Come Up to the Quality of Crofton Care!
CROFTON
TIMES
Inside This Month’s Issue:
Resident’s Corner 3
Nutritional Services News
4 & 5
May—Bug of the Month
MRSA
7
“Our Families Thankful
Thoughts”
9
Birthdays & Anniversaries
10
Therapeutic Recreation:
Alzheimer’s Awareness
11
Steps to Living Healthy in
2020—Spread Positivity
13
MAY 2020 Facility Phone Numbers
of Interest:
Facility Phone Numbers
(410) 721-1000
(410) 793-0123
(301) 261-3634
Administrator
Phil Gordon— X6213
Asst. Administrator
Fran Wheat—X6199
Director of Nursing
Celia Goughenour, RN—X6205
Asst. Director of Nursing
Angel Wiley, RN—X4450
Continued Page 2
Protocol When Getting
Home—During
COVID-19 Pandemic
16
Employee of the Month—May 2020
National Health
Awareness May 2020
14 & 15
From the Desk of the Administrator:
As we welcome May 2020, I am very inspired by the
dedication and resiliency my staff display everyday in the
continued fight against the mean-spirited COVID-19.
In May we celebrate Nurse’s Week and
recognize the art of caring, dedication and
vital role the nurse plays in the safety and
wellbeing of our patients. In recent times,
nurses are described as Heroes, bravely
caring for our patients ill-stricken from the
coronavirus. During this challenging time,
we would like to honor a nurse who
continues to work hard, keeps smiling and
truly cares for her patients without pause.
Our Employee of the Month has been a
rising star since her start at Crofton as a GNA
in April 2012. She strives for professional
growth in becoming a Certified Medicine
Aide, then continuing her education to
become a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2019.
She comes to work every day with a hunger to
learn new skills and seeks educational
opportunities to broaden her knowledge base.
She has a promising future ahead of her and
we are grateful she joined our CCRC family.
Please join me in congratulating
Anjana Pradhan, LPN, Employee and Nurse
of the Month for May 2020!
Administrator’s Letter cont’d
Page 2 CROFTON TIMES
Until Next Month,
Phil Gordon
Administrator
“You’re not just a nurse. Take pride in what you do. You’re
saving lives and making a difference in someone’s life.”
Staff in all departments show up for their shifts with a
smile on their face, ready to meet the demands of caring for our
residents. Their selfless approach to providing hands-on care to
the affected residents has been beyond impressive. The vigilance
and monitoring of all the residents to detect early signs of
COVID-19 has been the constant mission of the nursing staff.
Each department has gone over and above to contribute to
the fight against COVID-19.
I want to thank all the family members, folks in the
community who have supported us with food, uplifting
compliments, and prayers. It truly means the world to me and
my staff that we are trusted with the care of our residents. We
will fight COVID-19 TOGETHER!
Page 3 CROFTON TIMES
Page 4
Please contact Jeanne Davenport, Nutritional
Services Director at extension 6212, Kitchen at
extension 4267, or, Kelly McGhee, Patient
Service Coordinator at extension 4211, if we can
make your stay better.
Just a reminder for our new patients:
Stations I, III, & IV serve hot coffee, sweet
rolls, and fresh fruit every morning by 6:00
A.M. for those physical therapy patients who
get up early and want their coffee to get the
day started. If any patients have a specific
meal preference, we have substitutions for
every meal.
CROFTON TIMES
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********************************************
You can purchase a meal daily for $5.00
or a sandwich for $2.00 at the front desk daily.
Lunch needs to be ordered by 10 AM
and dinner by 3 PM.
National Food Holidays in May
Did you know that almost every day in the month is a
celebrated food holiday? In addition, each month is a national
food month, and some weeks are national food weeks.
Month—Long Celebrations in May
National Barbecue Month; National Hamburger Month;
National Egg Month; National Salad Month;
National Salsa Month; National Asparagus Month;
National Strawberry Month
Week—Long Celebrations in May
2nd Week in May: National Hamburger Week;
4th Week in May: National Frozen Yogurt Week
Daily National Celebrations in May
May 1st—National Chocolate Parfait Day
May 2nd—National Truffles Day
May 3rd—National Chocolate Custard Day
National Raspberry Tart Day
May 4th—National Hoagie Day
May 5th—National Enchilada Day—Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!
