Come Up to the Quality of Crofton Care!

CROFTON

TIMES

Inside This Month’s Issue:

Resident’s Corner 3

Nutritional Services News

4 & 5

May—Bug of the Month

MRSA

7

“Our Families Thankful

Thoughts”

9

Birthdays & Anniversaries

10

Therapeutic Recreation:

Alzheimer’s Awareness

11

Steps to Living Healthy in

2020—Spread Positivity

13

MAY 2020 Facility Phone Numbers

of Interest:

Facility Phone Numbers

(410) 721-1000

(410) 793-0123

(301) 261-3634

Administrator

Phil Gordon— X6213

Asst. Administrator

Fran Wheat—X6199

Director of Nursing

Celia Goughenour, RN—X6205

Asst. Director of Nursing

Angel Wiley, RN—X4450

Continued Page 2

Protocol When Getting

Home—During

COVID-19 Pandemic

16

Employee of the Month—May 2020

National Health

Awareness May 2020

14 & 15

From the Desk of the Administrator:

As we welcome May 2020, I am very inspired by the

dedication and resiliency my staff display everyday in the

continued fight against the mean-spirited COVID-19.

In May we celebrate Nurse’s Week and

recognize the art of caring, dedication and

vital role the nurse plays in the safety and

wellbeing of our patients. In recent times,

nurses are described as Heroes, bravely

caring for our patients ill-stricken from the

coronavirus. During this challenging time,

we would like to honor a nurse who

continues to work hard, keeps smiling and

truly cares for her patients without pause.

Our Employee of the Month has been a

rising star since her start at Crofton as a GNA

in April 2012. She strives for professional

growth in becoming a Certified Medicine

Aide, then continuing her education to

become a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2019.

She comes to work every day with a hunger to

learn new skills and seeks educational

opportunities to broaden her knowledge base.

She has a promising future ahead of her and

we are grateful she joined our CCRC family.

Please join me in congratulating

Anjana Pradhan, LPN, Employee and Nurse

of the Month for May 2020!

Administrator’s Letter cont’d

Page 2 CROFTON TIMES

Until Next Month,

Phil Gordon

Administrator

“You’re not just a nurse. Take pride in what you do. You’re

saving lives and making a difference in someone’s life.”

Staff in all departments show up for their shifts with a

smile on their face, ready to meet the demands of caring for our

residents. Their selfless approach to providing hands-on care to

the affected residents has been beyond impressive. The vigilance

and monitoring of all the residents to detect early signs of

COVID-19 has been the constant mission of the nursing staff.

Each department has gone over and above to contribute to

the fight against COVID-19.

I want to thank all the family members, folks in the

community who have supported us with food, uplifting

compliments, and prayers. It truly means the world to me and

my staff that we are trusted with the care of our residents. We

will fight COVID-19 TOGETHER!

Page 3 CROFTON TIMES

Page 4

Please contact Jeanne Davenport, Nutritional

Services Director at extension 6212, Kitchen at

extension 4267, or, Kelly McGhee, Patient

Service Coordinator at extension 4211, if we can

make your stay better.

Just a reminder for our new patients:

Stations I, III, & IV serve hot coffee, sweet

rolls, and fresh fruit every morning by 6:00

A.M. for those physical therapy patients who

get up early and want their coffee to get the

day started. If any patients have a specific

meal preference, we have substitutions for

every meal.

CROFTON TIMES

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You can purchase a meal daily for $5.00

or a sandwich for $2.00 at the front desk daily.

Lunch needs to be ordered by 10 AM

and dinner by 3 PM.

National Food Holidays in May

Did you know that almost every day in the month is a

celebrated food holiday? In addition, each month is a national

food month, and some weeks are national food weeks.

