The Villages Daily Sun featured The Villages Health in a recent article on growing health care demands. The Villages Health is looking to hire qualified health care providers to help meet the demands of a rapidly expanding patient population.
The 240,000 square-foot state of the art health care facility, the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood is now open to patients of The Villages Health and members of the community. Read about the opening in The Villages Daily Sun.
The Villages Health and other tenants of the state-of-the-art Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood are now in the initial phase of operations. Read more about their progress in this The Villages Daily Sun report.
As The Villages® Community continues to welcome new neighbors, The Villages Health announced plans to expand primary care services to a new location in Lake Deaton Plaza – just a 10-minute drive from the Center for Advanced Health care at Brownwood.
The blood bank serving The Villages® and other parts of Central Florida is now testing all donor blood for COVID-19 antibodies. Potential donors are encouraged to contribute to help researchers find answers on possible immunity.
The demand for telemedicine and telehealth services has exploded in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Ashley Wood, medical director at The Villages Health Creekside Care Center was recently featured in The Villages Daily Sun for providing telehealth services.
Each year, our nation celebrates National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May. This year is no exception, but it does hold some new challenges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts agree regular physical exercise has a profound and positive impact on our immune system and benefits both the mind and body.
How can you accomplish your physical exercise goals and regimens during a time when access to gyms and parks are restricted? With some simple adjustments and determination, it’s still possible. These suggestions are only intended for individuals without any symptoms or diagnosis of respiratory illness and should not replace medical guidance in case of any health condition.
Indoor Exercise
A more sedentary lifestyle can have negative effects on our physical and mental health and overall quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults aged 18 and over do a total of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activities throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity throughout the week. This should include strengthening activities at least two days per week.
For older adults with poor mobility, three or more days of physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls is suggested. You can follow the five elements of fitness from almost any area of your home:
Warmup. This can be as simple as walking around your house at a steady pace, on a treadmill or at a slow pace on a stationary bike. These activities prepare your body for a more vigorous activity and help prevent injury.
Cardiovascular. Try “high knee” exercise, which is essentially running in place. Stand with your legs together and arms at your sides. Lift one knee toward your chest. Lower your leg and repeat with the other knee. Continue alternating knees, pumping your arms up and down. Other ideas include jumping rope or even dancing to your favorite tunes! Try an exercise video or pedal faster if you have a stationary bike.
Resistance. Strength-building exercises not only build muscle and increase bone density, but help your body burn more calories and can even boost your mood. Some good indoor strength-building exercises include push-ups, crunches, and squats; working with dumbbells or bands.
Flexibility. Stretching allows for easier movement and helps give your muscles and joints a greater range of motion, improved balance and increased balance. Some ideas for this training include neck stretches, shoulder stretches, hamstring stretches, glutes stretches and more. Work in some stretch routines that target the areas of your body you would like to be more flexible.
Cooldown. The cool-down portion of a workout routine is designed to reduce your heart and breathing rates and gradually cool your body temperature. It can also reduce muscle soreness and stiffness and prevent venous pooling of blood in the lower extremities, which can cause dizziness. To cool down, you can walk around your home, stretch out your legs, stretch your chest, or do some slow-paced jumping jacks.
Remember, any physical activity is better than none. Start slow and increase duration, frequency and intensity over time. During this time of COVID-19, even short amounts of activity at a time can make a difference. Over the course of a week, you’ll be surprised how much you’ve accomplished. Even cleaning and gardening help you stay active and flexible.
For up-to-date information related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, we recommend visiting the Florida Department of Health website.
Coronavirus Cases in Florida Live Dashboard
See where the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is developing, county by county, in Florida.
General Prevention
Tips on how to prevent the spread of the Conoravirus in general.
Caring for Older Adults
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults may have a greater chance for serious illness from COVID-19—especially people with weak immune systems or underlying chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, diabetes or kidney disease.
Should I get Tested?
Have you been in close contact with someone who has recently returned from international travel or a cruise and has any of the symptoms of Coronavirus?
Protect Yourself in Crowds
Limit group interactions if you are 65 or older and have underlying or chronic health conditions, compromised immunity, diabetes or heart or lung disease.
Social Distancing
Social distancing measures are taken to restrict when and where people can gather to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events.
Eating right and staying fit are important regardless of your age. As we get older, however, our bodies require different nutrition, so it becomes even more important to make the right choices.
