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July 2024
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10 Tips for Healthy Skin2/22/2022 Aging skin is inevitable. How much it ages is not. Your skin becomes thinner with age and years of being in the sun may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even more serious skin problems like skin cancer. But there are things you can do to help your skin, and the sooner you start the better the long term results. Here are 10 not so obvious tips for skin care. 1. Skin care is for everyone. Women and men of ALL ages need to have a consistent daily skin care routine. Encourage those you care about to start early care for their skin daily. It pays off as we age. 2. Protection should never stop. Fewer than half of seniors use sunscreen even though we know better. Need some incentive to cover up and use sunscreen? Check the underside of your forearm that rarely sees the sun. 3. Moisturizing from the outside is not enough. Good quality, chemical-free body and facial moisturizers help to hydrate the top layer of your skin but more importantly, skin needs to be hydrated from the inside, too. Drink lots of water throughout the day, starting as soon as you wake up in the morning. 4. Your diet shows in your skin. Research suggests that a diet filled with highly processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats promotes skin aging while whole fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins promote healthy skin. 5. Humidity helps. Room or whole house humidifiers add moisture to the air that dehydrates your skin, especially in winter months. 6. Your skin likes shorter showers. Proper hygiene is always important but shorter, cooler showers will help retain more of the moisturizing oils that your skin thrives on. 7. Don’t forget that water is a solvent. Water alone helps to clean your skin. Harsh detergents further dissolve the natural oils that hydrate your skin. Use gentle, chemical-free moisturizing soaps or body wash and use them sparingly. 8. Skin is a sponge. Skin readily absorbs what it comes in contact with. Gently pat dry after bathing to let your skin absorb more moisture. And wear gloves if you come in contact with harsh chemicals like cleaning fluids. 9. Sleep is a skin tonic. Research shows that sleep is when your skin's blood flow increases. This helps to rebuild collagen and repair damage from UV exposure which reduces wrinkles and age spots. Get your rest! 10. Exercise may reverse skin aging. By increasing blood flow, increasing oxygen, and eliminating waste, exercise keeps skin cells healthy and vital. Some studies show exercise actually reverses signs of skin aging. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Join us in supporting caregivers2/15/2022 National Caregivers Day is Friday, February 18. The special day is meant to call attention to individuals across the country providing vital home and hospice care. If you are a caregiver, we honor and thank you for your dedication and commitment to caring for someone else’s needs. While caregiving can be a rewarding expression of love, it also comes with physical, emotional, and spiritual demands and even the most devoted caregiver needs respite. For You: The VNA is pleased to offer an array of caregiver support programs, including some that are free of charge, designed to assist caregivers to more effectively care for their loved one and themselves. Click here to learn more about our special caregiver support programs. For All Caregivers: Legislation is underway to expand home care services covered by Medicare – supportive services like personal care, remote patient monitoring, nutritious meals, adaptive equipment, and other things that your loved ones, and maybe even you, will very likely need. Please support home care and hospice by endorsing the legislation. It only takes a moment of your time. Simply click on this link then enter your name and address. If you agree with the letter of support, simply hit send. It really is that easy! Click here if you would like more information about this important legislation. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Yes, you can help improve Medicare.2/8/2022 It Only Takes a Moment of Your Time Legislation is being considered to expand home care services covered by Medicare – supportive services like personal care, remote patient monitoring, nutritious meals, adaptive equipment, and other things that your loved ones, and maybe even you, will very likely need. Not only will this provide people with an improved alternative to post-hospitalization recovery and keep them out of nursing homes, but it will also save Medicare millions of dollars! Please Act Now to Enhance the Home Care Benefit of Medicare Simply click on this link then enter your name and address: Act Now!- Enhance the Home Health Benefit (p2a.co) If you agree with the letter of support simply hit send. It really is that easy! If you would like more information about this important legislation, click here: https://www.nahc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Choose-Home-QA.pdf Thank you. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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February is American Heart Month2/1/2022 According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), nearly 1 in 3 deaths in the US each year are caused by heart disease and stroke, and more than half of these deaths happen to people under age 65! But 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes could have been prevented through these lifestyle changes: 1. Track your progress The most important thing you can do to prevent heart disease is start a health journal and track your progress. Click here for a guide to making your own health journal (health diary). 2. If you smoke, stop now There are many helpful techniques and organizations to help. Click here for some self-help tips and a planning guide. 3. Increase your physical activity The benefits to your heart health are dramatic. Simply sitting less and walking every day is a great start. Learn more here. 4. Re-evaluate your diet Almost everything in moderation is the key to eating healthy, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and fish. But make sure you restrict salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fats (fats that are solid at room temperature). Visit VNANNJ for some great recipes. 5. Get regular check-ups High blood pressure may present no symptoms, but it is one of the biggest causes of sudden stroke or heart attack. Visit your doctor to check your blood pressure, ask about your results, and know your numbers. Then you can then take your blood pressure at home to track your progress in your personal health journal. Click here for the best at-home blood pressure monitors. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Why Volunteering is Good For You1/25/2022 Volunteers make the world a better place and help many important organizations survive. But did you know that volunteering is good for your health as well? Here are five reasons why: 1. Socialization Making new friends with similar interests is a proven strategy to provide mental stimulation and maintain communication skills, especially as we age. 2. Support Network Even if you have family living close by, your support network can never be too deep when you need help for any reason. Your support network has a direct impact on your health and safety by making sure you have transportation, are well-cared for, avoid debilitating falls, and so much more. 3. Happiness Depression sneaks up on people, especially when they become isolated. Being with others and making positive contributions counteracts the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. Researchers have discovered that being helpful to others provides immense pleasure and that the more we give, the happier we feel. 4. Physical Health Volunteering keeps you moving. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not because volunteers tend to walk more, remain more limber, and find it easier to cope with everyday tasks. This also tends to lessen symptoms of chronic pain, reduce blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. 5. Fun Many older adults find they simply aren’t having enough fun in their lives. Volunteering provides you with the ability to pursue new interests that you never had time for. Like to cook, garden, or read? Soup kitchens often need volunteer cooks. Community gardens and parks need help with planting and maintenance. And your local library probably has volunteer reading programs for children. There are many volunteer opportunities available. Look for a position that you will enjoy, are capable of doing, and fits your choice of time commitment. Investigate opportunities with your local animal shelter, parks department, library, church, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, and healthcare organizations. Our own VNA welcomes volunteers for a number of programs to benefit our homebound and elderly patients and their caregivers. And if your skillset includes fundraising you will be in high demand by most nonprofit organizations. Just make sure the situation is a good fit for you so it doesn’t feel like an obligation instead of a joy. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Learn About Testing for COVID-191/18/2022
Home Testing Thorough information about both rapid and PCR home testing kits is available at AARP. Here are their top tips about using home testing kits. Tips for taking a COVID test at home
Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Foods to Fight Chronic Inflammation1/11/2022 Chronic inflammation, which has been linked to many health problems such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, increases as we age. But here is some good news – you can reduce chronic inflammation by eating the following delicious foods! Fruits Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, oranges, mangos, and papaya are all high in antioxidant nutrients. Tip: Bright colors typically indicate a food high in antioxidant nutrients. Nuts Nuts are a good source of fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, and pecans are all good, but eat them in moderation since they are high in calories. Tip: crunch them up and sprinkle over salads. Colorful Vegetables Tomatoes are nutritional powerhouses, as are colorful peppers, and avocados. All are high in vitamin C and other important anti-inflammatory nutrients. Tip: As with fruits, bright colors typically indicate a food high in antioxidant nutrients. Green Leafy Vegetables Spinach, kale, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage pack a big anti-inflammatory punch. Tip: to make salads more interesting combine different greens and add yummy extras like apples, oranges, nuts, seeds, and berries. Fatty Fish Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies are a great source of protein and healthy long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation. Tip: Look for wild-caught fish, as farm-raised fish may not provide the same antioxidant benefits. Olive Oil Extra-virgin olive oil has benefits beyond stemming inflammation. Several studies have shown benefits for heart health, bone loss, and neurological diseases affecting the brain, spine, muscles, and connecting nerves. Tip: Just 3-1/2 Tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil has more than 400 calories so use it sparingly. Green Tea Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink. It is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and more. Tip: Green tea is delicious hot or cold when flavored with fresh mint or lemon or even combined with other teas. Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Flavanols are responsible for chocolate’s anti-inflammatory effects and help keep the endothelial cells that line your arteries healthy. Tip: The sugar used to sweeten bitter chocolate is not your friend. Look for 70% cocoa (or more) which indicates your best anti-inflammatory benefit. Eating local is best. When shopping, check out your farmer’s market to see their seasonal selections. And be sure to avoid foods that increase chronic inflammation, like refined carbohydrates (white bread and pastries), fried foods, sugar, red meat, and margarine. There are many more anti-inflammatory foods you may like, so research online and see your doctor or a licensed nutritionist for the best anti-inflammation diet and exercise plan suited for you. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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5 Key Ways to Lose Weight After 501/4/2022 Let’s face it, as we age we lose muscle mass and become more sedentary – and that means we gain weight even if we don’t eat more than usual. Weight loss from fad diets never lasts, but these basics will help you develop long-lasting success:
See your doctor or a licensed nutritionist for a diet and exercise plan best suited for you. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Inspiration for 202212/28/2021 As I look back on 2021, I think, “What made what we do here at Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey different this year?” This past year has shown that with dedication and bravery, our nurses and front-line workers met and overcame challenges to help our patients. No matter the risk or ever-changing fears presented in the news, our team got up every day to care for over 1,200 patients who needed medical intervention to stay at home and out of hospitals and nursing facilities. Our supporters also rose to the challenge, donating generously to help provide professional and compassionate home care. I thank you, as well, and ask for your continued support. You all inspire me, and our VNA will continue to follow your example as we meet any new challenges in 2022. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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FREE, IN-HOME Vaccines & Boosters12/7/2021 VNA will administer the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster shots, at no cost to the homebound and their caregivers. For information or questions about scheduling a reservation, please call VNA's COVID hotline (973) 451-4121. • COVID-19 Vaccines are safe, highly effective, and help to prevent you from getting sick. Everyone 5 years or older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in NJ. • Booster Shots are available for adults, 18 and older, who are eligible if their 2nd Pfizer or Moderna shot was at least 6 months ago or 2 months ago for the Johnson & Johnson shot. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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