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The Call of the Wild

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Outdoor recreation areas are increasingly making it easier for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the great outdoors. There are a couple of reasons for that. According to research conducted by the National Center on Accessibility (NCA), 26% of adults and 40% of people over 65 in the U.S. have a disability. This could be a visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobile disability. That’s roughly 65 million Americans, nearly half of whom visit national parks each year. That’s a lot of people answering the call of the wild.  

And well they should. Studies show that even five minutes of outdoor activity and sunlight boosts mood and decreases depression and anxiety in just about everyone. People with disabilities who participate in outdoor recreation programs exhibit more self-confidence, better goal setting and stress management skills and are better at developing interpersonal relationships. A study featured in the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 23(3) found that people without disabilities tended to have more positive impressions and greater acceptance of people with disabilities after spending time with them outdoors.  

So, if you’re one of the 1 in 4 adults with a disability or limited mobility and want to continue wildlife watching, fishing and camping, research national, state and local parks and organizations like NCA. Because most parks are funded with federal, state or municipal funds, they are required to follow the American with Disabilities Act and provide accessible areas at each park. Many also have paved trails and accessible events listed on their websites. Finally, don’t hesitate to call around and ask about special programs for individuals with disabilities. There are programs for water skiing, climbing, kayaking, hunting and more. Once you find your passion, get out there and enjoy the wild side.  

 

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.

The Call of the Wild

Outdoor recreation areas are increasingly making it easier for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the great outdoors. There are a couple of reasons for that.

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(Quiz) Is Fish Good or Bad to Eat?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

One study says you should eat fish. Another study says no. Your social media feed says … well, let’s not go there. Take our quiz to find the answer to one of life’s great mysteries. Well, that might be an exaggeration, but you can still learn a thing or two. 

The takeaways from this quiz are eating certain types of fish in moderation is much better than not eating fish. And please don’t bring the leftovers to work.

 

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.

fish quiz

One study says you should eat fish. Another study says no. Your social media feed says … well, let’s not go there. Take our quiz to find the answer to one of life’s great mysteries. Well, that might be an exaggeration, but you can still learn a thing or two. 

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BE FAST When It Comes to Stroke Symptoms

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Here’s the scenario: Your loved one begins to exhibit strange behaviors – her words aren’t making sense and one side of her face droops when she tries to smile. You wonder what’s going on or if she could be having a stroke, but you can’t remember the symptoms that might help you figure it out.  

Minutes count 

When a person is having a stroke, minutes count – the sooner you recognize it and get the person to treatment, the better the chance of saving that person’s life. What do you do?  

We have an easy way to remember the symptoms of a stroke. 

Think BE FAST 

Balance

  • Watch for sudden loss of balance 

Eyes 

  • Check for vision loss 

 

Face

  • Look for an uneven smile 

Arm

  • Check if one arm is weak 

Speech

  • Listen for slurred speech 

Time

  • Call 911 right away 

 

If any of these symptoms occur in someone, don’t hesitate – call 911. The life of your loved one may depend on your quick action.  

BE FAST When It Comes to Stroke Symptoms

 

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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.

BE FAST When It Comes to Stroke Symptoms

We have an easy way to remember the symptoms of a stroke. Think BE FAST.

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Science Supports a Trip to the Dog Shelter

Submitted by emily.griffin on

When a local family decided to give in to the pleading of their three children and get a dog, friends and neighbors were shocked. Their children were in college and high school, with only a couple of years living under their parents’ roof remaining. Everyone wondered what could have possibly changed their minds. 

“We couldn’t see past busy church, sport, school and work schedules,” said the mom. “The thought of having something else to feed, care for and clean up after was the main reason I kept saying no.” 

What convinced them to visit their local dog shelter? “Science,” said the dad. Instead of promising that they’d help with walks and waste clean-up, the kids would mention the results of one of a growing number of studies involving canines. The dad said they were amused at first but couldn’t help but be impressed the deeper the kids dug for unique reports. 

For instance, a scientific study released by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute reported that petting a dog for 18 minutes increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the saliva of humans. Higher levels of immunoglobulin lead to stronger immune systems. 

A September 2022 study from Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland, proved that dogs can differentiate between a person’s normal smell and smell caused by stress. Much like some dogs can sense an epileptic episode and be trained to support the person with epilepsy from injury, the dogs in that study sensed panic attacks and helped keep their person grounded.  

