Half Past Fifty

02/01/2021

24/12/2020

May you have safe travels this holiday

18/11/2020

Be Safe out There

11/11/2020

Honoring veterans and moving into a new era of service
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A century ago, on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the armistice ending World War I
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Read More🔗📃⬇️
http://ow.ly/s4SQ50x3Z76

18/10/2020

A DIY Halloween Creation!
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When it comes to family fun, it’s hard to beat Halloween.
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it’s an opportunity to add something nutritious and delicious to festive celebrations.
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Enjoy!!

🔗Word: http://ow.ly/x7jn50wK7sk

18/10/2020

Creative Twist on Halloween Carvings!!
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Try these original and unique Watermelon carvings.
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In your upcoming Halloween festivities.
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Click the link below for Instructions in PDF.
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Enjoy!!

http://ow.ly/TP6B50wF5t0

29/09/2020

https://halfpastfifty.com/lung-infection-symptoms-causes-treatment/

This type of lung infection remains one of the top reasons for both adults and children alike to be hospitalized. Even more so with Covid-19.

02/07/2020

Have a Great Fourth and be safe in your travels.
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Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war.
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Double rations of rum was issued all soldiers, to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at Yorktown.
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Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.
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The tradition of setting off fireworks began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night fireworks were set off over Boston Common.
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In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

15/06/2020

Stuck inside? 6 fun enrichment activities for you and your pet
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It's no secret that pets provide love, loyalty and affection. This is even more apparent now that you're spending more time at home with them. In fact, according to the 2020 Purina Pet Ownership Survey, 94% of pet owners rely on their pet for emotional support, which is particularly important during times of uncertainty.
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You may be tempted to spend your time snuggling with your furry friend, but there are a lot of fun new things you can do to engage your pet mentally and physically while you are at home together. Now is a great time to integrate enrichment activities that will keep both of you healthy, happy and engaged.
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"Setting and keeping a daily pet care routine to feed and walk your pet is important in alleviating stress for your pet. But scheduling play and incorporating enrichment activities into your pet's day can also do wonders in keeping them happy and healthy," says Alex Johnson, senior designer & pet enrichment specialist at Purina.
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Johnson shares her favorite at-home pet enrichment tips and ideas:
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Making it new: It is important to expand your pet's world by providing opportunities for exploration. Try creating temporary indoor spaces to explore with boxes and paper bags or closing off a bedroom for a week to give your pet a space to rediscover. Hide some treats or favorite toys in the room before reopening it. Remember to keep toys in rotation to help create newness.
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Treat time: While at home all day, it can become difficult to track when your pet gets a snack, so try adding a treat time to your schedule. Keep in mind, pets should get no more than 10% of their daily calories from treats. If you have kids, let them earn the reward of treating the pet that day by cleaning their room or finishing homework early.
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One-on-one time: Having everyone constantly at home together can be stressful for pets. Provide opportunities for pets to have time on their own in addition to one-on-one time with family members. Spending 15 minutes together in a quiet space with no distractions can allow you to focus on engaging and bonding with your pet.
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Exercise: When stuck inside, it's important to find indoor activities to help pets burn energy. Try tug toys, laser pointer play, or playing tag or hide and seek. If you live in an apartment building, try throwing toys up or down steps in the stairwells or down hallways (if your landlord permits). If you're spending more time watching TV, consider keeping a drawer or basket close by with some of your pet's favorite toys, feather wands, tug-toys, balls, lasers, cat dancers, mechanical toys and stuffed animals. These toys allow you to interact with your pet from the comfort of the couch.
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Box of invisibility: Providing pets with safe spaces is a great way to give them some downtime while still being close to everyone. For example, set out a box or sign in the family room, and when the cat is in the box or the dog is in the designated area, have the whole family pretend you can't 'see' them, as if they were invisible. If the rule is followed, your pet will learn they can enjoy downtime in these spaces.
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Sensory spot: If you have a cat, you know they love exploring textures and smells. Try getting a box or basket just as big as your cat loosely curled up, and place it in an out-of-the-way area, preferably near a safe heat source, vent or sunny window. Each week, try putting in a new material such as a worn T-shirt, packaging paper or bits of textured fabric for them to explore.
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To learn more about how to keep pets happy and healthy during quarantine, visit www.purina.com/homewithpets.

03/06/2020

4 tips: Zing up your menus with a tasty summer garnish garden
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(BPT) - As people are spending more time at home, many are learning new activities and finding simple joy in doing the things they love, such as cultivating their own gardens.
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Now is the perfect time to start planning a summer garden that can add fresh flavors to your kitchen all year long. One growing trend is to create delicious and bountiful garnish gardens filled with herbs and produce to serve as the final touch for different food and beverage options. Even experienced gardeners often choose to focus on a few simple, high-in-flavor items that will elevate summer meals and cocktails such as juicy berries, savory herbs and other seasonal produce.
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As a bonus, gardening can provide stress relief and a sense of accomplishment in a fast-paced and challenging world. According to a 2020 study conducted by Fiskars, 46% of people in the U.S. say gardening is beneficial to their overall happiness. In that spirit, here are several tips from Fiskars to prepare and plant a summer garnish garden that will provide all kinds of delicious options for your at-home summer recipes.
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Plot your growing area
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Evaluate the growing season in your area and consider which of your outdoor spaces may provide enough sunlight for a viable garden. Depending on your ambition and commitment level, your garden could be as vast as your entire backyard or as simple as a few large pots on your patio or balcony. If you go big, be sure to allot extra time for cultivating, weeding and watering. For your first venture, you may want to start small with a few plants that are easy to shelter, grow and harvest.
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Assemble effective tools
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Having the right tools on hand is the best way to prepare to garden, especially if this is your first time putting a garden together. In fact, those who have gardened before know just how important this is - according to the same study, 77% of gardeners in the U.S. say having the right tools increases their happiness when gardening. This year, trade in your old tools for newer, ergonomically designed products that are not only more comfortable but also highly effective. For example, The Fiskars Xact Cultivator is made with deep, curved tines to efficiently loosen and aerate soil and a weighted handle for advanced comfort and control. The Xact Trowel can be comfortably gripped from multiple angles to pry through tough turf and dirt clots, and The Xact Hand Edger offers precision control when removing weeds, moss and debris from harder-to-reach places. All are equipped with SoftGrip handles and are perfect for planting herbs and fresh produce.
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Choose versatile varieties
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Consider which herbs, fruits and veggies will best contribute to the meals and beverages you like to prepare. For example, cucumbers or tomatoes can add a refreshing zing to salads and drinks, while rosemary and basil complement a range of both sweet and savory flavors in cocktails, grilled meats, vegetables, soups and salads. Other popular and easy-to-grow herbs include thyme, parsley, dill, cilantro and chives. Berry choices may include strawberries, raspberries and blackberries - just make sure you have enough room to let these bushy plants grow!
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Optimize your harvest
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There's nothing as refreshing as the taste of fresh produce, and being able to incorporate it into meals and tasty treats is one of the best perks of summer. Consider creative presentation ideas, too - try adding sprigs of rosemary sprinkled into ice cube trays, colorful berries atop summer cocktails or cutting cucumbers or strawberries into multi-petaled roses. You can also set aside ingredients for later; berries can be frozen, tomatoes can be canned and herbs can be dried to season meals throughout the colder months. Saving some of your hard-earned harvest will be sure to remind you of the simple pleasures derived from your own backyard.
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To find more tips on effective gardening as well as DIY inspiration and ideas, visit Fiskars.com. Happy growing!

01/06/2020

Practical Tips for Caregivers Facing a Pandemic
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(Family Features) Whether your role as a caregiver has you looking out for an elderly relative, children or both, chances are good that you've worried about how the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to affect your ability to provide necessary care.
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Following the most up to date guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the first step for caregivers who are looking after loved ones. As caregivers continue to adjust during the pandemic, keep these considerations in mind:
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* Contact health care providers to obtain extra necessary medications and stock up on over-the-counter drugs.
* Monitor needed medical supplies related to a loved one's condition or treatments (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care, etc.) and common supplies such as tissues and cough syrup.
* Those with a loved one in a long-term care facility should inquire about any positive COVID-19 cases in the facility, testing procedures for the residents and staff members and be aware of the facility's protocol if there is an outbreak or positive tests among residents and staff.
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These additional tips can help caregivers reduce the pandemic's impact:
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Make backup plans. Most caregivers have plans in place for temporary assistance when things go awry, but COVID-19 is putting many of those short-term solutions to the test. It's a good time to pull in additional resources so you have extra help waiting if someone you're counting on falls ill or can't fill in as planned. A meal delivery service may be a good option if grocery shopping and meal preparation continue to be affected.
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Reduce exposure. Those who take care of loved ones in their homes or are regular care providers to family members and friends have concerns about exposing this vulnerable group to the virus. Many long-term care facilities have changed their visitation policies. You might be able to visit a loved one through a window, via a balcony or through video chat. It's also important to minimize time spent out in the community where you could unknowingly contract the virus and pass it to a vulnerable loved one.
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Shop smart. Because supermarkets and stores with goods identified as "essential" are still bustling with people, it's important to minimize extra trips and wear a mask when in public. If possible, drop groceries and essentials at the door or arrange for delivery. In addition, some major pharmacies, where AARP members get special benefits on health, wellness and beauty purchases, have introduced special shopping hours for seniors and drive-thru shopping options to minimize person-to-person contact.
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Reschedule wellness appointments. Not only are doctor's offices short on resources, a waiting room can be filled with germs that may cause illness. Try to arrange for telephone or video-based appointments when possible and cancel any appointments that aren't urgently necessary.
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Keep germs away. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is critical. In addition to washing hands after eating and using the restroom, anyone entering and leaving the house should wash his or her hands. Also wipe down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, remotes and phone keypads.
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Combat boredom. Despite the good intentions of staying away, social isolation can be a real concern for seniors. Practicing social distancing is important for their health, but you can help keep them engaged by increasing phone, video and online interaction, and encouraging family and friends to do the same. If your loved one doesn't already have a cell phone, contract-free plans are available with free activation and special rates for senior users. Many long-term care facilities also offer social distancing activities for residents.
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Find more resources for caregivers at aarp.org/save.

