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| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025
Respite is a subset of our assisted living community at
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By Anne-Gerard Flynn
tailor a plan that best meets their needs,” Martin adds, emphasizing the high stanGlenmeadow, located in Longmeadow, has proudly dard of care provided to all residents. served as a nonprofit senior Anyone over the age of 62 is living community for over 140 years, dedicated to eneligible to move into assisted riching the lives of individuliving if they meet the full crials aged 62 and older. Known teria. Traditionally, prospective residents need assistance for its warm, welcoming environment, Glenmeadow with at least two activities of daily living, such as dressfeatures 113 independent living apartments and a vari- ing, bathing, or transferring. ety of amenities, including a “Respite care residents must meet the same criteria,” Marstate-of-the-art Vitality Hub with a pool and fitness center, tin notes. “While we don’t as well as engaging program- provide extensive medical ming designed to meet each residents’ overall wellness needs, based on their individual preferences. In addition to independent living, Glenmeadow offers 34 assisted living apartments, providing a comprehensive experience for residents. Respite care is a new addition to the community, serving as a supportive bridge for those evaluating full-time residency. “Respite care is a subset of our assisted living offerings,” said Glenmeadow President and Chief Executive Officer Kathy Martin. “It is designed as a resource for older adults care, in assisted living we do offer medication administrawho may need a short stay tion by a licensed nurse 24 ranging from a minimum of 30 days up to 60 days. This hours a day and assistance offering is ideal for someone with daily living needs.” As the holiday season apwho has been discharged from the hospital or from a proaches, families often come rehabilitation facility but who together, and this can prompt meaningful conversations is not ready to immediately about care needs. “During return home for a variety of reasons.” this time, families may notice This offering not only meets changes in their loved ones, a vital need but can also serve leading them to consider as a trial period for residents additional support,” Martin and their families to considobserves. “We are here to assist families in exploring both er long-term assisted living long-term assisted living and options. “Care is primarily private pay, and if a resident short-term respite options.” requires a stay longer than 60 The respite care apartments are conveniently located near days, we work closely with the country kitchen, where them and their families to Special to The Republican
(ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY OF WAVEBREAK3 / STOCK.ADOBE.COM)
residents have easy access to staff providing residents with full access to community programs and services. “The demand for respite care is increasing, and research indicates that 70% of residents who start in respite care choose to transition to long-term residency,” Martin shares. Glenmeadow is committed to supporting families navigating these important decisions. “Tours of Glenmeadow provide an educational opportunity for
sessions to demystify cognitive decline and dementia for residents. “Residents arrive at Glenmeadow through various pathways,” Martin explains. “Some recognize the need for assisted living due to their care requirements, while others transition from independent living as their needs evolve. This flexibility is a key benefit of being part of a continuing care retirement community.” Ultimately, Glenmeadow’s mission is to empower all res-
Glenmeadow’s wide range of programming, with many participating in morning exercise sessions followed by engaging activities such as jewelry-making classes or lectures. Recently, one resident, a Shakespearean scholar, presented a talk on ‘King Lear.’ “One of the advantages of a community like Glenmeadow is its focus on socialization and focus on belonging, which help residents to flourish,” said Martin, citing longterm research from Harvard that shows “the No. 1 predic-
one another.” Glenmeadow currently has 140 residents and Martin, many of whom highlight the dining programs as a highlight. Martin said that she “can confidently say residents enjoy the quality food choices that are impeccably prepared and beautifully presented.” “We have our more formal Terraceside Restaurant, which is exclusively for dinner,” Martin said. “We also have the Chestnut Knoll Dining Room which serves a hot breakfast along with lunch and dinner, and the Doorstop Lounge which serves a continental breakfast, lunch and more casual dinner options. Residents can also do takeout for dinner in their apartment.” The menus are thoughtfully crafted to strike a balance between heart-healthy, low-sodium choices, comforting favorites, and enticing upscale entrees. “One of our recent menus featured dishes like shrimp scampi, Prime Rib Au Jus, stuffed peppers, and Glenmeadow President and Chief Executive Officer Chicken Francaise, alongside Kathy Martin classic options like spaghetti (ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENMEADOW) with marinara sauce,” Martin families,” Martin emphasizes. idents, whether