Assisted Living Residences

Association. The Longest Day occurs during the summer solstice and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place in early fall. Last year, Team Youville raised over $5,000 during The Walk.

This year we hope to raise even more! If you are interested in donating to Team Youville, you can do so online by visiting our team page. Visit www.act.alz.org/Walk and click on “Find A Team.” Then search “Team Youville.” To make an in-person donation or for help making on online donation, please contact the Programs Department.

Did you know*•Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

•More than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease today. By the year 2050, that number is expected to rise to 14 million.

•Between 2000 and 2018, deaths from heart disease decreased by 7.8% while deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 146%.

•82% of primary care physicians say they are on the front lines of providing dementia care.

*Provided by the Alzheimer’s Association

On Sunday, September 27, Team Youville will once again proudly participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year, according to the Alzheimer’s Association web site, “the walk is everywhere!”

Rather than holding the traditional gathering at North Point Park in Cambridge, due to public health concernsthe Walk will be a decentralized affair. Walking teams will still register online and raise funds on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association in support of Alzheimer’s care and research. On the day of the Walk, an online ceremony and presentation will take place at 10:00 AM. Afterward, the walk begins!

It will be up to each team to choose their own walking routes throughout the city. “This year’s Walk will look a lot like The Longest Day,” says Katie Blanchard, Director of Programs and longtime Team Youville captain. “Even though there won’t be a big gathering, there is a sense of unity in knowing that hundreds of thousands of walkers are out there at the same time as we are, doing their part and making a difference help advance Alzheimer’s research.”

Both The Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day are nationwide events organized every year by the Alzheimer’s

September 2020

Support “Team Youville” in The Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Cradles to Crayons DonationsLast year, Youville directors spent a day volunteeringat Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit that supports children living in poverty throughout Massachusetts. Giving Factory. Cradles to Crayons receives a constant influx of donations including clothing, toys, books, school supplies, toiletries and other essential items. Youville directors volunteered at The Giving Factory, where donations are received, to help sort and assess the quality of clothing and other items. It was a fulfilling day of service and one that everyone agreed they wanted to make an annual tradition.

This year, in lieu of volunteering in person, Youville is gathering donations of supplies on behalf of Cradles to Crayons. You can contribute! Some of the most needed items are:

•Diapers•Shampoo and soap•Toothpaste•School and art supplies

If you would rather Youville purchase supplies on your behalf, please feel free to donate a check payable to Youville Assisted Living with “Cradles to Crayons” in the memo. Alternately, donations can be made directly through the Cradles to Crayons website: www.cradlestocrayons.org

If you have questions about our Cradles To Crayons campaign, please contact Kathleen Kelleher, Director of Mission and Spiritual Care.

On Saturday, September 12, Youville House in Cambridge will host the 2020 Virtual Parkinson’s Conference. This conference is intended for anyone living with Parkinson’s disease, for caregivers, friends, family and anyone interested in learning more about Parkinson’s.

The conference features three expert speakers who will present their talks virtually, from 8:50 AM to noon. Youville Place residents with access to Zoom are invited to participate! Simply contact Yanira Burgos, Director of Community Relations, for instructions on how to join.

The SpeakersDr. Ron Alterman, Chief, Neurosurgery Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center9:00 AM“Deep Brain Stimulation and the Future of Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease”Dr. Ron Alterman is a leading practitioner of Deep Brain Stimulation, a procedure that involves implanting tiny electrodes in the brain. DBS has been effective in treating dystonia in children and more recently in treating Parkinson’s symptoms. Dr. Alterman will discuss the history and effectiveness of this procedure and explain why further development of DBS is central to the treatment of Parkinson’s.

Dr. David K. Simon, Director of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 10:15 AM“Slowing the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease: Are We Close?” Dr. Simon will discuss ongoing research and upcoming trials of agents aimed at slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. He will delve into the reasons that trials are so difficult to conduct and why he still has hope we are getting closer to the next breakthrough in treatment.

Lucien Zoll, Instructor, Tai Chi Paradigm Program at Calvin Chen Marshall Arts Academy11:30 AM “Tai Chi for Parkinson’s”Lucien Zoll is a longtime martial arts instructor and Tai Chi practitioner. He will discuss why Tai Chi has grown in popularity among Parkinson’s patients and how regular practice of Tai Chi can help improve balance, strength and mind-body coordination.

