Christi Lucero Farewell Message to All THD Residents

Christi Says Goodbye. It's Official, Christi Lucero Followed Ted Treat Resignation in Just a Couple of Days Apart. Is THD Activity Section curse ?  Or As Shakespeare says in Hamlet, Something is rotten in Denmark? Meanwhile, the incoming Activity Manager, Vanessa De Guzman is expected to start her first day on November 12.    

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Dear Residents of The Heritage Downtown,

I wanted to take a moment to say how much I truly enjoyed my time working with all of you. It was such a joy getting to know so many wonderful people — each of you made my days brighter. I especially treasure the laughter we shared during our excursions; the trip to the Oakland Zoo will always stand out as one of my favorite memories.

I also have such fond memories of our Saturday craft sessions with all the ladies — and David! Those afternoons were always full of laughter, creativity, and connection. And our tea party together was such a special day — so much fun, so much joy. I hope they’ll plan another one for you in the spring; you all deserve another beautiful afternoon like that.

I’m so sorry I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to everyone in person. You all hold a special place in my heart, and I will miss you dearly. Ted and I talked about how nice it would be to meet up in Walnut Creek sometime — maybe for coffee, to share a few laughs, say our proper goodbyes, or simply celebrate the holidays together. I hope that might still happen.

To those I missed, like you, Sue Holt — I was looking for you on Wednesday and regret that I didn’t get to say goodbye. Please know that I was thinking of you, and of all the wonderful residents who made this job so meaningful.

Even though things didn’t work out the way we hoped, Ted and I both wanted nothing more than to bring joy, activities, and happy moments to your days. Our hands were tied at times, but our hearts were always in it. You made us smile, and I will always be grateful for the time we shared.

With much love,

Christi

my emal address is christilucero@gmail.com

Lets try and meet on a afternoon in Walnut Creek for coffee or wine.!

Just know I loved you all.  Happy H

Personal Note: THD Residents wished you good luck in your new venture. I missed you in our 💚Arts and Craft Projects...David  

Here's my Food For Thought For Today:

Lastly, the recent Resignations of Ted Treat and Christi Lucero reminded me of the following article: Why Some Organizations Struggle with High Employee Turnover

Employee turnover is more than just a staffing issue — it’s a reflection of an organization’s culture, leadership style, and priorities. When talented individuals consistently leave, it often signals deeper problems within the workplace. While there are many contributing factors, three stand out as the most common causes: low pay without benefits, micromanagement, and dead-end positions.

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1. Low Pay Without Benefits: When Hard Work Feels Unrewarded

Compensation is one of the clearest indicators of how much an organization values its people. When employees feel underpaid or receive no meaningful benefits such as healthcare, retirement contributions, or paid leave, morale quickly erodes.
Even the most loyal workers eventually start looking elsewhere when they realize their dedication isn’t matched by fair compensation. Low pay not only drives turnover but also discourages productivity — employees begin to do the bare minimum rather than striving for excellence.

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2. Micromanagement: The Silent Killer of Motivation

Micromanagement is one of the most toxic workplace behaviors, often disguised as “attention to detail” or “hands-on leadership.” In truth, it communicates a lack of trust. When managers constantly hover, question every decision, or demand control over every task, employees feel suffocated and demoralized.

Here are some of the harmful effects of micromanagement:

• Stifled creativity: Employees stop thinking independently because every idea must pass through a controlling filter.

• Low morale: Constant oversight sends the message, “I don’t trust you,” which quickly drains enthusiasm.

• Reduced productivity: Instead of focusing on meaningful work, employees spend time appeasing the manager or second-guessing themselves.

• High burnout rates: The stress of constant scrutiny leads to frustration, anxiety, and eventually resignation.

• Loss of talent: The most capable employees — those who value autonomy — are often the first to leave.

Micromanagement may give short-term results, but in the long run, it breeds disengagement and drives away the very people who could have helped the organization grow.

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3. Dead-End Positions: When There’s Nowhere to Go

Employees thrive when they see a future for themselves — a chance to learn, advance, and be recognized. In organizations that offer no clear path for promotion or personal growth, workers eventually feel stuck.
A “dead-end job” creates a sense of stagnation, where effort no longer equals opportunity. Over time, this lack of progress leads to disengagement and resignation, often to competitors who provide better career prospects.

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The Bigger Picture: The Cost of Turnover

High turnover doesn’t just affect morale; it’s expensive. Constantly recruiting, hiring, and training new staff drains both time and money. Moreover, frequent departures disrupt workflow, weaken team cohesion, and can damage an organization’s reputation among job seekers.

