January 2021
The Hull Foundation’s
Picture is last February’s Hull Park guests snowshoeing on Mt. Hood. 7 Sight Loss people in a line, with winter clothing, snowshoes, trekking poles in each hand, in the snow. Lots of snow laden trees in the background and several feet of snow on the ground. Sight Loss Monthly News
503-668-6195
www.hullparkfortheblind.org
“The publishing of this newsletter is a service of The Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind and is not an endorsement of any of its contents. All products, items and other information may be used at the sole discretion of the reader.”
Editors, Hull Foundation Staff
Contents
- Mission Statement …p. 3
- COVID and you…p. 3
- Walk Across the United Kingdom …p. 6
- Tip of the Month: Diabetes and Sight Loss …p. 8
- Gadget of the Month: Talking Thermometers…p. 9
- Reading in the Dark Book Club …p. 10
- Hull Foundation Presents – 2021 Jan-Feb Zoom Schedule…p. 12
- Jokes to Keep Us Laughing …p. 21
Our Mission Statement:
The mission of the Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind is to provide programs, facilities and services including social, educational, and recreational activities for people who are blind and visually impaired.
“Keeping Hope & Dreams Alive!”
*If you would prefer to receive this newsletter by email, or to unsubscribe, please call the Hull Foundation at 503.668.6195 or send an email to: oralhull@gmail.com Address: PO Box 157, Sandy, OR 97055 43233 SE Oral Hull Road, Sandy, OR 97055
COVID AND YOU
Very few of us have lived through a global pandemic before and we are all processing this in our own way. Physical distancing has an impact on our mental health regardless of vision impairment. We are all experiencing a wide range of emotions and may be more emotional than normal, have less patience and focus, or feel greater anxiety. We may feel bad about taking the time to take care of our own needs or feel guilty for not using this extra time to be productive. It is okay to have a quiet day filled with activities that make you feel good.
If a social connection is the thing you miss most, find a buddy to mask up and take a walk around the neighborhood. The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both. These recommendations can still be achieved even at home, with no special equipment and with limited space.
And the best news of all? You can check out our 2021 Hull Foundation Presents, Zoom meetings that include, topic specific classes on all aspects of daily living with sight loss, technology classes, book club, and social gatherings where the group picks any subject! See page 12 for days, dates, times and meeting descriptions for all Zoom meetings in January and February. Remember, if needed, reaching out to a health care professional to assist with anxiety, depression and other mental health means that you care about yourself!
Walk Across the United Kingdom
Our second virtual Walk-a-thon is taking us to the United Kingdom; Scotland, England, and Ireland. We are currently in stage 2, England-where we shall be enjoying the English version of Christmas. Elliott Piros is our guide as we travel though England. Each day we receive a narrative of the places and sites we have visited, based on the virtual “miles” we have walked. We visit small villages, large cities, and castles both intact and in ruins, hear about the ghosts from the past and see the modern present. We have learned about how many different cultures have thrived in the area and how the past influences the world around us.
Want to join us? Anyone can join our walk at any time. We are hoping you will find a sponsor, of any amount, and no one is turned away.
All you need to do is call the office at 503-668-6195 and let them know you would like to join our walk across the UK. Then each night by 6 pm leave a message as to how many miles or hours you were active Every 20 minutes equals 1 mile. Activity is the key. Any active movement counts whether you are cleaning house or doing yard work. Please add any places or things you would like to see us do along the walk. You will then get a daily write up that starts like this… **Day 15 Stage 2 England Update…
So, come join in the fun and keep moving as we walk our way, virtually, across the UK.
Tip of the Month: Diabetes and Sight Loss
Diabetes is a common cause of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. In fact, diabetics are 40% more likely to have glaucoma, and 60% more likely to have cataracts, per the American Diabetes Association. If left unchecked, vision loss due to diabetes is irreversible. What can I do to protect my eyes? To prevent diabetic eye disease, or to keep it from getting worse, manage your A1c (A1c stands for glycated hemoglobin). The A1c percentage measures how much sugar is attached to the blood’s hemoglobin protein. The A1c test result gives a measure of how well your body has controlled the amount of sugar in the blood over the past two to three months. You must also manage your blood pressure and cholesterol by asking your doctor for best practices. Also quit smoking, if you smoke.
Have a dilated eye exam at least once a year—or more often if recommended by your eye care professional. These actions are powerful ways to protect the health of your eyes—and can prevent blindness.
The sooner you work to manage your diabetes and other health conditions, the better. And, even if you’ve struggled in the past to manage your health, taking better care of yourself now can protect your eyes for the future.
Gadget of the Month: Talking Thermometers
Talking thermometers give you instant temperature readings. There are thermometers for checking your own temperature, cooking thermometers and indoor/outdoor temperature thermometers. Thermometers can tell you what you need to hear-out loud! You can find any type for fever, cooking/grilling, or even thermostats for your home, from about $25 on up at Amazon, Maxi Aids, LSS Products and other places that sell assistive devices for the blind.
“Reading in the Dark” Book Club
When: Tuesdays January 12th and 26th at 10:00am.
For our first meeting we will be reading and discussing “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. DB 85761.
Summary: The story concentrates on an African American labor/delivery nurse, Ruth Jefferson, in charge of newborns at a Connecticut hospital. Ruth is ordered not to touch or go near the baby of a white supremacist couple. After the baby dies in her care, Ruth is charged with murder, and taken to court.
Join us for an hour of discussion and comradery! We also talk about other book suggestions. Come prepared with ideas for our next books!
