Cookie Exchanges

On this day of National Cookie Exchange we are thinking about all of the delicious cookies that are baked during the Christmas season.

Have you been baking any cookies?  If you have, we are imagining the good smells coming out of your oven.

We are thinking about sugar cookies, with sprinkles or frosting.  Or maybe you are baking thimble cookies or spritz cookies.  We love the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  

You might have recipes for peanut butter cookies, shortbread, gingerbread, or thumbprint cookies with a hershey’s kiss in the middle. Gingersnaps with fresh ginger or beautiful linzer cookies with jam are also yummy.  

Have we made you hungry yet??  If not, we are!

Cookie exchanges are fun because you get to choose all different types of cookies.  Someone might even share a recipe or two for a new cookie with you.

You can say thank you to the Dutch, English and Scottish folk who came to America and shared the tradition of cookie baking with us.  Cookies have been around longer than the 17th century though.

If you read up on cookie origins you’ll discover that back in the 7th century it was in Persia that the cookie was born.  Sugar actually started there, so it’s not surprising cookies soon followed.

Private Home Health Care loves this time of year with all the holiday baking.  A cookie exchange is definitely a fun way to get together to celebrate the season.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Operation Santa Paws

Operation Santa Paws is about all of those animal shelters that care for the cats and dogs without homes and their needs.

You know those kittens, cats, puppies and dogs that are such friends to all of us?  Well, many go to shelters awaiting adoption.  Your help would be greatly appreciated.  

Just like us they need things to make them happy.  Shelters are happy to get donations of blankets, toys or treats for any of the animals in their care.

You and I love our pets and they become a part of our family.  They bring us joy and companionship.  Some protect us and act as a service animal to us..  Whatever the reason for a pet, we share a special bond with them. 

Shelters are a place to begin the bond.  Adopting may be hard for you but donations are always accepted and a great way to show appreciation for the animals and the shelter who provide them with temporary homes.

You can find many shelters locally either online or from your local town hall.  Any donation is appreciated no matter the cost or size.

This operation comes during the holiday season as it’s the season for giving in hopes that people will respond to help. With an estimated 7 million animals that await adoption there is definitely a need across our country.

Private Home Health Care is sharing this information for all the animals waiting for their forever home. 

#OperationSantaPaws

National Twin Day

Today is the day to celebrate twins and their uniqueness on National Twin Day.  

According to the CDC, the United States is having more twins born than ever before.  How many sets of twins do you know?

Twins often have a connection because for eight or nine months they’ve hung out together in tight quarters! 

Whatever is driving the increase in twin births there are some interesting facts surrounding them.

Genes are involved in many of the twin births.  If you hyper-ovulate or release multiple eggs at ovulation time, there is a good chance that you will produce fraternal twins.  

You can also pass this on to your children to carry onto the tradition since it’s a gene.

Identical twins are not gene-related however.  Identical twins happen when one egg splits into two so no genes are involved.

Your twins begin to bond in the womb.  There is a study using 3D ultrasounds that show interactions in the womb, even with them being gentle with each other’s eyes.  

Right after birth they can begin to interact socially as well.

Twins can make up their own language starting at an early age.  This can continue as the babies grow up.

Furthermore, if you have fraternal or identical twins there is one thing that is always unique to them just like all of us. Twins all have unique fingerprints.  No two are alike.
Private Home Health Care knows many sets of twins and we cherish them all. 

National Cupcake Day

It’s true.  Today is the day to celebrate cupcakes and yes we are talking about a sweet this week because everyone needs a little sweetness in their lives!

The cupcake has been around for quite a while dating back to a distant relative back in the 17th century called the Fairy Cakes. 

You may also have heard about Miss Eliza Leslie from Philadelphia.  She is credited with mentioning the smaller cake or cupcake in her cookbook.  

Additionally, word has it that Winston Churchill was the mastermind of adding frosting.

Are you wondering why Private Home Health Care is promoting cupcakes?  It’s for fun of course and because we all need a bit of a sweet snack at times.  National Cupcake day is the perfect time for you to enjoy one.

