YMCA Fitness Classes and Clubs

Snack Smarter: How SnackEver Supports Your Specific Dietary NeedsIn today's health-conscious world, adhering to specific dietary requirements is more common than ever. Whether you're following a vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, or sugar-conscious diet, finding suitable snacks that align with your nutritional goals can be challenging. SnackEver is dedicated to simplifying this process by offering a diverse range of snacks tailored to various dietary preferences.Understanding the Rise of Specialized DietsThe increasing prevalence of specialized diets stems from various factors, including health conditions, ethical beliefs, and lifestyle choices. For instance:Vegan and Vegetarian Diets: Many individuals choose plant-based diets for health benefits, environmental concerns, or animal welfare considerations.Gluten-Free Diets: Essential for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this diet eliminates gluten-containing grains to prevent adverse health effects.Keto and Paleo Diets: These low-carbohydrate diets focus on high-fat and high-protein foods to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health.Sugar-Conscious Diets: Reducing sugar intake is crucial for managing diabetes, preventing weight gain, and maintaining overall health.The Challenge of Finding Suitable SnacksAdhering to a specific diet often means scrutinizing food labels and ingredients, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Many conventional snacks contain hidden ingredients that may not align with certain dietary restrictions, making it difficult for individuals to find convenient and compliant options.SnackEver: Your Partner in Healthy SnackingSnackEver addresses these challenges by curating a wide selection of snacks that cater to various dietary needs. Their commitment to promoting wellness is evident in their diverse product offerings and user-friendly website.Diverse Product CategoriesOur inventory is organized into clear categories, making it easy for customers to find snacks that fit their specific diets. Some of the categories include:Chips, Popcorn & Crunchy Snacks: For those craving something savory and crisp.Chewy Snacks: Ideal for a quick, satisfying bite.Cookies, Crackers & Baked Goods: Perfect for indulging in sweet treats without compromising dietary goals.Trail Mix, Granola & Nuts: Great for on-the-go energy boosts.Snack Bars: Including protein and energy bars for sustained nourishment.Diet-Specific SelectionsUnderstanding that each diet has unique requirements, SnackEver offers specialized sections for:Vegan: Snacks free from animal products.Vegetarian: Options that exclude meat but may include dairy or eggs.Gluten-Free: Products made without gluten-containing ingredients.Keto-Friendly: Low-carb, high-fat snacks suitable for ketogenic diets.Sugar-Conscious: Items with reduced or no added sugars.Paleo-Friendly: Snacks that align with Paleolithic dietary guidelines.Dairy-Free: Suitable for those avoiding dairy products.Organic: Products made with organically sourced ingredients.Kosher: Snacks that meet kosher dietary laws.SnackEver prioritizes quality by sourcing products from reputable brands and providing detailed ingredient information for each item. This transparency allows customers to make informed choices that align with their dietary needs and preferences.  For those who enjoy variety and convenience, we offer subscription boxes tailored to individual dietary preferences. These boxes provide a curated selection of snacks delivered regularly, introducing customers to new products that align with their diets.   Our mission extends beyond providing snacks; we are dedicated to promoting overall wellness and supporting our local Pittsburgh community.  Learn more at www.Snackever.com.

A simple accident, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a patch of ice, can change your life. Every year, more than one in four adults 65 years or older experience a fall contributing to over three million emergency department visits across the country.1 In 2023, Good Samaritan Hospital treated 787 trauma patients due to fall-related injuries, making falls the number one trauma injury seen in Good Samaritans Emergency Department. Simply stated, the risk of falling and fall-related problems increases as we age.Why do falls happen?Falls can result from a range of personal and environmental factors. Hazards like dimly lit rooms, steep stairs, and hard-to-reach shelves or storage areas present tripping risks. Additionally, as we age, changes in our vision, hearing, and overall health can raise the risk of falls.How to prevent fallsFall prevention is about identifying and mitigating as many risk factors for falling as possible. Take some time to do an inventory of your home and your physical health to see if there are any risks present. Once youve identified potential risk factors, you can take steps to address them. Remove home hazards. Remove clutter and items on the floor and in areas where you walk. Secure electrical cords so they dont block walkways, and secure or remove any area rugs that bunch or slip. Make home modifications. Install grab bars near the toilet and in your shower, install handrails along your stairs, have lightbulbs replaced or install new lights in dark hallways and rooms, and use non-slip mats in your shower or bathtub. Stay active. Regular physical activity and exercise keeps your muscles strong, prevents bone loss, and can improve your balance. Walking, water workouts, or Tai Chi are great activities that improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program. Taking care of your overall health and acknowledging your risk factors for falling is extremely important as we age. If youre not sure where to start, schedule time with your primary care physician to discuss a plan for you or your loved one to keep you healthy, happy, and safe in your home and community. 1 About STEADI. (2024, April 22). Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/about/index.html  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lindsay Reinert, PMP, Marketing Specialist with Intermountain Health. She may be reached by email at lindsay.reinert@imail.org.

Chronic pain is a significant challenge for many seniors, affecting up to 75% of those over 65. This persistent discomfort can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn may contribute to depression, mood swings, and decreased strength and mobility. As a result, daily activities and cherished hobbies can become difficult to enjoy.  However, research shows that exercise can be an effective self-management strategy for chronic pain. Studies indicate that seniors who engage in at least two hours of weekly exercise may experience up to 25% less joint and muscle pain compared to their inactive peers. This is particularly relevant for those with conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, along with some strength training. This could involve several half-hour walks or a few morning jogs. Resistance training is also beneficial for improving strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help reduce the risk of falls and fractures.For seniors dealing with chronic lower back pain, joint osteoarthritis, or diabetes-related pain, these goals might seem daunting. However, any movement that transitions from sedentary to active can help manage pain. Staying still often worsens chronic pain symptoms, while increased physical activity can significantly reduce ongoing discomfort and help the body adapt to common pain triggers.Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for seniors, including:Maintaining functional joint movementIncreasing mobility and flexibilityImproving cardiovascular health and staminaPreventing the breakdown of bone and cartilage tissueIt's important to remember that physical activity doesn't have to mean intense workouts. For seniors, any form of body movement is beneficial. Here are some tips for staying active:Make exercise social: Invite a friend for a walk, join a community dance class, or incorporate movement into family visits.Keep it fun: Find enjoyable activities that incorporate strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.Set short-term goals and track progress: This can boost motivation and consistency.Many senior living communities, like those operated by Priority Life Care, offer daily exercise classes and social events to keep residents active. These classes can be modified to accommodate various fitness levels, making them accessible to all. They also provide opportunities to find workout buddies for added motivation.By embracing regular physical activity, seniors can gain confidence in managing their pain and improve their overall well-being. The key is to remain as active as current abilities allow, gradually building strength and endurance over time. With persistence and the right approach, chronic pain doesn't have to be a barrier to an active, fulfilling lifestyle in the golden years.FITNESS AND SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIESPriority Life Care Senior Living Communities offer daily exercise classes as well as social events that can keep you moving. Classes are easily modified to accommodate any level of fitness. Its a great way to keep active and find a fitness buddy to keep you motivated. If you are looking to do a specific type of exercise that is not offered, let the Life Enrichment Director know! We often find if one person is asking for something specific, there are other like-minded individuals who will also participate. Visit a Priority Life Care community today to see what is available for you.