Improving Overall Health at Kirby Pines

As we slowly move into Spring, now is an excellent time to start thinking about little things we can do to improve our overall health. While the Oasis easily comes to mind as the place to go to improve your health, there are many things that can be done in our own homes. I have listed a few tips below for you to consider.

Stay socially involved – research shows that people who have an active social life are less likely to experience a decline in the ability to reason and remember. The Pinecone lists many activities that you can enjoy and later discuss with fellow residents. For example, the numerous in-house movies.

Eat chocolate – an ounce a day is now determined to be as good as or better than, an apple a day. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which help the body’s cells resist damage. In addition to their antioxidant properties, flavonoids also help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating chocolate at Kirby is easy. All you need to do is stop by the Blossom Shop for a chocolate bar, or ask for chocolate ice cream with your meal.

If you drink coffee like I do, scientists have good news for us. Drinking coffee seems to lower the risk for heart disease and dying from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or pneumonia. Other research concludes that caffeinated coffee may protect against skin cancers, Parkinson’s and even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. If caffeine doesn’t keep you up at night, enjoy a cup in the Bistro mid-afternoon.

Living a long and healthy life has a lot to do with living an enjoyable life and researchers have determined that music helps to make everyday living more enjoyable. Listening to your favorite music may be good for your heart, as emotions aroused by joyful music cause tissue in the inner lining of blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. Music also brings on sound sleep, boosts mood and reduces anxiety. While live performances remain limited during these challenging times, you can listen to many live performers on our in-house television station. So, take a close look at this months’ calendar and make plans now to improve your health.

Michael Escamilla

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines