Private Home Health Care would like to wish a very Happy and Blessed Easter to all who celebrate. Easter is the holiest of days for Christians.
If you are a Christian, you observe 40 days of Lent. These 40 days represent the time that Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness being tempted. The Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday.
You would then observe Palm Sunday the week before Easter. Palm Sunday represents the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem. This is followed by Holy Thursday, the day of the last supper and Good Friday, the day that Jesus was crucified.
Easter day is the day that Jesus rose from the dead, saving believers from sin. Christians around the world celebrate and commemorate the sacrifice made by Jesus for his followers.
In addition, we would also like to wish our Jewish friends a very Happy Passover. Passover celebrates the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt.
Passover is currently being celebrated. It began on Wed., April 5 and will end on Thurs., April 13. Passover and The Last Supper have close ties. The Last Supper celebrated by Jesus was a Passover meal the same as the Israelites.
Happy Easter and Happy Passover from Private Home Health Care.
Walking. An easy way to improve your overall health. It doesn’t cost any money and just about anyone can do it.
Every year the American Heart Association encourages all of us to get out and stretch our legs and walk. Walking is the perfect low maintenance way to get your body in shape.
Your heart benefits, your muscles benefit, it increases your energy and helps with your mood. Walking can even help you manage some health problems. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, walking can help lower symptoms..
You don’t have to plan on a 5-mile walk to get the benefits either. It’s true that the faster, farther and more often you walk the greater the benefits but If you can only handle a 30 minute walk that’s great too.
You need to be sure to start at your own pace. Try beginning with a 30 minute walk at a moderate pace. If you feel ready, pick up the pace and add some distance. It really is whatever works for you.
Additionally, when you walk it’s important to have a good pair of sneakers and comfortable clothing. Carry a phone, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. Choose a neighborhood or a park . Wherever you like to walk.
Private Home Health Care believes that walking is good exercise and a relaxing and easy way to stay healthy. Enjoy!
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, helps your body to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in your bones. It also helps to ward off illnesses.
This vitamin also has a low current daily value (90mg) so it’s easy to eat to add it to your body.
Your body does not produce vitamin C so you do need to get it from the foods you eat. For most of us this is not a problem because it can be found in so many foods.
If you eat vegetables and fruits daily you will get plenty of vitamin C in your diet. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, guava, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach and mangos.
You could be at risk for a vitamin C deficiency if you are a smoker or if you have certain gastrointestinal conditions. Limited fruits and vegetables in your diet can also cause problems.
Private Home Health Care knows that a deficiency of vitamin C can lead to diseases. Scurvy was a disease caused by a lack of the vitamin. Back in the 18th and 19 centuries it was deadly for seafaring people. Thankfully, we have many options of fruits and vegetables so we we can stay healthy.
4-time Super Bowl winner, Rob Gronkowski posted on his social media page last night that the trio of Super Bowl Champions are coming back to where it all started. With the NFL Draft approaching, and the Patriots coming off their third straight disappointing season, New England was hoping for something big. The 3 potential Hall of Famers are coming back together at the place where it all started. Brady, who announced his second Retirment after this last season was convinced by his two former teammates to give it another shot.
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski & Julian Edelman are back for another Super Bowl run.
Back to New England
Edelman who played his entire career with the Patriots, retired after the 2020 season. The only season which he did not have Brady and Gronk on the roster with him was a disappointing one. Taking time off from the game has let his body heel and he says he is feeling as good as he ever has. “Once my body had the time to recover, those 2 years off, I’m finally back close to 100%,” Edelman said. Moreover, he still says he has more in the tank and has been keeping in football shape.
The Patriots all-time leader in receiving touchdowns played his last game as a Patriot in 2018. Then he linked back up with Brady in 2020 to win another Super Bowl with the Bucs in 2021 before retiring. Gronk made the most out of his time off the field. The tight end turned NFL analyst for FOX, competed on the Masked Singer, Hosted WrestleMania 36, and joined girlfriend Camile Kostek on Nickelodeon. However, another chance to bring together one of the NFL’s greatest trios was just too enticing to pass up.
Brady, who played just last season with the Bucs, finished the season 8-9. He had previously won the Super Bowl with the team the year before. Brady, statistically has nothing left to prove on the football field. However, retirement is not an easy thing for him to do as we have seen before. His first retirement didn’t last a full year like Gronkowski’s. Nevertheless, the competitive drive that has propelled him to 7 Super Bowl victories has him desiring more.
Winning Ways
With 14 combined NFL championships, these three looks to bring the winning culture back to Foxborough. This comes at a great time for their coach who is in search of becoming the all-time leader for wins in NFL history. What better way to accomplish that feat than with bringing the old band back together. Christmas has come early in Foxborough, that is for sure.
