It’s natural to want to stay at home and age in place, especially if you’ve lived independently for several years. Implementing preventative care and lifestyle practices reduces your risk of chronic illness and injury.

Physical Fitness and Flexibility

Keeping yourself mobile helps you maintain independence. A lack of mobility increases your chance of muscle, bone and joint injuries. Creating a fitness routine that includes at least 10 minutes of daily stretching, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and light weight training will strengthen and elongate your muscles and improve your range of motion. Taking a walk each day is an easy way to include cardio. Invite a friend or family member, or listen to music while you stroll.

Eat to Support Your Body and Mind

Your body produces less of the essential nutrients it needs as you age. Eat a balanced diet with calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D to strengthen your bones and joints.

Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties also reduces your risk of joint stiffness and damage. Spinach, kale, fatty fish and tomatoes are foods known to fight inflammation. Include fruits and vegetables with antioxidants, folate, zinc and Vitamins A and C.

Preventive Health Practices

Taking precautionary steps to stay safe is an important part of preventative care. Alert pendants and bracelets provide a direct line to emergency services wherever you are around your house. Installing handles and grab bars and keeping walkways clear may lower your likelihood of falls.

Creating an emergency supply kit is also part of practicing preventative care. In the event of bad weather or a power outage, you should have a few days’ worth of food and water, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, extra clothes, medications, first aid supplies and personal items.

Importance of Social Interaction

Staying socially engaged is essential to your mental health. Talking on the phone, chatting with your neighbor or getting out of the house to socialize can prevent loneliness, depression and isolation. Maintaining a social schedule also allows you to check in with your loved ones so they know you’re safe.

Schedule time to talk to a friend, family member or neighbor at least once daily. Attend religious services, volunteer or visit a senior center to meet new people and interact with others who share similar interests.

Using Health Support Services

Asking for support doesn’t mean you give up your independence. Relying on loved ones and home healthcare can help you age in place safely. Using those resources allows you to get the care you need in the comfort of your home.

Check your ability to complete daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, driving and paying your bills. If you struggle with those tasks, it may be time to consider a companion or home health service. Skilled nursing staff are trained to assist with medical needs and in-home therapy.

Home Physical Therapy to Help You Maintain Independence

Ohioans Home Healthcare is dedicated to providing home physical therapy services in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Call 855-600-0806 or contact us online to learn more about our capabilities.

Shorter, colder days can cause depressive symptoms and affect your mental well-being. Checking in with your thoughts and taking proactive steps to maintain your emotional health helps you combat the winter blues.

Eat Well and Exercise

Good nutrition keeps you stay energized and boosts your mood. Include foods such as fish, leafy greens, walnuts, berries and seeds. Avoid over-processed foods high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fat. Alcohol is a depressant, so limit your consumption.

Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing pain perception, and mood-boosting serotonin. At least thirty minutes of daily exercise can improve your physical and mental health. Even a short walk may provide a mental pick-me-up. But make sure you follow winter safety protocols if you go outside.

Build a Strong Support Network

While you may wish to hunker down and withdraw in the winter, staying socially active can keep depression and anxiety at bay. You don’t have to bear the responsibility of good mental health alone, especially if you feel overwhelmed. A network of family and friends provides an outlet for emotional support. Socializing allows you to discuss your feelings, normalize your thoughts and gain perspective.

Stick to a Sleep Schedule

The time change can throw off your sleep habits. Increased fatigue often accompanies seasonal depression, so it’s important to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid taking naps in the afternoon or early evening to prevent sleep disruption at night.

Get Vitamin D

Limited sunlight reduces your exposure to Vitamin D.

The following are signs of Vitamin D deficiency:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Bone and muscle pain
• Impaired wound healing
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Reduced cognitive function
• Hair loss

While not naturally found in many foods, there are Vitamin D-fortified cereals, orange juice and dairy products. Other sources of Vitamin D include eggs, salmon, rainbow trout, almond milk and mushrooms.

