National Simplicity Day

On this day of National Simplicity, we are thinking about what that might mean for each of us?

You and I most likely live very busy lives.  We try to work to gain money and live a comfortable lifestyle with a house and a car and perhaps some vacations.

No one is saying that this is a bad way to live.  What we do wonder about at times though is what are the most important things in our lives?

Henry David Thoreau was a poet and philosopher from Massachusetts.  He lived in the 1800’s, born in 1812 and he died in 1862 at the age of 44.  His life, though short, was very full.

He was known for his love of nature.  He grew up in Concord, Massachusetts and he loved the woodlands, streams and meadows there.  His great appreciation of this led to his friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Together they believed in Transcendentalism which in simple terms is a belief that your knowledge as an individual transcends all outside forces in your life.

Today is not a day to go to a deserted island but it is suggested that you find time alone, perhaps in nature to think about your life and what is most important to you.

It’s a time to set away from all the busyness and focus on what could be the simple parts that make you smile.  What brings you joy? What could you not live without?  

You can be of any age to do this.  You might be raising a family right now or you might be a single person or an elderly person looking back on parts of your life.

Private Home Health Care likes to step away from what can be a hectic life and find time alone to think about what matters to us.  It can be a very rewarding time.

Farmer’s Markets 

Many fruits and vegetables in the Northeast become available during the summer months and they often linger into the fall.

You should be on the lookout for a Farmer’s Market near you.  A farmer’s market has vendors who sell fresh food items from farm-to-table.

You are probably aware of the local farms in your area.  Many are open for you to visit but you may have to drive a distance.  

When you go to a Farmer’s Market you have a wide variety of foods and other items like flowers, fresh eggs and butte all in one place.  

Additionally, you can compare offerings and prices between stalls and get the best price for your pocketbook.

The freshness of foods makes a big difference too.  

Whether you steam or grill vegetables or enjoy delicate and sweet strawberries and blueberries you’ll know that you have the maximum taste.  You will also get the maximum health benefits from each food.

Some markets have bakery items, jewelry, meats, pasta sauces and even a place where you can get your knives sharpened.   There are so many choices you could be overwhelmed.  Just look at one stall or booth at a time and you’ll be fine..

Private Home Health Care loves to go to the local farmer’s markets.  We find so many fresh fruits and vegetables that we enjoy over the following week.  

Here is a link to use to find a local farmer’s market for you to visit:  https://nfmd.org/browse/

All About Corn

It’s summer and the time of year for delicious ears of corn.  It is appearing everywhere at many stores and if you grill or boil it can be so tasty.  

The question is what does corn have to offer us for nutrients and should we be careful about how much we eat?

Corn on the cob is a summer treat but you can also find it frozen and canned as you probably realize.  Additionally, corn is made into tortilla chips, polenta and of course popcorn to name a few things.

Overall as you might have guessed corn has many health benefits.  Moderation is key to this vegetable and whole-grain if you are diabetic but it should still be enjoyed.

You’ll get your fill of carbs when you eat corn but calories are low and fiber is high.  You’ll also get a small amount of protein from corn along with antioxidants which are always healthful.

Antioxidants include folate and good portions of magnesium, potassium and vitamins A and C. Corn is also gluten free!

If you eat corn regularly it will help with your digestion, aid in improving eye health and it helps protect your heart.

You do need to be careful about one form of corn and that’s when it’s turned into corn syrup.  

Corn syrup is to be avoided and you have to be on the lookout for it as it’s used as a sweetener in a variety of foods.  Cereals, breads, cookies and crackers use it and adding weight and sugar are two of the negative effects.

You and I are not the only ones who enjoy corn.  It turns out that forty percent U.S. corn is used for fuel.  Worldwide up to seventy percent of corn feeds animals.

Private Home Health Care enjoys cooking on the grill and eating an ear or two of fresh corn.  It’s one of the best parts of summer but we also keep it frozen to enjoy in the winter months.

