Health Tips
Exercise to Beat the Blues
The benefits of exercise extend far beyond weight management. Research has shown that regular physical activity can improve your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Researchers have found that exercise is likely to reduce depression and anxiety and help you better manage stress.
Infections, not Clumsiness, Could Be The Cause of Falls
Research suggests that 20% to 40% of falls are caused by untreated infections. Infections can lower blood pressure and lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, increasing the risk for a fall. Illness can also cause confusion in elderly people. Family and healthcare workers should consider how someone was feeling and acting before the accident, and not assume that they tripped.
Signs that an Elderly Person Isn't Eating Right
Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor nutrition. The American Academy of Family Physicians says typical signs of malnutrition among the elderly include:
-losing weight without trying
-frequently feeling tired
-having loss of strength or feeling muscle weakness
-having more memory problems
-feeling depressed
-developing anemia
-getting sick more often than before
Skip Energy Drinks When You're Tired
Energy drinks contain up to five times more caffeine than coffee, but the boost they provide is fleeting and they often come with unpleasant side effects like nervousness, irritability, and rapid heartbeat. Also, these drinks often contain high levels of taurine, a central nervous system stimulant and upwards of 50 grams of sugar (that's 13 teaspoons worth!). All that sweet stuff spikes blood sugar temporarily, crashing soon after, leaving you feeling foggy and sluggish- and reaching for another energy drink.