Similar to how our body loses muscle over time, our brains can suffer from atrophy, too. Your brain’s cognitive reserve (its ability to improvise and find alternate ways of getting a job done) diminishes as you age, which makes it more difficult to perform mental tasks. Researchers suggest that following a brain-healthy lifestyle and performing regular, targeted brain exercises can increase your brain’s cognitive reserve. There are several factors that contribute to boosting brain health.

What is a Brain Healthy Lifestyle?

It’s no secret that your lifestyle greatly impacts all aspects of your health.  Traditional components that contribute to an individual’s overall health and well-being include healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, and stress management. These are all part of the 6 Pillars of Brain Health:

1. Food & Nutrition.  The process of oxidation damages brains cells and occurs when your brain is exposed to harmful stressors due to your lifestyle and environment. (Imagine the browning of a half-eaten apple to give you a visual image of the damage that oxidation can cause on your brain.)  Food rich in antioxidants, like spinach, kale, broccoli, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, can help fend off the harmful effects of oxidation in your brain. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3, a fatty acid your body can’t produce, and is good for your brain. Not a fish lover? Try walnuts, flaxseeds or soybeans.
2. Physical Exercise.  Exercise improves blood flow and memory, stimulating chemical changes in the brain that enhance learning, mood and thinking. Regular endurance exercise, like running, swimming or biking, can foster new brain cell growth and preserve existing brain cells. By conducting brain scans of older adults, researchers found that the most physically active people maintained their motor skills better than those who were sedentary, even despite signs of brain damage by age-related small vessel disease. Regular exercise has also been linked to a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Medical Health.  Pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, high cholesterol, and smoking all increase the risk of dementia. Reducing the risks is within your control. Start by attending annual check-ups, following your doctor’s advice, and taking medications as prescribed.
4. Sleep & Relaxation.  Few things are better for your mood, immune system and brain than a good night’s sleep. Sleep sharpens our brain and provides the energy we need to keep up with our busy lives. Sleep may also reduce buildup of beta-amyloid plaque in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Mental Fitness.  Similar to your muscles, use it or you will lose it. Brain reserve develops in childhood and gets stronger as you learn through adulthood. Brain reserve helps your brain adapt and respond to changes and resist damage. Developing new skills, trying new activities, and participating in ongoing education helps to build and improve brain reserve. These mental exercises can also decrease your likelihood of developing dementia.
6. Social Interaction.  Leading an active social life can protect you against memory loss. Studies have shown that those who engage in a socially interactive lifestyle experience the slowest rate of memory decline. Spend time with loved ones and engage in stimulating conversation to boost your brain health.

How To Improve Memory Recall

A desire to improve your memory is a common one. Thankfully, there are many ways to improve concentration and memory recall. If you’re trying to learn something new or increase your ability to recall information, try these tips:

*Chunking: Make it easier to remember several pieces of information by putting it together in chunks. Your brain can retain more information if you put numbers in smaller groups than if you think of each number as a separate piece of information. Think of how we remember and say our phone numbers: instead of 5551234567, we lump them together: 555-123-4567. Research shows that chunking information continues to be a very effective strategy, even during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

*Mnemonic Devices: Acronyms are the most familiar type of mnemonic strategies and are used because they’re a great way to remember things. For example, when learning notes in piano lessons, some teachers use the mnemonic device “Every Good Boy Does Fine”. The first letter of each word, (E, G, B, D, F) is the note name for the lines of the treble clef.

*Repetition: Seems obvious, right? Being intentional about repeating something helps it become embedded in your short-term memory.

*Write It Down: Remember when you were in school and you took notes to retain information? It was for good reason. The act of writing things down can help implant the memories into your brain, as well as serve as a reminder and a reference for you.

Exercises to Improve Memory and Concentration

Just like you exercise your body for physical health, the same notion can be applied to your mental health. Brain exercises are a great way to keep your mind active as you age. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of exercises to improve memory and concentration.

*Switch Hands. Use your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth, eat, and navigate your computer mouse. The challenge of this activity results in increased brain activity.

*Eat with Chopsticks. This trick causes you to be mindful of what you eat, which is good for your brain, digestion and calorie consumption. (Try using your non-dominant hand for added exercise.)

*Turn Off Technology. As a society, we’ve become so reliant on our smartphones that we’ve forgotten that our brains once did these jobs for us! Do math equations in your head or on paper, don’t use autocorrect when spelling, or turn of your GPS and use your innate sense of direction to get to a location you’ve previously been to.

