Raintree Village

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 You may have heard of probiotic or prebiotic supplements and wondered if you should take one to improve your gut or immune health. Let’s first talk about what probiotics and prebiotics are. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria in our bodies. Probiotics are present in some fermented foods. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics. Prebiotics are present in high fiber foods. Research has not conclusively proved that taking a probiotic or prebiotic supplement is safe or effective for older adults. However, food sources of probiotics and prebiotics are safe and part of a healthful diet. Check out the image below for sources of probiotics and prebiotics! If you’re considering taking a probiotic or prebiotic supplement, check with your provider to see if they’re right for you. Sources: https://lnkd.in/gFG7RR27 https://lnkd.in/g8tU5-8h https://lnkd.in/g8dM_vXb

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 Did you know that over 99% of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth? That’s because one of the most important roles of calcium is to keep bones healthy. The amount of calcium needed to maintain bone health is higher for older adults because as we age the body absorbs less from the foods we eat. Because of these increased needs, women should increase their calcium intake starting at age 51 while men should consume more starting at age 71. Talk to your healthcare team to see if a calcium supplement is right for you. Check out the list below and the video for foods high in calcium. • Yogurt • Mozzarella cheese • Milk • Fortified foods such as soy milk, orange juice, and cereal • Turnip greens • Almonds • Kale • Broccoli • Tofu • Sardines Link: https://lnkd.in/gSS24gTg

𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 - 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝟭𝗖 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁? Do you know your A1C value? If you have diabetes, you may have heard of the A1C test. It is a simple blood test that measures your estimated average blood glucose or blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. The A1C test can be used to diagnose diabetes or to monitor how well you’re managing blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels over time increase the risk for complications of diabetes including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and nerve problems. Talk to your health care provider to find out your personalized A1C goal and most recent A1C result. Your A1C goal varies depending on age, other health conditions and cognitive function among other factors. With regular physical activity, a healthful eating plan and medication adherence, you are more likely to hit your A1C goal and prevent complications. Check out the image below for a brief overview of the A1C test. Source: https://lnkd.in/g2DBTVVS

Do you remember the 25th night of September? Whether you’re an Earth, Wind, and Fire fan or just enjoy the changing of the seasons, September is the first sign of fall. This time of year brings family and friends together for the holidays and cozy activities, like crafting—a fun and relaxing way for seniors to enjoy the new season. Crafting helps seniors maintain fine motor skills, boost cognitive function, and foster a sense of accomplishment. Here are five fall crafts to spark creativity and bring a touch of seasonal charm.

𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 Protein is super important for our overall well-being! It's in every cell of our body and helps keep us healthy. It supports our immune system, maintains our muscles, and keeps us feeling strong. As we age, our muscle mass decreases making protein needs greater than younger adults. Looking for easy ways to boost your protein intake? Take a look at some simple and realistic ideas listed below and in the video. ● Sip on a glass of milk at each meal. If you cannot have cow’s milk, soy milk is a great alternative as it contains a similar amount of protein. ● Have eggs or Greek yogurt for breakfast. ● Include naturally protein-rich foods in your meals like meat, lentils, eggs, and dairy products. ● Spread some peanut butter on your oatmeal, toast, pancakes, or fruit. Ask to talk to your community’s dietitian if you want to know more about specific protein needs for your body. For more info on protein, check out The National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging. Link: https://lnkd.in/gUBHPV7u

𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Is it 5 o’clock somewhere? Let’s talk about alcohol and older adults. For those who take certain medications, have certain health problems or drink in excess, a variety of problems may arise. Aging lowers the body’s tolerance for alcohol which quickens its effects. Therefore, older adults that consume alcohol are at higher risks for falls, car crashes and other unintentional injuries. On the other hand, enjoying a drink with family or friends is linked to social engagement and relaxation. The current dietary guidelines state that older adults can choose not to drink or limit intakes to 2 drinks or less per day for men or 1 drink or less per day for women. If you take medication or have a health condition, check with your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol. For a visual of what constitutes one drink, check out the image below! Sources: https://lnkd.in/gbQe94u9.

𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 Paying attention to certain nutrients is important when choosing foods. Too much saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health concerns. But don’t worry – it’s all about balance! It’s okay to enjoy your favorite treats in moderation because every food can fit into a healthy lifestyle. When choosing a food, take a moment to check the Nutrition Facts label to see what nutrients are in your food. Small changes, like choosing lower-sodium options or limiting sugary snacks, can make a big difference over time. Watch the video for an easy-to-follow visual breakdown! If you want to dive deeper into how to read the Nutrition Facts label, check out this helpful guide from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Link: https://lnkd.in/g3xyg4wR

Are you familiar with the term “edema”? It refers to swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. Most often, this occurs in the legs, ankles, feet or hands. Although edema can affect anyone, it is especially common in older adults. This is due to decreased physical activity, weakened vein valves or venous insufficiency, medical conditions like heart, lung, liver or thyroid disease, medication side effects and/or consuming a diet too high in sodium. In addition to swelling, edema symptoms may include stretched or shiny skin over the affected area, skin that holds a dimple when pressed, difficulty walking due to swelling, soreness and even difficulty breathing. If left untreated, edema can lead to pain, decreased mobility, risk for infection and skin ulcers. What can be done to treat edema? First, it is important to understand the root cause. Often, by treating the condition causing edema, the edema itself may improve. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any edema-like symptoms. For general tips on how to treat and prevent edema, see the image below! Links: https://lnkd.in/gRtM9Ck8 https://lnkd.in/grdUByrg

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹𝘀 - 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 Welcome back to our Nutrition Facts label reading series! Reading nutrition labels is a simple yet powerful habit that can make a big difference in your health. By taking a moment to read Nutrition Facts labels, you can make more informed choices that support your well-being and help you maintain a balanced diet. This week’s tip is to focus on nutrients that you want to get more of. For most individuals these include dietary fiber and micronutrients including vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. Dietary fiber aids in regular bowel movements, helps to stabilize blood glucose and can lower cholesterol levels. Micronutrients are essential for many other beneficial functions in our bodies. For a visual guide, watch the video below! Stay tuned for more Nutrition Facts label reading tips! To learn more about the Nutrition Facts label, check out this article from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Link: https://lnkd.in/g3xyg4wR