Healthy eating, regular physical activity and a positive mindset can help you live not only a longer life, but a more fulfilling and happy one. These important components can also delay health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
How do you achieve this important balance? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With some simple planning, you can ensure you are getting the right nutrition at the right time each day. Experts agree that planning out your daily menu using good food choices is key to success. Doing so will keep you on track and give you more dedicated time to the physical activities you enjoy because you won’t be spending as much time in the kitchen.
How do you get started? The National Institute on Aging recommends making a shopping list. Doing so will not only remind you to shop for the foods you should be eating, but will help you stick to your food budget. They have even provided a handy “My Shopping List” with nutritious, healthy options to take with you to the grocery store.
After shopping, build your meals following a simple, healthy, balanced diet by:
Changing up your protein choices to include lean meats, fish, beans, peas and lentils, low-fat cottage cheese, pork loin and bison.
Making at least half your grains whole grains.
Making half your plate vegetables and fruits.
Adding in three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy daily (milk, yogurt or cheese) that are fortified with vitamin D to help keep your bones healthy.
Some additional healthy eating tips for seniors include:
Use less salt. As we get older, our sense of taste declines and we may reach for the salt shaker to add flavor to our food. This is not a good idea. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues, like stroke, kidney disease and heart disease. Use seasonings that don’t contain salt, like fresh herbs and spices instead
Use less sugar. Not only are refined sugars empty calories, but they add no nutritional value to your diet. Replace sugar heavy foods with fresh fruit, yams and other naturally sweet foods.
Choose healthy fats. Fats are a necessary part of any diet, but it is important to reduce or eliminate saturated and trans fats. Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and nuts are all great choices.
Eat a variety of foods. It’s especially important to be aware of the variety of nutrients we are putting into our bodies as we age. Opt for a mix of lean protein, fruits and vegetable, whole grains and low-fat dairy products every day.
We can also help you right here at The Villages Health! Learn how to improve your eating and overall wellness choices at our Learning Center. We offer free classes and health screenings for the whole community that can help you achieve your personal health goals. Classes are free, but fill quickly. Be sure to invite a friend, neighbor or loved one. Registration is required.
Register for a Nutrition Class
Event
Date
Time
Location
Eating Well to Support Bone Health – Mulberry
2 space(s) remaining
10/22/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Metabolism Matters for Healthy Weight Management-Mulberry
2 space(s) remaining
10/22/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Update on Fatty Liver – Mulberry
1 space(s) remaining
10/22/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Spooky Snacks & Healthy Hacks- Creekside
10 space(s) remaining
10/24/2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Creekside Care Center
Nutrition Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain- Colony
9 space(s) remaining
10/24/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Colony Care Center
Cook & Learn – Cooking Your Way to a Healthier Liver – Colony
10 space(s) remaining
10/27/2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Colony Care Center
Healthy Eating Out – Colony
9 space(s) remaining
10/27/2025
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Colony Care Center
The Heart of Nutrition – Creekside
10 space(s) remaining
10/28/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Creekside Care Center
The Heart of Nutrition – Pinellas
8 space(s) remaining
10/29/2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Pinellas Care Center
Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Disease Management-Mulberry
10/29/2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Spooky Snacks & Healthy Hacks- Pinellas
10 space(s) remaining
10/29/2025
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Pinellas Care Center
Healthy Foods for a Healthy MIND- Mulberry
1 space(s) remaining
10/29/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
What’s in our Food? – Mulberry
10/29/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
MIND Diet – Pinellas
10 space(s) remaining
10/31/2025
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Pinellas Care Center
Creating Healthy Habits That Stick – Live Virtual
20 space(s) remaining
10/31/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
ONLINE
Connections: MIND Your Food – Mulberry
3 space(s) remaining
11/03/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Creating Healthy Habits That Stick – Lake Deaton
10 space(s) remaining
11/04/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lake Deaton Care Center
Meal Planning for People with Type 2 Diabetes – Mulberry
4 space(s) remaining
11/05/2025
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Muffin Tops, Sugar Bellies and Chronic Inflammation-Mulberry
5 space(s) remaining
11/05/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Eating Well with GERD/Reflux – Mulberry
9 space(s) remaining
11/05/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backwards
10 space(s) remaining
11/06/2025
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Colony Care Center
Eat This, Not That- Colony
10 space(s) remaining
11/07/2025
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Colony Care Center
