Steeplechase Retirement Residence Enjoying Life - Enriching Lives - Living Well 12029 County Road 103 Oxford, FL 34484-2951 Phone (352) 259-0493 Fax (352) 259-8762 www.seniorlivinginstyle.com Positive Thought A great leader s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position. John Maxwell World Record Fact: Four-Foot Feline When Stewie the cat wants to recline, make room. When he s fully stretched out, the Maine coon measures 48.5 inches. In October 2010, Stewie set a Guinness World Record for longest domestic cat. Stewie s owner, Robin Hendrickson, resides in Reno, Nev. Bumper Sticker Snicker The road to success is always under construction. Coping With Change Dealing with change can be difficult at any age. To make challenging circumstances easier to bear, the mental health resource website Helpguide.org offers these suggestions: Focus on what you re grateful for. Acknowledge and express your feelings. Accept what you can t change. Look for the upside. Take daily action to deal with life s problems. World Kidney Day On March 8, the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations join to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency of kidney disease. Visit www.worldkidneyday.org for more information. Steeplechase! March 2012 Laugh Lines: Spring Flings March means warmer weather, longer days and... spring! Here are some jokes to celebrate the season s arrival. Q. Why is everyone so tired on April 1? A. Because they just completed a 31-day March. Q. Can February March? A. No, but April May. Four high school boys, suffering from spring fever, decided to skip their morning classes. After lunch, they went to school and told their teacher they had a flat tire. The teacher smiled and said, You missed a quiz, so I need you to go to your seats and take out a piece of paper. The boys complied. There s only one question on the quiz, the teacher said. Which tire was flat?
2 Remember Me? Born Maureen FitzSimons on Aug. 17, 1920, Maureen O Hara was a beautiful red-haired tomboy who yearned for a career in acting. Maureen s practical parents insisted she learn stenography a skill that later served her well on movie sets, as she could quickly transcribe revisions to scripts. Here are some other facts about O Hara: Her first leading role in a film was in Alfred Hitchcock s Jamaica Inn (1939). Her co-star, Charles Laughton, suggested changing FitzSimons surname to the more marquee-friendly O Hara. O Hara appeared in five movies with John Wayne, the most famous being The Quiet Man (1952). The two remained close friends until Wayne s death in 1979. A natural athlete, O Hara performed stunts other actresses wouldn t attempt, from fighting to fencing. More Than Just a Four-Leaf Clover We all know the four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck. But do you know about these other good luck charms? Crickets. In Asia, crickets are considered good luck. If crickets stop chirping, danger is present. It is considered very bad luck to kill a cricket. American Indian tribes believed that imitating a cricket s chirp was disrespectful. Tigers. According to Chinese folklore, tigers are the enemies of evil spirits. Tigers also protect against misfortune such as theft or fire. Clothing for babies and children is often decorated with images of tigers to ward off evil. Chimney sweeps. The English consider chimney sweeps to be good luck. This belief dates to a legend that claims a chimney sweep saved the life of King George when the king s horse panicked. If a bride sees a chimney sweep on her wedding day, she will have good luck! See the Value of Protecting Your Eyes March is Save Your Vision Month, a time to remember the importance of regular eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that seniors age 65 and older have a medical eye exam every one to two years. Regular checkups are a valuable screening tool for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and other conditions. Here are some other ways to protect your precious eyesight: Wear sunglasses. Shades don t just prevent squinting and wrinkles. Wearing sunglasses outdoors year-round helps protect eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration. Make sure your lenses provide 100 percent UV protection. Don a wide-brimmed hat for even more coverage. Care for contacts. If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean and don t wear them for longer than the recommended intervals. Feast for your eyes. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collards contain lutein, which can reduce your risk of macular degeneration. Carrots, berries, oranges, plums and cherries also contain eye-protecting antioxidants.