The 2020 Parkinson’s Conference will be Virtual

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September Highlights - Live-streamed!Note: These programs will be live-streamed for a small audience and require advance sign-up with the Programs Department. If attendance is full, residents with computers or tablets may participate remotely from their apartments via Zoom. Simply ask the Programs Department to email you the access information.

Writing Workshop with Tom DaleyTuesday, September 1, 15 & 29 at 1:30 PMAward-winning poet and local writing instructor Tom Daley returns to Youville to lead two memoir-writing workshops. Experienced and/or aspiring writers are encouraged to join! Mr. Daley will lead participants through a series of in-class prompts to help set a scene and stimulate the imagination and memory. If you were present at previous classes, this is a great opportunity to build on or add to your writing.

ArtMatters Presents . . . Impressionism & Post-ImpressionismThursday, September 17 & 24 at 1:30 PMThe Impressionists changed the way the world looked at art. They were the first painters to use color and technique as a means of expressing emotion in their work. This new attitude toward painting had a rippling effect that would influence a whole generation of artists, known as the Post-Impressionists. These artists were bold visionaries who pushed the boundaries of painting further away from realism and forged new creative ground in the 20th century. Join us for an in-depth look at the iconic works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

At the Piano with Sivan Etedgee Wednesday, September 9 & 23 at 1:30 PMSivan Etedgee has performed extensively throughout New England as a recitalist, chamber musician and lecturer. He is committed to making classical music enjoyable for everyone and establishes an easy rapport with audiences, giving commentary on the music throughout his concerts.

Celebrating Holy WeekRosh Hashanah & Yom KippurRosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the period known as the High Holy Days on the Jewish calendar. It is also the official beginning of the Jewish New Year. This year, Rosh Hashanah will begin at sundown on Saturday, September 19.

Rosh Hashanah is traditionally announced by the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn. According to the Tanakh, “On the first day of the seventh month you shall keep a sabbath rest, with a sacred assembly and with the trumpet blasts as a reminder; you shall then do no sort of work, and you shall offer an oblation to the Lord” (Lev. 23:24).

Traditional foods consumed during this period include apples dipped in honey and round challah bread with raisins, which represent hopes for an ongoing, sweet new year.

The High Holy Days culminate with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is the most sacred day of the year in the Jewish faith. This year it begins on the evening of Monday, September 28. Jewish faithful will fast for a 25-hour period and spend most of the time in synagogue services in deep prayer.

The source of Yom Kippur appears in Leviticus: “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement, when you shall hold a sacred assembly and mortify yourselves and offer an oblation to the Lord.” (Lev. 23:26).

At the Piano with MinKyung OhWednesday, September 1, 16 & 30 at 1:30 PMMinKyung Oh has won numerous awards and competitions in Korea, Europe and The United States. She performed as soloist with the Seoul Symphony Orchestra at age 15 and her performances were broadcast on TV and radio in Korea.

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Mission We are a Catholic health ministry, providing

healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our HeritageYouville Assisted Living Residences are communities grounded in the spirit of

St. Marguerite d’Youville, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, “Grey Nuns.” Trusting in

God’s love, each community serves all those in need with compassion and respect.

Happy Birthday!Eileen S. September 6Calvin V. September 7Maria B. September 8Margaret S. September 17Mary G. September 17Marlene S. September 22Evelyn L. September 24Ray C. September 25Sheila P. September 27

Transportation ServicesTransportation HoursMonday through Friday8:00 AM - 2:00 PMThe fee for transportation is $10.00 for Lexington and $20.00 for surrounding communities. Please see the Programs Department with any questions. We will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, but please understand that no transportation can be guaranteed with less than 48 hours notice.

Shopping RequestsYouville offers concierge service for your shopping needs every Tuesday. Shopping forms are available at the Reception desk. A surcharge of $5.00 will be charged for requests exceeding five items.

