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Why All Diabetics Should Know About Turmeric

Why All Diabetics Should Know About Turmeric: Many diabetics already know about the benefits of a low-glycemic diet and regular exercise, but why haven't they heard about turmeric, one of the world's most extensively researched anti-diabetic plants?

Out In the Garden

Fewer things can bring me such a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment as gardening. As soon as the weather warms in early spring I begin pulling up weeds to ready the yard for its' yearly landscaping.
Gardening is an activity that seniors can enjoy and has multiple benefits. Along with the joy of watching the plants and vegetables grow, gardening is a great way to get in some daily exercise and it can be a morale booster as well. As safe as gardening may seem, there are precautions that seniors need to take while tending their gardens.  The following smart tips can help keep you out of harms way with confidence. 

Wear the proper attire

Gardening exposes the skin to chemical, sharp tools, bugs, and the sun so what you wear, really matters. Even on cloudy days, you want to protect your skin. Dermatologist recommend the application of a sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF (sun protection factor) and one that is water resistant. Care Village has a good list of the Best Sunscreen for Older Adults. 
Long sleeves and pants will help protect you from ticks and other harmful insect bites. The added protection of an effective insect repellent and comfortable gardening boots to tuck the leg of your pants in is also suggested. Protection for your eyes and ears, if using loud machinery, is recommended as well. Gloves and a wide brim hat are a must.

Pace Yourself

Gardening may be more strenuous than realized. If you haven't been exercising on a regular basis it is wise to take things slow. Changing your position and activity every half hour or so with 10 minute break in between the switch can cut down on injury and fatigue. The pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting encountered while gardening can cause soreness, especially if you overdue. Remember the importance of knowing and listening to your body and make adjustments accordingly.

Health Considerations

• Be sure you are up to date on your Tetanus shot. Tetanus thrives in the soil so be sure you've had one within the last ten years before digging in. 
• As one ages the sensation of being thirsty diminishes. Dehydration is common concern for seniors and when you are spending extended time in high temperatures adequately hydrated is imperative. It is recommended that you have a container filled with a water that you sip from throughout the day. Always be sure to have a healthy snack prior to gardening especially if you are diabetic. 
• Ladders and climbing are discouraged. It is very easy to lose your balance, elevating the risk for falls and injuries. 
• Be aware of the signs and symptom of heat related illness and what to do in such emergencies.
• Check with your physician to be sure there are no concerns which may impede your safety, such as a medications side effect or one that is sun sensitizing.  
• If you are solo gardening, it is wise to have a cell phone handy or even better a medical alert device to call for help in the event of an emergency.

Be Realistic

Always consider the time and energy gardening can entail. Certain plants require more time and maintenance than others. Do some research ahead of time so you can decide if your chosen project is one you can tackle alone or one you will need the help of an assistant.

Make gardening safety a habit so you can continue to enjoy this hobby for years to come.

Self-Care Tips That Will Boost Your Mental Health

Guest writer  Brad Krause

Mental health concerns should always be a priority, but in today’s busy world, it can be difficult to stop and take a break even when stress and anxiety reach their peak. There’s always something else to take care of or worry about, it seems, especially if you are a parent or a busy professional (or both). Without those breaks, however, life can feel overwhelming and tiresome, and you may begin to feel the effects of depression creep in, which can make taking care of daily responsibilities even more difficult.

The key is to recognize when you are feeling overwhelmed, learn how to take steps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and to cope with those feelings once they show up. This will help you feel better, and it will also improve your relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Think of some activities that make you happy -- such as gardening or drawing -- and work them into your day. Making time for hobbies and doing things that make you feel happy and relaxed will help keep you focused and energized.

Keep reading for some great tips on how to boost your mental health with self-care.

Reduce Stress When You Can

Though it’s not always easy to do, reducing stress can help you feel more in control and boost your self-confidence. Think about the areas of your life that hold the most stress. Are you overworked? Is it hard for you to find time to clean your house? Are there financial worries? Try to pinpoint exactly what’s causing you to feel overwhelmed so you can come up with a plan of action to tackle it. Talk to your boss about getting some help for your workload, hire a cleaning service or start a chore chart for the kids to complete, and create a budget that will help you tighten things up and get back on track. Reducing these stresses will allow you to relax a bit more and find happiness even on the busiest of days.

Find a Hobby

Hobbies are wonderful for reducing stress; they can raise self-esteem and help you relax. Set up a meditation space in your home where you can take a few minutes away several times a day. Incorporate calming colors and mood lighting to help keep you focused. A hobby can even help you make extra money. For instance, if your hobby is to create handmade items, you can sell them in an online storefront. Outdoor hobbies like gardening may help you reap even more benefits. Just being outside has calming and stress-reducing qualities of its own.

Change Up Your Workout Routine

Everyone needs a good diet and exercise routine in their lives, and a good workout can help you feel energized and ready to take on anything. If you haven’t changed up your workout in a while -- or if you haven’t been able to make time to get active lately -- think of some fun ways to work exercise into your day. Go for a bike ride, take the dog to the park and go for a run with him, or have a swim at the local YMCA. Think outside the box a bit and make your workout fun for a chance to really boost your mental health after a long day.

Get Good Rest

It’s nearly impossible to feel fulfilled and on top of things when you haven’t had good sleep, yet so many Americans either don’t sleep long enough or find that they can’t get adequate rest, which leaves them feeling groggy and irritable the next day. Over a period of time, this can seriously damage your physical and mental health, so it’s important to do what you can to rest easy. Start a bedtime routine that will help you wind down for the day -- such as turning off all screens, reading a book, and taking a hot shower.  Filling your diet with superfoods like almonds, edamame or a night time ritual of a cup of tea also can help promote healthy sleep.

Taking care of your mental health can help you feel better, and it can allow you to take control of your life as well. When you reduce stress and anxiety, you’re also telling yourself that you are worth much more than those feelings and that you deserve happiness.