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!
Losing weight is a common goal, but it can be challenging to do. There are many ways to lose weight, but not all of them are effective. If you want to lose the weight you’ve been struggling with finally, here are some tips that can help.
1) Cut Out Unhealthy Foods
One of the main reasons people struggle to lose weight is because they are eating unhealthy foods. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, you must cut out unhealthy foods from your diet. This includes processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of fat.
Instead, focus on eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These types of foods will help you feel fuller longer and provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
Cutting out unhealthy foods can be difficult initially, but it will be worth it in the long run. Not only will you lose weight, but you’ll also feel better overall. Many resources are available if you need help cutting out unhealthy foods from your diet. You can talk to a registered dietitian or your doctor for guidance.
2) CoolSculpting
This is a non-invasive procedure that helps to freeze away the fat cells. The body then eliminates these dead fat cells over time, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the treated area. CoolSculpting by https://elementbodylab.com/ can be done on different body areas, such as the stomach, thighs, and arms.
One of the great things about CoolSculpting is that no downtime is required afterward. You can go about your day as usual and see results within a few weeks to a few months. However, it’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss solution for everyone – it’s best suited for people who are at or near their goal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat that they can’t seem to get rid of.
3) Get Moving
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. Not only does it burn calories, but it also helps to build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and you’ll see a difference in no time.
If you’re not used to being active, start slowly with some basic movements like walking or biking. Once you get into the habit of exercising, you can add other activities like swimming or weightlifting. It is essential to find something you enjoy so that it doesn’t feel like a chore.
In addition to regular exercise, other lifestyle changes can help with weight loss. For example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away from your destination. Every little bit counts when it comes to burning calories!
Losing weight can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to reaching your goals in no time. Just remember to be patient and consistent, and don’t give up if you have a setback. The most important thing is to keep moving forward.
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.
If you have entered into 2023 wondering what you can do to better your health then you are not alone. Better health and looking after yourself are one of the most popular new year’s resolutions that people make at the start of the year. These tend not to last very long as people are not sure how to go about sticking to them. If this is something you struggle with then you may want to check out the article below. Here you will find many tips and tricks on how you can maintain your health in 2023.
Diet
One of the most important things to be mindful of when it comes to your health is what you are eating. You don’t necessarily have to be on a strict diet, just eat the right things and enjoy junk food in moderation. If you monitor what you eat then you will notice a huge difference in your overall health. The problem with indulging in too many unhealthy foods is that you will be prone to develop weight-related conditions such as diabetes, and heart disease and you could be at a higher risk of strokes.
Exercise
Next, you need to make sure that you are exercising regularly. You don’t need to complete a lot of exercises to gain the benefits that it provides. Forty-five minutes of core exercise workouts every couple of days will ensure that you see the results that you are looking for here. Exercise is a great way to ensure that you can effectively eliminate issues with stress and it may even help keep your body young according to the latest research. If you are not sure where, to begin with, your exercise strategy, explore YouTube or options such as Apple fitness. There are some great choices here that will put you on the right path.
Water
When it comes to your health you have to remember to drink enough water. Your body is made up of around 60% water, this is regularly lost during the day. You lose water through the natural processes of breathing, sweating, and peeing. If you don’t replace this lost water then you are putting yourself at risk of dehydration. You don’t want to experience this as it can make you disorientated, confused, and give you a major headache. If you struggle to drink water there are tasty drops you can get to make it bearable. These usually contain benefits to your health as well such as added vitamins and nutrients.
Supplements
It’s difficult to ensure that you get everything that you need in your diet. That’s why you might want to consider exploring using supplements. With supplements you can fill in the gaps in your fitness and wellness strategy, ensuring that your body gets everything that it needs. Supplements can also be useful if you want to make sure that you are able to train other aspects of your body such as your mind. However, you do need to make sure that you are checking which supplements you are using and choosing products that deliver the best benefits.
Check-Ups
When you are called into the doctor’s for a check it is best you attend. The doctors can check for things that you wouldn’t ordinarily notice yourself. This can be anything from a lack of iron in your bloodstream to more serious illnesses. As you age you will be called for various tests for common cancers including breast and bowel. It may not be pleasant but it is better to be tested for these and to catch them early.
As well as the usual check-ups it is essential you attend your optician and dentist appointments as well. Keeping your eyes and teeth in good health will give you the boost you may be needing. If you are looking for a dentist then try and do your research for the best dentist online.
