Saturday, March 31, 2018

Some Good News this Easter: ‘Beeping’ egg hunt allows all kids to participate

‘Beeping’ egg hunt allows all kids to participate

article from citizensvoice.com

A ‘beeping’ egg hunt was held at the Hayfield House on the campus of Penn State Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.

The event, hosted by Northeast Sight Services and Community Services for Sight, allowed kids who are blind or visually impaired to locate Easter eggs that beeped.

Last year, the InSight Kids Club of NEPA received a donation from the Scranton, Bethlehem and Allentown area bomb squads, who helped to secure and assemble 60 beeping Easter eggs from the International Association of Bomb Technician and Investigators.

In addition to the egg hunt, there was also arts and crafts and other activities for kids and their families to participate in.

 

Friday, March 30, 2018

ICYMI: Important Message from Uber

In case you missed it:

The following is a message from Uber:
Whether it’s helping seniors regain their independence, providing newfound mobility to those living in underserved areas, or providing a safe alternative to drinking and driving, Uber has changed the way people live their lives in ways that were never expected.
Yet, still, there’s so much more that can be done. We’re unveiling a new service focused on an issue vital to all of us: health. Every year, 3.6 million Americans miss doctor appointments due to a lack of reliable transportation.* No-show rates are as high as 30% nationwide.** And while transportation barriers are common across the general population, these barriers are greatest for vulnerable populations, including patients with the highest burden of chronic disease.
Today, we’re introducing Uber Health as a way to partner with healthcare organizations to provide reliable, comfortable transportation for patients. The dashboard allows healthcare professionals to order rides for patients going to and from the care they need. We are also launching an Uber Health API to enable easy integrations into existing healthcare products. Developed with healthcare in mind, new features include:
  • Flexible ride scheduling for patients, caregivers and staff. Coordinators can schedule rides on behalf of patients, caregivers and staff to take place immediately, within a few hours, or up to 30 days in advance. This allows for transportation to be scheduled for follow-up appointments while still at the healthcare facility. Multiple rides can be scheduled and managed at the same time, all from a single dashboard.
  • Access for patients without a smartphone. Riders don’t need the Uber app, or even a smartphone, to get a ride with Uber Health because it’s all done through text message. We’re even going to be introducing the option for riders to receive a call with trip details to their mobile phone or landline instead. For many, their first ever Uber ride will be through Uber Health, so we’re committed to providing the necessary education tools that ensure every patient feels comfortable and at ease during their journey.
  • Simple billing, reporting, and management. Organizations can easily keep track of what they’re spending on rides. Reporting on requested rides and viewing monthly billing statements, appointments, and scheduling reports is simple.
  • HIPAA Compliance. To ensure Uber Health meets HIPAA standards, we have been working hard to develop, implement, and customize numerous safeguards. We also worked with Clearwater Compliance, a leading HIPAA compliance company, to conduct comprehensive risk and compliance assessments. We are thus pleased to sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with our healthcare partners.
Over 100 healthcare organizations in the U.S, including hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, senior care facilities, home care centers, and physical therapy centers are already using Uber Health as a part of the beta program, including Adams Clinical, Blood Centers of the Pacific, Georgetown Home Care, LifeBridge Health, MedStar Health, Manhattan Women’s Health, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, Pro Staff Physical Therapy, ProActive Work Health Services, Project Open Hand, Renown Health, Thundermist Health Center and Yale New Haven Health. Healthcare technology companies like Bracket Global andCollective Health are also exploring ways that Uber Health can work with their offerings.
“Uber has helped us drastically reduce appointment cancellations. It’s great to be able to quickly request a ride with so that in-need patients can make an appointment they’d otherwise miss. ” – Pete Celano, Director of Consumer Health Initiatives, MedStar Health
“Coordinating rides for patients with Uber Health has been incredibly easy. By allowing us to schedule multiple rides at once we’ve been more productive and able to focus on the patient experience. Our patients have been very receptive and enjoy this wonderful service Uber and Pro Staff Physical Therapy offers.” – Areyls Rodriguez, Receptionist, Clifton ProStaff
“My health crisis was a lot to manage. Knowing I had reliable and comfortable transportation to and from my oncology appointments was one less burden on a very long list.” – Patient, San Diego, CA
Both our dashboard and API are available publicly starting today everywhere in the U.S. Visit www.uberhealth.com to learn more about the unique features designed specifically for health. Keeping our partners and their patients in mind, we’re looking forward to seeing what’s possible when transportation is no longer a barrier to care.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Brain implant for some blind people shows benefits of FDA’s Breakthrough Device Program

Brain implant for some blind people shows benefits of FDA’s Breakthrough Device Program

From massdevice.com

By Malvina Eydelman, M.D., Director of the Division of Ophthalmic, and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices, Office of Device Evaluation

FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program is beginning to show important results for patients since it was established in late 2016 under the 21st Century Cures Act to help patients gain timely access to breakthrough technologies.

