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.    

 💚

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.

Farewell, TED- New Photo of Activity Director Posted in Front Desk

Ted Treat during our Sausalito Lunch and Excursion last June 

I received the following e-mail from Ted Treat today. He requested I forward this to all my Fellow Residents here at THD as well as in my blogs. 

If you have read my blogs, you probably know that Ted was the one that got me interested on AI.  This is the reason why I will never forget Ted. He was the best Activity Director since my move here at THD 28 months ago. He was smart, industrious and had empathy with the seniors citizens like me and the rest of about 150 residents here at THD. I have no doubt, he will succeed in any endeavor he will pursue in the future. I will missed you, TED. 

Here's his Linked-in page and his private e-mail is ted@tedtreat.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-treat-62115ba5/

Speaking of Activity Directors, I saw in the Front desk a few minutes ago, the photo of a woman named Vanessa De Guzman. She looks like a Filipino-American. I have not met her yet, but I wish to welcome her and hopefully she will stay long. If she does, she will be breaking the curse of rapid employees turnover💚 here at THD the last 3 years especially in the Activity and Services Section ( Drivers and Front Desk).  

   " It’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to all the amazing people I’ve had the privilege and honor of getting to know at The Heritage. There are so many wonderful residents and friends I’ve met here, and each of you has touched my life in ways I’ll never forget.

When I first joined, my role was in leasing. Shortly after, Cidney, who was leading activities, chose to move on after growing exhausted with the management. She took the time to show me the ropes and warn me about what lay ahead. Yet I’m grateful I stayed, because what truly mattered were the people, all of you. You made it worth showing up every day. Taking on activities gave me the chance to connect with you, and that became the most meaningful part of my experience.

I didn’t know how much joy I’d find in the role. Every event, every outing, every craft session... it was never about the activity itself, but about being together. The laughter, the stories, and the shared moments made each day special. You brought warmth and fun into my work, and I can’t thank you enough for that.

So while this may be goodbye for now, I hope it’s just “see you soon.” Thank you for making my time at The Heritage something I’ll always treasure. With love and gratitude,Ted"

Meanwhile, here the references on my previous articles on Rapid Employees turnover her at THD. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/10/rapid-turnover-of-thd-employees.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/09/effects-of-toxic-leadership-my-personal.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-effects-of-micromanagement-my.html

💚Personal Note:  No Betting Allowed:

I will not accept any bets on how long will the new Activity Director be employed here at THD. The last time I bet, I lost. 

 

Mindfulness and Aging Gracefully

As I approach my 91st birthday this December, I often find myself reflecting on what it truly means to age well. It’s a question I’ve asked silently during quiet mornings, after a good game of bridge, or while sitting still, waiting for the ache in my legs to ease. Aging, I’ve come to realize, is not simply about counting the years — it’s about finding peace and meaning within them.

I live with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. It’s a reality that has changed the rhythm of my days, but not the purpose of my living. I still write my daily blog — a small ritual that keeps my mind awake and my heart engaged with the world. I still play bridge and Mahjong five times a week, because even as the body weakens, the mind thrives on connection, laughter, and strategy. And I still try to move, even when pain accompanies every step, because movement — no matter how small — reminds me that I am still here.

Mindfulness, to me, has become the quiet art of being fully present with what is, not what was or might have been. I no longer chase the past or worry too deeply about what comes next. Instead, I find comfort in the stillness of the moment — in the way sunlight filters through my window, in the soft hum of morning sounds, in the rhythm of my own breathing.

When you are young, mindfulness can seem like an abstract idea — a luxury for the calm or the curious. But in the ninth decade of life, mindfulness becomes a necessity. It teaches patience with your body’s limitations, gratitude for small pleasures, and compassion for yourself as you navigate the long, slow unfolding of age.

