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Valentine’s Day Special: How Love Affects Your Health

As Valentine’s Day approaches this year at Centers Healthcare, it’s not just about chocolates and roses—it’s also a time to reflect on how love impacts our health. Research suggests that being in love or experiencing strong emotional connections can have profound effects on our well-being. From reducing stress and lowering blood pressure to boosting immunity and promoting longevity, love has a remarkable influence on our physical and mental health. Additionally, loving relationships often encourage healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise and better dietary choices, further contributing to overall wellness. So, as you celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, remember that it’s not just matters of the heart—it’s also about nurturing your health and happiness.

To learn more about Brooklyn Center, visit centershealthcare.com/locations/brooklyn-center or call 800-305-9151

Holiday-themed Chair Yoga

This December at Centers Healthcare, infuse the holiday spirit into your wellness routine with holiday-themed chair yoga. Adapted for all abilities, this gentle practice combines festive elements with rejuvenating movements. From “Snowflake Stretches” to “Santa’s Seated Twist,” these chair yoga poses to enhance flexibility, promote relaxation, and bring joy to your workout. Embrace the soothing ambiance with holiday music and scents, creating a mindful and festive atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking a break from holiday stress or incorporating wellness into celebrations, holiday-themed chair yoga is a delightful way to stay active, centered, and festive throughout the joyful season.

To learn more about Brooklyn Center, visit centershealthcare.com/locations/brooklyn-center or call 800-305-9151

Traveling with Disabilities

When traveling with disabilities, meticulous planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. Research your destination’s accessibility features, accommodations, and transportation options in advance. Communicate your needs to airlines, hotels, and tour operators so they can make necessary arrangements. Pack essential medical supplies and documentation, and consider using travel apps that provide information on accessible routes and facilities. Embrace flexibility and patience, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed, making your journey more comfortable and memorable. Discover more tips and advice from Centers Healthcare on our website!

To learn more about Brooklyn Center, visit centershealthcare.com/locations/brooklyn-center or call 800-305-9151

5 Tips on How to Stage a Home

5 Tips on How to Stage a Home

Whether you’re looking to downsize or prepare for a move into a long-term care community, you’ll want to make sure you put your best foot forward when it comes time to sell your house. Even in the current market where houses aren’t taking long to sell at all, you can still get the most value out of your home by making it as attractive as possible for buyers.

In fact, realtors say proper staging can increase the price of a home by 5% to 10%. Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has five tips on how to stage your home to get it to sell fast.

  1. Declutter

You want your space to be as open as possible to make it look larger, so you’ll want to clear out not only papers and anything else lying around but also remove unnecessary furniture and even some books out of your bookshelf. You may want to store these items at a friend or relative’s house or in a rental storage unit in order to get them off of the property.

  1. Furniture Rental

If your furniture is too big for your space, you may want to temporarily move it or sell it and replace it with a rental piece that would be more pleasing to potential buyers.

  1. Make Your Kitchen a Social Space

A kitchen should be functional but also be viewed as a place to socialize. Keep the counters clear and the table set for a meal.

  1. Bathroom Tips

The bathroom should look like it’s not being used. You want the potential buyer to envision themselves in there getting ready in the morning and not feel like they’re in someone else’s space.

  1. Remove Your Style

Removing personal effects from around the home (things like picture frames on end tables and children’s drawings on the refrigerator) can also help those looking envision the house as theirs instead of being a visitor in your home. Think classic and simple with neutral colors and the occasional accent.

 

To learn more about Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://brooklyn-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

5 Ways to Be Financially Prepared for the Loss of Your Spouse

It’s not something that’s pleasant to think about, but the sad reality is that there’s a very large chance that you or your spouse will outlive the other.

To make matters worse, what is a very emotional and difficult time to begin with can be even tougher when decisions have to be made about the survivor’s future.

The best advice is to plan ahead, so the widow has a better idea of what to expect when the time comes.

Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at five ways to be financially prepared for the loss of a spouse.

  1. Get Financial Help Beforehand

It’s best to ask financial questions while you are both well, this way you are able to better understand your needs and ask good questions. Unfortunately, there are some advisors out there who do not look out for the best interests of their clients and target widowers.

  1. See How Social Security Can Best Work for You

If you are both drawing benefits, you can elect to continue to take the higher one moving forward. If you haven’t claimed benefits yet, you can either choose yours or your spouse’s survivor benefit, whichever is greater.

  1. 401(k) Decisions

Depending on your age, you can either roll over a 401(k) or IRA into your own account or can choose to take a withdrawal without an added penalty.

  1. Take Advantage of Tax Break

You can still file jointly as a married couple in the year of your spouse’s death, so in addition to more favorable rates, you can take advantage of a better tax rate on 401(k) or IRA withdrawals.

  1. Take Your Time

Outside of what needs to be done, take your time on making other big decisions, such as selling off assets like a car or deciding to move. Take time to grieve and then make these decisions after some time has gone by and you can reason things out more.

 

To learn more about Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://brooklyn-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on 5 Breakfast Foods to Avoid

Health experts say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, due to it kickstarting your metabolism and giving you the needed energy – both physically and mentally – to get your day off to a good start.

But obviously, not all breakfast foods are created equal. Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a list of five foods that are okay for an occasional treat or for a weekend brunch but otherwise need to avoid.