Month—Long Celebrations in May

National Barbecue Month; National Hamburger Month;

National Egg Month; National Salad Month;

National Salsa Month; National Asparagus Month;

National Strawberry Month

Week—Long Celebrations in May

2nd Week in May: National Hamburger Week;

4th Week in May: National Frozen Yogurt Week

Daily National Celebrations in May

May 1st—National Chocolate Parfait Day

May 2nd—National Truffles Day

May 3rd—National Chocolate Custard Day

National Raspberry Tart Day

May 4th—National Hoagie Day

May 5th—National Enchilada Day—Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

May 7th—National Roast Leg of Lamb Day

May 8th—National Coconut Cream Pie Day

May 9th—National Shrimp Day

May 10th—National Liver & Onions Day

May 11th—National “Eat What Ever You Want” Day

May 12th—National Nutty Fudge Day

May 13th—National Apple Pie Day

May 14th—National Buttermilk Biscuit Day

May 15th—National Chocolate Chip Day

May 16th—National Barbecue Day

May 17th—National Cherry Cobbler Day

May 18th—National “I Love Reese’s” Day

National Cheese Soufflé Day

May 19th—National Devil’s Food Cake Day

May 21st—National Strawberries & Cream Day

May 22nd—National Vanilla Pudding Day

May 23rd—National Taffy Day

May 25th—National “Brown-Bag-It” Day

National Wine Day

May 26th—National Blueberry Cheesecake Day

May 27th—National Grape Popsicle Day

National Italian Beef Day

May 28th—National Brisket Day

May 29th—National Hamburger/Cheeseburger Day

May 30th—National Mint Julep Day

May 31st—National Macaroon Day

NUTRITIONAL SERVICES—JEANNE DAVENPORT, CDM

*******************************************

********************************************

Nutritional Services—Cont’d from Page 4 CROFTON TIMES Page 5

Ingredients:

1 (8-oz) Package cream cheese, softened 1 cup powder sugar 1 (8-oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 baked Butter Cookie Crust*(see Key Lime Icebox Pie recipe for crust below)

4 cups assorted fresh berries, pitted cherries, or sliced fruit 1/2 cup seedless blackberry jam 1/4 cup orange liqueur

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Fold in whipped topping and vanilla; spoon into prepared crust. Cover and chill 8 hours.

2. Arrange fruit over cream cheese filling. Stir together jam and liqueur; drizzle over fruit.

3. Mascarpone Pie: Substitute 1 (8-oz) container mascarpone cheese for cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar for powdered sugar, 2 cups whipped cream for whipped topping, and 1 baked Chocolate Butter Cookie Crust for But-ter Cookie Crust. Prepare recipe as directed.

Ingredients:

2 cups finely crushed pretzel sticks 3/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons plus 1 tsp. strawberry gelatin (1/2 (3-oz.) package) 2 cups whipping cream, divided 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Stir together first 3 ingredients; firmly press on bottom, up sides, and onto lip of a lightly greased 10-inch pie plate. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 30 minutes).

2. Process strawberries in a food processor until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.

3. Beat condensed milk and next 2 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. (Use the whisk attachment if using a stand mixer) Add strawberries; beat at low speed just until blended. Transfer to a large bowl.

4. Beat 3/4 cup whipping cream at high speed until soft peaks form; gently fold whipped cream into strawberry mixture. Spoon into prepared crust freeze 8 to 12 hours or until firm.

5. Beat remaining 1 1/4 cups whipping cream at high speed until foamy; gradually add granulated sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Spread over pie. Freeze 1 hour or until whipped cream is firm.

Icebox Cheesecake

Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie

Key Lime-Buttermilk Icebox Pie

Ingredients: 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon loosely packed lemon zest

1/2 cup Key Lime Juice

3 large egg yolks

1/4 cup buttermilk

*Buttery Cracker/Butter Cookie Crust, bake

Vegetable cooking spray

*Sweetened Whipped Cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a bowl.

2. Beat egg yolks with a handheld mixer in a medium bowl at high speed 4 to 5 minutes or until yolks become pale and ribbons form on surface of mixture when beater is lifted. Gradually whisk in sweetened condensed milk mixture, and whisk until thoroughly combined; whisk in buttermilk. Pour mixture into prepared crust.

3. Bake at 325˚ for 20 to 25 minutes or until set around edges. (Pie will be slightly jiggly.) Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Cover pie with lightly greased (with cooking spray) plastic wrap, and freeze 4 to 6 hours.

