HealthyAging Archives - Be Well Solutions

Strength Training 101

Strength training is about far more than just building big muscles. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass. Adequate resistance training slows down muscle loss and provides a support system for our bones and joints. It can help preserve and even build bone mass, which aids in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Strong muscles are necessary for daily tasks, such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, and getting in and out of a car. Overall, strength training promotes quality of life, disease prevention, and weight management. The benefits are numerous, but between the vast number of online searches and social media influences, navigating the basics and proper guidelines can prove to be challenging and intimidating. Follow the FITT Principle Frequency. The US Department of Health and Human Services1 recommends at least 2 days of strength training exercises that [...]

Glow Naturally: 6 Essential Tips for Healthy Skin

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ you have? Caring for it is a necessary part of health and wellness. Many decisions we make daily directly impact the health of our skin. Let’s look at six ways to care for your skin and keep it healthy this season and beyond. Use Sun Protection Protecting your skin from the sun can help minimize skin aging and the risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)1 recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is water resistant. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply as directed. Consider clothing and accessories that can help protect your skin from the sun. For example, a brimmed hat can help shield your head, face, and neck from the sun. Don’t Smoke Smoking affects blood circulation to your [...]

Tags: HealthyAging, healthyskinhabits, mindfulskincare, nosmokingforskin, nutritionforskin, skincareandhydration, skincareandstress, skincaretips, skinhealth, sleepandskinhealth, spfawareness, stayhydrated, StressManagement, sunprotection, wellnessandskin|

Nutrition Tips for Aging Gracefully

Healthy eating is a necessary part of wellness at any age. The habits we create with food today will impact our health tomorrow and years into the future. Proper nutrition can help prevent and manage diseases and conditions, lower injury risk, manage weight, and provide adequate energy as we age. Consider the following tips to age gracefully with healthier eating. Variety is Key Eating various foods can help ensure the intake of numerous essential nutrients. Eat the rainbow when it comes to fruits and vegetables. The colors of these foods depict different nutrients, so eating an assortment will help avoid gaps in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Incorporating foods from each food group will create a more balanced diet, including recommended nutrients for older adults like potassium, calcium, vitamin D, dietary fiber, and vitamin B12 (My Plate1). Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods you [...]

Tags: #balanceddiet, #HealthyEating, #HeartHealth, Aging, AgingGracefully, DiseasePrevention, HealthyAging, HealthyHabits, HealthyLifestyle, HydrationTips, ImmuneSupport, NutritionalGuidelines, NutritionTips, ProteinIntake, SeniorNutrition, wellness, WellnessTips|

Exercise and Aging: Maintaining Mobility and Health as You Grow Older

Physical activity is a leading component of healthy aging and maintaining mobility. However, exercising consistently and adapting your routine as needed can be challenging to navigate. We can begin by exploring the necessary elements to incorporate into a balanced exercise routine and the benefits of regular activity. Functional Exercise According to the American College of Sports Medicine1, “Functional Fitness describes exercises that are designed to help us maintain our physical independence. The goal is to replicate movement patterns we use in everyday life (aka activities of daily living or ADLs) in order to keep us strong and mobile.” Whenever you sit or stand from a chair, you perform the components of a squat. Step-ups imitate the motion of walking up or down stairs. A farmer’s walk with dumbbells or kettlebells simulates walking while carrying items like groceries. Incorporating strength movements [...]

Tags: #FunctionalFitness, #PhysicalActivity, BalanceandFlexibility, ExerciseTips, health, HealthyAging, HealthyLifestyle, InjuryPrevention, Mobility, MuscleBuilding, SeniorFitness, wellness|