Health
& Exercise

Real Men Make Heart Health a Priority

The perfect gift this Valentine’s Day is the gift of heart health. Along with Valentine’s Day, February marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. That’s why this February, during American Heart Month, FirstLight Home Care – South Sound in Olympia is encouraging men to take charge of their health and start one new, heart-healthy behavior that can help reduce their risk of heart...

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Preventing Your Aging Parent from Becoming Lonely

Do you have a lonely parent who is struggling with feelings of isolation or depression? Are you having a hard time getting them to leave the house and enjoy social activities, especially during this festive season? With age comes an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation. This can be problematic for seniors because loneliness can often result in depression and ultimately additional health problems. There are several factors that may be keeping your parent secluded and feeling down: They are no longer able to drive, and they must rely on others to take them where they need or want...

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The 6 Keys to Healthy Aging

While aging, of course, is a natural part of life, it brings many challenges, both physically and mentally. Sometimes there are surprises and uncertainties.  There can also changes in our bodies and minds we just don’t want to face. But most important, as we age, it becomes even more critical to take control of our own health. And what better time to start, as September is "Healthy Aging® Month," an annual observance aimed at focusing national attention on the positive aspects of growing older.  This is a great chance to encourage us to take personal responsibility for our health –...

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5 Reasons Men Over 50 Should See Their Doctor Annually

Did you know that 60 percent of men don’t go to their doctors regularly? It's true. 60 percent!! A recent study of 500 men by Cleveland Clinic found out that only three in five get an annual physical.  Also alarming, the study found that just over 40 percent go to the doctor only when they fear they have a serious medical condition. Of those they surveyed, over 53 percent agree that their health just isn’t something they talk about and 19 percent admitted they go to the doctor so their significant other or loved one will stop nagging them. If you...

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Activities to Get Older Adults Outside in Spring

After months of colder weather and gray skies, springtime is welcomed. It can be especially refreshing for older adults who have spent the winter cooped-up indoors. Fresh air, warmth and sunshine can play an important role in renewing the spirit and enhancing quality of life. The Benefits of Fresh Air and Sunshine Exposure to sunlight and fresh air offers many health benefits – greater energy, reduced stress and improved sleep, to name a few. Fresh air cleans the lungs and helps bring more oxygen to the cells. This increased oxygen in the body translates to greater energy and mental clarity....

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The Wisdom of Age

Recently, this question was posed to a group of people who are over the age of 60: “What advice would you give to those who are half your age?” While the question seems simple, the best answers provide wisdom and insight we can all benefit from: People always say, “Make sure you get a job doing what you love!” But that isn’t the best advice. The right job is the job you love some days, can tolerate most days, and still pays the bills. Almost nobody has a job they love every day. Years go by in the blink of an eye. Don’t...

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It's the Month to 'Think Pink'!

October is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" and FirstLight Home Care – South Sound is proud to do our part in the annual worldwide campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer risks, the value of screening and early detection, and treatment options available to women and men who are diagnosed with one of the many forms of breast cancer. A loop of pink ribbon has come to symbolize breast cancer awareness, so this month the image of a pink ribbon will be emblazoned on our FirstLight Home Care logo. But there's much more to raising awareness than just wearing a pink ribbon. Most important is spreading the word about...

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Close Out World Alzheimer’s Month by Helping Increase Awareness of Warning Signs

The end of September also brings to a conclusion World Alzheimer's Month. Currently, there are over 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s in the United States and while there is no cure yet, there are some positive developments coming out that could help slow down the progression of the disease. The most effective way to treat Alzheimer's and dementia is with early diagnosis.  So, in honor of World Alzheimer's Month, and in an effort to increase awareness, here are the Top 10 Warning Signs of Dementia, courtesy of the National Alzheimer's Association: Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life One of...

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Preserving An 'Ageless' Mindset

The simple truth is that your age is not determined by how chronologically old you might be.  It's how you feel that's most important. Your spirit has no age.  It's your energy and attitude that makes up the essence of your life force.  And who you are isn't determined by how long you've been alive, but by your outlook and how you approach today and the days to come. Don't let the life you've lived wear you down and suck from you the energy that is required to live to your fullest today!  Instead, embrace resilience and live with a vibrant attitude that belies...

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Aging 'Better' as You Grow Older

Obviously we can't help but get older each and every day.  However, there are ways that you and the older friends and family members in your life can be proactive to help age “better” every day. From incorporating exercise into a daily routine or using mental quizzes to help stay sharp and focused, finding ways to age better can improve the quality of your life. Aging better doesn’t have to mean you or your loved one have to change everything that is done on a daily basis. It just takes incorporating small changes each day. As home care providers, we’ve worked with families...

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