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Category: Fitness and Wellness

Did You Hear?

Mon, February 7, 2022 Published by

Our ability to hear is one of our most important senses as it connects us to the world around us. With masks and social distancing thrown in the mix, COVID has made communication even more challenging. For those of you who missed the Health and Wellness Committee’s recent speaker, audiology professor Dr. Tricia Dabrowski, A.T. Still University Audiology Department has kindly provided Beatitudes Campus with the following helpful tips to improve communication with hearing loss.

Let’s start with the Listener.

  1. Don’t be embarrassed by your hearing loss. Explain, or remind speakers, that you have difficulty hearing, and describe the best way for the Speaker to communicate in order for you to understand.
  2. Pay attention to the speaker’s face and gestures while they speak.
  3. Don’t bluff! Pretending that you heard something never results in a solution to your communication troubles.
  4. Provide feedback after the communication so the Speaker knows how well they are doing.
  5. Arrange for frequent breaks during long discussions.
  6. Set realistic goals about what you can expect to understand.

Now let’s consider some things the Speaker can do which will help a great deal:

  1. Get the person’s attention before you begin to speak.
  2. Always face the listener and do not put obstacles in front of your face (unless you need to be wearing a mask).
  3. Speak into their “good ear” if they have one.
  4. Use facial expressions and gestures to help convey the meaning of your words.
  5. Speak slightly slower and louder and be sure to enunciate. Pause briefly after key words in the phrase to increase the likelihood that the Listener will understand the communication the first time around.
  6. Speak to the listener in a well-lit place, so they can read your lips as you speak.
  7. Give a clue of some kind when the topic is changing.
  8. If the listener does not understand something you’re trying to say after the second attempt, try using different words.
  9. When you’re in a difficult listening environment simplify the conversation.
  10. When in doubt, ask the Listener what you could do to help.
  11. Before parting ways, always leave a thorough note of any important facts, dates, times, etc. that were discussed in the conversation, so the listener can correctly recall important details.

Don’t expect any of these strategies to work 100% of the time. Both the Listener and Speaker must maintain a positive attitude, be patient, and relax! Now let’s consider how you might change the Environment to increase the likelihood that communications will be understood.

  1. Recognize that noise is your enemy! For the hearing impaired, modest amounts of background noise mask the important speech sounds they are trying to hear and can make communication very challenging.
  2. The ideal listening distance is 4-6 feet. This will allow the Listener to observe your facial expressions, gestures, and optimize the volume of soft speech sounds.
  3. Lighting that is too dark will make it difficult for the Listener to view the Speakers facial expressions and lips (be aware of glare from shiny surfaces obstructing views, as well).

Another way to improve communication is to ensure that your ears, eyes, and hearing aids are working properly. Remember to visit your audiologist and optometrist annually!

Healthy Holidays

Wed, December 22, 2021 Published by

The holidays are often a time of joyful experiences, but they can also bring about unique health challenges. During the season of giving, it’s still important to take care of yourself; we hope to provide a few tips to stay healthy this winter.

  • Talk about vaccination status: Most of the breakthrough COVID cases among residents on Campus have resulted from family gatherings. Before planning your holiday get together, talk with your loved ones about who will be in attendance and be sure they’ve all been vaccinated.
  • Be mindful of medications: With winter allergy, cold, and flu season upon us, be mindful of over-the-counter medications, which can have unintended side effects. For example, medications that have sedating or pain mediating effects, such as decongestants and cough syrups, can lead to confusion. Consult your doctor before taking beginning new over the counter medications for cold symptoms, and always being aware of multi-symptom products that treat coughing, sneezing, pain, etc. These medications can contain similar ingredients to medications you are already taking, which can put one at risk of overdose.
  • Healthy healing alternatives: Try alternatives to over the counter cold and allergy medications, such as resting, drinking more fluids, saline nasal sprays, and drinking honey in your tea for coughing.
  • Winter workouts: It’s easy to fall away from your usual exercise routine during the holidays but maintaining an exercise regime for 30 minutes a day helps boost your mood and energy levels and improves sleep quality. Try to carve out regular time for yourself to prioritize walks and healthy activity even on busy days.
  • Seasonal schedule: Keeping a usual medication and sleep schedule, especially if you are travelling, also boosts your immune system and energy levels. Aim to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day and be consistent in taking your medications on time. If traveling, have an updated copy of your medication list with you, along with your labeled medications and pill organizer. Before you leave for a trip, make sure you have enough medications for the duration of the trip and for the days after you return, so you won’t need to rush to refill medications.
  • Holiday food and spirits: Maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging during the holidays, but it is important to stick to your regular diet as closely as possible. It’s okay to treat yourself, but eat rich, fatty and sugary foods in moderation and add more vegetables to your holiday plate. This season is also a time when people are more likely to drink alcohol at parties and gatherings. Studies show that regular drinkers have a tendency to over-imbibe during the holidays, while many holiday drinkers who do not drink regularly need to be aware of their lower alcohol tolerance. Be mindful of the risk of confusion and falls when drinking and ask your physician or pharmacist about how alcohol interacts with your specific medications.


