With the strategy of reducing the incidence of falls, and enabling individuals to remain independent in their home or place of residence; American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada works with families, caregivers, and health professionals in providing suitable safe, accessible bathing solutions to you. Continue reading “Caregivers: Are you looking for Safe, Accessible Bathing Solutions?”

This year on Valentine’s Day, we’re dedicating this post to improving heart health. The best way to stay healthy is having a smart lifestyle — especially as we get older! Here are a few fun activities you can engage on Hearts Day to make sure you’re keeping your lifestyle healthy, today and every day.

Fun Activities to Maintain a Healthy Heart

1. Get Moving

Aerobic physical activity or cardio is a great option for seniors looking to boost heart health. And the best part? You don’t have to jog! Cardio is easy to do and inexpensive. Plus, it’s a great way to spend family time. Could a neighborhood walk with your kids really improve your physical health? Yes!

To get the ball rolling, here are some moderate-intensity exercises for your heart and lungs that you can do to improve heart health.

• Brisk walking
• Tennis
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Cycling
• Hiking

Just remember to speak to your doctor before you start an exercise program.

2. Spend Time With Your Pet

Pets have been proven to reduce stress, which is one of the leading causes of heart health problems. Pet owners demonstrate lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which reduces their risk of heart attack. During American Heart Month, give your pet extra cuddles, take a walk for some aerobic physical activity, or adopt a furry friend. Your heart will definitely appreciate it. Woof!

3. Treat Yourself to Some Chocolate

Believe it or not, one of the yummiest ways to improve your heart health is by eating chocolate. Although nutritionists agree that dark chocolate has the most health benefits, there is a study showing that all kinds of chocolate may help lower your risk of heart problems. If dark chocolate is your favorite sweet treat, you’re in luck. Dark chocolate contains less sugar, a higher ratio of cocoa, and more antioxidants. Eating chocolate helps you balance your cholesterol!

4. Have a Laugh

Go to see a comedy show, laugh with friends, or watch funny videos! Laughter tends to reduce blood pressure and a sense of humor is even better for your health. There is research showing the greater your sense of humor is, the lower the risk you have of developing heart disease. Laughing at humorous things also helps battle against distressing emotions like depression, anxiety, and anger, all of which increase the likelihood of heart problems. The saying “Laughter is the best medicine” truly does hit home with this heart healthy activity.

5. Eat Breakfast

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it turns out that this morning meal can help you for years to come. A study of over 4,000 participants found that those who get less than five percent of their daily calories from breakfast (100 of the 2,000 recommended for women) were more likely to have clogged and damaged arteries than those who eat a high-energy breakfast (over 400 calories for women). Grab your fresh fruit, whip up some eggs, and improve your heart health with a tasty breakfast every day.

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Blissful, uninterrupted sleep is a necessary activity we all enjoy after a long day. You wake up feeling rested and energized after a good night’s sleep and your body benefits from it, too. Not getting enough sleep can lead to negative side effects. According to a 2017 study of nearly 13,000 adults, researchers found that those experiencing poor sleep had a 71% higher risk of ischemic heart disease and a 45% higher risk of stroke. There’s an easy solution, folks. Get those eight hours of shut eye and you’ll improve your heart health, as well as your memory and concentration.

7. Have a Hot Bath

Soaking in a hot bath is an effective way to relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. Bathing has also been found to reduce stress and improve your heart health. Recent studies have shown that people who take at least five hot baths a week have significantly lower markers of atherosclerosis and cardiac loading. Basically, five baths a week can improve your cardiovascular system, including circulation.

For today and the months to come, enjoy a daily bath with all the fun add-ons like candles, bubble bath products, and music. Just make sure you’re staying safe in the bathroom. A walk-in tub is a great way to increase ease-of-use and lower your chances of falling.

There’s no better time to start taking care of your health than Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be a chore either. Improve your heart health with these fun activities that can help you be healthier and happier for the years to come.

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written by Lee-Anne Creery for American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

A time for celebration, fun and joy, the holiday season is for family, friends and loved ones.  Being careful and aware of safety risks and hazards in your home and in others’, will help ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Decorating

Everyone likes to put up decorations or lighting, but have you considered the material that each is made from, or the age of the item?  If not, it’s time you reviewed your decorations, and eliminate those that are not going to be safe.