3 gggggggg gggggg Flower of [March] Botanical name Narcissus... Other name Jonquil... Description Trumpet-shaped blossom surrounded by petals that may be of a contrasting color... Colors Primarily yellow and orange, white... Facts The name of the flower is based on the Greek mythological character Narcissus, known for his vanity. It is the national flower of Wales. How to See the Glass as Half-Full Cultivating an attitude of optimism not only makes you happier, it can also boost your health and relationships. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that heart disease patients who scored high in an optimism survey had the best medical outcomes. A study of dating couples published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology revealed that optimists are less likely to fight with their significant others. Need any more reasons to turn that frown upside down? Research indicates that an optimistic attitude [Daffodil] Meaning Unrequited love, chivalry, respect, modesty, faithfulness improves coping skills and may ward off colds and prevent depression. March is Optimism Month, a perfect time to look at the bright side. MayoClinic.com offers these suggestions: Change what s not working. Identify aspects of your life you feel negatively about and focus on ways to improve them. Monitor your thoughts. If you catch yourself in a negative spiral, reframe your thoughts in a positive way. Laugh. Keeping a sense of humor about yourself defuses tension. Maintain healthy habits. Exercise is a proven mood lifter, and nutritious foods nourish your mind as well as your body. Find positive pals. Negative people can undermine your ability to manage stress in healthy ways. Check your self-talk. Would you think such uncharitable thoughts about a good friend? Treat yourself kindly, too. Wit & Wisdom Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises. Pedro Calderon de la Barca Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe I had to live in the desert before I could understand the full value of grass in a green ditch. Ella Maillart Green is my favorite. And it s my favorite because it s the color of my wife s eyes, grass, trees, life, and money, and Mother Earth. Casper Van Dien For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver. Martin Luther
March 2012 Uh-One, Uh-Two Bandleader Lawrence Welk was born on March 11, 1903. Quilters, Unite! The third Saturday in March is National Quilting Day. Age Is Just a Number March 19 25 is Wellderly Week, which recognizes older adults who never act their age. Handle Hypertension As your age increases, so does your risk for high blood pressure. Finding out you have high blood pressure and working with your doctor to manage it is crucial. Treating the disease can reduce the risk of serious illness, such as stroke and kidney failure. Hall of Fame Pitcher One of baseball s greatest players, Denton True Cy Young, was born March 29, 1867. Exercise Adds Up We ve all heard about the health benefits of getting 30 minutes of exercise at least three days a week. However, you don t have to do it all at once. Just making an effort to put more movement into your day by adding a few minutes here and there can lead to better fitness. Mealtimes: Sunday Monday Tuesday 8:00 a.m...breakfast 12:30 p.m...dinner 5:30 p.m...supper 11:30 Holy Cross Lutheran Church Service (CH) 3:00 Ice Cream Social 11:30 Holy Cross Lutheran Church Service (CH) 3:00 Ice Cream Social 11:30 Holy Cross Lutheran Church Service (CH) 3:00 Ice Cream Social 11:30 Holy Cross Lutheran Church Service (CH) 3:00 Ice Cream Social 4 11 Thanks for Making Your Home With Us! 9:15 Walmart 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 11:00 CVS, Publix & Walgreens 3:30 Wii Bowling 3:30 Dominoes (CR) 9:15 Walmart 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 11:00 CVS, Publix & Walgreens 3:30 Wii Bowling 3:30 Dominoes (CR) 5 12 9:00 Blood Pressure W/PhysioMed 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 10:30 Hand & Foot 11:00 Writing From the Heart 2:00 Performance by Bill Ramp 2:00 Beanbag Baseball 2:00 Pinochle (CR) 9:00 Blood Pressure W/PhysioMed 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 10:30 Hand & Foot 11:00 Writing From the Heart 2:00 Beanbag Baseball 2:00 Pinochle (CR) 18 19 20 9:00 Blood Pressure 9:15 Walmart W/PhysioMed 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 11:00 CVS, Publix & Walgreens 10:30 Hand & Foot 11:00 Writing From the Heart 3:30 Wii Bowling 3:30 Dominoes (CR) 2:00 Beanbag Baseball 2:00 Pinochle (CR) 25 26 27 9:00 Blood Pressure 9:15 Walmart W/PhysioMed 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 9:30 Chair Aerobics W/Sherry 11:00 CVS, Publix & Walgreens 10:30 Hand & Foot 11:00 Writing From the Heart 3:30 Wii Bowling 3:30 Dominoes (CR) 2:00 Beanbag Baseball 2:00 Pinochle (CR) 6 13
