MVES

 

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The Newsletter of Mystic Valley Elder Services

December 2007/January 2008

Holiday Basket photo

Behind The Scenes Of The Holiday Basket Program

 

On December 11, MVES staff and volunteers will gather in the agency's main conference room for an annual tradition that is 20 years running. Amongst boxes of fruit, cookies, candy, and other donated goodies, MVES staff members will work together to assemble over 300 baskets and then deliver them to community elders. Donna Jones, who has organized the Holiday Basket Program for 16 years, tells us more about this project.

Editor: What is the Holiday Basket Program?

Jones: The Holiday Basket Program is a joint effort of MVES staff and volunteers to bring holiday cheer and goodwill to isolated elders in our area. Every year, we make and deliver an average of 325 baskets to elders who may be feeling lonely during the holidays. These baskets really help isolated elders feel a connection to others. Receiving one makes them feel special.

More On Holiday Baskets...

 

Back Pain photo
Don't Let Back Pain Get You Down

Before you reach for that snow shovel this winter, think first about protecting your back. When you do battle with Old Man Winter, or tackle any other kind of heavy lifting at home or on the job, do everything you can to reduce the chance of injury.

About 80% of the population develops back problems at some time in their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. It can start quickly if you fall or lift something too heavy, or it can get worse slowly. Discs that sit between the vertebrae of the spine can rupture or break down. Muscles can strain or tear.

Learn More About Preventing Back Pain...

 

Healthy Tips photo

Tips On Eating Well During The Holidays

 

It's that time of year! With the busy holiday season creeping up, we're thinking of creative ways to serve delicious holiday fare without serving up all the fat and calories that usually come with many traditional dishes. As I look at the recipes handed down to me from my grandmother, I notice that they are laden with real butter, shortening, and sugar. It certainly is a challenge to alter the recipes without losing that great taste.

Here are some easy things you can do to decrease the fat, sugar, and calories without compromising taste:

  • Moisten stuffing with reduced sodium broth instead of butter.
  • Enrich stuffing with nuts instead of sausage.
  • Toast seeds, nuts, and whole spices to bring out their flavor and cook them in a dry skillet over moderate heat or on a baking sheet in a 400ºF oven.

More Healthy Tips...

 

From Executive Director Dan O'Leary

True to its name, Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is an agency dedicated to providing services and information to elders and caregivers. However, our ability to help other groups, specifically adults with disabilities, has increased recently.

More From Dan O'Leary...

 

 
 

Caregivers In The Workplace

 

Question: I recently went to work for a company that has an older work force than my previous place of employment. Many of our employees are helping to care for elderly parents or spouses. I would like to design some kind of support program for them but I don't even know where to start or what they would really find helpful. Can you give me some ideas?


Answer: The U.S. economy loses about $33 billion each year in productivity because of employees who have assumed responsibility for caring for an older family member. The multiple responsibilities these workers face may lead to excessive use of the phone, coming in to the office late or leaving early, loss of productivity, and stress-related changes in emotional and physical health that ultimately may result in higher health insurance premiums.

 

More on Caregivers...

   
 

 

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Mystic Valley Elder Services
300 Commercial St., #19
Malden, MA 02148

781-324-7705

Copyright © 2007 Mystic Valley Elder Services