Team Sisters of Sylvania: The Story of the Mosaic Sculpture

~submitted by project photographer Denise~

Team Fitness Gurus No. 20: Walking the Dimensions of Wellness

Joining a social walking program can jump-start your Vital Life Community wellness program, because it is a well-known fact that walking is beneficial for the entire mind, body, and spirit. To name just a few benefits is all the time that we have in this short article, but if you do the research you will be amazed at all of the benefits of walking. For example, walking is known to help the body physically as it can reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Emotionally, walking is known to ease stress and anxiety. A social walking program can help you meet friends who are also mindful about their health care responsibilities. Nutritionally, walking can help with digestion and reduce heartburn. Intellectually, walking improves brainpower as it stimulates the blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Environmentally, walking reduces the use of fossil fuels and noise pollution. Walking can also be a form of moving meditation helping to bring us to a state of reflection and inner peace, which fosters spirituality. Occupationally, walking reduces joint problems and increases our stamina for our daily tasks of working and giving. Walking is a simple way of getting in touch with the entire wellness spectrum in a very personal way.

Vital Life Celebration: September 21, 2011!

~Submitted by team photographer Denise~

Team University of Dayton Engineering & Safety Lab No. 5: Q & A on Balance

This interview comes from the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging.

Q: How common are falls and balance problems in older persons?

A: Each year, falls occur in over a third of persons over age 65. The risk increases in frequency and severity after age 75.

Q: What are major causes of falls?

A: The most common causes of falls include environmental hazards (such as slippery floors and loose rugs), weak muscles, unstable balance, dizziness, vision problems, and side effects from medications.

Q: How can I tell if I am at risk for falling?

A: The most important predictors of fall risk include: muscle weakness (difficulty rising from a chair), unsteady balance (needing to walk slowly or with a wide base of support), a fall in the past year, and taking some blood pressure medications and antidepressants.

Q: How can I decrease my chances of falling?

A: Your doctor can evaluate your strength, balance, gait and entire medication list. Together, you may decide to adjust medications, start physical therapy or use a cane or walker to make walking safer.

Q: How can I improve my balance?

A: There are a number of exercises and assistive devices that can improve stability. Ask your doctor what would be best for you. -Erin Sutton

Team Spiritual Care: Talk is Cheap!

Sister Kateri Theriault

Mission Integration

Talk is Cheap

“Make me an instrument of your peace,” we frequently sing, invoking the spirit of St. Francis. But we need to take it a step farther: Not only must we become instruments, but we must be active instruments. Talk, alone, is cheap.

— from Franciscan Voices

Team Spiritual Care: Spirit of New Life!

Sister Kateri Theriault Mission Integration

Set Us Free

Spirit of new life, forgive us and break down the prison walls of our selfishness, that we might be open to your love and open for the service of your world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

— from Living God's Justice

Team University of Dayton Engineering & Safety Lab No. 4: What to Discuss with Your Doctor!

Asking your doctor questions about your health, and particularly balance, can be a difficult task. Reasons for this could range from nervousness to uncertainty in questions you should ask. Balance is a serious issue that has a drastic effect on the quality of life. Because of this, we have a list of potential topics that can affect balance that you and your physician can discuss at your next appointment.

1. Your history of falling and all medication that you take

2. Gait and balance difficulties

3. Vision

4. Lower body strength

5. Cardiovascular conditions

6. Review your use of walking aids, such as canes and walkers

After you address any concerns you might have about balance, your doctor can help review and examine the topics that are listed to determine your everyday stability and risk of falling. Asking about these topics is important if you are experiencing trouble with balance because your doctor may make recommendations to treat future falls.

Deborah Kinor