January is Thyroid Awareness Month
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. Although relatively small, the thyroid gland plays a huge role in our body, influencing the function of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Ensuring that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is vitally important to the body's overall well-being.

For more information, click here.
New Year's Resolutions
for Seniors
Each New Year is a gift. It’s another opportunity to take stock of our lives and decide what we’d like to change. We can make changes large and small. We’ve gathered here 12 New Year’s resolutions specifically for seniors, including practical resolutions – not as fun but bound to bring peace of mind – and more attitude-oriented resolutions, which remind us that every day can be a good day. There are even a couple from my mom!

Resolution 1: Review your legal documents. Getting organized is a common New Year’s resolution, and getting your legal documents in order is a critical spin on the idea. “This is really more for your loved ones than for yourself,” says Brien Kinkel, a retired teacher in Washington, DC, who spent years caring for his parents. “You may have a will, a living will, and advanced directives in all their various forms,” he says. “Resolve to meet with a lawyer and make sure each document is current, legal, and reflective of your personal desires.”

Resolution 2: Get up to date on your vaccinations. “It’s easy to put these things off when your doctor recommends them,” says Fadia Zawaideh, a pharmacist in Silver Spring, Md. “But they’re important.” Zawaideh recommends you talk with your doctor or pharmacist at least once a year about what you may have missed. “Flu, pneumonia, shingles, these are all important vaccines and can save your life.”

Resolution 3: Inventory medications. As a pharmacist, Zawaideh tells the surprisingly common story of a woman whose doctor prescribed 50mg of her medication to be taken every morning. “For years, she took five 10mg pills every single morning.” But one month her prescription was refilled with 50 mg pills, so she would only have to take one per day – except she missed that part. “She unknowingly took a nearly toxic dose until she realized what had happened.” Ask your pharmacist to email you a list of all the meds you’re on and the dosages, send a copy to a friend or family member, and keep a copy on your cell phone. You might also consider a medication dispense, especially if you or your partner has any cognitive challenges.

To read all 12 New Year's Resolutions for Seniors, click here.

Content Credit: Philips Lifeline
Caring for Grandkids Might Help Stave Off Loneliness
Caring for a grandchild might be the best way to fight the isolation of old age, new research suggests.

This conclusion is based on 2014 data collected as part of an ongoing German survey of older adults. Among the nearly 3,900 grandparents in the survey, more than 1,100 said they cared for a grandchild. Those who had grandchildren to care for had lower scores on loneliness and social isolation tests, and a larger social network than those who didn't care for grandchildren.

To read the full article, click here. Content credit: US News
New Year, New You!
Healthy Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
  • 1 (11.5 ounce) can tomato-vegetable juice cocktail
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 large potato, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Creole seasoning to taste
  
Directions:

  • In a large stock pot, combine broth, tomato juice, water, potatoes, carrots, celery, undrained chopped tomatoes, green beans, and corn.
  • Season with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.
  • Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
  • Serve and enjoy!


Content Credit: All Recipes
We're Hiring!
Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley is Hiring:
 Weekend On Call RN
Job Description:
Registered nurse to work every other weekend on-call Saturday 8:00 a.m. – Monday 8:00 a.m. Candidate to triage calls, and make scheduled and unscheduled visits.

Job Requirements:
BSN preferred. One year of med surg experience required; previous homecare experience and computerized documentation experience required. Please submit resume to info@visitingnurses.org.

Please submit resume to: info@visitingnurses.org .
Let's Stay Connected!
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