Welcome to the Briar Blog

Providing relevant news and articles to active seniors at
Briarwood and throughout the Central Mass community.

 

Guarding Against Warm Weather Pests

Posted in Health & Wellness on April 24th, 2012

Now that the warmer weather has arrived, everyone, particularly seniors, should be prepared to fend off insects. Why? Vector-borne diseases seem to be on the rise, and some can be extremely debilitating. Which bugs should you guard against? There are a few, but here are two of the more troublesome pests that make their presence [...]

Enhanced Sleep with Melatonin?

Posted in Health & Wellness on April 18th, 2012

As humans reach middle age and beyond, sleep patterns can become disrupted. Why does this occur? One reason could be the decrease of melatonin production in older individuals. What is melatonin? It is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the pineal gland. It’s plentiful in younger years, but by age sixty-five, a much smaller fraction [...]

The Potential Benefits of Honey

Posted in Health & Wellness on January 18th, 2012

Honey has been used for generations as a remedy against different ailments. The product has a discernible sugar component, but some people believe that not all sugars are created equal; and this one, at least in certain instances can actually be beneficial. What are some of the conditions this syrupy substance is purported to help? Let’s [...]

Chronic Inflammation and Diet

Posted in Health & Wellness on September 28th, 2011

Recent studies have indicated that chronic inflammation could in part be responsible for the development of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. What causes chronic inflammation?  Assorted factors apparently are to blame.  For example, toxins, stress, inactivity, poor diet, and genetics are some of the suspected culprits. How can chronic inflammation be addressed?  [...]

The Wonders of Coconut Oil

Posted in Health & Wellness, Uncategorized on September 21st, 2011

Coconuts are a delightful fruit that sometimes seem hard to find.  When they are located, people feel they can only indulge in small quantities because this delight is high in saturated fat.  While it’s true that most saturated fats, particularly the animal variety, may not be so good for us, recent studies have suggested certain [...]

Food For Thought

Posted in Health & Wellness on August 30th, 2011

Some people experience mouth problems as they become older.  These situations can be inconvenient, embarrassing, painful, and downright irritating! What issues could occur?  Here are some possibilities. Discoloration. Repeated intake of certain foods or drinks like blueberries, cherries, tea, coffee, etc., can cause significant staining to the teeth.  Because of this, it is best to clean teeth immediately after meals.  Some [...]

Hallux Valgus

Posted in Health & Wellness on August 9th, 2011

Bunions, also know as hallux valgus, are one of the more common foot problems that affect seniors.  Some believe that years of wearing heels or other ill-fitting shoes result in the condition.  Although this viewpoint holds merit, it does not tell the entire story.  While certain shoe types undoubtedly exacerbate the problem, thus the reason more women [...]

Sun Thoughts

Posted in Health & Wellness on July 19th, 2011

The Sun is a fiery star positioned in the center of our Solar System.  Earth, at least from a life-sustaining standpoint, could not survive without it.  As we know, this sphere-shaped mass gives off light and heat and is a major source of Earth’s energy (in short, it’s hot!).  It is composed primarily of hydrogen [...]

Avoiding Insects

Posted in Health & Wellness on June 7th, 2011

It’s safe to assume the warmer weather will be with us for a while. With this much-anticipated time come unwelcome pests that seek to siphon our blood (well, at least a little bit of it). Despite the itch and annoyance that accompany the bites, there are more daunting reasons to avoid these nibbles. An example? [...]

They’re Nuts!

Posted in Health & Wellness on April 27th, 2011

Nuts are sometimes classified as a wonder food because they contain impressive amounts of antioxidants. As most of us know, antioxidants fight free radicals and help deter damage at the cellular level.  When this takes place, the opportunity for health-threatening illnesses like cancer and heart disease become minimized Naturally, people who have nut allergies should [...]