Boquete Health and Hospice October Newsletter

[Boquete Health and Hospice]

View this email in your browser Table of Contents Letter From Your President Letter From the Editor The “Rhythms of Life” Selection Volunteer Spotlight – Dave & Erin Ross Being Prepared Workshop Upcoming Events General Meeting Agenda November 10th Volunteer Appreciation Lunch December 1st Elections & Proposed Slate of Officers January 13th October Events Recap Blood Drive October 9th Radio show with Dr. Shannon October 9th General Meeting October 13th Vaccinations Chris's Corner Tree of Life BHH Policies & Mission Statement Attention BHH Volunteers We are in desperate need for volunteers for the Equipment Team.  You will be trained in the use of the equipment, check out and check in procedures (It's easy). You need to be able to lift 30lbs  You don’t have to respond to every dispatch, only when it works with your schedule. If interested, Please call or email John Ferguson at 6613-9391 (WhatsApp) or email johnstpete@gmail.com Presidents Letter Help Needed: We have 75% of the slate of officers for next year filled: Vice President – Stacey Stich Treasurer – Laurie Collier Secretary – John Ferguson But…We still need a President. The President is the public face of Boquete Health and Hospice, and as such, presides over the Council Meetings, General Meetings and helps in any public relations events as needed.  He or she is responsible for creating agendas, working on any new policies that may be needed and acting as a conduit between the Council and the organization along with contributing to the newsletter and maintaining the teams.  BUT this job is not done alone.  Whenever a request for help has gone out, there has always been someone there to help.  If you think you may be interested in filling this position, please contact Lesley Hughes (lesleyahughes@gmail.com) to discuss further. Email Lesley Reflections From Your New Newsletter Editor In covering Boquete Health and Hospice (BHH) news, I had the honor of attending your October 2021 Zoom Council Meeting – incredible!  Having been a part of many volunteer organizations over the years, the BHH organization, with the various events, opportunities, structure and just total professionalism is so very impressive.  Your president Lesley Hughes had an extensive meeting agenda, ran the meeting efficiently and covered an immense volume of material in just under an hour. The services BHH covers – ranging from blood drives, to equipment lending, handling domestic violence calls, information workshops – what a fantastic community resource both for Panamanians and expats.  Reports from various Council members also showed that BHH works well with other community organizations; Hospital Regional (blood drive), the Handicap Foundation (equipment), the mayor’s office, etc.  There is even a committee to write thank you notes to donors – and what an important and often overlooked item! I am proud to be part of BHH, and look forward to working with all of you.  Please do not hesitate to let me know of any feedback you have on the newsletter, and anything you would like to see us add.  Thank you. Linda Jaekel Avery, Boquete Health & Hospice Newsletter linda@boquetehealth.org The Rhythms of Life: Releasing the Mind The Wellness Benefits of Mantra Did you know that singing a mantra to yourself has many benefits, even if you are not singing out loud?  It can help to keep you rooted and mindful in the present moment, especially when one is out and about, away from one's usual sources of music.  The Beatles' George Harrison stated that in his life he experienced "nothing higher" than the happiness he and John Lennon experienced from singing mantra.  That's a compelling statement about the power of mantra from two men who were at the pinnacle of the music world with unparalleled success, fame, and fortune!  And it certainly is intriguing that singing mantras made them happier than singing to thousands of adoring, screaming fans!  This month the "Magic of Music" Team explores the world of mantra which can have positive effects on anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, anger and psychological distress, not to mention opening the doors to expanded states of consciousness!   Also be sure to check out the wide variety of mantra playlists, from traditional to reggae and modern rock, from The Beatles to Gregorian Chant, to an album of mantras released last year by the Dalai Lama!  You will also find two original recordings from your own "Magic of Music" Team!     Full Article Those who volunteer with BHH are truly amazing.  If you remember last December’s newsletter, the list went on and on. Or look at the roots and trunk of our Tree of Life. Dave and Erin Ross Core members of the Boquete expat community, have been active in BHH from its very onset in 2007.  (Initially BHH started with a group of people bringing together their skills, who took turns presenting an area of their expertise to the group.  Dave’s first talk was on end-of-life transitioning.)  Erin joined the group and, as with all her various community projects, she gave  BHH her enthusiasm, talent and energy. When Erin became the head of the newly created Ambassador Team, she was the perfect leader. As Ambassadors, Dave and Erin assemble and deliver Friendship Baskets that are given to people in need of a boost.  The gift they select is always lovely, personal and perfect for the recipient - but their visits are the capstone in helping to raise the spirits of those in difficulty. They are selfless, compassionate, and have made significant contributions to the growth and development of BHH.  Although Dave and Erin are planning to cut back on their activities and are stepping down from their roles with BHH, they will continue to create and deliver the friendship baskets. Their wonderful contribution over the years to the well-being of the people of Boquete is much appreciated!  Thank you Dave and Erin!! Volunteer Now Sign Up for Being Prepared Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Nov 3rd Zoom Council Meeting – 10:00 a.m. Nov 10th General Meeting – 1:00 p.m.  (In-Person only) Dec 1st Volunteer Appreciation Lunch - Tap Out at 1:00 p.m. Dec 28th FINAL DAY FOR NOMINATIONS for officers Jan 5th Planning Meeting Jan 12th ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS of officers   November 10th General Meeting   It is IN-PERSON only. Dr. Rod Gottula will give a half hour talk. Team Breakouts so the teams can develop their 2022 plans, and provide the council with their projected needs and planned activities. Volunteer Appreciation Lunch - final chance to sign up.   Talk: Dr. Roderic Gottula Presenting “Blood Sugar – Highs and Lows” Hyperglycemia, and to a lesser extent hypoglycemia, are conditions that significantly affect mankind, especially with the significant increase in obesity.  We will discuss both these conditions and provide information on methods to improve control of both. How can you help? What is YOUR passion?  Be sure to come to the general meeting and join in.  Teams are:  Patient and Family Care Equipment Education Blood Drive Public Relations Meal Preparation & Delivery Ambassadors December 1st Volunteer Appreciation Lunch On December 1, 2021 BHH will celebrate our wonderful volunteers.  The location is Tap Out Restaurant, the time is 1:00 p.m.  Seating is limited to 50 people.  Please see the link below to make your reservations and select your meal.  Special drinks will be available for purchase.  There is no charge for volunteers, and guests are $10.00.  Volunteers are allowed one guest per volunteer. Sign Up for Lunch October Activity Recaps October 9th Blood Drive On Saturday, October 9, Boquete REALLY ‘Showed It’s Love’ at our most attended Blood Drive ever.  61 pints of blood were collected and since 1 pint can save 3 lives, we have impacted 183 lives. Thanks go to the Blood Bank Staff from Hospital Regional; Mayor Joswar Alvarado, our co-sponsor; the Matching Fund Donors who financially support our efforts; the BHH volunteer workers; and MOST IMPORTANTLY to the 61 people who willingly donated their precious blood to help others in the community. It may not be known that the blood drive operates under the control of the blood center at Hospital Regional (David).  Any member of our community can call our blood line (see below) and request blood.   BHH only acts as an intermediary (providing a location and assisting with logistics) between the Hospital Regional and our community.  Without the blood drives that Hospital Regional and BHH sponsor, getting blood transferred from Hospital Regional to Mae Lewis Hospital or Chiriqui Hospital quickly would not be possible. In September our blood team received a call from a woman who was desperate to get some blood for a family member.  We were able to supply her with the five (5) units that were required and a life was saved.  This would not have been possible except for the generosity of those who donate blood and matching funds.  The Matching Fund program was supported by donors who gave $1,557. Remember, if you or your loved one needs blood, send a WhatsApp text to 507 6590-2000, or call our main line 507 6781-9250. October 9th Radio Show with Dra. Shannon Tuer On October 9, Dra. Shannon Tuer hosted Kim Doherty and Lesley Hughes who explained the Being Prepared Program, its history, how it works in real life, the benefits from spending the time to organize and prepare for the unexpected (or expected) death of a loved one.  