Healthy Aging Month was created to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. We live longer lives now thanks to improvements in medicine and health but its more important to develop healthy habits as we age. While genetics play a role when it comes to aging, seniors can take steps to encourage better health. Helping each other become aware of our physical and mental health, diet, social skills, and even financial situations; all factors that contribute to successful aging. As we age, our health becomes more important.
Get Regular Check-Ups and Yearly Physicals- If you’re not feeling well don’t ignore symptoms. Know yourself and your body well enough to detect if something feels off so you don’t need to visit the doctor for every ailment. Get annual physicals including visits to the dentist and eye doctor. Many diseases can be prevented if caught early. Take medications and supplements in order to ensure you are feeling your best.
Stay Social- Make an effort to see your old friends and don’t be afraid of making new ones! A lifestle devoid of interaction with friends and family can lead to health issues and isolation can lead to depression. Reach out and invite friends and family over. Talking to someone daily will do your mind and mental health a world of good.
Get Moving- Consult your doctor if you are not accustomed to exercise. Start slowly to get used to each level of activity. Exercise can be as simple as going for a 10-15 minute walk, three to four times a week and increase as you go. If you are more active try tennis, swimming, dancing class, senior yoga, gardening, there are more ways to stay active, just make sure you keep your body moving. CHF#88 Revive is good for loss of muscle tone and aging problems.
Maintain A Healthy Diet- As we age, our metabolism slows down and we need fewer calories. Healthy eating is a big part of staying healthy. Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid excessive processed foods. Add lean meat, fish, poultry or legumes, and whole grains.
Stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. Be aware of portion sizes, most Ameri can overeat due to not knowing a proper portion size. Overeating leads to obesity, obesity leads to bigger health concerns like diabetes or heart disease.
Balance Both Your Mind & Body- Keeping your mind active and engaged may ward off brain chemistry changes that could lead to Alzheimer’s Disease. Keep your mind active by reading, working on puzzles, taking up a new creative hobby. CHF#75 Brain Memory stimulates blood flow to the brain. Eating healthy fats is great brain food. Healthy fats can be found in fish, olive oil, avocados, and nuts. For your body you can practice yoga to improve flexibility and balance. Yoga is great for the mind and reduces stress that comes with aging.
Scents You Should Know…The Basic Care Kit
When you think of eucalyptus, you probably think of cute cuddly koala bears in Australia, but the oil from the Eucalyptus tree may have many beneficial health uses. Eucalyptus is the fifth oil of our ten basic oils to keep on hand, which include Lavender (EO35), Tea Tree (EO74), Peppermint (EO57), Chamomile (EO11), Eucalyptus (EO22), Geranium (EO26), Rosemary (EO63), Thyme (EO73), Lemon (EO37), and Clove (EO17).
Eucalyptus is native to Australia. There, it is considered a traditional household remedy, especially good for respiratory ailments. Now eucalyptus is also being cultivated in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, California, Russia and China. There are over 700 different species of eucalyptus. The Eucalyptus trees can grow to be over 295 feet tall. There are several different types of oils, however the main oils used are Eucalyptus Citriodora (Lemon), Eucalyptus Globulus (Blue Gum), and Eucalyptus Radiata (Peppermint/Eucalyptus). The oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers and twigs by steam distillation. The oil is colorless or pale yellow and has a fresh, spicy-minty odor.
Eucalyptus Oil has many benefits like analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, parasiticide. It may also help with asthma, bronchitis, throat and mouth infections, common cold, flu, fever, arthritis, muscle pains, sport injuries, cuts, insect bites, headaches, and exhaustion to name a few.
Here are a few examples of how you may use Eucalyptus Oil. For breathing discomforts of asthma or bronchitis, sprinkle a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil on a cloth or tissue and breathe in through the mouth and out through the nose, for 30 seconds. Get soothing relief from the muscular aches and pains of arthritis, rheumatism, sprained tendons and ligaments, and sore muscles by gently massaging Eucalyptus Oil on affected areas until a warm glow is felt. Repeat at intervals until the pain or swelling disappears. Eucalyptus Oil helps relieve arthritis pain and muscle aches. When rubbed onto the skin, Eucalyptus Oil stimulates blood flow and generates the sensation of warmth (Note: Either use Eucalyptus Oil full strength or dilute it with carrier oil). Get quick relief from the pain of insect bites by applying Eucalyptus Oil onto sore and swollen areas. You can also make a repellent spray by mixing one part Eucalyptus Oil with three parts water. This can be used on humans and animals.
What’s Up Doc?
Q: What promotes healthy aging?
A: Here are some tips to staying healthy as you age:
Enter your e-mail and phone number to receive a 10% discount code off your next purchase.