 

Low- or No-Fiber Cereals

 

If you’re a cereal fan, make sure to find one that’s high in fiber, so you’re at least getting some nutrients. Many are packed with sugars and other carbohydrates that can lead to a blood sugar drop mid-morning, leaving you a bit moody and craving a mid-morning snack – two things that will disrupt your production.

 

Most Breakfast Bars

 

Breakfast bars are an attractive option because they’re quick and easy to grab on your way out the door. Most of them, however, are full of sugar and low on protein and fiber. There are healthy ones on the market, so check the ingredients list for protein, fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners like honey.

 

Store-Bought Smoothies

 

If you’re sensing a theme here, a lot of quick breakfast food options are loaded with sugar. Store-bought smoothies are no different. If you want to enjoy a daily smoothie, you’re best off making a homemade one.

 

Plain Non-Fat Yogurt

 

You avoided flavored yogurt, which is loaded with sugar – good job! But if you’re only having a cup of plain non-fat yogurt, you’re likely to be hungry well before lunchtime. Add some berries, granola, or nuts to your cup of yogurt for a more filling start to your day.

 

A Large Glass of Juice

 

Orange juice is great in small doses, but too large of a glass is going to overload you with carbs and sugar. An actual piece of fruit is a better alternative.

To learn more about Brooklyn Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://brooklyn-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/. 

 

Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With a Seniors’ Guide to Grocery Shopping During the Pandemic

While we’re all having to adhere to safer-at-home measures, one place that most of us have to venture out to is the grocery store. What was routine can now be an ordeal, as coronavirus is spreading through many communities and it can be contracted at busy places like supermarkets.

In addition to wearing a mask, Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has some guidelines to make your journey for food and essentials safer.

Take Advantage of Senior Shopping Hours

If you fit the criteria, take advantage of your local supermarket’s senior shopping hours. Some stores offer these every day, while others only a couple days out of the week, but they are always in the early-morning hours and offer seniors a chance to shop in a less-crowded store, and by being there first thing in the morning, the store is likely cleaner as well. AARP has a list of stores that have made these accommodations for seniors.

Get the Most Out of Your Trip

Each time you venture out into a public place, you put yourself at risk of being exposed to the virus. This is why you should go through your kitchen and pantry before you head to the store to see what you need. This way, you won’t forget anything that would require a second trip. In addition, try to buy enough goods to last an entire week.

Properly Suit Up and Clean Up After

Be sure to wear a face-covering and latex gloves. If you have hand sanitizer, bring it with you so you can use it before going into your car.

When you get home, wash your hands. Then unload and put away the groceries, throw the bags away, and wash your hands again.

To learn more about Brooklyn Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://brooklyn-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.

Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles to Exercising

Oftentimes, our biggest enemy is ourselves when it comes to starting and sticking to an exercise routine. And the older we get, the harder it becomes.

Luckily, we at Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing have heard it all, so we are excited to share ways with you to overcome those excuses that keep us from reaching our goals.

Negative Thought: I don’t have time to start an exercise program.

Way to Overcome: Keep track of your routine for a week, and then identify at least three 30-minute windows where you can work in some physical activity.

 

Negative Thought: I don’t have anyone to go with me.

Way to Overcome: No matter your age, there are several community fitness options, from the YMCA to senior centers and clubs around town for walking, swimming, etc.

 

Negative Thought: I’m too tired as it is, so I don’t have the energy to work out.

Way to Overcome: Begin by doing scheduling physical activity for times during the day or week that you feel most energetic. After time, exercising routinely should boost your energy levels.

 

Negative Thought: I’m afraid I’ll hurt myself if I get physically active.

Way to Overcome: First, talk with your doctor about age-appropriate exercises that work with your skill level. In a gym setting, there are people who can help teach you how to use equipment and come up with a plan for you to use it safely.

 

Negative Thought: I can’t learn something new at my age!

Way to Overcome: Again, speak with your doctor. And you can always start very small. If you’re physically able, walking or riding a stationary bike doesn’t take any new skill. People are even able to do water aerobics in shallow water if they are uncomfortable with having to swim.

To learn more about Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/brooklyn_center/.

Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on How Eliminating Clutter Can Improve Your Health

There’s a growing belief that anxiety and stress could be an additional risk factor for heart disease, so while it seems that all those things cluttering your life are just a nuisance, they could actually be harmful to your health.

Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing have five ways to simplify your life.

If you’re not keeping a calendar to manage meetings, events, doctor appointments, and more, you need to start. And it’s easier than ever since you can use your smartphone to do this organization for you.

Looking at clutter on your desk, in your house, or in your car can be mentally exhausting. Go through everything with a fine-tooth comb and be honest about getting rid of things you don’t need. Store things away if you can’t throw them out but don’t need them front and center, and then put things away as you take them out, moving forward.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and say yes to everyone and everything. But that’s an easy way to become overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to turn things down.

Give your brain a much-needed break. Put the screens away an hour or two before bedtime and get on a regular sleep schedule. Also make time to exercise, as working out has been known to increase mood and be a great outlet for stress.

Make it a priority to be around people who make you feel good. Having a solid emotional support system can go a long way towards good mental health. 

To learn more about Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/brooklyn_center/.