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Resident Spotlight: Wynanne Dierssen

Celebrating a Nurse & Mother

During the month of May, two special groups are celebrated: MOTHERS AND NURSES. Wynanne Dierssen, a “happy” resident of Kirby Pines, can claim the honor of being both. As nurses today are struggling and dying in caring for COVID-19 patients, Wynanne’s life as a nurse was always in areas where nursing care was most challenging. Her early life was a happy one but full of challenges as well. This is her story:

Wynanne was born and reared on the North side of Chicago. Born during the Depression, her family struggled. Yet, she had a happy childhood because many members of her extended family lived in the same apartment, and, there was an amusement park nearby. Her only sibling, a nine year older brother, often “scoffed at the idea of having to babysit his sister”. Wynanne feels fortunate that she was always able to attend parochial schools.

Wynanne in Nursing School

Wynanne chose nursing as a career because of the encouragement of her mother. According to Wynanne, “Mother said nursing was a noble profession and one could always find a job”. She took her mother’s advice and was accepted into St. Xavier University, Chicago, graduating with a B.S. in Nursing in 1957. Wynanne says this about her studies: “Those were hectic years and I often wonder how I managed to graduate. I had lost my mother to heart disease in 1953. My father and extended family supported me for those four years. School was very difficult. We attended classes in the day time and spent evenings and nights providing nursing care to patients. We hardly ever slept!” Of course, studies and work didn’t interfere with dating! In 1955, Wynanne met her future husband. They married on October 12, 1957.

Wynanne’s first job was with the City of Chicago as a Visiting Nurse. Her job was high risk, visiting tuberculosis patients in their homes and assisting them in following their medical program. On learning she was to become a mother, Wynanne left this position and practiced private duty nursing for her remaining pregnancy. She temporarily left nursing to care for her children. According to Wynanne, “my family grew from one son to an additional two daughters-three fun, smart, and rambunctious kids”. Soon, however she returned to a part-time job at an outpatient clinic in Chicago. One of her most pleasant surprises was to meet the “Hamburger King”: the founder of McDonald’s who had availed himself of their services.

In 1977, Wynanne’s husband was transferred to Memphis. This was an exciting time to be in Memphis. Elvis Presley had just died! Wynanne took another hiatus from work as she stayed at home to help her children adjust to their many challenges from the move. In 1979, Wynanne was offered a job with a home health agency. This was a new and growing area of nursing and says Wynanne, “it was exciting to be able to bring ‘solid’ nursing care to patients at home”. This experience led to her move to the new rehabilitation and extended care offered by the Memphis Veterans Hospital. The laid back and relaxed atmosphere promoted, allowed nurses to wear jeans and tee shirts. According to Wynanne, patients sometimes asked, “When am I going to see a nurse?” When the VA decided to open a home health agency, Wynanne was one of four nurses selected to practice there. Wynanne ultimately became the Director of Home Based Primary Care, an innovative, interdisciplinary approach involving all branches of medical services caring for over 100 homebound veterans.

In 1992, the HBPC was honored to receive the Federal Executive Public Service Award. In 1996, Wynanne was recognized as one of the “Excellent Eleven” during the Celebrate Nursing Ceremony in Memphis. In view of this experience in developing a new role for nursing, Wynanne encourages all nurses in this way, “Don’t be afraid to create your own nursing job built around your own needs that coincides or expands those of your employer”.

Since retirement from nursing, Wynanne has stayed busy. She volunteers for the Germantown Community Library. Pre-pandemic, she tutored kindergarten students at Sherwood Elementary and was a greeter at Church of the Holy Spirit. She formerly collected “primitive” antiques and currently enjoys reading, theater, movies, concerts and “praying for the resolution of the pandemic”. Laughingly, Wynanne says, “I think the word ‘panDAMic’ is a better description”.

Wynanne has traveled extensively in this country as well as France and Greece. “I would love to travel again. I have mini-trips planned to see my daughters and grandchildren in St. Louis and friends in Atlanta ASAP”. Wynanne moved to a Garden Home in October, 2016. Her reason for choosing Kirby Pines was the Life Care Concept.

