5 “Health” Foods That Really Are Bad for You
Many of these health food favorites are labeled “low fat,” “high energy” or “fresh,” but these promotional promises often fall short of true nutritional value. Here are five popular unhealthy health foods to watch out for well beyond the holiday season.
Stream Family-Friendly Movies This Holiday Season
The holidays are a time for family, presents, indulgent food and, of course, movies! After all, what’s a better way to spend a snowy December afternoon or evening than snuggled up with your family on the couch watching holiday movies?
What Is Naturopathy or Naturopathic Medicine?
“We’re all going to get older, but your brain and body can function so much better when you take care of yourself from day to day. When our clients take better care of themselves and we help them with their care, what a big difference that makes in their health,” says Patty Hietpas, who has a doctorate in naturopathy and is certified as a naturopath, a non-physician practitioner who can help direct individuals in holistic health choices.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) sponsors Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which aims to help keep seniors more active, healthy and safe when they are behind the wheel. By keeping seniors on the road, rates of isolation, loneliness and depression can be reduced.
Keeping Older Loved Ones Warm in Winter
Prevention of cold exposure to seniors takes precautionary measures before winter sets in and ongoing observation by family members, caregivers and those familiar with the older loved one’s health and living environment.
5 Popular Books to Read This Holiday Season
The holiday season is here! Whether you are spending time with family, traveling, or having a “staycation,” the holidays are always a good time to catch up on some reading. We have sourced five popular books on Goodreads in 2018, including both fiction and nonfiction.
Tips for a Safe, Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday
As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, here are a few things to consider.
Respiratory Health Awareness for Seniors and Caregivers
“Many people don’t realize how crucial respiratory health is when it comes to aging well,” says Bill Osborne, Flight Respiratory Therapist at Atrium Health. “But keeping your lungs healthy can improve your quality of life and help you live longer.”
Pumpkin Health Benefits and Easy Recipes
Studies suggest that pumpkins can reduce the risk of cancer, regulate blood pressure, reduce blood sugar and help maintain colon health. Pumpkins are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C; their seeds are high in antioxidants, magnesium, zinc and fatty acids.
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Physical Therapists
October is National Physical Therapy Month. Stephanie Humphries, Right at Home owner in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been a licensed physical therapist since 1999; she spent many of those years working directly with physical therapy clients in their homes. Stephanie answers common questions people ask about the physical therapy process.
10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cholesterol
For up to 20 percent of people in the United States with high cholesterol, the underlying problem is genetic. Inherited high cholesterol, medically known as familial hypercholesterolemia or FH, means heightened cholesterol runs in the family. Inherited high cholesterol increases the risk of an early-age heart attack. Knowing one’s full family health history and getting regular medical checkups are two of the best ways to stay ahead of concerns with cholesterol for any adult.
Senior Nutrition: Light Summer Meal Ideas
Here are some simple vegetarian dishes that use summer fruits and vegetables and that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Recreational Therapists
Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, engages a person in an activity of leisure to help restore their functionality following an illness, accident or infirmity. Recreational therapy promotes a client’s self-esteem and self-efficacy, which is “I think I can do this.”
How Men Can Be More Proactive With Their Health
Most guys find it easy to discuss sports or vent about work. But talk about their health? Nope, that’s not happening, well, at least not for the majority of men, reports a Cleveland Clinic men’s health survey. What keeps you or other men you know from talking about your health?
Health Benefits of 5 Asian Herbs and Spices
For those of you who are interested in learning more about Asian herbs and spices and their health benefits, we have identified five commonly used ingredients in Asian cuisines (and tea) for your reference.
CSA Farms and Seasonal Ingredients for a Spring Dinner Party
Here are some ideas on how you can whip up a spring dinner party with 10 seasonal ingredients.
6 Tips for Springtime Gardening
Springtime gardening can keep you guessing as weather & soil temperatures fluctuate. We’ve checked with a few experts to bring you some gardening pointers.
Fighting Parkinson’s With Boxing
Study found that boxing can help Parkinson's patients improve gait and balance. Are you ready to knock out Parkinson's?
Spring Cleaning to Reduce Fall Risks
Spring is when everything starts to come alive again. The sluggish energy from winter moves out, and there’s a vibrant spirit of rejuvenation in the air. This is the time for a fresh look around to see what moved in during our winter hibernation. And do you know what many of us will find?
Clutter!
Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland vs. the U.S.
Although the holiday is celebrated with beer today, that was not the case before Irish soldiers and immigrants decided to make March 17 a day to honor their cultural heritage in America. Right at Home spoke with John Doona, who relocated from Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, to the United States in 1996, about the true St. Patrick’s Day traditions in Ireland.
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Registered Dietitians
As a 20-year registered dietitian, Amy Mack fields a full menu of questions about food and the latest trending diets. As co-owner of the Right at Home office in Hudson Valley, New York, alongside her husband Scott Teresi, Amy understands the challenges of fueling the body as people age.
Calling All Women: Be Proactive to Protect Your Health
Find out more about the top 5 women's health concerns (e.g. osteoporosis, heart & autoimmune diseases) and why women should take charge of their own health.
Quick & Easy, Authentic Asian Recipes Your Family will Love
What are the basic ingredients for Asian cooking? How to cook authentic Asian cuisines? Learn how to cook 5 Asian meals in 15 minutes here:
Meal Prepping for Aging Parents
Preparing a week’s worth of meals in advance may sound daunting, but if you are an adult child caregiving for aging parents, meal prepping gives you peace of mind that your loved ones will get enough nutrients.
5 Healthy Seasonal Recipes
“Get healthy” is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. If this is your goal, how about achieving it by eating produce in season? Consuming seasonal foods not only means that your meals are going to be packed with flavors and nutrients, but it can also benefit your wallet.