4. Top with Sweetened Whipped Cream

*Buttery Cracker/Butter Cookie Crust

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups crushed round buttery crackers

or for less salt substitute with a butter cookie

1/4 cup sugar ( omit if butter cookies are used) 1

teaspoon kosher salt (omit when crackers are used)

6 tablespoons butter, melted

Vegetable cooking spray

Directions for Crust:

1. Process crushed cookies/

crackers, sugar, and (if used)

salt in food processor until

finely crushed and well

combined. Add melted butter,

and process until thoroughly

combined. Press on bottom, up

sides, and onto lip of a lightly

greased (with cooking spray)

9-inch pie plate. Freeze 30

minutes to 1 hour or while

preparing filling.

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Beat cream and vanilla at medium-high speed with

an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add

powdered sugar, beating until soft peaks form.

*Sweetened Whipped Cream

Page 6 CROFTON TIMES

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:

Resident Televisions

If you are planning on bringing in a television for your loved one please consult with a member of the maintenance department before making your

selection. This will assure that the new television is compatible with the space and will help eliminate interference with their roommate’s television.

Page 7 CROFTON TIMES

“Staph” is a very common germ that about 1 out of every 3 people have

on their skin or in their nose. This germ does not cause any problems

for most people who have it on their skin. But sometimes it can cause

serious infections such as skin or wound infections, pneumonia, or

infections of the blood. When staph infections go untreated, they can

lead to serious problems including sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to

severe infection in the body.

Antibiotics are given to kill staph germs when they cause infections.

Some staph germs are resistant to several antibiotics, meaning the drugs are no longer able to cure the

infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to the antibi-

otics that are often used to cure staph infections.

What Are Some of the Things that Crofton is Doing to Prevent MRSA Infections?

To prevent MRSA infections, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers:

Clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after caring for every patient.

Carefully clean hospital rooms and medical equipment.

Use Contact Precautions when caring for patients with MRSA. Contact Precautions mean:

Healthcare providers will put on gloves and wear a gown over their clothing while taking care of patients with MRSA.

Visitors might also be asked to wear a gown and gloves.

When leaving the room, healthcare providers and visitors remove their gown and gloves and clean their hands.

Infection control guidelines are followed for proper room placement when admitting a new patient.

Residents are asked to stay in their rooms as much as possible. They may go to other areas of the facility for therapy with proper precautions.

What Should I Do to Prevent Spreading MRSA?

Keep taking any antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Take them exactly as prescribed. Don’t take half-doses or stop before you complete your prescribed course.

Clean your hands often, especially before and after changing your wound dressing or bandage.

Keep any wounds clean and covered, and change bandages as instructed until healed.

Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

Wash and dry your clothes and bed linens in the warmest temperatures recommended on the labels. Tell your healthcare providers that you have MRSA. This includes home health nurses and aides, therapists, and personnel in doctors’ offices.

For more information on MRSA, visit Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/

healthcare/patient/index.html#a4

Page 8 CROFTON TIMES

ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS—

LESLEY CLARK, BUSINESS OFFICE COORDINATOR

Economic Stimulus Payments for the Medicaid Recipient

Are you a Long Term Care Medicaid Recipient? Will the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus

payment affect your eligibility?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has clarified that the SSA will not consider

stimulus payments as income for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) recipients. Because

state Medicaid programs cannot impose eligibility requirements that are stricter than those

imposed by the SSI requirements, the payments should not affect Medicaid eligibility.

As such The Department of Human Services has advised that "(any) income received as a

result of COVID-19, including "stimulus payments” will not to be counted as income for

Medicaid applicants and those Medicaid recipients already receiving long term care benefit

and not counted as a resource if spent within 12 months of receipt. If the stimulus payment

is not spent within 12 months, it may be counted as an asset, and therefore could impact

eligibility in the year ahead.

Please keep in mind that the guidelines for gifting monies will still apply. It would be

beneficial for you to discuss appropriate ways to spend down these funds with the

professional handling your Medicaid application or redetermination.

The representative for Crofton is Sherry Rush owner of Angels of Eldercare.

Sherry can be reached at 410-853-7306.

Page 9 CROFTON TIMES OUR FAMILIES

THANKFUL THOUGHTS…..

Dear Crofton Care,

Thank you so much for the care you provided to

my father during his final year. He always

looked content with very few complaints other

than old age.

I hope this finds everyone well.

