4 Ways to Train Your Brain for a Longer, Healthier Life

The health of different parts of the body is key for longevity, and your brain is no exception.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that a “quiet brain” could help add years to your life. What is a quiet brain? Those involved in the research define it as using less neural activity, which uses less overall energy from the body.

The study, published in the medical journal Nature, was conducted by investigating brain tissue of people who died between the ages of 60 and 100. By measuring levels of a specific protein, researchers found that people who lived longer had signs of less neural activity.

But it sounds like a contradiction to keep your brain sharp while attempting to keep it quiet at the same time. Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four tips to try and maintain a proper balance.

1. Be More Mindful of Your Body Through Meditation

Try to meditate for at least five to 10 minutes each day and be mindful of parts of the body where you are holding tension. Training your body to sense the presence of tension will help you manage and eliminate it even during times when you’re not actively meditating.

2. Be Present in the Moment

Your mind might be moving too fast for the rest of your body. Are you interrupting people before they’re done speaking? Is your mind distracted at the dinner table by everything else you have to do? Put those thoughts aside and be actively present in any situation that you are in.

3. Schedule Free Time

It’s common to fill your calendar with meetings, appointments, and other obligations, but do you schedule time for yourself? Force yourself to take a break by working some downtime into your schedule or routine.

4. Watch What You Eat

Your diet has more of an impact on your brain than you might realize. Avoid eating empty calories while doing sedentary activities like watching television or scrolling through social media on your smartphone or tablet.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

How to Take COVID-19 Into Consideration for Your Holiday Plans

Even though restrictions have mostly been dropped, we’re technically still in the COVID-19 pandemic for what will be the third holiday season.

Even though life has basically gotten back to normal since the spring, it’s still worth having a conversation about safety and precautions before making your holiday plans.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has some tips to keep in mind as you create your plan.

1. Plan for the Highest-Risk Person in Your Family

Whether it be due to age, medical history, or other factors, your plans should revolve around the person who is at the highest risk to have potential complications from COVID-19. When people are vaccinated and boosted, symptoms are typically mild to moderate and they recover after a few days. But for people older than 60 or those who are immunocompromised, the virus can be more severe.

2. Get the Updated Booster

A booster is available for anyone 5 years old and up who wants it, and it’s specifically designed to target the Omicron variant, which remains the dominant thread of the disease. Federal officials are recommending getting the booster by Halloween, that way it’s fully effective inside your body by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.

One note: if you had a COVID-19 infection recently, you should wait three months before getting the new booster.

3. Pay Attention to Symptoms

If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 (sore throat, congestion, coughing, fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain), you should abstain from family gatherings—especially if someone high-risk is present. While it’s not a fail-safe, taking a test is always a good idea if you’re not sure before moving ahead and seeing friends and family.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Choosing the Right Diabetic Footwear to Prevent Foot Ulcers

Around one in every four seniors over the age of 65 is living with type 2 diabetes in the United States, and not managed properly, the condition can lead to a host of other medical problems.

One of those problems are foot ulcers, around they can affect around 15% of diabetes patients. Left unchecked, foot ulcers can lead to hospitalization and even amputation of the foot.

One of the biggest causes of these ulcers is inappropriate footwear. Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing wants to let you know what to look for when inspecting your or a loved one’s shoes.

Check Wear Patterns

Check the soles to make sure that the pressure is even; otherwise, this could cause some parts to wear out excessively.

Also, check for wear spots. Normal wear occurs at the lateral (outside) heel and medial central forefoot (from the big toe to the third or fourth toe).

Look at the Inside of the Shoe

Feel for wrinkled lining, rough seams, and foreign objects. Also, check the insole and socks for any drainage. Non-slip liners are also good to have because they absorb shock and reduce the pressure that feet are put under.

Make Sure They Fit

In order to size the shoe correctly, there should be a thumbnail’s length (around ½ to ¾ of an inch) between the end of the longest toe and the tip of the shoe. The sides of the shoe should not squeeze in the sides of the foot, and a fastening mechanism (laces, Velcro, or buckles) should be present to prevent the foot from moving around in the shoe.

Observe Diabetic Characteristics of the Shoe

The shoe should be made of leather or other breathable material, it should be foot-shaped with a soft heel, and the inside lining should be smooth with no seams or wrinkles.

