The immune system is the body's way of fighting off infections. It takes a variety of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins to fuel or bodies and keep our natural lines of defense strong. A simple and delicious way to get your nutrients is to enjoy a yummy bowl of soup. There are so many wonderful vegetables and flavors to explore when considering a recipe. Each vegetable, herb, and spice are packed with health benefits. Below are a few nourishing soups that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and guaranteed to make you ask for another bowl. This sweet potato soup is packed with many immune boosting nutrients. The base is sweet potato, well-known for beta carotene and its immune boosting benefits. Another ingredient is garlic, an immune boosting addition that is heralded for its ability to prevent cold and flu.Immunity Boosting SoupAuthor: Heather ChristoPrep time: 10 minsCook time: 55 minsTotal time: 1 hour 5 minsServes: 6Ingredients cup coconut oil6 cloves garlic1 tablespoon ginger1 yellow onion, chopped cup slivered almonds2 tablespoons turmeric2 tablespoons curry powder2 red bell peppers, seeded and rough chopped1-pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped2 bay leaf6 cups vegetable brothKosher salt and black pepper*I garnished with olive oil, black pepper, chives and avocado chunksInstructionsIn a large pot over medium heat, add the coconut oil with the garlic, ginger, onion, almonds, turmeric and curry powder and stir to mix everything well and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.Add the bell pepper and sweet potatoes and add the bay leaf and then add the vegetable broth to cover everything. Bring it to a simmer and then add a lid and turn the heat to low.Simmer for 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender. Set the bay leaf aside and then working in batches, puree the soup until creamy and smooth and then transfer them back to the pot.Add the bay leaf back to the soup and simmer for another 15 minutes. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper.Turmeric has so many health benefits that its considered a superfood. It is an anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant. So, not only is turmeric a great immune-boosting spice, it is also heart-healthy.Immunity Boosting Turmeric Chicken SoupAuthor: Julia at The Roasted RootPrep time: 15 minsCook time: 30 minsTotal time: 45 minsServes: 3-4Ingredients1 Tbsp avocado oil1/2 small yellow onion finely diced*2 large carrots peeled and chopped1 large parsnip peeled and chopped3 stalks celery chopped3 cloves garlic minced*1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts chopped2 tsp dried parsley1 tsp ground turmeric1/2 tsp ground ginger1/2 tsp sea salt to taste3 cups chicken broth2/3 cupfull-fat canned coconut milk1 small head kale choppedInstructionsHeat the avocado oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and salt, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, and garlic and continue salting, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened but still al dente, about 3 to 5 minutes.Add the chopped chicken and cook just long enough to brown the meat, about 2 to 3 minutes.Add the remaining ingredients, stir well and cover. Cook at a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes (ideally one hour). Taste soup for flavor and add more sea salt if desired. Serve and enjoy!This recipe is a winter favorite. Its filled with flavor and nutrients. Lemons are great source of Vitamin C, which reduces inflammation and helps with immunity. Kale is another superfood because of its many health benefits. One cup of Kale has all the Vitamins A, C, and K recommended for daily allowance, according to www.thefoodiephysician.com.Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with KaleAuthor: Breana Killeen of Eating Well MagazinePrep time: 40 minsCook time: 40 minsTotal time: 40 minsServes: 6Ingredients2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided1-pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces1 teaspoon dried oregano and/or thyme, divided1 teaspoons salt, divided teaspoon ground pepper, divided2 cups chopped onions1 cup chopped carrots1 cup chopped celery2 cloves garlic, minced1 bay leaf4 cups unsalted chicken broth cup orzo pasta, preferably whole-wheat4 cups chopped kale1 lemon, zested and juicedInstructionsHeat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each oregano (and/or thyme), salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, onions, carrots and celery to the pan. Cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaf and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano (and/or thyme). Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.Add broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Add orzo. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add kale and the chicken, along with any accumulated juices. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes moreRemove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.Written & Submitted By: Assisting Hands- click here for more information*Click here for original blog link*

For more information on the author Assisting Hands Home Care Naples, CLICK HERE.Knowledge is PowerAs a caregiver to your loved one, it is important to learn as much as you can about Glaucoma, also called the silent thief of sight, so that you can possibly stave off its damaging effects. Being informed will help reduce anxiety and possibly alter the outcome of the diagnosis to be more positive.Here is what is known about glaucoma, according to www.glaucoma.org:Glaucoma is a group of conditions where the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is deteriorated or damaged, usually due to high eye pressure. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. This type often has no symptoms other than slow vision loss. Angle-closure glaucoma is rare. This type is considered a medical emergency. The symptoms include eye pain accompanied by nausea and sudden visual disturbance.Most types of glaucoma are hereditaryGlaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60Open-angle glaucoma does not present with symptomsSome vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. You may compensate for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, and may not notice anything until significant vision is lostAn estimated 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have itGlaucoma is a chronic disease and must be managed and monitored for lifeResearch tells us that everyone is at risk of glaucoma. The disease affects every age group with a higher concentration among Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics. It is also known that people who are severely near-sighted and diabetic are also among the high-risk group. But if caught early and properly managed, this disease may not cause blindness because treatment can slow the progression of the disease.Treatment and ManagementAccording to the Cleveland Clinic, its important to see your eye doctor immediately if you have eye pain, severe headaches or vision problems.Glaucoma treatments include:Eyedrops/Medication: Prescription eyedrops decrease fluids and increase drainage to alleviate eye pressure. There are many types of eyedrop medications that can be used for this condition. Because glaucoma is a lifelong condition, you may need to use daily eyedrops for life.Laser treatment: Your eye doctor uses a laser (strong beam of light) to help improve fluid drainage from your eye. While the laser can complement the use of eye drops, it may not replace it completely. The results from laser treatments vary but can last up to five years. Some laser treatments can also be repeated.Surgery: Surgery is another way to help reduce eye pressure. It is more invasive but can also achieve better eye pressure control faster than drops or laser. Surgery can help slow down vision loss, but it cant restore lost vision or cure glaucoma. There are many types of surgeries for glaucoma, and depending on the specific type and severity, your eye doctor may choose one over another.Signs of glaucomaLoss of peripheral or side vision is usually one of the first sign of glaucoma. If you or your loved one is experiencing this type of vision loss, be sure to contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Other signs to be aware of include:Seeing halos around lights: If you see rainbow-colored circles around lights or are unusually sensitive to light, it could be a sign of glaucoma.Vision loss: Especially if it happens suddenly.What you can do as your loved ones caregiverA few suggestions that can help provide safety for your loved one with glaucoma:Mark steps and slopesImprove lightingRemove clutterUse large print on important itemsUse technology such as smartphones, tablets, text-to-speech appsProvide low-vision aides which are devices that aid people with poor vision. Examples include hand-held magnifiers, strong magnifying reading glasses, loupes, and small telescopes.)Create a support team that can include friends and family to help with visits to the doctor.According to Dr. Jithin Yohannan of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine, there is hope because glaucoma is often a very manageable disease. The vast majority of patients will not go blind from glaucoma if they maintain good follow-up with their care team and follow their recommendations.If you or a loved one are in need of compassionate and dependable care, be sure to click the link above to connect with Assisting Hands Home Care.

For more information on the author, Assisting Hands Home Care, CLICK HERE!Yep, caregiver weight gain is a thing. If you find the numbers spiraling up on your scale you're not alone.Taking care of a loved one is as equally rewarding as it is stressful. So, its easy to understand how caregivers may lose sight of their own health when they are preoccupied with taking care of their loved ones daily needs. Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge for most, but the constant stress of caring for others creates an extra challenge. In most instances, poor eating and exercise habits may be the reason for unwanted weight gain but its not the only reason. According to Weight and Wellness, approximately 90% of caregivers say stress has the most impact on their lives and on their health. This kind of stress can lead to stress eating if other coping mechanisms are not explored and in place.A Few Ways You're Risking Weight Gain Without KnowingLack of SleepYou are probably already aware that nighttime snacking is not a good choice for controlling your optimal weight. What you may not be aware of is that science is suggesting that its not just snacking that's the problem, but lack of sleep may also be a culprit for weight gain. Some research suggests that lack of sleep interferes with the hunger hormone, ghrelin. A few studies from the University of Chicago and Stanford University in California found that this appetite-stimulating hormone rises in people who have not gotten enough rest. It is also stated that leptin, the hormone that signals the brain when you're full, decreases when people don't get enough rest, according to AARP.comEmotional EatingWhen overwhelmed and stressed it is common for many people to reach for comfort food which starts to become habitual after a while. According to the Mayo Clinic, emotional eating is eating to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness, and loneliness. As most, if not all caregivers know, those emotions are quite common to experience in varying degrees while providing care to a loved one or a client.Although eating comfort foods have a temporary calming effect it can also create long term consequences. Its hard to break this type of habit, but learning your triggers is an excellent start. One suggestion for eliminating stress eating is to consider journaling to sort out emotional triggers you may be having that are causing you to need comfort. Keeping a journal is also helpful for reflection and to understand past setbacks.One important thing to remember is that when the urge to eat arises to soothe your emotions, the urge will pass if you don't give into it. That is why providing an outlet for your feelings is going to help in the long run. It will become a new, healthy habit to turn to a journal rather than a cookie for comfort and emotional release.Perhaps you cant cut out emotional eating altogether. If that is the