Growing up most of our mothers told us it wasn’t healthy to skip breakfast. While we listened, many of us still went off to school without eating anything. Based on current research, it turns out our mother’s advice was right again, and eating breakfast is good for us for several reasons.
Registered Dietician Erin Palinski-Wade explains when we eat a healthy breakfast upon rising in the morning; it helps regulate our appetite for the rest of the day. If we break our nightly fast with a good meal, we are less likely to indulge in sugary or fat-laden food later on in the morning. A healthy breakfast also helps to prevent blood sugar highs and lows and Palinski-Wade says this is important for diabetics as well as the rest of us. While many breakfast foods such as cereal, baked goods, and granola bars are high in sugar and refined grains, experts say we should refuel our body each morning with protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Protein makes us feel fuller and keeps us from snacking later on unhealthy foods. Eggs, yogurt, sausage, and peanut butter spread on whole wheat toast are good sources of protein. Fiber helps our digestive system work well and is found in oatmeal and whole grain cereals. Many meals can be partly prepared the night before to make your morning routine easier. At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Assisted living residents receive a whole range of services and amenities including beautifully prepared, nutritional daily meals served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room. Other services include 24/7 care managers, certified medication care managers, scheduled health & wellness evaluations, CPR-trained team members on every shift, access to a licensed nurse and more. We also provide memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/does-eating-breakfast-help-you-lose-weight?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Nov%2007%2007:49:00%20EST%202021&utm_term=Your%20Health
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The U.S. News and World Report recently published an article on tasty treats designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a healthier alternative to more sugar laden desserts. One suggestion from board-certified oncology dietitian, Kailey Proctor, of the Leonard Cancer Institute at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California, is to grill pineapple, banana, apple or pear slices. Grilling concentrates flavors by reducing the water content, and further sweetens the fruit as natural sugars are caramelized by the heat.
Dark chocolate is a known powerful source of antioxidants as research shows it can help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and raise HDLs, reducing your risk for heart disease. One healthy, easy-to-make dessert is to melt dark chocolate and spread it over parchment paper. Then sprinkle dried cherries, chopped nuts or sunflower seeds over it; refrigerate for five minutes and cut into small pieces. Another variation is to dip fresh strawberries or other fruit into melted dark chocolate. Yogurt parfaits are fun to put-together and can be customized to your taste. Using a parfait dish or small bowl, add granola, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, peanut butter or seeds, layering with yogurt. To cut down on fat, use nonfat or low-fat yogurt as it still provides a good source of protein without the calories. How about banana ice cream made from frozen pureed bananas mixed with almond milk? If you like, add in peanut butter and nuts. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top, which is “thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.” MorningStar of Happy Valley has 61 private suites for assisted living and another 27 secure memory care suites. Part of our many services includes Executive-chef inspired meals served restaurant-style. Meals are made largely from scratched with the freshest of ingredients. We also use “BrainWise Foods” known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Please visit our website to learn more about our community as well as to inquire about availability. Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/healthy-dessertsand-theyre-tasty-too?slide=10&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Sep%2005%2007%3A49%3A00%20EDT%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health While nutritionists are quick to point out the best diet is to choose healthy options from across all food groups (paying attention to calorie limits), they say superfoods deserve special recognition. This is due to the fact they contain “some very important nutrients that can power-pack your meals and snacks, and further enhance a healthy eating pattern.” Research has shown a healthy diet can lessen our risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers; and superfoods make it that much easier to do.
Superfoods include richly colored, sweet berries high in antioxidants, which are known to help fight off diseases. Experts say frozen berries are as good for us as fresh ones and are a good alternative off-season. Several types of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids fall into the superfood category and include salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout and anchovies. Various nuts are on the list but dieticians warn they are calorically dense so don’t eat too many at one time. Almonds, pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts are all high in protein as well as monounsaturated fats found to help reduce heart disease. Olive oil is considered a heart healthy oil and is a good source of vitamin E, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fatty acids. Other superfoods are legumes, cruciferous vegetables, and yogurt. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we offer 61 graciously-appointed suites for assisted living with a choice of floorplans ranging from spacious studios to one- and two bedroom apartments. Our resort-style amenities include a 5-star all-day food service largely prepared from scratch, with daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat making it easy for residents to self-manage their diet. Menus also include super foods such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley provides 27 secure suites for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website and use our Virtual Assistant to obtain more information. There are many things we can do to improve our overall health and prevent or mitigate our chances of getting certain diseases and scientists say the same is true with our brain health. Doctors report it goes beyond Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions and all of our brains “naturally age with us, leading to effects such as patchy memory and reduced brain mass.”
Over the last several decades, research has discovered a strong connection between heart health and brain health and links damage to the heart and vascular system to damage to the brain. This has led to the American Heart Association to put together a list of seven key factors to look out for when it comes to cardiovascular health. These include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, level of exercise, diet, body weight and smoking status. Most of these factors can be addressed by changes in our habits and lifestyle and the earlier a person does it the better the outcome is as we age. Dr. Ronald M. Lazar, Ph.D., the Evelyn F. McKnight Endowed Chair for Learning and Memory in Aging and director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, explains, “Many people think of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors as affecting only heart health, yet these very same risk factors affect our brain health.” Researchers say other critical factors affecting cognitive ability over time include depression, social isolation, alcohol use, sleep disorders, insufficient education, and hearing loss. At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, our goal is to help seniors live life to the fullest. We believe the ability to contribute and grow is ageless and we know how to provide residents with a quality of life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. From modern private suites to warm and welcoming common area including scenic outdoor courtyards, residents are sure to feel right at home. Please visit our website for contact information and directions to our community. Source: assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/ If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are still isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how. One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.
For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options. Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks? Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses. For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest. A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy. Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers. If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books. If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket. While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight. For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds. If you are looking for outstanding senior housing, Rio Rancho, NM’s MorningStar community may be the place for you. Our beautiful community has 51 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living. In our Reflections Neighborhood, 26 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer. The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls. As we age, medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall. Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.
However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving. The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving. To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile. Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor. Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives. It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else. Also talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition. In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you. Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait. Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention. Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed. Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home. Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use assistive aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance. Install grab bars and railings where needed. At the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Moreover, our cherished residents and their families know they can trust the compassionate, professional MorningStar team to deliver the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer. Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358 While we know the holidays are fast approaching, we also understand we are in the middle of a pandemic. This has left many of us asking how we make the holidays feel special while practicing safe social distancing with family members not part of our quarantine group.
Currently health experts stress large family gatherings are not advisable. This is because COVID-19 cases are often traced back to younger people spreading it to older relatives who are more at risk for serious complications. However, despite the sadness we feel by not having our usual huge Thanksgiving gathering or Christmas parties, there are still ways we can bond with family and friends and have fun doing it. To successfully do a group Zoom or FaceTime call with several branches of the family, assign one person to set the call up, coordinating time, etc. with all parties. For Thanksgiving, you could organize a call during dinner and encourage everyone to share a special family story or give a reason why they are grateful. If you are a family of singers, organize a virtual group sing. If your family loves to cook, prepare a virtual meal together. To make sure the kids feel part of the celebrations, have them dress-up or use puppets to perform the first Thanksgiving or Christmas story virtually. This also has the advantage of keeping them busy several days before the holiday preparing. Another idea is to watch the grandkids making holiday cookies or to send them a care package with a craft that you can make with them together. In other words, use your imagination and remember someday soon we will again be celebrating together. The CDC suggests before you plan any in-person events to check with the positivity rate in your community. In addition, remember to follow your state’s health and safety laws, rules, and regulations regarding group gatherings. At MorningStar of Happy Valley we offer area seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. We have 61 private assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides 27 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Please see our website to learn more. MorningStar of Happy Valley’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Let’s face it; while our grandchildren may love to hear funny stories of when we were kids, most are not interested in looking at piles of pictures of people they have never met, or going through old scrapbooks or diaries of people long past. However historians and biographers alike say we should try and keep our family’s history from getting lost as it often contains important life lesson about getting through good times as well as bad.
As one of the researchers behind the study “The Power of Family History in Adolescent Identity and Well-Being,” Robyn Fivush, Ph.D., explains, “our families are among the most important social groups we belong to and identify with, stories about our family tell us who we are in the world, and who we should be." One way to make our ancestors seem more relevant to our grandchildren is to point out common interests and goals they had. You might want to start by having old 8 mm and 16 mm movie films and videotapes of the family converted to new formats to make them easier to share. There are many companies that will convert them well as do some editing to make them more enjoyable. In addition take advantage of apps that allow you to organize pictures and arrange them into timelines that can be viewed over your smart device, or print a book of the most memorable photos of great-grandparents and others. And remember even if the younger generation doesn’t seem interested in their family history today, they may change their mind as they grow older. As the finest senior living in Rio Rancho, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides a safe, loving home for seniors who require a little assistance with daily living activities. In addition to the area’s best assisted living, we also provide compassionate memory care. Please contact us to learn more about our philosophy of care, our broad range of services, and pricing and availability. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Pease visit our website for more about the most compassionate senior housing Rio Rancho offers. Source: aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/sharing-memories-younger-generation.html goodhousekeeping.com/life/a29610101/preserve-family-history-storytelling/ The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Fountain Hills is unique from many other senior communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Starting with our physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.
To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value. Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads. We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members. At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better. While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect our residents and team members, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology. This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease. In addition to memory care, MorningStar of Fountain Hills has 63 private suites for assisted living that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Please visit our website for more information about our loving community as well as to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Instead of thinking that growing older is an endless array of ailments and aches and pain, you may want to rethink your attitude toward it. Research has found that people who have a more positive attitude toward aging appear to do better. Remember there are many things that older adults are good at including what is known as crystalized intelligence, which is gained through a lifetime of learning and experience.
Research also shows that unlike many common myths about older people being grumpy that most are happier and more relaxed than when they were younger. Scientists are uncertain why this is but hypothesize that it could be due to the fact that “older people might control their emotions better, and focus more on how to make the most of life.” In addition, while many seniors report waking up during the night and may go to sleep earlier and wake earlier, the majority say they get a restful night’s sleep. Another benefit to old age is that for people who have suffered most of their lives with migraines, once you are in your 70s, a majority of them report no longer having them. If you are part of the 10 percent of women or 5 percent of men still having migraines, you may not experience pain but rather visual or sensory disturbances. Another plus to growing older is that many people report feeling more confident. The American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” report found baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts. And when they do experience stress, many older adults say they manage it better. Finally, researchers have found that Americans 60 years of age and older are the fastest growing block of voters and a whole lot more likely to vote. This is typically good news for seniors as older voters tend to vote on issues concerning them such as Social Security, Medicare and healthcare. MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility. Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-aging-surprises |
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