There’s a large body of evidence that dogs are good for our mental health, especially as we age. The family is interested in keeping their aging grandparents engaged and active and have studies reporting on canine companionship bookmarked for review.  

Finally, a 2020 study in the Journal of Allergy and Immunology concluded that growing up with a dog lessened the chances of young children developing food sensitivities. One child has multiple food allergies. “Now we think we should have listened to our kids all along.” 

 

 

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.

Science Supports a Trip to the Dog Shelter

For instance, a scientific study released by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute reported that petting a dog for 18 minutes increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the saliva of humans. Higher levels of immunoglobulin lead to stronger immune systems.

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Fad Diets – No, Thank You

Submitted by emily.griffin on

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Think of fad diets – just because a diet is popular doesn’t mean it’s effective or healthy for you. Most nutrition experts agree that the biggest problem with fad diets is the lost weight comes right back. Not sure if the latest craze is a good idea, then ask yourself these questions: 

  1. Do I have to buy special foods or pills? 

  2. Do I have to skip meals?  

  3. Is rapid weight loss promised?  

  4. Is one or more of the food groups eliminated?  

  5. Does the diet claim to be suitable for everyone without warning those with diabetes or high blood pressure to seek medical advice before starting?  

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you might want to avoid starting what is likely a fad diet or is a weight-loss program worth skipping. 

Accept that what you eat affects your health. Many fad diets restrict or eliminate fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains. Each food group provides its own unique set of vitamins, minerals and energy your body needs.  

The USDA suggests instead of trying fad diets or weight loss programs, take the long-term approach of developing healthy eating habits. Slow and steady weight loss is more effective.  

“We all want instant gratification, which is one of the draws to fad diets,” said Melanie Poinar R.D., L.D.  “One way to start weight loss is to ween yourself from packaged foods and sweetened beverages. Try and focus on drinking enough water daily as well as incorporating healthy choices from each food group like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, low fat dairy, and healthy fats.” 

Consult your physician about your diet plan. 

 

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.

Fad Diets

Most nutrition experts agree that the biggest problem with fad diets is the lost weight comes right back. Not sure if the latest craze is a good idea, then ask yourself these questions: 

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Switch It Up: Get gains by changing exercise routines

Submitted by emily.griffin on

From the dedicated gym rat to the avid at-home athlete, exercisers always seem to look for new ways to maintain their health and fitness. Some claim that increasing intensity does the trick, while others dedicate days to different muscle groups by alternating between exercise routines. So, what do researchers say is the best way to obtain and maintain gains? 

A study published on the Semantic Scholar website in 2019 found that varying exercises promoted muscle improvement and proved key to maintaining motivation to train. For those of us who have trouble staying on the exercise wagon, that finding is a big deal. 

Daily exercise provides a wake-up stimulus to the brain, and our busy brains find it interesting when every day feels a little different. So, while performing the same movements every time we exercise can offer a reliable way to track progress, replacing running with a hip hop class or swapping soccer practice with skiing will boost our bodies, brains and chances of maintaining physical activity.  

Research posted on the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research website in 2014 shows that varying the exercises in a workout yields greater improvements than just increasing (or decreasing) intensity levels. So, what if we alternated exercises and modified intensity levels? Unfortunately, science says changing the exercise regimen and the intensity at the same time won’t provide a double boost of benefits. The study found that changes in training intensity are not crucial for maximum strength gains. Instead, maximum results come by focusing on changing the exercises.  

It turns out that rotating our workout routine leads to a greater motivation to train, reduces the risk of injury and results in more muscle gains. So, keep it interesting and try something new for tomorrow’s workout. 

 

 

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.

Switch It Up: Get gains by changing exercise routines

From the dedicated gym rat to the avid at-home athlete, exercisers always seem to look for new ways to maintain their health and fitness.

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Gardening is Good for Your Health

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Have you ever wondered why gardeners always look so happy? Maybe it comes from the satisfaction of seeing a plant flourish. Or maybe there’s some scientific reasons why. Herb your enthusiasm! If you’re considering a new hobby, gardening has the health benefits you may be looking for. 

