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Choosing the right moisturizer for you

Submitted by aduranplazola on

One of the most important steps in your skincare routine is moisturizer. A good moisturizer can help prevent dry skin and keep your skin healthy and soft. There are a variety of different moisturizers available that serve different purposes. If you choose one that isn’t right for you, it can leave your skin as dry as before or just plain greasy. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. By making a few simple tweaks, you can make your moisturizer work for you. 

 

Choose which moisturizer is best for your skin type 

If you find yourself panicking in the skincare aisle at your local drugstore and grabbing the first thing that looks like it might work, you’re not alone. With so many options, it can be challenging to figure out what you need. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, here are some common types of moisturizers and which skin types they may work best for:  

  • Gel: Often water-based and tends to feel lighter on the skin than a lotion. This option is best for people with oily skin.

  • Cream: Thicker and has higher oil content than a lotion and gel, making it more hydrating. This option is best for people with dry skin and people older than age 50. 

  • Ointment: The thickest of all, making it the most effective in remedying dry skin. This option is best for people with very dry skin. 

 

Switch it up if it isn’t working 

Now that you have your new moisturizer, how do you know it’s working? Watch for these signs when trying a new moisturizer: 

  • If your skin is irritated, burning or discolored, stop using your moisturizer and try a different one. 

  • If your skin is smooth, hydrated and feels comfortable, keep using it. Over time, if you notice your skin clearing up, this is a sign that your moisturizer is working.  

 

Have chronically dry or oily skin? Check with your primary care physician or dermatologist to determine the right fit for you. 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Do flavonoids help your mind?

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Want to keep a sharp mind and memory as you age? It could be time to start thinking about flavonoids. Flavonoids are nutrient compounds in various fruits, vegetables and other edible items, including tea and more. Take our short quiz to learn more and if flavonoids can help you improve your mind. 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Do flavonoids help your mind?

Take our short quiz to learn more and if flavonoids can help you improve your mind. 

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Coping with grief during the holidays

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Spending your first holiday season without a loved one is hard, and the grieving process looks different for everyone. Although nothing can ever replace their presence, try some of these strategies to alleviate your heartache this time of year.  

Honor your loved one

Celebrating the life of your loved one can be done in a multitude of ways. Have their picture out during your family gathering. Light a candle in their honor. Make a toast or say a prayer. Ask members of your gathering to share special memories of your loved one. These are all meaningful ways to honor their life and feel their presence during your holiday get-together.

Ask for help if you need it

Be an advocate for yourself. If you need a shoulder to cry on, call a friend or family member and tell them. If you need space and time alone, that’s okay too. Communicating your needs will let your loved ones know how to best support you in this time of need.

Give yourself grace

With all this said, you know your mind and body better than anyone. If you aren’t feeling up to decorating the tree or carrying out your holiday traditions, don’t. Pay attention to what feels right for you.

Take care of yourself

Extreme stress, like the kind brought on by grief, can worsen existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. According to Harvard Health Publishing, up to 50% of surviving spouses experience depression in the months following their spouse’s death. If you feel your health is deteriorating, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

If someone you know is grieving during the holidays, take time to check in on them. Ask them what they need, respect their boundaries and be there to listen. Knowing you care and are there for them can make the grieving process a little more bearable.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Are you a member of the sandwich generation?

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Having multiple generations in your family is wonderful. You enjoy the youthful exuberance of your children and value the wisdom and experience of your parents. And, sometimes, best of all, your grandchildren are added to the mix, creating a beautiful mosaic in your life. 

It’s all good, until you realize you have become a caregiver for multiple generations, with all the stress and tension it can cause. Sometimes it hits us quickly – life changes and now your parent needs your help, while you’re still raising your children. There’s a name for this – it’s called the Sandwich Generation. 

How do you know when helping your father, or mother or in-law becomes more than a once-in-a-while thing – making you a full-fledged member of the Sandwich Generation? Take this quiz to help you figure it out.   

While you’re caring for multiple generations in your family: 

  1. Do you have enough time to pay attention to your health? 

  2. Are you eating healthy most of the time? 

  3. Do you make it to your own doctors’ appointments? 

  4. Do you find time to exercise a few times a week? 

  5. Is your stress level manageable? 

  6. Are you feeling accomplished and fulfilled most of the time? 

  7. Do you have enough hours in the day to get everything done? 

  8. Do you sleep well and wake up feeling refreshed? 

  9. Are you patient with your loved ones when they need something from you? 

  10. Do you feel you are appreciated by your loved ones? 

If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s likely you are a member of the Sandwich Generation and need to find ways to take care of yourself while you care for others. Remember the airplane safety message: Put your own mask on first before assisting others. If you’re not healthy and rested, you won’t be able to take care of your loved ones.  

What can you do? Eat right, get regular exercise, and make sure you get plenty of sleep. Ask for help. If you have siblings, work with them to share the load. Hire outside help if needed and if you’re able. Communication is also key – schedule family meetings to give everyone a chance to express their feelings and concerns. 

