Heat Wave Precautions

 In Europe we are having an extreme heat wave with temperatures consistently in the 90’s and 100’s. This is very unusual in our climate. Air conditioning does not exist in homes, so special precautions must be taken. This is especially important for older people.

Here are some guidelines that we received from the city where we live, Geneva, Switzerland.

1. Drink water regularly without waiting to feel thirsty. You should need to urinate as frequently as on a normal day.
2. Dampen your body several times a day, but avoid taking ice cold showers.
3. Wear loose clothing and cover your head if you are outside.
4. Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and spend several hours a day in a cool place such as a movie theater, library, grocery store, museum…
5. Avoid physical effort during the heat of the day, especially between 11am and 3pm.
6. Keep your home cool by closing shutters and windows during the day and opening them during the evening and night.
7. Drink fruit juice and bouillon to compensate for loss of body salt through perspiration.
8. Be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke: high temperature, rapid pulse, headache, cramps, dry mouth, confusion, vertigo, feeling nauseous.

Find out if your town has a “hot line” (no pun intended) during these periods of extreme heat. In our city there is a number to phone if you are living alone and wish to have someone contact you each day to make sure you are all right. Feel free to ask for help.

Bonnie Fatio

Homeopathy – How Does It Work?

Homeopathy rests on this simple idea: Treat an illness by administering, in very small dosages, a substance capable of provoking the symptoms that it has.  The defenses of the organism are thus stimulated, and enable the body to combat the illness by itself.

In many parts of the world homeopathy is practiced widely as the main form of medicine.

Grandma Nature

Carrots For Healthy Aging

 The orange substance in carrots is beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene contains lutein and lycopene. Both substances are very important for general good eyesight and night vision.  Beta-carotene is also thought to reduce some cancers.

Some nutrients disappear and the color becomes less bright as soon as the carrots are picked. This indicates the loss of some of the healthy nutrients in the vegetable.

To get the greatest benefit:

• Eat carrots soon after they are picked;
• Purchase carrots in small quantities; and
• Replace carrots often so they will be fresher.

Carrots provide an easy snack. Eat them often to benefit from the beta-carotene they provide.

Grandma Nature

Age Esteem Lessons From A Newborn

Lessons From Lucy

We are delighted to have a new baby in our extended family. A dear friend who we consider part of our family recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Lucy.

Besides being overwhelmed with love as I held Lucy in my arms, fed her, changed her, and watched her wiggle, look at me, and then sleep, I realized that she had lessons to teach us. – Lessons for Age Esteem.

Let me share Lucy’s lessons for Age Esteem with you here.

• Unconditional acceptance. Accept people for who they are with both their flaws and finer qualities, knowing that they are doing what they believe is best. Accept the love of others.
• Let others know when you need something. Whereas Lucy must cry to let us know she is hungry or needs to be changed, we are able to express words and gestures. Although we have been brought up to believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive, remember that someone has to receive in order for others to give. Ask for what you want and need.
• Sleep when you are tired. It is okay to nap during the day.
• Drink a lot.
• Keep moving. Exercise your muscles. Wiggle and stretch.
• Take time to be quiet and tune into the world around you with its colors, odors and textures. Feel the breeze and the heat of the sun.
• Learn something new every day.

If you practice Lucy’s lessons, you will feel better mentally, spiritually and physically. You will age better and you will enhance your age esteem.

Bonnie Fatio

Avocados For Healthy Aging

 An avocado a day can be very helpful for your heart health.

Avocados contain high levels of vitamin E, iron and potassium. Even though they are high in fat, it is the good fat, which controls cholesterol levels and is important to heart health.

In addition avocado contains as a substance that, when it is eaten in the evening, helps to improve sleep and relaxation.

Add avocado to your salads, eat it directly out of its skin, or enjoy it in guacamole. There are many ways to add avocado to your diet for healthy aging.

 Grandma Nature

Lettuce For Healthy Aging

 Lettuce is loaded with nutrients. There are many different varieties of lettuce and they are all rich in vitamins A, C and K, and in dietary fibers.  Minerals, especially iron, are also found in lettuce.

It seems that the romaine or cos salad, as it is called, has the highest level of nutrients among the green leaf lettuces.  However, the mixture of green and red small leaf salad found today is the most valuable because of the phytonutrients – the mixture of colors. The darker the leaves the richer the lettuce is in nutrients.

To enhance the nutritional value use olive oil in the dressing.

Grandma Nature

Beetroots for Healthy Aging

 Beetroots were used initially to treat liver conditions. They contain a substance, which detoxifies the colon.  Beetroots are thought to aid in eliminating some cancers.  Containing an amino acid, which keeps the intestines healthy, when roasted beetroots still maintain health benefits.

One delicious way to eat them is to cut them up into little cubes and add them to your salad.

Grandma Nature

Age-Esteemers Come In All Shapes And Sizes

I love to meet age-esteemers in different parts of the world. Here I am in Yvoire, France studying a newly found age-esteemer standing in front of one of the shops.

Age-esteemers come in all shapes and sizes, but they are easy to recognize. They draw people of all ages to them because they are happy and confident in being just who they are, their authentic selves.

Bonnie Fatio

Three Keys To Prevent Cataracts As You Age

It is fairly common to develop cataracts as we age, especially since we are living so much longer.

You can delay, and in some cases even prevent, the development of cataracts by leading a healthy life style, it has been proven.

• Do not smoke
• Wear sunglasses when you go outside, even when the sunshine is not brilliant
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants.

Unfortunately, as of today the only cure is surgery. Fortunately, It is a fairly routine operation.

Grandma Nature

 Happy Mother’s Day To All Women

My mother was an exceptional, loving, positive, intelligent and gifted woman. Each memory of her is special. I am thankful that she was my mother and for all she taught me and the example she provided.

I am equally thankful for the other women who were my guides, teachers, supporters and role models. Many of them were not “mothers” as a result of giving birth; however each mothered me in some way. The same is true for our daughter. Many other women play an important role in her life. For both of us these other precious women were, and continue to be, teachers, scout leaders, aunts, cousins, godmothers, and friends who step in to show the way and to advise and model.

To each of these women and to each of you I say, “Happy Mothers Day!”

Bonnie Fatio