April is National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the people who make a real difference for older adults in our communities.
At Agency on Aging Area 4, volunteers support aging adults in many ways—delivering Meals on Wheels, advocating for residents through our Ombudsman Program, and providing behind-the-scenes administrative help that keeps services running smoothly.
We’re proud to highlight a few of these volunteers and the meaningful ways they support independence, dignity, and connection. Click below to meet our volunteers and see how they’re making an impact.
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Meet Toyin,
Administrative Volunteer
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Meet Bob,
Meals on Wheels Volunteer
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Meet Margaret,
Meals on Wheels Volunteer
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Meet Shelley,
Meals on Wheels Volunteer
| | Meet Leo, Pamela, Robyn, Darla, Ann, and Kathy (not pictured), Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers | | |
We’re deeply grateful for every volunteer who gives their time, compassion, and skills to support older adults in our communities. Whether delivering Meals on Wheels, advocating through our Ombudsman Program, or providing essential administrative support, their dedication makes a meaningful difference every day.
Interested in learning more about our volunteers—or how you can get involved? Visit our website to explore volunteer stories and opportunities.
| | | April is Stress Awareness Month | | | |
Stress and aging go hand-in-hand over the whole course of our lives. More than just a mental-emotional experience, a stressful situation triggers biochemical responses that kick our bodies into high gear so we can better handle that situation. However, we aren’t meant to be in this high-alert mode for long periods of time, let alone long periods of our life.
Identifying symptoms is an important first step in beginning to manage stress. Here are a few signs you could be stressed out.
- Difficulty sleeping
- Change in eating habits
- Difficulty with concentration
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Tension headaches
- More aches and pains in general
- Weight loss or gain
- Low energy and fatigue
Stress can show up in many different ways for each of us. Paying attention to your moods and patterns can give you clues that something isn’t right.
Tips to manage stress
Managing stress isn’t always easy. It takes a lot of insight and thoughtful review of your day to day activities and emotions to identify ways to cope. Some stressors, the things that can cause stress, can be changed, others cannot. To help lessen the effects of stress, you can practice these lifestyle changes.
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Get moving. Physical activity is a great stress reducer. A brisk walk outdoors can do wonders for your mood.
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Connect to others. Talk to family and friends, spending quality time with others can make you feel safe and understood.
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Make time for fun and relaxation. Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by carving out “me” time. Don't get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs.
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Maintain a balance with a healthy lifestyle. In addition to regular exercise, there are other healthy lifestyle choices that can increase your resistance to stress, such as eating healthy and getting enough sleep.
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Are you resililent?
Resilience is like an emotional muscle—you can strengthen it at any time. Building resilience before a crisis, and knowing how to support your emotional recovery during and after challenging events, can make stressful situations easier to manage. Even if you weren’t prepared for a specific hardship, there are effective ways to move forward with strength and hope.
Ways to build resilience:
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Stay connected. Strong relationships with friends, family, or community groups provide support and encouragement.
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Find meaning each day. Do something that gives you a sense of purpose or accomplishment, and set achievable goals.
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Learn from experience. Reflect on past challenges and the strategies that helped you cope.
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Care for yourself. Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, physical activity, and relaxation practices that help reduce stress.
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Take action. Acknowledge problems, make a plan, and take small steps forward—recovery and growth are possible.
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Stress Management Resources
Stress is a natural part of life, but the right tools can help you manage it more effectively. The American Institute of Stress has a comprehensive library of science-backed stress management resources designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance your overall well-being.
Grounded in the latest research in psychology, mindfulness, and stress science, the resources cater to both beginners exploring stress management and those in search of advanced, in-depth tools.
Each resource offers practical, research-based strategies for managing stress in everyday life. Whether you prefer to learn at your own pace with assessments and courses, engage with experts through live webinars and podcasts, or explore the field of stress through documentaries and magazines, they have a stress management resource to support your unique needs.
| | April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Month | | | |
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a fairly common functional digestive disorder; it occurs at any age, but it is more common in adults and older adults. Patients experience a series of symptoms in which abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements stand out; some studies have revealed a possible association between IBS and psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression.
Recent findings point to disorders of gut-brain interaction, disruption and alteration of gut microbiota and dysbiosis as key factors in the etiopathogenesis of IBS; aging is also one the factors involved.
IBS vs. IBD
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.
The two conditions sometimes get confused because of their similar acronym, and because of their similar symptoms.
Diarrhea, pain, bloating and cramping are symptoms of both IBD and IBS. However, IBD has other symptoms which set it apart from IBS. Fever, blood in stool and unintended weight loss, often referred to as “alarm signs”, should be discussed with a healthcare provider. IBD requires an entirely different treatment and monitoring plan than IBS. Those with IBS are not more likely to develop IBD.
