DICK EARDLEY SENIOR CENTER

NEWSLETTER | JUNE 2020

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, the Dick Eardley Senior Center remains closed until further notice. If you have any questions during this time, please call us at 208-608-7580.

fun facts

June

Paul Bunyan Day is celebrated every year on June 28. Legend has it that the Grand Canyon was formed when Paul drug his axe behind him while walking.

Father’s Day is always celebrated on the third Sunday in June.According to Hallmark, it is the fourth-largest card-sending holiday in the United States, with 72 million cards exchanged annually. Roughly 25% of those are humor cards.

June is National Men’s Health Month. Men are encouraged to observe the month by scheduling a health check-up with their doctor.

During the Ameri-can Revolutionary War, Congress decided that the

country needed a flag to represent the united colonies. On June 14, 1777, the

Second Continental Congress passed a Flag Resolution. June 14 is still celebrated as Flag Day in the United States.

LIBRARY BOOKS, PUZZLES AVAILABLE FOR PICKUPStarting this month, the Senior Center is offering book and puzzle pickup. See the back page of this month’s newsletter for all the details. The Boise Public Library has also started curbside pickup and drop-off of library materials. Boise Parks and Recreation has reopened fenced dog parks, tennis and pickleball courts, golf courses, and restrooms at Ridge to Rivers trailheads and city parks. For more information, or if you have questions about specific services, please give us a call at 208-608-7580.

MEN’S HEALTH MONTH: LET’S FOCUS ON NUTRITIONThere is a saying that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. From a nutritional standpoint, there’s wisdom in that. A healthy diet is one way to fight and even reverse heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

The Senior Cen-ter’s Food for Life instructor Barbara Smith, who teach-es classes on cook-ing and eating for optimal health, offered some advice on men’s health. She encourages a diet that is centered on limiting processed foods and animal products and adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. “These foods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants without con-taining saturated fat and cholesterol.”

Q. Why plant foods? What about “good fats” like salmon?A. Plant foods can meet all your di-

etary needs for protein, fat and carbo-hydrates without adding saturated fat and cholesterol which are detrimental to heart health. Plus, plant foods are

your source for fi-ber which helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Even “heart healthy” salmon contains high amounts of saturated fat, so your intake should be limited. Wal-

nuts, Brussels sprouts and ground flax seeds are excellent sources of Ome-ga-3 fatty acids.

Q. What are some other benefits?A. A plant-based diet has been clini-cally proven to reverse heart disease. Other benefits include lower blood pressure and decreased obesity, cancer and diabetes risk as well as decreased erectile dysfunction.

(Men’s Health continues on page 5)

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The connection between our oral health and our overall health has been established again and again. So why bring it up ... again? If you’ve been confined to your home like the rest of us, there is a good chance you’re not taking care of your teeth, or your oral health in general. You may not even be aware of it, but these things happen.

First on the agenda, brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time with a fluoride tooth-paste and floss at least once a day. Brushing and flossing are your best methods of controlling plaque and keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy.

Another trait you may have picked up while staying home is excessive snacking. Starchy snacks—think potato chips,

crackers, and pretzels—can lead to acid in your mouth. Remember, the bacteria in your mouth eat what you eat, (they love sugars and starches) and their byproduct is acid. And when you’re thirsty what goes with those tasty starchy snacks? Soda! Soda has so much acid you should really rethink your drink! Acid is the enemy of the enamel that covers your teeth. Yes, enamel is the hardest substance in our body, but it isn’t indestructible. In fact it starts to dissolve at a pH of just 5.5. Most sodas are in the range of 2-3 pH so definitely not good for your teeth. Acid, acid, acid! Just stop!

I’ve talked about this before, but it’s so important to drive it home now. Your oral health directly impacts your overall health. Brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time and floss at least once. Eat a healthy diet (veggies make great snacks!), but if you love your potato chips like I do or drink soda, drink plenty of water, too. It’s so important, especially if you haven’t been able to see your dentist in a while.

Stay healthy!

SOURCES:https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to-keep-your-teeth-healthy-if-your-dentist-office-is-closedhttps://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to-keep-your-teeth-healthy-if-your-dentist-office-is-closed#Diet-matters

TOOTH TRUTHSTHE MOUTH/BODY CONNECTION PART II

Delta Dental of Idaho article series, featuring Heather Brown, RDH, MPH

NEED A FACE MASK? VOLUNTEERS HAVE MADE THEM AVAILABLE FOR FREEAs we progress through the phases of Idaho’s reopening plan, people are encouraged to wear masks when out in public. A few businesses have made them available at the door but in most cases people are expected to bring their own. The Senior Center has received donations of handmade fabric masks that we are making available upon request while supplies last. To receive a mask, stop by the Senior Center’s front entrance during curbside lunch pick-up, M-F from 11:30 am. to 1 p.m.