Keep these tips in mind and enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season this winter!!

THE RETURN OF THE WELLNESS CENTER

Mon, November 8, 2021 Published by

Did you know that Beatitudes Campus has a Wellness Center? We do, it’s right across from the Town Plaza Salon in the Culver H. Nelson Administration building.

If you go back in time, to the days before the COVID pandemic, Beatitudes Campus boasted a bustling Wellness Center, offering various services that you’d normally have to go off campus to obtain. First, the pandemic pushed the campus into a lockdown mode, where no one from the community was even able to come onto campus. Sadly, that included all of our Wellness providers. At one point the Agelink building on campus was transformed into a COVID unit. That meant that all of the staff that had offices in Agelink had to be temporarily rehomed. Resident Services ended up taking over the Wellness Center as office space. What we thought would be a brief pause ended up stretching to nearly 18 months. Now, as we find ourselves coming out of the pandemic and facing a “new normal,” we’re proud to announce the return of the Wellness Center! I’d like to take a moment and re-introduce these providers to you.

As always, our trusted on campus Medical provider, Mobile Valley Physicians (MVP), is here to meet your primary care needs. Staffing issues have prevented them from reopening their clinic on campus, however, all of their services are still available to you. Contact MVP at 480-589-2890 for information or to schedule an appointment, and look for their clinic on campus to open just as soon as they have the staff to do so.

To meet your dental needs we have Mobile Dentistry of Arizona. Mobile Dentistry of Arizona comes to campus the 1st Tuesday of each month-you’ve likely seen their giant RV. Inside is a modern, fully-equipped dental office! To schedule an appointment with Mobile Dentistry of Arizona call 480-737-2375. The campus also has a relationship with Smiles by Delivery, and they offer house calls. Smiles by Delivery can be reached at 623-584-4746.

Lab services will be coming back to the campus this Friday! For blood work and lab draws Unique Labs is here to serve. Due to the need for privacy during these services we’re going to use the Agelink Great Room. Unique Labs will be on campus every Friday from 8 AM till 10 AM. Be sure to bring your lab order and a copy of your insurance card with you. Don’t want to walk over to Agelink? Call the Around the Block transportation shuttle at 15007 and they’ll give you a ride! Unique Labs is at 480-765-2677.

Team Select, formerly known as CareToU, is back as well, offering mobile dermatology services. They usually bring their mobile unit and you’ll see them parked near the fountain directly in front of the Care Center. If you have questions about services offered or would like to make an appointment, contact them at 602-639-0189.

For hearing services, we offer up two different options. Premier Hearing is at 602-253-3532 and Better Hearing is at 602-765-7800. While neither of these providers has been able to come back to set hours in the Wellness Center, they still want to be able to offer all of their services to campus residents and during the temporary closure of the Wellness Center, Premier still saw clients via house calls. Better Hearing is looking to return to Wellness Center hours after the first of the year and we’ll be sure to bring you information when they do.

Maybe you need to have your eyes examined or it’s time for a new pair of glasses. Eyes on Site is here to help! They are on campus the 3rd Thursday of each month and they work by appointments. If you’d like to make an appointment, give them a call at 480-626-8925.

Are your feet giving you trouble? Would you like to be seen by a Podiatrist? We’ve got that covered as well. Dr. Christopher Sheena with Billet Podiatry is on campus the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Dr. Sheena has been seeing patients in their apartments; however, with the Wellness Center reopening, he’s going to shift to seeing his patients there. To make an appointment call 480-661-6061.

