WO OD RID GE | NE WSLETTER
WHY LESS STRESS IS IMPORTANT
We all get stressed out sometimes,
but if it feels like the stress seems to
rule your days, its time to do something about it. Why is reducing stress
so important? Because stress isn’t just
problematic in the moment—it’s a real
health risk. The more stress, the more
likely oyu will suffer physical ailments,
from migraines to belly fat. Or even a
heart attack. But before you get even
more anxious about the long-term
effects of chronic stress, try these several tried and true stress reduction and
relaxation techniques.
Chocolate might be just the nibble you
need to brighten your outlook and reduce stress. In fact, a daily dose of dark
chocolate (70 percent cacao or higher)
is proven antidote to stress (plus it can
lower your risk of stroke, diabetes and
heart disease). Cocoa beans are rich in
flavonoids, an antioxidant which counteract the anxiety producing hormone,
cortisol. If possible, opt for brands that
offer the purest form preferably organic and made from single estate or single origin beans. (Sorry, milk chocolate
doesn’t count.
1. Breathe Yes, breathing is second
nature but during stressful times,
that’s often not the case. Under a cold
of worry, many people hold their
breath or have shallow breath, or
tense up so much that it’s actually
difficult to inhale adequate oxygen.
So the first way to turn your stress
level down a few notches is to focus
on your breathing. Sitting up.
3. Reach for soothing scents. To calm
those nerves in an instant, try inhaling
aromas from bergamot, lavender or
peppermint oils. Have a tension headache? Put one drop o lavender oil on
your fingertips and massage your temples. To get the scene to permeate
the room, a few drops of essential oil
to an unscented candle and light it.
Not only will your space smell heavenly, this relaxation technique will calm
your spirit in no time.
2. Eat chocolate. Having a bad day?
17650 Generations Drive, South Bend, IN 46635
Office: 574.271.1151 | www.woodridgealf.com | APRIL 2016
S PECI A L E VEN TS
APRIL 2 ND – Ihop Breakfast
APRIL 7TH – Burger King Lunch
APRIL 11 TH – Bake Sale
APRIL 14 TH – Bob Evans Lunch
APRIL 18 TH – Mo Beat
Blues Entertainment
APRIL 21ST – McDonalds Lunch
APRIL 28TH – Hibachi Grill Lunch
APRIL 28 TH – Earth Day Party
4. Get moving. Even if it’s the last thing
you feel like doing at the moment, one
of the quickest, most effective ways to
reduce stress is to exercise. You’ve
heard of a runner’s high? The “high”
comes from the endorphins that our
brains produce when we get our heart
pumping. Low impact exercises, walking, swimming, biking, weight lifting,
yoga or Pilates are just as effective when
it comes to boosting your mood, too.
Lynn Szweda LPN
PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN FOR
WOODRIDGE ASSISTED LIVING
RESIDENT BIRTHDAYS
Cathy L Debbie K Ruby B Cynthia H Mary Beth W Edna E April 1
April 4
April 8
April 9
April 16
April 27
NEW R ESIDENTS
Wood Ridge would like to
welcome our new resident:
•
Evelyn
Happy National
Humor Month!
April is National Humor Month.
It was created because human
beings love to laugh, and the
average adult laughs 17 times a
day. Laughter can be a healthy,
natural medicine. Here is your
monthly dose!
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Little old lady.
Little old lady who?
Wow, I didn’t know
you could yodel!
Why did the girl smear
peanut butter on the road?
To go with the traffic jam!
Did you hear about the new
corduroy pillows? They’re
making headlines everywhere!
We have reached a new voting
term the the election campaign
has started. We have 4 residents
running for President this term.
Betty Hickman, Thomas
George, Cathy Fotia
and our current
President will be
re-running Randy
Merchant.
Betty H.
Betty is looking to have more recreational activities as well as a
change in outings. Betty is passionate about getting things done. Her
slogan is “Vote 4 Hick”.
Thomas G.
Thomas G. is a college graduate
who looks forward to being an active
president. He wants for everyone
to be Happy and healthy. His slogan
is “Home away from Home”.
Cathy F.
Cathy is also a college graduate with
a major in Science and Minor in
history. Cathy would like to keep
supplies up and garden more useful.
Cathy would also like to endorse in
new exercise equipment. Cathy loves
the community now but looks
forward to making it better. Her
slogan is “Don’t worry, be happy”.
