Healthy Habits to Close the Summer
As we approach the final months of the summer season, now is the time to establish healthy habits that will carry over into the fall and winter. These few weeks of summer can help to restore the body and mind, allowing us a smooth transition into the cooler months. You might consider these quick tips and techniques to keep your mind, body, and soul healthy as the weather begins to change.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Eating the right foods can be difficult for seniors, especially for those who no longer prepare their own meals. It’s important for aging adults to ensure that their meals are nutrient-dense, meaning meals are made up of a variety of food groups. If you’re ordering food at a restaurant or have a caregiver preparing your meals, a good rule of thumb is to eat the rainbow. Make sure your plate is colorful, and full of fruits and vegetables, to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need for a strong immune system and healthy bones. As always, you should communicate with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet and eating habits.
Be Proactive, not Reactive
By focusing on preventing diseases and illnesses before they happen can decrease your chances of contracting them later. If you haven’t already, make sure you are seeing a doctor for a physical exam at least yearly. Making consistent trips to the dentist and optometrist can allow you to stay healthy longer.
Prevention also applies to unhealthy habits like over-drinking alcohol, consuming nutrient low foods that are high in unhealthy fats and calories, and using tobacco products. By eliminating these habits, or at least, decreasing your consumption, will allow your body to grow stronger and fight off illnesses and disease.
Stay Active
It can feel easier to stay physically active during the summer while it’s warm and the weather is nice. You might consider using this time to make daily exercise a habit that will stick with you into the winter months. Enjoy the end of the summer with long walks, visiting outdoor parks, or gardening with friends. As always, make sure to stay hydrated!
Sleep!
It’s easy to forget how important a good night’s rest can be for the body. While we sleep our body repairs itself, fights illnesses, and gives our joints time to rest. When we don’t get enough sleep, our immune systems can become weaker, increasing our chances of illness and disease.
Our Carespring facilities in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky wish you happiness and health in these last few weeks of summer!