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As many of us know and have experienced first-hand, pets are essential members of our families and provide many mental and physical health benefits. Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) reveals that 74% of pet owners experience enhanced mental well-being through their interactions with animals. Even 1-in-5 pet owners have stated that their doctor or therapist has recommended that they get a pet. This companionship is especially valuable for seniors, as pets help alleviate feelings of isolation and depression, offering emotional support and improving overall mental health.
At all of The Gallery senior living communities, we happily welcome residents’ pets of all different shapes and sizes. Where most senior living communities have a size or breed limitation, our senior living communities do not! We aim to create a community filled with love, support, and happiness – and that includes dogs, cats, birds, and other pets. If you are able to care for your furry friend, then there is a place for them to call home at The Gallery senior living communities.
Our pets don’t just provide mental health benefits, but they also come with physical health benefits as well. A study published by the American Heart Association found that dog owners are 54% more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity, which helps seniors maintain mobility and cardiovascular health through activities like daily walks. Even playing with your cats inside increases mobility, helping seniors stay active through the years.
In addition to mobility and cardiovascular health benefits, The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) performed a recent study and concluded that pet ownership can lead to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. There are cognitive function benefits to pet ownership as well, making pets great for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in our Memory Care communities.
At The Gallery senior living communities, there are carefully crafted areas indoors and outdoors that residents’ pets can socialize and get all the attention they want. The strategic placement of these locations are designed so residents with pet allergies are not negatively impacted by the pets at each community.
Pets are welcome at each of The Gallery’s senior living communities. From Florida all the way to Washington, we’ve made sure there is a community for you and your pets to call home.
There are two main types. Type I (Juvenile) and Type II Type 2 diabetes is much more common and is typically caused by lifestyle choices. Unlike type I, the pancreas can make insulin, but not enough. This leads to the sugar being left in the blood stream instead of being pushed into the cell for an energy source.Some risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes:weightinactivityfamily historyhigh LDL cholesterol levelsAge over 45prediabetesComplications of type 2 diabetes:blood vessel disease nerve damage impaired healing heart disease stroke kidney disease eye damage dementiaPeople with type 2 diabetes, on average, have a shortened life expectancy by about 10 years.You can prevent type 2 diabetes by: eating properly exercise losing weightBalancing your nutrition with the proper amounts of proteins, carbs and fat not only helps you look better, have more energy and confidence but it also prevents chronic disease. Over 80% of chronic disease is preventable through lifestyle modification!
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition medical professionals call the silent killer. Silent because having elevated blood pressure often goes undetected for years or decades as it slowly causes fatal changes throughout the body, leading to death. Common comorbidities of prolonged hypertension include: kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, angina, dementia, vision loss, blindness, sexual dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, fatigue, artery damage, blood clots, and much more. Unfortunately, many individuals do not know or treat hypertension until the damage has already taken place. But it's not too late. There are many methods and options available to treat and eliminate this life threatening condition. The traditional method of treating hypertension consists of a doctor's visit, finding of hypertension, a series of cardiac studies, and then being prescribed medication.Often this is accompanied by a diagnosis of genetic hypertension, familial hypertension, secondary hypertension or idiopathic hypertension (unknown cause). Regardless of the diagnosis, the underlying cause can go unnoticed and untreated. Frankly, because there is not enough time and individuality to this approach. The band aid approach. So what's a normal blood pressure? Ideally 120/60.When does blood pressure become dangerous? When your systolic pressure (the first number) rises above and sustains above 150 you should be concerned.Long term effects of elevated blood pressure leads to interior vessel damage and therefore creates even more of a risk to you such as narrowing of the blood vessel, clotting and arteriosclerosis. So what generally leads to hypertension?Some causes for hypertension include obesity, hypernatremia or high sodium, lack of exercise, elevated homocysteine, sleep deprivation, substance use, smoking, stress, hypercholesterol or high fats in the blood, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, lung disease, diet and age.Getting to the core issue and addressing the primary cause or causes of hypertension is the ideal treatment. Unfortunately this is often challenging and time consuming for individuals to navigate themselves. They find there is no direct guidance from medical professionals. Instead the medication seems to be the end all be all approach. Most providers are unfortunately taught this method in school and are not programmed to use a holistic approach.Depending on the cause of hypertension, there are methods and scientifically proven lifestyle changes that can eliminate the silent killer in your life, without having to take medication with harmful side effects. Here are some general non-specific ways to treat hypertension:1. Sodium. Water follows salt. The more salt you digest, the more water that attaches to it. This fills up the veins and arteries, and the pressure makes the heart have to work harder to pump. By reducing sodium intake, we reduce the amount of fluid in our vascular space and lessen the workload of the heart. 2. Quit smoking. Smoking causes damage to the inside of our vessels, contributes to blood clotting, and damages your lungs. The damage in your lungs causes a backup of blood flow.3. Exercise. Your heart is its own muscle and requires exercise. When we exercise, we require the heart to improve endurance. Therefore when we are at rest, it has an easier time pumping blood.4. Diet. Eating a well balanced diet can reduce excess cholesterol. Bad cholesterol component that accumulates inside your vessels. When this happens, the opening becomes smaller making the heart have to pump harder to push through.5. Weight loss. Losing excess weight means the body needs less blood to feed extra tissue. When we lose weight, we reduce the need for the heart to pump harder to feed the excess mass. The extra pumping causes the heart muscle to become large then sets into other diseases, such as heart failure.6. Stress reduction. Stress induces a response in our body, causing inflammation, increasing our heart rate and narrowing our vessels. This again causes the heart to have to pump harder and thus increases our blood pressure.Utilizing an experienced certified nurse and wellness coach can bridge the gap between lifestyle modification and optimal health. By utilizing this approach, you can obtain a personal and individualized plan and treatment for hypertension and other ailments concurrently. To learn more about a specific plan designed for you or to schedule a free consultation, click below. I would be happy to see if we are a good fit to work together and begin living the life you were designed for and the care you deserve.
