News

If you’re thinking this is going to be an article about ecology or even about getting ready for next month’s St. Patrick’s Day, guess again.
What I’m talking about are the greens that you dine on. The leafy, crunchy delicious morsels that are absolutely essential to a healthy diet, and that we don’t get quite enough of in the SAD (Standard American Diet).
Back in ancient times when early man wandered the earth, they grazed as they went. One article mentioned that man may have consumed as much as six pounds of leaves in a day.  With all that walking we were hungry, and our eyes were no doubt attracted to the beautiful color of the foliage. I can hear them now, walking through the prehistoric landscape: “Ugh….. Ummmm…. tasty…ummm.”
Well, modern man still needs those greens for optimal health. The USDA recommends three cups per week. Calorie for calorie, greens pack the most concentrated form of nutritional punch of any food. They contain abundant minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. As far as vitamins go, they are rich in K,C, E, and B—all of which are necessary for everything from blood clotting, to building strong bones, reducing inflammation and preventing diabetes.
Then there are the phytonutrients . Neither vitamin, nor minerals, these chemicals found in plant foods carry names like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and their presence in our diet can help ward off disease, and mitigate the damage aging may do to our eyes, skin and other cells.
Trying to manage weight gain?  Get more greens in your diet! Low in carbs, high in fiber, they are slow to digest and have a high satiety value in addition to their nutritional benefits.
Best of all—they are delicious! There are lots of choices out there: kale, collards, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, mustard greens, escarole and rapini, just to name a few. When choosing remember the darker the green color, the higher the vitamin content.
Tossing fresh greens with a little unsaturated oil such as olive or canola, or serving greens with fish or nuts will help the body absorb vitamin A and K—both of which are fat-soluble.
One word of caution about greens:  make sure to wash them thoroughly before eating as greens such as spinach can frequently be a cause of food-born illness.  I wash mine again, even if the bag says they’ve been “triple-washed,” just to be on the safe side. Not a bad idea to choose organic for greens as well.
So, put those greens on your grocery list with a big exclamation point!
Looking for a tasty recipe that’s easy to fix and easy to enjoy?  Here’s one for a lovely soup which a friend shared with me a while back. Even if you choose to go completely vegetarian switching out the chicken stock for vegetable broth, the lentils give this soup plenty of protein.
Lentil, Spinach and Lemon Soup
(serves 4 with leftovers)
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
1 rosemary stalk
1 cup red lentils, rinsed and picked over
3 medium potatoes, quartered and sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 quart chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed
3 handfuls fresh spinach, stems removed and chopped
juice of 1 lemon (plus some zest if you really like it lemony)
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a medium-sized pot, heat a bit of olive oil, and cook the shallots for a few minutes.  Add the garlic and rosemary.  Cook for another few minutes, until fragrant and soft.  Add the lentils, and cook, stirring, for another few minutes.  Add the potatoes, broth, and fennel seeds.  Simmer, covered for 20 minutes until potatoes are soft and soup is creamy.  Stir in the spinach and lemon, and serve hot.
Bet our prehistoric ancestors would have walked an extra mile or two for a bowl of this!
 

With new healthcare rules and changes we need to understand what is involved in discharge planning.   Discharge planning helps to make sure that you leave the hospital safely and smoothly and get the right care after that. This sounds simple, but it can be frustrating.
You might wonder why you are leaving. You might have questions about what will happen when you get home and what your family can do to help. You may worry about who’s going to pay for your care.
You, the person who is caring for you, and the planner work together to address your concerns in a discharge plan. Whether you go home, to a relative’s home, to a rehabilitation facility, or to another health care setting, your plan outlines the care you need.  Let’s review the “risk” involved and the qualifiers:
Low Risk Discharge

  • Independent in activities of daily living
  • Caregivers in the home and available to assist
  • Live alone with community support
  • Independent with management of chronic disease
  • Adherent to treatment plan
  • Consistently followed by practitioner

Moderate Risk Discharge

  • Lives alone with limited community support
  • Requires assistance with medications
  • Issues of health literacy
  • History of mental illness
  • Polypharmacy (taking more than 7 medications)

