All Posts in "Month: February 2016"

Like most people, you’ve probably experienced the misery and discomfort of a cold, the flu, food poisoning or diarrhea. Maybe you go to great lengths to keep yourself healthy, from following the latest diet advice to researching supplements and over-the-counter remedies.
But are you practicing the one simple, easy, no-cost strategy that has been proven to reduce germs by nearly half? Are you washing your hands?
If you haven’t been washing your hands often enough, it might be time to start. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time at the sink.

Is it just a myth?

Your mother used to nag you about it, and you see the signs in every restroom. You know you should be washing your hands frequently. But what is the reasoning behind this advice?
As we go about the day, our hands come into contact with hundreds or thousands of objects and surfaces that have also been touched by many other people, leaving behind bacteria and viruses. While not all of these germs will make you sick, the ones that do are more often transmitted via the hands than through the air.
So at least in this case, Mom was right: Infectious germs can quickly make it to your hands during common activities such as sneezing, changing a diaper or touching raw food. The easy solution? Just wash ‘em!

When should you do it?

Be sure to wash frequently throughout the day, especially at times like these:
• Before preparing food.
• Before eating.
• Before inserting contact lenses.
• Before and after treating wounds, giving medicine, or caring for a sick or injured person.
• After preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry.
• After using the toilet or changing a diaper.
• After touching an animal or animal waste.
• After blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing.
• After shaking hands with others.
• After handling garbage.

How should you

Washing hands is the one simple, easy, no-cost strategy that has been proven to reduce germs by nearly half.
Washing hands is the one simple, easy, no-cost strategy that has been proven to reduce germs by nearly half.

do it?

If possible, use clean running water and soap. Keep these tips in mind:
• Research has shown that water temperature doesn’t play a role in whether germs are removed. When washing, cold water will do just as well as warm.
• Be sure not to use stagnant water. Rinsing from a fresh source helps to remove germs.
• Apply liquid, bar or powder soap. Keep in mind that antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap, and might lead to the development of resistant strains of bacteria.
• After turning on the tap, rub vigorously for at least 60 seconds. Remember to scrub the backs of your hands, wrists and nooks and crannies such as between your fingers and under your nails.
• Dry your hands thoroughly.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
If you follow this time-tested wisdom, you might just find yourself healthier than ever before — with very little effort.

Source: MultiCare Health System

Contributing Author by — February 17, 2016 in Health & Fitness

The 28th annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show, celebrating the National Parks Service Centennial and famous American landmarks, will be staged Feb. 17-21 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.
Twenty garden creators will be featured in ways to jump-start gardening experiences and learn about trends that beautify and are practical, show organizers said. A marketplace will include 350 exhibitors, and regional wines and craft beers will be offered.
Show hours for the five-day event are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Feb. 20 and 9 to 6 the final day.
Admission prices range from $17 early bird for adults (regularly $22 the week of the show or at the door); $15 per person for group advance purchases (minimum of 20 tickets online or at the door); $31 for single two-day pass; $70 for single five-day pass; and $5 for children 13 to 17 years old. Admission is free for kids 12 and under.

srmedia by — February 17, 2016 in Personal Finance/Consumers

On Dec. 12, the Tapestry Singers performed a free Christmas concert at the Puyallup Public Library. From the opening flute solo by Joe Morris to the last Christmas carol, the performance was perfect. Their zippy renditions of old favorites had the audience tapping their feet.
The group, dressed in their holiday best, stood on the second level of the library, giving guests throughout the building a front row seat for the concert. It was obvious to all in attendance that the singers were enjoying themselves as much as the audience.
Joe Morris was the first member of Tapestry Singers, a not-for-profit group, in 1989.
“Bud Bond, a community activist and real estate broker, came into my business (Puyallup Music Store) and said he was interested in starting an arts association which included a choral group, a stage band and a concert band,” said Morris. “All three groups are still functioning.”
Because they are an artistic group, Tapestry Singers is a member organization of Valley Arts United. They perform throughout the year at retirement centers, and in the spring they perform concerts to benefit Puyallup Food Bank, winding down the year with their holiday concerts ­– one at the Puyallup library and a second one last month on Dec. 13 at United Methodist Church, also in Puyallup.
Accompanist Chris VanBuskirk is a music teacher for K-12 students and says she just loves the music. The group’s director, Suna Chung, is the choir director at Clover Park High School.
Singer Kathy Skipper, who has been with the group since 2009, said Chung is a welcome addition to the group.
“We have always had some good leaders, and every time we lose a leader we think there will never be one that can replace that one,” Skipper said. “Each one is different with different strengths, and Suna is really, really good. We are lucky she wanted the experience of leading a community choir.”
Skipper has sung for many years, and she said the 21-member Tapestry Singers come from different backgrounds.
“Some people have been singing since high school,” she said, adding that the group is warm and friendly.
“I like the fact that we make some really beautiful music together,” she said.
Member Becky Condra has been with the group for 17 years.
“I’ve always been a singer and wanted a choir to sing with. I love Tapestry Singers because they are a community choir and we sing a lot of different kinds of music. The friendships are wonderful,” said Condra.
On Dec. 12, Alice McHugh, who lives in Sumner, arrived bright and early at the library to get a good seat for the concert.
“I have a friend who is in the choir, and they sing a lot of songs that I know. I’ve followed them for quite a few years,” she said.
Sisters Deanna MacKiewcz and Dixie Bame follow their brother, Dwight Griswold, who is a member of the group. They said they try to make most of the performances and always enjoy the music.
Many of the Tapestry Singers have been musical all of their lives.
Condra said she sang in high school and college and went on a USO show tour, spending nine weeks going around Europe.
Another member, Pam Ferrell, who has been with the group for about a year, said, “We are all hobby singers. The group has a family feel.”
The members say they sing for the love of music and for companionship. Morris, who owned the Puyallup Music Store for 30 years, would agree.
“I enjoy the group. Music has been my life all along,” he said.
The group is always looking for new members, said Skipper.
“We meet on Wednesday nights at United Methodist Church from 7 to 9, and anyone can come, sit in on a rehearsal and see if you like us,” Skipper said, adding that anyone interested can call her at 253-848-3087.

Joan Cronk, who authored this article, is a freelance writer.

The Tapestry Singers get ready to perform holiday songs at the Puyallup Public Library. (Joan Cronk/for Senior S)cene
The Tapestry Singers get ready to perform holiday songs at the Puyallup Public Library. (Joan Cronk/for Senior S)cene
srmedia by — February 10, 2016 in Lifestyles

Twenty senior centers and five community non-profit groups received a combined $17,000 from the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County in donations at the end of 2015 in support of their work with older adults.
“The needs of seniors in our community continue to grow,” said Melissa Martin, president in 2015 of the council (HCPC). “Many older adults live on fixed incomes. Fortunately, we have some wonderful senior centers and community-based organizations who provide much-needed support and help fill needs around the basic necessities of life. We’re honored to be able to help them in their mission.”
Senior centers receiving $750 each were the Beacon, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, Lakewood, Lighthouse, Mid-County, Milton, Orting, Point Defiance/Ruston, Puyallup, South Hill/Salvation Army, Spana-Park, Steilacoom, Sumner, Tillicum/American Lake and University Place. The centers offer meals and nutrition programs; information and assistance; health, fitness and wellness programs; transportation services; social and recreational activities; educational programs and benefits counseling.
Organizations receiving $500 included the FISH Food Banks of Pierce County, the Tacoma Rescue Mission, Honor Flight, TACID (Tacoma Area Coalition for Individual with Disabilities) and the Senior Pet Pantry at the Humane Society for Tacoma-Piece County.
As of mid-2014, the most recent period for which statistics are available from Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately 12 percent of the residents of Pierce County were at least 65 years old. Half of all Medicare beneficiaries had incomes below $24,150 in 2014, and 25 percent had incomes below $14,350, according to HCPC.
Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County is a professional membership and non-profit organization that promotes service, care and well-being for older and disabled adults. The membership includes more than 200 individuals who represent businesses and agencies specializing in senior services.

srmedia by — February 10, 2016 in News