My husband and I recently participated in the Dim Sum and Then Some 5K/10K & Kids Dash in Chicago, and it was quite exhilarating! We both finished strong and had a great time while supporting the Chinese Mutual Aid Association.
I must say, there is something extremely gratifying about supporting a worthy organization while doing something that is good for our own health and wellness, too!
Speaking of health and wellness, August is National Wellness Month, and in my chosen profession as a Doctor of Nursing and owner of Home Helpers® Wheaton and Naperville, I can honestly state that my team and I are all about supporting the well-being of seniors.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois also has a vested interest in promoting senior wellness, which is why they produced an informative video focused on 7 simple wellness tips for seniors recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so aging adults can take charge of their health.
- Eat a healthy, balanced meal. Meals for aging adults should always include fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and plenty of water for optimal nutrition and hydration.
- Get regular physical activity. Moving your body is essential for healthy aging. Regular physical activity helps to prevent bone loss, strengthen muscles, impede or delay chronic health conditions, improve balance and stamina, reduce fall risks, and enrich brain health. 150 minutes of physical activity per week is the CDC’s recommendation.
- Check blood pressure regularly. The CDC also recommends that you measure your blood pressure regularly to help your healthcare team diagnose any health problems early. You and your healthcare team can take steps to control your blood pressure if it is too high.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Managing your weight contributes to good health now and as you age. In contrast, people who have obesity, compared to those with a healthy weight, are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Manage stress levels. Feeling emotional and nervous or having trouble sleeping and eating can all be normal reactions to stress. Find healthy ways to manage stress, like making time for self-care, connecting with others, and participating in activities you enjoy, to keep stress levels down and improve your overall quality of life.
- Take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. Medications are only prescribed when they are necessary to combat physical and mental health issues. Always take medications as prescribed by your doctor in their entirety. If you experience uncomfortable side effects, talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options.
- Attend regular doctor’s appointments. Seeing your doctor regularly helps monitor your physical and mental health to reduce your risk of becoming ill, and it aids in preventing chronic illness or disease.
You don’t have to participate in a 5K or 10K run, like Jon and me, to improve your personal wellness, obviously. Perhaps, you can take an extra 5 or 10 steps when you are moving about the house, take 5 or 10 laps around your living room during television commercials, park farther away from the grocery store entrance to increase your number of steps, or carefully ascend and descend some stairs to elevate your activity level and increase your heart rate.
By following these 7 senior wellness tips, your overall physical and mental health will improve for a happier and healthier quality of life.
If a compassionate Home Helpers® caregiver who is licensed, bonded, and insured, can provide support to you or a senior loved one on their quest for better health and wellness, we offer a variety of in-home care services to help. I am happy to sit down with you or your senior loved one for a FREE Assessment to examine specific needs and discuss the many ways Home Helpers® can make life easier and healthier every day!
Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently-abled, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
Source:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
CDC