in indepentor of longevity is the quality notes. “Our menu rotates every seven days, ensuring “We guide each prospective dent or assisted living, to live of social relationships.” there’s always something new resident and their families in as independently and fully as Martin said one of the as well as familiar favorites.” understanding the differenc- possible. “Our assisted living “most important aspects” As a nonprofit organization es among various options, apartments are designed to to her about Glenmeadow is governed by a board of direcincluding assisted living and foster comfort, community, the integrated nature of the tors, Glenmeadow operates independent living. and dignity,” Martin affirms, community. While Glenmeadow does underscoring Glenmeadow’s “All residents have access to with an entrance and monthnot have a traditional memcommitment to compassion- the same three dining venues ly service fee, providing a range of in-home services ory care unit, its staff are ate care and support through- and to all programs – we do to the Greater Springfield well-trained to support resiout its 140-year history. not segregate programs as area. The H-shaped comdents experiencing cognitive “Our apartments in assisted just for independent living plex, which spans 23 acres decline. “We believe in early living are wonderful,” Martin or just for assisted living,” intervention and providing said. “We have one- bedroom Martin said. “We are a small in Longmeadow, opened in 1997, founded as a nonprofit ongoing support through our and two-bedroom options, enough community that we in 1884 on Main Street in wellness programming,” says most with a kitchenette rath- can do that and that kind Springfield; Glenmeadow is Martin. Education remains er than a full kitchen because of integration is especially the longest-standing senior a priority at Glenmeadow, in assisted living all meals important. We don’t want living community in Massawith local experts, including are included in the monthly anyone to feel labeled - we chusetts. a geriatrician from Baystate service fee.” want all our residents to Health, offering quarterly Residents benefit from flourish and to connect with
“The demand for respite care is on the increase and national research shows that 70% of residents who begin in respite care end up staying as long-term residents.”
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D2 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
How to understand your
metabolism
New Year’s resolutions
to benefit the R
brain
esolutions made at the start of a new year often focus on personal improvement. Giving up poor habits like smoking or drinking too much alcohol and losing weight through diet and exercise are some popular resolutions. Health and wellness certainly dominates the resolution landscape. Improvement-minded individuals interested in gaining long-term benefits from their resolutions this year may want to consider ways to improve brain health and function. Here are five ideas to consider:
Get moving
Exercise does the body good and even positively affects the brain. The American Academy of Neurology has found aerobic exercise may play a significant role in reversing and preventing cognitive decline. Researchers have found that even a little exercise each day can result in improved brain function in less than six months. Andrew E. Budson, M.D., a professor of neurology at Boston University, also says aerobic exercise releases growth factors in the brain,
which can help grow new brain cells.
Start a new hobby
Practice mindfulness more often
Mindfulness is an exercise When doing the same activ- in paying attention to one’s surroundings, senses and ities over and over, you eventually learn how to do those more. Too often people are activities better. But doctors multi-tasking and never fully can’t confirm this is actually devoting their attention to one thing. Mindfulness gives helping the brain in a meaningful way. Rather, there is evi- the brain a break and brings a person into the present. dence that doing new things can be beneficial to the brain. Eat a better diet So learning a new hobby, The benefit of eating taking a class, or even learning healthy foods extends beyond to play a musical instrument can push the brain to improve the waistline. Many of the foods that are good for the from a cognitive standpoint, indicates The Healthy, a Read- heart are important for preventing cognitive decline and er’s Digest brand. dementias. A 2015 systemic Make more review found strong evidence time for fun for a protective effect of the Repeated stress can have Mediterranean diet, accorddetrimental effects on the ing to researchers at Deakin University School of Medicine body and mind. Harvard Health says stress has been in Australia. linked to cognitive problems By making brain health a and a higher risk for Alzheipriority when coming up with mer’s disease and other dementias. Taking time to relax New Year’s resolutions this and enjoy oneself can tame year, individuals can benefit for years to come. stress, and in turn, alleviate issues affecting memory and cognition.
Metabolism is often discussed but perhaps not fully understood.
will burn a lot of calories, even while at rest. Those with a slow BMR need fewer calories to keep it going. Genetics, medication use, illness, and activity level may affect BMR.
