Hugs

This Sunday, January 21st is National Hug Day.  What?  Do we need a national day for hugging?

It appears that back in 1986 there was a man who thought that there was not enough hugging going on in the United States.  He started the day because it was mid-winter and spirits were low.  He wanted to spread cheer.

Interestingly enough hugging has  been around for a long time.  While the word’s etymology is not totally clear Shakespeare used it in his play Richard III when he said “he hugd me in his armes.”  This was back in 1597.

Another reason to hug or be hugged is that it is very comforting.  A hug to a friend with a problem can give support.  Family hugs mean you care a lot.  Hugs between children are sweet and an open expression of friendship.

You might think that it’s not safe to hug so soon after the Covid pandemic.  You might feel that there are a lot of germs around this time of year so no hugging for you.

If you are fearful you might want to try quick hugs with people you feel are safe.  You might be pleasantly surprised and feel happy afterwards.

Don’t we all need to have these feelings at some point in our lives?  How often?  When and where?

Some folks say that everyone needs a hug 12 times in a day to be healthy?  Do you feel like us that this could be difficult to achieve or too much?

Word has it that 32% of your stress will disappear after a hug. That could be great!

How do you feel about a 20 second hug?  Are your hugs that long?

Private Home Health Care feels that hugs, so long as the person is open to receiving one, is a great way to share happiness and comfort.  On Sunday, find someone to hug.  You might even have a 20 second hug.  

Are You Worried About Your Weight?

Did you make a new year’s resolution to lose weight?  How is that going?

There are many different diets out in the universe.  Have you tried any of them?  Have you had any success or are you still searching?

This week is National Healthy Weight Week.  It can be a good time to look at common sense ways for you to try and set goals to help you get to your healthy weight.

A few recommendations to get you started:

• Begin by talking to your doctor or a nutritionist.  Set some goals.

• Start small.  Do not try to change everything at once.  It can overwhelm you.

• Be sure to drink plenty of water. 

(The average water and fluid intake for a man is 15-½ cups a day.  For women it is 11-½ cups.  This can vary a bit depending on your activity leve and where you live.)

• Add lots of fruits and vegetables to your diet and cut back on your sugar.

• Exercise more by walking or adding a cardio workout.  Adding 2-3 days of weight exercises or yoga will round off the active part of your plan.

Getting to a healthy weight can feel daunting but by working with your doctor and starting small you can do it!

Private Home Health Care has faith that if you are able to set your mind on goals, no matter what they are, you can be successful.  Good luck!

#NationalHealthyWeightWeek

Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr. , this year on the actual day of his birth.

He was born on January 15, 1929 and he died at the young age of 39.

During his short time on earth Martin Luther King Jr. led a peaceful movement of equality for all people no matter the color of their skin.   

The road was long and there was much adversity but his legacy lives on. His dream lives on.
Private Home Health Care honors Martin Luther King Jr. today and we wish for equality for all people across the globe.

Bittersweet Chocolate

At times, there can be lots of discussion around chocolate.  Any December holidays and of course Valentine’s Day it’s a hot topic.

Everyone knows about milk chocolate, white chocolate and even semi-sweet chocolate.  The question is how much do you know about bittersweet chocolate?

Bittersweet chocolate can be a great option if you have diabetes or if you are watching your sugar intake for any reason.

If you look for bittersweet chocolate at the grocery store, you’ll see that it has at least 70% cacao.  The higher the cacao percentage, the better off you are with the sugar content.

This higher cacao content is delicious in sweets like brownies, chocolate chip cookies, truffles, hot chocolate, chocolate mousse and chocolate.  

If you are diabetic you can modify many of these dishes by substituting different flours or almond milks and by using a monk fruit sugar substitute.

You may not notice a huge taste difference in bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate but there are four major differences:

Higher Cacao Percentage – the higher the cacao, the lower the sugar and cocoa butter in the chocolate.

Flavor Difference – bittersweet chocolate has a deeper and more bitter taste.

Crumblier Texture – with lower amounts of cocoa butter and milk solids the chocolate crumbles easier than other chocolates.

Color – you will see a much darker, almost black color with bittersweet chocolate.

Private Home Health Care loves chocolates and we especially like bittersweet chocolate at times for the health benefits.  It tastes great in many recipes.

#BittersweetChocolateDay

Winter Skin

Now that winter has officially begun we are wondering if like us, you are having any trouble with dry skin?

These cold months your body can start to get dry patches and your hands can definitely need more care.  If you are someone who tries to wash your hands to avoid illness, it can add to the dryness.

Today is National Winter Skin Day and there are dermatologists who have recommendations for how to help keep your skin hydrated.

One easy fix is for you to add a humidifier to your bedroom.  The extra moisture can help add water to your skin as you sleep.

Another recommendation is to shower less often.  If you shower daily, switch to every other day.  In addition, turn the temperature down.  Try to have a cooler shower rather than piping hot. Also, if you pat your skin dry rather than rub it that can help./

For your hands, try and keep handy a moisturizer so that after each washing you can use it to keep them from drying out.

Additionally, your body needs extra help.  Choose a moisturizing cream (not a lotion) to apply after you shower or before bed each night.

Finally, try and dress in layers each day.  The layers can keep you warmer but you can also peel off a layer if you get overheated.  Soft flannel or cotton is less irritating to your skin.

Private Home Health Care appreciates tips during these cold winter months.  During our busy winter days it’s always helpful to find easy ways to keep from getting irritated skin.

