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Outfit the person who has everything with confidence

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

We all have an older person in our life that is almost impossible to shop for. Whether the gift is for a holiday, a birthday, an anniversary or retirement, after a certain age, many people don’t need, or want, anything.  

Here’s a thought. A University of Kansas study of 926 people aged 65 and older found that nearly half had some fear of falling, and 65% of those fearful folks had restricted their activity as a result.  

Other studies report that fear of falling increases the risk of falling because people stiffen and change their gait.  

So how about the gift of confidence? Here are some items that can help balance their fear. (Pun intended.)  

Adaptive clothing  

Clothes and shoes that don’t fit well cause falls. It's easy to take a few steps and trip over excess fabric if pants are too long. Look for adaptive clothing. Adaptive wear provides easy dressing solutions for seniors, the disabled and wheelchair users. An open-back shirt allows the caregiver to dress the senior without making them stand. Open-side pants let a senior dress themselves. Feeling more in control of one’s life is a great gift.  

Adaptive shoes  

Quality shoes that supply comfort and security are important for seniors. Look for shoes that:  

 

  • Have slip-resistant soles for added security and safety with each step. 

  • Are available in wide widths – Terrific for swollen feet or ankles. 

  • Are adjustable, with easy touch closures – Arthritis and diabetes often lead to swelling. Adjustable openings and fasteners support different levels of swelling.  

  • Fit their feet – Shoes that do not fit well are a major cause of falls.  

 

A gift that adds to your loved one’s quality of life is sure to be a hit. 

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Outfit the person who has everything with confidence

Give the gift of confidence to your loved ones with the help of adaptive clothing. Here are some items that can help balance their fear. 

 

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Tips to protect your hearing when using headphones

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Technology is great. You can listen to your favorite music, podcast or book almost anywhere with a phone and headphones. While enjoying your entertainment, protect your hearing so you can keep listening to what you want for years. 

 

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Tips to protect your hearing when using headphones

While enjoying your entertainment, protect your hearing so you can keep listening to what you want for years. 

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What do you do when a product is recalled?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

We’ve all seen product recalls on the news or on our social media feeds. Sometimes it’s a food that is at risk for contamination or a product that is defective. A lot of the time, these recalls don’t apply to anything we have in our homes. So, what do you do when something you’ve consumed or purchased is recalled? And what happens if it affects your health? Read on to find out more.   
 

What is a product recall?  

According to the Food and Drug Administration, a recall is a method of removing or correcting products that are iBlock layoutn violation of laws administered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of consumer products are also legally required to report products that pose a health or safety risk to the Consumer Product Safety Commission so a recall can be issued.  
 

How do I know if a product I have has been recalled?  

For a regularly updated list of products that have been recalled, visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov/Recalls. You can also visit FoodSafety.gov specifically for food-related recalls.  
 

What do I do if a product I have has been recalled?  

If you realize a recall involves something you’ve purchased, your next steps will depend on the kind of item it is. If you’ve purchased an item like a children’s toy, an exercise bike or a power tool, check the recall issue for further instructions. If it’s a food recall, don’t eat or open the product, says FoodSafety.gov. Then, check the recall notice to see what you need to do. If you have questions or concerns about the effect of a product you’ve eaten, talk to your primary care physician.  

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

What do you do when a product is recalled?

What do you do when something you’ve consumed or purchased is recalled? And what happens if it affects your health? Read on to find out more.   
 

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The most important thing you can do for heart health

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Did you know the heart is considered an organ and a muscle?  
 

And you know what they say about muscles … use it or lose it. 

 

It’s never too early to start thinking about taking care of your heart, but lots of people wonder: Where do I begin? The list of bad habits and activities that increase the risk of heart disease runs vast and deep — unhealthy eating, inactivity, smoking, stress and sleep issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. Attempting to make changes in all these categories at once can feel overwhelming, and that can lead a person back to their couch, ignoring their doctor’s advice.  

 

So, what’s the No. 1 thing you can start doing tomorrow for the future of your heart’s health? Start moving (after you finish this article, of course). 

