2013 was a very good year for United Methodist Retirement Center with our wonderful employees, children, families and residents.  We have lots of new things to look forward to in the coming year as we focus on helping our residents to remain as independent as possible yet still provide the assistance they need to have a good quality of life.  A second focus for us is to continue developing new programs for the children at the Child Development Center.

The residents of both Willson House and Jason Lee interact daily with the children at the Child Development Center as the Intergenerational program continues to grow.  There is nothing like the sight of a 3 year old and a 93 year old sharing a song, a story or a cookie!

Several educational workshops were offered in 2013 to help the community and residents learn how to maintain their memories. Studies show that with daily “brain training” people can possibly prevent or at least delay the onset of dementia in their lives.  In 2014 more workshops will be offered.  Our website will be expanded to include more recipes for brain healthy eating and fun, exciting activities to help you learn skills and techniques to improve your concentration and memory.

Supporting the caregivers of people who have memory loss will continue to be a focus for us at Willson House.  We know that if caregivers are to continue providing care to someone in their homes that has Alzheimer’s or other dementia they need to have the hope and encouragement that support groups offer.  Currently there are 6 groups that meet in Marion and Clackamas counties including Woodburn, Silverton, and Wilsonville.

We are so thankful to everyone who has helped us in any way by donating their time, money or talent to make Willson House and Jason Lee Manor wonderful places for our residents to call home.   Your support makes it possible for generations to continue to learn and grow together  for years to come at United Methodist Retirement Center.

A program sponsored by the Red Cross called Holiday Mail for Heroes gives people the opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas to service members stationed throughout the US and abroad, as well as veterans and their families. 

Residents, staff, family members and visitors of Willson House and Jason Lee Manor signed over 200 Christmas cards that were packaged up on Friday to be distributed to service people who won’t be able to come home for Christmas.  

Thank you to all who took the time to do a small thing to honor the men and women who have bravely served our country and to those who continue to do so.  Willson House is located at 1625 Center St. NE in Salem. 

Friday, June 21 is the Summer Solstice, marking the official first day of the season and the longest day of the year. If you live Oregon, you can expect to see about 14.5 hours of sunshine and if you live in anchorage, Alaska you will see about 19 hours!

Did you know there are many health benefits to getting sunshine every day? Of course, you’ll want to use sunscreen and a little common sense so you don’t overdo, but getting enough sun is critical to feeling good.  Check out these 10 health benefits of sunshine:

1. Reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes.  Some studies suggest that vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing it (one study found that those with high levels were 40% less likely than those with low levels).
2. Reduce cancer risk. There are lessened mortality rates for 15-20 types of cancer in regions of higher solar UVB exposure, particularly for breast, colon, and rectal cancer. Those patients who had higher vitamin D blood levels when diagnosed had nearly twice the survival rate of those with the lowest levels.
3. Strong bones for better bone health. Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption for strong bones, which means you’re less likely to develop bone diseases, fractures and osteoporosis.
4. Protect eye health. Vitamin D has been tentatively linked to lower incidence of cataracts, and studies indicate good D levels correlate to a lowered risk of macular degeneration as you age.
5. Boost immunity. Researchers believe that vitamin D is integral to proper function of the body’s T cells— the immune system’s first line of defense.
6. Improve metabolism; fight obesity. Several studies show correlation between sun exposure and an increase in metabolism, although the reasoning isn’t cut and dry.
7. Lower blood pressure. The warmth of the sun can improve circulation, and heightened vitamin D levels have been shown to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive subjects— perhaps as effectively as medication.
8. Reduce stroke risk. There are likely a lot of factors at work here, but in one survey people who lived in areas with less sun exposure had a stroke risk that was 60% higher than those who lived in sunshine-y regions.
9. Sleep better. Daily time in the sun helps to regulate circadian rhythms for a better night’s sleep. And sleep has its own host of health benefits.
10. Feel better. Sunshine has been shown time and again to improve mood, fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and lessen stress. Not to mention, we’re more likely to MOVE when we’re outside basking in the sun. And physical activity is definitely good for you!