This month’s resource is provided by the WelbeHealth and Fluidity Therapeutic Mobile Massage
WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals, and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program.
For more information, please visit welbehealth.com
Senior Health Tips for Fall 2024: Embrace Wellness and Stay Active
As the vibrant hues of autumn unfold, it's a great time to focus on health and wellness. For seniors, the shift in seasons can bring both opportunities and challenges. Here are some practical health tips to help seniors thrive this fall from our teams at WelbeHealth.
1. Stay Active with Seasonal Activities
Fall offers a perfect backdrop for staying active. Consider low-impact exercises like walking in the park, raking leaves, or light gardening. These activities not only keep you moving but also allow you to enjoy the crisp, cool air and the beauty of the season. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week, as recommended by health experts.
For example, at our WelbeHealth centers we offer variety of physical therapy and movement programs tailored to our participants' abilities, including group walks, indoor exercises, and fall-themed activities, all designed to keep seniors moving and engaged.
2. Boost Your Immune System
With the colder weather approaching, it's essential to boost your immune system. Incorporate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to ensure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals. Foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and spinach, can help keep your immune system strong. Don't forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even when the weather is cooler.
3. Get Your Flu Shot and Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
Fall is flu season, and it's crucial for seniors to stay up to date on vaccinations. The flu vaccine is particularly important for older adults, who are at higher risk of complications from the flu. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting your flu shot and check if you are due for any other vaccinations, such as pneumonia or shingles. At WelbeHealth we provide our participants flu shots and other important vaccinations at our centers and during home visits, making it easy for participants to stay protected against seasonal illnesses.
4. Prevent Falls
Fall prevention is vital as the season changes. Ensure your home is safe by removing tripping hazards, such as loose rugs or clutter. Use night lights in hallways and bathrooms and consider installing grab bars in the bathroom if needed. Wear non-slip shoes both indoors and outdoors to reduce the risk of falls. If you use a cane or walker, make sure it is in good condition and adjusted to the correct height. At our WelbeHealth centers our teams conduct regular fall risk assessments and provide home modifications, mobility aids, and personalized exercise programs to help participants reduce their risk of falls.
5. Keep Your Skin Healthy
As the weather cools, the air becomes drier, which can lead to dry skin. Use a good moisturizer daily to keep your skin hydrated. Pay attention to areas that are often exposed, like your hands and face. Remember to continue using sunscreen, as UV rays can still be strong in the fall, especially when spending time outdoors.
6. Maintain Social Connections
Social connections are vital for mental health and wellbeing. Fall is a great time to reconnect with family and friends as the weather is cooler. Whether it's attending community events, joining a local club, or simply catching up with a neighbor, staying socially active can improve your mood and overall health. At our WelbeHealth centers, social connections are key, and we hold daily social group activities helping our participants stay connected with peers and the community.
7. Monitor Your Health
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential, especially as you age. Keep track of your medications and ensure that you understand how and when to take them. If you notice any new symptoms or changes in your health, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Early intervention can often prevent small issues from becoming significant problems.
8. Embrace a Balanced Diet
As the season changes, so do the available fresh produce options. Incorporate fall favorites like pumpkins, squash, and apples into your meals. These foods are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can support your overall health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain your energy levels and keep your body functioning optimally. For example, at WelbeHealth our dietitians craft seasonal menus featuring nutritious and delicious fall foods, ensuring our participants receive balanced meals that cater to their dietary needs and preferences.
10. Engage in Mental Wellness Activities
Fall can be a time of reflection and renewal. Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill. Mental wellness is just as important as physical health, and staying mentally active can help you feel more engaged and fulfilled.
WelbeHealth does well-being differently.
WelbeHealth is a mission-driven, value-based organization founded by doctors. WelbeHealth helps seniors thrive and live longer with greater connection, vitality, and meaning. As a public benefit company, WelbeHealth is equally committed to all our stakeholders, including the broader community, prioritizing corporate responsibility and sustainability.
Our three core values guide our organization and everything we do.
Courage to Love
We prioritize human connection and value every precious life we touch.
Pioneering Spirit
We relentlessly pursue resourceful solutions to support participant health and independence.
Shared Intention
We work as a team with a common purpose. We start by listening, promote and contribute diverse perspectives and support team decisions.
Contact:
Gheycell Ofelia Flores
Outreach and Enrollment Specialist
(626) 596 -2746
Massage therapy can offer numerous benefits for the elderly, helping improve their physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Improved Circulation - Increased blood flow: Massages stimulate blood circulation, which can help deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to tissues and organs. This is particularly beneficial for seniors, as circulation often decreases with age.
2. Reduced Pain and Stiffness - Relief from arthritis: Many elderly individuals suffer from arthritis and joint stiffness. Massages can help alleviate pain and improve joint flexibility by reducing inflammation and increasing the range of motion.
a. Muscle relaxation: Regular massages help relax tight muscles, reducing pain and discomfort in areas such as the back, neck, and legs.
3. Enhanced Mobility and Balance - Improved flexibility: Massage therapy can enhance flexibility and range of motion, making it easier for seniors to move around and stay active.
a. Better balance: Increased flexibility and muscle relaxation can also contribute to better balance, reducing the risk of falls, which is a common concern among older adults.
4. Reduced Stress and Anxiety - Mental relaxation: The calming effects of massages can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common issues among the elderly. This contributes to improved mental health and a better overall sense of well-being.
5. Better Sleep - Improved sleep quality: Massage therapy can help promote deeper and more restful sleep by reducing tension and promoting relaxation. This is especially important for seniors, who often struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
6. Boosted Immune Function - Enhanced immunity: Regular massages can boost the immune system by increasing lymphatic circulation, which helps remove toxins and waste from the body. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors, who may have weakened immune systems.
7. Improved Mental Clarity - Cognitive benefits: Massages can improve mental clarity and focus by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This can be especially helpful for seniors dealing with memory issues or cognitive decline.
8. Social Interaction - Increased connection: Massage therapy can provide elderly individuals with much-needed physical touch and social interaction, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
9. Pain Management - Chronic pain relief: For seniors dealing with chronic pain conditions, regular massage therapy can be an effective, non-pharmacological way to manage pain and improve the quality of life.
Overall, incorporating massage into the care routine of elderly individuals can contribute to better physical health, improved emotional well-being, and a higher quality of life.
Fluiditytmm is offering 20 dollars off massage for the month of September.
