Be Alert: 8 Healthy Habits for Everyday Safety

Your overall health and well-being are influenced by practicing safe habits each day. We want to highlight several choices that can make a significant impact as we recognize National Safety Month. Consider these eight healthy habits for your everyday safety. Stretch Stretching isn’t just for increasing flexibility. It can ease muscle tension, enhance range of motion, improve circulation, and even benefit your posture. Whether stretching after a strenuous workout or during a long day in front of your computer, it can lower your risk of injury by improving how your body moves. Stay Hydrated Maintain hydration all day, especially before, during, and after activity. Hydration is necessary for proper muscle movement, joint health, and cognitive function. It also helps the body regulate temperature, which is vital for preventing heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Test Your Alarms Testing your smoke [...]

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 [...]