April is Stress Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of managing stress in our daily lives, especially as we age.
Signs of stress include anxiety, sleep issues, muscle tension, headaches, and irritability.
Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, following a healthy diet, treating yourself to a massage, and seeking support as needed.
These things can reduce stress levels and improve your overall well-being.
Learn more in this Stress Reduction Guide for Older Adults.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can help you (or your family or friends) with your Medicare, supplemental insurance, or life insurance needs.
Thank you for trusting me to help you. I’m so glad to have you here with me.
Leigh Battle
Do You Have Your Affairs in Order?
Sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell disease (SCD), is the most common form of inherited blood disorder. SCD affects African Americans at much higher rates than people of other ethnicities.
People with SCD have abnormally shaped hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to bodily tissues. This makes the cells more likely to get stuck in blood vessels, obstructing blood flow that can lead to pain, inflammation, and tissue and organ death.
Early diagnosis is critical to treat SCD effectively and reduce the risk of complications. Currently, all babies born in the U.S. undergo testing for the condition using a blood sample that healthcare providers take from the heel.
Currently, a bone and blood marrow transplant is the only cure for SCD, though there are some treatments available to help manage living with it.
As with many conditions, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can also help make managing the condition easier, including:
- quitting smoking
- eating a healthful, balanced diet rich in heart-healthy foods
- limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption
- staying hydrated
- exercising regularly
View Upcoming Senior Law Day Events here.
Senior Events & Services in Henrico County
There are always so many fun events going on in the Richmond area, but did you know that Henrico County has a variety of programs and services available for seniors?
They host Friendship Cafes at various locations around Richmond, which offer great opportunity for socialization.
There are also a variety of senior clubs and leagues, from card playing to bowling to tennis and more.
The GRTC Care Van also offers transportation services for seniors over age 80, so you can enjoy a stress-free ride to any event you’d like!
Learn more about these Henrico County services and Henrico County senior clubs and leagues.
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Every month, I send an informational newsletter to my subscribers including healthy aging tips, Medicare and other insurance information, and more. You can see content from my latest email below, but I’d love to have you subscribe today so you can receive future months directly in your inbox!