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Black Coffee and Blue Jeans
Enhancing Senior Lives: Benefits of Joining a Senior Center
Many senior centers offer a variety of benefits for older adults, providing social, physical, and mental engagement. I go usually 3 times a week, for cardio training. But the senior center I attend offers so much more!
Fiber-Rich Chickpea Salad: A Nutrient-Packed Delight
Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is important for our digestive health. A one-cup serving (about 164 grams) of cooked chickpeas provides approximately 12.5 grams of fiber. I use chickpeas to make a "salad", which looks more like a tuna salad mix. Let me explain. Although there are many ways to use chickpeas, use in veggie burgers, tacos and chili, but here's my favorite. Quick and simple, but tasty.
Coffee with Chicory: A Healthier Caffeine Alternative
I recently started coffee with Chicory. I did this because I needed to decrease my caffeine intake. I did try just decaf coffee, thought I'd die. I could hardly get out of the chair! Then I researched Chicory coffee. Chicory coffee is a beverage made from the roasted and ground roots of the chicory plant, often blended with coffee. Chicory root adds a slightly earthy, nutty, and bittersweet flavor to coffee, with a hint of chocolate-like richness. It has been used as a coffee substitute or additive for centuries, particularly when coffee beans were scarce or expensive, as during economic downturns or wartime. It's believed to originate for coffee in France, then later in our South. Chicory is a flowering plant in the dandelion family.
Halloween Hacks for Cheap & Easy Preparations
We all want to save time and some money over the upcoming holidays, so here are some cheap and easy ways to prepare for Halloween. I have grandkids, that's why I do holiday decorations, and I live in a nice neighbor with lots of little ones.
Baking Soda: The Magical Multi-Purpose Wonder
Here's the last of my tips. You probably will think of more, so keep that box of baking soda ready. Let's start with your body. Bee stings and bug bites, can be relieved by a paste of water/ soda , stops the sting or the itch, Leave it on till it dries, and repeat as necessary. Your stuffy nose can be helped by mixing 1/4 teaspoon with 1 tablespoon of water. Use a dropper and put one or two drops in each nostril and soon feel relief. Sunburn can be helped as well. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of corn starch in your tub with tepid water, and soak, as long as you can manage. Relieve the blisters of shingles by applying handfuls of baking soda, to the blisters, making a paste in your tepid bath. And clean out those nasty splinter punctures, with the usual paste, rinse and repeat until clean.
Magical Baking Soda: More Tips & Tricks Part 2
As mentioned, I want to add to my previous article about how I use baking soda, and it's magical benefits. So here are some more fun tips. Feel free to add any ideas you have in the comments. You'll see one comment there, by a reader, about cleaning out a clogged drain. Great idea!.
Magical Baking Soda, How do I Use Thee?
The ever popular Baking Soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is found in mineral deposits, lake sediment, and even in ground water. Todays baking soda likely comes from Wyoming, from the large amounts on the mineral Trona. It's mined from deep mines, and goes through a process to become our baking soda. Also washing soda can be made. OK, enough history, let's get to some of the uses. I may end up doing a continuation of this article tomorrow, as baking soda has so many uses.
Thrift Store Treasures: Pyrex, Silverware, Pottery, and More
I enjoy going through thrift stores, some are much better than others. I hate to say it, but the thrifting in higher end neighborhoods usually contains more desirable items, that I search for. First and foremost, I look for Pyrex. I like to collect the different patterns and have many. If I don't find the more rare designs, I'm always happy to add to my current patterns. I rarely use them, but I should. I'd enjoy the big bowls for salads, and the many casserole styles. But i'm afraid of breakage. I'll save them for my grandkids ,maybe. Who knows what their tastes will be in future, right?
Safe Heart Rate Zones for Seniors during Exercise
When I do my cardio exercises, it also measures , not only how many miles, or RPM, I do, but my heart rate as well. When seniors exercise, a safe heart rate typically depends on their age, fitness level, and any underlying health conditions. I found this online, and at first it looked complicated to me, but it's not. A commonly used method to estimate a safe exercise heart rate range is to use the "Target Heart Rate Zone," which is based on a percentage of the maximum heart rate.
Protecting Seniors: The Importance of Flu Shots
I have called and scheduled my fall appointment with my G.P. and my flu shot. I will admit, I never bothered when I was younger, but as I aged, I do go every year, as flu season is nearly upon us. Yearly flu shots are valuable for several reasons, especially in reducing the impact of seasonal influenza on individuals and our communities. The flu shot helps protect us from the most common and potentially severe strains of the influenza virus circulating each year. The influenza virus mutates frequently, so the flu shot is updated annually to target the most prevalent strains, hopefully ensuring better protection. The flu shot works by prompting your immune system to produce antibodies. In turn, these antibodies help the body fight off the strains of flu virus present in the vaccine. It takes about 2 weeks for this response to happen.