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When to be concerned that it’s more than IBS?
There is a collection of symptoms that healthcare providers use to make sure something other than IBS is not causing symptoms. “Concerning” or “alarm” features include:
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Blood in bowel movements: this blood can be bright red to black in color and may be in or around bowel movements.
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Low blood counts (anemia): this is determined by blood work or lab tests ordered by a healthcare provider.
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New onset of symptoms over the age of 50.
- Unintentional weight loss
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Diarrhea that wakes you up from sleep at night.
If any of these “concerning features” are present, individuals should seek an immediate evaluation by their healthcare provider. Additional tests may be recommended to help find any potential issues.
| | April is National Cancer Prevention
& Early Detection Month | | |
April is designated as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, highlighting the critical importance of healthy lifestyle habits and routine screenings to detect cancer early when it is most treatable.
Led by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, this initiative promotes cancer prevention through awareness, education, and access to screenings, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes.
Key Focus Areas for Prevention and Detection
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Routine Screenings: regular screenings are encouraged for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers to catch abnormalities early.
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Healthy Behaviors: preventing cancer involves a healthy weight, diet rich in fruits/vegetables, limiting alcohol, reducing consumption of red/processed meats, and eliminating tobacco use.
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Vaccinations: vaccinations against HPV and Hepatitis B can help prevent HPV-related cancers and liver cancer, respectively.
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Awareness Actions: participate by scheduling your own screenings, sharing information about cancer risks, and taking part in initiatives like "Get Your Green On" on April 10.
Early detection = better outcomes
Get screened for more healthy days ahead and more time with the people you love.
Check out the graphic below or visit the Prevent Cancer Foundation website for very valuable information that can help you and your health care provider decide which cancer screenings you need, when to begin screening and how often you should be screened.
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A Fresh Start with PEARLS!
Before starting PEARLS, Michael felt isolated and down. But through the program, he regained his happiness and energy—so much so that he now drives himself to church twice a week and even took on the joyful responsibility of a new dog! 🐶💕
PEARLS helps older adults in Sacramento County facing depression find renewed purpose and connection.
If you or a loved one could benefit, let’s talk!
📞 (800) 211-4545
📧 cm@agencyonaging4.org
| | | April is Women's Eye Health & Safety Month | | |
April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month, aimed at raising awareness that women are at higher risk for vision impairment, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye. Prevent Blindness encourages yearly comprehensive dilated eye exams, healthy habits, and knowing family history to combat these risks.
Key Women’s Eye Health Risks
According to the National Eye Institute and All About Vision, two out of three people with blindness or visual impairments are women. Key factors include:
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Hormonal Changes: pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can affect vision. Dry eyes occur at double the rate in postmenopausal women.
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Autoimmune Diseases: women are more susceptible to conditions like Lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome, which can severely affect eye health.
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Common Conditions: higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.
Steps to Protect Your Vision
Health experts recommend several actionable steps to maintain eye health:
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Comprehensive Eye Exams: the most critical step is scheduling regular dilated eye exams to detect diseases early, often before symptoms appear.
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Know Your Family History: many eye conditions are hereditary; understanding your family's medical history can help identify risks.
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UV Protection: wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
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Healthy Lifestyle: maintain a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, and avoid smoking, which significantly increases the risk of AMD and cataracts.
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Safe Cosmetic Use: always remove eye makeup before bed and replace products every three months to avoid infections.
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Protect Eyes: use protective eyewear for home repairs, sports, or yard work.
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Contact Lens Safety: properly wash hands and sanitize lenses to avoid infections.
For more information about Women's Eye Health & Safety, visit the National Eye Institute or Prevent Blindness websites.
| | Agency on Aging Area 4
Remains Committed to Healthy Aging | | |
Although the CalFresh Healthy Living program has come to an end, our commitment to promoting the health and well-being of older adults in our community remains as strong as ever.
Through our Health Promotion Program, we will continue to support and sustain efforts focused on fall prevention, regular exercise, and healthy eating. These initiatives remain a core part of our mission, and we are excited to continue offering a variety of evidence-based workshops designed to help older adults stay active, safe, and empowered in managing their health, including:
• Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL)
• A Matter of Balance
• Bingocize
• Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)
These programs are designed to improve strength, balance, confidence, and overall wellness, helping participants maintain independence and quality of life.
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Explore healthy aging on our website
Did you know the Agency on Aging 4 website has a wealth of valuable information about healthy aging? You can browse a wide variety of information about healthy eating, aging in place, caregiving, online learning, and much more.
We also invite you to check out our collection of healthy aging videos on YouTube! There, you can browse our collection of videos on fall prevention, exercise, healthy cooking, and nutrition.
