December 2017 Volume II Edition XII The Latest News for Residents, Families and Friends in Whispering Pines oodhaven Villager Page 8 2275 Riverway Dr • Conroe, TX • 77304 WoodhavenVillage.com • (936) 703-5333 ofc • (936) 703-5430 fax Staff Directory Becky Thomas, LVN Executive Director Roxan Maddix Memory Care Director Shawna P. Dodd Marketing Director Glenda Norris, LVN Wellness Director Heather Anderson Business Office Manager Johnny G. Davis, Jr. Culinary Services Director DeAnna Gillenwater Life Engagement Director Important Phone Numbers Police Department (936) 522-3200 Houston Chronicle (713) 362-7211 Conroe Courier (936) 521-3377 Redd’s Progressive Therapy (281) 298-5020 C&G Salon & Spa Amanda Starr (832) 515-6497 ‘Tis the season for hot cocoa. At least it is for red-cheeked children who are looking to warm up after coming in from a well-spent snow day. And for lady folk curled up in a blanket watching The Shop Around the Corner. But a man, he’s sitting by the fire in his leather chair, drinking a proper manly drink like black coffee, or scotch, perhaps. Such is the perception of cocoa these days. It is but a sweet confection a man might drink a few times each year, if at all. For thousands of years, however, it was quite a different story. While we tend to think of chocolate today in its solid form, for nine-tenths of its long history, chocolate was a drink— the first true chocolate bar as we now know it was not invented until 1839. In the thousands of years before that time, chocolate was seen as an invaluable, sacred, even magical beverage—a symbol of power, a privilege of warriors and the elite, and a satisfying tonic that was con- sumed daily and offered the sustenance needed to tackle virile challenges. Contrary to its ho-hum, sometimes even junk food-y reputation, real chocolate is an incred- ibly complex substance, containing 400-500 different compounds. Among those compounds are several with mind and body boosting benefits: 1. Caffeine—a stimulant present in small amounts, depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingredient. 2. Theobromine—a mild stimulant distinct from caffeine which provides the lion’s share of chocolate’s kick and energizes without greatly activating the central nervous system the way the former does. It also enhances mood, dilates blood vessels, can lower blood pres- sure, relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi in the lungs, and can be used as a cough medicine. 3. Tryptophan—releases the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. 4. Phenylethylamine—functions similarly to amphetamines in releasing norepinephrine, which increases excitement, alertness, and decision-making abilities, and dopamine, which releases endorphins (natural painkillers) and heightens mood. 5. Flavonoids—antioxidants which may improve blood flow to the heart and brain, prevent clots, improve cardiac health, and act as anti-inflammatories. Chocolate has also for centuries been rumored to be an aphrodisiac. In short, hot cocoa is a powerful elixir—one which boosts mood and vitality and combats stress, anxiety, and pain. For good reason is the chocolate tree’s scientific name—Theobroma cacao—an ancient Greek for “food of the gods.” For what other drink tastes great, is filling in nature, and stimulates mind and body? No wonder then that this beverage, far from being a kiddie drink, has been a favorite of rulers, warriors, and explorers for centuries. The Surprising History of Hot Cocoa
Transcript
December 2017
Volume II Edition XII The Latest News for Residents, Families and Friends in Whispering Pines
‘Tis the season for hot cocoa. At least it is for red-cheeked children who are looking to warm up after coming in from a well-spent snow day. And for lady folk curled up in a blanket watching The Shop Around the Corner. But a man, he’s sitting by the fire in his leather chair, drinking a proper manly drink like black coffee, or scotch, perhaps. Such is the perception of cocoa these days. It is but a sweet confection a man might drink a few times each year, if at all. For thousands of years, however, it was quite a different story. While we tend to think of chocolate today in its solid form, for nine-tenths of its long history, chocolate was a drink—the first true chocolate bar as we now know it was not invented until 1839. In the thousands of years before that time, chocolate was seen as an invaluable, sacred, even magical beverage—a symbol of power, a privilege of warriors and the elite, and a satisfying tonic that was con-sumed daily and offered the sustenance needed to tackle virile challenges. Contrary to its ho-hum, sometimes even junk food-y reputation, real chocolate is an incred-ibly complex substance, containing 400-500 different compounds. Among those compounds are several with mind and body boosting benefits: 1. Caffeine—a stimulant present in small amounts, depending on the type and amount of
chocolate ingredient. 2. Theobromine—a mild stimulant distinct from caffeine which provides the lion’s share of
chocolate’s kick and energizes without greatly activating the central nervous system the way the former does. It also enhances mood, dilates blood vessels, can lower blood pres-sure, relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi in the lungs, and can be used as a cough medicine.
3. Tryptophan—releases the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. 4. Phenylethylamine—functions similarly to amphetamines in releasing norepinephrine,
which increases excitement, alertness, and decision-making abilities, and dopamine, which releases endorphins (natural painkillers) and heightens mood.
5. Flavonoids—antioxidants which may improve blood flow to the heart and brain, prevent clots, improve cardiac health, and act as anti-inflammatories.
Chocolate has also for centuries been rumored to be an aphrodisiac. In short, hot cocoa is a powerful elixir—one which boosts mood and vitality and combats stress, anxiety, and pain. For good reason is the chocolate tree’s scientific name—Theobroma cacao—an ancient Greek for “food of the gods.” For what other drink tastes great, is filling in nature, and stimulates mind and body? No wonder then that this beverage, far from being a kiddie drink, has been a favorite of rulers, warriors, and explorers for centuries.
The Surprising History of Hot Cocoa
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Resident of the Month
Meet Lola McCann!
Lola was born in Flat River, MO and lived in Farming-ton, MO for 70 years. She is Baptist. Lola was self em-ployed for 70 years; she owned a women’s clothing store. She traveled to England and the Dominican Re-public. Lola loves the game of golf and still has the skills to prove it! She enjoys exercise, playing cards,
playing washers, dancing, reading her hometown paper and spending time with her friends and her fur baby, Banjo. Lola has three children, Joy, Terri and David. She has three grandchildren, Leslie, Mary, Greg and one great-grandchild, Greg II. We are happy to have Lola as part of our Whispering Pines family. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours, Ms. Lola!
September
Castreel
September is our last Employee of the Month for 2017. She is one of the jolliest Resident Assistants here. Born in March, September was raised locally. She graduated from JL McCulloch High School in The Woodlands. Her hobbies include craft shows, outdoor activities and live entertainment such as plays, musicals and concerts. She has 2 beautiful daughters, Amelia and Hollie. Five months ago Hol-lie introduced a new member to the family, Leevi. Now that September is a grandmother, she cannot wait to celebrate the holidays together. In her time at Woodhaven, September has gained a new perspec-tive on her surroundings. “Working with seniors is about building relationships. It’s a trust thing. And it humbles you.” Words from a genuine woman. Thank you for all you do here, September. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Prevent the Flu by frequent handwashing!
If you have any flu symptoms, please report immediately.
Please limit contact with others as much as possible to
minimize exposure. Room Tray delivery charges will be waived until you are symptom free. Please contact
Culinary Dept. for all meal selections & ordering.
