First I wish each of you a very happy and healthy New Year - 2011! I pray that it will be a year filled with peace and good health with each day.
I would like to thank residents, family, friends and staff, who made our annual Christmas Open House such a success. Kudos especially to our dietary department in preparing the goodies that we enjoyed. We were so happy to see so many of our family and friends. I also want to personally thank Danny & Charlotte Fireline for spending Christmas Eve with our residents with cookies and hot chocolate while sharing the story of Christmas. I know that our residents appreciated the time that they spent with them.
Additionally I want to take this time to thank those of you who contributed to the Staff Appreciation fund. Because of these generous gifts, we were able to purchase chamber checks and gift cards for each member of The Paragon staff. Thanks also to those of you who brought in so many good things to eat that contributed to the expansion of our waist lines! I personally want to express my appreciation for recognizing our staff, it means so much to them to be remembered.
We have so much to look forward to in this New Year at The Paragon. Sherry is already planning new destinations to see, new restaurants to try along with all the daily activities she plans for all to enjoy. She would, however, appreciated any ideas from family members and friends of places to go, what to see, where to eat, etc. Please don’t hesitate to let her know.
I trust that you know what a blessing it is to have an
assisted living community like The Paragon in Madisonville. It’s a wonderful place to live! The Paragon is designed for
senior adults who wish to maintain their independent lifestyle with the security of knowing that if the need arises for some additional assistance, we are there. Living at The Paragon is a wonderful opportunity to be reunited with old friends and the opportunity to meet new friends.
My continued wish for all of us is to start this New Year with hope at the beginning of each new day. We have been given each day to use as we desire. We can waste it or use it for good. Be kind to one another. But always remember, at the beginning and end of each day, to thank God for our blessings.
You know the old saying “don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.” So remember, “seize the opportunity – don’t put things off”! Invite family and friends to visit The Paragon and see for them selves what a lovely community that we have.
I extend my blessings for a New Year filled with health and happiness to you and yours.
God bless,
Nancy
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Kitchen Korner
Holiday Caramel Apple Dip (recipe provided by Carolyn Clayton, The Paragon’s hair stylist)
1 8oz tub of whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
Caramel dip (usually found in the produce department of grocery)
Heath Toffee Candy bits (one with chocolate)
Take 1/2 cup of brown sugar and mix with cream cheese. Right before serving, spread the caramel on top and sprinkle with heath toffee bits. Serve with sliced apples.
Enjoy! Your Paragon Kitchen Staff,
Shirley, Jennifer, Kristen and JoNell
I made this for my family at Christmas—and it’s not only the easiest recipe ever—but delicious!!
1 8oz tub of whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
Caramel dip (usually found in the produce department of grocery)
Heath Toffee Candy bits (one with chocolate)
Take 1/2 cup of brown sugar and mix with cream cheese. Right before serving, spread the caramel on top and sprinkle with heath toffee bits. Serve with sliced apples.
Enjoy! Your Paragon Kitchen Staff,
Shirley, Jennifer, Kristen and JoNell
I made this for my family at Christmas—and it’s not only the easiest recipe ever—but delicious!!
News From The Ice Cream Parlor
The Christmas holiday has come to an end and we’ve started yet another new year. Happy New Year! I hope that each of you had a wonderful and joyous time with your families and loved ones over the holiday season. Also I hope this new year brings each of you happiness and prosperity.
I would like to take this time to express my gratitude to everyone that helped in making our Christmas Open House a very special one. A special “thank you” goes out to Mrs. Claus, AKA, Maria Lee! Also our residents really appreciated Danny & Charlotte Fireline for sharing Christmas Eve with them.
The next upcoming paragraphs were also printed last year but we have some new families and residents that have become part of our community. Sometimes we all need a few reminders every now and then.
I want to remind you about the use of our common areas at The Paragon Of Madisonville. These areas are primarily for use by residents, families, and their invited guests. We encourage residents to enjoy all areas of the building, including the main foyer, dining room, ice cream parlor, Dogwood Room, card room, and private dining room. Residents planning to entertain groups of 10 or more; wishing to host a meeting, or an event requiring special accommodations, should speak with Janet, the receptionist or me, the Event Coordinator to reserve the desired area and discuss special needs.
Guest and/or small community groups may also request the use of The Paragon’s facilities. Please turn in your request to reserve any of the desired common areas a minimum of 10 days prior to the planned meeting or event. Please note that the following rules apply for use of The Paragon:
1. No alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed.
2. No smoking is permitted in The Paragon, which also includes the guest restrooms.
3. Children are not allowed in the courtyard except with the supervision of an adult.
Next I want to remind everyone about our General Store. Our General Store is located in our Ice Cream Parlor. Most of the items are personal care items. If you wish to purchase something from the General Store just ask anyone on staff and they will be happy to get your items for you. The cost of the purchases will be added to your monthly statement. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week.
Voting for the 2011Valentine King & Queen will be coming soon. Be watching for the Ballot box.
Until next month,
Sherry
I would like to take this time to express my gratitude to everyone that helped in making our Christmas Open House a very special one. A special “thank you” goes out to Mrs. Claus, AKA, Maria Lee! Also our residents really appreciated Danny & Charlotte Fireline for sharing Christmas Eve with them.
The next upcoming paragraphs were also printed last year but we have some new families and residents that have become part of our community. Sometimes we all need a few reminders every now and then.
I want to remind you about the use of our common areas at The Paragon Of Madisonville. These areas are primarily for use by residents, families, and their invited guests. We encourage residents to enjoy all areas of the building, including the main foyer, dining room, ice cream parlor, Dogwood Room, card room, and private dining room. Residents planning to entertain groups of 10 or more; wishing to host a meeting, or an event requiring special accommodations, should speak with Janet, the receptionist or me, the Event Coordinator to reserve the desired area and discuss special needs.