Whether it be through this newsletter, our social media channels, or on our website, we encourage you to stay connected with us for upcoming workshop schedules, health tips, and new opportunities to support your wellness journey.
Together, we'll continue building a healthier, more active community.
Stay active. Stay healthy. Stay connected.
| | Healthy Eating = Healthy Aging | | |
To help keep you feeling your best as you age, it’s important to eat a variety-filled diet that contains the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
Try these nourishing recipe options that taste great and support your well-being.
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Best Ever Salmon Patties
Salmon is rick in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which help reduce inflammation and helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In this recipe, the addition of dill and Dijon mustard provide a hint of French flavor, but if you want to have some fun, you can try out some other international flavor profiles. An Asian flavor profile? Leave in the scallions and add some finely chopped garlic and ginger, and a teaspoon of soy sauce. Or, go Middle Eastern and “falafel” them by adding fresh flat-leaf parsley and a half a teaspoon of cumin.
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Stress-Less Smoothie
Save this simple smoothie for your busiest days, since it only takes five minutes to prepare.
The key ingredient here is hemp seeds which offer a boost of magnesium, key for reducing stress. Combine with kefir, raspberries, and a peach for a healthy, happy smoothie.
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Sweet Potato Muffins
Try this tasty muffin recipe made with sweet potatoes for a quick breakfast paired with juice or as a snack after dinner.
Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other foods high in beta carotene include carrots, pumpkin, and winter squash.
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Avocado Salad
This 5-star salad boasts a bunch of healthy, diverse, and delicious fresh veggies. The beneficial bacteria that make up our microbiome thrive on a diversity of fiber-rich plants and fruits. This avocado salad is a delicious combination of creamy avocados, sweet and juicy tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro, and fresh lime juice for an easy summer salad full of bold, fresh flavor, and color.
| | GetSetUp: Free Online Classes for Older Adults | | |
We have teamed up with GetSetUp to provide hundreds of live online classes to keep you mentally, physically, and socially active. Classes are interactive, easy to join, offered day and night and free for our community.
All those 60+ are welcome and workshops are free when using passcode "area4-ca".
| | This Month's Featured Classes | |
Ease Your Mind: 10-Minute Stress Relief Exercises
Unwind and relax with movements designed to reduce stress and improve well-being. This class introduces gentle exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime to bring you peace and balance.
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Say Goodbye to Stress with 3 Easy Breathing Strategies
Discover how to melt away stress with three simple breathing techniques that you can use anywhere, anytime. These strategies will guide you to a place of calm and relaxation, transforming tension into tranquility in just minutes.
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Use Positive Thinking to Manage Stress, Health and Your Mood
Positivity leads to healthier and happier outlooks. Learn how to make positivity a regular part of your life. This class includes the importance of positivity, tips for becoming more positive, and how to integrate more positivity into your life
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Nature’s Medicine Cabinet: Ginger for Digestion & Immunity
This class is all about ginger’s power to support digestion and immunity—but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also discover how this spicy root may ease inflammation, soothe joint discomfort, and even support brain health. Learn practical, easy ways to enjoy ginger in meals, teas, and snacks as part of a wellness-focused lifestyle.
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Seasonal Home Safety Checks to Stay Safe Year-Round
As the seasons change, so do the risks around your home. From icy steps in winter to slippery patios in summer, this class helps you spot and fix seasonal dangers. Learn how to fall-proof and weather-proof your home so you can live comfortably and confidently all year long.
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How to Use Your Apple Watch for Medical Emergencies
Did you know your Apple Watch could help in a medical emergency? In this class, you’ll discover the life-saving features built right into your wrist. Learn how to activate emergency SOS, fall detection, and more so you can feel confident and prepared.
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Tips for Maintaining Healthy Vision as You Age
Are you looking for natural ways to care for your eyes and maintain clear vision as you age? In this class, you’ll explore approaches to support eye health, learn about common age-related conditions like cataracts and dry eyes, and discover ways to ease discomfort.
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Low-Cost, Healthy Dinners for One or Two
Tired of overspending or wasting food when cooking for just one or two? This class shares tips for preparing delicious, nutritious, and budget-friendly dinners. Plus, you’ll learn how to prepare an affordable and healthy dinner for one or two people—with a live cooking demo to show you how it’s done.
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Spring Soups: Fresh Flavors for the Season
Dive into the flavors of spring with our seasonal soups class! Learn how to transform fresh, vibrant ingredients into delicious and nutritious soups. Perfect for anyone looking to refresh their cooking skills and enjoy the bounty of the season. Join us to discover simple, heartwarming recipes that celebrate spring.
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This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The materials or product were a result of a project funded by a contract with the California Department of Aging.
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