Little Rock and North Little Rock, Arkansas

What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

I remember going to see the Little Rock Travelers, a minor league baseball team, play. I played in the band at school and I loved performing for community clubs and organizations. I dated my first wife while we were in high school.

What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?

I lived in Alaska and loved everything about the state. I hated leaving there. I enjoyed playing in various bands.  I played piano, base guitar, trombone, and drums. We played mostly for private groups such as, Lions Club, Elks, Moose, etc.

Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?

I was a music teacher at the School for the Blind where I served as a Junior Chorus Director and Assistant Orchestra Director. I taught private music lessons too.

Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?

During the Vietnam War, I was teaching. I met a member of the Green Beret once. I never found out what happened to him.

Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?

I was the President of the Florida Council of the Blind. I wrote a grant that established a lab for FSU for the visually handicapped students. The lab had special communications equipment, i.e., computers, reading machines. I received an award from the Council of the Blind.

For 20 years, I investigated employment, housing, and public accommodations for discriminations. I received a lifetime achievement award for my work.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?

Choose a career in something you want to do and don’t settle for just a job.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?

Communications between partners is the most important thing.

What brought you to assisted living at Dogwood Forest of Alpharetta, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?

It came down to the fact that it was the easiest place for my son because it’s on the way to his work.

How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?

It’s all right. I’d just as soon be here as any place else.

What is your favorite part of living here in assisted living at Dogwood Forest of Alpharetta, GA?

The socials on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Who is your best friend at Dogwood?

Bob

However, the symptoms that a 30 year old women will experience may be different for a woman in her 70s. The symptoms are drastically different for a senior with a UTI. Dogwood Forest of Alpharetta monitors are residents closely for changes in condition. We know the drastic impact a UTI can have on our residents as well as any other senior living in Alpharetta. The symptoms are generally the same across this demographic. This is a result in a changes in the immune system response. Some of the common warning signs in elderly adults are:

• abrupt changes in behavior
• confusion, agitation, fever
• frequent urination, and
• worsened memory issues in those with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia

Causes

In order for you to understand how a UTI starts, it is important to understand the body functions in the urinary tract. The bladder, kidneys, ureters,  and urethra all work together to eliminate the body of urine. Urine is formed in the kidney to move waste and excess liquid from the bloodstream and out of the body. The urine moves to the bladder through the ureters, where it is stored until it is emptied through the urethra. However, if bacteria clings to the urethra and multiplies it can result in a UTI. UTI’s are thought to be more prevalent in women because they have a shorter urethra than men, which means it is exposed to more bacteria from other areas of the body including the rectum.

Older women who have gone through menopause as well as people who have diabetes, catheters, and kidney stones are more likely to develop a UTI. Women are more prone to UTI’s due to the changes in the lining of the vagina and decrease estrogen which is known to protect against UTI’s.

Diagnosis

There are several home test kits on the market that assist with diagnosing UTI’s. However, we recommend that you see your physician for a formal diagnosis. Your physician can tell you how severe your infection is as well as rule out any other conditions. If you encounter UTI’s frequently, your physician may order an ultrasound, intravenous pyelogram, or cystoscopy to look for abnormalities in other areas of the urinary tract such as the kidneys and bladder.

Prevention

UTI’s are fairly common and came be prevented with some effort:

• Hormonal Replacement Therapy: For women who are post menopausal and who are experiencing frequent UTI’s, hormone replacement therapy might be a option.
• Don’t Hold It: Try not to hold your urine for long amounts of time. “Go” when it is time! Holding your bacteria means holding bacteria in your urethra. For women with incontinence, holding your urge to urinate is not a good strategy to prevent accidents.
• Wipe Correctly: I’m sure many of us remembers mom’s lesson on the proper way to clean after using the bathroom. Remember to wipe front to back and not the opposite. The back to front method transfers bacteria from the rectal area to the vaginal area and exposes the urethra.
• Take Showers Over Baths: Taking showers helps to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
  
• Avoid Feminine Products that Can Irritate: Some feminine products can irritate the urethra, which could lead to bacteria growth.
• Clean Before and After Sexual Intercourse and Urinate Promptly Afterwards: This helps to prevent in the transfer of bacteria.
  
