Saratoga County Office for the Aging December 2018

HOLIDAY DINNER In honor of the holiday season we will have our Christmas Special on

Thursday, December 20th at our congregate dining locations featuring:

Stuffed Chicken Florentine

Stuffing

Peas & Onions

Dinner Roll

Red Velvet Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Reservations are required – please sign up at least 24 hours in

advance (by noon the day before). Registration forms must be completed by each participant

annually. Suggested donation is $2.00 for those age 60 and over. For those under 60 years of

age there is a $6.00 fee. Please call 884-4100 or 363-4020 for additional information, and for

phone numbers of locations to make a reservation. Our regular meals served Monday through

Friday offer a hot, nourishing meal supplying one-third of the Recommended Daily

Allowance. Coffee, tea and milk are also available at the meal sites.

Reservations are required.

The Saratoga County Office for the Aging wish all of you and yours a

Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season.

The Office for the Aging will be CLOSED

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 for Christmas

and

Tuesday, January 1, 2019 for New Year’s.

Nutritional Program Weather Closing

If the home delivered meals are canceled, the information will be listed on your local T.V.

stations under Saratoga County Senior Meals.

(518)884-4100 (518)885-5381 (518)863-6112 (518)587-8653 (518)654-9003 (518)798-0231

From Our Dietitian:

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

It is holiday time again, and the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be filled with temptation. From

office parties to family celebrations, the holidays are times of sharing food and entertaining. You don’t have to

sacrifice taste or traditions to stay on track this holiday season. Here are some tips to help enjoy the season

without weight gain or bouncing blood glucose control.

BE REALISTIC • Instead of trying to lose weight dur ing the holidays, set a goal of weight maintenance.

This is more realistic, freeing you from the “all or nothing” thinking that sabotages healthy eating.

PLAN AHEAD • Try not to ar r ive to a par ty hungry. Eat a light but filling snack (such as yogur t or a

piece of fruit) before getting there. • Do not skip meals, keep carbohydrates consistent throughout the day, try to

stick to your usual meal plan.

AVOID OVEREATING • Try to stay at least an arm’s length away from the food table before and after

eating to prevent nibbling. • Before heading though the buffet line, circle around the food table so you can choose

the food you want to eat. • Position yourself at the end of the line; you will be less likely to go back for seconds.

• Choose smaller portions of your favorite foods, and eat slowly, savoring every bite. • If you want to go for

seconds, wait a few minutes first so you can really feel your body’s response to fullness.

ALCOHOL • Limit alcohol since it is high in calor ies and can stimulate your appetite. If you want to dr ink

alcohol set a limit of one to two drinks per occasion. Always consume alcohol with food, and avoid sweet wines

and liqueurs. Try having club soda/calorie-free sparkling water, or water with a lime or lemon or with a splash of

juice. • Be sure to check with your health care provider before consuming alcohol to avoid any

contraindications with your medication and/or health conditions.

FOOD CHOICES • Choose vegetables, fruit, or grain-based foods. Bring a vegetable tray with a low-fat dip

and you will be guaranteed to have a low calorie, low fat snack. • Limit fried food. Choose steamed, grilled,

baked, or broiled items instead. • When eating crackers or pretzels pay attention to portion size. It is easy to lose

track when you are socializing. • Trim off all visible fat from meat and avoid eating the skin of the turkey. • You

don’t have to pass up your favorite dessert, but remember to indulge in moderation. Have just a taste, or share

dessert with someone.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY • Include physical activity as par t of your holiday plans; if you do over indulge

make sure you go for a walk. • Take a walk between dinner and dessert. • Play with children. • Admire holiday

decorations by foot, after the meal.

COOKING • Reduce the fat in your favor ite holiday recipes and offer to br ing one to a holiday par ty.

Your food will have less calories and fat, yet have the same great taste and texture: • Use the lower fat versions of

sour cream, cream cheese, yogurt, or evaporated milk. • Substitute whole milk with skim milk. • Skim the fat off

of gravy and broth to make lower fat sauces and soups.

LEFTOVERS • Remember , food safety should be par t of any celebration involving food. A good rule of

thumb; Keep Hot Food Hot and Cold Food Cold. Food left at room temperature for over two hours should be

discarded. This includes the turkey. • Freeze leftovers in portion size containers so you can enjoy favorite items

after the holidays are over. • Graciously decline bringing leftovers home.

Bottom line: Enjoy yourself!

Saratoga County Office for the Aging

152 West High Street

Ballston Spa, N. Y. 12020

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

Ballston Spa, N Y

Permit No. 5

Saratoga County Office for the Aging is funded by Title III of the Older Americans Act, New York State Office for the Aging, the County of Saratoga and local Municipalities

Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues

Holidays are a time for celebrations, parties and get-togethers. But sometimes the holiday season can also be a source of the blues, especially for older people, who may think about how quickly time has passed, or miss loved ones more during this time of year. Health conditions or concerns about money can also make it harder to enjoy the holidays. The AGS Health in Aging Foundation offers the following tips to help cope with the melancholy that may accompany the holidays. Get out and about-Ask family and friends for help traveling to parties and events. Invite family and friends over. Taking a brisk walk in the morning before you begin the day, or in the evening to wind down your day, is a great way to beat the blues. Volunteer-Helping others is a great mood lifter. To volunteer contact local schools, hospitals, museums, place of worship, and local senior centers to inquire about volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood. Drink responsibly– It is easy to overindulge around the holiday, but excessive drinking will only make you feel more depressed. One drink=12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. The recommended limit for older men is 14 drinks per week and 7 per week for older women. Accept your feelings-There’s nothing wrong with not feeling jolly: many people experience sadness and feelings of loss during the holidays . Be kind to yourself, seek support, and even laugh at yourself every now and then. Talk to someone-Don’t underestimate the power of friends, family, mentors and neighbors. Talk about your feelings: it can help you understand why you feel the way you do. A simple phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice e-mail, greeting card, or letter can brighten your mood.

Recognize Warning Signs of Depression Holiday blues are usually temporary and mild, but depression is more serious and can linger unless you get help. Signs of depression include: Sadness that won’t lift:loss of interest or pleasure in doing things Changes in appetite or weight Frequent crying Feeling worthless, helpless, or guilty Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down” Trouble concentrating Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much Depression is treatable. Talk to your primary healthcare provider or get other professional help if experience five or more of these symptoms every day for two weeks. If you have recurring thoughts of death or suicide, you should get help immediately.

Help Someone with the Holiday Blues Include them-invite them out and to get-togethers. Take into account their needs, such as transportation or special needs Lend a Hand-Offer to help someone with their cleaning, shopping cooking and other preparations for get-togethers in their homes. Be a good listener-Be supportive listener and encourage discussions about feelings and concerns. HealthinAging.org