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The standards of senior homes have grown over the years. Many senior citizens find these environments to be welcoming and a pleasure to stay in. This article provides you with important information to help you find one for your loved one that's both comfortable and attentive.
If a parent or another loved one is getting older and unable to care for themselves, you have the difficult task of finding a home for them to live in. The best senior homes are attentive to their residents and treat them with dignity. Before you have them move into a particular home, you need to ask these important questions.
Is the Location Clean? The appearance of a senior home says a lot about it. If you're looking at a home and it's visibly unkempt, you should look elsewhere. While no place will be spotless, there is still a general amount of upkeep that needs to adhere to. The bathrooms, bedrooms, dining area, and other rooms need to be maintained. You should also be on the alert for any foul odors or unsettling sounds. Keep a list of any senior homes you tour and what sort of sights stick out in a bad way. If the proprietors can't treat their building well, how can they be expected to treat their residents well? Is the Staff Happy? A disgruntled or apathetic staff can really cast a pall over a senior home. It can also signify a dangerous environment. Happy staff who genuinely care for their charges are less likely to participate in the neglect or abuse of seniors. Take a look around to see not only how the staff looks but also the residents. You want your loved one to be in the care of people who want the best for others. Anyone who would put their safety at risk or would be reluctant to offer anything but half-hearted assistance should not be considered. Every person, no matter what their age is, deserves to be treated with respect. Is It Fun? A senior home should not just be a place for people to live out their twilight years. It should also be a place where they can have fun and relax. Take a look at what sort of recreation is available. Things like exercise classes and live music performances can really liven the spirits of residents. You should also speak with residents about what they like about living there. The standards of senior homes have grown over the years. Many senior citizens find these environments to be welcoming and a pleasure to stay in. You can find one for your loved one that's comfortable and attentive. Take the time to research as much as possible so that they can be set up with the best senior home possible. Want more content about senior care and senior living? We have you covered. Check out our relevant articles in The Senior Living IDEA.
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If you have a hard time falling asleep and waking up and find yourself feeling lethargic during the day, rest assured you’re not alone. Regardless of how hard you may work to try and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may be in need of a way to reset your body clock for optimal health and to look and feel your best – especially in the morning. Consider these simple lifestyle choices for sleeping and waking up to optimize wellness.
Simple Steps to Wake Up Well
(Family Features) If you have a hard time falling asleep and waking up and find yourself feeling lethargic during the day, rest assured you’re not alone. Regardless of how hard you may work to try and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may be in need of a way to reset your body clock for optimal health and to look and feel your best – especially in the morning. 
As a life balance coach and wellness expert, Lauren Zoeller constantly urges her clients to prioritize sleep because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three of adults in the United States isn’t getting the recommended seven hours of sleep. Lack of sleep means lower mental and physical performance and can lead to health issues ranging from diabetes to heart disease. Sleep loss also takes its toll on skin. While asleep, important repair, renewal and detoxification processes take place, which are vital for healthy skin. Dark circles, dehydration, skin redness and sallowness may appear when the skin isn’t able to naturally repair during proper sleep cycles. According to Zoeller, “sleep” and “wake up” patterns can be reset with a combination of aromatherapy and some simple lifestyle choices. “I use a combination of natural, clinically proven skincare solutions from This Works, which work in harmony with your body clock and promote healthy sleep habits,” Zoeller said. “At night, a few pumps of the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray – which is powered by 100 percent essential oils of lavender, chamomile and vetivert – is proven to help you relax and fall asleep faster. “For the morning, you can try This Works’ Morning Expert collection, which features natural ingredients to rehydrate, protect, smooth and brighten tired morning skin. I love the Wake Up Drops, which are made with peppermint, rosemary and lavandin oil to energize and boost alertness and mental focus.” Zoeller also recommends these simple lifestyle choices for sleeping and waking up to optimize wellness:
Find more tips for refreshing your body and mind to wake up feeling well at ThisWorks.com. Photo caption (woman): Life balance coach and wellness expert Lauren Zoeller SOURCE:This Works
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Easy ways to live better, easily!
Instead of taking on large, difficult-to-maintain goals, there are smaller, simpler steps and habits that can be embraced, resulting in lasting change and a healthier you. With these four tips in mind you can be more on top of your health without making any drastic changes.
