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The Heart, Mind, Body Connection

February is, of course, Valentine’s Day! With that, comes chocolate, roses, candy, and all sorts of other heart-themed treats! It seems only fitting that February is also American Heart Month; a time when we can focus on heart healthy lifestyle choices and practices. I think we are all familiar with some of the things we can do to promote heart health – eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight – but did you know that thankfulness has also been shown to help your heart stay healthy?

The connection between our mind and bodies has been the topic of conversation for quite some time, and many forms of exercise, such as Yoga and Meditation, center around that connection. However, there is also a strong connection between the mind and the heart, and this connection has been the subject of recent studies, showing that a healthy heart may lower the risk of dementia and memory loss. Heart disease and dementia share several risk factors, so protecting the heart can also help protect the brain. Thankfulness and positive reactions can help foster heart health. Furthermore, if we can train our brains to turn negative thought processes around and focus on positive ones, we can have a greater positive impact on our heart and mental health.

So, we know thankfulness and gratitude are good for us, but how can we cultivate those positive thoughts? Just like many things, gratitude is a learned behavior, so we can train ourselves to be thankful!

Here are a few ways to start incorporating thankfulness into your lives:

Make it a Habit 

They say it takes 30 days to turn something into a habit. Say “thank you” whenever possible. From the minute you wake up in the morning until you climb back into bed at night, say “thanks” whenever possible. Take notice of all the opportunities to show your gratitude.

Keep a Journal

Create a “Thankfulness Journal” to keep track of all the things you are thankful for. Keeping a written note not only serves as a great reminder to be positive, but it helps reinforce that positivity! And you can choose to keep your journal in an actual journal, or on your smartphone so you can always keep it with you.

Be Present

It is very easy to get lost in “what’s next” and worry about what’s happening next. Instead, try and focus on the present. Enjoy the “now” and be thankful for the little things. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a lovely conversation, focus on being completely present in the moment and appreciate each experience. 

Try incorporating thankfulness into your lifestyle and help support that healthy mind, body, heart connection!

Brittany Austin, National Director of Health and Wellness, Functional Pathways 

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Taking Good Care Of Your Heart

Valentines and Hearts are everywhere this season. February is the American Heart Month reminding us to keep our heart healthy by diet, rest, and exercise. Remember your heart is a muscle and exercising makes it stronger and healthier. Research shows that people who do not exercise have a greater risk of heart disease than active people. Like all exercise programs, check with your physician before beginning any new regimen. So, “What exercise works best for my heart?” Here are a few basic pointers: 

Include Aerobic or Cardio Exercise like walking, swimming, or biking. You should move fast enough to raise your heart rate and breathe a little harder, but not so fast that you cannot catch your breath or be able to carry a conversation. Three to five times a week for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise is recommended by the CDC. Ten or fifteen minute sessions work just as well as 30 to 60 minutes. Our water aerobics and the Sit and Stand Exercise classes will get your heart rate up without wearing you out. Also the Nustep, treadmill and recumbent bike can raise your heart rate and monitor your heart rate, too. 

Stretching is also important. Be sure to stretch after warming up for a few minutes and after each exercise session to keep your body more flexible. Stretch gently (no pain) and hold your stretch for at least 30 seconds. We offer Yoga Stretch classes to provide full body stretching as well as water aerobics and sit and stand classes that finish with stretching. 

Strength Training uses weights and resistance with stretch bands. The Oasis has weight resistance equipment for upper and lower body work. Do strength exercises 2 or 3 times a week resting a day between sessions. Resistance levels can be increased on the Nustep and the bike. 

It is never too late to begin an exercise habit. Start gradually 10 – 15 minutes at a time and increase slowly… If you experience pain or pressure in your chest or trouble breathing, stop immediately and get medical assistance. A little soreness in the beginning is normal, but if pain lasts more than 2 hours after exercise, it may mean you have overdone it. After a few weeks, you can increase your workouts for longer sessions and add more resistance gradually. Exercise is a key to a healthier heart. Check out the schedule of exercise classes or make an afternoon appointment with Mary Hand if you want to learn more about the equipment in the Oasis. Remember an active life leads to a healthy heart. 