May 7th—National Roast Leg of Lamb Day
May 8th—National Coconut Cream Pie Day
May 9th—National Shrimp Day
May 10th—National Liver & Onions Day
May 11th—National “Eat What Ever You Want” Day
May 12th—National Nutty Fudge Day
May 13th—National Apple Pie Day
May 14th—National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
May 15th—National Chocolate Chip Day
May 16th—National Barbecue Day
May 17th—National Cherry Cobbler Day
May 18th—National “I Love Reese’s” Day
National Cheese Soufflé Day
May 19th—National Devil’s Food Cake Day
May 21st—National Strawberries & Cream Day
May 22nd—National Vanilla Pudding Day
May 23rd—National Taffy Day
May 25th—National “Brown-Bag-It” Day
National Wine Day
May 26th—National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
May 27th—National Grape Popsicle Day
National Italian Beef Day
May 28th—National Brisket Day
May 29th—National Hamburger/Cheeseburger Day
May 30th—National Mint Julep Day
May 31st—National Macaroon Day
NUTRITIONAL SERVICES—JEANNE DAVENPORT, CDM
*******************************************
********************************************
Nutritional Services—Cont’d from Page 4 CROFTON TIMES Page 5
Ingredients:
1 (8-oz) Package cream cheese, softened 1 cup powder sugar 1 (8-oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 baked Butter Cookie Crust*(see Key Lime Icebox Pie recipe for crust below)
4 cups assorted fresh berries, pitted cherries, or sliced fruit 1/2 cup seedless blackberry jam 1/4 cup orange liqueur
Directions:
1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Fold in whipped topping and vanilla; spoon into prepared crust. Cover and chill 8 hours.
2. Arrange fruit over cream cheese filling. Stir together jam and liqueur; drizzle over fruit.
3. Mascarpone Pie: Substitute 1 (8-oz) container mascarpone cheese for cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar for powdered sugar, 2 cups whipped cream for whipped topping, and 1 baked Chocolate Butter Cookie Crust for But-ter Cookie Crust. Prepare recipe as directed.
Ingredients:
2 cups finely crushed pretzel sticks 3/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons plus 1 tsp. strawberry gelatin (1/2 (3-oz.) package) 2 cups whipping cream, divided 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Stir together first 3 ingredients; firmly press on bottom, up sides, and onto lip of a lightly greased 10-inch pie plate. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 30 minutes).
2. Process strawberries in a food processor until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
3. Beat condensed milk and next 2 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. (Use the whisk attachment if using a stand mixer) Add strawberries; beat at low speed just until blended. Transfer to a large bowl.
4. Beat 3/4 cup whipping cream at high speed until soft peaks form; gently fold whipped cream into strawberry mixture. Spoon into prepared crust freeze 8 to 12 hours or until firm.
5. Beat remaining 1 1/4 cups whipping cream at high speed until foamy; gradually add granulated sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Spread over pie. Freeze 1 hour or until whipped cream is firm.
Icebox Cheesecake
Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie
Key Lime-Buttermilk Icebox Pie
Ingredients: 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon loosely packed lemon zest
1/2 cup Key Lime Juice
3 large egg yolks
1/4 cup buttermilk
*Buttery Cracker/Butter Cookie Crust, bake
Vegetable cooking spray
*Sweetened Whipped Cream
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a bowl.
2. Beat egg yolks with a handheld mixer in a medium bowl at high speed 4 to 5 minutes or until yolks become pale and ribbons form on surface of mixture when beater is lifted. Gradually whisk in sweetened condensed milk mixture, and whisk until thoroughly combined; whisk in buttermilk. Pour mixture into prepared crust.
3. Bake at 325˚ for 20 to 25 minutes or until set around edges. (Pie will be slightly jiggly.) Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Cover pie with lightly greased (with cooking spray) plastic wrap, and freeze 4 to 6 hours.
4. Top with Sweetened Whipped Cream
*Buttery Cracker/Butter Cookie Crust
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups crushed round buttery crackers
or for less salt substitute with a butter cookie
1/4 cup sugar ( omit if butter cookies are used) 1
teaspoon kosher salt (omit when crackers are used)
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Vegetable cooking spray
Directions for Crust:
1. Process crushed cookies/
crackers, sugar, and (if used)
salt in food processor until
finely crushed and well
combined. Add melted butter,
and process until thoroughly
combined. Press on bottom, up
sides, and onto lip of a lightly
greased (with cooking spray)
9-inch pie plate. Freeze 30
minutes to 1 hour or while
preparing filling.
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Beat cream and vanilla at medium-high speed with
an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add
powdered sugar, beating until soft peaks form.
*Sweetened Whipped Cream
Page 6 CROFTON TIMES
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:
Resident Televisions
If you are planning on bringing in a television for your loved one please consult with a member of the maintenance department before making your
selection. This will assure that the new television is compatible with the space and will help eliminate interference with their roommate’s television.
Page 7 CROFTON TIMES
“Staph” is a very common germ that about 1 out of every 3 people have
on their skin or in their nose. This germ does not cause any problems
for most people who have it on their skin. But sometimes it can cause
serious infections such as skin or wound infections, pneumonia, or
infections of the blood. When staph infections go untreated, they can
lead to serious problems including sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to
severe infection in the body.
Antibiotics are given to kill staph germs when they cause infections.
Some staph germs are resistant to several antibiotics, meaning the drugs are no longer able to cure the
infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to the antibi-
otics that are often used to cure staph infections.
What Are Some of the Things that Crofton is Doing to Prevent MRSA Infections?
To prevent MRSA infections, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers:
Clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after caring for every patient.
Carefully clean hospital rooms and medical equipment.
Use Contact Precautions when caring for patients with MRSA. Contact Precautions mean:
Healthcare providers will put on gloves and wear a gown over their clothing while taking care of patients with MRSA.
Visitors might also be asked to wear a gown and gloves.
When leaving the room, healthcare providers and visitors remove their gown and gloves and clean their hands.
Infection control guidelines are followed for proper room placement when admitting a new patient.
Residents are asked to stay in their rooms as much as possible. They may go to other areas of the facility for therapy with proper precautions.
What Should I Do to Prevent Spreading MRSA?
Keep taking any antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Take them exactly as prescribed. Don’t take half-doses or stop before you complete your prescribed course.
Clean your hands often, especially before and after changing your wound dressing or bandage.
Keep any wounds clean and covered, and change bandages as instructed until healed.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
Wash and dry your clothes and bed linens in the warmest temperatures recommended on the labels. Tell your healthcare providers that you have MRSA. This includes home health nurses and aides, therapists, and personnel in doctors’ offices.
For more information on MRSA, visit Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/
healthcare/patient/index.html#a4
Page 8 CROFTON TIMES
ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS—
LESLEY CLARK, BUSINESS OFFICE COORDINATOR
Economic Stimulus Payments for the Medicaid Recipient
Are you a Long Term Care Medicaid Recipient? Will the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus
payment affect your eligibility?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has clarified that the SSA will not consider
stimulus payments as income for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) recipients. Because
state Medicaid programs cannot impose eligibility requirements that are stricter than those
imposed by the SSI requirements, the payments should not affect Medicaid eligibility.
As such The Department of Human Services has advised that "(any) income received as a
result of COVID-19, including "stimulus payments” will not to be counted as income for
Medicaid applicants and those Medicaid recipients already receiving long term care benefit
and not counted as a resource if spent within 12 months of receipt. If the stimulus payment
is not spent within 12 months, it may be counted as an asset, and therefore could impact
eligibility in the year ahead.
Please keep in mind that the guidelines for gifting monies will still apply. It would be
beneficial for you to discuss appropriate ways to spend down these funds with the
professional handling your Medicaid application or redetermination.
The representative for Crofton is Sherry Rush owner of Angels of Eldercare.
Sherry can be reached at 410-853-7306.
Page 9 CROFTON TIMES OUR FAMILIES
THANKFUL THOUGHTS…..
Dear Crofton Care,
Thank you so much for the care you provided to
my father during his final year. He always
looked content with very few complaints other
than old age.
I hope this finds everyone well.
