To remember and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country…this is the meaning of Memorial Day. Without their bravery and true heroism, we would not have the freedoms we do. And it is our responsibility as Americans to remember and honor them each and every day, especially today.
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day was initially known as Decoration Day and honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a historic speech while 5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington Cemetery. It was after World War I when the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. In December of 2000, a resolution was passed that asks all Americans to pause at 3PM local time for a moment of silence.
The Story of the Poppy
The poppy became a powerful symbol of remembrance thanks to a famous poem written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. McCrae was a Canadian who served as a brigade surgeon for an Allied artillery unit. He was inspired when he saw the bright red flowers blooming on broken ground; and so he wrote a poem from the point of view of the fallen soldiers buried underneath them.
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Soak Up the Sun…Safely
Summer is just around the corner, which mean barbeques, swimming, and SUN! And while most of us enjoy getting outside and soaking up a little Vitamin D, it is important to remember to be safe when heading outside into the sun. Per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and unprotected UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.
With that being said, it is important to follow these three steps to protect your skin:
Seek shade: Remember, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10AM and 2PM
Wear sun-protective clothing: Sunglasses and hats are key!
Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30
Signs of Skin Cancer
Finding skin cancer early, before it has spread, makes it much easier to treat. If you know what to look for, you can often spot warning signs early on. Doctors recommend checking your own skin about once a month using a full-length mirror in a well-lit room. You can also use a hand mirror to check areas that are harder to see.
Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, while basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common but are usually very treatable. The American Cancer Society’s website discusses these types of skin cancers and what to look out for.
Melanoma
Use the “ABCDE” rule to look for some of the common signs of melanoma:
Asymmetry – one part of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other
Border – the edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
Color – the color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue
Diameter – the spot is larger than ¼ inch across (although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this)
Evolving – the mole is changing in size, shape, or color
Basal Cell Carcinomas
These types of skin cancers typically grow on parts of the body that get the most sun, such as the face, head, and neck. However, they can still show up anywhere. Here is what you should look for:
Flat, firm, pale, or yellow areas (similar to a scar)
Raised reddish patches, might be itchy
Small shiny, pearly bumps that are pink or red
Pink growths with raised edges and a lower area in the center, which might have abnormal blood vessels spreading out like the spokes of a wheel
Open sores that may have oozing or crusted areas and do not heal, or heal and then come back
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Similarly to basal cell carcinomas, these typically grow on the parts of the body that get the most sun but can appear anywhere. You should look for:
Rough or scaly red patches, which may crust or bleed
Raised growths or lumps, sometimes with a lower area in the center
Open sores that may have oozing or crusted areas and do not heal, or heal and then come back
Wart-like growths
Talk to Your Doctor
Although these are good examples of what to look for, some skin cancers may look different than these descriptions. It is important to talk to your doctor about anything you are concerned about, such as new spots and other skin changes.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Today is National Senior Health and Fitness Day, making it a perfect day to focus on the importance of exercise. There are plenty of benefits of physical activity for people of any age, but let’s highlight some specifically for seniors:
Improves physical ability for everyday tasks
Helps reduce the risk of falls
Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis
Improves heart health
Can help reduce blood pressure
Boosts mood to help combat anxiety and depression
Exercises for Seniors
We already know the importance of physical activity, but we also have to remember it is equally important to be safe while exercising. This means choosing exercises that work for you based on your age and physical fitness, while also considering any injuries or physical limitations that may impact your ability. It is also important to talk with your physician before jumping right into a new exercise routine.
Some of the best exercises for older adults include:
Water aerobics
Seated exercises, such as toe taps and heel raises or seated yoga
Exercising is only part of what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet is another very important part, and the definition of healthy eating changes a little as you age. The National Council on Aging put together a list of six tips for eating healthy as you get older.
Know what a healthy plate looks like
Look for important nutrients, such as lean protein, fruits and veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
Read the nutrition facts label
Use recommended servings
Stay hydrated
Stretch your food budget
Get Started
So let today be the first day of a healthier lifestyle! Check out these additional resourcesto help you get started.
Better Hearing and Speech Month Facts
Each year, Better Hearing and Speech Month in May provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and other hearing and speech problems. The event also serves as a reminder to people to get their hearing checked. Early identification and intervention is very important, and getting your hearing checked is the first step!
