National Pina Colada Day!

Happy National Pina Colada Day!

If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught being healthy, this is the day for you!

July 10th recognizes a sweet, rum-based cocktail on National Pina Colada Day. Along with rum, a Pina Colada includes cream of coconut and pineapple juice and is usually served blended or shaken with ice.Pina Colada means ‘strained pineapple,’ a reference to the freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice used in the drink.

There are several claims as to the origin of the drink, but no matter who was the real creator, we know that this well-loved drink reminds us of beach days and the summer!

Private Home Care loves nutrition! Believe it or not, there are many health benefits of drinking pina coladas! Pineapple is chock full of Vitamin C – it has 131% of the recommended daily intake! It also boasts high levels of manganese and antioxidants, as well as Vitamin K and A. Coconuts are full of natural, ‘good’ fats and are also high in manganese, copper, and iron. When drinking a pina colada during a (safe) sun lounging session, where you absorb important Vitamin D, you have gotten your daily levels of Vitamin A, C, D, K. Who says there is no such thing as too good to be true?! Cheers to National Pina Colada Day!

The alcoholic beverage isn’t the only way to celebrate either, making pina colada mocktails is just as delicious and refreshing! The day is dedicated to all things pina colada. Whether we make a dessert or snack on pina colada jelly beans, everyone can join in the day.

National Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day!

Happy National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day!

National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day is observed annually on July 7th. This day promotes the benefits of family bonding time between fathers and daughters as well as the benefits of physical activity.

The memories made during your time together will stay with you forever. During the summer season, there are many incredible places to walk and enjoy nature as you spend time talking, laughing, and bonding. While taking a stroll, cherish the time spent together. Your child will value the gift of the time you give no matter how old they are.

As you’re walking, you will also be setting an excellent example of a healthy lifestyle – another valuable gift. Walking is one of the best exercises and the easiest to incorporate. Walking is something the whole family can do together, so don’t be surprised when the rest of the family asks to go for walks, too.

Father-daughter walks can be as long or short as you like. Walks around your neighborhood help increase interactions with neighbors. Another great place for walks is along local walking or hiking trails. These well-marked trails offer a little bit of nature while keeping from getting lost. During inclement weather, indoor walking tracks or large indoor spaces could take the place of the sunshine and parks.

It is especially important now for daughters to take a walk with their older fathers. It has been hard on seniors to be socially distanced from their families. As long as applicable safety guidelines are being followed, going for a nice stroll through the park should be a lovely time! Being around people you love boosts the immune system and is actually GOOD for your health! Take a walk with your father, for his health and his!

Blackberries – A Delicious Superfood!

We love blackberries at Private Home Care! They are packed with antioxidants (our favorite!) and have many other health benefits. Pretty cool for a little berry, huh?!

1. Packed with Vitamin C!

One cup of raw blackberries has half of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C! Vitamin C is integral to collagen formation in bones, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Vitamin C may also help heal wounds, regenerate the skin, battle free radicals (molecules released by toxins) in the body, absorb iron, shorten the common cold, and prevent scurvy.

2. High in Fiber

Blackberries are high in fiber, which helps to: reduce cholesterol,promote regular bowel movements, control blood sugar levels by slowing the rate of sugar absorption, lose weight by making you feel fuller longer, and provide fuel to nourish healthy gut bacteria.

3. Good Source of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is the reason why you don’t bleed profusely when you cut yourself: It helps your blood clot. Vitamin K also plays a role in bone metabolism. Vitamin K deficiency may lead to bone thinning and bone fractures. It may cause easy bruising, heavy menstrual bleeding, and blood in the stool or in the urine. Just one cup of raw blackberries provides almost 29 micrograms, which is over one-third of the daily recommended value of vitamin K.

4. High in Magnese

Magnese is vital to healthy bone development and a healthy immune system. It also helps your body metabolize carbs, amino acids, and cholesterol. Like vitamin C, manganese plays a key role in the formation of collagen. And the enzyme that helps manganese form collagen, prolidase, also helps wounds heal properly.Manganese may help prevent osteoporosis, manage blood sugar levels, and reduce epileptic seizures.One cup of raw blackberries contains 0.9 milligrams of manganese, almost half the daily recommended value.

