Be healthy and stay happy

When you’re healthy, you can be happy. If you’re happy, you’re probably healthy.

So be happy. But you need energy to maintain a happy and healthy life and lifestyle.

The more you think about all this, you’re wasting time and energy that should be devoted to staying happy and healthy that is maintained easily by developing a simple regimen.

You can start increasing your energy to live happier and healthier by eating properly.

A well-balanced diet is a start, and we don’t mean one designed for weight loss. Eating a variety of fruit and vegetables, leanprotein, low-fat dairy and whole grains gives you an optimal level of energy to help you enjoy life and living as well as cope with unanticipated problems and activities over which you have no control.

Then get to sleep seven or eight hours every night. A good night’s sleep not only gives your body time to relax and recuperate, it also brightens your mood and lowers your risk of disease.

When you’re out and about, pick your friends. Hang around with people you enjoy rather than those you don’t relate to or who have negative outlooks, complain often, or make poor choices.

Time spent with enjoyable company will help you avoid news overdose, especially in these days of non-stop political acrimony, looming wars around the globe, and wild cultural theories taking over the telecasts.

It will also help you keep thinking good thoughts about the folks around you, even the ones you find trying. Compassion for your fellow humans helps maintain your peace of mind, which helps conserve your energy.

This might lead to another peaceful action — doing something you enjoy, such as building yourself a big salad or going roller skating. You can also bring order and peace to your life by straightening out the things around you. Just don’t try to do it all at once.

If your kitchen is in disarray. Pick one cabinet to straighten out and get it done this week. Don’t tackle the next one until next week.

And finally, but not last, get yourself some regular exercise.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

Pick something you can enjoy. Swimming, hiking, biking, running, skipping rope, and tennis are just a few options. Contrary to what you might believe, this will add to your energy, not subtract from it.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Dry mouth more than annoyance

Dry mouth shouldn’t be ignored because research has revealed it has many perils. The lack of sufficient saliva can be the result of an autoim- mune disorder that damages the glands that produce saliva and can cause swelling and joint pain. Among its causes are medication, radiation treatments, mouth breathing, dehydration and anxiety.

Chewing on sugarless gum or sucking on ice cubes or sugarfree hard candy can help keep your mouth from going dry.

As with any medical or physical problem, discuss your dry mouth issues with your primary care physician.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

1215 Trinity Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545

Phone (574) 247-7400 www.HeritagePointRet.com

Creekside Village

1420 East Douglas, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 307-7200 • www.ASCSeniorCare.com

Short Term Rehabilitation-to-Home Specialization featuring Medicare and Managed Care Skilled Nursing Services and State-of-the-Art Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies. Outpatient Therapy. Beautiful Private and divided Semi-private rooms. Comprehensive Care for longer stays. Pet visitation encouraged.

31869 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552-0836 (574) 654-2200 • www.greencroft.org/hamiltongrove

Majestic Care

20531 Darden Road, South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 272-0100 • www.healthwin.org

52654 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 277-8710 • www.Majesticcare.com

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational- Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Morningview Assisted Living Residences

475 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 246-4123 • www.morningview-alf.com

Spacious studio apartments at affordable rates. Services available based on your needs. Respite Care, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies, Medicaid Waiver accepted. Quality Care for Quality Life.