December 17, 2018
To Your Health and Wellness
Wellness
Stay active, stay young. It’s a basic recipe for good health at any age and also for recovery from illness or surgery. Of course, with age or injury there can be limitations. The concept is to do something—what that something is depends on your interests, access, and physical condition.
The most basic and least expensive exercise is walking. Just getting out in fresh air and sunshine will do wonders for the body, soul, and mental state. Your venue can be the city streets of New York, the wooded paths around Westchester County, or the beaches of Cape Cod. For those with more ambition, a hike can get your heart pumping. Your specialized nurse can accompany you on your walks, be your conversational companion, and your helping hand. Many of our clients have their caregiver set up podcasts on their smartphones to expand their horizons and entertain during the walks and hikes. NPR has lots of wonderful shows or you can stream it live. Even Rover can get in on the action. Everyone loves walking with their dog; your caregiver can help with keeping your canine on the leash and any clean-up.
Swimming is an excellent exercise. It’s a favorite of doctors and physical therapists. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor pool, your personal caregiver can help you get in and out of the pool, assist with a change of clothes, and be your transportation. Swimming can be relaxing or competitive. We know of many local Masters Swim programs that encourage participants up through their 90’s.
Of course, living in New England, the weather isn’t always conducive to outdoor activity. There are plenty of indoor options to choose from. A stationary bike in your home or the nearby gym provides plenty of aerobic exercise. And with some of the newer screen options on the bikes, you can view anything from CNN to panoramic videos of the Tour de France.
For the more socially inclined, there’s a wide array of classes to choose from. We consider classes two-fers: the exercise your body needs and the social interaction your psyche craves. Some of the most popular classes for those with limited mobility are Tai Chi and yoga. Both offer a calming mind-body experience. Just as important, they are terrific for stretching muscles, and maintaining flexibility and balance—vital physical attributes that tend to diminish with age or limited activity. And remember: balance and a flexible body can be crucial in preventing a fall and broken bones.
Just do it. It’s not only a marketing slogan, it should be a way of life. A professional caregiver can remove obstacles that may be preventing you from getting the exercise you need – from assisting with getting dressed, to driving to classes, to being a companion on walks. In looking out for your well being, your caregiver can be just what you need to get your body moving and keeping fit and active.