Dear Friends,

I want you to know that I am still here

for you. Although I can’t be physically

with you, please know that I have not

forgotten you.

All of you and all the residents are with

me in my heart, thoughts, and prayers

every day. You are doing so much!

I have the deepest respect for you!

“Thank You” is not enough!

Page 10 MAY RESIDENT

and STAFF BIRTHDAYS EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations to the following employees who are

celebrating their anniversary this month!

ONE YEAR

CHELSEY ADAMS

HOPE ALEXANDER

BRIA PARKER

SHIRLEY STARLIPER

RAHILA TIMOTHY

TWO YEARS

LETISCIA BOLES

ANINA GOINS

WATTA MADAVE

VESNA MILJKOVIC

FOUR YEARS

YVONNE HOCKADAY

ELEVEN YEARS

CHRISTIAN WARE

TWELVE YEARS

JOANNA CAREW

JESSTINA WALLACE

THIRTEEN YEARS

NOVELETTE IRVING

TWENTY-THREE

YEARS

ALMA MILJKOVIC

TWENTY-FOUR

YEARS

MARY CARTER

TWENTY-SIX YEARS

MAXINE HILL

Resident Birthdays

05/01 DELORES STAFFORD

05/04 ALLENE DAVIS

05/05 SUSAN MANNION

05/15 ISAAC PERRY

05/21 DELORES McCARTY

05/22 ROBERTA SHEARIN

05/23 BLONDELL GROSS

Staff Birthdays

05/01 GLENNA MILLER

05/06 ELGA ANDERSON

05/08 LEORIA BREVARD

05/10 JEAN FALLON-

MANOGUE

05/13 CORAL THOMPSON

05/14 MARIA DONNA PERIA

DANIELE THOMAS

05/15 FRAN WHEAT

CYNTHIA COLAIANNI

05/16 DEEPA GHIMIREARYAL

05/17 ISAIAH JACKSON

KELLY SEALING

05/20 MATTHEW MOXLEY

05/25 MIKE HARPER

05/26 JACQUELINE COOPER

05/27 KENDRA DeSHIELDS

SHIRYL FRANCIS

05/29 VICTORIA BRANCIFORTI

05/31 CECILY BROOKS

Page 11 CROFTON TIMES

LIFE ENRICHMENT COORDINATOR:

Mary Wheat, CTRS, CDP, AIT

Pet Therapy and Dementia By Ava M. Stinnett

The positive effects pets have on the well-being of people has been increasingly well-documented in recent years. One proponent of this theory, Dr. William Thomas, maintained that people living in nursing homes often experience boredom, loneliness, and a feeling of helplessness. He proposed a change in design, which he called the “Eden Alternative.” He advocated for the empowerment of staff and the inclusion of pets, plants, and children as part of the environment. Research has further supported the positive effect of the presence of animals (dogs, cats, birds, fish, miniature horses, and more), particularly on people with dementia. These benefits include:

Improved mood with decreased feelings of depression, isolation, and loneliness.

Lower blood pressure and heart rate with activities such as petting or brushing animals or simply watching fish swimming in an aquarium.

A calming effect and reduction in anxiety and behavioral issues. The non-threatening, non-judgmental nature of animals is a source of unconditional love, resulting in a feeling of well-being. The science behind this is the chemical reaction generated in the brain lowering the level of the stress-producing hormone cortisol and increased production of the hormone serotonin.

Improved socialization and mental stimulation resulting in improved social skills and self-esteem.

Improved physical activity through increased joint movement and motor skills when doing such things as walking and playing with pets.

Improved appetite and nutrition with an increase in physical activity and social interaction.

An outlet for engagement with another living being on a deeper and often non-verbal level.

A sense of purpose through caring for an animal.

Bringing back fond memories of past pets and remembered times.

Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, is a broad term to describe the guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. First developed in the early 1990s, this therapy builds on the innate bond between humans and animals. Today, a number of universities are offering graduate courses in animal and pet-assisted therapy. Animal-assisted therapy is performed with a well-trained, certified animal handler. Animals used for pet therapy must be up to date on their shots and trained to be well behaved around people.