According to the CDC’s website, the World Health Organization’s first World Report on Hearing found that:
Noise is acknowledged as an important public health issue and a top environmental risk faced by the world today
Over 50% of people aged 12-35 years listen to music via personal audio devices at volumes that pose a risk to their hearing
Keeping the volume below 60% is a general rule of thumb for safety
You should consider using noise cancelling earphones or headphones rather than turning the volume up
Listening through personal audio devices should not exceed 80dB for adults or 75 dB for sensitive users, such as children, for 40 hours per week
Building Connections
“Building Connections” is the theme for 2021! You can find a variety of resources, broken down by week, on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s website. Week 4’s focus is “Summer Skill Building, Hearing Protection for School-Aged Children.” Below are some examples of the resources available. Be sure to check out the ASHA’s website for more!
And remember to get your hearing checked as a first step in addressing any potential issues. Early identification is important!
Getting the Facts
What is now Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month began as one week of celebration. It was initially celebrated the first ten days in May in honor of two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States on May 7, 1843 and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, which was completed on May 10, 1869. Observance was then expanded into a month-long celebration by Congress in 1992.
What to Read
Looking for your next good read? Penguin Random House put together a list of must-read books in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Just to name a few…
Heart and Seoul by Jen Frederick
(Fiction) This is a story of a Korean adoptee who is extremely aware of the fact that she does not look like anyone in her family. By the age of 25, she has finally accepted it all – or so she thinks. After her father suddenly dies, a comment made at his funeral sparks an identity crisis that leads her to Seoul in search of her roots. When she goes to Korea in search of answers, what she finds is a forbidden love that will either welcome her home or destroy her chance of finding one.
(Memoir) After failing to find a job after graduating, David Chang convinced his father to loan him money so he could open a noodle restaurant called Momofuku. As the restaurant’s popularity continued to grow, he opened new locations across the United States and beyond. By 2009, Momofuku had been awarded two Michelin stars, and Chang opened a bakery called Milk Bar. Fast forward to 2018, and the son of Korean immigrant parents was the owner and chef of his own restaurant empire, the star of his own hit Netflix show and podcast, was named one of the most influential people of the 21st century, and had a following of over 1.2 million. His memoir is honest and heartfelt, and you will find yourself inspired as you read.
(Stories) This debut is a collection of stories that is said to capture the grit and glory of modern Hawai’i with breathtaking force and accuracy. Kahakauwila travels the islands of Hawai’i and provides a true depiction of life on Maui, Oahu, Kaua’i and the Big Island. In reading her stories, you will feel the powerful desire to truly belong and have a place to call home.
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Dear Caregiver,
When you take on the responsibility of caregiver, you also take on a lot of extra stress. Between tracking medications and keeping other family members in the loop, you have a lot on your plate. We want to help lighten the load so we’ve put together a list of a few free* mobile apps that you may find helpful in keeping it all together.
*Some apps include both a free version and a ‘full’ version available to purchase.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
You have a lot going on. With work, home, and caregiving responsibilities pulling you in a million different directions, you feel the pressure. And we can’t blame you. So we’ve chosen a couple of stress management apps to help you remember to pause and take a breath. You need it.
Oak
iOS | Android
Oak helps you decompress by transforming your meditation practice from an experiment into a habit. It includes both guided and unguided meditation and breathing exercises, as well as progress tracking. Help calm your mind at bedtime with the guided breathing exercises designed to help you relax as you drift off to sleep.
ReflectlyiOS | Android
Journaling is a proven method to reduce stress. Use this digital journal to vent your thoughts and feelings, to track your mood, and increase happiness. Never journaled before? That’s ok! The intelligent journal system gives you personalized prompts and affirmations to help combat anxiety and build a healthier lifestyle rooted in mindfulness.
ORGANIZATION
Caring for a loved one comes with a lot to keep organized. These apps can be helpful in keeping things in order, such as communicating health updates to other family members and keeping track of medications.
CaringBridgeiOS | Android
Sometimes part of the stress of caring for a loved one is keeping other family members in the loop. CaringBridge is a free, secure online tool to help you share healthcare updates with family and friends, all in one place. Simply create a site using your email address or Facebook account and start sharing updates. Features include a journal where you can post updates for family members to react to and a planner that allows you to ask for help with errands and tasks. Set up co-authors to allow other people to post updates.
