Three people happily running around in the park

Fall Prevention Exercises

These excercises can improve balance and strength to reduce risk of falls. Heel Lifts – Stand with feet flat on the ground. Raise your heels to stand on your tiptoes. Hold for a second and then lower. Toe Lifts – Stand with feet flat on the ground. Raise your toes in the air so your weight is on your heels. Hold for …

Women's legs on a treadmill with a bone diagram

Bone Strength through Healthy Eating

Improve your bone strength with a healthy diet will help you to stay active and provide stability when active. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being, particularly as we age. Both being overweight and underweight can significantly increase your risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries. When you carry excess weight, your muscles and joints are …

AAA Excellence in Innovation Award

SCOA Receives State Recognition

SCOA Receives State Recognition as ADRC AAA Excellence in Innovation Award Winner ALBANY, GA – The Sowega Council on Aging (SCOA) has been named the Aging & Disability Resource Connection AAA Excellence in Innovation Award recipient by the Georgia Department of Human Services. This award recognizes the Area Agency on Aging that has shown innovations in programming, staffing, service delivery, …

A bright yellow sunset

How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Check out this article for ways to protect your skin from the sun while still enjoying your favorite outdoor summer activities. Shade: You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter.  Clothing: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection …

Sun shining through trees in forest

Summer Sun Safety Month

Summer Sun Safety Month is a month that encourages you to enjoy your summer but take precautions to avoid overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. And if you notice anything unusual on your skin, see your provider. Did you know that the skin is the body’s largest organ? If so, then it’s not a surprise that skin cancer is the …

Woman holding an exercise mat drinks from a water bottle outside under a tree.

Safe Guidelines for Exercising Outside in the Summer

See these safe guidelines for exercising outdoors when the warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine of summer bring some special health considerations for seniors.  STAY COOL As we age, our bodies lose the ability to manage temperature changes efficiently, leading to conditions such as heat exhaustion and a severe condition called heat stroke, a medical emergency in which the body loses …

A bunch of different fruits on the table

Summertime Tips and Ideas

Check out these summertime tips and ideas for a few healthy swaps can go a long way towards improving your nutrition:  Swap ice cream for low-fat yogurt in your favorite shakes and smoothies  Swap refined white sugar for natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup Swap high-fructose juices and lemonades for cool glasses of water infused with refreshing flavors like lemon, …