Dear Friends,
I want you to know that I am still here
for you. Although I can’t be physically
with you, please know that I have not
forgotten you.
All of you and all the residents are with
me in my heart, thoughts, and prayers
every day. You are doing so much!
I have the deepest respect for you!
“Thank You” is not enough!
Page 10 MAY RESIDENT
and STAFF BIRTHDAYS EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to the following employees who are
celebrating their anniversary this month!
ONE YEAR
CHELSEY ADAMS
HOPE ALEXANDER
BRIA PARKER
SHIRLEY STARLIPER
RAHILA TIMOTHY
TWO YEARS
LETISCIA BOLES
ANINA GOINS
WATTA MADAVE
VESNA MILJKOVIC
FOUR YEARS
YVONNE HOCKADAY
ELEVEN YEARS
CHRISTIAN WARE
TWELVE YEARS
JOANNA CAREW
JESSTINA WALLACE
THIRTEEN YEARS
NOVELETTE IRVING
TWENTY-THREE
YEARS
ALMA MILJKOVIC
TWENTY-FOUR
YEARS
MARY CARTER
TWENTY-SIX YEARS
MAXINE HILL
Resident Birthdays
05/01 DELORES STAFFORD
05/04 ALLENE DAVIS
05/05 SUSAN MANNION
05/15 ISAAC PERRY
05/21 DELORES McCARTY
05/22 ROBERTA SHEARIN
05/23 BLONDELL GROSS
Staff Birthdays
05/01 GLENNA MILLER
05/06 ELGA ANDERSON
05/08 LEORIA BREVARD
05/10 JEAN FALLON-
MANOGUE
05/13 CORAL THOMPSON
05/14 MARIA DONNA PERIA
DANIELE THOMAS
05/15 FRAN WHEAT
CYNTHIA COLAIANNI
05/16 DEEPA GHIMIREARYAL
05/17 ISAIAH JACKSON
KELLY SEALING
05/20 MATTHEW MOXLEY
05/25 MIKE HARPER
05/26 JACQUELINE COOPER
05/27 KENDRA DeSHIELDS
SHIRYL FRANCIS
05/29 VICTORIA BRANCIFORTI
05/31 CECILY BROOKS
Page 11 CROFTON TIMES
LIFE ENRICHMENT COORDINATOR:
Mary Wheat, CTRS, CDP, AIT
Pet Therapy and Dementia By Ava M. Stinnett
The positive effects pets have on the well-being of people has been increasingly well-documented in recent years. One proponent of this theory, Dr. William Thomas, maintained that people living in nursing homes often experience boredom, loneliness, and a feeling of helplessness. He proposed a change in design, which he called the “Eden Alternative.” He advocated for the empowerment of staff and the inclusion of pets, plants, and children as part of the environment. Research has further supported the positive effect of the presence of animals (dogs, cats, birds, fish, miniature horses, and more), particularly on people with dementia. These benefits include:
Improved mood with decreased feelings of depression, isolation, and loneliness.
Lower blood pressure and heart rate with activities such as petting or brushing animals or simply watching fish swimming in an aquarium.
A calming effect and reduction in anxiety and behavioral issues. The non-threatening, non-judgmental nature of animals is a source of unconditional love, resulting in a feeling of well-being. The science behind this is the chemical reaction generated in the brain lowering the level of the stress-producing hormone cortisol and increased production of the hormone serotonin.
Improved socialization and mental stimulation resulting in improved social skills and self-esteem.
Improved physical activity through increased joint movement and motor skills when doing such things as walking and playing with pets.
Improved appetite and nutrition with an increase in physical activity and social interaction.
An outlet for engagement with another living being on a deeper and often non-verbal level.
A sense of purpose through caring for an animal.
Bringing back fond memories of past pets and remembered times.
Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, is a broad term to describe the guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. First developed in the early 1990s, this therapy builds on the innate bond between humans and animals. Today, a number of universities are offering graduate courses in animal and pet-assisted therapy. Animal-assisted therapy is performed with a well-trained, certified animal handler. Animals used for pet therapy must be up to date on their shots and trained to be well behaved around people.
Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-does-pet-therapy-benefit-people-with-dementia-98677
https://www.heritageseniorcommunities.com/2018/02/24/benefits-pet-therapy-adults-dementia/
https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/alzheimers-disease-magic-pets
https://www.samvednacare.com/blog/2017/09/11/6-benefits-of-pet-therapy-for-dementia-patients/
https://www.scalabrini.com.au/the-benefits-of-pet-therapy-for-people-living-with-dementia/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4248608/
Page 12 CROFTON TIMES
Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.
The remaining 47 letters spell a Benjamin Franklin quotation.
F V E L A I P H A R M A C I S T B E D T I M E
L O I G G S F E S T R A C K C A N S T R A T B
O X O S N G S E D O S T E O P O R O S I S C E
C Y Y D I U Y I D R O O M M A T E P S I A A D
K G S I T T O R S I Y R O M E M H T R L S R P
D E E L R R O L O T S L T L H Y A T L E A D A
O N S T A T A R W T A A E E S F A B S N V G N
W I S G H E M Y G X I V B I F I E T S I T A E
N N A E C E M O A E A S C I D L N L R C N M N
U S L T V O R T O T R A O O L E L U L I E E O
R U G S D I I M O R L I P P V I S T N D M S I
S L E O E V T R O T N W A E P T T S O E N O T
E I Y O E T E A H M A O Y T N U E Y I M I C O
A N E S S N E E L N E A I E R V S R S S A I L
I S O O N B R B D E D T I T I I N E S Y T A A
T H N I O A G E A I R T E T A H C N I R R L C
N O D O P N R S L I A D A R S E T I M I E I R
E T K Y I A H O P P D D W I S L R L D N T Z A
M S E G L A H A D E E F E B U T E C A G N E F
E T N A V O O W A S H H A N D S O E E E E L T
D I R E A S E R A C G N I N R O M R P R H T S
S M R O T C O D T F I L L A C I N A H C E M E
ADMISSION
ASSIST
BEDPAN
BEDTIME
BOOKS
CALL BELL
CARD GAMES
CHARTING
CRAFTS
DEMENTIA
DIABETES
DINNER
DISABILITY
DOCTOR
ELEVATOR
ENTERTAINMENT
EYEGLASSES
FOOD TRAY
GERIATRIC
HEALTH
HOLIDAY EVENTS
INSULIN SHOT
LAXATIVES
LOCKDOWN
LOTION
LOUNGE
MECHANICAL LIFT
MEDICINE
MEMORY
MORING CARE
NURSE
OSTEOPOROSIS
OXYGEN
PATIENTS
PHARMACIST
PHYSICAL THERAPY
PILLS
PODIATRIST
RECLINER
RECREATION ROOM
RELATIVES
ROOMMATE
SEDATIVES
SHAVER
SINGING
SLEEP
SNACK CART
SOAP
SOCIALIZE
STAFF
SUPPOSITORY
SYRINGE
THERMOMETER
TUBE FEED
VIRUS
VISITOR
WANDER ALARM
WASH HANDS
Page 13
Sod
331mg
Carbs
38g
Fib
9g
Chol
10mg
Sug
7g
SF
2g
TF
12g
3 medium potatoes with skin 3 tsp mustard
1 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup minced onion 1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1 cup peas, frozen Black pepper to taste
Directions: Cut potatoes into bite-size chunks. Boil in a
pan, then simmer and cook uncovered until
potatoes are tender. Drain completely and let
cool. Put rest of ingredients in a large mixing
bowl. Add potatoes to bowl. Mix all ingredients
together and refrigerate.
SPRING PICNIC POTATO SALAD
SIMPLIFY YOUR
LIFESTYLE
Focus on ridding your
life of clutter and
unnecessary
commitments and
inconveniences.
Cals
289
Nutrition Information Per Serving—Servings Per Recipe: 4
CROFTON TIMES
Remember that
being positive makes
a difference in your
life and in the lives of
others.
Smile! This simple
expression can mean a
lot to the person who is
on the receiving end of
it. Plus, sporting a grin
is an easy way to lift
your own spirits.
Show gratitude. Take
time each day to reflect
on the good things in
your life. Be grateful for
what you have.
Spend time
volunteering. It’s a
sure way to make you
feel good and to help out
others in your
community.