*Go at it Backwards (or Upside Down). Stimulate your brain by looking at things upside down. For example, wear your watch upside down. This forces your brain to think and process the information every time you look at the time.

*Meditate. This is likely the most challenging, and therefore most beneficial, memory and concentration skill. Meditation works so much like physical exercise, it’s been called “push ups for the brain.” The brain benefits of meditation include improved memory, increased focus and attention, and even reversal of brain atrophy.

*Do a Puzzle or Word Search.  Buy or trade  new puzzles often to help with shape association, or play fun games that help improve memory recall.

Your brain is the most important muscle in your body and deserves care and attention, too. Play brain games, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly to boost your brain health.

 

Spa Therapy can also help you improve cardiovascular health, increase blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, improve sleep and mental health.

When you think of a luxurious bath, you probably imagine a tub of hot water topped with a thick foam of bubbles. While bubble bath products are popular for achieving bath time indulgence, there are other relaxing bath products that can enhance your soak and provide greater health benefits.

Why Bubble Bath Products Aren’t the Best for Your Bath Time

Have you ever treated yourself to a relaxing bubble bath only to suffer from dry, itchy skin for the rest of the day?

Your bubble bath products are probably the culprit.

To create bubbles, bubble bath products contain foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These chemicals are so aggressive that they remove the protective layer of your skin, which in turn makes your skin more sensitive to other ingredients. While sinking into bubbles may feel great at first, your bubble bath can end up giving you dry skin and aggravating existing skin issues.

Fortunately, there are other relaxing bath products that you can use instead. In addition to creating a luxury bath, these products can also boost your well-being and help with common ailments. This ensures the benefits of your soak last even longer than they would with bubble bath products.

Sea Salt Baths

If you suffer from dry skin or skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, sea salt baths could be just the ticket. The sea salt gently removes your dry skin and can soothe any itching, making it a great alternative to bubble bath products.

Sea salt baths are ideal for stiff joints, sore muscles, and cramps. They also improve poor circulation, especially in the legs. According to a review of scientific evidence, sea salt baths have even shown to help with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and many more!

Here’s how to enjoy the most sea salt bath benefits:

• Fill your tub with water that is a few degrees warmer than body temperature
• Add ¼ to 2 cups of sea salt to the water, depending on your size
• Soak for at least 20 minutes before getting out of the tub
• Dry off thoroughly and apply moisturizer to your skin

While salt baths are considered a safe way to bathe, you should avoid them if you have an open wound or develop hives after sitting in the salt water. If you’re suffering from severe skin conditions, aches, and pains, it’s always best to consult your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

Essential Oils in Bath Water

With so many options to choose from, essential oils are a fun way to spice up your bath time and improve your well-being. Unlike bubble bath products, each essential oil carries its own unique aroma and health benefits. These are some of our favorites.

Lavender

This essential oil is perfect for stress relief. The relaxing scent can help you wind down for bed and relieve headaches and migraines. If you’re suffering from any aches, pains, or inflammation, lavender is one of the best essential oils for your bath water.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another essential oil that can aid with aches and pains in your joints or muscles. The scent is much stronger than lavender, which means you may feel more alert after your bath. Just be careful if you have pets, as this essential oil is toxic to animals.

Chamomile

You might already drink chamomile tea to reduce stress or relax before bedtime. A soak with chamomile essential oil in the bath water can be just as effective. What’s more, chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with pain, neuralgia, and arthritis.

Rose

Rose oil doesn’t just smell great, it’s a powerful essential oil, too. Try this essential oil in your bath water if you have pain or anxiety. Rose oil is thought to stimulate the brain to release endorphins, known as the feel-good hormone. After your soak, you may feel the difference in body and mind.

How to Use Bath Oils

Essential oils are 100% pure plant oil — or should be. Avoid any relaxing bath products that contain artificial fragrances, colors, or a high percentage of added water so you can get the most out of your bath time. Assuming your bath products are completely natural, here are some tips for using these essential oils in your bath water.

• Do a skin patch test.It’s possible to be allergic to essential oils, so test a small amount 24 hours before adding anything to your bath water.
• Use a carrier oil when adding essential oils to your bath water.Essential oils are not soluble and the droplets can irritate and burn your skin.
• Try these three great options for carrier oils: Coconut, sunflower, and jojoba oil. Add 3-12 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil for each bath.
• Add essential oils after drawing your bath.The hot water will allow the aromas to escape the oil and fill your bathroom with the scent. This means you get to enjoy some aromatherapy, too!
• Be aware that your tub may become more slippery.Take special care as you get out of the tub and be sure to use handrails or ask for assistance.

