Ellicott Buzzings 8-5-2024
UC Health provides valuable health information by emails to their subscribers. It is only valuable if we read and heed the information provided. The most recent UCHealth Today included a post about our Colorado public libraries that was interesting to me. Not only can you check out books and videos but you can also check out a pass to dozens of local museums, galleries and attractions around the state. This is an amazing inexpensive opportunity for all. This pass program is not only affordable but is beneficial to your health by getting you out of the house to see things you may have never seen before. You can access the library’s online catalog and search for “checkout state parks”. They do not allow you to place a hold on a pass. The catalog will show if a pass is available or when it will be returned. If available you can ask to check out a pass but you must be in good standing with the library. Visit your local library to see what you may want to check out!
This same email included information about the importance of getting outdoors. There is now a condition that has been diagnosed as ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ which occurs when people spend too much time indoors. Studies show that gardening, hiking or just walking outdoors is beneficial to your overall health. Taking the initiative to do so can also help prevent depression.
Depression is not a normal part of life but it appears to be more common now than ever before. It makes me wonder if it is because they never realized what depression was or if it is the first thing to try to medicate? Many older people are subject to depression and need to realize they can make the difference by getting out of the house and interacting with others. Loneliness sets in when living alone. Family members need to determine if their loved one has isolated themselves from family and friends. Maybe they retired without planning ahead for things to keep them busy. Daily activities or weekly outings with friends that are also retired can bring joy into their lives. Despite often having risk factors for depression – one of which is having a chronic disease – older adults have some of the lowest levels of mental illness relative to all other adults. This is good news for us Senior Citizens, isn’t it? If you do not have any friends you should find out why and maybe make a change in the way you interact with people. No one wants to spend time with a grouch! Maybe there is a grouch pill you can take? Maybe you can just try smiling at a stranger or strike up a conversation with someone by talking about the weather. You never know but you may actually make a new friend and a positive difference in that person’s day as well as yours. You have the power to make a difference in your life!
Dragonflies were all around our home recently which is a good site knowing they eat blood sucking mosquitoes and pesky gnats. I decided to search for information about these interesting double winged blessings. I stopped reading Britannica.com as it was too educational and went to fun facts instead posted by Smithstonianmag.com. They begin in a larval stage underwater eating a variety of things that also live in the water. The adults also eat a variety of things in the air and can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in a day. They have an open invitation to my house any day!
In closing today I want to share a cute saying on a greeting card that says “May your heart be lifted by dragonfly wings”. Have a blessed week ahead and get out and get social!
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Thank you,
Marna G. Booker,
Treasurer/Administrator of
The Ellicott Open Door Community Church
Founder of
The Ellicott Bee Hive, LTD
Founder and Coordinator for the
Eastern Alliance of El Paso County Committee