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Turkey Ginger Soup

Recipes / By

Last week we discussed the health benefits of Turmeric with its anti-inflammatory properties. Well, today we will focus on its close cousin – Ginger!

Ginger has a variety of compounds that contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly ideal for joint inflammation, reducing pain, and improving joint mobility. This spicy root is also known for its digestive properties that help to support digestive health.

Simply add ginger to a variety of your own recipes or make it as a tea by chopping or grating fresh ginger root and simmering in water. Another way to add the health benefits of ginger is with this delicious Turkey Ginger Soup recipe!

Turkey Ginger Noodle Soup

For the original recipe, click here.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 cans (8 ounces each) sliced water chestnuts, drained
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 can (11.8 ounces) coconut water
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 cup frozen corn (about 5 ounces), thawed
  • 1 cup frozen peas (about 4 ounces), thawed
  • 8 ounces rice noodles or thin spaghetti

Directions

  1. Place the first 8 ingredients in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker.
  2. Toss turkey with pepper and salt. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown turkey in batches. Add to slow cooker.
  3. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours, until carrots are tender. Stir in corn and peas; heat through.
  4. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Add to soup just before serving.

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

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Strength & Balance Exercises Part 2

Fitness for Seniors, Health & Wellness / By

In our second installment of fitness activities to improve or maintain your strength and balance, we are focusing on “levelling” up your activity. We do this in a variety of ways. It could be by increasing the time spent performing an exercise (i.e. extra 5mins), adding the number of repetitions to an activity (i.e. 15times instead of 10), or holding a stretch for a longer duration (i.e. try an extra 10seconds).

Another way of challenging yourself, when you’re ready of course, is by adding more challenging exercises or poses like the ones below.

Before you start:

  • If you are new to exercise or have not been active in some time, speak with your doctor to see if these exercises are right for you.
  • Remember, if you feel pain, shortness of breath or dizziness while doing any of these exercises, please stop and talk to your doctor.

Wall Push-ups

  • Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height.
  • Keep your heels on the floor.
  • Slowly lower yourself toward the wall bending your elbows while keeping your back straight. Hold for 2 seconds.
  • Slowly extend your arms to return to start position. Hold for 2 seconds.
  • Keep elbows soft (not locked). Repeat.

Hip Flex

  • This exercise is a stage 2 lift.
  • The knee of your support leg should be slightly bent.
  • Lift one leg toward chest and hold for 2 seconds, then lift leg higher and hold again.
  • Slowly return to start position.
  • Repeat using the other leg.

Sit-to-Stand

  • Sit towards the front of the chair with feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Lean slightly forward.
  • Stand up slowly, using your legs, not your arms.
  • Keep looking forward. Stand tall.
  • To sit: lean slightly forward, bend your knees and slowly lower your buttocks back into the chair.

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#strength #balance #exercise #fitness #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Fun Facts: Mail

Fun Facts / By

February 4th is ##ThankAMailCarrierDay! A day when we honour those who tirelessly deliver our letters, parcels, and other mail from across the country and around the world!

Now, for some of you, mail delivery means a notification on your email inbox, but for many of us, receiving a letter, postcard or parcel to your door was an absolute delight! It was one of the only forms of communication generations had to connect with one another before the invention of telephones and later on, the internet.

From instant text messages to emails to social media posts it’s faster than ever to let others know you are thinking about them, but there is still something special about getting a message from loved ones and friends in the mail. During the past year or so with the pandemic, mail carriers around the world were especially essential in providing us with the necessary items we needed! So share these fun facts about the mail system and thank a mail Carrier today!

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#funfacts #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Winter Word Puzzles

Activities for Men, Activities for Seniors / By

We all know the benefits of staying physically active as older adults, but what about our mental acuity?

As we get older, maintaining and sharpening our cognitive functioning is key to help prevent memory loss and alleviate symptoms of dementia. Word puzzles, such as word searches and crossword puzzles are a great way to achieve this!

The benefits of word puzzles range from improved vocabulary and spelling to alleviating anxiety and the onset of memory loss conditions, such as dementia.

Try these winter word puzzles yourself or with your elderly loved one, or person in your care, today! For more activity pages, subscribe to our FREE Senior Activity Booklet delivered to your inbox every month! Visit our website for more information.

