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The Great American SmokeOut
Get ready to kick the habit and become victorious over tobacco. The American Cancer Society Great American SmokeOut event is your chance to triumph over addiction. Every November, the American Cancer Society sets aside the third Thursday to encourage smokers to go the distance, and to finally give up smoking. About 34.1 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. As of 2018, there were also 12.2 million cigar smokers in the US, and over 4.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes which is another dangerous and addictive form of tobacco. By quitting, even for one day, you will be taking an important step toward a healthier life which can lead to reducing your cancer risk. It’s a race for your health, and it starts today. Today’s the day that quitters win. After 55 years of smoking, my daddy was able to quit. He lived 5 more years and said breathing was so much easier without smoking! If you are interested in stopping to smoke, please consult your doctor and see what he can do to help you. There are medications to help you along with programs that will step you down off of cigarettes. My uncle believed in chewing gum to stop smoking. See what will help you today to try your best to stop.
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E
I love birthdays and guess whose birthday is in November?? That’s right, you guessed it… Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character and the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studios in 1928. An anthropomorphic mouse who typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves, Mickey has become one of the most recognizable cartoon characters in the world. Mickey first was seen in a single test screening (Plane Crazy). Mickey officially debuted in the short film Steamboat Willie (1928), one of the first sound cartoons. He went on to appear in over 130 films, including The Band Concert (1935), Brave Little Tailor (1938), and Fantasia (1940). Mickey appeared primarily in short films, but also occasionally in feature-length films. Ten of Mickey’s cartoons were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, one of which, Lend a Paw, won the award in 1942. In 1978, Mickey became the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beginning in 1930, Mickey has also been featured extensively as a comic strip character. His self-titled newspaper strip, drawn primarily by Floyd Gottfredson, ran for 45 years. Mickey has also appeared in comic books and in television series such as The Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1996) and others. He also appears in other media such as video games as well as merchandising and is a meetable character at the Disney parks. Mickey generally appears alongside his girlfriend Minnie Mouse, his pet dog Pluto, his friends Donald Duck, and Goofy, and his nemesis Pete, among others. Originally characterized as a mischievous antihero, Mickey’s increasing popularity led to his being rebranded as an everyman, usually seen as a flawed, but adventurous hero. In 2009, Disney began to re-brand the character again by putting less emphasis on his pleasant, cheerful side and reintroducing the more mischievous and adventurous sides of his personality, beginning with the video game Epic Mickey. This information provided by Disney is very interesting to read. There’s so much that I didn’t even know about Mickey. How about you?
Dial It or Push It
I love to see how days are recognized throughout the year. They have any day you can imagine! I almost got tickled with this day they recognize. It is push button phone day. Did you know that Bell Telephone introduced the first commercial push-button telephone on November 18, 1963? It was installed first in Carnegie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. The push-button phone replaced the rotary dial phone, which had been in use for decades. Customers had to be convinced to use the new phones. The push-button telephone was only one part of the package that completed the modern telephone system. One other major part was automating the signals sent down the wire after you pushed the buttons. To fill this gap, touch-tone dialing was also introduced on November 18, 1963 to speed the transmission of telephone numbers. Rotary dial phones had used pulse dialing, a much slower method of routing a call to an exchange to connect with another number. Until rotary dial phones were introduced, telephone operators at an exchange grabbed plugs on the end of long cord and pushed them into a jack on a board, connecting someone placing a call with the party they were calling, or with a long-distance operator in another city. “It happened in the ‘60s” website is the great website that I found this information on and there is so much information on there that is so interesting. Reading on push-button phones took me back to when I was a little girl. I can remember both of my grandmothers having the round circular dial phones. It seemed like it took forever to dial the number you needed. Then I can remember them getting the push button phones but it still was a little slow but nothing compared to the phones before them. We thought we were something when our grandparents got the push-button phones. With all the technology we have now, our children were basically introduced to cell phones from the beginning so they have no clue about push-button phones, much less the ones we had to spend round and round to dial. It’s amazing to me when I think about the times when I was growing up. None of my grandparents, grandmothers and grandfathers included, even knew what a cell phone was probably. I know my daddy’s parents never had a cell phone and I don’t think my mother’s parents did. Technology has come a long way but to me when I was growing up, those were the good ole days!
