts and stick to it. Being responsible with your money will help prevent money worries later on.Let go of past resentments. If you’re holding on to old grudges with family members or other close ones, this article from Psychology Today, recommends letting them go. It suggests that holding on to these resentments can contribute to the holiday blues. Let those negative feelings go and enjoy the holidays.

Don’t give in to loneliness. As this information from the Mayo Clinic notes, the holidays can be stressful and stress can lead to or worsen depression. If part of your holiday stress comes from feeling lonely, the article recommends that you reach out to family members or other loved ones. Participate in holiday activities or, if you’re able, volunteer with a nonprofit and give back to others in your community.

Click on link for more information

American Medical Resource Institute

American Medical Resource Institute

Lonely cardiac patients at increased risk of death within year of hospital discharge

                                                                 

                 Science Daily -- Date:November 4, 2019 Source:BMJCardiac patients who feel lonely are at heightened risk of dying within a year of being discharged from hospital, reveals research published online in the journal Heart.

Loneliness should be prioritised in public health initiatives and regarded as a legitimate health risk in people who have a serious illness, conclude the researchers.

Previous research suggests that loneliness and poor social support are associated with a heightened risk of developing, and dying from, coronary artery disease.

But it's not clear if other types of heart disease might also be influenced by feelings of loneliness, and if living alone might be as influential as feeling lonely.

To explore this further, the researchers looked at the 1-year health outcomes of patients admitted to a specialist heart centre with either ischaemic (coronary) heart disease, abnormal heart rhythm, heart failure or valve disease, over the course of a year in 2013-14.

Most of them (70%) were men, and their average age was 66.

On discharge from the centre, 13,443 (53% of the total) completed validated questionnaires on their physical health, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life (Short Form 12; HeartQoL) and their levels of anxiety and depression (HADS).

They were also quizzed about health behaviours, including smoking, drinking, and how often they took their prescribed medicines. National data were used to find out if they lived alone or with other people.

Those who said they felt lonely were nearly three times as likely to be anxious and depressed and to report a significantly lower quality of life as those who said they didn't feel lonely.

One year later, the researchers checked national registry data to see what had happened to the patients' cardiac health, as well as how many of them had died.

They found that irrespective of the diagnosis, loneliness was associated with significantly poorer physical health after a year.

After taking account of potentially influential factors, including health behaviours, lonely women were nearly three times as likely to have died from any cause after a year as women who didn't feel lonely. Similarly, lonely men were more than twice as likely to have died from any cause.

The significant differences in risk between those who felt lonely and those who didn't, suggest that health related behaviours and underlying conditions can't fully explain the associations found, say the researchers.

Although living alone wasn't associated with feeling lonely, it was associated with a lower risk of anxiety/depression than in those who lived with other people.

And it was associated with a higher (39%) risk of poor cardiac health among men. Previous studies indicate that women have larger social networks than men, so separation, divorce, or the death of a partner may disadvantage men more, suggest the researchers, by way of an explanation for this particular finding.

This is an observational study, and as such, can't establish cause. Reverse causality may also be at play, as it's not clear whether the illness or the feelings of loneliness came first.

"However, the findings are in line with previous research, suggesting that loneliness is associated with changes in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and immune function as well as unhealthy lifestyle choices which impact negative health outcomes," write the researchers.

There are indications that the burden of loneliness and social isolation is growing," they add.

"Furthermore, increasing evidence points to their influence on poor health outcomes being equivalent to the risk associated with severe obesity. Public health initiatives should therefore aim at reducing loneliness," they conclude.
 