Sources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-does-pet-therapy-benefit-people-with-dementia-98677

https://www.heritageseniorcommunities.com/2018/02/24/benefits-pet-therapy-adults-dementia/

https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/alzheimers-disease-magic-pets

https://www.samvednacare.com/blog/2017/09/11/6-benefits-of-pet-therapy-for-dementia-patients/

https://www.scalabrini.com.au/the-benefits-of-pet-therapy-for-people-living-with-dementia/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4248608/

Page 12 CROFTON TIMES

Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining 47 letters spell a Benjamin Franklin quotation.

F V E L A I P H A R M A C I S T B E D T I M E

L O I G G S F E S T R A C K C A N S T R A T B

O X O S N G S E D O S T E O P O R O S I S C E

C Y Y D I U Y I D R O O M M A T E P S I A A D

K G S I T T O R S I Y R O M E M H T R L S R P

D E E L R R O L O T S L T L H Y A T L E A D A

O N S T A T A R W T A A E E S F A B S N V G N

W I S G H E M Y G X I V B I F I E T S I T A E

N N A E C E M O A E A S C I D L N L R C N M N

U S L T V O R T O T R A O O L E L U L I E E O

R U G S D I I M O R L I P P V I S T N D M S I

S L E O E V T R O T N W A E P T T S O E N O T

E I Y O E T E A H M A O Y T N U E Y I M I C O

A N E S S N E E L N E A I E R V S R S S A I L

I S O O N B R B D E D T I T I I N E S Y T A A

T H N I O A G E A I R T E T A H C N I R R L C

N O D O P N R S L I A D A R S E T I M I E I R

E T K Y I A H O P P D D W I S L R L D N T Z A

M S E G L A H A D E E F E B U T E C A G N E F

E T N A V O O W A S H H A N D S O E E E E L T

D I R E A S E R A C G N I N R O M R P R H T S

S M R O T C O D T F I L L A C I N A H C E M E

ADMISSION

ASSIST

BEDPAN

BEDTIME

BOOKS

CALL BELL

CARD GAMES

CHARTING

CRAFTS

DEMENTIA

DIABETES

DINNER

DISABILITY

DOCTOR

ELEVATOR

ENTERTAINMENT

EYEGLASSES

FOOD TRAY

GERIATRIC

HEALTH

HOLIDAY EVENTS

INSULIN SHOT

LAXATIVES

LOCKDOWN

LOTION

LOUNGE

MECHANICAL LIFT

MEDICINE

MEMORY

MORING CARE

NURSE

OSTEOPOROSIS

OXYGEN

PATIENTS

PHARMACIST

PHYSICAL THERAPY

PILLS

PODIATRIST

RECLINER

RECREATION ROOM

RELATIVES

ROOMMATE

SEDATIVES

SHAVER

SINGING

SLEEP

SNACK CART

SOAP

SOCIALIZE

STAFF

SUPPOSITORY

SYRINGE

THERMOMETER

TUBE FEED

VIRUS

VISITOR

WANDER ALARM

WASH HANDS

Page 13

Sod

331mg

Carbs

38g

Fib

9g

Chol

10mg

Sug

7g

SF

2g

TF

12g

3 medium potatoes with skin 3 tsp mustard

1 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise

1/2 cup minced onion 1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt

1 cup peas, frozen Black pepper to taste

Directions: Cut potatoes into bite-size chunks. Boil in a

pan, then simmer and cook uncovered until

potatoes are tender. Drain completely and let

cool. Put rest of ingredients in a large mixing

bowl. Add potatoes to bowl. Mix all ingredients

together and refrigerate.

SPRING PICNIC POTATO SALAD

SIMPLIFY YOUR

LIFESTYLE

Focus on ridding your

life of clutter and

unnecessary

commitments and

inconveniences.

Cals

289

Nutrition Information Per Serving—Servings Per Recipe: 4

CROFTON TIMES

Remember that

being positive makes

a difference in your

life and in the lives of

others.

Smile! This simple

expression can mean a

lot to the person who is

on the receiving end of

it. Plus, sporting a grin

is an easy way to lift

your own spirits.

Show gratitude. Take

time each day to reflect

on the good things in

your life. Be grateful for

what you have.

Spend time

volunteering. It’s a

sure way to make you

feel good and to help out

others in your

community.