Vacations

It’s the summer here in New England and the weather is warm so we are thinking about planning a vacation.  Are you?

According to Merriam-Webster vacation is defined as “a period of time spent away from home or business in travel or recreation” and “a time of respite from something.”

We think either definition sounds lovely and refreshing.  We all need a time away from our routines to relax and step away from our everyday lives.

A vacation can improve your physical and mental health, improve family relationships, give you an overall sense of well-being and boost your happiness.

The options are endless . . .. 

If you like the outdoors, camping can be fun and an affordable family vacation. 

You might like to rent a place near the ocean or by a  lake.  Book reading and swimming awaits you.

For those who like action, a park like Hershey Park or Six Flags so you can take rides and laugh or scare yourself silly.

Are you into birds?  Take a bird watching trip.  Do you enjoy sailing?  Go on an excursion.

Do you need to watch your wallet?  Enjoy a staycation.  Step away from work and do whatever you’d like to do with your time. 

The key is to do something that will be a change of pace that will leave you feeling less stressed and renewed. 

Private Home Health Care tries to balance working hard and taking time to relax and rejuvenate.  We hope you can take time away this summer to find your happy place.

The Fourth of July

Private Home Health Care would like to wish everyone a very happy Fourth of July!

Tomorrow will be the 248th celebration of this holiday of our nation’s independence.

Interestingly, John Adams thought that the holiday would be celebrated on July 2nd.  It was on this day that the Declaration of Independence was actually ratified.  It turns out that he was only off a couple of days!

To all of you who will be getting together for cookouts, harbor illuminations, concerts and fireworks we hope that you enjoy the company you are with and the blessings we have.

We stand together as Americans in a land where we can live free to do as we please and have the freedom to express our opinions without risking our independence.

We hope that you and your family and friends enjoy a fun, relaxing and safe holiday! 

Obesity

Obesity is trending higher in the United States since the COVID-19 epidemic.  Being overweight and obese is defined as your weight being higher than what is considered to be a normal weight for your height.

According to the NIH:

1. Nearly 1 in 3 adults (30.7%) are overweight.
2. More than 2 in 5 adults 42.4%) have obesity.
3. About 1 in 11 adults (9.2%) have severe obesity.

These statistics are for adults but the statistics for children are comparable.  If you are overweight or obese you are more at risk for health issues.  Some of these include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems and strokes.

What are some solutions for this growing trend?

You can start by serving appropriate portions of food to your children and family.

Serve and eat healthy foods like plenty of fruits and vegetables.  These should outnumber meats, salty snack foods and desserts eaten.

Encouraging slow eating and if you only eat when hungry can help.

You should incorporate fun and physical activities into your and your children’s lives.  This also includes limiting screen time.  This can be a challenge in today’s world.

As an adult you need to try to get enough dietary fiber into your diet. 

Additionally, limit your intake of processed foods and try to eat more low-glycemic foods.
Private Home Health Care understands being overweight and how hard it can be for some people to keep off excessive weight.  We wish everyone all the best in your efforts.  It is well worth anything you can do for your health.

Watermelon, The Hydrating Fruit

It’s the summer so it’s a great time to eat some delicious and healthy watermelon.

You may like how watermelon can help you stay hydrated.  Watermelon can really help quench your thirst in the hot summer months.  It’s mostly made up of water.

So watermelon is tasty and it hydrates.  What else is good about it you ask?

Watermelon is low in calories, carbs and you won’t get any fat from a slice either.

Tell you more you say?

Additionally, watermelon is loaded with nutrients.  From one cup of diced watermelon you’ll get Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Magnesium.  It’s a powerhouse fruit.

If you are diabetic you can eat watermelon in moderation because it’s all natural sugar.  Have a few almonds or walnuts after to balance it off.

Antioxidants include carotenoids, lycopene, and cucurbitacin E.  These all fight the free radicals that can damage your cells.  There is even some research being done on Alzeihemer’s Disease around lycopene.

