Bocce Ball

I was looking at my local Council on Aging flier and I noticed that there were Bocce games being played.  This made me ask some questions, like what is Bocce ball, how long has it been around, and how do you play it?

A general definition is that Bocce ball is an Italian bowling game. See if you think it sounds like what we think of as bowling by the end.

The game appears to have started quite a long time ago.

A version of the game appears in Egyptian artwork back in 5200 BC.  It moved from Egypt to Greece then on to Italy.  Fast forward to today and after rules and versions changing it’s played all over the world. The game has even made it into the Olympics.

You play with two people or in teams of two, three or four people. You need one smaller target ball called a palladino (usually white) and eight larger bocce balls (two different colors or designs).

Measure out a space of approximately 82 feet long by 13 feet wide. (Hint: it can be a different size and the smaller the area the easier the game is). 

There is a foul line at 13 feet on each side of the court.  A player or team member throws in the palladino and it is live once it stays within the main area between the two foul lines.

Basically each team takes turns tossing in their balls.  The goal is to get as close as possible to the palladino.  You can knock another player’s ball out of the way so your ball can get closer but it must stay within bounds to be valid.

When all the balls are thrown, distances from the palladino are measured.  In order to get points you need to have balls the closest to the palladino.  Play continues and points are added up and when you hit 12 points you’ve won the game. (You should think about having a tape measure ready.)

If you belong to a Council on Aging center you can use their materials, otherwise it’s an investment in a palladino ball and eight team balls. You should find an area to play as well.

Private Home Health Care thinks this game sounds more like curling than bowling but it sounds fun.  It’s a great way to socialize too! 

The Golden Years

Approaching the “golden years” in your life, or aging, is not always easy. 

Your health could become an issue.  Your bones may cause you trouble, your hearing may decrease or you could find you have arthritis.  As you age, your body changes and the person in the mirror looks different.

Likewise, you may find yourself getting a bit depressed.  As you approach your mid-fifties to sixties life can begin to change a bit, both physically and mentally.  It can be scary.

When changes come, how do you handle them?  Would you like any help on managing aging?

There is an interesting article in Positive Psychology.com.  It talks about “aging gracefully” and how your attitude can help you maneuver and live happily through the changes.

The site has a lot of good information on aging with tips on keeping it positive.  It defines what is positive aging, shows theories about positive aging, and has testimonials from different people.  Furthermore, there are some interesting facts about people over the age of fifty-five too.

Here is a snapshot of some strategies of positive aging:

• Move naturally – activities like gardening or walking are great
• Have a purpose – find a reason to get up in the morning
• Manage stress
• Find a group to belong to.  Faith-based, knitting, bowling  . . .
• Put your loved ones first – stay in touch with family

Private Home Health Care understands that aging can be difficult.  The site gives another perspective on aging. The more perspectives the better we can learn to handle what comes our way. Here is the site to learn more:  https://positivepsychology.com/positive-aging/#facts

Garden Week

The first full week in June is Garden Week.  The unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day, has come and gone.  The weather is usually getting better each day and the ground is getting warmer.

If you head out around your town, you’ll notice that there are many places selling flowers right now.  There are so many varieties for you to choose from it can be overwhelming.  Do you want a perennial that will come back each year, or some annuals to add color?

Are you new to gardening?  If so you can start small.  If you live in an apartment try a window box.  Check the sun exposure then talk to someone at a garden center, look online or get a book from the library to help guide you. 

Having a larger area to set up a garden can be wonderful but if you are a beginner it might be good to start small.  You can always expand a garden later.  

You need to be certain that the soil is fed and again in order to have the healthiest flowers check the sun in your yard.  Plants like full sun, partial sun or shade so choose according to what kind of sun exposure you have.

Flowers in bloom are beautiful and additionally, gardening is great exercise.  When you dig, plant and weed you are using muscles.  Furthermore you walk around a lot and bend and stretch and burn calories. It’s great exercise and it’s enjoyable and satisfying.

Being outside also gives you fresh air and vitamin D from the sunlight.  Of course you’ll also have on sunscreen so you won’t get sun damage. 

