active senior lifestyle arizona

5 Tips For Staying Healthy This Winter

November 18, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 5 Tips For Staying Healthy This Winter , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With winter on the horizon, it’s definitely time to start thinking about the health of your senior loved ones throughout the long cold season. It’s very easy to have a downturn in mood through the winter months, especially because it often confines elderly persons to the home. Then too, the warmth and the cheer of summer seems long gone, and with it, much of the joy and good feeling that attends the summer season. That makes it especially important for you to ensure that your senior loved ones are maintaining their health through the winter months.

Maintain social contact

Seniors and their caregivers sometimes feel isolated during winter months, so it’s a good idea to fight off that isolationist feeling by being more social. If possible, arrange for meetings for coffee or other social events, so that spirits can be lifted and good company can be enjoyed. Depending on the health and physical well-being of your parent, it might be a good idea to have them volunteer to help others, since this is always a good mood booster.

Keep exercising

The benefits of exercising are well-known, with regard to the physical enhancement as well as mood enhancement. If your senior parent is up to it, take the exercise program outdoors and bundle up for a good walk in the chilly weather. Make sure to dress properly for such forays, and try to enjoy the weather rather than be held prisoner by it.

Keep the home warm

As people age, it often becomes more difficult to maintain the appropriate body temperature, sometimes due to declining circulation. That makes it important to maintain a proper temperature in the home, so that seniors don’t feel excessively chilly, or catch cold due to some kind of exposure. If you can maintain the thermometer at 68°F, that should be sufficient for keeping your loved ones warm and comfortable through the winter.

Eat healthy

It can be a little more challenging to eat healthy during the wintertime, since many of the fresh produce items are unavailable, or they cost much more. When this begins to happen in your area, check on the availability and the cost of frozen vegetables, which generally contain much lower amounts of sodium than canned vegetables do. In addition to eating as many fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables as possible, it’s wise to maintain the immune system as well. Make sure your elderly loved one has all the vitamins he/she needs, either by taking supplements, or by eating foods such as fish, poultry, and eggs.

Get some sunshine

It’s important to keep sunshine in your daily routine as a means of trying to beat the winter blues. Sunshine also provides a body with vitamin D, so it has a health benefit as well as a mood benefit. Take your parent along when you walk the dog, or for a stroll around the neighborhood. On days where it might be too cold for a walk outside, open up the curtains and the blinds to let the sunshine in, and have your loved one sit by the window for a while. A number of studies have been conducted on the value and the importance of maintaining natural light as part of your daily routine, so keep this high on your list to fight the winter blahs.

Do you need home health care?

One important part of keeping loved ones like your parents healthy during the upcoming winter, may be to include home health care as part of their overall care program. Contact MD Home Health to obtain the best Arizona health care for your senior loved ones, so you can have peace of mind in knowing that all their health needs will be provided for, by the best team of caregivers in the state.


Festive Holiday Activities For Seniors And Caregivers

October 21, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on Festive Holiday Activities For Seniors And Caregivers , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Holiday times are all about being together and having fun with family members, even if your senior loved ones may have physical limitations or some level of cognitive impairment. The activities you plan with your senior loved ones don’t even need to be very special, because it’s the togetherness aspect which matters most to them and to yourself. With that in mind, here are a number of activities which can be shared with seniors and their caregivers.

Make a gingerbread house  

This is a wonderful holiday activity to involve your parents with, and it can either be done completely from scratch, or from one of the many kits which are available in holiday stores. It can be great fun to bake the gingerbread, add on the frosting, and then decorate the house with all kinds of candies. When you’re done, you’ll have something that your parents can be proud of, and which can be displayed right along with all the other household decorations.

Create a snowman

A holiday snowman can be a perfect touch for indoor decorations, and it can be placed almost anywhere after you’ve finished working on it. The beauty of making a snowman with your elderly loved one is that you can literally use almost any materials to get the job done. You can purchase a ready-made kit from a seasonal store, or you can purchase some foam balls, and use buttons for the eyes and nose. A craft shop will be a good place to pick up a little hat and broom, or you can use materials from around the house.

Bake holiday cookies

Everyone loves holiday cookies, and just about everyone loves being involved with making them. Your parents will too, because they will love to create something that is appreciated by guests and household members alike, and holiday baking is a tradition that your parents most likely participated in themselves when they were younger. Carry on that tradition with some tasty treats that will put everyone in the right mood for the holidays.

