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8 Simple Ways to Stay Fit During the Holidays

walking outdoors in the autumn

Don’t wait until January 1. Stay on track during this tempting season with these simple tips. ’Tis the season of staying fit, said no one ever. Busy schedules, holiday parties, and endless culinary temptations combine to make it especially difficult to stick to your fitness routine this time of year. Chances are, you’re going to fall off the workout wagon. That’s okay—we all do. Use these strategies to get right back on. 

Stay-Fit Strategy #1: Remember Why You’re Doing It 

When a client loses his or her motivation, corrective exercise specialist Kendra Fitzgerald prescribes a mental workout. What’s your motivation? To feel better, have more energy, be more productive at work, or age gracefully, it’s easier to commit the time and stick to it once you identify why you are working out.

Stay-Fit Strategy #2: Start Small and Be Realistic 

If your goal is to exercise daily, begin with one or two days a week. Pick days where you can easily fit it in. Add another day as each week goes by. Even if you can’t get to your favorite class or the Oasis, remember that 15 minutes of movement is better than no movement at all. 

Stay-Fit Strategy #3: Picture Your Success 

Write down your goal in a few simple words, and post it where you’ll see it every day. A visual reminder may strengthen your resolve. If you want to get back to your “fighting weight” of five years ago, put up a photo of yourself from that time. 

Stay-Fit Strategy #4: Make It Mandatory 

Time management is important for accomplishing any goal, and fitness is no exception. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, put it on your calendar. Call it your “feel better session,” and make that time nonnegotiable. You’ll boost your mood and health, and it will become a key part of your routine. 

Stay-Fit Strategy #5: Track Your Progress Daily 

Record your achievements daily or weekly: how many steps you walked, number of exercise reps, pounds lost, and so on. A pen and paper and a calendar will work just fine, or you can schedule and log your workouts on a free exercise app Stay-Fit. 

Strategy #6: Recruit Someone to Hold You Accountable 

Maintaining an ongoing schedule with the same person can help you stay accountable. You’ll want to hold up your part of the bargain. Plus, you can get a great workout while having a great time. Think about it: The more fun your workouts are, the more you’re going to look forward to and be committed to them over the long term. And consistency and longevity are necessary for achieving your goals. 

Stay-Fit Strategy #7: Hold Yourself Accountable Too 

Put your money where your mouth is: Pay a penalty for missing your workouts. Drop a dollar in a money jar, and then donate the dough to a favorite cause. 

Stay-Fit Strategy #8: Savor Every Success 

There’s no better feeling than finishing a challenging workout. Let the feeling of accomplishment wash over you, so that you’ll remember the feeling when it’s time for your next workout. 

And make no mistake: This is a big deal! You’ve just rewarded yourself with better health this winter—and a happier, fuller, and potentially longer life. 

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We Are Memphis Most at Kirby Pines

The weather has finally cooled down and the foliage around us is starting to change to brilliant colors of yellow, gold and crimson, reminding us that just a six weeks ago we were celebrating Kirby’s 38th anniversary. Now, in just a few days, we will again be celebrating as we welcome the community to gather and see just why we have been selected for the 15th consecutive year as the Best Retirement Community in the Memphis market. So make your plans now to invite friends and join in the celebration on Thursday, November 4th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Being selected as the “best” did not occur without the votes and hard work of many people. So in this season of Thanksgiving, it is only right to thank our residents, family members, friends and employees who took the time to vote during the Commercial Appeal’s annual Memphis Most contest. Along this vein, we need to stop and thank residents and family member and friends who have been volunteering in various areas of the community as Kirby and the nation slowly walks out of the current pandemic. Additionally, we must thank our workers for the many extra hours they have put in to make everyday life at Kirby Pines continue as smoothly as possible. 

This Thanksgiving, be mindful of the challenges we have all faced during these past months; of our personal family traditions in celebrating the holiday; and of the many individuals who are no longer with us to sit, laugh and dine along side with us on this truly American holiday. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines

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LOST HORIZON

In 1933 James Hilton wrote his intriguing novel, “Lost Horizon.” It was a remarkable story about Shangri-la, a legendary place of a mystical lamasery in the Hulan Mountains of Tibet.

