As we age, a simple yet highly effective way to guard against injuries when older is to lead a healthy lifestyle and make the effort to stay fit through the years. This article has simple steps seniors can take to make them surroundings safer - and to be fitter to guard against falls and other common injuries.
As people age, the chances for injuries increase. Fortunately, there are some common sense measures that those approaching their golden years can do to keep safe from falls and other types of accidental injuries. Taking the time to make some easy home safety modifications like adding better lighting and keeping walkways clear of snow and ice can pay off tenfold. Accident-Proof Your HomeOne of the most important safety measures that can help guard against injuries is to accident-proof your home. Even small changes around the house can help you prevent injury and falls. The bathroom is a common place where seniors become injured. Wet floors, rugs that slip and the usually smaller space can all be hazardous to older adults. Brain Injury Lawyers claim that many of their clients were first injured due to a fall in the bathroom. You should install handrails in your bathroom near your toilet and in your shower to prevent injury. Stay FitAnother simple yet highly effective way to guard against injuries when older is to lead a healthy lifestyle and make the effort to stay fit through the years. Older adults need to remember that their increased age does put a strain on their bodies and hearts, so seniors should allow extra time to recover after physical activity, a sports event or an exercise workout. Along with ensuring that you are getting regular exercise that is modified to meet any challenges that might develop, it is important to get enough rest, eat a healthy and nutritious diet and generally avoid overindulging in junk food, alcohol or other unhealthy lifestyle choices. Take Advantage of Senior Wellness Programs and PerksOne of the good things that comes with getting older is that many businesses, medical offices and other community establishments offer terrific senior discounts and free assistance on everything from senior wellness programs and discounts on prescription drugs to health insurance concierges that help navigate health-related topics and more. Most communities have a number of senior citizen groups and agencies able to help seniors live a safe life when it comes to locating senior housing options, travel planning, senior programs, advice on senior nursing care, and transportation options. With some small changes, seniors can lead full and fulfilling lives without injury. Paying attention to your health, staying fit and using commonsense with regards to safety can all help senior citizens avoid falls and serious injuries. Keep regular doctor appointments, and take advantage of senior wellness programs. KEYWORDS
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(BPT) - Whether you’re hitting the gym to get healthy, tone up or improve your overall well-being, seeing results can be one of the most satisfying feelings. Noticing even the smallest change in the way you feel or look is reason enough to lace up your sneakers for another sweat session. When results seem to plateau or schedules get busy, don’t give up! Keep the below tips in mind to help maximize your fitness routine and stay on track. 1) Find a workout buddy Instead of flying solo, bring a friend so you can encourage each other during your workouts. Exercising with a buddy can breed healthy competition, but also hold you accountable. To help maximize the impact, try to pick a partner that is on the same fitness level as you and shares similar goals — you will want to be able to increase your intensity level and challenge each other as a team. 2) Fuel up An active lifestyle requires proper nutrition. When regularly exercising, your body needs fuel for optimal performance and proper recovery. Before a workout, opt for healthy and easily digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread and pasta, fruits and vegetables to give you energy. Afterward, try a protein-packed snack like Emergen-C Protein Fuel and Superfoods. With 15 grams of organic plant-based protein and two full servings of 14 superfoods, the protein and superfood powder blend can help you make the most of your active time by providing the wholesome nourishment you need, along with supporting your natural defenses with a high potency serving of vitamin C. 3) Head to the weights If your fitness goals include improving body composition and losing weight, you may want to introduce strength training into your regimen. While exercises such as walking, running and cycling can do wonders for your cardiovascular health and help burn calories, strength training with weights can elevate your metabolism for a longer period — meaning your body will continue burning calories even after a workout. Plus, strength training can target and tone hard-to-reach muscles, improve balance and help protect your bones. 4) Switch it up After a while, bodies can grow accustomed to the same exercise routine, often leading to stalled results. If you find yourself breezing through a workout, it’s time to switch it up and push your limits. Varying your exercises can challenge your mind and body, help burn more calories and prevent boredom. If you like to run long distances, try implementing sprint intervals. At the gym? Try out new equipment or vary your reps. Challenge your body and you may be surprised by the results. 5) Take a break The last way to maximize your fitness routine has nothing to do with the gym at all. In fact, it requires you to skip the gym. Exercise provides many health benefits, but too many high-intensity workouts can backfire, potentially causing injury from overuse and hindering your results. Allow your body enough time to heal before hitting the gym again and try to work active rest days into your schedule, such as going for a light walk or bike ride. Keeping these tips in mind can help you make the most of your fitness routine and magnify your efforts in the gym, on the track, in the pool or wherever you choose to exercise. Above all, don’t hesitate to ask fellow gym-goers for help or to make modifications when something feels off. For more information, visit www.emergenc.com.
