The Quest for Emotional Wellness No. 13: Cultural Wellness

Our social and organizational life can be better understood by looking at the surrounding culture, the culture that socialized us, and reflecting on cultural assumptions. Everyday frustrations and puzzling experiences can be explained by the cultural forces that operate outside of our awareness. For example, do you ever wonder why communication and misunderstandings occur over and over? It is not entirely the behavioral regularity of the event that is the problem. In reality, it may only be an artifact of the climate or culture that already exists, 

 What is the first step to improving the cultural forces around you? Start by testing your own assumptions about how things should be done, and see how they compare to your values and shared beliefs with others. Are some assumptions only myths and stories or are some relics of past dysfunctional social patterns?

Team Spiritual Care: Managing Peace Awards

From the desk of Sr. Kateri

Several residents have been asking how they can thank employees who have done a great job for them or assisted to them in some way. We have an award called the Peace Award that can be given to employees who have shown extra care in what they are doing for us. The Peace Award lists several criteria that the person wishing to acknowledge the employee can use in the “thank you.” All that our employees do witness in some way to the mission of St. Leonard as well as to the core values of reverence, service and stewardship.

Peace Awards are accumulated are result in prizes given during our Employee Open Forums. Employees are very grateful for Peace Awards they are given. These awards can be given by co-workers as well as residents and volunteers. Volunteers may also receive Peace Awards and receive the same prizes as employees do. 

Please consider acknowledging the good work done for you by employees by writing out a Peace Award. Peace Awards can be found near the Security Desk in the Main Building and can be obtained from Susan Micucci at the health care center and a plastic container with Peace Awards is available outside my office. Employees are grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Team Harless: Eli Loses another Tooth!

Look Dad, no teeth!

Team Events: 5K Course Map

Team Events! Sign Up for the 5K!

Sign up for the 5K!

Pick up a registration form at the Chaminade front desk or The Franciscan Center. You can register online by visiting one of the following websites: www.stleonard.net (click on the 5K link at the bottom of the page), keysports.net, or active.com. You can also print the form from St. Leonard’s website and turn the form into the front desk, fax or mail the form to 8100 Clyo Rd. Centerville, OH 45458 or 937-281-7107. Registration includes a t-shirt, pancake breakfast, and a water bottle!

Register TODAY!

Team Events: Update!

A Day at the Derby” May 5th beginning at 5 pm at The Franciscan Center. The Kentucky Derby will be playing LIVE on the big screen projectors. Ticket price is $15.00/ticket, which includes a two dollar bet towards the horse of your choice in the Kentucky Derby!


Mother’s Day Luncheon May 10th in the Auditorium from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. This event is graciously sponsored by Tim Dressman and will include lunch, ice cream sundae bar, and a special speaker. Must sign up by May 7th in Sister O’s room


“A Nite at the Races” May 12th in the Auditorium with dinner beginning at 6:00 pm and the first race shown at 7:00 pm. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus, this event is $50.00/ticket which includes buffet dinner for TWO, entry into the reverse raffle with the last ticket drawn receiving $500.00, and a chance to win during the various horse races. Proceeds benefit St. Leonard.

Balance Fair May 17th from 1:00- 3:00 pm at The Franciscan Center. Vendors from across Dayton will be on campus to answer questions pertaining to balance and how it is affected by medication, exercise, hearing, and nutrition. This useful and informative event is free of charge!

5K June 9th - Race begins at 8:30am. Registration is NOW OPEN! T-Shirt and breakfast included in registration! The course will begin and end in front of The Franciscan Center and weave throughout campus. Registration forms located at the Chaminade front desk.

For more information contact Anna-Bridgette Graham at 436-6423 or at grahama@stleonard.net

Team Stewart: Walking in Beavercreek, Ohio!

It is amazing what you can see when you walk for leisure and fun! Send us pictures of scenic views from your social walking program and we will post them for others to enjoy!

Team Dance No. 14: Rhumba!

Rhumba (Quick,Quick,Slow)


Man goes side to side- together forward, then side-together side, breakstep forward with left foot to center, breakstep on opposite side with right foot to center, repeat on both sides with 1/4 turn to man's left on the last breakstep-back. Finish with a rhumba box.