Make a holiday centerpiece

Every holiday dinner table needs a centerpiece to focus on, and involving your senior loved ones in making that centerpiece will give them a wonderful sense of participating in the holiday preparations. Your centerpiece might be an elaborate flower arrangement, or it could be a Christmas-themed display, such as Santa and his reindeer. Regardless of the subject though, your parents will feel great about having contributed to the festivities by helping with the centerpiece.

Sharing holiday memories

One of the nicest things you can do with your elderly loved ones would be to sit with them at some point during the season, and just go through old photo albums to reminisce about times which have gone by. Almost everyone is genuinely touched when recalling the happy times of the past, and what things were like during those days. Enhance the memory-sharing with a tea party and cookies to make it a special event that your parents will absolutely love, and which will likely be one of the highlights of the season for them.

Phoenix home health needs

Take all the stress away from the holidays by contacting MD Home Health, your Phoenix caregivers who provide full service caring for seniors and disabled persons. We do it all, so that you can enjoy the holidays more, and so that your senior loved ones can also get the most out of the holiday season.


Fun Fall Activities For Seniors And Caregivers

September 18, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Fun Fall Activities For Seniors And Caregivers , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Most seniors living at home are only too glad to be involved with a worthwhile activity that makes them feel productive, and which also creates something worthy of admiration. There are tons of fall activities that seniors and their caregivers can do together, and both persons will benefit from having undertaken them. For starters, the five activities described below should help kindle some ideas in your head, but there are hundreds more that can be extremely enjoyable for seniors and their caregivers.

  1. Pumpkin picking and carving

Almost any community you visit in Arizona has a Pumpkin Festival somewhere around this time of year, so you won’t have any trouble finding an event to attend. There are at least half a dozen in the greater Phoenix area alone, and most of them have lots of activities for you and your caregiver to participate in, so as to catch the Halloween Spirit.

  1. Make fall decorations with your loved one

Spending quality time with friends and caretakers is always a rewarding activity, and in the busy world of the 21st century, it seems that there is less and less time for these kinds of rewarding sessions. Fall is a great time to gather up some gourds and corn stalks and create a fascinating porch display that exudes country living. You might want to just cut out some typical fall decorations from construction paper, and hang your pumpkins, leaves, and maize cutouts all around the house, for a great seasonal dress-up.

  1. Outdoor activities

With the weather cooling off a bit, it’s more conducive to taking a stroll through parks and gardens, to appreciate the beauty of nature, and to relax for a while outdoors before returning to the less expansive world inside the home. There are also lots of fall festivals you can attend, such as the Oktoberfest celebrations at Overgaard and Mt. Lemon, the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix, and the Music & Art Festival in Patagonia, AZ.

  1. Go to a football game

Football season has just begun, and now is the best time to go see an Arizona Cardinals game at the University of Phoenix Stadium. All teams are still in the running for making the playoffs, and the weather is great for watching a game at the stadium. You might go with friends and enjoy a parking lot tailgate party, or just have some traditional stadium foods and beverages to enhance your appreciation of the event. While you’re there, make sure to purchase a Cardinals souvenir as a reminder of your day at the stadium, and who knows? – You may even see a very interesting football game.

  1. Make fun holiday/fall treats

When the weather cools off, it’s more fun to get involved with preparing fun fall treats, and special baked goods for the holidays. Cookies are a favorite treat for most people, both young and old, and some pumpkin-shaped cookies are not only great expressions of the coming season, but are a very enjoyable snack to have with some cider or coffee. Apple or pumpkin pies are loved by practically everyone, a flavorful squash soup will satisfy the hearty appetites in your household, and for a really special holiday treat, you could make a Christmas-tree shaped breadsticks-wrapped-in-spinach gourmet treat. If you run out of ideas, there are literally thousands online for you to choose from.

In need of home care services?

There are definitely a number of home health care organizations in Arizona which you might choose for your own home care, but to be sure of having the most professional care, customized to your own specific needs, you should trust MD Home Health. Contact us at MD Home Health with any questions you might have about caregivers, or to schedule an interview for home care.

