In Celebration of Our Troops- And In Honor Of Veteran’s Day

      This week we celebrated two very special things here in the United States: one was Monday, November 10th which was the Marine Corps Birthday…and yesterday, which was Veteran’s Day.  Both dates give honor to our military men and women.  We should celebrate our armed forces because they sacrifice so much for us.  We have men and women who are seperated from their families, often in dangerous situations; defending our country and those in other countries who need defended.

       We have some pretty awesome troops who need support.  I have heard about a wonderful program that does just that.  It is a program that would be a wonderful project for school children or teen youth groups across the nation.   Activity directors in nursing homes would also be a great source for this project.  Even former Veterans can continue to serve their country by reaching out to those who presently serve our great country in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and the Marines. 

       The idea behind http://www.make2tell2.com is to make 2 cards of love and tell 2 others about the project.  They can be holiday cards or just cards that express respect and caring.  This is a great way to lift the spirits of those serving our country when they need an emotional pick me up.  These cards can express patriotism, faith, gratitude, caring, support, encouragement, and communicate comfort to those who need it!

         Please spread the word…get involved…support our troops today.  It doesn’t take much effort and it can mean so very much to the individual who receives it.  After you make the cards…please send them to:  Make 2 Tell 2, 991 Road
325, Harvard, NE 68944  This is also a great way to teach young people about service and about community.  We all need encouragement at times…this is a wonderful way to do that for our troops overseas; it can have a tremendous impact on our military personel.  Thank you!

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Flooding in Indiana

            Wow, just as schools get out for the summer…travelers have been hit with a double whammy.  Not only do people have to plan their travel plans around construction zones…but, with all of the wild weather the central states have been experiencing, now they need to avoid areas hit with major flooding.  It is worth taking the extra time to reroute your trip to avoid putting any extra strain on emergency services in these areas.

            The national weather service has given warnings in 15 counties in Indiana because flooding is becoming a major obstacle for both residents and travelors alike.  In fact, residents in central Indiana have been being evacuated because of fear of dams failing.  This is massive flooding that endangers many people.

             In fact, major highways are being closed down because of flooding.  Highways, I-65, US- 31, and I-70,  all have portions of their roadways closed.  In Terre Haute, US-41 was the only option available and only one lane was open at that.  This is scary…where will that amount of people go for safety?  If in doubt contact the authorities if you are affected by flooding.

             To add to the confusion and difficulty, thousands upon thousands are without power in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan due to the storms that have been assaulting the area.  Businesses, hospitals, homes, nursing homes, and school buildings are all affected.

              This time of year it is wise to remind people of emergency safety precautions.  If possible prepare ahead of time.  Have available bottled water, blankets, extra clothing and non-perishable food items.  Keep medications and important documents in a handy place to make a quick exit if need be. 

             Also it is important to remind people not to go near downed wires.  Report any gas leaks immediately.  Never, never try to drive through areas where water covers the roadways; too many people end up stranded or dead from flash flooded roadways.  It doesn’t take much water to make a vehicle uncontrollable in these types of conditions.  Safety first.   Keep a cell phone handy to report any emergencies to the authorities.  Keep up to date on the latest weather conditions in your area.  www.nws.noaa.gov/.   Be safe everyone!

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Kids against Grandparents?

         I ran across a news article that talks about how some nursing homes have discovered a new way to encourage physical activity with their residents.  It is competitive  Nintendo Wii video games used as a type of physical therapy.  It seems that they are using the video games to encourage hand and eye coordination, balance, and strengthening of their muscles.  This is great for their physical well being.

          Whether the resident plays the game or is just an observer it may help to aleviate some of the loneliness that some residents experience in a nursing home environment.

         I think this is great.  It promotes a community type competition…a way of socializing and encouraging physical activity within the group of residents in a nursing home.

             Not only that…but, i can’t help but think of all of the families who have to normally drag little Johnny or little Susie to visit grandma or grandpa in a nursing home where there is little for the children to do.  It would be more fun for the children to go to their grandparent’s nursing home if they could enjoy an entertaining activity together.

          I can just see Grandpa or Grandma challenging  the youngsters to a video game.   Maybe even asking for tips on effective game playing…or maybe even winning against the youngsters.  🙂   Anything that brings families together in a healthy way is a good thing. 

         Since we no longer live in our homes with several generations of relatives …we have lost  some of  the ability to connect with one another in many ways.  Could something as simple as a video game help to draw family members towards one another?

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Trusting Your Instincts

       I have a friend who i am very proud of.  About 6 months ago her mother died.  She had been placed in a nursing home due to falling and breaking her hip at her own home.  Shortly after being placed in the nursing home…she was dropped and injured.  The family members moved her to a new facility but, it was too late.

         Most nursing homes are good ones.  They care for their patients and they do it lovingly.  Family members are encouraged to be part of the environment.  They are included in the treatment, care and decision making regarding their loved one.  Most nursing homes treat family with respect.  Most people who get into the medical profession do it with pride and passion; they care deeply for those who come to them in need.

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