5. Good For Your Brain!

Blackberries may improve brain health and help prevent memory loss caused by aging, according to a review of research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The review concluded that antioxidants in berry fruits help fight free radicals and alter how brain neurons communicate. This may help reduce brain inflammation, which can lead to cognitive and motor issues common with aging.

6. May Help Support Oral Health

Blackberry extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities against some types of bacteria that cause oral disease, which suggests blackberry extract may help prevent and control gum disease and cavities.

A one cup serving of this delicious fruit provides over half of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C, K, and magnese. Blackberries also help boost brain health and oral health. Sounds like a perfect snack!

National ‘Fried’ Chicken Day

Today is National Fried Chicken Day! (Or, for health-conscious people, it is National Oven-Fried Chicken Day!)In the United States, July 6th chicken lovers across the country recognize National Fried Chicken Day.

Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep-frying chicken in fat to the southern United States. After its introduction to the American South, fried chicken soon became a staple. Over time, cooks added seasonings and spices to enrich the flavor of the chicken. Traditional fried chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces floured or battered, then pan-fried, deep-fried or pressure-fried. The breading adds a crisp coating to the exterior of the chicken. Knowing how to get a good crisp on the chicken may seem elusive to some. However, some of the best cooks will tell you the keys to achieving the crispiest fried chicken involves seasoning well and early in the process, adding starch to your flour and frying your chicken at the right temperature. The oil should be 300°F. Finally, let the chicken rest before serving to allow the juices to be absorbed back into the meat.

Let’s be honest – fried chicken is not the healthiest food. Private Home Care is passionate about nutrition, that is why we are here to show healthy alternatives! Here is a recipe for healthy ‘fried’ chicken, that is actually oven baked and not deep fried! Eliminating oil eliminates a lot of calories, saturated fat, and using skinless chicken breast lowers that even more! Enjoy this delicious recipe!

National Workaholic Day

National Workaholics Day on July 5th reminds us to balance our work and home life. Work isn’t everything!  Do you come in early, skip your lunch and stay late or know someone who does? This day is dedicated to the people who fit that description – the workaholics. 

A workaholic feels the need to be busy at all times which may cause problems. They might perform tasks they are not required to do or are unnecessary for project completion. These unnecessary tasks cause inefficiency where the focus should be on production. Workaholics may have trouble delegating or entrusting co-workers with tasks. They struggle with organizational skills due to taking on too much work at one time. The solution for workaholics is to step back, regroup, and slow down a little bit.

Having to work from home because of COVID may be especially challenging for a workaholic. A workaholic may feel pressure to work even longer hours because they cannot be in the office. Other stressors related with COVID, such as childcare, or concern about a loved one’s health, can exacerbate levels of stress. This kind of negative stress is bad for the body, and can negatively impact health. At Private Home Health Care we value health and well being. We encourage everyone to live a healthy lifestyle and when stress levels get a bit too high, you should take a step back, take a breath, and drink some water. Remember, health is wealth! 

How to Celebrate 4th of July with Seniors

How to Celebrate 4th of July with Seniors

Parade or Concert!

Even though this year seniors may not be able to go to in-person parades or concerts, there are still ways to enjoy! There are many concerts for 4th of July being shown on TV, like the Boston Pops Orchestra!  

Fireworks!

Fireworks are a 4th of July favorite for all! Fireworks are displayed in places where they can be seen from far away, so a senior does not have to be in the middle of a crowd to watch fireworks! They can watch from a secluded spot outdoors, or from a car. If your loved one can watch fireworks from their own home, that would be wonderful! 

Eat Traditional Fourth of July Foods!

Food can evoke wonderful memories. Include your loved one with mealtime (or prep if they feel up to it!), and ask them if they would like to eat anything in particular to celebrate the 4th of July. 

Some seniors may have difficulties with eating or swallowing, but they can still enjoy foods like ice cream, pasta salad, lemonade, shredded chicken or beef, and (my favorite) shortcake with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream – yum!

Honor veterans

Take time to remember veterans by visiting a memorial, donating to charity, reflecting on memories with loved ones, looking at family pictures of servicemembers or writing a thank you note to a member of the military.

Bring the Celebration to Them!

If your loved one has mobility issues, bring the celebration to them! Celebrate 4th of July by helping decorate their yard or house with an American flag or red, white, and blue flowers. Another good idea is to watch a patriotic movie to celebrate American Independence!