This all comes at the perfect time as for the first time in almost two decades, the Patriots have become just another average football team. The Patriots Big 3, who have always played with a chip on their shoulder, have something to prove. Edelman’s Final season in Foxborough, was the first time the team had missed the playoffs since 2008. Brady had just the first under .500 season as a quarterback in his career. While Gronkowski may have gone out on top, what would the reunion tour be without him? With 3 of the best to ever play on the football field together coming back with something to prove, this should be a very exciting season to watch. Watch the press conference here, Brady, Gronk, Edelman Press Conference.
April Fools
Hey, we can all dream, can’t we?
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Private Home Health Care. Marblehead MA 781-639-8696
Today is a day to celebrate the crayon, Crayola crayon being the most famous name. No matter your age, coloring a page with crayons can be very soothing and nostalgic.
Here is a brief history of the Crayola crayon for you.
In 1864, the Binney and Smith company began in Peekskill, NY. The company started with a pigment for foundries and cast iron stoves called “lampblack.” They used waxed marking crayons for the cartons.
You’ll find the company next in Pennsylvania where it works with teachers to come up with a dustless chalk to be used on slate boards in schools. The Crayola division began in the company.
You can flash to 1903 when the first box of Crayola crayons hits the market. Much research was done in order to create something safe for children to use.
The first box was made up of eight crayons. The colors were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown, and black. Each crayon was wrapped in paper and labeled with the color.
Over the years the boxes changed. In 1949, the box grew to hold 48 colors placed in a box with “stadium seating.” Later In 1958 the classic 64-color box was introduced with a built-in sharpener. Finally in 1993, ninety-six colors were packaged into what they called the Big Box.
Consequently, Crayola crayons are in most school classrooms today. There are other brands but Crayola is still among the best and most favored of crayons.
Here are a few fascinating crayon facts for you:
Mrs. Alice Binney is credited with the Crayola name. (“Craie” means chalk in French and “ola” is short for “oleagineux” which means oily.)
Involving the public, the company has changed crayon names over the years.
Crayola has many products now including markers and pencils.
In 1984, the company became a subsidiary of Hallmark.
You can visit two museums called The Crayola Experience. These are designed for children. They are located in Easton, PA and Orlando, FL.
Private Home Health Care noticed that another highlight in March is National Nutrition Month. This is one of our favorite topics!
The theme for this year is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.
Your healthy lifestyle includes food of course but also exercise and rest. Three important parts of your life in order to be healthy.
Diet
You should eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Cook using whole grains like brown rice, barley, bulgur quinoa and farro. You’ll find many recipes online for these grains.
Use whole wheat flour and replace white bread and bagels with whole wheat bread and bagels.
Your meat intake should be limited and should include lean meats.
If this feels overwhelming to you, choose one or two things on the list to change.
Exercise
Activity – at least 5 hours of activity a week.
You could walk around your neighborhood, in a mall or in your house.
Weight training is healthy for you too. You can use light weights, 2, 3 or 5 pounds and do them standing or from a chair.
Whatever your age there is always some exercise that can help.
Rest
The sleep you need depends on your age. Babies and young children need the most sleep. It changes in the middle and teen years with a bit less sleep needed.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night. As you age you may find you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. If this starts to cause you to feel overly tired, get in touch with your medical professional.
Private Home Health Care hopes that you can set some nutrition and exercise goals for yourself. It is never too late and any changes can make a healthier you.
We at Private Home Health Care would like to discuss the Council on Aging (COA) agencies. The mission of the agencies is to enhance the quality of life for seniors, and to promote respect and good will in the community.
Oftentimes as you age you become more sedentary. It’s easy to withdraw from other people and keep more to yourself.
Activities are very enriching and in addition, you can sign up for transportation. Do you need groceries or a ride to an event at the center? You can sign up and make an appointment for a ride.
You can often get delicious lunches at a great cost. Sign up for a variety of exercise classes geared towards the elderly. Attend a meeting with local police who share knowledge and information to improve your quality of life.
In addition, if you golf there there are usually opportunities to join a league. Are you a dancer? Try line dancing or ballroom dancing. Do you love movies? Check out the movie times offered and sign up. The activities are a perfect way for you to stay connected to others.
Have you recently lost a friend or a spouse? There are usually support groups who meet at the COA location. Do you like to travel? Look for trips closer to home or out in the wider world.
Council on Aging agencies truly are a place that is full of options for you when you find yourself a bit older and when you are looking for fun or interesting things to do. The offerings are wide ranging and a fantastic way to meet old or new friends.
You are bound to find something with all they have to offer!
