Dinner plate with pasta, meat, and vegetables.

Food Stamps Can Cut Seniors’ Health Costs, But Most Aren’t Using Them

Via Governing.com BY J.B. WOGAN | AUGUST 31, 2017 More than half (three out of five) of the seniors who qualify for food stamps don’t get them. They either don’t know they’re eligible, feel too embarrassed to sign up or face transportation barriers getting to the enrollment office, say anti-hunger advocates. Read the full article. Continue reading Food Stamps Can Cut Seniors’ Health Costs, But Most Aren’t Using Them

National Dairy Month

by Lyndsy Gamet, MiCAFE Stakeholder and Network Partners Manager Did you know that June is National Dairy Month? Most of us know that throughout our lives, calcium is very important for our bone health. This is true for both men and woman, and the amounts of calcium needed increase as we age, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Besides bone health, recent research has … Continue reading National Dairy Month

People walking by the shoreline

Sauntering Day: Take a Stroll

by Darling Garcia, J.D., L.L.M., Director of Community Services Saunter: v, to walk along in a slow and relaxed manner. Monday, June 19, 2017 is World Sauntering Day. The holiday was created in 1979 by Wilmer T. “Bill” Rabe who grew up in Detroit, Michigan. The holiday is believed to have started at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan where Mr. Rabe worked at … Continue reading Sauntering Day: Take a Stroll

Medical Fitness 

by Shirley Brown, MiCafe Community Partner Engagement Specialist No matter your age, if you are considering adding exercise to your daily routine, recognize the safe ways of be more active. First, speak with your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that you are planning. Even if you do or do not have a health condition, your doctor can help you choose exercises that are right … Continue reading Medical Fitness 

Man and woman jogging.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day

By Jennifer Blanck, MiCAFE Network Coordinator People over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of obesity, heart disease and fall-related injuries.  This is greatly due to the fact that as people age they tend to lose muscle mass, bone density, energy, and flexibility causing them to lead a more sedentary lifestyle.  What many people don’t realize is that they can combat many of these … Continue reading National Senior Health & Fitness Day

May is Mental Health Month 2017.

Mental Health Awareness Month

by Mary Beth Daley, Staff Accountant Wikipedia tell us, “Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as ‘Mental Health Month’) has been observed in May in the United States since 1949, reaching millions of people in the United State through the media, local events, and screenings.” Since its origin, in 1949, by the Mental Health America organization (known at that time as the National Association of … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month

A couple playing chess.

Stress Awareness Month

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist April is Stress Awareness Month, although some of you might say you’re aware of stress every month. Let’s take some time to focus on what we can do about it. In a culture of instant gratification and feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day, something as simple as waiting for coffee to brew can make our blood … Continue reading Stress Awareness Month

Diabetes medical supplies.

National American Diabetes Association Alert Day

by Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Coordinator National American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the 4th Tuesday in March, this day is intended to be a 1-day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans or about 9 percent of the U.S. population. It’s … Continue reading National American Diabetes Association Alert Day

Outdoor winter scene with trees in the snow.

The Importance of Physical Activity

by Karen Flores, Hotline Attorney We all know that a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to both physical and mental health, however, during the winter months, maintaining consistent physical activity can be challenging. And although being exposed to natural sunlight is good for our health, the outdoors is not very inviting when days are cold and gloomy. There are various ways to stay active indoors.  Of course … Continue reading The Importance of Physical Activity

A bed made with blankets and a book lying on it.

Sleep Awareness Week

by Dawn Kepler, Project Administrator The week of March 6th through 13th is Sleep Awareness Week and brings awareness to how sleep affects health and safety. Adults over age 65 typically require less sleep. Although 7-8 hours is recommended for those over 65, 5-6 hours may be an appropriate amount of sleep. Sleep affects mood, attention, memory, sleepiness, falls, and quality of life. Daylight Saving Time … Continue reading Sleep Awareness Week