Cupcakes are small and can satisfy you without you having to feel too guilty.  They can make you smile and sharing some with others can spread some joy. 

Nowadays, you have places like Georgetown Cupcakes in Boston that take cupcakes to the next level.  There are many different kinds with all sorts of frostings and toppings.  

We are sure that you can find a cupcake shop in your area.  The best come from a shop or your kitchen.  Grocery stores have them too but splurge if you can and locate a specialty store for full enjoyment.

Private Home Health Care hopes you enjoy a cupcake today, this weekend or during your holidays.  They are a yummy treat that will make you smile.  Enjoy! 

Chocolate and Delicious

Do you know what the Mayans and the Aztecs had in common 2000 years ago?

Cocoa! 

On this day of the National Cocoa we love to talk about how delicious cocoa powder is along with how good it can be for you.

Cocoa powder worked its way through Mexico into the New World and Europeans.  Eventually cocoa became very popular and in the wintertime transformed into hot cocoa.

Hot cocoa is the perfect drink for the winter if you’ve been out skiing, hiking or skating. In truth, it’s a really great winter drink for anyone who wants to warm up.

We are talking about hot cocoa made from cocoa powder.  Hot chocolate is very different as it’s made from cocoa butter and not as healthy. 

Cocoa is low in calories and fat and high in polyphenols.  Polyphenols are found in plants and act like antioxidants. 

Antioxidants help you lower your cholesterol, reduce inflammation and lower your blood pressure.  All good and tasty too.

You can make a homemade hot cocoa recipe very easily with just three ingredients:

1-½ TBSP Ghirardelli 100% cocoa powder (60-70% is minimum to use for benefits)

1-½ TBSP Sugar (Stevia or Erythritol & Monk Fruit for a healthy sugar substitute)

1 c milk (Choose your favorite)

Whisk it all together and heat the milk until hot.

(Courtesy of thrivinghomeblog.com)

Private Home Health Care is ready to make a cup of hot cocoa on this chilly New England Day.  We hope you’ll enjoy a cup one of these winter days too.

Bingo!

December is the month for the birthday of the game Bingo!

Bingo is a fun game of chance for all ages, from Preschool to Senior Citizens.  You fill in squares to see if you earn the right to be able to yell Bingo and win the game.

Many of you may associate the game with the American Catholic church.  That’s because a Catholic priest back in the 1930’s had the idea to launch the game as a fundraiser for his church and he got permission from Edwin Lowe.

Edwin Lowe who brought the game to America and called it Beano.  Supposedly someone playing the game yelled Bingo and that’s the name that stuck instead!

Children play the game to learn letters, numbers and shapes.  They all love to be the first to shout and of course win!

If you are a senior living in a group setting, try and get Bingo started if it’s not on the list of games.  Bingo can do wonders for you socially for one thing..

Additionally, you can also improve your cognitive abilities and your hand-eye coordination.   It might even give you physical strength!

Bingo is a fun game that most everyone loves to play.  You don’t need a lot of materials and you can play for fun or maybe a little cash depending on the setting.

Private Home Health Care hopes you get the opportunity to play a bit of Bingo this month.  It’s a great way to relax and have some fun.

#BingosBirthdayMonth

Pears

What fruit is in the same plant family of the apple, apricot, cherry and peach family and is full of sweetness and nutritional value?

If you guessed the pear you are correct!

Believe it or not the pear is in the same family as all of the fruits listed above.  It comes from the Rosaceae plant family.  

There are actually ten different varieties of pears. Anjou, Bartlett and Bosc are some of the most common found here.  All have different colors, textures, and sweetness and if you have a sweet tooth a pear can definitely help with that.

It turns out that in addition to your sweet tooth, a pear is also a food that can help you digest well, aid your heart, moderate blood sugar and help your inflammation. 

Pears are a great choice if you are diabetic or watching your blood sugar.  They contain one quarter of the fiber you need in a day which slows your body’s sugar absorption.  You would also be eating a low-glycemic food which helps to keep your blood sugar from spiking.  

In addition to fiber, eating a pear gives you potassium to help with blood pressure.  You’’ll  also get good amounts of Vitamins C, K and B6.  