Zoom Meetings-Hull Foundation Presents
Our Zoom meetings in 2020 have been very well received by those new to sight loss as well as those who have had sight loss for years. We have doubled the number of Zoom meetings for 2021 and have based our topics on YOUR suggestions and what information you need. We also added a new Zoom meeting just for socializing and fun! Topics are based on whatever you and the group want to talk about. Here are our January and February Zoom schedules…
JANUARY
Tuesday 1/12/21 10am-11am
“Reading in the Dark” Book Club
Tuesday 1/12/21 1pm-2pm Anger, denial, depression, acceptance.
For those new to sight loss. Your feelings are genuine, and you are not alone.
Wednesday 1/13/21 10am-11am
A trip to your eye doctor – Questions to always ask, taking a family member or friend with you. Info about using recording devices.
Wednesday 1/13/21 1pm-2pm Introduction to Phone & Tablet Technology
What’s all the hoopla about technology? How can it help with my sight loss?
Thursday 1/14/21 1pm-2pm
Group Chat – New Year’s Resolutions
Open discussion. Share your resolutions or one thing you would like to accomplish in 2021. Either related to your sight loss or not!
Tuesday 1/19/21 10am-11am
Help! I have Wardrobe challenges!
Tips for organizing your closets, shoes, socks, dressers, bedroom, and assistive devices to help with these challenges.
Tuesday 1/19/21 1pm-2pm Money and Debit/Credit Cards – Assistive Devices to help with financial transactions.
Wednesday 1/20/21 10am-11am
I Lost the cap on the toothpaste, now what?
Making your bathroom and hygiene routine efficient and fun!
Wednesday 1/20/21 1pm-2pm
What’s so Great about an iPad?
First of 4 weekly classes to a better understanding of the power of the iPad.
Thursday 1/21/21 1pm-2pm
Group Chat – Your favorite assistive Device
Share your favorite assistive device and let us know how you found it and how you use it.
Tuesday 1/26/21 10am-11am
“Reading in the Dark” Book Club
Tuesday 1/26/21 1pm-2pm
Oregon PUD assistive devices are available
Wednesday 1/27/21 10am-11am
Chair Exercises to get you going!
Wednesday 1/27/21 1pm-2pm
What’s so Great about an iPad?
2nd weekly class to a better understanding of the power of the iPad.
Thursday 1/28/21 1pm-2pm
Group Chat – What’s the biggest issue you are facing with your sight loss?
FEBRUARY
Tuesday 2/2/21 10am-11am
Medications and you – Tips on getting medications, taking them and being safe.
Tuesday 2/2/21 1pm-2pm
What’s in the Kitchen? Kitchen appliances, tools/gadgets, and organization.
Wednesday 2/3/21 10am-11am
What’s the latest about Macular Degeneration? Get caught up on the latest research for MD.
Wednesday 2/3/21 1pm-2pm What’s so Great about an iPad?
3rd weekly class to a better understanding of the power of the iPad.
Thursday 2/4/21 1pm-2pm
Group Chat- Music can soothe the savage beast – How has music played an important part in your sight loss journey? Sing or play instrument? Please share your talents with us!
Tuesday 2/9/21 10am-11am
“Reading in the Dark” Book Club
Tuesday 2/9/21 1pm-2pm
Keep Reading and Learning! Where to find all your reading materials in the way that best fits your reading interest, including magazines.
Wednesday 2/10/21 10am-11am
Grocery shopping – a lost art?
Best practices for a sight loss person to shop. Assistive devices to make it easier. On-line delivery information.
Wednesday 2/10/21 1pm-2pm
What’s so great about an iPad?
Last weekly class to a better understanding of the power of the iPad.
Thursday 2/11/21 1pm-2pm
Group Chat – Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Share your Valentine’s day experiences, good, funny, embarrassing!
Tuesday 2/16/21 10am-11am
Staying connected to the people you love
How to stay engaged with family and friends.
Tuesday 2/16/21 1pm-2pm
Web browsers and emailing- How do I access the web? How can I be safe with emailing/best practices?
Wednesday 2/17/21 10am-11am
Thinking about putting in a vegetable garden or a flowerpot or two?
Hints, tips and devices to grow a planter or more, for veggies.
Wednesday 2/17/21 1pm-2pm
Trains, planes, and automobile transportation.
Best practices for traveling long distances.
Thursday 2/18/21 1pm-2pm
Group Chat – Who was Oral Hull?
59 years ago, we received a gift of 22 acres of land to be used for those with blindness and low vision. How it all began.
Tuesday 2/23/210 10am-11am
“Reading in the Dark” Book Club
Tuesday 2/23/21 1pm-2pm
Why is a vision assessment important
Wednesday 2/24/21 10am-11am
Eye Health and Nutrition
Wednesday 2/24/21 1pm-2pm
The iPhone and you 4 weekly classes
First of 4 weekly classes to a better understanding of the power of the iPhone
Please keep in mind that you will need to call into our office to confirm which (or all) meetings you want to attend. Office personnel will be happy to give you the Zoom log in information. Some topics may need us to send out supplies or other supportive information, and we will need to verify correct mailing and email contact for you. Office phone number is 503-668-6195.
Jokes to Keep Us Laughing
1. Why should you put your new calendar in the freezer?
To start off the new year in a cool way.
2. What’s a cow‘s favorite holiday?
Moo Year’s Eve.
3. What do you say to your friends on New Year’s Day?
I haven’t seen you since last year.
4. What is a New Year’s resolution?
Something that goes in one year and out the other.
5. An iPhone and a firework were arrested on New Year’s Eve.
One was charged and the other was let off.
6. Why was 6 afraid of 9 on New Year’s Eve?
Because 9, 8, 7 …
7. I can’t wait till New Year’s Day 2021.
Then I can say hindsight is really 2020.
May this year be the beginning of us all getting back together in person!
The Hull Foundation Family