June-July 2010 – Volume 1, Issue 3

Wash Your Hands!

Here is a clean tip from Centers From Disease Control: Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Always wash your hands after using the restroom, before preparing or eating food, after handling garbage or waste, before and after tending to someone who is sick and after coughing. Clean hands are the best way to fend off colds and germs!

Summer is Hurricane Season

Many states can be affected by both Atlantic and Pacific cyclones. Hurricane season is June to November. If you live in an area that may be impacted by hurri- canes, have a safety kit on hand, and always have an evacuation route in mind. Experts recom-mend that you have a plan in advance of emergency situations, such as transportation for getting to a shelter if need be. Also, make plans for your pets in the event of a stormy evacuation. Tornados that spin off from hurricanes, as well as hurricane-force winds, can down power lines and block highways. Heed all hurricane warnings you hear.

Add Colors to Your Diet

Check out your local grocery or farmer’s market for seasonal produce that will jazz up meals and give you added health benefits. Fruits and vegetable are power foods that can give you more energy and protect you against disease. They are healing foods as well. One way to eat healthier is to eat more colors of foods!

Blue and Purple: Blackberries, blueberries, figs, grapes, raisins, prunes, cabbage and eggplant contain antioxidants that protect against disease

Red: Strawberries, apples, grapes, oranges, cranberries, cherries, grapefruit, beets, tomatoes, carrots and onions help maintain heart health

Green: Grapes, kiwifruit, limes, apples, avocados, broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, peas, peppers, spinach, artichokes, celery and endive may help lower cancer risk, strengthen bones and aid eye health

Orange and Yellow: Nectarines, pears, peaches, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, carrots, corn, sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkins are good for heart, eye and immune system health

Brown, Tan, and White: Brown pears, white peaches, bananas, nectarines, dates, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, cauliflower, parsnips and turnips are also good for heart health and healthy cholesterol levels

Always discuss any diet changes with your physician.

Exercise is Always Beneficial

When you exercise regularly you sleep better, tone your muscles, manage your weight, ward off depression and release stress. Popular exercises include walking, swimming and stretching moves. Most people actually exercise less as they age, and studies show that less movement and a more sedentary lifestyle may contribute to a higher risk of diseases with longer recovery times.

Combining exercise with good foods can really make a difference in how you feel, how you look and how healthy you become. And – exercising in groups is great fun!

Public Domain Photo by Tim Ross

Anyone who wants to increase their exercise routine should consult with their physician to make sure that what they want to do would be within their functional capacity.

Cool Off with Summer Beverages

Choose a cool and healthful summer drink to quench your thirst and relax with this summer. Some popular summer drinks are: lemonade or limeade, strawberry smoothie, banana milk shake (add a little almond extract), peach cooler made with sparkling grape juice, iced green tea with lemon, and just about any fruit juice over ice. Turn those hot summer afternoons into moments you look forward to with cool refreshing summer beverages!

Copyright © 2010 CareMinders® Home Care, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

JUNE

Cancer Survivors Day: 6/6

World Elder AbuseAwareness Prevention Day: 6/15

CNA Week: 6/10-17

JULY

IndependenceDay: 7/4

Avon Walk TBAFor ManyBreast Cancer:Cities

Alzheimer’sAwareness: 7/6-12

Healthy Aging for Everyone

Staying healthy has never been easier or more fun! All ages can benefit by remembering the word “Healthy.”

Having regular medical, dental and vision checkups can show previously undetected problems. Eating many types of healthy foods is a fun and important way to manage health.

Asking for help is very important as people get older. Many people think that remaining independent means not ever asking for help – not true! Asking for help is a good way to get things done safely and quickly.

Learning new things, playing games, reading books, and having interesting hobbies keeps you young, interesting and interested. Taking time for fun is something everyone should work into their daily and weekly schedules. Having a regular exercise routine can keep your body toned and limber, and can work out the stiffness. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, dancing and bicycling, sends more oxygen to blood, organs, muscles, reduces body fat, increases HDL (the good cholesterol), strengthens the heart and may help to lower high blood pressure.

Yielding to a positive attitude is extremely important in maintaining a happier life and helping to adjust to problems when they arise. A positive outlook helps increase creativity, elevate self-esteem, reduces stress, may strengthen your immune system and turns problems into opportunities. Think “HEALTHY!”

Having regular checkups

Eating a balanced diet

Asking for help if needed

Learning new things

Taking time for fun

Having regular exercise

Yielding to a positive attitude