World Laughter Day

Yesterday, May 2cnd, was World Laughter Day. Every year on the first Sunday in May, World Laughter Day raises awareness of laughter and the many healing benefits it provides. Another goal of the day is to manifest World Peace and build a global consciousness through laughter.

You have probably heard the saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” At Private Home Health Care, we are big believers in this, and take every opportunity we can to have some laughs. Even psychologists and medical doctors say there is truth to this statement. That’s because there is evidence that laughter can do so many wonderful things.

Here are just some of the many benefits of laughter:

-Helps to reduce pain and allows people to tolerate discomfort-Reduces blood sugar levels and increases glucose tolerance

-Improves job performance-Makes marriages and intimate relationships healthier

-Synchronizes the brain of speakers and listeners

-Restores a positive emotional climate between two people

-Helps blood vessels function better, which is good for the heart and brain

-Relieves stress and helps the body to relax

Additionally, laughter boosts the immune system and triggers the release of endorphins which promotes an overall sense of well-being. One more amazing benefit of laughter is that it burns calories! If you laugh for 10 to 15 minutes a day, you will burn about 40 calories.

It’s easy and fun to participate in this day. All you need to do is have a good laugh, try doing things like:

-Tell someone a funny joke

-Look up inspirational quotes about laughter

-Post a funny picture to social media

-Read a funny book

Melanoma Monday

Melanoma Monday on the first Monday in May is an awareness campaign during National Melanoma Month. The American Academy of Dermatology has set aside this day to raise awareness about skin cancer.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer, and it is the deadliest of skin cancers. The observance focuses on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention, and skin cancer screenings. By providing resources and information, it’s hoped to reduce the number of melanoma diagnosed.

While melanoma and other skin cancers aren’t 100% preventable, there are ways to reduce your risk.

-Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, too.

-Other types of sun protection include wearing a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants. And don’t forget the back of your neck.

-Find shade. Trees, umbrellas, and awnings provide excellent sun protection on warm sunny days.

-Don’t let the clouds fool you. UV rays still reach the Earth and your skin on a cloudy day!

-Avoid tanning beds. The UV light in tanning beds puts you at risk for melanoma, too.

-Regularly check your skin for abnormal moles. If you notice changes, see your dermatologist to have it checked.

Today, make sure to take proper precautions and make sun safety a habit for life!

Occupational Therapy Month

April is Occupational Therapy Month! Private Home Health Care appreciates occupational therapists and how much they help our clients and elderly populations. Occupational therapists allow for people to live fully, more enjoyable lives. In home health care, occupational therapy can help people age in place, which is the healthiest and most pleasant experience for seniors. Following incidents like a stroke or injury, occupational therapists enable people to heal and improve their lives. Occupational therapy is an invaluable resource for many of our clients and we appreciate your incredible work. Private Home Health Care gives a wholehearted thank you to occupational therapists!

National Storytelling Day

At Private Home Health Care, we love a good story. National Tell a Story Day on April 27th each year in the United States encourages people of all ages to share stories. The stories can take many forms, too. You can read from a book or create one from your imagination. Stories recreated from childhood memory leave an indelible imprint on both the storyteller and the listener. No matter what story you tell, the day supports gathering with friends and family to share those stories.

The ancient practice of storytelling handed down knowledge from one generation to the next. It is a wonderful way to pass on family traditions, histories, and long-told tales. It can also be entertaining as well as educational. Any good storyteller will tell you, some of the very best stories come from real-life experiences. Storytelling is a wonderful intergenerational activity, and people of all ages can bond over a good story. Seniors can tell stories that make memories come alive, and it is also a great way to honor those who have passed. Those with cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s may not be able to remember new information, but can vividly recall a story from their childhood. Storytelling is a great way to sharpen memories and socialize.

Private Home Healthcare encourages you to share stories with loved ones today on National Storytelling Day!

National Babe Ruth Day

On April 27, baseball fans worldwide honor one of baseball’s all-time greatest players on National Babe Ruth Day. Private Home Health Care loves the great American sport of baseball and celebrates the legendary Babe Ruth on this day!

George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr., born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, was nicknamed “the Bambino” and “the Sultan of Swat.” Spending 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), he played for three teams from 1914 to 1935.

Babe Ruth’s baseball career started as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He became a full-time right-fielder when the New York Yankees bought his contract in 1919. Being one of the league’s most prolific hitters, he helped the Yankees win seven pennants and four World Series titles.

Ruth set career records, in his time, for home runs, slugging percentage, runs batted in, and on-base plus slugging. In 1927, he was the very first player to hit 60 home runs in one season.

Following a short stint with the Boston Braves, Ruth retired in 1935. In 1936, he became one of the first five players to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 1946, after experiencing severe eye pain and difficulty swallowing, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with cancer. On April 27, 1947, he attended the proclaimed Babe Ruth Day and spoke briefly to a crowd of almost 60,000 people at Yankee Stadium.

At the age of 53, on August 16, 1948, at 8:01 pm, Babe Ruth died in his sleep.

Today, make it a home run and celebrate Babe Ruth day by catching a game of baseball on TV or, better yet, in person!

Stress Awareness Month

April is National Stress Awareness Month Stress can be debilitating, and it can cause and/or aggravate health problems. And since stress is a normal part of human existence — nobody is immune to it — it’s important to arm ourselves with knowledge so that we recognize when stress rears its ugly head. (Amazingly, we don’t always notice it’s happening to us.) Stress Awareness Month happens each April. It’s important to learn some strategies for coping with stress.

At Private Home Health Care, we take living a balanced lifestyle seriously. Some of our favorite ways to destress include hanging out with friends and family, laughing at jokes, gardening, and exercising. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find the time to engage in activities to destress, even though it is crucial for your health. A good way around this is to schedule destressing into your busy life, such as a walk or a massage. Planning your must-do’s around your ‘want-to-do’s makes for a better life!