Karen

7 Top Tips To Improve Your Sleep This Summer

If you feel like that the feeling you have after having slept through the night is unparalleled, you are entirely right. A good night’s sleep and at least 8 hours of rest are essential to keep all of our body functions at their best throughout the years, and a lack of sleep can lead to severe health conditions. Especially during the hot spring or summer months, it can be tricky to find a restful sleep every night. While it might just be due to your room temperature, there are some tricks you can implement to increase your chances of feeling even more rested and energized tomorrow morning! Here are the 7 top tips to improve your sleep this summer.

Change Your Habits

Firstly, it is essential to understand that habits can significantly impact your ability to fall asleep and rest through the night. Your diet, as well as the size of your meals and the times at which you eat, can majorly influence your sleep quality.

Exercising regularly and in a balanced way, and following a diet rich in nutrients and based mostly on fresh foods that can help you fight conditions like sleep apnea. Before investing in other therapies and devices, start by creating a healthy lifestyle that can help you feel balanced and healthy all around.

Invest in Blue Light Glasses

The fact that we spend a significant part of our day staring at a screen can be detrimental to the health of our vision and our ability to concentrate. Conditions such as dry eyes and eye strains are becoming increasingly more common. Some sleep problems can also be related to the amount of blue light we are exposed to every day. Especially if your job, responsibilities, or hobby requires you to look a screen for prolonged time frames, investing in a pair of blue light glasses can help you screen out at least a portion of it. This has been seen as beneficial to reduce the sleep problems related to this condition.

Switch Off From Tech Before Sleep

But don’t worry! There are other activities you can do before bed instead of scrolling through social media platforms. We all seem to want to read more and never find time for it. Switch from your phone to a book to find a few minutes of entertainment before closing your eyes. Alternatively, other media sources such as podcasts and audiobooks can also be enjoyed with your eyes closed. There are many different types of entertainment options that don’t require you to stare at a screen. A few minutes listening to a good book is a good way to improve your sleep.

Invest in a CPAP Pillow

A CPAP pillow is a fantastic device that can reduce the discomfort caused by conditions like sleep apnea. Made entirely of memory foam and created to reflect the shape of your head, this pillow can help you breathe more easily and without a struggle. If your night’s sleep has been interrupted by apnea, this can be an immediate solution to consider.

Start Meditation Sessions To Improve Your Sleep

The benefits of mindful meditations on our mental and physical health are endless, but new advantages have been discovered every day. If you have been experiencing troubles sleeping due to stress accumulated in your personal and professional life, regular meditation sessions can help you keep anxiety at bay and finally find that restful sleep you have been longing for. One of the main advantages of meditation sessions is that you can do as much as you want of them, for free, and in any situation. Some people even like to listen to guided meditation courses as they fall asleep!

Cool Your Room Down

High temperatures in your room can cause you to feel discomfort and struggle to fall asleep. Try to cool your room down by installing a fan or an air conditioning system, especially during the hot summer months. For more sustainable solutions that are gentle on your bank account as well, opt to close all the windows and screen during the hottest hours of the day. This will help you naturally keep your room cool and fresh for the nighttime. Moreover, if you wish to leverage the soft breeze of summer nights, you can leave the windows open after installing a mosquito net!

Invest in a High-Quality Mattress

While we all tend to make do with the same mattress for several years before deciding to switch onto a new one, mattresses are where we spend 8 hours every day. This can amount to a third of our lives! Therefore, investing in a new mattress that can better accommodate your needs and support your spine is essential. Aside from preventing injuries, health conditions, and pains, a high-quality mattress can encourage correct posture and good sleep.

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A Parent’s Checklist For Children’s Oral Health

Karen · Leave a Comment

My great grandson, Zaidyn, is turning a year old this month. It’s hard to believe that little guy is growing up so fast. Because I want him to be healthy and happy, I’m posting this chart to let his Mom (and all the other new moms who may read my blog) know what age is appropriate to start dental and oral care for little ones. Happy birthday, little Z!

