Although winter comes as no surprise, many individuals are not ready for it's impact. To plan ahead helps one stay safe and healthy. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates to save lives one must prepare (winterize) home, limit outdoor activity in stormy weather, coordinate necessary transportation concerns (car, bus, train, etc.) and stay ahead of potential power outages or blackouts. Check-in on loved ones especially our golden friends are a must. If we are prepared for the hazards of winter, the likelihood to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall are on our side. The following are CDC's recommended steps for winter safety.

situations. In winter, we have ice, blizzards, nor'easters, cold temperatures and more. Slippery conditions and winter weather make it a more difficult season for the elderly. We want to make sure the safety and health of our older loved ones are well-maintained. Here is some information on common conditions or issues in winter and safety tips.

Falls - Winter weather brings increased chances of falling due to ice, snow chunks, slippery conditions. Balance issues can increase with age heightening the risk further for the elderly.

Some tips to prevent trips and falls in the winter: a) Make sure the walkways, steps etc. around your home are clear. If you are older, make sure you have someone younger who is able to help in this. b) Apply cat litter or rock salt to the walkways to provide traction and to help de-ice. c) Wear proper footwear with traction. d) If you use a cane or walker, use one with a rubber tip that provides traction.

Hypothermia - Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature drops to dangerous levels and is caused by long exposure to cold temperatures. Our chances of developing it increase with age. Signs of hypothermia include cold, pale skin, confusion, sleepiness, balance issues, slowing heart rate or breathing. 

Tips for preventing hypothermia: a) Stay indoors or only stay out for short periods of time when it is cold b) Set the heat in the house at about 65 or higher c) If you've been outside and gotten wet clothing, change quickly into dry clothes. Wet clothes help the body temperature drop faster d) Always dress warmly and cover exposed skin in cold temperatures with gloves, thermals, scarves, pants, hats, proper coats etc. 

​recipe for serious injury. The elderly are even more susceptible to such possible injuries.

Ways to prevent injury when shoveling or clearing snow: a) If you are elderly, hire someone to do it b) Work steadily, not strenuously, so your heart and your limbs function properly. Your heart works twice as hard in cold weather c) Lift with your legs, not with your back.

Winter Driving - As we age, changes in our body, like poor eyesight or delayed reflexes, can make driving more difficult. That is only compounded in winter, with threat of black ice, poor visibility and bitter cold. We need to be prepared.

Ways to be prepared for winter driving: a) Have routine maintenance done on your car to prepare for it for winter ie. oil change, winter tires etc. b) Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your in case your were to break down - extra blankets, non-perishable food (protein bars, hard candies), shovel, rock salt, flashlight and batteries, radio, map, jumper cables, first aid kit etc. c) Always remember to drive with your cell phone and keep it charged d) Avoid icy roads if possible e) Posture in defensive driving.

Stay safe this winter!!!

Sources:
​- Healthaging.org
- National Institute on Aging
​- "The Older Adult's Guide to Winter Weather", Amy Ehrlich, MD, January 3, 2018, US News

We will be in the same office, but more accessible to you on the first floor. We look forward to continuing our quality services to you all from our new office. Be sure to come visit!

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located near the bottom of the neck below the Adam's apple. The Thyroid gland  influences the functions of the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, the skin and other important organs. Even the thyroid hormones help the body use energy and stay warm. A healthy thyroid gland is vital to the body and one's well being according to the American Thyroid Association. How does it work? What can go wrong? Treatments available and how to keep it healthy - please read on.

On the beautiful summer day of August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr, looked out over the massive crowd in front of the Lincoln Memorial. He delivered the now iconic "I have a dream..." speech that moved so many, and cemented the the Civil Rights movement into the foundations of the history of the United States of America. 
With passion and conviction, he laid out a dream of unification and true freedom. He expanded on the dream of our Founding Fathers, who, while forging a remarkable dream of a new, free nation into reality, did not reach far enough. 

would have to call my name five or six times before I would even be aware she was trying to get my attention. Reading provides epic adventures, information, knowledge, travel, danger and more, all from the comfort of your own home. Who doesn't want that kind of easy exploration.

January is National Book Month. It raises awareness about the benefits of reading and the vital role that books, especially tangible books, play in our lives. There are many benefits, including some health benefits. Here are a few.

- Reading promotes good mental health and improves memory. It has you neural pathways firing and your brain active.
- Reading helps reduce stress. Stress affects your physical being as well as mental and emotional. Reading allows you to escape your reality for awhile and focus on something else, thereby relieving some stress.
- Reading provides greater knowledge and information.
- Reading improves your vocabulary.
- Reading helps your mind better focus.
- Reading improves sleep.

These benefits are a small sample of what reading can do for you. Sit down, grab a cuppa or some coffee, pick up a good book and dive in. The possibilities are endless!

Source: 
- Ideapod.com

Reading is an excellent way to exercise your brain. Studies have shown that extensive reading, especially as we get older, saw a 30% reduction in memory decline. Reading also contributes to greater social skills and mental processing.

Have you ever watched an outerspace-themed show or movie like Star Wars or Star Trek? We know from watching these shows that the captains of space ships command their vessels from the bridge (usually with big windows and incredible views of the universe). 

Imagine your body is a space ship and our surrounding environments (outside, our home, our work space etc.) are the epic frontiers of space. What is our bridge and our captain? If you answered with "your head" and "your brain" respectively, you would be correct. The brain captains the body. It houses our minds, our processes for thinking, memory, problem-solving, learning, creativity. It communicates millions of messages with every cell in every body part and oversees all functions for every other system in the body. The brain translates what it sees through our eyes. The brain is the most important muscle in the body.

Like with any muscle, we have to exercise it to keep it healthy, sharp and functioning properly. A great way to do this is through brain training. Yes, you read that correctly. Brain training refers to practicing and improving cognitive functions through mental exercises. Such mental exercises target core brain functions including attention, long-term and short-term memory, creativity, auditory processing, cognitive processing speed, logic, reasoning, emotional processing, strategy etc.

sharp and reduces cognitive decline, not-to-mention all these different activities are rather enjoyable. Give your brain a boost this January (and every day for the rest of your life)! Happy training!

We are starting off 2019 with honoring two caregivers who are proving themselves to be an exceptional team. Emily and Queen joined the Golden Horizons team three years ago, in December 2015 and February 2016 respectively. Individually, they demonstrated positive attitudes, professionalism, and care for their clients, but as a team, they stand out in their abilities. They are both punctual, reliable, and unfailingly attentive to their client. Together, they are a well-oiled machine in providing exceptional care to their client and representing Golden Horizons. Thank you for your hard work and dedication ladies! Congratulations!