The video of the show can be found on our website and on YouTube. Watch Video October 13th General Meeting There were 25 in attendance – both in person and by Zoom – and your officers updated members on different team reports and activities of the month.  The Blood Drive topped all records and you can see their detail above.  There may be some upcoming equipment shortages and the equipment team is working hard to tabulate and see if additional purchases may be needed.  The meeting was capped off by a fabulous presentation by Dr. Rod Gottula on different forms of skin cancer and early warning signs.  If you missed this – it will be posted on the website for your benefit. Vaccinations If you are vaccinated, please take a photo of your vaccination card and upload it to our website.  It will be kept confidential, but will allow us to contact volunteers when we need members for people to do events in the community.   If you are having trouble uploading it, email it to Lesley Hughes at lesleyahughes@gmail.com. Enter Vaccine Information This section will contain an interesting article that we found on the web with a teaser so you can see if you want to click through.  Many places want you to sign up for their mailing list; however, we only choose links that let you bypass the sign up. Later, if you like the site, you can choose to sign up, but not necessary to read the article. These Bright Colors Lower Your Risk of Cognitive Decline Within virtually every fruit and vegetable lies a large and diverse group of phytochemicals (plant compounds) called flavonoids. Together with a separate group called carotenoids, they supply fruit and vegetables with their vivid colors. Flavonoids also have a number of health benefits. They’re potent antioxidants, defend against inflammation and help support immune function. Many population studies already show flavonoids help prevent the onset of heart disease, cancer and neurodegeneration. Recently, researchers at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health wanted to explore the effects of flavonoids on the brain. In particular they were interested in which of the six main subgroups of flavonoids protect the brain from cognitive decline and by how much. Go to full article About the Tree of Life The tree was created to honor our donors and volunteers.  The roots are volunteers, the trunk is the council, the leaves are people who have donated $100 or more.  The two color leaves are people who have donated for two years.  The flowers are sponsors who donate $1000 or more.  The Lilies are memorials to people who have passed.  Family or friends have donated $200 or more to honor them.  Add your leaf or flower or Lily.  Click the button to make our tree grow. Thank you. Donate Click Here to Enlarge Tree Many Thanks to Our New and Repeat Donors  Bill Hinrichsen Laurie & Kelly Collier Jo Clem Douglas & Linda Avery Susan and Price Perterson Lucie Conner and James McCallum John Ferguson & Craig Gatrel Trish and Brian Christofferson Dave and Erin Ross Steve Woodgate Carl & Sheila Strunk Ruby McKenzie John & Babbie Earle Charlotte Lintz Holly Carr Sandra Ullstrup    The policies of the organization are posted on our website.  There is a link at the bottom of the home page or you can go to the “More” page to read them or download a PDF version.  The policies will be updated as needed.   View BHH Policies Our Mission Statement Our mission is to inform and promote community health. To support people with health and wellness needs by providing information, equipment and volunteer services. To provide palliative (Hospice) care for the terminally ill in order that they may experience death with dignity and limited pain. ___________________ To Make a Donation  BHHF functions with donations provided by the community. If you are interested in supporting the work we do, please make a donation. To make a financial contribution: • Check or cash please contact Laurie Collier, treasurer, at  treasurer@boquetehealth.org • Click Here  to make an online Paypal donation. • Direct Deposit to Boquete Hospice and Health Foundation, Global Bank Checking Account #16-101-23071-6  _____________________ Contact Us 8am to 5pm M-F, 9am to 1pm Sat & Sun Hospice/Health:  (507) 6781-9250          Blood Donor Program: WhatApp (507)-6590-2000 or call (507)-6781-9250 Email: info@boquetehealth.org Website: http://www.boquetehealth.org FacebookPage: https://www.facebook.com/boqueteheartshandsandhelp All patient information shared with any Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer is kept in the strictest confidence. Freely send this to anyone, use any part. Our mailing address is: info@boquetehealth.org Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Thank you