Alcohol and Seniors: Guidelines and Risks
I decided to be a little controversial today, and research how much alcohol is ok for seniors. For us, alcohol consumption should be approached with caution due to age-related changes in our bodies and potential interactions with our medications and health related problems. But lets be a little more specific.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Flaxseeds and Their Health Benefits
I wrote about my favorite Chia seeds, a few days ago, now I want to introduce you to Flax seeds. They are highly nutritious and offer several health benefits due to their rich content of essential nutrients. So let's explore. Flax seeds are usually brown or yellow. They’re sold whole, ground/milled, or roasted — and are often processed into flaxseed oil.
Pros and Cons of Having Pets for Seniors
Currently, I have no pets. But I visit with my neighbor who has a dog. I get to pet him daily, he greets me warmly. My kids have pets at their houses, so I enjoy them elsewhere than my home. I did have 3 beautiful Cotons, small, fluffy white dogs. They all lived to ripe old ages, then I decided no more. I miss not having a pet however. Having pets for us seniors can bring us many benefits but also comes with some challenges. I'm going to do my own pros and cons list, for you.
Line Dancing: Fun, Social, & Beneficial for Seniors!
So, part of my decision for relief of boredom, was to join the senior center, that I mentioned in my last article. I took the line dancing class. Here is what I experienced. There isn't going to be any references at the end, this is just my personal thoughts. I'm going back, tuesdays and thursdays for more! Line dancing has many benefits, both physical and mental. Not boring, and it was FUN!
Breaking the Chains: Conquering Senior Boredom
I was battling with boredom, so I joined a senior activity center, and was truly impressed! They had so much to offer. Because it was sponsored by the county, it was free to join, for seniors over age 55. And transportation provided if needed!. Boredom among seniors is a common issue, particularly for those who may have retired, lost a partner, or face physical limitations that restrict their activities. I found that by addressing my boredom was essential for maintaining my mental and emotional well-being.
COVID's Impact on Dementia: Emerging Concerns?
According to some recent studies, there is concern that America could face an increase in dementia cases in coming years and decades due to COVID. The study found that nearly two-thirds of seniors who were hospitalized with the virus went on to suffer mild cognitive impairment, which can be a precursor for dementia. CDC data shows that this age group accounted for approximately 46% of all hospitalizations from 2020-2021, roughly 1,701,300 people. This is a trend they're watching closely, since IF there is a link, it could begin to affect the millions of older adults who were infected with the virus.
Dark Chocolate: Moderation is Key for Seniors
I don't know about you, but I do like a piece of dark chocolate on occasion. I know it has fats and calories in it, so I eat it in moderation only. But did you know, it might be worth a few fats for it's does have a few good benefits? Dark chocolate does offers some health benefits. It's the most beneficial when the cocoa content is at 70% however. Recently, Consumer Reports said safer choices include Mast Organic dark chocolate, Taza chocolate, Ghiardelli and Valrhona. They have the least amount of cadmium and lead. It appears all chocolate tested has these elements. Due to the fact that cadmium and lead can cause developmental problems, exposure to these heavy metals poses the greatest risk for pregnant people and young kids. I think the key point is that dark chocolate can be a wonderful treat, but it’s not really a health food.
Unlocking the Potential of Probiotics for Seniors
Probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts beneficial for health, particularly the digestive system, offer a range of potential benefits, however, many can be worthless, and how can we be sure that it's not just some company jumping on the bandwagon for profit? I went to Consumer Reports for some answers. But first, here are some valuable reasons to take these supplements. Because your gut flora is highly sensitive to your diet, studies have show that an unbalanced gut flora is linked to numerous diseases.
Bone Broth: Nutrient-Rich Elixir for Health
Hi folks, I'm curious if you drink bone broth? Please feel free to respond. I'm thinking of making some, maybe from fish. Fish is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for your body and brain. Anyone have any recommendations? I usually stay away from beef, but I could maybe try chicken. I'm going to research some ideas and I'll post. I know bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones, typically from beef, chicken, or fish, along with connective tissues, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Some people are drinking it to lose weight, improve their skin, and nourish their joints.
Sugar: The Diet's Nightmare
I avoid as much refined white sugar as I can, however it's not easy because sugar seems to be in everything!! White refined sugar, while common in many foods, has several potential negative health effects and other drawbacks. Through my research, here is why it's considered unhealthy. Personally, I have given up all the good, tasty bakery, candies, etc. I won't say I haven't fallen off the wagon once or twice in my past but currently I'm going strong now for a few years. Many people consume more added sugar daily than they realize. Experts believe that sugar consumption is a major cause of obesity and many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes., chronic diseases, cancer, obesity, etc.
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I am a seventy something woman, living successfully with Rheumatoid arthritis for over 46 years. Professionally I am a retired registered nurse, from NY, and would like to share my years of disability as well as joy from this crippling disease.
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