Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/category/life/health-notes/)
The new year offers new beginnings, but unfortunately, it is also a peak period for the transmission of colds, flu, Covid and other respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. This year the trifecta of respiratory illnesses is especially hitting Connecticut. Being inside more, in dry air, with the proximity of other people leads to more infections.
Going into the holiday season, we often start worrying about weight gain from all the delicious meals, desserts, and celebrations. One thing we often overlook is to try to get more sleep. Too little sleep appears to impact your hunger, dietary choices, and, ultimately, your weight.
As we go into the holiday season, there are many things to remember, prepare and do. No wonder we often start to doubt ourselves when we can’t find something or forget an appointment or special day. If we have had relatives with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, we start to be concerned.
As the seasons change, many welcome the cooler temperatures, pumpkins, changing fall leaves and warm sweaters.
The calming effect of sea breezes, mountain views, or simply clouds in a blue sky is all something we naturally turn towards to relieve the stress of our lives.
As you clean out a drawer or medicine cabinet, you may come upon prescribed medications that are expired or unused. Many times there are expired over-the-counter medicines or some we no longer use. How do you safely dispose of these unused medicines?
When the doctor prescribes a new drug, we often nod and agree. We assume the directions will be on the vial, and we will understand them.
Exercise. Healthy diet. Socializing. How many times have we heard these behaviors affect cognitive functions? We find it easy to rationalize that the damage is done and nothing will make a difference, but health experts disagree.
Sleep is vital to our general well-being, yet it can be elusive. Sleep is a biological necessity essential to health. The importance of good quality and quantity of sleep cannot be overlooked.
Caring for a loved one can bring incredible rewards—both physical and emotional. Caregiving roles take on countless shapes and forms. It can be assisting older adults, the ill, and disabled friends and family members, and every day help in small and big tasks.