Practice Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Mindfulness requires taking stock of your thoughts and emotions and creating a plan to address negativity. You may try meditation, breathing techniques and journaling to monitor and work through depressive symptoms. Those techniques can be completed in a few minutes and are relatively easy to practice.

Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to shift negative thoughts to more positive perspectives. Thought restructuring is a technique that helps you challenge destructive thought patterns and reshape them into productive ways of thinking.

It’s essential not to wait to seek help or medical attention if you struggle with depression. Ohioans Home Healthcare is committed to providing our patients with emotional support to lead healthy lives. Call 855-600-0806 or contact us online to learn about our services.

Your body interprets surgery as an injury and releases hormones and inflammatory signals to protect itself. Post-surgery nutrition plays a crucial role in providing you with the vitamins, nutrients and minerals you need while you’re on the mend.

Why Nutrition Matters After Surgery

Following a surgical procedure, you may be at risk for:

• Infection
• Malnutrition
• Gastrointestinal complications
• Reduced energy
• Compromised immunity
• High blood sugar

You can address those side effects by consuming essential nutrients so your body can rebuild cells, generate new tissue and increase energy levels. Good post-surgical nutrition can help prevent infection, constipation and muscle atrophy, all of which are common following surgery.

Benefits of Post-Surgery Nutrition

Faster healing: Your body needs Vitamin C to rebuild collagen and soft tissue, especially around your incision or surgical site. The quicker you heal, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your usual activities of daily living.

Stable blood sugar: High blood sugar can occur following an operation and can impede the recovery process. Knowing which foods to eat and avoid can prevent further complications, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes.

More energy: Healing requires a lot of energy, so you may feel increased fatigue after surgery. You’ll need a well-balanced diet to supplement the nutrients your body uses to recover.

Muscle recovery: Your muscles can weaken due to inactivity. Eating a diet that includes plenty of protein can keep them strong, while magnesium and potassium reduce cramping.

Emotional health: Regulating your blood sugar can reduce mood swings and fatigue. Including complex carbs provides you with a steady supply of energy, which also supports emotional balance.

Protein

Surgery can strain your body, particularly your muscles, which is why you must include protein in your diet. Proteins are responsible for building and repairing tissue and providing your cells with structural support. Incorporating lean proteins into your meals can reduce muscle loss. It also stabilizes your blood sugar by slowing the rate at which glucose enters your bloodstream.

Hydration and Electrolytes

You may experience dehydration following surgery, especially if you lose blood during the procedure. Dehydration can slow healing, cause joint stiffness and increase your risk of blood clots. Drinking plenty of fluids maintains electrolytes, which regulate nerve and muscle function.

Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, tea and broth to replenish depleted body fluids. Sports drinks and coconut water also offer a boost of electrolytes that can reduce muscle cramps, dizziness and confusion.

Foods to Eat After Surgery

Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, cabbage, spinach and romaine lettuce are good sources of vitamins that support post-op recovery. Vegetables also provide fiber to prevent constipation.

Fruits: Oranges, apples, peaches and tomatoes are packed with Vitamins A and C to help your body fight infection. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes have antioxidants that are essential for cell repair.

Lean meat and eggs: Lean poultry and seafood contain amino acids essential to tissue regeneration. Eggs are another excellent source of protein. One egg has zinc, folic acid, iron, B complex vitamins, calcium and Vitamin E, which helps scars heal.

Whole grains: Carbohydrates keep your brain energized and support muscles. Wild rice, whole wheat bread and quinoa will give your body the nutrients it needs to prevent you from feeling worn out.

Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocadoes, nuts and seeds contain fats your body requires to absorb other nutrients.

Foods to Avoid After Surgery

Consuming certain foods can slow healing and increase your risk of complications. For example, processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation. It’s crucial to be mindful of food choices during the post-op period to ensure positive clinical outcomes.

Foods to avoid include:

• Alcoholic beverages: Alcoholic drinks can dehydrate your body.
• High-fat foods: Meals that are high in fat can trigger nausea.
• Spicy foods: Spice can irritate your stomach or cause your body discomfort.

