Healthy Living

I was rejected from a scheduled VA procedure by a nurse on an administrative technicality unrelated to my condition, after scheduling a 100 mile round trip with my Medicare transportation provider. This is disgraceful and unprofessional, especially since I initially rescheduled the appointment in order to comply with the requirement to not come unaccompanied. The Patient Advocate Office states that they can only file my concerns with the same department that I am complaining about, which seems nonproductive and disingenuous. How do I file a complaint outside of the local VA department?

Do you feel stuck in a rut? What if you could get out of autopilot mode and forge a new path? Truth is, you can. Often, the hard part is figuring out how to break free from your existing routines and patterns. Making time for relaxing, contemplative activities such as walking meditation, restorative yoga and journaling may help. Those approaches allow you to get in touch with your deeper feelings to begin mapping out the life you want to live. Read this article to explore three ways to get off the mundane merry-go-round so your dreams can take shape. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Evaluation of the JN1 Variant and COVID-19 Situation by Chest Diseases SpecialistThe JN1 variant of Covid-19, recently identified by the World Health Organization as a variant that requires attention, continues to spread globally, including in our country. Dr. Ergün Tozkoparan, a Chest Diseases Specialist, emphasizes that while Covid-19 now presents symptoms similar to the flu, it should not be underestimated. Respiratory diseases and the tendency to be in closed environments have contributed to an increase in virus-related illnesses.Influenza cases typically rise in December and January, and this year, alongside influenza, there has been an increase in Covid cases during the same period. Dr. Tozkoparan notes that the majority of patients with respiratory symptoms in hospitals are diagnosed with infections caused by either Covid or influenza viruses. Globally, according to the World Health Organization's report, there is a 52% increase in Covid cases in December compared to November. H

It’s no secret that our bodies change as we age. We can see some of those changes in the mirror (hello, gray hair), while others take place internally, including in our muscles, bones and joints. Many of us assume that weight gain must be part of those changes, but it doesn’t have to be. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight may slow down some of those changes. Explore the Weight Loss After 50 challenge, which is based on The Whole Body Reset, to learn more. AARP Staying Sharp® users get 40 percent off the purchase of the paperback version of this book until March 31, 2024, when purchasing through the publisher. To redeem, click here and use promo code AARP40 at checkout. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Research is finding that a variety of strategies — exercising regularly, eating a brain-friendly diet, getting good-quality sleep, socializing with friends and family, engaging the brain and reducing stress — may help to keep our brains healthy. Explore the Brain Health 101 challenge on Staying Sharp and learn about how sleep, exercise and eating may affect brain health. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Pursuing your passions is good for your well-being, whether that means volunteering at a nonprofit or starting a new career. If your bucket-list aspirations are aligned with your sense of purpose, so much the better. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

“All the lonely people — where do they all come from?” The Beatles asked an important question with that haunting lyric. Health experts ask another one: How can we, as individuals and as a society, strengthen our social ties and feelings of connection? Explore these five ideas to ease loneliness the next time you feel the need to connect with someone. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Many aspects of life can be stressful, from work deadlines to health issues to family conflicts. Watch this video to better understand the impact of acute and chronic stress on the brain — and learn to manage the stress in your life. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

....from US News...(If link doesn't work, you can try Googling this article title)America's Best Hospitals: the 2023-2024 Honor Roll and OverviewU.S. News ranks the top hospitals in the nation, plus the best hospitals in each state and metro area.ok, system would not take the link, you can just Google the article title...I will re post it with quotes..."America's Best Hospitals: the 2023-2024 Honor Roll and Overview"

Consider helping yourself and other caregivers by participating in caregiver research. Apply for enrollment in the Dementia Caregivers, Brain Health and Remote Technology study on the Staying Sharp scientific research portal. Learn More About the Study.

Clutter is stressful, whether it’s a cluttered physical environment or a digital one. As we age, research shows, clutter jacks up our stress level even more, while reducing our overall happiness. Because we spend so much time looking at our phones, a jam-packed device can seem overwhelming, adding stress and frustration to your life. By removing unnecessary items from your device and reorganizing what’s left, you can help yourself better focus on the things that are important. Looking for other ways to pay attention to the things that matter? Explore the Digital Declutter challenge and learn about distraction triggers and ways to manage your digital world. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

 Experts have warned that the latest Covid wave could be one of the worst since the vaccine was introduced.A "nasty" bout of coronavirus is said to be circulating in the UK amid low levels of immunity among the population, while official health statistics show that cases continue to rise.Positive cases of the virus are currently spiking across the country, with 5,975 people testing positive in England in the seven days leading to December 9 - an increase of 38.6 per cent compared to the week before.Scientists specializing in immune systems have said Covid is still causing infections that could be worse in their symptoms than previous waves.

