New Wellness Series: Tai Chi for Beginners

✓ Want to improve your STRENGTH and

FLEXIBILITY?

✓ Want to improve your BALANCE?

✓ Want an exercise that’s GENTLE and SLOW?

If you said YES to any of these,

then we have the solution for YOU!

NO PAIN, JUST GAINS!

Tai chi is a mind-body practice known for treating or preventing many health problems. And the best part – you can get started even if you aren’t in the best of health or in good shape!

Tai chi is a low impact, slow-motion exercise. You move through a series of motions without pausing. As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention on your bodily sensations. The movements are never forced, the muscles are relaxed, and the joints are not fully extended or bent. Tai chi can even be easily adapted for chairs!

Sept 6, 13 & 27 | 11:00 – 12:00 PM

Hours:

Mon - Fri 9am – 5pm

(803) 888-7525

201 St Andrews Rd

Columbia, SC 29210

LeezasCareConnection.org

Managing Director: Marti Colucci

Email: marti@leezascareconnection.org

Program Director: Kena Dill

Email: kena@leezascareconnection.org

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September 2018

MESSAGE FROM LEEZA

Recognize that the odds are, you will be caring or someone will be caring for you. Now is the time to have conversations about desires, wishes and concerns. It’s the time to get your legal papers in order – medical directives, power of attorney choices, examine your insurance. Learn you family history and bolster your support network. This is a team sport. Remember, there is no caregiver heaven for those who try to do it all themselves!

Ever Forward,

Leeza

IN OUR COMMUNITY: SEPT. 29th THE IRMO OKRA STRUT FESTIVAL Walk or ride on the LCC float in the Okra Strut Parade on Saturday morning at 9am! Later, stop by and say hello at our Leeza’s Care Connection booth! Want to volunteer? Call (803) 888-7525 or email Kena at kena@leezascareconnection.org! Visit www.OkraStrut.com for more information.

LUNCH ‘N LEARN PRESENTATION

Aid & Attendance Pension

• What are VA Aid and Attendance Benefits? • Who is Eligible for AA? • What the Service Requirements for AA? • What are the Disability Requirements for AA? • What are the Income Requirements for AA? • How do I Apply for AA? • What Documents will I need to Apply for AA?

Get the answers to these questions and more! Join us and Edward “Ed” Lundeen, County VA Director to learn all about whether the VA’s Aid and Attendance program can help you or your loved one. Lunch provided.

Wednesday, Sept 12th | 12 – 1:30 PM

LUNCH ‘N LEARN: Medicare Do YOU Have the Right Coverage?

This Medicare seminar will help you understand the differences between Original and Medicare Advantage. We’ll also learn about other types of Medicare coverage, including special needs plans and Part D. Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period runs from 10/15 – 12/7, so now’s the time to get educated! Wednesday, Sept 19th | 12 – 1:30

PM

Fall into Wellness!

OUR MISSION is to help families cope with chronic illness through tips, strategies, and support.

DID YOU KNOW?

HEALTHY CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE

This savory casserole will get you in the fall spirit and have you forgetting how healthy this dish really is! Packed with healthy ingredients, this recipe is full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants.

Brussel sprouts are high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins essential for good bone (vitamin K) and immune health (vitamin C). Sweet potatoes contain

beta-carotene for our vision, have anti-inflammatory nutrients, vitamins C & D, iron, potassium and help regulate our blood sugar levels. Cranberries are also high in antioxidants, vitamins C, A and K. Almonds are great for brain, bone and immune health, regulating blood pressure and cholesterol, and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Page 1

HEALTHY BRAIN TIP: Continue your education!

THE TASK: Learn new concepts and skills.

Research a topic you were always interested in or

take a class to expose you to something new!

THE REASON: Learning something new causes the brain to build connections between neurons, replacing those lost over time. This helps our short-term and long-term memory, improves our attention to detail, and even helps our math skills!

Page 2

BRAIN CHALLENGE:

I have forests but no trees. I have lakes but not water. I have roads but no cars.

What am I?

Answer on bottom of page 5

Answer on bottom of page 5

Chicken Casserole Ingredients:

✓ 2 c. wild rice, cooked according to ✓ package instructions ✓ 2 tbsp. olive oil ✓ 1/2 onion, chopped ✓ 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and ✓ cut into small cubes ✓ 1 lb. brussels sprouts, trimmed and

quartered ✓ 1 tsp. dried thyme

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9X13 baking dish. 2. First, make chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken all over

with salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest for 10 minutes, then cut each breast into bite sized pieces.

3. In a large high sided skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, sweet potato and brussels sprouts. Season with thyme, paprika, salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cover for an additional 5 minutes.

4. Mix in prepared rice, prepared chicken and cranberries. Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with sliced almonds, and bake 20 minutes.

