Senior Center News, June 26, 2020

North Central Senior Center, June 29 through July 3

Menu by Earlene DeWinter

Subject to Change

Monday — Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Salad, Garlic Cheddar Biscuits Cookies

Tuesday — Salad, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Cake

Wednesday — Sweet & Sour Pork, Rice, Egg Rolls, Poorman Bars

Thursday — Cheese Burgers, French Fries, Salad, Cookies

Friday — Closed in observance of Independence Day holiday

The Senior Center’s doors are still closed to the public. We are providing limited services.

Remember to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Maintain your personal space. Stay hydrated.

With people getting out and moving around more, remember to use all precautions. If you do not feel comfortable going out, protect yourself and stay home as much as possible. If you do any traveling, especially out of state, remember the 14-day self-quarantine.

Scams are still going around. Don’t give them any information. Protect your Medicare and read your quarterly Medicare Statement. Some agents are being sneaky in having things billed to you without you or your doctor realizing it.

The Senior Center is providing medical transportation only for now. Remember to call ahead for Friday’s appointments.

Congregate folks: We continued to provide meals at the Hill County Senior Center while being closed. If you would like to pick up a meal, please be sure to call the Center before 10 a.m. to order a meal. Pick up — grab and go — meals may be acquired at the center at noon Monday through Friday. If you would like to, you may order a meal for one day or meals for the entire week. Please let us know which meals would be preferred ahead of time as it would be beneficial in preparation so we are aware of how much food to fix each day.

50 self-care activities for quarantine anxiety relief

Below are the first seven. More will be shared later.

Medically reviewed by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN

This list of outdoor activities and indoor activities are great things to do when stressed for anxiety relief. Start on these self-care activities while in quarantine.

Things to do outside

1. Go for a solo walk — “With a mug of matcha tea, I walk along the water,” said Cheryl Buckley, MS, MBA, RDN, a nutritionist in Hoboken, New Jersey. “I look at the views and feed off the energy of others outside doing the same thing. I do this in order to get my day started on the right foot.” Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of“ Finally Full, Finally Slim,” said the same. “I love to get outdoors and take a long walk listening to my favorite music,” she said.

Try it: Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Latte 

2. Poke your head outside — “I love to get outside, even if it’s for a quick few minutes,” said Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN. “Fresh air always helps with my mental clarity and usually boosts my mood. I regroup and then come back to the problem at hand.” If you’re currently quarantined indoors, you can take a virtual tour of a zoo or international landmarks.

Try it: Webcam at the Houston Zoo

3. Rake the leaves — Whenever you get stressed out about the thought of communicable diseases, venture into your yard. “I enjoy doing yard work,” said Felicia Stoler, RD, author of “Living Skinny in Fat Genes.” “As silly as it sounds, I’m on a mission to de-clutter the tree limbs and branches. It takes some time, but looks great. Being outside with nature is very therapeutic.”

Try it: Amazing Rake Egonomic Lawn Leaf Grabber

4. Sit outside — Getting sunshine can help reduce anxiety symptoms and help you to feel good. “I’m making a habit of sitting outside in the sunshine for at least 15 minutes a day while I take seven deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling for four counts each,” said Deborah Rankin, RD. “Whether I sit on my back patio, front porch, or a park bench — or whether I need a light jacket or a parka — it’s great to pause, breathe and soak up a little sunshine.”

Try it: Stop, Breathe & Think App

5. Grow something

“I recently started an outdoor garden as a way to de-stress and enjoy time outside on my own,” said Cassidy Reeser, RDN, owner of Cozy Peach Kitchen. “Even growing herbs inside is a great way to fresh up a room. To avoid crowded stores, you can order seeds online and many local garden stores offer delivery for a small fee.”

Try it: Vegetable and Herb Seeds

6. Do some people watching

“I walk every day, and sometimes I walk twice a day,” said Liz Weiss, MS, RDN, host of “Liz’s Healthy Table” podcast and co-author of “No Whine with Dinner.” “I love being outside, and it’s been nice to see all the kids and their parents out walking, too. It reminds me of the old days before the explosion of electronics. Seeing kids being kids makes me happy — and right now, I am craving happy.” Under a coronavirus quarantine? See some fresh faces on TikTok.

Try it: TikTok

7. Take your dog for a walk

“No matter the weather, I make it a point to get outside and walk my dogs,” said dietitian Sarah Marjoram, RD. “It helps us feel not so stir crazy, and we get a little social interaction from afar. Nothing helps me manage my stress better than regular exercise.” If you have an Apple watch or Fitbit, you can easily track your activity for the day.

Try it: Apple Watch Series 5