Susan Wolf Smolin is a certified yoga instructor offering therapeutic and rehabilitative instruction to a variety of populations from pre-natal to seniors. Susan has been studying and teaching for over 20 years and she shares her passion for communicating the teachings of ancient tradition and the importance of its presence in modern times. For more informationon Yoga for Seniors contact Susan at peaceyoga@rocketmail.com. We sat down with Susan to learn more about her work, and how it can benefit seniors and help alleviate pain. Can you talk about your professional background, and what led you to become a yoga instructor? I have been active
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
4 Steps to a Safer Senior Home
Whether you recently had a bad fall or just aren’t getting around like you used to, it’s becoming clear that the time has come for a change. If you are like 85% of seniors, you would prefer if that change didn’t mean having to move to a nursing home. Perhaps it’s for the sake of your emotional well-being or perhaps it’s for financial reasons, but you wish to continue your senior years in the comfort of your own house. However, your home just won’t work for your current situation anymore. So the next step is getting the house in shape
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The ABC’s of Vitamin D
Vitamins. We know that they are good for us and are a part of a healthy, balanced diet. Beyond that, when you think “vitamins” you may just think of a swirl of letters, pills, and probably some green, leafy vegetables. But it’s important to know every detail about the vitamins that are crucial to senior health – one of the most important being vitamin D. Why is vitamin D so important? Vitamin D has many uses for the cells in the body, but one of the most important for seniors is its part in repairing and strengthening bones. With
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Visit Freedom Home Care at the Highland Park Sidewalk Sale July 24th-26th
Freedom Home Care will be out on the town for the annual Highland Park Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sale taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday July 24th, 25th, and 26th from 9am – 5pm. From the useful to the unique, the shops of Highland Park offer bargains galore during its annual Sidewalk Sale Days. More than 80 merchants from throughout Highland Park move their merchandise to the Central Business District for this shopping extravaganza. Admission is FREE for this fun outdoor event. Ample parking is available in the public garages at Port Clinton and Renaissance Place, as well as on-street
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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Knee Replacements
Do you have knee pain? If so, you’re not alone. Nearly 20% of adults complained to their doctors of knee pain last year. And when that knee pain becomes consistent and severe enough, doctors often begin talking about knee replacement surgery. While relief from pain may sound fantastic, many seniors are reluctant to go through such a big procedure. So, here are five things you should know about knee replacements in order to make an informed decision. 1. They work. Of the 4.5 million Americans who have had knee surgery, 90% report a significant relief from pain afterwards. Knee replacement
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3 Causes of Memory Loss That Are Not Alzheimer’s
“I can never remember her name. Oh, no! Could this be Alzheimer’s?” “I don’t recall losing my keys so often in my 50’s. Could I have dementia?” As seniors age, they tend to be on the lookout for signs of dementia. And, while it’s important to be diligent in taking stock of potential Alzheimer’s signs, not every memory slip is a major dysfunction of the brain. There are plenty of reasons why people, young and old alike, have trouble remembering simple details. Here are a few reasons why you may have memory loss that is not connected to Alzheimer’s disease.
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8 Things to Consider when Selecting a Post-Hospital Rehabilitation Provider
Selecting a post-hospital rehabilitation provider is the single most important decision for a successful recovery. However, it can be an overwhelming process if you don’t know what to look for. Here are 8 of the most important factors you may want to consider and inquire about when rating the various programs or facilities you are considering. Physical Therapy • Home assessment and modification • Wound Care • Pain Relief Techniques • Updates to equipment Speech Therapy • Communication due to hearing loss • Alternative communication instructions • Communication skills and retraining Occupational Therapy • Nerve and Muscle re-education
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3 Reasons Seniors Fall That Can Be Avoided
About one-third of all seniors over 65 will have a fall this year. Many are left with serious injuries requiring medical attention and perhaps hospitalization. Staying safe from falls is more than just trying to be careful. A better prevention is knowing exactly why seniors fall and overcoming those obstacles. Here are three reasons: 1. Fear. After a senior’s first serious fall, they can become afraid of falling again. Their fear could cause them to avoid activities and become something of a couch potato. But, as we know, less activity can lead to obesity, stiffness of joints, weak muscles, and
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Freedom Home Care Offers Sit and Be Fit Classes at the Glenview Senior Center
Freedom Home Care is excited to announce that they are now teaching weekly “Sit and Be Fit” classes at the Glenview Senior Center, located at 2400 Chestnut Ave in Glenview, IL. Freedom Home Care welcomes all to join this fun and energetic, yet easy-to-do class where all activities and movements are done sitting down. The Sit and be Fit program is geared at muscle toning, and is also designed to improve mobility, decrease pain and help control blood pressure. Steven Box, Senior Wellness Center Coordinator at Freedom Home Care and instructor of the Sit and be Fit class explains, “The real premise
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5 Ways for Seniors to Beat the Summer Heat
Summer is the season to be outdoors, visit with friends, and enjoy the sunshine. But the summer heat and sun can also make it dangerous for seniors. Are you being safe enough this summer? Here at Freedom Home Care, we understand how important it is for seniors to be careful on extremely hot days. Our caregivers can help senior clients avoid dangerous situations and stay safe. Ask yourself these 5 questions and see if you are staying safe in the summer heat. Or if you have a loved one who is elderly, see if they are following these 5 safety
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