Calendar of Events Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 9:00-12:00 Donna Theiss 9:30 Aerobics W/Sherry 2:00 Rummikub 2 9:30 Stretch & Strengthen 11:00 B-I-N-G-O 3 Resident Outing 7 8 9:00-12:00 Donna Theiss 9:00-12:00 Dr. Zimmerman-Podiatrist (Cabana) 9:30 Fun Moves W/Kristen of Home Advantage Healthcare 10:30 Cards W/Barb 2:00 Scrabble 7:00 B-I-N-G-O 9:30 Aerobics W/Sherry 11:30 Resident B-day Party W/ Music by Bob Porrazzo 2:00 Rummikub Resident Outing 14 9:30 Fun Moves W/Kristen of Home Advantage Healthcare 10:30 Cards W/Barb 11:00 Mass W/Father Greg (CH) 2:00 Scrabble (CR) 7:00 B-I-N-G-O Resident Outing - Casino! 21 9:00-12:00 Dr. Zimmerman-Podiatrist (Cabana) 9:15 Stretch & Strenghthen 10:30 Cards W/ Barb 11:00 Mass W/Father Greg (CH) 2:00 Scrabble 3:00-4:00 PhysioMed Chair Massage 7:00 B-I-N-G-O Resident Outing 28 9:30 Fun Moves W/Kristen of Home Advantage Healthcare 10:30 Cards W/Barb 11:00 Mass W/Father Greg (CH) 2:00 Scrabble 3:00-4:00 Health Talk W/PhysioMed - Lumbar Spine Disorders 7:00 B-I-N-G-O 15 9:00-12:00 Donna Theiss 9:30 Aerobics W/Sherry 2:00 Rummikub 9:00-12:00 Donna Theiss 22 9:30 Aerobics W/Sherry 2:00 Music by Bob Porrazzo (Atrium) 2:00 Rummikub 29 9:00-12:00 Donna Theiss 9:30 Aerobics W/Sherry 2:00 Rummikub 9 16 23 30 10 9:30 Stretch & Strengthen 11:00 B-I-N-G-O Happy St. Pat s Day! 17 11:00 B-I-N-G-O 12:30 BJ s Irish Tunes at the Piano 24 9:30 Stretch & Strengthen 11:00 B-I-N-G-O 31 9:30 Stretch & Strengthen 11:00 B-I-N-G-O
6 Joke Time Laugh Lines: Erin Go Ha Q. What s Irish and stays outside all summer? A. Paddy O Furniture. Q. What do you call a fake stone in Ireland? A. A sham rock. Q. Why do frogs like St. Patrick s Day? A. Because they re always wearing green. Q. What does a leprechaun call a happy man wearing green? A. A jolly green giant. Healthy Lifestyle Healthy Choices Put Life in Your Years Do centenarians have a secret to longevity? A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that it s probably just good genes. The survey of 477 individuals age 95 and older revealed that people nearing 100 are as apt to indulge in unhealthy habits as the general population. But before you scarf down that pint of butter pecan ice cream, consider this: Renowned heart surgeon Mehmet Oz, also known as Dr. Oz, says healthy habits do make a difference. While the 90-somethings in the study were gifted with extraordinary DNA, the rest of us can make lifestyle changes to help us thrive in our later years. Dr. Oz shared with Time Magazine his recommendations for living longer and better: Exercise. Aim for at least three 30-minute workouts a week. Get adequate vitamin D. Get 15 minutes of sun exposure every day or take a vitamin D supplement. Eat whole foods. Processing robs foods of vital phytochemicals and micronutrients. Watch your weight. Obesity leads to high blood sugar, high LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. Sleep tight. Sleep increases levels of growth hormone, a longevity booster. Try to log at least seven hours a night. Have a purpose. Loving your life may be the biggest vitality builder of all. Q. Why do people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick s Day? A. Regular rocks are too heavy. Q. What s the most important ingredient in Irish stew? A. A pinch of Gaelic. Share these silly seasonal jokes with family and friends SUDOKU 8 2 7 5 8 2 Solution 2 6 8 9 7 4 5 1 3 1 3 9 8 5 2 7 6 4 7 5 4 3 1 6 2 9 8 4 8 1 2 6 5 3 7 9 5 9 3 1 8 7 6 4 2 6 2 7 4 3 9 8 5 1 9 7 2 6 4 3 1 8 5 3 1 5 7 9 8 4 2 6 8 4 6 5 2 1 9 3 7 7 6 1 4 9 8 5 3 8 6 2 1 2 5 4 6 9 3 8 2 7 5 3
