Posted on Posted on

Finding Your Inner Artist

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it”.
— Andy Warhol

What is art? Is it a famous painting hanging in a museum, song lyrics of your favorite song, or a hand-drawn card from a grandchild? Art is an expression that stimulates an individual’s thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or ideas through the senses – so, the famous painting, song lyrics, and hand-drawn card are ALL examples of art. 

There are many health benefits to being artistically creative. Studies have shown that expression through art can help with depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, it has also been linked to improving memory, reasoning, and resilience. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Picasso to reap the health benefits! It’s the ACT of creating art that is beneficial, not the artwork itself, and there are many ways to get creative, such as through: poetry, painting, pottery, music, and dance, just to name a few. 

Let’s look at some of the benefits of art: 

Relieves Anxiety and Stress – Engaging in artmaking can significantly reduce cortisol (“stress hormone”) levels in the body. Why? Creating art is like meditation – it forces the mind to slow down, focus on the details, and block out distractions. Painting, sculpting, drawing, and photography are relaxing and rewarding, and they can leave you feeling mentally clear and calm. Creating art provides a distraction, giving your brain a break from usual thoughts. 

Maintain Fine Motor Skills – Small muscles in the fingers, hands, and wrists are utilized during art creation. These motions, such as holding a paintbrush or pencil, molding clay, or writing poetry, are great for maintaining fine motor skills. 

Socialize and Connect – Art programs provide a community with an opportunity for attendees to share a similar purpose and commitment. You can connect with neighbors over your love of arts and crafts, or your interest in trying a new hobby. If group events don’t interest you, consider getting together with family or friends and work on something together! You get the same benefits, but in a more intimate setting. 

Not an artist? That’s ok! Does the idea of a blank canvas intimidate you, but you still want to give art a try? Consider starting off with a paint-by-number or coloring book instead. These allow for creative choices on which colors to choose and allow for artistic independence but provide some guidance. 

Art has a positive effect on both the brain and the body. You may find the addition of art into your routine can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. If you aren’t already attending, try out the Poetry Group, Hobby Pines Group, or the Pinecone Painters to get started! If you are unsure of where to get started, our therapy team at Kirby Pines can help bring the fine motor skills used in creating art into your rehabilitation experience. For more information on the benefits of art or to learn more about therapy and how it can benefit you, please contact the Functional Pathways Therapy Team. 

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life”. 
— Pablo Picasso 
Posted on Posted on

Working Out Through Pain

Learn when to keep moving through exercise pain and when to stop.

Exercise is crucial if you have arthritis. But knowing just how much activity to do when you’re hurting can be tricky. Research shows that moderate activity can help prevent the progression of arthritis and improve overall function. But while mild muscle soreness after a workout is normal, sharp pain during or immediately after can signal injury. And sometimes simply the fear of pain can keep you from wanting to do any kind of exercise. Here’s how to determine when it’s OK to work through exercise pain – and when it’s not.

If you have mild to moderate pain in a specific joint area before you work out: Some mild pain is typical when you first start to move, but after a few minutes you’ll usually start to feel better, says A. Lynn Millar, PhD, a professor of physical therapy at
Winston Salem State University. “Our joints and muscles get nutrition through movement,” she explains. “With some movement, you’ll improve the lubrication and circulation around that joint.” Start with some gentle range of motion movements and if that feels OK, progress to some low-impact activity like walking.

If you have moderate to severe pain in a specific joint area before you work out: Focus on a different area for a day or two. If your knees hurt, decrease the intensity. If the pain becomes worse, then stop the lower body moves and work your upper body instead. “Continuing to put pressure on a joint when it’s especially sore could contribute to joint damage, so it’s best to ease up for a while,” says physical therapist Richard Kassler, supervisor at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases.

If you have moderate to severe joint pain during exercise: Stop immediately. “Most people with arthritis can work through mild pain safely. But if you’re experiencing a lot of pain while you exercise, even if you’re not doing a particularly joint-taxing
workout, it may be a sign that you have inflammation in the joint, or even joint damage that requires treatment,” says Kassler.