Try these alternative relaxing bath products to suit your mood and needs. You’ll likely find that your soak is even more luxurious than with any bubble bath products — and the benefits last much longer! If you want to enjoy your most relaxing soak yet, take a look at our guide to drawing the perfect hydrotherapy bath.

Hot baths help with a long list of medical complaints. No matter whether you’re living with headaches or dry skin, a soak in the tub can be a simple and effective at-home therapy. You can also try a hot bath for muscle recovery.

Although studies debate whether you’re better off taking a hot or cold bath for sore muscles, most people find the idea of hopping into a tub filled with cold water unpleasant. That’s why we focus on hot baths! Read on to find out why a hot bath for sore muscles could be the best way to relieve your pain and improve your mood.

What Causes Sore Muscles?

Everyone experiences sore muscles at some point in their lives. If you lead an active life, sore muscles may be a result of injuries. When you damage a nerve, disk, or vertebra, the surrounding muscles will often contract around the affected part of your body to prevent any further damage. While this is a critical biological response, the resulting muscle spasms can cause you more stress and discomfort.

Medical conditions may also be at the root of your muscle pain. Poor circulation, Parkinson’s disease, and autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis can cause muscle soreness. If you’re using ACE inhibitors to lower your blood pressure or statins to lower your cholesterol, you may also suffer from muscle aches.

Whatever the cause of your soreness, the pain can put your body in a state of increased stress, which can cause you to feel even more stiff and achy.

Why You Should Try a Hot Bath for Muscle Recovery

Here are four reasons to try a hot bath for sore muscles.

1. Relieve Muscle Stress Throughout the Body

Doctors and physical therapists often recommend heat therapy for muscle pain. You may have used a heat pack to reduce muscle soreness in a targeted area. Heat packs warm the skin and help you relax, but they can’t penetrate your muscles very effectively. Taking a hot bath for muscle recovery combines complete heat therapy with hydrotherapy, which can increase relaxation thanks to the buoyancy of the water.

A hot bath allows for a full-body release as all your muscles are thoroughly warmed and relaxed. The warm water loosens spasms and releases tension from surrounding muscles that may have been compensating for your injury. If your tub features water jets, you can even massage multiple areas of your body to soothe any stubborn aches.

2. Improve Blood Circulation for More Supple Muscles

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 muscles tightness, and relieves pain. Not surprisingly, bathing is an excellent way to combat muscle soreness from poor circulation.

Provided your aches are not a result of an injury, you can also try some light stretches in a hot bath for muscle recovery. Because your muscles are more supple and relaxed, you can safely train your flexibility and soothe your muscles. What’s more, the buoyancy of the bath can make some movements easier.

3. Easily Customize Your Bath for Different Needs

Unlike many pain-relief treatments, a bath is a versatile therapy session. As well as taking a hot bath for sore muscles, you can design your bath time around your specific needs and mood.

For example, if your muscle soreness is caused by injury or rheumatoid arthritis, you can add sea salt, lavender oil, or chamomile oil to the water.  These natural products can reduce inflammation to ease your muscle pain. On the other hand, if your muscle soreness comes from stress and tension, you can try adding rose oil to your hot bath for muscle recovery. Having a wide range of bathing options makes your experience more varied and enjoyable.

4. Experience Muscle Recovery in Just 15 Minutes

A hot bath can be a long and luxurious activity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get results from a shorter soak each day. In fact, a hot bath for muscle recovery needn’t last more than 15 to 20 minutes. After that, the bath water will start to cool and become less effective for muscle relaxation.

You may be tempted to run a hotter bath so you can enjoy the warm water for longer, but do not exceed 105 degrees. A bath that is too hot can prevent relaxation and dehydrate you very quickly, which can make muscle soreness worse. Make sure you feel comfortable in the water and keep a glass of water by the tub.

Soothe Your Muscles With a Safe Bathing Experience

Regularly taking hot baths for sore muscles can help soothe your aches and pains. With 44 strategically located air and water jets, our walk-in tubs ensure a safe, relaxing, and accessible hydrotherapy experience you can enjoy every day. To find out if a walk-in tub is right for you, contact us and we will help you.

