Team Home and Garden: St. Elizabeth Social Garden

Environmental Wellness encompasses our relationship
with our planet and our relationships with one another...

Team Caring Hearts: Derby Hat Day!

Team Caring Hearts time for socialization and fun!

Team Caring Hearts: Welcomes Debbie, April, and Paula!

St. Leonard welcomes 3 new LPNs to the HCC ! Becky White, RN, Staff Development, orients 3 new part time nurses to the HCC nursing department. We welcome Debbie Eigel, LPN, April Smith, LPN and Paula Mundhenk LPN. St. Leonard is glad to have you on our Caring Hearts Team! http://www.stleonard.net/

Construction Update!

~submitted by project photographer Denise~

Team Fitness Gurus No 15: The Talk Test

When you are working out or walking long distances, it is easy to get a little winded. A simple test to check to see if you are pushing yourself too hard is to talk in a normal tone of voice to a friend or count to yourself, and if you can speak a few words without pausing to catch your breath then you are probably working within a relatively comfortable intensity level. Remember to listen to your body when you work out, and train safely.

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Blue Zone Your Memory No 19: Cognitive Impairments

Often we hear of impairments in cognition concerning how information is processed especially in stroke or dementia patients. As we seek guidance from professionals, it is helpful to know the difference between these impairment groups because the approach to treatment is different. The following are examples of how various cognitive losses can be manifested. Impairment of memory usually means that the individual has trouble remembering recent events. Some individuals will confabulate just to fill in the gaps, perhaps choosing the most plausible connection or logic of thought. Impairment of orientation may mean that the person may not know where they are, what the day is, or who their loved ones are. Impairment of learning, reasoning, and judgment may mean that the decision-making processes are impaired and critical thought is clouded, inaccurate, or slow. Impairment of emotional control involves emotional responses that are over-reactive, under-reactive, provocative or blunted. Impairment of initiation is often called “loss of executive function,” where knowing what to do next or follow through concerning a basic function is nearly impossible. Impairment of ethical or propriety conduct may mean that an individual is experiencing a lowering of personal standards, hygiene, and values. Impairment of receptive and expressive communication can result in difficulty comprehending or expressing written or oral language. Impairment of visuospatial ability means that the person is having difficulty coordinating movement and construction to desired performance, such as handwriting, drawing, or assembly of objects. Impairments involving the brain can be selective or manifest themselves in a global manner; therefore, it is important to get a professional assessment with the first sign or symptom of change in any cognitive ability.

http://www.stleonard.net/

Fit-for-Driving No 3: Look at the Facts

Looking at the facts about driving we find that unskilled or unqualified drivers come from all age groups. Demographic studies indicate that senior drivers are more cautious when driving than other age groups. The leading factors causing senior vehicle crashes are changes in physical ability and reaction time. If a person is experiencing these changes, they should be evaluated as soon as possible by a therapist, who will address these factors with proper therapy and exercises that are designed for the person's current driving deficits.

http://www.stleonard.net/