In Cloverdale, we’re huggers
BROOKE GREENE & MELANIE HALL
April 29, 2021
I love hugging. I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug ten people at a time. – Drew Barrymore
When we met to discuss this month's column, we had two thoughts about the Gazette's May theme, Embrace. We chose to focus both on literal embraces, as more of us are vaccinated and we can get close to our loved ones once again, as well as the concept of embracing change, because our post-covid life will be different from our lives before.
Recently one of our regular volunteers at the Cloverdale Senior Center came to visit us at the Center, as she had not been in since we closed to the public due to Covid. She is a BIG hugger and thrives on the benefits of human contact. She was here to let Melanie know that she would be back to help as a front desk receptionist once she did not have to wear a mask for three hours at a time. She is just one of the many seniors who have now been fully vaccinated and feel that it is again safe to hug those who have also been vaccinated.
The need for an embrace is second nature to most of us, but did you know that there are many health benefits to hugging as well? Some researchers believe that the simple act of hugging can produce soothing chemicals that help us feel safe and secure. Embracing can give a healthy boost to our immune system, lower heart rates and lead to decreased depression. The beginning of May will bring a soft reopening to the Senior Center. All who enter will need to be fully vaccinated at this time - and then let the hugging begin! The Senior Center will once again be a hub of warmth and kindness.