The Fitness Center at North Hill has recently hosted two more Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham affiliated Doctors. Dr. Gigi Girgis from the Neurology Department spoke to North Hill residents about stroke awareness and the most recent research. Dr. Girgis has taught as an instructor at both Boston University and Harvard Medical School. We had about 40 active and attentive residents present for this talk! Dr. Girgis also spoke on prevention and exercise, which tied in nicely with the all the exercise programs North Hill has to offer.
We also welcomed Michael Mitry, DPM. His talk was titled, “How to Keep Your Feet Healthy, Happy and Active”. Dr. Mitryis a 2010 graduate of New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York and has joined the medical staff of Beth Israel Deaconess. Dr. Mitry completed his residency at Bridgeport Hospital in the Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Program in 2012.
We look forward to a healthy summer and more health talks to resume this fall. What are some questions you have for our experts? Suggestions may become the focus of our next session!
Every month, we’ll be highlighting a member of our North Hill community who has embodies the philosophy of PurposeFULL Living.
AJ is far more than Director of IT at North Hill. AJ is indispensible. AJ is incredibly patient, affable, helpful, insightful. He has grown up with North Hill as North Hill has grown and improved because of him. His advancement and understanding of North Hill’s information systems has allowed Project True North to build on a pillar of innovation. His personalized attention to resident communications and computing needs means that we are truly a plugged –in campus. AJ joined North Hill’s dining services while still in high school. His wife Lisa- also a Needham High graduate – works in North Hill’s finance department. They have three girls- aged 15, 7 and 4. AJ says when not keeping systems humming here, he’s doing “family stuff.” Good thing, because AJ Avakian is truly North Hill family.
Call 781-433-6524 today and schedule a tour to see all of our new amenities and to take a look at our ever-growing Portrait Project.
The Newman Elementary School in Needham has been involved in an Intergenerational Program with the Health Center at North Hill for over 15 years. This year, second graders and Health Center “Grandfriends” met at North Hill for music, creative picture framing and tissue-paper flowers, balloon volley, original story reading and card games. In June, the second grade hosted an end-of-the-year picnic and play reading at the school. Take a look at some of these precious moments.
by TERRI IVANOSKI, Fitness/Wellness Supervisor
on June 5, 2013
categories: Healthy Aging, Wellness
I am excited to report that the residents in our Pilot Balance Program called Stand Strong/Safe Steps have completed 6 weeks of mobility and fall prevention training. They are being re-evaluated so we can measure the gains they have made! I would like to share some of the key pieces of information included in our program regarding safety as outlined by our Home Health Department.
Fall Prevention Tips
Keep active! Regular exercise is vital!
Go slow when changing positions (getting up in the morning)
Wear supportive footwear
Have your medications reviewed once a year with your doctor
4 or more prescription medications or any psychoactive medicines put you at higher risk for falling
Keep your home environment safe
Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, install grab bars in the bathroom, use non-slip mats, remove scatter rugs and use handrails on your stairs
Stay hydrated and eat well
Water is the best beverage; drink 6-8 glasses per day unless fluid is restricted
Include whole grains, protein, fruit and vegetables in your daily diet
If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per day
With summer around the corner, we have a host of opportunities in the coming month – so join us at an event or course!
Discover True North Luncheon | 6/5 | North Hill As Phase One of Project True North comes to a close, join us for lunch, a tour and conversation as we share progress and details of the exciting changes at North Hill.
Caravaggio: Story & Scandal | 6/11 | North Hill Caravaggio brought a new naturalism and “cinematic” realism to painting. He depicted subjects pulled from Greek Mythology, and the old and new testaments with drama and mystery.
A Late Night Cartoon Snack | 6/24 | Newton Free Library Join noted editorial cartoonist Dan Wasserman for an informal and informational evening while he discusses the motivations, mentors, muses and miscalculations of a legendary career
Robotics & Healthy Aging | 6/26 | North Hill In celebration of the launch of the North Hill – Olin College Fund for Innov@tion in Aging, join ProfessorDrew Bennett, a noted robotics expert, to discuss some of the ingenious projects which have had a positive impact on the way that people are aging healthfully.
We hope you can make it to at least one of these events! Please call us at 781-433-6400 for more information.
by ERIC MOORE, Director of Dining Services
on May 24, 2013
categories: Food and Dining
We’re pleased to announce that once a month we will be sharing a video on our YouTube channel – bringing “The Experienced Diner” to a whole new level!
