Heart Awareness Month Observed
February is Heart Awareness Month, as first designated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. The goal is to raise awareness of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S., taking an average of 647,000 lives each year.
The Allure Group prioritizes heart health by incorporating the latest monitoring tech for cardiac patients, TelemetRYK. Our hearts are healthier together.
Rivka Mintz, Icilma Fergus Honored
Rivka Mintz, RN, assistant vice president at the Maimonides Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Institute, and Icilma Fergus, director of cardiovascular disparities at Jvalld Medical Center, were Allure’s Heart Awareness Month honorees.
Rivka is part of Maimonides’ Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) team, a heart pump implanted in patients suffering from end-stage heart failure. In addition, Rivka is part of a team, led by Dr. Gary Stephens, that travels to the South American nation of Guyana six times a year to provide open-heart surgery for those in need.
In 2011, Icilma — then the chief of cardiology at Harlem Hospital — founded the Healthy Hearts series, which includes Harlem Healthy Hearts, a series of monthly workshops and demonstrations designed to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. That affliction is, sadly, more prevalent in Harlem than any other part of New York City.
Please join us in congratulating Rivka and Icilma for their tireless dedication and incredible work ethic, characteristics we all look for in the cardiac community. You can read all about them at the links.
Celebrating Wear Red Day
The staff at all six of Allure’s facilities really embraced the spirit of Wear Red Day (Feb. 7), one of the signature days of Heart Awareness Month (a.k.a. American Heart Month), by sporting these gorgeous looks! Thanks to everyone who went the extra mile to raise awareness for a very special cause. This month of all months, we encourage you and your loved ones to take care of your heart health with regular check-ups. Spread the word!
In honor of Tu’Bshvat: The Blessings of Fruit
In honor of Tu’Bshvat, Allure hosted a session to discuss the Blessings of Fruit and how food can help with many of the health issues seniors face every day, on Feb. 10 at The Waterfront.
According to the website Choosemyplate.gov, fruit is a source of such nutrients as potassium, dietary fiber, Vitamin C and folic acid, which are essential to maintaining healthy blood pressure and bowel function, as well as the growth and repair of body tissue and the formation of red blood cells.
Black History Month Observed
February is also Black History Month, which according to History.com was created as “Negro History Week” in 1926 by African-American historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson. Fifty years later it was expanded to a month-long observance in February, the month in which Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born.
This month of all months, it is imperative that we remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr.:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
In observance of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, our residents spent the afternoon creating some heart-shaped artwork for their loved ones.
Taking part in art classes like these has been found to have various benefits for seniors, not the least of which are that it affords them the opportunity to make connections, which seems especially appropriate on a holiday such as this. It is also an opportunity for self-expression, gives them a renewed sense of purpose, improves motor skills and stimulates the mind.
There was, in fact, joy and love throughout the Allure network on the holiday:
- Harlem Center: AKA Sorority joined us for a Pre-Valentine’s Day social! The girls played games, brought some lovely gift bags and enjoyed refreshments with the residents. And on the holiday itself, children from Global Community charter school visited to spread some love to our residents! So great to see the youth come and volunteer their time and hearts on a love-filled day!
- Hamilton Park Center: The holiday was celebrated with fluffy delicious cupcakes and live entertainment. Everyone left with fullness and love in their hearts!
- Linden Center: Residents enjoyed a delicious meal, live entertainment, and dancing. All hearts were filled to the fullest!
- King David Center: All the love of the holiday was captured in a group photo! All the decorations and festivities really lifted up the spirits of residents and staff!
King David Center Holds Presidents Day Celebration
Presidents Day was a big hit at the King David Center! The decorations and accessories really brought out everyone’s high energy and excitement!
Bedford Got Talent? Yup!
The Bedford Center was the scene for a talent show — dubbed “Bedford Got Talent” — and it was a huge success! Dancing, singing and musical instruments filled the room with smiles from ear to ear!
Crown Heights Celebrates Kobe Bryant Day
Everyone at the Crown Heights Center wore Kobe Bryant jerseys or T-shirts, as well as Los Angeles Lakers-themed clothing, in honor of the retired Lakers star and his daughter Gigi — nicknamed the Mamba and the Mambacita, respectively — who lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Jan. 26.
From Our Blog: Why Dietary Moderation is Particularly Important for Seniors
Twenty-five percent of seniors suffer from poor nutrition, meaning they are either overweight or underweight, which can lead to far greater health problems. For that reason, it is critical to eat a proper diet. Read the entire post here.