CROFTON TIMES Page 14
There’s no doubt: Skin cancer’s the most common type of cancer in America—by far. Still, when treated early, it’s curable. Melanomas, while less prevalent, are more dangerous because they’re much more likely to grow and spread to other areas of the body. Learn more in May during Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month. Remember, you can reduce your risk by limiting or avoiding exposure to sunlight. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect cancer early. Note: Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Read on for tips and helpful advice on treatment and prevention.
MELANOMA/SKIN CANCER DETECTION & PREVENTION YEARLY TIMELINE: 2019—Promising research A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that two topical creams, used together, greatly reduce the odds for squamous cell carcinomas—the second most diagnosed form of skin cancer. 2009—Tanning bed trouble The World Health Organization moved UV tanning beds to its highest cancer risk category: “carcinogenic to humans.” Prior to the move, the group had classified tanning bed use as “probably carcinogenic.” 2008—Microscopic exams Studies determined that a procedure called “dermoscopy” is more accurate than a doctor’s visual examination for identifying potential melanomas. 2005—Young people at risk Research showed skin cancer—including melanoma—increased in both children and young adults. The incidence of melanoma rose 3 percent each year from 1973 to 2001 in people under 20. 1956—The UV connection Australian researcher Henry Lancaster linked the sun’s ultraviolet radiation to increased cases of melanoma. He was the first to measure the connection between melanoma and latitude—especially in Australia and New Zealand.
HOW TO OBSERVE MELANOMA/SKIN CANCER DECTECTION & PREVENTION MONTH 1. See a doctor—Schedule a visit if you notice any changes to your skin that concern you. Not all changes signal a problem. Make time during Melanoma/Skin cancer Detection & Prevention Month to examine your skin. 2. Wear sunscreen—It’s a good idea year-round. Sunscreens don’t filter out all harmful UV rays, especially those that can lead to melanoma, but they play a very big role in overall protection. 3. Avoid tanning beds—People who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent. Plus, UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, loose skin, brown spots) as well as skin cancer.
5 SKIN CANCER RISK FACTORS 1. Fair Skin—If you have blonde/red and light-colored eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you need to take extra precautions. 2. Abnormal moles—The medical term is “dysplastic nevi.” Monitor them regularly and see a doctor if you spot changes. Check your skin during Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month. 3. Too much sun—Sunny days might lift your mood, but not your skin. Living at higher altitudes prone to strong sunlight also exposes you to more radiation. 4. Smoking—Here’s another reason to quit: Smokers are more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancers, particularly on the lips. 5. Family/personal history—Pay extra attention if you, a parent, or a sibling has experienced skin cancer before.
WHY MELANOMA/SKIN CANCER DETECTION & PREVENTION MONTH IS IMPORTANT 1. One in five Americans—Skin cancer’s widespread. Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every day. More than a million Americans are living with melanoma (the most dangerous type). 2. Early treatment leads to cures—Common types including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable. And the five-year survival rate for people who can detect and treat melanoma before it spreads to the lymph nodes is nearly 100 percent. 3. High cost—The annual cost of treating non-melanoma skin cancer in the U.S. is estimated at $4.8 billion, while the average annual cost of treating melanoma is estimated at $3.3 billion.
Page 15 CROFTON TIMES
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and organizations across the nation will be drawing attention to the various—and often-surprising—
way mental illness affects peoples’ lives. This May, a number of new research findings highlight the need for increased understanding of, empathy for,
and respect of people facing mental health issues. Consider the following.
Mental Illness is ‘Normal’ People with mental health issues have long felt that they are different from others. Indeed, discussions of mental illness tend to speak
about “people with mental illness” as if they are a foreign group few of us ever encounter. The reality is that mental illness is so common—so
common, in fact, that a recent study claims that it’s a life unmarred by mental illness that’s the real anomaly.
According to the study, which followed people ages 11-38 and tracked their mental health, a mere 17% avoided mental illness.
Forty-one percent had a mental health condition that lasted for many years. Forty-two percent had a short-lived mental illness. This suggests
that, sooner or later, mental illness becomes an issue for most people. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse were the most common
diagnoses in the study.