Consider Second Sight Medical Products Inc.’s Orion Cortical Visual Prosthesis System, which recently qualified for the FDA’s voluntary Breakthrough program.

Eligible technologies must provide more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases. In addition, there must be no approved or cleared treatment, or the device must offer significant advantages over existing approved or cleared alternatives.

The Orion is a brain implant for patients with blindness caused by damage to the optic nerve. With the designation, Second Sight qualified for interactive and timely communication with FDA, even before the Sylmar, Calif., company embarked on a clinical trial to study the device in patients. These early interactions resulted in the development of a flexible study design, review team support and senior management engagement, all of which may allow a sponsor to evaluate complex, innovative technologies more efficiently.
...
Thanks to the breakthrough program, which builds on the FDA’s Expedited Access Pathway program, FDA was able to work closely with the company on a novel way to measure benefit and risk, clearing the way for the company to proceed with a small clinical trial, a necessary step before the company could seek approval for their device.

The Second Sight trial, approved by FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), involves five patients at two sites, Baylor College of Medicine and the University of California in Los Angeles. The first patient received the implant on Jan. 30.

 

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Funny True Stories

Funny Stories

These hilarious true tales will have you laughing for days

From https://www.rd.com/jokes/funny-stories/

Sunday Best

On Easter one year, I got to see my 5-year-old granddaughter, Julia. I wore my best suit for 
the holiday.

Julia said, “Grandpa, you look so handsome today. Did you take a shower?”

The Right to Remain Silent

The world tongue-twister champion just got arrested. I hear they're gonna give him a really tough sentence. 

Typecasting

I just got fired from my job at the keyboard factory. They told me I wasn't putting in enough shifts 

A+

Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field.

I Quit! 

Why did the can-crusher quit his job?
Because it was soda-pressing.
 Just the Wurst

I hate jokes about German sausage.
They're the wurst.

Seeing Purple

I've just been diagnosed as color blind.
I know, it really came out of the purple.

Cheese Fire

Did you hear about the cheese factory that exploded in France?
There was nothing left but de Brie.

That's Egg-cellent!

Q: Why is it forbidden to tell a joke to your Easter eggs?
A: You wouldn't want to crack them up.

Breakfast of Champions

Q: Where does Easter Bunny eat breakfast?
A: IHOP
 



Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Easy Easter Recipe: Ham Biscuits

Easy Easter Recipe: Ham Biscuits
From 46 Easy Easter Recipes on womansday.com

ham biscuits sandwich recipe

Ingredients
Yields: 8 - 10 servings

Ham Biscuits
2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
5 tbsp. very cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
4 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated
3/4 c. buttermilk
2 tbsp. heavy cream
8 oz. sliced cooked ham
2 c. baby arugula 
 
Apricot Mustard
1/2 c. apricot jam
2 tbsp. whole-grain mustard
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 scallions, thinly sliced 
 
Horseradish Cream
1 c. sour cream
1 pickle, chopped
2 tsp. chopped tarragon
1 tsp. prepared horseradish
 
Directions
Total Time: 0:35

  1. Heat oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Rub butter into flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs; toss with dill and 3 ounce Cheddar. Using a fork, quickly fold buttermilk into flour mixture to make a shaggy dough. 
  2. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to just bring together. Roll dough into a 3/4-inch-thick rectangle, fold in half, rotate 90 degrees, and repeat rolling, folding, and turning 4 more times. On the final turn, roll to 1/2 inch thick. Using a lightly floured 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out biscuits and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Place any scraps of dough on baking sheet. Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until light golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.
  3. Make horseradish cream: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, pickle, tarragon, and horseradish.
  4. Make apricot mustard: In a medium bowl, combine jam, mustards, and scallions.
  5. Make sandwiches with ham, arugula, and sauces if desired.
 
 
 

Monday, March 26, 2018

Dollar General Circular--March 25-March 31

Dollar General Circular--March 25-March 31

Happy Easter!