Youville Place Management Team

Nicole Breslin CEO & PresidentJoanne Scianna COO Tom Landry Director of Human ResourcesKathleen Kelleher Director of Mission & Spiritual CarePaula Desmond-Wallace Regional ControllerKatie Blanchard Director of Programs Susan Snow Director of MarketingKathryn Carlino, RN Director of WellnessDan MacRae Director of Dining ServicesBob Salamanca Director of Environmental ServicesVirginia Ellis Director of Community Life Yanira Burgos Director of Community RelationsMelissa McGee Director of the Courtyard

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Spiritual

Physical

Cognitive

Nutritional

The Center for Disease Controls is recommending that everyone over the age of 6 months get a vaccine. People over the age of 65 are especially encouraged to have their annual flu shots. Please sign up at the reception desk to reserve your appointment. Flu shots are especially important in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Both flu and Covid-19 are respiratory illnesses that can result in similar symptoms and complications. Because health experts expect that the coronavirus will be circulating at the same time as the flu, critical health care resources will already be strained with Covid-19 patients. In a recent New York Times article, Jan Hofmann writes that “even a mild flu season could stagger hospitals already coping with Covid-19 cases.” The so-called “twindemic” also poses a double threat to the immune system for individuals who contract both viruses at the same time. Leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci states that getting a flu shot will “at least blunt the effect of one of these two potential respiratory infections.”

Although not as deadly as Covid-19, influenza remains a significant cause of fatality among older adults. In 2019, the Center for Disease Control reported an estimated 34,000 deaths resulting from the flu, with 75% of those occurring adults over the age of 65. This reinforces what medical experts have long warned the public, that older adults are significantly more susceptible to flu-related complications.

According to the CDC, both Covid-19 and the flu share these symptoms in common: • Fever or feeling feverish/chills • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fatigue • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle pain or body aches • Headache • Vomiting and diarrhea (though this is more common in children than adults)

With the symptoms so easily confused, a flu outbreak will lead to more people seeking already limited Covid-19 tests. If we can limit flu infections, we can also ensure more Covid-19 tests for those who really need them.

September 2020Avoiding Flu Is More Important Than Ever This Fall

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Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

Youville House • 1573 Cambridge Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.491.1234Youville Place • 10 Pelham Road • Lexington, MA 02421 • 781.861.3535 • www.youvilleassistedliving.org

Assisted Living Residences

Complications from flu and Covid-19 include:• Pneumonia• Respiratory failure• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (i.e. fluid in lungs)• Sepsis• Cardiac injury (e.g. heart attacks and stroke)• Multiple-organ failure (respiratory failure, kidney failure, shock)• Worsening of chronic medical conditions (involving the lungs, heart, nervous system or diabetes)• Inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle tissues• Secondary bacterial infections (i.e. infections that occur in people who have already been infected with flu or Covid-19)

Peak flu season is generally in January and February, but people can get the flu as early as October. It takes two weeks following a flu shot to develop immunity, so the sooner you get your vaccine, the better your chances of being protected against an early outbreak.

This year’s vaccine contains the three strains of flu that experts predict will be most virulent. The strains include: a) an Influenza A (H1N1) virus, b) an Influenza A (H3N2) virus, and c) an Influenza B virus. The vaccination works by exposing the body to small amounts of the viruses, causing the immune system to develop antibodies.

Getting a flu shot is an important weapon against the flu, but it is never 100% effective because flu viruses are always changing and mutating. It is equally important to continue to socially distance and always wear a mask in public spaces.

Flu, like Covid-19, is transmitted through respiratory drops. Sneezing and coughing transmit the virus through the air. Surfaces such as tables, walls, elevator buttons, doorknobs and virtually anything that can be touched may be contaminated with viral particles. Wash your hands as often as possible, especially after spending time outside, in common areas or in physical contact with another person.

Dance is one of the few cardiovascular workouts that enables you to connect physically with music in a structured setting. Regular dancing strengthens bones and tones muscles throughout the body.

Dark leafy greens are a rich source of vitamins C, K, E and B, as well as iron, calcium and fiber, which are essential for good health.

Meditation and prayer are arguably the two most common spiritual practices in the world. These practices not only connect us with faith traditions, but engage the spark of life at the center of our being.

Even with a lifetime of facts and impressions crammed into our brains, we always have the ability to learn new things. The brain retains what is called “neuroplasticity” in later life, the ability to make new neural pathways.

Crafts such as knitting, crocheting,

painting, cooking, woodworking or gardening offer a unique mix of experiences that promote mental and emotional wellness, and may even protect against age-related cognitive decline.

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©