Norma began studying ballet at the age of 5 and continued using these talents throughout her life. Always a good student, she loved learning, is an avid reader and lover of poetry.

She attended Agnes Scott College for Women, transferred to the University of Georgia to complete her degree in Speech Pathology. In her senior year of college, Norma attended a dance at the KA House.  Tommy Bentley asked her to dance. Norma accepted and asked Tommy to “hold her gloves”. Norma left one glove in his pocket so he would have to return it. They fell in love and married 6 months later.

Norma was quite busy with 3 children very close in age. At one point each of children were attending 3 different schools, Pace, Lovett & Marist. Carpooling became an art. Volunteering with the P.T.A. and Junior League were also part of Norma’s busy life. Working with the Speech School of Atlanta, Norma taught deaf children to dance for an annual fundraisers held at the Alliance Theater.

Upon obtaining her master’s degree, Norma worked with the Atlanta Public Schools, and then with a consulting firm for the State of Georgia.

Norma’s prayer, “Lord, keep me in the palm of your hand, every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord.”

Norma enjoys many friends at Dogwood Forest’s senior living community here in Dunwoody, GA. She is a member of our book club and loves the social aspects of community living. She always has a welcoming smile and a listening ear, and lifts the spirits of those around her.

Health Benefits Associated with Pet’s

Pets can be helpful, loving companions and can uplift our spirits when we are down. Pets are known to aid in the healing process. They are also related to other positive outcome in the following areas:

Improved mood: For those of us who have pets, we know how good it feels for your pet to comfort us in their own way when we are bummed out. Research states that it only takes 15-30 minutes of time with your pet to feel less stress and anxiety. A hormone called cortisol, which is associated with stress and weight gain for that matter, is lowered. And serotonin that helps us to feel as we say in the south “peachy” is increased.

Maintainable Blood Pressure: There have been numerous studies supporting pets and blood pressure maintenance. Blood pressure can be increased due to stress. So the section above  may explain this claim.

Fights Depression: Pets are often use in many types of therapy including therapies for people suffering from depression. Often with depression, the patient feels they are lacking something for example attention or understanding. Using your pets as a means to communicate and share your thoughts is a great mechanism to release built up pain. Your pet loves unconditionally and does not judge. Taking care of your pet can also give you a feeling of a higher purpose and removes you from self. Additionally, pets provide company to the owner, which of course results in less isolation.

Lower Chances of Stokes: Cats have been known to calm their owners. Often cat owners have a connection with their felines that is unmatched by other types of pet owners. The connection creates a calming in cat owners. Further, owning a cat has been linked to better circulation.

Strengthens the Immune System: Research shows children who are raised with pets in the home had fewer problems with allergies in adulthood than those who did not. Additionally, they have a higher levels of immune system chemicals which indicates a stronger activation in the immune system. Cats have also been linked to a reduction of asthma risk in children.

Helps with chronic pain: Certain types of dogs such as the mexican hairless dog known as a xolo produce a tremendous amount of body heat. They are being used in patients with fibromyalgi and other chronic pain diseases that reduces pain by heat.

Other research

Animals such as dogs and cats have been been used in several types of therapies for many conditions such as ADHD and Autism. They have been known to calm individual, especially younger people with these conditions. Pet’s provide responsibility that requires focus. It also a means to release excitement. Pet’s are also great for sensory integration activities that are used with children with autism. Dogs have also been known to be sensitive to changes in blood sugar and when alert a diabetic owner of those changes.  There are also seizure dogs that are trained to watch patients who have epilepsy.

 
Indeed, dogs and cats are special creatures. Our dog at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Dunwoody is a cute little Yorkie that is great with our residents. You can see their faces light up when he prances in the room. Although there are findings supporting the claims of the health benefits of having a four legged friend, the most important to us is the unconditionally love we find in ours. That is enough evidence for us.

• Overweight: People who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes because additional fatty tissue increases the the chances of resistance to insulin.
• Age: The risk seems to rise as we get older. This can be attributed to weight gain with age or less cell functionality.
• Stress: The body does not often respond well  to stress. One result of stress can be weight gain, which can raise the risk of  stress.
  