Our goal is to provide you with as many of the services that you need as we can. Many of you already have a great relationship with a provider in the community but if you’re in the market for a new provider we hope you’ll give one of these a try. Is there a service that you wish was offered on campus but isn’t? We’re always looking for new ways bring services to our residents, so if you have a suggestion, reach out to me by calling 602-995-6119 (x16119 on campus) or send me an email at [email protected]. I want to hear your ideas about how to make the Beatitudes Campus Wellness Center even better!

Be well!

State of the Campus – August 22nd

Mon, August 23, 2021 Published by

We continue testing all staff weekly and unvaccinated staff twice a week. So far, since the beginning of the pandemic, we have administered over 16,000 tests for COVID-19. That’s a lot of nose-swabbing! This week, we have three Independent Living staff who tested positive for COVID-19 and are still in quarantine. We have no residents who have notified us that they are positive. Gratefully, all the staff and residents who have tested positive during this latest surge of COVID-19 infections have or are recovering.

State of the Campus: Feb. 19

Fri, February 19, 2021 Published by

Feb. 19th – We have some good news about vaccine rates here at the campus. Nearly all residents in Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living have been vaccinated. (Those in Skilled Nursing received their second dose last month and those in Assisted Living will receive their second dose next week.) Our Independent Living residents have a vaccination rate of 85%. We are still compiling the statistics for the rate of vaccination among staff. I want to thank all who chose to be vaccinated. Fighting this pandemic is a team effort. We are protecting ourselves, our co-workers, residents, families and our community.

Dimensions of Wellness Fair

Fri, March 6, 2020 Published by

While the categories of wellness overlap and influence one another, some examples of physical wellness will include Mobile Valley Physicians, Oasis Outpatient Therapy, Dispatch Health, our own Fitness Director, Mike Smallwood, Zounds, Premier and Costco Hearing, mobile dentistry and more.

Managing Life’s Aches and Pains

Sun, January 5, 2020 Published by

Lifestyle practices and pain management strategies, such as exercise, postural adjustments, meditation and relaxation techniques, stretching, and modalities like heat and ice, have all been shown to reduce pain and improve one’s ability to comfortably participate in daily activities.

Holiday Blues?

Thu, January 2, 2020 Published by

The holidays can be a tough time of year. If they are for you, please know you aren’t alone. The holidays can be a particularly stressful time. In a blog by Kouris Kalligas, found at https://psychcentral.com/blog/avoiding-the-holiday-blues/ and last updated July 8, 2018, “the Holiday Blues are defined as temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during the holidays, and though they differ from clinical anxiety or depression, they should still be taken seriously as they can lead to long-term mental health conditions. In a survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it showed that 64 percent of people are affected by the Holiday Blues and 24 percent say they are affected a lot.

I hope that if you experience any holiday sadness you might follow some of the tips given in the following article written by Michael Kerr and medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PMHNP-BC that was posted on March 21, 2016 and can be found on the website https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holidays.

“Holiday Depression

Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for some people they are anything but.

Depression may occur at any time of the year, but the stress and anxiety during the months of November and December may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment.

Why Is Depression So Common During the Holidays?

There are several reasons why you may develop depression during the holidays:

Social Isolation

Social isolation is one of the biggest predictors of depression, especially during the holidays.

Some people may have a small social circle or lack opportunities for socialization. People who have feelings of disconnectedness often avoid social interactions at holiday time. Unfortunately, withdrawing often makes the feelings of loneliness and symptoms of depression worse.

These individuals may see other people spending time with friends and family, and ask themselves, “Why can’t that be me?” or “Why is everyone else so much happier than I am?”

One of the best ways to deal with social isolation is to reach out to friends or family for support. You can also try talking to a therapist. They can help you figure out where your feelings come from and develop solutions to overcome them.

Grieving During the Holidays

Some people may be keenly aware of the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. Here are several ways to stave off the holiday blues that may descend at this time:

1. Begin a New Tradition

Try planning a family outing or vacation, instead of spending the holidays at home.

2. Don’t Give In to Holiday Pressures
Feel free to leave an event if you aren’t comfortable. Be willing to tell others, “I’m not up for this right now.”