Does exercise boost metabolism?
The answer to this question is yes and no. According to The Cleveland Clinic says a MedlinePlus, it is true that a person’s metabolism encom- person burns more calories passes all of the processes when they exercise, but that increased calorie burn only within cells that keep the body functioning as it should. lasts as long as the workout and maybe an hour or so Metabolism provides the body with constant energy so afterwards. Once a person it can perform essential tasks stops moving, his or her like breathing and digestion. metabolism goes back to its resting rate. Therefore, There are many myths surrounding the metabolic eating a ton of calories after a workout thinking that a process. The following are red-hot metabolism will burn some things to know about metabolism and whether it through them for the rest of is possible to utilize it to spur the day could be setting a weight loss. person up for weight gain. The same can be said for mistakenly thinking adding What is a fast muscle will boost metabometabolism or a lism. Muscle burns more calslow metabolism? ories than fat and that boost A person’s basal metabolic does last a bit longer than rate (BMR) may be fast, slow the workout itself. However, or somewhere in between. most people only gain a few Someone with a fast BMR pounds of muscle in the ex-
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What has the biggest impact on metabolism?
Metabolism is largely influenced by genetics, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Therefore, diet and exercise can be beneficial, but ultimately a person’s genes dictate BMR. Also, most of the time the activities of keeping the brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs working account for most of a person’s metabolic function.
What is diet-induced thermogenesis?
Many people think that restrictive diets that are light on calories are good for losing weight, but that can sometimes backfire by slowing down a person’s BMR. Harvard Health says diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), or the effect of eating certain metabolism-boosting foods, may increase resting metabolic rate. Foods and beverages that may impact DIT include lean protein, unrefined carbohydrates, caffeine, and green tea. DIT tends to be higher in the morning, so eating larger meals earlier in the day may help burn more calories.
How does sleep affect metabolism?
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ercises they do. It’s not a big enough difference to affect metabolism dramatically. One may have to be a body builder to see a BMR boost associated with strength training. When muscles are not in active use, they burn very few calories.
While the jury is still out on whether or not lack of sleep can lower BMR, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that a lack of sleep for four nights or longer may slightly decrease how the body metabolizes fat. Also, those who don’t get enough sleep often feel hungry and may overeat as a result. This isn’t a direct metabolic cause, but one to consider nonetheless. Metabolism is a complex process that is affected by many things, none greater than genetics. A person may be able to realize moderate gains in boosting metabolic rate but there is no magic pill to increase metabolism.
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025 | D3
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What is
Alpha-gal syndrome? Food allergies have become more common across the globe over the last several decades.
What to know about
Processed Foods
single food item can sometimes be healthy and other times lack nutrition, even though it’s the same item. A baked potato is minimally processed because it’s been altered from its original nyone looking to eat Is processing state after being washed and right undoubtedly baked. But the nutritional always unhealthy? knows there’s no profile remains largely the Processing food is not alshortage of advice in relation same after these minimal ways bad for human beings. adjustments to the potato. to dietary habits. Fad diets For example, milk is pasand nutritional trends are French fries are made from teurized and commercial shared on social media platpotatoes, but they’re often forms and websites every day. milk products are fortified greatly altered from their with vitamin D. In regard to While access to such infororiginal state after being mation is more available than fortified milk, adding vitamin fried in oil. French fries also D ensures milk drinkers reever, the volume of data can tend to be heavily salted, furbe overwhelming, especially ceive sufficient amounts of a thering altering them from nutrient that helps strength- their original state and thus for people looking to make en bones. simple and healthy tweaks. lowering