Golden Nuggets, January 2019

A publication of Golden Horizons Elder Care Services, Inc.

A Message from the Office

Is it really 2019 already? It feels like we just welcomed the 2000s. But here we are; we blinked and we’re one year away from the 2020s. Boy has time flown!

With a new year just starting, and a new decade looming, I’ve been thinking about the next 365 days. Each one is an opportunity. How will we live today? What will we do to live our lives to the fullest, leave no regrets? How will we make the world better today? Whose life can we change today? How can we finish this day, this year, this 
decade, strong?

One way we can do each of the above is to promote good health this year. One of our greatest assets as humans is our health. It governs so many other areas in our lives. Without good health, we can’t function at our best. January kicks off a new year, and as such we can use it to set the tone for our health. It is National Book Month and National Thyroid Month. Join us as we explore good brain health, the benefits of reading, good thyroid health, and how we can set healthy goals for 2019! Happy New Year!
                                                       ~ Golden Horizons Office Team

Mr. W's Newsletter Inspiration

“We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty
there that needs to be done.” ~ Alan Turing

​Cultural Tidbit: The above quote belies the effect of Alan Turing’s life and accomplishments. He is widely considered the father of AI (artificial intelligence) and theoretical computer science, fields of study that are only now truly accelerating. His “short distance” was definitely further reaching than most; he was a veritable man ahead of his time. Born June 23, 1912, in London England, Alan Mathison Turing was recognized to have incredible intelligence and gifting from an early age. As he grew, so did his abilities, particularly in science and problem solving. He made significant contributions in mathematics, computing, logic, theoretical biology, philosophy and cryptanalysis. During WWII, he was instrumental in helping to break the Nazi cyphers and codes at Bletchly Park. His work there focused on the Enigma code and his efforts helped to turn the tide for the allies. Sadly, Turing died at the age of 41, but his legacy and contributions live on in our lives today.

Caregivers of the Month

January 2019: Emily A. & Queen M.

We are starting off 2019 with honoring two caregivers who are proving themselves to be an exceptional team. Emily and Queen joined the Golden Horizons team three years ago, in December 2015 and February 2016 respectively. Individually, they demonstrated positive attitudes, professionalism, and care for their clients, but as a team, they stand out in their abilities. They are both punctual, reliable, and unfailingly attentive to their client. Together, they are a well-oiled machine in providing exceptional care to their client and representing Golden Horizons. Thank you for your hard work and dedication ladies! Congratulations!

January Birthdays

​We would like to wish the happiest of birthdays to all our clients and caregivers with January birthdays. May this next year be full of blessings and adventures!

Clients
- No client birthdays in 
January.

Caregivers
- Betty F, January 13
- Cathy R, January  16
- Elaine H, January  19
- Queen M, January  20
- Darcy G, January  27

What Do Books Do For You?

​Do you enjoy reading? I know I do. Growing up I would get lost in books. Often, my mother had to call me 5 or 6 times before I would even hear her, so zoned into the world my book opened up to me. Reading offers us the 

ability to travel without cost, explore without danger, experience another world; but it offers even more - health benefits.

Science has proven that reading offers many health benefits. For instance, studies show that seniors who read and engage in other brain exercises (ie. word puzzles) reduce the likelihood of mental decline by 32% and they are two-and-a-half times less likely to develope Alzheimer’s or dementia. Like every other muscle in your body, your brain needs exercise. By reading daily (or doing puzzles) you are exercising your brain with mental stimulation, creating new neural pathways, keeping it sharp. Reading exercises your brain by expanding your vocabulary and writing abilities, imparting more knowledge and information, developing problem-solving skills and analytical thinking, improving memory, enchancing concentration and focusing abilities. ​

Yet another benefit is stress reduction. In our modern, fast-paced world, stress is more prevalent than ever before. We
are constantly barraged with information, deadlines, 

appointments, choices. With the constant, overwhelming demands on our attention, our stress levels soar. Studies show that reading reduces stress in people by up to 68%. January is National Book Month; a perfect opportunity to make and meet new health goals. Take a break, grab a book and have a new adventure while reducing your stress and exercising your brain. ​

Crytogram Puzzle

January is the first month of a new year, the perfect time to create new goals. It is also National Book Month. Reading is a great way to exercise your brain, as are word puzzles. In honor of promoting good brain health and Alan Turing, who was instrumental in the field of cryptanalysis during WWII, here is a new puzzle, called a cryptogram. Use trial and error to break the code, figuring out which letters go with which numbers, and solve for the mystery message. 

Make Sure Your Thyroid is Humming Along

​January is National Thyroid Awareness Month. The thyroid is a 2-inch wide butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the throat below the voice box. It is part of the endocrine system, which produces and secretes hormones designed to regulate mood and other body functions. The thyroid is the chief operations officer of the human metabolism. It creates and releases hormones that control how fast cells and organs turn nutrients into the energy our bodies need and the amount of oxygen each cell uses. The thyroid impacts development and functions including skin maintenance, growth, temperature regulation, fertility, digestion, heart rate, nerves and brain. 

With the important function it has in the human body, it is imperative that we take care of the thyroid. There are a number of diseases that can hinder the function of the thyroid and impact other areas of our health. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid becomes overactive. A bulge in the neck, called a goiter, is a common symptom. Another example is hypothyroidism, whih the thyroid is sluggish, not producing enough hormones, causing other body functions to slow or not perform. The thyroid needs iodine to function. Eating healthy foods, and seasoning with iodized salt may be a good way to obtain it. Do your research, eat well and promote good thyroid health!

Sources
- "Keep Reading to Keep Alzheimer's at Bay", Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
​- "10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day", Lana Winter-Hebert, October 18, 2018, Lifehack.org
- "14 Reasons Why Reading is Good for Your Health", Brendan Brown, December 12, 2016, Business Insider
- January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, American Thyroid Association
​- "Thyroid Gland: Facts, Function and Diseases", Alina Bradford, April 20, 2017, Live Science

​We want to hear from you! Call 860-388-1788, or email caitlin@goldenhorizonseldercare.com with your feedback.