As we age, it’s important to take care of our health, and this is especially true for our veterans who may have unique health needs. Whether you’re a veteran yourself or know someone who is, this article will provide some simple and practical health tips to help maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.
From staying active and eating well to managing stress and chronic conditions, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re ready to learn how to prioritize your health and well-being, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
- Stay up to date with medical appointments:
Keeping up with medical appointments is an important part of staying healthy as we age. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a screening for a specific condition, these appointments can help detect any health issues early on and ensure that you get the proper care you need. And for veterans, it’s especially important to stay on top of medical appointments, as they may have been exposed to environmental hazards during their service and are at risk for certain medical conditions.
For instance, veterans with mesothelioma can benefit from specialized medical care and regular check-ups to manage this condition effectively. So, don’t hesitate to schedule that appointment with your healthcare provider and inform them about your military service and any potential exposure to environmental hazards. Taking care of your health is important, and staying up-to-date with medical appointments is a crucial step in doing so.
- Stay connected socially:
Staying connected with family and friends is not just good for the soul, but it can also positively impact your health. Social connections can help combat loneliness and isolation, which can negatively affect your mental and physical well-being. This is particularly true for veterans, who may struggle with feelings of isolation or disconnection from civilian life.
Studies have shown that veterans who perceive that they have strong social support networks are less likely to experience negative health outcomes. In other words, having meaningful social connections can act as a protective factor for veterans, helping to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness on their overall health and well-being.
Reach out to loved ones, join a social group or community, or volunteer in your area. You might be surprised at the impact these connections can have on your overall health and well-being.
- Get enough sleep:
As we age, getting enough sleep becomes increasingly important for our overall health and well-being. For veterans, who may be dealing with health conditions related to their military service, prioritizing sleep is essential for managing symptoms and promoting recovery.
Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your body the rest it needs to recharge and repair. Not only does sleep help improve your mood and energy levels, but it also plays a critical role in supporting your immune system and brain function. So, make sleep a priority and try to establish a consistent bedtime routine.
You might find that investing in a comfortable mattress, cozy bedding, and a calming bedtime ritual helps you sleep more soundly. And remember, getting enough sleep is an act of self-care that can help you feel your best and stay healthy as you age.
- Stay active and moving:
Staying active is an important part of staying healthy and feeling your best as you age. Regular physical activity can help you maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. For veterans, who may be dealing with health conditions related to their military service, staying active can also be an important part of managing symptoms and improving overall health.
Try to find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s taking a daily walk, swimming, or practicing yoga, and make it a part of your routine. Regular exercise will help keep your body in good shape and will also have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being.
Plus, staying active can be a fun way to connect with others and build community. Don’t be afraid to try something new or join a group fitness class–you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
- Limit alcohol intake:
While enjoying a drink now and then can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your health, particularly as you age. For veterans who may be dealing with specific health issues linked to their military service, limiting alcohol intake can be an important part of managing symptoms and staying healthy.
Drinking too much can lead to numerous health problems, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. So, if you do choose to drink, do so in moderation and be mindful of your alcohol intake. And if you’re concerned about your drinking habits, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or seek support from a counselor or support group. Remember, taking care of your health and well-being is an important part of aging well.
- Stay mentally active:
Just as physical activity is important for your physical health, staying mentally active is important for your cognitive health. Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as reading, doing puzzles, or learning a new skill.
For veterans with conditions like PTSD or traumatic brain injury, staying mentally active can be an important part of managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Not only does staying mentally active help keep your brain sharp, but it can also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Take time out for activities that stimulate your mind and keep you engaged. You might find that joining a book club, taking a class, or playing a brain-training game helps you stay mentally sharp and connected. It’s never too late to start–even small changes can greatly impact your cognitive health over time.
Conclusion
As a veteran, you’ve served our country with bravery and honor, and it’s time to prioritize your health and well-being as you enter your golden years. By making small changes to your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Remember that you deserve the best care and support that our society can offer. Thank you for your service, and we stand with you as you embark on this new chapter in your life!
Diners are invited to celebrate the 1-Year Anniversary of DeTAPAS Spanish Gastrobar on the weekend of January 14th and enjoy a complimentary glass of Cava.