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Building a Healthier Workplace

Reducing turnover begins with respecting and empowering employees. Pay them fairly. Trust them to do their work. Provide room for growth and recognize achievements. Leadership isn’t about control — it’s about creating an environment where people want to stay and contribute their best.

When organizations invest in their people, they don’t just retain employees — they cultivate loyalty, creativity, and long-term success.

Tai Chi- The Gentle Dance of Balance and Healing

The other day, I pass by the Yoga Room. Four Ladies were doing Tai Chi with teacher named David, my name-sake.  I joined them for a few minutes. I found it boring and would rather do the Zumba again.   Today’s reflection is about exploring a new way to move mindfully as we age — one that nurtures both body and spirit.

Tai Chi: The Gentle Dance of Balance and Healing

Lately, I’ve been hearing quite a bit about Tai Chi — that ancient Chinese practice often described as “meditation in motion.” It’s now being offered free at our Active Senior Community, two hours each week. The timing, unfortunately, conflicts with another activity I usually attend. Still, I find myself pausing to think: perhaps this might be worth rearranging my schedule.

Tai Chi has long been praised for improving balance, flexibility, and overall physical well-being — qualities that become more precious with each passing year. As someone approaching 91, living with chronic leg pain and Stage 4 kidney disease, I am always looking for ways to keep moving and maintain some harmony between mind and body.

What appeals to me about Tai Chi is its gentleness. Unlike other forms of exercise that push the body to its limits, Tai Chi flows with the body’s rhythm. It combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and mindfulness — a kind of physical poetry that connects movement with thought. Even just watching a group of seniors practicing in the park is mesmerizing. There’s a calmness, a centeredness, that radiates from them.

Scientific studies back up what practitioners have known for centuries. Tai Chi improves balance and reduces the risk of falls among older adults. It strengthens leg muscles, enhances flexibility, and even helps lower stress and anxiety. Some research shows it can gently boost cardiovascular health and improve sleep. These aren’t small benefits — they’re the kind that make daily living a little smoother, a little safer, and a lot more peaceful.

But beyond the science, I think the deeper appeal of Tai Chi lies in its philosophy — the idea of harmony between body, breath, and mind. At this stage of life, I’ve come to appreciate activities that nurture inner calm as much as physical strength. Tai Chi, it seems, invites both.

Perhaps, then, it’s time I gave it a try — to stand with others in quiet motion, to breathe deeply, and to let go of the stiffness and tension that aging brings. Maybe that one hour a week could be more than exercise; maybe it could be another way to honor life’s rhythm and balance — one graceful movement at a time.

At this point in my journey, I am learning that health is not only measured in numbers, but in the calmness of the heart.

Meanwhile, here's the  AI Overview on Tai Chi

Tai chi is a low-impact martial art that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing to improve balance, flexibility, and mental well-being. It offers various health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving cognition, and helping with conditions like arthritis and low-back pain. Tai chi has ancient Taoist roots and includes several different styles, such as the Chen, Yang, and Wu styles.  

Key characteristics

• Gentle and flowing movements: 

  Tai chi involves a series of slow, deliberate, and flowing motions that help improve flexibility and coordination. 
• Deep breathing: 

  It emphasizes deep, controlled breathing to help calm the mind and body. 
• Focus on balance: 

  The practice is particularly effective at improving balance and can reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults. 
• Mind-body connection: 

  It is considered a form of "meditation in motion" that fosters a connection between the mind and body. 

Health benefits

• Physical: 

  Improves walking function, motor learning, and joint health, particularly for those with osteoarthritis. 
• Mental: 

  Reduces anxiety, depression, and stress, and can improve cognitive function. 
• Other conditions: 

  May help with symptoms of fibromyalgia, type 2 diabetes, and cancer-related fatigue. 

How to get started

• Consult a doctor: 

  It is wise to consult a doctor before starting, especially if you have chronic health conditions.
• Find a class: 

  Look for a class or follow-along video to learn the basic movements from a qualified instructor.
• Practice regularly: 

  Consistent practice, even just a couple of times a week, can lead to noticeable improvements. 

Styles of tai chi

• Chen style: One of the oldest styles, created by Chen Wangting.
• Yang style: A widely practiced and popular style, created by Yang Luchan.
• Wu style (Hao): Created by Wu Yuxiang and Hao Weizhen.
• Wu style: Created by Wu Quanyou and his son Wu Jianquan.
• Sun style: Created by Sun Lutang. 
• 
  
• Finally,

Studies have revealed that humming significantly increases nitric oxide production by the brain with some studies showing an incredible 1400% increase in just 10 seconds.