Remember that our classes are held on Wednesday afternoon from 2:30-3:30pm.

Practice dances on May 4th. from 5-6:30pm (I will teach a 1/2 hr. lesson of Salsa____in honor of cinq-de-mayo).

Hope to see you there, Dale Archer

Team Virtual Word Challenge: Splitzer!

From Team Captain Sister Christine Doerger!

Here is our first challenging word puzzle; it is called a splitzer, because the letters need to be split up into other words:

Make two five-letter words from the following splitzer.

LAGOEHERSG

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Team Franciscan Center: Genetics versus Lifestyle

“To be honest this entire debate is wasteful. Even conservative estimates are that less than 5% of chronic illness is attributable to genes. Regardless of the exact small percentage, there are two important facts that simply cannot be denied. One, the vast majority of illness, spending, and deaths are attributable to lifestyle and thus preventable with lifestyle change. Two, lifestyle is the most significant factor determining the quality and quantity for at least 95% of the population & is a very significant factor determining the quality of life in 100% of the population.”

The above quote is from Dr. James Chestnut. I have had the opportunity to hear him speak in person and I consider him one of my professional teachers and mentors.

I was a little less than honest in the quoting Dr. Chestnut and titling this blog entry in the way I did because it implies that we are going to contrast genetics and lifestyle, and at the very least, debate the pros and cons of each. We are not.

Because of my background, training, and life experiences I see this argument really in terms of quality of life, rather than quantity. To be sure, there is abundant evidence that if we take care of all of our Vital Ecosystems we have the potential to live much longer (quantity). For me, however, making more whole choices in all eight of our Ecosystems brings a greater degree of life wholeness, wellness, and soundness (quality). It allows us to experience more vitality, in fact, to have a more Vital Life.

It reminds me of the old question, would you rather live to be 100 and miserable, or to 50 and be joyful? I don’t think it’s a bad goal to live to be as long as possible, but if that is our only goal, we may miss the chance to add a greater depth and wisdom to our lives. If we’re hell bent on immortality we might just miss the life-giving, life-affirming events that make us mortal, that truly allow us to be the best human we can be

Perhaps this debate just needs to be rephrased or turned in such a way that longevity (which is almost always associated with genetics) is not given center stage to the exclusion of lifestyle. That tripe saying about life being a journey really is true, and genetics may give you the boat to travel, but it doesn’t determine your destination or what sights you’ll see along the way!

~Dr. Jack Harless
 Manager of The Franciscan Center

Chef Adam Rita No. 13: Breakfast Burrito!

A healthy breakfast that’s quick, easy and sure to help you start your day off right.

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped tomato
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1/4 cup canned corn
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 flour tortilla, 6 inches in diameter
2 tablespoons salsa

Directions

In a small skillet, add the chopped tomato, onion and corn. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are soft and moisture is evaporated. Add the egg substitute and scramble with the vegetables until cooked through, about 3 minutes.

Tips: spread the egg mixture in the center of the tortilla and top with salsa. Fold in both sides of the tortilla up over the filling, and roll to close.

Team Sylvania: Sylvania Franciscans Elect New Leadership Team

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio elected a new Leadership Team April 20, 2012 during the community’s quadrennial General Chapter.  The five-member team will oversee the day-to-day operation of the Congregation and serve as councilors for all the members.  Chosen for a four-year term, the team will be formally installed during a liturgy at 11 a.m., Sunday, June 24, 2012 in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel on the Motherhouse grounds in Sylvania.  Pictured, from left, are Sister Patricia Gardner, full-time Councilor (currently Treasurer/Councilor on the Leadership Team), Sister Sharon Derivan, part-time Councilor (currently a law clerk/staff attorney  in the U. S. District Court in Akron, Ohio), Sister Mary Jon Wagner, Congregational Minister (currently Assistant Congregational Minister), Sister Rachel Nijakowski, part-time Councilor (currently executive director and psychologist at Sophia Center, Sylvania, Ohio), and Sister Theresa Darga, Assistant Congregational Minister (currently principal at St. Joseph School in Lake Orion, Michigan).