Story Source:

Materials provided by BMJ. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Anne Vinggaard Christensen, Knud Juel, Ola Ekholm, Lars Thrysøe, Charlotte Brun Thorup, Britt Borregaard, Rikke Elmose Mols, Trine Bernholdt Rasmussen, Selina Kikkenborg Berg. Significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality among cardiac patients feeling lonely. Heart, 2019; heartjnl-2019-315460 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2019-315460

SLOW COOKER KICKIN’ CHILI – LOW CARB, GLUTEN FREE

                                      Slow Cooker Kickin' Chili-Low Carb-Gluten Free
                                                               

Low Carb Chili – All the amazing flavors of chili, without the beans. I think you will find that you don't miss them at all.

2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium red onion, chopped and divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 large ribs of celery, diced
1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices
6 ounce can tomato paste
14.5 ounce can tomatoes and green chilies
14.5 ounce can stewed tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or Coconut Aminos
4 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin, mounded
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 bay leaf

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat slow cooker on low setting.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, half of the onions, 2 Tbs. minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Once the beef is browned, drain excess grease from pan.
Transfer ground beef mixture to slow cooker. Add remaining onions, garlic, celery, jalapenos, tomato paste, tomatoes and chilies (with liquid), stewed tomatoes (with liquid), Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and bay leaf.

Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Cook on low 6-8 hours. 

This tasty recipe found on Peace, Love and Low Carb! Check it out below and find more great recipes!
Slow Cooker Low Carb Chili - Gluten Free | Peace Love and Low Carb
Low Carb Chili - All the amazing flavors of chili, without the beans. I think you will find that you don't miss them at all.

This awesome recipe found on:

Peace, Love and Low Carb

Own a Dog? You Just May Live Longer!

                                                               
                         
                                                                   

So, this is me with my doggie, Missy! She keeps me moving! She makes me smile, even laugh when

I don't feel like it! She is there when I am sad, mad, sick or injured. Giving unconditional love! Teaching me every day how to be better, to be more like her!

Dog ownership associated with longer life, especially among heart attack and stroke survivors

Date:

October 8, 2019

Source:

American Heart Association

Summary:

Dog ownership was associated with a 33% lower risk of early death for heart attack survivors living alone and 27% reduced risk of early death for stroke survivors living alone, compared to people who did not own a dog. Dog ownership was associated with a 24% reduced risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% lower risk of death by heart attack or stroke compared to non-owners.

Portuguese water dog. Owning a dog may be associated with having a longer life.

Credit: Copyright Michele Hogan

Dog ownership may be associated with longer life and better cardiovascular outcomes, especially for heart attack and stroke survivors who live alone, according to a new study and a separate meta-analysis published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a journal of the American Heart Association.

"The findings in these two well-done studies and analyses build upon prior studies and the conclusions of the 2013 AHA Scientific Statement 'Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk' that dog ownership is associated with reductions in factors that contribute to cardiac risk and to cardiovascular events," said Glenn N. Levine, M.D., chair of the writing group of the American Heart Association's scientific statement on pet ownership. "Further, these two studies provide good, quality data indicating dog ownership is associated with reduced cardiac and all-cause mortality. While these non-randomized studies cannot 'prove' that adopting or owning a dog directly leads to reduced mortality, these robust findings are certainly at least suggestive of this."

Given previous research demonstrating how social isolation and lack of physical activity can negatively impact patients, researchers in both the study and meta-analysis sought to determine how dog ownership affected health outcomes. Prior studies have shown that dog ownership alleviates social isolation, improves physical activity and even lowers blood pressure -- leading researchers to believe dog owners could potentially have better cardiovascular outcomes compared to non-owners.

Dog ownership and survival after a major cardiovascular event

Researchers in this study compared the health outcomes of dog owners and non-owners after a heart attack or stroke using health data provided by the Swedish National Patient Register. Patients studied were Swedish residents ages 40-85 who experienced heart attack or ischemic stroke from 2001-2012.

Compared to people who did not own a dog, researchers found that for dog owners:

The risk of death for heart attack patients living alone after hospitalization was 33% lower, and 15% lower for those living with a partner or child.

The risk of death for stroke patients living alone after hospitalization was 27% lower and 12% lower for those living with a partner or child.