Some days, I find my thoughts drifting back to my years at the FDA, or to the chaotic aftermath of 9/11 when I stood among those who were simply trying to make sense of loss. Those memories ground me in perspective — they remind me how fragile and precious life is, and how deeply human it is to endure.

Writing has been my companion since 2009, but in recent years, it has become my form of mindfulness — a way to touch the world with words, to stay connected even when the body grows tired. Each post I write is a meditation on gratitude, resilience, and purpose.

So yes, aging is an art. It’s not a science of diet and exercise alone, but a quiet acceptance of impermanence — balanced with a fierce commitment to stay alive in the spirit, curious in the mind, and open in the heart.

To those who read my words — younger or older — I say this: Don’t wait for illness or time to teach you what mindfulness can. Be present now. Listen deeply. Cherish the moments that make you feel truly alive.

Because aging well is not about defying time — it’s about embracing it, one mindful breath at a time.

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A Closing Note to My Readers

As I continue my writing journey, I want to thank each of you — old friends, new visitors, and quiet readers from around the world — for walking this path with me. Your presence, your comments, and even your silent visits remind me that words can still build bridges, even across generations and distances.

I write not just to share thoughts, but to stay connected — to life, to memory, and to you. Every post is a small piece of my story, and I am grateful that you’ve chosen to share in it.

Stay mindful. Stay kind. And remember — every day we wake up is another opportunity to live fully, no matter what our circumstances may be. With gratitude, David

Finally, 

A recent Stanford University study has confirmed that the human brain is far more powerful than once thought. It found that the mind can rewire the body in real time through belief alone, shaping health, performance, and resilience.

When people believe they are receiving treatment, the brain triggers real biological changes — from pain relief to immune responses. This goes beyond the placebo effect; researchers showed that repeated thoughts can actually change gene expression, hormone levels, and nerve activity.

Negative thoughts, on the other hand, can suppress healing, increase stress, and harm the body. This makes mental training, mindfulness, and positive affirmations not just psychological tools, but biological ones.

The study reframes the brain as not just an observer of life, but an active builder of it, constantly constructing health and reality with every repeated belief.

Finally, my short video music of the Day:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/732067572964711

Heal with Humming and Take it Further with Singing

Did you know your voice holds incredible healing power? Humming is more than just a soothing sound. Scientific studies reveal that humming can increase nitric oxide levels in your body by up to 1400 percent. Nitric oxide is essential for improving blood flow, enhancing oxygen absorption, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Beyond its physical benefits, humming has a profound effect on the nervous system. The vibrations created while humming help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and eases anxiety.

Incorporating a few minutes of humming into your daily routine can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and a calmer mind. Whether you hum a favourite tune or simply create a steady hum, your body responds with a natural boost that supports both mental and physical wellness.

Humming is a simple, free, and scientifically-backed method to reduce tension, enhance focus, and uplift your energy. Try humming today and experience the transformative effects for yourself. Your voice is not just a means of communication, it is a tool for healing and restoring balance.

Meanwhile, here's my own personal reflection on The Healing Power of Humming — and How Singing Takes It Even Further

In my younger days, I sang in the choir and even took basic voice lessons. Those experiences taught me not only about harmony and rhythm, but also about the pure joy that comes from using one’s own voice. Recently, I came across a fascinating bit of science suggesting that something as simple as humming can actually help heal the body.

According to recent studies, humming boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal passages by as much as 1400%. Nitric oxide plays an important role in dilating blood vessels, improving oxygen flow, and even supporting the immune system. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system—something I think many of us could use in our fast-paced, worry-filled world.

When you hum, the vibration resonates through your chest, throat, and face, stimulating the vagus nerve—one of the body’s main channels for relaxation. That may explain why humming can ease anxiety and help us feel more centered.

But then I wondered: if humming is that beneficial, what about singing?

From my own experience, singing feels like an emotional release—a way of lifting the spirit while connecting breath, body, and mind. Singing, especially when done with deep breathing and proper technique, expands lung capacity, strengthens the diaphragm, and promotes better circulation. It also releases endorphins and oxytocin, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, creating a sense of happiness and belonging.

