Home Safety Tips to Prevent a Fall

Did you know that most falls happen in the home? There are ways to make your home more safe to decrease your risk of falling.  Here are some tips to prevent falls in your home.  1) Avoid having cords or wires on the ground or in an area where you have to walk around or over them 2) De-clutter! Avoid having clutter around, the less tripping hazards the better off you will be 3) Have proper lighting- keep spare light bulbs at your house and in an easily accessible place. Is there a light close to your bed? It is…

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Fall Prevention Awareness Week

It is Fall Prevention Awareness Week! Fall prevention is so important, so let’s talk about it. Did you know that if you have fallen in the past year you are at risk for falling again? Did you know that even if you haven’t fallen but have a fear of falling that also increases your risk of falling? The good news is that falling is not a normal part of aging and there are ways to prevent and modify risk factors for falling. Here are some things to think about during fall prevention week: Have you had your eyes checked recently…

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Is it Pain or Muscle Soreness?

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “no pain no gain” but is that always the case? There is a difference between muscle soreness and pain, they are not the same thing. Muscle soreness can be expected with exercise but it should only last a day or two. It is common to be sore after an intense workout or when doing new exercises. Soreness is typically generalized, can be widely distributed, can also feel like stiffness or fatigue, and may cause you to move slower but usually feels better with movement. Soreness will go away on its own after a…

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Don’t forget to Hydrate!

It is officially Summer and the hot weather is here! With the warmer weather it is important to increase your water intake.  Staying hydrated is important for everyone but as we age it becomes more important and some times more of a challenge. As we age we start to lose our sense of appetite and thirst so we may not be aware we are thirsty/needing water. Medications can also increase risk of dehydration so ask your doctor or a pharmacist if you are unsure. Your body composition also changes as you age which causes less water to be in our…

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Scenic Walking Paths Around Rochester

It is a great time to get outside and go for a walk. I thought I would share some of our favorite walking paths around the Rochester area. I have put together a list of paths that are mostly flat, paved and have benches to rest and enjoy the scenery.  These paths also happen to be very toddler and stroller friendly, if you are looking for a nice place to walk and explore with grandkids!  There are so many benefits to walking, even if it is only 10 minutes a day. Let’s start with the fact that it is free…

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Gardening Tips

The change in season brings a change of activities. Gardening and yard work are a great way to be physically active and enjoy the Spring weather. I do not have a green thumb and the deer are a major issue but the change in weather really helps get me motivated to attempt to make my yard look nice and it is a great reason to get outside!  Here are some helpful tips to make sure you are staying safe, pain free and enjoying gardening and working in your yard this Spring: Before starting out, make sure to check your yard…

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Spring Cleaning Tips

The weather is changing and I am feeling energized and excited for Spring! I do not love cleaning but at this time of year I do get a small urge to organize and deep clean my house. If you are in the mood to Spring clean here are some tips to help make it productive, healthy, and not a dreaded experience.  First, remember that there is no real benefit of rushing through the cleaning process and getting it all done as fast as possible. It is important for your body to take frequent breaks or to pick a few tasks…

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Staying Active in the Winter

Winter is long and not all of us can be snow birds and go somewhere warm for the winter. When you add in navigating the pandemic, winter can seem extra long. It may be hard to motivate yourself to go out in the cold weather or you may be fearful of falling/slipping on ice or driving in bad weather but it is still so important to remain active. Lack of activity and exercise can decrease strength, balance, mobility and increase your aches and pains. So enough about the negatives of winter! Let’s make it more enjoyable.  There are easy and…

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