Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Seniors, and Those with Chronic Conditions

Embarking on a journey towards better health doesnt always require drastic changes to your diet. Sometimes, its the small, thoughtful adjustments that can make a significant impact on your overall well-being. We understand that as you age, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet becomes increasingly important. Thats why weve compiled a list of six simple food swaps that can help boost your nutrition without overhauling your entire eating habits.1. Breakfast Cereal vs. Steel-Cut OatsIf you often find yourself reaching for a box of breakfast cereal in the morning, consider steel-cut oats as an alternative. Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are minimally processed oat groats that have been chopped into small pieces. This minimal processing means they retain more of their natural nutrients compared to their rolled or instant counterparts. Rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, steel-cut oats offer a hearty and satisfying breakfast option that can keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.2. Canned Tuna vs. Canned SalmonOne of the most significant advantages of choosing canned salmon over tuna is its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats play a crucial role in maintaining heart health, supporting brain function, and reducing inflammation throughout the body. Sockeye salmon, in particular, is an excellent source of these beneficial fats, providing more omega-3s per serving than most canned tuna varieties.3. Iceberg Lettuce vs. Dark Leafy GreensWhile iceberg lettuce seems to be popular at salad bars across the country, a simple swap for a healthier salad is using dark, leafy greens as a replacement. Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens, contain 9 times more vitamin A than iceberg lettuce. Greens also contain healthy amounts of fiber, folate and potassium.4. Low-Fat Yogurt vs. SkyrSkyr (pronounced skeer) is a cultured dairy product that has been a staple in Icelandic cuisine for centuries. Its made by incubating skim milk with live active cultures, then straining the whey, resulting in a product thats thicker and more concentrated than regular yogurt.The nutritional benefits of Skyr are truly impressive, especially when compared to low-fat yogurt. Skyr contains up to 17 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving, which is significantly more than low-fat yogurt. Since Skyr is a cultured dairy product, it contains probiotics that support gut health. Lastly, its low in sugar, which is great for those who are monitoring their sugar intake.5. White Bread vs. Whole Grain BreadThere are many different types of breads available in super markets, but the two most common types are white bread and whole wheat. While they are both made from grains, there are some key differences between the two types. Whole grain bread is made from wheat that has all components of the grain, the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. This means that whole wheat bread contains the healthy fats, minerals, and fiber. White bread is made from refined flour, which goes through a milling process that removes the bran and germ. Therefor, white bread lacks a lot of the nutrient properties of whole grain bread.6. Potato Chips vs. Baked SnacksPotato chips are fried in oil, which gives them a delightful texture- but unfortunately, more calories and fat. Baked snacks like pretzels, air-popped popcorn or veggie chips are cooked without any inflammatory oils, but can be just as satisfying. As you embark on this journey of healthier eating, keep these final thoughts in mind: Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how these new foods make you feel. Everyones nutritional needs are different, so find what works best for you. Gradual Changes: Introduce these swaps gradually. This approach is more sustainable and allows your taste buds to adjust. Experiment and Enjoy: Dont be afraid to get creative with these new ingredients. Trying new recipes can make healthy eating an exciting adventure. Balance is Key: While these swaps offer nutritional benefits, remember that a balanced diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups. Consult Professionals: If you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, its always wise to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. By making these thoughtful swaps, youre not just changing whats on your plate; youre investing in your long-term health and well-being. Each meal becomes an opportunity to nourish your body with foods that not only taste good but also do good for your health.