If you are deemed to have two or more of these qualifiers you may be referred to home care or skilled nursing for observation and assessment, teaching and training, performance of skilled treatment or procedure, physical, speech or occupational therapy, medical social work, or telehealth care management.
High Risk Discharge

  • Lives alone with no community support
  • Lives with family that is not actively involved in care
  • Clinically complex—e.g., multiple co-morbidities, repeat hospitalizations or Emergency Room visits, needs considerable assistance to manage or is unable to manage medical needs
  • History of falls
  • Acute/chronic wound or pressure ulcer
  • Incontinent
  • Cognitive impairment
  • History of mental illness
  • COPD/ Diabetes/ HIV/AIDS
  • End stage condition
  • Requires assistance in transferring, ambulating, medication management or management of oxygen and/or nebulizer

This patient is high risk for rehospitalization and should be referred to home care services ASAP.
Get involved with your discharge planning. You (or your caregiver) can give the discharge planner important information about your daily activities. Tell your discharge planner what you and your caregiver can and can’t do, and make your wishes known. As always, call the JFS NNORC if you need help with accessing services. We can be reached at 514-2023.
 

Aaaah sleep. Nothing is quite as wonderful as drifting off to sleep undisturbed after a full day.
A “Good Night’s Sleep” is right up there on most folks’ wish list right along with world peace, more closet space and winning the lottery. Despite the fact that we supposedly spend one third of our lives in dreamland, lots of us bemoan the fact that we’re not getting nearly enough. Even if you do manage to log in the needed hours according to the clock, quality not simply quantity is also an issue.
Far from being idle during snooze time, your body and mind are doing some very important work. The body needs sleep—enough sound sleep—to function at peak. Besides the obvious fatigue and crankiness that follows a short, fitful night here’s some of the other negative consequences of having poor sleep:

  • Increased risk of depression
  • Greater tendency to weight gain
  • Higher incidence of prostate cancer in men, breast cancer in women
  • Poor memory, impaired creativity
  • Increased production of inflammatory hormones which affect blood vessel walls, and may contribute to developing heart disease
  • Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes

No thanks. Don’t want any of those!
There’s been lots of articles on how to improve sleep. There’s the obvious suggestions about getting enough exercise during the day, allowing yourself transition time in the evening, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine later in the day, even foods which can help ease us off to “Lily White’s Party” (my Mom’s favorite term for bedtime).
But there’s another culprit that seems to be a growing problem. Light at night (LAN)—even in very small doses disrupts that critical internal clock—our circadian rhythm—that naturally regulates the wake/sleep cycle by suppressing the chemical regulator melatonin.
In nature, as daytime light fades, the production of melatonin begins to increase. We yawn, stretch and find that our eyelids are getting heavy, very heavy. Notice I said “in nature.”  Technology has gifted us with new ways of simulating daytime light—high in the “blue” spectrum. We have TV, Computer screens, iPads, even glowing alarm clocks.  Sitting for hours in front of these gadgets tricks the body into delaying melatonin release. It only takes a moment or two of light exposure for melatonin production to drop.
Some other helpful suggestions for promoting sound sleep include:

  • Dim lights and turn off lighted screens about an hour before turning in. Turn down the brightness on your computer screen, and position the device as far away from your eyes as you can.  E-Readers are not backlit, and don’t seem to be a problem.
  • Remove as much ambient light from the bedroom as you can with darkening shades or curtains. Even turn that glowing alarm clock around to the wall. Consider using an eye-mask for sleep.
  • Avoid nightlights or overhead lights once you turn in. One article suggests keeping a flashlight (not LED) at bedside for trips to the WC or to let a pet out.
  • Get enough natural light during the day either outdoors or with full-spectrum bulbs.
  • Try to get to bed by 10:00 pm, so your body can work with, rather than against, melatonin.
  • Get the TV out of the boudoir! Bed is for rest and romance…end of story.

So—Good-night. Sleep tight!