• Drink Cranberry or Blueberry Juice: Drinking cranberry has been a remedy for UTI’s for years. However many don’t know that blueberry juice works as well. You can also get the added benefits of those awesome blueberries!
• Lastly, Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking plenty of water is the best way to prevent UTI’s. Water helps to cleanse the body including your kidneys. You want to keep your urine as clear as possible.

If you are a caregiver for a senior adult, it is important that you pay close attention to any sudden, yet drastic changes in behavior of the person you are caring for.  While UTI’s are common, they can be serious. If you have any questions about this topic call your physician of Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Alpharetta. We will be more than happy to help.

There are so many ways to make your own perfect cup. Some prefer honey, natural sugar or agave, while others prefer it with a little lemon or mint. Regardeless of how it is prepared, the tea plant itself  is beneficial to health and longevity because of its high levels of antioxidants, flavanols, flavonoids and polyphenols. Tea lowers the risk of several health issues such as cognitive impairments, osteoporosis and high blood pressure in seniors. Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Alpharetta, Ga offers tea in its bistro because of these known health benefits for seniors. Tea also contains L-theanine which is associated with improving the mental state of humans because of its ability to expand concentration and alertness in humans while also maintaining calmness. In this regard, tea is enjoyed as a meditative practice.

There are several forms of tea that are healthful in many ways. White tea is the least processed, and is generally light in color. It is great for clearer skin and a smoother complexion. Oolong teas has been study as a weight loss aide. Black tea is the most common for Americans and it aides in maintaining optimal health. Rooibos tea from South Africa are known to aide in digestion and support the immune system.  But of all teas, green tea has been praised as the most healthful.

Green Tea and Seniors

Green teas benefits are numerous as the tea is high in anti-oxidants, which help to maintain healthy cells. Green tea has more polyphenols which are bioactive molecules. Specifically EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been found to protect DNA from oxidative stress as well as an effective treatment for certain diseases such as HIV and certain cancer. Many studies have shown that regular consumption- around 3-5 cups per day- could increase energy levels, help with weight control,  will decrease the chances of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as regulating blood sugar in those who are diabetic.

Green tea has been known for healthful benefits in Japan for centuries, but now  a senior living here in Alpharetta, Ga. can reap the benefits as well.The elderly can benefit from this wonderful and inexpensive wonder brew.  A new Japanese study has shown that senior adults who consumed green tea regularly, tended to have significant low occurrences of depression, had more mental clarity and cognitive sharpness, a decrease in frailty, and a decrease in functional disability over time. Functional disability means activities of daily living that affects long term care. The study was conducted in Japan had 14,000 participants who were 65 years or older and were followed for 3 years using corresponding data on functional disability from the public Long-term Care Insurance database. Significant results were found for those that used green tea. Overall, seniors who used green tea also had more healthful diets, engaged in social activity with an overall positive lifestyle. The study, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea helped improve health in the later years in contrast to other teas such as black, and oolong teas .

However, whether you enjoy black, green or oolong all tea has been found to have more benefits than most other beverages we consume. Why waste your calories on sugary unhealthy beverages when you could consume healthy beverages? Weather you are living independently or in an assisted living in Alpharetta, Ga, tea is a easy thing to incorporate into you diet. There are far too many benefits to pass up. Brew you a nice cup of tea because your body deserves it.

Young Harris, GA.

What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

Going to my grandparents’ house. They lived in the middle of town and I’d walk to their house almost every day. I’d stop by on the way to school. Their home was a place that I loved. I would ask my grandmother 1000 questions a day and she’d answer every one. She was never impatient, but always loving. She was a great cook too.

After high school, I went to Emory University which was the door that opened for my life. It gave me a broader view of life.

What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?