Meal Planning Tips for Post-Surgery Recovery

• Eat easily digestible foods following surgery, such as applesauce, oatmeal and bananas.
• Include nutrient-complex foods that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.
• Aim for 20 to 30 grams of protein in each meal. Eggs are an excellent high-protein food item.
• Prepare multiple small meals to manage your appetite and avoid overeating. Doing so will also provide your body with a consistent source of energy.
• Cook meals in batches and freeze extras ahead of your surgery.

Empowering Recovery Through Nutrition

Ohioans Home Healthcare can help you create a balanced diet to help you fuel your body and recover from an operation. Contact us online or call 855-600-0806 to learn about our in-home skilled nursing services.

Your loved one may wish to age in place and receive in-home healthcare. It’s important to know what skills and attributes to look for in a home health nurse so you can select the right person to care for your parent.

Certifications and Clinical Experience

Talk with home healthcare agencies about each nurse’s certifications and qualifications. These nurses usually have a nursing degree from an accredited program that includes clinical training.

Here are some questions to consider:

• How much clinical experience is required of each nurse?
• Does the staff have skilled nursing and non-medical service training?
• Does each nurse have to pass a background check?

Home healthcare agencies and their staff must meet specific state qualifications to operate. However, some agencies require their nurses to have a certain amount of previous in-home care experience. Home healthcare nurses also need to maintain their state license and take part in continued education.

Communication Skills

Strong interpersonal skills are essential for home health nurses. They should be able to read your loved one’s verbal and nonverbal cues to assess and address their needs. A home health nurse will spend lots of time with your loved one and needs to be able to build trust.

Availability

Be mindful of how flexible a home healthcare agency is in accommodating your schedule. Ask about the number of available nurses and backup staff. A good in-home healthcare team will thoroughly review your loved one’s needs, consider their preferences and create a personalized schedule to get them the care they need. Ask about emergency availability and how easily you can reach someone for assistance.

Independence

Home health nurses are trained to read cues from their patients, but they also need to be able to take the initiative. In-home care nurses don’t have supervising staff monitoring their activity, so these individuals should be organized self-starters. Home health nurses must be able to gauge an emergency and take action to ensure your loved one’s health and safety.

Knowledge and Transparency

Your loved one’s home health nurse should be knowledgeable about available home health care services. Depending on your loved one’s needs, that may include:

• Physical, occupational and speech therapies
• IV monitoring
• Wound care
• Medication management
• Pain management
• Nutrition counseling
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL)
• Respiratory assessment
• Disease education

You should receive an explanation of services and their associated costs. A good home healthcare agency will also review which in-home services are covered by private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. It’s important that you feel well informed to make the best decision for your loved one, and a home health nurse should provide you with the insight you need to do so.

The team of nurses at Ohioans Home Healthcare is dedicated to our clients and has extensive experience in various home healthcare services. Contact us online or call 855-600-0806 for more information.

Getting older and wiser doesn’t mean you have to slow down. You can do all the things you love by staying on top of your physical and mental health with these five tips.

Follow a Diet and Exercise Plan

Your metabolism changes as you age. Nutrition and exercise help you maintain a healthy immune system.

Here are some diet tips to consider:

• Watch your portion sizes: You don’t need as many calories as you get older.
• Pack on the fruits and vegetables: Five daily servings of fruits and vegetables will provide your body with the necessary antioxidants.
• Eat fresh: Stick to whole grains, lean meats and fresh produce, and limit processed foods, sodium and sugar.
• Stay hydrated: Shoot for six to eight glasses of water a day.

Exercise tips to remember:

• Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise routine, and start slowly.
• Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times weekly.
• Try exercises like walking, biking, aerobics and dancing.
• Include light weight training or yoga to strengthen your muscles.

Stay Socially Active

Social withdrawal can lead to loneliness and isolation, which isn’t good for your cognitive health and memory. Schedule social outings throughout the week or invite loved ones over to catch up. Phone and video calls are another easy way to keep your social meter full.

