Author: Margie Fend, RN

March 19, 2025

Constipation Concern in People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Our walking groups explore various health topics. Recently our health focus emphasized the importance of bowel management. In the winter we tend to be less active, eat more unhealthy foods, and drink less water. However, being proactive can make a positive difference. Here is some helpful information to increase bowel health. Did you know? Constipation is a prevalent and significant...

Categories General

January 29, 2025

Hidden Gluten or Gluten Free?

Celiac disease is triggered by the consumption of the protein known as gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. For someone with celiac disease, consuming foods with gluten can include  bloating, discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and so much more. The symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely among individuals. It is important to be aware of what food...

Categories General/Resources

December 4, 2024

Don’t Be Left Out In The Cold… Practice Winter Safety!

With the vibrant fall season changing into a beautiful array of colors and the wonderful aroma of pumpkin everything, it leads us to prepare for the crisp coldness and glistening beauty of winter. Winter weather can be beautiful, but we need to take some precautions too.  These risks are particularly acute for seniors and people with disabilities. However, there are...

Categories General

November 13, 2024

Cooking Together with Thyme in Your Kitchen

Cooking can be such a cherished art that brings people together. Thyme In Your Kitchen cooking class did exactly that! Thyme in Your Kitchen is located in the beautiful Sharon, PA area and offers a variety of cooking classes. Chef Garron hosts the events and makes sure everyone feels right at home. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure...

Categories General

June 5, 2024

Did you know?! 45 Is the New 50 for Colorectal Cancer Screening

No one knows why colorectal cancer rates are increasing in young people. Sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity concerns, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption have all been linked to the disease. Low-fiber, high-fat diets, or diets high in processed meats, and other environmental factors also play a role. Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps is of course a risk factor....

Categories General

May 15, 2024

Rising Tide Car Wash: Shining Opportunities

According to the CDC, as of 2023, around 75 million people have autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. That’s 1% of the world’s population. One in 36 children, or over 2.7% of 8-year-old children, in the U.S. were diagnosed with ASD in 2020. The statistics show there are many potential workers, people with autism, around the country. However, the unemployment...

Categories General

February 7, 2024

The Anticholinergic Burden Calculator:  What is the fall risk?

Did you know…42% of older adults take 5 or more prescription medications. According to Lown Institute, nearly 20% take 10 drugs or more medications daily. Unfortunately, older people are prescribed multiple medications. Many of these medications that are prescribed have anticholinergic properties. Anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, or a chemical messenger. It...

Categories Resources

October 25, 2023

Is It a Stroke?

Did you know…. every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. Every year, more than 795,000 individuals in the United States experience a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. Stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can—and do—occur at any age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of strokes...

Categories General

May 3, 2023

Faith… Hope… and Choice…

As I reflect on the last 2 years it’s hard to believe how much life has changed for so many people. I think back about Covid-19, all the weather emergencies, as well as disasters that happened. With so much information to follow and so much devastation in our country, it made me think about how we handled all these situations...

Categories Community

March 15, 2023

Special Neat Treats Ice Cream is Much More Than an Ice Cream Truck

Did someone say ice cream? I don’t know about you but as a child I was delighted when I would hear the familiar sound of the ice cream truck coming around the block in our neighborhood. As an adult I still get excited because of the memories it brings back, and let’s face it, who doesn’t like ice cream… I...

Categories Community/General