Take a few moments each day to “stop and smell the roses.” Being a member of the Sandwich Generation can be stressful and taxing, but it also can bring you and your loved ones closer. You will all be grateful for the time you have together.  

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Cheers to a growing health trend

Submitted by aduranplazola on

How many times have you said, or heard, “I’m never drinking again,” after a particularly alcohol-fueled event or night out?  

There’s no need to take such a drastic step. How about starting small – say, a month? That’s the premise of a public health campaign, Dry January, launched in England around 2014. The nonprofit that created the campaign hoped that increased drinking over the holidays and especially, New Year’s Eve, would make it easier for people to consider not drinking at all for the month of January. 

It’s not a march toward Prohibition by any means. What health experts are hoping for is a general change in attitude towards alcohol. Those experts have, for many years, exposed the many problems associated with alcohol, from heart and liver disease to immune system dysfunction and cancer. Some medical experts will say red wine is good for the heart, but studies show that cutting out alcohol completely, even temporarily, is a benefit to the body.   

A study conducted by the Department of Biochemisty at University College London reported that even a brief period of abstinence from alcohol improved insulin resistance in their participants.  

Another study of 857 participants conducted by researchers at the University of Sussex reported weight loss, decreased blood pressure and improvements in diabetes risk of almost 30% in their subjects. Almost 65% drank less alcohol even six months after Dry January. 

Dry January seems to have launched an entire lifestyle - the sober curious movement. Sober curious culture encourages a sober lifestyle, but welcomes individuals who aren’t willing, ready, or planning to give up alcohol completely. Sober curious folks have the option to choose, to question, or to change their drinking habits for health-focused reasons (mental and/or physical), or not.  

There are sober curious events, restaurants and outings popping up throughout the country. Non-drinkers, who were scornfully referred to as Teetotalers before and during Prohibition, say they appreciate feeling better, saving money and having places to go where they don’t feel pressured to indulge. 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Mocha flax seed smoothie

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Frozen coffee drinks at the popular coffee shops can be expensive, and full of empty calories. Learn how easy it can be to make our delicious mocha flax seed smoothie in your home kitchen instead. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Watch the video below.

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Download the Recipe (PDF)

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Learn how easy it can be to make our delicious mocha flax seed smoothie in your home kitchen instead. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare. 

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Making a change? Follow these tips to resolution success

Submitted by aduranplazola on

With a new year comes opportunities to make new resolutions. Deciding on big life changes may feel overwhelming or even frustrating, especially when setbacks occur. Fortunately, science teaches us ways to secure successful personal change.    

The stages of change model  

According to the School of Medicine, the change model consists of five stages:  

  1. precontemplation 

  2. contemplation 

  3. preparation/determination 

  4. action/willpower 

  5. maintenance  

 
In the first stage, precontemplation, people don’t think about changing, and don’t want help to change. In the second stage, contemplation, people teeter on the fence. They weigh the pros and cons of making a change (which could take a while). Things start moving along in the third stage, preparation/determination, when people fully commit to changing something in their life and start researching how to do it. By stage four, action/willpower, people move forward, making the desired changes to their lifestyle. After that, stage five, maintenance, focuses on solidifying the new change and lifestyle.  
 
Keep these steps in mind when preparing for life changes, and know that while progression is great, it’s also ok to fall back a step or two. Keep checking in and evaluating progress through each stage.   

Be intentional  

One study on the BMC Public Health website says that intention is one of the strongest indicators for changing behavior. Another study noted that the intention to do something can be predicted by our attitude toward the change, whether or not we think other people around us will approve of the change, and how easy or difficult we think the new behavior will be. Multiple studies show that the higher the intention, the more likely a change will begin. Thinking about the change in a positive light adds motivation and moves people toward action. 

Have an action plan and stick to it 

Many of us want to change and begin the process of change but then fall in our attempt to maintain such change. If maintaining a resolution feels overwhelming, try designing plans with automatic responses to situations that will likely arise. For example, when adding a new habit, designate a predetermined and consistent time each day to start; or pair an established habit with the new one (i.e., every time I brush my teeth, I’ll recite my affirmations). When cutting out a bad habit, reduce temptations by avoiding certain enticing environments (i.e., take the long way to your desk to avoid the office candy bowl). Making plans to change behaviors predicts whether that plan will go into effect. Having multiple plans helps, so create as many plans along the way as needed. 

Making changes in life may feel heavy, but with high intentions, planning, and determination, success stands within reach.  
 
Give yourself grace throughout the process and know that any progress brings you one step closer to the person you want to become. 

 


 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Making a change? Follow these tips to resolution success
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Naps are Not Just for the Lazy

Submitted by aduranplazola on

For some people, naps conjure images of comfy couches, soft blankets and peaceful slumber. For others, they are a natural power boost. A chance to re-energize and keep going whether it is at the office, gym or running errands.   

 

Studies have shown naps can do more than fend off crankiness. When a nap is taken correctly, it can provide multiple mental and physical benefits.  

 

Perks of a nap 

  • Better memory 

  • Increase in creativity 

  • Reduce stress 

  • Improve your mood 

  • Solve problems easier 

  • Perform better 

 

Power nap options 

Naps are generally broken into two categories, short, approximately 20 to 30 minutes and long naps. Some people wake from a short nap feeling refreshed and alert. Others wake in a state of grogginess. If you are part of the second group, try consuming a small amount of caffeine before lying down. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for caffeine to impact your system, so as you wake, you will benefit from both the nap and caffeine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

 

Napping tips 

According to Behavioral Brain Research, late afternoon, around the 3 p.m. drowsy hour tends to be best for most people to nap. Find a dark, quiet, comfortable place to catch up on your sleep. Eye masks and earplugs can transform less than ideal locations into a napping haven. Most importantly, although more companies realize the benefits and provide opportunities for naps, don’t try it if your boss has not caught onto the napping trend.  

 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Tips for keeping your New Year’s Resolutions

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Now that the holiday season is wrapped up for the year, we look forward to next year. For many, the tradition of ringing in the new year involves making those pesky resolutions. But how do you stick to the plan and reach those goals? Studies on the News in Health and the National Library of Medicine websites suggest making an achievable action plan packed with more do’s and less don’ts. 

 

Positivity matters 

When creating your New Year’s resolution, focus on the steps for success rather than what to avoid. If weight loss is your goal, like it is for most Americans, strategize how exercise and healthy eating can become part of your daily routine instead of listing off the foods you won’t enjoy. 

 

It’s a marathon, not a sprint 

Looking forward to the new you in December is daunting on day one, so take it day-by-day and month-by-month. If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of losing 30 pounds, know it doesn’t have to be done overnight, and it shouldn’t. A goal of losing five pounds per month isn’t so scary.  

 

Spring into action 

Break the goals down into a plan of action spanning the year that changes your behavior in favor of your goal. For the health and fitness-oriented, this may includee increasing your daily step count or bringing your lunch to work more often. These small changes in daily behavior will add up by the end of the year. 

 

Find your support system 

Resolutions are more achievable when you have the right support to back you on your journey. Everything is easier with a friend. Connect with a friend with similar goals to keep each other accountable, or find a support group online. Don’t forget to make sure you have the right equipment to keep your trajectory straight. This could be proper shoes and clothing, a healthy stockpile of food in the fridge or a gym membership. 

 

By following these tips, you can create realistic resolutions and stick to them in 2023. Here’s to a happy and healthy new year. 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Tattoos and body piercing: Is it safe? FAQs

Submitted by aduranplazola on

Body art is a growing trend among all age groups. While ear piercing has been a staple accessory for decades, piercings on other parts of the body are also growing in popularity. Both have become more socially acceptable. You might be thinking about jumping on board and getting a tattoo or piercing. Here are some questions and answers you should consider to ensure you make the right – and safe – decision.

Q: How will I know if a body art studio is clean?
A: The entire shop, including the bathroom, should be clean. If you have any concerns, look for a different studio.

Q: Is there a procedure manual of written standards? 
A: Reputable studios will have a procedure manual of written standards for sterilization among other safety protocols. Ask to see it. 

Q: What type of sterilization procedures does the shop follow?
A: An autoclave is the best way to sterilize reusable equipment. An autoclave is a machine that sterilizes using heat. Reusable equipment should be sterilized and stored in sterile bags. The date of sterilization should be clearly visible on the bags.

Q: How are instruments that cannot be sterilized handled?
A: Make sure that instruments or supplies that can’t be sterilized using an autoclave are disinfected after every use with a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution.

Q: Are sterile needles used for piercing?
A: Needles should be stored in sterilized packages, only used once, and disposed of in safety containers.

Q: Does the person doing the tattoo or piercing wear gloves?
A: A fresh pair of gloves should be used for each procedure. Make sure the operator washes his or her hands before putting on the gloves. Ask the operator to change his or her gloves if he or she answers the telephone or does anything else during your procedure.

Q: Is a piercing gun used to do the procedure?
A: Do not have any kind of piercing done with a piercing gun. These instruments increase your risk of infection because they cannot be sterilized between procedures.

Q: What kind of jewelry is used for the piercing?
A: Only use nonallergenic jewelry.
•    Surgical stainless steel, gold, platinum, niobium and titanium are the only types of jewelry you should use in a new piercing.
•    Do not use nickel or brass-plated jewelry. 
•    Choose jewelry that has not been used or worn or that has been sterilized in an autoclave.

Although the piercing industry is not as well-regulated as the health care industry, some states have hygienic regulations to ensure safe tattooing practices. Check with your city or county health department to find out whether there have been any complaints about the studio you are thinking of using.

Source: Healthwise

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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