Exercise is Key for Your Bone Health

Did you know half of women and up to a quarter of men in America over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis according to the Harvard Medical School. To prevent bones from weakening, the National Institute of Health says exercise is key to keeping bones strong. 

If you are taking prescription drugs, you should read the fine print that comes with your medications to see if you are taking any drugs that can lead to bone loss, increase your risk of a fall, and/or increase your risk of breaking a bone. Steroids, blood thinners and thyroid medications as well as drugs used to treat acid reflux, depression and some antibiotics are just a few of the medications known to interfere with bone health. 

The Mayo Clinic suggests that to aid in the prevention of bone loss, weight-bearing exercises should be part of your daily aerobic activities. Weight-bearing exercises involve your bones supporting your weight. Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening. Along with slowing down bone loss, these exercises also provide some protection for better cardiovascular health. 

In addition to weight-bearing exercises, doctors remind older adults to also do exercises that focus on balance, strength and flexibility. The NIH recommends for better bone health you should do at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity exercise OR at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity exercise.

A bone density test can help you determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis and/or whether you already have some bone loss. If your test’s result indicates a problem, your healthcare provider may suggest you take osteoporosis medication to help reduce further bone loss. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteopenia or have other physical limitations, please check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise.

At MorningStar of Billings, we want our residents to live life to the fullest.  This is why we offer wellness programs and activities that promote physical, intellectual, social and spiritual wellbeing. Our many services and amenities include five-star dining, salon, theater/chapel, bistro and fitness center. We offer independent living and assisted living in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate care to those with memory impairment.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Billings’ foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please schedule a tour to learn why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

Alzheimer's Disease and Children

When a grandparent or another close family member or friend suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, it can be difficult for children to understand, especially if they are very close to the person.  Most likely they have questions and concerns regarding the disease and may be struggling with a range of emotions including sadness and confusion. They may not know how to act around the person anymore or be frightened by the “strange behavior.”

Having grandma or grandpa call you by mom or dad’s name or asking the same question again and again are just some of the strange things kids see happening to a beloved grandparent. They may worry Alzheimer’s is contagious and it is important they know it isn’t but rather a degenerative disease that happens in the brain. If the person lives with them, they may be embarrassed to have friends around due to the person’s behavior, and sometimes children withdraw from the person or lose patience.  

The Alzheimer’s Association suggests sitting down with your child and telling them while the person may forget your name, they can still feel your love. Encourage questions and provide honest answers, and perhaps together you can learn more about the disease. The experts offer ideas on things kids can do with the person such as listening to music, setting the table, working on a puzzle, reading a book or looking at family photos. As the person’s disease progresses, make sure your kids feel comfortable asking more questions. Regardless of how old we are, losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease is challenging for everyone.   

Along with independent living, MorningStar of Billings offers 36 suites for the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, they deserve the best care. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care at MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, Montana.

Source: alz.org/help-support/resources/kids/talking-kids-about-dementia

Find Something to Be Grateful for Every Day

While studies find feeling grateful can make us happier and less anxious; like every skill, it does take some practice. An article at CNN.com explains gratitude should not be saved for special occasions, but like love, should be practiced or expressed regularly. With a little effort, you should be able to find something to be grateful for every day.  

Experts share four ways to help you practice gratitude. The first is to create a gratitude album on your phone by taking a picture each day of things that bring you joy like a meaningful text, beautiful scenery, fun events on your calendar and pics of loved ones. Don’t worry about your photography skill. Now instead of scrolling through social media, use some of that time to look through your own gratitude album and appreciate the good things in your life. 

Another gratitude practice is to take the time to breathe. Mindful breathing techniques can help relieve tension and reduce stress, and only take a few minutes. When doing, remember to be thankful for your breathing, which is a life-sustaining force. Combine breathing with feelings of gratitude and patience as you strive to feel relaxed and calm. The Internet offers several methods for practicing breathing techniques.

Expressing gratitude to someone each day by thanking them for their support and/or love are other ways to feel gratitude. Studies show it helps to build a better relationship between two people who routinely express or receive gratitude from their partner.     

Lastly experts say end your day by feeling grateful. One practice is to think of three things you are grateful for and write them down in a notebook or piece of paper. They do not have to be big “things” but just something that makes you feel happy. When you wake in the morning, read over your three things and take a few moments to reflect on them. 

At MorningStar of Billings, our goal is to provide exceptional senior living; and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  To accomplish this lofty goal, our approach considers every aspect of independent living, assisted living and memory care from the design of our beautiful community to a broad range of amenities, services and wellness programs.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please schedule a tour to learn why MorningStar is a great place to call home.