In the novel a British diplomat, Hugh Conway, escaping his post in a dangerous part of India, was a passenger on a plane that was hijacked and crashed in the mountains. At the crash a Chinese man named Chang led Conway and three other passengers on a mysterious path through the snow covered mountains to an unbelievable lush and green valley called Shangri-la. Surprised, but delighted, Hugh Conway and his fellow travelers comfortably settled in this remarkable place. In almost every way it was a perfect environment, a Paradise beyond description.

However, a shocking reality was soon discovered. All those in Shangri-la lived long beyond normal age. They aged extremely slowly. It was hard to tell how long the people had been around because they looked so young. There was one strange circumstance to this longevity of life in Shangri-la. If anyone chose to leave this paradise, their real age quickly overwhelmed them and they died soon after their departure.

A French friar, Perrault, who had supposedly come to the place in 1719 and became the head Lama, was now (in 1930) looking for a successor. Conway was the chosen one and was given charge of Shangri-la as its new lama.

One of Conway’s associates, Charles Mallinson, felt this paradise was more a curse than a blessing. He wanted to leave and pushed Hugh to guide him out through the secret mountain passage. Hugh, joined by one of the beautiful, young looking women, Lo-Tsen, agreed to lead Mallinson out. 

Conway was stricken with amnesia and was hospitalized in China. When his memory returned, he told his story to a writer, Rutherford, who gave his manuscript to a narrator and the unbelievable story was told. The writer saw Conway leaving China and believed he was going in search of that special mountain trail that would take him back to Shangri-la. 

In 1937 Frank Capra made a movie of Hilton’s “Lost Horizon” starring Ronald Coleman, Jane Wyatt and Edward Everett Horton. It was filmed, not in the mountains of Tibet, but in Sherwood Forest and Palm Springs, California.

Hilton captured something that many look for. There is a belief and longing for a “Paradise.” Somewhere there must be a place better than the present one of trouble and turmoil. We never stop looking for a solution that will reverse aging and all its attendant issues. Beyond the cold and rugged path there must be a warm, lush valley where all is perfect. 

John 14:1-3 is a biblical description of our coming Paradise. From the mouth of Christ come the words, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. And I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

John speaks of this in Revelation 21, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 

Paradise was lost through original sin in Eden’s Garden. Paradise was regained in Gethsemane’s Garden 20 Centuries ago as the Lord made His choice of “not my will but Thine be done,” walked up Golgotha’s Hill to be crucified, rose again in validation of His Great Love so we could find our “Lost Horizon.” To many this is the “Lost Horizon.” But it can be found. Change can come. We can take the step today. It can happen now!

Till next time,
-Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain 

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Congratulations to Our Employee of the Month: Alan Hill

Alan Hill

Medical Sous Chef

Describe yourself in five words: Get it done or else.

What is something you are proud of: Being a veteran.

Do you have a pet: A cat, Pantaliamon (Pan).

Do you have any hobbies or interests: Collecting fish for my aquarium.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Preparing the food.

What do you like to do for fun: Watch football.

What is your favorite food: Pizza.

What is your favorite song: Forever Mine by The O’Jays.

Describe your family: Six kids and a wife who has gone to live with the Lord.

What would you like people to know about you: I’m a proud American.

Mr. Alan does not know the word “No”. He has repeatedly changed his schedule to cover for others and goes above and beyond on a daily basis to ensure our residents have what they need. When covering in The Bistro, a resident asked for chicken salad, Alan made it special, and now makes it once a week, knowing that resident will be in to order it. Mr. Hill shows that a positive attitude and willingness to help can go a long way and we appreciate everything he does.

–Mark Simpson, Director of Culinary Services

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KIRBY PINES IS OPENING IT’S OWN DOG PARK

Open 7 days a week, pups can play leash-free with other dogs their size. The dog park is perfectly located on campus with an easy access sidewalk just off Pine Circle. The fencing is vinyl coated for safety and includes separate play areas for small and large dogs. It is also equipped with bench seating, pet waste stations and water spigots for drinking and/or washing a muddy paw when needed. Officially opens this month!

