The first things that come to mind when you think about winter dangers for elders are probably falls and hypothermia. But the reality is that your elderly loved ones are far more at risk for invisible, lesser known hazards. Seasonal affective disorder and vitamin D deficiencies affect thousands of senior citizens every year and can often be quite insidious to their health. The good news is, if recognized and treated in a timely fashion, they can be dealt with quite easily. Seasonal Affective Disorder, often known by the very appropriate acronym SAD, is a form of depression that cycles with
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Archives for Healthy Living
Deliciously Healthy Meal Ideas
Celebrating the holidays with our favorite meals is one of the things that makes time spent with family the most enjoyable. And health-conscious dinners and desserts prepared with love add even more joy to the holiday season (and post-holiday season, too).Freedom Home Care has compiled a list low carb, low calorie recipes for the whole family to enjoy, even after the holidays are over, allowing us all to get back on track. These tidbits are so tasty, you probably won’t mind sharing…or reheating the leftovers. Your whole family is sure to gobble up a handful of these Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies! Cookies can be drizzled
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The Best New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
The dawn of a new year is the perfect time to start building a healthier new you! Making a New Year’s resolution to eat better and exercise more often can boost your health and daily energy for years to come. The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends these eight healthy changes for older adults to help you achieve your goal of getting — and staying — healthy. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and healthy fats. Just because you’re not a kid any more doesn’t mean you’re excused from consulting the food pyramid. The
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Let Freedom Home Care Help You Get Up to Speed on Preparing for A Cozy (and Safe) Winter Season!
Though the winter season certainly has some undeniable power to create a picturesque wonderland, it’s important for us to remember that with the beauty of cold weather also comes much season-specific danger. When preparation makes all the difference between cozy comfort and a host of imposing winter dangers, there’s no doubt that it’s worth taking some time to plan for the best possible holiday season a bit ahead of the icy curve. In the spirit of preparation and of a truly enjoyable winter season, the folks here at Freedom Home Care have organized some of the most common risks, and
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Helping Your Loved Ones Hold On to the Past this Holiday Season
It’s that time of year when families get together and talk about all the good times they’ve had over the years. This Thanksgiving, we will all most likely gather around the table and take a collective trip down memory lane. Sometimes, there are instances where you try to recall a memory but you just can’t grasp it from your recollection. While this type of occurrence may seem a rare occasion for most, for those dealing with dementia it is a recurring event that can be frustrating and painful. And as these lapses progress, it can be difficult for a family
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How Can Essential Oils Benefit Seniors?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes as well as for their purported spiritual and emotionally uplifting properties. Recent research now shows that essential oils used as aromatherapy or during massage can combat physical and mental stressors in senior citizens, as well as improve the symptoms of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. We spoke to Dr. Tom McNulty of Highland Park’s Back and Body Health Center to find out more. Dr. McNulty is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a digestive health specialist, a certified acupuncturist, and an Active Release Techniques Practitioner. He is also certified
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Stay Healthy This Fall Season
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant colors and the evenings get shorter, it’s easy to feel that Fall chill in the air. Every year as the season changes and the temperature drops, it can be easy to fall into habits that can leave you susceptible to illness. Here at Freedom Home Care we have compiled a list of a few tips that can keep you healthy this fall season. Take Care of Yourself Far too many of us aren’t maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s staying on top of your diet or finding time to exercise, it is important
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How to Make Halloween Healthier
In the days and weeks leading up to Halloween, the stores are filled with pumpkins, costumes, and of course candy- lots and lots of candy. What originally started as all Hallows Eve has now turned into a day of tricks and treats. While many will spend this day snacking on bite sized chocolates and sugar filled sweets, there are plenty of options to make this Halloween just as fun without all the added calories and sugar crashes later on. Here at Freedom Home Care we have complied a few healthy alternatives to the traditional candy fare that will still delight
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Freedom Home Care Sponsors Fitness Classes for Seniors
We at Freedom Home Care enjoy being regularly involved in our community, and one way we do so is by sponsoring some fun and exciting senior fitness classes, such as… Sit and Be Fit: One of the most popular classes offered to residents, this class provides residents with a combination of strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination based exercises. Part of the class is done seated, while the other half of class is done standing. However, for those who are unable to stand for the exercises, modifications are given. Chair Yoga: Very light class offered to residents interested in learning basic yoga while also improving their flexibility. The instructor takes the class through meditation techniques, breathing strategies, and seated yoga routines. This class is meant to leave the participants feeling calm and relaxed.
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Exercise and Physical Activity Have Similar Positive Effects in Seniors
As we get older, our bodies still require movement, whether we like it or not. There are plenty of ways exercise and participate in physical activity that will help improve our health and livelihood, especially for seniors. Surprisingly, there are differences between exercise and physical activity. Knowing what those differences are and how each can benefit your health can help people over the age of 60 maximize their potential when it comes to staying active. Physical activity can include things like walking, jogging, biking, hiking, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or gardening. Exercise is considered to be a specifically planned, structured, and repetitive
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