Milk Chocolate Vs. Dark Chocolate

National Milk Chocolate Day is celebrated annually on July 28. When solid chocolate is combined with either powdered, liquid or condensed milk; it’s known as milk chocolate.

Chocolate has proven health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can harm your cells. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body, and are linked to chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Private Home Care *loves* foods packed with antioxidants, especially chocolate!

Milk chocolate is a best-seller and is delicious. However, when compared to the health benefits of dark chocolate, it melts in comparison. This is because the more chocolate is processed, the more it loses the qualities that make it healthy. Many health benefits of chocolate come from flavanols (phytonutrients found in cocoa), which have antioxidant effects, have a very bitter taste.

But as the cocoa beans are fermented, alkalized, and roasted to help neutralize that taste, those flavanols start to disappear. Since dark chocolate contains a minimum of 35 percent cocoa, it keeps more of its health benefits than milk chocolate, which only contains under 10 percent cocoa. Milk chocolate is also loaded with cream and sugar, as well as preservatives.

Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals, and does not have the same amount of additives. Although milk chocolate may be delicious, dark chocolate by far is healthier. Milk chocolate should be enjoyed as a once in a while treat.

National Parents Day

July 26th was National Parent’s Day, celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July. On this day each year, Americans recognize outstanding parents, celebrate the teamwork in raising children, and support the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society. Throughout the nation in almost every state, community leaders organize Parents’ Day events to honor parents.

Private Home Care honors parents by helping their children take care of parents in old age. Just as your parents cared for you, elderly parents may need caregiving from their children. Caregiving for an older parent is not always easy, but that is what Private Home Care is for – to provide the highest quality of care for your parents and loved ones.  

National Parent’s Day was established in 1994 when the Congressional Resolution was signed into law for “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.” National Parents’ Day honors all parents. No matter where our parents may be, this day serves to celebrate their important role in our lives. 

Parents play a vital role in the lives of children. From our birth, parents protect, teach, provide, and serve as role models. As part of a family, we look to them for guidance. We mirror their behavior and learn to be a core part of our communities. On this particular Sunday, we honor all parents who do everything to raise and protect their children. 

National Disability Independence Day

At Private Home Care, we are proponents for people maintaining their freedom, independence and dignity, regardless of disabilities. We celebrate National Disability Independence Day on July 26th, which recognizes the important work of promoting equal opportunity and quality of life for people with disabilities.National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, 1990.

This corresponds with our mission of supporting seniors to age in place through our expert caregiving. Our caregivers help facilitate every day life and experiences for our clients, ranging from laundry and cooking, to playing chess and going out to the salon or for pizza. As we grow older, our bodies naturally become less able, and our minds may not be as sharp. Although the elderly may have to use walkers or other forms of assistance, we must still regard them as valued members of society, who are entitled to the pursuit of happiness. This is one of our core beliefs at Private Home Care, and guides our motto of ‘Compassion is at the Heart of Our Care’.

Whether the disability is physical or intellectual, if the individual was born with it or developed the disability during their lifetime, all disabled or elderly people deserve to be treated with the same respect as those who are fully abled. We maintain that people with disabilities can live full, meaningful lives, and can achieve their dreams and goals. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also made it possible for the world to be more accessible for people with disabilities. For example, common barriers such as narrow doors and small bathroom stalls became accessible to wheelchairs. Other examples include braille signs and crosswalks for the vision impaired. The changes improved mobility and safety. Today, many of our clients as well as millions of people across the country benefit from laws that help break down barriers and allow them to move about freely. 

One service that we are proud to offer is to assess and help outfit your loved one’s home so that they may live safely and comfortably at home. This includes proper lighting, adequate doorway width, grab bars in showers, ramps, and more. 

Getting Better With Age – Scotch!

At Private Home Care, we love things that grow better with age! Today is National Scotch Day, where we celebrate a finely crafted spirit that is renowned for improving and becoming more valuable with age! Pictured is Winston Churchill drinking scotch, who led the British to victory in WWII, and lived until the age of 90!