You may consider volunteering or joining a club to meet new people with similar interests. Transportation services can get you to and from events and outings if you no longer drive.

Check in With Your Mental Health

Too much stress causes an increase in cortisol production in your body. Too much cortisol negatively impacts your immune system, so it’s important to find productive ways to manage stress. Mitigate the effects of stress with coping techniques such as journaling, enjoying a hobby, meditating and practicing goal management.

Giving yourself time to unwind and partake in an activity you love is just as important as diet and exercise. It can go a long way toward boosting your mental health and improving your overall quality of life. Practicing gratitude can change your outlook on aging and help you find positivity each day.

Get Some Shuteye

A good night’s sleep gives your body time to repair and recharge. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule can improve your concentration and memory too. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep and go to bed around the same time to regulate your circadian rhythm. Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping, as they can determine if you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.

Visit Your Doctor

It’s essential to schedule annual physical exams. Your doctor will suggest age-appropriate screenings and tests to check for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Regular check-ups are also important because they allow your doctor to spot health changes early on. That means you’ll get the necessary treatment sooner and prevent long-term complications.

Preventing infection is another important aspect of healthy aging. You should get an annual flu shot to avoid contracting influenza and any secondary illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Learn About Ohioans Home Healthcare Services

The dedicated team at Ohioans Home Healthcare is committed to supporting your healthy aging. We offer personalized in-home care services to help you live your healthiest life.

Our services include:

• In-home occupational therapy
• In-home physical therapy
• Nutrition counseling
• Disease education

Contact Ohioans or call 855-600-0806 if you’re looking for in-home health care services in northwest Ohio.

You can receive expert lab draws in the comfort of your home with Ohioans Select. This in-home lab service is an excellent option for patients of all ages looking for quality, expert care in a private setting.

What is Ohioans Select?

This service includes in-home blood draws and lab samples ordered by your provider. We can take multiple samples at once, so you don’t have to worry about scheduling separate appointments.

All our lab service technicians are certified phlebotomists and will transport your samples to an insurance-preferred lab in your area. Your results will typically be available to you and your doctor within 24 hours.

What to Expect

Ohioans Select is available to anyone. You don’t have to use other Ohioans in-home therapy services to take advantage of the in-home lab service.

We usually receive lab orders from your doctor and will contact you to confirm your lab work and schedule an appointment. Our lab technicians will double-check the lab orders with your doctor to ensure we collect all the necessary samples.

A certified phlebotomist will arrive at your home, collect your samples and take them to a lab after your appointment. In-home lab visits are available for a nominal fee, and insurance will be applied for all testing done in the laboratory.

Benefits of Using Our In-Home Lab Services

• In-home lab services are a good option for seniors with mobility or transportation problems.
• Children can get lab work done in a familiar, comfortable setting to ease their nerves.
• Enjoy privacy instead of getting lab work done in a public setting.
• The lab technicians use card readers for contactless payments.
• We deliver lab work promptly to ensure your physician or specialist has the medical information they need to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
• We offer flexible scheduling based on your availability.

Call Ohioans select at 567-331-1703 or email schedule@ohioansselect.com to schedule your in-home lab service.

Family, patient-oriented, positive, supportive.

Those are just a few words Ohioans Home Healthcare employees use to describe our culture, and that’s why we’ve earned Top Workplace for the eighth year in a row and Top Workplace USA for the second year!

We express our sincerest gratitude to our staff. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your tireless efforts and dedication.

What Top Workplace Means to Us

Being named a Top Workplace for 2022 is a special honor the Ohioans Home Healthcare team takes seriously. We strive for excellence in home healthcare and believe that dedication has earned us local and national recognition.

Our expert staff operates by strong values, and we’re proud of the innovative home health services we’ve cultivated. Nothing is more important to us than the health of our patients and the well-being of our staff.

Top Workplace Ohio and Top Workplace USA awards are based solely on employee feedback. We encourage open communication and different points of view to continue learning, growing and succeeding. Each Ohioans employee should feel like their voice is heard and bring any concerns to their manager.

