Assisted Living Residences

left behind after their copious meals of grass – “landmines” as Salamanca calls them – pose safety issues for residents who like to walk around the pond in the spring time.

In the past, Youville has attempted a variety of methods to get rid of these unwanted guests. “There was a grid system we considered laying out over the pond to disrupt the geese’s landings, but that wasn’t a well-proven method,” says Salamanca. “We also considered a Portable Hazing Unit – a device that releases grape scented spray and a noise designed to repel the geese. But we couldn’t do that for safety reasons.”

One method that Youville temporarilyadopted was the implementation of decoys – fake plastic coyotes mounted at key locations around the pond. The coyotes soon gained notoriety among residents, family members and staff alike, all of whom were more frightened by the strikingly realistic decoys than the geese. “The reception desk actually got a few

For years, Youville Place residents have grudgingly shared their front yard with a flock of Canadian geese. Territorial disputes have raged for as long as anyone can remember, with neither humans nor geese ceding any ground. Calls and honks for peace have degenerated. Making matters worse, neither side seems able to understand the demands of the other.

To their credit, the Youville geese are relatively civil creatures. They rarely give chase and have been known to raise cute chicks, to the delight of human onlookers. But a grave problem underlies these superficial niceties. The geese have an annoying habit of gorging themselves on large swaths of lawn, and then depositing the remainder of those processed meals back on the lawn, in the form of goose waste.

Bob Salamanca, Director of EnvironmentalServices, has led maintenance efforts at Youville Place for nine years. He confirmsthat the geese have been an ongoing nuisance for as long as he can remember. In addition to aesthetic concerns, the detritus

Geese, FarewellMay 2015

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Pianist Todd TheriaultSunday, May 10 at 2:30 PMTodd Theriault repertoire includes the Great American Songbook as recorded by Frank Sinatra, Richard Rogers, Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, and more. Todd will also include swing music from the 50s and 60s.

“Geese” continued on page 7

Community OutingsLunch Trip: Margarita’s Mexican RestaurantWednesday, May 6Depart: 11:15 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunch Enjoy a Mexican lunch at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant with fellow residents to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Signs of Spring at the Arnold ArboretumThursday, May 14Depart: 1:00 PMReturn: 4:30 PM Cost: FreeFrederick Law Olmstead, a designer of parks for the people, believed that beautiful landscapes provide moral and spiritual sustenance. Charles Sprague Sargent, director of the Arnold Arboretum, was devoted to the scientific study of trees. In 1872, their separate visions came together on an old farm in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston to create the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. The Arnold Arboretum, a link in Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system, designed by Olmstead, has given pleasure to thousands of visitors for well over a century.

Picnic Lunch Trip: Castle IslandWednesday, May 20Depart: 11:00 AMReturn: 2:30 PM Cost: $ for lunch There are few better ways to celebrate the summer season than with a picnic lunch at Castle Island. Find a shady spot under a tree and enjoy a view of the harbor, or take a walk around the island and explore the ruins of the old naval forts that have been on this site since the 1600s. Did you know that the island got its name because every fort located on it was informally known as “The Castle?” To this day, Castle Island remains the oldest continuously fortified site in British North America.

The Benefits of Outdoor ExerciseStudies show that even moderate exercise has tremendous benefits for people over the age of sixty. Springtime activities like gardening, walking, or just enjoying the outdoors all contribute to improved physical and mental health. At Youville, we are excited to add the following outdoor activities in May that are good for the body and the soul:Walk For Fun! (Tuesdays at 1:30 PM) Just 10-15 minutes a day of walking has great effects on physical and mental well-being. Walking increases cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and balance. People who walk regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, as well as cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Walking increases the flow of blood to the brain, which helps keep it healthy. Join the Programs Department on Tuesday, May 5 for the first Walk for Fun meeting of the spring! Garden Club (Monday, May 11 & 18 at 1:30 PM)A few minutes spent in a natural setting can be just the thing to revive our spirits and make us feel healthier all around. As a sustained, low-impact exercise, gardening promotes heart health while not being too strenuous. A study in the Netherlands showed that gardening may alleviate stress more effectively than other hobbies. The study divided people into two groups: gardeners and readers. After completing a stressful activity, the readers were asked to relax with a book for half an hour, while the other group took solace in tending their gardens. The gardeners reported a lower level of stress after the activity and the researchers found lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their systems. Working in the garden is an excellent opportunity to get good exposure to the sun, and good exercise at the same time. The light stretching and twisting associated with digging and planting are great ways to maintain muscles and flexibility, while enjoying the company of fellow gardeners. What’s more, gardening also makes us more inclined to eat healthy vegetables. Youville residents interested in working in the Youville garden should contact the Programs Department. Whether you have gardened all your life, or can’t remember ever getting your hands in the soil, it is never too late to get involved and reap the benefits of the land! 2

