I have to confess that writing a weekly blog can be daunting, and ideas are not always forthcoming, especially with regular daily distractions!
In times like these, I often reference the National Day Calendar (NDC) for important monthly, weekly and daily awareness days that are beneficial for seniors and caregivers, but also, just to have some fun once in awhile.
In an effort to take a mental health break for myself at the mid-year mark (#wheredoesthetimego), I am giving all credit to NDC for keeping ME aware and giving ME the bones to develop ideas for blogs that are informative and fun for caregivers, seniors, and families. Kudos to the NDC Team!
I now present a few highlights from the NDC July Monthly Awareness Calendar. Perhaps, you will find some interesting awareness concepts with which you can have some fun. Enjoy!
National Anti-Boredom Month
Who hasn’t experienced boredom being stuck at home during the pandemic over the last year? I don’t know many who didn’t, that’s for sure. It’s not that we don’t have things to do, but the things we have to do may not challenge us or engage our minds very well. NDC suggests the following for beating boredom:
- Play board games or cards
- Get physical and exercise
- Visit a museum, read a book or take a class
- Clean something for instant gratification
- Cook something you love or experiment with a new recipe
- Create something. Drawing, writing, crafting and cooking are a few creative ideas
- Volunteer to help others and reassess why you are bored in the first place
- Socialize with family,friends and neighbors
National Baked Bean Month
Beans are an excellent source of fiber, and baked beans are quite the popular side dish at backyard barbeques and church potluck meals. Find your favorite baked bean recipe or discover a new one you’d like to try and share it with family and friends at your next get together.
National Blueberry Month
Blueberries are a nutritious fruit that are packed with antioxidants. They are currently in season and you will find them near other berries in the supermarket produce section. Blueberries make a wonderful additive to cereal, oatmeal and yogurt; and you if you are the canning type, blueberry jellies and jams make a sweet treat!
National Grilling Month
Many seniors are not in a position to grill-out, but they have family, friends and neighbors who do. When invited, I encourage you to participate! Grilled foods tend to be healthier and socializing over a delicious summer meal is always enjoyable! If you are the one entertaining and mastering the grilling, remember these helpful tips for a safe supper:
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when clean water isn’t readily available.
- Keep food cold until you are ready to put it on the grill. Otherwise, you’re inviting bacteria to join the party.
- Don’t mix raw and cooked foods, and keep raw foods separated from each other. Use a clean dish to place your final cooked masterpiece, so the bacteria from the raw food will not contaminate the freshly cooked meal.
- Keep hot food warm to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit until ready to be placed in a cooler with ice or refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth. For salads and cold foods, keep them chilled on ice.
National Hot Dog Month
It stands to reason that summer grilling, baseball, festivals and fairs all feature the All-American hot dog! Whether it’s boiled, steamed or grilled, hot dogs are a fan favorite, and they can be dressed up any way you like! Add some ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, chili, cheese…your hot dog is your hot dog. Fix it any way you like! NDC suggests, “Get inspired and throw a hot dog buffet and have each guest bring a different ingredient. What imaginative hot dog combinations will your guests design?”
National Ice Cream Month
What would summertime be without the sounds of an ice cream truck, or a trip to your favorite ice cream shop? It’s the perfect cool, sweet treat on hot summer days, and the flavors we love are often indicative or our childhood and many wonderful memories!
Independent Retailer Month
If we’ve learned anything over the last year it’s that independent retailers and small local businesses have struggled to stay afloat, thanks to the pandemic. Remember to visit area independent retailers and shop local whenever you can to keep our community economies thriving.
National Peach Month
According to the NDC, “In March of 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July to be National Peach Month. The National Peach Council promoted National Peach month activities and encouraged everyone to “reach for a peach” during the month of July.” You can eat this delicious stone fruit fresh from the tree, sliced with cottage cheese, or add fresh or frozen varieties to your yogurt snack, morning smoothie, or when making homemade ice cream. Yum!
National Picnic Month
“The word picnic is derived from the French word piquenique. Picnics hearken back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. A bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit made for an instant meal under the sky,” says NDC. Pack a picnic basket with similar items and venture out to a local park or tailgate a summer sporting event with family and friends. It’s a great way to socialize, eat, drink and be merry! Always be careful in the heat, and let your loved ones know if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time.
I encourage you to peruse the National Day Calendar website to find more fun awareness days and months you may want to celebrate.
I hope there are suggestions and ideas above that seniors can enjoy at home if age and health limit or prohibit outdoor activities. For homebound seniors, I am happy to offer a FREE Consultation to discuss specific needs and create a personalized care plan to help improve their quality of life through non-medical in-home care, specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia or Parkinson's care, personal care, companionship, nutritional meal planning & preparation, homemaking assistance and more.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Source:
National Day Calendar