Ideas for Heart-Healthy Dates for Couples Over 65 Love is ageless, and so is the fun of date nights! But for couples over 65, keeping date nights heart-healthy can add a touch of care and well-being to your romance. Here are some delightful and unique heart healthy date ideas to make your evenings together enjoyable and beneficial for your heart health.1. Stroll Down Memory LaneTake a leisurely walk in your favorite park or along a beachside trail. Walking hand-in-hand not only boosts cardiovascular health but also gives you a chance to reminisce about cherished memories. For a unique twist, recreate your first date or visit a spot that holds sentimental value. 2. Cook a Heart-Healthy Meal TogetherCooking can be a wonderful bonding activity! Choose heart-healthy recipes featuring whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of colorful veggies. Try preparing a Mediterranean-inspired dinner with grilled salmon, quinoa, and a fresh Greek salad. Dont forget the red winein moderation, its good for the heart! 3. Dance the Night AwayPut on your favorite tunes and dance like no ones watching! Whether its a waltz, a tango, or simply swaying to the beat, dancing is a fantastic way to get your heart pumping while enjoying each others company. Bonus points if you dress up to make it feel extra special. 4. Explore a Farmers MarketSpend a morning or afternoon wandering through a local farmers market. Pick up fresh, seasonal produce and plan a picnic or dinner around your finds. Walking through the market keeps you active, and choosing fresh ingredients supports your heart health. 5. Take a Fitness Class for TwoTry something new together! Whether its yoga, tai chi, or a water aerobics class, exercising as a couple can be a lot of fun. Many community centers offer classes specifically designed for seniors, making it a great way to stay active and meet new friends. 6. Garden TogetherGardening isnt just therapeutic; its also good for your heart. Planting flowers or cultivating a vegetable garden gets you moving and provides fresh air and sunshine. Plus, growing your own herbs and veggies adds a personal touch to your meals. 7. Host a Heart-Healthy Game NightInvite a few friends over for a game night featuring board games or cards. Serve heart-healthy snacks like air-popped popcorn, veggie platters, and fruit kabobs. Laughter and socializing are wonderful for reducing stress and boosting happiness. 8. Star Gazing PicnicPack a picnic with heart-friendly snacks like hummus, whole-grain crackers, and fresh fruit, and head to a quiet spot with a great view of the night sky. Bring a blanket, relax under the stars, and enjoy the serenity together. This date is as good for the soul as it is for the heart. 9. Volunteer TogetherStrengthen your bond while giving back to your community. Volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or community event keeps you active and engaged while sharing meaningful experiences. 10. Try a Puzzle WalkCombine exercise with a mental challenge by exploring a museum, botanical garden, or even a historical district. Many of these places offer scavenger hunts or trivia activities that make the experience interactive and engaging. Love + Health = HappinessPrioritizing heart health doesnt mean giving up on fun and romance. With these creative heart healthy date night ideas, you can nurture your relationship while also taking care of your heart. So go ahead, plan your next adventure together and make every moment count!  VIPCare is Senior-Focused Care that caters specifically to the needs of older adults 65+.  Call 251-257-2886 for more information. 

The Best Bathroom Paint Colors For 2025If you love using color in your home, 2025 is the year for youespecially when it comes to bathroom paint color trends. The timeless, gleaming white bathroom aesthetic has competition this year as bold colors are at the top of every top trend list. Ranging from warm peach to luxurious jewel tones, rich color is finding its way onto bathroom walls, cabinetry and accessories. However, that does not mean neutrals are dead far from it. This years crop of color trends truly offers something for every taste.Despite the plethora of options, choosing bathroom paint colors does not have to be difficult. To keep yourself from being swept up in the many paint options and bathroom color ideas that you see online, it is helpful to start by thinking about color in terms of style: trendy, traditional or timelessness. This guide will help you select the best bathroom paint colors for your homes style and your personal taste.How to choose a bathroom paint color? Start with your style.Staying true to your style is important when choosing paint colors: straying too far from your preferences could lead to a less satisfying result. Thinking about your style as you make your color choices will help you find the right shade for your home and your family. Let us start by describing the key style categories, and what each means when it comes to bathroom designs and colors: Trendy: Trendy bathroom color ideas and designs are circulated widely on social media as well as in interior design blogs and magazines. Trendsetters re-think fixtures, finishes and color schemes, providing fresh ideas and inspiration for your project. Alternative metals, innovative features and new colors are the hallmarks of the trendsetting style. Traditional: Traditional bathroom styles feature neutral palettes, polished brass or chrome fixtures, wood cabinetry and natural (or natural-looking) stone counters. While white linens are the traditional choice, the neutral colors of the traditional palette are flexible, enabling you to inject added color into the room with bright artwork or colorful linens. Timeless: Timeless style is simple and balanced and allows you to make simple modifications to update the look of a room. The clean white bathroom is a classic example of a timeless