Improving Health at Kirby Pines

As we slowly move into spring, now is an excellent time to start thinking about little things you can do to improve your overall health. While the Oasis easily comes to mind as the place to go to improve your health, there are other ways as well. Below are a few tips 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. So look at the activities listed each month in the Pinecone and make a commitment to get involved.

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 in the dining room.

If you’re a coffee drinker, like I am, scientists have good news for us. Drinking coffee seems to lower the risk of 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. So if coffee doesn’t keep you awake at night, enjoy a cup from the Bistro with fellow residents.

Living a long and healthy life has a lot to do with living an enjoyable life and research has 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. So take a close look at this months’ calendar and make plans now to improve your health.