Senior Center News, July 31, 2020

Senior Center News, July 31, 2020

Menu by Earlene DeWinter

Subject to Change

Monday — Sloppy Joes, tator tots, salad, dessert

Tuesday — Spiced applesauce, roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, winter-mix veggies, rolls, cake

Wednesday — Swiss steak with onions, peppers, tomatoes; garlic mashed potatoes; green beans, fruit

Thursday — Chicken, bacon, cheddar sandwich; potato salad; berry peach crisp

Friday — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

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, especially with this heat. Do outside activities when it is cooler.

We want to thank the individuals who are making masks, especially those whom 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.

Scams are getting worse. Some are being very forceful in trying to get your information. Don’t give them any information. Protect your Medicare by 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:

41. Do a recipe challenge

“I find it fun and relaxing to experiment with creative ways to use the shelf-stable grocery items I have on hand,” says Samina Qureshi, RDN, a dietitian at Wholesome Start Nutrition Counseling. “You can start by asking yourself or your family what type of food they are craving. If they feel like having noodles, you can make a delicious ramen dish with instant noodles, frozen mixed veggies, and a soft-boiled egg.” 

Try it: Thai Kitchen Instant Rice Noodle Soup

42. Show your gratitude

Here's one of the best self-care ideas. “I am using this time to write notes of gratitude to people who have touched my life,” says Stoler. Buy beautiful stationary to make the notes even brighter.

Try it: Simple Joyful Notes

43. Knit a scarf

“Focusing on stitches allows my mind to quiet,” says Kelly Abramson, RD, manager of Npower You. “And then we have something tangible in the end.” Denise Barratt, RD, author of Farm Fresh Nutrition, says she enjoys watching a movie while she knits.

Try it: Mira Handcrafts Craft Yarn Beginner Kit

44. Use your fine china

“For a change of scenery at the table, I have used my mom's China or stemware to bring back good memories of our family meals together as I grew up,” says Baron. If you don't have china, dress up the table with a pretty placemat.

Try it: Lunarable Floral Place Mats

45. Look for recipe inspo

“I go through old cookbooks or food magazines lying around the house,” says Kara Holton, RD. "I get new recipe inspiration this way, which allows me the opportunity to mix up some of our usual menu items. Plus, if nothing inspires me in a cookbook, I know I can put it in the donate pile and make room for something that will." For more ideas, take a look at these pantry meals.

Try it: America's Test Kitchen Twentieth Anniversary TV Show Cookbook

46. Re-read a childhood favorite

Saving a box of books for your kids? Go and unearth those dusty copies of The Babysitter Club or Sweet Valley High to take a trip down memory lane. Some of the books have even been reprinted, if you're missing any.

Try it: Sweet Valley High, Books 1-12

47. Do an active video game

My fiance gets a lot of his exercise from playing virtual reality games. He loves BOXVR. I've also heard that Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch provides a great workout.

Try it: BOXVR for PS4, Ring Fit Adventure

48. Watch an online concert

“People can do much at home to relax and unwind,” says LaBella. “Turn on a smart TV or YouTube to watch a concert.” Coldplay's Chris Martin, as well as John Legend, have hosted concerts on Instagram Live during this coronavirus outbreak.

Try it: Instagram

49. See the sunset

It’s the little things right now, right? Wendy Jo Peterson, RD, co-author of Born to Eat, says that she enjoys sunset watching. If you really love a view of a sunset, hang up a painting so you can see it all day long. 

Try it: Sunset Ocean Beach Canvas Prints

50. Sip a cocktail

How to relax your mind from stress during social isolation? Take a break. When in doubt with how to de-stress, craft up a cocktail. “We made Manhattans last night,” says Fumagalli.

Try it: Manhattan Cocktail Kit