Are Oranges Replacing Apples as a Once “a Day” Food?

A recent article from the Medical News Today reports oranges may be the new apple a day remedy.  They mention a new Harvard study showing a daily orange may do more than just provide a juicy dose of vitamin C — it could also help protect our mental health.

The study found a connection between consuming one medium orange daily with a 20 percent decrease in the risk of developing depression. Researchers say the lower risk is due to the effects oranges, and other citrus fruits, have on the beneficial gut bacteria called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Participants who reported feeling depressed were found to have lower levels of this bacterium. 

Researchers say the bacterium seems to influence the production of the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with regulating our mood. The large study tracked 32,000 middle-aged women from 2003 to 2017; and throughout the extensive time frame, discovered only citrus fruits seemed to help stave off depression. A later study found similar results in men. 

As an observational study showing a correlation, it doesn’t directly prove that eating oranges can prevent depression. Rather what it does is add to the growing amount of data we have regarding the connection between gut health and our mental well-being. In addition to the possible benefits to our brain health, the vitamin C in citrus is essential for healthy immune systems as well as helps the body produce collagen and maintain healthy blood vessels and heart.

MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families rely on. Our 112 independent and senior living suites offer an array of resort-style amenities, services and wellness programs that allow residents to comfortably and securely age in place. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 memory care suites in an intimate and supportive environment. Contact us to set up an in-person tour of the area’s finest assisted living facilities. 

Easy Ways to Substitute Foods to Lower Cholesterol

While we know high cholesterol can be dangerous, many of us do not know exactly what steps we need to take to lower our numbers. A recent article in the Harvard Health Publishing newsletter, shares a few quick tips to help improve heart health through dietary choices. 

Their first recommendation is to avoid saturated and trans fats; and instead use vegetable oils that contain unsaturated fats and nutrients. Heart healthy vegetable oils include avocado, safflower, rapeseed, olive, and flaxseed. Some unsaturated oils should not be used in high-heat cooking such as flaxseed and extra-virgin olive oil as they have a low smoke point and are best to use in sauces and dressings. Heart-healthy oils help to lower harmful “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raise healthy high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Experts say individuals who need to lower cholesterol should have no more than 6% of their calories from saturated fats, like butter.

Another tip for lowering cholesterol is to increase your daily amount of soluble fiber with foods like oatmeal, beans, lentils, apples, pears, and oranges. Also include plant sterols and stanols to your diet, which are found in foods like cereals, rice bran and wheat germ, soybeans, avocados and nuts. Other healthy heart foods include oily fish (salmon, tuna and mackerel), chicken, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Harvard Health Publishing says the bottom line is to talk to your doctor about your health needs and goals. Moreover if it turns out following a low cholesterol diet doesn’t give you the numbers you want, and you need medication, your dietary changes may mean you do not need as high of a dose.

 MorningStar of Arvada, assisted living facilities are designed around the various needs of older adults, and provides senior-friendly activities and companionship with like-minded adults of a similar age. As MorningStar takes care of the outside chores and the cleaning and cooking, you have the time to focus on the things you love. Reflections Neighborhood offers assisted living Arvada, CO families trust for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease. Also ask about Safely You technology, which allows us to detect and prevent falls for senior living Arvada residents using (AI) Artificial Intelligence. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our beautiful community.

Keeping Track of Your Numbers can lead to Better Health

Now that New Year’s has come and gone, have you already slacked off on your resolution to improve your heart health? If you have, experts say today is just as good of a day to begin.

To get started, an effective way to monitor your heart health goals is to keep track of your daily exercise, blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol numbers. An easy way to track your daily exercise is to wear a fitness watch. Many models give you information on everything from counting steps, your heart beat, calories you burn, and the duration and quality of your sleep. 

Body weight is another indicator of overall health. To get an idea of where you stand, find your body mass index (BMI) as it measures your overall body fat. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for certain conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and more. 

It is recommended you make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get to know your numbers. This should include checking your blood pressure and drawing blood to find out your cholesterol numbers. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor how often you need to test your blood sugar levels.