Last January Westport’s international food scene diversified even more when DeTAPAS Spanish Gastrobar opened its doors. Restauranteur Carlos Pla, a native of Barcelona, gave up a long and successful career in finance to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant. Pla is excited to introduce Americans to the culture and flavors of his country and to clear up the common misconception that Spanish food and Latin food are one and the same as they are vastly different. Pla does this by sharing the recipes, stories and flavors that are prevalent in the European country that leads the world’s Michelin starred restaurants just behind France, Japan, and Italy (and ranked just ahead of the United States.)
Pla introduces diners to the inimitable flavors and recipes from Spain by introducing tapas, main dishes and paellas as served in his native country which is quite different from what most Americans are accustomed to. In so doing he offers a bit of an education and shares many stories surrounding his food and drink – he only serves Spanish wines and Cava – and his guests are grateful for these experiences.
Inside the restaurant, the vibe is quintessentially and distinctly European. The design is as deliberate as the cuisine. The large mural that runs the length of the restaurant, with its bright, boldly-colored tiles imported from Spain along with the clean lines and streamlined interior pull you out of Westport and right into a busy little gastropub in the heart of the urban Spanish city. Regulars will notice an addition – a new bar was built over the holiday and a television was added for those who want to cheer on their favorite (Spanish) sports teams!
Eager to share his culture he has introduced a monthly and always sold-out Flamenco Night, a Jamon Jamon Iberico and Wine Tasting, and many more events are planned for the upcoming year including a Happy Sangria Hour, and cooking classes to name just a couple.
About Carlos Pla, Restauranteur
Pla moved to Greenwich by way of Ireland, and Miami. Whenever he traveled, which he has done extensively, he would seek out Spanish restaurants. With the exception of New York City, his search would always come up short or he would be disappointed with what he found. Realizing that he needed to gain some hands-on experience he found himself with the opportunity to manage Mercado Little Spain, owned by the esteemed Michelin Star Chef, José Andres. When the pandemic hit shuttering the restaurant industry, Pla began catering anniversaries, birthdays, and all sorts of other celebrations bringing his equipment to people’s backyards. Word spread quickly and soon his tapas and paellas were in great demand. As the restaurants opened up again Pla jumped at the opportunity and found the perfect spot in the heart of Westport. This is his first restaurant and Pla has plans to open more locations in the next few years.
Sometimes, you need to have a change. Life becomes monotonous, the way you are doing things every single day becomes boring, and you just feel like changing something about yourself to liven things up a little and make yourself feel transformed. Unfortunately, we are not caterpillars and therefore we do not transform into butterflies. We do not change our skin, and we can change our outfits but that’s about it. However, we can change your hair. We can do things that make our appearance look different, better, louder, and more subtle, the choices are all yours.
Choosing to have warm undertone hair colors threaded through your hair can make you feel ready for summer even when you’re in the midst of winter. Choosing to go with bright and bold colors that are fluorescent can make you feel wild and wicked. If you’re contemplating whether or not to have your hair dyed, because you are worried about your age or how it may look, or how it can go down with the rest of the world, take a look at our reasons just to say yes.
- You want to cover your gray hair. It’s the first reason that people choose to dye their hair, and it’s the most popular reason. You might be in your 20s or 30s or even your 40s. I’m not comfortable with seeing gray hair come through at the root. Coloring your hair can help you to look youthful and maintain a glow that you haven’t had for a long time. If you’re not looking to change your whole appearance, a stylist can actually just color the gray or the white strands that can be seen. You only have to ask.
- You’re looking to compliment your features. If your natural hair color doesn’t compliment your skin tone, you might want to make a change just for that reason. Colored hair can help to make your skin look brighter, and it can also help some of your features to pop. For example, a rich chocolate brunette color on your hair can really make blue eyes pop in comparison to red which can make your skin feel washed out. If you have dark brown eyes, a caramel or light blonde can make them stand out more than ever.
- It could strengthen your hair. If your hair is looking a little lackluster, then speaking to a stylist about dying it can really help add extra hair which makes it stronger. This can also help to protect your hair from environmental factors like dirt and dust. If you’re dealing with temperature changes or excessive heat, your hair will feel more protected with a layer of dye.
- You just want to keep up with some trends. Trends are changing all the time and with colored hair, you could recreate some of the looks that you’ve seen in magazines or on the runway. If you’re looking to keep up with the style setters and the trendsetters, dying your hair can make a big difference. you could talk in your head during the winter months and then choose to lighten it in the summertime. Dye is also an effective way to play up your natural color, and you can use warm undertones to boost a blonde color or you can use lighter colors to highlight brown.
- You want to add a little volume to your hair. If your hair is thin or fine, you might find that coloring it can add somebody to it. It can also add that extra coating we talked about earlier on which can make it appear thicker and more voluminous. If you’d like added strength but you’re not keen on the idea of permanent color, there are semi-permanent colors optional out there for you and this will help you to give your hair that volume and strength you are looking for without a permanent fix.
It makes you feel good. If you want to dye your hair you should go ahead and do it, and why not? It reflects your personality and your mood and it can really revitalize the way that you feel about yourself. Sometimes dying your hair is a good way to express a change, and usually, you’d find a lot of women tend to dye their hair after a breakup or a relationship or a job breakdown. They want to shake things up and feel different about themselves so changing color can really help. It can showcase your individuality into the world, and that can make you feel better about yourself if that’s the case, then more power to you.
Retirement is a significant milestone in life but can also be a difficult transition for your parents. They may feel anxious about the changes in their lives, such as a decreased income and more free time. It is a big adjustment, and they will likely need support to help them get through the change. If you are unsure how to help your parents navigate retirement lifestyles, this guide can help.
Help them create a routine.
For many people, retirement is a time when they have the freedom to develop new habits and routines. This can be an excellent opportunity to try new things, such as taking up a new hobby. Change can be difficult, especially if they have lived their life in the same way for a long time. It can be a massive adjustment. Work with them to find out what they want to do and motivate them to get out of bed each day.
Be there for emotional support.
It’s essential to offer your parents emotional support as they adjust to retirement. Listen to them talk about their fears and concerns. Tell them you are there for them whenever they feel uncertain or anxious about their future. Let them know that there is nothing to worry about and that you are there for them to help them navigate their new lives.
Talk through their living options.
Retirement may bring up the question of where your parents will live. They may be considering moving to a new city or moving in with a family member. They may want to downsize their home, look at retirement communities, or move to memory care apartments if they have been diagnosed with a health condition affecting their memory or ability to live independently. You can help your parents explore their options by being a sounding board for their thoughts and feelings.
Be a constant presence in their lives.
Retirement can be a significant change, but your parents may not have many people around them who they can rely on. You can help to fill this role as a constant presence in their lives. Visit them often, and let them know you are there for them whenever they need anything. You can also help them stay connected with other family members so they don’t feel isolated. If they live far away from other family members, you can help them stay connected to their family members via phone or video chat. You can also help them by setting up a computer so they can connect with other family members online.
Help them stay connected, social, and active with others.
Retirement can be a very isolating time. You can Help them find clubs and activities that they enjoy to make new friends. If your parents are very shy, you can help them find low-key activities they can participate in. Community clubs, volunteer opportunities, or other low-key activities can be great ways for your parents to meet new people and build new social connections. Retiring may mean that your parents have more time to volunteer. You can help them to find a volunteer opportunity that is right for them. It can be an excellent way to meet new people and feel like they are contributing to the world around them. It can also be a great way to stay active, which can help them avoid feeling bored and lonely.
Conclusion
Many people look forward to retirement as they get older; however, it can be a considerable transition once the time arrives. These tips can help you to support your parents once they reach this stage in their lives.
Even though opening a store can be incredibly stressful, and often, somewhat frustrating, regardless of the industry in which your new business is based, if you are truly passionate about and dedicated to the products and/or services you will be providing, then success is certainly at your fingertips.
With this in mind, here are the top four tips for launching your own clothing boutique.
1. Buzz & Promotion
The first thing to know and to immediately start working on is that it is up to you to create as much excitement and ‘buzz’ around your new store as possible.
Even though social media is an inexpensive and effective way of informing other businesses and residents in your local area, you should also not abandon or forget the more traditional ways of advertisement. Put a commercial in your local newspaper, contact your area’s radio station, and even consider sending out a press release detailing your opening event.
2. Start as You Mean to Go On
The old cliché that you should always ‘start as you mean to go on’ is trite, but certainly accurate, especially when opening a store.
Sustainability, for example, is not only an ethical way to launch your business but also one which will endear you to nearby business owners and potential customers of your clothing store alike. Spend time researching sustainable supplies for your new boutique, such as recycled plastic hangers in bulk and reusable paper packaging. This is a great way to get started on the right foot.
Other fundamental elements regarding decking out your new clothing boutique include:
- Effective and on-brand signage
- Racks and shelves
- Mannequins
- A variety of different mirrors
- Cash register and associated technologies
3. Avoid Employing Your Friends
By all means, in terms of cleaning, designing, and decorating your new clothing boutique, the more hands on deck, the better, and it would be a lovely thing to include your cherished friends and family members in this part of the process.
However, when it comes to recruiting and hiring new staff (although in the early stages, it is best if you do most of the shifts yourself), it is a really bad idea to employ your friends. As well as upsetting the natural dynamic between the two of you, it could increase the risk of potential drama, make it hard to discipline, and you could be accused of favoritism from your other employees.
4. Stay True to Your Vision
Finally, and most importantly of all, this new boutique is your creation and your ‘baby’ and even though it would be daft not to do as much research as you can on other successful, small clothing boutiques, you should stick to your vision and do things your way.
If you ask for too much advice from close friends and your family, your vision can quickly become diluted and you may even find yourself conflicted on a topic or question to do with your business that you were previously certain of.
For many vehicles, brake pads are a regular maintenance item. Every time a vehicle goes down the road, it uses brakes, which create friction and slow it down. As a result, they degrade far more rapidly than any other component of the cap. This article will discuss some important factors to think about while shopping for new brake pads for your car.
Hatchbacks and subcompacts
Brake pads made of organic materials or semi-metallic materials are effective enough for smaller automobiles like hatchbacks, small sedans, and others of similar size. Which one you choose depends more on your specific needs. Semi-metallic is preferable if durability is a top priority, whereas organic is the way to choose for those who value silence and low-volume use.
Commuter vehicle
Semi-metallic brake pads are highly recommended for cars of medium size and above. You may get sufficient functionality at a low price from them. Ceramic brake pads, on the other hand, are the way to go if you need maximum performance or often drive in severe climates.
Automobiles with enhanced performance or sporting capabilities
Ceramic brake pads give the optimum blend of performance and service life, thus many current sport sedans and coupes have their standard. Ceramic brake pads have no real drawbacks, save for their expensive price and poor performance in the cold. Sintered brake pads are a suitable option for high-performance cars like track racers due to their effectiveness in most weather situations, tolerance to high temperatures, and outstanding wear resistance.
Vehicles with an extra-heavy payload capacity
For heavier loads, more powerful brakes are required. When it comes to stopping power, heavy-duty metallic pads are your best bet. Pads designed to withstand extreme temperatures and frequent, intense usage are ideal for these vehicles.
The weather conditions
Some brake pads fall short in wet or cold temperatures. The metallic ones should not be used when the temperature drops below freezing. It may be difficult to bring ceramic brake pads up to temperature before they become effective, but once they do, they can operate across a wider temperature range. How often do you drive in city traffic as opposed to interstate driving? For the fast stops and starts required for the daily commute, low-metallic NAO brake pads are a must-have.
Friction dust
Some brake pads produce pollution in the form of brake dust. But these days, most brake pads are made from eco-friendly components that won’t harm the planet. Still, brake dust may accumulate on the discs, wheels, and other suspension parts as a result of friction and wear. The use of ceramic brake pads results in much less brake dust. There is a lot more dust generated by using organic or metallic brake pads.
The cost factor
The more expensive ones provide superior stopping power, durability, quiet operation, and service life. Ceramic brake pads are the costliest kind. Brake pads made of sintered material tend to be among the costlier options. Organic brake pads are the least expensive option and can be replaced at low cost in most automobiles. Compared to organic and ceramic brake pads, semi-metallic pads provide a happy medium.
The technical factor
Performance and dependability are ultimately determined by the design and manufacturing procedures used by the manufacturer. It might be difficult to choose a technology when there are so many available manufacturers. For maximum technical proficiency, it’s important to stick with tried-and-true brands and goods.