Department of Family Services Alert:
NOVA United: Golden Friendships and Hoops
Does the prospect of playing a new sport sound exciting or daunting? For many of us, the idea of taking up a new sport, especially competitively, is overwhelming. Fears of injury, exhaustion and humiliation can effectively end the endeavor before it even begins. Not so for the members of NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association. Read more.
Taking Time to Connect Benefits Family Caregivers and Their Loved Ones
Many family caregivers dedicate a large amount of time caring for their loved ones but they may still feel a social disconnection between themselves and the person they care for. Disconnection can happen when their time together is monopolized by caregiving tasks and duties. The good news is that connection can be reestablished and intentionally putting aside time to connect will benefit both parties. Social connection has been proven to produce health benefits for both caregivers and care receivers. Harvard Medical School has found that social connections are healthful because they “relieve harmful levels of stress, which can adversely affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.” Read more.
Protect your Health in Variable Weather
While normal body temperature does not change much with aging, it becomes harder for your body to maintain optimal body temperature as you get older. A consequence of variable weather patterns are extreme weather events such as heat waves and freezes. Such extreme weather events make us more prone to weather-related illnesses. As we approach seasonal changes, it is important to become aware of the most common health-risks. Read more.
What is a Death Café?
A Death Café is where people gather to discuss death, often while eating cake and drinking tea. The objective is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives." Death Cafés are led by a facilitator, but the discussion that takes place is directed by the group, with no agenda, objectives, or themes. A Death Café is a discussion group, not a grief support group or a counseling session. Read more.
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