case, consider keeping healthy snack alternatives around for quick and easy access. It is all about planning so equip yourself with your favorite healthy snacks.Here are a few ideas to have on hand. Be sure to eat it slowly and be consciously aware of the flavor and enjoyment that the healthy snack is providing and that its guilt free!Instead of chips, try a few unsalted, roasted almonds or walnuts. They will provide you with the crunch that chips offer without the high unhealthy fat and sodium.Substitute sweets with fresh or dried fruit. When your brain feels the need for something sweet you can trick it by eating ripe, juicy, sweet fruit.Replace ice cream for a cup of frozen low-fat yogurt or a frozen all fruit pop. Grocery stores provide a plethora of choices for both healthier options. Consider having more than one flavor or type of frozen treat on hand to help your brain feel satisfied with having a selection.Replace soda, both sweetened and diet, with naturally flavored water. This is another product that comes with rows and rows of choices at the grocery store if you opt for store-bought. According to Inc.com, diet soda can also lead to weight gain in a variety of ways including conditioning our taste buds for sweetness. Click to learn more about diet soda and weight gain.DehydrationYou may not even be aware that your body is getting dehydrated. Sometimes the demands and responsibilities of caring for a loved one are 24/7 so its easy to miss early cues that you're thirsty. But the kicker is, the signs of dehydration are easily confused with hunger. Some signs of prolonged dehydration are fatigue, headache, dizziness, reduced cognitive function, confusion, and a growling stomach. So, be careful that you are not getting thirst confused with hunger. Some suggestions are keeping a tumbler or bottle filled with water nearby so that you can take drinks regularly throughout the day. There are even apps available for you to download that help you keep track of your daily water intake. Most apps allow you to set an alert to remind you to take a water break.StressNeglecting self-care will lead to caregiver burnout. Increased stress creates a cascade of hormonal responses, one being cortisol, a stress hormone that creates insulin resistance and you guessed it weight gain. As a caregiver, it is normal to feel overly responsible, but keep in mind, you can delegate. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It doesn't mean that you are not able to handle the responsibility of being a caregiver. It means you are human. Create a circle of friends and fellow family members if possible. You can also find support through local community based elder programs and services. If you don't know of any, consider an internet search or contact your citys Office of Older Adults for recommendations.But whatever you do, do not neglect you! Find a way to carve out time for what brings you peace and calm. Things you enjoy. Consider taking a walk or other physical activity that you enjoy. It can also be as simple as taking 5 to 10 minutes each day to do some deep breathing while listening to music that you find soothing.Your health care is often finding the time for self-care. If you begin to develop alternative habits that promote your mental, physical, and emotional wellness, you will find that the urge to eat under pressure becomes lessened.

For more information on Assisting Hands of Fort Myers, Click Here.Many seniors move to Florida to enjoy their retirement in the Sunshine State. They plan to spend their golden years doing the things they love in warm weather and avoiding snow and frigid temperatures. While the sunshine is enjoyable for people of all ages and beneficial in moderation, it can be especially dangerous on aging skin and, in Florida especially, should be monitored carefully with home health care. Sunrays encourage vitamin D production within the body which helps with calcium absorption for stronger bones and teeth and vitamin D deficiency is now linked with many diseases including breast and colon cancers, heart disease, depression and weight gain. Vitamin D can also be obtained through your diet or by adding a supplement to your daily routine.Ten minutes of direct sunlight each day will help seniors to maintain a healthy vitamin D level, but on the hottest Florida days, ten minutes can be a lot of heat for the elderly. Since all skin is different and each person reacts to sun differently, here are some tips to keep in mind for enjoying the sun safely with appropriate home health care.Home Health Care Tips for Safety in the Sun1. Be preparedWhen spending time outside, especially in the summer months, prefer abroad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it to your skin for 20 30 minutes before heading out and bring a small bottle with you to reapply if you plan to stay outside for an extended amount of time. Be sure to cover your ears, neck and forehead with sunscreen as they are exposed to the sun from many angles. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun from directly hitting your face.2. RestWhether you are out on a patio, at the beach or on a golf course, find shade and take a seat when necessary. Umbrellas are helpful for avoiding direct sunlight, but if you begin to feel overheated, head to an air-conditioned room and take a break until you feel well again.3. Stay hydratedDrink plenty of water throughout the day. Caffeine dehydrates the body so be sure to take in some water after your morning coffee and often during the day. As your body temperature rises, you perspire to keep your body temperature down naturally, but in the process you can lose precious fluids. Avoid dehydration by keeping track of how much water you have had through the day. Ask your home health care giver to help you monitor your water intake by starting every day with at least one glass of water before you leave the house.4. Change plans when necessaryWhen it becomes uncomfortably hot to leave the house for even a short amount of time, change your outdoor plans to another day when you can better enjoy them. Invite friends over to play cards inside, catch up on some reading youve been meaning to get to, or watch a movie that you've been wanting to see.