Healthy Tip & Recipe

5 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

During the winter months, ice, snow and cold temperatures can make life challenging for anyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses, especially for older people. Check out the tips below for preventing common cold weather dangers to older adults. 1. Avoid Slipping on Ice: Wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles and stay inside until the roads are clear.

Replacing a worn cane tip can make walking easier. Also, take your shoes off as soon as you return indoors, because often snow and ice attach to the soles, once melted, can lead to slippery conditions inside. 2. Dress for Warmth: Wear warm socks, a heavy coat, a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf if heading outdoors. In very cold temperatures, cover all exposed skin and use a scarf to cover your mouth 3. Fight Wintertime Depression: Because it can be difficult and dangerous to get around, many older adults have less contact with others during cold months. This can breed feelings of loneliness and isolation. A short, daily phone call can make a big difference. You can also arrange a check-in system with neighbors and friends, where each person looks in on one or two others daily. 4. Check the Car: Get your car serviced before winter hits. Checking the oil, tires, battery, and wipers can make a big difference on winter roads. And, of course, do not venture out until the roads have been cleared. 5. Prepare for Power Outages: Winter storms can lead to power outages. Make sure you have easy access to flashlights and a battery-powered radio in case the power goes out. Stockpile warm blankets. Longer power outages can spoil the food in your refrigerator and freezer so keep a supply of non-perishable foods that can be eaten cold on hand. If the power goes out, wear several layers of clothing,

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili for Two

This satisfying vegetarian chili for two is studded with black beans and sweet potatoes. Serve with some warmed corn tortillas and tossed salad with orange segments and avocado. Courtesy of EatingWell Test Kitchen

INGREDIENTS

 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil  1 small onion, finely diced  1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced  2 cloves garlic, minced  1 tablespoon chili powder  2 teaspoons ground cumin  1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle peppers, (see Note)  ⅛ teaspoon salt, or to taste  1 ⅓ cups water  1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed  1 cup canned diced tomatoes  2 teaspoons lime juice  2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and potato and cook, stirring often, until the onion is slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle and salt and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water, bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes. 2. Add beans, tomatoes and lime juice; increase heat to high and return to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro. Tips: Make Ahead Tip: Cover and r efr iger ate for 2 days. Stir in cilantr o just befor e ser ving. Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeno peppers. Ground chipotle can be found in the specialty spice section of most supermarkets.