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American Heart Month

February is designated as American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. It contributes to 1 in every 5 deaths. President Lyndon B. Johnson was the first U.S. president to declare February as American Heart Month in 1964.

> There is no better time in the year to learn a little more about your heart and what it is capable of.

> Your heart beats about 100,000 times per day.

> Your heart pumps blood through about 60,000 miles (96,000 kilometers) of blood vessels.

> A typical heart pumps approximately 4 tablespoons of blood with each beat.

> Almost every cell in your body gets blood from your heart. The outliers can be found in the corneas of your eyes.

> A joke a day may help keep the heart doctor away, as laughing can improve heart health by lowering stress and relaxing blood vessels.

Sources: health.clevelandclinic.org/fun-facts-about-your-heart

www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/february-is-american-heart-month

Posted in Fun Facts /General Information /Health Topics /Heart Health /

DID YOU KNOW// NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

With the start of the New Year, people have made resolutions to create improvements in their lives through changes in health and habits. The tradition to set resolutions was established thousands of years ago.

Over 4,000 years ago, the Babylonians were the first to record New Year festivities. They held a 12-day festival to mark the agricultural season around the spring equinox. In 46 B.C. in Rome, Julius Caesar introduced the new calendar and marked January 1 as the beginning of the New Year. In the 18th century, Christians would hold mass on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. The church service provided a time to reflect on the past year and propose resolutions to start the new year with a fresh beginning.

Today, New Year’s resolutions are a common practice around the world. Over 50% of people will set a goal and only roughly 9% of people will complete their new resolutions. Experts suggest to write down your goal or have a friend encourage you through accountability.

Below are some ideas to implement as resolutions for the start of 2024.

► Attend a new activity each month to experience all the offerings at Copperfield Hill.

► Sit at a different dining table to meet new friends.

► Attend the morning exercise class offered 4 days a week. Start with even 1 day a week.

► Take a daily walk around the atrium.

► Read a book from the Copperfield Hill library.

Source: https://www.insightvacations.com/blog/new-years-resolutions/

Posted in Activities /Fun Facts /General Information /Senior Living /

October // Safety Article

The odds are very good that each and every person reading this article has received at least one (and more than likely, closer to a hundred) sets of manufacturer’s instructions for something. It can be tempting to toss that paper aside, but DON’T! Manufacturer’s instructions contain detailed and valuable information on how a product should be used and maintained.

This is especially important for items that can cause significant harm when manufacturer’s instructions are not followed, such as bed rails, mobility devices, and heat-generating devices. Following manufacturer’s instructions reduces the risk of injury from use of the device. Many studies have found that failing to follow manufacturer’s instructions are a significant cause of preventable injuries. It is always worth it to take the time to read them, and keep them handy in a designated spot, so you remember where you put them.

In the words of Benjamin Franklin – “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

Posted in General Information /Safety /

ANNOUNCEMENT // Transportation Services

Copperfield Hill has the ability to help get our residents around the town. We have a structured weekly schedule to get our residents to various stops.

We are happy to announce that the wait is over. Our new Bus has officially arrived to our building. The new Bus increases our seating capacity from the previously used Copperfield Hill Van. We are able to transport up to 14 residents at a time with 12 seats and 2 wheelchair spots. The Bus has a lift for us to accommodate all residents.

Transportation Schedule:

Monday – Target, Aldi, Wells Fargo and other shopping locations in Crystal.

Tuesday – Medical Appointments: We can pick-up and drop-off residents to any medical appointment, if the office is within a 15 mile radius from Copperfield Hill.

Wednesday – Shopping Day: Cub, Almsted’s, HyVee, CVS, Walgreens, Huntington Bank, US Bank, Dollar Tree and the Thrift store.

Thursday – Lodge Outings. Varies week to week, check monthly calendar.

Friday – Manor Lunch Outings. Varies week to week, check monthly calendar.

The scheduled van transportation is complimentary to all residents at Copperfield Hill. Residents can sign-up through their building’s Outing Book. In the Manor, the book is located in the Dining Room. In the Lodge, the book is located in the Lobby by the front entry door.

Posted in About Us /Activities /Community Amenities /Senior Living /

ASK THE EXPERT // CATARACT AWARENESS

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in America. Cataracts cause cloudy or yellowed vision. They can obstruct night vision and cause double vision. The cataract stops light from properly passing through to the retina.

Risk factors for cataracts include:

· Long-term UV exposure from the sun

· Inflammation in the eye

· Heredity

· Eye injuries/diseases

· Smoking

Cataracts are not only a Senior Citizen concern either. Although most signs and symptoms of cataracts don’t show until at least age 40, cataracts can affect young adults and children on occasion.

Cataracts in a child can be present at time of birth or can develop after birth. Without proper treatment, children with cataracts could develop a poor visual pathway between their brain and their eyes, causing vision impairments.

There is no proven way to prevent cataracts from developing as we age. Luckily since they are so prevalent, they are easy to treat. The most common solution is cataract surgery. The doctor will remove the clouded lens of the eye and replace it with an intraocular lens. The surgery typically takes 20 minutes and most people are able to return to their normal life in a short period of time.

Sources: https://preventblindness.org/

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /

ASK THE EXPERT // TORNADO/SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY

As Spring brings the very welcome warmer weather, it also brings an increased risk of severe weather. Copperfield Hill has policies and procedures in place to ensure resident and staff safety in the event of severe weather. These policies and procedures can be found in your Resident Handbook. We strongly encourage you to read and review these so you are ready to go in the event of severe weather.

