Get Ready – Spring has Sprung!

Winter is finally over, and it’s time to get ready for spring. The signs are everywhere as the temperatures warm up, the trees bud, flowers sprout, and the birds start chirping. You might even see a cottontail or two hopping around. As spring begins many of us experience a change in our moods. We become rejuvenated, which generates a desire to go outside and witness the season’s beautiful gifts.

This is an exciting time to venture out and do fun things that you avoided when there was a chill in the air. Gold Medal Home Health’s family spans the state of New Jersey, and we are lucky to have countless wonders to discover that are within a short drive. New Jersey’s fun and exciting destinations range from historic sites to museums, zoos to aquariums, parks to hiking trails, amusement parks and hundreds of miles of amazing coastline.

You might ask where to begin? New Jersey has a free downloadable Travel Guide, which provides an array of destinations; a great starting point when making a wish list of places to visit. While planning your day trips think about how to get ready for your adventures. The New Jersey Travel Guide notes ADA compliance for many listings but, it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure that there is wheelchair accessibility if needed. After months being indoors, we need to get ready for outdoor escapades.

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health has eight tips to ensure your spring is a healthy one. The organization advises:

·       Venture outside and take a deep breath of fresh air.

·       Refresh your diet.

·       Substitute water for other drink options.

·       Get seven hours of sleep a night.

·       Cover up from the sun, wear sunglasses, a hat or visor and sunblock.

·       Remember your dental health -- brush teeth twice a day.

·       Quit smoking.

·       Know your family’s health history.

No matter the activity you desire there are hundreds of activities that will satisfy everyone’s whims and get you up and out of the house. New Jersey has many destinations to discover comprising 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, 230+ museums, 58 national historic landmarks, 400 lakes, 27 state parks, 11 forests and national parks, and five national wildlife refuges including High Point, The Pinelands and the Delaware Water Gap. Those who enjoy a picturesque walk consider The Hudson Riverfront, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge or Atlantic City’s Boardwalk. If you are a history buff visit the Thomas Edison National Historic Park or Princeton’s Battlefield State Park. For sports fans make your outing to Jersey City’s Birthplace of Baseball Monument, the Yogi Bera Museum at Montclair University or the U.S. Golf Association Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History.

No matter your taste, our recipe is to create that list, make healthy life changes, and have fun discovering. Get out there and enjoy spring!

Click here for 8 Strategies for a Healthy Spring!