My Parents Weekly Walmart Visit, and the Coronavirus
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Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
DRIVING EFFICIENCY AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS THROUGH ENHANCED COMMUNICATION
Volume 17. Issue 1 January-March 2020
My Parents Weekly Walmart Visit, and the Coronavirus
By Jane Shrader and Matt Tillery
Weekly Walmart Visits and the joys of parenting a parent…
Many people have elderly parents or grandparents. I, Jane, am one of the fortune ones to still have my parents alive and in fairly
good health to be in their 80’s. As my parents, J.D. and Nancy, have entered their Golden Years I find myself and my siblings,
like many in this situation, having to insert myself into new aspects of
their lives. These insertions have come with a lot of kicking
and screaming and stern assurance from J.D, and Nancy
that they are “more than capable of doing everything for
themselves”. Until now I have been losing this battle. As J.D.
likes to say, “When I die I will call you and let you know
I need you to come and help me.” He thinks he is a
comedian.
Ensuring the cupboards are not barren…
My discussions with J.D. and Nancy over the last two weeks
has forced me to tell (yes, tell, not ask) them to no longer
leave the house, and I have the full support of the President
of the United States on my side; I have issued a cease and
desist order. I have boastfully told myself, “Now I can win the
battle and make them let us help them to ensure they are ok.”
In the pre-Coronavirus days, J.D. and
Nancy would make a day of walking
around Sam’s talking to people and
getting the free samples. They are the
Stereotypical Seniors that are portrayed
comically on YouTube or in a Meme,
but now, there will be no more weekly
Click to continue on page 7
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-- Website: https://www.payflex.com
-- Member services: 1-855-288-7936
Dental Insurance – Delta Dental of Tennessee
-- Website: www.deltadentaltn.com
-- Customer Service: 1-800-223-3104
Vision Insurance - EyeMed
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FSA (Flexible Spending Account) – Flexible Benefit
Administrators, Inc.
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-- Employee FSA Login: https://fba.wealthcareportal.com/
page/home
-- Customer Service: 1-800-437-3539
-- Email: FlexDivision@flex-admin.com
Medical Insurance - BCBST Network
-- Website: www.bcbst.com/members/tn_state Retirement Plan & Deferred Compensation - HART
-- Member services: 1-800-558-6213 -- Website: www.hart-retire.com
-- You create a login, No PIN is required
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2 vol.16 no. 4 oct-dec
Monthly Newsletter
How to Boost Immune Health
WASH YOUR STAY SLEEP
HANDS HYDRATED QUALITY
Proper hand washing with Even in cold weather it is While you are sleeping,
warm water and soap for important to stay your immune system is
20 seconds is the most hydrated. Water and fluid rebuilding itself, aim for
effective barrier against help transport nutrients 7-9 hours of quality sleep
the spread of germs. around the body to help per night.
cells, tissues, and organs
function properly.
The immune system is made up of a network of
cells, tissues, and organs that work together to
protect the body against infection and maintain
overall health. With a change in season upon us,
these are a few ways to boost and protect your
immune system from colds and viruses. Fueling
your body with proper nutrients is also vitally
important for maintaining good health. These
specific nutrients can be beneficial for health.
Vitamin A - dark leafy veggies and eggs
Selenium - broccoli, tuna, and Brazil nuts
Vitamin C -berries, peppers, and tomatos
Zinc - red meat, poultry, and seafood
Vitamin E - spinach, eggs, and nuts
(2019) 16(4) the inside track 3
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken
If you’re trying a keto diet, these cheesy chicken breasts make the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner. The ranch
seasoning is optional...but how could you not? Prep Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 35 minutes, Servings: 4.
INGREDIENTS
yy 4 slices thick-cut bacon
yy 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 3/4 lbs.)
yy Kosher salt
yy Freshly ground black pepper
yy 2 tsp. ranch seasoning
yy 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella
yy Chopped chives, for garnish
yy GET INGREDIENTS Powered by Chicory
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon, flipping
once, until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper
towel–lined plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat
from the skillet.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Return skillet to
medium-high heat, add chicken and cook until golden
and just cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
3. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle chicken with ranch
seasoning and top with mozzarella. Cover the skillet
and cook, until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5
minutes.
4. Crumble and sprinkle bacon and chives on top before
serving.
4 vol.16 no. 4 oct-dec
Can I Safely Use Expired Hand Sanitizer? L ook at the packaging of your hand sanitizer. You should see an expiration date, typically printed on the top or back. Since hand sanitizer is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s required by law to have an expiration date and lot number. This expiration date indicates the amount of time that testing has confirmed that the sanitizer’s active ingredients are stable and effective. Typically, the industry standard is 2 to 3 years before hand sanitizer expires. Sanitizer past its expiration date may still have some effectiveness, though, because it still contains alcohol (the active ingredient). Even if its concentration has dropped below its original percentage, the product — although less effective, or perhaps ineffective — isn’t dangerous to use. While hand sanitizer may still work after it’s expired, your best bet is to replace it once it’s reached its expiration date, since it may be less effective. What active ingredients are found in hand sanitizer? The active sterilizing ingredients in most hand sanitizers — gel and foam — is ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using hand sanitizers that contain a minimum of 60 percent alcohol. Why does hand sanitizer expire? Hand sanitizer’s active ingredient, alcohol, is a volatile liquid that evaporates quickly when exposed to air. Although common hand sanitizer containers protect the alcohol from the air, they’re not airtight, so evaporation can occur. As the alcohol evaporates over time, the percentage of your hand sanitizer’s active ingredient drops, making it less effective. The manufacturer estimates how long it will take for the percentage of the active ingredient to drop below 90 percent of the percentage stated on the label. That time estimate becomes the expiration date. Which is better, hand sanitizer or washing your hands? According to Rush University, hand sanitizers haven’t been shown to offer any greater disinfecting power than washing your hands with soap and water. The university suggests that washing with soap and warm water is a better choice than hand sanitizers in most cases. Click to continue on page 8 (2019) 16(4) the inside track 5
Retirements:
Joyce Floyd
Joyce Floyd began working at
KCDC in August 1989 as an
Accountant. In 2006 she was
promoted to Strategic Program
Evaluator – Finance. She retired
in January 2020 as the Vice
President of Strategic Planning
and Development with 30 years of
service.
Our staff provides a social service agency or a charity with gifts
or gift bags every year at Christmas. They sometimes make up
Denise Jaqua-Houston
presents or gift bags for the elderly, the homeless youth, Family Denise Jaqua-Houston began her
career at KCDC in March 2012 as
Crisis, VMC etc. This year they chose The Manor. This year they
a Senior Accountant. In July 2015
made gift bags for our residents at The Manor. The bags have all
she was promoted to Accounting
types of small items in them such as shampoo, hair conditioner,
Administrator. She retired in
lotions, toothbrushes, tooth paste, soaps, nail files, lip balm etc. January 2020 as the Accounting
Once again they knocked it out of the park! I am so proud to be Administrator with 7 years of
on this team! service.
Submitted by Debbie Allen
Robert ‘Bob’ Rhinehart
Robert ‘Bob’ Rhinehart began
working with KCDC in February
2003 as a Plumber with the MOD
crew. He later spent a few months
as a Housing Inspector for Section
8 before becoming the Plumbing
Supervisor. He retired in January
2020 as the Plumbing Supervisor
with 16 years of service.
Submitted by: Wendy Hamon
6 vol.16 no. 4 oct-dec
My Parents Weekly Walmart Visit, and the Coronavirus from page 1 – Click to Return
Walmart or Sam’s trips. My siblings and I have committed ensure J.D. and Nancy are armed to fight the mental health
to shop for them and handle whatever outside world needs monster in the closet. So, when I was approached to write
they may have. We would make sure there was plenty of an article, I thought, “What perfect timing, if there is anyone
food in the cupboards. who could write the instructions on how to slay the mental
health monster in the closet before it attacks our elderly
parents, neighbors, friends, and residents it would be Matt.
Finding the cupboards full but still
“starving”… Matt’s Instructions on killing the monster in
What I have come to realize in this new current normal is that the closet…
even though my siblings and I were planning the buying of
groceries process, we were still going to be leaving them Jane’s concerns are many of our own concerns. As we
to “starve.” Without social interaction with the outside world forego things like fast food and haircuts, our hair gets
and the lack of mental stimulation this will become the shaggier or our “true roots” start to show. I think of how this
barren cupboard. A world without a weekly trip to Walmart is a minor inconvenience as opposed to someone like my
will not only physically isolate them but also mentally isolate own mother who makes a day out of going to the salon. The
them. So, as I think through how to keep J.D. and Nancy grocery store manager knows her by name and schedule.
mentally healthy without going to Walmart I recognized These things are not minor inconveniences. Elderly persons
there is no difference between my parents and the Senior who have higher levels of isolation are statistically shown
Residents that live at our properties. Our residents’ “Walmart to have mortality rates sooner than those with more social
trip” are things such as attending the many social activities interaction. We wanted to highlight an article covering a
on-site or meeting friends in the common areas to talk daily. majority of these concerns, and what-to-do scenarios which
How could we fill our Residents cupboards? go beyond what we’re being asked to do on the daily.
Which reminds me of our obligatory message of reminding
The monsters under the bed and in the us all to:
closet… 1. Wash your hands often
The leaders of our county have wisely told us to stay home, 2. Avoid touching on or around your face
and for us to socially distance ourselves. Why? Because
3. Stay home when you are sick
of the serious concern for our physical health if exposed to
the virus. As a society we are being bombarded with daily 4. Cover your cough
instruction on how to fight off the monster under the bed that
we can’t see. But what about the monster in the closet that The link to that article can be found
also exists with this crisis? Where are those instructions? below. The major talking points
How can we keep people mentally healthy, especially include ways to support our older
the aging population in this pandemic? As a society we adults out there by taking inventory
have taken an already vulnerable elderly population that of specific items while having
is susceptible to depression in normal circumstances and an understanding of their
forced them for their physical wellbeing to socially distance basic needs. These include
themselves. medications and other medical
supplies, food items, having
a schedule to disinfect their
Fighting the monsters… homes, etc. We also know our
older adults are susceptible
As everyone else in America, my coworkers and I have daily to scams, so being aware of
conversations about the personal effects the Coronavirus is who they may be talking to
having on each of us and those around us. I have discussed during the day, especially as
with my coworkers my concerns with my parents some of
my ideas and thoughts on what I am going to do to help Click to continue on page 8
(2019) 16(4) the inside track 7
about 20 seconds. Don’t wipe or rinse off the hand
My Parents Weekly Walmart Visit, and the Coronavirus from page
sanitizer before it’s dry.
7 – Click to Return
we approach the urgency of tax season during a pandemic.
Takeaway
Right now, our SAMs are taking inventory of our KCDC
residents’ phone numbers. We are hoping to be able to build Hand sanitizer has an expiration date that indicates when
a phone bank so our people don’t have to endure complete the percentage of active ingredients drops below 90 percent
isolation. We have been pricing items to potentially deliver of the percentage stated on the label. Typically, the industry
(after disinfecting them) out to residents, to assure our folks standard for when hand sanitizer expires is 2 to 3 years.
don’t feel as if they’ve been forgotten. We are working with
local food programs to ensure food security for our older While not dangerous to use hand sanitizer after its expiration
adults and families across properties. Community is so date, it may be less effective.
much more than the name of a neighborhood. We have
dedicated our professional lives to work for the people of our
community, and if you would like to learn more about how
you might be able to support our folks in need, please reach
out to our Human Resources team.
Link to reference article: https://www.ncoa.org/blog/
coronavirus-what-older-adults-need-to-know/
Can I Safely Use Expired Hand Sanitizer? from page 5 – Click to
Return
The CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands
with soap and water to reduce germs and chemicals on your
hands. But if soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer
is OK to use.
According to the CDC, soap and water are more effective
for removing germs, such as Clostridium difficile,
Cryptosporidium, and norovirus.
The CDCTrusted Source also reports that alcohol-based
hand sanitizers aren’t as effective if your hands are
visibly dirty or greasy. They may also not remove harmful
chemicals, such as heavy metals and pesticides, but
handwashing can.
How to use hand sanitizer
The CDCTrusted Source suggests a three-step method for
using hand sanitizer:
yy Check the hand sanitizer label for the correct
dosage, and then put that amount in the palm of
one hand.
yy Rub your hands together.
yy Rub the sanitizer over all surfaces of your fingers
and hands until they’re dry. This usually takes
8 vol.16 no. 4 oct-dec
New Hires by Wendy Hamon
Name: Rodeseai ‘Rudy’ Ball Name: Pauline Hicks
Date of Hire: 2/17/2020 Date of Hire: 2/3/2020
Title: Receptionist Title: Administrative Assistant
Location: Section 8 Location: To Be Determined, Temp Pool
Name: Janice Holmes Name: Nan Sheley
Date of Hire: 1/13/2020 Date of Hire: 2/4/2020
Title: Administrative Assistant Title: Administrative Assistant
Location: To Be Determined, Temp Pool Location: To Be Determined, Temp Pool
Name: Robert ‘Bob’ Justice Name: Rachel Chisholm
Date of Hire: 2/25/2020 Date of Hire: 3/2/2020
Title: Courier Title: Accountant
Location: Purchasing Department, as Location: Accounting Department, Main
needed Office
Name: Arthur Dixson Name: Gary Schultz
Date of Hire: 2/28/2020 Date of Hire: 3/5/2020
Title: Apartment Maintenance Technician Title: Apartment Maintenance Technician
Location: To Be Determined, Temp Pool Location: To Be Determined, Temp Pool
Emily McCormick
Date of Hire: 3/9/20
Title: Receptionist
Location: Main Office
The Inside TRACK — A Newsletter by Knoxville's Community Development Corporation
Editor— Wendy Hamon s Assistant Editor— Denise Roper s Production—Eric Bellamy
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