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Protein Is Essential for Healthy Aging8/25/2026  How much protein do you really need? Protein isn't just for athletes, it's essential for healthy aging. As we get older, protein becomes even more important for maintaining muscle strength, supporting our immune system, keeping bones healthy, and helping our bodies heal after illness, injury, or surgery. Experts recommend that those who are 65 and older consume more protein than the recommended amount for younger adults. The good news is that meeting your daily protein needs doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few simple tips:
Small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your health and well-being. At Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey, we're committed to helping people stay healthy, strong, and independent at every stage of life.  Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. 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. 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 at 973-451-4148. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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 Infused water is a delicious way to stay hydrated Hi there, we hope you are having a great summer and staying well-hydrated! But that doesn't mean you need to drink plain water all day. Here are four infused water recipes to mix things up: Soothing Rosemary-Citrus Water Orange, blood orange, or grapefruit + fresh rosemary sprigs in still or sparkling water. Classic Cucumber & Mint Cucumber and fresh mint leaves in still or sparkling water create an invigorating drink. Apple Cinnamon Apple slices and cinnamon sticks infused in warm or hot water provide a nice change to tea or coffee. Pear & Cinnamon Spice Pears and cinnamon sticks, steeped in hot water, provide fiber and vitamins and help regulate blood sugar levels. Drink hot or let it cool and drink over ice. Give one a try today, or make up your own interesting combination of flavors!  Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. 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. 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 at 973-451-4148. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Learn About Testing for COVID-191/18/2022
 Home Testing Thorough information about both rapid and PCR home testing kits is available at AARP. Here are their top tips about using home testing kits. Tips for taking a COVID test at home
Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Foods to Fight Chronic Inflammation1/11/2022 Chronic inflammation, which has been linked to many health problems such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, increases as we age. But here is some good news – you can reduce chronic inflammation by eating the following delicious foods!  Fruits Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, oranges, mangos, and papaya are all high in antioxidant nutrients. Tip: Bright colors typically indicate a food high in antioxidant nutrients. Nuts Nuts are a good source of fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, and pecans are all good, but eat them in moderation since they are high in calories. Tip: crunch them up and sprinkle over salads. Colorful Vegetables Tomatoes are nutritional powerhouses, as are colorful peppers, and avocados. All are high in vitamin C and other important anti-inflammatory nutrients. Tip: As with fruits, bright colors typically indicate a food high in antioxidant nutrients. Green Leafy Vegetables Spinach, kale, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage pack a big anti-inflammatory punch. Tip: to make salads more interesting combine different greens and add yummy extras like apples, oranges, nuts, seeds, and berries. Fatty Fish Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies are a great source of protein and healthy long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation. Tip: Look for wild-caught fish, as farm-raised fish may not provide the same antioxidant benefits. Olive Oil Extra-virgin olive oil has benefits beyond stemming inflammation. Several studies have shown benefits for heart health, bone loss, and neurological diseases affecting the brain, spine, muscles, and connecting nerves. Tip: Just 3-1/2 Tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil has more than 400 calories so use it sparingly. Green Tea Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink. It is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and more. Tip: Green tea is delicious hot or cold when flavored with fresh mint or lemon or even combined with other teas. Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Flavanols are responsible for chocolate’s anti-inflammatory effects and help keep the endothelial cells that line your arteries healthy. Tip: The sugar used to sweeten bitter chocolate is not your friend. Look for 70% cocoa (or more) which indicates your best anti-inflammatory benefit. Eating local is best. When shopping, check out your farmer’s market to see their seasonal selections. And be sure to avoid foods that increase chronic inflammation, like refined carbohydrates (white bread and pastries), fried foods, sugar, red meat, and margarine. There are many more anti-inflammatory foods you may like, so research online and see your doctor or a licensed nutritionist for the best anti-inflammation diet and exercise plan suited for you. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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5 Key Ways to Lose Weight After 501/1/2022  Let’s face it, as we age we lose muscle mass and become more sedentary – and that means we gain weight even if we don’t eat more than usual. Weight loss from fad diets never lasts, but these basics will help you develop long-lasting success:
