It is important to wear sunscreen on exposed skin every month of the year. The UVB, or sunburn rays, are less intense in the fall and winter but can still damage your skin and cause skin thinning, skin cancer, wrinkles, and brown spots. A sunscreen of SPF 50 is recommended when you are outdoors, and it should be reapplied every two hours. If you are inside and away from windows, a reapplication may not be necessary. Be sure to use a generous amount! If you have never used sunscreen, it is not too late to start. It can make a big difference at any age.

Foot care is essential for supporting overall health and well-being. A trained foot care provider can help prevent infections and skin conditions. Management of chronic conditions for individuals with diabetes, neurological issues, and poor circulation can reduce pain and prevent complications. Regular foot examinations are essential for early detection of health issues, reducing falls, and maintaining mobility. Proper and regular attention to foot care should be a part of everyone’s self-care routine. Supportive and well-fitting footwear will also improve comfort and quality of life. Comfort Keepers can help with foot care. Contact us for an appointment with our registered foot care nurse.

Onset hearing loss is usually gradual, so it can take a long time for people with hearing impairments to realize there is a problem. While starting a conversation with a loved one experiencing hearing loss may be difficult, it’s a key step towards a solution. Strategies for having productive conversations include: *Aim to have serious discussions early in the day before navigating daily activities. *Ask helpful questions to create an open dialogue and make everyday communication easier. For example, “Should we have this conversation in a quieter location?” * Focus on facts and specific symptoms and encourage them to get a professional evaluation.

Accelerate healing and reduce muscle tension after an injury or surgery with cupping therapy. Cupping increases blood circulation to the affected area, bringing oxygen and nutrients essential for recovery. The suction created by the cups helps to loosen tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. This therapy also supports lymphatic drainage, which aids in detoxification and reduces swelling. By promoting relaxation and improving tissue flexibility, cupping can enhance your body’s natural healing process. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or healing an injury, incorporating cupping into your treatment plan can be a powerful tool for a faster, more comfortable recovery.

Do you have a personal pharmacist on your wellness team? A personal pharmacist pays close attention to your needs and provides personalized care. Whether it’s managing your diabetes, heart health, or another chronic condition, they are invested in your health. Your personal pharmacist can help make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. With the expanded role of pharmacists, they can assess and prescribe medication for certain minor conditions that do not require a doctor’s visit. When you have a minor condition, book an appointment with your Medicine Shoppe pharmacist for a free assessment.

You know that falling is a real issue for seniors, but why are seniors more at risk, and what are the repercussions? Well, as you age, you lose muscle mass due to a lack of protein in your diet and tend to become more sedentary. Your muscles help you with falls in two ways: you can prevent yourself from falling with more success if you have stronger muscles, and if you do fall, your muscle mass will cushion your bones. Solution? Increase your quality protein intake as you age, and get 30 minutes of exercise per week.

Participating in a balanced fitness program contributes to your well-being at every age, and regular exercise is vital for older adults. Regular exercise can help control blood pressure, body weight, and cholesterol levels. It reduces the risk of hardened arteries, heart attack, and stroke. It also strengthens muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones to help fight osteoporosis and lower your risk of falling or other injuries. Keeping your body strong and limber can help you maintain independence as you age.