sept. 07 senior viewpoint
TRANSCRIPT
2 • importantinformation
2 • programincome
3 • health andnutrition
4 • profile
September HighlightsSeptember 3 – Labor DaySeptember 11 – Patriot DaySeptember 23 – First day of Autumn
Birthstone – SapphireFlower – Morning Glory
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com4
contents
1
september 2007
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com
Senior CenterLocations
Buford2755 Sawnee AvenueBuford, GA 30518
(770) 614-2527
LawrencevilleRhodes-Jordan Park225 Benson Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30045(770) 822-5180
Norcross5030 Georgia Belle Court
Norcross, GA 30093(770) 638-5683
senior services staff
Human Services ManagerLinda Bailey
Center Operations CoordinatorTim Morris
In-Home Services CoordinatorKathy Roberts, RN
Nutrition Services CoordinatorPat Milhous, RD
Health Services CoordinatorArlene Williams, RN
Social Services CoordinatorDiane Evans
Meals On Wheels CoordinatorMarilynn Sessions
Volunteer Services CoordinatorGary Galloway
the senior viewpoint
The Senior Viewpoint is the monthly publication of Gwinnett County Senior Services. For newsletter questions and comments, call (770) 822-8837.
Profile: Mill Creek High School
The “M.C.” embroidered on these young men’s shirts isn’t just an acronym for Mill Creek High School. It goes a step further and stands for “Men of Character.” That’s the motto for the players of the Mill Creek High School football team.
They meet everyday before practice in regular clothes; no uniforms are allowed. They do this because the next fifteen minutes are not about football, but about building character. Head Coach Shannon Jarvis conducts the Leadership Academy program and it’s here that these young men learn that there is more to life than playing football - you need to have character and to appreciate life itself. “It’s about reaching out to other folks and making a difference,” says Jarvis.
Last summer 62 players from the Mill Creek High School football team volunteered for Gwinnett County and realized just that. This year, almost 200 “Helping Hawks” athletes plus coaches and parents helped to landscape yards of 17 senior clients throughout Gwinnett County! One player noted, “We were able to exchange stories with the seniors, sharing a part of history. Lessons that you want to know.”
T h e t e a m w a s a s s ig n e d t o accountability groups and formulated game plans to handle the anticipated chores. Coach Jarvis expresses, “We learned last year that the players got more out of their service than they put into it. They got character.”
It has been a long, hot summer and we realize that many of you have been uncomfortable at times. The good news is that most of you have held up pretty well to this point. It was no accident that we have concentrated on providing advice for the past three months so that you could take precautions and “beat the heat”.
We are also pleased that volunteers have been able to help correct some cooling problems and take care of some of the heat-intensive yard work that would have otherwise been difficult or even impossible. These dedicated people are willing to help with a variety of projects, so we encourage you take advantage of their desire to make your daily routine a bit easier.
Some of you have been lucky enough to have nursing students from the Georgia Baptist/Mercer University, North Georgia College, or West Georgia University programs visit to ask how you are doing and feeling. We would love to be able to expand this program. We will be focusing on a variety of new health and well being initiatives for our seniors at home.
For example, the Lions Club is going to conduct a vision clinic at the Lawrenceville Senior Center in early October. We are hoping to offer quarterly vision screening clinics so that our seniors at home will be able to be transported by caregivers, examined, and possibly offered needed eyeglasses.
Remember, good v is ion helps to prevent accidents and falls in the home, so we are looking out for you.
These pilot programs are focusing on health and safety. As is the case with our home repair program, only seniors who are registered with Gwinnett Senior Services will be eligible at this time. If you are interested in finding out more or serving as a healthcare-providing volunteer, please contact us at (770) 822-8837.
We also hope to be able to get to the point where we can address dental or denture issues for our senior clients in the near future.
Health and Well Being - We Mean Business!
75 Langley DriveLawrenceville, GA 30045
tel (770) 822-8850fax (770) 822-8885
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com
Reaching Out to Touch Lives
The coaching never stops and neither does the life lesson learning process
Players and coaches work together to develop trust and accountability
“We learned last year that the players got more out of their service than they put into it. They got character.”