Some of the masks were provided by Sharon Slocum, a Senior Center volunteer and craft boutique consignor. She donated her time, spare fabric and supplies. The Senior Center also received masks from a group of Treasure Valley sewing enthusiasts who initially came together to support healthcare professionals with needed masks and caps. They have made their extra masks available to the general public. Thanks to all who have contributed to this effort!

Dick Eardley Senior Center Newsletter | June 2020 Dick Eardley Senior Center Newsletter | June 20204 5

Many thanks to our monthly crossword puzzle sponsor!

Serving the Treasure Valley since 1911, the staff of Summers Funeral Homes has a long-lasting commitment to serve with understanding and compassion while providing a variety of funeral and cremation

services. Summers also offers pre-planning services to give you and your family peace of mind for the future.

For more information call 208-922-7865 or email boise@summersfuneral.com

Can you find a mistake in this month’s issue of the Dick Eardley Senior Center Newsletter? Despite our best efforts to be error-free, it is possible that we overlooked something. If you can find an error, point it out to us and receive a mini candy bar at the front desk (upon our reopening) It’s our way of saying thanks for your interest!

Advertisers lower the Senior Center’s cost to print & mail the newsletter. Thanks to Delta Dental, Blair Legacy Companion Care, Realtor Joanna Ioli, and Wesley Brinkman Financial Services.

(Men’s Health, continued from page 1)New studies are showing that a plant-based diet may help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

Q. How do dietary requirements change as we age?A. As we age, our metabolism slows down, meaning our bodies require less calories. It is especially important to make sure that you are including nutrient-dense foods into your diet, especially those containing calcium and protein such as beans and greens. Consider taking a sup-plement to be sure you are getting enough vitamin D and B-12, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.

Q. What are some dietary needs unique to men over the age of 60?A. Men should consider limiting salt, alcohol and satu-rated fat and boosting their intake of fiber and iron-rich foods such as beans and legumes (peas, lentils). Eating a variety of plant-based foods will meet all these require-ments.

Q. Are there “good-for-men” foods? A. Men who consume two or more servings of tomato sauce per week have 23 percent less risk of prostate cancer, compared to those having tomato sauce less than

once per month, according to data from the Harvard’s Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Cruciferous veg-etables such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts also offer protection.

Q. What are some simple ways to incorporate plant-based foods in the diet? A. One of my favorite quick and easy meals to make is chili using a can of black beans and a jar of salsa. Pasta with marinara sauce is also another regular at our house. Some snack ideas include whole grain crackers with hummus or fresh fruit. If you are not eating at home, try to fill up half your plate with veggies. I also try to eat a green salad every day.

Q. What advice do you have for “meat and potatoes” men? A. If you want to make changes to your diet, think about “adding in” instead of eliminating. Studies show a 5 per-cent death reduction for every serving of fruits and vege-tables you add into your diet! Every step you take toward a healthier diet counts.

Barbara Smith is a certified Food for Life instructor and has a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the Center For Nutri-tion Studies through eCornell.

Summer Snack BoardsAs summer temperatures begin to rise and standing in front of a hot stove or oven just feels like too much work, a snack board may be the perfect answer for a light and refreshing meal. Snack boards typically feature cheeses and cured meats alongside fruit, nuts, crackers and spreads but you can add whatever you like and make it your own. Keep it simple for a quick meal or go all out for guests. Below are some ideas to get you started.

IngredientsCheesesDeli meatsVegetablesNutsCrackersSliced breadsFresh and dried fruitsOlives, relish, pickled foodsSpreads and dipsSmall cookies or petit foursCandies such as chocolates

DirectionsArrange your board beginning with large items first, such as a dip bowl, and build around it. Focus on mixing colors and textures to make it visually appealing. Use small saucers or ramekins to contain liquids or the smallest items. Serve with a cool drink.

Phone: 208-608-7580Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Website: seniorcenter.cityofboise.org

Dick Eardley Senior Center690 Robbins RoadBoise, ID 83702

BIRTHDAY CORNERHappy birthday to everyone who celebrated a May birth-day! Are you celebrating a June birthday? Give us a call by June 15 so we can add your name to next month’s newslet-ter, 208-608-7580

Celebrate your special day with us on the last Wednesday of every month. Cake is served with all curb-side meals. A big thank you to our Birthday Friday sponsors, Idaho Pizza Company and Aetna.

LIBRARY BOOK PICKUP IS NOW AVAILABLE!The Senior Center is lending library books and puzzles with pickup and returns at the front en-trance every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The facility is closed to the public but you can call us at 208-608-7580 between 8-11 a.m. on Wednesdays to request books. Staff will make a selection based on your preferred author or genre. Choose from mys-tery/thriller, romance, western and non-fiction. There is also a small selection of large print available.

Limit is 5 books and 2 puzzles on loan per household.