If you consistently have joint pain (not muscle pain) after exercise: Switch to a workout that puts less pressure on your joints. “If you need an elaborate brace or have to pop ibuprofen constantly, it’s a pretty good sign that your activity is too hard on your joints. Swimming, water aerobics and biking are all good options for people with joint pain.

If you occasionally have moderate to severe joint pain the day after you work out: Cut back on the intensity of your workout. Take a day off, then do a shorter, less strenuous workout. If your pain still doesn’t let up, switch to a less intense form of exercise, such as trading your elliptical workout for water aerobics.

Our exercise classes in the pool and in the PAC are good for everyone whether they have arthritis or not. Please consider joining us. See the schedule for times and places.

Posted on Posted on

Practice Being God.

Reflections by Maxie Dunnam

Clement of Alexandria, one of the early church fathers, said all Christians should “practice being God.” When I first read that, it shocked me. Me? Practice being God? But the more I thought about it, the more gripping the idea became. Practice being God.

Don’t close your mind, thinking this is irreverent. Ponder for a moment. Paul was talking about this in his word about reconciliation? “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18)

Do you see it? Paul said first, God reconciled us to himself… that’s what God does. Then…what are we to do? He has called us to do the same. Isn’t He talking about practicing being God?

Come at it in a slightly different way. When are we most like God? We are most like God when we are most like Christ. What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you consider being like Christ? By far, most of us would have love in our response to that question the question.

Paul said it well: “For the love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And He died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.”(2 Cor. 5:14-15) What an encompassing statement! That means that since He has died for all, He has died for each. Christ loves like that, and we are to love as he loved. 

Whether we like the language, practice being God, or not, at the core of the Christian faith is loving. At the core of loving is forgiving. Forgiveness, then, is high on any list of Christian practice. As though as it may be, we can all forgive. Go from there and ponder other ways you can practice being God. 

-Maxie Dunnam  

Posted on Posted on

Congratulations to Our Champion of the Month: Sophia Tate

Sophia Tate

Security Guard

Describe your family: Adoring, close-knit, devoted, fierce and loving.

Describe yourself in five words: Persistent, loyal, reliable, kind and helpful.

What do you do for fun: Shop and spend time with family.

What are some of your hobbies: Working is my hobby.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Making sure the residents are safe.

Do you have any pets: I have hogs & dogs. Yorkie, Chow Pom and Pit. Names are Boston, K.J. & Oreo.

What is your favorite food: Yams & Cabbage.

What is your favorite song: Johnnie Taylor – Sending You A Kiss.

What is something you are proud of: I’m proud of the person I have become, thanks to my parents.

What would you like people to know about you: I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Sophia Tate is a security officer that is loved by the residents at Kirby Pines. She makes everyone feel safe and secure. She will take on other responsibilities because as she states, “It needs to be done”. I am very proud to have Officer Tate on my team.

-Calvin Sims, Director of Security

Posted on Posted on

National Physician’s Week is March 25-31!

Doctor talking to his patient

Doctors deal with years of school, grueling shifts, and emotionally difficult decisions, and still manage to care for us with focus and kindness. Physicians drastically improve the duration and quality of life for everyone, and throughout history have done their best to use cutting-edge science to care for others. We have four residents who heeded the call; Dr. Richard Cheek, Dr. Richard Colditz, Dr. Roger LaBonte and Dr. Charles Parrott.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL PHYSICIANS WEEK

The medical profession is one of the oldest, dating back to 25,000 B.C. Healers completing their jobs are depicted on cave walls in France. It wasn’t until almost 20,000 years later that true surgery was born in Egypt, where the first public health system was established. In fact, Egyptians even performed root canals, much like we still do today.

In Greece, medical ethics were born. Hippocrates penned the famous and still-used Hippocratic oath around 500 B.C., which states that doctors must do no harm. By the 1100s, medical schools and hospitals began to be established across Europe. Some of the earliest ones were founded in Paris, Salerno, and Oxford. The works of Hippocrates and other Greek physicians were taught. Though medical schools had already existed for some time, the word ‘physician’ was not added to the dictionary until 1400.

There was a great expansion of the profession in the late 1700s and 1800s, starting in 1766 with the chartering of the first medical organization. In 1847, the American Medical Association was established, and 1849 saw the first woman medical student, Elizabeth Blackwell, graduate from Geneva Medical College in New York. Notable advancements of physicians in the 1900s included the 1937 establishment of the first blood bank, the first human to human heart transplant in 1967, and the first artificial heart implanted in a patient in 1982.

The movement that created National Physicians Week began in 2016 when the advocacy group Physicians Working Together (PWT) sought to celebrate and acknowledge physicians everywhere. The group started on social media with the goal to relieve stress and foster connections for doctors. The movement has come a long way — founder Dr. Kim Jackson says it has helped physicians find better connections with each other and with their patients.

When you see one of our resident physicians, especially during Physician’s Week, let them know how much they are appreciated!

4 FUN FACTS ABOUT PHYSICIANS

There are a lot of doctors!

There are around 700,000 physicians in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Med school is more female

Up 30% from 30 years ago, it’s now estimated that over 50% of medical school graduates are women.

Physicians never stop working hard

Even after the grueling work of med school, doctors don’t stop. Over 50% of physicians report working overtime, up to 60 hours per week.

Gamers make great surgeons

According to one study, surgeons who played video games made 37% fewer errors in surgery than their counterparts who did not!

Posted on Posted on

Resident Spotlight: Mary Blanche Scott

LIFE OF A PHYSICIAN’S WIFE

Mary Blanche Scott’s account of her life with Dr. Edwin Scott enlightens us about the sacrifices and hardships that can occur when married to a physician. “Make no mistake,” admits Mary Blanche, “I wouldn’t change my life. It allowed me to have the opportunity to serve others.” Mary Blanche continues, “It was sometimes very lonely. I had to work to help support us and care for three children as Ed had long hours away from home while in school and while completing his internship and residencies. 

Mary Blanche and Dr. Ed Scott moved to Kirby Pines in October 2013. Dr. Ed had retired after 33 years of practice. Sadly, he passed away in 2019 from complications of diabetes. This is Mary Blanche’s story: 

Mary Blanche and Margaret Ann McMullen were born on January 31, 1929, in Sumner, Mississippi. They had an older brother and sister and their father was 60 years old when they were born! Their father was a landowner and was away managing “the place” most of the time. Mary Blanche describes her youth as a happy one. Life was centered on school, friends, and church activities at the local Baptist Church. “Birthdays were big events for us,” says Mary Blanche. “One of our friends invited us to come by train to Memphis and have lunch at the Peabody to celebrate her 12th birthday.” 

As identical twins, Mary Blanche and her sister got along well. According to Mary Blanche, “We did everything together including wearing identical clothing, playing basketball, and having the same friends. We were the first identical twins anyone could remember being born in Sumner, so we were quite an event! It was said that the men who sat on benches outside the stores took turns betting 50 cents that they could tell us apart.” 

Following high school, Mary Blanche enrolled in Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, Mississippi and was active in the choir and on the tennis team. Her senior year, she transferred to Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She also had majors in History, Bible, and Spanish. “Zoology,” admits Mary Blanche, “was not my favorite subject. I dreaded returning to school on Monday morning to my dogfish shark that had been resting in a barrel of formaldehyde. 

The decision to accept a teaching position in Natchez, Mississippi, was to alter the rest of Mary Blanche’s life. It was here she met her future husband, Ed Scott, who had just graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech. They were married in August 1951 and returned to Atlanta for Ed to complete a master’s degree. Their first son, Stephen, was born the following year. 