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Resident Spotlight: Curt & Peggy Wilson

TALENTED AND CREATIVE

Peggy and Curt Wilson’s home is filled with objects of their creative talents. Some of the beautiful furniture was made by Curt; the wall hangings and table runner are a sample of Peggy’s quilting art. How did these two meet and decide to build a life together?

Peggy Jo Dick was born in Kettering, Ohio, on June 18, 1950. Peggy, who has an older brother, says they were blessed to be raised in a stable home by loving parents, and that, “Growing up in a small town had many advantages. I have many wonderful childhood memories of exploring woods with friends, and sledding in the winter months”.

Graduating from high school in 1968, Peggy married and moved to Beckley, West Virginia. Eventually, she enrolled in Concord College in Athens, West Virginia and made the fifty-mile commute to graduate in 1981 with a B.S. in Business, Accounting major. She completed requirements for a CPA Certificate in 1985 while working for a CPA firm. She soon moved to Atlanta where most of her career was spent in financial reporting for HMO management companies.

After a divorce in 2000, Peggy moved to Memphis to be near her brother and his family. She continued her work with HMO’s (Omnicare). Active in the church choir, Peggy was encouraged to join the Rhodes Master Singers, a community chorus sponsored by Rhodes College. “This was a great musical and social experience”, says Peggy. “We toured Italy in 2007 and my favorite concert was in a cathedral. We surrounded the pews and sang to the people who were sitting there and praying. I’ll never forget that experience!

In December of 2007, Peggy met Curt Wilson on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. They fell in love and married on September 27th, 2008, recently celebrating their thirteenth anniversary.

John Curtis Wilson (Curt) was born August 3, 1946 in Greenville, Mississippi. For the first three years of his life, his family, including an older sister, lived in Richmond, Virginia while his father attended seminary school. “You might say I have been a life-long Presbyterian”, says Curt. Primarily, Curt and his family lived in Mississippi and Louisiana where his father had pastorates. This allowed Curt to be close to his extended family, especially his grandmother who owned a farm near Leland, MS. There, one summer, Curt and his cousin bought and trained horses, and, an uncle offered them a calf to start a cattle business. They arrived to pick up the calf in Curt’s Volkswagen. According to Curt, “The calf was a little nervous. I think it was her first ride in a Volkswagen!” Needless to say, the car needed heavy-duty cleaning before being driven again. Curt graduated high school in 1964 while living in Bossier City, Louisiana. 

Following high school, Curt attended Southwestern (Rhodes)College one year, then transferred to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology in 1968. Curt then served in the U.S. Army until 1971. Entering as a private, he attended Officer Candidate School, ending his career as a First Lieutenant. During his service, Curt served as an Infantry Platoon Leader and as Battalion S-2 with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. Following hismilitary service, Curt enrolled in Memphis State University andreceived a M.Ed (Counseling major) in 1975.

In 1970, Curt married Patti Fulmer. They moved to Memphis in 1972 and enjoyed thirty-six years together until her death in 2006. Curt spent twenty-six years employed with Shelby County Government, serving as Administrator of Pretrial Services, Deputy Director of the Division of Correction, and, the Administrator of the Probate Court Clerk’s Office. Curt also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for more than twenty years where he supervised other volunteers. 

After Curt and Peggy married, it was necessary to combine their living situation, so they decided to renovate Curt’s house as it already had a woodworking shop and was much larger. Curt took on the job of remodeling. According to Peggy, “Curt and his crew did a beautiful job! I think the combining of our households prepared us for moving to Kirby Pines!”

After retirement in 2008, Peggy’s niece convinced her to try quilting. Neither had any experience and soon realized they needed to take a quilting course. “It was the best thing we ever did, especially since my niece said she did not even know how to read a ruler!” Peggy admits, “Quilting has turned into my passion and I spend many enjoyable hours making quilts.”

