Blog

In April 2022, new research published in the Alzheimer’s Association journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia revealed that increasing HDL or “good cholesterol” levels can help lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The research linked small HDL particles in the brain to better cognitive function. HDL Cholesterol and Amyloid Plaques Dr. Hussein Yassine and his research team found that participants with high levels of HDL had improved scores on cognitive tests. Yassine and the team believe that HDL may help “escort” amyloid plaques out of the brain. (Amyloid plaques are found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.) These plaques are formed when peptides fold incorrectly and adhere to brain cells. This causes inflammation and disrupts normal brain cell functioning. What can you do to increase good cholesterol? Move your body. Get up and walk around as much as you can. Instead of sitting and drinking coffee, grab a coffee and stroll around your neighborhood. At work, schedule walking meetings or move around on your breaks. Take your phone calls outdoors or on an exercise bike or treadmill. Feed your body. For a few decades, we were taught that all fat was bad. It is time to unlearn that. Many foods are filled with healthy unsaturated fats. Indulging in yummy foods such as avocados, salmon, trout, nuts, berries, cremini mushrooms, and olive oil will boost HDL, while oatmeal reduces LDL (“bad cholesterol”). Check food labels: soybean oil, often used in pre-packaged food, decreases HDL and increases LDL. Fiber is your friend. Soluble fiber has been shown to reduce cholesterol absorption into your bloodstream, so fill up on fiber—around 25 grams per day. Beans, legumes, vegetables, many fruits, whole grains, berries, and even popcorn can help reduce cholesterol by trapping fats so they cannot be absorbed. Shed extra weight. It is easier said than done, but losing just five pounds can help lower LDL. Some people have had luck following a low-carb diet, which can help you lose weight by keeping you feeling satiated with fewer overall calories. Without as many carbs, your blood sugar will spike less, getting you off the cycle of needing to eat to fend off a sugar crash.

Peachy Facts Peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in America. United States provides about 25% of the world's total supply, while China and Italy supply about 62%. Georgia produces 25,000 ton of peaches, But California grows the most at 510,000 tons followed by North Carolina. Peaches are from the rose family, and they produce 5 petal pink blossoms. Peaches are known to reduce anxiety and are often referred to as the "fruit of Calmness". Peaches are classified as a drupe, which is a fruit with a hard stone. Peaches get their flavor from their variety not their color. DID YOU KNOW that August is also GOLDEN? The anniversaries of the Klondike Gold Rush (Aug. 16), the designation  of Klondike Gold Rush National  Historic Park (Aug. 5), Gold Rush Days in Valdez, Alaska (Aug. 3) and Oronoco, Minnesota (Aug. 19), and so much more. We hope “Yukon” enjoy it all! August was named to honor the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar. August’s zodiac signs are Leo (July 23–August 22) and Virgo (August 23–September 22). August’s birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy. The gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, sincerity, and generosity. The poppy symbolizes eternal sleep, oblivion, and also imagination. August’s primary birthstone is peridot, which is said to symbolize strength and healing power, protecting its wearer from nightmares and evil, ensuring harmony and happiness. Babies born in August are lucky to be guarded by peridot’s good fortune. August is the month of sandwiches! This makes sense because the sandwich was invented in August of 1762 when the Earl of Sandwich (yes, that’s a real guy) requested two pieces of bread with meat inside.

Dreams are quite complex, aren’t they? The other morning, I awoke from a deep sleep and remembered sitting by a small lake in Erie, Pa with my grandfather. It was a sunny afternoon day in August and Pop-Pop decided to take my brother and I to the local fishing hole. Well, the fish were not biting so my brother and I quickly found other things to do – like skipping stones on the water. We had a competition to see who could skip the farthest and who had the most skips. Well, I came in last and was quite upset since I was the only one who plays baseball. Since Pop-Pop won, he said he had something special for us. My dream skipped around for a bit, but I remembered us going into my grandfather’s church and we all started to set up for a dinner event. My brother and I had to wash down the tables and set up chairs. After that, we were asked to peel the carrots and potatoes. My dream then took a weird turn and the last thing I remembered was that I was running to school to take a math test which I hadn’t even studied for…. Crazy, right? I share this quick story because it reminded me of the saying, “…like the ripple effect when a stone lands in a lake, so your kindness extends beyond your own initial effort...”. Basically, when you do something for someone else, you forget about your own troubles. That’s the thing about giving – making that positive difference for someone today leaves a legacy of kindness that can be passed on to others. Making a difference in someone’s life can be as small as sitting down and talking to someone or as big as volunteering to build a much-needed community project. Therefore, I encourage us all to examine the positive difference you make in other’s lives, and begin to build your legacy today!

Do you prefer chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry? Our ice cream parlor was opened on May 25 th with delicious ice cream sundaes. Residents were able to choose their favorite ice cream and a variety of toppings. The parlor was filled with nostalgia as one Resident reflected on her fond memories of making and serving ice cream at a local ice cream parlor in her youth. “Ice cream soothes the soul.” ― Adrienne Posey

We were so excited to welcome Carrie, Don, Allene, and Fran into their new home on our opening day. Each new resident had the opportunity to cut the ribbon at the entrance to their apartment. Families were invited to a celebratory lunch, and everyone enjoyed meeting their new neighbors.  We have since welcomed five more residents and are looking forward to many more!

We had a wonderful time at our Mother’s Day Tea. Everyone enjoyed the many hats that our Marketing Director, Cindy, provided for us to look at and wear for the tea. We enjoyed discussing the different styles of hats, what occasions would require a hat, where to buy hats, and proper hat etiquette. Chef Tia and Justine provided delicious treats: mini cream puffs, eclairs, tea cakes, pinwheels and more. It was a great time to socialize and celebrate Mothers! "Wearing a hat is fun; people have a good time when they`re wearing a hat." - Philip Treacy