 


Preventing Boredom: Out-of-the-Box Ideas to Engage Your Loved One 

July 10, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Preventing Boredom: Out-of-the-Box Ideas to Engage Your Loved One  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The activities you share with your senior loved one during visits or when you’re home from work, can have a tremendous effect on her quality of life and general outlook, so it’s really important that these times are maximized and enjoyed to the fullest. Even if it is not readily observable, the impact of shared activities can go a long way toward boosting her mood, and significantly reducing anxiety or agitation that might otherwise trouble her.

After you’ve gone through some of the old standby shared activities, you should consider some really inventive, out-of-the-box ideas which can maintain her interest and really engage her. Here are a few possibilities to consider.

Playing with children’s toys

This might seem like an odd suggestion, given the fact that these objects were created with children in mind, but older adults can experience these very same objects in an entirely different manner. For example, a simple puzzle might take your senior loved one back to childhood days and recall warm memories of the time. A children’s toolbox might trigger recollections from your senior parent about home repairs or do-it-yourselfer activities that he used to enjoy doing around the household. If you discover that ideas like this work really well with your parent, by all means, get involved yourself, and enjoy playing with children’s toys to engage your loved one.

Fun group activities

There are any of community groups which regularly meet to benefit seniors, and provide them with an outlet for socializing and engaging in fun activities. There are dance groups, card-playing groups, movie-watching groups, and even tap dancing groups, which have formed in almost every community in the country for this purpose, and which can really get your senior your loved one involved, and enjoying life again.

Treasure hunting

One very different way of really engaging your senior loved one is to take her on a treasure hunting expedition with a metal detector. This can be a very exciting time, as new discoveries are encountered, and interest is sustained throughout the entire treasure-hunting experience. It can be even more exciting, when there’s a legitimate chance of finding something interesting, but even without any spectacular discoveries, the whole experience can be a very usual and engaging way of spending some time with your loved one.

Community projects

There are always community projects which you can participate in with your senior loved one, and there is a double good feeling associated with such activities. In the first place, it will be excellent therapy to have your loved one involved and participating in a large project. It will also make her feel good to be contributing to society in general, and performing some kind of action that makes the community a better place. Some activities like this might include planting trees in the neighborhood, gardening around public buildings, and doing sponsored walks for a good cause.

Monthly or weekly game nights

Set aside a regularly-occurring night each week or each month, when you get together with your senior loved one, and play a different game each time. There are numerous board games which you could play that are fairly easy to grasp, and your senior your loved one will probably just love the fact that you’re taking the time to be with her, and share an activity you can both enjoy. Something as simple as Yahtzee might be a wonderful way of engaging with your loved one, and showing her that you really care.

Additional care for your senior loved one

There are of course, situations where your busy life at work and with your own family simply won’t allow for as much regular engagement with your loved one as you would like to have. For these situations, you should contact MD Home Health/MD Home Assist, so we can help fill in the gaps in home health care for your loved one. The compassionate and caring companionship provided by a professional caregiver from an Arizona health care specialist might include many of the same creative ideas, and others like them, which are described above.


10 Tips to Help Seniors Beat the Summer Heat

May 14, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Caregiver Information, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on 10 Tips to Help Seniors Beat the Summer Heat , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With the intense heat of the Phoenix, Arizona summer right around the corner, many area seniors will be more at risk for heat stroke and heat exposure, as rising temperatures begin to pose a potential health risk. When temperatures begin soaring past 110 degrees Fahrenheit, seniors’ bodies simply don’t adjust very well to the higher temperatures like younger persons might, so this makes it extremely important that precautions be taken to keep seniors cool during this time of year. With this being the case, AZ health care professionals and caregivers offer a few home health tips to keep in mind, to help safeguard your senior relative against the potential dangers of summertime heat.

Drink Lots of Liquids

It’s important for all people to stay hydrated during the heat of summer, but seniors are especially prone to becoming dehydrated when exposed to the strong rays of the sun. Make sure your loved one has plenty of fluids to stave off the naturally drying effect of strong sunshine.

Keep Cool When Active

Participating in activities which encourage socialization and exercise are always important, and they shouldn’t be abandoned in summertime just because of the heat. There are lots of ways to stay active while socializing and exercising, for instance engaging in Open Swim time for seniors at the local aquatic center.