Exposure to vitamin D 

In the spring and summer months, gardeners spend lots of time outside tending to their plants and flowers. When it’s sunny, gardeners get vitamin D from the sun. The 2021 Journal of Clinical Medicine says that vitamin D is shown to reduce symptoms of depression and negative emotions. It’s estimated that around 50% of the world’s population suffers from vitamin D insufficiency. Taking time to be in the sunlight can have a positive impact on your mental health. Remember to always wear sunscreen when you’re in the sun.  

Improve strength 

Gardening is a way to ease into physical activity. You don’t need to lift heavy bags of mulch or push a wheelbarrow around to get exercise. The act of squatting down to your flower beds increases the strength of your muscles. Using gardening tools in the soil improves the movement in your hands and fingers. Moving your body outside can burn as many calories as you would in a gym.  

Social interaction 

According to the Alzheimer's Association, social interaction reduces rates of disability and mortality. Gardening tends to be a social activity. There are typically many gardening groups and community gardens to join. Join the shrub to support your brain health.  

Enjoy your harvest

If you garden fruits or vegetables and are skilled enough to have a bountiful harvest, you will enjoy the efforts of your hard work in the kitchen. Adding these to your diet can help improve your overall health. If you grow plants and flowers, a NASA study shows bringing some into your home can cleanse toxins from the air.  

It’s not hard to beleaf that gardening improves both your mental and physical health. Try your hand at gardening this year to reap the benefits. You may uncover a green thumb you never knew about. 

 

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.

Gardening is good for your health

Herb your enthusiasm! If you’re considering a new hobby, gardening has the health benefits you may be looking for. 

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Surviving Snoring as a Couple

Submitted by emily.griffin on

You’re probably all too aware if your spouse or partner suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea occurs when the flow of air (aka breathing) is blocked during sleep. The resulting snoring, gasping and other sounds associated with trying to wake oneself up to breathe can be annoying or frightening. Usually both.  

After years of elbowing your partner awake, nudging them to roll over on their stomach to stop snoring when sleeping on their back or buying multiple devices promising a cure, you might be sleeping in separate bedrooms.  

It's called a sleep divorce, and it’s a cutesy name for a genuine problem. A 2013 study showed that when couples got poor sleep, they argued more and appreciated each other less. A more recent study showed that sleep problems and marital problems tend to occur at the same time. With arguments and conflicts listed as the third leading cause of divorce in the United States, it makes sense for couples to take snoring seriously. While chronic loud or long-term snoring increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other health problems over time, poor sleep quality results in tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating the very next day.  

Over time resentment builds in both parties. Non-snorers resent their partner for sleepless nights, and snorers resent their partner for trying to force a solution. Often a person’s snoring is treated as a joke, and the snorer, the butt of the joke. 

Is the gold standard therapy tarnished?  

Use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is often seen as the gold standard therapy for OSA sufferers. However, a May 2022 study reviewed in the journal Healthcare reported that up to 50% of patients with OSA refuse CPAP or stop using it within the first week. Patients cite dry mouth, claustrophobia, irritation from the mask and even annoyance or ridicule from the partner who is trying to get used to the look and sound of the machine as reasons for stopping therapy. 

Now what?  

It seems simple, but the cure for CPAP non-compliance is increasingly related to the couple themselves. Becoming more of a team, with targeted and ongoing coaching from a nurse or other medical professional, makes a difference. Learning techniques to encourage a partner’s regular use of CPAP, including using humor to deflect embarrassment, helps couples celebrate the increased energy, lessening of depression and better quality of life that comes with treating chronic disease – 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.

surviving snoring as a couple

You’re probably all too aware if your spouse or partner suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea occurs when the flow of air (aka breathing) is blocked during sleep. The resulting snoring, gasping and other sounds associated with trying to wake oneself up to breathe can be annoying or frightening. Usually both.  

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Deciding If It’s Time to Try Therapy

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Life can feel overwhelming. Juggling family life, work, social obligations, and your own well-being can feel impossible some days. Each of us has ways of coping with the stress of daily life. You might listen to music, talk to a friend, or go for a walk. 

Sometimes no matter what you try, the stress doesn’t go away. Instead, it gets worse. What should you do when your go-to stress relievers stop working? The answer may be to try therapy.  

It might feel like it, but you’re not alone. More people are reaching out for professional support. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of adults who received mental health treatment increased from 19% in 2019 to 22% in 2021. 

Is therapy worth it? 

Depending on your goals, therapy can help you improve your quality of life and promote healthier relationships. The results are long-lasting. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), people who completed therapy report “the benefits of treatment not only endure but continue to improve following therapy completion.” 