Guest and/or small community groups may also request the use of The Paragon’s facilities. Please turn in your request to reserve any of the desired common areas a minimum of 10 days prior to the planned meeting or event. Please note that the following rules apply for use of The Paragon:
1. No alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed.
2. No smoking is permitted in The Paragon, which also includes the guest restrooms.
3. Children are not allowed in the courtyard except with the supervision of an adult.
Next I want to remind everyone about our General Store. Our General Store is located in our Ice Cream Parlor. Most of the items are personal care items. If you wish to purchase something from the General Store just ask anyone on staff and they will be happy to get your items for you. The cost of the purchases will be added to your monthly statement. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week.
Voting for the 2011Valentine King & Queen will be coming soon. Be watching for the Ballot box.
Until next month,
Sherry
Notes From Ruth Barnett, RCC
Keeping Your the Brain Sharp
If you are interested in keeping your brain sharp, no matter what your age, there are key lifestyle behaviors you should be practicing. Besides exercise, which encourages the growth of new cells by increasing oxygen flow to your brain, and challenging your brain with skills that keep you thinking, diet plays an important part in brain health.
Although we have no control over our own genetics, as a risk factor for chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, we can make those lifestyle decisions that may help keep our brains healthier. There is much research that indicates diet, as well as the other lifestyle factors mentioned above, that can help prevent cognitive decline, especially if started early in life. So what is this “special” diet that helps promote brain function?
Although emerging science may tweak dietary recommendations, the basics for eating right, for those with and without chronic disease, are relatively well known and simple. There is no magic or secret to eating right, yet motivation and putting knowledge to practice, is the barrier. There are many correlations between the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes with increased risk for Alzheimer’s. So, the science-based dietary guidelines that are good for the heart are also good for the brain, plus good for everyone in general:
Maintain energy balance – balance energy in (calories consumed through food and beverages) with energy out (physical activity); increases in physical activity, even if small (such as walking, chair exercise, etc.) apart from diet, has been shown to slow cognitive deterioration.
Reduce sodium intake – Aim for 2,300 mg sodium or less, daily (1 teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300 mg!); choose foods low in sodium (140 mg or less sodium per serving); for those with hypertension, consume 1,500 mg or less per day for health benefits.
Build your diet around low- and non-fat dairy; beans), nuts and seeds; fish, lean meat and poultry, as well as:
Fruits and vegetables – Aim for 8-9 (1/2 cup servings) of fruits and vegetables of a variety of colors daily; choose whole fruits over fruit juices most often; drink juice that is labeled “100% juice” and “100% vitamin C” if possible.
Whole grains – whole grains are the entire grain kernel, including the outer covering that contains the grain’s fiber and many vitamins and minerals and antioxidants; aim for at least 3 ounce servings per day of whole grain foods such as (whole wheat bread, crackers, pasta, buns, tortillas; whole grain barley, rye, oatmeal, cornmeal, buckwheat, brown rice, wild rice and popcorn, whole grain cereals); choose whole grain breakfast cereals that provide at least 3-4 grams fiber per serving, no more than 8 grams total sugar, and less than 3 grams fat.
Ruth
This article was written by Darcia Brewer, a Registered Dietician and Contracted & Nutrition Services Coordinator for Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan
If you are interested in keeping your brain sharp, no matter what your age, there are key lifestyle behaviors you should be practicing. Besides exercise, which encourages the growth of new cells by increasing oxygen flow to your brain, and challenging your brain with skills that keep you thinking, diet plays an important part in brain health.
Although we have no control over our own genetics, as a risk factor for chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, we can make those lifestyle decisions that may help keep our brains healthier. There is much research that indicates diet, as well as the other lifestyle factors mentioned above, that can help prevent cognitive decline, especially if started early in life. So what is this “special” diet that helps promote brain function?
Although emerging science may tweak dietary recommendations, the basics for eating right, for those with and without chronic disease, are relatively well known and simple. There is no magic or secret to eating right, yet motivation and putting knowledge to practice, is the barrier. There are many correlations between the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes with increased risk for Alzheimer’s. So, the science-based dietary guidelines that are good for the heart are also good for the brain, plus good for everyone in general:
Maintain energy balance – balance energy in (calories consumed through food and beverages) with energy out (physical activity); increases in physical activity, even if small (such as walking, chair exercise, etc.) apart from diet, has been shown to slow cognitive deterioration.
Reduce sodium intake – Aim for 2,300 mg sodium or less, daily (1 teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300 mg!); choose foods low in sodium (140 mg or less sodium per serving); for those with hypertension, consume 1,500 mg or less per day for health benefits.
Build your diet around low- and non-fat dairy; beans), nuts and seeds; fish, lean meat and poultry, as well as:
Fruits and vegetables – Aim for 8-9 (1/2 cup servings) of fruits and vegetables of a variety of colors daily; choose whole fruits over fruit juices most often; drink juice that is labeled “100% juice” and “100% vitamin C” if possible.
Whole grains – whole grains are the entire grain kernel, including the outer covering that contains the grain’s fiber and many vitamins and minerals and antioxidants; aim for at least 3 ounce servings per day of whole grain foods such as (whole wheat bread, crackers, pasta, buns, tortillas; whole grain barley, rye, oatmeal, cornmeal, buckwheat, brown rice, wild rice and popcorn, whole grain cereals); choose whole grain breakfast cereals that provide at least 3-4 grams fiber per serving, no more than 8 grams total sugar, and less than 3 grams fat.
Ruth
This article was written by Darcia Brewer, a Registered Dietician and Contracted & Nutrition Services Coordinator for Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan
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