Coach Shannon Jarvis
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com senior services (678) 377-415032
First Call for Help, United Way Dial 2-1-1DFCS – 446 W. Crogan Street (678) 518-5500Adult Protective Services (404) 657-5250Medicare – Social Security www.ssa.gov 1 (800) 772-1213
Health Departments: Lawrenceville (770) 963-6136 Buford (770) 614-2401 Norcross (770) 638-5700GeorgiaCares (Health Insurance Information) (404) 463-3350
Voter Registration (770) 822-8787Senior Auto Emissions Waiver (770) 822-8818Senior Elder Abuse (404) 657-5250Senior Information and Referral (678) 377-4150Georgia Senior Legal Hotline (404) 657-9915Gwinnett County Library (770) 978-5154Gwinnett County Extension Service (678) 377-4010Gwinnett Council for Seniors (770) 822-5147Elder Care Locator 1 (800) 677-1116
Area seniors or caregivers are always encouraged to contact Gwinnett County Senior Services, either by using the Internet or calling on the phone. The website address is www.gwinnettseniorservices.com. To contact via e-mail write to [email protected]. The contact numbers are as follows:
For services you or someone else might needSenior Information Helpline (678) 377-4150Homemaking Services (678) 377-4150Meals on Wheels (678) 377-4150Senior Transportation (678) 377-4150
If you want to helpDonations (770) 822-8775Volunteering (770) 822-8837
Program Income
Congregate $1323.90
Home Delivered Meals $ 75.00
In-Home Services $ 275.00
Transportation $1885.82
The mission of Gwinnett County Senior Services is to provide our citizens with a range of collaborative services structured to enhance the quality of their lives, maintain their independence, and prevent premature institutionalization.
Seven Health Habits of Headache Sufferers
This year the National Headache Foundation is focusing attention on the Seven Healthy Habits of Headache Sufferers in an effort to provide practical advice to those affected by headaches.
1. Diet - eat regular meals, avoiding foods and drinks that are known to trigger headache attacks.
2. Sleep - maintain a regular sleeping schedule, including weekends and vacations.
3. Stress - implement stress reduction techniques into your daily life.
4. Education - regularly visit www.headaches.org website to stay apprised of the latest treatment options and headache news.
5. Headache Diary - keep a diary of when your headaches occur, along with any triggers, and share the information with your healthcare provider.
6. See Your Healthcare Provider - make an appointment with your healthcare provider to specifically discuss your headache.
7. Be a Partner in Your Headache Care - be informed, be a participant in your treatment, and be an advocate for your headache care.
For more information, visit: www.headaches.org
Submitted by Arlene Williams, RN
Important Information
Vision Screening
The Lawrenceville Lions Club is going to conduct a vision screening clinic for seniors at the Lawrenceville Senior Center on Friday, October 5 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The Lions Club is dedicated to perserving or correcting sight. They want seniors to be able to read their mail and see where they are going. Poor vision is a leading cause of household accidents and falls, so the better you can see, the less likely you are to suffer injury from tripping or falling.
As part of the Great Days of Service project, a speaker will discuss what you can do to protect or enhance your eyesight. Participants are encouraged to donate any old eyeglasses so that the Lions Club can recondtion and distribute them to those in need.
Hefty at 70?An ounce of prevention now is always better than a pound of cure later. Likewise, according to a new study, adults who control their weight before age 70 are likely to avoid some serious health issues in the years to come. At age 70, the body naturally gains some fat while losing muscle mass. The result is a greater risk for weight-related ailments including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Diet and excercise still prove to be the most effective methods of keeping your weight in check.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2007
Eat More Whole Grains
All grains (wheat, rice, corn and oats) help form the foundation of a nutritious diet, but whole grains have distinct health advantages over ref ined products.
Whole grains provide fiber. Insoluble fiber, found in wheat, corn and rice, helps move waste through the intestines to keep us regular, and helps head off more serious conditions such as diverticulosis.Soluble fiber, found in oats and barley, helps to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar.
Whole grains also contribute lignans, flavonoids, and saponins plus vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and more. Together, they may play key roles in reducing the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. We still don’t know exactly how, but eating whole grains is clearly linked to good health.
Here at Gwinnett Senior Services, a minimum of one serving of whole grains is offered daily as a healthy snack for both senior center and home-delivered meal clients. Choices include: whole grain Cheerios, whole grain Raisin Bran, whole grain Total, whole grain Mighty Bites and oatmeal. Enjoy these carefully selected items to help you stay as healthy as possible!