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Doing What’s Best for Everyone at Kirby Pines

Once again, the month we so fondly associate with love, because of Valentine’s Day, is upon us. Do you remember how your first love seemed to transform you into a better human being? Or how much time and creativity you put into making a Valentine’s Day card for someone special? This February has a more unique side to it than most, because this is also the Asian year of the Black Water Tiger. Beginning February 1st, the year of the Black Water Tiger ushers in a year of transformation, rapid changes, and adventure. Everyone is fired up, generosity is at an all-time high, and social progress feels possible again. We can expect rapid changes and sudden disruptions. 

In China, the Tiger is honored as a symbol of strength and valued because it is family-oriented. Though extremely driven, the Tiger’s goal is always to do what is best for everyone. Traits of the Black Water Tiger are: agility and eloquence. Water is an extremely powerful natural force – because it can go around any obstacle in its path and not lose its essential nature. 

The Chinese calendar dates back to the Qin Dynasty over 2000 years ago. If you were born in 1926, 1938, 1950 or 1962 you were born during the Year of the Tiger. Famous people born during the Tigers years include Queen Elizabeth II, Stevie Wonder, Martin Short, Leonardo DiCaprio and Lady Gaga. This year is significant because it offers all of us the opportunities to transform or develop our creativity, and social consciousness, as well as say goodbye to petty differences. I guess when you stop and think about it, Valentine’s Day allows us to do some of the same. 

So this Valentine’s Day, embrace not only your true love, but also your neighbors here at Kirby Pines. Let go of any differences or misunderstandings you may have towards someone, and wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines

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Reflections by Maxie Dunnam

At least for a season, every issue of The Pinecone, will remind us of our beloved chaplain, Don Johnson. Every month, in the Chaplain’s Corner, He spoke to our community… sometimes a challenge to work on developing our “spiritual life;” sometimes calling us to work on our relationships; always inspiring us to be more than we are. 

I am humbled and challenged by the invitation to “fill in the empty magazine space” left by Don’s death. I use those words, “fill in the magazine space,” deliberately. In no way would I presume to take Don’s place. I will do my best to use the space to inspire and challenge us. 

Reverend Don Johnson
Reverend Don Johnson 

Put Your Thinking Cap On

I’m calling this column REFLECTIONS. To reflect is to ponder, to meditate and contemplate. Reflecting is thinking about something carefully. Because this is what I’ll be doing in in these REFLECTIONS, there may be a banner accompanying the article calling you to PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAP. The term “thinking cap” denotes an imaginary cap to be worn in order to facilitate thinking. My high school teacher who influenced me most would often say that when we were beginning to explore a new subject. 

baseball cap with a lightbulb

So put on your thinking cap. Let’s think about The shared life of the people of God. 

In Truman Capote’s Other Voices, Other Rooms, the hero is about to walk along a heavy but rotting beam over a brooding, murky creek. Starting over, stepping gingerly . . . he felt he would never reach the other side: always he would be balanced here, suspended between land and in the dark and alone. Then feeling the board shake as Idabel started across, he remembered that he had someone to be together with. And he could go on. 

Isn’t this our experience? It certainly has been mine. I shiver at the thought of having to go it alone. I get chills when I consider where I might be if, at the right time, I had not felt the board shake because someone was walking with me! 

Life in community, particularly the Christian walk is a shared journey. Whether Christian or not, living in a community such as ours at Kirby Pines, we do not walk alone; others walk with us. Paul provided some guidance for our journey together. I urge you to read Gal. 6:1-6. 

Paul is talking about interrelatedness and interdependence. This principle is laced throughout Paul’s epistles. If one member suffers all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together (1 Cor. 12:26 R.S.V.). We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak (Rom. 15:1 R.S.V). The new life into which we have been born through Christ is a shared life. Because we belong to Christ, we belong to each other. In community, we are bound to each other, to Christ, and to God. Our life is a shared life. 