5. Let cool 5 minutes and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Delish.com

✓ 1/2 tsp. paprika ✓ kosher salt ✓ Freshly ground black

pepper ✓ 1/4 c. chicken broth ✓ 2 lb. boneless, skinless

chicken breast ✓ 1/2 c. dried cranberries ✓ 1/2 c. sliced almonds

MODIFYING OUR THOUGHTS SERIES

Frustration is a normal and valid emotional response to caregiving challenges. Modifying your thoughts is one way to help reduce frustration. How you think often affects how you feel. If you analyze your response to a frustrating situation, you will usually find some form of negative thinking that actually increases your frustration, preventing you from looking at your situation objectively, or finding a better way to deal with it.

Familiarizing yourself with the unhelpful thought pattern and the adaptive responses can help you better control your frustration.

“Should Statements” You try to motivate yourself using statements such as “I should call Mother more often” or “I shouldnʼt go to a movie because Mom might need me.” What you think you “should” do is in conflict with what you want to do. You end up feeling guilty, depressed, or frustrated. Adaptive response: “I would like to go to a movie. Itʼs okay for me to take a break from caregiving and enjoy myself. I will ask a friend or neighbor to check in on Mom.”

Source: Family Caregiver Alliance

Learn more about changing unhealthy thought patterns in our October issue!

PICTURE THIS…

These line dancers are having a blast burning off calories and stress while

learning the Cupid Shuffle dance! Thanks to Johnsie Douglas for filling in last

month!

Getting prepared for a fun morning of

drumming to release stress! Join our

drumming circle to melt the stress away!

Thanks to Dr. Macie Smith and WACH Fox hosts Cynthia Hardy

and Brian McConchie for highlighting our Music for Memories

program on OnPoint!

These crafty ladies have a great time dishing about their latest on

goings while working on projects during Ladies

Morning Out.

Page 3

We appreciate Palmetto Health,

Walmart Vision, and Carolina Speech &

Hearing for offering free health

screenings to our community!

CAREGIVER Meet Viola! Viola cares for her husband who lives with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. After years of asking for a new car, Viola finally gave up her car dream and was content in having the car that continued to get her from point A to B. Then one day, without notice and much to Viola’s surprise, her husband declared, “I’m getting you a new car!” Hesitant to spend any money on herself, she wasn’t sure that was a good idea. But after much thought, Viola concluded there may never be another opportunity to get the Cadillac of her dreams, giving new meaning to the term “joy ride”! Welldeserved, Viola!!

One of our favorite drummer girls, Ms.

Phyllis, always knows how to have a good time

drumming!

Follow us!

THIS MONTH’S EDUCATION & SPECIAL PROGRAMS

September 6th, 13th, & 27th from 11:30 – 12:00 pm, SPECIAL WELLNESS SERIES: Beginner Tai Chi

Tai chi is a mind-body practice known for treating or preventing many health problems. And the best part is you

can get started even if you aren’t in the best of health or in good shape! Tai chi is a low impact, slow-motion

exercise. As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention on your bodily sensations. The

movements are never forced, the muscles are relaxed, and the joints are not fully extended or bent. Tai chi can

even be easily adapted for chairs!

September 10th from 1:00 – 2:30 pm, VIDEO VIEWING: The Senior Gems - Your Guide to Supporting

Family Members with Dementia featuring Teepa Snow

Learn about the Senior Gems that Teepa Snow often refers to in our other videos. This family-centered video

provides an overview of the impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as techniques that make a difference.

September 12th from 12:00 – 1:30 pm, LUNCH ‘N LEARN: VA Aid & Attendance Benefits

Find out if the VA’s Aid and Attendance pension program could benefit you or your loved one when County VA

Director Edward “Ed” Lundeen, joins us for this discussion. We’ll learn who is eligible for these pension services,

what service and disability requirements are necessary, and what you should know about the application process.

September 17th from 11:00 – 3:00 pm, FREE COGNITIVE SCREENINGS

Every wonder, “Is my forgetfulness part of normal aging or is it more?” Johnsie Douglas, MEd, LPC will be on hand

to administer the Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS), a widely used and brief oral/written

screening tool only, given to assist in determining a dementia diagnosis or provide a baseline of cognitive levels for

your doctor. The exam will take about 15 min. plus 5 min. to review results. You will be given a copy of the results.

RSVP at 803-888-7525 or email: kena@leezascareconnection.org

September 19th from 12:00 – 1:30 pm, LUNCH ‘N LEARN: Medicare. Do YOU Have the Right Coverage?

This Medicare seminar will help you understand the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare

Advantage. We’ll also learn about other types of Medicare coverage, including special needs plans and Part D. The

Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period which runs from October 15 to December

7, is almost here so now’s the time to get educated on Medicare!