3. Volunteer
Helping others can also be very helpful for you, too. For example, you might try:
-working at a soup kitchen
-organizing a gift drive
-helping your neighbor with a yard or house task

4. Get Back to Nature
Going for a walk in the park or the woods helps many people relax and feel better when they are feeling overwhelmed.

Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern is a type of recurrent depression that is caused by the seasons changing. Many people with this disorder develop depression symptoms during the fall, and continue to feel sad throughout the winter. Most people stop having symptoms during the spring and summer. However, some people experience seasonal depression during the spring and summer. This disorder is treated with light therapy, antidepressants, and talk therapy.

Dealing with Holiday Depression

Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad for long periods of time. They can refer you to a mental health specialist. If your feelings of sadness during the holidays are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, do one of the following immediately:

Call 911.

Go immediately to a hospital emergency room.

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

You can improve your mood by practicing self-care during the holidays. Eat a healthy diet, and maintain a regular sleep pattern and exercise program.According to the kept Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, as little as 30-minutes of cardiovascular exercise can provide an immediate mood boost similar to the effects of an antidepressant medication.Joining a support group where you talk to people with similar experiences to yours can also help.“

Please don’t forget, you are not alone this holiday season. In addition to resources listed above, you may reach out to Chaplains Andrew Moore x18481 and Peggy Roberts x16109, Josephine Levy, Resource Navigator x16117 or any staff member as we are all here and willing to help. Happy Holidays!

GET YOUR VACCINES!

Sun, November 18, 2018 Published by

The second flu shot + clinic will be held:
Friday, December 7th from 9 to 11AM
Agelink Great Room (AGR)

By popular demand, besides Flushots, you will also be able to receive vaccines for Pneumonia, Shingles(finally available in less limited quantities) and Tetanus.  You must pick up a consent form at the Welcome Desk in the Administration building. To receive the Tetanus shot, check mark “other” and indicate Tetanus. 

Please refer to the November 12th Roadrunner issue for more specifics on each vaccine.

It is important you list your Medicare and other insurance numbers on the consent form for billing purposes.  Please also bring your insurance cards to the clinic in case there are any questions. Not all shots are covered by Medicare and you may incur charges for different vaccines!

Sign up early! Completed consent forms must be returned to the Welcome Desk by no later than November 30.  For any questions,please contact Gabi Holberg at ext. 18490. *

GET YOUR VACCINES!

Sun, November 11, 2018 Published by

The long awaited news has arrived and we are able to host not only a second flu-shot clinic but also – FINALLY – offer shingle shots. The pharmacy is receiving more vaccines now and we should be able to accommodate a fair amount of requests at this point. We all know flu shots are important, but they are not the only one that matter. At this coming clinic you will be able to receive any of these vaccines:

Tetanus Shot – The tetanus shot, known as Adacel, should be given every ten years. This shot has an added benefit of not only protecting against tetanus, but also diphtheria and pertussis. Pertussis is also known as Whooping Cough, and is an important vaccination to have for those who spend time with grandchildren to protect them from this illness. When filling out the vaccination form for the pharmacy, you may simply write in “tetanus” next to desired vaccines if you wish to receive this shot.

The pneumonia shot is very important, and should be considered just as necessary as the flu shot. Pneumonia can not only result in hospitalization, but can also be acquired in the hospital when visiting for other health issues. It is wise to protect against this illness not only as we age, but especially in those with other long term health or breathing conditions, such as COPD, bronchitis, and asthma. There are two pneumonia shots available, and the appropriate shot is determined by both the date and version of the last pneumonia shot received. Please be sure to indicate your doctor’s name when requesting the pneumonia shot so that the pharmacy can contact your doctor and find out which version of the shot you need.

The new shingles shot should be given even if you have had a shingles shot any time prior to 2018. While the old vaccine was thought to protect for life, time has shown that it is not as effective as once thought. The new vaccine is much more effective, and should protect you for life. It is given in two parts – one shot now and one shot later in two to six months. While the tetanus, flu, and pneumonia shots are often covered by insurance without a co-pay, the shingles shot will sometimes require a co-payment depending on your insurance and how much you have paid into your deductible for the year. The end of the year is a good time to get this shot because you may have paid through your deductible by this time. If you want to get this shot, be sure to include your phone number on the form so the pharmacy can contact you if a co-payment is required.