When there is a dramatic change in the weather conditions including: Dark skies, windy conditions, rapid drop in temperature TORNADOS MAY DEVELOP.

Severe Weather/Tornado WATCH means that there are conditions that are favorable to severe weather or a tornado developing.

Severe Weather/Tornado WARNING means that severe weather or a tornado has been spotted and immediate action must be taken to ensure your safety. Close your blinds and windows and stay away from windows. The safest place in your apartment is your bathroom, with the door shut. The safest common areas are the lowest levels of either building, away from windows.

During instances of severe weather, please remember to:

· Keep away from windows

· Keep your cell phone fully charged and nearby

· Wear your emergency pendant

· Locate a flashlight

· Keep a radio or television tuned to a station providing weather updates

Our staff receive regular training on emergency preparedness and response, so we can work together to ensure everyone’s safety. If you have any questions or concerns about any of our emergency preparedness policies and procedures please do not hesitate to contact the front desk. We are happy to help.

~Ashley Farr, Legal Counsel

Posted in General Information /Safety /Senior Living /Uncategorized /

APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

The month of April is set aside to recognize volunteers and encourage others to offer their gifts. Thriving communities are comprised of a collective group of volunteers. Volunteers lend their time, talent and voice to support organizations they care about. Each and every act of volunteering is appreciated. Volunteers come in all ages. Those who give of their time in one hour increments or countless hours, each are appreciated.

Copperfield Hill is home to many individuals who have offered their time and talents. Some have provided their assistance inside our community and organizations that surround our home. Examples of volunteering have included: watering our poinsettias, leading activities, organizing the library, filling the in-house boxes with weekly calendars, NEAR food shelf, and the local church.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

· Thank a volunteer.

· Volunteer! Giving of your time is a rewarding experience.

· Research opportunities to volunteer that fit your time, talent and interest level.

· Donate to an organization that aligns with your passion.

***pointsoflight.org/national-volunteer-week/

Posted in Fun Facts /General Information /

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

On March 20^th, we set aside a day to remember and honor Fred Rogers. Fred Rogers was the host of a popular childhood show, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. The first episode aired on PBS on February 19, 1968, and ran until 2001. Mr. Rogers was iconic for his message on the importance of being a kind neighbor.

“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors – in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” Spoken by Fred Rogers.

Each one of us has a role to play in our communities. Our places of worship, business, our towns and places we live such as Copperfield Hill, are all opportunities to be givers and receivers of kindness. Each of us are created with unique gifts. We are all important. Every person has a role to play in keeping our communities safe, loving and a special place to call “home”.

At Copperfield Hill we are all part of a family. Neighbors are family. Join me in seeking ways to do something nice for others. Take a moment to appreciate the little things or think about how something you take for granted was made. These are ways we can be a great neighbor.

Sources: nationaltoday.com and inspirekindness.com/blog/mr-rogers-kindness

Posted in About Us /Community Living /General Information /

ASK THE EXPERT // Life Without Loneliness

This month focuses on physical and mental health, because when we are healthier, we are safer! I recently read a US-based study that concluded older adults who are lonely and/or socially isolated have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. The study concluded that enhancing social engagement and reducing loneliness had a number of significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing dementia.

One of the key factors that went into the design of Copperfield Hill was to have our residents live a “Life Without Loneliness.” My grandmother, who was one of Copperfield Hill’s very first residents, was THE social butterfly! She was sharp as a tack and always had a big smile on her face. The health benefits of her social life were very clear! So, this month, I encourage you to take advantage of the MANY opportunities here in our community to engage with others. Check out the activity calendar, or talk to someone you haven’t before, you might make a new friend.

If you have a suggestion for an activity, please contact your community’s Activity/Recreation Specialist. They love suggestions and ideas. This month set a goal to get more involved in our fun and friendly community. Remember, science shows you will be happier, healthier, and of course, safer, as a result!

~Ashley Farr Fjelstad

Legal Counsel & Compliance

Posted in About Us /Activities /Community Amenities /General Information /Senior Living /

ASK THE EXPERT // Fire Safety and Prevention

As we head into what can be the coldest months of the season, we wanted to provide a few reminders about fire prevention and safety.

► Please keep all items away from the floorboard heat registers – especially oxygen containers, paper and cardboard.

► If your apartment is too cold please contact maintenance so they can resolve the problem for you quickly.

► NEVER store things in your oven or on top of your stove.

► If you use oxygen, you must store the containers in a well-ventilated area, with containers secured in a stand or cart so they cannot be easily knocked over. Oxygen containers must never be stored near heat generating sources.

► Do not keep candles in your apartment.

► Remember, if you have a device that is used to generate heat such as a space heater, electric fireplace, etc.you must have it approved by management. If you have such a device, please contact the Front Desk to schedule an inspection from Maintenance to ensure it is safe to use in our setting.

► Ensure all your electric plug ins/cords are in good condition and are not tearing or frayed.

► When using your oven or microwave, make sure you are using the correct temperature and time settings, and have removed any packaging, following the food product’s cooking/heating instructions.

Maintenance routinely tests apartment smoke alarms and the smoke alarms we use are designed to have a 10 year battery life. However, if you hear a chirping/beeping coming from your apartment smoke alarm, please report it to Maintenance right away.

Review the fire emergency portion of your Resident Handbook. Our building is equipped with a fully automated fire sprinkler system, making the risk of widespread fire very low, but it is still good to review that information.

If you have questions about any of our safety or emergency preparedness policies, please contact the Assistant Manager.