National Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses blood sugar called glucose. Glucose is important to your health for muscle and tissue cells as well as the main source of fuel for the brain.

Diabetes affects close to 30 million people and can be chronic as Type 1 or Type 2.  There are potentially reversible conditions known as prediabetes or gestational diabetes. Prediabetes can be treated prior to becoming chronic and gestational happens during pregnancy and can resolve after birth. 

In 1982 National Diabetes Month began to raise awareness about the disease.  It is important to talk to your doctor if you feel you have any symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or fatigue. 

We recommend taking time this month to review your eating habits and add more fruits and veggies to your diet.  Try to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest too.

National Oatmeal Day

Yummy and nutritious oatmeal.  Oatmeal is gluten free and full of antioxidants.  You can lose weight, lower your blood sugar and reduce your risk of heart disease.

What kind of oatmeal do you like?

Oatmeal comes in rolled out flakes that can cook slowly into a porridge or quickly, in an “instant”.  You can have these with or without milk for breakfast.  You can splurge and make oatmeal raisin cookies or apple crisp too.

Steel-cut oats are grains of oats that are cut into 2-3 small pinhead sized pieces.  The name comes from the steel blades used to cut the oats.  Steel-cut oats are a bit chewier than rolled oats and they take longer to cook but the taste is delicious when they are done.

Enjoy a bowl of oatmeal today, regular flakes or steel-cut and if you get a chance, drop off a box of oatmeal at your local shelter or food pantry.  Share the goodness.

Our Lungs and Breathing

All living humans and animals breathe to survive.*  In humans, our brain tells our lungs when to breathe.  The number of breaths depends on the level of our activity. When ill breathing changes, increasing or decreasing.

Breathing rates should be tested when a person is resting and over a one-minute duration.

The average rate for a healthy adult is between 12 and 18 breaths per minute.  As we age our breathing rate increases.  A faster breathing rate is seen among the elderly, especially those in long-term care facilities.  

At Private Home Health Care we stress the importance for the elderly to take care of their lungs by deep breathing, exercise, staying hydrated and making sure laughter is present in their lives.  Let’s keep those lungs healthy!!

*In 2020, scientists discovered the first known animal that does not breathe.  It is named Henneguya salminicola or H. salminicola for short.  Check it out!

National I Care About You Day

This day was started in 2016, so fairly new but very relevant for all of us, especially in light of Covid-19.  

The pandemic highlighted the importance of having caring people in our lives. Connecting with people whether it’s family, friends or close co-workers makes us feel fulfilled and happy. Healthy relationships lead to healthy lifestyles.  The elderly community are often particularly in need of friendship and caring in their lives.

Interesting friendships . . .  J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis developed a long friendship supporting each other even though they were writing competitors. Helen Kelleher had a long with relationship with Mark Twain who called her the eighth wonder of the world!

Try and chat with someone you haven’t spoken to lately or someone who might be alone.  It can do wonders for both of you!

National Nut Day

Did you know that walnuts have been traced back to the year 10,000 B.C.?

Nuts are a healthy snack choice and they pack a powerful punch!!  Almonds are rich in protein, calcium and Vitamin E. Walnuts are full of Omega-3 nutrients.  Cashews are low in sugar and full of plant protein.  Hazelnuts have fiber and antioxidants.  Peanuts have healthy fat, protein and fiber. The list goes on and on.

We at Private Home Health Care love nuts and the health benefits they provide!  Choose nuts this week for a snack and enjoy!

World Osteoporosis Day

Keeping our bones strong is key to our health and well-being.  Osteoporosis makes the bones weak enough to fracture at the slightest impact. On this day we raise awareness about osteoporosis and the importance of checking and maintaining bone density.

The condition affects one in three women and can affect men as well.  Unhealthy bones can be life-threatening and can cause great pain and discomfort.  

Bone density tests can help detect the beginning of osteoporosis.  The JAMA recommends bone density testing for women over age 65 and postmenopausal women younger than 65 who are at risk. 

What can we do to avoid this condition?  Regular bone density testing for one. Eating foods high in calcium like yogurt, cheese, green vegetables like kale, collard greens and broccoli. Milk is also high in calcium.  Balancing exercises like rising up on toes then back down to heels, hip and back exercises and wall slides for posture also help keep us strong.

Private Home Health Care encourages bone density testing and working to stay strong as we age.   

Home Health Care Aid Day

Home Health Care Aid Day of October 18 was created by the Manitoba, Canada government to honor healthcare aids.  As the services have grown in the United States we also take the time to honor our home health care aids on this day.  

The elderly population has grown and the profession has grown over the past 10 years.  Healthcare aids have changed people’s lives as they are able to care for where they live, where they are comfortable, safe and dignified. They are dedicated to their patients and provide services around the clock.

Private Home Health Care has provided services for 45 years to the North Shore, Metro West and other regions in Massachusetts.  We applaud our healthcare aids and their commitment to the patients we serve.

#HealthCareAidDay

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National Train Your Brain Day

On this day we are encouraged to expand our brain capacity.  

Our routines don’t keep our minds sharp so on this day try some activities like reading or word puzzles, number games, riddles or brain teasers.

Riddle:  What is a sick crocodile?  Answer:  An Ail-ligator!!

Private Home Health Care encourages stretching our brains and having a bit of fun at the same time!

#TrainYourBrainDay

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World Arthritis Day

Did you know that evidence shows that dinosaurs had arthritis in their ankles? It’s been noted in humans as far back as 4500 B.C.

Today raises awareness about the many forms of arthritis, inflammation of the joints, that afflict people.  The majority afflicted are elderly people over the age of 65 but it also affects 30% of those under 65, including teenagers.

We have made great strides in understanding and caring for those stricken with the disease but there is more work to be done.

We at Private Home Health Care understand how joint pain can cause mobility issues. We strongly advocate early detection and exercising and physical therapy to keep joints loose and decrease inflammation.  Walking and a healthy diet are good ways to help yourself.