Healthy Habits Leads to Healthy Aging

HEART HEALTHY MONTH!

This is the takeaway for American Heart Month, the campaign reminding us to make time to maintain our cardiovascular health at every age!

The American Heart Association points to heart disease as the greatest public health threat and cardiovascular disease as the underlying cause of death in 1 out of 3 people. Now, the potential harmful effects of coronavirus on the heart and vascular system have heightened the importance of healthful habits.

Studies show that heart health can be improved at any age. Committing to a healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep blood pressure and cholesterol numbers within a healthy range. Losing weight if BMI (body mass index) is high and quitting smoking will provide more positive health benefits.

A trained Amada caregiver can help your senior patients protect their overall health or manage symptoms of congestive heart failure or stroke recovery. Call 877-44-AMADA to learn how we can help. We always appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us as your partner supporting seniors along the care continuum journey.

Maintaining Your Mental Agility

Maintaining Your Mental Agility

by Carla Sutter

When I was growing up Sunday mornings at my house included a newspaper and a pencil. My dad would lead the charge and attempt to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle. While we were never confident enough to use a pen; among the four of us we could answer enough of the puzzle to feel challenged and victorious all at the same time. Today, crossword puzzles have gone digital. In addition, there are a multitude of online as well as print games to keep every family engaged over a weekend. For the elderly poor eyesight, isolation, decreased dexterity and cognitive decline minimize the opportunity to participate in activities that challenge one's brain.

A new study from the University of Texas explores the importance that mental challenges can have on sharpening the aging brain. Continuous learning opportunities is showing itself to be one of the mainstays of healthy aging and quality of life. SYNERGY HomeCare staff recognize the need for mental stimulation and ensure that our caregivers are not simply providing assistance with the activities of daily living such as: bathing, grooming, assistance with mobility and dressing, but just as importantly are offering brain engaging activities during their visits.

Caregivers are using technology to provide musical programs that are based on music therapy techniques. Programs such as MemVu.com which offers brain training programs personalized to the client can be added into the care plan. In addition, caregivers focus on re-engaging clients with social activities in their community, accompanying them to museums, lectures and family get-togethers; all activities that will stimulate the brain and enhance quality of life.

SYNERGY HomeCare is all about improving quality of life for our clients. You can use our Find a Local Agency tool at the top of this page or call our 24 hour number 877-432-2692 for help over the phone from our Care Team any time.

Carla Sutter

Carla, Director of Operations for SYNERGY HomeCare Franchisor, holds her Masters in Social work and is a Certified Advanced Case Manager with the NASW.  Carla has dedicated her over 25 year career to helping clients and families care for themselves and others whose needs are changing due to age or illness. She has provided training to companies and individuals throughout the United States and Canada.

Visit us online @ www.SynergyHomeCare.com 

Tips For Reinventing Yourself As You Age

TIPS FOR REINVENTING YOURSELF AS YOU AGE

It’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby.

The numbers of people over 45 is growing every year. People are hoping to stay active and vibrant as long as possible. There are over 76 million baby boomers today over 50, and the first of the 82.1 million Generation X-ers are about to reach that milestone in 2015. To get you started on re-inventing yourself, here are 5 tips from Healthy Aging Magazine:

1. Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 27? 41? Now? Picture yourself at that age and simply be it.
2. Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, stop, take a moment and change the conversation to something positive.
3. Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only get you down and stop your growth.
4. Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first and wear comfortable shoes.
5. Stand up straight. You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Fix your stance and practice it every day. You will look great and feel better.

What tips do you have? Or do you have a story to share about what you do to stay motivated to be the best version of yourself?

Visit us online @ http://www.brightstarcare.com/

Healthy Aging ~ 10 Tips for Getting Fit

Healthy Aging: 10 Tips for Getting Fit

As you grow older, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. If you are struggling with activities of daily living, you may want to consider assistive or personal care services.  Self-care assistance can help you incorporate and maintain a basic exercise regimen to prevent or reduce the risk of many health conditions, which can positively affect the length of your life.

A study by a team of researchers from National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, found that people who engaged in leisure-time physical activity had life expectancy gains of as much as 4.5 years.

The health benefits of regular, moderate exercise can’t be overstated: it can help lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. An active lifestyle can also improve your strength and balance so you can prevent injuries and stay independent, reduce symptoms of depression and stress, and improve your ability to think, learn, and make decisions.

With so many health benefits, exercise should be a priority in everyone’s life, but, unfortunately, that’s not the case. Some people feel discouraged by illness, ongoing health problems, or concerns about injuries or falls. Regardless of your health status, your fitness level, or your inexperience with exercise, you can safely work energy-boosting, heart-healthy, mood-enhancing exercise into your week!

So, let’s get moving!

Here are some tips for getting the most out of an exercise routine: 

1. Evaluate your health status 
   It’s wise to speak with your doctor before you begin any exercise regimen. Ask if there are any special precautions you should take to keep safe or if there are any activities you should avoid based on your current health and fitness level.
2. Start small 
   Enthusiasm is great, but trying to do too much too soon can derail your efforts by causing an injury or over-stressing your muscles. If just starting out, walking is an easy activity to get you moving. Even 10 minutes a day, twice a day, will do your body a world of good. “No pain, no gain” does not apply; stop if you have pain or shortness of breath. Check with your doctor before resuming activities.
3. Choose activities that are fun for you 
   The more you enjoy what you are doing, the better results you’ll get. If you like to work out in a gym, that’s great. But if you prefer tennis, swimming, or biking, then choose those instead. Do you like to dance? Go for it!
4. Recruit a workout buddy 
   Exercising with a companion is always more fun and motivating. Plus, it helps keep you accountable.
5. Focus on short-term goals 
   For people who want to lose weight, for example, the thought of reaching their ultimate goal can be overwhelming. Instead, set short term goals or focus on other benefits like increased flexibility, improved balance, and enhanced mood. 
6. Alternate 'easy day' and 'hard day' workouts 
   Once you get in an active groove, you’ll get greater benefits by alternating more intense workouts with easier ones. For example, if you walk one day for 40 minutes, only walk 20 minutes the next day. It’ll give your body a chance to recoup while still remaining active. 
7. Mix it up  
   As much as you may enjoy walking, your routine get can get, well, routine. Adding in a variety of different activities is a great way to keep you motivated. So, instead of your morning walk, how about taking a swim or a doing a yoga class? 
8. Join a gym or class 
   There’s nothing like participating in a group activity to keep you going. It’s fun and social.  Who wants to be asked, “Where were you?” when you didn’t show up in favor of sitting on the couch?
9. Seek expert advice 
   A personal trainer can help design an exercise routine that’s tailored just for your personal fitness level and wellness goals. A trainer can also teach you how to perform exercises safely to ensure you won’t fall or injure yourself.  
10. Be active all day long 
    Even if you’re not formally exercising, you can still keep active. Choose stairs over the elevator or park at the far end of the parking lot when arriving at appointments and meetings. Home chores like gardening and vacuuming are opportunities to keep your body moving and accomplish tasks at the same time.

Resources for fitness information can be found by visiting the SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program website.

SilverSneakers^® helps older adults take greater control of their health by providing support, education, and access to participating fitness centers. Many health plans offer SilverSneakers to people who are eligible for Medicare or to group retirees. 

To learn more about personal care for help with physical activity or tasks of daily living, contact us today.

View our website today for more useful information.

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