The Rise of Urban Beekeeping with the Best Bees CompanyFriday, May 22 at 2:00 PMDid you know that honeybee populations are declining throughout the world? The Best Bees Company is devoted to saving honeybees through ongoing research and the introduction of urban beekeeping in American cities. A beekeeper from the company will discuss bee health, the importance of pollination, and the global consequences of a continued decline in the honeybee population.

New York, New York! Peter H. Bloom, fluteMark Leighton, guitarSunday, May 31 at 1:30 PMWatch two acclaimed musicians pay tribute to The Big Apple. In “New York, New York!” flautist Peter H. Bloom and guitarist Mark Leighton perform a festive concert featuring classics like Duke Ellington’s “Take the A Train,” George Shearing’s “Lullaby of Birdland,” Vernon Duke’s “Autumn in New York,” and the swinging hit tune “Manhattan” by Rodgers and Hart. Known for their stellar musicianship and entertaining concerts, Peter and Mark have performed throughout the Northeast for more than 20 years.

Happy Birthday

Shirley K. May 3Florence K. May 4Frances C. May 9Theresa M. May 11Sr. Irene H. May 18Tina S. May 26George M. May 27Sr. Dolores B. May 29

Residents born in May are invited to lunch in the Private Dining Room to celebrate on Friday, May 29 at 12:00 PM.

Silent Movie with Richard HughesSaturday, May 2 at 1:30 PM Master pianist and movie expert Richard Hughes takes you back to the magical era of silent movies. It was a time when films flickered in black and white on the big screen and the the action unfolded in pantomime, accompanied by dramatic “mood music” performed live on an upright piano. There was plenty of personality, charm and hilarity in these vintage films. In this signature presentation, Mr. Hughes provides his own live musical accompaniment to a handpicked silent film, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience.

ArtMatters Presents... Claude MonetTuesday, May 12 at 2:00 PMClaude Monet was the driving force behind Impressionism in 19th-century Europe. His unprecedented treatment of light, color and atmosphere would inspire generations of subsequent painters. Join us for a retrospective look at Monet’s life, his work, and his enduring legacy.

Caring CaninesFriday, May 15 at 2:00 PMIf you haven’t stopped by the Community Room when Caring Canines comes to visit, you are missing out! Spend the afternoon with adorable, affectionate dogs from the neighborhood.

Pianist Jeffrey MooreTuesday, May 19 at 2:00 PMJeffrey Moore is a skilled and seasoned entertainer. His vast repertoire includes over 3000 songs primarily drawn from the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, light classical, and Broadway favorites. His intelligent and sophisticated style combined with his sensitivity, has made him one of the most sought after and highly acclaimed pianists in the Greater Boston area. Classically trained at the New England Conservatory and the University of Massachusetts with degrees in Performance and Music Education, Jeffrey’s background and study of the masters is evident in his unique blend of virtuosity and musicality.

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Fitness 9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford Stop & Shop 10:30 An Hour w/ Sheila 1:30 Walk for Fun! 2:00 ArtMatters Presents.... Claude Monet 3:30 Black Jack

9:30 Fitness 9:30 Shopping Trip: Lexington Stop & Shop10:30 An Hour w/ Sheila 1:30 Walk for Fun! 2:00 Pianist Jeffrey Moore 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Lexington POPS Concert

9:30 Fitness 10:00 LexFun visits...10:30 Centering Prayer 1:30 Documentary Movie: Nature: Silence of the Bees 3:15 Bible Study 7:00 Documentary Movie: Nature: Silence of the Bees

9:30 Fitness 10:30 Centering Prayer10:30 Picnic Lunch at Castle Island 1:30 Documentary Movie: Nature: Born Wild 3:15 Bible Study 7:00 Documentary Movie: Nature: Born Wild

