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Death of a Hummingbird

My son and I found a deceased hummingbird in our yard yesterday. I almost didn't see it, at first. Without my glasses, the bright green feathers and grayish wings fooled me into thinking it was a dead fig beetle in the leaf litter. When I bent down and saw this tiny bird, I was at first overjoyed! I picked it up delicately, cradling it in my hands hoping to see or feel a little bit of breath or movement. When I realized the bird was not going revive I started to examine it like tiny treasure. The opportunity to just hold a hummingbird was a rarity, but to be able to actually do a bit of manipulation, knowing I'd be causing no harm excited the nerdy nature kid and adult in me. I passed my fingertips over the smooth head feathers and into the "ruff" that were both that glistening ruby color when in direct sunlight. This identified this specimen as a male Anna's hummingbird, common in our area. We hear them whizzing past our porch every day, on the way to our neighbo...

Giving Thanks, Our Way

For Eli and Craig and me, our extended families live at least 90 minutes by plane (and at this time of year, $1000 minimum) and further. Due to school and work schedules, and familial obligations, seldom do we get time for just the three of us to enjoy time together, guilt-free, without feeling like we have to either, a) run to one relatives house for a large holiday (Jewish, Christian, Secular); or b) do chores/fix up the house/do laundry/run errands that don’t get done on normal days. Eli’s first Thanksgiving was one of sleepless drama (the child was anti-slumber until he was four and even now can do zombie-inspired four-hour anti-sleep binges worthy of the worst of college drunken study habits and expect one of us to joyfully participate with him. Years two and three we hazily remember as having my mom come out and some friends visit but we aren’t really sure and can’t find any documented proof. So in 2012, we decided that Turkey Day weekend was just for US, for short trips just the...

Want to relax. heal and REMEMBER? Try deep breaths (in AND out)

"'Vagusstoff' [the substance released from your vagus nerve] (acetylcholine) is like a tranquilizer that you can self-administer simply by taking a few deep breaths with long exhales. Consciously tapping into the power of your vagus nerve can create a state of inner-calm while taming your inflammation reflex." Simply put, taking some slow inhales and even slower exhales will at the very least calm you down, and at best, help reduce the body's biological markers for inflammation response. Which means, less pain, less stress, less illness. "Healthy vagal tone is indicated by a slight increase of heart rate when you inhale, and a decrease of heart rate when you exhale. Deep diaphragmatic breathing—with a long, slow exhale—is key to stimulating the vagus nerve and slowing heart rate and blood pressure, especially in times of performance anxiety." Breathing with focused aware (mindful) inhales and consciously slowed exhales will help realign your mind body c...

Positive Mental Attitude

Every Cell in my body vibrates with energy and health. Loving myself heals my life. I nourish my mind, body and soul. My body heals quickly and easily.

Wear PINK on 10/30 in SD to support the fight against Breast Cancer

The Family and Community Engagement team in collaboration with San Diego Unified Police Services are wearing pink on t o show support for those affected by Breast Cancer.  Join us in showing community support and posting your photos to social media.

State of California retirees can be eligible for Silver Sneakers

Many retired State of California employees with PERScare and over 65 may now be eligible to opt in to the Tivity Silver Sneakers program on their Medicare insurance. That means free admission to 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, Crunch and more gyms that have Silver Sneakers classes and low or no cost community Flex exercise classes. You should have received a new brochure in the mail about opting-in to this program. Check your insurance website for info, and sign up if you can!

Two Events Especially for the Golden Years - Del Mar 10/7 and La Mesa 10/13

This year's Successful Aging Expo in Del Mar is Saturday, October 7 from 9 AM to 4 PM, and is FREE (parking is $13 per car). Present by Sharp Healthcare! Presented by Rides for Neighbors in the City of La Mesa, it's the Transportation and Fitness Expo on Friday, October 13 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM at the La Mesa Community Center at 4975 Memorial Drive.