their nutritional One trending topic among profile. So why the fear of advocates for improved processed foods? nutrition concerns proWhat can I do to cessed foods. Various health The negative characteriza- avoid eating heavily concerns, from the obesity tions of processed foods arisepidemic to increased rates es mainly from foods that are processed foods? of high blood pressure, have considered ultra-processed. The Mayo Clinic Health been traced to processed The Academy of Nutrition System advises reading food foods. Such associations and Dietetics uses a spectrum labels to analyze items in merit consideration, and that to differentiate between vari- relation to how processed begins with answering some ous types of processed foods. they may or may not be. common questions surround- Minimally processed foods Foods that contain additives include washed fresh spining processed foods. and preservatives like high ach, while heavily processed fructose corn syrup, hydrogeWhat are foods include ready-to-eat nated oils, food dyes, sodium processed foods? foods like cereal and cracknitrates, sodium nitrites, ers. The negative attributes The United States Departmonosodium glutamate ment of Agriculture defines often associated with pro(MSG), and sulfites are best processed foods as any raw cessed foods typically refers avoided or consumed in low to heavily processed foods, agricultural commodity that amounts. has been altered from its which may also be referred to The debate around prooriginal state. Such alteras ultra-processed foods. cessed foods is complicated. ations occur when foods People seeking to bolster the Examples of are subjected to various nutritional profile of their processes, including pasteur- minimally processed diets are urged to avoid ulization, blanching, freezing, foods and work and ultra-processed tra-processed dehydrating, or fermenting, with a physician or dietitian among others. Fortification is foods? to ensure they’re making another means to processing Potatoes are perhaps the healthy choices. foods. simplest example of how a
A
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates 3.9 percent of children and 1.1 percent of adults had food allergies in 1997-98. Those percentages more than doubled to 8 percent of children and more than 2 percent of adults by 2019-2020. Awareness of food allergies has grown in recent decades, but some may just now be popping on individuals’ radars. Alpha-gal syndrome is one such allergy that’s only recently gaining wider attention among the general public.
What is Alpha-gal syndrome?
Food allergies and insect bites might seem like strange bedfellows, but that unique connection is precisely how Alpha-gal syndrome begins. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy that usually traces its origins to the bite of a Lone Star tick. That bite transfers a sugar molecule known as alpha-gal into the body, triggering an immune system response.
What are people with Alpha-gal syndrome allergic to? People know ticks are not food for human beings, so it can seem curious that a tick bite contributes to a food allergy. But the link lies within the sugar molecule from which the syndrome gets its name. According to Alphagalinformation.org, a website devoted to raising awareness about the condition, the sugar molecule alpha-gal is found in all mammals except for humans and some primates. So products made from mammals, including beef, pork and lamb, are among the foods someone with Alpha-gal syndrome may be allergic to. Dairy, gelatin and additional products derived from mammals also may trigger an allergic response in people with Alpha-gal syndrome.
How long before an Alpha-gal allergic reaction begins?
The Mayo Clinic notes that most reactions to food allergens begin within minutes of consuming or being exposed to the food that triggers the reaction. For example, someone with a peanut allergy may begin to feel side effects almost immediately. Alpha-gal allergic reactions take longer to develop. The Mayo Clinic
indicates such reactions usually appear three to six hours after exposure.
What happens during an Alpha-gal allergic reaction?
The symptoms that appear during an Alpha-gal allergic reaction are similar to those associated with other food allergies. Such symptoms include:
· The development of hives, itching or itchy, scaly skin · Swelling that affects the lips, face, tongue, and throat. The Mayo Clinic notes swelling related to Alpha-gal syndrome also may affect other body parts. · Wheezing or shortness of breath · Stomach pain, upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting Alpha-gal syndrome may not be as widely recognized as other food allergies, but it poses a significant threat nonetheless. More information about the condition can be found at alphagalinformation.org.
