Tag Archives: wellness

Kids & Family Expo on Jan. 27 will feature new attractions – and a lot of fun!

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The Kids & Family Expo will have some new attractions this year (Courtesy, MHF)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


New and exciting attractions are adding fun to the Kids & Family Expo at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

At the helm of the Expo will be the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and be nice. program.


A dedication to community and family wellness

Though the MHF has participated in the Expo for 10 years, this is the first time the Foundation will host the event.

“The reason that we decided to take it on after we were approached last year was because this is a winter event that focuses on family, togetherness and community connection,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for MHF. “Those are all aspects of our organization that we promote within families.

The Expo will focus on overall family wellness (Courtesy, MHF)

“We’re really trying to tap into the community and promote good mental health.”

The Expo will look similar to previous years with additional enhancements and a focus on overall family wellness. Community resources information, hourly wellness presenters, and fun interactive and educational experiences for the entire family will be available during the event.

“The Expo helps provide that little bit of escape from the winter,” said Jones. “Families are trapped inside together if the weather hasn’t been great. Changing the scenery in the winter can be more empowering than we realize.

“This gives the family an opportunity to get out, be together and have some fun.”

What to expect: new and original features

A new aspect to the Kids & Family Expo will be that all attractions and rides are included in the ticket price.

All attractions and rides are included in the ticket price (Courtesy, MHF)

“There’s no extra nickel and diming once you’re in, which was really important to us,” said Jones.

New attractions will include the Pirate’s Revenge swinging boat and Turbo Tubs, which can accommodate both kids and adults.

A cakewalk sponsored by Nothing Bundt Cakes will take place every hour near the Empowerment Stage presented by Forest View Hospital.

“The Empowerment Stage is something new this year, and we have a rotation of fun things that are happening there,” said Jones.

Included in that rotation is WOOD TV8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca presenting the popular Weather Experience. There will also be several story times for children.

John Ball Zoo will be providing animals for patrons to enjoy (Courtesy, MHF)

“We’re going to be pushing out the be nice. action plan: notice, invite, challenge, and empower,” said MHF Founder Christy Buck in an interview with eightWest. “We’re going to be reading books to kids, and they can sit and listen to a book being read and how N.I.C.E. is implemented in this book.”

Additional activities include: a petting zoo, ponies, jumbo activities, a fire engine and police car, a photo booth, archery, face painting, snake petting and more.

Various information from community organizations will be available at the Expo in addition to activities and rides. Each resource distribution station will also feature an activity.

“We’ve got all this good information, all these great resources packaged, and a whole lot of rides and fun and games for the whole family,” said Buck on eightWest.

Expo = Positive Impact

Activity and FUN can help improve mental health (Courtesy, MHF)

Everything that we do in our lives, Buck said, has to do with our overall health and mental health.

Weather, nutrition and finances are also factors that play into mental health. The Expo will have presentations and information about each of these factors.

Jones said that events like the Expo can help improve mental health for some people.

“Being active, having things to look forward to, feeling empowered following some kind of activity or event, anything that makes you feel good,” said Jones.

“For kids, these are memories that they’re going to make as they have fun with the rides. Parents are going to make memories by being with the kids and providing this experience for them.”

Families can find a multitude of resources at the Expo (Courtesy, MHF)

Resources and links

Tickets for the Kids & Family Expo can be purchased at the door or online here or here.

For more information on the Mental Health Foundation and be nice. program, click here.

Five essential oils that promote wellness in seniors

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Photo courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

Scents and smells have a powerful effect on our minds. The smell of freshly mown grass might take you back to childhood summers, or cookies in the oven might remind you of the holidays. Our sense of smell is closely linked with the parts of the brain that are responsible for memory, emotion, and more, and it is this connection that aromatherapy targets to promote holistic wellness. The practice of aromatherapy dates back at least 6,000 years to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and Greece. Today, aromatherapy is used to promote wellness for a number of conditions, such as anxiety, pain, and sleeplessness.

 

Aromatherapy uses aromatic substances known as essential oils, which are derived from plants like flowers, grasses, fruits, and tree bark and are highly concentrated, and applying undiluted oils directly to the skin can cause irritation, allergic reaction, or increased sensitivity. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and exercise caution when applying them.

 

Here are five of our favorite essential oils:

1. Lavender

Lavender essential oil is a holistic jackpot of benefits. For those just starting their aromatherapy journey, this is a great option. Lavender essential oil has long been recognized for its ability to soothe and relax, which is why it’s a perfect sleep aid for seniors suffering from insomnia. It also uses an easy application processes. Simply have 1-3 drops applied to clothing, bed linens or a cotton ball at bedside. Additionally, lavender essential oil also has pain relieving properties. When mixed with an unscented lotion or plain massage oil and applied to the skin, it relaxes and soothes your muscles.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil improves concentration. It’s often used to awaken the brain, resulting in improved alertness and overall function. In fact, numerous studies show participants exposed to rosemary aromatherapy performed better on cognitive tests. Other benefits of rosemary essential oil are it reduces sleepiness, keeping you alert but relaxed. A great way to experience rosemary essential oil is by placing one to three drops on clothing, linens or at your bedside on a cotton ball.

3. Geranium

If you are encountering anxious or fearful emotions that you can’t shake, try using geranium essential oil. Geranium essential oil is commonly used for its ability to stabilize moods and calm anxiety. Many have described its aroma as a floral scent similar to roses. Try using one to three drops put on your bed linens or clothing for a calming effect throughout the day.

4. Bergamot

Bergamot is a plant that produces a type of citrus fruit, and therefore yields a a citrus-like fragrance with distinctive spicy and floral notes. If you are dealing with unwanted weight loss or a lack of desire to eat, bergamot essential oil therapy could help by stimulating your appetite. When using bergamot essential oil, it’s important to remember that it reacts strongly with sunlight and can cause severe sunburn. Exercise caution, apply only one to three drops to clothing or linens, and never apply directly to the skin.

5. Lemon

If you find yourself hitting the mid-morning wall, try lemon aromatherapy. It’s a great way to combat the feeling of lethargy. With its bright citrus scent, lemon essential oils create a revitalizing and uplifting effect on your mind and body. It’ a wonderful alternative to strong stimulants such as coffee or medications. To experience the full benefits, place it on textiles like clothing or cushions and let the scent lift your energy levels whenever you need a boost.

 

Remember, essential oils are very powerful both in their effects and their concentration. Putting them directly on the skin without proper dilution is not recommended and may cause a severe reaction. Your best option to prevent any ill effects is to consult with trained healthcare professionals or aromatherapists before using any essential oils, and apply them only according to their recommendations.

 

When it comes to holistic care options for seniors, consider essential oil aromatherapy. Our essential oils program at Vista Springs is designed to help our community members live a full of life experience. To learn more about Vista Springs’ holistic, energetic approach to assisted living, download our free eBook here.

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.

 

4 Tips for Active Senior Living During Winter

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Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

By Vista Springs Assisted Living

 

Regardless of whether you love or hate winter weather, sometimes going outside for some exercise is impossible during the colder months. But even when it’s chilly, staying active is a must for health and happiness. Here are four great tips for active senior living when snow, ice, and freezing temperatures have you stuck inside:

1. Do simple exercises any time, anywhere

Who needs equipment? There are a variety of strength, flexibility, and balance exercises that don’t require anything but a stable floor. Be sure to stretch before working out, and talk to a doctor about which exercises are best for you.

Strength

  • Squats: With your arms straight in front of you for balance, bend your knees slightly and hold for a few breaths.
  • Push-ups: Try keeping your knees on the floor as you press your body up slowly.

Flexibility

  • Seated toe-touch: Don’t worry if you can’t reach your toes right away. Go slow!
  • Arm lifts: From a standing or seated position, lift your arm to shoulder height, then next to your ear, then bring it down to your side with control.

Balance

  • One-legged stand: Use supports, and don’t lift your leg higher than it wants to go.
  • Stair step-ups: No need for speed as you step onto a stair or low stool one foot at a time, then back down. Hold on one leg for a few breaths if possible.

Use walls, sturdy chairs, and handrails for support.

2. Hit the gym

Getting your cardio in is harder and less fun when you can’t head outside for a walk, run, or swim. Gym equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals, as well as indoor pools, tennis courts, and more are great ways to keep your body moving when the outdoors isn’t an option. In an assisted living community, check out gym spaces and workout rooms; otherwise, check around local gyms to find an affordable option that works with your schedule.

3. Check out a fitness class

New fitness classes are springing up everywhere! Check out community boards, websites, and local gyms for senior-friendly courses. Try different variations of yoga, tai chi, low-impact barre, or dance classes like ballroom or Zumba. These fitness trends are exciting and get you motivated to exercise. The best part is that there’s a class for everyone!

4. Get active with gaming

Gaming isn’t just for couch potatoes any more. There are lots of fun games designed to get people interested in exercising. Take a look at Wii Fitness for the Nintendo Wii, which has a variety of mini-games, including yoga and strength training, stretches, and some silly exercises. You won’t even believe you’re working out!

 

A more recent development in gaming technology is virtual reality headsets. With these types of systems, you control the games with your body. These games get you moving, and they’re also great with family and friends. Try something new, and who knows? You might love it.

 

When exercising, always remember to not push yourself too far. Healthy, active senior living is about taking care of your mind and body all the time. Staying fit, limber, and strong contributes to overall wellness, so even when the weather outside is frightful, keep yourself moving!

 

Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.