 

Sounds simple, right? And it is. Heart conscious individuals don’t need to start pumping iron at the gym all day, every day. Research on the Heart Foundation website suggests a daily exercise routine with at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity will help prevent heart disease. Living a sedentary lifestyle proves to be one of the top five major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Staying active can reduce many risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress and being overweight.  

 

Ready to bring some recreational activity into your days? Try one of these fun five ideas: 

  • Pickleball 

  • Hiking 

  • Swimming 

  • Cycling 

  • Yoga classes 

 

When initiating a heart-healthy change, choose enjoyable activities that can be shared with friends. Together, friends can stay accountable and motivated. 

 

Feel too busy to add in a 30+ minute exercise routine? Don’t worry. It doesn’t need to be 30 consecutive minutes. Incorporating shorter periods of activity into the day can also boost heart health.  

 

To integrate more movement into an established schedule, try boosting movement by: 

  1. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator. 

  2. Increasing the length and pace of your dog walk. 

  3. Push mowing the lawn and performing yard work.  

  4. Using dumbbells while watching TV. 

  5. Riding a bike or walking to a nearby errand instead of driving.  

 

As the adage says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So, pick one small, realistic step to add more movement into the day, and you’re on your way to a healthier heart.   

 

Before starting any new exercise routine, always talk to your doctor.  

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

The most important thing you can do for heart health

Did you know the heart is considered an organ and a muscle? And you know what they say about muscles … use it or lose it.

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Here is the bottom line for tips on preventing colon cancer

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Colon cancer is the third most frequent form of cancer in men and women. So many younger adults are getting it that the American Cancer Society reduced the recommended screening age to 45 a few years ago.  

 

What if you are not 45? Are you doing all you can to lower your risk factors? Take our quiz to find out. It could save you from an embarrassing conversation, and more importantly, it could save your life.  

 

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

preventing colon cancer

Are you doing all you can to lower your risk factors for colon cancer? Take our quiz to find out. 

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Missing the confidence gene?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Picture an individual radiating with confidence. Their poise and assurance oozes from them, guiding their path and captivating everyone. Incredible, right? Ever feel like the confidence gene skipped you? Well, guess what? Confidence is not something people are born with or born without. Like most things in life, confidence comes from intentional growth.  
 

Develop a growth mindset to grow confidence 

Dr. Carol Dweck’s research, on the MDPI website says a growth mindset means believing in one’s ability to learn, improve and grow new skills. Taking a growth mindset can help build confidence in certain skill sets and develop confidence in one’s ability to develop confidence. 

 

Confidence genes don’t exist. Instead, confidence stems from our thoughts and how those thoughts influence our actions. Research into neural plasticity shows that our brains can be rewired to think new thoughts and act in new ways, including with confidence. In other words, it turns out old dogs can learn new tricks.  

  

To develop a growth mindset: 

  • Edit self-talk. As we listen closely to the thoughts we entertain, we can edit the words to build confidence. For example, we can revise “I can’t” to “I’m still learning,” thus encouraging our progress.  
      

  • Try hard things. To cultivate an environment for confidence growth, choose to take on new challenges. Start with something low stakes and notice how what once was hard slowly becomes easier. Talk about a confidence boost. 

 

Courage and confidence go hand-in-hand 

Courage means being willing to risk vulnerability and failure. So, when low confidence plays with our minds, let’s build up the courage to act anyway. The more we take courageous action with a growth mindset, whether it is trying a new skill at work or making that phone call to a new friend, the more our confidence grows.  

To cultivate courage, try this:  

  • Label fear. When fearful thoughts pop into the mind, label what kind of fear it is. Is this fear irrational, over-reactive fear? Is this excited fear that comes with doing something new? Logically identifying the fear can shoo irrational fears away. This tip is provided by Amy Kosterlitz and published by the American Bar Association.  
     

  • Picture it before doing it. Simply visualizing oneself, acting, and speaking with confidence can increase success. Neuroscience teaches that our brains don’t know the difference between visualizations and reality. Let’s take advantage of that fact.  

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Missing the confidence gene?

Confidence is not something people are born with or born without. Like most things in life, confidence comes from intentional growth.

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Pickleball’s health benefits for the young and old

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Raise your hand if sticking to an exercise routine is a challenge.  