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As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, you might start taking your workouts outside more often. To ensure your body’s comfort and safety, you may need to refresh your fitness regimen. These tips can help you safely enjoy your summer workouts.Take Your Workout Outdoors for a Fresh Boost![]() (Family Features) As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, you might start taking your workouts outside more often. To ensure your body's comfort and safety, you may need to refresh your fitness regimen. These tips can help you safely enjoy your summer workouts: Wear sweat-proof sunscreen. Protecting your skin is a year-round endeavor, but when it's hot outside, you're more likely to lose the protection of sunscreen faster. Use a sunscreen that is designed to withstand your summer workout, whether it's a good sweaty run or laps in a refreshing pool. Reapply a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of 15 or higher regularly and be sure you're using enough. Most people need a full ounce to cover their entire bodies. Stay hydrated. In warmer weather, your body typically sweats at a higher rate, causing you to lose key electrolytes, like salt and potassium, that are important to keeping your body properly hydrated. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids before, during and after a workout. To mix up your hydration plan, consider choosing a water formulated for fitness, like Propel Vitamin Boost, which is enhanced with 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamins B3, B5, B6, C and E and electrolytes to help replace what is lost in sweat. Find a workout buddy. There's power - and safety - in numbers. Whether you grab a friend, coworker or pet, try exploring new places to work out for a change of scenery. Having a buddy by your side not only offers security, but also a boost of motivation. Together, you can work toward a common goal, keep each other accountable and encourage each other to crank up the intensity. Time workouts for cooler periods. Avoid exercising during the heat of the day. Instead, opt for morning or evening workouts and be conscious of high humidity levels, which can adversely affect your respiration and lead to overheating. It's also a good idea to acclimate to the warmer temperatures by starting with a brief workout and gradually increasing the duration over the span of a week or two. Wear appropriate clothes. Switching to summer attire isn't just about wearing less material; you also need to pay attention to the fabric you wear. The appropriate fit may vary depending on your chosen activity, but generally, breathable fabric in lighter colors is ideal. Visit propelwater.com to learn more about safely hydrating to tackle warm weather workouts. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Propel
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Between work, school and extracurricular activities, schedules can be crazy, and setting aside time to exercise is often difficult. To help build easy, long-term fitness habits and set yourself up for a successful year of healthy living, consider these tips.3 Tips for a Successful 2019 and Beyond![]() (Family Features) The demands of today’s always-connected culture can make finding balance in life nearly impossible. Between work, school and extracurricular activities, schedules can be crazy, and setting aside time to exercise is often difficult. For Performance Enhancement Specialist Emily Hutchins, balance is key to seeing hard work turn into lifelong, healthy habits. “Whether my clients are striving to lose those last couple pounds or completing their 100th marathon, the most important thing to me is that they're on track to a long life of great health,” Hutchins said. To help build easy, long-term fitness habits and set yourself up for a successful year of healthy living, Hutchins recommends these tips. Get Real Recover Smarter Hutchins recommends low-fat chocolate milk after a tough workout to help repair, rebuild and refuel muscles. With natural, high-quality protein to build lean muscle, fluids and electrolytes to replace what you lose in sweat, calcium for strong bones and the right carb-to-protein ratio to refuel exhausted muscles, chocolate milk is the real deal for real recovery. Relax and Unwind It takes real work day-in and day-out to build healthy habits that can benefit you long-term. Setting goals, recovering properly and taking care of your mind and body can jumpstart a better and stronger you. For more information on the benefits of recovering with chocolate milk, visit builtwithchocolatemilk.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:MilkPEP KEYWORDS
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Brian Zehetner, Planet Fitness’ Director of Health and Fitness, helps cut through the noise by synthesizing what he sees as five major fitness trends that are likely to make the biggest impact in the future.
(BPT) - When looking ahead to the rest of the year, so many get excited about the latest trends, gadgets or gizmos getting the most attention as they look for what they might be interested in for themselves or their family. The world of health and fitness is an area that is always evolving to the point there’s continuously something new to try, and sometimes it can even reach the point of feeling overwhelming.