(BPT) - When focusing on personal transformation, many hit the gym or focus on eating right and losing weight. Instead of taking on large, difficult-to-maintain goals, there are smaller, simpler steps and habits that can be embraced, resulting in lasting change and a healthier you. 1. Self-care isn’t selfish When too many obligations and plans with family and friends become a burden, it’s OK to take a pass. If needed, spending a night at home or retreating to the comfort of your bed can help keep unintended stress at bay. Everyone needs a break from their social life on occasion. 2. Bring on the breakfast Busy mornings might leave you feeling short on time and skipping out on breakfast altogether. Though it might feel like a huge time saver, skipping breakfast is detrimental to your day. Quick breakfast options that you can prepare ahead of time, like veggie egg muffins or overnight oats, provide energy and nutrients, like fiber, that you need to keep you and your body moving all day long. 3. Treat the small stuff If you feel that something is off with your body, no matter how small it may seem, acting from the start can go a long way in preventing bigger issues. Treating minor health conditions can be just as important for overall health as visiting the doctor for more serious concerns, like the flu or chronic pain. Quick relief for bum discomfort, such as itching and burning, is achievable with Preparation H Totables Irritation Relief Wipes. They deliver relief and on-the-go cleansing in a discreet, convenient travel pack — so you can easily treat symptoms and get back to your day in comfort no matter where you are. 4. Work, walk, work. Repeat. Remaining sedentary all day can lead to several physical effects and pains. To help steer clear of these, set a timer and get up for a five-minute lap around the office or house every hour or so. Not only will you minimize potential aches but moving throughout the day can also make you more productive. With these tips in mind you can be more on top of your health without making any drastic changes. For more information, visit www.preparationh.com.
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How to start your day to better power through the day!
If you start each day motivated but find your energy tends to fade throughout the day, a few simple and easy-to-implement changes to your routine could make all the difference. Minor adjustments to your eating habits, exercise routine and mental attitude can help boost energy levels so you can power through the day feeling fully charged.5 Ways to Avoid an Energy Crash
(Family Features) If you start each day motivated but find your energy tends to fade throughout the day, a few simple and easy-to-implement changes to your routine could make all the difference. Minor adjustments to your eating habits, exercise routine and mental attitude can help boost energy levels so you can power through the day feeling fully charged. 
Tune in. Take the silence out of a dull morning with some of your favorite music to help ensure you’re starting the day on a positive note. Turn on the radio while you’re showering, plug in headphones while preparing breakfast or set a “wake up and get ready” playlist on shuffle during your commute. Start with breakfast. It’s fairly common to skip breakfast if you’re in a rush to get out the door, but those few minutes you save in the morning can end up costing you as the day wears on. That’s because breakfast quite literally breaks your overnight fast and sends signals to your body that it’s time to kick back into gear for the day. With a convenient option like the Nescafé Coffee Protein Smoothie, you can hack your morning routine so that you can get more out of your day. Made with real 100 percent Colombian Arabica coffee, oats and almond butter, this ready-to-drink smoothie contains 15 grams of plant-based protein and as much caffeine as one cup of coffee to help you prepare for the day ahead. Get creative. If you typically spend your mornings focused on routine tasks, give your brain some creative freedom. Carving out time during the day for an activity you enjoy, such as sketching or coloring, watching inspirational videos, meditating or even brainstorming outside-the-box ideas for a fictional client, can help increase productivity when you turn your focus back to the task at hand. Shake up your afternoon pick-me-up. Mornings can go by in the blink of an eye, but afternoons sometimes seem to drag. A little boost may be all you need to keep going. Reward your hard work with an option like a Nescafé Cold Whipped Latte and enjoy a perfectly indulgent afternoon treat. Give it a quick shake and the chilled blend of coffee, creamy milk and coffee or French vanilla flavors create layers of barista-inspired froth and foam to deliver a coffee-shop experience right at your desk. Prep for the next day. If you’re apt to take your work home with you, consider jotting down any end-of-day work thoughts and tasks for the following day before you leave for the night. Keeping a physical to-do list or journal can provide a starting point for the next morning. This can help prevent forgetfulness, reduce stress and potentially aid in getting a better night’s sleep because your brain isn’t buzzing from trying to keep a mental checklist. Find more inspiration to energize your morning and shake up the afternoon at Nescafe.com/us. Photo courtesy of Getty Images (employees in meeting) SOURCE:Nescafé
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Tips on how to lose weight, proven to keep it off!
There is hope! Consider these tips for joining a program that includes personalized, one-on-one support to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve health and longevity.Cutting Through ‘Wellness Confusion’ to Find Real Weight Loss
(Family Features) The secret is out – Americans are no longer in the dark about healthy eating. A report commissioned by Jenny Craig revealed 92 percent of people believe they know the right foods to eat. However, despite increased awareness, more than half of Americans admit they make poor food choices daily. One challenge in Americans’ struggle to lose weight is the growing use of the term “wellness,” with nearly half of Americans reporting they find the term confusing, according to the survey. Another common obstacle is the time required to plan and prepare healthy meals. The survey found that nearly three in five people spend 7-14 hours or more each week planning and preparing meals, and 9 out of 10 believe having healthy, prepared meals would help them reach their weight-related goals. Fortunately, for the two-thirds of Americans actively looking to lose weight, there are proven, science-based programs available that are convenient, easy to follow and avoid confusing buzzwords. “Having a practical, science-based nutrition plan as well as ongoing support increases the chance of success for people on their weight loss journey," said Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, chair of the Jenny Craig Science Advisory Board. "Since many people have limited time, a program that provides premium, portion-controlled meals can also help reduce the stress and confusion around healthy eating.” 