In a tribute to Florence Nightingale, Wynanne recalls, “Nurses honor her each year during Nurses Week, May 6-12. Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, established a NOBLE profession by introducing care that would revolutionize nursing. Nightingale’s ‘Notes on Nursing’ became the model for the education of nurses throughout the world. Today’s nurses are having life changing experiences and many have died providing care for COVID patients. Those of us who are nurses understand the nature of nursing and what it means to be an integral part of a team sacrificing to save lives and provide security to those in crisis. To the Kirby Pines Nurses, I say, you are ALL honored during the month of May. You most emphatically deserve it. Be Proud!”

Thank you, Wynanne and all twenty retired nurses who are residents of Kirby Pines, for your years of service!

Wrtten by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

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Body Mechanics and Back Safety

80% of US population will experience one or more episodes of low back pain during their lifetime. By 2050, 40 percent of the population will be older than 50. This growing age group will have a substantial impact on healthcare in the coming decades. As older adults have a greater susceptibility to chronic low back pain, the physical and psychological impact of this pain on society will be considerable. Improper body mechanics (such as improperly lifting heavy items) can put increased pressure on your spine. This may lead to the degeneration of discs, back pain, and other spinal problems. These statistics put into perspective the importance of protecting the spine and reducing the incidences of low back pain in older adults. Many back injuries could be prevented by using appropriate body mechanics during daily activities.

As an example, when lifting objects, you should set your trunk muscles to immobilize your spine, and then the arms and legs can do the lifting. It is important to keep a straight back with the pelvis as this will keep your center of gravity over your base of support. When lifting an object, keep your feet apart for a wide base of support. This broadens your base of support making it easier to maintain your balance while lifting. You should also lift with your knees. This lowers your center of gravity and helps you to use your quadriceps (leg muscles), which are much stronger than your back muscles, to do the lifting. While lifting an object, you should avoid holding your breath. Finally, once the object is lifted, hold the load close to your body. By doing this, the load will be lighter than holding it away from the body because of the effects of gravity and the increased lever length of the arms.

By seeking professional advice to analyze your unique situation, the rehabilitation team can offer assistance and guidance to help protect your spine and prevent back injury and pain. In addition, your rehabilitation team can offer assistance in creating a plan for protecting your lumbar spine. For example:

  • Your rehab team can suggest product selection, placement and training to help you maintain good body mechanics;
  • Your rehab team can recommend home modifications which identify the fit between the person and the environment;
  • Your rehab team can look at what tasks the individual needs and wants to perform each day to ensure comfort, safety and enjoyment in their living environment;
  • Your rehab team will be able to evaluate your body posture, mechanics, and strength.

The Rehabilitation Team assists each person in staying safe in their living environment. The Rehabilitation Team is there to support them through both their challenges and successes. For additional information, please contact your Select Rehabilitation Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists.

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National Nurses Week: May 6-12, 2021

National Nurses Day is the first day of National Nursing Week, which concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Yet the week was first observed in the US in October 1954 to mark the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s pioneering work in Crimea.

In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower asking him to proclaim a “Nurse Day” in October of the following year to coincide with the anniversary. Although the President didn’t act, the celebration was observed thanks to a bill sponsored by Representative Frances P. Bolton, and the following year a new bill was introduced to Congress lobbying for official recognition of the celebration.

Twenty years later, in February of 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a National Nurse Week to be celebrated annually in May. Over the next eight years, various nursing organizations including the American Nurses Association (ANA) rallied to support calls for a “National Recognition Day for Nurses” on May 6, which was eventually proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.

Can You Match the Name with the Nurse?

  • Pat Brand
  • Beverly Colditz
  • Alice Davidson
  • Joan Dodson
  • Donna Griffin
  • Caroline Lloyd
  • Virginia Luttrell
  • Betty Moore
  • Laura Parrott
  • Sylvia Statham

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May is Arthritis Awareness Month at Kirby Pines

Arthritis simply means inflammation of the joint and refers to more than 100 types of joint diseases that affect 54 million adults in the U.S. Usually you picture someone with gray hair and retired as a person with arthritis, but today arthritis impacts the whole family when a child develops Juvenile arthritis (more than 300,000 children nationwide). While no cure for arthritis has been developed yet, with much research, medical science has improved its understanding for the causes of arthritis and better treatments including new medications for pain and inflammation relief and experimental restoration treatments. Exercise has an important role in the improvement and continuing function of daily activities. The Arthritis Foundation sponsors research, educational programs, exercise programs, public awareness and advocacy efforts in Congress. Through their bimonthly magazine Arthritis Today, they keep people informed on new products, diet, exercise and medications. Online you can sign up for weekly tips for living successfully with arthritis.