With a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ed was employed by Exxon for the next six years in Linden, New Jersey, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. But, two older brothers had become physicians, and the call to medicine became too strong for Ed. When he was accepted to medical school in 1957 at the University of Tennessee, the family moved to Memphis. Their second son, Jeff, was born on the first day of medical school. “It was hard to tell what Ed was most excited about!” exclaims Mary Blanche. 

So, with children five years old and five months old, Mary Blanche began a seven-year teaching position at the Longfield Junior High School while Ed completed medical school, internship, and residency programs. According to Mary Blanche, “Ed chose to specialize in Internal Medicine because he always wanted to know what caused the problem and how to solve it.” Also, as previously mentioned, time with the family was limited for Ed. “To have more time with him, the children and I would eat lunch with Ed every Sunday at the old John Gaston Hospital, Ed’s training facility.” 

Wedding Day 1951

Another son, Edwin Jr., was born in 1962. Dr. Ed’s practice as a primary care physician (with an additional residency in Cardiology) grew to become Graceland Medical in Whitehaven. Fortunately, it was built close to the area that would later become Methodist Hospital. Following the establishment of Ed’s medical practice, Mary Blanche retired from teaching and devoted many hours working with the Women’s Medical Auxiliary. Because of the heavy influx of Vietnamese, auxiliary women worked with them to help establish and maintain their homes. There was also work with new mothers at John Gaston Hospital in helping them learn proper care of their babies. When time allowed, Mary Blanche enjoyed playing tennis. “I have always loved playing tennis and playing with my friends,” says Mary Blanche. 

Despite the sometimes irregular life, travel was something the family enjoyed. Mary Blanche’s twin sister was a missionary in Nigeria, and Mary Blanche visited there three times. When a son moved to England, visits with him provided the opportunity to tour many surrounding countries. In addition to her three sons, Mary Blanche’s family grew to include eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Mary Blanche believes that the move to Kirby Pines was right for them. “I enjoyed being with Ed’s brother and sister-in-law who lived here. It is certainly a blessing to be living among Christian friends and with others who are like family to me.” She and other members of Germantown Presbyterian Church eat lunch together every Sunday. Mary Blanche enjoys reading, the Book Baggers Club, and always a good game of bridge!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines.

Posted on Posted on

Get Better Sleep!

You may recall an article a while back on successful sleep. Well, sleep is so important to maintaining good physical and mental function, we are back with more helpful sleep tips! Remember, sleep is how your mind and body recharge, and without it, you cannot function properly. 

Here are some controllable factors to help with a good night’s sleep: 

Limit Screen Time. The National Sleep Foundation recommends you stop using electronic devices, like your phone or tablet, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. If possible, avoid watching tv or using your phone, computer, or tablet, in the bedroom. The blue light emitted from these devices restrains the production of melatonin, which is the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Instead, try reading a book. 

Avoid Caffeine Late in the Day. Having caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate) later in the day can keep you awake at night. The level of caffeine in your blood peaks around one hour after consumption, and stays at that level for several hours for most people. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, but it is recommended you do not consume caffeine at least six hours before bedtime. 

Pick the Perfect Temperature. Sleep experts recommend keeping the room around 65 degrees, to help induce sleep and support better sleep patterns. However, if you are used to sleeping in a warmer room, slowly decrease bedroom temperatures and see if it has a positive impact. Also think about the bedding and pajamas you are wearing – are they conducive to a “cool” night’s sleep? 

Avoid Eating Large Meals Close to Bedtime. While it may seem like a good idea to go to sleep on a nice full stomach, eating a large meal right before bed can lead to tummy troubles. If your stomach is still digesting food when you lie down, you may experience acid reflux, heartburn, or nausea, which can keep you up. Remember, sleep is a time for your body to rest and that’s impossible if you’re trying to digest a meal. It is recommended that you wait three hours after eating a meal to go to bed. 