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D4 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025
The nutritional value of
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
blood pressure. That’s good news for pear lovers, as USA Pear reports a medium-sized pear contains roughly 190 milligrams of potassium, or An ideal low-calorie about 4 percent of the daily snack recommended intake of this Healthy snacks can help important mineral. anyone maintain energy levPotassium provides a signifiels throughout the day, while cant amount of vitamin C. Viless healthy items consumed tamin C is a notably beneficial between meals can contribute antioxidant that the Mayo to fatigue and other adverse Clinic notes perform a variety side effects. Pears are fat- and of important roles in the sodium-free and a single, human body. Vitamin C helps medium-sized pear contains with the formation of blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, roughly 100 calories. That The nutritional value of makes pears an ideal snack for and collagen and also helps A great source of fruits and vegetables is unthose who need a low-calorie to protect the body against dietary fiber deniable, and some produce cell damage. A medium-sized snack to keep their energy aisle staples garner more Dietary fiber benefits the levels up between meals. pear provides roughly 8 perglory than others. body in numerous ways. cent of the daily recommendA good source of Unlike apples, pears might Dietary fiber increases the ed value of vitamin C, which not be touted as a daily means weight and size of stool, help- potassium serves as another reason to to avoiding doctor visits. But ing people avoid constipation. The National Institutes of include pears in your dietary pears are a nutritional power- A diet high in dietary fiber regimen. Health notes that potassium house, nonetheless. Recogalso helps to lower cholesterol helps to ensure proper nerve nition of the many health levels and reduce risk for col- function and maintain a Pears pack a nutritional benefits of eating pears may orectal cancer, hemorrhoids punch that can benefit anyone regular heartbeat. The NIH compel more people to eat and diverticulitis. A single also notes that a diet rich in looking to eat healthier and more of this often unheralded pear contains roughly 21 per- potassium can offset some of reap the rewards of a nutriyet highly nutritious fruit. cent of the daily recommend- the harmful effects of soditious diet. ed value of dietary um, particularly in regard to
Pears
A journey through the produce aisle at a typical grocery store offers shoppers a chance to pick up a wide range of healthy foods.
fiber, placing it among the most beneficial fruits a person can eat in an effort to ensure adequate fiber consumption.
Exterior decorating
Safety Tips
D
ecorating the exterior of a home for the holiday season is a beloved tradition in countless households. In the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Clark Griswold had “250 strands of imported Italian twinkle lights,” each with 100 bulbs per strand. His grand total of 25,000 lights caused a temporary blackout. While driving around to take in holiday lighting displays, many people may see some that emulate Clark Griswold’s vision and be inspired to create their own designs. Lights are just one type of home decoration. Wreaths, inflatables, metal or wooden structures, and much more are part of holiday displays as well. While decorating can be fun and festive, it’s also important to ensure that it is done safely. The following tips, courtesy of Travelers Risk Consultants and Meyer Landscaping & Design, can keep family and friends safe during this wonderful time of year.
Plan ahead
Determine how many electrical outlets you have and plan the display around the accessibility of those outlets. Be sure to calculate the maximum amount of wattage allowed so you do
not overload the electrical system. Never exceed the maximum number of strings or devices that may be linked together. Lighting packaging should provide such information. Also, plug all outdoor lights and decorations into ground-fault circuit interrupters to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Don’t risk leaning too hard to one side while on the ladder and always have a spotter. Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when stringing electrical decor and lights, as metal ladders conduct electricity.
Identify where power lines are located
Be mindful of power lines when decorating outdoors. Only purchase lights that have Keep oneself and decorations at been tested for safety. Look for least 10 feet away from power a certification mark from UL, lines. ETL, CSA, or another nationally Skip staples and nails recognized laboratory. Nails and staples should not Go with LED be used when decorating. Nails Light emitting diode string and staples can puncture the lights run cooler, last longer and protective layers of a home, use less energy than incandesallowing moisture to get in and cent lights. break down the structure of the home. A nail or staple also Inspect decorations may accidentally puncture an electrical cord, increasing the Make sure all the lights, electrical cords, lighted holiday risk of electrocution. Use hooks and other attachment devices decor, and inflatables are in good condition before use. Dis- specially designed for holiday pose of anything that has frayed decor. wiring or is broken.
Test the lights
Use only outdoor-rated products
Be sure the extension cords and any other products are rated for the outdoors. Electrical connections should be kept clean and dry before plugging things in, and an extra step of wrapping plug connections with electrical tape can further reduce moisture.
Practice ladder safety
Ladders are often utilized when adding lights or other decor to homes. Always be safe on and around ladders. It’s essential to maintain three points of contact while on the ladder.
Avoid items that can contribute to roof damage
Heavy items on the roof can cause unnecessary stress to shingles and result in damage. Only use lightweight and appropriately anchored items on the roof.
Dress appropriately
Before hanging holiday decorations and lights, assess the conditions and wear the proper clothing for the weather. If the weather is especially rough, skip decorating for a safer day. Decorating safety is of the utmost importance and should be a priority this holiday season.