Jerry and Ilene Sykes honored at JFS Annual Celebration

JFS is pleased to announce Jerry and Ilene Sykes as the 2013 Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award recipients. They will be honored at our Annual Celebration on Thursday, June 6th at Shabbos House in Albany.

Please join us in honoring the Sykes for their longtime commitment to our community. This year’s celebration provides the perfect setting for connecting with friends and colleagues, enjoying an array of delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and supporting the vital services JFS provides for individuals and families in the Capital Region.
“We are honored to be receiving the 2013 Anschel Weiss Community Builder Award. We have always received a great deal of personal satisfaction from our community endeavors and it is wonderful to be recognized,” said Jerry and Ilene.
The Sykes owned and operated The Party Warehouse since 1989. During those 24 years, both personally and through their business, they enthusiastically supported many not for profit organizations through out the Capital District.
In addition, Ilene and Jerry served on numerous Boards of Directors. Ilene is President of Hillel at The University of Albany. Among other organizations, she is Past President of The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York (JFNENY).  Jerry is on the Endowment Board of Governors of JFNENY and a board member of the Daughters of Sarah Foundation and Shabbos House. He is Past President of the New York State Museum Institute.
If you would like to attend, please call JFS at 518-482-8856. Tickets can be purchased online beginning in April at  jfsneny.org. Corporate sponsorship packages are available. Call for details.
 

This lunch and lecture will look into the fastest growing religion in the world. Is Islam an Abrahamic faith tradition? What are the origins of Islam? How do Muslims feel about other religions? Why are there so many Mosques? Are men and women equal in the Islamic faith? What is Jihad? Come learn about a religion that is often a topic of conversation in the coffee shop and the news.
Fr. Jim Kane is Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. He is a leader in interfaith dialogue locally and nationally.
Presenter: Father Jim Kane
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Time: 12:00-2:00 pm
Place: B’nai Shalom Synagogue on 420 Whitehall Road, Albany
Fee: $3 for NNORC Members and $5 for non-members
RSVP: 518-514-2023

An increasing number of parents—just like you—are finding their “empty nest” refilled with their adult children. Maybe your college graduate is finding it difficult to survive on his own in this tight economy or your daughter, who has her own family, is recently separated and has moved back home. In combination with caring for your own elderly parents, your family is now emotionally and financially stretched.

This seminar will address the challenges and strategies for dealing with these multi-generational stressors, as well as ideas for making the adjustment more manageable and even rewarding.

Presenter: Dr. Susan Klim, Northeast Psychological Associates
Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Place: The Golub Center, 184 Washington Ave, Ext. Albany
Fee: Free
RSVP: 518-482-8856
Dr. Susan Klim is a licensed Psychologist who has been in private practice in Albany for the past 25 years.  She has treated individuals and families for a wide variety of problems, and also specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity. Dr. Klim has worked in clinical and administrative positions in hospitals and public mental health settings during her career.  She presents on a range of topics in the field of psychology and mental health.

Each New Year, many people make resolutions to create a healthier life. Unfortunately, many times our enthusiasm to make the decision does not seem to carry through to action. Statistics show that by February 1st 25% of our goals have been abandoned, by March 1st 63% have gone by the wayside, and by year’s end 88% of those resolutions are nothing more than a memory!
So when the “spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” what can we do to improve the odds that our behavior will match our intentions?
Making changes in life—big or small—is lots easier when you have a plan. Plans are the road map for change—the better you make them, the more likely you are to reach your destination.
In the six-week “Living Healthy” Program offered through the NNORC starting mid-January 2013, we practice a technique designed to increase the likelihood we’ll be successful at carrying through on our good intentions. Learning to make an Action Plan is a linchpin of the program and an invaluable life skill.
Let’s just say that a goal would be to get more exercise. Pretty common aim. Good…but….what does “getting more exercise” look like exactly? For someone who’s already fit, “more exercise” might be being able to run a marathon. For a person who is sedentary, or has physical limitations, “more exercise” might translate to being able to walk a flight of stairs without getting out of breath.
See where I’m going with this? It’s all about being realistic, choosing something you really want to do, and might actually be able to do. What we aim for needs to be clearly stated in action words, to be measurable, and achievable.
With this in mind, the goal to exercise more should be reworded to: “I will walk four times this week, for 20 minutes each time, right after dinner on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.”