 

 

According to Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), data shown on Injury and Trauma Quick Stats, stated that in 2020, half of all injury-related hospitalizations were by Canadian seniors, who fell at home.  Preventable falls are the #1 reason for injury-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency room visits by older adults, and as our population ages, this number is expected to increase.  Falls can lead to devastating injury and the lasting effects of chronic pain and reduced Quality of Life.  Parachute Canada is a national charity for injury prevention, and the best way to prevent falls, is to prepare for them.  Focussing on lifestyle key strategies and increasing awareness, you can prepare your environment to be less hazardous, and more of a safe haven.  Below are some tips and tools that can help keep you safe in your home.

Senior Home Safety in the Bathroom

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , about 235,000 people over the age of 15 ended up in the emergency room because of a bathroom injury. To help prevent being one of those numbers, here are some tips to help make your bathroom safer:

• Add some traction to the bathroom floor and tub with slip-resistant mats, which can help minimize slips and falls.
• Instead of using the flimsy towel bar, install grab bars. Grab bars are more stable, can handle a person’s body weight, and can be strategically placed in the room to provide stability when needed.
• Invest in a walk in-tub, which help people with mobility issues enjoy a relaxing bath without having to step over a slippery edge. You can sit safely while you bathe which reduces the risk of slipping.

Stair Safety

Stairways are the second most common area for falls besides the bathroom.  The following are essential to ensure your safety at or near the stairs:

• Handrails:  ensure handrail is securely attached at, above and below the stairs to landings.
• Lighting:  ensure stairs and hallways are well lit, and switches are easy to reach.
• Clutter-free:  remove all items from stairs and landings, even if they are just placed temporarily

Senior Home Safety in the Bedroom

We spend at least eight hours of our day in the bedroom, and it should be a place that provides safety and security, especially for those with mobility issues. Here are some safety tips to incorporate in the bedroom:

• Reduce clutter: Over time we accumulate stuff, and it may be hard to purge it or find new homes for some items. However, this is a necessary step for increased home safety. Removing the clutter can help because it eliminates potential obstacles in walkways, frees up space, and can keep you organized. Tuck shoes and slippers out of the walking area.
• Nightstand: Keep your bedside table or nightstand neat and clean, and use only for essential items
• Assistive Devices: Keep within reach or use a SuperPole to help you in and out of bed and/or the areas you need support.
• Telephone: Keep a cordless telephone or emergency button within reach of your bedside table.
• Furniture Placement: Create a clear path from your door to bed to bathroom, and chairs out of the way.
• Nightlights: Try installing (sensor) night lights throughout your home, as they can provide enough light to guide your path.
• Eliminate Cord Clutter: Electrical cords can be a tripping hazard if they’re not organized. To stay safe, invest in a power strip to space out the cables.
• Smoke & C0 Detectors: Have smoke/C0 alarms installed outside each sleeping area.  Have someone check and replace the batteries in all detectors   Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years

Senior Home Safety in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and a place to eat as a family, but did you know it’s one of the more dangerous rooms in the house?  The National Fire Protection Association  stated that 3 in 10 home fires start in the kitchen, but that’s not the only safety issue. Check out these safety tips to help make your kitchen safer:

• To prevent fires, practise Fire Safety & Prevention: stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. Turn burners off if you have to leave the room, and after you’ve completed your cooking or baking. Make sure to turn off appliances that aren’t being used or invest in ones that have automatic shut off features such as toasters, coffee makers, rice cookers, and tea kettles.
• Be organized: clear countertops for only regularly used essentials within reach, and clean dishware regularly.
• Clean up cluttered messes to avoid the risk of slipping.
• Make sure that heavier objects are at knee to waist level and use lightweight dishes and glassware.
• All rugs are tripping hazards: eliminate kitchen rugs or ensure that it is rubber-backed so that it doesn’t move.
• Do you have a pet? Put water & food bowls out of the way to avoid tripping and slipping on spilled water.
• Make sure the kitchen is well-lit with both daytime and nighttime lighting.
• Have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home outside each sleeping area. Have someone check and replace the batteries in all smoke detectors   Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years.

 

Strategies for Avoiding Falls Altogether

By taking care of your health and wellness, you can avoid illness.

Focus on the following strategies, and by seeking assistance with some light to moderate exercise programs, to can age longer and stronger.