Oral Health Checklist created by Natomas Crossing Dental Care

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10 Most Common Health Issues You Could Face As You Age

Karen · Leave a Comment

Growing older can feel incredibly daunting – and while it’s only natural, it’s easy to worry about what lies ahead. From the memory loss to the mobility issues that affect your lifestyle, it might be a scary prospect to think about. If you’re heading towards retirement, then there are certain inevitabilities to expect that naturally come with aging. And while it might feel negative to consider, it’s important to be as prepared as possible for the future and what potential issues could affect you. To help guide you, here is a list of 10 of the most common health issues that you could face as you age.

10 most common health issues you could face as you age — Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels

Mobility Issues

As mentioned above, issues with mobility start to occur for many people as they age. This decline in mobility starts to affect your ability to climb stairs, walk long distances and do other activities that used to be easier when you were younger. But don’t worry, there are solutions out there that assist with your mobility. This support could include the likes of assisted living to mobility aids – for example, mobility scooters, stair-lifts and walkers.

Problems with Oral Health

Another significant health issue that is faced by those growing older is posed by their oral health. Because of tooth decay and cavities, a large portion of the older generation no longer have their natural teeth. This leads to low self-esteem and other health conditions. Thankfully, these can be maintained and the risk can be prevented by arranging regular check-ups with your dentist. To replace missing teeth, there are also options available such as these Affordable Dentures.

Loss of Sight

Although this can happen at any stage in life, it’s a particularly common issue faced by those in their later years. Of course, the degree of sight loss will depend on the individual, but it can bring frustration and stress. There are ways, however, that can help with this such as through wearing progressive eyeglasses.

Loss of Hearing

Age-related hearing loss is a genetic condition that makes it difficult for a person to hear what’s going on around them or to tolerate loud sounds. Typically occurring in both ears equally, the loss occurs gradually over time. For age-related hearing loss, hearing aids are often recommended. Loss of hearing is a really common health issues you could face as you age, for both men and women.

Cognitive Health Issues

Another health issue that you could face as you age is associated with your cognitive health. This directly affects your ability to remember, think and learn new things. And one that’s particularly prominent is dementia. However, even if dementia isn’t likely in your family, memory loss is likely to be an issue.

Even though there’s no real way to fully prevent this from happening, there are ways to help with it. For example, you could try to keep your brain active through completing puzzles, reading and other activities which are designed to assist with brain function. Loss of cognitive ability and dementia are cruel common health issues you could face as you age.

Chronic Health Issues

As you start to age, your body starts to become more susceptible to certain chronic conditions – including heart disease, strokes, diabetes and cancer. Because these chronic health issues affect a large part of the population, it’s important to know how to prevent the risk and manage them in the future.

As well as trying to avoid smoking, eating healthily and keeping alcohol consumption low, it’s important to try and attend annual checkups with your doctor. This way, you’ll have first-hand advice on how to care for your health using methods that are suitable for you.

Menopause

A natural part of aging for women involves facing menopause. A common stage in life for those aged 40 and over, it can affect your overall health and will bring changes to your hormones. Although it can’t be avoided, it’s good to know what the typical symptoms include, these are:

High levels of anxiety
Hot flashes
Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Reduction and stopping of periods

Once you’ve gone through menopause, you could face issues such as osteoporosis because of the loss of bone mass that comes as a result of it.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Caused by a blood clot within your deep veins, Deep Vein Thrombosis is typically found in the legs. Those over 40 are at particular risk of this condition. And while it on its own can be very painful, the fact that it can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism (when the blood clot travels to the heart or lungs) make it a particularly dangerous condition.

There are certain factors that can result in DVT, including a family history of blood clots, damage to blood vessels (due to prolonged smoking habits), obesity and being inactive for long periods of time. The initial symptoms of DVT include:

Warm skin where the clot has occurred
Discoloration of skin
Swelling and cramps in the affected area
Pain in the ankle or foot

To help with this issue, a doctor may recommend certain blood-thinning medication, compression stockings to ease the swelling, etc. Alongside this, they may recommend certain lifestyle changes to assist with the healing and prevention of blood clots in the future.

