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Happiness Makes You Feel Good and is Good For Your Health

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Happiness not only makes us feel good but may also be good for us. Research shows happiness is an important component to maintaining physical health, and is linked to lowering the risk of stroke, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Along with better health, people, who report they are happy, tend to live longer. Being happy can help us eat better, maintain a normal body weight and allow us to get a better night’s sleep. It can encourage people to be more active and reduce stress. In fact, there is an understanding that the mind-body connection is stronger than we thought and unmanaged stress can lead to or exacerbate many health conditions. Don’t feel like you are all that happy? No problem. Experts say there are things we can do to cultivate happiness, and improve our outlook on life as well as our physical health. Some of these things include forming and maintaining uplifting connections, practicing gratitude and mindfulness, and taking the time to appreciate the beautif...

Protect Your Vision With Healthy Habits

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Did you know it is estimated 895 million people worldwide will have some level of vision impairment by 2050. The Lancet reports it signals a 150 percent increase over the next 30 years and includes loss of vision from cataracts and glaucoma. Experts say while many vision problems can be treated, in some cases they can also be prevented by adopting simple, healthy habits. If you have already gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen and a sun-blocking hat when you are outdoors for any period, optometrists say you need to complete your protection by making sure to wear protective sunglasses. Exposure to UV increases our risk for cataracts and your sunglasses should have a label reading “100 percent protection from UV and UVB rays” or “100 percent protection against UV 400.” If you are outside working for long hours, consider wrap-around style sunglasses, and if you are doing work such as trimming bushes or chopping wood, be sure to wear safety sunglasses. As the risk for eye disease...

Finding a Memory Care Community to Meet Your Loved One’s Needs

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Are you considering a community setting for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? Experts say the first and most important thing to learn about senior living communities offering memory care is whether they are up to the task of caring for your loved one. Do services align with their needs and is the home capable of advanced care down the road? A Place for Mom’s website says by asking the following questions, you should get the answers you need. Before you begin your search, they suggest taking a few minutes to think about the needs of your loved one. Do they tend to wander or exhibit aggressive behaviors? Do they require help with eating and drinking? Are they mobile or use a wheelchair or walker? Other information to relay is if they need help toileting, require 24/7 supervision, or care for medical conditions such as diabetes. Once you establish that a memory care community is equipped to care for your loved one , now ask questions about how...

Ways Meditation Supports Physical and Mental Health

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Meditation isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental well-being. And the best part? It doesn’t require any special equipment, expensive memberships, or even a lot of time. Just a few minutes a day can lead to better focus, reduced stress, and even improved physical health. In assisted living Boise, meditation can be a simple yet effective way to enhance daily life, whether it’s through guided sessions, deep breathing exercises, or quiet reflection. How Meditation Benefits the Body Meditation isn’t just about calming the mind—it has a direct impact on physical health too. Studies have shown that regular meditation can: Lower blood pressure – Deep breathing and mindfulness help reduce stress, leading to a healthier heart. Reduce chronic pain – Meditation has been found to lessen discomfort in people with arthritis, migraines, and other pain conditions. Strengthen the immune system – A relaxed body fights off illness more effectively than one constant...

Considering a Senior Living Community?

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As today’s seniors are living longer than ever, it makes sense to consider whether to age in place in their own home or take advantage of the benefits offered by senior living Hayward . While many older adults say they wish to stay at home, the reality is in some situations it may be impractical due to the burden of home maintenance, mobility issues and declining health. For more active seniors, community living offers a carefree lifestyle with predictable budgeting and built-in companionship. To make an informed decision regarding one’s choices, it is important to know the real cost of living at home, receiving in-home care or residing in a senior community. If you are currently living in your own place and think senior living communities are way more expensive, consider the following. Living in a home or apartment means a monthly mortgage or rent payment and homeowners or rental insurance. Monthly expenses include utility bills for electricity, gas, trash and water as well as phone a...

Navigating the Financial Implications of Long-Term Care Insurance

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Long-term care insurance can feel like one of those things people don’t think about until they need it. But planning ahead can make all the difference—both financially and emotionally. Whether you're considering coverage for yourself or a loved one in assisted living Boise , understanding the costs, benefits, and potential pitfalls can help you make an informed decision. What Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover? Unlike standard health insurance or Medicare, long-term care insurance helps cover costs associated with daily living assistance. This can include: Help with bathing, dressing, and meal preparation In-home care services Skilled nursing or rehabilitation Care in assisted living or memory care communities The type of coverage depends on the policy, so it's important to review the details carefully before committing. The Financial Side: What to Expect Long-term care insurance isn’t cheap, but it can prevent even higher out-of-pocket costs down the road. Here are some key ...

Keep Flexible With Stretching Exercises

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Health professionals say it is important to incorporate stretching exercises into your routine, especially the older we get as our flexibility naturally decreases. As joints become stiff, and tendons and ligaments tighten up, we become more susceptible to injuries as well as chronic pain and poor posture. In fact, studies show men’s flexibility drops sharply at around 70 years of age. Stretching exercises are easy to learn, relatively easy to do, and should not take more than five to ten minutes. Urvashi Chogle, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, says the shoulders, hips, knees, and spine lose the most flexibility. He explains, "This makes many everyday movements more difficult, such as reaching overhead, squatting, twisting, and bending over." Of course before you begin any new stretching exercises, you need to consult with your healthcare provider. He or she may have suggestions on how to safely get started or direct you to your lo...