Dr. Peeke offers these simple tips when joining a program that includes personalized, one-on-one support to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve health and longevity. Eat with the sun. Following a healthy meal plan is important, but some people don’t realize that when you eat can be just as important as what you eat. Nobel Prize-winning research from 2017 discovered that every cell in the body has a biological clock that follows a daily 24-hour cycle – a natural circadian rhythm of light and dark that matches the body’s natural awake and sleep patterns. Following your circadian rhythm and feeding your body when your metabolism is most active (12 hours during the day) and giving it a digestion break when it needs to rejuvenate (12 hours at night) is known as time-restricted feeding and can optimize metabolism and weight loss, according to two studies, one published in 2017 in “Cell Metabolism” and another published in 2016 in “Ageing Research Reviews.” This innovative approach and rejuvenation period can also deliver several potential health benefits, including improved immune function and reduction in belly fat, which may decrease obesity and the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a 2014 study published in “Cell Metabolism.” Healthy, prepared meals are trending. When you’re already hungry and have limited time to spare, it can be easy to turn to something quick and, often, unhealthy. Having nutritious, portion-controlled food options on-hand can help you stay on track. Programs such as Jenny Craig offer nutritionally balanced menus that can be delivered right to your door with more than 100 dietitian- and chef-crafted entrees, desserts and snacks made with no artificial ingredients. Find your support system. A 2018 study published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” discovered that individuals following structured weight loss programs with support were more likely to lose weight and keep it off than those who did not. Look for a program, like Jenny Craig, that offers personalized, one-on-one support from a trained weight loss consultant who provides weekly coaching, education and encouragement throughout your journey. To learn more, visit JennyCraig.com . The survey was conducted on behalf of Jenny Craig by Branded Research Inc. on Oct.19-25, 2018 among 601 adults in the U.S. SOURCE:Jenny Craig KEYWORDS
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 Make wellness your resolution all year long! Here are five common resolutions transformed into small, healthful changes that can become part of your life — for good. (BPT) - How are this year's resolutions doing? Chances are, you may have fallen off the resolution wagon, especially if you were overly ambitious. Fear not — it’s never too late to make small, sustainable changes in your lifestyle that result in big health improvements. Review your hardest-to-keep resolutions and adapt them into goals you can easily maintain. Here are five common resolutions transformed into small, healthful changes that can become part of your life — for good. 1. Your resolution: Exercise one hour every day Realistic goal: Add movement every day in 5- to 10-minute increments. Take a short walk around the office, stroll outside during the lunch hour or after dinner, jump on that exercise bike in the basement for a spin each morning or dance to music while you’re getting dinner ready. Sticking to a short period of movement a few times a day is a great way to boost energy and start building the exercise habit. While most of us find it hard to commit to big chunks of time, it’s tough to say no to 5 or 10 minutes. Arrange to walk with a friend if that helps keep you on track. 2. Your resolution: Drink eight glasses of water every day Realistic goal: Increase water consumption by one glass at a time — when you first wake up, or before lunch and dinner. Drinking water before meals helps you feel full and aids digestion. If water doesn't entice you, make it easier for yourself by finding a water bottle that’s easy to carry around. Add a splash of lemon or lime for flavor. Once you’re in the habit of drinking water before one meal, it will be easier to add a glass before other meals as well. 3. Your resolution: Cut out all sugar Realistic goal: Find healthy alternatives to reduce your sugar cravings. Try Monk Fruit In the Raw, a zero-calorie sweetener made from the vine-ripened monk fruit, which is native to Southeast Asia. This certified vegan, naturally gluten-free product is available in packets and a Bakers Bag and adds light sweetness to foods. Add it to your favorite baking recipes, smoothies or add a sweet touch to unsweetened beverages. 4. Your resolution: Cut out all snacking Realistic goal: Find healthy, easy-to-prep snacks to stave off cravings for junk food, and to prevent you from overeating at mealtime. Small handfuls of nuts, raw veggies and fruits are obvious choices. Limit your snacks to 2-3 times per day. If your sweet tooth is your downfall, use a natural sweetener to sprinkle or drizzle on berries, or add a spoonful to your tea or coffee. 5. Your resolution: Stick to a specific diet Realistic goal: Examine the diet you’re trying, whether it’s keto or paleo or something else, to identify the most important elements, and don’t go cold turkey. The keto diet is mostly about cutting carbs and sugars, plus highly processed sugar-free diet foods. The paleo diet also emphasizes proteins, cutting all dairy and sugar. Because both of these trending diets recommend eliminating both sugar and any artificial sugar substitutes, a sweetener such as Monk Fruit In The Raw is a great alternative. Cutting all carbs or dairy can be too challenging for most people — try reducing the “forbidden items” gradually to wean yourself from your usual eating habits. Don't give up on those resolutions, even if you’ve slipped a little already. Adjusting your expectations will help you adapt more healthful habits you can stick with for a long, healthy life. And that’s a resolution worth keeping. Nutty Grain-Free Granola and Yogurt Parfaits 4 Servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes Ingredients:
Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl combine Brazil nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almond meal, flax seeds, chia seeds, egg whites, coconut oil and monk fruit. Mix until thoroughly combined. Spread mixture on baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. To serve, divide a few blackberries among 4 parfait glasses. Top with a spoonful of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of granola. Repeat layering once more, finishing with granola on top. Store leftover granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. KEYWORDS
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