No one really knows how the brain and body process music. It’s a phenomenon that has remained a mystery for many years. But what doctors have discovered is that music is processed on many levels and with almost every part of our brain. Music therapy is a ritual that was used thousands of year ago when its healing affects were thought to positively influence health and behavior. After the war, musicians would travel around the country to hospitals playing music for veterans who suffered from war trauma. Doctors recognized a noticeable physical and emotional response to the music from their
Read More
Archives for stroke
Exercise and Physical Activity Have Similar Positive Effects in Seniors
As we get older, our bodies still require movement, whether we like it or not. There are plenty of ways exercise and participate in physical activity that will help improve our health and livelihood, especially for seniors. Surprisingly, there are differences between exercise and physical activity. Knowing what those differences are and how each can benefit your health can help people over the age of 60 maximize their potential when it comes to staying active. Physical activity can include things like walking, jogging, biking, hiking, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or gardening. Exercise is considered to be a specifically planned, structured, and repetitive
Read More
10 great reasons to put on the teakettle
Not too long ago, the folks here at Freedom Home Care read a blog about some of the benefits of drinking coffee. For some odd reason, coffee seems to be a guilty pleasure, so it was great to hear about all of its heart-friendly attributes. Tea, on the other hand, has always been touted as the more sophisticated drink of choice. Perhaps it’s the way the Brits delicately drink it with their pinky finger pointing out or perhaps it has something to do with its ancient roots. Either way, we thought that we would dedicate a few blogs to what
Read More
Study shows benefits of brisk walks for stroke survivors
This Sunday at 2:00 a.m., American will set their clocks forward, serving as a reminder that spring is on its way. And with warmer weather right around the corner, taking in the outdoors will be so much easier. According to a recent study, taking brisk walks can be incredibly beneficial for those who have suffered from a stroke. It can “improve their physical fitness, enjoy a better quality of life, and increase their mobility,” say the editors of MedicalNewsToday.com. The study was carried out in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies. More than 120 stroke survivors participated with
Read More
Caregiving on the silver screen, from the oldest-ever Oscar nominee
Yesterday, the folks here at Freedom Home Care gave a much-deserved shout-out to 76-year-old Shirley Bassey, the voice behind multiple James Bond theme songs. Bassey serves as an inspiration not just for seniors, but for all individuals and especially those who are striving to make their way in the competitive field of entertainment. Like Bassey, Emmanuelle Riva, the 86 year old nominated for best actress for her role in the French film, “Amour,” is an inspiration for many, as well. In addition to those in the film industry, those in the field of caregiving consider her a role model. Her
Read More
Thursday Trivia – Maintaining a healthy heart
According to HealthFinder.gov, a government Web site full of information and tools to help Americans stay healthy, individuals should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Question: So how often should I have my blood pressure checked? Answer: Especially for those over the age of 40, individuals should check their blood pressure at least once every two years. “By taking steps to lower your blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure,” explained the editors at HealthFinder.gov. “Lowering your blood pressure can also help you live a longer, healthier life.” To get advice on what
Read More
Helpful advice from the CDC on stroke prevention
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, strokes are a leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 130,000 Americans die each year because of strokes, which accounts for 1 of every 18 deaths. The CDC goes on to explain that “every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. One in four are recurrent strokes.” Despite the numbers, however, there are many ways to prevent strokes from happening. Here are a few recommendations from the CDC to lower your risk for stroke: Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal
Read More
