Senior Center News, July 24, 2020

North Central Senior Center, July 27-31

Menu by Earlene DeWinter

Subject to Change

Monday — Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, pudding

Tuesday — Salad, baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sunshine carrots, rolls, wacky cake

Wednesday — Swedish meatballs, Rice, Harvard beets, dessert

Thursday — Chicken pot pie, biscuits, salad, fruit

Friday — Soup, salad bar, chef’s choice, dessert, milk

The Senior Center’s doors are still closed to the public. We are providing limited services. Help is being given over the phone when possible.

Remember to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly! Maintain your personal space. Stay hydrated.

We want to thank the individuals who are making masks, especially those who have brought them to the center. If you are in need of a mask, let us know. We may be able to direct you to a source.

With people getting out and moving around more, remember to use all precautions. If you do not feel comfortable going out, protect yourself and stay home as much as possible. If you do any traveling, especially out of state, remember the 14-day self-quarantine.

There are still a lot of scams going around. Some are being very forceful in trying to get your information. Don’t give them any information. Protect your Medicare and read your quarterly Medicare statement. Some agents are being sneaky in having things billed to you without you or your doctor realizing it. Also, there will be no new Medicare cards with chips … this is another scam. No matter what, do not give personal information out over the phone unless you are sure of the source. If you inadvertently give them any information, contact the Senior Center for the tip sheet to protect yourself.

The Senior Center is providing medical transportation only for now. Remember to call ahead for Friday’s appointments.

Congregate folks: We continued to provide meals at the Hill County Senior Center while being closed. If you would like to pick up a meal, please be sure to call the Center before 10 a.m. to order a meal. Pick up (grab and go) meals may be acquired at the center at noon Monday through Friday. If you would like to, you may order a meal for one day or meals for the entire week. Please let us know which meals would be preferred ahead of time as it would be beneficial in preparation so we are aware of how much food to fix each day.

50 Self-Care Activities for Quarantine Anxiety Relief

Medically reviewed by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN

This list of outdoor activities and indoor activities are great things to do when stressed for anxiety relief. Start on these self-care activities while in quarantine!

Here is a continuation of the indoor activities:

33. Start a social media activity

“I started this ‘game’ on my Facebook wall, and it has been going well,” said Lacey Armstrong, RD. Here’s how it works, she explains, “Locked in remote workers! Let’s play a game called ‘My Pets are My Co-workers.’ Describe things your pets are doing, but refer to them as your co-workers. I’ll go first: My coworker is good at cuddling while I get my work done, but it’s so weird when she randomly licks my hand.”

Try it: Facebook

34. Eat a virtual meal

“I have virtual meals and connect with family I’m not physically close to, whether it be my mum in the United Kingdom or my sister in Australia,” said Shahzadi Devje, RD, owner of Desi~licious RD. “We’ve made time to talk through our worries, nurture a positive mindset, and brainstorm ideas to keep engaged in our home with our respective families. It’s been an absolute joy to mingle and unite with the ones I love during these challenging times.” Need ideas for easy freezer meals?

Try it: Skype

35. Have a solo karaoke session

“I like to play my favorite songs from the 90s and sing them out loud,” said Jenna Braddock, RD, co-author of 200 Surefire Ways to Eat Well and Feel Better. “It’s nostalgic and brings back great memories, which helps lower my stress or anxiety level.”

Try it: Earise Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Wireless Microphone

36. Take a painting class

“I follow free online watercolor painting tutorials on YouTube,” said Chelsea Jackle, MFN, RDN, a dietitian at Chelsea Dishes. “Even though I’m a total novice, it’s so soothing.”

Try it: Let’s Make Art on YouTube

37. Enjoy a bubble bath

“I enjoy a relaxing, warm bubble bath with Tibetan meditation music in the background,” said Melissa Nieves, RD, MPH, founder of Fad Free Nutrition Blog. “Combined with circular breathing exercises, I feel totally renewed afterwards!”

Try it: Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Bubble Bath

38. Read a magazine

“Since the times are calling for a stop to the shop-till-you-drop practice, I’m just reading the fashion magazines,” said Cristina Svec, MA, RDN, CLE, a dietitian in the San Francisco Bay Area. “It does de-stress me.”

Try it: InStyle subscription

39. Whip up something tasty

“I love to put some music on and forget about the world for a bit,” said Michele Fumagalli, RD. “It’s just me in the kitchen, going step by step until the masterpiece is ready. Then my family and I all share it together around our table.”

Try it: Gordon Ramsay’s “Healthy, Lean & Fit: Mouthwatering Recipes to Fuel You for Life”

40. Color in an adult coloring book

“Coloring brings out your inner creativity and helps you de-stress by focusing on your artwork,” said Rahaf Al Bochi, RDN, owner of Olive Tree Nutrition. “There are many adult coloring books and free coloring printables online.”

Try it: Adult Coloring Book: Stress-Relieving Designs