During this week, if you have the interest, go out and start or work on your existing garden.  Not only is it good exercise but the flowers can bring a smile to your face.

Private Home Health Care enjoys flower and vegetable gardening but we know that it’s important to start slowly to be successful if you are a new gardener.   We hope you will give it a try and enjoy it.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

June is the month of fresh fruits and vegetables.  For many of us, summer is approaching and with summer comes many delicious and healthy options.

Your body needs five servings a day of fresh fruit and vegetables to stay healthy.  This year the American Heart Association recommends focusing on adding color to your diet.

Fruits of different colors like bananas, apples, grapes, mangos, peaches, oranges, watermelon and plums add variety. Strawberries and blueberries in season are especially good.

Do you like vegetables?  There are many greens like kale, asparagus, spinach and broccoli that are full of nutrients and they are easy to cook.  

Then you have many varieties of squash available all season.  These are jam packed with goodness.  Try sampling spaghetti, butternut or acorn squash.  All different colors.

You can find so many options either at farmer’s markets or the grocery store.  Additionally look for a farm or coop in your area too. Seasonal vegetables are great.

Fruits and vegetables can lead you to healthy snacks.  Peanut butter and celery, carrot sticks, pears or peanut butter and apple.  If you are worried about sugar intake, pair a fruit with some almonds, nuts or a cheese stick.

You might think it sounds like a lot to try and get five servings of fruits and vegetables in a day but it is manageable.   Start off with oatmeal with fruit, a celery and peanut butter snack, two vegetables with dinner and some fruit for dessert.  That’s five servings!

Private Home Health Care finds great information at the American Heart Association.  Go to this site to learn more about all the good nutrition in fruits and vegetables https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/add-color/celebrate-fresh-fruit-and-vegetable-month. 

National Senior Health and Fitness Day

Private Home Health Care loves this National day.  The day is celebrated regularly on the last day of May. The goal is to help keep our seniors fit and healthy.

Are you a senior? Where are you living?  Do you have a senior center where you live or near you?

Currently there are many different places in addition to senior centers where seniors can meet and exercise and share ideas.  There are recreation centers, health clubs, and retirement communities.

At these locations, you can usually find exercise classes geared toward seniors.  You might also have available a weight room with some equipment and weights.  Often there is a person to help guide with the equipment available. 

You know how important it is for all of us but especially if you are a senior to eat a healthy diet. Participating in whatever exercise you are capable of is also key.

Today, try and have a walk or find a location or event that offers exercise options for you.  There are over 1,200 locations with possibilities.   Staying fit with exercise and good food will help you stay at your best.

Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day, Private Home Health Care honors the men and women of these United States who lost their lives in war.

The United States has been involved in 11 wars from 1775 to the present day.  Our country was born during the first war .  Over the years there have been over 1.3 million American men and women who lost their lives in wars, here and abroad.

As we gather for parades and cookouts, let us take a moment to remember all of the brave Americans who gave their lives .  

We respect and honor all of our veterans, past and present on this day.

#HonorOurVeterans

National Don’t Fry Day

This day highlights the need for all of us to be aware of the importance of being aware of harmful effects of overexposure to the sun..

You and I need the sun not only for vitamin D but for your mood and spirit too.  The sun can make you feel happy and energetic no matter your age.  You just need to be careful when you are enjoying it.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that there are 9,500 people diagnosed with skin cancer each day.  

There are three basic skin cancers:

• Basal which is non-life threatening
• Squamous is the next level and also treatable.  
• Melanoma is the skin cancer to be concerned about as left untreated it can be deadly.

Preventive Measures.

Wherever you live and when there is sun it’s important for you and your family to use sunscreen  (SPF 30 or higher) each and every day.  Likewise, sun glasses are key to keeping your eyes safe.

Furthermore, clothing in summer months can act as good protection from the sun.  Dark or bright colors help to absorb the sun’s rays.  

Densely woven cloth like denim can mitigate your risks as well as unbleached cotton, shiny silks and polyesters.

You should find some shade when you are at a park or at the beach or outside for an extended period of time..

Between 1801 and 1804 both UV rays and melanoma were identified but it has taken us many years to learn about how strong and destructive the sun can be.

