July is here - the month we celebrate our independence. In 1776, our Founding Fathers set the course for a grand experiment - a nation “of the people, by the people, for the people.” The United States of American was founded on the idea of independence for the people especially the freedom of the individual to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
 
These are some of the driving principles behind our mission at Golden Horizons. We provide care in the home so that our clients can live independently. Our goal is to create an environment of help and support, so they can continue to pursue their passions.
 
This month, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, let us remember to never take our freedoms for granted. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
~ Lisa Gradzewicz & Megan Gradzewicz

​I cannot believe we are halfway through 2020! Connecticut has begun its plan to reopen the state. Currently outdoor eating, retail stores, and outdoor recreation areas are open. Salons and barbers are hoping to open back up on June 1st. Phase two is set to begin June 20th. At that time gyms, libraries, and social clubs will be open. Indoor seating for restaurants is tentatively scheduled to open on June 20th as well. Please continue to stay safe by using masks and gloves when appropriate and wash your hands. Although the state will be open, it does not mean the risk of COVID-19 goes away! To stay up to date on the current state guidelines, you can visit ct.gov/coronavirus. 

Summer is upon us! May is Melanoma (Skin) Cancer Awareness Month and National Water Safety Month, and June is National Safety Month. As we head into summer, here are some safety tips to help you enjoy the season and stay safe and healthy:

•  Beat the heat! When we are overexposed to heat, we risk        developing heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Symptoms might include hot skin, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and profuse sweating etc. If someone is experiencing this, move to shaded area, drink cool water or sports drinks, apply wet towels/ice packs, and seek medical attention if needed.
• Swimming! Make sure to swim with someone to help if something goes wrong.
• If a senior is a fall risk, schedule swim time with a caregiver present and able to help.
• Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water or sports drinks with electrolytes.
• Wear sunscreen with UV protection.
• Wear light, colored, loose clothing to reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them and heat you up. Wear a hat.
• Wear sunglasses on sunny days to protect your eyes. - Avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
• If you spent time in the sun in the past, get checked regularly by your doctor to make sure there is no evidence of skin issues ie. cancer.

Practice good sun and water safety as you enjoy all the outdoor activities summer has to offer!
*Sources: National Safety Council, www.nsc.org, American Red Cross, www.redcross.org, Swimming Safety for Seniors, www.guardianpoolfence.com  

As the weather warms, the sun’s rays become stronger. The sun is a good source for our vitamin D - helpful in reducing inflammation, boosting immune systems, aiding cell regeneration. But, we must be careful when in the sun. Wear appropriate sunscreen and protective clothing. Wear your sunglasses and a hat. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. 

​Eat your vitamin C boosting citrus fruits such as oranges, mangoes, and kiwis. Vitamin C is needed to boost our immune systems and help fight/prevent cancer, heart disease, the common cold, age-related macular degeneration and more. Stay safe and enjoy this spring!

May is national blood pressure month. High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, is a condition where “the force of your blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high”. The issue affects about one out of every three adults over age 20. There are no overt symptoms, many don’t know they have it. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to other problems like heart attack, stroke etc. HBP can do significant damage to your circulatory system. One must be tested in order to be diagnosed and appropriate treatment prescribed and pursued.  Some of the most effective help is simply to change habits - eat healthy, exercise regularly and see the doctor for their prescribed treatments. Throughout May 2020, CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Million Hearts are teaming up to educate Americans on how to manage risk factors for HBP and stroke, how to be healthier. Check out their info in sources below.
*Sources: Million Hearts, www.millionhearts.hhs.gov; American Heart Association, www.heart.org­­­

As we approach the third week of April, we want to keep everyone’s spirits high and show appreciation for all those who continue to work diligently. Across the country, many are stepping up to the call of duty to ensure those in need are cared for day in and day out. In our small town of Old Saybrook, CT we like to show support to our essential workers including homemakers, companions, and personal care assistants with Hearts for our Heroes. GHEC caregivers are continuing to provide exceptional care to those who may not be able to see family or friends due to the novel coronavirus. We are using face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer recommended by the CDC. Thank you to our caregivers and staff as well as our clients for your continued dedication during this crisis.

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There are also other businesses that we would like to thank for their unwavering help during this pandemic. Northeast Medical Products has continued to help equip our caregivers with PPE to keep them and clients safe and healthy. We also want to send a HUGE thank you to Betty and family at The Knit in Old Saybrook for supplying us with material to make reusable face masks. Everyone has been more than kind and we appreciate the helping hands during this difficult time. 

Preventative measures, recommended by the CDC, are similar to those for the flu:
- Wash you hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If using hand sanitizer, it must be at least 60% alcohol.
- If you're sick, stay home.
- Don't touch you face, nose, eyes, mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched places as work and home.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or if you are sick.
- Don't shake hands to touch others if you, or they, are sick.
- Wear a face mask if you are sick or if you are caring for someone who is sick.
- Practice good etiquette with sneezing or coughing. Blow or cough into a tissue. Throw it away. Wash your hands right after.

With all the hand sanitizer being bought up. There are DIY recipes for it. Take this with a grain of salt. There are differing opinions on it's use, and whether they can be helpful, or actually harmful. Here are some articles for you to peruse.

- "Guide to Local Productions: WHO-Recommended Handrub Formulations", World Health Organization
- "Coronavirus: How to Make Your Own DIY Hand Sanitizer"; Julia Musto, March 7, 2020, Fox News
​- "Can't Get Your Hands on Hand Sanitizer? Make Your Own", Megan Cerullo, March 5, 2020, CBS News
- "Newsletter: DIY Hand Sanitizer - Maybe Not the Best Idea", David Lazarus, March 9, 2020, LA Times
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Stay informed, take precautions, don't panic. We will do better working together.

We've all heard about the Corona Virus at this point. It began in Wuhan, China, and has become a global concern. While much is still being learned about it, here are some ways we've come across to help mitigate the risk of contracting it.

From the CDC:
"There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers."
(excerpted from a letter from the Governor’s office)
As of March 4 (yesterday), the CDC is advising anyone who has recently returned from a country designated as Level 3 – which currently includes China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea – to self-monitor in their homes for 14 days upon returning to the United States. Anyone who has recently returned from a country designated as Level 2 – which currently includes Japan – should limit their interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States.

​Be safe!