Staff Testimonials

Read what some of our staff had to say about us:

“I have been a nurse for 26 years, and I have finally found a truly amazing company. They care so much about you. I will leave when I retire!”

“Ohioans has always given me what I needed to balance my work and home life. They value employee happiness and genuinely care.”

“Ohioans provides all the tools and necessities needed to perform my duties as a nurse to the best of my ability. Ohioans provides a safe and healthy working environment. They put as much effort into their employees as they do their patients. I have learned and grown so much as a nurse while working with Ohioans because they provide exceptional training and education. I hope to work at Ohioans for life.”

“I am well supported by my manager and peers alike. My work is meaningful, and I can see firsthand my contributions to the quality patient care that Ohioans promises to its patients.”

“I love my job because I get to be a part of the patient’s family. We work together to get the patient what they need and work hard to get them back to independence.”

Come Work for Ohioans!

Being a home-based caregiver allows you to become a valuable part of a patient’s life. Each patient has unique needs that you will discover during one-on-one time working with them and their loved ones.

You’ll have the flexibility to make your schedule so you can enjoy a work-life balance that suits your needs. At Ohioans, we offer a full-time benefits package that includes:

• Health, vision, dental and life insurance
• A 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Short-term disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• A company vehicle (qualifying employees only)

Are you ready to join a team that makes meaningful connections and enjoys their work? Search our open home health care jobs in Ohio and southeast Michigan and apply online.

February is American Heart Month, so put a little love in your heart health with these lifestyle tips.

Heart Health Statistics

• Heart disease is the number one cause of death for American men and women.
• Someone has a heart attack in the United States every 40 seconds.
• Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined.
• Heart disease costs the United States roughly $363 billion in healthcare services, medical expenses and loss of productivity each year.
• Men are at a higher risk for a heart attack earlier in life than women.

Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Cut back on saturated fat, sodium and sugar.
• Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine and alcohol as both raise your blood pressure.
• Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, tomatoes and berries. Greens like spinach and kale contain Vitamin K, which protects your arteries from hardening. Berries and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Eat whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and barley to reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Add avocadoes to your plate for healthy monosaturated fats that lower cholesterol.
• Include omega-3 fatty acids to decrease triglycerides and prevent plaque from building up in your arteries. You’ll find it in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, cod, herring and trout.

Move and Groove to Better Heart Health

Getting the recommended amount of exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Finding fun ways to include exercise in your daily routine will help you stick to a fitness regimen. Consult your doctor before you start exercising to ensure you’re following a safe routine.

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. That may include walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, water aerobics or Pilates. Bring a friend to a fitness class or take your dog for a stroll to mix up your routine.
• Add strength training at least twice a week using a resistance band or light hand weights.

Watch Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

• Purchase a blood pressure cuff or monitor and check your levels daily. The best times to take your blood pressure are morning and evening.
• Schedule a blood pressure test with your primary physician every five years.
• You should also schedule a cholesterol test every four to six years.

Find Ways to Unwind

Chronic stress raises your blood pressure and heart rate and creates an increased demand for oxygen in the body.

Here are some suggestions to help you ease overwhelm:

• Identify the stressors in your life and try to mitigate or avoid them.
• Learn when to leave stressful situations.
• Go for a walk to clear your head.
• Use exercise to blow off steam and boost your cardiovascular health.
• Try meditation, deep-breathing techniques or yoga to relax.
• Designate a time to turn off electronics and put away your phone to practice being present.

Eliminate Tobacco

Smoking raises your blood pressure and heart rate, narrows your arteries and can cause heart attacks.

• Quit cold turkey or try a substitution method to ease your nicotine craving. You may try chewing gum, popping a mint or eating a healthy snack when you feel the urge to smoke.
• Many products can help you kick the habit, including nicotine patches, gum and lozenges.
• If you continue to struggle to quit smoking, your physician may prescribe medication to help.