Look around. If there are two-to-four people with their hands raised, you’ve got a pickleball team. If you’ve got a pickleball team, sticking to an exercise routine just became a lot easier.   

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. In early 2023, the USA Pickleball Association reported there were more than 8.9 million players nationwide. 

It’s a great workout for people of all ages, it’s easy to learn and the rules are simple. You can play at a slower pace or go for the gold with a team of fierce competitors. (Going for the gold is just a saying. It’s not an Olympic sport. Yet.)  

 

What is pickleball? 

Pickleball is often described as a cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis. It can be played as singles or doubles, and all you need to bring to the court is a ball, a paddle and a pair of sneakers.  

It was invented in the summer of 1965 by a group of fathers in response to their children claiming they had nothing to do, and it took off from there.  

It has a reputation as a sport for older adults, but that’s changing. Here are some of the benefits of this rapidly growing sport. 

 

Improved heart health 

Because pickleball is such an intense cardio workout, it’s great for heart health. In fact, one study showed that playing pickleball may lower the risk of heart disease by reducing common risk factors like high cholesterol or high blood pressure.  

Pickleball also helps improve lung function and control blood sugar levels. 

 

Exercise for the brain 

Pickleball is a fast-paced game that requires split-second decisions. Research has shown that playing pickleball can help improve cognitive function and memory recall. Another bonus is an improvement in hand-eye coordination over time.

 

Easy on the joints 

Pickleball is a low-impact sport. Unlike tennis or running, pickleball doesn’t put a lot of stress on joints and muscles. The Parkinson’s Foundation lists pickleball as an ideal sport for Parkinson’s patients who need exercise and movement to help slow the progression of the disease.

 

Stress relief 

Aerobic activities like pickleball release endorphins, the feel-good neurotransmitters that help relieve stress and anxiety. Players report that focusing on the rules and guidelines is a positive and enjoyable replacement for worries.

 

Best of all, it’s social  

Pickleball is a social sport. It’s a great way to meet people and make new friends, especially for those who join a club or league. Studies have shown that the social components of pickleball protect players, especially older players, from loneliness, depression and the physical illnesses that can be caused by or made worse by depression. 

Finally, it’s fun, which is probably the strongest selling point.  

 

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. In early 2023, the USA Pickleball Association reported there were more than 8.9 million players nationwide. 

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The staying power of playing

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

In 2017, a group of researchers released the findings of one of the first studies on the benefits of adult play, especially with younger generations. 

 

If you are waiting (patiently, we know) for grandchildren, let your kids know that playing with your grandchildren will help keep you young. Maybe that’ll spur them on.  

 

According to research from the National Institute for Play, “Making play a regular part of your life is incredibly powerful. Play supports our mental health, improves our ability to relate to others and increases our drive and hope for the future.”  

 

Here are some ways that playing with your “grands,” as some people call them, improves your life. 

 

Physical play 

Playing with grandkids often involves physical activities like running around, playing sports or going for walks. Staying active can help maintain your physical health and mobility, which can contribute to a more youthful feeling. 

 

Brain play 

Engaging with young children provides mental stimulation as you interact with them, answer their questions and participate in their games and activities. This helps keep your mind active and may contribute to cognitive health and acuity. 

 

Emotional bonding 

Spending time with grandchildren can bring joy, laughter and a sense of purpose. Building strong emotional bonds with family members can contribute to overall happiness and a positive outlook on life. 

 

Keeping your cool 

Interacting with younger generations can help you stay connected to current trends, technologies and cultural shifts, which can contribute to a sense of relevance and engagement with the world around you. 

 

Relaxing 

Playing with grandchildren can provide a break from the stresses of adulthood, allowing you to enjoy playful, carefree moments and focus on the simple pleasures of life. 

 

Overall, the combination of physical activity, mental engagement, emotional fulfillment, social connection and reduced stress that comes from playing with grandkids can contribute to a sense of youthfulness and vitality. As we all know, you are as young as you feel. 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

The staying power of playing

Here are some ways that playing with your “grands,” as some people call them, improves your life. 

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Shut it: Here’s the No. 1 tip for a germ-free bathroom

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

It’s simple: don’t just teach boys to put the seat down, teach everyone to put the whole lid down. 

