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!

Written by American Standard 2018; Updated on October 15, 2021

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the world’s most prevalent disease. For most of us, that fact is shocking. Being aware of Arthritis and the devastating impact that it can have on so many people, is our opportunity to understand important facts about this condition, treatment and prevention, and what you can do to help.

 

 

Arthritis is Bigger Than You May Think

While arthritis may not be as life-threatening as heart disease or cancer, it is no small health issue. Arthritis is the most common chronic health condition in Canada.

 

Arthritis not only costs the 6 million individuals and their caregivers who must live with its effects, it places a tremendous burden on our Canadian healthcare system. Affecting all ages, it interferes with physical and mental health, decreasing quality of life.

 

Arthritis is On The Rise

As Canadians age, the number of people with arthritis will also increase, furthering impacts on families and our healthcare system.  It is projected that today’s 6 million living with arthritis, will increase to 9 million by 2040.

While researchers look for ways to find a cure for arthritis, there are treatments and strategies available today to make arthritis relief easier for you or a loved one.

Reach Out to Loved Ones

The pain of arthritis expands beyond just physical hurt. Many patients feel lonely because their friends and family don’t understand what they’re going through. But just because they haven’t felt the same pain doesn’t mean that they can’t help. If you have arthritis or arthritis symptoms, lean on your loved ones and know you’re not alone. Explain your limitations to those close to you and suggest activities you can do together, such as going for a walk or reading. The Arthritis Foundation has even more solutions for dealing with challenges that arthritis can create in your relationships.

 

Practice Self-Care

While arthritis compromises physical health, it also impacts mental health, where depression and anxiety are known factors.  Dealing with long-term arthritis symptoms can be just as taxing on your emotions as your body. Feelings of emotional distress, including anger are all completely natural. The key to dealing with those feelings is not to ignore them, but to understand and accept them as a part of your own process. It’s important to remember that your emotions can change your perception of your arthritis symptoms, and you have the power to alter your condition.

Self-care practices like therapy, exercise, diet or counseling and arthritis support groups can help you manage your challenges.

Canada’s Food Guide can help you plan meals to ensure that you achieve your recommended intake of protein and nutrients.  Some foods help to reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.

 

 

Seek Comfort

ComfortSeries^™ accessible bathtubs have built-in benefits to specifically target and ease aches and pains caused by arthritis. Designed specifically to provide safe bathing for users with limited mobility, American Standard’s ComfortSeries™ walk-in tubs are Arthritis Friendly, and have been awarded the Ease of Use commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.  Our bathtubs are designed specially to be accessible to those who suffer from mobility challenges, to help soothe arthritis pain, and are proven* to make life easier for people with Arthritis and limited mobility.

Features include ADA safety and comfort features, as well as RevitaJet^®Hydrotherapy System for soothing therapeutic massages.

 

*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.

 

If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, consider looking into walk-in tubs to serve as a complement to your arthritis treatment and relief, and consider ways to make your home safer and more comfortable if you are struggling with arthritis pain.

The ability to move freely, dress, bathe, and go about our daily business is often taken for granted, until Arthritis develops.  Pain can be life-changing.

Support & education is available through the Arthritis Society among other resources, but consider how you can help someone with arthritis today.

 

Sources:

Statistics Canada Annual Demographic Estimates: Canada, Provinces and Territories 2020

ACREU: Status of Arthritis in Canada Report

Arthritis Society: arthritis.ca

August 17, 2021

 

Do you ever wonder why people enjoying a good bubble bath take so long in the bathtub?  Not only is it soothing and calming, but it’s actually good for you.

Of course, baths take longer than showers so it might not be as convenient, but the benefits of a bath far outweigh that of a shower.

Ileana Poules-Brunet agrees, and has written several lifestyle articles about it.  However, American Standard has been in the bathroom business for almost 150 years, so we know a thing or two about bathrooms, healthy living, bathing science and health benefits.

 

Here’s why a Bath is better for your Health:

1. Youthfulness and Age Delay

Dermatologists will tell you that bathing can reduce skin complications like acne, and reduce the aging process.

For those that are frequently stressed by everyday life, circumstances, health (both physical and emotional), the stress hormone Cortisol will be elevated.  Elevated Cortisol levels can increase blood pressure, cause weight gain, fatigue, irritability and headaches, but can also lead to anxiety or depression.  According to Premier Health, Cortisol narrows the arteries, while another hormone Epinephrine, increases your heart rate, forcing your blood to pump harder and faster.  This also increases blood sugar levels that your pancreas may struggle with, whether or not it can keep up with the demand for insulin.

