Employee Spotlight

Chef Angel

If you're reading this newsletter, chances are pretty good the guy in the picture has made your day--or days--just a little bit...tastier. This past month, Juniper Homecare and President Andrei Brel were proud to award our Chef Angel an extra special bonus for his dedication and outstanding service to getting our clients amazing food each and every day, not to mention the spectacular gourmet spreads he creates for Juniper's finest events and parties. We thank you for representing the Juniper family well every time someone picks up a fork and enjoys your hard work.

Employee Spotlight

Sheila Santos

If Juniper's Homecare Department had a great year in 2023, a big reason for that is the employee pictured above. Known for affectionally referring to most everyone as "hun" or "my love", Juniper Homecare and President Andrei Brel were proud to acknowledge Sheila's dedication and hard work with an extra special bonus at our annual year end party. So if you've ever had the pleasure of picking up the phone and she's on the other end of the line cheerily proclaiming "Good morning my love", just know that she brings that same love to her work for our Juniper family, each and every day.

February is American Heart Month!

Did you know that almost 50% of all Americans--121 million--have some form of cardiovascular disease?

Read on for some practical tips to get your heart healthy during American Heart Month and throughout the New Year!

Tips for Improving or Maintaining Good Heart Health

1.Quit smoking or using tobacco!

The benefits of quitting smoke are seen almost instantly, and after a year, your risk of heart disease drops to about HALF of what it was when you were smoking regularly

2. Get active!

Just 30 minutes of daily physical activity has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and lower your risk of heart disease. You don't have to exercise hard to get these benefits. So get outside for a brisk walk, take your bike around for a nearby errand, or do some body weight exercises like burpees to instantly have a positive impact on heart health. As your fitness improves, boost your goals and your activity!

3.Eat heart healthy to improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

Increasing things like lean meats (like chicken), fish, nuts and beans, fruits and veggies, and whole grains into your diet, while using more olive and avocado oil in your cooking has been shown to protect the heart and lower heart disease risk. At the same time, lowering how much salt, refined sugars, saturated and trans fatty foods, and processed meats and packaged goods have also shown great benefits to heart health.

4.Get good sleep!

Not often thought about when discussing heart and overall health, getting 7 or more hours of sleep as an adult lowers risk of heart attack, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression. Get in a good sleep routine, and if you have had issues getting a good night's rest, get evaluated for sleep conditions which may be affecting the quality of your sleep (like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome).

5.Stay HYRDATED!

Drinking adequate amounts of water (1.5 Liters for women and 2 Liters for men) reduces sodium levels in your blood to help you control blood pressure and improve heart function. Research has shown people who drink less than this have over a 50% increase risk of heart failure.

The Latino and Puerto Rican Policy Agenda Summit

Working with State legislatures and our beautiful Latino community to address inequalities in Connecticut and shape the best future moving forward!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Catch us at Harbor Towers at 60 Hanover Street in Meriden on February 9th for Valentine's Cupcake Day from 1-3 or visit the Educational Info. Event on February 23rd from 9-12 at 76 Butler Street in Meriden! See you there!