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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Archives for nutrition
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
We have heard time and time again how important it is for us to stay hydrated. From our parents when we were young to our doctors as we get older, water consumption is reiterated as one of the most important things you can do for your body every day. Many of our vital life processes rely on keeping a certain level of hydration and dipping too far below that level can lead to drastic consequences. Freedom Home Care understands that hydration is certainly very important in the elderly. Improper hydration can lead to blood pressure issues as well as kidney
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The Shifting Nutrition Needs of Seniors
The human body has many stages where the nutrition needs may change, and old age is just one of these many stages. Freedom Home Care recognizes that seniors require a balanced diet to remain as healthy as possible, and there are certain foods that are better than others to help satisfy these changing nutrition needs. As you age, there are a few things that happen that may call for a diet adjustment. Your metabolism slows down and is even more pronounced if you are not as active as you could be. You burn less calories and therefore need less calories to maintain your
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Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Will Satisfy Both Body and Soul
We all love chocolate. Sometimes a little too much. Sometimes so much that it becomes unhealthy. But maybe we don’t have to give up chocolate, we just have to change the kind of chocolate we eat. The one magic plant that makes chocolate so delicious —cacao— is the secret to all of our chocolate obsessions. The seed is dried and fermented, carrying with it a deceivingly brown, powdery texture resembling hot chocolate mix. Take a small taste to find out that cacao by itself has a terrible flavor. Only after sugar is added and the seed is processed does the
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Have a Heart Healthy Thanksgiving
(Photo: heatherchristo.com) With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you’re probably gearing up to hit the store and pick up the last necessary ingredients for the big meal. While the holiday is about family, and giving thanks, keeping sight of our health goals is also important. As holidays approach, it’s easy to lose sight of the promises we’eve made to ourselves, our doctors, and loved ones to keep a healthy diet for a healthy heart. But have no fear! Freedom Home Care is here to share the great news that you can be grateful for: Thanksgiving doesn’t mean one must forgo the deliciousness
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Make the Switch to a Heart Healthy Diet: 25 Best Foods for Your Heart
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US. According to the CDC, About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every years, equaling 25% of all deaths. On top of that, every year about 720,000 Americans have a heart attack. But there is great news: doctors confirm that eating the right foods every day can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Fresh produce is the cornerstone for a heart healthy diet because it helps wipe out free radicals in the bloodstream, protecting blood vessels. The foods listed here are all top-performers in
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Senior Health: Right Nourishment Equals More Energy!
The days are getting shorter and the air is getting cooler. It suddenly becomes more difficult to start a daily exercise routine. Heavy stews begin to sound more appetizing than light salads. Our bodies begin to naturally slow down for the impending winter. But don’t give up and fall into a routine of laziness just because of the change of season. By nourishing your body, mind, and spirit, you can stay energized even through the coldest of months. Nourish Your Body! Watch your Diet. It’s no surprise that we need to nourish our bodies to remain energized. Eating protein-rich
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5 Unknown Facts About Strawberries
No fruit screams “summer” as much as the strawberry. Many have fond memories of picking strawberries from their mother’s garden, or perhaps biting into a perfectly ripe, juicy strawberry topped with sweetened cream in their youth. Often this berry pairs its delicious flavor with a heavy dose of nostalgia of summers past. But, whether you’re eating them for taste or out of nostalgia, there’s no doubt that they have much to offer. Freedom Home Care has discovered a few facts about strawberries that you probably didn’t know. 1. The strawberry isn’t a fruit or berry. We’ve all been mislabeling
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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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There’s More to a Healthy Diet than Small Portions
While eating a very restricted and minimal diet with small portions is at times a good rule to follow, sometime seniors need to stray from that path to be at their healthiest. You should encourage the senior in your life to not just eat small amounts, but focus on what they are eating. By not eating enough, we lack the proper nutrients necessary to be healthy. Eating is social. Depression and loneliness can come easily to seniors who feel isolated. Encouraging the seniors you know to enjoy a meal out with their friends every once in a while can be
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