The Wilsons in 2008

Curt and Peggy chose to move to Kirby Pines because they have no children and knew they needed a plan for their future healthcare. “We realize that we moved in earlier than most residents, but I don’t understand why people wait so late to move here. Living at Kirby Pines is such an easy lifestyle. The residents here are so warm and welcoming and the staff does everything they can to make our lives easier. There are so many activities from which to choose.” Peggy has learned to play Mahjong, and bridge and is currently Secretary of the Advisory Committee. Curt’s hobbies include woodworking, gardening and tinkering with cars. He loves to tell everyone that Peggy’s sewing machine cost more than his (1977) Corvette!

Curt and Peggy are active members of Shady Grove Presbyterian Church. They walk regularly and you might see this delightful couple enjoying the beautiful grounds of Kirby Pines. 

Wrtten by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

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Fall prevention: a balancing act

The number of falls continue to rise in the aging population and some of these falls have serious consequences. Each year, millions of older adults experience a fall. And, according to the CDC, more than one out of every four older adults fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor about it. Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted, and Independent Living Communities all struggle to balance safety and the independence of their residents. Seniors value maintaining their freedom of movement around their communities and are frequently adverse to many safety measures that might be put into place to prevent a fall. 

How can you build safety into your life while still maintaining your independence?

Incorporate Exercise into your Daily Routine: Try adding just twenty minutes of progressive strengthening and balance activity into your daily routine. Kirby Pines offers several classes and equipment to stay active. Consider adding a balance and strength class at least two to three times per week to help prevent falls.

Mind Medications: There are many medications that can impact a person’s risk for a fall. Make sure you are aware of what medications you may be taking and how it could impact your balance. For example, sleeping pills and sedatives can cause dizziness, while hypertension medications can cause postural hypotension.

Modify Environment: Look at ways to make the environment you live in as safe as possible. Eliminate area rugs, reduce clutter, ensure clear paths to restroom, use grab bars, and ensure your furniture will not topple over if used to hold on to. 

Use Proper Lighting: Falls commonly occur in the middle of the night when someone gets up to use the restroom and falls because it is dark, and they cannot see properly. An easy solution is to Illuminate the path to the restroom. This can be done with nightlights, toilet lights, or even motion sensor lights.

Select Footwear: Proper footwear is essential in fall prevention. Shoes with a back on them, like tennis shoes, and shoes or socks with tread are recommended. Avoid shoes that you slip into, like clogs or slides, and make sure you shoe fits properly.

Use Recommended Walker or Cane: Assistive devices can be great aids for balance and fall prevention, but it is important that the device is fitted for you, as well as educating yourself on proper form and technique.

Try Our Yoga Class: Yoga can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which causes bones to become brittle or weak. It reduces stress and enhances balance, flexibility, mobility and strength. It may also help you get a good nights sleep along with alleviating aches and pains.

Functional Pathways’ Wellness Program and Skilled Therapy services has trained professionals and programs designed for helping Senior Living Communities reduce falls while maintaining seniors’ highest level of independence. 

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Can exercise prevent memory loss and improve cognitive function?

Possibly. Exercise has many known benefits for both physical and mental health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, strengthening the bones and muscles, and reducing stress. 

It also appears that regular physical activity benefits the brain. Studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Physical activity is one of the known modifiable risk factors for dementia. Plus, regular exercise helps combat other Alzheimer’s disease risk factors, such as depression and obesity. 

Exercising several times a week for 30 to 60 minutes may: 

  • Keep thinking, reasoning and learning skills sharp for healthy individuals 
  • Improve memory, reasoning, judgment and thinking skills (cognitive function) for people with mild Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment 
  • Delay the start of Alzheimer’s for people at risk of developing the disease or slow the progress of the disease 
  • Increase the size of the part of the brain that’s associated with memory formation (hippocampus) 

Physical activity seems to help your brain not only by keeping the blood flowing but also by increasing chemicals that protect the brain. Physical activity also tends to counter some of the natural reduction in brain connections that occurs with aging. 

More research is needed to know how — and how much — adding physical activity may improve memory or slow the progression of cognitive decline. Nonetheless, regular exercise is important to stay physically and mentally fit. And for older adults, even leisurely physical activity offers health benefits. 