Download Word Search Here
Ideal Caregivers 4u Inc.
Download Crossword Puzzle Here

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#wordpuzzles #activitiesforseniors #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup

Recipes / By

Turmeric is one of the top inflammation-fighting superfoods, mainly due to its main active plant compound known as curcumin. Curcumin is responsible for giving the root its bright yellow-orange colour. It also happens to be a powerful antioxidant, which is key to its anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, curcumin is so powerful that it has been shown to combat inflammation associated with arthritis, diabetes, and other diseases.

One way to introduce this superfood is by using it in many of the dishes you already eat! Whether it’s sprinkled in when cooking eggs, meats or fish, used in rice dishes, or in this delicious soup option, turmeric is a great way to begin your anti-inflammation journey.

Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup

For the original full recipe, click here.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 4 large shallots, chopped (or 1 medium onion)
  • ¼ cup chopped ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed with the side of your knife
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric + sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper + cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 6 tablespoons almond butter
  • 15 ounce can coconut milk
  • Juice from one lime

Salty Almond Croutons

  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • ½ cup chopped almonds
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

  1. Add the coconut oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. When it melts, add the shallots and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 more minute. Add the sweet potato, carrots, turmeric, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne and stir the pot for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the stock to the pot and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
  3. Transfer the soup to your blender, add the almond butter, and blend until smooth. Pour the soup back into the pot, add the coconut milk and lime juice, and heat through.

To make the Salty Almond Croutons:

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped almonds and toast until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes, shaking the pan a few times.
  2. Add the soy sauce to the pan and let it boil until it’s gone and the almonds are coated. Remove the pan from the heat.

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#turmeric #soup #recipe #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Strength & Balance Exercises

Fitness for Seniors, Health & Wellness / By

During the winter months, it’s often a challenge to be active, especially outdoors. But, there are ways that we can maintain good health, increase muscle function, and improve our balance and flexibility, even while indoors.

In our two-part series, we will be focusing on Strength and Balance Exercises.

Strength and balance activities are often overlooked when we begin an exercise routine. However, strength and balance are just as important as popular endurance activities, such as walking on the treadmill or cycling. In fact, if you are looking at ways to improve your daily tasks and help to prevent falls, strengthening your muscles and improving your balance is key!

Before you start:

  • If you are new to exercise or have not been active in some time, speak with your doctor to see if these exercises are right for you.
  • Remember, if you feel pain, shortness of breath or dizziness while doing any of these exercises, please stop and talk to your doctor.

Some things to remember when you begin an exercise routine is to wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes, such as running or walking shoes. Consider warming up with 5 minutes of walking or marching on the spot before beginning any activity. Cooling down in the same manner always helps to repair any muscles and lower your heart rate to a comfortable rate.

The following exercises are not meant to raise your heart rate significantly and are considered low-impact. However, ensuring you have a sturdy chair (no wheels) to hold on to and using slow and controlled movements should help you in maintaining the position and repeating as necessary. breathe normally and slowly. Don’t forget, you can start off slow by doing each exercise 5 times and then building up to 15 times when you can.

The exercises will get easier as your strength improves. When this occurs, simply increase your repetitions or hold the position for longer (ex. up to 10 seconds). Challenge yourself only when you feel steady and assured that you are building strength and balance. This can be achieved by holding the chair with only one hand or working your way up to simply your fingertips or no hands at all! Safety is key and if you are unsure or become unbalanced, reach out to the chair and slowly work your way back again.

Hamstring Curl

  • Stand with feet slightly apart.
  • The knee of your support leg should be slightly bent.
  • Slowly bend your knee, bringing your heel toward your buttocks.
  • Only bend your knee, stand tall.
  • Hold for 2 seconds and return to start position.
  • Repeat using other leg.

Small Squats

  • Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart.
  • Slowly push your buttocks back while bending your knees.
  • Hold for 2 seconds and return to start position.
  • Keep your chest and head up.
  • This is a small squat so don’t bend too far.

Back Leg Raises

  • Stand with feet slightly apart.
  • The knee of your support leg should be slightly bent.
  • Slowly raise one leg back, keeping your back straight.
  • Hold for 2 seconds and return to start position.
  • Repeat using other leg.

Side Leg Raise

  • Stand with feet together.
  • The knee of your support leg should be slightly bent.
  • Slowly lift one leg out to the side, keep back straight and tall.
  • Keep foot pointed forward.
  • Hold for 2 seconds and return to start position.
  • Repeat using other leg.