31/05/2020

Reduce Your Risk of Another Heart Attack or Stroke
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COVID-19 pandemic highlights importance of maintaining healthy routines
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After a heart attack or stroke, as many as 1 in 4 survivors will have another one. However, lifestyle changes and working closely with your doctor to manage your health may minimize the risk of a repeat event. Sticking to secondary prevention routines - by eating healthy, being active and taking medications as prescribed - is important as cases of COVID-19 increase.
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"A heart attack or stroke is a very scary experience, and people try to avoid revisiting that difficult time," said neurologist Lee Schwamm, MD, chair of the American Stroke Association and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School "Unfortunately, the risk of a repeat stroke is high, and lifestyle changes to reduce a person's risk are almost always necessary to reduce those odds."
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Up to 80% of second clot-related strokes and heart attacks may be prevented by making healthy choices. Consider these tips from the American Stroke Association's secondary heart attack and stroke prevention initiative, sponsored nationally by Bayer.
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Blood Pressure: Work with your doctor to ensure you're maintaining a healthy blood pressure level below 130/80. High blood pressure is both a leading cause and major risk factor for stroke and heart attack.
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Cholesterol: Medication and healthy lifestyle habits can help keep high cholesterol in check.
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Blood Sugar: Having diabetes, which is caused by high blood sugar, more than doubles your risk of stroke. Some people have diabetes and don't know it until a medical emergency happens.
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Medications: If you are prescribed medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, make sure you take them as prescribed. If you had a clot-related stroke or a heart attack, your doctor may recommend aspirin to help prevent another event. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so talk to your doctor before beginning an aspirin regimen.
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Smoking: If you smoke, stop. Smoking increases the risk of stroke and heart attack because it damages blood vessels, which can lead to blockages.
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Physical Activity: Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week or 150 minutes per week is recommended by the American Stroke Association.
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Even as COVID-19 cases strain emergency medicine, calling 9-1-1 still provides access to life-saving treatments for people experiencing medical emergencies like heart attacks or strokes. Emergency medical responders can assess symptoms, begin treatment and transport the patient to the most appropriate hospital, if necessary.
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Based on current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it appears people 65 and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, are more likely to be infected and develop more severe symptoms. Stroke survivors may face increased risk for complications if they get COVID-19.
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Find more resources to help manage your risk at stroke.org/oneisenough.
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Know the Warning Signs for Strokes and Heart Attacks
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Even as COVID-19 cases strain emergency medicine, experts say calling 9-1-1 is still the best way to access life-saving treatments for people who are experiencing heart attack or stroke symptoms.
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Heart attacks and strokes are medical emergencies. If someone is experiencing stroke or heart attack symptoms, he or she should call 9-1-1. Emergency medical responders can assess symptoms, begin treatment in the ambulance and transport the patient to the most appropriate hospital, if necessary.
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Hospitals have plans in place to keep potentially contagious patients away from others and keep surfaces clean. Calling 9-1-1 and activating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ensures you have the best possible chance to beat a heart attack or stroke. EMS can begin treatment in the ambulance and take you to the hospital best suited to care for you in an emergency.
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Stroke warning signs can be remembered using the acronym F.A.S.T.:
* F - Face drooping
* A - Arm weakness
* S - Speech difficulty
* T - Time to call 9-1-1
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Heart attack warning signs include:
* Chest discomfort.
* Discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
* Shortness of breath.
* Breaking out in a cold sweat
* Nausea
* Lightheadedness