If good heart health for you means losing some weight, one suggestion is to keep a daily food journal to stay on track of what you eat and drink. It can also help you get in the habit of drinking more water each day. Keep your journal in a place where you will remember to update it. Experts say following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a science-based way of eating that can help you reduce high blood pressure and has other heart health benefits. 

MorningStar of Arvada offers independent living, assisted living facilities and memory care Arvada, CO. seniors count on. Our fashionable community’s 112 bright independent and senior living suites make it easy for seniors to comfortably and securely age in place without giving up any of their freedom or choices. MorningStar’s distinct Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing compassionate assisted living Arvada for seniors from the beginning stage of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases to the most advanced stages. Please contact us to set up a personalized tour of our beautiful community. 

The Amenities Seniors Deserve

Today, Senior assisted living communities are constantly changing. Many assisted living communities offer a continuum of care with services that range from independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Offering multiple living arrangements allows residents to comfortably stay in a community, should their needs and level of care change over time. The senior housing options that are available today offer a true community where seniors receive the proper care services that encourage them to live independently, living better than ever in retirement.

Assisted living communities are equipped to help residents manage activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, mobility, continence, eating, and personal grooming. MorningStar of Beaverton offers a carefree way of senior living in Oregon. Our assisted living facility is equipped with housekeeping services, linen and laundry services, healthy and realistic dining plans, fitness classes, group activities, dynamic activity calendars, and so much more.

Our community offers 66 modern and graciously appointed suites for assisted living with floor plans that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 974 square feet). Within our two Reflections Neighborhoods, we offer 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

Along with stylish suites, MorningStar of Beaverton is filled with warm and inviting common areas both inside and out. From our cozy fireside living room to a comfortable dining room and scenic outdoor courtyards, residents are sure to feel right at home. As a resident of MorningStar, you will be treated to a host of creative programs and resort-style amenities and services.

MorningStar of Beaverton enjoys a picturesque setting overlooking a natural wetland in the western suburb of Portland, with the popular retail/entertainment center of Progress Ridge Townsquare just up the street. 

While MorningStar may be new to Beaverton, our team is highly experienced in serving seniors, understanding how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. Every team member, regardless of role, completes three foundational one-day training as part of joining the MorningStar family as well as training in Radiance (our culture and customer service initiative) and Lavender Sky (our dementia care philosophy and approach to programming). Some states in which we operate require care managers to be certified in both CPR and First Aid. Continuing education is conducted regularly, and our Med Tech (QMAPs) are additionally trained in medication administration.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Beaverton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, contact us today to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Beaverton, Oregon.

Engaging Activities that Promote Brain Health in Seniors Dealing with Memory Loss

When memory loss begins to happen, some of the first signs of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases may appear to be the struggle of completing tasks or activities that one once enjoyed. Perhaps your close relative or loved one can no longer remember how to perfect a favorite recipe, crochet a special knot, or paint in the same usual stroke. While they may struggle, this does not mean that they have lost interest or ability to do their activities, but that they may require extra support to complete these tasks while adjusting to memory loss. 

Making the choice to acclimate your loved one to an assisted living facility that specializes in memory care may be the best decision in order to ensure that they are continuing to participate in their usual enriching activities in a safe environment. While many senior living facilities that deal with memory care differ, MorningStar at Beaverton recognizes the importance of encouraging our residents to participate in activities that are familiar and echo a sense of control over their changing health needs. 

While there is an array of amenities and activities that MorningStar offers, a popular one that actively promotes brain health in our residents dealing with memory loss includes the attraction of our grand piano. There is growing research that shows that music can have a profound impact on individuals with memory loss, according to the Alzheimer's disease research center. The piano is open to our residents and we encourage them to practice or show off their skills. However, if your loved one is no longer able to fully participate in playing piano, listening to another play still encourages brain health and can promote more memory recollection. 

We like to have a hands-on approach to the specialized memory care needs of our residents dealing with memory loss. This means that it is not uncommon to see these residents working alongside the chefs in the kitchen, helping employees with clerical work, or tending to one of our gardens. Participating in familiar activities such as these promote overall brain health, memory, and enrichment and allows us as caregivers to oversee your loved one while they continue to participate in the things they enjoy. 

To learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility, please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon offers.  
MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon has to offer.