Healthy Eating Out – Live Virtual
20 space(s) remaining
11/07/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
ONLINE
Art of Aging Well – Colony
10 space(s) remaining
11/10/2025
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Colony Care Center
Metabolism Matters for Healthy Weight Management-Mulberry
5 space(s) remaining
11/12/2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Successful Eating for Happy AND Healthy Holidays
2 space(s) remaining
11/12/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Cook & Learn: Healthy Holiday Cooking for Diabetes-Colony
8 space(s) remaining
11/13/2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Colony Care Center
Eating Well to Support Bone Health – Colony
10 space(s) remaining
11/13/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Colony Care Center
Healthy Meal Planning for Diabetes-Colony
8 space(s) remaining
11/14/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Colony Care Center
A “Bite” of Autumn: Fall Snack Seminar
10 space(s) remaining
11/17/2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Colony Care Center
IBS & the Low FODMAP Diet – Colony
10 space(s) remaining
11/18/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Colony Care Center
Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Disease Management
5 space(s) remaining
11/19/2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Eating For Fatty Liver- Colony
10 space(s) remaining
11/19/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Colony Care Center
Successful Eating for Happy AND Healthy Holidays
10 space(s) remaining
11/19/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Art of Aging Well – Pinellas
10 space(s) remaining
11/19/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Pinellas Care Center
Eating Well with GERD/Reflux- Mulberry
9 space(s) remaining
11/19/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Healthy Foods for a Healthy MIND- Mulberry
12 space(s) remaining
11/19/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Successful Holiday Eating- Colony
10 space(s) remaining
11/20/2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Colony Care Center
Smart Eating for Stronger Kidneys – Colony (2HR Class)
10 space(s) remaining
11/21/2025
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Colony Care Center
Creating Healthy Habits That Stick – Mulberry
10 space(s) remaining
11/21/2025
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Creating Healthy Habits That Stick – Mulberry
10 space(s) remaining
12/01/2025
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Healthy Eating Out – Lake Deaton
10 space(s) remaining
12/02/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Lake Deaton Care Center
Meal Planning for People with Type 2 Diabetes – Mulberry
12 space(s) remaining
12/03/2025
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Muffin Tops, Sugar Bellies and Chronic Inflammation-Mulberry
12 space(s) remaining
12/03/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Eating Well with GERD/Reflux- Mulberry
10 space(s) remaining
12/03/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Creating Healthy Habits That Stick – Colony
10 space(s) remaining
12/08/2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Colony Care Center
Art of Aging Well – Mulberry
10 space(s) remaining
12/15/2025
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mulberry Grove Care Center
Fundamentals of Nutrition – Lake Deaton
10 space(s) remaining
12/16/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lake Deaton Care Center
Art of Aging Well – Live Virtual
50 space(s) remaining
12/19/2025
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
ONLINE
Medical Nutrition Therapy
12/31/2025
All Day
Nutrition Counseling – Follow-up
12/31/2025
All Day
Nutrition Counseling – One Hour Consultation
12/31/2025
All Day
Healthy Living for Diabetes Prevention – Colony Care Center
11 space(s) remaining
01/05/2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Colony Care Center
Healthy Living for Diabetes Prevention – Lake Deaton Care Center
10 space(s) remaining
01/06/2026
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Lake Deaton Care Center
Choose to Improve- 12-week Health and Wellness Series – Colony
9 space(s) remaining
01/13/2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Colony Care Center
Choose to Improve- 12-week Health and Wellness Series – Colony
As we get older, the decisions we make at the grocery store can have a significant impact on our health. It’s important to buy food that is good for your heart. Eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein and fiber can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Below are 5 tips on how to make heart healthy choices at the grocery store.
Buy Several Fruits and Vegetables. Adults should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Avoid Buying Butter. Avoiding butter can help lower cholesterol. It is recommended to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day.
Buy High Fiber Foods and Nuts. Fiber is great because it keeps you full and helps lower your cholesterol. Fiber is found in beans, whole-grain cereals and nuts. Walnuts and almonds specifically have shown a positive impact on heart health.
Don’t Buy High Fat Dairy and Meat. Look for yogurt, milk and cheese that have less than 2% fat. When it comes to meat, you want to buy cuts that end in “loin” like tenderloin and sirloin. These cuts generally have less fat.
Buy Frozen or Canned Fruits and Vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables have similar benefits and contain the same vitamins and minerals. It is important to choose unsalted and unsweetened options.
To learn more about how to avoid strokes and heart attacks, register for our free heart health classes. You do not have to be a patient or resident to attend.