The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

September is healthy aging month
Health & Safety Top Story 

It’s Healthy Aging Month

Michael

As people get older, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancers. September is recognized as “Healthy Aging Month,” an opportunity to consider how a healthy lifestyle can help prevent and moderate these chronic conditions.

Blood pressure check

In recognition of Healthy Aging Month, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety and Resident Health Initiatives departments would like to share the following tips for living longer and staying healthy:

Quit smoking – quitting smoking may help maintain brain health and can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. NYCHA’s smoke-free initiative, Smoke-Free NYCHA, is designed to create healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for employees by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and providing support to residents and employees who smoke and want to quit. Contact Smoke-Free NYCHA by email at smoke-free@nycha.nyc.gov or via telephone at 212-306-8282.

Maintain a healthy blood pressure level – learn the facts about high blood pressure and how to control it.

Be physically active – physical activity can improve thinking, reduce risk of depression and anxiety, and help you sleep better.

Seniors stretching

Maintain a healthy weight – this involves a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular physical activity:

  • Eat low-fat, low-sodium soups. Add beans to your soups to improve the nutritional value.
  • Use low-fat cheese.Select low-fat ground beef.
  • Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals.
  • Learn more here: healthy-eating-active-living-guide.pdf (nyc.gov)

To ensure you are getting the nutrients required to promote a healthy lifestyle and to prevent disease, review these guidelines from the federal government: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/

Healthy food

Manage blood sugar – learn how to manage your blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes.

Get enough sleep – your mental, social, and emotional health is essential to your overall well-being. For tips on improving mental wellness and sleep, visit:

Stay engaged – get involved in your community. NYC Service has some suggestions.

Did you know…

…NYCHA has nine farms and counting, and that many residents have gardens at their development? To learn more about the Farms at NYCHA initiative and how residents can register their garden, email gardens@nycha.nyc.gov or call 212-306-8282.

If you have general questions or ideas regarding resident health programming, email health.initiatives@nycha.nyc.gov or call 212-306-8282.

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at https://on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.

For more information about healthy living, please visit:

For more information on NYC’s campaign to live longer, healthier lives, visit: