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What we're Doing Now
Drinking Lemon Water Every Day
Last month, life gave us lemons - literally. A friend's tree was overburdened with the sunshiney citrus, so we filled a big shopping bag full of the tart treats without much thought as to how we'd consume a good 20 pounds of lemons before they spoiled. The Google gods suggested lemon water - a half fruit's worth a day - and the rest is history.
According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, we could expect to benefit from the juicy habit via improved digestion, a boost to our potassium levels, more antioxidants and vitamin C.
Nearly 30 days - and another trip to the tree - later, we're pretty pleased with ourselves. The habit feels just bougie enough to make us lift our pinky fingers as we sip and we definitely feel more hydrated and refreshed in the morning.
What are you doing now?
Join the conversation and tell us on Facebook (@insidescvmagazine) and Instagram (@insidescv)

Local Expert is Giving Family Caregivers a Voice
by Charlene Perrone
I'd like to introduce you to someone who knows about family caregiving from personal experience. She's local - and what a wealth of information she is! Her name is Brenda Avadian. And, every month, without fail, she writes and distributes
"The Caregivers Voice," one of the best newsletters written by and for the bravest people on Earth - people caring for aging loved ones, many of whom have dementia.
In Brenda's words, "Even though we know more today than two decades ago,
many families enter the caregiving freeway during a crisis - and they're driving blind!" She takes off the blinders and opens eyes to the realities of caring for loved ones who need constant attention, yet at times don't even recognize you.
Brenda gives voice to those brave souls who often feel forgotten, frustrated and alone.
I've met her, heard her speak and I share her newsletter monthly with all the family caregivers I know. Please take some time, for yourself, for your family, to learn about this incredible resource that's just a few clicks away at thecaregiversvoice.com.
Read her books, then write your own - she'll show you how!
Remember, worldwide, one person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease every
3 seconds. In the US, one person is diagnosed every 65 seconds. The world of family caregivers is growing and we can all benefit from Brenda's commitment to helping us navigate this treacherous freeway. Take care and stay safe!
Charlene Perrone is the owner of Home Instead of Santa Clarita & Antelope Valley. 254-8701

Getting to Know Santa Clarita Hearing Center
Santa Clarita Hearing Center has been serving the Santa Clarita area for over 15 years. They are proud to offer comprehensive hearing healthcare services to patients of all ages experiencing medical hearing loss.
Whether you have a question about your current hearing aids, need a complete hearing evaluation or are experiencing a condition like tinnitus and find that it is taking away from your ability to enjoy each day, they're here to help.
Santa Clarita Hearing Center 388-4135

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Want to Feel Better? Get in the Sauna!
Jenifer Felan, chief wellness officer of The Sweat Shack, has devoted her life to researching how our bodies function and promoting healthy ways to fight sickness and disease. Here are just a few things you should know about the sauna services at The Sweat Shack - and how they can help you achieve optimal health. For more, visit The Sweat Shack and follow them on social media.
Sauna use is recommended by the Mayo Clinic for use by cancer and heart patients. It's a safe, relaxing way to build your body's natural immunity and address any illness or disease.
Sweating in a sauna is a natural way to simulate a fever - the body's core mechanism to fight viral infections. At The Sweat Shack, Kuuma Saunas reach approximately 175 degrees and Urban Heat Cabins can reach approximately 155 to 160 degrees.
A number of studies have shown the antiviral effects of sauna bathing. For example, a clinical study involving 50 volunteers showed regular sauna bathers had half the rate of common cold infections compared to nonusers. Those who use a sauna at least two or three times per week also have a lower risk of influenza and pneumonia.
Sauna use kills bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses while boosting your immune function. An increase in white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil and basophil counts has been observed after sauna use. By elevating your core temperature, your body also releases heat shock proteins that help block the replication of influenza viruses.
The Sweat Shack 678-0880

8 Signs your Aging Parents are Unable to Care for Each Other
The following signs can indicate when older adults are struggling to care for themselves or their spouse effectively.
1. Being unsteady on their feet or falling.
If either of your parents has balancing or walking issues or have experienced a fall, they may benefit from a fall prevention program.
2. Cuts and bruises without a cause.
Have you noticed your parents with new cuts or bruises, but they can't explain how the marks happened? This could point toward cognitive decline or a medical condition that can lead to increased frailty and injury.
3. Cognitive and behavioral changes.
A serious decline in memory and cognition - such as disorientation and confusion - can be a form of dementia and not normal aging. Paranoia and increased anger may be additional signs of personality and behavioral changes.
4. Loneliness and isolation.
Senior loneliness can have a serious impact on your parents' physical and mental health.
5. Financial difficulty.
Are your senior parents struggling to pay their bills on time and spending more than they can afford? Some older adults may find it difficult to stay on top of finances and fall behind on payments, while others may begin to have trouble balancing their checkbooks.
6. Worsening hygiene and unkempt living space.
A decline in hygiene and appearance, such as dirty clothing, unkempt hair or body odor, can indicate your parents can't care for themselves properly. Examine if your parents' living space is increasingly dirty or falling into disrepair.
7. Transportation problems.
Check if your parents can get around town easily. If they're getting lost more frequently or their driving appears unsafe, consider finding alternative transportation solutions. Missing appointments and running out of essentials, such as food or cleaning supplies, can also indicate transportation issues.
8. Worsening medical conditions and trouble following medical advice.
Certain health conditions may require your parents to follow special diets, refrain from certain activities or take multiple medications each day. If you notice your parents are incapable or unwilling to follow medical professional advice, they may require greater care.

If you're concerned your senior parents cannot safely care for themselves and each other, consider a Visiting Angels in-home care specialist. Visiting Angels care coordinators are available to discuss your loved one's needs during a free home care consultation.
Visiting Angels 263-2273

Autism Awareness Day is Friday, April 2
Join advocates from around the world and around the block to raise awareness - and eliminate the stigma - of autism. According to the CDC's Autism & Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, approximately one in 59 children born in the US will be on the autism spectrum. Want to show your support? Donate to autism organizations that are committed to education, medical research and acceptance - and wear blue! "Light it up blue" is the color theme for autism awareness.