On July 27th, we recognize an aged whisky distilled from malted barley. Make a toast on National Scotch Day and share a drink with a friend. Scotch is meant to be sipped slowly to fully enjoy the experience. Take some time to slow down with family and friends to connect over slowly sipping scotch.

Since Scotch is protected by law, specific guidelines must be followed when making it to be labeled as Scotch. Otherwise, it may be an ordinary whisky (or whiskey if it’s made in the United States). First and foremost, Scotch must be made in Scotland. Another requirement includes the grain used in the fermentation process. For Scotch, only malted barley may be used. The Scotch must also be aged in oak barrels for at least three years and have an ABV of less than 94.8%. While most Scotch is made with barley, water, and yeast, other grains can be included, but no fermentation additives, per law.

Scotch whisky dates back to the 15th century where a Scottish taxman recorded the spirit in 1494. Since then, Scotch, barley, malt, and grain have been in and out of the shadows. The distilleries or the smugglers either dodged the king’s taxman or organized against him. Scotch was first protected by definition in law in 1933. It was further protected in 1988 with the Scotch Whisky Act.

There are five distinct categories of Scotch whisky including single malt Scotch, single grain Scotch, blended malt Scotch, blended grain Scotch, and blended Scotch.

Today, slow down and enjoy this fine alcohol that grows better with age!

Gorgeous Grandma Day!

Thursday July 23 – Gorgeous Grandma Day.

Yesterday, on July 23rd, Gorgeous Grandma Day recognized all women who are older adults and seniors, whether they are grandmothers or not. Private Home Care believes that a woman’s beauty does not end at a certain age, and that beauty has no expiration date – rather it continues to increase throughout her life.

https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/style-trends/info-2017/ms-senior-america-beauty-pageant-fd.html

Private Home Care wholeheartedly agrees with the mission of ‘Miss Senior America’: The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance.” It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.

Not all women become grandmothers. Those who do, don’t necessarily fit the traditional mold any longer. Others still reach a point where many assume grandmother status, even though no grandchildren are about.

Gorgeous Grandma Day embraces the age of the nana and encourages all women to flaunt their granny attitudes with purpose and style. While some grandmas fit the traditional mold with gray hair and cookie-baking, home-making, hug-giving, child-spoiling energy to spare, many grannies sport a whole new role. Many take on the part of grandma to the children in their lives.

No matter the type of grandmother they are, they’re all different. Some play the hippest games, wear the latest styles, and know how to find the best deals on technology. Even the grandkids can’t keep up! Funny, sassy and energetic grandmas, rebel grannies and all sorts of grannies make the grade, too.

In many scenarios, grandmother-types step into the role where no grandmother remains. These women lend ears, laps, and hugs, much like the nanas of memory. Of course, they build foundations and set young men and women on their path.

Nearly all of these fantastic women pass down family traditions while teaching children to stand on our own. Full of wisdom and wit, what would anyone do without their nanas? They go by many names, but they’re all gorgeous in their own way.

On Gorgeous Grandma Day, let the grandmothers in your life know how much they mean to you, and how beautiful they are inside and out.No matter your age, be your gorgeous self. Maybe you’re a grandma, and perhaps you’re not. It doesn’t matter. Own the attitude and celebrate. On Gorgeous Granny Day, it is a time to recognize their accomplishments and their abilities. Their lives have only just begun.

July is National Picnic Month!

July is National Picnic Month! In New England, we wait all year for the perfect summer picnic weather. Now that it is here, time to enjoy picnics as much as we can! Picnics are a fun activity for the whole family and friends. They can take place in any outdoor setting, whether it be in the woods, a park, at the beach, or more.

Reasons why we love picnics at Private Home Care:

Great way to socialize – picnics are a fun way to socialize! Being in the company of others and socializing Social engagement is associated with a stronger immune system, especially for older adults. This means that you are better able to fight off colds, the flu, and even some types of cancer. You will enjoy better mental health. Interacting with others boosts feelings of well-being and decreases feelings of depression.

Spending time in the great outdoors! Enjoying time outdoors in a beautiful environment is calming and a great stress reliever. Fresh air outside is very healthy for your lungs! Being outside on a beautiful day just makes you feel good in general, doesn’t it?!