$1 assorted Easter accessories
$5 pre-filled Easter baskets
$1 egg decorating kits

2/$6 All laundry detergent products

2/$9 Cottonelle toilet paper 12 pack or Scott paper towels 6 pack

$6.95 Folgers coffee 33.9 ounces

2/$3 Philadelphia cream cheese 8 ounce block

$2 assorted DG Home paper goods

$4 off all coffeemakers

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Good News: If you’re over 40 and work, you’re in for some big surprises

If you’re over 40 and work, you’re in for some big surprises

Disruptions will be enormous, and so will opportunities

According to MarketWatch.com, there's actually some good news for older workers.
Boomers and Gen X-ers: Your working world is in for major disruptions between now and 2030, according to a new report from the management consulting firm Bain & Co.


Some highlights: 
Companies are hanging on to older workers
The main reason for the good news, according to the Bain experts, is that the abundance of labor seen since the 1970s — due to boomers and women entering the workforce — is winding down. Bain foresees labor-force growth in the U.S. slowing to 0.4% a year in the 2020s. With workers in shorter supply, the Bain analysts say, employers will be eager to hang on to the ones they have and entice applicants, including older ones, to join them.


Employment is becoming more flexible for Boomer workers
“The war for talent” means companies will be innovating like crazy to make compelling offers to workers,” said Schwedel. He anticipates not only more demand for flexible work arrangements from employees and job applicants, he said, but more need for a flexible workforce in general.


Slowing of age discrimination?
Age discrimination by employers, Schwedel said, won’t disappear, but it will change. “You may not see employers offering older workers traditional employment. We’ll be seeing the rise of more part-timers and independent contractors.”


The ability to work longer will be a huge help to many Americans in their 60s without enough retirement savings to let them live out their longer lives in comfort. Bain’s dire view: As things stand now, only about the top 20% of older households are likely to have enough savings to support a traditional retirement. The Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis just came out with an even gloomier report, saying that 40% of older workers and their spouses will be “downwardly mobile” in retirement.


Read more of this report here.

 

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Sauteed Apples



Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 large tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add apples. Cook, stirring constantly, until apples are almost tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.

Dissolve cornstarch in water; add to skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Reminder: Game Day Today!

Everyone,
Join us on Thursday, March 22 for game day at 1 pm. We will be having a late lunch. Bring your appetite and plan to have a great afternoon of fun and fellowship.
Call if you need a ride!
Janet

Easiest Ever Baked Macaroni

Easiest Ever Baked Macaroni

 Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - A reader favorite on RachelCooks.com 

 

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Volunteer needed

Anyone have a green thumb? We have a farm to table project starting and I need a couple of volunteers to help out in the greenhouse. Our wonderful greenhouse has been cleaned and is ready to go. Now for the fun job of planting and watching it grow!
Call Rosalyn at 664-7100 if you would be willing to donate a couple of hours a week to a good cause.
Janet

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Dollar General Circular March 18-March 24

Dollar General Circular March 18-March 2

Easter Sale-- $1 partyware; $1 Easter egg packs

3/$12 Coca-Cola product 12 packs

$0.95 Dr. Pepper/7UP product 2-liters when you buy 3

$5.95 Maxwell House Coffee 30.6 ounces

$5 Dollar General brand paper towels 6 roll pack

$11.95 variety of Purina Dog Chow 20lb bag

2/$1 Clover Valley brand soups and canned veggies


DR. ISLAM: Awareness first step to preventing colon cancer

In a recent article on OA Online, Dr. Rafiul Islam strongly encourages older adults to get their regular colon screenings as the best means of prevention and treatment.

Dr. Islam states in the article:
"Colon cancer is currently the third most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. In fact, 1 in 22 men and 1 in 24 women are likely to be diagnosed in 2018. Colon cancer is also the third leading cause of cancer deaths because it is difficult to treat in the late stages. However, there are several ways you can get involved to prevent a diagnosis or catch colon cancer early while it is highly treatable, even curable."

He continues, regarding the risk factors, "There are some risk factors that you have complete control over. These include obesity, lifestyle, diet, and smoking. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and consume a diet that is high in fat or processed foods and low in fiber, you are at a greater risk of diagnosis." Unfortunately, Dr. Islam states, some risk factors are beyond one's control because of genetics.

