theBridge life . health . happiness MORE OF THE BRIDGE
n Whidbey Island’s 50-plus crowd deserves its own monthly publication, and here it is. The Bridge, which covers all of Whidbey Island, will be published the last Wednesday of each month as a supplement to the Whidbey News-Times and South Whidbey Record. Please be sure to send your 50-plus news to thebridge@ whidbeynewsgroup.com or mail to The Bridge, P.O. Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239.
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Whidbey ISLAND’s 50-Plus Crowd
June 2013 | Vol. 5 | Issue 2
Positive people live longer By Ronda Addy People with positive attitudes seem to have a better outlook on life, but are they healthier? The answer seems to be yes. People who are optimistic are more likely to overcome pain and adversity when recovering from illness. They are also more likely to stay healthy. Your body responds to your thoughts, emotions and actions. Try to change your expectations from negative to positive. Here are some suggestions: n Stop negative self talk. Make only positive statements. n Send yourself affirmations. An affirmation is a phrase or sentence that sends a strong positive statement to you about you. n Visualize health and healing. n Don’t feel guilty. Sometimes an illness may develop and persist no matter what. Do the best you can. n Just about anything that makes you feel good about yourself helps you
recover and stay healthy: Friendship. Close social ties help you recover faster from illnesses and reduce your risk of developing diseases from arthritis to depression. n Volunteering. Helping others helps you help yourself. People who volunteer enjoy life more than those who don’t. n Petting an animal. When you stroke a pet, your blood pressure goes down. n Spirituality. If you believe in a higher power, ask for support while you are recovering. Prayer, faith and spiritual beliefs can play an important role in recovering from an illness and staying healthy. n Laugh. There are studies showing laughter does many things: It can strengthen the immune system, possibly increasing antibodies and diseasefighting cells. It increases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillere. It gives you a mini workout by increasing your heart and
respiration rates, as well as blood pressure. Experts say a hearty one minute laugh is equal to approximately 10 minutes on a rowing machine. It works certain facial and abdominal muscles. This is especially useful for people who have neuralgia or rheumatism. It helps people with certain kinds of respiratory illnesses by increasing their ventilation and clearing mucus. It reduces the incidence of arterial blockage, angioplasties and heart attacks. It is said that children laugh approximately 400 times a day, while adults laugh 15 times. The older we get the more responsibilities we have and thus the more stress. A good belly laugh will work the abdominal muscles, massage your internal organs, improve the blood supply to the intestines and help the bowels move properly. So next time you are feeling stressed, try something positive, like an old-fashioned belly laugh.
Page 2
The Bridge • June 2013
MENU — JUNE WEEK 1 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
WEEK 3 3 4 5 6 7
Beef Stroganoff w/Mushrooms Salad Bar w/Variety of Veggies Turkey Souffle Teriyaki Chicken Wings Sweet & Sour Meatballs
10 11 12 13 14
Beef & Bean Burrito w/Cheese Fish Sandwich w/Cheese & Lettuce Baked Greek Chicken Breast Red Beans & Rice w/Sausage Taco Salad w/Ground Beef, Cheese &Salsa
WEEK 2 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
17 18 19 20 21
Spinach Lasagna w/Marinara Salad Bar w/Variety of Veggies Turkey Tetrazzini Chicken Curry Sandwich & Soup Fish & Chips w/Tartar Sauce
24 25 26 27 28
Italian Meatball Sandwich Old Fashioned Hamburger Almond Chicken & Rice Pilaf Baked Potato Bar Chef Salad w/Ham & Turkey
WEEK 4 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
Cam Bey Apartments 50 N. Main, Coupeville Mon. - Fri. at noon 360-678-4886 Oak Harbor Sr Center 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor Mon., Wed., Fri. at 11:45 am 360-279-4580 First United Methodist Church 608 N. Main, Coupeville Wednesdays at noon Greenbank Evangelical Church Greenbank Wed., Fri. at 11:30 a.m. Brookhaven 51 E. Jerome St. Mon., Wed., Fri. at 11:45 a.m. 360-279-4580 S. Whidbey Sr. Center Langley Mon., Wed. at 5 p.m. 360-321-1600
Dedicated to Serving
Whidbey Island Since 1961