Team Lance: Underwater Walking!

We went on a cruise for Spring Break to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. My daughter Sydney and I did a very unique & interesting excursion on Cozumel. It is called a “Sea Trek”. The guide places a 70 pound helmet over your head that circulates oxygen (When you are under water the helmet only weighs 15 pounds) You then go down a ladder to the ocean floor and walk around the bottom of the ocean to view the sea life. It was very fun getting up close to the fish. You don’t have the worry of a snorkel, mask or oxygen tank!

Team HCC: American Pride!

Aleathia and Ashley have an evening of games and creativity!

Team Spiritual Care: Feast of George, Martyr

Sister Kateri Theriault

Mission Integration

A Saint for all Seasons

The long history of religion also contains a long history of division, but occasionally there is a glimmer of hope for mutual understanding—sometimes in the most unexpected places. Saint George is best known for legends of dragon-slaying, but in death he has accomplished an even greater feat, providing a common point of reverence across nearly all the Western faith traditions. He is highly celebrated as a saint in both the Western and Eastern Christian churches, but the Orthodox shrine of St. George at Beith Jala—a small town in the Bethlehem region of the West Bank—is also well attended by Muslims and Jews. It’s nice to know that there is one spot in the world, at least, where the dragon of hostile religious division has been slain.

TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 6:8-15; John 6:22-29 (273)
“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

Virtual Team Parkinson's Research: Flavonoids!

Dr. Jack Harless Team Captain

We currently have 8 members.  This week we highlighted research correlating consumption of berries and prevention of PD.  This study was presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in 2011.  The finding are excited because they suggest that increased consumption of flavonoids in berries may be a natural and healthy way to reduce the risk of developing PD.

Team Spiritual Care: A Vital Life Experience

Fellow Residents and Staff,

Western Christians are about to begin the third week of Easter, a seven-week Christian festival which has its roots in ancient nature religions’ celebrations of spring.  For Christian and pagan alike, spring is an exuberant expression of life.  How are we responding to spring right now?  Are we celebrating life?  Are we grateful for our life?  If so, how do we express our gratitude?  Does our gratitude affect the way we live? the way we treat our bodies? the way we treat our spirits? the way we treat other people, whether friends, family members, acquaintances, or passersby?

The Easter story is that of Jesus’ rising to new life after his crucifixion and of his sharing that life with us through his Spirit.  That story, that life, that Spirit, changes everything for the believer.  As Saint Paul, the first Christian theologian put it, it is no longer I but Christ who lives within me.  For the Christian, Easter means a life of patience, forbearance, compassion, generosity, forgiveness, integrity, honesty.

For most of my life I thought that those were virtues or qualities that I had to generate from within myself, and after awhile I invariably failed.  I am coming to see that if I let the Spirit of the Risen Jesus live within me, then the Spirit will bring about those virtues in my attitudes and behaviors.  On my own, there are limits to my kindness and dedication.  There comes a point at which I say that I’ve done enough, at which I turn away in anger, at which I become resentful.  If, however, I let go of my ego, with all its pride and fear, and surrender myself to the Spirit, I become a new person, capable of responding in ways that I could never imagine before.

Easter faith is far less about adherence to creeds and much more about abandoning ourselves to the Spirit, and that means peace and joy. . . for ourselves and for those around us.  And if you do not share the Christian faith, can you let your Higher Power, by whatever name you call that Power, renew you and give your life new meaning this spring?

In the words of Saint Francis, Peace and every Blessing!

Loren Connell, OFM,

sacramental minister

April 20, 2011

Virtual Team Leader Support: Reflection by Bill Witte

 SOCIALIZATION is the foundation of THE VITAL LIFE COMMUNITY wellness program specifically, so it behooves me to suggest to all of our staff, learned colleagues, and constituents that “connectivity” not linguistic communication is the bedrock of our means for effective survival and biological dominance.

Our amazing brain is an incredible computer and it supports many forms of connectivity abilities of which we have only developed and depended upon a few, verbal communication which is only one means and maybe the least effective of them all. Body language, eye movement, hand positioning, muscle contraction, just to name a few, are other visual cues we use.