Today, you can find so much information about skin cancer and safety measures either through your doctor or online.  Teaching at a young age can turn around the statistics on skin cancer.

Private Home Health Care also believes in yearly check ups with a dermatologist because early detection is key to avoiding a more serious skin cancer.

Asparagus

Do you like asparagus?  It is a wonderfully tasty vegetable and it’s full of health benefits for you!

You’ll find that asparagus is low in calories, great for maintaining or losing weight.  It also supplies protein and fiber which helps with digestion.  

Additionally, asparagus contains vitamins A, C and K (K helps with blood clotting and bone health.) Wait, there’s more!  This green vegetable also fortifies our bodies with potassium, phosphorus, folate and small amounts of iron, zinc and riboflavin.

As you can see there are many health benefits to your body in addition to the taste.

Asparagus has been around for a long time.  Europeans brought it to the United States in 1655 but it was in diets long before that around the world.

In the United States you will find asparagus being grown mainly in three states:  California, Michigan and Washington.  It is labor-intensive to grow with each stock needing to be handpicked.

In order to buy the freshest asparagus you should look for plump and straight stocks.  The stems should not be dry, split or excessively woody.

Once you get the asparagus home, it’s important to store it so that it stays fresh.  It is recommended that you keep the rubber band on to keep the stocks together.  

Then you cut an inch or two off of each stem and place them in a jar or glass with an inch or two of cold water.  Finally, cover them loosely with a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator.  The asparagus should last about a week.

Private Home Health Care loves the versatility of asparagus. We basically like to prepare it steamed, grilled, or baked with olive oil, lemon or parmesan cheese.  Mangiare!

National Vanilla Pudding Day

Today it’s all about sweetness.  National Vanilla Pudding Day.  A wonderfully delicious dessert.

Vanilla pudding wasn’t always sweet.  If you lived in the Middle ages your pudding would have included meat or fish.  Thankfully, pudding has evolved over the years into the sweet pudding we know today.

You can buy packaged vanilla puddings for a quick mix, instant without cooking or a “slower” version made with milk on the stove.

Likewise you can make your own vanilla pudding from scratch.  It’s easy to do.  You need milk, sugar, some cornstarch and a bit of time on the stove until it thickens.  Top it with whipped cream for a delectable treat.

Are you diabetic or watching your sugar intake?  Not a problem.  Use almond milk and monk fruit sweetener for a healthier choice.  

Monk Fruit is sweeter than sugar but without fructose and glucose so check the label for the sugar to monk fruit ratio. 

For an alternative to cornstarch you can use rice flour (2:1 ratio rice flour to cornstarch) or arrowroot powder (1:1 ratio).  It seems everyone can enjoy vanilla pudding.

Try some variations on vanilla pudding like Flan, Creme brulee, rice or tapioca pudding. It’s a nice way to finish a meal so enjoy some today!

Private Home Health Care follows the 17th century proverb that “The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating” meaning you have to try out food to know if it’s good.  Bon Appetit!!

National EMS Week

This third week in May is set aside for all of the dedicated EMS workers around us.

The men and women who respond to medical emergencies sign up to help those who have smaller medical issues along with those in crisis.  

Basically, on any given day you or a loved one could need medical attention quickly and it is the emergency medical practitioner that will come to your aid.  

Every time you call 911, the police, firefighter department and ambulance arrive.

It’s those people in the ambulance that take over and do their best to stabilize the patient and get them to the closest medical facility.

The main jobs are medical technicians and paramedics. Requirements are strict.  Initially you need to be a minimum age of 18 and you must be BLS (Basic Life Support)-CPR certified.  

In addition, you must pass an EMT training course and two exams, one cognitive and the other psychomotor.

You must also have National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NMERT) certification and a driving license.

The EMS training lasts between 4 and 6 months depending on the state and you will learn how to use medical equipment and how to respond to different kinds of medical emergencies.

The life of the EMS practitioner is highly important, never dull and requires the ability to handle stressful situations.  It is very rewarding and gives a strong sense of community.

Private Home Health Care is so appreciative of the work of EMS practitioners.  We honor and respect them this week and we are thankful for the times they have responded to our needs.