In the study, nearly 182,000 people were recorded to have had a heart attack, with almost 6% being dog owners, and nearly 155,000 people were recorded to have had an ischemic stroke, with almost 5% being dog owners. Dog ownership was confirmed by data from the Swedish Board of Agriculture (registration of dog ownership has been mandatory since 2001) and the Swedish Kennel Club (all pedigree dogs have been registered since 1889).

The lower risk of death associated with dog ownership could be explained by an increase in physical activity and the decreased depression and loneliness, both of which have been connected to dog ownership in previous studies.

"We know that social isolation is a strong risk factor for worse health outcomes and premature death. Previous studies have indicated that dog owners experience less social isolation and have more interaction with other people," said Tove Fall, D. V. M., professor at Uppsala University in Sweden. "Furthermore, keeping a dog is a good motivation for physical activity, which is an important factor in rehabilitation and mental health."

While this study draws from a large sample, potential misclassifications of dog ownership in couples living together, death of a dog and change of ownership could have affected the outcomes of the study.

"The results of this study suggest positive effects of dog ownership for patients who have experienced a heart attack or stroke. However, more research is needed to confirm a causal relationship and giving recommendations about prescribing dogs for prevention. Moreover, from an animal welfare perspective, dogs should only be acquired by people who feel they have the capacity and knowledge to give the pet a good life."

Co-authors of the study are Mwenya Mubanga, M.D., M.P.H.; Liisa Byberg, Ph.D.; Agneta Egenvall, V.M.D., Ph.D.; Erik Ingelsson, MD, Ph.D. and Tove Fall, V.M.D., Ph.D. Agria Research Foundation and the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (FORMAS), grant number 2013-1673 funded the study.

Dog Ownership and Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Researchers reviewed patient data of over 3.8 million people taken from 10 separate studies for a composite meta-analysis study. Of the 10 studies reviewed, nine included comparison of all-cause mortality outcomes for dog owners and non-owners, and four compared cardiovascular outcomes for dog owners and non-owners.

Researchers found that compared to non-owners, dog owners experienced a:

24% reduced risk of all-cause mortality;

65% reduced risk of mortality after heart attack; and

31% reduced risk of mortality due to cardiovascular-related issues.

"Having a dog was associated with increased physical exercise, lower blood pressure levels and better cholesterol profile in previous reports," said Caroline Kramer, M.D. Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and an Endocrinologist and Clinician scientist at Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes at Mount Sinai Hospital, part of Sinai Health System. "As such, the findings that people who owned dogs lived longer and their risk for cardiovascular death was also lower are somewhat expected."

Studies deemed eligible for analysis included those conducted among adults age 18 or older, original data from an original prospective study, evaluated dog ownership at the beginning of the study and reported all-cause or cardiovascular mortality of patients. Studies were excluded if they were retrospective, did not provide an absolute number of events that occurred and reported non-fatal cardiovascular events.

"Our findings suggest that having a dog is associated with longer life. Our analyses did not account for confounders such as better fitness or an overall healthier lifestyle that could be associated with dog ownership. The results, however, were very positive," said Dr. Kramer. "The next step on this topic would be an interventional study to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes after adopting a dog and the social and psychological benefits of dog ownership. As a dog owner myself, I can say that adopting Romeo (the author's miniature Schnauzer) has increased my steps and physical activity each day, and he has filled my daily routine with joy and unconditional love."

Story Source:

Materials provided by American Heart Association. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Mwenya Mubanga, Liisa Byberg, Agneta Egenvall, Erik Ingelsson, Tove Fall. Dog Ownership and Survival After a Major Cardiovascular Event. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 2019; 12 (10) DOI: 10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.005342

Cite This Page:

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American Heart Association. "Dog ownership associated with longer life, especially among heart attack and stroke survivors." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 8 October 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191008083121.htm>.

"Sunrises Painting Skies"

Have you ever noticed how "magical" the sky is? I have always found it amazing!