CROFTON TIMES Page 14

There’s no doubt: Skin cancer’s the most common type of cancer in America—by far. Still, when treated early, it’s curable. Melanomas, while less prevalent, are more dangerous because they’re much more likely to grow and spread to other areas of the body. Learn more in May during Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month. Remember, you can reduce your risk by limiting or avoiding exposure to sunlight. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect cancer early. Note: Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Read on for tips and helpful advice on treatment and prevention.

MELANOMA/SKIN CANCER DETECTION & PREVENTION YEARLY TIMELINE: 2019—Promising research A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that two topical creams, used together, greatly reduce the odds for squamous cell carcinomas—the second most diagnosed form of skin cancer. 2009—Tanning bed trouble The World Health Organization moved UV tanning beds to its highest cancer risk category: “carcinogenic to humans.” Prior to the move, the group had classified tanning bed use as “probably carcinogenic.” 2008—Microscopic exams Studies determined that a procedure called “dermoscopy” is more accurate than a doctor’s visual examination for identifying potential melanomas. 2005—Young people at risk Research showed skin cancer—including melanoma—increased in both children and young adults. The incidence of melanoma rose 3 percent each year from 1973 to 2001 in people under 20. 1956—The UV connection Australian researcher Henry Lancaster linked the sun’s ultraviolet radiation to increased cases of melanoma. He was the first to measure the connection between melanoma and latitude—especially in Australia and New Zealand.

HOW TO OBSERVE MELANOMA/SKIN CANCER DECTECTION & PREVENTION MONTH 1. See a doctor—Schedule a visit if you notice any changes to your skin that concern you. Not all changes signal a problem. Make time during Melanoma/Skin cancer Detection & Prevention Month to examine your skin. 2. Wear sunscreen—It’s a good idea year-round. Sunscreens don’t filter out all harmful UV rays, especially those that can lead to melanoma, but they play a very big role in overall protection. 3. Avoid tanning beds—People who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent. Plus, UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, loose skin, brown spots) as well as skin cancer.

5 SKIN CANCER RISK FACTORS 1. Fair Skin—If you have blonde/red and light-colored eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you need to take extra precautions. 2. Abnormal moles—The medical term is “dysplastic nevi.” Monitor them regularly and see a doctor if you spot changes. Check your skin during Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month. 3. Too much sun—Sunny days might lift your mood, but not your skin. Living at higher altitudes prone to strong sunlight also exposes you to more radiation. 4. Smoking—Here’s another reason to quit: Smokers are more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancers, particularly on the lips. 5. Family/personal history—Pay extra attention if you, a parent, or a sibling has experienced skin cancer before.

WHY MELANOMA/SKIN CANCER DETECTION & PREVENTION MONTH IS IMPORTANT 1. One in five Americans—Skin cancer’s widespread. Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every day. More than a million Americans are living with melanoma (the most dangerous type). 2. Early treatment leads to cures—Common types including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable. And the five-year survival rate for people who can detect and treat melanoma before it spreads to the lymph nodes is nearly 100 percent. 3. High cost—The annual cost of treating non-melanoma skin cancer in the U.S. is estimated at $4.8 billion, while the average annual cost of treating melanoma is estimated at $3.3 billion.

Page 15 CROFTON TIMES

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and organizations across the nation will be drawing attention to the various—and often-surprising—

way mental illness affects peoples’ lives. This May, a number of new research findings highlight the need for increased understanding of, empathy for,

and respect of people facing mental health issues. Consider the following.

Mental Illness is ‘Normal’ People with mental health issues have long felt that they are different from others. Indeed, discussions of mental illness tend to speak

about “people with mental illness” as if they are a foreign group few of us ever encounter. The reality is that mental illness is so common—so

common, in fact, that a recent study claims that it’s a life unmarred by mental illness that’s the real anomaly.

According to the study, which followed people ages 11-38 and tracked their mental health, a mere 17% avoided mental illness.

Forty-one percent had a mental health condition that lasted for many years. Forty-two percent had a short-lived mental illness. This suggests

that, sooner or later, mental illness becomes an issue for most people. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse were the most common

diagnoses in the study.