See your doctor or a licensed nutritionist for a diet and exercise plan best suited for you. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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February is American Heart Month1/1/2022  According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), nearly 1 in 3 deaths in the US each year are caused by heart disease and stroke, and more than half of these deaths happen to people under age 65! But 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes could have been prevented through these lifestyle changes: 1. Track your progress The most important thing you can do to prevent heart disease is start a health journal and track your progress. Click here for a guide to making your own health journal (health diary). 2. If you smoke, stop now There are many helpful techniques and organizations to help. Click here for some self-help tips and a planning guide. 3. Increase your physical activity The benefits to your heart health are dramatic. Simply sitting less and walking every day is a great start. Learn more here. 4. Re-evaluate your diet Almost everything in moderation is the key to eating healthy, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and fish. But make sure you restrict salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fats (fats that are solid at room temperature). Visit VNANNJ for some great recipes. 5. Get regular check-ups High blood pressure may present no symptoms, but it is one of the biggest causes of sudden stroke or heart attack. Visit your doctor to check your blood pressure, ask about your results, and know your numbers. Then you can then take your blood pressure at home to track your progress in your personal health journal. Click here for the best at-home blood pressure monitors. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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What is Chronic inflammation?1/1/2021
There are two types of inflammation. Acute inflammation is the swelling and redness around a wound that shows your body is fighting disease and healing itself. Chronic inflammation is internal, so cannot be seen. As we grow older internal inflammation increases, becomes out of balance, and leads to problems that are commonly associated with signs of aging, such as:
What are the symptoms of chronic inflammation? Many of the discomforts commonly attributed to aging may be caused by chronic inflammation. These may also be symptoms of more serious conditions, so you should discuss with your doctor if chronic inflammation may be the root cause, as opposed to simply treating the symptoms:
 What can you do to manage chronic inflammation? Poor sleep habits, inactivity, and poor diet all increase chronic inflammation. You already know what you should be doing to reduce chronic inflammation and lead a healthier, pain-free lifestyle. Let's get started:
Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Arthritis: more than 100 types1/1/2021  May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. This is what you need to know:
Remember, VNA is always here to provide assistance, like in-home physical therapy, when you or your loved ones need it. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Walking is Good for Back Pain1/1/2021 Over 16 million adults suffer from back discomfort  What to do? Start Walking!
Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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What to do?
Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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FREE, IN-HOME Vaccines & Boosters1/1/2021 VNA will administer the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster shots, at no cost to the homebound and their caregivers. For information or questions about scheduling a reservation, please call VNA's COVID hotline (973) 451-4121.  • COVID-19 Vaccines are safe, highly effective, and help to prevent you from getting sick. Everyone 5 years or older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in NJ. • Booster Shots are available for adults, 18 and older, who are eligible if their 2nd Pfizer or Moderna shot was at least 6 months ago or 2 months ago for the Johnson & Johnson shot. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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Gardening Benefits Seniors1/1/2021 Gardening Provides 5 Health Benefits for Seniors Beyond the obvious delight from having fresh flowers and homegrown vegetables, consider these 5 benefits of gardening – just in time to get outside and start digging.  1. Gardening provides sun exposure for increased levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D production from sunlight helps to maintain strong bones and supports immune, brain, cardiovascular, and nervous system health. Don't forget your gardening hat and sunscreen. 2. Gardening reduces the risk of dementia. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk and progression of dementia. Gardening is identified in studies as being an especially beneficial activity. 3. Gardening reduces stress. Gardening has been demonstrated to reduce stress, calm anxiety, and improve outlook. 4. Gardening improves and maintains mobility. The kneeling, squatting, sitting, and standing movements performed while gardening keep muscles active and joints limber, aiding stability, balance, and stamina. 5. Gardening can reduce loneliness. Gardening is a communal activity. Inviting a friend to join in, or participating in a community garden project, is an excellent way to socialize and benefit by interacting with others. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.
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