I was a private nurse for an elderly couple for 4 years. After the husband died, I became very close friends with Gladys, his wife. I helped her as she aged. I really loved Gladys.

I loved to travel. Emory’s Alumni Association planned some great trips. I took advantage of the trips and saw Europe and the United States.

Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?

Nurse – I loved working in the hospitals taking care of patients. I was one of the first Registered Nurses in Union County, GA, where we lived for 4 years.

For 30 years my husband and I had a drug store in the Spaghetti Junction area when it was still country. I worked in the store too. After my husband died, I sold the store. It made me very sad because I knew I would miss my friends and the social life the store gave me.

Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?

9/11 – I was in the mountains of France on a day trip when the bus driver told us. We were scheduled to leave Europe the next Saturday, but all air travel had been stopped. We were wondering when we’d get back home. We were one of the first people to fly from Europe after 9/11. I was concerned, but I knew God would see us through it.

Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of?

Being a mother of 3 daughters who grew up leading good, Christian lives.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?

Have a career of something you love and enjoy it. Then you will look at it not as a job, but a pleasure of having something to do that’s meaningful in your life.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?

The greatest gift you can give anyone is love. Love sprouts out a lot of things – like caring, compassion and other good traits.

What brought you to assisted living at Dogwood Forest’s Alpharetta, GA community? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?

I think it was a blessing from God. I knew about Dogwood before I moved here. Then I had surgery and couldn’t go back home. As soon as I came to Dogwood, I knew God had made a place for me.

How do you enjoy assisted living here at Dogwood Forest Alpharetta in GA as your new home?

The front porch is a great gift. That’s a great place to socialize. It reminds me of my granddaddy’s front porch where we would watch all the traffic go by.

What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?

The good food and my very good friend.

Who is your best friend at Dogwood?

Pat Zuzick.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Early onset Alzheimer’s affects people younger than 65. It accounts for less than 5% of the 5.4 million people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Early onset Alzheimer’s can affect people in their 30s, but it is seen more often in people in their 40s and 50s. Typically, individuals with early onset are in the prime of their careers and are still raising families, which makes the diagnosis even more devastating. Many believe that Alzheimer’s is a disease of old age, but younger adults are being diagnosed with the disease.  Alzheimer’s involves the deterioration of brain cells resulting in loss of memory significantly impacting life skills and daily living. Residents in our Inspirations neighborhood at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Alpharetta, Ga., are assisted with activities of daily living, and often participate in life skills they once knew. Often, in mid stages of Alzheimer’s,  there is still recollection of a past career or events that occurred while raising children. Unfortunately, there is not a definitive test to diagnose Alzheimer’s. Physicians look at a patients symptoms to determine if a patient has Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Alpharetta, Ga. is educated on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and work with family’s and doctors to monitor changes in a residents behavior.

Alzheimer’s Symptoms from the Alzheimer’s Association

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Changes in mood and personality

Summit will remain on the staff of the Tennessee Volts as head coach Emeritus continue her role as a mentor to the Lady Vol’s players, and will report to the director of athletics. Summit is on medications for her condition and continues to engage in activities that stimulate the brain. She works on puzzles at night before she goes to bed. However, she knows the cognitive decline is a gradual process.  Summit says she is relieved to know what she is dealing with and it not going to stop her living her life. She will also continue to be a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association. As for leaving her position of 38 years, Summit is happy about her decision to step down, and she knows the team is in good hands passing the torch to long time assistant coach, Holly Warlick. I’m sure Warlick is honored to get  the torch from a legend.

The video below went viral this week because what it shows is remarkable. The subject in the video is Henry. He is a resident at a nursing home who has Alzheimer’s disease. Henry seems to have mid stage Alzheimer’s. His communication with others is limited to unresponsive. His speech is mostly incoherent. Henry is unable to social.  However, when Henry listens to his favorite musician Cab Calloway on an i Pod, he seems to “come to life.” His spirit is renewed, and cognitively, he is rejuvenated. Henry’s story is not unprecedented. There have been numerous studies over the last several years on the benefit of music to those with numerous cognitive diseases and disorders. The field has grown exponentially the last several years. Several universities are now offering this as a field of choice connecting both music departments and clinical psychology departments. What a unique opportunity for musicians to directly impact the lives of others!