That’s right, the toilet is the main culprit in a germy bathroom. Studies have shown that between 40 and 60% of particles from the toilet bowl spray up to 3.5 feet into the air per flush. Better known as the “toilet plume,” these aerosol droplets can carry a multitude of bacteria and viruses that spread onto every surface in your bathroom, according to a study on the AIP Publishing website.  

 

This is a good time to pause and consider what’s typically left exposed in the bathroom … A toothbrush? Cell phone? Glasses? Towels? 

 

Don’t worry, we’re not doomed to be infected by the toilet plume. The No. 1 way to reduce germs in the bathroom is pretty simple: Put down the lid before flushing. 

 

With that resolved, let’s talk about where else germs love to live in the bathroom and how to best keep the bathroom germ-free. According to a recent review article, out of the top 10 spots for bacteria in a home, six of them lurk in the bathroom: 

 

  • Toilet bowl 

  • Sponge or counter-wiping cloth 

  • Bathtub, near drain 

  • Bathroom faucet handle 

  • Bathroom sink, near drain 

  • Floor in front of the toilet 

 

Now, it is clear where to focus cleaning efforts, but what’s the best way to clean? 

 

According to the CDC, cleaning weekly by scrubbing with soap and water effectively removes germs, viruses and bacteria found on surfaces (remember the toilet plume?).  

 

Disinfecting is only necessary when someone at home is sick. The difference between cleaning and disinfecting is in the product: Disinfecting products, such as household bleach, contain chemicals that kill any germs still hanging on for dear life.  

 

To prevent germs from spreading by giving them a home on other common countertop items, consider storing things like toothbrushes far, far away from the toilet. 

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Shut it: Here’s the No. 1 tip for a germ-free bathroom

The No. 1 way to reduce germs in the bathroom is pretty simple: Put down the lid before flushing. 

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Early to bed, early to rise

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Research says add exercise 

Most people know the next two lines in American statesman Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” In Colonial times, surviving required hard physical labor. Rising early to exercise was not even considered.  

 

Fast forward several centuries, however, and steady gains in health and life expectancy have slowed. Despite marvels in medicine and science Benjamin Franklin could not have envisioned, life expectancy in the colonies is slipping backwards. 

Houston, we have a problem. And that problem is obesity.  

 

Staying true to the American belief that we can overcome anything with hard work, many people turn to diet and exercise. Finding the right combination of the two is a nonstop conversation on all the media outlets and especially, amongst ourselves.  

 

Research to the rescue  

A recent research study outlined in the journal Obesity reported that people who exercised in the morning, specifically from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., had lower body mass index (BMI) and smaller waist sizes than people who exercised at other times. The researchers, from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, placed 5,285 individuals in three workout groups – morning, afternoon and evening.  

As mentioned above, the individuals who worked out in the morning had a lower average BMI (27.4) compared to those who worked out in the afternoon (28.4) and evening (28.2). Waist circumference showed a similar association; the morning exercise group’s average waist was 37.7 inches, compared to 38.5 inches for the afternoon group and 38.3 inches for the evening group. 

 

Morning movement, circadian rhythms and weight loss 

Researchers don’t fully understand why exercising in the morning appears to be more effective for battling obesity. The key to that question is likely circadian rhythms, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.  

Hormones linked with weight loss and obesity, such as insulin and cortisol, are closely tied to circadian rhythms, which can affect things like sleepiness, hunger, fat burning (lipolysis) and fat storage (lipogenesis). Therefore, just like how the timing of when you eat can affect weight gain, so too can the timing of your exercise appear to affect weight loss. 

“Additionally, working out in the morning helps to improve cognitive function by stimulating brain activity. It enhances alertness and concentration, increasing productivity throughout your day. Morning exercise, especially outdoors, also gives us morning light, which is critical to regulating our circadian rhythms. 

 

Fun fact

Here’s a little more motivation to get up and go. The morning workout group exercised less and engaged in more sedentary time than the other groups but maintained healthier BMI and waist size. 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Early to bed, early to rise

Staying true to the American belief that we can overcome anything with hard work, many people turn to diet and exercise. 

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