When discussing the importance of screening, Dr. Islam says:
"Don’t take any chances. Your life is too precious to turn a blind eye to the risks of colon cancer and preventative measures you can take today. If you are at least 50 years old or are at a greater risk for colon cancer, then schedule a colonoscopy today. If you have concerns about your gut health, make sure you contact your healthcare provider. Let this month remind you to be committed to your own health and make choices that can direct your life away from a colon cancer diagnosis."

For more details, click here.

Game day with Lunch

Everyone,
Join us on Thursday, March 22 for game day at 1 pm. We will be having a late lunch. Bring your appetite and plan to have a great afternoon of fun and fellowship.
Call if you need a ride!
Janet

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Game Day

Game day will be Thursday, March 22 at WSB in the auditorium.  Call Rosalyn at 501-664-7100 if you need a ride.

Janet

Friday, March 16, 2018

Excellent, Simple Side Dish

(Photo of dish)

Roasted Broccoli with Feta

Serve with leftover chicken. Or reimagine the recipe with leftover roasted vegetables.
fleur-de-lis

Roasted Broccoli with Feta

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb broccoli, rinsed
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 Tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tsp toasted sunflower seeds
  • ½ tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Black pepper to taste
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400°
2. Cut head of broccoli into 2-3 inch florets. Peel rough outer skin of stalk and cut lengthwise into half-inch slices.
3. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss broccoli with salt and olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Roast in oven for about 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
5. Remove from oven and transfer to platter. Toss with feta cheese, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, lemon juice and pepper. Serve while hot.
Per serving: 151 calories, 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates (5g fiber), 10g fat (2g sat fat, 7g mono/poly), 172mg sodium

From: https://wellfedarkansas.com/recipe-card/roasted-broccoli-feta-2/

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Healing foods


Article from Fox News Health
7 healing foods to keep in your kitchen. Keeping a home well-stocked with healing foods will not only help keep you healthy, but can also boost your immunity if you start feeling under the weather. For optimal health, try adding these seven delicious foods that are well known for their healing properties and should be a regular part of a healthy diet.
Blueberries This super fruit is known for its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The powerful berry has also been linked to slowing the aging process, reducing the risk of diabetes, lowering cholesterol and even improving urinary health and vision. Pesticides are easily absorbed by blueberries so buy organic to ensure you reap all the benefits without any exposure to chemicals.
Wild salmon and fatty fish Fatty fish are an excellent source of heart-healthy protein, as well as being low in calories and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to help with the prevention of inflammation, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's, and also improve cardiovascular health. Choosing wild varieties of fish helps will help you avoid any contaminants.
Coconut oil This incredibly healthy fat is made up of lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which all contain antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that help boost the immune system and fight disease. It has also been found to be beneficial for improving digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and microbial stomach bugs. Besides the dietary benefits, coconut oil is also wonderful to use on the skin as a healing lotion for dry skin, eczema, cuts and scrapes, wrinkles and even diaper rash and dandruff.
Broccoli This humble green vegetable is full of vitamins A, B6, K and folic acid, and is a rich source of calcium and potassium. What makes broccoli stand out among green vegetables are its phytochemicals indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which are known as powerful cancer preventers and are an important part of a woman's diet to maintain healthy breast tissue.
Spices Having a full spice cabinet can simultaneously liven up your meals and provide powerful healing benefits. Cinnamon has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol and can help stabilize blood sugar, making it an ideal addition to high-carbohydrate foods. Ginger supports digestive health and can help reduce inflammation, as can turmeric. Turmeric may also reduce the risk of cancer and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Homemade bone broth This delicious staple is an excellent source of minerals including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and its high collagen content helps maintain healthy joints as well as strong hair, skin and nails. Broth is also very high in the amino acids proline and glycine, which are important for maintaining healthy connective tissue. It can easily be incorporated into soups, sauces, casseroles or even sipped on its own - especially when you're sick, to give your immune system a boost.
Fermented foods and drinks These delicious healing foods help introduce helpful probiotics to the gut. Adding probiotics to the diet has been found to reduce the risk of cancer, boost immunity, improve bowel health, and regulate digestion. The improved digestion that comes with a healthier gut means that more of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals from other foods are also better absorbed.
Greek yogurts, aged cheeses, sauerkraut and kimchi are all beneficial fermented foods, as are the drinks kombucha and kefir.
Jacqueline Banks is a certified holistic health counselor and busy mother. Her focus is on helping other busy moms in all stages of motherhood keep themselves and their little ones healthy and happy. She uses natural and organic solutions to solve individual health problems and promote clean living. Check out her website at www.jbholistic.com . 

