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| THE COLONY NEWS | APRIL 2024 | 17 The Colony is now offering multi-day tours and cruises, which include airfare, transfers and pick up from The Colony parking lot. Below is a partial list of excursions available. Please see Kara in the Activities Office for a full itinerary and information or visit www.friendlyexcursions.com. MULTI-DAY EXCURSIONS May 14-21: Best of Florida: Key West, Miami and Orlando Aug. 18 - 22: Grand Sierras Sept. 4-13: Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville & Kentucky Oct. 16-31: Greek Isles, Italy & France Chocolate is made from the beans of the cacao tree which is native to equatorial rainforests in Central and South America. e history of cacao dates back thousands of years and to several ancient Mesoamerican cultures, including the Mayans and Aztecs, who were known to prize cacao beans, and in fact would use them as currency for trade. Cacao beans were also used to prepare a drink which was used during feasts and festivals as well as for medicinal purposes. In the early 1500s, the Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez visited Montezuma, king of the Aztecs, and he was served a bitter- tasting, thick brown drink which the Aztecs called "xocoatl." e Spanish conquistadors pronounced the drink "chocalatl," which later became known as "chocolate." In the 1500s, cacao powder was imported to Spain, where sugar was added to overcome the bitter taste. Later, in the 1700s, milk was added to create the drink we commonly refer to today as hot cocoa. Research has shown that dark chocolate contains beneficial compounds known as flavonols, which are powerful antioxidants with numerous health benefits. Flavonols fight inflammation and reduce cellular damage as well as increase heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of clotting, thereby reducing the risks of stroke and heart disease. Flavonols found in dark chocolate have been found to boost immune function, prevent diabetes, improve brain function, enhance athletic performance and reduce stress. Studies have also shown that consuming chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. People with depression and anxiety typically have low levels of serotonin, which may explain why eating chocolate helps to produce a feeling of well-being. In light of these many positive benefits, dark chocolate can be enjoyed (without feeling guilty) when consumed occasionally as a part of a well-balanced diet. Research has shown that to optimize the beneficial effects of chocolate, you should look for dark chocolate (as opposed to milk chocolate) with at least 70% cacao content. Although the cacao found in dark chocolate has numerous health benefits, you must remember that the sugar, fat and other ingredients that are frequently added to chocolate products have potential negative effects that may offset the benefits if consumed in excess. Chocolate: The Heart Healthy Treat By Leslee B. Cochrane, MD, Executive Medical Director – Hospice of the Valleys, 951-200-7800 Health & More TECH TALK Wed., April 10, 9 to 10 am in the Meeting Room. Need help with e Colony Box Office? Do you have questions about your cellphone or tablet? Come to the Meeting Room the second Wednesday of each month and we will help you. ere is no cost to attend and no need to RSVP. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP ursday, April 11, 10 am in the Lounge. Presented by Kristi Necochea, this group educates and supports those who are caring for a loved one with any ailment. We meet the second ursday of each month. HEARING AID CHECK ursday, April 18, 9 to 10:30 am. is free service is provided by Johnson & Johnson every third ursday of the month in the Clubhouse Card Room. RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH MELISSA - MIND & BODY Tuesdays, 8:30 am; ursdays, 7 pm in the Annex. First class is $15 and may be used toward membership. Membership is $80 per month and includes two classes per week. Drop-ins are $15 per session. Ten memberships per month minimum to retain instructor. Beginners welcome.

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