DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

 

THE STRATFORD VNA & CARE CONNECTION

WISH YOU AND YOURS A SAFE, HEALTHY, & HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

 

In The Spirit of Giving,

The Stratford VNA & Care Connection are holding a

TOYS FOR TOTS toy drive.

Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy. Donations can be dropped off to the Stratford VNA & Care Connection address at 3060 Main Street in Stratford. A donation bin is located by our building’s back door.

All donations will be presented to The Stratford Fire Department.

Thank you for participating in this worthy cause, and making the boys & girls of Stratford’s Holiday Season a little brighter!

 

 

December 5th – 11th is National Handwashing Awareness Week

The History of National Handwashing Awareness Week

National Hand Washing Awareness Week is sponsored by the Henry the Hand Foundation, & reminds us to be vigilant about hand-washing, especially this time of year because it’s cold & flue season, and for COVID-19 preventative measures.

Why it’s More Important Than Ever

National Handwashing Awareness Week is celebrated during the first full week of December. The purpose of this observance was to educate people on the importance of good hand hygiene and the proper techniques to follow.

As important as handwashing has always been, it’s especially crucial now. Washing your hands regularly can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the novel coronavirus.

Why is Handwashing Important and How Does it Help Prevent the Spread of Infections? 

Keeping your hands clean is one of the best things you can do for your health. Many diseases are spread by not washing the hands with soap and water. Additionally, respiratory viruses alone can be significantly reduced with proper handwashing. This is why all senior home care workers are educated on proper handwashing techniques.

Here are some of the reasons why washing hands is essential for good health.

  • People frequently touch their eyes, nose and mouth without realizing it, but this is an entry point for germs.
  • Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks and multiply, making people sick.
  • Unwashed hands allow germs to spread onto surfaces like toys, handrails and tabletops.
  • Respiratory infections are commonly spread through unclean hands.

Tips for Effective Handwashing 

A quick rinse under warm water isn’t enough to get your hands clean. Here are five steps to follow EVERY time you wash your hands.

  1. Wet your hands with clean running water.
  2. Lather the hands with soap and rub them together.
  3. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse your hands with clean running water.
  5. Dry your hands with a clean towel.

The best times to wash your hands are before, during and after preparing food, after using the toilet, before and after caring for someone who is sick and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Be Safe this Winter. Wash Your Hands! 

Handwashing is an easy and effective way to protect yourself and others from germs and viruses. By taking the time to go through the five steps listed above, you can protect yourself and others from illnesses like COVID-19.

 

December 6th through 12th is National Influenza Vaccination Week (N.I.V.W.)

The History of National Influenza Vaccination week

 

Has any of your grandparents ever mentioned the Spanish Flu? Also known as the 1918 Influenza pandemic, the Spanish Flu was one of the deadliest flu outbreaks in human history. Caused by the H1 N1 influenza virus, the disease spread across the globe, toward the end of World War I. The earliest case of the flu was detected in military personnel in Kansas, March 1918. The Spanish flu infected almost one-third of the world’s population, in four successive waves. It recorded a high death toll, ranging from 25-50 million worldwide, killing 675,000 people in the U.S. alone. The high mortality rate among young adults, between the ages of 20 and 40, was a remarkable feature of the influenza pandemic. Although vaccination against influenza began in the 1930s, it was only until 1945 that it saw widespread availability among civilians in America. One of the lead researchers of this vaccine was Dr. Jonas Salk, who is best known for developing the polio vaccine in the 1950s. The U.S. still witnesses tens of thousands of deaths caused by influenza each year. Flu can affect anyone, but those at a higher risk are the aged (65+), little children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. An infected person can pass it to someone at a high risk of severe illness, including babies younger than 6 months, who are too young to get a flu vaccine. To prevent this spread, the Advisory Committee of C.D.C. urges every individual to get vaccinated, including people in good health.

Why it’s More Important Than Ever in 2021   National Influenza Vaccination Week (N.I.V.W.) is observed December 6 through 12 as a reminder for you to stay protected in the upcoming winter months. If you haven’t already taken your vaccination shot, it’s not too late. The season for flu can be unpredictable; it can begin as early as fall and last up to spring. Conventionally, flu activity is at its peak during winter, and so public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities join hands to promote flu vaccination. The flu can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia, and can get you admitted to a hospital. If not treated at the right time, the flu can even lead to death. To prevent such mishaps and to raise awareness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) created N.I.V.W. in 2005.

 

A Holiday Treat

5-Ingredient Holiday Peppermint Bark

(Recipe Provided by allrecipes)

 

This layered peppermint bark is a delectable blend of semisweet chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint. Semisweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate can be used.

Prep:

20 mins

Cook:

10 mins

Additional:

2 hrs

Total:

2 hrs 30 mins

Servings:

20

Yield:

1 1/4 pounds

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

  • 8 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
  • 8 ounces high-quality white chocolate, broken into pieces
  • 25 peppermint candies, crushed

Directions

Instructions Checklist

  • Step 1

Lightly grease a 9×9 inch pan and line with waxed paper, smoothing out wrinkles; set aside.

  • Step 2

Place the semisweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of the canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract.

  • Step 3

Pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle half of the crushed peppermints over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate until completely hardened, about 1 hour.

  • Step 4

Place the white chocolate and the remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.

  • Step 5

Pour the white chocolate directly over the semisweet chocolate layer; spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy over the top and gently press in. Refrigerate until completely hardened. Remove from pan; break into small pieces to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 190 calories; protein 1.5g; carbohydrates 30.3g; fat 7.7g; cholesterol 2.4mg; sodium 17.2mg.