​Like Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA), MetLife’s history is rooted in supporting the community and improving lives by caring for people in need. Since 1909, MetLife has been a champion of home nursing and has worked with visiting nurse organizations across their territory to expand the availability of public health services. VNA is proud to call MetLife a partner in our efforts to help people remain in their homes with dignity, good health, and independence.

Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency.

Will you help? Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148.

Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) has worked with the aging population since 1898, so we know a thing or two about healthy aging. You may have heard that the best exercises for brain health are games like crossword puzzles, but they are just one small aspect of a holistic approach to brain health. We know that seniors who maintain healthy brain function, including good memory and cognition, tend to be active and inquisitive. Here are 5 traits known to help people maintain good brain health as they age:
​

1. Exercise: If you follow our communications you have heard this many times: regular physical exercise is important for your overall health, including muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, and brain. Seniors who typically engage in aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling, experience increased blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for its optimal functioning. 
2. Something New: Typically, healthy seniors embrace the process of learning and mastering a new skill that stimulates brain activity and helps build new neural connections. It could be anything from learning a musical instrument, painting, knitting, or a new language to something as simple as using your nondominant hand for routine tasks like brushing your teeth. 
3. Eating Healthy: One of the most important things for brain health is to maintain a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, including unprocessed foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and good quality proteins like egg whites, oily fish, and low-fat meats. 
4. Socializing: As brain health fails, seniors tend to disengage. Engaging in social activities and exposing yourself to new experiences can stimulate brain function. Social interactions, such as conversations, debates, or group activities challenge your thinking, improve communication skills, and promote emotional well-being.
5. Sleep: All the above improves the quality of sleep, which healthy seniors enjoy. Sleep is believed to facilitate the removal of waste products and toxins from the brain. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates memories, helping to strengthen the connections between brain cells. Sufficient sleep improves memory recall and enhances learning abilities. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, and adopting relaxation practices before bedtime can all contribute to improving the quality and quantity of sleep.


Think about challenging your overall lifestyle – it may be fundamental for healthy aging, including your brain health.

​The nurses and other dedicated staff of Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) have cared for those with diabetes for over 100 years (since 1898) and we know that diet plays a crucial role in the management of diabetes. While it's important to note that every individual's condition is unique and treatment plans should be discussed with healthcare professionals, adopting a healthy diet can often help reduce the need for diabetes medication or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Here's how diet can positively impact diabetes management:

• Blood Sugar Control: A balanced diet can help regulate blood sugar levels. Monitoring carbohydrate intake, specifically choosing complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (GI), can help prevent spikes in blood sugar after meals. Including fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can also slow down digestion and promote more stable blood sugar levels.

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for diabetes management. A balanced diet that is calorie-controlled and focuses on nutrient-dense foods can support weight loss or weight maintenance. Losing excess weight, especially abdominal fat, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, reducing the need for medication in some cases.

 

• Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Certain dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet, have been associated with improved insulin sensitivity. These diets emphasize whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. They are typically lower in saturated and trans fats, which can improve insulin function and reduce the need for medication.

 

• Cardiovascular Health: People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications. A heart-healthy diet, low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This includes consuming lean proteins, healthy fats (such as those found in nuts, seeds, and oily fish), whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

 

• Individualized Approach: It's important to work with a healthcare team, including a registered dietitian or nutritionist, to develop an individualized meal plan that takes into account your specific health needs, preferences, and goals. They can help create a personalized diet that considers factors such as your medication regimen, blood sugar targets, and any other health conditions.

​It's worth noting that dietary changes alone may not be sufficient for all individuals with diabetes, and medication or insulin therapy may still be necessary. However, a healthy diet can be a powerful tool in managing diabetes and reducing the need for medication in some cases. It's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.