Nitric oxide is a gas that acts as a crucial chemical messenger in the body, primarily by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow and blood pressure. This gas is produced in the brain, where it is synthesized by different cell types, including neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells lining blood vessels.

Humming increases nitric oxide production by using oscillating airflow to improve gas exchange between the paranasal sinuses, which produce nitric oxide, and the nasal cavity.

Increased nitric oxide production is excellent for your health as it relaxes and widens blood vessels, which improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles and organs. This leads to benefits like improved cardiovascular health, better exercise performance and recovery, enhanced brain function and a stronger immune response.

NOTE: In my fact checking this, the AI Overview on google said “this claim is an exaggeration, nitric oxide production is increased by 15 fold not 1400%”… 15 fold is 1400% so just shows you can’t always trust AI…

Lastly, My Food For Thought For Today:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2131201030705705

And my lunch for Today-Beef Burrito and Left over beef sinigang ( I added lemon to add a little sourness to the soup), from our last night Special Filipino dinner. Thank you all for your positive comments on the Food last night.    

The Filipino Special Dinner Was a Gastronomic Delight

Special Filipino Dinner Celebrating Filipino-American History Month (FAHM) here at THD 

Notice the Miniature Philippine Flag planted on the Sweet Rice Cake top with Chocolate

Wednesday Night Special Filipino Dinner was a Gastronomic Delight. The Lumpia served was Shanghai ( small version of the typical classic lumpia), but was delicious. The Beef Sinigang was great (although if I am cooking for a pure Filipino palate, I would add a little more souring agent -Tamarind sauce),  The chicken adobo was perfectly-cooked. Again, If I am cooking for a Pure Filipino Palate, I want more a vinegary-taste. However, because THD is 99.9% non-Filipino, the dish was perfect. Note that I am the only Filipino-American resident here at THD ( Total current residents in the 4 buildings is 150) . The icing to the cake and my Food Winner for the evening was the Biko (Sweet Rice Cake) top with a small chunk of Chocolate with the miniature Philippine Flag ( see Photo above). 

Kudos to Joel ( pronounced Who Well, not Joe Well) and His industrious Kitchen Crew, as well Carmen's and Emilia efficient and Patient Servers. Special mention to Our Dinner Server-Martha. Last, but not least to THD management to make this a Repeat Event during the Month of October.     

 I took some photos as follows:         

The Lumpia with the Sauce-This is a basic Lumpia. It is also known as Lumpiang Shanghai. The filling is composed of ground pork along with minced onions, carrots, seasonings, and egg.

Beef Sinigang

Chicken Adobo with Steam White Rice and Green Beans

Jenny took some photos as Follows:  Here's her message to us All! 

Me and Oldest Son-Dodie (Diosdado)-Dodie katague linkedin

Thank you so much for your wonderful idea and coordination with THD on this very special dinner tonight to celebrate Filipino American History Month!   It was a special  evening and dinner for all our residents – Everyone was looking forward to it and  expressed to me how much they enjoyed it as they were dining and leaving Newton’s tonight.    So happy we could all enjoy this special event together, try new food and learn new things too.    Thank you, Thank you! Enjoy these wonderful photos of you and Dodie, and friends! Best always,  Jenny

 

You are welcome Jenny. And Thank you to All Residents who expressed their Financial help for the special lumpia appetizer. It's my treat to you all and special thank you for being my good neighbors and bridge and mahjong partners here at THD for the last 2.5 years.

Another THD Personel News: I heard Kristi Lucero quit her job today. If this is true the curse of Rapid Employee turnover is raging and has not been broken.  

Health Benefits of Weighted Blanket- Filipino Dinner Tonite

Sometimes, the simplest comfort can have the most profound effects on the body. Scientists have found that weighted blankets do more than provide cozy warmth, they actively influence your hormones to promote relaxation, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.

The secret lies in the gentle, even pressure the blankets apply to the body, a technique known as deep pressure stimulation. This tactile pressure encourages the brain to release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” , and melatonin, which signals the body that it’s time to sleep. Simultaneously, cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, decreases, allowing your nervous system to shift into a state of calm.

Studies show that using a weighted blanket can reduce heart rate, ease restless tension, and improve sleep onset, duration, and quality. Participants report feeling more grounded, less anxious, and better able to relax after a long day. Even short naps under the blanket produce measurable hormonal changes that support overall well-being.

This isn’t just comfort psychology; it’s biological. The pressure from the blanket stimulates touch receptors that communicate directly with the brain, creating a physiological response similar to a calming hug. The body interprets this as safety and security, reducing fight-or-flight signals and encouraging restorative sleep cycles.