• Get Active
• Physical activities that challenge balance
• Muscle strengthening at least 2x per week
• and moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activities of at least 150 minutes per week
• Get Your Sleep (7 to 8 hours of quality sleep)
• Go Slow -but limit being sedentary
• Eat Right
• Stay Hydrated
• Safeguard Your Home & Bathroom
• Get Your Sight & Hearing Checked Regularly
• Review Your Medication with your Physician
• Wear Sturdy Shoes
• Use Mobility Devices for Safety

Active Aging Canada has some tips for keeping you active and on your feet.

Staying active is something we should be doing daily, and staying safe from weather outside is also important. Remember to hydrate first, wear sunblock and a hat.

These are just a few tips to help you help you stay safe in your home.  They are important considerations for both older adults and caregivers. For more ideas,  check out projects that can help seniors live independently.

You don’t have to be an older adult to observe safe practices and prevent falling.

Safety is for everyone!

 

For more information on Bathroom Safety:

  American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada  1-844-867-7737

 

 

Tis the season to be thankful! As Thanksgiving approaches, we shift to a space of reflection and practice gratitude for all that has happened this year. Like all things, the process of aging can present its fair set of challenges, but the positive aspects of old age drastically outweigh the negatives. American Standard highlights things to be thankful for this season and year-round. From the financial perks like senior discounts and Federal programs and services for seniors, to the wonderful knowledge that can only come with decades of experience, there is a multitude of things to be thankful for as we age.

Top Advantages of Older Age

1. Wisdom (From Learned Experience). The saying, “experience is the best teacher” exists for a reason. That’s because experience brings about wisdom that can’t be learned otherwise. You learn more from things that happen to you in real life than you ever will from studying things that happen to other people. Along with the wisdom that comes from learned experience, another advantage of older age is the ability to empathize. Empathy is sensing other people’s emotions and imagining what someone else might be thinking or feeling.
2. A Happier Outlook. Perspective has a way of showing you that ultimately, life always works out. In fact, researchers are beginning to uncover the biological and developmental underpinnings of gratitude that suggest it may be easier to feel grateful as we grow older. Neuroscientists have suggested older people have a sunnier outlook because the amygdala, an area of the brain involved in emotional attention and memory, becomes less active in response to the negative information. At the same time, older individuals maintain or even increase their reactivity to positive information.
3. Opportunity to Pursue Lifelong Dreams. Many aging adults have reached the age of retirement. Not working gives retirees 40+ hours of free time back every week which can be dedicated to pursuing other lifelong passions and dreams.
4. Financial Perks. One of the obvious positive aspects of senior age is the opportunity to save money through tax credits. Government programs include Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, Old Age Security, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan. There are also an abundance of senior discounts, including those specific to travel, dining, and shopping.
5. More Time for Loved Ones. More free time usually translates to more time to spend with those who really matter. Which brings us to our next advantage of old age…
6. Grandchildren. What’s better than your own children? Grandchildren. The experience of raising your own children makes you value your grandchildren that much more. They offer the love and fulfilling relationship, with a less responsibility.
7. More Stable Friendships and Relationships. By the time you’ve reached old age, you’ve likely been able to filter through toxic friendships and relationships that suck the life out of you. Having and maintaining quality friendships and relationships contribute to companionship, which is a huge factor for longevity.
8. Good Stories to Tell. Who doesn’t appreciate a good story? The longer you live, the more experiences you have, which translates to more good stories to tell. Fond memories, whether kept to yourself or told to someone else, are a huge advantage of old age.
9. A Greater Sense of Self. The older you are, the more you know WHO you are. Having a greater sense of who you are allows you to be less influenced by outside opinion and less bound by cultural restraints. When you have a greater sense of self, decision making is easier. Knowing yourself allows you to be yourself, and no one can say you’re doing it wrong! And taking care of yourself helps you to know your own needs for health and wellness.

Now that you have plenty of things to be grateful for, let’s look at fun ways to practice that gratitude!

Best Ways to Practice Gratitude

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Spend a few minutes each night thinking about three to five highlights from your day, then write them down. You can reflect upon your gratitude journal whenever you need to be reminded of all the things you are thankful for.
2. Set Reminders in Your Phone. Harness technology for good and put in subtle reminders every day to be thankful. Reminders can come in the form of an inspirational quote, a compliment to yourself, or a simple activity like looking outside and admiring the changing colors of the leaves.
3. Take Three Deep Breaths.This easy practice can allow for one simple moment of gratitude. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, and start the flow of thankful energy. Be grateful for your breath, because you wouldn’t be here without it. Continue to meditate in that gratitude for a few seconds or longer if you choose.
4. Say Thank You. Say thank you to everyone in your life, from friends and family to colleagues to the check-out person at the grocery store. Verbalizing your gratitude is a great way to cultivate it.
5. Smile. Smiling makes your brain happy and it’s proven by science. When a smile flashes across your face; dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are all released into your bloodstream, making you more relaxed. Pick a day where you will smile at three random people as you walk by them, which communicates a sense of oneness and well-being.
6. Reach Out and Express It.Send a text message, make a phone call, write a post on social media. A simple “thank you for making my life brighter” message, in any format, can go a long way to both the giver and the receiver.
7. Give Compliments Daily. Whether you know the person or not, give compliments away as you think of them. Be genuine and specific. When Mark Twain said, “I can live two months on a good compliment,” he only told one side of the story. While the individual who receives the praise will appreciate feeling noticed and valued (and is motivated to do more of the same), the giver can also delight in the connection.
8. Put Inspirational Quotes Around Your House. Whether it’s written hastily on a Post-It note or framed as a piece of art, inspirational quotes and images can serve as reminders to be grateful around your house. That way, every time you sit down at your desk or walk down a particular hallway, that subtle reminder is there.
9. Slow Down and Savor the Small Things. Choose one everyday experience and take time to enjoy every aspect of it. For example, if you take a walk in the morning, take in all the sights, sounds, and smells. Appreciating the small things will only allow for greater appreciation of the big things.

There is never a shortage of things to be thankful for if we just take the time to look. This Thanksgiving, be sure to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” that can last throughout the year.

Learn more about living your best life with a ComfortSeries™.

On Monday, April 8^th there will be a total solar eclipse that will cross the eastern side of Canada from southern Ontario, and Quebec towards the Maritimes, following the path of totality over two of our great lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Millions of people throughout North American will be witnessing this rare celestial event, which won’t happen again over parts of Canada until 2044.

Depending on where you live, the Great North American Eclipse will take approximately 2 ½ hours in duration, with the actual total eclipse event lasting only 2-3 minutes.

You can check your city on this Eclipse Simulator to see the event times.

 

Watching it Safely

We all know that you cannot look in the direction of the sun without eye damage.  So, if you are going to be participating in an Eclipse Watch Party, please ensure that you have proper eyewear.  Many municipalities are offering free Solar Eclipse glasses, or you can purchase them at several camera retailers.  Make sure that the legitimate eclipse glasses bear the manufacturer’s name and address on the label, and the ISO code IS 12312-2 is clearly noted.  Eclipse glasses must not be scratched, torn or punctured.

If you don’t have your solar eyewear, or you are not able nor interested, you can watch the event on television or in the local media.

Or, you can have a little fun and create your own “fun in the bathtub” Solar Eclipse!

 

 

Instructions:

1. Check out the actual solar eclipse times happening close to you, so you know when to start your bath.
   • The complete process occurs over 2 ½ hours, starting around 2:00p in southern Ontario; however, you may not wish to be in the bathtub that long, unless you are really enjoying yourself. The inline heater helps to keep your water at your desired temperature, so stay in as long as you want!
   • The total eclipse starts at 3:13p (for 2-3 minutes) in southern Ontario, and at 5:09p in Newfoundland.
2. With your ComfortSeries™ chromatherapy lights turned on to yellow or red (sun) at 2p, use your bath scrunchie or round loofah (moon), and follow the timeline for complete totality using your bath lights.

 

Did you know that you can even do this without the water in the bathtub?

Maybe you are babysitting your grandkids, and looking for something fun to do.  All you have to do is turn out the bathroom lights, sit in the bathtub, and turn on the chromatherapy lights, and follow the fun instructions above.

 

While this activity may seem silly, it’s still fun, and it gets you in your hydrotherapy tub for a massage session— for relaxation, and maybe reduce some aches and pains along the way.

 

Chromatherapy Tip:

When the sun is not shining as brightly in dreary weather, we can feel gloomy too.  ComfortSeries™ chromatherapy lights are designed to assist with emotional wellness, and can help support your mental well-being using light therapy.  Just sit in your ComfortSeries™ bathtub (with or without water) and turn on the chromatherapy lights, as often as you need.

For more information on ComfortSeries™ spa bathtubs and the healing benefits of Chromatherapy, scan the QR code with your digital device.

by American Standard Walk-in Tubs—Canada

1-844-867-7737

AmericanStandardWalkinTubs2u.com