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So Much To Do This Fall at Kirby Pines

After celebrating our anniversary in grand style last month, we are anxiously awaiting to hear if we were selected for our 15th consecutive year as the winner of the Memphis Most Award for the Best Retirement Community by readers of the Commercial Appeal. Until then, let’s get ready for the annual Fall Festival Hot Air Balloon rides here on our beautiful manicured sixty acres. This spectacular event is just one reason why Kirby Pines has been selected as the best retirement community year after year. 

We will start the month off with several photo shoots to capture each resident for an updated pictorial directory. Make your appointments early for your October 4th, 5th or 6th portrait sitting. Another fun event scheduled for October is the return of the Resident Rummage Sale. Tables are available for this fun event in the PAC by notifying Allison or Liz in the Life Enhancement office. 

Then shortly after the middle of the month, an announcement and tour of the newly renovated Laurel Lane building will be held. I think you will all be pleased with the new colors, finishes and appliances selected for this latest renovated edition to our campus.

If great food is more to your liking, be certain to sign up early for this month’s Night of Exquisite Cuisine. Always a popular feast, residents and guests fill the Iris and Tradition dining rooms to full capacity as they enjoy a spectacular meal prepared by Mark Simpson and his team of chefs.

October 28th is National Make a Difference Day, and we all have the ability to do something small that makes a difference in someone else’s life. You can volunteer here at Kirby Pines to assist someone in one of the four healthcare areas; or in the Blossom Shop; Library; by assisting the Marketing Team welcoming new residents; or simply by thanking the staff who help make Kirby Pines the Best Retirement Community in our tristate area!

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines

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Touching First Base

October 10, 1924, the World Series of Baseball featured the Washington Senators against the New York Giants. Each team had won three games. It was the bottom of the ninth inning in the seventh and final game of the series.

The first two batters for New York struck out. Tied at three runs each the third batter swung hard at a fast curve ball and missed. The second pitch was also missed. Deadly silence filled the ball park. All seemed lost! The series would go into extra innings. The third pitch came to the plate and was hit hard and long. The crowd was on its feet. It seemed like a homerun but the ball hit a light pole and bounced back into fair play.

The batter would probably only have a triple but the third base coach signaled him to try for home. The outfielder picked up the ball and threw it to the short stop who then turned and quickly threw it to the catcher. The runner pushed with all his strength to make home plate before the catcher caught the ball. In the cloud of dust at home plate it looked like the runner touched home plate just a second before the ball was in the catcher’s mitt. The umpire rushed to confer with the other judges and then gave a signal that the runner was “out.” Mayhem erupted.

Cries of “Kill The Umpire” filled the park. It seemed there might be a riot. 

Then the umpire spoke into the park microphone and said, “The runner is out because he didn’t touch first base!” In his haste the runner failed to step on first base. 

Three more innings were played and in the twelfth, Washington scored and won the series, becoming the 1924 World Champions. 

Evangelist Angel Martinez often told this story as an illustration of true Christianity. He likened “First Base” to “Salvation.” That’s where we have to start. Knowing God personally is the beginning of an eternal relationship. “Second Base” was “Church Membership.” Affiliating with other Christians in a growing context of learning and fellowship is essential. Angel said “Third Base” was “Service.” Not only what we get, but what we give is vastly important. In our service to God, there is “so much to do, so few to do it, and so little time to make it happen.” And lastly, “Home Plate” is a focus on “Heaven.” The future is bright. The provisions are great. The time ahead is enormous. 

As in the 1924 World Series story if we miss touching First Base we’re out! Nothing else will matter. John Henry Newman said, “Fear not that your life shall come to an end, but rather that it shall never have a beginning.” So true! For all of us our life will have an end, whether sooner or later. But for some of us we never begin life. We never touch “First Base.” In haste we think we can make it without “Salvation.” This was the purpose of Christ’s Coming 2,000 years ago. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17) “…the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37) 

To think we can make Home Plate and Heaven while skipping First Base is insane. Just as there are rules in sports there are also rules in life. It’s not just our breaking the rules, the rules will break us. 

“First Base” can be touched today. Our relationship with God can start now! It’s not what we might do for God, no matter how long or hard we try. It’s receiving what He has done for us through Christ’s Death and Resurrection. 

Remember the words of Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” God is knocking and calling. Open up today. 

Till next time,
-Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain