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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 21, 2019)
Home security tips for seniors Seniors are oft en targeted by criminals. Th ough many criminals target people from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals also seek to enter seniors’ homes. Home security is im-portant for people of all ages. By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home. • Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and oft en does, give burglars easy entry into the home. • Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a fl owerpot. Others may be watching your actions and gain ac- cess to your home while you are away. • Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see identifi cation. • Get a home security system. Th e best protection against bur- glars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource.org. Such an alarm oft en deters burglars from breaking in. • Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check. • Use home automation, which can be utilized to turn on lights, set the thermostat, lock doors and much more. • Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home. Home security is serious business for seniors who are vulnerable to criminals. September 2019 • Good Life Boomer & Senior Expo 15 Explore relaxing hobbies to lower stress Stress is a part of many people’s daily lives. A recent survey from the American Psychological As- sociation found that 44 percent of Americans feel their stress levels have increased over the past fi ve years. Children also are struggling, with almost one-third reporting that they have experienced a health symptom associated with stress, such as stomach aches, trouble sleeping and headaches. Calming activities that can tone down the body’s stress responses are great ways to alleviate stress. Th ese hobbies and other interests can help tame stress by promoting calm. Listen to and/or play music Music can be energizing or calm- ing, depending on which music you choose. Researchers at Stanford Uni- versity found that rhythmic music may have therapeutic eff ects for treat- ing a range of neurological conditions, as it stimulates the brain and can perhaps change how it functions. Fa- miliar melodies and gentle music can reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol. Gardening Gardening lets a person tend to liv- ing things while getting some fresh air. Both the sunlight and the activity itself can be soothing and have a positive ef- fect on mood. A study from the Journal of Health Psychology found that gar- dening, like listening to music, lowers cortisol levels. Grab a good book Taking the time to unwind and read can help ease tension in the muscles, lower one’s heart rate and induce calm. Research from the consultancy Mind- lab International at the University of Sussex found reading reduced stress levels by 68 percent. Make art Engaging in a creative hobby sharpens the mind and improves focus. You may also want to try fo- cusing emotions onto the canvas to help release tension. A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Occupational Th erapy found that 81.5 percent of respondents with de- pression reported feeling happy aft er knitting. Get moving A form of art and music, dancing can promote well-being through exer- cise and expansion of creative ability. It also can be good for the mind. A study from Swedish researchers that was published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that a dancing intervention program, twice weekly for eight months, helped teen- age girls struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and other problems. Many similar relaxing activities can tame stress. CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ARE PREVENTED WHEN: Kids are connected Families are supported Community members take positive action Take positive action in your community by getting involved with 90by30’s West Lane Regional Leadership Team Email Jeanne at jeannes@90by30.com or call Suzanne at 541-590-0779 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.KNOWMORELANECOUNTY.ORG www.westmontliving.com 541-574-0550 Good Life Expo 2019 Siuslaw News, September 21, 2019 Meet Lisa PeaceHealth nurse leader Breast cancer survivor Mountain climber Through early detection and the right team, today she’s climbing mountains and living life to the fullest. At PeaceHealth, we challenge you to put yourself first and make time for a mammogram... you’re worth it! Watch Lisa’s story and schedule your mammogram today. peacehealth.org/yes-mammo
