Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care

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Foods You Don’t Need to Wash before You Eat

July 28, 2025 by Karla A in Senior Living

If you have concerns about food safety, and many of us do, it can be confusing on what foods needs to be washed before eaten. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) weighs in on the issue regarding foods that do not need to be washed at home, and in some cases, may be detrimental to do so.

With all of the media attention regarding bird flu, some people wonder if we should be washing our store-bought eggs. According to the USDA, we should not wash eggs from the grocery store as commercial eggs are already washed. Experts explain,” Bloom,” the natural coating on just-laid eggs that helps prevent bacteria from permeating the shell, is removed by the commercial washing process. It is replaced by a light coating of edible mineral oil, which restores protection for long-term home storage of eggs.”  If fact they warn that washing eggs at home could increase the risk of cross-contamination, especially if the shell becomes cracked. 

Another common food we buy is pre-washed salad mixes. Again, the USDA says it is not necessary to wash pre-washed or ready-to-eat produce as they are safe to eat as packaged. If you do decide to wash it, they warn about cross-contamination and to take care to avoid unclean surfaces or utensils that have come into contact with raw meat, poultry or seafood, or their juices. A tip for washing fresh fruits and vegetables is to hold them under running tap water to remove any dirt. For veggies or fruits with a firm skin, scrub with a clean brush. Avoid using detergent soaps or commercial produce washes.  

Most canned foods do not need to be washed. However, when using canned beans; follow the recipe recommendation in terms of rinsing. Rinsing rice before cooking can help reduce rice’s arsenic content as well as remove the surface starch for a lighter, fluffier rice. If you are cooking risottos, paella or rice pudding, skip the rinsing step as you want the extra surface starch to remain on the rice. Quinoa from the supermarket is typically already rinsed and dried before packaged. Check the label to see if it says pre-rinsed or if it recommends rinsing. 

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, our goal is to make retirement carefree for our residents. We manage all of the maintenance inside and out, and offer an array of services, amenities and programs to enrich your life. Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care. Arvada, CO families have come to count on. Contact us to learn more about the area’s top independent living and assisted living to set up a personalized tour to experience our gorgeous retirement communities firsthand. 

July 28, 2025 /Karla A
senior living, senior living Arvada, senior living Arvada Co
Senior Living

Senior Living is an Easy Way to Stay Socially Active

May 28, 2025 by Karla A in Senior Living

People are often surprised to learn how beneficial an active social life can be to older adults.  However it is not always easy to maintain as aging can leave many seniors feeling socially isolated and/or lonely. Hearing, vision or memory loss; chronic diseases and mobility issues can make it difficult for seniors to get out and about. Many lose social connections with the loss of a spouse, family members or friends.

The National Institute on Aging states, “Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.” Other associated problems include obesity, high blood pressure, weakened immune function and dementia. 

One important benefit of senior living communities is the ease in which they offer built-in companionship and shared activities. At MorningStar of Arvada, we consider it our privilege to provide meaningful and entertaining activities that engage and enhance the quality of life for residents. Daily group exercise classes, board and card games, movies, live events and casual opportunities to meet with others in common areas throughout the property give residents something to look forward to. 

As a resident, your day could start with a chair yoga class or a workout in the pool. To improve mobility, join in our Stand & Balance classes that help prevent falls. Several times a week we offer church services. Weekly adventures include out-to-lunch trips, visits to local cultural activities, and scenic drives through the beautiful area we are so lucky to be situated in. Additionally our community has no shortage of creative exploration classes to tap into your artistic self. To help new residents settle in, we hold new residents coffee and chat groups; and if you don’t see something you would like on the monthly calendar, we encourage you to start a group. 

MorningStar of Arvada senior living provides independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO seniors and their families have come to count on. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 memory care suites in an intimate, supportive and loving environment from the onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases to the most advanced stages. Contact us to learn more as well as to set-up a personalized tour of our beautiful senior living community. 

May 28, 2025 /Karla A
senior living, senior living Arvada, senior living Arvada Co
Senior Living

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