Thankful for "Chicken"

This story is especially humorous to me because as a child my mom fixed chicken every way imaginable. I swore, I would never eat chicken once I left home.. LOL … Of course, while I was a big talker, today, it is one of my favorites! As moms we all have the immeasurable experiences of witnessing how our children interpret and think of things. This week, my 5 year old son brought home a project. They are asked to think of one thing they are thankful for and decorate a feather for a large turkey to be posted in the school hallway. As Hilton and I sat down to discuss what we are “thankful” for, I explained how mommy is thankful for both of my kids, my family and my friends. He asked, “what else are you thankful for?” I told him that I feel thankful and blessed to have good health that our family has a roof over our heads, food on our table and the freedom to make choices in life. He asked me if daddy is thankful for the same and I replied, “why sure he is.” Then he asked what about Haley? (his sister) I went on to say that while I cannot speak for her, I am sure that she too, is thankful for her family, friends and life. “So buddy”, I said, “what are you thankful for”? He said, “that’s easy momma… I am thankful for chicken. I love chicken”.

HomeCare Today: Growing Options and Risks

With an estimated 4.2 million Americans

currently over age 85, an expected 78 million baby boomers to reach age 65 by 2030; almost 25% of Americans are in the process of dealing with elder/care issues, it is no surprise that the home care industry is exploding.

A Question of Quality & Ethics

Home care is a very personal choice and can be an invaluable service. Too often, we are witness to heart wrenching cases where neglect, abuse, theft and lawsuits have occurred as a result of families trying to save money by privately hiring their own caregivers. Like any other service, you pay for what you receive. In addition, if someone is offering to buy items to gain or keep your business, question their ethics. Peace of mind is worth the price. Call and interview agencies. Ask for references. Take your time and be sure that you feel a connection with them. Visit their office. Trust and confidence in your agency, its internal staff and its caregivers is critical. Make informed decisions based on your own research. After all, they spend a great deal of time in the home, and truly become an extension of your family!

Leading Education & Ethics in Charlotte and Across the Country

Serena Brock—nationally recognized entrepreneur/ speaker and focuses on the importance of the synergistic relationship between attorney’s, financial planner’s and home care owner’s supporting the fast growing baby boomer population. An advocate for children/seniors, she currently is a member of the North Carolina Association for Home and Hospice Government Affairs Committee, the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Foundation and the World Orphans Day, Global Click Campaign. Brock lends her expertise to several national organizations including the National Private Duty Home Care Association, Medicaid Practice Systems, Elder Law Answers and The National Network for Estate Planning Attorneys.

Simple Tips to Avoid Colds and Flu

Avoiding colds and flu this season is at the top of everyone's list. Here are 14 tips to help you keep healthy and happy as compiled by medical experts who want to keep you out of their offices and safe at home and work.
1. Wash your hands often, including every time you shake someone's hand.
2. Do not touch your nose and eyes.
3. Feeling bad? Go to bed and get some sleep.
4. Get a flu shot (you may need two this year with H1N1 widespread).
5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Exercise to enhance immune function.
7. Stay away from sneezers, coughers and sick people.
8. Use alcohol-based hand wipes often.
9. Stop smoking if you have not already done so.
10. Avoid 'double dipping' with chips or watch out for those who may be dipping double.
11. Use a purse that can be wiped down, like leather or vinyl.
12. No nail-biting.
13. Get happy!
14. Sneeze into the crook of your arm and not your hands.