Whether you struggle with insomnia, anxiety, or just need a better night’s rest, a weighted blanket could be a simple, non-invasive tool to help your body and mind recover naturally.

Because sometimes, the path to calm and restorative sleep isn’t in medications or routines, it’s in the quiet, steady pressure that lets your body relax into balance.

Meanwhile, here's a more detailed and reflected write-up on the above topic:

The Gentle Pressure of Calm: Health Benefits of Weighted Blankets

In recent years, the simple act of sleeping under a weighted blanket has gained quiet popularity among people seeking comfort, better sleep, and a sense of calm. What was once used mainly for children with sensory sensitivities has now become a wellness tool embraced by adults, seniors, and anyone looking for restful nights in an anxious world.

Weighted blankets are filled with tiny glass beads or pellets that distribute gentle, even pressure across the body. That steady pressure—known as deep touch stimulation—mimics the feeling of being hugged or held. For many, that sensation helps melt away the tension of the day, inviting a deep sense of relaxation.

From a scientific perspective, the benefits are real. Studies have shown that weighted blankets can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and melatonin—chemicals that regulate mood and sleep. This physiological response explains why many users fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested.

For those of us who live with chronic pain, anxiety, or sleeplessness, the comforting pressure of a weighted blanket can offer relief in ways that medication sometimes cannot. People with restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia, or even mild insomnia have reported fewer night awakenings and longer stretches of uninterrupted rest.

I’ve also heard from older adults who use weighted blankets as part of their evening routine—paired with quiet music, deep breathing, or meditation. The blanket’s gentle weight seems to ease both body and mind, providing a kind of grounded stillness that many find deeply healing.

Of course, it’s not a magic cure for sleepless nights. The right blanket weight matters (usually around 10% of one’s body weight), and it may take time to adjust to the sensation. But for those who find comfort in touch, warmth, and routine, a weighted blanket can be a soothing addition to a healthy lifestyle—especially during the colder, reflective months of the year.

As we age, our sleep patterns often change. Nights can grow shorter, and rest can become elusive. A weighted blanket, with its gentle embrace, reminds us of something timeless: that comfort, security, and peace of mind are as essential to health as medicine itself.

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Research Notes

• A 2020 study published in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that adults with insomnia who used a weighted blanket for four weeks reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and better sleep maintenance.

• Research from Occupational Therapy in Mental Health (2015) showed that 63% of participants using a 30-pound blanket reported reduced anxiety and an increased sense of calm.

• A 2021 Swedish study found that weighted blankets increased sleep time and lowered nighttime movement among people with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and ADHD.

• The concept of deep touch pressure therapy, first explored in the 1980s, remains the scientific foundation for understanding why gentle, consistent weight on the body can promote relaxation and parasympathetic nervous system activation.

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Personal Reflection

At this stage of my life, when I value rest and comfort more than ever, I find small rituals like these carry deep meaning. A warm blanket, soft lighting, and a quiet room remind me that peace doesn’t have to come from grand gestures—it can be found in the steady rhythm of nightly routines. The weighted blanket, in its gentle silence, feels almost like a reassuring hand on the shoulder—an invitation to let go, rest deeply, and greet tomorrow with calm strength.

Meanwhile,

In a remarkable medical case, a terminal cancer patient has shown unexpected signs of recovery after being treated with a repurposed anti-parasitic drug. The medication, originally designed to combat parasitic infections, is now being studied for its potential anti-tumor properties, which appear to interfere with cancer cell metabolism and growth.

Doctors monitoring the patient observed a dramatic reduction in tumor size and improved organ function within months of starting treatment. Early lab research suggests that some anti-parasitic compounds—like fenbendazole and mebendazole—can starve cancer cells by disrupting microtubules, structures essential for cell division, without harming healthy tissue.

While experts caution that this is not yet a proven cancer cure, the case highlights the growing interest in drug repurposing, where existing medicines are tested for new therapeutic uses. Clinical trials are now being proposed to verify safety, dosage, and long-term effects. If validated, this approach could revolutionize cancer therapy—offering affordable and accessible options where traditional treatments fail.

Finally, My Reel of the Day:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1306060241261592

THD Personal News: I saw the photo of Vanessa De Guzman as the new Activity Manager in the Front Desk last night. This morning the photo disappeared. From her photo and name, I guessed she has Filipino ancestry. My guess is correct, she was born and raised here in the US. She can not speak, Tagalog, but understand a few words. Another Filipino-American in the front desk is Linda Orias. She is also born and raised here in the US and has an Engineering degree. Today is Linda's second week work here at THD. I welcome both Vanessa and Linda, and hope they will have a long employment here at THD. If this happens-it will break the curse of rapid employee turnover here at THD. Let us hope for the best.

Looking forward to the Special Filipino Dinner tonite. I have received a few thank you and positive comments on my role for having this dinner born to reality. I talk to Joel before lunch and everything is ready to Go. He had just finished cooking the Dessert Biko, and the Lumpia will delivered just in time for our dinner tonite. Let me know if you like the Food.

The Transformative Power of Gratitude

Gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it changes your brain and body.

Scientists have discovered that practicing gratitude actually rewires the brain and can even influence how your genes behave. Neuroscience studies show that when you focus on gratitude, it activates the medial prefrontal cortex—a region linked to emotion control, moral reasoning, and reward processing.

Even short moments of genuine thankfulness light up this brain area on fMRI scans, strengthening empathy and improving decision-making.

But the effects don’t stop there. Gratitude boosts dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals responsible for happiness and emotional balance, while also reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, these neurochemical shifts can reshape how your body handles stress.

Even more fascinating—research in epigenetics suggests that gratitude can modify how certain genes are expressed, particularly those involved in inflammation and immunity. This means that consistent gratitude practices like journaling or mindful reflection could be fine-tuning your biology from within—turning good feelings into measurable health benefits.

A few minutes of daily gratitude might be doing more than lifting your mood—it could be reprogramming your mind and body for resilience.

Source: “Effects of gratitude meditation on neural network functional connectivity and brain–heart coupling,” Scientific Reports (July 11, 2017).

Meanwhile, here's a more personal and reflective write up on the Transformative Power of Gratitude

Every morning when I open my eyes, I take a deep breath and whisper a simple phrase to myself: “Thank you.” It’s a small ritual, but one that has profoundly changed how I experience life — especially in these later years. Gratitude, I’ve come to realize, is more than a fleeting feeling; it’s a mindset that reshapes the brain, the heart, and even the soul.

The image above captures this truth beautifully: “Regularly practicing gratitude alters the brain at a molecular level.”Science now confirms what ancient wisdom has always known — that thankfulness can rewire the brain’s neural pathways, fostering calmness, empathy, and resilience. In essence, gratitude is not just an emotion; it’s a form of mental exercise that strengthens our inner being.

For me, gratitude isn’t limited to big achievements or life milestones. It’s often found in the quiet, ordinary moments — a good cup of coffee in the morning, the laughter of a friend over a game of Mahjong and Bridge or the comforting rhythm of my daily walk around the community. Each of these small blessings reminds me that life, even in its imperfections, is still profoundly good.

As I’ve aged, I’ve come to see that gratitude also softens the weight of loss and illness. Living with a chronic condition has its challenges, but acknowledging what remains — the kindness of caregivers and friends, the love of family, the gift of another sunrise, the magic touch via my weekly massage — keeps me grounded. It allows me to focus not on what’s fading, but on what continues to shine.

I’ve also noticed that gratitude is contagious. When I express it openly — whether through a smile, a thank-you note, or a kind word — it often evokes warmth and connection in others. It creates a shared sense of humanity, a quiet reminder that we are all in this together.

In the end, practicing gratitude doesn’t just change how we feel; it changes who we are. It rewires our perception, renews our spirit, and, as science suggests, even reshapes our brains. For that reason alone, I make it a daily habit to pause, reflect, and give thanks — for the past that shaped me, the present that sustains me, and the future that still holds possibilities.

Because gratitude, I’ve learned, is not just a way to see life — it’s a way to live it.

Finally, Did You Know that....

Scientists from Kyoto University have discovered that human cells can actually respond to sound waves changing gene activity, physical behavior, and even decisions about becoming fat. When researchers played pure tones, like 440 Hz and 14 kHz, directly into cell cultures, the cells reacted within hours. Over 140 genes linked to inflammation, stress, and repair altered their expression, suggesting that sound isn’t just noise it’s a physical force our bodies can feel and interpret.

Even more fascinating, continuous sound exposure reduced the activity of two key fat-forming genes (Cebpa and Pparg) by more than 70%. In other words, the tones stopped stem cells from turning into fat cells. While it’s still early research, this study opens the door to exploring how sound could influence healing, metabolism, or even future acoustic therapies showing that the language of life might also be spoken in vibrations.

Source/Credit: Kyoto University / Biophysical Journal (2024) 

Finally, My Food For Thought For Today: