Columbia Aged Care

Christmas is only a couple of days away! Even though there is nothing wrong with indulging a little bit over Christmas – it is important to also keep a check on what you are eating, how much exercise you are getting and how much time you are taking out of your day to relax.

My Spring Day has provided a couple of points on how to stay healthy over the Christmas period.

1. Exercise
Try to exercise outside as much as possible and take advantage of sunny days! You don’t have to do anything extensive – a nice walk around the block is fine!

2. Water
Drink lots of water to keep you hydrated – especially on those hot summer days. If you know you are going to be eating unhealthy food at night try a Dandelion tea as it helps to detoxify the liver.

3. Sleep
It is important that you get plenty of rest and aim for 7-8 hours sleep every night. The body needs time to recover and mend and sleep is when it achieves this.

The Christmas period can be quite a frenzies time – take time out for yourself and be sure to stay healthy and active especially as you enter into the New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Read the full article here.

Many people become sceptical or reluctant to participate when it comes to creating New Year’s Resolutions. But why?

New Year’s resolutions tend to have an association with failure but they don’t have to. They can be a great way to create change in your life for the better. TransitionGuideance.com has provided several points on how to set effective and powerful goals and how to make sure you achieve them.

Make sure your resolutions meet the S.M.A.R.T.I.E conditions

• S: Specific and Simple
  When it comes to goal setting, it is important to specify what you want – not what you don’t want.
  
  Creating the resolution of “I don’t want to be alone this year” may sound simple but is far from specific. Instead focus on what you can do to find companionship and give your resolution a specific outcome.
• M: Measurable
  
  In addition to your goals being simple and specific make sure there is a measurable element if needed.
  
  “I want to make more money this year” is simple and specific however how can you measure it at the end of the year? You may have succeeded in making one dollar more – but would you count that as successful?
• A: Achievable
  When creating your resolution make sure it is just that – yours! Your resolutions shouldn’t be about your partner, family, children or the world.
  
  They should reflect what you want to achieve throughout the year not what you want somebody else to achieve.
• R: Realistic
  Aim for goals that are realistic for you. If you have set goals in the past you may be setting goals that are too challenging. On the other hand if you have reached all your goals with no effort what so ever you may not be challenging yourself enough.
  
  Set goals that are achievable but you know you will have to work towards.
• T: Timeframe
  Creating a goal with a specific and achievable timeframe in mind will not only motivate you but if will also make it easier for you to plan and measure your achievements.
• I: Inspirational
  Monetary based goals are one of the most popular goals set but when it comes down to it it’s not about the money but what you will be able to do with the money – that is your inspiration.
  
  Think about what you really want to achieve by achieving your goal and set that as your inspiration.
• E: Evidence
  Start the beginning with the end in mind. What will need to happen in order for you to know you have achieved your goal?

Read the full article here.

As we age our feet get bigger, and so we must accommodate this by buying wider or larger shoes, however, many people don’t. By wearing shoes that are ill fitted, too narrow, too tight or not suitable for the wearer, you increase the risk of falls and increase discomfort in the feet, ankles and knees.

Aged Carer has provided some tips on how to find comfortable shoes that fit well.

• Feet can swell during the day so shop for shoes when feet are at their largest – this is generally at the end of the day.
• When trying shoes on, stand up and walk around. Wiggle your toes and make sure that your longest toe has at least a one centimetre gap between it and the end of the shoe.
• Choose shoes that have a rubber sole – this will ensure more comfort as rubber soles provide cushioning for the foot.
• Velcro straps are easiest for arthritic hands.
• Ensure the shoe protects foot from injury.

Uncomfortable or ill fitted shoes can cause many problems and even injuries. To ensure you are making the right decision when buying shoes ask for staff assistance at a shoe shop or take a trip to a podiatrist and ask what shoes they recommend for you.

Read the full article here.