On Wednesday May 19th at 10:30 am we will begin gathering in the Lobby for our Annual Kirby Pines Arthritis Walk to Cure. This walk will be outdoors around the lake if weather permits or indoors through the halls. Pre-register with Mary Hand in the Oasis or sign up on the day of the walk. We want to show our support for the Arthritis Foundation. We’ll have a few door prizes and light refreshments for those who register. This year our goal is to raise $1300 for the Arthritis Foundation. The funds that are raised will go towards research, education for public awareness about arthritis, and sponsoring exercise programs for people of all ages especially seniors. Here at Kirby Pines We have two types of exercises classes (water aerobics, and sit and stand) that were made possible through the Arthritis Foundation. We are grateful for the role the Arthritis Foundation plays at Kirby Pines. Let’s show our support physically and financially.

How can you help? Here is what we need:

  • Participants to walk on May 19th
  • Contributors and Supporters
  • Volunteers to help with registration for the walk
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Honoring Mother’s Day at Kirby Pines

Do you ever wonder why we do some of the things we do? Do we do them out of habit, honor, proclamation, or simply because someone said we need to do it? Well, observing Mother’s Day is a combination of all of the above.

Mother’s Day was first observed in 1907 at the request of Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, PA, who asked her church to hold a service in memory of all mothers on the anniversary of her own mother’s death. Two years later in 1909, Anna and some friends began a letter-writing campaign to create a Mother’s Day Observance. Their campaign was successful and in 1914, Congress passed legislation designating the Second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Some say the predecessor of Mother’s Day was the ancient spring festival dedicated to the Greek goddess Rhea and Roman goddess Cybele, known as the “Mothers of the Gods”. No matter when this day was first observed, Mother’s Day is a tradition everyone can celebrate at Kirby Pines.

So, make plans now to attend our Mother’s Day Cookout on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, May 8th The cookout is year will be smaller than in past years, yet a very enjoyable way to softly welcome the less restrictive measures now in effect. We will be serving grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and BBQ chicken, along with beans, potato salad and slaw. Cold watermelon, water and soft drinks. There will be activities for children and plenty of space for family members, as we use more of the grove area for spaced out tables and add a second tent for covered seating. More important though, it is a day filled with smiles, laughter, love for one another, and, above all, a day to honor our mothers.

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines

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The Greatest Victory

On June 18, 1815, at Waterloo, a small town near Brussels, Belgium, two armies fought fiercely in a battle that would shape history. French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte attacked the allied forces of Belgium, Britain, Hanover and the Netherlands under the command of England’s Duke of Wellington. 

The opposing armies were nearly equal in number, though Napoleon had superior artillery and cavalry. Because of heavy rains the day before, Napoleon delayed his attack until noon. This gave time for Prussian soldiers to arrive to reinforce Wellington. 

People in England were eagerly awaiting news of the outcome of this momentous battle. The message came by signal across the English channel, one letter at a time. ”W-E-L-L-I-N-G-T-O-N D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D.” Then a thick fog closed in and nothing more could be seen. Throughout England everyone was devastated at the thought their great Wellington had lost. 

Then the fog lifted and the message came again.“W-E-L-L-I-N-G-T-O-N D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D T-H-E E-N-E-M-Y.” Church bells rang and people rejoiced as news of the victory spread. 

A similar thing happened 20 Centuries ago. On a scull-shaped hill called Calvary, Jesus was crucified and died. Taken from the cross, He was buried in Joseph’s cave tomb nearby. With a heavy stone rolled over the entrance and Roman guards blocking any intrusion, a sad message spread everywhere. 

“J-E-S-U-S D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D.” The confusion was thicker than the fog that spread over the English channel. Gloom was the prevalent feeling. How could this have happened? Jesus had been so special, and had promised so much! Friday turned to Saturday. And then came Sunday. Another message was spelled out. J-E-S-U-S D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D T-H-E E-N-E-M-Y.” First His disciples, and then hundreds of others saw Him alive again. The darkness of defeat was illuminated by the brilliance of the Resurrection. 

