Bits from Tara: May 7, 2013

May is National Older Americans Month. 

     The 38^th Annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging is scheduled for May 21-23, 2013, in the Embassy Suites, Norman Hotel & Conference Center.  Tuesday, May 21 is Senior Day and is Free to Oklahomans aged 60 and older.

                Contact okagingconference.com for more information

Parish Nurse’s Corner:

On Sun. May 5, Older Adult Week begins.  Research shows that the loss of brain function thought to be a normal part of aging may be avoided.  Dr. Gary Kennedy of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center says “you can improve your brain health by getting regular mental stimulation, social interaction and physical activity”.  And your “gut” instincts remain sharp as you age too--in one study older adults fared as well as those under 30 on intuitive decisions.

 

Joanne M. Flanders, MS, RN

Parish Nurse

 

Caregiver Respite/ Grandparent Raising Grandchildren

Support groups are available for many needs including Mental Illness.  Mental illness is an illness and not a weakness. It should be treated just as an illness.

         Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Southwest

        Lawton group meeting meets each Monday, 7-8 p.m. at the Lawton

          Public Library located at 110 SW 4^th Street, Lawton.  This is free and

          everyone is invited - those dealing with mental health issues, family and

          friends or those wanting to know more about mental health issues.  Call

          John Windham at 580-483-4942 or visit www.dbsa-swok.org for more

          information.

 

Nutrition

Use herbs and spices in place of salt to help reduce the amount of sodium intake daily.  Add Rosemary to meat dishes and baked potatoes to enhance flavor; Chives are a good source of vitamin A, potassium and calcium and have a mild onion flavor – use in salads, soups, sandwiches and as a garnish – chives also may be used to flavor butter or cream cheese (mix and set for 1 hour before eating).  Try mixing dried herbs together to create a rub for roasts and chicken.