Knowing the Signs of Pneumonia
Ten Tips for Building a Healthy Meal
Pneumonia Awareness Month is in November. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are like those of a cold or flu, but they last longer. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
· Fever, sweating and shaking chills
· Cough, which may produce phlegm
· Chest pain when you breathe or cough
· Shortness of breath
· Fatigue
· Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating. People older than age 65 and people in poor health or with a weakened immune system may have a lower-than-normal body temperature. Older people who have pneumonia sometimes have sudden changes in mental awareness. Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good. Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection. If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your physician.
Ten Tips for Building a Healthy Meal
Ten Tips for Building a Healthy Meal
1. Make half your plate of veggies and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are full of nutrients and may help to promote good health. Choose red, orange and dark green vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes and broccoli.
2. Add lean protein. Choose protein foods such as lean beef and pork, or chicken, turkey, beans or tofu. Twice a week, make seafood the protein on your plate.
3. Include whole grains. Aim to make at least half your grains whole grains. Look for the words “100% whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” on the food label. Whole grains provide more nutrients, like fiber, than refined grains.
4. Don’t forget the dairy. Pair your meal with a cup of fat-free or low-fat milk. They provide the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. Don’t drink milk? Try soymilk (soy beverage) as your beverage or include fat-free or low-fat yogurt in your meal.
5. Avoid extra fat. Using heavy gravies or sauces will add fat and calories to otherwise healthy choices. For example, steamed broccoli is great, but avoid topping it with cheese sauce. Try other options, like a sprinkling of low fat parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon.
6. Take your time. Savor your food. Eat slowly, enjoy the taste and textures, and pay attention to how you feel. Be mindful. Eating very quickly may cause you to eat too much.
7. Use a smaller plate. Using a smaller plate at meals will help with portion control. That way you can finish your entire plate and feel satisfied without overeating.
8. Take control of your food. Eat at home more often so you know exactly what you are eating. If you eat out, check and compare the nutrition information. Choose healthier options such as baked instead of fried.
9. Try new foods. Keep it interesting by picking put new foods you’ve never tried before, like mango, lentils or kale. You may find a new favorite. Trade fun and tasty recipes with friends or find them online.
10. Satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Indulge in a naturally sweet dessert dish…Fruit! Serve a fresh fruit cocktail or a fruit parfait made with yogurt. For a hot dessert, bake apples and top with cinnamon.
These are great ideas and can be beneficial to us all. This information was brought to you by ww.choosemyplate.gov.
Animal Safety during the Cold Days Ahead
It seems as if the temperatures will soon be getting much cooler. I do like this time of year though. We are able to wear scarves, hats, gloves and warm clothes but sometimes people think about how they bundle up and we forget about how animals need to bundle up. One easy thing to remember is don't leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops! Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, a wind-chill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia when they are outdoors during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal. These are just a few basic tips to remember that were offered by the humane society. Just remember when the temperatures drop to bring pets inside if possible - laundry room or bathroom works well for outdoor pets. No pet deserves to be outside in this weather, without proper houses, blankets and heat sources. Animal control will be actively watching for violations, and as always, non-compliant owners should be reported to the Animal Control Division at (229)777-7774 (leave a message during non-business hours). Urgent issues should be reported to 911. Thank you to everyone for keeping our furry friends safe during what could be a very, very cold winter.
