1. Branch out into forest bathing
For many years I have read about the practice of shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, a term which emerged in Japan in the 1980s that has since become popular in the United States, so I jumped at a recent opportunity at the Huntington Library to explore the topic further. Forest bathing is described as “taking in the forest atmosphere,” and was conceived, according to a 2019 National Geographic article, as “an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.” Time spent in nature is good for us and the natural world is important to human health. My health tip is to embrace a concept like forest bathing as one of the best gifts you can give your mind and body. It can be as easy as taking 15 minutes to enjoy a slow walk while you consider what is moving around you.
— Andrea Tyck, director of wellness and community life, Mt. San Antonio Gardens

2. Stay on track with your medical needs
Make sure to keep up with physician check-ups and preventive screenings. It’s important to “know your numbers” when it comes to your health. What does this mean? There are four important health numbers that can paint the picture of how healthy you are on the inside: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index or BMI. High blood pressure can be a telltale indicator for possible heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease. A high blood sugar reading can be a leading determinant for the onset of diabetes. Monitoring your cholesterol is important to understanding your risk for heart disease and stroke. Your cholesterol is measured in terms of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). Keeping both in check is essential for blood to flow freely through your arteries. Finally, your BMI or body mass index is a key indicator for more health issues that can arise based on your height and weight. Schedule an annual exam with blood work — it’s the first step toward overall long-term good health — and “know your numbers.”
— San Antonio Regional Hospital

3. Keep active in your community
Research shows that social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being. It also sharpens memory and cognitive skills and increases your overall sense of happiness. At AgingNext, we’re proud to have served older adults in Claremont and 15 neighboring cities since 1975, working hand-in-hand with our clients to ensure they stay engaged and live more fulfilling lives while aging at home. As the only local nonprofit that provides non-medical services, we believe that staying involved in community is critical for older adults’ health and wellness. “Today people are living longer, with a focus on staying independent, active and connected,” said AgingNext CEO Abby Pascua. For active, vibrant older adults, we have the AgingNext Village, a membership-based program focused on social gatherings, and our volunteers program, through which many newly retired adults support other older adults with transportation, meal delivery, and bone builders classes. Through these initiatives and more, our aging experts have the resources to help older adults thrive at home and remain active in their community. To tap into the resources needed to live your best life, call (909) 621-9900 or visit agingnext.org, and start planning your future today!
— AgingNext

4. Mindful stretching for daily wellness
Incorporating a few minutes of gentle stretching into your daily routine can work wonders for your overall well-being. Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or leading an active lifestyle, stretching can help reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. At GetUfit Personal Wellness, we understand the importance of holistic approaches to health, which is why we offer personalized massage therapy services designed to refresh and renew, as well as revive and restore. Our one-on-one exclusive private studio, where it’s “all about you,” provides the perfect environment for individuals to experience the healing benefits of therapeutic massage tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about how massage therapy can enhance your physical and emotional wellness, including the benefits of mindful stretching, visit GetUfit.net or email info@getufit.net. You can book a session through our website or by calling us at (909) 621-0002.
— Jennifer Petinaud, GetUFit Personal Wellness

5. Protect your skin from the sun
The sun is our number one cause of skin cancer and premature aging. Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays throughout the year, even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Clothing and a broad-brimmed hat made with UPF 50 material is an easy and comfortable option for sun protection. Avoid the peak hours of the sun, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and stay in the shade when possible. Vitamin C and retinol are popular in skincare products and help reverse sun damage. Niacinamide as a daily oral supplement acts as a strong antioxidant to prevent sun damage and the growth of skin cancers. Much of the damage that we can see started accumulating since we were young, so protect yourself, your children, and grandchildren now. By prioritizing sun protection, you can maintain a healthy and radiant complexion for years to come.
— Betty S. Song, MD, FAAD, VERA Dermatology