Healthy living resources

Change your life for the better

We understand that everyone has different needs. No matter how old or young you are, you can always change your life for the better. There may be things you can’t change, like your family genes or your age. But, the rest is really up to you. We want to work with you to help you reach your health goals.

That's why we offer information to help you stay healthy. Trying to quit smoking? We have tips and programs for you. Looking to eat better or start exercising? We’re here to motivate you. You have access to resources, libraries and tools.

We want you to feel that you can take charge of your own health. We’re here to help you make the healthcare decisions that are right for you. Together, we’re a team!

Do you know if you’re at a healthy weight? Body mass index (BMI) is based on your height and weight. To learn what your ideal weight range is, use the BMI calculators below:

Eating healthy doesn't have to cost a lot. Learn how to eat better on a budget with Choose My Plate. These easy tips come free to everyone from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In New Jersey, you have a legal right to be free from physical harm, abuse and threats. If you live in fear for your personal safety, there are actions you can take. You need to know that there is legal protection that is available for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This also includes information on stalking and restraining orders.

The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week access to domestic violence victims and others seeking information about domestic violence.

1 (800) 572-SAFE (7233)

  • Almost 1 in 5 women report being raped at some time in their lives.
  • At least 1 in 20 women experience violence other than rape. Some even before the age of 18.
  • Most rapes and assaults are caused by people you know, even people you love and trust. Some of these could be friends, family members, even a boyfriend or husband.

If someone is hurting you, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233

Other sources include:

 

We know people like to get information in different ways. Listen to free podcasts to learn more about staying healthy.

Listen to podcasts on topics like weight loss, high blood pressure and heart disease. Find a subject of interest to you at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Healthy Weight – it’s not a diet, it’s a life style! Staying in control of your weight helps you stay healthy at any age.

Age-related hearing loss is the slow loss of hearing that occurs as people get older. This type of hearing loss can run in families. It’s also true that over-exposure to loud noise over a lifetime can cause hearing loss. This may happen when people frequently listen to loud music at rock concerts or turn their headphones up too loud.  For most people, hearing aids can help.

These three factors may contribute to your hearing loss:

  • A family history of age-related hearing loss
  • Repeated exposure to loud noises
  • Smoking (smokers are more likely to have such hearing loss than nonsmokers)

Certain medical conditions and medications also contribute to age-related hearing loss. About half of all people over age 75 have some age-related hearing loss.

Source: Medline Plus

Heart Health is a great source of delicious healthy eating provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Krames Online is an education resource. It has more than 4,000 health and medication topics. You can search for answers 24 hours a day. Krames Online lets you and your family find answers to most questions, both big and small.

MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's website for patients and their families and friends. It’s produced by the National Library of Medicine. You’ll get the health information you need in language you can understand. This service is reliable, up-to-date — and free!

You can use MedlinePlus to find:

  • The latest treatments
  • Information on a drug or supplement
  • The meanings of terms you don’t understand
  • Helpful medical videos or illustrations
  • Links to the latest medical research on your topic
  • Information about clinical trials in your area on a certain disease or condition

Preventing falls may not seem like a fun topic, but it's important. As you get older, physical changes and health conditions make falls more likely. Your sense of balance my change. Sometimes, you have to be careful because of the medications you take.  In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. 

Six tips to prevent falls

1. Make an appointment with your provider - talk to your provider about previous falls and the medications you’re taking

2. Keep moving - certain physical activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility

3. Wear sensible shoes - high heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip

4. Remove home hazards - clear walkways and remove loose rugs

5. Light up your living space - keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see

6. Use assistive devices - canes, walkers, hand rails and grab bars can all help

For more information on this, visit Mayo Clinic, Fall Prevention.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but you can do it. To have the best chance of quitting (for good), you need to know what you’re up against, what your options are and where to go for help. You’ll find lots of helpful information here:

Use this quit calculator tool to see just how much you’ll be saving once you’re tobacco-free.

Are sand and surf your favorite turf? If so, you're probably planning your next trip to the shore. To help keep the beach bunnies and surfer dudes in your circle safe:

  1. Make sure everyone knows how to swim in the sea—it's different from swimming in a pool.
  2. Outfit each young child and inexperienced swimmer with a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  3. Check the weather report before you head to the beach. Then, at the beach, listen up. At the first crack of thunder, get everyone out of the water. Head to a building or your car. If no shelter is available, look for the lowest spot that's not in an open area. Don't sit under an umbrella, and avoid metal objects like aluminum chairs.
  4. Swim only where—and when—there's a lifeguard on duty.
  5. Be sure to always obey the lifeguard—and any posted warnings about dangerous conditions.
  6. Keep an eye out for rip currents. These dangerous, fast-moving waters—which can pull even a strong swimmer out to sea—account for about 80 percent of the rescues lifeguards perform at surf beaches. Look for rip currents near jetties, piers and breaks in sandbars. Telltale signs: choppy, churning water; a difference in the water's color; a line of seaweed or foam moving out to sea; a break in the pattern of incoming waves. Note those as unsafe spots to swim—and steer clear.
  7. Always enter the ocean feet first. And before diving, check the water's depth and make sure there are no hidden objects.

With safety in mind, you're ready to hit the beach. Surf's up, everybody!

Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians; National Weather Service; American Red Cross

© Coffey Communications, Inc.

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Looking for senior care can be stressful and confusing, and you may be unsure where to start. Whether you’re looking for a senior living community or help with in-home care, we’re here to help you understand your options, learn about financing and guide you through the process. Visit https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/ to find options near you.