Christmas Cards No More
Have you ever thought about sending a Christmas card to your family and friends or do you just send a Christmas text? I know a few just laughed when they read that but I am being very serious. When I was a teenager, being the youngest grandchild and a granddaughter at that, I took up much time with my grandmother. After Thanksgiving lunch every year that I can remember after becoming a teenager, I would help my Granny Louise fix her Christmas cards. She had them ready to mail out on December 1st or around there. She had her address book that we went through looking at who she needed to send a card to and she looked through the address labels of those that were sent to her the year before, yes she kept them ALL! She enjoyed sending as much as she enjoyed receiving Christmas cards. She put a special message on each card. I think back on those times and it brings such great joy to me knowing that time with her was so precious to us both. I sure miss fixing those cards for her. She kept EVERY one of her cards from year to year to glance back over. Technology has advanced so much that many people do not send out Christmas cards any longer however last year I did for the first time in many years send them out and I am definitely sending them out again this year. I absolutely LOVE getting cards in the mail, especially Christmas cards. Have you started getting your cards together yet?
Relaxing During the Holidays
With the holidays coming up, we all seem to stay so busy but try during them to take a little time for yourself and relax! You can learn to relax with some practice and patience. Be sure to get advice by talking with your health care provider about methods that may work best for you. Check with him or her before changing your diet or starting an exercise program. Talk to people experienced in relaxation techniques, too. Set aside time every day. Many relaxation techniques take a bit of practice to achieve results so be sure to plan time in your schedule everyday to accomplish this. Always find a quiet place. You should feel comfortable and safe in whatever setting you choose. Dim the lights and add soothing background music and enjoy the moment! One thing that will help but is very hard to do is be patient. Don’t worry if you don’t notice the results right away. Give yourself time to learn the techniques and relaxation will come. Relaxing is very important because it can help relieve or prevent problems related to stress. Health problems that relaxation can help include headaches, trouble sleeping, clenching or grinding of teeth, stomach and digestion problems and high blood pressure. Believe it or not, relaxation can help emotional distress. Through relaxation, you can reduce emotional response to stress, such as irritability, tension, anxiety and depression. So try to follow these to relax and enjoy the holidays!
Around the Gardens: Falling Leaves
With the shorter days, cooler nights, and bright, sunny days of autumn we put on an extra jacket – especially in the mornings. Deciduous trees and shrubs do the opposite. In preparation for winter, chlorophyll production slows down and leaves eventually drop off. The colorful pigments we’re beginning to see may have been in the leaves all along but were masked by the green from chlorophyll. Technically the yellows, golds and oranges are due to carotenoid which is in the leaves fairly constantly. Red colors are a different story. Sunny days allow the leaves to produce sugar, but the cool night temperatures prevent the sugar sap from flowing into the branches and trunk. To help the plant recover nutrients in the leaves before they fall off some trees produce anthocyanins. It is these anthocyanins that produce the brilliant shades of red and maroon. Lots of cloudy days can mean fewer red leaves. Lack of rain also affects leaf coloration and many leaves may simply turn brown and fall off rather than show brilliant fall color. As the larger trees turn color and drop their leaves, the smaller trees and shrubs will show their fall colors. In the Gardens at Callaway, the vistas around the lakes are always good places to see leaf color. Later in the fall foliage season, be sure to drive through Overlook and Meadowlark to see the Japanese maple colors.
Wash Your Hands… It’s the Thing to Do!
Wash Your Hands… It’s the Thing to Do!
Hand washing is easy to do and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings which includes from your home and workplace to child care facilities and hospitals. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community. Many people ask when they should wash their hands. The answer is quite simple and includes but is not limited to these. Before, during, and after preparing food, Before eating food, Before and after caring for someone who is sick, Before and after treating a cut or wound, After using the toilet, After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet, After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste and After touching garbage. Well as simple as that sounds, many say they do not know the right way to wash their hands. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell us to wet our hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water and lastly, dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. Often we are out and about and need to wash our hands and may not have soap and clean, running water. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of microbes on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. You may ask “how do you use hand sanitizers?” Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount). Rub your hands together. Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. With December being Handwashing Awareness Month, please take these tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and use them all year long!
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Mimi’s Magic Clothes Basket.
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