Everybody knows how important the flu shot is. This should be given every year as soon as possible. Like others, the pharmacy offers the high dose or “senior” flu shot, which is designed to get the best immune system response from patients over 65. This shot can be given the same day as the shingles, pneumonia, or tetanus shot.

It is important to request every shot you wish to receive on the pharmacy form, even if you’ve previously turned in a separate request. The forms are once again available at the Welcome desk in the Administration lobby. You must also provide your Medicare number and any additional Insurance information you may have. It helps if you bring your cards to the clinic in case the team has any questions. All completed forms must be turned in at the Welcome desk by no later than Friday November 30, 2018.

The 2nd clinic will be held Friday, December 7th from 9—11AM (AGR).

Please check in at the intake table. Vaccines will be administered by the pharmacist and two of his team mates.

We are looking forward to serving you. For any questions until then, please call Gabi Holberg at x18490.*

Flu and Pneumonia

Sun, October 28, 2018 Published by

I So far this flu season, Arizona has seen “sporadic” activity since the flu season began on September 30, 2018.  There were 41 cases confirmed during the week of 10/14/18 through 10/20/18 for a total of 91 so far according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.  This is up from 26 confirmed cases the week before.  You may track the flu season activity at website:  https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/flu/index.php#surveillance-home

Each year we want to make sure that you have flu and pneumonia prevention tips readily available.

Below are excerpts from an article published on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website about flu and pneumonia prevention last updated November 6, 2017. 

Pneumonia Can Be Prevented—Vaccines Can Help

“Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, needlessly affects millions of people worldwide each year. Pneumonia can often be prevented and can usually be treated. Lower your risk of pneumonia with vaccines and other healthy living practices.

Globally, pneumonia kills nearly 1 million children younger than 5 years of age each year. This is greater than the number of deaths from any infectious disease, such as HIV infection, malaria, or tuberculosis.

Pneumonia isn’t just a public health issue in developing countries though. Each year in the United States, about 1 million people have to seek care in a hospital due to pneumonia. Unfortunately, about 50,000 people die from the disease each year in the United States. Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults.

Vaccines and appropriate treatment (like antibiotics and antivirals) could prevent many of these deaths—globally and in the United States.

Pneumococcal Recommendations for Older Adults:

CDC recommends 2 pneumococcal vaccines for adults 65 years or older.

Get a dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) first. Then get a dose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at least 1 year later.

If you’ve already received PPSV23, get PCV13 at least 1 year after receipt of the most recent PPSV23 dose.

If you’ve already received a dose of PCV13 at a younger age, CDC does not recommend another dose.

Lower Your Risk with Vaccines

In the United States, vaccines can help prevent infection by some of the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia:

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Influenza (flu)

Measles

Pertussis (whooping cough)

Pneumococcal

Varicella (chickenpox)

These vaccines are safe, but side effects can occur. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days. See the vaccine information statements for each vaccine to learn more about the most common side effects.

Protect Your Health with These Healthy Living Practices

Try to stay away from sick people. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible to keep from getting them sick. You can also help prevent respiratory infections by:

Washing your hands regularly

Cleaning surfaces that are touched a lot

Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve

Limiting contact with cigarette smoke

Managing and preventing conditions like diabetes

Pneumonia Affects the Young and Old

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Common signs of pneumonia can include cough, fever, and trouble breathing.

Some People Are More Likely to Get Pneumonia:

Adults 65 years or older

Children younger than 5 years old

People who have chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)

People who smoke cigarettes

Encourage friends and loved ones with certain health conditions, like diabetes and asthma, to get vaccinated.

Causes and Types of Pneumonia

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus). However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia in the community (not in a hospital). Healthcare-associated pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia during or following a stay in a healthcare facility. Healthcare facilities include hospitals, long-term care facilities, and dialysis centers. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is when someone gets pneumonia after being on a ventilator, a machine that supports breathing. The bacteria and viruses that most commonly cause pneumonia in the community are different from those in healthcare settings.”

It is important to remember that keeping your hands clean through hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands. Also, if you are experiencing flu like symptoms, please contact your physician and try to stay away from others to stop the spread.  If you have not yet received your flu or pneumovax shot, please contact your physician to see if one may be a good idea for you.*