Be Aware of How Sun Impacts Medications

There are a number of medications which are not nearly as effective, and can even cause problems with body temperature regulation, when the patient is exposed to prolonged warm conditions. Phoenix home health and Arizona health care professionals urge you to read all instructions on medication labels to make sure that there are no harmful effects caused by being in the sun for a while.

Visit Well-Conditioned Places

When you’re out around town enjoying a short road trip with your senior loved one, be sure to include places which have good air-conditioning and make it pleasant for seniors. Shopping malls, coffee shops, and recreation centers are just a few of the places which might be nice to visit, if they provide well-conditioned air.

Avoid Heavy Meals

Heavy meals put a strain on the digestive system, and since calories are actually measures of heat, it’s better to avoid high-calorie meals which will generate more body heat. Try lighter fare such as pasta salads, garden salads, and fruits or vegetables.

Be Careful of Car Exposure

You should always leave windows open if you’re going into any store without your senior loved one, and even then it should not be for any extended period. While traveling, make sure that there is adequate cooling in the vehicle.

Monitor Sun Exposure Outdoors

Direct exposure to the sun should be limited for seniors, since they will burn much easier and do not cope with extreme heat as well as younger people. Monitor the amount of sun your senior gets daily, and avoid anything excessive.

Keep Indoors Cool

If you don’t have air conditioning running through the heat of the day, make sure that all windows are kept open, and that shades are drawn, so there can at least be good air circulation throughout the home, while also deflecting the sunshine.

Eat Cool Snacks

A good way to cool down is with a bowl of ice cream or a popsicle, even though the cooling effect is only temporary. The important point is that this interrupts the buildup of heat for a senior, and can instantly provide a level of comfort.

Wear Lightweight Clothing

Clothing can have a big impact on anyone’s comfort level outdoors, so make sure your senior is dressed in lightweight attire when outdoors. This should include items which do not absorb moisture or stick to the skin, and if appropriate, items which leave some areas of the body open, so as to benefit from air flow.

Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, no matter the season. If you are looking for senior health care or home care in the Phoenix area, contact us today. We have home health care options that can be tailored to your needs and budget.

 


The Best Spring-time Activities in the Phoenix Area

April 13, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Caregiver Information, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on The Best Spring-time Activities in the Phoenix Area , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As much as you’ve been looking forward to springtime, there might be an elderly loved one in the family who is even more anxious for the arrival of the season. Of course, Phoenix-area residents aren’t usually obliged to hibernate through winter as people in the Northeast might, but the refreshing cooler atmosphere of spring is still one of the best times to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of the season.

AZ home health caregivers have many options for spring-time activities which are appropriate for seniors, and which are sure to be much appreciated. Participating in such events can be an important part of Phoenix home health, and the professionals at MD Home Health and MD Home Assist heartily recommend that as a caregiver, you take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your elderly loved one’s quality of life.

Opportunities in April

Springtime means baseball among other things, and that means the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball are back in uniform, and welcoming fans to the ballpark. This can be a wonderful afternoon or evening of relaxing at the stadium, and enjoying the action on the field, as well as indulging in an old-fashioned ballpark feast of hot dogs and french fries. There are an incredible 182 parks in the area surrounding Glendale-Scottsdale-Phoenix-Tempe, so several of those are surely accessible for everyone, and will provide a memorable experience, whether walking or driving through.

Here are a few other suggestions:

  • Performance entertainment – you can enjoy the Gilbert Downtown Concert on April 26th, or the International Jazz Day Festival on April 18th at the Mesa Arts Center.
  • Sporting events – besides professional baseball, you might enjoy the all-girl Roller Derby Championship on April 21st, or the Glendale Family Bike Ride on April 22nd.
  • Nature events – in addition to all the available park experiences, a good idea to promote AZ health care for your senior loved one might include a trip to the Butterfly Pavilion at the Desert Botanical Garden.
  • Cultural – the ‘Embracing Your Journey Expo’ is held on April 22nd in Phoenix, and it’s all about holistic wellness, alternative health services, and other aspects of Arizona health care.