Having a healthy lifestyle is very important to us, so you will see videos focused on healthy habits, our dining philosophy, venue updates, recipes and more. To kick things off, take a sneak peek at Summa and The Heights (our two new dining venues). Let us know in the comments below what types of videos you’d like to see.
by TERRI IVANOSKI, Fitness/Wellness Supervisor
on May 15, 2013
categories: Exercise, Healthy Aging
Ten of our residents are in their 4th week of Balance Training following the protocol outlined in our Stand Strong/Safe Steps Program. Ten additional residents are being tested this week and will begin Week 1 of their Balance Training. Exercise and education in flexibility, mobility, posture awareness and safety are key to realizing a better sense of balance. Here are some of the exercises included in this program that you may do safely in your home:
Sit in a chair with a ball between your thighs. As you exhale, engage your core by drawing your abs in (pull bellybutton towards backbone) and squeeze the ball between your legs. Inhale and exhale for 10 seconds without losing the connection to your core by continuing to squeeze the ball and pull your abs in. Repeat 10 times.
Sit in a chair with or without weights. Sit up tall find length through the spine, keep shoulders down away from the ears. Bend your elbows, spin palms to face each other. As you exhale squeeze elbows behind your back, squeezing shoulder blades together and keeping the shoulders down. Inhale return to start position. Perform 2 sets of 10.
Stand tall with feet together holding onto a chair or bar. Find good posture with hips above ankles, shoulders above hips, and head above shoulders. Engage your core and take the weight in your left leg. Lift the right knee up in front of you trying to get it up to your waist. Hold for 2 seconds. With control lower the leg, lightly tap the floor, and then lift it back up. Repeat 10 times with the right then 10 times with the left leg.
Stand tall facing a chair or bar. Take feet hip distance apart. Lift your heels as high as you can, coming up onto the balls of your feet. Lower your heels back to the ground with control. Lift your toes and balls of your feet off the ground as high as you can, coming onto your heels. Perform 2 sets of 10.
Every month, we’ll be highlighting a member of our North Hill community who has embodies the philosophy of PurposeFULL Living.
Beth Wynstra is a Visiting Assistant Professor of English at Babson College. Her research focuses on the intersections of rhetoric and performance in modern American political theater. Beth serves on the board of the Eugene O’Neill Society and has also written extensively on O’Neill’s life and works. While Beth was a graduate student at the University of California at Santa Barbara, she developed several performance, playwriting and theater education programs which partnered local senior citizens with undergraduate students. Thrilled to be involved with lifelong learning at North Hill, she kicked-off the Communication Series in the fall with a seminar titled: “American Theater of the 1930s – Politics, Hope, Institutional Change.”
Call 781-433-6524 today and schedule a tour to see all of our new amenities and to take a look at our ever-growing Portrait Project.
by DARIUS ESLAMI, Events & Social Media Coordinator
on May 7, 2013
categories: A Little Fun, Healthy Aging
LeadingAge Massachusetts recently asked members to develop short videos with the theme “Expanding the Possibilities” in mind. Now, at North Hill, we certainly offer many creative and physical outlets. We took small video clips from classes, seminars and daily activities – and asked residents to share how they engage in our community. If you may have a certain perception of a senior living community, hopefully this short video will show you how energetic, curious and innovative our community truly is. Share your thoughts and comments below – or leave a note on our YouTube page!
by TERRI IVANOSKI, Fitness/Wellness Supervisor
on May 1, 2013
categories: Exercise, Healthy Aging
I am proud to introduce our new balance, mobility and fall prevention training program – Stand Strong/Safe Steps. I would like to share some of the key pieces of information over the course of several blog posts. First let’s consider what contributing factors affect our balance.
Training for balance involves improving in all of the areas outlined below. Research has proven that Seniors who exercise and practice balance activities can reduce the likelihood of a fall. Your Personal Exercise Plan should focus on the following:
Strength: Improving overall body strength and stability.
Cardiovascular: Strengthening your heart and lungs will help improve agility and balance.
Flexibility: Improving your range of motion in muscle group’s key to good posture.
Mobility: Achieve lasting ability to get around more easily.
Safety/Fall Prevention: Improve your management skills for navigating changing environments.
Social: Increase your confidence so you can get out and enjoy family and friends.
Balance: Commit to a multidimensional approach to training to improve all of the systems and skills you need to achieve better balance.
Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program and if you experience pain or feel discomfort, stop what you are doing and seek assistance. Be sure to subscribe and share our blog as more Stand Strong/Safe Steps posts come your way!
The True North blog contains upbeat and helpful tips, advice, insights and resources to help baby boomers and seniors live inspired and PurposeFULL lives. Enjoy regular features on exercise, healthy eating, lifelong learning and updates on the transformation of our Boston-area continuing care retirement community into the next evolution of senior living.