Ohioans Home Healthcare offers convenient, in-home cardiac care to monitor symptoms and improve your quality of life. Call 855.600.0806 or contact us online for more information.

Winter has arrived, and many seniors are preparing for the cold months. Preparation includes more than just buying firewood!

Today, you’ll learn important winter home preparation tips for seniors that will help you stay healthy and happy this season.

Change Your Wardrobe to Warmer Clothes

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter is to change your wardrobe. Wear clothes that are made from warmer, more insulating fabrics like wool. Be sure to also swap out lighter fall jackets for heavier ones that provide greater warmth.

You may also want to opt for cozy slippers and socks to keep your feet warm. If you tend to feel cold, consider wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves inside your house as well.

Check Your Heating System

Test your vehicle’s heating system and make sure it’s in good working order. Schedule a maintenance checkup with a qualified technician if necessary.

If you’re using a space heater, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Never use an electric space heater in your bathroom or bedroom. Also, don’t place space heaters directly on carpeting because it could catch fire.

If you use an electric blanket at night, make sure to read the instructions carefully and unplug when not in use. Keep anything flammable away from heating devices like radiators, open flames (candles), or portable heaters that are placed too close to any fabric surfaces (curtains, furniture).

Address Any Car Maintenance Issues

Before winter hits, practice some important care maintenance best practices, such as:

Get an Oil Change if You Haven’t in a While

Dirty oil doesn’t work well in cold weather, so it’s important to get a fresh oil change before winter sets in. This will help your engine run smoothly during these months.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure can be dangerous during the winter months, so be sure to check your tires and fill them with the right amount of air if necessary. Inspect them for any signs of an air leak as well and make an appointment with a reliable mechanic if you notice a flat or leaking tire.

Make Sure Your Tires Aren’t Worn Down

If your tire treads are excessively worn down, it’s time to get new ones. Bald tires cannot grip the road effectively for safe travel in the wintertime.

Check Your Battery

Driving in the snow and ice requires more energy from your car battery than driving in warmer conditions. The average car battery will last three years, so if you are near this or over, make an appointment to replace it with a new one.

If the Heat in Your Car Doesn’t Work, Repair It

If the heat in your car doesn’t work, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Not only will you be uncomfortable while driving, but a lack of heat can be dangerous if you are stranded in your vehicle.

Prepare an Emergency Car Kit

An emergency car survival kit is a good idea for any wintertime trip, but it’s especially important if you’re traveling in the snow and ice. Winter weather can be unpredictable!

Include items like:

• Jumper cables
• A road flare kit
• Ice scraper
• A spare pair of gloves and winter hat
• Hand warmers
• Blankets
• A small broom
• Sand or cat litter to help give your tires extra traction

Prepare for Power Outages

It is also a good idea to prepare your home for winter emergencies, such as broken heating systems or power outages that can leave you without electricity. You may want to purchase some extra blankets just in case!

You may also want to consider stocking up on any daily essentials like food, medications, water, batteries, and matches so you don’t run out during a snowstorm or other cold-weather emergency situation.

In the event you might lose power during a snowstorm or other emergency, purchasing a portable generator can help power a space heater or other electronic devices if you are unable to leave your home immediately.

Make Sure Your Walkways Are Cleared of Ice

Icy sidewalks, porches, and driveways can increase the dangers of falls for seniors. Purchase some ice melt from a local store and sprinkle it over your shoveled walkway after it has been cleared. This will reduce or eliminate the ice on these paths and allow you to move with a significantly lower risk of slipping.

Ask Your Neighbors for Help

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with all of the winter home preparation tasks, don’t be afraid to ask your neighbors for help. They may be able to shovel your driveway or sidewalks, take out your trash on garbage day, or just check in with you when a snowstorm passes through your neighborhood.

Stay Healthy During the Winter by Continuing Your Home Healthcare Checkups

During the winter months, it is especially important to stay healthy and maintain your regular healthcare checkups. Winter conditions can put seniors at a higher risk for health complications like pneumonia or even dehydration if you’re outside long enough or exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Weather changes can also worsen asthma symptoms and other breathing problems.