Special Dates

January:

20-25 National Activity Professionals Week

February:

American Heart Month

March:

National Professional Social Workers Month

National Brain Injury Awareness Month

National Kidney Month

National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month

April:

20-26 National Volunteer Week

May:

Older Americans Month

National Arthritis Month

National High Blood Pressure Month

6-12 National Nurses Week

11-17 National Hospital Week

11-17 National Nursing Home Week

28 National Senior Health and Fitness Day

June:

22-28 Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

July:

UV Safety Month

August:

Cataract Awareness Month

MedicAlert Awareness Month

October:

National AIDS Awareness Month

November:

National Alzheimer's Awareness Month

American Diabetes Month

National Hospice Month

December:

1 World AIDS Day

3 International Day of Disabled Persons

Flu Fighters Recipe from Women's Health Magazine

Carrot-Ginger Bran Muffins

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min

You may still be sporting sandals, but cold and flu season will be back faster than you can say "Gesundheit!" Protect yourself with this spicy triple threat. Carrots are rich in immune-boosting vitamin A, zinc-packed pumpkin seeds ward off infection, and apple juice flows with sniffle-stifling vitamin C. Another weapon: yogurt. Studies show that its good-for-you bacteria provide another line of defense against microbes.

1/4 can (3 oz) frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate

1/2 c wheat bran

1 1/4 c whole-wheat or other whole-grain flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground dried ginger

1 egg, beaten

1/2 c yogurt (such as Dannon Activia)

1/2 c shredded carrots

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

3 Tbsp molasses

1/4 c pumpkin seeds

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

2. Boil juice over high hear until it becomes syrupy. Set aside and let cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together wheat bran, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and dried ginger.

4. In a separate bowl, combine reduced juice, egg, yogurt, carrot, fresh ginger, and molasses. Combine mixtures and then fold in pumpkin seeds.

5. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin cups. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.

Makes 12. Per Muffin: 109 Calories, 3 g fat (0.5g sat), 177 mg sodium, 20 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein

AARP Flu Season Question of the Week

When the time comes for me to get the H1N1 vaccine, should I get the nasal spray or the shot?

Some people shouldn't get the nasal vaccine, which contains a live, weakened virus. This group includes all those 50 and older, pregnant women, children under two and those with a medical conditions that puts them at higher risk for flu-related complications.

Avenue's Christmas Gift-The Angel Tree

You remember Christmas. Christmas could not get here fast enough and you tried extra hard to be good so that Santa Claus would bring you wonderful gifts. Christmas was a magical time of year where anything was possible. It’s the time of year when we all put aside our differences, we travel long distances to see family and friends. For so many Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, but for so many it’s also full of longing.

So many children, here in our own state, our own county will go without this Christmas, simply because their families must choose between keeping a roof over their heads and buying them Christmas gifts. You remember Christmas, give the gift of that Christmas to a child and I can guarantee you will feel the miracle that only Christmas can bring. Donation boxes are in our office. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to help us bring a smile to the faces of the less fortunate. Help our own Mecklenburg county kids! Last year, you helped us provide gifts for 220 children. This year – that number is 700. I can’t imagine these children going without, can you? Any donation will help!

AVENUE OFFICE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

November 26th and 27th (closed for thanksgiving)

December 23rd (closed at noon)

December 24th and 25th (closed for christmas)

December 30th (closed at noon)

December 31st and January 1st (closed for New Year’s)

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

-Avenue HomeCare

Vivaglobin Home Sub Q Infusion training

Friday, November 13, 2009

12:30 PM - ?? PM EST

Training will be held at the Avenue HomeCare office in Charlotte 1230 W. Morehead St., Ste 110

Lunch will be provided. Training may also be done on-line for those who are unable to attend. Please contact our office for more information (704) 971.2800.

IVIG/Hemophilia In-Service

Thursday, November 19, 2009

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM EST

Training will be held at the Avenue HomeCare office in Charlotte 1230 W. Morehead St., Ste 110

For more information please call our office (704) 971.2800

“Ingredients for Hemophilia Health 101” is a continuing education program, developed by clinicians with more than 50 years of school nursing and hemophilia treatment center experience. The objectives of the program are to educate and enlighten individuals in a school environment on the causes/treatment of hemophilia, care plan opportunities for the student/staff, and ways to ensure a safe, healthy and supportive environment for the child with a bleeding disorder.

The course defines IVIG and its effects, provides a history of discovery and treatments, and presents current information on intravenous and subcutaneous immune globulin therapy. The program’s objective is to educate and enlighten individuals about primary immunodeficiency and immune globulin therapy.