September 21st from 11:00 – 12:00 pm, HOW TO MAKE YOUR SMARTPHONE WORK FOR YOU Staying connected is important. But do you ever feel like your smartphone is TOO smart? Would you like to learn how to use your phone to receive emails or how to take and edit photos on your smartphone? Maybe you would like to video chat with a long distance relative or grandkid or learn how to use GPS mapping to help you get around town easier. Bring your questions and we’ll help you learn how to get the most out of your phone!

September 24th from 11:00 – 12:00 pm, FOCUS ON FOOD FOR PREVENTION AND HEALTHY LONGEVITY

This mystery food dates back thousands of years. It’s considered miraculous, because it is a Prebiotic and used as

food by the Probiotics that live in your intestine. Probiotics are natural beneficial bacteria that depend on

Prebiotics for growth and survival. It’s known to control blood pressure, reduce levels of LDL (BAD) cholesterol,

and enhance your immunity. When sprouted, it has nearly twice as much antioxidant activity. This food does not

need water to activate its sprouting but is able to sprout on its own. Do you think you know what this food is?

Join Certified Fitness Trainer and healthy food promoter Stephanie DiMaggio to discuss this wonder food.

September 26th from 12:00 – 1:30 pm, LUNCH ‘N LEARN: Challenging Behaviors with Dementia

Managing unpredictable and problematic behaviors can be frustrating and stress invoking for those caring for

someone living with dementia. It can be hard to remember that as caregivers, how we respond to the situation

can make all the difference. Join us and learn how to disrupt the disruptive behaviors!

We want to hear from you! Have suggestions? Please let us know!

Page 4

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

~ Thanks to the Michael J. Mungo Foundation for giving life to our mission and for continual faith in our dream! ~ Thanks to our monthly Keeping Us Beautiful sponsor – The Cleaning Fairy ~ Thanks to our monthly lunch providers. We appreciate your support!

SUPPORT GROUPS

Caregiver Support Groups You are not alone! Connecting with other caregivers, sharing, venting, learning from each other and our facilitators help you

gain an understanding that you are not alone. Each of our groups below meet twice a month.

Evening group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm – 7:15pm

Daytime group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 1:00pm – 2:15pm

Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group – Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 11:30am–1:00pm

This is a group for caregivers who are caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease.

Caregiver Support Group for Early Stages of Dementia – Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 11:30am–1:00pm.

This is a group for caregivers and families adjusting to a new diagnosis of some form of dementia. It focuses on what you

need to know, plan and do in order to live the best life possible in the midst of this chronic illness.

Grief Support Group – Meets the 2nd & 4th Monday from 1:00 – 2:15pm

Connect with others who have experienced loss and challenges that living with grief brings.

Keeping the Faith – Meets the 1st & 3rd Thursday from 1:00 – 2:15pm

This is a non-denominational support group aimed to connect you with other caregivers throughout their spiritual journey

and help you learn God’s truth about yourself.

Breathe Easier Club – Meets the 1st Wednesday from 11:30 – 1:00pm

This group is for lung cancer survivors and their families. RSVP by calling 803-777-9736.

Art of Coping with Loss – Meets 4th Thursday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Dr. Delores Gulledge will teach us to use art as medicine when dealing with loss and grief. No experience required.

WELLNESS AND ENERGY PROGRAMS

Ladies Morning Out! – Meets every Wednesday from 10:00am – 11:30am Ever feel like you just don’t get a chance to connect with other women who get what it’s like to be a caregiver? Well, not

anymore! Join us on Wednesdays for a social time with the ladies filled with laughter and friendship! Coffee and snacks

provided. Feel free to bring any projects or just bring yourself!

Men’s Coffee Club– Meets the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 9:30am Connect with other caregivers who have walked the caregiving path over coffee and breakfast.

Healing Rhythms: Drumming Circle of FUN! – Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Cyndi Boot will lead us in the circle of drumming and experience its calming and energizing effects. Group drumming has

been shown to help lower stress, enhance the immune system, and it's FUN!

Beginner Line Dancing – Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Have fun and relieve stress by learning basic line dancing routines! No experience needed!

SharpFit Brains – Meets the 4th Tuesday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Did you know your brain has the incredible ability to reshape itself, to adapt and change IF you are willing to stretch it?

This is known as NeuroPLASTICity! You don’t have to sign up for a gym. You don’t need a hypnotist. You just need the

desire to maintain your brain health and 10 minutes a day exercising your brain! Senior Expert Marsha Clayman will teach

us everything we need to know about maintaining the brain while having a little fun!

Page 5 Brain Teaser Answer: a map

CAUGHMAN-HARMAN

and

DUNBAR FUNERAL HOME