#WinterSkinReliefDay

#CelebrationOfLifeWeek

It makes sense to us that the first week in January would be set aside for a Celebration of Life Week.

You and I look forward to all the wonderful things that can come from starting a new year.  At this time of year we are hopeful and anticipatory of what lies ahead for us.

With this new hopefulness it is also a time for you to celebrate any accomplishments or any blessings you have experienced.

You may be thankful for your family so celebrate them.  Spend time playing a game, taking a walk or sharing your time with them.

Have you started a new job or changed jobs?  That could be a cause for a celebration too.

Did you try a new recipe?  Have you found a new book to enjoy?  Are you working towards a new weight and you’ve been successful in changing your diet?

So many things in our life are worth celebrating, big or small.

Take time to celebrate for yourself by going to a spa or having some quiet time.  You might find that you have more to give others if you take care of yourself.

Celebrating can spread happiness and positivity.  Both of these are bonuses to your health and well being.  It’s a great way to begin a new year!

Private Home Health Care celebrates all of the wonderful clients that we serve in our community.  We are grateful to be able to provide care to those in need.

Trivia

This is the time of year when some people look to try new things.  Trivia seems to be all around us.  Are you one of those people who enjoy trivia questions?  How is your memory and recall?

We are not so sure that our expertise is in trivia but if you have a knack for remembering interesting facts it might be for you.  It also might be for you if you just like to have fun! 

Since 1964, you’ve been able to get a dose of trivia on television.  Each night Jeopardy is played and some serious money can be won.  The TV show previously hosted by Alex Trebek and now Ken Jennings is carrying the torch.

Another way for you to have fun with trivia is the board game, Trivial Pursuit.  Back in 1981 when it was released there was just one version to test your knowledge in five areas.

These days there are many versions of Trivial Pursuit to choose from now.  No money here but fun and laughter is plentiful.

One other way to play is to find a local restaurant or locale that offers trivia.  Some are for individual play but you can play as a team.  

You won’t become wealthy from these games, but you’ll have fun and you might win a small amount of money or a gift. 

 
Private Home Health Care hopes you have a chance to watch or try a game of trivia for a new experience.  If you’re a trivia pro, be sure to pass on any tips to friends on ways to enjoy it.

New Year’s Day and Resolutions

The end of 2023 is coming and the new year is in view.  Do you make resolutions or do you think those are just too silly?

We are certain that many of you made resolutions for 2023.  How did those turn out for you?

Did you keep any or did they fizzle out as the year went on? 

Did you decide that you don’t really need resolutions after all? 

For those adventurous souls who believe in resolutions we’ve found it is interesting how diverse they can be. 

• Your body needs more exercise. Find your local gym or online exercise class.  

• The scales in the bathroom alert you to an unusual weight gain.  Time for a diet. 

• You are very upset about a strained or broken relationship. You resolve to work on it.

• Books have become something of the past.  Look for interesting books to read.

• You are looking for a new adventure. Sign up for a new activity or skill to learn.

Private Home Health Care hopes that if you decide to make a New Year’s resolution you do the best you can and don’t overreact if they don’t always work out exactly as planned.

Cookie Exchanges

On this day of National Cookie Exchange we are thinking about all of the delicious cookies that are baked during the Christmas season.

Have you been baking any cookies?  If you have, we are imagining the good smells coming out of your oven.

We are thinking about sugar cookies, with sprinkles or frosting.  Or maybe you are baking thimble cookies or spritz cookies.  We love the shapes of Christmas trees and wreaths.  

You might have recipes for peanut butter cookies, shortbread, gingerbread, or thumbprint cookies with a hershey’s kiss in the middle. Gingersnaps with fresh ginger or beautiful linzer cookies with jam are also yummy.  

Have we made you hungry yet??  If not, we are!

Cookie exchanges are fun because you get to choose all different types of cookies.  Someone might even share a recipe or two for a new cookie with you.

You can say thank you to the Dutch, English and Scottish folk who came to America and shared the tradition of cookie baking with us.  Cookies have been around longer than the 17th century though.

If you read up on cookie origins you’ll discover that back in the 7th century it was in Persia that the cookie was born.  Sugar actually started there, so it’s not surprising cookies soon followed.

Private Home Health Care loves this time of year with all the holiday baking.  A cookie exchange is definitely a fun way to get together to celebrate the season.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Operation Santa Paws

Operation Santa Paws is about all of those animal shelters that care for the cats and dogs without homes and their needs.

You know those kittens, cats, puppies and dogs that are such friends to all of us?  Well, many go to shelters awaiting adoption.  Your help would be greatly appreciated.  

Just like us they need things to make them happy.  Shelters are happy to get donations of blankets, toys or treats for any of the animals in their care.

You and I love our pets and they become a part of our family.  They bring us joy and companionship.  Some protect us and act as a service animal to us..  Whatever the reason for a pet, we share a special bond with them. 

Shelters are a place to begin the bond.  Adopting may be hard for you but donations are always accepted and a great way to show appreciation for the animals and the shelter who provide them with temporary homes.

You can find many shelters locally either online or from your local town hall.  Any donation is appreciated no matter the cost or size.

This operation comes during the holiday season as it’s the season for giving in hopes that people will respond to help. With an estimated 7 million animals that await adoption there is definitely a need across our country.

Private Home Health Care is sharing this information for all the animals waiting for their forever home. 

#OperationSantaPaws