Although you may not totally prevent a cold or the flu this season, a healthy immune system is one way to give your body extra protection against nasty germs and viruses. Here are tips on how to boost your immune system with nutrients that pack a punch against the common cold and flu.

TIP 1- Incorporate immune-boosting nutrients into your diet!

The following nutrients play a role in the immune system and can be found in a variety of foods. Include these into your daily diet:
• Beta Carotene is found in plant foods, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mango, broccoli and tomatoes.
• Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers and broccoli.
• Vitamin D is found in fatty fish and eggs. Milk and 100% juices are fortified with Vitamin D as well.
• Zinc tends to be better absorbed from animal sources such as beef and seafood and is included in vegetarian sources such as wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu.
• Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that promote health and is found in cultured dairy products like yogurt.
• Protein comes from both animal and plant-based sources, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils.

TIP 2- Focus on balanced eating, sleeping and stress management!

To help keep your immune system healthy all year long, focus on a balanced eating plan, adequate sleep and stress management. Aim for five to seven servings of vegetables and fruits daily to get immune-boosting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Find healthy and appropriate ways to cope with stress, such as listening to music or writing. Physical activity also is a great way to help manage stress and may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases that could weaken your immune system further. Lack of sleep contributes to a variety of health concerns, such as a weakened immune system. Seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended each day for adults.

TIP 3- Remember to wash, wash, wash!

Good hygiene and hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs. Always wash your hands prior to preparing or consuming food. Remember to wash produce before eating or using in recipes. Clean glasses, forks, spoons and other utensils to reduce the spread and growth of bacteria.

Sybil Oswalt, RD, CSG, LDN
Clinical Dietitian
Tel Hai Retirement Community

At this time of year, there are so many opportunities to gather, to laugh, to eat and to celebrate. Along with the festivities, we need to pause and to take time to reflect on the many blessings we take for granted… health, family, friends, residents, and team members.

Looking back over 2018, it has been a year of growth, of new beginnings, and some challenges and opportunities.

A lot has happened this year! We welcomed nearly 100 new residents to Tel Hai. By the end of January, residents finished moving into 45 new Brownstone Apartments in StoneCroft. We are enjoying the new common spaces such as the conservatory, theater, sewing room and model train room. Additionally, we welcomed 10 new households who moved into Maple Knoll Townhomes.

Responding to resident preferences of privacy choices and dignity needs, six Meadows Healthcare Center rooms were converted from shared-private to private accommodations. Renovations are currently underway for more rooms right now! We have also renewed our strategic planning process addressing four key priorities including strengthening financial performance, growing team member culture, re-envisioning health care services and integrating technology.

I am grateful for the many ways God has blessed Tel Hai and its mission to provide a vibrant, caring community. We know that God’s hand has guided Tel Hai for many years and continues even today.

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things…” Isaiah 25:1

As we look forward to 2019 and what is in store for us, only God knows what tomorrow will bring! I wish you and those you love a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Dave Shenk
President & CEO
Tel Hai Retirement Community

Welcome to the newest blog post from our blog series called ‘Tips from Tina.’  If you have questions, she has the answers! From recommended questions when interviewing a realtor to decluttering your closets, you can anonymously ask Tina any move-related question you’d like.  No question is too small or too silly.

Each quarter, Tina provides her best advice through our Moving Resources Program.  Got a question? Call or email Tina directly at tcressman@telhai.org or (610) 273-9333, ext. 2160 with your questions. And don’t worry, we won’t use your name!