If you aren’t convinced yet there are also theories that it can help with inflammation, muscle soreness and improve your skin health.
Private Home Health Care loves to eat a slice of watermelon in the summer.  We drink up it’s goodness and store it in the fridge to be enjoyed another day.

Do You Go To Summer Camp?

Today we are thinking about summer camp, day camp and overnight camp, and we are wondering about your memories?

Where did you go to summer camp?  What type of camp was it?  Did you sleep away or did you go each day for a week or two (or maybe the whole summer)?

There are so many things that happen at camp.  You may have had activities of arts and crafts, music, theater, science and nature to name a few.  Did you have a favorite?

Usually swimming is an option too.  Did you swim in a pool, a lake or the ocean?  Did you get lessons or was it free swim?  Was that anyone’s favorite experience?

What kind of friendships did you make?  Are you in touch with anyone still from your camp days?

The counselors at camp can make all the difference in your experience.  Did you have some favorites?  Did you ever get lonely and need consolation?

A summer camp experience can give you so many great memories and friendships.  The fun activities, the stories  and memories of friendships and the caring people who ran the camp. 

It was hopefully a happy time filled with new experiences and learning opportiunities.You may not be able to go to summer camp now but you can remember and relive the days of old when you were a camper!

Private Home Health Care loves to remember days gone by and summer camp can provide some of our most vivid memories.  We hope it was a rewarding experience for you.

How to Handle a Heat Wave if You are Older

The definition of a heat wave depends on your area.  In general, a heat wave is excessively high temperatures that last a minimum of three days. 

If you live in the Northeastern part of the United States the temperature soars to 90 degrees or above for you to be in a heat wave.

As you grow older your body cannot regulate its temperature as well so there are important things to keep in mind.  You might also have a chronic condition that makes body regulations trickier.

As an elderly person there are important guidelines for you so that you have health issues from the heat. 

You need to stay hydrated.  It’s key to drinking a lot of water, fruit or vegetable juices.  Avoid caffeinated drinks and of course alcohol.  Drink extra during a heat wave.

If you have air conditioning, keep it running.  Use fans if air conditioning is not available.  You should limit your use of the oven and keep shades, blinds, curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.  Keep windows open at night.

Try and get to someplace with air conditioning for a part of each day.  A library, senior center, movie theater or a family member or friend’s home.  Ask someone to take you there if you aren’t able to drive.

It’s important that you dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, light-colored and clothing that is loose.  If you must go outside, head out early in the morning or later in the day and be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.

Your health must be guarded during a heat wave so if you feel muscle cramps, sweating, confusion, a rash, nausea or extreme fatigue check in with your medical professional.  These could be signs of a heat-related illness.

Private Home Health Care wants seniors to be very careful during extremely hot weather.  It’s important that you are watchful and stay cool.

Have You Ever Tried a Yoga Class?

If you have, you are among the 34 million people who practice yoga in the United States.  There are over 48,000 yoga and pilates studios and 100,000 practitioners here.

You will join an ancient practice that started over 5,000 years ago in India.  Your  experience should include an interconnectedness of the mind, body and soul when you pull out your yoga mat.

With over twenty different types of yoga you are bound to find one that is right for you. 

Some focus on spiritual energy with breathing and meditation exercises.  Hatha yoga incorporates twisting, bending and folding movements.

If you want to go at a faster pace and push it a bit with more movements you could try Ashtanga, Yin or Iyengar yoga.  You get the breathing but add challenging movements and poses.

For those of us who are older, chair yoga has become very popular and has many benefits so don’t feel like you are cheating if you use a chair.

Chair yoga can help you stay balanced while still stretching and doing poses.  You get the benefits of improved strength, balance, help with arthritis, and reduced joint pain and reduced fear of falling.  

Whatever your age yoga is a great practice that can help you stay centered and fit at the same time.  There are lots of opportunities out there to join a group.  If you live in an assisted living facility you could advocate to get a group started.

Private Home Health Care enjoys sharing information that can be beneficial for all ages and  yoga is a practice that can work for anyone at any age!