• Lack of exercise: Studies have shown that a regular exercise regime can help prevent exercise. Conversely, a lack of exercise can increase type 2 diabetes due to an increase of weight and unhealthy lifestyle.
• Family history: A history of type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of diabetes substantially. Diabetes is not predetermined by genes, but a person with a family history has a  predisposition to the disease.  People with a family history should monitor their diet and exercise regularly.

More studies are being done to determine other contributing factors to diabetes. As a matter of fact, a Swedish study revealed a link between people 70+, type 2 diabetes and phthalates. Phthalates is a chemical found in plastics such as water bottles, and is also found in cosmetics and scented candles.There have been previous studies conducted on the affects of phthalates, which mainly focused on the effects on reproductive health and child development due to the chemicals disruption to endocrine in the body.  However, this new study reveals participants who were 70+ in age, and who had higher levels of phthalates were at  a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But, it is important to point out that the study showed only a association, and not a direct correlation between the two. Nevertheless, the risk factors in bullets above are still the most compelling. With the numbers released by the CDC, it is more important than ever to live a healthy lifestyle.

What is Diabetes?

There are three types of diabetes. The first is type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes affects mostly younger people, but can occur at any age. In type 1 diabetes, the body makes little to no insulin. Daily insulin shots are required for this type of diabetes. The second type is gastrointestinal diabetes which affects pregnant women who are not diabetic. Unlike other forms of diabetes that are considered chronic, this form of  diabetes should disappear after delivery. The third type of diabetes is type 2. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and is growing at rapid rates. Type 2 diabetes is the excess of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream and insulin resistance. To understand type 2 diabetes, a understanding of how the body breaks down sugar is necessary. The body should break down carbohydrates into sugar when consumed. However, glucose can not enter any cells without the assistance of insulin which is produced by the pancreas. Insulin unlocks the cells so that glucose can enter. But when a person who has type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce the necessary insulin or the cells become insulin resistant. Sugar will then begin to build in the blood which we know as hyperglycemia or high blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes can lead to several serious issues:

• Kidney failure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Nerve damage
• Limb amputations due to poor circulation and infections
• Slowing of the healing process
• Loss of vision

What are the symptoms for Diabetes?

• Excessive thirst and urination: Excess sugar in the blood stream will increase  thirst due to fluids pulled from tissues. The additional thirst will lead to increase in fluid consumption which leads to more excretion of fluid.
• Numbness and tingling: Diabetes can decrease circulation which can lead to neuropathy.
• Blurred vision: Excessive sugar can pulled fluid from the the eyes affecting the ability to focus.
• Frequent infections
• Slow healing: This is linked to insulin resistance which slows the healing process.
• Gum disease: Gum disease can cause inflammation of the gums. This is especially an issue with seniors adults. Mouth infections should be monitored for this age group.
• Lethargy: When sugar is not used properly the body will feel it. Sugar to the body is like batteries to a remote. Once the batteries get low, the remote does not function properly. The body uses sugar in the same way. The body will become lethargic without its energy.
• Weight loss or gain

Prevention

Regular exercise plays a key role in minimizing the risk of diabetes. Having a regular exercise regimen consisting of a workout four days a week would be a good start. Exercising could help keep you at a healthy weight. In addition, eating healthier could also decrease your risk. Seniors, especially, are at a higher risk of having serious complications from type 2 diabetes. Seniors who are diabetic and are on a low fixed income have an even greater challenge because of the need to pay for several medications that should be taken daily. Seniors may need additional assistance with those medications, which is where Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Dunwoody, Ga could assist, but this could be a challenge for those who can not afford assistance. Although, this may be a challenge for a senior living in Dunwoody, Ga on a fixed income, Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Dunwoody, GA. could certainly help.  We of course help our residents in our community monitor the disease. Diabetes can be tough to manage, but with a conscious effort one could certainly do so. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Dunwoody, Ga because we consider ourselves educators and a resource for senior care.