Adapted from: “Eat More Whole Grains” handout, provided by the Atlanta Regional Commission, August 2007
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com senior services (678) 377-415032
First Call for Help, United Way Dial 2-1-1DFCS – 446 W. Crogan Street (678) 518-5500Adult Protective Services (404) 657-5250Medicare – Social Security www.ssa.gov 1 (800) 772-1213
Health Departments: Lawrenceville (770) 963-6136 Buford (770) 614-2401 Norcross (770) 638-5700GeorgiaCares (Health Insurance Information) (404) 463-3350
Voter Registration (770) 822-8787Senior Auto Emissions Waiver (770) 822-8818Senior Elder Abuse (404) 657-5250Senior Information and Referral (678) 377-4150Georgia Senior Legal Hotline (404) 657-9915Gwinnett County Library (770) 978-5154Gwinnett County Extension Service (678) 377-4010Gwinnett Council for Seniors (770) 822-5147Elder Care Locator 1 (800) 677-1116
Area seniors or caregivers are always encouraged to contact Gwinnett County Senior Services, either by using the Internet or calling on the phone. The website address is www.gwinnettseniorservices.com. To contact via e-mail write to [email protected]. The contact numbers are as follows:
For services you or someone else might needSenior Information Helpline (678) 377-4150Homemaking Services (678) 377-4150Meals on Wheels (678) 377-4150Senior Transportation (678) 377-4150
If you want to helpDonations (770) 822-8775Volunteering (770) 822-8837
Program Income
Congregate $1323.90
Home Delivered Meals $ 75.00
In-Home Services $ 275.00
Transportation $1885.82
The mission of Gwinnett County Senior Services is to provide our citizens with a range of collaborative services structured to enhance the quality of their lives, maintain their independence, and prevent premature institutionalization.
Seven Health Habits of Headache Sufferers
This year the National Headache Foundation is focusing attention on the Seven Healthy Habits of Headache Sufferers in an effort to provide practical advice to those affected by headaches.
1. Diet - eat regular meals, avoiding foods and drinks that are known to trigger headache attacks.
2. Sleep - maintain a regular sleeping schedule, including weekends and vacations.
3. Stress - implement stress reduction techniques into your daily life.
4. Education - regularly visit www.headaches.org website to stay apprised of the latest treatment options and headache news.
5. Headache Diary - keep a diary of when your headaches occur, along with any triggers, and share the information with your healthcare provider.
6. See Your Healthcare Provider - make an appointment with your healthcare provider to specifically discuss your headache.
7. Be a Partner in Your Headache Care - be informed, be a participant in your treatment, and be an advocate for your headache care.
For more information, visit: www.headaches.org
Submitted by Arlene Williams, RN
Important Information
Vision Screening
The Lawrenceville Lions Club is going to conduct a vision screening clinic for seniors at the Lawrenceville Senior Center on Friday, October 5 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The Lions Club is dedicated to perserving or correcting sight. They want seniors to be able to read their mail and see where they are going. Poor vision is a leading cause of household accidents and falls, so the better you can see, the less likely you are to suffer injury from tripping or falling.
As part of the Great Days of Service project, a speaker will discuss what you can do to protect or enhance your eyesight. Participants are encouraged to donate any old eyeglasses so that the Lions Club can recondtion and distribute them to those in need.
Hefty at 70?An ounce of prevention now is always better than a pound of cure later. Likewise, according to a new study, adults who control their weight before age 70 are likely to avoid some serious health issues in the years to come. At age 70, the body naturally gains some fat while losing muscle mass. The result is a greater risk for weight-related ailments including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Diet and excercise still prove to be the most effective methods of keeping your weight in check.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2007
Eat More Whole Grains
All grains (wheat, rice, corn and oats) help form the foundation of a nutritious diet, but whole grains have distinct health advantages over ref ined products.
Whole grains provide fiber. Insoluble fiber, found in wheat, corn and rice, helps move waste through the intestines to keep us regular, and helps head off more serious conditions such as diverticulosis.Soluble fiber, found in oats and barley, helps to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar.
Whole grains also contribute lignans, flavonoids, and saponins plus vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and more. Together, they may play key roles in reducing the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. We still don’t know exactly how, but eating whole grains is clearly linked to good health.
Here at Gwinnett Senior Services, a minimum of one serving of whole grains is offered daily as a healthy snack for both senior center and home-delivered meal clients. Choices include: whole grain Cheerios, whole grain Raisin Bran, whole grain Total, whole grain Mighty Bites and oatmeal. Enjoy these carefully selected items to help you stay as healthy as possible!
Adapted from: “Eat More Whole Grains” handout, provided by the Atlanta Regional Commission, August 2007
2 • importantinformation
2 • programincome
3 • health andnutrition
4 • profile
September HighlightsSeptember 3 – Labor DaySeptember 11 – Patriot DaySeptember 23 – First day of Autumn
Birthstone – SapphireFlower – Morning Glory
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com4
contents
1
september 2007
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com
Senior CenterLocations
Buford2755 Sawnee AvenueBuford, GA 30518
(770) 614-2527
LawrencevilleRhodes-Jordan Park225 Benson Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30045(770) 822-5180
Norcross5030 Georgia Belle Court
Norcross, GA 30093(770) 638-5683
senior services staff
Human Services ManagerLinda Bailey
Center Operations CoordinatorTim Morris
In-Home Services CoordinatorKathy Roberts, RN
Nutrition Services CoordinatorPat Milhous, RD
Health Services CoordinatorArlene Williams, RN
Social Services CoordinatorDiane Evans
Meals On Wheels CoordinatorMarilynn Sessions
Volunteer Services CoordinatorGary Galloway
the senior viewpoint
The Senior Viewpoint is the monthly publication of Gwinnett County Senior Services. For newsletter questions and comments, call (770) 822-8837.
Profile: Mill Creek High School
The “M.C.” embroidered on these young men’s shirts isn’t just an acronym for Mill Creek High School. It goes a step further and stands for “Men of Character.” That’s the motto for the players of the Mill Creek High School football team.
They meet everyday before practice in regular clothes; no uniforms are allowed. They do this because the next fifteen minutes are not about football, but about building character. Head Coach Shannon Jarvis conducts the Leadership Academy program and it’s here that these young men learn that there is more to life than playing football - you need to have character and to appreciate life itself. “It’s about reaching out to other folks and making a difference,” says Jarvis.
Last summer 62 players from the Mill Creek High School football team volunteered for Gwinnett County and realized just that. This year, almost 200 “Helping Hawks” athletes plus coaches and parents helped to landscape yards of 17 senior clients throughout Gwinnett County! One player noted, “We were able to exchange stories with the seniors, sharing a part of history. Lessons that you want to know.”
T h e t e a m w a s a s s ig n e d t o accountability groups and formulated game plans to handle the anticipated chores. Coach Jarvis expresses, “We learned last year that the players got more out of their service than they put into it. They got character.”
It has been a long, hot summer and we realize that many of you have been uncomfortable at times. The good news is that most of you have held up pretty well to this point. It was no accident that we have concentrated on providing advice for the past three months so that you could take precautions and “beat the heat”.
We are also pleased that volunteers have been able to help correct some cooling problems and take care of some of the heat-intensive yard work that would have otherwise been difficult or even impossible. These dedicated people are willing to help with a variety of projects, so we encourage you take advantage of their desire to make your daily routine a bit easier.
Some of you have been lucky enough to have nursing students from the Georgia Baptist/Mercer University, North Georgia College, or West Georgia University programs visit to ask how you are doing and feeling. We would love to be able to expand this program. We will be focusing on a variety of new health and well being initiatives for our seniors at home.
For example, the Lions Club is going to conduct a vision clinic at the Lawrenceville Senior Center in early October. We are hoping to offer quarterly vision screening clinics so that our seniors at home will be able to be transported by caregivers, examined, and possibly offered needed eyeglasses.
Remember, good v is ion helps to prevent accidents and falls in the home, so we are looking out for you.
These pilot programs are focusing on health and safety. As is the case with our home repair program, only seniors who are registered with Gwinnett Senior Services will be eligible at this time. If you are interested in finding out more or serving as a healthcare-providing volunteer, please contact us at (770) 822-8837.
We also hope to be able to get to the point where we can address dental or denture issues for our senior clients in the near future.
Health and Well Being - We Mean Business!
75 Langley DriveLawrenceville, GA 30045
tel (770) 822-8850fax (770) 822-8885
www.gwinnettseniorservices.com
Reaching Out to Touch Lives
The coaching never stops and neither does the life lesson learning process
Players and coaches work together to develop trust and accountability
“We learned last year that the players got more out of their service than they put into it. They got character.”
Coach Shannon Jarvis