Most of us are familiar with the importance of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It sure is healthy and nutritious! Yet, are you familiar with properties that make fruits and veggies a must in your diet? No one fruit or vegetable contains all essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy living. Essential vitamins and minerals are obtained through the consumption of nutritious foods. Try being adventurous, adding tasty and colorful fruits and veggies to your meals! Nature offers a variety of foods with nutritional properties waiting to be discovered.

There are numerous factors to consider when planning for retirement. Preferred living arrangements, employment opportunities, and income are some of many examples. Although finances are often the driving force in determining retirement age, health is also a major element to consider. According to the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), older people’s ability to work can be influenced by health status. The HRS goes on to share, “More than half of men and one-third of women who left the labor force before the Social Security early-retirement age of 62 said that health limited their capacity to work.” When mapping out your plan consider lifestyle factors influencing health and future retirement.

Join us as celebrate healthy aging month! In September we promote healthy lifestyle choices for older adults that enhance wellness and wellbeing. The good news is drastic changes are not required for wholesome living. Introducing a few strategies at a time can bring about positive outcomes. Take a proactive stand this month towards your health and wellbeing!

Contrary to popular belief, eight hours of sleep is not the sufficient amount of sleep everyone should be getting each night. According to the National Sleep Foundation recommended sleep times are influenced by the individual’s developmental age. The National Sleep Foundation also shares how our waking moods are highly influenced by what happens during our sleep. During sleep our body supports brain and physical health, as well as growth and development in children and teens.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) comments on the importance of sleep stating, “Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.” According to the NIH chronic sleep deprivation can raise the risk for certain health problems.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic condition with no present cure, yet managing the disease process is essential for health and wellbeing. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation recommends building a healthcare team, adhering to medications, keeping a healthy diet, finding support in groups and counseling, and others. Individuals with PD can also benefit from speech, physical, and occupational therapies. Specialized healthcare professionals and community resources can assist individuals with support and therapies that promote disease management and optimal daily living.