Keep all decorations away from a fireplace and any candles, and never use real candles in a Holiday Tree.  All artificial trees and decorations should have a CSA approval and fire-resistant rating.  If it doesn’t, or isn’t visible, then it’s time to replace your decorations.  If you are purchasing new lights, look for LED which burn cooler and saves you money on your electrical bill.

When you purchase or replace your ornaments, try to select new ones that are shatterproof.  This way, if they are dropped or if a furry friend finds them, there won’t be glass to step on or clean up, saving you time, effort and money.

Ensure that the proper lighting and cords are used; make sure that they are properly rated for indoor use, and that the wires are not frayed or damaged.  Lights rated for outdoors only should not be used inside at all.  Follow use guidelines so that you don’t overload cords (think Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation), potentially causing a fire risk.

When decorating, have someone with you if you require a ladder or step-stool.  Having a child or grandchild help with decorating is a gift in itself.

Floor Safety

Keep your floor area clear to prevent any chance of falling.  Elaborate holiday arrangements if not properly placed out of the way of foot traffic, could cause you or your loved ones to trip and fall.  Keep floors clean and remove any scatter rugs that could cause a slip.  All rugs should be adhered to the floor or be rubber-backed to prevent any movement.  If you use an anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen where you prep food, place it exactly where you need it for standing on, and not in the middle of the floor where it will be a trip hazard.

Lighting

Holiday lighting is lovely, but be sure that all areas of your home are properly lit.  Dim holiday lighting can prevent you from seeing a potential hazard, can cause disorientation due to shadows and glares, and generally make it hard to see where you are going.  Light switches can be hard to see, so nightlights in bathrooms will help to ensure you can see where you are going.  If you are visiting overnight, take a nightlight with you, as your host may not have one.

As magical as wintertime is, it can also be a time of power-outages.  Keep a supply of flashlights (never candles) and spare batteries.  It’s probably good to keep blankets in an easy access closet, so you know where they are in case of a lack of heat during these outages.

 

COVID-19

The last couple of years have been difficult for many who cannot see and visit with their loved ones.  We know that there is an increased chance of spread where people congregate together, unknowingly passing the virus to those more vulnerable; however the latest variant Omicron has been deemed airborne.  So when you are planning to visit with family and friends over the holidays, reduce your risk by

• wearing a mask,
• stay in groups of less than 10 people, and
• sanitize/wash your hands often.

 

Fire Safety

Many seniors like to cook for their families during the holidays.  You may have some wonderful traditional recipes, but unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires that occur during holiday time.

Always have a lid handy to smother flames in a pan should it catch fire, and baking soda for grease fires.  However, it’s best to keep an eye on food that is cooking at all times, and ensure that all knobs on your stove and oven are in the “off” position when you are done.

Ensure that your smoke and CO detectors are in working order.

Always have a fire extinguisher and an emergency plan of action in case of fire, along with an escape plan.

 

Personal Health

During the holidays, you should always be mindful of your health, how you feel, and listen to your body first.  Prevent accidents from occurring by being aware of what you are eating, how tired you are, your physical and mental state, and how much sleep you are getting.  A holiday gathering can create a sense of nostalgia, but also melancholy.  Ask someone for help if you need it.

Hydration & Rest

The holidays are full of excitement, anticipation and sometimes confusion.  When you are fatigued from a change in routine, you are vulnerable to falling, and may develop a weakened immune system.  So remember to rest when you need to, and stay hydrated.  Health experts recommend that you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.  Water is central to your health, and if you have an alcoholic drink, you need to replenish with an additional glass of water for every alcoholic beverage.

Follow Dietary Guidelines

Most people overeat, overindulge on tasty treats, and don’t get enough exercise over the holidays.  If that eating pattern continues, it can affect heart health, and can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disease.

Eat meaningful food, monitor and modify portion sizes and food types to ensure that it follows Health Canada’s dietary guidelines to keep you healthy.  Be selective in the food you choose, ensure that ½ of your plate is vegetables, ¼ is made up of high fibre carbohydrates, and ¼ plate of lean protein.

Drink one glass of water before you start your meal, and eat slowly to allow your stomach to become accustomed to all the wonderful flavours that is filling it.  The slower you eat, the more your body will appreciate it, and you won’t feel over-stuffed.  All in moderation.

