Bickford of Wabash

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE!! Author: E.C. LaMeaux One of the best feelings in the world is the deep-rooted belly laugh. It can bring people together and establish amazing connections. Everything from a slight giggle to a side-splitting guffaw can change the temperature of a room from chilly unfamiliarity to a warm family-like atmosphere. Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at the Loma Linda University in California researched the benefits of laughter and found amazing results. Get ready to get your giggle on! 1. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE People who lower their blood pressure, even those who start at normal levels, will reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack. So grab the Sunday paper, flip to the funny pages, and enjoy your laughter medicine. 2. REDUCES STRESS HORMONE LEVELS By reducing the level of stress hormones, you're simultaneously cutting the anxiety and stress that impacts your body. Additionally, the reduction of stress hormones may result in higher immune system performance. Just think: Laughing along as a co-worker tells a funny joke can relieve some of the day's stress and help you reap the health benefits of laughter. 3. WORKS YOUR ABS One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you are laughing, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs. Meanwhile, the muscles you are not using to laugh are getting an opportunity to relax. Add laughter to your ab routine and make getting a toned tummy more enjoyable. 4. IMPROVES CARDIAC HEALTH Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who are incapable of doing other physical activity due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. So, laugh your heart into health. 5. BOOSTS T-CELLS T-cells are specialized immune system cells just waiting in your body for activation. When you laugh, you activate T-cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness. Next time you feel a cold coming on, add chuckling to your illness prevention plan. 6. TRIGGERS THE RELEASE OF ENDORPHINS Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. By laughing, you can release endorphins, which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel good all over. 7. PRODUCES A GENERAL SENSE OF WELL-BEING Laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Doctors have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more negative. So smile, laugh, and live longer!

It's a beautiful day, and nowhere is that more true than at Bickford. This morning we played bingo and got some exercise. This afternoon we played our version of Hungry, Hungry Hippo. We used cut-down gallon jugs for our hippos. It was a whole lot of fun. Mary won one game, and Dee won all the rest. Louise did very well, even though she didn't win. Of course, with all of the laughing we did I think everyone was a winner. Always something fun happening at Bickford of Wabash.

What fun we had today! It was Puppy Palooza at Bickford of Wabash. Our residents got to play with the dogs, and the dogs got to show off their best attributes. We even had several spectators come to enjoy the show. Why a Puppy Palooza? Because your pets are welcome to move in with you, when you reside at Bickford of Wabash. Our judges were Donna Rouch of Angels of Mercy, Larry Allen (Regional Director with Bickford), and Derrik Hurlock. They awarded several prizes at the end of our Pet Parade: Little Cutie Pie was awarded to Molly, owned by Moe Sprong. Man's Best Friend was awarded to MoJo, owned by Moe Sprong. Biggest & Strongest was awarded to Mr. B, owned by Andrea Maus. Pretty Girl was awarded to Missy Grasshopper, owned by Brenda and Jackson Jacoby. Rowdiest was awarded to Ginger, owned by Lois Murphy. Best Behaved was awarded to Mia, owned by Barb Heinbaugh. Mia also won Best in Show. Best in Show received a gift certificate to J&K Mega Pets. All winners received a certificate. All participants received goodie bags with donations from J&K Mega Pets, Cedar Creek Grooming, and homemade dog treats courtesy of the Bickford kitchen. We would also like to thank Cornerstone Veterinary Services for their generous donation and Wabash Humane Society for bringing out adorable dogs and cats for us to Always something fun happening at Bickford of Wabash.

Come and join us tomorrow for our 2nd annual Puppy Palooza

It's been a busy day. This morning we enjoyed some trivia and exercise. This afternoon we made patriotic stars. We're getting ready for Independence Day a little early. Soon we'll read the next section of "Sacajawea." Always something fun happening at Bickford of Wabash.