|
Greetings,
How can The Beacon be more useful for you?
Please let us know by e-mailing us!
Thanks.
| Behind the Scenes--Nutrition Program Coordinator |
 |
Our popular Behind the Scenes series continues this
month with a focus on MVES' Nutrition Program. The
Nutrition program serves approximately 1,400 meals a
day in eight communities. We spoke with Sean
Kivlehan, one of two nutrition program coordinators,
about the responsibilities and challenges of his position.
Editor: Please describe your responsibilities as a
nutrition program coordinator.
S. Kivlehan: My responsibilities are varied, but I manage
the day-to-day operations of the Meals on Wheels and
Senior Dining Sites programs. Specifically, this includes
hiring and training drivers and meal site coordinators,
working with volunteers, planning driver routes in
various communities, interacting with council on aging
directors to promote special meal days, and
coordinating meal deliveries with the caterer.
Read on... »
|
| Book Buddies Program to Bring Books and Discussions |
|
From childhood we are encouraged to read, read, read.
But what happens when we grow older and can't easily
get out to find new reading material? Reading may stop
entirely. Not in Malden though. Mystic Valley Elder
Services (MVES) and the Malden Public Library are
establishing a program that asks volunteers to visit
homebound patrons to deliver library books and discuss
reading or other subjects. The program, called Book
Buddies, will help isolated elders to continue their
lifelong love of reading while providing socialization
opportunities with visitors.
"Book Buddies will deliver new titles to elders, but it will
also provide time for a little conversation with someone
else who values reading," said Janey Fryer, the literacy
program coordinator at MVES. "It's a wonderful
extension of an existing program that's been successful
for many years."
Read more... »
|
| Couch Potato Nation |
|
How much exercise should a person get each week? It
depends on what kind of exercise you do. According to
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), adults should
try to get at least half an hour of "moderate" physical
activity most days of the week. In addition to exercise
and sports, the CDC includes "active hobbies that
cause light sweating or a slight to moderate increase in
breathing or heart rate occurring five or more times per
week for at least 30 minutes each time." However, if
you engage in "vigorous activity"--which causes heavy
sweating and large increases in breathing or heart
rate--you can get away with exercise three times a
week for at least 20 minutes each time.
Read more... »
|
| Eagle Bank Contributes $2,500 |
|
Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) recently indicated
its intention to continue to enhance its interactive web
site, www.mves.org, thanks to a generous donation
and the continued sponsorship of Eagle Bank.
"With the previous support from Eagle Bank, we have
created a web site that is easily navigable and updated
on a regular basis," said MVES Executive Director Daniel
J. O'Leary. "Eagle Bank's most recent donation will allow
us to improve visitors' experience by enhancing
interaction and more readily presenting compelling
information."
Read more... »
|
|
| Summer Heat Precautions |
 |
|
Since we've had so many cool, rainy days this spring, I
find it a little difficult to write about the dangers of hot
weather. However, as the eternal optimist, I'll continue
to believe summer--and the sun--will eventually arrive
and stay for a few months. When the sun and the heat
do appear, everyone, but particularly elders, needs to
take special steps to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The 90-degree days in July and August can quickly
cause us to become dehydrated. Even if you're not
thirsty, make sure to drink plenty of water each day. If
you don't like water, try eating fruit or Popsicles as
they have a high water content. Our bodies use water
to cool off through sweating and we need to replenish
our personal air-conditioning system frequently.
Speaking of air conditioning, encourage elders to go to
air-conditioned senior centers when the mercury soars.
If this isn't an option, be sure that windows in
apartments and homes are open to allow fresh air to
circulate throughout the living areas. Fans are also a
big help. Remember that people aren't the only things
that get hot. Pets should get plenty of water and stay
out of the direct sun. And, watch those home-delivered
meals! They can spoil quickly if not refrigerated!
Let's hope that the warm weather arrives soon and
let's be prepared for those "hotter-than-comfortable"
days. Keep an eye on your friends and neighbors and
have a nice summer.
|
|