Randy M.
Randy is our acting President now
and has been in the chair for a
year now after being elected Vice
President and being forced in
chair. Randy now wants to win his
election without the forcing of
positions. He wants to see more
of a relationship with staff and
residents and improve dining
services. Randy is also a college
graduate and was in student
government throughout high
school. His slogan is “leadership
with vision”.
We also have a few ladies running
for Vice President including: Mary
Miller and Kathy Milbourn. We
have one in the race for secretary
and her name is Mary Beth Wright.
Good luck to all candidates.
WELCOME MICHELLE!
P L E A S E TA K E T H E T I M E
OUT TO WELCOME OUR
NEW MAINTENANCE
DIRECTOR, MICHELLE.
Michelle has three children
and enjoys the outdoors.
Michelle has been moving
nonstop on a mission to get
all things pulled together
for Woodridge community.
Michelle has years of experience
in maintenance background.
P H O TO A C T I V I T Y H I G H L I G H T S
JELLY BEAN
CONFETTI CAKE
Too many Easter jelly beans
leftover? Here’s a fun tasty recipe:
INGREDIENTS:
• 3/4 cup miniature jelly
beans, cut in half
• 2 cups all-purpose flour,
divided
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese,
softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons
baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Confectioners’ sugar
DIRECTIONS
April Fools’ History
It is said that the celebration of April Fools’ Day began in 1582 in
France. Prior to 1582, the New Year celebration was celebrated eight
days from March 25th. When the Gregorian calendar was introduced,
New Year’s Day was moved to January 1st, but some people refused
to accept the change and still continued celebrating New Year’s on
April 1st. This is the reason why some folks called them “fools.” The
non-conformists were subject to minor ridicule and practical jokes.
Since they refused to celebrate New Year’s on January 1st, they
traditionally observed April 1st as their New Year’s Day.
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Generously grease and flour a
12-cup fluted tube pan. Lightly
spoon flour into measuring cup
and level off. In small bowl, toss
jelly beans with 2 tablespoons of
the flour; set aside.
In large bowl, beat sugar, butter,
cream cheese and vanilla extract
until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at
a time, beating well after each
addition. Add remaining flour,
baking powder and salt; blend well.
Spoon 1 cup of the batter evenly
over bottom of prepared pan.
Stir jelly beans into remaining
batter, and spoon into prepared
pan. Bake for 50 to 60 min or until
a wooden pick inserted in center
comes out clean.
Cool in upright pan for 10 minutes.
Invert onto serving platter. Cool
completely. Top with your favorite
frosting. Decorate with sprinkles
and more jelly beans. Enjoy!
17650 Generations Drive
South Bend, IN 46635
Office: 574.271.1151
www.woodridgealf.com
OUR STAFF
ADMINISTRATOR
Lisa Harrison
[email protected]
HEALTH SERVICE
COORDINATOR
Donna Johnson
[email protected]
LIFE ENRICHMENT
COORDINATOR
DeeDee Lee
[email protected]
MARKETING
Cheryl Carrell
[email protected]
BUSINESS
Carly Singleton
[email protected]
DINING SERVICES
Shaunta Humphrey
[email protected]
MAINTENANCE
Michelle Cox
[email protected]
Newsletter Production by PorterOneDesign.com
RESIDENT OF THE MONTH
Cathy F.
Cathy F. has been at Woodridge
Assisted living resident for over a year
now. Cathy is 68 years old but as
vibrant as a 20 year old. Her birthday
is September 14th. Cathy went to
Tampa College in Tampa Florida and
Michigan State. Cathy studied Science
and history. Cathy received a science Major and History Minor. Cathy
was a lab and open heart technician. Cathy also worked for the South
Bend medical foundation and also the United States government
on a Indian reservation hospital lab. While in school, she was a store
detective in Meijer, which means she can kick your butt. Cathy Fotia
has been in every state in the United States. Cathy likes to read, do
work on the computer, listen to movies and play with her grandchildren
who keep her young. Cathy is a huge Chicago cubs and Bears fan.
Cathy is also running for Woodridge President for this upcoming
election. She is a pleasure to have in our community and has a great
personality. Cathy is also a great debater. She is the type that is
always looking for fun and keeps a smile on her face.