The National Institute of Aging recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Despite the challenges that colder weather may pose to your normal routine, it is important to stay active! Staying active can help reduce risks of developing high blood pressure, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
Although it may be too cold to walk outdoors, why not march in place while watching TV? You can also perform arm circles and seated knee lifts to keep your body moving while sitting! Available at no cost for adults 65+ through select Medicare plans, the SilverSneakers program is geared towards older adults and offers more than 70 on-demand video workout classes, personal training and healthy living discounts.
According to the newest Data Spotlight, 40,000 people reported losing a grand total of $148 million in gift cards to scammers during the first nine months of 2021.
A scam phone call may start with someone pretending to be from the Social Security Administration and threatening to freeze your bank account unless you buy gift cards to maintain access to your account. To “solve the issue,” they may also ask for you to stay on the phone with them until you tell them the number on the back of the gift card.
Please remember, the government or any legitimate organization will never demand some sort of payment with a gift card purchase. As the holiday season approaches, gift cards should remain what they are – gifts! Visit ftc.gov/giftcards for more information.
Minor ingredient changes can reduce the fat and sugar content in your favorite holiday dishes!
Cooking methods and recipes vary based on your culture, so check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s healthy and budget-friendly recipes from around the world here!
Learn about what the community engagement team has been involved in this year, and how our work has impacted communities across the state. We look forward to new and continued programming in the new year!
Click here to view our community bulletin: go.rutgers.edu/fwtkkus3
COVID-19 testing is available to everyone in New Jersey. You do not need insurance to get tested and there are many free options.
There are two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests:
Molecular tests
Antigen tests
Residential households in New Jersey are now able to order one set of four at-home antigen tests COVID-19 tests from the United States Postal Service. These orders are limited to one set of four per residential address.
For those looking to be tested in New Brunswick, there are a number of options available. Rutgers Institute for Health will be administering ID NOW molecular tests on February 7 and 14 from 9-12 AM and on February 3 and 10 from 1-4 PM. The City of New Brunswick will be administering COVID-19 tests at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center on February 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Resources:
Have you enjoyed the holidays a little too much? Embarking on a new journey to fitness and health? Now is the perfect month to get that heart in check. The month of February is upon us and no… it’s not just for making your loved ones feel special, but a month of caring for yourself. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 adults has high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). American Heart Month is a time to evaluate and give strategies to optimize cardiovascular health.
As a way to help those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure), the CDC offers a toolkit not only for individuals and patients, but for health professionals as well:
Tools offered:
Link to CDC American Heart Month Toolkit:
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/american_heart_month.htm
Looking for ways to keep those New Year’s Resolutions? Look no further, we have 5 tips here to maintain those new habits:
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