“Being awesome isn’t about perfection—it’s about owning who you are fully. Shine your light unapologetically and lift others as you rise. Remember, your unique spark is what makes the world brighter.” – Anna Luinenburg
Community News
September Trivia Answers
1 Homeostasis 2. Pineapple 3. Beta-carotene.
Words to Live By
“Owning your truth is the bravest act of self-love you can offer the world.” – Anna Luinenburg
Book Club
Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking by Dr. Caroline Leaf. Toxic thoughts, depression, anxiety-our mental mess is frequently aggravated by a chaotic world and sustained by an inability to manage our runaway thoughts. But we shouldn’t settle into this mental mess as if it’s just our new normal. There’s hope and help available to us, and the road to healthier thoughts and peak happiness may actually be shorter than you think. DrLeaf.com
Bathroom Safety Saves Lives
Did you know that 80% of falls at home happen in the bathroom? This high-risk area combines slippery surfaces, water, and hard fixtures—creating the perfect environment for accidents. For seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, a simple slip can lead to serious injuries. Installing grab bars, non-slip mats, raised toilet seats, and walk-in tubs can significantly reduce the risk. Good lighting and clutter-free floors also play an important role in preventing falls. Making your bathroom safer isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting health, preserving independence, and giving peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
The Power of Flowers
Flowers have a remarkable ability to uplift mood and support mental well-being. Their colors, shapes, and scents stimulate positive emotions, reduce stress, and even lower anxiety levels. Studies show that simply being around flowers can boost happiness, increase feelings of compassion, and improve overall life satisfaction. Caring for plants or receiving a bouquet can create a sense of connection and mindfulness, encouraging presence in the moment. Certain flowers, like lavender and chamomile, also have calming properties that promote relaxation.
Exercise for a Healthy Mind
Regular exercise boosts brain function in seniors by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the release of chemicals that support brain cell health. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving skills while lowering the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise also supports better sleep and mood, reducing anxiety and depression, which are linked to poor brain health. Studies show that consistent physical activity can even slow the progression of dementia and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors, staying active is not just about physical fitness—it’s a powerful tool for maintaining a sharp and healthy mind.
Ways to Empower Relationships
Wanting to strengthen your relationships? Allow them to feel cherished and thought of often. By reaching out and telling them what you really enjoy and like about them, it makes them feel appreciated. Taking someone for granted leads to complacency and dulls the relationship connection. Everyone wants to be seen, acknowledged and celebrated even if they don’t say so. Most of us are conflict avoidant, so having a clearing model that is easy to use when differences arise is necessary to help work things through. Taking full ownership of our feelings, naming the specific behaviors that upset us and asking for what you need instead of blaming or becoming defensive is a game changer. Every relationship at some point needs to clear resentment or misunderstandings, when you can do it quickly and efficiently, they don’t build up.
Ways to Empower Relationships
Wanting to strengthen your relationships? Allow them to feel cherished and thought of often. By reaching out and telling them what you really enjoy and like about them, it makes them feel appreciated. Taking someone for granted leads to complacency and dulls the relationship connection. Everyone wants to be seen, acknowledged and celebrated even if they don’t say so. Most of us are conflict avoidant, so having a clearing model that is easy to use when differences arise is necessary to help work things through. Taking full ownership of our feelings, naming the specific behaviors that upset us and asking for what you need instead of blaming or becoming defensive is a game changer. Every relationship at some point needs to clear resentment or misunderstandings, when you can do it quickly and efficiently, they don’t build up.
Heat-Induced Asthma Attacks
Summer heat can pose challenges for individuals with asthma. The combination of hot weather, high humidity, and air pollution can trigger asthma symptoms and exacerbate respiratory issues. Heat and humidity can cause airways to constrict, making it harder to breathe. Pollutants and allergens can also become more prevalent during the summer, further aggravating asthma symptoms. It is crucial for asthmatics to take preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and seeking shade or air-conditioned environments when necessary. Additionally, following a prescribed asthma management plan, taking medications as directed, and keeping rescue inhalers on hand are essential for managing asthma during the summer months.
Healthy Blueberry Crisp
Healthy Blueberry Crisp. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, toss 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries with 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Pour into a baking dish. In another bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over berries. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm, with Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
