The goal for most of us, is not to simply to live longer lives, but to continue to live healthier, more engaged, more vibrant lives.Groundbreaking scientific studies now reveal that only about 30-35% of the chronic diseases we acquire are genetically based. This is really big news, because it means that approximately 70% of diseases that afflict us can be avoided by making good choices about our health and our lifestyles.What can be done to prevent disease?Below is a list obtained from health surveys of centenarians - those who are some of the longest living humans in the world and their secrets to living longer!They ate healthy foods. These groups of people did not eat processed foods, ate lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and got their protein from seafood or lean meats like chicken.They were physically active. They all worked physically hard throughout their lives, doing things like farming, gardening, physical labor, or other mostly outdoor activities.They maintained social and spiritual connections. These groups typically lived in tightly knit communities and also had religious affiliations, which helped them lower stress levels.They avoided harsh toxic chemicals. The groups studied were generally found in non-urban areas where they had limited exposure to pollutants and other toxins in the air and water, and they were not exposed to excessive sources of electromagnetic radiation. They also ate fresh grown foods with fewer pesticides or other toxins.These examples for the most part are simple. The trick is not just do one or two examples but all four. Not so easy, but the results can change lives. Take control today and live a healthier and longer life!Editors Note: Article was authored by Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS, Neurosurgeon, Author, Sports Medicine and Healthy Living Expert Consultant at St. Barnabas Health System, StBarnabasHealthSystem.com

If you or a loved one needs more hands-on care, living assistance can help put your mind at ease. Living assistance is flexible, personalized, and fosters a safe home environment while maintaining a sense of independence and privacy. It can give you or your loved one the freedom to make everyday choices and receive a helping hand whenever needed.At St. Barnabas, we understand that the transition from full to partial independence isnt easy and how important it is to ensure your needs and preferences are both addressed. Here are a few ways living assistance is provided without intruding.Receiving Help As NeededEncouraging independence is one way to foster non-intrusive assistance. At a senior living assistance campus, the staff is always available to lend a hand without eliminating decision-making. You or your loved one can retain a sense of autonomy by participating in the daily tasks and chores and receiving help on an as-needed basis. Intervention comes in varying degrees, depending on individual ability. A personalized care plan may include: Incontinence support Wheelchair assistance Medication management Help with grooming, dressing, and bathing Wound, ostomy, or catheter care Care staff is attentive and sensitive to your needs, and they can offer a little help throughout the day or when needed. By participating in daily activities, you or your loved one can plan your day based on your personal preferences.Collaborative SchedulingAs an alternative to making a pre-set schedule and asking the resident to stick to it, working together to create a personal care plan that suits everyone can be beneficial. When it comes to weekly meals, exercise routines, and social activities, residents have the freedom to choose. Maybe they enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals, or perhaps they like to do stretching exercises versus walks. Wherever passions lie, the staff can incorporate those into the regular daily routine to help encourage healthy living and socialization in ways that suit personal preferences.Collaborating with staff can also ensure that activities are both enjoyable and safe. When a resident cant do an activity they love, the team can work with them to find ways to feel that same sense of joy without putting them in danger.Respecting Boundaries and Private SpacesSpending time alone gives us a chance to relax, decompress, and gather our thoughts. In a living assistance care center, its imperative that residents still have some time for themselves. Caregivers respect boundaries and private spaces. Before entering a room, they knock on the door and wait for the resident to respond. Designating a private area for residents to turn to when they feel overwhelmed also aids in creating independence and ultimately gives them a space to de-stress and unwind.Places like the bathroom or shower are understandably uncomfortable areas for intrusion, so caregivers are sure to give residents the space they need to complete these tasks in private. The staff still makes sure the resident is safe by remaining nearby and listening for signs that something may be wrong. Learn More about Living Assistance at St. Barnabas Serving the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties, St. Barnabas is here to give you the support you need. With a dedication to providing comfortable and compassionate living assistance services, you can count on us for all of your care requirements. To learn more about our senior living assistance program, contact us today.