At Burley Funeral Chapel, we put your family first. We always have. We believe you deserve comfort and peace of mind before, during and after the funeral service. And we guarantee that’s what you will receive. We offer a number of custom options, including celebrations of life and memorial services. Whatever you choose, we will help make your final farewell just as you envisioned. As your local Dignity Memorial® provider, we are able to offer unmatched services and benefits when it matters most. Compassion Helpline® | National Transferability Bereavement Travel | Personal Planning Services Veterans Benefit |Catered Receptions
• FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES • BEAUTY SALON • EXERCISE PROGRAM • TRAVEL AROUND COUPEVILLE “People Caring About People” • REHABILITATION SERVICES
678-CARE • 360-321-6600 • 311 NE 3rd Street • Coupeville
June 2013 • The Bridge
Page 3
Minimize painful, unsightly varicose veins By Ronda Addy For many, varicose veins are a common condition that is inherited. In the United States, almost 10% of adult men and 20 percent of adult women suffer from varicose veins. Putting it simply, varicose veins are bulging bluish cords that run beneath the surface of the skin. While they can be anywhere, they most commonly appear on the legs. Superficial varicose veins are visible, swollen, twisted veins, which are sometimes surrounded by spider veins — flooded capillaries. Even though they are painful and disfiguring, they are relatively harmless. If they become inflamed, however, they will become tender to the touch and can reduce circulation, causing swollen ankles, itchy skin and aching limbs. What exactly causes varicose veins? In order to understand this, you first need a basic knowledge of how the body works. The arteries have thick layers of muscle tissue to help circulate the blood from the lungs throughout the body. The veins rely on the surrounding muscles and valves to get the blood back to the heart. Cup-like valves alternately open to let the blood through and then close to stop backflow. When the valves don’t work properly, varicose veins result. Blood pools in the veins, increasing
the pressure and congestion, thereby causing the veins to bulge and twist. The lack of muscle support in these superficial veins causes them to become varicose. No one knows exactly what causes varicose veins but there are several things that make some people more susceptible to them than others. The number one cause is heredity, or being born with weak valves. Hormonal changes caused by puberty, pregnancy or menopause, and taking birth control pills, estrogen or progesterone are other causes. Other factors are obesity, standing for long periods of time, leg injuries or age. What can you do to help prevent varicose and spider veins? Here are some tips: • Exercise regularly to improve and strengthen your legs. • Watch your weight. Added weight means added pressure. • Try not to stand for long periods of time. If that can’t be avoided, shift your weight from one leg to another every couple of minutes. If you have to sit for long periods, get up and move around or take a walk, at least every half hour. • Don’t wear clothing that is too tight around your waist, legs or groin. Elastic support stockings will help. • Eat high-fiber foods to avoid
A Resource You Can Rely On! of Island County
Burley Funeral Chapel 30 S E Ely Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 | 360-675-3192 www.burleyfuneralchapel.com
Senior Information & Assistance Meals on Wheels | Congregate Meals Adult Day Services | Caregiver Support Senior Activities | Travel and much more . . . Serving Island County Since 1973
South Whidbey (360) 321-1600
Oak Harbor (360) 675-0311
Camano Island (360) 675-0311
constipation, which contributes to varicose veins. Watch your salt intake. Too much salt equals water retention, which equals swelling. If you have varicose veins, you need to see a doctor if the veins become swollen, red, tender or warm to the touch or if you develop circulation problems in your feet. Severe cases of varicose veins can lead to venous insufficiency, clogging of the blood in the veins, which stops the blood from returning to the heart. This can lead to blood clots or a severe bleeding infection caused by some sort of injury to the vein. There are treatments for varicose veins, but because not all cases are the same, doctors may differ on treatment. The most common treatment is sclerotherapy. A solution is injected into the vein, causing the walls to swell, stick together and seal shut. After about a week, the vein should fade. In a severe case, another injection may be needed. There may be side effects, but these usually disappear or can be taken care of with aspirin or antibiotics. Lasers and electrodesiccation are two other treatment options. While varicose veins are not lifethreatening in most cases, they are extremely unattractive. Taking steps now to help prevent them can make you healthier in the long run.