 

Travel

If you plan on travelling, observe COVID recommendations and keep hand sanitizer readily available.  Take your medications with you to ensure that you take them at your usual time.  With the excitement of the holidays and celebrating with loved ones, it is easy to miss a dose.

Once you arrive back home, spend some time rejuvenating and much needed time on yourself.  Ease sore muscles in a relaxing or therapeutic bathtub soak with some essential oils.  Do you have trouble stepping over the tub?  Check out ComfortSeries™ for safety and accessibility.

 

Snow Safety

Do you shovel your own walkway, or are you able to hire someone to help you out?  If you do it yourself, make sure you do some stretching first before properly dressing for the weather; prevent frostbite by covering any exposed skin, and layer your clothing like the Scouts do.  Don’t overdo it; work in small increments at a time.  If it is or becomes too overwhelming, ask a neighbour to snow-blow or help you shovel.  Many communities offer Snow Angels programs, where volunteers remove snow for seniors and people with disabilities.  Call your municipality to inquire.

 

As you prepare for this holiday season, remember these Holiday Safety Tips and be sure to pass them on to your friends.  You don’t have to be an older adult to observe safe practices and prevent falling.  Safety is for everyone!

 

Updated October 12, 2021

Did you know that your diet plays a major role in your arthritis pain management? While physical therapy can do wonders, eating right can also help. Let’s look at five anti-inflammatory foods that can help with arthritis pain.

1. Green Tea

Green tea has many health benefits, one of which is its anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant that works to stop the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in our bodies. Research also suggests that EGCG may prevent or slow down the break down of our body’s cartilage, which can help preserve joints longer. So grab a nice, warm cup of tea, pour yourself a bath, and enjoy this healthy and refreshing drink.

2. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, rainbow trout, and oysters, contain omega-3 fish oils, a natural compound that can help decrease inflammation by suppressing the enzymes that erode cartilage. Not only do omega-3 oils reduce the symptoms of arthritis, but they also aid in more strength, less fatigue, reduced joint swelling and stiffness, and less overall pain.

Bonus tip: when cooking your fatty fish, use seasonings like garlic, turmeric, and ginger for even more benefits. Garlic is a member of the allium family, which means it contains a compound that also limits cartilage-damaging enzymes. Turmeric is actually one of the most researched inflammation fighters, as it contains curcumin which is beneficial in managing chronic inflammation. Lastly, ginger blocks the production of inflammatory substances in the body.

 

3. Walnuts

Like fatty fish, walnuts are full of healthy nutrients and loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. Omega-3 has been shown to decrease symptoms of arthritis and reduce inflammation. In addition to omega-3, walnuts also contain healthy fats and oleocanthal, which also helps decrease inflammation. In fact, these healthy fats block the same inflammatory pathways as ibuprofen and aspirin!

4. Greens

It’s no surprise that leafy greens are great for our health, but favorites like broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, and cabbage are especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis. These vegetables have carotenoids, which have long been touted for their protective properties. Usually, carotenoids are responsible for the bright yellow, red, and orange we find in nutritious picks like bell peppers and carrots, but these greens have carotenoids as well. Carotenoids act as antioxidants in our bodies, are major cancer-fighters, and have anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. So fill your plate up with a colorful diet of fruits and vegetables to help alleviate some of your arthritis pain.

 

5. Berries

Berries such as blackberries, elderberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and help our bodies generate connective tissue. In fact, anthocyanins are even more powerful than Vitamin C in defusing free radicals in our bodies, which can irritate tissue and cartilage.

These five foods will help relieve joint pain, but eating a healthy diet all the time will also help. Whole grains, lean proteins, and lots of fruits and veggies are naturally anti-inflammatory and will help you maintain a healthy weight. Every pound of weight you lose, you reduce the load on your joints by four pounds. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet will help you control your joint and arthritis pain. If you want to learn more about preventing arthritis and healthy tips and tricks, visit the Arthritis Society or the Arthritis Foundation.

ComfortSeries™ Bathtubs by American Standard can also help soothe Arthritis Pain.

In fact, our walk-in tubs have been tested and commended by the Arthritis Foundation for Ease of Use.  Our walk-in tubs were awarded this commendation because they are products that are proven* to make life easier for people with Arthritis and limited mobility.

*This award recognizes products that make life easier for people with arthritis and other physical limitations.  Products undergo a multi-step testing process conducted by an independent lab of experts in the field of universal product design and evaluation.