Depression

Another unfortunate health issue that can be faced by people when they age is depression. Some days might feel unbearable and extremely negative – just two emotions that depression can bring with it.

However, despite the large percentage that have experienced this at one stage or another in their life, it’s important to acknowledge what treatment is out there to help with it. Not only can regular therapy and medication help, but by prioritizing socializing and physical activity in your everyday life, it will prevent overthinking and boost happiness.

Arthritis

Similarly to osteoporosis, arthritis is easily one of the most common health issues faced by people over the age of 50. Leading to everyday pain (whether it’s in the wrists, feet or another part of the body) and a lower quality of life in certain cases, it’s essential to know what to do if you face it. This is where medical assistance can come in.

Not only can a doctor recommend suitable medication to help ease the pain, but they can develop a personalized plan that includes what activity you can do, any changes that are necessary to your lifestyle, etc. That is why it’s worth booking appointments with your doctor if you notice any warning signs ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

So, there you go! Those are 10 of the most common health issues you could face as you age. It’s essential to recognize that not everyone will face these issues, but that if they are likely, you know what to do. Of course, not everything in life can be prevented. But by knowing the little things you can do to help to try to prevent them, you’ll be in a far better place in the future when it comes to your health.

Alongside this, it’s vital to realize that you’re never on your own and that there is always support available if and when you need it. Although it might feel very negative, it’s also important to try to stay positive throughout life. There are many wonderful things to look forward to – it’s not all downhill from here!

There’s no denying that life can be unpredictable and can throw you some curve balls, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be waiting for one of these conditions to strike. By living your life one day at a time, you’ll feel a lot happier, resulting in a far more fruitful life that you love. Start now to help prevent these common health issues you could face as you age.

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Fabulously Functional: Simple Touches To Make Your Home More Senior Friendly

Karen · Leave a Comment

We all want our homes to look fabulous, but as you get older, functionality and safety become key priorities. If you’re planning a mini makeover, or you’re hoping to revamp your home to make it more senior-friendly, we’ve got some brilliant ideas. Here are some tips to help you create a home that will make your home more senior friendly.

Flooring

The flooring you choose for your home can have a significant influence on the aesthetic appeal of different rooms, but it also has a practical role to play. As you get older, you may experience reduced or restricted mobility, and you might also find that you are less able to keep up with jobs like vacuuming. Wood flooring is an excellent option for seniors, as it is no hassle to maintain and it makes floors easy to cover if you need to use mobility aids or a wheelchair. Wood floors also add warmth and coziness to living spaces, and they suit both modern and traditional decor. You can choose from different types of wood and select a finish and shade that complements the style and size of the rooms. Lighter tones are ideal for small spaces where there is a lack of natural light, for example, corridors.

make your home more senior friendly

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/wooden-floor-house-floor-hardwood-1336166/

Open layouts

Open-plan living is hugely popular now, but in years gone by, it was fashionable to have separate living and dining areas. Many older houses have a series of smaller rooms on the ground floor, rather than accessible, spacious kitchen-diners. Open areas are well-suited to families, and they’re also a great option for seniors. With a versatile living space, you can cook, watch TV, socialize, read, relax and work without using a host of different rooms, and you can spend quality time with friends and family members. All this make your home more senior friendly. If you do have a separate dining room or laundry area, or you have more than one living room, it’s worth exploring the possibility of knocking through or taking down a wall to create a larger, brighter, more functional space. This idea will be particularly appealing if you use a wheelchair, or you struggle to get around without support. If you are thinking about this kind of renovation job, it’s always wise to get a series of quotes before you decide which company to choose and to read reviews and ask neighbors and friends for recommendations.

make your home more senior friendly

Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/apartment-architecture-ceiling-chairs-276554/

Downstairs bathrooms

If you don’t already have a bathroom on the ground floor, this is an extremely useful addition as you reach your senior years. Even if you’re fit and you have no trouble getting around, it’s beneficial to have access to a toilet without having to climb the stairs during the day. Altering the floorplan or the layout of your main living spaces could free up room for a small cloakroom. You could also consider adding a ground floor extension if you’re willing to take on a larger-scale job and there is sufficient space at the back or side of the house. Home extensions usually take several weeks, but they make a huge difference to the amount of space available and they add substantial value to properties.

make your home more senior friendly

Image by https://pixabay.com/photos/bathroom-luxury-luxury-bathroom-1336164/

Making your home more energy-efficient

When you stop working, and you don’t have money coming in on a regular basis, it’s beneficial to save as much as possible on living costs. Making your home more energy-efficient is advantageous for the environment, but it will also reduce your bills significantly. One of the most important considerations for seniors is temperature. You want your home to be cozy and comfortable, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on heating bills. Adding insulation and improving heat retention is an excellent way to reduce energy consumption. You can also replace old light bulbs and electrical appliances with energy-efficient alternatives and consider investing in double glazing if you don’t already have double-glazed windows. Double glazing will keep your home warmer, and it will also reduce external noise and enhance security.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-cfl-bulb-542619/

Making space for hobbies and interests

One of the best things about retiring is having more time to devote to hobbies and interests. Many of us complain that we simply don’t have enough hours in the day to indulge our passions when we’re working. If you’re keen to pick up old pastimes, or you’d like to spend more time doing activities that you love as you get older, it’s a brilliant idea to make space at home. You can set aside tranquil spots in living areas or spare bedrooms that are rarely used for activities like writing, reading, listening to music or sewing or knitting, and you can design creative spaces for painting, drawing, sculpting, making new clothes or creating DIY gifts. Think about the colors you use when painting walls or choosing soft furnishings and set the tone with lighting and accessories. For quiet areas, stick to muted, soft shades and add texture with bean bag chairs, floor cushions and armchairs and cushions, throws and blankets. Use low-level lighting to add ambiance. For creative spaces, you can be bolder with colors and patterns, opting for a statement wall in a studio or workshop and adding accessories to put your own unique stamp on the room. When you add a crafting or hobby area, it will automatically make your home more senior friendly.

Picture courtesy of https://pixabay.com/photos/brush-color-paint-play-watercolor-96240/

Having a hobby as you get older can help to boost mental wellbeing, and it’s a constructive way to use your time and meet new people and stay in touch with existing friends. It’s also beneficial to have an area where you can exercise. Being active is essential for physical and mental health. Activities like yoga and low-intensity Pilates are ideal for improving flexibility, suppleness and mobility. You can follow classes or online sessions at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.

As we get older, our routines change and the way we use our homes can also vary. If you’re approaching your senior years, it’s wise to think about how practical your home is, and how you could make it more functional. You want your home to look the part, but it also needs to complement your lifestyle and provide a safe haven for you.

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How to Design a Senior-Friendly Bathroom

Karen · Leave a Comment

As you get older your body just isn’t what it used to be. It’s a lot more difficult to get around, you’re not as flexible, parts of your body aches, your bones aren’t as strong, and you’re even more prone to having slip and fall accidents. Instead of struggling to maneuver around your house all day or carry out daily functions, why not have renovations done to accommodate your needs? Here are some tips on how to design a senior-friendly bathroom.

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home. However, it is also one of the most dangerous places. Should you happen to slip and fall in the restroom, you could be looking at serious injuries or even death. That’s why creating a senior-friendly bathroom is ideal. Work with bathroom renovation contractors and a Chicago plumber (or plumber located near you), to help you bring some of these ideas to life.

Widen the Door

If you or someone residing in your home has a wheelchair, getting it through the bathroom door is important. Depending on the size of your bathroom doorway, you may need to have it extended. Expanding it at least 34 inches wide should do the trick.

Install Grab Bars

Remember, falling is a serious risk for seniors. Trying to maneuver around in the bathroom on the hard, sometimes wet floors could be a disaster waiting to happen. Give yourself some additional support by installing grab bars in your bathroom. Installing one near your toilet, sink, and in the tub or shower is highly recommended. Grab bars are an essential when you design a senior-friendly bathroom.

Walk-in Tub or Threshold Showers

The curb right at the entryway of the shower or the side of the tub can be easy places for you to trip and/or lose your balance. To make your bathroom more senior-friendly, it may be best that you invest in a walk-in tub or a threshold shower.

A walk-in tub is a bathtub with a small door on the side for easy access. They also come with seats so you don’t have to try and squat too low. A threshold shower, on the other hand, is a shower that doesn’t have any curb at the entryway. You can walk right in without worrying about tripping. These would also be ideal for seniors who need to roll their wheelchairs into the shower.

Non-Slip Bath Mats

The carpeting in the bathroom can help prevent seniors from falling. This is especially true when the floors are wet. Be that as it may, it is important for you to select mats and rugs that are non-slip and have a good grip. If the carpet easily moves or flaps up, it can quickly become a tripping hazard.

Raise Toilet Height

Trying to squat down to use the restroom may not be as easy as it once was. Not to mention trying to get back up when you’re finished. When renovating your bathroom, you may want to consider your options to raise the height of the toilet. You can go basic with a seat extender or if you have the budget for it you can purchase a toilet that is more senior-friendly.

Adjustable/Handheld Showerhead

Feeling thoroughly cleaned when you leave the shower is a top priority. However, it can be hard to do with a traditional showerhead. You may not be as mobile as you once were to maneuver your body, or you may be in a wheelchair which makes it difficult for you to do a 360. Whatever the case is, having an adjustable and/or handheld showerhead makes it easier. You can adjust it to a position that is most comfortable for you without straining yourself, or you can grab it off the wall and direct the water wherever you’d like.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to live out your senior years in your own home. While you’re there, however, you may need to make some adjustments to ensure that your living is safe and comfortable. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in the near future, don’t forget to include these important elements when you design a senior-friendly-bathroom you’ll absolutely fall in love with.

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Tips for Hosting Parties and Holding Celebrations During COVID-19

Karen · Leave a Comment

In this season of COVID-19, people are forced to start finding new ways to maintain time-honored traditions. Already many have lost the opportunity to walk in graduations, celebrate summer weddings, or come together to share a cake over a child’s birthday. As rates of the pandemic continue to rise, it is time to consider more seriously how we can celebrate life’s milestones safely. The digital era has come into its own during this pandemic. Zoom and Skype are hosting weddings and jury trials. Companies are learning how to operate with staff who all work remotely. As more of the industry around us adopt digital options, what are some ways for us to leverage technology when hosting parties and holding celebrations during COVID-19?

For starters, consider sending online invitations for quinceaneras, graduations, birthdays, and other important celebrations. Sending digital invites not only save on postage but reduce the risk of transmitting disease through the mail. Digital invites are also a great option to keep updated should you be able to host your celebration in-person rather than through a digital interface.

Celebrate safely by following the guidelines set by the CDC and WHO. There are many news outlets and individuals working to make face masks a political statement. In spite of this, medical professionals around the world are encouraging individuals to wear a face mask in public as well as practice social distancing.

If you’re able to host your celebration digitally, consider doing so! Facebook parties as well as group Zoom calls are a great way to connect with friends and family without risking the spread of COVID-19. These allow you to see your guests and communicate freely without risking contact or spreading illness between guests.

If you celebrating face-to-face, work to keep all of your guests safe with soap and space. Washing hands have become a ritual within our current social climate. Be sure to have hand sanitizer stations available for guests, as well as plenty of soap and disposable towels at any sinks. Sharing hand towels is not a great option right now, so replace traditional communal towels with disposable paper options when possible.

Another great option is limiting the number of seats per table. Typically, round tables at events seat six to eight different individuals. In an effort to maintain social distancing, place only four seats per round table instead. Try to space out or stagger seats on rectangular tables as well to add space between couples or families.