If you have any issues or questions about what makes for a good diabetic shoe, your doctor can help.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

4 Tips on How to Travel With Pets

More and more people are taking their pets with them when traveling—whether it’s by road, rail, or air. In addition, the ASPCA said that nearly 23 million families added a dog or cat during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to May 2021).

If you’re in that group and enjoy bringing your pet with you on vacation, read on because Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four tips to have a successful vacation for both your human family members and the canine and feline ones as well.

1. Check With Airlines and Railroads

If you’re taking a pet along on the plane or train, check with your carrier to see what regulations you need to follow. The Humane Society recommends driving with a pet whenever possible. Air travel can be a traumatic experience for a pet, especially ones with “pushed in” faces like bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats.

2. Make Sure Pets are Restrained in the Car

Dogs should not be free to roam in the car, as it can become an incredibly dangerous situation in an accident at high speeds. A dog should be in a crate secured by a seat belt or a harness that’s specifically designed to attach to a seat belt. A cat should be in a restrained carrier, and no pet should ride in the front seat.

3. Take Plenty of Rest Stops

Make sure to take several stops so your pets can take a bathroom break and also exercise. Be sure to have a collar (with ID) and leash, and if you’re going out of the car, be sure to never leave your pet alone in the car. A car with the windows cracked open can get over 100 degrees inside on an 85-degree day after just 10 minutes.

4. Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel or Rental

Fortunately for pet owners, more hotels and vacation rentals are accepting pets—for an additional fee. The website www.bringfido.com has a list of both types of lodging that are pet-friendly. The site says that seniors and younger millennials (aka childless travelers) are the ones bringing pets with them the most.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With 4 Ways to Supplement Your Income at Home

We’re all looking for a little extra money these days—with the price of just about everything skyrocketing and all—and fortunately, there are more ways than ever to earn a little extra cash from home.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has details on four ways to supplement your income while sitting on your couch.

1. Online Surveys

Online surveys are a booming business since these have taken the place of many in-person focus groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of gathering at a mall or other public meeting place, you can participate by either answering questions online or participating in a focus group via Zoom. Popular survey sites include InboxDollars and User Interviews.

2. Testing Websites

One step in the quality-assurance process when businesses are ready to launch a website is to click through everything and make sure the site works as planned. Sites like Enroll and UserTesting will seek help from people at home to catch bad links and also get feedback on how user-friendly a site is.

3. Mock Trials

Lawyers also conduct mock trials online now, and sites like eJury and OnlineVerdict will pay people to participate in these mock trials. They are invaluable to attorneys, who can see how a jury might react to how they present a case, and they also help lawyers gain experience without the high pressure of a trial.

4. Clinical Trials

One industry that hasn’t slowed down during the pandemic is the medical field, and clinics, researchers, and universities are in constant need of participants for clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov is a great place to start if you’re interested in participating.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Campaign: Care that Moves You

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With 5 Ways to Support Someone With Mental Health Issues

Mental health has always been an issue in the United States, but between mental health problems developing in COVID-19 patients (up to one in every three) and others struggling from isolation and economic issues stemming from the pandemic as a whole, the issue has really been thrust to the forefront since March 2020.

If someone in your life is going through some issues with mental health, you may be wondering what the best ways are to support them.

Boro Park for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at five of the most helpful ways to give that support.

1. Set Aside Time With Them

Provide an open and nonjudgmental space for your friend or family member, and be sure to give them your undivided attention without any distractions. Sometimes, just listening and offering a kind ear is the best thing you can do.

2. Let Them Lead the Discussion

Let them talk about as much or as little as they want to talk about—and at their own pace. Putting pressure on them to talk about things they don’t want to discuss can sometimes do more harm than good. The issues they’re talking about may take a lot of trust and courage to say, so go with their flow.

3. Be Reassuring

Reassuring and validating their concerns is much more productive than trying to second-guess their feelings or diagnose why they may be feeling that way. You’re there to listen and provide support, not provide mental health services—unless they ask for your opinion, of course.

4. Discuss Self-Care

Often times, mental health can improve with simple things like regular exercise, improving your diet, or getting regular sleep. Mention how one of all of these things help you.

5. Know Your Limits

While you can listen and offer reassurance, offer your assistance in helping them talk to a family member or find professional help. Let them make the decisions, but offer your support that could lead to a positive outcome.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With 4 Key Facts to Know About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States behind lung cancer, with around 51,000 deaths expected from the disease in 2022. But by knowing the warning signs, leading a healthy lifestyle, and following your doctor’s advice about regular screenings can all help avoid being a victim of this disease, as it is usually manageable if caught early.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has four key facts to know about colorectal cancer.

1. Know the Signs

Colorectal cancer grows slowly, so the signs usually begin subtle. Some, like rectal bleeding and blood in the stool, are easier to recognize than others. More subtle signs include a change in bowel movements that lasts more than four days, an urge to have a bowel movement that remains after having one, unintended weight loss, and belly pain, weakness or general fatigue.

2. Screening Saves Lives

Studies show around 90% of those with early-stage colorectal cancer have a great long-term survival prognosis. Screening can also prevent cancer by having polyps removed before they may become cancerous. The average person starts screening around age 45, but higher-risk individuals are recommended to begin earlier.

3. More Screening Options Besides a Colonoscopy

Even though a colonoscopy is the most common form of screening, less-invasive options are available, especially if you are younger and not in a high-risk group. Several types of stool tests that you can do at home are options. The goal is to get more people to do any level of screening, and then if an at-home test shows a warning sign, then a follow-up colonoscopy is performed.

4. Know the Risk Factors

A family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps is considered a risk factor for the disease, as are other conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Lifestyle factors like smoking, carrying extra weight around the midsection, a diet high in red meat and processed meats, and a sedentary lifestyle are all to be taken into consideration.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With 4 Passive Ways to Lose Weight

The key to weight loss will always be to consume fewer calories than you are already taking in. A combination of diet and exercise will help you reach your goals, but there are also more passive things you can do to keep an eye on your waistline without changing your overall habits too much, especially if you’re just looking to drop a few pounds or to maintain the weight you’re at.

Boro Park for Rehabilitation and Nursing has the details on four passive ways to lose some weight despite it being the holiday season.

1. Add Green Tea to Your Routine

Studies found that people who drink green tea regularly—even better if you add lemon—lost as much as seven pounds more than non-tea drinkers when all other factors were similar. The lemon boosts the antioxidants in the green tea, essentially making it even better for your body and weight-loss goals.

2. Don’t Skimp on Sleep

Yes, it might seem like you need to be moving more to lose weight, but not getting enough sleep is counterproductive to the body in many ways. Sleep is when your body resets and recharges, so not routinely getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep will not only leave you feeling sluggish, but your body will be craving more fuel to get through the day by way of carbs and sugar.

3. Eat Natural Sugars

Instead of keeping a bowl of holiday candy within reach, fill up your fruit bowl. These natural sugars will curb your craving and help with your goals via addition by subtraction—having a healthy alternative compared to holiday chocolates, cookies, or candy canes.

4. Relax

With planning parties, getting the house ready, shopping for gifts, and having a busier schedule than usual, the holiday season can be a stressful time. But try to set realistic goals and keep your stress level to a minimum, as stress can trigger cravings for sugary and fatty foods or snacks.

 

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With 4 Ways to Sneak in Some Exercise

One of the biggest detriments to an exercise plan is when our busy life gets in the way. It can sometimes seem impossible to carve out 30 minutes or an hour to devote solely to exercising.

But if you’re creative, you can get those steps and a little bit of a sweat in while going about your day-to-day activities or even during your weekend fun.

Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four ways you can sneak in your exercise when you might not have a lot of time.

1. Walk During Lunch or Other Breaks

If you’re trying to incorporate more movement during the work day, taking some time at lunch to get some walking in is a great option, and if time doesn’t permit (or if you want to add it on), taking a mid-morning or mid-afternoon walk can help break up the day and recharge you.

2. Park Far Away

Re-train yourself to not search for the closest parking spot from where you are going; instead, take the one that’s furthest away! It’s estimated that every extra minute you spent walking is worth around 84 steps, so you can see how the steps can add up fast if you are making several stops and park a mile away (well, not literally!).

3. Go for a Hike

If your weekend plans typically include some outdoors time, why not plan a hike? Most areas have trails and paths in local, state, or national parks, and there are surely some that you haven’t discovered. Visit www.americanhiking.org to find a trail to explore this weekend!

4. Find a Walkable City

Whether its your town or one nearby that you haven’t yet explored, find a place to park and then start walking! Many areas have revitalized downtown or urban areas where small businesses are thriving, so walk your local community and support your neighbors while you’re at it.

To learn more about Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://boro-park-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.