Under Promise, Over Deliver
by Kim Majick

A new rule...Never Promise more than you can deliver.  Set realistic expectations for residents and families.  Providing compassionate realistic messages about the services and capabilities of our facilities will allow residents and families to be better prepared for a positive stay.  For example, be realistic and specific.  If you answer a call light and have to return to complete the assistance a resident needs, do not say, "I'll be right back."  What does that mean?  To the resident it could mean 1 minute, 2 minutes...everyone's interpretation of "right back" will be unique.  Instead say, "Mrs. Smith, I have to finish helping another resident.  It will take me at least five minutes and then I will be able to come back and help you get ready for lunch.  Is that OK with you?"  Being specific and setting a realistic expectation will help your relationship with your residents and families.  

'QuickTips' from QuickTakes
by Cathy Hamblen

The calendar says it's winter, so OSHA is reminding employers and employees to take necessary precautions to stay safe over the coming months, especially while driving in snow and ice. Here are a few tips to help prevent motor vehicle injuries during winter storms.

• Maintain your car-check the battery, tire treads, and windshield wipers, keep your windows clear, put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir, and check your anti-freeze.
  
• Have on hand a flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even floor mats), shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices (like flares) and blankets. For long trips, add food and water, medication and cell phone.
  
  
• Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary), be familiar with the maps/directions, and let others know your route and arrival time.
  
• Slow down and increase distances between cars.

National Grapefruit Month
by Beth Lind, R.D.,L.D.

February is National Grapefruit Month.  The grapefruit is a large citrus fruit related to the orange and lemon.  Grapefruits are categorized as white (blond), pink or ruby.  This doesn’t reflect their skin color, but rather describes the color of their flesh.  When choosing a grapefruit, look for firm, yet slightly springy when pressure is applied.  They are available year round, but are at their best from winter through early spring.  Grapefruits are juicier when they’re slightly warm rather than cool, so store them at room temperature if you are planning on consuming them within a week of purchase.  They will also keep fresh in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. 

• Grapefruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps to support the immune system.
• Grapefruit contains pectin, a form of soluble fiber that has been shown to help lower cholesterol.
• Grapefruit juice may help prevent kidney stones.
• Grapefruit juice may also provide protection against lung and colon cancer.

Be sure to check with your healthcare practitioner about consuming grapefruit juice if you’re taking pharmaceutical drugs.  Certain medications combined with grapefruit juice become more potent.