Spring & Daylight Savings in LHV

Did you know that many adults spend more than 7 hours sitting down every day?

Happy Spring to our community here in Lehigh Valley! With Daylight Saving Time (DST) and the first day of Spring in March, we thought it would be the perfect time to discuss the benefits of exercise and where you can spend time outside. The transition to a new time and season can be difficult for some, but regular physical activity can help. Keep reading to learn more!

How Does Daylight Saving Time Impact Sleep?

DST changes are associated with negative health and safety effects, such as:

• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Increased emergency room visits and missed appointments
• Increased traffic accidents
• Mood disturbances

During DST, some people may lose sleep, especially if they go to bed later due to the time change and evening light. If you’re struggling with this, try using the light and darkness to help your body adjust – get healthy sunlight exposure in the day, and dim your lights in the evening.

How Can Exercise Help?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that some exercise benefits happen right after exercise, while others last long-term. Immediate benefits may include improved sleep, especially when paired with safe exposure to sunlight. Exercise can also help reduce anxiety and blood pressure in the short term.

Long-term, consistent physical activity can have these benefits:

• Reduced risk of developing dementias, like Alzheimer’s disease, and depression
• Improved heart health, including a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
• Cancer prevention
• Healthy weight management
• Reduced risk of falls
• Boosted immune function
• Reduced depression
• Longer independence for older adults

It’s recommended to get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. If able, adults should make time for physical activity every day.

Where Can I Get Outside in Lehigh Valley?

As the weather gets warmer, it will be easier to get out of the house. Trexler Memorial Park at 155 Springhouse Rd in Allentown is a great spot to find shade under the trees, lie out on the grass, and watch ducks in the pond. The pathway covers about 1.25 miles. Lehigh Parkway is nearby, also in Allentown.

The Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM) is an outdoor market known for fresh produce, cheese, baked bread, and meats. This is a producer-only market whose vendors’ products are all locally grown. Established in 1752, EFM is the nation’s oldest continuous open-air market.

• Location: 300 Block Northampton St, Easton, PA 18042 in Scott Park
• Hours: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Malcolm Gross Rose Garden was created over 100 years ago as a park in the middle of the city where community members can stroll among dozens of rose varieties. This year, it has been named the Best Park in the Lehigh Valley by the Young Professionals Council!

Where Can I Find In-Home Support?

If you or a loved one could use a companion for walks around the block, our Caregivers are here to help. Through in-home companionship care, our team is happy to support hobbies and interests and provide company at social events. We also offer respite care for those in need of a break, and fall prevention & recovery support to assist with safety practices like range-of-motion exercises. We’d be happy to tell you more about how we can support senior independence – give us a call today!