  • My plan is worded in positive terms: “I will.” as opposed to “I’ll try.”
  • It’s action-specific: I’m going to walk.
    It answers the questions: What? -”Walk,” How much? -”for 20 minutes,” When? – “after dinner on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday,” and How often? – “four times this week.”

 One final important step remains.
 Since success breeds success, it’s important that I’m able to carry through on my plan.  To do that I ask myself a final question: “How confident am I that I can complete this plan?” My answer is a self-rating of that confidence on a scale of 0 (no confidence) to 10 (total confidence).
If my rating is a 10, perhaps the plan is too easy.  If I’m only rating a seven or less perhaps I’m aware of barriers that will block my way. I may want to step back, reconsider, and rework my plan.
Take a few minutes to make an action-plan for yourself this week. Remember, Holistic Health means more than eating right, and getting enough exercise and rest. Think of all the things that might enhance your life: making time to spend with good friends, finding ways to express your creativity, or even exploring ways to make your work life more rewarding.  Your life is yours to shape. As the guru of motivation has said:
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins
Want to learn more about the “Living Healthy” Program, or sign up to take the program through the NNORC? Call Judi England, Senior Health Education Coordinator or Pat Gumson, NNORC Nurse at 514-2023.
 
 
 

The Living Healthy series continues this winter. Developed by Stanford University, these award winning sessions include the best information on topics such as exercise, nutrition, stress management, and decision-making all geared towards maximizing your health and well-being.
The winter sessions will be led by the NNORC’s wellness team: Pat Gumson, nurse, and Judi England, Senior Health Education Coordinator. Judi and Pat are very excited about teaching this class together. They guarantee that you will have a very fun learning experience.
Dates: Mondays, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 and 2/25.
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Place: B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation, 420 Whitehall Rd., Albany, NY
RSVP: 518-524-2023 or email
Cost: Free

Last fall’s Patient Empowerment Seriesc at Whitehall Court Apartments and sponsored by the NNORC and StateWide Senior Action Council were a huge success. Approximately twenty NNORC residents came to learn how they can be an active participant in their own health care.  Mike Burgess, former Director of the New York State Office for Aging led the discussions and disseminated valuable information.
The next four week series are underway. Come and learn about your rights under Medicare, and about how to receive the care you deserve.  If you are a Medicare beneficiary, a family member or caregiver, sign up today.  Workshops will cover:

  • Basic Medicare terms
  • How to ask the right questions about your care
  • How to file a complaint if you receive poor quality of care
  • How to appeal a provider issued notice of non-coverage
  • Important Medicare benefits – What you need to know
  • Online resources
  • New York State resources

Dates: Thursdays, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24 and 1/31.
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Place: Holy Wisdom Apartments, 428 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY
RSVP: 518-524-2023 or email
Cost: Free

On a clear autumn day with the brilliance of color as our backdrop and a hint of crispness in wind, the cars started lining up in St. Sophia’s Parking Lot for our first-ever Car Fit Program. This program hosted by the JFS NNORC and sponsored by the Colonie Senior Services Center, offered clinics, in which trained CarFit technicians assessed a driver in their car to ensure that the mirrors, steering wheel, seat, etc. were at the safest and most appropriate position. Twenty-two senior drivers came through the program.
A team of twelve volunteers assessed our drivers by ensuring that the mirrors were at optimum use, the steering wheel the appropriate height and angel, the seat the proper distance from the wheel and the all-important safety belt adjusted to fit snugly and securely.
Here’s what we discovered:

  • 16 folks were over age 80
  • 18 needed mirror adjustments
  • 16 needed seat belt correction
  • 7 were given information on replacing existing cushions to ensure better vision

We are grateful to Roger Dames and his team of volunteers to help our senior drivers navigate the NNORC and beyond safely. If you missed this opportunity to be part of a CarFit day, we will schedule another assessment date in June. 
For additional program offerings of the NNORC, please call 518-514-2023.

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