We’ve all heard the saying, “You are, what you eat.” So, it’s only natural that a healthy diet makes for a healthier you. This is especially true for older loved ones. A well-balanced regimen, rich in vitamins and nutrients, becomes more essential to our overall well-being as we age. Over time, the body begins to go through a lot of physical changes. Our metabolism start to slow down and we don’t burn as many calories as we should. The digestive system no longer absorbs nutrients the way it used to, and we tend to lose much of our appetite. That’s
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
Improve Health and Mood with Aromatherapy
Often, when people think of their health and mood, the associations that come with these words relate to one’s diet, exercise regimen and stress level. To alter their state, people try all kinds of treatments and lifestyle changes to better themselves. One type of alternative therapy that is often overlooked is aromatherapy. What Is Aromatherapy? Defined by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as “the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit,” the use of essential oils’ is growing. Everyone from
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Music Appreciation with Jim Kendros!
At A Glance Event: “Music Appreciation by Jim Kendros” Location: Lake Forest Senior Center located in Dickson Hall. Dates: 3/7, 3/28, 4/25, 5/23, 6/27, 7/25, 8/8, 9/26, 10/24, 11/28 and 12/26 Time: 10:30 a.m. Registration: Due one week before each class Starting this March and continuing through December, Music Researcher and Composer Jim Kendros will explore the world of music in the monthly music series, “Music Appreciation by Jim Kendros” at the Lake Forest Senior Center located in Dickson Hall. Music Salon Magic Proudly sponsored by Highland Park home care agency Freedom Home Care, this event series
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Easy to Grow Plants for Seniors
If there’s one activity that benefits us all as we age, it’s gardening. Since at least the early 1900’s, Americans have taken advantage of gardening and all that it has to offer. Not only does planting and growing your own garden increase mental health, it also provides a host of other benefits like building endurance, improving sleep cycles, increasing mobility and flexibility, decreasing stress levels and reducing anxiety and depression. Desite all of the favorable aspects of gardening, your loved one doesn’t have to have a green thumb to get started on their own garden. Growing your own flowers and
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Childrens' Books Teach Kids About Alzheimer's
Understanding Alzheimer’s is difficult for most adults. And explaining a complex disease like dementia to a child, can be even more of a challenge. That challenge is magnified when the loved the one suffering from Alzheimer’s as a grandparent. Children have fond memories of grandmothers and grandfathers. Traveling back-and forth to their homes for the holidays, times spent cooking or fishing together – even listening to familiar stories passed down through the generations. When family members branch out and begin their own lives, grandparents are often the glue that holds everyone together. They also seem to hold a special place
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A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart
The month of love isn’t just about caring for your Valentine, but for caring about yourself and your heart. While February 14 is often the highlight for retailers around town, in the realm of health, February is important because it is the federally designated American Heart Month. Around each hospital and home care agency alike, instruction and attention is focused on heart health throughout the month—ever since February 1964, when cardiovascular disease was the cause of more than half of the deaths in the U.S. Today it’s still responsible for about one in four deaths, but the good
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How To Thank A Caregiver
When you think about all the things a caregiver does, it can be overwhelming—an ordinary thank you card doesn’t seem to do them justice. The very definition of a caregiver is someone that is constantly “doing for others,” but that doesn’t mean they don’t need something special for themselves every now and then. This month, with National Caregivers Day on February 16, give your caregiver a little extra love. If you’re unsure of how exactly to say “Thank You,” here are a few ways to give back: Deliver A Handwritten Note Expressing your gratitude does not have to be
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Valentine's Day Ideas for Seniors
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and you’ve been trying to decide what to get your loved one for the holiday. But how do you purchase a gift for that special someone that seems to have everything? As we get older, our interests and needs change. Perhaps the typical flowers and candy don’t appeal as much anymore. Maybe the socks from holidays’ past seem to be piling up in your significant other’s drawer. If that’s the case, experts suggest offering your love gifts that help create “experiences” instead of just adding to their “stuff.” Does your love enjoy theatrical
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Valentine's Day Crafts to Try
There’s an undeniable feeling of love in the air. That’s when you know that Valentine’s Day is near. And it’s the perfect time to show the seniors in your life just how much you care. As children get older, they tend to move away from parents and other family members. If they are not able to benefit from the services of a professional home care agency, elderly loved ones may experience loneliness and isolation while living alone during the holidays. Some may be emotionally distant from those closest to them, while others with mobility issues may be physically unable to travel
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Senior Flu Prevention Tips
Influenza A and B are the usual suspects for the flu each year. And according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), between 54 to 70 percent of people age 65 and older who contract the virus are hospitalized annually. Statistics also show that seniors are more likely to suffer from flu complications than younger people. And with the record breaking cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing here in the U.S., now more than ever, it’s important to take the proper precautions to keep your senior safe and in optimal health. If you’re not sure exactly how to help your loved
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