Your mental health is important 

We often treat our mental health as less of a priority than physical health. We make a point to exercise regularly and eat healthily, but we push through hard times without a second thought. However, our mental and physical health are closely connected. 

According to AARP, long-term stress can lead to neck, shoulder and back pain, ulcers and heart disease. An investment in your mental health pays dividends to your future self.  

Wondering if it’s the right time for therapy? Here are a few signs to consider giving it a try. 

You’re going through a big life change 

Big life changes like the birth of a child, a divorce, empty-nesting, or retirement can leave us feeling unsure of the future or questioning what’s next. If you find yourself spending a lot of time worrying about the future or the past, talking to a therapist can help you find solid ground for the next phase of your life. 

You want to improve your relationships 

If you’re struggling with your relationship with your spouse, child or friends, therapy can provide insight and strategies to help you improve things. Although group and couples therapy is effective, you can also visit a therapist on your own for these issues.  

You aren’t feeling like yourself 

You know yourself better than anyone else. If you’re especially sad, touchy, angry, or anxious and it’s affecting your ability to enjoy your life, that is a sign to consider therapy. Remember, just because you can do hard things, doesn’t mean you have to do them alone. 

 

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.

Deciding if it’s time to try therapy

Life can feel overwhelming. Juggling family life, work, social obligations, and your own well-being can feel impossible some days. Each of us has ways of coping with the stress of daily life. You might listen to music, talk to a friend, or go for a walk. 

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The Pickle Quandary: Good or bad for you?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Pickles – a lot of us love them all of the time, and some may crave them some of the time (with ice cream even). Peter certainly liked pickles when he picked a peck of them! But are they good or bad for you? The answer isn’t a simple one – hence, the pickle quandary. Let’s take a deeper dive into the pickle jar and look at the pros and cons of eating this briny vegetable. 

Pros

    Low calories, no fat and high-water content

    You probably know that pickles start as cucumbers, so they have few to no calories and a high-water content. Plus, they are fat-free. If you’re trying to lose weight, pickles make a crunchy snack that can help you feel satisfied without adding a lot of calories or fat to your diet. 

    Source of vitamin K

    People need vitamin K for strong bones, improved blood clotting properties and other health benefits, like preventing calcium buildup in arteries. One dill pickle spear can provide nearly 20% of recommended daily dose of vitamin K. 

    Aids digestive tract

    When pickles are made using fermentation, they contain probiotics that can help to maintain a healthy digestive system, just like yogurt and sauerkraut. How do you know if the pickles at the grocery store are fermented? It’s easy – you’ll find them in the refrigerated section, where they need to be kept to maintain fermentation. Pickles in the condiment aisle are made using other pickling methods. 

    Cons

      Lots of sodium

      Pickles are extremely high in sodium, due to the brining process of pickling cucumbers. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one medium pickle contains 750 mg of sodium. To put that in perspective, the recommended sodium an adult should have daily is less than 2,300 mg. One medium pickle can be 33% of your sodium intake. You are also getting sodium in many other ways, as it is prevalent in processed foods you consume each day. 

      Why is a lot of sodium bad for you? It can raise your blood pressure, and for those who already have high blood pressure, this can be a significant concern. High blood pressure can contribute to heart attacks and stroke. High levels of sodium intake may also lead to development of kidney stones.  

      Sweet pickles and sugar

      Are sweet pickles your jam? These can have some of the same pros as dill pickles. However, the obvious con to a sweet pickle is the amount of sugar, which varies among the different types of sweet pickles. If you have diabetes, sweet pickles are typically not a good option for you, unless you are careful to include them in your carbohydrate count for the day.  

      Seek advice before diving into the pickle barrel

      “While there may be health benefits to eating pickles, there can also be reasons to avoid them in your daily diet,” said Sarah Brauning, registered dietitian at Genesis HealthCare System. “If you love pickles, it’s best to check with your doctor or a registered dietitian to see what he or she recommends for you.” 

       

      Sources: USDA.gov; CDC.gov 

       

      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.

      The pickle quandary: Good or bad for you?

      Pickles – a lot of us love them all of the time, and some may crave them some of the time (with ice cream even). Let’s take a deeper dive into the pickle jar and look at the pros and cons of eating this briny vegetable. 

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