When people think of New Year’s resolutions, they typically think of eating more fruits and vegetables or hopping on the treadmill more often. Health is essential, and it’s good to be mindful of your diet and activity, but don’t limit yourself on what you can do to improve your lifestyle.

As with any resolution, be clear and specific about your goals. Vague ideas will only fall to the wayside. Here are some resolutions that will boost your creativity and provide you with plenty of fun memories.

Look For New Experiences

Try a new hobby. It’s always good to learn something new, and acquiring new skills keeps your brain agile. Explore hobbies like:

• Painting
• Learning how to play an instrument
• Cooking

The world is a big place, but you don’t have to roam the globe to find memorable experiences. Exploring is a great way to experience new things, even if it’s just around your hometown or a nearby city. Be strategic, plan where you want to go, decide on a timeline, and set a budget.

Clear The Clutter

Getting your physical space organized can help you accomplish other goals. Reduce clutter or get rid of things you no longer use or want. You’ll be surprised how clearing your home clears your mind as well. Get a daily planner and write down your goals or aspirations so you have a tangible reminder of what you want to accomplish. It will help with procrastination and clear out the mental cobwebs.

Immerse Yourself In Culture

Traveling is an excellent way to learn about a different country, but so is learning a new language. Speaking a different language will keep your brain motivated whether you attend classes or take lessons online. You’ll also learn about cultural customs as you learn to speak a different language.

Make A Mental Note

Sometimes our poor mental habits are more detrimental than a poor diet or lack of exercise. Think about it: are there negative habits that you could kick this year? How do you want to go about improving your mental health?

A good goal is to focus on destressing regularly. Take up meditation or yoga, anything that gives you time to reflect and refresh your mind. Actively work toward managing your stress as it will improve your heart health and blood pressure too.

Ohioans Home Health & Hospice wants to help you achieve all your resolutions by giving you quality service and assistance so you can live your life to the fullest. Call us at 855.600.0806 or contact us online.

Many senior citizens reduce their physical activity levels as they age, thinking they’re too old.

Many people of all ages reduce their physical activity levels as winter nears, thinking it’s too cold.

Guess what? Both groups are wrong! Neither getting older or colder has to limit your physical fitness level – it’s usually just used as an excuse. We get it – sitting in your fleece sweatshirt and “comfy pants” outfit while cuddled up near the fireplace is probably more comfortable than exercising. But it’s nowhere near as beneficial to your body.

Ohioans Home Health & Hospice reminds you that not only is it possible to maintain winter exercise levels as you age – it’s an important part of maintaining your health throughout the year.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly two million people worldwide die each year due to a sedentary lifestyle. Staying active throughout the year can help minimize health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Here are some ways you can help increase your activity levels, no matter the weather:

1. Take breaks to move around: Binging some Netflix during a cold snap? OK, but hit the pause button after each episode to move around a bit. If it’s safe to do so, take a walk around the block. If not, walk in place in your living room or go up the stairs a couple of times to keep the blood flowing and work your muscles. Even doing some quick chores is more active than sitting in your recliner.
2. Swimming: Getting in the pool is a great way to get a low-impact workout. Check with your local YMCA or gym to see if they have one. Recruit a friend to go with you to make it more of a social activity.
3. Get a fitness tracker: Having a fitness tracker on your wrist can help keep you motivated and let you know if you could use some more movement as the day goes along. Many devices have a reminder that informs you if you’re falling behind schedule.
4. Drink plenty of water: Staying properly hydrated – even if you’re not thirsty – will help you feel like moving more and help get the benefits of exercise. Being mindful of your water consumption will help you avoid dehydration, a common risk in older adults with a stunted sense of thirst.
5. It’s good for your brain: Exercising your body is good for your brain, too. Although it’s common for older people to have some levels of brain damage, those who are more active tend to experience fewer mobility restrictions, studies cite.
6. Join Silver Sneakers: This health and fitness program for seniors is included with many Medicare plans. There are more than 16,000 locations across the country participating in Silver Sneakers, which offers adults 65 and older access to classes, certified instructors and gyms, and community centers.

For information on services available at Ohioans Home Health & Hospice, call 855.600.0806 or contact us online.

Although some sun exposure is good for the body due to its production of vitamin D, we must use caution to not overexpose ourselves due to the skin cancer risks.

There is no such thing as a safe ultraviolet (UV) ray, according to the American Cancer Society.

While most ray exposure comes from the sun, man-made sources such as tanning beds can be equally dangerous in exposing people to UV rays. There are two types of UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface:

1. UVA rays: Lower-energy rays that are linked to skin damage such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and spots, but they can also play a factor in skin cancer. Up to 95% of the sun’s rays reaching the Earth are of this variety.
2. UVB rays: Stronger than UVA rays, these rays can directly damage skin cells, causing sunburn and most types of skin cancers.

How can you limit your exposure to these rays? For one, stay away from tanning beds. No need to sign up for excessive UV ray exposure.

Two, avoid being in the sun as much as possible between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Opt for shady spots as much as possible when outside during these hours. To help you know how strong the sun’s rays are, look at your shadow. A shadow shorter than your height means the UV rays are strongest.

If you must be in the sun, remember the phrase “Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap.” This campaign got started in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s, but it applies today in all corners of the world:

• Slip on a shirt – Covered skin is more protected than uncovered skin. Dark colors protect the skin more than light colors.
• Slop on sunscreen – Apply liberally to all exposed skin. Select a sunscreen that protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers will protect your skin more fully for longer amounts of time. (Sunscreens with SPF 15 block about 93% of UVB rays; SPF 50 blocks 98%).
• Slap on a hat – This helps shade your face, head and ears (if it’s a wide-brimmed hat).
• Wrap on sunglasses – Helps protect your eyes and the skin near them.

Some people think a good tan will prevent sun damage and skin cancer. Melanin – the pigment that causes a tan – is created when UV rays reach the skin. Melanin does absorb some of the sun’s rays, serving as the body’s first line of defense against the sun. It’s important to remember that prolonged sun exposure can still damage the skin and cause cancer, even in the presence of a good tan.

For information on services available at Ohioans Home Health & Hospice, call 855.600.0806 or contact us online.