Tomorrow is National Chia Seed Day. Have you ever had chia seeds? Did you know they can be black or white?
Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanic as a part of the mint family. These tiny but powerful small seeds have been around since the Aztec and Mayan people.
Can you guess why chia seeds have been around for such a long time?
If you guessed because they are highly nutritious you are correct!
Tiny chia seeds are hearty in fiber, protein and omega-3. Furthermore, they have antioxidants and nutrients to help your bones. Things like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Don’t forget the potassium! It is actually amazing all the nutrients in these seeds.
You can find chia seeds in any grocery store. You can use them for breakfast on avocado toast, overnight oatmeal or even in a muffin. There are recipes for rolls, breads, cookies and all different kinds of puddings available.
Chia seeds are easy to eat and digest. You may be surprised to learn that they don’t carry a distinct flavor and they blend very well in recipes.
Private Home Health Care would like to share an easy chia pudding recipe for 4 people. We hope you try it and enjoy the pudding and all the nutrients you gain from the tiny chia seeds.
Pudding Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1 cup plain low-fat (2%) Greek yogurt
2 tbsp plus 4 teaspoons of pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
¼ cup chia seeds
Topping: 1 pint strawberries (hulled and chopped); ¼ cup sliced almonds
Directions:
In a medium bowl gently whisk almond milk, greek yogurt, 1 tbsp maple syrup and vanilla.
Whisk in the chia seeds and let stand for 30 minutes. Stir to distribute the seeds, cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, toss the berries with the 4 tsp maple syrup. Mix in the almonds.
Spoon the pudding into 4 bowls or glasses. Mound the berry mixture on top.
We Celebrate Certified Nurses Day annually on March 19. This day recognizes nurses who contribute to better patient outcomes through national board certification in their specialty. A certified nurse is considered to be a clinical expert, who demonstrates a level of knowledge validated by the credentialing boards. The complexity of the medical field is ever-growing and nurses strive for professional excellence and superior patient care in their desire to become certified in one or more of these areas.
Why Get Certified?
Certified Nurses are recognized and respected by their peers, patients, and supervisors.
The nursing certificate validates the nurse’s mastery of skills, knowledge, and abilities.
The higher the nurse’s education level, the better prepared they are to address even the most complex nursing situations.
Certification helps nurses extend their knowledge and expertise. Moreover, helping them stay up to date with the latest developments in their specialty.
This helps them build confidence in their professional skills and increases their credibility.
Certified Nurses have access to more job opportunities, higher pay and better opportunities.
Nursing certification demonstrates the nurses’ commitment to career development and dedication to patient care. Specifically, because it is a voluntary process, seeking specialty certification is often viewed as a reinforcement of the RN’s devotion to the field.
Owner of Private Home Health Care & Certified Nurse, Mary Demakes.
Certified Nurses, Unsung Heroes, Above & Beyond
There are more than 3.8 million nurses in America today. During a typical shift, nurses will walk between 4-5 miles. They have an intimate view of our lives as they sometimes provide care in the most difficult of times. Working with people who with illness and pain is not an easy task. However, they tend to be comforting and patient with people they treat. Seeing unsightly injuries and terminal patients, nurses tend to be upbeat and caring. Not to mention the stress, added hours, and fear of the unknown nurses faced during the Covid19 pandemic. Yet, overworked and understaffed, there they were, doing everything they could to help. Unlike other frontline workers, the gratitude we show these heroes can be slighted. Certified nurses, go above and beyond to voluntarily get certified and master their craft.
Today at 5:24pm (EDT) it is officially the start of spring called the Vernal Equinox.
If you live in the Northeast US you may have been surprised this morning to think that spring was almost upon us. The temperature this morning was actually in the 20’s!
Temperatures in the 20’s are not warm! Fast forward to the afternoon and it has warmed up considerably so maybe there is something to the seasons changing now.
What exactly is the Vernal Equinox?
The Vernal Equinox is when the amount of day and night are almost exactly equal. You can look for about 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness today. Today the sun rose at 7:25am and it will set at approximately 7:32am.
The great thing about the beginning of spring is that each day you will notice more daylight incrementally. This continues until the summer solstice on June 21 (at 10:58am EDT).
Astronomical times or Meteorological times?
You may already know that the times listed for the beginning of the seasons above are actually astronomical times. These dates and times are based on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun.
On the other hand, if you are thinking about seasons starting on the 1st of the month (March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1) these are meteorological times.
You can chalk this up to meteorologists and climate scientists wanting an easy way to keep track of weather and weather patterns each year.
Private Home Health Care knows that we could still get a snow storm in the Vernal Equinox but for today let’s celebrate this new season.