Christ Jesus is Risen. He is not the vanquished but the Victor. He who was condemned is the Conqueror. Out of the gore of the cross came the Glory of the Risen Redeemer. All that would have come against us, came against Him. And He won! Forever He has won! The real message of this time is: “J-E-S-U-S D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D T-H-E E-N-E-M-Y.” 

From the Garden of Eden long, long ago where Paradise was lost, to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed “Not My will, but Yours be done”, then on to Golgotha and the empty tomb, Paradise was regained, mankind was redeemed, victory was won! 

Christ’s Resurrection, though not believed by many, is the most well documented event of history. His promises were kept! His power was demonstratively shown! And because of His great victory we can live victoriously each day. Christ lives to live in us. It’s a spiritual but wondrously personal reality. As scripture says, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God. He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 

– I Corinthians 15:56-58 

Till next time, Don Johnson, KP Chaplain

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Earth Day April 22, 2021

What is Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. 

In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, to first be observed on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. 

This day of nature’s equipoise was later sanctioned in a proclamation written by McConnell and signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations. A month later a United States Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed the idea to hold a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970. 

He hired a young activist, Denis Hayes, to be the National Coordinator. Nelson and Hayes renamed the event “Earth Day”. Denis and his staff grew the event beyond the original idea for a teach-in to include the entire United States. More than 20 million people poured out on the streets, and the first Earth Day remains the largest single day protest in human history. 

Key non-environmentally focused partners played major roles. Under the leadership of labor leader Walter Reuther, for example, the United Auto Workers was the most instrumental outside financial and operational supporter of the first Earth Day. 

According to Hayes, “Without the UAW, the first Earth Day would have likely flopped!” Nelson was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom award in recognition of his work. 

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Resident Spotlight: Peggy Reynolds Gatlin

Accentuating the Positive

In the realm of relationships, a positive attitude is a desirable attribute for anyone, especially for someone in the teaching profession. In 1986, Peggy Reynolds’ principal nominated her for the Rotary Club’s Award for Teacher Excellence. Using the words of a famous song, he wrote: “Accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative and doing it with enthusiasm could be Mrs. Reynolds’ most personal quality”. Peggy received this award as well as others in her thirty-five years as a teacher in Memphis City Schools. 

Peggy Perkins was born August 3, 1937 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis. Her father owned Memphis Auto Parts and her mother was a homemaker. Peggy was the third of five children, four of whom were girls. They were always known as “the Perkins Girls”, according to Peggy. Church and school activities along with music lessons and many family gatherings are among Peggy’s fond memories of her childhood. 

Peggy attended public schools, graduating from Humes High School in 1955. She continued her education at Memphis State University where she earned a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Special Education with a minor in Journalism. While there, Peggy pledged Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and was active in the Baptist Student Union. The BSU chose Peggy to be a missionary in California during the summer of 1957. 

Well, it is said that opposites attract! Such was the case of the outgoing and friendly Peggy. While out with a group of friends, she met a very shy gentleman, Joe Reynolds. As Peggy states, “it was an immediate, opposite attraction”. After dating for a year, they married on Thanksgiving Day, 1958. Together, Peggy and Joe had four children, three sons and one daughter. There are now ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Sadly, Joe passed away in 1992. 

Peggy’s teaching career began in 1958. Although married and with a growing family, Peggy was able to continue teaching and pursue a successful professional career. Peggy says that it was possible because her family worked as a team, each person having responsibility for assigned tasks. 

Teacher of the Year

In 1973, Peggy was elected Vice-President of the Memphis Education Association and served as President during the 1976-77 school year. Peggy states, “While serving as a professional educator and not a ‘union leader’, I advocated for the improvement of teaching conditions which were the children’s learning conditions”. She further adds, “When I taught, I individualized my instruction to the students’ needs”. This incorporated using teacher made materials, learning centers, and the media. Peggy was recognized for teaching reading using the newspaper. Because of her novel interventions in teaching, Peggy was requested to conduct many reading workshops. This prompted the writing of a book, “Here’s Something for Johnny to Read and Do”. In 1992, Peggy was awarded “Teacher of the Year” by the American Newspaper Publication Association. 