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• DO pack your most valuable possessions with you, in your vehicle.  This could include precious jewelry, family pictures and photo albums or priceless antiques.
• DON’T wait until the last minute to pack. Waiting until the last minute results in poor decisions in packing and shortcuts that can lead to broken valuables. If you are unsure how to properly pack your breakables simply go to Google or YouTube for helpful videos.
• DO be completely packed the day your mover arrives. You don’t want your mover to have to sit idle while you are still getting things into boxes as this will only add to your final bill when their time goes over the quoted number of hours.
• DON’T try to pack your own grandfather clock. These clocks are fragile and deserve special attention so that they can be moved successful and enjoyed for years to come.  The professionals will secure that swinging arm so that it doesn’t break your glass door.
• DON’T move mirrors that are not properly packed. Some mirrors have been in a family for years, it’s worth taking the time to make sure they are securely packed.
• DO take precautions, bubble wrap a mirror and pack between mattresses if you can. No one wants to deal with cleaning up a broken mirror while trying to get moved.
• DON’T try to move large pieces of furniture. These pieces need proper support, especially items that may be top heavy.
• DO pack boxes and other large items under and around top heavy items. Packing tightly in this manner will protect those top heavy items from falling over in the truck during the move.
• DON’T pack lights with light bulbs in them. It may sound like one small thing but you are going to need those lamps when you reach your destination and you want to make sure they will work.
• DO remove lamp shades and pack them carefully. Place all of your light bulbs in one clearly marked container and perhaps transport in your vehicle.

Welcome to the second posting of our new blog series called ‘Tips from Tina.’  If you have questions, she has the answers! From recommended questions when interviewing a realtor to decluttering your closets, you can anonymously ask Tina any move-related question you’d like.  No question is too small or too silly.

Each quarter throughout 2018, Tina will provide her best advice through our Moving Resources Program.  Got a question? Call or email Tina directly at tcressman@telhai.org or (610) 273-9333, ext. 2160 with your questions. And don’t worry, we won’t use your name!

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A resident who moved to Tel Hai a few years ago had shared a card with me that was given to her when she moved in. The card told a story that I hear so often from residents.  Over the years, I’ve shared it with many.  It focuses on the 5 stages of accomplishment as listed below.  For those looking to rightsize and take the next step in their journey to Tel Hai, you’re not alone.

STAGE 1- DENIAL: “I can’t do it.”

This may have been you or perhaps you are feeling this way now. The thought of rightsizing, going through your years of memories and cherished collections just overwhelms you to the point that you talk yourself into not making a move.  Perhaps you’re thinking “I just can’t do it” and “I’m fine right where I am.” Are you in denial? Do you know deep down that you need to be making this move now?

STAGE 2- UNCERTAINTY: “Maybe I can do it.”

This is the point of feeling like a ping-pong ball… being bounced back and forth. One day you are on board, the next you doubt your decision. We hear folks sharing this uncertainty with us all the time.  These are all very normal feelings as with any big life changing decision.

STAGE 3- RESISTANCE: “There’s no way I can do it!”

Accepting change is hard and we all handle change differently.  Sometimes we try to resist it. The thought “where there’s a will… there’s a way” comes to mind. My best advice is to put a plan in place.  I once worked with a resident who asked her extended family to fly in and share in the fun of packing.  They sorted her things and helped prepare her home to be ‘market ready.’

STAGE 4- PANIC: “Ahhhhhh, what if I can’t do this!?!”

I hear residents tell me their stories and some of them experience sheer panic. For some, it seems it gets worse before it gets better. Perhaps it’s a failed septic inspection at your existing home or when a loan wasn’t approved in time. There are so many things that can put you in a panic. While some things are out of your control and my control, there are several areas that we can tackle together through our trusted partners and supportive resources. I’m just a phone call away to discuss any situation where you feel you are panicking. Don’t let the situation go unaddressed to a point where your panic becomes overwhelming.

STAGE 5- ACCEPTANCE: “Alright! I did it! Lets party!”

In the end, when the boxes are unpacked and you are meeting new friends, you’ll reflect on the gift you gave yourself and your children.  You’ll have the peace of mind that your future is secure, your home ownership worries have evaporated and you only have one job… to party!  That’s right… you did it!  It’s now time to start your next chapter and work through your bucket list!