A pear is a win-win situation with one caveat.  As with any food, you should be sure to eat pears in moderation.  Too much of any food can work against your healthy diet.

Private Home Health Care hopes that you enjoy pears.  They are delicious alone, they pair well with different cheeses and for a splurge they can make a tasty treat!

#NationalPearMonth

Happy Chanukah!

Private Home Health Care would like to wish all of our Jewish friends a very Happy Chanukah.

The festive celebration begins tomorrow night at sunset and ends eight days later on December 15.

A menorah or Chanukiah is lit each of the eight nights of the celebration with a total of eight lights shining at the end. 

The light commemorates the time back in 139 BCE when Jewish Freedom Fighters called the Maccabees were victorious over the Greeks who had taken over their Holy Temple in Jerusalem. 

 In looking for the pure oil to light the Temple menorah, the Maccabees found only enough for one day.  Amazingly, the oil lasted for a total of eight days until they could get more.  Such a miracle continues to be celebrated each year.

Families say a blessing as they light the candles.  Presents can be given.  Latkes, potato pancakes, and doughnuts are often found on the table.  Spinning dreidels is a fun game played.

You can greet people just before the holiday or during the holiday with happy Chanukah.  If you want to try and impress you can try it in Hebrew, Chanukah samayach (sah-MAY-ahkh).

Once the holiday is over though no need to use a greeting since the holiday is done.

We wish a very Happy Chanukah to all celebrating.  Enjoy your time with family and friends.

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

This first week in December has us thinking about our seniors and driving.  The CDC states that there are 44 licensed drivers over the age of 65 currently in the United States.

If you are a senior driver, what are ways that you can continue to drive safely?

As you age, driving can get more challenging.   Your vision or hearing may have changed.  It could be more difficult to drive at night.  

Additionally, if you have arthritis or another medical condition that can make driving more difficult.

It’s most important for you to know yourself and your capabilities.  If you are feeling uncomfortable it may be time to scale back or stop driving.  There are however ways to help you drive safely.

• Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.

• Stay physically active.  This will help with your reflexes and strength.

• Try to drive a car with an automatic transmission.  Shifting can be distracting as you age.

• Avoid driving at times that are difficult for you.  Nighttime or heavy traffic times may be best to avoid.  Bad weather is a sign to stay home too.

• Plan your route and don’t crowd other drivers.  Be sure to leave extra space between cars in front of you.

Your independence as you age is important.  We all understand that but your safety is also important so try and be aware of your abilities.

If you have a loved one that you are concerned about, please try to talk with them to see if anything needs to be done differently or changed..  

Private Home Health Care recommends checking in with your doctor if you have concerns.  This is a very busy time of year and people are rushing at times.  We want you to keep yourself safe when you are on the road.  Stay safe.

#OlderDriverSafetyAwarenessWeek

Getting through the Holiday Season

Are you thinking what we are thinking?  The holidays are upon us once again.  How do we make it through all the preparations and still enjoy them?

Hanukkah begins on December 7 and as everyone surely knows Christmas will be upon us again on December 25. 

Both holidays involve traditions, food, presents and church or temple for some.  There are also a lot of expectations with both holidays.  It is such a busy time for all of us. 

How do we keep our sanity and enjoy the festivities and remember the true meaning of the holidays?

Lists – a list of what is needed from food, to drinks, to presents can save our brains.

Pre-Baking – if you have food to be served that can be baked ahead and frozen, do it!

A Budget – spend what you can afford.  If you set up a fund for the holiday, try your best to stick to it.   You’ll be very happy in January. 

Patience – you will need patience shopping, driving anywhere (everyone seems to be in a hurry) and with each other.

Take Care of Yourself – everything costs more this year.  If you need to cut back on things, do it and don’t feel guilty.  If you need help, ask for it. 

The holidays can be a special time with family and friends.  For those of you in a senior center or a nursing facility, try and gather with your neighbors. Hopefully friends and family can visit but be sure to remember and share your memories and see if you can make new ones.

We at Private Home Health Care are trying to take one day at a time this season.  We hope to spread good holiday cheer and patience to all we meet.