As Time Goes By (by Juanita Childers)

When I was a teenager I thought thirty was old
Then when I was thirty, it's the fifties I was told
When I was fifty I really didn't care
Just fifteen more years until Medicare

Senior citizens discounts all over the place
It surely put a big smile on my face
A nickel here, a dime there
It helps pay the premium for my Medicare

I've gone through so many stages in my life
Most were happy a few filled with strife
Now that I'm close to the end
I thank my God for the places I've been

I've lived in many places all filled with love
I've had so many blessings from my God up above
I'm now being blessed with much more love
From the new friends I have here at Laurel Grove

I now know how short life really is
But I've been given a stroke of good luck
As I volunteer my free time
And April gives me auction bucks.

~Juanita Childers
Resident, Laurel Grove
2007

September Agenda

Staying Fit: 5 Ways to Stay Trim Right Here in Your Home!

In college it’s called the “Freshman 15.” You know –those 15 pounds you gain from living in a college dorm and participating in all those activities that revolve around food. (Doesn’t everything revolve around food?)

<-----Ellie Peters uses the Nu Step in the activity center to stay active.

Well, we may not live in a college dorm, but we sure party like we do. Chocolate festivals, happy hours, and ice-cream socials keep us going (and growing.) And Chef David doesn’t help with all those tempting deserts! If you are like many of us at Laurel Grove you may have gained the “Resident 15.” But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to keep the pounds off and still enjoy all this good food!

Here Are Five Ways You Can Stay Fit –Without Working too Hard at it!

1) Take the Stairs!

Nina Buchanan, Director of Health Resources encourages the Holiday staff and residents to look for "health opportunities" during day-to-day activities. Taking the stairs is one of them! According to Nina; taking the stairs burns TEN TIMES more calories than taking the elevator. Stair climbing requires about 8-10 kcal (kilocalories) of energy per minute. Just 2 flights of stairs climbed per day can lead to a 5.94 weight loss in a year!

2) Use the Nu Step Machine

There are two Nu Step machines in the activity center. They are available 24 hours a day. While it’s a great workout for your lets, many residents actually find it relaxing. “I can sit in the chair and read. I also use it as meditation time.” says Gloria Serrechia.

3) Walk

There is a paved walkway around the entire facility. One time around is about a quarter mile. If you walk twice in the morning and twice at night after dinner, you will have walked a mile in one day! But you don’t have to go outside to walk. Many residents find that walking up and down the long hallways is enough. Soak in some culture and check out the nice art work on the walls while you walk.

4) Play Volley Balloon

“I love Volley Balloon because it’s so much fun, it doesn’t even feel like exercise!” says Lee Langhorne. Our Volley Balloon team, the Lucky Laurels meets twice a week: Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:00pm in the Atrium. Volley Balloon improves hand and eye coordination as well because it requires your full attention. It also has another health benefit that many don’t even consider when playing; laughter. “Laughing is good for you. I’ve never heard so many residents laugh and have a good time as much as they do when they play Volley Balloon.” Says April, resident enrichment coordinator.

5) Take a Fitness Class

Fitness classes are offered every day Monday through Friday. Taking only 30 minutes out of your day to do group exercise will greatly improve your muscle strength, endurance, and even lift your mood. April recommends working out at least 3 times a week.