10:00 Music & Movement w/ Barbara Lyon 1:00 Trip: Signs of Spring at the Armold Arboretum 4:00-5:15 Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: The Turnadot Project

9:30 Fitness10:00 Flower Arranging 2:00 Food Forum 3:00 Treats & Trivia 4:00-6:00 Manicures by Appt. 7:00 Movie: Julie & Julia

9:30 Fitness10:00 Flower Arranging 2:00 Caring Canines 3:00 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Driving Miss Daisy

9:30 Fitness10:00 Flower Arranging 2:00 The Rise of Urban Bee Keeping w/ the Best Bees Company 3:00 Treats & Trivia 7:00 Movie: The Natural

2:00 Violence in the Name of Religion w/ Fr. Raymond Helmick, SJ 3:15 Classic Matinee Movie: Annie Get Your Gun 7:00 Classic Movie Night: Annie Get Your Gun

9:30 Fitness10:30 Manicures w/ Simona by Appt. 1:30 Bingo 3:15 Classic Movie Matinee: Tunes of Glory 7:00 Classic Movie Night: Tunes of Glory

9:30 Fitness10:15 Group Crosswords10:30 Reminscing w/ Sheila 1:30 Garden Club 3:00 Bingo

2:00 Reflections w/ Maria Benoit 3:15 Dead Sea Scrolls Lecture Series w/ Maria Benoit 7:00 Movie: The Women

Happy Mother’s Day 2:30 Celebrate Mother’s Day w/ Pianist Todd Theriault 7:00 Movie: The Jane Austen Book Club

2:00 Movie: TBA 3:15 Dead Sea Scrolls Lecture Series 7:00 Movie: Like Water for Chocolate

Country StoreHours

Monday & Friday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Wednesday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

9:30 Fitness 10:15 Group Crosswords10:30 Short Stories w/ Sheila 1:30 Garden Club 3:00 Bingo

May 2015

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Happy 18th Anniversary 9:30 Fitness 9:30 Shopping Trip: Burlington Market Basket10:30 An Hour w/ Sheila 1:30 Walk for Fun! 2:00 May Jeopardy Trivia 3:30 Black Jack

9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman 10:30 Current Events w/ Pam 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Forever Fit 3:00 Outreach Project 4:00-5:15 Happy Hour 4:00-6:00 Manicures by Appt. 7:00 Music & Musical Film: In the Shadow of the Stars

9:30 Fitness10:30 Manicures w/ Simona by Appt. 1:30 Bingo 3:15 Classic Matinee Movie: All the King’s Men 7:00 Classic Movie Night: All the King’s Men

9:30 Fitness10:15 Group Crosswords10:30 Short Stories w/ Sheila 2:00 Music Presentation: Opera w/ Richard Travers 3:15 Bingo

9:30 Fitness 10:30 Centering Prayer11:15 Lunch Trip: Margarita’s 1:30 Documentary Movie: Bears 3:15 Bible Study 7:00 Documentary Movie: Bears

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9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman10:30 Outreach Project Ideas Mtg. 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:30 Resident Management Mtg. 4:00 - 5:15 Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Rythmn of My Soul: Kentucky Roots Music

1:30 Silent Movie Presentation w/ Richard Hughes 3:15 Classic Matinee Movie: The Lady Eve 7:00 Classic Movie Night: The Lady Eve

Hair SalonHours

Thursday, Friday & Saturday8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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9:30 Fitness10:00 Flower Arranging10:30 Centering Prayer 1:00 Blood Pressure & Equipment Clinic 2:00 Bonus Bingo 7:00 Movie: Secretariat

Memorial Day 9:30 Fitness10:15 Group Crosswords11:30 Memorial Day BBQ 1:30 Memorial Day Remembrance 3:15 Bingo

2:00 Reflections w/ Maria Benoit 3:15 Dead Sea Scrolls Lecture Series w/ Maria Benoit 7:00 Movie: The Money Pit

9:30 Fitness 9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford Stop & Shop10:30 An Hour w/ Sheila 1:30 Walk for Fun! 2:00 Afternoon Tea Hosted by Katie 3:30 Black Jack

10:00 Music & Movement w/ Barbara Lyon 2:00 Forever Fit 3:00 Outreach Project 4:00-5:15 Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: From Mao to Mozart Isaac Stern in China

