​Getting a refreshing night’s sleep is very important when trying to stay healthy. Sleep is crucial to the well-being of our physical, emotional, and mental health. It is also the foundation of a strong immune system.
 
According to the Better Sleep Council, inadequate amounts of sleep can lead to an increase in blood pressure and stress hormone production. The body can become stressed when it does not get enough sleep. Not to mention, poor sleep reduces concentration/focus and can spark mood swings, irritability, stress, and a weakened immune system. Poor sleep can even lead to sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. It can also affect productivity levels in the workplace or otherwise.
 
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule can be vital in maintaining the body’s Circadian rhythm and routine. A lifestyle change may be necessary if your night’s sleep is usually disruptive or of poor quality. Most experts believe that between 7.5 and 8.5 hours of sleep a night is optimal. 

​With the weather becoming warmer, tick season is upon us in Connecticut. It is very important to be cautious when spending time outdoors. Ticks can carry diseases. Lyme Disease is one of the most prevalent in Connecticut – there are about 400,000 new cases in the USA each year.
 
Lyme disease is usually carried by deer ticks and can be transmitted through a bite. Some common symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, joint aches, and a characteristic skin rash. However, symptoms can affect any system in the body and can mimic symptoms of many different diseases.
 
The most important thing you can do to avoid Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites. You can actually get many tick-borne diseases from only one tick bite. The longer a tick is attached, the greater the risk is for disease transmission, so prompt removal after discovering a tick on you or your pets is crucial. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, it can be worth it to check yourself often for ticks.
 
The Global Lyme Alliance has created AWARE to help identify the best possible courses of action in preventing tick bites. 

​Golden Horizons is a proud recipient of the Workers’ 
Compensation 2021 Safety Grant!

The goal of this project and grant is to reduce caregiver injuries for the two categories of slip, trip, falls and back injuries. These are among the most common workplace injuries that we've seen with our caregivers. 

As a part of the proposed and approved project, Golden Horizons will be supplying all caregivers with non-slip sneakers, rock salt, and ice cleats in effort to prevent slips, trips, and falls. GHEC will also be acquiring Gait Belts and Back Braces for use by caregivers & clients who may need assistance transferring. 

This program will run all of 2021. Golden Horizons has already purchased some of the supplies and is waiting for them to arrive to distribute them to caregivers. This is the first year that Golden Horizons has applied to receive this grant. The Workers' Compensation runs this grant program every year and Golden Horizons hopes to continue to participate and create a more safe environment for caregivers. 

Did you know that Arthritis affects one in four U.S. adults? It is one of the most widespread health conditions in the country. An estimated 54.4 million people are affected in the U.S.. With May being Arthritis Awareness Month, we’re seeking to spread awareness on Arthritis with the hopes of supporting research to advance treatment options.
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There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and it can affect people of all ages. If you’re suffering from arthritis, or someone you know is, here are some lifestyle tips that may help to ease some of the common arthritis symptoms like joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Family caregivers have a lot to think about when it comes to keeping their loved ones safe and secure, especially in an emergency. Whether it’s an extreme weather situation or unexpected disaster, we’re all aware of how emergencies can turn life upside down in an instant.

When a crisis does strike, every minute counts. Taking the time to prepare for emergencies beforehand can give caregivers peace of mind and help provide the tools to keep their loved ones safe. As a caregiver, planning ahead should focus on the basic steps to prepare for any emergency, whether caused by a natural disaster, a power outage or a house fire.

Start out by evaluating the needs of your loved ones and map out how best to protect them while providing sufficient food, water and medicine during an emergency. Develop an easy-to-understand evacuation plan in the case they are forced to leave their home because of unsafe conditions after a disaster. If you don’t live with your loved ones, consider asking one of their neighbors to serve as a contact person who can check on them during an emergency.