Moodys recently upgraded Collier Countys Series 2018 Tourist Development Tax Revenue Bonds by two notchesfrom Aa3 to Aa1an uncommon and impressive achievement. This upgrade reflects the countys financial strength, fueled by growing tourism revenues and strategic fiscal management.Why This MattersThis upgrade allows Collier County to borrow at lower interest rates, potentially saving taxpayers millions. For senior citizens, this means: Improved Services: Savings can possibly fund critical projects such as better transportation, healthcare facilities, and senior centers. Tax Stability: Lower borrowing costs help keep property taxes steady, a relief for those on fixed incomes. Enhanced Quality of Life: A strong tourism economy supports parks, cultural activities, and infrastructure which many seniors can enjoy.This achievement highlights the countys commitment to financial responsibility and delivering lasting benefits for Collier County residents of all ages.For more details, contact Derek M. Johnssen at (239) 252-7863 or visit emma.msrb.org.#CollierCounty #FinancialStrength #SeniorLiving
Welcome to The Gallery at Hacienda Lakes, where senior living is an artful experience inspired by individual stories and deep connections. Located in Naples, Florida, our community draws inspiration from classic art galleries to create a vibrant and enriching environment. Whether you're exploring nearby beaches, enjoying local golf courses, or simply relaxing in our serene setting, every day here is an opportunity to craft cherished memories with loved ones.Experience personalized care across our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options. Our devoted team ensures every detailfrom gourmet dining to personalized assistanceis meticulously catered to enhance your lifestyle. At The Gallery, we celebrate the essence of you, providing a secure and supportive environment where each resident can thrive.Discover the art of senior living at The Gallery at Hacienda Lakes, where every day brings new opportunities for enrichment and connection. Contact us today to learn more about our community and personalized care options.
Welcome to The Gallery at Hacienda Lakes, where senior living is an artful experience inspired by individual stories and deep connections. Located in Naples, Florida, our community draws inspiration from classic art galleries to create a vibrant and enriching environment. Whether you're exploring nearby beaches, enjoying local golf courses, or simply relaxing in our serene setting, every day here is an opportunity to craft cherished memories with loved ones.Experience personalized care across our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options. Our devoted team ensures every detailfrom gourmet dining to personalized assistanceis meticulously catered to enhance your lifestyle. At The Gallery, we celebrate the essence of you, providing a secure and supportive environment where each resident can thrive.Discover the art of senior living at The Gallery at Hacienda Lakes, where every day brings new opportunities for enrichment and connection. Contact us today to learn more about our community and personalized care options.
Welcome to The Gallery at Hacienda Lakes, where senior living is an artful experience inspired by individual stories and deep connections. Located in Naples, Florida, our community draws inspiration from classic art galleries to create a vibrant and enriching environment. Whether you're exploring nearby beaches, enjoying local golf courses, or simply relaxing in our serene setting, every day here is an opportunity to craft cherished memories with loved ones.Experience personalized care across our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options. Our devoted team ensures every detailfrom gourmet dining to personalized assistanceis meticulously catered to enhance your lifestyle. At The Gallery, we celebrate the essence of you, providing a secure and supportive environment where each resident can thrive.Discover the art of senior living at The Gallery at Hacienda Lakes, where every day brings new opportunities for enrichment and connection. Contact us today to learn more about our community and personalized care options.