Nap Smart. Naps can help reduce fatigue, increase alertness, and improve mood and memory, but try to nap smart. Keep naps short – aim for 10 to 20 minutes. The longer you nap, the more likely you are to feel groggy. Take naps in the early afternoon. Napping later in the day (after 3 p.m.) can interfere with nighttime sleep. 

If you are struggling with healthy sleep hygiene, contact the Functional Pathways Therapy Team for assistance! 

Happy Sleeping! 

Posted on Posted on

Live the Life You’ve Earned at Kirby Pines!

If you think your best days are behind you, you’ve obviously never been to Kirby Pines! With our 60-acre campus, renovated luxury apartments, wonderful food and more, you can see how life, living and community can make you feel right at home. Check out our video and see why Kirby Pines makes you part of a family.

Posted on Posted on

Time to Get Moving!

My children played a game called you move, you lose. When someone got up from the “choice seat” in the car or at a party, or “Daddy’s cushy chair” in front of the TV, another child would quickly sit in the coveted seat. When the first child returned to find their favorite spot taken, the “offender” shouted, “You move, you lose!” 

As we age, we find just the opposite is true; if we don’t move, we lose. Sitting for long periods of time causes our muscles to weaken and our joints to ache. Usually our worst times are in the mornings just when we rise out of bed. One of the participants in the Chair Yoga exercise class shared her secret of flexibility: she stretches head to toes, including arms, legs, fingers, and neck before she even steps on the floor every morning and then gently exercises each joint for a few minutes before breakfast. She has done this for so long, it’s a habit and she couldn’t imagine starting her day without it. 

When a joint hurts, people tend to protect and not move that joint. In a study by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago: “more than 40 percent of those with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, remain inactive; ‘We were surprised they were very inactive,” says the lead author Jungwha “Julia” Lee, PhD, assistant professor in the department of preventive medicine, ‘Regular, moderate physical activity offers a host of benefits. It helps reduce pain and improve well-being.’” 

The moving of muscles and joints does not require expensive exercise equipment, although the Oasis has many helpful pieces of exercise equipment to keep you moving. The Nu- Step is especially helpful with movement of the arms and legs without extra pressure on the joints. Kirby Pines offers exercise classes 5 days a week. These exercise classes will help you implement safe and helpful strengthening and stretching exercises. But just getting out of your apartment and walking the halls of Kirby Pines is a great beginning for moving and gaining flexibility, strength, and balance. Remember “You move, you lose.” Move those aching joints and lose some of that pain of arthritis and lose that attitude that there’s nothing you can do about it. 

OUR BODIES WERE DESIGNED FOR MOTION
GET UP AND MOVE

Posted on Posted on

Everything’s Turning Green at Kirby Pines

Spring is finally here! Moreover, what a joy it is to have warmer weather, a nice breeze on a bright, sunny day and the budding of trees on our beautiful sixty-acre campus. In fact, the beauty of our campus makes the additional six weeks of winter Punxsutawney Phil predicted seem worth it. The sight of daffodils, irises and azaleas in bloom is a treat for all of us to enjoy. It is, in fact, a perfect time to enjoy the springtime weather and take a stroll outside along the many walkways as new blades of green grass come up. 

Speaking of green, get ready for a fun filled day as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with good Irish food in the dining room, and the “wearing of the green” by residents and staff. Allison Nolan and her team have planned some fun activities around St Patrick’s Day and throughout the month. Who knows, you may even see the “artful use of green” as fellow residents work on their creations in the Arts and Crafts room.

If you prefer a more “natural green”, then take a walk around the campus to see the beauty that Spring brings, or think about becoming a member of the Garden Growers Club and select your garden plot to seed for fresh flowers, vegetable or fruits. This club has been active for years at Kirby Pines and this year won’t find them waiting til April showers arrive. 

Here’s wishing you find your pot of gold by living the lifestyle that Kirby Pines offers you and that you worked so hard to achieve.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines