By: Renea Dutton, Director of Rehabilitation
Sprenger Healthcare is a proud sponsor of Moving Day® Cleveland, the National Parkinson Foundation Ohio’s annual fundraising walk/run event, planned for June 17, 2017 at Wade Oval at University Circle.
Donations support the development of treatments for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder of the nervous systems. Moving Day® is a celebration of movement featuring a kids area, a caregivers relaxation tent and a Movement Pavillion with yoga, dance, Tai Chi, and Pilates. These activities have been proven to better manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There is also a family-friendly 1-mile walk course in which participants can unit in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and walk to spread awareness.
Sprenger Healthcare will be hosting a walking team and sponsoring a tent at the Moving Day® Cleveland event. We encourage residents, staff, family and friends to join our team! To join the Sprenger in Motion Team, please visit http://www3.parkinson.org/site/TR/MovingDayEvent/NPFOhioChapter?team_id=42811&pg=team&fr_id=2576
Sprenger Healthcare is dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s disease. This is why offer Delay the Disease, a free 12-week exercise program developed to optimize the physical function of people with Parkinson’s disease. Our licensed therapists will guide participates through Parkinson’s specific exercises, in an effort to reduce the symptoms often associated with the disease. Our “Delay the Disease” exercise program is offered at our Amherst Manor Retirement Community, Heather Knoll Nursing & Rehabilitation and Smithville Western Care Commons. For more information or to RSVP, contact the therapy department at a facility near you!
By: Lisa Zook, Dietitian
Remember when you wanted to add milk to your cereal and there was only one type available – milk from a cow? Consumer choices were so much simpler in the past. Choosing milk from the store has gotten a lot more complicated. Here’s a nutrient breakdown on the most popular choices per 8-ounce serving:
| Type | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Protein | Sugar | % Calcium | % Vitamin D |
| Whole Milk | Calories: 150 | Total Fat: 8 | Saturated Fat: 5 | Protein: 8 | Sugar: 12 | % Calcium: 30 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
| Nonfat Milk | Calories: 90 | Total Fat: 0 | Saturated Fat: 0 | Protein: 8 | Sugar: 12 | % Calcium: 30 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
| Original Soy | Calories: 110 | Total Fat: 4.5 | Saturated Fat: 0.5 | Protein: 8 | Sugar: 6 | % Calcium: 45 | % Vitamin D: 30 |
| Unsweetened Soy | Calories: 80 | Total Fat: 4 | Saturated Fat: 0.5 | Protein: 7 | Sugar: 1 | % Calcium: 30 | % Vitamin D: 30 |
| Original Almond | Calories: 60 | Total Fat: 2.5 | Saturated Fat: 0 | Protein: 1 | Sugar: 7 | % Calcium: 45 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
| Unsweetened Almond | Calories: 30 | Total Fat: 2.5 | Saturated Fat: 0 | Protein: 1 | Sugar: 0 | % Calcium: 45 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
| Original Rice | Calories: 120 | Total Fat: 2.5 | Saturated Fat: 0 | Protein: 1 | Sugar: 10 | % Calcium: 30 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
| Unsweetened Rice | Calories: 90 | Total Fat: 2.5 | Saturated Fat: 0 | Protein: <1 | Sugar: <1 | % Calcium: 30 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
| Original Coconut | Calories: 70 | Total Fat: 4.5 | Saturated Fat: 4 | Protein: 0 | Sugar: 7 | % Calcium: 10 | % Vitamin D: 30 |
| Unsweetened Coconut | Calories: 45 | Total Fat: 4.5 | Saturated Fat: 4 | Protein: 0 | Sugar: 0 | % Calcium: 10 | % Vitamin D: 30 |
| Original Cashew | Calories: 60 | Total Fat: 2.5 | Saturated Fat: 0 | Protein: <1 | Sugar: 7 | % Calcium: 45 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
| Unsweetened Cashew | Calories: 25 | Total Fat: 2 | Saturated Fat: 0 | Protein: <1 | Sugar: 0 | % Calcium: 45 | % Vitamin D: 25 |
So Let’s Review:
- Cow’s Milk
Packed with nine essential nutrients – calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, riboflavin, and niacin – milk is a nutrient powerhouse. The 12 grams of sugar come from naturally-occurring sugar, lactose, which is not added sugar. There’s lots of emerging research on whether the saturated fat found in whole milk is beneficial for you; however, there’s no official verdict yet. If you don’t consume a lot of saturated fat in your diet overall, perhaps there’s room for it in your diet. However, for most people, I would still recommend nonfat or 2 percent milk as a better choice.
- Soy Milk
Soy milk has always been a good alternative for people with a milk lactose intolerance or allergy. Packed with heart-healthy soy, 7 to 8 grams of protein and almost no saturated fat, it can definitely be a smart choice. Do keep in mind that the sugar found in the sweetened and original varieties are added sugar (from cane sugar), so if you’re watching your total sugar consumption, you might want to stick with the unsweetened kind. Also, if you have a history of breast cancer, you may want to limit large amounts of soy in your diet.
- Almond Milk
Rich in calcium and a good source of vitamins D, E, and A, almond milk has definitely become more popular in the last couple of years. Its taste and texture make it a great alternative for milk. However, just like with soy milk, if you buy the original or sweetened varieties, the sugar is from added cane sugar. But there are several unsweetened and now “light” varieties available, with 0 grams and 3 grams of sugar, respectively. Surprisingly, almond milk has minimal protein, so if you’re hoping to use it as a protein source with your meal, you are out of luck. But the good news is there’s room to add some protein to your breakfast meal or smoothie since almond milk is low in calories.
- Rice Milk
Original rice milk has more calories than the other milk alternatives (not including whole milk), but the high sugar amount is naturally-occurring. Rice milk has the least amount of nutrition compared to the others. However, for people with multiple food allergies, rice milk could be the best choice.
- Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a hot trend right now. It isn’t high in calories, but it’s the highest of the milk alternatives in saturated (bad) fats. Some studies show that coconut milk fats can raise your cholesterol levels and LDL levels. If you really love the taste of coconut, go ahead and include a little in your diet – just keep in mind that, per serving, there is no protein and the drink has the least amount of calcium compared to the other “milk” options.
- Cashew Milk
Another nut option, cashew milk has not picked up as much momentum as almond milk. Cashew milk’s creamy taste, though, lends itself to be a perfect low-calorie swap in many recipes. Rich in calcium, just like almond milk, it can be a good source for people who avoid milk products. However, if you’re looking for a good protein addition for your meal, you might want to look elsewhere.
Bottom line: When choosing a “milk” beverage, a lot of it comes down to a taste preference – which obviously varies from person to person. If you don’t have any allergies, then all of them can be included in a healthy diet. Just keep in mind that some might be a better choice with certain snacks or meals depending on what else you’re consuming. Most have some added calcium and vitamin D; some have protein while others do not. Buy some and try the different flavors for yourself!
By: Barbara Baird and Jessica Slavik, The Nord Center
Whether it’s gardening or spending time with your grandchildren, your retirement years can be your chance to do the things you truly love. But what if you find that you are losing interest in the things that you once enjoyed? What if basic functions like eating, sleeping or just making it through your day start to feel like “too much”?
Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans ages 65 and older. Many changes that occur as we age can lead to depression such as medical illnesses, the death of spouses or other loved ones, and retirement. The effects of depression can extend far beyond changes in mood. Depression can cause people to become less energetic, experience changes in sleep patterns, changes in their appetites, as well as a decline in physical health.
According to a recent report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, depression is one of the major causes of a decline in the health-related quality of life for senior citizens. Depression in seniors is often overlooked because the symptoms may look like other diseases such as arthritis or dementia. As a senior, taking a proactive approach to your mental health can make the difference between aging, and aging well. The following strategies can help:
- Keep Moving – Physical exercise is important to everyone’s health! Go for a walk or join a tai chi class. If you have physical limitations, try a chair workout.
- Socialize – Stay connected with family and friends. You should also make an effort to meet new people – try joining a book club, taking a class, or volunteering. Dedicating quality time to social activities each week can reduce the likelihood of depression and generate a support group for when times get tough.
- Use the Internet – If friends and family live too far away, the internet is a great way to keep in touch. A recent study shows that internet use among seniors can reduce the probability of depression by more than 30 percent! Being able to stay connected with loved ones and old friends helps fight off feelings of seclusion and promotes greater social interaction, even when it can’t be in person.
- Get a Pet – Pets are great therapy option and research has proved taking care of a pet lowers agitation and depression. Pets also help seniors stay active and socially involved.
- Play Games – Puzzles, crosswords, and games like Sudoku keep the brain stimulated. Cards are also a great way to get friends together.
- Make Deeper Spiritual Connection– Religion and the community within can offer meaningful activities and support or a great place to volunteer.
- Make a Difference– Volunteering is a great way to stay active and involved within your community. Finding a way to “do good” helps create a sense of purpose in life and also provides another opportunity to socialize.
There is great help available and many active ways to manage depression and to lift its cloud from your golden years. If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from depression, be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to make a treatment plan.
In honor of International Nurses Day, Karen Foreman, Director of Nursing at Sprenger Healthcare’ Anchor Lodge Retirement Village in Lorain, has been chosen to throw the first pitch at the Lake Erie Crushers home opener.
“With a broad knowledge base in every department of the skilled nursing facility field, Karen is truly able to exceed expectations as a leader, supervisor and Director of Nursing,” said Janelle Shaw, Administrator at Anchor Lodge Retirement Village.
In recognition of Foreman’s dedication to being an outstanding nurse and role model, she was nominated and chosen by her peers to throw out the first pitch of the season.
“Karen has been very kind in guiding me when I moved into my new role as the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). She has provided great deal of knowledge that I have used daily,” said DeeDee Kozusko, ADON at Anchor Lodge Retirement Village. “Karen provides space for you to grow and listens when you need to talk things out. She has become a mentor who I truly value.”
Foreman joined Sprenger Healthcare in 2000. Her knowledge, leadership and commitment to patient care led to her promotion as the Director of Nursing and continues to drive the 17 years of success she’s had with the company.
Outside of work, Foreman shares her passion for the well-being of others through her ongoing dedication to the American Cancer Society.
The Lake Erie Crushers’ home opener is Friday, May 12, 2017 at 7:05 p.m. against the Joliet Slammers. It will take place at Sprenger Healthcare Stadium, 2009 Baseball Boulevard, Avon, OH 44011.
For tickets to the Lake Erie Crushers game, please visit www.lakeeriecrushers.com.
