Labor Day

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When did Labor Day become a federal holiday? After the deaths of workers in 1894 at the hands of the United States military, and the United States Marshals, President Grover Cleveland put compromise with the labor movement as a top political priority. This was during the Pullman strike. The Pullman Strike was the most violent and famous railroad related strikes. As a nationwide conflict between the railroads and labor unions, the Pullman Strike started in the town of Pullman, Illinois on May 11,1894. this was in response to reductions in wages. It involved 250,000 workers in 27 states. Labor Day was made a national holiday due to fears that further conflict would continue. Six days after the end of the strike, Congress, with one accord, signed into law, "Labor Day."

Outlined in the first proposal of the new law, the holiday would include a street parade to show the public, "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations." This would be followed by a festival for workers and their families. Introduced later were speeches by prominent women and men. More emphasis was placed on the civil significance and the economics of the holiday. Today the holiday is mostly regarded as a day of rest and activities with family and friends. Favoirte things that make this holiday fun include picnics, public events, and barbecues.Some cities also offer fireworks displays. Political speeches and demonstrations are often low key, but parades still continue on Labor Day in different cities.

This Labor Day have a great time and drive safe. If you're on the water boating make sure you and your passengers have on a life vest.

Craving Companionship

Who doesn't like companionship? We all like to have someone to talk to. We get excited when we go on outings with other people for the day, or when they come to your house for a visit. As we age we tend to do less socializing. We no longer feel like going on those outings, and going to the store starts to become a chore. We'd rather just sit in the comfort of our home. But that doesn't mean we stop longing for the companionship that keeps us connected and close to others.

Most often the elderly start to become isolated and alone, yet they still long for the companionship from other people. There are many activities to help our cherished population stay connected without them leaving their homes. the next time you go for a visit why not discuss current affairs with them? This not only keeps them in tune to the world around them, it also keeps their minds sharp. And who doesn't like sharing and listening to stories? Why not prepare a nice lunch together and enjoy sharing memories. Preparing a meal together also allows you to share recipes, old and new.

Home Instead Senior Care knows how important companionship is. That is why from July 15 - September 15, 2011, Home Instead Senior Care will be sponsoring, "Craving Companionship" Recipe contest on facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/cookingwithgrandma for contest details. The winner will receive a $500 gift certificate.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

I'm sure we've all heard that, "age is just a number." I've heard my mom say it, my sister has said it, I've said it and I'm sure my grandmother said it. Age is just a number. It doesn't matter where in life you are at, age is still just a number. But what about when that number is associated with pain? As we age we start hearing the little creeks and cracks we hadn't heard before. At first we start looking around to see where that unfamiliar sound is coming from, only to realize it's coming from our own bodies! Our minds start telling us that we're getting old and what's worse is we start believing it. We stop laughing and socializing, after all, "we're getting old."

Okay, we now know that age is just a number, but it's also a state of mind. If we feel like we're getting old, we do. So how can we reverse how we feel, besides using ben-gay? We can laugh! Laughter really is the best medicine. Remember the great comedian, George Burns? He was constantly laughing and sharing little antidotes to get everyone else to laugh. Let's take a look at some of his humor. "You know you're getting older when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there." "When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick." George Burns

Laughter is also a great form of exercise. In an article from "The Telegraph" dated April 26, 2010, Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent, states: " A number of volunteers asked to watch just 20 minutes of comedies and stand up routines saw a dramatic drop in stress hormones, blood pressure and cholesterol. Like exercise, they also had their appetite stimulated. That means that the "laughercise" could be a way to reduce heart disease and diabetes. It is especially important to the elderly who may find it hard to perform more physical activities."

So laugh it up for your health and well being!

LifeCatching

You might have heard that material things can be replaced, but nothing can replace family. Family is an important part of our lives. They are the foundation of who we are, where we come from, our traits and our history. They are those special memories we build and pass down to our children.

Memories are often captured with cameras and put into a scrap book to be viewed and shared, time after time. After time, however; those pictures end up being discolored and faded. Familiar faces now become unfamiliar, places and dates are no longer recognized. Keeping those memories alive are what we want for future generations. Great stories told start with memories being passed down through the family.

So how can we keep the magic alive? We can do that by capturing the memories on video. Imagine your children not just looking at your picture, but actually seeing you and hearing you tell your story, in your own words, about things such as, what it was like for you growing up. What were some of the challenges, how did you meet their mom, or dad? Where were some of the places you might have visited? The possibilities are endless, and priceless!

Home Instead Senior Care in Napa, California, has partnered with LifeCatching, to help keep those memories alive. "Based on Barbara Tabach's collaboration with hundreds of people,, the LifeCatching process inspires creativity, provides accountability and builds confidence." LifeCatching.com

As an oral historian, Barbara collected many stories and sat down to record them. She is the

co-author of the book, "LifeCatching: the art of saving and sharing memories.