9:30 Fitness 10:30 Centering Prayer11:15 Lunch Trip: Red Parrot 1:30 Documentary Movie: Chimpanzee 3:15 Bible Study 7:00 Documentary Movie: Chimpanzee

1:30 Bloom/Leighton Duo 3:15 Dead Sea Scrolls Lecture Series w/ Maria Benoit 7:00 Movie: All the Pretty Horses

9:30 Fitness10:00 Flower Arranging12:00 Birthday Luncheon 2:30 Bonus Bingo 7:00 Movie: Good Night, and Good Luck

9:30 Fitness10:30 Manicures w/ Simona by Appt. 1:30 Bingo 3:15 Classic Matinee Movie: Double Indemnity 7:00 Classic Movie Night: Double Indemnity

The Rise of Urban Beekeeping “Bees are good!” –– President Barack Obama, to children during the 2015 White House Easter Egg Roll As pollinators of staples such as tomatoes, beans,melons, sprouts, almonds, apples, berries, citrus fruits, and many other crops, honeybees contribute to the harvesting of over $15 billion of United States crops per year. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in 2005 the value of global crops that relied on honeybee pollination was $200 billion.

Alarmingly, the last decade has seen a consistent decline in the honeybee population. The USDA released a report that the rate of honeybee deaths in the United States was “too high for long-term survival.” Over the course of the 2014 winter, there was a 23% decline in the hive honey bee population, a recurring annual trend that has been more or less in place since 2006.

A Boston-based organization called the Best Bees Company is devoted to countering honeybee depopulation. A professional beekeeper from the Best Bees Company will be at Youville this month to tell us all we need to know about the environmental benefits of urban beekeeping, bee health, pollination, and theconsequences of a continued decline in the beepopulation.

What might account for the disappearance of honey-bees? According to the Best Bees Company, honeybees are exposed to a variety of adverse factors, including “disease, mounting exposure to pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, as well as continued habitat loss... This decline is one of the single greatest threats to our natural environment today.”

Data taken over the last five years shows that honeybees who live in urban environments have higher survival rates and produced more honey than rural bees. One likely reason for this is the less prevalent use of dangerous pesticides in urban gardens. Cities also offer

the bees a great diversity of flowering plants found in private and public gardens.

In the greater Boston area, organizations like the Best Bees Company are active in the community, educating people about the importance of bees and installing hives for up-and-coming beekeepers. Urban beekeepers benefit not only the bees – they also provide unique honey with a delicious local flavor. Because bees make their honey from surrounding sources of nectar, honey from a beehive in Cambridge will have the notes and flavors of the flowers in the surrounding neighborhood. In turn, restaurants that emphasize locally-sourced food are increasingly interested in featuring homegrown honey on their menus.

The honey-making process Bees make their hives from beeswax, a substance they manage to produce from their own abdomens. They use this substance to construct the “honeycomb,” a vast network of cells that serves a variety of purposes, including lodging, honey storage, and nursing young larvae.

It is the worker bees that do all the “work” of the hive. They are responsible for keeping the colony going by building honeycomb, guarding the queen, feeding young bees, and flying out of the hive to gather nectar.

Worker bees obtain nectar from flowers using a proboscis, sucking it into their stomachs where enzymes break the nectar down. Once back in the hive, pairs of bees pass nectar back and forth to further break it down, before depositing it in a cell in the honeycomb. The final step is for the rest of the worker bees to flutter their wings in front of the broken-down nectar to facilitate its evaporation into honey. The completed product is stored in the honeycomb cells, as the hive’s survival depends on adequate amounts of stored honey to feed the bees through the winter.

To learn more about urban beekeeping and the critical role of honeybees in global agriculture, be sure to join the Best Bees Company at Youville Place on Friday, May 22nd at 2:00 PM in the Community Room.

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Burlington Market BasketTuesday, May 5Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:30 AM Lexington Center / Walgreen’sThursday, May 7Time: 1:00 PM Return: 2:30 PM Bedford Stop & Shop/Great Roads Shopping CenterTuesday, May 12 & 26Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:30 AMLexington Stop & ShopTuesday, May 19Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:30 AM

Visit Our Blog, Like Us On FacebookThis newsletter comes out once a month. Interested in connecting with us more often? Then visit our blog any time for the latest news and additional ar-ticles. To access the blog, visit the Youville website at www.youvilleassistedliving.org and click on the “Visit our Blog” button. Or, “like” us on Facebook. When you “like” us on Facebook, we will send you updates and links to the most recent items posted on the blog. Just search for Youville Assisted Living on Facebook and click “like.” See you on the web!