Sleep Well
As an adult you may have heard that you need between six and eight hours of sleep each night, this has recently changed to need between seven and nine hours. The reason sleep is so important is that your body is busy healing and improving as you sleep. It isn’t just about the quantity of sleep you are getting, it is also about the quality. If you are getting around seven hours but this is continuously disturbed throughout the night then you will be feeling exhausted the following day. You should try and find the reasons for your disturbed sleep, it may be down to your mattress being old and lumpy. Your mattress should be changed every eight to ten years so you can continue getting a great night’s sleep.
Socialize
You may not want to go out with your friends or meet up with your family all the time, but this is incredibly good for your mental health. Socializing has been known to cut your risk of developing cognitive issues such as dementia by half. Meeting up with your friends just twice a week is all you need. This could be going out to lunch or dinner, anything you guys like to do is better than nothing at all. So next time your friends invite you out and you are in two minds, take the bull by the horns and head out the door.
Get Into A Routine
It’s important to get into a routine if you can. The right routine will mean that you feel as though you have a purpose throughout the day and ensure that you stay motivated as well as productive. If you are worried that you are falling out of a healthy routine, then you might want to consider using a tracking application. The right tracking app will help ensure that you can easily monitor your progress and ensure that you are staying on the right path in the long term. Sleep times are particularly important here. With the right sleeping pattern, you can make sure that you have enough energy to get through the day. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you’ll soon find that it takes a toll on your life.
Seek Help
If you are struggling with your health, then it’s important to seek help. This could be either a physical or mental issue that you are dealing with. For instance, you might find that you have low levels of energy or that you struggle to get out of bed in the morning. If that’s the case, then you need to make sure that you think about seeking out a professional. Counseling could be a great option here and will guarantee that you no longer feel as though you are fighting this issue alone.
Avoid Stress
Stress can have a serious impact on your health. It can impact you mentally and physically over time. That’s why you need to make sure that you are finding ways to avoid stressful situations taking over your life. There are lots of options to explore here. For instance, you might want to think about meditating. Meditating is a great way to learn how to clear your mind on a daily basis.
Dodge Bad Habits
Next, you should make sure that you are eliminating as many bad habits as you can from your life. Bad habits come in a variety of different forms. That’s why you need to make sure that you are thinking specifically about the habits that are impacting who you are and how you feel. For instance, this could be something like smoking. Smoking is a threat to your health. However, it’s important to be aware that it’s not the only bad habit that could be dangerous. Even sitting down for long periods without any form of physical exercise could be damaging. That’s why you need to make sure that you are standing up regularly. Sit-stand desks are great for this if you are stuck behind a desk for most of the workday. You might want to try cutting out a bad habit as part of a New Year’s resolution and move forward from there.
Remember To Breathe
Finally, you need to make sure that you do remember to breathe. While this might seem obvious, it’s a step that many people completely overlook when they are dealing with their health. You need to ensure that you are breathing deeply to ensure that your body is getting the right level of oxygen it needs on a daily basis. If you are struggling to regulate your breathing or you feel as though you are constantly short of breath, then it’s a smart choice to try yoga. This is a great way to learn how to effectively regulate your breathing and gain the benefits that this will provide.
We hope this article gave you some inspiration on how you can enter the new year with great health. Remember, it isn’t just about your physical health, your mental health is also important. Forgetting about this could result in you struggling with your mental health and you needing to discover new ways to cope with this.
I have had many requests lately for some of the most popular items during the past few weeks. With holiday shopping in full gear, I kept a list of the items that were trending for self-purchases, just in time to share it with you today. Since the arrival of the new year, I have been asked for dress recommendations and makeup recommendations and of course the unending search for the perfect black pants. Here is a round-up of some of my favorite things this week. Click on the links below to purchase or for more information!
This H&M dress is so amazing. I love the color.
I am obsessed with this incredible clutch.
I have had my eye on this Marni bag forever!!! How cute would it look with the H&M dress above?
If you are looking for a fabulous moisturizer, this is it!!!
Love love the idea of a velvet flat!!!
What a beautiful pair of plaid shoes. Such a great wardrobe staple!
Platform sandals are all the rage now…
I just saw this pretty suit at J Crew and fell in love!!
I have been in love with these earrings forever and now they are on major sale.
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.