-Maxie Dunnam  

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Congratulations to Our Employee of the Month: Patricia Irby-Venzant

PATRICIA IRBY-VENZANT

Patricia Irby-Venzant

Life Enhancement Coordinator 

Describe your family: Very Loving and always telling me how kind-hearted I am. 

Describe yourself in five words: Caring, humble, mindful, knowledgeable and understanding. 

What do you do for fun: Being with family having game and paint night.

Do you have a pet: A German Shepherd named Zeus.

What is your favorite food: Crab Legs. Favorite song: Leave the Door Open by Bruno Mars. 

What is your favorite thing about your job: Having a relationship with my residents and knowing they trust in me. 

What is something you are proud of:  God’s blessing with the gift to reach people that are lacking love. 

What would you like people to know about you:  I have faith in God to guide me to be happy and to care and be mindful of others. 

Pat treats our residents as if they are her own family. She is always finding new ways to keep them engaged. She pays attention as well. If she notices any change in their behavior or in the physical well-being, she notifies a manager right away. Pat is also a team player and will assist in any area needed with a smile on her face. 

–Anna Bradford, Healthcare Administrator

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Kirby Pines Poetry Group’s Limerick Contest Winners

What is a Limerick? It is a humorous, frequently bawdy, verse of three long and two short lines rhyming aabba, popularized by Edward Lear. 

Jean Saunders

A Fish Known As June
by Jean Saunders 

There once was a fish known as June 
Who sang all her songs out of tune. 
It seemed very odd 
That this musical cod 
Could make even shrimp want to swoon. 

Mary Ann Thurmond

A Lizard Named Lizzy
by Mary Ann Thurmond 

There one was a lizard named Lizzie
Who always ran in a tizzy.
She circled so fast
That her head came in last
And her nickname was Lizzy the Dizzy.

Dale Jones

The Mockingbird
by Dale Jones 

Last night I saw a mockingbird
On a light pole looking absurd.
He sang so loud
Cuz he was proud
The latest egg was the third.

The Poetry Group meets the first Monday of each month at 10:00 am in the Chapel.

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Resident Spotlight: Jane Hodge

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

JANE HODGE

The Christmases Jane Smith Hodge experienced as a child will most likely seem familiar to many. Jane was born in Munford, Tennessee, a small rural community, in 1939. Her father was a farmer; her mother, a stay-at-home mom. Mid-way her second grade, Jane’s family moved to Charleston, Mississippi where her father again farmed until he found employment as a machinist in a local factory. Jane was the oldest of four other girls in the family; two brothers serving as “bookends”. With so many children, Christmas was always a great occasion. This is how Jane describes her early Christmases: 

“We did not grow up with the elaborate Christmases that children have today and with six kids in the family, we ‘made do’ with what we had. Like in the story books, we went to the woods and cut down a tree that would fit on a table. Then, we would string popcorn and holly berries to decorate the tree. The star on top of the tree was made by Mother and covered in foil. Then, we covered the tree with icicles we purchased. While we were gone to find the tree, Mother stayed home to help Santa with the gifts. These were placed under the tree after we decorated it to wait until Christmas morning. If we were lucky and it snowed near Christmas, Mother always made ‘snow ice cream’ in a huge dishpan. Those memories are the favorites of my childhood.” 

The family remained in Charleston and thrived there. Jane says, “It was a wonderful place to raise a family, with good schools, churches and plenty to do.” The only “bad” thing Jane remembers happening was the time her brother accidentally chopped off the end of her finger while she was helping him at the “choppin” block. They had no car but a neighbor transported her to the doctor and the finger was successfully reattached. While in high school, Jane was on the basketball team which won the Delta Valley Championship. She also received awards including “Class Favorite”. 

Following graduation from high school in 1957, Jane worked a year to save money for college. She then enrolled in a one year secretarial course at Northwest Junior College. Because no jobs were available in Charleston, Jane moved to Memphis. She briefly worked for the American Red Cross but was soon employed by Bridgestone/Firestone. 

Shortly after coming to Memphis, Jane was introduced to Lee Hodge by a friend. They fell in love and were married in 1961. Lee was a brick mason and designed a beautiful herringbone pattern for the fireplace in one of their homes. She and Lee became the parents of three daughters and today there are nine grandchildren and eleven greats! Sadly, Lee passed away with dementia in 1998. 

Jane Hodge

While the children were small, Jane was a stay-at-home mom and served as PTA President of their school. Even so, Jane had twenty five years with Firestone, ten in Memphis and fifteen in a Chicago suburb. While there, she became Transportation Manager for a ten state area. 

In 2003, following her retirement, Jane moved back to Collierville to be close to her family. She became a member of a grief group sponsored by First Evangelical Church which is also involved with the Orange Mound District Youth Foundation. She remains an active member of Ridgeway Baptist Church and their Golden Agers Group. 

Jane says she “fell in love” with Kirby Pines after attending one of the Marketing luncheons. The continual care concept as well as the promise to take care of her in the event of financial problems, sold her. She moved to Kirby Pines in 2020. Jane says this about Kirby Pines: “I love it here. The grounds’ staff keep everything looking lovely. Plus, I feel very safe here and I especially enjoy my balcony. I never have to worry about cooking dinner or fixing anything in my apartment. The thing that I enjoy most is playing games with my friends.” 

Although she has had a busy life, Jane has managed to travel extensively, visiting all seven continents and forty-seven countries, some twice. Several of these trips have been made since moving to Kirby Pines. 

According to Jane, “Christmases now are a contrast to the ones of my earlier life. Actually, I have three Christmases. The first is my immediate family celebration on the night of December 23rd. We have dinner and open gifts. With three daughters, and their families, we have a large group, although not everyone is able to come every year because we are so scattered. The second Christmas is called ‘The Sisters’ Christmas Birthday’. With five sisters, we celebrate our birthdays in this manner: we go out to dinner, return and open gifts to each other. The third and final Christmas celebration is when the entire clan comes together on Christmas Day for a ‘pot-luck’ dinner. There are usually more desserts than regular food, but we always have the traditional turkey and ham. After the delicious meal, we play a game called ‘Dirty Santa’. Everyone brings a gift worth $20. The gift you pick may be taken away from you by someone else. All in good fun!” 

Jane wishes to thank all the people at Kirby Pines who have made her feel welcomed. She along with this writer wishes you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Wrtten by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

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Keys to Successful Sleep

Retired couple sleeping

Sleep is an essential function and it’s how our mind and body recharge each day. It’s vital for our health, immune system, and mental function. Without adequate and restful sleep, the brain and body cannot function properly. The average adult requires somewhere between seven and nine hours, however some may function better with slightly more or slightly less sleep. 

Retired man happily wrapped in a blanket

Our internal “clock” regulates the sleep cycle, which controls when you feel tired, as well as when you feel refreshed and alert. This internal clock runs on a 24-hour cycle, commonly known as the circadian rhythm. During this cycle, your body temperature also has a pattern. The temperature pattern tends to peak around late afternoon and hit the lowest point (or when your body is the coolest) around 5 a.m. 

There are a lot of things that can impact a good nights’ sleep, such as stress, screen time, coffee intake, and evening light exposure. One controllable factor that may often be overlooked is temperature. The benefits of sleeping in cooler temps are due to your body’s core temperature. A cooling body temperature induces sleep, and keeping your body cool through the night has been shown to support better sleep patterns. 

Some things you can do to control your sleep temperature settings:

1. Check the thermostat. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep experts recommend keeping the room at 65 degrees. However, not everyone is the same. And, if you are currently sleeping in much warmer temperatures, it is not recommended to make a huge drop suddenly. Slowly decrease the bedroom temperature and see if it has a positive impact on your sleep.

2. Assess your bedding. Consider the type of sheets and blankets you have on the bed. Typically, cotton, bamboo, and linen are the best for keeping you cool. 

3. Pick your pajamas. Before climbing into bed, think about what you are wearing. Flannel pajamas may be super comfortable and cozy, but they are often too warm for sleeping. Consider wearing silk or cotton.

4. Avoid tight clothing. Wearing tight-fitting clothes to sleep will decrease the amount of airflow your body receives throughout the night, which can increase your body temperature. 

5. Use a fan. Fans are a great way to not only keep cool through the night, but they can also provide white noise, which is another great sleep aid. 

If you are struggling with getting enough restful rest at night, consider checking the temperature! While there are many different factors that can impact sleep, temperature is a relatively easy one to fix. Happy sleeping! 

Brittany Austin, National Director of Health and Wellness, Functional Pathways 

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8 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

Sant lifting weights

While the holidays are a time of gatherings with family and friends, they can also be a source of stress, as exercise schedules might be disrupted for shopping excursions and rich holiday meals make it difficult to adhere to a particular diet. Staying healthy can be a challenge during this time of year, especially for seniors. 

To stay healthy during the holidays, reduce stress and avoid the holiday blues, keep the following tips in mind: 

1. Make healthy choices: From rich meals to tempting and tasty homemade snacks, the holidays are a time for many to indulge in food — or overindulge. Try to plan meals with other events in mind. For example, if a big dinner is planned for New Year’s Eve, consider a lighter lunch of salad or soup. 

2. Stay hydrated: Drinking water is one way you can stay healthy during the holidays. To make it easier to stay hydrated, have water easily accessible at home and keep bottled water in a purse or bag when running errands. 

3. Follow dietary restrictions: Some seniors must follow special diets, such as one that is low in sodium. It can be difficult to adhere to a diet during busy, stressful times, especially if there aren’t any healthy options available. “When people get stressed, they tend to overeat and don’t stick to their diets.” To make it easier to follow dietary guidelines, keep healthy options like fresh-cut vegetables and fruit on hand. 

4. Keep exercising: Stick to an exercise schedule, bundle up and invite your family for a walk around the grounds at Kirby Pines If it’s too cold or icy outside, enjoy the decorated halls inside. Visit the Oasis or enjoy the warm pool. 

5. Decrease gifts: The holidays can be a financial challenge due to purchasing gifts for many family members. To reduce stress from paying for gifts and shopping, consider having a family grab bag, where everyone contributes one gift. 

6. Rest after traveling: For some, the holidays are a time to travel long distances to visit family and friends. Whether you travel by car, rail or plane, make time to rest before jumping into visiting or shopping. 

7. Take a break: Between parties and shopping, the holidays often involve busy days and late nights. If you are planning an all-day outing, carve some time for a nap or a way to relax for a bit, even if it is just to sip tea in a cafe. Little kids, seniors and everyone in between will appreciate it. 

8. Stay involved: Be a part of the holidays. For many, that may include helping out with holiday preparations. “Reduce your stress by allowing others to hold the holiday event at their home instead of yours, but stay involved by cooking a favorite dish or maybe help decorate the home.” 

With a few preventative measures and a willingness to change some traditions, seniors can stay healthy and follow their diets, while also having fun with their family members this holiday season. 

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Happy Christmas to all at Kirby Pines

“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a Mouse…”

The sentence above is familiar to us as the opening of one of America’s most beloved Christmas stories, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” attributed to Clement C. Moore. It is the tale of what happened to one family on Christmas Eve that has been embraced by individuals around the world. In fact, for many, the story is told and retold throughout the Christmas season. The story paints a vivid picture of peace and happiness within a household that is pleasantly disrupted by a visit from jolly old St. Nicholas. So well written is this poem, that we can visualize the snow outside, the gifts under the tree, and most importantly the ending blessing. 

Much like the household in this Christmas story, Kirby Pines is filled with warmth and love for one another. Employees, much like Santa’s elves, go about their duties quietly so that you can enjoy their gifts of housekeeping, transportation, nursing, yard work, building maintenance and food. Residents snuggle into their beds with the comfort of knowing their safety and well-being are first in the minds and hearts of our employees. 

Although the story of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” is a holiday tradition, let us not forget this holiday celebrates the birth of Christ. His life and teachings are the basis for the values incorporated into our mission statement.

To all of you I wish a blessed holiday season, and remind you “… I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night”

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines