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The Disability DIGEST
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February 2024
Turning February Blues Into Birthday Bliss
Celebrating the Special People in My Life This Month
February is often associated with Valentine’s Day and love. However, the month can feel gloomy once the holiday is over, with post-holiday blues and the winter chill intensifying. But, amidst the February blues, I have found a personal reason to celebrate and see a silver lining in this otherwise dull month. February is not just a dull period between the festivities of December and the onset of spring. This month is sprinkled with the birthdays of some of the most important people in my life — my mother, my aunt Alice, my son James, and my niece Bethany. These birthdays transform February into a celebration. So, while February may seem like a dull month to some, for me, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year! Birthdays offer a chance to take a break from our daily routine, spend time with loved ones, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The real meaning of these occasions is not about expensive gifts or fancy parties but rather, it’s about getting together with the people we care about most and celebrating life and the unique individuals who make it special. Plus, these birthdays are special because they offer a break from the overwhelming commercialization of Valentine’s Day. Instead of feeling obligated to perform grand romantic
gestures, I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate genuine connections with the people I love most. It’s a chance to express gratitude, share laughter, and create a bright spot in the winter season. My family’s February birthdays also remind us that we don’t always have to wait for special holidays to be happy or get together with loved ones. Celebrating our personal milestones — whatever they may be — can add purpose and warmth to our lives. So, while February may not be as popular as the other months, it holds a special place in my heart. The birthdays of my loved ones make it a month filled with love, laughter, and the simple joy of being together, and for that, I couldn’t be happier.
“Celebrating our personal milestones — whatever they may be — can add purpose and warmth to our lives.”
Happy birthday, Mom, Aunt Alice, James, and Bethany!
–Joel Thrift
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HISTORY OF PREGNANCY TESTING
From Seeds to Science From ancient times, human ingenuity has been pivotal in unraveling medical mysteries, and pregnancy testing is a particularly fascinating example. In Egypt, around 1350 BCE, pregnancy testing blended mysticism and early science. Women would urinate on wheat and barley seeds, an intriguing method that modern research has shown to be surprisingly accurate, with a 70% success rate. If barley grew, it indicated a male child; wheat signified a female. Across different cultures, unique approaches emerged. The Greeks, influenced by Hippocrates, developed diagnostic theories based on the four bodily humors. In India, ancient Ayurvedic texts detailed pulse examination techniques for various conditions, including pregnancy, showcasing remarkable observational abilities and a deep understanding of the human body. The Middle Ages saw a curious amalgamation of superstition and the beginnings of scientific inquiry. “Piss prophets”
examined urine for its color and clarity, practices that were precursors to today’s urinalysis.
A significant advancement came in the 20th century with the discovery of the hormone hCG. This breakthrough led to the first reliable home pregnancy tests in the 1960s, marking a dramatic shift from rudimentary ancient methods and offering greater accuracy and privacy.
This journey from ancient seed tests to sophisticated modern diagnostics illustrates the evolution in our understanding
of the human body. Those early tests laid the groundwork for the reliable techniques we use today, inspiring us to continue improving our medical knowledge and practices.
EVOLVING WITH GRACE How to Thrive in Times of Change
Shaking Up Your Routine Personal changes in your day and routine might seem strange, but soon, you’ll find a new rhythm and perspective, breathing fresh energy into your daily life. Simple acts, like picking up a new hobby, can revitalize your mental and emotional landscape. Cultivating Resilience and Flexibility Navigating change successfully is all about balance. Being resilient means you meet challenges head- on, while flexibility helps you adapt and find creative solutions. Imagine yourself as a mature, healthy tree, swaying with the winds of change without being uprooted.
Embracing the Process Remember, evolving with change is a journey, not a sprint. It’s normal to need time to adjust to new surroundings or situations. Be kind to yourself, seek support when necessary, and savor each step of this phase of life. After all, mastering the art of change is one of life’s most valuable skills. As you face change and the need to evolve, consider it a doorway to new experiences, not an insurmountable hurdle. It truly is a chance to grow, learn, and enjoy life from a fresh vantage point. So, take a deep breath and dive into the adventure like a champ!
The world today changes constantly, sometimes very quickly, and each twist and turn brings a new adventure! As we journey through life, especially in our golden years, change remains a familiar companion, offering a blend of new experiences and difficult situations. Here’s how to navigate this ebb and flow with confidence.
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TAKE A BREAK
Choose the Right Oil for Every Dish Your Olive Oil Guide
AQUARIUS CANDY CUPID GROUNDHOG HEART LINCOLN CHOCOLATE PENNSYLVANIA PHIL
PRESIDENTS VALENTINE WINTER
Olive oil is versatile in its culinary uses and varied in its types. Each type offers distinct flavors and health benefits, and you should choose the right one for your cooking needs. So, here’s a guide to the different types of olive oil and their optimal uses. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and is extracted through cold pressing, preserving its natural flavors. It boasts a rich, fruity flavor and is best used for salad dressings, dips, or finishing oil. Its high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for heart health. Virgin Olive Oil This type has a milder flavor and lower acid content. It’s suitable for cooking at moderate temperatures. This oil retains most of its antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for everyday cooking. Pure Olive Oil Often labeled as “olive oil,” this type is a blend of refined and virgin oils. It has a more neutral flavor and higher smoke point, making it ideal for frying. While it has fewer antioxidants than extra virgin olive oil, it still offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Light and Extra Light Olive Oil These oils are not lower in calories but lighter in color and flavor. They undergo considerable refining, which makes them suitable for high-heat cooking and baking where a neutral taste is desired. Each type of olive oil offers distinct flavors. Extra virgin is best for cold dishes, while pure olive oil suits high-heat cooking. Understanding the differences can enhance your dishes and wow your taste buds.
Marry Me Chicken
Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Ingredients
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
February’s Gift: A Month Filled With Love, Laughter, and Family Birthdays
1
Seeds, Science, and Surprises in Medicine
2
Embrace Change, Enhance Life!
Marry Me Chicken
3
Cooking With the Perfect Olive Oil
You’re Never Too Old to Help
4
Seniors Making a World of Difference: VOLUNTEER WITH IVHQ
For senior travelers seeking a unique journey, volunteer vacations with the International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offer an opportunity to impact the global community. These adventures go beyond the conventional, immersing seniors in foreign cultures while contributing to local communities. IVHQ’s diverse programs put senior volunteers in awe- inspiring locations worldwide. They’re not just visitors but active participants in cultural exchange and community enhancement. With age comes a wealth of experience, knowledge, and patience — attributes highly valued and admired by younger volunteers and locals alike. Whether it’s teaching English in Cambodia or participating in wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka’s jungles, IVHQ ensures every volunteer finds their perfect fit. Accommodations cater to every preference, and local cuisine adds an authentic touch to this enriching experience. Take Glenda Bernstein, a 55-year-old IVHQ volunteer in Tanzania, who describes her time at a local school as “one
of my greatest life experiences.” The warmth and gratitude she received from the community and the connections she forged with the children underscore the profound impact of her work. IVHQ’s volunteer vacations for seniors are more than just travel; they’re a testament to the power of experience in fostering global understanding and positive change. It’s an invitation to seniors to embark on a journey to explore the world and leave an enduring mark on communities and volunteers alike.
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