We at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Alpharetta, Ga. have seen the great benefits of music on seniors. They are typically more engaged. It improves their mood and attitude towards life.

See the video below because it will certainly make you smile.

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

Older adults are at risk of falls that can lead to fractures and other trauma because of the weakening of bones and loss of muscle mass. A simple fall to a person living in Alpharetta, Ga. in their 20s and 30s is more complex for a senior living in Alpharetta Ga  in their 70s and 80s. A fall can lead to a slew of injuries such as broken bones that could compound other issues. We at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Alpharetta, Ga. takes a proactive approach with the assessment of  fall risk and necessitate prevention. Families of seniors who are not completely independent should consider assisted living or home care to help with care. This may be necessary in order for your loved one to have quality of life. However, independence is important to Dogwood Forest, and people should live at home as long as they can as long as the environment is safe and no assistance is needed for care.

If you are or know someone that is an older adult,  here are a few ways to safe guard the home to minimize the risk for falls.

• Remove obstructions in the home- Be sure to remove furniture out of pathways
• Remove all floor rugs- Rugs are dangerous for older adults because due to changes in vision could easily trip and fall
• Remove newspaper and magazines off the floor from the floor and stairs
• Make sure stairs are in good repair
• Remove all cords and extension cords from walking path
• Make sure guard rails are secure
• Make sure all  lights are working properly and switches are at the bottom and top of stairs
• Move things that are frequently used to lower shelves
• Make sure your bathroom floor and tub is not slippery. *If it is add a tub mat
• Considering adding support rails in the tub area as well as the toilet area

See the CDC Fall Prevention booklet for more tips!

Easthampton, Massachusetts.

What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

I remember sitting and talking with my brother Dick who died at 7 years old. We had wonderful conversations or so we thought. I loved playing in the lake with my two sisters and their friends. I’d throw them over my shoulders into the water. I’d go rest and they’d come begging for more. When it was raining, I would sleep on the porch and listen to the sound of rain pounding on the roof. When the wind blew, I’d grab my “bed” and sleep on the living room floor.

What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?

My father gave me $100 to apply to medical schools, which cost $10 for each application. I sent out 9 and thought “What the heck. I’ll apply to Yale.” I was accepted to all, but decided I’d go to Rochester because my Dad was paying for it. My father said, “The hell you say. You’re going to Yale.” So I did. It touched me that my Dad was willing to sacrifice even more.

In those days, you had to take rotating internships – spending a month on each specialty. I re-enlisted in the Army to do my internship again to save money. There was a nurse, Patricia Cunningham, who worked in the nursery and I made every excuse to go to the nursery. Every night I wasn’t on call, we met in the Officers Club and talked. At the end of that year, I was going back to Yale for my residency. I asked her if there was any way she could go to Yale with me. She said, “Why don’t you marry me.” So on June 30, 1951 we married and it lasted for 51 years.

Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?

OB/GYN in the Air Force. I retired a Colonel and then went to the University of North Carolina to teach at the medical school.

Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?

Pearl Harbor – My dad and I listened to the radio and read the newspaper every night. We heard it on the radio. I knew there would be a war. In March 1945 I was drafted, but the war was over before my orders came in.

Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of?

I retired from the University of North Carolina, so on my last day I was in the hospital telling everyone goodbye. All of a sudden a resident came running out of the delivery room looking for help. I entered the delivery room and saw a leg and arm sticking out. So I taught the resident how to deliver that baby by converting it to a breech. That was the last baby I delivered.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?

Keep striving for completion of your goals. Find a way to reach them.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?

Learn to appreciate and trust your wife.

What brought you to assisted living here at Dogwood Forest in Alpharetta, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?