Fran moved to assisted living at Dogwood Forest in Dunwoody, GA to be closer to her son and daughter-in law Debbie. Fran is such an addition to our community, always cheerful, and willing to participate especially if our activity involves cards!

Using Music to Engage the Mind

Music Therapy is unique because unlike other therapies that affect the human body, Music Therapy is considered both an art and science. There are qualitative and quantitative research and data to measure outcomes. This therapy involves several fields such as musicology, music therapy, and clinical therapies. Music Therapy can be prescribed by a physician, psychiatrist, or recommended by a psychologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists.

Music Therapy is considered alternative health care in the allied health profession.  The theory is that music stimulates the mind and spirit through emotions, spirituality, social, and physicality. Music therapist work to  improve an individual’s health in areas of kinesiology, cognitive function, behavior, mental health and disorders. The focus is on the use of music in a variety of ways: singing; clapping; listening; moving to music (dancing); free improvisation or a discussion on music to reach specific benchmarks; objectives and goals.  Some of our residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Dunwoody, Ga. participate in a music therapy program. Residents in both of our community neighborhoods in our assisted living in Dunwoody, Ga.and Dogwood’s across Atlanta have engaged in music therapy for cognitive needs and occupational and physical rehabilitation.

Benefits of Music Therapy

• Improved awareness and concentration (
• Improved memory and recollection
• Happier outlook on life
• Increases mobility and coordination
• Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
• Enhances interest levels and social interaction

Since the 1930’s, milk had been fortified with the D vitamin to help combat the issue of rickets that were plaguing children in the first half of the 20th century. The practice has continued although rickets is no longer huge epidemic.
Vitamin D is essential to children bone health. And as we age, it becomes just as important, if not more to important, in our life as we age. Seniors need Vitamin D, but unfortunately many are vitamin D deficient.

Importance of Vitamin D for Senior Adults

We encourage a healthy lifestyle at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Dunwoody, Ga just outside of Atlanta. Our communities with have outside amenities with beautiful porch areas, gardens, walking trails, and other outside spaces. We encourage our residents to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. We do this because Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Dunwoody, Ga understand the importance of sunlight to senior health. Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D that many seniors are not getting because they often stay in their homes instead of enjoying the beautiful, healthful sunlight.  Vitamin D is just as important for the bones for the elderly as it is for growing children.  But vitamin D, is also unlike any other vitamin.

“Well why?” you might ask . And I’m certainly happy you did.

Vitamin D is an active hormone steroid. Vitamin D helps the body promote intestinal calcium absorption.There are vitamin D receptors found in majority, if not all, cells in the body.  Vitamin D helps to regulate 1000 genes that help protect the body against precancerous growths and cancer cells with the potential metastasize. Vitamin D actually builds up your immune system.  Considering vitamin D keeps your bones and joint healthy, it can help with a number of bones diseases such as arthritis which many older adults and younger adults have.

How to Overcome Vitamin D Deficiency

Below you will find some ways to get this important vitamin D:

• Get outdoors and take advantage of the sun
• Eat foods rich in the vitamin D such as fish like mackerel, tuna, code liver oil , and  salmon
• Consume dairy with vitamin D such as milk, yogurt and cheese
• Take additional vitamin D supplements

Atlanta and Pollen

Atlanta is appropriately titled the “City of Trees” due to the beautiful canopy of trees that covers large portions of the city. But, allergy sufferers may not care for the “City of Trees” in the spring months because the pollen the trees produce leaves them in total misery.  It is almost an Atlanta custom to see pollen blanketing the city with yellow residue on cars, sidewalks, cloths and everything in between. As beautiful as spring is in Atlanta, the yellow stuff leaves a huge mess…everywhere.

The pollen that we see all over the city is pine tree pollen. Pine tree pollen is larger, so it is more visible. Interestingly, it is not the pine tree pollen that aggravates  allergy suffers. It is the smaller, less visible pollen like oak, pine, mulberry, sycamore, sweet gum and birch that affects allergy sufferers the most. Unfortunately, pollen can not be avoided.  So, how should you protect yourself during Atlanta’s allergy season?