Brian Zehetner, Planet Fitness’ Director of Health and Fitness, helps cut through the noise by synthesizing what he sees as five major fitness trends that are on the rise. 1. 30-minute workouts: People are more time-crunched than ever and they want comprehensive and effective workouts that can be done in relatively short time frames. Ideally, these workouts include both a cardio component and a strength component. We may even see more 15- and 20-minute workout programs popping up this year and beyond! Planet Fitness offers an entire 30-minute workout area for those looking to get in and get out, allowing you to get a full-body workout using a mix of weight machines for strength training alternated with steppers for great cardio. 2. Programs geared toward teens and young adults: Expect an influx of youth-oriented workouts and wellness opportunities to come in the near future. With new guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommending at least 60 minutes of aerobic physical activity for kids every day, we expect to see even more youth, teens and young adults reenergizing their daily activity. 3. Certified training: More and more people are looking to certified trainers to help them not just with exercise form or how to use a machine but help guide them on a plan to stick to for achieving any wellness goals. Planet Fitness has what it calls the PE@PF(R) program, which includes unlimited small group fitness instruction by certified trainers — free and included with all memberships! They are available to provide counsel on individualized exercise plans but with the benefit and motivation of working out as part of a small team with other members. 4. Mindfulness: Fitness and nutrition have always been a happy marriage when it comes to wellness, but let’s not forget about the benefits of mindfulness and meditation as well. This is a critical component of any wellness regimen, too, and there are numerous apps in this space that are growing in popularity. Audio-guided workouts (via apps, podcasts, etc.) are becoming all the rage, too, and that trend is expected to continue. 5. DIY fitness: Our members are requesting more information so they can reach their fitness goals all on their own. People want help, yet see their journey as an independent one, so it’s on us in the industry to provide them with content, guidance and anything else that may help them on their journey. Look for more assistance to come via technology in coming years (e.g., apps, on-demand content, etc.), as well. Planet Fitness offers memberships for only $10 a month, and a variety of benefits including free small group fitness instruction, brand-name equipment and fully equipped locker rooms. To make the most of your fitness journey and for resources to help you reach your goals, visit planetfitness.com.
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Dan Gaz, physical activity and assessment program manager at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, says there are many things people can do to get a jump-start on their health and wellness. In this article, Gaz suggests five simple ways to get a jump-start on your fitness goals and energize your workout routine.
(BPT) - Fitness is central to your well-being and ability to enjoy life to the fullest, however it's easy to get stuck in a rut. How do you find new interest and motivation so you're ready to maximize the warm weather months?
Dan Gaz, physical activity and assessment program manager at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, says there are many things people can do to get a jump-start on their health and wellness. "Fitness doesn't have to be complicated or boring," says Gaz. "There are many creative ways to implement fitness activities into your life that are both fun and invigorating." Gaz suggests five simple ways to get a jump-start on summer fitness and energize your workout routine: Try something new Gaz says getting outside your comfort zone can be beneficial to your health. "Trying something new helps keep your fitness plan fresh. Plan a visit to the local farmers market to pick up produce. Sign up for a 5k run, or look at your local community education or rec center class catalog and sign up for activities. The social dynamics of these types of events benefit mental as well as physical health." Get outside "Getting outdoors is rejuvenating," Gaz says. "Taking a walk in nature is a nice change of pace that is good for the body and mind.” You can go for a walk, run or take a stroll around a local park. “Just being outdoors shakes things up and you may find higher levels of energy as you breathe in the fresh air. Plus, getting a daily dose of vitamin D from the sun does the body good." Bring friends "It's no secret when you work out with other people they tend to hold you accountable, but there’s also more benefit than just that," says Gaz. "When you take an exercise class, join a running club or biking group, you may end up pushing yourself harder. The people next to you become your exercise advocates and suddenly, you'll have the desire to keep up and do more. This can accelerate reaching your fitness goals." Rethink commuting "Anything you can do to break up the monotony of sitting is a good thing.” Try being creative in commuting and how you travel throughout the day. "If possible, walk or bike to work or the grocery store. You can also take the bus, get off a couple blocks early and walk the rest of the way. A little planning ahead of time can help you accomplish multiple things at once: You're getting exercise, completing an errand and reducing your carbon footprint." Be purposeful "You may only have a few minutes a day to dedicate to exercise, but that doesn't mean you can't make a big impact," says Gaz. "Being purposeful with your choices is important. For example, use intervals in your workout routine to maximize outcomes. If you enjoy walking, do a brisk 30 or 60 seconds, then walk slower for the same period of time before pushing yourself again. This type of interval training is simple, yet highly effective. It works similarly for other activities like swimming, biking and running." To find more tips about improving your health with creative approaches to exercise or to set up a visit with a wellness expert, visit healthyliving.mayoclinic.org.