Happy 18th Anniversary Youville Place!!!Tuesday, May 5Residents and staff are invited to a Mexican Fiesta to celebrate Youville Place’s 18th anniversary during lunch! Be sure to wear your sombreo and join us in Youville’s Mexican feast!

Shopping Tripsfrightened calls from people saying they’d spotted coyotes out in the yard,” recalls Virginia Ellis, Director of Community Life. Meanwhile, the geese remained indifferent to the plastic predators in their midst, and their unsightly detritus continued to abound. Residents began to take matters into their own hands, carrying whistles out to the pond to attempt to drive the geese away.

“Those decoys,” Salamanca recalls with a faint shudder, “were not working. We needed to try something new.”

Meet Flag and Dan, specially-trained Border Collies and highly respected officers of the Goose Police squad. Accompanied by their human deputies, Flag and Dan are our latest allies in the struggle to rid the Youville pond of its stubborn inhabitants. They arrive multiple times a week to inspect the grounds, intimidate any geese-like creatures thereupon with scare tactics, and give chase if necessary. The two canines are highly experienced, with proven records of cleaning up goose-ridden lawns throughout New England. Their most effective techniques include a wolf-like stare and a predatory stance.

The Border Collies are also environmentally friendly – they never hurt the geese, they just scare them away. Border Collies were originally bred to herd sheep, and their natural instincts are perfectly adapted to patrolling goose-ridden lawns They show up at Youville at unpredictable times, thereby tricking the geese into believing that there are numerous predators in the area.

“It’s an ongoing process,” says Salamanca. “Once the dogs establish a continual presence at Youville, the geese learn to stay away.”

Due to their busy schedules, neither of our canine allies could be interviewed for this story. Perhaps one day, when the lawns of Lexington are cleaner and safer, Flag and Dan will have the time to fortify us with a few words, or yelps, of wisdom. Until then, we admire their police work from afar. Next time you’re out for a stroll, you might be lucky enough to get a glimpse of this elite team in action.

“Geese” continued from page 1

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Save the Dates...Blood Pressure & Equipment ClinicFriday, May 1 at 1:00 PM

Resident/Management MeetingThursday, May 7 at 2:30 PM

Manicures with Joanne by AppointmentFriday, May 8 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PMThursday, May 21 from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PMSign up in the Community Happenings book!

Food ForumMonday, May 8 at 2:00 PM

Country Store Store HoursMonday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMWednesday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PMFriday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Store Volunteers: Sr. Theresa R., Margaret B., Sr. Dolores B., Judith B. & Alice G.

Transportation ServicesMonday,Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday8:00 AM - 2:00 PMThe fee for transportation is $10.00 for Lexington and $20.00 for surrounding communities. Please see Brian King in the Programs Department with any questions. We will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, but please understand that no transportation can be guaranteed with less than 48 hours notice.

Programs / Menu Hotline...Have you ever wondered whether your favorite program is on the schedule for the day? Would you like to know in advance what the daily menu choices are? Now you can hear a recorded list of the daily programs as well as the menu for lunch and dinner at Youville Place. Simply call 781-761-1334 directly, or call the Reception Desk and the receptionist will connect you.

Youville Place Management Team

Joanne Parsons CEO & PresidentJoanne Scianna COOJohn Cooney Senior Director of FinanceDinah Olanoff Senior Director of Marketing & Communications Katie Blanchard Director of Programs Claudia Wilson Director of Marketing Joyce R. Looney, RN Director of WellnessBob Salamanca Director of Environmental ServicesMike Dickerson Director of Dining ServicesVirginia Ellis Director of Community Life Maria Benoit Director of Mission & Pastoral CareTom Landry Director of Human Resources

The Mission of Youville PlaceTo be a community of enduring hope that

celebrates God’s love through compassionate care, while fostering the individual and embracing all.

