Back by popular demand, Willson House and Jason Lee Manor are having another Rummage Sale on Saturday, September 21.

In our blog post of June 27, 2013 we talked about the stress caused by hoarding.  Michael P. Meyers says in How Clutter Causes Stress, “hoarding is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately. Many clinical psychologists are in agreement that clutter causes stress and the wisest thing to do is to act on it before the behavior turns into a full blown obsessive compulsive disorder.”

When your body and brain are experiencing too much stress your cortisol level remains high and that can have an impact on the formation of new memories and your ability to retrieve old information in your brain.

So where do you even begin to “de-clutter” your life and put an end to some of the stress that may be impairing your memory? You can rent a table at the Rummage Sale to be held in the parking lot of Willson House and Jason Lee Manor on Saturday, September 21st from 9-4pm. 

Reserve a table for only $5.00 and sell some of those treasures that you no longer need.  Call Cathy Derby-Ray at 503.585.6511 for your table.  All proceeds from the sale will go to the Activity Program. If you don’t have anything to sell but you need some great things at bargain prices… the Rummage Sale is the place for you!

In order for your brain to function at a high level it has to have water.  Over 70 percent of your body is composed of water and every function in the body is dependent on water, including the activities of the brain and nervous system.
    
The average person in the U.S. drinks less than a quart (32 ounces) of water a day.  Yet, according to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult loses more than 80 ounces of water every day through sweating, breathing, and eliminating wastes.

The brain is one of the most important organs in your body to keep fueled and hydrated.  It is approximately 85 percent water and brain function depends on having abundant access to water.

Water gives the brain the electrical energy for all brain functions, including thought and memory processes.  When your brain is functioning on a full reserve of water, you will be able to think faster, be more focused, and experience greater clarity and creativity.

The reason why it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day for optimal brain function is because your brain does not have any way to store water. When your body loses more water than you are replacing, dehydration will kick in and brain function will be affected.

Dehydration causes your brain to shut down and not run at full speed.  Some of the mental symptoms of dehydration include brain fog, afternoon fatigue, focus issues, depression, anger, emotional instability, exhaustion, headaches, sleep issues, stress, and a lack of mental clarity and acuity.
   
Studies have shown that if you are only 1 percent dehydrated, you will likely have a 5 percent decrease in cognitive function. If your brain drops 2 percent in body water, you may suffer from fuzzy short-term memory, experience problems with focusing, and have trouble with math computations.

Further studies have shown that prolonged dehydration causes brain cells to shrink in size and mass. This is most common in the elderly, many of whom tend to be chronically dehydrated for years.

What is the best thing to use for hydration?  Plain old water is the best thing and it’s FREE.  So, on these hot, humid days drink up for good brain health!  For more information on staying hydrated refer to Merlin Hearn’s article, http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/water-and-brain.html

It all began in 1909 when a group of women from the Methodist Episcopal Church decided to develop and manage a retirement home for seniors who were without funds or family support. These women felt that those who had reached an older age and paid their dues to society deserved the opportunity to receive compassionate care in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Somewhere they could live their remaining years in comfort and dignity. With accommodations for 19 people, the Home filled immediately after opening.

It is from these humble beginnings nearly 103 years ago that United Methodist Retirement Center (UMRC) is now home to over 125 people.  This not-for-profit organization is a place where life-enriching services are provided to people of all faiths and beliefs. Independence is supported here and people are treated with dignity and respect. UMRC is a community where people come to live, and where gifts of time and self are appreciated and valued. The United Methodist Retirement Center is not a "home," rather it is home.

To celebrate our 103 years of serving seniors and children we invite you to come to the Anniversary Party on Sunday, August 11th from 2-3pm on Willson House Patio.  There will be music by the Blue Velvets, antique cars and ice cream for everyone. Join us for a dance or two!

Mark your calendars to attend the 2nd Annual Intergenerational Carnival on August 7th! The carnival was so much fun last year for both the children at Willson House Child Development Center and the residents who live at Willson House, that it has become an annual event. The Carnival this year takes place on Wednesday, August 7th from 10am to 4pm.  This event is a thank you to our friends and families who make what we do possible.

There will be so much fun at the Carnival with a bounce house, magician, dunk tank, face painting, games, and door prizes. Snack on cotton candy and sno cones before enjoying a wonderful BBQ lunch. For more information please email Karen Kilgore or call 503.363.5812.

The carnival is just one example of the intergenerational activities that take place between the Child Development Center and the residents at Willson House. Studies show that both the children and the older adults benefit so much from this type of program. The concept of inter-generational care is founded on the belief that intentionally bringing the generations together benefits both. This model of care for seniors and children was popularized in the 1990s and has been growing ever since. Our facility was founded in 1985 as the first intergenerational facility in the State of Oregon and became one of the pilot programs for this model across the country.

At Willson House Child Development Center, you will find children and seniors interacting daily. Children and seniors will be together singing songs, telling stories, making crafts or participating in annual events like our Tea Party or Carnival. Seniors also frequent our classrooms to say hello, lead projects, or serve as volunteers. No matter what the interaction may be, the young and young at heart will be learning and growing, together.