Medisafe Medication ManagementiOS | Android
You have a lot to keep track of, including medication management. This app allows you to ensure your loved one is taking their medication at the correct time and in the correct dosage. It also includes a visual of what the medication looks like to help make it easier to keep track of what is what.
TASK MANAGEMENT
Your to-do list is growing and growing, and you sometimes wonder how you will ever keep it all straight. The apps below can be helpful in keeping your tasks in order so you are sure not to miss anything.
Microsoft To Do
iOS | Android
With a never-ending to-do list, it may feel impossible to keep track of everything you need to do. With the Microsoft To Do app, you can create to-do lists, reminders, and notes to help keep you organized. Create lists so you can categorize your tasks, share tasks with others, and stay focused using the My Day daily planner feature.
Allrecipes Dinner Spinner
iOS | Android
Sometimes it can be difficult to find time to plan ahead for dinner. The Allrecipes Dinner Spinner app makes it easy to search for recipes by keyword, ingredients, cook time, and more. It also includes step-by-step instructions to follow along with, as well as a shopping list feature that allows you to add the entire recipe or individual ingredients to your grocery list.
These are only a few examples of the many apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. We hope you find them helpful in managing your journey as a caregiver. And remember, you’ve got this! You’re doing GREAT!
Yours truly,
AT Home Health and Hospice Care
History of Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month was born on April 20, 2006 when President George W. Bush proclaimed it would be celebrated in the month of May. This was, in part, thanks to Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania urging the president to declare a month that would recognize the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture.
Celebrate by Learning
What better way to celebrate than through learning? There are so many fun and educational resources out there, including books, movies/documentaries, and podcasts! Read below for a list of a few, as well as links to full lists!
Set in Poland during the Second World War, Anna and the Swallow Man is a stunning, literary, and wholly original New York Times bestseller and Publishers Weekly best book of the year perfect for readers of The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See.
Moss is oceanic: his poems rise, crest, crash, and rise again like waves. His voice echoes the boom of the Old Testament, the fluty trill of Greek mythology, and the gongs of Chinese rituals as he writes about love, nature, war, oppression, and the miracle of language.
David Greene is brought into a prestigious 1950s school to help their football team to beat the school’s old rivals. David, however, is from a working class background, so he isn’t really “one of them”, but he’s very successful at making friends. David is Jewish, and has to keep this a secret from his friends for fear of being rejected.
In 1944, in Brooklyn, two Jewish kids become friends. One is from a very conservative family, and the other is more liberal. The issues of importance of tradition, parental expectations, and the formation of Israel cause constant friction.
Project that catalyzes and supports grassroots efforts by ‘disaffected but hopeful’ Jewish Americans to re-imagine and re-design Jewish life in America for the 21st century.
Recognizing Hospitals, Health Systems, and Health Care Workers
As the week draws to an end, we want to take a moment to recognize that this week is National Hospital Week. Our hospitals and health systems – as well as the dedicated health care professionals who work there – are a crucial part of our communities. This past year has proven the lengths they will go to in order to ensure we are safe and healthy. And, now more than ever, we owe it to them to show our gratitude for all they do.
Thank You, Hospital Workers!
Thank you to all of the health care professionals and hospital workers out there! You have put in incredibly long hours and had to witness countless moments of heartbreak throughout the pandemic. You’ve offered a hand to hold in final moments when loved ones could not be there. You’ve been a source of hope and strength throughout this past year, and we are truly inspired by you!
In an effort to encourage Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine, President Biden announced a new partnership with Uber and Lyft. The ride-sharing companies will provide free rides to vaccination sites for anyone in the United States from May 24 through July 4. This agreement was made to help work toward meeting the President’s target of 70% of American adults getting at least one vaccine dose by July 4.
“We’re going to be able to take a serious step toward return to normalcy by Independence Day...And there’s a lot of work to do though to get there. But I believe we can get there.”
- President Biden
How to Redeem Your Ride
A new feature is set to launch in the Uber and Lyft apps within the next two weeks. It will allow you to simply select a vaccination site near you, follow the directions to redeem your ride, and then get a ride to and from a nearby vaccination site free of charge.
While Uber has not yet provided specific details on how the rides will work in the app, Lyft has said a ‘ride code’ will be available through the app and their website.
So be sure to check back in the Uber and Lyft apps to redeem your free ride to a vaccination site!