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Dollar General Circular March 11-March 17


2 for $5 Frito-Lay Chip varieties

2 for $4 Pepsi product 2-liters

$4.95 Maxwell House 30.6 oz

3 for $5 Gain liquid dish soap

$6 DG brand 12 rolls toilet paper or 8 rolls paper towels

$10 Kingsford charcoal 15.4 lbs

Monday, March 12, 2018

From the Desk of the CEO: Please Welcome Ms. Summerville!



I am pleased to announce that Ms. Rosalyn Summerville will be joining us today as our full time Administrative Assistant to Contract Services. 

She will be assisting the Director of Contract Services, Dr. Janet Ford, with the OIB program, PCSSD, LRSD and the STYLE program. Rosalyn will also provide administrative support to executive staff as needed. 

She can be reached at extension 233 or via email at rsummerville@wsblind.org

Please welcome her to the staff!  

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Banana-Coconut Bread

Banana-Coconut Bread
Submitted by Dave Hutchins Yield: 14 Servings
Ingredients: 1.5 'cup's whole wheat flour, divided 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 'cup' coconut, unsweetened, shredded 1 'cup' mashed banana 2 teaspoons baking powder 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon honey
Directions: Mix together 1-1/4 'cup's of flour, coconut, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Combine banana, oil and honey. Stir into flour mixture quickly (gently) until combined. Add part of the remaining 1/4 'cup' flour if needed. Batter will be lumpy. Spread batter evenly in a lightly greased (and/or waxed paper lined) 8x4-inch loaf pan.
Bake at 350F about 45 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 min in pan. Turn out of pan, cool completely on rack. Wrap in waxed paper and store overnight before slicing.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Dollar General Ad 3/4-3/10

Dollar General Ad 3/4-3/10

$5.75 Brawny Paper Towel Rolls

$5.95 Quilted Northern Toilet Paper

2/$7 Tombstone frozen pizzas

3/$10 Dr. Pepper/Canada Dry/7Up Varieties

Toastmaster appliances starting at $10

$1 Buy One Get One Dawn dish scrubbers 

www.dollargeneral.com

Friday, March 9, 2018

Things to Watch: Depression in Older Adults Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

From the American Foundation for the Blind:

Depression can present a unique challenge as people age and retire. Often, this is a result of unresolved grief and loss and is characterized by despair, discouragement, disinterest, distress, despondency, and disenchantment. Depression is painful and debilitating – and sometimes deadly:
  • Many studies report that as many as one-third of all older adults are depressed.
  • A major cause of suicide is mental illness, very commonly depression (World Health Organization).
  • 20% of all suicides are committed by people aged 65 and older, with white males being particularly vulnerable (Mental Health America).
  • Among people with advanced age-related macular degeneration who are age 60 or older, almost one-third have a depressive disorder (Brody et al.).
  • Compared to older adults with no sensory impairments, those with impaired vision are twice as likely to report being depressed (Crews and Campbell).
Depression and disability seem to have an interactive relationship; disability causes depression and depression leads to increased disability. Cause and effect is intermingled and it is less about actual visual acuity loss and more about losing functions.
Signs and symptoms of depression lasting two weeks or more include:
  • feeling unhappy, sad, tearful
  • loneliness, less involved with family and friends
  • hopelessness
  • concentration problems
  • loss of interest and enjoyment in life
  • feeling fatigued, irritable
  • changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • wishing for death

Identifying Depression

Identifying depression and referring the person to mental health services can help reduce the burden of additional disability and improve the person's quality of life. The Burns Depression Checklist (PDF), developed by David D. Burns, M.D., author of Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, is a useful initial screening tool to help identify people who may be at risk for depression and suicide.
Using a screening tool, such as The Burns Depression Checklist, can help the person, along with their family members, friends, and caregivers, to monitor their progress and changes in mood. A screening tool can also give the person permission – and the opportunity – to talk about their feelings; some people will be able to recognize depression in themselves for the first time.
If the older person requires immediate care because of severe depression,
  • Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room if the person expresses suicidal ideas or threats.
  • Refer the person to a family doctor or mental health professional for depression.
  • Ask permission to inform family members
  • Give Suicide Hotline Numbers to the older person and family members, caregivers, and friends: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK. If the older person has low vision, use large print and write with a wide-tip marker to record the phone numbers.
  •  
  • For more information, click here.