look. Crisp white tile, cabinetry and fixtures do not go out of style and are easy to accessorize. The top bathroom paint colors for 2025There is something for every style, aesthetic and personal taste among this years color trends. Whether you are planning an all-out, maximalist remodel or prefer your bathroom to be a soothing oasis, 2025s color trends offer everything from bold hues to a fresh look at calming neutrals.A peachy pick is the top color trendA good place to start when it comes to bathroom paint color choices is the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year, a soft peach shade aptly named Peach Fuzz that is setting the tone for current color trends. Unlike recent years which featured intense shades of fuchsia, periwinkle and yellow, Peach Fuzz ushers in a range of livable, sophisticated colors that nod toward nature and complement the increasing popularity of natural-looking stone and wood accents.One word about on-trend colors: you do not have to stick to the exact shade or palette! Feel free to interpret the trends according to your personal taste. Peach Fuzz, for example, sits between pink and orange on the color wheel and can be easily nudged in either direction, toward terra cotta for an earthier feel, or toward pink shades which are infinitely flexible and flattering.Shades of peach and apricot also pair beautifully with white, neutrals and with the next trend category: jewel tones.Vibrant jewel tones are back in styleWhite-on-white bathrooms and kitchens have been on trend for years and are always timeless. However, for 2025, bold color makes its return. Rich jewel tonesdeep emerald, rich topaz, dark sapphire, dusky ruby and velvety dark shades of plumare being seen on bathroom walls, cabinetry and accessories.These vibrant hues stand in stark contrast to the neutral palettes that have been popular for the last several years. Whether used as accent colors or as the focal point of a design, jewel tones can stand alone or play well with neutral colors.Spa-like neutrals define in-home retreatsWhile strong colors are making the headlines for current bathroom color trends, that does not mean that neutral palettes are out of favor. Warm and soothing shades of beige and taupe are fresh choices for those seeking a more tranquil and traditional bathroom look.When thinking about a neutral palette, do not be afraid to look at darker neutral shades. Mid-brown shades of taupe, for example, can be striking when paired with white for a tailored look, or provide a soft background for other accent colors.Which bathroom color trend is right for you?The current years trends offer a multitude of color options and interpretations for every style. To help ensure you are happy with your color choice, keep the following tips in mind: Always test the paint color in the room you are going to paint. Colors can look vastly different on a swatch or in a store than they do on your bathroom walls. Always test a small area first. Do not ignore your lighting. Lighting dramatically affects how a paint color looks in a room. Natural light can make colors appear differently than artificial light. Not considering how the color will look in your bathrooms lighting conditions can lead to unexpected results. Consider the size of the bathroom you are painting. Using dark or very bold colors in a small bathroom can make the space feel cramped and smaller than it is. While these colors can be striking, it is important to use them wisely in smaller spaces. (More on picking paint colors for small bathrooms is below!) Do not forget the paint finish and moisture resistance. Choosing a moisture-resistant paint is the first order of business when it comes to painting your bathroom. However, the finish of the paint (gloss, semi-gloss, matte) can also have a significant impact. Glossy finishes are easier to clean, for example, but they also highlight any imperfections in the walls. Matte finishes, on the other hand, can be easily spotted if splashed with water. Small bathroom paint color tipsWhat is the best color for a small bathroom?  The answer depends on a few things, from the lighting in the room to (as always!) your own taste. When choosing a color for a small bathroom, several factors should be taken into account to make the space feel welcoming and avoid feeling claustrophobic. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Light colors: Lighter colors can make a room feel more spacious. Soft whites, neutrals and pastels can brighten up the space and give an illusion of it being larger than it is. You can interpret color trends by using a lighter shade of a bold color on the walls and using a darker shade sparingly in accents or accessories. Cool tones: Cool blues and greens can create a calming and refreshing ambiance in a small space, and they often reflect light better, contributing to a more open feel. Consistent or monochromatic color scheme: Using a consistent or even monochromatic color palette can help the space feel unified and expansive. If you choose to have multiple colors, make sure they complement each other and keep contrasting colors to a minimum. Accent wall: An accent wall can be a terrific way to use color strategically in a smaller room. Painting one wall in a bolder or darker shade can add depth without overwhelming the space with a dark color. The right color can transform your bathroom, turning it into a sanctuary or highlighting beautiful design and materials. Whether your style is trendy, traditional or timeless, this years color trends offer beautiful options for all baths, regardless of size. Keep our tips in mind, and if you need more ideas, schedule a free bathroom design consultation with one of our professionals.  Schedule a free, in-home design consultation today with your Local Re-Bath location at 251-220-9284. Servicing Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe & Washington counties in Alabama.