Learning How To Manage Stress

On April 29th, licensed massage therapist Sandy Unger taught residents and staff a variety of ways to manage stress.  Of course, massage was the favorite with everyone, and we learned ways to work with a partner or to massage our own muscles to relieve tension and stress.  Sandy also gave chair massages to those who wanted to try it.  Some of the other methods were to use musical instruments, squeeze stress balls that her grandson made for us, and play a gentle round of balloon volleyball, keeping several small balloons up in the air using small cardboard paddles.  Sandy gave us many other tips and ideas for reducing stress, and we all left the session feeling calm and cheerful.  We look forward to her next visit to Juniper Village at Lebanon!

Sweet and Sassy!

On May 3rd, the "Sweet and Sassy Line Dancers" from the Maple Street Senior Center gave a demonstration of various types of line dancing. Under the direction of Peggy Confair, and dancing to some great "oldies", it was clear that the dancers were having fun. For a few numbers, the dancers even came out into the audience and were dancing with our residents. One resident, Rose, even joined with the line dancers for their final few numbers. Even our volunteer Roland caught the dance fever when they played "The Country Macarena".  We can't wait until their next visit!

Lebanon County Day of Caring

On Saturday, April 23rd, over 1,000 volunteers were dispatched from Lebanon High School to sites all over Lebanon County to do various projects.  Juniper Village at Lebanon was just one of those sites, and seven volunteers chose to visit us for their project.  Six volunteers helped with a special Prize Bingo game, for which they provided a huge basket of prizes.  Not one person left without receiving at least one prize.  Volunteers helped to escort residents from another building as well as helping some people with their cards.

The seventh volunteer was none other than Lebanon County Commissioner Bob Phillips, who put on a fantastic show to a standing-room-only crowd.  Bob knows over 300 songs and has some wonderful back-up tracks for all of the best songs from the 40's and 50's, especially just about every Frank Sinatra song out there.  One resident was even inspired to dance a few numbers with one of the volunteers!  On top of all of this, a family of four volunteers went door-to-door delivering handmade greeting cards to each resident, made by local elementary students.  What a memorable morning for our residents, staff and family members!

May 2016 Events in Lebanon, PA: Grow Strong Daily

We all know that regular physical activity is great for overall health. But do we all understand the dangers in being inactive? Studies indicate that sedentary lifestyles are risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. In recognition of those facts, Juniper nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit through our innovative Signature Programs such as Connect4Life, Connections and H’Art and Soul of Dining.

We continue our Healthy Aging Series with a focus on Fitness. In the wise words of J.R.R., Tolkien, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." This month we will Grow Strong Daily so as to not wither, but to thrive as we develop strength in bodies, minds and spirits.

This month we invite you to join us as we Grow Strong Daily with activities such as our Daily Brain Builders, Wii, and our Brain Healthy Luncheon. We also invite you to expand your knowledge in our Healthy Aging Library.

Our fabulous May 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon include our:

§  Theralink Delivers Fall Risk Management Techniques for caregivers concerned about their clients, friends or loved-ones falling who would you like to learn ways to minimize the risk as Genesis HealthCare shares best practices for building strength and balance to reduce the risk of falls in this free educational program accompanied by a light lunch on May 17^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 717-272-8782.)

§  Annual Community Yard Sale held rain or shine including a large selection of books and puzzles as well as food sales with all proceeds to support the American Heart Association on May 21^st from 7:00 am to noon.

§  National Senior Health and Fitness Day fun-filled event, as seniors will have the opportunity to participate in our Band-Together class (11:00 am - The Club), learn how to make healthy smoothies (2:00 pm - Garden Room), and learn more about balance and exercise from Genesis Rehab (3:00 pm - Garden Room) with a complimentary light lunch served in The Club at 12:00 pm and tours of the community available from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on May 25^th. (RSVP for lunch to 717-272-8782.)

We look forward to sharing our May 2016 events in Lebanon, PA at Juniper Village at Lebanon with you as you Grow Strong Daily.