7 Discussions Glenn Miller: Big Sound, Lasting Legacy From the early 1930s through the 1950s, big band music lifted Americans spirits and kept their toes tapping. One of the brightest stars of the big band era was Glenn Miller. Born on March 1, 1904, in Clarinda, Iowa, Miller began playing the trombone in high school. After graduation, he played in a variety of jazz bands, working his way up to leading his own orchestra. Here are a few notes from Miller s musical life: Signature sound. Trying to stand out from the swing band pack, Miller devised a distinctive melodic style that combined the clarinet and tenor saxophone. String of hits. Between 1939 and 1942, the Glenn Miller Orchestra charted numerous top 10 hits. Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood and A String of Pearls were among the most popular. Patriotic performances. In 1942, Miller stunned his fans by disbanding his orchestra and joining the Army. He led the all-star Army Air Force Band, boosting WWII soldiers morale with jumping jazz rhythms. Mysterious disappearance. On Dec. 15, 1944, Miller boarded a Paris-bound flight in London. His plane vanished over the English Channel and was never recovered. Miller s Army Air Force Band continued playing for troops until August 1945. Share the Stories of Your Lives Reading together is a time-honored tradition between grandparents and grandchildren. But what if the stories you read were your very own? Create your own books, and you and your grandchildren can share the stories of your lives. Purchase blank scrapbooks. Chapter by chapter, capture the highlights of your lives: the first home you lived in, games you played with your friends, your first day of school. Interview family members and get quotes about their most memorable moments with you. Illustrate the stories with photos and drawings from the various stages of your lives. You can even create illustrations for each other s books, as well as commentary. Decorate the front and back covers with colorful pictures, stamps and stickers, and don t forget to come up with some catchy titles! Leave some room in the back of the book for your personal stories to continue. When you re finished, you and your grandchild can exchange autographed copies of your books. You might just become each other s favorite author! Talk About It: Creative Crafts Use this discussion topic to reminisce about your past. Talk with your friends about your memories and learn how everyone s experiences were similar or different. March is National Craft Month. Do you like doing crafts? Arts and crafts range from painting to sewing to woodworking. What creative hobbies have you enjoyed over the years? Is there a craft project you undertook that you are particularly proud of? Have you ever attempted a new craft and decided it wasn t the right hobby for you? What craft projects do you enjoy today? Do you ever work on crafts with your grandchildren? Chat with a friend about the crafts you enjoy
March 2012 The Hershey Bar Index Like most supermarket items, the cost of chocolate continues to rise. While the size of the bar might also be growing, see for yourself if the price affects your bottom line (and sweet tooth). Year Size Cost 1908 0.56 oz. 2 cents 1930 2 oz. 5 cents 1955 1 oz. 5 cents 1970 1.38 oz. 10 cents 1980 1.05 oz. 25 cents 1995 1.55 oz. 50 cents 2010 1.55 oz. 95 cents Source: www.foodtimeline.org March 44 B.C.: On the 15th of March, Julius Caesar is stabbed to death. 1794: Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin. 1802: The U.S. Military Academy is established in West Point, N.Y. 1852: Uncle Tom s Cabin is published, causing a stir. 1868: Impeachment trials for President Andrew Johnson commence. 1872: Yellowstone is established as the first national park. 1875: Georges Bizet s famous opera Carmen debuts in Paris. 1888: The Blizzard of 1888, which dumped up to 4 feet of snow in some places, occurs. 1889: The Eiffel Tower opens. 1920: F. Scott Fitzgerald s first novel, This Side of Paradise, is published. 1933: President Franklin Roosevelt delivers the first of many fireside chats designed to relieve growing fears about the Great Depression. 1934: The ever-popular game of Monopoly is released. 1943: The revolutionary musical Oklahoma! debuts on Broadway. 1950: Silly Putty goes on the market. 1957: U.S. Customs officials confiscate 520 copies of Allen Ginsberg s poem Howl. 1962: Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points in a single basketball game. 1963: The infamous prison on Alcatraz Island is closed. 2010: Kathryn Bigelow becomes the first female director to win an Oscar.