Vitamin D – when you are outside, you absorb Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is important for fighting depression and building strong bones!

Mindful eating – eating outdoors at a picnic helps with mindful eating because you are not rushing to get the next task done. At a picnic you are also socializing while you are eating and enjoying being outside, which makes eating even more enjoyable! When you are eating while you are happy and having a good time, it is less likely that you will overeat to deal with emotions.

Stay active – going on a picnic encourages being active, whether it be going for a walk, playing catch, or swimming. You are also being social while you are moving, especially when you are doing a group activity like playing catch, instead of just solo exercise.

Enjoy at any age – picnics can be enjoyed at any age, from young babies to older adults. As long there is fair, temperate weather and there is a comfortable chair, seniors can join in on the fun! For seniors who may need increased assistance, having a backyard barbecue or picnic can be a great and accessible option.

Choose Tequila for Health Concious Drinking

Today is National Tequila Day, where we celebrate this popular liquor made from the blue agave plant. Kick off your weekend by celebrating with a little salt and lime, or make a tequila-based drink like a Margarita, Paloma, or tequila sunrise! 

Tequila has a long history, and for good reason. It is considered the healthiest of alcohols to consume!

Here are reasons why tequila is the best choice for a health-conscious drink:

1. Low in calories –  a shot of tequila only has about 65 calories, making it one of the most low-calorie options when drinking, Compare this to a glass of white wine at 160 calories.
2. Low in sugar – Tequila is made from blue agave nectar and has a naturally sweet flavor. That eliminates the need for sugary mixers, which is where calories and carbs really tally up. 
3. Gluten free – pure, 100% agave tequila is made from just that – the blue agave succulent plant. Agave is a fruit, and in tequila there is no trace of wheat or barley.
4. No carbs – thanks to the special distillation process.
5. Does not give you a hangover –  Yes, you heard right! Quality, 100% agave tequila does not cause hangover. Why? One of the biggest contributors to your hangovers is the presence of fermentation products known as congeners. Quality tequila made from 100% blue agave has fewer of these congeners, making it an ideal elixir. However, that is if you drink in moderation. If you are drinking tequila in excess, then there is a higher probability that you will not feel well the next day.
6. No spike in blood sugar – the sugars found in agave are simple sugars, so they break down easily in your body. There is a component in tequila that can break down dietary fat, which helps lower LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels.  
7. Aids digestion – The agave plant used to make the drink contains high levels of inulin, which helps the digestive system by growing good bacteria, making tequila an ideal digestif. That means taking a shot of tequila after a big dinner can aid in digestion!

National Cousins Day!

National Cousins Day on July 24th recognizes the lifelong relationships that grow among cousins. Our first friendships often form with cousins as young as infants and endure a lifetime. Nowadays, during COVID, it is especially important to spend time with cousins and loved ones! Being able to catch up with cousins after being physically distanced is a heartfelt experience.

Whether cousins grow up together in close-knit families or only see each other occasionally, they share common memories through grandparents, aunts, and uncles. 

At family gatherings, cousins entertain each other and get into trouble together, too. 

They celebrate birthdays and might even blow out the other’s candles to their cousin’s annoyance. When their siblings irritate them, cousins become an ally. Sometimes cousins seem more like siblings, especially if they’re only children. As cousins grow up, watching their children grow reminds them of their youth. And that’s when the cycle begins anew. 

Even if cousins are not close in age, you still hold special, lifelong memories because no one knows you quite like your cousins do :). Whether you are the same age and have memories playing in the yard, or are years apart and have memories of older cousins helping younger ones sneak extra dessert at Thanksgiving (anyone who has done this just smiled and laughed a little), times with cousins are cherished moments.

The day celebrates every age of cousins – new baby cousins and cousins whose babies are all grown up!

Now, during COVID, it is advised to keep your circles smaller for health reasons. That means it is especially important to spend time with those most important to you – family and cousins. Celebrate National Cousins Day by spending time with your cousins today! And if your cousins do not live near, make sure to call or get in touch with them via the internet!