*Catholic Communion Wednesdays at 10:15 AM *Catholic Mass 2nd Wednesdays at 10 AM
1 Medicare Enrollment Through December 7th 9:00 Morning Fitness 10:00 Snack Attack 1:30 Card Games 3:00 Popcorn & Movies 4:00 Hangman 6:00 Spa Night
2 9:00 Sit & Be Fit 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Would you Rather 1:30 Hangman 2:30 Ice Cream Social 3:00 Puzzles 4:00 Dominos
3 9:00 Courtyard Sitting 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Joel Osteen Live 2:30 Christmas Cocoa 3:30 Church Service With Communion
4 9:00 Stay Fit! 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Satin Hands 2:00 Table Games 3:30 Songs with Bren 4:00 Balloon Toss 6:00 Movie Night
5 9:00 Parachute Games 10:00 Snack Attack 10:30 Pet Therapy with Aloha 11:30 Musical Sounders 2:00 Ring Toss 3:30 Pictionary 4:00 Courtyard Walk 6:00 Spa Night
6 9:00 Chair Exercises 10:00 Snack Attack 2:00 Golf 3:00 Brain Teasers 4:00 Word Search 6:00 Arts & Crafts
7 Podiatrist 1 PM 9:00 Kick Ball 10:00 Snack Attack 10:00 Christmas Carols With Daycare 11:00 Chat Time 2:00 Crafting 3:00 Memory Match 4:00 Bean Bag Toss
8 9:00 Morning Fitness 10:00 Country Drive 1:30 Card Games 3:00 Popcorn & Movies 6:00 Spa Night
9 9:00 Sit & Be Fit 10:00 1:30 Hangman 2:30 Ice Cream Social 3:00 Puzzles 3:00 Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long 6:00 Dominos
10 9:00 Courtyard Sitting 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Joel Osteen Live 1:00 St. James Carols 2:30 Christmas Cocoa 3:30 Church Service
12 Family Christmas Party 9:00 Parachute Games 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Friendship Circle 1:00 Family Christmas Party 3:00 BINGO 4:00 Courtyard Walk 6:00 Spa Night
13 Health Screening 9:00 Chair Exercises 10:00 Snack Attack 1:30 Art-Family Tree 2:15 Country Drive 3:00 Brain Teasers 4:00 Word Search 6:00 Arts & Crafts
14 9:00 Kick Ball 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Chat Time 1:30 Name the Things 3:00 Memory Match 4:00
15 Christmas Door Judging 9:00 Morning Fitness 10:00 Snack Attack 10:30 Hangman 11:00 Christmas Door Judging 1:30 Card Games 3:00 Popcorn & Movies 6:00 Spa Night
16 9:00 Sit & Be Fit 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Would you Rather 2:00 Carols with Carrie & Kids 2:30 Ice Cream Social 3:00 Puzzles 6:00 Dominos
17 9:00 Courtyard Sitting 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Joel Osteen Live 2:30 Christmas Cocoa 3:30 Church Service
19 9:00 Parachute Games 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Friendship Circle 1:30 Ring Toss 3:00 Chordbusters 4:00 Courtyard Walk 6:00 Spa Night
20 9:00 Chair Exercises 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Satin Hands 1:30 Arts & Crafts 3:00 Brain Teasers 4:00 Word Search 6:00 Arts & Crafts
21 Mobile Dog Groomer 9:00 Kick Ball 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Chat Time 1:30 Name the Things 2:00 Memory Match 3:00 Resident Birthday Party 4:00 Cookie Exchange
22 Christmas Sweater Day 9:00 Morning Fitness 11:00 I-Spy Bottles w/Jessica 1:30 Card Games 3:00 Popcorn & Movies 6:00 Spa Night
23 9:00 Sit & Be Fit 10:00 Satin Hands 11:00 Would you Rather 1:30 Hangman 2:30 Ice Cream Social 3:00 Puzzles 6:00 Dominos
24 9:00 Courtyard Sitting 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Joel Osteen Live 2:30 Christmas Cocoa 3:30 Church Service 5:30 Howlin’ Howie
25 9:00 Stay Fit! 10:00 Egg Nog Snack Attack 11:00 Satin Hands 1:30 Table Games 3:00 Simon Says 4:00 Balloon Toss
26 9:00 Parachute Games 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Friendship Circle 1:30 Ring Toss 3:00 Pictionary 6:00 Movie Night
27 9:00 Chair Exercises 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Satin Hands 1:30 Arts & Crafts 3:00 Brain Teasers 4:00 Word Search 6:00 Arts & Crafts
28 9:00 Kick Ball 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Chat Time 1:30 Name the Things 3:00 Memory Match
29 9:00 Morning Fitness 10:00 Snack Attack 10:30 Hangman 1:30 Card Games 3:00 Popcorn & Movies 6:00 Spa Night
30 9:00 Sit & Be Fit 10:00 Satin Hands 11:00 Would you Rather 1:30 Hangman 2:30 Ice Cream Social 3:00 Puzzles 6:00 Dominos
31 New Years Eve 9:00 Courtyard Sitting 10:00 Snack Attack 11:00 Joel Osteen Live 2:30 Christmas Cocoa 3:30 Church Service