Senior Services of Island County’s Meals on Wheels Program consists of volunteers delivering hot and frozen meals three times a week to Island County seniors, while at the same time checking on the safety of those homebound seniors who may need further assistance. If you or someone you know could benefit from MOW service on Whidbey Island, call the South WhidbeyBayview Senior Center at 360-321-1600 or 360678-3373 and ask for Leslie Saelens, Meals on Wheels Assessor, or Debbie Metz, Nutrition Director. Meals on Wheels Assessor Leslie Saelens will assess applicant’s eligibility within two weeks of initiation. Reassessments are done once a year or sooner if deemed necessary. Call 360-321-1600 with your questions.
Page 2
The Bridge • June 2013
MENU — JUNE WEEK 1 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
WEEK 3 3 4 5 6 7
Beef Stroganoff w/Mushrooms Salad Bar w/Variety of Veggies Turkey Souffle Teriyaki Chicken Wings Sweet & Sour Meatballs
10 11 12 13 14
Beef & Bean Burrito w/Cheese Fish Sandwich w/Cheese & Lettuce Baked Greek Chicken Breast Red Beans & Rice w/Sausage Taco Salad w/Ground Beef, Cheese &Salsa
WEEK 2 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
17 18 19 20 21
Spinach Lasagna w/Marinara Salad Bar w/Variety of Veggies Turkey Tetrazzini Chicken Curry Sandwich & Soup Fish & Chips w/Tartar Sauce
24 25 26 27 28
Italian Meatball Sandwich Old Fashioned Hamburger Almond Chicken & Rice Pilaf Baked Potato Bar Chef Salad w/Ham & Turkey
WEEK 4 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
Cam Bey Apartments 50 N. Main, Coupeville Mon. - Fri. at noon 360-678-4886 Oak Harbor Sr Center 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor Mon., Wed., Fri. at 11:45 am 360-279-4580 First United Methodist Church 608 N. Main, Coupeville Wednesdays at noon Greenbank Evangelical Church Greenbank Wed., Fri. at 11:30 a.m. Brookhaven 51 E. Jerome St. Mon., Wed., Fri. at 11:45 a.m. 360-279-4580 S. Whidbey Sr. Center Langley Mon., Wed. at 5 p.m. 360-321-1600
Dedicated to Serving
Whidbey Island Since 1961
At Burley Funeral Chapel, we put your family first. We always have. We believe you deserve comfort and peace of mind before, during and after the funeral service. And we guarantee that’s what you will receive. We offer a number of custom options, including celebrations of life and memorial services. Whatever you choose, we will help make your final farewell just as you envisioned. As your local Dignity Memorial® provider, we are able to offer unmatched services and benefits when it matters most. Compassion Helpline® | National Transferability Bereavement Travel | Personal Planning Services Veterans Benefit |Catered Receptions
• FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES • BEAUTY SALON • EXERCISE PROGRAM • TRAVEL AROUND COUPEVILLE “People Caring About People” • REHABILITATION SERVICES
678-CARE • 360-321-6600 • 311 NE 3rd Street • Coupeville
June 2013 • The Bridge
Page 3
Minimize painful, unsightly varicose veins By Ronda Addy For many, varicose veins are a common condition that is inherited. In the United States, almost 10% of adult men and 20 percent of adult women suffer from varicose veins. Putting it simply, varicose veins are bulging bluish cords that run beneath the surface of the skin. While they can be anywhere, they most commonly appear on the legs. Superficial varicose veins are visible, swollen, twisted veins, which are sometimes surrounded by spider veins — flooded capillaries. Even though they are painful and disfiguring, they are relatively harmless. If they become inflamed, however, they will become tender to the touch and can reduce circulation, causing swollen ankles, itchy skin and aching limbs. What exactly causes varicose veins? In order to understand this, you first need a basic knowledge of how the body works. The arteries have thick layers of muscle tissue to help circulate the blood from the lungs throughout the body. The veins rely on the surrounding muscles and valves to get the blood back to the heart. Cup-like valves alternately open to let the blood through and then close to stop backflow. When the valves don’t work properly, varicose veins result. Blood pools in the veins, increasing
