August, 2018 Newsletter

Honoring life by providing compassionate care, comfort, and dignity. www.harmonyhospice.org

Brianna Henderson, LMSW Executive Director Harmony Hospice Water & Heart Health

Safety in the Desert Heat We are well into the hottest part of our summer months. Many people don't understand the importance of hydration in Tucson, but it's vital to our health and well-being, especially for older adults. Drinking water and staying hydrated will help a person not only feel better, but it's our life force. Our bodies need water to stay alert and healthy. A large proportion of deaths in Arizona, due to not drinking enough water, are among the elderly, age 65 and over. Other risk factors include: People with heart disease or high blood pressure People taking certain medication for depressions, insomnia, or poor circulation People who are overweight People who overexert themselves during work or exercise People who drink alcohol Infants and small children People who use illicit drugs (such as cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines) So take care and drink plenty of water! Pima County and Arizona's Department of Health Services offers some wise advice on surviving Arizona's summer heat. Surviving Arizona's Summer Heat Brochure

There are no professionals better skilled at caring than those found working in this country's hospice and palliative care community. Don Schumacher, CEO, NHPCO Pictured left to right: Some of our caring and highly skilled nursing staff Debi Lundberg, Tracy Callison, and Lois Dylewski

Special Thanks to The Forum for their continued support of our Food for Thought lunchtime educational series. The catering team at The Forum forever amaze us with their delicious buffet lunches and outstanding customer service. Each lunch is a work of art! Everyone who attends our lunch time series raves about the food. We've had an Italian pasta bar, Build Your Own Taco, Summer Salad buffet, and so many other goodies to feast upon. Couldn't ask for a better partnership.

August Food for Thought Diabetes in Older Adults Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Noon - 1:00p.m. Diabetes can often be a disease we acquire later in life. Learn the early warning signs and treatments available to help people live a full and active life with diabetes. Presenter: Tracy Callison, RN Case Manager, Harmony Hospice Optional .50 CEU available from the Arizona Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution/Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers. Diabetes in Older Adults Sign Me Up! HarmonICE Joined Veterans on Independence Day Harmony Hospice summer teen volunteers were busy passing out snow cones and smiles at the VA on Independence Day.

Staff Highlight  Jessica Reiger CNA Hospice Aid Jessica Reiger was born and raised in Tucson. She's one of those rare gems who radiates warmth in a room full of people. Jessica j oined the Harmony Hospice team 4 years ago. Serving hospice patients was new to Jess, but she jumped right in and functioned as our one and only CNA in the early days. " Since I've been with Harmony, I've seen it grow so much and now we're helping even more people and their families." She added, "As the agency has grown, so has our Harmony family." A valuable lesson Jessica has learned while working in hospice is the importance of living your life to the fullest since tomorrow isn't promised. One of the ways Jessica ensures she lives life fully is by spending time with her "pride and joy," Micah - a 14 year old son keeps Jessica quite busy. She gushed, "He loves football, he's smart, caring and heading to high school this fall." Friends and family are all-important to this cherished employee. Don't forget to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and stay out of the sun in the heat of the day.

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Phone (520) 284-9334 | Fax (520) 284-7966 | info@harmonyhospice.org website: www.harmonyhospice.org

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