If possible, consider making events outdoors to allow for more air to circulate and space between guests to be made. Consider postponing events that would have larger attendance or require travel for guests. While nobody ever wants to wait to celebrate, it may be best to postpone bigger events. Weddings with larger parties, family reunions, even open houses for graduations can all be rescheduled.

It has to be the priority of hosts to make sure guests can attend and enjoy events without risking their personal wellbeing. If it is impossible to provide room for guests to social distance properly, or for attendees to maintain germ-free hygiene, it may be best to delay celebrating until the risk of COVID-19 has ceased.

Prioritize the health of your friends and family more than anything else in this season. It’s never fun to turn down a party, but making sure to care for yourself and those around you is the most important thing. COVID-19 will pass eventually, so reduce the risk of spread by being cautious in your celebrations today.

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Activities For Children With Autism

Karen · Leave a Comment

Guide created by Lighthouse Autism Center

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3 Ways to Enjoy Life in Retirement

Karen · Leave a Comment

Retiring can be a little bewildering. After decades of following a corporation’s rules and regulations (if you worked for a company, or trying to measure up to your client’s expectations) or if you ran your own business, you might feel a little disoriented because you have nothing much to do anymore. You suddenly find yourself in an unfamiliar phase of your life. Now comes the new challenge of learning how to deal responsibly with your freedom. Here are three suggestions on how to enjoy life in retirement:

Enjoy the Benefits of Assisted Living

If you need some assistance with daily living, you might discover that an assisted living facility offers many more benefits than you might have realized. Besides the obvious benefits of getting help with daily tasks, getting your meals prepared, reduced stress about self-care, and a feeling of safety, you’ll also enjoy the pleasure of an active social life. Many senior living facilities even have innovative technology, like Entertain360℠, a retirement home TV with a selection of the best channels at a lower cost.

Find a Hobby You Love

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to be a marvelous cook but were always too busy with your career to pursue this hobby, now is the perfect time to begin. Cooking your own food from scratch will allow you to make healthier meal choices. If, say, you are gluten intolerant, you can learn to cook delicious dishes like the Gluten-Free Homemade Peach Cobbler Recipe.

Also, consider creative crafting hobbies to take up. If, for example, you like to work with textiles, you could try weaving, embroidery, macramé, appliqué, knitting, crocheting, lace-making, tapestry art, felt-making, or quilting. You could also try your hand at paper craft, woodcraft, or glass crafts. Crafting isn’t just an enjoyable way to spend your time, it also offers some unexpected benefits:

Crafting provides cognitive benefits: Following instructions on how to design something provides cognitive benefits because it stimulates various regions of the brain.
Crafting gives therapeutic benefits. Many seniors take up crafting as art therapy–because crafting lifts your mood, reducing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression.
Crafting supplies social benefits: Crafting offers opportunities to create new friendships because you can spend time sharing your latest craft work with other people who enjoy this hobby.

Some hobbyists even become famous. After carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders for many years, President George W. Bush is now an excellent project painter and has acquired some fame for his paintings to honor veterans.

Practice the Art of Yoga

Exercise is essential to maintain health, and one of the best forms of exercise for seniors is yoga. Yoga can help you reduce stress and mitigate aches and pains. These gentle exercises can pick up your mood, too, reducing anxiety or depression. Yoga can also strengthen bones, enhance balance, improve mobility, increase flexibility, and build strength. After a few weeks of practicing yoga, you’ll notice how well you sleep at night and how much more energized you feel during the day.

Although it’s possible to learn yoga from books or by watching videos, it’s usually best to go to a class to get in-person instructions. This will reduce the risk of injury caused by choosing the wrong exercises, doing them incorrectly, or trying too hard to push your body to perform an exercise that you’re not flexible enough to assume. Many retirement communities and senior centers offer yoga classes. If you can’t find a yoga class for seniors where you live, then sign up for a beginner’s class at a health studio.

All things considered, retirement can be fun. You don’t have to feel isolated, bored, or listless. In fact, if you make the right living arrangements, take up an interesting hobby, and practice yoga, it might surprise you how enjoyable your retirement can be. These are great ways to enjoy life in retirement.

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