September is Healthy Aging Month, and a good time to look at what you’re doing to take care of yourself. You help your dad out all week, but do you ever stop to look at what you need? Self-care is just as important as helping your dad.
Go For a Long Walk
Go for a long walk, particularly in nature. It helps reduce your stress levels and feels calm. Walking is also good for the heart, especially if you stick to a brisk pace.
If you can mix up your exercise routines, walk a few days each week, ride a bike, lift weights, take a Yoga class, and swim. Working all the muscles in your body is the best way to stay healthy.
Rethink Your Diet
What do you tend to eat each week? If you rely heavily on packaged meals, frozen food, and takeout, it’s time to rethink your diet.
You need to eat a balanced diet. Lean protein, fish, plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, dairy, and legumes. When possible, toss in a few vegetarian meals if you’re not already a vegetarian.
Take Care of Your Feet
Your feet get a lot of abuse each day. They support all the impact from a step, jump, or runner’s stride. If you’re not taking care of your feet, Healthy Aging Month is a good time to stop and take care of them.
Soak your feet and then properly trim the nails. You’re going straight across, not trying to create a curve. Moisturize your feet, especially the heels, and wrap them up in socks to give the foot cream time to soak in.
Get Caught Up on Dental and Medical Check-Ups
When was your last dental exam and cleaning? How about a doctor’s appointment? Are you due any vaccines? It’s a good time to get caught up. The healthier you are, the better it is when you’re a family caregiver.
Depending on your age, there are also tests you may be overdue. You should go for your first colonoscopy in your 40s. Mammograms should be done every two years if you have an average risk. Blood tests to check your cholesterol levels are recommended every few years.
Some people, particularly smokers, should have a lung cancer screening. Men may need a blood test to look for prostate cancer.
Sleep In
Take a day or two each week to sleep in. Don’t wake up to an alarm. Wake up to the point when your body feels refreshed and ready to get up.
Senior home care services help more than your dad. They also help you. Arrange caregivers to help your dad while you go on vacation, take some time to focus on your job, or stay at home and take care of yourself for a few days. Senior home care helps with all that.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Mesa, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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