Opportunities in May

Before the heat of summer arrives, you can still take advantage of some May activities planned for the Phoenix area. Here is a sampling, which might include something that tickles your fancy:

  • Musical – on May 3rd, the Rancho Solano Prep School will do a presentation of the very popular musical ‘Grease’, a fun-filled recollection of a bygone era that just might appeal to your senior loved one.
  • Dance – on May 4th, the Pacifico Dance Company will be at the Chandler Center for the Arts to thrill audiences with their talent, grace, and imaginative choreography. If your favorite senior still enjoys some dancing of their own, you might enjoy East Coast Swing Night at the Fatcat Ballroom on May 29th.
  • Classics – a presentation of Victor Hugo’s famed Les Miserables will be staged on May 15th at the Gammage Auditorium.


Stay at Home Ideas

Of course, you don’t really have to venture out into the city or anywhere else to enjoy the delights of the spring season. Home health care can be very therapeutic just by volunteering to help your elderly loved one with spring garden preparation, choosing which plants and flowers to grow, and helping to get things established. After you’ve enjoyed some time outdoors, why not try something totally new inside as well? Discovering and preparing a brand new recipe can be a very satisfying way of spending some quality time with your senior, and celebrating the fresh beginnings of springtime.

Phoenix health care professionals have the same goals for seniors as do caregivers for private home health care – to keep them engaged, active, and physically and mentally fit. If you are looking for senior health care or home care in the Phoenix area, contact us today. We have home health care options that can be tailored to your needs and budget.


Inspirational Ways to Embrace Aging

February 14, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Inspirational Ways to Embrace Aging , , , , , ,

Probably most people have their own ideas about how to embrace aging, and how to enjoy those later years in life to the utmost, but there are a few thoughts on the subject that consistently appear, no matter whom you ask. Here are some of the most consistent themes about how to get the most out of aging and improve your overall health care.

Keep Active Physically

This is mentioned first, because it’s literally a foundation for almost every other aspect of growing old gracefully, while still participating in life at a high level. Regular exercise can maintain your flexibility and avoid the stiffness that would otherwise set in, and it certainly contributes to better health and maintaining a strong immune system. But there’s another aspect of exercise that’s just as important – how it makes you feel. Science tells us that regular exercise releases ‘feel good’ endorphins into the body, and causes a person to have a sustained sense of well-being, and that’s a great way to keep a strong daily attitude about life.

Share Your Story with Others

Anyone who has lived a half century or more has certainly got some stories to pass on – to youngsters in the family, to friends, and to other family members. Sharing your story can give you an immense sense of personal pride, because it relates to obstacles you’ve overcome, things you’ve achieved, or exciting moments that were inspirational. Recalling all these events and emotions can not only help you feel good about what you’ve done in your life, but it can be a great way of passing on to others the legacy of your lifetime.

Make a Difference

It’s never too late in life to take up a cause that is larger than ourselves, and has great purpose. You can inspire yourself and others as well by finding something that you truly believe in, and want to support by volunteering your time and efforts. Being involved in this way can give you a real sense of purpose, and it can provide you with daily goals and objectives to keep on achieving things. The fact that your efforts are aimed at making the world a better place is something that can literally lift your life above the ordinary, and make it something that you’ll feel good about the rest of your days.

Stay Socially Active

Sociologists have long been aware that withdrawal and social isolation leads to depression and a sense of disconnection from the rest of the world. By contrast, staying socially active and enjoying the company of others does just the opposite – it makes us feel like an important part of the world because we matter to someone else, or to many other people. Humans are meant to be social creatures, and when our lives lack that social aspect, there’s a big piece of ourselves that goes dormant and unfulfilled.

Establish Bonds

As an extension of staying socially active, it’s also important as an aging adult to establish and maintain at least one strong bond with another person. In some cases, a living spouse will satisfy this role, but when a spouse has passed on, that same role needs to be filled by another person, both for the support it provides, and for the feeling of being needed by another person. Those emotions in turn, can contribute strongly to a sense of inner peace, and contentment with the ongoing process of aging.

Taking care of an aging parent or loved one can be a stressful experience. But you do not have to endure it alone. We take senior health care very seriously, and as one of the top home health care companies Phoenix, you can rely on our expertise and professionalism for your health care needs. Contact us today to learn more.