In 1994, Peggy retired from teaching in the Memphis City Schools. She didn’t stay retired long as she expanded her professional career to managing the grant program for teachers offered by the Memphis Rotary Club. After a year, she took a position with Johnson Auxiliary, coordinating volunteers for The City of Memphis Hospital. 

Given the opportunity to work with special students, Peggy was once again lured into a teaching position at Olive Branch High School. For eight more years, Peggy was inspired to introduce her innovative approach in teaching life skill classes. She introduced horseback riding, encouraged Special Olympics participation and had a “Spring Fling” for the students. 

In 2008, the teaching at Olive Branch ended and another chapter in Peggy’s life was about to begin. While continuing to be requested for workshops, Peggy was conducting reading workshops at Mississippi State University. There she made many friends and one in particular kept insisting she meet her cousin from Texas. With Peggy’s permission, the cousin, Charlie Gatlin, started calling. After a trip to an NCAA basketball tournament in San Antonio, Peggy agreed to meet Charlie at the Cracker Barrel in Fort Worth on her way home. 

According to Peggy, “The Cracker Barrel rendezvous went well and we made plans for Charlie to come to Memphis. He came to Memphis, we got acquainted and he met my family. After a whirlwind courtship over the next couple of months, Charlie proposed and I said ‘yes’! Charlie said at our age, we didn’t need to wait too long”. 

On August 6, 2008, Charlie and Peggy were married with Dr. Jimmy Latimer officiating. According to Peggy this new chapter in her life would “take a lifelong Memphian to a Texas ranch and to raising miniature horses. We ‘honeymooned’ for 38 days, RVing to California, took a 15-day cruise to Hawaii and then RV’d across the USA to our home. Our Texas life continued for eight years with NASCAR races, motorcycle rallies, winters in Port Aransas, many family reunions and always looking for a new adventure. We loved our Springtown, Texas home.” 

Eventually, it came time to downsize. As a member of Central Church in the 80’s, Peggy had heard about Kirby Pines. Little did she dream that she would someday be living here. In 2016, Peggy and Charles moved to a Garden Home at Kirby Pines. Sadly, Charlie passed away in August of 2020. Peggy has endeared herself at Kirby for writing the wonderful biographical sketches of new residents for the Pinecone. According to Peggy, “I’m looking forward to the new normal after COVID-19 is over”. Think POSITIVELY, Peggy! 

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

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Getting Back to Exercise

Measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have changed our everyday schedules and disrupted exercise routines for many individuals. Although it might be tempting to skip your exercise during these challenging times, exercise is essential to your physical health and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular physical activity can help give our days structure and be a way to stay connected with family and friends. Growing evidence shows that physical exercise does not have to be strenuous or even require a major time commitment. It is most effective when done regularly, and in combination with a healthy diet and mental wellness activity.

There are significant health benefits that can be gained with a moderate amount of daily physical activity. As metabolism naturally slows with age, maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge. Exercise helps increase metabolism and builds muscle mass, helping to burn more calories. Regular physical activity may reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers – all conditions that can increase susceptibility to COVID-19. It also improves bone and muscle strength and increases balance, flexibility and fitness. Strength training may also alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis.

There are also cognitive benefits of exercise for older adults. Physical Activity benefits regular brain functions and can help keep the brain active, which can prevent memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia. Also, exercise improves your sleep. Poor sleep is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Quality sleep is important for your overall health. Physical activity often improves sleep by helping you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply. Furthermore, exercise boosts mood and self-confidence. Endorphins produced by physical activity can actually help you feel better and reduce feelings of sadness or depression. Being active and feeling strong naturally helps you feel more self-confident.

How Can Therapy Help?

The Rehabilitation Team assists each person to progress towards their individualized fitness goals and is there to support them through both their challenges and successes. Your rehab team is specially trained to help adults with a broad range of conditions that affect their ability to participate in physical activity and exercise. Your therapists can identify lifestyle changes that can facilitate improved physical fitness levels. Therapy can offer assistance and guidance by creating a plan of care that includes:

  • Resistive weight bearing exercises
  • Correcting body mechanics & posture while exercising
  • Balance & stability interventions
  • Treatment of mechanical pain & dysfunction that limit exercise participation
  • Home modifications & functional safety assessments
  • Energy conservation with physical activity.

Consult your rehab team today if you are interested in increasing your Physical Activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. For additional information, please contact your Select Rehabilitation Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists.