Summer Fun in Sussex County

We hope you’ve been out and about enjoying the beautiful summer weather with family and friends! If you’re looking to get mom or dad out more this summer, or if you’re looking for a fun event that the whole family can enjoy  – we have options for you! Without further ado, here are some great options for sharing the summer fun with your senior loved ones, from our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sussex County, New Jersey.

1. 6^th Annual NJ Taco Festival. This taco festival is a fantastic day out for anyone who loves the spice of life! Enjoy the best taco trucks in town, meet celebrity chefs and food writers, stock up on artisanal sauces and treats, enjoy live music, watch a beauty pageant, and see contestants go head-to-head in the Reaper Pepper Eating Challenge – if you’re brave enough to watch!
2. 2021 Annual Charity Golf Outing. If your mom or dad loves to get out and spend a day on the green, there’s no better day to do it than the Annual Charity Golf Outing in support of the Sarala Bathena Foundation. Hosted at Crystal Springs in Hamburg, you get to enjoy a day at one of the top-rated public courses in the state. Donations will go towards supporting restaurant workers in New Jersey and New York, bringing a little sunshine into people’s lives after a tough year!
3. Support the Sussex County Minors. Nothing says “summer” quite like baseball, so  pack up the kids, grandparents, and cousins for a fun day out at the ballpark supporting the Sussex County Minors! The season runs until September 12th with home games at the EDT Skylands Stadium in Augusta, NJ, so it’s easy to find a weekend that suits everyone. Remember, on Saturdays there are usually fireworks too!
4. Lake Hopatcong Historical Cruise. Learn about the history of Lake Hopatcong with historian Marty Kane as you gently cruise along the lake on a beautiful summer’s day. This 2-hour cruise is a great opportunity to dive into local history as you enjoy the sunset. There’s a bar and snacks available on board, and this year you can reserve an appetizer with your ticket purchase, so you won’t go hungry!
5. Lots of Strings Festival at Morris Museum. This outdoor event transforms the museum’s parking lot into a theatre for an exceptional musical performance. Featuring the most acclaimed ensembles from members of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, as well as Imani Winds and Ethel, this live music event is a must-see for anyone who loves classical string music. Bring your loved ones, a picnic basket filled with summer goodies and enjoy the sunset along with some of the best string music in the world.
6. A New View—Camden. If your senior parent is up for a weekend away or a longer day trip, you can enjoy an outdoor art extravaganza at “A New View – Camden.” Launched on Earth Day and funded by a $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge grant to bring awareness to the environmental issue of illegal dumping, this striking, outdoor art exhibit is in the area for 6 months over the summer. Along with the exhibit, there are a series of family-friendly events offered, including movie nights, the Trenton Circus Squad, biking and walking events.
7. The New Jersey State Fair. Who doesn’t love a state fair? Open rain or shine this August (and with free parking too), this is the ultimate summer event for all ages. Enjoy petting zoos, carnival rides, art exhibits, the Sussex County horse show, and – of course – the best food in the state from dawn until dusk. Pack your sunscreen, walking shoes and remember to stay hydrated!

Our CCRC in Newton, NJ, is a beautiful and welcoming space for seniors. Whether you have just retired or are looking for additional care, our community allows you to retain your independence and scale care services according to your needs. Bristol Glen also has many opportunities for socialization with a pre scheduled monthly calendar filled with fun activities on campus and in the nearby community.

For more information on Bristol Glen, our services, and how we support independent style living for seniors in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/summer-fun-in-sussex-county/

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Signs & Treatments

 

Spring is here and although we all like to have fun in the sun, it’s important to take the proper precautions to prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the USA, with more people being treated for skin cancer than all the other types of cancer combined!

It most often develops on skin that has been exposed to the sun, although it can occur on other parts of the skin. Although it can be quite minor, it’s important not to dismiss how serious skin cancer can be. That’s why our care team in Sussex County has put together a useful guide for Skin Cancer Awareness Month to help raise awareness about preventing and treating skin cancer in seniors.

Symptoms of skin cancer

Like many cancers, early detection is critical to treating skin cancer, so it’s very important to be aware of all the signs and symptoms.

Skin cancer can appear to be:

• Waxy-looking or pearly-looking bumps
• Flat, brown lesions that look like scars
• Sores that keep bleeding, scabbing and returning
• Firm red nodules
• Flat lesions that have a crusty surface
• Lesions that itch, burn and feel painful
• Lesions with an irregular border, with red, pink, white or blue portions
• Moles that change size, color, texture or bleed

You are at an increased risk of skin cancer if you spend a lot of time in the sun (especially without sun protection), have had sunburns in the past, have fair skin, if you have moles, or if you have a family history of skin cancer.

Treatments for skin cancer

Skin cancer starts on the surface layer of the skin – the epidermis. This is the thin, protective layer of your skin that gets burned if you’re out in the sun too long. It’s made up of three types of cells — the squamous cells, basal cells and melanocytes — and treatment depends on which cells are affected and how far the cancer has progressed. In many early cases, the cancer can be cut out, burned off or otherwise removed. In later stages, patients may need radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, especially if it has moved into the lymph nodes or other organs.

Skin cancer prevention tips for seniors

Of course, prevention is always better than a cure. Fortunately, many cases of skin cancer are preventable! Here are some effective ways to prevent skin cancer:

• Sunscreen – Use a high SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen every day, all year round. When applying sunscreen, make sure to focus on your face, neck, hands, arms and legs since you can even burn in cloudy weather!
• Sun protection – To increase your sun protection, always wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. It’s also a good idea to wear a light covering over your arms and legs.
• Shade – Don’t go outside during the periods of the day when UV (ultra violet) rays are the strongest. Between 11am and 3pm, stay indoors or in the shade.
• Medications – Some medications, including antibiotics, can make you more sensitive to the sun. Research side-effects carefully and take extra precautions when taking new medications.
• Self-screen – The most important thing to remember is that if you have a sore or mole on your skin that looks irregular, or is painful or bleeding – it’s best to have a doctor check it out as soon as possible.

Short-term rehab and recovery at our CCRC in Newton, NJ

Is your loved one recovering from skin cancer treatment? Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Communities network of independent senior living communities offering safe, professional short-term rehab services in New Jersey.

We’re proud to say that we’ve recently earned a place on the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes and Short-Stay Rehabilitation Lists, reflecting our dedication to exceptional COVID-19 protocols, the quality of our nursing and therapy associates onsite, our fall prevention initiatives, our discharge rates and much more.

If you are looking for post-operative or post-hospitalization care for your loved one, then please contact United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen today or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/skin-cancer-awareness-month-signs-treatments/