How to Overcome the Winter Blues for Seniors and Caregivers

February 14, 2018 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Articles, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on How to Overcome the Winter Blues for Seniors and Caregivers , , , , , , ,

Much of the U.S. has experienced severe weather this winter, and that has caused many seniors who are only partially ambulatory to be shut-in for long stretches of time. However, there are some steps which can be taken for both the elderly and their caregivers, to help beat the winter blues, and forget about what might be happening outside. Here are some home health care recommendations based on scientific findings, that will help to lift your spirits, and chase those blues away.

Brighten up the House

Even if you can’t conveniently get outside to soak up sunshine, you can certainly simulate the sunlight by finding ways to add lighting to your home. Keeping curtains open, having rooms brightly lit, and even sitting next to an artificial light source can all help to lift your spirits. People who live in Alaska routinely undergo six months of near darkness, and many of them overcome the shortage of lighting by taking some of these same steps to make up the difference. This tip can be applied in the home health care world.

Do More Exercise

Because at least 30 minutes a day of good exercise will cause anyone’s spirits to be lifted, it’s a good practice to try and include a half hour every day, if it’s at all possible. Some light aerobics will do the trick, or if you happen to have a treadmill, you can ‘walk’ for 30 minutes every day that you feel up to it. Vigorous exercise causes more endorphins to be released into the body, and these are responsible for the euphoric feeling we all get after a good workout.

Talk Therapy

Scientific research shows clearly that people who have the opportunity to talk to a partner regularly, receive much the same benefit that artificial lighting provides, i.e. it contributes to a sense of well-being and self-satisfaction. This can be especially effective if you have talk sessions where you limit your topics of conversation (and your partner’s) to only positive thoughts and ideas. This has the double effect of forcing you to think about what you’re going to say (keeping you mentally agile), and it creates an attitude of positivism that spills over into your daily routine.

Stay Socially Involved

When you are withdrawn and out of contact with people, that can quickly lead to anti-social attitudes and feelings of depression. On the other hand, if you force yourself to stay socially active, even when you don’t particularly want to, it can automatically kindle feelings of happiness and warmth with your friends or relatives.

Bring the Outdoors Inside

This isn’t as complicated as it sounds. As an example, if you’re a person who enjoys summertime gardening, why not buy a plant or two for the inside, and spend some time each day nurturing your wintertime garden? If you’re a person who enjoys walks around the neighborhood or around the local mall, you might want to try going to a nearby fitness center where you can walk or jog laps around the facility. You might even have a local aquatic center where you can enjoy some fun time in the water to lift your spirits, and enjoy socializing with others who are doing the same.

The above tips can help AZ Home Health professionals make the winter months better for the seniors in their care. If you are looking for senior health care or home care in the Phoenix area, contact us today. We have home health care options that can be tailored to your needs and budget.

 


7 Ways Gardening Can Extend Your Life

April 15, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on 7 Ways Gardening Can Extend Your Life , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In honor of April being National Garden Month, and this beautiful spring weather, we’d like to share some of the amazing health benefits gardening can bring into your life. Gardening is so healthy that it could, in fact, add years your life. Here are some of our favorite health benefits one can gain from the healthy hobby of gardening.

Improves Brain Health and Reduces Alzheimer’s Risk

A study conducted on the long-term effects of gardening on the brain found that daily gardening was the single most effective activity in reducing the prevalence of dementia by 36-47%. This is likely due to the various health benefits the act of gardening brings, such as increased strength, endurance, learning, dexterity, sensory function and problem solving skills.

Improves Self-Esteem and Lowers Stress

There was a Dutch study conducted that showed the cortisol (stress hormone) levels of those who gardened for 30 minutes, vs. those who read for 30 minutes. The study found that those who gardened for 30 minutes had much lower cortisol levels, and much higher self-esteem levels than those who read.

Reduces Risk for Stroke and Increases Heart Health

A study conducted in Stockholm found that regular gardening reduced the risk for stroke in those over the age of 60 by 30%. For those who may have physical difficulties or need home health care, bending or leaning over to garden may present some problems. This is an easy fix through incorporating raised garden beds. It is also a healthy idea to expose your skin to the sun without sunscreen for 10-15 minutes per day in order to absorb your daily dose of Vitamin D. This is another factor in reducing heart disease and other issues associated with heart health. It’s also best to conduct gardening sessions in smaller time segments than doing it all at once, as sitting is another cause for poor heart health.

