Are you going to be traveling and don't want to go through the hassle of checking bags? Then you will want to make the most of your carry-on! Carry-on bags are guaranteed to make it to your destination, because you literally carry it on the plane, and they’re easy to carry around. The smaller size makes them easy to carry but can also make packing to maximize space difficult. We’ve thought long and hard about how to pack the perfect carry-on; read on for our tips and tricks.  

When packing clothes and shoes, it can be hard not to overpack. Only pack items you know you will definitely wear; not items you think you might wear. We’re all guilty of packing that one outfit we want to wear but end up sticking with the more comfortable option. If you’re going somewhere cold, wear your mid-layers and outerwear while traveling to save space. Base layers are easy to fold and pack, along with any hats or gloves you anticipate needing. Bringing only two pairs of shoes can be hard but it’s another great way of saving space. Wear your favorite walking shoes to the airport and pack a nice pair of shoes for dinners or other occasions where you can't wear tennis shoes.

When packing clothes, roll them into logs to save space and pack other garments in the small, unusual places of your carry-on. Packing cubes are another great option to use when traveling because all your packed clothing is separate from each other and there’s no uprooting your luggage trying to find that one shirt. If you’re going to have washer/dryer access during your trip, you don’t need to pack as much clothing!

Compression garments is a must to wear while traveling and to include when packing — bring extra if you’re going to need it. Compression is great for long periods of sitting or walking. Whether you are traveling by plane, train or car, if you will be sitting for a long period of time, wearing compression is beneficial. When worn during travel, compression socks can help prevent swelling and blood clots that could result in Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT. Check out our wide variety of travel socks to keep your legs healthy and comfortable for your next trip.  

Packing essentials such as vitamin C, saline nasal spray, Chapstick, your favorite pair of headphones, disposable or cloth face masks, medications, hand sanitizer and a neck pillow can help you stay comfortable during travel. Keeping these items in your carry-on makes them easy to access and ensures the safety of those items.  

Collapsible items like water bottles and backpacks are a great way to save precious carry-on space and money during your journey. Having your own water bottle that can be easily stored is a great way to stay hydrated during sightseeing without having to worry about carrying anything in your hands. Having a collapsible backpack is handy to use as a daypack or everyday bag while on a trip and can be easily folded and stowed away at the end. These will help keep your itinerary on track without having to sacrifice time and space – that way you always have a water bottle or means of carrying around important items during your trip.  

Knowing what to pack in your carry-on comes with experience (and reading this blog). To get more information about travel compression socks, read our blog Travel Comfortably: Choose the Best Compression Socks for Travel. To find more information about making traveling with lymphedema easier, our blog Traveling with Lymphedema has tips and tricks. What are you going to pack in your carry-on?  

It is recommended that individuals 60 years old and up get around 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of moderate-intensity and muscle training exercise a week.

Gauge what intensity is right for you by how you feel — moderate activity can feel somewhat hard. Here are clues that your exercise intensity is at a moderate level: your breathing quickens (but you are not out of breath), you develop a light sweat after about 10 minutes of activity, you can carry on a conversation — but you cannot sing.

Vigorous exercise intensity can feel challenging. Here are clues that your exercise intensity is at a vigorous level: your breathing is deep and rapid, you develop a sweat after only a few minutes of activity and you cannot say more than a few words without pausing for breath.

Both moderate-intensity and muscle training are important, but an essential step before this is stretching. This improves mobility, balance and warms up the body -- Healthline.com offers a great exercise plan that includes stretching.

Stretching can be done everywhere and should be a daily routine for ages 60 and up. There are targeted stretches for each major part of the body: neck extension and flexion (the up and down movement of the neck) shoulder and arm overhead stretch, seated toe top, upper back stretch and seated hamstring stretch. The full list with instructions can be found on morelifehealth.com.

Good exercises include swimming and water aerobics, chair and restorative yoga, walking, resistance band workouts, stretching and wall push-ups. These are easier on the body and will not cause major strain on the body, joints and muscles.

If you prefer outside workouts, make sure you dress in warm layers and consider a compression sock with Merino wool. Merino wool provides natural thermoregulation and moisture management, making them great for all day, everyday wear. This fabric is naturally durable, antibacterial, and blister-proof. Sigvaris offers different varieties of Merino wool socks and all Sockwell products are made with this wool.

If you prefer group workouts, then community centers are the place for you. They often offer all the recommended classes for older age groups and can help modify moves when needed.

At home workouts are a great alternative, especially during days of inclement weather. Using household items like cans of soup or water jugs can be great options for muscle training. Household items like PVC pipes and wood can be used to create DIY weights. Moderate-intensity exercising can include walking around the house or on a treadmill, if accessible, and dancing. YouTube also offers good on-demand at-home workouts, including yoga.

Shape.com has great how-to's for making at-home weights and YouTube creator Rom DGs’ video shows how to make several types of weights from everyday household objects.

Older age groups should avoid exercises like abdomen crunches, squats (chair squats are ok), deadlifting, high intensity interval training (HIIT), long distance running, overhead and bench presses, toe touches, power cleaning and stair/rock climbing. These activities could result in bodily injury because of the strain on your body.

Household cleaning tasks can burn calories too and can count as exercise. Some gentle cleaning tasks are dusting, sorting clothing and silverware to polish. Power cleaning and other extreme methods are too aggressive on the body.

If you are just starting to exercise or do not know where to begin with weights, More Life Health offers helpful YouTube videos that go step by step through the exercises. Each workout can be modified to cater to your needs and mobility.

When the colder weather creeps in, it can be hard to find exercises to stay active without having to take necessary precautions. At home and indoor workouts are great options that provide several types and are easily modified. Which activity are you going to try this winter?

Allegro Compression Stockings are knit on the same machines (Merz and Lonati) as Jobst and the other major brands.   A pair of 15-20mmHg Allegro Sheer pantyhose are $21.59, with an open or closed toe.  Allegro Men’s Nylon Dress socks are $14.49.  For $17.74 you can get a men’s knee high knit from a combination of microfiber and cotton, very similar to Jobst Casual for Men.  And these are our everyday Allegro prices.  When we have a buy 3 get 1 free sale, you can save an additional 25%.

So what is the difference?   A big part of the price difference is marketing.  Unlike Jobst, Allegro doesn’t have a slew of salespeople making calls to convince doctors to recommend their brand.  Allegro is packaged in a simple poly-bag with a paper insert… no fancy box.  The fibers and fabric used by Jobst are perhaps a bit more expensive, but both stockings provide the same degree of graduated compression that will reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and make your legs feel better.

If you wear compression stockings, give Allegro a try. The Allegro line offers compression socks for men and women, has the highest customer ratings of any brand we sell and a huge selection of styles, compression levels and fabrics.

BrightLife offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied.  And don’t miss out on our amazing sales.  Because Allegro isn’t covered under minimum advertised pricing (MAP) like the major brands, we offer discounts throughout the year.  Be sure to sign-up for our emails so you don’t miss out on these great opportunities to save some money…. one is coming up very soon.

Graduated compression hosiery is different because the stockings are designed specifically for people who are capable of moving around – i.e., they are mobile. The hosiery provides more compressive pressure at the lower-end of the garment and gradually decreases towards the upper end of the garment. For example, a 20-30 mmHg garment will provide 30 mmHg of pressure around the ankle and decrease as it goes up the leg, with 20 mmHg of pressure at the top. The graduated compression significantly assists circulation and the return of fluids up the leg.

Pete@lebontadipio
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