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Whether you're a new or experienced runner, completing your goal will make you feel accomplished. To help your body feel and perform at its best, you need to give it the right foods. These smart, tasty snacks will help give you sustained energy with loads of nutrients important to any fitness practice.(BPT) - As marathon season approaches, many people are focused on training. Building up endurance is key, but you can't do that without the fuel your body needs. Wholesome energy-boosting snacks are essential for keeping up the pace, whether you're focused on a 5K or full marathon. There are a variety of runs across the country to suit every type of runner. Fun runs vary in size and can be found in communities from coast to coast. Themed runs are also plentiful. For example, people across the country signed up for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend this November (Nov. 1 to 4) and it is supported by some great sponsors, including Chiquita. Whether you're a new or experienced runner, completing your goal will make you feel accomplished. To help your body feel and perform at its best, you need to give it the right foods. These smart, tasty snacks will help give you sustained energy with loads of nutrients important to any fitness practice. Bananas: The cheerful color and built-in packaging are just the start. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which helps prevent cramping. Plus, they are a wonderful source of natural sugars (the good kind) and carbohydrates, which help provide sustained energy. It's a common misconception that bananas aren't as healthy due to the higher sugar content; however, the natural sugars in bananas come with fiber, which slows digestion and gives the body time to use it as fuel instead of storing it as fat. Grab a bunch of Chiquita bananas at the store and you have a convenient pre-workout snack or perfect addition to your recovery shake. Cottage cheese: Scoop up some of this white wonder and enjoy with your favorite fruit or a sprinkle of your preferred herbs. You can also add a satisfying crunch by sprinkling in omega-rich cashews or almonds. Cottage cheese is packed with protein, so it helps you feel full longer, essential for long runs (or simply long days full of to-dos). For fitness folks, this protein helps assist in rebuilding and repair of muscles during training periods. Smoothies: Refreshing, energizing and perfectly customizable, smoothies feel more like a treat than a healthy snack. Yet these cold concoctions are perfect as pre- or post-workout foods or even as a meal replacement when on the go. You can use milk or juice as a liquid base and then add in fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables as desired. For a lip-smacking smoothie with just four ingredients, follow this recipe: Quick Protein Power Chiquita Banana Smoothie Ingredients: 1 whole Chiquita Banana, sliced 1.5 ounces low-fat Greek yogurt 1/8 cup fresh pineapple juice 1/4 cup orange juice Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Makes one serving. Edamame: More than just a delicious appetizer at your favorite sushi joint, edamame is an ideal workout snack. The tasty green soybeans you pluck from the pod are a good source of protein, iron and B vitamins. What's more, the heart-healthy isoflavones support bone health. So dig in and enjoy with a dash of sea salt and a big glass of water. It's perfect when you're craving a salty snack so you can avoid the junk. Chocolate milk: If you don't run, you probably think chocolate milk is just for kids. In reality, chocolate milk has almost a cult-like following in the endurance sports world. It's rich in calcium to keep bones strong, particularly important for runners. Plus it has protein and carbohydrates to keep you fueled. Reward yourself with this sweet treat after a run and you'll feel satisfied all around. With these snacking tips top of mind, you’ll be fueled and feeling your best to start aiming for your personal records! KEYWORDS
You’ve made the decision to get in shape, and whether your goal is a full marathon or simply a few laps around the neighborhood, there are a few steps to consider taking before you strap on those shoes and head toward the finish line. Here are a few tips to help get you ready for the big race.Top Tips to Get Ready to Run![]() (Family Features) You’ve made the decision to get in shape, and whether your goal is a full marathon or simply a few laps around the neighborhood, there are a few steps to consider taking before you strap on those shoes and head toward the finish line. Here are a few tips to help get you ready for the big race: Seek Quality Sneakers – Feet come in a variety of widths and sizes, so visit a specialty running store to find perfect-fitting sneakers. These may come with a hefty price tag, but there are no shortcuts for comfort and support while running long distances. Make a Schedule – Try to aim for at least 10 hours of training per week, including three days where you run and two or three days of other physical activity such as cycling or strength training. To avoid exhaustion, be sure to include at least 1-2 “rest” days per week. Stick with Water – Avoid sports drinks that are loaded with preservatives and sugars. You can’t go wrong with the hydrating power of water. As a rule, try to consume at least 6-8 ounces of water for every 20 minutes you run. Proper hydration after the run is also vital. Go Online – Many websites have training guides for various skill levels or different types of races. If you have a smartphone, look for apps that can take you through day-by-day workouts to get you marathon-ready. Nutrition – Filling your body with the proper amount of fuel can help ensure finish-line success. Load up on quality carbohydrates, such as beans, peas, whole-wheat pastas, whole-grain cereals, apples, brown rice and root vegetables. Protein also plays an important role in a runner’s nutrition, so fill up on lean meats, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, peanut butter and soy protein sources, as well. By following these general rules, you’ll be able to focus on achieving your goal and enjoy the thrill of finishing the race. Find more tips for a healthier lifestyle at eLivingToday.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:eLivingToday.com
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