My wife died in January and my younger son in February 2007. I’m living in a huge house by myself so my older son suggested that I move to Dogwood to be close to him. It was the best move I ever made because I’m closer to my son and his family, my mattress is comfortable and the food is delicious.

How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community here in Alpharetta, GA as your new home?

I enjoy being taken care of and the other residents. I sit at a table with 8 ladies which is the highlight of my day.

What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?

The food.

Who is your best friend at Dogwood?

Louise West.

Washington, KS

What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

My dad was a water engineer. I loved going to the plant and was fascinated with the workings of the plant. It always smelled so clean and fresh.

My mother was a housewife, but volunteered with many groups. She worked diligently for women’s right to vote. She would do her housework in the morning and in the afternoon we’d call on women.

Our house was full of books. I always wondered where my mother bought the books because there wasn’t a book store in town.

What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?

One day I was sitting by a window at our church dedication thinking how wonderful it was to be there. I had such a calm, peaceful feeling.

After graduating from high school, I attended college for a year. I lived on the second floor of a beautiful hotel with a grand staircase. Because the family of a friend owned the hotel, I was supervised closely. Whenever we had a date, my friend and I jumped out of the window so her parents wouldn’t know about our dating.

Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?

I married after one year of college and raised my children. When I was 40, I finished my degree. I taught high school and college English.

Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?

I was holding my daughter when I heard about the bombing at Pearl Harbor. When the war was over, the bells all over town rang out. That same daughter asked me why I was crying.

Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?

I was chosen to be on the committee to revamp the curriculum for teaching English in schools. This curriculum was for the country, not just the state of Nebraska.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?

Don’t wait until you’re 40 to go to college, but don’t ever think that you can’t go.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?

Your family brings much more joy than heartache.

What brought you to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community here in Alpharetta, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?

I had fallen and got a bad infection. I was so sick and couldn’t go back to my home so my family brought me here.

How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?

I love it! I wish I could get better food, but I love Dogwood.

What is your favorite part of living here in assisted living at Dogwood’s Alpharetta, GA Community?

I love my apartment. I’m completely content here.

Who is your best friend at Dogwood?

I don’t have a best friend, but I have many friends here.

The Bronx in New York City.

What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

Playing sports – I ran track and played basketball in school. The kids in the neighborhood played stickball in the streets. We wrapped tape around a broom handle and used it as a bat. The police would come and take away our “bats” and then once a year we could go to the station and pick them up. We played baseball in a field near Yankee Stadium. We could hear the cheers from the stadium as we played.

I loved the New York Yankees. I never saw Babe Ruth play, but my brother and I went to his wake in Yankee Stadium. Mickey Mantle was my favorite player and I saw him play.

My first car was a 1937 Ford. I painted it myself with regular blue paint. It looked terrible, but I didn’t care.

What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?

My career in the FBI. I worked on the assassination of Martin Luther King and a little on the Atlanta Olympic bomber. The FBI had a policy that if we arrested someone in their home with children present, we wouldn’t handcuff the person until we were outside. We didn’t want that image for the children.

I loved watching my sons wrestle in high school and college. I enjoyed wrestling so much that I started referring, but never for a match where my sons competed.

Did you have a profession? If so what industry were you in and what did you do?

An Agent for the FBI. I arrested fugitives, kidnappers, bank robbers, etc.

Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?

When President Kennedy was assassinated, I was there working on the street. After he was shot, we immediately started working to find the assassin.

Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?

My 25 years in the FBI.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?

Give everything a shot. Don’t settle for the first job that comes along.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?

Be honest and truthful at all times. If you say you’re going to do something, then do it.

What brought you to senior living at Dogwood Forest Alpharetta? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?

My daughter brought me here. We liked what we saw here and it’s close to her house.

How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?

I have no complaints.

What is your favorite part of senior living at Dogwood Forest Alpharetta?

Getting to meet different people.

Who is your best friend at Dogwood?

I don’t really have a best friend here. I’m close to the people at my table in the dining room.