Long-term elevated Cortisol can also suppress your immune system, thereby making you more susceptible to colds and illness, and the inability to reduce inflammation.

We know that Inflammation is at the root cause of almost all illnesses.

 

1. Sore Muscle Relief

When muscles are sore, we usually apply hot compresses or heating pads.  A warm bath encourages the circulation of blood around your body.  The increased blood flow provides your muscles with more oxygen and nutrients.  This improves the elasticity of the connective tissues, releases muscle tightness, and relieves pain.  Healthline states that heat therapy works by improving circulation and blood flow to a particular area due to increased temperature, and can actually heal damaged tissue.

 

When you are bathing, you are submerged in warm to hot water, which not only relieves the muscles in your body, but the buoyancy in water relieves pressure from sore joints as well.

Muscle Recovery can occur in just 15 minutes

2. Lower Blood Sugar Levels and Improved Blood Pressure

Always check with your doctor before starting a new therapy, but they usually agree that a warm bath may be the best option for you.

 

While exercise for seniors is important for overall wellness, as is a healthy eating plan; taking a warm bath might be just as good if you are looking to burn a few extra calories.  Soaking in an hour-long hot bath can burn as many calories (around 140) as a 30 minute walk according to a 2017 study led by Dr. Faulkner at Loughborough University in London.  Warm water raises your temperature and makes your heart beat faster.  This is good for cardiovascular health, because your body must work harder to maintain the appropriate internal temperature, which accelerates the body’s ability to burn fat.  Hot baths also improve the body’s anti-inflammatory response, just like exercising.

4. Heart Healthy

A new study from Japan reports that hot baths can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.  Bathing is a key part of Japanese culture, and they found that the risk for hypertension/cardiovascular disease and stroke is significantly decreased.   30,000 Japanese adults were tracked for 20 years during this study, which showed 26-28% lower risk, but by using hot baths, this number jumped to a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

5. Insomnia Help

According to TheSleepDoctor and Princess Cruise Line’s spokesperson & Luxury Bed Developer Dr. Michael Breus, warm baths have been a well known remedy for years for people with insomnia, because warm water relaxes the body and helps core body temperatures to drop afterwards.  It also signals the pineal gland in your brain to produce melatonin (your sleep hormone).  The best time for a bath is 1-2 hours prior to going to bed.  According to Dr. Shahab Haghayegh, it’s called the Power-Down Hour.  Warm to hot baths help muscles to relax, reducing arthritic pain, and increases circulation to reduce swelling and inflammation.  Reducing pain also helps you to get a good night’s sleep.

6. Stress-Relief

As with all stress-relieving techniques, some form of meditation is required along with wellness therapies.  Some examples are:

• creating a calming atmosphere
• imagining the temporary feeling of escape from stressors
• Chromatherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Focussing on your muscles relaxing and the sensations that you are feeling

 

Meditating (or simple mindfulness) while the bathtub is filling, and during your bathing and hydrotherapy session will help to heal, and assist you on your wellness journey.

 

 

7. Some Baths Are Just as Clean (if not cleaner) Than Showers

If you are washing off or soaking from a normal day, a bath will clean you the same as a shower.  If you have dirt or bacteria on you, then a shower may be a quick way to eliminate the dirt, however, bathtubs such as American Standard’s ComfortSeries™️ have an Ozone Sanitation System built in.  This means bacteria is killed 3000+ times faster than chlorine, and eliminates any disease-causing organisms.  It is completely safe, and actually improves the water quality in your bathtub; it eliminates dirt/grime ring that bathing may leave by oxidizing oils, salts & soaps by removing those particles from the water.  It’s so much cleaner than a shower!

 

 

Taking a bath has many health benefits, from decreased stress to better heart health and blood circulation.  If you are interested in promoting relaxation, easing fatigue and treating chronic pain, a bath might be the choice for you.  With a ComfortSeries™️ walk-in tub, everyone can take advantage of this relaxing and beneficial therapy because it’s also accessible for safety.

 

The best way for you to take action & start to heal and reduce pain, is to reconsider what a bath can really do for you.  And when you are ready to combine that with a universal safe option for bathing, our professionals will help:  our personalized service team helps you determine the best product for your needs, and our professional installations take only just one day.

