2008
Caring Workplace
Monthly Articles

September: National Adult Day Services Month

August: 3 Important Things Seniors and Caregivers Need to Know

July: Understanding the Veterans Pension Benefits

June: Fun in the Sun! Tips for Vacation Planning

May: Geriatric Care Managers - Who Are They and What Services Can They Offer?

April: National Healthcare Decisions Day

March: Healthy Habits for 2008

February: Healthy Lifestyle Tips

January: Real Estate Tax Assistance Programs

2007 Articles

2006 Articles

2005 Articles

"
Hear what our 
Businesses are saying....

This is the best benefit 
my company offers to its employees! 

-- a participating 
Chairman & CEO

"

CW Services Overview | CW Employee Survey | CW Caregiver Voices
CW Business Voices |  CW Home Page | CW Articles |  Contact CW
Client Satisfaction Survey | Join Caring Workplace | About St. Andrew's 
At Home Services | Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center
 

Caring Workplace Monthly Article: February 2008

Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Brought to you by the Caring Workplace

By: Sheila Longsdon, MSW

A new year is upon us and many have made New Year’s resolutions that tend to be forgotten quickly. Instead of focusing on one resolution, why not focus on healthy lifestyle tips that can be implemented in our everyday lives.

VISION - our eyesight is probably the most valuable of our senses and with a few healthy habits the risk of eye conditions like cataracts & macular degeneration can be lowered.

• Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses with 99-100% UV Protection

• Stop smoking - 4 times more likely to develop vision problems than non-smokers

• Eating fruits &vegetables - antioxidants absorb harmful UV rays in the eye & improve overall health of the eye

• Healthy weight - overweight or obesity increases risk of decreased blood flow to the eyes which can increase risk of cataracts

• Routine eye exams - American Optometric Association recommends that adults 61 & older have yearly eye exams. Increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.  Adults at higher risk of eye disease include those with diabetes, hypertension, family history of eye disease, & those of African American ethnicity

HEALTHY HEART - according to the US Food & Drug Administration, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in this country.  Some healthy tips  include the following:

• Eat less fat - fats found in foods from animals- meat, milk, cheese, butter

• Eat less salt - increased usage comes from adding salt to our food at the table

• Healthy diet - decrease amount of calories, increase foods high in fiber (fruits, grains, vegetables,  add foods high in “good fats” (olive oil, seafood, corn oil)

• Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol level

• Regular exercise

CANCER PREVENTION - there are lifestyle changes that can be implemented to reduce the risk of developing cancer.  Some of the changes include:

• Stop smoking - linked to 15 different cancers & accounts for 30% of all cancer deaths

• Sun safety - limit exposure to UV rays by wearing a hat, protective clothing (dark colors provide more protection),  applying sunscreen with a SPF 15 or greater, &  wearing sunglasses

• Food & Fitness -  including fruits & vegetables in the daily diet, staying active-  regular exercise, & maintaining a healthy weight

Have a safe & healthy new lifestyle!

For further information regarding this article or any caregiver related issue please contact your Elder Care Specialist Heather O’Brien at 314-802-5106, toll free at 1-888-388-1930, or hobrien@standrews1.com.

Need Advice? Ask Our Eldercare Specialist
A St. Andrew's Eldercare
Specialist is available to 
answer your questions 
about caring for an aging loved one.

Ask Now!

............................

 

Caring Workplace:  The Resource for Working People Caring for an Older Adult.
6633 Delmar Blvd.  St. Louis, MO  63130  Phone: 314-802-6291   Fax: 314-726-5719  e-mail

Home | CW Home | About St. Andrew's | Communities | At Home Services  | Management Services | Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center | Charitable Fund