Brain Health Just like the muscles in your body, your brain needs stimulation and activity to prevent atrophy and maintain mental health.  In this article, we’ll highlight five ways you can exercise your brain for optimal results! Exercise. There are many studies that show that exercising actually promotes brain health.  One study published in the journal Neurology, showed that physical activity could slow brain aging by as much as 10 years!  This doesn’t mean that you need to be an athlete but activities such as walking, gardening, yoga, or simply being active during the day can also have major benefits to your cognitive abilities, so get that body moving! Diet. Eating foods that are rich in anti-oxidants help neutralize free radicals.  Nutrition is good for the mind and body.  Following the guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) will help ensure you’re eating balanced. Brain Exercises. There are a variety of brain fitness programs that help your brain process language, hearing, speed, and accuracy.  Some of these programs are games while others are more instructional.   You can also exercise your brain with puzzles, learning a new card game, or other activity that challenges you. Sleep On It. There is no

Senior Living Lifestyles   Having the amenities you enjoy and the social environment that fosters engagement are key factors to making the most of your senior living lifestyle.  In this article, we explore tips to help you transition and make the most of your new life! Do you remember the first day of school?  You were probably anxious, unsure of what was to come and perhaps wondering how you would fit in and how you would get to know your way around your new school.  Many of us face the same challenges when moving to a new way of life in retirement.  So the first step is to acknowledge those fears and begin to take small steps to put them behind you. Establish a new routine or hobby. Whether you read the newspaper first thing every day, take a morning stroll, or just relax and perhaps meditate by the water, find something that can help you create a new routine that you enjoy. Try something new!  Most senior living communities have plenty of activities and events scheduled throughout the day.  Why not try something new?  This will keep you busy, meeting new people, and may even provide some daily exercise.

Short Term Rehabilitation When you or a loved one needs short-term rehab, your mental state can be extremely helpful or hurtful.    In this article, we will discuss ways to recover quickly by keeping your outlook up. Mental Preparation  Short-term rehabilitation can provide much-needed care after an illness such as a stroke, surgery, or an unexpected fall.  But, the physical side of the therapy is only half the battle.  Experts agree that the mind plays a big role in the recovery effort and length of time needed in a short-term rehab facility. The August issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal published a review of 16 studies, spanning 30 years, looking at patients’ attitudes and the effect on recovery and health after surgery.  There was a direct correlation to the influence of positive attitudes on health and healing. Benefits of a Positive Attitude Many studies also show that when doctors and families address fears before a loved one enters a rehabilitation facility, the outcomes tend to be better.  Not to mention, that a positive attitude can help reduce stress.  The key here is to help manage expectations and good, thorough communication. Speaking of communication – this is an important component of