Reduced Depression Symptoms and Improved Mental Health

There are a variety of factors associated with gardening that can help stimulate one’s mental health. These factors include physical activity, sunlight, being surrounded by nature, the satisfaction one gets from a job well done, and the cognitive stimulation it provides. For the best mental health benefits associated with gardening, keep a garden that has a balanced mix of plants to nourish all of the senses, such as food-producing plants, flowers for visual appeal and nicely scented plants.

Regulates the Immune System

The immune system is elevated due to the Vitamin D absorption gardening brings. It is also boosted when one decides to forego the gardening gloves, and get their hands dirty. Gardening dirt contains nutrient bacteria or “Mycobacterium vaccae”. This bacterium has shown to improve common symptoms of a weak immune system, such as asthma, allergies and psoriasis.

Better Nutrition

There’s nothing healthier than growing your own vegetables. So long as you use healthy soil, lay off the pesticides, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden when they are ripe, you will be greatly increasing your health on numerous levels. It’s also a cost-effective solution to purchasing expensive organic produce at your local store, farmer’s market, or co-op.

Being Surrounded by Green Plants Adds Years to Your Life

It’s no secret that being surrounded by nature and green spaces can benefit our physical and mental health.  A couple of studies conducted by the CDC and Michigan State University found that small increases of 10% in green space surrounding a person’s location of home could increase their life by a number of years.

This just goes to show how important gardening and being outdoors in nature is for our well-being. If you’d like more information on health care in Phoenix, finding a caregiver to assist you in gardening, or getting more active outdoors, we are here for you.  For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


3 Healthy Tips to Help You Spring into Spring

March 9, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Uncategorized Comments Off on 3 Healthy Tips to Help You Spring into Spring , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spring is in the air, and what better time than now to consider some healthy lifestyle tips to help you feel your best and enjoy the warming weather. Whether you are a professional caregiver or a person in need of Phoenix home care, a healthy lifestyle is always something to consider. It can be easy and fun to start new healthy habits.

Sprouting

 Sprouting at home is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to start a new healthy habit. Its also fun to watch your sprouts grow and gives a sense of connection to your food. All you need to begin sprouting at home is a one quart, wide mouth mason jar and a sprouting lid, or a lid with a screen to allow water drainage and air flow.

 Many kinds of seeds, nuts and beans can be sprouted and eatable within a few short days. Sprouting actually increases the nutrition of the food by activating the germination process. Mung beans, broccoli seeds, alfalfa and radish seeds are healthy and easy options to start with. Simply soak your beans or seeds in the jar overnight or for about 10 hours, and drain. Continue to rinse the sprouts twice a day, and try to spread them in an even layer horizontally in the jar. Within a few days you will notice the seeds begin to germinate. Most sprouts are ideal to consume within 3-7 days, and can last even longer when stored in the fridge.

Eating Organic Fruits and Vegetables

 Another healthy home tip to consider is buying organic fruits and vegetables when possible. Many common fruits and vegetables that are conventionally grown contain trace amounts of pesticides, even after being washed. There is a list known as the Dirty Dozen that addresses foods with the highest risk of pesticide contamination. These foods should be purchased as certified USDA Organic when possible to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals. There is also a list known as the Clean Fifteen that addresses foods with the lowest risk of contamination, and can be purchased conventionally grown. Organic food is often times more expensive than conventionally grown, but the high quality and safety of organic food is a powerful investment to make in your personal health.

Fun in The Sun

 Don’t forget to get outside and enjoy those sunny days! Before the heat of summer sets in, take advantage of the great outdoors. Our bodies benefit from exposure to direct sunlight in small doses. When exposed to direct sunlight, our skin produces vitamin D, beta-endorphins which elevate our mood, nitric oxide which can lower blood pressure, and host of other chemicals that aren’t taken in with a vitamin D supplement. You can start with ten to fifteen minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day. After that, it is recommended to use sunblock or cover up with hats, long sleeves and pants. If you are someone who needs assistance with getting in and out of the house, our Phoenix home health care professionals would be happy to assist you in having some fun in the sun and enjoying the outdoors.

Everyone can benefit from healthy lifestyle habits. These are just a few examples of ways to start feeling your best to enjoy the Spring weather. This month, March, is National Nutrition Month, so there’s no better time to get healthy than now.  For more information on health tips or our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742, or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


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