For more information about the author, click to view their website: HarborChase of Sarasota
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” While most people use this phrase as diet motivation or a way to steer clear of junk food, it can also be associated with how our diets affect STRESS MANAGEMENT.
Think about the last time you felt stressed or upset. Was it tempting to reach for a sugary treat? Did you think about stopping by your favorite fast-food restaurant, hoping it will help you feel better? Our bodies naturally crave comfort foods or sweets during times of turmoil. The mental association between difficult times and our favorite foods is almost like a reward for ourselves.
However, unhealthy eating during times of stress can actually make us feel worse – rather than lifting our spirits, sugary sweets or fattening snacks can leave us fatigued and grumpier than before.
HARBORCHASE SENIOR LIVING promotes a culture of healthy aging and wellness. Our exquisite dining experiences throughout our assisted living communities utilize fresh ingredients to create culinary masterpieces with health as a priority.
Here are five of our favorite foods that can naturally assist with stress management.
Sweet potatoes are an incredibly versatile food. Whether you prepare them as a savory dish or a sweet side, you can cook them in many ways. Sweet potatoes are also rich in complex carbohydrates that produce serotonin in the brain. SEROTONIN is a chemical that acts as a mood stabilizer and aids with feelings of reward and happiness.
Compounds found in sweet potatoes can also help lower CORTISOL levels, a steroid hormone that essentially acts as an alarm system for your body, which is a huge part of stress management in the brain.
Leafy greens like spinach are packed with MAGNESIUM, a mineral associated with lowering feelings of anxiety, and vitamin C. Scientists have found EVIDENCE that vitamin C deficiencies are a common cause of stress. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t naturally produce vitamin C, so it is important to incorporate it into our diets naturally.
Other benefits of spinach include folate (also known as vitamin B9), which stimulates the production of dopamine. DOPAMINE is the chemical that helps our brain cells communicate with each other and is responsible for helping us feel pleasure, happiness, and motivation.
While oranges are known as the go-to food for vitamin C, yellow bell peppers contain almost twice as much vitamin C as an orange – and with half the sugar. In fact, one medium-sized yellow bell pepper has 169% OF THE REFERENCE DAILY INTAKE of vitamin C. This makes yellow bell peppers a wonderful ingredient to use in a dish or even as a quick snack. In addition, raw bell peppers are made up of about 90% WATEr, making this veggie the perfect, healthy grab-and-go option.
Whether you like them over easy or scrambled, eggs benefit your brain and your nervous system. Think about the last time you felt stressed: you probably were fatigued and overwhelmed and maybe even a bit irritable or angry.
Egg yolk contains 20% of TRYPTOPHAN, an amino acid necessary for the production of serotonin. The next time you’re feeling stressed, a serving of eggs can help you release serotonin chemicals to the nerve cells in the brain, which will leave you feeling calmer and relaxed.
While you might have hated broccoli as a kid, this cruciferous vegetable can be delicious in so many dishes. It’s full of beneficial vitamins, the most notable being vitamin C. Broccoli actually outranks oranges by two to one when it comes to vitamin C. Just 100 grams of cooked broccoli has twice the amount as 100 grams of orange. Broccoli also contains a significant amount of magnesium, and a shortage of magnesium in the body can make us more susceptible to stress.
There are many stress management strategies, from meditation to exercise, but it’s important to understand that, like any other health problem, diet plays a crucial role. At HarborChase Senior Living, our assisted living communities allow residents to lead their healthiest lives yet. Through enriching programs and nutrient-dense culinary options, every day at HarborChase is worth celebrating.
Exercise offers numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, managing weight, and reducing stress. Another key benefit is its role in preventing type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, exercise doesnt need to be intense or strenuous to be effective. Activities like walking, gardening, or other enjoyable forms of light exercise can be just as beneficial. However, people with diabetes should keep certain considerations in mind while exercising.Important Considerations for Exercising with Diabetes:Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is especially important for people with diabetes, as they are more prone to dehydration. Be sure to drink water before and after exercise, and take a water break every 20 minutes during physical activity.Foot Care: Pay attention to your feet. Physical activity can sometimes lead to redness, blisters, or sores. If you notice any sores that arent healing, contact your doctor for guidance.Monitor Blood Glucose Levels: Its crucial to test your blood sugar levels before and after exercise to ensure they are within a safe range. Monitoring your glucose levels helps you understand how exercise affects your body.Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any exercise program, consult a doctor or physical therapist. They can advise you on which exercises are most suitable based on your individual health status.Exercise can greatly benefit people with diabetes, but staying mindful of these key considerations will help make it both safe and effective.
Parkinsons Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Early signs may include tremors, slowed movement, stiffness, and changes in speech or facial expression. While there is no cure, therapy can significantly improve quality of life. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help patients maintain independence, manage symptoms, and slow disease progression. Mind & Mobility is a leading provider of Parkinsons therapy in Florida, offering both in-home and outpatient services.Physical therapy for Parkinsons focuses on improving gait, strength, posture, and flexibility. Therapists may use exercises such as large-amplitude movement training, resistance training, and gait re-education. These interventions help reduce rigidity and improve stride length and balance.Occupational therapy supports patients in performing everyday activities like dressing, writing, and meal preparation. Therapists may recommend adaptive tools and suggest ways to modify the environment to enhance safety and ease.Speech therapy addresses soft speech (hypophonia), swallowing issues, and communication challenges. Techniques such as LSVT LOUD can improve vocal projection and clarity. Swallowing therapy helps avoid complications like aspiration. An early multidisciplinary approach is critical. The sooner therapy begins, the more effective it can be in maintaining function and independence. Regular reassessments ensure the therapy plan evolves with the patients needs. Ultimately, personalized therapy can make a powerful difference in slowing Parkinsons impact and preserving quality of life.In addition to therapy, understanding the stages of Parkinsons Disease can help patients and caregivers anticipate changes and plan accordingly. The Hoehn and Yahr scale, commonly used to classify disease progression, ranges from Stage 1 (mild symptoms affecting one side of the body) to Stage 5 (severe disability requiring full-time care). Each stage brings unique challenges, and therapy plans must evolve to meet the changing needs of the individual.Non-motor symptomssuch as sleep disturbances, constipation, depression, anxiety, and cognitive changesare also common in Parkinsons and often under-recognized. These symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, even when motor symptoms are well managed. Occupational therapists often help address fatigue, energy conservation, and task sequencing, while speech therapists may work on strategies for cognitive-communication deficits. Mental health support and regular medical follow-up are critical.Medications like levodopa remain the cornerstone of Parkinsons treatment, but they are most effective when paired with an active therapy regimen. Exercise, especially high-intensity aerobic activity, has been shown to promote neuroplasticity and may help slow the diseases progression. Programs like Rock Steady Boxing, dance therapy, and aquatic exercise have grown in popularity for their ability to combine movement with enjoyment and social interaction.Caregiver education is another essential component of treatment. Therapists can train family members and aides in safe transfer techniques, cueing strategies, and environmental modifications to prevent falls and reduce caregiver strain. Support groups also provide valuable emotional reinforcement and shared resources for both patients and caregivers.Finally, technology is playing a growing role in Parkinsons management. From smartwatches that track movement patterns to apps that guide home exercise routines, digital tools can enhance therapy compliance and symptom monitoring. Telehealth therapy services are also expanding access to care for those with limited mobility or transportation challenges.The journey with Parkinsons is different for everyone, but early intervention, personalized therapy, and a proactive care plan can dramatically improve outcomes. By integrating physical, occupational, and speech therapy from the onset, individuals with Parkinsons can extend their independence, maintain dignity, and preserve their sense of identity far longer than previously thought possible.Mind & Mobility is a leading provider of Parkinsons therapy in Florida, offering both in-home and outpatient services. With a team of expert physical, occupational, and speech therapistsincluding those certified in LSVT BIG and LOUDMind & Mobility is committed to helping individuals with Parkinsons Disease maintain independence, improve quality of life, and age with dignity. Whether you need intensive one-on-one treatment or ongoing support, Parkinsons therapy in Florida from Mind & Mobility ensures care thats compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your journey.
How Physical Therapy Slows the Progression of ALSAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These motor neurons control voluntary muscle movement, and as they degenerate, patients gradually lose the ability to walk, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. While ALS currently has no cure, one of the most effective ways to manage the disease and maintain quality of life is through physical therapy for ALS.The Role of Physical Therapy in ALS CareThe primary goal of physical therapy for ALS is to preserve mobility and delay the secondary effects of immobility, such as joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and contractures. A licensed physical therapist helps patients maintain as much independence as possible by designing a personalized plan that evolves with the progression of the disease. This often includes:Range of motion exercises to maintain joint flexibilityGentle resistance training to delay muscle weakeningBalance and gait training to prevent fallsPostural adjustments and positioning techniques for comfort and safetyEarly in the disease, patients can benefit greatly from moderate activity. As ALS progresses, physical therapy shifts focus toward symptom management and maximizing safety and comfort. Its important to note that overexertion can worsen fatigue and muscle breakdown, so therapists skilled in physical therapy for ALS closely monitor activity levels and patient response.Adaptive Equipment and Assistive TechnologyAnother important component of physical therapy for ALS is identifying and introducing assistive devices at the right time. As motor function declines, mobility aids such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), canes, walkers, and eventually wheelchairs become necessary. A physical therapist can evaluate the patients current needs and recommend equipment that supports function without promoting dependence prematurely.Additionally, therapists teach patients and caregivers how to safely transfer in and out of chairs, beds, and cars. Proper techniques reduce injury risk and promote confidence. Positioning aids like wedges and cushions may be recommended to prevent pressure sores and improve respiratory mechanics.Breathing and Postural SupportAs ALS progresses, respiratory muscles weaken, making breathing more difficult. Though this typically falls under respiratory therapy, physical therapists can assist by promoting postural alignment that supports better lung expansion and comfort. They may also coordinate with the rest of the healthcare team to time therapy when breathing function is at its best.Coordination with a Multidisciplinary TeamManaging ALS effectively requires a team-based approach. Physical therapy for ALS works best when integrated with occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, and regular physician oversight. Therapists communicate frequently to adjust care goals, track symptom changes, and ensure that treatment plans reflect the patients current abilities and desires.Occupational therapists help with upper-body tasks and fine motor coordination, while speech-language pathologists support communication and safe swallowing. Physical therapists play a central role in preserving gross motor function and preventing complications related to reduced mobility.Emotional and Caregiver SupportALS impacts more than just the patientit deeply affects families and caregivers. Physical therapists often become trusted partners in care, providing emotional encouragement alongside clinical treatment. They also teach caregivers essential skills such as safe transfers, fall prevention strategies, and body mechanics to protect their own health.As mobility declines, home safety evaluations may be performed to recommend grab bars, ramps, shower chairs, and other modifications that enable patients to continue daily routines as independently as possible.The Long-Term Value of Physical Therapy for ALSWhile physical therapy for ALS does not stop the disease, its value is undeniable. Patients who participate in therapy tend to experience slower functional decline, fewer complications, and higher satisfaction with their care. Therapy helps maintain dignity, preserve autonomy, and extend participation in meaningful activities.At every stage, physical therapy for ALS must be individualized and responsive. Regular reassessments ensure the treatment evolves with the patients needs, and even small winslike maintaining the ability to stand or shift position independentlycan make a significant difference in quality of life.