Ways to Manage Allergies

• Wash your hands regularly or use sanitizer regularly
• Keep your hands from your face
• Cover your eyes with sunglasses when outside
• Don’t use clotheslines
• Wash your clothes thoroughly
• Wash you hair regularly
• Get allergy medications from your local drug store or use natural remedies such as honey and apple cider vinegar to calm your allergies
• Keep patio furniture clear of pollen like Dogwood Forest of Dunwoody Assisted Living in Dunwoody, Ga.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing technique. It is used to stimulate meridians, and when using acupuncture to treat allergies the lung meridian would be stimulated. Find a professional acupuncturist for help.
• Herbs: Natural herbs can be used to treat a host of ailments including allergies. Goldenseal and Echinacea are used to treat allergies. I can attest to the two remedies. They work wonders if used regularly. Find a local herbalist for other herbal remedies.
• Chinese Medicine: Chinese Medicine use traditional Chinese herbs such as Biminni. Chinese medicine requires mixing of several herbs, so it would be necessary to consult with a Chinese herbalist.
• Homeopathy: Homeopathy uses plant extracts to treat conditions. For a prescribed treatment unique to you and your symptoms, consult a homeopath.

Terry and Fern were both born in South Dakota, the same town, just 12 miles apart!

Growing up in the depression years, kids were not kids as we know today. Fern’s Mother passed away at a young age so she was in charge of her siblings, 5 sisters and 1 brother, Terry all he could on the farm to help out.

Terry joined the service and fought with Battery C, 110th Gun Battalion, and was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. Endured and survived the greatest land battle ever fought and won by the United States. December 16, 1944-January 25, 1945 and was a World War II Honoree.

Fern worked for the Electric and Telephone Company in Nebraska when all the men went to war. Fern continued workings until the first of their two children were born.

After returning from the war, Terry worked with his Uncle. Corporate Texaco purchased his uncles business and Terry went corporate! Terry retired after 36 years as an Operations Manager.

Fern and Terry moved from Minnesota to be closer to family, ending up at Dogwood Forest’s senior living community in Dunwoody, GA . Their daughter, son in law, granddaughter and two great grand children live in Marietta. Grandson Matt is in Atlanta.

The Bye’s are enjoying the ‘The friendliness” of the south and the food a Dogwood Forest’s senior living community in Dunwoody, GA.

Frances recalls being a new bride in 1944 living in St. Louis using rations stamps to buy meat, only 2 pairs of shoes were allowed per year, and going without a car for 6 years. With husband Alvin, they were on a waiting list another year to receive delivery of a car. They got a Nash!

Since Frances’ teen years, she has enjoyed quilting, a craft taught to her by her mother. Using comic books, she traced patterns, and then transferred them onto quilts. You might say her specialty was baby quilts. She recalls making 43 in one year!

When John Kennedy campaigned in Belleville, IL. ,she and her co workers left their positions at work and walked to Main Street to catch a glimpse of the future President of the United States.

Her advice for young people just graduating college? Avoid debt! And for those young married couples, “know that you will argue, but work out your problem.”

Frances enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels and her association with St. Augustine’s Lady Sodality, and attending daily Mass.

Frances moved to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community here in Dunwoody, GA after living in Belleville for more than 50 years to be closer to her family.

We are excited to have Frances in our assisted living community here in Dunwoody, GA, as she is quite the B.I.N.G.O. player; we are all looking forward to learning new variations of the game. Frances has played up to 15 cards at one time!

During World War ll, Nanalie served in the Army WAC’s for two years. Her military career continued when she married her husband Lt. Colonel William Warlick and followed his career to Ft. Bragg, N.C., Japan, and Stuttgart, Germany.

Accomplishments in her life she is most proud of are her marriage, and her 3 sons. Her advice to young people is: Use your education, save your money, and spend it wisely, be honest, and love one another.

So, what brings Nanalie to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Dunwoody, GA? Through a mutual friend, Dogwood Forest of Dunwoody was recommended to  Nanalie.

Nanalie has a great sense of humor and, though laughter, lifts the spirits of those lucky to around her.