Organic Foods: What to Buy and What Not to Buy
While it’s generally recommended to eat organic produce whenever possible, the habit can get expensive. We have a few tips on how you can shop healthy without breaking the bank:
Diagnosing Hearing Loss in Adults and Seniors
“People think hearing loss is an old-person thing,” says Maionchi, an audiologist. “But my average patient is in their mid- to late 50s."
How Can You Treat Arthritis With Aquatic Exercise?
People with arthritis tend to be less active due to pain and discomfort. But in warm water, the muscles are more relaxed and therefore more flexible for stretching and exercises.
The Gift of Personal Touch – How Geriatric Massage Can Comfort Seniors
Geriatic massage not only improves aging health conditions, it also benefits seniors with limited social interaction. "The loving touch that goes along with therapeutic touch is immensely powerful," says Nicole Joy, a certified geriatric massage therapist.
What you need to know to immediately recognize a stroke
Stroke is now the No. 2 cause of death worldwide, with someone on this planet experiencing a stroke every two seconds. October 29 marks World Stroke Day, which aims to educate people about the risk factors and signs of a stroke to reduce the stroke mortality rate.
Physical Therapy vs Occupational Therapy
What is the difference between physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT)?
“We Are Downsizing, But What About Our Stuff?”
“Moving is the third-most stressful life event that a person can experience, just behind death of a loved one and divorce,” says McMahon. “There is a very emotional and physical process to moving, and it helps to have someone get you through it.”
How Healthy Is Your Heart?
World Heart Day was born at the turn of the 21st century, as a way for the World Heart Federation to spread awareness about heart health. Globally, heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death each year, resulting in the loss of over 17.5 million lives. As a global organization, the World Heart Federation is determined to see a 25 percent reduction in “premature deaths from cardiovascular disease around the world” by 2025.
5 Easy, Nutritious Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Here are five healthy recipes that can be made with a pre-cooked, store-bought rotisserie chicken:
Sleep Apnea and Seniors
It’s hard to dispute the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Sleep, or lack thereof, can affect everything from your weight, to your emotions, to your cognitive abilities. If your sleep is disrupted during the night, chances are you’re not going to be functioning at your best level the next day. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that does just that—it disrupts your sleep by interrupting your breathing throughout the night.
Fall Vegetable and Herb Gardening
Put on your brimmed hat, gloves and clogs. Stretch your green thumb. The sizzling days of summer are fading to the refreshing temperatures of fall—the perfect time for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs. Artichokes, spinach, radishes, cilantro and parsley are favorite headliners of late-season gardens. Whether you are new to garden planting or know your way around compost and N-P-K ratios, we’ve got several tips and reminders for your fall gardening.
Caregiver’s Qualities Ensure Long, Successful Career Helping Seniors
When Karen arrived for work one afternoon and was kicked out of the home of a memory care client in her care who didn’t seem to recognize her, she didn’t panic. Instead, Karen walked out the door and decided to improvise. She put her hair up in a ponytail and knocked on the door. Her client greeted her with a big smile and invited her to come in the house.
How to Avoid a Tick Bite this Summer
Summer is finally here, which means that it’s the best time of year to be outside taking in the glory of nature. But from the mountains to the shore, the presence of teeny-weeny ticks can lead to big, long-term health problems for both people and pets.
What's in Season at the Farmer's Market
Farmers markets are not only a great way to support local farms and farmers, but they also are a great way to try a variety of foods that are only in season during the warmer months.
5 Things You Didn't Know About Therapy Dogs
The goal of dog therapy is to provide comfort and joy to those who are sick, stressed, anxious or depressed. Many people, however, have some misconceptions about the dogs that are used in dog therapy programs. We’ve identified five of the most important things to know about therapy dogs below.
Arthritis & Tai Chi
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50 percent of people age 65 or older in the United States were diagnosed with arthritis between 2013 and 2015. While medications can provide temporary relief for joint pain, staying active is crucial to managing arthritis on a regular basis.
Mother's Day: Favorite Dish from Mom and Grandma
Moms and grandmas shape the development of our palate and food preferences. For this Mother’s Day, we talked to nine members of the Right at Home team, who shared their favorite dishes to honor the important ladies in their lives.
Sharing Everyday Stories of Family & Faith
Matt sees similarities between his past rabbinical work and his career today as the owner and managing director of Right at Home in north suburban Chicago, working alongside his wife and business partner, Rachel. Helping preserve family stories and memories is central to both the Fields’ Jewish life and their in-home caregiving services.
Benefits of Owning Pets
From helping to prevent loneliness, decreasing stress and anxiety, and even lowering blood pressure, pets can have a positive impact on our overall health as we age.
Hosting a Healthy Senior-Friendly Passover
Debbie is a new grandmother who is looking forward to not only spending time with her granddaughter, but seeing her own mother interact with the newest family member. Four generations will be together this year. She explains, “Family is really core of the religion for me.”
California Family Makes Senior Nutrition a Mission
Educating people about nutritious food is the first step toward achieving health empowerment. The second step is actually making nutritious food available to them. Through their work with food, the Atwoods are potentially empowering an entire post-retirement community to take control of their health.
Herbs & Spices Make For a Healthy, Tasty Diet in Older Adults
Debbie Main wants seniors to know that they can eat healthy food without sacrificing flavor. She says that sometimes making better food choices means making a favorite dish with healthier ingredients, but she also encourages older adults to be adventurous and try new foods.
Home Cook Goes Pro: Helping Seniors to Eat Healthy, Lose Weight and Feel Great
For 16 years, Collazo has run her own catering company while taking care of her mother who has dementia and diabetes and her 26-year-old daughter who has autism. When her friend Marisol Maribel asked if she would stand in for a caregiver job, she thought to herself, “Why not?”