5 Preventive Health Habits That Matter Most

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Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay

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Jun 28, 2021

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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An all-around healthy lifestyle is the strongest defense against chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Here are 5 habits in particular that are critical for reducing overall risk
Data from the federal government reflected that Americans spent over $3.65 trillion on health care in 2018. That's a staggering figure, to say the least and here's another one:
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) report that 75% of all US healthcare spending is in response to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
These two data points alone go to show not only how preventive health behaviors might benefit our overall wellness, but that they could unlock billions in reduced healthcare spending as well.
Seniors in particular have long been more predisposed than the general population to engage in preventive health habits, which are thought to help them live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. And for others, its seldom too late to start making better health-related choices.
Either way, though, understanding where to start and which facets of life to emphasize for chronic disease prevention and better overall health is important, so we've compiled a short list. What follows are five distinct health behaviors that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes) and should form a foundation for Americans preventive health habits.
Not Smoking
No real surprise here. And although smoking is mentioned specifically, the guidance actually includes avoiding all nicotine and tobacco products, which are proven to increase risks for virtually all the major chronic diseases, and others.
Exercising Regularly
Physical activity is naturally good for the body, and as we alluded to recently, can help preserve and protect mental health as well. The US Surgeon General recommends two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week for adults, and one hour a day for children and adolescents.
Seniors, for example, might aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days per week, and with senior-specific wellness programs like FitCampSM, which has been engineered by Discovery Senior Living, exercise is becoming more personalized and accessible for thousands of resident seniors.
Avoiding Alcohol or Drinking in Moderation
Like smoking and tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to a number of chronic diseases and health-related concerns. But then again, there are studies that suggest certain preventive health benefits, like the popular idea that an occasional (or even daily) glass of wine provides antioxidants and can guard against heart disease. So which is it?
Generally speaking, drinking in moderation is acceptable as preventive health behavior, with moderation being the keyword. Men should limit alcohol consumption to two drinks a day, while women should stick to just one.
Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
Although Eating a Healthy Diet isn't specifically one of the five preventive health measures, its certainly implied with this call to maintain a healthy weight. Seniors (and adults in general) are urged to work in partnership with a doctor or dietary specialist to measure and monitor body mass index (BMI), which is largely used to determine whether their weight can be considered in the healthy range given their height and perhaps other factors.
Getting Sufficient Sleep
Studies have shown that Americans are becoming increasingly used to functioning on less than the recommended amount of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation, however, recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and some seniors (those ages 26-64), and 7-8 hours for seniors 65 and older.

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Some Sedentary Activities Are Good For Brain Health

Physical activity helps your brain, but did you know even some sedentary activities can ward off cognitive decline? Creative crafts, reading, and puzzles such as Sudoku or Scrabble keep your brain mentally stimulated. Try word and number games rather than TV or gaming. So, when you rest your body, make sure you're still engaging your brain. Summary: New research highlights that some sedentary activities, like reading or crafting, are better for brain health than others, such as watching TV or gaming. A study of 397 older adults found that mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities support memory and thinking abilities, while passive screen time is linked to cognitive decline.This insight is crucial, as 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Researchers suggest swapping passive activities for more engaging ones to protect brain health, even during indulgent holiday marathons.Key FactsCognitive Benefits: Reading and social engagement improve brain function, unlike passive screen time.Preventable Risk: 45% of dementia cases could be reduced through lifestyle changes.Healthy Swaps: Small activity changes, like breaking up TV time with reading or movement, benefit the brain.Source: University of South AustraliaIts that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.Assessing the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults (aged 60+), researchers found that the context or type of activity that you engage in, matters when it comes to brain health. And specifically, that some sedentary (or sitting) behaviours are better for cognitive function than others.When looking at different sedentary behaviours, they found that social or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, listening to music, praying, crafting, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities. Yet watching TV or playing video games are detrimental.Researchers believe that there is likely a hierarchy of how sedentary behaviours relate to cognitive function, in that some have positive effects while others have negative effects.Its a valuable insight that could help reduce risks of cognitive impairment, particularly when at least 45% of dementia cases could be prevented through modifiable lifestyle factors.In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year.UniSA researcher Dr Maddison Mellow says that not all sedentary behaviours are equal when it comes to memory and thinking ability.In this research, we found that the context of an activity alters how it relates to cognitive function, with different activities providing varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement, Dr Mellow says.We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadnt directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behaviour for another.We found that sedentary behaviours which promote mental stimulation or social engagement such as reading or talking with friends are beneficial for cognitive function, whereas others like watching TV or gaming have a negative effect. So, the type of activity is important.And, while the move more, sit less message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function.Now, as the Christmas holidays roll around, what advice do researchers have for those who really want to indulge in a myriad of Christmas movies or a marathon of Modern Family?To achieve the best brain health and physical health benefits, you should prioritise movement thats enjoyable and gets the heart rate up, as this has benefits for all aspects of health, Dr Mellow says.But even small five-minute time swaps can have benefits. So, if youre dead set on having a Christmas movie marathon, try to break up that time with some physical activity or a more cognitively engaged seated activity, like reading, at some point. That way you can slowly build up healthier habits.This research was conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including: Dr Maddison Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Assoc Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle.Author: Annabel MansfieldSource: University of South AustraliaContact: Annabel Mansfield University of South AustraliaImage: The image is credited to Neuroscience NewsOriginal Research: Open access.Should We Work Smarter or Harder for Our Health? A Comparison of Intensity and Domain-Based Time-Use Compositions and Their Associations With Cognitive and Cardiometabolic Health by Maddison Mellow et al. Journals of Gerontology Series A

Healthy Vision: Tips for Saving Your Eyesight

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Why Is Staying Hydrated So Difficult for Seniors?

Hot summer days are a good time for everyone to think about staying hydrated. For older adults the topic of hydration is a year-round discussion that never goes away. Its a serious issue for most seniors but doesnt get resolved because it needs to be addressed every day and cant be solved with a pill.Seniors have a very high risk for dehydration, which is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization after the age of 65. They have a greater risk of dehydration for many reasons, including the fact that as we age, our kidneys become less efficient at conserving fluids, our sense of thirst weakens, and we are less able to adjust to changes in temperature. Some medications like diuretics, sedatives, and laxatives can also cause increased fluid loss.Dehydration can cause temporary symptoms that mimic symptoms of Alzheimers. If dementia-like symptoms seem to appear suddenly, it could be dehydration which is easily curable.Symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, confusion, lethargy, increased heart rate, sunken eyes, dry mouth, dark colored urine.  Urine should be clear to pale yellow. I tell my clients that if their urine is darker than pale yellow, they should head straight to the kitchen from the bathroom and drink a full glass of water.  Keeping a glass of water beside you all day to sip on rarely results in someone drinking enough fluids.  Its more effective to drink the entire glass, even if its a small glass.  Seniors cant rely on their sense of thirst to tell them when to drink water.  Scheduling a glass at each meal and/or after a bathroom visit, making sure to drink the full glass, is the best way to make sure youve gotten your full daily amount.If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040. 

Local Services By This Author

Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay

Assisted Living 1414 69th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34207

Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay's assisted living program is a comforting and supportive option for those seeking a bit of extra assistance with daily tasks. The assurance of help with appointments and medication management alleviates stress, allowing residents to focus on enjoying life's pleasures. Gourmet dining experiences and a calendar full of social events promise a vibrant lifestyle within the community.The dedication of the senior assisted living team to providing respectful and compassionate care ensures residents feel valued and supported. The availability of professional health and wellness staff round-the-clock reflects a commitment to meeting residents' needs at any hour. Creating an environment that families enjoy visiting speaks volumes about the warmth and welcoming atmosphere fostered within the community.It's evident that Discovery Village prioritizes not only providing essential assistance but also enhancing residents' quality of life through thoughtful amenities and convenient features. This commitment to holistic well-being makes it a standout option among senior assisted living communities in Florida.

Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay

Memory Care 1414 69th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34207

At Discovery Village, we understand the challenges people with dementia face. When your loved one enters our Memory Care community, well guide and support them using a person-centered approach thats rated among the nations very best.Our SHINE Memory Care curriculum has received a National Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimers Association, the countrys leading, voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimers care and research. The distinction is one that we share with a small and elite group of U.S. memory care providers. Thats proof of the quality of SHINE.Its also an approach thats unique and personalized to memory care which utilizes scientific principles to promote comprehension, lifestyle quality, and engagement for family members living with Alzheimers Disease, dementia as well as other memory-related conditions.With ongoing education and specialized training in memory care diseases that both our nurses and certified nurse assistants are currently undergoing, for each resident, they chart a course that touches upon many important aspects of life. The SHINE Memory Care program is intended to rebuild and preserve what was lost due to their affliction. From the best meals to personalized care and attention, your loved ones are in the best hands and receiving the finest quality care. You have our word, so you can rest easy.What Is the SHINE Memory Care Program?At Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay, residents will get to experience a friendly, social environment that consists of beautiful dining rooms, warm common areas, and naturally cultivate friendships in the state-of-the-art activity centers. Those with Alzheimers disease and/or dementia deserve to get both guidance and compassion and will receive the level of care they need from our Memory Care team members who are expertly trained.Our SHINE Memory Care Program provides long-term care designed to meet the needs of these residents through a supervised environment, assistance with daily living activities, and medical monitoring. Throughout the day, we also provide residents activities to enrich their lives by keeping them engaged as well as filled with purpose.There are some benefits that our memory care communities include such as the assistance of specially trained team members, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is in a safe, secure environment, and opportunities for residents to interact and socialize. If you have considered a memory care program for your loved ones, Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay offers high-quality care in our stylish, comfortable community.

Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay

Independent Living 1414 69th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34207

Our Independent Living community at Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay sounds truly remarkable! It's exciting to hear about a community that's not only breathtaking and high-tech but also designed to meet the highest standards for amenity- and service-rich senior living. The inclusion of FlexChoice pricing makes this luxurious lifestyle more accessible to a wider range of individuals.The location of Discovery Village, just steps away from Sarasota Bay, adds to its allure, providing residents with stunning views and easy access to waterfront activities. The array of dining options and indoor/outdoor amenities promise an enriching and vibrant lifestyle. FitCamp sounds like an innovative approach to seniors' health and fitness, offering opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged.Moreover, the attentive concierge service reflects a commitment to providing personalized care and support to residents. The convenience of complimentary, scheduled transportation allows residents to explore and enjoy all that the Sarasota area has to offer, from its renowned beaches to its thriving arts and culture scene, golf courses, fishing spots, and more.Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay seems to offer a resort-style living experience that combines luxury, convenience, and excitement, making it an ideal choice for independent seniors looking to embrace a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.