Bright Star Care - July 2018

3 Simple Ways

VOICE READING Sometimes reading the small print on emails or text messages can be tough, especially in dim light conditions or on smaller screens. With Voice Reading, you can choose whatever language you need, and the app will read the text back to you. It’s not just limited to small excerpts, either. You

to Wind Down

can have a full book read back to you if you’re looking for the perfect way to relax. Technology doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can even enrich your life. Give these three apps a try, and if you find yourself wanting more, reach out to a family member or caregiver today for other options.

Do you ever feel like you’re a pinball in life’s arcade? In some cases, stressors can evolve into overwhelming burdens for us to carry, and this is understandably so. Given all the standards of what’s expected from modern society, it can be a challenge to understand what is a practical use of time and what isn’t. If we don’t find a healthy balance, the subsequent anxiety can push us to the brink. For every stressful and hard-fought life moment, we need a counterpunch to bring harmony. That’s why we’ve provided three simple ways for everyone to wind down and relax. BOARD GAMES Board games have come a long way since the Monopoly marathons of our youth. You might try Settlers of Catan , a village building game based on drawn resource cards and dice rolls; Splendor , a tactical gem-collecting board game; or Rewordable , a card game for crossword puzzle enthusiasts. There are plenty of board games that can provide a fun twist to end a stressful day. It’s not just the aspect of playing a game, either. Games can provide a platform for engaging in meaningful communication with friends and family. RELAXING TV Sometimes after a long day, there’s nothing more rewarding than turning the brain off to find some serenity. Watching a peaceful television show is a great way to let your brain recharge. Programs like “Planet Earth” or “The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes” are excellent examples of shows that will take your mind to a soothing place of tranquility. AUDIO BOOKS There are instances when television shows or board games may be too stimulating, especially when your brain has already been working overtime. In that event, tuning into a podcast or pressing play on an audiobook is a great way to let your brain sit back and digest. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, you’ll find that the lack of extraneous stimuli wraps you in a cocoon of calmness. Our minds and bodies were not made to be on a knife edge of stress for extended periods of time. Taking moments to reset is not lazy; it’s a necessity. Try these three tactics and see how your overall health is impacted. TAKE THE EDGE OFF AFTER A LONG DAY

BLUE CHEESE BUFFALO DOGS and Celery Slaw

Inspired by Bon Appetit magazine

No matter where you stand on the great ketchup versus mustard debate, you’ll love these spicy, tangy, easy-to- make buffalo dogs. They’re the perfect way to elevate your Fourth of July cookout.

INGREDIENTS

1 bottle Frank’s RedHot sauce

1 package of your favorite hot dogs

4 ounces crumbled blue cheese

1 package hot dog buns

For Celery Slaw

• •

1 teaspoon olive oil Celery salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

4 celery stalks, very thinly sliced

½ teaspoon lemon zest

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For slaw, toss all ingredients together and season with celery salt and pepper. 2. Grill hot dogs and toast buns. 3. Assemble hot dogs, douse with hot sauce, and top with celery slaw. 4. Top with blue cheese, add another splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling extra spicy, and serve.

www.brightstarcare.com/wheaton

630.260.5300 3

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online