Flamingo

  • Stand with feet slightly apart.
  • The knee of your support leg should be slightly bent.
  • Stand and lift the right knee, by sliding the right foot halfway up the left leg.
  • Hold the position for 2 seconds and return to start position.
  • Repeat using other leg.

**Next week, we will take the movements up a notch with a few more challenging moves you can try!

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#strength #balance #exercise #fitness #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Fun Facts: February

Fun Facts / By

Well, January is drawing to a close, so we thought we would share some fun facts about the upcoming month!

Share these fun facts with your elderly loved one or those in your care today!

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#friday #funfacts #February #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Benefits & Sources of Beta-Carotene and Zinc

Health & Wellness / By

In the final blog of our series on the Immune System and ways to support and maintain it, we are discussing the benefits and sources of Beta-Carotene and Zinc.

What is Beta-Carotene?

Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially carrots and other vegetables, that gets converted into Vitamin A – an essential vitamin.

It is a powerful antioxidant that has a number of benefits. It can:

  • reduce inflammation
  • boost immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body
  • improve cognitive function and reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline
  • maintain skin health and appearance
  • support eye health and prevent eye diseases

Sources of Beta-Carotene

As mentioned, this nutrient is found in colourful vegetables such as carrots with its vibrant orange colour. It can also be found in sweet potatoes, apricots, grapefruit, leafy greens like kale, onions, pumpkin, and squash.

What is Zinc?

Zinc is considered a trace mineral. It is an essential nutrient for our immune system to function and to maintain our health.

Found mostly in our diet, zinc provides a number of benefits, such as the prevention of zinc deficiencies, reducing cold symptoms, healing wounds, reducing symptoms of diarrhea, and may slow the process of age-related eye disease (macular degeneration).

Sources of Zinc

  • whole grains
  • milk products
  • red meat
  • poultry
  • legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils, and baked beans
  • nuts, such as cashews and almonds
  • shellfish
  • seeds, such as pumpkin and sesame

Remember, before adding vitamin supplements, always speak to your health care provider as many supplements may counteract with specific and prescribed medications. However, introducing small nutritious dietary changes to your daily routine will benefit your overall health and support your immune system for the prevention of certain diseases and overall functioning.

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#betacarotene #zinc #immunesystem #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Sweet Potato & Zucchini Hash

Health & Wellness, Recipes / By

One of the best ways to support your immune system and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle as we age is to ensure you are getting the proper nutrients at every meal. To achieve this, consider using locally grown produce that is in season. It not only benefits your community but your health as well.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of betacarotene, which can be converted to vitamin A and help support your immune system and gut health. Its low glycemic index makes it ideal for diabetics, too!

You may be surprised that these traditionally Central and South American potatoes are commercially grown here in Ontario! In fact, Ontario sweet potatoes also contain fibre and are fat and cholesterol-free!

Try this delicious and versatile dish at any meal and enjoy the benefits of this seasonal tuber!

Sweet Potato & Zucchini Hash – Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. (450g) sweet potato, peeled, cut into cubes
  • 2 glove garlic, chopped
  • 1 ½ tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 8 eggs
  • handful parsley, chopped
  • cayenne pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Cook the sweet potato for 3-4 mins in a pot of boiling water, then drain.
  2. Heat the ½ tbsp. of the oil in a pan, over medium heat.
  3. Add the sweet potato, zucchini, onion and garlic, sauté for about 5 mins, until cooked and browned. Season to taste with salt & pepper, and set aside.
  4. Heat the remaining oil in the pan and fry the eggs to your liking.
  5. Divide the vegetables between 4 plates, top with fried eggs and sprinkle with parsley. Season with cayenne pepper, salt & pepper, to taste and serve.

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#sweetpotato #recipe #wednesday #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN

Jan. 25: This Day in History

This day in History / By

#Onthisday in history, we honour the achievements in entertainment, sports, and science!

Spend time with your elderly loved one today to reminisce and share stories of past historical or personal events.

Servicing the Ottawa Community since 1998. We are now accepting clients in Smith Falls, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, through to Kingston, Ontario.

#January #history #conversationstarters #seniorcare #seniorliving #healthcare #ottawahomecare #elderlycare #assistedliving #caregiving #homehealthcare #dementia #eldercare #elderly #alzheimers #parkinsons #health #mealassistance #homecare #ottnews #seniorhomecareinottawa #senior #dementiacare #Ottawa #ottawaretirement #retirement #ottcity #LHIN