Spring is in the air, which means time to shake off that snowsuit and enjoy the outdoors! But with warming weather comes allergies and influenza. If you or a loved one are 65 or older, something as simple as the flu, cold, or respiratory issues from allergies could cause serious health complications. Blossoms Senior Care has put together a list of 6 tips to help keep you or a loved one enjoy the transition happily and healthy.
Follow these 6 tips to stay healthy during this exciting season.
1. Be Active – Being Physically active is not only great for your mental health, but it is also amazing for your entire body. Being active helps to strengthen bones, muscles, tendons, heart, and more. Physical activity also acts as an immune system booster and can help fight dangerous infections in elders. The more your body moves, the better it is at fighting off inflammation and infections. The activity doesn’t need to be strenuous. Low impact exercises are effective also. So, get out there and get moving!
2. Eat a Healthy Diet – it’s no secret, we are what we eat. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins will help keep your body in top spring shape! Limiting your consumption of sugar, alcohol, and fatty foods can help keep inflammation down and keep your immune system up. A healthy diet is also known to keep allergies at bay.
3. Wash Your Hands – Spring is a hotbed for colds and flu. Even more so this year with the coronavirus running rampant. Make sure to wash your hands on a regular basis. Viruses can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours so make sure to routinely remove the contaminant from your hands. Always wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and face to the best of your ability. Antibacterial hand sanitizer may be used when you are unable to wash your hands but should not be used as a substitute.
4. Get Plenty of Rest – The spring forward coupled with longer daylight can cause some concerns with your sleep rhythms. Make sure you or your loved one get an adequate amount of sleep (7-9 hours). Sleep brings about natural healing and helps your body repair. Seniors also need to put additional importance on sleep as it can improve memory and concentration. If you or your loved one have issues sleeping, talk to a doctor about options available to you.
5. Avoid Contact with People Who Are Ill – As springtime is prone to many viruses, avoidance of close proximity to people who are sick can make the difference. This is easier said than done. Take steps to avoid crowded areas and limit time with people who are not feeling well.
6. Schedule a Physical with your Physician – Scheduling a yearly checkup is also a great way to start off the Springtime. It is always a good time to discuss you or your loved ones’ health concerns with a medical professional. If cold or flu symptoms are present, see your doctor immediately. A flu virus can lead to severe complications in adults over the age of 65.
Spring is a beautiful season in which we can take in all the sights and sounds it has to offer. By doing everything in our power to manage our health, we can ensure that we or our loved ones are feeling up to exploring the outside world once again. Anything we can do to maintain a strong immune system will also assist in the avoidance of illness and infections that can come with the fluctuation in weather patterns.
Looking for someone to assist yourself or a loved one to enjoy this Spring season? Contact Blossoms Senior Care today!