Summertime, and the growing is easy!
If you are looking for something different and safe to do this holiday weekend, look no further! We have a banner crop of peppermint growing at the office, and we are happy to share with you! Anyone is welcome to stop buy and take some cuttings for tea or… to use as a foot soak or… whatever! Please bring your own scissors. You are also welcome to dig up a plant or more. Bring your own shovel!
Ways to Use Fresh Mint
- Add mint to Greek yogurt with berries. Berries and mint pair beautifully. Mix plain unsweetened Greek yogurt with strawberries or mixed berries and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint.
- Make your own mint tea to aid digestion. Use 5-10 big leaves or more depending on how strong you want it. Tear the leaves and place in mug, then muddle the leaves for a few seconds with the back of a wood spoon. Pour very hot (not boiling) water over the leaves and let steep 5-10 minutes. You can remove the leaves or leave them in.
- Change up your smoothie. Add 3-4 fresh mint leaves to a smoothie.
- Try strawberry, mint & basil with balsamic. This combo is DELICIOUS alone as a side or on top of mixed greens as a salad or use it as a bruschetta topper with a whole grain baguette and goat cheese The measurements are fluid- about 2 cups halved or quartered strawberries mixed with 10-20 leaves each of chopped mint and basil. 3-4 tablespoons of a high-quality aged balsamic will finish it.
- Make a minty lime fizzler. Muddle 5-8 mint leaves in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, a healthy squeeze of lime and club soda with a few drops of stevia to sweeten. Turn this into a low-sugar mojito by adding an ounce of white rum if you so please.
- Try watermelon, basil, mint salad with feta. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to round out the flavors. Again, the measurements are fluid, use the same measurements as the strawberry salad.
- Jazz up your water or ice cubes. Add fresh mint to plain or sparkling water to add flavor.
Enjoy!
MaryAnn
Helpful Tips!
Wax and moisture are often the cause of hearing aid malfunction. Summer is notorious for moisture in the air, and sweat on the skin. Please consider purchasing a good desiccant/ dehumidifier and/or a pair of EarGear for your hearing aids. These items will protect your hearing aids and increase their longevity. You can buy these supplies at our office or on Amazon!
Let’s talk… about what the right smartphone can do for you.
Almost all iPhones and many Android devices can be used as a remote control for your hearing aid functions. With the download of a free app from your App Store or Google Play Store, you can:
- Adjust the volume
- Change the program
- Create your own preferred settings and geotag them to be automatic
- Filter environmental noise
- Modify the frequency response, i.e. to hear women’s and children’s voices better
- Locate a missing hearing aid
What’s more, this is easier to do than it sounds! We’ll teach you!
Some of our clients think smartphones are difficult to master, but because they are smart, they are actually simple! We’ve been pairing hearing aids to smartphones and teaching our client to use them for years. It’s one way to really empower you, so we love to do it!
Streaming is another function that some smartphones perform. Streaming means that your phone calls will route to your hearing aids, so you can listen hands-free with both ears! Streaming also means that you can listen to music or radio (from your music and radio apps in your phone) directly through your hearing aids- while you’re working out, taking a walk, riding in a car or relaxing. No one else will hear the music but you, through your personally programmed high-tech hearing aids!
Neither my husband nor I have a hearing loss yet, but we each have a pair of hearing aids to stream music and use for long phone calls. We especially like to play our own individual music or podcasts when on road trips!
iPhones support streaming, but not all Android devices do. Below is a current list of Android Phones that now support ReSound Streaming. This list is ever expanding.
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 3 XL
- Google Pixel 3
- Google Pixel 3a XL
- Google Pixel 3a
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- Samsung Galaxy Z flip
- Samsung Note 10+
- Samsung Note 10
If you have an android and wonder whether it might at least be compatible for use as a remote control, here’s a simple test: see if you can download the app you want (i.e. ReSound 3D Smart App). Your phone shouldn’t let you download it if it cannot support its function!
Keep in mind that not all hearing aids are Bluetooth. In the GN ReSound family of hearing aids, LiNX hearing aids, including LiNX 3D and Quattro hearing aids are available in Bluetooth models. Starkey Livio is as well. Those are our two favorite manufacturers, but of course other manufacturers have Bluetooth device options. ReSound was the first, followed by Starkey- so now you know one reason we like them so- they are the innovators!
Danelle’s Summer Commentary
Hello MaryAnn’s Family Hearing Readers,
I hope you feel embraced by the good weather that the summer season is bringing forth and enjoying the simple things that life brings.
Since March of 2020 we have seen and experienced world and USA events that our generation has never seen before. Never did we think that these events would affect our lives like they have. If we go back in history depending on how old you are, our parents, grandparents and ancestors have seen far worse.
The thing dear readers, is that we are so lucky to be living in this country. The percentage of wonderful human beings that care about others, living good and peaceful lives is far greater than the opposite. Good always prevails and never ever forget that.
Try to enjoy the nice weather, quiet times; have a picnic with family or friends. Enjoy each other and your history together. Keep your hearing aids on and you may be amazed at what you will learn. God Bless and be with you all.
Danelle
Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
Behind-the-Scenes at MAFH
On one very rainy day in June, Eric and I planted three new rosebushes and three lavender plants at the office. We cleared away some bushes that were not thriving, and removed the red grasses that did not spread over the years as we had hoped. When I garden, I get so dirt-covered. Eric does not, and he laughs at me. I love the feel and smell of dirt and I just dig right in. We hope you like the changing landscape at MAFH. After all, we do it for your enjoyment!
Help Wanted
Our Nan Lambo has retired, and we wish her well! We are beginning a search for someone to fill her part-time position- someone who cares about others, is patient, considerate and a team player. Duties include social media management, basic design layout for advertising and print newsletters, liaison for health insurances and our various business accounts. If you know any good candidates, please have them contact us for an interview.
Happy Independence Day!
Most Sincerely,
MaryAnn
MaryAnn Bencin, Audiologist
(440) 210-4885
[email protected]