Its a sunny day in Paris and the sights our residents are experiencing through virtual reality are breathtaking. The St. Barnabas Memory Care Team, led by Midge Hobaugh, Memory Care Manager, is pleased to be working with Dr. Joseph Maroon, MD, FACS, Neurosurgeon, and MyndVR, to introduce the use of virtual reality to assist in the care and comfort of our residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia.With the aid of our care team and the use of a laptop, a special headset and earphones, residents can experience the sights and sounds of the beach, Paris or a concert. We are excited to bring this new technology to our residents. It has such great potential to increase joy, engagement and the feeling of belonging while lessening anxiety -- all goals of the Memory Care Program. Midge Hobaugh. The use of virtual reality is at the cutting edge of healthcare, not only seniors, but to reduce pain, improve learning and coordination for a wide variety of populations. St. Barnabas is now in a position to learn even more about this unique technology. Dr. Maroon (Practicing board-certified neurosurgeon in the Pittsburgh area and regarded as a premier specialist in the surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the brain and spine using specialized microscopic and minimally invasive techniques.) We are very excited about our partnership with St. Barnabas and Dr. Maroon. Together, they truly represent innovation and forward-thinking as it relates to digital content and healthcare, said Chris Brickler, CEO/ Co-Founder of MyndVR. MyndVR is a tech, health and wellness company that provides a turn-key Virtual Reality (VR) solution for senior living communities We are the first organization in Pennsylvania to use the MyndVR technology. This is an exciting step forward for St. Barnabas, but more importantly, for our residents this is what sets us apart from the ordinary. It would be our privilege to provide these exceptional services to you or your loved ones. For more information please call 724-443-0700.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Margaret Martin, Marketing & Communications Specialist at St Barnabas Health System. She can be reached at 724- 444-5580.

The decision to invest in a senior living community is not always an easy one to make. However, paying for the services available can be very beneficial, especially as you grow older. Retirement communities that offer a continuum of care support individuals through various stages of life and accommodate unique and ever-changing needs. Here, St. Barnabas looks at the benefits of senior living and why its a worthwhile expense.Continuum of CareStart by thinking ahead and figuring out what your investment might mean in the future. Aging adults with evolving needs benefit from retirement communities that provide multiple levels of assistance. If youre a young, active retiree who is looking forward to making the most of every day in retirement, you can find what you need in an independent living community. Independent living communities combine the convenience of secure, upkeep-free living centered on your needs with the independence that you typically enjoy at home.If you or a loved one needs greater support for daily activities, accommodations with living assistance may be more ideal. Attendants provide 24/7 assistance, allowing residents to live as independently as they can while receiving more hands-on care for chronic illnesses and other conditions. Services may include: Regular safety checks Physical transfer assistance Ostomy and catheter care Incontinence support As health needs change, more in-depth services may be needed and can easily be accessed in a community that offers a broad range of support. Retirees who need short-term or long-term rehabilitative care can find it through skilled nursing services. Skilled nursing services are available for individuals who are recovering after a stroke, an injury, joint replacement surgery, or another event that may require access to a team of medical professionals to help them on the road to recovery.Balancing the Comforts of Home with Community EngagementWhile researching retirement communities, making sure your prospects feel like home is important in determining if paying for senior living is a worthwhile expense. Comfortable accommodations and a variety of amenities can help make the transition from home life to a senior living community easier.  Whats more, programming and social activities that keep residents active and meaningfully engaged with their neighbors can help make retirement life feel fulfilling. Some of the amenities to look for while searching for a retirement community include: Nutritious and delicious meals Calendar of social activities and special events Scenic grounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation Exercise centers and fitness classes Easy access to shops, movie theaters, and more Learn More from St. BarnabasAt St. Barnabas, we understand that your needs may not be the same today as your needs tomorrow or 10 years down the road. We offer several senior living options that support varying levels of need, including comprehensive care services. St. Barnabas proudly supports residents in the greater Pittsburgh area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties. To learn more about our senior living services and how they support a continuum of care, contact us today.