Gender Can Affect Mental Health Diagnoses Many of us have heard that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism, but the overwhelming majority of those children are boys. A

new study suggests this may be because providers fail to recognize the signs of autism in girls. The reason? Gender-based empathy conditioning.

People with autism often appear to lack empathy or recognize social cues. According to the study, however, girls on the spectrum show

outward signs of empathy. Researchers believe this is because gender conditioning to master social skills is much stronger in girls. So girls with

autism may appear to understand social cues even when they don’t.

Worldwide, Depression is the Leading Cause of Disability The leading cause of disability isn’t cancer or chronic pain, though public health campaigns might make you think otherwise.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. What’s more, it’s held

that place for many years.

Even more troubling, despite burgeoning awareness, the rate of depression is not getting better. Particularly in developing nations,

people often do not receive treatment for symptoms of depression. And between 2005-2015, the rate of depression actually increased by 18%.

Mental and Physical Health are Inseparable Media portrayals often talk about mental and physical health, or discuss how one supports the other. This isn’t anything new.

Philosophers, scientists, and laypeople of all varieties have been separating the mind from the body for generations.

Research increasingly points to the link between the two. For example, some studies suggest that chronic inflammation may cause

depression. Others have found that mental illness can affect physical health, or lead to symptoms of chronic pain. The role of exercise in fighting

mental illness is well documented. People taking some chemotherapy drugs may be more vulnerable to depression, even when researchers

control for the already depressing effects of having cancer. And a new study just linked consuming low-fat, rather than whole-fat, dairy to a

lowered risk of depression. The invisible line between the mind and body is imaginary. Our thoughts reside in the brain, and the brain lives in

the body. It’s affected by what we eat, how we spend our time, and our overall health.

Environment Matters for Mental Health Much discussion of mental health focuses on genetics, brain chemicals, and other biological phenomena. It’s true that mental illness is

biological, but that does not mean that all cases of mental illness are hard-wired. The environment can affect the behavior of genes, as the

emerging study of epigenetics is making ever more clear. Stressful and deprived environments can

alter the way genes behave, triggering mental illness. For example, recent research has linked growing

up with food insecurity to an increased risk of mental health difficulties.

The environment in which people grow up also teaches them how to handle everything from

daily stress to serious trauma. People may learn depressive thinking from their parents, for instance, or

they may experience trauma in early childhood that leaves them with lasting mental health difficulties.

Mental illness certainly has a biological component, but to believe that it is solely

hard-wired and unavoidable is to believe that treatment doesn’t work. That’s not true. Treatment helps

the brain re-learn new ways of processing information as it helps the client cope with difficult

emotions. And just as the environment can shape people toward mental illness, treatment can help pull

them away from it. The goals of better understanding mental health diagnoses and improving societal

empathy should not be limited to the month of May, but it's certainly a good time to refocus our

efforts.

Crofton Care & Rehabilitation Center

2131 Davidsonville Road

Crofton, Maryland 21114

Fax: Administration # (410) 721-2749

Fax: Admissions # (410) 721-8524

Web Site: www.croftoncrc.com

Station I –Rooms 101-111 &

Station IV –Room 401-413 Coordinator

Jill Lascola—X4671

Station I –Rooms 113-133 Coordinator

Theresa Sinchak, RN—X4672

Station II Coordinator

Tarica Carpenter, LPN —X 4221

Station III & Station IV—Rooms

415-423 Coordinator

Mariena Robinson, RN—X4225

Life Enrichment Coordinator

Mary Wheat, CTRS, CDP—X4276

Therapeutic Recreation Department

Amber Moore, CTRS—X4257

Social Work

Charley Kline—X4600

Glenna Miller,LMSW—X4222

QA

Amanda Topper, RN—X4283

Admissions Coordinator

Judy Farrell—X4271

Facility Nurse Liaison

Nutritional Services Director

Jeanne Davenport—X6212

Patient Service Coordinator

Kelly McGhee—x4211

Plant Engineering Director

Mike Harper—X4268

Housekeeping/Laundry Departments

—X4270

Office Coordinator

Lesley Clark—X6201

Beauty Shop—X4213

Kitchen—X4267

Laundry—X4270

Physical Therapy—X4209

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