Health

Learning a new language, visiting a new country or discovering a different culture can be stimulating to the brain. Let's Travel!  Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health content. 

These ideas from the experts may help keep your anxiety under control. 1. Limit news consumption It's important to know the facts and what you can do to protect yourself and to take all precautions — but it's not going to help stress levels to obsessively watch the news, says Stewart Shankman, chief psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University."The biggest source of anxiety is uncertainty,” he says, “not knowing what's going to happen, when it's going to happen, how long this is going to last. And we don't know. So, trying to know, trying to resolve that uncertainty, is counterproductive. It's going to make you more anxious.”Shankman says that he's not suggesting denial.Rather, it's “sort of accepting this is the current situation and not letting it interfere with your life."2. Practice calming techniques Different people relax in different ways, but if you feel particularly anxious you might try deep breathing, taking a warm bath, or

Healthy foods you can eat to fight inflammation include celery, cucumbers, pineapple and pumpkin seeds. Want to learn more about how food affects your brain? Visit AARP® Staying Sharp (stayingsharp.aarp.org) for more brain health content.

Have you been wondering how to safely use a public restroom during the Coronovirus pandemic? You aren't alone! Check out these helpful tips to stay safe:   Go before you go. Most older adults can't go hours and hours without going to the bathroom, as bladder muscles tend to weaken with age. What's more, the older you are, the more likely you are to have issues such as urinary incontinence or prostate problems, says Rosanne Leipzig, M.D., professor and vice-chair of education for the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. If you think the answer is to hold back on fluids, don't: Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of dehydration, Leipzig notes. Take all your necessary medications, too, including ones that can have diuretic effects, like blood pressure meds. What you can do? Avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks, which can make you urinate more because they are

Music and singing has been with us for thousands of years, and the study in this article explores their restorative powers. What's your favorite 'go to' song? One of my favorites is 'Boogie Wonderland' by Earth, Wind and Fire. Learn more about brain health with AARP Staying Sharp®, a benefit for AARP Members.

I would like to rent equipment. I am not interested in a lease to buy program. Just a rental. I would like to go back to my gym when the pandemic is over. I miss my treadmill. 

Ever wonder why you feel better after a day at the beach? Read the research results in this article to understand why being near the coast may be good for your mental and physical health. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

We've all read the books about how men and women are different, but what about our brains? Find out what is myth and what is fact in this article. Learn more about brain health with AARP® Staying Sharp®, a benefit for AARP Members.

Get the facts and you might be surprised to learn that focusing on exercise, healthy foods, getting more sleep, and learning new things might be better for you. Learn more about brain health with AARP® Staying Sharp, a benefit for AARP Members.

Check out the latest on special open enrollment periods, life-changing events and more ⬇️   I need health insurance now. Can I sign up for a plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?     Maybe. For some people, it's possible to enroll in an ACA plan right now. Typically, enrollment is open only during a set time each year, called open enrollment. However, a life-changing event — such as loss of previous health coverage due to job loss— may qualify you for a special enrollment period. What if I don't qualify based on a life-changing event and still need insurance? You may still be able to enroll in an ACA plan, depending on where you live. Though the federal government runs the ACA marketplaces for the majority of states on HealthCare.gov 12 states and the District of Columbia run their own exchanges. And many of them are offering special open enrollment periods due to the coronavirus outbreak. Which states have reopened enrollment because of the pa

It's hard to forgive someone, but when you hold on to a 'wrong', it can impact your health. Forgiving someone can be a slow process, and this article gives you some insights on how to get started. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health information.

With all of life's distractions these days, I'm finding it hard to get in the same amount of time to exercise as I used to.  How much time is good enough if I only have time for a short workout?    

Sometimes, the best way to tackle a problem is to step away and clear your mind. Meditation has long been known to support the body and mind, but researchers now believe that your brain may benefit as well. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

Hi everyone,Flu shots for the upcoming season are now available - I have seen signs already at the grocery store.Check out this article fromhttps://www.askapatient.com/news/flu-vaccines-for-2020-2021.aspfor a description of the what's new this season, especially in light of coronavirus.  Let me know if this is useful to you or what other info regarding the flu season would be helpful.flu shots for 2020-2021

  Did you know that your brain health may be impacted by how you spend your time? Research shows that spending just 2 hours in nature every week may improve your brain health. Interested in other brain health tips? Get more tips on brain health from AARP® Staying Sharp included with AARP® Membership.

Growing older is a natural part of life, but how to do it can make a big difference. Nourish the brain with a healthy diet, exercise, curiosity, and plenty of fun. Learn more about brain health with AARP® Staying Sharp, a benefit for AARP Members.

There seems to be plenty of scams going around during the pandemic. What should I be on the lookout for and how can I avoid being scammed?    

We may be isolated, but we don’t have to be alone. AARP Community Connections is a new website that offers steps to find help — or give it — during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At a time when people are self-isolating, the website connects you to support in your community. It also enables you to join or organize your own online mutual aid group to stay connected, share ideas, and help your family, neighbors, and those most affected by COVID-19.To start, find, or register a mutual aid group, get assistance yourself, or find helpful resources, go to AARP Community Connections.  Feeling socially isolated? You can request a phone call from the AARP Friendly Voices program for yourself or a loved one. Volunteers are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. ET. To receive a call from our Friendly Voices volunteers: Go to aarpcommunityconnections.org. Select Request a call: On desktop, the Request a call link is loc

Benefits from exercise can be as simple as a 10-minute workout in your living room. Learn more and enjoy 10-minute workouts free.   Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

Did you know an 8-ounce glass of orange juice on your breakfast table may look like a part of a wholesome breakfast but it provides around 100 calories and 24 grams of carbohydrates, roughly the same amount in an 8-ounce serving of Coca-Cola? Learn more about how you could get healthier by changing what you drink.