THE VITAL LIFE COMMUNITY is all about socialization or as we call it “SOCIAL CONFLUENCE” of which the binding agent once we come together, is no more and no less, than effective communication.  Most of our brain capacity is dedicated to this dimension, so it seems our creator intended us to have the tools necessary to succeed in life, no matter the difficulties.

-Bill Witte

Virtual Team Memory Pillars Start their Week with Memory Jogging!

Team Memory Pillars started their week off with interesting research about a program of merging memory exercises with physical exercise.  A class in mental aerobics followed by a low-impact aerobic session proved to be both fun and challenging. This was an example of a preventative program concerning cognitive loss in the older adults

Team Events: Anna-Bridgette Graham Runs the Boston Marathon!

After running my first marathon in Dayton last September, I qualified for Boston with a time of 3 hours and 27 minutes.  I could not be happier, I achieved my goal and did it well under the time I needed, which was 3 hours and 40 minutes.  I trained through the winter and wanted to see if I could improve my time since most runners drop time between marathons.  Training through the winter, my body was used to weather in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.  I arrived in Boston late Friday night and, like the other 26,999 runners, was keeping a close eye on the weather.  Little by little the temperature increased from 80 to 82 to 86 to 88 to 90.  Meanwhile, the Boston Athletic Association sent all runners multiple emails encouraging us to not run because of the dangerous temperature.  Our bodies were not acclimated to the hot weather and because of that, we were advised to add at least 2 minutes to our minute per mile time.  For example, if I usually run an 8 minute mile, I should run a 10 minute mile during the race to avoid heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke.  For someone who wanted to run faster, this was devastating news.  Before the race, I met up with a soon-to-be family member, who was running his 20^th consecutive Boston Marathon, and we spoke about our race goal.  Our goal, simply, was to finish.  I had an amazing time during the race, I ran at a comfortable pace and enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.  The crowd provided invaluable support by turning on their sprinklers, spraying us with hoses, and passing out handfuls of ice.  The temperature, as it turns out, was a blessing in disguise.  It forced me to slow down and enjoy the experience and ambiance of the one and only Boston Marathon.  I hope to run the Columbus Marathon this fall to qualify again for Boston and return for another round. 

Thank you for all of your love and support!

Team The Franciscan Center Spa: Hot Stone Therapy

Spring is finally here! Now is the perfect time for socializing with family and friends. Here are some quick Vital Life tips to give you some ideas: perform a random act of kindness each week, make a wish list of new skills that you or your family would like to learn, laugh each day, and share the gifts you recognize in others.

In this month’s issue, we will be highlighting Hot Stone Massage. Hot Stone Therapy is a specialty massage that utilizes smooth, heated stones to help relax tired, chronically tight muscles. Often, the stones create a sedative effect that can reduce stress and promote relaxation. During a typical session, the therapist will combine the use of stones with a full body massage.

Hot Stone Therapy dates back to China 2000-1500 B.C. It has also been linked to the Maya Indians, Japanese Monks, and believe it or not, Cowboys! Typically the stones used in hot stone massage are made of basalt – a type of black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat.

So, how do you know if Hot Stone Therapy is right for you? Here are some benefits to this massage: promotes deep muscle and tissue relaxation, alleviates stress, relieves pain, increases circulation, and calms the psyche. Things to watch out for with this therapy are: any surgery where nerves have been cut, people with infections skin disease/rash/open wounds, pregnancy, anyone on prescription medications that may have side effects due to heat, heart disease, very overweight or obese individuals, anyone in a weak or debilitated state, varicose veins, all autoimmune dysfunctions, and thin skin. Call or stop by the Day Spa to schedule an appointment (937-432-6540). ~Kristin Pitstick Spa Manager

Team The Franciscan Center: Reflection by Dr. Jack Harlesse

First, I would like to thank everyone for their concern, support, and well-wishes following my injury.  I believe it is very true what Dr. Donald Epstein has said that in some real and tangible way “We are each other’s medicine.”

I also wanted to share a few reflections on my injury, what Dr. Jobst, Shostak, and Whitehouse termed “diseases of meaning.”  They were and are referring to injury, suffering, and disease as catalysts for the individual to self-reflect on their situation/circumstance and to use it as a means of empowerment and growth.

As many of you know, my official diagnosis is a ruptured patellar tendon.  Essentially the big tendon that attaches your knee cap to your shin, was severed completely, and had to be re-attached.  Even with current increased technological surgical efficiency, this is a long, slow injury to recover from.

It has limited my mobility severely.  For a month I have been confined almost exclusively to a wheelchair or sedentary position.  I am unable to drive, as the injury is to my right leg. Going from full mobility, fun and function to full restriction has been emotionally and spiritually taxing. 

I have been very dependent on others for even basic needs, food, clothing, showering, etc.  This certainly has allowed me to reflect and give thanks for all of the people in my life (my social community) who have helped me so far.  It has allowed me to see just how much people can and do care.

This has also forced me to understand the limitations of the physical form.  I think we all know that we won’t have this body forever, but when we lose function in our bodies for whatever reason, it no longer becomes an abstract concept, it is real in the here and now.  It is no longer head knowledge, it hits you in the gut, it’s a part of you.

I hope to grow from this experience by re-organizing some of my life choices to include activities and actions that are less in line with an 18 year old, and more in line with someone who is approaching 40!  As I’ve said, it also has created a level of understanding concerning a form of frailty and failure that I have, until now, only read about.   I would like to believe that this injury has created a greater level of depth to my experience as a human, hopefully, allowing a greater degree of compassion, sympathy, and understanding.

Padre Eligio, an Italian Franciscan, who has turned an abandoned monastery into a community who restores the lives of ruined people, mostly drug addicts, has said that he would like our concept of health to be defined, not exclusively by blood pressure, cholesterol levels, etc., but by the very simple yet profound idea that our level of wholeness is directly related to our ability to experience compassion for and with our fellow man. 

In that regard, I think, I am in some small way on path to greater health. 

Virtual Team Brain Storm: Visualize the Globe!

Lilia submitted this brain teaser! Which of the 50 United States is— Most Southern- Most Northern- Most Eastern- Most Western- The answer! North – Alaska South – Hawaii East – Alaska West – Alaska You have to visualize the globe and realize that because of where the international date line falls, Alaska is three of the four

Team St. Leonard's Memoirs Group: Welcome to the St. Leonard's Memoirs Group!

We are all residents at the St. Leonard's Retirement Center in Centerville, Ohio. Although we have varied backgrounds, we all share in one activity — the writing of our memoirs.
In some cases, we have published our books. In other cases, we are still working on those books. And in all cases, we help each other accomplish our goals.

~Mary

Team St. Leonard's Memoirs Group No. 1: We are Blessed!

(on the occasion of the return of the brothers for a reunion)

We, the residents of St. Leonard’s are very grateful for the blessings of this mass — the presence of you, our brothers — and the unique opportunity to have all of you here so we may thank you for the gift of our grace-filled homes.

We residents have blessed and prayed for you daily as we walk through these beautiful and spacious grounds, or simply sit and enjoy the presence of God’s creation. Just as you did before us.

Thank you for the trees and bushes you planed thirty years ago. For the beautiful and welcoming courtyards. For the extraordinary religious art placed throughout the grounds which cannot help but inspire us to remember God’s love. For the many animals who also enjoy their peaceful homes here because of its safety. Thank you for one of the most beautiful churches in the world where, together, we continue where you left off to praise and thank God for his blessings.

And last, but not least, for sending us Franciscan Friars who give of themselves tirelessly to strengthen and comfort us during the last years of our lives. Their presence as both pastors and residents of St. Leonard’s has been an inspiration and consolation for each one of us.

We learned from the history of St. Leonard’s that our building’s patron saint was chosen because, as a follower of St. Francis, he dedicated himself to poverty, the care of the poor and the homeless and his great love for Christ.

We residents promise you that your most precious gift of thirty years of prayer, work and sacrifice here at St. Leonard’s will always be remembered. We also promise to continue to share this realization of your love with our new residents.

We will do our best to be a community of people, continuing your message — the same one as that of Christ and Francis — to be instruments of peace so the outside world will recognize that we are Christians by our love.
—Alice Caton