Five Questions Your Doctor Wishes You Would Ask About Your Heart

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

February is officially designated as Heart Health Month. According to The Heart Foundation, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable.

Dr. Christopher Pitsch, Medical Director at Liberty Lutheran’s Paul’s Run community, offers five questions he wishes his patients would ask.

Q: What is heart disease?
A: Though “heart disease” may be used to describe a few different conditions, it is most commonly used in reference to coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged and cannot supply enough blood to the heart.

Q: What causes heart disease?
A: Heart disease starts with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process in which fatty substances build up inside the walls of the arteries. Blood components can also begin sticking to the wall, causing a “plaque” buildup and narrowing/hardening of the vessels.

Q: What does high blood pressure have to do with heart disease?
A: Several years of high blood pressure can damage artery walls, causing them to become stiff and narrow. Though controlling our blood pressure is always important, there is more flexibility as we get older. Too aggressively lowering our blood pressure can cause problems as well.

Q: Is it OK to exercise?
A: Yes, regular exercise improves blood flow to the heart and makes the other muscles in the body more efficient, increasing their functional capacity as well as any medicine. As little as 10 minutes of an exercise you enjoy can go a long way.

Q: How can I lower my cholesterol?
A: Though sometimes medicine is required, healthy lifestyle changes can also make a big impact. Eating more fruits, lean meat, vegetables, and fish can go a long way, while eating less organ meats, egg yolks and fats.

Dr. Pitsch recommends that everyone should have an open and honest conversation with their doctor about heart disease and the prevention of heart disease.

For more information about heart disease, and how to reduce your risk, visit TheHeartFoundation.org.

Volunteering with Liberty Hospice – A Day in the Life

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice

There is a belief in the Lutheran Church that throughout our individual lives, we are accompanying each other on our respective journeys. As part of Liberty’s Day in the Life series, Jean Irvin, volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice, shares how this concept rings true for Hospice volunteers and patients. Here is Jean’s story.

Liberty Hospice’s team includes our medical director, social workers, our chaplain, skilled nurses, hospice aides, and volunteers. We all work together to provide support and compassionate care to those who have a life expectancy of six months or less, although if a patient improves but still manages a life threatening diagnosis we have served them upwards of a year prior to their passing.

I joined Liberty Hospice as the volunteer coordinator on January 25, 2017, and for the past year there has been no typical day. Hospice is very fluid, and one day is never the same as the next. My work depends upon the needs of our patients and our case load.

Each morning I check to see if there are any new requests for hospice services from residents at Paul’s Run, Artman and The Hearth at Drexel. Liberty Hospice also currently provides services to patients in six other communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, while maintaining relationships with communities we’ve served in the past.

We currently have about 30 volunteers who engage patients in a variety of ways. Some of our patients can be more active, while for others, just talking about pictures in their room can bring back incredible memories that create a real sense of joy. For those who are non-verbal, simply sitting with them provides support and a connection that reassures them that someone is there for them.

Stephanie and Colleen both find volunteering for Liberty Hospice a rewarding opportunity.

Our volunteers demonstrate an incredible amount of commitment. Serving as a hospice volunteer isn’t easy, but it’s purpose-driven and fulfilling for many of those who share their time with us. We want to make sure they are connected with our mission and recognized as valuable members of the Hospice team. To achieve that goal, I check in with our volunteers over the phone and through e-mail to see how they’re doing and to checkup on their availability. We also host volunteer appreciation events and education programs, and during major holidays and volunteer appreciation month we also send out cards and notes expressing our gratitude for everything they do. Making our volunteers feel appreciated is key to providing the best hospice care.

I also recruit volunteers on a daily basis. This includes managing applications to ensure they’ve met our criteria to volunteer. Once their paperwork is complete I coordinate and provide orientations, and try to meet them in the field when they’re visiting a patient for the first time.

There’s a large administrative aspect to my role as well. As the volunteer coordinator for Liberty Hospice I’m also a member of the interdisciplinary team. When there is a request for our services we usually get paperwork on the patient from a nurse or a social worker. From there we log information into a variety of systems to track and generate reports for the patients’ records.

Phyllis and Penny volunteer at Paul’s Run.

Every time a volunteer goes out to see a patient, I organize the correct paperwork and work with other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure that we track which volunteer is working with a certain patient. All of the information we create ends up in our patients’ charts, which also needs to be logged in to Hospice’s patient tracking system.

Hospice offers several programs and activities to create positive experiences for those we’re serving, such as Music and Memory and pet therapy. It warms my heart when I see a patient light up with joy at the sight or touch of one of the volunteer-dogs we bring in to provide companionship. Some of our patients have been required to give up a beloved pet, so when they get the chance to participate in pet therapy the positive impact can be immeasurable.

Part of my job is to also work with volunteers to create playlists for our Music and Memory program. For this, we contact family members to find out what our patients enjoyed listening to throughout their life, and what songs may draw special memories. We dig deep and do our homework to make a meaningful impact. I’ve seen non-verbal patients sing songs verbatim, and those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia recall memories based upon the songs we play for them on an iPod.

Mr. Smart T. Pants and his human volunteer at Artman.

Coordinating services can include organizing ceremonies for our We Honor Veterans program, which recognizes the sacrifices of those who have been in our armed forces. As with everything we do, this can be requested in advance or require a very quick turnaround. We work very diligently to ensure we meet the needs of those we’re serving.

Liberty Hospice also provides bereavement services to families of patients who have passed away. We keep in touch with them for 13 months following their loved one’s passing. The first card each family member will receive is one that is hand-signed by our staff. Every time we have a team meeting, which is every other Wednesday, I bring the cards for everyone to sign and then send them to each family member.

Right now we’re providing support to approximately 500 family members by offering grief counseling and holding support groups, which are also open to the public. We stay connected with them in a variety of ways; one of which is through the mail, which is the area I coordinate with volunteers. Given the number of family members we’re reaching to out this can be a large and important task.

The important thing I want to share is that there are tons of volunteer opportunities with Liberty Hospice, whether they’re directly connected with patients or helping us within our offices. We even have some volunteers who work within Liberty Lutheran’s family of services and we’ve have had their friends and family referred to us as well.

Being a Hospice volunteer is not about being part of someone’s death. It’s about being part of someone’s life. The comfort and companionship we provide at Liberty Hospice is so important for our patients and their families, and I see it on a daily basis. Being a part of this team is a truly important part of my life.

The compassionate care that Jean, and everyone at Liberty Hospice, brings to our patients and their families is integral to Liberty’s mission to serve as a vital resource for individuals and their families. If you are interested in volunteering with Liberty Hospice, or know someone who might be, please reach out to Jean at jirvin@libertylutheran.org or visit LibertyLutheran.org/volunteer.

Liberty’s Helen Rayon Recalls Role in Historic Civil Rights Sit-In

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

In honor of Black History Month, Liberty Lutheran would like to share Helen Rayon’s story. Originally posted on February 4, 2014, Helen reflects on life during those turbulent times.

Black History Month holds a special place in the heart of Helen Rayon, Health and Wellness Coordinator at the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. It conjures up memories of the civil rights movement many years ago, specifically a day at the age of 20, when she and a group of friends courageously carried out lunch counter sit-ins across Sumter, South Carolina.

Continue reading →

Keep on Moving – Winter Stretching Tips!

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

When we are stuck inside due to the cold weather-maybe sitting around more than we would like- a daily stretching routine is something that can keep our bodies warm and mobile.

Dot and Jaime from Liberty at Home have put together five tips to keep you moving this winter.

Lack of flexibility is something that can occur as we age due to less mobility and changes in our body’s make-up. It’s important to keep your joints moving. Some of the muscles that can become tight include the muscles in the back of the thighs, called your hamstrings, as well as your calf muscles, hip muscles, and your chest and shoulders.

Sitting can cause these muscle groups to become shortened and less flexible and frequent change in position is ideal for prevention. If you find yourself sitting for long periods of time, make sure to stand up intermittently and walk around if you are able.

Remember to follow the advice of your doctor or health professional when you are walking or standing, and use your assistive device if needed.

Hamstring stretch – You can stretch your hamstrings simply by just extending your leg fully in a seated position. This is called an active stretch because it stretches the muscles while you are moving. Try to do at least 20 repetitions on each side. This is a safe way to stretch your hamstrings without hurting your spine or hip joint. For a more intense stretch, and to involve your calf muscles, try pulling your toes back toward your head. You will feel a more intense stretch in the back of your hamstrings and calf. You can also perform ankle circles to get those feet moving.
Hip flexors – These are the muscles in the front of your hips. To stretch your hip flexors, stand in front of your kitchen counter or sink, with feet staggered, one in front of the other. Shift your weight forward as if someone was pulling you by your belt buckle, bending your front knee and keeping your back knee straight and heels on the floor. Try to keep your back straight and avoid arching it. You should feel a slight pull in the front of the hip on the back leg, as well as a calf stretch on the back leg. Hold your stretch for up to 30 seconds, performing 3 repetitions on each side.
Chest stretch – To stretch out your chest, in either a standing or seated position, sit with good posture and perform a rowing motion, pinching your shoulder blades together and pushing your chest out and up. Try to perform at least 20 repetitions. If this is rough on your shoulders, try doing backward shoulder rolls. Roll your shoulders up and back for 20 repetitions to open up the front of your chest and shoulders.
Back stretch – Sitting is hard on our backs too. To stretch, try standing up at your kitchen counter with your hands on the counter for balance. Try slightly arching backward to extend your spine. If you are unable to do this in standing, you can also do this in a sitting position by alternating between a slouched posture and then moving to an over-exaggerated upright posture, slightly arching your back. Try to perform 10 repetitions.
Shoulder stretch – In either a standing or seated position, with good posture, reach your arms overhead as high as you are able to perform without pain or pinching in your shoulders. Posture is key when performing this movement, as you will want to keep your shoulder blades back to minimize pinching and to maximize your range of motion. Try performing 10-20 repetitions in a pain free range.

As always, before beginning a stretching program, consult your doctor or physical therapist to make sure that these movements are safe for you and your body. “No Pain, No Gain” is not necessarily true, so you should never stretch through pain or discomfort. You should not feel your muscles trembling or need to hold your breath when stretching either. You should feel a gentle pull in the muscle group you are working on. While many recommend stretching at least 3 times per week, a daily light stretching program will provide the most benefit and keep your body moving and grooving.

Keep moving!
Jaime – Outpatient Therapy Manager for Liberty at Home
Dotty – Clinical Manager for Liberty at Home

Liberty at Home empowers Philadelphia-area seniors to confidently remain in the home they love. If you want to live independently, or you are a caregiver struggling to take care of a loved one, you will find that Liberty at Home provides the services you need.

A Day in the Life – Duane Leitzell – Director of Dining Services at The Village at Penn State

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran

Longevity in life can be associated with what you eat. Longevity in your career can be associated with the example you set and how you treat those you employ and serve. For Duane Leitzell, Director of Dining Services at The Village at Penn State, his love of food, his staff, and the residents at The Village come together to form a lasting bond.

Duane, a State College native who graduated from the distinguished Penn State School of Hospitality Management, shares his experience in our ongoing “A Day in the Life” series.

In April I began working at the Village, which was prior to opening day in August 2003. And almost 15 years later, I’m here with the same vigor as when I began this journey. I’m also proud to say that my first two hires, Executive Chef Craig Hamilton and Lead Utility Coordinator Don Nyman, are still here at The Village as well.

The most important time of our day is service time; whether that is breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We managers are always visible and present. It’s important for us to balance multiple responsibilities at once and provide support where it’s needed most. We work in the dining rooms and in the kitchens and go where we’re needed. For instance, if the chefs need help in the kitchen, I’ll pitch in on the line. If the servers need help with a rush, I’ll be there with them bussing tables. It’s also my responsibility to perform quality control in order to ensure that our residents have the best possible service and dining experience.

Pretty much every night before dinner, I’ll pop behind the bar and serve drinks. One of the rules for front-of-the-house managers is that we must visit each table every night to ensure residents are having the experience they deserve.

When it comes to overseeing the cuisine and menu, Chef Craig and I create a monthly full menu for everyday dining. We then help craft the chef’s daily featured entree, a featured sandwich, featured omelet, and a featured salad. The biggest driver for culinary folks is creative expression. Many times we will turn these featured items over to our chefs to see what they can create. The chefs have freedom to explore and devise features based on locally grown, in-season produce, or however they want to set the parameters. We might help them refine the dishes, but the dishes start with the chefs’ own imagination.

A distinguishing aspect of The Village is the Chef’s Table private dining experience. This is held once per month or upon request if a resident has special guests visiting. Chef Craig and I will team up to create a menu based on the requests of the resident, or sometimes we’ll have carte blanche to create a menu from scratch that the resident won’t even see until we deliver it to the table. While I’m not a wine expert by trade, through the years there are some learned skills that help me pair almost any meal with the perfect wine.

There is locally grown food, and then there is food that you can actually watch as it grows. The Penn State Farm Club is now in their second growing season. We’ve partnered with them to buy produce directly from them. One can see their farm from my office window. Each Friday, we receive an email from the Farm Club detailing what will be harvested on Monday morning. I’ll email our order and the students deliver it Monday afternoon fresh from the field. Our team can then have it on the menu as early as Tuesday. We make sure that everyone knows that their fresh vegetables are grown by students right at the base of The Village. Chef Craig and I also travel to local Amish farm stands and buy direct depending on what is in season and what was harvested that day.

Having come up through the culinary ranks—I am still passionate about being on the line, sautéing, and in the deep. Through the years, I’ve learned that the front-of-the-house managers, servers, bus boys/girls, and back-of-the-house chefs, line cooks, and dishwashers, are equally important and mutually inclusive. You need the balance.

I am proud of the experience and lifestyle The Village provides to its residents, and I am equally proud to stand by the mission I created when I started here – “High quality, fresh food, and heartfelt service every day.”

Learn more about university-based living at The Village at Penn State by visiting RetireAtPennState.org.