 

For more information:  American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada  1-844-867-7737

As we get older, we start to notice changes in our bodies and minds. Along with physical effects like aches and pains, our brains aren’t as sharp as they once were. Although we can’t completely beat the test of time, there are different activities we can do to be proactive and improve our overall health.

Senior brain games are a fun and stimulating way to increase our cognitive functioning on a daily basis. Besides the social perks, there are countless benefits to be had when you join in on the fun. These include:

• A greater sense of independence
• Faster thinking skills
• Better memory
• Better concentration skills
• Improved general knowledge
• Improved hand-eye coordination
• Improvements to motor skills, such as writing and drawing
• Enhanced reaction times

Check out these entertaining senior brain games that you can play anytime, anywhere!

Crossword Puzzles

If you’re wondering how to keep your brain healthy, start by doing crossword puzzles. This is a great kind of senior brain game that has been popular for decades. Whether you find them in your daily newspaper, online, or in a book, crossword puzzles offer the same health benefits. They encourage players to use their memory recall function, as well as association capabilities that they need for matching clues with the word that fits the box. Association skills help to fight the symptoms of dementia.

Another benefit of this senior brain game is that it can be played solo or in teams. Teams encourage social interaction which has been found to also decrease your risk of dementia.

Chess

Keep things classic with a game of chess. This senior brain game is all about strategy, thinking ahead, and being creative. If you’ve never played it before, don’t worry. Geniuses aren’t the only ones that can dominate at this game. Take time to learn the basics and with each game you play, you’ll get better and better. It requires two players which checks off the social benefit. It also helps to boost brain health by sharpening your concentration skills and even increasing your IQ.

Jigsaw Puzzles

For those rainy days inside, grab a fuzzy blanket and set down with a jigsaw puzzle. Research has shown that ‘clicking,’ the act of finding and connecting two correct pieces, releases dopamine which is associated with happiness and an overall improved sense of well-being. This neurotransmitter can help to improve levels of concentration.

In addition, puzzles aid in sharpening your association skills, social skills (because they are often done in groups), and give you a sense of accomplishment when you click in that last puzzle piece.

Scrabble

It’s time to win that triple letter score with this social senior brain game. We’ve all played Scrabble at one time or another and it always presents a great challenge. Not only does this game require you to scratch the depths of your mind to come up with a wide range of words, but it also encourages you to be strategic with your next move if you want to score the most points.

Like the previous senior brain games, Scrabble is played in groups which leads to many social benefits. Some of the most researched benefits of playing Scrabble include lowering blood pressure, improving memory functions, and creating an overall sense of happiness. This fun and relaxing game can also release endorphins, the “happy” neurotransmitters that make you feel good and improve your overall mood.

Card Games

Whether you and your family feel like keeping things lighthearted with a game of Uno or want to challenge yourselves at poker, you’re helping to improve your cognitive functioning with a deck of cards. There’s an endless list of card games to choose from and all of them offer a fun outlet for social interaction, mental stimulation, and maybe even a little prize at the end.

Online Games

In today’s digital era, online games have become extremely popular due to their convenience and on-the-go nature. There are plenty of apps to download onto your Smartphone or iPad, but it’s important to remember that some games are more beneficial than others.

Brain training apps are a specific category of online games that help players increase cognitive functioning in a stress-free, interactive way. One of the best features of these senior brain games is that most allow you to track your progress and improvement. This helps each player feel a sense of accomplishment when they see their hard work has paid off. Here are three brain training apps for you to get started with.

Brain Trainer

If you’re looking for a great source of daily challenges to improve your cognitive functioning, this is the perfect app. Try a new memory, logic, and number game every day. You can also do puzzles and game training on this free app.

Elevate

This award-winning senior brain game helps you train with 35+ games that are designed to boost productivity, learning power, and skills in categories like math, reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Lumosity

The Lumosity app takes scientifically-validated tasks and turns them into fun games that help you improve your skills in areas like problem solving, memory, attention, and processing speed.

Start Doing Your Brain Sharpening Exercises

No matter how old we are, it’s never too late to start thinking about how to better our cognitive functioning. While there are multiple ways to keep your mind sharp, senior brain games are one of the best options because they can lift your spirits and bring you closer together with family and friends.

Now that you’re starting on the path to a sharper mind, keep the momentum going by finding out how you can alter your lifestyle to boost your brain health.