the pressure and congestion, thereby causing the veins to bulge and twist. The lack of muscle support in these superficial veins causes them to become varicose. No one knows exactly what causes varicose veins but there are several things that make some people more susceptible to them than others. The number one cause is heredity, or being born with weak valves. Hormonal changes caused by puberty, pregnancy or menopause, and taking birth control pills, estrogen or progesterone are other causes. Other factors are obesity, standing for long periods of time, leg injuries or age. What can you do to help prevent varicose and spider veins? Here are some tips: • Exercise regularly to improve and strengthen your legs. • Watch your weight. Added weight means added pressure. • Try not to stand for long periods of time. If that can’t be avoided, shift your weight from one leg to another every couple of minutes. If you have to sit for long periods, get up and move around or take a walk, at least every half hour. • Don’t wear clothing that is too tight around your waist, legs or groin. Elastic support stockings will help. • Eat high-fiber foods to avoid
A Resource You Can Rely On! of Island County
Burley Funeral Chapel 30 S E Ely Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 | 360-675-3192 www.burleyfuneralchapel.com
Senior Information & Assistance Meals on Wheels | Congregate Meals Adult Day Services | Caregiver Support Senior Activities | Travel and much more . . . Serving Island County Since 1973
South Whidbey (360) 321-1600
Oak Harbor (360) 675-0311
Camano Island (360) 675-0311
constipation, which contributes to varicose veins. Watch your salt intake. Too much salt equals water retention, which equals swelling. If you have varicose veins, you need to see a doctor if the veins become swollen, red, tender or warm to the touch or if you develop circulation problems in your feet. Severe cases of varicose veins can lead to venous insufficiency, clogging of the blood in the veins, which stops the blood from returning to the heart. This can lead to blood clots or a severe bleeding infection caused by some sort of injury to the vein. There are treatments for varicose veins, but because not all cases are the same, doctors may differ on treatment. The most common treatment is sclerotherapy. A solution is injected into the vein, causing the walls to swell, stick together and seal shut. After about a week, the vein should fade. In a severe case, another injection may be needed. There may be side effects, but these usually disappear or can be taken care of with aspirin or antibiotics. Lasers and electrodesiccation are two other treatment options. While varicose veins are not lifethreatening in most cases, they are extremely unattractive. Taking steps now to help prevent them can make you healthier in the long run.
Senior Services of Island County’s Meals on Wheels Program consists of volunteers delivering hot and frozen meals three times a week to Island County seniors, while at the same time checking on the safety of those homebound seniors who may need further assistance. If you or someone you know could benefit from MOW service on Whidbey Island, call the South WhidbeyBayview Senior Center at 360-321-1600 or 360678-3373 and ask for Leslie Saelens, Meals on Wheels Assessor, or Debbie Metz, Nutrition Director. Meals on Wheels Assessor Leslie Saelens will assess applicant’s eligibility within two weeks of initiation. Reassessments are done once a year or sooner if deemed necessary. Call 360-321-1600 with your questions.
Page 4
The Bridge • June 2013
Maxine in library
A Senior Living Community
Good Life Choices Living a lifestyle that focuses on health, wellness, and leisure time.
Have you longed for retirement, only to find it to be less than what you had hoped for? The daily chores for life seem to consume much time and energy, leaving you with tired and lonely events. The good news is that you are ready for the good, healthy lifestyle. It’s time to sit back, relax and let someone help you turn ordinary day-to-day living into magnificence. When was the last time you had a musical sing along right in the comfort of your own home, or had a bus stop by and pick you up at your front door for a tour of the tulip fields in Skagit County? Do you enjoy playing games in the evening, or would you rather sit and read in the quiet privacy of your own apartment? Those scenarios are all available at Summer Hill, an Assisted Living Community. It is where the livin’ is good!
A Summer Hill lifestyle focuses on health and wellness, healthy food choices and leisure time. Build and maintain endurance and independence through: • 7am-7pm dining with healthy menu options • Fitness programs and education • A robust life enrichment program to stimulate the mind.
Good life choices for quality of life. For further information call
(360) 929-7359 Summer Hill An Assisted Living Community
165 SW 6th Avenue Oak Harbor, Wa 98277 360.679.1400
Summer Hill Resident Council PAID ADVERTISEMENT