ValuesReverence - profound respect

Integrity - complete truth and justice Dedication - selfless giving

Hospitality - generosity of spirit

Spiritual

Physical

Cognitive

Nutritional

Although arthritis is common, it is a widely misunderstood condition. Most people don’t realize that the term itself refers to a broad category of over 100 distinct disorders, all of which cause pain, stiffness, inflammation and/or deterioration in any of the hundreds of joints in the human body. These disorders stem from a variety of causes. May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, a perfect time to get acquainted with the common causes, symptoms, facts and myths about arthritis. Far from being a minor age-related ailment, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting people of all ages (one type, “juvenile arthritis,” specifically affects children). An estimated 46 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States alone have some form of arthritis, and experts expect that by 2030 that number will increase to 67 million. Because there are so many different types of joints and possible joint disorders, what follows is just a brief description of the three most commonly occurring forms of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Osteoarthritis A joint is literally the meeting place of two bones – where the bones “join” together. The end of each bone is capped with a soft cartilage that absorbs shock and eliminates friction. Without cartilage, our bare bones would scrape against one another, making each slight movement a painful ordeal. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage starts to wear away. With diminishing insulation, the affected bones become irritated and painful when they move. In severe cases, the cartilage wears away to the point where bone actually does start to grind against bone. Other than heart disease and cancer, osteoarthritis is the most common chronic disease. Risk factors include family history, previous joint injury, age, weight and chronic stress on the joints. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and a “grating” sensation during movement. You may also notice “bone spurs,” little clumps of bone that arise around the joint in response to the loss of cartilage. While medication can help alleviate symptoms, many rheumatologists emphasize exercise as an important natural treatment. By building up muscles around the affected joints, exercise can provide additional joint cushioning and comfort. Weight loss associated with exercise can provide its own benefits. According to the Arthritis Foundation, for every pound of weight lost, four pounds of pressure are taken off the knees. Rheumatoid ArthritisUnlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis has nothing to do with wear and tear, but is an autoimmune disorder of mostly unknown origins. This condition often targets major joints

May 2015Living with Arthritis

continued

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

Youville House • 1573 Cambridge Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.491.1234Youville Place • 10 Pelham Road • Lexington, MA 02421 • 781.861.3535 • www.youvilleassistedliving.org

Assisted Living Residences

such as the knees, wrists, hips, shoulders, elbows and fingers. These joints are surrounded by a capsule called the “synovium” that secretes an important lubricating fluid. Rheumotoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system starts attacking the synovium. The resulting inflammation can alter the appearance of the joints and inhibit normal movement. Grabbing a glass from the cupboard, typing on a keyboard or writing with a pen can turn into painful or impossible tasks for someone with severe rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, the immune system will cause inflammation in nearby organs as well as joints, leading to lung disease and heart disease. Researchers are not sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but stress is thought to have a significant impact on how we experience the painful symptoms. Studies have shown that both rheumatoid arthritis and the stress response use the same immunological pathway. Increased stress can therefore trigger increased physical pain. In turn, those who have successful stress management routines are more likely to experience less severe joint pain. GoutThe symptoms of gout most frequently occur in the big toe. Gout is extremely painful, causing the toe to swell and become very tender for hours. This occurs mostly in men, but can also affect older women. The uric crystals that cause gout are a result of excessive uric acid in the blood. When there is more uric acid in the body than the kidneys can process, crystals form, causing inflammation and intense joint pain. The good news is that gout is treatable. Diets high in meats, fish and poultry have been implicated in excessive amounts of uric acid, as well as the consumption of beer. In addition, a rheumatologist can prescribe medication to control and help prevent gout flare-ups. Arthritis Support Interested in learning more? The Arthritis Foundation is one of the most trusted resources for arthritis information and support. Visit them online at www.arthritis.org to learn about treatments, new research and alternative therapies for the many different types of arthritis. At Youville, we will continue to offer weekly Tai Chi for Arthritis classes for residents and the outside community through the summer. Not only is Tai Chi good exercise, but its meditative qualities have been shown to help relieve stress and alleviate pain in their own right. The summer classes will begin in June and last for eight weeks. Please see the Programs Department for more information.

Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman Music & Movement w/ Barbara Lyon Fitness Forever Fit

Dark leafy greens are a rich source of vitamin C, K, E, and B, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber, which are essential for good health.

Catholic Mass Dead Sea Scrolls w/ Maria Benoit Reflections

ArtMatters presents... Claude Monet The Rise of Urban Bee Keeping w/ the Best Bees Company Music Presentation with Richard Travers Arts & Crafts w/ LexFUN! New York, New York! w/ Peter Bloom & Mark Leighton Pianist Jeffrey Moore

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©