Archive for the ‘Healthy Living’ Category

Greener Choice for Seltzer/Soda Addicts

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

sodastream-mdA home seltzer maker is green because buying from your local convenience store involves the manufacture and transporting of cola and other soda drinks that are generally packaged in cardboard, the electricity to produce the product and most people purchase and take their drink with them in a plastic container.

The Penguin Seltzer maker is a simple and quick way to enjoy fresh soda fountain drinks made to your liking. There are many on the market today ranging anywhere from $79 to upwards of $300 from companies such as Soda Maker, and Soda Club and Penguin. In less than 30 seconds this sleek machine makes seltzer or soda, then emits a penguin squawk when your drink is ready. No cleanup, batteries, or electricity! The Penguin carbonates a full liter carafe of water at a time and includes 18 delicious soda mix flavors: Cola, Lemon-Lime, and Orange-Mango, two glass serving carafes, and two CO2 canisters. Each CO2 canister carbonates up to 45 carafes of liquid refreshment. It is made of stainless steel and durable plastic with brass and aluminum fittings.

Visit the Choices for Healthy Living Community & Marketplace for more green living ideas.

Aging in Place – Accessibility and your Home

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Healthy Aging in Place Tips:

If you aren’t as comfortable in your home as you used to be, consider renovating it now so that everything is accessible and so that you and your family will live a better quality of life as you age.  Here are some things that you can do to improve the comfort and accessibility of your home:

  • Work at establishing a barrier-free front entrance to your home by taking out items that are in the pathway and removing plants etc. that might get in your way
  • Take pictures of the entire inside of your home and spend some time looking at each room with accessibility and ease of use in mind – do you have clear pathways for walking and moving around?
  • Purchase storage containers and organizers for easier access to items in the kitchen, bathroom and in your closets
  • Make sure that you have well lit outside pathways, interior rooms and hallways – consider using motion detectors on outside lights and in areas that are not commonly trafficked within your home
  • Lower your light switches so they can be reached easily from a chair
  • Raise your power outlets so that they can be easily reached from a chair

Look into appliances like stoves that shut off automatically,  and dishwashers that are raised about 8 inches higher off the floor for your  convenience.

 

National Aging in Place Week is October 12-18th 2009

Monday, September 21st, 2009

home-pics

Are you aware that most homes were built for a 20 year old, 6 foot tall male?  Think about it for a minute, does your kitchen or bathroom have cabinets that are way too high to be useful?  What about having to stoop to get into cabinets that are way too deep and too low, or electric outlets sitting just above floor level?  In your bathroom do you have a tub/shower combo that you “stub” your toe on trying to get in?  You are likely to think of a whole list of examples like this in your home.

Aging in Place is for everyone! National Aging in Place week is October 12-18th 2009.  Aging in Place means living in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level; 90% of all adults 45+ say they want to age in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.  Because of this, re-designing homes for comfort and accessibility is something to learn about and consider doing, the earlier the better.

The Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging

Monday, September 21st, 2009
Woman_arms-outstretcheddThe holistic approach to healthy aging is about taking a look at all of the components to life here on earth and understanding how each area affects our health. Once we begin thinking about and educating ourselves on the holistic view point to healthy aging we can then develop preventive strategies for healthy aging that will improve our health and our life.

The holistic approach to healthy aging includes the areas of physical, mental, spiritual and environmental. There are many great resources and services available to educate you in each of the previously mentioned areas.

Take things one step at a time, the first being that your health is not just about your physical condition. Have an open mind and take a proactive approach to your health. Seek the help of family, friends and appropriate professionals to help you along your journey of healthy aging. Being involved in a community of support can help you by keeping you on target and moving forward towards better health.