Gender Can Affect Mental Health Diagnoses Many of us have heard that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism, but the overwhelming majority of those children are boys. A
new study suggests this may be because providers fail to recognize the signs of autism in girls. The reason? Gender-based empathy conditioning.
People with autism often appear to lack empathy or recognize social cues. According to the study, however, girls on the spectrum show
outward signs of empathy. Researchers believe this is because gender conditioning to master social skills is much stronger in girls. So girls with
autism may appear to understand social cues even when they don’t.
Worldwide, Depression is the Leading Cause of Disability The leading cause of disability isn’t cancer or chronic pain, though public health campaigns might make you think otherwise.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. What’s more, it’s held
that place for many years.
Even more troubling, despite burgeoning awareness, the rate of depression is not getting better. Particularly in developing nations,
people often do not receive treatment for symptoms of depression. And between 2005-2015, the rate of depression actually increased by 18%.
Mental and Physical Health are Inseparable Media portrayals often talk about mental and physical health, or discuss how one supports the other. This isn’t anything new.
Philosophers, scientists, and laypeople of all varieties have been separating the mind from the body for generations.
Research increasingly points to the link between the two. For example, some studies suggest that chronic inflammation may cause
depression. Others have found that mental illness can affect physical health, or lead to symptoms of chronic pain. The role of exercise in fighting
mental illness is well documented. People taking some chemotherapy drugs may be more vulnerable to depression, even when researchers
control for the already depressing effects of having cancer. And a new study just linked consuming low-fat, rather than whole-fat, dairy to a
lowered risk of depression. The invisible line between the mind and body is imaginary. Our thoughts reside in the brain, and the brain lives in
the body. It’s affected by what we eat, how we spend our time, and our overall health.
Environment Matters for Mental Health Much discussion of mental health focuses on genetics, brain chemicals, and other biological phenomena. It’s true that mental illness is
biological, but that does not mean that all cases of mental illness are hard-wired. The environment can affect the behavior of genes, as the
emerging study of epigenetics is making ever more clear. Stressful and deprived environments can
alter the way genes behave, triggering mental illness. For example, recent research has linked growing
up with food insecurity to an increased risk of mental health difficulties.
The environment in which people grow up also teaches them how to handle everything from
daily stress to serious trauma. People may learn depressive thinking from their parents, for instance, or
they may experience trauma in early childhood that leaves them with lasting mental health difficulties.
Mental illness certainly has a biological component, but to believe that it is solely
hard-wired and unavoidable is to believe that treatment doesn’t work. That’s not true. Treatment helps
the brain re-learn new ways of processing information as it helps the client cope with difficult
emotions. And just as the environment can shape people toward mental illness, treatment can help pull
them away from it. The goals of better understanding mental health diagnoses and improving societal
empathy should not be limited to the month of May, but it's certainly a good time to refocus our
efforts.
Crofton Care & Rehabilitation Center
2131 Davidsonville Road
Crofton, Maryland 21114
Fax: Administration # (410) 721-2749
Fax: Admissions # (410) 721-8524
Web Site: www.croftoncrc.com
Station I –Rooms 101-111 &
Station IV –Room 401-413 Coordinator
Jill Lascola—X4671
Station I –Rooms 113-133 Coordinator
Theresa Sinchak, RN—X4672
Station II Coordinator
Tarica Carpenter, LPN —X 4221
Station III & Station IV—Rooms
415-423 Coordinator
Mariena Robinson, RN—X4225
Life Enrichment Coordinator
Mary Wheat, CTRS, CDP—X4276
Therapeutic Recreation Department
Amber Moore, CTRS—X4257
Social Work
Charley Kline—X4600
Glenna Miller,LMSW—X4222
QA
Amanda Topper, RN—X4283
Admissions Coordinator
Judy Farrell—X4271
Facility Nurse Liaison
Nutritional Services Director
Jeanne Davenport—X6212
Patient Service Coordinator
Kelly McGhee—x4211
Plant Engineering Director
Mike Harper—X4268
Housekeeping/Laundry Departments
—X4270
Office Coordinator
Lesley Clark—X6201
Beauty Shop—X4213
Kitchen—X4267
Laundry—X4270
Physical Therapy—X4209
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