So many people go about their day, busy, running around, never taking a moment to look up.

Look up, just breathe, absorb the beauty, take it all in....

I am sharing one of my youtube videos, a sunrise that I stood, took the time to be amazed!

Nature Has A Sense of Humor

                                                       

                                                      Nature Has A Sense of Humor

I was walking my dog a few days ago and saw this that has been out since October. I couldn't resist taking this photograph.

I hope it brings a smile to you as it did to me!

Senior Moments: How big of a problem is social isolation among older adults?

             
                                                                                     

Senior Moments from H.O.M.E.

How big of a problem is social isolation among older adults?

Bigger than you might think. One just has to look at some of the news articles to know that social isolation is a trend that is only getting worse.

I had the pleasure of presenting Rush Generations members last month, where both Dr. Alexander Sasha Rackman and I both addressed social isolation from our individual perspectives: Dr. Rackman being a geriatrician and myself being a gerontologist and social worker.

Let me first start by saying that social isolation is not just a problem experienced by older adults. It can occur among younger and older people alike.

So, I hope that the take-aways you get from this post will help you initiate a dialogue with friends or family or a primary care physician that helps get someone on the path of either reducing or even preventing social isolation from happening.

I have found that people who are socially isolated often do not even recognize it is happening to them, before it is too late.

Dr. Rackman made a very important distinction between isolation and loneliness.

He described loneliness as subjective in that it is how people perceive their situation and whether they feel isolated.

Hence, one might feel lonely but not be isolated.

Someone who is isolated lacks meaningful and unfulfilling relationships in their lives, has a minimal number of social contacts, and doesn’t feel like they belong.

Some of the risk factors for social isolation include:

a decrease in mobility that limits engagement in social activities
less exposure to opportunities for building relationships
fear of falling or unmanaged incontinence that causes one not to leave their home
limited family or friends, family or friends who live at a distance, being unmarried, and living alone

These risk factors may come as no surprise, but what is surprising is that social isolation is on the rise. Yet, these risk factors have the potential to be addressed if only people were aware of the issue and addressing the issue.

The challenge is that social isolation can go unnoticed if no one is paying attention.

Reports vary with the number of older adults who are social isolated. Some numbers have been as high as forty-three percent (Nicholson, Molony, Fennie, Shellman, & McCorkle, 2010; Smith & Hirdes, 2009).

The Administration on Aging reports that about twenty-nine percent of older adults live alone. Well, since we know that living alone is a risk factor, we, as a society should be thinking of ways to engage and connect these individuals.

If the previous numbers don’t “jump start” you to begin paying attention to yourself and those around you, perhaps the following findings will:

Social isolation is twice as likely to cause premature death in older adults. The mortality rate of socially isolated older adults is comparable to that of smokers.
Social isolation is both bad for one’s health and is costly. AARP and Stanford University found that that the lack of social contacts among people with Medicare cost an estimated $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending. 
Forty percent of adults admit to being lonely. Reducing isolation could possibly reduce loneliness and vice versa.

intergenerational_theresnoplacelikehomeHere are a few resources to help an older adult stay connected:

CJE SeniorLife’s Virtual Senior Center

H.O.M.E.’s Good Life Senior Residences

Mather Lifeways Telephone Topics

Little Brother’s Friends of the Elderly

H.O.M.E.'s Intergenerational Housing Program is designed to offer engagement that reduces isolation and increases quality of life. As a result, our residents often report that their health improves after they move into our buildings. Residents are also offered opportunities to attend community outings including movies, museums, and shopping. In many instances, our residents refer to residential managers, coordinators, and neighbors as the “H.O.M.E. family,” an extension of their own family and support system.

Posted by Tricia Mullin on Sep 3, 2018 3:06:00 PM

About H.O.M.E.