At Ohioans, we provide compassionate at-home healthcare to seniors in Ohio and Michigan year-round, even in the coldest months. For more information on how we can help you or your loved one stay healthy and cared for this winter, contact us anytime for more information.

As we say goodbye to Halloween and look forward to the next set of holidays, it will be time to prepare for the new year before we know it! During this time of the year, it’s a great idea to set some personal goals that can improve the quality of your life. Here are some 2022 resolution ideas to get started with as we wait for the new year to roll in.

Move More

Staying active is a great way to support healthy aging. Mild to moderate exercises, such as yoga, water aerobics, or walking, strengthen your bones and muscles while helping you maintain a healthy weight.

Staying active can also boost mental health, especially if you include your loved ones. When considering your 2022 resolution ideas, be sure to plan to move more and engage in some exercise. It can be as simple as committing to exercising for ten minutes a day.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a fantastic way to stay engaged with your community and interact with other like-minded individuals. Socializing is essential for healthy aging, and volunteer opportunities bring a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and self-confidence.

Not sure where to begin? Places like nonprofits, churches, hospitals and other community-based organizations often have plenty of volunteer opportunities to check out.

Improve Your Sleep Routine

A healthy night’s sleep is critical for people of all ages. Even for older adults, seven to nine hours of sleep per night is ideal. If you are not getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, consider adjusting your routine for a healthier rest.

Improving your sleep routine can help you maintain a strong immune system while improving your memory and concentration. For the best results, start going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

Produce Less Consumer Waste

Consumer waste has a massive impact on the health of our climate and environment. This year, consider using more reusable containers, shopping bags, and other nonperishable alternatives to reduce the total waste you generate in a year. Participating in leaving a better world to the next generation can provide you with a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Create Some Healthy (and Delicious) Recipes

Keeping a healthy diet is one of the most ideal health goals for seniors. Eating well supports healthy organ function, mental health and can taste great too! Kick off the new year by looking up some tasty, nutrient-rich recipes and trying them for yourself. Don’t forget to stay hydrated – keep a container of water nearby and take frequent sips throughout your day.

Take an Online Class

No one is ever too old to keep learning! Plus, keeping your brain active can ward off mental deterioration. There are plenty of great classes online that cover nearly any topic you might be interested in.

Start and Finish a Book Series

Reading can play a crucial role in maintaining healthy cognitive function. If you like to read, consider finding a new book series that interests you and read it from start to finish throughout the year. Local libraries have a wealth of free series for just about any genre you could pick from. Some also offer audiobooks for those who may have vision difficulties.

Try Something Creative

We all have an inner artist inside of us. If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby this year, consider trying your hand at something creative, such as writing, drawing, painting, etc. For a real brain teaser, you might even take a shot at sudoku or crossword puzzles. You never know – you might discover a hidden talent or find something that you really enjoy.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

When living at home, it’s common for feelings of isolation or loneliness to creep up on a person’s mental health. A healthy mind is a key part of healthy aging. If you are struggling emotionally, make an appointment with a counselor or therapist. Staying connected gets more and more important as you age, so it is essential to prioritize your mental health.

Keep a Journal

Journaling can help organize your thoughts and explore them. There’s no right or wrong way to keep a journal – do what comes naturally! Whether you keep a gratitude journal, practice writing, or document your days, buy yourself a lovely journal and let your thoughts flow.

Prioritize Your Physical Health

Preventing illness is easier than treating it, so don’t forget to prioritize your health by practicing preventative health measures. Schedule all of your annual physicals and screenings, get up to date on your vaccinations, and actively manage your medications to ensure a long, happy year.

Are you considering home health care this year? Many senior citizens prefer to be at home rather than go to a nursing facility. Home health care can provide various benefits that support daily living, longevity, and quality of life. If you’re looking to provide in-home care for a loved one, contact Ohioans Home Healthcare to learn more about our services for the Ohio and Michigan areas.