To learn more about LifeCatching and how you can keep those memories alive,, contact Home Instead Senior Care, Napa, California at (707) 252-3322. Certified LifeCatching Technicians are standing by to assist.

Give the gift of LifeCatching and keep the memories alive!

Summer and Safety

With summer fast approaching, the temperatures will start going up and the air conditioners will be coming on. There will be so many activities taking place inside and outside of the home. Gardening always seems to be a favorite of most people, so when you are out please keep a couple things in mind to have a safe, fun summer. Hydrate yourself. Once out in the sun and busy pulling weeds, trimming hedges, and watering, sometimes we forget that we also need to consume some water to keep from dehydrating.

Water is a great source of hydrating, but can also be a hard thing to swallow. Why not try spicing it up a bit. Add a flavor packet such as lemonade, ice tea, or even Kool-Aid to your water. Pour it over ice for a refreshing summer drink. Another cool idea is to take a little lemon juice and squirt it into some water for instant lemon water. Before you know it you'll be drinking more water than you had before!

Another refreshing treat to try is Dr. Oz's Tangerine Weight-Orade Recipe. It contains green tea, shown to boost metabolism 12% by drinking just one cup; tangerine, with a chemical composition that increases sensitivity to insulin and stimulates genes that help to burn fat; and mint, a calorie-free flavor enhancer.

In a large pitcher, combine:

- 8 cups of brewed green tea

- 1 tangerine, sliced

- A handful of mint leaves (you can leave out if you do not like mint)

-Stir this delicious concoction up at night so all the flavors fuse together.

Drink 1 pitcher daily for maximum metabolism-boosting results.

If you're used to being indoors, go out for at least 15 minutes a day in the sun when it's not too hot out, and grab some of that Vitamin D. Take a walk around the block a couple times for exercise to keep those muscles working strong. Grab a partner so bother of you can enjoy the walk together. If you're walking in the direct sunlight, wear a covering for your head, or carry an umbrella to shade yourself. The best time to be outdoors is in the morning hours and the evening when the sun starts to set. Try to avoid going out during the middle part of the day when temperatures are at their hottest.

Always seek medical attention if you start to become dizzy, short of breath, clammy or confused. This could indicate a serious medical condition such as heat stroke.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe!

Senior Emergency Kit

Would it surprise you to learn that less than one-half of future caregivers say that they are not knowledgeable about their parents' medical histories in case of emergency? Even though a majority of future caregivers say their parents are healthier than other people their age, nearly two-thirds of the parents have two or more medical or health conditions, and nearly one-half takes at least three medications. A significant number of future caregivers say they have not tried to ask their parents for information related to their parents' health histories or their parents' plans for the future.
Family caregivers understand the apprehension that often accompanies worrying about what might happen to an older adult. Anticipating a midnight phone call that a senior has suffered a medical crisis or an emergency can be unsettling for any adult child. Medications are often the source of these problems. Seniors represent just over 13 percent of the population, but consume 40 percent of prescription drugs and 35 percent of all over -the-counter drugs, according to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP).
Home Instead Senior Care network worked with Humana Points of Caregiving to create the Caring for Your Parents: Senior Emergency Kit, an information management tool and website. This toolkit and other resources are part of the Answering the Call program to help you be prepared for theses situations.
The Home Instead Senior Care network's Senior Emergency Kit can help ensure that family caregivers like you have fast and easy access to important information about loved ones in case of an emergency call. This resource was developed with the assistance of Humana Points of Caregiving. It is designed to help family caregivers gather details about a seniors' doctors, pharmacy and insurance company, medications and dosages, as well as allergies, power of attorney, and other important information.
This toolkit will provide you with all the important information you need in a centrally located file so you are ready for a crisis, day or night. For more information, go to http://www.senioremergencykit.com/ or call you local Home Instead Senior Care office at (707) 252-3322.

Happy Father's Day

With Father's Day right around the corner, June 19th, I thought we could
take the time to wish all Dad's out there a very Happy Father's Day.
Sometimes we often overlook some of the special things that our dad's have
done for us, such as late night walks across the carpet, singing lullabies,
bandaging scraped knees, and the ever so popular, diaper changes. Ah yes,
our dad's are very special people. not only for the hard work they have done
for their families, but also for the tender moments shared and the lessons
that get passed on from generation to generation.
So on this special day we honor them. Show them how much you care. A
nice dinner at a great tasting restaurant, a walk in the warm sunshine, a phone
call, or just sitting and talking are some things that can make this day special
for him. Give to him what he gave to you...himself.
At Home Instead Senior Care we wish you wonderful moments with your
loved one.
What are some special moments you'd like to thank your dad for?