😷 TB Surge 💔 Veteran Suicides 🚦 Traffic Woes 💌 Dementia 🍲 Recipe

COS Local News & Events | Issue #050

30 Nov • Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes

Inside COS Town Tidings Issue #050

🤣 Today’s Chuckle
🌥 COS Weather - Mainly cloudy

😷 TB's Comeback: TB Numbers Spike in Colorado

💔 Silent Struggle: Veteran Suicides Surge in Springs

🚦 Bridge Breakdown: Traffic Chaos on Academy Blvd

💥 Who Should We Feature?

📆 Upcoming Local Events - updated daily
🤶 Holiday Craft Fairs

🍲 Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew

💗 Language of Love: Effective Communication Strategies for Dementia and Alzheimer's

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😷 TB's Comeback: TB Numbers Spike in Colorado 

Tuberculosis (TB), not COVID-19, is on the rise in Colorado, marking a 59% increase in confirmed cases since fall 2022. Dr. Michelle Barron from UCHealth explains TB challenges, symptoms, and its airborne infectious nature. The disease, often misdiagnosed due to shared symptoms with other illnesses, can lead to deadly consequences if untreated. TB cases are spiking globally, with Colorado experiencing a surge in 2023. Historical TB ties to Colorado are explored, revealing its role in the state's tourism industry.

💔 Silent Struggle: Veteran Suicides Surge in Springs

A recent VA study highlights a rise in veteran suicides, with Colorado Springs facing a concerning trend due to its high veteran population. Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and Next Chapter collaborate to aid struggling military members. The city is disproportionately affected, losing more veterans to suicide than any other part of the state. Recognizing signs and offering support is crucial, given the unique challenges veterans face. Local initiatives like Pike's Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership provide resources, emphasizing prevention and offering various support avenues.

🚦 Bridge Breakdown: Traffic Chaos on Academy Blvd

Erosion damage on the South Academy Boulevard bridge over Fountain Creek prompts the closure of westbound traffic, causing significant inconvenience for drivers. The issue, discovered during a routine inspection, is attributed to scouring, a process eroding the support under the bridge. Repair plans are underway, involving potential measures like adding rebar or temporary bracing.

The duration and cost of repairs are yet to be determined. Westbound traffic is rerouted until further notice, creating delays and prompting concerns about the impact on local businesses.

 

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Upcoming COS Area Events

🧵🎄 Upcoming Holiday Craft Fairs 🤶🧶

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🍲 Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew

Hearty and delicious slow cooker white wine chicken stew filled with fresh herbs, veggies and plenty of protein. This creamy white wine chicken stew is easily gluten free and dairy free, and is truly a hug-in-a-bowl that's perfect for colder months! Serve with crackers, cornbread or homemade biscuits for the coziest dinner.

PREP TIME: 15 MINS | COOK TIME: 7:15 HRS | TOTAL 7:30 HRS

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces

  • Freshly ground salt and pepper

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine*

  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (fresh is best!)

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (fresh is best!)

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

  • Lots of freshly ground black pepper

  • 6 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • 1 large yellow onion, cut into chunks

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch diagonal slices

  • 1 pound yukon gold potatoes, diced into ½ inch cubes

  • ¼ cup all purpose flour (or sub all purpose gluten free flour)

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or heavy cream or regular milk will work)

  • 2/3 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet and place over high heat. Add chicken pieces and generously season with salt and pepper, brown the meat so that you give the meat room for a nice sear. This should take about 5-6 minutes. You do not need to cook all the way through, we just want these nice and browned. Transfer to a large 6 or 8-quart slow cooker.

  2. Next add the following to the slow cooker with the chicken: chicken broth, dry white wine, worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, dried oregano and salt and pepper. Stir together with the chicken until combined, then add in garlic, onion chunks, carrots and diced potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. I prefer to cook this slow and low so that the chicken flavors really come out and the flavors have time to meld together, so 7-8 hours is really best for flavor here!

  3. Next, remove 1/2 cup of chicken broth from the slow cooker and transfer to a medium bowl, then stir in ½ cup of milk and whisk in ¼ cup flour until there aren’t any lumps remaining. Add mixture back to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Stir in frozen peas and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 more minutes until chicken stew thickens up a bit. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve immediately with fresh thyme, toasted french bread, cornbread, crackers, or even buttermilk biscuits. Serves 4.

Notes

  • Instead of the rosemary, thyme and oregano, you can sub 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, but I strongly encourage fresh herbs. It makes all the difference!

  • *If you don’t want to use wine, you can feel free to use additional chicken broth instead but again there will be a big flavor difference.

 

💗 Language of Love: Effective Communication Strategies for Dementia and Alzheimer's

Today we explore the vital role of effective communication with individuals facing dementia and Alzheimer's, aiming to forge meaningful connections and enrich their daily lives. Warning…it’s not for the faint of heart, this takes a lot of work for most of us so be kind to yourself if it’s a struggle for you. It takes practice and will get easier as you make it routine.

👂 Patient Listening: A Gift of Presence

Give undivided attention, maintaining eye contact, and expressing genuine interest through body language and tone even if what they are saying doesn’t make sense or routed in reality at the moment. You may have to just “go with” where their mind is at that moment. Patient listening is a powerful tool in fostering connection.

💬 Simple and Clear: The Art of Simplicity

In the realm of cognitive decline, simplicity is key. Use concise language, speak slowly, and break down complex information into manageable steps. Depending on how far they are with their illness, they may not even understand even if you break it down. If that’s the case, you need to simplify what you’re saying or don’t go down that path. Avoid confusing jargon for clear and straightforward communication.

🤲 Non-Verbal Cues: The Silent Language of Understanding

Beyond words, employ gestures, facial expressions, and gentle touches to convey warmth and comprehension. Non-verbal cues build a sense of connection, providing comfort and reassurance.

🤝 Validation and Empathy: Honoring Emotions

Acknowledge and empathize with the emotions experienced by individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's. Respond with compassion, even when full understanding may be challenging.

🌌 Creating a Calm Environment: Distraction-Free Connection

Establish a serene setting for conversations, minimizing sensory overload. Reduce background noise, opting for a quiet and comfortable space that allows focused interaction.

By embracing these communication strategies, we bridge gaps and establish meaningful connections with those navigating dementia and Alzheimer's. In this context, empathy, patience, and simplicity serve as the foundational elements for successful communication

**Information in this newsletter is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any condition nor is it medical advice. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your current lifestyle. 

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