Founded in 1982, has helped thousands of low-income seniors in Chicago maintain their independence by providing a home repair service, shopping bus, moving program, and three affordable apartment buildings where seniors can live comfortably in an intergenerational environment.

Health Screenings Women Age 50+

                                                                   

I wanted to talk about health screenings because I tend to put things off. Now, at 61, I have changed that...I talked to my doctor, asked her about having a bone density scan and have an appointment for the scan. I had one in my 40's because my mother had osteoparosis. The scan showed that I was in the ostopenia range (Osteopenia is defined as low bone density caused by bone loss. Osteopenia is often a precursor to osteoporosis, a common condition of brittle bones that can result in fracture.)

Below are screening information from Medline Plus
DIABETES SCREENING

If you are over age 44, you should be screened every 3 years.
If you are overweight, ask your provider if you should be screened at a younger age. Asian Americans should be screened if their BMI is greater than 23.
If your blood pressure is above 140/80 mm Hg, or you have other risk factors for diabetes, your provider may test your blood sugar level for diabetes.


If you are between ages 50 to 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. There are several screening tests available:

A fecal occult blood (stool-based) test done every year
A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
A stool DNA test every 3 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
Colonoscopy every 10 years
You may need a colonoscopy more often if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as:

Ulcerative colitis
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
A history of growths called adenomatous polyps
DENTAL EXAM

Go to the dentist once or twice every year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you have a need for more frequent visits.
EYE EXAM

Have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years ages 40 to 54 and every 1 to 3 years ages 55 to 64. Your provider may recommend more frequent eye exams if you have vision problems or glaucoma risk.
Have an eye exam at least every year if you have diabetes.
IMMUNIZATIONS

You should get a flu shot every year.
Ask your provider if you should get a vaccine to reduce your risk of pneumonia.
You should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tap) vaccine once as part of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines if you did not receive it previously as an adolescent. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
You may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccine after age 50.
Your provider may recommend other immunizations if you are at high risk for certain conditions.
PHYSICAL EXAM

Your blood pressure should be checked at least every year.
Your provider may recommend checking your cholesterol every 5 years if you have risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at each exam.
During your exam, your provider may ask you about:

Depression
Diet and exercise
Alcohol and tobacco use
Safety issues, such as using seat belts and smoke detectors
BREAST EXAM

Women may do a monthly breast self-exam. However, experts do not agree about the benefits of breast self-exams in finding breast cancer or saving lives. Talk to your provider about what is best for you.
You should contact your provider immediately if you notice a change in your breasts, whether or not you do self-exams.
Your provider may do a clinical breast exam as part of your preventive exam.
MAMMOGRAM

Women ages 40 to 49 may have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. However, not all experts agree about the benefits of having a mammogram when women are in their 40s. Talk to your provider about what is best for you.
Women ages 50 to 75 should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years depending on their risk factors, to check for breast cancer.
Women with a mother or sister who had breast cancer at a younger age should consider yearly mammograms. They should begin earlier than the age at which their youngest family member was diagnosed.
OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

All women over age 50 with fractures should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).
If you are under age 65 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should be screened.
PELVIC EXAM AND PAP SMEAR

You should have a Pap smear every 3 years. If you have both a Pap smear and human papilloma virus (HPV) test, you may be tested every 5 years. HPV is the virus that causes genital warts and several cancers, including cervical cancer.
Your provider may do pelvic exams more often if you develop problems.
If you have had your uterus and cervix removed (total hysterectomy), and you have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you do not need to have Pap smears.
Women who are sexually active and at high risk should be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Your provider may talk with you about testing for other infections.
Your provider will ask you about alcohol and tobacco, and may ask you about depression.
SKIN EXAM

Your provider may check your skin for signs of skin cancer, especially if you're at high risk. People at high risk include those who have had skin cancer before, have close relatives with skin cancer, or have a weakened immune system.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING

The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 55 to 80 years who:

Have a 30 pack-year smoking history AND
Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years