Are you eating enough protein? A growing number of experts say many older adults may need to get more protein than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) to help preserve muscle mass, bone health and strength as we age. Some studies also suggest that sufficient protein may help protect mental skills. Insufficient protein can affect factors like poor sleep, insufficient physical activity, stress and anxiety. Read this article to learn how much protein you should be eating. There are many foods that are high in protein—try this breakfast taco recipe to start your day right! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, for more information on brain health.

I know many will not understand our grief following yet another mass shooting... but we are feeling very lonely and maybe many don't know we feel these events to our core; every time this happens it touches us deeply and personally! When Columbine happened, we, there, knew something needed to happen to end that madness. Now, 23+ years later, we still know something needs to happen! How do we do this? PLEASE!

During the holidays, we often feel stressed when planning get-togethers, gift giving and meals. We get so caught up in organizing events that we forget to enjoy them. The Being Present challenge introduces techniques, including meditation and mindfulness, to help you focus more effectively, relieve stress and develop the practice of staying in the moment. Discover what you can learn in just 15 minutes a day over seven days to impact your overall well-being. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

They are a superfood that isn't as well-known as chia seeds, and is more like a lowly cousin of kale or kombucha.After a recent viral TikTok video suggested that applying flaxseeds topically to your face could minimize wrinkles just as well as Botox injections, flaxseeds gained some attention. However, experts argue that despite their questionable skin-care advantages, they should be given more credit for their high nutritional content.Alpha-linolenic acids, or A.L.A.s, are a form of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants and referred to as a “heart-healthy fat.” According to Dr. Selvi Rajagopal, an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, flaxseeds are one of the best sources of A.L.A.s. Although certain studies indicate

....government website that lists recalls for food, medicine, more...links not working...If you just Google, "government recalls," the page comes up...

...from NBC news...Lead poisoning linked to applesauce pouches reported in more than 60 children, FDA saysThe agency is continuing its investigation into the source of the lead, including visiting a manufacturing facility in Ecuador.Link not working, can Google article title to find details...

   In November, 2023, I ordered Kirkland B12 5000mg vitamins from Amazon.  The vitamins I received         expired 7/23. I called Amazon and was advised it was from a 3rd party.  Amazon requested a full             refund which I did received, and  Amazon advised the seller I had received an expired bottle.         I had to place the order again.  I received the next B12 vitamins which were due to expire before I           even finished the vitamins.  I returned the vitamins for a full refund.      Please, check the expirations dates and the date you purchased them from Amazon to make sure the     B12 vitamins aren't expired.  

Managing your emotions, even in stormy times, may help you think more clearly and stay more centered, so you can be the person you want to be. Learn about the roots of emotion and the pathways to emotional agility in The Power of Emotions challenge from Staying Sharp, part of the Mental Well-Being challenge series. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.        

If you think of Pilates as exercise for your physical core — that prime stretch of real estate between your rib cage and your pelvis — you are not wrong. But there are five reasons to think these popular workouts might do some good for your mental core, as well. If Pilates is not a good fit for you, explore other forms of exercise including yoga or tai chi — or create your own exercise routine. The important thing is to keep moving! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

There are plenty of holiday memes about overeating. This year, try something different to minimize the many leftovers from a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Check out our Eat right recipes and consider a different main dish such as Stuffed Peppers With Ground Turkey, Cranberry-Stuffed Turkey Cutlets or Pineapple Turkey Kebabs. There are plenty of healthy side dishes and desserts in our recipes as well. If your heart is set on a traditional turkey meal, try our Herb-Roasted Turkey. And don’t forget to take a nice long walk after your meal. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Resilience is the ability to rebound from hardship and approach each day with determination that you’ll do more than survive — you’ll thrive. Resilience comes from within, but you can learn ways to build it. The Building Resilience challenge from Staying Sharp offers tools that will help you question your thinking, adjust your attitude and recognize your strengths. These tools may help you cope with challenges — and also inspire you to approach life in a way that leads to growth and positive change. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

As we deal with aging parents and other family health issues, the idea of becoming a caregiver has become a reality for many. But learning to care for yourself while caring for others is essential. Explore content on AARP® Staying Sharp® with information that focuses on resilience, staying calm and more during the month of November. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®, an AARP member benefit, for more information on brain health.

Here’s what happens in your brain when you’re trying to make or break a habitDid you set a New Year’s resolution to kick a bad habit, only to find yourself falling back into old patterns? You’re not alone. In fact, research suggests up to 40% of our daily actions are habits – automatic routines we do without thinking. But how do these habits form, and why are they so difficult to break?Habits can be likened to riverbeds. A well-established river has a deep bed and water is likely to consistently flow in that direction. A new river has a shallow bed, so the flow of water is not well defined – it can vary course and be less predictable.Just like water down a riverbed, habits help our behavior “flow” down a predictable route. But what we are really talking about here is learning and unlearning.What happens in the brain when we form a habit?During the early stages of habit formation, the decision parts of your brain (pre-frontal cortices) are activated, and the action is very deliberate (i