In that sense, singing might be considered enhanced humming. The same vibrations that hums produce also occur when we sing, but with greater variety in pitch, rhythm, and emotion. Singing in a choir, as I once did, added another dimension—community. Harmonizing with others seemed to multiply the joy, and perhaps, the healing as well.

So, whether you hum softly to yourself during quiet moments or sing aloud to your favorite tune, remember that your voice is more than just sound—it’s medicine.

Much like my weekly full-body massages, which have become a cherished part of my wellness routine, humming and singing remind me that healing doesn’t always come from outside interventions. Sometimes, it comes from within—from the soothing rhythm of breath, the vibration of the voice, and the simple act of being present in our own bodies.

If you’d like to give it a try, start with just a few minutes of humming each day. Notice how it feels in your chest, your head, and your breath. Or sing along to a favorite song that lifts your mood. Whether in harmony or solitude, your voice can be a gentle, natural path to inner peace and healing.

Finally here's the AI Overview on this Topic:

"Heal with Humming and Take it Further with Singing" is the title of 

a guided meditation by sound therapist Kimba Arem, developed as part of the CD Self-Healing with Sound and Music, co-authored with Dr. Andrew Weil. The track guides listeners to use their own voice for healing. 

How humming and singing promote healing

Humming and singing use vocal vibrations to stimulate the body's natural relaxation response. 

Nervous system regulation

• Vagus nerve activation: The vagus nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain to the body's organs and plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls "rest and digest" functions. The vocal cord vibrations from humming or singing stimulate this nerve.
• Reduced stress: By activating the vagus nerve, these vocal techniques help lower the stress hormone cortisol, decrease heart rate, and reduce blood pressure.
• Increased nitric oxide: Humming has been shown to increase the production of nitric oxide in the nasal passages by up to 15 times compared to quiet breathing. Nitric oxide is a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, leading to better blood flow and improved oxygenation throughout the body. 

Emotional and mental benefits

• Enhanced mood: Both humming and singing can trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood-enhancing chemicals. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Increased mindfulness: Focusing on your breath and the physical vibrations of the sound encourages a meditative and mindful state.
• Vocal warm-up: Humming is a standard practice for singers to warm up their vocal cords and prepare for singing. 

Taking it further with singing

While humming provides foundational healing effects, singing takes the practice to a deeper level.

• More profound vibration: Singing allows for a greater range of vocal tones, which creates more diverse and powerful internal vibrations throughout the body.
• Emotional release: Singing can be a more expressive and powerful outlet for releasing emotions than humming.
• Community and connection: Singing in a group, such as a choir, adds the emotional and psychological benefits of community and belonging. 

Arem and Weil's Self-Healing with Sound and Music

This album, and the specific track mentioned, features two parts: 

• Session 1: Dr. Weil discusses the medical research supporting the healing power of sound, while Arem provides instruction on breathing and vocalization techniques.
• Session 2: This is a guided "sound journey" track with layered sounds and frequencies. It incorporates instrumentation from didjeridoo, Native American and Celtic flutes, and Tibetan and crystal bowls, along with Arem's voice. 
• Personal: THD Karaoke Singing organized by Ted Treat is one of the activities 
• I enjoyed very much. With Ted gone the last couple of days( rumors circulated he was
•  terminated involuntary or quit because he found another good paying job with benefits).
•  If the first rumor indicating he was terminated without the 2 weeks notice is  true,
•  this action does not speak well  of THD management. Ted was well-like by everybody
•  here at THD. He was the one who introduce me to AI assisting me on my daily blogging.
•  If you are a THD resident  and have been positively touched by Ted, I am planning to
•  write a blog on him. I would appreciate if you can say a word or two about Ted and
•  how it affects your life here in THD positively.
• 
  
• UPDATE: I talked to Barbara and Jenny this morning. The official word is 
• that Ted is sick.I hope he comes back. Ted the residents love you! 

Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Its Benefits

Scientists have confirmed that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective therapy for treating conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and inflammation. This technique involves delivering mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem through the neck and into the chest and abdomen, influencing vital body functions.

VNS has been shown to help regulate brain activity, reducing the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy and easing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. More recently, studies have revealed that it also plays a role in controlling inflammation by calming overactive immune responses, making it a promising therapy for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Unlike medications that often cause side effects or lose effectiveness over time, vagus nerve stimulation provides a targeted and long-lasting solution. Patients undergoing VNS therapy have reported significant improvements in mood, seizure control, and overall quality of life.

Researchers believe that expanding the use of this therapy could open doors to treating a wider range of disorders linked to the nervous and immune systems. With ongoing clinical trials, VNS is quickly gaining recognition as one of the most innovative and effective neuromodulation treatments available today.

Meanwhile, here's an additional write-up on this topic.

Nerve Power Unlocked: How Vagus Nerve Stimulation is Changing Medicine

The vagus nerve, a key part of the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, is a communication superhighway linking the brain with vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. For years, scientists have recognized its role in regulating involuntary functions like heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. Now, emerging research and clinical practice have unlocked its potential as a powerful therapeutic tool—through a method known as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation involves delivering mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, typically via a small implantable device or non-invasive stimulation devices placed on the neck or ear. This gentle activation influences brain activity and can rebalance neural communication, leading to improvements in both mental and physical health.

Proven Medical Benefits

VNS has gained FDA approval and clinical respect for its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions:

• Depression: Particularly in treatment-resistant depression, where standard medications fail, VNS can help improve mood and restore emotional balance by modulating neurotransmitter levels.

• Epilepsy: For patients with uncontrolled seizures, VNS reduces seizure frequency by altering abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

• Inflammation: Increasing evidence suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can suppress excessive immune responses, helping with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

How It Works

The vagus nerve acts as a two-way messenger between body and brain. Electrical stimulation influences key brain regions, including the limbic system—responsible for emotions—and sends signals to regulate inflammation and autonomic functions. By tapping into this natural communication network, VNS corrects imbalances that underlie many chronic conditions.

The Future of Bioelectronic Medicine

Vagus nerve stimulation is part of a growing field called bioelectronic medicine, where devices target specific nerves to restore health. Researchers are continuing to explore its potential for conditions like anxiety disorders, PTSD, tinnitus, obesity, and even heart failure.

With its ability to treat complex and otherwise hard-to-manage conditions, VNS offers hope for many who have exhausted traditional medical routes. As science continues to refine this technique, the vagus nerve—and the power it holds—may become one of the most valuable therapeutic frontiers in modern medicine.How 

What Else Can You Support Your Vagus Nerve?

You don’t always need a device—simple activities like deep belly breathing, meditation, massage or even listening to calming music can help the vagus nerve do its job. These are easy ways to lower stress and help the body relax.​

Takeaway:

Vagus nerve stimulation is a promising therapy that is already changing lives. It helps the brain and body “talk” more smoothly, easing problems like depression, epilepsy, and perhaps even inflammation. It’s a great example of science finding new ways to use the power inside the body to heal and feel better

Meanwhile, Did you know that....

Cold showers do more than just wake you up—they can actually change how your brain works. Research from Bournemouth University shows that exposure to cold water increases dopamine levels, the chemical linked to motivation and mood. This boost can sharpen mental focus, helping you concentrate more effectively throughout the day. Regular cold showers also train your body and mind to handle stress better, building psychological resilience over time. It’s a simple habit with surprisingly powerful effects on brain function and emotional strength. #fblifestyle

Finally, I love my massage therapist doing this to me:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2024531707952138

and My Food for Thought for Today

https://www.facebook.com/reel/674265041870656